Rin Birthday 4

Rin received a secret summons from her former students. She had promised to continue guiding them in secret and juggling them and her other duties wasn't easy. If they had sent her a message then it must be serious. After scoping the perimeter of their hidden lair Rin couldn't find any sign of struggle, not one trace of an assassin or cocky Hebijo student that wanted to pick a fight. If her renegade students had taken out an unwanted guest there would be something on display as a warning.

 

The entrances were clear, in fact it looked like everyone had left. Rin sneaked her way to the top entrance and opened the hatch. Other than a pillar of light from the open hatch it was pitch black inside. She couldn't see anyone but she could sense five shinobi inside, likely her students. Rin skipped the ladder and just dived down 'Come out! I know you're in here!' Rin barked.

 

The lanterns on the wall lit up and Rin's former students jumped out to shout 'Surprise!' in unison 'Happy Birthday!' Hikage even tried to put emotion in her voice. Each of them stood frozen and waited for a reaction from their mentor but Rin didn't budge.

 

Homura put on the biggest, stupidest grin she could 'Rin'-rin' anyone home?' She waved her hand in front of Rin's face.

 

'What is this?' Rin snatched Homura's hand and inspected the cave. There was paper decorations made out of old packages and labels strung up from the ceiling and the walls with a hand-painted signs that said "Happy birthday," "Congratulations," and "Thanks you teacher." It was the oddest thing Rin had seen in this lair and this was from an eccentric group of students. 'I thought you were in danger. I told you to only contact me when it's important.'

 

'But it is important.' Yomi stepped forward, with her hands together as if she cradled her cheek. 'We wouldn't be who we are without you, we had to celebrate your big day. We worked so hard. Won't you come join us?'

 

Rin had to admit she was impressed by their efforts. Even without a real source of income; for them to throw a party for her meant she had made a big impression on her students. She could even smell something delightful from the kitchen 'Yomi, are you cooking?'

 

Hikage spoke up 'Actually I'm cooking today.'

 

'I had to bake the cake, and decorate and manage the budget...' Yomi rambled

 

Homura cut in and came to the rescue 'We even got meat!' She drooled.

 

'I actually held onto a job for once so we had a little extra this month' Haruka gushed.

 

'I helped too ya'know?' Mirai barged her way in to the conversation. She presented an envelope to Rin 'I handled the card. I managed to pull in favors with some artistic people I know and chased people down to get it signed by everyone. You better like it!'

 

The card was lavish and lovingly personalised. Rin was stunned that Mirai had managed to get Daidouji and even Kiriya's signatures. 'I'm actually quite shocked. You got everyone. Shame they couldn't be here.'

 

Mirai shrugged her shoulders 'Nah, you're our teacher. You celebrate with us!'

 

'Would you like your gifts?' Haruka approached Rin with a lovingly wrapped package in such fine paper that Yomi had an internal fit over how Haruka could have been thriftier 'Here's mine.'

 

Inside was a sparkling perfume bottle with a ribbon tied over it. Rin's mouth dropped. 'You got me perfume? I'm stunned.'

 

'A little something I brewed up myself.' Haruka boasted 'Wear that and you'll knock that special someone off of his feet.' She cleared her throat 'That's not a joke by the way, keep clear of anyone with a heart condition.'

 

Rin anxiously smirked 'I love it, thank you dear.'

 

Yomi pushed Haruka aside to present her gift, what looked like a lovely dress 'If you're going to craft your gift, make it something useful.' Yomi presented the dress to Rin. It was sewn so impeccably it looked store bought 'I took a bunch of old clothes from charity shops and our wardrobes and made something amazing. It's lovely, isn't it?'

 

'It looks better than the outfits you make for us.' Haruka whined 'And did you raid my closet?'

 

'Miss Suzune is important and it's her big day. She deserves better.' Yomi chided 'And you hadn't worn that outfit in years.'

 

Haruka was ready to drag Yomi outside and settle their differences but Hikage unintentionally came to the rescue with her gift. A gift card 'I'm kind of bad at picking presents.' Hikage muttered 'Hope you like it.'

 

'Oh thank you.' Rin wore her best smile 'Thank you for all. I love the gesture, you did well.'

 

'Hey hold up.' Homura jumped in with wide, bright eyes 'I have a gift too! But you it's not something tangible it's the gift of, wait for it drumroll, laughter!' Homura shot the double guns at Rin and raised her eyebrows 'I'm handling entertainment for this shin-dig and pretty soon your sides are gonna beg for mercy.'

 

'Well there will be begging for mercy.' Haruka scoffed.

 

'Hey I can smell food' Mirai tugged Hikage's jeans 'You better get back in the kitchen.'

 

'I guess food's almost done or something.' Hikage headed to the kitchen 'I'll be back in a bit.'

 

Yomi took Rin's arm and seated her at the dining table. When Hikage returned she served up a bountiful feast for her instructor that awed everyone. Hikage playfully teased her hair with delight, she struggled with emotion but loved the praise. The food and atmosphere made Rin lose track of time, she had so much fun with her students. When it came time for the cake the lights dimmed and Rin made her wish. She had just about everything she wanted here so her wish was to chase her dream, to become a legend and have her students embrace everything that being a shinobi entails.