My Path that Loops 4

This chapter has been really fun. A lot of hints here and there. And a lot of subtle things put in here.

Very few things rewritten in here, Chapter 5 will take a LOT longer.


Hope you all enjoy.


Five hours. That was how long I have been sitting here. I've already looked around my cell. It literally was the most basic room, I'd ever seen. One simple,really uncomfortable metal chair in the middle and nothing else, but metal walls. They had sat me here and used seals to restrict my body. I had a small chuckle to myself.

I blinked my eyes open, as I felt myself being stood upright.

"Prisoner White." A person holding me upright, called out.

'Prisoner White' I repeated in my head. Not the most elegant of code names, but I guess it was simple enough. But this also meant that the Hokage had kept my identity a secret. Using a code name, instead of my name would probably keep it off the books. Away from prying eyes. My true identity and job description were classified.

"Prisoner white." The Anbu repeated. I looked at him, not speaking. I was in some deep deep shit. Not only have I committed myself to a screening, it could be possible that I would never leave here.

'it's worth it.' a voice whispered in my head.

Grasping onto the thought, not pushing it away, but holding it close. I kept that thought, of what I wanted, of what I wanted to do.

The Anbu stared at me for a moment, before pointing to the chair in the center. "Sit." A crisp order was sounded.

I walked carefully to the chair and examined it quickly. 'Hidden seals on the bottom of the chair, and around it. Not bad.' Whoever had done this, knew how to contain a prisoner.

A hand prodded me gently in the back, I sat down obediently. I placed my arms on the arm chairs, and felt the seals moving across my body. I clenched my stomach and focused on my seals. Forcing them not to react. It was one of the back up plans I had put on myself. Having a chakra epidermis disease, really does have its benefits.

A small creak from the door. It must have been made that way, to scare or provide a presence for the interrogator. My interrogator stepped in and I was both relieved and scared at the same time.

'At least it's not a Yamanaka. But This is probably the next worst thing.' I thought to myself, staring at Ibiki.

"You recognize me?" The scarred man, in black leather asked me. He must have been a master at reading the subtle movements in body language. He stood at the door, propping it open with his shoulder. He was holding to something behind him, but I could not see what it was.

I nodded. "Anko talked about you." She did. She was transferred towards the Information division in Konoha. Anko said it was a request, so she could stay at Konoha a bit more. I never asked the real reason, but she did tell me a lot about her work, when Naruto wasn't there.

The man blinked and stared at me for a while. He walked in, and I saw a metal rack, with a stool on top of it, behind him.

'His tools' I immediately thought. My stomach fell. Ibiki probably noticed the fear on my face, but he made no comment. Instead, he moved the tray to the side and grabbed the stool, and placed it on the ground. With him moving to sit, I was able to snag a look at the rack. Surprisingly and thankfully, there were no 'items' on it, except for a clipboard and a pen.

"Normally" He said, as he settled in his chair. "We would have this set up before the prisoner even came in." The scarred man grabbed the clipboard and pen, clicking it.

"However" He continued, looking down his clipboard, as if reading it for the first time. I doubted it. It didn't take five hours for someone to grab Ibiki. Nor would a man of this caliber, judging by what Anko has told me, would come in unprepared. "Hokage-sama. Has told me you area civilian. And you will be treated as one. That" he eyed me. "is interesting. Because, Chuunin Anko " A stress on the name. Acknowledgment of a mutual friend. "has told me about a civilian she has befriended."

I nodded slightly. And then, Ibiki did something surprising. He sighed and seemed to look a bit annoyed, not at me but at the situation. "Well, lets get on with it. This is an interview to test your loyalties and your intentions."

"What is the color of my jacket?" He asked.

I blinked. What? What kind of- I felt the seals, pulse. A memory seal of chakra pulse? Actually keeping track of the pulse to measure heart rate? 'Wow' this was some pretty stuff.

"What is the color of my jacket?" He repeated.

I shook myself out of my thoughts. 'Focus Toki. Focus on the man interrogating you.' "Black." I said. Keeping myself calm.

He paused and nodded. It was then I noticed a small back item, in his ear. A mic? Interesting. So they were reading my pulse in another room, and analyzing it. Very nice.

"When did you come in to Konoha."

"About Eight Months ago."

"Why?"

"Classified. You'll have to ask the Hokage." I replied swiftly. It was true. No one was supposed to know about my work with Anko.

Ibiki glared at me, but not saying anything. Probably still listening to the analysis in his earpiece.

"What is your relation to Kumo."

"Born there."

"Do you have any intention to give secrets of Konoha to Kumo."

I snorted. Amused that someone would think I would be a spy. "No."

"Do you think this is funny? Or a silly matter?" Ibiki growled.

I smiled at him. Funny, no. Silly maybe. But honestly, I felt scared. "Nope."

"Do you have relations within people in Kumo."

"Really?" My voice dripping with skepticism. "Do you really need to ask that question? I was born there-"

"Answer The Question." A sharp growl cut me off.

"I do."

"Members high up in the Shinobi system?"

"No." 'I don't think so.' I thought. The people I know probably weren't that high up in skill yet. And they probably weren't promoted that high either.

"The Political system. The Daimyo's court."

A sight escaped me. Damn, he was sharp. "Yes."

Another long pause filled the room. Ibiki was once again listening in his mic piece. I waited for the next question.

"Do you have any intentions of giving information to Kumo's Daimyo."

I shook my head. "Only information that will benefit both Kumo and Konoha."

Now it was Ibiki's turn to look confused. It was probably driving him crazy that I was answering in short answers. He was about to ask another question when he turned towards his right. I raised an eye brow, I did not hear anything. Maybe it was someone on the other line?

He stood up and grunted. "We will continue this later." He moved towards the door briskly and opened the door.

'An emergency?' I wondered. But I did not have to wonder for long. Anko came bursting past Ibiki, as soon as he opened the door. Her eyes wild as they fixed on me.

"What the hell where you thinking" She yelled at me. "I got a message that you were in here. What the hell were you thinking? What did you do?" She screamed at me. I winced as I saw her.

She must have been scared out of her mind. Her breath was ragged, and her shoulders were shaking slightly, from rage or fear I did not know.

"Anko." Ibiki called out. "This is a secure interrogation. This is-"

"No, Dammit. I am not leaving till I get answers from him." She growled before turning towards me. Ibiki held his hand up. It must have been a sign to stop anyone from going at Anko.

I looked back at Anko, her eyes boring into mine. "I wanted to do something. Something big. I needed the Hokage's permission. This is just a check so that I am not a spy or something."

I kept my voice calm, but I really felt as if Anko was going to deck me. Bot her fists were clenched. "I'm not leaving Anko." I continued. "Just going to talk to some people. And come right back to Konoha. Not going to leave you and Naruto. Don't worry about it."

Ibiki seemed to stiffen at he door. His eyes bouncing between me and Anko.

She nodded slowly. The combination of Anger and fear on her face seemed to die down. She gripped her scarf, and closed her eyes. "Damn idiot." She whispered. "Should have told me before hand."

I winced again. Feeling as if I had been slapped. Yeah I should have. "Sorry." I whispered back.

With that, Anko walked out and Ibiki closed the door behind her.


The door didn't open for another two hours.

Another creak, and I raised my head expectantly. Ibiki stepped in and nodded towards me. Sitting on the stool, once more.

"We will finish this interrogation and I will give my report to the Hokage." He spoke, with an air of finality. It was like he already knew what was going to happen.

"Why are you here?" He asked bluntly.

I blinked. Wasn't it obvious? 'I'm here for-' My thoughts seemed to stall. I'm here for myself. I'm here to make sure Kumo and Konoha get along. I'm here so that the people I care about don't fight, that I can have both of them in my life. I am here because I made a choice. To not fear my regrets any more. To keep moving forward, wherever that may lead me in this life. This life I didn't deserve.

I smiled at him, but even I knew it felt shaky. "I'm here to … make sure that I keep the people I care about safe. And happy." I leaned back in the chair. I idly felt through the seals, breaking them down in my head. The chakra running through it, made it easy to figure out how it was being manipulated. How it was being changed to fill a certain function.

Ibiki paused once more. Probably listening to his mic about the response the seals were giving.

Ibiki nodded to me. "I will be back with an assessment. We cannot provide you with food for security reasons."

'Oh come on.' I dropped my head in disappointment. I blinked as I remembered something. "Anko, she's not going to be in trouble is she?" I asked my interrogator. I was a bit worried. She had just barged into an interrogation, which was probably supposed to be secure and isolated.

Ibiki stared at me for a few moments. I felt uneasy under the stare, it wasn't malicious, rather it was expectant. After a few moments, he nodded to himself, as if he had figured something. He started to walk out the door. "She won't be, don't worry about it." He called back, as the door shut behind him.

Huh. Didn't expect an answer, but that's reassuring. I leaned back in my chair and cracked my neck. 'Man this is going to be a long night.' I thought as I felt my eyes starting to droop. 'Small Knockout tags on the back of the chair. Activated at several intervals.' My mind reasoned automatically. 'used to put people t-'


I woke up with the worst back sores one can imagine. I had literally sat in a metal chair for hours on end, and I can tell you, don't. Ever. Do. It.

"Oh Kami. My back" I groaned as my eyes slowly fluttered open. I saw Ibiki sitting in front of me once more. A clipboard in his hands.

'Looks like he has the verdict' I thought sarcastically. Yet I felt a growing pit in my stomach. What if they said no. Would it mean my end here? Dammit, I shouldn- No. No. NO. Don't regret. You made your choice. I took a deep breath and refocused myself on the person in front of me. "So, what's the deal."

A silence filled the room. I felt knots and cold ice fill my stomach as my heart palpitated.

"I," Ibiki started, looking down at his clipboard. "Have given my assessment to the Hokage. And he has given me permission to relieve you."

I read in between the lines. Ibiki had actually let me go. The scarred man, put his clipboard on the metal tray next to him and sighed. Clasping his hands in front of him, he regarded me for a moment, his face unreadable. "Anko trusts you." A statement. Not an opinion. But a fact as clear as day.

"I know." I said, quietly. It was something I valued. For her to burst in here on my behalf, against protocol. Against everything. That was something- I closed my eyes and breathed in deep. It was humbling as well as comforting.

Ibiki sighed. "I will warn you right now. Do not break that trust. She doesn't give it out easily. And if you ever do, I will personally see to your interrogation."

'A big brother complex?' I thought, amused. But I nodded, taking in the warning, more like threat, in.

The interrogator leaned back and motioned towards the door. "I will have an Anbu come in and release you from the chair."

I shrugged. "Not necessary."

Ibiki turned back, his face betraying his confusion. I simply answered his question, by standing up. His face flashed in a brief surprise, before he schooled his features.

"You are a seals master?"

I, once more, gave him a shrug. "Depends on who you ask." Ibiki gave me a flicker of a smile as I saw the dots in his head connect. With that, I started walking towards the door.

'Man. I am really hungry.' My stomach growing on queue.

I walked out of the interrogation room, rubbing my stomach. To my surprise, I saw Anko sitting on a metal chair, her head rested on the back. She was taking a nap, but I still saw bags under her eyes. 'Didn't think she would wait up.' I thought but then scolded myself. Of course she would, she's a friend.

She trusts you.

I let out a sigh. Responsibilities piled up on me, one after another. "Hey." I called out softly. Anko stirred slightly, her eyes opening slowly.

We stared at each other for a moment. She smiled at me, an unsure one, as if she was unsure that I was really there. I smiled back, trying to reassure her that I was real.

"Hokage-sama let you out?"

I nodded. "Yeah, just did. Ibiki gave me the news. Lets go." I nudged her with my foot. She stood up, and started walking towards, what I would assume, the exit.

As we exited, the underground holding cell and out of the Konoha Main Tower, I relaxed a bit more. Being underground, as a prisoner, had put a weight on me, that I had barely registered. It was nice being outside, able to go where I wanted.

"I swung by Naruto's" Anko started, as she walked down the street next to me.

I looked at her expectantly. I remembered then, that I was going to have dinner at Naruto's yesterday. 'Shit, he must have been freaked out of his mind.' I had stayed here for almost a year, and I had pretty much seen Naruto every day. The only exceptions were when I had to work on high priority seals, or needed to go do some administration stuff. But even then, I told him ahead of time.

"What did you tell him?" I asked quietly. I tried to keep the worry out of my voice.

"Nothing much. You were busy doing some stuff. I think he bought it."

I nod. A wave of relief filled over me. At least he didn't know.

"Toki." Anko gripped my arm. I stilled as I looked over. Her light brown eyes bore into my red ones. I felt a a guilty pit form in my stomach, as I realized what she was going to ask, and how I was going to answer it.

My friend, the shinobi, stared at me. Her face betrayed her worry, hell I was worried. Opening her mouth multiple times, but closing each time, she seemed to be searching for the right words. People were passing around us. It was night time, in Konoha. Lanterns as well as Gas lights were glowing around us. People were passing around, eating, drinking, laughing, talking. And we just stood there, in place, staring at each other.

She was afraid of my answer. And I was afraid of her reaction.

"Look-" I started to say but was interrupted by a dual growl.

We looked down at our stomachs. 'Right on queue.' I thought to myself. I chuckled as I looked up at Anko. She must have thought the same thing as she smiled back at me. I sighed, sobering up.

"I can't tell you much. I'm going on a trip. Leaving Konoha for a bit on a mission for Konoha. But I'll be back. I don't break my promises. " I reassured her by reaching out and squeezing her shoulder.

She nodded, closing her eyes and shaking herself off. I let go and she smiled wide. "Come on, lets go grab Naruto and go out to eat. He'll probably be nagging you."

I laughed as I walked towards Naruto's apartment.


We walked up the stairs and reached the door in timely fashion. I started to reach for the door, but I felt Anko freeze as I did so. I looked over to her questioningly and she shook her head. 'What was going on? Was there someone else in there.'

I opened the door, scanning the room. I froze as I saw the two occupants.

"Eh. Toki-san. Anko-nee. Where have you been?" Naruto shouted joyfully. Naruto leaped out of his seat and barreled into me. I held Naruto against me and smiled down at him. He smiled brightly at me and started to chatter at how he missed me.

"I was wondering where you were yesterday. I was really worried. Anko-nee came over and said you were busy. What were you doing? Can you tell me?" He rattled off.

I ruffled his hair, "later. Kid." I looked up and let my smile go. I stared at the final occupant with respect, and nodded my head towards him. "Hokage-sama."

Naruto stopped chattering. Even though he was young, he could still tell the mood of the room. He moved behind me, probably to ask Anko what was going on.

"Anko-chan." The Hokage spoke up. He held a tea cup in his hand, his pipe, on the table, unlit. "please take Naruto, outside for a while. I need to speak with Toki."

Anko nodded and maneuvered Naruto away. I walked in and closed the door behind me. I looked around, as I made my way towards the table. Naruto had been quite messy the last few days. Probably out of boredom. I spotted at his desk, the seals book I had given him, as well as some of Jiraiya's beginner's tutorial on Sōsa. The Land of Fire's main sealing branch. I, personally, didn't like it because it brute forced it's way through activation.

I sat down, taking Naruto's spot at the table. "Thank you for allowing me to go."

He said nothing, instead taking a sip from his cup. "Naruto knows how to make good tea." He commented nonchalantly. But I knew what he was hinting at.

"I've taught him. As well as Anko." I admitted. There was no point in lying. I had no doubt, the Hokage knew from the Anbu who was watching me, Kakashi. 'I wonder if he's still in the Anbu force. Or rather, when did he leave?'

"You disregarded my request to not teach him?" He continued on. There as a slight edge in his voice. I felt a sharp feeling along the back of my spine. It was like someone placing a cold metal sheet along my spine, poised to cut me in half. Not the greatest feeling.

I took a fortifying breath. "Jiraiya taught him as well." He would come in and drop some advice, sometimes randomly and other times at my behest. It was like pulling teeth to get the guy to help out Naruto, when he was in town. He came in more often than I thought,. Naruto had learned to 'respect' Jiraiya's knowledge. Though he did find out that Jiraiya was quite the pervert.

"GOD DAMMIT JIRAIYA" I blinked as I stood outside of Naruto's apartment. 'That was Anko's voice.' I opened the door and let myself in. Looking at the scene. I saw an upturned table, a familiar book on the ground, Naruto wide eyed, and Anko trying to kill Jiraiya with a kunai.

Jiraiya leaped out of an open window, on the side and smiled at me. "Naruto accidentally read one of my books. You get to explain the bird and the bees. Bye" He winked as he disappeared. Anko, who was quite red on the face, charged after him, screaming profanities.

My hand seemingly became magnetized to my brow, as I sighed. I moved over and flipped over the table. Naruto was still sitting there, his hands wrapped around his knees. His eyes still very wide. I looked at him for a moment before deciding I needed a wake up call.

Grabbing a glass of water,..

"YOWWW" Naruto awoke from his stupor. "What was that for?"

"You look dumbstruck. Naruto." I chuckled as a sat down next to him.

"T-toki-san." the blonde seemed reserved, shocking coming from the ball of energy he usually was. But I guess he just went through a traumatic experience so it was natural.

'Yep. I'm screwed' I thought to myself. Here, it was the bane of my existence in front of me. Explaining the reproduction cycle to a kid. I swallowed deeply and rubbed my face. "So..." I started. I winced. Not the best start. "About what you read-"

I had bought the kid 3 bowls of Ramen afterward and put it on Jiraiya's tab. It was his damn fault.

"I understand Jiraiya's involvement." The Hokage nodded. "but why did you teach him."

"I-"

Why? That was probably the most simplest and the most complex question he could ask. " I see Naruto's potential. He can grow up into something amazing. Not just a good shinobi. He wants to become a Hokage. He wants to-"

I remember the screams of joy when he finished a seal. The laughter when he pranked someone. The utter brightness of someone that sincere, that pure. He was like a blinding light that I could not help be but be drawn to.

I closed my eyes. These last few months. I haven't had this much fun since I was in Kumo. "He is going to be great. I know it." Images appeared in my head. Of Naruto in front of every shinobi, leading them. Of him standing against Pein. Against Madara. Against all odds. And still fighting. "I want to help him" my voice strong.

I looked back to the Hokage. He simply picked up his pipe and nodded. "I will be honest. I do not approve of him being pushed ahead of the pack" A small grunt and then a shrug. "But it is good that he is learning sealing. Most Shinobi never delve into it further than creating explosive tags." He chuckled.

"Hokage-sama" I started, but stopped at the wave of a hand.

"In private, call me Hiruzen. You have earned that respect." Hiruzen murmured. I froze at the notion, at the idea of that honor.

I bowed my head, afraid to show the surprise on my face. "Thank you. Hiruzen. I will continue to watch over Naruto."

"Now, there is a matter of the meeting between the two Daimyos. It will take time to convince the Daimyo and set up transportation. About two more months." A puff of the pipe, as he stroke his beard. I watched as the smoke swirled around him.

He looked sage like, almost like a statue of pure wisdom. I realized how old he was. This was a man who had seen it all. Multiple wars and times of peace. 'Can't believe I'm talking to him like this' A stray thought passed through my head.

"There is something else we need to discuss." A small shift in weight. A heavy sigh. "I understand, that you were pushed into this."

I blinked. 'Must be talking about Danzo. But he can only assume what we talked about.' I shrugged. "At first I was presented with a task. And I decided to do it on my own."

He looked at me carefully, eyes piercing mine. "I've read through Ibiki's report. He said you were not lying when you said you wanted to protect Naruto and Anko." He clasped his hands and leaned forward. "That can mean many things."

A small chill went through my back. I was once again, standing in the presence of a war leader. I swallowed a small knot in my throat. 'What am I here for." I thought to myself. The question that I had asked myself earlier, it still lingered in my mind. "I want to see them be happy. I want them to live long lives. And I want to make sure that my other ..." I looked for a way to word my next statement.

"I want to make sure that my precious people are safe."

We stared at each other for a few seconds. Neither side saying anything, there was no need to. I believed that I had shown everything necessary to prove to him that I was genuine. Not that I couldn't show anything more, all I had were my word and my past actions.

"Very well" He said curtly. The wrinkles on his face seemed to smooth, as he continued on. "I will accept your help on the basis of your previous service to Konoha. I will discuss with my adviser, and ask him to confer with the Daimyo. We have plenty to do in these next months." Hiruzen said with an air of finality.

"Oh that reminds me." Hiruzen said, while standing up. I stood to follow him. "Naruto's birthday is next month. October Tenth to be exact. Please allow him to enjoy it." He gave me a small, knowing smile, as I nodded my head fervently.

"Good day. Toki-san." And with that, he blurred out of existence, leaving only a trail of smoke behind.

'Hmph.' I thought to myself, as I opened up a window, on my way to the door. Didn't want Naruto's apartment to smell ash and tobacco. As I looked out, the Moon had finally risen in its full glory, and most children had gone home. So only, adults were out, enjoying the night life. Walking forward to lean against the metal railing, I looked around for any sign of my two friends.

I looked down and saw an amusing sight. Naruto was riding on Anko's shoulders, laughing at a joke she told him. They had Dango in their hands, and were walking their way back towards me, still a far away off. I watched as the walked, almost about to call them, until there was a cough behind me. I turned around slowly, my hand moving towards my seal.

I stopped as soon as I saw who it was. "Jiraiya." A grin spread across my lips. He returned it in kind.

"Heard you got in a little bit of trouble, over some interesting things."

'Worried huh?' I nodded my head in thanks as a warmth appeared in stomach. It was nice, to get that feeling. That feeling that you had people to back you up, cover for you when times got rough. I shrug. "You got the full details from Hiruzen?" I stressed the Hokage's name.

Jiraiya paused at me calling the most powerful ninja in the village by his first name. He must have recognized, or come to some conclusion about, the implication, as something flickered behind his eyes.

"More like from his office. But I did talk to him for a bit." He crossed his arms and let out a sigh. "You are causing up quite a ruckus for someone who enjoys his peace."

I once again, let my shoulders roll. "I need to fight for my peace. Need to build some bridges."

Giving me an assessment with just a look, which I accepted, now used to it. He looked me in the eyes, his face slowly turning grim. "I need you to look into something."

I raised an eye brow "Shinobi related?"

He nodded. Taking a scroll and placing in my hands. I pressed it against my skin and allowed the sealing structure to take it in. My skin felt tingly as the sealing structure opened up, created more 'space', and put the scroll in. Sealing, or the more proper, specific term, Storage Sealing, was creating a space using chakra and storing it. It was kind of like wrapping the item, person, or anything in a bubble wrap and shipping it. It was how summons worked as well. Except, you were putting the 'item' in a separate dimension. Which was why it was kind of scary to put it on one's skin. Having a gaping hole in on one's skin, because you accidentally opened your sealing structure when using chakra, sucked.

Oh the benefits of having a chakra disease.

"Whats on the scroll?" I asked, once I was finished.

"I was doing some, digging, into a snake's den. And I found some interesting things. Sealing matrix on the skin, tattooed." I blinked. My mind racing at the possibility. That as new. The idea of tattooing had occurred to me once before. It was one of my ideas to work around not using chakra as well. I never got it to work because I didn't fully understand the manipulation.

"Using sealing ink, or was it-" I left the question open-ended, not knowing what to expect. My mind was still working on the what the seal could be for, what Orochimaru was doing with it.

Jiraiya rubbed his chin. "ink. Which is volatile to any," He nodded towards me. "Regular chakra using individual. So, he must have some way or is trying to stabilize it."

"Trying to?" My gut instantly punched me in the kidneys for asking that question. Anything that involved in Orochimaru I probably wanted to stay far, far away from.

He looked down, as if the next few words sickened him, they probably did. "I found the seals on corpses."

And now my gut was doing a full combo on my liver, maybe adding a fatality in there somewhere. My face welcomed my comforting palm. "Well, I'm sorry I asked." I paused as I heard laughter from the stairs below. I looked towards Jiraiya, who looked like he was getting ready to bolt.

"We'll talk later, Toki." Jiraiya smiled cheerfully.

I heard Naruto's laughter once more, as well as Anko's voice, coming up the stairs. 'Naruto.' "October tenth." I whispered out to him. Jiraiya's grin froze and his face seemed to twist in guilt.

"Come back then. Bring a present. Hang out for a little while. Please." I stared the old man's face. He wasn't even looking at me, instead looking past me, towards the stairs.

"Jiraiya." I whispered again. Trying to urge him to come. For a moment, it looked like he was going to say no. His eyes were glimmering, wavering between yes and no. But he took a break, and gave a deep sigh.

Finally, he nodded. "I'll bring some Sake." and after a moment, he whispered. "and a present." With that, he disappeared.

I looked back at the moon and smiled to myself. Getting released from prison. Passing an interrogation. Gaining the respect of the Hokage. Finding out he had back up in one of the Sannin. And Even getting Naruto a birthday gift. All in all. Not a bad day.

"Hey Toki, lets go eat." Anko called out from her position at the stairs, Naruto still dangling on top of her shoulders, smiling wide at me.

I laughed and walked towards them. 'Huh, didn't know a breeze could feel this good.' I thought as a small wind passed me by.


I woke up to a knock on the door. I groaned as I sat up, off of my arms. I fell asleep working on the Seals from Jiraiya's excavation. I didn't get very far, between teaching Naruto and working on some projects for the Merchant's guild. Still, I had broken down some of the code and figured why the subjects had died. And it was not pretty.

I stood up and groaned as I felt my muscles protest against me. A knock on the door again, brushed my tiredness away.

I felt for the chakra signature and once again found an unfamiliar presence. 'great' I thought glumly.

"It has been awhile, Tabinin."

Adrenaline spiked through my veins, but I gripped the door to keep from jumping in shock. I let out a slow breath and nodded. "Good Morning, Danzo-san. Would you like to come in?" I asked, politely.

Danzo waved his hand. "No, it is fine. I am here to ..." He paused for a moment. "Thank you for your cooperation."

"Your welcome." I said snippy. But this was Danzo I was talking to. Quips and jabs would not help here. I sighed. "I will be looking forward to how you can repay me."

Danzo inclined his head slightly. "Of course. I have something in mind, along with a partnership of course. But we can discuss matters after you return."

I nodded in acknowledgment.

Danzo turned to leave, but paused as if something had occurred to him. I waited at the door.

"You once said." He said. "That your aid to Konoha was a one time deal."

"Yes. Now I am aiding the things that are mine." I stressed.

Danzo nodded. "Yes. But. There have been interesting developments in Konoha. I believe you bring insight to situations that normal advisers cannot."

I blinked in surprise. "You trust me to work in the benefit of Konoha?"

Danzo chuckled. "I trust you to work in the benefit of what is yours."

'This guy...' I thought sarcastically in my head. Using my own words against me. "Of course. Is this matter urgent or..."

Danzo shook his head. "No, it is not. But I will be there at the debriefing, after the negotiations."

I gave a single nod and Danzo left quietly.


I stared the orange glow, in the metal box. The bane of my existence for the past hour.

"Hows it going down there?" A voice called out behind me. I looked over and saw Jiraiya staring down at me. A small bottle in his hands, Sake, like he promised. I sighed as I turned back to the oven. "Its OK, Cooking up Pizza for dinner."

"Pizza" Jiraiya repeated, perfectly matching me. "The bread thing that I heard so much about from Anko."

I shrugged. "Sure." I eyed the golden brown on the crust and nodded to myself I turned off the oven and put on some Kitchen mitts. "Scooch over. Need to place the tray over there."

I opened the door and waited for a moment, smelling the baked bread, oil, vegetables and meat. "Made this in Kumo, when I was younger. Got better at it. I had time on my hands to cook, back then." I grabbed the tray and put it on the counter. I closed the oven door with a swift kick upwards.

I grabbed a knife on the side, it was already cleaned. Slicing the pizza carefully, while still wearing the mitts, I glared at Jiraiya. "You're late, by the way."

He shrugged, "Passed along some information. Have you looked at the problem yet?"

I paused.

I looked down at the seal structure below me. It was a manipulation seal. But just the manipulation seal. Which was weird by itself. It was like seeing a car with just an engine and no wheels, but it was still running down the road. 'How is this? What is this even?' Thoughts barged through my head all at once as I tried to figure out each part.

Manipulation for a transportation seal. But its not calling anything here. It was as if it was expecting something from another side. It reminded me. A slick and oily feeling made me shiver. It felt like the curse seal. The first thing I had thought about when I heard of tattooed seals was the curse seal. But those two were two very different concepts.

The curse seal was a premade seal, using one's skin as Paper. Similar to slapping a sticker on someone. A Tattooed seal, theoretically, could be called at any time and had a lot less limitations. I could put seals on myself because my skin didn't regularly give off chakra. But Tattooing is a work around, depending on how you do it.

I had thought of blocking out any chakra or having exterior activator seals. But even still, I didn't really know how to manipulate my chakra to do anything. This was obviously compensating for a Jutsu. It was trying to replace hand seals for ink seals. This would make casting quick, efficient, and no need for hand seals. 'It would change the face of battle' as Jiraiya had put it.

Which was why Jiraiya was so worried about it. He explained that a half a second to not go through the hand seals, mattered so much for a Shinobi. It was why half hand seals upgraded a shinobi's effectiveness up 2 ranks.

I stared at the seal again and sighed. This was getting me nowhere. I needed to go over these sealing structures. It didn't help that the seals were warped for being put on a non planar canvas.

"nope." I answered back. Still focused on my cutting.

Jiraiya nodded and sighed. "Didn't expect so. I've been looking into more of the Labs. It looks like they" He paused looking towards the living room, before answering. "They passed away from chakra exhaustion."

"Would make sense." I put down the knife, and wiped it clean. "The seal wasn't properly regulated. No feed back loop, no inhibitors. Nothing. It was probably just an experiment to see if it could be done. They probably lost all the chakra because the jutsu kept firing off." I rubbed a hand through my hair. Poor bastards.

Jiraiya rubbed his chin, as he swirled his sake bottle. "Hmm. I may need to take you into the field."

I blinked. "The field?"

Jiraiya shrugged. "Nothing too crazy. Just a sight seeing tour. Seeing seals up close is well-"

"Different." I finished for him. It was true. For some reason, seeing the seals close up and active made a lot of difference. If I had to pin it on something, it was probably chakra sense. We could feel the chakra moving through the seal.

"Enough." Jiraiya downed his bottle and grabbed a stack of plates. "Lets celebrate we can talk about work later."

I nodded and put on a smile. Grabbing the now, somewhat cooled tray and walked towards the living room. Naruto was chatting away with Anko at the table. Iruka was there, listening to the conversation. I was glad I introduced them to each other early, they got a long real well, Naruto and Iruka that is. Anko and Iruka were awkward around each other, I was not sure why.

"Here we are" I called, placing the pizza in the center. It was a chicken and bell pepper pizza. Naruto looked at it hungrily, hell even Anko was staring at it with anticipation. I looked over to Iruka who looked at it confused.

As Jiraiya and I took our seats, Iruka voiced his confusion. "What is this?"

"Pizza." I said. "It's a dish I created. Have some." I grabbed a slice and put on his plate. The hand off must have set off a starting signal because Anko and Naruto grabbed slices with Lightning speed and rushed off to fill their mouths.

Jiraiya chuckled while grabbing a slice of his own, and one for me as well. I nodded in thanks and munched on my pizza as I looked over to see Iruka's reaction. He bit into it and his eyes slowly widened.

"Good right?" Anko smirked. "You didn't expect the tomato right? It adds a nice flavor." She crowed as she bit into her slice, she was almost at the crust already.

"Yeah" the newly minted teacher agreed. "The cheese is really nice too. And I didn't expect that the Bell pepper to go so well on it. I thought it would taste-" He looked at me and blushed in embarrassment. "I mean-"

'Weird huh' I chuckled. "Don't worry Iruka. It took me an hour to convince Anko here to try at first. Naruto had already gone through half the pizza before she agreed to try one."

Anko glared at me before grabbing a second slice.

"Not bad, kid." Jiraiya acknowledged. "Could open your own restaurant with this kind of stuff."

'Pizza owner? Create a train of it? Call it Pizza Village?' I laughed out loud at the thought. Giving a Jiraiya a wide smile, "If I did that, I wouldn't need to write novels anymore neh? Where would the fun be in that."

He snorted. "You already do a lot. Why not tag on some extra things?"

I shook my head at the advice and turned back to Naruto. He was happily eating through his second slice. 'owning a pizza chain wouldn't be as fun as hanging out with these guys.' the thought passed my mind. It was nice, this moment, of just being with people I enjoyed. And I would fight for this moment. So I could be with everyone, in a cheesy, happily forever after kind of story.

As we cleared of the food, and the plates. We got ready to hand birthday gifts.

Iruka went first. "Here you are." He handed Naruto three text books. I scanned the title. Theoretical Chakra usage. History of the Elemental Countries. And Basic Physics and Biology.

Naruto looked at these weirdly. "Thanks... Sensei- oh." Naruto's eyes widened slightly as he realized what he was holding. "These are the textbooks we use in class right? The one I share with Hinata-chan."

I blinked. Naruto never told me he needed text books. I looked over to Anko, who shrugged. He never told us? Interesting.

Iruka rubbed the back of his head, a habit it seemed. "I saw you sharing with her. So I decided you needed them to study for the tests. Since you don't have them on your own."

Naruto smiled and nodded his head furiously. "Yeah, thanks Sensei. Even though their boring I'll read them anyways."

Palm went to it's dancing partner, face.

Anko was up next. She handed Naruto a medium-sized case and gave a wide grin. "This'll help you in the future kid." Naruto opened it and his eyes widened. "Whoa?"

I looked over his shoulder and saw several kunai, as well as some bottles and a cloth, and other items.

"Kunai set?" I asked.

Anko nodded, still looking at Naruto. "I'll train you how to sharpen your Kunai later. So we'll make sure you always carry proper equipment on the field."

Naruto gave Anko a hug, like he usually does every time he sees her. Anko patted his head affectionately.

Jiraiya placed a small, familiar looking pouch on top of the case. "Don't spend it all in one place kid."

I raised an eye brow at the somewhat fat Frog Wallet. Naruto reached for it and opened it up. "Thanks Jiraiya-san. Oh wow."

I felt my eyes bulge, and my heart skip a beat as I saw the number of bills in the wallet. I looked over to Jiraiya with a sharp glare. He shrugged. And mouthed to me. 'apology for showing him-'

I raised my hand and shook my head. Not now. Kami why?

I let out a long sigh. Naruto closed the wallet and the case, and pushed the aside. Though I noticed his eyes linger on the wallet. 'Gonna have to open up a bank account for him somewhere.' I thought to myself. I groaned mentally, something else to add to the mental checklist.

I pulled my present from its pouch, all gift wrapped. It was a small one, one that I had put a lot of thought into. I slid it towards Naruto. "Happy birthday, Naruto." Naruto smiled and silently opened his present.

He looked at it, like he did with Iruka's present, with confusion. "Legend of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi." He read out loud.

I felt Jiraiya stiffen behind me. I ignored him, and the ensuing conversation that would surely follow. "Its a book I came along, and guess whose the main character?"

Naruto opened the page obediently and scanned the first page. "Naruto. The main character is Naruto." The blonde haired, Jinchuuriki, looked at me and smiled. A calm and hopeful smile. "So you thought of me when you read this?"

I nodded. Oh Hell yes I did. It is your name sake after all. "Yeah, and guess who wrote it?"

Naruto turned back to the front of the book. "Jiraiya- Hey" Naruto turned his head towards the Sage. "you wrote this book? With my Name as the main character? Wow"

Jiraiya gave a smile, but I could tell it was half warmhearted one. His eyes were distant, looking at something else, into the past.

I was about to say something, when I heard a polite knock on the door. I got up to go get it, and the room fell silent. That is probably what happens when three out of the five occupants are shinobi. I opened the door and immediately nodded my head in respect. "Hokage-sama."

The old man with a pipe nodded towards me. "hello there. I came to see how little Naruto was doing on his birthday."

Naruto yelled on queue. "Hi old man. Doing great."

The leader of Konoha chuckled and started to move past me. I let him. But as I did so, I felt a piece of paper, be put into my hand and a heard a small whisper. "Three weeks. And you will go."

I made no acknowledgment towards the message, instead putting my hand in my pocket and closing the door silently. I watch as Naruto happily showed off his gifts and chatter.

Yes, This was worth it.


Omake: Jiraiya


"He is a possible threat."

Jiraiya resisted the urge to roll his eyes. As much as he loved his sensei, sometimes he was a bit too overbearing. Doubly so, when it came to Naruto. Protecting Minato's legacy was something they

both took very seriously.

"Look sensei." Jiraiya sighed. "He's a good kid. Smart. And means well." Jiraiya tried to argue in favor of the asset, that he brought in.

The Hokage sat back looking unimpressed.

Jiraiya gritted his teeth, and crossed his arms. "You've seen him with Naruto. You get daily reports from his Anbu. He's less threatening to Naruto than a box full of kittens."

"The merchant, Kenta." Sarutobi pressed. "Would disagree about Toki's threat."

That was a low blow. Jiraiya, when Toki had first approached him, had been all for taking Kenta down a peg. Toki went the extra mile and got the man kicked out of the guild. It was a bit much, but it did send an effective method to everyone. Still, it did not look good on Toki's resume. Being over eager to deal out punishment, showed signs of instability. "His reasons are good enough for Konoha." Jiraiya argued. "In defense of a Konoha citizen. He took out a bad one. Maybe he went overboard. But, he can be reigned in."

"By who?" Sarutobi asked. "None of the Anbu can watch him twenty four seven. Anko-chan will certainly not do it and would be biased even if she tried."

So, this was what he was after. Jiraiya groaned as he rubbed his face. He still needed to pick up a gift for Naruto. He had promised Toki to come to brat's birthday party. Responsibilities were piling up by the minute. "Fine, fine." Jiraiya grumbled. "You win. I'll watch him."

"Jiraiya." The Hokage's voice was sharp. "This is not a gennin or a Konoha shinobi. This is an outside source. We have no idea who he truly is and where his allegiance lies."

That wasn't true. Jiraiya knew in his head and, more importantly, in his heart where Toki's allegiance was. Even with the best spies, even with the most cunning shinobi, there were somethings you could not fake. The laughter at Naruto's and Anko's antics. The smile he had when he talked to them. The care he took when he cooked for all of them. The nostalgia, kindness, and solidarity Toki showed with him. It wasn't fake. He knew Toki cared about them.

But, even still...

Jiraiya looked up at his sensei. "I truly believe he is an asset to Konoha." Jiraiya's shoulders straightened. "But, should he ever become a threat to Konoha. I will deal with him personally."

The Hokage nodded. "that is all I ask. You are dismissed, Jiraiya."


Sōsa- Manipulation

In this chapter, I wanted to show the development of Toki as a character. He needed to plant his feet firmly in the ground and say "I stand here." In his earlier years, he had no stance, he had no 'path'. He was just wandering.

So for him to come to a decision that FORCES him down a certain path, is an act of development. It is a point of no return for him. He must succeed or he goes down swinging.

That is what I wanted to imply with this chapter.

Also I added in the birthday because I wanted to represent what he SEES in Konoha. What makes him feel like Konoha is worth staying in, the people, the experience.

Now I maybe a bit heavy on the 'dramatic' but that is a personal writing side.

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, please Review. Your words keep me motivated.