Strange Feeling

[A/N: This chapter takes place sometime before Pain's attack. Jiraiya's death had already been reported and Naruto had left to Konoha. I think Sasuke and Killer Bee have fought by then. Again, sorry for the confusion if there's any. 

Next chapter will be after Pain's attack and before the Five Kage Summit. The Chapter after will be after Sasuke's attack and Midora will meet a certain character he'll like.]

(Midora's POV)

I walked down the streets of Konoha, it's been a little while since I met with Samui back in the Cloud Village. 

I was still in shock to hear Lord Jiraiya's death to Pain, the leader of the Akatsuki. Tsunade had called Naruto and I to tell us the new. I can only imagine that Naruto is taking the hardest. I couldn't believe that someone as strong as him would die. 

I stopped and looked up at the sky, seeing some leaves scatter among the breeze. 

"Why am I here if I'm not preventing any deaths....?" I whispered to myself 

My whole life, I have been trained to be a powerful Shinobi, one that could protect the leaf. My Father, the Last Senju before me, did his best to raise me into a fine warrior, teaching me how to use my Kekkei Genkai, before his death, succumbing to an incurable disease. Lord Third himself trained me in the Nature Releases I was able to use, further boosting my skill. He died in an attack I was unable to protect him from. 

Lord Jiraiya trained me for a bit as well, teaching me how to control my chakra and even giving me tips on my Lava Style, despite having no experience in it. 

He's dead now. And I was unable to prevent that. 

I remembered a conversation I had with him: 

We were sitting in a restaurant's booth, eating. 

"Hey." Lord Jiraiya said, "Did I ever tell you that before your mother died, she was sorta my pupil?" 

I raised an eyebrow, "Eh?" I said, "Is that so? Wait, I thought Mom was from Iwa, Dad told me that before he died." 

He nodded, "She was. Long story." She said, "You inherited her Lava Style. I kinda taught her in the best way to help her control that. When she defected from Iwa, she came here with your father, it was really tough and long story. That said, your Mother was my pupil for a little bit. I must admit, I become fond of her, she became a daughter of sorts..." 

I raised an eyebrow, "What does that mean?" 

"It means that I feel responsible for you." He said, "You lost your parents at a young age, Midora. Your mother right after childbirth and your father at 10 years. Yes, Hiruzen-sensei help out with you but I always felt like you were mine to take care of." 

I shrugged, "Should've had that sentiment with the Naruto kid, huh?" I said, "Isn't he your student's son?" 

He choked on his food, "Shhh..." He said, "Don't let anyone hear that!" 

[End of Short Flashback]

I let out a sigh, "Man...." I said, "All this power and I can't do shit...." 

I then felt as someone bumped into me. 

"Oh!" I heard a voice say

I saw that it was Ino Yamanaka, she had a look of surprise on her face. 

"Hey, you okay?" I said

"Sorry!" She said as she slightly blushed, "Midora-san!" 

I shook my head, "No, it's my fault for standing in the middle of the street." I said, "How are you? I heard from Kakashi that you guys avenged Asuma...." 

She scratched her cheek, "I'm alright, I guess..." She said, "I heard about Lord Jiraiya too.....Sorry, I know he was close to you...." 

I looked down, "Something like that..." I said 

"H-Hey, Midora-san..." Ino said

I looked up to see her placing her hands behind her back, "Yea?" I asked, "What's up?" 

"I know this might not be an appropriate time..." She said with a nervous tone, "B-But.....is it okay if you want to...I don't know.....go get something to eat....I may not have another opportunity like this..." 

I raised an eyebrow, "Huh?" I said, "A date?" 

She was uncharacteristically girly, I mean, Ino was always girly I guess, but this was something else. Almost like Hinata would act with Naruto or something. Something was off. 

She covered her mouth, "S-Something like that...." 

I crossed my arms, "How old are you again?" 

"17...." She said

"Come back and ask me next year when you're 18." I said, "Don't get the wrong idea, you're a beautiful girl and all, but I rather not get myself involved with a girl your age. Especially with my reputation." 

She blushed fiercely and looked down, "O-Okay.." She said

I nodded, "What made you ask me this?" I asked

"I...." She said, "Well....I've had a crush on you for a bit." 

"Oh." I said, "Well, sorry." 

She chuckled, "It's okay!" she said closing her eyes and smiling, "I'll definitely make you mine next year!" 

"I promise you that~!"