Dear Tsunade-sama,

I bring you greetings from Hokukawa. Our group managed to make it here safely, though we've unfortunately lost a few along the way. All of them were elders, who were already injured and sick before.

Karin has been inconsolable since we left. I think the attack brought back memories of losing her family in some way, because she hasn't said a single word for the whole journey. I fear that she'll never recover.

What's worse, Sato is still in an unstable condition. It was challenging trying to keep him steady while we were traveling, but now that we've settled here I hope his condition will improve, like much of the other survivors have already.

Abe-san and Igurashi have been staying close together, possibly for comfort. I hope that their shared trauma will bring them closer as friends and bring this rift between them to a close.

While I'm still sorrowful that I can't be in Konoha with Hanabi, Neji, and his friends and wife, I'm very thankful for the chance to have a true found family that I can feel safe with


"Excuse me, um, Hyuuga-sama?" Aoi's voice startled her from her thoughts.

She turned to look up at them, and her face fell when she noticed the blood staining their forearms.

"I need your help with the kid," they explained, rubbing their tired eye.

"Whatever you need me to do," she responded, folding the letter and tucking it into her pants pocket.


Dear Tsunade,

Words can't express how lonely it is in the castle. While I'm glad you're safe, I wish to the heavens that I could see you again.

Security has been tighter than ever. Hardly anyone is allowed into the castle, and hardly anyone is allowed out. The Uchiha elders can come and go as they please, but none of the townspeople - let alone other clansmen - can come and go. The soldiers are heavily vetted too. Only senior officers are allowed, and any and all new recruits are posted elsewhere.

I've been seeing Kakashi around the palace still, so that's a small relief. I don't know whom else I'd trust these letters to. I haven't seen Captain Gai around - probably due to Ino and Shikamaru's defection. He was really close to Lee, as I recall.

I have to reiterate how much I long to see you again. If I could sneak out just for a night, I would - but something… no, someone is lurking in these halls. I can feel their presence, just for a brief moment, many times during the daylight. I've asked Naruto about it, but he only gave me a disturbing explanation: that Sasuke's ancestor, Uchiha Madara, is alive and roams these halls. Recently, I was able to meet with Deidara, who gave me an even more heartbreaking revelation.

There's supposedly a secret room somewhere in the bell tower, above the chapel. I don't know how to access it, but supposedly he lives up there. A man in a black cloak, with an orange, swirled mask with one eyehole. I know not what it means, but I do have a name. I've already shed many tears over it, and I'm certain what I'm about to tell you will break your heart.

The name Deidara gave me was


A knock at her door startled her badly enough that the pencil fell from her hand.

"Shien?" Naruto's bright voice came from behind the door. It did well to relax her tense shoulders a little. "Do you wanna come to Sasuke's room to play some games?"

She hesitated for a few seconds, staring back at the letter. "I really should finish this, but…"

"It'll take your mind off of things!" He coaxed. "Who knows, maybe you and I can kick his ass in Monopoly?"

"I shouldn't leave this out like this… someone… someone could…"

"I think having you there will ease the bastard out of his funk…" Naruto trailed off with a sigh. "He's been super snappy lately and I know he likes you, so…"

"Oh, what the hell." She sighed, folding the paper shut and putting it in her pocket.

"In a moment!" She called out. "Tell him to prepare to lose!"

A bark of laughter brought a smile to her face. "I'm sure he'll say he'll show no mercy!"