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Rania stood quietly as Naruto, Konohamaru, Asuma, and the rest of the shinobis talked with the Sandaime. She was already deciding what to do about a certain ROOT problem. A shadow shifted slightly to her left. Soon a figure appeared from the dark.

You know you can't sneak up on me like that. I can always sense you, Veran. Doc released you?" Rania asked a lanky man. He had a hawk shaped nose, tan skin, and cream colored hair. His eyes were a sunset orange. I was not trying to sneak up on you. I know better. Yes, my leg is healed enough for me not to be bedridden. I sent Honey home. The Headmistress of the Academy wants to speak with you. I do not know why. These are all shinobi? Veran signed. Rania nodded.

"Tell Jusa I'll meet with her shortly. Oh, Veran, Tsunade is with them." Rania said smiling. Veran paled. Does she know Vilis and I are here? She did leave us here for our on safety. Veran signed.

"Not yet. She hasn't had time to even think properly. Ah, here she comes. Stay put."Rania said. Tsunade was more or less stalkung up to Rania. Onxe there she looked at Rania with confusion.

"How do you pull it off? We found Sensi's body and everything." Tsunade asked the older woman. Rania smiled.

"Does a magician tell all his tricks?" Rania said slyly. Tsunade humphed and looked at the man next to Rania. He was familiar somehow just as Vilis was. Tsunade thought about it and then it hit her like a ton of bricks.

"Veran? Vilis? I thought I told the two of you to keep in touch. Shizune thinks you're dead! I ought to punch your lights out!

Now, Tsunade, don't be upset. We hardly ever knew where you were. You moved around alot. Besides, I didn't ask Shizune to marry me, Vilis did. He hasn't forgotten her you know. Veran signed

"Well where is the runt?" Tsunade fumed. Rania pointed to the tall slightly built man beside Jirayia.

"That's Vilis? He grew up better than i thought. Ahem, I wonder if Shizune's noticed him." Tsunade said. Veran smiled.

He is going over to her now. Vilis to go see her but things did not go as planned. He thinks about her all the time. Veran signed. Tsunade looked at him.

"And you know this how?"

I am his twin brother. I sense his moods. His love never waivered. Besides, I have my own wife now and I know hiw I feel when she is away from me for so long.

Veran signed. Tsunade quirked an eyebrow.

"Really need to meet her." Tsunade grumbled. Rania smirked.

"You did. Remember Honeydesse? She married Veran seven years ago." Rania said. Tsunade smiled looking at Shizune. She was totally unaware of Vilis near her. Tsunade watched as Vilis began to speak.

"Shizune? Is it really you?" Vilis asked. Shizune turned from listening to the Sandaime talk about Ramen with his followers. Shizune didn't recogize the man in front of her. She stared at him with intent in her eyes.

"Do I know you?" Shizune said. Vilis laughed.

"You don't remember me, Shi-shi? The ring you wear on your left hand was a gift from me years ago. Remember now?" Vilis said. Shizune's eyes lit up.

"You called me Shi-shi. Only my beloved Vilis called me that. No...it's not possible...Vilis?"

"The one and only. All grown up. I am sorry but I ca...hmmm." Vilis began but Shizune silenced him with a kiss. Vilis wrapped his arms around her waist with ton ton sitting happily beside them. Sakura noticed the couple first. She tapped Ino.

"Wha...WAY TO GO SHIZUNE!!! Ino and Sakura yelled. Shizune broke the kiss off blushing heavily.

"Sorry, I got carried away. Sorry, Lady Tsunade."

"Don't worry about it, Shizune. Where's the gaki?"

"With Sandaime. I'm afraid it will be a while before they are finished. I can wait on them if you need to be elsewhere." Shizune said. Tsunade nodded.

"I'll be back shortly. I need to discuss some things with the Headmistress of the Academy here. Hopefully, I can get Iruka in as a teacher. I'll meet you at the compound in an hour." Tsunade said. Rania quirked her eyebrow at Tsunade.

"You are staying?" Rania inquired as she she and Tsunade turned to go. Tsunade nodded.

"We had a meeting last night. All voted to stay. Konoha has fallen beyond repair. Besides, Naruto won't be harrassed here. He'll be happy. I just wish I'd brought him here sooner. You know its not easy for him being the jailor of Kyuubi. Most seen him as the fox." Tsunade said as they exited the garden. Rania's face was passive but her mind fumed.

"It takes a fool to not understand the difference between a cell and a prisoner. Kyuubi was trusted by us, by my father, for years. What happened? Why did he go beserk? One answer is all I can think of. I'm older than you, Tsunade, you wouldn't remember him. But I remember the threats he made and I believe he's making good on thise threats today." Rania said, venom in her voice. Tsunade looked questioningly at her.

"Who?"

"Madara Uchiha."