Korra rubbed at her eyes, letting out a sigh, before turning her attention back to the computer screen, her fingers typing away. She sat at her desk, dressed in the typical blue shirt, pants, combat vest, (the newer versions introduced after the war were more streamlined, and more like armor than anything else) and sandals of any Leaf Village Jonin. The only additions were the hat and cape that signified her status as Hokage.

Unlike Lord Seventh's, Korra's cape resembled the Fourth's in that it reached nearly all the way to her heels, and had sleeves. She marveled that Lord Seventh even seemed to know what kind of cape she would prefer. That just went to show how well her predecessor knew her she supposed. She shook her head slightly. This was no time to be thinking about her fashion sense. There was work to be done after all.

Who knew being Hokage involved so much paperwork? Or I guess in this case, computer work? She snorted, an amused smile on her face. Obviously not me. This brought a chuckle out of her, her mood improving noticeably.

Computers weren't exactly new, but they were being used in new ways every day and improved things considerably. Many messages could now be sent lightning fast over computer connections, which Asami had dubbed, "The Internet," (a name that had caught on fast throughout the village, and its allies), and telephone. However, for important, and often times secret, missives, the old-fashioned messenger bird, or scroll entrusted with select shinobi was still the go to method.

She shakes her head, refocusing on the task at hand. Getting a feel for the village's current strength, and looking through various shinobi who could serve as her advisor/advisors. And it was no easy task. There were hundreds of files to go through, perhaps more, and not all of them were electronic. Lord Seventh and Shikamaru had done a good job beginning the shift to electronic data storage in the village, but it was a work in progress, and paper files were still kept as a back up anyway. It was proving to be a challenge, shifting between electronic, and paper files on the shinobi she had available to her.

Modernization was a time consuming, and ongoing process, and Korra intended to continue that policy as Hokage. It would be a fine line maintaining crucial tradition and discipline, while at the same time adapting to the new technologies that were rapidly becoming available. She hoped she was up to the task.

She hums as she works, partly in disappointment. There were definitely many talented shinobi in the village, but even after all this time, the Hidden Leaf still wasn't quite up to pre-war levels. Though if the latest intelligence reports were to be believed, none of the other villages were either. The war had truly taken a toll on the Five Great Nations.

There was a knock on her door. "Lady Hokage," someone called from the other side.

"Enter," Korra called back, looking up as the door opened.

"Lady Hokage. Apologies for disturbing you, but there is some urgent intelligence I believe you should examine immediately," the short, bespectacled woman spoke with a bow. She pushed her glasses back up her nose with the hand that currently wasn't clutching a scroll to her chest.

Korra smiled, holding her hand out for the scroll. "I'll take a look at it now then if you consider it that important." She took the scroll that the woman deposited in her hand. "Thank you Zhu Li."

"Of course ma'am." Zhu Li bowed, and moved to leave.

"A moment Zhu Li, if you would," Korra spoke up. "I could use your advice on something."

Zhu Li turned back, adjusting her glasses again. "Of course My Lady. However can I be of service?"

The way she spoke was rather monotone, as was the way she dressed. Honestly, brown shirt and brown skirt? Come on Zhu Li, how about a little color once in a while, Korra thought to herself. And her mannerisms were reserved, yet Korra was aware that the woman was actually rather pleasant once you got to know her. Currently, she and her husband Varrick worked in the intelligence division.

Varrick was technically in command of the whole department but in reality, it was Zhu Li that handled most of the real work, which in all honesty, was probably better for the whole village, considering how the man's mind, though brilliant, tended to wander. He probably spent a good amount of the time he was supposed to be handling intelligence working on his…"experiments" instead, which often ended, rather unfortunately, in explosions.

"Well I've been thinking," Korra went on, placing the scroll on her desk.

"Should I inform Asami?" There was a slight quirk at the corner of the woman's mouth, signifying a smile. "It may be wise to have a medical ninja on hand during such a time."

Korra snorted. "Wow, first Mako now Zhu Li. Everybody's suddenly a comedian." She shook her head, chuckling.

"Apologies ma'am," Zhu Li didn't look the least bit apologetic. "You presented me with an opportunity which I couldn't resist taking advantage of."

Korra waved her off. "Yeah, yeah. I probably would've done the same thing. But this thing I wanted to talk to you about." She got more serious.

Zhu Li followed suit, focusing.

"See, the thing is, I need an advisor, and I was trying to think of someone appropriate to fill the job." She shook her head, sighing. "Ideally I'd want it to be Asami. I trust her judgment more than anyone, and I know she's not afraid to tell me when I'm wrong quite clearly." Korra laughed, remembering all the times her wife had done just that in no uncertain terms. "Plus she's so smart, and well, you know all about Asami so I guess I don't need to tell you. But she's so busy! She's training to take over from Sakura, plus there's Yasuko to think of. I want at least one of her mothers with her during the day as much as possible, and if it can't be me with my new duties then Asami is the obvious choice."

"Not to mention the possible cries of foul play that some may claim, should you name your wife as your main advisor," Zhu Li put in.

Korra leaned back in the chair, looking at the ceiling, resting her right leg over her left. "I didn't even think of that," she admitted with a sigh. "You're saying people might think I'm showing favoritism if I picked Asami, right?"

"Indeed ma'am." Zhu Li nodded.

"Good point." Korra placed her fingers together and rested her chin on them, looking back at Zhu Li. "Honestly Zhu Li, if you weren't so essential to keeping things running over their in intelligence and keeping your husband from destroying everything, no offense," Korra raised her hands in a placating fashion, and Zhu Li shook her head, showing none was taken. "Then I'd ask you to do it."

Zhu Li smiled that small smile of hers again. "I'm flattered Lady Eighth, however, I do have some alternative suggestions for you."

"Yes, please," Korra urged. "Suggest away." She made a motion with her hand.

Zhu Li gave a curt nod and spoke. "Can I assume that Shikamaru is not an option?"

"Yeah," Korra agreed, nodding as well. "He's already served the two previous Hokage in that regard, and he's kind of getting up there in years if ya know what I mean. He probably wants to retire soon and get some family time." She sighed. "I know that feeling. The family time thing that is," she clarified. "I love what I do, and now I'm Hokage… but some days I just want to be able to ignore work and hang out with my girls." She smiled dreamily. "Sorry. Ignore my tangents." She motioned for Zhu Li to continue.

The woman adjusted her glasses again, this time with a thumb and forefinger. "Well ma'am, to be blunt you have options. Shikamaru may not be a viable option, but there is his son, Shikadai, who I've heard shares many of the same traits as his sire."

Korra nodded in interest, showing she was listening.

"And of course there's also your Sensei. Someone with a sharp mind who you trust and respect such as her would make a fine advisor."

Korra stroked her chin with her hand in thought, catching herself and laughing slightly at how much like Tenzin she was being at the moment. She was, of course, very fond of the man that had taught her to master her wind chakra, and was much like a second father to her. However, it would be some time before she would be comfortable exhibiting his "old man mannerisms" as she called them. "Sarada sensei, eh? Not a bad thought. Any other suggestions?"

"Indeed. I would suggest Mako as a possibility. It is my understanding that the two of you don't always see eye to eye. A contrasting opinion in the mix could be healthy, and at times, necessary to prevent decision making from becoming single tracked and stale."

Korra gave her a skeptical look. "You want me to make my ex-boyfriend my advisor? You are aware that our arguments could get pretty…heated, right?"

An actual laugh left Zhu Li's throat. "Yes ma'am. I think everyone knows that. But am I correct in saying that the two of you have moved past your issues? At least for the most part?"

It was Korra's turn to laugh. "Well yeah. We're better as friends and we're in a good place now. Besides," she smiled widely. "I've got Asami now…Ok I see your point," she conceded. "I'll take Mako into consideration. Anyone else?"

"Just one. If you had your heart set on a Sato for your advisor, and you can't use the daughter…then there's always the father." Zhu Li had a knowing little smirk on her face.

"Hiroshi," Korra whispered, unsure how she felt about the idea of letting the man who had tried to kill her and her beloved wife, become one of her right hand men. She let out a breath, partly in frustration, partly in indecision. "I'll think about it. Thank you Zhu Li." Korra swiveled her chair to face the windows, looking out over the village.

The older woman knew a dismissal when she saw one, and bowed hastily. "Thank you for indulging me Lady Eighth." She backed out of the room and shut the door, letting out a breath once she was in the hall. Even though she and Korra were technically friends, the difference in their power and status had changed dramatically since they had first met, and she was the last one who wanted to see Korra's anger turned on herself. It had been bold of her to suggest Hiroshi Sato…she just hoped it hadn't been too bold.

Korra sighed, rubbing a hand down her face. "What was she thinking," she mumbled to herself. "I can't use Hiroshi. That'd look even worse than appointing Asami to the position. That'd make about as much sense as naming Orochimaru as the next Hokage." She shook her head, snorting out a laugh at the thought.

"No. No, I'll have to use someone else." She flipped her chair back around, facing her desk, intending to get back to work, when she spotted the scroll, still sitting unopened on the desk. "Oh, right," she chuckled. "With all that advisor talk, I forgot about you." The scroll found her hand quickly, and she popped the seal open, her brow furrowing as she read.

"Ugh," she groaned, tilting her head back and rubbing the bridge of her nose as she set the scroll back on the desk. "This isn't good." If what she was reading in this scroll was accurate, and she had no reason to believe it wasn't, then it was distressing news indeed. It seemed that many of the minor lands surrounding the Land of Fire, including The Village Hidden In The Rain, had lost their leadership. Each one was believed to have been murdered, and all within weeks of each other. Now, terrified and leaderless, these lands were reaching out to the Hidden Leaf…to HER, for help.

She took a deep breath, attempting to calm her racing heart. "Ok Korra," she thought out loud. "This is your first real test as Hokage. How you respond to this will shape how the village, your subordinates, and your allies in the other nations will come to see you. Now…What kind of Hokage are you? What will you do?"

Another knock at her door, however, interrupted any further musings on the subject she may have had. With a flick of her wrist, she re-rolled the scroll, and tucked it away in a drawer. "Come in," she called out.

The door opened slowly, and the first thing she saw was a head of hair, followed by a Leaf Village headband, and the anxious looking face of her childhood friend, Bolin.

"Bolin?" She smiled at him, amused at his antics already. This is exactly what I need after the morning I've had. No matter what, Bolin always seemed to have a way of lightening the mood, just by being Bolin. "You know you can come in right? I don't bite." Unless I'm fooling around with Asami. She smirked at the thought.

The bulky, green-eyed man practically slid in to the room, shuffling anxiously from foot to foot by the door, which he closed gently behind him. He was dressed in the standard vest and blue shirt and pants combo of Leaf shinobi. "H-hey Korra," he stuttered, awkwardly waving, and rubbing the back of his head. "Ooh! Lady Eighth, Lady Eighth, sorry, sorry!" He bowed several times in quick succession.

Korra laughed, already feeling more lighthearted. "Bolin, it's fine really. You can still call me Korra. That is my name after all."

"It uh…just seems weird and all. Disrespectful…ya know…with you being…Hokage now." He scratched the back of his neck, laughing nervously. "Umm, congrats by the way…don't know if I…said that…Wow is it hot in here!? Cause it feels REALLY…hot." He fiddled with his collar, and Korra could see the beads of sweat beginning to gather on his skin.

"Bo, you ok over there?"

"Yeah, I just," he looked at the ground, sighing, kicking a foot. "I'm just kinda jealous. I mean, you and Mako have always been so far ahead of me. You guys are both…awesome shinobi and I'm just sort of…there. I mean I only made Chunin because of you two. I wouldn't have gotten through the exams without you guys, really. And now…well, Mako's a Jonin and you're Hokage, and I'm still just a Chunin. The Chunin that held you guys back." He couldn't meet her gaze any longer. "I just…suck. And I don't know what I'm doing anymore really." He looked up at her, earnestly. "What's my purpose?"

Korra looked at him for a long time, the silence building in the room, and Bolin fidgeting in place. "What is your ninja way," Korra said after a while. "That's what you're trying to find right? What is your drive, your purpose for being a shinobi, and how do you conduct yourself? Am I hitting anywhere close to the mark here Bo?" She raised an eyebrow at him.

"Yes!" Bolin gestured with his hands. "That! Exactly that! Before, I never really had to question things. I just followed you and Mako and tried to keep up. Now, it's just like…what now? Ya know?" He shrugged for emphasis.

"Bo," she said sweetly, smiling somewhat sadly at him. "You've always been an equal part of the team. Never once did Mako and I feel like you held us back in any way. You might not think it, but you're a great shinobi, Bolin, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Bolin actually blushed, making Korra chuckle. "Ah, thanks," he muttered embarrassedly. "That really means a lot, coming from you. A lot more than I think you know."

This had her intrigued. She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Really?"

"Y-yeah," Bolin stuttered slightly. "You…well Korra…you're basically my hero."

"Really?" She blushed slightly this time, incredibly flattered. She'd never been anyone's hero before that she knew of, except for perhaps Yasuko. Her daughter often spoke of how she wanted to be, "Just like Mommy," when she grew up. "Me?"

He nodded. "Uh huh. Ever since I met you, I just…I wanted to be like you. It's just…you've always been so brave, and so strong, and so selfless. Oh, and kind and funny and beautiful. So when I found out I'd be your classmate at the Academy, that was great! And then I got to see just how awesome you are up close, and I was even more impressed! So I made you my role model. I told myself: One day I'm gonna be as strong and brave and selfless as Korra! I'm gonna be like her. Then I got put on a team with you and Mako, and I actually got to fight alongside you! That was pretty cool, cause I could see you fight for real and everything, and you'd already been on real missions by then since you graduated early, but…I guess what I'm trying to say is…You've always been my goal. You've always given me something to strive towards, a standard to hold myself to."

She blinked rather owlishly, not expecting that kind of confession from her stocky, green-eyed friend. Laughing lightly, she shook her head slowly, smiling in disbelief. "Wow Bolin. All I can really say to that is thanks. I'm flattered…and honored to be your hero." She scratched the back of her neck. "Now that I know, that's a lot of pressure to carry. I hope I can keep it up." Grinning at her friend, they both shared a laugh.

"Just keep being you Korra," Bolin assured. "That's all you ever have to do."

Korra wiped at her eye, giving him a teasing smile. "Gosh Bo, you're gonna make me cry." She fanned herself dramatically.

The two laughed once more at this, until Korra looked back down to her desk, sighing when she was reminded of the scroll, and the decision still to be made. She took it out of the drawer she had it stashed in, staring at it, as if it held the answer to the very question it was posing to her.

Bolin noticed her gaze, following it. "Ooh," he winced, pointing. "Did I intterupt your…Hokageing? Sorry. I'll just…" He pointed to the exit with his thumb. "I'll just…go…yeah. I'll go. Sorry."

"Bo," she called out, standing as he moved towards the door. She raised a hand slightly, as if to pull him back.

"Hmm?" He turned to her, a questioning look on his face.

"You didn't interrupt my, what did you call it…Hokageing." She chuckled. "By the way, you never said why you were here. Not that I don't appreciate the visit, but…" She raised an eyebrow at him.

"Oh! Yeah!" He snapped his fingers in an "aha" moment. "It actually ties in to what we were talking about!" He gave her a wide smile, bouncing a fist off the palm of his other hand. "I wanted to ask you what you think I should do now? Like, do you have any suggestions for me?" He kicked the ground slightly, a nervous habit. "I feel like I could and should, be doing something more…something…special. I mean, being a shinobi for the village is great and all but…yeah. I could use your advice."

Korra nodded, understanding. "Yeah. I get ya." She stood, placing her fingertips on the desk to balance herself. "Hey, what do you say we take a walk? Maybe get some lunch? I could use a break, and I think better while I'm moving, which should help me with your issue."

He shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets and grinning at her. "You're the Hokage."

Korra laughed, walking out of the room as he held the door for her, after tucking the scroll away once more within her desk. Bolin followed behind.

"It's strange," Korra said to him as they walked through the streets.

"Hmm?" Bolin looked at her questioningly.

They walked the streets of the village, people moving aside, smiling happily, bowing respectfully, and offering enthusiastic greetings as Korra passed.

She turned, looking at Bolin. "I've only been Hokage for a short time, but people are already praising me as if I'm some great hero of the Hidden Leaf. Formerly senior ninja bow when I pass by, and have started coming to me for advice as well as relying on me for orders."

"But that's good right?" Bolin looked slightly confused. "I mean, you are pretty heroic, and you're basically already a hero! You've done so much for the village! You're great!"

Korra laughed at this. "Thanks Bo, but I don't really consider myself a hero." She waved her hand back and forth in protest. "I was just doing my job, first as just an ordinary shinobi, and then in the ANBU. But either way…I'm nothing special…even if people seem to think I am." She shook her head, smiling at a group of kids who bowed as she passed, giggling amongst themselves. She gave them a little bow in return, and they squealed, pushing and shoving each other as they exchanged looks, before running off. It was as if they had met a celebrity.

"Ah come on. Don't be so down on yourself!" He smiled widely at her. "After all, you pretty much made history by becoming Hokage! You're only the second female Hokage in the history of the Hidden Leaf!" He leaned in conspiratorially, whispering in to her ear. "Plus you're…you know." He nudged her with an elbow.

"What? Cause I'm bi?" She laughed. "I don't think that really matters, but whatever floats your boat Bo."

Bolin rolled his eyes. "I didn't mean that," he corrected her. "I meant because of your eyes. Because you're a…well you know."

"Oh," she realized what he meant. "You can say it you know? It's not like it's a secret. I'm an Uchiha. The first Hokage ever to come from the Uchiha clan."

"Yeah, that," he said quietly, nodding in confirmation. "It's really cool ya know?"

"Thanks Bolin. If I have my way, I won't be the last Uchiha to fill the position. We're nowhere near restored, but the Uchiha are doing better than we have in a long time, though sometimes I wonder why Lord Seventh picked me over Sarada Sensei to fulfill the role," she shrugged. "Especially with how much she wanted it. Oh well. Guess we can't dwell on what ifs. Besides, she seemed really happy for me." She smiled.

When Bolin was silent for the longest time, Korra got curious, looking over to see him grinning at her. "What?"

"Nothing. You just look really happy," he told her sweetly. "It's nice to see you like this."

She smiled back at him. "I have a lot to be happy about. I've got great friends, a hot wife, and a beautiful daughter that love me, plus the Uchiha Clan is on the rise again after so long, and I feel like I'm finally in a position to make my dream come true. After all, if I can't restore an entire clan as Hokage, then what can I do? Not to mention that we've been at peace for so long. It's wonderful, seeing the village prospering like this, with no huge threats on the horizon. People can go about their daily lives calmly and peacefully." Hopefully this crisis in the surrounding nations will turn out to be smaller than it seems, she thought. She sighed quietly. Probably not, unfortunately.

Bolin laughed, shaking his head at her. "You, are one of a kind Korra," he told her happily.

"Please, go on, I enjoy praise," she said, her tone only slightly mocking, and she grinned at him.

He narrowed his eyes at her, playfully. "Hey, that's my line!"

She stuck her tongue out at him. "I'm the Hokage now! All lines belong to me!"

The looked at each other for a moment, before bursting out in to laughter.

Korra suddenly got that look in her eyes. The look that told Bolin she'd got an idea. "Hey, Bolin. What do you say we swing by Ichiraku for lunch and then hit up the Academy?"

"The Academy? Why there? Not that there's anything wrong with that," he corrected himself quickly.

She shrugged. "I dunno. Guess I'm just feeling nostalgic all of a sudden. Plus, Yasuko will be old enough to enter soon so it just feels right to re-visit it."

"Yeah, yeah. I get'cha." Bolin nodded enthusiastically.

Lunch at Ichiraku Ramen was delicious and lively, the old man still surprisingly spry and energetic, even after all these years, though admittedly, his daughter was doing the bulk of the work at this point. The two restaurant owners were clearly ecstatic to have the Hokage herself, and her valued companion, eat at their establishment. He told Korra that it reminded him of when Naruto used to eat there as well, even after he became Hokage, not to mention, Lord Sixth, and even Lord Third and Lord Fourth occasionally before that. And Korra basically had to force him to allow her to pay, especially after Bolin had found his pockets embarrassingly empty of cash.

Before long, the two found themselves looking up at the Shinobi Academy, smiling as memories of their time spent there ran through their heads. Not all of them were hilarious at the time of course, but everything is funny in hindsight up to a certain point if you asked Korra.

"Oh man. We really had some good times here," Bolin pointed out nostalgically, clasping his hands behind his head.

"Yeah we did," Korra agreed, nodding. She chuckled. "Hey, remember when we set off all those paint bombs and turned Mako blue?"

Bolin burst out in to laughter. "Oh man! I was just thinking about that! He was blue for like…a whole month! It was hilarious!"

"I know right?" Korra laughed along with him. "I swear you can still see some of it in his shark brows."

The two continued walking, laughing and exchanging memories as they made their way inside. Though many of the memories involved an irritated instructor, for the most part, the two had been good students, even though Bolin struggled. He ended up passing thanks to Korra and Mako's tutoring and a great deal of effort on his part. Korra had tied with Asami for top scores in the class, while Bolin was nowhere near that. The tutoring he received from Korra and Mako was probably the only thing stopping him from having the lowest scores in the class, but still, he had passed, and become a Genin nonetheless.

Korra watched him as they walked the halls, pondering his question from earlier, wondering what kind of duty would suit her happy-go lucky friend.

"Hey, Bolin," Korra nudged him, having a thought. "What do say to dropping in on Suyin Sensei?"

"Yeah!" Then he seems to hesitate. "But doesn't she have a class now? We wouldn't want to interrupt."

"Hokage," she reminds him, smirking and pointing at her hat. "Besides, you know Su. I'm sure she wouldn't mind a short visit."

He beams at her. "Yeah. Yeah I guess you're right! Ok! Let's go!"

She laughs, delighted at his enthusiasm, and follows along, heading for their old classroom.

She watches him, amused as he knocks on the door twice, rather loudly, before sliding it open and sticking his head in to the room.

"Su Sensei!"

Korra could hear a chuckle from the older woman, along with the murmur of children's voices from within the classroom. Su indeed had a class at the moment. She followed, standing just outside the door, watching as Bolin stood in the doorway. She stood off to the side, not wanting to interrupt quite yet.

"Bolin. What brings you to the Academy today?" Korra could hear the amusement in her former instructor's voice, and it made her smile.

Korra moved to stand behind Bolin.

"Uhh, sorry to interrupt the class Sensei but we uhh, we got nostalgic after lunch and decided to come and visit and now we're here, and we can leave if you want…yeah." Bolin scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.

"We," Su questioned. "Is Mako with you?"

It wasn't a bad guess, Korra reasoned. The two brothers had been nearly inseparable almost their whole lives.

"Ahh, no." Bolin stepped out of the way, stepping in to the room and off to the side. He jerked his thumb at Korra, and she could see the look of surprise on Su's face as she took her in. "But Korra is."

Korra stepped in to the room as well, taking in the kids who were all staring at her with wide eyes.

"Hi Su," Korra raised a hand in greeting. "Sorry to just barge in like this." She laughed, only slightly nervous.

Su gathered herself, stepping out from behind the lectern and grasping her hands in front of her. "Lady Hokage," she gave a short bow. "It's quite alright." She smiled up at Korra.

Korra felt her face flush. "Oh, really Su, there's no need for that." She waved her hand back and forth.

"Nonsense!" Su motioned Korra to the center of the room, where she turned to face the students. "Kids," she clapped her hands. "Show your respect for Lady Eighth!"

"Su really," Korra tried to protest. "This isn't necessary."

"Of course it is," Su insisted. "You're Hokage now and you deserve your proper respect. Kids," she prompted again.

The kids all stood, and a chorus of bows and, "Good afternoon Lady Eighth's" followed, making Korra blush, as she waved to the class.

"Hello kids." She smiled at them.

"Eighth," Su prompted, causing Korra to turn and look at her. "Since you're here, would you mind saying a few words to my class, perhaps some encouragement? I'm sure it would mean a lot to them, coming from you."

"Oh, well," Korra scratched the back of her neck, a little embarrassed by the suggestion. Like she had told Bolin, she didn't consider herself some kind of hero. She just did her job for the village and happened to not only enjoy it, but be good at it as well. A fact for which she was grateful. "I guess I could talk a bit. She firmed up her resolve, smiling more confidently at her former Sensei. "Ok, sure!" She clenched a fist. Su smiled back.

She took a step forward, facing the class once more, confidence in her stance and in her gaze. She placed her fists on her hips, taking a stronger stance.

"Hi everyone," she waved at the children. "I'm sure you all know who I am, but for those of you who don't, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Korra Uchiha, the Eighth Hokage."

She looked around the room at the various faces of the children, pleased to see the increasing diversity brought about by the longstanding peace and alliance between the shinobi villages. And she was also pleased to see every eye focused on her. She knew from personal experience, and memories of herself as a child, how difficult it could be to keep a child focused and their attention on you for any significant length of time.

"Let me just start off by saying," she continued. "That I'm extremely proud of all of you for making it in to the Academy in the first place. The entrance exam isn't easy for a reason. It's the first step in determining who is fit to be a shinobi, and who is better off pursuing a career elsewhere."

She smiled as this made her think of her parents, neither of whom were shinobi, but together, ran perhaps the most successful bakery in the entirety of the Hidden Leaf. Korra had known from a young age, that a life spent making bread and sweets was not for her. No, what she had always wanted to do was be a shinobi, ever since she was old enough to understand the concept.

She remembered the hours she would spend outside, playing ninja with her friends and training her young body for the road ahead. Even as a child, she was driven by a strong sense of discipline and purpose, which had guided and served her well throughout her life.

In addition, there were the hours spent indoors, hitting the books. Expanding her mind didn't come as naturally to her as she learned better by doing rather than reading, but she grasped the importance of this aspect of ninja life as well, and applied herself to mastering it with the same fervor she approached the physical side of things. Countless texts on a wide variety of subjects passed through her hands: strategy, formations, battle tactics, theory, and countless others. Each one she devoured with gusto, any piece of helpful information stored away for future use, each one as accessible as a ninja tool in her pouch.

As the day of the entrance exam drew near, Korra remembers how she fervently begged her parents to allow her to register for it, recalling her confusion, when their response had been laughter. At first she had taken offense, believing her parents were dismissing her wishes without even considering granting her request. However, even as she was preparing to unleash all of her childhood wrath in disappointment on her parents, they had quickly assured her that they had no intention whatsoever in interfering with her dreams of becoming a shinobi. In fact, they had assured her how proud they were of her and her efforts towards meeting her goals. They were certain she would become an excellent shinobi, and had promptly escorted a now elated Korra, to the Academy. Of course, when the day of the exam came, she had aced it, earning her a solid place among the next generation of shinobi to enter the Academy. And the rest, was history.

Her attention returned to the group of students in front of her, all of them still watching her, seeming eager to hear what she had to say next, and that made her smile, assuring her that she hadn't been lost in her own thoughts long, a few seconds at most.

"I have no doubt," she continued her speech. "That each one of you in this room now, has the potential to become a great shinobi." She smiled at them. "Perhaps I'm looking at the future Hokage right now and I don't even know it yet." She scanned their faces, as the kids looked amongst themselves, whispering with each other for a moment.

"However, I will also say this. There is no shame in pursuing other careers. Perhaps some of you may find that the life of a ninja is not to your liking, or you may discover other passions that spark your interest far more than battle and risk in the field as a shinobi. Should that be the case, then you should all feel free to pursue those goals wherever they may take you. However, those of you who do remain shinobi," she gestured at Su. "Would be hard pressed to find a better instructor than Suyin Beifong. I should know. After all, I was her student once myself, and now I'm Hokage. Not that that's all there is to it, but study hard and listen to Su and there's very little you can't achieve."

She turned to Bolin, motioning him to join her, and after a brief look of surprise on his face, he did so, stepping up and standing by her side.

"This is Bolin," she told the kids. "He's one of my best friends, and he and his brother Mako were my team mates not long after I graduated from the Academy. We formed a three-person squad under Sarada Uchiha as one day all of you will form your own squads." She turns back to him for a moment, smiling with all the care she can muster at him.

"I may seem like the one that's inspiring, but if you really want to be wowed then it's Bolin you need to hear about."

He looks at her in confusion.

She smiles at him before turning back to the kids. "Yep," giving a nod of confirmation. "Bolin is the one you really want to talk to, but it's not my story to tell, even though I do feature in it, so I'll let him tell it."

"Whoa, whoa wait, wait," Bolin protested quietly, turning his back to the students so as to address Korra privately. She turned as well, granting his request. "I'm not sure I'm the best person to do this." He looked nervous, and Korra could hear it in his voice as well.

"That's what I thought when Lord Seventh made me Hokage," Korra argued. "But nevertheless, here I am." She smirked at him. "These kids need to hear from someone who didn't have it easy like I did, someone who struggled and failed and yet in the end overcame adversity anyway to become a fine shinobi. And that's exactly what you did Bo. You may not have had the easiest time here or in the squad with Mako and I initially, but you never gave up and you made it here anyway. You can inspire these kids," she placed a hand on his shoulder, and spoke softly and sweetly. "Just like you inspire me every day." She smiled warmly at him.

Bolin got that classic look he always got when he was complimented sincerely. His lip trembled and his eyes watered up in genuine happiness, and little sniffling sounds could be heard coming from the muscular man.

"I-if you weren't Hokage," Bolin stuttered. "I'd punch you right about now. Way to ambush a guy with feels." He gave her a teary smile, making Korra laugh.

"Go get 'em Bo." She clapped him on the shoulder.

Bolin gave her a quick thumbs up with both hands, and with a wipe of his sleeve across his face, he was presentable and turned to face the class, arms spread wide.

"Hey kids," he exclaimed, a massive grin on his face. "Wanna hear a story?"

The cheering that followed was encouraging, making Korra smile as she stepped back and caught Su's eye. She smiled at the older woman and nodded her head towards the side of the room. Su caught the hint, joining the young Hokage over by the door, and giving Bolin the spotlight.

The two women watched as Bolin regaled the kids with the trials and tribulations of his journey to becoming a shinobi, working the crowd like an expert. From time to time, a hand would shoot up with an eager voice asking a question. Bolin took it in stride, answering every one to the best of his abilities and keeping to the flow of the story at the same time. It was all accompanied by his usual excited hand waving, and visual aides as he got his points across to the young audience.

Su looked at Korra. "He's quite good at that. Interacting with the kids I mean. He treats them with respect, yet still puts things in a manner that they can understand without being patronizing." The older woman smiled at her former student. "He'd make an excellent instructor if you want my opinion."

Korra cocked her head, looking at her earth style, using friend. "He would…wouldn't he?" She smiled, the cogs in her head turning. Bolin, she thought to herself as she watched her friend demonstrate the proper shuriken throwing technique, I think I may have found an answer to your question.

"Well that's one problem solved," she muttered. If Bolin agrees, she added privately.

"Having trouble," Su asked quietly.

"Kind of." Korra looked at her. "I've been thinking about who I want to have as my advisor. I spoke with Zhu Li about it and she had the gall to suggest Hiroshi! He's smart but I mean honestly. He tried to kill me! But even worse, he tried to kill Asami! His own daughter, and the woman I love more than anything in the world besides maybe Yasuko! How could I trust someone like that?"

Su closed her eyes for a moment, contemplating, before looking at Korra once more. "I'm not sure. But perhaps you should consider speaking to him? Perhaps he's changed with his time in prison."

Korra was silent for a long while, turning over Su's words in her head. "We can only hope." She looked at the time. Asami would be going to visit her father soon, a recent change in her wife's attitude towards her last remaining parent. Maybe Korra could join her? She turned back to Su. "Hey Su, can you let Bolin know that I had to leave?"
"Of course." Su smiled at her. "Go figure things out. And Korra? I'm sure whatever decision you come to, Asami will support you."

Korra smiled back at her former mentor. "Thank you Su. And thanks for letting us ambush your class too. Hope we weren't too disruptive." Korra was grinning widely at her now.

Su chuckled, shaking her head with a smile. "You, Bolin and Mako are welcome any time Lady Eighth, just like any of my students."

With a last smile, and a bow from Su, Korra slipped out of the room, heading towards the hospital. If she was fast enough, she would probably be able to catch her wife as she left work to visit her father, and accompany her there. That is…if Asami is ok with it, Korra reminded herself. Of course she will be, she reasoned. This is Asami after all.


"Asami," Korra spoke, startling the other woman as she stepped backwards out of her office, closing and locking the door.

"Shit," Asami cursed, dropping the bag she was holding and whipping around, taking a fighting stance.

When all she was met by was the smiling and somewhat sheepish gaze of her wife, she relaxed. "Korra." She placed a hand to her chest as her breathing calmed. "You scared me." Nevertheless she gave her wife a smile.

"Sorry." Korra smiled back. She took in the taller woman's appearance, noting that Asami had shed the coat and gloves that marked her as a medical ninja. Instead she was dressed in her casual clothes, consisting of tall boots, red skirt, and jacket, and black undershirt. She looked beautiful, but of course, Korra thought she looked beautiful no matter what. She could admit to her own heavy bias when it came to Asami.

"Yasuko's with Mako?" Korra raised her eyebrow. She trusted Asami of course, knowing she wouldn't simply abandon their child, but it was her parental instinct that made her ask anyway.

"Mmhm," Asami nodded, making Korra smile.

"Are you going to visit your dad?"

"Yes," Asami answered a bit warily. Korra knew Asami knew her opinion on Hiroshi Sato and didn't blame her for it. Asami herself had told her she didn't quite trust her father yet either, but was willing to try and make amends at least. After all, Hiroshi was her last remaining parent. It wouldn't do to remain estranged. What if something were to happen? "Why?"

"Well," Korra scratched the back of her neck. "I was wondering if maybe I could come with you. You know…visit him with you…too…yeah."

Asami stared at her for a long time, in silence, blinking owlishly and Korra wondered if she'd gone too far.

"You do? Y-you want to visit my dad with me?" Asami looked skeptical.

"Yeah. I do…Is that ok?" Korra looked at her hopefully.

"I…suppose so," Asami said after a while. "But why the sudden change? I thought you hated my father?"

Korra sighed. "I'm still furious with him. Not so much that he tried to hurt me, but that he tried to hurt you. I mean seriously, his own daughter." She made a disgusted face, shaking her head. "But anyway, I had a talk with Zhu Li today and there's something I need to confirm."

"Confirm?" Asami raised her eyebrow questioningly.

Korra nodded in confirmation. "Uh huh. So I need to see him. Please."

Asami seemed to think for a moment. "Korra," she spoke softly. "You're not going to hurt him are you?" She took Korra's hands, looking in to her eyes, searching.

Korra smiled up at her reassuringly, rubbing her thumbs over her wife's knuckles. "No," she spoke soothingly. "I won't hurt him unless he tries to hurt you again. Promise."

"Promise?" Asami clearly wanted to hear it again.

"Promise," Korra nodded, smiling. "He knows what my eyes can do first hand, and they've only gotten stronger since then, so hopefully he won't be that stupid…er, sorry, what I meant was-"

Asami placed a finger on her lips, silencing her. She laughed. "It's ok Korra. I know what you meant. Alright, you can come along with me."

Korra leaned up, and Asami leaned down, meeting her half way and they kissed, briefly but sweetly.

"Thank you sweetie," Korra thanked her love. "I'm really glad you agreed, cause my back up plan was to order you as the Hokage to let me go with you." She rubbed her neck, embarrassed. "Yeah, really glad I didn't go with that option."

"Me too," Asami agreed. "Because I like it when you sleep in the bed with me, and if you had done that, you'd be sleeping on the couch for the rest of our married life, Hokage or not." She smiled that sweet smile at Korra, patted her on the cheek, picked up her bag, and began to walk off.

"Heh heh, you're kidding…right? Asami? Asami!?"

"Come along Korrakage. We don't want to be late!"

Korra blushed hard. "Asami," she called after her wife. "You promised not to call me that outside the bedroom! Asami!" She scuttled after her wife, swearing that Asami put more sway in to her hips than usual…Not that she really minded of course.

"Oh, right," she mumbled to herself. She paused, putting her forefinger and thumb in her mouth and giving a short whistle. Within moments, four ANBU agents dropped down in front of her, kneeling.

"Awaiting your orders Lady Eighth," the leader spoke. It was a woman's voice.

"It's a go," Korra told them quietly. "Head to the prison and arrange everything as we discussed."

"Yes Lady Eighth. Right away."

"Good." Korra nodded. "I'm counting on you Kuvira." She waved her arm in dismissal. "Scatter." And the four agents blurred in to lines of color as they vanished.

Satisfied, Korra resumed her journey, catching up to Asami quickly.

"What was that about," Asami asked her. "Is something the matter?"

Korra shook her head, smiling at the older woman. "No, no, nothing like that. Don't worry about it."

Asami rewarded her with one of her large, pure white, smiles, and Korra took her hand, threading their fingers together.

"Shall we?" Korra smiled wider.

"We shall." Asami nodded.


Drip. Drip. Drip. The constant sound of dripping water continued as it had for the last several years. The silence in the dimly lit cell was otherwise oppressive and maddening. At first, the constant dripping had been the maddening bit, but after years of silence and inactivity, any sound was a welcome diversion from his tormented thoughts, and now he welcomed the tiny noise as a treasured companion.

He sighed, looking down at the photo he held in his hand. It was the one personal item besides his spectacles he had been allowed to keep. Tracing his finger across the face of the tall woman that stood beside him, he remembered how it had felt to trace her skin the same way…when she had still been alive that is.

"Oh Yasuko," he spoke quietly, pain and regret filling his voice. "I'm such a fool." He sighed mightily, missing his wife, missing his daughter, and even missing Korra. A sad chuckle left his lips at the thought. To think he'd be missing the one person he thought he hated beyond reason. The one person he believed at the time, to have corrupted his precious daughter. "What a fool I am." He looked up at the ceiling of his cell.

"I'm not sure what I'd do…if I were ever to come face to face with Korra again," he told the picture of his late wife. "It's a miracle in itself that Asami can stand to look at me again, much less talk to me." He thought back to his daughter's two previous visits. The hesitancy, and the distrust in her voice, her eyes and her actions around him were heartbreaking. He recalled the first words she said to him after visiting for the first time since he was put in prison, the first time he had seen her in three years.

"I came here today to return these." She slid the stack of letters across the table to him.

He picked one up off the stack and inspected it, his face awash with disappointment. "You never opened them." He sighed. He wasn't sure what he expected.

"Stop contacting me," Asami told him, her voice harsh, her gaze unforgiving. "I want nothing to do with you." She stood from the table. "Korra and I are very happy together. We have a life, and Korra takes good care of me…We take good care of each other."

"I want to make amends," he pleaded. "Please Asami, just give me one chance to make it up to you. I'm unsure if you'll believe me but I want you to know Asami…I'm sorry." There were tears coursing down his face now, tracing the scars there. "I am so, so sorry and ashamed of what I did."

Asami sat back down at the table, side turned towards him, arms and legs crossed. She looked over, raising an eyebrow at him, and he couldn't help the swell of hope that surged up in to his chest.

"I was…wrong," he continued, not missing the little snort of disbelief that his daughter made. "Though I suppose you knew that already. You always have been smarter than me, able to see what I couldn't." He smiled sadly at her, but his daughter's expression did not change. It remained cold and impassive. He sighed. "Do you love her?" His voice was earnest, hopeful.

"What," Asami asked, the question clearly surprising her.

"Korra," he clarified. "Do you love Korra?"

"More than anything," she answered without hesitation. "More than you," they both understood was the unsaid addition to the answer.

"I see." He nodded. "And Korra loves you?"

"Of course."

He smiled at her, sad but genuine. "Then I am glad."

"Really?" Asami's doubt was evident, her tone skeptical.

"Really," he confirmed. "I'm glad that you and Korra have found each other. You remind me so much of your mother and I. I just…couldn't see it at first." He frowned, shaking his head. "No. That's not true. I didn't ALLOW myself to see it. But I do now, and I'd like to be a part of BOTH of your lives…if you'll allow me."

"Well," Asami said hesitantly. "I don't know about Korra. She seems to hate you…but…I'm willing to give you a chance." She held up a finger. "ONE chance, because you're my father."

She rose from the seat again, heading for the door.

"Asami," he spoke, making her pause with her hand on the frame, a guard holding the door open for her. "I love you."

"I love you too Dad," she said quietly, barely turning her head to look over her shoulder at him, before swishing her way out the door.

Their next meeting had been just as awkward, just as stiff, consisting of mostly small talk over a game of Shogi. He had tried asking more questions about her life, about Korra, but had been shut down. Asami didn't seem ready for that yet, and so he had complied, taking simply being in his daughter's presence for now. Hopefully he would have a chance to repair the relationship he had destroyed between them. And perhaps in time, even Korra could be persuaded to give him another chance. Though at the moment, he couldn't even be sure Asami would come back. That last awkward meeting had been several weeks ago, and there'd been no word from her since. Not that he truly expected any, but still, it would be nice to hear from her.

Patience, he schooled himself. You have to earn it. This made him chuckle as he was reminded of all the times he had given similar advice to a young Asami, so concerned with immediate results, and immediate gratification, as many youngsters are.

"Sato!" There was a bang on his door, followed by the clicking of the lock, and then the door was slid open with a metal screech. All the commotion pulled him from his thoughts, and he stood, tucking the photo in to a breast pocket.

"Let's go," the prison guard spoke.

He looked out the door in confusion. Aside from the single prison guard that had unlocked the door, this wasn't the usual compliment of guards. No. These weren't ordinary guards at all, but ANBU agents…four of them to be precise, all of them staring at him, expressions hidden behind the usual animal masks. Already nervous, he swallowed, stepping out in to the hall, where the four shinobi formed up around him, two in front and two to the rear, with the prison guard leading the way.

What's going on? Am I going to be executed, he wondered. There were few other reasons why ANBU agents would show up here. Either it was to be torture or execution. Those seemed to be the most reasonable reasons as far as he could deduce. Either way, whatever was about to happen to him, the order had to have come directly from the Hokage. Not since before the war had ANBU agents taken orders from anyone besides the Hokage. However, those days were long past. Gone were the days of Danzo and the Foundation, and along with them, the challenge they presented to the authority of the Hokage.

"Excuse me," he asked hesitantly.

"Silence," one of the ANBU agents, a male, responded immediately.

"It's fine," another agent countered, a female this time, wearing a bear mask. "Let's hear what he has to say."

Hiroshi breathed out in relief. Clearly the woman was the leader, judging by the other's respect for her. "May I ask what is going on," he asked respectfully. "This isn't the usual procedure for visits. What exactly is the ANBU doing here? What do you want with me?"

There was a pause, and the woman turned and looked at him, her bear mask showing no inkling of what she was thinking.

"I'm sorry," she answered after some time. "I'm not at liberty to say. We're just following orders. Though I can tell you that no harm will come to you, if you behave yourself."

"I see." He nodded, looking at the floor in consternation. Well that's concerning.

Before long, he was led inside a room with concrete walls and no windows. It's only furnishings were a table with three chairs, one on one side, facing the door, and two on the other. He was led around to the side facing the door, and placed in the chair. The ANBU took up position in each of the four corners of the room, while the prison guard stayed outside. He tapped the table with his fingers anxiously. There was nothing to do now but wait. Wait for whatever was about to happen.


"Korra. Are you sure you're ok with this?" Asami looked over at her wife inquisitively.

Korra turned to her, smiling that encouraging smile of hers. "I'm sure Asami." She squeezes the pale woman's hand. "I need this just as much as you do. We both need closure, and who knows, something might come of this."

"There you go, being all cryptic again," Asami teases, bumping Korra with her shoulder. "Are you ever going to tell me what's on your mind?"

Korra grinned slyly at her. "It all depends on how this meeting goes."

Asami rolled her eyes, an indulgent smile on her face. "Fine, keep your secrets for now. It'll only be that much more fun when I get them out of you…" she leaned in, whispering in the shorter woman's ear. Korra could feel the breath on her skin with every exhale, and it made her shiver. "In private. Perhaps with," she reached out, twirling her finger around Korra's ear. "The collar?"

Korra snorted. "Oh please," she replied quietly. "We both know you're the one that loves wearing that. Besides, it was specially made for you. It wouldn't fit me." She smirked at the other woman, finally getting the blush that she wanted out of her green-eyed wife.

"Point," Asami coughed, attempting to get her breathing and blush under control as she pulled away from Korra and looked at the ground. "Point taken."

Korra raised an eyebrow at her, and Asami looked over, blushing harder.

"Point taken…" she prompted.

Asami looked around, seeing the streets filled with people, and her blush deepened even further. "You're really gonna make me say it? Here with all these people around?"

Korra simply smirked at her, bouncing her eyebrows up and down.

Sighing, Asami gave in after a bit of fidgeting. "Fine," she whispered. "Point taken…Mistress." She covered her face with a hand, which was difficult as it was the hand holding her bag, her other hand being occupied holding Korra's.

Korra chuckled, leaning up and pecking her on the cheek. "Good girl. Was that so hard?" Her voice was equally quiet.

"I hate you," Asami said, with absolutely no malice in her voice, the corners of her lips turned up in a smile.

Korra laughed more loudly now. "Love you too babe!" She squeezed Asami's hand.

It had surprised them both, to discover Asami preferred to let Korra take the lead in the bedroom, and had led to some…interesting and highly pleasurable situations for the both of them.

Korra shook her head, a smile on her face. That was neither here nor there. And what she should be focused on right now was the impending meeting with Hiroshi Sato: Asami's father, and the man that had attempted to murder the both of them not long after Asami had first introduced Korra as her girlfriend.

She shared a look with Asami as they entered the prison, communicating silently, and Asami gave a small nod, showing that she understood. The smile never left the pale-skinned woman's face though, something that pleased Korra greatly.

The pair was approached by a prison guard, drawing Korra's attention.

"Lady Hokage," he greeted Korra, bowing respectfully. "Ma'am." He bowed to Asami as well, though not as deeply. He returned his attention to Korra. "Everything has been set up as per your request Lady Eighth. If you'll follow me?" He gestured with his arm.

Asami looked at Korra questioningly as they were led in a different direction than the usual visitor's room. Korra simply smiled encouragingly at her, squeezing her hand reassuringly.

Eventually, through several hallways and up a set of stairs, they came to a door with a prison guard stationed outside it. They stopped in front of it.

"So my father's in there," Asami questioned the guard.

"Yes ma'am." He nodded.

"Ready?" Korra looked at her hopefully.

"Yes," Asami answered hesitantly. "But let me go in first. To smooth things over a bit."

Korra nodded in understanding, raising Asami's pale hand to her mouth and kissing the back sweetly, causing the older woman to smile, a slight blush painting her cheeks. "Whatever you need," the young Hokage told her softly. "I trust you completely."

With a final exchange of smiles and one last squeeze of the hand, Asami let go of Korra, stepping forward towards the guard and nodding in readiness. He opened the door and she stepped through, and he closed it again, and within moments, Korra began hearing noises.

The scrape of a chair, and then Hiroshi Sato's slightly muffled voice. "Asami, you came back."

Asami's voice soon followed. "Dad," she sounded slightly hesitant. "I brought someone with me today."

"Oh?"

Taking that as her cue, Korra stepped forward, waving off the guard and opening the door herself. Taking a moment to take a calming breath once she was on the other side, as she gently closed the door, her back to the room. She had to admit that part of it was to let the man know exactly who he was dealing with, as her position clearly displayed the kanji spelling out, "Eighth Hokage" running down the back of her cape. She always did have a bit of a flair for the dramatic, and enjoyed putting on a show where appropriate, especially in situations like this.

When she turned, she could see the shock in the old man's face, which she wasn't afraid to admit was pleasing to her.

She watched as he stood, taking her in. Hiroshi had lost weight and his hair had gone grey, but he was still recognizable, and she had to stop herself from sneering and clenching her fists at this man, this man who had hurt her beloved, his own daughter.

Korra crossed her arms and closed her eyes, feeling the shift as she allowed her Sharingan to activate, and when she opened them again, she could see the fear in the old man's eyes. She crossed her arms, and couldn't help but let the corners of her mouth come up in a smirk. "Hello Mr. Sato," she spoke, her voice even and somewhat cold. "I think it's time you and I talked."

He swallowed audibly, and she couldn't help but grin maliciously. Oh, she was going to enjoy this.


A/N: Wow! This one was a real doozy! I'm pretty sure it's the longest chapter I've ever published here at eighteen pages, and a third of the way on to the nineteenth. But still, it was so much fun to write! I wanted to keep going and cover the meeting with Hiroshi and a few other things, but it would have basically become a book at that point, so expect the next chapter to cover all of that. Anyway, hope you enjoyed an as always, reviews are appreciated and encouraged!