Chapter 28

Chapter Inspiration: Climax by Usher

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The rainy months of Konoha hit without any word on Sasuke's whereabouts. The weather turned cooler, Village damp from the rainfall that happened nearly every day. But it was a welcome, the fresh smell of rain along with the scent of the forest for those that lived on the outskirts. Since the Uchiha's departure everyone had been busy. Most noticeably Naruto, who was training for the Jounin Exam, and Mai taking on any high ranked mission possible to prove herself ready to return to the Phantom Division. Training hard to become the ninja she once was before the war. Without aid from the Chakra Strings, the damaged arm was seventy-five percent back to normal. Which was saying a lot given the trauma sustained. She was lucky compared to most, stretching the muscles and standing from the bed.

The wet morning dew clung to everything outside, a heavy fog settling over Konoha. Streets were empty, shops closed. At seven in the morning on a Sunday only a select handful of people were awake at this hour. Pulling on spandex pants that cut off at the knees, a black sports bra, and ninja footwear, Mai left the house and gazed into the thick mist. While stretching once more, her thoughts wandered to how perfect the weather was for running. She could be hidden from anyone's eye if they weren't aware of their surroundings. Plus, it was perfect because the ninja wanted to be alone. It was a good way to clear her head.

Mai started with a light jog into the Village through the deserted streets. The cool sensation of the water droplets that filled the air pushed away the growing heat radiating from her body. It only meant she could run longer, faster.

Kakashi sat outside his apartment on a rooftop with his favorite book series in hand. Eyes scanning the pages, he was waiting for the Hokage Building to open up and see if he had a mission. Having been part ANBU, it wasn't uncommon to find him up early some days. That organization usually started every day at the crack of dawn.

Something caught his attention, which made the Jounin listen intently to his surroundings. It was almost impossible to hear, ears ringing from the strain, but after a few seconds he was able to figure out what drew his attention.

Running footsteps.

Glancing over the edge of the roof, his eye scanned the barely visible street. They were getting close, coming in from behind him. Craning his head around the side of the building, the young man watched someone come into view. Kakashi noticed right away it was Mai. Sweat and water droplets covered the exposed skin, hair slightly damp and sticking to the back of the neck and cheeks, even though it was in a ponytail. Muscles expanded and contracted with every stride, clearly showing how fit and dangerous the seemingly small girl truly was.

She didn't notice him. The former sensei continued to watch as the fog swallowed her up further down the road.

"Training as always," Kakashi muttered.

The Be Fong passed by the familiar sight of the Nara Compound, thinking to herself she should stop by soon to play another game of Shogi or Go. It had been a few weeks and a part of the ninja felt... bad for not visiting. She spotted Shikamaru's spiky ponytail as he lazed about in a tree sleeping. She laughed lightly to herself at the sight moving on.

Mai carried herself through the deserted streets, taking sharp turns, and lunging over objects in her way. Konoha was basically one big obstacle course. The usual route was boring. Every so often, Mai took a new path to keep the activity interesting. She wondered where to go next. Looking up she saw the Hokage Mountain, direction changing, and rushed up the steep steps.

In doing this, the Be Fong wondered where Sasuke was right now. Were his travels successful? Had he found what he searched for yet? She didn't doubt him in the slightest. But there was always that fear that something could have happened. The ninja wasn't sure what was wrong with her. When the Uchiha had been the enemy there was no reason to worry, even when he was hunted by the nations. But now... why now was she so worried? He could take care of himself.

Upon reaching the top, the fog was beginning to lift slightly further below. Without giving much thought, Mai turned towards the south. The edge of Hokage Mountain was clearly in sight. Heart pounding, body sweating, breath panting, the ninja's feet pressed against the ground harder, gaining speed. She reached the cliff, sucking in a deep breath before lunging over the side.

Naruto yawned loudly, draping his arms lazily over the railing on the porch.

"Man, why am I up this early?" he asked himself. The excess moisture in the air made his hair stand on ends. It looked even bushier than it originally was. "This weather sucks..."

Something moved in the mist above, his eyes turning skyward. One could just make out half of the Hokage Mountain and surrounding rooftops. A gray mass hung in the open space, getting larger and darker as it seemed to fall.

"What is that...?"

Mai's chakra filled feet slammed into a roof a few buildings down, her body crouched to absorb the shock. Less than a second later the Phantom Ninja was moving again across the apartment complexes.

"Mai?" Naruto questioned in confusion.

She didn't hear him, disappearing.

No longer seeing her figure, the Chuunin lowered his head again. "I wonder if she'd want to get ramen later...?"

Slowing to a light jog when the streets began to come alive, Mai took to the back streets so not to be bothered. The once screaming muscles from the exertion were beginning to cool, breath calming. Looking up and judging the position of the sun raising through the thinning mist the ninja ran towards the main gate. Kotetsu and Izumo nodded in greeting allowing her to pass from their perch on the wall. None of the Chuunin that manned the entrance readying to check papers as ninjas and merchants came and went through Konoha stopped her. [song ends]

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Chapter Inspiration: Step Out by José González

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It was even more tranquil in the forest moving down the familiar path. Coming up on the home, the occupant was outside on the front lawn stretching.

"Right on time," Belva spoke. She turned to greet her pupil. "Let's travel further in."

Without question the ninja followed at a walk. It was quiet. Something Mai enjoyed at that moment because there was no telling what they would do today.

"We are going to be playing a game today," Belva said.

Mai's brow cocked. That was not what she was expecting.

"An old one we haven't played in a long time."

"What is it?" the older teen questioned.

"Mimic," the woman said. She noticed how her pupil's expression brighten a bit in excitement. "I trust you remember."

"We haven't played that since before I joined Phantom."

"There was no need, but I'm interested to see how well you will do now." They ducked under a set of branches. "I don't doubt you'll keep up, but it's a good way for you to test your skills midair."

She had a point. There was no guarantee that the injured arm would get any better than it was now. Maybe there would even be a relapse. So the Be Fong needed to know techniques to counter this handicap should it ever become an issue in the field at a moment's notice.

"Let's see if you can keep up," Belva grinned.

The Be Fong felt the coils of the Chakra Strings begin to unfold and latch onto various objects around them. It made the ninja roll the shoulders in a pleasant release. It had been far too long feeling this part of herself – this freedom and power.

No words needed to be said as the two fell back into their stances and launched themselves through the area. The rush of air that pressed against the exposed skin and passed through the workout uniform was exhilarating. Almost similar to the first time the Phantom Ninja moved at this speed when becoming a Chuunin. And the damaged limb appeared to spring to life, remembering the familiar sensation. It was performing beautifully allowing Mai's movements to be swift and fluid, twisting and turning through the trees with Belva.

The Be Fong watched Belva's every move a few feet in front of her and copied every action precisely. Just like old times. And the woman was being brutal as always when the sensei suddenly took a hard right. Grip tightening on the Chakra Strings, the arm strained against the tricky movement. To compensate, Mai created leverage in order to shift her weight. Before the older teen would have never had this issue. Things were different now, and it was good to find strengths and weaknesses to gain solutions.

Belva's path had changed, no longer moving deeper into the forest, but back towards the Village. Why, the Be Fong did not understand, but she had her reasons. The ninjas weren't alarmed in the slightest by their sudden arrival as Belva had warned them of this little training exercise. It was time for those in the Village to see that one of their strongest assets to the Leaf was returning to the field of duty.

As the two had come in low, Mai tilted back as the legs came together into a point towards the sky. This created less resistance against the wind for her to gain the proper speed in order to launch herself over the West Gate. From this vantage point, Mai looked out over the vast stretch of buildings, winding streets, and multi-level homes. An unpredictable layout. A welcomed challenge. Honing in on Belva, the Be Fong wasted no time to continue tracking the woman.

Their presence and movement high above the bustling streets drew attention. Mai didn't mean to give them a display as she dipped low under a sky bridge that connected two buildings, swung through narrow gaps, and arced around wide buildings. But it was impressive. Active ninjas smirked at the sight, while Genin and Academy students were in awe. Naruto paused in his walk towards the Be Fong's home, watching as she passed above.

"Whoa," the blonde gaped.

"Explains why we haven't seen her around," Shikamaru stated, coming up alongside him. "She's been busy."

Feet pressing against the side of a building Mai ran across the surface sideways after Belva. They circled with the help of the Chakra Strings. Hands splayed, the fingers began to flex as the strings adjusted and repositioned in her grasp. Upon coming to the end, the older teen was airborne once more swinging over the large gap. They were growing higher the further they went into the Village. Many pointed, patrons looking out windows as the sensei and pupil passed. From the Hokage Tower, Tsunade watched with Ibiki by her side.

"Do you think she's ready?" the woman questioned.

"Yes, she's more than capable," Ibiki answered. "I know your reservations in this decision, but she wants this. As do I. Be Fong is my most valuable member among Phantom. But this is not me being selfish and asking you to force her to join again too soon. If this is put off any longer, we both know Be Fong will come to you in person with the request. That much I guarantee."

Belva had taken them to one of the highest buildings of Konoha and with nowhere else to go they were dive-bombing the ground. Hair whipping about the coils tightened as Mai pressed down to catch her falling form in order to swing a few feet over the market stalls lining the street. The kick up from the gust of air forced those below to close their eyes or block their sight with a hand. When the gale cleared both had already moved on.

Kakashi chuckled from where he stood on the wall that protected Konoha beside Kotetsu and Izumo. The Sharingan swirled in his eye to capture the display no matter how far Belva and Mai went.

"I expected nothing less," the Jounin stated.

"Looks like she'll be back in the field in no time at this rate," Izumo stated.

"It'll do her good," Kotetsu added. "Guard duty didn't suite her. She was itching to rejoin the squad."

Eventually, Belva stopped them on a roof of an apartment complex. Both caught their breath from the rather extensive exercise, beads of sweat having gathered on their skin. The woman really gave the Be Fong a run for her money. [song ends]

"That was very good," the sensei complimented. "Didn't think you'd be able to counter that sharp turn back in the forest."

Glancing over at the scared arm the Be Fong flexed and relaxed the fingers. "I've had to learn ways around that," Mai admitted.

"And that way of thinking will make you a stronger ninja." Their eyes met. "Not many ninjas can think the way you can in the heat of the moment coming up with a counter method to gain results."

Belva almost felt sorry for any opponent that went up against the newly healed Be Fong. If anyone thought she was strong before, those that were a threat wouldn't stand a chance.