Chapter 36

HINATA

Their friendship came all at once after the first training day. Before, many of the classmates including herself had imagined Siata easily walked through life with a cool calmness, breezing through instructions with ease.

But now she and Ino learnt the truth: Siata didn't receive instructions, rather created work for herself and had an unending list of things she was driven to work on and get support around.

Siata they discovered was quite shaggy, constantly at her wits end, and lived in her own world sometimes from work, which came as a true shock.

One day Siata would be working on seals, the other her summons. The people around her might catch her in her rare moments of attention away from her training or would lie on a warm spot to nap or talk with her when she relaxed.

Hinata enjoyed the quiet moments of chatter with Siata and then soon she would say, "guess I need to work on this now.." and leave her to fumble and talk with Naruto.

As Hinata trained or chatted with Sasuke or Ino, and worked with Kakashi sensei or Jiriya-sama, a feeling would come.

It was almost like warmth- joy at being part of something. And a sort of confidence she hadn't felt before. She had experienced confidence. But being cast aside by her father's glares always filled her with dread when she stood to spar. But father was not near, nor her clan. She didn't feel sick or needing to look over her shoulder at every strike and kick.

This felt different as she sparred with Kakashi-sensei. Hinata found herself grinning until her cheeks were sore as she laughed with her new friends and trained. Her mouth would run away from her, giggly and warm from freedom to talk with people she knew wasn't here to judge. Didn't think her too slow, or too dull.

Ko gave her a curious smile as Hinata waved to him and went again to Sasuke's house, only visiting to pick up some supplies and clothes. Ko agreed for now, since it was safer outside the Hyuuga compound walls these days. She could feel everybody in the clan was shrouded with the weight of the continuous misunderstandings and debates.

Kakashi-sensei was an incredibly talented teacher and well versed in knowing how to spar with a Hyuuga which helped her immensely. Especially how his form and approach to her Hyuuga stance was different and more unpredictable.

She could feel she was changing. She didn't mind so much anymore when she lost or when she slipped up again. How could she be when she could see everyone else constantly failing and trying again and again around her now?

Watching Siata-chan go through buckets of scrolls a day and two buckets after night with zero results at times were enough to make Hinata want to move and try as well.

Hinata took a moments break and watched as Naruto-kun entered the kitchen for a drink, then noticed Siata-chan on the couch in a pile of scrolls again looking exhausted.

Currently Siata was stretched out on the sofa, hair in disarray and clothes sweaty and sticking to places. One foot hung down from the sofa on to the floor and she'd thrown an arm over her eyes in a poor attempt to hide from the sun, her brows knotted in sleep.

Beneath her was Shikamaru lazily dozing away, taking a break from training. He carefully removed the arm covering her eyes, replacing it with a towel instead, then adjusted his grip on her for a more comfortable position and relaxed. His hand slowly caressed her hair. Turning his face to get a better look at Siata as she softly breathed next to his neck.

Hinata blushed and looked away, feeling as though she was intruding. Smiled, then continued to train.

SHIKAMARU

Shikamaru was well aware of Siata on top of him as she slept. Her hair fallen loose and untidy. His hand rested on her back, then carefully lifted her hair off her face: closed eyes appearing with slightly parted lips. He could feel her ribs breathe and relax incrementally against his stomach.

The wind blew gently around them pleasantly, tuffing up her hair. Shikamaru stared at it and waved it away to not bother her and the fresh breeze swirled around them faster making Siata shivered a bit.

Shikamaru raised his brow at it, like Ensui-jisan had done, and the wind finally settled down gently into a soft breeze.

He'd first noticed it when he was younger. The wind.

On the day Shisui-san had died, the wind had gone crazy. He'd tried to meet her but hadn't been allowed in the funeral. After a while when she failed to turn up to school or his home for weeks, he'd realised how dangerous it could be.

Siata's father and brother had supposedly killed themselves. What if she was thinking of following them? What if she thought similar to her father and brother as well?

He realised the wind swirling around him unnaturally as if it was alive. It startled him at first, but he'd taken it as it is and rushed back home to tell his parents.

They were both shocked- seeing and realising the wind for what it was, but had also worked quickly to help him get access to the Uchiha compound to visit her.

Shikaku prepared a wreath for Siata's brother while his mother cooked. Then they loaded him up and watched him go to her. Shikaku holding Yoshino in his arms as they smiled.

Shikamaru could sort of guess enough that the wind had something to do with Siata and him. It seemed to watch over them in a way, and he was indebted to it for leading her to the Nara forest during the massacre.

Only he and his family seemed to be able to sense the wind's presence clearly, even though Siata was obviously a better sensor. He didn't mind it since his father and mother had noticed it to. But only responded to it with wide smiles and knowing glances.

It had to mean a good thing then, right? He wondered if Siata really was fated with him, but didn't really understand it or knew what to think.

He only remembered seeing one of the oldest of elders in the clan shuffling along with the person the Deer had blessed and supposedly bonded him to. The old couple had looked happy together, and had died shortly after eachother.

His arms absently shifted her weight in his arms, watching her sleep deep. He didn't understand what the wind wanted and what all this ment, but he didn't think he minded whatever the fated stuff was if it was Siata.

"Ah~ ah," Ino rested her chin on her arm staring at them.

Ino was taking a break from her spar with Choji. "And I tried so hard to help you. She's still defenselessly relaxed on her 'best friend'." she grinned.

"Heh. She's a bit slow." He gave Siata a tender look. Ino's fingers twitched in exasperation. A bit? She dipped her chin, giving him a look.

Shikamaru paused thinking and looked away.

"Don't rush her Ino." He looked outside where Sasuke wiped his sweat as Kakashi gave pointers.

"What's the problem? You like her, she likes you. Then Sasuke will like me.." Shikamaru's head turned back and raised a brow at her and Ino laughed.

"I'm kidding! I'm kidding. I'm just worried about you you know? Sure you've changed- Actually I've been shocked seeing you working at something for once, but..." Ino mumbled impressed and then eyed him a bit serious, she cautiously asked her teammate.

"..you're not just slacking and thinking it's troublesome to confess are you? Or is there something wrong between the two of you?"

Shikamaru stilled.

"Be honest Shikamaru. Why are you throwing chances I've been setting up perfectly for you lately?"

Tilting his head back on the couch he sighed, resting his hand on Siata's back.

"Mendokuse.."

"So there is something wrong." Ino's smile faded, lifting her head from her hand.

Shikamaru stared outside, listening to the cicadas chirping.

"Well COME ON! TELL ME!" she whispered furiously, "you know I'll hound you for days if you don't!"

She would be persistent. He knew. Shikamaru rubbed his head and sighed.

"Troublesome.. What is it with woman and this kind of stuff.."

Ino just stared, expectantly.

"Alright.. Alright," Shikamaru played with Siata's hair between his fingers.

"There's nothing... Wrong between us." He started, "but if I told her now, she'll run. From her feelings and mine."

Ino leaned in demanding more information. Shikamaru sighed and continued quietly.

"I want her to trust me. But if she's not ready to face these feelings or understand them… I don't want to irresponsibly just throw out my feelings at her and ask her to try dealing with it."

Shikamaru look pointed to Sasuke and back at Siata, "I know what losing her family did. She doesn't want to lose people or get attached again. Her and Sasuke both. It's why they're detached from people… but despite that they've managed to take a chance with letting us in. They're not like us with an entire family to fall back on and friends. Acknowledging and making bonds is more difficult for them."

"And I know she's slowly opening up." Shikamaru listened to his heart. It was irregular from the heat coming off Siata's skin. Ino's face brightened at the news. There was pride in Ino's voice when she said,

"Wow.. you've really thought about this haven't you. You really understand her."

Shikamaru laughed quietly.

"I think.. I understand myself better now. Meeting her made me realise… just because I like someone, I don't want to push my feelings on them because I want them to like me, because I feel anxious.. and get them hurt. So that's why. I want to wait for her to come to accept her feelings and trust me. That's where I am with her at the moment." He looks away and stares at the clouds.

Ino hummed while grinning, and slowly nods. Looking outside and watching Sasuke train.

"..your right. Sasuke also does that.. I hadn't even considered how he might just not be ready for a romantic relationship right now because of the pain in his life." She tilted her head sideways and shared her thoughts.

"All he accepts is compliments and a bit of chatter."

Shikamaru nods, "the only thing she's quite open to is touch so I've been giving her a lot, troublesome. Not that it helps me sometimes." He tightened his grip on her when she stirred and pressed her cheek into his neck for a comfortable position.

Ino's brow twitched, "although I don't understand how she can be so comfortable with the object of her desire so close to her." Ino starts to laugh and Shikamaru hangs his head.

"Go away.. You'll wake her. She hasn't been sleeping well for several weeks."

Taking the hint Ino went to the sink getting a drink of water, laughing silently and then left.

He sighed taking a bit of a nap himself. He leaned into her, she smelled sweet- like a baby. He rested his chin on her cheek and slept.

Outside the others were still sparring. The sound of Naruto's exciting chattering and Hinata's mummer. Choji was gasping for breath as the instructor shouted again, his instructor was none other than Hohei-san from the hospital.

Sasuke came in and saw them. As usual he glared at Shikamaru for being overly casual with her, warning him about trying anything on her, but surprisingly this time doesn't say anything. Sensing him, Shikamaru opened his eyes.

Sasuke came over and lifted the parchments littered on the table and floor next to the sofa Shikamaru and Siata were resting in. It was an explosion of mess she'd made that he'd have to deal with. At least the Ink wasn't splattered on the floor.

There's a silence. And then Sasuke told him outright what he felt about her, and about her being with Shikamaru. After the serious talk, Shikamaru joked saying Sasuke was sure scary. He hadn't expected to get a roasting from her cousin that Shikamaru better do his best.

Sasuke glared and Shikamaru smiled and told him,

"I'm serious Sasuke. I want her happy and I am going to do my best for her."

Sasuke calms a bit and turns and said he wouldn't have let him get close to her this much in the first place if he knew he wouldn't.

Shikamaru is surprised at that and let the silence stretch out until Sasuke left to train again.

SASUKE

Sasuke and Shikamaru had gotten along well as kids, he considered him a friend but things had turned serious as Siata grew older. Now it was more like a silent feud between him and Naruto with a sort of pact they've agreed on long before, that they would get serious in removing the other from Siata's life if they hurt her like she'd been with her father and Shisui.

After his death, they had a talk- that things like that won't repeat again, after seeing how much Siata was withdrawing from them, even if it was done unconsciously.

Naruto had jumped in, agreeing. Siata was one of his most precious friends, and he promised as well, that no one out of them three would hurt his friend into fearing abandonment from her loved ones ever again! Believe it! Yeah! Siata had his back datebayo! Shikamaru had chuckled while Sasuke had hnned and smirked.

Then Naruto started jumping up everywhere, too excited, and crashed into Siata on the roof top. Naruto had grinned happy while Siata just pinched his cheeks, mumbling that he was cute, but he'd made her loose her page on her book- until Kiba yelled for everyone to come play ninja again and they all ran laughing on the roof that day.

He'd never ment to get so attatched to her or either of them. Sasuke looked around his place which used to be empty and now everyone. Everyone.. Who was meaningful to him was here. This was his new family now. His new friends.

Naruto suddenly came crashing in, wanting to share to Siata what he JUST achieved - a tadpole - WITH LEGS!

Siata blinked awake and cuddled Sunshine while half awake, saying that was adorably cute and tells him just a bit more to go now, you can do it Sunshine.

Naruto beamed at her and jumped up in the air promising he would.

NARUTO

Naruto loved his team. He'd never felt so accepted before in his life and was truly grateful for Siata who always was on the look out for him in some way. He always found out long afterwards what she did for him- even though she liked to act like she had no interest in doing good things.

She was nice, with her snuggles and kindness. She had a low tempo energy but then again- not when it came to her training. Her drive made him inspired and motivated to work in this training camp the hardest as well- even if that ment he'd have to sleep over at the Dobe's house.

Actually stepping into Sasuke's big empty house and seeing how he lived alone too- it had made Naruto feel strange in a way he couldn't place. Probably because he was realising just how similar Sasuke was to him. Because he knew what it felt like to breath eat and sleep in an empty room.

Naruto really enjoyed the family atmosphere here to, with Kakashi sensei giving him so much attentive attention as well as Ero-sennin and even getting to meet Asuma-sensei, and eat breakfasts together with everyone and Hinata and chat with Sasuke or Shikamaru or Ino or Choji while on break.

It felt awesome not having to train by himself. And he could feel it too. That he was getting stronger- they all were. He couldn't wait to show everyone his skills in the finals.

Because the final exams were close now, everyone was finalising their techniques and training.

Yoshino-san came to cook dinner with Sasuke after she heard he had been doing it for them all. And Choji's mum also came. Also brining their husbands- Choza-san, Inoichi-san, and Shikaku-san.

Sasuke was extremly popular with the mothers and he looked quite comfortable in the kitchen calmly talking to the older women.

The adults all watched and also helped the children train- Hinata, Siata's and Shikamaru's team. Siata took time to spar with Hinata as well. During the breaks they chatted and caught up with their sensei's- Kakashi, Asuma and Jiraiya-san.

And something exciting occurred. Under the teachers guidance and help, Naruto and Sasuke finally managed to unlock their massive summons- a huge white snake and a huge red frog.

The boys were besides themselves and Siata congratulated them with a hard hug, happy for them. They hugged her back- even Sasuke.

She could tell Sasuke was really happy with himself and his progress.

Siata also worked into the night and finally succeeded in finalising the magic circle seal. She recieved advice from Shikaku-san and Jiraiya-san and Kakashi-sensei who were interested in her style of sealing and her sealing language - English. Shikaku-san was fascinated by it.

After a while the adults left to do some work. But by dinner time Yoshino and Choji's mum came back to make dinner again. Yoshino and Choji's mum cooked, shooing Sasuke out the kitchen and telling him not to worry about the groceries, then packed his fridge with food while fussing over him. He was.. Happy.

One of Hinata's wards – Ko-san came unexpectedly to pick her up earlier than usual saying her father wanted her immediately at home. Hinata didn't want to stop her valuable sparring with Siata at such an important time. She certainly didn't want to go back to the mess in her clan where there was accusations and hate on both sides.

Yoshino-san said that Shikaku-san and Choza-san and Inoichi-san were on their way here soon to eat dinner anyway and said they can go speak with Hinata's father so she can train. Siata makes Toto send the word to Shikaku-san to deliver Yoshino-san's instructions.

SHIKAKU

When Shikaku knocks the door with Inoichi and Choza he opens it to find a dozen Hyuuga standing frozen stiff but clearly in a sort of argument.

"Is… this a bad time?" Shikaku asked.

"Shikaku-sama," one of the Hyuuga recognised him.

"It's Inoichi-sama!"

"Inoichi?"

"If it's Inoichi-sama he can testify for me that it's true that I saw a branch member do this." One of the Hyuuga stepped forward.

"No! It was a person from the main family. Why would we ever do this? You killed one of ours, and stole our rations yet you try to blame the death on us?! Inoichi-sama! Please have a look at our testimony first!" A Hyuuga clearly from the branch family said almost in tears.

The level of emotion was shocking as the Hyuuga were clearly known for their lack of emotional display. But it seemed the situation was so serious that those things such as decorum were out the window.

Inoichi blinked and the three guests stared at Hiashi, the Hyuuga clan head, who stoically stared at them for a moment then gave into a big sigh.

"If you please, Inoichi-san." Hiashi asked quietly.

"Oh… well of course." Inoichi stepped in. He placed his hands on either of the witnesses and flickered through the incident.

"I have the culprit. A clear face and build. He looked like this." Inoichi henged into the person who he'd seen do the crime.

Both main and branch members blinked with dead silence while staring up at Inoichi.

"Who is this person?"

"I've never seen that face before." One whispered.

"That's not Tosaka-san is it? No the nose isn't right.."
"Someone clearly infiltrated the clan compound… this is outrageous!"

"-Hiashi-sama?"

Hiashi was staring at Inoichi's face in recognition. It was that man. The man that had warned him about his clans dispute just prior to the time Hiashi's was on his way towards the policy meeting. Anger was deep set and rising. He knew the person behind this- he should have known the timing was too convenient.

"Ko."

"Yes Hiashi-sama." Ko stood next to him.

"Have you seen this man and talked to him to warn me there was a dispute in the clan?"

Ko shook his head.

"I see. I seem to have a grasp on what has happened. As you recall I am currently in the process of pushing for an auditing policy on ANBU missions. Just before the meeting this-" Hiashi pointed at Inoichi's henged form, "man approached me saying Ko had ordered him to inform me of the clan's incident."

"I would have never disturbed you Hiashi-sama! Knowing what you were working on that day." Ko said.

"I find it too much a coincidence that the same man was the one found going out of the shed and last seen in the crime scene. As of now we must work together to tighten our security and protect eachother" Hiashi said.

"Yes, Hiashi-sama." The clan responded, quickly getting to work with the dispute gone from the minds and instead solely focused on the perpetrator who had dared do this.

"I am in your dept Inoichi-san. Shikaku-san. Choza-san. How can I repay you?" Hiashi said.

"No no no Hiashi-san, there's no need for that." Inoichi shook his head.

"Oh, on second thought. That reminds us why we came in the first place."

"Yes, anything." Hiashi nodded.

"Would you like to come for dinner?" Choza grinned

The three clan heads discussed the details of the policy with Hiashi as they walked to Sasuke's house. Choza said they would like to discuss politics and bring up the policy again for the next meeting and Hiashi thanked him.

Ko-san who is also curious about Hinata-sama joins them.

Hiashi and Ko arrive and are impressed by the warm atmosphere. Although, seeing his old rivals home reduced to this empty state was sobering. He saw the two Uchiha children who both resembled their fathers in some way. He stared at Siata for a bit longer.

After seeing Siata and Shikamaru together Hiashi points out to the adults as they sat and talked that they remind him a lot of Shiki and Ayame. Inoichi sobers and Choza hums as Shikaku flinches at that name and chugs a drink in. Yoshino-san sees Shikaku but doesn't tell him off.

"They were an unfortunate case. Siata's differnt from Shiki, she has better luck." Inoichi smiled.

They agree and see how well the children are doing in their friendship and training together. Hiashi and Ko are silently in shock seeing Hinata so alive and this shifts their thinking a bit. He comments about it to Yugao who had been working on her previously. Hiashi thanks her for teaching Hinata and asks how she did it.

"She always had it in her, just needs a bit of a gentle touch. Children are differnt, for example its totally differnt with Siata. She had to go spartan on that kid for every second or the girl would never get intimidated."

Hiashi simply nodded and watched as Hinata laughed and sparred with Ino and Choji looking happy and more confident.

Just then the kids rush in as Choza's mum says dinners ready now. They have a quick shower all of them and its madness at the dinner table. Siata is quite bold to sit next to Hiashi and Hinata's new group of friends seemed to do well in motivating themselves.

Hiashi watched as they formed friendships and discussed. They asked the adults about their love lives and it became a fun night. With Shikamaru groaning as Yoshino-san described her first date with Shikaku-san in detail.

There was a static energy the next day at Sasuke's house. The air buzzed with an intensity, and Konoha's gates let in more visitors by the hour. The finals- It was finally tomorrow.

Siata finalised her practice with the seals and also got help with Hayate-san who would be judging them. Yugao-san said she would also be watching them but up from the Hokage's booth with her college Genma. Naruto was impressed about the guards Hokage-sama had and Yugao-san told them it's true, usually he has two.

Now that Genma-san was joining the Hokage's guard Siata hoped this might help make it harder for Oruchimaru to separate the Hokage from the others.

Asuma played shoji with Shikamaru to get him in the zone.

Yoshino-san came to cook dinner for them again so Sasuke could fully concentrate- which he appreciated.

Hiashi, Shikaku, Inoichi, joined them for dinner after a late meeting that was regarding the policy. Hiashi was able to have a few moments chatting with Hinata and her progress.

Hinata didn't want to break this rare moment with her father and held back her tears. She'd always. Always wanted his approval but never felt she was doing well in her fathers eyes. Actually having him here. Watching her, eating with her friends and teachers. Hinata was blushing with happyness and content just quietly eating close to her father. Her father who was proud of his daughter.

They also celebrated Hiashi-san's new policy for passing. Shikaku-san would be overlooking and cross checking the missions along with Hiashi and one rotational member from Konoha's noble clans.

Sasuke had found out that during Itachi's time in ANBU, none of his missions had been regulated by listening to Hiashi-san and Shikaku-sans discussion on the topic. Maybe if he'd been monitored things wouldn't have turned out this way. He decided to also speak his mind in writing for Shikaku to hand over during the policy meeting. That Konoha should make sure ninja's don't break down, that it was important to make sure the mission process is much more secure and clearly regulated for evaluation. The court was overtaken with emotion from the words of the Uchiha survivor and agreed.

Choza laughed and patted Sasuke on the back saying he made history happen in Konoha with those unchanging old elders. They celebrated and they told eachother good luck. Then parted to get a final good rest for tomorrow.

KAKASHI

Before. Leaving ANBU and being forced to teach had seemed like the worst idea. He was a bitter, burnt out ninja with a poor psych evaluation. His insomnia was still quite bad, and he had never been good at taking care of humans. Dogs yes. Not humans. And definatly not his sensei's son. He'd almost cringed the first time he saw Naruto beaming down at him with that same smile. Sure enough the boy was a handful.

But he was inspiring. And Kakashi couldn't help but get soft on him. Sasuke reminded him a lot of himself and he couldn't help but try to help where he could with training the kid. Sasuke had come a long way and Kakashi found himself wanting to do everything he could to support these children and even, risk his own life for them. They'd become his new family now.

And Siata. He knew she'd be different just knowing she was Shisui's younger sister. He'd already heard quite a few stories about her when Shisui and him had worked together in ANBU and he'd been right. She had a talent for speed and a fluid strength about her in her movements. She was attentive, and sharp. Seeming to understand the subtle things in her teammates and things occuring around her despite withdrawing into her own world a lot of the time.

He found himself unknowingly cared by her as time passed- it first started with her coming to pick him up from the graveyard before their team meeting time, and her checking in on him and asking how he'd been. Then the dinners that she'd get Sasuke to cook for the team at times. Siata was easily the gel of the group. Even how she'd unintentionally created this training camp to occure, she had a casual way of going about things while caring for her important people.

"Thanks for everything. Sensei." Siata smiled and hugged Kakashi tight. Kakashi gently hugged her back and gave a peck on her forehead.

"good luck for tomorrow."

Siata waved to him and her team goodbye as Shikamaru walked her back home.

SIATA

Siata had a small chat with the Zombie that he would be critical for tomorrows plan. That they will get back at Oruchimaru. He agreed saying "Aaaar aaaarr".

She smiled and decided to summarise her powers thus far.

List of Abilities

Right arm strength – Can hold greater pressures.

Tanto – increased attack skill, illusionary Crescent Moon art

Body flicker – high speed.

Sensory skills – Can sense people's souls. Up to a couple kilometres, more so with people she's close with.

Sharingan – Two tomoe

Fūinjutsu – (1) Jump seal, (2) wall seal, (3) shield seal (partial or full body), (4) compartment seal, (5) water explosion seal, (6) soul transfer seal or Zombie summons seal

Soul dispersal- Ability to disperse and appear anywhere within a 5 meter radius.

Soul genjutsu – CC technique. Lasts from one second to a minute – repercussions of longer soul merging increases psychological damage.

Summons – Crows: Toto and Kuro

Magic circle – Able to summon multiple circles anywhere she senses and activate any seal.

END

Siata stared at the piece of paper and then, drooped into the pillows. She could hear the wind gently blowing in the night sky. Then after some time she fell asleep.

DANZO (Status: currently losing it)

Owl ate his piece of dry bread in the small room next to the entrance of Danzo-sama's private inner chambers, located inside the foundation. No one was to enter this section except for Danzo-sama, his 'guests', and Owl. The things he'd seen his master do inside without interfering prooved he was a failure as a human being.

He could hear every footstep that was starting to near the private courters – the steady stride of his masters – and a few light skittish ones following behind him.

Owl fumbled for the mask and safely secured it on. He'd made the mistake of being born with this face and would have died abandoned by his mother if it had not been for Danzo-sama.

Danzo-sama had warned him about his deformity and how others would be repulsed at him. But Danzo-sama had provided him mercy by letting him live here within the foundation walls as his private guard.

Danzo-sama had trained Owl himself. Even though he was a monster. Owl was grateful to his master and would gladly do anything to escape his anger. Even if it meant becoming a more of a monster than he already was.

Owl stood still as Danzo-sama passed. His masters killing intent high as he dragged a couple of trainees down the hallway and closed the door. After a few minutes the screams started echoing though the hall corridors and Owl activated the silencing seals.

After he was done Danzo-sama moved to his private office and Owl went inside to discreetly remove the bodies and clean the room. He stood in Danzo-sama's room and delivered his report. He didn't bat an eye at the office room which was now trashed.

"The fools all of them! Passing the auditing policy – Hiashi. They've made a big mistake. How can they possibly audit ANBU missions when the lot of them are always too afraid of getting into disputes, taking risks and sacrifices for the good of Konoha? And they expect they can make these decisions better than me? They know nothing about running ANBU and protecting the village." Said Danzo sitting on his chair looking out the window.

Owl of course did not respond.

"All they are doing is forcing my hand to grow the foundation and root members who will work under the radar without needing a report for missions." Danzo tapped his fingers on his desk.

"Owl."
"Yes Danzo-sama."
"You will be escorting me with a meeting with the Hokage. Get ready to read his mind when I bring up the policy again and see if you can find any loopholes Hiruzen hasn't considered we can utilize. And- you fastened your mask on in a rush didn't you."

Owl flinched and hurriedly tightened it so his hideous face would not peak out.

"My apologies Danzo-sama. I was eating."
"Don't forget what you are- a disgrace. Even through you've become complacent believing you are somewhat human under my protection. Do not shame me during the meeting by letting the mask slip."

"Yes Danzo-sama." Owl's shoulders deflated and pushed the mask in deeper.

"Incompetent. All of you. When Itachi was here he could endure pain and all the missions I threw at him. He was perfect."

Danzo pulled out a file and opened it. It contained a profile of all the Uchiha's he'd obsessed over – the top of the list Uchiha Itachi and he stared at his photograph, lost in his thoughts.

Then he flickered to the last pages where the two children's faces caught his eyes and he stared at them.

"The Chuunin exams..." He muttered suddenly remembering something. Something… that pleased him.

Danzo slowly stood up and walked past Owl clutching the files with the Uchiha children on them. Owl gazed at the pictures as Danzo-sama passed.

It was a boy with angry eyes still with baby fat on his cheeks. A little too emotional for Danzo-sama's tastes which relieved him.

Then he saw the girl. Her eyes looked so raw. Raw enough to know the pains and realities of life.

Owls eyes flickered back to Danzo-sama's face and could see his master shaking in anticipation. When Danzo disappeared around the corner, Owl numbly stood there in the corridor unable to move from his spot.

Authors Notes:

Celebration time! The preparation arc is officially over! The ark contained some crucial scenes and information; New abilities gained, a dysfunctional Akatsuki family where Hidan/Deidara/Sasori are in 'kids' roles, Political feud between Danzo and Hiashi, introducing the Wind with Ensui, as well as the mist revolution lead by Zabuza. Grazie for navigating your way though it! In any case again, I thank you everyone for reading and commenting and I hope you enjoy! See you in the finals next time! :)