Broken

"Senju Ai is now the head of her clan. As such, a certain level of decorum must be maintained - even as she learns to rain death on Konoha's enemies. The Elemental Nations will remember the Senju clan was feared with good reason." Continuation of: Cosmic Comedy. WARNINGS: Strong OC, OC-centric, Dark, Gore. Rated M for: Adult situations (limes), language and shinobi business.

Secondary warning: Homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual, asexual and transgender characters will be getting significant screen time. If that isn't your cup of tea, please don't read ^_^

Arc 2 – Senju: past, present, future – Chapter 24 – Setting the tone

8-8


~Saturday 8:45 AM, outside of main house, Senju District, Konoha, with original~

I see the others off, and Hibari walking into the main house. However, there are quite a few side projects that need to be handled today. So, I make seven shadow clones and issue their objectives, pointing at them as I list them. "Savana. Kakashi. Kosuke. Shizune. Library. Library. Library." That should handle my more pressing duties and help me to get back in the rhythm of devouring the information in our hidden library.

All seven disappear without a word. "K-ka-san! What was that about!?" Yu-chan asks, both shocked and awed at the display.

"Huh? Oh, I need to discuss things with Kosuke, Shizune and Savana, so I sent a Shadow Clone to get that done. I also haven't actually reported to Hokage-sama about my mission, and there were a few things I needed to discuss with him as well. And of course I really want to get back to studying our clan's scrolls, so I sent three clones to deal with that."

"Isn't that counterproductive? Clones cannot transfer memories." Raiza seems curious about that.

"Normal clones, true. Those were Shadow Clones. Everything they experience is transferred back to me. Only, physical aspects aren't included, so knowledge, chakra exercises and the like... all fair game." I explain. Yu-chan has stars in her eyes again, but Raiza isn't far behind. "Don't you dare try that on your own, by the way. It takes so much chakra that it might end up killing you."

Both of their eyes are wide as dinner plates. "How many Shadow Clones can you make before it becomes too much?" Raiza asks.

"Um... I don't know, really. I've made up to twenty, and that really drained me. But I think... maybe thirty, thirty-five before it comes really dangerous for me." I offer. Raiza links her arm with mine, smiling proudly. Tanyu's quick to mimic her sister. "Ready to go?" They nod, all smiles.

8-8


~Saturday 9:15 AM, Ginza's Kimono Emporium, Commercial District, Konoha, with original~

"Good morning, Senju-sama." Ginza Nao comes to greet us personally. I can tell from the smile on her face that she's already prepared to close the store to give us all the privacy we'll need – she knows I'm here to fill my daughters' closets.

"Good morning, Nao. Please, we know each other so well that I don't feel that formalities are needed any more. Call me Ai-chan." I offer. "These are my daughters, Raiza and Tanyu. They'll need our undivided attention to select a range of proper kimonos. Especially for the festival coming up."

"I suspected as much, Ai-chan." She turns to her cousin, but offers no instructions. I smile when the girl goes and switches the 'OPEN' sign to 'CLOSED', shuts the door and locks it. "Where would you like to begin?"

"Furisode kimonos." I offer, already motioning my daughters to follow us. "The festival will be their first public appearance, so naturally they'll need something that helps them to stand out."

"Naturally." Nao easily agrees.

"I'll also need a few irotomesode and kurotomesode kimonos for myself. It's about time I started wearing my new role." I offer. Irotomesode are usually worn only to weddings, because they are so fancy. And kurotomesode are even more so, because they are usually only worn by the mothers to the bride and groom. They are quite expensive and one would never wear something like that to just a festival, but... If I were to wear a kurotomesode kimono, it would clearly mark me as high status, married, and not one to mess with politically. These are the signs I wish to send to Konoha, so that's exactly what I'll end up wearing.

"I see." Nao gives me a knowing look. "Is our Ai-chan finally a married woman then?"

"It was Jei's only demand before we adopted our children." I confirm. "We have yet to hold a ceremony, but legally we are wed."

"I see. Of course you'll want the Senju clan symbol embroidered onto your irotomesode and kurotomesode kimonos?" The thing about both types, is that because they are so fancy, it's something of a tradition to have three or five Kamon, or family crest (clan crest in my case), embroidered into the fabric of the kimono itself. Irotomesode get three, kurotomesode get five. Just don't ask me where they get put... I've never seen someone from a clan actually wearing one, so that's all theoretical knowledge.

"Of course. I'll also need proper obi for each new kimono, which will also need to bear our symbol. Raiza, Yu, you'll each need to select at least two furisode kimonos. One needs to be bright, the other dark and rich." They nod to me, both a bit unsure about that. "Because you are my daughters, you are going to have to make two appearances for the festival. The first will be for the official opening, Hokage-sama is likely to want to make a show of strength to the village, so he'll mention and motion towards the village's strongest clans to remind everyone that we will always be here to protect them. That means all eyes in the village will be on us, and therefore on you."

They nod, a bit nervous about that. "Don't be nervous, you'll both be with your Tou-san and me. We'll also have the Usagi with us." I comfort them. "Now come on, what kimono catches your eye?"

"Umm... about that. Wouldn't it make more sense to me to wear something similar to you?" Raiza wonders.

"Perhaps, but why do you want that?" I ask, trying to figure out her motives.

"You'll be wearing the fanciest kimono possible. You want to remind the village that the Senju prosper, and therefore the village prospers. Am I right?" I nod at her assessment. "Wouldn't it therefore make sense that your eldest daughter helps you reinforce this?" Raiza is a lot sharper that I'd first hoped. And her observation has merit.

"Alright. What about Yu-chan then? Will you want a kimono that will show that you are just like the other girls? Or do you want to follow your Nee-san and remind Konoha that the future is bright?" I ask.

"I..." She's unsure. "Um... I really want to fit in with the other girls, but..."

"You don't have to choose between us and yourself." I tell her, taking out a furisode kimono that I think she might like. "And I certainly won't mind if you want to buy a few extra kimonos so you can decide later what you want to do. We still have my wedding ceremony coming up, after all, so you'll need to look radiant for that day as well."

In no time at all, the three of us start trying on kimonos. I start out with the kurotomesode kimonos that catch my eye; which by definition have black as a base colour. The festival's theme is red and black, so I focus mostly on the kimonos that match this. Raiza starts out with the irotomesode kimonos, picking anything with butterflies. She squeals anytime she finds one she really likes; which I believe the count is up to three now. This one is lime green with a cherry tree on the back –below the waist– and white butterflies flitting about.

Yu on the other hand, she's falling in love with every kimono she touches. She doesn't care what colour, what pattern, what style or even the type. She's just glad to try on every kimono she encounters.

"Ooh! Nao, we'll need some kimonos for my two sons as well. One's ten, the other is almost six, both are average size for their age. And I'll certainly need one for my Itama-chan! Hmm, what would you suggest for an almost two year old girl?"

"We carry every type of kimono for every age, Ai-chan. Whatever you feel she should wear, we'll accommodate you." Nao smiles, knowing that I'll just end up taking two kimono of each type to be sure.

"Alright. We'll also need at least three pairs of shoes for my girls, and a few dozen pairs of tabi. No, Raiza, you'll need the elevated style of shoes. If you wear slippers you'll end up dragging your kimono in the dirt." Nao can't help but feel a little happier with each item I mention or my girls announce they 'just love'. In the end, we end up spending roughly six hundred and fifty thousand Ryou, but my babies are worth it.

8-8


~Saturday 11:00 AM, Zuri's, Commercial District, Konoha, with original~

On entering Zuri's, the first thing I notice is how the proprietress's eyes light up. Zuri is many things –and a shrewd business woman is at the top of that list– so seeing me enter her store with two younger females... she already sees Ryou signs.

"Senju-sama, welcome, welcome!" She shoves one of her employees out of her way to get to me a little quicker. Raiza and Yu share a look, but neither says anything on the matter. I'm too used to this to bother reacting.

"Hello, Zuri-san. I'm here with my daughters, Raiza and Tanyu. We need their ears pierces, and a few pairs of earrings for each." I explain.

"Of course, of course! We also have decorative combs and hair ornaments now!" Yup, bringing them here was the better choice. Zuri is always eager to please, if it means getting more sales. And no doubt she'll be bragging to all her friends that I brought my daughters to her store – two birds with one stone.

"Alright. I'll also need a few things myself." I offer, smirking as tears start to well up in her eyes. She knows that she's going to make easy money now.

"As you wish, Senju-sama!" She grabs one of her employees, the same one she just shoved, mind you. "Show these lovely ladies our piercing sets." She orders.

As agreed, Yuka follows Tanyu and Shiori follows Raiza, leaving Inejiro and Akiko at my flanks me at all times. I look around, admiring the jewellery for sale – and mostly ignoring the rich and pompous asses vying for my attention. Why they think I care what they're here to buy is beyond me.

I briefly wonder what I want to do. I mean, I still have Tobirama's jewellery, but I honestly doubt the deep blue sapphires will match all that well with black and red. Perhaps if I wore black earrings instead? Let's see what they have.

"Is there something specific you're looking for?" Zuri asks, obviously hoping to steer me towards assured purchases to not make me feel I'm wasting my time in her store.

"Earrings, something with black in them, and either white or red." I describe vaguely.

"I have just the thing!" She exclaims happily. She guides me to the high end section –as I knew she would– and starts pointing at every pair currently on sale. Black diamonds, onyx, black pearls, black sapphire, her store has quite the selection.

However one pair catches my eye. It's almost an understated pair of black pearl drop earrings, with a white metal. "..." I can't help but stare at them, how they stand out in this section. All other pairs are far fancier, far more 'dolled up' to catch your eye. This pair isn't. They are simple, elegant.

"Senju-sama has a good eye, as to be expected." She unlocks the case the pair is in, taking them out and locking the case again, before offering me the exact earrings I was admiring. "Black pearl drops, with platinum links. Most have overlooked this pair for its simple beauty, but I must admit I've taken a fancy to them myself."

Looking at the gorgeous pair in my hand, I can't help but love them a little more. The loop to hook into your ear is quite long, attached to dozens of tiny links leading down to the tear drop shaped pearls. No other stones to distract you, no other designs to lure your attention; just the shiny white metal and the almost luminescent black pearl.

"They're perfect." I offer with a nod.

"And a steal at a mere hundred and thirty thousand Ryou!" Zuri enthuses. The other patrons all murmur about some bullshit or other, but I don't care enough to bother following any of it. I just nod again, and offer them back to Zuri, motioning for her to follow me.

I walk back to my girls, both oohing and ahhing over the earrings being offered to them. "Ka-san, look at the gorgeous ladybugs!" Yu announces, pointing at the pair that caught her eye.

"They even have butterflies!" Raiza enthuses. Pointing at a yellow pair of butterflies. I smile at them.

"Well, it sounds like you've found your piercing pair. Maybe you two can get that done now?" They both jump up and down, obviously excited about that. "But keep in mind that this is only until your ears heal. You'll both need a fancier pair for the festival, a few pairs for everyday use. You'll need some studs for training. And a few pretty options for when you just feel like hanging out with your friends."

The woman is quick to take out the preferred pairs and leads my girls to a chair in the corner. Their ears are cleaned with a special cloth and the earrings are 'shot' into place, piercing the earlobe painlessly – although Yu does freak out a little at the sound of it. Soon they're both showing off their new earrings to each other, and to me, giggling and blushing happily. I remind them of the other pairs they'll need, so they rush off again, in search for every pair they think they'll like, each with an Usagi hot on their heels. I can't help but smile at their antics as they look at every pair, as they discuss what might work and what definitely wouldn't.

Zuri, being the shrewd woman she is, shows the girls the pair I'd selected. Naturally they simply fall in love with the pair, although they don't like the black pearl. "Well, we have something similar! Pink pearls we grow right here in Konoha! It's not cheap mind you, but I'm sure you'll love them all the same!" I smirk, both knowing and appreciating what she's doing.

"Pink pearls!" Yu simply loves the idea, but Raiza isn't too fond of the colour it seems.

"We have pearls of many different colours. White, black, champagne, blue, green, pink and purple. In fact, I believe we even have a pair with a butterfly design, if you'd like to see them?" Zuri doesn't miss a beat when Ryous are at stake.

Of course, we're led back into the high end section, but I don't mind. Yu quickly picks out a pair of pink pearl drop earrings that match mine, but Raiza is somewhat more critical. The butterfly pair strike her as too childish, she doesn't like the pink or black pearls. The white ones are nice enough, but she finds them too common – a good eye, and certainly good taste as well.

"..." Her eyes land on a pair of purple, almost violet, pearl studs. "... gorgeous..." She murmurs breathlessly.

"I think we have a winner, Zuri-san." I nudge her towards Raiza – Yu and I had wandered over into the topaz section, leaving Raiza have her space to go over every pearl in the assortment.

"My, my, Senju-sama, your daughters seem to have the same taste in jewellery as you!" Zuri sounds overjoyed, seeing that I haven't turned down one of their requests yet.

8-8


~Saturday 12:45 PM, random cafe, Commercial District, Konoha, with original~

"Ka-san, this has just been AWESOME!" Yu announces happily. I beam at her, ushering her and Raiza into some random cafe for lunch. We're immediately seated and offered seven menus – three for us, and the extras for the Usagi. Luckily we'd already dealt with the drug store, the jeweller, Ginza's and nosed around in Saito's... So that means we're just at the halfway mark of things we needed to handle today. And what better way to celebrate than to show off my babies in a cafe in the busiest section of the Commercial District?

"We're barely even halfway there, baby." I pet her hair, smiling a little brighter when she squeals happily.

"But Ka-san, you've already spent well over a million Ryou..." Raiza sounds worried. Oh right... they don't know how deep the Senju coffers go.

"Not something I'm worried about." I smile and shrug. "I can't wait to see Itama in her kimono!" I gush, wondering which one I'm going to dress her up in first.

We go back and forth a bit, each talking about the one we found cutest. All the while, I'm monitoring exactly who's noticing us. Quite a few big names in Konoha, to be honest; mostly merchants from influential clans. I've seen a few Ono clansmen. A Kurama, three Yamanakas... but not too many shinobi. That's for later, once we enter the Shinobi Disctrict. That's when the rumour mill will explode from hearing me and my daughters interacting with each other. That's why I'm leaving that for last – uniformed foot traffic tends to be heaviest around three in the afternoon, so we'll be entering around two-thirty and probably leaving sometime after four.

I'm making sure that my girls stand out more than I, as well! I'm still in my uniform, but I have both of them wearing furisode kimonos and I keep checking their make-up to make sure they look absolutely stunning!

After we eat, and I remind them to reapply their lipstick, we head out. I just can't wait to see the looks on everyone's faces when they realize just what I've been up to.

8-8


~Saturday 2:15 PM, en route to Itayouri's, Shinobi District, Konoha, with original~

This is what I've been waiting for. This is what I've carefully plotted my day around. Now that we've been to the salon, and their hair is neatly trimmed and styled; now that they are glowing from my doting on them all day. Raiza has a shy smile almost painted onto her features, but Yu is bubbling over and can't seem to stay still longer than a second. Now is the time to give the shinobi of Konoha a glimpse of my babies.

We're encountering scores of familiar faces too. I've already run into Asuma and Kurenai with their teams, Ebisu, Genma, uncle Gai and his team, Ibiki and Anko, Inoichi... familiar faces who all casually walk up to us and introduce themselves. They know that's what I'm here for, given the obvious effort I've gone through to make my babies shine bright.

"Hey, Ai-chan! Aren't you going to introduce me?" Yamashiro Aoba walks up with a friend of his –Namiashi Raidou, one of Kakashi's elite bodyguards– and decides to be friendly.

"Aoba-kun, my daughters Raiza and Tanyu. Raiza-chan, Yu-chan, I believe you remember Yamashiro Aoba." I go through the motions. Both my girls bow politely, greeting him and offer polite chitchat. I glow; I can't help but admire how they soak up the constant attention and never seem to let it faze them. Kami-sama knows I wasn't as patient when Ka-san first started grooming me.

"A pleasure ladies." Aoba bows politely to them as well. "By the way, Ai-chan. I was wondering if you'd be up to some specialized training. Mostly Intelligence and T&I stuff, but nothing you shouldn't be able to handle."

I think about that. Well, I have quite a bit going on already, but this shouldn't really negatively affect anything. Not really at least. But why would he offer it? "That depends...?"

"Hokage-sama commissioned me. Says he needs you ready if another mission comes up so he doesn't need to send back up next time." Aoba explains, shrugging like he couldn't care less. "Personally I'm just glad it's you. Have you ever tried explaining Intelligence work to an idiot? It's exhausting!"

Raiza and Yu cover their mouths, sharing a look and giggling. I try not to laugh, but I can't help that my eyes are twinkling a little with amusement. "Very well. We can start on Monday?" I offer.

"Sounds good! Would you mind if I drag Raidou-kun along? He's been itching to really meet the Black Death." Aoba asks. Raidou looks a bit embarrassed, but doesn't argue against the claim.

"That's fine. I'm afraid our district isn't very accommodating as yet, but I will arrange anything you might need while there." I bow my head to the pair of them, and wave them off as they go about whatever business was put on hold when they spotted me.

"Ka-san, you're really famous!" Yu enthuses. I notice another group looking our way when she calls 'Ka-san'. I smirk, glowing with pride that I have such well behaved daughters.

But it isn't until we're almost to our destination that I spot the one I was most hoping to find. "Tou-san!" I call out to Jiraiya. If the rumour mill is grinding, it's ready to pop now. Jiraiya makes his way over to us, glad to have a reason to walk away from Shimura Danzo, if his chakra tells the whole tale – and I don't doubt it does.

"Hey, princess. Who have we here? Ai-chan, are you trying to tell me I'm getting old?" He teases.

"Tou-san, meet your granddaughters, Raiza and Tanyu. Girls, Jiraiya of the Sannin. Just call him O'ji-san, okay?" I introduce them.

Yu, of course, squeals happily and glomps her grandfather. He rolls his eyes at me, clearly asking me when I've gotten him into this time. I just smile and bat my eyes at him, asking him what the problem is. "O'ji-chan, did you know that Ka-san is going to start teaching us Healing and Sealing soon! We're actually on our way to some store to pick up the things we'll need! Do you want to come with us!? I'd really love it if you came along and spent some time with us! Why haven't you come by the house, by the way!? Wouldn't you like to get to know your grandchildren?" Yu babbles on, rattling off every question that comes to her. Every time Jiraiya tries to answer one question, she fires off two more; I smile a little wider each time.

"Alright, alright! You win!" He gives in, knowing that Yu's just going to keep going until he figures something out – or just runs away, but she'll probably make him regret it next time she sees him. "And what about Raiza? Can I get a hug from you too?"

Raiza seems nervous, clearly not likely the idea. "Well, if she doesn't want one." I lift my hands up, beckoning for him to pick me up. Raiza and Yu look at me, a bit confused – they aren't used to this side of me. And I know for a fact every Jounin around us can see exactly what I'm doing. That I'm giving Jiraiya a knowing smirk doesn't really help either. "You know you want to."

His eyes soften, his lips curl up into an easy smile. He shakes his head, knowing exactly what this is going to cause, but shrugs and clearly doesn't care. He picks me up and hooks and arm under me, wrapping his other arm around me. I wrap my arms around him as well, planting a kiss on his cheek. "You're up to no good again, aren't you." He says, amusement in his tone.

"Aren't I always?"

8-8


~Saturday 3:00 PM, Shinobi Outfitters Store, Shinobi District, Konoha, with original~

Poor Jiraiya hasn't gotten a break since our shared hug. If it isn't a curious glance from our colleagues, it's Yu bouncing up and down and asking him a million things at once. Even Raiza seems to be relaxing around him now, but she just isn't as affectionate as Tanyu – who's currently swinging from her Ji-chan's arms like a monkey.

"Hey, Yun! I've got two more for you!" I announce the second I spot her checking out another customer – they're at the register, and the customer is paying for the purchases... jeez, are there always so many ways to interpret everything?

"Ai-chan! I was wondering when you'd be stopping by! Jei was already here with the others. You have to sign for their purchases by the way!" I figured as much. "Hello, Jiraiya-sama. I see Ai has you wrapped around her little finger as well?" Yu and Raiza giggle, knowing first hand just how true that is.

"Name one person in this village she can't wrap around her little finger." Jiraiya challenges. Yun just shrugs and offers the proper change to her customer along with the bag with their things.

The woman and her child bow to me reverently, before excusing themselves and leaving. "Hey, Ka-san, is that really Jiraiya-sama of the Sannin and Senju Ai, the Fifth's daughter?" The woman quickly shushes her child, leading him out onto the street.

"Alright, you two. I need you to pick out a training uniform. Yun here will help you with whatever she can, but it's you that must choose it. Raiza, try to guide Tanyu as best you can. And Yu, don't pick it just because it's pretty. It has to be practical too." I instruct, shooing them into the store to go nuts. Without being told to, Yuka and Shiori wordlessly follow their charges. I can't help but smile, grateful to have the Usagi's loyalty.

"Ah, Ai-chan, there you are." Uncle Sengo comes in from the back room. "Your aunt and I have been going over that proposal, and frankly I don't think we're going to need to keep this store open with all the business you'll be bringing us."

I roll my eyes, not in the least surprised. That last customer bought what, five thousand Ryou worth of merchandise – probably just the standard six kunai, eight shuriken and a leg pouch. That's pretty common for an academy student's equipment. Going over the list Yun left here for me... even the toddlers spent more than that in rubber swords and wooden kunai. Hmm, there were quite a few weapons purchased as well. Along with five-thousand kunai and shuriken, hundreds of spools of ninja wire, caltrops, six-hundred leg pouches, three hundred hip pouches. Good! Jei seems to have thought of everything.

"That's good. Would you consider moving into the Senju District then? I mean, the commute won't be that bad, but it would make things much simpler." I offer, not really worried about either option. We still have more than enough space, so either way it's fine.

"We'll think about it." He smiles, shaking his head in amusement.

"Alright. By the way, I kind of need something done." I unseal my Main scroll and unseal one of the many storage scrolls sealed within it. I then flit through the dozens of items, finally finding the one I want. I unseal the katana and wakizashi I'd procured in Sky – the ones with the butterfly decorating them. "These two are in a sad state. Could you make them fit for my Raiza?"

Raiza hears her name, so she peers over at what I'm talking about. She's at my side and gushing over the gorgeous butterfly in seconds. I can barely even make out the end of one word and the beginning of the next. "Sweetie, breathe." I remind her.

Instead of replying, she hugs me and thanks me over and over and over again. "Raiza, this is nothing. Really. You said short swords weren't your thing, so I figured maybe a katana and wakizashi might be?" She just hugs me tighter, trying to fight back the tears so she doesn't muck up her make-up.

"Hmm, this is Koubara's work. She loves putting a single butterfly on all her swords and sheaths." Uncle Sengo announces. "Shinobi bring in her pieces second hand all the time. If you want, you can check them out." He points at the 'discount aisle', towards the rear of the store. Second hand weapons are usually either scalped from fallen foes, or brought in because the owner bought something they like more. Either way, it's fine if Raiza likes them.

Seeing no reason not to, Raiza and I go check out what we can find – she still has to really try anything on, but it couldn't hurt at any rate.

"Hey, princess. If you don't mind I'll head out. Want me to swing by for dinner later?" Jiraiya announces.

"I honestly don't know why you ask. You know I do." I wave to him. I'd better tell the Usagi at the gate to make sure he signs in, and to have him fill in the proper paperwork. But knowing him, he'll just not bother with security and such...

"So, Raiza, what are you looking for?" There are literally dozens of traditional swords of every length, all with the same butterfly motif. Poor thing can't be bothered to make up her mind, but doesn't seem to know what all of them are even called. "The longest ones are called daikatanas. They're usually any traditional curved blade longer than eighty centimetres. Then there's the katanas, which range from sixty to eighty centimetres. Then you have the wakizashis, which range from forty to sixty centimetres. Then kodachi, which range from twenty to forty centimetres. And last is the tanto, which is anything shorter than twenty centimetres." I give her the official rundown. Sure there's still oodles and oodles of debates when it comes to blacksmiths and swordsmen what counts as what... but really it just depends on the swordsman's height what the blade should be called. I'd wield a wakizashi the same way Jiraiya would wield a daikatana, after all.

"Kami-sama, there are so many options." She drinks in all the pretty colours and the butterfly decorating each and every one of them.

"Well, you're already getting a katana and wakizashi. Why not take two kodachi and two tantos to complete the set?" I offer, indicating the smaller blades.

"Why two each?" She asks curiously.

"Well, kodachi are shorter and therefore lighter and faster to wield. If you were to master dual wielding them, I'm sure you'd be able to use their superior speed to fend off almost any attack people throw at you. And the tantos really would be better suited for situations where you need to maximize dexterity and are far more accurate projectiles than the longer and bulkier swords." I explain. "Besides, I remember keeping a tanto up my sleeve until about a year ago. They're just easier to hide."

"Really?" She is just loving me more and more, the more she gets to know me.

"Really. I've learned the basics for each of these swords. I could teach you, if you like." I offer.

"Ooh! Cute little swords!" Yu announces, glomping me. She's already changed into her training uniform, and is probably here for approval.

"Let me take a look." I gently push her back. Hmm, red sleeveless top. Black fingerless gloves reaching her elbows, just like mine. Pink miniskirt with four slits to increase flexibility and range of motion; black skin tight shorts under it. Black shinobi sandals reaching up to her knee. And a leg pouch on her right thigh. "Perfect." I praise.

"Really?" She seems unsure.

"Really. Sakura-nee used to wear something similar. In fact, she still does if memory serves. The pink haired kunoichi that was with us on the mission?" I remind her.

"That's my aunty!? I picked this out because it reminds me of her! And I really admire how she carries herself!" Yu's gushing, stars in her eyes and begging me to introduce her (preferably now).

"Calm down, we still have so much more going on. Now, do you want to get a pair of kodachi as well? They're great weapons if all you want to do is defend yourself." I point out, not lying in the least. "And if Raiza takes a pair of them as well, I'll be able to teach you two side by side."

They share a look, smiling broadly at each other. They both select a matching pair of kodachis, but only Raiza picks up a pair of tantos to go with them.

"Alright then." I take a pair of kodachis as well, so that I'll have something to show them the moves with – I still have my old tantos, which are also a matched pair. "Now, let's get these over to the counter. And Raiza, you'll still need to pick out a training uniform. I'd advise something with wide sleeves to hide your tantos, and maybe two leg pouches as well? I can show you quite a few tricks when it comes to that." We get the items to the counter, lined up properly so that we know whose weapons belong to whom.

"Yu-chan, you'll need to pick up at least three more of each item you're wearing. Other than the gloves and the leg pouch. You will always need to have a clean uniform, after all. And I can show you how to clean your gloves at night so that they're kept clean at all times." I instruct, sending Yu back into the aisles to fetch her things.

She comes back not a minute later with four extra of every item she'd selected. "Yun-san said that you get a better deal with five than with four..." She offers sheepishly. I smile and nod, I do roll my eyes when she looks away though. Kids.

"Sweetie, did you want to change back into your kimono to head home, or would you rather show off your new look?" I ask her, partly to remind her to actually get her kimono.

"Can I wear this?"

"Of course. But you'll need to get your kimono, won't you?" I urge gently.

"Uh uh. Yun-san sealed it in the scroll Tou-san gave me." She waves the scroll... I didn't give...

"Let me see that?" I ask, looking through the scroll. Hmm, yup, this is Jei's sealing style alright. That boy is still really sloppy with his work. "Alright. Let me just itemize this for Yun, then you can seal your kodachis, if you want. Or I could show you how to strap them to your back while we wait on Raiza. Which do you prefer?"

"Ooh, could you!? That would be so cool! Can I wear both of them with the grips over my left shoulder!?" She really just is so easily excited. I nod, offering her back her scroll; she tucks it back into her new leg pouch. Hmm.

"Sure, baby. Come on, let's get the straps you'll need. And what about a hip pouch? It would be easier to store scrolls in there than your leg pouch. After all, on Monday you'll get your kunai and shuriken, so you'll need the space."

"You wouldn't mind?" She asks carefully.

"I wouldn't offer otherwise." I remind her, hugging her as we search for just the right length strap for her. Once we find it, I show her how to strap it on and attach her new kodachis for her. "There. Try unsheathing them?"

She reaches over her left shoulder with both hands and grabs and unsheathes both kodachis at once. "Whoa! They're really light!" She says, in awe as she waves them around a bit.

"Yes they are. Now try to sheathe them, carefully! I don't want you to stab yourself in your shoulder." She sheathes them one by one, mindful of what she's doing. I nod, pleased with her. We grab a hip pouch for her as well, and I point out the uses for the extra space. I offer to show her how to seal and unseal things from her new scroll, which I figure we might as well do while we wait on Raiza. So I seal one of my kodachis and unseal it again, carefully explaining her what I'm doing and asking her to repeat it. It takes her a few tries, but she gets the right amount focused in the right place. She seals and unseals my kodachi a few times, trying to really get a feel for it.

"Look who's already training to be a top Medic." Raiza teases, a bright smile on her face. She's now wearing a dark maroon kimono top that reaches down to mid thigh, with a split at both sides going up to her hip and wide sleeves just like I'd suggested, black skin tight pants the go down to her knees and black shinobi sandals that reach up to her knees. She also has two leg pouches –one strapped to each thigh– and a single hip pouch.

"Looking good there, sweetie!" I praise. "Did you already get the extra leg pouches for under your sleeves?"

"Nn, but I have no idea how to attach them." She looks away, embarrassed.

"That's okay, let me show you. We can even use the same strap for your tantos, and we'll need to strap your kodachis as well." I grab the four weapons and we walk to the same aisle Yu and I found her strap. I take four of the shortest ones and instruct Raiza to roll up her sleeves. Once I run the straps through the leg pouch –she was smart enough to grab the smallest leg pouch in stock– I hold it against her arm and place the tanto on the opposite side of her forearm. I then strap them snugly, but not too tight or it'll cause her problems in the long run.

"Alright. That's one. Would you like me to reverse them for your left arm?" I ask. "This way you can grab both tantos in one go, or reach into both arm pouches at the same time?"

"Nn." She nods. So I do just that. Once I'm done, I roll down her sleeves, showing how she can't even tell there's anything hidden up there. I then show her how to strap her kodachis the same way Yu has them strapped. "Should I get a sash for my katana and wakizashi?" She reminds me. I nod, and we start looking for a proper sash for her last two weapons. We find one in the same shade of maroon as her top, but she decides she'd rather have it in black. Once we find one she likes, she ties it under her shirt, so you won't be able to tell she's wearing it. I nod, pleased with her choices.

"Alright, you might as well get four more of each clothing item. And did you want gloves to go with it? Yu and I both wear gloves."

"Nn." She nods appreciatively, so we after she gathers her clothes, we start looking through the gloves together. She decides she wants a pair just like us. We bring it all back to the counter, only to find that Yun is itemizing everything. I point out the two tantos and six kodachis, and the extra leg pouches Raiza has hidden. Yun nods, adding the items wordlessly.

"Hmm, do you want to get their kunai and shuriken now? We still have some left after your husband almost robbed us blind." She winks to show she's just teasing.

"Nn. That would make the most sense. Yu's only going to need six kunai and eight shuriken, but I'm sure Raiza will need quite a bit more of each." I turn to Raiza, indirectly asking her how many she'd want.

"Could I get sixty kunai and a hundred shuriken?" She asks, mostly to me. I nod, smiling. I figured she'd want a healthy stock just in case – better too many, than not enough.

"Sure thing. Let me get them for you." She disappears through the back door and reappears not a moment later. "Tou-san is almost done with those swords by the way. I still can't figure out how he works so quickly."

Raiza smiles, thanking Yun. She then goes about meticulously stocking her four leg pouches with kunai, but only the pouches on the thighs get shuriken. I ask if she wants ninja wire as well, but she declines – she's never found any actual use for them. I just shrug, I could say the same – other than tying my hair with it from time to time, I've never used ninja wire for anything. In short order, Raiza's suited up and ready for battle – not including her two new swords. But uncle Sengo comes out with them not five minutes later. Once she's strapped them in, she's good to go.

"You look like kunoichi. Both of you." I compliment my girls. They blush and beam at me. "Alright. Yun, just tell me where to sign and we'll get out of your hair." I announce, noticing that the next customer entered and with her two daughters.

"The total comes up to just over three million Ryou. That includes family discount and all the bulk discount we could sneak in there. Jeez, you guys know how to bring us business!" Yun can't figure out how to even react to the amount my clan spent today. I shrug, signing on the dotted line and thank them for all their help.

"Come on, girls, I think we deserve some ice cream before we head home." I motion for my girls to come along, but we don't get too far before something catches my attention.

"Good day, Sengo-san. We'd like the academy package for my two daughters." The next customer asks politely enough. "And do you have anything second hand? We're not as well off as we'd like to be."

I turn to the girls... the older one was a student of mine before I went to Cloud. "Yun. Get them whatever they need. Put it on my tab, okay?"

"Sure thing, Ai-chan. Come on you two, that means I get to give you makeovers!" Yun squeals, loving her job just a little more now.

"And if I remember correctly, you were pretty decent with a sword, right?" I ask the girl – I can't remember her name, but I know her face and chakra signature. She nods, tears in her eyes. "Ask about the swords my girls just got. They're decent for beginners. Come on, hop to! You're Ka-san won't want to wait around all day." They bow low to me, trying their best not to cry, before Yun drags them off into the store for a makeover.

"Senju-sama... how can I ever repay you?" The woman asks, bowing even lower than her daughters.

"Widow's pension, huh?" I ask. She nods, the life draining from her eyes. "Bring your daughters to the Senju district tomorrow. Be there for nine o'clock sharp. I have a job for you."

"S-senju-s-sama!" She's shocked, but that quickly turns into something else. "I'm no good at anything other than being a homemaker..." She sounds embarrassed to have to admit to that.

"Is there shame in that?" I ask her, smiling. "I just happen to have an entire district full of people needing work, which means I'll need people to run a crèche for my clansmen. I'm sure you know all about minding babies and toddlers, do you not?"

She's in tears, bowing over and over to me as if I'd just saved not just her life, but the lives of her daughters as well. In truth, I probably did. Statistically, low-income shinobi take on more missions than is healthy to help pay the bills, which usually means they are overworked and eventually get killed for pushing too hard too fast.

"Have your girls prepared to move in as well. I won't want a security breach every morning, so you moving into our district is simply easier." She's about to object, but decides against it. She likely figures I won't want to hear it, and she really can't turn down the offer – she probably can't afford to, literally.

"Will you need people to help you move?" I ask her. She shakes her head, no, explaining that Kakashi had been kind enough to rent her an apartment that was fully furnished, in addition to her monthly stipend. That doesn't really make any sense to me, so I ask if she and her daughters would like to join us for ice cream. It'd be the perfect opportunity to study her a bit more in depth.

8-8


~Saturday 4:15 PM, random cafe, Shinobi District, Konoha, with original~

After we all order what we want, and I repeated assure my guest and her daughters that they can order ANYTHING they want, we settle in for introductions. "I am Komon Mieko and these are my daughters, Shioko and Miyoko." The woman offers kindly, her voice heavy with emotion. They're chakra signatures indeed indicate they are her daughters, the elder ten, the younger seven. All three of them have matted black hair, clearly uncared for and had long since outgrown whatever style they'd once sported.

"Komon Shioko, of course!" It finally strikes a chord. "Ikue's classmate. You were the one that kept hitting the other girls after they teased Ikue for something."

Mieko glares at her daughter, clearly not pleased to hear that. "In her defence, Mieko-san, Ikue had just lost both her parents and probably needed someone that could understand her pain." The glare loses its vigour, and eventually turns into a more understanding gaze. "I'm guessing your husband passed around that same time. Am I right?"

"Nn. Same team..." She intones. "He'd come back from the border patrol... but..."

"I understand." I assure her she doesn't need to say any more.

"He was supporting us, and his sister as well. She never married, but she can't seem to stop getting pregnant." She sounds quite upset. No doubt that sister of her husband's is still living it up as if nothing changed – in her eyes if nothing else.

"Ai-sensei, please forgive Ka-san. She tends to get emotional whenever she talks about... that person." Shioko pleads, sounding quite upset herself. Ah, this woman is no doubt the cause of their dire financial straits. I'll have someone look into that and see what we can do to... even the odds?

"Nothing to forgive." I wave it off. Hey! I know that chakra signature! Saku-nee and Sasu-nii are coming this way! And with Mikoto too! I have to fight back a squeal, knowing that I'm going to show off my babies again, AND I get to see my goddaughter while I'm at it!

"Ai... sensei?" Shioko wonders why I'm so happy.

"Huh, oh sorry. I just spotted my sister, that's all. She's probably... OI! SAKU-NEE~EEEEEE! OVER HERE!" I wave once she looks over my way, motioning for her to come join us.

"Aunty Sakura?" Yu asks, bubbling over. I nod, smiling happily. "And uncle Sasuke too!" The three of them walk over to us, and Mikoto begs for me to take her; how can I say no to such a cutie?

"What brings you three all the way out here?" I ask, taking my goddaughter into my arms and kissing her and letting her play with my hair.

"Looking for you, obviously." Sasuke intones. "Ran into Jei, and he pointed us in the right direction."

"Ah. Well, then you've met my other babies already. These are Raiza and Tanyu. Girls, uncle Sasuke, aunty Sakura, and this little bundle of joy is Mikoto-chan. Isn't that right, Miko-chan?" She gurgles and dribbles a little, trying to say something or other. "Yes you are. You're aunty Ai's little princess, aren't you. Yes you are."

"Ai, focus. We came looking for you." Sasuke reminds me, earning an elbow to the ribs from his wife. I shrug, not really caring.

"When are people not looking for me? Guys, this is Komon Mieko and her daughters Shioko and Miyoko. Mieko-san will be working in our crèche as of Monday." I repeat introductions.

"Fascinating." Sasu-nii drones, obviously being sarcastic.

"Alright, stick in the mud. What'd you need me for?" I ask, playfully rolling my eyes at him.

"We want to move into the Senju District. Since I'm going on a mission in the morning, I'd prefer getting it done tonight." He just really doesn't ask for anything does he. He knows I won't deny Sakura or Mikoto, and he's along for the ride, so he just doesn't bother acting civil about it.

"Alright. When you get to the gate, ask for Savana. Tell her you have my permission and if she doubts you, have her contact Shizune. She'd know well enough to not doubt the situation. Do you have enough scrolls for everything you want sealed?"

"Naruto's helping me." Sasuke answers. If Naruto-nii doesn't have enough storage scrolls, no one does.

"Sounds good. Hey, you guys want to join for some ice cream?" I offer.

"I'm due for a council meeting. Keep an eye on them for me." I roll my eyes, trying not to let his attitude get under my skin. Still...

"Council meeting?"

"Yeah, Jei's already on his way there. Said he's going to give you the time you need with your 'babies'." Sasuke smirks at Raiza and Tanyu. "You know your parents are going to be calling you that for life, right?"

"Never doubted it for a second." Raiza answers with a smile.

"Yeah, yeah. Go on, Sasuke. Important nobodies don't like waiting." I wave to the waitress, signing for another menu – we're in the Shinobi District, so I don't doubt they understand Konoha battle signs.

-Jei, I love you so much right now. You know that?- I focus only on his seal so that he's the only one hearing me.

-Hmm, why would that be? Because Sakura's aunt is here instead of her dad?- He replies. I can sense his irritation at whatever is going on. -I don't doubt you'll make it up to me though.-

I just focus on the warmth in my chest, sending that through the seal. -You know, I almost believed you forgot about the seal altogether.- Jei teases.

-Why's that?- I ask confused. How could I possibly forget about a seal I'd gone through so much trouble to design?

-Suggesting I use Kirira to find you? I could track you in Cloud right now, remember?- I sense his amusement.

-Shut it.- I grouse, choosing to focus on the people I can actually see. "So anyway! Sakura, what do you think you'd want to order?"

8-8


~Saturday 6:30 PM, family sitting room, main house, Senju District, Konoha, with original~

Inaho had pretty much taken over meal preparations again in the main house. That means there's pretty much always a warm meal waiting when I get home, but it makes me wonder how she's managing with her own household. I feel kind of guilty about leaving it to her.

"Itatakimasu!" We all chorus, and start digging in. Once again, our table is surrounded by the five families – the Inner Circle as the clan's been calling us. Yu and Raiza are once again flanking me, with Itama in my lap and pointing and things she wants to eat from my plate.

Everyone seems to happy right now. Even Jiraiya, he can't seem to get enough of Nisshou, who's been pretty much leeching off him since he'd arrived. I think he prefers Nisshou because he's quiet; quite the contrast if you meet Yu first.

Once the meal winds down, the chatter starts up. Yu starts chatting with Jun and Nyoko about their day – the other girls seem quite jealous that Yu had been allowed a proper shopping expedition, but the other mothers promised their daughters the same after school on Monday.

"If you want, I can take you? I happen to love parading you girls around Konoha." I offer happily. Rika and Himono happily agree, and Choco and Hibari quickly ask if they can join with their daughters as well. Yup, another shopping expedition! And this time, it's not just me and my girls, it's all five mothers and all the daughters over the age of five! Look out, Konoha!

"Actually! I heard today that the entire Commercial District will be open tomorrow, because of the festival!" Rika points out. "You girls up to going shopping tomorrow!?" Everyone squeals happily, but the boys just groan.

"Hey, no one said you boys were even invited!" Rika points out.

"Alright! Everyone, it's time for your evening training!" I remind them. Everyone gets up and starts making their way into the back yard. "Jei, don't make it too late. I really want to get them started on Sealing tonight, okay?"

"Nn." Jei nods, guiding Kawarama out with him. I can't help but smile at the dual Kodachis strapped to Kawa-kun's back, making an 'X'. And Nisshou seems to have gone with a daisho pair – katana and wakizashi. My babies are even matching with their weapons!

With everyone out of the sitting room, and Itama happily running around after her cousins, I turn my attention to Jiraiya. "So, Tou-san, how do you like our daily chaos?"

He snorts, but doesn't comment. "I wanted to talk to you about something, Ai." He says seriously. "The council tried to motion for a DNA test, to see if you are my biological child."

"So...?" I ask, not really knowing what that would even matter. I mean, my biological parents are probably dead, and the only person I've ever seen as a parent figure is Ka-san.

"Are you saying we should let them?" He wonders.

"No, I'm saying it won't matter either way. My children aren't my babies because I carried them for nine months. They are my babies because I choose to take care of them, to coddle them a bit, to mother them a lot, and to love them with all my heart. Why should I care what a DNA test would say?" I explain.

"This isn't about that, Ai. That means they are questioning the birth certificate Tsunade entered into the archives for you. That means they are wondering if she wasn't really your mother, and therefore want to know who your father is really." He says, his tone neutral, but his chakra agitated. There's so much more going on here than just what he's saying.

"Sorry, don't remember anything that'll help." I remind him. "So what do you want me to do about it?"

"This needs to go away, Ai." He demands, his eyes dark.

"Ita-chan, Ka-san's going to be right back, okay? I'm just going to go talk to your O'ji-chan in another room." I explain, earning Rika's curiosity. So she says the same thing to her two toddlers and decides to join us.

We make our way into the visitor's sitting room, I shut the door and activate the privacy seals. "Tou-san, explain the severity of the situation and why you feel this needs to go away. I don't like how hush-hush this all sounds."

"People. Can. Not! Find out about where you really come from." He demands.

"Okay. So clearly I'm not really from Bear Country." I roll my eyes. "What's so secretive about where I'm from?" He grumbles, but doesn't immediately answer.

"All you need to know is that no one needs to know." He tells me, using his 'commander tone'.

"Bullshit! If anyone deserves to know where I'm from, it's me!" I counter, glaring holes into him. When he tries shrugging it off, I fly at him with fists swinging. I know I'm so far out of my league that it isn't funny, but he needs to see –REALLY see– what this situation is doing to me emotionally. That I can't remember anything from before whatever accident wound me in a coma, fine... but that whatever came before that is classified information? No, I'm not buying that for a fucking second.

Predictably, Jiraiya grabs me by my collar and hoists me into the air. I try kicking him a few times, but he just swats away my best efforts – efforts that should have turned his bones into dust, mind you. His only response is a dry look that seems to say, 'Really...?'

"You listen to me." I grind out, pouring out more killing intent that I've ever managed in my life. "I. Will. Find. Out. EVERYTHING!"

He sighs, clearly exasperated. He puts me down, deactivates the seals and slides the door open. "You weren't supposed to ever find out, Ai. That was your mother's decision, not mine." He says, leaving without another word. My left eye twitches, the frustration pent up in me is suddenly just too much.

Frankly, the only thing I can do now is track down Naruto for an all out spar... because I really think I'm going to rip someone's fucking head off because of this.

8-8


~Saturday 9:00 PM, master bedroom, main house, Senju District, Konoha, with original~

I don't know how I managed to start my babies' Sealing training with the mood I'm in. I really don't. Yu picked up on my mood almost immediately, I could tell with how she'd stare at me for no reason from time to time. Raiza noticed as well, but I think she was just more careful with letting it show. Nisshou and Kawarama noticed, but clearly they'd agreed it had nothing to do with them and let the matter lie.

So, after sending my babies to bed, I'm left with nothing but my frustrations. "Let it go, Ai. Knowing every detail about the past won't change it." I don't answer Jei just yet. I check the brushes to make sure they're cleaned and formed properly, the ink jars if they're closed properly, I scan the low table's surface and the tatami mats to see if they're still spotless, – I'd just bought them today, it'd be a shame if they're already covered in ink and whatnot. Deciding everything is as it should be, I gather the ink jars and stow them on my desk. I also grab a senbon and start carving the kids' names in their new brush so that they'll know which one is theirs.

Once I'm satisfied with what I can achieve, I turn back to Jei. "That means you know something. Tell me?"

"Not much, I'm afraid. Just one conversation with Tsunade while you were out of it. After you got back from Artisan Village?" That's the exact point where things stopped being fuzzy! I mean, that's where the blotches of my memories stop, it's memories before that I have trouble with.

"Tell me." I demand this time. It's not the ideal place to start, but it's somewhere.

"Why do you want to know?" He asks.

"Wouldn't you want to know? If someone told you your own past, a past you can remember nothing of, is classified, wouldn't you want to know why? What's so different about me that I'd have a past even I can't know about?" I offer, balling my fists and trying with all my might to not cry. Why me? What is so special about me that I'd be the one to suffer this fate?

"That's just the problem. Tsunade didn't claim to know much then either. That's what I found so odd at the time. She was emotional and worried for you, but she still didn't reveal too much. Only that you appeared out of nowhere and dropped on Naruto." He offers.

"Na... ru... to... nii?" I ask, looking down at the back of my right hand. He was here earlier, to apply the seals on my kids, and on Kouji and Daichi. I even convinced the other mothers to accept the seal too.

I look at the back of my left hand as well... both bear the main seal, my fingers on both hands are riddled with smaller seals representing the people closest to me – Himono, Kawarama and Itama being the only exceptions, one because she's pregnant, the others are still way too young, the seal would grow apart and become useless as they grow older. But only Jei holds a spot on my left ring finger... my wedding ring finger.

I scan my babies one by one, seeing if they're where I expect them to be. Yes, they're all in their rooms, and all but Raiza are in their beds. Raiza's studying a scroll I gave her on camouflage and covering your tracks.

"I want to come with you tomorrow." Jei says, gazing at me. "I think we've put off buying our wedding rings long enough, don't you?"

8-8

End Chapter 24

8-8


A/N: Uh oh. It would seem that something's going on here. Those of you who've read Cosmic Comedy know all about Ai's past, of course. But Ai can't remember anything of it. Only three people could claim to know: Senju Tsunade (who's passed on) Sarutobi Hiruzen (in a coma) and Jiraiya (who's clearly refusing to talk). If Kakashi was brought up to speed while being groomed for the position of Sixth Hokage is unknown. It's possible, but it's just as possible that Tsunade chose to let the information die with her.

Updated October 13th, 2015.