Disclaimer: I own neither Harry Potter nor Naruto.
Epilogue
Shikamaru is the one to walk me to the village gate to see me off. Everyone else I've already said goodbye to.
My feet are dragging, and not just because the sun hasn't even risen yet.
I don't want to go.
Konoha is my home. Leaving like this feels awful. Like I'm being kicked out. Like I'm fleeing from what I love.
But I'm not fleeing, aren't I? Vanishing like this protects them. I'm just going to be someone else for a little while. When I return, everyone will still be here. Naruto and Sasuke might already back by then.
We reach the gate. The guarding booth is suspiciously empty – just so that no one will see me leave. Which means we need to make this short.
"So," Shikamaru says. "Here we are."
I nod mutely, a lump in my throat preventing me from speaking. Of all the goodbyes, this one is the hardest.
He studies my form. Nondescript, worn black clothing. Slouched stance. Haggard body. No earrings, no hitae-ate, hair dyed a few shades darker and in an uneven cut that makes it look completely messy. Scars and Cursed Seal hidden under a genjutsu tied to a seal. By the time I arrive in Water Country, I'll be dirty and weary from traveling. Just another homeless genin with hopes of joining Kiri.
I don't want to go.
"Think you'll be okay?" Shika asks.
No.
"Yes," I say.
And I will be alright. Physically at least. The two-month hell that was actually partly an ANBU training course gave me an edge few people in Water Country have. It was mostly centered around taijutsu, escape tactics and undercover work. Customs and culture lessons were drilled into my head, sensing and awareness were trained, survival skills. I was put under sleep deprivation, had to build up some poison tolerance, had to memorise countless facts and strategies. Among other things.
And torture training. Or, as they called it, 'building up pain tolerance'. Like I can't guess what it was for.
I hope I'll never need it.
"So," I say and force a smile. "Guess I should go."
He suddenly grips my shoulders, hard. His eyes drill into mine. "I don't care how long you stay away. I don't care in what state you return. Just return. Please."
I swallow down a sob. "Promise," I say and hold out my pinky finger. He hooks his in. With a muffled sob, I throw myself into his arms. "I'm gonna miss you, Shika," I whisper.
"I'll miss you too, you troublesome girl," he answers. Then he pushes me away. "Get going, Ri."
I nod and wipe my eyes. Damn it, I need to stop crying. Kiri ninja don't cry.
"Well then," I say. A goodbye is on the tip of my tongue, but I hold it back. This is not goodbye. "I'll be back."
"See you soon," he answers. We stare at each other for a moment. Then we both turn around sharply and march away. Him, back into the village. Me, through the gates and away from it.
It's the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
