When Rain Falls
Ch 14 – Change in the Wind
Disclaimer: All of the Naruto Universe belongs to Kishimoto; I only own my own characters.
A bird chirped as the morning sun lifted high enough to cast light on the trees. The chill of morning air hung about, but would dissipate soon enough. Two women with white hair maintained a steady walking pace as the sun rose.
"It's been nearly three years, ne, Sensei?" the younger of the two asked, her sage eyes glancing about the treeline.
A small nod was caught by her peripheral vision before the older woman replied, "Three long years of training the most irritating of students."
"H-hey! I think I did a great job."
"You did. But you complained nearly the entire time."
"That's because you're a sadist," the sentence came out as a mumble, but it earned a glare from her traveling companion.
The older of the two women sighed as the main gate came into view. "Looks like we're nearly there. What are you going to do first?"
"First? I figured I had to accompany you to the Hokage's office to report the success of my training. Then, well... I should say 'hi' to my parents."
"You didn't think about what you'd do when we got back, did you?"
A gentle laugh came from the younger woman, "To be honest? I didn't really plan my return. Just in case something happened while we were away. You know?"
"Ah. You didn't want to be too hopeful. But I recall you planning to return when you decided to take on the training. What changed your mind?"
"The training was hard; I'm sure that was part of it. I guess the main reason would be that small incident a little over a year ago. I barely made it out of that, and had it not been for you I wouldn't be here. It made me respect the training more, so I pushed myself harder. I wanted to make it home, don't get me wrong, but I stopped using that as a timer. 'Only two more years' or something like that made me lose focus on what the training was for."
Darker green eyes narrowed curiously as they focused on the younger woman, "And what was it for?"
"To protect all the people at home!" The brighter colored eyes glowed with enthusiasm as they reached the gate. The guards, familiar with the younger of the two white haired women smiled in greeting before checking their passports.
"Welcome back, Kotone-chan," One of the guards waved as the two women entered the village.
"Thank you!" Kotone waved back with a happy smile before turning to her aunt who simply stared with a raised eyebrow. "What?"
Chie shook her head in amusement. "You seem popular even though you've been gone three years. I didn't think you were leaving behind a trail of broken hearts, especially not with how you were three years ago..."
"Sensei! He was a proctor during the Chunin Exams! He probably just remembered what I looked like. I wasn't interested in those types of things back then anyways."
"Oh? And now you are?" Chie's eyes glowed with a dark enjoyment at her niece's expense. The last three years had little time for them to bond like this. She had only started to get closer to her niece as the training reached its end. The trip back to Konoha had been most informative for Chie.
Kotone blushed a deep shade of crimson as she tried to find a retort toward her aunt, but when she was unable to she simply kept her mouth shut.
Chie let out a rare chuckle as her niece fussed over admitting to wanting to date and how she was already 18. She had to admit, Kotone had really grown over the last three years, and not just as a kunoichi. Her figure and face matured, as did some of her behaviors, and there was a sort of relaxing air around her. Even when she was at her worst, complaining or struggling to accomplish her training, she gave an air of comfort. It was as if she would take care of you no matter what she was going through.
Kotone stretched her arms above her head, her tied sleeves shifting up just slightly. Her long, thick braid swayed with her steps. Her style had changed quite a bit over the years, though that was due to the constant change of climate and environment. She had to find the attire that would afford her the comfort and ease of movement she needed while also being able to resist rain, snow, or heat.
Now she tied her bangs back in a separate ponytail that would rest just past the top of her head while still maintaining her loose braid; though in training she'd sometimes go with a low ponytail instead if she were running late.
Chie still rolled her eyes at Kotone's complaints about her damaged clothing over the years and that she owed her niece a large sum of money in repayment.
The pair came to a halt when they heard loud shouting from a woman and the pained cries of two men. Kotone's smile grew as she trotted ahead in excitement over what awaited around the corner.
"S-Sakura-chan... Why did you hit me too?" Naruto bemoaned weakly. Sakura's anger still poured off of her body as Kotone came into view, instantly changing the pinkette's mood.
"Kotone?!" Sakura's voice heightened with surprise.
"It is! Kotone-chan!" Naruto flung himself towards Kotone in an eager hug only to be snatched at the collar by Sakura.
Kotone chuckled at the behavior and, sensing Chie had caught up behind her, opted to introduce her friends to her sensei, "Naruto. Sakura. This is Chie Ueno. She's the sensei I was training with for three years."
"Ueno? Then that means you're related?" Sakura asked curiously as she stared at the woman who was a mirror image of Kotone other than her darker eyes and much shorter hair. Some of her facial features were aged as well, but she was still young looking.
Chie nodded before shifting her gaze to the pale boy rubbing his cheek as he dusted himself off with his free hand. "I'm her aunt. And you are?"
"Ah, sorry Sensei. I don't recognize this one, but wow! To think, people call me pale," Kotone examined the mystery boy with a close eye. As his expression shifted to a polite smile, the two Ueno women instantly felt discomfort.
"My name is Sai. Nice to meet you," Sai paused to examine the women before him. He could recognize that Chie was powerful as well as older than he was, so there was little reason to bestow a nickname on her. Kotone, on the other hand, was still older than him, but was also a friend to Naruto and Sakura. However, Sakura didn't react so well to his nickname for her. His first instinct was to go with her attire, mainly the fishnet cutouts in her pants inspiring an aspect of lewdness, but Sai couldn't imagine that going over well with any of the women present.
"Did I break him?" Kotone broke the silence of the elongated pause.
Naruto chuckled nervously. "He's just trying to think of how to address you, Kotone-chan."
"Oh? Like a nickname? I've never really been one for nicknames or formality. You can just call me Kotone if you want, Sai."
Sai was surprised Kotone opted to forgo all the formalities and just used his name without being prompted. He nodded in agreement, glad he didn't follow his first instinct to call her a slut or whore because of her tight attire and cutouts.
"Kotone-chan, did you just get back?" Naruto eagerly changed the conversation direction.
The snowy haired woman nodded with a proud smile, "I mastered my eye jutsu with my aunt's help. Right, Sensei?"
Chie stared blankly at her niece before sighing. "Mastered is a more generous word than I would've used, but yes. You've completed your training. Rather quickly if I were to compare you to most of my past students. However, I still hold the fastest record."
"Still, I managed to come back in one piece!" Kotone teased.
"We should spar soon, Kotone-chan! I want to show you my new moves!" Naruto proudly delcared.
"Oh? Do you think you'll win?" Kotone replied coyly. Naruto's lips curled into a toothy grin as he held up his hand in his signature "thumbs up" sign.
"Ah. Well we should get dinner soon now that you're back! We're on our way to see Kakashi-sensei, otherwise we could grab food now," Sakura had to practically drag Naruto away from Kotone before he could really get into his improvements over the last few years.
Still, Kotone waves and shouted to the trio as they left, "When we get some food, it's my treat! Then maybe we'll spar, Naruto!" Kotone's offer was well received by Sakura and Naruto.
The trio set off toward the hospital while Kotone and Chie resumed their path to the Hokage's Tower. Kotone's mood seemed to improve even more upon seeing two familiar faces so soon. The rest of their trip was quiet until they stood before Lady Tsunade who was smiling at their return.
"You made it back, Kotone. I'm assuming this means good news about your training?"
Chie nodded and addressed the matter, "Her training is complete. The only thing she can do now is improve her control even more with daily practice and missions. I don't think there's anymore risk of her dying to the jutsu, though, so don't hold back."
"Kotone, when you left you were already bumped up to Chunin. Based on the reports we've received, you're technically on par with Jounin level shinobi. Everything about your chakra control, your bloodline limit, as well as your practice with ninjutsu and taijutsu tells me you're ready for another promotion. If you want, we can schedule a test for you. It'd simply be a one-on-one duel with someone of Jounin or higher skill level, but it's up to you. I need to see your skills for myself before I take any action."
Shizune felt the need to explain given Kotone's shocked expression, "This is an extremely generous offer, Kotone. Usually you don't get offered this opportunity in such a direct manner. However, due to the risk of Akatsuki and tensions with Otogakure, you're being given a chance. Takumi is also being considered, if that helps you with your decision. And Neji Hyuga was promoted to one a while ago."
Kotone nodded as the information processed. She knew she had gained a lot of control over her chakra, more than she had before and now she could use it for a larger array of abilities thanks to her training. Three years dedicated to rapid improvement at risk of life and injury forced her to take a more aggressive stance in battle.
"If it means I can help protect the village and my friends, then I will take this test," her voice didn't waver, but instead rang with confidence.
"Well then, we'll have to plan for that in the next few days. But before that, I think you should recover and see your parents." Tsunade smiled at the young woman.
Kotone nodded with a bright smile before she was allowed to leave. Chie was required to stay for a more thorough report and offered to drop by Kotone's parent's house afterwards.
Kotone hummed as she slowly passed through the village, the overwhelming feeling of relaxation was finally winning over. She paused in front of her parent's shop and took a deep breath before opening the door.
"Welcome to –" Yuuto started to greet her as he lifted his gaze from a part he was working on, but upon seeing the mostly familiar young woman he froze. "Kotone!"
The sound of a weapon clashing with the floor interrupted Yuuto's attempt to hug her. Hotaru stared at Kotone in surprise, hopping over the dropped weapon to pull her daughter into a tight embrace.
"Welcome home!" Hotaru greeted with pride before she tugged Yuuto into the embrace as well.
"Kotone?!" Takumi's voice broke the awkward silence that had enveloped the room as all the customers tried to pretend as though there wasn't a reunion occurring.
Kotone's parents stepped aside allowing her to see her oldest friend and teammate. As her green eyes scanned his taller frame, Kotone couldn't help but notice the difference three years had made. Takumi was still of a thinner build, but the muscles of his chest were just noticeable underneath his fastened shirt. He had grown a large amount from the last time she had seen him, he was now a head taller than her with his long dark brown hair tied taught in a high ponytail, the tail of which reached past his shoulders. He wore a pair of rectangular glasses, strikingly similar to a pair her father wore when he was working, over his hazel eyes.
"It's about time you got back," Takumi teased with a grin. He crossed the floor and extended his arms to greet her properly. Kotone accepted the hug, but punched his shoulder as he pulled away.
"Hey, I just completed an extensive training program and that's the first thing you say? Looks like you haven't changed as much as I thought."
Takumi chuckled and shook his head. "Have you seen Toko-sensei or Kaori yet? They'll be upset if they find out you came to visit me first."
"I came to see my parents first, you just happened to be here. Why is that, by the way?" Kotone eyed Takumi as he awkwardly cleared his throat. Her gaze whipped back to her parents who looked equally as embarrassed over something. "What?"
"Let's go discuss this upstairs, Kotone," Hotaru steered her daughter toward the stairs, practically shoving her all the way to the kitchen. Yuuto chuckled as he watched his wife and daughter disappear upstairs with Takumi. Someone had to stay to watch the shop, so he'd miss the fun.
Kotone eyed her friend and mother with suspicion as she sat at the table. Her fingers drummed against the wood in a slow rhythm.
"This better not be as bad as it seems," Kotone mumbled; perhaps she had relaxed too soon.
Hotaru sighed as she set some cups of tea on the table. "Don't worry so much, Kotone. It's just something that your father and I have been meaning to tell you in a letter for a while now."
Takumi removed the glasses and rubbed his eyes before speaking, "I'm living here now. In your old room."
Kotone's eyes widened and she looked to her mother for confirmation. Hotaru nodded and tapped at her cup of tea much like how her daughter had tapped the table.
"Takumi is first and foremost an apprentice to Tsunade-sama for healing, but he also apprentices under Yuuto. Because of his training times and missions, he was having issues making it here to study without exhausting himself or running out of time. Since your room was unoccupied, we decided to let him live here. Unfortunately, the difficult part of this is that Toko and Kaori live in a smaller apartment now to save money."
Kotone caught on and nodded, "Well given the circumstances, I wouldn't expect you guys to kick out Takumi out of the blue. It would've been nice to know ahead of time, but I'm sure I can find a place to stay. I've gotten used to living on my own over the last three years, given that Chie-sensei often got herself a different room."
"Why'd she do that?" Takumi raised a brow in curiosity.
"She'd test how heavily I was sleeping by sneaking into my room somehow. If I caught her, I passed. If I kept sleeping, however, my training the next day was doubled."
Hotaru let out a loud laugh at the imagery. But the story gave her more relief than worry. If Chie pushed Kotone that hard than it meant she taught her everything she could and she still made it through it all.
"But I guess I should start looking today since I have nowhere else to stay! Luckily I saved up some money from all the jobs we did during my training so I should be able to afford something small. What a homecoming," Kotone relaxed into her chair. Takumi stared at her with his brows somewhat furrowed as if he was confused.
"Call me skeptical, but wouldn't you normally be a little more outspoken about this?" Takumi tentatively phrased his question.
Kotone laughed and shook her head, "A few years ago, yeah. But that behavior didn't quite last long through Chie-sensei's training. Don't you worry though, Takumi, I've still got the same sense of humor I've always had!"
Takumi groaned and shook his head in distaste, though the small grin on his face betrayed the joy he felt having his teammate home. He glanced to Hotaru who, though she acted calm, was overjoyed with her daughter's return. There had been a number of days over the years when he had witnessed both her parents pause and glance behind them at the sound of the door opening and closing only to be surprised by Toko-sensei and Kaori. They had all waited anxiously for news about Kotone and her pilgrimage.
Now that she had returned, Takumi found himself at a loss for words. Three years was both a short period of time as well as a long one. He had no clue what Kotone was like anymore due to the nature of her training. Something so harsh was likely to change her, though to what extent he wasn't sure. She seemed similar enough, though, and that was fine by him.
"Kotone, you should visit Toko and Kaori before your hunt for an apartment starts, don't you think?" Hotaru sipped her tea slowly. She didn't want to rush her daughter, but the air hung with so many questions no one was ready to ask; they all just wanted to bask in the sensations that came with reuniting.
Kotone smiled with a nod, "That's a good idea! Ahhh, I wonder how much little Kaori has grown! Or has Toko-sensei finally found a man? It'll be fun to see them again!"
Hotaru and Takumi laughed with Kotone as she listed other possible scenarios that she had considered over her years away. It wasn't until Yuuto came up the stairs for lunch that Kotone realized how long she had been home.
"Ah, I should probably go see Kaori and Toko-sensei! I'll be back later for my stuff if I find a place!"
"If you don't find anywhere to stay tonight, you can always use the extra futon," Yuuto watched as Kotone put her dishes away, a new habit he noticed immediately.
"That dusty old thing? Have you even cleaned it off over the last three years?" Kotone raised and eyebrow and put a hand on her hip.
Yuuto coughed and turned his head while Hotaru outright laughed at her husband. The dark haired woman pat his shoulder and turned to Kotone, "If you don't find somewhere to stay, we'll buy a new one. Business has been rather good over the last few years, we can afford to replenish our guest supplies."
"Thanks Mom! Do you mind if Takumi shows me where the others live now?"
Takumi stood up and walked to the door, "It won't take long. They live frustratingly close by now."
"Bye Mom! Dad!" Kotone waved as she followed Takumi's hurried steps down to the storefront and out the door.
"So, you're wearing some rather interesting clothing these days," Takumi shot her a side glance.
Kotone sighed before replying, "I am wearing tactical clothing suited for my fighting style."
"Prosti-" Before Takumi could finish the word Kotone slapped his shoulder, the force causing him to stumble forward. He stumbled just past a corner while Kotone lingered behind with a chuckle.
"Takumi? Getting hit by the girls again?" a young woman's voice reached Kotone's ears. It was only slightly different, just a touch more mature than it used to be, but she could recognize it.
"Oh? Are girls hitting on Takumi these days?" Kotone peeked around the corner. She barely had time to brace herself before Kaori tackled her to the ground.
"Kotone-chan!" Kaori tightened her vice grip on her teammate which caused Kotone discomfort.
"Kaori, can't breath!" Kotone choked out before Kaori released her.
"Sorry! Sorry! Toko-sensei has been having me train up my strength and I was just so excited! You're home! Oh, we should get Sensei! She's just inside!"
Kaori practically dragged Kotone up to the apartment she shared with their teacher. They burst through the door and found Toko sitting at the table reading a book.
"Eh? Kotone?" Toko blinked at her teammate before smirking, "What are you wearing?"
Kotone blushed before slamming her hand on the table, "Oi! I've been gone for three years! Can't you greet me a little nicer?"
"Remember, you opted to train with someone else for three years," Toko's smirk was deadly as her eyes shifted to her student.
The sharp stare she was receiving made Kotone sigh and back off with a grin, "Well at least you haven't changed! How have you all been? I hear Takumi is training with the Hokage?"
"I study under Tsunade-sama for medical jutsu training and then your father for weaponsmithing. Then I attend regular training days with Toko-sensei and Kaori," Takumi leaned against a wall while rubbing his now sore shoulder.
Kaori nodded, "I mostly train with Toko-sensei, but occasionally Lady Tsunade would let me sit in on her sessions with Sakura. Since my fighting style is similar to hers, it seemed like a natural fit, but Toko-sensei is the one who has really helped me improve! Right Sensei?"
Toko shrugged, "The Hokage has a lot to teach. I think you both owe her more than just your thanks. How about you, Kotone? How were the last three years?"
Kotone smiled and leaned her hip into the edge of the table. "It wasn't easy, I'll assure you there. Three years spent hopping from inn to inn, sometimes sleeping outdoors if we were too far from a town, the different climates that we constantly hopped between. But I know that me being here means I made it through it all. As rough as it was, I survived and improved. I'm excited to have a stable place to call home again, though."
Toko nodded, noticing the maturity that danced through her student's eyes as she reminisced.
"Takumi has taken over your room. Where will you be staying?" Toko closed her book and set it on the table.
"Well, I have to spend the rest of today asking around about apartments to rent. I saved up enough to rent a small place. Though it was a surprise, I'm at least a little prepared for it. It'll be strange though. I only just got home and I've already been evicted!"
Takumi chuckled, "Sorry, Kotone. I just couldn't live with these two anymore."
Kaori stuck out her tongue to Takumi but smiled brightly at Kotone, "You can always stay here if you need to! We've got an extra futon we could pull into my room!"
"I think it's a good thing. You can start building your future the day you move out," Toko voiced casually. "It's a rite of passage and you've hit that age. Takumi's move doesn't quite count since he lives with people that feed him."
Takumi's head dropped at the description, but he couldn't deny it. Even though he had moved far from his own mother when they became citizens of Konoha, he was always with another adult that became responsible for him. Whereas Kotone was going to be on her own after this.
"Ah, Toko-sensei, do you know where I should go to find places for rent? I should really get started on the hunt for an apartment. Especially since the Hokage wants to set up a trial to see if I'm ready to be promoted to Jonin."
Toko and Takumi shared a glance at that statement before the dark haired teacher spoke up. "I can direct you to the leasing buildings of a few apartment complexes if you want."
Kotone stood with a nod and waved goodbye to Kaori and Takumi before following her previous teacher down the street. The walk was strangely silent to Kotone. She had expected Toko-sensei to ask questions about her training and about Chie-sensei, but it almost felt like she didn't want to know anything about it.
"So, a promotion?" Toko finally broke the silence. "You think you're up for it?"
Kotone nodded, "I know that being a Jonin will require me to fight enemies and it will put me in situations that require patience and careful thinking, but I think I'm in a better mind to handle that type of scenario now than I was a few years ago. I've trained so hard to be capable of defending the people important to me and I intend to follow through on my training."
Toko nodded and glanced at her student carefully. It was obvious the girl walked with a straighter stance, though it was more rigid than when she was younger. The last three years had done something to Kotone, that much was clear. But what, exactly, was unclear to Toko. She knew it was an improvement, but there had been a cost that weighed on Kotone's shoulders.
"Toko-sensei, are you finished eyeballing me?" Kotone asked suddenly with a slight grin. Toko's eyes widened a fraction as her student hadn't turned or shifted her gaze to see what she was doing. Her perception skills had clearly been improved upon.
"I'm curious how you'll do in your promotion exam. It'll likely be a one-on-one battle against a Jonin. Though who they select can impact how you'll do."
"Yeah, but Chie-sensei covered adaptability rather extensively. Not that I'll feeling cocky or anything, it's just that it wouldn't be a test if it was easy right?" The smile that graced Kotone's face could've told Toko that her ex-student wasn't overly confident, but that she felt prepared. The young student she had always seemed overconfident in her talents and her duty to protect her team, but the young woman next to her was different. It wasn't just the subtle changes, she had really matured into a woman to be proud of.
Toko resisted the soft smile that threatened her otherwise harsh features. She was still bothered by the fact that Kotone had gone off to train with her aunt, and even more so now that she had returned as a seemingly stronger shinobi. It had hurt her when she opted to train with someone else. Granted her aunt had the skills needed to train Kotone to her full potential, it still chaffed Toko that her student was better off with a different teacher. Despite everything their team had gone through, the better sensei had proven to be Chie.
"This is probably the best place for you; it's got good amenities and it's reasonably priced. I'll leave you to it," Toko tried to excuse herself quickly before she let her discomfort with the situation slip. She was proud of her student, but she wanted to see the effort of the last three years for herself. Until then she'd likely remain angry at Chie, and partially at Kotone, for stealing her student away; regardless of how petty it was.
"Toko-sensei?" Kotone called out as her sensei walked off, a small wave the only indication she had been heard. The woman sighed and turned back to the task at hand.
The process of procuring an apartment was easier than she had expected and Toko had led her to not only a good complex, but also one with a few vacancies. How Toko had known of the vacancies, Kotone wasn't sure, but she knew it was intentional that they had only visited one place. Kotone stared at the door to her apartment, number 24, before putting the key into the lock. With a satisfying click the door opened.
"So this is 'home sweet home' huh?" Kotone mumbled to herself as she walked around the simple single bedroom, single bathroom setup. It had a kitchen with a stove and dishwasher, a tall refrigerator, a small table with two seats, and a living area with a couch. She assumed the bedroom and bathroom matched the classic style of the apartment. Classic and cozy.
That was Kotone's initial thought, at least. But once she shut the door behind her the room felt bigger and emptier than she believed. The room hadn't changed, but something inside Kotone had. She dropped onto the couch, lying back against the plush cushions with a long sigh.
"A lot can change in three years, right Chie-sensei? You warned me it'd be different. Strangely the same, but different all at the same time. My mom and dad don't have room for me in their house, my teammates have their own schedules and lives, and my previous sensei is as unsociable as ever," Kotone recalled to herself. She let out a light chuckle as the memory of Naruto and Sakura came to her mind, "At least they're the same. I'm excited to see everyone again, but I don't want to be an outsider."
Kotone's mind drifted to a person she hadn't really thought about during her training. Her eyes widened as his face emerged from her memory. They'd only talked a few times, but now that she had completed the hardest training of her life, she wanted nothing more than to relax and talk to someone. With the surprising lack of comfort she found at home and with her team, it seemed almost natural that her mind dragged the memories to the surface.
"I wonder what Shikamaru is up to these days," Kotone grinned.