She could hear the ringing all around her. At first, she had thought it to be something simple, like that of a bell. Of course, her mind wasn't simple.
Akihane slowly rose from her spot in the water of her mind, taking in the sewer like area before she began her search for the sound. Strangely, she had woken up in one of the corridors of her mind rather than the main cavern that held the Kyuubi no Kitsune. It had been years since she had woken up somewhere else.
Her hands pushed at the ground so that she could rise, water running down her body in rivers. Her skin felt feverish and warm despite the cold liquid that pooled at her feet.
Slowly she rose, her bare feet hitting the top of the water once, twice, and then several more times as she started to walk along the surface.
The dark and dirty walls to either side of her glowed a light blue hue, seals dancing across the stones in a wavering and scrawling kanji.
Yin's chakra saturated the halls, only growing stronger as she continued toward the ringing sound.
Naru paused and closed her eyes, taking in the sound and the heavy cooling sensation tracing her skin. Goosebumps rose across her figure, tracing up and down her arms as the temperature of her body met that of her surrounding area.
The ringing began to grow louder, her eyes shutting tighter as she thought about its direction. Carefully she retraced what she knew about her mind, taking in the details she often missed before she finally remembered the large and towering library that housed most of her memories. The ringing was unbearably close now, her eyes opening to view rows and rows of scrolls.
Her red eyes gazed around, taking in the wispy foxes made of tight gales that worked around her mindscape. The small creatures organized her memories, sealing them away with illusions and spiraling marks. The keepers of her mind, her very own creations that kept her thoughts private from the forces around her.
"This is a very advanced way of storing your thoughts, child."
A voice called from behind her, directing her attention to the much older male albino standing beside a tall brunette.
Naru's limbs tensed and power thrummed below her, the foxes around her stiffening as their tails lashed sharply around them, their beady but protective gazes directed to the intruders.
The Nidaime glanced around at the different protectors, his arms crossed under their blue shoulder guards. He was dressed exactly as he had been the last time Akihane had seen him. To the Nidaime's right stood his brother, the man wide-eyed and smiling.
"I've never been inside someone else's mind...this is really organized."
Senju Hashirama whispered in awe, earning a small flush from the girl who had spent years building up her mind.
Shisui had been the one to teach her about mental health, making sure she knew the importance of a well-kept mindscape. The importance was greater when you considered their profession as a ninja. Without a steady mind, one was more likely to fall prey to emotions, mind walkers, and more. With Akihane's heightened emotions and her abysmal skill in Genjutsu, maintaining her mind became a must.
The Nidaime nodded along with his brother in assent. He could agree that Akihane's mind was well maintained and that it was befitting of a Shinobi.
Akihane took a moment to eye the Shinobi warily. She could still feel the tightness in her muscles after her battle. Her wounds may have been healed by the protective Uzumaki, but she could still feel her chakra tingling while her body recuperated. He had helped more than he should have. Akihane's teeth sunk into her lip as the weight of what she had asked him to do pressed on her, the proof of her actions gazing directly at her.
As a Kunoichi of Konoha, she knew a lot about the Nidaime and the Shodaime. Because she was an Uzumaki, Aki knew quite a bit about the fields both shinobi dabbled with in their time among the living. Then, with her heritage now revealed, she was able to deduce so much more about the Kage and how they affected her.
In the beginning, Akihane had asked Yin to seal the two Hokage inside of her on a hunch. However, as the battle grew longer and Sarutobi resorted to ordering her to run, Aki saw far more was against her. By sealing the two inside of her, she was essentially doubling her responsibility, and she was doubling the security on them. Their souls were tied into her own until she saw fit to release them to the world.
"So, I've been wondering this since the Hebi man mentioned it..."
Hashirama spoke, turning the gazes of his audience in his direction.
Akihane had a hunch about what the man was going to ask, and so she readied herself for a rather lengthy explanation.
Hashirama raised his right hand and gestured between his younger brother and his supposed great niece.
"How are you two related?"
I~~~~I
Yin turned in time with the Kunai aimed at his head. His sandals hit the ground while his hands flashed through signs. Sharp white needles shot toward him while he readied his technique.
Lightning wove through the air and struck the hard strands of hair, knocking Jiraiya's Needle Jizo out of the air.
Friction built up between each needle, gathering at the tips before shooting toward the crouched Gama Sennin.
"Wind Style, Gale Palm!"
The lightning was quickly followed by Yin's shock of wind, his fingers twisting through more signs as he reared back to slam his hand into the ground.
The two of them had been trading attacks ever since Yin had left Konoha. Jiraiya had chased after him and the two had clashed while several ANBU tried and failed to contain him.
He was an Uzumaki, the most widely known trickster next to a fox. Nothing short of another Uzumaki or a seal master was going to stop Yin from leaving. Of course, Jiraiya was a real master, but compared to the likes of his Sensei or even Minato, Jiraiya was far behind.
Even so, Jiraiya was proving to be more of a pest than Yin had thought possible. Sooner rather than later, Yin was going to have to lose his tails.
The Kuma masked ANBU dropped down and a burst of Senbon sailed at Yin.
Yin snarled at them, his eyes narrowing while he slammed his palm into the ground. Smoke rose, two sharp growls surfacing in time with twin bundles of fur rushing to halt the Neko and Tora ANBU while Yin raised his hands in front of his chest.
Violet wisps of chakra traced the air in bright designs. Each twisting piece locked around another, forming a circular pattern that continued to spread.
Chakra fell into the lines in a steady, singular pulse. The balance was a key concept when one was using seals. That lesson was one that Yin had learned the hard way when he was younger.
The seal glowed and then darkened in the air while Yin tugged back one palm and the other cut its chakra flow. The lines began to burn out into gray without any power.
Jiraiya rose to his feet in time to witness Yin's withdrawn arm slam forward and send the seal in his direction. The lines expanded, each part interlocking tightly enough to keep things even as it expanded over the opposing forces.
"While I appreciate your love for Akihane, I do not wish to stay any longer than I feel welcome. And when she wakes, tell her that her father was a fool!"
Yin hissed out, his lips twisting into a cruel smile while the seal covered his enemies. Turning sharply he grabbed onto the gray fur of one of his summons, the other white one barreling the two ANBU into the seal before it dispelled. The fire burned at the heels of Yin's summon before it rose and wound about his body. With a flicker of chakra and hellfire, they vanished.
I~~~~I
Akihane paused in her story briefly, casting her gaze across her library of scrolls before she decided to continue.
"I only recently found out about my link to Tobirama-Sama. Jiji-…"
Something akin to grief shot through her, her voice choking as she struggled to work through her emotions. Red-hot tears built in her eyes, and yet not even one spilled over her cheeks.
"Jiji was the one to help connect the pieces. During my month of training, we traveled to the sight of Tobirama-Sama's house and confirmed what we knew to be true. Yin also offered a bit of insight, though he was a lot more detailed than what we pieced together." Akihane whispered, leaning against the shelves in a brief show of weakness while her dark grey lashes fluttered closed over her maroon orbs.
Yin had revealed enough to her in those moments when he had given Sarutobi enough time to survive. Yin's sacrifice had meant far more than anything else had to her. His words stuck in her heart, each sad syllable locking itself away inside.
"Jiji told me that when you were young you had been with a Priestess that soon married into the Hyuuga Clan. By the end of the next year, she had a little girl that she named Orama." Akihane adjusted her gaze to her great-grandfather as she addressed him, taking in the widening of his eyes.
"Orama became friends with Jiji, and when she was old enough her father told her the truth. She wasn't his daughter, but yours." Aki revealed, listening to the hitching of Hashirama's breathing all the while not looking away from Tobirama.
Tobirama's eyes shaded over and he sighed heavily. His shoulders slumped, revealing far more of his thoughts than what he had previously shown them. The man looked wary and aged, unlike every other time she had ever witnessed the Kage.
Hashirama quickly rounded on his brother, his eyes narrowed in confusion and shock while his mouth opened to accuse his brother. "Tobirama is that true!?"
The albino Kage did not answer his brother directly; nevertheless, his silence spoke volumes.
Hashirama's jaw tightened as he thought about the one little girl with bright blue eyes and grayed hair. Hyuuga Orama if he remembered correctly. She was seventeen when he had died, having married an Uzumaki guardsmen after she was exiled from the Hyuuga Clan. To think that rather sporadic and yet withdrawn girl had been his niece.
Akihane slid down the shelf and sat down on the ground. She allowed the information to sink into their heads before she spoke up.
"Orama was exiled and she fled to Uzushio with the help of your students. There she married Uzumaki Yin and had two children. Of course, her first daughter died not too long after from birth defects and this left Orama in a fragile state. Not long afterward, she had her second daughter but died at birth. The little girl survived, however, Yin could not stay any longer. He left hoping that the Uzumaki would raise his daughter. Her name was Uzumaki Koran. By this time, Yin decided to go to Konoha, where he met Senshi. Orama had asked Yin to protect any other children or family that Tobirama-Sama had left, and so he watched over Senshi. As you know, Senshi died when my father was four years old, and thus things progressed. Yin left in search of Tsunade and his daughter, only to learn that Koran had vanished from Uzushio. From there he wandered…"
Akihane paused to take a breather. Her eyes were slightly glazed over from the recollection of Yin's memories. He had gone through a lot, losing his loved ones left and right before he finally gave in and lost himself as well. It was no wonder that Yin had placed himself near Orochimaru, someone cherished by Orama, just so that he could protect what was left. Orama had been the one to bring Orochimaru to Hiruzen's attention, and neither of them ever forgot that. Despite the mocking relationship that the Hebi Sannin shared with the Uzumaki, they both cared for one another.
Movement drew Akihane's attention to Hashirama. The Hokage gracelessly dropped down right beside her, leaning on the shelf next to her while he sighed heavily.
"So I guess I was an Uncle twice without knowing it. Too bad, I really liked Orama. She had the fire from her mother, and yet her cool demeanor reminded me of my brother. She also reminded me of Itama with her loyalty, and then Hawirama with her ability to work herself out of situations…"
Hashirama's voice descended into lightheartedness the longer she spoke, drawing Tobirama from his shock into the conversation. Akihane simply gazed at Hashirama with a forlorn acceptance, figuring that hearing more about the woman who could have been her Great Aunt wasn't the worst way she could spend her time here.
Tobirama took a moment before he too lowered himself at Akihane's other side, the two of them talking about Orama, Senshi, Akira, and anyone else that they could.
In return, Akihane told them about her family. She told them her story, for once allowing the full tale without any details withdrawn to spill from her lips.
If by the end of it she found that she had two more people she could care for, then no one needed to mention it.
I~~~~I
Yin huffed, leaning back against the wall of a shelter in Suna he had found. A sandstorm raged outside, each grain building upon another to form the dark yellow haze that decorated the landscape.
The cave was cold, but with the resting body of his gray summon at his back, Yin really didn't notice.
His eyes slipped shut and he wondered for a moment how Akihane was doing. The moment that she had known Hiruzen wouldn't pass on without first saying his goodbyes the Kunoichi had collapsed. She had proved to have the excellent will and strong character by withholding from his seal for several minutes, surprising even Orochimaru. Her suggestion that Yin seals Tobirama and Hashirama inside of her was unexpected at first, but as Yin had tied the two Edo Tenseis to her, it made sense.
He did not regret telling the girl about Orama as he stabilized Hiruzen for just a little longer. He didn't think about the repercussions as he mentioned his fallen children or his weakened wife.
Being bound to the Shinigami was a small price to pay for Akihane's happiness. The girl was stronger than anyone You had ever encountered.
He briefly wondered about how the Kage would react to bring sealed to her mind. No doubt they would share information and Naru would give them his story.
Yin wasn't angry. He knew that once he told Akihane about his life that it wouldn't stay a secret. The girl would never withhold information from the Uchiha or her brothers.
He rested his head back and sighed.
You were too old to deal with the world or its problems. He just wanted to die and see Orama again, listen to her nagging and her disappointment. He wanted Senshi's smile and Akira's soft praise.
He wanted his daughters.
They were taken from him far too soon, and he felt their absences like a wound to his soul.
Michiko and Koran, Orama and Senshi, the four parts that made up who he was, the pieces of him that he never wanted to lose.
I~~~~I
She woke to the soft blue ceilings of her room in Hayate's home. Her eyes gazed at the speckled surface, trying and failing to adjust to the dim light shifting through the closed blinds.
Her body ached as if she had gone through a training session with Team Gai, Kakashi, her brothers, and Hinata all at once.
She tested her chakra coils, allowing small amounts to flow through her body before releasing them around her.
The area was filled with a multitude of signatures. Not all of them were familiar, but the majority she recognized as her brothers.
Kakashi and Asuma were there, relaxing beside two other signatures and Genma. Raidou and Iwashi were sleeping in their rooms, Hayate resting with Yugau opposite to Asuma and Kakashi. Iruka was in the kitchen with Aoba, Sasuke, and Hinata both training in the courtyard.
She pulsed her chakra, allowing those within the house to realize she was awake. Her coils were sore but had healed well enough for the basic exercises.
Testing her feet on the floor next, Akihane rose to a standing position. Her head surprisingly did not swim, though she had to bite back a bit of nausea and hunger. Twisting she looked at the mirror beside her bed, taking in the full picture of her state.
Her skin was paler than normal, the whiskers on her cheeks standing out more than they ever did. Her hair was carefully brushed, the bangs hanging over her face in messy spikes. Her eyes were a darker purple than normal, the irises inside smaller and sharper.
Her clothes had been traded for a comfortable shirt of Genma's and some shorts, while her weapons were nowhere to be seen. Her headband rested on the desk by the mirror, along with the dog tags she kept from Shisui. His mask rested next to those, followed by her sealing pouches.
"Aki?" A voice drew her attention to the door. She looked into the eyes of her sensei, taking in his appearance.
Kakashi looked worse for wear, his Jonin vest absent along with the weapons pouches normally littering his form. He wore the black pants with a loose shirt instead, his headband still sloped over his Sharingan eye while his face mask was tugged over his features.
"Hello, Kakashi-Sensei…What happened?"
She questioned, her eyes roaming the hall behind him in search of clues.
Her throat still felt raw, though her voice didn't sound as bad as she had expected. The bruises that Tobirama had caused in his controlled state had faded with Yin's healing, leaving no trace of their presence in the first place. She lifted her hand up, touching the hollow of her neck in confusion.
Even the best healers couldn't remove effects that quickly or effectively. How had Yin managed to heal her so well?
A hand grasped her own, stopping her from brushing the middle of her throat where Tobirama had pressed not long ago and threatened to cut off her air.
Kakashi's eyes met her own, searching through her gaze for something. He looked disheartened the longer they stared at one another. The warmth of his palms lit her ice-cold skin, drawing a slight shiver from her.
"Akihane, I want you to be completely honest with me." Her sensei started out, his tone serious and commanding.
Without consciously doing so, Akihane straitened her back and her gaze hardened. She nodded firmly at her superior, her mind wandering through the questions he could ask. She never expected what he did next.
"How long did you know that you could use Mokuton?" He questioned.
Her mind blanked and her mouth opened. Her throat tightened as she tried to think past a sudden haze that threatened her thoughts. How could he know? She had used it against Orochimaru, but surely her brothers wouldn't go off and tell everyone else…
"Akihane, answer me."
Kakashi ordered firmly, garnering her attention once more. She blinked at him again before shaking her head. She had to answer him.
"S-Since S-Shisui-Ni started g-guarding me." She answered truthfully, staring at her Sensei in confusion as his expression took on one of annoyance and worry.
"Dammit. Why didn't you tell us? Don't you realize the importance of something like this?" Akihane wanted to hide from the withering look her teacher gave her, but she also wanted him to understand.
"R-Reveal that?! Do you have any idea what would have happened?!" She hissed at him, anger starting to color her words as she stared incredulously at him.
"Shisui-Ni told me to hide it from everyone, said that all of them knowing would only put me in danger. It was bad enough when the Council found out I was learning sealing, let alone being able to perform one of the few bloodlines capable of downing a Bijuu. I did what I had to avoid causing trouble for Shisui-Ni and Hokage-Sama!"
Akihane refuted, her gaze narrowing dangerously.
Kakashi's hand around her wrist tightened and he leveled her with an unimpressed look.
"You kept information from you superior officers!"
Akihane's lips pulled back and she snarled at the Jonin. He wasn't getting it.
"I couldn't allow Danzo to use me against someone I loved ever again! If he found out about the ability he'd be able to usurp Hokage-Sama's control and take me to do with what he wished. As the last viable member of a 'Senju Bloodline', I would have been forced to enact the CRA at their leisure. They would have done anything to get ahold of that power and use it to their advantage. It already happened with Shisui, I couldn't allow it to happen to anyone else!"
Akihane shouted at the man finally, her temper flaring enough for her vision to black. Her chakra spiked warningly and pain seared up her limbs as her sensitive coils were dealt damage. She winced and bared the pain, however, continuing to glare darkly at her Sensei.
She had thought about telling the Hokage, had figured that she needed to by Shinobi rules. The only problem was Danzo, and since the Hokage's greatest weakness happened to also be after her and her abilities…she couldn't allow him to find out.
Shisui had been her everything when she was younger. He had been the one to give her a family and guide her path to that of a Kunoichi. He taught her the importance of looking after something you treasured and putting everything on the line to see it safe.
He had died from that ideology, had sacrificed himself in a way she could hardly understand for a reason she didn't want to comprehend. Shisui committed suicide to keep the peace and it hurt. He had given the greatest of treasures up, life, to protect the village and her with it.
The night before everything went down he had come to her and let her know just how much she meant to him, had told her to hide what she knew and only reveal it when she could protect herself.
The Sandaime knew a lot about her no one else did, but only Shisui ever knew about the field of flowers that had grown because he had acknowledged her as his Imuto, as his little sister. She couldn't throw away his request for her to be safe and only reveal what she could get away with.
She couldn't do that to him.
Kakashi stared in silence had her, his eyes slightly wide as he gazed down at her in stunned silence.
His eyes softened considerably as time flowed, his fingers shifting and dropping her wrist before he looked away and sighed heavily. He looked to be choking on something deep within him. Akihane could only imagine what war he was waging within.
"Alright…Okay." He whispered before shaking his head.
"Danzo knows. The entirety of Konoha knows now and they are begging for answers. Back when you used it in your battle the other villages saw. The Sound Shinobi spread it around and soon it ended up around the village. The Council is demanding an explanation for why it was hidden from them…And right now Hokage-Sama is not in the best state to be dealing with their questions. His body is too frail and he only has two more days left before his time is up completely-"
Akihane's hearing blanked and she nearly choked as she heard Kakashi reveal the past day to her.
Yin had done it. He had given the Hokage his three days to say goodbye…
She wanted to cry.
She wanted to scream.
She wanted to beat the crap out of Hiruzen for being so utterly stupid and using the Reaper Death Seal.
She wanted to grab him and demand he live, fighting anyone or thing that denied his right.
"There will be a council meeting tonight regarding the ordeal. Your presence is requested." Kakashi informed her suddenly, drawing her gaze to him. She nodded solemnly and paused as another thought slipped past her mind.
"I suppose it's about time I stopped hiding so much then…Kakashi-Sensei, could you help me to the living room?" Akihane asked the Jonin, receiving a nod in return. The Jonin settled a hand on her shoulder and casually guided her from her room and down the hallway.
Voices could be heard deeper within the home, the warm feeling easing the tense set of Akihane's muscles. She felt at peace in Hayate's compound where her worries were forgotten and her fears were labeled as unneeded. She had an important mission that involved letting her brothers know as much as she did. She had to plan ahead for the council meeting and carefully ponder what she would say in advance to refute her 'treasonous' actions.
The moment that the student and sensei pair entered the den, the atmosphere changed. The light choking that had been happening hardened slightly and all eyes turned to the albino Uzumaki.
Akihane raised her chin, staring at each and every person present. Her eyes slipped passed them to the garden. The shogi doors were open, portraying the sparring forms of her two friends.
Hinata noticed her arrival first, her fingers clenching around Sasuke's shoulder as she twirled around him. They both looked at her, each of their gazes equally distant.
Despite the silence and the heavy air, Akihane was relieved. Everyone was okay, her precious people hadn't died and she wouldn't be burying them anytime soon.
Her shoulders slumped as Kakashi helped her to the couch so she could sit beside Asuma and Genma, the latter moving to check her over.
As he did, Akihane prepared herself for the next few minutes that would change the course of her relationships with all of the men present, the words that would expose all she had hidden.
"Hinata-Hime, if you would activate the privacy seal…" Akihane asked quietly, drawing a sharp nod from the Hyuuga as her fingers raised to form a single sign. Chakra channeled down her limbs and across the floor, syncing with the seal inscribe beneath the floorboards. The seals glowed violet through the laminate wood before settling back into nothing.
The room felt heavier with the privacy seal in place.
Akihane took a deep breath before straightening her shoulders. She settled her elbows on her knees and looked at everyone present in the room. Her gaze slipped from Genma to Asuma, then Kakashi, Aoba, Iruka, Hayate, Yugau, Hinata, and finally Sasuke.
She took another deep breath and started speaking.
"This information has only ever been passed between Hokage-Sama, myself, and two select others. I have kept this hidden by the order of my Hokage and only now reveal it to you because I trust all of you."
After making certain that the severity was known to all present, Akihane moved on.
"For those not already aware of the whole mess, when I was four years old the villagers of Konoha decided to hunt me down and punish me as they saw fit. After Hokage-Sama found out he assigned an ANBU guard to watch me constantly, one by the name of Karasu. Karasu, aka Uchiha Shisui, guarded me constantly and started to train me to protect myself. During one of those sessions, we discovered I could use Mokuton, though at the time it drained me to the point of chakra-exhaustion. The day after this, several months after my seventh birthday, Shisui committed suicide. From there the Uchiha Massacre played out."
Akihane bit her lip to keep from reacting to the words, Shisui's actions still stinging deep within.
"Following that I met Raidou, Iwashi, and Genma. The three were given permission by Hokage-Sama to train me in the ways of not only a Kunoichi but also the Uzumaki clan head. They became my bodyguards and I was dropped from ANBU detail. My relationship with them was kept under wraps to avoid confrontation from the Council and the Elders."
Akihane paused and took a breather while letting the information sink in. The next part would be harder to say and understand completely, but she wasn't going to back down.
"I trained and by the time of my first C-Rank was acceptable in the ways of not only my Clan but a true Head in Konoha. However, things changed after that mission. During the mission to the Fire Temple, I discovered a house hidden under blood wards deep within the woods. A chakra imprint allowed me inside and guided me to a shocking truth. The house belonged to the woman, one Namikaze Michiki, and her husband, Senju Tobirama."
Stunned silence followed her words, but Akihane continued.
"In his final battle where he sacrificed himself, Senju Tobirama was discovered by Namikaze Michiki and nursed back to health. Already declared dead, the man decided to continue living with his savior and soon fell in love with her. He sired a son, losing his wife during birth. From there his son trained and soon joined Konoha at the end of the Second Shinobi War. Tobirama died soon after his son, Namikaze Senshi, married his wife Akira. From there Senshi soon gained a friend by the name of Uzumaki Yin, who he pronounced the godfather of his son, Namikaze Minato. Nearly a year after Namikaze Minato's birth, Senshi died and left Yin and Akira to raise his child, only for Yin to fake his death not long after. Unable to handle the stress and pain of losing not only her husband but her best friend, Akira gave her son to Hokage-Sama to be raised as a citizen of Konoha."
Akihane paused again and tried not to think about Yin's sadness or his grief.
"Namikaze Minato grew up and rose through the ranks, befriending Uzumaki Kushina on his way to becoming Hokage. Then, on October 10th thirteen years ago, Uzumaki Kushina gave birth to me. As you all know the Kyuubi was sealed within me and both of my parents died to protect me…"
Akihane closed her eyes and pushed on with her story.
"I only recently discovered my connection with Nidaime-Sama and my Tou-San, though most of you knew about my parentage. I have hidden a lot regarding them and my abilities over the years in order to protect not only myself but those important to me as well. I'm telling you all this because I truly trust you all. I may not be able to give information on everything, but do know that I only hide for the betterment of those around me. I revealed my ability with Mokuton because it was a last resort to save Hokage-Sama, and I do not regret it. Had people known of the ability they would have used it against me and those I love, which I would not allow."
Akihane looked up, gazing at every person in the room once more. Her gaze halted on that of her Sensei, taking in the weariness in the man's stare. She offered him a broken smile and lifted a hand to place on his arm.
"It's alright Kakashi-Sensei…I understand that you couldn't raise me and I've come to terms with it. You made up for it enough guarding me as Inu-San, there is no need for you to agonize about it anymore. Start over, I will welcome you into our family with open arms." The Uzumaki told the man calmly and truthfully, watching as emotions flashed in his single eye.
Asuma sighed heavily beside her and let out a dark chuckle while raising his hand to rub his beard.
"You truly are unpredictable Akihane." The Jonin told her, earning another small smile from the girl.
Genma hummed in agreement and reached to pat Akihane on her back, smiling at her gently as he removed the Senbon from between his lips.
"Don't sweat it so much, Aki. We all love you, and we all make mistakes. I'm glad you decided to say something." The Tokujo leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead, smirking when her pale cheeks flushed pink under the reassurances.
Sasuke grunted beside Hinata, letting out a harsher sound when he was slapped on the back of his head by the 'gentle' Hyuuga.
"You need to stop holding so much alone Naru. We all care about you." Hinata informed the girl as she stalked toward her, leveling her with an amused and motherly glare that left the Uzumaki more flustered than before.
"H-Hinata-Hime!" The girl whined gently as she leaned into Genma's firm embrace, her hand still gripping Kakashi's arm.
The Hyuuga leveled her with an unimpressed stare and turned sharply to regard Sasuke with the same stare.
The Uchiha glared at her, turning to look at Akihane. His gaze softened and he sighed heavily before walking over. In one swift movement, he flicked the space where Genma had just kissed, earning himself a wounded pout. His own cheeks heated at seeing Akihane's pout, one that no one but he could garner from the girl. Of course, Akihane would forever deny that she would do something so childish, but he knew better. Whenever it came to Genjutsu, Fire Style, or even their Kenjutsu, the girl was always rather sore over his genius abilities within them and would most definitely pout if reminded.
Laughter rang around them and soon, one by one, all those present came to reassure the girl that she was alright with them and that she would have their support.
Amidst it all Kakashi remained silent, though his free hand slipped to Akihane's and quiet wound around her fingers, clutching her close to him even as she remained pressed into Genma's side.
Akihane smiled gently all the while, her eyes still dimmed in sadness over the events that had transpired, a wounded and bitter hurt directed at the one precious person not present hidden underneath her gratitude and fondness.
I~~~~I
Akihane slipped from her family around an hour after her revelation, moving to the garden at the back of the compound. She managed to make her way to the small island in the middle of the large pond hidden behind trees and shrubbery.
The girl relaxed on the ground in front of the towering sakura tree, her eyes slipping closed as she regulated her chakra and started to meditate.
As she did so, Akihane felt two strong urges within her mindscape, both eager for her return.
She sighed and allowed her mind to drift, the black space behind her closed lids slipping further into something else.
When her eyes opened again she was settled in front of the Kyuubi's cage, two figures standing beside her.
Yin's seals still decorated the walls in soft blue hues, though this time they hardly affected the beast standing behind the bars.
"Hashirama!"The Kyuubi shouted, a growl bubbling in its throat as it reared forward.
Akihane remained seated as she stared at the Bijuu, her head tilted slightly in a sign of curiosity. She observed the Bijuu as it slammed a large paw at the bars and snapped it giant maw shut on the air within its cage.
Hashirama chuckled nervously beside her, scratching his cheek as he gazed at the giant fox.
"H-Hi Kyuubi…long time no see…?" The Shodaime greeted the Bijuu, earning another outraged growl as the Kyuubi slammed another paw at the bars of its prison.
Akihane sighed and slowly rose from her position, ignoring the water slipping down her dry form. She stepped forward, past the curious gaze of her grandfather, and continued to take steps toward the cage.
The Kyuubi looked at her in contempt and hatred, it's bright red eyes staring unnervingly into her soul as she stopped in front of the bars of the cage.
The Bijuu could very well reach out and attack her, but she hardly cared.
Without another second to ponder her decision, Akihane ignored the sudden noise of complaint coming from the Nidaime and Shodaime behind her and stepped inside of the cage.
She looked upwards at the beast sealed within her, stared into his eyes and wondered for a moment if she was truly in the right mind to be doing such a thing.
Either way, she had already decided after hearing stories from her grandfather and uncle, she would do this. If Yin and Itachi had both done the wrong things for the right reasons, had turned into monsters for the sake of protecting what they held dear and still earned her forgiveness and that of those around them, then she could grant the same courtesy to the Bijuu.
"I forgive you."
Akihane spoke calmly as she stared into the eyes of her prisoner, her maroon orbs matching the crimson tone of the Nine-tailed Fox.
The Kyuubi froze, its lips halting in their move to snarl, his large maw clipping shut once more, though this time in shock.
"I forgive you."
Akihane repeated, her eyes shining slightly as she smiled at the large fox.
"For killing my parents, for destroying my village. I forgive you for all of it."
Akihane continued, her lips opening as soft laughter bubbled from her chest, tears starting to slip down her cheeks as she stepped forward again, this time standing directly in front of the Kyuubi no Kitsune without any fear present.
"And I'm grateful as well."
The Kyuubi stiffened as she spoke, its eyes narrowed at her as though expecting it to all be a trick.
Instead of whipping around or suddenly chaining the Kyuubi, Akihane reached and touched the large fox on its muzzle.
"All of those years when I was hurt or dying, you saved me. You healed me, tended to my wounds when no one else did, and when those I cared for were in danger, you gave me the power to protect them. For that, even if you hadn't intended for those things when you did so, I thank you."
The Kyuubi's eyes were wide with shock by now, its gaze unsettled and its body tensed still as it tried to understand her words, to comprehend her forgiving and thanking him.
Akihane stood before the Kyuubi quietly, her hand still placed on its muzzle.
Behind her, Tobirama stood with his hand slightly outstretched toward her, his eyes slightly wide at the scene before him.
Hashirama stood next to his younger brother with his jaw wide open, his right foot a step ahead of his left and his arms left at his sides in preparation for a Jutsu.
They both were in awe of Akihane actions, over her words and her sincerity. Never before had they ever expected for someone to treat a Bijuu so fairly, let alone forgive them for its atrocities.
Uzumaki Akihane was a true enigma.
I~~~~I
Akihane opened her eyes to the calm garden she had decided to mediate within. Around an hour had passed, leaving her with only two more until she was called to the Council chambers and put on trial before them all.
Her gaze shifted over the scenery and she sensed the chakra that she previously saw as a green haze now slipping through the bodies of each plant.
Before the green chakra had scared her and made it harder for her to sense everything around her. Now, the energy offered comfort and insight to all that had happened.
'You can sense Nature chakra? That's amazing!' Hashirama's thoughts thundered through her mindscape, earning a wince from the Uzumaki child.
She wasn't used to having people talk in her head. Her thoughts were quite private, and to have two being capable of hearing them inside of her head unnerved the Kunoichi.
'Don't mind my idiot of a brother, Akihane. He'll learn soon enough.'Tobirama's calming voice seeped into her thoughts and left her feeling a little better, though she was still stiff over their presence.
While she didn't have to allow them into her thoughts and could very well block them out, she felt that their insight was rather amazing and did not want to pass up the opportunity to learn more.
'I understand. I just have to get used to this…It's different from what I'm used to.'
Akihane inwardly informed the Kage.
She allowed her chakra to spread out thinly over the area, her coils tensing slightly before relaxing under her gentle stressing. She had just settled her chakra over Hayate's entire estate when Tobirama spoke up again.
'You have an impressive range for someone your age, as well as a heightened sensitivity. More than likely your Uzumaki prowess with sensing mixed with mine and caused a stronger affinity to form. Still, I am intrigued to note that you are able to handle such an influx of information. Most people, even trained sensors, can hardly handle two shadow clones worth of memories, let alone a range this size.'
Akihane could feel her cheeks color slightly at the praise. While it was true that the information was a lot and that she had been overwhelmed often enough, she did handle it better than most. Genma had taught her enough about regulating her Shadow clones' memories to understand just how bad it could get.
'I'm used to it. With my reserves, I have the ability to summon hundreds of clones, and the sudden memories tend to hit me like a punch to the gut. One of my brothers, Genma-Ni, taught me how to siphon the important information out and regulate the other information into a safe spot to go over later on when I have time.' Akihane replied to the Nidaime, focusing on the memories and emotions she had locked away the day prior.
She was still sore and wouldn't be able to train too much as it was, which left her with little to do besides go over her thoughts.
Pulling gently at the space she had dubbed 'Pandora's Room' after an old myth Shisui had read to her when she was young, Akihane carefully allowed her sealed thoughts to funnel through her mind.
To both Hashirama and Tobirama, the memories took on the appearance of a large screen, Akihane's thoughts echoing about them as she carefully organized each one in the mind.
The first memory to appear was during her battle with Shisui. One of her clones was camped near the Academy talking with Iruka. The Chunnin was herding his students down into the secret tunnels of the Academy, making certain to smile and calm their nerves while Akihane kept on the lookout with her sensory abilities for any enemy nin.
The next was of Akihane sealing up the rooms housing civilians within the maze-like tunnels of the Hokage Monument before she and two other clones, along with the help of members of the barrier squads, sealed them inside.
Following those were a series of quick snippets of Akihane's clones working around Konoha before the invasion to ensure the least amount of casualties. All the while the real Akihane fought and watched the matched of the Third Exam without showing a single hint of what her copies were up to.
After that, the truly hard-to-process ones came, including her betrayal of Yin's identity. Akihane took a bit to work through the emotions she had hidden then, gently nudging them with their opposing elements as she understood each one. She countered her hatred with logic and moved on to the battle with Orochimaru.
Here, Tobirama had to clench his hands around his opposing arms as he crossed them. Hashirama narrowed his gaze and his jaw snapped shut with an audible click as they watched the events unfold.
By the time they reached Yin's story the two were tense and Akihane was starting to sweat.
Her chakra started to retract from the grounds and she continued to go through her emotions.
It was only once she reached the memory of Yin offering his soul to the Shinigami after Hiruzen used the Reaper Death Seal that she had difficulties thinking straight.
Betrayal, sadness, whywhywhywhy, hurt, confusions, whywhywhy, grief, why…Her emotions slipped down a rollercoaster and she tried to breathe through them even as tears pricked the corners of her eyes. Out of every seal that her Hokage could perform, he chose the seal that took her family from her.
'Why…Why would he do something like that?'Akihane thought with the creeping feeling of abandonment pushing past her emotions.
'He only did it to ensure that no matter what occurred, Orochimaru wouldn't be able to block or evade the sealing.' Tobirama quietly commented.
Akihane felt a rush of unchecked fury over the man's defense of his student.
'So he decides to be an utter idiot and leave all of us behind without warning when he could choose life!? How is that smart, how can he choose a path that betrays his loved ones so readily!?'
Akihane countered, her thoughts bitter and filled with all the negative emotions that she felt over Hiruzen's choice.
'Hiruzen wanted to make sure that Orochimaru wouldn't counter his decision. You know that the boy was a seal master only under Hiruzen and his fellow student. If Hiruzen had used any other Jutsu there would have been no guarantee that the effects would easily be undone. Hiruzen took the best option, but that does not make it the easiest.'
Hashirama brought up, his words stilling the mutiny in Akihane's mind.
She felt more tears spill over her cheeks as she spoke again, this time uncaring that her words were no longer within.
"He had to choose that Jutsu… How many times must I lost someone important to that Jutsu, how many times must freedom be robbed and lives destroyed? H-He made such a choice…W-Without considering what it w-would do…"
Her voice trailed off and she opened her eyes slowly, slipping from her meditative stance to have her legs pulled against her chest. Her back leaned on the trunk of the great sakura tree and she gazed heavenward.
Of all those that had died in her name with the intentions of saving her, only her mother had ever thought of her in turn.
Namikaze Minato sealed the Kyuubi within her and died knowing that she would be without parents, choosing to take an action that left her alone in the long run. Uchiha Shisui bent his will and that of others to ensure her safety in her home, but when he killed himself he did not spare the thought of how devastated she would be watching him go. Itachi slaughtered his clan, took away the few people that didn't gaze at her in contempt, and left her best friend to drown in his hatred and grief. Hayate stepped into the line of fire to protect her from a war, to save her from Kabuto's sights and never once looked back and wondered just what lengths she would go in order to make certain he and the rest of her brothers were safe.
Hiruzen, the man who basically raised her and gave her so many of her important people, the man who put her first, and the man who just about tore her heart out with his sacrifice.
People stated they would die for her safety, die to make sure she was happy, but they never stopped to consider the fact that she would much rather they live for her.
'Perhaps they felt that the only way they could live was if you lived as well.' Hashirama inquired gently, his voice soothing. The blue chakra of Yin's seal swirled about her pathways and surged along her limbs, causing her to shiver as it trailed up her cheek and remained there.
The chakra felt like a hand cupping her face, making her shake her head roughly to get rid of the oddly nice feeling.
"You are too good at this…" Akihane whispered to the Kage, curling tighter around her legs while laying her head on her knees. She took long and deep breaths in order to calm herself down, closing her eyes in order to center herself.
The signatures of her brothers were on edge, no doubt sensing the sudden withdraw Akihane had made of her range. Carefully the Uzumaki tested her coils again, breathing through the emotions again.
She stayed that way for a while, managing to work through her thoughts of Hiruzen with a clearer mind. By the time she had finished she felt exhausted and rather grumpy.
Both Hashirama and his brother remained silent as she worked through it all, their presence reassuring despite the uncomfortable nature of it.
After a full half hour passed and left Akihane with only another until she had to go to the Council Chambers, she unwound her limbs and rose to her full height.
"There you are Gaki." A voice, low and gentle, spoke up from the side.
Akihane turned to view her Godfather. She didn't bother wiping the tear tracts from her cheeks and instead nodded in greeting to the Sannin.
"What did you need, Ero-Sennin?"
Akihane questioned, the two entities within her nearly choking, one on shock and the other on laughter. A gentle smile graced the Uzumaki's features as she heard Hashirama's guffaws and Tobirama's hacking.
The Sannin stared at her face and eyes longer than necessary. He had questions bubbling beneath his features, but he asked none of them. Instead, he walked forward and stopped in front of his Goddaughter.
Akihane blinked up at Jiraiya, confused at his actions.
"Jiraiya-" She started out again with the intent to seriously question him.
Her attempt was thwarted by the man gently brushing a stray tear from her cheek with his large and rough hands. Her mouth opened into a silent 'o' and she tried not to flush as the Sannin nodded with a smile.
Then the brute grabbed her by her waist and hauled her over his shoulder.
"I'm taking the Hime out, I'll be back after the council meeting!" Jiraiya shouted toward the compound, a multitude of signatures gathered near the edge of the garden. Jiraiya didn't wait for a reply before he vanished in a Shuinshin, his actions drawing all protest from the lips of his goddaughter.
The two landed in a familiar clearing, one that had Akihane tensing and trying to get away from Jiraiya more than before.
"Dammit you no good Ero-Sennin, if you are going to do that, so help me I'll-!" Akihane began her threat even as she was flung from the Gama Sannin's shoulders into the awaiting abyss of a large ravine.
Jiraiya called down to her from above, his voice firm yet fond.
"It's training, Aki-Hime."
Akihane let out a startled shout as she plummeted into the darkness, just as her anger reared its head and she turned around sharply.
Her chakra surged, and as the two men in her head shouted, she drew upon the memory of her encounter with Tobirama and her first time summoning.
Smoke rose from the crater as her hand slammed into thin air, and Akihane felt her reserves plummet as a large and imposing toad appeared below her, her body landing stiffly on his head.
"Gaki?! What the hell is this about!?" The Toad shouted in annoyance, earning a groan from the Kunoichi above him. She was going to maim her godfather.
"I'm sorry Gamabunta-Dono, Ero-Sennin threw me down the ravine again." She informed the toad, wincing when she felt the muscles below her bunch and prepare to jump upwards. Her chakra reacted and she stuck to the Toad Boss just in time. The large summons shot from the ravine and promptly landed beside a clapping Jiraiya, the man's lips settled into an amused smirk.
"Well done. You can summon a toad by only forming the connection." The man praised.
Akihane huffed, glaring darkly at her godfather even as her blood sang in elation.
For some reason, the man knew exactly what she needed to kick her butt into gear.
I~~~~I
She arrived in the Council Room with Jiraiya and Genma at her sides. Kakashi calmly walked behind her and she could feel the gazes of everyone present rest on her body before she had even entered the door.
She swept her gaze over those inside and made sure to check their threat levels and how much each could aide her in her current situation and the long run. Then, she turned to the head of the meeting and the man opposite to her. Her feet stopped a few steps in front of the large table housing all of Konoha's Clan heads and Civilian Representatives and her form shifted as she bowed to her leader.
"Hokage-Sama," Akihane spoke respectfully toward Hiruzen, earning a nod of acknowledgment before she settled in a straight posture. Kakashi stepped beside her and Jiraiya walked toward the Hokage, brushing his fingers along her arm in reassurance while Genma stepped to her other side. Behind them the doors shut and sealed off the room with a privacy ward, keeping out any unwanted ears.
"Genin Uzumaki Akihane Naru, do you know why you have been called to this meeting?" Sarutobi began as he stood, cutting through the tense silence with a firm voice.
Akihane took a deep breath, cycling through her plan before stepping forward to speak clearly to all those present.
"Hai, Hokage-Sama."
She answered, earning resounding nods as Hiruzen continued. "You have been called here in regards to the illegal withholding of a bloodline ability that could have aided Konoha. How do you plead?"
Akihane stared into the Hokage's eyes and carefully spoke.
"Not Guilty-" She voiced.
A murmur broke out and a voice from the civilian council cut through the air.
"Not guilty?! You hid the fact that you could use Hashirama-Sama's Jutsu from us!" The man shouted, drawing not only the accused's gaze but that of everyone present.
For a moment Akihane only stared the representative down, before she chose to continue with what she had said.
"Had you let me continue, I would have stated my reasoning." Akihane calmly informed the man, ignoring the man's mouth as it opened and he prepared to reprimand her.
"And what reasoning is that, Uzumaki?" A voice called from across the table, guiding Akihane's attention to Yamanaka Inoichi's form.
Akihane nodded to the man in respect and straightened slightly as she spoke up.
"I do not believe I am guilty of the accusation, considering I never illegally withheld the information." She provided.
Again, someone from the civilian side tried to butt in, the man's voice deeper and filled with more loathing. "Not guilty!? Do you believe us to be blind to the fact you used Mokuton against the Snake Sannin Orochimaru? We know what happened and you are only trying to weasel your way out of your punishment!"
A frown nearly pressed at her features, Genma's hand brushing her back keeping her from shooting a glare at the other commenter.
"I do indeed know how to perform Mokuton, however-" Once more Akihane's words were cut off.
"See, she admits it! The demon should be punished for hiding such talents from the council!" Another member of the council called.
Akihane let out a semi-frustrated sigh as she opened her mouth again.
"Admitting to having Mokuton is not a crime, nor is my withholding of a clan ability. Or do none of you understand the simple fact that a Clan may withhold information for their eyes only from their leader?" She bit out, quickly speaking in fear of being interrupted once more.
Sarutobi leaned forward as he stared at her with calm eyes, his hand raising to silence everyone, even those opening their mouths on the Shinobi side, so that she could continue.
Breathing out Akihane sent the man a grateful nod and pushed with her words.
"I am part of the Uzumaki Clan, something that allows me to keep information such as my bloodlines secret should I deem it necessary. Hokage-Sama was not the only one to not know of this, nor were you all. I have told no one of my prowess, and it wasn't for the hope of power or anything else. I hid my ability because I did not think that being able to only produce a single sapling would benefit Konoha in the long run. My 'ability' to used Mokuton extends to small feats that hardly matter and knock me off my feet as it is. I only wished to showcase this ability to the Hokage if it meant that he could use it for Konoha's benefit, not to provide him with another worry or secret to keep."
Akihane finished with another nod to her leader. She then gazed around the table at each member present in an effort to gauge their reactions.
As she did so, Shikaku Nara spoke up.
"You state Clan Law, which indeed would protect you, and yet you do not seem to understand that in order for clan law to apply you would have to have a head or proxy-head for your clan that knew about such an ability, two of which things you have neither of."
Shikaku leveled her with a firm stare.
Akihane bit her lip and then sighed heavily before shifting to look to the Hokage. Before any of the council members could pounce on the revelation, she questioned the Hokage.
"Hokage-Sama, is it not true that I indeed notified the Clan Head of such an occurrence?"
This was the part where her Jiji would be smiling were he not trained to keep such things hidden.
"Hai, you did." The Hokage agreed, earning incredulous stares.
Inoichi turned to the Hokage, opening his mouth even as Hiashi suddenly barked from beside him.
"What do you mean? You stated yourself that you knew nothing of her abilities, so how would you know that she told her clan head? In addition, who would qualify as the Uzumaki Clan Head and where are they?!" The Hyuuga patriarch questioned in rapid fire, earning a tilt of his leader's lips before the Sandaime Hokage raised his hand and gestured across the room.
Akihane felt all eyes turn to her and she made certain to appear as calm as possible while letting nothing of her true emotions through.
"As Hokage-Sama stated, I informed the Clan Head. How would I not know my own abilities, after all?"
Akihane left the air open, withholding a smirk as the information sunk into the heads of all those present. She had noticed Shikaku's eyes light up the moment she had spoken to Hiruzen, his understanding flickering for but a moment as they played through the motions.
His gaze met hers and he offered a twitch of his lips at her. She drummed her finger on her shorts and returned the gaze before settling on the room as a whole.
"B-but she's not even an a-adult! She can't be a Clan Head!" The first civilian to question her brought up, earning himself an amused snort from the Shinobi side.
Sitting beside Shibi Aburame and Hiashi, Inuzuka Tsume let out a mirthful chuckle and slammed her hand on the table while eyeing the man like he was a particularly interesting piece of meat. Tellingly, the man gulped.
"The girl is a Genin, or did you forget our definitions are different from your own? Not to mention that Uzumaki's get privileges most other clans don't with their treaty to Konoha. Have you all forgotten Kushina-Chan? She became the head the moment Mito-Sama died as the standing proxy for Konoha's Uzumaki Branch. You have nothing on the Gaki that won't infringe on her rights as the standing Head!"
The woman sent a wink in Akihane's direction, earning a nod of gratitude while the girl filed the information away for later. She could feel the pride growing in her head and heard Hashirama's loud laughter once more.
Hiruzen hummed and Akihane swore that Danzo's eyes darkened while his gaze on her felt like ice. Something prodded at her mind, an inkling that had her wishing she could shake her head. She pushed the thought and the feeling aside, almost missing the slight wince the elder underwent.
Curiosity and an edge of disgust slipped through her thoughts regarding the man before Akihane turned back to the conversation at hand.
She filed the moment away as she took in the slightly smug look present on her Jiji's face.
"As Uzumaki-San just stated, the charges levied against her have no real ground. She had full authority to keep such information from this Council. As such…I rule this case void." The Sandaime spoke, his voice dropping slightly as pain edged his tone.
Akihane tensed and she watched as Jiraiya settled a worried hand on the man's shoulder. She wanted to rush toward the man but had to wait.
Shikaku took charge, standing with a dark and calculating expression covering his features as he watched his Hokage struggle with an unseen force. "This meeting is adjourned."
The moment the words left the man's lips, Genma's hand vanished from her back and Akihane appeared next to her Jiji. She placed a glowing green hand on the man's head, her eyes burning with worry and hidden grief as she tried to figure out what was wrong.
Hiruzen gazed down at her in fondness as the tight set of his lips vanished, her chakra removing the pain he had felt.
"It's okay Akihane…That's just the soul's urgency to get out of this weary body. I still have two more days." He rasped gently, earning himself a sharp stare from the torn Kunoichi.
"That doesn't make it okay." She said seriously.
In response, Hiruzen winced, though he did manage to place a hand on her head. He nodded at her and relaxed against his chair while his student tightened his grip on his shoulder.
"At least I'm able to see you make Chunin, Aki." The man whispered.
Akihane withheld from breaking down into tears as she clutched at his had with her own, nodding to him.
"Hai. T-Thank you, Hoka-no, Jiji." She finished with a firmer tone that left Hiruzen smiling at her in wistful acceptance and relief.
"That was some show you just pulled Uzumaki." A voice called out, drawing Akihane's gaze to the piercing and playful eyes of Inuzuka Tsume.
"Thank you, Inuzuka-San," Akihane told the woman, offering a small smile as she squeezed Hiruzen's hand again before allowing it to drop. She kept to the man's right side, not wanting to leave.
The Inuzuka matriarch seemed to understand.
"Gee kid lay off the formalities. There's no need for Kushina's kid to be so uptight. It's your damn father's genes in there, isn't it?" Tsume told her with a grin, her eyes twinkling.
Akihane stiffened at the mention of her parents before relaxing when she noticed that the council room was empty of all but Shikaku, Inoichi, Choza, Hiashi, Kakashi, and Genma.
Genma walked over and slipped past Tsume, moving to stand beside his Imuto protectively.
"Lay off Tsume, she's just a kid." He grouched protectively, huffing when the woman laughed loudly.
From behind her Hiashi approached, his eyes narrowed on the Uzumaki.
Akihane ducked her head to the man, forming a half-bow in acknowledgment to the Clan Head. Hinata had drilled into her head how she should react to her father in formal settings, and despite the meeting being adjourned, Akihane still felt the need to treat the man with respect.
She respected Hiashi as a strong Ninja and a decent Clan Head, even if his parenting skills were crap and he needed to, in the words of Mitarashi Anko, 'grow some balls' regarding his elders.
The man nodded back at her and his frown softened a fraction at her show of grace. Beside her Genma stiffened, his eyes warily drifting from the man to Akihane.
Kakashi stepped behind her next.
"Mah, you really surprised them. Perhaps you should try not to be so unpredictable Aki-Hime, you might give me a heart attack." The man teased, earning a blank look from his student.
"If you are unfit enough for that to happen, then perhaps we would be better off. Maybe I could nab someone competent as my Sensei this time." Akihane dully replied, earning a fake-wounded look from her teacher as she gasped dramatically.
Tsume laughed again, letting herself go as she stabilized herself on the long table.
Hiashi looked down at the woman with a raised brow, fondness spreading over his features.
Akihane had to wonder how the Inuzuka head had managed that.
"I'll be taking my leave. Have a good night Hokage-Sama. Tsume, would you mind joining me?" Hiashi suddenly spoke, his hand reaching for the woman before she had stood straight. Tsume grinned at the man with her fangs poking from under her lips, the savage smile earning another fond look.
"Yeah, yeah. Come on you stick in the mud, how about we go drinking!? I'm famished!" The head shouted, reaching to drag the man along as she fled from the room.
Akihane stared out at the woman with a soft smile, noticing how well the two meshed together. She'd have to ask Hinata about their relationship. She knew it wasn't romantic, Hiashi hardly had room for such things after his wife died, but it certainly seemed close and important to the man.
Perhaps she could get the help of Tsume in regards to her and Hinata's plan for the Hyuuga clan.
"That was well played Akihane," Inoichi spoke up, earning him the Uzumaki's attention for the moment.
The albino paused and smiled at the man, earning a smile in return as she answered him.
"I have no idea what you are referring to Inoichi-San. I merely spoke the truth."
Shikaku huffed beside his friend, his eyes shifting to Genma at her side and Kakashi at her back before he looked to the tired Sandaime looking over them all.
"It was good. I'd like to discuss it more with you if you didn't mind. Yoshino also wanted to talk with you."
Shikaku slipped his own two cents in, earning a bemused glance from the Uzumaki.
"Shikamaru invited me to dinner if that's what you are hinting at Shikaku-San. He mentioned sometime after the Third Exam if only to talk about his training with me." Akihane informed the man, enjoying the light of surprise shifting in his dark orbs before the man hummed at her.
"How about tonight?" The man glanced past her toward the Hokage and then to Genma. Akihane turned to her brother and the man sighed.
"Go ahead. I'll tell Yugau. We were just gonna rest easy anyways. Go play figurehead." The Tokujo swept her with his hands, earning a bemused smile from his sister.
Akihane nodded in acceptance at Shikaku.
"Well, I'm going to get Sensei to his house. I'll see you in the morning for training Akihane." Jiraiya spoke up, breaking the silence. Akihane glanced at him and then worriedly at Hiruzen. The man waved her off as well, his tired face drawn in a peaceful smile.
"I still have time Akihane. Come to me tomorrow."
Regretfully, Akihane nodded.
She then proceeded to follow Shikaku to his home, Inoichi, and Choza parting together while Genma dragged Kakashi back to the compound.
She felt lighter than before, but something still rested on her heart. She enjoyed her night, but at the back of her mind she saw Hiruzen's frail form and heard Hashirama's words.
In the end, she knew what she would end up deciding.
I~~~~I
Woah, this was long! Almost 11.5k words and I still wanted to add more. Words can hardly describe how much effort went into this and I hope you all enjoyed. Expect another longer chapter before this whole thing is over and the Tsunade Retrieval Arc starts up.
Hope you all enjoyed and thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
