Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. They belong to Masashi Kishimoto. This story is purely a work of fanfiction.

Nina- is my original character (I do own her)


Chapter 112


"That's a weighty sigh."

Jiraiya sat on the edge of her desk, with his back to her and arms crossed.

"The funeral is soon and I've just received confirmation that Nina's tribunal will take place tomorrow first thing."

"Surely given the circumstances they'll show some leniency?"

"You and I both know that won't happen, Jiraiya. Nina's charges are extensive, to say the least."

"Argh. I can't afford to lose her."

"And we won't."

"What makes you so sure?"

Honestly, it was a fool's hope, but she wasn't going to be willing to hear that. They were relying on Kakashi. Perhaps the most emotional unavailable shinobi around. Admittedly, following his visit last night Jiraiya wasn't given a burst of confidence either.


Jiraiya's silence said enough.

"I see."

Tsunade picked up the pile of new mail and starting the arduous task of sorting them. Mission request; mission request, and what's this?

She ran her fingertips over the writing. Was this a child's writing? She turned it over to see who the sender had been. Sparing little care, she ripped the envelope open and read the contained letter.

"Hmm, what is it?"

"Nothing."

Not entirely nothing. So, she stashed it in her top drawer. On a whim… on a hope.

"We should be getting ready. I'll see you there?"

"Mhmm."


Behind him Nina put herself through a rugged training session. She had been forced to choose a place within the village; which left very few places. However, the area just outside of the academy was plenty enough and was deserted. Over the course of the morning the village had steadily emptied of shinobi. Most would be preparing for the funeral. And yet…

It'd been a good thing he'd taken post up under the tree as the sky had opened up to a brief sun shower. Leaning against the trunk of the tree Kakashi tilted his head up; noting how the sunlight was now trickling through the dense tree's canopy. That was Nina.

She'd find a way through any of your imperfections, insecurities, and walls, with little to no effort. She was reliable; a constant source of light and warmth. And even on the days that the clouds filled the skies, the sun still shone afterwards. Genuine and devoted.

But for all that, damn was she stubborn.

Her laboured breaths and unusual clumsiness indicated she was extending pass her threshold. Her body was no longer reacting as required.

He'd been there-numb and disconnected. Anbu had offered him on a silver platter. Kakashi hadn't cared if death should have found him. But now. Now, he had so much to live for and had people he truly valued. As Master Jiraiya said, "Life is for the living."

Angling his head around to get a glimpse of Nina. She was hunched over, hands on her thighs, heaving in long ragged breaths.

Soon…

Kakashi snapped his book shut. It was time to get changed and he needed to make a stop before the funeral.


The only time this accursed outfit was pulled from her wardrobe was for a funeral. Well, with the exception of her… the word got stuck midway. The only way she'd stomached attending … his funeral, was dressed in her Anbu uniform. Only giving him respect out of duty. Obligatory. As he had given her.

Slipping the shirt over her head and pulling her trapped hair through the neck hole. Scrapping the top half into one fist she bound it with a hair band. Nina chanced a quick glance at her mirror. She looked haggard. To be expected, she supposed… she couldn't recall the last time she'd slept or eaten. Ah well.

The clock on her bedside only held her attention for but a moment before her eyes fell onto the little box with a pink ribbon. Before she knew it she was nursing the box in her two hands, her fingers fiddling with the ribbon.

Everything and everyone had been fairly easy to detach from except for … Tch. Why?

Jiraiya was back; by request or want. It didn't matter. She'd always been able to talk to him about things. Often seeking him regardless of whether he was in the village or not. This time, right now… sucking in a deep breath. No. She felt … nothing. Nothing, save an unrelenting tug at her heart and mind that continually dragged her back to that little village.

Physical, mental and emotional exhaustion… that's all it was. She returned the box to her bedside.


The Leaf shinobi turned out en masse; to be expected for Asuma Sarutobi. The skies were cloudless allowing the sun to radiate in all its glory. It almost seemed a shame that everyone attending was clad in black.

Due to the sheer numbers attending they held it on top of the Hokage tower. In the centre of the altar was a full framed photo of the man. Very words were spoken.

Naruto whispered. "Where's Shikamaru?"

All he was given in return were shoulder shrugs and solemn shakes of the head.


Shikamaru had gotten himself ready and at the last minute been unable to bring himself to attend. Instead, he had laid down on a roof, searching the skies and flicking his Sensei's lighter open and closed. It wasn't out of laziness, he simply just couldn't.

Once it had all died down Shikamaru would go and pay his respects at his headstone. Light a last cigarette for Asuma too.

And after that… well, he'd see where the rest of his team was at and make a decision from there if they would go together to the wake or go somewhere with the other rookies.

Rookies, huh? It was probably time for them to step up. One day in the not too distant future they could have teams of their own and would be the ones treating bbq or ramen.

No more shirking.


As requested Nina presented Kurenai with Asuma's cherished sash. Her solemnity was in complete opposition to Kurenai's quivers and sobs. Nina gave a bow and gently squeezed her hand.

She returned to the crowd, coincidentally she stood beside Kakashi.

One by one, those who wished placed a flower on the altar.


It was only thanks to their close proximity and his increased attentiveness on her, that'd Kakashi picked up the slight turn of head from Nina. She'd been looking at his hand.

None too soon Nina moved forward to lay a flower.


Dammit.

Nina reached the front and she was confronted with her brother. Heh. They'd managed to find a photo of him without the usual cloud of smoke trailing around him. Idiot. She'd given him so many lectures about his smoking habits and in the end it'd been her short-fallings that had caused his death. She'd failed her brother. Nina could hear his laughter now. The same patronising one he'd given that night at Shushu-ya. 31 years. You waited 31 years to tell me.

"Nina?"

Pulled back to reality by a gentle hand on her shoulder from Kurenai. Who knows how long she'd been standing there. Shit.

"Yes?"

"First thanks for those photos."

"Welcome. Sorry it's not much."

"It was plenty. Will you be coming to the wake?"

Shikamaru had mentioned it and Nina had only given a little bit of thought to attending. Socialising wasn't something she was particularly keen on partaking in presently. She studied Kurenai's face.

"Sure."

She had a duty of care after all and judging by Kurenai's expression it was appreciated.

"It's not until a little later. It's more of a celebration. You know how Asuma was about this sort of stuff?"

Yeah he hated it. He wasn't one to dwell on things. They were shinobi after all.

"Mhmm."


Tch.

This wasn't exactly the time or place for such discussions, but … she sighed and made her way over to the disjoined kunoichi.

"Nina, tomorrow 8am."

"Yes, Mellady."

So, tomorrow huh? Her possible penalties had looped around her mind a few times.


Shinobi Rule 17: Death to traitors.

She didn't consider herself a traitor. Although her actions had been impulsive, Nina had acted within her duty of care and the preservation of life.

Shinobi Rule 7: A Shinobi should be able to prevail without fighting, only if there is no other choice but to do so.

They'd left her with little choice. Surely that was obvious.

When it had become apparent that it hadn't been and she was going to be hauled in to answer for her choices she'd decided it left her with one option.

Shinobi Rule 14: When in danger you must not reveal anything involuntarily.

Her reasons would not be heard. All that mattered, all that had ever mattered, was that she was a shinobi; a tool for the village to use as it seen fit.

Nina felt the invisible walls folding in on her. She needed out.


Shit.

"Master Jiraiya have you seen Nina?"

"She was just…"

Dammit.

"Kakashi…"

Kakashi weaved through the crowd and set on foot over the roof tops.


"Nina, you aren't permitted to leave the village."

"I know, I just wanted to come and apologise for the other night."


Fortunately, his instincts had been right and he'd found her at the gate but not for the reasons he had expected her to be. She was apologising to Raido?

No. There had to be more.

Shinobi Rule 6: Misdirection is the sharpest blade.

A hurried look around, Kakashi spied the real Nina. A few buildings back from the gate keepers.

Nina.

Kakashi waited until her real-self had skipped over the village walls before following. Keeping his distance and ensuring he kept his chakra signature concealed.


"Jiraiya, was that Hatake?"

"Yep."

"Where's Nina?"

He lifted his shoulders up and down and threw his hands out to the side. "Your guess is as good as mine."

"That fool. I'll-"

"You'll do nothing."

He pushed off the rail he'd been leaning against.

"What?"

Tsunade was roaring with anger however, kept it in hushed tones as to not alert those around them.

"I'm parched. Join me for a drink?"

"Jiraiya…"

"Tsunade."

He threw his arm over her shoulder and directed her away. He gave a last backwards glance.