[Picture of Ziro in the media above]
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Who do you live with Ziro-san?"
"With my grandma."
"Ah that's nice."
"What about you?"
"I live alone in my apartment. But not to worry. Naru-kun is my neighbor so we always hang out."
"Cool. Do you like him?"
"Of course I like him. We're best buddies."
"Haha you're cute."
Hanako blushed at what he said and looked ahead to calm herself.
It was late evening and the two sat on the edge of the cliff while admiring the sunset. After that little breakdown of Hanako, Ziro suggested they go somewhere peaceful so that Hanako can pull herself together. With that said, Ziro took Hanako through the thick and dense forest, which Hanako found a bit scary, but quietly followed after Ziro. Finally he stopped and the sight before her was breathtaking. The sun was slowly setting as it illuminated a spectrum of different colors making the sky look even more beautiful than it already was. It looked as though an angel was gonna be descending on the earth.
"It's beautiful." Hanako whispered in an almost inaudible voice but Ziro heard it.
"Yeah." He look at Hanako with a soft smile on his face.
And here they are, sitting on the edge of the cliff, getting to know each other.
"You look really cute when you blush." Ziro chuckle as he lay his back on the soft grass.
Hanako pinched his leg while muttering to herself, probably denying his words.
"What was it like?"
Hanako blink her eyes as she stare at Ziro, who was looking at the sky with an expression she couldn't quite read. "What was what like?" She repeated the question back to him.
Ziro hesitated for a bit, which made Hanako wonder what he meant by it. "Um, yknow, with your family." A tiny sweat rolled down his cheek.
When he didn't hear an answer, he look towards Hanako only to see her facing downwards while playing with her fingers. He regretted asking about her family.
"Hey, I'm sor--"
"It was nice."
"Huh?"
"My family. It was really nice. Not only my family, all the people of Shenzen clan were really kind and caring. We always looked out for each other. We lived in harmony. Until that day....when everything changed."
Flashes of her family lying on the floor, unmoving, with their eyes wide with fear and of the people who were all killed mercilessly.
Her hands formed a tight fist as she tried to hold back her tears. It was no use crying. It was not like crying would bring them back.
Ziro sat up and hugged her while rubbing her back gently. "Its okay. I'm here for you." He whispered in her ear softly.
A small smile formed on Hanako's face as she hugged him back.
"Thank you Ziro-san."
-
"Most of your strength has returned."
Zabuza crushed an apple with his hand. "All right. It's almost time, Haku."
"Yes."
-
Morning soon arrived as Naruto lay sprawled out on his futon.
"He moved his body to the max so he won't be able to move much. Its better we let him rest for today."
Team 7 and Tazuna were outside the house, getting ready to go and check on the bridge.
"Kakashi-san, is your body feeling well now?"
"Yes, somehow...."
"What are you gonna do about your other student? She hasn't showed up yet. Are you sure nothing bad happened to her?" Tazuna asked.
"Hanako is the strongest genin I know. I believe she's alright." Kakashi nod his head proudly.
He wasn't kidding when he said Hanako is the strongest genin he knows. Hanako aced all of her academic tests and also the tests conducted by him. He was really proud to have a student like her. But that doesn't mean he doesn't acknowledge his other students. He's actually proud of his students altogether. They each have potentials and he believes they will grow up stronger.
But he can't help but wonder where Hanako really was. He was getting more and more worried about her.
"Kakashi-sensei, let's go."
Sakura's voice snapped him out of his thought and so he moved along with them.
I hope you're okay, Hanako.
-
"What are you doing? I didn't hire you out of charity. Hey Zabuza, are you listening? Hey!"
Gato's voice was cut short as Zabuza crushed the phone with his foot.
"Let's go, Haku."
"And Hana-chan?"
"It'd be best if she stays out of this fight." Zabuza looked serious as he said that.
He didn't want her to see them fighting with her teammates. She'll be shunned if she takes the wrong side. After all these years, she finally found a place where she can call home. He wasn't going to let her get kicked out when she finally found a place.
"Okay."
-
"Thank you for letting me stay Obaa-chan. I will be taking my leave now."
Hanako bowed in front of the old woman who was Ziro's grandma. She was kind enough to let her stay the night and couldn't be more thankful. She was a nice lady in her 80's with a wrinkly pale face who held a cane to support herself. She always has a sweet smile on her face.
"Baabaa, I'll be going with her." Ziro said as he stepped closer to Hanako.
The old lady chuckle at her grandson's nature and pat his shoulder. "Just don't forget what I told you. Understand?" She warned him with a stern look on her face.
Ziro sweatdrop at her as he back away with arms raised in a surrendered pose. "I know, I know. I won't forget it. Don't worry too much, baabaa."
The old lady finally smiled and hugged both of them. "Now, you two take good care of yourself, okay? And don't get too naughty." She giggled like a little girl and let go of them.
Ziro's face was that of a riped tomato now. He looked as if he was ready to run and hide himself. On the other hand, Hanako remained composed despite the comment made by his grandma.
"We'll be taking our leave then. Thank you for the hospitality Obaa-chan." Hanako bowed once again.
"Don't overwork yourself baabaa. Bye!"
Ziro quickly grab Hanako's hand and they ran away as fast as he can. Hanako has to admit, he was pretty agile for someone who didn't even look like a ninja.
"S-Stop!" Hanako halted abruptly while pulling Ziro's hand. "Why are we running?" She look at Ziro with a confused expression.
Ziro quickly let go of her hand and rubbed his nape awkwardly. "S-Sorry about that."
Hanako placed a hand on Ziro's shoulder and they teleported to Zabuza's house. She quickly rush inside the house leaving a stunned Ziro behind.
"Zabuza-san! Hakkun! I'm back!"
No response came back from the two. She quickly checked all the rooms but they were nowhere to be found.
"Where did they go?...."
Hanako step outside the house while putting a hand on her chin.
"They're not home?" Ziro raised an eyebrow at her.
Hanako ignored him and placed a hand on the ground.
"What are you doing?" Ziro asked as he stare at Hanako oddly.
She stood up and clapped her hands. "They're at the bridge! Let's get going!"
Before Ziro could process what she was saying, she already teleported them at the bridge where Zabuza, Haku and Team 7 were fighting.
As soon as she reached the bridge, she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"W-What...."
