"The resemblance is uncanny," Mused A, gazing over at one of the young children playing in the schoolyard.

"Everything except the eyes, sir."

"...Alright. Let's make it official."

"I know I'm the one that suggested it, but I don't know if we could make it happen right on schedule-"

A waved away the concerns of his aide. "I've never had any use for it personally, but daimyo and kage fudge their schedules and show up late all the time. Sent a messenger bird right away about the delay."

"Yes sir." Bowing, C turned and left. The young teacher had been watching his conversation from afar, and walked over from where she had been standing near the fence.

"It's so good to know you've taken an interest in our schools, my lord," The teacher said with a bow.

"And you've done admirably instructing them," Said A, looking over at the woman. "I think our hidden village's future is looking very bright."

~oOo~

"How can you just do this?!"

"In return, your family will be very well taken care of," Said C. "An annual stipend, more influence on the council, and ev-"

"It's not about the money!" Shouted Chizue. "I'd been trying for a baby for five years before Kirika came along, and now I'm just going to have her ripped away from me because she looks like some stupid girl halfway across the continent?! No! No."

"...It's not optional, ma'am-"

"You don't understand. It's been two generations since anyone in my family was born with the gift. What will they know about it there? Do they have the hidden scrolls and hundreds of years of knowledge of it at the Hyuga estate? No! You're ruining my daughter's life completely by doing this!"

"Look, how about this: we send some of your family teachings and scrolls over once we're found out. They'll take it as a sign of good faith, and Kiriko will be able to learn about her heritage."

Chizue sighed angrily. "Go ahead. Fine. But I won't consider that extra compensation: it would be the bare minimum." Chizue stomped over to her front door, and opened it. "Go. And when you report back to the Raikage, tell him I won't forgive him or forget this. Ever."

~oOo~

"Alright, we're in. I'll let you out now." Setting the duffel bag down, the Kumo ninja unzipped it and hurriedly took out Kirika. Her contacts were in, and her outfit was of course rumpled from being swaddled in the bag, but she looked fine. "Remember, your name is Hinata Hyuga now, okay? This is a very important game. The most important one you've ever played." And with that, the Kumo ninja slung the duffel bag over their back, and vanished without a trace.

Kirika only remembered that there would be a big house, and since there was one in sight, she decided to walk towards it. There were decorations up, and she wondered what the party was for. She thought of her mother, and the long trip away from the house, and began to miss her.

"Hinata? What are you doing out here, girl?" Hiashi Hyuga walked over. "I told you so many times, stay inside the house until your uncles and everyone else gets here."

"I miss mommy," Kirika said.

"Well, your mother is inside, where you should be." Sighing, Hiashi took Kirika's hand and led her back towards the mansion. "...You know, aside from this, you've been a good girl today. I'll let you have a piece of candy, and then you can just play in your room until things are ready." Kirika nodded, and Hiashi took out a mint from his belt and handed it to her. "It's late in the evening now, almost sunset," Thought Hiashi. "She was probably getting anxious about her birthday party. You're overreacting, Hiashi. Calm down." Just inside the door, Hiashi saw his wife waiting for him with one of their butlers.

"Oh! Dear, have you gotten word of when your brother and his family will be over?"

"Still haven't heard a whisper, Harue. Most of them are on perimeter duty at the peace talks, so when they get back will most likely be determined by when the meeting is over."

Harue nodded, frowning slightly. "Would it be too early to give her one of her smaller gifts?" She asked quietly.

"Might as well."

"Kazuchika, take her back to her room for me while I go get it, okay?"

"Yes, mi'lady." The elderly gentleman nodded, guiding Kirika away. She didn't know the lady, but she felt safe like a mommy, which reminded her of her own mother. The house was so big, much bigger than her own home, and she wondered when the game would be over. A few minutes later they arrived, and Kazuchika opened the door for her, smiling with a bow. "Here you go, miss. Your mother will be over in just a moment."

Looking inside, Kirika was amazed by how big her new room was. It didn't look fun, but she did see a few stuffed animals on the bed: a cute gray bunny, a lion with a fluffy mane, and a doll wearing a pretty dress. She ran over to the bed and climbed up on it, and curled up around the gray bunny rabbit and waited for her pretend mommy.