The Daimyo

by EyeWasBored

In which a Daimyo decides to become more proactive. O/C. Rated M for violence, and blood. AU.

19. Chapter 19

'Thoughts/Signing/Written Words'

"Speaking"

"Seal Symbols/Words"

Flashbacks

Disclaimer: I own nothing from Masashi Kishimoto. Enjoy!

Chapter 19

Sora ignored how Inoichi's soul flickered in suspicion upon learning that Danzo had called upon the traditional contract. Taking a wobbly step away from Hound and Ibiki, she turned towards them.

"There is a way to have direct communication with Hokage-sama," she said.

"Without getting the Village Elders involved?" Ibiki asked, studying her.

Sora nodded. "Under the traditional contract, Hokage-sama has the right to call on as many Head Clans as he'd like to become his aides. Their duties can be anything. From attending meetings, being advisors, amongst other things."

"Like a council?" Inoichi asked.

"Yes," Sora confirmed. "One of his choosing."

Inoichi's gaze sharpened at her words. 'A council made up of people he can trust,' was what the ruby haired woman had meant.

Ignoring their intense stares, Sora continues, "However, Hokage-sama has yet to select his aides." Pinching the bridges of her nose to keep her headache at bay, she muttered, "We'll have to do this the old fashion way."

"Old fashion?" Inoichi asked, confused and slightly curious.

Sora raised her head to look at him and nodded. Walking towards her desk, she opened a drawer. "Unlike Hokage-sama, I have more leeway to assume any of my roles at my leisure. Morino-san, I'll be making a mission request. Not as the Fire Daimyo. But as the owner of Tree Leaves." She pulled out an ink brush and ink well. "Ultimately," Sora said as she withdrew a dark red scroll from her sleeve. "It'll be Hokage-sama's decision. But, I'll be requesting a mission for a squad to deliver a scroll to Lord Todiyori, and to help contain the forest fire. The rank can go from a basic C-rank to a low B-rank, depending on how large the fire is. The squad will be paid accordingly."

She unrolled the scroll and opened the inkwell. Dipping the brush into the ink, she began writing quickly into the scroll. "While I'm not privy to what ANBU does," Sora ignored how everyone in the room tensed as she continued, "two squads will need to be sent out if there is interest in pursuing the unknown nin." Sora pursed her lips and glanced up at Ibiki. She added, "What I'm about to say next is important." Feeling all eyes on her, she continued writing into the scroll. "As the previous Daimyo, Lord Todiyori had been lenient for a lot of actions Konoha had done in order to maintain the trust between Konoha and the Capitol." Ignoring how their eyes narrowed at her, she placed the brush down and rolled the scroll closed. "However, because he is now my advisor, do not be surprised when he interrogates the squad delivering the scroll." She looked at Ibiki and warned, "ANBU members must not be seen in the same vicinity as the squad, Morino-san. Whatever believable lie the squad comes up with will be negated if they are seen inside the Capitol. My delegates are smart, despite only being civilians, especially Lord Todiyori. As soon as their suspicions are raised, my hands will be tied and I will have to assume my role as the Fire Daimyo instead of just Fujiwara Sora. If this happens, Konohagakure will be under hot water."

"What do you mean?" Ibiki asked, staring at her.

Sora straightened and stared at the T Commander calmly. "The only time a Fire Daimyo and a Hokage had been bound to the traditional contract, the Daimyo had died. Now that the traditional contract has been used again," Sora left everything else unsaid.

Ibiki's eyes widened minutely as he forced himself to remain calm. "Your delegates suspect that you may not return to the Capitol alive," he stated.

Sora nodded. "While they are patient, they won't be standing idly this time around."

Ibiki stiffened and crossed his arms. "Was there-," Ibiki stopped himself as soon as Sora glanced towards the entrance of the Trial Room. It was starting to reappear. Not skipping a beat, he continued, "something you needed?"

Sora gave him a smile. "Actually yes," she said as she walked towards him to give him the scroll. "I was hoping this scroll can be handed to the squad who will be accepting my mission request from Tree Leaves."

Ibiki nodded as he took the scroll from her as she walked beside him. He discretely gave it to an ANBU member wearing a painted rabbit mask who disappeared. Then, a loud explosion could be heard from outside of her weapons shop. Team Ro quickly surrounded Sora as most of the Anbu disappeared from the room. Hound grabbed Sora's waist and was about to disappear with her when three voices called out from the hallway.

"Sora-sama!"

Sora tried to peak behind Hound, but found that she couldn't when he had placed a warning hand on her, stopping her movements.

"There's smoke coming out from Training Ground 1," Maki said, frantic.

"Training Ground 1 is notoriously known to be used by ANBU and high ranking Jounin," Mei said in a rushed voice in a spluttering mess.

"But the sound of the explosion was too loud to be normal," Ko rebutted as he came up behind his younger coworkers. His eyes were wide in shock and slight fear.

All three staff members froze to see their boss surrounded by Anbu members, blocking her from view. The T Commander and Leader of the T 's Analysis Team were standing in front of Team Ro, tense with weapons drawn.

Feeling their souls flickering in panic, Sora stated from behind Hound, "Stay calm. Breathe you three." Feeling their souls settle down, she continued, "What is Konoha's protocol for Career Genin in this type of situation?" Sora asked, feeling Hound's hold on her lax, letting her know that it was safe.

Hound and Ibiki gave her a side glance at her tone. It was calm. Soft yet firm.

'She sounds like Bear when he is demanding answers,' Hound thought as Ibiki and Inoichi put their weapons away.

The three Career Genin looked at one another as she walked around Hound. "We don't have anything like that," Ko answered, timidly. He knew Career Genin didn't have a good reputation amongst the higher ranks , so not a lot of people paid any attention to them. Protocols included.

At her gaze, the three staff members stood taller as they gave her their undivided attention.

"Proceed with my protocols for shinobi staff members," Sora told them.

The three straightened to attention and nodded. In unison, they turned to look at Ibiki, who stared at them in confusion.

"Sora-sama's protocol states that all lower ranked shinobi staff members are to follow the orders of the closest higher ranked shinobi should something happen. If there are no higher ranked shinobi nearby, we are to automatically follow the shop's protocols based on the situation. In this case, we'd follow protocols for abnormal explosions until told otherwise," Ko explained. "Seeing as the highest ranked individual in this room is you, Morino-sama, what would you have us do?"

Ibiki blinked at them and noted the serious postures amongst the three teens. 'That's something that all Genin should follow, regardless if they were Career Genin or not,' he thought. He made a note to discuss this later with Minato to implement it amongst all Genins.

"What are your protocols for abnormal explosions?" Ibiki asked, as they all followed Sora into the sitting room.

Seeing Sora opening a closet door behind the staircase, Ko answered. "Protocols for abnormal explosion have three main objectives. The first is to ensure the safety of everyone in the vicinity of the blast. If there are any injured, we are to provide medical aid until we can safely move them to the hospital, or until a medic arrive."

"The second goal is to prevent a secondary explosion," Mei said, as Sora pulled out a small metal box from inside the closet shelf. "Most explosions involve fire, which could potentially ignite another explosion."

"The third objective," Maki said as Sora opened the box to take out some of the contents before placing the box back, "is to prevent panic from spreading. This lets us maintain control of the situation."

'Those are actually solid protocols too,' Ibiki thought.

He looked at the three Career Genins in front of him. "You three will follow the protocols for abnormal explosions. Leave the investigation of the blast to me."

The three nodded as Mei walked towards a wall to activate a seal. "I'll grab the medical kits," she said as an entrance leading directly into the warehouse appeared.

Turning to look at her remaining staff members, Sora asked, "Do Career Genins have something equivalent to the Jounin Standby Station?"

Ko shook his head no. "Not really," he muttered, frowning at Sora's question. "But a bunch of us hang out at a popular food bar around this time."

Sora nodded, storing this information for later. "We'll need all the help we can get. Do you think you can get them, Ko-kun?"

Ko nodded as he turned around to leave. "Wait, Ko-kun," Sora called out.

Ko looked over just in time to see her throw something small at him. He caught it in his palm and looked at it curiously. In his fist was a small golden ear cuff he's seen a lot of civilian female teens wear. They were simple gold bands designed to wrap around the outside bridges of one's ear.

Seeing Mei reenter the sitting room, Sora gave her and Maki an ear cuff. She then gave one to Ibiki, Hound, and Inoichi. All of them looked at her in surprise.

"I am unable to activate seals at the moment." Ignoring how her three staff members' eyes widened, she quickly added, "However, that doesn't mean that you guys cannot. These are Masamaru's communication devices that I created specifically for joint collaborations. It contains a version of the communication seal that you all saw earlier. Add chakra at the same time into the ear cuffs to sync all six of them. These ear cuffs only work by comparing the chakra inserted into the device and the chakra of the wearer. It won't work if the chakra does not match. Everyone wearing the ear cuff will be able to hear everything that you say, but not the responses of the people in your vicinity. So keep that in mind when you are giving out orders, or talking to someone else who isn't wearing an ear cuff."

Turning to look at her three staff members, she reminded them, "You are shinobi of Konoha." The three stiffened as they focused on her. She continued, "Anything and everything you hear from these ear cuffs are to remain confidential unless prompted by Hokage-sama himself, or by those wearing these ear cuffs. Even I will not be given permission to know the details since this will not be involving any of my businesses." Giving them a soft smile, she gently added, "That being said, I'll be assuming my role as the Daimyo as a worst case scenario. All information will be relayed via Hound-san, so if you need me, contact Hound-san."

The three nodded. "Of course, Daimyo-sama."

Sora's smiled at them in approval when she heard them using her new title. "Good," she said. Looking at everyone else, she continued, "Activate the ear cuffs at the same time. Even one second late and it'll be out of sync."

Her three staff members turned to look at Ibiki.

"On three," he said. As he began to count, everyone else got ready to gather chakra into the ear cuff.

When Ibiki said three, the six inserted chakra into the ear cuffs. Small circular seals appeared hovering over the golden cuffs. At the center of each one was a small sound wave that glowed once before embedding itself into the underside of the metal. Walking towards Maki, Sora placed the ear cuff onto the edges of his right ear. He let out a soft gasp when he felt the ear cuff tighten slightly.

"I forgot to warn you," Sora said apologetically. "The cuffs automatically adjusts to the size of your ear to ensure it stays secure, very much like the device that we use to measure a client's shoe size."

"It's not painful at all Boss," Maki said with a grin. "I was just surprised."

Sora nodded as everyone put on their ear cuffs the way that she had demonstrated. Turning towards Ko, she said, "Once you've gathered your friends, meet Mei-chan and Maki-kun at District Z. It is the closest to Training Ground 1. Mostly everyone who lives there are civilians, so we must emphasize that the explosion was just a drill. Nothing but that. If someone asks too many questions, try to deflect as best you can."

Ko nodded before he disappeared from the sitting room.

As she walked alongside her remaining staff members into the hallway, Sora said, "Mei-chan and Maki-kun, if you see a staff member from Konoha's Military Police Force, tell them to tell the civilians the same thing. An explosion this loud would have surely attracted them as well. If they don't believe that this was a drill, tell them to have Uchiha-sama talk to Morino-san once everything settles." Ignoring how Ibiki's soul flickered in surprise, she added, "They should be smart enough to know that this is to be handled with discretion. However, I know everyone is not the same so this should appease the more stubborn individuals."

Maki and Mei nodded their heads. When they all entered the front of the shop, Sora asked, "Do you both remember The Catalyst?" The two's eyes widened and nodded. "Good, you both can implement the basics of it when communicating via ear cuff."

"The Catalyst?" Inoichi asked from behind them.

Mei turned to glance at the Yamanaka. "The Catalyst is a game we commonly play here at Masamaru's Weapons Shop," Mei answered.

"The goal is to discretely notify staff members without attracting unnecessary attention from our customers," Ko's voice said through the ear cuff. "One person, the catalyst, is the person who starts the game."

Inoichi, Ibiki, and Hound looked at one another in surprise. The radio sets that they normally used when placed on team missions were limited in that they had to be within a specific range. Too close to one another causes an irritating ringing noise in the ear piece, or a secondary echo voice. Too far, then the radio signal cuts off, or all you can hear was static. There were no ringing or echo when Mei had talked. Even Ko's voice was crisp and clear.

'I wonder if we can request for these to be made for us too,' Ibiki thought as he glanced over at Sora. 'Perhaps when everything settles down.'

Maki looked at Mei and asked nervously while rubbing the back of his neck twice, grazing the tips of his hair. "S-Should we keep it s-simple?"

Beside him, Mei twirled her braided lock of pink hair twice as her scrunched her nose when the tips of her hair brushed against it. "True," she said. "The others haven't played the game before."

Sora lips quirked when everyone's souls flickered in confusion as they looked at her two staff members. 'They know something has transpired, but they don't know what.'

"Hmm, maybe we'd have to stick to a verbal cue, like a word or sound," Ko said from the ear cuff.

Seeing Ibiki, Inoichi, and Hound narrowed their eyes at Maki's and Mei's hands, Sora's lips quirked. 'Ko-kun clued them in,' she thought.

She looked at her staff members and suggested, "Use the phrase, 'uh', before a sentence. It's commonly used by both civilians and shinobi alike so it'll slip by unnoticed."

The two nodded as Maki filled in Ko on what Sora had just said.

Ignoring how Hound was staring intently at her, Sora continued, "I'm sure a crowd is amassing as we speak. You two will head out first. I'll meet you there as soon as I can."

The two staff members nodded before leaving the shop.

As soon as the door closed, Sora turned to look at Ibiki. He straightened at her serious stare. "I placed a protection barrier on Bear-san just before he left. If he's anywhere near that explosion, he'll remain unharmed. The barrier won't come down on it's own, though. I have to deactivate it. However, I cannot do that if Hokage-sama is also on the scene without triggering the traditional contract. Let Hound-san know once Hokage-sama has gone elsewhere and I'll come to deactivate the barrier then."

Ibiki frowned at Sora as her hand reached for the door. "I thought you couldn't manipulate seals anymore," he stated.

Sora glanced over her shoulders to look at him to give him an amused grin. "It's not a seal," she said as she pushed the door open.

Ibiki gave her an exasperated look before nodding to Inoichi. In a blink they disappeared with the rest of the Anbu members, leaving Sora with Team Ro. Ensuring that Masamaru's Weapons Shop was locked, Sora looked towards the sky and frowned at the huge cloud of smoke above the rooftops. In the horizon was a yellow and orange light glowing beyond the tree line. She could hear soft, low melancholic hums before some of the voices faded away.

"Hound-san," Sora asked, "To your knowledge, should the fire spread to District Z, is there enough shinobi inside Konoha who are knowledgeable in water release to put it out?"

Hound glanced at her and shook his head no.

Sora gave a sound in contemplation as she turned to walk towards the opposite direction of the fire. "Tell Ko-kun to create a team. They will be responsible for turning on all the water hoses and sprinklers in the backyards of the homes on the street closest to Training Ground 1. Have them ensure that everything along that perimeter is soaked. This will be the last defense system to prevent the fire from spreading onto the houses. If there is enough Military Police Force staff members available, have Mei-chan and Maki-kun notify them to kickstart this until Ko-kun arrive with the others."

Hound glanced at her as he tonelessly spoke into the ear cuff. She noted how he did not use the key word. Not wanting to comment on it, she picked up her pace to a full sprint towards District B. It was known for its industrialized warehouses, and in equal distance of all the districts. Sora ran up towards a tall building with stained windows. There was a large closed metal gate and a single metal door beside it. Ramming her palms on the metal door, Sora took in deep breaths to calm her body from the sprint she had done. Hearing the latch unlock, Sora looked up to see the door open. A woman with broad shoulders and black hair tied into a high ponytail appeared. She was dressed in a navy shirt with jean overalls. On her left cheek was an oil stain as she held a wrench in her right hand. Her brown eyes widened at seeing Sora.

"Daimyo-sama?" she exclaimed in surprise. Her eyes frowned when she saw how deep and fast Sora was breathing while her loose ruby locks were in a disarray. The lights above the door highlighted the figures of four Anbu members standing behind the ruby haired woman. That's when she saw the glow along the horizon and the cloud of smoke.

Her eyes widened at Sora. "You gotta be shitting me."

Sora nodded in confirmation. "Near District Z."

The older woman let out a curse and yelled out into the warehouse. "Oi, get your lazy asses up. We got a Code Red!"

Team Ro blinked in surprise as twenty or so civilian men and women sprung into action. The large metal gates began to rattle as the sound of chains being pulled was heard. As the gates ascended, three large wagons that were rigged with a mechanism of some sort was revealed. All three machines were identical. In the front was a large flat hose with a nozzle. On the back was a smaller tubular hose with a film covering the opening. Some of the men and women began to hook up multiple donkeys onto the wagons as others began putting on red and orange uniform with rubber boots.

"Where is the fuel source, Daimyo-sama?" one of the women in uniform asked as she took the reigns on one of the wagons.

"Training Ground 1," Sora answered as those who hooked up the donkeys began putting on their uniforms as well. Those who had their uniforms already on began gathering multiple horses from the stables out in the back.

"Good," a man said as he took the reigns to a different wagon. "The Naka River runs just passed there so we can use that as a water source."

"Alright you rascals," the woman who had opened the door earlier exclaimed. She had just finished putting on her uniform and was now climbing on top of the wagon. "Keep your wits about you and make sure to watch one another's backs."

A series of hollers were heard. All three drivers flicked their reigns as the wagons shot forward and into the streets. Following right behind them were the rest of the men and women on horses.

Watching a cloud of dust trailing after them, Sora turned back into the warehouse when she heard a soft grunt. Sora entered the warehouse and walked towards the back. Her eyes widened when she saw a black stallion left inside one of the stables. Seeing a spare saddle hanging on the wall, she went to grab it.

Walking towards the stallion, she ran a hand against the sides of the stallion's snout. She muttered, "Can I ask you for your assistance?"

The black stallion let out a soft neigh in confirmation. Sora grinned as she opened the stable gates and put the saddle onto the stallion with ease. Once mounted, she ignored Team Ro's surprised looks as she shot through the warehouse. Team Ro got over their shock and quickly ran after her. As the hospital neared, Sora pulled on the reigns. Once the stallion stopped, she dismounted.

Patting the black stallion on the side of its snout softly, she whispered, "Wait for me?"

The black stallion flicked its tail in reply.

Sora gave him one last pat as she turned to walk through the sliding double doors with Team Ro flanking her. Seeing a medic lounging around in the lobby, Sora walked towards him. He was dressed in a plain tan shirt, black short, and slippers. He looked to be in his late thirties with his rugged beard and short brown wavy locks framing his face. His soul reflected his appearance in that there was an aura of uncertainty and the sense of feeling lost. As she got closer, she could read the tag hastily pinned to his shirt: Head Medic. Underneath was his name, Po Onabi.

Sora said, "Medic-san, I need a medic team to be sent out to District Z to be on standby for potential injuries due to an explosion."

The Head Medic blinked at Sora in surprised at her request. "Were any shinobi hurt?"

Sora stared at the Head Medic confused. Regaining her composure, she said, "Please clarify. I've seem to have heard you wrong."

The Head Medic let out an exasperated huff. "Here at Konoha's hospital, we prioritize shinobi over civilians."

Sora froze at this information. She asked in a quiet voice, "When was this a rule?"

The Head Medic shrugged, "It's a well-known unspoken one."

Sora's eyes widened as she watched the Head Medic walk away. With fists clenched beside her, Sora muttered, "Since when have Konoha's hospital standards dropped so low?"

The Head Medic froze. He quickly turned around and glared angrily at her. "What did you say?"

Sora stood her ground and repeated with a firmer voice. "Since when have Konoha's hospital standards dropped so low? Did you not take a life oath to serve anyone who was in need of healing, regardless if they were a shinobi or a civilian when you became a medic of Konoha?"

The Head Medic froze at her words. "Who are you to question the life oath I made?" he growled out, taking a step towards Sora.

Seeing this, Hound took a step in front of Sora, but stopped when Sora held him back. Sora took her own silent step towards the Head Medic. Her sandals making crisp clanking sounds against the tile floors. "You're right. I do not know you nor the sacrifices you most likely had to make to gain your title as Head Medic." She stopped in front of the man and gave him a penetrating stare that made him froze. Sora continued. "However, that does not excuse you from your duties to Konoha and her people. This includes civilians who make up half of the village's population." Sora turned to walk towards the entrance, "I refuse to support a system who is going to allow half of its people die just to ensure that the other more talented half remains alive."

The Head Medic's gaped at the civilian woman as she turned to walk away. Seeing a crowd of his medic staff coming behind him, he scoffed, "Can you believe that woman?"

Beside him, a shaggy red haired man gave him a disapproving gaze. "That woman is the reason we were aware of the Medical Equipment Catalogue in the first place, Onabi."

The Head Medic froze at the man's words. When his three older medic staff told him about the Medical Equipment Catalogue this morning, they all went through the entire hospital building. More than half of their equipment were twenty years old.

"She's right, though. In a weird round about way," a gray haired man who was standing beside the shaggy red haired man said.

"I don't know about you dimwits, but I'll be in District Z," a golden-haired woman said as she walked towards the sliding doors. The shaggy red haired man and the gray haired man followed suit.

Many of the younger medics looked at the Head Medic before quickly following after their superiors. The youngest of the crowd bowed to the Head Medic and said, "My mother is a kunoichi and my father is a civilian. I wouldn't be able to choose who to save. Both are important to me. If there's a way to save both of them, I would choose that option in a heartbeat."

Onabi's eyes widened as he watched his staff members leave the hospital. His fists clenched beside him as he gritted his teeth in anger. Not at the random civilian woman with an accompanying team of Anbu. Not even at his staff members that had left. He was angry at himself.

'I've forgotten what Tsunade-hime had instilled in us,' he thought. 'I threw all her teachings down the drain when she left.'

Letting out a curse, his feet began to move. Instead of going towards the entrance, he went deeper into the hospital while directing orders to other staff members.

Once she was outside of the hospital, Sora took in a calming breath before letting it go. 'I can't get angry during a time like this,' she thought as she mounted the black stallion again. Pulling the reigns to the left, she began to urge the stallion towards the streets. 'If I remember correctly, there's an emergency clinic just ten miles outside of Konoha. They may just be civilian doctors, but it's better than nothing."

Before she could signal the stallion to start a gallop, a voice called out to her, "Fujiwara-san!"

Sora turned to see a group of ten medics running towards her. She recognized the three older ones as her tenants. Pulling on the reigns, the stallion came to a full stop as the medics reached her.

"We'll be heading out to District Z," the blonde haired woman said quickly, masking her surprise at seeing the ruby haired woman riding a stallion. "Also, please forgive Onabi. He hasn't been the same since Tsunade-hime left the village."

Sora's eyes widened at the name of the Senju and nodded. "Thank you, Aiya-san."

"Oi!" A voice called out to them before the group of medics could leave.

Everyone turned to see the Head Medic carrying two boxes of supplies. Behind him were ten more medics. Some were carrying two boxes, while others were carrying stretchers.

"Aren't you all forgetting something?" Onabi demanded. "What's the number one rule when dealing with injuries?"

The medics surrounding Sora looked at one another and grinned. "Ensure everything is kept sanitized!" they all answered in unison as they went to help out their coworkers.

Onabi walked towards Sora. He was surprised to see the stallion but quickly pushed it to the side. While holding onto the box, he bowed in front of Sora and said, "I would like to apologize for my behavior. And you were right. I have forgotten the reason why I had wanted to become a medic in the first place." He rose from his bow and continued, "Thank you for reminding me."

Sora blinked at the older man before beaming him a smile. "I'm glad for your help, Po-san."

The Head Medic's eyes widened at the warm smile and hastily looked away. "Just call me Onabi. Everyone else does," he quickly muttered. Looking at his staff members, he called out, "Let's get a move on!"

Sora watched as the medics took off towards District Z. "Hound-san?" she asked, not taking her eyes off of the group of medics. She saw how only her three tenants traveled across the rooftops while everyone else was running through the streets. "How much has the fire been contained?"

Hound blinked at her. From the ear cuff, he could hear the T Commander giving out orders to Anbu members and other Jounins. The Yamanaka Clan Head was currently talking to Minato, briefing him of the situation. The two Career Genin were helping the Military Police Force members calm down the crowd, but seemed to be having difficulties. The oldest Career Genin, Ko, had just managed to gather his peers together and were in route to District Z. None of them had used the key sound.

"Uh," Hound said. While his voice didn't show it, internally he had felt a bit awkward starting off a sentence with that phrase. "Daimyo-sama needs a status report on the fire."

Ibiki answered, "Uh, it's only 10% contained. We're having as many Jounin as possible with water release help out." He too felt very awkward using that phrase before updating everyone.

"Uuuhhh," Mei said, looking at the elderly civilian beside her. She made sure her voice sounded as if she was trying to recall something. "Jin-san, right? You said that the three wagons that was heading towards Strawberry Street were carrying civilian made machines to combat fires, correct?"

Hound and Ibiki twitched by how a Career Genin was able to sound a lot more natural than them. Not only was she able to use the sound naturally, but she was also able to notify everyone what the wagon contained and where it was going.

As Mei listened to the civilian beside her, she heard Maki's voice through the ear cuff.

"Uh," Maki said, being sure to sound a bit shocked and uncertain at the same time. This got the attention of some of the Military Police Force staff members. "Are those donkeys pulling the wagons. Usually, it's an ox, right?"

Inoichi let out a small snort, causing Minato to look curiously at him. Inoichi pointed to his ear cuff. 'Hound's and Ibiki's ego must be a bit hurt by a couple of young Genin,' he thought as he filled Minato in with what happened.

Not a moment later, Minato, Inoichi, and all the surrounding Jounin and Anbu looked up as they heard three wagons drawing near. They all watched in surprise as all three wagons continued along the Naka River towards the raging fire. One wagon went right by the fire and stopped on the other side. The other two stopped on the opposite end. Following right behind the two wagons were more civilians riding on horses. As the drivers of the wagons stood from the driver's seat to stand beside the machine, the other civilians got off of the horses. To their amazement, the horses didn't immediately flee from the fire. Instead, they only walked away from the flames and towards the river banks. Everyone continued to watch as five of the civilians ran towards the lone wagon. For each wagon, one civilian began pulling a smaller cylindrical hose, while two civilians took the end of that hose towards the river and submerged it under water. One civilian began pulling the larger flat hose, as two more civilians aimed the nozzle towards the fire. The civilian pulling out the larger flat hose stopped to look over the shoulders of the two civilians in front of him. Lifting the hose up over their shoulder with their left hand, they raised their right arm all the way up.

The three civilians that were standing next to the machines raised both of their arms up and looked behind them. The civilian that was pulling the smaller tubular hose looked up. Being sure to keep the tubular hose taught with one hand, they too raised their right arm up.

"Clear!" all three civilians next to the machines called out from the top of the wagons.

The civilians flicked open a clear box to push a green button on the sides of the machines. Everyone watched in amazement as the machine whirred to life. The smaller hose began to suck in water into the machine. The larger flat hose began to expand to a tube before pressurized water began spilling out and onto the fire. The spray of water was guided by the two civilians who were holding the nozzle at the front.

"Move forward five feet!" one of the civilians yelled out from the lone wagon. Minato and Inoichi noted that it was the civilian standing behind the two civilians in front of the wagon who had had called out.

The civilian on top of the machine got down from the wagon and walked in front of the donkeys. "Moving forward five feet!" the civilian had yelled out in confirmation.

She then slowly began urging them forward, making everyone at the front step forward as well. The other three civilians behind the wagon made sure that the smaller hose remained under the water's surface. Every so often, one of the civilians would reach into the water with a flat metal piece. Scraping sounds could be heard before they withdrew their hands then shook the metal piece clean of debris that was blocking the mesh covering.

"We have shinobi three o'clock!" another civilian had yelled from a wagon a bit further from the river.

Minato and Inoichi looked in that direction to see Ibiki and other Anbu members tackling the fire from that side.

"Turning the wagon minus thirty degrees to avoid hitting shinobi!" the civilian standing next to the machine yelled out in answer. He then got off the wagon as he guided the donkeys.

All of the shinobi watched as the wagon turned left. This allowed the civilians to spray away from Ibiki and the others.

Within a short amount of time, the three teams made up of civilians were able to put out a total of three hundred foot of fire. Half the amount of work for one Jounin doing water release. This was a feat for a civilian.

Inoichi watched the civilians in amazement. 'They move as a cohesive shinobi team,' he thought. He then recalled what Sora had told them in the Trial Room. 'Maybe we are not that different.'

One of the civilians noticed Inoichi and Minato. After ensuring that her coworkers didn't need her help, she ran towards them. Her black hair was tied into a pony tail and on her cheek were remnants of an oil stain. Her face was flushed from the heat of the flames as loose strands of her hair stuck to her face.

"Hokage-sama!" she greeted with a bow. "I am Makurai Ruta, Captain of Konoha's Fighter Division. We're part of the Fire Fighter Department from the Capitol. We're tasked in combating against domestic and wild fires inside and around Konoha."

Minato's eyes widened at this and greeted her, recalling the Third mentioning them once before. "Nice to meet you Ruta-san."

Makurai rose from her bow and looked out towards the three wagons. "Hokage-sama," she said. "At max length, we can only put out the fire from 1000 feet away from the river. If we move the wagons past that limit, we'll lose contact with the Naka River. However, we'll double back to ensure that the entire area is soaked to prevent a ghost fire from appearing."

"Ghost fire?" Minato asked, staring at the civilian woman.

She nodded. "This occurs when a fire has not been thoroughly put out. On the surface, it looks like it has, but in reality, there are weak embers trapped underneath the ashes. Once the weather gets hotter again, another fire will occur in the same area from those embers. Hi no Kuni frequently have ghost fires during the hot summers."

Minato's eyes widened at the information and nodded. "Please do," he told her. Before she could leave, he asked, "Does the Capitol have a team of fire fighters as well?"

Makurai nodded. "The previous Daimyo, Lord Todiyori, wanted to ensure that both Konoha and the Capitol had their own divisions for emergencies like these." She let out a small chuckle and grinned at the many Jounin who were aiming their water release jutsu towards the fire. "But you shinobi are pretty good at ensuring that your fires are well contained. This is the first time I've seen a fire this big occur inside the village. We mostly handle cases on the outskirts of the village, mostly on farmlands."

Minato stiffened at the information as the civilian captain ran back to the rest of the fire fighters. 'I wonder if this department was created as a result of what had happened to the arson eighteen years ago,' he thought.

He was pulled out of his thoughts when a squad of three Jounin dropped down in front of him. Joining the three were four Anbu members wearing painted porcelain masks of a rabbit, ox, deer, and wolf. "Hokage-sama," they greeted.

Minato looked at the three Jounins as he handed the scroll to Asuma, who was standing in the middle. "Due to the delicateness of this mission, you three will be delivering Daimyo-sama's scroll to Lord Todiyori. If the fire is similar to this one, ensure that it is put out first. Should needed, you all will be providing back up to Deer's squad should things go south during their mission."

Asuma forced himself not to react. 'What happened at the capitol that could involve Sora?' he thought.

"Asuma," Minato continued. Asuma straightened at hearing his name. "You'll be handling all questions from Daimyo-sama's delegates."

Asuma's eyes widened slightly. "Of course, Hokage-sama."

Turning to give a look at the Anbu members behind the three Jounins, Minato said, "You're all dismissed."

The four nodded as they disappeared. Looking towards the fire, Minato had felt Bear flare his chakra in code to Ibiki's question. Telling him that he was safe. He then felt his Anbu tattoo warm in response to Ibiki, who had gathered chakra into his own Anbu tattoo.

Understanding what Ibiki had wanted to do, Minato looked out towards everyone in front of him. He frowned when he didn't feel all of the Anbus' and Jounins' Anbu tattoos respond to Ibiki's call.

'This is not good.' Glancing at Ibiki, he could tell he thought the same thing too. 'Can everyone's who's tattoos reacted be trusted though?'

There were too many unknowns for him to take the chance. Gathering chakra into his own Anbu tattoo, he began flaring in code.

Testing new communication jutsu. Act normal. Keep silent.

Everyone who felt their Anbu tattoos warm understood the code immediately and continued putting out the fire in front of them.

"Inoichi-san," Minato said. "Tell Hound to tell Daimyo-sama that a team has been sent to the Capitol."

Inoichi stiffened as he tried to start the sound cue, but even he had to internally agree at how awkward it was. Deciding to take a page from the Career Genin, he said, "Uh, Hokage-sama, have you've heard rumors of this small pug leaving Konoha lately with a scroll in his mouth?"

Minato blinked at the Yamanaka in confusion before giving him an amused look when he saw the blonde haired man grimaced. 'It must be the game he told me about,' Minato thought. 'It's a nice way to get Genins to practice their communication skills.' He had to give Sora props, but it also made him weary. 'For a civilian, she behaves like a shinobi at times. It's kind of jarring.'

From the ear cuff, Inoichi could hear Ibiki let out a low chuckle at how badly it was executed. The Career Genin had to restrained themselves from grinning in mirth.

Hound took one look at Sora when he heard Inoichi's voice through the air cuff. At her questioning look, he said, "The fire is only 10% contained. Hokage-sama has also sent out a team to the Capitol."

Sora nodded as she pulled on the reigns towards a different district. As the stallion's hooves thudded against the streets, Sora easily maneuvered it away from civilians and wagons. She frowned at how most of them barely made it out of the way in time. 'They are not as well trained as the civilians in the Capitol when the Fighter Division needs the streets cleared,' she thought.

Seeing a simple building with two windows and a single door appear, she pulled on the reigns and dismounted. Tapping the sides of the stallion, she walked up to the steps towards the door. On display, above the door were the words: Civilian Council Building underneath the leaf symbol of Konoha. Hound appeared next to her while the rest of Team Ro hid as Sora opened the door. When they entered, lots of civilian men and women were walking around with stacks of files in their arms. The sounds of pen scratching on parchment could be heard. On the wall were portraits of the current Civilian Council members. All of them were from a civilian family with civilian background, except for the last picture.

Turning her gaze away from the last portrait, Sora saw a familiar man at a desk writing into a file in the corner of the room. Walking up to him, she greeted, "Haruno-san."

The salmon haired man looked up from his file. His eyes widened as he grinned at her. "Fujiwara-san! What can I do for you?"

Sora smiled as the man got up and walked around his desk to stop in front of her. She gave him a bow before asking, "Do you have any books on civilian and shinobi rights I can read?"

Kizashi's eyes widened at the question. "Of course," he said with a serious voice as he motioned Sora to follow him. He led her and Hound into an empty office. The office was plain with only a few books lining the walls. There were two chairs. One behind the desk, and one in front. The desk was completely bare except for a large calendar and a metal name tag: Seiji Toshi.

"Have a seat behind the desk," Kizashi said as he walked towards the shelves.

Sora hesitantly pulled the chair back and sat down while Hound stood beside her. She glanced at the calendar in front of her as Kizashi grabbed a book from the shelf and presented it to her. Embossed onto the cover was the title, 'Civilian and Shinobi Rights by Seiji Toshi and Uzumaki Tomoe.'

"Congratulations on becoming the Fire Daimyo, Fujiwara-san," he said as Sora opened the book.

Sora paused to give Kizashi a smile, knowing that he had caught onto her new status when she had approached him with her question. "Thank you Haruno-san." Returning her attention back to the book, she stated offhandedly, "I wasn't aware that a member of the Shimura clan had become a Civilian Council member, Haruno-san."

"That caused quite a controversy," Kizashi admitted as he scratched the edges of his hair. "Some of the Civilian Council members felt that to fully uphold the protection of both civilians and shinobi, they had to appoint a shinobi with experience. They wanted to understand a shinobi's perspective on things."

Looking up at him, she asked, "Was Hokage-sama present when Shimura-san was appointed?"

Kizashi shook his head no. "The Village Elders were."

"I see," she muttered. Putting the thought for later, she straightened in her seat and looked at the older civilian man. "There's currently a drill occurring near District Z involving an explosion and a fire."

Kizashi stiffened and stared at the new Fire Daimyo. "And you want this drill to be as close to a real scenario as possible, which was why the Civilian Council members were not informed."

Sora nodded. "Are any of the Civilian Council members in?"

Kizashi sighed and shook his head no. "Everyone has turned in for the night."

Sora frowned. "Is there a way to contact them for emergencies, even if this is just a drill?"

"Unfortunately, no, Daimyo-sama," he answered, looking a bit ashamed. "They don't exactly believe in preparing for emergencies. To be honest, I've always thought it was better to do our part to make sure our shinobi counterpart feel safe as well. As much as shinobi keep us safe, they are not infallible. They are only human after all."

"However, not everyone shares your sentiment," Sora stated softly.

Kizashi shook his head no. "They do not," he agreed quietly.

Giving him an encouraging smile, she turned towards a page towards the end of the book. "We'll use this then since no one else is in."

She turned the book around to show Kizashi a passage that read, 'Should an emergency, naturally or human caused, occur, with the Fire Daimyo's approval, any person or persons can provide aide to Konoha and her people without any monetary, blackmail, physical, emotional, and/or mental repercussions regardless of their status and/or affiliation, as long as it does not bring or cause any harm of any sort to Konoha and her people. Random drills should be conducted by the Hokage and the Fire Daimyo to ensure everyone is prepared for such emergencies.'

Kizashi's eyes widened and gave her a nod. "Yes, under this article, we can go through with your requests, Daimyo-sama." Kizashi sat across from her and took out a small notebook from his pocket and a pen. He gave her a serious attentive look and asked, "What would you have me do, Daimyo-sama?"

"Just in case, we can use Konoha Mountain Villa as a temporary lodging for those who's homes have been affected by the fire," Sora said as she flipped through another set of pages and continued. "For food and water, we can ask the local grocery store to donate some water bottles and prepackaged food to District Z." She flipped to another page towards the back and added, "Ask the local textiles warehouses to donate their blankets or towels unfit for sale. These can be used to provide emergency blankets. If they're small enough, they can help contain the fire." Closing the book, she handed it back to the star shaped haired man. "Haruno-san, if the owners of any of these establishments give you grief, send the bill to the Capitol. If the Civilian Council members asks why you had ignored the proper chains of command, defer them to me. I refuse to let anyone belittle or threaten you for doing the right thing."

Kizashi gave her a look of surprise. Seeing her flipping through the pages reminded him of the late Fire Daimyo, Lord Seiji, who often sat at this very desk doing paperwork when he was in the village. 'In fact', Kizashi thought, 'it is interesting how both of them have the same exact look of determination and strive to do what's right.'

Kizashi could only robotically nod as he placed the book back into its place. "There is no need to send the bill to the Capitol, Daimyo-sama," he said. "I will ensure that the Civilian Council will cover the cost of providing these things. It is our responsibility after all."

Sora nodded and gave him a bow. "Thank you, Haruno-san."

As the two exited the office, Kizashi added, "I'll also ensure that everything gets delivered to District Z in the next half hour."

Sora gave him a thankful smile. "Thank you."

Kizashi gave her a grin as he walked Sora and her Anbu guard towards the exit. Before Sora opened the door, she turned around to look at Kizashi. Ignoring the blatant stares from the staff, she said, "Notify the Civilian Council members that I will be attending this week's meeting. Accompanied by others, of course."

Kizashi looked at the Anbu guard curiously and nodded. "Of course, Daimyo-sama."

Once they left, the salmon haired man turned towards his coworkers and began telling them what has occurred in District Z. Their eyes widened as everyone jumped into action.

Once outside, Sora mounted the black stallion. Clicking her tongue, she rode out towards District Z with Team Ro keeping up with ease. As she entered the borders of District Z, she could hear yelling in the distance. Urging the stallion to go faster, they entered a street. Up ahead, a large crowd was rapidly becoming hysterical. Trying to contain the panicking crowd were members of Konoha's Military Police Force. The newer staff members looked unsure on how to reassure some of the civilians, while the more seasoned staff were slowly but surely calming others down.

Seeing a pair of familiar faces amongst the crowd, Sora called out, "Muta-san and Chi-san!"

Turning to look at her in surprise were two elderly couple. Team Ro had recognized the elderly couple as the owners of the mochi donut shop that Sora had ordered from earlier in the morning. Both were wearing sleeping yukatas and slippers. Standing between them was a young five year old boy who looked scared. Team Ro thought that he had looked very familiar.

"Sora-chan!" Chi cried out in shock as she watched Sora dismount the black stallion. The elderly woman went towards the young woman and gave her a trembling hug. "There was a loud explosion so we all thought Konoha was under attack."

Sora gave the elderly woman a squeeze. "There's nothing to be worried about. This is just a drill."

Chi's eyes widened as she let out a sigh of relief as she let Sora go.

"Is that what it was?" Muto asked as he wrapped his right arm around his wife. His other arm was on top of his grandson's shoulder.

"Obaa-chan, Ojii-chan!" a familiar voice called out from the rooftops.

Dropping down in front of them was Ko. Behind him were about thirty Career Genins. They were all looking at the fire growing behind the civilian district as well as the restless crowd with wide eyes. A look from Ko reminded them that it was supposed to be a drill, making them quickly school their facial expressions.

"Nii-chan!" the five year old boy called out as he went to hug his older sibling.

Ko wrapped his arms around his younger brother, "Aku."

"Ko-kun!" Chi cried out in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"We were asked to participate in the drill," Ko answered as he guided Aku towards his grandfather.

Sora looked at the group of Career Genin behind Ko. She recognized some of them from the Hokage's office yesterday. 'They look like they can easily blend in with the crowd,' she thought, noting that most of them were not wearing their forehead protectors nor carrying a pack. 'This will be hard for anyone to pick them out from the crowd, especially civilians."

Mind made up, Sora undid her obi and began to rip it into strips. Ignoring how the civilians gaped at her, she gathered the strips into her hand and looked at Ko. "Distribute these around to your friends."

Ko's eyes looked at Sora to see her glancing in another direction. He looked in that same direction to see Maki standing near an Uchiha. Nothing was different about him except that the younger teen had his forehead protector tied around his left arm. Ko nodded as he took the strips from Sora. Looking down at Aku, he said, "Stay with Obaa-chan and Ojii-chan, okay?"

The little boy nodded as he clutched his grandfather's hand tighter.

Ko then distributed the strips of obi while directing his friends how to tie it onto their left arm. He then began walking towards Maki to give him a strip of cloth as well. As Ko tied a strip of obi around his own left arm, Sora heard a voice call out.

"Hound-san!" Mei was running towards them. "We've established a medic ward two streets down from here. Its at a park with a pond."

As Ko handed the last strip to Mei, Hound nodded. He realized that this was for Sora's benefit rather than his since he knew that the young Career Genin could have easily just spoke into the ear cuff. Looking at a group of four Career Genin walking towards them, he saw how the rest of the Career Genin stayed where they were.

"Hound-san," Ko said as he straightened to look at him. "I'll lead this group to the water hoses and sprinklers. A few Uchiha clan members had already began opening the water spouts. We'll meet up with them."

Realizing now that in their eyes, he was the highest ranking member at the moment, Hound nodded as Ko disappeared with the group. Turning to look at Mei, Maki, and the twenty or so Career Genin standing behind them, Hound stated, "Mei-san and Maki-san, your peers will also be following the same protocols."

At their confused looks, Sora gave them an encouraging smile. She then lifted up two fingers to brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Ignoring Hound's gaze, she saw her staff members, look at their peers then at one another in shock. Then back at Sora, whose smile widened to a grin.

"We'll split based on our strengths," Mei suggested, understanding Sora's hand motion.

Maki nodded in confirmation. Turning towards the group, Maki swallowed his nervousness and said, "I need those who knows the ins and outs of District Z. This way, we can aid Konoha's Military Police Force in directing the civilians away from the area faster."

Mei nodded in approval at Maki. Looking at everyone in the group, she said, "The remaining half will be with me. Our goal is to assist those who need medical aid and bring them to the medical ward. Pay close attention to the elderly, pregnant women, and children."

The group of Career Genin began to split when loud footsteps could be heard. Sora turned to see a golden haired woman running towards her. "A group of civilian workers from the Civilian Council Building arrived with food, water, and blankets," Aiya said. "One of them, Haruno-san I believe, is asking you how else they can provide assistance."

Sora looked at how mostly everyone in the crowd were wearing thin layers. "Tell Haruno-san to set up a station beside the medic ward to hand out those provisions. This way everyone can be directed to the park. Have him take down everyone's names and their addresses so that we can keep track of everyone just in case we need to provide temporary housing."

Aiya nodded as she disappeared back to the park.

Everyone turned when they heard an angry man yell. Sora's eyes narrowed at a male civilian yelling at an Uchiha member with his fists clenched and waving about. Despite not being able to manipulate seals, she could still feel one coming from the man's mouth. She then looked around the crowd to see that there were three other angry civilians who also had the same seals. All three were yelling at members of Konoha's Military Police Force.

'It's like you want the Uchiha members to make the first throw,' Sora thought as she straightened up.

Squaring her shoulders, she placed two fingers against her lips as a loud sharp whistle rang through the air. Complete silence was heard as everyone turned towards her in surprise.

"Alright, everyone listen up!" Sora ordered, looking at the crowd. "Time is of essence. Arguing with those who are trying to have your safety a priority will mean that less time will be spent on containing the fire."

"What about the person who caused the explosion?" an angry voice demanded.

"It must be a shinobi who has an affinity for fire," another civilian sneered, looking at an Uchiha.

Sora narrowed her eyes at the two who spoke out. Both were still trying to pick a fight despite the situation. The third one had remained quiet. They were trying to be discrete, but Sora knew better. They were watching her. Ignoring the third person, in a stern voice she said, "As the Fire Daimyo, I commend Konoha's Military Police Force for their quick actions to ensure everyone's safety, even if this was just a drill." Giving the two men a stare, they both stiffened. "If you have the energy to throw false accusations around, then you have the energy to help your neighbors. If not, let them do their job."

The two civilians stiffened and backed away from the Uchiha clan members. Sora felt the soul slip away from the crowd. 'Most likely to give a report,' she thought, ignoring the surprised looks from said Uchiha members and civilians.

Whispers of, 'She's the Daimyo?', 'She's so young.', 'She's a woman,' was heard.

Ignoring their comments, Sora gave a brief look at the Career Genin. They were alert and ready to take action. Wanting to make sure her voice was clear and loud, Sora increased the volume of her voice. "Members of the Military Police Force and Career Genins will escort you to a safer area until the fire has been fully put out." She looked at the crowd and continued, "If you need medical attention, no matter how small, let one of the Career Genin know right away. They are all wearing a bright yellow strip on their left arm. They'll help take you to the medical ward. There is also a waiting station alongside the medical ward that will provide food and water. If you are cold, do not be afraid to ask one of the staff members for a blanket."

Sora turned towards the elderly couple and the five year old boy. "Come you three," she said gently. "I'll walk with you to the waiting station."

The three nodded as the couple ensured Aku was in between them. Seeing the young boy looking up at the black stallion in wonder, Sora crouched down and asked, "Wanna ride with me?"

His eyes widened. Turning to look at his grandparents, he asked, "Can I?"

Muta chuckled. "You'll have to ask her."

Aku nodded and turned towards Sora. "Can I, Daimyo-sama?"

Sora grinned. "Sure thing," she said as she picked him up and placed him gently on the horse. Carefully mounting the horse, she urged the stallion forward at a slow walk. "Here," she said gently. "You can help me hold the reigns." She guided the child's hands to hold onto the middle of the reigns, while she held onto the sides.

"I should've known you became the Daimyo when you came in this morning," Chi said with a grin as she watched her grandson's eyes widened in delight. "Congratulations."

Sora gave her a smile. "Thank you, Chi-san."

After a few minutes, they came across two distinct areas set up inside the park. One had medic nin running around, while another had civilians running about. Both had multiple chairs and tables set up. Running in between both booths were more Military Police Force staff members. At the center directing them was a man with shoulder length brown hair. He was wearing the brown flak jacket on top of a black long sleeve displaying the symbol of the Military Police Force. As he turned to give more orders to his staff members, Sora could see his shin guards and an open front apron with white diamonds along the bottom.

"Daimyo-sama!"a voice said, pulling Sora's attention away from the Uchiha Clan Head.

She watched as Kizashi was running towards her with a large blanket. "Haruno-san," she greeted as she carefully dismounted. Lifting up Aku and placing him onto the ground, she undid the reigns on the stallion and secured it around the pummel of the saddle. She then rubbed the sides of the stallion. With a click of her tongue, the stallion took off towards the pond.

Turning towards Kizashi, she thanked him before taking the blanket. Giving encouraging smiles to Muta and Chi as she handed the blanket to them, she said, "Keep yourselves warm. If you are hungry or thirsty, don't hesitate to ask any of the staff members."

Muta took the blanket from her and nodded. "Thank you, So- I mean, Daimyo-sama."

Sora gave him a grin. "Sora is just fine with me, Muta-san."

Muta let out a chuckle. "When no one else is around then," he said as he guided his wife and grandson to a table.

Watching him wrap the blanket around his other two family members, Sora asked, "Haruno-san, were there any smaller textiles?"

Kizashi nodded. "I've put them into boxes for you, Daimyo-sama." Kizashi then led them to a wagon. There were stacks of cases of water bottles as well as boxes filled with prepackaged food. "I wasn't sure how much you needed," Kizashi said as he pulled two smaller boxes closer. Inside were towels and smaller blankets. "The textile warehouses said that if we needed more, they'll gladly give them to us."

Sora nodded. "We'll start with these for now. Thank you Haruno-san."

Sora then reached down to pick up a box. She was surprised when Hound bent down to pick up the other one. She gave him a smile and asked, "Can you let Ko-kun know that we're heading towards him?"

Hound nodded as he walked alongside Sora towards the streets. Feeling eyes watching her, she turned back to see the Uchiha clan head staring at her. She gave him a grin before continuing on her way. Feeling Ko's soul near, Sora picked up her speed to a full out run. Team Ro watched flabbergasted as she kicked off on one of the walls to land on top of a dumpster then jumped over a fence and into someone's backyard.

"Safe!" Sora exclaimed as she landed into the yard with a wide grin.

She then heard a snort. She turned to look at the amused stares of Ko and a group of Uchiha clan members. The closest one standing next to Ko had his black hair tied into a top knot. "It would have been cooler if you landed correctly, Sora-sama," he said, staring at her right ankle.

Sora let out a whine as Hound landed beside her. "How'd you know?"

Ko blinked at her. "I'm a ninja," he answered, giving a shrug. "I just know these things."

Sora sighed and carefully rolled out her right ankle while holding onto the box. "I'll try to refrain from doing anymore parkour, Hound-san." She could feel his disapproving stare from beside her.

In front of her, Ko let out a sigh. "Please do," he muttered. "It'll look bad if word got out that the Daimyo likes to jump from roof tops to roof tops."

The Uchiha beside Ko looked at Sora in surprise.

Sora blinked at Ko. "But you guys do it all the time."

Ko gave her an amused stare. "That's because we're ninja."

Sora scowled at him and huffed. Quietly under her breath, she muttered, "One of these days, I'm going to land correctly without breaking anything."

Ko gave her an exasperated look. "What's in the box, Sora-sama?" Ko asked as he took the box from her.

Sora winced at the tightness of her ankle and answered, "They're mainly towels and small blankets. If you submerge them in water and place them over smaller flames, it can smother them."

Just as she said this, a Career Genin dropped down from the rooftops. "Ko! Some of the flames are catching onto the dried plants. None of the water hoses can reach to put them out."

Ko and the Uchiha members stiffened. The Uchiha clan member with a topknot took the other box from Hound and looked at Ko, "We should go."

Ko nodded, "Of course, Yakumi-san."

Everyone took off to the rooftops as Ko briefed them on what to do with the towels and blankets.

Realizing that it was just her and Team Ro in the backyard now, she turned towards Hound and asked, "Do you think you can get me out of here?"

At Hound's look, Sora sighed. "I know. I got myself here, so I can get myself out."

His eyes widened when he saw her take one look at the fence, as if scaling it. With one last roll of her ankle, she took off sprinting towards it. He let out a huff before reappearing next to her. Ignoring her eep, he picked her up bridal style and landed on top of the fence. He gave her an unamused glance, which she responded with a small awkward chuckle.

Hound tightened his hold on her. "Hokage-sama is on his way to District Z."

Sora stiffened as she muttered, "Okay."

Hound began jumping from branch to branch with her in his arms. As they exited the tree line, Sora's eyes widened. The entire training ground was scorched. At the center was a deep crater that was filled with a large cloud of ashes. A pink glow was swirling underneath the ashes.

Ibiki and a group of familiar members of Anbu were peering down to look into the crater. As Hound and Team Ro landed beside them, Ibiki said, "The Anbu Commander is down there." He gave a side glance to Sora, who looked like she was about to vomit.

Sora winced and nodded. 'Never do I want to fly amongst the trees again,' she thought.

"Daimyo-sama!" a voice called out. This caused everyone to look over as the civilian captain ran up to Sora.

"Makurai-san," Sora greeted. Looking at the tired fire fighters behind the captain of Konoha's Fighter Division, she ordered, "Take everyone to District Z. Ensure everyone's lungs get checked out from overexposure from the smoke. Afterwards, get some water and food from Haruno-san before turning in for the night. I'll take it from here. You and everyone did well in the drill. You should be proud of your division."

Makurai's cheeks flushed as she nodded. "Thank you, Daimyo-sama."

"I also want a full report as well, Makurai-san. Include what worked, and areas that need improvement." Sora added. "Finish compiling it before lunch in two days time."

Makurai grinned and gave her a thumbs up. "You've got it, Commander!"

Sora's lips twitched at hearing the title. Ignoring the surprised gaze from Ibiki, Sora watched the civilian captain run back towards the rest of the fire fighters as they began going back towards District Z.

"Commander?" he asked her with an eyebrow raised.

Sora flushed in embarrassment. "It was a one time thing. Makurai-san's team were in the capitol for their biannual training exchange. I was coming back from one of my deliveries when I saw the flames. Everyone was panicking since it was the first time multiple farmlands had caught on fire. I couldn't just stand there and watch so I started directing the farmers. When Makurai-san and her team arrived, I hadn't realized that they were part of the Fire Fighter Department. Instead, I ended up pointing at them and proceeded to give them orders as well. Thankfully, they took it in stride. When the fire was fully put out, she had made a comment that I had sounded very much like the T and Anbu Commanders." She let out a sigh and muttered, "The title stuck. Before I knew it, the entire Fire Fighter Department started calling me Commander."

"A civilian captain knows of us?" Ibiki asked, suspicious. While he had never met the civilian woman before, he had seen her walking around the streets in District B.

"Most likely just Bear-san and the previous T Commander," she said. "The Fire Fighter Department was established during Lord Todiyori's reign. Part of the agreement for Konoha to have their own Fighter Division was to have someone Makurrai-san to report to. This is to ensure that all reports of foul play were properly investigated. At the time, the Third had wanted her to report to both Anbu and T Commanders." Giving him a side glance, she added, "However, from what I've seen today, I'm glad I approved the request for exchange so that she can report to someone better suited."

Feeling his soul flicker in slight hurt, she turned towards him and said, "Neither you nor Bear-san deal with civilians on the daily. It makes better sense to have her report to someone who does."

Realizing that what she was stating was facts, Ibiki gave a nod. "You're planning to have her report to Fugaku."

Sora nodded in confirmation. "I'm just letting you know to give you and Bear-san a heads up should someone start demanding answers. The paperwork went through this morning." She focused her attention on the soul in the center of the crater. It had flickered in confusion and intrigue. "I can deactivate the barrier from here, Morino-san," she said. "However, Bear-san will be covered with ashes."

Ibiki nodded then flared his chakra in code towards Bear. After a few moments, he turned to look at her. "Do it."

With a single nod, the pink swirling glow underneath the clouds pulsed once, before shattering and dispersing the cloud of ashes. A blur flew out from the cloud as the Anbu Commander landed in between her and Ibiki. Sora gave him a once over. While he was covered from head to toe in ashes, there were no discernible injuries. Feeling her tracker seal beginning to move towards their general direction, Sora looked at both of the Commanders. "I'll be leaving now. Be sure to get your injuries checked."

Bear and Ibiki looked at her, then at each other. She was walking in the opposite direction of District Z.

"Where are you going?" Bear asked.

Sora didn't look behind her as she answered, "To retrieve the rest of my staff members."

Bear and Ibiki gazes narrowed at her receding form. They looked at one another and gave a nod in unison. Quickly giving orders to the remaining Anbu members to take care of the decimated training ground, they followed after her.

Team Ro flanked Sora's side as she walked into the tree line. Seeing both Commanders falling into step beside her, she sighed. "I'm not going to be able to convince either of you not to come along, am I?"

The two only hmmed in confirmation.

Sora gave them a silent stare before taking a glance back at the Anbu members who were busy repairing the training ground with an Earth jutsu. But she knew better. "Is it only going to be you two, or-?"

Sora didn't finish her sentence. In a blink, all Anbu members were walking alongside the group. The training ground was newly restored with no crater in sight.

"Mah, Fujiwara-san," a masked Anbu member wearing a painted grasshopper mask muttered. "Who could say no to an invitation like that?"

Sora let out a soft snort. "As if you lot weren't going to follow anyways." Entering the tree line, she continued, "Besides, it's better together rather than having someone get injured, or worse, eaten."

The surrounding Anbu members tensed before forcing themselves to relax. Discretely glancing at her, they saw that while she had looked calm, they could tell that she was worried. Catching their stares, Sora muttered, "There's a reason why Training Ground Zero was abandoned entirely, including by Anbu." Looking at Ibiki, she asked, "How is District Z?"

Ibiki blinked at her and answered, "Hokage-sama is ensuring that none of the houses caught on fire first before allowing everyone to return home."

Sora nodded. "Instruct my staff members to take off their ear cuffs. It'll deactivate the communication seal. They can keep the ear cuff since they'll need it for the joint investigation. I'll see them tomorrow before I head out to complete my Daimyo duties."

Ibiki gave her a side glance before talking to the three Career Genin. 'She only mentioned her staff members. Not Inoichi,' he thought, catching the Anbu Commander glancing at the small golden band on his left ear.

The group continued walking deeper into the forest when they came to a metal fence. Tied onto the center of it was a wooden placard that read: 'Danger. Do not enter!'

"We have to establish some ground rules," Sora said as she walked alongside the fence. "One, stay close to me. Don't go scouting ahead, and never lag behind." She gave them all a serious gaze. "That's a one way ticket to meet Shinigami-sama."

Everyone stiffened and nodded. They all followed Sora as she passed a large tree that was growing with the fence running through the base of its trunk.

"Two, stay on the illuminated path. If you step off it, you'll trigger the training ground's defense system," Sora said as she continued walking along the fence, passing a large boulder that filled a hole in the fence.

"Defense system?" Ibiki asked, confused. He wasn't aware that Training Ground Zero had a defense system. Looking at Bear, he knew that the Anbu Commander wasn't aware either.

Sora nodded. "High concentrations of chakra lingering in an area gives opportunity for more intelligent beings to be created. Life inside Training Ground Zero have begun to become self aware. If one area senses hostility, the rest of the area will respond accordingly." She stopped in front of a dark cave. "This leads to rule number three. Under no circumstances, is anyone to attack anything, no matter how dangerous they seem." Giving them all a look, she continued, "Follow these three simple rules, and you'll get along nicely with Training Ground Zero."

Everyone nodded as Sora turned to enter the cave. As they all stepped into the cave, they noted the drastic change of temperature. While outside the cave was warm due to Konoha's summer heat, inside the cave was ice cold. Walking deeper into the cave, the mouth of the cave closed up behind them, surrounding everyone in darkness.

"Give me a moment," Sora muttered, feeling everyone's soul flicker in slight panic.

They all watched as Sora's palm began to be engulfed in red orange flames. They blinked in surprise when small bubbles made from those flames began floating throughout the cave. Soon the entire cave was illuminated by soft warm light. Then, they felt the ice cold temperature of the cave began to warm up. They all looked at the bubbles curiously. One of the Anbu members reached out a hand to touch one of the bubble of flames. To her surrpise, it didn't burn her. Instead, it was radiating soft warm heat. Their eyes blinked in amazement when a fluttering glowing blue butterfly appeared in their line of sight.

"These are-," Batta muttered softly, recognizing them from a mission she had with her team. Turning towards to look at Sora, she continued, "Then that means that you were-."

Sora gave a soft sound in confirmation. "They'll lead us to the path."

Batta nodded as she followed Sora and the others deeper into the cave. So many questions ran through her head. 'Does Taicho know about this?' she thought.

"Batta-san," Sora said, drawing the Anbu member's attention. "Don't think too hard on this."

"You knew Orochimaru was following you before we even engaged in combat with him," Batta stated. "You had the butterflies lead us to him. To you. You-."

Sora ignored her accusatory words. She turned to look at the Anbu member with the grasshopper mask and said calmly, "Your team asked for assistance, and I provided."

Batta froze at Sora's words, remembering how they had asked an elderly woman at a sheep's farm for help to a location the locals referred to as the Pit of Snakes near the borders of Grass Country. There were rumors that Orochimaru was heading there. "But, but, she was so old and frail," Batta muttered as her brain couldn't comprehend what Sora had just revealed.

Not at all apologetic, Sora stated, "One doesn't need to know genjutsu to disguise themselves, Batta-san." At the Anbu member's surprised look, Sora shrugged. "Feel free to come by Masamaru's Weapons Shop sometime these next two weeks. You might learn a thing or two about my role inside the shop, besides just being the owner."

Batta stiffened as she saw how no one else was surprised by Sora's comment. "They're in the loop," she muttered, feeling put out at not knowing.

Sora let out a soft chuckle. "They were nosy," she corrected her. Giving Batta an amused smile, she continued, "That's a trait you all have in common."

Batta said nothing to refute that.

"Did I not say to never lag behind?" Sora said so suddenly in a serious voice that everyone froze.

Standing five feet away from the rest of the group was Falcon and Squirrel, their two newer recruits. Towering behind them was a large black figure with glowing solid red eyes without any pupils. Everyone tensed when they saw black tendrils on the ground slowly creeping towards the two Anbu members.

"Dai-," Falcon started to say to defend himself and his coworker, but was quickly shushed by his Commander's demanding gaze.

Sora calmly walked towards the two stiff Anbu members. Not looking away from the black figure, she stated. "Please kindly let them go."

The black tendrils did not stop approaching. A dark raspy voice made everyone but Sora freeze. "They are stragglers. Stragglers are meant to be taken."

Seeing how Falcon and Squirrel looked ready to draw out a weapon in her peripheral vision, she gently placed a hand on both of their hands to stop them. "You cannot have them," Sora stated to the black figure.

The red pupiless eyes surveyed the group and stopped at Crow. "Then perhaps the youngest one in-."

"You cannot have him either," Sora interrupted as she pulled the two Anbu members towards her.

"If I cannot have the stragglers, and I cannot have the youngest. Then," the dark raspy voice said as it reached out a black tendril towards her, "shall I take you instead?"

Before the black tendrils could reach her, all the surrounding Anbu members had pulled Sora into the middle of their protective circle, glaring at the creature with weapons drawn.

The creature let out a low hmm in curiousity. "How odd," he stated, not at all bothered. "You protect them, just as much as they protect you." Staring at Sora, it continued, "Very different from the man who enters my home every new moon for the last thirty odd years." The black tendrils retracted to its body as it took one step forward.

Sora took a step forward too, only to be stopped by Hound. He tightened his hold on her when he felt her wanting to pull away. The rest of the Anbu members tensed as they kept their gaze on the creature. All of them kept an ear on Bear for his orders.

"Very different indeed," the creature said with an bemused chuckle at their reactions. "Did you know that the man brings children along each time he enters? In fact, he encourages me to take the children's spirits. And yet, you do not. I prefer it this way." The creature's gaze traveled from Sora to stop on Bear, "I enjoy the challenge of extracting the spirits of Men who has faced Death many times." In a blink, the creature was now standing in front of Bear. No longer was it towering over everyone. Instead, it was standing in equal height to the Anbu Commander. Everyone froze when the creature spoke, "You are different from that man. Despite his old age, he reeks of fear at the face of Death. You, however, welcome it. Shall I-?"

Sora popped in between the creature and Bear, ignoring Hound's scathing glare. She tightened her hold onto Bear's wrist to keep him in place. "Like I said, you cannot have them."

The creature's black tendrils froze just a few centimeter's away from Bear's ankles. It clicked it's tongue in irritation as the tendrils receded. Glowing solid red eyes peered down at Sora. "In exchange for their spirits, the next time we cross paths, I will be putting an end to your precarious Human Life, Hime-sama."

The black figure faded away, taking its black tendrils with it.

The group suddenly found themselves no longer in the cave. Instead they were surrounded by trees. However, these weren't the normal trees inside Konoha. They were humming, as if life was breathing through each of them. The trees were more vibrant and were whispering with one another with actual soft voices.

The Men are back.

We haven't seen one in so long.

Not since the loss of the Elder Listener.

Neko glanced at them curiously. Their hums were very similar to the hum he had felt when he was absorbed into the Hashirama tree at Senju Park.

"Sora-," Bear was about to say, but she quickly shook her head.

"We can't stay here," Sora said.

Bear looked at the tenseness of her shoulders and the way her eyes were slightly dilated. Knowing that he wasn't going to get any answers from her in her current state, he relented. "Okay," he said. "We'll keep moving."

Sora could only stiffly nod as she followed the trail of glowing blue butterflies. The group kept walking until they entered an area covered in glowing butterflies. As soon as Sora stepped on them, they all converged to form an illuminating blue path that swirled off the ground and into the canopy.

Looking at her entourage, she said, "Follow the rules and no one will get hurt. Threatened and taunted, yes. But never hurt."

They all nodded as they followed Sora onto the path. As they kept walking, some of the Anbu members looked back to see that the end of the path touching the ground parted to form butterflies. The glowing blue butterflies flew above their heads and towards the front. Each time more butterflies flew to the front, more of the path began to form.

"Don't stall," Sora stated.

Everyone picked up their pace when they saw black tendrils following at a distance.

"Fujiwara-san," Batta said as the group continued walking upwards. "How do you even know about Training Ground Zero, much less know how to safely enter it and how to avoid the creature, or-."

"Breathe, Batta-san," Sora said gently. She looked down to see that the black tendrils had extended a bit further towards them. "You're giving the creature ammunition."

Batta froze and tried to clamp down on her emotions but found that she was struggling a lot harder than normal. Her eyes widened when she felt warm hand grasp onto hers. "Breathe nice and slow," Sora repeated. "It's trying to loosen up everyone's defenses. The easiest way is to appeal to someone's curiosity, very much like how a child would when they come across something new."

Batta's eyes widened. "That-that thing is manipulating us?" she asked, engraged.

Sora squeezed Batta's hand. "And you're giving it the reaction it wants." Giving Batta's hand another squeeze, she continued, "Don't focus on the creature, Batta-san. Focus on what makes you calm."

Batta then began to think of her laying out in the sun amongst the soft grass. The warmth of the sun relaxed her body. The soft grass, while ticklish, grounded her and lulled herself to sleep.

"That's it," Sora whispered, feeling Batta's soul flicker softly beside her. In fact, everyone's souls began to have a soft flicker now, rather than the erratic flickering they had done when they saw the creature.

After seeing the black tendrils retracting away from them, Sora let out a soft sigh of relief as she ran her fingers through her hair. "I've forgotten how intense it was," she muttered.

"What is it, Sora?," Bear demanded, having heard her.

"A Pied Piper," Sora answered.

Everyone gazed at her in shock.

"As in the same creature in the lore. The being that lead a group of children away from a village and into a cave?" Ibiki asked, not believing Sora despite sensing no lies from her. "Once the children were found, they had no memories of who they were. They grew up incapable of empathizing with others or knowing how to express emotions. Some lost their minds and began massacring towns."

Sora gave a shrug. "All lores are based on some truths, Morino-san."

"Like the Water Healers," Hound muttered, making Bear and Ibiki stiffened.

Sora gave a soft chuckle and nodded. "More ore less, Hounds-san. Stories of creatures being half human and half fish dragging fishermen to the bottom of the sea are common. However, in this case, that creature is a Pied Piper." Everyone's eyes widened as Sora continued. "Whoever has been entering the cave knew this as well." Looking at Bear and Ibiki, she said, "However, I know something that that person doesn't." Turning to both Commanders, she continued, "Despite it's taunts, Pied Pipers only consume the spirits of dead or dying children."

Bear's and Ibiki's gaze sharpened on Sora. "You've met a pied piper before," he muttered.

Sora winced, hoping that they hadn't caught that detail. Sora let out a soft sigh. "Mama and Oji-san found me in time before it could take me away to meet Shinigami-sama."

"That doesn't explain how your blood seal teleported your staff into Training Ground Zero," Ibiki said.

"Mama was a kunoichi before she married papa," Sora said. As soon as she said this, the glowing blue path dispersed into glowing blue butterflies. They were now inside a large meadow. There was a glowing sea green pond in the middle of the meadow. Beside it, was a small hut that looked exactly like the Keeper's hut. "After papa died, Mama had wanted to resume her career as a kunoichi but because of her status, it was frowned upon," Sora said as she began walking towards the hut. As the blue butterflies began to fly throughout the meadow, she continued, "Mama was never the type to care about what others thought of her though, especially when Grandmother encouraged her. So, with the Third's blessing and approval, she was given her own special rank and code name, the Keeper." Ignoring how everyone had froze, she continued, "Thus, deep in the heart of Training Ground Zero, she made a safe house only accessible by those who knew the way and those who possess a key. The training ground would have eaten us with no remorse if we didn't have both."

Bear's eyes widened at her as he remembered Lady Tomoe placing a seal on him that oddly looked like a key. "For when you cross paths," she had said mysteriously with a grin.

Looking at Sora, he thought, 'If I possessed the key, she must've knew the way.'

"Bear-san," Sora said, giving him a tired smile. "I feel like I say it too often but it never seem to get through anyone's thick skulls. Just ask your questions. I'm always going to be honest. Being manipulated to give you an answer gets old real fast."

Bear's lips twitched under his mask. "And you'll just give the information up?"

Sora let out a yawn. "I'm teaching my staff members, who are still shinobi, for free, aren't I?"

Bear blinked at her and let out a chuckle. Looking at her, he asked, "Who were your parents?"

Sora stiffened and looked at him. "Are you asking because you want a confirmation, or are you asking because you don't actually already know?"

"Both," he answered.

Sora sighed, "If you had asked me before I had become Daimyo, I would've told you."

"But now there is conflict," Bear stated.

Sora winced and nodded. "Originally, I was going to speak to Hokage-sama about my parentage," she admitted. "However, now that I'm barred, it makes things a bit difficult." Looking at the Anbu Commander, she warned him, "If we continue down this path, it'll put Konoha in a difficult position." Ignoring how everyone had tensed, she continued walking towards the hut. "It's best if you all find the answer yourselves. Then we may be able to proceed without causing a big political mess."

The group quickly followed after her. As they neared the hut, they heard voices speaking. Walking towards the front of the hut, warm steam wafted above the surface of the glowing sea green pond. In the center of was Koorogi, being supported by Mizu. From where they were standing, they could see Koorogi's wounds being healed. Beside the pond were two men who were leaning against a tree with glowing blue fruits. The same tree that was in Sora's backyard in the capitol. The shorter more slender man was wearing a golden silk kimono with large printed black feathers along the back of his kimono. Hanging by his left hip were two katanas. Framing his coal colored eyes was a pair of glasses with black frames. He had soft flowing dark brown hair that dropped past his chest. Standing beside him was a taller man with broader shoulders. He had wavy gray hair, golden honey colored eyes, and a scruffy beard. He was wearing a burnt orange kimono top with white prints of small tadpoles. On his dark gray hakama was a single green lilipad. He had forgone an obi, and had worn just a black sash. Looped around his waist was a small water gourd and two tantos. A wooden bo staff with carvings of lotus flowers was secured to his back.

The two men turned to survey the approaching group. Their eyes never leaving Sora's when she got closer.

"Sorry, I'm late," Sora said, "I had to-."

Sora's eyes widened as she was pulled into the arms of the gray haired man. "You need a bath," he muttered into her hair, giving her a squeeze to assure himself that she was okay.

Her cries of protest went unheard as Masamaru picked her up and tossed her into the pond. As she came up spluttering water, she gave him a halfhearted glare. "I do not smell that bad," she growled out. Turning to the others who had gaped at the two, she asked quietly, "Do I?"

They all quickly shook their heads no. In fact, she didn't smell at all.

Masamaru humphed as he lifted the bandages of dry blood in front of her. Sora's eyes widened when she lifted her own palm to see that he had taken off her bandages without her noticing. "Stay in the pond until you're healed, Sora," Masamaru ordered.

Sora's eyes softened at him. She then gestured for him to come closer. A bit apprehensive, the older man leaned forward only to let out a yelp when she had reached over to pull him into the pond. The used bandages flew into the air as he landed into the pond with a loud splash. "You need to heal too, Ma-san," she said as he came out of the water.

About to lunge at her, Masamaru paused when he heard a soft snort before it was quickly covered in fake coughs. He turned to stare at the coal eyed man. He gave a look at Sora, who grinned. The coal eyed man narrowed his eyes at them before jumping up to land onto a branch of the tree with blue apples.

"Party pooper," Masamaru muttered as he slinked further into the water.

Sora, who found a crevice inside the pond to sit on, laughed at him sulking away.

"Nee-chan," a soft voice said from behind her.

Sora turned her to see Ai sitting down beside her next to the edge of the pond. In his right hand was a blue apple. Unsheathing one of his katanas, he began to slice the blue apple. He handed her a slice. "Eat."

Sora's gaze softened at him. Taking the slice, she placed it in her mouth. Keeping the slice between her lips, she cupped a bit of water into her left palm. Grabbing onto Ai's bloody right palm, she poured the pond's water into his wound. As his wound began to heal, she muttered, "Thank you, otouto."

Ai let out a soft sigh but said nothing else as he gave her another slice of blue apple.

The two looked up when they heard Masamaru cry out to the rest of the Anbu members still on the shore. "You lads should get into the pond too. You all stink."

Seeing them twitch minutely, Ai threw a pebble at the older man's head, which he dodged by diving underwater. "What Ma-san meant to say was that you all carry the scent of the Pied Piper. If you don't wash it off in these waters, the creature will think of it as an open invitation to follow you into Konoha."

Ai blinked when all of the Anbu members were immediately in the pond, clothes and all.

Masamaru let out a loud deep chuckle as he began to swim on his back. "Here I thought only Bear could get them to act fast," he said, looking at the Anbu Commander with amusement.

Said commander did not react. Instead, he was watching Sora and Ai carefully.

Ai let out another exasperated sigh at Masamaru's words. "Forgive him," he said to the Anbu Commander. "Large bodies of water gets him drunk."

"I am not drunk, Ai-chan," Masamaru called out, appalled. "Water is the gift of life, thus should be treated with care and love and-."

Ai ignored the older man and gave another slice of apple to Sora, who was watching everyone with amusement. Glad to see that she was distracted, he let go a breath he was holding when he saw the wound on her palm beginning to heal. "We should stock up on some blue apples before returning to Konoha, nee-chan," he muttered to her quietly.

Seeing the two Commander's gaze sharpening at Sora and Ai, Masamaru dove under the water, only to pop up in between them. "Don't you both agree that water should be revered and-."

Neither shinobi answered. Instead, Ibiki asked, "How'd you know we came across a Pied Piper?"

Masamaru gave him a sly grin. "A little kitty told me," he chuckled, uncaring if there was now a dangerous man, scratch that as the Anbu Commander stared at him, two dangerous men glaring down at him. Undeterred, he began to hum a tune off key as he dove back into the water.

The two commanders twitched when they saw him wriggling his body oddly. "You're totally drunk," Ibiki muttered.

Masamaru's eyes widened as he gasped. "I am not drunk, Morino-san." He dove back under the surface again. "Just lovin the water, ya know?"

The two commanders watched as the gray haired man bent his legs and arms. "What are you doing, Ma-san?" Sora called out. Ai handed her another slice while she cupped water and poured it into his palm.

"Curious?" Masamaru asked as he began moving about with more rigor. "I call this the Frogger!"

The Anbu members eyebrows twitched when Masamaru began to wriggle his body to mimic a frog swimming. They have never seen the civilian man react this way before.

"Totally drunk," Ibiki repeated.

Amusement appeared on everyone's faces until a low feminine voice growled out from behind them, making them freeze.

"I was curious when members of my streak told me that there were children who reeked of decay and death entering my lands."

Sora's eyes widened as she turned to see an extremely large sabertooth tiger sitting on top of the hut.

"Shisa-san!" Sora greeted, ignoring how everyone stiffened at seeing the feline.

Masamaru gave the two commanders an 'I told you so,' look. They all watched as the large sabertooth tiger peered down at Sora and tutted.

"You know better than to enter my territory without an escort, child," the feline chastised.

Sora winced. "There was an emergency," she muttered.

"I can see that," the sabertooth said as she jumped to the ground without making any noise. Laying against the grass next to the pond's edge, all of the Anbu members noted how she was blocking the entrance into the hut.

Despite seeing the disapproval stare from the coal eyed man, Sora began swimming towards the sabertooth tiger.

"Stay submerged child," the feline ordered. The tips of her tail swished up and down near the entrance to the hut. "You reek like the others. Even more so than I would prefer."

Unbothered by the blunt tone, Sora nodded and stayed in the pond. The sabertooth tiger rested its head by the edge of the pond as Sora reached over to scratch the fur under her chin. "I am not a house cat, child," the sabertooth tiger murmured, watching Sora carefully.

"I know," Sora said gently, unbothered by the scrutinizing look.

Shisa sighed, but let Sora continue as she peered at the humans in the pond. Internally chuckling at how they had all stiffened, the sabertooth tiger gazed at the young woman before her. "I will give you and your companions safe passage back to Konoha, but I would like a favor in return."

Sora nodded. "Sure thing, Shisa-san."

Shisa let out a soft purr. "That favor will be collected when you least expect it, so be prepared." Giving Sora a soft nuzzle, she continued, "Rest here a while, child. You and your companions will be safe so long as no one attacks."

Sora nodded as she leaned into the large sabertooth tiger's head. Taking in the feline's scent deeply, she turned to gaze up at the sky. After a few comfortable silence, she asked, "Shisa-san?"

The sabertooth tiger's ears flicked once.

As if she knew what the feline had done, Sora continued, "The Pied Piper mentioned an old man."

"Who comes into his home every new moon?" Shisa asked.

"Mhm. Why would a man bring childre-."

"Do not get involved, child," Shisa interrupted. "You wont come out of it unscathed."

"But-."

"It is a human matter," Shisa said.

Sora scowled, "But I'm human."

"It is a shinobi matter," the sabertooth tiger reiterated. "One you should not get involved in."

"But-."

"Beasts do not follow Human laws, child. Much less shinobi laws. We could care less about why he does what he does. In the end, it's all the same."

Sora frowned at the feline's words. "The old man has forgone both laws in order to mislead Death."

"Perhaps," the feline said.

Sora browse furrowed deeper. "If this continues, it'll put you and your streak in danger," she muttered.

"And those who arrive without knowing the way and possessing the key will get eaten," Shisa assured her.

Sora hmmed in thought as she dunked herself under the water. Coming back up to the surface, she let out a sigh. "We should head back soon."

"We can leave as soon as your cricket friend is healed," Masamaru said as he carried a slice over to her, being sure to keep it above the water's surface. Placing it in her mouth, he continued, "In the meantime, Ai-chan and I can pack up some things for you." Looking at how her obi had gone missing, he got out of the pond. "There should be some clothes still in the hut," he muttered to himself.

Everyone watched as Masamaru went around the large sabertooth tiger and entered the hut. They could only see the door opening and closing. Standing from beside the tree, Ai let out a soft sigh. Giving Sora a wry look, he said, "I've forgotten how curious shinobi could be."

Sora giggled as Ai whacked on the tree with his palm. Multiple blue apples started to fall which he quickly begin grabbing before they could hit the ground. He blinked when Bear had appeared with a small basket he had produced out of thin air. Looking over the Anbu Commander's shoulders, he gave Sora another look. "Curious indeed," he muttered.

Sora's giggles turned into loud chuckles as Ai placed the blue apples into the small basket. She shook her head in amusement and went to float on her back. Drifting softly on the water, she began to hear soft voices merging into one as her eyes unconsciously closed.

"Do not fall asleep in the healing pond, Sora," Masamaru ordered as he exited the hut with his own duffle bags and two additional smaller duffle bags.

Shisa opened a lone eye to gaze at Sora. Even Ai had stopped gathering blue apples. Instead, he was gazing intently at the ruby haired woman in the pond. The Anbu members looked at one another confused by what was happening.

Sora resumed drifting as she took in a slow breath. "It's comforting," she muttered, her voice sounded far away. "Like a lullaby."

"Sora," Masamaru warned as he dropped the duffel bags onto the floor as he stepped closer to the pond's edge.

Ai's gaze sharpened at her words as his body tensed, prepared to dive into the pond if needed. Shisa had also picked up her head, eyes focused on Sora.

Sora took in one last breath and righted herself up. Both Ai and Masamaru let out a sigh of relief while Shisa relaxed her body. Once Sora swam towards the edge of the pond, Masamaru pulled her out. He growled quietly into her ear, "That was too close, imouto."

Sora winced and nodded her head absentmindedly. "Sorry," she whispered, blinking quickly to focus on him rather than the voices that were calling her back.

He let out a sigh and went to pull her further away from the water's edge. He then handed her two of the smaller duffle bags. "These are yours. I gathered as much as I could fit. They should last you a week. We'll leave the basket of blue apples at the shop for emergencies."

Sora nodded in thanks as she wrapped one of the straps around her left shoulders while holding onto the other duffel bag.

Deciding that it was time to go before something drastic happens, Shisa stood up and stretched her limbs. She let out a silent yawn, displaying how long and sharp her two incisors were. "Come," she said.

Batta went to help pick up Koorogi as Mizu climbed out of the pond. Mizu was surprised to find that she wasn't wet as she had expected. In fact, she was completely dry, including her clothes. Once Batta was able to carry Koorogi onto her back, everyone followed the sabertooth cat across the meadow and into the tree line. They could hear multiple voices speaking to one another but no one could see anything.

They no longer smell like death and decay.

That's good. My nose can finally get a break.

Mine too.

The group continued deeper into the forest until Shisa stepped out into the familiar clearing on top of the Hokage Mountain.

Turning towards Sora, Shisa said, "Remember my favor, child."

Sora nodded as Shisa walked back into the tree line and disappeared completely.

Sora turned towards the two Anbu Commander. Their eyes narrowed when her eyes had a slightly dazed look before focusing again. "While the pond can heal wounds, it cannot replenish chakra. Koorogi-san will need to get checked into the hospital." Looking at Mizu, she said, "Thanks for accompanying Ma-san and Ai-san to the capitol."

Mizu nodded. "I would've done it anyways."

Sora gave her a grin. Looking at Masamaru and Ai, she said, "I'll take you two to the shop before going to the Uchiha compound."

The two nodded as Sora said her farewells to everyone. Once they were in front of Masamaru's Weapons shop, Masamaru turned to look at Sora. "You're still grounded, imouto," he said once he saw that her eyes were no longer clouding over.

Sora laughed and said good night. Masamaru went inside first, leaving Ai with Sora.

Ai gave Sora a stern gaze. "Don't go to a place where aniki and I cannot follow, nee-chan."

Sora winced before she gave a small nod. "I'll do my best not to, otouto," she said quietly.

Ai gave a nod and turned to look at Team Ro. His gaze stayed on Crow just a second longer before looking at Sora. "Don't cause unnecessary problems for Anbu-san and the others as well."

Sora glowered at him. "Now you're just teasing me."

Ai gave her a smirk. "Rest well, nee-chan," he said softly.

Sora smiled at him. "You too, otouto."

Once Ai closed and locked the doors to the shop, Sora began walking away as the seals inside the shop activated. Walking into the streets, she asked, "Is everyone back home now, Hound-san?"

Hound blinked at her question and nodded. "Hokage-sama had ensured everyone had returned home in District Z."

"Any injuries?"

Hound shook his head no. "Nothing major. All injury were healed immediately at the medic ward."

Hound didn't add how there was an immediate uproar amongst the medical staff when they began healing the civilians. Most of the civilians had small trace amounts of poison in their system. This caught the attention of Minato, who could barely hold in his anger. Inoichi then began to give the Head Medic a stern lecture when he had admitted that he and his medical staff would have caught this earlier if it wasn't due to his negligence. This was of course, after Minato had given his own two cents on the conduct of the Head Medic.

'Was security lacking so much that someone had the opportunity to start poisoning civilians under our noses?' Hound asked.

Sora gave Hound a look when she felt his soul flicker. Letting out a soft yawn, she began walking towards the Uchiha compound with her duffel bags in hand. As they neared the compound, Sora paused when she felt a familiar soul scream out in turmoil. Frowning, she looked up to the sky to see that the moon had already risen high. Holding her duffle bags tighter, she walked towards the direction of the soul. When she came across the clearing, she leaned against a tree as she watched the nine year old boy attack the training post with his katana. He was blindly swinging his sword, uncaring where the blade had strike. He paused to take in a haggard breath. His body had trembled slightly as he squeezed the handle of the katana until his knuckles turned white. He attacked the post again.

Sora ignored how Crow's soul had flickered in worry and focused on the young boy on the training field. After a few moments, Sora stepped out of the tree line and towards the boy. "Hold it any tighter, 'Tachi-kun, and you'll choke the katana."

Itachi stiffened and quickly turned around. "Nee-chan!" he exclaimed with surprise. He hadn't sensed her at all.

His eyes then noted that her obi was missing as she bent down to place her two duffle bags onto the ground. 'Did something happen?' he thought.

He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt a soft finger gently poke his forehead.

Soft pale sky blue eyes looked at him as she said softly, "You're forcing the katana to do something that it wasn't meant to do, Itachi."

Itachi froze and looked away in slight shame. "Civilians aren't allowed-."

He stopped when he felt warm fingers tap onto his own cold fingers that were wrapped around the handle of the katana.

"Loosen your hold for me," Sora muttered, gently.

Itachi blinked at her and did as told.

Sora stepped to the side and gazed at the nine year old boy. "Run through your basic forms."

Itachi looked at her for a few seconds before swiftly going through his basic forms with the blade. Sora blinked when everything had appeared in a blur.

Seeing his 'are we done here?' look, Sora smiled at him in slight amusement. "This time without chakra, Itachi."

At his confused look, Sora shrugged as she tucked her hands into her hakama pockets. "Most shinobi instinctively use chakra to manipulate their muscle movements to be faster." She gave him a wink. "You are no different." Giving him a nod of encouragement, she repeated, "Without chakra."

Itachi nodded. To his surprise, his movements were a lot slower, giving Sora a full view of his capabilities. "Hmm," she muttered. "You're form is perfect, for someone two feet taller than you, that is."

Ignoring the wide eyed gaze she received from the nine year old boy, and how Crow's soul had flickered in surprise, Sora stepped to Itachi's side. "While the length of a katana will never change," she said as she guided Itachi's arms and hands to hold the katana. "Your height and the length of your legs and arms will as you grow older. It'll be easier if you gain muscle memory first, rather than learning the adult forms right off the bat. This will make the transitions of adjusting your reach with the katana a lot smoother with each growth spurt you'll have." Stepping back, she picked up the sheath that was tossed half hazardously on the training ground floor. "But I know you already knew that," she said as she looked at his torn string attached to the sheath, then at him with a raised eyebrow.

Itachi's cheeks reddened slightly. "Yes," he muttered. "But not everything you've pointed out."

Sora reached over to flick him on her forehead. "That's what I'm here for, 'Tachi-kun," she said softly. Stepping back from him, Itachi's eyes widened at the familiar stance. "Shall we spar for a bit before both of us call it a night?"

Itachi turned his gaze worriedly at the surrounding Anbu guards. "I don't think it's apropri-."

Sora did not let him finish as she came at him wielding the katana's sheath, which forced him to block with his katana blade. Itachi's eyes widened at how the sharp blade of his katana did not even make a dent to the sheath.

"You've forgotten who supplies the sheaths to Ninja Weapons Shop's, Itachi," Sora chastised. "They're meant to be used as a secondary weapon."

Itachi pushed against her weight, making Sora jump back. The nine year old boy studied Sora. "Point system," he stated, his voice serious.

Sora nodded and grinned. "Point system," she agreed. "However, for each time you use chakra for your forms or make a mistake on your form, you'll be deducted points."

Itachi tightened his hold on his katana and nodded. "First to ten?"

"First to ten," Sora agreed.

Itachi moved first as he flickered over to her as he swung the katana only to be blocked then guided away.

"Not bad," Sora said. "For someone who's two feet taller than you. Minus one point."

Itachi frowned as he slid the katana to Sora's side as he took a step around her. Just as his sword was mere centimeters from making contact with her ribs, he stopped. "Zero," he stated.

Sora grinned. "A lot better," she said in approval. "However," she said as she softly tapped the side of his left calf with the blunt end of the sheath.

Itachi frowned as he retracted his chakra from his leg.

"We're back to minus one," Sora said.

Itachi jumped away from her and stared. Feeling his soul flicker in slight irritation and realization, she quirked an eyebrow at him. "Finally noticed the reality of how much you unconsciously use chakra in every movement, huh?"

Itachi gave a single nod.

They kept at this until both were sweating heavily and out of breath, Sora more so than Itachi. Currently, the score was nine.

Sora groaned out loud, "I forgot how much of a fast learner you are, 'Tachi-kun."

Itachi smirked as he ran towards her. Anticipating the block, he body flickered behind Sora and placed the katana against her neck. "Ten," the Uchiha heir stated.

Sora chuckled as she flopped to the training ground floor ungracefully. Sucking in deep breaths, she patted on the spot next to her. As Itachi lowered down, Sora looked at the sky for a few moments. There was still some lingering feelings of turmoil within Itachi's soul.

Rising to sit beside him, Sora leaned back onto her arms to continue looking up at the sky. She asked, "Have I ever told you what my Grandmother used to say to me?"

Itachi looked up at the older teen he considered as his sister and shook his head no.

Sora gave him a small smile and said, "My Grandmother once told me when I was a child that within every Konoha shinobi, there lives the Will of Fire." Sora finger poked above Itachi's heart, "Especially inside an Uchiha. Are you familiar with the Will of Fire?"

Itachi gazed furrowed at her, trying to understand what she was not saying. "The First Hokage was the one to believe in it when Konoha was founded. All Konoha's shinobi know of this," he recited.

Sora smiled gently at him. "Yes," she agreed, looking up towards the sky. "Hashirama was the one to coin the term. But, Uchiha Madara was the first to embody that belief inspired by Hashirama." Gaze turning towards him, she asked softly, "But, Itachi, what happens when one is filled with so much hatred and self loath?" Itachi's eyes widened as she continued, "What happens when that fire that had once shined brightly and gave off warmth suddenly began to be tainted by something dark. Something fueled by negative emotions."

"It keeps burning everything in its path without a care on who or what gets hurt in the process," Itachi answered.

Sora nodded. "Every flame first started with warmth before the darkness sets in." She gently poked Itachi's forehead and continued, "If you don't remember anything else tonight, then remember this." She beamed the nine year old boy a smile and said, "Remember to be kind to yourself, Itachi, by forgiving yourself. Don't let the past inhibit you to live in the present and aim for the future, Tachi-kun. Don't forget to lean into the warmth."

Sora's eyes softened when she saw small trails of tears falling down the sides of the nine year old's face. She then felt herself landing onto her back as she was tackled into a tight hug. Feeling his body shake, she circled her arms around him to bring him closer.

"Why, nee-chan?" Itachi cried out. "Why did he do it? He didn't even like me. He made it well known throughout us being a team. So why?"

Sora patted the tops of his head. "Sometimes when the need to protect overpowers all reasoning, the body reacts before the mind can fully comprehend."

Itachi cried into her chest even more as she patted his head. She then looked up into the night sky and began humming a lullaby to sooth the child's soul. She was relieved that the self hatred went away. After a few long moments, his cries slowed to soft sniffles and his soul began to calm. Hearing him taking in deep breaths, Sora hugged him tighter.

'He fell asleep,' she thought as she continued to hum. Looking up at the sky, she sighed. 'It's only been a year since his teammate died.'

After a few more moments, Sora picked him up. Her eyes softened by how the nine year old did not even stir awake. "In some ways, he's a lot like you. But in other ways, he's very much his own person."

Walking out from behind a tree he was hiding from was the Uchiha patriarch. "How long did you know I was here?" he asked, giving her an inquisitive stare. When Minato had sent a message that the Uchiha clan will be hosting the Daimyo for six days, he didn't know what to think. Certainly not a civilian woman with the same ruby hair as the late Uzumaki Tomoe.

Sora could feel the Uchiha clan head's soul flicker in sorrow when he gazed at her. When he glanced down to the nine year old boy in her arms, she felt the deep love and devotion for his son. She shrugged in response. "Long enough."

Fugaku stared at her as he went to take his son from her arms. However, they paused in surprise when Itachi's hold on Sora tightened. "I can carry him Uchiha-sama," Sora chuckled softly. "But can you grab Tachi-kun's katana?"

Fugaku blinked at the familiarity of his son's name coming out from the civilian woman's mouth as he nodded and went to retrieve his son's katana. Seeing the duffel bags on the ground, he was about to pick them up but saw an Anbu member wearing a crow's mask appear to take them instead.

'That's right,' Fugaku thought. 'Minato had mentioned Anbu would be guarding her.'

Walking beside her, Fugaku felt the rest of the Anbu team following closely behind. As the group entered the compound, he nodded to his clansmen standing guard. As they walked, he asked, "Daimyo-sama, those words that your Grandmother told you. Just how close was she to the Uchiha clan?"

'Those were words commonly passed down from Uchiha to Uchiha. Never to someone outside of the clan,' Fugaku thought.

Sora looked up to the sky and hmed in thought. "As close as one can be, I suppose."

Fugaku stiffened when he sensed no lie from her. "I see," he muttered. Reminding himself to go through the family tree with a fine tooth comb, his house came into view.

Opening the door, they saw Mikoto quickly coming to the entrance.

"Fujiwara-san?" Mikoto asked, surprised to see her oldest hugging the civilian woman as if his life depended on it.

Feeling Mikoto's soul flicker in worry and slight jealousy, Sora smiled apologetically as she gave a bow in greeting. "Good evening, Uchiha-sama."

"Mikoto," Fugaku said, "Fujiwara-san is the Fire Daimyo."

Mikoto's eyes widened in shock. "Good evening, Daimyo-sama."

"Mikoto," he said. "I'll show Daimyo-sama to Itachi's room."

Mikoto stiffened as she gazed at her son. "Of course, Fugaku."

Fugaku led them from the entranceway and down the hallway to Itachi's room. Opening the door, they blinked in shock to see a small lump under the covers closest to the wall. Short black hair was sticking out. "Sasuke?" Fugaku muttered in shock.

Sora let out a small giggle. Seeing that he was about to pick up his youngest son, Sora said, "It's okay, Uchiha-sama."

Fugaku turned to watch Sora in thought as she lowered Itachi onto his bed. Itachi's hold on Sora tightened as he muttered, "Don't leave, Sora-nee-chan."

Fugaku's eyes widened at his son's words. It has been a long time since he's heard his eldest son's voice sound so vulnerable. "Daimyo-sama, if you could stay here for the night instead of your own room-." Fugaku forced himself to stop, surprising himself at what he had just said. It was as if he couldn't stop his emotions from spilling out.

Sora beamed him a warm grin. "Of course, Uchiha-sama."

Fugaku blinked at the grin and watched as Sora tucked Itachi under the covers. He then remembered a nine year old girl with deep ruby hair tucking him and a four year old Itachi under the covers while the fire place kept them warm. When morning came, the nine year old child was gone and he was fully wrapped in bandages. "Have a good night, Daimyo-sama," he muttered, a bit dazed.

Sora's gaze softened at him. "Have a good night, Uchiha-sama."

When the doors closed behind him, Sora turned towards Hound. "Will you guys be okay handling the sleeping arrangements yourselves?"

Hound nodded as Sora saw Crow place her duffel bags onto the ground in a corner of the room. Taking a step away from the bed, she paused when small fingers tugged onto her kimono sleeves. She turned around to see a half asleep Itachi. "Stay," the nine year old pleaded.

Sora nodded and whispered, "Scooch over."

Itachi nodded as he went closer to his younger brother. Sora took off her slippers and laid next to them. Feeling his soul flicker in a frenzy, Sora curled herself around him. "Go to sleep Tachi-kun. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

Itachi took in a breath as he fell asleep instantly as something warm and comforting wrapped around him. Sora soon followed after.