I entered the Konoha book store. The book signing was going on for my novel, Fiery Scale.

But here's the thing: I wasn't exactly "me" today. There's a girl, Alicia March, who is my proxy. She plays my "face" for the novel; signs the copies and meets the fans.

The whole thing is because I hate crowds. It's also a danger factor; for the more rabid fans.

It was either that or have the Hokage appoint a guard to follow me around. No way.

I'm a ninja myself; I don't need protection. I totally resent that.

But I guess I ruin the protection of a proxy, cuz I always show up to the events. I disguise myself.

In reality I have long dark hair, amber eyes, and pale skin. I change my appearance for the events; and today I was a vibrant redhead with freckles and green eyes.

It was a little flamboyant, but with my hair tied up in a ponytail and the fans stampeding Alicia, I figured I wouldn't be noticed much.

I was leaning back in the back of the store, watching the spectacle, listening to the input people had on my book and taking notes; when a voice stopped me.

"So. You're the real Jinni, right?"

xxx

Kiba was a big fan of Jinni Gold's books.

Now he didn't normally enjoy reading or anything, but Shikamaru had told him about the books, and he'd read all of them and avidly waited for the latest: Fiery Scale.

But something had really been nagging at him at the last book signing.

It was just that the author didn't seem like the actual author. She talked, but it didn't sound like the voice from the books.

So he and Akamaru did a little investigation. Akamaru sniffed the book, and then at the next book signing he had Akamaru check out the author.

It wasn't the real Jinni.

But luckily, there she was, trying to hide in the back.

"So why hide your identity if you're going to show up at the signing?" Kiba asked her.

She replied by pulling him into one of the reading rooms.

When they got in, her jutsu shattered, and she was revealed as Mana Ningyo.

She just stood there, shyly looking at him. "Did...you like the book?"

"Well yeah!" Kiba said. "I guess you have to hide your identity after that author got targeted by assassins a couple months ago."

Mana nodded. "So you won't tell?"

Kiba grinned. "I wont; if you'll go out with me!"

Mana's eyes widened and she laughed a little. "Alright you win."