Mysterious Kunoichi (Part 1 of 2 in the MK Series)

ANBU

I eyed Ibiki and he nodded. In the blink of an eye the male was pressed against the wall and my tanto was to his neck. Rowan held his calf in his mouth. Murmurs filled the room, questioning how I even moved. When I moved. The man raised his hands, slowly, in surrender. I stepped back and Rowan followed.

"Tenzo will have a mission for you."

"Thank you, Ibiki-san." We exited the room.

And so, began my journey in the ANBU again. I was gone days, even weeks. I was in my element. Rumors spread through the ranks of not only the ANBU, but the regular Shinobi as well. Word traveled to Suna quickly, earning me a couple of missions working for Gaara.

With my schedule and using my seal that I placed at home, I came and went without being seen. I went over three months before I saw anyone that would really matter. I saw Anko at TIF every now and then, but she stopped speaking to me after I called her old news one day. I knew Tenzo was telling Kakashi of my behavior, but I didn't care. I knew Ibiki was reporting to Tsunade my actions, but I didn't care.

"Y/n!"

"Yes, Ibiki-san?"

"You have the next three days off."

"What?" I blinked up at him as he stopped to stand in front of me.

"Your birthday is tomorrow. You have the next three days off."

"I don't need time off."

"I wasn't asking."

"But-"

"No buts. It's an order. Go out. Do something. Besides drinking."

I arched a brow, "If I'm to celebrate my birthday, I'll likely be drinking."

"As long as I don't see you here, I don't care what you do." He walked away.

"Thanks!" I yelled after him.

"Come on, Rowan."

"Where are we going?"

"Home." I answered sullenly.

We left the TIF building and made our way to the jonin apartments. I had just had a week long mission and was dropping off my report when Ibiki spotted me. I had already left my report on his desk. A shower sounded amazing.

"I'll need a few groceries if I'm stuck here for a few days." I grumbled as I walked.

"Stuck? Isn't this your home?" A voice said coming up next to me.

"Iruka? How have you been?"

"Good. I think the question is, where have you been?" He took in my attire, "The ANBU?"

"Yes. A little over three months now."

"So what did you mean by 'stuck here'?"

I gave a nervous laugh, "Ibiki is making me take some time off."

"Is that so bad?"

"Yes." I mumbled.

A soft laugh that made my core ache came from the gentle man. Bad Y/n! "Is there a reason he's making you?"

"Uhhh-"

"Her birthday."

"Rowan!" I snapped. "Maybe you should go home." I growled.

"Yes M'Lady." He was gone.

"Your summon seems nice." Iruka made light of the moment.

"When he keeps his mouth shut."

"You're birthday, huh? When?"

"Tomorrow." I sighed.

"Are you doing anything?"

"I don't really feel like doing anything. And I've been working so much, I haven't seen anyone. Plus I doubt anyone remembers."

Iruka scratched his neck and glanced away, I noticed the blush dusting his cheeks, "Well, I'd hate for you to spend the day alone. Do you-do you want to go do something? Or maybe I can cook dinner for you?" He offered.

So adorable!

"I'd hate to be a bother."

"Not a bother at all. A beautiful woman shouldn't spend her birthday alone." He managed to not blush or stutter that time.

"I guess I can't turn that down. What time?"

"Hot springs before dinner?"

"That sounds amazing."

"I'll pick you up at 2 then? We can spend some time getting to know each other before hand."

"That would be lovely Iruka." I felt myself give a halfhearted smile.

"Maybe I'll even get a real smile out of you." I was so shocked by his bold statement that I didn't even answer. "See you tomorrow."

I stood there for a moment thinking over what he said. Was he put up to this? I don't know Iruka well, but this didn't really seem to be in his comfort zone. I could only think of two people who would do something like this. One of which was likely at home at the moment. Still only getting day missions, the occasional over night mission here and there. Kakashi wasn't the only one keeping tabs on someone.