Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. They belong to Masashi Kishimoto. This story is purely a work of fanfiction.

Chapter 30

Pakkun kept just in front of her, throwing a glance back to ensure she was still following. The streets were swamped with people, she figured it was because the weather was gloriously fresh and sunny and the upcoming festival. There were more artisans lining the street sides today than there had been yesterday, which she found herself wandering over to a few of them to inspect their works. The slower pace of the mission meant that she was able to take the time to appreciate the many skills on display; a delightful scent struck her nose.

She paid the man, lifting the ring of pink lilies to her nose to inhale the sweet smell before she arranged it on top of her head.

He led her through the crowds to the spot where he had left his master in the earlier hours of the morning. As they made their approach, his sensitive hearing picked up the giddy laughter of a group of girls who huddled together, all with varying degrees of flushed faces.

"Hmpf. It seems he has an audience."

She followed the pug's line of sight to the group and then went on to follow theirs. They had a few more metres before the crest of the hill, when he came into view, she stopped. Marvelling at him; he had removed his long sleeved shirt and was wearing just his pants, and undervest that was snug against his body, his skin was painted in sweat. Despite his spectators he remained focused, his movements were fluid and controlled, and his expression was intense.

"He's hot."

"I've never seen him before."

"Wonder if he has a girlfriend?"

"Never mind if he does, I could still get him."

He tilted his head up to see Nina's eyes closed but the corner of her mouth was pulled into a smirk. He was interested to know what the kunoichi was contemplating however, he was unable to utter anything due to how close the girls were.

The young girls barefaced fawning over the copy-nin sparked an unanticipated twinge of something that she assumed was jealousy, within her. It was short lived when she reminded herself that she was indeed his girlfriend and none of these wanton girls were.

"Well this just won't do, will it Pakkun?" she whispered, ensuring the girls wouldn't hear her.

He hurried after her as she set off down the hillside towards his master. What was she up to?

"Nina."

She was cut short on her course to Kakashi by the little boy, Marco, from yesterday.

"Marco."

She knelt to his level, observing his body still marked in numerous bruises and he was still wearing the same clothes.

"Is this your dog?"

Pakkun was sitting at her side.

"Ah yes. This is Pakkun. You can pat him, just make sure you let -"

Marco lifted his hand letting it linger in the air just away from Pakkun's muzzle, allowing the pug to sniff him before he nudged Marco's hand.

"He's really cool."

"That he is." Nina giggled as Pakkun rolled over to request the boy for a tummy rub, until a loud grumble rumbled from the boy's stomach.

"Are you hungry, Marco?"
"I…I… yeah but I don-"

"What do you feel like? I'm not from around here so I'm not sure what's on offer."

"Really? You don't have to."

"Nonsense, my treat. I haven't had breakfast either. So where to?"

Her heart lifted when the biggest smile spread across Marco's face; his eyes were a little glassy.

"I know, follow me!"

Nina closed her hand around his and let herself be led back into town, Pakkun kept step with them.

"That good huh?"

"Mhmm. The orphanage has food but uh..."

Nina paused, setting down her fork, eyeing the boy's face which had dropped.

"Is there many others like you?"

"A few. Most of us have parents but they couldn't afford to feed us too."

The village people really were poor, and the children were suffering terribly for it; Nina balled her fists on her lap.

"Marco, your bruises. Do they hit you?"

"No. I fall over a lot."

Poor by monetary value but also in nutrition. She had broached the subject fleetingly last night with Kakashi but she intended to at least improve the situation.

"Eat up Marco. Do you think when we're finished you could take me back to the orphanage, please?"

"Uh sure but why?"

"I want to help you, I want to help all of you."

Marco devoured the pile of pancakes and bowl of fruit salad almost instantly, before pulling on Nina's hand leading her out of the café towards his home.

They weaved around the many people, turning down a few streets, and ended up at the entrance of the alleyway where Nina had watched him bob out of view.

"Nina. Marco."

The little boy from yesterday hid behind Nina's leg; her hand instinctively shielding him as she met his look. He had seen them retreating earlier but was unable to hear their conversation. He would have caught up to them sooner, unfortunately the group of girls had set upon him and he had spent the last twenty minutes giving them the slip.

"Marco is from the local orphanage, I've just treated him for breakfast and I'm just making sure he gets back safely."

He saw right through her lie.

"Nina…"

"Kakashi, I took…"

He sighed heavily, he could very well debate several of the issues with her current course of action but doing so would risk drawing unwanted attention to themselves. He took up her free hand, remaining behind her and Marco as they ventured forth into the alleyway.