Chapter 7: Unusual Okibi Woman

Himai returned in 26 days to the village destroyed. Her first fear was that the Akatsuki came for Naruto and got him and she was too late. That thought quickly faded when she saw Naruto walking away from the gate entrance.

'What happened?'

Himai ran as fast as she could to the Hokage's office. She appeared in the office. Tsunade was the only one there.

"An expected from the ANBU Dragon captain, right on time. I'll tell you what happened in the village, but first give me the information you have."

"They've located the two and three tails and are in pursuit of both. It's one team in charge of the two beasts. They're also the ones that have attacked 7 villages. There's a rumor that this team is somewhat immortal, whatever that means. Deidara is alive, he got his arms back. The 8 tails Jinchuuruki is highly protected. They have a new member, but no word on his name. They're still going with the plan to go in the order of tails. They caught another tailed beast too, but the identity of the beast is unknown, though I think it's the 7 tails. I confirmed that Orochimaru used to be an Akatsuki member, though he defected. Orochimaru is laying low, I think he wants us to take out as many Akatsuki as possible to make things easier for him. Who knows why."

"As I expected you to come with much less information. Very well done. You always know how to exceed my expectations. I'm sure you're wondering what happened to the village."

"Yes."

Tsunade explained the whole Sora incident to Himai.

"Thankfully Naruto knocked some sense into him. That boy. He has a thing that draws everyone to him."

"Good." Himai looked around her office and saw that it was, oddly, very clean of any paperwork or mess.

"Why is this place so clean?" Himai finally took off her mask. She was worried. Tsunade wasn't a neat person.

"I finished my work early."

"Di the elders tell you anything?"

"Perceptive as always. Yes. I swear those old geezers. One of these days they'll wish they dies in the second ninja war."

"Well if you need assistance you know I'm always at your disposal itching to cut off a few heads."

"Yes, I'll keep that in mind. Excellent job. You should go home and rest, I'll call you as soon as I have another mission for you so stay alert. Naruto's in the hospital, so you don't have to worry about his training for a while."

"Great. Can I ask you something?"

"Anything. What is it?"

"Has anyone from my family come and talked to you about my behavior?"

"…Yes. As a matter of fact they have. When you left your father came in asking why I was sending you on another mission. And that's the least of it. I think you should have a serious talk with them. Ever since you lost Saikijuuou, you've been very different. Just because you're no longer the heir doesn't mean you should stop talking to your family. You even missed the birth of your nephew. If you were as close to your family as you were before, you would've denied the mission."

"That's the thing Tsunade. I feel that now that I don't have such a responsibility to the clan, I should serve the village more. I don't mind doing it. I enjoy it really. And anyways, I-"

"Tsunade! We have a problem! I haven't received a word from Mai in the last few days. She could be in trouble! We should- Huh? Mai! You're back!" Shikamaru blushed, embarrassed at his outburst.

"Shikamaru, what is wrong with you?! If there was something wrong with her I would have known!" Tsunade barked. She sighed.

"Give me a few minutes with her and she's all yours! OUT!"

"Uh! Yes Ma'am!" Shikamaru slammed the door shut.

"That fool. He's been so agitated since I sent you on that mission. According to Asuma, not even Shogi calms him."

"Um, Lady Tsunade?"

"Sorry Himai, continue what you were saying."

"Well, um, since I lost Saikijuuou, I just feel that everyone thinks I'm unapproachable. I don't really talk to anyone anymore from the clan. Even during dinner. I've tried saying something, but I feel like I'm being ignored. When I left for the mission, my father wanted to know my opinion on something, but I had to get ready and leave. He approached me asking if everything was okay. I didn't have time to say no."

"I see. Well you're the first dragon tamer in 6 generations. I'm sure it's weird for everyone. I suggest talking to them. We don't want another Uchiha incident in our hands. I know that you wouldn't think twice about defending the village if you had to choose the clan or the village, but let's just keep relations good. Alright?"

"Yeah. Alright."

"Good. Now hurry up and meet with your boyfriend before he comes in here crying again."

Himai deadpanned "He's NOT my boyfriend."

"Stop denying it."

Himai stomped out of the room and slammed the door shut. She let out an exasperated breath. She turned to her left to see Shikamaru leaning on the wall, arms crossed, smiling.

"That went well I imagine." He started.

"It was, till she said that word."

Shikamaru got off the wall and linked arms with Himai. She could feel him become calmer, almost relieved.

"No one's home at your house they're all at the hospital. The baby was born yesterday. He's cute."

"That's nice."

"Why don't you change so we can go see it? I know you're not tired."

"Can I wear shorts? I've been wearing this for almost a month now."

"Just this once. We're going out tonight."

"Alright." They got to her house where she changed into the same outfit she wore when she first met Team Asuma. She put on her headband and left her hair in a braid. A few strands, including the red hair, framed her face. As usual she carried the staff. They got to the maternity section of the hospital when Himai felt a familiar presence that was trying to conceal itself.

"Maru, go on ahead I'll be there in a moment. I have to say hello to someone."

"Sure."

Himai went a few doors back and entered a doctor's office. There was no doctor, but there was a woman there.

"Congratulations, Kurenai." Himai said. She surprised Kurenai a bit.

"Himai! How, how did you know I was here?"

"I felt you trying to suppress your chakra. It fooled Maru, but not me. Plus I could also sense that you were feeling excited. How far along are you?"

"About two months. Still early."

"And does Asuma know?"

"Yes. He was with me when I found out. He's very excited to be a father."

"So I take it you're just gonna let everyone find out on their own?"

"Yes. I'd like for you not to tell anyone."

"Of course. Count on me. And if you ever need help with anything let me know. I may be younger than you, but I'm still a comrade."

"I'm glad to know I can count on you. Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Of course."

"You don't have to answer right away, but did you come with Shikamaru because…"

"What?... OH NO REALLY NOT YOU TOO KURENAI! I JUST GOT BACK FROM A MISSION! I'M VISITING MY BROTHER WHO JUST HAD A BOY! Please Kurenai me and Maru? Never!"

Kurenai let out a small laugh. Secretly Himai hoped to be as lady like as her someday, when she was older.

"Never say never Himai. It could happen."

"You'll be the first to know if it ever does then."

"I can't wait."

"Well I should be going now, I'll see you around Kurenai."

"Thank you Himai."

Himai walked out and headed for her sister-in law's room. She looked at the doors until she found her name.

"Here we go. Hihana Okibi." Himai opened the door and say her brother standing next to his wife who was laying on the bed holding their son. Shikamaru was on one side of the room talking to Shinshuku. Her parents were next to Hiryuu and Hihana. Everyone looked towards the door when it opened.

"Himai!" Hiyougo ran to Himai and hugged her. "I'm so glad you're okay. Thank you for bringing her here Shikamaru." Hiyougo said turning to him.

"It was nothing. Himai got news that the baby was born and wanted to come over. Of course she changed before coming." Shikamaru replied. Himai looked over to see everyone smiling, but she could sense that one of those smiles is fake: Hiryuu. She knew he was pissed off at her for not being present at the birth. He knew that she knew she took on that mission while knowing she was due in less than a month. He was the one that was most distant of her when she lost Ju. Not because he was not the new heir, but because he felt that she didn't care about the clan anymore.

"It's so glad to see you here and safe. Would you like to hold him?" Hihana said, holding the baby up. She looked up at Hiryuu and he nodded. She walked over and picked up the baby.

"His name is Hitaian." Hihana replied. She looked at the baby. He had the hair, skin, and eyes of an Okibi. He looked more like his mother that father because he didn't have that tough look all Okibi me had. He looked very gentle, a quality that no heir is allowed to have.

"Hey Hitaian." Himai said to the baby. She was enjoying carrying the child. No one really knew this, but she loved children so long as they weren't genin. That's when a human becomes most annoying to her. Shikamaru saw the soft expression she had on her face, an expression he'd only ever seen two other time, when they passed by the academy to see Akarui and she was with the 7 year olds and when she observed the baby deer in the Nara forest with their mothers.

Shinshuku smirked. "You know, women of the Okibi clan aren't so warm and caring towards children. They perform their tasks as mothers, but generally they're very strict. My mother was strict until we all became Chunin. Himai is different. She looks at a kid and it's like the world around her doesn't exist. Father says Akarui is the one he's gonna have the most trouble giving away to some man. But I think Himai will be harder for the exact reason you're seeing now."

"Yea. If she's like this with another's kid, imagine what she'd be like with one of her own." Shikamaru added. He and Himai stayed a while longer before leaving on their date.

"So did you sleep at night while I was away Maru?"

"'Course I did."

"Liar. Tsunade told me you were on edge the entire time."

"Gah! Well, maybe a little. I mean, you were always moving. And you said you'd be back in 26 days."

"Give or take a few. You've been acting weird since we started this rumor thing. Are you okay?"

"Of course I am. What's driving me crazy is your hair."

"Here we go again."

"I'm serious. Like I said you don't pay attention when men stare at you. I do. You're very attractive. Your hair just adds to it. Then again you'd probably still look good with short hair."

"Do you spend your days off just checking me out?"

"No, it's just what I see."

"Oh" Himai just stared at him blushing. She was caught off guard. Shikamaru was enjoying this, teasing her. She was cute when she was caught off guard.

"What had no one ever told you you're pretty?"

Shikamaru said, leaning his head on his hand and smirking.

"Well, if they have, I never paid attention to them."

"I'm not surprised. You're so caught up in other things that you don't really notice your surrounding unless you're in a fight."

"Is that bad?"

"No, but you should be more careful. You know I'd kill the person that does something to you."

"Oh I know. I feel sorry for them."

"In any case, it's good that you're back. Things just haven't been the same without you."

"Maru it's only been a month."

"I know, but it feels longer."

'I don't know what happened to Shikamaru, but it seems like he's a lot more… alive.'

"Come on, it's getting late. I'll take you home. I'll pass by early to spend the day since Naruto is in the hospital."

"Man, you practically died without me." Himai exaggerated. Shikamaru chuckled and they walked to Himai's house. She got home and was greeted by Hikougi and Hishu in the living room.

"We need to talk. You've been very distant sine you lost Ju. You've been taking on more missions and spending less time at home." Hishu said.

"I'm fine. The ones who have been distant is all of you. Just because I lost my dragon doesn't mean I'm any different than I was. I'm still me."

"Himai, we just want to make sure you're okay and not still upset about losing Ju." Hikougi continued.

"I'm over that. What I'm irritated about is this clan thinking that just because I'm no linger the heir I'm going to want to be more involved in the clan. You know what the problem is? The problem is that the clan is so self-absorbed that it doesn't realize just how isolated from the rest of the village it is. People just know our name and how we look. They're scared of us. Don't you see? If we keep this up, we're gonna turn into another Uchiha clan. We have to step out of the shadows. Is it so wrong that I'm in ANBU or that I have such a good bond with everyone? What's so wrong about talking to others?"

"They don't understand our customs or what we do." Hishu said.

"Maybe if we weren't so secretive people wouldn't fear us."

"Or maybe if you wouldn't attack every other person that offends you people would think differently. Did you ever think that you're the reason we're feared?" Hiryuu, who was at the house, interrupted.

"No because people have feared us since before I came back. I'm sorry but I'm not going to be like every other girl in this clan: tied down to some guy forever doing what he says. I'm not like that. I prefer to be in the action than just watching it."

"Then why haven't you just chosen death?"

"Because I still hope that the clan can change."

"Well you better hope that you change with it."

"What's with you? Look I'm sorry I took on a mission knowing you were about to have your kid but that's who I am. Besides, he's alive, it would've been a shame if he died and I never got to meet him."

That offended Hiryuu. He snapped and went to attack Himai. When he almost landed his attack, Himai took out her staff and Hiryuu hit it. Hiryuu stood there stunned. He felt a presence comming from the staff, like it was protecting Himai from harm.

"I don't care if you're the heir. I can still take you down in 3 minute flat." Himai put her staff away and walked out of the house."

"Where do you think you're going" Hiryuu asked.

"Away from you."

"Come back here!"

Himai put her hand on the doorknob and slowly turned to face Hiryuu's face.

"Make me. I'd like to see you try. I know you didn't want me to touch your child, but it's not like you could've made scene there. You're the one who needs to get their act together, not me." Himai opened the door and ran out. She kept running without realizing the tears coming out of her eyes.