Harbinger

by tigerowl

Naruto's friendship with his teammates Gaara and Haku is put to the test as they prepare to deal with the threat of the Akatsuki. The secrets Jiraiya has kept come to a head, and Naruto must shoulder the responsibility of protecting much more than the Leaf Village. Continuation of Forlorn. AU NaruHina, GaaSaku, NejiTen, ObiRin, OCs *Taoism, Self-Indulgent World Building, longfic

5. One Step Forward

Chapter Soundtrack: "Hope Springs Eternal" by Witness

Chapter 5- One Step Forward

A day had dragged by after their struggle on the freighter, and it was not long before they packed up and crossed the bay to the largest island in the archipelago: the heart of the Land of Water.

"We're close to Hidden Mist, so we'll have to lay low." Zabuza warned as they passed through treacherously dense woodland, "The place we're staying at is in a town called Nanakusa. I used to live there a while ago."

It was not a name that Haku was familiar with. He had memorized a local map six times since he had left the Land of Fire, but he did not recollect any place like the one Zabuza had mentioned.

"Are there any shinobi that live there that we may have to deal with?" He asked, since it was his primary concern.

"I doubt it. It's a poor village and too small to attract attention." The nukenin answered, "When we get there we have to get more supplies. Looking anywhere else would be an invitation to the Black Ops."

It was then Haku understood. The village was yet unmarked on current maps, making it easy to overlook. 'That makes it a wise choice in terms of places to hide.' Since they were in no hurry they stayed out of the treetops, and picked their course through the uncharted paths of the forest. Haku stared out blankly into the endless foliage.

His positive outlook had taken a nose dive since their last mission. He had not been able to forgive himself for killing the two honorable ninja he had fought against. He began to doubt he ever would, and could only hope to find a way to repent. It helped that he no longer had to train as aggressively or hurl himself into impromptu battles. Zabuza said they would be lax for the next week. Times of rest were too few and far-between for Haku to not enjoy.

The trip was fairly short, and a comfortable warm breeze brushed the hastening winter chill away from the island. It would not be long before the next snowstorm, he felt. They stopped at an ivy-wrapped shrine to rest.

Zabuza seemed totally unfazed by the fact that a lone tiger was patrolling around the place, which was probably, Haku guessed, the only reason the memorial had been abandoned. Eventually the meandering woodland supplied a dirt road, which remained untraveled with the exception of themselves.

They entered the sleepy town by crossing over a splintered footbridge, built over a creek that encircled the village. It was overall a modest looking place with a little-known history. Nanakusa was named for the seven magic herbs said to have grown in the forest surrounding it. It was said that physicians who had lived in the small village long ago were rumored to have been able to create a medicine from the combined herbs that could cure any illness.

"Have you ever seen such a tonic during the time you lived here, Zabuza-san?" Haku asked curiously.

"It's a wives' tale if you ask me. Doctors around here can barely tell their heads from their asses. They haven't made a miracle cure at any point in time, last I checked." Zabuza killed the innocent myth with his rational explanation, "Thirty years ago, the ninja of this village packed up and left for the Fire Country, to what's known as Kusagakure, if you've heard. They and their medic-nin took their secrets with them."

Haku raised an eyebrow, "So there was a cure? It's strange that you'd dismiss it then."

"The way I see it, something that existed in the past isn't worth mentioning if it's not doing me any good today." Zabuza grunted, and then stopped outside of a thrift shop, "You stay out here and get our supplies. I'm going to check and see if the hideout's clear of squatters."

Haku nodded obediently and Zabuza made a leap for a nearby roof, disappearing beyond his sight. The dark haired boy sighed, quite relieved to have some time on his own. He could not help but be inquisitive of a medical breakthrough since his first intention had been to become a medic-nin himself. That had fallen through, unfortunately, so he would have to learn what little he could on his own.

With the free time he had been afforded Haku explored their new domain methodically. He started on the outskirts and navigated the fishery docks downtown. Up the hill and over another short bridge brought him back to where he had begun in the urbanized part of the village. All of the shops were small, privately owned businesses. A few houses had been crammed in-between stores on each side of the street, and Haku learned the layout of the town as he wandered, fascinated by the humble and austere municipality.

After a short investigation of the place, Haku found himself browsing around the market for their travel supplies. The bustling and bartering of the busy crowds reminded him of Konoha, yet with unfamiliar faces. He walked down the strip past a number of stands selling every type of household necessity imaginable, noticing that everything was hand-made. It was when he had settled near a vender who had offered him a discount on dumplings (since his smile had been so sweet) that Haku glimpsed another curio stand.

Across the street there was a young woman who had precious celadon figures for sale. What was most remarkable was that she was not only conducting business, but tending to three small children as well. The vender Haku was with took her time preparing food, and he watched with amusement as the children tossed a ball to each other. After it had knocked into one of the fine plates the mother snatched both the plate and the ball to prevent future mishap.

The two girls immediately listened as their mother spread out a blanket behind the stand so they could nap, but their brother refused to rest with them. His mother watched him with a steady, impatient gaze, "You too, mister. Settle down or I'll let you try my job for the rest of the afternoon."

"I could do it easy!" The small boy retorted.

He was promptly guided by his ear to the blanket with his sisters.

Haku muffled a chuckle, and was then served the dumplings that had been prepared for him. He ate nearby the stand, keeping watch over the market, trying to acquaint himself with the sights. 'If I can learn about these people, maybe there is a chance that I can gain some friends out here.' He thought to himself, since Zabuza had said they would be hiding out in the area for a while.

Some time passed and he finished his snack, deciding that it was time to accomplish what he had been sent to do and find supplies. Not a moment after he had turned to leave, he sensed trouble. Haku looked back as the crowd parted for two Mist ninja. They had both stopped at the young mother's stand, much to her misfortune, and the dark haired boy kept a wary eye on them.

"Hey sweetie, we haven't seen you since yesterday! We didn't get a chance to talk much then so we thought we'd stop by today." One of them greeted amicably.

"I didn't much like what you were talking about then," She reminded them sharply, "If you aren't here to shop then please leave. I need good customers, not people who waste my time."

"Oh! We'll be real good customers for you, babe!" The second Mist nin crowed, "Maybe you should worry about not wasting our time." He was smirking, and the sight of the yellowing, crooked teeth was more than enough to turn her stomach.

"Come on, we'll show you a great time!" The other persisted when his friend failed to capture her interest.

The mother scowled, offended, and then refused to say another word. Before they could edge in nearer, her neighbor, who had returned from a store room, stepped between her and the harassing shinobi. He was a short, fat, balding man, and hardly intimidating, but he spoke forcibly, "Now, now, chaps! Let's leave Tomo-san be. She has a lot of work to get done today."

In an aggressive move, one of the pair of Mist ninja elbowed him in the gut, forcing him to the side, "Shut it! You think you can tell us what to do, Gramps?"

By then Tomo had retreated to the back of the stand, guarding her cowering children. Her neighbor brushed his shirt off and straightened, trying to look formidable against the two ninja who had happened into their village. "Let's not cause any trouble, alright?" The fat man suggested, "Shinobi shouldn't be using their status to bully others."

One of the Mist nin drew out a kunai and raised it to the man's throat. His companion sniggered as all color drained from the fat man's face. "Maybe you're the one who's bullying, old man," He said tauntingly, "We just want to make nice with the young lady here, is all."

"Leave him alone!" Tomo barked warningly, but they paid her no mind.

Haku appeared behind the two unaware Mist ninja. The man threatening Tomo's neighbor immediately dropped his kunai after Haku had harmlessly tapped a pressure point on his hand. His entire arm went numb and responded sluggishly.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, punk?" The ninja snarled, and he and his friend rounded angrily on the dark haired boy.

Haku stood his ground, smiling comfortably, "Well I only wanted to buy one of those nice plates over there, but you and your friend here are holding up business. I just want to have a look around."

"You fucked up my hand, ass-wipe!" He answered furiously.

"It's temporary. You don't need to be waving knives around at these nice people anyway." Haku told him. He did not budge an inch as the two Mist shinobi moved to surround him. Tomo and her portly neighbor could only watch with wide eyes, unable to believe that a young man would stand up to the two ninja who had been terrorizing them.

They drew out fistfuls of shuriken, respectively, and the fangle-toothed nin cried out again, "I don't care what you're up to! We'll teach you why it's not smart to screw with Mist shinobi!"

Haku leapt breezily backwards, the projectiles sailing past his head futilely, and motioned for all the people in the street to scatter. They quickly did so, moving to the far edges of the road. A short estimate told him that the ninja confronting him were barely even Chunin, so there would be little reason to exert himself engaging them. Haku took a more relaxed, defensive stance, watching as they leapt together to attack. 'It's strange how easily I get into these fights.' Haku mused, 'I hardly even provoke them...'

Their form of taijutsu was sloppy and lacking discipline. If they had ever practiced as exhaustingly or as frequently as he did, Haku assumed, he may have just had a reason to fear them. He blocked them with one arm, kicks and punches alike, and after a short time decided to take the minimum of an offensive. He attacked nerves along their necks when they came too close, that reacted in misfired muscle commands and elimination of balance. The two fumbled around, utterly incapable of landing a hit on the agile boy.

Haku had them following him around in playful circles, wondering how they had ever become ninja in the first place. Onlookers soon relaxed and watched in amusement as the out-of-town stranger made a mockery of two ninja who came from a village they so deeply feared.

"You want to make fools out of us?" One of them howled, throwing a shuriken. His aim was off due to the lack of motor function in his arm, and the star stuck into a display sign just above the head of one of Tomo's children. The girl peeped in alarm, ducking down again immediately.

Haku's eyes narrowed at the carelessness that could have killed an innocent bystander.

A senbon plunged into the offender's eye a moment afterward, and his agonized screaming was silenced after two more throwing needles connected with an artery in his neck. He dropped to the ground, and his partner rushed blindly for Haku. Using the pent-up momentum against him, Haku avoided the thoughtless assault and slammed into his opponent's gut with a closed fist, stunning him. He rounded about with unnecessary speed, landing a ruthless kick to the side of his head, sending him crashing to the ground in a heap on top of his unconscious friend.

Observers scuttled away after the fight's conclusion and a short applause, not wanting to get near the angry ninja who had single-handedly defeated two Chunin from Hidden Mist.

Tomo came forward, smiling gratefully at Haku, "Serves them right! Thank you so much!"

Haku turned around to face her, looking contrite. It was then he felt he had used too much force, and that he should not have over-reacted and made a public demonstration of himself. Hopefully it would blow over in a few days.

"It was really nothing, Miss." He assured her, "Disreputable shinobi like them should be kept off the streets."

He blinked to see a man drag the two away into an unmarked alley, probably to rob them blind while they were still unconscious. Haku made no move to stop him, and looked at Tomo's neighbor as he approached. "That was quite exciting! I haven't seen a ninja in action for some time now and after that fight...what a scene! Wherever did you train?"

Haku watched the fat man, faintly recognizing him, "In the Hidden Leaf village, sir."

The fat man gawked at Haku's forehead protector, "Wow...isn't that something!"

With a jolt of realization, Haku finally recognized who he had been speaking to. For a long while he stood, grinning childishly at the fat man who had rescued him when he had been a child. "From what I can see," Haku spoke at length, "You are starting to lose your hair, Hiroshi-san."

He was confused, "How do you know my-?"

"You don't remember me?" Haku smiled, his eyes alight with memories, "It was not all that long ago that I left with Gama-sennin."

There was a very long silence. Tomo watched Hiroshi's face expectantly, curious to see if her friend really was acquainted with the good-hearted stranger.

Hiroshi had not looked as Haku remembered him. Instead of the plain yukata he had worn many years ago he was dressed in lavish western clothes. 'It seems he's come into a great deal of wealth...' Haku thought, bubbling over with joy at the sight of his friend doing well. He was visibly heavier as well, but his largeness added to his warm disposition.

Hiroshi stared, his eyes blinking once in disbelief, "...Haku. No...this can't be...little Haku-chan? A…Leaf ninja who..."

Haku grinned at Hiroshi's self-persuasive rambling. That was all the confirmation the fat man needed, for Haku's smile was all too easy to recollect. "It is you! You're back!"

Hiroshi scooped up the dark haired boy in his thick arms, squeezing him fiercely, "Oh, I never thought God could bless me anymore and yet here you are! A ninja after all!"

Haku laughed after Hiroshi had set him back down, "It is good to see you as well, Hiroshi-san! I did not expect to find you here of all places." He certainly didn't; this was an ideal hiding place for nukenin, although currently it seemed ninja were scarce enough.

"This is my home, Haku-kun! And you are most welcome in it!" He clapped his hand on the slender boy's shoulder, "Well, now, look at you. You've grown like a weed: already taller than me! And how fine-looking too...I always knew you'd be a handsome devil!"

Tomo blushed nearby in agreement.

Haku was modest about his appearance, "I wouldn't say that I'm-"

"Come on, now, meet everyone!" Hiroshi interrupted him, pushing him across the street to where Tomo and her children stood watching, completely bemused. "This young lad here is Haku-kun, from Hidden Leaf!" Hiroshi introduced him to the small family, "Long ago I discovered him in a snowy town, alone and orphaned. I loved him, though; he had a good heart and was smart as a whip!"

Tomo's children gazed up at him with sparkling, awe-struck eyes.

"The legendary Toad Sage brought him and a few other rascals to Leaf to train as shinobi," Hiroshi turned to Haku, grinning, "And now he's come back to tell us all about his adventures!"

Haku felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple, 'He certainly does play up the moment...I really didn't come here expecting to find Hiroshi or share my life up until this point. Well...I suppose there's no harm in it.'

"Hiroshi...you mean...this is the boy from the story?" Tomo asked, understanding, and she then looked at Haku, "Well, then it is a fairytale come to life! I never really believed that Hiroshi truly met Jiraiya-sama...but if you're here then it must be true..."

Hiroshi frowned slightly at her statement. It was true; his stories tended to be a bit radical, but he was still hurt that she had little faith in them. 'At least the children do...' He thought.

"It did happen." Haku admitted, "I trained under Jiraiya-sensei with my best friends: Uzumaki Naruto and Gaara."

Hiroshi beamed at the mentioning of the names, "Oh yes! Little Naru-chan and Gaara-chan...they became your teammates?"

It was strange to hear their names said with childish fondness. Then again, Hiroshi had not seen them since they had been small, and probably could not imagine them any other way. The dark haired boy nodded, "Yes, they did. But...it is a very long story."

"And I want to hear ALL of it!" Hiroshi declared, "Let's head back to my shop now, and there you can fill me in, eh?" He turned to Tomo, "Tomo-san, won't you and the kids join us for some lunch?"

She regarded Haku's face for a moment and could tell that he was hardly in the mood for story-telling anyway. It felt almost as if he was sulking, and Tomo believed it would be best to leave the Leaf ninja and her neighbor alone to catch up. "Maybe another time, Hiroshi. I still have a bit of work to do. We'll eat later, thanks."

"It was nice meeting you." Haku bowed respectfully to the young woman. He felt a small twinge of pride at the sight of her fawning children, circling around the stand and making exclamatory remarks about the fight that had long since ended. He would make a point to pay them a more peaceful visit later.

He followed the fat merchant a short distance up the street, and his thoughts were as far from Zabuza as possible.

They entered a teahouse that was currently closed. No customers were inside the warm bamboo interior, though Haku expected there eventually would be since it was such an attractive and soothing place. The atmosphere helped him relax a bit and Hiroshi asked him to sit down. Haku took a seat on one of the benches while Hiroshi paraded around the place, explaining what had happened to him since they had parted.

Apparently his merchant business had yielded him great success. He had invested all of his earnings in a tea shop and set it up in the center of the small town. His traveling days ended and he settled, leading a happy, comfortable life afterward. Haku was genuinely glad for his friend, and congratulated him, "It really is wonderful that you've done so well, Hiroshi-san. How long have you been here, did you say?"

Hiroshi walked over to the table, setting a steaming teapot down on it, "Well, I'll have lived here for over five years now, next month. It'll be the anniversary of when my wife died then."

The Leaf nin looked at him, startled, "Your wife? I'm...I'm sorry."

Hiroshi waved it off, "No worries, Haku-kun. She'd been sick for a long while, and it broke my heart to watch her suffer when there was nothing I could do about it. That's really why we ended up here, you see. I brought her here hoping to find a cure like the stories said...but we had no such luck."

"They're all in Hidden Grass now...if you had only..." Haku closed his eyes, upset at recalling what Zabuza had told him, "It isn't fair...if you had known then she might have had a chance."

"Now don't you go worrying yourself about something that's long done." His friend told him, "So we ended up in the wrong place at the worst time. That's life, and not you nor me nor anybody is able to be perfect all of the time. I'm only sorry that you didn't get the chance to meet her, Haku. Kinyo would have loved you."

Haku found that he had nothing to say. He had never thought that Hiroshi may have had a family. He had only ever seen him as the kindhearted man who had saved his life as a child. Now, after getting a glimpse of his true standing in life, Haku felt almost as if he knew nothing about Hiroshi at all. At the same time, he could say that Hiroshi hardly knew him either. Could there really be friendship between people who scarcely knew each other?

Hiroshi left again, sliding a door open near the back of the shop to get to the store room. Haku considered staying there just long enough to tell Hiroshi his story before going to leave. He was certain Zabuza would be put into another one of his bad moods if he failed to return soon anyway. 'That's a problem too.' He thought to himself, 'I shouldn't impose upon Hiroshi like this. Zabuza and I won't be conducive to the welfare of this village at all.'

When the shop owner returned he had a plate of sweet buns with him and he set them out on the table as well. Haku drank his tea and thanked him, though he already knew he was not going to be eating anything. He could not find the heart to excuse himself and go do what Zabuza had requested of him. Some things needed to be said first.

"So? Tell me what your life is like in Leaf." Hiroshi prompted amiably, pouring himself some tea.

"Where to begin? Well, I may have to condense it into a more succinct version, if you'll forgive me." Haku told him, then added, "After Naruto, Gaara, and I reached Konoha we were interviewed by the Hokage before we became citizens. Jiraiya-sensei left shortly after that, so we lived together and got by as best we could."

"The transition couldn't have been easy, though..." Hiroshi said quietly.

"It wasn't. It took us some time to adapt, but once we were settled and acquainted with the village, Hokage-sama enrolled us in the Ninja Academy." Haku recalled fondly, "We made excellent friends there."

"Marvelous!" Hiroshi had heard exactly what he had wanted to hear, "And I'm sure you three trained very hard!"

"It was quite a struggle. Being a shinobi is not easy by any means..." Haku agreed, "After several years of learning we graduated as genin. It was then Jiraiya-sensei returned to give us more intensive training."

Hiroshi nodded, listening intently while he sipped his tea.

"We worked hard and took many missions. Our friends and our village had become the focal point of all our efforts," His voice then lowered, "But we also endured...many difficult times...there is no set path to power. We had to watch many of our allies get hurt and there were times we were unsure of our survival. In the end, I think, we're all moving towards the future together; that's what makes a ninja truly strong."

A pressing silence followed Haku's summation, and he glanced across the table to see Hiroshi rubbing at his eyes with the back of his hand. He was astonished by how deeply touched the man had been, since he had given him a very skeletal description of what it was like in Konoha. 'And I also omitted several obstacles and perilous situations.' His mind added as an afterthought.

"That is...truly amazing, Haku-kun, and I'm..." He cleared his throat, trying to get a hold of himself, "I'm very proud of you and glad that you've come back to share this with me."

Haku lowered his eyes, deciding to be truthful, "In all honesty, Hiroshi, I am probably not the person who you think I am. I will apologize now before I say anymore, because you may not be as proud about how I lead my life currently."

"What on earth are you talking about?" Hiroshi chuckled, helping himself to a bun, "You're out here on a mission, aren't you? I really don't think there's a need for you to be apologizing!"

"Yes...a mission of sorts, but not one that was assigned to me. I made this choice on my own." The dark haired boy said. The confused look on Hiroshi's face indicated a lack of understanding, so he added, "There are two very important things that you need to understand about why I am here, Hiroshi-san."

"What's that?"

"The first is that I am descended of a ninja clan of the Water Country." Haku announced, "This means a number of things. All you have to understand is that anyone with the same ability as me could potentially be a relative or family member in some way." He chuckled to himself, "Of course that would be the direst concern of an orphan, wouldn't it?"

Hiroshi smiled gently, "That makes two of us."

Haku briefly recalled how Hiroshi was also an orphan, but he continued, "The second factor is circumstantial. My teammates and I have disbanded for two years for training purposes. I came back here to search for my clan, although, I have received no approval for this and am potentially risking becoming a criminal against my village..." He sighed, "But then I suppose...I've already done enough to be punished for."

Hiroshi stood up from the table, aghast, "Punished? Haku what are you rambling about? Have you...have you done something?" His eyes narrowed a bit, "Are you...really with Leaf?"

"My heart is forever tied to it." Haku promised, "Yet in order to search for my clan I've enlisted the help of a nukenin."

"You what?" Hiroshi howled, "How is a character like that supposed to help you search for people like you?"

"He knows of them quite thoroughly, much to my shock." The Leaf nin answered, "His name is Momochi Zabuza, and there's no doubt in my mind that you've heard of him."

"Oh I've heard of him, alright," Hiroshi sighed heavily, "Stars...you've gone a bit off the deep end, Haku-kun. What kind of arrangement could you have made with a demon like him? He's no good, and you'll end up in trouble in no time!"

"Hear me out." Haku asked softly, "I'm being trained and challenged more than I've ever been in my life. I'm stronger now, I can defend myself, and I know that if the deal goes sour I have some assets of my own that he'd be loath to give up." His eyes trained themselves distantly on the far wall of the shop, "It's just that...I have a feeling that I will find something. It may not be particularly what I'm looking for, but I'm here, am I not? Not acting on this opportunity could be a mistake."

Hiroshi stared at him for several moments before turning back to look at him, "Well...I hope you're right, Haku-kun..." He took a deep breath, "Is...he here with you?"

"Yes, we'll be living here for a while until further notice." Haku announced.

The look of concern on Hiroshi's face made him smile, "The darker half of my life isn't what you were expecting was it?" Hiroshi shook his head and Haku laughed, "Don't worry so much. It's been about two months and things are going well. He's not as unbearable as you might think."

"Fwo! There's no way you can convince me of that!" Hiroshi assured him.

"No really...his brutal honesty can be quite comical. His foul language is easy to ignore and the lack of integrity is not completely his fault..." Haku explained, his voice lowering, "I think that it's likely his past was much worse than mine..."

"Even so, don't get too sympathetic for a person who is accustomed to leaving others high and dry." Hiroshi warned him, taking a seat again and pouring more tea, "Anyhow...it will be good to have you here again, Haku-kun. Perhaps later you can meet Tomo-san's children? I'm sure they'll like that."

"I'd like that too." Haku agreed, standing, "But for now I must depart. Introductions can wait 'til tomorrow, but Zabuza cannot." He bowed to Hiroshi gratefully, "I'll see you on the morrow, Hiroshi-san."

The fat man smiled, "See you in the morning then, Haku-kun, and don't let that brute order you around!"

Haku exited the teahouse, feeling strangely unburdened. The sun was beginning to creep nearer to the horizon, and he realized it would be a bit more challenging to collect their supplies so late in the afternoon. He followed the street back towards the shops, wondering how he would balance the accompaniment of a nukenin and a tea maker.

---

Neji was not pleased to be pried away from training with his team. He gave a very cold look to the new genin who had been sent to inform him that sent the poor boy away at a brisk walk. Once the message had been delivered he had no choice but to report to the Hokage's tower. He left Lee and Tenten at the Hyuga compound with a short word before setting out.

He knocked once before entering the office. His eyes quickly focused on the Hokage who sat with her elbows on her desk, hands laced patiently beneath her chin. Neji then looked to the two other occupants in the room and immediately assumed there had been a mistake.

"Ah, Neji." Tsunade forced a smile, "Good of you to make it. I have a mission here and I would like you to be the leader of the team I've assembled."

He was not so quick to accept. Ino and Chouji gave him uncertain looks from where they stood near the Hokage's desk. He made a small noise in his throat, not wanting to say anything that would instantly offend the other two Leaf genin in the room. Tsunade could tell he was debating the matter in his head so she added, "Er...you see, Nara Shikamaru is absent at the moment. That is why I chose you."

"Why would I be the one to replace Shikamaru, Hokage-sama?" He asked, though he already had a fair idea of why. He didn't like it, though. Ino caught the sting in his tone of voice and immediately folded her arms, having guessed earlier this would be a difficult match-up.

"You are the only available ninja with the leadership skills required for this mission." Tsunade admitted and then asked, "So I assume that's a yes?"

He nodded, quite annoyed, but knew he could not refuse when he had no dire previous engagement. Neji figured that because Shikamaru was a chunin he had plenty of new tasks that would tear him away from his otherwise lazy lifestyle. This left his teammates one-short, and he could count on Tsunade to pity their circumstances and offer them missions with substitutes. He only wished she had left him out of her sympathy plan.

"What are the details of this mission, Hokage-sama?" Neji asked at length, resigning himself to participating.

"This is a simple retrieval mission." Tsunade informed him what she had already told Ino and Chouji, "You will go meet with an agent from Leaf who is now stationed in Tanzaku Quarter and bring his report home. Genzo Takeshi has been observing a curious faction that has taken root there, and this information is valuable, so you must bring the report back quickly."

Neji bowed formally, his voice low, "I will see it done."

Chouji and Ino, who had been silent the entire time, animatedly assured Tsunade that they would succeed after Neji had turned his back. They had mainly been wondering how things would work out with the Hyuga as the third member of their team, and were surprised that he had accepted. They also bowed to the Hokage before leaving and followed after Neji.

The mission was intended to be brief, a few hours at the most, but when they had left the village and set out on the path to Tanzaku Quarter the silence was unbearable. To dispel the awkwardness Ino chattered about numerous subjects, careful to be friendly rather than annoying. She had a new keenness to how others perceived her, and knew that the Hyuga was stiff and not talkative by nature. At the least Chouji's responses helped create a conversation. Neji, all the while, had a hard time relating to anything Ino brought up.

At last Neji found something to say, "What detained Shikamaru?"

Ino looked perturbed by the question. Instead of ignoring the inquiry she answered Neji understandingly, "I'd figured you were going to ask that. He didn't tell us where he was going or what he was up to yesterday before he left...but Chouji and I still know what's going on."

Chouji took over for her, "Now that Shikamaru's a chunin his family wants him to get serious about being a shinobi. He and a few of his relatives went to the Nara Research Center where he can observe their secret medical technologies and jutsu of his clan."

Ino explained that they were more troubled that Shikamaru failed to say anything to them about it, even though they eventually uncovered the truth, "It just makes Chouji and I feel like he doesn't trust us, you know? It's outside the parameters of laziness and just plain insulting."

Neji did understand, much to his wonderment.

"You know what Neji? I think you're lucky." Ino decided with a smile, "You weren't promoted to Chunin rank like Shikamaru was, but that's kind of a gift. You can still be open with your teammates and hang around with them, but Shikamaru can only see us sparingly. Maybe somehow Hokage-sama knew that it would be better for you to stay with your team, but took Shikamaru away from us out of necessity of the time."

Chouji gave her a questioning look, "Wow, Ino. That sounded almost rehearsed."

"For once it wasn't." She marveled at her own insight, "Whoa! That was all made up on the spot...I ought to write it down."

She and Chouji shared a laugh together, and Neji was distantly reminded of Lee and Tenten. They had a similar dynamic of friendship, and Neji, though it was difficult for him to participate, could still acknowledge such a covetous relationship. His mood soured even more at the notion of how he was indeed not of equal rank to Shikamaru. His blood boiled. If anything, he figured, he was above Shikamaru in skill and strategy, so why was he still a genin?

His silence endured for the remainder of their journey, although Chouji and Ino were perfectly comfortable with a conversation between themselves. They had made good time and reached Tanzaku Quarter by late morning.

Ino and Chouji awkwardly followed Neji's lead, sensing what Ino had brought up earlier had peeved him. At the least he was kind enough to keep his frustrations inward. Still, they were unsure of how to approach him. 'With Shikamaru you can say anything and get the same response: tiresome. Neji, though...he's not as predictable.' Chouji thought to himself, 'I really thought he'd be less uptight by now after all this time.'

"That's the rendezvous point there." Ino and Chouji jumped in surprise when Neji spoke up. They looked across town to where a water tower was situated in the distance. To avoid the crowded streets they took to the rooftops, bounding from ledges and fire escapes, and vectored off of a telephone wire to get to the top of the water tower.

"Takeshi?" Ino called, glancing around, "Hm. Where is that guy?"

He was nowhere in sight and she and her teammate halted when Neji held out his arm, gesturing for them to stop.

They looked to the far edge of the containment unit, and there, laid crumpled on the platform, was their informant. The genin rushed to him and Neji was the first to kneel down and examine the man. Ino watched the Hyuga's expression soften after he had checked for a pulse.

"He's dead." Neji said quietly.

Ino had not expected such clear remorse. Perhaps he had changed?

"What happens now?" Chouji asked lowly, "This was definitely not supposed to happen..."

"The situation has complicated itself." Neji announced, standing up again, "There is no report here with him. If we intend to retrieve it, we must first find this man's murderer."

---

One of Gaara's shadow clones plowed into the Oto nin holding Matsuri from behind. The ambush knocked him off balance and Matsuri snapped her head back, catching the Sound ninja in the face. Stunned, he dropped her, and she rolled aside recklessly on the building's ledge. The clone was promptly destroyed by a hail of shuriken, unfortunately, and by the time the kunoichi was on her feet again she was surrounded by the rest of the enemy ninja.

Gaara had already entered the fray by then.

Sand swarmed on the rooftop, dragging Sound ninja away from Matsuri. Miosuke retreated back to avoid the red haired nin, and Kankuro cut him off before he could reach the top of the next building. His face paint accentuated his furious expression, "Figures you'd go straight to Sound! It's disgusting that I once considered a traitor like you my teammate!"

Miosuke stood very still, watching the jounin with fearful eyes, "Do you...want to kill me, Kankuro?"

Karasu was already looming a short distance away, and the faintest pluck of a chakra string would allow the puppet to shred the coward to pieces.

Kankuro's voice held no sympathy, "Kill you? Feh! I'll do worse than that!"

Miosuke drew out a tuning fork from his jacket pocket, looking calm, "Do worse…if you can, that is."

A small tap to the instrument sent a chilling hum through the air. Upon hearing the noise Kankuro felt his muscles stiffen and he became utterly incapable of moving. His eyes narrowed a margin, 'Great. So he's got some new tricks.'

"I can still fight, you know." Miosuke reminded him, "Funny how you've advanced so quickly, eh old friend? Look at me. I need to take it easy when it comes to battles...but I think I prefer it this way."

He drew out a short sword that was kept at his side, beginning his approach, and Kankuro began to struggle at the sight of it. His limbs were screaming in protest, chakra forced to every corner of his body, but there was no telling how long the paralysis was due to last. 'And this is completely stupid! I just made jounin and I'm going to let this guy kill me that easy?' A bead of sweat trailed down his temple, 'Looks like Gaara's still tangled with the rest of the party on the next roof over. Wonder how I'll get out of this one?'

A thin cord sang past Miosuke's cheek and whipped suddenly; the weapon's tooth left a trail of blood on his face. He rounded about, observing how Matsuri had drawn out her jouhyou and was wielding it with a defiant look, "I won't let you hurt Kankuro-sama!"

Kankuro felt a smile tug at his unmoving lips, 'Aw...what a sweet kid.'

Miosuke regarded her, highly amused, "So this is Gaara's apprentice? The only person brave enough to learn from the fearsome Ichibi no Shukaku?"

Comprehension did not cross her face at all, though perhaps it was for the better. Unaffected by the traitor's words Matsuri lashed out with her weapon again, snapping the tooth of the jouhyou violently. It skimmed his shoulder harmlessly as he stepped to the side, and rapped his knuckle against the tuning fork again. The sound waves carried inexorably to the kunoichi's ears, and she immediately froze in place. He clucked his tongue in disapproval as he walked towards her.

Kankuro felt his stomach drop. The situation was now doubly perilous. From the look of it he could just barely see his younger brother thrashing around with fierce shots of sand in the midst of charging Sound ninja, 'Is he stuck in a genjutsu? Well this certainly is an off day. We all need help...'

Gaara retreated behind his sand shield to get his bearings, and after dispelling the genjutsu, hammer-fisted an Oto nin in the back who had gotten too close.

'Now that's more like it!' Kankuro thought sunnily, still trying to get in contact with his unresponsive muscles.

"Do you call him Gaara-sensei, hm?" Miosuke purred questioningly, "How funny...you just don't understand. Your sensei is a monster that has terrorized this village for countless years; crushing homes and devouring souls...but not to worry," He grinned, "I will tear you up before he can!"

Matsuri's eyes fluttered shut in fear as the short sword came arcing forward, but a powerful gust erupted from behind her, sending both her and the attacking traitor flying. The wind subsided, and Temari ran past her, calling over her shoulder, "Sorry, Matsuri! I'll get him this time!"

Another whirlwind followed and Miosuke was sent hurtling off the side of the building. Temari charged fearlessly after him with a bloodthirsty cry. She, much like Kankuro, had a score to settle.

Matsuri felt the rigor of her body fade a bit after Miosuke had been swept away. Her eyes raised up, where she was glad to see Kankuro already on his feet. He bent down next to her, trying to help her up, "Try moving your feet; that worked for me. It'll get your blood going again." She did as instructed and winced at the pins-and-needles that followed. Thankfully, her mobility returned. Matsuri stood, collecting her discarded jouhyou.

She followed the jounin as he tailed back to Gaara, where about a dozen enemy ninja were still overwhelming her teacher. Kankuro corralled four of the Oto nin off with a blow from Karasu, and Matsuri joined in, courageously attacking two other Sound ninja. They were quick to react to her, countering with a storm of kunai and shuriken, but her jouhyou's defense was too swift for the projectiles to come near.

Gaara's eyes locked onto her, knowing that she was not yet a match for the enemies they were facing. He wheeled about, redirecting his sand, and crushed three opponents he had previously ensnared. Three more followed after that, sending a drizzle of blood out over the roof tiles before he caught up to his student. He made hand seals and used a savage fire jutsu to eliminate the two ninja who had cornered Matsuri.

They stumbled pathetically, trying to pat out the flames, and the kunoichi smiled at him appreciatively, "Thank you, sensei!"

Both pupil and teacher moved ahead to rejoin Kankuro.

Below on the ground, Temari was assailing Miosuke with vicious gales generated by her fan. After backing him against a wall, she took a moment to consider the best way to finish him, 'Will Gaara want his head severed from the neck up or just above the chin? Tough choice.'

She leapt back startled when the traitor had summoned his giant boomerang and cast it at her without warning, 'He can still use Tsubakura? I thought his arms were done!'

Temari regained her wits, attacking again, "Daikamaitachi no jutsu!"

Miosuke quickly countered with one of his own wind jutsu, and the resulting blast whipped up a large dust cloud. By the time it had settled the traitor was nowhere in sight. Both of her brothers along with Matsuri descended from the roof to regroup with her.

Gaara looked to his student worriedly, "Did they hurt you at all, Mouse?"

Presently she was too shaken up to speak, so Matsuri answered him with a feeble nod. Kankuro placed his hand on the girl's shoulder, glancing over to his brother, "I'll look after her, Gaara. You and Temari go find that son of a bitch!"

Gaara gave a lingering glance to his student before nodding in agreement. He and his sister left promptly, following Miosuke's trail. Temari took off on her fan, scanning the area from a higher perspective, and after catching sight of the traitor, she directed Gaara to him. They cut Miosuke off at an intersection, but he was not alone. Two straggling Sound ninja had caught up to him, awaiting orders. The people on the street casually went indoors, not caught off guard by the impromptu battle.

The odds had shifted again once Baki descended onto the scene with three young chunin close behind him. They were quick to respond to the sounds of a nearby fight.

Baki stared at Miosuke for a long moment, furious, "You...so it's true then." He could no longer consider the boy his student if he proudly sold his allegiance to Orochimaru.

The pair of Oto ninja were already injured and were not keen on fighting any longer. One of them openly berated Miosuke, "I can't believe you blew our cover so soon! You just had to insist, didn't you? I knew Sasuke-sama should have come with us. He would've finished this properly."

"If you value your lives you will tell me where Uchiha Sasuke is." Gaara warned darkly.

The mere thought of finding the Uchiha was tantalizing, and with an opportunity as fortuitous as this Gaara could not pass it up. The Sound ninja were happy to surrender, being that they were already beaten bloody. They kneeled down submissively to the Sand ninja closing in.

Miosuke was averse to their display. He immediately drew his short sword and without a moment's hesitation he struck both of his henchman at the napes of their necks, killing them. The move stunned all watching, and Gaara wondered if Miosuke had done it simply to deny him the information.

The traitor did not seem afraid at all. He grinned at them, "Yes, yes...you've all won the day, haven't you, noble ninja of the Sand! But even with this victory, what do you plan to do about all of those explosive notes covering the gate of this village?"

Temari's breath hitched. There was a possibility he was lying, but knowing Miosuke, it was likely he had taken precautions beforehand. "You couldn't possibly be evil enough to betray your birth village that way..." She told him, her eyes steady, "What would make you do this?"

"Everything." He smiled. A hand sign followed and the detonation of the tags was audible from the far side of the village.

A shock rippled through the ground and Gaara estimated that there would only be a few seconds before the wall caved in on itself. The damage would be unimaginable. It would take weeks to clear a new gateway, and by then, the entire city will have starved. He had disappeared with immense speed. After his reckless stunt, Baki and Kankuro were quick to wrestle Miosuke to the ground and subdue him, counting on Gaara to take up the slack.

The young jounin arrived at the gate swiftly, just in time to have debris topple down on top of him. Gaara's sand slammed upward with equal force, slowing its descent. More sand glided in, creeping up the two massive rock walls that were defaced and crumbling. It was an exertion of chakra similar to how he had freed Dosojin, and Gaara briefly wondered if calling his scorpion allies would do him any good. 'Not at all. They'd be crushed instantly and I am sure they would not appreciate that...'

He could hear the cruel muttering of Shukaku in his head as he drew on its chakra. Gaara had gained leverage, controlling the falling slabs of rock, up until the beast gave a guttural roar that drove him to complete distraction. In his panic, he flailed. Sand pitched the broken pieces of the gate in several directions and the demon laughed heartily at his distress.

Gaara got a grip on himself, even if it was only for a moment, and used the last of his strength to hurl the debris forward and away from the gate and out onto the dunes. The last of his sand snaked up the walls, stabilizing the tottering barrier. When he felt sure enough that it would not collapse in again, he sighed deeply, glad to no longer be in need of Shukaku's power. He dusted his hands off on his pants and turned around, scowling at the four Sound ninja waiting for him at the mouth of the village.

They rushed for him all at once and he let his sand shield deflect the incoming attacks. Gaara folded his arms, thoroughly exhausted, 'I have had it. They could not pay me enough to do this on a regular basis.'

Sand from beneath the Oto nin's feet pulsed upward, swarming around them. One was quick enough to leap away, but the rest of his team was immediately swallowed by the dust cloud and quickly torn apart. He stumbled backwards, horrified, and froze in place after Temari had appeared behind him.

"I'm just going to automatically assume you give up?" She asked him, visibly bored, and the Sound ninja nodded in defeat. She strolled past him, walking up to her brother to make sure he was unharmed.

The rest of the Sand faction arrived shortly after and Baki was thoroughly impressed by how, essentially, Gaara had neutralized Sound's ambush all on his own, 'He's unlike any other shinobi in this village...no one can compare.'

Gaara waved off his sister's concerns and followed her back to where Kankuro was waiting with Matsuri. He inspected his student clinically, observing a few cuts and scrapes, but she was otherwise uninjured.

"Those Sound ninja..." Matsuri whispered, barely within Gaara's earshot, "I hate them. The things they were saying about you...Gaara-sensei...they were horrible. You aren't a monster."

Gaara watched her sadly, having hoped that he would never have to explain it to her. "Matsuri, some of those things you were told were very true." He told her quietly. "We will talk." He walked ahead and his pupil followed silently.

Temari looked to Kankuro expectantly after Gaara had left, "So? Did you kill him?"

"Not yet." Kankuro answered, smirking, "Miosuke's interrogation is first, and then we can give him an extremely unfair trial."

---

Naruto's journey with the Toad Sage was becoming increasingly strained. The blonde boy was quieter in the days that followed his troubling dreams. He over-worked himself constantly when it came to mastering the Body Flicker, and Jiraiya often had to step in to halt his self-destructive behavior. When asked what was wrong Naruto assured his mentor that he was perfectly fine. Jiraiya could only assume it was the truth, because his knowledge of seals was also advancing rapidly. Naruto's learning had not much been affected by stress.

Still, the boy's attitude change was bothering him. They had doubled back towards the shinobi countries again, this time taking a northward approach. There were few towns along the mountain pass they were following, and Jiraiya was unsure of how long Naruto would last without eating ramen. The nearest village could not come soon enough.

Light snowfall had coated the trail from the night before, and the Sage made awkward small talk after Naruto had been silent for over twenty minutes straight. "So how about this snow, eh kid? Isn't it just heinous?"

"It reminds me of Haku-kun..."

"Er, I take that back. It's really nice!" Jiraiya amended, panicked.

"It's alright, Ero-sensei. It stinks that it's slippery and cold, but..." Naruto sighed deeply, "I haven't heard a word from him or Gaara-kun in so long..."

"Aw, Naruto, come on! They're hundreds upon hundreds of miles away and you expect adequate communications?" Jiraiya laughed lightly, "You'll hear from them, you'll see. And I bet you they're doing great!"

A small smile appeared on the boy's face. The Sage grinned to himself, 'A tiny victory in the scheme of things, but a victory nonetheless!'

After the opening conversation had ended successfully, Jiraiya continued on to more important matters. "Naruto, I've noticed that you've been avoiding your use of the Kyuubi's chakra lately. I hope you realize that you simply can't afford to do that." He informed him gently, "Your training depends on it. We only have a limited amount of time for you to get these techniques down."

"I know." The jinchuriki's eyes were dim.

"Is there something you want to talk about?"

"It's that fucking Fox!" Naruto bellowed, stopping in his tracks, "Get it? It's him! It's driving me to the edge, Ero-sensei, and I just can't deal with it! I can't and I tried!"

Jiraiya's eyebrows had taken off to his hairline. He stared at the boy, thinking, and then answered after a moment. "Okay...can you describe the, er, symptoms?"

"He talks to me all the time just because he knows I hate it. He makes me...see things." Naruto felt his face heat up in humiliation, "Ero-sensei...it's like...the Fox is becoming me. I just can't stop it and I definitely can't relax about it..."

"I figured as much, and I promise you this: I'm working on it." The Sage smiled understandingly, "Don't be afraid, you hear me? There's nothing wrong with you and this will pass. We're actually on our way to a place where we can address this problem."

Naruto kept walking, sighing to himself, "Well...I appreciate that, Ero-sensei. I won't hold my breath, though."

Jiraiya patted the boy on the shoulder, "Neither would I, kid. Still, I have a feeling this is really going to help you. Just hang in there, alright?"

"...alright."

---

Sato was the only spectator when Tama met Iruka at the Academy for her evaluation. He had been sulking only a little, trying to hide from her how disturbed he was by Kiba's infatuation with her. He truly did not know how to cope with such distress, and Sato would sooner summon Kutaishi again than tell Tama how troubled he was. She did not need extra concerns at a time that could determine her status as a shinobi.

He watched the first parts of the exam as if he were looking in a mirror. It was essentially the same graduation test that had been administered to his class. Her supplementary jutsu were all spot on, and her accuracy with weaponry was fair enough, but what really shone was her taijutsu performance. Not only had she exceeded expectations, but she had knocked Iruka clean across the schoolyard with just one kick. He stood up, brushing himself off while he laughed uncontrollably.

Iruka retrieved a clipboard from a nearby bench, glancing over her scoring chart, "Well...it goes without saying that you're more fit to pass than a number of other students I've tested in the past...the only question now is..." He held up two forehead protectors, one with red fabric and one with black, "Which color do you prefer?"

Tama shrieked in surprise and hugged the chunin gratefully about the shoulders. A moment later she reasoned that red was the best choice, "Lee-kun has a red one as well, doesn't he? I think I'll go with that!" She accepted the hitai-ate with a wide smile and then turned to face Sato.

The Hatake looked at her beaming, glorious face, and for a moment was insatiably compelled to hug her and congratulate her with wild screams of joy. For reasons he could not fathom, he merely stood there, staring at her thoughtlessly while she thanked Iruka over and over for the positive result. He assured her it was all her doing.

The chunin looked to Sato briefly, giving a disapproving head motion that read: Say something! and the silver haired boy finally snapped out of his catatonic state. He gave the girl a dashing smile, hoping it was inspiring enough for the new genin, "Congrats, Tama! I knew you'd make it. So tell me, what does a bright, fresh-off-the-roster kunoichi like yourself plan to do now?"

"Well," She tapped her chin thoughtfully, "I ought to go home and make dinner..."

"Brilliant!"

She giggled. Iruka interrupted the mindless banter by clearing his throat and then addressed Tama, "Listen, Tama-chan, I was informed that if you passed, as you handily have, that Tsunade wants you to report to her office immediately."

Tama wore an uncertain expression, "Am I in trouble?"

"Hm? No! Of course not!" Iruka laughed at the thought, "She just wants to get to know you and fill out your registration. She'll also select a team for you since there are plenty of open positions. I hear Nitobe Sawako is still waiting for two students."

She smiled, bowing professionally, "Thank you, then. I'll take my leave now." Tama gave one last lingering look to her fiancé before setting out for the Hokage's tower.

Sato watched Iruka in his peripheral vision, grinning coyly, "So, Iruka-sensei...was I right or was I right?"

The chunin sighed, glancing back to him, "Alright...I admit, you were the first to see potential in her and that really is a blessing," He paused thoughtfully, "Though now I suggest you focus on your own training again. You wouldn't want to fall behind, would you?"

"I hear you on that one..." Sato agreed, placing his hands in his jacket pockets. He walked away, but then called back, "Thanks for helping us out, sensei!"

---

Neji and his team had scoured the town for any leads on Takeshi's murder. Few people had even known a Leaf shinobi had been in the area, let alone killed. Two informants, however, had confirmed that a group of foreign ninja had settled in the area a few weeks earlier.

"You see them a lot in the gambling houses." A young man had told them, "They're creeps. They think they're big-shots because they have a lot of money, but they can only accomplish things by intimidation if you ask me."

Chouji asked him what symbol the shinobi bore and the man was unsure, "It looked like a moon, to me. Don't quote me on that, though."

After thanking the man for his help they moved on. Ino had already suspected what was supported by fact, "I bet those nukenin are the ones that the report was detailing. It would make sense that they'd kill the guy who's been spying on them."

"Those Moon ninja left his body behind." Neji pointed out.

Chouji frowned, "What does that mean?"

"It means they left him to make a purposeful statement to other ninja who would be looking for him...to not interfere." Neji explained, "It was a foolish tactic. They don't expect Leaf to retaliate with seriousness."

"Yeah! How could they think we'd back off anyway?" Ino agreed, "We won't let them get away with this, will we Neji?"

The Hyuga thought for a moment and then suggested, "We should find the rogues' hideout. That way we can retrieve evidence that may be brought before the Hokage."

Chouji was a bit taken aback. It was unusual to hang back and wait for further orders from Tsunade, when they usually just grabbed the bull by the horns anyway. "Er...Neji? Why don't we go with the regular strategy and just kick their butts? Nine times out of ten that solves the problem."

"We still don't know what we're up against." Neji replied shortly, "We were not sent here with approval for entering combat."

"There's no need to be so by-the-book. Ninja are supposed to improvise." Ino observed thoughtfully, "We really should counter, if you ask me. I mean, we have the element of surprise, and, like, we have you!" Neji gave her a sour look, so she added, "You're a combat specialist. The circumstances couldn't be better."

"I disagree."

His bluntness stung. Ino fell quiet, very frustrated, but understood that his stubbornness was not because he did not believe the conditions were ideal for an ambush, but that he lacked faith.

"Oh come on! You think I don't get it?" The blonde girl snapped, "You're only hesitating because we're not your usual team! You don't trust that Chouji and I can be as strong as your other teammates, do you?"

Neji said nothing. He was extremely annoyed because Ino, had in fact, been totally correct in her reasoning.

He did not believe anyone could ever compare to Lee or Tenten, as far as teammates went. He certainly had his doubts that the two people he was with now would meet his expectations. As team leader, Neji felt that he could not be rude to the loudmouth.

"We will engage," Neji relented, "Only once we have a strategy."

"Sounds good." Chouji said, glad that the Hyuga had changed his mind. Ino raised her chin a bit higher, also pleased that he was willing to do things their way.

It was decided that they would make plans over lunch, and Chouji selected a restaurant that served Korean barbeque that happened to be on their way. Neji was no fan of the stuff, and ate reluctantly while silently listening to his teammates devise a way to get the better of the Moon ninja.

"Here's one for you." Ino announced, pointing her chopsticks at Chouji, "We can wait outside one of those gambling houses, right? When one of them isn't paying attention I'll just steal his body and sneak into their hideout unnoticed. Once I take out the other guards, you two can burst in and help me shut the place down!"

Chouji nodded, seeing the goal, but asked, "What if one of the guards holds you off?"

Ino made a face, "Well...I guess Captain-X-ray-Vision here can keep watch before things get out of hand."

Neji looked at her briefly, trying to make his glower less threatening. It worked to a degree. Ino wasn't nearly as unnerved by his bad mood as she ought to have been.

Chouji spoke up again, "I suggest we don't put you through so much risk, Ino. I could lure some of them away and bust them up. You two could sneak in during the diversion."

"What about you, Chouji?" Ino asked worriedly.

He shrugged, picking the last morsels from a skewer of chicken, "I dunno. I'll wing it."

"You won't be winging it." Neji said lowly, disagreeing with the reckless idea.

Ino rounded on Neji, her expression cross, "Right. Sure you'll interject when you have to tell us what we can and can't do, but when are you going to come up with something, huh? You're the team leader, you know, so if anyone should be helping it's you!"

"Very well then." Neji replied, delving into a strategy, "Risking one person in direct confrontation is foolish. Any sort of fighting should be done with at least two people at any given time, and that requires that we stay together. Rather than bursting in without any expectations, we will keep watch over the areas they operate in, seeing where it is they gather. If we intend to ambush them at all, it will only be when their leader is present."

It was thought out logically and the plan sounded the most likely to work.

"It's good." Ino said shortly and Chouji also agreed with it.

A short while later they finished lunch and set out. They had staked out a rooftop nearby a casino that would be advantageous to their spying. Not much had happened. People entered with some money and often left with nothing. It only looked to be regular dealings of high-risk games, but when they spotted two Moon nukenin approaching the place an anxious hush fell upon the Leaf ninja.

After the pair of rogues entered the building, Neji followed their movements with his Byakugan. The Moon ninja went to the back of the building, meeting with a third member. The rogues conversed briefly before continuing on quickly through a back door. Neji reported the movement, standing up, "We'll follow."

They stuck to the rooftops, unnoticed, and Chouji was thrilled by their findings, "Evidence better than a report has to be the culprits themselves! Tsunade-sama will definitely like this!"

"Keep it down!" Ino warned him.

The Leaf genin stealthily tracked the retreating Moon ninja, but stopped after seeing they had been lead out of the village. They observed their targets moving ahead into the forest, and Neji took a moment to decide what their aim was. "They wouldn't leave so abruptly if they didn't have a reason. Perhaps they're aware that they've been discovered; we did move Takeshi's body."

"Oh, I forgot about that..." Ino sighed, "I guess that would give it away."

"We're ready for anything!" Chouji said firmly, "It's three on three and we're the ones pulling the ambush!"

They didn't debate the matter any further. They followed the Moon ninjas' trail, moving up to the treetops warily. Chouji took up the front and Ino slowed to catch Neji near the back of the group. His Byakugan was scanning the woodland ahead of them, but he gave her an acknowledging glance when she approached.

"Look...I'm sorry about getting on your nerves earlier." Ino told him, ducking under a tree branch, "I wouldn't have acted that way if I just had the assurance that you'll treat us as equals, but I guess that's up to you, isn't it?"

Neji shook his head, "It was wrong of me to doubt."

"Not really..." Ino said quietly, "I've got to say how envious I am of your team, Neji. You and your teammates get to be together all the time. That's not helping right now, I know, but...Chouji may not be as athletic as Lee, and I'm not as fearsome as Tenten, that's for sure." She smiled, "But Chouji and I have been getting stronger even without Shikamaru, at least believe that. So, I just meant to say, sorry about pushing your buttons."

"Save your apologies." He answered, "I am at fault. As leader I can't afford to mistrust my team...from here out we work together."

The blonde girl grinned widely, both shocked and thrilled that the Hyuga had turned over a new leaf. 'This guy really has changed. A lot of it has to do with that Retrieval Mission, I bet, but I'm sure there's more to it.' She thought pleasantly.

"Wait for just a moment, Ino." Neji said suddenly, and he stopped. Ino halted as well, watching Chouji barrel on ahead without them, 'There he goes again...'

"Let him be." Neji advised, seeing that she wanted to follow after her teammate, "There's more to the plan that I did not go over earlier. Listen closely."

---

It was not the most shocking thing to see the Moon ninja stop and face them once they had caught up. The three shinobi who had drawn them out this far appeared as if they only had something to say. This was the case, Ino thought, because they had not yet attacked and looked to be waiting for their full attention.

"There is no need for any confrontation between us." The leader of the Moon group stepped forward. He was a tall, dark haired man and when he continued Neji's eyes automatically narrowed, "We are here conducting harmless business. We are no threat to your village and certainly not to our previous one, if they put you up to this."

"Harmless." The Hyuga repeated, "What then of Takeshi? You saw fit to end his life in order to protect yourselves."

The leader sighed, clearly regretting it, "It was an act of desperation. He confronted us without warning. In the past we've had trouble with our dealings that forced us from our homeland, and your Tsunade-hime gave us a headache when she decided she did not need to pay back her debts. It's no wonder she'd grieve us a second time!"

"If you're desperate clearly you have something to hide." Neji smirked confidently, "Come quietly and you might receive mercy from the Hokage...but not from us."

One of the underlings looked to his leader, "He's made his point for sure. What do you think, Kurumi-sama?"

"What do I think? Well..." Kurumi sized up the Leaf genin for a moment, "I say we silence these three just like we did the last one. Hideo! Ichibaru! Take them out."

His teammates rushed immediately, both singling out their preferred opponent. Chouji leapt ahead when Ichibaru had made a move for Ino. He got in front of the kunoichi, plowing into the man, and was more than a match for his strength when they locked hands and grappled with one another. Hideo had attacked Neji on command. Rather than expending unnecessary energy, he used an abrupt rotation that sent Hideo hurtling into the tree-line. Ino gave chase while the man was still in shock.

Kurumi was a bit startled when Neji had confronted him, but he was no pushover. The Hyuga closed in with fierce stabs of Jyukken, and Kurumi danced around him like a fleet-footed gazelle. Neji backed off momentarily, noting how he had not hit his opponent once. Kurumi took advantage of the pause and made hand seals, "Futon: Wind Bullet!" A shock of air hurled into Neji, tearing into his skin and throwing him back across the clearing.

It was fortunate for the Hyuga, because off to the right Chouji had used his Multi-Size technique to lift and toss Ichibaru. The man hurtled into Kurumi with unexpected momentum, and the two sailed a bit farther only to crash into an overturned log. Neji had picked himself up, ignoring the cuts he had accumulated and moved to Chouji. By then both Moon ninja had regrouped.

Ichibaru had breathed a fair-sized fireball that was promptly fanned by one of Kurumi's wind jutsu. The flame intensified, stretching over the entire field and roaring within range of the Leaf ninja. There was no time to dodge. Neji avoided the firestorm with another rotation, and Chouji had heaved up a large slab of earth to shield himself.

There was a moment of confusion in which the jutsu was broken off, and Ichibaru had gained on Chouji, striking him with a flying kick. The Akimichi tumbled backwards, and swiped an over-extended arm out at Ichibaru. He reeled back from the enormous appendage, and summoned a Bo-staff from a scroll. They dove for each other again, trying to gain the upper hand.

Neji had chased Kurumi from one end of the meadow to the other, but the agile Moon ninja was too quick to allow any of his attacks to land. Things worsened when Hideo had returned, bursting from the forest back out to the thick of the fighting. Kurumi grinned at him, "Good! Help me finish this one, Hideo!"

Hideo leapt, hurling fistfuls of shuriken, and the projectiles pelted down at his fellow Moon ninja. Kurumi could barely evade the un-called for assault, barrel-rolling to the side, and getting nicked in the process. He stood again, his guard shaken, watching his friend in disbelief.

Neji smirked openly, "Good work, Ino."

Hideo turned to the Hyuga and smiled immodestly, "It was all too easy. He didn't even expect it, and was too shocked to fight me off."

Kurumi looked on, clueless, his only reasonable answer being that Hideo could have possibly been allied with the Leaf nin. Hideo charged at him again, hurling a preemptive wave of shuriken before getting close to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Neji scoped the area briefly with his Byakugan, noting how Ino's body was safely hidden behind a tree in the woods beyond. A moment later he took advantage of Kurumi's distraction and attacked, instructing Ino to help Chouji instead.

Hideo moved on, throwing a storm of knives at an unsuspecting Ichibaru. Chouji crowed proudly before helping his teammate gang up on the poor slob.

Kurumi stared at the scene unfolding, at a loss, "I...just don't understand. How could Hideo have betrayed us?"

"Don't fret." Neji told him. "I hardly think he would."

He dove ahead suddenly, and pummeled Kurumi with a spike of Jyukken in the gut. He bent double, stunned by the attack, and was incapable of escaping Neji's sixty-four palm assault that followed. Kurumi caved immediately after the execution of the technique, and when he had tumbled inertly to the ground the Hyuga left to regroup with his teammates. Ichibaru lay in a crumpled heap of defeat as well.

Chouji had already left to retrieve Ino's body after she had told him where it was located. Upon his return, Hideo looked to Neji, saying, "Alright...when I switch out I want you to hit me as hard as you possibly can, got that Neji?"

He was happy to comply. The jutsu was released and Ino woke up in her own body, watching with satisfaction as Hideo woke up as well, only to be caught in the solar plexus with a relentless jab of Jyukken. Chouji let her stand up on her own, his expression very approving, "Great showmanship there, Ino! You scared the crap out of both of them with that performance."

"Thanks, Chouji. You weren't any less intimidating yourself..." She looked to the Hyuga, "But credit where credit is due; I never would've thought of any of it if Neji hadn't come up with it earlier!"

Neji was not about to boast, "I was only taking the abilities of my teammates into account."

The task of tying up and bagging their fallen adversaries was made especially sunny for the group, who were pleased that their trust in each other had resulted with success. While apprehending the Moon ninja, Neji was lost in thought. 'They both did exceptionally well. It's a shame I had lowered my expectations like I did...' He had to acknowledge their improved ability, 'Ino's talent is unlike most others. It's extremely difficult to control another shinobi's body, and then expect to fight in a foreign vessel as well. Chouji's strength has also grown since the Retrieval Mission.'

He was thoroughly impressed how much the team had developed in the current absence of Shikamaru. Hopefully, the Hyuga thought, Shikamaru would be able to fully appreciate their abilities as well, if he didn't already.

"Uh, Neji?" Neji glanced over to Chouji, who had snapped him out of his contemplation, "You alright there?"

"Of course." He answered, adding, "It's a good thing you recommended direct confrontation when you did. Now these three can be brought to justice for their actions."

Ino was in full agreement, "I couldn't have said it any better myself! Well, I can't wait to get back home to tell Shikamaru how much ass we kicked, right Chouji?"

Her teammate was also psyched.

Neji watched the road ahead, his countenance reflecting a new calm, 'This was all more than worthwhile, and it will be good to meet with my teammates again as well.'

---

Naruto and Jiraiya's trek had taken them to a valley with a warmer climate. The Sage notified them that their destination was close by, "It's called the Apple Village. It's real nice. Traditional people live there so we can take a load off and relax!"

On the way, they passed by several apple orchards in which every tree was in full bloom. Naruto scrunched up his nose, regarding the endless sea of fruit, 'Gee...I see that these people named their village appropriately.'

The town was small and very comfortable, as Jiraiya had predicted. The majority of the denizens were farmers and gave innocently curious looks to the two strangers who had happened by. Both pupil and mentor had gone to the far edge of the village, where an extravagant Shinto shrine overlooked all the other buildings. As they scaled the stone steps Jiraiya told him, "I thought I'd let you know that there's a special fellow here now who you can talk to, Naruto."

"Special." Naruto repeated hopefully, "Does that mean he can teach me a new jutsu?"

"Nope."

They walked on and Naruto was slightly annoyed that a learning opportunity was not available. Jiraiya motioned for them to stop in a yard in front of the temple, and Naruto was alerted to another person's presence by the sound of shifting gravel.

An older man crossed over to them, looking expectant, "Welcome to the Valley Country." He looked to the Toad Sage, "Hello, Jiraiya-sama, I'm not surprised you dropped by."

"Hey there, Roushi." Jiraiya replied casually, "Naruto, this here is Junyo Roushi. He's a shinobi of the Hidden Rock Village, but he's done some extensive travelling in his time."

"Er...nice to meet you, sir." Naruto bowed politely. Roushi gave the boy a once-over before nodding to him. Jiraiya walked over to his friend and pulled him aside, speaking to him beyond Naruto's earshot. After a brief exchange of words, the keeper of the shrine nodded to Jiraiya as if in agreement.

A moment later, the Sage looked back to his pupil, "Listen, kid. You're gonna hang out for a bit and chat with my buddy Roushi here. I promised an informant of mine that I'd meet up with him out here around this time, and it'd be rude to keep a friend waiting."

"I hear you." Naruto answered glumly, "See you later then, Ero-sensei."

Jiraiya went ahead without the blonde boy, and it was then Naruto got a good look at the old man he had been left with. He was, without a doubt, much older than Jiraiya, and was dressed in old-fashioned attire. His hair was red and tied up in a short ponytail, and most peculiar of all, was his face. A black mark stretched from cheek to cheek on Roushi's face, pronouncing his facial expressions.

The old man was tired of Naruto's staring, "Would you care to join me for some tea?"

"Huh? Oh sure!" The blonde ninja rubbed the back of his head, caught a bit off guard. He followed Roushi around the temple and across a small footbridge, where a Zen garden was situated just short of a lake. It was indeed very peaceful, but Naruto got the feeling he and his teacher were intruding in such a serene place.

"Sorry about the sudden visit, Gramps." Naruto told him, taking a seat at a small outdoor table, "It's not fair for Ero-sennin to barge in here and impose upon people. I don't even know where he's off too..."

"It's no trouble." Roushi told him, also taking a seat, "Your master only wishes one jinchuriki to speak to another."

Naruto was stunned by the statement. Roushi only poured the tea, and set a cup in front of his guest. He looked at the boy, waiting for him to speak.

"You know that I'm...?" Naruto stopped to think, folding his arms, "Huh. So you're one too? Wow. The only other person like me I know is my friend, Gaara."

"Yes, I know."

Naruto scratched his head, "Yeah...though you don't really strike me as someone with a biju."

"Does anyone? Is it so easy to tell?" Roushi answered, taking a sip of tea, "Look at our faces: those whisker marks of yours and the band across my nose. There are small indications like that, but it is never easy to judge someone, Naruto."

Naruto nodded in understanding, also taking a sip of tea. The flavor was a shock of strong herbs and jasmine. It was so foreign he immediately took a liking to it. He listened as Roushi continued, "Jiraiya-sama tells me your biju has been causing you some unrest recently, and I will be able to give you some peace of mind." He added, "Though it is clear why the container of the Kyuubi may be a bit uncomfortable even under the best conditions..."

"That was...really thoughtful of him." Naruto mumbled, glad that Jiraiya had thought ahead, "So...have you had your demon all your life too?"

He nodded, "I have had the Yonbi inside of me since I was nine years old."

Naruto felt relief wash over him, considering the man's age, "Well then you sure have experience! I could really use your advice..."

---

After kinder-dumping his student off at the temple, Jiraiya crossed the village back to one of the larger apple orchards. It had been a long time since he had last met with an informant, but he had figured that while he was traveling with Naruto he could get a few more meetings in. The information was extremely valuable to the Hidden Leaf Village.

For a while Jiraiya was uncertain if he had gone to the right place. He swatted insects out of his face as he followed the columns of trees, wondering if it was wise to stop by just as the harvest was nearing. He blinked as he looked ahead, and spotted a man in black waving to him from on top of a hill. Jiraiya chuckled to himself, realizing he had not been mistaken.

Jiraiya strolled up the hill, unable to suppress a grin. He raised an eyebrow when he noticed a little boy romping about the place as well. He scaled trees with remarkable agility and twisted through the branches, knocking apples down from the treetops. Once back on the ground he turned to the man in black, wearing a disapproving expression, "You know what I think, Dad? That mask looks silly."

"Aw, that's not true." His father replied, "I wear it for anonymity, Yuma, and I think it's kind of cool looking..."

Jiraiya stopped a few feet away from the two, watching them bicker. He cleared his throat to remind them he had arrived, and then said, "When you sent a message to me a while ago about you having new information for me, Obito, I didn't know you'd be bringing your son with you."

"He insisted." The Uchiha admitted, "Yuma has never travelled before, so we both had fun coming out here."

"That's right!" Yuma agreed, distracted by juggling the apples he had picked.

Obito chuckled, patting his son on the head, "Listen up, Yuma. This here is Jiraiya-sama, and he's the man we came here to speak to because he's a friend of the Leaf Village."

The small boy stopped juggling, looking to Jiraiya, "Cool! You're a ninja too?"

"You bet, and I'm also a successful novelist!" Jiraiya announced shamelessly, "But yes, I dabble in shinobi work here and there..."

Obito sighed after the proclamation.

Jiraiya noted the other man's embarrassment so he pressed on, "Right...so...what's going on with Orochimaru?"

"Orochimaru has planned an attack on Suna, but it's small-scale; nothing major. It's really only a distraction from the hunter he's sent after some boy..." He explained, folding his arms, "All very confusing...oh! And Sasuke is safe for now; he won't try to steal the boy's body for another two years or so."

"Good for Sasuke." Jiraiya remarked blandly, "But what did you mean by some boy earlier?"

Obito scratched his head, "Gee...what was his name? Oh yes...there's a boy named Haku he's tracked to the Water Country..."

"WHAT?" Jiraiya's shout startled both father and son, "He and Gaara were supposed to stay together! In Sand! Figures that kid would act recklessly while I'm not around..."

Obito understood the Sage's worry and hated to add to the bad news, "Jiraiya-sama...it's worse. He's sent Shimofuri Koinyu after the poor kid: he works for Dintei Bihokokuni, so he's obviously no good. After he collects Haku, Orochimaru has given Koinyu permission to enter Leaf."

"Why the hell would he do that?"

"They're looking for Susumajin." Obito said darkly, "Even I didn't know it ended up in Leaf. Somehow they figured it out, and if they find it Bi will do anything to get his hands on it. I tried to stall him when I was last there but there was nothing I could do, Jiraiya-sama. I'm sorry..."

"No, it's okay. Tsunade will handle it." Jiraiya assured him, "What of the Akatsuki?"

"They're quiet now: only requesting spy work and gathering thugs. We'll be on the hunt again in a year or two, though. I...haven't really warmed up to them yet either." Obito admitted, "I only know three people. It's as if Zetsu is keeping me away from the others on purpose."

The Toad Sage leaned against the trunk of a nearby tree, "Just three, huh? Oh boy..." He paused wondering if what he was about to say was prudent, "Well then...it will grieve you to know that Sasuke's older brother has also left the village. Itachi has joined the Akatsuki."

"Wow. The two of them malefactors…and so young!" Obito was a bit unnerved, "But Itachi? No...that peaceful little kid I used to babysit? Looks like the Uchiha are just as rambunctious as ever. By the way, Jiraiya-sama, how is my family doing?"

The older man was silent for a few moments. His chest was heavy with guilt. He knew that Obito had never learned about the Uchiha massacre, or why Sasuke and Itachi were the only ones ever mentioned anymore. He had kept it a secret from him, fearing that the truth would plunge the unfortunate man into despair.

"They're fine, last I checked." Jiraiya lied.

"Good!" Obito believed him full-heartedly, "Now, what do you say we get some lunch?" He glanced to his son, "You hungry, Yuma?"

"Starving." The boy agreed, taking a bite of apple, "Bleh! These are not very ripe at all..."

Obito hoisted the boy to his feet from where he sat on the grass, and seated Yuma on his shoulders. They laughed together, and Yuma picked apples from branches suspended inches from his head. He had no intention with doing anything with them by then, though. Jiraiya followed slowly after them, watching with pained eyes.

'You are the biggest secret I have to keep.' He thought to himself, 'When everyone is so certain there are only two Uchiha remaining...there are really four.'

---

One afternoon, Tenten had the good fortune of spending time with Hinata. Neither kunoichi had been assigned a mission that day, and were interested in a friendly contest of strength. During their spar Hinata had expressed how impressed she was with Tenten's hand to hand combat skills. "You have improved so much, Onee-san!" Hinata commented proudly, "I won't tell Neji-niisan that Hikune-kun taught you, if you like."

"I appreciate that." Tenten thanked her, restraining a sigh. The truth be told, she really had no idea when she intended to tell Neji anything, whether it be her feelings, skills, or her increasing familiarity with his relatives. Secrets were beginning to pile up, and she was wondering if she would ever get the chance to clear her conscience. She did not mention it to Hinata, though it helped that the younger girl was so cheerful and optimistic.

They took a break in a garden just outside of the courtyard they had been practicing in. The blooms in the yard were unusual for the types of plants throughout the rest of the Hyuga compound, Tenten noticed.

"I planted this garden myself." Hinata told her, "I like to come here to relax when I can."

"I can see why. You must've put a lot of work into this place..." Tenten smiled, looking around. She sat down on a patch of grass, breathing in the perfumed air, and asked, "Do you let other people stop by here, Hinata-chan?"

She nodded, "If they want to. Not many people come all the way back here for leisure time, though."

Hinata sat down as well, and Tenten stretched, considering how the area was superbly designed for a nap. Falling asleep while she had company, though, would not be the most polite thing to do. She made small talk to pass the time, "Neji and Lee were both assigned to separate missions, but they should be wrapping up soon. It's been a while since our last real mission as a full team." Tenten glanced to the Hyuga girl, "So...what's been going on with you, Hinata-chan?"

"Sato-kun has helped Tama-san achieve genin rank, so he's come back to the team for proper training." She reported thoughtfully, "It's nice that we can all be together again for missions...but I have been detained a few times."

"By what?" Tenten asked, fiddling with a small violet that had gone astray.

"Two days ago, my father called a meeting for my sister and I, as well as Neji-niisan." Hinata recounted, "He wanted us there so he could test our chakra affinities."

"Hm? You mean the natural element of your chakra? I heard of that once from my mom." Tenten commented, laying back on the grass, "How did that go?"

"It was interesting. Father each handed us a slip of paper, and said that it would react differently depending on our nature. My paper immediately became soggy, and he told me that my affinity is water. So is Hanabi's, actually." Hinata explained, "Neji-niisan's paper tore right in half, so it means his chakra reflects wind."

"Wind, huh?" Tenten was intrigued, "Now I wish I could be tested..."

"Tsunade-sama says all ninja are tested eventually." The Hyuga girl assured her, and then looked up at the sun, "Oh my...it's getting late...I should go water Naruto-kun's plants..."

"You better go ahead and do that then." Tenten agreed.

"Oh but I couldn't! I wouldn't want to leave you alone after you stopped by to visit!" Hinata protested meekly. Her trivial concern earned a chuckle from Tenten, who really had no problem with being on her own temporarily.

Hinata stood up, looking to the nearby footpath where some of her cousins were passing by. Two older boys along with Hikune, who she quickly waved over and Tenten felt a headache coming on, 'Really...Hinata has to learn that ruder things have happened to me...'

Hinata promptly informed her cousin where she was going before swapping out with him, and Hikune stepped into the flower garden, giving Tenten a highly amused look. "She overreacts a bit, doesn't she? It's because of her father you know." He laughed softly, "Hinata-sama only stresses over people she does not want to disrespect, so naturally she holds you in high esteem."

"That's sweet of her, I guess." Tenten answered and then added suspiciously, "You show up a lot when I'm around, I've noticed."

"I don't try to be omnipresent, believe me." Hikune said, sitting down between a row of chrysanthemums and camellias, "I actually just got in from a mission. Those were my friends over there that I was torn away from." He smiled, "How are you today, Tenten?"

"Can't complain." She said, but then remembered what Hinata had mentioned, "Hey Hikune...what do you know about chakra affinity?"

"I'd say I know enough." He answered, "My affinity is lightning, which is a bit unusual for my family because the Hyuga tend to lean towards fire and water."

"When did you find out?"

"When I first became a Chunin. Most shinobi find out at about that time." Hikune said, gently batting a butterfly from his hair, "Since then I've been working on my chakra manipulation. I have a few jutsu incorporating it now, but nothing major."

Tenten's shoulders slumped a bit, "I wish I could find out what my affinity is...I really could use an improvement in my ninjutsu..."

"Why?"

"Well, it feels like everyone has been getting ahead of me...Neji and Hinata...I suppose it's because they're Hyuga, so I guess I don't really have a reason to complain about it, do I?" She pointed out dryly.

"That's understandable, but who are you trying to impress anyway?" Hikune chuckled, "You're fantastic already."

Tenten wore a sullen look and it bothered him. It was not easy to cheer someone up when he did not possess a direct solution, so Hikune hoped he could give words of encouragement she'd respond to, "Neji thinks you're brilliant, I'm sure!"

"Oh please don't feed me that crap..." Tenten retorted, ripping up a few blades of grass in frustration, "The only person who Neji thinks is brilliant is himself. He's never bothered to compliment either Lee or me, Hikune, no matter what he truly thinks."

"Then maybe you shouldn't take his opinions too seriously." Hikune suggested.

Tenten stood up, brushing flower petals from her pants. She paced around the garden, careful not to step on any of the vivid shrubs. "I'll be fine." She said, half to herself, "I just need to unwind and relax so all of this affinity business stops worrying me..." She couldn't help but add, "Did you know that Neji is a wind type? Is that unusual too?"

Hikune sighed, "Tenten, I really think it best that you calm down now." He also stood up, and plucked a peach flower from a branch. He handed the delicate magenta bloom to her, and she took a deep breath, feeling a bit less overwhelmed.

"I understand what you're feeling, I felt that way a few years ago too...but please remember that, regardless of what Neji may think, or what you will do to make him think something, you are truly gifted already and are in no need of improvement." Hikune said quietly, "That is, unless you really want to pursue something, then go chase it for yourself and not for someone else."

He smiled again, and this time Tenten was watching. The dimensions of his face were clearly visible then: smooth skin and a strong jaw, offset by white doe eyes. Strands of bronze hair hung adorably in his face, and Tenten averted her eyes, disliking how she was ogling. 'What am I doing? This guy is what? Seventeen? Eighteen? Twenty-five?' She was very cross with herself, 'He's definitely not Neji, but he...he's still...'

After a moment she managed to mutter, "Thanks, Hikune. It's not that I'm trying to grab his attention anyway." She paused in thought, "Neji's interest is pretty elusive as it is...and I guess I can live with myself as I am."

"Don't sell yourself short, Tenten." Hikune said, and his voice lowered, "If Neji cannot see all of the remarkable things in you that I have already seen...then perhaps you should not try as hard for him."

'But I want to.' Tenten thought, 'I want him to notice. I want him to react, somehow...'

The peach blossom she had been fiddling with suddenly lifted, and she realized Hikune had reached for it. 'When did he get so close?' She wondered. She watched with simple puzzlement as his fingers laced with hers. The world became still and quiet. Tenten felt the calmness that had been with her transform into uneasiness. She raised her eyes a bit, only glimpsing his neck, and then further to his face.

His expression was focused. She was intimidated, for some reason, by the truth in his gaze. Tenten had seen the expression once before, not recalling from where, but she knew immediately that she wanted to flee. She did not budge an inch. 'Maybe I should say something.' She thought, 'He always listens when I say something.'

It was too conflicting to open her mouth, because she was curious as to what would happen if she didn't. She remained quiet, wondering what silence would provoke. Tenten briefly stumbled through her thoughts, watching him lean in. How new, she thought. How sincere. How very scary.

She drew back a bit on reflex when she could feel his mouth. Her brain had a hard time processing the information, let alone telling her how to react to it. The contact was so alien, but she permitted it anyway. His mouth pressed against her's again in a harmless motion, and emotion and thought met in a brief, decisive battle. 'It's not uncomfortable or shame-filling.' Part of her admitted, 'But what am I doing? I don't know the first thing about this!'

Tenten had no way to justify her actions. She couldn't shut her eyes. She marveled at how she was so close to this person, and how he had shown her kindness. He was still being polite because the kiss was close-mouthed and professional, but it was no less dizzying.

It ended after a short moment, and Hikune withdrew, batting his eyes open. He seemed a bit contemplative himself, not unlike Tenten's apparently frazzled expression. She wondered if he had done it before. 'He's certainly very good at it.' She noted.

"I'm sorry," He said, his countenance still cheerful, "I've been meaning to do that for a while now."

That was when her comprehending jammed. There was implication that it had been of earlier thought, and not spur-of-the-moment circumstance. Tenten struggled to keep a level head, praying she could come up with a feasible reason to flee from the scene.

"Uh...I better go see if Hinata-chan came back yet." Tenten supplied, aware it was a weak escape cause, but he nodded anyway.

"By all means." He said, as if aware that she needed to find a place to sulk and think. "I'll see you around then, Tenten-"

She had already dashed out of the garden, cleared the perimeter wall of the compound, and set out in the direction of her apartment. She hoped Hinata could forgive her for jumping ship so soon, or if perhaps Hikune would be brazen enough to explain. Tenten's greatest concern was not that she had fraternized with an older boy of the Hyuga clan, kept the entire debacle from Neji, or had escaped from the place in a most unfashionable way.

It was that some part of her had liked it.

---

Sakura descended a flight of stairs from the Hokage's tower, smiling pleasantly to herself. Tsunade had been kind enough to excuse her from lessons for the week, on the condition that she kept up with her studies at home. She was more than happy to agree, being that no lessons with her master meant more training with her team. It had been a few days since she had last seen Kiba and Kakashi.

As she followed a side street across town she spotted Tenten, soaring out over the rooftops at high speed. She had wanted to say hello to her friend, but the other kunoichi was gone almost instantly. 'Maybe she's late for a mission?' Sakura suspected, 'I've been in hasty situations too.'

A bit farther ahead, after crossing a foot bridge, Sakura came to her team's training ground. She grinned widely, seeing Kiba rolling around on the grass with Akamaru. The small dog yapped upon sensing her presence and Kiba quickly looked up, "Hey! Sakura!"

"Yeah, hello, I'm free at last." She joked and hugged her friend while they laughed.

"It's good to see that the old lady decided to give you a break, finally." He told her, brushing off grass particles he had accumulated on his jacket, "Why the heck do you let her push you so hard anyway?"

"It makes me feel more respectable, considering that Gaara-kun is already a Jounin." She clarified, "I'm sure he earned that rank for good reason, and I love him to death, but I've got to do something to make myself feel better."

"Yeah, I gotcha." He nodded, and looked across the field in surprise when Kakashi appeared, "Whoa! You're here when you said you'd be, sensei!"

"Yes, hi everyone." He said, walking over to them without even glancing up from his book, "I'm glad you could make it Sakura, because I have a surprise for you both."

Kiba was confused, "Does that mean you being here on time isn't the surprise?"

"Well, I suppose that's half of it," Kakashi agreed, and then called aloud, "Alright, you can come out now."

Both genin blinked and watched Tama step out of the tree-line from behind Kakashi. She waved to them with a friendly smile, "Um...hey guys!"

She came to stand by Kakashi and he finished the announcement to his students without his dirty book hovering under his nose, "Now, now, children! What are those un-welcoming expressions? Meet our new teammate, Maito Tama, although I do believe you've already met."

Sakura, thank heavens, reacted promptly. She rushed up to the black haired girl and hugged her, congratulated her, and excitedly promised her that she would love Team 7. Without a doubt she did already, now that she had a place to belong, and Tama graciously thanked the younger girl. Kiba was a little less spirited in his welcome, but no less enthralled.

Tama was dressed differently than he remembered. A dark indigo shirt, a bit more revealing than what he'd seen most other girls wear, and black shorts that accentuated long, slender legs. Kiba covered his nose, hiding the blood. It helped that she was carrying more weapon holsters than necessary (making her appear over-prepared,) however Kiba was in no position to be tactful. The girl that made him act crazy and threaten a certain Hatake was standing before him: as a teammate.

While Kiba spiraled in his thoughts, Kakashi inched over to the Inuzuka, his crinkled eye evidence of a wide smile. "You okay, Kiba-kun? Was it too much of a surprise?" He asked playfully.

"Er, well..." Kiba cleared his throat, snapping himself back to coherency, "This really is kinda unexpected...and, not to be biased in any way: is it wise to have two girls on a team, sensei?"

"I don't see why not." Kakashi told him, "I was more than happy to take her on as a student. I'm also certain that this team will balance out fine, if that's what you're worried about."

He didn't mention how he had also taken her in the hope of easing his students' pain at the loss of Sasuke. Tama was a warm-hearted person who had plenty of experience cheering people up. Her Taijutsu skills would also be valuable in a pinch, he tacked onto the list.

Kiba approached the two girls, trying to not appear awkward. It kind of worked. Tama smiled at him, looking expectant, and he managed to utter two words, "Hey Tama."

"Good to see you again, Kiba-kun!" She hugged him too, since she had hugged Sakura (and did not want to convey favoritism,) and said, "I'm so glad Tsunade-sama placed me with you two! I know that I'll do my very best to contribute to this team!"

Kiba's mouth hung slightly ajar when she released him. It was a one-hundred-eighty degree flip from Sasuke's view of the team. If the Uchiha had ever proclaimed faith in their cell, Kiba had missed it. He got a sense that this was going to be a very different unit-experience now that the current third member of their squad smiled out of habit.

Kakashi interrupted further communications, "Alright now, everyone, you can all socialize later on. It's about time we head out for our mission."

They heeded their teacher and left the field to prepare. The new Team 7 was more than ready.

---

Matsuri was seated in a black armchair while staring out an open window. The Kazekage's mansion was currently empty with the exception of herself, and the hollow quiet of the place was not improving her damaged mood.

It had been a long day, she thought. Matsuri gingerly touched a wound on her arm that had been disinfected and wrapped, but the cut was worse than most she'd seen. The pain was still a dull ache then.

Gaara had left the scene of the battle with her, acknowledging how he needed to have a chat with her, but Baki had called him away a short while later. It seemed urgent, so she couldn't have taken offense. Temari and Kankuro had told her to wait at home (their home) until they returned. "We'll clear this up as soon as we can, alright Mousy?" Kankuro had assured her.

She shifted in her position on the chair, letting her long, gangly legs hang off the side. Matsuri sighed aloud, returning her gaze to the window. Outside the sky harbored a few gray clouds.

"Will it rain?" She wondered, "It hasn't rained here in months..."

"Too true." Gaara agreed. His student jumped a little after he had entered the room undetected. She opened her mouth to speak but did not feel that anything she could have said would do the moment justice. The silence made more sense.

The jounin crossed the room, closing the door behind him. There was a sofa across the way but he sat on the coffee table instead. He didn't like the thing much. It was an antique of useless expense: real hickory imported from the Fire Country. Gaara regarded her for a long moment as she stared into her lap phlegmatically.

"How did they capture you?" He asked at length.

"I'm sorry..." She apologized, "I saw them coming and got ready to fight, sensei...but they were using strange sound jutsu...I was overwhelmed so easily and I couldn't stop them from snatching me up..."

"It's alright, Matsuri." He answered, "All that matters is that you're unharmed. Miosuke is still awaiting trial."

She frowned at the mentioning of the conspiring traitor, "That man...I can't believe he said so many terrible things about you!"

"There's something I need to tell you." He said, his eyes trained onto a brass ornament on the far side of the room, "...a few things..."

Matsuri watched him with attentive eyes. Gaara spoke again, "In all fairness to you, I have killed more people than I've been able to count; shinobi, that is. Though you have not directly witnessed it, I also have a miserable temper and sarcastic mien."

"Oh...well Temari-sama and Kankuro-sama act that way sometimes too." Matsuri replied thoughtfully, "But you're all still very nice, I think."

"On our good days." He agreed with a smirk, and then added, "How much of what Miosuke said did you understand?"

She shook her head, "...not much."

"And what do you know about the Sand Demon of our village?"

"My parents once told me about it a very long time ago." She recalled, "They said it was the One-Tailed Tanuki and that it wields tremendous power."

"That's fairly accurate." He decided, then said, "That demon they spoke of is very real. It has been sealed into shinobi of this village a few times in the past, including the Third Kazekage. It grants the container great power, but terrorizes them at night, because the biju will devour their souls when they fall asleep."

Matsuri pulled her hands to her chest, "That must be so frightening for those people..."

"Over thirteen years ago, the Fourth Kazekage ordered that Shukaku be sealed into an unborn child, with the hope that it would create a weapon for his village." Gaara narrated darkly, "It did not work as well as he had hoped, and he eventually tried to have that child killed."

Matsuri's expression was troubled. A look of understanding dawned over her face, "Sensei...was it you?"

"My father tried to kill me because he feared he would not be able to control me." The jounin announced, "I lived in Konoha peacefully, away from the chaos he wrought. In a way, I was relieved to hear that he had died."

The girl teared up, rubbing frantically at her cheeks, "Oh...b-but...but even if that's true...that still doesn't make you a monster, sensei..."

"Don't be upset, Mouse." He said gently, "I do not care what anyone says about me, as long as I have true friends by my side. I know who I am."

Matsuri stood up, her face red with emotion. She gave her teacher a short, professional hug, "Thank you for telling me the truth, sensei..."

He patted her back comfortingly before she took her seat again. "You're one of the few people who know the truth at all, Matsuri." Gaara admitted.

"Does that girl that you love know?" She asked pointedly.

"I have yet to tell Sakura." He confessed, adding, "When I do see her again, which I expect to be soon, I will tell her."

"So her name is Sakura?" Matsuri repeated cheerily, "What a lovely name! I'm sure that she won't mind either when you tell her!"

"Thank you..."

"Can I meet her too, Gaara-sensei? Is she very pretty?" Matsuri began the barrage of questions in the routine fashion.

"She's beautiful." Gaara told her, "I suppose it would be alright to introduce you."

There was a calm quiet for a moment. Matsuri peered out the window once again, and was surprised to see raindrops falling reluctantly from the clouds outside. She looked back to her mentor, smiling, "So...do you still have to work on the case, sensei? Or can we train a bit?"

Gaara glanced out the window as well, "I think Temari and Kankuro can last without me a little longer."

---

After a long, informative conversation over delicious tea, Roushi went ahead to show Naruto helpful meditation techniques he could use that would ease the link between his mind and the biju's mind. The blonde boy picked up on the skill quickly and found the relief was immediate. Still, Naruto found it unusual that Jiraiya had been able to locate the old ninja when he kept such a low profile.

"One of my old teammates now lives in Ramadi village, so I'm guessing you stopped by there." Roushi deduced, "Jiraiya must have asked her where I was."

"You don't say? You don't live here normally?"

"The truth be told, I'm only here to visit my granddaughter for a few weeks." The old shinobi admitted, getting to his feet, "I like to get away from my own village when I can...the people there are cruel and have never understood me."

"Yeah...I used to have issues like that..." Naruto could relate, "But things in my village improved and now I have a lot of friends! I bet you can do it too, Gramps!"

"You think an old-timer like me could find friends so late in life?" He wondered, "Hm. I suppose."

After spending several hours together, Roushi paused in their discourse. He closed his eyes for a moment and then said, "Jiraiya-sama has returned with some company. We should join them now."

"How can you tell people are here?" Naruto asked pointedly.

"I have several abilities…some of which originate from the Yonbi." Roushi explained briefly, leading the way out of the Zen garden, "It is common for jinchuriki to have skills that are supplied by a biju."

"Hm...I never thought about if I had special abilities like that too." The blonde boy said quietly.

"They will come to you as you get older and more experienced." Roushi assured him, "Though they can be bothersome at times."

They followed the perimeter path around the temple back to the front steps. Naruto spied Jiraiya with a man dressed in black and a small boy. They were carrying bags with big smiley-faces on them.

"We brought take out!" The man in black called ahead, "I hope you're hungry!"

Naruto was thrilled. A side yard near the front of the shrine had an area they settled down to eat in. In the shade of red maple trees, Naruto thanked Roushi for his help, and looked to his teacher who was introducing the newcomers.

"Naruto, this here is a friend of mine: Obito. He spies on Akatsuki and Orochimaru for the Leaf Village." Jiraiya hit him first with the facts, "Don't mind his mask, though. He's had a bit of a cosmetic mishap."

"Spy? Well, that automatically makes you awesome." Naruto decided, holding out his hand, "I'm Uzumaki Naruto and it's great to find another brave guy around here!"

Jiraiya rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, but Obito took his offered hand, and shook it proudly. "Yeah! Where are all the brave guys?" Obito agreed laughingly and then looked to his son, "Yuma, why don't you say hi to Naruto-kun? He's a shinobi from the Leaf Village, you know!"

The small boy's eyes were wide with glee, "The Leaf Village? You too? Cool!"

"Nice to meet you too, er, Yuma-chan." Naruto replied, a bit startled when the boy made a grab for his holsters in the hope of snatching a kunai.

They sat down to eat and Obito was quietly goggling to himself at the sight of Naruto. Occasionally he would lean in and whisper to the Toad Sage, "Gosh he looks just like sensei!" And added, "Just like him!" Naruto remained for the most part, unaware, too preoccupied with food and the amusing six year old who was already an expert with shuriken.

They ate loudly, conversations sparking relentlessly, both about Leaf and foreign places. Food was passed around until containers were empty, and when they had finished eating, Naruto ran off with Yuma to the front of the shrine, "I'll show you some cool jutsu, kiddo!"

Yuma was excited to have a playmate with equal energy, for a change.

Jiraiya watched from the lawn, smoking his pipe contentedly. Obito dumped the leftovers into an empty container, occasionally glancing over to the two boys. After a moment, he spoke, "I'm so glad that I finally got to meet him, Jiraiya-sama. It really is amazing...I can tell he's going to be phenomenally strong."

Jiraiya smirked, "You're not the first person to get that impression."

---

Next: Chapter 6- Two Steps Back