~The Switch~
Natsumi looked around as they headed toward the Village gates, lost in thought. She stopped suddenly to look down a side street. Naruto saw her and stopped.
"Natsumi? Are ya coming?"
She smiled and nodded. "Yeah. I just saw Yuki and I want to ask her to come with us. They say cats have the ability to sense spirits."
"Okay."
Natsumi gave a short wave, then hopped away and out of sight. Her lips curved upward in a small smirk and she formed a hand sign, quickly creating a clone. They shared a wink and the clone darted back to Naruto, while Natsumi watched a trio of figures walking down the adjoining street in the waning evening light.
Her eyes lit up with an idea and she carefully smoothed her hair before stepping out from her hiding place and let out a breath as she approached them from behind.
"Hey, you."
All three sand Genin turned around, but the tallest blinked in surprise as he recognized her.
"O-Oh, it's you." He turned to face her.
Natsumi giggled quietly and met his eyes. "It is me."
"What do you want?" Temari looked down at the younger girl with a cold expression.
"I just had a question." Natsumi smiled and looked at Kankuro.
"A question?" His cheeks warmed slightly and he cleared his throat. "What kind of question?"
"I just came up with the best prank to pull on my brother, but I can't pull it off on my own." She crossed her arms. "But if I had a puppeteer helping me... It'd be sure to work."
"A prank?" Temari crossed her arms. "You came here just to ask that?"
Natsumi ignored the older girl and kept her eyes on Kankuro. "They're off on a quest to find a ghost, and I want to really spook them. It'll be a ton of fun."
"Why me?" He put a hand on his hips and she smiled.
"Considering I don't know any other puppeteers, and I can't exactly use Chakra threads to do it all myself... There's no one else who could pull this off other than you."
"What do I get out of it?"
Natsumi crossed her arms and a warm flush touched her cheeks. "Well, you can have the satisfaction of seeing them so terrified and convinced that ghosts are real." She paused. "But... if that's not good enough, I'll think of some way to make it worth your while. Maybe I can owe you a favor."
"You think he'd really want to do a dumb prank with you?" Temari sneered. "Suna Ninja aren't carefree or childish like you Leaf are."
Natsumi made a face, keeping quiet and she glanced back at Kankuro. "Well? What do you want to do?"
Kankuro met Temari's eyes, then shook his head. "Heh. Maybe another time."
Natsumi shrugged. "Alright. If you change your mind, I'll always welcome the help."
She turned and leapt away, putting her hands in her pockets. The trio of siblings turned and began to walk once more, and Temari watched her brother from the corner of her eye.
"You're not actually going to take part in a stupid prank with her anytime, are you?"
He scoffed. "Of course not."
Her gaze shifted to look ahead. "Good, because we're not here to play around like children." She glanced back at Kankuro, her eyes widening as she realized he was suddenly gone. She looked around, unable to see him anywhere, and then scowled.
"Typical. All boys are the same when a girl is involved." Temari released a breath, then turned and looked at Gaara, who was still walking away, indifferent, and then she made a face. "...Except for that one."
She slowly followed after her youngest brother, watching the back of his head. "And now, thanks to Kankuro, I have to be alone with this guy..."
Kankuro caught up to Natsumi, whose eyes widened slightly as he joined her.
"Hey, you." He looked down at her, then averted his eyes.
"It's you." She giggled and crossed her arms. "You changed your mind?"
He chuckled. "Nah, I was going to come with you. Anything to get away from those two for a while."
Natsumi slid her hand into his and smiled.
"I'll tell you my plan on the way, but we have to hurry so they don't get there first."
She led him quickly away, both avoiding the other's eyes as they blushed faintly.
~The Invitation~
Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, and Guy watched as the Genin left together toward the archives. Kakashi placed his hands in his pockets and Guy turned to him.
"So, what do we do while they're occupied?" Guy put his hands on his hip and smirked. "Perhaps a challenge?"
Kakashi scratched his head nonchalantly. "Actually, I've been invited to a Halloween party."
"A party?" Guy blinked and crossed his arms. "I didn't know you were one for parties."
"Hey, hey, Old Man!"
Asuma released a slow breath at the familiar voice and turned to see Aito, who was walking with one hand in his pocket as he waved with the other, smirking.
"Old man?" Kurenai looked at Asuma, then chuckled quietly to herself.
"Oh, it's just you." He turned to look at Aito. "Why are you here?"
"I was just headed to the party and saw you. Had to say hi." He rested an arm on Asuma's shoulder, then looked at Kakashi. "You're comin', right? Everyone's been looking forward to having the Kakashi there."
"I wasn't going to, but an old friend convinced me."
Aito grinned and chuckled. "Great. I have a feeling this year's party is going to break all of our records."
Asuma shrugged off Aito's arm. "Knowing you, I'm sure that there's going to be trouble."
Aito laughed. "You know me, old man. I like a good party."
Asuma crossed his arms. "I'm only a few years older than you are."
"Maybe, but you act like an old man." Aito shrugged. "Not even thirty yet and you'd prefer to stay home and play board games with Gramps instead of getting the most out of your youth and having fun."
"Your version of fun usually involves drinking until you lose consciousness." Asuma retorted.
"Who are you?" Kurenai eyed Aito, who flourished a sloppy bow and kissed her hand.
"Aito Tamura, your loveliness." He winked. "Ya know, you're not ANBU, but there's always room for a beautiful woman at a party."
Asuma narrowed his gaze at the man, and Aito caught his eyes, chuckled, and released Kurenai's hand.
"I promise it'll be the best party you've ever been to." Aito continued. "We've got Hana on bartender duty tonight, Sena made a feast, and we have the best drinking games around. What do you say?"
"Well," Kurenai glanced at Asuma, then back to Aito. "I suppose we don't have other plans."
"We?" Aito looked at Asuma, then shrugged. "Oh, alright. I suppose the old man can come, too. I guess I can't leave out a relative, even if he is boring."
"Relative?" Kakashi asked. "I didn't know you were related."
Aito nodded and thumbed at Asuma. "His brother married my sister."
"Ah." Kakashi nodded to himself. "Asahi, right?"
"That's right." Aito nodded, his expression solemn as he put his hands in his pockets with a quiet sigh. "Halloween was always her favorite."
He was silent for a moment before he grinned again.
"Anyway, if you don't want to miss anything, we'd better go." He turned to leave, followed by Asuma, Kurenai, and then Kakashi.
Kakashi stopped and turned to see Guy pouting. Aito glanced back, made a face at his costume, and then sighed.
"Oh, come on. You can come, too." Aito turned back around, shuddering. "At least everyone will get a kick out of his costume..."
~The Cabin~
Natsumi and Kankuro reached the cabin quickly at the same time she finished explaining her plan. They rested on the roof for a moment and she let out a breath as the last of the sunlight illuminated the sky, creating vibrant reds, oranges, and violets on the horizon.
"So... do you think we call pull it off?" She looked at him as they sat together, whispering almost inaudibly so her voice couldn't carry.
His face warmed with hers so close and he shrugged Crow from his shoulder and nodded.
"The trick will be to keep it simple... nothing over the top." He chuckled. "I can't believe they actually think there's a real ghost."
Natsumi giggled quietly and nodded. "I can't wait to see the looks on their faces."
They shared a quiet laugh and her shoulder gently nudged his. Their eyes met and then they quickly looked away, falling silent.
"So..." Kankuro began quickly. "About before..."
Natsumi's face flushed and she bit her lip. "I-I don't normally do things like that." She stared down at the roof. "A-Actually... that was my first kiss."
His eyes widened slightly and he looked at her. "I-it was?"
She nodded slowly, her eyes growing hot now.
"Could have fooled me..." He mumbled to himself and scratched his head. "But why me?"
Natsumi glanced at him from the corner of her eye. "I just happened to look over and see you, and I thought you were cute..." She paused and played with the end of her hair. "But... my body just moved on its own."
Kankuro blushed faintly. "I'm... cute?"
Natsumi nodded again, blushing deeper as she answered in a murmur. "Very."
His own blush deepened as he watched her flushing uncontrollably and he pointed to his face. "You don't think I look scary like this?"
"Why would I?' She shrugged and averted her eyes. "It's just some color; it doesn't change what you actually look like."
"Heh." He chuckled and scratched his head again, keeping his eyes on her. "When she makes that face, she looks so cute." He cleared her throat quickly. "You know... you're really cute, too."
Natsumi looked up at him. "I-I am?"
"Yeah." He watched as she looked away briefly. "... and fun, too." He chuckled. "Temari can be so uptight, and Gaara..." He paused. "Well, he's himself."
Natsumi smiled faintly. "They're your siblings, so they can't be all that bad."
"If only you knew." Kankuro let out a long breath. "Temari does nothing but boss everyone around and the other..." His expression darkened as the light vanished over the horizon. "He'd kill me if I got in his way."
"You're afraid of your brother?" Natsumi asked softly.
"You've seen what he's like." Kankuro answered quietly.
Natsumi quieted, then looked away as she muttered under her breath. "You'd be afraid of me, too, if you knew better."
"Huh?" He blinked. "What'd you say?"
Natsumi flashed a brilliant smile and turned to him. "Nothing." She looked out at the forest around them and lowered her voice. "They're getting closer now."
She made a hand sign and created several clones, and watched as they transformed. Each looked exactly like the Princess and Natsumi grinned.
"Alright, you guys know what to do. Stay hidden until the signal."
The clones nodded and vanished into the forest and Natsumi carefully edged closer to a hole in the room and pointed inside.
"We've got a perfect view from here."
Kankuro nodded and flexed his fingers. "Yeah, but they'll see us if they look up."
Natsumi smirked faintly and shook her head. "Let me handle that." Closing her eyes, her Chakra swelled and cocooned her, and she vanished. His eyes widened in surprise and he crossed his arms.
"Invisibility, huh? I'm impressed."
Her body faded into view once more and she smiled. "Thanks. I'll be able to hide us both, just in case, but only for a short period of time. I can keep it up for myself for a while, but trying to keep someone invisible is more difficult."
They pressed themselves against the roof to hide themselves as they heard the group approaching through the trees.
"Are you ready?" Natsumi eyed Kankuro, who smirked.
"It's showtime."
~The Party~
Aito opened the back door to the underground pitlike room and stepped inside, leading the other Jonin inside. The lighting was dimmed overhead and the bulbs had been switched to colored bulbs, illuminating the large area with orange, purple, and green. Impromptu spotlights had been mounted just for the occasion and flashed bursts of color.
Large speakers had been set up all around, blaring music as dozens of costumed people danced and mingled. A bar had been set up against one wall with a plethora of various kinds of alcohol, and a long table nearby was completed filled with platters of food. Several small tables were positioned off to the sides, though all but a few seats remained empty.
Aito raised his hand as he entered, grinned, and shouted above the din. "Look who's here!"
The crowd turned at the new arrivals, many raising their glasses in greeting as the spotlight moved to the latecomers.
"Kakashi!" Roared the group, whooping in a cheer.
The silver-haired Jonin scratched his head awkwardly at the reception and Kurenai chuckled.
"It seems you're quite the celebrity." She commented, and Kakashi shrugged.
Aito sighed and crossed his arms. "Oh, come on now! I meant me." He laughed and nudged Kakashi. "I told ya everyone would be thrilled to see you. You're a legend, after all."
Kakashi let out a short sigh and stuck his hands into his pocket, the crowd returning to their activities.
Aito motioned to the others. "Come on. I'll do a few introductions for you before I let you run free."
He strode forward and pointed toward the brunette behind the bar.
"The one mixing drinks and wearing a devil costume that almost shows enough skin to be classified as lingerie is Hana. She's heavy-handed when making drinks, so her concoctions will tear you up if you can't hold your own liquor." He chuckled. "So, drink at your own risk."
Aito approached the bar and pointed at the dark-skinned woman in an equally-revealing nurse's costume.
"And this is Kiri. She's the thirstiest one here, but especially when drunk. Approach with caution."
The woman's head whipped around and she flicked his nose quickly, then crossed her arms.
"Ass." Kiri laughed and looked over the new arrivals, her eyes falling on Kakashi and Asuma with a faint smirk. "Although... you did bring snacks, so I forgive you."
The two men blinked in surprise and Aito rolled his eyes and rubbed his nose, then eyed the drink in her hand. "Drinking already? You're setting yourself up to lose to me again this year."
Kiri's mouth turned down in a frown and she put her in on her hip. "This one drink is not going to be enough to stop me from kicking your ass later and taking your title. You just wait."
Aito laughed and crossed his arms, leaning forward. "Oh, yeah? Says the one who can't even get past the third round."
Kiri growled. "I will beat you this year."
"Sure, sure." Aito shrugged and turned to look at Hana, who leaned over the bar.
"Inviting outsiders to my party, are we?" Hana laughed under her breath and smiled at the group. "I'm Hana. Can I get you anything to drink? Open bar, so no charge."
"I'll pass." Kakashi answered and the others shook their heads.
Hana shrugged. "Your loss." She looked over Kakashi and Asuma, then winked at Kiri. "Nice snacks, huh?'
Kiri winked back with a nod. "My thoughts exactly."
The women blinked at Kurenai's glare, and then laughed quietly.
"Anyway," Hana started again. "The more the merrier, we say. I hope you're going to play Pumpkin Shots later. We're always looking for new players—" She scowled and quickly grabbed the arm of a blond teenage boy as he attempted to grab a bottle of liquor and dash away. "Yuuta, dammit! Get out of here!"
He scowled and tried to pull away from her iron grip while reaching for the bottle she held out of his reach.
"Let me go, skank!" He snapped. "Give it back!"
"What did you call me?" Hana glared and tightened her grip as he stubbornly reached for the bottle. "You're only seventeen! You can't have this!"
Kiri glared and slammed her hand on the counter, then pointed at her nephew. "You little shit. Don't talk to her like that."
"Stay out of this, whore." Yuuta shot her a glare and Aito groaned.
"Look, Hana, just give him the bottle. When he gets four sips in and gets knocked on his ass, it'll be his fault."
Hana looked between the teen and Aito. "I can't give a minor liquor..." She stared at Yuuta, then released him after a moment and held out the bottle. "But I do want you to get out of my sight." He took it from her quickly and he shoved him away. "Now get lost, you little prick."
Yuuta flashed his middle finger and disappeared in the crowd and Kiri sighed deeply and crossed her arms.
"That damn kid." Hana growled.
"Well, he's gone now, and not our problem." AIto chuckled and glanced at the four Jonin. "That was Yuuta. Kiri's nephew."
"Nephew." Kiri scoffed. "More like a monster."
"And he's got his eye on our little Natsumi, too." Hana shook her head.
"Not if I can help it." Kiri retorted and finished her drink.
"You know Natsumi?" Guy asked, and the women looked his way, hiding looks of confusion or disgust.
"Of course we do." Kiri grinned. "She's in our squad."
"She's our precious little cinnamon roll." Hana laughed. "So sweet and innocent."
Guy's eyes widened in surprise. "Natsumi... is in the ANBU?"
"You didn't know?" Kakashi glanced at his rival. "The decision caused a bit of a stir."
"Oh really?" Guy crossed his arms, remembering when he and Kakashi were younger. "That girl doesn't seem the type for work as gruesome as that."
"It's true." Asuma nodded.
"She's young, but I've heard that she's highly skilled." Kurenai agreed with Asuma and rested her hand on his arm.
"Damn right she is." Kiri nodded. "We're lucky to have her."
"Hey." Aito interrupted. "You seen Satoshi anywhere?"
The women pointed toward one of the tables simultaneously.
"He's with Rie, of course." Hana lowered her arm and moved to attend to a group of dancers that approached the bar.
"Thanks!" Aito waved in appreciation, then motioned for the Jonin to follow him with a short nod of his head. "Come on. There's still some more people to introduce."
Aito gestured to the source of the music— a black-haired woman with headphones at a turntable, wearing a shimmering mermaid dress with artificial pearls adorning her head.
"Ahmya. She's Hana's cousin but they're pretty different."
The strode alongside the banquet table and he drew in a large breath and grinned. "And Sena, of course."
Sena looked up from her chair behind the table, resting her book on her lap.
"Hm?" She looked them over and waved at Aito. "Oh, it's you." Her eyes rested on Kakashi in recognition and she gave a short wave in greeting. "And you, too. I didn't expect you to actually come."
Aito grabbed a plate and began to fill it with a wide array of foods, stuffing a few bites into his mouth with a satisfied moan.
"Sena, you outdid yourself again." He muttered and smiled, then swallowed. "For someone who doesn't have a man, you spend a lot of time in the kitchen."
Sena rolled her eyes as he laughed, but smiled. "Ha ha. Kiri made the same joke as we were setting up."
"Damn." He shrugged. "Oh well, I'll still beat her later and we'll be even for her stealing my joke."
Sena carefully placed a bookmark in her novel and set it aside, crossing her arms.
"Kiri promised to not go overboard this year in order to be a good role model for Natsumi."
Aito laughed loudly and popped another bite into his mouth.
"Kiri? Hold back? That's not going to happen. You know how she gets once it's game time."
Sena let out a long breath and shook her head. "You guys are a mess. I feel like your mom, you know."
"Then stop acting like one."
Sena looked at the group and eyed Kurenai's dress with a smile.
"You look great! And I love the coordination." Sena motioned to Asuma.
"Thanks." Kurenai answered and looked over the table.
"You made all this yourself?" Asuma picked up an hor's d'oeuvre and took a bite.
Sena nodded with a smile. "Cooking is a hobby of mine. It's really the only reason why I'm allowed at these parties since I'm a minor." She motioned to the stack of plates. "Go ahead and help yourself. If you wait until everyone else eats, the selection will be poor and everything will be a mess. Drunk people are very sloppy."
Aito chuckled and rubbed his head. "And sometimes in years past, the table's been wrecked during the game, so it's probably best to eat now or risk missing out."
"What's this game I keep hearing about?" Guy asked, intrigued.
"Oh, boy." Sena rolled her eyes again as she explained. "Pumpkin Shots is a drinking game invented by Kiri and Aito when they were teenagers. It became much bigger once Hana joined the team and began to throw holiday parties. It's really messy and involves a lot of drinking. And I mean a lot." She shook her head. "If your idea of a good time is not passing out in a pool of your own vomit, I suggest you not play. It's more fun anyway to watch everyone make a fool of themselves."
Aito scoffed. "When you say it like that, it sounds horrible."
"Without watching it, I can already tell that it is." Asuma smirked at his relative, who crossed his arms.
"Oh, come on! Pumpkin Shots is a tradition and a classic! If you'd stop acting like an old man, you'd know how great it was."
"I look forward to beating you this year." A low, rumbling voice like thunder made them turn to look, interrupting as they began to make themselves plates.
"Ah, Enmei!" AIto patted the giant man's muscled arm and looked him over. "Isn't that the same costume as last year?" He glanced toward the middle brother, who was even taller. "You too, Matou? Same costume?"
"We like them." Matou answered in a deep murmur.
"What are you supposed to be?" Guy sized the men up, both taller than him by several inches.
Enmei patted the curly green wig he wore and glanced down at his brown shirt and pants. "A tree."
Matou, who wore a white wig and all-gray ensemble, pointed to himself. "A snow-crested mountain."
"And I'm a kitten." Benjiro, the tallest of the trio who dwarfed even Asuma by a full head, tilted his head to reveal a pair of tiny black cat's ears atop his head
"How... appropriate." Kurenai gazed between the shorter two, then at the tallest. "And... creative."
"What are you supposed to be?" Benjiro turned to Aito who made a face.
"Oh, come on. I know it's not fancy, but it's obvious!" Aito pointed to the pair of pointed ears on his head, and then to the cat tails clipped to the back of his pants. "Right?"
They blinked and Asuma put a hand on his hip. "A cat?"
Aito groaned loudly and Kurenai counted the tails he wore.
"The Nine-Tailed Fox?" She guessed, and Aito broke into a grin, then clapped.
"Very good, your loveliness."
"Although... you only have eight tails there." She pointed at his backside. "You're missing one."
AIto smirked and Sena facepalmed.
"Now you've done it." She muttered.
Aito laughed and revealed a button in his sleeve and held his thumb over it. "Am I?"
He pressed the button and a long, orange balloon filled instantly and sprung from the top of his pants. He smirked and moved his hips to exaggerate the balloon's phallic appearance.
"And here's the ninth."
Kurenai blushed faintly as they stared in surprise. Asuma let out a breath and shook his head slowly.
"I should have expected that from you."
"Huh? Huh?" Aito laughed. "Isn't it great?" Looking over their expressions, he deflated the balloon and tucked it back into his pants with a pout. "Man, you guys are no fun."
"You should act your age." Asuma lectured.
"Right." Aito rolled his eyes. "Well, I'm going to find someone who can actually appreciate my humor." She gave a sloppy salute and turned to walk into the crowd of dancers. "See ya later!"
The towering brothers began to eat as well and Sena let out a sigh and looked at the four out-of-place Jonin.
"Sorry about Aito. He's really a nice guy for the most part. He's just rude sometimes." She smiled and leaned her arms against the table. "Why don't I introduce you guys to Rie and Satoshi? I think you'll find them easier to get along with than anyone else here." She gestured at one of the nearby tables. "Besides, they're just sitting there by themselves. They'd probably enjoy the company."
Sena stood and set her book down in her place, then smoothed the skirt of her dress and stepped out from behind the table. Her costume was simple but detailed, with a simple strapless bodice and a layered skirt that resembled giant petals. She carried a small plate of chocolates over to the table and placed it in front of the woman.
"Hi, you two." Sena smiled and gestured to the Jonin behind her. "I brought some company, if that's alright."
Rie's eyes widened at the chocolate offering and she immediately nodded and shoved a piece into her mouth.
"Sena, you're a god." Rie winked and waved at the newcomers. "Take a seat if ya want to. We don't bite."
Rie sat up straighter in the chair with a smirk. Her long, brown hair was tied into a single ponytail that fell to her knees, her dark eyes were framed with neon orange eyeliner for the holiday, and her eyebrow piercing had been replaced with one with a skull's beaming face and empty eyes. She was dressed as a policewoman.
The man beside her wore a bright orange prisoner's jumpsuit, unzipped to his navel to reveal his well-muscled chest covered in colorful tattoos. Sena took a seat on Rie's other side.
"So, is this your first party like this?" Rie popped another chocolate into her mouth and leaned forward to look at the group as they sat around the table. "You're in for a real treat."
"I didn't expect this from ANBU." Kakashi commented and looked around. "Things have changed quite a bit."
Rie laughed quietly and shook her head. "S'not that so much has changed, it's just that ya never hung out with this crowd before. There are several Teams here that like to have fun on their downtime, and then there are plenty of ones that take everything too seriously and avoid each other when off-duty."
"As I recall, we invited you the very first year we hosted a party, and you walked away. Said it was a waste of time." Satoshi agreed and looked at Kakashi.
"Did I?" He scratched his head, smiling slightly. "Sorry about that. I was a little crass back then."
"No big deal." Rie shrugged and ate the last of the chocolate. "Although it's a bit disappointing you finally show up and it's our last party."
"Why the last?" Kurenai asked.
"Last for us." Satoshi clarified, crossing his arms and leaned back in the chair.
Rie nodded. "As of the end of the month, we're no longer ANBU. We're retiring while we're still in one piece."
Sena leaned against Rie until their shoulders touched. "And we're going to really miss you guys. Without you, dealing with the Captain will be unbearable."
Asuma glanced at Satoshi, then to Rie knowingly. "What are your plans from here on?"
"Was considerin' opening our own shop. Too many blank canvases walking around to resist the temptation." Satoshi answered. "Not enough people respect the art anymore."
The already dim lighting dimmed further and the music grew quieter as the spotlights gathered to illuminate an empty circle in the middle of the crowd. Rie grinned and cracked her fists.
"Oh, it's fight time." As she attempted to stand, Satoshi put his hand on her shoulder and shook his head. She made a face and crossed her arms bitterly. "Oh... right. Can't fight this year."
"Sorry." Satoshi muttered.
Kurenai met Rie's eyes, finally realizing. "Oh, I see now." "So that's why they're retiring."
Rie patted Satoshi's chest. "You go kick their asses for me, Noby. I want that prize."
Satoshi stood and cracked his neck with a smirk. "You got it."
"Fighting?" Guy asked, looking between the spotlight and the woman.
"Hell yeah." Rie laughed. "If you like to box, the prize for the champion is nice as hell."
"Boxing?" Guy grinned and touched his chin.
Sena nodded. "There are a few rules, though. Fists only, no Jutsu, no weapons, no fatal blows. Other than that, everything goes."
"It's a fucking dream for a Taijutsu specialist." Rie chuckled and sipped her water.
Guy's eyes widened and he stood quickly. "I won't lose to anyone! The power of youth fuels me!" He dashed off and left them blinking.
Rie shrugged and leaned forward, holding her hand up to whisper as she looked at the Jonin. "Now that he's gone... can anyone explain why he's dressed like a toddler?"
~Konahamaru Trio~
Natsumi walked with her hands in her pockets and her wig in one of her back pouches. The group walked through the village as Trick-or-Treating was nearly over, chatting amongst themselves.
"...And another thing," Shikamaru glanced at the redhead. "you could have at least tried to play the role of the Princess more accurately. A girl born during that era wouldn't have been so easily accepting of us all dressed in costumes. Halloween wasn't celebrated then."
Natsumi stuck her tongue out. "Alright, alright; I get it. You've pointed out plenty of flaws in my acting. I'll make sure to get it right the next time I play a prank so that I'll really get you."
"Next time?!" Naruto looked at her and narrowed his eyes.
"Yup." She giggled and crossed her arms. "Don't worry; I'm going to need plenty of time to come up with a foolproof plan. You don't have to worry about anything just yet."
"Neechan!"
Natsumi turned toward the voice and grinned. "Niichan!" She ran toward the voice and wrapped Konahamaru in a tight hug and then held him at arm's length. "I was hoping to run into you. You look great!"
Naruto walked over and looked him up and down. "What are you supposed to be?"
Konahamaru laughed and put his hands on his hips. "I'm the Hokage!"
"Huh?" Naruto crossed his arms and leaned closer. "I don't see it. You don't look like the Old Man."
Natsumi giggled. "He's all of the Hokages." He pointed at Konahamaru's long brown wig. "He's got the hair of the First Hokage," her finger moved to point at face. "the Happuri and red facial markings of the Second Hokage, a pipe like Lord Third..."
Konahamaru turned around and pointed at the billowing white and red jacket. "And a cloak like Lord Fourth's!"
Natsumi adjusted the scarf around Konahamaru's neck to shorten the length in front so he wouldn't trip. "And his own scarf, of course, as his own unique accessory." She shared a look with Konahamaru, and then high-fived. "It looks even better all pulled together than when you were planning it."
"Thanks, Neechan!"
"Neechan?" Naruto scratched his cheek. "Hey, hey, you guys are awfully close. When did that happen?"
Natsumi ruffled the boy's hair and looked down at him. "Months ago."
"Konahamaru!" Moegi called out, followed by Udon, who ran behind her. She stopped running when she saw her friend, panting heavily. "You ran so fast I didn't know where you were."
"Sorry." He laughed to himself and Ebisu appeared behind Moegi, pushing his glasses up and glaring as he saw the Uzumaki twins.
"Honorable Grandson, you shouldn't run off on your own like that. It's quite late."
Konahamaru muttered to himself and crossed his arms, turning away. "Like I care."
"I like your costumes." Natsumi knelt down to look at Moegi, who smiled and spun in a circle.
"I'm a butterfly princess!" Moegi giggled.
"And I'm a banana." Udon adjusted his own glasses.
Natsumi giggled and patted their heads. "You guys look so cute." She frowned slightly. "You're not collecting candy, though?"
Konahamaru scowled. "Those Sand Village guys scared us and took our candy when we ran off and dropped it."
Natsumi blushed faintly and she felt many pairs of eyes watching her from behind, then she let out a quiet sigh and shook her head. "I can get it back for you."
The trio's eyes widened.
"R-Really?" Moegi stared up at her and sniffed. "You'd do that?"
Natsumi nodded. "Of course." She scratched her cheek and averted her eyes briefly. "Just out of curiosity, how many of them did it? All three?"
"You're not planning on beating them up, are you?" Konahamaru stared at her. "They're really creepy."
Natsumi laughed. "No, nothing like that. But, if I talk to them about it, I'd like to only address the ones involved."
"It was just the scary girl and the red-haired guy." Udon answered quietly.
"I don't know where the third one was." Konahamaru glared at the thought. "That jerk."
Natsumi sighed again. Good. Kankuro wasn't part of it. She patted Moegi's head again. "I'll get your candy back for you, alright? So, don't be upset about it anymore."
"Thank you, Neechan!" The trio stared at her gratefully and she stood and giggled.
"No problem! I'll see you guys later!"
Natsumi turned and met Ebisu's eyes, smirking faintly and pointing at him.
"By the way, Four Eyes, your virgin costume is spot on."
Ebisu's eyes widened and his mouth gaped open.
"V-Virgin?!" He stared her in shock. "A-A child your age shouldn't know about such things!"
Konahamaru covered his mouth, snorting and laughing loudly.
Natsumi giggled and stuck out her tongue at Ebisu. "Virgin."
He gaped larger and stuttered. "W-Why you!"
Natsumi laughed again and rejoined the group and as they continued to walk back to the public records buildings.
~Pumpkin Shots~
Ahmya raised Guy's arm into the air as the crowd cheered, holding the microphone to her lips as she grinned.
"This year's boxing champ! Might Guy!"
Another round of cheering broke out and Ahmya released his hand. She retrieved a small box and opened it up, holding it out to Guy.
"As our new Champion, I present you with the prestigious golden Kunai of Champions." The golden weapon gleamed in the light and Guy's eyes widened as he took it.
"I-Is this... solid gold?!"
Ahmya laughed and put her hand on her hip. "You'd better believe it. There are no lame prizes here." Reaching into the box, she took out a slip of paper and held it up for him to see. "And, your second prize— a thirty-thousand-yen gift certificate for Yakiniku Q."
Guy stared incredulously between the prizes. "T-This is for me?"
"Of course." Ahmya giggled. "I wouldn't have expected anyone but Konoha's own Blue Beast to come on top of a fight. Well done."
Guy touched his chin, grinning with a wink. "Naturally, of course."
Ahmya patted his arm with a smile, then turned to the crowd with a hand on her hip, raising the microphone to her lips.
"Alright... You know what time it is now!"
"Pumpkin Shots!" Aito called out, and a loud chant broke out. The lighting adjusted and brightened, revealing five targets painted on the back wall. Aito led the group over, whooping as they set up five tables, each positioned in front of a target, ten meters from the targets
Ahmya lowered the mic and turned to Guy. "So, Mr. Champion, will you be playing?"
Guy blinked at the nickname before crossing his arms with a smirk. "I don't normally turn down a challenge, however, drinking games are something that I try to avoid."
"That's too bad." Ahmya giggled and touched his arm gently, leading him toward the commotion. "It's always so much fun, but it's also fun to be a spectator."
In the front of the group now, Aito, Hana, and Kiri were nearly finished setting up and Ahmya released Guy's arm and stepped forward.
"Are we almost ready?" She asked and looked between the trio, who nodded.
"I think so." Kiri chuckled to herself and put her hands on her hips.
"We've got the targets, tables, and a ton of pumpkins." She pointed to a massive crate, nearly overflowing with miniature pumpkins that could easily fit in the palm of the hand.
"And we've got the glasses and booze." Hana grinned and held up four bottles in her hands. "I think this should be enough for the first match."
"What about the buckets?" Sena crossed her arms and looked at AIto, who thumbed to a large stack of buckets in the corner. "I will not be helping to clean up after everyone this year."
"Got it covered already." He chuckled. "They still smell a little from last year, though, but they'll work."
Sena made a face. "Ew."
Aito glanced at Asuma, nudging his side. "So, Old Man, are you gonna play?
Asuma scoffed and rolled his eyes. "I'll pass."
"Lame." Aito chuckled.
"Alright," Ahmya looked to Aito. "Explain the game for the newcomers and then we can decide who's playing first."
"My pleasure." Aito bowed dramatically and stepped in the center with a smirk. "First, I want everyone to know that Pumpkin Shots is a tradition that began with Kiri and I as kids, and now it's a popular game. Respect its history." He narrowed his gaze at Asuma, and then rested his hands on his hips.
"The game is pretty straightforward— five people play at a time, and stand at their own station." He motioned to the tables. "At the beginning of each round, the players are each given a pumpkin and five shots."
Kiri tossed a small pumpkin through the air and he caught it easily, holding it up in his hand for them to see.
"Once Ahmya blows the whistle," Aito continued, nodding toward the woman as she held up a silver whistle in her hand. "The match begins." He held up the pumpkin. "First, you throw the pumpkin into the air like this." He tossed it up into the air several meters above his head, then caught it gently again. "You're going to drink all five shots as the pumpkin is falling, finishing before the pumpkin comes back down."
Aito pointed to the five empty shot glasses on the table before him. "Once you take the shots and catch the pumpkin, you spin in a circle five times, then throw the pumpkin at the target." He pointed to the targets. "If you miss the target completely, you're out. But, if all five players hit the target, you start another round and do it all over again until there's only one person left standing." He crossed his arms. "Any questions?"
Kiri looked at the four newcomers with a smirk. "So, whaddya think? Are you guys going to play?"
Kakashi looked at the setup, then shook his head. "To drink that much in such a short period of time... anyone who would agree to this game is reckless."
The Jonin blinked at Aito, and then glanced at each other.
"I'll pass on the alcohol poisoning." Asuma replied, keeping the unlit cigarette between his lips.
"I'm not against having a few drinks..." Guy began. "however, this seems like too much for me."
Aito groaned and crossed his arms.
"I should have known you geezers would have been no fun."
Asuma and Guy stared at him for a moment, their faces twitching.
"Geezers?!" Guy gaped.
Aito waved his hands. "Alright, boring old geezers out of the way. Make room for the people who actually know how to have fun."
"B-Boring?" Guy stood dumbstruck. "G-Geezer?!" He clenched his fists suddenly with a fire in his eyes and looked at Aito. "I'm neither boring nor old! I'm in the springtime of youth!"
Aito laughed and put a hand on his hip.
"Then prove it, geezer. Do you have it takes to keep up with me in a drinking game?"
Kakashi put his hands into his pockets and sighed quietly. "He's done it now."
"I accept your challenge!" Guy approached and met the younger man's eyes with an intense look. "I'll show you the power of youth!"
~Oto-Sama~
The group approached the records building and Natsumi grinned and picked up her pace, bursting through the door with a grin as she quickly located the old woman at the desk.
"Oto-sama!" She beamed and approached the desk. The woman's eyes widened and she looked up from her writing with a wry smile as the rest of the group entered the building.
"Ah..." She released a puff of smoke at the girl and set her brush down to ruffle Natsumi's hair. "If it isn't my favorite visitor."
Natsumi giggled and leaned against the desk. "You're looking extraordinarily lovely today, Oto-sama. Did you do something different with your makeup?"
The woman chuckled to herself and struck a pose, pouting her lips. "You have such keen eyes, as always. And excellent taste." She puffed on the pipe again. "If only my own children or grandchildren had your impeccable taste and style."
Natsumi smiled at the praise and Oto nodded in acknowledgment at the group. "The heroes return from their noble quest..." She leaned forward with a gleam in her eye. "Tell me... were you successful? Did you find the amulet?"
They looked amongst themselves with uneasiness at the woman and Lee answered.
"Well, we found the amulet—"
"Oh, wonderful!" Oto clapped her hands together with a smile. "That's excellent news! I'm sure the Princess is peacefully resting in the afterlife with her family. After all, she deserves peace after meeting such a terrible fate."
Oto looked at Natsumi, switching the hand that held her pipe, and met her eyes. "As for you... do you care to explain why you haven't visited me in almost a year? Without you, I've had no decent company."
Natsumi's cheeks warmed slightly and she smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry. I meant to visit again, but I've been so busy lately. I promise to come back tomorrow and catch you up on everything that's happened."
Oto paused, chewing on the end of her pipe for a moment before eventually nodded. "Very well. I hope you have quite a bit of juicy gossip to tell. You know how I love to gossip."
Natsumi giggled and played with the end of her hair. "Oh, believe me; I've got plenty of stories for you."
"Wonderful, wonderful." Oto chuckled. "And bring me some nice flowers while you're at it." She pointed to the empty vase off the toe side of her desk. "For some reason, that bratty granddaughter of mine refuses to bring me more flowers."
"Of course, Oto-sama." Natsumi eyed the vase. "Actually, my friend Sena is working on creating her own hybridized flowers now. I'm sure she can spare enough to make you a bouquet as lovely and unique as you."
Oto chuckled and patted Natsumi on the head. "What a sweet girl. Flattery will get you anywhere."
Oto turned back to Lee and released a puff of smoke that swirled around him. "So, the impassioned knight-in-shining-armor who freed the princess... where did you find the amulet? Did you solve the mystery?"
"The surviving guard was the one behind it all." Shikamaru answered and the woman's eyes fell on him in surprise.
"Hisoka?" Oto murmured softly in thought. "I would have never guessed."
Oto's eyes narrowed as she caught Natsumi leafing through a bookshelf and pointed the end of her pipe at her.
"Ahem, young lady!"
Natsumi froze in place, smiling innocently as she turned to the old woman. "Y-Yes?"
Oto chuckled and returned the pipe to her mouth. "You won't find the information you're looking for over there." She reached into one of the sashes tied around her waist and retrieved a folded slip of paper, holding it in between two fingers.
Natsumi's eyes widened and she quickly grabbed the paper, opening it up as her eyes grew wider.
"Oto-sama!" She looked at the woman in awe. "Is this really it?"
"But of course." Oto chuckled. "I told you I could find it."
"Where what was?" Naruto tried to lean closer to his twin to see, but a creature made from smoke blocked his vision.
"It's private." Oto wagged a finger at the blond Uzumaki, then winked at the redheaded one. "You should go fetch it now." She eyed the time with a small smirk. "Before the guards rotate again."
Natsumi smirked and nodded, stuffing the paper into her pocket. "Be back in a second!"
She turned invisible and left the building, the door seemingly opening on its own and shutting once more.
Oto chuckled to herself and released a long, smoky breath. "I do like that girl. If only my children were like her."
Her eyes rested on the remaining Genin. "So, Hisoka did it, did he? Were you able to determine a motive?"
"He wanted the amulet for himself." Sakura answered. "He tried to take it from the Princess as she slept, but she woke up and he killed her before she could alert the others. It was an accident, really."
"I see." Oto tapped her chin thoughtfully. "How did you discover this?"
Shikamaru held up the journal that he had been carrying with him, and Oto's eyes opened wider.
"O-ho. A journal." She held out her hands. "May I see it?"
He passed it over and she leafed through it eagerly. "I see... I see." Finally, she blew a small smoke ring, chuckled, and closed the book. "It's quite clear now." She eyed the Genin again. "And the amulet... where did you find it?'
"In the fireplace." Shikamaru replied.
"Of course." Oto tapped the journal gently. "You have all done incredible work. It makes me happy to know that the Princess is finally at peace now." A small puff of smoke formed into the figure of a rabbit, hopping across the desk slowly. "Were you able to see her spirit?"
They looked between them, and Naruto crossed his arms with his lips pursed, remembering Natsumi's prank.
"N-Not exactly..." Sakura answered.
"Hmm..." Oto paused. "And what of the pendant? What's been done with it?"
"Uh..." They looked between themselves and Shikamaru made a face.
"...Natsumi had it last." He answered.
Oto paused and laughed, the swirling smoke twisting into grinning faces before fading away. "Natsumi had it?" She took a long drag. "I see..." Her eyes narrowed curiously. "By any chance... when Natsumi was in possession of the pendant... did it glow?"
"Glow?" Naruto blinked, then thought for a moment. "Well, a little."
"B-But... She was playing a bit of a prank on us. I'm sure that was why." Sakura added.
Oto-sama closed her eyes and smirked. "The glowing... was it constant or in weaker flashes?"
"Um..." Lee thought. "Flashes?"
Oto chuckled quietly. "And its color? Blue? Red? Amber?"
"A-Amber..." Sakura eyed the old woman. "Why?"
Oto's eyes opened and smoke swirled around her, muttering to herself. "How interesting... it seems the Uzumaki legacy will live on, after all."
"Legacy?" Naruto looked at the old woman. "What Uzumaki legacy?"
Oto waved a hand. "Sorry, blondie. An old woman's got to have some secrets."
Naruto gritted his teeth. "Blondie?! I'm an Uzumaki, too, ya know!"
"I suppose." She chuckled to herself.
"What's the glowing mean?" Shikamaru asked plainly.
"Hm?" Oto smirked faintly. "The pendant has its own will. Only the royal family knew all of its secrets."
"Then, how come you seem to know so much about it?" Ino put a hand on her hip.
Oto chuckled. "A man will spill all of his secrets to a woman if she warms his bed and sates his hunger." She rested her chin on her hand and blew a smoke ring. "Lord Ichiro was no different."
"It was quite the scandal." Oto laughed to herself and waved her hand. "A woman like myself seducing a Lord so easily... I was quite infamous."
Her expression changed and she brought the pipe back to her lips. "So... where is the pendant now?"
"I... don't know." Sakura thought, crossing her arms.
"I... I saw Natsumi bury it under the tree." Hinata spoke up, her voice barely a whisper.
"Ah... did she?" Oto released a slow tendril of smoke. "Such a good girl. I've always liked her." She rested her eyes on the group, a long pause falling between them. "Well, it's quite late. You all should run home. I've got to update my book."
The smoke shifted to form a snake that curled into a ball on the desk and rested its head on itself as it flicked its tongue at them.
"Do come again, though. You've piqued my interest." Oto smirked faintly. "There is a wealth of knowledge here, and innumerable secrets I could share... for the right price, of course. And," She paused again, reaching out to pat Naruto's cheek briefly. "I do enjoy company. No one ever comes to see me anymore. Come visit anytime you like."
Naruto froze in place at her touch and a chill ran down his spine. "So cold!"
"W-We will." Sakura smiled sheepishly with the half-hearted promise and turned to leave slowly.
"Goodbye now." Oto waved and they walked to the door.
Before they could leave, a woman's voice interrupted.
"May I help you? We're closed for today. Come back tomorrow."
They turned to see her. She was in her early twenties, with dark hair, light eyes, and an exasperated expression.
"U-Uh... no thanks. We only came to see Oto-sama." Sakura looked at the woman, who let out a short, hot breath and scowled.
"You came looking for Granny?" She scoffed. "That old hag isn't even worth mentioning."
"That's horrible to say about your own grandmother." Ino chided. "Especially since she's right—"
They turned to look at the desk, but the old woman was gone.
The air chilled around them and they paled.
"B-B-But..." Naruto stared. "S-She was right there..."
The woman groaned and crossed her arms. "Did my brother put you up to this? That jerk is always making a mess of everything without caring how much extra work it leaves me."
She picked up a large basket from the corner, muttering as she dumped the desk's contents into the basket. "It's not enough that the old hag had to die and we had to come work in the records in her place, no. We've got to relabel and organize everything because she was so disorderly. And then my stupid brother keeps bringing all Granny's things from the basement and putting them out as if she's still here."
Sakura gulped as they overheard the woman muttering to herself. "D-Did you say that... your grandmother died?"
The woman knocked Oto's book of ghost stories into the basket and turned to them with a scowl.
"Yeah. Six months ago." She eyed the pipe, picking it up with a sneer and blowing it out. "Old hag lived way past her expiration date anyway. I'm just sorry that she died in her sleep. That annoying old bitty should have at least suffered for how her superstitious quirks made us the butt of every joke growing up."
The Genin remain fixed in place, with even Shikamaru staring at the empty seat behind the desk.
"And then, my equally good-for-nothing brother keeps moving everything around just when I finally get it organized properly, and he keeps bringing all Granny's things back up. He insists it isn't him, but he's just as superstitious as she was." She scowled and returned to dumping the old woman's belongings into the basket. "The next time he pulls this stunt again, I'm burning all of her stuff and laughing in his face. I've already got enough work to do without him playing games."
After a while, she turned on the group and waved her hand irritably.
"What are you all still doing here? We're closed."
"B-But... the old lady was here just a moment ago..." Naruto blinked slowly. "We all saw her."
Otoko's expression darkened and she stood over them. "Alright, you're neither cute or funny. Get out before I call the police on you for trespassing and loitering."
They left quickly and congregated outside the building.
"If Oto-sama died six months ago..." Sakura began. "Then... how did we see her?"
"C-Could it be?" TenTen shuddered. "A real... ghost?"
"It... can't be." Ino drew her arms in close.
"Genjutsu, perhaps?" Shino suggested quietly.
"Maybe this is still part of Natsumi's prank." Ino muttered and glanced toward the records building.
Sakura shook her head. "Natsumi can't do Genjutsu."
Naruto's hand trembled slightly as he touched the cheek that Oto had patted. "Her hand was like ice..." he muttered under his breath.
"Do you think... that was actually a real ghost?" Lee pondered.
"Hey, everyone!" Natsumi bounded over to them, fading out of invisibility with a small wrapped bundle in her arms as she stopped in front of them. "I guess Oto-sama kicked you out because of the time, right?" She smiled to herself and held her bundle closer. "Isn't she the best, though? I told you she was the best."
Natsumi began to walk away, grinning ear-to-ear as she carried her prize delicately in her arms and the group shared a blank look.
"Whatcha got?" Naruto caught up to her, eying the package.
"Just something I've been looking for a really long time." Natsumi beamed. "This will really help with my training... I can't believe she actually found it, though. I'll have to find a way to pay her back. I really owe her one."
He made a face and glanced back at Sakura, then lingered back as they whispered.
"I don't think she has any idea that Oto-sama actually died." Sakura commented and watched the redhead humming as she walked away.
"How do we know this isn't just part of her prank?" Ino's eyes followed the girl and narrowed.
"Shikamaru was able to see through it last time..." Sakura turned to him expectantly.
He remained quiet for some time, before shrugging. "There isn't any evidence that this is a rouse."
They continued after Natsumi, with Sakura walking beside her.
"So, Natsumi, how did you meet Oto-sama?"
Natsumi turned to Sakura with a shrug. "I was looking into old battle tactics and Jutsu when I met her. She helped me to find a lot of good scrolls that had exactly what I'd been looking for on it. Ever since then, I'd visit her a few times a week." Her pace slowed and she laughed under her breath. "Although, I haven't been in about a year and I feel terrible."
Natsumi leaned closer with a slight smirk as she whispered. "She's the one that gave me those books, ya know."
Sakura glanced back to the group, feeling a knot forming in her stomach. "She has no idea... And I don't want to be the one to break it to her."
Natsumi turned to Naruto and nudged him gently. "I'm off to go get Konahamaru's candy back. See you at home."
"U-Uh... Yeah." He scratched his head. "See you."
~Sand Siblings~
Kankuro opened the sliding door of the guest house and stepped inside, slipping off his shoes. Temari was waiting for him with a scowl and her arms crossed.
"And where were you?"
He walked past her, carefully shrugging Crow from his shoulders. "Took a walk. Needed a break from your constant nagging."
She gave him a hard look. "Uh huh... you weren't with that girl, then?"
"What girl?" He ignored her as he went to the small kitchen area and plucked a piece of fruit from the bowl, taking a bite of it as he sat heavily onto the sofa.
Temari scoffed and lifted the small decorative mirror of the wall, thrusting it into his face for him to see his reflection. His eyes widened slightly in realization that his lips were a fleshy pink instead of purple.
"'Just taking a walk', hm?" She watched as his cheeks reddened slightly and she shoved her arm away.
"So what if I was with her?" He took another bite of the fruit and turned his gaze away. "It's none of your business."
Temari scowled and crossed her arms. "Have you forgotten why we're here? We didn't come here so you could get a girlfriend."
"Mind your own business."
"Listen, you!" She leaned forward, furrowing her brows as she gripped the front of his shirt. "I'm your elder sister!"
"Keep it down. You're annoying." Gaara's flat voice sounded from the other room, and they flinched.
Temari released Kankuro and crossed her arms, lowering her voice.
"Thanks for leaving me alone with him while you went on your date." She scowled.
He smirked up at her. "If you had come with us, you wouldn't have had to be. We scared those little runts good. You should have seen their faces. They completely believed it."
Temari muttered something under her breath and shook her head. "I'm going to bed."
She turned and left the room, disappearing into her own room and Kankuro sighed. After some time, he headed for bed himself, washing his face well before he lay down in bed. His eyes began to close when a faint tapping came from the window.
His looked over and his cheeks warmed. Walking over to the window, he opened it and Natsumi stepped inside.
"W-What are you doing here?"
Natsumi blushed as she looked at his bare face, putting her hands into her pockets.
"Konahamaru told me that your sister stole their Halloween candy, and I promised that I'd get it back."
He crossed his arms. "Heh... sounds like her."
"Konahamaru's like a little brother to me, so I can get pretty protective of him." She paused. "You might want to suggest to Temari that she should play nicer with the residents of the village she's a guest of."
He laughed quietly. "Yeah, right. Have you seen how short her fuse is?"
Natsumi shrugged. "You know her best, so you can do what you want. She should just be careful to not bother the wrong people. Not everyone is as nice as I am. There are a lot of people already distrustful of outsiders."
"Sounds like Suna." Kankuro commented, keeping his voice low. "I'll get the candy. Wait here."
He slipped out of the room for only a moment before he returned with the three bags and handed them over.
Natsumi smiled and held them carefully in her arms. "Thanks, Kankuro. You're a really sweet guy."
He blushed slightly and averted his eyes. "If you say so."
"I do." Natsumi took a step toward the window. "Thanks again for helping me earlier. I had fun."
"Me too." He shifted awkwardly where he stood.
"It's late, so I should get going now. I'm probably interrupting your sleep."
He scratched his head. "Nah, you're fine."
Natsumi giggled, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "See you around."
As she turned to leave, he put his hand on her shoulder, turning her to face him as he leaned in and kissed her forehead. She blushed faintly and the corners of her mouth twitched in a smirk.
"...Pathetic."
"Pathetic?" He chuckled and stepped closer, recognizing her reply. "Greedy girl..." He leaned in again, pressing his lips to hers for a drawn out, soft kiss.
Natsumi's face flushed red as she returned the kiss and then pulled away. "I've gotta go before Naruto starts to wonder where I am." Biting her lip, she leaned forward and gave him a final, quick kiss. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight." He watched her climb on the windowsill and turned back toward him.
"You know, you were cute before, but you're even cuter when you don't cover your face." Natsumi giggled and waved. "Bye!"
Kankuro watched her leave, his face hot as he shut his window and lay back down.
"Temari's right... I'm not here to get a girlfriend." He crossed his arms, looking at the window from the corner of his eye, a smirk forming as he closed his eyes. "But it's not as if I'm not allowed to."
~Aftermath~
The Genin stopped walking and chatting as their sensei came into view. Their eyes widened slightly as an unconscious Guy and Asuma were being half-carried, half-escorted by Kurenai and Kakashi.
"Guy-sensei!" Lee rushed to his sensei, who Kakashi was supporting.
"What happened?" Naruto looked between the Jonin, and Kakashi sighed.
"These two decided to play a drinking game." Kurenai chuckled as she supported Asuma. "They did manage to make it to the second round, though, before they blacked out."
TenTen giggled at Guy, who had a line of drool down his chin.
"Are they really okay?" Sakura looked between them.
"Of course." Kakashi smiled, his eye crinkling as he shrugged and Guy slid to the ground, snoring but remaining in the same state.
"They'll just need to sleep it off." Kurenai agreed and looked at Asuma with a sigh. "We did try to warn them, but they insisted on playing."
Guy twitched as he snored, muttering in his sleep. "Ahmya..."
Lee blinked and knelt by Guy's side. "Ahmya?"
"Just a woman who was at the party." Kakashi put his hands in his pockets. "She gave him one compliment, and now he's got a crush on her."
Naruto laughed and Kakashi lifted Guy off the ground once more. "Well, I should get him home."
Kurenai nodded and looked at her students. "You guys go home as well. It's very late."
The group said their goodbyes and split up.
Naruto walked by himself for some time, until he spotted a man in bright orange clothes. He laughed as he approached and Iruka turned around with a smile.
"Ah, Naruto. There you are. I was hoping to see you before you got home." He put his hands on his hips. "What do you think of my costume?"
Naruto looked his former teacher up and down, noticing the blonde, spiked wig and orange get-up.
"Iruka-sensei, you dressed up as me?"
Iruka smiled and scratched his cheek.
"Well, Konohamaru dressing as the former Hokage's gave me an idea." He met Naruto's eyes. "So, I decided to dress as the future Hokage."
Naruto's eyes widened, then watered and spilled over as Naruto looked at his teacher. "I-Iruka-sensei..."
Iruka patted Naruto's head. "Why don't I walk you the rest of the way home? And you can tell me all about your Halloween."
Naruto sniffed and wiped his eyes, looking up at the man and nodding. "Well, it all started when Kakashi-sensei told us a ghost story..."