Spark 2

"Courage doesn't happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life."

― Shannon L. Alder

It had been a month or so since my abrupt arrival in town and Konoha life. In that month I was immersed in a culture I knew nothing about. Even my attire had to change - I was wearing local clothing.

I was trying to fit in. Trying. I wore nothing flashy, nothing that stood out. I had to. It was bad enough I was stared at on the street. No one looked like me in Konoha. I stood out like a sore thumb, easily. Even my general demeanor in dealing with Konoha citizens. Nearly everything about me was nearly unseemly, so I was told.

Inoichi's wife often commented on my lack of manners when we first met. There were certain cultural things that were just tedious to me but necessary for village life. Like a well worn out song that never failed to repeat - like elevator music.

Mind, it wasn't just how one spoke but also how utensils were held and placed. This carried on to the most mundane things. One could not eat and walk. One could not just have a simple soak in the tub, there was a procedure to be clean before even stepping into the tub. Noriko, Inoichi's wife, made it her life's mission to ensure I crossed no taboo. Which meant that two weeks I had to sit through lectures on what was or was not acceptable.

I very nearly dismissed the idea but quickly realized that in order to get home, I would have to go to some lengths to get there. I would have to interact with the locals, and it was best if I didn't insult them right away. Or - I could also insult them knowingly to get what other information I needed. It was already hard enough to walk the streets.

I was an oddity to the people of Konoha. My speech, my manner of being, and my very face set curious eyes on me far too often than not. Konoha was a Hidden Village. While Ninja came and went, they didn't get too many new people. But it was even more than that. More than once had someone commented on my nose (which made me wonder far too much). I needed at least to know cultural norms to even fit in a little bit.

My outsider-nature filtered into even the strangest of things; I was strange enough to not fit in with the regular civilians, yet not deadly nor sneaky enough to fit in with the Shinobi. Civilians weren't used to my, ah, unique personality - being sheltered by the village itself. The Ninja? I was just another stranger in a sea of strangers - just another new face they saw in passing. I was grateful they barely seemed to notice me.

It took me about two more weeks to find a job. Before that, I was helping in the Flower shop as part time but that was to make up my dues for the Yamanaka family. Between my job at the general store, helping with the flower shop and my general duties I was swamped. Because of my strangeness my boss at the general store took advantage more often than not in scheduling me in the odd hours of the night; when only ninja seemed to pop on by. It often conflicted with the my cerfew however Inoichi had stepped in. I believed I had a tail near always, but - well, I wasn't concerned.

The Flower shop was a highlight of my day - as I often worked with the blond haired man. He was interesting, and I enjoyed what talks we did have. He didn't take my sass, but he didn't completely shut me down either.

Inoichi was the owner of the flower shop and ran it efficiently. Each plant was labeled and coordinated by color and type. He seemed to have a passion for it. But I ended up seeing a business move he didn't quite think of. Or, rather, didn't have the chance to.

"I don't understand. You could get far more business. Secret messages for your ninja love. Honestly, you could market it among your friends." I told him.

"Not all these flowers have meaning. Certainly none to profit from." Inoichi told me in a knowing tone.

"They do so. You know very well how unique my range of knowledge is." I argued back.

"The Bouvardia in the corner." Inoichi challenged me.

"Enthusiasm - easy." I grinned at him, and began to pace around the store.

I walked past a Snapdragon and brushed a finger across the blossoming bunch of flowers, "This one is presumption. Much like you're being. The Tigerlily in the back is prosperity. The Harebell - humility."

I continued walking around naming each one I could remember. I had quite the few passing fancies as a child. Flower meanings were one of many. It was from a time I thought my father was sending me flowers while away. Long story short - my mother's flowers from her performance just ended up at with me, with no explanation. With my memory being what it was I remembered quite a bit of utter nonsense. Some of it was useful, some of it was nothing.

I then saw a flower I hadn't quite noticed before sitting in the shop - I certainly didn't expect it.

"And Edelweiss. Devotion, courage and the ability to grow in harsh conditions." I stared at the flower only a moment longer before glancing at Inoichi. "Truly, you could get your ninja friends behind this. Secret messages for a secret lover. Honestly - it may bring in more business."

Inoichi watched me in amusement. "I see. I might try it."

"Might?"

"Don't push your luck, Walker."
Time would tell that might was a yes in Inoichi speak. He asked me for a breakdown of the flower meanings and I did. I figured he might figure out how to use it should he wish. It wasn't until he gave his daughter a Calla Lily that I knew the idea went well for him.

Although I enjoyed getting to know my new "friends", a rolling stone gathers no moss. And I couldn't afford to gather moss - not when I was trying to get home. I spent most of my free time at the library (the Librarian was charming but kept to herself), pulling any and every book on summoning. Most of them were contractual summons. For instance, if you had a buddy or animal that you both had an agreement that they would assist you in battle, they could be summoned - or you could be. It was a promise to protect, to work together. Inoichi was right when he said what was done on me wasn't normal. Reversing it wasn't possible either. Perhaps, had it been reversed when it happened that could have potentially worked. However the window for that was long gone. The old man, Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi had been right in saying they didn't know - no one knew. However it was potentially out there. Those men from the Lightning Country figured it out. If they could, I could. It was just a matter of figuring it out, finding the right puzzle piece.

After a long study session at the library, late one night I found myself wandering down the streets. No rhyme, no reason. I just needed to evaluate my problem. I could get to the bottom of it. But I needed a plan. Keep the plan simple - the best sort of plan to factor in whatever may happen.

1. Get out of the Yamanaka household. I couldn't take advantage of their hospitality much longer.

2, Save money to buy an escort out or become a ninja (that one made me laugh)

3. Find out what I need to know

4. Return home

Simple. Clean. Easy to follow. It would be best to follow something simple - after all I was still learning the finer details of village life. I didn't understand how Konoha even qualified as a village. It was rather vast. I didn't even understand their government. They were ruled nearly entirely by a mayor or president (almost, besides the ruler over the entire country) who was called a Hokage. He was the strongest ninja they had, and with that strength he protected the village with others working in the background to ensure everything ran smoothly. The ninja were almost a militia of sorts, who did jobs for those who would pay. It was similar enough to the work my Uncle provided, in a way. However, Ninja weren't confined to simple cases of finding out infidelity - their jobs were far more diverse. Speaking of - my potential escort. I still had yet to explore and find out about that. Should I? I confess, I had been dragging my feet. Maybe with it being dark it might be easier…?

I nearly came to the idea to force myself to check out the Ninja job postings. Then I could figure out what it would cost to buy an escort. That was when a blurr raced right towards me. I jerked away but calmed down when I saw that it was just Owl-Mask again.

"Jareth. Rather good to see you again." I said, trying to seem composed.

"Tami. You're passed your curfew." He said cordially.

"Ah. Yes." I glanced over at the street lights that were starting to turn on. I felt like I was ten again. "That."

It wasn't a work night. It was far after when I should have been home.

"Head back to the Yamanaka home." He told me. I sighed and nodded regretfully.

"Right then. Will you be walking with me or stalking from the shadows?" I asked him as I headed in the right direction.

"I don't stalk."

"Follow with secret intent. Come, then. I prefer you do your stalking in the open, luv. It's rather annoying otherwise." I jerked my head in the way I was going. Owl took the moment to think about it and decided to walk with me.

"I prefer to be called Owl. Not Jareth. Not love." He told me. I may have been taking advantage of his good nature. He was rather friendly for Anbu. The others weren't as nice. They were a rather twisted bunch to be honest.

"Don't flatter yourself. I call everyone luv, luv. And calling you Jareth is a high compliment! Not everyone can be the Goblin King, Lord of the Underground and Labyrinth." I said cheekily. I gave him a big grin that he didn't even flinch at. He did mutter Goblin King to himself, however.

"Come, then. Tell me - are you my only stalker or have I many others?" I asked him cheerfully.

"Perhaps." He said in a vague sort of way I assumed all Anbu did.

"Ah. Tell them to come by when I have my own place. We'll have tea and trade stories."

"Anbu don't make good friends."

"I never said friends."

"Ah. Informant." He spat the word out like it was vile.

"Knowing is half the battle." I replied lightly. "Isn't that what you're doing now? Gathering intel? Reporting to your higher ups? Tami is as boring as to be predicted. She works, she reads, she repeats her day on end. Rather dull work, don't you think? Always best to get straight to the source. And there's things I need to know that I don't. It would work well, don't you think?"

"And what can I learn from you that I couldn't learn from a distance." He commented.

"What makes me tick. It's harder to read people at a distance. You miss more. It's best to get into the fray, so to speak." I explained.

"You tick on being audacious. I don't need to be close to see that." He said. And I was the audacious one? Truly, the man had a strange basis for comparison. We arrived outside of the Yamanaka home, and I turned to my would-be stalker.

"Well, you've me figured out, ah? Rather fun, methinks. I'll see you around, Your Majesty." I bowed elaborately. He stared at me behind the mask, probably making a face at me, before vanishing into the night.

Inoichi opened the door behind me suddenly.
"Tami, you're late." He said. I turned and nodded.
"I am. Forgive me, my thoughts ran away from me. Although the Goblin King found me and walked me home." I said cheerfully. Inoichi looked like he had aged even further with that remark.

"Please don't make fun of the Anbu." Inoichi told me, leaving no room for argument.

"Mm." I nodded though I planned otherwise. Best not to argue with Inoichi, he was stubborn when it came to specific things.

Time passed, as it tended to do. I still hadn't even glanced at the Ninja Job postings. It was odd to think the Ninja were so… so celebrated in this world, so welcome. From what I knew, when they were around in my world in the past it was seen as dishonorable. I suppose the shadowy nature of the job was nearly destroyed when a school for ninjas was established. Never mind the fact that while they did undercover jobs they seemed to keep up appearances of politics and general honesty. For the most part. I will say I tried my best to behave with Jareth, but it was hard. He was rather fun to tease.

It was finally time for me to move out. I had found a cheap little apartment a couple blocks away, it was on the second story. My new home was small, humble and near empty - but there was a bed and it was mine. I still had a curfew, but it wasn't as strict since I picked up late hours at the general store. I had finally gotten myself into a routine and as soon as I could, I jumped into it head first.

Although I had been thinking about becoming a ninja, I did my best to avoid them. Well, one in particular. I hadn't seen Silver-hair since I arrived. I planned to keep it that way. I didn't want to see him. I didn't want to know his name. I didn't even want the chance to bump into him. I stayed away from the Ninja districts. I made sure if I even seen a flash of silver, I turned the other way. His very existence put into question everything I knew. Was I truly in another world? Was I stuck in an anime? A cartoon? Or something else?

Was that why I looked different? But my heart still beat, I still breathed. Was I real? Not real? I didn't - I couldn't figure it out.

I had to just figure out my next step. No - I knew my next step, but I was scared to take it. I didn't know why - it was just finding out my next avenue. Choice one - pay for an escort around where-ever, or two - become the very reason why I arrived. It changed nothing.

I took my morning jog, as always. It was one of the things I used to do and I took back up. It cleared my head for the day and helped me deal with the mindless questions I had.

All I had to do was run by the job postings. Just run by the job postings. I took a deep breath and headed that way. My nerves were eating me alive as I jogged toward my destination. Was my scar burning again? Rain wasn't forecasted for the day.

Just breathe. I thought to myself.

I focused on keeping my hands still.

Come on, girl. It's just information. Nothing more. Nothing less. My brain tried to reason with my heart but it was still pounding.

I reached the post far too quickly for my heart's liking. Every step felt like a pound was added to each ankle.

Finally I stood before the board and looked carefully. They were categorized in level, not by ninja rank. It took some time for me to narrow down which was for the Jounin. With some quick math, a week escort would be - it would be nearly three thousand dollars. I nearly didn't have to worry about my pounding heart anymore as the organ nearly stopped dead right there. And then it did a moment later.
"Lofty ambitions." Called a voice behind me. Dread filled me.

No.

Nope.

Anyone but him. I would literally prefer Scar-Face. I glanced in the reflective metal surrounding the sign post. Silver hair and one eye. Right behind me.

Grand.

Someone out there was plotting against me, surely. I took the moment to compose myself. The show must go on.
I spun around with a large smile on my face.

"You know what they say, shoot for the moon and land among the stars, luv." I replied as courteously as I could.

"Is that what they say?" He asked casually. Something was odd - his body language was languid and loose but what I could see of his face and his voice was tense. Too tense. His only visible eye was very lazy and tired last time I had seen him. This time, although he still looked tired there was a sharpness to his gaze. I had no doubt that he was deadly.

I didn't know what it was - if it was my own nerves or his very presence that made me feel like I was walking on a thin wire. I had to escape fast, and keep what little ego I had left intact.
"Mm - or something to that effect. You know how these things go." I hedged around to move away from the post.
Come on, then - we both knew I was below his vague interest. I was some strange girl. That was all. There were seas of them. Move it along. He had to have a slew of them wandering about. After all he was a fan fav- no, don't think about that.
"Or something." He watched me from the corner of his eye. "Feeling better?"

"I wasn't aware that I hadn't been." I said lightly. He had to be talking about our brief meeting before. His one visible eyebrow quirked. Nope. I didn't want that reaction. Stupid move, Tami. Stupid.

"Right then. Tootles, luv. Have a blast and all that." I gave him a polite wave and turned on my heel to leave.

I had thought he would leave me alone but instead he caught up with me. He grabbed my arm and pulled me in without warning.

"If you ever pose a threat to this village or people, I'll kill you myself." He said in a low tone while looking far too happy to be saying such words. And, as quickly as he appeared he was gone.

I hadn't even known I had been holding my breath.

That wasn't my first death threat. It wouldn't be the last, surely. However there was something so purely menacing in his voice. I don't know if I had ever encountered it before. He was so - so utterly cold. Maybe because I potentially did pose a threat to the village? Perhaps it was the fact that I knew he could. He didn't even need a gun. He probably didn't even need a knife. It almost felt like the second he wished it, I would drop dead.

It took me a moment before I could move again. I heard someone in the background shout about his eternal rival.

I forced my feet to move once more. I had work to do. Things to be done. While I was forcing myself to move on a man in green came up. He looked so excited.

"He's so cool!" He gushed. I stared at him in shock.

"I'm going to have to work twice as hard to beat him!" The man in green nearly had stars in his eyes. My jaw dropped open. That psycho had admirers?! Goodness knows, I was well aware that Maya was - but she was strange and she probably had never seen him threaten to kill a friend of her own.

The man in green gave me a dazzling smile and a thumbs up before leaving.

All of the Ninja were insane. All of them. Even Owl and Inoichi - they probably just hid it well. Every. Single. One.

Life went on. Thankfully I didn't run into Psycho-Silver again. I swear if I even saw a speck of silver hair, I was gone. I carried on with work. I picked up extra hours at the General Store to keep it well maintained. They preferred to stay open 24 hours simply to supply the needs for the Ninja who came and went at odd hours of the night. Never knew when they would need an occasional tool or snack. I knew I had to make a decision about my next step. I didn't know how I would make the money to get an escort. And I certainly wouldn't pick Psycho-Silver to do the job. Instead, I focused on work. It was simple. It was easy.

It was a slow and dead Monday night when I met him - the title character. I had nearly forgotten about him. Between the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

He was so tiny I didn't quite recognize him. He looked like what he was supposed to but he was far younger and quieter. He came in, seeming to be unsure and timid. His big bright blue eyes locked with mine. He had paint spattered on his clothes - maybe he was a part of an art class?
"I just need to get groceries." He said. He couldn't have been more than eight. He was just so small. Where were his parents? It was well past 7pm. He certainly couldn't be an orphan-. Well, no, a main character being an orphan wasn't out of the realm of possibility. The story nearly wrote itself. However, maybe his parents were just… sending him out for food. It was possible, Konoha tended to let children just wander on their own.

"Right - what are you looking for?" I asked. Best not to ask such questions. He shifted nervously, almost as if he didn't expect the question.
"Some Ramen. And Milk. and maybe some bread." He said lowly.

"Mm. Come on then, grab a basket. We'll go find it." I nodded my head at the isles. He looked at me funny. The sort of look that one would have during a prank. Disbelief.

"What's your name?" I asked. Concern and alarm flashed in his eyes.
"Uzumaki Naruto"

Ah! So he truly was the title character. I suppose I would have to get used to the yelling if he stayed around.

"Rather grand to meet you, Naruto. My name is Tami." I held out my hand. He hesitantly took hold of my hand.

"You're not going to throw things at me, are you?" He asked, squinting his eyes at me.

"Why on earth would I do such a thing?" I countered. He shrugged and we carried on. He was a cute kid. He asked strange questions. Mostly why I wasn't mean. Mind you, not all of them were odd. He wondered who I was and why he hadn't seen me before. He then wanted to know my schedule. It was a strange thing for a child to want to know. I let him know my usual time and he left with a cheerful wave. What a strange child. Cute, but strange. He didn't act seven or eight. In some ways he was rather mature - in other ways, he was still just a child.

After meeting him once, he often came by to see me when I worked at night. Some days he insisted on walking me home. It was adorable. It was as if he thought I would be corrupted or attacked. He had come to walk me home the night he told me about his dreams. He had been so cute, I couldn't help but join in.

"Ah! Here's my hero. Rather good to see you again." I told him. He grinned up at me and waved.

"You got that right! I'm gonna be the best!" Naruto declared.

"Oh?"

"Yeah! I'm gonna be the best Ninja ever! AND I'll be Hokage!" He exclaimed.

"Ah. A ninja in waiting, hm?" I questioned. He nodded in agreement as we went to walk home.

"You talk funny, Tami."

"I aim to please."

Naruto giggled, and took my hand.

"So why a ninja?" I asked. He hadn't shared that with me yet.

"They're so cool! So fearless! Nothing scares them! And - and! Everyone loves them."

I thought about the Psycho-Silver and grimaced.
"I wouldn't say everyone." I denied. Naruto shook his head at me and looked up at me with stars in his eyes.

"Everyone. If I become a Ninja… I can show them. I'll show them that I'm worthwhile!" He declared.

I paused, looking down at him. Was that… was that just childhood insecurity or-? Naruto sometimes made comments that made me very concerned.

"Of course you're worthwhile. If anyone says different they're lying to you." I told him.

"That's why I like you. You're nice." Naruto told me, squeezing my hand. I stopped and knelt down.
"You do know if someone is giving you trouble, you just need to tell me. I'll help you." I told him seriously. "Naruto, you know this right?"

He looked away but nodded quietly.

"I know."

"Good. Why don't you tell me about your Ninja dreams, ah?"

Maybe I just needed to hear it from someone who actually loved being a Ninja. The others were cold. The others no longer had passion for what they did. I couldn't talk to Inoichi about it. Owl was actively reporting on me. The Psycho-Silver I definitely couldn't talk to. Maybe I needed to hear someone who wasn't torn down by life.

Naruto was simply thrilled to explain to me how amazing Ninja were. Maybe I shouldn't have listened to a child for life advice. Maybe I should have spoken to the Hokage about my concerns instead. But after listening to Naruto about what Ninja stood for, how much love and respect he had for those who were ninja, and the Ninja he looked up to it made my choices easier. He carried on about the Fourth Hokage, about how that Hokage had been the best and his personal favorite. He loved what being a Ninja entailed. I sat down with him outside as we talked. I knew I would have to answer for my being out after hours but I needed to talk to Naruto about this. With his help I was able to sort out my feelings about the idea of being a Ninja or finding someone to escort me. We bid goodnight. Surprisingly I didn't get a visit from the Anbu about my curfew violation.

First, I had to figure out where to start. $3000 for a Jounin to escort me for a week outside of Konoha or become a ninja. I probably had to reach that rank just to leave. I supposed I could go at this at both approaches. Save the money and learn to be a Ninja.

I couldn't believe I was considering such a crazy notion. What would Uncle think of me? My cousin? Maya? I didn't know. I didn't want to think about it but I knew I had to get going. I had been in Konoha for far too long. Who knew what had happened while I was away. I had to get back home.

I knew, realistically, I had little chance to get home - but I had to at least try.

So. I had to begin a meager savings and start training. I didn't know where to even begin with training.

However, I had that offer from Scar-Face. I would have to hunt him down and somehow even get his name. I had been avoiding the Ninja in town for so long I barely knew where to begin. However, I had the skills. The easiest target I could think of was the man in green. He was an oddity, but seemed the best to get some answers from. I just hoped that Psycho-Silver wasn't around. Knowing who he was, he certainly didn't hang around that sort of man. I should be safe.

From what I had seen myself, the man ran laps around the city every day (unless he was out on mission). Hopefully, in my morning run I could potentially run into him. It was the simplest approach. The direct approach. Nothing like my usual work. Potentially, should this work out he could be my colleague. It was best that I play straight and honest as best as I could.

My daily run went nearly the same except I changed course. Instead of running away from the area Ninja inhabited, I ran to it. I jogged through, trying not to seem too obvious on what I was after. All I had to do was look for green - bright green. It took me far longer than I thought. However, I found him stretching over by the wall that surrounded Konoha. He seemed to notice me far before I noticed him. He smiled wide when he saw me and gave me a big wave.

Ah.

Just the opening I needed.

"Good morning." I gave him a winning smile.

"Such a youthful morning indeed!" He declared.

"Ah, well -" I paused, "I do suppose you could say that."

I neared and held out my hand. He shook my hand firmly. "Walker Tami, new resident and potential ninja student."

He gasped, his eyes widening in excitement.

"Is that so?! What a wonderful pursuit! It's never too late, I say!" He said with gusto.

"Mmm, well - that's what I'm hoping. I confess I don't know where to begin. I had hoped that maybe a fellow jogger may impart some wisdom?" I asked. I may have sprinkled on some Walker charm, but that is neither here nor there. He seemed to accept it with glee and seemed to sparkle all the more. Actually, I wondered how he did it. It would have been useful in the field. However, I figured it was probably something he naturally was.

"Well, I know the academy doesn't accept anyone beyond children, however I'm sure exceptions can be made.."

"Someone may have already offered to teach me. However, I do hate to impose. Perhaps a trade is in order. I ask a couple of questions, you may or may not answer - and you get maybe brunch or lunch out of the deal? Your choice." I hedged.

"What an admirable offer! It would be rude to decline such a request!" He went on and finally introduced himself, "I am Might Guy! Konoha's Sublime Green Beast!"

He struck a pose and I swear his teeth sparkled as if he were Mr. Clean himself. I smiled at him nervously.

"Right, then. What would your pick be? There's little I know of this side of town." I confessed.

"I know just the place! Don't worry, Tami! It's the best, most enduring gem Konoha has to offer." He told me.

Ah. Well. And here I thought I was dramatic. I cleared my throat and nodded briefly. "I certainly cannot say otherwise. Now, then - shall we?"

"Of course!" He exclaimed with a gleaming grin and thumbs up. He and I began to walk towards our destination.

"So, Tami where are you from?" Guy asked.

"Ah - well." I remembered my story, and knew I had to stick to it. "I don't know; can't remember. That's why I'm here. I'm hoping to be able to find my home. I can only do so if I prove myself - either by a jounin escort out or perhaps become a ninja myself. As much as I enjoy Konoha, I confess I wish to find my home. My real home."

He turned to me with a slack jawed, "What an admirable dream! How tragic! A worthy goal to be sure!"
I will be honest - I hadn't a clue how Guy had so much energy. He was always on, it seemed.

"Ah.. thanks. It's a rather large undertaking for me." I said.

"With so many questions about ninja, do you mind me asking one for you?" He asked, eyeing me seriously.

"You have already. Two. But do go on, luv." I looked at him in amusement. One second he was cheerful and bright - the next he was dead serious. Perhaps the Ninja were a bit off-kilter, but at least they were entertaining.

"How do you know my Eternal Rival?"

I froze. "Pardon, but who?"

Please don't ask what I think you will be.

"Hatake Kakashi." He provided with a very serious look in his eye.

My face dropped and I looked away. I couldn't tell the truth. No one could know, obviously. I suppose, considering how Guy was about to help I could dance around the truth.

"I may have heard about him from out there. I confess what I've… heard has unsettled me." I paused, and leaned a little bit into the damsel in distress act. "It probably wasn't fair of me to judge him so harshly from second hand accounts. But it was so frightening."

He nodded solemnly; he seemed to know something I didn't. Which was probably true considering.

"There's no reason to be afraid." Guy said with far too much conviction in my humble opinion, "Kakashi is among Konoha's finest! He's a true friend and team member!"

"I'd rather not talk about him, if it's all the same. I don't think he's a fan of mine." I said, looking away. Why had Guy even brought it up? Had he heard what Kakashi had said to me? I was sure he didn't.

Guy smiled and patted my shoulder encouragingly.

"Fear not! I will talk to him."

"Please don't." I wish that came out sounding stronger than a whimper but alas it hadn't.

The rest of our walk was silent save for Guy's occasional outburst of "youthful vigor". Out of all the people I had ever met, none had ever left me off kilter like Guy. He was certainly a unique individual.

He directed me to a mom and pop diner and I nearly faltered when I saw the building. It was so familiar to home it hurt to look at it. I used to visit restaurants like that one when I would work with Uncle. I made friends with a waitress there, Luanna. That was how we met. She was working two jobs as well; waitress and a glass blower at a studio. Did she know I was missing? Was she okay? Perhaps by this time, Uncle would have found her and told her. Maybe my face was on milk cartons or on posters decorating the already saturated market. I had to stop before - nope. Guy noticed. I sent him a smile. I doubt he bought it. Thankfully he didn't pursue questioning.

We found our seat and flipped through the menu. I was thankful that reading came with my sudden knowledge of Japanese. Had I learned on my own, I certainly still would have been lost. None of the items listed I was familiar with, so it would be an adventure for me (goodie for me).

The waitress who came was disappointingly not Luanna, and I was still rather unsure of what I was ordering. It was all listed, however never had I partake in such cuisine aside from what little Noriko introduced me to. As the waitress cleared the table of the menus, I geared up for my rounds of questions. There weren't many but if Guy could help me it was worth the investment. He seemed like he truly wanted to help. I imagine if I had talked to anyone else, I wouldn't have gotten anywhere. Even if the Psycho-Silver was friendly with me, I bet he would evade all my questions, eat, and flee as soon as I turned my head. He seemed the type.

"So, as I stated - questions. What would be the process needed to become a ninja?" I asked outright. I planned on being direct. It may have not been the best policy in Konoha, but it got me far in life. If I miss stepped I knew I could correct it.

"Straight to the point, I see!" He exclaimed before continuing on. "Your first obstacle would be to become a Gennin. Like I said before, it would be the hardest part for you. The academy only takes children. To graduate you would have to have an exception made. Never mind being put in a team somehow."

"Mm. and these teams - how are they structured?"

"Ah! I myself am a leader! We get students divided between us and we teach them what it means to be a ninja! Then we train them in preparation for the Chunin exams. They'll go against other teams, so they must be strong. They are also tested in their Ninja History and battle strategy as well."

"Ah. That would be a stretch but possible. There's someone who said they would be willing to help."

"That's wonderful! Who has promised such a glorious thing?"

"That's the problem. I don't know his name. He was there when I met Inoichi and the Hokage. He wore a black bandana with his metal headband. He seems like an unfriendly sort. He had scars on his face." I explained. As soon as the words left my mouth Guy's face fell.

"That is Morino Ibiki. Tami, I would warn against choosing him. He was just recently placed as the head of the Torture and Interigation force - for good reason." Guy told me seriously.

So that was his name. Morino Ibiki. Fantastic, I then knew who to look for.

"I figured he wouldn't be pleasant but it's the quickest route and I'm rather short on time." I explained.

"I urge you again. Find another."

"I fear I have little choice, considering my position." I said firmly.

Guy let out a low breath and then grinned at me. "A warrior's spirit. If you keep that attitude, you will certainly attain your goal!"

"Thank you, Guy. That means a lot." I told him and he seemed to gleam even more. I was beginning to believe he carried a canister of glitter where he went.

Brunch went well beyond that. Guy was… as excitable as I figured, but he was an excellent conversationalist. The man I was looking for was named Morino Ibiki. I had my plan and no other way that I could see to get it done. My new found friend also informed me about the other things I had to learn to become a Ninja and how dangerous it truly was. Again, it was something that I had to do. Guy remarked on my tenacious heart before leaving with a hearty goodbye. I could tell - he was the good sort.

I remained behind, sipping my tea and wondering about the conversation that had unfolded before me. All of it was rather curious. Why on Earth would Guy care how I knew Kakashi? Maybe the two were closer than previously thought. I hoped not. Although he had Guy's ringing endorsement, I didn't know what to think about it. Perhaps I misjudged Kakashi. Or, perhaps, Guy was far too kind to even the likes of him. Either was a possibility.

I continued about my day, keeping an ear out for the name Morino Ibiki very carefully. It took a handful of days. Mr Morino seemed to frequent a bar in town on specific nights. It was like clockwork from what I heard. It also made me wonder what caused men in such positions to take up such habits? I suppose I couldn't complain. At least it was open to the general public and not a ninja only establishment. Not to say those existed, mind, but it was certainly a possibility.

It took a day for me to work up the courage to finally walk in. I needed the boost in confidence so I may have worn my skinny jeans, leather jacket and boots. I needed that bit of home comfort. I was tired of wearing clothes I wasn't used to. I wanted my clothes. I may have garnered a couple odd looks but I wasn't concerned. I had bigger fish to fry and all that.

I found the bar easily. Mind you, it wasn't like it moved or they were hiding it. I may have stayed outside a beat longer than necessary before forcing myself.

When I entered I saw him sitting at a table. He saw me right when I entered and his mouth quirked a grim grin. Why did I feel that I was entering a spider's web? I tossed the feeling aside and put on the most impassive face I could. I kept my gait even, relaxed and my hands stayed firmly in my jacket pockets. He was evaluating me carefully.

"I expected you sooner."

"I hadn't known we had a scheduled appointment. I must have misplaced the memo." I replied cheerfully.

"Don't get smart with me. You spoke with Guy a week ago." He said. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms out in front of him.

"So I did. Give my regards to my stalkers, would you? I do hope they're well." I said, I hadn't sat down yet. He'd yet to even acknowledge the chair in front of him. I wouldn't be so presumptuous to do so. He let me squirm internally for a beat or two before gesturing to said chair. I sat down and crossed my legs.

"So you want to become a Ninja." He stated, eyeing me carefully. We both knew he was sizing me up - seeing if I could take what needed to be done.

"Mm, what other choice do I have? I would like to be home, you would like a loose end tied up. Win-win, methinks."

"If you were a loose end you would already be tied up." He replied with a frown.
"Fair enough."

"Why should I give you this chance when so many have failed?" He asked. This was where the rubber met the road.

"You offered far before I ever wanted to take the deal." I countered

"That wasn't an answer." Ibiki said. I wanted to roll my eyes. Semantics.

Fine.

I'd play his game.

"While I try to get home, I'm at the use of Konoha. This city and people have helped me when they could have done otherwise. Konoha has my loyalty. Walker's don't abandon their own, or those who've helped them." I explained firmly.

"Good answer. Up your morning workout, you're going to need it. I'll see you in two weeks - Monday at 5am. We'll find you." Ibiki answered. I stared at him in shock. That was it? I couldn't believe it. I would have asked him further questions but I was clearly dismissed. I quietly stood up and left as quickly as I came. A celebration was in order. Naruto would love this.

AN/

This was fun, tbh. I hope you guys are having just as much fun with this as I am!

Tami Fact #2: Tami uses her cheeky nature to get a read on people and how they react.

Chapter two bonus

"Kakashi! I met the most charming young woman."

"Oh?" Why would Guy be bothering him about that? Kakashi knew Guy well enough to know he wasn't a gossip or meddler. Well, not that kind of meddler.

"Yes! Her name is Walker Tami, the foreigner. She seems terrified of you."

"Ah." That one. Granted, she should be scared of him as she was scared the first time for no reason. He simply gave her a reason.

"Such youthful vigor in her!" Guy carried on. Kakashi was about to leave.

"That's nice."

"She also is under the impression that you hate her."

Did she send Guy after him? Kakashi couldn't believe he had to deal with this now.

"Hate has nothing to do with it."

"Surely there's a reason. She didn't even wish I said anything!"
He wished Guy hadn't said anything either.

"I warned her, that was all." Kakashi eye-smiled forcefully.

"Such a charming woman." Guy carried on. "She wishes to be a ninja."

Not with that fear she seemed to exude she couldn't. She would die on the battlefield like so many others.

"That's nice, Guy." Kakashi tuned him out from then on.