'Naruto' and 'Naruto Shippuden' are the property of Masashi Kishimoto and TV Tokyo.

PROSPECT

"Hello Miss Sakura, how was the job interview?"

"I don't really want to talk about it," I replied defeated. I shut the door, pulling at my navy silk blouse that was clinging irritably to my back with static. It seemed my only chief employer was going to be the stress related chemical Cortisol. It's difficult to relax when my thoughts always crystallize on a looming eviction.

"You have two new messages," was offered and with glum determination I made my way into my tiny kitchen, poking at the chicken soup in the slow cooker.

"What did they say?"

"Tsunade sends her best wishes and can't wait to see you," came cheerfully and I perked up instantly, a smile tugging at my lips. I ladled out my soup and parked myself at the counter with renewed vigour.

"What's the other message?" I asked and there was an uncomfortable pause. I shot Hypo-Con(1) a stern look, watching his animated face sweat drop on the monitor. I know he is only looking out for me but hiding things from people never helps. "What is the other message?" I repeated.

'Who sent it' would have been more to the point but I already have my suspicions.

"Well..." was started slowly. "Boss Matsuda called to offer you your old job back at his new club Zion."

My cheerful mood was gone as quickly as it came. I had been ignoring him for two months. When was he going to stop hounding me? Maybe he understood that with each passing week his offer was becoming more enticing and thought he could wear me down.

"Delete it," I muttered, pushing a few tendrils of hair out of my eyes and my bowl away. The same way I had left behind the horrible bar massacre so too would I forget about Boss Matsuda. I would only look forward.

I wandered over to my favourite thing in my apartment, the bay window. I watched the shadows flickering across the busy market street and the stalls packing up for the day. All the thoughts in my head became as tightly compressed as spaghetti in a tin. I didn't want to get evicted from here. Sure the apartment wasn't perfect (only one bedroom) and above a spice supplier so the overwhelming smell of pepper and chilli powder was always wafting through the air, ready to assault your nose and make you sneeze. But I loved this place.

"Hypo-Con can you begin job searching?"

A smile spread across the cartoon face instantly, "Right away Miss Sakura!"

I am not giving up on this place. I sat back at my counter and ate.

So Hypo-Con had found a personal assistant position at the renowned Konoha fashion label. It's not something I would usually pursue but the ad said no experience required and I absolutely adore the brand. I had traded in my more conservative shoes for a just gorgeous, open-toed pump I had gotten at a sample sale at the beginning of this season. It was a risky decision for interview attire but who wouldn't be happy to see their own work walk through the door?

I walked briskly along the Sky Rail(2) platform, taking a deep breath of the morning air. Everybody looked on point and seamless. Well all except for a plump middle-aged woman gaping at a man with shimmery silver skin. Meka(3) were always easy to spot, wide-eyed and slack mouthed. How different the outside world must be to create these proudly aging and genetically imperfect individuals. This one in particular was struggling with the Sky Rail between gawking.

"You get used to it," I said sagely and a kind face with primrose cheeks and laugh lines turned on me in surprise. If I had known my mother I imagine she would have been something like this. I hope wherever she is in the world she has laugh lines instead of frown.

"Oh!" she said placing her hand over her chest before recovering. "I suppose but right now it's all so overwhelming!"

"Don't you know how to sign on?"

"Is it that obvious?" she smiled sheepishly. Even though she was speaking English her accent made it seem like she was chewing out each sound and leaning into every word. Her voice seemed to raise an octave at the end of every sentence too. I loved hearing all the different Meka accents. This one was new to me.

"Okay where are you going?"

"North Terrace."

"Oh that's where I'm going!" I said brightly. "We can sit together. My name is Sakura by the way."

She gave me a wide, gap toothed smile. It was a good feeling. "I'm Miranda. Nice too meet you."

After we sat down and got talking I found out Miranda's husband had been paralysed from the waist down after an unfortunate accident at work. They both decided to immigrate to Enoch and had only been here a week.

"It was absolutely amazing! He's been in that chair for five years and yesterday he was able to stand up all on his own! It's a miracle. I guess it really is true! All things are possible in Enoch."

I smiled at the bubbling excitement that had taken a hold of her. Health was so important and it was hard to comprehend why the outside took that for granted. If you have the technology to save someone's life why neglect that? Why outlaw it?

"Oh but just listen to me rambling on about my life story. I'm sorry dear."

"That's okay," I said honestly. "I don't mind at all."

We both gave a jolt when the carriage rattled. This line was always faulty. After bracing ourselves she pointed out the window. Buildings sprung up and flashed past us in a blur but she had settled on the only ever present thing no matter which way you looked in Enoch, a huge structure that ringed the city as a constant.

"What's that?"

"That's the wall(4)," I replied giving it a long hard look for the first time in a while. Living here you just get so used to it and it vanishes from your peripheral. Even here you can tell it was made from impure concrete and haphazardly plastered together. "It's electric or something. You're not supposed to go near it."

"We didn't build that wall to keep the heathens in; we built it to keep those dictators out!"

Boss Matsuda was still ringing in my ears. It took focusing on the clattering of the line to drown him out.

"Oh I wouldn't dream! It was hard enough getting in."

"Really?" I questioned and she seemed to hesitate for a moment before nodding. I always see advertisements trying to entice people to move to Enoch so the idea her family faced any difficulty was bizarre.

"Oh yes. We were on the waiting list for three years and when we did get citizenship most of our things didn't match regulation so it's been a big move. It's like starting all over again."

"That is big!" I said in awe.

"But it's been absolutely worth it to see Gary walk again," she said back positively. "I was actually thinking I could get in some shopping today. Do you know if the immigration support office is open after six?"

"I don't actually. Hang on."

Fuelled by a sense of purpose I got up and wandered over to the only other person in our carriage and asked him if he knew when the office closed.

"Where is Uzumaki Naruto?(5)" he retorted indifferently. Damn him. I shook my head at Miranda and sat back down with a huff before drawing my fingers over the graffiti on the chair in front of me. 'Uzumaki Naruto' was scratched into the back of the metal with unskilled hands.

Uzumaki Naruto was 15 meters tall and counting. He's above the Sky rail, beneath the cracks in the pavement and through the shattered windows of abandoned buildings. He's scrawled on the back of grotty bathroom stalls, hacked into news readings in big block letters and bubble written across ironic t-shirts. Who he is doesn't seem as important as where he is. Nobody knows and his city is pining for him. His homecoming, his execution or mere proof of his actual existence I don't know. My theory is he is a promotional tool for a new product (a tracker chip for your kid most likely). If so the campaign has done more than just capture everyone's imagination but has passed through and embedded itself into permeable consciousness.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when Miranda brushed my shoulder. She was staring at the man I had spoken with, looking at the grooves littering his arm with distrust. She asked me tentatively, "Are the people here... okay?"

And for a moment I allowed myself into her head. Born into a stagnant world where technology is king and man will no longer evolve. She has never seen something that looks anything but human yet claims to be. The city she has moved to is a melting pot of spliced and augmented people. Not only is she at the point of no return... but the unknown. That must feel terrifying.

But she has nothing to be afraid off.

"Well I'm okay don't you think?"

The worry lines that had etched themselves upon her face relaxed and relief flooded into her eyes. "Yes!" she nodded. "Different isn't always bad."

"Exactly," I agreed before leaning back into my chair. I hadn't been lying to her exactly but some people- no things- here were not okay. The most prominent in my mind is the chimera but the odds of her ever experiencing that are low as I have only ever seen one once. They demolished and entire institution just to unearth it. Translucent skin barely disguised the workings of the vessels and muscles underneath. Canine teeth glistening with blood and badger claws bent around its last feed. The whole street was covering their nose at its strong bacterial stench. The monster was dead. A shadow of its former greatness but I could never forget its terrible amber hawk eyes. Forever fixed forward through transparent eyelids.

The scientist deemed responsible received a slap on the wrist and all of his work closely monitored from there on out. Some people find this stance lenient but after all, in scientific terms, the creation of a monster is a brilliant achievement, the Adam of our labours. The real horror comes not from the design but autonomy. The moment the scientist loses control and the creatures independent thought reigns free.

Just like kakashi says though, "These monsters cannot be uncreated, the same way the knowledge accumulated in their design cannot be unlearned, or the contents of Pandora's Box recaptured."

The limits of creation, no matter how appalling, must be pushed. It's the inescapable truth of Enoch and the foundation of which it was built upon.

My Meka got a little teary eyed, wished me all the best on my job interview and gave me the biggest and warmest hug at the platform. I congratulated her on her new life and husband's good health, exchanged our hypo-numbers and with a feeling of indestructibility had marched all the way to my interview with the mindset I was going to leave with the position.

But now looking around the room I wasn't so sure. There were over fifty applicants and I almost walked right back out. It was going to take forever to screen us all and after ears dropping on a few conversations it became clear other people were far more qualified.

"Everybody stand in a line!"

It was shouted over the din of undermining chatter, the shrill and high voice of a prepubescent girl. Normally she wouldn't be taken seriously but as the Konoha fashion label is headed by Konohamaru, a thirteen year old boy, it's not surprising.

I ended up somewhere near the end and unfortunately between two very tall girls. Even with my heels I was tiny in comparison and completely over shadowed.

"I present to you a man who needs no introduction," the young girl rattled off. "Head of a multi-million dollar corporation and connoisseur of the global market and creator of the Konoha fashion label- Konohamaru!"

The room was almost in a frenzy. Konohamaru! We were actually going to see him. Even if this didn't work out at least I got to see one of my favourite designers in person.

He pushed his way through the door dramatically (as if his introduction hadn't been dramatic enough) and began walking down the line before speaking. "I will be choosing one of you to be my personal assistant."

There was a second wave of chatter in the room. It was unbelievable! I thought the job was to be personal assistant to a personal assistant or something. Not this.

I watched him closely as he did his lap, getting closer to the end at a brisk pace. Head down and eyes narrowed, revealing how unimpressed he was with everyone. Maybe he was just thinking about all the people that needed to be interviewed.

My heart stopped when he did- right in front of me. He was looking at my shoes and slowly he looked me up and down. The whole room had gone silent and my brain was racing.

"I want her," he said plainly and just like that I was gestured forward by one of his entourage and lead away.

"I got the job!"

I was ecstatic. I was over the moon. It was unbelievable. Just like that I had been hired! He didn't ask for my experience but if I had seen the fall line! Running for coffee, organising the models and keeping track of the wardrobe- how hard can it be?

I was a little surprised when Hypo-Con didn't buzz with excitement and my back went up when I noticed there were crosses in his eyes and DISABLED flashing across the screen. Someone had broken into my apartment and my mouth ran dry when I noticed a shadowy figure standing at the bay window. It took a moment for it all to register and I bit my lip irritably. I hadn't seen him since the Cradle and wanted to keep it that way.

"Great. What a fantastic end to the day," I said sarcastically.

The man's shoulders seemed to relax and gave a heart warmed reply, "I'm glad you're so happy to see me."

Aleksander ran his fingers through his slicked back hair and gave me a passive look. It took everything not to snarl at him.

"What does he want?" I demanded crisply. I should have seen this coming. Of course Boss Matsuda would send Aleksander if I wasn't replying to him. Why didn't I see this coming?

"You," he said simply. "Back."

"Dead people don't come back," I retorted hotly. Boss Matsuda left me for dead and as far as I was concerned that is how I planned to remain to him.

"He didn't want to leave you- neither did I."

"Thanks for the concern," I spat.

"You're welcome," was my reply and I rolled my eyes. Aleksander had never understood sarcasm so why was I bothering to educate him now? I had to be straight with him.

"I have a new job. I'm never going back to that."

To cash in hand, being up at ungodly hours of the night and acting oblivious to all the criminal activity surrounding me- I won't do it anymore. In a way I should thank Boss Matsuda for what happened because it put everything in perspective for me. That's not the person I am.

If I hadn't known Aleksander since I was fifteen I might have missed it. His mouth pressed together so slightly into a disapproving line- it was dangerous. Here was a man in his prime, 36 and trigger happy. He could over power me in a blink of an eye, silence me with one shot and knew more than one good place to hide a body. I was an idiot to make him angry. The look vanished though, replaced with the hooded eyes he got when it was just him and a bottle of gin after closing. The closest I had seen him to content.

"Boss must really love you," he said cryptically.

"Doubtful." It escaped me before I could swallow it back down. Searing, hot and overall hurt- the word chocked its way out of me.

"I've been told to simply walk away if you refuse the offer. You know intimate information about the entire operation- for what reason other than love- would he let you live?"

The door shut, leaving me to dwell.

"Are you sure you're okay Hypo-Con?"

"Yes Miss Sakura," he replied but his voice was still a little shaky. "I'm sorry I let him in."

I watched a little tear well in his eyes and curled up in my blankets. "It's not your fault Hypo-Con. Please don't be sad."

I felt myself smile when the crying animation disappeared. "I hope you can get some sleep Miss Sakura."

That brought me back to my current struggle. Sleep didn't come easily after the club as my mind constantly ticked over. The nightmares had subsided but questions remained in their stead. It made me realise a part of me needed closure for what happened. I couldn't care less about Boss Matsuda but what had been meant by 'Exodus' and why had Sasuke been so intent on disabling that cylinder. I reached over for my medication, swallowing a single pill.

"I hope so too."

I wanted to see Sasuke again, if only for answers.

"Konohamaru you have a phone conference in 20."

The small mass in the bed stirred and set a bloodshot eye on me in discontent. I smacked my lips together, surprised but not shocked he had clearly only gotten an hour sleep last night. I wrinkled my nose at the profane sight of all the chocolate wrappers littering the room, expecting me to clean them up. He always managed to make everything so sticky.

"Where's the winter fabrics book?" he tried innocently and I was not falling for that again. He was a master of distraction so he could catch a few more moments sleep. If he did that he'd miss the conference which will- I guarantee you- somehow be my fault. The first lesson of being a personal assistant: you get the blame for everything. Already prepared, I held up the winter fabrics book.

"You have a conference in 18," I pressed. "Here is your hot chocolate."

He huffed at me something about 'damn runway', dragging himself into a sitting position and snatching his drink away. I flinch when it spills over the rim onto his sheets- more things to clean. I'm not paid nearly enough.

After a shot of coco he gives a weary sigh in personal reflection. "I'm getting much too old for this don't you think?"

Not this again. Sure the kid was a fashion industry prodigy; he owned three textile factories and two high-end boutiques in Enoch alone. His first line exploded on the world market at 10 but now at 13 he acted like he was some kind of veteran. The kid had barely hit puberty!

Before I could answer (more like fawn and coo over him in reassurance as per his demand to be babied) he yawned and added, "Then again you're ancient. What would you know?"

I bristled at the insult. Twenty was not ancient. He has absolutely no idea. "Conference in 15," I said bluntly taking a little too much pleasure at the way he groaned in horror.

After two months working here I can confidently say being a P.A. is not easy.

"I wanted cranberry juice. CRANBERRY."

In fact it was pretty thankless work.

"I'm sorry," I replied taking back the apple juice I could have sworn Moegi asked for when Udon spoke up sounding like his usual obnoxious self.

"I specifically asked for only red gummy bears," he snapped before holding up a lone orange bear. "Does this look like red to you?"

That irritated me because how hard is it to pick out the colour you wanted yourself? He was behaving like an absolute child! I surveyed him, runny nose and glasses pushed back against his childish face. He was eleven. What else was he supposed to behave like?

That's when it hit me. I wasn't a P.A. I was a glorified babysitter.

It takes a lot to stand out in the streets of Enoch but I have managed it and for all the right reasons. People moved aside for me as I sped down (well as fast as you can speed down a street in a tight pencil skirt) trying to get to the eastside boutique and meet with Konohamaru. I would like to think it had something to do with how sharply I was dressed (and my new awesome heels!) but it was probably because of the Hypo-cell I had glued to my hand. The sleek silver design screamed business and even had a camera on the back (strictly prohibited without a permit) to take photos of the outfits. It was all mine (as long as I still worked for the Konoha label) and the reception was amazing on this thing. The speed at which communication was possible is truly amazing.

I was about three blocks away when a familiar chime made everyone in the street stop and swarm around the nearest possible screen. It was time for an address from the father, the democratically elected prime-minister of Enoch, Hayate Kakashi. Kakashi was a fair man who had almost been in office for a decade. He pushed back his peppered grey hair as eyes that always seemed like they were crinkled in a smile surveyed us for a moment before he began.

"Good afternoon. Today I would like to talk about a grave issue. A rail made of Meka metal collapsed in the underground this morning killing 39 workers."

Many of the people near me made upset noises and others simply shook their head in disgust. It was pretty upsetting that once again the people of Enoch have been harmed due to the carelessness of the outside world.

"Citizens are reminded to stay out of the underground until construction is complete and anybody caught trespassing will not only face endangering themselves but potential arrest. This is an unexpected tragedy but the people of Enoch have always shown great strength and compassion in the face of crisis. If we can survive the Absolutions Creed(6) we are not to be taken lightly."

He then began to mention free healthcare, economic stability and the new abundance of food that was about to be made available. The mood went from mourning to excited chatter about all the new dishes that could be prepared now. The chime went, signalling the broadcast was about to end but people still hung around for that familiar sign out.

"Thank you for your time and remember: all things are possible in Enoch."

After the screen went blank normal business was resumed.

"You stopped for a W.A. (7)! How could you!"

"It's mandatory viewing," I replied curtly. Of course it wasn't strongly enforced as people are able to continue working as long as they listen but if you are on the street it was like unwritten law to stop.

Well that is unless you are Konohamaru and have a runway show in under a week.

"Ugh!" he snarled, flinging a gossamer veil at me. "Just go put that on the display!"

Fearing I would infuriate him even further I got to work straight away. Carefully rearranging the silk train of the dress and trying to place the veil just right. In a way it was heart warming he trusted me with this. It almost made up for the awful and vapid stress monster he was 99 percent of the time. It only took a second of turning away to get the pins and he was back, critiquing everything I was doing.

"Not like that! An old woman like you should know better!"

Scratch out that silver lining. I really hate working here. I'm quitting when I can get another job.

It was absolute chaos. Half dressed girls ran around as the team chased after them like heat seeking missiles before pushing them into the hair and make-up stations. The air was thick with matte powder and silver fake eyelashes littered the floor like fat, spoiled silkworms.

I had two main jobs in this anarchy; to keep Konohamaru from having one of his infamous meltdowns and organising the models when they arrived to be done up. All the girls were almost ready except one who wasn't here and unforgivably late. She was also going to be the show stopper and Konohamaru was close to having a stroke considering she inspired the entire collection.

"Where's my muse?!"

Her ears must have been burning because the last girl finally ran into the room, blurting a single sorry and running right at me when I waved her over. She was incredibly beautiful, with huge crystal blue eyes, smooth long blonde hair and flawless skin. Unfortunately she was actually this gorgeous. To appeal to a global market Konohamaru goes in the direction of al' natural which means no intrusive cosmetic alterations or surgeries. There was a group of people in Enoch who prided themselves on being 'pure' (bar a few genetic screenings) and not manipulating their appearances with invasive technologies.

These were their daughters.

"Ino," I said hurriedly and we both ran down to the curtains. That's when I saw them. The. Best. High. Heels. Ever. I have love affairs in pairs, a serial offender for sure but these were just strappy, glam divine. It really is true. It's only four inches to heaven...

"I love your shoes!" I blurted, losing all composure and much to my surprise Ino smiled back earnestly. "Thank you. I absolutely adore your boots."

"I got them half-price at a sample sale," I replied and admired her impressed response. Luckily we were both adept at multi-tasking as she quickly got changed.

"Where was the sale?"

"Upper-east side Marion's," I said "It's an amazing store."

"I'll be going there for sure!" she said honestly, her face lighting up.

"So where did you get your shoes?" I asked. I was already picturing all our rendezvous. The outfits we'd pull off and the streets we'd parade down.

"Oh I can't tell you that," was said matter of fact.

Wait... what?

The silence between us was deafening.

"Why not?" I blinked, brow knotting.

She gave a good natured, wet shine smile. "Well I don't want anyone else to have them obviously."

And with that she (and her beautiful shoes) stalked over to hair and makeup.

All I wanted to do was know where she got them from. It wasn't fair after all. I told her where I got mine.

"Did you buy them from Happy Feet?"

She gave me a trying look, elegant arched brows levelling into an irritated discomfort. I pretended it was from her hair being slicked back into a tight and throbbing ponytail.

"Umm no..."

I was beckoned to the call. "Sakura!"

"Head over heels?"

"Sakura!" Moegi ran over to me in a frantic mess "Konohamaru wants to know if the gift bags have the gold leaf thank you notes in them!"

They do. I saw too it myself. I turn back to Ino- only to find she is no longer there. Oh she was just waiting for the opportunity! "They're not..." I say slowly before getting a brain blast. "I think they are at the make-up station!"

All I need is the brand of the shoes. Then the almost sociopathic determination will disappear.

At the makeup booth I got there just in time. I know she wanted me to stop seeing them but I can't. Love will conquer all and I must know the brand!

She was almost done, having the last sweep of rouge applied to her high cheekbones. The second she laid eyes on me she seemed to shut down.

"So I was thinking maybe you could tell me..."

I trailed off as she stood up briskly and completely ignored me and stomped away on her heels. She's abusing them! Suddenly I was following her and she quickened her pace to the hangers.

Okay what am I doing? I'm acting ridiculous. Even if she is being the evil other woman I'm still being a creep. I need to stop and regain my focus on the show.

Konohamaru was hulled up under a desk and refused to come out. For the first time I realise Moegi is a genuine person as she fretted and tried to coax him out with compliments. She and Udon truly care about him. With a sigh I crawled under the table and was reminded Konohamaru is just a little boy as he curled in on himself, peering at me with sad eyes.

"What if they hate it?" he whispered. This wasn't his usual compliment fishing but an honest uncertainty. He sounded almost... scared.

"Why would they hate it?" I said lightly.

He sniffed and I was touched by his tender expression when he rubbed his eyes. He seemed so lost. "Sometimes I feel like the biggest fraud. I hardly know what I'm doing half the time."

Finally I figured out what to do. I offered him guidance by acting like the 'old woman' he believes me to be. "They're going to love it," I assure, squeezing his hand.

He squeezed back, "Promise?"

"I promise."

The runway was spectacular. You could just tell from the audience's reaction they were more than impressed. Konohamaru was sauntering around backstage, restored to his former self-appointed glory.

"I knew it was going to be a success. I was beyond a doubt. Of course I could pull this off all by myself."

I grit my teeth through his little speech. He is so self-absorbed and obnoxious and it's like the desk incident never happened. If he wasn't such a genius I would really consider, maybe not, probably liking his designs so much.

After gift bags and networking it was time to head home. I had decided to avoid the after-party. If it was anything like last time I would spend the evening chasing Udon around the buffet table and trying to stop Moegi from overdosing on the cordial again. Refined sugar and that girl equaled hyper activity. It was just like being at work. In the empty lock up I took out my bag and rubbed at my tense shoulders.

That's when I caught a glimpse of Ino as she ducked behind a change curtain. My mood darkened. What a pig. What an annoyingly fabulous shoe owning pig.

Actually...

A dangerous idea struck me as I neared the curtain and noticed her discarded shoes. To see the brand all I had to do was reach under and flip over the shoes. Then such divinity could be all mine. If I was quick she won't even notice. It's not my fault she was being uncooperative after all. I thought of a myriad of fairytale perfection that could happen to me if I wore those whimsical shoes. I bent down and reached in-

Only to be greeted with a grating scream and a kick to the face. I moaned as I fell back, throbbing hurt blistering across my had a mean right hoof!

The curtain was drawn back to reveal one very pissed off model, "You freak!"

Stinging humiliation, I tried to make myself into a willful ball that would slip between the cracks in the floor.

"I got them from Maxine's!" she shouted at me shrilly. "Happy?!"

"Yes," I croaked out instantly. Delicious victory. The pain was worth it. The shoes would be mine in beautiful results!

"What is going on here?!"

I rolled on my side at the commanding voice, groaning as Konohamaru loomed over me.

I had some explaining to do.

It didn't really affect me until I got home and started up the shower. The tears were fat and angry before becoming a plateau of appropriate misery. Konohamaru fired me after the shoe fiasco. Turns out Ino's dad is a powerful asset to the label and wouldn't rest until I was off the payroll. I pressed my forehead against the cold tiles letting the lukewarm water roll down my back. Movement required too much effort. I felt like I had to command every single muscle in my arm just to turn off the water.

In a way this reminded me of my break up from Shikamaru. We had been together for two years but he was someone I liked but was never madly in love with. He was someone I could only ever see myself settling for. It was the fact he broke up with me that caused me to feel so much for him. The acknowledgement that he had felt the same was hurtful.

I wrapped myself up in a cocoon of towels before padding along to sink into the sofa. You didn't even like the job anymore I reminded myself you wanted to quit anyway.

"Miss Sakura, Tsunade's offer still stands?"

I looked up at Hypo-con's monitor to reply. "What offer?"

"The profiling job with Proanacon."

A little of my fight pulled me into a decided nod. I'm down but I'm not out.

Glossary

(1) Hypo-Con: a mandatory household organiser that assists with such things as incoming calls or messages, bills and home security. Con is taken from emoticon as the screen of the device is represented with a typical cartoon smiley face. (HC)

(2) Sky Rail: Industrial monorail that covers the span of the city and is the only means of leaving Enoch through relatively safe channels.

(3) Meka: an immigrant to Enoch (Meka taken from outside world's far superior mechanical technology).

(4) The Wall: To combat the flow of refugees leaving Enoch after the blockade the government built an electromagnetic wall to surround the entire city. (Concept taken from Berlin 1961 -1989)

(5) Where is Uzumaki Naruto?: The equivalent of asking how long is a piece of string. A popular way of saying I have no idea in Enoch.

(6) Absolutions Creed: Doctrine from the outside world to instigate compete blockade upon Enoch. (Taken from battle of Stalingrad 23 August 1942 – 2 February 1943)

(7) World Address: A broadcast to the entire world (all of Enoch) from the prime-minister.

Happy holidays everyone! Sasuke is going to be in the next chapter and I'm having so much fun writing the dialogue between him and Sakura. I want to thank my amazing anonymous reviewers but I wish I had some way to make contact directly so I could thank you properly :'(

Oh and next update from me will have a new penname! Reviews are always appreciated : )