As Shikaku Nara walked down the hallway, he was surprised to hear the alarm clock ringing in his son's room. Curiously he poked his head in just as Shikamaru switched it off. "When did you get back?"

Shikamaru squinted sleepily up at him. "About four hours ago…I think. Its 7am right?"

"Indeed it is," his father chuckled as he stepped inside. "Then why did you bother to set an alarm at all? Why not sleep in?"

His sleepy expression slipped into an irritated grimace as his mother shouted from the kitchen. "Shikamaru! Get your lazy butt out of bed! You can't be slacking off now that you're the leader of Team 10!"

"There's the reason," he grumbled as he forced himself to sit up and stretched his stiff muscles. "Sheesh, she can be such a nag."

Shikaku shrugged, neither admitting nor denying. "I nearly forgot that you have a genin team of your own now. What's that like?"

"Usually more trouble than its worth," Shikamaru said dryly.

"It's always rough in the first few months but it will get better." his father empathized. Who's in your team again?"

"Yusei Uchiha, Katsuye Hoshigaki, and Yasashiku Aburame."

Shikaku let out an impressed whistle. "I've heard of them before, talented kids aren't they? Especially that Uchiha one."

Shikamaru snorted in derision. "He would be if he wasn't so impulsive but thankfully he doesn't have the Uchiha arrogance."

"His father doesn't either if I recall," Shikaku said as he tapped his chin in thought. "He's a very quiet and reserved man."

Just then Yoshino flung the door open; her face grew pink as her temper rose at the sight of Shikamaru still sitting on his bed. He hurriedly stood up and Shikaku managed to slip out of the room unnoticed. "I'm up and awake mom, I swear."

She narrowed her eyes at him but thankfully turned away without a word. He quickly shut the door and stripped off his pajamas. What a drag. You'd think being an adult would get me some respect by now. Before he had a genin team he wasn't home enough to justify paying rent for another place, but having a team now meant that he'd be in town most of the time. Maybe if I had a place of my own I'd finally get some decent sleep. As he dressed his thoughts turned towards his genin team. He had had mixed feelings from the very beginning. The very idea of a girl on his team was rather disappointing; wouldn't it just be his luck to be stuck with a psycho like Ino? But the most disconcerting idea was the thought of having an Uchiha on his team. Sasuke immediately came to his mind, both his incredible talent and his annoying arrogance. That would definitely push his patience to the limit. Still, he managed to push aside his anxieties by the time he was introduced to his new team. He knew that the Hokage and Academy teachers had collaborated to balance talents and abilities to create well-rounded teams. He had to have faith that they knew what they were doing.

On their first day together, he challenged each one to a game of Shōgi to assess their strategic abilities. It was not only a test of ability, but one of character. He concluded that Yasashiku was collect and cool, very straightforward and blunt like his Uncle Shino. Shikamaru was pleasantly surprised to discover that Katsuye wasn't what he imagined at all. She was shy, modest, and struggled with self-confidence. Yusei was just as talented as he had anticipated, but much more like Naruto in personality. He wasn't full of himself at all, but he wasn't modest of his abilities either. According to the report, there used to be trouble between Yasashiku and Yusei in the academy. But after observing them together, he didn't detect any signs of trouble. Whatever the problem had been it was clearly resolved by now.

After a few missions, it was obvious that Yusei longed for harder ones. The kind that really tested your abilities, not the pathetic ones that involved tracking down lost pets. Shikamaru had worried at first that he was bent on revenge for whoever took his mother. But to his surprise, Yusei's anxiety was not motivated by revenge at all. He only wanted to be strong enough to protect those he cared about.

"I want to be just like my dad," he said resolutely. "He's strong and brave, a true hero."

Shikamaru admired that but it didn't smooth everything between them. Yusei was still too reckless and impulsive for his taste. Even though most of the time he managed to get out of trouble, it didn't promote a healthy attitude for teamwork. Yusei grumbled a little at this criticism, but he also wasn't interested in endangering his teammates either.

One hot-head, one shy girl, and one cool kid; what a team. Shikamaru thought as he stepped out of his room. After getting a quick breakfast, he made his excuses and left before his mom could harass him about something else. He didn't have any general plans for today. He had told his team to take some rest after their first mission away from Konoha. It had been a simple escort mission, nothing special; but was their "first" real mission by Yusei's standards. Unfortunately Naruto had told him about his first escort mission that turned out to be far from ordinary and that got Yusei's hopes up that this would also be the case. So naturally he was disappointed when it turned out to be what it was supposed to be. Still they had been gone for about a week, so he thought they deserved some rest before working again.

He picked up a newspaper and had a look through the apartment ads. He was on his way to look at one when he came across Yusei. He was walking aimlessly with his hands in his pockets, his head bowed in thought. His ears perked up when he heard him approaching and turned his head to look over his shoulder. "Oh hey Shikamaru-sensei, what's up?"

"Nothing much, what about you?"

Yusei grimaced as he shrugged. His shoulder must have been sore because he rubbed it to ease the pain. "I just got thrown out of Kat's house…literally. Her dad caught me kissing her and he threw me out the window. Apparently he doesn't like the idea of me living there anymore now that I'm dating his daughter."

"I didn't realize you were staying with the Hoshigaki's." Shikamaru admitted in mild surprise. "You do have a home of your own, don't you?"

"Yeah, but Dad's still looking for Mom and he didn't want me to be on my own," Yusei said softly. "So I'm gonna see if Uncle Naruto wants me for a roommate."

For a moment Shikamaru was tempted to invite Yusei to move in with him. The boy did need some looking after, but immediately he decided against it. He didn't hate Yusei, but he knew they were two very different people. Having to work together was one thing; living together would be something else entirely. "Have you heard from your dad lately?" He asked in an attempt to change the subject.

Yusei shook his head. "Not since he arrived in Iwagakure. But in this case, no news is probably good news right? That means he's probably busy kickin' butt and riding off into the sunset with mom in his arms." He laughed at the romantic imagery but Shikamaru sensed that he was only trying to be brave. He was probably incredibly worried and lonely.

"Oh there's Uncle Naruto," Yusei said as he pointed up ahead. "See ya round Sensei."

Shikamaru waved farewell and watched Yusei ask Naruto who was very enthusiastic about the idea. "Heck yes! We're gonna live it up Yusei-kun! We'll stay up late and eat nothing but ramen and play video games! For the first time you're gonna experience life the way it was meant to be lived!"

Oh dear, Shikamaru thought in exasperation as he turned away. Just thinking about all the trouble those two could get into is already giving me a headache. By the end of the afternoon he managed to find a little apartment with a nice view of the Naka River. On his way home he ran into Choji who was excited to hear both the news of his new genin team and the new apartment. He offered to help with the packing, knowing that his friend would want to move in straight away. Shikamaru welcomed his help and they talked along the way.

"What's it like to have a team of your own?" Choji asked.

"I still can't wrap my head around it." Shikamaru admitted. "They're all so different. I'll never be as good as Asuma-sensei was at balancing strengths to cover the weaknesses."

"Cut yourself some slack," Choji reassured him. "You're all new at this; it'll take some time to get used to each other."

"That's easy for you to say. You don't have a team of your own yet." Shikamaru scowled at first before smirking at him. "Then again you probably see the world through rose-colored glasses now that Hazuki-chan agreed to marry you. I didn't see you giving up the bachelor life so easily."

Choji reddened slightly at his friend's light jest. "You'd understand if you had someone special in your life. What about Temari-san? Didn't you two have a fling?"

Shikamaru laughed as they approached the house. "Of course not. It was just a working relationship, nothing more."

Naturally his mom was both surprised and upset at the idea of Shikamaru moving out so abruptly. But to everyone's surprise, Shikaku came to his defense. "He's a man now Yoshino. It's time for him to move on."

With his help, the three managed to move everything in just a few hours. After that, Shikamaru and Choji celebrated at their favorite restaurant. The hour was very late when they parted ways for the night. As he walked to his new place he relished the idea of sleeping in the next day. I'm going to waste the entire day by staying in bed. Though I bet mom is going to stop by to nag me anyway, probably first thing in the morning too, he thought with a frown.

The street was empty, the streetlights bearing down overhead as he walked. Then he was surprised to see movement from the corner of his eyes. He turned to see Itachi riding a giant wolf down the street. There were tired bags under his eyes, his eyelids partly closed as he struggled to stay awake. They didn't appear to notice him staring at them as they bolted past. He groaned as he pressed a hand against his aching head. I don't think I drank enough to get drunk…but what else would explain the absurdity of that sight?

That night he slept peacefully and got the rest he craved. Even though he had originally planned to waste the day in his apartment, by mid-afternoon he got bored so he went out for a walk. He was surprised to learn from others that Itachi had indeed returned last night. Sadly he had returned without his wife, apparently she was still missing. Poor Yusei-kun, he thought grimly. I wonder how he's taking this.

Yusei was very surprised when Itachi came to visit him at Naruto's apartment empty-handed. "What do you mean you didn't find her?" He asked, trying not to sound accusing.

Itachi sighed wearily. "I'm sorry Yusei; I still don't know where she is yet." He hugged his son close. "But we're getting closer. I was able to confirm that it was your Uncle who took her. Now it's only a matter of tracking down where he's keeping her."

Yusei hugged him back. "But why did he take her dad?"

Itachi hesitated, that wasn't something his son should know about. "I don't know," he lied. "But let's go home ok?"

Yusei nodded and thanked Naruto for the fun night. "Come back anytime!" Naruto called out after him.

"Why didn't you stay with the Hoshigaki's like I asked?" Itachi asked with concern. While he respected Naruto as a shinobi, he seriously doubted his maturity to take care of a kid. "And what did you do to anger Kisame so?"

Yusei flinched slightly and looked away a little embarrassed. "Well, uh, probably because he walked in on me kissing Katsuye."

Itachi blinked in surprise and then chuckled. "I see."

"Don't rub it in alright?" He scowled. "I know I said that I didn't love her before, but…well…"

"Things changed," Itachi murmured softly with a small smile. At least something good has happened since I was away. He was happy for his son, but it wasn't enough to fully lift his spirits. Sasuke's words still haunted him. You know very well where she is. Right where she belongs; in my bed. He took a shaky breath as he tried to squash down his panic. It's just as I feared then. My poor sweet Miko, never before have I failed you so completely.

Yusei shook his arm gently. "Dad, didn't you hear what I said?" He looked disappointed and Itachi scolded himself. Keep it together. He deserves your attention just as much, perhaps even more so.

"I'm sorry, please repeat it again," he gently persuaded.

Yusei tapped a metallic armband on his left arm. "I've graduated Dad. I'm a genin now."

Itachi blinked in surprise and then smiled broadly. "That's great news! Tell me more, who's in your team? Who's the leader?"

For the rest of the day Itachi spent time with his son just listening and asking questions. He was curious about his experiences as a genin as well as how he had managed to win Katsuye over. Never before had they talked so much, but both had greatly missed the other. When they finally exhausted the small talk, an uncomfortable silence filled the room as Miko came to their minds. Itachi looked away. "I've really let you down, haven't I?"

"I know you'll find her," Yusei said confidently. "You're the greatest dad, there's no way you can fail."

Itachi cracked a side smile. "Thanks."

By this time it was beginning to get late and Yusei couldn't hold back his yawn any longer. Itachi stood up. "Get some rest son. I'll be back soon."

"Where are you going?" Yusei nearly panicked. "You're not leaving already, are you?"

"I need to discuss something with Kakashi-senpai and will come right back," he reassured him. "Don't worry; Tsuki will be here to look after you."

Yusei scowled. "That's not what I'm worried about."

"I know," Itachi said softly as he kissed the top of his head. "Just leave the worrying to me alright?"

He hurried over to Kakashi's place where he was waiting expectantly. "I'm sorry I didn't come earlier. I wanted to make sure Yusei was doing well."

Kakashi waved his apology away. "He's missed you so it was time well spent. But now on to business. I hope you have some leads. I couldn't find any conclusive evidence that anyone else was responsible."

Itachi wasted no time in recounting the events in Iwagakure. Kakashi listened carefully, nodding from time to time and sometimes asking for clarification. "And what was the riddle?"

"Where traitors gather, where foolish dreamers conspire, where the secrets of seven lie still; I hide in plain sight of the blessed eye." Itachi sighed. "I'm at a loss over what it could possibly mean. I've looked at it every which way."

"The blessed eye must be a reference to the Sharingan," Kakashi said decisively. "Sasuke-kun is very proud of the Uchiha Clan's abilities, almost obsessively so. No doubt this clue is a reference to some secret of your clan."

Itachi frowned deep in thought. "Traitors…seven…hiding in plain sight…" He groaned as he rested his head in his hands. "I'm such an idiot. Why didn't I see it before?"

"Because you're exhausted," Kakashi gently chided. "Go home and get some rest."

Itachi stood up abruptly and made to leave. "But the clue-"

Kakashi caught him by the wrist and held him still. "It can wait till morning. You still have three others to track down remember? Don't wear yourself out so quickly. You're going to make yourself sick."

Itachi gently pulled away and rested his hand on the table. "How can I rest when I know what he's done to her?" He growled malevolently as his hand curled into a fist. "What he's still doing to her?"

Kakashi sighed and lowered his gaze. "I know, but we have to trust that Inari-sama will protect her. She is his daughter after all."

"If he really cared about her, he never would have let this happen in the first place!" Itachi hissed as he stormed away. This time, Kakashi didn't stop him. He ran through the dark streets, pumping his arms as he picked up speed. Why was everyone telling him to slow down? Didn't they realize that every minute that passed was another one she suffered? But perhaps he had crossed the line by speaking ill of Inari, the last thing he needed was the wrath of an offended God. Forgive my rudeness, Itachi prayed in his heart. I just fail to understand why you would have allowed this to happen.

He slowed down as the Naka Shrine came into view. Once inside he made his way quietly to the main hall. Beneath the seventh tatami mat on the right side of the room was the entrance to the secret meeting place for the old Uchiha Clan. It was the place where they plotted to overthrow the village; disgracing the sacredness of the shrine with their murderous hearts. His head reeled as he descended down the narrow stairs and he leaned against the wall until the dizziness passed. He sighed as he rubbed his eyes; maybe Kakashi was right to advise that he get rest first. Its not much farther now, he encouraged himself as he activated his Sharingan.

Using his fireball jutsu, he lit the two torches set in the ground. The room filled with its light and he warily looked around. At first nothing seemed out of place and he sighed. Sasuke was not the type to make this easy and it bothered Itachi that he had to play these childish games. He swept his critical eye over the area, taking in every detail of the room. Then he noticed something was different with the stone tablet at the front of the room, just a slight smudge on the upper right hand corner. He knelt down to better examine it.

As soon as he touched it, he jerked away in horror as he felt a burning sensation in his hand. In the center of his palm was a square with something sketched in the upper right hand corner. They looked nothing more than a couple of random lines. No special meaning came immediately to mind. It was hardly a clue at all and he was no closer to figuring out this puzzle. But then again perhaps it was Sasuke's intent to draw it out and make it painstakingly difficult. Then as suddenly as it had appeared, it began to fade away.

He heard a strange grinding noise overhead and looked up to see words carve themselves into the wall. It was the next riddle: "Where fates collided and dreams were shattered; I sit enthroned in glory." They glowed with an ethereal light before they too faded away, created only by some form of time-delay genjutsu.

Itachi couldn't help but groan. This riddle was even harder than the first had been. What could it possibly mean?