Naruto: Snow Cold

------Amai's POV------

I was just enjoying the breeze and the warm sun on my skin, laid down beside a tree, after my parents allowed me to go "play" with the children. Little did they know I had no intentions of doing any kind of socializing, hell no. At least not yet.

It was going pretty damn good, until this boy approached me. He had messy, black hair, amber eyes, dressed in some dark shorts, an oversized cream shirt and some sandals. His gaze was... sharp? He looked about my age.

He merely asked me if I wanted to play cards with him, and I refused. But he didn't just go away, and he stayed beside me at the tree. I don't know how I ended up in this situation. I should try breaking the ice (no pun intended) and say something, this is turning kind of awkward.

"...So, uh, where are you from?" Crap, that was so freaking dumb! Damn you, my antisocial self!

"Konoha, same as you," he stated matter-of-factly. He didn't give me a weird look or anything, more like he was... amused? Then he spoke, "Is there anything you like playing or anything you like to do? Personally, I like..." He thought for a moment and finally said, "Ichi, tag, and soccer. I like playing both; they're fun."

(A/N: Yup, Ichi is basically the UNO parody Amai's family played a few chapters ago.)

Is he actually trying to connect with me? Most children would've walked away after my refusal to play cards with them. I perked up slightly and replied:

"I love soccer as well. I guess I like helping my mom whenever she cooks, and maybe ninja stuff? Do you want to be a ninja as well?" I questioned. Given his intellect, I'm sure he'd make a good ninja in the future. Maybe.

"I think? The only thing I really want to do is use those magic techniques ninjas are always doing, like, have you seen the kind of stuff they do? Fireballs, making water appear out of nowhere, or switching places with random stuff. It's really cool."

I felt my interest grow even further, like a fire was ignited inside me, and I responded:

"Right? They're so amazing! Actually, you know something? My dad is a ninja, and he's teaching me some great stuff, like Taijutsu, chakra techniques, weird seal thingies..." And I stopped. Shoot, I said too much. I really need to fix this problem of getting too anxious whenever I'm excited.

I saw his eyes widen just slightly, a glint appearing in them. What is he thinking?

"Huh. That's pretty neat. Think you can show me anything? I'd love to see just about anything."

"Eh... I-I suppose I can. It's not a very cool trick, but it's something. It's called the, uh... Leaf Concentration Technique." I announced, standing up. I'll show him the leaf trick; it's very well-known, and it's not like I'll get in trouble for this. I jumped up and snatched a few leaves. Let's show off a little, ehehehe.

I placed two on my forehead and one on each cheek. I let just enough chakra flow seamlessly to these specific spots and kept them stuck. His eyes were glimmering, and his mouth was wide open, astonished by the fact that the leaves wouldn't fall off, even if I moved or if they were swayed by the wind.

"That is so dope! How do you do it? Can you tell me?" he said, holding his fists in the air. It sure felt good being praised, even if it was by a child.

"Ahahaha," I sheepishly giggled and let the leaves be one with the wind once more. "Do you feel the warm energy inside you? Right in your stomach?" I tilted my head, my arms crossed behind my back. "You can try concentrating on moving it."

He closed his eyes and seemed to be deep in thought after I said that, probably attempting it. He seems to be of civilian origin, so he probably hasn't had his chakra unlocked just yet. As I thought, after a moment of silence, he spoke up.

"I can't. It's too hard, and it won't budge. Is there an easier way to do it?" he asked, looking at me with pleading eyes. Despite his struggle, he didn't seem disappointed.

Huh, poor guy. I wish I could unlock his chakra somehow, but I have no idea how the adults manage to do it.

"...I really don't know, but it'll get better with time," I replied.

"Aw..." He seemed thoughtful. I can't read him. What's going on in his head?

"I guess you're right. I'll figure it out with enough time," he said promptly. Honestly, it was nice talking to another kid, even if I didn't want to admit it. I usually don't enjoy talking to others—it makes me anxious. But this kid, Sora... he's different from the rest. I hope I'll see him in the Academy next year.

"I think you can do it if you just keep trying," I said with an encouraging smile. Then, offering him my hand for a handshake, I added, "It was really nice talking to you, Sora."

He grinned and took my hand. "It was nice talking to you too, Amai."

"I've gotta go now," I continued. "My mom said I couldn't stay too long. But if you want, we can play soccer or something next time. I'll probably be here each Saturday."

"Sure, sounds like fun," he said as he stood up, using the tree for support. "See you later, Amai. I'm really looking forward to it!"

Then he ran off. Did I just make a friend? You did the impossible, Amai! Good job, me!

I walked back to where my parents were sitting, snacking on the sandwiches Mama had prepared. As I approached, I noticed some people nearby enjoying ice cream from the nearest Akimichi restaurant. Of course, it's no surprise—ice cream is always a hit in the summer.

"Oh, Amai! Did you make any friends? You looked like you were having fun with that boy," Mama said casually, turning toward me with a warm smile.

"Yeah, I did. His name's Sora," I replied, smiling back. Then, I started telling them all about the boy who had approached me.

He's a fun person.