Chapter 6. Realizations. Future.

- Okay. Ball your fists now, boy.
Carefully, Lee bended his fingers and was amazed to see he didn't feel any more pain.
This man was a ninja healer, as well as a tailor...
- T-they feel okay...
- Good! It has been a while since I last healed fists like yours. I thought I was losing my skill. Okay, time to pull that stuff out of the water.

Three dark-green jumpsuits were poured out of the boiling bleach solution. The man put his walking stick alongside them.

- Once they dry, I'll iron them for you. No, no – he swept his hand at Lee timidly opening his money pouch – these are a gift.
- But...
- No but's and if's and why's. Take them. They were eating up space there. It's the heavens who sent you... I was about to throw them to the bin...
- Really?
- One hundred percent true, kid. No-one needs that stuff anymore.
- Maybe my sensei... I mean, Gai-sensei would love these!
The man grunted, his eyes flashing purple.
- No sense of fashion whatsoever... – Lee opened his mouth to protest - ... but if he finds that suits him, all the best.

He looked back. Most of the bleaching had dried out.
- Well, iron time. And then you have to go. It's three o'clock, maybe you'll have to train.
- No! Gai-sensei told me not to train today! We'll need all our strength for some training tomorrow.
The man chuckled.
- You seem to idolize that sensei of yours.
- Why, is that a problem? – Lee exclaimed hotly.
- Oh, no problem with that, boy. I just noticed how different we are.

The man carefully took the jumpsuits, put one over the boy's chest as to check width, and then ironed them. He was eyeing the naïve Genin with his purple eyes, sometimes chuckling nastily. Way to go, kid... you're going to look terrible... but whatever... you wanted it, use it..

- Here you are, they are going tgo adjust to you after a while. Rinse them with soft lather and use them well. No, I told you it was a gift already, what, you're deaf or something?
- I- I do not feel well with...
- Then feel better. Heh.

As the Genin, blurting thankyous and excuses, walked out of the shop, the man limped, walking stick in one hand. So it was Gai Sensei, eh? Should I tell.. no, better not. Let it be a surprise... Sensei and student will get a nice surprise...

He bent down at his walking stick, making a hand sign.
- Go follow him, and tell me where does he go next.
The top of the walking stick turned into a real peacock, his tail flaming purple. It took flight and left.
The man followed it with his eyes, until it was gone.

- It's going to be fun...real real fun..
And his lips parted to show an insane, chilling smile.

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Lee, unaware of him being followed, walked towards another small street, where several types of arm and leg protectors were sold. He clutched dearly the jumpsuits, anxious to wear them all, his mind full of the last preparations. He looked at several until he found what he was searching for.

- Legwarmers... not orange... but if I buy the hot bleach, they may be ready for tomorrow... I need to find them... where can I find those orange legwarmers?

SWOOSH!

A feather almost got his cheek. Ducking, the Genin reached for his pouch, but he hadn't put it on. A big peacock, with piercing eyes, was looking at him.
- Wha-what do you want with me... peacock-kun?

The bird looked around the shop and picked a couple of dark orange fabric arm warmers. Lee considered them. They could be used in his legs as well.
- Uh... you are very kind, peacock-kun! Thank you very much!
The bird stretched its neck and bowed its head to the right.

Without asking why did the bird know what he was searching for, Lee payed, thanked and went, peacock in tow. The graceful animal was looking at him with interest. The Genin entered a small bakery, brought bread and asked for a bowl of water. Crumbing up the bread, he presented the bird with it.
- I owe you one, peacock-kun. Here you are, enjoy it!

Round eyes met round eyes, as the bird ate and drank. It ruffled its feathers with its wet beak, never losing sight of the boy. As he finished, Lee dropped the bowl to a rubbish bin and continued walking. Two things left..

His eyes shone nostalgically as he entered the barber shop, where he had cut his braid months before. It had seemed so definitive... yet now he was up for a change. A youthful change. Yes, his sensei used that word so much, and now he felt it appealed to him as well.

- You again? Oh, no pets allowed. I'm sorry, I like birds but... Shoo,shoo!
- It is okay. Wait for me, peacock-kun! I will be out soon!
- Now – the barber looked at the boy with sympathy, as he removed his hitai-ate.- What do you want?

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An hour later, a completely different shinobi came out. His wavy hair was smooth, bowl-like, and seemingly dorky. But the peacock recognized him, and let the boy pat its beautiful head.

- See? It did not take long! Now I shall be ready for whatever challenge Sensei wants me to take!

The peacock closed its tail, wings open. Lee understood it was going to fly elsewhere.
- Goodbye, peacock-kun! Safe flight, and thank you so much again!

As he watched the bird soar into the sky, he walked slowly towards his last stop, before going home to arrange his supper. Red fabric and bandages left. I shall buy them in the retail store.

Little did Rock Lee know that a man with purple eyes was receiving the peacock in his hands, for a detailed briefing of his past movements.