Bellicism Arc: Fire II

Yuina stayed behind with some of the slower villagers and those who needed to take more breaks as Kakashi and Ataka continued onward. She had the patience for it.

"Are you one of those illusion things your kind can do?" The man who said spoke the words as if ninja are another species.

"No."

"But you know a bunch of poems only someone as old as my great grandfather would know," a young boy says.

It was to appease some of the crankier people as a pass time, and the only reason she knew them was because of Sakumo. "Do poems have age restrictions?"

"You're so young though. You should smile more and be carefree," says a woman.

The girl tugs the woman's clothing. "But you said I should help out more."

"That's because you never help around the house unless I tell you to," the mother scolds.

"Are you really a shinobi?"

"Yes."

Yuina had patience, but the stream of questions and comments started to annoy her.

"Is she some kind of super genius?"

"I bet she's possessed."

"What if she was cursed?"

"She's just a kid."

Yuina was thrilled when they finally reached Musoku and regrouped with Ataka and Kakashi.

"I can stay with them," said Ataka once they got everyone settled down the best they could. "It would be best if you two report back."

"Understood." With that Kakashi began walking away. Yuina quickly gave a shallow bow before catching up to Kakashi who had picked up speed.

Now that it was just the two of them, she could ask, "Am I creepy?"

"Is this about that old woman? You can always wear a mask."

Yuina doubted that she was called creepy for her appearance, unless it was in reference to her neutral expression. They were born with conventionally attractive faces, but she would never get used to her appearance if she hid it with a mask. Not that exposure therapy had shown any sign of helping yet.

She did however want one the air quality steeply declined.

It was weird being on a mission with Kakashi. It had always been separated from family life, and now the two codes in her head fought on how she should behave. "I can taste it." It was gross as the dry smokiness invades her senses.

"The smell is worse."

"I've been meaning to ask, but have you noticed anything different since contracting with Pakkun?" She's reminded of the imprinted chakra on Orochimaru. She never got the chance to prove whether the same was true for Kakashi.

"That dogs are a lot of work." Kakashi loved Pakkun anyway. He would do it again. Plus, it was getting better now that he didn't have the need to chew on everything. He was still a chewer, but not everything had to be hidden from him.

Yuina thought if Kakashi didn't notice anything different about himself then that was good.

They finally reached Ryoma. The air was extremely dry and flames exuded an intense heat even at a distance.

"Everyone's been relocated," said Kakashi. He stood straight and looked head-on.

"They're with you?" The man who stood next to Ryoma whistled. "I know we sent that someone younger would be better received by the villagers, but you really chose the youngest you could."

"They got the job done, didn't they?"

"Kyojiro!"

"Coming?"

Ryoma looked back. "That's Miyoko. She's been in charge of Post 3 for a decade after she got caught on infiltration mission. Still as tough as ever though." She was a serious looking woman with a scar that ran down the side of her cheek to her neck. She spoke to Kyojiro in a hushed tone.

Yuina didn't think he should be gossiping, but he was currently his superior and she had only been assigned to him once before. Hardly enough to be voicing her opinion unless the situation was critical.

"Is there anything else you need us to do?" asked Kakashi. He was as enthused as she was.

"No, you can—"

"Hold up Ryoma." Kyojiro rushed back over. "Mind sending them back with this?" He whispered something into Ryoma's ear. It was so quiet that she wondered if he was actually saying anything. It was impossible to tell as a hand covered Kyojiro's mouth and Ryoma's ear.

Ryoma's eyes steeled. His fingers were raised to his hand as his fingers mashed through his fringe. "Understood." He took the scroll from Kyojiro and tossed it at Kakashi. "Take this. Request it be given to the Hokage. Don't let anyone see it. Including you."

She would obey but it made her curious. What information did it contain that they couldn't see it? Was it a report from Miyoko? It could be the timing and making use of them as their people focused on containing the fire. Yuina looked back as the flames. Unless there was something off about the fire. Though the land was particularly dry, so it could be a regular wildfire. Someone messing around in the forest or lightning could have easily started it.

At the very least it might make some good farming land for a few years if part of it could be cleared.

Yuina looked up at the ashen dark smoky sky. If only they could get a few days of heavy rain. Water jutsu or not, that was going to be the only way for the fire to be put out.

"Let's go."

Yuina tilted her head over her shoulder. As always he assumed she'd be a few steps behind. She followed. In a weird way, it almost felt like the old days. Only, she was no longer seeking approval. Affirmation and affection, yes. Approval… not from him. She thought it weird how people always cared for approval from those they weren't close to, but she fell for the same trap.

At least they'd be home soon. She still needed to get Kakashi to forgive her. Or at least leave the incident in the past.