Sayonakidori steps forward to take the flowers from Sakumo and as she reaches for them, he takes her hand and kisses it causing her to blush yet again
"My goodness Sayonakidori! You are even lovelier than the last time I laid eyes on you!"
"Gracious Sakumo, you are too much! Please come inside."
Before he steps through the door he leans back and calls to someone unseen
"Hurry up you!"
Looking rather petulant, Kakashi follows in behind his father. Sayonakidori moves to put the flowers in water as Kakashi takes in his surroundings and says
"Man, what a dump! Our closets are bigger than this hole!"
Sakumo sharply punches his son upside the head and hisses at him
"I told you to be nice, remember?"
Sayonakidori calls over her shoulder
"What was that Sakumo? I'm sorry I couldn't hear you over the water"
"Oh! Kakashi was just complimenting you on how cozy your home is!"
"Why thank you Kakashi, that's awful sweet of you"
Kakashi rolls his eyes as he speaks
"Yea sure, don't mention it"
Not liking his son's attitude, Sakumo glares at the boy and makes a fist
"I mean, you're welcome!"
Sakumo speaks up again
"I returned from my mission last night and I know you invited me stop by as soon got back but I figured you wouldn't appreciate any late night visitors"
Kakashi mumbles
"I'm sure you wouldn't mind being her late night-"
Kakashi is cut off by being punched in the back of the head by his father again. Sayonakidori giggles then smiles and Sakumo continues
"Anyways, picking up Kakashi from the academy today I heard from his instructors he had an eventful morning. As we were leaving the school Kakashi told me all about how he wanted to apologize to Tenzo for that mean prank and he even volunteered to use his own allowance to buy Tenzo a gift!"
Sakumo squeezes Kakashi on the shoulder then Kakashi produces a slightly rumpled gift from behind his back. Sayonakidori bends down to his level
"My, you are a thoughtful young man! Thank you, Kakashi! Tenzo, come here sweetheart!"
Tenzo crosses the room slowly, still recalling this morning. When he approaches the group, he moves to cling onto Sayonakidori.
"Tenzo sweetie, Kakashi came by to apologize and he brought you a gift"
Tenzo looks cautiously at Kakashi and before the latter can cop any attitude, his father squeezes down hard on his shoulder causing the boy to wince then offer the gift forward and mumble
"I'm sorry about this morning"
Tenzo takes the gift and replies
"It's okay!"
Sayonakidori shows Tenzo how to open the gift - another new experience for the boy, and his smile grows huge when he reveals a kite. He moves forward and hugs Kakashi
"Thank you! We friends now?"
Sensing another punch coming if he offers up the wrong response, Kakashi replies
"Yes, we can be friends"
"Okay!"
Sakumo helps Sayonakidori back to standing as Tenzo leads Kakashi to the living area where he shares his crayons. Satisfied his son isn't going to produce anymore mischief for the time being, Sakumo asks
"So, did you two have any plans for supper?"
Still holding his hand and standing rather close after helping her up, Sayonakidori can feel her cheeks flushing again as she looks up into his face and smiles
"No, none at all"
"Great! I'm not going to lie, I would have been a bit disappointed if you had said yes!"
She laughs then asks
"What did you have in mind?"
From behind his back Sakumo produces a picnic basket
"Well I was thinking we could head down to the river, pick out a spot to sit and eat, and the boys could try out that kite, then we could just talk and enjoy the view... However, the view I have right now is absolutely stunning and I'm not so sure I have the power to look away..."
Sakumo winks at Sayonakidori and she moves her hands to cover her ears which are pinking now as well.
"Sakumo! You are too much!"
"So I keep hearing from you! Is it a date then?"
"Yes, I would be delighted"
Sayonakidori beams as she gathers herself and Tenzo. Once out the door, Sakumo offers her his arm and she accepts with a smile. At the river they settle on a shaded area and Sakumo rolls out a mat before helping Sayonakidori down then laying out the food. She gasps in amazement of all the different dishes
"Sakumo, this is wonderful! Did you prepare this all yourself?"
"Some yes, but I can't take all the credit. My housekeeper did help me out a bit... Okay, well a lot"
"Housekeeper?"
"Yes, I've found it's rather difficult to be a single father and a shinobi so I hired on some staff to help me maintain our compound and keep an eye on Kakashi while I'm out on missions"
"I see, you must be a very fine ninja then to be able to afford any staff"
"Well, I like to think I'm a fair ninja at least. However, some of our money does come from the farmland on our estate which I rent out to sharecroppers"
"Oh my. And this food...?"
"Some of it is produced by those farmers, yes"
"Goodness, I can't wait to find out more about you Sakumo"
"And I you, my dear. But for now let's eat then the boys can get back to playing"
Sakumo beckons the boys and the quartet enjoy their meal together. The boys become a bit competitive over who can finish their food first but otherwise they are eager to resume play. After satisfying their appetites and repacking the food, Sakumo settles in next to Sayonakidori as they watch the boys play with the sun descending in the background.
"If it's not too rude or personal of me to inquire about, I recall before you mentioned you didn't have anyone interested in you but your current status indicates that hasn't always been the case, am I wrong?"
Sayonakidori glances down and Sakumo worries he may have asked too soon, but then she cocks her head to side and looks at him before speaking
"Heh, well there was interest but not in the way you would think. You're trying to ask where the father of this baby is, yes?"
"I suppose to put it more bluntly, yes"
"There's not"
"Define 'not'. As in, he's not alive? Or not wanting to be around? Or what?"
"Let's go with 'or what'... It's hard to explain"
"Lay it on me, I'm all ears"
"Tenzo and I... Jiraiya and Tsunade rescued us from Orochimaru. Orochimaru used us as test subjects for genetic mutilation... I'm not sure what his end game was, all I know is he was dissatisfied with a lack of results from me, so he moved onto children like Tenzo, but when they failed to thrive, he replicated my cells then implanted me with my own clone and ran experiments with the child in my womb"
Sakumo leans back with both his eyebrows raised. He wasn't expecting a bombshell like that.
"Wow. And so that's how you met Tenzo?"
"Yes. There were several children, I can't recall how many. There was a prison yard where Orochimaru would allow us to mingle and the children most often gravitated towards me. I think it was because all the other victims were men and they all had rather menacing appearances. It broke my heart how often I would meet new children then never see them again. Tenzo was amongst the youngest taken and I don't think he understood he is an orphan, so when we broke free from the fortress and I saw him standing there alone and crying, I knew I had to do everything within my power to take care of him"
"You have a very big heart"
"It's not his fault he ended up there just like it's not this baby's fault she's going to be born, and with all the injustice in the world I couldn't let more happen if I could help it"
"Even if it irrevocably changes your life?"
"My destiny was changed the moment Orochimaru set his sights on me over two years ago. I'm taking back control now and I'm going to play the hand I'm dealt to the best of my ability"
"That is admirable"
"Thank you..."
Having cleared away some of the doubts for Sakumo, their conversation gets lighter from there. They swap humorous stories, recall tales of former missions, and share hobbies and dreams as they fill the evening with smiles and laughter. When the sun begins to touch the horizon, Sakumo moves to put his arm around Sayonakidori and to his great relief she leans into him and rests her head on his shoulder. Twilight has begun to settle before they finally pack things up and move back towards Sayonakidori's apartment. She begins the journey by carrying a worn out Tenzo, but Sakumo takes him from her arms as Kakashi slowly drags his feet behind them. Back at the dwelling she shares with Tenzo, Sakumo lays the small boy in bed while Kakashi waits by the door. Tucking in Tenzo, Sakumo and Sayonakidori share a smile hearing the sounds of gentle snoring coming from Kakashi as he is seated on the floor with his head against the wall fast asleep already. Feeling confident with no spectators, Sakumo suddenly takes Sayonakidori into his arms and kisses her. He's waiting for the rejection but is pleasantly surprised once again as she moves her arms around his neck and reciprocates. It is an absolutely breathtaking first kiss and Sakumo hates to break it but he's worried if he lets it linger too long the moment will be spoiled. Pulling away he smiles down at her and brushes her face to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. He notices her skin has goosebumps as she bites the corner of her lip and looks back up at him. They hold hands as they walk to her door then he silently bends to scoop up his own sleeping son. She opens the door for him and as he steps out he mouths the word "bye" and she replies likewise. Being unable to help himself, he bends down to give her one more quick peck on the cheek and whispers "I'll see you again soon" before he finally walks away from her apartment.
Sayonakidori is radiant as she places her hand over the spot on her cheek where his lips just left and her eyes follow him longingly before she closes the door behind him.
:::::
After Hiruzen proposed the position of Hokage to Jiraiya, Jiraiya became highly distracted and lost in his own thoughts. The rest of that days training went on without much input from him and even the next day when Team Jiraiya stopped by his apartment he dismissed them and told them to enjoy a day off. That night was even more restless for him and the next morning he shoos off his team again. By noon Tsunade catches up with Jiraiya at Shushuya
"Jiraiya! What are you doing drunk in the middle of the day?!"
"Oh, calm down Tsunade! It's just a little drink"
"A little my rear end! You reek like a distillery!"
"I would love to see a little of your rear end"
Tsunade punches Jiraiya hard enough to knock him out of the booth and across the floor. When he finally comes to a stop she walks to where he is and drags him back and props him back up in his seat then slides into the booth opposite of him.
"I'm sorry Tsunade"
"You should be. Now tell me what's going on. Minato came to find me this morning because he was worried about you"
"It's Hiruzen-sensei..."
"What about him? Is he ill? Is there something wrong with him?"
"No, nothing like that"
"Then what is it? You almost made my heart jump out of my chest"
"Your che-"
Jiraiya stops whatever innuendo he was about to say when he catches Tsunade's dangerous glare. He straightens his face then sighs
"He asked me to be the next Hokage"
"That's great Jiraiya! Congratulations!"
"I haven't accepted yet. I'm supposed to give my answer tomorrow."
"It's a great honor! Why wouldn't you say yes?"
"It's also a great responsibility. I don't know if I could be the person that the entire village relies on"
"Jiraiya you have all the qualities of a great leader. You are a strong, powerful ninja, you look out for the best interests of your team, and you inspire others to better themselves and reach their fullest potentials"
"You're being too kind Tsunade... Please help me drink some of this sake, I think i have have ordered too much"
Not being the type of person to turn down a free drink, Tsunade helps herself as she continues talking
"It's not kindness I'm offering you Jiraiya, just honesty"
"I'm just not sure I'd be the best person to take care of the village"
"Why not? Who else do you think could do the job better than you?"
"I don't know"
"Jiraiya... Nobody can tell you what to do. Nobody can decide for you. But I highly doubt Hiruzen would have asked you if there was anyone else who can protect Konoha better than you can"
"I suppose you're right Tsunade..."
They spend the rest of the afternoon downing several more bottles of sake and becoming increasingly inebriated together. Some of their time is spent joking and reminiscing on the good times, but more often than not they fall back onto Orochimaru and they both grow silent thinking of their old friend. By the time they finally leave the bar, they're holding each other up as the sun sinks towards the horizon. Even though Jiraiya has had more to drink than Tsunade, his larger body is handling the alcohol far better than her petite frame. He thinks it's best for her to go home and sleep it off, so he leads her to her apartment. At her door, the stars are beginning to twinkle and she fumbles for her keys. Jiraiya is accostumed to Tsunade turning him down so he figures he has nothing to lose making a move on her now. He lifts up her face to his and kisses her quickly then pulls away waiting for her to punch him. But instead when he looks down he sees her eyes sparkling at him and a blush on her face that may not entirely be the liquor. He whispers to her
"Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?"
"No, it wasn't..."
Jiraiya moves to kiss her again but Tsunade swiftly enters her apartment and closes the door on his face. He expected as much so he considers the day a win and walks off with his hands in his pockets and hope in his heart.
The next morning when Tsunade groggily gets up, her head is pounding and the early morning sunlight is piercing her eyes. She moves to her bathroom and begins to wash her face in the sink. Drying off her face and looking at herself in the mirror she thinks to herself
"Why did I do that last night...?"
:::::
The first day of Tenzo's training was difficult only because he didn't want to leave Sayonakidori's side. It didn't matter how much she tried to convince him that she would be back for him, his separation anxiety kept him clinging to her leg - that is until Maruboshi Kosuke bribed him with a bit of candy. Initially Sayonakidori was unsure of his appointment as Tenzo's tutor because of his status as a genin for the last thirty years but Hiruzen assured her that he was a only a genin by choice and not due to inability. Hiruzen also explained that both he and the Second Hokage had trained Kosuke and that Kosuke was quite proficient in both earth and water releases thus making him the village's most ideal candidate to instruct Tenzo. However the Third recognized the boy would still need help learning how to master both releases in conjunction with each other so he suggested Sayonakidori ask for Jiraiya's assistance. Hiruzen disclosed that Jiraiya is capable of blending different chakra natures with his summons thus he could possibly instruct Tenzo on how to make his water and earth elements work harmoniously.
Sayonakidori looks forward to today as Tenzo is eager to train with Kosuke and Jiraiya is supposed to come to the Hokage's office at which time she will also ask for her favor. Not being very familiar with the Hokage yet but recognizing a pensive expression on his face she asks
"Hiruzen-sama, do you have something on your mind I can assist you with?"
"No child, I'm just contemplating how to handle a high risk prisoner"
"Not to be intrusive, but do you mean Orochimaru?"
The Third Hokage is taken off guard by her answer, but he supposes she would know because she was one of his last victims and she arrived in the village with him during his capture. Hiruzen himself hasn't directly spoken with Sayonakidori over the matter but he supposes there might be something of value to be learned by investing his time.
"You're quite alright, but yes it is he I am thinking about... We've been having a hard time dissecting his motives and he's been keeping mum on the matter, even through torture and the use of mind jutsus. If it's not too much to ask of you, what do you think Orochimaru was searching for?"
"I'm really not sure sir, but I think the important thing to recognize here is that he was searching for something"
"Well, that much was obvious"
"Obvious yes, but respectfully sir I think you're overlooking the worth of the search itself to Orochimaru. He was trying to find something in me, in Tenzo, in my child, that can't be normally found"
"What are you getting at?"
"He was trying to discover something rare. Some greater knowledge not usually found by man. While I don't know specifically what he was trying to find throughout the course of his experiments, I would wager a guess that you could bribe him with other highly restricted information"
"Hmm..."
"You have a great village Hokage-sama, would I be out of place to presume that somewhere a secret hall of records holds forbidden information that would be very enticing to Orochimaru?"
Hiruzen strokes his beard considering her words before he answers
"You may presume that... but are you also presuming I would allow him access to those scrolls?"
"Not at all sir. Rather than bring him to the hall, bring a forged scroll to him. Perhaps, leave the the forbidden topic the same, but let an author construct a piece of fiction for Orochimaru to read. And even then only give him a time limit to read the scroll in exchange for the amount of information he gives."
"That is an idea..."
Where he, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, the three people closest to Orochimaru had failed, this fresh mind provided a rather genius concept. Hiruzen supposes, then again, she is close to Orochimaru but in a far more tragic way. There's a solid knock at the door and the Hokage bids them to enter.
Jiraiya enters and is surprised to see Sayonakidori in the position of the Hokage's aid, but asks no questions and gets directly down to business
"Hiruzen-sensei, I have an answer for you"
"And I you Jiraiya, but please indulge me first"
"I accept your appointment Hokage on the condition that I am still given some opportunities to travel and to write; I still feel I haven't fulfilled the toad's prophecy yet"
"With you stepping into the Hokage position I will retire, but I suppose I may get bored being retired and on occasion can stand in the position to afford you that flexibility"
"Thank you sir..."
"And I do accept your nomination for Minato to ascend to the rank of jonin. In fact as one of your first duties as Hokage, I believe the boy would find it a great honor if you were the man to appoint him... Sayonakidori, I need you to begin planning the Hokage ceremony. You'll need to address invitations to the Kages of other nations, along with the Daimyos of the lands, speak with the ANBU commander to begin organizing security, contact food vendors for catering, and speak with seamstresses to create banners and set an appointment for Jiraiya to be measured for his traditional Hokage robes"
"Yes Hokage-sama... What day would you like to set for the ceremony?"
"One month from tomorrow"
"Yes Hokage-sama... If I may respectfully ask, what about Tenzo?"
"Oh yes, it had almost slipped my mind. Thank you for reminding me. I will speak with Master Jiraiya on all the matters I've already discussed with you. Now please attend to those tasks, and when you return I will dictate the Kage and Daiymyo invitations for you so"
"Yes Hokage-sama"
Sayonakidori bows respectfully before exiting the office. When the door is fully closed, Jiraiya jabs a thumb in her direction
"Is she always so formal?"
"She's new..."
Hiruzen begins discussing with Jiraiya the new plan of attack for dealing with Orochimaru including using Jiraiya's own skills as a writer to forge the forbidden scrolls. He also tasks Jiraiya with training Tenzo and initially Jiraiya is questionable but when the nature of Tenzo's modified DNA is revealed, Jiraiya immediately accepts the role. After finishing with the Third Hokage, Jiraiya races across the village to Tsunade's apartment where she is taking the day off to recover from their escapade yesterday. As soon as she opens the door, he rushes in and closes the door behind him then takes her hand and drops to one knee.
"Tsunade, marry me."
:::::