Chapter 10
By March she's grown restless, and so Tsuru spends hours tracking down the seven swordsman, and their apprentices in her free time.
They rarely grow wary by her approach now, just open their hand for whatever she has brought.
Hōzuki, Kurosuki and Biwa are her favorite targets. Momochi as well. They don't bother to test her like Kuriarare, ruffle her hair like Akebino, or threaten her like Munashi.
And Ringo-san is dying, so Tsuru tries to spend more time with her. Just telling the woman stories, and listening when she can.
Kisame is also in the running, but it's not as fun when they know the truth.
Today, however she has found someone new.
Ao something.
He also knows the truth, but not about her.
0o0o0
Her brothers room is organized chaos, and Tsuru feels sorry for his coworkers when her brother takes over her father's tresorial duties.
She pushes over a stack of papers and extra ink, so she can sit on the floor beside him. Leans against the man despite the heat.
Eito frowns, focusing on her. "A sling?" he queries.
"I need to learn to use both hands, and this is easier than the way Ringo-san learned."
The lines in his face deepen.
"I know it's better than breaking it, but father is going to kill me for encouraging you," he drawls, dragging a hand through his wavy hair.
"I want to survive."
"I know. You also need to have fun," he murmurs in thought. "Have you been using that chakra exercise I showed you?"
She nods and he smiles. "Good, get up. I have something to show you then."
0o0o0
"Your brat keeps giving me things!" Munashi Jinpatchi calls out, stalking into the Mizukages office. Tossing the neatly wrapped rice balls, and candy onto Yagura's desk. The last nearly sliding off. "Make her stop, or i will disregard that no harm order."
Kushimaru laughs. No, it is more of a loud, barking cackle, similar to that of a hyenas. "The girl probably feels sorry for you."
The man bristles. The anbu in the room shifting as his hand moves towards Shibuki's hilt.
"Little Tsuru-chan been giving us all things," Jinin points out before he can, pulling some items from beneath his cloak. "And don't act like you haven't let her corner you, Kuriarare. I saw you tuck away one of those poems away."
Head tilting, the blonde stops picking at his nails and looks up. "The child has talent. She should be rewarded."
Yagura almost laughs. Almost.
Instead of reacting though, Yagura forces his lips to remain in a neutral postion as he listens to the older man continue. "And as terrifying as your killing intent is Munashi, I doubt the child will stop. Tsuru-chan's such a sweet girl and is probably more terrified of you feeling left out."
God, if they only knew.