Chapter Text
MAY 18, 11th YEAR, SECOND REIGN OF THE SANDAIME
“Walk with me.”
“I told you, I’m fine.”
“Good. Walk with me.”
“Hakun. They aren’t going to change overnight.”
“I understand. Stay beside me.”
“I don’t want them looking at you that way!”
Naruto looked away from him. They had been arguing about this off and on since an hour’s distance from Konoha, and finally they had come to what was really bothering her.
Haku caught his betrothed’s gaze and then leaned in.
It wasn’t the deepest, or most passionate, or most intimate kiss he’d ever given her. But he did his best to make it the most loving. He heard someone suppress a pained gasp behind him, and ignored it for the moment.
“We face things together. I respect you too much to do otherwise. Don’t you respect me?”
She sighed. “You don’t deserve some of what I get.”
“And how much of it did you ever deserve?” Tani Ryu said, more than a little self loathing in his voice.
“Taniisan--”
“Naruto,” the solidly built, shaven head jounin said. “You have no idea how often I called Ai on giving someone crap for no reason, or your dad for retreating too far into himself when he should have been talking to us, or your mom for raging like a madwoman. Just because you care about people... that shouldn't be a license to let them walk all over you. If anything, it's your responsibility to let them know how stupid they're being. Sometimes you'll need to be polite, and time it right so that they listen. Others... I've dangled your father off the top of the Hokage Monument. Before he was on it. After I made sure to dangle him off his own forehead."
Naruto blinked, and then burst out laughing.
"It wasn't without reason," Tani noted. "Right, Sensei?"
Jiraiya seemed to have developed some sort of pain in his foot, and he was looking at Tsunade. She had a smug look on her face, likely confident in her ability to treat whatever minor injuries she inflicted on the Sage.
"Minato had developed the nasty habit of testing jutsu on Ai, his girlfriend and Tani without asking, yes," Jiraiya-sama said, with a slow smile. "And the pranks-- all the kami and our ancestors were entertained when your mother and father got into an all out prank war. And your dad would always go that touch too far first. I seem to recall Ai stripping his feet so Kushina could tickle them once or twice, too."
This just made Naruto laugh harder and she nudged Haku. "That... that won't work on me, you do realize that?"
"Ah, but I know where it will work."
Naruto winced, still laughing, now a bit nervously as she blushed.
"How does he know where she's-- EE-JA!"
"I'm sure it was perfectly innocent, darling," Tsunade said. Jiraiya grumbled grudging agreement as he rubbed his other foot.
"Squee."
"It's not nice to laugh at Daddy, Tonton."
"Oink."
"She has a point, Jiraiya-sama," Shizune said gently.
"Don't encourage the pig, Shi-chan."
"Hai, Gamma-sama."
"Oink."
"Stifle it, Tonton."
Haku offered his arm to Naruto. "Walk with me, Naruko?"
And maybe it was the pleading note in his voice, or maybe it was that this time he asked. But she smiled, and took his arm.
It was actually rather amusing, Kakashi reflected, seeing the double takes on the faces of those that bothered to look close enough. Either they noticed that Naruto was different somehow, or caught that Haku was a boy, or suddenly registered who stood directly behind them-- two of the Sannin? With the pariah? Very amusing.
Amusing enough to help stomp down the rage, anyway.
He took up the back, with Tani-san. It kept up appearances, not letting the nukenin have his back. And let him observe.
The way some people looked at his genin...
He saw the naked and masked hate from some. It wasn't the majority of the populous, but it was a notable minority. The kind that had collected into mobs twice in twelve years. Enough to make a young nin's life that bit harder.
As bad was the pity from others-- pity, there was a useless emotion. Empathy or even sympathy might motivate you to action. Pity was a way to convince yourself you weren't as bad as those causing the problem without risking action. A bad person wouldn't feel bad, right?
Tse. If Minato-sensei had pitied him, if Danzou-sama had, if the Hokage had merely pitied him... he would have followed his father years ago. A person's good or ill for their world was in their actions.
His exposed eye darted to the left. Tani looked a bit less amused, and a bit angrier. And yes, there seemed to be a bit of self flagellation in there. It got worse when Tani-san caught the eye of a questioning nin. Tani-san met the man's gaze, and the man frowned, but nodded, continuing on his business.
"Tani-san?" Kakashi prompted. Even after all these years, the jounin with the shaven head did not startle. The nin hadn't been drowned by the drunk, then.
"How many, Kakashi-kun, followed my lead? I was the Yondaime's friend, after all-- Kushina-kun's friend, come to it. I should know if... how the child should be treated," he corrected himself.
Kakashi frowned, before turning back to his book. "I won't lie, Ryu-sempai. You did have a lot of pull. Still do. Some probably took your lead... but more simply added to the pile of 'evidence' that let them do what they wanted anyway."
Tani's frown deepened, then he nodded. "Some would be idiot either way."
"Shino-kun?"
"Keep walking."
Kakashi looked up in a manner the Nara would find admirable, slow and natural. He had felt the bug-nin approach of course, and now heard the unmistakable low hum of kaikuchou sharing the irritation of their human host. Aburame Shino, dressed in his clan's trademark long coat and dark glasses, matched their pace easily.
"Are you--" Naruto began.
"If you caught someone stepping on my friends simply because they thought insects were gross, how would you feel?" the boy said. Naruto's face grew tight. Shino nodded once. "And we are not even close friends. Keep walking. So, this is Fubuki-san?"
Introductions were made and the Aburame kept pace easily. If Kakashi had to guess, he'd offer that Shino was scanning the town behind his opaque glasses. He was well mannered, if having the Aburame quirk of being so precise it confused people. Though it seemed he had a growing awareness of it, often asking leading questions to see if he was understood or if he'd need to give some background before he got to the meat.
As they walked on, the glares seemed to lessen. Some stopped when they saw the Gamma-sennin and the Senju-hime, of course. Shino, Sasuke and Sakura chattering with Naruto likely hit them too. But he rapidly noticed the way Haku met many a glare with his own killing intent. The young oinin's intent had a fittingly cold hunter's edge to it, and Kakashi actually saw one jounin freeze in shock, dropping a kunai he'd been attempting some tritely suggestive gestures with.
Okay, so Tani's hotter intent and his own one eyed, almost off hand look helped.
The ANBU dropping from above and "helpfully" picking up said blade just made it perfect. He caught a glimpse of the boar mask and smirked. Well. Inoshishi was watching today. Had the Guardians of the Heart requested that, or maybe Danzou-sama or the Hokage himself? No matter. Inoshishi-kun was an ANBU's nin. They were in good hands.
"After you report to the Hokage," Shino asked as they came upon the tower, "do you have any plans?"
"I was gonna take Hakun to Ichiraku!" the blonde answered joyously. Her voice became a sing song. "Ramen. Ramen. Ra-men. Ramen ramen raaaaaaaaaaaaa-men!"
Haku smirked. "I'm beginning to think Sakura is right about this being an obsession."
"It's *not* an obsession," said Naruto firmly. "Why, calling it that is like saying Konoha nin are obsessed with logs!"
"How does one obsess about the truly sacred?" Shino asked.
"All praise the log," Tani murmured.
"Amen," Jiraiya said, earning an eye roll from his (allegedly) long suffering wife, even as she and Kakashi chimed in.
Haku looked puzzled.
"White lotus tiles," Naruto offered.
"Ah."
Shino's left eyebrow rose. "Ichiraku. Mm. You have excellent taste. Perhaps we will see you there. Good luck with your report."
After an exchange of bows, pleasantries, and an enthusiastic wave on Naruto's part, Shino parted from them.
He looked at Tani and saw his fellow jounin signal in the old Team Jiraiya code-- //reporting, friendly//-- and a jerk of his thumb at Shino. Kakashi nodded. If Naruto's fellow genin wanted to pool information, it was more than likely to a good end. And the Aburame had said "we will see you"-- having her grad class show willingness to eat and be seen with her could only help the jinchuuriki's mental state.
Kakashi strode forward and laid his left hand on Naruto's shoulder, and his right on Haku's. "They'll likely split us up when we get inside-- Haku, the twins, and we have to be handled differently," he explained, even as Naruto's lip jutted out in a trade mark pout. "Haku will likely be debriefed by Shimura-sama himself as an informant. T&I will take the twins. And since this was supposed to be a C Rank that blew up to at least a B, we'll be debriefed by the Hokage and his left and right arm."
"Great," Naruto muttered. "So Utatane-baasan is gonna be there."
"What's wrong with Koharu-sama?" Tsunade asked, in her off hand manner that implied the secondary, "And do I need to kill her?"
"She always makes me feel like I'm disappointing her. And I've tried to figure out how! I even stopped pranking for a year!"
"And her seventh year was a peaceful one indeed," Kakashi noted to anyone wanting a chuckle. The adults did so, lightly.
"She just deals with me 'cause she has to," Naruto muttered.
Seeing the Sage and Princess share a look, Kakashi resolved to ask them about it later. "Well, today she'll just have to deal with us," he said disinterestedly. He caught the silent signal from one of the jounin on duty.
"Chamber... 5?" Naruto said, frowning as Haku and the other nukenin were directed to T&I's more public offices in the tower. Even a brief hand squeeze from Haku brought only the smallest, briefest smile to her face.
"Good," Kakashi said, and seized on the subject as a distraction. "When did you start learning clerk signs?"
Naruto's smile was proud. "Oh, one of the chuunins on desk rotation for Jiji's reception room taught me so he could tell me where Jiji was without interrupting his work. When the other clerks and guards heard, it... just became what we did," she finished with a shrug. "Most of them, anyway. I noticed you and Taniisan--"
"Jiraiya-sensei taught us those," Tani said. "Minato, Ai, and I added to them. We'll teach you three and you'll add your own."
"Just like we added ours to what Hiruzen taught us," Jiraiya noted with nostalgia in his voice. "Remember this one, dear-- EE-JA!"
"I'd guess yes," Sasuke murmured. Sakura snorted.
"What's amusing is this is likely foreplay for them," she shot back.
The Senju-hime's scandalized look and Jiraiya's wide grin sent his genin into hysterics. Well, Sasuke just smirked, but for an Uchiha...
Compared to the smile Hiruzen had seen Hatake give his genin walking into the chamber for his solo debriefing, the ice in Hatake Kakashi's eye now was stark and sobering. He removed his mask, revealing a face as flat and unyielding. His gaze settled on Koharu, and Hiruzen actually smirked. He turned slightly to the left and saw Homura shared it.
"Do not upset Naruto today," Kakashi said, in that bored, even tone that suggested absolute importance.
"I--"
"She feels as though you are the aunt in the corner who never really talks to her, frowning at her no matter what she does," Kakashi said. "Please, Utatane-sama. Take it as advice and information. Right now, above all else, Naruto needs to be acknowledged as a person. And of you three, you are the only one she isn't sure of."
Koharu's eyes actually widened to less than a squint for a moment. "I... appreciate your advice, Hatake-san. As I have some honest concerns, I will... have to convey them properly. Are there... any further concerns regarding the well being of your charges?"
"Your concern for all of my team is appreciated," the Copy-nin said. Hatake frowned thoughtfully. "Sasuke is beginning to ask questions about the night his clan was decimated, and they are the kind that give me hope. He's rather irritated on Naruto's behalf, as much for what his father has apparently done as what the village as a whole has. He's anxious to return Naruto's entitled lands to her."
"There may be an issue there, sadly. Homura, contact Hiashi-san," Hiruzen said. "Give him permission to explain Sasuke's father's... actions following the guardianship transfer. Also... I will give Danzou approval to go over what we know of that night."
"Hai," the legal eye said with a nod. He met the eye of the Fourth's student. "And what of Haruno Sakura?"
Hatake smirked. "Frustrated. Eager to correct the obvious gaps in her ability, and close the gulf between her potential and the reality. Her mind has begun to turn over. She's less interested in being a fangirl for Sasuke, and more interested in being a team mate to both of them. I've noticed Naruto calling her neesan once or twice. Her mind... it's incredibly sharp, she's just not been using it to best effect. She'll get there."
Hiruzen sighed with open relief, and took a slow, contemplative drag on his pipe. "Very well. We've read the mission report you sent us. I must apologize for the gaps in our information."
"An obvious misclass-- though in Tazuna-san's defence, I doubt he could have come up with B or A-Rank money even pooling with his neighbours," Hatake said. "Gato... he'd pushed that area into a depression akin to the one most of the Elemental Countries suffered just prior to the Second Shinobi war. I am honestly concerned for our friends there, above and beyond consideration of Shippuden Corp."
"Koharu?" Hiruzen prompted.
Koharu smiled gently. "Since we are establishing a constabulary there, I contacted the Daimyo. As of yesterday, Nami no Kuni is officially considered a Hi ally, who we are aiding in recovery-- much as the mainland Uzu no Kuni lands were during the last war, or the Kusagakure territories now."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Are we formally taking control of Nami? Mizu no Kuni may not be a place of politicking, but--"
"The Daimyo has agreed that any further link between Nami and Hi should be negotiated with whatever representative Nami's people eventually choose," Homura broke in. "I helped craft a full, quite honest missive to the Mizudaimyo and Mizukage. They've approved of the plan, though... I did have to class Jiraiya's ally Zabuza as a nukenin and collect the bounty."
"Regrettable," Hatake said earnestly. "A good man. Saved our lives."
"Politics," Homura sighed. "They were, surprisingly, not interested in the Oni, and I somehow regrettably missed identifying Uzumaki-san's betrothed as the nukenin hunter who assisted in the coup attempt. He will thus be able to take the bounty in lieu of a proper inheritance."
Hatake bowed deep. Hiruzen smirked-- Kakashi knew full well what it took to get Homura to bend the rules. "And so, Nami's political position...?"
"There will be no formal immediate annexing, even if Nami suggests it," Hiruzen said firmly. "If Nami becomes part of Hi, it will be peacefully over time. Such a merger aside... as of now, Konoha is as good as their hidden village. Thus, people like Tazuna-san shall no longer need to hire us to simply enforce the rule of law."
Hatake mastered his surprise and nodded his thanks.
"I must say," Koharu noted, smiling slightly, "it is good to see you eyeing investments for Naruto's future as your sensei did for you after your father's passing."
There was the barest hint of red under Hatake's exposed eye. Hiruzen hurriedly spoke, before silence compelled Hatake to. "Anything further before we bring in your team, Kakashi-san?" the Professor asked.
Hatake Kakashi smirked, blush fading. "That depends on whether you are willing to give me permission to rant at you for a bit... or would rather hear it from Tsunade-hime-sama..."
Hiruzen bit down on his pipe. He heard Koharu gulp and saw Homura start to polish his glasses.
"Kakashi-san..." Hiruzen managed, "... please, feel free."
"The official record will reflect Jiraiya's cover story," the man with the mop of dark hair began bluntly, "as I trust him implicitly. However, I must ask you to be honest with me about what happened."
Haku gave a small smile. "You would be Shimura Danzou-sama."
Shimura-sama smirked. "Ah, am I still in Kirigakure's bingo book, then?"
"As of when we left. Same bounty as the Hokage and his personal council, with the whole 'hostile situation only' qualifier, of course."
"Of course. Off the record?"
"Killing any of you four is seen as a potential suicide mission."
Shimura frowned. "I'll have to do something dramatic so it's not even considered a potential mission again, then. Please, address me as Danzou-san. I am no Kage, nor am I one of the Sannin. If you are under my direct command, that is another matter. Do you feel willing to tell me what actually happened from your perspective?"
"Are you operating on your own assumptions, or--"
Danzou shook his head. "Kami, no. Jiraiya knows me better than that. Leave me to dig on my own, and... well... I don't stop." He pulled out a scroll, showing it had been sealed with Jiraiya's deceptively complex privacy fuinjutsu. "His true report. My eyes, Hokage's eyes only-- with the option to extend that as needed. Ibiki has been told your twin friends were ignorant of the official story until now."
Haku nodded, slowly. "As you wish, Danzou-san. Before I start, however-- I noted something on my way in that I have no doubt is a potential threat to this village. Especially my betrothed."
Danzou leaned forward in interest. "Speak," he said.
Sakura had moved from figuring out ways to keeps Naruto's boundless energy in check to being as annoyed as her team mate. Even Sasuke's sour look of impatience seemed justified.
"They would use a sealed chamber," Naruto grumbled. "Think they're chewing out Kashi-sensei?"
"More likely he's chewing them out," Sakura spat. She had a brief "did I just say that" moment, but she stomped it down. The world was going to get her honesty, like it or not.
"Heh."
The two girls looked at Sasuke.
"Maybe I'll get a tomato ration for every mission."
Sakura snorted. "Sasuke-san must have his tomatoes. And Ramen!"
"Ramen!" Echoed Naruto. "'Three packs a day, for each cute little genin! They must have one at every meal, Hokage-sama!'"
"Which, of course, are there so she can steal them," Sasuke deadpanned.
"'Tomato Ramen for the Uchiha!'"
"They can do that?"
"'And for Sakura, BOOKS! My cute little genius genin needs books!'"
"'On tactics!'" Sakura offered, though her impression of their sensei wasn't as good as Narukun's.
"'And psychology, for dealing with her head case team mates!'"
"Hn."
"'Team mates, stern cute little genin. Plural.'"
"... I will agree with that..."
"'And on ijutsus!'" Sakura piped up.
"'And maybe..." Naruto said, looking from side to side slyly, "just maybe... you could slip in some of those Aihara Miki romances...?'"
Sakura blinked, and then grinned, managing not to chortle. "'They are something both she and I... appreciate...'"
"'Though," Naruto added, "'for... vastly... different reasons."
"Ahem."
The three genin looked up.
"Oh. Morning, Shiranui-kun," Narukun said, foxy grin in "I'm probably in trouble, yes?" mode.
The senbon chewing nin shook his head. "They're ready for you three."
As the trio was ushered into the chamber, Shiranui murmured, "She does a pretty good Sarutobi-sama, too."
Narukun buffed her nails on her shirt.
"Because we hear you're the violent, sadistic one."
Akunoyosha Meizu blinked, then answered Morino Ibiki's smirk with a chuckle. "I suppose that's a fair description, Morino-san. I do like to tease my friends and toy with my targets. Though I do always remember which is which."
Morino-san nodded, and then his face became hard and composed. "Please explain why Mizu no Kuni is totally uninterested in you and your brother."
"Because as far as they are concerned, Morino-san, we're two worthless civilian born shinobi."
One raised eyebrow. "Explain."
"Bloodlines aren't the only thing subject to persecution in Mizu," Meizu growled, warming to the topic. "My brother and I experienced that first hand. Zazasan was the only one who took us seriously, and we aren't still chuunin due to lack of skill. There were--are, as far as I know-- hurdles put in the way of people of our background there. I was in the bureaucratic run around for three. Damn. Years. Trying to be considered for promotion. And I would have given up, but my brother is a clever man who deserved it, damn it!"
Morino-san raised an eyebrow. "I think our table gets your point."
Meizu noticed his hand in a fist, resting on the table. A table that, yes, now had a dent in it.
"I wondered why I was hearing bangs in time with the important stuff," he said weakly.
Morino-san just smirked. Something in that smirk made Meizu feel a bit worried.
Anko's going to either kill him or fuck him, Ibiki noted carefully to himself.
"Jiji, Oyaji," Uzumaki Naruto shouted, and then her tone changed ever so slightly. "Obasan." The girl's teammate with the pink hair nudged her with an elbow, gently, and Naruto smiled even as she complained, "Oi, Sakura-nee-chan, that's what I always call them..."
"We need to show a little respect, Narukun!"
Koharu forced herself not to frown. It seemed Kakashi was right-- Minato's child did not entirely trust her. The fact that someone like her who specialized in enhancing her perceptions missed this gave her a hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach. Though it was somewhat heartening to note Naruto was still Naruto.
"Sakura," Kakashi said, mask back up, smiling but serious, "Perhaps it is best to let the people being addressed correct the means of address, mm?"
Haruno-kun looked a bit embarrassed at this. "Hai, Sensei, sorry. Sorry, Hokage-sama, Utatane-sama, Mitokado-sama."
"It is alright, Haruno-kun," the Sandaime said, smoking on his ever present pipe. "Some of the finer points of manners can only come with time-- though perhaps you can share your training in the more obvious with your team mates?"
This time, Koharu was holding laughter as Haruno's look-- a look that caused her team mates to sweat in a way the three kage-level nins in front of them did not.
After all, it had been a while since Hiruzen had gotten THAT LOOK.
Hiruzen smirked at the by-play, and then adopted 'Professor Mode'. "Team Seven. By all accounts, despite an obvious misclass, you performed beyond expectations. Because of this misclassing, as well as other events... we will be debriefing you."
"Note to self," Naruto muttered. "Changing genders equals boring meetings."
"Ahem," Hiruzen said with a small smirk.
"Sorry, Jiji."
"We would be questioning you simply for the misclass, Uzumaki-kun," said Koharu. She noticed a slight shift in Naruto's stance, leaning closer to Sakura. She also saw Uchiha-san slip ever so slightly into a more ready stance, almost as if ready to defend his team mate in her uncertainty. "Normally," Koharu continued, "we'd separate you and debrief you one on one. However, given recent events... would you prefer to be debriefed in a group?"
The three genin looked at her, puzzled, then at each other. Naruto stood up straight and tall after a moment. "Do it the way you would anyone else. I don't need any special treatment." Her head bowed a little. "As... long as Kakashi-sensei is here."
Koharu nodded slowly. "As you wish," she said, and Shiranui Gemma opened the door on cue. "Haruno-kun, Uchiha-san, if you would...?"
For some reason, Haruno's brief hand running across Naruto's back and Uchiha's nod and almost challenging smirk gave Utatane Koharu a stirring of hope and a surprising stab of guilt.
"Hime-sama!"
Anyone who saw Mitarashi Anko glomp the last of the Senju would have been wise to keep any commentary to themselves, unless they were dear enough friends to take the death threats that would follow as jokes-- most of the time. Hino Hokuto was in the later company, but she simply smiled at her friend's suddenly girlish demeanour. This wasn't the fake little girl used to make a shop keeper nervous, or the childish blood lust she used to freak people out. This was earnest happiness.
Senju-sama was, as always, awkward in the face of blunt affection. The fact that this did nothing to dissuade Anko was actually rather sweet.
Anko started to bring the Legendary Sucker (and every joke on that title had been made)) up to speed. Senju-sama occasionally stopped her for a question or an approving or disapproving comment.
Hokuto smirked and turned to the Sennin.
"And where's the rest of your merry little family?" she asked, hoping to get Jiraiya into bubbling cute explanation mode.
The toad-summoner smirked. "On their way, I just wanted a few days where Naruto had my undivided attention.
"Oh?" his wife said, leaning over to Hokuto. "Ask him why he didn't invite me to Special One on One God Parent Time."
Hokuto was nothing if not dutiful. "Ero-sama, why didn't you invite Hime-sama to Special One on One God Parent Time?"
"Uh-- well... you see, Hokuto-kun, that's a complex issue... requiring I explain, er, several dozen factors--"
"Oh," Hokuto said, smiling pleasantly. "Then... please do."
"Uh... um... that is... Oh, look at the time, I have a manuscript that my pub--"
"Why, dear, you sent that off yesterday. And Gutsy Samurai and the Five Magic Spheres isn't due for another month..."
Jiraiya frowned. "Oh, really, Hime-chan? I wasn't aware you were keeping track."
"It is a pleasure to help out in this minor way, O-Danna-sama," Tsunade said with a smirk.
There was a moment of shared smirking.
"So, Gamma-sama," Anko said, "why wasn't Hime-sama invited to--"
"Because I wanted some time with her to myself," Jiraiya sighed in defeat. "I've... only been indirectly involved with her life so far, and I wanted to make it up to her. It was selfish and a bit silly not to tell my wonderful, beautiful, sexy, youthful wife this."
"Oh, I forgot to ask, how is Gai-kun?" Hime-sama asked.
"He only mentions youthful after he's seen Maito-san?" Hokuto whispered to Anko.
"He'd better hope it's because of that," Tsunade muttered, startling the two.
But really, Hokuto admitted to herself, we expected her not to hear?
"As a matter of fact, Gai-kun was sent to start setting up our new constabulary in Nami. He's got an apprentice that dresses just like him..."
Senju-sama blinked. "Just... like..."
"Down to the bowl cut," Jiraiya said, grinning.
"... I should have insisted on sitting in on the mental screening that year, my winning streak should have told me that..."
Anko looked around with a frown. "Say, where's Shizune-chan?"
Senju-sama's smile was not comforting. "Oh, just... handling a few things with that nice boy Umino-san."
"Nice punch," Iruka noted dryly.
"Thank you," Shizune said, not even shaking out her hand as she looked at the target. "Now then, Taka-san... as I said. You are five months arrears so we are evicting you. Papers signed by the owners. Have an important tenant we want to move in. Get out."
"How'd... little girls shudnit be able ta hit tha hard..." the man who had attempted to attack Tsunade's slight apprentice managed.
"Ah. I can provide further proof otherwise, if you insist," Shizune said, and Iruka allowed himself a smirk as she very deliberately made her gathering chakra visually noticeable.
"No! No! I get it, sorry, kami don't hurt me!" the man said, throwing up his hands. "When-- when do you need me out?"
"Now," Shizune said simply. "So, Iruka, his or hers, now that you've seen both?"
"Given what I know of the gentleman, this North East exposure would suit him better."
"What, right now...?" the skinny man muttered.
Iruka suddenly turned toward the man. "Are you denying the central clauses of the Konoha Landlord Tenant Act? One of the earliest laws, drafted by the Shodai himself with the aid of his clan mate and adviser Senju Touka-sama? Are you aware of the history you are disrespecting? Why, when the Shodai passed it, it was to insure that civilians such as yourself were protected from vain shinobi, and even non nin that held power. Further, under proviso three of said law, the owners are graciously paying for a week's hotel stay. Why, in Iwa--"
Shizune blinked as Taka-san stumbled a few polite responses out to Iruka's lecture. Was... the chuunin's head... growing...?
Naruto found herself looking around puzzled suddenly.
"Is something the matter, Naruto?" Jiji asked.
"No, just... I suddenly got the feeling that I'm missing seeing someone else get chewed out by Iruka-sensei, and I thought the Academy was on break."
"It is," the Hokage murmured.
"Hokage-sama," Kakashi said, "Tsunade-hime did mention asking him to help her apprentice with a few... errands regard their properties in the area."
"Ah," Mitokado said. "So you may well be right, Naruto. He is likely making sure someone understands the Konoha Landlord Tenant Act or the Decree on Squatter's Rights as we speak."
Naruto gave a foxy grin. "Heh. As long as it's not me."
"Uzumaki-kun," Utatane said, and why was she being so make nice? Kashi-sensei must have said something to her...
"Naruto?" her sensei prompted expectantly.
"Uh... sorry, Kashi-sensei. What was the question, Baasan?"
The woman smiled slightly. "You've got better focus than I did at your age, I assure you. I was asking... what exactly happened within the mirrors? Can you describe it?"
Naruto bit her lip. "I... talked to Kashi-sensei about it, and I think I've got the words. It's like... well, I heard the Shodai could do freaky stuff with his tree jutsus that didn't seem obvious from the way... you know, how plants act in nature. Or even how putting any element in a weapon-- wind makes it sharper, I read fire makes the damage linger..."
Now the smile seemed surprised, proud... and a little relieved.. "You are well informed, Uzumaki-kun." Utatane then scowled. "It makes me wonder why more of your teachers were not more... willing... to teach such an eager student. You mean to say a secondary effect manifest, due to Fubuki-san's chakra powering the seishitsu henka?"
"Yeah! And he has a few... which he'll likely wanna share himself," Naruto said.
Utatane nodded. "If at all. We would no more force him to tell us than force the Aburame to explain all their family jutsus. You need only describe as much as applies here."
Naruto allowed herself a small smile. If Baasan was really trying to be nice... "Well, it's like-- when I tapped the Kyuubi's chakra for the first time; it messed up his control over how his mirrors acted, right?"
"I can attest to that from personal experience," Sarutobi said with a wince. "Caught unaware, a nin washed in demonic chakra-- it is similar enough in... shall we say, flavour? It's enough like the chakra we generate that you can compensate if aware, but it's that very sameness that can prove to distort your abilities."
"I guessed that!" Naruto said, proud of herself. "So, so when it started to manifest, the mirrors slipped into one of the... things they just do, when Hakun's not focusing. And they're mirrors, so it was reflecting... except, it reflected our minds to each other, too. So it was like getting to know someone the way I know Iruka-sensei in seconds. Maybe," she added, licking her lips, "a little better. So, I suddenly had a new chakra bond to adjust to, and... well, I feel lucky it was Hakun." She knew she was blushing, but that was fine. Really, she wasn't going to deny it later. That'd be silly. Why, her cool and hip sensei wouldn't do that!
Utatane's eyes widened to nearly normal openness. Shame she was squinting all the time, her dark eyes were actually kinda nice. "That is... I understand. That addresses some concerns I had..."
"Concerns?" Naruto asked, confused again. She noticed Jiji taking one of those deep, relieved puffs on his pipe.
The Hokage frowned thoughtfully. "Naruto, understand-- to us, Fubuki-san may well be one of your godfather's informants, but he is unknown nukenin from a place that has produced some... unsavoury ones. To us, it is a matter of two genin we already have concerns about being subjected to the stress of an unknown nin's jutsu. Our minds are reeling with ever possible thing that could go wrong in such a situation."
Naruto thought about that, and remembered what Kakashi had said about training young genin on the trip back.
"Thank you. For caring, I mean," she finally said, with a small smile. "Any way... I don't know much about sealing, so I'm not sure whether the 'hide me as a boy' part of the seal was supposed to go when the barrier between me and Angry and Fuzzy weakened..."
"You seem to have... adjusted rather well to that," Mitokado noted. "Has the... henge caused any problems?"
"'Henge' doesn't seem to cover it, does it?" Kakashi mused.
Naruto nodded to this, and then remembered the question. "Well... I feel fine, but Sensei wants us to see Sayuri-chan for a checkup. And Baachan-- uh, Tsunade-baachan wants to sit in."
"Hyuuga Sayuri-san?" Mitokado asked.
"She's been Naruto's care coordinator since she joined the Academy," the Hokage said.
"You're in good hands," Utatane noted.
Naruto smiled. "She's great!" Then she sobered. "The only real thing is... my period started two days after."
She was sort of surprised when Jiji gave a wince not of disgust, but sympathy. Oyaji merely nodded sagely.
"Did Haruno-kun have adequate supplies, or did you need to improvise?" Utatane asked.
"Sakura had extra... stuff," Naruto said. Suddenly the embarrassment she anticipated her elders having seemed to rest in her.
" Uh... there's one other thing. And it... may make you worried again, but I promised Ero-sennin and Hakun I'd tell you." She swallowed, even as her name for Jiraiya drew smiles. "For a second-- less than we saw each other, but for a second... we both saw the Kyuubi."
There was a long, silent pause.
"It has already been arranged," Hyuuga Hiashi said, smiling ever so slightly.
Yachi blinked at the head of her clan. "Am I... that transparent, Hiashi-sama?"
The two sat in an out building in the Hyuuga gardens, as they always did when they needed to discuss matters of import. The occasion was always framed with Yachi indulging the clan head's desire for a formal tea. It was how it was marked, and the act was as much a do not disturb signal as the privacy seals on the building.
"When it comes to Naruto, your concern is as obvious as Kou's for his young cousin," the Hyuuga patriarch said drily, then gave her another small smirk as she blushed in a manner comparable to Hinata. "I have already arranged your new home with Jiraiya-sama. Nagahiko should have the details by the end of the day."
"Ah. Sorry. I should have expected you would take care of things," Yachi said, with a bow. Only a Hyuuga would have seen the subtle differences between it and the typical Bunke to Souke bow. As such, her honest respect for her benefactor was obvious.
"However, I must request that you be less covert about you activities as well," Hiashi said with that Hyuuga firmness.
Yachi frowned. "She... is an intelligent person. To do otherwise would be foolish. I shall be honest with Naruto, Hiashi-sama."
"Actually, you are as much aiding me further as anything else," Hiashi said, voice all business now. Yachi's concern only grew as he reached over and with careful, measured ease began to prepare them each more tea. When Hiashi did that, what followed would be of the utmost importance.
Yagi took a refined sip of tea. As always, Hiashi's tea had a simple, zen like quality to it.
"You... have concerns about Naruto's betrothed?" Yachi suggested.
"Thankfully, no. For all his eccentricities, I do trust Jiraiya-sama's judgement-- much as Kotone and I trust Maito-san with Neji despite his... quirks. I have no doubt by now that Senju-sama has endorsed the choice as well. Rather, my concern for her betrothed is now placed alongside my concerns for her. Despite the hopeful signs from the other members of her class, they are not all the residents of Konoha."
Yachi nodded slowly in understanding. "There is change coming."
"Indeed. And not all welcome it."
"A girl?" the elder of the two men said. "Are you sure?"
"Hai, Lo-sama," the younger replied.
The brows on the elder's forehead narrowed. They'd been carefully thinned from unrulely bushiness to dignified lines that did not suit the face they were on, any more than the frown currently on it suited a face so clearly made for smiles. "A female relative of the Kyuubi bastard with the same name and fashion sense? And... she... has business interests in Nami? Why was... the boy's team... sent out to start the protection for it, Nohadou?"
"Who knows, Lo-sama? The Hokage's thinking can be hard to understand at times."
Lo nodded and smirked. "Still. This girl may provide a gate to what remains of the true Uzumaki clan, and we should try to become allies of that..."
"Especially one that rich," Nohadou murmured.
"Oh, it's good to have rich friends," Lo agreed. "But to be allied with a proper member of a family seen as so much a part of Konoha... that is the main thing."
"Such friends provide clout," Nohadou said. "And... the Uzumaki undoubtedly will be granted a Clan seat."
"And any ally on the council," Lo said with a sly smirk, "could aid the Rock line in being recognized as the clan it is..."
It was a shame that no one was there to tell Rock Lo his face was not suited to that kind of sly either.
"My son is no great loss," Kaneko Kohaku said, raising a hand to stop the report. The woman sighed. "If he chose to forget we are business people and shinobi, that is up to him."
The others kneeling round the table nodded for the most part. Kohaku saw a few looks of worry, too. That suited. If Azusa could be used as a sharp example, it would keep some of the worrying laxness she saw seeping in at bay. The Kaneko were for business and war in equal measure.
"Are we... distancing ourselves from Azusa, then?" one of the elders said, frowning. He tapped the table. "Or shall we perhaps wait...?"
"Until Ibiki is done with him, at least?" Kohaku mused. At her uncle's nod, the clan head nodded herself, slowly. "My thoughts as well. You are correct. Denouncing him too soon... it will seem that we knew of what he was doing."
"And seeing as how we did..." one of the younger members murmured, to light chuckles.
"This sea change regarding the Uzumaki is worrying," a cousin-- Taki? Headed up their shipping interests. Good with water. "There are rumours floating, that the ... child was masquerading as a boy for her protection, and that she is truly an Uzumaki."
"Oh, she's an Uzumaki alright," Kohaku said. "Despite the blonde hair. Where they dug up a cousin to take the place of the Yondaime's wife, I would not hazard to guess. But the Fourth's family was wiped out, and they needed somewhere to put the Fox, I suppose..."
"Be that as it may, this does bring up some important concerns," another adviser said-- Ah, Kimi. How her little cousin had grown, gaining the sharp mind that ran many a tea house in Hi. Kohaku gestured for the younger woman to continue. "We've been trying to marginalize the container for years, as it has the only tenuous claim to assets we desire."
Kohaku smiled, slightly. "The girl is likely to be easy to... convince. After all, she's been beat down her whole life. How much of the Will of Fire can be left under all that bluster?"
"...he actually hates Madara more than my dad, or anyone in Konoha. And... I've contacted him since. Not that I trust him or anything! Heck, I think he'd say the same about me."
"Him?" Mitokado said, finally getting a word in edgewise.
"We settled on that, since... Dad only sealed half his Chakra in there." The awkward looks the trio of Hokage and advisers gave each other said a lot. "It's okay. I understand. But, so, we decided on he, since using 'it' seems a bit disrespectful. It isn't completely right, y'know? But we're a... well, I'm a tricky little bitch with a vicious manipulative bastard inside me, and we have to figure out how to live with each other. We're... kinda stuck that way. So I'll just figure out how to deal with the fox-idiot, and he'll have to figure out how to deal with me. Believe it!"
Slowly... Utatane chuckled. "You seem better armed to deal with the fox than your mother," she said, smiling. "She usually ended up ranting at it and chaining it down, and then drinking me out of my tea stores to calm down!"
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle as well. "Really?"
"My team mate takes tea very seriously," Sarutobi noted dryly. "Your mother could drink almost as much of it as she could inhale ramen."
"Ah, but at least she could appreciate the same subtleties in it I can," Utatane shot back. "Unlike certain philistines I could mention."
"It's excellent tea," Mitokado said defensively.
"Oh, Homura, just accept you've not got the palate for appreciating things the way we do," the Hokage shot back. "Naruto, your general disposition toward your... tenant is appropriate. Please, keep Hatake-san up to date on it, and he will keep us appraised. Now, I believe all our concerns have been addressed for the moment. We may have more questions latter, but for now consider details on this mission a secret until we finish the... paper work."
Naruto smiled. "There's gotta be a jutsu for that. Or you could make one, and teach me when I take over the job."
The God of Shinobi scowled. "If you get good enough to take this job, brat, you should be good enough to make your own damn jutsus."
"Figures..." Naruto grumbled, and then she met her Jiji's eyes. "Actually... Look, Kashi-sensei told us that Sasuke's father took over my dad's land, and even though Sasuke's said he'll give it back... that's just land, y'know? And any money or valuables-- I have no place to put them right now. But... everyone keeps telling me my parents had a lot of skills, and were smart, and I figure-- well, I know Dad likely didn't write the stuff behind the Hiraishin down, but he likely had some notes, and-- I figure not only could I learn some of the things he'd want to teach me, but maybe it'd have some of his thoughts and... y'know..."
The Hokage sighed, and Naruto knew that sigh, it was the I'm-sorry-but sigh, and she was schooling herself to give the fox grin--
"Your father," Utatane said, "made several such records. In fact, in a way you've seen one. The Scroll of Seals... after the Shodai wrote down the theories of sealing bijuu, his successors added to it, including your father. Details of the hand and inscribed seals needed, so kinjutsu could be remembered but not abused. The final-- or near so-- version of the jinchuuriki seal you have is within it, though not all the theory."
Naruto slowly nodded. "Okay. So I've seen something he's worked on--"
"And you will see more," Utatane said, firmly.
The Hokage looked at her, a bit cross. "Yes. Perhaps it is a matter of when--"
"Indeed," Utatane said, now addressing Sarutobi as much as Naruto. "Your parent's will specified that their notes and records be spread out amongst several of the people they knew. And that those documents are given to you as we feel you are ready."
"We...?" Naruto asked, a little shocked-- both at Baasan ignoring Jiji's hinting, and how ashamed the Hokage suddenly looked.
"Your godfather got the scroll fully explaining your seal. I believe Hyuuga Hiashi-san has several of your parents' ruminations on governance."
"Come to it," Mitokado said, not meeting Jiji's eyes or hers as he seemed lost in memory, "Your parents co-wrote an introduction to fuinjutsu that you can find in the Konoha Shinobi Library under the joint pen name Masaaki. It's called Basic Concepts in Seals."
The Hokage bowed his head, and then raised it, a sad smile forming. "You father wanted to call it Masaaki's Stunning Introduction to Splendid Sealing... but your mother and her frying pan pointed out her title would be found faster. And that if they were using a pen name to avoid it being read simply for it being their book, it was best to be a bit subtle."
"Frying... pan...?" Naruto managed, blinking and not quite sure whether to laugh.
"It's hard to tell whether she used it more for cooking or getting her point across," the village's leader deadpanned, propping his head up on one arm, hand on his cheek, his grin still tinted with sadness. "I... have your father's diary-- he started it during the War. I keep it along with copies of his official reports and decrees. And really, it was... well, you'll see."
Naruto found herself looking at Utatane. "What... what did you get Baasan?"
The elder kunoichi smiled at her. "Do you know where my house is?"
"Um... near the Aburame compound? By the warehouses?"
"Hai. Stop by and I'll show you."
Naruto simply nodded. She didn't trust herself to speak at the moment.
"That seems both tactically and socially unsound, and quite troublesome," Nara Shikaku noted.
Gouzu shrugged. "I got the feeling Haku and Zazasan knew more about the why-- I didn't even know Zazasan was in contact with the Gamma-sennin until Haku explained. After Jiraiya-sama beat us up."
"That's how that sort of thing tends to go, isn't it?" Nara smirked. "Kirigakure... how do the Mizukage hold it together?"
The 'debriefing' had been informal seeming from the start, but he had sensed the razor sharp mind behind the oh so calm questions rather quickly. The surface was that of two men talking shop. Underneath-- cloaked in another technique, this degree of questioning would have left Gouzu sweating.
"They really don't. There's a reason there's a class of special jounin just for hunting nukenin from Kiri. I did get the impression..." Gouzu shook his head slowly. "Haku-senpai never out right said it, but he and Zazasan seemed to think there was someone urging the Mizukage on. Zazasan and Yagura were close friends at one point. I hear there was a change in leadership as of late, but who knows if it's just another puppet."
Nara's eyes narrowed a moment.
"Haku-senpai said he would be informing your Shinobi no Yomi of that, and much else."
Nara nodded and relaxed. "Do you play shogi?"
"... Kami and all my ancestors," Danzou muttered. "Haku... I shudder to think how ill prepared we might have been if you had died in Nami... five, you said?"
"That I recognized," Haku said simply.
The Darkness of the Shinobi's face grew incredibly serious-- and Haku suddenly knew with dead certainty that Shimura Danzou had earned his title-- and that he was on the right side of the Darkness.
"Do you remember what I said about me and digging, Fubuki-san?"
"Hai, Danzou-san," Haku agreed readily.
"I will tell you honestly: I did not become friends with Naruto-kun's parents until shortly before they died. That friendship none the less changed the course of my life. I tell you now, Fubuki-san-- I am going to start digging. And if you trust me, and let me dig until I am done... we will have the graves of every agent of the Snake you saw."
Haku slowly smiled back. "Danzou-san. If the head of Ne is turning his darkness upon my enemies... I would be a fool to get in the way."
"I think I broke them," Sasuke admitted.
"Did you say something besides 'Hn' to them?" Sakura asked.
Sasuke smirked. "Should have started with less than ten words a sentence, Saku-senko?"
"You seem confused, Sasuke-kun," Sakura mused, tapping her chin. "Our Sensei is over there, reading a dirty book while he has a chance--"
"Damn straight," Kakashi offered from the couch he was reclining on.
They were waiting for their Kirinin friends, after much reassurance from Sensei that it was natural for a defector's briefing to take longer, and that the esteemed Team Hokage were just wanting to get Tani-san's impressions on the group, and no, Naruto's betrothed didn't need a hundred of her Kage Bushin to go rescue him.
Naruto chuckled from where she was balancing on one arm of the couch. "Well, Sakura-chan, you are supposed to teach the bastard and me manners."
"Kami knows the Dead-Last needs it," came the flat rejoinder.
"Bastard needs it more," Naruto shot back.
"This is going to be an uphill battle," Sakura sighed.
"You say something, Sakura?" Kakashi murmured.
"Just that I hate you sensei."
"Ah, tough but fair."
"Yaro," Sasuke said.
"Ha! I've never worked a farm in my life, ahoOOOOOOOOOOOOO--!"
Sakura stood just in time to see her tumbling team mate get caught.
"You planned that," Naruto accused her saviour flatly.
"No," Haku said, smiling slightly. "Merely took advantage of it."
Naruto slanted her eyes downward in thought, and then met his gaze. "This is acceptable as well."
"I'm glad."
As he helped his betrothed stand, Sakura saw the sudden grip her team mate took on Haku's arms. "So?"
Haku sighed. "Naruko, we still have to see the Hokage and his council--"
The door to the meeting chamber opened. Tani Ryu emerged, every inch the professional nin.
"Fubuki-san, you and your associates are invited to speak with the Hokage and his advisers now."
The three nukenin bowed in thanks and proceeded into the chamber. Tani closed the door, remaining every inch the proper jounin... until he was impacted by Naruto's mass.
"You gave Jiji and the others a good report, right Taniisan? You told them that those guys are awesome-- well, Hakun's awesome, Gouzan and Meizan are okay-- but do you think they can stay? I am going to be so pissed off if they can't. I'll move to Nami and---"
As Naruto kept going, Tani blinked and looked up at the rest of Team Hatake.
"All the time," Sasuke said.
"Never stops," Sakura added.
"Almost like Gai going on about youth..." Hatake mused, and then returned to his book.
Sakura held back a laugh as Tani looked down at the still ranting Naruto, who had somehow begun a discourse on the laws she would pass about paper work when she was Hokage. Right after the Ramen appreciation day, which she wasn't sure if it should be every Saturday or every two. But before that was the no cat mission by-law and a dozen other things she'd do when she was Hokage.
And she'd be Hokage, believe it.
"During said three month lock-down," the Hokage was explaining, "We will provide you all with instruction on Konoha's laws, regulations, and customs. We will also be evaluating your skills. The additional two months for the Akunoyosha are to ensure they are not a flight risk; rest assured we are eager to assess and add such masters of the team attack to our roster."
The adviser called Mitokado frowned at that. Obviously mention of certain prejudices had been relayed to them. "With significantly less bias than you faced in Kiri. If you two are special jounin or higher in skill, rest assured you'll be put to due consideration for the rank."
Haku saw the twins bow thanks in perfect coordination.
"You mentioned an Advocate?" he asked.
"Ah, yes," Utatane said, her gaze somehow piercing despite her squint. "As you are old enough to represent yourself on the councils, but do not yet know how they work, we will assign an advocate to aid you in establishing your clan here."
"Ah," Haku said. "Well, then I would request that the remit to this guardian be changed slightly. I shall be taking Uzumaki-sama's name. We plan to marry when she is 15; given that, it shall be the Uzumaki I will represent, if Naruko-sama does not herself."
"I see," the old kunoichi said. "Fubuki-san, you are aware what is said of the Uzumaki blood and kekkei genkai, or even gene dependent hinjutsu...?"
He was being tested. This woman may have made his betrothed uneasy, but she did seem to care in some way. "I have discussed it at length with Senju-sama. Our grand children may well manifest Hyuuton. If they so choose, Naruko-sama and I have agreed that they are allowed to take up my mother's clan name-- or even the one I have assumed now. The Uchiha, Aburame, and others have crossed with the Uzumaki; unless I am mistaken, Uchiha-san's eyes are active. I had the pleasure of meeting Naruko-sama's friend Aburame Shino. The hum of the clan's kaikuchou is as distinct as Zabuza-sensei suggested." Hakun met the eyes of his would be leaders evenly. "I am not here to cultivate a genetic line, Utatane-sama. I am here to live in a Ninja village I can actually see myself having pride in with someone I care for."
Utatane smirked slightly and nodded.
"I understand Jiraiya is already providing you with housing," the Hokage said. "That said, during your probation, we will be giving you a stipend--"
"That is not necessary," Haku said. "My betrothed and I own a corporation, and the man in charge of our Nami headquarters has already contacted us to set up cash flow. Please, reserve that money for those that need it, and pay us for missions when we take them. In fact, if anything we will need aid with finding further space for offices here."
The Hokage raised an eyebrow. "And... what of you, Akunoyosha Meizu and Gouzu?"
"List us as retainers of the Uzumaki," Meizu said in that light growl he always had. "Jiraiya-sama is arranging housing near Haku-tono and Naru-hime."
Haku shot a look at him. "He's going to keep calling us that, isn't he...?"
"Likely," Gouzu sighed. "We'll be staying with Haku until the housing is arranged, Hokage-sama. As to pay... when we undertake missions for the honour of the Hidden Leaf."
The God of the Shinobi nodded slowly. "That is more than acceptable. Your candor and directness is appreciated. Do you have any concerns?"
"About the testing..." Haku began.
Mitokado adjusted his glasses. "Simple blood tests, chakra scans, and then a practical test as part of your skill evaluation. I shall request Hyuuga Sayuri to oversee it. She has been Naruto's personal inin since... she... was six." Haku noted the effort, and reminded himself that for twelve years, his Naruko had been a boy to these people. "Also, I think Senju Tsunade will likely request being present, if you do not object."
Haku let a frown slip. "Why would Senju-sama wish to attend?"
The Hokage smiled. "You are her godchild's intended. While I have no doubt she respects Sayuri-san's skill, Tsunade has always been particular about the treatment of those she considers family."
"Ah." There was really nothing more Haku could say to that.
"If there is nothing else?" the Hokage asked, and nodded at the answering silence. "Very well. Please, rejoin Naruto and her friends-- it will likely save our door from needing repair."
Haku smiled. "Of course, Hokage-sama."
After the hugging and the victory dance and the ranting (in other words, typical from his idiot team mate), Sasuke watched her take Haku's hand and emphatically declare, "Ichiraku's," before half dragging the man toward the stairs. Sasuke would have thought "poor man", but the Ice nin was smiling too much.
"Ah," Meizu said in that near growl of his. "Please extend our apologies to Naru-hime--" (Naru-hime? Sasuke mused. Oh dear.) "but my brother and I need to go take care of a few things for her and Haku-tono." (Oh, Haku must love being their lord...)
A familiar mask appeared out of nowhere. Assuming it was the same man behind the boar mask, the ANBU had worked side by side with his brother. Sasuke caught his fists as they began to clinch.
"Meizu-san," the ANBU said. "Look for the silver-haired man at the base of the tower. Shin will direct you were you need to go." The masked Nin gestured at a nearby open window. "For your convenience."
Gouzu was already halfway out the window with a shouted "Banzai!"
Meizu sighed, shaking his head as his usually calmer brother exited. "At least he didn't hook up the chain first," he muttered, before following his twin.
There was a moment of awkward looks and sweaty foreheads. "So... Ichiraku's?" Kakashi offered.
"We'd better catch up to Narukun and Haku-san," Sakura agreed. "One should not be subjected to Naruto eating ramen for the first time alone."
Tani Ryu smiled. "You should hurry, then--"
"Oh, no," Sakura said, and Sasuke felt his heart patter as her voice adopted that tone. She clamped her hands firmly on Tani's arm, pulling him toward the stairs. "You're coming with us. Or Naruto will be asking, 'Where's Taniisan? Didn't he want to spend time with us?' and we'll be spending the whole time worried she'll yammer out her stress and choke on her damn noodles..."
Her commands, and Ryu's halfhearted resistance, faded as they disappeared down the stairs.
"Well then, stern cute little genin, shall we?" Kakashi said-- and when had he switched his porn for Two Wolves Dancing?
"Senpai," the ANBU said, "A moment with your student?"
Kakashi raised his eyebrow, then nodded.
The ANBU did not kneel to match Sasuke's height, but did meet the boy's gaze. "You are to speak with Danzou-sama about your brother."
It was a statement, but Sasuke gave a trademark "Hn," of acknowledgement.
"When you have... go to Logging Site 10 and ask for Hiedo."
The ANBU abruptly stepped back, rejoining the chaos of the outer reception area. Sasuke blinked and looked at his sensei.
Kakashi, as always, was useless when he actually wanted advice-- a shrug and an eye smile.