Strap on in, folks - there's a LOT in this one!

Chapter 37: The Trap is Sprung

"A locking seal," Tsunade hummed appreciatively. "Creative solution. Would this work on other Jinchuriki, do you think?"

"Well, let's see how it works for Ga- Kazekage-sama, first," Kaiya pointed out. "Hopefully he won't even have to use it. Plus, there are the shortcomings…"

"It blocks the person's access to their own chakra," Tsunade nodded. "I'd like you to work with Shizune further on this, then - see if you can't get around that." She looked at her assistant, who was pouring tea.

Shizune and Kaiya smiled at each other. "Should be interesting!" Shizune said, straightening.

Shizune had worked with Kaiya a few times over the past year and a half, while the latter was researching the Jinchuriki seals. Kaiya had realized early on that she'd need a better grasp of the body's chakra systems in order to master even the basic sealing methods; Tsunade had tasked Shizune with giving her a crash course.

Tsunade looked back at Kaiya, still standing in front of her desk. "Any issues on your way back to Konoha?"

"No," she lied smoothly. "Temari-san left me at the border town, and the way back was surprisingly quiet." Besides having signed a contract in blood saying that she wouldn't say anything about the Rat Pack, Kaiya didn't want to give Tsunade a reason to keep her confined to the village again. Best leave out the part about the bounty for now…

There was something else Kaiya wanted the Hokage to be aware of, though. "Tsunade-sama," she began. "There is something I'd like to speak to you about - in private, please, Shizune-san. I'm not sure how sensitive this information is," she said to the dark-haired woman apologetically.

Shizune looked to Tsunade, who nodded. "Shizune, if it's something you should know too, you know I'll tell you." Shizune bowed and left the office. Tsunade considered the redhead over folded hands. "Well, Kaiya?"

"It's about the exams - and the plan to use Gaara as bait," she started. Tsunade didn't miss how she dropped Gaara's formal title. "I think he can take care of himself, but it's not just Akatsuki he's trying to draw out. There's been concern in Suna over rebels on the council - people who don't want Gaara as their Kazekage."

Tsunade's brow furrowed. "You think he's using the exams to draw out these rebels, as well? Do you know what the rebels' purpose is, besides ousting him?"

Kaiya shook her head. "Just that they exist, and may make an attempt on Gaara's life." She looked down. "Gaara and his siblings don't want this widely known - I doubt they told you about it themselves, or would. And I know they don't want any Konoha shinobi present for the second exams, but…"

"I'll make sure to send the Jonin instructors for the second round," Tsunade said.

"That might not work so well, though," Kaiya replied. "The whole point of this, at least for the rebel part, is to see who in Suna wants Gaara out. I can understand not wanting Konoha shinobi present, since it could muddle the pool of possible suspects. Whoever you send, they can't seem too adamant about being there; it also runs the risk of putting the rebels on higher alert."

"I'll let them know by hawk messenger after they arrive at the Demon Desert, then," Tsunade nodded. "It would be better that way, anyway. We'll seem to have gotten the intel from other sources. I wouldn't want to jeopardize the ties of trust you've made with the Sand Siblings; we may need those ties intact in the future."

Kaiya sighed. "It's a dangerous game we're playing…so many lives at stake, yet we can't just come out and say what we know…"

"That's the Shinobi life, Kaiya," Tsunade told her firmly. "You were a student of Yoshida Yuuma, yes? Then you should know by now that simply having information doesn't always mean acting the way we'd like. You did your duty by reporting this to me, and we may be able to avert disaster because of it - but you must let me handle it from here."

Kaiya nodded. Troubled as she was over not being able to help Gaara further, Tsunade was right: she'd done what she could. Now they just had to wait.

The Leader looked to the staticky form of the bounty hunter, just visible among the Akatsuki members in the cave. "Kakuzu - please share your findings on the bounty initiative."

"Hmmm…" the bounty hunter's gravelly voice echoed in the cave. "The Fuinjutsu specialist…she was seen arriving in the border town of the Lands of Wind and Fire two weeks ago, but all trace was lost soon after. Hasn't been seen since. There hasn't been much interest in finding her - a bigger price might draw more attention…"

"Not necessary," the Leader said. "Obtaining the sealing expert was a precautionary measure rather than a necessity. If the opportunity arises, take her down; there's no need to spend more time or resources on her. For now, our preparations are almost complete. We will be ready to begin extracting the Bijuu soon. Our next priority will be to obtain the Jinchuriki."

Once the meeting had adjourned, Kisame and Itachi released the hand signs that had allowed them to project themselves.

"Well, well," Kisame smiled, opening his eyes. "Looks like things are finally getting interesting again! Eh?" He looked over to his partner, who'd stood and began to walk away.

"Kisame," Itachi said over his shoulder. He pulled out a small vial from his pack. "I need to run an errand. It will take a few days."

"Almost out again, huh?" Kisame eyed the nearly empty vial with a frown. "That place is a little ways from here - sure you don't need company?"

"Positive," Itachi answered simply, pocketing the vial and leaving. Kisame just shook his head. He was accustomed to his partner's occasional need for solitude.

For what felt like the hundredth time, Itachi replayed the last few encounters with Kaiya as he walked away from their camp. He wished there could have been a way to throw Akatsuki off of Kaiya's scent, but she had become too skilled with her seals, and her talents too well known.

The leader had first become aware of Kaiya when Orochimaru attacked Konoha. Stories of a red-haired kunoichi who'd managed to weaken the seemingly impenetrable Four Violet Flames Formation - a Fuinjutsu-based barrier - had spread quickly, though it had been eclipsed by the news of the Third Hokage's death. A small flicker of hope had gone through Itachi at the story of Kaiya's barrier penetration; if she was getting that good with her sealing jutsu, perhaps she'd be able to stall Akatsuki's plans.

When the news reached the Leader, Itachi had volunteered himself and Kisame to be the ones to check on the situation in Konoha. The Kyuubi would eventually be his responsibility anyway, and this was a good opportunity - if not to capture the Fox's vessel, then to test the stability of the village that protected it.

For Itachi, it also meant he could remind Danzo to keep him promise about not harming Sasuke. If he played his cards right, he and Kisame would be in and out of the village before anyone knew they'd been there.

But he couldn't resist checking on Sasuke, too. He needed to confirm that his little brother had survived Orochimaru's attack, had grown stronger as he, Itachi, had hoped…in hindsight, Itachi supposed Sasuke really was his one weakness.

Then he'd seen Kaiya for the first time since the massacre.

"I'm just waiting on Sasuke…" Itachi's fingers involuntarily twitched around his cup when he heard Kakashi's words.

"Kakashi - it's not like you to show up early. What gives?" Itachi looked out to see - yes, it was him. He looked bored, but in good health.

Sasuke…you've grown so much…

"Well, sometimes I do…" the Copy-Nin answered.

"Is the world ending? 'Cuz I can only see this as a bad omen," a feminine voice teased. His heart nearly stopped in spite of himself; the whole world seemed to come to a grinding halt around him.

Kaiya…

She came up behind Sasuke, stopping with a hand on her hip. She was…a little taller than five years ago. Her red hair was a bit longer. Her face had lost some of its softness and become more angular.

Itachi tore his gaze from her and motioned to Kisame. The two of them flickered out of the dango shop just as Sasuke and Kaiya looked in.

They're both all right, he thought as they made their way out of the village. That is good.

But even Itachi hadn't been convinced of his own calmness. Seeing Kaiya again - how she'd blossomed from a pretty girl into a beautiful woman…it stirred something in him, something he hadn't felt in five years.

Later, when she turned up with Sasuke at the inn, Itachi saw the same girl he'd fallen in love with so long ago: the same strength of will, the same tenacity and cleverness, the same passionate dedication to those she deemed precious…She hadn't fundamentally changed, but she had grown stronger, faster, even smarter. Well, smarter but for coming after him with no apparent plan, of course.

He'd become aware of the tracker tag as soon as they'd escaped the Toad Mouth Trap. Before Kisame could notice anything, Itachi quickly and discreetly pulled the tag from the hem of his partner's cloak. He had to admit, he was impressed - he hadn't seen Kaiya place it. She must have done tagged Kisame while Itachi was watching Sasuke come at him with the Chidori. It did not surprise him that Kaiya would follow them, though he was disappointed by her lack of forethought. Coming after two S-class Missing Nin with no backup? Was she serious?

The barrier jutsu did catch him by surprise. You really have become stronger…He told her as much out loud.

"Why?"

Itachi knew what Kaiya was asking - not that it made any difference. "Why what?"

Her fists clenched. "What happened that night, Itachi? Why kill your clan but leave Sasuke alive? Why leave him alive now?"

"Why ask questions to which you already have the answers?" he countered calmly, knowing she would recognize their game of questions. In a way, it WAS an answer: Kaiya was one of the few people who'd really known him before The Night. If it weren't for the lie Itachi had to wear like a cloak, Kaiya would realize she knew exactly why he'd left Sasuke alive.

Her eyes narrowed; she had recognized the game. "Why would I ask if I knew?"

Itachi paused, probing their surroundings with his senses. Her barrier was riddled with her chakra signature, and even without his Sharingan, he could feel it: it was weakening. It must be location-based - she wouldn't have had time to set it up properly with us on the move.

Her fidgeting confirmed this for him. "Well, answer the question!"

Itachi couldn't help a small smirk. That wasn't a question…I win.

Even later, Itachi couldn't have said what made him do what he did next. He knew what he should have done: rendered her unconscious, stalled until the barrier dispersed completely, just leave without saying anything more. But instead, he came behind Kaiya, close enough to inhale her familiar scent, reminiscent of peach blossoms, and whispered in her ear:

"What would you do to protect what you hold most dear?"

Itachi's report on her barrier seal - which he couldn't avoid giving since Kisame had witnessed it as well - had interested the Leader: Who was this kunoichi who had managed to combine - even rudimentarily - Space-Time technique into a Fuinjutsu-based barrier? Later, when she'd been spied traveling as a civilian toward the Land of Fire's eastern shores, it hadn't been a leap to assume she was going to Uzushiogakure; nor was it difficult to surmise why, now that Konoha knew Akatsuki was after the Jinchuriki. Itachi never divulged to Akatsuki exactly how she was related to the lost clan, but when asked directly by the Leader, he'd been forced to admit that yes, Fuumaki Kaiya was likely an Uzumaki descendent.

Given her possible heritage, her obvious talent in Fuinjutsu, and her trip to Uzushio, the Leader had been concerned that she could throw a wrench in Akatsuki's plans. The Leader issued the order to capture Kaiya when she left Uzushiogakure. He had wanted to see what she knew, see if anything she'd found in Uzushio might make Akatsuki's plans run smoother - or put a stop to them altogether.

Itachi had been glad to have the excuse of Kabuto's interference for their failure. After that, the Akatsuki leader had decided to try a different approach: put out a bounty call for the Fuinjutsu Specialist of Konohagakure. Nothing too ostentatious, but enough to perk the underworld's interest and make Kaiya recognizable. If she went outside of her village, they would know.

But now, after her first sighting outside of Konoha in a year and a half, she'd just disappeared again…

Once out of sensing range, Itachi changed his direction. He hadn't lied to Kisame; he would make a visit to his medical supplier soon, but there was another stop he had to make first.

Kaiya was a bundle of nerves. The first round of the Chunin Exams had finished almost a week ago, making it about time for the second round to wrap up. Gaara was proctoring this round himself; if Akatsuki or the Suna rebels were going to make a move, it would likely be now. She felt as though she was holding her breath as they awaited the results.

The news came by way of hawk a full day ahead of the participants' return. Kaiya heard the telltale screech of the desert bird overhead and dashed to the Hokage's office, bursting through the door just as Tsunade opened the missive. Shizune and Kakashi were already there.

"Well?" Kaiya burst, ignoring the indignant shouts of the guards outside the office. "What happened? Is Gaara all right?"

Tsunade silenced her with a stern look and finished opening the missive. Kaiya did hold her breath as the Hokage scanned its contents. "The exams were cancelled due to an interruption - it was the Suna rebels, not Akatsuki."

Kaiya couldn't hold back. "But what about Gaara -"

"Kaiya!" Tsunade growled. "Jeez, impatience must run in that family of yours…I was just getting to that. The Kazekage is fine. The rebels did try to extract the Shukaku, but Gaara had some help from…" Tsunade's brows rose as she read the next part. "…from another Jinchuriki, it seems. This one was able to form a cocoon around herself and the Kazekage, blocking the chakra absorption. Team Guy got to them first…they're all fine. The Kazekage and the other girl are rather drained, but recovering quickly. The rebels have been subdued. There was no sign of Akatsuki."

The entire room breathed a sigh of relief. Tsunade picked up a smaller note that had been rolled inside the missive. "It seems you have some mail too, Kaiya." The redhead stepped forward to take the slip: it was addressed to her and contained the Kazekage's seal. "You don't have to read it in front of us - it's addressed to you, and I trust you to report anything you believe Konoha needs to know."

Kaiya nodded her thanks. "Then may I…?"

"Go on," Tsunade said with an amused smirk. "I didn't actually call you here, anyway."

Kaiya flickered out of the room.

"I guess her mission was a success, then?" Kakashi mused.

Tsunade nodded. "Better than I could have hoped, actually." She glanced sidelong at the Copy-Nin. "You still haven't told her, have you?"

"Oh! Look at the time," Kakashi exclaimed. "I really must be going - important appointment…" He flickered away.

Shizune stared at the spot he'd previously occupied. "He still hasn't said anything, I guess…" she muttered.

Tsunade sighed in exasperation. "I suppose I'm not surprised you noticed."

Shizune shrugged and picked up Tonton. "Anyone could see the sparks those two have," she laughed.

"You would think…"

As he walked from the Hokage Mansion, Kakashi spied Kaiya a couple blocks away. She leaned against a tree and opened her letter, smiling as she read the contents. His heart melting a bit at the sight, he briefly considered joining her.

No, he thought with a sigh. Probably best not to…

"Oy, Kakashi!" The Copy-Nin felt a hand clap his shoulder; Guy had come up behind him. The green-clad ninja followed Kakashi's gaze, smiling when he saw what his rival was looking at. "Ah, the lovely Kaiya! Well, don't let me hold you up…"

Kakashi closed his eyes in exasperation. "Not you too…"

"It's not exactly a secret, you know," Guy pointed out with a smirk. "And you two would be so good together! Oh, to be young and in love…" He clasped his hands together, dreamy hearts in his eyes.

Kakashi sighed. "It's not going to happen."

Guy abruptly grew serious. He'd watched the man - from a distance - dispute with himself over Kaiya for almost two years now. Despite considering Kakashi to be his "Number One Rival," Guy genuinely hoped that the Copy-Nin would find some happiness and peace. Kaiya was the closest he'd seen the man come yet.

"You know," Guy said softly, "after you were hit with Tsukuyomi, Kaiya was at your bedside every day. She read to you, talked to you, even though you were unconscious. And I saw you after that, and every time she's had a solo mission away from the village: you were worried sick, Kakashi. I don't think I've seen you get so agitated over anyone since Obito and Rin…" He knew it was risky, bringing their names up like this, but damn it, Kakashi deserved some honesty!

Kakashi stayed silent for a moment when Guy had finished. He didn't hold it against Guy for bringing those two up; long past were the days when Kakashi suffered post-traumatic stress over their deaths.

Kakashi watched as Kaiya pocketed the letter and started walking toward the library. "Thank you for your concern, Guy," he said politely. "But it is none of your business."

"It's because she's his daughter, isn't it?" Guy asked in a low voice. He wasn't blind, and the rumor that she now went by "Uzumaki"…the math wasn't difficult.

Kakashi looked down. "That's not the only reason…" He flickered away before Guy could say anything else.

Kakashi wandered the village streets, head down, lost in thought. He had been honest when he told Guy that Kaiya's parentage wasn't the only reason for his hesitation. There was age, yes - though he knew that nine years wasn't that big a difference in adulthood. That was not what disturbed him about the math; it was that when Kaiya was four, Kakashi had been an Anbu assassin. It put a rather harsh perspective on things. How many people did I kill when she was just learning to to write?

Then the mission to Amegakure brought back memories of his Anbu career. There were things he could never tell Kaiya, things he didn't want her to know about him. Kakashi wasn't sure he could ever fully give himself to her, even if she did accept him.

Kaiya deserved someone who could be open with her, someone who could give her everything and hold back nothing. Kakashi had never thought of himself as such, but Kaiya made him want to become that person. He'd nearly made the first step - telling her how he felt - but in hindsight was grateful for Temari's interruption.

Because then there's this…He stopped wandering. He'd reached his destination.

Otou-san…Obito…Rin…Minato-sensei…Kushina-san… His mind cycled through their names as he regarded the neat rows of tombstones. Everyone he'd ever cared about…they were all here, buried in this graveyard or etched into the Memorial Stone. Kakashi was not a superstitious man, nor did he believe he was directly responsible for all of their deaths (with the exception of his former teammates). No, what held his heart in this graveyard was fear, pure and simple. He didn't want to drag Kaiya into his darkness, didn't want her to lose her after she saw its depths.

Besides, he thought, she has plenty to deal with right now - she doesn't need my 'baggage' on top of it all.

Kaiya smiled as she read the letter. While it held the Kazekage's seal, the message was from Temari. The younger woman didn't beat around the bush in her letter, though Kaiya could still sense the warmth and relief in her tone.

To my fellow Big Sister,

Gaara was able to use your locking seal. He said it did slow the absorption of the Shukaku until the other Jinchuriki showed up. Gaara, Kankuro, and I extend our sincere gratitude once again - both for the seal, and for the validation you seemed to give Gaara while you were here.

Gaara wishes me to pass this along: the other Jinchuriki is named Fuu, and comes from Takigakure. He's planning to speak with her Jonin escorts before they leave and will likely send a missive to their village's leader, but we wanted to give you a heads up: He's recommending that they invite you to check Fuu's seal as well, especially given that the extraction attempt may have weakened it. You should be getting an official invitation shortly.

I hope all is well. I'm sure we'll see each other soon - next time I'm in Konoha, let's do hotpot again.

Sincerely,

Temari

So she'd be going to Takigakure soon…a library trip was in order. Taki was a small village, not very well known in the Shinobi world; Kaiya wanted to read up on it before the possible trip. And it's where that bounty hunter was from, she remembered. Wonder if there's anything on him, too…

Making her way to her usual corner of the library, Kaiya sighed and rubbed her forehead. It seemed she had a headache developing, in spite of the good news. I'll just check out the books I need this time, she thought. I guess I need a little more sleep right now…huh, when was the last full night I've had?

Rounding the shelf that hid the little table from view, Kaiya abruptly stopped. While the corner of the library didn't actually belong to her, it was very rarely used by anyone else. The presence of an unfamiliar figure sitting in what she thought of as her chair, at her table, startled her.

"Oh, excuse me," Kaiya said quietly when the stranger looked up from his book. "I'm sorry - I wasn't expecting anyone else to be here…"

The stranger was an older gentleman with bandages across part of his face. Kaiya didn't recognize him; surely she would have seen him in the library before, she came here often enough…

"It's not a problem," the old man said. "In fact, this is quite fortunate: I was hoping to find you here, Namikaze Kaiya."

Kaiya's entire nervous system sparked. How does he know that name?! She narrowed her eyes at the stranger. "Pardon me for being blunt, but who the hell are you?"

The man closed the book he'd been reading, apparently nonplussed by her rudeness. Kaiya noted it was one she'd checked out many times in the past - a text on various barrier formulas. The hair on the back of her neck stood up.

"My name is Shimura Danzo," the man told her. "Please have a seat, Namikaze-san. We have much to discuss."

Dun dun DUUUNNNNNNNN!

Quick recap, since there's a lot going on again:

*Akatsuki had a bounty out on Kaiya - though they seem to be giving up on that angle now that their own plans are progressing smoothly…

*Kaiya's locking seal worked for Gaara - hurray! And another Jinchuriki may be needing her help soon in Takigakure.

*Itachi might be reappearing in her life...

*Oh yeah, Danzo suddenly wants to talk to her. I wonder what about…

Next Time: A Conversation! Let's see what Danzo has to say to Kaiya…