There's something off in my mindscape. Something new. As I arrive, I see a trail of what looks like frost on the grass, climbing up the orphanage steps and heading inside. I follow the trail quickly through the doors as it leads straight to the fountain that holds my memories. The fountain. However, is acting strangely. It's bubbling like it's boiling, the bubbles shooting out in the form of small orbs… memories that the frost tries to grab at and freeze, trying to cool the bubbling, boiling water. I don't let it and focus on keeping the water hot, taking note of which memories the ice touch is targeting. Anything that has a connection to Yota. But I hold strong as the ice turns into snowflakes that seem to do battle with blood-red rose petals, and I feel a headache coming on. However, I refuse… I refuse to forget about my friend, even if he wants me to.

I see the notification taking form on the wall unhelpfully.

Meditation Expertise level has risen X3

Meditation Expertise Level 11

Ability to calm mind, body, and energies to such a point that they are in harmony. Increases regeneration rate 1% per level on top of 200% regeneration rate. Chakra cost reduction 0.01% per level. Increase in control of energies by 1% per level. Control of mindscape increases per level. Reduction in mental drain for changing mindscape per level. Current ability 211% regeneration rate, 11% overall control, -0.11% chakra cost.

I focus on the water and mentally thank Hazuki for the roses… I think I just figured out one of their uses.

POV Hiruzen Sarutobi

I'm getting too old for this job. I really am. Most days, I can say that with a laugh, however when you are explaining to four clan heads, one of which is your jonin commander, how exactly their children go hurt… while having to (mostly) leave out a jailbreak and how they managed to collectively subdue Anbu… well these are the days I genuinely do feel my age.

The Haruno girl's parents were easy enough to deflect. A retired chunnin and current career genin of civilian blood, living a primarily civilian life wouldn't question their village leader. A simple fib about her fainting was readily accepted once they were assured they could bring their daughter home and that she was relatively unharmed beyond a few bumps and bruises.

At least matters were simplified by the fact that none of the children would apparently remember the event or events leading up to it, as unfortunate as that last part was, considering I was truly curious as to how they became associated with the strange child the ANBU found.

Eagle himself didn't even remember anything related to the child until Inochi was able to assist in the matter, which meant I didn't need to explain it to that clan head, at least. In the end, the children forgetting is probably for the best.

"Troublesome, so what is the line we will be using?" Shikaku drawls, seemingly unaffected. However, I know he doesn't appreciate having to lie to his son in any form. In the ninja world truth and lies equally build our world view, however we try not to lie to those closest to us.

"Some it won't be necessary. Ino can go home with no story, Kiba as well, and Naruto is already sleeping back in his apartment. I leave it up to your discretion for Shikamaru-kun." I assure him, but he seems thoroughly unimpressed. Injuries were minor. Shikamaru had a small gash on his leg, and Choji had some somewhat troubling bruises. The worst was this Sayori's wrist, but with proper medical treatment, the broken wrist should be fully healed in two weeks' time.

"And Sayori-chan?" Choza asks, and I smile my usual smile placing even great ninjas such as these at ease.

"A story about falling on her arm wrong is rather simple," I tell the Akimichi clan head. Sayori is an interesting girl, to be sure. It is always best to be on the lookout for new young talent. From reports, she might be just that, not to mention her apparent sensory potential. It is not confirmed. However, little things, and stumbles seem to give her away as an already active sensor at the age of six. She is already making connections (intentional or not) and it speaks of a promising future.

"I'll take her back with Chojii to the Akimichi district until she's fully healed," Choza says, seemingly off handed; however, the seriousness in his tone states that he isn't asking for permission… much. Officially I am the girl's guardian, and though I delegate such tasks to Koharu, usually, I may want to take a closer look at this particular case. If it alleviates tensions for one of MY ANBU being responsible for Choji's injuries, I am happy to allow it.

"Of course…" I say softer. It is hard sometimes to see the line between politics and people. You stay at this enough, and they become pages on a form and numbers on a spreadsheet. Sometimes I wonder what Hashirama-sama would think of that. However every now and then it does sneak up on you that they are people. "This meeting is dismissed," I comment and grab my hat. Naruto will be waking soon… perhaps I can take him out for some ramen?