— Well, if I weren't so responsible, I'd slip away like my brother — serving as a handkerchief for tears until evening doesn't sit well with me. But since Shenesu is currently absent, I involuntarily have to play his role in some cases, because for some, it's just too "troublesome"! Yeah, and they still consider him the elder!
—"That's my Ryo-chan!" Saya beamed with a smile.
—"Ka-chan, why do you still call me '-chan'!? I'm taller than you now, and you still keep '-chan'-ing me!" I couldn't help but pout.
Their response was just weak laughter from the inseparable couple. Oh well, tears won't wait. Resignedly hanging my head and towing a couple of recovering kunoichi along, I headed towards the clan quarter, muttering quietly to myself about life's injustices and the complete lack of respect, to the greater joy and mockery of my companions who were slowly but surely regaining their cheerfulness thanks to my efforts.
Ha, Saya falls for it every time, and not just her! And why do I feel like I'll have to play such a role again in the future? There's at least another two years until the end of the war, and I don't believe not a single Nara will perish during that time. Considering that Ma is good friends with many in the clan, such emotional funerals won't be the last. And I'm certainly dreading the moment when Shenese or Setsura will be among the casualties.
***
—"So, team, congratulations on completing your first C-rank mission, however simple it may have been," Kanade smiled at us as soon as we left the Hokage Tower, having successfully completed the mission and received the appropriate payment.
Yeah, and it hasn't been a year! More than six months passed before we got a more serious assignment than walking dogs and babysitting!
—"Considering that the higher status was only granted due to leaving the village, and otherwise nothing has changed — it's a very big achievement!" Tsume sarcastically replied, with her silent pet's support tucked away in her pocket.
—"Alright, no complaining, you haven't grown up to real missions yet, and I certainly don't want to attend your funerals later if you happen to run into Nukenins," Hyuga frowned, "until you reach an acceptable level, we'll stick to village tasks, is that clear!?"
The question was seasoned with a considerable amount of KI.
—"Yes."
—"Affirmative."
—"Of course."
Surveying us with a stern gaze, Kanade suddenly smiled.
—"Since it's clear, I propose we celebrate the successful completion at a cozy bar," she clapped her hands in delight.
—"Drinks?" Rotaro asked skeptically. "Actually, it's still early for us, and will they even let us in?"
—"Do you have a hitai-ate? Yes? Then you're adults and can drink, smoke, and visit brothels! Stop mumbling — you're shinobi and should know one of the ways most Chunin and Jonin relax."
—"A bar is just a bar," I shrugged indifferently.
I don't understand the enthusiasm of our instructor. Or does she want to laugh at her students who can't handle drinking? That could very well fit her character... Sighing, I followed the determinedly cheerful girl and the puzzled teammates. Kanade didn't lead us far, heading from the square in front of the tower towards one of the main streets.
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