Chapter 1: Kokoro Kanei

Waking up, I noticed that the bed was cold, lacking the warmth of the woman who should have been lying next to me. I looked around the room, hoping that I would see or hear her somewhere in the apartment. I first checked the table next to the window, where she normally sat and watched the sun rise. Not there. I turned towards the bathroom, hoping to see some light from under the door. None. I strained my hearing, hoping to hear some noise from the small kitchen, either the sound of something frying in the pan or a crack of a beer can. Nothing. Sighing, I turned towards where I knew she would have left a hint; my nightstand. Spread on the top of the nightstand were eight bills, each worth a thousand ryo.

This was her way of telling me she was on a mission, and wouldn't be back in Konoha for eight days. Dragging myself out of bed, I grabbed the bills before opening the drawer in the nightstand, placing it with the numerous other bills. While I was grateful for the extra ryo, this just made me feel even worse. Was she treating me like a prostitute? I really needed to talk to her when she gets back. Figure out if... whatever this relationship is... will become serious or not. I'm getting too old, for a Kunoichi, to keep doing this. According to the Konoha Hospital, I'm a few weeks away from reaching twenty-six. I have a few more years before I reach 'ancient' for Shinobi.

I looked down at my body, covered in rope marks. Snaking my hand down towards my pussy, I felt the warm liquid trickling out of it. Sighing again, I made my way to the bathroom, turning the shower on. Waiting for it to heat up, I stared in the mirror, looking at myself. Long auburn hair framing a pale face. Droopy eyes, thin nose, and plump lips. My iris' were a warm amber. Average at best. My eyes went lower, looking at my body. Thin and petite, I cupped my hands over my breasts, noticing that they were slightly larger than my hands. Running my hands down my side, I felt the gentle curve into my thin waist, before the larger curve out into my hips. Turning myself to the side, I stared at my ass. Currently it was covered in whip marks and was a deep red. I chuckled, remembering that this was what got me into this relationship.

I started running my chakra through my body, watching as the redness and marks covering my body slowly faded. Feeling the cool rush of medical chakra and my muscles relaxing, I moaned in pleasure. After feeling all my surface injuries disappear I climbed into the shower, letting the hot water rush over my skin. After feeling sufficiently clean, I turned off the shower and dried off, walking back out into the bedroom. I opened my dresser, pulling out black pants, a short sleeve black shirt, along with a roll of bandages. I started wrapping my chest, slowly binding it. After I determined it sufficiently bound, I put on my underwear, pants, and shirt. Next I grabbed my hair, quickly pulling it into a bun, and used two senbon to keep it in place. I grabbed my flak vest and started checking the pouches. After making sure I had enough kunai, senbon, various pellets, and my summoning scroll, I put the vest on. Finally, I tied my Hitai-Ate on my head, allowing my bangs to cover parts of it. I quickly grabbed my shin guards, arm guards, and glove for my right hand. Taking a deep breath, I moved towards my door, grabbing my trusty chokuto and fastening it onto my back, with the handle over my right shoulder. I was ready.

I opened my door, walking out into the hallway. Making sure the door locked behind me, I started making my way towards the bakery just outside the apartment complex, almost salivating at the thought of fresh baked bread.

Opening the door of the bakery, I made my way towards the counter and rang the small service bell. Coming from the kitchen behind the counter was an old lady, who smiled when she saw Kokoro.

"Well if it isn't my favorite customer. Are you getting the usual, dear?"

"Just one serving this time, Granny. It's just me today."

The old lady nodded, before going back into the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with a fresh slice of milk bread, wrapped in a white cloth. Handing her a coin, I thanked her before exiting the bakery.

Taking a bite, I smiled in bliss. It was a simple meal, but there was something nostalgic about the taste, and it was heavy enough that I could go about the beginning of my day.

Taking bite after bite, I walked towards the Ninja Academy, or more specifically, the Mission Desk. Seeing as it was still dawn, no kids were present on the numerous training grounds around the academy, but many Chunin and some Jonin could be seen walking around the grounds, some heading towards the Mission desk, and others preparing their material for todays classes. After arriving at the desk, I briefly waited in line. I greeted some old friends, paid respects to the Jonin, and just waited. Like always, the wait was brief, as the Hokage and Jonin Commander quickly gave out mission after mission.

After a short wait, I stepped forward, giving a small bow to the Hokage.

"Ah, if it isn't young Kokoro. How has life been treating you?"

"Well enough, Lord Hokage."

Chuckling, the Hokage nodded before tossing a scroll my way. "Bandits have set up a camp close to the Land of Hot Water. Mission details are in the scroll, as well as the rewards upon completion. Good luck."

Bowing again, I turned around and left the Academy. I hopped onto the nearest rooftop before I started running towards the Main Gate. As I was making my way there, I opened the scroll, reading the details.

'Bandit Elimination: C+ Rank

Reward: 75,000 Ryo

Location: Border of the Land of Fire and Land of Hot Water

Enemies: 2 Nukenin, Genin from Yugakure. Estimated 20 Bandits.

Proof of Completion: Right ear of each bandit, head of nukenin.'

Well this will be a fun mission. Two rogues from a small village, and twenty some odd bandits. This mission would be only 50,000 ryo if the nukenin weren't there. Thank the sage for that, it makes this mission more enjoyable.

Rolling the scroll back up and placing it in the one of the scroll pouches on my vest, I walked towards the gate, getting ready to inform the Guards of my departure. Standing in the large clearing were multiple teams, making last minute gear inspections before departing. I weaved through the crowd, making my way towards the gate, when I heard someone shout my name. Turning, I saw a slim woman dressed in white and red, with long black hair and gleaming ruby eyes waving in my direction.

"Kurenai! It's been awhile! How are you?"

She grabbed my hand before dragging me off to the side, indicating she wanted to talk in private. I followed her, briefly letting my eyes drift towards her hand, wondering why it felt so... natural. When she deemed us in a suitable spot, she turned towards me, keeping her hand on mine.

"Koko, are you alright? We've been friends long enough for me to know that look on your face."

"What look? And no, I'm fine. No need to worry."

Kurenai narrowed her eyes, leaning closer to me. Staring into her ruby eyes, I knew that she didn't believe me.

"Fine, maybe everything... isn't alright. Could we, perhaps, talk about this when I get back in two days? I have a mission."

Hopefully she'll bite. I don't want to talk about it right now. Not when I don't know how my relationship is going.

"It's... her fault, isn't it? I told you nothing good would come from it!"

I didn't make any indication that she was correct, nor any indication that she was wrong.

"When I get back. Please. I'll find you after you're done teaching at the academy."

Kurenai sighed, before nodding.

"Fine, but you will cover the meal. We'll get BBQ like always, ok?"

Nodding, I gave her a small smile before turning away. I started walking towards the gate again. I raised my hand to wave farewell when I heard her say "Good luck."

Finally reaching the gate, I showed the mission scroll to the guard, and after signing a departure sheet, I exited the gates.

Looking at the wide forest, I took a deep breath, enjoying the scent of nature. Maybe killing these bandits will make me feel better. Maybe being away from the village, and having something to occupy my mind, will help me come up with a solution.

Sighing, I started making my way east, towards the border of the Land of Hot Water.