ANOTHER NIGHT
Kakashi approached the small hut in the woodlands, its now familiar smell already drawing him in. He could hear a feminine voice from inside, a soft soothing melody enchanting the atmosphere like a gentle lullaby. It was so peaceful here, so removed from troubles. And he hoped his presence would not be presumptuous. He softly and calmly knocked on the door twice, and a moment later it silently slid open. She smiled, her eyes clear and welcoming.
"Evening, Kakashi-san." she greeted him, and he returned her gesture.
"Hello... Blood Tiger." he still didn't know her name and saw her giggle.
"Blood Tiger?" she took a step back, allowing him entry. She was wearing a mint green yukata with blue floral patterns, her thick hair tied loosely back with a purple silk ribbon, adding a touch of elegance to her appearance.
"Your hair made me think of that. Is it okay?" he asked sheepishly.
"Oh, you can call me whatever you like. It doesn't really matter." she eased, and he moved into the shadow of the little home, saturating in the essence of tea, incense, nature, and something else.
"Your yukata suits you," Kakashi remarked casually, his gaze lingering on the mint green fabric adorned with delicate blue flowers.
"It's a refreshing choice." he mentioned.
"Oh, thank you." a soft flush settled on her cheeks.
"It's a fair change from what I prefer, but I needed to go to the village," she explained, smoothing down the fabric self-consciously.
"And you had no trouble?" he asked.
"No more than usual. Get in, sell the tea, get my stuff, and get out." she assured, and he chuckled.
"That does sound like a mission." he teased.
"Far less harrowing than what you're used to, I'm sure." she returned his smile, a hint of whimsy in her eyes.
"Would you like some tea? I was baking today," she offered, and Kakashi smiled. That was the smell.
"That would be nice, thank you." she gestured towards the table.
"Make yourself at home, then." Kakashi nodded, grateful for the distraction. As Blood Tiger bustled about the kitchen, preparing the tea, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth settle over him. Despite the challenges they faced, moments like these always reminded him of the simple joys of life. The massive white bear was lying in the doorway that opened to the little garden, his icy eyes watching Kakashi meticulously like he was waiting for him to do something. The girl glanced back at the white mass.
"Be nice, Rikimaru." she told him, and the eyes seemed to soften just slightly.
"He doesn't trust me..." Kakashi realized. Warily, he took a seat at the low table, waiting and listening as the girl prepared the tea humming to herself as she worked. He'd never heard the melody before, but it was something calm and endearing. Rikimaru continued to watch him but didn't seem to be aggressive. Kakashi eased slowly, reminding himself that the great watcher was simply guarding her as he was meant to, and as long as there was no danger to her, this place was as serene as a forest breeze. She joined him at the table, taking a seat opposite from him, setting a tray with two cups, a hot pot of freshly steeped tea, and a plate of brown spheres on the table.
Blood Tiger poured the tea into two delicate cups, the fragrant steam rising between them.
"Here you go, Kakashi-san," she said, offering him one of the cups.
"Thank you," Kakashi replied, accepting the cup with a nod of appreciation. He took a sip, savouring the familiar taste of the home-made tea that was delicate and refined. He found it lightening, and flavourful even without the sweetness of honey. It always had a comforting effect on him, like a soothing balm for his weary soul.
"You know, you're quite resourceful," Kakashi commented, breaking the silence.
"I admire that about you." Blood Tiger's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment, but she smiled gratefully.
"Thank you, Kakashi-san. Coming from a shinobi like you, that means a lot." Kakashi returned her smile, feeling a sense of camaraderie between them. Despite their different backgrounds, they shared a mutual respect for each other's strengths and abilities. Blood Tiger adjusted the fabric of her yukata, her fingers tracing the delicate floral patterns as she spoke.
"I'm not particularly fond of visiting the village," she admitted, her tone thoughtful.
"It's... different from here. Sometimes, it feels like a different world altogether." Kakashi nodded in understanding, his gaze meeting hers with a sense of empathy.
"I can imagine," he replied softly.
"The village can be overwhelming, especially if you're used to the peace and quiet of sanctuary." Blood Tiger smiled gratefully, appreciating his understanding.
"Exactly," she agreed.
"But there are some things that I need from... civilization." Kakashi nodded again, sensing the underlying unease in her words. He knew that adjusting to life in the village must be difficult for someone who had spent most of their life in seclusion.
"It's okay to feel that way," he reassured her.
"Change can be challenging, but it doesn't mean you don't belong." Blood Tiger's smile widened, touched by his words of encouragement.
"Thank you, Kakashi-san," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
"You're welcome," Kakashi replied with a gentle smile.
"And if you ever need someone to talk to or help you navigate the village, I'm here." As they sat together, the warmth of their shared moment enveloped them, easing Blood Tiger's unease and strengthening the bond between them. In Kakashi's presence, she felt a sense of comfort and acceptance. And as they continued their conversation, she knew that she could trust him with her fears and uncertainties, knowing that he would always be there to support her. In that moment, Kakashi couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share this moment with Blood Tiger, and also get to know her better. In her presence, he found a sense of peace and understanding that he hadn't realized he was missing.
"How is your team doing?" she asked, guiding the discussion in a lighter direction and he glanced at the cup on the table surface.
"Good. They're showing promise, although they're growing frustrated with the simpler duties. For now, it can't be helped. They only left the academy a couple of months ago." he said.
"They sound like an eager group. It must be gratifying to see the youngsters flourish," she said and sipped at the tea.
"Have you always been a teacher?' she continued.
"Well... no. To tell you the truth, this is my first genin team," he confessed, and she paused for a moment.
"Really?" she asked.
"Yeah, I guess I'm still learning just as much as they are." he chuckled.
"Learning is infinite, after all. Whether its a complicated project, or planting a seed." she agreed.
"And you? Have you always been a tea grower?" he continued, softly probing into her existence.
"Yes. My grandfather's side of the family has always been, since the beginning. And the soil here is really good." she said, and he nodded.
"Do you grow different kinds?" she glanced at the bear lying in the doorway.
"A few. Green teas, herbal teas, black teas. But, the Blood Bush needs a bit more care. It prefers colder ground." she said, and he perked up.
"So you can only grow it during winter?" he found it interesting.
"If you know how, you can grow it year round." he stared at her for a moment.
"So... how do you cool the ground in summer?" he asked, fascinated.
"My grandfather taught me-" she started before a low rumble drowned her voice as Rikimaru raised his head, his eyes locked onto her form with an intensity that would suggest a warning. There was a moment of silence before she continued.
"To use ice water when treating the Blood Bush. It takes a special kind of touch, which makes it quite rare. Anyone who hasn't learned its qualities might not be able to do it." she explained.
"Trial and error is a great learning technique, it allows you do discover things that no one else has thought of. I've had quite a few of those experiences myself over the years." Kakashi said, relating to the tediousness of trying to figure something out without much to go on.
"Speaking of learning, how did you learn so much about me?" Kakashi asked in a slight tease, wanting to understand her seemingly solitary existence. She blushed.
"Oh, I didn't know much about you, apart from your name. And what you look like. My grandfather would tell me little things from his trips to the village. Stories about its people, and what he heard from others. He said that Konoha had some of the most distinguished shinobi in the known world." she confessed.
Kakashi's curiosity piqued at Blood Tiger's response.
"Your grandfather, huh? He must have been quite the storyteller," he remarked with a hint of amusement.
"He was," she replied with a fond smile.
"He had a way of painting vivid pictures with his words, making everything come alive. I suppose that's where I learned to appreciate stories." Kakashi nodded thoughtfully, finding a new-found appreciation for the old man who had shared tales of Konoha with his granddaughter.
"Well, I'm honoured to be a part of those stories," he said warmly. Blood Tiger's smile widened at his words, and they continued their conversation late into the evening, exchanging stories and sharing laughter under the starlit sky. Kakashi found himself wondering. He'd never seen her in the years before, but he might have seen her grandfather. Even had an interaction with him.
"Did he go to the village often?" he enquired.
"Usually, only when he really needed to. He was rather... withdrawn." his breath caught for half a heartbeat. She had chosen her last word carefully, and he decided not to press any further. A powerful and respected warrior who was withdrawn? Odd... But his curiosity was piqued further by Blood Tiger's description of her grandfather.
"Withdrawn, you say?" he echoed, his mind already turning over possibilities.
"Yes, he preferred the solitude of our home in the woods," Blood Tiger explained, her tone tinged with a hint of sadness.
"He found solace in nature and rarely ventured beyond our borders unless necessary." Kakashi nodded thoughtfully, sensing there was more to the story than she was letting on. He decided not to push further, respecting her privacy, but the mystery of Blood Tiger's grandfather lingered in his mind as they continued their conversation. As they talked, they discovered shared interests and values, strengthening their bond with each passing moment. Eventually, the evening grew late, and Kakashi realized it was time to depart.
"Thank you for the tea and the conversation, Blood Tiger," he said gratefully, rising from his seat.
"It's always a pleasure, Kakashi-san," she replied with a warm smile. With a nod of farewell, Kakashi bid her goodnight and stepped out into the cool night air, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated by their time together.
