Sparks 5
"I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay." - Gandalf, The Hobbit
For the next six months, I worked my tail off gaining experience in Taijutsu. I wasn't anything amazing but I did get to land a solid hit on Ibiki. I was still riding that little victory two weeks later. My original assessment of Ibiki wasn't entirely correct. He, over all, was a good man. He was very intense and terrifying, but he was a good man.
Well... that was until he found out I knew some dance steps. He had been trying to up my agility and started questioning my skill in theater.
It had been some time before I landed that hit on him. Maybe a couple weeks? A month? It was in the middle of our training and was a rather of request.
"Inoichi said you know how to dance. Show me." He said simply. I just gave him an odd look and complied with his request. A few steps of the waltz - even the tango (solo, which was strange) and even a more country style of dance.
"Is that all?" He asked, studying me.
"Well, I did learn tap once for a scene."
It had taken months to get good at it enough for just that scene. I wasn't proficient by any means but I could mimic well enough. I was no Fred Astaire.
He nodded his head for me to show him and so I did. I was the strangest thing I think I'd ever done. Showing a ninja how to tap dance.
Ibiki stared hard at my feet for a long time after I was done. I could feel embarrassment flood me. Was I that bad? Maybe?
"You can do that but can't dodge?" He said finally, glancing up at me sharply.
"Yes, well, it's either that or get rotten tomatoes thrown at you." I said lightly, trying not to be embarrassed. It wasn't working. And it was then I realized how twisted Ibiki's sense of humor was.
He may have sent off the clock Anbu to chase me down after that, throwing rotten vegetables at me to force me to dodge them. They'd mostly come as I was trying to head home from work late at night. From my understanding those nin loved that part of their job. I was far less enthused about it.
But.
Over all. Other than that - the men in Konoha were rather good. Even though some of them helped Ibiki in my self imposed torture.
In fact, I found Konoha seemed to house a great deal of them. They housed some of the worst, I'm sure, but a great number of them were good.
Guy was the good sort, and his friend Asuma was just as good as I soon found out. He did have a filthy habit of smoking, but he was alright.
Silver was - I was still undecided about him. I saw him in passing here and there. He didn't darken my doorway anymore. Mostly he drifted from street to street toward some unknown destination. He moved like a man who carried the world on his shoulders and couldn't leave it. The only time he seemed fully alert was when he and Guy were in some crazy contest. Truly, it was the only form of entertainment in Konoha besides reading or games. Well, besides Naruto's antics.
The women, too, were good people. Often they were far too kind and patient but they were quite sweet overall. Kurenai was my first female friend. She was rather grand. I met her because of Guy, too.
Although when I first arrived in Konoha friends had been hard won. Guy was my first official true friend - one who didn't know about my past but chose to be around even though. It happened by accident, truly.
Guy sometimes came by to pick up his necessities at the General Store and we often talked. He'd go on about Youth and Rivals. I'd just humor him and chatter along. Although I'd stay far away from talking about Silver around him. He was more perceptive than I thought he was. He asked me one night how I was fitting in.
"Well, my uniqueness is as plain as the nose on my face, luv. The great people of Konoha are still weary of yours truly." I said simply.
He gave me a knowing look. He crossed his arms and nodded. Did he know how this city was?
"Well... If you like I could introduce you to some friends. They're also Shinobi, like Kakashi. If that bothers you-?"
"It's not the job that bothers me but the actions of the person." I said flatly.
Guy hummed, stroking his chin.
"You ninja are far more... well, I'm rather used to colorful characters like yourself. If you give them your seal of approval, I'm sure they're the good sort." I said.
He hummed once more.
"I think it's a good idea." He said finally, "it's not good to be alone. Very unyouthful."
"Ah… well, if you say so." I wasn't quite sure about his youth-speeches. They were rather odd.
Eventually we made plans to meet up. I was skeptically optimistic. I felt rather bad for the ninja; having to meet a strange woman like myself. Neither a civilian or a ninja. While I was learning the same trade, I was a very unusual case. Guy had me meet Kurenai and Asuma later on the next week.
"So you're who my father has been talking about." Asuma said after the introductions. We met up in the open, too late for breakfast but much too early for lunch. His father was the Hokage. I did wonder what he learned about me.
"Yes, well. I do hope it's good things." I said, to which he scoffed. I didn't know how to take it but since he offered nothing else, I assumed it wasn't horrible. Kurenai eyed me carefully.
"I heard you were an outsider being trained by a Jounin." She said.
"Mm. Something of. I don't know if you'd call the utter humiliation of being handed your own backside before the sun is even up as training." I replied with a grin. That earned me a laugh from the other two.
"Tami-chan has done so to prepare herself. She chose a strict teacher." Guy explained with far too much glowing pride in his voice.
"He was the only one to offer." I muttered, glancing away. It wasn't like I was actively plotting. I was more, ah… opportunistic.
"Aren't you a little old to become a Genin?" Asuma asked, pulling out a cigarette. I ignored the offending item and shrugged.
"They're willing to humor my oddities and my skill set isn't utilized as a civilian. And I do need to find where I belong." I said firmly. I saw understanding flicker in Kurenai's gaze but Asuma only crossed his arms.
"Skill set?" Guy muttered to himself. I could nearly see the gears whirling away in his mind. He knew I was a shop keep; he didn't know what else I could do.
"I read people." I said.
Asuma scoffed but Kurenai looked intrigued. She leaned forward, but didn't say anything.
"How so?" Guy prompted, stroking his chin.
"I listen to what people say and do - tells me who they are." I said simply.
"Like - like how?" Kurenai asked.
I jerked my head towards a happy couple a few yards from us.
"Those two - the woman in blue and the man in the yellow shirt. Cute aren't they?" I hedged. The man was standing close to the woman who wasn't looking at him. His arms were around her and her chin was tucked down - I could see shame in her eyes.
"Yeah?" Asuma began, turning to study them, "what about it?"
"They aren't a couple." I stated. Guy squinted at the two openly, and crossed his arms in thought. He seemed to be trying to see what I saw.
"How do you know?" She asked.
"Mm - let's start ground up, ah?" I began, giving them a grin. I nodded to the couple, "Notice their feet. People point their feet in the way they want to go or are focused on. His is directed right at her. Hers are pointed away. Far away. His arms are around her possessively however she's angling her body away. Her head is bowed and her shoulders are pulled in. She's trying to make herself seem smaller. That man doesn't even seem to notice. If you look around her eyes - that's stress; fear."
Guy's stern frown was growing. He quietly pardoned himself from our group as he went to do what I was about to. He stood there, his hands on his hips as he interrupted. He was talking to them, and the girl wiggled away and left quickly.
"All that from a look." Kurenai said lightly.
"That's not too hard. She wasn't hiding that she was uncomfortable. Besides. Maybe she doesn't like being affectionate in the open." Asuma said.
"Mm. Perhaps." I said with a shrug. "And were that the case… she'd be embarrassed, maybe even more playful. She wouldn't be afraid."
Asuma huffed.
We hung out for a short time longer but parted. We had met up off and on throughout my time in the village when we could.
It was... it was nice to find new friends.
Overall, things have been good. Inoichi began training me in protecting my mind months ago. Naruto was as jovial as always, and I was able to make Sasuke laugh three days ago. Things were going well.
Too well.
There were days I forgot about my goal to go home. Often when Naruto bantered with me or Sasuke would give a very rare but genuine smile or even when Guy would go on about his man-crush on Silver (the superlatives I heard about that man were nearing the thousands). In short, I both looked forward and dreaded befriending Kurenai further. One, to finally have female friendship and oppositely it may be a final nail in the proverbial coffin. Konoha was slowly becoming home and the thought was terrifying. I had to focus on returning to my family. I had to get back home. I missed my Cousin's snark. I even missed Uncle's filthy cigar habit. What wouldn't I give in order to see them again? What wouldn't I do to get home?
And so on I went with training. Like always, I awoke at 4:30 and readied myself for the day. Naruto had spent the night, so I had to be quiet. Or did I? The boy slept hard like the dead but as loud as a gala banquet in full swing. He spoke in his sleep and somehow managed to snore even though he barely weighed a thing. Truly, there was something amazing about him. The sense of justice in that child was astounding. When he found out that Sasuke had the option to spend the night, Naruto demanded the same treatment. I had thought he would take advantage far more - but he didn't. More often than not, it was a stormy night that sent him to my living room couch or a very trying day in school. It was rare that they both came at the same time. When they did, we camped out in the living room with a fort made of pillows and sheets. Sasuke wasn't a fan of this but Naruto loved it. Especially with the adventures of Superman and Batman. Sasuke said he wasn't a fan of story time, but he certainly paid attention when they came. Especially anything to do with Batman.
I readied myself, knowing the day would be chilly, especially with it snowing overnight. That warehouse of Ibiki's was freezing in the early morning hours. I picked up my leather jacket and boots. I knew it would bring looks, but I hadn't time to get something better. I ruffled Naruto's hair as I left. He was a good kid.
I made my way down to the warehouse, the snow crunching under my feet. First up, Chakra manipulation. Later, I would be meeting up with Inoichi and going through further mental barriers.
I met Owl inside the quiet foreboding building. He stood there quietly waiting for me to approach. Without a word, he directed me to a room for us to begin his teaching. I don't know why he had been chosen to help me - but he was there.
He went through the basics with me - teaching me those finger symbols. It helped direct the energy where it was needed. Almost like an intricate passcode. At least from what I understood. Additionally, once my energy knew where to go, the symbols weren't as necessary. Something similar to training wheels, If I understood the notion correctly.
"You know why I became an Anbu?" Owl began suddenly while I was practicing.
"Mm - do tell." I said blithely. Here he went again.
"I dreamed I would go off to great places, kill a bunch of evil men - maybe rescue a beautiful princess, get a kiss." He carried on.
"No self respecting woman kisses a mask." I commented, going through the finger motions still. Were the thumbs right? I checked the diagram - maybe?
"I could be out - on mission, doing something great for Konoha." He sighed exasperatedly. It was the third time I heard this speech.
"And yet…" I began for him, trying to figure out how dragon was supposed to go. Did it matter how close my palms were together?
"Here I am - a glorified babysitter." Owl continued to lament.
"This baby thanks you for the sitting, luv." I replied cheekily. He sighed again, leaning back in his chair. He seemed to be focused on the ceiling when he finally spoke up.
"That's wrong. No - like this." He took it upon himself to move my fingers in the right position.
I continued on practicing while Owl went on to continue his lamenting. He finally stopped when the time came to leave. He also ensured I was handed three new books on the in depth history of Konoha and another on rules all Shinobi were called to abide by. A dry read but necessary.
Soon I was passed off to Inoichi. We met up at a local tea house, finding some quiet corner to ourselves with our respective orders. Inoichi typically ordered Green Tea while I was delightfully surprised with my favored Earl Grey. And they made it strong.
"So how's the flower shop?" I said cheerfully, popping the words. Inoichi smiled tiredly at me. My idea had been going well, last I heard. Both ninja and civilian alike enjoyed the secretive messages between lovers, friends, and otherwise.
"You're not going to let that go, are you?"
"Mm - only when I get bored of it."
"So that's a no." Inoichi sighed.
"You know me so well." I replied and he laughed. Soon enough, the festivities were underway.
Overpowering mental attacks were a matter of self control. Inoichi was able to coerce things to happen in my mind - but there was only one final say, mine. Jutsu's helped, but self control was at the basis of it all. I had to control the flow of information - not just allow him to flip through. He had other ways to get around such things, but we were still on baby steps.
He tended to go through more embarrassing memories - giving me that extra umph to keep him out. Mostly the dating mistakes I had. Robert was on the top of that list. Another man, named Axel (a coworker at the Theater) was a close second. I was thankful he didn't choose more emotionally harmful memories. He did seem to favor the times Uncle conveniently forgot their names. Uncle had a habit of doing so when he didn't approve of my choice in men. To be fair, my taste in men was rather bad if history had any say.
"I'm going with Robert to the dance on Friday, Uncle Oliver." I said, I had been seventeen at the time.
"Who?" Uncle asked, scratching his unshaven face. The five o'clock shadow was strong in him.
"We've been friends since we were five." I reminded him.
"Can't say I've met him." Uncle continued.
"Uncle, he's behind you." I told him. Robert, the pretty boy that he was, waved cheerfully when Uncle Oliver turned around.
"Nope. Can't say that I see anyone." Oliver walked right past Robert as if he didn't exist.
"We went fishing two weeks ago!" Robert called.
"I guess it's that Old-Man memory, Tams. Gotta get my head checked." Oliver continued on out.
I forced the memory to stop, halting it in its tracks. I tried to focus on something else - anything else. When Uncle came to pick me up from that very same dance - after Robert had started flirting openly with other girls, and dancing with them. He was a self-proclaimed flirt and lady's man. I should have known.
There was never any I told you so's, or pettiness -Uncle picked me up and we got ice cream. I loved my Uncle for that. He was a character, but he was there when it counted.
Inoichi tried again to shuffle to another memory - I caught him before he could and recalled the first mosh-pit experience I ever had. I could still remember it so vividly years later. The screaming crowd pulsating around me, the shredding electric guitars, the laser lights blinding, and the bass thumping the very air - suddenly Inoichi snapped out of my mind.
"That - that - what was that?" Inoichi rubbed his temples in circular motions.
"Mosh pit." I answered quickly.
"Use that. No ninja will like it." Inoichi groaned, continuing to minister to his aching head.
"Need a moment?" I asked, sipping my tea innocently. Inoichi groaned. "And you ninja think me jumpy."
He scoffed at me.
With that, Inoichi had to cut our session short. He said he needed the quiet. And so I carried on with my day.
As soon as my running was complete and my new books at home, I was free for the day. I meandered through the streets of Konoha, trying my best to figure out what to do about my problem. There would be no answer. Not yet.
"Oh! Tami! Come join us!" I heard Guy shout at me, waving excitedly. Asuma and Kurenai were with him. They were at a sweet dumplings shop. It looked like it had been there for ages. Perhaps, it was as old as Konoha itself. I made my way over and sat down.
"And what games are afoot today, mm?" I asked, looking at the three carefully. Guy grinned while Asuma huffed and shook his head.
"Eh." He continued to puff on his cigarette. I fought the urge to flick away the offending item. I hated the smell and I knew it was doing nothing good for any of us. But I respected Asuma far too much to pull such things and we weren't at that level of friendship. I hoped we wouldn't be, for obvious reasons.
"I have a mission later. These two - I don't know." Kurenai told me.
"Ah. Do they ever?" I asked playfully, glancing at the two men.
"I don't think they do."
"Oi!" Asuma grumbled.
"I know what I will be doing later! My eternal rival has returned! I am going-"
"As much as I enjoy listening about your man-crush, let's not talk about Patches." I interrupted. Asuma and Kurenai chuckled while Guy looked absolutely mortified.
"Why would you say that!? I don't-I don't! He's just my rival!" Guy stuttered in horror. I let him sweat it out for a moment before giving him a wide grin.
"I'm simply teasing you. You're making it far too fun, luv." I waved away his concern. It seemed to work because Guy immediately snapped back into his usual sparkly self.
"I see. Very clever, Tami!" He told me with a wide grin. Did… did his smile just 'ding'? Ugh. I tried not to over-analyze that.
"You really shouldn't call Kakashi Patches. It's not dignified." Asuma corrected me.
"Mmm - perhaps. But I rather the man at a distance than to be any sort of familiar with him." I said, crossing my arms over my chest. I leaned against the table, looking up at them. "He may be a fine comrade in arms and ninja - that doesn't mean we have to be buddies."
"Did he do something?" Kurenai asked.
I huffed and looked away. Truly? Not much. But he still sent me on edge.
"Tami-chan heard about.. About him when she was outside of the village." Guy provided.
"And he threatened my life, so there's that." I muttered. Guy stared at me in shock.
"He did what?" Guy asked.
Guy didn't know? How didn't Guy know? Maybe he didn't hear Kakashi like I thought he may have?
"What did you do?" Asuma asked, elbows leaning into the table.
"I was terrified of the man. He thought it meant something more than it had. Probably thought I was up to something when I was trying to pin down prices for Ninja work and decided to nip a potential problem in the bud." I explained. "We're not friends. Last we spoke didn't end well either."
The trio seemed to deflate.
"I'm sorry about that, Tami. He's just ..." Kurenai paused.
"Kakashi…." Guy paused, and the three shared a look.
"I don't want to know. I don't care to know. I've enough to worry about." I told them firmly. It was the last thing I needed was to start caring for him too. Nope. No way.
Apparently, Silver knew on instinct that we were speaking about him because right then he walked by. I decided to ignore him but the others gawked.
"He failed another team. Sent them back to the Academy." Kurenai told the group. Guy's face grew serious.
"That's only two so far. That's not bad." Guy muttered. "He just needs time."
"He's had time." Asuma continued.
"Don't tell me we're talking about the man as if he's not thirty yards from us. Truly, can we please not." I complained.
"I thought you weren't friends with him?" Asuma called me out
"I'm not. But even I have standards, luv. Potentially I may have to work near him in the future. The less I know the better." And the less he looked like an actual person with actual feelings, it was far better for me. I preferred fake-smiles kill-happy Silver over anything else. I didn't want to see him like I saw Naruto and Sasuke. I didn't need another reason to stay. I didn't need another friend to tie me to Konoha. I had a family to return to. I had a job. I had - I had a life. My roommate was probably elsewhere now. My things? Gone. But Uncle… I had to return. At this point, I would even use the newest marvel movie as an excuse.
"You're really stuck on this, aren't you?" Asuma asked me. I shrugged halfheartedly.
"Hey! Kakashi! Join us!" Guy shouted, waving down the man who kept walking.
"Would you not?!" I hissed but Guy ignored me.
"I only thought we could enjoy some dango together."
"Guy, me and that man do not get along. I would be forever grateful if you would just stop." I snapped.
"Who don't you get along with?" a voice said beside my ear.
I jumped out of pure surprise and squeaked. I spun and there stood the man in question. He stood there before us with that fake eye-smile and hands in his pockets as if he were innocent.
The absolute cad.
"Kakashi! We were just talking about you! Come! Sit! I'll get you Dango!"
"I don't like sweets." Silver said shortly.
Why didn't that surprise me at all? They did say Psychopath's hated sweets.
"Tami isn't having anything! Join us for the company." Guy carried on.
Silver didn't move to sit, only glance between us. I tried not to look at him. Kurenai was smiling at me encouragingly. Asuma smirked, leaning back in his seat once more as if he were watching the greatest act play before his eyes. I couldn't believe this. Six months of nothing. Grand.
"Tami is actually leaving. I've bigger fish to fry and all that. I'll leave you to your general comradery." I stood quickly, plucking off imaginary dust from my jacket.
"Don't leave on my account." Silver said.
I hadn't looked at him directly yet. I would finally have to. I turned to him slowly, my arms crossed over my chest.
"If you've something to imply, it's best to spit it out. As said - I've things to do."
"Maa - so combative, Walker-san." He said in exasperation as if I were the difficult one.
"Perhaps I rather just be straight to the point than play mind games."
"I don't know what you're talking about." He said with an eye-smile.
"Mm." I glanced at Guy, Kurenai and Asuma. "I'll see you around, gentlemen. Kurenai - you had best come back in one piece. I'll be very cross if you don't."
"I'll try my best, Tami." Kurenai said amused. I bid my leave to my new friends. I glanced at Silver and raised an eyebrow at him.
"Patches." I said to him in my bid goodbye. He didn't respond, but watched me as I went. I would probably have to deal with him later but I was glad to get away.
I may have fibbed when I said I had things to do. I didn't. Perhaps, all I had to do was stay away from Silver. So maybe it wasn't an outright lie.
Ah well.
Instead I found myself enjoying the day on the outskirts of town. My walk was beautiful and peaceful. There were woodland creatures around, some enjoying the snow - others foraging for food. I felt like I walked into a Disney movie. I looked away, I couldn't fall in love with this place. Not any more than I feared I already was. Konoha was beautiful but broken. It wasn't up to me to fix it.
I had to focus myself on my goal. Naruto would be fine without me; so would Sasuke. They could see after each other. Guy would be fine - he always seemed fine. Kurenai would be just as well off. I wouldn't have to endure this tedious dance around Silver any longer. That would be a highlight of my life, right there. If anything I would see him only in posters and statues. Perhaps, if I were feeling generous, maybe watch an episode or two -.
No.
Perhaps not. I don't know if I could just watch Naruto and Sasuke get their respective bumps and bruises knowing I could do nothing about it. It would be hard. Maybe I would ask Maya how their stories turned out? As long as she didn't go on about their trauma I should be fine.
Wow. Selfish - I was being selfish. But my family? My Uncle? I owed him everything. He stepped in when my father abandoned me. I couldn't just give up. Who would look after him? Charles would have long since moved on with his own life. He never cared much for how his father lived.
I carried on, the snow crunching evenly beneath my feet. I would have continued but there was a man crouched low in the bushes up ahead chuckling to himself. The strange man seemed familiar from the back. He had long white hair, a red vest and wore green - Jiraiya. I hadn't seen him for such a long time. I heard Jiraiya's job was what I had done for Uncle - information gathering. I assumed that was how he knew about me. How he knew where to go. How he so easily accepted the possibility of my origins. I knew very little about the man besides that, I figured that was how he liked it. Now, however, I was beginning to see him in a new light. Right on the other side of the bushes were a group of women tossing snowballs at each other and giggling. It was a little unsettling knowing my would-be savior was a pervert. I ignored Jiraiya and walked into the scene.
"Pardon the interruption, I just thought you should know - I saw the cutest Doe over yonder with her fawn. They had the most beautiful coat I think I've ever seen. It practically shimmered under the sunlight. I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss that." I told them cheerfully. The lady's at least were around my age - it wasn't too creepy that Jiraiya was watching them but it was still up there. They thanked me, laughing and bowing as they went to go see the Doe. I could see Jiraiya trying to creep away from the corner of my eye.
"Well, I did at one time think you distinguished. My, how the mighty have fallen." I turned to him, my hands firmly in my coat pockets.
"Oh! I didn't see you there, Tami! It's good to see you again, how have you been adjusting?" He said loudly, laughing nervously.
I glanced at the women's backs retreating in the distance and back to him.
"I'm sure you were otherwise occupied." I said smartly. I could have continued to goad him, but I decided to throw him a bone, so to speak. "I've been - adjusting. Ibiki's been training me."
"Ah! That's great! How has it been going, learning the way of the Shinobi?"
"Well, Ibiki hasn't killed me yet, so I assume I'm doing well enough." I gave him a half-hearted smirk. "I must ask, am I going to have to check all of the surrounding areas when I go to swim, or are you the only resident pervert I'll have to worry about?"
I decided to play this a little bit more gently than my initial reaction. Jiraiya was - different. I didn't know how, but there was something different about him. Pervert? Yes. But there was something more. I'd find it soon enough.
"I'm doing research if you must know. It's for a book I'm writing!" He said with a grin.
"Researching the best way to throw a snowball? My - Jiraiya - one with your skill certainly could write a college thesis on it without research." I egged him playfully. He stared at me hard for a good minute.
"I liked you better when I couldn't understand you." Jiraiya replied with a dramatic sniff. "I'll have you know I'm a published author. I'm busy writing my next novel."
He proudly produced a copy of his work.
Icha Icha Paradise.
I snagged it from his hand and flipped it open. Curiosity won over and I had to see for myself. I flipped through the pages, reading quickly and - what on earth?
"Wha-!? No! Tami - that's not. It's not meant-!" He stuttered, embarrassment colored his voice as he snatched the book back.
"Smut. You write smut." I corrected. It was cute in a word, from what little I read. I'll spare the details - but my…. There were few times I ever regretted my ability to recall anything I read once - now was one of those times. It wasn't Twilight levels of regret, but it was up there. (Yes I fell victim to that craze as a child. Yes, I may have indulged a little bit too much into it. The regret runs deep.)
"I'll have you know I'm a very popular author." Jiraiya said with a sniff.
"Mmm - I'll take your word for it. It's not my cup of tea but I'm sure it's popular enough." I told him with a shrug. "Come on then Bard. I'm trying to look busy and I've got some questions. Perhaps I can bribe a lunch?"
Jiraiya eyed me warily.
"I don't know if I want to."
"I'll play nice, promise." I sent him a grin.
"I can't say no to a pretty lady asking to buy my meal." Jiraiya sighed in deep regret. "I'll hate myself for this later, but I can't say no."
"Oh you think I'm pretty?" I grinned at that. Call me vain if you must, but hearing about my nose for the past eight months did something to a girl.
He just stared at me in a mix of defeat and resolve. "I'm not even going to get started on that."
I burst out laughing. Jiraiya was a fun one to be sure.
I linked my arm with his and we walked back into town.
"I don't think I ever did say thank you for the save back then." I told him after a moment of quiet.
"Yeah - well, all in a day's work." Jiraiya said humbly but preened under the praise.
"Perhaps, but you could have made another call." I said lightly. I caught his eye and continued on, "Who's to say they didn't just - kill me before you arrived?"
Shock flashed across his features. It seemed to steal his words so I continued on.
"The secrets I carried unknowingly could have - well. Thank you." I murmured. He patted my hand comfortingly.
"We try not to involve civilians in this life. You know - it's not too late for you to back out. There's worse places than Konoha to end up." Jiraiya said with a smile.
"Oh? Trying to make me reconsider, Jiraiya? After all, you were the one to suggest -"
He interrupted me with a shake of his head.
"Just a warning; this life isn't easy. It's not one you can go back from. You see friends die before your eyes. Best friends become enemies in minutes." He said somberly, and then grinned widely, "After all - look at me! I was never meant to be happy. It suits me, but you?"
He laughed as if we were talking about lighter subjects. "I hear you're settling in well. Keeping Konoha on its toes."
"I have family back home. They'll be missing me. I'd - I'd rather return. Uncle - he's lost a lot and I'd rather not have my name on that list." I explained gently, turning away. I couldn't look him in the eye and say it. If I voiced my doubts now - I wouldn't get very far and my goal would be unreachable.
We made our way to a restaurant. Jiraiya ordered his food and sake while I ordered something simple with water and lemon. We talked jovially for a time before it was time for business. All things considered, Jiraiya held his alcohol well. Although his face was red, his eyes and mind were sharp.
"I was wondering - the way they pulled me here. Have you-?" I asked quietly.
"We destroyed any of the notes that they made. Not much was made. One of them was smart enough to memorize it and destroy anything they found." He said, "I spent the first three months after that cleaning up any idea that you could exist."
"Mm, I see." I had hoped to hear better news, but it didn't negate anything. I wondered off hand if I could get Jiraiya to look into it for me. What would he think about such a request?
"I'm sorry about the mess on my part. Didn't mean to give you all that much of a headache." I told him with a weak smile.
"Aaaah." Jiraiya waved off my concern. "You gave us good intel. I can't say I didn't wish you knew more but - what you had was good. We have a rough idea for the next twenty years. That's more than I had a year ago this time."
We fell into silence before finally he spoke up.
"How - how is Naruto?" Jiraiya asked quietly. He wouldn't look me in the eye, instead he stared off into the distance. Was he - was he looking at the Hokage monument? No, I doubted that.
"He - ah - he's well. Rambunctious, high energy - but he's a good kid. Cares far more than he aught, he has a need for things to be fair and just. He doesn't give up easily." I said easily. Although I knew Jiraiya reacted to his name so long ago, I didn't think he actually cared for the boy. I hadn't even known that he knew I took him under my proverbial wing.
"That's good; it's good to hear." Jiraiya said, staring down into his sake cup. He was swirling his sake just so. Just like Uncle used to when he thought about his shortcomings. I probably shouldn't have asked further questions but I had to.
"You said - you said earlier you weren't meant to be happy. May I ask why?" It was the first concern on my mind. The following being Naruto and how he was connected to Jiraiya but that could be anything. I rather leave the bigger questions for later.
"Oh - just ramblings of an old fool! Don't even think twice about it Tami-chan!" Jiraiya said brightly. I raised an eyebrow at him, and watched him carefully.
"You and I both know that's not how people work. Professional courtesy from one information gatherer to another. I'd rather not play the back and forth game of whittling you down to get to the root of this." I wasn't going to do Jiraiya the disservice of playing mind games on him. I could and I have needed to before on others - but not Jiraiya. I don't know why I felt I could trust and respect him - but I did.
Jiraiya looked away in silence. His jaw was stiff. I remained quiet knowing he'd eventually fill the void.
"Why do you even want to know?" He asked quietly.
"Mm. I may or may not have a deal to barter. Maybe we can come to an arrangement." I told him. The blush and grin that appeared on his face was not the direction I had hoped his mind to go.
"Not that kind." I snapped. He pouted, but still seemed to have an open ear. "I want to get home. I'm stuck in Konoha until - well, you know. I'm not asking for much, save maybe weeding out some of those summoning jutsu or whatever it's called. Potentially, I can piece it together to get what I want but -"
"You need the puzzle pieces." Jiraiya straightened up.
"Exactly. I just need to be able to get at the information. I'm not asking you to go out of your way, but if you come across anything…." I drifted off.
"And what are you doing to do for me?" Jiraiya leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"I figured perhaps see what I can assist you with. Within reason. Within sense." I offered. I watched him mull it over, his hand rubbing the back of his head. Suddenly his hand went to cover his mouth, his thumb rubbing comforting circles on his jawline. He had his answer, but he wasn't ready to tell me.
When he didn't answer, I started trying to figure out what made Jiraiya tick. He wrote smut. He loved women - I was nearly sure that was the only reason he was indulging me. From the look of him I would say he wasn't very successful. He seemed to be a loner from every interaction that I'd seen of him. His empty ring finger told me he had no one, and no other fripperies to suggest otherwise. The general state of his being said that he hadn't had anyone for some time (The man smelled like the earth itself. Not horrible, but not appealing to women). His clothing was incredibly out of date - even by Konoha standards. I couldn't say for sure what his choice was, but I had a feeling one of them had to deal with a woman. I was going to go out on a limb, just to see. How he reacted would tell me exactly what I needed to know.
"So, what's her name?" I asked quietly. I took a long sip from my water, watching him over the rim.
He froze.
Bingo. We have a winner.
"I don't know what you're talking about Tami-chan." He laughed nervously. I set my water down, and drummed my fingers on the table. He shifted nervously.
"Jiraiya," I began in a sing-song tune, "Professional courtesy. Come on then, Bard. Spin me a tale of your woes. We'll see what we can pluck up."
He rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't think I can try again."
"Do go on."
Getting this failure out of Jiraiya was like finessing an airborn kite without wind. It took him countless moments to pour out a lifetime of regret and pain over one woman. A woman named Tsunade.
Jiraiya was a focused man when it came to love - and far too direct. I listened in shock as he went over all of his attempts to woo his Lady Love. She, like any woman of dignity, thoroughly rejected him. And yet he still held a flame for her. There was something about hearing this that pulled at the heartstrings.
"Well - that's certainly something." I muttered. He shifted uncomfortably. "From what you're saying, I don't know if I can do anything. Perhaps if I saw you two interact, then maybe? However I couldn't promise anything." I said simply.
"She's not in Konoha anymore, and you leaving is-" Jiraiya frowned at me, "You could try to escape."
"And what? Live under a rock somewhere? Why would I jeopardize a safe place to live with a guaranteed path for on the run living? Foolish methinks." I rolled my eyes, and watched him straight on. "You're just afraid of the answer."
He muttered under his breath, his hands furiously scratching the back of his head.
"You think you could - that we-?"
"I think if I see how you two react to one another I could see if there's hope, or if you should cut your losses and find a new Lady Love." I said, "However I've work, bills, and training to do. Perhaps if you bring her here?"
"That won't work." Jiraiya shook his head. He leaned in, his elbows on the table. He rested his chin in his hand, deep in thought.
"I'll cover the expenses. If this works, if you - if you can…" He took in a shaky breath, "I'll find you any jutsu you want."
"Mm - when do we leave?" I asked. It was a nice promise, but it meant little if I couldn't do anything.
"I'm here until tomorrow night. We could head out then. I'm not needed for anything pressing for some time."
"I suppose I'll inform work tonight. I doubt they'll take it lightly. And I'll have to tell Ibiki tomorrow." I sighed - short term loss, potential long term gain. It was a risk I had to take.
"I'll handle your work, don't you worry. You'll just have to train while we're away. I'm sure Ibiki won't care."
"My, how considerate of you." I didn't think Jiraiya was that kind of man. Most of this didn't seem to match up with the idea I had of him in my mind.
"If you can pull this off, I - it's the least I can do…" He told me quietly. His head bowed.
I paid the bill, and Jiraiya offered to walk me to work to talk to my boss. He was uncharacteristically quiet and solemn the whole time we were on our way. It wasn't until he walked into the building that the old exuberance he exuded returned. He striked a pose the moment we entered, laughing boisterously when my boss approached. I awkwardly stood off to the side, watching the on-goings with a critical eye. Jiraiya walked off with my boss to talk quietly somewhere.
Well. This would be fascinating.
"What's going on?"A voice asked in my ear. I jumped, turning and seeing flipping Silver all over again!
"Oh, someone should put a bell on you." I grumbled, eyeing him critically.
"Ahh - well." He glanced down to his side, where two bells lay. They were silent, not even voicing a ring-a-ling for their crimes of allowing that man to walk around without warning. That's not even fair.
"What do you even want?" I asked rudely, crossing my arms. I hoped this little escapade with Jiraiya took some time. I was looking forward to the reprieve from Silver.
"Maa - not everything is about you, Walker." He sighed. "Let's go, Pakkun."
It was then when I noticed the small Pug beside him, wearing one of those jackets and a headband.
"'Course, boss." Pakkun said…?!
The dog spoke. I stared after them with my jaw slack.
"You shouldn't stare, Walker. I'm not a piece of meat." Silver complained as he left.
I tried to work my jaw in utter fury. That - that - ugh!
I crossed my arms, quietly plotting revenge on the man. When Jiraiya returned he took one look at me and began to evaluate my condition.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
I tossed my head towards Silver in the back. He was perusing the shelves with the talking dog.
"Him. I rather not spend more time on it than necessary." I snapped. Jiraiya smiled nervously. I turned away from Silver and breathed out slowly. I needed to calm down and think rationally. I had other things to do and Silver was just a distraction anyways. I might as well just use him as fuel and resolve to get home.
"I'll need to tell Naruto and Sasuke that I'll be away. I don't want them to worry." I said quietly. All playfulness in Jiraiya's eyes drained at that moment.
"I - didn't know you were looking after the Uchiha kid." He said, but I knew it wasn't Sasuke that caused that look. It was probably Naruto. Why? I didn't know but I would get to the bottom of it soon enough.
"He has no one. I couldn't just leave him be - you know why."
Jiraiya grunted. I was sure Konoha had a sheet about me somewhere, probably with all my secrets written out; only because I knew what I knew.
Regretfully, I knew I would have to tell both boys I would be gone for a time. I hoped they would fair well - they would have to. I suppose I could look at it as a test run. They should be fine.
AN:/ Here we are at chapter five! I'm so excited to have Jiraiya and Tsunade shenanigans going on! I don't know when the next chapter will be out, I barely started it but we'll see. I'm going to be working on it Saturday.
So, I got a question about Tami's nose. Lol, I kind of expected it eventually. Her nose isn't huge or anything, I thought it was greekish but... I don't know. She looks alot like the photo I have for this story. And her nose is about the same too (but with green eyes, that's the only difference). Tami's nose isn't huge, it's more of a English face vs Japanese face difference than anything. She's literally never heard a thing about her nose until now, which makes it fun.
Tami fact#5: Tami was lightly inspired by Sherlock Holmes. She was also inspired by Emma and Hook from OUAT.