Tamiri's Note: As promise chapter eight! Things are really rocky now! Sorry for the over a year waits. During the writing of this chapter my dog, which I had for 12 years, was very sick. Eventually after months and months of treatment I had to come to the decision to put him down. Then I finally found a full-time job working for CPS (child protective services) in the state. So that and school I been boomed. I want to finish this since, if you keep up with the manga, I believe we are reaching the end of naruto. See you next month! Thanks for all the reviews! I really appreciate it!
Chapter Rating: PG-13 violence and sexual references.
Disclaimer:Naruto is copyrighted by its respected owners I don't own anything.
Chapter Eight: Adjustment
"So this house…" Shiro started.
"Five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a big yard, it is just what we need," Tenten tried to look at the bright side. The sale man was looking impatiently at his wristwatch tapping his foot.
"This house is poo!" Shiro shouted and a raccoon dog scurried from the front door.
"It can certainly use some fixing," Tenten smiled nervously.
"Give us that house," Shiro pointed to his left at decent looking house with a for-sale sign. These homes were at the edge of the village and were one of the original buildings that were not destroyed during the Pain attack. Apparently the owners of the home sold it to the real-estate company and moved on. They could see the high walls that surrounded the village a block or so away.
"That house has already been bought," the man looked at his watch again and looked at Tenten with impatience.
"Look, I will buy this house even though it is not fit for anything to live there but you have to reduce the price," Tenten frowned.
"I believe it is fair," the salesman said.
"We are not paying the same price as we would for a house in better conditions," Shiro said.
"I don't need a boy like you to tell me how to do my job. Weren't you taught any respect…" the man looked at Tenten in distaste, "I guess not."
"Either reduce the price or I am going elsewhere. I don't need to waste my time with you," Tenten turned around to leave.
"Keep your stupid house. Good luck selling it to some other sucker," Shiro said, ignoring Tsubaki's pleads to be more polite.
"Fine I'll sell it to you half price," the salesman shouted as they were disappearing from view.
"You have yourself a deal then," Tenten shouted back. She signed the paperwork from the irritated salesman. It took a big chunk of her savings account but it was worth it. With a bit of fixing the house would be comfortable for all of them to live in. With deed in hand Tenten followed Shiro inside the house. As they approach they opened the door, her foot sank in the first rotten wooden plank. She was thankful she left Jiro and Yukiko with Gai since the house was too dangerous for them to be inside.
"Blah it's gross in here and he wanted to sell this place at that outrageous price. I mean we are desperate but not that desperate," Shiro said avoiding a hole in the floor.
"It's going to take a lot of fixing," Tenten walked into a spider's web. "Tsubaki be careful upstairs," Tenten looked at Tsubaki slowly going up the steps.
"Don't worry mom I will outsource for some carpenters and plumbers," Shiro smiled as he went into the kitchen.
"Outsource? We have fine carpenters here in the village," Tenten followed him into the kitchen seeing for herself if the pipes worked.
"Look at how the jerk treated us do you think if we hire workers they wouldn't do the same," Shiro pointed out.
"I wouldn't want anyone doing half-hearted jobs," Tenten thought of the safety of her little ones. "And where will we get this money?"
"I have money," Shiro said.
"You're a genin and I know they don't get paid much,"
"Ishikawa just paid me," Shiro grinned widely.
"My refrigerator!" Tenten realized. "You took apart my refrigerator!"
"I put it back together!" Shiro defended.
"Don't use my electronics for your inventions," Tenten was now peeling webs off her hair.
"You got a free ice-maker! No more using ice-trays. You are the first one in this village to get one before it came out! I get 40% of all profits for life! We're set!" Shiro said with excitement.
"That's right you have a contract with him," Tenten could not believe a business man as successful as Ishikawa listen to a thirteen year old ideas but sometimes in business like in her shinobi life one had to take risks. She could see why many of Ishikawa's colleagues were laughing at Shiro during the party at Moon country. A refrigerator making ice was farfetched; she always used ice trays and lived very well. Now that she had the device in her home she had to admit it was very comfortable.
"And soon no one will treat us like dirt. You'll see, we'll be so rich I'll have a pond filled with Ryo," Shiro pumped his fist.
"Shiro don't be so obsessed with money concentrate on being a good shinobi," Tenten advised.
"My teammates hate my guts," Shiro started to explain.
"It sometimes starts that way. Lee and Neji didn't get along at first and now they are the best of friends," Tenten smiled weakly.
"Just my luck I had to be stuck with the Aburame and Hyuuga brats," Shiro huffed. His teammates were a year younger than him and graduated this pass March. From what Shiro described both his teammates were the highest scoring in their class and lost a teammate because he quit. Tenten figured they were trying to recreate Shino's team but the Inuzakas in the academy were just too young. Shiro was placed there to balance the team. Even though he was older than the two boys, he had the less experience. He had a lot of catching up to do but she didn't think it would be difficult for him. Shiro had perfect scores in his tests and had a genius IQ. One had to be a genius to do what Shiro does with electronics. It surprised her how upset he got when he got the results, 'I don't want to be a weirdo' he kept on repeating. He demanded to retake the test an indulgence which wasn't given.
"Shiro, just give them a chance," Tenten said.
"It's not that I am not giving them a chance, it's they who don't want to give me one," Shiro said sadly. Tsubaki appeared and clung to Tenten shaking her head.
"Tsubaki what's wrong?" Tenten picked up the girl who hugged her tightly.
Tsubaki pointed upstairs where a rat squeaked.
Shiro laughed, "Tsubaki is scared of a little rat?"
"Shiro don't be mean," Tenten scolded.
"Seriously no bugs nor lizards but a rat? What's next rabbits," Shiro chuckled, Tsubaki's scowl at Shiro made him immediately stop laughing.
"I'll see what you do when we find out what you're afraid of," Tenten frowned at Shiro, "There, there Tsubaki we'll get rid of everything and have a beautiful house."
Tsubaki hugged Tenten again and asked to be put down. She took her mother's hand and wrote, 'Termites.'
"No wonder the wood is so rotten," Tenten said, "We need to hire good exterminator."
"I hope he comes soon," Shiro said in fear.
"Huh?" Tenten looked up to see a giant spider just up the stairs. It looked the size of a cat its legs up in battle stance.
"Tsubaki you saw it before?" Shiro looked at Tsubaki.
Tsubaki nodded and made her signs.
"What do you mean harmless! You freak out over a rat and not this!" Shiro yelled.
"Don't worry Spider-san we are leaving," Tenten said and slowly walked backward towards the front door. Tenten breathed the fresh air after leaving the dusty and moldy house. "Our home needs some serious work," Tenten looked up at the house.
"I'll get to work on it right away mom," Shiro assured adjusting his newly acquired forehead protector.
"You should hurry up, don't you have a mission?" Tenten reminded.
Shiro took out his pocket watch and looked at the time, "You're right! Gotta run!"
Tsubaki and Tenten waved goodbye and walked to Gai's apartment. Tsubaki skipped in front alternating which leg she landed on. Her hair was done into two high pigtails swinging at the motion of her actions. She wore blue overall shorts with drawstring waist and patch pockets. Clothing she made herself because of the hot summer Konoha was currently experiencing. Tenten smiled to herself and relish at the rare peaceful feeling she was having. Her worries were just piling up, she hadn't work in days and she could see the village ostracizing them even more. She could care less what anyone thought of her but seeing her kids affected by it was killing her. Tsubaki and Shiro could not make friends, as parents would discourage their children from associating with them. She thought that at least they could have each other for support. Tenten went up the stairs of her sensei's building and was about to knock on the door when Tsubaki found it unlock.
Tsubaki shrugged at Tenten's look of confusion. They could hear music coming from the apartment. Tenten knew to expect anything from her sensei so it shouldn't had come to her as a surprise that he was doing squats with Jiro strapped on his chest. Yukiko was mimicking Gai's movements with great concentration.
"That's my girl, now lunges," Gai said changing positions.
Yukiko looked to see her mother and ran towards her, "Mommy!"
"Hard at work I see," Tenten picked her up and hugged her.
"Never too young to start working on the body," Gai smiled widely.
"Sensei Yukiko and Jiro are just babies," Tenten said.
"Working the body now is assuring they can become shinobi we can be proud of," Gai said passionately.
"Jiro can barely walk sensei," Tenten pointed out sitting on the couch.
Gai unstrapped the infant and sat across from Tenten. Jiro crawled toward Tenten, "Mama."
"Mama is here my precious baby," Tenten picked Jiro up hugging him. Gai was tearing up again; his Tenten was a mother now, what a beautiful and youthful sight it was. "Sensei?"
"So gorgeous, what a wonderful mother you are Tenten," Gai cried.
Tsubaki looked at her mother with a questioning glance and Tenten shrugged.
"Sensei I hope Jiro and Yukiko weren't too much trouble," Tenten said changing the subject, she was not in the mood for her sensei's poetic praising.
"No, Yukiko-chan is a genius just like her papa!" Gai said excitedly.
Tenten wouldn't call Gai a genius, tenacious yes but not genius, "Gai-sensei did you teach anything to Yukiko?"
"Yes! She is quick to learn we must take advantage of this talent!"
"Gai-sensei I don't want Yukiko to learn any jutsus yet," Tenten said seriously.
Gai instantly felt the mood change, "Tenten?"
"I want her to choose her own path I don't want it to be imposed on her," Tenten voiced.
"Yukiko will not end up like Neji,"
Tenten looked down in shame. It is not like she didn't care for her teammate or thinks any worse of him. As children they were foolish. She blindly hung to Neji's elite genius not knowing the hurt she was causing her other teammate. And Neji looked down at them as nothing but people he had to tolerate. Looking back at it she wanted to kick herself for being such a brat. She didn't want Yukiko to be like many geniuses looking down at everyone and being praised or revered. She wanted her to be Yukiko her innocent baby girl, "I'm sorry."
"Tenten we are not imposing anything on Yukiko. If Yukiko wants to be something else we will support her. But encouraging her would do her good. You don't want her to view her talent as a bad thing?"Gai smiled.
"No," Tenten said.
"On another note, Shino-san,"
"Sensei no," Tenten frowned.
"Tenten," he took a tone that made Tenten jumped slightly, "You don't have any right to deny Shino-san from seeing the children."
"I have every right he was the one-"
"You left him Tenten he never left you," Gai pointed out.
"But…but…"
"I know Shino-san wanted to leave the children behind and you know very well he was right. You compromised the mission by becoming emotionally involved," Gai scolded.
"I…no, sensei you would have done the same!" Tenten said a little louder than she wanted which scared Jiro.
"Wahh!"Jiro cried.
"Sorry baby, mommy scares you often doesn't she? So sorry honey," Tenten stood up moving and rubbing his back.
"Tenten…" Gai didn't want this conversation to end.
"If the children want to see him then I will not get in the way," she answered.
"Do you want to see Shino-san?" Gai asked the girls.
Tsubaki nodded.
"I want daddy but daddy doesn't want Yukiko," Yukiko said.
"Daddy wants to see you Yukiko-chan," Gai explained.
"I gonna see daddy! I wanna tell daddy I love him this much," Yukiko spread her arms a wide as she could.
"What about Papa?" Gai whined.
"I love Papa this much too!" Yukiko ran to Gai and hugged him.
"This is for best Tenten and I am sure Shino-san wants to apologize," Gai offered.
"Then why? Why did he give me such a hard time?" Tenten hoped Gai could provide an explanation.
"You know that if it were our team we will not hesitate to bring the children with us. Only Shino-san can answer that for you," Gai said.
"His answer doesn't matter now. He will see them and I will act cordial for my children's sake," Tenten pouted.
"Go see him right now," Gai suggested.
"No," she answered.
"Why not?"
"I don't want to be seen with him. We will meet away from prying eyes I don't want my reputation to affect my kids anymore," Tenten explained.
"Very well, arrange a meeting place," Gai said.
"Come Aoi," Tenten called the dog her puppies struggled with wobbly steps to follow her. Tenten began to write a quick note and folded the paper and tied it to the dog's bandana. "Find Shino and make sure no one sees you," she petted the dog. Aoi left the home sniffing the scent of her former master. She walked through the streets being ignored by the many villagers. Her trail led her to the training ground team eight frequently used. There Kiba and Shino were deep in conversation and Akamaru approached her.
"Shino it's your dog," Kiba said.
"Aoi what is it?" Shino bend down and saw the paper tied to her.
"A note?" Kiba looked over.
Shino's eyes scanned the letter, "She wants to meet quite deep into the forest."
"Why so far?" Kiba asked.
"Does she not want to be seen with me? Yes, she fears for the children," Shino explained.
"This is just the first step, you make up with the kids and then their mom," Kiba smiled.
"You are simplifying the situation," Shino commented.
"Just get in good graces with the kids that are most likely to forgive you. Shiro is at the brat age so he'll be hard," Kiba said.
"I know,"
"Look the little baby ones are gonna be a snap and the girl you bonded with because you're both bug nerds. Now your job is to make Tenten forgive you. Show her there is a sensitive caring man underneath all those clothes," Kiba gave him a mischievous grin.
Shino raised an eyebrow, "I don't believe sensitivity is what Tenten wants right now."
"Confess your passionate yearning for her," Kiba suggested.
If this what Kiba had in mind when he said he would help it wasn't working. "That will be something I cannot do, why? Because she already has much pressure on her," Shino started writing his reply.
The dog was off along with Akamaru, Kiba yelled at his companion's love sickness. "Damn Akamaru so many bitches I introduced him to and he picks her. Go with her see if I care!"
Shino started walking to their predetermined location with Kiba behind him, "Are you planning on overhearing."
"Eh? I'll leave when Akamaru comes back as for now practice," Kiba eagerly said.
"Practice?"
"Practice what you're going to say! Look pretend I am Tenten,"
Shino looked at Kiba, "No."
"Didn't know you were such a homophobe," Kiba mumbled.
Shino ignored his friend's comment, as they walked deeper into the forest running footsteps were catching up to them.
"Kiba-kun! Shino-kun," Hinata waved them to stop.
"Hinata back already?" Kiba said waiting for the out of breath girl to compose herself. Hinata had been gone before Shino left for his month long journey to Moon country for another mission. She looked full of concern as she relaxed her breathing.
"You have not come to greet us, why? Because you could have waited until we officially met again," Shino said and Hinata nodded.
"Shino-kun who is he?" she asked, he white eyes full of worry.
"Who's who?" Kiba questioned.
"The boy, everyone says he must be part of my family…that he is father's son," Hinata looked at him for answers.
"Shiro! When did you hear this?" Kiba looked at his teammate.
"I arrived late last night deep into a clan meeting. Father has made no comment about these speculations," Hinata looked at Shino.
"Shiro may just be an anomaly so it may not be wise to jump to conclusions," Shino explained.
"I know, but does he really look like my father?" Hinata said in distress.
"To tell you the truth Hinata he'll blend right into your clan," Kiba scratch his hair.
"Father has another child besides us," Hinata whispered. She looked confused. "That poor boy, his name is Shiro right? It sounds like it suits him. Tell me how he is like?" Hinata smiled a sadly.
"Total brat. Not afraid to say what's on his mind, no respect for his elders and a total smart ass," Kiba remarked.
"Besides that he is a boy with vast intelligence, charismatic, and strong sense of honor," Shino added.
"Sounds wonderful, despite feeling empty for not knowing him for all this time, I want to make up for our time lost," Hinata looked like some light had finally reached her expression.
"You may not know this but he is Tenten-san's child," Shino saw shock come into Hinata's face.
"Tenten-san?" she looked at her teammates.
"Yes Tenten adopted him. He was found by Shino and Tenten so you may be right that he was a child who slipped through the cracks. I don't see your father as being the type to have some kid out of his marriage," Kiba explained.
"This is what is so strange, father has said nothing of it," Hinata looked at Shino for answers.
"Perhaps it is best that Shiro is not recognized, why? He will be deeply hurt if separated from his mother," Shino said.
Hinata frowned, "But we may be his family and we should have the right to be with him."
"He may not want to," Shino looked at the disappointed look of his teammate.
"Why wouldn't he?"
"We have to be blunt here Hinata," Kiba began.
"What are you trying to say, that he would be unhappy with us?"
"Your family is a bit traditional and this kid kinda does his own thing," Kiba said. He was tiptoeing over a delicate subject.
"If you mean that he may be pushed into the branch family I will never permit it,"
"You're not the heir, your sister is," Shino said, he knew his friend had long surpassed her sister. She could easily keep up with Neji yet she had not won a single spar against her sister. It was obvious that Hinata was trying to spare the girl from feeling the same insecurities she felt but he believed she wasn't doing the young girl any good with that sentiment. "He may be your father's third child but he may very well be forced to take up the title of leader. Shiro resents his privileged background and will resent the Hyuuga family even more once he learns his place there," Shino explained.
"You gotta be realistic here Hinata, poor kid doesn't have to go through the same bull shit you and your cousin went through," Kiba let out a breath.
"Hinata I would suggest you don't pursue this matter further unless your father makes a move. For Shiro's sake you may want to let it go," Shino explained.
Kiba and Shino knew their teammate was their weak spot especially with those large eyes full of hurt. Shino could sense that Hinata felt almost betrayed, "I don't want to be seen as someone who will separate him from his family. I want to be close to him and perhaps have the relationship I never had with Hanabi with him."
"Shiro is an accepting boy. I am sure that he will grow to care for you," Shino assured. Hinata then when on to ask how they met and Shino explained his story as they went to his meeting place with Tenten. They didn't have to wait long as the woman causing his sleepless nights walked pushing a rear facing wicker carriage. She smiled and shook a small rattle and tiny hands reached for the object. Yukiko sat on Akamaru's back holding her puppies. Tsubaki held the doll she had purchased from Moon country and she ran to Shino's side.
'Marie' she held up a small notepad and pointed to her doll.
"That is her name I see," Shino looked down at the girl.
When Tenten saw Hinata she instantly felt a terrible feeling in the pit of her stomach. She had to know about Shiro and if so she hoped against all hope she wouldn't take him away. Tenten helped Yukiko get off Akamaru and saw the toddler run to Shino screaming 'daddy.' She took out Jiro from his carriage and as soon as he saw Shino he waved his arms, "Papa!"
Shino held Yukiko and watched Tenten try to calm the now eleven-month-old infant who demanded to be put down. "Jiro-chan I'll help you walk to papa," Tenten said putting him down and holding one of his hands. Jiro began to walk with wobbly steps to Shino. Tenten slowly let go of his hand and watched as her son begin to walk on his own. Shino bent down on one knee putting down Yukiko and holding up his arms. Tenten's heart swell with pride, her baby was making his first steps.
Jiro finally reached Shino, "Good job Jiro." Shino held him as Tsubaki smiled.
"Way to go little guy," Kiba grinned.
"Papa!" Jiro touched Shino's cheek.
"Jiro-chan honey good job. You walked to papa all by yourself," Tenten walked next to them kissing her baby. Shino had not felt this content in days and he now admits to himself he had missed all of the children. He was glad he didn't miss this grand moment where Jiro took his first steps alone.
Kiba cleared his throat, "Guess you guys have a lot to talk about we'll leave you alone."
"We can take the children if you need some time," Hinata offered.
"That would be wise," Shino said and Tenten agreed with a small nod. Hinata held Jiro, Yukiko took another ride from Akamaru and Tsubaki held Kiba's hand. Tenten waved good-bye and sat on a boulder looking up at Shino. To Shino, she looked as radiant as ever but a little paler and haggard. She put a loose strand behind her ear as she waited for their first words. "Are you feeling well Tenten-san?" Shino asked.
She looked up weakly and smiled, "I am fine thanks."
He frowned and looked down at the sitting woman, "You seem out of sorts, it concerns me why? You are usually quite lively."
"Just many things on my mind," she answered her gazed seemed far off and she treated him with great distance.
"Thank you," he said.
"You shouldn't be thanking me but Gai-sensei," she admitted and sighed. "I'm sorry," she looked up at his standing form.
"There is no need for you to apologize," Shino felt surprise.
"No, I compromised our mission and if it weren't for you we could have failed," she paused for a couple of seconds. "However, I don't regret taking my children with me. They mean the world to me and I won't apologize for that," she looked at him with determination.
"Then I should be extending my apologies to you," he told her. "You are obviously a capable shinobi and I insulted you with my distrust," he bowed.
Tenten blushed, "There is no need for that Shino-san."
"I also apologize for hurting the children with my rejection. I was ungrateful after they offer me so much of their affection," he lifted his body up and Tenten still held a blush.
"I am sure they'll forgive you, after all, you are their father and they love you," she smiled. "You can see them, but I must beg you to be discreet," a frowned crossed her features.
"I regret that things must be this way. You don't deserve this treatment," Shino could still see her frown but then it change into defeat.
"I don't care how I am treated Shino-san. I could be called the biggest whore and I will brush it off. But the children didn't earn that," she held her hands together looking down.
"Tenten-san, I will try to dispel these rumors-"
"No, it will only make everything worst. If this situation gets out of control I will have to make a decision," she longed longingly at the direction of the village.
"I don't want you to leave," Shino took her left hand, which still had on the ring he had given her.
"No Shino-san," she took her hand back and looked at the ring. "Here I forgot to give it back," she held it to him.
Shino took the ring and force Tenten to get up. She looked at him with a surprise expression and he held her left hand again and placed the ring back, "It is yours." He whispered beside her ear, perhaps he was listening to Kiba's advice more closely than he thought.
"We are not married," she held onto his jacket, she missed him. The reason she hadn't chosen Tadao over him was because she cared for him more than she wanted to admit.
"We can remedy that," he whispered back, he took her chin and kissed her lips.
"Shino-san," she said softly, opening her mouth letting his tongue deep into hers. His kisses felt so right and the lingering sweetness from the hard candy she had before was mixing with his own taste. He held her tighter around her waist and her arms went around his neck. Her hands took down his hood and she buried her fingers in his unruly hair.
"Hell no!" Shiro shouted. The boy stood with two other boys beside him. An Aburame with a light brown coat his frowned evident. And a Hyuuga main branch boy looking like he could care less at what was going on.
"Shiro," Tenten looked in surprised letting go of Shino and quickly getting away from their intimate position.
"Why I'm I always the one finding you like this?!" Shiro groaned.
"This isn't what it seems," Tenten tried to explain.
"Yea, you two making out isn't what it seems," Shiro looked disgusted.
"It really isn't any of your business, why? They are both adults," the Aburame boy spoke up.
"It is my business, Keiji, your clan heir won't be making my mother his mistress," he hissed.
"Shino-sama would not stoop so low to make your mother his mistress," Keiji's frowned deepened.
"Oh so my mom isn't good enough!" Shiro shouted.
Tenten sensed shame in her list of turmoil emotions. To the Aburame clan she was a loose woman trying to gain social status by seducing their heir. "Shiro please, hush," Tenten struggled wanting nothing more than to crawl into a hole. "Don't worry Keiji-kun, Shino-san will marry a woman worthy of his status and I will not get in the way of that," Tenten began to walk away.
"Tenten-san," Shino held her wrist.
"Please Shino-san, we only came here to discuss about the children," Tenten looked down.
Shino let go and watch her walk away with Shiro closely behind, "Keiji."
"Shino-sama?" Keiji answered, afraid of the tone Shino had taken.
"You are not to speak of what you saw today understood," Shino looked at the boy who nodded and the Hyuuga boy nodded his head quickly in agreement. He followed Tenten to back to where the others were. Hinata was smiling at Shiro and Tenten held onto Jiro as she looked at his teammate with apprehension.
"I am sorry Hinata-san but I am not related to you," Shiro said.
"Let's get to know each other first, okay?" Hinata smiled widely.
"I am not interested. You are a nice lady but I don't want to get involve with your family anymore than I have to," Shiro stated coldly looking at the direction of his teammate.
"How dare you speak to Hinata-sama in such a tone!" the Hyuuga boy shouted.
"Hiroshi-kun now please understand Shiro's position," Hinata spoke to the boy.
"Hinata-sama! He should know his place! He is nothing but an unwanted bastard child!" Hiroshi pointed.
"Hiroshi!" Hinata gasped.
Tenten looked at the boy, "Let's go Shiro we can talk to Hinata-san at a later time."
"So what? I am a bastard kid you win some, you lose some," Shiro shrugged his shoulders
"Hiroshi apologize this instant!" Hinata scolded.
"But Hinata-sama!" Hiroshi looked with distress.
"Now," Hinata said slowly.
"You too Shiro, apologize," Tenten said.
"As if! I didn't start it!" Shiro talked back.
Tsubaki wrote on her notepad and Tenten smiled wickedly. "You're right Tsubaki, kiss and make up," the boys looked at Tenten and Tsubaki smiled widely. "You too," Tenten pointed Keiji.
"I rather die," Keiji said.
"Me too," Hiroshi replied.
"If you don't want to go through this social humiliation I highly suggest you apologize," Shino told the boys.
"My deepest apologies," Keiji bowed.
"I too extend my apologies," Hiroshi follow suit.
"I am sorry I was rude, sorry I put ants on Hiroshi's pants and sorry I took Keiji's toothbrush to clean my shoes," Shiro bowed.
"Shiro!" Tenten pulled her son's ear. "I am so sorry for his behavior boys, he will compensate for what he has done," she tugged a little harder.
Tenten was glad when she could leave the disaster that was that meeting with Shino. How could she get herself carried away like that? This magnetism they felt for one another will bring them more heartache to them and the children. Tenten watched Shiro sulk as he walked in front of her. Tsubaki took his hand and he quickly shook it off. Looking offended and angry she communicated signs with him and ran ahead.
"Whatever," Shiro grumbled.
"Shiro, you know what you did was wrong," Tenten scolded.
"Yea and you sucking on Aburame's face isn't wrong," he mumbled.
"Shiro! I won't tolerate this disrespect!" she shouted.
"Disrespect! Ha! What about us! Everyone hates our guts and your still pinning for a guy that is will probably screw you and leave you!" Shiro shouted back.
"Don't use that language with me," Tenten frowned deeply.
"I do suggest that you don't talk to your mother like that," a wooden hand was on Shiro's shoulder. The boy quickly turned around and fell back to see a puppet, its black wild hair rustled in the wind and it's lifeless eyes rolled.
"Kazekage-sama, I apologize for such an unsightly scene," Tenten quickly bowed down. Tsubaki ran back and bowed as well.
"Seems like Naruto rubbed off on you," Kankuro spoke to his brother bringing back Kasuro.
"Tenten-san correct?" Gaara nodded towards her direction.
"How do you know my name?" Tenten titled her head.
"I wouldn't remember one of the members who rescued me," he answered and Tenten blushed brightly.
"Of course…" she laughed weakly.
"Mommy! Mommy! Look!" Yukiko pulled her shirt and pointed towards the horizon.
"Hey! Gaara!" Naruto came running towards them. This was her cue for her to leave, obviously they were meeting for something far more important and beyond the scope of her problems right now.
"Where you're going," Kankuro said, giving Tenten a curious look.
"Gaara how's everything! Where's Temari?" Naruto said quickly not giving Gaara time to answer properly.
"Everything is well and she will be joining us soon," Gaara answered patiently.
"That's great! Tenten! Oh your kids right?" Naruto turned his attention to her.
Tenten didn't want to face her Hokage right now. She was still a little angry that she had to be suspended.
"No bad man!" Yukiko frowned.
"Bad man…?" Naruto squeaked.
"Yukiko-chan, that's our Hokage," Tenten said.
"He made mommy get in trouble," she pointed and Naruto look dejected.
"I am sorry Hokage-sama, please forgive her," Tenten apologized.
"I am not a bad man," The Hokage crouched and mumbled. Tsubaki patted his shoulder and Naruto looked up. "Oh you're super cute. I like your hair," Naruto complimented earning a smile from Tsubaki.
"Don't flirt with Tsubaki!" Shiro shouted.
"Eh? Tenten! Who's this mini Neji?!" Naruto said.
Tenten shook her head, not this again. "Hokage-sama these are my children. I will be taking my leave now," Tenten shot a look at Kankuro again.
"You seem in a rush to leave," Kankuro commented.
"I wanna see the kiddies," Naruto whined, he had picked up Tsubaki and was hugging her. "They are cute."
"Hokage-sama don't you have important matters to discussed with Gaara-sama," Tenten sighed.
"And besides this guy seems to have it out for us," Shiro pointed at Kankuro.
Tenten looked at Kankuro indeed he was highly suspicious, she couldn't blame him as she was trying to avoid interacting with anyone since meeting Shino.
"Shut it kid, I don't have it out of anybody," Kankuro again stared hard at Tenten's direction.
"Mommy he's scary," Yukiko held onto her mother's leg.
"Yea he is a scary man," Naruto then stood behind Tenten, with Tsubaki still in his arms. "He's pretty ugly looking too," the Hokage whispered.
"With that face making little kids scared he should be ashamed of himself," Shiro whispered crouching next to Yukiko.
"I can hear you," Kankuro gritted his teeth.
"So mean," Naruto whispered.
"And those puppets are creepy," Shiro pointed.
"Mommy make the scary man go away," Yukiko held on to Tenten tighter.
"Bah! I'll leave!" Kankuro threw his hands up and left in the direction of the village.
His younger brother sighed and followed.
"Wait for me!" Naruto said running after the men.
"Mom he took Tsubaki!" Shiro looked at Tenten, indeed Tsubaki was waving slowly at her mother.
Tenten let out an exasperated breath, "How is it that the Hokage just kidnap my daughter?"
Tamiri's Note: See you in Chapter 9! Sorry, no answers for the reviews in the beginning of the chapter didn't feel it was relevant after such a long time. But please keep reviewing I love them!
