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

12. Choices

Chapter Soundtrack: "Houdini" by Foster the People

Chapter 12- Choices

"No man is responsible for his father. That was entirely his mother's affair."-Margaret Turnbull

Sakura had not been too thrilled about Ino dragging her to a clothing outlet for some shopping. She had merely mentioned, back in Tsunade's office, how Kiba had traded his coat for a more sleek and maneuverable black jacket that he pulled off well, in her opinion. Ino had gotten a tad cranky over the subject of attire and improving fashion sense. She immediately began drilling Sakura on Tama's outfits.

"She wears a lot of cute stuff, I mean, she's older and has more money than we do." The pink haired girl quipped, "Can you just let this go, Ino? It's not a big deal."

"But she can't just waltz in and upstage us like that! Your team is rapidly becoming the best-dressed in this village…"

"Is that so wrong?" Sakura snickered.

Ino was done agonizing over it and instead took action. Sakura was coerced into the shopping trip, consequently, and did her best not to sound unappreciative even though she did have a report to file.

"It's important for a kunoichi to be aware of her appearance, but never obsess about it." Ino quoted from one of their old Academy lectures, "That's something we should take to heart."

"Says you, the chick who's obsessed with being wire-thin." Sakura commented playfully.

Ino rounded a corner, spying some more revealing garments. "I'm actually way more comfortable with my body now. Nothing about me really needs changing." Ino observed, wearing a distant look, "And even if I say otherwise in the future, you're not so bad yourself, Sakura."

"Gee, thanks." Sakura picked up a low-cut top that was just the shade of anthurium red she liked. Ino regarded it for a sixth of a second, rejected it, and then plucked it from her friend's hands.

"Your boobs aren't big enough to fill this one out." The blonde informed her friend, "Look for something that will compliment your itty-bitties."

"You're a hoot today, Ino." Sakura huffed, swiping the shirt back and slamming the hanger down on the rack.

They migrated across the row in search of something suitable. Sakura occasionally picked up a shirt or mini-dress, but Ino need not touch anything to know if it was worth trying on. She spotted clothes at hawk's-eye distance and descended on them just as quickly. Call it a skill perfected by the fashion-forward.

"So what made you change your mind?" Sakura asked at length.

"Change my mind about what?"

"Your body image. It's a pretty drastic switch for you. Drastic; but great just the same." The Hokage's apprentice added.

Ino smiled, "I just…feel better."

Sakura raised a fine eyebrow, "What's up with you? It's almost like you have a man in your life now."

Ino did not answer, and for the first time since their arrival held a top up to her chest inquisitively. She put it back down, trying another in a different wash of violet.

"Whoa." Sakura caught on quick, "Who is he?"

"Shikamaru." She said his name with a hint of pride, "I'll stay on the safe side and say we're kind of an item."

"Jeez…not what I expected." Sakura admitted lowly, "He must be a great kisser if your mood's improved this much."

"He's fairly good. It can almost forgive his intolerable laziness, up until a point." Ino said, "Given he's been cramming it into my head for years that I need to eat more, but it helps when someone can convince you."

"I don't even want to know." Sakura muttered, but she could already imagine her friend having sex. That was a mental image she would have preferred not to pop into her mind at the time. Ino was glowing, though, and looked better than she ever had. It couldn't all be psychological, could it?

'That still doesn't make it proper.' Sakura reminded herself. She wouldn't preach though, since she couldn't guarantee she wouldn't be in the same position had it not been for the fact that her boyfriend was a hop, skip, and a jump away in the desert.

"This one." Ino pushed a top on Sakura, snapping the girl out of her contemplation, "I'll be a monkey's aunt if that doesn't look fantastic."

Sakura took the shirt, liking its white and ruby tones. Her thoughts strayed again as she watched Ino float down the next aisle, 'Not until I'm good and married. Right, Gaara-kun?'

---

Temari glanced over to Matsuri beside her. They were scaling a sand dune with home just in sight, and she couldn't help but grin at the girl who had once been the runt of her class…and was now an official killer. 'Gaara's done his job, alright.'

"Good fight back there, kiddo." She told the genin, permitting one of her scarce compliments.

Matsuri raised her eyes modestly, "Thank you, Temari-sama. I really couldn't have done it if you and sensei had not been there."

Temari waved it off, but it was still a valid point. They'd taken out the jounin to leave easier, slower prey for their youngest group member. The mission had been a radiant success, and when Temari glanced to her youngest brother just a few paces behind his student, she could see even he was in higher spirits.

Gaara was actually reflecting on how he had accepted the title of Kazekage before the council, prior to going on the mission the day before. It had been relatively painless, aside from the nausea he had put up with for most of the morning. His inauguration was set for next week, but he had yet to tell Matsuri about the matter. His brother and sister were already aware of his decision.

Once home they washed up (Matsuri had become a sort of permanent resident at the mansion) and relaxed for a while. They would check in with Baki for the mission report later on. Kankuro turned up about an hour later.

His face paint was unusual that day: three short vertical lines, one on either cheek and also on the bridge of his nose. He had a half-constructed puppet with him, and again, he forgot to take his shoes off before coming inside. Gaara tiredly warned him how he was tracking dirt all over the floor, "This is technically my house now…"

"Aw man, Gaara, listen to this!" His brother overrode him, "There's an ambassador from the Cloud Village here asking for you at the tower. She's got to be the hottest woman alive, you won't believe it!"

Temari stood in the doorway of the dining hall, looking annoyed. "Gaara's attached, you idiot." She informed Kankuro, in case he forgot Sakura existed.

"Well so were you last I checked, but that didn't stop you from hooking up with that guy last weekend-" Temari pounced, punching her brother squarely in the ribs.

Kankuro hobbled away, muttering in pain.

Gaara looked at his sister, a bit somber. He knew that Temari had been trying to move on from Haku, although he didn't necessarily approve of her loose methods. Sometimes he believed she did what she did out of spite. He could only hope that his friend, wherever he was in his travels, was also moving on from Temari.

Kankuro, after confirming none of his ribs were broken, went ahead to make lunch for Matsuri. Temari wanted Gaara to join them but he elected to go to the tower instead, not wanting to be rude to a visitor.

He took his time on the streets, pleased that the majority of the villagers were buzzed with excitement. Few actually knew about his acceptance for the position of Godaime. What had really turned Sand on its head was the new availability of water. Mara's treatment facility a few miles south on the coast had proven an indispensable asset for Sunagakure. More water meant more money was available, which meant the people had more to live on.

The timing could not have been more ideal for a new village leader, he figured. He could only hope he'd get a lukewarm reception. Not too many people trusted him, despite his contributions to the village.

Just outside the tower he was approached by someone. It was, in fact, the kunoichi Kankuro had told him about. She was a tall woman with dirty blonde hair tied back in an aristocratic braid. She had a direct and graceful stride. He could see why Kankuro had blown things out of proportion.

"Gaara of the Sand." She greeted, her eyes were cloud grey, "I am Nii Yugito of Kumogakure." They bowed formally to each other.

He gestured to the building a few steps away, "Would you care to go inside, Yugito-san?"

"No thank you, it's too stuffy and dark in there." She'd probably been sitting in the office for an hour or so, "I was informed by your friend named Baki that you will be made the next Kazekage."

"He told you that did he?" He walked down the street with the woman who was a full head taller than him, "It's not official yet."

"That doesn't make it any less true. Baki is actually the one that asked me to come here." Yugito told him.

"He did not mention this to me." Gaara said quietly. He wondered if it had something to do with the Cloud Village. Hopefully they weren't preparing to attempt another feather-brained invasion.

"I'm here to help you learn to control the biju inside of you." Yugito said, "It would be best, I'm sure you would agree, if the beast was fully under your power during your time as Kazekage."

Gaara was unnerved that she knew so much, but she didn't seem untrustworthy. He accepted her offer with a quiet nod. Yugito requested they go somewhere open and private to discuss it further, preferably outside the village walls. Gaara knew that if she was trying to pull a fast-one he could just crush her to a sandy pulp, but perhaps she was expecting that?

He moved west quickly, leading her just outside of the barrier, and to escape the sun's intense rays stopped in the overcast shadow of a plateau. 'If she expects me to transform…I don't want to be too close to the village.' He paused, 'I have no idea what she expects.' The unexpected, probably.

"You are quite young to be a village leader." She conceded, wiping a bead of sweat from her face. Maybe the heat was getting to her? The prayer beads on her left arm jingled when she moved.

"The youngest in history." Gaara informed her, and he wasn't too pompous about it.

Yugito cracked a small smile, amused by his dryness. She had heard the One-Tailed Container of the Sand Village had actually been a prankster in his younger years, as well as a close friend of the fearsome Nine-Tails. It seemed his humor had dried up once he had returned to the desert.

"I am one of two jinchuriki within the Cloud Village. I assumed you would not want me to say too much aloud in public since…your people are a bit sensitive to the subject." Yugito told him, "Please understand that your time as Kazekage can change that. Unlike other villages, Demon Containers are cherished and respected in Kumo. You could say we are ahead of the times in our country, but that would be an exaggeration."

"You believe I could change this village's opinion entirely?" Gaara asked.

"Perhaps. Not everyone can be swayed, but if you are as virtuous and pure," She eyed him, realizing his youth probably didn't grant him much innocence, "As most are expecting, and as they need you to be…you could set a better example."

He agreed, "That is what I intend to do. If others continue to live in fear they could never really understand or get to know a jinchuriki."

"Well then, I suppose it's time we got to know each other." Yugito said, flaring her chakra around her. It sparked into blue flames, surrounding her in a cloak of energy, and then took shape.

A fiery, blue cat towered over him, two tails thrashing, and Gaara had a moment to ponder his safety before she attacked. A fast-one, as he had predicted. His sand shield rose up with its usual promptness, guarding him from the fireballs that rained down from the beast's mouth.

'She just turned herself over to that Nekomata completely…' He was horrified by the notion, 'The Shukaku would gladly devour my soul if I did the same. To trust a Demon that way?' He didn't understand. He wanted to ask her how she did it, but the cat was too busy scuttling around like a kitten after a mouse.

Gaara retreated, his sand shield warding off blows, and watched as giant paws buffed apart sand dunes. The enormous cat let out a squeal of delight, breathing flames, and then pounced again. Claws the size of full-grown men hacked down beside him, missing only by a margin. Oh the humanity- just home from a mission and already new hurdles to leap!

The young jounin went on the offense, letting sand blast up in a shockwave, tossing the cat with its burning hackles raised. It landed on its feet, of course, and breathed fire again. This time it was not as playful as it had been before. In fact, it was hissing rather furiously after a giant coffin of sand had swirled around it, smothering the chakra flames. With a burst of demonic chakra the cat broke free, shaking its mane of sand.

Gaara shielded himself from the firestorm. This was a battle he could not win. Yugito was drawing on the Demon's chakra and the only way he could retaliate effectively, he knew, was to use his own. It was not worth the risk. He considered fleeing but did not have to. The cat shrank in size, flames dying out, and soon Yugito was standing before him brushing sand off of her uniform and shaking it out of her hair.

The cat had obediently, willingly, relinquished control at Yugito's say-so. That was an ability Gaara coveted above all else. He wasn't very appreciative of how she had attacked him, though.

"Why did you do that?" He asked, not having to go into the details of how it could have endangered the village.

"You were speaking about people getting to know jinchuriki." She reminded him, aloof, "Fighting is one of the fastest ways to do that, so please forgive me if I was rude." Amusement flickered in her eyes, "Your defense is impeccable. There isn't a scratch on you."

He hadn't even really been trying to defend himself, as it turned out. Gaara told her his sand responded automatically to protect him.

"That is a perk. Most biju come with them." Yugito said, adding, "If that's the case, perhaps we should go again…and I will attack seriously."

Before she could put that plan into action Baki and two Black Ops descended. They looked guarded, but when Baki saw Gaara with Yugito he told his companions to stand down. "We felt chakra flare out here and suspected a raid." He explained, "Apparently it's just you."

"Just us." Gaara repeated. Maybe Baki could've shown more concern over two jinchuriki being responsible for the outburst. Maybe he was too accustomed to it.

The Black Ops cautioned them to be more careful before departing, and Yugito returned to the village with Gaara. Baki parted with them on the street, and Gaara then thought it fair to question her profound knowledge of demons.

"They are entities manifested from nature…and forces beyond our alleged mortal comprehension." Her tone was sharp, "The Nibi is not an animal. It is vengeance and envy and pure chakra," She looked sidelong to Gaara, "It has the mentality of a scorned woman from long ago, and similarly she is calculating and cunning. Her wrath knows no limits."

"Are they all like that?" He wondered. The Shukaku seemed comparably uncontrollable.

Yugito half-shrugged, "I could not know. That's why it's imperative that you contact your own biju."

Shukaku and negotiations were two subjects on complete opposite ends of a rational spectrum. Gaara refused to indulge the idea, and he told her so.

"You do realize that if you do not make an effort to confront the One-Tail you will never have its willing assistance?" She prompted, eyes narrow, "That's foolish; a waste of your potential."

"I don't want its assistance, if it can even be called that." Gaara replied.

Yugito tried a different approach as they stopped near an armory. "Your willpower is far greater than it was when you were a child, if that's why you hesitate." She assured him, "You have little to fear. After all, our biju are on the lower end of the power scale."

Gaara did consider the idea for a moment. Yugito continued, "Up to the Sanbi, demons are easier for a vessel to control. Tails four through six are more difficult, relatively. Seven through nine…well, you can imagine how they are more dominant over their containers. Their strength is boundless. It can hurt the shinobi who holds them."

"Why is there such a difference?" He wanted to know.

"Higher-level beasts have more chakra than their lesser counterparts, naturally." She told him, "They have their own orders of magnitude."

"And the Kyuubi?" He couldn't stop thinking about Naruto's predicament.

"Nine-Tails, the Paragon. He is a lord of lords, and like any ruler, hates to be told what to do." Yugito answered, "Matatabi believes that he would be most difficult for a jinchuriki to deal with. If you let him, he will steal your life away from you and make it his own. He's always been that way."

Gaara was silent for a long while. There was a rising sense of dread when he reflected on his friend's possible future. Conversely, he had it easiest of all, in theory. He at least felt more confident in that respect.

"Don't underestimate the Ichibi." The kunoichi warned him, "It's true he is weak in reason and thought, but he is powerful in rage and desire." She relayed any advice the Nibi was able to supply. Yugito advised Gaara to keep his emotions in check when he contacted the beast.

He deliberated when would be the most appropriate time to attempt it. 'Not when I am near sleep.' As if he could manage it anymore from stress, he thought, but the Shukaku did have a sweet-tooth for unguarded souls.

"I want to stop for lunch now. We can finish our chat later, little Kazekage." Yugito told him, pressing on with her cat-like gait and gave a short wave of departure.

Gaara thought it was a reasonable encounter, and with similar intentions he too left in the direction of the mansion. Baki spied him alone on his way back, and stopped him on the side of the street. "I've been told the jinchuriki of Cloud like to stir up trouble." He said, "She wasn't out of line at all, was she?"

"Hardly more than I." Gaara had a sort of respect for the no-nonsense woman.

---

Tenten had to conclude training with Neji early after he had used a new technique. From several yards away he'd struck her with a non-physical Jyukken strike so intense that she crumpled to the ground. He had asked her if she was alright, looking slightly concerned. She told him she was fine with watering eyes, and let him examine her back where he had hit her. A welt the size of a grapefruit was puckering at her skin, an angry shade of plum.

"I'm sorry." He said. Neji sat down with her on the veranda, her shirt hiked up slightly so he had access to the wound. His skilled hands traced soothing patterns near the bruise, probably having dealt with similar injuries before. Chances were, Tenten noted, his life in the Hyuga clan had afforded him some medical knowledge to supplement all of their Gentle-Fist battery.

She sighed deeply. Neji paused in his work, looking at the back of her neck thoughtfully. Tenten noticed the sound had distracted him, 'Just a dude-reaction, they're common. Snap him back to reality…'

"That's one hell of a technique, Neji. But for first time's sake you think you could've let up a little?" She pointed out amicably.

"Empty Palm." He told her, "I nearly have it right. Clearly it's…" He didn't elaborate. Not that he had too, she was suffering the effects. His touch lingered on her back needlessly and Tenten eventually adjusted her shirt, standing up.

"Thank you, for that." She said, smiling to disguise the pain she was experiencing. 'Gah! It's like I was shot at and then kicked in the same spot- I hate that jutsu!'

Neji opened his mouth to say something but kept silent; a few doors down his uncle appeared. "You're running late, Neji." Hiashi told him, "Please join me now." He turned to continue east down the walkway before rounding the corner for the courtyard.

Neji made a noise of evident irritation. Tenten's eyebrows titled upward almost apologetically. She didn't really believe in karma, but karma believed in Neji. Just another you-will-take-my-place-someday-smackdown Hiashi intended to begin, something his nephew had tired of after the first week they had begun.

"Man up, old boy." She patted Neji's shoulder, "At least he's not breathing down your neck all the time."

He stood, lightly sweeping her hand away. "Hiashi-sama tends to repeat himself." He said lowly, "Perhaps because I don't make it clear how I understand what is expected of me."

"You make your points pretty vividly, I'd say." Tenten assured him.

Neji eyed her with an acute scrutiny, "You've been missing, lately. Lee and I can never find you when you don't show up for training."

"Work. I'm sorry." She answered curtly. Neji caught the lie but dismissed it.

"Don't disappear this afternoon. We have a mission and we leave tonight." He reminded her.

Tenten promised she would be prompt, and with that, Neji stalked off to the courtyard after his uncle. She released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Of course she was going to go snooping again, as she had been all week. 'I'll just have to mind the time…'

She couldn't deny that it was not very wise of her to have made friends with Hikune, especially without Neji's approval. It had also been odd to meet someone so affectionate and honest. Tenten was unable to stop visiting, regardless. Like a hummingbird to a geranium, she was bound to return.

She poked around Hikune's usual haunt, just near the edge of the Main House's garden. Only Fujita was there, sitting on a flat-sided rock and scraping the mud from his sandals. He looked up at her with his watery opal eyes, smiling, "Hello Tenten-san! Are you looking for my brother?"

"Not particularly." She chuckled uneasily, "But do you happen to know where he is?"

"He was out front last I checked. He might still be there." The boy paused, briefly using his Byakugan to confirm it, "Oh, yes, there he is."

Tenten thanked him and swung around the far side of the garden, hoping to avoid the courtyard. If Neji was using his Byakugan at the moment, he would surely notice how she was loitering. 'Not like he's going to think much of it.' Her mind supplied dryly. Circumventing the entryway to the Main household, Tenten crossed the lawn, spying Hikune.

She quickly noticed that he was not alone. Beside Hikune was a wiry-looking man in a flak vest, his hair a mess of chestnut spikes, and brown eyes bright with laughter. He was cut off mid-sentence when Hikune turned to face the kunoichi. "Good afternoon, Tenten." He was always so formal, but he was smiling.

"Hey Hikune, I, uh…could come back later if you're-"

"No, stay, please!" He ushered her over, "This fellow here is my teammate and good friend, Runruna Mion." Hikune looked to his friend, "This is Tenten, Mion-kun. You remember?"

"Oh! Well would ya look at this…" Mion eyed the kunoichi, eyebrows aloft, "So this is the pretty Tenten! Hikune-kun loves talking about you…" One immediate turn-off about Mion, Tenten realized, was his tone. He spoke through his nose, and it was incredibly annoying.

Tenten cleared her throat, "Ah, well, nice to meet you Mion." She looked at Hikune, "Do you have any other teammates?"

"Our sensei is retired now, but we still have Shoda-kun. Oftentimes he's busy at the hospital- he's a medic-nin, you see." Hikune filled her in, "You'll get to meet him too, sometime."

Mion stood by, keeping his comments to himself, although his shoulders were quaking with restrained laughter. 'Ohoho…hee…looks like Hikune's really taken with this one! He's never been this open since…' He broke the silence by prattling on about Shoda's current projects, as well as yesterday's mission.

"Step this way. We're going for a walk." Hikune told her. They left the grounds together and entered town.

Tenten's first impression of Mion was not so genial. She found him chatty, dim-witted, and ineloquent, 'Buh! That voice! Shut him up already…' But just as he was Hikune's polar opposite he was still his friend, and making…a bumbling effort to be sociable. His personality was what Tenten would label "cutesy."

"Excuse me now, folks. I'll see you later." Mion diverged from the sidewalk and crossed the street to where a young woman was waiting. He kissed her like a gentleman in greeting, and then followed her into a tea shop.

"Huh. I didn't take him for the type that'd be able to keep a girlfriend." Tenten admitted. It didn't quite fit his personality, but what did she know? She had just met the guy.

"Is that so? As long as I've known him Mion has been steadfast in everything he does. It so happens those two will be husband and wife in a few months' time." Hikune looked sidelong to Tenten as they walked, and laughed at her shocked expression.

"Mion-kun can be…dithering at times. But beneath it all he is a wise and dependable shinobi." He told her, "He is my best friend."

She half regretted her earlier assessment of Mion. In some ways he was similar to Lee, what with the over-abundant energy and open displays of affection. Along with that, there was certainly wisdom and skill evident in the both of them, and it was unfair to overlook it. "How old is he?" Tenten wondered aloud, "If he's getting married already, I'm just curious."

"Hm…he'll be eighteen in three months. He has nearly a year on me." He gave Tenten a thoughtful look, "Does he seem too young?"

"I can't really judge. You just don't see a lot of people that age…getting married. Even old people don't get married very often these days." She pointed out.

Hikune shed some light on the matter, "You'd be surprised. Many marriages are still arranged in this village, and some will marry as young as fifteen, since law in the Fire Country permits. Mion-kun is the exception since he's already expecting a child-"

"No way!"

"Erm…I've said too much." He quickly changed the subject, "What matters is that he will be a good husband," He saw Tenten's pointed look so he added, "and a very good father because he never shirks responsibility. I also assure you I'm not advocating for him simply because he's my friend. He really has made a difference in many people's lives."

"That was a very big tip of the hat to a guy who's having a shotgun wedding." She was smirking.

"Like you said: who are we to judge?" He smiled, and opened a hinged-panel gate so they could cut across private property. Tenten looked around and surveyed the new location hesitantly. This district wasn't very popular, as far as she knew.

"Where are we going, exactly?" She asked.

"This, Tenten, is one of my favorite places in the village. Second only to the Hokage Monument, in my opinion. This way." Hikune led her out the back of a super-upscale restaurant, 'Of course he's not taking me out to eat here…' and stopped beneath an awning.

In the shade several tables were set up, devoted almost entirely to shogi and go, although it appeared that some people were playing a card game at one station. It was, in essence, a congregation of old-timers who spent the afternoon playing board games. Not necessarily the most absorbing past-time she could think of.

"Have a seat here, Tenten." Hikune pointed to an empty bench which she reluctantly moved to. He sat across from her, resetting some of the game pieces that had been scattered carelessly. "Do you know how to play?" He asked.

"I used to play with Hayate when he babysat for me." She confessed, "But mind you that was a long time ago."

"This will be a refresher round, then." He decided. They began, and as it turned out, she was not as bad as she had anticipated she would be. They were fairly evenly matched, though it was clear Hikune had more experience. He told her that he stopped by this place nearly every other day, and on occasion Nara Shikamaru would be his opponent. She found it intriguing.

What was better than the actual chess-match were the stories. Players at nearby tables would recount tales from their youth, and Tenten quickly caught on that Hikune liked to listen in on the narratives. They were entertaining to say the least, and some were downright outrageous.

One of the old players was obviously a retired shinobi. He had been the sensei of Uchiha Fugaku. He recalled how his student and Hyuga Hiashi had always been butting heads when they were young- rivals who had been the heirs to their respective clans. Tenten was fascinated by the history they had lived through.

Hikune watched her from across the table, his eyes moon-hued, and let her win purposefully. She informed him that she disliked surrender. He dismissed it, and then said, "I had a feeling you would like this place. Not many people know to come here for a relaxing time, but I hope you will in the future."

"So long as you stop letting me win every damn time."

He laughed, "Fair enough."

One of the old players to their left turned to Hikune, grinning, "I'm glad to see you stopped by again, Hikune-kun. How are your parents doing?"

"Mother and Father are well, thank you, Kurashamo-san." He replied politely.

Kurashamo asked about his younger brother, and Hikune was proud to announce how Fujita had achieved genin rank early.

"Is that so?" The older gentleman was pleased, "Why it seemed like only yesterday he was a little babe in Hideyasu's arms. He'll be a talented shinobi, just like you and your father."

"Some of Fujita's ability should be credited to Tenten here." He pointed out, and the kunoichi flushed at her mentioning, "Without her he would've struggled more in learning to wield senbon. Even I was unable to help him much with that."

Across from Kurashamo a middle-aged man with unruly stubble leaned over, examining Tenten with squinted eyes. "Tenten…" He repeated, "Tenten…hm. Why does that sound-?"

She regarded the man, brow furrowed, but did not know him at all. 'He might be mistaking me for someone else…'

"Oh! Is that you? You're taicho's daughter!" He burst out, suddenly recognizing her, "Yes, I know! God do I miss him…Takaharu and your mother…"

Tenten's eyes were wide, "You knew them? How?"

"He was my captain- your father. Back in the old days we were all part of the Black Ops."

"That's right." She nodded, sitting up straighter, "I'm glad they have friends who still remember them."

The ex-ANBU smiled sadly at her, "Not those two…I won't ever forget them. The times we had…" He sighed, "I'm just sorry that they aren't here now."

Tenten wasn't in the mood to chat about it further. Hikune won the next game, as she had requested, and after talking with the old folks a short while longer they left. Tenten was not quite sure if the mentioning of her parents had brightened or worsened her mood. She was engrossed in silent contemplation on the walk back across the village. Hikune walked beside her, unnerved slightly, "Is everything alright, Tenten?"

"Sure. I'm just…trying to decide if I want to go back there sometime." She answered.

"I think you should." He then amended, "I liked playing with you; you're a clever opponent. You also don't need to discuss your parents with the others if you don't want to."

"No. No…I liked it. It's not everyday someone mentions them like that." She smiled to herself, "It took me by surprise, is all. But they're really quite a crowd. Nice guys."

"I'm glad you think so."

She stopped abruptly, realizing that he had walked with her the entire way. They were just outside the forge, and a few paces more standing outside of her apartment building. It was a charming gesture. Tenten thanked him for the outing and turned to head in, shoulders hunched.

"Tenten?" He asked again, "Are you certain you're alright?"

She stood at the door for a fraction longer than what was necessary. She hadn't even made a move to open it. Truthfully she'd had a good time; she was just slightly conflicted that she spent a lot quality time with Hikune…against her conscience's contrary demands. 'What the hell am I doing?' She thought pointedly, 'I don't play shogi and I don't talk to old geezers…but why is it that now it feels like I should?'

It was a step outside of her comfort zone but she turned on her heel and faced Hikune. He was a step below, just eye level with her, and she could make out his sharp intake of breath upon seeing her unflinching expression. She was tired of feeling like she was doing something wrong, so she had confronted the root of the problem.

"We should definitely do that again sometime." She agreed belatedly.

He smiled, laughing lightly to himself. He'd been concerned that the thought of her parents had upset her. It didn't seem like it. And though he'd already learned from a past error he leaned in and pecked her cheek anyway, hoping a sign of goodwill would help her lighten up. She did not fidget in the least. Hikune blinked in surprise. She stood in wait.

"Oh…" He said faintly, "I see." He stepped up and kissed her mouth, but she made no immediate response. He placed a gentle hand on the back of her neck, drawing her down an inch, and deepened the kiss. Her half-lidded eyes flew open, and for a beat she struggled internally before drawing back, startled by his forwardness.

"Yeah…that'll have to do for now. For the week, actually." She said quickly.

"There it is again." He said, highly amused, "You acted just like that when I kissed you the last time too."

"Ah, well…it just doesn't feel like something I should be doing." She explained her predicament as simply as she could.

"Because you like Neji?" He observed keenly.

She winced slightly, "That's right."

And in a very unnecessary, very uncalled-for move, he asked, "And does he care for you?"

That one stung, although Tenten didn't believe he did it do it to hurt her feelings. It was more of a rhetorical question anyway- very, very unfortunately. "No. I don't believe he does." She answered in a thick voice, coming to grips with reality.

"I do." His fingers brushed lightly across her cheek, "I know I do, and we have not known each other for very long. Neji has known you for years and…I do not understand how he couldn't-"

"That's enough. Right there, that's enough!" She snapped, frustrated, and smacked his hand away, "I don't need you to analyze this for me. I know how it looks. But I'm not desperate and I don't, definitely don't need a guy around to keep me happy. I have a career!"

He smiled understandingly, "So do I."

"Will you cut that out?" She groaned, troubled by her weakness for that warm expression.

"You're strong-willed and independent. You're adaptable and courageous." Hikune observed, "But you don't need to hide. You don't need to be alone, even if he makes you think that way."

"And why would Neji be responsible for that?"

"Because he is always on his own. He's setting a bad example. Don't take it too seriously." He advised, "It's not his fault, but it certainly isn't yours. Don't isolate yourself…I want to be around you. I want to talk to you and-"

The door shut in his face. Tenten was still having denial issues. Not even that, per se, just issues. Hikune stood on the step for a long moment, a smidgen hurt, but was also aware of how she wasn't doing much better. He could take a hint, and the next time he would know better than to point out the obstacles in her relationship with Neji. He'd just keep his overly-caring mouth zipped.

---

"Sato, did you do all of your homework?"

"No, Dad. We didn't even have any assignments today."

"Oh, that's good."

"You know…I don't even go to the Academy anymore, Dad."

"Ah, that's right. I'm sorry I forgot."

"Dad?"

"Yes, son?"

"You're dead."

"I…I'm sorry about that too…"

Sato blinked his eyes open, feeling the last shreds of his dream shrink to the back of his consciousness. How many times had he dreamed up that conversation? It was trivial and pointless, but he'd give anything to have one.

He sat up in bed and rubbed the sand from his eyes. It was the start of another day, and if he recalled correctly, Kurenai-sensei had mandated he take a solo mission the day before. His team was busy with their respective clans as it was, so it was a good way to bide time until they could return to the team. He didn't necessarily feel up for a mission today, but he rolled out of bed anyway, strolling in his boxers over to a dresser with a mirror perched on top.

Sato regarded his reflection for a moment. He wasn't very aware of how he'd gotten taller in the past few months, but the fine stubble on his chin did signal his entry into manhood. He reveled in the small but noticeable changes, and most often Tama had to point them out to him: i.e. 'You've put on more muscle, it looks like!' He mussed his hair, deciding that it was tidy enough as it was, and then scrounged around for an outfit.

While rummaging through drawers for pants Sato came across a few stray pictures. The photographs were old, before his time, so someone else must have taken them. One of them was of Kakashi, to his surprise, who was much younger and shorter in the shot. The other picture made his heart twist. It was of his parents, long ago, it seemed. His mother was just as beautiful as he'd always remembered her to be, but his father was like a bolt from the blue every time he laid eyes on him.

He had wild, white hair, but also the sky hued-eyes his son had inherited. 'Yes that's right…that's what he looks like.' He felt a bit guilty that he could forget sometimes. For future reference, Sato elected to keep that particular shot on his person at all times, 'Just in case my memory gets foggy again…' He tucked it in his jacket pocket before clipping a weapons holster around his thigh.

He wasn't terribly surprised to find Tama in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. She smiled at him, "Good morning! I let myself in."

"That's cool. S'pose I'll just have to get used to seeing you around here at odd hours." Sato chuckled, pouring some of the coffee. He offered her some but she politely declined.

"I like hanging around here…it's good practice for the future." Tama said, her cheeks dusted pink.

Sato looked at her for a long moment before he understood. "Yeah, sure." He agreed weakly. Her face dimmed a bit. Even if his enthusiasm for marrying her amounted to a towering zero, the least he could do was show her a little compassion, he thought. "So what do you have there with you? Smells good." He chirped.

Tama pushed a plate of sweet buns in front of him. "My mother made these this morning. Help yourself, Sato-kun." Her voice was resigned, slightly mechanical.

The silver haired boy happily did, and he wolfed down his breakfast without even taking a seat at the table. He was disconcerted to see Tama had not touched anything. Not the tea in the thermos she'd brought with her, or the food her mother had prepared. "Aren't you going to eat anything, Tama?"

She was scrubbing some of the neglected mugs in his sink. "No thanks, Sato-kun. I'm not hungry." Tama replied, her eyes a bit lost as they trained themselves on the wall.

He turned the tap off and handed her a dishtowel. "Tell me what's wrong. You always wash my dishes when you're upset, you know." Sato said perceptively.

Tama dried her hands off and sighed. She faced the boy fully, deciding to be truthful, "There's just…something I've been wanting to try…if that's okay with you?"

"Sure, so long as it isn't destructive."

Tama stepped forward, and gently took his arms, wrapping them around her waist. For a moment he thought she wanted to practice another routine, but she made no motions that indicated a dance. She simply stood there in his embrace, marveling at how he was now her equal in height. She let the faintest breath escape her, gingerly resting her hands on his shoulders. Sato didn't look like he particularly understood the contact, but he permitted it nonetheless.

"Don't you…ever get lonely, Sato-kun?" She asked him quietly.

His brow furrowed slightly, "I guess…sometimes I do."

"Tell me."

"I just miss Mom, really…and Dad, you could say. It'd be nice to have a family dynamic…unwind when you come home from a mission instead of looking after yourself constantly." Sato divulged, pondering over how she seemed to know what was on his mind.

"I do the best I can…" She mumbled.

"What?"

"What I mean is, I try to make it easier for you. I know it was hard losing your mother." Tama told him, running a finger along the curve of his neck, "I don't want things to be stressful when you've already got so much to worry about. If there's anything else I can do-"

"Please don't worry about that, okay?" Sato said quickly, pulling away from her hold, "I appreciate everything you do for me, Tama, but I'm grown now. I can look after myself; it doesn't bother me."

He crossed the kitchen, dumping out the rest of the coffee in the sink. Tama stood very still, staring at the floor. Sato couldn't place her behavior, 'What am I missing? Is she really worried about me or…is there something she isn't saying?' Time was still ticking by.

"Listen, thank you for coming over, it always helps. I'm taking a mission today so I might not be back for a while…" As an afterthought he added, "And tell your Mom I liked the cakes! She's awesome. I've got to run…"

Sato was in motion but Tama had caught him by the sleeve of his jacket. "Don't…go yet…" She choked out. The tears in her eyes scared the hell out of him.

"Tama?" He whipped around, clutching her face in his hands, "God…just tell me what's wrong! Why do you hold it in? Did I do something?"

"N-No…"

"Is it Kakashi? Is he being an ass?"

"Of course not…"

Sato grimaced, "Kiba?"

Tama shook her head, "Not Kiba-kun…"

His eyebrows were inquiring, "Er…Sakura-chan?"

"No." She laughed lightly.

"Why can't you tell me?" He felt so powerless, "Why do you come here if I can't help you? I want you to…stop being such an adult…"

"One more time…okay?" She was getting a grip on herself. Sato understood, and this time he held her genuinely, still frightened of leaving on a mission when his friend was suddenly so emotionally fragile.

Sato had rarely ever seen Tama so troubled. He'd known her all of his life, but seldom witnessed her heartaches. 'That's one of the problems with Tama…she'll have a problem and never talk about it…' She practically hoarded her woes and locked them away. Her focus was always on others, and Sato, frankly, didn't approve of it.

She was light in his arms, in such a pleasant way that he couldn't help but run his hand absently through her hair. Tama sighed again, but he could sense pain was still there and he knew she would definitely not tell him what was bothering her. It was not in her nature to do so.

"Alright…" He said gently, "Let's go now. You're coming with me."

"Huh? B-But…" She couldn't protest when he led her out of the apartment by her hand. Sato thought about knocking on Tenten's door just down the way, but thought better of it. She wasn't quite the right girl to handle emotional distress, he acknowledged.

Tama tagged alongside Sato, embarrassed by her disheveled appearance in public. Sato cut across town, not letting go of her hand once, and was finally stopped by a rather irate-looking Ino who was outside of her family's shop.

The blonde girl took in the scene instantly, "What's wrong with Tama-chan? Were you being a jerk, Hatake, or-"

"No! Sato's been nothing but kind!" Tama breathed, "Ino…don't…"

"Could you take care of Tama for me, maybe?" Sato asked, "She's got the blues and I've got a mission and I want to take her but…that may not be a very good idea."

Ino's eyes softened, "Oh…sure. That's fine, you should hang out with me for a while, Tama-chan. What do you say?"

"I…" She glanced back to Sato, her heart thrumming at the sight of his understanding smile. "Thank you, Ino." She gave the silver haired boy's hand a slight squeeze before letting go.

"Feel better, okay? When I get back I'll take you out to dinner." His eyes brightened with a better idea, "How about breakfast, lunch, and dinner?"

She hiccupped but managed to nod to him. Sato took off after that, seeing she was in good hands. Ino untied her work apron and folded it over her arm. "I really hate to say this, Tama, but you're a regular wreck." She told the older girl, "And that's saying something, since you can make even a broken leg look good."

"I can't believe I broke down like that…" Tama pressed her palm to her forehead, leaning against the flower display, "I was only having breakfast with him and then I just…I…"

"It happens, take it from someone who knows." Ino smiled, "Honestly, you're an open book. Your face just screams: Hatake Sato I'm madly in love with you- get over your hang-ups already and just marry me! He's got to be dense in that field, huh?"

Tama laughed, "You…have no idea."

Ino quirked an eyebrow, "That so? Well I say, if it can be done with Shikamaru then anything's possible."

---

"You should thank your sensei for recommending you for a solo mission. She has unquestionable faith in her students, it seems." Tsunade informed the boy standing in front of her desk.

Sato smiled, "I'll definitely thank her, Hokage-sama." Although usually his gratitude amounted to alcoholic beverages, Kurenai appreciated it all the same.

"Your stealth and tracking skills are well suited for this task, Sato." The Hokage flipped a page in the report, "We've received a message from a small town called Kaido in the southern part of the Fire Country. Apparently the people there have been putting up with a vigilante who claims to be a freedom fighter, but whatever he's rebelling against I haven't the foggiest-" She sighed, "So it's safe to say they have a regular trouble-maker on their hands."

"By any chance is the perpetrator Naruto?" The Hatake joked.

Tsunade sniffed, "Hardly. Last I heard from Jiraiya, he and Naruto were somewhere near the Valley Country."

Sato quailed. That was a place so far west it was neglected from almost every map he'd looked at.

"But don't let your guard down, regardless of how this sounds. In all likelihood the vigilante is a ninja, which explains why he's avoided the authorities for so long." Tsunade continued, "When you reach Kaido you are to stake out the vigilante's activities and, if possible, assist the community in his arrest. I expect you back within the next three weeks."

"That's…a while." Sato commented.

The Hokage arched a blonde eyebrow at him, "Is there something here that requires your attention, then?"

"Well…" His thoughts rushed back to Tama, and he wasn't sure he could trust others to look after her for so long. What if she had another breakdown? He had an idea though. "If it's not too much to ask, Hokage-sama, it'd be nice if Ino could stay in touch with me, in the event she has anything important to tell me while I'm away. I could send an owl back to stay informed."

"That is a fair request." Tsunade fell silent and thought about it for a moment. Why on earth would he need to hear anything from the Yamanaka girl? She laced her hands beneath her chin and stared at the Hatake from where she sat. There was only one logical explanation that came to mind.

"Before I dismiss you, Sato, I need a candid answer from you that pertains to your health." The Hokage told him.

"That's fine."

"Are you sexually active?"

Sato thought his head might spin three hundred and sixty degrees on his shoulders. That was a question he had not been prepared for. He had to think: did masturbating count? Probably not. It then occurred to him that she had only asked because he'd mentioned Ino.

"Ew." It was his only response.

"You could have just said no." The Hokage quipped, "Never mind then. It slipped my mind that you're betrothed to Gai's niece. Is this by any chance about her?"

"Yes. She's been a bit of an emotional train wreck since this morning. I figured spending some time with her friends might help her out." Sato clarified, "And Ino's already got a boyfriend, by the way."

Tsunade looked intrigued. "Really? Well, Shizune and Sakura are not bringing in nearly enough gossip for me these days…I'll pester them later. You're dismissed."

Sato left the office feeling a little awkward.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Kurenai had also charmingly advised three days earlier that Sato refrain from traveling by owl. If he recalled correctly, she had phrased it, "Flying has made you inexcusably lazy." He went by foot reluctantly, all the while wondering what her opinion of Shikamaru's verve must have been.

He moved quickly and was able to reach the village by noon. It was a serene, unassuming city of linear design, easy on the eyes with a balance of business development and garden themes scattered throughout. The people, Sato found, were far more colorful than their native city. Foremost, they loved to hear themselves talk. Secondly, he discovered almost as quickly, was that they worked for a pittance. Though, overall, they seemed very cheerful.

After consulting with three people along the main avenue, Sato had no trouble learning about the village's elusive vigilante. He was referred to by many things, ranging from "Shadow" to "Skunk." One man had even affectionately nicknamed him "Swifty" for his quickness. For the most part, townspeople Sato spoke with painted him a picture more of a man of the people rather than a criminal.

Though he would've liked nothing more than to have relied on the people's word alone, he had to get the other side of the story. Sato was directed to the mayor's office, and quickly welcomed in by the secretary. The mayor was a round man with a squinted face. Nothing about him seemed imaginative. He was straightforward, balding, and smelled of cheap cologne.

"Um, Seung-san?" Sato began, stepping into a spacious office and spotting the mayor seated at his desk, "I'm a shinobi from the Hidden Leaf Village; my name is Hatake Sato-"

"Ah yes! Good to see you, good to see you…" The mayor prattled, "Come in, don't be shy Leaf ninja! Now, I suppose you're curious about why we need your village's help, hm?"

"Well-"

"The fact is there is a shame-faced criminal among us, young sir." Seung continued in his guttural tone, "This vigilante is a thief, pure and simple! I could tell you stories- ohoho, I could tell you-!"

"What exactly has this person done?" Sato cut to the chase.

The mayor sighed and wiped his brow with a handkerchief, "He's been active for quite some time now, and all of our investigations have proven futile. He's burglarized several homes belonging to public officials and avoided any and all detection. The vigilante makes a point to be popular with the townspeople too, the mongrel, thinking they'll defend him if he ever is caught!"

The silver haired nin folded his arms, "It does seem that way from what I've heard."

"Will you aid us in our continuing investigations, Hatake-san?"

"This really does seem to be an issue, so of course, I'll look into it." Sato agreed, "He won't avoid me so easily…"

"Excellent! I really can't tell you how grateful I am to have Leaf's support…" Seung cleared his throat with a trill, "Now as for accommodations we have a discreet guest house in the garden borough you may stay in while you investigate. Here we are-"

An envelope with a key was thrust into Sato's hands, and the mayor did not waste a moment before steering him toward the door. "Thank you so much, young master, please make yourself comfortable in your new quarters! Report back when you find any substantial clues, and until then, good luck!"

"Um, sir-?"

"I'm a very busy man, I'm sure you can tell, Hatake-san! Now please make yourself comfortable…"

"Seung-san, is there any specific-"

"Good evening!"

The door shut with a click. Sato blinked hard and frowned to himself. He had never been handled by a public official before, but he figured there was a first time for everything. He was not particularly a fan of Mayor Seung, but he assumed the only valuable information for locating the bandit was already the gossip he'd collected from the common folk.

Sato stepped out of the building into the fading afternoon light. Upon further inspection of the city, he could not help but notice the glaring divisions of class and wealth. After passing through an impoverished district, complete with ramshackle roofs and stray dogs, he entered the more up-scale, more heavily guarded garden borough. The inequality of affluence, not to mention paved roads, was oddly disturbing. It was as if the city was cut up into quarters and assigned varying monetary ranks.

The guest house sat demurely on the corner of a street lined with flowerbeds. Though it was designed with the intention of welcoming more desirable citizens, Sato found the district sterile and rigid. After unlocking the door to the box-like flat the silver haired nin shrugged off his formal mission attitude and hurled his pack onto a sofa across the room.

He sighed heavily. This would normally be the part where Shino would announce some sort of contingency plan. On his own Sato figured he could exercise a more laid-back approach.

Sato examined his quarters which he found to be what he'd expected: cramped and modern. There was nothing in the refrigerator, but he had planned on eating out anyway. The bed looked like a puzzle board with a sheet thrown over it. He guessed there would be no use in requesting a futon. 'Wow. The mayor sure knows how to keep his clientele comfy…' Bored with his new dwelling in a matter of seconds, Sato decided it was time to begin investigating.

He untied his kodachi from his bag and fitted them to his belt. Sato slung his camera around his neck, and after equipping himself with necessities he exited his temporary shelter. 'So…where's the fun at?' Sato thought bouncily, 'I want to catch a troublemaker so I don't have to stick around this synthetic municipality!'

The process of familiarizing himself with the village was not as dull as Sato had anticipated. Around the garden borough, the upper-class villagers used colorful language to describe the outlaw's pursuits. They favored the nickname "Skunk" save for those more fearful, who referred to the thief with a bit more respect. Many households as well as civilians had been robbed blind or had something precious stolen, usually in paper form. It was an odd pattern, Sato noted.

In the crummy districts he listened to recycled stories of the lower class. A few in particular caught his attention.

"You said your house was foreclosed?" Sato asked an older woman sharing her tale.

"They took everything…my sons and I were out on the street." She nodded grimly, "It was nothing short of a miracle, though. While staying at my friend's home, in the middle of the night, everything was returned to us!"

Sato looked perplexed, "Pardon?"

"Documents, the deed to the house and the bakery…and money enough to pay off the mortgage!" She clapped her hands in delight, "Swifty got it back for us! He did that for two other families, ask them if you don't believe me! Word is that he never keeps what he takes."

"Stealing is still illegal." Sato pointed out gently.

The woman patted his shoulder, "I know Leaf ninja, but the fact is, we have a roof over our heads and now it won't be taken away."

He did not want to immediately assume the criminal had pure intentions just because he had won over the lower class with good deeds, but Sato did continue fact-checking. A man of the upper class provided some startling information.

"His attacks can be brutal, I actually witnessed my business partner get jumped." The merchant told Sato with a shudder, "You should know what you're up against, sonny. This fellow is not just some run-of-the-mill shinobi: he has a Kekkei Genkai."

Sato's thoughts wheeled to Sasuke, but he hesitated with the notion. 'That would be so incredibly unlikely it's…yep…that's out. Why the hell would he establish himself out here…but then again, who would?'

Standard procedure questions followed the accusation of the bloodline limit. "Well, I know it may be difficult for you to remember details, but did you happen to notice what the thief could do?" Sato inquired, "Did he use his eyes in a strange way? Could he manipulate things?"

"I can't say that I know concretely. He did use a sword…mind you it was not made of metal!" The man recalled, "I don't think he did anything with his eyes though…"

"That's alright. Thank you for your help."

Sato also found that some of the lower-class were reluctant or even refused to share information about the bandit. Their support was evident, and Sato found himself puzzled as to what kind of person, exactly, he was looking for: a chivalrous ninja or a lucrative robber. In-between interviews Sato shopped for small food items, primarily pocky. With gardens and flowers abound he managed to snap a few scenic photos as well.

By dusk he was ready to retire from interviewing people. Sato crossed a path from the lower district that would bring him to the garden borough more quickly. Yet before he came close to the well-to-do area he was stopped in his tracks.

"Hey you!"

Sato turned about, spotting a clearly aggravated woman with a gasping young lady tucked beneath her arm. He pointed to himself, "Er-"

"Yeah numbnuts, you!" She repeated, "Get over here and help me already! Have you not yet noticed the crisis at hand?"

Sato rushed to her side and could then see what the raucous was about. The young woman breathing doggedly was hugely pregnant and quite possibly in labor. A holler of pain stood his hair on end, and he could then admit his true, inexcusable weakness as a male. The aggravated woman situated Sato to help support the pregnant lady on the opposite side.

"What's your name?" She huffed impatiently.

"Hata-"

"Never mind! I don't really care right now. We need to get Shihoni to my house immediately, there's no way we can get to the clinic in time…"

"Excuse me, but are you even licensed to-"

"Licensed? You read the paperwork on me like you were supposed to, right? Toshisue Sarincha, right? Why do they send me the slow one!" She was walking briskly, but with great care for Shihoni, "I'm the resident medic of this village, and when we get through this, I might have to smack you- you incompetent-!"

Shihoni gave an incoherent wail, and neither medic nor Leaf nin spoke again.

Once at Sarincha's place of residence things seemed to move in a static fuzz of fast-forward. Her first demand as she laid the small quaking woman to mats on the floor was issued, "Hot water, towels, aspirator!"

Sato's eyes were saucers, "What?"

"NOW!"

He fled, scrambling through the house in search of the required items. The wailing combined with Sarincha's mix of assurances and demands had Sato's head spinning. 'How the hell did I get swept up into this?"

Sato floundered around a hall closet and thankfully discovered a pile of fresh towels. He delivered them with feverish speed, battle speed even, and gave little thought to the large pot he hauled out of a kitchen cabinet and filled with scalding water in the sink. With great care not to burn his trembling hands Sato returned with the water.

Sarincha regarded him with the pot, disbelieving, "No."

"But it's-!"

"Boiling! It's goddamn boiling water- remedy that!" She looked around, "Aspirator?"

"Wha-? Is that the thing that cleans nostrils-"

"You're ASKING?" Sarincha shrieked, "Go get it yarn-for-brains!"

Sato vanished, and after much clanging and ripping open of drawers he reappeared with a bag of ice, bulb syringe, and an unnecessary pair of tongs. The boiling water was modified and the tools were in line, and he had arrived just in time for Sarincha's coaching. Shihoni's yukata was open and Sato's eyes were carefully averted. Bellows followed each of Sarincha's countdowns, and Sato kept close by, for fear of leaving and being beaten to death by a furious medic.

An hour passed. Sarincha demanded other odds and ends while she attended Shihoni. Another hour and a half. Time switched between crawling and flying by.

Just when Shihoni's screams seemed to peak in agony, Sarincha began cheering, "That's it! You're almost there!"

Somewhere in the swirl of fear and confusion settled in Sato's gut, a light of excitement went on. He may not have asked to witness a birth, and he certainly wasn't watching, but so far things sounded like they were progressing well. Shihoni let out an admirable cry and Sarincha ordered, "Towel."

Sato handed it over, and then in a moment of stillness, a small yelp of life.

He had to look. He was taken aback by the mess. A discolored, slimy, screaming body. Sarincha worked with utmost priority, and in moments the unknown organism assumed the appearance of a tiny human being. Wrapped in a warm towel Sarincha handed the infant to Shihoni, who was crying in relief, "Here's your little boy!"

The new mother began crooning and Sato then forgave whatever force that had decided to drag him into the event. The mess was horrific, but thankfully Sarincha dismissed the majority of ruined materials disposable. Once the clean-up was concluded and Shihoni was tended to, Sarincha pulled Sato aside in another room.

She was smiling in approval, "Not bad for a first-timer. Good job!"

He laughed sheepishly, scratching his head, "Well, uh…you see I'm probably not who you think I am."

"I figured that out after a while." Sarincha chuckled, "But even if you weren't the medical student I'd been expecting today, you did me proud. What's your name?"

"I'm Hatake Sato, a shinobi from Konohagakure."

"Toshisue Sarincha." She shook his hand, "I'm sorry about the mix-up, Sato. I was frantic and I was just so angry that the assistant I've been waiting for the government to appoint me has just not shown up. Childbirth was something I assumed a student to be familiar with…in your case though-"

"I'll get over it after some therapy."

She laughed softly.

Shihoni's husband and sister arrived shortly after taking a lucky guess why she was not at the clinic. Sarincha had been watching her patient carefully, and made sure she received the proper care. The entire family thanked her with smiles and excited chatter. Sarincha offered them the spare room to stay in until Shihoni had enough strength to return home.

Sato did not go unrewarded either.

"Please stay for dinner, Sato-kun." Sarincha offered, "It's really the least I can do after pulling you off the street and scaring the crap out of you."

"I really appreciate it, Sarincha-san, but I need to focus on my mission." He declined politely.

"Alright then, stop by tomorrow so I can make it up to you, okay?" She added, "I think you'll also want to check on the baby once his eyes open."

Sato nodded, "Yeah, I would like that."

They bade each other goodnight and Sato made haste through the city back to his quarters. He observed that when Sarincha was not in "medic-mode" shouting, she was truly a generous, compassionate person. He was strangely compelled to do what she said.

After boiling noodles for a quick meal, Sato could not help but reflect on how he had helped deliver a baby. His respect for child-rearing women had multiplied tenfold. He settled on the square, uncomfortable bed and succumbed to an uneasy sleep. He needed energy to continue his search for the next day.

---

The following morning Sato set out through the garden borough he was surprised to be flagged down by a man in formal attire. He got the feeling he was about to be assaulted with some unsolicited information about the thief, so he braced himself cognitively.

"You are the shinobi Seung-sama hired to investigate, yes?" The man asked.

"Word sure does travel fast around here." Sato replied, nodding.

"I'm sure you've heard a million stories already, but my master would like a word with you." The man said, "If you would please step this way…"

Sato followed the servant onto the magnificent property, and was straightaway asked to disarm by a guard at the gate. With no complaint Sato handed over his holsters and kodachi, and then paused, "So…do I tip you later?"

The guard gave him a confused look.

Sato was guided into the estate by the willowy servant, and was brought to a tatami room where a lavishly dressed lord sat having his morning tea. The servant excused himself after introducing Sato, and the Leaf nin gave a small, awkward bow before taking a seat across from the wealthy man.

"I do apologize for my abruptness, good ninja, but I was told you were listening to victim's accounts. I asked my retainer to keep watch for you if you happened by." The lord began, fanning himself idly, "Do you have time?"

"It's no trouble sir." Sato assured him.

"I feel that you should know that the renegade is a repeat-offender. He has robbed my household three times." The lord reported, "Having said that, many other families in this area have also been raided."

"When did this happen?"

"All within the last six months. The first two times my home was burglarized many of my treasures were stolen. The thief avoided detection as he wronged this estate." The man's face was red with rage.

Sato allowed the lord to continue, "The third incident occurred upon my return from a council meeting. I came face to face with the brute! He overpowered me and a great deal of money was taken from my person."

"I see." Sato said quietly, "Were your wounds serious?"

"The injuries were mainly for insult, after all, why would that charlatan want to harm a steady source of income?" The lord spat.

"Well if there are multiple targets and frequent abuses, this is a much bigger problem than I thought." Sato acknowledged, "I'll observe your property and the local area and stay alert for any signs of him. Thank you for sharing sir."

Sato was dismissed with little ceremony, and after receiving his weapons at the gate he traveled back across town. He walked aimlessly with his hands in his pockets. He mulled over his findings, determining the best course of action. 'It seems that the best chance I have of sighting this guy is at night. The last reported robbery was four days ago so I better keep my eyes peeled…'

He received a few more narratives throughout the lower district, for the most part positive, and happened upon the same road he had yesterday. Sato quickly remembered assisting Sarincha, and peered down the street towards her home. The house was nestled in greenery in a tidy yard, and was by far larger than every other home in the district. She was well-to-do, but chose to be near those who needed her. Sato cracked a smile at the thought.

Though it was awfully predictable Sato ended up knocking on the front door a few moments later. The medic answered, her smile bright, "Welcome back Leaf ninja. I'm glad you could stop by!"

"Well this seemed like an auspicious direction to walk in."

Sato was welcomed inside and quickly introduced to the new parents huddled up in the guest room. Shihoni would be staying one more night to recuperate under Sarincha's watch. Her husband thanked Sato for his stalwart actions the previous night. The baby boy had large topaz eyes that were locked for the most part on his father.

He settled for a cup of tea with Sarincha in the sunlit kitchen. She sat across from him wearing an expectant expression, "So? What's a Leaf ninja doing in quaint little village like Kaido, eh?"

"I think everyone knows why outside shinobi are stepping in here." Sato responded coolly, "I can't really disclose how I'm going about it, but hopefully I'll be able to go home soon."

"A wise answer, Sato-kun." She propped her chin up in her palm, "You know I used to be a kunoichi myself?"

He blinked hard before taking a sip of tea, "I got that impression last night when you were yelling at me."

She chuckled, "Sorry about that. I used to be a shinobi of the Hidden Grass Village. I came here with my husband after my father retired so I could oversee the clinic."

"There's a hospital here?"

"On the far, far side of town- yes. I would have brought Shihoni-san there to have her baby, but she wouldn't have made it." Sarincha explained, "Better that she was at my home rather than collapsing out on the street."

"What's it like running a clinic? With the way you give orders I bet it's a tight ship." Sato poked fun.

"It can be exhausting work but I live to help people." She smiled, "I do look forward to getting back to work tomorrow once Shihoni is on her feet again."

Sato nodded, "Come to think of it, I better get back to work too."

After finishing his tea Sato thanked the medic for her hospitality. He was invited to come back whenever he wished, and he figured he might just take her up on the offer.

Since he felt he had gotten a fair mix of good and bad reports already, Sato elected not to fact-check. For the rest of the afternoon he walked the border of the upper and lower districts, noting the blending of pristine gardens and roadside carts selling knick-knacks.

More than once he stopped to snap a picture of the impressive topiaries and flower arrangements. 'Sunshine will like these for sure…' He was also fortunate to find a large, iridescent beetle with war-paint patterns on its exterior perched on a rhododendron leaf. Zooming in on the specimen, Sato captured a photo that he knew Shino would commend.

He ate a light meal before taking a nap for the remainder of the day, and by nightfall was prepared for surveillance duty. Sato kept watch over the garden borough in the dark, half-expecting some sort of action. He roosted in his inconspicuous stakeout for hours. There was no hint of movement. The night was eventless, and Sato's eyelids began to droop. 'Should have gone for a double shot of espresso…'

Begrudged over a lack of an encounter he returned to his quarters where he flopped face-first onto his bed. 'For all the hype these people have been generating, not much is going on out there.' He chuckled when another thought struck him funny, 'Hey…maybe I'll get robbed tonight and my search can go all the quicker.'

Sato remained undisturbed until late the next morning. He made the effort to shower before catching lunch, since breakfast apparently stopped existing at noon in Kaido.

The ramen he had was more or less dismal while he sat comparing it to Konoha's quality of deliciousness. Naruto would have immediately demanded a refund, Sato suspected, but he knew better than to make a fuss while he was "under cover."

When an unshaven, clearly homeless man sat down on the stool beside Sato in order to sing Swifty's praises Sato excused himself, "Yes that's nice sir but I have to be on my way now. I have a nasty case of pink eye- really contagious." He wasn't followed.

Sato believed he was about to make a clean getaway when a commotion up the road broke out. A regular teenage brawl erupted and was just as quickly broken up. Two young men had their fists trapped in the grip of a man who intended to keep the peace.

A wave of recognition washed over Sato. He stood in shock. His brain could have sworn up and down he was staring at the photograph of his parents.

The man chastening the unruly boys ahead, unmistakably, unequivocally had to be his father. Was his father. A recognized shinobi. Flak jounin vest, the white mop of hair down to the strand, and the face and eyes that Sato himself had inherited. The world spun. Sato was unable to process the onslaught of questions that boiled in his mind in that moment.

The gang of teens shrank away from Sato's father. The two combatants, however, held their ground, still determined for a fight to ensue.

"This is not how to set an example for your community, gentleman." The jounin spoke sternly, "I don't want to have to correct you again."

'My father.' Sato was frozen in thought, 'For real.'

The hooligans couldn't take a hint, and wanted to bolster the rest of their entourage by retorting. "Face it, Snowy! You're not even that tough- you don't fight! There's no way you're a real ninja…" Laughter followed and people on the side of the street stopped to watch.

Another jeered, "And why the hell would we take orders from some outsider? You just moved here you fruitpie!"

Sato felt the most searing bolt of rage drip down his spine. He did not move, but he did want to kick several asses. The feeling skyrocketed when a sneaky thug came up in the jounin's blind spot with a kunai in hand. Then Sato moved, sped by a frantic feeling, but his father moved much faster.

The white-haired nin side stepped the bumbling attack and tripped his assailant. The instant the boy toppled over the others sprang in a mass. Sato's father fell into a rigid cross stance, fluidly followed by a round of punches that sent the children crumpling to the ground. The ringleader drew his own knife and leapt, only to be mercifully swept aside by a round kick.

Others were back on their feet, hot-blooded, and charged again baying in fury. Sato pummeled three of the juveniles from behind, and a swift sweep kick sent another tumbling. The rest were put in their place by the jounin, and it was really rather pathetic that they hopped to their feet to resume the beating.

The white-haired shinobi's polished counters put the teens to shame, and even Sato was acknowledged with fear when he countered a knife-strike with his kodachi. It was not long before the children accepted their inability to contend with shinobi. They scattered and ran, and roadside onlookers berated their cowardice as they retreated.

Sato sheathed his blade and turned to the jounin, "Dad! Are you alright?" He was a bit out of breath, "What are you…doing here?"

The white haired man regarded Sato strangely. "Can I help you with something?" He asked.

"I'm Sato. I know you probably didn't meet me because you disappeared before I was born…"

"You must be confus-"

"You lived with my mother in the Leaf Village!" Sato insisted, "Your name is Riei!"

"My name is Toshisue Anyo and I have never set foot in that village in my life." The man replied firmly.

"Maybe something happened to you and you can't remember-"

"I assure you that you are mistaken." Anyo maintained in a clipped tone. He turned quickly to leave but Sato was at his heels, claiming they were related. The man just as vehemently denied it.

"But you have to be…"

Anyo stopped outside of a pharmacy and faced Sato, visibly perturbed. "I am a shinobi of the Hidden Grass Village. I appreciate that you aided me in disciplining the local delinquents, but you are obviously off in your judgment. Please leave me in peace and I can afford you the same."

"Just hear me out!" Sato followed the man down the remainder of the road.

Anyo took to the rooftops, grumbling and demanding that Sato leave him be. The agile Leaf nin could not be shaken, and Anyo eventually returned to the ground and turned sharply. The jounin disappeared, much quicker than the genin. Sato was in luck, however- out in the distance of the lower district, Anyo had reappeared on Sarincha's front lawn.

By the time Sato had caught up to his objective Sarincha had stepped outside, looking nonplussed. "What's going on here?" She asked worriedly.

"A deranged pest has been following me for the better part of a mile." Anyo said dryly.

Very slowly, like extracting a splinter, the truth dawned on Sato. He had made a mistake.

---

'First off,' A voice admonished in Sato's head, 'He gave a family name. That should have immediately signaled the incorrect identity, right Hatake?'

Sato stared at the hardwood floor. He was once again seated in Sarincha's kitchen, listening to her mediate and settle the misunderstanding with her husband.

'Second: logic would dictate that your father would not even realize he was a father regardless…considering he was gone before you were born.' His hands fisted on his knees. It was a uniquely horrible feeling.

"Sato-kun?"

He looked up at Sarincha, his expression smeared with disappointment and embarrassment.

"Would it be okay if we cleared up a few things by giving you our brief history?" She asked.

Sato nodded. It was not as if he still had illusions about Anyo being his father anymore. The man sitting across from him frowning, with his arms stiffly folded, could not be related to him.

"As I've mentioned before, Anyo and I are from Kusagakure. We have been married nearly nine years now…let's see, what else? Anyo once rescued me from a house fire and is a recovered substance abuser and has been clean for, oh- fifteen years?" Her husband gave her a very peeved look and she chuckled sheepishly, "And as for some trivia about me: I've never drank or smoked in my life. I can play three kinds of instruments…"

"I think that ought to do it, Sarincha." Anyo assured her.

"We moved here after my father retired. He was the supervisor of the health clinic in Kaido, and Anyo felt that it would be best if we took over for him." Sarincha concluded, "Other than that we're fairly boring."

The bits of information did not make Sato feel much better. He was still mortified about the mix-up. He stood and gave a formal bow to the young couple, "I know I jumped to conclusions earlier, and I suppose it was because it was a matter weighing heavy on my heart. I sincerely apologize."

"Please, it's just fine." Sarincha waved it off, "Though I take it your father resembles Anyo if you were so insistent before."

"I can show you if you like."

Sarincha and Anyo exchanged a glance before accepting the photo the Leaf nin handed them. Sarincha did let out a small gasp of surprise. Anyo himself did appear taken aback by the similarity.

"That really is something…" Sarincha said quietly, "It's a coincidence that I hope hasn't cut you too deeply, Sato-kun."

He shrugged, "I'll get over it."

"There are some things you probably did not take into account earlier when you were excited. For example, Anyo has tattoos that distinguish him from others." She pointed out the intricate colored line-work of vines, leaves and flowers on his neck, "Also this picture seems dated. Your father would be older now, and most likely not look as young as he did in the photo- or look as young as Anyo."

Anyo huffed, excused himself lowly, and left the room.

Sato nodded, sighing, "You're right. I reacted too quickly to even consider that."

"Though this misinterpretation isn't anything to fret about!" Sarincha declared, "You are always welcome to spend time with us, Sato-kun! Anyo could use some company, he doesn't have very many friends outside of Kusa."

"No thank you, I'd rather not bother Anyo-san more than I already have." Sato declined politely, "I do appreciate your hospitality though, Sarincha-san."

"It was no trouble, Sato-kun." She answered fondly.

On his way out Sato passed a dimly lit room and spotted Anyo pouring himself a drink. When he turned to face Sato, the Hatake bowed again in apology, "Please forgive me for my rash actions earlier. I was mistaken and I meant no offense."

Anyo arched an eyebrow, "I'm not offended in the slightest. Though I do wonder if you ambush every man who resembles your father."

"You're the first and the last, sorry about that!" Sato told him, "Not to worry. The hope is thoroughly crushed- so I won't make the same mistake twice."

The Leaf nin exited the house promptly.

Sarincha popped into the den to check on her husband, "Did you at least show him a little compassion?"

"I know who that kid works for." Anyo replied quietly, "Ignorant or not, I owe him nothing."

---

Sato had not gotten far before he was stopped by a man smoking on a street corner. "You the fella who's gonna catch Swifty?" He asked, then held the carton to him, "Cig?"

"No thanks." Sato sighed, "You have something to tell me too?"

"Sure. He has a blood limit, or whatever you ninja folk call it."

"I've heard." Sato replied rubbing his temples, "But frankly sir that doesn't help me figure out what I'm up against."

"No kid, I mean I've seen him use it." The smoker reiterated before taking a drag.

Sato studied the man for a long moment before asking what he had seen exactly.

"Two weeks ago, I think it was. I've seen Swifty plenty times before then, but it was this particular night when me and my buddies were going home when we happened across him…" He began, smoke puffing from his nostrils like a double chimney, "Anyhow, some rich fella got jumped. We didn't try to step in, of course, we woulda been thrashed. But the man he took out…Swifty didn't even touch him."

"What do you mean?" Sato was alarmed.

"He didn't get close to the guy. Poor slob just collapsed on the street and Swifty took his stuff!" The smoker recounted, "It sounds crazy, I know, but that's what I saw!"

'That really does sound like the Sharingan…but what the hell?' Sato's thoughts spiraled, 'That just doesn't make sense! And the crimes are so mundane…it just doesn't add up.'

"Could you tell what kind of ability it might have been? A doujutsu maybe?" Sato asked.

"Nope. He just stood there- I had no clue what he was doing." The smoker admitted, "Like I said, I didn't step in otherwise I would have found out firsthand, right?"

The Hatake was quiet for a moment, and then inquired, "So…you're telling me you let that man get beaten or…whatever happened, and did nothing? You witnessed an attack, so you're kind of obligated to report it to the authorities!" Sato was visibly frustrated.

"Kid that's not my style." He chuckled, "Besides, the jerk that got wiped wasn't exactly the upstanding type- I knew him personally."

"Really?" Sato growled.

"Yeah, the bastard closed up my shop with all that foreclosure-jargon they've been using lately. He put me and ten employees out of work- with families to feed!" He defended, "He got what was coming to him. He re-developed that tiny plot of land for what? Not money…he had plenty of that! He never liked me, is what did it!"

The Leaf nin considered it, "You're telling me…the thief AVENGED you?"

"Sort of. He's a lifesaver to the lower class out here, literally." The man stomped out the butt of his cigarette, "Since he first appeared he's been like our own guardian angel."

"He's a criminal."

"So he is." The smoker agreed, "But just you remember one thing: you may be doing the hot-shots of this town a big favor by exposing him…but every underprivileged family within a mile of this place will hate your ever-loving guts."

"It's not like I'm happy about the conditions these people live under!" Sato snorted, "But there is a difference between a vigilante and a hero."

"That's right. Now the question is, Leaf: do you know the difference?" The man stalked off after having made his point.

Though Sato did not amass much more information that day, he did rule out Uchiha as possible threats. It was a name people were familiar with due to wanted reports, and many doubted an Uchiha had ever passed through Kaido at all. Still, Sato was unclear on what kind of ability he needed to look out for.

He had returned to his quarters when night fell, resolving not to keep watch for the bandit. Sato knew a good rest would refresh him. He ate little of his dinner, though the dumplings he had bought from a takeout place were exquisite. He unwound from the long day further by soaking in the bath tub, staring at the ceiling listlessly.

His thought processes followed a circuitous route. The frustration of searching for a skilled shinobi who would not appear melded into reflecting on Sarincha's kindness, which in turn made him think of Anyo- and ultimately his father. Sato's head lolled so that he could glance at the photograph of his parents that he'd slipped into the frame of the mirror. His assessment of the picture had not changed much since the last time he had scrutinized it.

Sato leaned back in the hot water and closed his eyes. It was purely coincidence that Anyo looked like his young father. His father was a mystery- merely an intangible concept that was applied by logic. Everyone had a father. Not everyone encounters this person, Sato acknowledged. 'Even if I had met my dad…he might have been the biggest jerk on the planet. There's no guarantee he was a great guy judging by the evidence I have.'

"You had better be dead, then." Sato said out loud, "To tell the truth I prefer you dead."

Some small part of his brain contested that it was not entirely true. There was no real reason Sato could have resented his father, he knew. Every negative thing Kakashi had disclosed about Riei couldn't have been accurate, 'I mean, how well did my socially awkward uncle really know the guy?'

The only real reason Sato felt aggression towards his father was the pain of his absence. He was certain the sadness he felt was the same sadness his mother had felt. 'Mom was probably much lonelier than I am right now. She suffered all by herself with a child until she died, which is definitely why Kakashi is so resentful.'

"So you had better be dead…" Sato reaffirmed.

That way he and his mother could be happy in the afterlife together.

Sato stood from the bath and barely had the presence of mind to towel off. He was drained mentally. He managed to pull pants on before crumpling on the bed. Sleep came quickly, and at first he had vague visions of Kakashi. When he tried to picture his father something had changed. What Sato saw in his dream was Anyo's face.

---

The next day Sato found that there was not much use in poking around for more information. People tended to repeat stories over and over. Near the center of town he staked out a sheltered rooftop that would serve as a good lookout during the night. If the vigilante entered the upper district during his night watch, Sato knew he would spot him there. With little else to do in terms of investigating, the Leaf shinobi cut across town to the clinic.

There was no sign of Sarincha in the lobby, and when Sato asked for her at the kiosk he was asked to wait, "She's busy right now. We'll notify her when she is finished with her patient."

Sato took a seat in a leather armchair. If he couldn't find anything else to do, he figured he would leave the clinic and seek out good lighting for some photos.

"Excuse me?"

Sato looked up at a man who had his arm in a sling. Though he was banged up he was smiling amicably. "Excuse me, but are you a Leaf ninja?" He asked.

"Twenty-four/seven." Sato replied.

The man chuckled, "Ah that's great! You know just a few weeks ago I met another Leaf shinobi named Inuzuka Kiba. He passes through here often for missions or something. Is he a friend of yours by any chance?"

"Uh…I guess you could say that."

"Give him my best when you see him, will you?" He asked, "Tell him Pap said hi."

Sato nodded, "Sure."

Pap walked off, leaving Sato to ponder Kiba's popularity. 'Sheesh…he's not all that cool.' He chuckled to himself, 'All Kiba's got going for him is that he has an awesome dog compadre!'

Sarincha appeared at the front desk wearing a lab coat, and before she could turn around Sato had caught up to her. "Would it be okay if I talked to you for a bit, Sarincha-san?"

"I don't see why not, I'm on my break now." She smiled, "How are you, Sato-kun?"

"Slightly bored, and definitely sick of listening to people's stories." He admitted, "How about I buy you lunch? I really owe you for helping me out yesterday."

"It was no trouble really!" She assured him. Still, Sato had picked up the tab for their meals in the cafeteria. When they sat down to eat Sato asked about how Shihoni and her baby were doing.

"They are both exceptionally healthy. As a matter of fact they went home this morning." Sarincha reported happily, "Things couldn't have gone better even if we were back in Kusa."

"I wonder, do you miss Grass at all?" Sato asked.

"Sure I do. We have friends back there we don't see as often now…but I do like it here…I'm doing good work for this village." She divulged, then gave Sato a curious look, "How are things in Leaf?"

"Peaceful again. My teammates are busy for the time being-"

"A solo mission, huh? You must be tough!" Sarincha chimed.

Sato scratched his cheek, "Er…when the occasion calls for it. Really, my teammates are significantly more talented than I am."

"Just who are they then?"

"A Hyuga and an Aburame." Sato smiled, "The new faces of their clans to boot, might I add."

Sarincha's eyes danced in fascination, "Hyuga and Aburame! How unusual…"

Sato took a careless bite of his salad, adding, "Yep. Their abilities are invaluable. So is there friendship…but Sarincha-san, I've been wondering, how much do you know about Kekkei Genkai?"

"Kekkei Genkai, you say?" She raised her eyebrows, "Well I'd say I know enough, and that your village has some very interesting ones."

"Do you know anyone in this town who has one, by any chance?" Sato got to the point.

Sarincha fell silent, and dropped her gaze to her food tray solemnly. When she spoke it was hesitantly, "Thank you for lunch, Sato-kun, but I…I think I should get back to work."

"But I thought you-"

"I'll see you around sometime." She said over her shoulder as she hustled off.

Sato rested his hands on the table and folded them. It seemed that the subject of a blood limit in Kaido had scared her off. What was more was that she had fled with her lunch tray, 'At least I'm getting my money's worth!'

While reflecting on their brief conversation Sato found he was getting a weird vibe. 'Is it possible that…Sarincha has a Kekkei Genkai? That could mean…' Sato crammed several mouthfuls of salad into his mouth before standing from the table. There would not be much use in pursuing Sarincha through the clinic, but it would be prudent to uncover some more information about her. Sato disposed of the trash and left the hospital.

'Holy crap! I might have a lead!' Sato doubled back across town, towards the lower district, 'True I'm not thrilled that Sarincha might be a possible suspect…but something about that just didn't add up!'

Sato did a double take when he reached Sarincha's house. The windows were darkened, and Sato felt it was safe to assume Anyo was not at home. What did baffle the Leaf nin was the sudden abundance of flowers in the front yard. Additionally, the hedges along the walkway were bursting with color that he was certain had not been there the last time he had visited the property.

He stood indecisively on the front step and folded his arms across his chest. Sato could not bring himself to break into and enter the house in pursuit of evidence. These people had treated him with kindness! He also remained skeptical about Sarincha being the culprit he was after.

"Aw nuts!" Sato growled, turning heel and walking off. He would approach the situation from a different angle, somehow.

He stalked up the street, walking past a friendly-looking police officer. "How's it going, Shinobi-san?" He greeted politely, "Almost got 'em?"

"Yeah, sure." Sato's tone dripped with sarcasm, "We just got out of lunch."

---

Night was a welcome change of atmosphere. The perch he had selected earlier was even more advantageous than he had previously thought. The main areas of concern, or rather, the congregation of wealthy estates, was in plain view of the lookout. With minimal light and sound, Sato kept watch in a still crouch.

For hours all that he could detect was the breeze in the treetops and shopkeepers closing up, throwing out garbage. All was quiet…and his eyes were getting lazy as time dragged on. Sato discreetly summoned two tiny screech owls, "Aree and Aroo, listen, I need you to keep watch for another shinobi who might appear in this part of town." He informed them, "Let me know if you spot him, alright?"

They crooned softly and then soared off into the darkness.

Sato settled down again to wait. Surely with Hinata's help this investigation would have been tied up and gift-wrapped already…not to mention Shino's impeccable ability to wheedle information from the local insect population. 'Well they've been preoccupied! And you're getting soft Hatake, not everything you do in life is done in teams.' He reasoned.

And within a span of twenty minutes, before either Aree or Aroo returned, there was movement. He was certainly fast, as Sato could see- plunging over rooftops with a definite destination in mind. In silence, Sato trailed after the vigilante.

Predictably, the trouble-making shinobi stopped on top of a wall surrounding the residence of wealthy citizen. Sato had no doubt that this was an intended break-in. While keeping out of sight, Sato had a Fire Clone transform into the likeness of a guard, and sent it traipsing onto the property. Hook, line, and sinker the criminal took the bait.

The unknown ninja dove down upon the clone, sputtering just for a moment when the henge dropped. The vigilante did not at all quail at the appearance of a Leaf shinobi. The offender dealt a round kick with such insane speed the Fire Clone's flames could barely lick at him. Sato descended quickly behind the nin in an effort to counter, but he was obscenely fast and Sato was pushed to dance and weave away from the brutal strikes.

Sato regarded the figure, deciphering that it was unquestionably male, despite the hood and scarf. "Haven't you caused enough trouble around here?" The silver haired nin growled.

"You should stay out of this." A low, impatient retort.

"I'm making it my business to take you down!" Sato smirked at his foe's swaying posture. He was not going to run, that was for sure. He was pissed enough to keep fighting.

"Don't waste my time!" The shinobi raced forward, fleet-footed and sure, right into an igniting Chidori. Sato knew goading an enemy was a cheap way to land a hit, but it would be a priority to cripple a ninja who was so crazily fast. The sizzling light raked at the vigilante's sleeve, though the thief was narrowly able to avoid the hit.

Sato sensed a pattern of attack in the taijutsu the thief used. The kicks were devastating, much like Lee's, Sato thought absently. He was so fast it was a chore to avoid him, and even more infuriating to hit him.

'Alright Swifty! Try fighting gravity for a change…' Sato drew his tagged wires from his holsters, preparing for a small-scale gravity bomb. It could possibly damage the property, but it would be well-worth it. Guards rushed out of the house after hearing the commotion, but kept their distance from the combat.

The opposing ninja could not take out all of the Fire Clones preparing the trap. Sato was prepared to vacate to higher ground when something changed. The vigilante stopped, turned to a nearby tree and tore down a large palm leaf. The leaf lengthened in the thief's hand, hardening, it's edges already micron-thin and deadly. Sato suspected it would serve as a sword just through observation.

'This would count as a blood limit for sure…' Sato conceded.

The vigilante slashed through the trap wires and charged. The attack pattern was completely different this time, and Sato could barely anticipate his opponent's moves. Sato countered frantically with his kodachi, surprised that the leaf blade was every bit as sharp as a real weapon. Guards watching from the veranda called out to Sato to be cautious.

Before Sato could get his bearings the whole courtyard came to life. The grass shot up nearly a foot from the soil, surging with energy. The trees groaned as leaves rained down in a pin-like flurry. 'The plants! He's using the plants!' Sato could not label what kind of an ability it was, but he feared it was going to cost him his life.

Snaking vines and bramble immobilized the Leaf shinobi, growing back just as quickly as they were hacked away. The thief had no use for speed anymore. The environment's flora happily obliged to partake in the fight.

Sato struggled for a half of an oxygen deprived moment before making swift hand signs. It was a simple fireball jutsu but it wreaked havoc on the writhing plants. They shrank away and shriveled, and Sato found a glaring weakness in the thief's Kekkei Genkai, 'Can't use a plant that's dead…'

The thief was already aware that fire would pose a major threat. As the alarm on the estate sounded, he quickly withdrew over the outer wall, and Sato gave chase. He pumped chakra into his legs, straining to keep up with his target.

Ahead on a rooftop the criminal came to a startled halt when an intensely hot ring of flames flared to life around him. He glanced around for a few moments before realizing he had been caught in an illusion. He broke the genjutsu just in time to get a running kick square in the back. The thief crumpled, tumbling across the roof tiles. Sato's owls swooped in upon locating the specified ninja, and pecked and clawed relentlessly.

With a cry of frustration the vigilante swiped at the birds, staggering to his feet. The scarf had been torn from his face, and Sato quickly placed the glimmer of white hair.

"Wait! Stop!" Sato called off his owls, "That's enough- I know him."

Anyo glared at Sato from across the rooftop, pulling shreds of cloth from his shoulders. "Are you satisfied, Leaf investigator?" Anyo snapped, "Tch! I knew you were a meddler from the beginning…"

"This can't be right…you're a cool guy…but you're a criminal!" Sato was astounded.

"I'm offended by that word. You have no idea how hard I work to help the people of this village." Anyo retorted.

"By committing crimes?"

"No! By giving back what is rightfully theirs."

"What are you talking about?" Sato was frowning, and slowly sheathed his kodachi.

"The aristocrats of this village are the real thieves." A smirk slowly spread across Anyo's face, "And I can prove it too, if you would be willing to work with me."

The Leaf ninja nearly rolled his eyes, "How can I believe anything you say?"

"You'll just have to trust me." Anyo said simply.

Sato did not buy it, "Does your wife know about this?"

At this Anyo lowered his gaze, "I don't want to involve her. It's dangerous and unnecessary."

"Dangerous, yes- but probably necessary." Sato pointed out, "She's a kunoichi, right? She can handle herself…but man she's going to bust you good when-"

"Enough. We can continue this discussion somewhere less conspicuous." Anyo interrupted, "Come with me."

Sato followed after the older man, though good sense implored him not to.

Thankfully Sarincha had been working a night shift at the clinic, and was not due to return until late the next morning. Anyo was comfortable enough allowing Sato back into his house, only with the assurance that it was not a welcome place to fight.

"Before you arrest me, let me make my point." Anyo asked.

Sato leaned on the jamb of the doorway, wary and agitated.

Anyo took a moment to wash his face over the kitchen sink, and Sato glimpsed the tattoos lining the man's neck. Vines and flowers of all kinds were painted on his skin.

"Those markings…" Sato inquired, "Do they have any relation to your Kekkei Genkai?"

The white haired man dried his face with a hand towel. He faced Sato, suddenly seeming approachable and less threatening. "They do." He told Sato, "It is tradition for each Toshisue, man or woman, to represent their ability- Banryoku: Myriad Green Leaves."

"Why would you want to make it more obvious?"

"Because…" Anyo pulled up a chair and collapsed into it before continuing, "The blood limit of our family has died out. We did not thrive in Kusagakure as we should have…too many wars."

"The others died?"

"I had three older brothers who were revered shinobi, and had great mastery over the Banryoku," Anyo wore a small, wistful smile, "They were all killed."

Sato's eyes widened, "What? Isn't there anyone else?"

"No. My father and mother died when I was young. Our extended family has too much mixed blood and has not seen our ability in many generations. After me, Sato, it is lost."

"That sounds kind of like what the Uchiha are going through…" The Leaf nin said quietly.

"Save for the fact that we were not so inclined to kill off our clan."

"Good point." Sato agreed, "So…what exactly does it do?"

"That's more information than I'm willing to discuss."

"Aw come on! If you want me to hear you out fully you might as well be honest with me!" Sato pressed.

Anyo sighed, "The Banryoku is manipulation of plant-life, not unlike your village's Mokuton, which acts more exclusively through trees. Our control is broader and less specialized, which means no one Banryoku user's techniques are the same as another's."

Sato was impressed, "Cool! I take it you like swords?"

"It's not really a vital technique of mine, and I don't think you'd like to see my jutsu for yourself. It may make you think twice about walking across someone's lawn."

Sato expression revealed slight apprehension.

"I digress. I think it'd be prudent to make it clear how I have the best intentions for this village." Anyo continued.

The Hatake furrowed his brow, "Try and convince me."

"Have you noticed the absence of a middle-class here? Doesn't that seem unusual for a prosperous city?"

"I've interviewed plenty of people, yeah."

"For sixteen years tax rates in Kaido have been rising uncontrollably. Legislation is in favor of the bureaucracy, and this is all on record…there are documents, Sato, documents that make it inescapably clear how the people have been lied to, stolen from, and jailed by money-mongering business tycoons." Anyo locked eyes with the Leaf shinobi, "They keep this information under lock and key, some of which I've recovered. However, I'm still looking for a statement that is under heavy guard…one that will create a legal case so scandalous they'd all commit suicide before revealing the shame of their acts."

Sato blinked, "That sounds…big."

"Things like deeds to property and legal papers is what I've been returning to these people. Money cannot help them since it would quickly be siphoned away anyway."

"Okay. So let's say I believe this sad story of yours." Sato speculated, "Your wife really isn't in on it?"

"She believes the police will do right by the people, but they are too busy chasing a 'vigilante' to pay attention to citizens' needs."

"How can your wife not know it's you?"

"I take precautions. I can't put her through something like this. She has suffered too much because of me already." Anyo said quietly.

"Jeez, you can't really be that bad of a husband, can you?"

The white haired man looked listlessly out through the kitchen window, "For the time before I was her husband…well…let's say I'm not proud of how I treated her."

"Fine, I get it- you don't want her to get hurt." Sato could relate to that feeling, "Actually, a friend of mine is also in bad shape right now."

"You mustn't speak a word of this to Sarincha if you and I are to cooperate." Anyo warned additionally.

"Cooperate? I'm letting you off easy by going along with this!" Sato snapped.

Anyo held up a seed he had pulled from his pants pocket, "I could kill you now, if you prefer, and save both of us the trouble."

"What…is that?"

"A sunflower seed."

"Alright. I don't want to know what you plan to do with that, but I bet it sucks." Sato assumed, "I'll help you…I guess."

"A wise choice."

"How do we explain this to your wife, though?" The Leaf nin wondered.

"She thought some bonding time with you would do me some good, she had said. Just say we're friends and Sarincha will be pleased."

"It's one thing to say it." Sato laughed, "But can you act it?"

---

The following day Sarincha caught wind of Anyo's change of heart, and immediately pursued Sato, coercing him to stay in the guest room of their house. It wasn't long before Sato locked up the guest lodge and returned to the Toshisue residence. He hoped that Anyo would keep his word and be accommodating.

Sarincha, in many ways, reminded Sato of Tama. She hovered until she was sure everyone was happy and satisfied, and her emotions were nearly as unpredictable. One thing Sato picked up on quickly was how protective Anyo was of his wife.

He was never more than a few steps from her. While she cooked he assisted without question. He could fetch things without her having to name them specifically, finish her thoughts for her, and Sato felt that two people who were so tuned to each other definitely had a successful marriage. 'That and they're both shinobi. They've probably been doing this for years!' He was very impressed.

It was slightly unnerving that Sarincha was unaware of Anyo's nightly escapades, Sato noted. She would not react very well to the news, he imagined. Yet for the most part, life in the Toshisue household was functional, very pleasant, and what Sato would have liked to have experienced growing up.

Sarincha did not hesitate to put Sato to work. With great care, he sorted her chinaware and put it away in a glass cabinet. They made small talk while Anyo was out bringing lunch to Shihoni's family.

"I've known Anyo all of my life." Sarincha chuckled lightly at a memory, "I always thought he was so brave when we were genin…he was a born leader-type and I truly admired him."

Sato held his pinky out suggestively, "So you two have been an item for a while, huh?"

She shook her head, "Goodness no! To him, I was no better than the mud on his shoes! I was quiet and studious, and he turned out to be a flamboyant jerk who was all too aware of how gifted he was."

"Eek." Sato muttered.

"But times changed. His father died. Then his eldest brother…and then his other brothers. He was on his own and he made destructive decisions because he was in so much pain. The only people there to support him through thick and thin were his teammates." Sarincha stared down at the cloth she was mending, "I wanted to support him too, but…my feelings were crushed. I couldn't stand to be around someone so tumultuous. He was a storm when he was young, and I decided to stay focused on my career."

The Leaf nin did not reply. This story was sounding a little familiar.

Sarincha winked at Sato, "Don't look so upset! Things worked out, as you can see! We grew up and came to understand that the world does not revolve around our selfish impulses…but our compulsion to give."

Sato smiled, "Now that's a revolutionary idea."

"Of course! It was my idea." She laughed.

"So do you think now that you've settled down out here that you'll have kids?" Sato asked, keeping in mind the plight of the Toshisue's blood limit.

Sarincha looked at Sato for a long moment before continuing her needlework. "We are not going to have children." She told Sato in a distant voice, "Anyo has expressed many times how he is completely averse to that."

"Oh." Sato knew his reply was not comforting, but he did not know how else to respond. To him, it sounded as if it had been an executive decision on Anyo's part, because Sarincha looked terribly disturbed by the drawback of her marriage. He could tell it would not be wise to press the matter further. Sato went back to work storing the china.

Sato spent the rest of the day in town with Anyo. After giving it another glance, he did notice many of the things Anyo had been talking about. Kaido was broken up into separate microcosms, containing various cultures which all shared one commonality: poverty even while living in a prosperous village.

Anyo blamed the prevalent social issues on the local government. Sato felt that he would not need much more convincing. 'But if this is really how it's going down…how can the mayor not be aware of the abuses?' Sato wondered, 'Unless of course…Anyo's not telling me the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help him God…'

And while Sato weighed the inconsistencies of Kaido's economic distress and success, against Anyo's married-man image and criminal visage, their time observing the town concluded. Anyo led the young ninja to a secluded training spot, out of public reach.

Sunshine peeked through the dense tree cover, and a murmur of a breeze was the only hint of winter. It seemed a friendly spar was in order.

Anyo commenced the session by asking, "Who introduced you to swordsmanship?"

Sato patted his kodachi, quite proud of his ability, "Well I'm primarily self-taught, but I had a few pointers from Tenten, the resident weapon's master of my village."

Anyo sniffed, "Your technique is dismal. You shame your weapon's master with your sloppy form."

"What? Oh- and I suppose you had such a great teacher!" Sato retorted, highly insulted. 'I'm pretty damn good! He shouldn't be criticizing me!'

"I was trained by my elder brothers when I was young…and was generously taken under the wing of Pitekuyo when I became a chunin." Anyo replied evenly.

Sato scratched his head, "Huh. Why's that name ringing a bell?"

"Pitekuyo is the leader of the Hidden Grass Village." Anyo reminded gently.

"Ah." Sato let out a shallow breath, shamefaced.

"Credit me with some skill, please. I haven't brought you here to ridicule you; I had thought that you would appreciate some formal training, Sato." Anyo offered, "You can decline if you wish. I know you want to take your mission seriously-"

"I appreciate it." Sato answered quietly. Though Sarincha had described Anyo as a pompous windbag when he had been young, he had probably had some respect smacked into him over the years. He was more humble than Sato could have ever expected.

Sato paid close attention as Anyo corrected Sato on stance and posture, although he did commend Sato that he already knew how to handle his weapon well.

"I don't typically use short swords." Anyo said, pulling a maple leaf from a tree, "This ought to do."

Sato watched as the leaf shook in his hands, invaded with chakra, and lengthened in size. It was modified where the stem became thick and useable, while the red leaf took on a metallic sheen. Sato wondered what kind of jutsu could remake a plant.

Anyo spun the blade in his palm, "Don't be fooled. This came from a tree but it can tear you to shreds. I am going to teach you some forms that you will find useful."

And Sato learned, dancing away from attacks while seizing opportunities to slash at his opponent. The Leaf nin focused, watching as Anyo parried his blows with easy grace, and Sato vowed that he would take the Grass ninja's lessons seriously. These would be an education exclusive to him, he knew. His teammates nor his sensei could take part; not even Kakashi would know. As the afternoon dragged on they took a break, and Sato still had many questions to ask.

"You learned a lot from your brothers didn't you?" Sato inquired, seated on a tree stump, "It would be nice to have siblings. I don't have any."

"Yes I am very grateful to all of them." Anyo said quietly, "But now they are all dead, along with my father. There must be…a curse on those who possess the Banryoku. We are doomed to die young."

"That's ridiculous!"

Anyo shot the boy a sharp glare, "Really? Then prove me wrong! Where has my family gone, Leaf ninja? Even you can't tell me that…"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way." Sato apologized, "It's just…I believe that you have more in store for you. I think you have a lot to offer while you're alive."

Anyo's gaze softened, "What makes you say that?"

"Well, because…" Sato stood and brushed his pants off, "I found you didn't I? I might have made a mistake early on, but our meeting has got to count for something."

The white haired man watched the boy cross the clearing and walk back towards town. It had been a very long time since he had received kind words from a stranger. The young Leaf shinobi would be easy to get along with after all, Anyo thought.

---

Sato sent his fastest messenger owl to Leaf to check on Tama. Within five hours he had a response, and after dinner he settled in the guest room of the Toshisue household to read it.

Tama appeared to be feeling much better, judging from her reply. She was impressed with Sato's good work, and was surprised to hear about his misjudgment and his discovery of a man who was not actually his father. You still made a friend, didn't you? She had said. Sato was not precisely sure. Things seemed to be going smoothly enough, but the investigation was still ongoing. Tama recommended that he behave well while he was a guest in a lady's house and to not hesitate to call for backup if things began to go badly. Sato smiled to himself, 'She must be antsy for a mission too…'

Sato fell asleep to the hushed conversation of Anyo and Sarincha in the tea room. It was a thick, dreamless sleep that helped him rise wide-eyed and perky the next morning.

While perusing Kaido the next day Sato thought it best to check in with the mayor for updates. Seung was bustling around the building, picking up and tossing reports from every desk in sight.

"Yes, yes, good to see you Leaf investigator! I have some good news for you- some very good news!" The mayor lit a cigarette and puffed heartily, "There was an anonymous tip sent in last night pertaining to where the thief will strike next!" His cheeks were bright red with excitement, "I will be tightening security around the location in question and perhaps we will finally subdue the culprit!"

Sato's expression reflected concern, "That is…good, I suppose, Seung-san. But I've made some progress myself and I-"

"Oh I have no doubts about that, my friend! But just consider it- the vigilante may be caught even without your assistance! Now that'll put public security back in the spotlight now wouldn't it?" The mayor laughed, "But of course I still expect that you will be present to assist our efforts?"

"Of course, Seung-san." Sato stopped at the doorway and added, "Though I should warn you…don't be overconfident. Your enemy may not be one you can put in chains."

After the Leaf nin's departure the Mayor took a moment to consider the advice. He trudged down the hallway with his head wreathed in smoke.

---

Sato continued honing his swordsmanship with Anyo for the rest of the day. The Grass ninja challenged him to think creatively and polish his attacks.

"The more well-rounded you are the greater service you will be of to your teammates." Anyo told him, "You would like that wouldn't you? So concentrate!"

By the afternoon Sato was keeping up like never before, and he made use of his white chakra to keep Anyo on his toes. Anyo was impressed with his ability, and was still encouraging while he demanded more of Sato.

Sarincha was pleased to see them arrive back in time for the evening meal. She greeted them at the front door, "Welcome back you two! Phew! Gosh, you smell!" She covered her nose and shooed them away, "Go wash up first!"

Sato began to let the surreal environment get to him. He practically floated to the bathroom, so utterly enraptured with having two parent figures available. He cleaned up quickly, 'Wow I do stink…' and then joined Anyo and Sarincha in the dining room. The table was spread with a variety of cuisine native to the area, and Sarincha urged them to dig in. Sato hesitated, staying silent as he looked down into his lap.

"What's wrong, Sato-kun?" Sarincha's brow furrowed with worry.

He looked up finally, "It's just…I really can't thank you two enough. You really took me in, despite the fact that I can be spastic and fallible. I really want to say…" Sato gave them a small, polite bow, "Thank you very much Sarincha-san and Anyo-san!"

Anyo actually smiled, "Enough. Just eat, you can thank us later, Sato."

And dinner was very enjoyable.

---

After cleaning up Sarincha did not have much time before she was expected at the clinic. She had a shift that would push well into the morning, and so she prepared herself hastily before she was out the door.

The sun looked very much like a tangerine on the violet horizon.

"Dusk." Anyo observed, "And now we make our move."

Sato glanced over his shoulder from where he was doing dishes, "What are you talking about?"

"This will be the final strike; it will determine the fate of this town."

"That's a bit dramatic isn't it?" Sato whimpered.

"Stop what you're doing and get ready." Anyo told him, "We're going soon."

Sato had a short while to consider what he was getting himself into as he fitted himself with weaponry. His investigation had yielded some startling revelations: Anyo was in fact the "vigilante" causing such an uproar, and the townspeople were actually being aided by said vigilante. 'And now, if I follow this through logically…Anyo is about to take me on one of his escapades.' Sato reasoned, 'Have I just become a turncoat?'

He followed Anyo through town, in the darkness, moving swiftly over roof tops. 'No! Don't think like that! For all you know they're backstabbers trying to lure you into their plot with compassion and good meals! You have to stay focused, Hatake! Do not jump to conclusions again!'

By the cover of night Sato and Anyo watched the estate from a high perch. In the dim light they waited for the guard on duty to turn a blind eye. They snuck onto the property undetected, and Sato followed stealthily behind Anyo as he climbed up the side of the building. 'An open window, of course…could he make me feel any more like a criminal?' Sato thought wearily as he squeezed in a tiny porthole just beneath the roof of the building.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Sato hissed at his partner, "The mayor's building?" Anyo motioned for him to stay silent. It was so: the hallways and offices were the very same ones he had seen the day before.

Guards patrolled the hallways diligently, and it then occurred to Sato that they had infiltrated the building with the tightest security the village had to offer. 'Crap.' He stayed low behind Anyo, moving quickly, turning down hallways and hiding in rafters when they came too close to guards.

When it looked as if they could get no farther unnoticed Anyo motioned for Sato's attention.

"Cover your nose." He whispered.

"Um-"

"Now!"

Sato did as he was told and watched as the Grass ninja scooped some sort of powder from his belt tie. "That's not harmful is it?" Sato whispered.

"They're spores. Cover your nose." Anyo repeated.

Sato watched in fascination as Anyo blew the tiny, floating seedlings down to the hallway below. The guard on duty immediately fell over, clueless as to what hit him. Anyo dropped down from the rafter and told Sato to follow him. "He's asleep, I assure you." Anyo promised, "However he will be awake in twenty minutes so I suggest we hurry."

Sato observed as Anyo repeated the process down each of the long corridors as they neared their destination. Guards drifted to sleep without a care in the world; settled and cozy on the limestone floors. After what seemed like ages, Anyo stopped at a set of thick double doors. A root coiled out of the Grass ninja's sleeve and began to fiddle with the door lock. Sato scoffed, "You can't be serious-"

The door clicked open.

Sato cleared his throat and followed after Anyo. "Where are we?" The Leaf nin asked.

"This is the mayor's office."

Sato's jaw nearly dropped, "What? But his office is on the first floor-"

"Or so he makes it seem." Anyo replied, closing the door behind them, "It took quite a lot of research and insider information to locate this room, Sato, believe me…"

Anyo began rummaging around and Sato stood, perplexed, at the center of the lavish room. With high-vaulted ceilings and chic décor Sato quickly accepted that it would take a large amount of money for the mayor to have a place to himself so exquisite. 'I bet he didn't get that money from his aristocrat friends either…'

"Sato." Anyo beckoned the young Leaf ninja over to a filing cabinet, "Strange that the locks here have so many tumblers…I think we've found our query."

"And what is that, exactly?"

The Grass ninja fingered through files, taking a few of interest out to inspect. After skimming through the documents Anyo stopped at one and sighed, "This one may be of interest to you, Sato."

Sato took the document and looked it over, 'Hm…it's talking about failed negotiations with the Leaf Village and…whoa! Items possessed through non-specific seizure? What the hell…'

Sato looked gravely at the older man, "They haven't just been stealing from this village…but Leaf too…"

"Do you believe me now?" Anyo asked.

"I do. I'm sorry I ever doubted you." Sato apologized.

They set to work pulling out records of "repossessed" and seized property, as well as deals with towns throughout the Fire Country that had gone awry. "Oh the daimyo is not going to like this at all…" Anyo muttered, "How do you suppose he will deal with these thieves?"

"Severely." Sato smirked.

After collecting enough files that would convince the Hokage twice over, Anyo carefully picked the office window. They scaled the side of the building in silence, down into the dark of a courtyard. Anyo dusted his hands off and smiled at his counterpart, "Well done, Sato. I know it may look criminal, but not all happy outcomes are set on a righteous path."

"I'll keep that in mind." Sato chuckled, making hand signs, "I'll summon an owl so we can get to Konoha faster-"

A voice sounded from the edge of the courtyard, "Oh come now! You really must stay…"

Leaf and Grass shinobi wheeled around to see the mayor himself with a lantern in hand. Sato exchanged a glance with Anyo before speaking, "You know Seung-san we would be delighted to continue playing your game, but we have some files here that the Hokage needs to see!"

"Now, now, Hatake-san…we wouldn't want to do anything too hasty now would we?" The mayor chortled, and from behind him a flood of guards emerged. While being encircled by hired thugs was bad enough, it was made all that much worse when Sarincha was dragged into view.

"Sarincha!" Anyo cried, suddenly confronted with the shame of his acts.

"Hatake-san…you have something I want." Seung pointed to Anyo, "For a while now we have suspected the culprit to be Toshisue Anyo, after all, he does fit the bill doesn't he? A man of the people who only arrived here recently…about the same time the break-ins began! He has caused enough trouble and I'm sure you would not want to share his fate would you?"

"Don't think for a second that I'll cooperate!" Sato snarled, "You can't take him! Not while I'm here!"

Sarincha, with her hands bound behind her, struggled against her captors, "Anyo!" She shouted, "You have a lot of nerve keeping this from me!"

"Sarincha I swear, the mayor has been up to no good-"

"Well I figured that part out for myself, thanks!" She retorted, "It turns out he's been embezzling money from my clinic! But honestly, Anyo, I can't believe you didn't tell me…" She smiled, "I wanted to help."

Sato was grinning. Somehow it had worked out after all.

"Hand over those files now and this woman will be spared the suffering you have brought upon yourselves!" The mayor warned.

"No matter what you do here, right now…the Leaf Village will still find out about your crime ring." Sato drew his kodachi, "You can make this easy or really, really hard, Mayor."

Seung quickly ordered an attack. As expected a knife was drawn on Sarincha, but Anyo was too fast. Grass knots locked her captors in place and Anyo dove ahead, freeing her with a slash of a leaf. She reacted instantly, drawing out a chain-scythe that made short work of the men who had restrained her. She stood beside Sato, wheeling her chain-scythe, prepared to fight.

Guards everywhere charged from all directions and Anyo's Kekkei Genkai was a thing to behold. All forms of flora came to life, trapping and attacking the small mob. Plants miraculously ignored the presence of Sarincha and Sato, focusing only on the enemy. The mayor watched from the sidelines, horrified, as his own courtyard turned on his men.

Sato had successfully besotted a few guards in a genjutsu moments before the snafu. A lantern had been shattered on the ground and engulfed a portion of the courtyard in flames. The attacking plants faltered, signaling Seung's men to add to the fire. In a matter of seconds, lanterns were impacting the yard, razing the plants Anyo had been manipulating. Sato clashed blades against a large brute, knowing that the fight was going to become much more difficult. While Sarincha held her own very well, Sato could see Anyo had resorted to his sword skills to keep the guards at bay.

White chakra flew from Sato's blade tips, battering any who came near. 'We may be outnumbered…but we're not outmatched!'

Victory still seemed far off when two additional figures descended on the scene. Anyo was taken aback to see a pair of shinobi sweep through the courtyard, tripping and bashing unsuspecting guards. The three remaining thugs deemed it wise to flee the area, leaving behind a very vulnerable, very frightened mayor. Two swords were positioned on either side of Seung's neck.

The Leaf jounin looked sidelong to Sato, "Hatake Sato?"

Sato nodded, quickly recognizing his backup: Hayate and Yugao.

"The Hokage was informed that an agent in Kaido exposed a crime ring that has been elusive for nearly a year now." Yugao reported, "A report from Grass confirms this."

Sato glanced over to Sarincha and she smiled.

"Seung Nofuji, you are hereby under arrest for violating your contract with the Hidden Leaf Village." Hayate announced, binding the fat man's hands, "Don't struggle. Yugao won't take kindly to it."

The mayor looked meekly at the violet haired woman who was clearly peeved.

"Thanks for getting here so quick. I'm glad Hokage-sama sent me the back-up that I requested." Sato gave a grateful bow to his superiors.

"All in a day's work. We'll take it from here." Hayate glanced at the Grass shinobi across the way, "Make sure your friends are alright before returning to the village."

And nearly as quickly as they had arrived, Hayate and Yugao departed with their prisoner.

Sato was instantly scooped up into a warm hug by Sarincha. "You did everything right!" She cheered, "Oh Sato-kun! You don't know what this means to our village…things will improve finally!"

The Leaf nin chuckled sheepishly, "Well I'm not used to doing things on my own…I was just doing what came naturally to me."

"I am grateful for your help, Sato." Anyo told him, "We are indebted to the Leaf Village."

"Are you guys going to be alright? Should I send some people to help you set things straight here?" Sato asked.

Anyo looked at his wife and then back to Sato, "No Sato, I think we can repair things now…the proper way."

He hugged Sarincha one last time before collecting the documents.

"Come back and visit us sometime, okay Sato-kun?" Sarincha suggested, "It was a joy having you with us."

After a thoughtless summoning jutsu Sato nodded, smiling tiredly, and then clambered up onto the back of Gyorai. The huge black owl regarded the Grass ninja for a moment before spreading his wings.

Anyo and his wife watched the Leaf ninja disappear into the night sky. They kicked dirt on the last of the embers as the lantern flames about the yard began to dwindle.

"I don't know if I should head back to the clinic now or just…" Sarincha heaved a sigh, "Go to bed…I am beat."

"Bed it is." Anyo decided, taking her by the hand, "I am surprised…"

"Surprised about what?"

"He did very well considering he was a complete outsider to this place." Anyo acknowledged, adding quietly, "And I…I would have been proud if he had been ours."

---

Note: After an unplanned hiatus and inability to touch a keyboard this poor, poor chapter was somehow written. I do owe you all, especially you reviewy people, a big sloppy apology. I appreciate and commend your patience. I really wanted to get something done, or at least, up in the correct order. I hope this chapter was of interest because I did enjoy the process. :] And now I must address a few of you because it is a matter of good form. KKBug33: You managed to fighten and charm me with your grammar. LazyNerd: I was genuinely worried about you. I hope you have not perished needlessly. Cedarx: You have earned a super official high-five. I am glad that you find these stories compelling, and your words are truly humbling. Red Wings and Morlin: Both of you have stuck with these stories and I thank you for your support, perspectives, and zen-like patience. If either of you are interested in reading an unposted chapter for critique send me a message to let me know. All ye faithful I thank you, adore you, and hope you are getting more restful sleep than I am getting. Talk to you soon. :D

Next: Chapter 13- Fait Accompli