I have no rights to Naruto.

x-x-x

Morino Ibiki sighed. He didn't want to know, he really didn't. But he did and as much as he tried to deny it, he couldn't erase the knowledge. All knowledge was important in some way shape or form, but this made him squirm just a little bit if he was honest with himself. Looking at the sight of his daughter staring at her weapons he sighed again. This was one of the few times he really hated knowing as much as he did.

Picking up his coffee he made his way over to the couch, sitting down with a few more creaks than usua, that he was getting very adapt at ignoring, he sipped his coffee and with one hand reached out and cleared the table of all weapons bar a shuriken and senpon.

Emerlad eyes meet his "Hey Dad."

Ibiki nearly scoffed, knowing his little Angel had been tracking him around the room but still contemplating the so called ultimatum she had been given according to the rumour going around, not fully paying attention, her voice reminding him of years ago though the Daddy had become Dad.

"Choose."

"What?"

"Choose a weapon." Ibiki repeaed himself nodding at the two in front of him.

Head tilted his little Angel thought for a moment. "Depends on why I need them."

"Good answer." Ibiki agreed but persisted. "If you had to choose one weapon to use from now on." He gestured at the two he had left for her.

Pros and cons. Weigh up both sides decide the best course, don't doubt yourself but listen to advice. All things Morino Kaida, known as Angel to her family and friends had been taught.

"Both are good for long distance attacks, both discrete and accurate. The shuriken can be hidden in the folds of clothes, the senbon in my hair and clothes. The shuriken can travel a bit further with wind and rotation, the senbon are straight trajectory. Shuriken can gather more force but senbon have multiple uses, senbon can be used more readily for defense than a shuriken, but the….

Ibiki raised his hand as he gulped down the last of his coffee, Kaida stopping midsentence with a puzzled look, waiting for him to speak.

Sighing and steeling himself Ibiki spoke softly, his tone low and serious hoping his little Angel listened. "But do you have to choose? Both similar but different. Both will protect and defend in their own ways. Sometimes there is no need to choose. You just have to be strong enough for both, and you my little Angel are stronger than most. When something works don't break it."

He watched, watched as her eyes brightened with tears, her whispered "Dad" full of emotion bringing a lump to his throat. "Go and put them out of their misery Angel."

Luckily the coffee cup was empty as she flew into his arms, her hug making him breathless. "I love you Daddy." With a swipe of her hand all her weapons were hidden on her body and she was out the door as he sighed once more.

"She'll always be your little girl, your little Angel Ibiki."

Ibiki turned looking his Hellcat in the eye, smiling softly if grumpily. "But now I have to share her."

"You've shared her with those two boys since she was three." Sakura laughed, laughter lines and delicate lines around her eyes showing as Ibiki reached out and pulled his Hellcat down next to him, hand wrapping around her and taking comfort from her warmth. "They make her happy, and they will protect her, will never hurt her, call her out on stupid ideas and support her."

Sighing happily and holding a calloused hand Sakura discreetly massaged Chakra into the inflamed joints, Ibiki kissing her head in thanks as she curled up. "I love you Ibiki."

"I love you too Hellcat."

x-x-x

Dia Duit.

It has been a very very busy year. Hope you enjoyed, I have another little snippet written and will upload in a day or two.

Lots of Love,

The Rose and the Dagger x x