The evening before the first official day at the academy. Just after they parted with Kuro.
Miyuki and her sister Kaori, after sending off Kuro, headed back to their clan compound.
Little Miyuki skipped along, brimming with energy, her ninken circled at her feet with the same energy, as if the hours of training before were nothing. The setting sun cast long shadows across the village streets, but the little Inuzuka girl seemed to radiate her own light, her steps bouncy and carefree.
Seeing her sister practically bouncing with each step, Kaori gave a knowing smile. Just to tease her, she asked casually, "Someone's in a good mood. You're awfully excited about making a friend."
Miyuki's eyes sparkled. "I can't wait to tell Nina! She's going to be so surprised that I made a friend outside the clan!"
Hearing her response, Kaori's teasing grin widened. "Oh? So now that you've got yourself a little boyfriend, you're planning to show him off to Nina? I see how it is."
Miyuki's face flushed bright red, her hands flying up to cover her cheeks. "Big sis! What are you saying?! Kuro-kun is not my boyfriend! He's just my friend! You're so bad!"
She stomped her foot indignantly, her embarrassment only making Kaori's amusement grow. "You... you're the one thinking naughty things! Hmph!"
Miyuki crossed her arms and lifted her chin with exaggerated dignity. "After all, Miyuki is pure and innocent. Not... not lustful like big sister!"
This response caused Kaori to flush beat red, knowing exactly what her little sister was referring to. Her hand shot out to cover Miyuki's mouth as she glanced around frantically to make sure no one from the clan had overheard.
"How can you mention that in public?!" Kaori hissed, her voice a mortified whisper. "You promised Mom not to mention it!"
Because of the Jūjin (Beast Human) Inuzuka clan techniques and practices which were often modeled after the instincts and behaviors of dogs and wolves, clan members occasionally exhibited certain animalistic aspects (though some exhibit these traits at far higher intensity than most).
In Kaori's case, she had recently shown signs of her first heat cycle, symbolizing her body's natural readiness for mating.
It was a completely normal biological process for Inuzuka who had awakened their deeper connection to their ninken and clan abilities, but it was extremely embarrassing to have her baby sister throw it in her face in the middle of the street.
Miyuki giggled behind her sister's hand, her eyes crinkling with mischief. When Kaori finally removed her hand, the little girl stuck out her tongue. "Then don't tease me about Kuro-kun! We're just friends!"
"Kuro-kun, is it?" Kaori seized on the honorific immediately, her embarrassment forgotten in favor of renewed teasing. "Already using '-kun'? My, my, Miyuki. You work fast."
"Ugh! Big sis!" Miyuki whined, her face flushing again. "That's just... that's just normal! Everyone uses honorifics!"
Kaori laughed, reaching out to ruffle her sister's wild hair affectionately. "I'm just teasing. I'm glad you made a friend, truly. He seemed like a good kid polite, observant, understood training methodology better than most academy students. You picked well."
Miyuki's embarrassment faded, replaced by genuine happiness. "He really is nice! And he didn't scold me even forgiving me easily when my throw with Kuromaru went wild. He even said such a nice thing that I'd probably advance to Class 1-A soon if I kept training!"
Kaori's expression softened. That was a kind thing to say, and showed good character. "Well, he's not wrong. You're improving quickly."
They walked in comfortable silence for a few moments, the Inuzuka compound coming into view ahead. The familiar sight of the clan gates, with their distinctive markings and the sound of dozens of dogs barking in greeting, brought a sense of home.
"Hey, big sis?" Miyuki asked, her voice taking on a more thoughtful tone.
"Hmm?"
"How do I... how do I make sure we stay friends? With Kuro-kun, I mean." She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "I know I'll see him at the academy, but... what if he finds other friends in Class 1-A and forgets about me?"
Kaori's heart squeezed at the vulnerability in her sister's voice. This was the downside of the class separation. Miyuki had made a connection with someone, however they were in a different class. It could make maintaining friendships difficult.
She knelt down to Miyuki's level, placing her hands on her sister's shoulders. "Listen, Miyuki. Real friendships don't disappear just because you're in separate classes. But if you want to deepen your friendship with Kuro, you need to make an effort. Show him you value the friendship."
"But how?" Miyuki asked earnestly.
Kaori thought for a moment, then smiled. "Well, there are lots of ways. You could train together after academy hours we already started that today. You could study together. You could share hobbies, explore the village together, or..." She paused meaningfully. "You could share meals together."
"Meals?" Miyuki tilted her head, confused.
"Sure! Eating together is one of the oldest forms of bonding. It's intimate in a friendly way. In the shinobi world, sharing food shows trust. After all, you're vulnerable when you eat." Kaori stood back up. "For a start, how about this: Why not bring an extra bento for lunch tomorrow? Share your meal with him."
Miyuki's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea! I'll ask Mom to make an extra portion for Kuro-kun!"
"There you go," Kaori said, satisfied. "Just remember make it special. Put some thought into it. People appreciate things more when they know effort went into them."
"Special how?" Miyuki asked as they approached the compound gates.
"That's between you and Mom to decide. I hate cooking; I'd rather someone call me after it's done." Kaori said with a chuckle and a matter-of-fact expression. "Come on, let's get home. You can ask her about it tonight."
The Inuzuka compound was alive with activity even as evening settled in. Dogs and wolves of various sizes roamed freely, some playing with younger clan members, others standing guard or accompanying their partners. The smell of cooking food wafted from multiple houses, mixing with the earthy scent of the training grounds and the distinctive musk that always seemed to permeate areas where the Inuzuka gathered in numbers.
Miyuki and Kaori made their way through the familiar paths, greeting clan members as they passed. A group of older teenagers were practicing taijutsu combinations with their ninken in one of the training yards. Some younger children, probably five or six years old, were playing a boisterous game of tag that involved both kids and puppies.
Their home was a modest two-story building near the center of the compound. Warm light spilled from the windows, and Miyuki could see her mother moving around inside through the open door.
"Mom! We're home!" Miyuki called out, kicking off her sandals at the entrance and quickly putting on her house slippers.
"Welcome back, girls!" Their mother's voice came from the kitchen. "Dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes. Go wash up!"
Inuzuka Tsukiko was a woman in her late thirties, with the characteristic wild hair of the clan though hers was streaked with early gray and the same red fang markings on her cheeks. She was an active-duty chunin who specialized in tracking missions, though she'd scaled back her mission frequency since having children.
Miyuki bounded into the kitchen anyway, too excited to wait. "Mom! I made a new friend today!"
Tsukiko turned from the stove, her face breaking into a warm smile. "Did you now? That's wonderful! Tell me about them, sweetie!"
"His name is Kuro! Genki Kuro! He's in Class 1-A at the academy, and he's really nice, and he knows a lot about training even though he's only six like me, and he didn't get angry and scold when I almost hit him with the frisbee, and he said I'd probably move up to Class 1-A soon if I keep working hard, and "
"Breathe, Miyuki," Tsukiko laughed, stirring the pot on the stove. "One thing at a time. This Kuro sounds like quite the impressive boy."
"He is!" Miyuki agreed enthusiastically. Then her expression became more thoughtful. "Mom... Kaori-nee said I should share meals with him to deepen our friendship. Could you... could you maybe make an extra bento for lunch tomorrow? So I can share with Kuro-kun?"
Tsukiko's eyes softened. She set down her ladle and turned to face her daughter fully, kneeling down to her level. "Of course I can, sweetheart. I think that's a wonderful idea."
She reached out to brush a strand of wild hair from Miyuki's face. "I'm so proud of you for making friends outside the clan."
"Why?" Miyuki asked, tilting her head.
"Very much so," Tsukiko confirmed. She glanced toward the doorway where Kaori had appeared, leaning against the frame with her arms crossed, listening. "Kaori, could you finish stirring the pot? I want to talk to Miyuki for a moment."
"Sure, Mom," Kaori said, moving to take over at the stove.
Tsukiko led Miyuki to the low table in the adjoining room, sitting down and patting the space beside her. Miyuki climbed up, sitting cross-legged and giving her mother her full attention.
"Miyuki," Tsukiko began gently, "you know how our clan works, right? The pack mentality, the hierarchy, the way we form groups?"
Miyuki nodded. "Like Nina's group. She's in a pack with the older kids."
"Exactly," Tsukiko said. "And that's good it's part of our culture, part of what makes us Inuzuka. Learning to work in a pack, understanding hierarchy, respecting your elders and those stronger than you... these are valuable lessons."
She paused, choosing her words carefully. "But sometimes, those pack dynamics can be... complicated. Especially for younger members."
Miyuki's expression became more guarded. She knew what her mother was referring to, even if she didn't want to admit it.
In Nina's pack which consisted of four older kids ranging from ages eight to ten, and Nina and Miyuki as the youngest at six there was a definite hierarchy. The oldest, a boy named Riku, was the pack leader. And while he wasn't cruel, he definitely expected the younger members to prove themselves.
Miyuki often found herself doing tasks for the older kids fetching things, running errands, being the one to volunteer for the more tedious or slightly embarrassing training exercises. It was positioned as "character building" and "initiation," and technically no one was being mean. But it could be exhausting, always being at the bottom of the pecking order.
"I know you love Nina," Tsukiko continued, "and I know you want to be part of her pack. But I also want you to have friendships where you're not always the youngest, always the one proving herself. Friendships with people your own age."
She took Miyuki's small hand in hers. "That's why I'm so happy you've made a friend like this Kuro. Someone your own age, from outside the clan, who sees you as just Miyuki not 'Miyuki the youngest pack member' or 'Miyuki who needs to prove herself.' Just... you."
Miyuki's eyes were wide, absorbing her mother's words. "I... I didn't think about it like that."
"I'm not saying to stop being friends with Nina and her pack," Tsukiko clarified. "Pack bonds are important, and learning to navigate hierarchy is a valuable skill for any shinobi. But balance is important too. Having friends outside the clan, especially at your age, gives you perspective. It keeps you from thinking the only way to form relationships is through pack dynamics."
She smiled. "Plus, having support from different places makes you stronger. If something happens in one area of your life, you have other friends to lean on."
"Like how Kaori-nee has both clan friends and her team from missions?" Miyuki asked.
"Exactly like that," Tsukiko confirmed. "Your sister is a good example, as she doesn't need to rely on just one group for all her social needs."
Miyuki thought about this for a moment, then nodded firmly. "Then I'll definitely be good friends with Kuro-kun! And I'll make the best bento ever to share with him!"
Tsukiko laughed, pulling her daughter into a hug. "That's my girl. Now, about this bento..." She pulled back, her expression taking on a more conspiratorial tone. "If you really want to make it special, we should put some thought into it."
"Kaori-nee said the same thing!" Miyuki said excitedly. "That people appreciate things more when they know effort went into them."
"Your sister is wise," Tsukiko said with a smile. "So, here's what we'll do. Tomorrow morning, we'll wake up a bit early you, me, and Kaori if she's willing and we'll make two bentos together. One for you, one for your friend."
"Really? I can help make it?" Miyuki's eyes sparkled.
"Of course! It'll mean more if you put your own effort into it, not just having your mother make it for you." Tsukiko tapped Miyuki's nose gently. "We'll make something simple but tasty. Rice balls with different fillings, some tamagoyaki, maybe some vegetables cut into cute shapes."
"Can we make them look like dogs?" Miyuki asked hopefully.
Tsukiko laughed. "We can try! Though I'm not sure my carving skills are that good. We might end up with vegetables that look more like blobs than dogs."
"That's okay! It's the thought that counts, right?" Miyuki quoted one of her mother's frequent sayings.
"That's right, sweetie." Tsukiko stood, offering her hand to help Miyuki up. "Now, go wash up for dinner. And after we eat, we should get you to bed early. You've got a big day tomorrow first official day at the academy, and you're bringing a special bento for your new friend."
"Thank you, Mom! You're the best!" She kissed her mom's cheek before hopping down and running toward the bathroom, calling back over her shoulder.
Tsukiko watched her daughter disappear down the hallway, her heart full. She returned to the kitchen where Kaori was plating the food.
"That was a good talk," Kaori said quietly.
"You heard?" Tsukiko asked, though she wasn't surprised.
"Most of it." Kaori finished arranging the rice and vegetables on the plates. "I'm glad you brought up the pack dynamics. I've been worried about that with Miyuki and Nina's group."
"Me too," Tsukiko admitted. "Riku isn't cruel, but he's at that age where he doesn't quite understand how his actions affect the younger kids. And Miyuki is so eager to fit in that she doesn't speak up when things bother her."
"Having a friend outside that dynamic will be good for her," Kaori agreed. "This Kuro kid seems solid. You should have seen how he reacted when we almost took his head off? Most kids would've panicked or gotten angry. He just rolled with it and was polite about the whole thing."
"And he understood that it was just a training accident, and being young but able to show an open perspective and his calmness signified a maturity beyond his years. Even if he was hiding his emotions, just the fact the boy could 'roll with it' shows promise," Tsukiko said.
"Exactly." Kaori brought the plates to the table. "I think this friendship could be really good for her."
The next morning came early for the Inuzuka household. Miyuki woke before dawn, too excited to sleep any longer. She crept downstairs to find her mother already in the kitchen, ingredients laid out on the counter.
"Mom! You're already up!" Miyuki whispered, not wanting to wake Kaori or their father.
"Of course," Tsukiko said with a smile. "We have special bentos to make, remember?"
They worked together in the quiet kitchen, the only sounds the soft clinking of utensils and the occasional bark from a dog somewhere in the compound. Tsukiko showed Miyuki how to properly shape the rice balls, pressing them firmly but not too hard.
"If you press too hard, the rice becomes dense and unpleasant," she explained. "But if you don't press enough, they'll fall apart when you try to eat them."
They made several varieties some with pickled plum centers, others with grilled salmon, and a few with seasoned kelp. Tsukiko then prepared tamagoyaki, the sweet rolled omelet, a staple of bentos, while Miyuki carefully cut vegetables into shapes.
Her attempts at making dog-shaped carrots were... well, they were attempts. But Tsukiko praised her effort, and they did look cute in their own abstract way.
"Remember," Tsukiko said as they arranged everything in two bento boxes, "the food tastes the same regardless of how it looks. But presentation shows care. It shows you thought about the person you're making it for."
"I did think about Kuro-kun," Miyuki said seriously, placing a particularly well-shaped rice ball into the second bento. "I hope he likes it."
"I'm sure he will," Tsukiko assured her. "Now, let's wrap these up properly. You don't want them getting squished in your bag."
They wrapped both bentos in cloth Miyuki's in a simple blue pattern, Kuro's in a slightly fancier green pattern with subtle leaf designs.
By the time they finished, Kaori had woken up and come downstairs, her hair even more wild than usual from sleep.
"Did you two start without me?" she asked, feigning hurt.
"You were snoring," Miyuki said matter-of-factly. "We didn't want to wake you."
"I do not snore!" Kaori protested, but she was smiling. She peered at the wrapped bentos. "These look good. Kuro's going to be impressed."
"You think so?" Miyuki asked, suddenly nervous.
"Definitely," Kaori confirmed. "Now go get ready for the academy. Don't want to be late on your first official day."
The morning at the academy passed in a blur of lectures and note-taking. Miyuki found herself struggling to focus, her thoughts constantly drifting to the bentos in her bag and whether Kuro would like the one she'd made for him.
Class 1-B's morning session was similar in structure to Class 1-A's, though the pace was slightly slower and the material less advanced. Their instructor, a stern but fair man named Tanaka, went over the same foundational material the philosophy of the shinobi, the village structure, the expectations for their training.
When lunchtime finally arrived, Miyuki's heart started racing with nervous excitement.
"You have one hour for lunch," Instructor Tanaka announced. "Those who brought bentos may eat anywhere on the academy grounds. Those who did not bring lunch, please form a line we have noodles and snacks provided for you."
Miyuki watched as several students lined up for the provided food. She'd learned from Kaori that this system was primarily for orphans and students whose families couldn't afford to pack lunches, though the academy framed it as simply "additional food service" to avoid singling anyone out.
Clutching her bag with both bentos inside, Miyuki stood and made her way out of the classroom. Her mission was clear: find Kuro, offer him the bento, and hopefully share lunch together.
But what if he already brought his own lunch? she worried, walking through the hallway. What if he thinks it's weird that I made him food? What if he doesn't like what I made? What if....
"Miyuki?"
She jumped slightly, turning to see Nina approaching with two other girls from her pack both older, probably seven or eight years old.
"Oh! Hi, Nina!" Miyuki said, trying to hide her nervousness.
Nina, a fellow Inuzuka with darker hair than Miyuki's and slightly more pronounced fang markings, smiled. "Where are you going? We were going to eat on the training field with the others."
"I... I was actually going to find someone," Miyuki admitted.
The two older girls exchanged knowing glances. "Someone?"
"Just a friend!" Miyuki said quickly, her face flushing. "I promised to share lunch with him."
"Him?" Nina's eyes widened. "You made a friend who's a boy?"
"His name is Kuro," Miyuki said, feeling defensive. "We met yesterday at the park."
"Ooh, Miyuki's got a boyfriend," one of the older girls sang.
"He's not we're just " Miyuki stammered, her face turning red.
"They're just teasing," Nina said, though she looked a bit hurt. "I didn't know you made a new friend."
"It just happened yesterday," Miyuki explained. "I was going to tell you, but... well, I'm telling you now!"
"I don't think he is in our class?" Nina asked matter-of-factly.
"No, he's in Class 1-A."
This caused both older girls' eyebrows to rise. "Class 1-A? Your friend must be pretty talented."
"He is!" Miyuki said with pride, as if Kuro's abilities reflected positively on her for befriending him.
"Well, good for you," Nina said, and she seemed genuine. "Maybe we can all eat together sometime?"
"That would be great!" Miyuki said, relieved that Nina wasn't upset. "But today I promised I'd find him. I'll see you later, okay?"
"Sure," Nina said. "Come find us if you can't track him down."
As the group of girls headed off toward the training field, Miyuki continued her search for Class 1-A. She knew it was on the second floor, so she climbed the stairs, trying to look like she had a purpose and wasn't just wandering around.
The second floor was busier than she expected, with students from various classes mingling in the hallway. She stood on her tiptoes, trying to spot Kuro's distinctive dark hair and calm demeanor.
Then she saw him emerging from a classroom at the end of the hall, looking somewhat resigned, then sighing.
Perfect timing.
Gathering her courage, Miyuki straightened her shoulders and walked toward him, clutching her bag tightly.
"Kuro-kun!" she called out.
He turned, his expression shifting from resignation to mild surprise when he saw her. "Miyuki? What's up?"
"I came to find you!" she said, stopping in front of him. Then, noticing his empty hands, she asked, "Did you forget your lunch?"
Kuro's face showed a flicker of embarrassment a rare crack in his usually composed demeanor. "Yeah... I was so focused on getting ready this morning that I forgot to pack anything."
"Were you going to get the provided noodles?" Miyuki asked.
"I had a decent breakfast this morning, so that was the plan," Kuro admitted.
Miyuki's face broke into a bright smile. "Perfect! Then..." She opened her bag and carefully pulled out the green-wrapped bento. "How about my bento instead?"
Kuro blinked, clearly surprised. "You... brought one for me?" What are the odds, he thought.
"Mm-hmm!" Miyuki nodded enthusiastically, holding it out to him. "My mom and I made it this morning! Kaori-nee said that sharing meals is a good way to deepen friendships, so I wanted to share lunch with you!"
For a moment, Kuro just stared at the offered bento. It seems I left a decent impression on her, he thought, his expression unreadable. Then, he reached out and accepted it.
"Thank you," he said quietly, and Miyuki thought she detected genuine warmth in his voice. "This is... very thoughtful."
"You're welcome!" Miyuki beamed. "Come on, let's find somewhere to eat! I know a good spot!"
Without waiting for a response, she subconsciously grabbed his arm and quickly dashed out of the building with him. Miyuki chattered happily about her morning classes while Kuro listened with occasional nods and comments.
Neither of them noticed the curious glances from other students, or the knowing smile from Instructor Kimura who happened to see them pass by her classroom.