"Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility." ― Sigmund Freud
Tsunade was livid. As much as she tried to maintain her composure, Shizune could easily tell how one wrong word or phrase could set off closest, and most dearest companion. Currently, the Fifth Hokage was pressing her lips against laced fingers, elbows propped up on the desk as an eyebrow twitched. Tonton made a noise and shifted uncomfortably in Shizune's arms. The tension was so palpable it felt suffocating, especially to the jounin on the receiving end of Tsunade's hateful glare.
"Kakashi... You can't seriously be asking me of this right now," Tsunade managed to get out in an even voice. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, her mental grip on trying to remain calm tightening ever-so-slightly.
"I know, Lady Tsunade, that this is not the news that you wanted to hear, but it's the truth," Kakashi replied, keeping in mind to be careful with his words. His own personal distaste for responsibility aside, Kakashi knew that he was not entirely ready for the responsibilities of being Hokage yet.
"You want me to stay in office for another three months," Tsunade growled, eyebrow twitched even more. She was ready to pass down the mantle, ready to retire and drink her days away while trying to get lucky in a game of pachinko. "We have finally reached the ultimate peace between not only the other Hidden Villages, but as well as minor shinobi countries. And even the samurai!"
Shizune tried to intervene, seeing Tsunade becoming more worked up. "Lady Tsunade, please... Try to remain calm..."
"How can I?!" she barked, slapping her hands down on the desk. Kakashi could have sworn he heard the table crack. That was a noise you never wanted to hear... She was about to fall into a tirade before the door to the Hokage's office opened. A chunin nervously poked his head in.
"Is this is bad time?" Izumo asked timidly. Tsunade sighed and slumped into her chair, whereas Shizune and Kakashi were greatly relieved at the intervention, giving each other a knowing look that seemed to say, 'Thank heaven.'
"No, no," Tsunade said a little dejectedly. She waved her hand, "Come in." Opening the door wider, Izumo walked into the office, clutching a scroll in his hand. "Mission report?"
"Yes," the chunin nodded. "However, we may want to keep a close eye on this. There's been some suspicious activity along the border near Grass Country." While Izumo spoke, Tsunade unfurled the scroll and skimmed through its contents. Another murdered abbot? Strange. This was the fourth monastery to be targeted. "Also, My Lady, the ambassador from Iwagakure is here, should you want to speak with her."
"Oh," Tsunade actually looked surprised, her anger starting to thin. She wasn't expecting the ambassador for another day. While the punctuality was appreciated, Tsunade would have preferred that they arrived on their scheduled time. "That's fine. Please, send her in." Izumo nodded and gave a quick bow before stepping out halfway into the hallway, ushering for the Iwa ambassador to come in.
Kakashi turned to Tsunade, wondering if he should take this opportunity to slip out and prepare for the next mission to delay his appointment as Hokage. For a second, Tsunade did consider sending Kakashi away, but she wasn't done yelling at him yet, and she needed to get out the rest of her anger. She shot him a glare that Kakashi took as to 'stay where he stood.' Inwardly he groaned, just wanting to leave and re-read his favorite Icha Icha book.
"Lady Tsunade," a silvery voice called. Izumo stepped aside, giving room for the ambassador to enter the office. Kakashi was surprised, pleasantly so, as to who the Iwa ambassador was. Izumo left, softly closing the door behind him. She gave a deep, polite bow, smiling warmly. "It is an honor to see you again."
"I must say, we weren't expecting you for another day, Matsuno-san," Tsunade replied, her demeanor changing to a more friendly tone. "We still haven't finished setting up the ambassadors' offices yet, I'm afraid."
Haruna Matsuno, (former) second-in-command to Kitsuchi of the Second Division during the Fourth Great Shinobi World War, stood at full height and gave a slight sheepish smile. "Yes, well... I tend to walk fast."
As the two continued talking, Kakashi couldn't help but stare at Haruna. While he wasn't expecting anyone in particular to be Iwa's ambassador to Konoha, it was still a surprise to see her standing in front of him. It seemed as if fate kept wanting their paths to cross, despite his thinking that they would never see each other again. He would have chuckled at the irony, would it not seem strange at this moment.
"I'm sure you remember Hatake Kakashi," Tsunade gestured to the silver-haired shinobi.
"Yes, ma'am. We tend to keep meeting, it seems." Haruna bowed at Kakashi. "Nice to see you again, Hatake-san. This is... what? The sixth time our paths have crossed?"
"This would be the fifth time, by my count," Kakashi replied, hands tucked lazily into his pockets, but underneath the mask was a visible smile. Haruna chuckled as she straightened her posture, tilting her head to the side in consideration. That sounded about right.
"You two already knew each other? Before the war?" Shizune asked, confusion plain on her face. Even Tsunade looked taken aback.
Haruna nodded and gave a quick shrug, "When you work in ANBU, it tends to be a small world. But we can discuss that all later. Lady Tsunade," Haruna paused and looked the Hokage head on. "I would like to discuss some of the travel measures to protect citizens, as proposed by the Tsuchikage."
"Wasting no time, I see," Tsunade sighed.
Haruna smiled apologetically, "The Tsuchikage is very eager about the new ambassador program between the Great Shinobi Countries, so he wants to get things underway as soon as possible."
"It's fine, I understand. But at least take some time to get settled in, at least."
"Fair enough, Lady Hokage." And to be fair, having a chance to rest and get settled in did sound nice to Haruna. And even if the offices weren't ready, Haruna did want to see where she would be working.
"Shizune, would you please show the Lady Ambassador to a spare office or room she can use for the time being?" Shizune obediently nodded, giving a quick bow.
"Yes, my lady," she turned to Haruna, looking polite and cheerful. "This way please!" Using one arm to keep Tonton balanced in her arm, Shizune opened the door for Haruna, to which the woman gave thanks.
Haruna gave another bow before exiting, "Thank you, once again." Tsunade smiled and nodded her head politely, and Kakashi also nodded his head in acknowledgement. Haruna's dark green eyes, for a brief moment, meet Kakashi's gaze. A knowing look passed between them before Shizune ushered the woman to her temporary working quarters.
As soon as the door closed, Tsunade shot Kakashi a death glare, to which the famous copy-nin visibly flinched and prepared himself for the verbal barrage Tsunade was preparing to assault him with.
"Now," Tsunade growled, "where was I?"
I am so dead, Kakashi thought grimly.
Haruna's first impression of Konoha was that it was very… colorful. Compared to the stone carved buildings of Iwa, Konoha seemed a bit more livelier (whatever that could mean). When she checked-in at the gate, Haruna was half expecting to be cursed at. It's not as if old grudges and ill feelings can disappear so quickly.
But, to her relief, she was given a slightly warm - if anything, polite - welcome. One of the chunin at the gate had offered to have someone escort Haruna to the Hokage's office, but Haruna easily found the building sticking well above the skyline. The huge emblem that had the symbol for 'fire' was a dead giveaway. While she had made a few wrong turns here and there, she eventually found her way to the offices.
During her little wandering misadventure, Haruna did come across a ramen place that smelled heavenly, and she made a mental note to stop there for dinner. She was also amazed at how quickly the village seemed to had been recovering, despite being mowed to the ground by the Akatsuki weeks earlier. There was a strong resolve amongst the villages that Haruna quickly grew a fondness for.
Another thing that was a major culture shock for Haruna were the people. Everyone seemed to be a bit more friendlier. Maybe it was because the weather was nicer, but Haruna was genuinely surprised to see so many people cheerfully interacting with one another. Compared to Iwa, everyone was a bit more stone-faced and the sense of community wasn't as strong as it seemed to be in Konoha. Not to say that it didn't exist at all in Iwa, just that it was to a slightly lesser extent.
Hopefully, Haruna thought, it won't take me that long to adjust.
"So," Shizune started as they continued to casually walk down the curved hallway. "How as your trip to the Land of Fire?"
"Oink, oink!" Tonton added, also curious about the new visitor. She didn't sense any hostility from Haruna, which certainly helped.
Haruna chuckled and was tempted to give Tonton a little pat on the head, but refrained from doing so. She was still a stranger, and animals were often weary of strangers. Haruna still smiled at Tonton, which the little pig seemed to be okay with.
"It was surprisingly pleasant," Haruna started, "a surprising lack of thieves on the roads, though that's probably due to some of the disorder that's still around from the war." Not to mention all the refugees, Haruna added in her mind.
"That would make sense," Shizune sighed, wishing that the recovery and reconstruction efforts would go by faster. But, sadly, they didn't live in a perfect world. An awkward silence started to seep in the conversation. Shizune quickly thought of another topic of conversation.
"You were Kitsuchi's second-in-command during the war, correct?" It seemed an innocent enough question, and her medical file was one Shizune memorized in case of an emergency.
"Yes ma'am. Indeed I was."
"How is he doing? Well, I hope."
"He is still recovering from some of the injuries he sustained in the fighting, but last I saw he was doing alright. Recovering nicely, as the doctors put it."
"That's good to hear!" Shizune beamed. "Does he know you're in Konoha now, as Iwa's ambassador?"
"Funny you should mention that," Haruna sheepishly scratched the back of neck. "He was the one who suggested me for the position." Shizune stopped mid-step and turned to face Haruna dead on, her dark eyes wide with surprise.
"Seriously?"
Haruna nodded, "Apparently, he and the Tsuchikage were talking it over about who would be ambassador to which village. Lord Third thought to make Kitsuchi the envoy to Konoha. What, with there being a certain camaraderie between the other division captains." Shizune nodded and the pair started walking again.
"Mind you I wasn't hear for this, but Kitsuchi supposedly told Lord Third to send me instead," Haruna continued. "'If anyone can show those Leaf ninja a thing or two, it's Haru.'" For dramatic effect, Haruna lowered her voice as much as she could, trying to sound like a man. It was a poor imitation, but it got the point across, and both women laughed with Tonton snorting happily.
"In any case, I was offered the position and I was hesitant at first. But my friends convinced me to take the position and so… here I am!"
Shizune laughed, "Well, from what I heard, you are quiet the capable kunoichi, Matsuno-san."
Despite her brown skin, a pink blush was visible on Haruna's cheeks. She smiled, "I appreciate that, but my abilities were probably over-praised. I'm certainly no better than the next kunoichi."
How humble, Shizune thought appreciatively. She always liked that trait in people. They stopped walking and she gestured to the door they had stopped at.
"This is the only open office space for now, till yours and the other ambassador's offices are done being setup. It can get a little noisy as it faces the Academy, but I'm sure you will block out the noise soon enough."
Haruna opened the door and stepped inside. The opposite wall had a large window that let in plenty of sunlight, and three desks were situated inside. One was placed near the window, while the other two faced each other, perpendicular to the desk beneath the window. Shelves were carved into the walls to hold important paperwork and another other necessary office supplies.
It was also recently cleaned, too, judging by how polished the desks and floor looked. It was also a very spacious area, as if designed to accommodate other workers. Haruna stepped further into the office and looked out the window. It was a straight shot view of the athletic field just outside the Academy. The students were practicing their taijutsu and fought in one-on-one spars with one of the teachers overseeing the duals.
"This will do very nicely!" Haruna was practically buzzing with excitement about this new opportunity. "Which desk is mine?"
"Whichever one you like," Shizune responded, feeling giddy from Haruna's visible excitement. "Since you're the first ambassador to arrive, you can chose where you would like to sit. The other two ambassadors will be in the office across the hall from yours."
While Shizune spoke, Haruna made her way to the desk on the left hand side of the room, the one that had a slightly better view outside.
"Who will I be sharing this office with?" Haruna asked. "For the time being, anyway."
"I'm not entirely sure. The plan is to have each ambassador have their own office at some point, but those rooms are still being renovated, like Lady Tsunade mentioned earlier." Haruna nodded understandingly and started unpacking some of the necessary office supplies she thought she would have needed.
"So it's like a first come, first serve sort of deal?"
Shizune nodded, "For now, yes. But please make yourself comfortable in the meantime!" She eyed Haruna's belongings curiously. "I certainly hoped you packed more than that while you're staying here, Matsuno-san."
"Hmm?" Haruna paused as she tried to arrange her desk, looking up at Shizune from her seat behind the desk. "Oh! I sent a few of my belongings ahead of me since I couldn't carry everything in one go. I was told I would be assigned living quarters?"
Shizune felt foolish for making that statement earlier. That was one of the first things Lady Tsunade had talked about with the other Kage when setting up the ambassador program! She kept her composure, but her expression looked as if a light went off in her head.
"Of course! Yes, yes! I will see about that right away! Please, excuse me," Shizune bowed and jogged out of the office before Haruna could say anything.
The Iwa ambassador snorted quietly and continued unpacking other various supplies, claiming a nearby bookshelf to place a few expel scrolls she had brought with her.
Yes, Haruna thought, these people are a little strange. But in a good way.
Kakashi sighed for the umpteenth time, leaning his head back and looking longingly at the lights above him. After Tsunade's verbal bashing, Kakashi had been in dire need of something to comfort him. It was dinner time, and he had considered going to a bar to throw back a few glasses of sake. But the idea of dealing with a hangover, no matter how minor, didn't seem all too appealing.
Kakashi was many things, but a drinker he rarely was.
So, he opted for a slightly safer option, and headed to Ichiraku Ramen, a reliable joint where the food always made him feel a little better. Teuchi had asked Kakashi if there were anything wrong, as the jounin mostly picked at his food. The latter had managed to convince the Teuchi that nothing was the matter before taking generous, fast bites when Teuchi's back was turned.
The only thing that remained in the bowl was the broth, and Kakashi still sat on his stool, humming and sighing thoughtfully. Teuchi had stepped in the back to take inventory, which Kakashi was grateful for, as it gave him time to think things over.
Tsunade had been harsh in her assessment as to why he was hesitating on becoming Hokage. And, if Kakashi were being honest with himself, there was some truth in what she had yelled at him. There was certainly something holding him; a sort of mental block. What that block was, neither Tsunade or Kakashi could say.
"But you had better get over that block soon, Kakashi," Tsunade had said with a stern look. "I plan on retiring before summer."
"That's easier said than done," Kakashi sighed to himself, closing his eyes and tilting his head down in defeat. It was rare for him to have any sort of block. So what was the cause, and what would be the cure?
"Pardon me," a bright voice called out. Teuchi leaned back to see who had walked in to his establishment. He smiled and nodded at the customer.
"Welcome! Please sit down, I will be with you shortly!"
Kakashi had instantly recognized the voice, and thus didn't feel to look as to see who it was. He did, however, peek one of his eyes open and watched Haruna take a seat two stools away from him.
She smiled at him, her dark green eyes looking warm and welcoming, "Hello again, Hatake-san."
"This officially makes it six times now," Kakashi replied, still keeping his gaze forward. Haruna gave a soft laugh and nodded. She turned her head to the menu, debating between the miso char siu ramen, and the chicken ramen with mushrooms and boiled eggs.
"The miso char siu ramen is the best one," Kakashi said as he pulled his mask up, having now finished his bowl when she wasn't looking. "In case you were having trouble deciding."
Haruna looked between him and the bowl, wondering when he had finished eating and how he did it so quickly. She appreciated the suggestion, however, and smiled graciously.
"Well, since that's coming from a local, that certainly carries a little more weight. Perhaps I'll get a bowl of that and try the chicken next time." It's not like this place is gonna go anywhere, Haruna added in her head.
"Sorry for the wait, ma'am," Teuchi walked in as he wiped his hands on his apron. He blinked a few times when he noticed the standard Iwa uniform Haruna wore, but quickly found himself getting over it. It seemed more and more ninja from all over were stopping by these days.
"It's no trouble," Haruna said reassuringly. She placed in her order, which Teuchi repeated to his daughter Ayame, who then quickly got started on boiling the noodles. Haruna noticed that Kakashi was still sitting to her right, looking deeply into his empty bowl, utterly lost in thought. She scooted one stool over.
"Looking for a lost civilization in the chives?" Haruna asked. Kakashi blinked as he came back to reality and turned his head to look at Haruna. "I don't think you'll find anything worthwhile in there." She tapped the rim of the bowl with her knuckle.
Kakashi scoffed, which sounded more like a laugh than anything. "No, probably not." He had been debating internally as to what was holding him back from stepping up to the mantle of Hokage, and he still hadn't come to any conclusions. Not that he had expected to, but it was still frustrating nonetheless.
"Have you settled in alright?" he asked, trying to make light conversation. Kakashi figured that they would be seeing each other more often now, so he thought it best to be polite.
"So far, yes," Haruna thanked Teuchi when he handed her the steaming bowl of ramen. She grabbed a pair of chopsticks, "Only issue, really, is making the apartment I've been leased a little more homier. Thank you for the meal!" Haruna split the chopsticks apart and took a large bite.
She couldn't help but let out an audible, satisfied moan, to which Kakashi gawked in response. Haruna didn't look the least bit embarrassed, and continued eating happily.
"This is the most amazing ramen I've ever had!" Haruna could practically cry at how the flavors blended together so well. Her inner foodie was already crying tears of joy. Teuchi smiled proudly and turned to Ayame.
"Perhaps we should go international," he suggested with a laugh. Ayame merely rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"You seem to enjoy your food a lot," Kakashi said flatly. Haruna had only been served less than a minute ago, and already the bowl was practically licked clean. With an appetite like that, he was briefly reminded of Naruto.
"And why not? Food is one of the best things about life," Haruna smirked after giving thanks for the meal. "It makes you feel better, no matter what you're feeling."
"Spoken like a true poet," Teuchi chimed. Haruna laughed and took out her wallet to place a few bills to pay for her dinner. There was a pattern on the leather that Kakashi didn't recognize, something geometric and tribal looking. It made his curiosity start to bubble.
"I don't know about poet," Haruna started as she left some money on the counter, "but I am certainly passionate about food, regardless. But, I can sleep happily now." Haruna stood and lifted one of the cloth dividers so she begin walking home.
"I will see you around, Hatake-san," Haruna smiled politely at him. "Good night!" As soon as she was out of earshot, Kakashi paid for his own meal and began walking to his apartment, already lost in his own thoughts.
"They sure do make them pretty up north," Teuchi said under his breath.
Somewhere in Grass Country
A tall, cloaked figure tapped on the table impatiently, eyes scanning over the bar for the fifth time. He had tried his best to blend in, but with only having one arm, people tended to stare at him anyway. It was well pass their rendezvous time, and anxiety was starting to get the better of them. But, seemingly out of nowhere, their contact finally showed up and sat across from them in the booth.
"Do you have it?"
"Yes, but it wasn't easy to get. The monks I had to go up against didn't want to go down without a fight," the stranger pulled out a scroll from his sleeved and handed it to the figure who had been waiting impatiently up until this point. It was an ancient scroll, written in an archaic language and on strips of dried bamboo that were tied together. That didn't seem to deter the one armed man's excitement.
"There's still one more, though," he added. His contact looked at him grimly.
"No… no way, man. You said you just needed this one and that was it…"
"Circumstances have changed," the one armed man replied.
"Since fucking when?" the contact hissed. "Deal was for a scroll, not scrolls."
The one armed man sighed, sensing that his contact would not budge on doing one more job. Just like all the other ones.
"Then you have no more use for me."
With movements so quick to the untrained eye, it looked as if the man who had just sat down merely rested his head on the table to get some sleep. But, upon closer inspection, one could see the poison laced senbon sticking out of their chest. The one armed man stood up, pocketed the scroll, and headed towards the door, the bar still unassuming about the murder that had just taken place.
"So sorry we couldn't come to an understanding, my friend."
A/N: Kinda boring, I know. But I wanted to establish Haruna a little bit and the setting/direction I'm trying to go here with this. Don't worry, it's not gonna be just an OC's adventures in Konoha where they fall in love with one of the main characters; that's barely scratching the surface of this fic. There's going to be political intrigue, murder, mystery, plenty of drama with a dash of slow-burning romance. Hopefully that will be enough to make you stick around and give this fic a shot (I know Naruto OC stories get a bad wrap, and admittedly, it is justified).