Kori had obtained citizenship at the Kazekage's official command. Gaara returned to normal business. The ice ninja hadn't seen the Kazekage after getting admitted. She found a place to fill and did so with the desert village. Two years went by before the ice and the sand prince would make it again.

The Qingming Festival [Think of Mexico's Day of The Dead in Chinese form.] had arrived. Kori dressed up in a furisode. It was white with black flowers trailing on the folds. White and blue flowers decorated her head in a tight bun, unlaced delicately.

Kori thought back to what few memories she held of her mom and dad. Her sister had instructed her to make her own family. She had trouble doing that. See, while The Village Hidden in The Sand had many eligible men, she had trouble finding favor in either.

Kori sat down in front of a shrine she made last year. Dried brown flowers decorated flat stone. While cacti guarded two sides of the balanced rocks. She tended to the makeshift shrine/grave.

Gaara was visiting his mother and father's grave too. Even though his father was not the dad he should have been, Gaara forgave him. Temari adjusted the ornaments around the graves. Kankuro set down a card and pulled weeds. The Fifth Kazekage burned a candle for each parent. Temari gave a half hug to both siblings. She whispered to her brothers, "I would never trade your lives for theirs."

The three sand siblings exchanged favor with each other. Kankuro pulled out a blank kite. "We may be too old to fly a kite, but I am sure that we can paint it together."

Temari rubbed Kankuro's brown fluffy hair. "That sounds like a great idea."

Gaara picked up the blank kite. He smiled when he saw Kankuro start to quarrel with Temari about her messing his hair up. The usual banter was up again. The Kazekage found the missed the oddly chaotic sibling relationship, instead of the formal deals of nowadays work.

Kori did not pick out a kite to paint but made little designs on the balancing stones.

"Ever better?"

Kori turned to the oddly familiar voice to respond, "Never better."

The ice ninja stared up at her sensei. She jumped to her feet with happiness. "Orochimaru-Sensei, what are you doing in the sand?"

The White Snake Sannin made a bellowing laugh. "I would ask you the same thing, Kori."

"It is a long and boring story."

"I almost thought you were Aoi-tori until you turned around."

Kori was not shocked at all. "At least I don't have a white streak in my hair. Then we would be indistinguishable."

"That you would." Orochimaru tilted his head sideways. "Except, I could argue you have developed deeper eyes than Aoi."

Kori took the compliment to heart. "Don't tell Aoi that. She would be offended."

The Sannin tucked his hands behind his back. "Where is your detestable older twin?"

Kori snickered a bit. Then she sobered up. "I wouldn't be in Suna if she was with me."

The Sannin untitled his head. "That is not what the third candle is for, is it?"

She looked back. "No, it is an apology."

"Oh?"

"To all those shinobi I killed back then. Some didn't even do anything wrong. I was not right in depriving their family's of a son, daughter, father, or mother."

Her teacher looked at her admirably. "You've been doing all sorts of growing without me, haven't you?"

The ice ninja knew not what to say. He gave her too much credit. "Other than economic technicalities, I haven't contributed to the sand village. Enough about my situation. How about you? How is your research?"

"Which one?"

Kori's face turned pink. "New medication compounds and their effects. Perhaps, you have a book."

"I assume you would like my newest recipe books too."

Kori nodded enthusiastically. "Yes please."

Orochimaru patted his grown student on the head. "I do not have them on hand. I can find the books back at my hotel. Could you wait until the day to get them?"

"Of course! I was just thinking about how fun it was being your student the other day. I don't think I properly thanked you. So, thank you for teaching me back then. Aoi had, well, I left without a goodbye. It was unjust. I would like to have the opportunity to make it up."

The White snake Sannin thought about it. "Tomorrow afternoon I will be free. We could set something up."

Kori smiled. "I can give you my address."

"That would be lovely."

After giving the address, Kori inspected small mannerisms.

"Orochimaru-sensei, I think, you have grown too."

The old teacher furrowed his non-existent brows. Kori laughed. "I mean changed. You are… more relaxed, happier. Definitely less devious."

The pale Sannin smiled. He placed a purple flower in her hair. "I meant it, you have become your own independent person."

Kori's eyes began to water. Orochimaru pulled out a handkerchief. "Ah, you don't have to cry."

"I- It is just, I am glad you are not mad."

Orochimaru understood her fear. Aoi was a protective older sister. Aoi-tori would scold Kori for having lessons in medicine. Granted, he was interested in her Kekkei Genkai. If it weren't for Aoi's biological sister tracking internal device."Imōto-San, I could never be mad at you. When have I ever been mad at you?"

Kori accepted the handkerchief. "Never."

"Ever?"

Kori smiled again. "Never ever."

She hugged Orochimaru. The pale White Snake Sannin was surprised at the contact. Kori was wary of humans so much as a child, he had to catch her interest before talking to her. Even then, she would be gone at the slightest noise. One snap from Aoi, Kori would destroy a village without question.

Aoi was manipulative but loved her little sister. A relationship Oruchimaru, once again, understood.

"Afternoon tomorrow." The ice ninja affirmed.

"I will have the books."

"Thank you, thank you, there is no amount of gratitude I can express that would summarize the joy you have given me today."

Orochimaru waved a goodbye. There is a way you can thank me.

Gaara set the colorful kite between the graves. The drawings looked like pitiful five-year-old drawings. He knew that was not what mattered. It meant something to the three siblings. The family love reached through any distance, in places beyond the grave. "Otōto," Temari rubbed Gaara's fluffy red hair. "I need to go. I was named head of ceremonies. The speech won't announce itself."

Kankuro muttered, "Good luck, you will need it."

Temari gave the middle brother the stink eye before leaving. Gaara smiled for a few seconds. Kankuro paused. "What time of day is it?"

Gaara made a sundial with the sand. Kankuro held his head and muttered a few cuss words. He turned to his little 'innocent' brother. "Don't ever repeat those words. Especially to Temari, she would kill me. I need to be somewhere."

"I'm seventeen," Gaara muttered.

Gaara was left with the two graves. The redheaded ninja looked up at the blue sky. Clouds rolled overhead, blocking the sun in small portions. The openings in the heavens shined down on the town in little streams. Some would close. Some would open. Most moved by wind. He tilted his head back, catching a breeze and a sunray. The air was fresh that day. Not cooked like yesterday. The atmosphere was electric. All these signs told the natives of a rare desert rainstorm.

Kori saw a familiar face yet again. He was far and not near any graves. "Bikkyri!"

Kori ran to the sand bodyguard. At first, Bikkyri didn't recognize her. Gaara, however, turned around seeing the blue-rich eyes. "I know her."

The bodyguard glanced at his leader. Gaara had scarlet painted cheeks. The Kazekage had softened his expression, with almost uneven breathing.

Bikkyri looked back. He indeed saw a perfectly shaped woman with sculpted features. "Should you escape, or go talk to her?" The bodyguard asked.

Gaara covered his mouth, walking backward, shying away from the situation. Is that Kori? She looks… Gorgeous. I thought back then she was attractive. And now I know I was attracted to her. Sweet Six Paths, how can I talk to her again?

The ice ninja saw a sunbeam cast on the Kazekage. He was taller than he was two years prior. He grew out his hair. The decision to contact Bikkiri instead of Gaara pained her.

"I haven't seen you for a while."

The bodyguard exchanged greeting. "Neither have I gotten the honor of seeing you either."

Kori started to notice the electric atmosphere. "Is it going to rain?"

"I do believe it will. I hope your house isn't far. The beautiful outfit might get ruined."

"My house is not far. I can keep dry anyway."

The sand ninja felt ridiculous. How could Bikkyri forget her power?

"But, surely your man would like you home as soon as possible."

Kori blushed. "I- I don't have a man, actually."

"No way, why?"

The ice ninja tried to start a sentence but found it difficult. "I haven't found- uh, There are many good-, I mean, I-I think I am just picky."

Gaara saw how uncomfortable Kori was trying to answer an invasive question. He stepped up to the plate. So to say. "Kori, you don't have to answer him. I believe he has been hanging out with Kankuro in the break room too much."

The ice ninja found Gaara lacing his arms around hers, leading her toward town. Gaara continued, "Then he had to support Temari in Konoha. A few political issues are going on with the arrangement."

"Lord," Kori was nervous about being taken to town by the Kazekage.

Gaara realized the situation. He let go. "I am sorry."

The two were a sputtering mess. The clever ninjas, blessed with wisdom, knowledge, and skill forgot their trade. "There is n-no need to apologize."

"Uh-, it was not my place to-"

"There is really no position filled in the current moment. S-so it could be."

"As to say, the position could be filled. Sometimes, if- if you are alright."

"I am alright."

"Yeah me too."

The ninjas chided themselves. Both were embarrassed at the aspect of telling each other their attraction. Lost in the company of one another, none noticed when Bikkyri took leave.

"How have you been Lord Gaara?"

The Kazekage shook the previous conversation off. "Concerning the Mint incident, we have made amends. Though the Hell Village does not admit to being apart of the attempt of assassination. They do acknowledge the killing of their men. The body count doesn't sound accurate."

Kori thought about after she got the gourd and Bikkyri. I didn't count how many I killed. The former Sombra Fragments wished she lit another candle. She couldn't bring herself to look into the noble man's eyes. "Any acclaimed witnesses?"

"Two, so to speak."

"So to speak?"

"The first tended to survivors and the second caught a glimpse of 'the ninja running with a gourd on their back'."

Kori felt even worse. She wanted to come clean. What the Kazekage would think of her, she didn't know if she was ready. "Were the Hell ninjas unwilling to make amends, or wanted the one who committed the crimes to serve sentence?"

"The United Villages of The Hell Province agreed that what the extremists had done was unjust. However, the bloodshed on their part did not amount to our part of only ten guards as opposed to the hundred. Thus they have no purpose of reconciliation until both parties take part in the apology. Then all will be forgiven."

Kori wanted to agree that a hundred did not sound like the number she killed back at the hell-mint border. Then again, she did not count. "I should apologize and be punished accordingly."

"For a number unverified. No, you are a citizen of my village. I allowing them to have you is unthinkable. Not to mention weak."

Gaara hoped Kori was not looking at his red face. He looked down at her beautiful dark hair. Her deep waterfall eyes. There was no return gaze. Is there something wrong?

"Thank you, Lord Kazekage. I am truly grateful. You must get indoors. The rain may be heavy today. Goodbye."

Kori left.

Gaara glanced around. Cumulonimbus clouds rolled, filling the gaps. The sunlight disappeared. The sand was reflecting no light.

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[Location: Kazekage Office; Time: Morning]

A knock presents itself on the door. Gaara glances at the new digital clock on a stack of uncompleted papers. He read, 6:01 A.M.

Gaara sighed. He had stayed up again. "Enter," He stiffly replied to the wooden sound.

The door creaked open, making an oddly annoying sound. "See, I told you."

Kankuro laughed. Temari crossed her arms and her eyebrows furrowed. "Fine," She growled and gave her brother ten ryō. "Now to addressing YOUR problem."

Gaara noticed her tone. He was in trouble. Again.

"You stayed up."

"It appears I have." The ninja rubbed his eyes.

"We have talked about this."

Kankuro decided he could join. "How is the Kazekage expected to function if he doesn't sleep?"

Gaara dodged the question without batting an eyelash. He stretched in the comfortable chair. "This Kazekage seems to pull it off."

Temari popped a vein. "Well, soon this won't be my problem. Kankuro will annoy you to high heaven without me here. When you are scolded, the lectures will make no sense, and your food will taste like charcoal. I would like to leave it, but no brother of mine will be left with insomnia while trading Suna for paradise."

Gaara interrupted his sister's scolding speech. "Leaving Sunakegure? For… What paradise?"

Kankuro perked. "Did you not hear last night's conversation at the dinner table? Well, a certain someone has proposed to our unattractive and tempered sister. I am not sure he calculated it very well."

The proposal was somewhat old news. Temari had already found favor in Shikamaru. That was the purpose of Gaara being pushed to being the fifth Kazekage. "C-congratulations Temari. Would you like me to look over the documents necessary for the wedding, records, or switching of residents?"

Temari marched up to the younger brother and her shadow loomed above. Her expression was of frustration. "I want a quiet and convenient wedding. As for work, you should drop jet and go to bed. Kankuro can take over today."

Gaara held to the arms of his armchair. "No, I am not leaving till my work is done."

Kankuro walked to the window and opened the blinds. The morning sunlight screamed at the Kazekage's face. Temari tried prying her little brother from the chair. Kankuro saw it wasn't working. He walked toward the exit.

"Where are you going? Help me out."

Kankuro returned with a little potted cactus with a bud on it. He dangled it outside of the window. The red-haired cactus loving ninja growled. " ."

The sand retrieved the hostage, restraining the captor. Temari had lifted her brother off the chair, though he is a good few inches taller. "Go to bed."

Kankuro shivered a bit, wrapped in a gentle but tight blanket of sand.

Bikkyri walked into the sibling squabble. "Lords and Lady."

The sand siblings played no heed. "I need to finish my work."

"I can do your work."

"See, Kankuro is willing to do work for once."

"Hey!" Kankuro complained."I am a valuable member of the Police!'

Bikkyri slammed the door shut. The siblings saw the older figure. "Lord Kazekage, please put your brother down. Temari, your friends have messaged you. And, Kankuro, for the last time, stop threatening the Lord's plants. It is petty. What did it ever do to you?"

The siblings righted themselves accordingly. Gaara cleared his throat. "Bikkyri, I am not even tired. I can get my work done."

The clever bodyguard knew what to do. "I will help Kankuro with usual business today. How about you take a break? You can walk around town, expel some energy, then come back to sleep. I know Temari has a shopping list. She needs to go to town to say farewell to a few friends. How does the sound?"

Kankuro was released from the blanket. "Take a bodyguard with you, Gaara. Strange instances have happened after the Hell incident." Bikkyri agreed with Kankuro, "Temari does not count this time."

The blonde received a scroll from Bikkyri upon exit. Kankuro replaced Gaara in the chair. The Kazekage equipped his gourd. "Bikkyri,"

"Yes, my lord?"

"What are the instances?"

"Take Jebolo with you. He knows more about it than I do."

The Kazekage exited his office, yawning.

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Iva fanned herself. "Kori, how does an ice ninja stand this heat?"

The ice ninja laughed. "I wear white clothing all the time. White reflects light."

The sand ninja placed flour in the cart. "I thought you cheated."

"On what?"

"You froze the air around you."

"Deserts can be extreme heat or extreme cold. The worst factor is dry air. Dry air is difficult to change in temperatures because the light is the factor of temperature in dry air and full land. Technically-"

The handbasket was heavy from shopping. Kori reached for the coca. "Iva, I can't reach."

The sand ninja tried to grab from the top shelf. Iva was a good five inches taller than Kori and couldn't reach. "No luck here either. Suppose, you could do some of the water bendings."

Kori looked around the isle. She flowed water from the pouch. In a few fatal swoops, the cocoa was in the basket. Iva cheered. "That never fails to impress me. It is like the Kazekage's ability to move sand. You could be a great Jonin!"

"Very flattering. I hope my cooking skills are just as great."

Iva took the basket from Kori.

"Thank you so much, I was going to drop the basket."

Iva gave a courtesy smile. "I saw that. I wonder if they would make you train more in the back because you are so weak."

Kori laughed. "Weak physically, strong in every other aspect."

"That is why we are cooking partners."

"Does that mean you want to teach me, Tai?"

Iva picked up a package of dried mangoes. "Do I have to? Maybe you could be excellent at your subject and me in mine."

Kori perked up. "Hey, wait, I forgot to get chicken feed. Can you start walking to the checkout counter? I will run down to the pet aisle."

"Sure, Core."

Kori jogged to the isle. Iva turned without looking. She bumped into someone. Automatically she got up after falling. Her eyes widened. "Lord Kazekage Gaara!" She bowed deeply. Gaara straightened himself. "Please, do not bow."

She was straight as an arrow. "Wow, the Kazekage. Kori is not going to believe me. At least I have bragging rights."

Gaara backed up. A girl he bumped into is talking to herself in front of him.

"What are you doing today? I thought the Kazekage didn't have to shop for his food."

"Today, I am shopping for my own food."

Iva went from tan to red in a second. He is so hot. No one ever mentioned how hot he is.

"I am looking for the dairy aisle. Can you direct me there?"

Iva pointed to the end. "Of course Lord Gaara, the white arrows lead to the dairy aisle. The green arrows are for meat and the yellow ones for fruit. But I rather the bazaar for groceries. They have the best fresh fruit."

Gaara walked and away. Immediately after, a young man in a Jounin vest and a cloth draped half across his shoulder ran towards Iva. "Excuse me, mam, have you seen the Kazekage?"

"He is heading to the dairy aisle."

The Jounin jogged away.

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Orochimaru sat down. Kankuro was oddly confident. "We need some help."

"Is the Kazekage's police force both powerful enough to take care?"

"After further inspection, no. I may be able to take down the suspect, but we also think there is a partner in crime. I do not have a squad who specializes in this type of mission."

"I am to be the backup."

"That is the plan."

Orochimaru stood up. He paced as he thought. "Surely you are desperate. How powerful is this ninja?" The scientist imagined what kind of special power a ninja could possess.

"From what I know, one has a Byakugan and the other is an exceptional Genjitsu user."

The Sanin stopped pacing. "I believe the people you are looking for is Hassassin and Arir. They broke into my lab in the Land of Dragons."

Kankuro was getting troubled. "They didn't beat you!"

"Of course not, they would have to be foolish to do that. They wanted help. This was about three years ago. Both were in disastrous condition. The other of their group died before reaching me."

"What happened?"

"Are you familiar with the Sombra Fragment?"

"My father never bothered about it. It never went to our village."

"Well, they were unfortunate enough to run into the creature."

Orochimaru proceeded to leave the office. Kankuro was shocked. "Wait, I still need your help."

The Scientist waved. "Just search Kori Yuki in your new fancy computer system. She can get the job done."

The puppeteer found his situation was offput. "What if she is not in the system?"

"I left her address on the desk."

Kankuro took his eyes off the dangerously smug ninja. The white snake wasn't seen leaving the house. Kankuro didn't know he was a step closer to truth and clarity.

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Kori handed Iva the flour. "So, this guy who has recipes. Do you like him?"

Kori wanted to laugh. But that would be unfair because she didn't give any clarification before. "No, He is my former teacher."

"Well, why haven't you told me his name?"

"I want to give you the choice of fear or acceptance."

"Great, your speaking in riddles again. Kori, did he teach you that too?"

The ice ninja set the bags on her counter. "It is hard to explain."

"Right, because everyone has a different perspective than others."

Iva grumbled and plopped down on the couch. Kori started putting the groceries on the shelves. "Exactly right. You're very bright."

Iva threw a pillow. Kori caught it and returned the favor.

The chicken clucked and cooed. "Lulu you are awake." Iva picked up the speckled bantam. Lulu hopped, flapping her wings, and dancing. Iva laughed. Kori washed her hands. "I still don't know why you love a chicken so much."

Lulu cuddled on Iva's shoulder. Iva petted the chicken. "How can you not? Look at her. She's a mini floofy girl. Aren't you?"

The ice ninja bent some water from the sink. The translucent liquid shined in the light. Iva noticed her friend's sad expression. "You miss traveling, don't you?"

Kori snapped out of her wishes. "Not a lot. Just a bit."

A knock sounded on the door. Iva sprung up. "I'll get it."

She opened the door.

A pale, frightening ninja stared at the Tai ninja with glaring golden eyes. "Excuse me, is Kori in this apartment?"

Iva shook the shock off. "Yes, this is her residence. One moment." Iva shut the door and turned to Kori. "That's him?!"

Kori put the water down. She rushed to the door. Orochimaru wore a bored smile. "What a warm greeting."

Kori hugged her teacher. "Sorry, Iva likes to keep me safe. She doesn't bite."

"I'm not a pet," Iva complained.

Kori skipped in her apartment again. "Do you like it Sensi? I got a job. I saved money for my own apartment. I am a full-fledged citizen of Sauna!"

Iva was trying to find out who her Sensi is. "What is your name?"

Kori shut the door. She started putting the ingredients for the pie out. The Sanin set three books on the counter. "Wise to not tell your friend my name." He turned to Iva. "I am Orochimaru. Nice to meet you."

Iva tried her best to not look surprised. "Lila Iva, Kori's neighbor for a good year."

Kori opened the books and squealed. A noise Iva had never heard from her friend. "No way! You're giving me the fairy tale book you wrote? Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Iva had trouble settling down. The name Oruchimaru was familiar. She just couldn't quite place it. Lulu jumped on the counter. Kori shooed her off. "Sorry, she is not allowed to do that. Would you stay here, Orochimaru-sensei?"

The Sanin was curious. He discouraged the curious flame. "I must leave."

Kori became like an overcast sky. "I see. Pressing business."

Her teacher looked around. "My work is never done. Here, it seems, there is someone who can take up the task."

He left the seat. A plant caught his eye. "Kori?"

The ice ninja was at the edge of her seat. "Yes?"

"Now that you have pooled your eyes, take care they are not polluted. Many poor souls wander down crude paths. Though those paths may seem far heaven to the sky, they await at doorsteps. Choose your new path correctly."

Kori smiled at her teacher. "Don't you see how much you have grown? You're like a father. Thank you."

Orochimaru paused to think of Tsunade with Sakura and Jiyara with Naruto. Orochimaru was fated with Kori. He found a good many parallels between his fellow Sanin.

Orochimaru returned a smile. "You are welcome, young ninja."

"Geez, Kori. That was mushy. I can see why you missed him so much." Iva sarcastically remarked. "You are interesting. Interesting and weird."

Kori shrugged needing some dough. "Weird comes with perks."

"Name them."

"The fact I will babysit a chicken without eating it."

"A generous point, dear friend." Iva rubbed the back of her neck.

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Kankuro saw the program pull up a file.

Kori Yuki

Age: Seventeen

Gender: Female

Citizen of: Sunakegure

Occupation: Ice Salesperson

Known Family members: None

Birthday: January 1st, 20XX

Signature:

Kori Yuki

"Have you found everything you needed?"

"Yes, uh, how does the printer work?"

The librarian was obliged. Kankuro left with a renewed fascination with machines and their convenience.

He met the two ninjas outside the library. "Yuuta, go in with me. Bikiri you stay outside in case she tries to escape."

Yuuta grabbed the paper. "I've never heard of her before. Odd that she is a citizen."

Bikkiri snatched the paper. He knew what was going on. A friendly reminder of Gaara in grand spirits held a place. "She is a new citizen. Only two years. Which seems long to younger people."

Kankuro walked with determination. "The situation is convenient for her. This copy certificate shows a full citizenship, which is not true. She was not born here nor lived for a solid four years in the same place."

Yuuta knew where Kankuro was getting at. "Very suspicious for Orochimaru to hand his position to a shadow figure in our homeland."

Bikkiri was curious how Kori would react to the police stopping by. Does she have anything to hide?

He thought about making ice for a living in the desert.

"What are you laughing at Bikkiri?" Kankuro asked.

"I suppose she would have to have ice release to be able to make an ice business."

Kankuro laughed at the thought after. Yuuta did not find it funny or interesting.

Kankuro knocked. "The door is unlocked!" A female voice yelled.

Yuuta opened the door for Kankuro.

Iva peaked from over the sofa. "Kori, what did you do?! Get your lazy butt over here! The police are here!"

Iva got up to greet the visitors. "How may I help you?"

Kankuro tapped and picked at the puppet on his back. A habit when he was anxious. "This is where Kori lives?"

"Yep, I'm just her neighbor. My place is boring, so we bake when we have time. Would you like some strawberry lemon tart pie?"

Yuuta was caught off guard. He immediately got suspicious. "We aren't staying for long. Besides, lunch is far off. Spoiling an appetite ruins the day."

Iva didn't know if she was offended or annoyed. "Mama's boy doesn't like pie. How about you?"

Kori rushed out of the room. "Iva!" The friend snapped. She whispered through her teeth. "Kankuro's mom died giving birth to the Kazekage."

Iva could have died from embarrassment. "Riiiight… well, my shift starts in an hour and three quarters. Good luck."

Kori sighed. "I am very sorry. Iva has many talents with the exception of being a greeting committee. Do take a seat."

Kankuro sat across from Kori. Yuuta stayed standing. He stood behind his superior.

"Are you familiar with Orochimaru?"

"Yes, he came by when I started baking. I now have three of his books."

Yuuta looked out of the window, only to be surprised by invasive plants on the window sill.

"When did you see him last before that visit?" The young bodyguard inquired.

"Yesterday was the last time before this. Is he alright?"

Kankuro blushed. He set his palms in his face. "Of course. Can I ask about the frequency of your exchanges?"

"Sheesh, I don't know. A good four to five years ago, he was my teacher. He talks less of immortality now. A great psychological feat considering his obsession with it. Don't you think?"

Yuuta took over the interrogation. "You don't suppose the books contain any illegal contents."

"You can take a look. I haven't read them yet."

Yuuta spotted the books on the counter. He scanned the titles. Cooking for an Army (Without Killing Anyone), Making People Less Dead, Bedtime Stories for Brave Ninjas.

"Curious titles." Yuuta held the books up, displaying them card style.

Kori felt odd, "He has an interesting sense of humor. It's kind of funny, at least, to me."

The puppeteer was losing his hard-earned composure. "Right, the books do not matter. I found you for the safety of our village. Two ninjas have been causing trouble. A snowball effect has started. I fear they may align with native gangs familiar with the terrain."

"You want me to do what?"

"It is a difficult task for someone your age. The reward will compensate. Orochimaru recommended you."

Kori went stiff. The room's relaxing mood changed. The room chilled like a soda, "He did. Did he say anything else?"

Yuuta was ready for any fight to arise. His hands held a trusty kunai.

"Not of any importance. He was mocking about it."

"Ah," The air was still cold. The tense stillness was slowly dissipating. "If you don't mind. I do have a past rather undesirable. Instead of money as a reward, can I leave you in the dark about it?"

Yuuta exchanged a sharp concern with Kankuro.

"You will help?"

"Under the contents of not killing."

Kankuro wanted to ask. "We have a deal. How can I contact you?"

"Wait here a moment."

Kori came back with a roll of parchment. She tore it down the middle. "I write on this side and it appears on the other. The rule applies to the other side too."

The law accepted the paper. Kankuro stood up. "Thank you, Miss Yuki. Suna will ever be grateful."

"I am doing my duty as a citizen. My loyalties lay with my home."

Yuuta nodded firmly in understanding.

"I do hope you take the pie with you. By the time I am finished with the other one, this one would be spoiled. Bikkiri might like pies."

Yuuta stopped exit. "We couldn't possibly."

Kankuro rolled his eyes. "Thank you. We will enjoy the pie. Have a restful evening, mam."

Yuuta looked into Kori's eyes with a dare. The blue pools that stared back were cold and endless. The fright chilled the marrow in his bones. No sooner, the ice ninja called after. "See you later rather sooner."

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