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 32

Walking the streets with twelve rowdy children would have been quite an astonishing sight but neither of them were distraught. She twisted herself to see Kakashi ambling behind her, several little hands clutching at different parts of his clothing.

After all the morbidity surrounding the deaths back in Konoha, their lively chatter and obvious thrill was refreshing to her soul. The children ranged from three to twelve years of age, and were a fairly balance mix of both boys and girls.

She conversed with a few artisans, but none were willing or able to fulfil such a large order; the last one gave her directions to a small shop not far from the inn that would hopefully be able to be of assistance.

The shop window was filled with varying bolts of fabric and the children glued their faces to the glass, making comments about their favourite print or colour.

"May I help you?"

He was an elderly man, his shoulders were slightly hunched, and she wondered if that was a result of tireless years sewing. Nina explained how another artisan had recommended his service and her requirements for two sets of clothes and a pair of pyjamas for each of the twelve children, plus a few aprons for Kimi.

"That's quite the order."

"Yes, I realise it is, but as you can see from their current state, these children have little other choice. They are from the local orphanage. We are visiting the village and only have a few days, which we understand makes our request more difficult."

"Ah I see. Well, not a worry. Let's bring the children inside so we can measure them up and they can select their fabrics."

"Thank you so kindly."

Nina motioned for Kakashi to help her herd the children into the shop, after she explained that they weren't to touch anything and were to use their manners.

Kakashi couldn't help but be in awe of the composure of the team of workers who had greeted the children inside. One child each, they measured a child, noting down their sizes onto a piece of paper and finally had them select two fabrics for their everyday outfits and one fabric for pyjamas. He had struggled at times to keep his cool when he was assigned Sasuke, Naruto and Sakura, forming team 7.

Nina was completely at ease standing next to him and still able to be attentive of the children, who were either waiting their turn or explaining their choices. Evidently, elated with their decision to help the children, he remarked at her smile and how she was almost radiating from the moment, it was something that he had scarcely ever gotten to see; on missions her expression was steely, her eyes would turn a deep shade of brown and her lips taught and closed. He wasn't sure which he preferred. Come to think of it why was he even contemplating which he preferred? Gritting his teeth, he exhaled; it would seem his early morning training session had been pointless.

"Well Miss Nina that should be all of the children, yes? I will wait for you to bring one of Mrs Kimi's old aprons so I can measure it. We will have one outfit each for the children completed by the morning, the remaining one and pyjamas should be done by Wednesday afternoon."

"Yes, I believe so. Thank you so very kindly Mr Baku and your wonderful team. I'll bring the remaining payment tomorrow."

The children parroted her and followed Kakashi's lead out of the shop. Nina was directed back to the counter.

"Please don't worry about the rest Miss Nina, this is more than enough. This is our good karma."

Nina's eyes welled, and she lent down and wrapped her arms around the man.

"Thank you Mr Baku; you and your team are truly kind souls."

She bowed her head in gratitude and respect, re-joining Kakashi outside with the twelve children, who had started to stray from his side.

After a short discussion, they decided Kakashi would go to the grocers to stock the cupboards and fridge and Nina would head back with all twelve children to the shop that had been selling bed rolls. She had been distressed when she had seen their sleeping quarters and now that she had been saved some money thanks to Mr Baku, she set out to ensure the children not only had their own individual bed.

Her eyes were unmistakably watery for whatever had conversed between Mr Baku and herself whilst he had been outside. He didn't wish to pry, and assumed she would tell him eventually. Keeping up appearances was integral to their mission so he squeezed one of her hands, and then cautiously lent down to give her cheek a kiss.

She hadn't expected his unsolicited display of affection, as she had been preoccupied talking to the children. There was already a substantial distance between them by the time she had collected herself.

"Eww Miss Nina."

The children were all snickering and giggling at their little exchange; Nina was still staring at the back of his head until he turned the corner, out of her view. Undoubtedly, a means of maintaining their cover, however, the small gesture had stirred a flutter of butterflies in the pit of her stomach. Stay focussed, Nina.

"Right then, let's all go, and remember we must stay together."

Already sensing his return, Kakashi darted into the dingy alleyway so that he could talk to Pakkun without causing alarm.

"Ah good, my request was approved."

"Yes. Tenzo should arrive tomorrow night."

"Good. Thank you."

Pakkun fell to his side silently, and he continued to grocers. The orphanage's supplies made it seem like he lived like a king. Admittedly, he had feared that his request may have been denied; he was eager to see Nina's reaction, he was becoming quite fond of her smile. Mission, Kakashi.