In which Sasuke talks to a cat.

Warning for malicious encouragement of suicide in this chapter.

O-O-O-O-O

"Not bad. Now let's take a break, Sasuke."

Sasuke paused mid-swing, dropping his blade to point at the ground. Limbs burning with effort, he looked up to meet his teacher's eyes.

Standing a few feet away, Mizuki grinned, his own sword already sheathed. "Good work, Sasuke! You're truly a genius."

Unsure how to respond, Sasuke nodded. With his forearm, he wiped the sweat away from his face before sheathing his own weapon.

The day after talking to Iruka, Mizuki had become Sasuke's new kenjutsu instructor. They trained only once a week, but Sasuke's progress when compared to before was like night and day. After only five months, he had moved beyond the fundamentals and could almost hold his own against Mizuki.

The only downside were the countless I told you so's from Naruto.

"Let's take a water break and get back to training." Mizuki headed to the shade of the nearest tree. "Then I'll teach you a new parry."

A new parry? Sasuke's heart began beating faster. On any other day, he would have jumped on the opportunity, likely begging for Mizuki to stay late. But that day, he shook his head.

"There's something I've got to do, sensei," he said before taking a sip of water.

"Oh?" Mizuki's eyes widened and he turned his chin up. "And what is that?"

"I..." Sasuke swallowed, frowning to himself. It was his father's birthday and he and Naruto planned to visit the grave with offerings. "I'm spending the evening with Naruto, sensei."

Mizuki raised an eyebrow. "Doing anything interesting?"

Sasuke bit his tongue before speaking. "We're just spending time together."

"I see." Mizuki hummed but to Sasuke's relief, didn't pry further. "In that case, I guess I'll see you later, Sasuke."

A weight lifted from Sasuke's shoulders. He nodded. "Next week, sensei."

"Next week." Mizuki gave him a small wave and a smile before flickering away.

Standing alone at the center of the training grounds, Sasuke took a deep breath in and out to steady his pulse. Even after more than a year, it was impossible to talk about his family to anyone other than Naruto. Without Naruto, would he have been brave enough to step foot in the Uchiha quarters again?

Perhaps to visit— Sasuke shook his head and bit his tongue to keep his thoughts from straying down that path. The night after waking up in the hospital, he had sworn to never follow that man's plan.

What was hidden in Naka Shrine would remain so for as long as he lived. One day he would be strong enough to kill that man, Mangekyo Sharingan or not.

Sasuke took a shaky breath in and out as he walked out of the training grounds. Naruto was waiting.

O-O-O-O-O

Side by side, Naruto and Sasuke exited the cemetery. Silent, they wandered through the streets of the Uchiha District back to the entrance.

As they walked, Naruto watched Sasuke from the corner of his eye. His friend's eyes were locked on the path ahead but his gaze was blank and his face was paler than usual.

Naruto bit his lip. Was there anything he could say to make Sasuke feel better? It had been over a year since the Massacre. Their latest visit was to commemorate his father's birthday— or what would have been anyway.

Sasuke, same as all their previous visits, had been withdrawn and somber, responding mostly in grunts and one word sentences. Although Naruto could never blame him for that. If any of the jinchuuriki died...

He shook his head to push the thought away. They couldn't die. They had bijuu inside them.

They're too strong to die.

"How's kenjutsu practice?" Naruto asked, hoping redirection might distract them both.

Sasuke shrugged, eyes still fixed in front. "Fine."

Naruto bit his lip. That had been a curt reply even for Sasuke. "So you've been getting better, then?"

Sasuke nodded, still staring ahead. "I can do different kinds of strikes now." A hint of pride entered his voice. "And next week Mizuki-sensei will teach me a new parry."

"Are you saying it's easier and faster to learn kenjutsu with a teacher?" Naruto stepped closer. "Almost like you can't do everything on your own?"

With a pout, Sasuke finally met his gaze. "Naruto, you better not—" he began, but it was too late.

"I told you so." Naruto giggled and dug his elbow into Sasuke's side.

"Naruto!" Sasuke whined, pushing him back with one hand. "Don't start!"

Naruto laughed again, harder than before. "You should listen to what I say, ya know!"

Sasuke huffed and rolled his eyes. "I'm not going to put cheese in ramen no matter how much you ask."

"You don't know what you're missing, Jerk."

"Whatever, Idiot." Despite his words, the corners of his lips ticked up.

Some of the somberness from earlier receded and they continued on their way. Naruto breathed a sigh of relief as the entrance loomed closer. But before they could leave the abandoned district, Sasuke froze in the middle of the street.

"Wait, Naruto. Is that...?" Sasuke pointed at something with one finger.

"Hm?" Naruto followed his line of sight to see a large striped gray cat sitting underneath the gate.

"A cat!" Naruto began to run before remembering everything Yugito had said about animals. He forced himself back. "I didn't know there were cats here."

Sasuke shook his head. "Me neither. Especially now that there are no people here to feed them—" He let out a thoughtful hum. "I guess it hunts for its food."

"I guess." Naruto took a tentative step toward the cat. On closer inspection, he noticed one of the cat's eyes was blue and the other green.

Naruto inched closer. Still, the cat remained rooted in the same spot.

"Naruto..." Sasuke warned, still in the same place as before. "Don't scare it."

"I'm not! I think..." The cat was unmoving, its stare turning from Naruto to Sasuke and back again. "I think it's friendly."

"You sure?" Sasuke moved closer.

Naruto shrugged. "Guess there's only one way to find out." He squatted down, reaching a hand out.

The cat lifted its head up to sniff his knuckles. Reassured it wouldn't run, Naruto placed his hand between its ears, making the cat close its eyes. Grinning, he moved his hand down the cat's back and it began to purr.

"Look, Sasuke! It's friendly!"

"I can see that." Sasuke jumped forward, almost pushing Naruto out of the way as he began to pet the cat's chin. Its purrs intensified and Sasuke used his second hand to scratch between the ears.

"Do you think it's hungry?" Naruto asked as he ran a hand down the cat's spine over and over again. "I mean, I guess it hunts, but..."

"I can buy some cat food." Sasuke scratched its neck with his knuckles. "You can stay here and I'll go to the store." He took his hand away and the cat stared, almost reproachfully.

"I'll wait." Naruto used his other hand to scratch where Sasuke had been petting. "It looks friendly but it probably—"

"It is not necessary to provide me food," a feminine voice said.

Naruto and Sasuke jumped, eyes wide as saucers. Did the cat just—

"I can obtain my own sustenance." The words were definitely coming out of the cat's mouth, its voice familiar in a way he couldn't place.

"Huh?" Naruto blinked. Was he imagining things? Unsure what to do, he turned to Sasuke.

"Y-you're—" Sasuke gaped, although he seemed less surprised.

The cat stood up on her hind legs. Naruto jumped to hide behind Sasuke, who seemed to know what was happening.

"Sorry about not introducing myself first," the cat apologized with a tiny bow of her head. "Please excuse my actions."

"I... um..." Sasuke's wide eyes turned from the cat to Naruto and back again. "It's... it's okay."

The cat meowed, blinking slowly before speaking again. "My name is Mamori," she said. "I was hoping to talk to you, Sasuke-chan and—" Her face turned to Naruto as she waited for an introduction.

"Naruto." Naruto jumped before introducing himself. "My name is Naruto."

"Naruto-chan." The cat, Mamori, bowed in his direction. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Naruto frowned at the childish nickname but said nothing. Based on Sasuke's expression, he was having similar thoughts.

"Nice to meet you too," Naruto said.

Mamori focused her attention back onto Sasuke. "I'm very glad I was able to meet with you, Sasuke-chan. There are many things I wish for us to talk about."

Sasuke frowned. "Are you from Sky District?"

"That's right." The cat nodded. "Although a few factors compelled me to come here."

"Sky District?" Naruto asked. Had Sasuke ever mentioned a place called Sky District?

"It's where the ninneko live," Sasuke answered, which only served to confuse Naruto more.

"Ninneko?" Naruto frowned. "Cat ninja?"

The cat— Mamori— nodded. "It's also where the Uchiha Clan and the ninneko created a pact to maintain the city together. Although..." she paused, her mismatched stare fixed on Sasuke. "For the past year, we have been maintaining the city on our own."

Sasuke's expression grew dark and he looked away. "Sky District is where the Uchiha Clan historically stored their supplies," he added. "And also where many shinobi honed their skills. Before the founding of Konoha."

"Oh, I see." Naruto crossed his arms, nodding emphatically. "Does that mean the Uchiha clan likes cats?"

Sasuke shrugged. "I guess."

Mamori sat back on her haunches. "I was bonded with Mikoto Uchiha during her years of active service," she explained. "She offered to let me stay after her retirement, but I always preferred my original home. I visited a few times after that. Although the last time I saw you, you were less than half your current height, Sasuke-chan."

Sasuke frowned. "I don't remember you."

"I would not expect you to." Mamori stretched her front legs out and yawned before speaking again. "You were little more than a baby."

Sasuke said nothing.

"I've been observing your temperament for the past few months." Mamori continued, tail flicking behind her. "I needed to see if you were worthy of starting a new bond."

"A bond?" Sasuke tilted his head to the side.

"Yes, a bond." Mamori's eyes closed and her mouth widened in what almost looked like a smile. "I came here to explain more. Although I would prefer if we could speak somewhere else. It's a bit warm today outside."

Naruto and Sasuke traded glances. They had school in the morning and there was still homework to finish and dinner to cook. How long would a meeting with a cat take, anyway?

Seeing their hesitation, Mamori interrupted. "It will not take long," she reassured them. "I promise."

Sasuke glanced at Naruto, who shrugged. They could kill an hour or two talking to a cat.

Sasuke turned his full attention back to Mamori and nodded. "All right."

Mamori raised her tail up into the air and grinned again. "I'm glad." She stretched again before walking away on all four legs. "Follow me, Sasuke-chan, Naruto-chan." She sprinted down the main street before turning down an alley.

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged glances before following. With the cat leading the way, they walked for a few minutes until they arrived at an old pastry shop. But instead of entering the store, Mamori led them to the side.

"The stairs are here" she said, climbing up and sliding the front door open.

The boys entered after her, taking their sandals off at the entrance.

Naruto looked around. It was clean for an abandoned place, although he suspected Mamori was responsible for that. It was bigger than his own apartment— there was a living area with a sofa and a TV. Based on the number of doors on the hall, the bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom were separate.

"Now this way." The cat led them down the hall to the kitchen.

The room was large and clean, with a low table in the corner and a window that looked out at the streets. It looked so much like the kitchen in Sasuke's old house that it hurt to look at it. Based on Sasuke's frown, he was having similar thoughts.

"Please sit." Mamori used a paw to point to the low table at the corner. "Would you boys like something to drink?"

Drink? Naruto and Sasuke shared befuddled looks.

"Uh..." Sasuke swallowed, glancing at Naruto with a frown.

Naruto shook his head. I'm as confused as you are.

"I have milk," Mamori said.

"Milk?" Naruto and Sasuke repeated at the same time.

Mamori nodded. She disappeared to enter the kitchen pantry. She was gone for a moment before returning with three full glasses of milk balanced on a tray over her head.

"Milk is better for growing boys," she sang as she jumped onto the table and placed the glasses down, not spilling a single drop.

Naruto blinked. Where could a cat have gotten the milk?

Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other again before picking up their glasses and drinking. To Naruto's relief, it tasted like regular milk. He took another, longer sip.

"So what is it that you wanted to talk about?" Sasuke asked as he placed his glass on the table, eyes fixed on Mamori. "Is it related to my mother?"

Mamori nodded. "It's about the Uchiha Clan and their traditions, some of which are secret." She turned to stare at Naruto, the implication clear.

Naruto felt his face grow warm. Sasuke wouldn't want to talk about clan secrets with him there, would he?

"Oh, uh... I can wait outside." Naruto placed his glass on the table, but before he could stand up to leave, Sasuke had him by the shoulder.

"He can listen in," Sasuke insisted, face tinted pink as he avoided Naruto's eyes. "I— we can trust him."

Naruto blinked and he sat back down.

"If you insist, Sasuke-chan." The cat's face was inscrutable, green and blue eyes unblinking.

Sasuke nodded. "I do."

"Now, where should I start..." Mamori lapped up some milk. "I suppose I should explain who I am in more detail."

"You said you worked with my mother?"

Mamori nodded. "Yes. Mikoto Uchiha gave me my name, thus cementing our bond. Soon after, we created a contract, allowing your mother to summon me when desired. For years we worked together as shinobi, as I assisted her in missions."

Sasuke frowned. "Mom never said anything about having a bond with a ninneko."

"After her retirement, I retired as well," Mamori explained. "I had to train the next generation. Although I managed to visit a couple of times... Perhaps I didn't visit enough."

Naruto bit his lip, staring at Sasuke from the corner of his eye. Other than a tiny frown, his face was blank.

"When we parted ways, Mikoto Uchiha promised to give her children the opportunity to bond with the ninneko," Mamori continued. "Likewise, I promised I would give my own kittens the same opportunity."

"Your kittens?" Naruto asked.

Mamori nodded. "When my kittens are old enough, they will begin training in ninjutsu. Traditionally, ninneko that have completed their training will bond with someone of the Uchiha Clan. Although..." Her eyes grew sad. "I don't think I have many options now."

Sasuke grimaced. "So you wish for me to bond with one of your kittens once they're ready?"

Mamori nodded. "That's right. Although you are free to decline if you wish. The last time there was an opportunity to create a new bond..." She growled. "Let's just say the boy decided birds were better companions."

Sasuke's jaw grew tight and his hands turned to fists over his lap. "I see."

Naruto frowned. Wait, birds? What do they mean birds?

Sasuke was silent for a moment, emotions flitting through his eyes as he stared at the cat on the table. Finally, he spoke. "What does it mean to make a 'bond'?"

"Mikoto gave me my familial name, thus creating the bond that we used in our summoning contract. I hope you will do the same with my kittens when the time comes."

Sasuke grew silent again, glancing at Naruto before turning his eyes back to Mamori. He nodded. "I would be honored." He leaned forward in a respectful bow.

Mamori purred. "I'm glad. I... I would not want the traditions of the Uchiha Clan to die."

"Me neither." Sasuke shook his head, eyes darting to look at Naruto one more time. "I... I want to remember them— my family. I'll never let their memory die."

"Thank you, Sasuke-chan." The cat leaned forward to bump her head on Sasuke's forehead. "I will come back when the time is right. Now, finish your milk."

O-O-O-O-O

"Nii-san, I'm back."

Kimimaro's voice pulled Utakata's attention away from his book. The boy stood at the entrance, wearing his mission vest with a backpack slung on his back. Utakata stared at him, searching for signs of injury or exhaustion. But other than the small bags under his eyes, he looked well.

"Welcome back," Utakata said. He closed the book, sitting up from where he had been lying on the floor . Yawning, he rubbed at his eyes. "How was the mission?"

Kimimaro shrugged. "Fine. I finished a day early."

Utakata raised one eyebrow. "A whole day?"

The boy nodded. "I did."

Impressed, Utakata hummed. Kimimaro had been assigned his first solo mission— a message relay to one of the Kirigakure island outposts. The journey there and back usually took five days with a night of rest at the outpost.

Though Kimimaro is among our best.

"Did you eat lunch?" Utakata asked as he glanced up at the clock on the wall. "It's already three o'clock."

Kimimaro nodded. "The shinobi at the outpost shared their rations."

"Oh?" Utakata's eyes widened in surprise. "That's good. Sure it wasn't poisoned?"

Kimimaro nodded. "I guess it could be something slow acting." The dry tone told Utakata he had been spending too much time with Haku.

Utakata hummed to himself. "Good. Glad they're no longer total assholes."

Once as a genin team, he and his students had been assigned a similar mission. At the outpost, the other shinobi had been cold at best and outright hostile at most. They had refused to share rations and had given the four of them a room with a single bed to share. When his team left, a man had spit after them and a woman had given him a glare that took a year off his lifespan.

Utakata had half-expected someone to hurl a shuriken at Kimimaro's back.

The culture really is changing.

"I guess you want to rest and take a bath now?" Utakata asked. "Harusame-sensei should be back before dinner. We can begin cooking after you get some rest."

"Actually, nii-san, I saw Haku and Kasumi at the Mizukage's office," Kimimaro said. "They asked if we wanted to have dinner with them tonight. Kasumi said there's a new restaurant from the Land of Fire in the village center. She said you and Father could both come."

"From the Land of Fire?" Ever since the treaty between the two villages, commerce had grown more than anyone had expected.

Kimimaro nodded again. "She says it's barbecue style. You get the meat and cook it on a grill in the middle of a table."

"Wait, you cook the food yourself?" Utakata frowned. Who paid to cook food at a restaurant?

Kimimaro tilted his head to the side. "That's what Kasumi said."

"That's not a restaurant, then!" Utakata rolled his eyes. "If you pay for the meat but you cook it yourself, it's a butcher's shop!"

The boy shrugged before standing up and walking out. "Kasumi and Haku wanted to try it," he said, pausing at the door to stare back at Utakata. "I told them we might meet with them there."

"Well, I guess there's no harm in getting dinner with them." With a yawn, Utakata stretched his arms over his head. "Anyway, clean up and rest. Do you want something to drink?"

Kimimaro hummed, as if considering a few options, before answering. "Just water is fine, nii-san."

"Not milk tea?" Utakata leaned onto the table, chin resting inside the palm of his hand.

Kimimaro grimaced. "Your milk tea isn't as good as Father's, nii-san."

"Fine," Utakta huffed. "Then you can make it yourself."

The boy stared at him for a moment before retorting. "I guess I will."

Utakata felt one of his eyes twitch in annoyance. "Brat."

Kimimaro said nothing, shrugging before leaving the room and sliding the door closed after him.

Utakata shook his head. Kimimaro was spending too much time with Kasumi, too.

O-O-O-O-O

"I'm stuffed," Kasumi whined as they left the restaurant, one hand on her stomach, and the other over her mouth. "But it was so good, I couldn't stop eating."

At her sides, Haku hummed in agreement and Kimimaro yawned. Together, his old team and Harusame walked out of the barbecue restaurant.

"We should take a walk to digest," Harusame suggested as they exited. "I hadn't expected food from the Land of Fire to be so delicious."

Utakata sighed, memories of Konoha ramen and sukiyaki swimming through his mind. "They do know how to cook over there," he admitted.

Kasumi turned, walking backwards as they talked. "So sensei, did you like the restaurant? Was the food good?" Something in her expression told Utakata she was getting a retort ready.

"Yeah, it was nice." The pork belly had been especially addictive. How was it possible for a slice of meat to melt in his mouth like that?

She raised an eyebrow, arms crossed in victory. "So it's not like going to a butcher's shop, is it?"

Utakata sighed, shaking his head. Out of his three students, she had been the most offended when he had called the restaurant an overpriced butcher's shop. Of course, he had changed his mind after the first bite. The variety of meat available was phenomenal and all the ingredients were fresh. The collection of dipping sauces and side dishes only made it better. Even Kimimaro had enjoyed it, despite his general distaste for meat.

"No, it's not just an overpriced butcher's shop," he admitted with a sigh. "It was really good."

Kasumi snorted and gave him a smug smirk before turning her attention back to the boys at her sides. Utakata shook his head again.

That girl is too much like her father sometimes.

"So what have you two been doing, anyway?" Since their promotion meeting, they hadn't talked as often as they used to.

"I'm still doing my apprenticeship at the hospital, sensei," Haku answered. "I got to observe surgery last time." His eyes lit up.

"Sounds gross," Kasumi mumbled, arms crossed.

Haku giggled. "It was."

"Well, I'm glad you're learning," Harusame said. "Especially something so useful and with so many practical uses." He gave Utakata a pointed look.

"For the last time, I don't want to learn fuuinjutsu, sensei. Too finicky. Regular calligraphy is bad enough." Utakata sighed before talking to Kasumi. "And you? What've you been doing?"

"Just missions here and there," she answered with a shrug. "A couple alone, but most with more experienced shinobi." She paused, her eyes staring at the stars above. "Though I've been training with Ameyuri-sensei and Zabuza-sensei a lot more."

"Oh?" Utakata raised one eyebrow. "Improving your kenjutsu?"

Kasumi nodded. "Mizukage-sama said something about reforming the Seven Swordsmen. I think she wants to give me Nuibari when I finish."

"Nuibari? The needle one?"

She nodded again. "Yeah. Though Mangetsu says that one is particularly hard to master." She frowned, chewing on her bottom lip. "But I think I can handle it."

"I'm sure you can." Utakata patted the top of her head.

She smiled up at him before shaking him off and beginning a new conversation with Haku and Kimimaro.

Utakata tuned his old students out, glad they still got along after their promotions. Kimimaro at least deserved to have people to talk to outside a lazy jinchuuriki and a busy old man.

Thinking of nothing in particular, Utakata walked at Harusame's side as his three old students talked amongst themselves. But when they reached the end of the street, it was time to separate.

"See you later, sensei, Kimimaro-kun, Harusame-sensei!" Kasumi waved with a manic grin.

In contrast, Haku nodded politely before separating himself. "I hope to see you all soon."

Utakata returned his nod. "Same here. Take care, Kasumi, Haku."

With their farewells finished, Haku and Kasumi left, splitting up when they reached the corner.

Utakata yawned. The only thing he wanted to do was return home and sleep. Tired, he let his mind wander. Who would be in the Room that night? Would Yugito be there playing her shamisen again? Listening to her always gave him pleasant dreams.

Utakata was so lost in his own world that when Harusame stopped in the middle of the road to shout, he jumped.

"What the hell did you say about my student?"

Utakata and Kimimaro followed the older man's line of sight to see a group of four male shinobi leaning resting against the wall of a bar.

As with Utakata, the four men had been caught by surprise. Their eyes were wide and one of the men dropped his cigarette. Next to Utakata, Kimimaro had frozen, a confused frown on his face.

In contrast, Harusame's eyes glinted dangerously behind his glasses. His lips were tight and he planted his feet in the middle of the road, full attention focused on the men.

Utakata raised a hand with the intent to grab the older man's shoulder. "Uh... sensei? What's—"

Harusame brushed his hand away, walking until he stood a sword's thrust away from the closest man. Despite his short stature and the fact he was outnumbered, he cast an intimidating figure.

But the men were shinobi at heart and they recovered quickly.

"What's your problem, old man?" A man with chin-length white hair leered, showing off a mouth full of sharp teeth. "There's no need to start a fight, is there?" One hand inched down toward the pouch around his thigh.

The other three men followed his lead, glaring at Harusame with smirks and raised eyebrows.

But Harusame would not be intimidated. He took another step forward, head tilting up to meet the man's eyes. "I asked, what the hell did you say about my student?"

Frowning, Utakata joined Harusame's side, gesturing for Kimimaro to stand behind him.

"Sensei, what's wrong?"

"They said—" Harusame swallowed as if the words were too difficult for him to repeat.

"It was a private comment," a man with a scar that had burned off one eye said, arms crossed. "You weren't supposed to hear it." He glanced at Utakata before leaning back against the wall.

"You must've misheard, old man," a man with blue hair added as he placed a new cigarette between his teeth.

The last man, a shinobi with a scar over his nose, took out a lighter and ignited his companion's cigarette before his own. "We're just resting after a mission."

Utakata sighed. The men were terrible liars. Still, he had no desire to spend any more time than necessary away from his bed. He reached out to grab Harusame's shoulder again.

"Sensei, let's go."

Yet once again, Harusame brushed him off. "I'm not leaving until they apologize for what they said about you."

Utakata groaned. "Apologize for what?"

"For what they said to you!" Harusame insisted, pointing one shaking finger at the nearest man— the tallest of the group.

"We didn't say nothin'," the man with the nose scar said as he took a puff of his cigarette.

The silver-haired man and the one-eyed man nodded along, murmuring something about senile old men as they rested against the wall.

But the last man, braver or stupider than the others, smirked, his nose turned up to look down at Utakata. "I asked since when were monsters allowed to walk around the streets."

Utakata groaned. No wonder his teacher had decided to confront the men. Though I've heard worse.

Harusame became angrier than ever before. "Take that back!" he shouted as he reached into his yukata for a weapon.

In an instant, the four shinobi tensed, ready for a brawl.

But before Harusame could start anything, Utakata had his wrist locked and unable to move. While his teacher was shocked into submission, Utakata pushed him to stand back.

With the older man behind him, Utakata stared at the four shinobi one by one. They were older than him, tired and battle worn, with patched clothes and stained weapon pouches. They had seen battle but innate lack of talent had likely kept them from advancing in the ranks. By his estimation, they were mid-ranking chuunin at best.

Troublesome.

"Since when are monsters allowed to walk around the streets?" Utakata repeated the man's words.

"It's a fair question to ask," the tall man insisted, leering down at Utakata with his chin turned up. But the expression was not enough to hide the fear that underlay it all.

Utakata hummed as he studied the other three shinobi. Two and a half pairs of eyes met his, full of fury and disgust. But like with the first man, the fear in their eyes was impossible to hide.

Utakata shook his head and sighed. And here I thought the hatred of jinchuuriki had died down.

"Well, not sure I can answer." Utakata turned his back to the four shinobi, grabbing onto Harusame's shoulder and gesturing for Kimimaro to follow. "Perhaps you should ask the Mizukage that."

Utakata began to walk away, Harusame and Kimimaro at his sides. The older man shook with fury. Meanwhile Kimimaro's eyes were wide as he allowed himself to be led away in silence.

But before leaving, Utakata glanced one last time at the four men. The mention of the Mizukage had angered them more than he had expected. Were they followers of the old regime? If so, he guessed only Saiken's power kept them from attacking.

"Oh, there's one last thing I wanted to say." Utakata turned to look back.

The men's hands reached down to their weapon pouches. But their fear kept them from attacking first. Typical.

"Have a good night." Utakata gave them a polite nod and a smile before turning his back for the last time and walking away.

Utakata could feel the daggers on his back as he left. But no real weapons were thrown so he had no reason to respond.

Silent, he led the way back home. On one side, Harusame fumed in silence while on the other, Kimimaro chewed on his lip. The boy opened his mouth as if to ask something but Utakata stopped him with a shake of his head. It was not the time or place to talk.

They said nothing on their journey back. But as they crossed the entrance and closed the door behind them, the dam broke.

"Did you really think you would change anyone's minds, sensei?" Utakata asked as he watched Harusame kick off his sandals and step inside.

"If I don't, who will?" The older man stood at the center of the hallway, furious eyes staring off into empty space. "They shouldn't think of you like that. Like—"

"Like a monster?" Utakata took off his sandals.

"Yes." Harusame pushed his glasses up his nose.

Utakata raised one eyebrow before glancing back at Kimimaro. The boy was staring wide eyed at them and biting his lip as he took his own sandals off. He looked so uncertain, as if the very foundation of his existence was rewriting itself.

Utakata could understand. The last time he had argued with his teacher had been over something inconsequential many years ago, long before Kimimaro joined them.

"There was no need to get angry, sensei," Utakata continued, hoping to cool the man's rage. "It's just a waste of time to do so."

"They shouldn't hate you for being a jinchuuriki, Utakata!" Harusame turned, beginning to walk down the hall. "You didn't—" He stopped in his tracks and turned to look back, naked guilt in his expression. "You didn't choose to be one."

Utakata sighed and shook his head. "It's true that I didn't choose the circumstances of my existence." He glanced at Kimimaro before answering. "But it's pointless to think of what might have been. I'm happy now and that's all that matters."

Harusame's anger began to deflate. "I—" He swallowed, turning his back. "Well, I'm glad that you're happy at least."

"And there will always be assholes that hate me for no reason," Utakata added.

He looked back down at Kimimaro, whose face was full of naked relief that Harusame's anger was abating. Utakata gestured for the boy to follow after him.

"I suppose that's true," Harusame admitted. "Although..." He turned back to meet Utakata's eyes, lips set in a hard line. "I can't help but wish you didn't have to deal with that kind of treatment."

"It is what it is." Utakata shrugged before walking after Harusame. "Besides, that's not even close to being the worst thing anyone has said to me."

"That's what?"

While Utakata had hoped to reassure Harusame, his words had only stroked the flames of wrath higher. Harusame turned, eyes glinting dangerously and jaw gaping in shock.

Despite himself, Utakata flinched and he sensed Kimimaro begin to cower behind him. Yet, there was a point he had to make.

"Sensei..." Utakata swallowed. "It's not the worst thing. It's just... something I've gotten used to." He scratched the back of his neck.

"You shouldn't have needed to get used to it!" Harusame pushed his glasses up his nose. "You are a loyal shinobi to Kirigakure! One of the best in the village. You—"

"And that's why I don't need some talentless shinobi to recognize that!" Utakata raised his voice for the first time, beginning to grow annoyed. "So what if I've been denied service, or told to—" He glanced down at Kimimaro, who was staring at his toes. "Told to stick a kunai to my stomach and let the entrails fall out to atone for my existence."

From the corner of his eye, he saw Kimimaro raise an arm in front of his body in a hug. Still, the boy said nothing. Utakata tamped down the guilt at the expression on his face. Kimimaro was a chuunin of Kirigakure. For better or worse, he needed to be treated like an adult.

Meanwhile, Harusame was lost for words and his face grew redder than Utakata had ever seen it.

"Why do you think I don't go to the village center very often, sensei?" Memories from Utakata's past washed over him. "I've been told to hang a noose around my neck from the nearest tree. I got water and worse thrown at me from balconies. More than once I've had kunai almost embedded onto my back."

Harusame still said nothing, eyes growing increasingly furious with each infraction.

Utakata took a step closer, tempted to place a hand on the man's shoulder. But he refrained. He had a point to make and he refused to mince words.

"I've even had rotten eggs and food thrown at my back more than once," he confessed. "People have spit in my face. But I knew that you would get angry so I cleaned it off or hid it before you could see."

Harusame's expression remained closed and he turned his head so only the reflection on his glasses was visible.

"I've been refused service and told to kill myself countless times," Utakata continued. "A few insults are the least of my worries."

Harusame turned his head away fully, face impossible to see. "Your life still could have been better, Utakata. I shouldn't have—" He swallowed, hands clenched at his sides. "Shouldn't have sealed that monster inside of you."

Utakata shrugged, glad Saiken wasn't there to hear. Their relationship might only be business-like but he preferred not to insult a giant creature made of chakra if he could help it.

"Perhaps my life could've been better," he admitted, making Harusame turn his body further away. "But what if it hadn't? I can't live my life thinking about what might've been."

"At the very least you wouldn't have people spitting at you." Harusame still refused to turn back. "You would have lived a much better life!"

Would he? If he had never been a jinchuuriki, Yagura would have likely never stepped down as Mizukage. And where would they be then? With a brainwashed madman in power? No, thanks.

"There's no point thinking about hypothetical situations, sensei," Utakata retorted. "I'm happy as I am."

"Are you?"

Utakata glanced at Kimimaro again from the corner of his eye. The boy remained silent, green eyes flitting in worry between Harusame and Utakata. For a moment, he was tempted to pat the top of the boy's head, but refrained. Perhaps later.

"Yes, I am." Utakata crossed his arms.

Harusame said nothing, his back fully turned as he stood at the center of the hallway. Utakata's pulse thundered in his ears. At his side, Kimimaro continued to chew on his lip.

Finally, after a long silence, Harusame walked down the hall, moving faster than necessary.

"I'll make some ginger tea," he said, not turning to glance back. "It's good for digestion."

"Yes, sensei." Utakata nodded. If his teacher wished to stop the circular argument, he had no objections.

Harusame said nothing else. Without looking back, he walked away toward the kitchen.

Utakata sighed and placed a hand on Kimimaro's shoulder. "Let's go."

Kimimaro tensed at the touch but said nothing, confused eyes meeting Utakata's. He nodded and followed a step behind as they left the hallway and headed to the dining room. Inside, they knelt at the low table, sitting at opposite sides. Neither said anything and the room grew so quiet the breeze outside sounded like a typhoon.

While Kimimaro stared at the wall, moving so little that he appeared a statue, Utakata mulled over what to say.

Had he perhaps been too explicit with his examples? Or— Utakata hated to think of the possibility— had Kimimaro been victim to the same type of hate speech? If so, he understood Harusame's anger perfectly.

Though as he had told the younger jinchuuriki long ago, the best thing to do was ignore people who saw them as monsters. They didn't deserve the satisfaction of anger.

"Sorry you had to be present for all of this, Kimimaro," Utakata said, making Kimimaro flinch. "I'm guessing that wasn't how you were expecting the day to end."

Kimimaro fidgeted in place and he swallowed, attention still focused on the wall. "It was not, nii-san."

Utakata snorted. "Sounds like an understatement."

Some of the tension eased. Kimimaro looked up to meet his eyes, although a frown remained. "I... I didn't know you had experienced similar treatment, nii-san."

"Similar?" Utakata's heart quickened. "So people have said things to you before?"

Kimimaro glanced at his lap before answering. "Now it doesn't happen as much as it used to," he admitted. "Though... sometimes... I see the way people look at me." He raised an arm over his chest in a hug. "But when I'm with Haku or Kasumi... Or with you or Father... I... feel safe."

"I'm glad." Utakata scratched the back of his neck. "Though I'm a bit surprised you never said anything to me or Harusame-sensei."

Kimimaro shrugged, biting his lip as he stared at his lap. "I guess I thought you'd think I was weak, nii-san," he confessed. "If I couldn't confront my problems on my own."

"I wouldn't." Not for that at least. "Though I also understand why you didn't say anything." Hadn't he done the same thing to Harusame?

"And when I'm with Kasumi, no one dares to say anything," Kimimaro paused before continuing. "I think she scares people."

Of course she did. Daughter of the previous Mizukage, prospective member of the Seven Swordsmen, and close friend to the current Mizukage? Only someone with a deathwish would cross Kasumi.

Utakata placed an elbow on the table and his chin inside the palm of his hand. "Well, I'm just glad you have friends."

"And family."

Utakata smiled. "And family."

In front of him, Kimimaro returned his smile. They settled back into silence, although the breeze from outside no longer sounded so deafening. Tired and stuffed, Utakata placed his head on top of the table, beginning to doze. But not long after, the door slid open and Harusame walked in with their drinks.

Yawning, Utakata sat up, one elbow still on the counter. "Thank you, sensei," he mumbled.

Harusame said nothing— not even to scold Utakata for using the table as a pillow. He set a tray with a teapot and three cups down and began to pour, handing the first one over to Kimimaro. His expression remained closed and his eyes were focused entirely on the task in front of him.

"Thank you, Father," the boy said as he accepted the drink.

"Thanks, sensei," Utakata mumbled as he took the tea and drank.

Still, the man said nothing as he served himself, eyes avoiding his two wards.

Utakata resisted the urge to fidget. Was there anything he could say? He didn't want a repeat of their argument from earlier. With everyone unsure over what to say, they sat and sipped at their drinks in silence.

It was Harusame who eventually spoke. "Are you finished with your drink, Kimimaro-kun?" he asked as soon as the boy's cup became empty.

Kimimaro jumped at the sudden question. He nodded.

Harusame hummed. "Would you like to head to bed now?" Despite the wording, the command was clear.

"I..." Kimimaro's confused eyes darted to Utakata, who responded with a small nod. The boy swallowed his worries before nodding and placing his empty cup on the tray. "Yes, Father. Good night."

With that, Kimimaro stood up, nodding at Harusame and Utakata before walking out, sliding the door closed after him.

Utakata waited a moment more to ensure Kimimaro was out of hearing range before speaking.

"My life isn't dictated by the thoughts of others, sensei." He placed his cup on the table, the clink echoing in the silent room.

"I... I never thought your treatment was still so terrible, Utakata-kun." Harusame's hands tightened into fists over his lap. "You're a loyal member of Kirigakure. You shouldn't be thought of as a monster."

Utakata shrugged. "Perhaps not," he admitted. "But does it really matter? I have you and Kimimaro. And the Mizukage and her advisors treat me like any other high-ranking shinobi. I value their opinion more than some no-names loitering outside a bar."

But Harusame remained unconvinced. He clenched his jaw, eyes studying Utakata from behind his glasses. "This never would've happened if... if..." he swallowed, the anger in his eyes transforming into guilt.

"If I was never made into a jinchuuriki?" Utakata raised one eyebrow.

Harusame nodded before slumping forward, face buried into one hand. "I've doomed you to a life of loneliness and suffering. A life that no one else can understand."

Actually there are eight other people that understand.

Utakata snorted and rolled his eyes. "Whether that's true or not— which it's not— there's nothing to be gained about wishing the past could be undone, sensei. I'm living my life and I'm happy. That's all that matters."

Harusame raised his head to blink at Utakata, lips set in a straight line. After a moment, he nodded and sat up straight, although his expression remained distant.

"I still wonder if I could do something to make your life better," Harusame admitted. "A way for you to no longer be a pariah in this village."

Utakata shrugged again. "Not sure if there's anything you can do, sensei."

Harusame turned his head to stare at the wall. He hummed to himself before reaching for the teapot and refilling Utakata's cup. "For now at least."

Utakata nodded. "For now." He reached for his now full cup while Harusame poured himself more.

They fell back into silence, although it was no longer as uncomfortable.

Once again, Utakata felt himself dozing off. The combination of food and high emotions had tired him. When his cup was finally empty, he set it on the tray next to Kimimaro's. With a yawn, he stood up.

"Well, good night, sensei." With one hand, he combed his fingers through his hair and with the other he rubbed at his eyes. "I think it's time for me to go to bed."

"Good night, Utakata-kun." Something about Harusame's expression remained distant despite the smile. "And remember, I just want what's best for you, Utakata-kun."

"I know you do, sensei." Utakata returned the smile before walking out.

O-O-O-O-O

A/N: Any of y'all catch the reference to CATS the musical?

Morket is the worst beta reader ever for killing my writing productivity by tempting me with video games.

Next chapter: umeshu time.