((This story is pure fan-fiction. The characters and locations are the sole property of Shonen Jump and the series's creator, Masashi Kishimoto. G.I. Joe is the sole property of those who created the toys, TV shows, movies, webisodes, and video games. At no time is this fiction an intent to infringe upon their rights nor properties.

"normal speech"/ flashback thought

thoughts/ flashback speech and action

[Snake Eye's sign translation/writing]

[Snake Eye's sign translation/writing during flashback]))

The silence that followed that simple sentence was thick with tension as the black clad youth moved to stare out the window. What DO I want? He's trying to bribe me into silence? What could he possibly think I would…his blue eyes darkened and a frown formed on his face as he moved from the window to retake his former position at the front of the desk.

Seeing the near angry, near disappointed expression on the boy's face, Sarutobi waited to see what he gestured. The elderly man ignored the growing tension in his back and arms as he kept the thoughtful posture he maintained thus far.

[I'm not going to ask the whys and wherefores. However... I do want answers, Hokage-sama. No more secrets.]

Snake eyes let his hands fall to his sides as he watched the Hokage's micro-expressions and body language. Trying to find any clue as to the old man's thinking process. Searching for any signs of deception or intent thereof, just as Morino Ibiki had taught him.

The Sandaime watched the Genin before him just as intently before he made his decision. Breaking his posture, he turned in the chair and smoked a bit more of the tobacco. Looking towards the line of Hokage portraits. "I will say it anyway. The decision was made in the interests of Village safety and security. The knowledge getting out posed too great a risk. Iwa's reaction alone would have jeopardized both. Assassins would have been sent nonstop until someone succeeded."

[How is that any different than what has already occurred? Other than it was the people I am supposed to protect instead foreign shinobi…] Snake…no, Naruto, fired back.

Sarutobi winced in concession of the point. "It isn't," he admitted lowly. "What is it you wish to know?" he asked, getting to the point of things.

[Why send all those ANBU to teach me if you have no intention of me leaving the Village? Just the right persons to show me the right skills and techniques to make me…] Naruto trailed off as his eyes went wide in realization. [You're using me as a counterweight. A control measure against the Council. They wanted me kept weak. Pliable and thusly no threat to them nor their political sway. With me trained and mission capable, I am the perfect weapon to hold over their heads…]

Hiroku straightened up and walked forward. "Is this true Hokage-sama? You're planning to use him as a political countermeasure should the Council get out of hand?" her voice was only partially shocked, but her next thought made her angry, "Not only that, but I wasn't going to be just his sensei. I was to be his handler...I left ISA by choice. You had no idea I would...oh you son of a -" she turned to Naruto. "He made sure I heard the whispers and rumors. He knew I would step down to develop you further if you were even half as good as the rumors hinted. We've both been played."

"That was the original plan," Sarutobi spoke up calmly as he refilled his pipe and then lit it. "However, new developments have made that no longer viable," he pressed an intercom button, "Send her in."

((In the Hallway...five minutes prior))

Mabui paced slowly, finding a blush rising in her cheeks as she thought over what this meeting would bring to light. She had dressed carefully in a full high collared kimono, using the deep emerald color with silver sakura leaves to contrast her caramel skin and highlight her bright green eyes. It's fit also drew the eye to her curves, ensuring those who watched her pass caught the barest of hints of her skin at only the most opportune moments. And only hints...She wasn't foolish. She knew she was considered to be more than "pretty" and she knew what to wear and how to wear it to maximize the effect.

Soon, everything would come to completion. In a matter of a few minutes, her second objective would be finished and she would have no choice but to return to Kumo. Looking at the closed and no doubt sealed door, she felt a growing trepidation that made it clear she wanted this to work out. It's only been a couple of weeks with just a few meetings and I can't think of anyone more suited. I'm not naive to think it's love but I can't deny the chemistry is definitely there.

She continued her pacing but every passing moment made her nerves grow tighter and the butterflies in her stomach multiply. What if he...of course he's going to object. He's twelve. No one that young is going to just accept this kind of situation. Even if he is politically savvy, he's going to resent being used like this. It's going to be up to me to make this...as appealing to him as possible. She blinked as she found herself biting on her thumbnail. Something she hadn't done since she was a child. A sure sign of her nerves and that she's already planning counter moves. I have to use what I've come to know about him. He's a close proximity fighter...who am I kidding? He is an assassin. A genuine rarity among Konoha's shinobi. Mabui paused and that tingle along her spine intensified.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the receptionist got her attention and told her that she could enter. Mabui took a slow deep breath and reached for the door.

((Back in the Office))

Hiroku turned to face the door as it opened and her eyes widened as she saw the young woman step inside dressed in a kimono that made no attempt at disguising the figure beneath it. Instead of hiding her figure, it accentuated it. Made her athletically curved figure the focus of attention. It's coloring making her combination of exotic features stand out and practically glow. Damn...she pulled out the stops on this one. Good thing he's a bit young. Otherwise, we'd need a mop… she glanced to her Apprentice to see that his eyes had widened slightly as his lips had parted in surprise. Hiroku hid a small smirk as she looked to the entering woman and saw that she had frozen in step the moment her eyes fell on Snake Eyes. She had a hand up to her chest, flat palmed at almost throat level. Seems it's mutual…

Hiruzen watched, his eyes flickering between the two youngsters and felt a smile growing slightly on his face. This seems promising… it will definitely be for the best if they agree. Not only politically for the agreement, but for me as well. This will give me a lever to ensure he stays in the village…he considered analytically as he allowed the two to simply stare at one another.

Snake Eyes was simply stunned by the graceful entry of the teen from Kumo. Thanks to his mentor's explanation, he better understood why she had visited so often and they discussed and debated so many topics over tea. Yet it wasn't until he saw her come in that the severity of the situation actually sank in. She had actually been courting...me. Learning more about me than what she revealed about herself, but it HAD been courting. he thought in a dazed kind of wonder before he blinked and stepped forward to give her a bow.

Mabui's thoughts were scattered. Pieces of light on a field of black. Scrambling to get them in order, she took the random considerations as they came to her. I can't believe it! Tanaka Hiroku...of all people. No deal with that later. The Hokage's watching! Do something, don't stand there like a lump!...Kami, his eyes are like oceans. That was where her focus snapped to and she felt her skin flush deeply as she drank in his face. She took in the slightly chubby yet regal face, the almond shaped deep blues of his eyes, the whisker marks on his cheeks that made him seem feral in some unidentifiable way. Then came the scars.

Her nerves vanished only to be replaced by a different tension as she considered the pathways of darker tissue. They were done intentionally to disfigure… she analyzed with a growing anger, Someone wanted to make him look horrendous. To steal any appearance of normalcy. Then...then they STOLE his voice. she concluded in a deep fury as she easily saw the thick scar that ran across his throat. Instead of being frightened or abhorred by the scarring, she realized they kind of turned her on. He carried them well. His demeanor reminded her of Morino Ibiki, Konoha's chief Interrogator. They were badges of honour and survival. She had to blink a few times when he bowed to her, but she knew what to do after that. She returned the bow and stepped in even closer. Her hand not revealing her nervousness as she reached to him and ever so gently ran her fingertips over the scars on his face. She spoke softly but with genuine warmth as she watched his eyes almost flutter closed, "You're more handsome than I thought. You shouldn't hide them; they add an air of danger and strength to an already noble face." Her cheeks grew even hotter when his eyes snapped open before they seemed to stare into her soul.

Snapping out of his trance-like state, he stepped back slowly, showing her that he wasn't repulsed by her touch. In fact, the blush on his face, a rampant redness starting at his neck and rising up to encompass his face indicated the exact opposite. He could even feel the tips of his ears trying to quiver from the heavy flow of blood. Oh Kami...don't freak out. Don't freak out...just breathe. Get yourself under control and simply breathe… he repeated almost mantra-like as he collected himself. His hands came up so that he could sign but he was stopped when the sound of poorly hidden snickers could be heard.

When the two remembered they had an audience, she couldn't hold it back any more. She started laughing so hard, tears came to her eyes. "Geez, you two...you can ogle each other later...we have a meeting to finish...never going to let you live this one down, Sna...Naruto," she said in between bouts of amusement.

Sarutobi nodded silently, not even trying to add his own voice to the 'conversation'. If he did, he knew he'd simply just lose it and add to the quasi-humiliation the two obviously felt over totally dismissing everyone else in the room from their minds. In the end, he had to speak up, "Well, it seems neither side has any objections?" he teased and saw them separate a good three feet, facing forward with blushing faces and without looking directly at one another. Which only initiated a new bout of laughter, this time he joined in heartily.

Face expressing his indignation, Snake Eyes crossed his arms over his chest and began tapping his foot. Even so, he glanced over to Mabui and his cheeks reddened every time their eyes made contact. Could this get any more embarrassing? he thought even though he noted that her blush was still there just apparently more manageable than his own.

Settling down, Sarutobi coughed into his fist and got this back under way. "Now that the introductions are out of the way," he teased lightly before getting serious, "Mabui-chan was the Courier your Guardian brought in. Her mission was to deliver an important document to my office from her Raikage. What most didn't know was that this document is in fact an offer of alliance. Something that Kumo has never been the one to offer. There is, however, a catch."

Hiroku's eyes narrowed slightly as she immediately realized just what the "catch" was and she cursed softly. Damn you scheming old son of a…

Snake Eyes lifted an eyebrow and his head tilted slightly in question but his attention turned to Mabui when she spoke up instead of the Hokage.

"The 'catch', as Hokage-sama put it, is that the Alliance becomes ironclad only when a Konoha shinobi and a Kumo kunoichi wed. Specifically, when I am wed," she said with her face averted, blushing slightly. "I was to stay here in Konoha and see if there was someone who I could see as a possible match for myself." She paused and laughed softly as his expression went from intense listening to one of confusion. "Someone like you," she confirmed as she blushed even more. "Out of all the shinobi I have looked over in the past three, almost four, weeks you are the only one I can see myself with."

Snake Eyes blinked once then twice as though he couldn't comprehend it. But...I'm nothing special. Better trained than most Genin, but nothing really noteworthy. he thought before he made a single gesture then pointed to himself.

[Why me?]

Mabui had to chuckle despite the slight awkwardness of the broadly ranged question. "You are an intelligent, dedicated, honorable man. You are humble when others would be egotistic. You help others with no regard for personal gain. I find those qualities attractive. Adding in that you are handsome, physically, and obviously strong for your age. Also which I find appealing."

Snake Eyes blinked a couple of times when she finished. Rather surprised she had picked up even that much from their slightly stilted conversations. He then signed anew, looking once towards the Hokage to translate for him.

Nodding to the unasked question, he did so. "He wants to know why you seem to be fine with having to marry a perfect stranger. Shouldn't this bother you?"

Mabui nodded, having expected these questions in particular. "I do have a problem with political marriages. But my Raikage had foreseen this and allowed me the privilege to pick my future husband. Plus there is a timeframe involved which will allow us to get to know each other. A betrothal period of four years before we must be wed. During which…" she stopped as he began signing again, with the Hokage speaking.

"That's all well and good, but what if you or I change our minds during that time period?" the Hokage said, wondering where this was headed. "First impressions aside, we just might not get along the more we learn about each other."

"I think he's asking if there is an out-clause in this deal," Hiroku chimed in lowly.

Mabui shook her head. "Once the alliance is signed by both Kages, it is unbreakable except by the death of one of us," she replied softly. "Do...do you not find the thought of being my husband appealing?" she asked with an obvious nervousness. Her self-confidence began to waver the moment he began looking for a way out. "Is it me? Would you perhaps wish to look at other Kunoichi of Kumo?" Then her eyes widened, "Or do you…?" she stopped. She just couldn't complete the thought. I won't believe it unless he tells me outright...there is no way my instincts went that far off course...

It was only due to his exposure to Anko's rather blunt mannerisms that he understood and he waved his hands back and forth negatively. Immediately followed by rapid and insistent signing.

[No! I am NOT attracted to men! This is a lot to take in…] he paused to gather his thoughts, [I do have to wonder though why YOU were chosen for this...duty. Kumogakure has the reputation of valuing strength and loyalty above all else. Why would the Raikage be willing to let you go? You are lovely, smart, skilled, and intelligent. You are what most Kunoichi strive for.]

Mabui blushed at his rather...blunt assessment of her. No matter; hers of him had been just as direct. The blush disappeared however, as the question hit her. She was going to have to tell him. A fresh redness appeared on her cheeks but this time it wasn't one of pleasure. This one was clearly fueled by embarrassment and regret. "One moment," she replied cryptically before she went to the door, opened it and then returned with a satchel in hand a moment later. She proffered the canvas bag quietly. "Let me explain before you look inside," she asked sadly, almost with a hint of pleading in her tone.

Naruto nodded and kept the bag closed, wondering about this sudden change in personality.

"This began about a four months ago. I was summoned to the Academy with nine other Kunoichi…"

((Thirty minutes later))

Snake Eyes stood there, red faced in anger as he turned to sign to his equally angry Mentor. He could feel the vein over his right eye twitching almost like a living thing. He barely skimmed through the magazine/catalog before he froze on a page, his eyes going wide before flicking up to Mabui and back to the page. His face had immediately flushed and he gave the thick bound paper to his Mentor. Waiting until her reaction matched his and took it back before slipping it quietly into the satchel. He next gave it back to Mabui with slow, deliberate movements. Now he made his thoughts known.

Hiroku read his signs and pushed aside her anger to speak, noting how the Hokage hadn't once even attempted to see what was going on. He probably already knows...The Raikage would have told him about this. Maybe not ALL the details, but even summarized… she thought before she translated. "He's saying that he wants to be sure he understood you..." she paused and watched his signs before resuming while looking directly to Mabui. "You and nine other Kunoichi were given a mission to take part in a photoshoot for a catalog company. The ten of you were supposed to model various swimwear and modest sleepwear given everyone's age. However, due to your more advanced physique, you ended up modeling the more "mature" merchandise with the older models. The result being that you wound up being ogled by every man you came across and got nothing but aggressive stares from your peers." Another pause as she and her Apprentice saw the dark skinned teen nod slowly. "To combat this, the Raikage granted you a position that displayed his absolute trust in you. The position of his personal assistant. His intention being that it was to help you until things calmed down with the other Kunoichi. Instead, it left you open to the unwanted stares and propositions thrown your way by visiting merchants and dignitaries… that about right?"

Mabui hung her head as her position was laid out so starkly. "Yes. Due to their importance to the Village's economy, I couldn't really say anything against them. It got worse after that as rumors of 'inappropriate behavior' between the Raikage and myself began surfacing. Started by the men I turned down repeatedly, but I couldn't do anything about it...If I went to the Raikage with it, any action he took would seem…"

Hiroku spoke up, "It would seem that he's protecting you because you were his lover…"

Mabui nodded uncomfortably, "Right. So when this agreement came up, I...I volunteered myself. My last chance of being a real Kunoichi. I can't show my face in Kumo without being propositioned or verbally assaulted. Even my closest friends are...uneasy around me if they have their boyfriends with them. With me gone, the rumors die and the dignity of the Raikage's Office is preserved."

Hiroku nodded in understanding. She had experienced a muted form of that kind of isolation here in Konoha due to her joining ISA. Not from the general populace, who had no idea who she was under her mask...but from her peers in ANBU. "All I can say, Mabui-chan," she grinned as she added the affectionate suffix, "is that every Kunoichi at some point goes through this. Not to that degree, but we all get objectified. It doesn't help that too many people 'think' that all we do is seduction based espionage. Idiots. Even in a shinobi village, it happens. Sometimes, I think it happens even more simply because the men don't want to think of us actually performing the full range of duties that we could be called upon to do," she gave shake of her head.

Mabui was happy to see and hear that someone understood, yet her eyes fell on Snake Eyes and she spoke softly, "Knowing this, I won't blame you if you would prefer someone else. It can't be a pleasant thought to have a wife that many have seen in practically nothing…" she hung her head afterwards.

Snake Eyes walked over to where she had taken a seat before telling them the whole story. He went to a single knee and lifted her chin up gently until their eyes met again. He slowly shook his head and turned to Hiroku, showing them both his frustrated expression.

The Hokage spoke up softly from his seat behind the desk. "I think he's trying to say that he has no such intentions," he smiled when Snake Eyes nodded quickly. "But I DO think there are a few things he should tell you as well. Important things that should be shared in a more...personal location." He paused and tilted his head slightly as Snake Eyes stood up and signed deliberately.

[I want a boon from both you and Raikage agreed upon before this Alliance is set into place.]

Hiroku looked at her student curiously before glancing to the Hokage and seeing his expression was just as intent. "What are you thinking, Snake Eyes?" His answer was blunt and simplistic.

[I will ask a boon of each Kage since this agreement seems to hinge upon my acceptance.]

Sarutobi sat up straight and his eyes narrowed intently as he studied the young man's face. "A boon is a serious matter Snake Eyes. This had better not be some prank."

[No prank, Hokage-sama. When will he arrive to sign the Alliance?]

Mabui spoke up as she moved finally to stand beside Snake Eyes, looking at his unblinking expression, "Snake Eyes...are you sure about this?" she asked softly even as she slid her hand into his and gave it a squeeze.

Snake Eyes glanced to the teen at his side and nodded once before returning his attention to the Hokage. His gaze intense and showing the steely determination that had quickly reinforced the name he had taken for himself.

[They want to do something that will change my entire life to a path I never chose. Again. I have the right to ask for some things in return.]

"The Raikage will arrive during the one month break of the upcoming Chuunin Exams. They will sign it then," she explained quietly, no idea at all what he was up to, though she wanted to find out. I know some of it...at least I think I do, but if this is to work between us... we can't have secrets. Her free hand came up to caress his arm lightly, showing her support.

However, a sudden insistent knocking on the door prevented anything more from being said. One that commanded the attention of all four, plus the ANBU hidden away, of the occupants. As one, they all turned to the door as it glowed brightly before opening up.

Snake Eye's felt his eyes brighten as he stepped forward and a smile blossomed on his face. He carefully disengaged the grip Mabui had on him before he took another step then launched himself at the figure, his arms wrapping around the waist and his head pressed to the midriff. Kaa-san…

The one visible eye crinkled as Rin's arms held the black clad boy to her by his head and torso. She looked down at him and smiled broadly, "Hey, sochi… missed you too," she said with all the warmth a mother had for their child. Her eyes lifted to study each of the occupants. "Anyone care to explain what in the world has been going on during my...absence…and just why the Courier I...lost my team protecting…" she changed what she was about to say, "is hanging onto my 12 year old son?" her gaze had narrowed at the last part as she waited for answers with all the patience a parent could muster. Which in her case, meant 'not much.' Proven when her foot began tapping impatiently after two minutes.

Sarutobi found himself fidgeting, stalling for time as he looked from every face back to his desk, "Well, it's…" he paused when Rin separated from her son and spoke clearly.

"I'm sure these three do not need to hear it all again. They will go to my home and wait for me there," her mannerisms saying she was in full "mother mode." A status that apparently affected even Hiroku as the three disappeared out the door barely a moment after she finished. Which made her smile predatorily as she returned her attention to the Hokage, "Now...you were saying?" she asked in an all too sweet tone.

((Nohara residence))

After he'd re-donned his mask, he led the two women across the Village rooftops until they got to the woods surrounding his home. He dropped to the ground and walked through the woods until he got to his home and waited. Once the others joined him, he shut down the protective seals and led them to the kitchen table. While they got situated, he went to the stove and made preparations to serve tea.

While they waited for the water to heat up, Mabui looked to Hiroku and spoke up, "Why did you call Snake Eyes...Naruto?" her expression curious. She had other questions, very specific questions for Hiroku, but this would be a good starter…

Hiroku waited until Naruto had joined them after going upstairs to change. She smirked as she saw how Mabui blushed when he returned in a pair of gray sweats and a white tank. "That's up to him to tell. Now, why don't you ask me what you really want to ask me...cousin." The smirk growing even as her eyebrows rose in question. She gave Naruto points as he barely paused by the table before going back to the kitchen to fix the herbal tea.

Mabui sighed very softly and looked directly at the other woman, "How are you alive? The entire Clan was told you died…"

Hiroku snorted, "Your Uncle's doing, I'd bet… he nearly kicked me out when I disagreed with the Sandaime Raikage's insistent drive to gather Kekkei Genkai to bolster Kumo's strength. I understood, to a degree. I just don't happen to agree with kidnapping," she said bluntly, "Not to mention what they tried to do afterwards. I nearly split my gut laughing when Konoha got one over on him." She with that smirk blossoming into a full grown smile. One that quickly turned into a deep frown.

Naruto set down a tray of tea and fixed them a cup before going to the cupboard to find a bag of chips. Whoa...just like the report said...this has more detail though…

Mabui countered, "Our Clan has always stood for honor and loyalty to Kumo, your defection…"

Hiroku cut in sharply, "Don't give me that crap, Mabui. Where's the honor in kidnapping a child?! From a Clan in the Village that you just signed a non-aggression treaty with no less. To turn him or her into a breeding machine just to satisfy one man's grab for more power? Nowhere. That's where. But out of loyalty to my Clan and Village I kept my views to myself. Then came the southern border patrol."

Mabui went silent went and listened intently, easily picking up the anger of old wounds and pain of betrayal. She took a slow sip of tea and waited for the other to resume.

Naruto stayed in the kitchen, sipping tea in between hand fulls of chips. Damn, this is better than those soap operas kaa-san won't admit to watching…

"We were on our routine southern border patrol between Lightning and Frost Countries when we came across a Konoha team. They were on the Frost side of the border. They didn't see us. One of them was a Hyuuga...an unmarked male which meant Main Branch. My team disregarded my orders and crossed the border to attack. When the dust settled, my team was dead and the Leaf shinobi were all wounded. It was the last straw for me. I rendered medical care as best I could and defected. I haven't regretted my decision once nor have I ever looked back," she finished with a firm tone.

Naruto finished the bag of chips and his tea by then and moved onto making a few lean cut sandwiches. Wonder if this is how Choji feels when his parents argue? he wondered as he slid a small plate to each of the ladies and retreated back to the kitchen. Reminding them he's there yet not intruding on their conversation.

Mabui sighed and asked lowly, sounding much like a lost child, "Why did you have to leave? You could have explained…" she stopped when her cousin shook her head slowly.

"R-i-i-ght. Your Uncle would have had me beheaded and cremated before the third word was spoken. That's if I wasn't imprisoned immediately upon my return. You know the laws. It's better all around that the Clan thinks I'm dead," Hiroku said in finality as she took up her sandwich and took a bite, "Speaking of which...how did your parents take this whole political marriage thing?"

Mabui took the rebuke in stride, knowing the older woman was right. At the question, however; it was her turn to look grim faced. "Given the catalog incident, father...was glad to see me gone. Mother was well, Mother." She finished her tea and asked, "Could I get another cup, please?" her tone soft and forlorn.

Hiroku reached out and patted her hand in understanding, "Well, things will be better here, Mabui-chan," she said with a forced cheer, "After living here twenty years I can honestly say, Konoha is a good place to live in general." Her eyes cut to Naruto in warning, "It has its problems like any Village, but they stick to their beliefs really tight."

Mabui nodded in agreement, having seen it firsthand herself. Her hand reached for the cup and blinked, surprised to feel warmth and a pot sitting on a warming pad on the table. She turned to thank Naruto but found he had disappeared. "Wha?"

"He left a minute ago." Rin chimed in, arriving just as Hiroku was speaking, startling the two silver haired women. A fact that made her smile broadly and her eyes sparkle mischievously.