The next week was pretty dull. Asuka hadn't been called on any missions lately and was starting to get restless. One after breakfast she went to the training grounds and decided she would try and work on her taijutsu. As she did so Guy Sensei and Rock Lee came by walking on their hands. They counted aloud each step they took in unison.
"Hey would you guys mind helping me out a bit?" Asuka asked as she ran up to them.
They stopped their walk but stayed on their hands.
"What is it you need help with Asuka?" Lee inquired.
"I want to work on my taijutsu. I feel like I'm relying too heavily on my ninjutsu and I still want to be helpful even if my chakra is low." Asuka explained.
Lee flipped onto his feet.
"Of coarse I will help, but I will not go easy on you." Lee said.
"Bring it on." Asuka challenged.
Lee threw the first punch. Asuka dodged and tried throw a punch back, but Lee was ready with a block. Asuka threw another punch but it was deflected and then she was greeted with a kick to the side. They continued exchanging blows until ever muscle in Asuka's body ached, but she pressed on. Finally Lee knocked her to the ground and all she could do was lay there. Lee came and sat beside her.
"You fought well." Lee encouraged.
"You're too kind Lee, I was terrible." Asuka replied.
"You were not 'terrible' I felt your determination with every punch and kick." Lee reassured.
A tear rolled down Asuka's cheek.
"Sometimes determination isn't enough." Asuka mumbled.
Flashback
Eleven year old Asuka was sitting in the living room doing her homework as accurately and quickly as she could. She wanted to be done so that when her mother got home they could do some training. Asuka knew her skills were improving and was excited that her mom was teaching her to use her ice abilities. Just as she finished her homework there was a knock at the door. Asuka formed an ice kunai in her hand and answered the door cautiously, just as her mother had taught her to do while she was away. Upon opening the door there stood the man that had hired her mother. He was tall dark haired man that had left leaning scar that went across his whole face. He was dressed like a business man and wore a glove only on his right hand. To any other eleven year old he would have been intimidating, but thanks to her mother, Asuka knew about his appearance.
Asuka looked at him searching for a reason as to why he would be here when her mother was out.
"Are you Asuka Nakamura?" He asked in a gentle voice.
"Yes," Asuka gripped the ice kunai which was in her hand that was still hidden behind the door, "why?"
"Asuka, my name is Makoto. I'm the one who hired your mother." Makoto explained as he crouched down to be eye level with Asuka.
"How can I help you Mr. Makoto?" Asuka asked shakily.
"Asuka, your mother was on a mission that was very dangerous. She was investigating someone I believed was stealing from me. He was a master in taijutsu and genjutsu."
"What does all this have to do with you being here? Where's my mom?" Asuka asked feeling nervous.
"Your mother got the intel we needed but..." Makoto paused.
"But what?" Asuka was starting to feel sick.
"...but... Asuka... Your mother died getting this information... I'm sorry, but she wont be coming home."
Asuka was silent. How can mom be dead? She's supposed to train me. Where do I go now? Mom what happened?
"What happened to her? How did she die?" Asuka asked as tears streamed down her face.
"From what I know... they were evenly matched for the most part but in the end the traitor was just a little bit quicker and knocked your mother off of the roof they had been fighting on." Makoto explained.
Asuka just stood there and cried. Makoto was kind enough to stay there till she calmed down.
"Listen, I know this wont bring back your mother, but here's the money she earned. Use it to go where you need to go." Makoto handed her the money.
"Thank you Mr. Makoto." Asuka said with a shaky voice.
"Your welcome," Makoto said as he stood up, "Good bye Asuka, I wish you the best," and with that Makoto took his leave.
Asuka closed the door and walked like a zombie over to the living room. She placed the money on the table, sat down and cried.
End Flashback
A tear leaked out of Asuka's eye as she laid on the grass. Her entire body just throbbed.
"Asuka, let me help you up." Lee said as he offered his hand.
Asuka accepted his hand up.
"Thanks Lee." was all that Asuka could say.
"Is there something wrong?" Guy Sensei asked.
"Just memories, I'll be okay. Thanks for helping me train." Asuka said. Then she took off running. Running always helped her to think and before she knew it she was on top of the mountain with the Hokage faces. Tears streamed down her face.
"Mom I know its been five years since you died but I really miss you." she said aloud.
"I thought I might find you up here." came Neji's voice from behind her.
Asuka turned around and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Do you ever miss your father?" Asuka asked.
"Everyday," Neji answered.
There was a moment of silence as Asuka collected herself.
"Lady Tsunade has asked to see you." Neji stated.
"Alright then lets go." Asuka said as she joined Neji, who gently grasped her hand, and they walked to the Hokage's office.