Natsumi looked further down the page and began to read the partially faded text out loud.

The Children of the Divine Bite.

This group has many names, the most prevalent of which being— the Ryūchi Guardians, the Ryūchi Assassins, the Serpent's Chosen, Lamia, Daughters of Echidna, Children of the Serpents, and the Snake Priestesses. The true number of members at their peak is unknown, though it is estimated to be around three-thousand. Varying descriptions of members and details of the cult's activities have been reported, though there are several consistencies amongst them.

Each pure-blooded member has unnaturally pale skin and yellow eyes with slitted pupils. Occasionally, children are born in the group possessing unusually high amounts of Chakra and the greatest natural affinity for the serpents. This is made clear at the child's birth, as each rarity is born with a thin, translucent layer of scales that shed over the next four weeks, as well as unusual colored markings around their eyes. Converts retain their natural eye color and skin tone, however, they lose their emotional capabilities and many of their memories during the Conversion process. Since it is seen as dishonorable to reproduce with a Convert, they were rarely used as mates with the exception that there were no suitable pure-blooded mates available.

The caste system within the Snake Children is perilously strict, with males on the absolute lowest tier, while the Matrons are on the topmost tier, directly below the legendary Ryūchi Serpents. During their coming-of-age ceremony, male members are given powerful sedatives and psychedelics, before undergoing hypnosis that causes them to lose their individuality and take on a hive-like mindset. After their change, they are left totally obedient and devoted to serving the females and the Serpents they worship.

Every eight years, strong females chosen by the Matrons are granted permission to mate. The complex mating ritual lasts for eight days, and the female members choose their partners selectively. If a male fails to impregnate his partner, he is then deemed defective and is sacrificed to the Great Snakes.

At eight years of age, the Matrons gather the children before the Great Serpents for Judging. The strong males are granted the highest position attainable for their sex and are assigned to guarding the children of the next generation. The average males are assigned as caretakers for the females, while the weakest males of the generation are used in varying sacrificial rituals.

The strongest of the females are chosen to take the Beginners Trial; a mysterious rite of passage where each girl who succeeds is inducted as an Acolyte of the Hebihime— an elite group of assassins with powers of unknown limitations. Not much is known about this group, except that the most elite members have the ability to transform into serpents, develop the Sacred Markings around their eyes, and are rumored to be immortal. It is suspected that the Hebihime may also be able to change their appearance at will and are actively attempting to sneak into the courts of the Daimyō in order for the cult to manipulate entire countries.

Locating this group has proven impossible, as Ryūchi cave cannot be found intentionally, with the majority of people discovering it by accident after becoming lost. Once they leave, though, they are unable to locate it again. However, the Devotees of the Serpents have no such difficulties traveling to and from their reclusive home.

Natsumi stopped reading at the bottom of the page and looked at Hasu. "These are definitely the right people."

"They sound as interesting as they do very disturbing."

"I'd rather just call it disturbing." Natsumi murmured and looked back at the page. "I wonder what else it says about them..."

"Why don't we find out?" Hasu turned the page.

Natsumi's eyes widened at the paper stuck onto the page and quickly wrapped her arms around him, knocking him to the ground as the paper sparked and exploded with a small bang and filled the area with smoke.

Hasu coughed and stares wide-eyed at Natsumi over him, blushing for a moment before he realized what had happened.

"Are you okay?" Natsumi quickly moved off of him and looked him over. "Are you hurt?"

He shook his head and looked back at the charred book. "What was that?"

An assassination attempt?

Natsumi's eyes scanned the area as a small crowd of people started to come over to investigate the disturbance.

Her eyes fell on the slip of paper on the floor and she picked it up and frowned. "It's not burnt up...?" She muttered and looked at the faded seal. "This isn't a normal paper bomb..."

Natsumi stood and looked at the book, her eyes widening again as she saw the damage.

No way! It only burned the pages in this section only?!

"What is going on here?!" The librarian stormed over and glared at the redhead as she rested her hands on her hips. Her eyes widened at the book on the table and its charred, missing pages and her eyes flashed furiously. "What did you do?!"

Natsumi paled and waved her hands frantically. "I-It wasn't me! I swear! Someone stuck a strange paper bomb in the book and it went off when we—"

"Quiet!" The woman scowled and pointed her finger at her. "I should have known better than to let you in here, Uzumaki girl. I knew that one day you would cause us trouble!"

Natsumi froze for a moment, biting her lip hard as her head hung.

"She truly did nothing wrong!" Hasu stood in front of Natsumi and looked up at the woman. "The book was sabotaged for some unknown reason, and—"

"Quiet, I said!" She yelled at Hasu and furrowed her brows. "You're just some impertinent brat who has no right in defending someone like that. This is my library and I won't tolerate that no-good girl destroying books!"

Hasu clenched his fist and narrowed his eyes slightly. "What happened was not her doing. You have no right to accuse her without sufficient evidence, and you have no right to treat her that way."

"Hah! You think you can talk to me like that?!" She sneered. "Get out of my library! Now!"

"You cannot order me to do any such thing. I am a—"

"...Stop." Natsumi clutched the back of his shirt as she whispered and kept her eyes on the floor. "...That's enough."

"Natsumi?" Her looked at her over his shoulder. "But you didn't—"

"...It's fine. Let's just go."

His expression softened and he turned to look at her. "But..."

"Please." She whispered again, keeping her head down. "Let's just go."

"...Alright." Hasu put his hand on her shoulder, shooting a look at the woman as they turned and walked out slowly. The crowd of confused bookworms parted as they passed and Natsumi kept her eyes down as they left.

Once outside, she hugged her arms close tightly and turned away from him. "I'm sorry that you can't read anymore because of me."

"Because of—" He frowned slightly. "None of that was your doing. Her behavior toward you was entirely uncalled for."

"It's okay... I'm used to it by now." She met his eyes briefly before looking away. "It hasn't happened to just me in a while, so I was just surprised."

His frown deepened. "This is the treatment that you're accustomed to?"

She nodded slightly "Usually it only happens if Naruto is with me... but it does happen when I'm by myself, too. It's fine."

"Fine?" He raised his brow.

"...Let's talk about something else, please."

Even if I was allowed to tell him about the Nine-Tailed Fox, he might react the same one as everyone else...

Natsumi turned to walk away from the library, pressing her nails into her arms.

"Pardon me." An old man cleared his throat and they turned to look at him. "Miss Uzumaki."

"Y-Yes?" She wrung her hands nervously. "Mr. Maeda, I'm really sorry about the book. I swear that it wasn't my fault."

"I believe you." His wrinkled face lifted in a smile.

"You do?" Her eyes widened slightly. "Really?"

"Of course." He nodded. "You've been such an avid reader and learner for many years, and it's been a pleasure to have a frequent visitor like you." He scratched his thinning, greyed hair. "Since I retired, my daughter runs things quite strictly. I apologize for her behavior and I take full responsibility of it, as her father. Please forgive me."

He bowed his head slightly and Natsumi blinked and waved her hands.

"O-Oh no! That's not necessary! It's okay."

The man turned to Hasu and took a large book from behind his back. "I believe you were reading this."

Hasu's lit and he took the book happily. "Yes, thank you!"

The man chuckled. "You'll have to return it once you've finished, of course, but I hope that you enjoy it. It isn't often that young people enjoy learning history anymore, so it's good that you show an interest in it."

He turned to Natsumi and his expression shifted slightly. "I heard you say that there was a paper bomb in the book?"

Natsumi nodded and took it out of her pocket and held it out to him. "It's not one I've ever seen before. It didn't burn up like they usually do, and the seal on it is wrong."

"This..." His eyes widened and he held it up close as he examined this. "I haven't seen anything like this in... a very long time."

"You know what it is?" Natsumi blinked.

The old man nodded. "I've never seen one in person, but I remember when I was very young, my father described something like this to me. Very rare, and difficult to make. The maker must have the natural affinity for Yin, and it is said to also require the blood of the user to create." He frowned slightly. "But these haven't been seen at all since... well, I think since the Founding of the Leaf."

Natsumi's eyes widened slightly and her jaw clenched slightly. "You don't say..."

"It's said that the Founding almost did not happen, because the copies of the treaty sent to both the Senju and Uchiha were rigged with these tags. It was never discovered who sabotaged it, though it seemed clear that they did not want peace." He shook his head. "That is why these were sometimes called the Warmonger tags, even though they were originally known as the Erasure tags."

"I wonder who could possibly benefit from war in such a way." Hasu thought aloud, and Natsumi narrowed her eyes slightly.

Gee... I wonder who.

"Here." The man passed the tag back to Natsumi. "I would be wary, miss Uzumaki. I'm not sure who today would even be able to produce these, or what motive they would have, but it doesn't seem like a good sign."

"We'll be careful."

"Good." The man turned slightly and waved to them. "Don't worry about staying away... you're welcome in the library anytime. I will handle my daughter."

"Thank you, Mr. Maeda." Hasu bowed his head slightly, and then looked at Natsumi, who's eyes had darkened. He lowered his voice to a whisper. "You know who did this?"

"This is exactly like her." Natsumi crossed her arms and mumbled. "I bet she's trying to force me to see her again."

"I do not like the sound of this person."

Natsumi let out a heavy sigh and groaned quietly. "The best thing to do right now is to avoid her at all costs. Nothing good comes from associating with her."

"I agree." He nodded. "So, what shall we do to pass the time now?" He glanced down at the book. "Though, I would be just as happy to read."

"Whatever you'd like." Natsumi rubbed her head. "We could find a nice, quiet park to read in."

"That sounds delightful."

Natsumi led him away and, as they walked, she pointed out different shops and landmarks they passed.

After some time, Konohamaru saw her and ran up.

"Neechan! Neechan!"

Natsumi looked at him as he ran up, followed by his friends, and they caught their breaths.

"What are you guys doing here?" She smiled slightly, bending to meet their eyes.

"Naruto niichan told us that you beat him and the rest of Team Seven in a match." Moegi looked up at her with wide eyes. "We thought that was so cool!"

"E-Eh..." Natsumi laughed quietly and scratched her head. "He told you about that?"

"Yeah!" The trio nodded in unison.

"Neechan, we wanted to find you and see if you could show off some of your cool techniques!" Konohamaru posed with his fist raised as if fighting. "Show us how you beat them!"

"Really?" She blinked. "You want to watch me train, then?"

"Yes, please." Udon sniffed and nodded. "We think you're really cool."

"W-Well..." She shrugged and held up her hands. "That sounds like fun, guys, but I have to show Hasu around and he wanted to go read, so..."

She glanced over her shoulder at him, and his eyes were just as wide and bright in excitement as the kids. She blushed faintly and stood. "D-Do you really want to see my Ninjutsu so badly?"

Hasu nodded quickly. "I do enjoy reading, but that sounds exciting. If I did not hold this book in such high regard, I would comically throw it over my shoulder to show just how much I would like to see your techniques."

"F-Fine." She blushed and crossed her arms. "I guess if you really want to see..."

"Alright." Natsumi put her hands on her hips and looked over the small group. Her eyes rested on the trio of students. "What did you want me to show you? It's kind of hard for me to demonstrate a match when I'm by myself."

"Right..." Moegi looked down slightly as she thought.

"Don'tcha have some really cool Jutsu, though?" Konohamaru balled his fists excitedly. "Show us that!"

"Well..." Natsumi scratched her cheek. "It feels a little strange to just do my Jutsu by itself. Normally I train with my teammates."

"Couldn't you ask one of them to train now?" Udon looked up at her. "One of them might be free, right?"

"I'm not sure." She frowned slightly.

Normally, I'd just ask Kiri or Aito, but they're both still on that mission... which leaves the three towering brothers, Yuuta, and...

Natsumi blinked and then grinned. "Ahmya!"

"Who?" Konohamaru blinked.

"She's on my team, too, and she's not on a mission right now, as far as I know. I think I know just where to find her."

"Really?" Moegi smiled. "Do you think she'd come?"

"I've never actually trained with her before, or seen her in a fight, but I know that she's got to pretty strong." Natsumi smiled.

They don't just let anyone into the ANBU, after all.

"But," Natsumi added. "She's a really good person, and she's helped me out with studying and other stuff before. She'd probably be happy to come."

"Yes!" Konohamaru grinned.

Natsumi formed a hand sign and a clone appeared. She turned to the clone.

"I'll go find Ahmya. You show Hasu how to thrown Kunai."

"Okay." The clone nodded.

Hasu's eyes widened slightly. "Really?"

Natsumi nodded. "You keep saying that you're interested in learning more about Shinobi, and sometimes the best way to learn is firsthand experience."

"Is that a good idea, though?" Konohamaru scratched his head and looked over at Hasu. "He's not a Ninja..."

"I have just never had the opportunity to try these things out for myself." Hasu smiled down at him. "Perhaps I might be better at it that we think."

"I think it would be fun." Meogi smiled and looked at the boy. "Plus, it would give us extra practice, too."

"Hm?" Hasu's eyes widened slightly and he blinked. "You already know how to handle knives already, as well? You're so young."

"Kunai practice starts once we first start the Academy, Hasu." Natsumi smiled slightly and crossed her arms. "Four-to-six year olds can start at the Academy once they can pass the Entrance test."

"T-That young?" He stared down at the kids in amazement, then rubbed his head and chuckled. "I suppose that would make you three my Senpais, wouldn't it?"

Moegi blushed slightly and Konohamaru laughed and grinned as he rubbed his nose.

"Well, I guess we could be nice and teach you. We're pretty much experts by now."

Natsumi laughed quietly and nodded to her clone before flickering away.

Natsumi walked into the Hospital's Emergency and approached the desk. The receptionist looked up at her with a small smile.

"Can I help you with anything?"

"I'm just looking for Ahmya Nara. Is she working right now?"

"Ahmya?" The woman shook her head. "She was in here last night, but she should be home now. Are you injured, or just a friend?"

"Just a friend." Natsumi smiled. "Thanks for the help."

Natsumi waved and stepped back outside with a small sigh.

Well, I'm grateful that I took the time before to place tags everywhere. It's not a good idea to be away from Hasu too long, even though my Clone is there.

Natsumi channeled her Chakra and teleported again. She looked around and put a hand on her hip.

I've never been to the Nara Clan's estate before... I think it was down this way?

She started down a road and looked around.

At least I'm pretty sure it should be around here somewhere. I've never visited any of the Clan estates before. I should definitely leave a tag here, once I do find it. I don't know how I ever managed to get anywhere without them.

Natsumi bumped into a woman and blinked, stepping back and bowing her head. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't see you there!"

"It's alright." The woman looked at her and smiled. "You're Natsumi Uzumaki, right?"

Natsumi nodded slowly, averting her eyes for a moment.

I almost dread when people say my name out loud...

"I've never seen you around here before. Are you lost?"

"W-Well..." Natsumi looked back up at her. "Maybe. I'm looking for the Nara estate."

The woman blinked and then laughed. "Oh, I see. In that case, would you mind helping me carry some of these groceries? I bought more than I anticipated."

"H-Huh?" Natsumi blinked. Does that mean she's going to show me where it is if I help her?

"Sorry. I forgot to introduce myself." She laughed again. "My name is Yoshino Nara. My husband is Shikaku Nara."

"Shik-" Natsumi's eyes widened slightly. "The head of the Nara family?"

"Yes." Yoshino nodded. "I'm on my way home from some shopping, so if you'll help me carry these, I'd be more than happy to show you."

"Yes!" Natsumi nodded quickly. "I'd be happy to!"

"Here." Yoshino passed her two bags, and then exhaled softly in relief. "Thank you. Those were starting to get a bit heavy." She started walking again and kept an eye on the girl beside her. "So, what brings you to our estate?"

"I'm looking for my friend." Natsumi looked away briefly.

This is so awkward. I can't tell if she's pretending to be friendly but secretly hates my guts or what.

"Oh?" The woman blinked. "Do you mean my son, Shikamaru?" She sighed. "If so, he's busy with the Chunin exams."

"No, not him." Natsumi turned back to her. "I'm looking for Ahmya Nara."

"Ahmya?" Yoshino smiled. "Ah, she's in the Dispensary now, I think. She did mention something about taking an inventory. I can show you where it is."

"Thank you. I really appreciate it."

Natsumi followed her around another corner, and Yoshino chuckled and pointed toward the front gate.

"Here we are!"

"I-I was this close?" Natsumi's mouth gaped, then she sighed and shook her head as she muttered. "I really need to study a map better."

"Come on inside." Yoshino motioned for her to follow, and she nodded and obeyed.

Natsumi watched the people they passed, each of them wearing the Nara crest on their clothes.

It really is weird but all these people... they're all part of the same family. It seems so strange for a family to be so large. She bit her lip. Especially when mine is so small...

"I'm home!" Yoshino called out as she stepped inside the house.

Natsumi followed her, removing her shoes before setting the groceries down on the table. Yoshino quickly put everything away and then looked back at the girl with a smile. "Thanks again for your help."

"You're welcome."

Yoshino walked her back to the door, then slipped her shoes back on.

"I'll take you to Ahmya now. The Dispensary isn't hard to find."

"Thanks." Natsumi followed her to the building and Yoshino opened the door.

Inside, several other Nara clan members were working with different medicines and herbs, and they each looked up to greet the visitors.

"Hi, Yoshino! We weren't expecting you today."

"Hi, Mito." Yoshino looked around. "Is Ahmya still here?"

"Ahmya?" One of the women repeated, looking up as she thought. "Oh, that's right. She did say that she was going to do an inventory today. But she started hours ago and hasn't come out yet."

"Sometimes I wonder what goes through that girl's head." Another woman shook her head. "She gets so easily distracted sometimes."

Really? Ahmya's never seemed like that to me before.

"I'll go check." Yoshino waves slightly at then and led Natsumi to the back. She knocked on the door, then opened it and stepped inside. "Ahmya, are you in here?"

A small giggle came from the other end of the storage room and they approached the sound.

"Ah-my-a!" Yoshino put her hands on her hips and furrowed her brows.

Ahmya sat up from where she'd been laying on the floor and blinked as she saw Yoshino.

"O-Oh! Yoshino!" She cleared her throat and stood quickly with her hands behind her back. "I didn't know you were coming today."

"Ahmya..." Yoshino shook her head. "Have you even started the Inventory at all?"

"It's all done!" Ahmya held up a clipboard with a smile, then passed it to the woman. "I found a clerical error in there for our Activated Charcoal, Silver Oxide, and Chamomile, but I was able to figure it out."

"Clerical error?" Yoshino frowned and took the clipboard and looked over the papers there.

"Yes." Ahmya nodded. "It seems the last person to do Inventory mixed up some of the numbers when they wrote them down. And, in a few cases, I noticed that the amounts were off by one or two because the organization had gotten a little off."

"Is that so?" Yoshino scanned the pages again, then nodded and looked at her. "Well, if it's fixed now, then all's well. Good job."

"Thank you." Ahmya smiled and Yoshino stepped to the side and motioned to Natsumi.

"You've got a visitor."

"I do?" Ahyma looked at Natsumi, and then smiled brightly. "Ah! Natsumi! It's good to see you."

"Hi." Natsumi smiled and waved

"If you've been done with Inventory for a while, what were you doing?" Yoshino raised a brow and crossed her arms.

"Well..." Ahmya laughed sheepishly and held out her hand to show them a small origami. "I found this cute little Origami frog when I was cleaning. If you press down on its back, it hops."

"You... were playing with an Origami frog?" Yoshino blinked, then shook her head. "That's all?"

"It's awfully cute." Ahyma held it closer to her face to admire it. "I'm not sure whose it is, but it's fun."

"Oh, Ahmya." Yoshino smiled faintly and sighed, then looked at Natsumi. "I'll be going now. Thanks again for your help."

"No, thank you." Natsumi waved as she left, and then Ahmya sighed. Natsumi frowned slightly. "Is something wrong?"

"No, not particularly." Ahmya ran her fingers through her hair. "I just don't have much of a good reputation in the Dispensary. I do everything that's asked of me, but somehow they think that I'm not very reliable."

"What?" Natsumi blinked. "But how? You're always so organized and collected. If anyone is reliable, it's you."

"Thank you." Ahmya patted her head. "Truthfully, it's mostly due to the fact that Medicine isn't my passion."

"It's not?" Natsumi tilted her head slightly. "But you're a Medical Ninja."

Ahmya nodded. "The Nara clan is traditionally very bound to medicine and conservation. Both of my parents were Medical Ninja as well, so it's always just been expected of me." Her smile faded faintly before returning. "I do enjoy helping people, but it's not my passion."

"What is your passion?"

"Music." Ahmya carefully tucked the Origami frog into her pocket. "Though, that's not something useful for a Ninja, so when I'm not on ANBU duty, I tend to get distracted if it isn't music related."

"Really?" Natsumi crossed her arms and puffed her cheeks in thought. "I've never seen you distracted like that before..."

"That's because you've only seen me when Hana or Sena were around." The corners of her lips twitched in a smile. "When I'm around them, something just clicks and I'm able to focus. But when I'm alone, I have a hard time focusing."

"Oh."

Ahmya laughed softly and waved her hand. "Anyway, you took the time to come and find me. What did you want to see me for?"

"Right." Natsumi met her eyes. "I was wondering if you wanted to do some sparring with me. Some Academy students asked to see my techniques, but it's difficult to do without an opponent."

"Is that it?" Ahmya laughed and put her hand on her hip. "A demonstration for some kids?" She paused. "Are they adorable kids?"

"Huh?" Natsumi blinked. "Um... yeah?"

"Then, okay!" Ahmya grinned and nodded quickly, clapping her hands together. "I just love kids. Their adorable squishy faces, their wonder-filled bright eyes, and how carefree they are." She giggled. "When I see them, I just want to hug and squeeze them."

I've never seen her like this before. It's strange, but kind of funny. I always thought she was only the type of be serious and collected, but she's kind if like a kid herself in some ways.

Ahyma led her out of the room and then to the exit.

"Good work on the Inventory." One woman waved at Ahmya. "Are you leaving now?"

Ahmya nodded. "I'll be back tomorrow if you guys need me."

"We'll let you know." Another waved. "Enjoy your day off."

"Okay." Ahmya walked out with Natsumi and then smiled at the girl. "Shall we?"

"Yup." Natsumi nodded and they started off.

"is this your first time visiting the Nara estate?" Ahmya watched her and Natsumi nodded again. "In that case, if we had time, I'd be happy to show you around."

"Sure."

Ahmya pointed out a house as they passed. "This is where Hana and I live. My room is the one with the balcony and windchimes."

"Really?" Natsumi looked over the home. "It looks pretty old."

"It's one of the oldest houses in the Village. My grandparents put a lot of love and effort into restoring and maintaining it."

"Is being part of a Clan weird at all?" Natsumi looked at the Clan symbol on the various buildings. "Since you're all part of one big family?"

"I've never really thought about it before." Ahmya looked up slightly. "But I think it's nice. After I lost my parents, I had a lot of support from everyone, so I never really felt alone."

Natsumi looked downward as she walked and bit her lip.

I wish it was like that for us.

"B-But!" Ahmya held her hands up and scratched her head. "I guess sometimes, being part of a big, established Clan can be stifling. The Nara's are either tacticians or Medics, so that's what we are all expected to be." She sighed and crossed her arms as she walked. "So, when I young and asked if I could pursue music, there was a lot of negative reception."

"I thought you said that you become a Medical Ninja because you liked to help people?"

"That's not completely untrue." Ahmya smiled. "I do like to help people, and I do enjoy Medicine, but that's also because I was brought up doing those things because my parents were both Medical Ninja. The truth is, though, that my Healing skills are only average for a Nara. I'm only as good as I am because I was a good disciple of my parents and grandparents. Even Sena, who's only been studying Medicine for three years, is far better at Medical Ninjutsu than I am. She doesn't just follow the textbooks, but she has the natural talent to create brand new medicines and antidotes on her own. She's regarded as one of the best in the village." Ahmya paused and laughed quietly. "Actually, it makes some of the other Nara jealous."

"So..." Natsumi lowered her voice and looked up at her. "Why did you join then? The ANBU, I mean?"

"You mean, why did someone without extraordinary skills join?" Ahmya winked and nudged her shoulder. "When I turned sixteen, I went up to Lord Hokage and asked. I knew the Black Ops was behind-the-scenes and could be argued as being the true protectors of the Leaf... and I wanted to make a difference so that no one else had to lose their family like I did."

Ahmya smiled and looked up. "My Medical skills are useful in the Ops, and my Ninjato skills are proficient of course, but I'm quite good with Ninjutsu and Taijutsu, too. Taijutsu to me is as artistic and rhythmic as music, so I always enjoy it."

"I've never seen you training with the rest of us, though."

"That's because my special techniques require being outdoors."

"Special techniques?" Natsumi raised an eyebrow.

"You'll see soon enough." Ahmya winked.

"Alright, fine. Keep your secret, then." Natsumi let out a breath and crossed her arms. Then, she held onto her hand and channeled her Chakra, making them appear beside the Clone.

"Natsumi!" Ahmya sucked in a deep breath and leaned over. "Warn me next time you do that, please."

Natsumi laughed and then nodded. "Sorry, sorry."

"Natsumi neechan! You're back!" Meogi looked over and grinned, then ran over.

"Kyaaaa!" Ahmya's eyes widened and she knelt down and hugged Moegi. "You're so cuuuuuute!"

"Ah!" Moegi squeaked as she was suddenly hugged, and then giggled. "You're squeezing too hard."

"Oh. Sorry." Ahmya let her go and patted the girl's head. "You're just so, so cute!"

Natsumi's clone poofed away and Natsumi approached the three posts where Hasu, Udon, and Konohamaru were gathered around. "How's practice?"

The boys jumped and turned to see her, with a large grin spread over Hasu's face.

"Welcome back!"

"Neechan!" Konohamaru grinned and crossed his arms behind his head. "I dunno where you found this guy, but he's really good!"

"Huh?" Natsumi blinked and looked at Hasu, who scratched his head and chuckled. "You are?"

"I cannot accept such praise without acknowledging the fact that I've had an excellent teacher." Hasu smiled at Konohamaru. "For being so young, he is quite adept."

"Heh!" Konohamaru's grin grew and he rubbed his nose with his finger. "Well, I am gonna be the next Hokage, so of course I've got to good at the very basics."

Natsumi closed her eyes for a minute to recall the transferred memories from her Clone, then she looked at the Kunai lodged into the post, and then to Hasu.

"I thought you'd never thrown a Kunai before? How are you so good with it?"

"I may not have experience with throwing a knife, however, I had quite a bit of time to myself. I underwent a phase where I became fixated on teaching myself the art of throwing playing cards." Hasu scratched his head again. "I have not practiced in over a year, though it seems that the skills are somewhat transferrable."

"Amazing..." Natsumi murmured and Hasu's cheeks warmed. She blinked again, and then gestured to Ahmya as she looked at Konohamaru. "This is my friend, Ahmya. She agreed to spar with me for a little bit."

"Oh!" Ahmya bent slightly to look at the boy. "You're super cute, too! You're the Hokage's grandson, right?" Before he could answer, she wrapped him in a tight hug. He blushed as his face squished in her breasts and he sighed happily.

"So soft..."

Natsumi crossed her eyes and made a face as she watched Konohamaru's expression.

Sure enough, he's really just a typical guy, even at that age.

"Ahem." Natsumi cleared her throat quietly and Ahmya released him.

"Sorry. I'm just a hugger."

"I-I don't mind..." Konohamaru chuckled and averted his eyes.

Ahmya looked at Udon, who waved at her shyly. She reached out and patted his head. "Glasses, huh? Girls love the intelligent type."

Udon blushed and Ahmya stood and turned to Hasu. "And, who's this?"

"This is Hasu. He's visiting the Leaf for a while and has taken an interest in all things Shinobi."

"Hasu, huh?" Ahmya stared at him for a long time, crossing her arms as she muttered. "Why does that name sound so familiar?" She paused and narrowed her eyes, continuing to mutter. "Hasu... Hasu... Hasu..." Finally, her eyes widened and she pointed at him. "W-Wait a minute! I knew your name sounded familiar! You're that Abe Prince!"

Natsumi and Hasu froze in place as the kids' eyes widened and they slowly turned to look at him.

"P-P-Prince?!"

"W-Well... I suppose the cat's really out of the bag, now." Hasu smiled sheepishly and met Natsumi's eyes.

"Oops." Ahmya covered her mouth and blushed. "W-Was that supposed to be a secret?"

"W-W-Wait! S-So, you're really royalty and all?!" Konohamaru gaped at the older boy.

"A-A real-live Prince...?" Moegi reddened and looked up at him.

Natsumi sighed and looked between the students. "Now that you know, you have to promise not to tell anyone."

"Huh? Why?" Konohamaru made a face and crossed his arms. "Is that just 'cause he doesn't want anyone making a big fuss about him being here?"

Natsumi sighed again and shook her head.

He's still just a kid... He's going to grumble and complain unless I give him a good reason to keep quiet... I think some honesty is the best bet.

"Konohamaru." Natsumi lowered her tone and knelt in front of him, meeting his eyes with a serous look. "Hasu is here because he's under our protection. It's very likely that he is being targeted by assassins; That's why I'm assigned to stay by his side like this."

The kids' eyes widened.

"A-Assassins?!" They blinked.

She nodded. "Now do you understand? Because of the influx of visitors for the Exams, we don't know if an enemy slipped in right under our noses. If one of them is an assassin, and they find out that Hasu is here, he'll be in danger." She paused. "This is a secret mission that your grandpa assigned to me, and now I'm assigning it you guys, too, Konohamaru."

The boy nodded and stood straight, saluting. "Y-Yes! I won't tell anyone, I swear!"

Natsumi looked between the kids. "Your mission is to work together to keep Hasu's identity a secret, alright?" She paused and met each of their eyes. "Also... I want you to keep an eye on things from your own perspective. A lot of people dismiss kids or don't notice them, so they might slip up and reveal something when you're in proximity. If you hear or see anything suspicious, you let me, Ahmya, Aito, or your Grandpa know straight away, got it?"

Konohamaru nodded again. "Yes, ma'am!"

Natsumi narrowed her eyes and poked his chest. "And absolutely, positively, do not try to be a hero and do anything stupid or dangerous, got it? No tailing anyone, no risky business. If you think something seems wrong, you get out of there and find someone you can trust right away."

"Alright." He relaxed slightly and frowned. "It's really that serious, huh?" He looked back at Hasu and grinned. "Don't worry! I swear to keep your secret. I never go back on my word. That's my Ninja Way!"

"Thank you. I'm grateful for it."

Natsumi held up her pinky to the boy. "I knew I could count on you."

"Hee." Konohamaru smiled and wrapped his pinky around her. "We won't let you down, Neechan."

"Good." Natsumi patted his head. "Do you want to watch my techniques now?"

The students nodded in unison.

"Yes!"