U.
she ghosts across the windowsill into the room with a silence capable only of those who have given themselves over to the Mist — obsidian locks run down his shoulders like blackest ink, & he smiles at her, hinata, his student, in the mirror with a look of pride & sorrow, for he knows he has trained her too well to keep her alive.
❛ You were gone longer than expected. I was beginning to worry you’d been outdone by a Kumo patrol. ❜ no he hadn’t. he’s seen the things she can do when her heart’s deadset on it. hair now swept neatly into a bun, haku turns to face her directly, scanning her for serious wounds. satisfied with finding none, he pours cool water into two squat cups & pushes one into her hand. the other he sips as he leans back against his kitchen table. ❛ State your mission report. ❜