Hikari tried her best to keep her thoughts from wandering, from wondering where Kuro was now, what we was doing, what he was thinking of, if he'd seen any of her packages and letters, or what he thought of them if he had. No matter how well Ryuu hid it, she could see the pity in his eyes. She had a feeling that her packages weren't even reaching Kuro right now. Which is why she'd avoided putting anything perishable in the last few packages, because something about the way he and his mother looked at her when she dropped them off left her with this feeling. They felt pity towards her, and she didn't think it was just because he hadn't responded in any way, or because she was a nice girl who cared too much for someone who seemed to be avoiding her. This was different. But that was okay.<br/><br/>She didn't care what anyone thought, and even if he didn't open the packages, she would keep bringing them. Even if he wanted to forget she wouldn't let him forget that she cared. She wouldn't allow him to believe for even a moment that she had any intentions of giving up, or that he was alone. She just wished that she could see him. That he would talk to her, tell her what was going on. Even if he didn't think she wanted to hear it, even if it hurt, it was better than not knowing. It was better than wondering, wishing she knew what was going on and what, if anything, she could do to help. But wishing and hoping didn't help anything, nor did worrying. So, she banished the thoughts from her mind as she arrived at the Hokage's office, knocking lightly and walking in. "Lady Tsunade." she gave a small bow.<br/><br/>"Hello, Hikari." The older woman greeted her. "Your partner should be here any minute." She informed her. "For now, how is your training going?" She asked, even though she could guess that it was going well. "I've finished." Hikari replied. "I'll get you to teach me something else when we get back." She added. Tsunade stared at her, blinking and silent for a moment. She'd really finished all of that? She guessed that she shouldn't be surprised. The girl had a knack for medical ninjutsu, and from what she could tell, she'd always picked things up rather quickly. Still, the speed with which she managed to learn and master new techniques never ceased to amaze her. "Good. I'll prepare something for you. It'll be waiting when you return." she spoke just as Ryuu knocked on the door.<br/><br/>The both looked his way when he entered. "Ryuu?" Hikari tilted her head curiously, glancing Tsunade's way as she greeted him, then back to him. He seemed rather shocked, and for some reason his cheeks were pink. She wondered about that, but left it alone for the moment, deciding that there were better things to worry about at present. "Oh, you two know each other?" Tsunade looked between the two of them and Hikari nodded. "Alright, then. That makes things easier." she picked up a scroll and held it out to Hikari. Hikari glanced over it quickly and then rolled it up and held it out for Ryuu to take. "Seems simple enough." Hikari said as she looked back to Tsunade. "It's a B-ranked mission. You may run into some enemies, but nothing you can't handle." Tsunade explained.<br/><br/>"Got it. We shouldn't be gone long." Hikari nodded before looking back towards Ryuu. "Are you ready to go, Ryuu?" She asked as she looked his way. Once he answered she looked to Tsunade. "We'll be back before you know it." she said, giving her a bow before turning to leave, hoping that Ryuu would follow. Once he caught up she looked his way, keeping as steady pace as she led him toward the gates of the village. He was a little taller than he had been when she'd first met him a few months back, and his hair had gotten a bit darker, but otherwise he seemed like the same kid. Even if it was weird calling him a kid when he was now a few inches taller than she was.<br/><br/>Even though he was a little younger than she was, she thought that they could be friends, given the chance. Maybe to some extent or another, they already were. She didn't know why, but she couldn't help but feel a bit of fondness for him. It was quite a different sort of feeling than the way she felt for Kuro, but it was still a good feeling. It was funny, how different the feelings were, despite the similarities they shared. Then again, she couldn't remember a time when she ever felt this way towards anyone else. She wondered why, why she felt so differently towards him, what it meant. She couldn't even really explain how she felt if you asked. But she knew it was different, and that it wasn't going away any time soon, if it ever did. Which meant that there was no way she was ever giving up on him, even if she didn't refuse to give up on people to begin with.<br/><br/>"Well, shall we?" She smiled at him as they reached the gates and she waved tot he guards at the gates to let them know they were leaving.