A/N: Next chapter should be up shortly after this one...once it's up, I plan to start/finish a NaruSaku oneshot for a friend as well as layout the basic outlines for last part of this fic (few more fights to plan out). As always enjoy, and please feel free to leave me some feedback...

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CHAPTER 19

"CHANCE ENCOUNTERS"

"We should go after him," Kaori urgently said. "Something's obviously wrong…Takeo-kun isn't himself."

"No," Keigo responded, shaking his head. "Just let him be for awhile, Kaori."

"But…" Kaori started to counter.

"Don't worry," Hakumi comforted. "Takeo's home now. There will be time for all of us to help fix whatever's bothering him. The Takeo we know will be back before you know it."

Kaori nodded, nervously chewing her lip. Kintarou pressed a hand on her shoulder and grinned as she lifted her head towards him.

"Things will be back to normal," he assured her. "He just needs some time to sort things out, that's all. I am sure that is all there is to it."

"Yeah," she nodded. "You're probably right."

"If you four are finished, perhaps Keigo, you and your wife should head home," Tsunade advised. "I'd think you'd want to keep a close eye on your son for a good while."

"Of course," Keigo nodded.

"And you two," Tsunade continued, addressing Kintarou and Kaori. "I expect your squads would appreciate your return."

"Right," Kintarou bowed, lowering his ANBU mask. "My apologies again for disturbing you so early, Hokage-sama."

Kaori lowered her mask as well. Both ANBU bid farewell to Keigo and Hakumi, who were smiling warmly as they waved goodbye. Turning to leave, the couple approached the open doorway and unexpectedly met with a yellow blur barreling past them into the room.

"W-Where is he?" Shinji shouted. "He's here…I mean, it's true right?"

Without giving the others any time to respond, Shinji stormed straight up to Kintarou.

"You," he pointed excitedly. "You brought him here right? Takeo nii-san? He's alive right?"

As the boy continued to ramble, a winded Hiroko and Riku dashed into the room behind him.

"We told you to wait up!" Hiroko angrily admonished, smacking her overly excited teammate across the back of his head. "You can't just barge into the Hokage's office."

"My thoughts exactly," Tsunade loudly agreed, silencing the Genin who had caused all of the commotion. "I should have known today was one of those days…you, what are you doing screaming and shouting nonsense in my office?"

Shinji paused, suddenly aware of how dangerous the Hokage could look when those amber eyes were staring at you. Riku clapped a hand over his mouth before he could reply.

"I apologize for my teammate, Hokage-sama," Riku bowed. "Shinji was badly injured on our mission, and I'm sure the medicine is affecting his behavior. He's just eager to see if his friend is here and okay."

Tsunade sighed as she slumped in her chair. "If this friend is Zuboshi Takeo, then yes, he was here and very much alive."

Shinji's eyes widened at her answer and he moved quickly to approach her. A pair of strong hands immediately latched onto his shoulders to stop him.

"That's enough, Shinji," Keigo said sternly. "You're supposed to be recuperating in the hospital, not bothering Tsunade-sama."

The blonde Genin's head spun around, his blue orbs meeting the intimidating green eyes of the former ANBU squad commander. "But Keigo-san…I had to see if it was true. Takeo nii-san is back, isn't he? He really is the one who saved me?"

"Yes," Keigo nodded. "Takeo is back home. But he left for our house to get some much-needed rest. And before you ask, no you can't go and see him now. Right now, you need to return to your hospital bed and finish healing your injuries."

"I'm fine," Shinji replied.

"No, you're not," Hiroko frowned, poking the boy in his midsection.

Shinji grimaced and doubled over in pain, clutching the bandaging around his sides.

"See?"

"Yeah…okay…" Shinji sighed.

"Good," Keigo nodded. "And just to make sure you arrive in good condition, Hakumi and I will accompany you back."

"We can handle it, Zuboshi-san," Riku said.

"I'm sure you can," Hakumi interjected. "But Keigo and I would feel better seeing him there personally."

"Of course," Riku nodded. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Hakumi smiled. "It's nice to see Shinji-kun has teammates that really care about him."

Riku and Hiroko blushed slightly as Hakumi continued smiling. Keigo wrapped an arm around Shinji and began leading him and the others away.

"We're really off this time," Keigo said, nodding towards Tsunade. "I'll make sure Takeo is here bright and early tomorrow morning, Tsunade-sama."

"Not too early," she sighed.

"Of course not," Keigo replied, turning towards the ANBU. "And thanks for your help as well."

Kintarou and Kaori nodded, focusing their masked faces on the group heading out of the office.

"Have you told Kintarou-san or Kaori nee-san yet?" Shinji asked as the five of them exited.

"No…not quite," Keigo responded without a hitch.

Once Shinji and his team were far enough down the hallway, Tsunade stood and addressed the shinobi left in her office.

"Now then," she started. "I believe you two were heading back to your squad commanders. Don't worry, I'll inform them about the reasons for your absence when we discuss the guard patrols for your friend."

"Guard patrols?" Kaori questioned.

"Yes," Tsunade nodded, recognizing the young woman's confusion. "It's standard practice to have ANBU watch over any potentially dangerous visitors."

"I think we're both well aware of that," Kintarou replied. "But with all due respect, Hokage-sama, Takeo isn't a foreigner. He's a Konoha shinobi."

"Who has been missing for two years," Tsunade added. "Like it or not, he must be observed until this whole mess is cleared up."

"Then I volunteer to watch him," Kaori quickly responded.

"As do I," Kintarou echoed.

Tsunade shook her head. "I'm afraid that would be a conflict of interests. You two are friends of his. Not that I doubt your loyalty…it just wouldn't be appropriate. I'm sorry."

"But—"

"No, Kaori-san," Kintarou interrupted. "She's right. We understand, Hokage-sama."

"I'm glad," the blonde woman smiled. "As ANBU, you're more than aware of your responsibilities to the entire village, not just those that you care for. When you wear that mask and uniform, you're obligated to put the safety and well-being of Konoha first."

"Of course," Kintarou nodded, recalling the same speech he'd just given to Takeo.

"Once you take them off, however," Tsunade continued, "you're free to do as you please. Of course, I suppose there wouldn't be any objections if you chose to watch over him while off duty."

Kaori and Kintarou glanced at one another.

"Right," Kaori nodded, her voice sounding more cheerful. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

"Hm? For what?" Tsunade smirked. "Now if there's nothing else, you two are dismissed."

A faint puff of smoke accompanied the stout ANBU that appeared in between her and Kaori and Kintarou.

"Hokage-sama," He bowed.

"Now what?" she mumbled, massaging her temples.

"My apologies if I am interrupting," he continued.

"What is it?" Tsunade asked, picking up the nearly empty bottle of sake and swirling the liquid inside around.

"The other members of Bear's team have returned," the ANBU said. "They are currently on their way to an interrogation cell with a captured missing nin from Cloud."

"I see," Tsunade responded, taking a small sip from the blue jug. "Have Ibiki talk with him before you escort him to a prison cell."

"Understood," the ANBU bowed, disappearing as suddenly as he'd arrived.

"Uh, Hokage-sama," Kintarou said hesitantly. "I request permission to observe the missing nin's interrogation."

Tsunade and Kaori both looked at him with confusion.

"Why?" Tsunade asked.

"That shinobi is the same one that Takeo defeated to rescue that Genin team," Kintarou revealed. "I thought that perhaps he might know something about Takeo's behavior."

"Why would he know anything?" Kaori inquired.

Kintarou hesitated again. "On the way back to Konoha, one of the other members of my cell informed me that, based upon the statements given by Shinji-kun's teammates, that Cloud nin knew Takeo in some capacity."

Tsunade sighed. Kaori just stared.

"I apologize for not saying anything about it sooner," Kintarou continued. "I was caught up in personal matters and forgot about my duty."

"It's fine," Tsunade assured him. "And at least you remembered to tell me before Ibiki was finished."

Standing up, Tsunade set aside some files and gathered her things.

"Permission to observe the interrogation is granted," Tsunade said as she began walking out. "I would also like to hear what he has to say concerning our recently returned shinobi."

"Thank you Hokage-sama," Kintarou bowed. "Kaori-san?"

"I-I'll pass," she replied. "I need to get back and file my patrol report, and I need to swing by Ren's and pick up some supplies before my mission tomorrow afternoon."

"Okay," Kintarou said, setting both hands on her shoulders. "Be careful what you say to Ren-san, though. I'm not sure how exactly he'll take the news."

"Right," Kaori solemnly nodded. "I guess it could be difficult to explain why Takeo-kun is alive and back home but his other daughter isn't."

"Yeah," Kintarou nodded.

"Coming?" Tsunade asked from the hallway.

"Yes," Kintarou hurriedly answered. "I'll see you this afternoon, Kaori-san."

"Oh…right," Kaori nodded. "I almost forgot…about…that…"

"Yeah," Kintarou responded, smiling beneath his mask. "It's understandable, though. It nearly slipped my mind as well. We can always just reschedule for another day…that is, if you still want to…"

"O-Of course," Kaori said slowly.

"Kintarou!"

"Sorry, Hokage-sama," Kintarou apologized as he dashed after her, waving farewell to Kaori as he left. "Tell Ren-san and Jana-san I said hello."

Kaori watched awkwardly as he disappeared, leaving her alone in the office. "Sure thing…"

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Takeo clasped his hands together behind his head and cradled it as he walked, gazing upwards. The sun was still brightly shining, despite the few clouds that dotted the early morning sky. Having burned the same image from two years ago into his memory, he quickly noticed how similar this morning was to that morning. That morning, he and his team had walked to the Hokage's to receive what would be their field examination for ANBU. He recalled how excited they all were as they traveled the short distance. Kintarou was so eager and formal with everything; Kaori seemed so anxious, yet still argued and teased them both like nothing was wrong. As for himself, Takeo remembered how energized he felt. That same sense of excitement and hope was all but gone now though, as he continued looking up into the sky.

"Ouch!"

Several loud clangs accompanied the sight of several small boxes falling to the street. Takeo stopped and quickly glanced down, meeting a pair of angry dark brown eyes.

"Watch where you're going!" the young woman screamed at him from her seat on the ground. "Look what you made me…man, all my stuff is probably ruined…"

"Déjà vu," Takeo muttered, thinking back.

"What did you say?" the girl squealed.

"Uh…nothing. I'm sorry," Takeo apologized, offering a hand.

"Hmph," she responded, swatting it away. "If you want to help, start by picking up the things you knocked out my hands."

Takeo frowned as he knelt down, gathering each of the five boxes that littered the ground. Once he had them all, he carefully stacked them and lifted them with both hands. He held his arms out so the girl could retrieve them, but she shook her head as she climbed to her feet.

"Follow me," the young woman ordered, flipping several platinum blonde strands out of her face.

"I never said I would—" Takeo started.

"Hey!" the girl stopped him, pointing a finger inches from his face. "You ran into me and knocked some very valuable items from my hands…the least you can do is carry them for me. That way if they're damaged, you'll be right here to pay for replacements."

"Seriously," Takeo said firmly. "I can't…I'm on my home."

"What kind of man are you?" she scowled. "If a lady needs a hand, aren't you supposed to help her?"

"I…" Takeo began to counter.

"My dad's shop is only a few blocks from here," she continued, flashing a smile.

Takeo shifted the heavy crates around to better balance them against the front of his jacket. "Fine."

"Good," the girl said happily. "Follow me."

Staring at the young woman for a moment, Takeo reluctantly began following behind her as she guided him along the streets of Konoha. A few passersby eyed the two them with curiosity, in large part because of the girl's loud humming. Takeo put the heartening tune out of his mind as he tried to focus on other things. Time would pass faster that way, and he could drop of the girl's packages and head home like he'd planned.

"So what about you?" the young woman asked suddenly.

"What about me?" Takeo questioned, moving his head around the stack of boxes so he could see.

"What do you do for a living?" she replied angrily, staring back into his eyes. "Geez, I've been trying to start a polite conversation, but you haven't said a thing. Are you even listening?"

Takeo eyed the girl for a moment. He hadn't really been paying attention.

"No, not really," Takeo answered honestly.

She glared back at him. "Figures…at least you were honest about it though. Unlike some boys I know…"

The girl smugly flipped her long hair away from her face as she spun back around.

"Okay…" Takeo sighed.

"Well?" she asked impatiently.

"Well what?" Takeo sighed.

"What do you do around here?" the blonde girl responded, nearly shouting.

"Nothing as of now," he told her stoically. "I've been out of town for awhile."

"Oh," she smiled, the rage in her voice vanishing. "Take a vacation?"

"Not really…"

"I wish I had time to take a vacation," she continued without regarding him. "But my dad is always going on about responsibility and valuing what we have here and our duty to Konoha…not to say he's wrong, because he isn't. We're both really grateful to be here. We owe our lives to the shinobi here, you know?"

"Yeah," Takeo half-heartedly nodded, readjusting the items in his hands.

"Yeah, come to think of it," the girl continued, "it's been nearly two years since…oh, we're here!"

The young woman suddenly came to a stop, nearly causing Takeo to bump into her again.

"See, that wasn't so bad," she said as she opened the door. "Oh, watch your step…there's a stack of planters by your feet."

Takeo carefully glanced downward, maneuvering his way around the planters and into the cozy corner shop. The door behind him creaked shut, quickly accompanied by a similar sound from a door somewhere in the back of the building.

"Well, this is it," the young woman said proudly. "My dad's shop…it sounds like he just came in from the garden, so if you don't mind waiting a bit, I'll have him look over our things to make sure they're okay."

"Actually, I'd rather get—"

"Jana, is that you?" a man's voice called from the back of the shop.

"Yes," the young woman responded.

"Jana?" Takeo hoarsely repeated.

"Oh, right," the girl chuckled. "I never introduced myself. I'm Atsukami Jana."

The boxes in Takeo's hands suddenly fell to the floor.

"Hey!" Jana exclaimed. "What are you doing?"

Appearing from a small doorway nearby, a bushy, silver-haired old man hurriedly approached his daughter.

"What's all the noise about?" Ren inquired, eyeing his daughter. "Is everything okay J—"

An uncomfortable silence filled the air of the small apothecary. Jana's eyes followed her father's awed gaze.

"Impossible…" he mumbled.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

"Is it…T-Takeo…san…"

Takeo held his breath as he finally spoke. "Been awhile…Ren-san…"

Jana turned suddenly, her chocolate brown eyes wide with astonishment.

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"Right this way."

Following the shorter ANBU guard, Kintarou and Tsunade stepped through the dark narrow hallway until they were stopped outside an old wooden door. Through the iron bars in the tiny window, Kintarou could see a man bending over near a face he recognized as belonging to the missing Cloud nin. Another ANBU standing guard turned and bowed towards Tsunade before addressing Kintarou.

"Captain."

Kintarou nodded to the ANBU kunoichi in the rabbit mask. "You two made it back rather quickly."

"Yes, sir," she nodded. "Cell eleven was returning from their reconnaissance mission to Grass Country. They helped us secure the kidnappers while Tiger and I escorted him here."

"Glad everything worked out," Kintarou responded. "Could you please turn in our report to the commander? I'll be observing his interrogation."

"Of course," she nodded. "I'll see you at the debriefing then."

In a flash, the ANBU woman was gone. Clearing her throat, Tsunade regained Kintarou's attention as she motioned at the ANBU escorting them. The man knocked twice against the doorframe, causing the shinobi dressed in black within the room to stand and tie a blindfold around the Cloud ninja's eyes. Once he had secured it, he motioned to the ANBU outside, who promptly opened the door. Tsunade entered first, nodding to Kintarou, who followed in behind her. The man in black spun and bowed slightly, revealing the numerous scars across his head and face.

"How is it coming?" Tsunade asked him

"We're getting along well now," Morino Ibiki replied. "What would you like to know?"

Tsunade eyed the Cloud nin, noting the cuts and bruising along his arms and face.

"I haven't touched him…yet," Ibiki whispered. "He says most of it was inflicted by a Kazashi Takeo."

"Kazashi Takeo?" Tsunade repeated.

"Yes," Ibiki nodded.

"What else has he said?" she inquired.

"Nothing else worth noting," Ibiki answered. "Is there something particular you'd like to ask?"

Kintarou nodded as Tsunade glanced at him, his hazel eyes meeting hers from behind his mask.

Within minutes, Ibiki had the Cloud nin bound tightly to the stiff, uncomfortable chair. Several senbon needles protruded from the large man's hands, arms and thighs. A thin trickle of blood suddenly dribbled down the corner of his mouth; his teeth had sunk into the soft vulnerable flesh of his own tongue. Ibiki quickly drew a kunai underneath the blindfold, close to the man's eyes.

"You can finish doing that if you wish," he said darkly. "But you'll lose your eyes…and I'm sure a blind and mute missing nin from Cloud will have no problems in a Fire Country prison."

The Cloud nin seethed, unclenching his teeth and spitting out several shots of blood and saliva.

"Good choice," Ibiki whispered, moving the kunai away. "Now…I can't imagine a missing nin from Lightning Country traveling all the way to our neck of the woods to simply mess with a bunch of weak thugs and a Genin squad. Would you care to tell me what you're doing here in Fire Country?"

The man hesitated. Ibiki wiggled a few of the needles on top of the man's hands so that their points dug in a little deeper.

"Why did you attack those bandits and team of Genin?" Ibiki asked. "Were they your targets?"

"No…" he mumbled. "Just happened upon them in the woods…looked like easy pickings…"

"So you weren't after them, then?" Ibiki nodded. "I see…how unfortunate then that you lost in a battle you started without provocation. So what were you doing in that part of our country?"

The burly man stayed silent.

"Did I forget to mention that these are poison-tipped?" Ibiki said calmly, waiting patiently for a few seconds.

"Trying to cash in on a bounty!" the man yelled.

"On whom?" Ibiki questioned.

"The shinobi who did this," he muttered. "Kazashi Takeo…"

Kintarou looked at the man with bewilderment. He hurriedly whispered into Tsunade's ear. The Hokage turned and eyed the large ANBU for a moment before stepping forward.

"We know of no one by that name. Who placed this bounty?" she asked menacingly.

"A woman interrogator?" the man sneered.

Ibiki chuckled. "The Godaime Hokage, to be more precise."

The Cloud nin went stiff. "I got the job from a man in Rice Field Country."

"Was he from the Sound?" Tsunade immediately followed.

"Yeah…he was wearing their symbol," the Cloud nin answered, grimacing slightly. "He didn't tell me his name, though…I swear. There were a bunch of other missing nins, too. All of us got the same job from that four-eyed Sound guy…"

"To kill this Kazashi Takeo?" Tsunade asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Y-Yeah," the Cloud nin nodded weakly, beginning to lose consciousness. "Him…and his sister…"