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

Living

"You'll be with Tenzo when you return."

"I don't wish to-"

"I'd rather it be Tenzo or Kakashi with you at all times. Since I don't command Kakashi, you get Tenzo. Unless otherwise assigned."

"Yes, sir." A look of concern barely filled his face before his stoic look returned.

"I'm headed out, you can come by anytime. You know that, right?"

"Yes, Ibiki." That same fake smile filled my features and I took my leave.

"Y/n?"

"Inoichi-San, it's good to see you."

"I'm happy to see you."

"Do you have a moment?" I hesitated, but I wanted to at least see what he would say.

"Of course, lets head to my office." I followed after Inoichi in a solemn silence.

He closed the door and we settled in our respective seats. I've been here plenty of times, but I felt claustrophobic all of the sudden, I didn't want to be here, even though I asked to be here. My chest felt tight and my breathing became shallow and quick. Inoichi noticed and moved to knell before me, hands holding my face to make me look at him.

"I'm not forcing you to do anything." Inoichi spoke quietly, reassuring me.

"I know." I squeezed out.

"Breath. In and out. Focus."

I did just that, slow, deep breaths, the only sound in the room, after my heartbeat left my ears. "Can you make the memory go away?" I finally asked.

Inoichi sighed, still holding my face, "I can't." His look of apology was a like a slap to my face. "If I did, you'd be pulled off duty. Indefinitely. Whatever happened, I'll help you. Shikaku, Ibiki, whoever you want to help you, you know we will."

"Why?" I choked, willing myself to hold it together.

"You're like a daughter to all of us, Hime, you know that." He let go of my face and stood back up. "Do you want to talk today? I have time."

I shook my head and looked to the floor. "Right now, I'll say that I was with the Akatsuki for five days."

"Hime." His tone was soft and loving, like a fathers. "When you're ready, I'll be here."

"Thank you, Inoichi-San."

He pulled me to my feet and into a hug, "Always, Hime."

I found Shikaku in the main office, putting some files away. "Don't you have someone that can do that for you?" I smirked, Rowan standing in the hallway.

"I do, but I find it relaxing. And quiet." Shikaku stood straight and smiled at me. If he was any indication on how is son would look, Temari was a lucky girl. "You're released for duty?"

I shook my head, "Not yet, I just wanted out of the apartment. Kakashi had me on lockdown."

"Kakashi? Are you two..." he trailed off.

"Kind of. Yes. I- we're trying."

Shikaku moved closer and placed his hand on my shoulder, "He's a lucky man." His smile was even brighter now, "You two are a good fit for each other."

"You give me way more credit than I deserve."

"Quit beating yourself up, Hime."

"You're all full of wisdom, and himes, today."

He shrugged and stepped away, "You'll always be Hime to my generation."

"Want some help?"

"I'm almost finished. You should go eat, you've lost weight."