"Tou-san?" A young boy asks, his chubby cheeks puffed out as he looks at us, the red swirls across his cheeks becoming more defined. Behind him stand three Nara. A young boy the same age as Chōza's son, and who I assume to be his mother Yoshino, and his father, Shikaku Nara. I'd never interacted with the jonin commander, all of my orders once becoming a jonin came from Jiji. Judging by his calculating look, he's already suspicious of me.

"Choji," Chōza says, bringing my attention back to him. "I'd like for you to meet your aunt, Yua."

"My aunt?" Choji repeats slowly, as it starts to sink in.

"No shi- uh," I pause, scratching the back of my head. I really need to get better about not cursing. "It was a shock to me too, kiddo."

"How-what-," Choji shakes his head and I can't help but smile at him.

"Why'd you come here now?" The Nara boy says, moving to stand beside his friend. His mother lays a hand on his shoulder.

"Be nice, Shikamaru." She says, the warning clear in her tone.

"It's alright, Nara-san, Shikamaru is just trying to protect his friend." I shrug before turning in my seat to face them fully. "I had a DNA test done tonight for the first time since I was a child. Hokage-sama said he'd informed all the clans about the possibility of me coming by after the test, but it seems he may have just informed the one he suspected."

"I haven't heard anything about you." The jonin commander says, confirming my theory as he leans against the doorway. "When were you promoted?"

"Eight years ago, field promotion."

"How about the adults continue this conversation over some tea?" Aya says, interrupting the interrogation. "The children need their rest for tomorrow. Shika can stay with Choji tonight."

"That's a wonderful idea, Aya," Yoshino smiles.

"But-" Choji says, looking over at me hopefully.

"Don't worry, Choji. I'm sure you and your oba-san will have plenty of time to catch up later this week." I see a cute pout form on Choji's face and that solidifies it. I feel the shift in my chest and I know that he's pack. I'm really turning into Genma after all.

I might as well embrace it. I quickly stand up from my chair and pull Choji into a tight hug, bringing my mask down to drop a kiss on the top of his head, and to also memorize his scent. The smell of barbecue chips hits my senses first, making me the proudest aunt in the world. And then, I smell grass and oak wood.

"You're going to have a long day tomorrow, Choji-kun. You're going to meet your team for the first time, ne?" I pull my mask back up over my nose to avoid all the other scents in the room.

"I already know who my team is, it's going to be me Shikamaru and Ino." He mumbles into my stomach.

"But you don't know who your sensei is. Besides, it's one thing being friends with someone, it's another to be on a team together." I pat the top of his head as I pull away from the hug. I crouch down to look him in the eye. "I have to meet my team's parents tomorrow afternoon, but if we're both free the next day I'll take you to my favorite dumpling place for dinner, okay?"

"Okay, oba-chan." He smiles widely as I stand back to my full height.

"Alright, off to bed you two." Aya says as she and Yoshino are waving the boys out of the room, but Shikamaru pauses in the doorway.

"Are you going to be our sensei?"

"No," I shake my head. "Don't spend too much time trying to figure out who it is, either. Enjoy the surprise, Shikamaru."

"Troublesome," he mutters the word under his breath, and it takes everything in me to not laugh. As soon as the boys are down the hall, Chōza is forcing me back into my earlier seat, pouring tea for us. Chōza goes back to his previous seat while Shikaku sits in the free chair between us. The silence is unbearable, and I find myself struggling to stay still as Shikaku keeps staring at me.

"I was sent to the border a few days after graduating from the academy."

"What?" Chōza says, almost dropping his tea. "Why were you sent out there?"

"The council said that they didn't want me to ruin tradition, especially during a war."

"What tradition?" Shikaku asks after a moment.

"The team placement, they only wanted clan kids, so they chose the top clan kunoichi of my class, and instead of putting me on a team they sent me out to the border." I shrug, finally taking a sip of my tea. Might as well get all the dirty laundry out now.

At least Inoichi wasn't here to spring a psych evaluation on me. Yet.

"Who's team were you supposed to be on?" Chōza asks after a moment of silence.

"It doesn't really matter," I shrug. "I was eventually promoted to chunin while still on the border. Right before he was about to resign, Sandaime-sama assigned me to a jonin to train under outside of the village."

"Who's team?" Shikaku asks again, the look he gives me makes it clear that I have to answer.

"Team seven, Yondaime's team." I say, holding onto my tea cup tightly. I'd only discussed this with the council, Jiji, and Sensei. Obito never knew. I'm sure Kakashi still doesn't know. "I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't let that information spread. I've only discussed it with the council, Sandaime-sama, and Jiraiya."

"Jiraiya?" Chōza asks, his voice raising an octave.

"The jonin I was assigned to train under."

"Well, that explains why I haven't heard of you." Shikaku sighs, finally leaning back in his chair. "What that doesn't explain is why you don't want Kakashi to know."

"Kakashi hated me when we were younger, for one." I see Chōza is about to say something, but I shake my head. "It's already going to be hard enough for him to have Naruto and Sasuke on his team now. There's no point in-"

"A member of his team is alive." Shikaku cuts me off. "Minato knew that he was supposed to have another member, but the council never told him who. He made sure his team knew there was supposed to be another member, too. Kakashi should know." I feel a weight in the pit of my stomach. Kakashi was one of the people I was going to try to avoid at all costs. For both of our sakes. There's no use in trying to form a bond over what could have been.

"Don't go there, Akimichi Yua." Chōza says firmly. The use of my name, my full name breaking me out of my train of thought.

"That obvious?" I ask weakly. Chōza sighs and walks around the table, bending down to pull me in a hug.

"We can get more in detail about things later on," he says in my hair. "We're not doing this all at once." At that, all fight leaves my body as I feel myself fall into him. The tears start falling before I can even think to stop them. Leaving sensei, coming back to the village, finding out about my parentage - it was all too much.

"You're not alone anymore, imouto." Shikaku says, breaking up the sounds of my uneven breathing.

"Ino-Shika-Cho is more than a team, it's family." Chōza says, pulling away from our hug. I nod and wipe away my tears quickly.

"Thank you," I say, my voice sounding weaker than it's been in years.

"You don't need to thank us, brat." Shikaku smirks. "But if you really want to, you can go get some actual rest."

"I think that sounds like a good idea." Yoshino says from the doorway.

"Come on, we've already prepared a futon for you in your new room." Aya says from further down the hall. I smile at both Chōza and Shikaku, hoping they can see my appreciation despite the mask, and stand up from my seat. I walk back towards the door to grab my bag and scroll before I finally head back towards the sound of Aya and Yoshino's voices. After a few minutes of flurried activity, I barely remember to summon my pack before my head hits my pillow.


I wake up to the familiar feeling of a wet snout against my face.

"Morning, Rai." I manage to groan while blinking my eyes open. He's the youngest member of the pack, and also the most rowdy. Kyo is still lying down against my back, Tsuki is draped across my legs, and Mihiro is already up and looking out the window. I didn't really have time to look around the room last night, it was a simple tatami room, the only furniture in it is my futon. If I end up staying here long term I might break down and buy a kotatsu. Kyo will demand one if I don't have one by winter.

"Morning Yua!" Rai says, his silver tail wagging excitedly.

"Shh, it's still early." Kyo chides, moving her head from its place on her front paws to rest on my hip.

"But we didn't get to hear about what happened last night. Why are we at an Akimichi's place?" Mihiro asks, walking over to sit beside his excited younger brother.

"We're staying with my brother."

"Brother?" Four voices ask at the same time, all four wolves are alert and looking directly at me.

"Jiji had me do another DNA test last night. He wants me to adjust to life in the village before I take in the pups." I say as I slowly sit up. Kyo drops her head in my lap, and I immediately move to start petting it. "My mother was a civilian. My father was the former head of the Akimichi clan."

"No shit." Tsuki snorts.

"Watch your language," I chide as I stretch out my back.

"You're one to talk, Yua-chan," she says, finally sitting up.

"There's children in the house. I have a nephew named Choji. He graduated from the academy yesterday."

"Great, more pups we need to watch over," Kyo practically pouts at the thought of it.

"You know you're excited." She gives me the side eye and I can't help but laugh.

"It might be time to welcome a new wolf pup to the pack, then."

"Or two." I groan at the thought. Training human pups was already going to be a challenge. Add on two wolf pups…

"Wait, that might actually work."

"You've lost your mind, Yua." Kyo says, raising her head from my lap.

"The human and wolf pups can learn together." I shrug before standing up from my wolf pile. "We'll deal with that later this week."

"Yua oba-chan?" A timid voice asks from outside my door. The pack's ears pick up at his voice, and I can't help but be excited by the name myself. I hear the shuffling of another pair of feet before I respond to him.

"You can come in, Choji and Shikamaru." I'd already changed into a different set of clothes last night. I knew the last thing I would want to do with an early morning like this would be to worry about getting ready. Yes, I'm a jonin. And no, I am not a morning person. Kyo tilts her head at the new name, but she's the first to start licking Shikamaru's face as the door opens.

"Eh?!" Choji practically yells as Rai runs into him.

"What's going on- oh." Chōza says as he takes in the sight of the wolves bouncing all over the new genin.

"There was so much going on last night, I knew the last thing you needed was to try to memorize all of their names." I say while peeking up at my brother. He just smiles and shakes his head at the scene before walking past the boys, patting Rai on the top of the head, and then pulling me into another hug.

"I'll add more steak to the grocery list for this week."

"You don't have-"

"Of course I do, your pack is family, Yua-chan," Chōza says as he pulls away from our hug. I feel tears start pricking at my eyes again and shake my head.

"You're turning me into a sap." I whisper to him. I can't describe the look he gives me. It's somewhat of a mixture of pity, love, and sadness.

"I'm just treating you like I treat the rest of my family," he says after a moment.

"Did you say steak?" Mihiro asks, bumping against my leg.

"I did, I think we have enough left over for you all to have some for breakfast."

"Yes! You're the best!" Rai practically yells, bounding over and pouncing on Chōza.

"You already had steak last night, Rai." He turns to glare at me for telling on him. Chōza laughs at Rai's antics before patting the top of his head.

"I'm sure a little more steak won't hurt anyone, Rai." The wolf immediately runs out of the room, his tail wagging as he makes his way down the hall.

"Sorry, he's still learning," I mumble but my brother just shakes his head at me before turning to the wolves who have finally let the two new genin breathe.

"And what are your names?"

"I'm Kyo, this is Tsuki, and Mihiro, Rai's older brother."

"It's nice to meet you all, my name is Chōza , I'm Yua's older brother. And that is my son, Choji," he points to the boy currently hugging Mihiro. "And my godson, Shikamaru."

"You're a Nara, right?" Tsuki asks, tilting her head as she looks up at the genin.

"Yeah," he says as he shoves his hands in his pockets.

"Oh good, Yua doesn't take enough naps." Her tail begins to sway as she sits beside him. Shikamaru perks up at the mention of naps, and I silently thank Tsuki. Shikamaru still seemed a little uncomfortable around me. I hope that changes once he gets a chance to talk to his parents. I'm already getting attached to the kid, he's shown he's loyal to those he cares about.

"Alright, alright." I say, motioning for them to leave the room. "Time for breakfast." That gets Choji and Mihiro to leave the room immediately and another muttered 'troublesome' from Shikamaru before he follows behind the two, his hand tangled in Tsuki's fur.

"I was worried with Choji becoming a genin that things would get quiet around here." Chōza says as Kyo comes to stand beside me, bumping her snout against my hip. I reach my hand down to pat the top of her head before responding to my brother.

"If things get too loud-"

"By clan laws you're supposed to stay with us until you get married." Chōza cuts me off.

"It's okay if-"

"Yua." He says, coming to stand in front of me. He puts his hands on my shoulders and waits to continue until I look up at him. "Clan laws often reflect the values of the clan. We value family. Both blood and our team families, including those outside of Ino-Shika-Cho."

"Okay." I nod, but he isn't pleased.

"We love you, Yua-chan." I feel my throat tighten, the burning at the back of my eyes. This time, I don't try to fight the tears that fall. This time, I don't try to stop myself from throwing myself into my brother's arms. His arms wrap around me tightly as I lean my head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. I shift a little to pull my mask down. I'm immediately hit with the scent of curry and oak.

"I love you too." I say after a moment of silence. "I'm sorry I'm not good at this family thing."

"You're doing fine, Yua." Chōza laughs, "I know it's going to take some time for you to adjust. But just remember that you always have a home here. As does your pack and team."

"Thank you." I whisper, finally pulling away.

"Your mask is down." Chōza comments, and I immediately feel the heat start to spread across my cheeks. I hear him laugh as I look down while pulling my mask up.

"I- uh, please don't be weirded out when I say this-"

"Yua, breathe." He soothes, placing a steadying hand against my shoulder. I do as he says and take a deep breath before I explain.

"I was getting your scent."

"Ah, for if you ever need to find me?" I nod but still don't look up at him.

"And because, well, it helps me calm down if I can smell pack."

"That's not weird at all, Yua-chan." He says, patting my shoulder. "We were on a few missions with Sakumo and the Inuzuka over the years, I've picked up a few things." I finally look up at him to see the genuine smile on his face. "But, I have to ask, why do you wear your mask?"

"I didn't really wear it before. I was able to get used to all the scents at the border base I was at, and when I was traveling with sensei, we mainly stuck to smaller towns. Once I get more used to all the scents I can get rid of the mask."

"That makes sense," he says, wrapping an arm over my shoulder. "Now, time to get some food for you."

"Okay." I smile up at him. But the question in the back of my mind starts nagging me. "Hey Chōza?"

"Hm?"

"Why do you and Choji smell like oak wood?" He pauses before continuing to lead me towards the kitchen.

"I assume it's because of our , we carry it everywhere, even if it's shrunk to make it easier to carry around. It's an extension of us."

"Oh."

"I guess you'll get used to smelling like that soon, too."

"What do you mean?" I ask as we near the kitchen door.

"I'll be teaching you our clan techniques soon, obviously." He smiles down at me before pushing me into the kitchen. What the hell did Jiji get me into?

A loving, supportive mess. That's what Jiji got me into. After being forced to finish my plate of breakfast - I will never cross Aya Akimichi - I finally felt full. For the first time in my life I felt like I'd actually had enough to eat. And then, as I was leaving, four homemade bentos were thrust in my hands for me and my team, that they hadn't even met yet!

As we headed out the front door, my brother said he'd talk to our cousin about making a for me. I tried to offer to pay for it, but I was just waved off. Aya and Chōza ignoring my attempts to instead walk Choji and Shikamaru to meet up with the Naras and Yamanakas, leaving me a confused mess in the middle of the street.

It took a few minutes for me to realize that I was wasting too much time. I carefully put the bento in a stasis scroll before placing the scroll back into a storage seal I made on my gloves. I quickly made my way towards the Hokage tower, checking my watch.

I'm so late.

Jiji is going to kill me.


"Yua, it's nice of you to make an appearance." He says as I climb through the window.

"Sorry, Jiji. There was this old lady who needed help with her groceries. And then one of the bags-"

"Yua." He gives me a chiding look before nodding towards the other jonin in the room. I look around to see a few that I don't recognize. But I have to stop myself from showing any reaction about where the only open spot was in the room. Of course it's between Asuma and Kakashi. I move to stand in my spot, noticing that Kurenai is also here. So she did get a team after all.

"Now that everyone is here, we can begin the team assignments."

"Nice cover-up story, he hasn't heard that one a million times." Asuma whispers under his breath to me. I elbow him in the side. He was just as annoying as when we were kids.

"Who uses that as an excuse?" I ask him as Jiji continues with his list.

"Kakashi, who else?" I force myself to remain calm. That was Obito's excuse when he was late. Kakashi was always early. According to Obito's letters he would always complain that his excuses never added up. Kakashi was always focused on the mission, nothing else. He wouldn't let himself be distracted by-

And then my eyes see what he's doing.

Kami help me.

What alternate universe have I woken up in?

Kai. Nothing happens.

Oh sage.

Hatake Kakashi is reading Icha Icha.

Hatake Kakashi is reading sensei's books. DURING A OFFICIAL MEETING WITH THE HOKAGE. Why is everyone acting like this is normal?

"Team seven." Jiji says, breaking me from my mental freakout.

"Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke, and Uzumaki Naruto will be assigned to Hatake Kakashi as their jonin sensei." A small smirk makes its way to the Hokage's face as he cuts his eyes at me. What the hell had happened in this village while I was gone?

"Maa, I guess I'll give them a shot." Kakashi shrugs lazily beside me. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Maybe this is just a really long, really weird dream.

"Team eight," Jiji says, turning to look at me. "Aburame Shino, Hyuga Hinata, and Inuzuka Kiba will be assigned to Akimichi Yua as their jonin sensei." I see the subtle shift in both Kakashi and Asuma's postures as they tense when they hear my name.

"You really had to pull out all the dramatics, didn't you old man?"

"And you didn't when you threatened my anbu's jobs last night?"

"I did no such thing." I hear Genma snort somewhere in the room. "Shut up, Genma."

"Yua." Jiji says, pulling my attention back to him.

"Oh, yeah, I accept them as my team. It's not like the old coots-"

"Team nine is already in rotation." He says, cutting me off. "Team ten, Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Choji will be assigned to Sarutobi Asuma as their jonin sensei."

"I accept, Hokage-sama." Asuma says from beside me. Jiji nods before continuing with his list.

"If you fail my nephew and his friends you're never having children." I whisper to Asuma.

"Since when are you an Akimichi?"

"You see, when a daddy loves a-"

"You know what I mean," Asuma huffs, blowing smoke out the side of his mouth.

"Got a DNA test last night when I got back to the village. Turns out I'm Chōza's half-sister."

"Well, shit."

"That's what I said."

"Now if you all would come closer, you can watch your teams." Jiji says, looking pointedly over at us. I follow his direction, looking into the crystal ball to see a boy knock into Naruto, resulting in Naruto and Sasuke kissing. I can't help it. I immediately start laughing at the scene. And then, Sakura starts to hit Naruto. And my laughing stops as other jonin begin to laugh louder in the room.

"They're not going to be on a team together," I hiss to the Hokage.

"Yua-"

"Like hell am I going to let-"

"You're not going to let anything happen, Yua." Jiji says, using his Hokage tone. "The council has already chosen teams-"

"They're setting team seven up to fail! Just like they always have."

"You are dismissed, Akimichi Yua." The old man says, his glare clear that he's unhappy with me. "You may pick up your team in twenty minutes, try to be on time." For the longest time I'd thought that he had changed from the man I knew when I was younger. That he was able to fight against the council. As I climb back out of the window, all I can think of is how much I wish I'd come back sooner to fix this.