It was peaceful in the forest. I guess that's why I never left. And why he came there so often.
I leaned back against the tree and sighed. As much time as we spent there, we didn't cross paths very often. Somehow it made me sad. Suddenly I sensed someone standing just behind a tree.
I stood up, "Who's there?" I called in a threatening voice.
"It's only me," That voice I recognized so well replied.
"Shino," I acknowlegded. It was hard to see him through the ashes clouding my eyes. He appeared to be a tall, blurry figure. I closed my eyes again, "What is it you want?" I asked in an emotionless voice.
"My team requires your expertise," He stated.
"I will come," So I followed him to the area where his team was training. I noticed Kiba's head sticking out of the ground. It seemed Kiba had managed to surprise someone named Kakashi while he was reading. It had ended like this. I grasped the dog-like boy by the shoulders and lifted him easily out of the ground, shifting the earth as I did so.
"Thanks," Kiba brushed himself off. Then, being the bold person he was, he invited me to come with them to get something to eat.
I was taken aback. Not knowing what else to do, I nodded silently.
"Great, come on!" He lead the way towards town. Hinata ran to catch up and talked with Kiba quietly.
I think she's scared of me, I thought to myself.
(To be coninued)
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