Chapter 96: Taking a Mission
Naruko had been dejected in her room for several days.
Occasionally, Little Kurama would actively emerge, gently nuzzling her hand with its fluffy head.
As a Tailed Beast connected to her heart, it sensed Naruko's current low spirits more clearly than anyone—that dull, suffocating pain like being completely shrouded in dark clouds.
She didn't want to see anyone or do anything. That girl who always wore a sunshine smile seemed to have disappeared, leaving only a figure curled up in silence, even her breathing carrying exhaustion.
"Tap tap—"
A gentle knock sounded. Naruko's body stiffened slightly under the covers.
Could it be him?
This thought silently surged up, making her heartbeat quicken.
She jumped barefoot out of bed, almost holding her breath as she approached the door peephole.
Familiar gray hair, a mask covering half his face, and those always lazily half-closed dead fish eyes.
...It was Kakashi-sensei.
The light that had quietly brightened in her eyes silently dimmed again.
Her fingers rested on the door handle, pausing momentarily before slowly pulling it open.
Kakashi was obviously stunned.
Was this girl before him really that Naruko who always smiled like a little sun? Right now her golden hair hung disheveled, clothes wrinkled, her entire being shrouded in an invisible gray mist. Even those azure eyes had lost their usual radiance.
He hesitated, voice unconsciously softening:
"...Naruko? Are you alright?"
Naruko forced a smile, corners of her mouth lifting yet carrying obvious exhaustion. "I'm fine, Kakashi-sensei... just been a bit tired lately."
Kakashi had originally come to call her for an escort mission—Naruko, proficient in Flying Thunder God, was reliable combat strength in any situation.
But seeing her obviously forcing herself now, those eyes usually full of spirit now dull and lifeless, he swallowed back the words at his lips.
In this state... it really wasn't appropriate to mention missions.
Naruko noticed Kakashi's hesitation and asked softly, "Kakashi-sensei, is there a mission?"
Kakashi unnaturally averted his gaze, raising a hand to scratch the back of his head. "Nothing urgent... just, wanted to invite you for a bowl of ramen. Are you free?"
This rare flustered appearance made Naruko can't help but laugh lightly.
"Kakashi-sensei," the corners of her eyes curved slightly, "you really are... terrible at lying."
Kakashi gazed at Naruko, eyes inevitably revealing a trace of nostalgia.
So similar.
Those azure eyes that seemed to see through everything involuntarily reminded him of his teacher, Namikaze Minato.
Though Naruko was nominally his junior, somehow, that reassuring reliability about her had become so similar to her father's.
Kakashi pondered briefly before still speaking up. "There's an escort mission to the Land of Snow. However, Naruko, if you're not feeling well, I can decline it for you. Lately you... should rest properly first—that's more important."
Naruko lowered her head in silence for a while. When she lifted her face again, her eyes held more determination.
She shook her head gently. "It's fine, Kakashi-sensei. I can depart tomorrow."
"Besides, I'd like to see different scenery... I've never been to the Land of Snow before."
Kakashi had wanted to ask more questions, but the words stuck at his lips—inquiring into a girl's private matters ultimately wasn't quite appropriate.
He finally only nodded gently. "Rest well, Naruko. See you tomorrow."
Naruko raised a cute smile and waved at him. "Mm, see you tomorrow!"
Only after watching Kakashi's figure completely disappear at the corridor's end did she slowly close the door.
The instant the lock clicked softly, that forced smile completely dissipated.
She leaned against the door, her body seeming to suddenly lose all strength, sliding down bit by bit until finally curling up crouched on the cold floor.
......
The next day, Naruko organized her gear and arrived punctually at the Hokage's office.
Pushing open the door, Tsunade and Kakashi were already waiting inside.
Tsunade briefly explained the mission content. "This time you need to escort Fujikaze Yukie to the Land of Snow to assist her in completing her new film shoot."
Naruko was somewhat surprised. "Fujikaze Yukie? That very famous movie star?"
Kakashi nodded. "That's right. I heard the new film's story is set in the Land of Snow, so she specifically wants to shoot on location."
A trace of interest flashed through Naruko's eyes. "When do we depart?"
Tsunade answered, "This afternoon."
That afternoon, Kakashi brought Naruko to a lounge to finally meet that legendary movie star.
She had long pale gold hair styled in a classical hime cut, hair on both sides trimmed to her jawline, making that fair face appear even more exquisite. Ice-blue eyes swept over coolly, carrying an elegant yet distant temperament.
Fujikaze Yukie's eyes brightened upon seeing Naruko—such a beautiful girl was actually also a shinobi?
She actively extended her hand to Naruko, smile brilliant. "Hello, I'm Fujikaze Yukie."
Naruko hadn't expected this beauty she'd only seen on screen to actively greet her. Somewhat nervous, she instinctively grasped the other's hand. "H-hello! I'm Uzumaki Naruko!"
Seeing her slightly flustered yet especially cute reaction, Yukie couldn't help laughing. "So cute, Naruko. Interested in filming movies with me? Maybe you'll become more popular than me in the future."
Naruko hurriedly waved her hands, cheeks slightly red. "I-I can't... I'm still more suited to being a shinobi."
Though Fujikaze Yukie was somewhat disappointed, she still maintained an elegant smile. "That's fine. If you change your mind later, you're welcome to find me anytime! I guarantee it'll pay much better than being a shinobi."
Naruko obediently nodded. "I understand, thank you."
As Fujikaze Yukie boarded the waiting carriage, she turned to beckon Naruko. "Come on Naruko, ride in the carriage together. Why work so hard following outside?"
Naruko shook her head and answered seriously, "My mission is to escort you to the Land of Snow. I should maintain vigilance."
Yukie laughed lightly and patted the seat beside her. "Sitting beside me wouldn't that be even better protection? Come on, we're both girls—what are you worried about?"
Naruko was momentarily speechless, instinctively casting her gaze toward Kakashi.
Kakashi nodded slightly in indication—he could see that though Naruko appeared normal on the surface, her emotions remained low. Having someone willing to talk with her might be a good thing.
Besides, this mission wasn't particularly dangerous anyway.
"I..." Naruko hesitated before finally saying softly, "Then pardon my intrusion."
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