"Do you have a girlfriend?" I ask again. Iruka is frozen, eyes wide and slack-jawed. "Or a boyfriend?" No answer. "Both? Really I won't judge you, but I have to know. I don't want to step on any toes—why are you laughing?" Great, now I've made a fool of myself.
"I appreciate your concern Mei, but there's no need to worry. I'm not involved with anyone right now. No toes to be stepped on in my house."
"I feel better now that I know, but if we could just forget the last few minutes ever happened that'd be great."
"No, no," he says. "This is good. I want you to be comfortable staying with me. If there are any other questions you'd like to ask, now would be the perfect opportunity."
I mull this over. I don't want to bombard him with personal questions right away. I can always inquire about that later. There's only one real question left: his motivations. I train my eyes on the wall, masking my features into a blank canvas. "Why are you helping me? I mean, really helping me?" This question seems to throw him a little. He draws his arms in subtly, making himself smaller.
"I know what it's like to lose everything." What? "I lost my parents when I was young and grew up without any family. I know you don't remember what you had, but you lost your past, yo lost your friends and family all the same. If I can help you even just a little bit, well it'll be worth my time and effort." He's endured so much, yet he's still willing to give. There's no question about his motives now. He has nothing to gain from this situation aside from companionship. Not that I'm great company.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Iruka." I sincerely am. "I'm also sorry for doubting your motivations for helping me. I see that was wrong of me."
"There's nothing to apologize for. Is there anything else you would like to know?"
"No. I trust that we can learn more about each other over time. I think we've unloaded enough of the heavy stuff today."
He smiles. "Yes, I think so too. Why don't we get you checked out and I'll show you the apartment. You can get situated while I draw up a training plan for you."
We step out into the street waving goodbye to Shou. My pockets are significantly heavier, having received the bulk of my payment back. Iruka seemed surprised that I only have a backpack's worth of possessions. I had to remind him I've been traveling for the last four years. Minimal possessions are key to constant traveling. He says its about a 15 minute walk from here to his apartment, which gives me plenty of time to ask about my training. Or really, I guess I should ask about my testing.
"So the booklet says I need to pass the Academy Graduation Exam before I can enter into my probationary period."
"Yes, it's rudimentary at best so you should have no problem passing it. Regardless, I would like to run through it with you informally before submitting a request for a proctored examination."
"After I take this test, I'll be considered a genin and an official Leaf shinobi right?"
"Yes, but you'll likely be restricted on the missions you can take on without jōnin supervision for a little while."
Jōnin supervision. "I take it you're not a jōnin yourself?"
"No." Damn. Now I have to get used to interacting with more ninja. "I've found my place teaching at the Academy. Becoming a jōnin would only take me away from the kids that need me there."
"Tell me about the exam," I said.
"There are two parts to the exam: a written portion and a practical portion. Like I said earlier, it should be incredibly easy for you." He nods at me reassuringly.
"What kinds of things are covered?"
"The written portion covers basic math, writing, and geography skills. Everyone takes the written portion of the exam, so it has to be over the most elementary subjects. Only those that wish to pursue a career as a shinobi take the practical exam, which covers very basic E-rank jutsu." I feel a lot more relaxed about this now. I can definitely pass the written portion and the practical exam should be a cakewalk so long as it doesn't require me to attempt some secret Leaf Village jutsu.
"And you'll be giving me a rundown on this right? Just to be sure I can pass?"
"Of course! Ah, here we are."
Stopping next to Iruka, I examine the outside of the apartment building. A small placard reads Building 38, Apartments A-D. There appears to be two levels with two apartments on each level. The exterior looks solid despite the unappealing, rusty yellow color. Flower boxes hand under the front windows next to each door. Looking around, I notice all the buildings on this street look just like this. Fantastic. Cookie-cutter, builder-grade apartments. Iruka starts up the stairs on the right, pulling a set of keys from a pocket on his flak jacket. At least we're upstairs. That'll cut down on unwanted noisy neighbors. We stop in front of the door labeled C.
"This is my, uh our, apartment." He pushes the door in and ushers me inside ahead of him. "It's not much, I never really felt the need to decorate but it's home." Glancing about the apartment, the first thing I notice is how small the space feels. The walls are painted a dreadful honey color that blends into the hardwood flooring. There is a small sitting area set up to my left comprised of a grey bench-style couch and circular mahogany coffee table. To the right exists a small U-shaped kitchen with the necessities: a small two-burner stove and oven combo, a fridge, and a sink. The beige cabinets compliment the white countertops. The peninsula extends into an eat-at breakfast bar.
"The bedrooms are down the hall." I step to the side and begin unlacing my boots, glancing across the room and into the hallway on the left side of the far wall. "There's only one bathroom, so I hope you don't mind sharing. It's at the end of the hall." I follow Iruka down the hall. He stops at the first door and pushes it open. "This is my room. Nothing impressive by any means, but the fire escape is through my window." It's a simple square room. The walls and floors match the main area of the apartment. The left wall is covered with full bookshelves. "Although, I'm sure you're perfectly capable of escaping through your own window without the actual fire escape." Leaving the door open, he moves onto the next door: my room.
"I have to warn you, this really isn't much. But you're more than welcome to make this space your own." Opening the door, I see an even plainer room. The walls are the same yellow tone as the rest of the house. There is a small bed in the far right corner. A few boxes are piled up along the left wall next to an old desk. "This room is really never used. I very rarely have a guest over, so it's become more of a storage space, but I'll grab those boxes and get them out of your way."
"It's perfect, Iruka." It is. The paint color may be awful, but it's a clean slate. I can start anew here. Sitting on the bed, I realize this is the perfect place for me to discover who I am and if not that, then the perfect place for me to solidify who I will become here in the Hidden Leaf Village.
"It's clean, but you might want to leave the window open for a few days to get the stale air out." He grabs the boxes and makes his way back into the hall. "I'll leave you to settle in. If you need me, you know where to find me. I'll start drawing up a training plan and timeline for you." I hear the click of the door shutting and turn my attention to the window, lost in thoughts of my new home and new life.
