Okay, okay. I know. I'm bad at time management, or any for of organisation for that matter. I know the break between chapters has been horrendously long this time. But once I got past my writer's block and figured out where I wanted this story to go the words wouldn't stop flowing, so here is an over 5000 word chapter just for being so patient. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 11: A few pieces of the Puzzle

Tsunade released a heavy sigh. It was still early in the morning yet the paperwork needing her attention was already piled high. It seemed every time she made a dent in the workload events would conspire to repopulate the ever present mountain of scrolls that sat beside her desk. It seemed that things would not be getting easier any time soon; Orochimaru remained at large, as did his new protégé Sasuke, the Akatsuki seemed to be becoming more active, this new issue of the mind wiped bandits and to add to it all the leaf was hosting the chunin exams in a week. She sighed again. It seemed the only good news in the recent weeks has been Jariya's reports that Naruto's training was going well, or at least as well as one can expect when Naruto is involved.

A sharp knock at her office door broke her out of her self-pitying reverie.

"Enter," she said, happy for the distraction.

The door opened to reveal an Anbu member, followed by four Sand Ninja. The Anbu was of average height and bore a mask in the shape of a monkey, a Sarutobi no doubt thought Tsunade. The Suna Nin behind him were obviously a Jonin and his three students. The Jonin was a tall man with dark skin; he wore the standard uniform of Sunagakure Shinobi, with a tan coloured turban atop his head with the metal plate denoting his allegiance attached to the front of it. He wore a thick and well-trimmed black beard on his face and his eyes were a cool brown colour. Of his students there were two girls and a boy. The first girl was the shortest of the three and had olive skin and piercing green eyes; her hair was a charcoal colour and reached just short of her shoulders. She wore her forehead protector in the traditional way attached to a brown cloth and on her back she carried a ninjato. The other girl was the tallest of the genin; she had pale skin, deep crimson hair and eyes that matched. She too wore her forehead protector in the traditional way, though on a black cloth. The boy stood between his comrades in height and had skin the colour of sandstone. He was bald and had brown eyes. He had his headband protector on a brown cloth and wore it as a belt.

The Anbu spoke. "Lady Tsunade, there was an incident on the roads, these Suna Nin were at the centre of it so I figured you'd want to talk to them. I found them defending a merchant of the Land of Fire along the north road."

"Very good," Tsunade turned to address the Sand ninja. "I am Lady Tsunade of the Leaf; it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,"

The Jonin and his three students bowed in unison, and as they stood up he replied "It is an honour lady Hokage, my name is Heiwa, and these are my three students; Moeru…"

"Yo," chimed the Crimson haired girl.

"…Sagan…"

The bald boy bowed again, showing an air of formality.

"… and Chisai,"

"It's very nice to meet you," the olive skinned girl smiled brightly.

"It is always nice to welcome allies to our village, I am sorry to hear that not everyone in this country shares that attitude. I hate to impose but could I please ask you what occurred on the road?" Tsunade asked, assuming the formal tone of the Hokage she had learned from watching her master the Lord Third.

"Of course, Lady Hokage," Heiwa responded, "It was a quiet morning and I had thought to make good time here, to get in some extra training for the exams. Before we knew it however the merchant came barrelling out of the woods. We barely had time to react before the bandits were there as well. We engaged them and were holding our own and that's when this fellow and his unit showed up. Simple as that," Heiwa seemed almost embarrassed by the lack of information he could provide.

"The Bandits wore simple grey uniforms and appeared to have only basic training Lady Tsunade, matching those encountered by Hamaki and Iruka's teams. However their skill has improved compared to those mentioned in the report," The Anbu added.

"Of course it has," Tsunade snarled, her headache mounting.

"I take it these guys have attacked before," Heiwa intoned

"Yes. They are proving difficult to track," Tsunade said

"In that case I am sorry I cannot provide anything further,"

"Don't beat yourself up. One of our citizens owes you his life, for that I am very grateful" she cleared her voice before continuing, "Of course you will be compensated, you shall each receive payment equal to the completion of a C class mission," at this Moeru noticeably brightened.

"That is incredibly gracious of you Lady Hokage, my students and I humbly accept your generosity," Heiwa bowed deeply in deference to the leader of his village's closest ally.

"Sakura will take you to receive your payment," the Hokage added, gesturing her pink haired apprentice who sat at a desk outside the office. "I wish you luck in the coming exams,"

"Thank you, Lady Hokage," Heiwa gave another deep bow before following Sakura out the way they had entered.

Tsunade waited until the Suna Nin had left and the door had been sealed before addressing the Anbu.

"Have the bandits been interrogated?"

"They have indeed milady," the Anbu replied, "Though with little success. Inoichi Sama reports memory degradation and reconstruction as with the first prisoners,"

"Very well, report back to Ibiki, tell him to continue efforts, any information could be vital,"

"Yes milady," with that the black cloaked figure vanished

Today was going to be a long day.

"Why not!" yelled Konohamaru. Iruka sighed; this was going to be a long morning. He had just gathered his students for some morning training before they took some D rank missions in the afternoon when they had noticed a pair of ninja from the Village Hidden in the Grass walk by. This immediately set off Konohamaru's curiosity, leading to his discovery that the chunin Exams were to be held in a week. This in turn led to his constant pleading to be allowed to take part. It was a little disconcerting just how similar he was to Naruto.

"Because," Iruka replied, his patience beginning to stretch, "You are barely six months into your genin training and you were only just taken of mission suspension for failing to act as a team. We will talk about entering you into the exams in six months, if you show some solid improvement," His words seemed to reach the young Sarutobi, yet despite this he continued to plead his case.

"But Naruto and his friends got to compete in their first year!" Konohamaru argued, desperately hopeful of perhaps surpassing his rival/big brother, even if he was training with one of the Sanin.

"That year of students was of exceptional skill," Iruka countered, "and had achieved much, very quickly. Team 7 had completed an A rank mission, even if inadvertently. Team 8 was, and still is perhaps the best recon team academy has produced. And Team 10 had an edge in teamwork due to their family ties. To compare your selves to them is a good way to set a goal but not quite fair," If anything this made Konohamaru more anxious to prove himself the equal of Naruto's generation. Eventually Iruka had to resort to his secret technique, Giant head Jutsu, to shout Konohamaru into submission. Even this, the most feared Jutsu in the academy, did not dissuade Konohamaru from his goal. Thankfully Hanabi decided she had had enough and intervened. She stepped forward and levelled a neutral stare at Konohamaru; to most outsiders she would seem to be displaying no emotions at all, but to those who knew her the tell-tale signs of irritation were clearly stewing just below the surface.

"Konohamaru, if Iruka Sensei says we are not ready than we are not ready. There will be many strong, older genin participating, including my sister's team and the others of her class. As Iruka said we are not at their level yet," Iruka noticed just the smallest of twitches in her eye as she said that, perhaps indicating this speech was not just for Konohamaru's sake.

Konohamaru opened his mouth again to continue arguing but thought better of it and sighed.

"Fine … I guess a few more months training will just make me that much more impressive when I do get to take part!" He broke into a pose that Iruka imagined he meant to be heroic.

Iruka and Hanabi both sighed in unison at the boy's ability to turn any situation into an excuse to brag. They both started moving off towards the training field. Kai cocked his head slightly at Konohamaru's odd pose before promptly placing a paper crane atop his head and following the others, picking up speed as Konohamaru yelled after him in semi-mock anger.

Team 14 spent the rest of the morning practicing chakra control and precision, using both the tree climbing challenge and the walking on water technique. Kai proved adept at both, claiming his Medic-nin father had trained him extensively in chakra control as he wished to follow in his footprints. Hanabi also proved capable, due to her heavy tutelage by her father. Konohamaru on the other hand was less proficient than his teammates. He quickly mastered the tree climbing but was still wobbly on his feet during the water walking exercise when they decided to break for lunch. They went to a small sushi restaurant that Kai's mother worked at, despite Konohamaru's constant mutterings about the superiority of ramen.

After lunch they went to the Shinobi Job office to pick out some D rank jobs. They ended up helping an old woman weed her garden, looking for that stupid cat again and delivering some packages for a local store; all in all an average day for a Konoha genin team.

However Iruka was worried.

His team was far from an average genin team. More importantly they never had an average, uneventful day. Something had to be off. A quick glance at his students saying their goodbyes was enough to substantiate his suspicions. While Kai was his usual self, the other two were acting odd, at least for them. Konohamaru was being more reserved and Hanabi, while on the surface appearing as proud and neutral as ever but the slight slump in her shoulders seemed to indicate otherwise. Also her eyes seemed locked on the young Sarutobi as if she were studying him for some reason. Iruka inwardly sighed; his day was not over yet. He quickly decided Hanabi's greater self-control meant she was safe enough to leave as an issue for tomorrow allowing him to deal with Konohamaru, whose "Narutoesque" style of thought meant that whatever was bothering him needed to be dealt with quickly before it manifested as more outbursts or pranks.

Iruka waited until his students had parted ways and followed after Konohamaru.

"Konohamaru, can I talk to you?" Iruka inquired after the boy as he caught up.

"Um…. Yeah sure, I guess," Konohamaru replied seemingly being roused from deep thought.

"How about we get some Ichiraku while we talk, my treat," Iruka offered, falling back on his usual strategy for dealing with issues in his students. "Konohamaru brightened noticeably at the suggestion.

"Yeah! I can't say no to that,"

The pair walked the couple of short streets to the small ramen bar, taking up two of the seats on their arrival and offering greetings to Teuchi and Ayame. After ordering their first helping, Iruka turned to Konohamaru and asked point blank; "So, what's bothering you,"

"What? Nothing is bothering me," Konohamaru's defences shot up immediately.

"I am not blind Konohamaru, and I know you well enough to spot when you're having trouble with something, so spill it. As your Jonin instructor I am not just your teacher or captain, I am also your teammate, so let me help you,"

Konohamaru seemed to consider Iruka's words for a moment as Ayame placed their bowls of Ramen in front of them. He thanked her and then bowed his head slightly and sighed.

"There's nothing wrong with me," Konohamaru started, "but I think there's something up with Hanabi,"

"What exactly seems to be wrong with her?" Iruka inquired, cautious not to give anything away; Hanabi's new circumstances were a topic she seemed to have taken measures to hide from her team, and he felt it was her decision when and even if she informed them.

"I don't know, it's hard to describe. She just seems off to me, less superior, not that I complaining. I just can't figure out why," there was a definite red tinge in the genin's cheeks now, as he finished his bowl and ordered his second.

Iruka had always know that Konohamaru was more perceptive than many people expected, a trait he shared with Naruto, so it did not surprise him that the boy had noticed Hanabi's change. However the concern in his voice seemed more mature than Konohamaru had managed before. Iruka found himself subconsciously recalling the Third Hokage's frequent acts of kindness; it was nice to think that trait had passed on to his grandson.

Iruka awoke from his momentary reverie as Ayame, who had apparently been listening in, chimed into the conversation as she brought Konohamaru second serving over.

"So, you're concerned about a girl," the young woman said with a mischievous smile plastered on her face, "Young love is so sweet … you'll have to introduce me to her Konohamaru," at this Konohamaru's red blush deepened and overtook his face as he almost choked on his ramen.

"It … it's not like that at all," he managed to stammer out after regaining the ability to breathe; "She's just my teammate. It's natural to want to look out for your teammates,"

Ayame was practically cackling by now as she continued to torture one of her father's best customers.

"Sure. And Shikamaru and that Sand kunoichi are just friends. There's no way a boy your age would pay that much attention to a girl unless you like them,"

"That's not true; I'm just worried about my friend,"

"Oh, so now she's your friend, what happened to 'just my teammate'," the teasing continued.

Before Konohamaru could further dig himself into a hole Teuchi intervened.

"Ayame leave the poor boy alone, you're going to kill the kid with embarrassment at this rate,"

"Fine," she sighed in fake exasperation, she lightly ruffled Konohamaru's hair and returned to cooking.

"Don't mind what she said too much Konohamaru," the Ramen chef continued, turning to the now beet red genin, "she's just trying to get a rise out of you. Looking after your teammates is important. Ninja quite often have a bad habit of trying to tough out their problems on their own in my experience. Listen to Iruka here and you should be fine," with that he nodded at Iruka and turned back to tend to his ramen.

"So you think something is wrong with her?" Iruka recovered his conversation.

"I don't know. Maybe. I just know something is off about her. It's like she woke up one day and decided to be less Hanabi-ish"

Of course she hadn't decided that, Iruka thought bitterly.

"Well," Iruka began, struggling to find some way to relieve Konohamaru's worries without outing Hanabi's secret, "have you tried talking to Hanabi about this?" he asked in the vein hope Hanabi might willing tell Konohamaru for both their benefit.

"Of course not!" Konohamaru almost yelled, "even if I managed to survive asking, all she'd do is brush it off and act like nothing is wrong,"

"That sounds familiar," Iruka jabbed, eliciting a grumble from Konohamaru, "well anyway, I suppose I'll have a chat with her if it will make you feel better," Iruka had already planned on talking to Hanabi so it seemed like a simple solution to Konohamaru's problem.

"I suppose that could work," Konohamaru said, "Thanks Iruka Sensei,"

"You don't have to thank me; it's my job to look after you guys. Remember Konohamaru what Teuchi said is right. There are too many shinobi who have tried to keep their issues hidden only for them to overwhelm them, looking out for your comrades is one of a leaf ninja's most important duties,"

"Ok sensei, I'll remember,"

After a few more helpings of ramen and extra bout of teasing from Ayame Konohamaru finally left for the night leaving Iruka to think on how best to fix his team.

"There a lot alike, he and Naruto," Teuchi said as Konohamaru disappeared from view.

"They are, in some good ways and some bad," Iruka agreed, then he cast a glance at the relatively modest pile of ramen bowls the Sarutobi had left behind, " at least my talks with him don't cost as much as treating Naruto does,"

Teuchi chuckled at that as Iruka left the payment for the food on the counter.

It was early in the morning as Iruka approached the Hyuga compound. As he neared the gate he was stopped by the guard on duty who asked what business he had. After explaining his position as Hanabi's teacher and requesting audience with her he was allowed in to the compound and was instructed to wait in a small, elegant garden while Hanabi was informed of his presence. It wasn't long before Hanabi approached him from the main house, wearing casual Hyuga robes much like her father's usual attire. Her caged bird seal was left uncovered, save for some stray strands of hair. He decided it did not suit her.

"Good morning Iruka Sensei," She started

"Good morning Hanabi," Iruka replied

"I am sorry for my lack of preparedness sensei, but I was under the impression we were not to meet for training for another hour,"

"It's ok Hanabi; I'm not here to collect you for training. I'm here to talk with you," At his words she seemed to freeze up slightly, she almost looked fearful.

"About what topic sensei?" she enquired, slightly more formal than before.

"I have noticed some changes in you lately Hanabi, I came to ask if there was something bothering you?"

"I…," She hesitated for a long moment, "Do you believe these changes are a detriment to the team sensei?"

"I can't say for sure. However it is the not the team as a whole I am worried about at the moment. If you are having issues I am here to talk, I might be able to help,"

Hanabi looked down at her feet before letting out an inaudible sigh and sitting down on the edge of the patio. "I believe I have lost my sense of purpose," she finally said

Iruka sat down beside her, "Because you are no longer the heiress?" he questioned, cautious with the delicate topic.

"That is part of it, but even more than that, I have … lost my will to lead,"

"Your will to lead? So you no longer consider yourself capable of command? Is this about Hamaki still?"

"Yes. I was not prepared for the reality of command, and a good ninja almost died for it, his career may still be lost if his injuries do not heal properly. I understand and accept that it was not my order, not my choice; but it was my plan we followed. And that plan called for a sacrificial rear guard only because I failed to devise a better one,"

"Hanabi, you are a smart girl, a strong ninja and a member of the most powerful clan in the village, you are already burdened with much expectation; it will not help to heap your own atop of it. Hamaki, and myself as well, are Jonin level ninja for a reason, we are not slouches. If we could not devise a better plan, than you should feel no shame,"

"I know Iruka sensei, and I understand. But rationalizing it doesn't lessen the fear I feel at the prospect of being responsible for more lives. I was raised my whole life to be the head of the clan. Father had noticed very early that Hinata was not suited to the hardship of command, so my entire life has been devoted to the fact that I was; and now it seems that was false,"

"Being scared of failure does not mark you as a poor leader Hanabi. If anything it is your fear of those under you coming to harm that makes you such a good candidate for leadership. It is true that sometimes a leader has no way out and those under them pay the price, but that is never a desired outcome and is feared by all good people in a position of power. You were not meant to be the antithesis of your sister's empathy, you were simply meant to temper it, be kind enough to bend under the pressure but strong enough not to break. This sense of responsibility for Hamaki's condition won't ever truly leave you, it's up to you whether it holds you back or pushes you to be better," For a good few seconds Hanabi was silent, reflecting on her mentor's words.

"I suppose that is true… but now the issue is moot either way. Hinata will lead and I will be forced to follow" she said quietly as she absently touched her forehead, tracing the lines of the seal placed there by her father.

"Hanabi, that mark does not define you. You may now be a branch Hyuga but you are still a skilled ninja with much potential, do not through that away because of family politics,"

"Thank you Sensei, that was kind of you to say,"

"I'll let you think on it for a while. Remember I am always willing to help. Now go and get ready for training, or you'll be late,"

"Yes sensei," there was still an air of uneasiness as she bowed to her teacher and walked off back to the main house.

Iruka stood up and paced in silence for a few moments, pondering his student's problems. He waited until he was sure Hanabi was out of earshot before speaking to the other person currently sharing the garden with him.

"How long?"

"I witnessed the whole conversation," came the reply, as Hiashi Hyuga stepped from a shadowy corner on the opposite side of the small garden.

"I see. I take it you have noble intentions for your eavesdropping,"

"This is my home Umino. I believe that entitles me to take a morning walk where I like within its walls,"

"As you say," Iruka reluctantly conceded, "Then I suppose it would not be too much if I ask your advice on your daughters issue,"

"My advice? … I admit that I am just as perplexed by her problem as you. I was not aware that Hamaki's condition had affected her so much. I'm afraid I cannot offer much insight on this matter,"

"Very well. On a related matter, I do not wish to offend but I would, as Hanabi's Jonin Sensei, like to ask as to the appropriateness of branding your daughter with that seal," at this Hiashi's eyes narrowed slightly and Iruka could sense the ire now being directed at him.

"That is a clan matter and not appropriate for discussion with an outsider, except to say that all was dictated by tradition passed down for generations," he replied shortly.

"Your clan's traditions have already cost you your brother and your wife, and almost cost you your nephew. I would suggest you are careful they do not cost you both your daughters as well," Iruka warned, well aware his welcome was now perilously thin.

Hiashi seemed to tense, eyes boring into the man before him. The two remained in this heavy silence for long moments before Hiashi's features softened back to their neutral norm.

"The decision was not meant as a shame for Hanabi to bear but an honour that Hinata had defied expectations to earn. That harm has come of it will sit heavily on my shoulders, but once placed the seal cannot be undone and only the main branch remain clean of the mark. Such is our tradition, and it is our tradition that keeps us strong,"

Iruka was about to make a retort but was silenced by the sound of approaching footprints.

Hanabi rounded the corner to find Iruka and her father standing across from one another. The air seemed colder all of a sudden.

"Good morning Father," she said, bowing deeply.

"Good morning Hanabi. I take it you are training today." Her father replied in what was for him a warm fashion.

"Yes father,"

"Then I implore you to put your full spirit into it," he said before turning and leaving.

"I always do father," Hanabi quietly stated after him.

She turned to Iruka who seemed much more composed now that her father had left, she supposed even Jonin could be intimidated by her father's presence.

"Where are we training today sensei?" she asked, keen to avoid a return to their previous topic.

"Training field 7," he replied pleasantly, "We will continue with our chakra control exercises. But while we're at it can I ask a favour of you Hanabi?"

"Of course sensei,"

Moments later Hanabi was regretting those words as she was leaping across the rooftops of Konoha on her new mission of ensuring Konohamaru got to training on time. It stuck her as unfair of Iruka to ask the impossible as a favour.

As she approached the address Iruka had given her she noticed with some surprise that she was in a mostly civilian area of Konoha, far from the Sarutobi clan compound. She managed to suppress her surprise and locate the relatively large house that matched the address. She approached the door and knocked firmly. There was no response. She knocked again, this time with far more force. Again her knocks were not answered. With her irritation growing steadily she activated her byakugan to ensure there was actually someone in the house. To her disgust but not her surprise the house had exactly one occupant, a loudly snoring Konohamaru. She could feel her blood pressure rise as she began to climb to her lazy teammate's window. She found the right one quickly and went to knock forcefully on the glass, only to notice to late that the window was not locked.

The force of her knock pushed the window wide open and caused her to over balance and fall forward. She landed on the young Sarutobi with an audible crack as her fore head protector smacked straight into his much less protected forehead. It was with a yelp of pain that Konohamaru awoke to find the former Hyuga heiress slumped over him. Time seemed to stop as the two lay staring into the others eyes, fear and embarrassment in equal proportion coloured both of their faces. It took a moment for either to recover their bearings and realise their compromising position.

Hanabi quickly moved off the bed and turned to hide her now incredibly red face. Similarly Konohamaru's race was also tinted crimson as he began to rub the sore spot on his forehead.

"What are you doing here Hanabi?" Konohamaru croaked out.

"Iruka sensei sent me to get you to training on time," Hanabi replied, having little more control of her voice than her teammate.

"What, but it's only …" he glanced at the clock beside his bed, "I'M TOTALLY LATE!" he yelled, embarrassment almost forgotten as he sprang from the bed and raced into the conjoining bathroom. To Hanabi's infinite horror he had been wearing only a pair of loose shorts under the covers. She rapidly removed herself from his bedroom and waited outside his door. It took only a couple of minutes for him to emerge fully dressed in his usual outfit. They made their way downstairs where Konohamaru hurriedly heated some ramen, offering a second cup to Hanabi who politely refused. To avoid the awkwardness that had settled over them Hanabi decided to ask the question that had been bugging her earlier.

"Konohamaru, why do you live so far from the Sarutobi compound?"

"Hmm? Oh. That's because my mum and dad aren't ninja," he responded

"Really? One of Lord Thirds children didn't follow in his footsteps?" she continued, motivated as much by curiosity as by avoidance of silence.

"Yeah, my dad wasn't very good at ninja stuff, but he's really good at numbers, so he became a merchant. Then he married my mum and helps her run my other grandpa's company since he retired. They're away on some big business trip at the moment," he explained.

"Pity he didn't pass on any of his intelligence," Hanabi joked

"Hey, I'm plenty smart," Konohamaru retorted, "I just don't have a head for numbers. My brain is too full with ninjutsu,"

"If you discount ramen, Naruto, girls, being Hokage and large untouched stretches of nothingness perhaps," Hanabi smirked. It took her a moment to realise it was the first time she had actually smiled for days. That it had been caused by Konohamaru again was no longer a surprise but was still a source of much confusion. Her thoughts were cut short though as she noticed the clock on the wall. They had 2 minutes left. Ignoring Konohamaru's attempt at a comeback she forcefully grabbed his wrist and dragged him out of the house. He quickly stopped resisting when he too noticed the time. Despite this Hanabi did not release his arm, and in their hurry neither noticed the young red head glaring at them as they passed.

Shou was afraid. This was not what the man in the village had offered him. Around him other young men silently shared his fear. They had been promised a better life, lucrative jobs in the land of waves. Now they were chained to the wall in a small dank cell at the bottom of a cave. Shou was afraid. He heard the footsteps before he saw the torch light. The keys jangled as the guard opened the door. Three men entered. Two dressed in simple grey shirts and trousers with grey face coverings. The third was a dark, muscular man with thinning grey hair and a jagged looking goatee. He wore a grey sleeveless vest with grey trousers. He had the kanji for cloud tattooed on his left shoulder. Shou was afraid. This man had been before. Each time he came he took one man. The man never returned. The tattooed man scanned the room before finally settling on Shou. Shou squirmed and begged. His pleas were ignored. He was dragged by his chains through long dark tunnels. He emerged into a large chamber. It was well lit and contained only one piece of furniture. A chair with thick leather straps for the arms and legs sat in the centre of the room. Shou was afraid. They strapped him into the chair. They blindfolded him. Then another man entered the room. His voice was soft. He ordered the others to leave. He placed a hand upon Shou's head. Everything went numb. Shou was afraid.

Shou awoke in a chair. His arms and legs were bound. He heard a man's voice. It was soft. He recognised it. It was his master's. It asked and Shou answered. It commanded and Shou obeyed. Shou was no longer afraid.

Right, so what did you think? We got some new OCs who will feature in the chunin exams, some Iruka teaching moments, Konahamaru and Hanabi being awkward and sweet with each other and our first glimpse of the threat behind the grey bandits. Asthe title suggests this chapter was more about introducing ideas that will be fleshed out as the story continues, so hope you were paying attention.

Anyway, thanks for reading and as always constructive criticism is welcome.