"Ino You've grown up to become the embodiment of the Yamanaka clan's purple crest."
"The bush clover, and what it symbolizes, optimistic love right?"
"That's not the only thing the bush clover stands thing I am most proud of is your care and compassion for your friends! I've watched you blossom into a beautiful bush clover flower. Our time's almost up. Do you have any final words, Shikaku?"
"Hmm Could you tell your mom this for me, Shikamaru...Wait! Before that, throw out that thing in the wooden box on the left-hand shelf of the storeroom without your mom finding out!"
"I know all about it Don't worry."
"Lastly from me, Never forget that we live on inside of you forever. Don't forget! Don't mock me! Don't mess with the Nara Clan!"
You jolted awake harshly, so much so that Lee also startled and quickly asked if you were alright. You weren't alright, you had just seen your father and your uncle die seconds after giving their last words to their children. You felt absolutely crushed, your father would die in the war and there was little you could do to stop it. From the looks of it a giant black rasengan completely destroyed the building your father and uncle had been in, they had knowledge of it coming they're way and still they decided to stay. They decided it was better to die than to fight..
Violently shaking your head to answer Lee's question led to him alerting the group to stop moving. Setting you down resulted in you running towards some nearby shrubbery and vomiting, you could not stomach the fact that your father would do such a cowardly thing. He was your rock, your role model for the perfect shinobi and yet he chose to die rather than to fight.
That single decision went against every moral and belief he had instilled in you since you could sit upright. It was wrong. It was cowardly. Your father educated you about how Nara's were wrongly perceived to outsiders - sly snakes who avoid confrontation even if it costs them their pride, they use their shadows to hide themselves from the fight, they would rather leave a comrade to die if it meant having to use less effort - and yet he had proven them all right.
You weren't aware of the steady tears falling into the puddle of stomach bile, nor were you aware of the increased difficulty of taking in a full breath. When you did become aware of these details you were already being guided with breathing exercises by Shizune, and the rest of the party had moved to watch you from a safe distance.
Just as you managed to take a full breath a burning pain from your back had you almost face planting into your stomach bile. Gasping you reached for your back as the pain spread, Shizune was holding a glowing green palm to your chest. When you made moves to your back she brought her hand to follow yours, eyes growing wide when she tried to run an analysis on your condition.
"Kakashi-san, you said her shadow receded into her back?"
Said man stepped forward and held your body in a gentle but firm grip, stopping any involuntary movement on your part.
"Ah that would be correct. It receded into that brand."
For a minute, no one spoke. Shizune had managed to remove your black long sleeve turtleneck and was currently focused on the apparent brand you had. You were growing more and more restless as the pain spread, biting your lip to avoid screaming.
"Kakashi-san can you use your sharingan to look at the brand please. It feels like it's releasing chakra but if that is the case then I'm not sure why that would be causing Ayumi-chan such pain."
Several minutes passed with the group making suggestions about what could be wrong, Tenten was trying to distract you by showing you one of her many chakra blades but you were too preoccupied with trying to contain your screams. You were slowly getting used to the pain by the time Shizune spoke to you again.
"Ayumi-chan I'm going to need you to be really brave for me alright? I'm going to try to cut this weird mark off of your body. Kakashi-san and Gai-san are going to help me hold you still so I don't knick your spine by accident."
You didn't have enough time to question why she was going to such measures before you felt her chakra scalpel make the first incision. Throwing your image out the window you let out an ear piercing wail and made a futile attempt to move away. The grip of two jounin was enough to keep your body steady but your head was frantically shaking as you cried louder. Tenten tried to hold your face in her hands to calm you but something inside of you was telling you to get away from the group.
Shizune was working quickly, already she had cut the outline of the ouroboros brand but it seemed that with every incision the brand would release more chakra. You were screaming bloody murder the entire time and she wished could tell you it was almost over but in reality she still had another fifteen minutes of work to do. When she attempted to cut underneath the brand your body went completely limp.
Opening your eyes you instantly recognized the sterile white ceiling tiles of Konoha's hospital. Not bothering to wonder how long you had been unconscious for you rubbed your blurry eyes and sat up. Upon doing so a large hand gently cupped your face. Removing your hands from your eyes, revealed your father, dark circles under his eyes and greasy haired. His beard had needed to be shaved and he seemed to have lost weight but there he was, a foot away from you and alive.
Tears quickly filled your eyes as you nuzzled into his hand and for the first time in a long time you called him by his preferred title.
"Papa, you're here."
Your voice was broken and barely above a whisper but it was enough for him to widen his eyes in surprise, pick you up off the bed and cradle you in his arms. He was very careful to not pull on any of the wires connected to your body as he smothered you in kisses.
"My sweet sweet Ayumi-chan. Of course I'm here, there's absolutely no place I'd rather be than with my little shadow. There's so much we need to do now that you're back from your mission, I heard you saved the Kazekage's brother. Is that true my sweet baby?"
Now more awake you gazed at your father's face, vowing to yourself that if he couldn't save himself from death then you would save him on your own.
"I saved him, I saved everyone.. I promise I'll save you too."
At your slurred words your father stiffened, he didn't know what you meant by "saving him" so he made sure to ask you at a later time. He held you closer and kissed your head.
"I heard about that, you really are incredible aren't you?"
Before you could respond the door to your room opened. Your mother was carrying two bags of food and had an appearance similar to your father.
"Shikaku I got us some Ichiraku ramen and a bottle of sake to share. I didn't know if you wanted chicken or pork so I got us one of ea-"
Your mother's eyes widened at you in your father's arms. You shifted until you were completely facing her and held out your hands, wanting to be carried. Seeing her after such an ordeal was one of the biggest reliefs you had ever felt.
"M-momma.."
She gasped at your words and hastily dropped the bags onto your unused bed before scooping you up into her arms. Tears were steadily making their way down your face as you hiccuped repeatedly into her shoulder. She shushed you gently and ran her hand through your tangled, wavy locks.
"It's alright sweetheart, you're safe now. Mommy and daddy are here and soon your brother will be too. You're alright now."
She slowly began to pace in front of your father while reassuring you, her stride lulling you to a dreamless sleep.
"Obviously your first mission wasn't injury free, though, you still achieved your objective and as Kazekage-sama has informed us, Shukaku is still within him. He made sure to write extensively about your heroic role in his and team seven's survival, so for that I will applaud you. But you got hurt. We need to work on that."
You bowed your head in respect and spoke softly.
"I have you to thank for teaching me medical ninjutsu, without it no one would have returned from that mission."
"Haha flattery will not save you from the hell you're going to pay later gaki! Also, we need to discuss this official infraction Kakashi filed this morning. It says you blatantly disregarded your superiors orders without a justified reason for doing so."
"That's bullshit! If I hadn't joined the fight Sakura would be dead."
"Really? When I asked for her verbal report she said the same thing. You involved yourself in a fight you had no business involving yourself in. How can two of my most trusted shinobi be wrong?"
"Kakashi wasn't there, how could he possibly say that my involvement was unjustified? You want the truth, bring team Kakashi now."
"Mmm very well. Hawk, bring me team Kakashi."
"No Shishou, everything in my report was accurate. Nara Ayumi had no business involving herself in my fight against Sasori. In fact, her involvement caused more problems."
You were fuming as you listened to Sakura lie. You so desperately wanted to refute her words and set the record straight but you knew you had to wait for the appropriate time. This disagreement quickly became an entire situation all too quickly, apparently challenging an infraction from a superior called for a meeting with team Kakashi, the hokage and the council. It really was similar to a court hearing.
"Kakashi-san, you agree with your teammate Sakura-san? Nara Ayumi acted wrongfully and endangered others in the process?"
"I cannot speak with absolute certainty that my student's account of the events are accurate but I do know that I ordered Ayumi-chan to not engage in any type of combat. When I returned to the scene, she was in a compromising position, both of her wakizashis were sticking out of Sasori's back. My student, Sakura, has never once given me any reason to be suspicious of her words. I don't believe she would lie to me."
You bit your lip to stop yourself from scoffing at his words. Elder Koharu hummed and wrote something down in her notepad before continuing her questioning.
"Is it possible that you were not clear in your orders to Nara Ayumi, perhaps she misunderstood?"
"There's no possible way she could have misinterpreted my orders. I made it a point to call her what she currently is, a liability. Given her impressive track record as a Nara prodigy I would hope she understood the meaning of the word."
"I see. Now I will ask you Nara Ayumi, you must be familiar with the repercussions filing a false challenge to a superior's infraction entails correct?"
Now you could speak.
"Yes, elder Koharu. I fully understand them."
"Very well, please give us your reasoning."
"Of course. As Hatake-san stated, I was indeed given orders to not involve myself in any combat and I dutifully followed those orders until the situation became dire. Hatake-san and Uzumaki-san evidently left Haruno-san to take on an S-rank missing nin by herself, as you can imagine, that quickly took a turn for the worst. Sasori-san was too great of a threat for Haruno-san to handle on her own, managing to beat her and severe her achilles tendons within twenty minutes of combat. Once Haruno-san was downed, I moved. I defended the girl against the S-rank missing nin, ultimately killing him. Seconds after killing Sasori-san, the second S-rank missing nin rejoined the scene, followed by Hatake-san, Uzumaki-san and Kazekage-sama. I used a medical ninjutsu technique I developed on my own to save them from concentrated explosions. Then I willed my shadow to shield them from the massive explosion that destroyed the mountain we were inside. Had I not acted when I did then not only would three Konoha shinobi be dead but so would the current Kazekage. That is my report."
"Do you have anyone who can back up your report?"
"Well, no. Sasori-san is dead and Haruno-san is a liar."
"Watch your tongue girl, as far as the facts are concerned you are the liar. Sakura-san has two people who are able to comaderate her story while you have none and that's completely leaving out the fact that you aren't a shinobi. Frankly speaking, you shouldn't have even gone on the mission in the first place. "
"I understand, please forgive me."
After apologizing, Koharu went back to her notes while Homura simply stared at you, analyzing your body language. Once Koharu finished writing, she turned to her two counsil men.
"I have reached my verdict, Homura, Danzo, what do you have to say on the matter?"
Danzo spoke first.
"Why would a prodigy throw themselves into harm's way if not to save a comrade? We teach teamwork here in the leaf, is it not possible that what Ayumi-chan says is the truth? I too have reached my verdict."
Homura was the only one left. For a while no one said a word, Homura's head was bowed and his eyes were closed in deep thought. When he opened them, they were unreadable.
"I have reached my verdict."
Tsunade clapped her hands once and drew the attention back to her.
"Very well, I am neutral in this entire situation. What the council decides will be the official verdict. Council members, you may proceed."
"Given the substantial testimony from one of Konoha's greatest shinobi, I must agree with the infraction filed against Ayumi-san."
"I do not agree with the infraction filed."
"I want to believe that Nara-chan had her teams best interest in mind but given the testimonies and lack of evidence to back her case, I must agree with the infraction filed against Nara Ayumi."
Well, there goes your shinobi career and reputation. You bit your lip and bowed your head. You silently made your way to Tsunade and thanked her for teaching you before turning back to the council of elders. Bowing deeply you hoped they would not notice the shakiness of your voice.
"Thank you for allowing me to attempt clearing this mess up. I'm sorry for wasting your precious time, please excuse me."
As quickly as you could you bowed deeply and then scurried out of the office, not once looking back.
Life as a civilian was boring as shit, you woke up whenever you pleased and immersed yourself with Konoha's current political climate to try and make the time pass more quickly but that wasn't working. When you first arrived back home after the trial, your entire family was waiting anxiously and nearly jumped at you to get the details. You hadn't been able to look any of them in the eye, too ashamed to have lost your status as a prodigious shinobi in such a small amount of time. When your uncle finally voiced his curiosity you answered in a small voice.
"I'm no longer allowed to pursue a career as a kunoichi of Konohagakure through means of my apprenticeship, I have to wait until I graduate from the academy like everyone else. I will continue my career as a politician for now since that's all I have left."
The expressions everyone had after hearing your words was almost comical, if you had been in a different position you would have laughed. Returning your brother's genin shirt to him was awkward as hell but you no longer had a use for it.
After that awkward encounter with your family, no one had brought up the topic of your shinobi career. It was painfully obvious that you were hurting on many different levels but there really wasn't much anyone could do. This decision was oficial, there was nothing anyone could say or do to change it. You could still become a shinobi of Konoha but this would stain your record and reputation for life, you would be branded viewed as a liar.
Your new sentencing had not sat well with your uncle and Asuma, when they caught wind of what had happened they both confronted Kakashi about it and evidently cut ties with him. A small part of you was guilty for causing a rift in Kakashi's already small circle of friends and his one stable relationship but the greater part of you was almost happy about it. You wanted him to know how you felt, losing two people close to him would give him a small taste of that.
Instead of wallowing in your own shame you threw yourself into politics and work. Not only had Kankuro gifted you a few sets of matching clothing and face paint but also a few scrolls on puppeteering and chakra threads. Paired with the twenty or so puppets Sasori had entrusted you with, you were bunkered down in your room for the majority of your days, only leaving to eat and use the restroom.
Let's see, connect all ten chakra threads to the puppet, nice. Now force your chakra to spread throughout the joints of the puppet, got that. Gradually release your chakra threads until you're only using the minimum amount needed to easily operate the puppet, in my case three. Now...move!
You were currently in the Nara compound training grounds, running through a few puppet exercises with two of the puppets Sasori had given you. You no longer were allowed to use the normal training ground so you were stuck using the one in your compound.
On your lap was a current scroll detailing the economic struggles Konoha farmers were experiencing, turns out there was a massive shortage of grain this year. As you finished up the exercises you felt someone slowly come towards you. Looking up you weren't surprised to see the wrinkled face of Nara Enchū peering down at you.
"Enchū-sama, to what do I owe this pleasant surprise?"
"Talk of the town is that you've lost your reputation as a prodigy, care to explain?"
"I believed saving a comrade from their death was a justified reason to ignore my commanders orders. I guess they didn't share the same sentiment."
"I see… and what has this experience taught you?"
"Never defy orders. Even if it costs you the lives of your comrades, the mission and orders comes first."
"You have every right to be jaded Ayumi-chan but keep in mind that you must not stay jaded for long, that's how a heart hardens and you turn grey prematurely."
You knew he was trying to make you smile with the premature greying joke but you didn't laugh. Instead, you focused on sealing up the two puppets and stretching.
"Is that all you wished to tell me, to let go of my anger before it makes me bitter?"
"No, there is an annual political conference held in Kusagakure in a week, I want you to join me in attendance. Most of what is discussed there you have already mastered. This will be your first step into the world of politics as a Nara politician. We leave in a day."
"Okay."
With that he turned around and walked back the way he came, leaving you to train by yourself.
"Team Yamato, your assignment will be to escort Nara Enchū and Nara Ayumi to Kusagakure for a connference being held. Once they are escorted safely, you will part ways with them and continue to the tenchi bridge for observation. Make sure you are back at the conference in three days time to bring them back. Dismissed!"
You resisted the urge to groan when you saw who would be escorting you. You pointedly ignored them all until you were finally outside of Konoha. Falling back to stay in step with Sai, you couldn't help but want to smack him for his fake smile.
"Don't smile at me like that, it creeps me out."
"But Ayumi-chan, I'm happy to see you again. Although it does seem you've lost your equal footing with me."
"Shut your mouth Sai, you know damn well I can still beat your ass in a spar. Just because I don't have a stupid headband doesn't mean I'm any less strong than before. If you need a reminder I'd be more than happy to give you one."
"Ah Ayumi-chan, it's good to see you're still as sprie as ever, though I don't see how you could manage to fight me in that get-up."
At his sentence you struck the back of his knee, effectively making him buckle and fall to the dirt. You were wearing a formal dark green yukata with brand new sandals. You were about to stomp on his hand when a large hand stopped you from moving. Looking up to the concerned face of Yamato, you made sure your face held no emotion. Asking him why he felt it was appropriate to touch you, you gave him no time to respond as you continued your tirade.
"Yamato-san, I am very much acquainted with Sai. He knows better than to provoke me."
"Is that true Sai, you don't need to feel pressured to lie."
"No no it's true Yamato taicho, little Ayumi is like a sister to me. We've known each other long enough for this to be normal."
"Just because your senpai believes me to be a liar doesn't make it true. I'm not a liar, not about my missions. I'll be filing a formal complaint against you and this team if this happens again, Neko-san."
You took in his shocked face with satisfaction and moved closer to your clan elder again. For the rest of the walk that day, no one bothered you.
"Sai, are you positive you can complete your mission? I don't want you to die a senseless death."
"Do not worry about me Ayumi-chan, Danzo-sama has trained me specifically for this mission."
You and Sai were sitting on a pier overlooking a pond, it was early morning and the group had stopped to rest a few miles away from the conference. Sai had been drawing the landscape when you approached. You knew his mission was risky, killing Uchiha Sasuke was a monumental task that only a select few could take on, you weren't sure Sai was one of those people.
When you had seen Danzo-sensei shortly after the trial, he had informed you that regardless of what the Hokage may say, you were a shinobi. He even went as far as to say that the situation was optimal, now you could devote more of your time to ROOT instead of taking useless missions.
You had been the one to inform him of the spy rendezvous Sasori had in place, helping him plan accordingly to take down Sasuke. Now, speaking with Sai, you couldn't help but fear for him. He was just a child who had no choice in the life he was living. Shaking away those thoughts, you gently took the sketchpad from him and held his hands in yours, taking in the large difference in skin tone.
"Sai, please be careful. I've given you all of the information I have on Uchiha but that doesn't mean he might still have a few tricks up his sleeve. If you cannot safely dispose of him then please give him the scroll I prepared, it'll make him less of a threat."
"Of course Aumi-sama, you must not worry yourself over me."
"Also, I have a request."
"Alright."
"I need you to kill Kabuto, even if it means abandoning your mission. Sensei will understand, I've already explained a bit to him. Take this, it's everything you need to know to kill Kabuto, please, please, please do this for me."
"Of course Ayumi-sama, I will complete the task no matter what."
"Thank you S-"
"Hey! What are you two whispering about? Why are you holding hands?"
You gave one last meaningful look to Sai before standing up and walking to where your clan elder was staying. As you left you caught Yamato's gaze on you. Smiling at him and listening in to the three teens fight in the distance, you kept on towards Enchū.
To say the conference was a bore would be a gross understatement. The conference was horrible, it was exactly as you feared it would be, old, rich men giving speeches on morale and ways to make money.
"It's great to be here at Event Horizons, home of the elemental nations top politicians and economists."
Cue the applause.
"There will be life after the Kages. But the truth is that our problems didn't start just with the Kages, and we won't solve them by embracing old ideas. We need a bold vision: universal civilian schooling and universal health care without the need to serve as a shinobi, unleashing millions of new jobs in the clean energy economy, a tax system that rewards people who have to work real jobs for a living."
"But first, we have to win. And that means exciting a young, diverse coalition of politicians who are ready for a bold future. That's what Kaito did, it's what Sumir did, it's what Kiwa did, it's what Kendo did, and it's what I can do in this race. Get back Kiri and Iwa, Ame and Kumo, and finally turn Konoha blue and say goodbye to Senju Tsunade and the age of shinobi!"
The event was very open about their anti-kage views, leaving you shocked at your clan elder for thinking this would be beneficial to you. Regardless you listened and even took notes on their ideas and plans, knowing you'd most likely ask Enchū clarifying questions later.
Just as the second day of the conference was coming to a close, you experienced a very sharp pain from your head. It was quick but powerful, it left you gasping in pain loud enough to draw your elders attention.
"Ayumi-chan, are you alright?"
"...I don't know, there was a sharp pain in my head. I don't know how to expl-"
Just as you were speaking to the elder, the pain returned, stronger and long lasting this time. You knew you were scaring the people around you, Enchū was loudly asking if anyone had any medical experience and trying to calm you but to no avail.
The last image you saw before passing out was that of a masked cloaked figure dropping down next to the Nara elder and reaching out towards you.
Elsewhere in Space, in a completely different Plane of Existence:
"They're protecting the dead woman, why? Why would they risk their own lives for someone who is already dead?"
The Great Titan watched as the humans scattered, their leader tenderly holding onto the dead woman while trying to reach safety. As far as he was aware the woman had given her life to retrieve the soul stone, one of the six infinity stones he so desperately was looking for.
"I do not know my lord, perhaps they're sentimental and wish to bury her properly? You know humans are riddled with weak emotions."
Ebony Maw always wished to please his father, he was his second favorite child after all.
"No I don't believe that to be the reason, they're protecting her from us. Why? Get me a scan of their heat and radiation signatures, maybe they'll pick up whatever it is we're missing."
Thanos was no idiot, he understood human emotion enough to manipulate it but nothing about how these humans were acting was normal. No one simply risked their lives to save the dead body of their friend. Waiting for the scan to finish, the Great Titan contemplated his plan of action.
There are two Nebula's, one from now and one from nine years into the future. The humans are looking for the infinity stones and from what we've seen they've been successful. This is the perfect chance to take what's rightfully mine.
"Sire, the woman! Her radiation signature matches that of the other stones. They're saving her body because it has something to do with one of the infinity stones."
Interesting.
"Inform Corvus and Proxima, they are to retrieve that body and bring it back here for extraction. What is that small radiation fluctuation there in the far left?"
"It seems to be a vial of some sort, one of the humans must have dropped it while running."
"Tell them to bring me that vial as well."
"Of course, sire."
The Great Titan resumed watching the weak insects as they scattered throughout the vast land of Vormir. He smiled to himself, regardless of their efforts, they would not escape. His children were strong, stronger than any army in the galaxy. They would not fail him.
When you woke, you were thoroughly confused and sporting a killer headache. Vaguely aware of the fact that you were strapped onto someone's back, you found it difficult to make out much else. The scenery was moving too quickly for you, your body was jolting with the steps of the person you were on. Groaning loudly when your attempts to move resulted in a rush of nausea, the person attached to you called out orders to stop moving and then gently came to a stop, shifting your body until you were on the ground.
You held your head and took deep breaths to calm your nausea, only stopping when you were sure you wouldn't vomit. Opening your eyes, you were greeted with the face of Yamato, a whole 4 inches from your face.
"What the fuck happened?"
"I'm not sure, you tell me Ayumi-san. Your clan elder informed us that you fainted during the last few hours of the conference and began running a high fever. Do you recall that?"
You thought for a moment and then decided that you did remember that. Nodding towards Yamato, he hummed and then ordered for someone to check your wellbeing. A bit out of it, you failed to realize that Sakura was the only qualified medic, scowling when she knelt down in front of you.
"No that's fine, I don't need her subpar medical skills. I can do this myself."
That sentence alone brought on a wave of killing intent directed at you from the medic. You ignored her, moving to an open clearing to begin your self check up. Sakura was muttering curses, Naruto was yelling at you, Enchū simply moved to be close to you, Sai, strangely enough, was the furthest from you and Yamato was desperately trying to convince you to allow Sakura to perform the check up while also reminding Naruto to not displease the client.
When you finished your diagnostic jutsu and deemed yourself healthy enough to continue on foot, you stood. Turning your body to face the Nara clan elder you bowed deeply and spoke.
"Enchū-sama, please forgive me for causing you any worry. I'm not sure what may have happened then but I am healthy enough now to continue on home."
"That's relieving to hear, Ayumi-chan. I'm not sure what I would have told your father if you had returned unconscious."
He patted your head fondly before asking the shinobi to continue on with the journey home. The entire walk you tried to catch Sai's attention but he was addamently avoiding you. Feeling unease grow inside of you, you opted to keep your silence until you finally arrived home.
"Sensei, it's not fair! How could the council and Hokage believe I would lie about saving a comrade? Who does that?! Now I'm stuck being a civilian for life!"
You were currently in Danzo's office, sprawled on his couch, ranting about your current career predicament. Your sensei was sitting at his desk, chuckling at your behaviour and allowing you to do as you pleased.
"That's not true, little one. You will always be a ROOT operative, a shinobi of the highest caliber. Being recognized by the hokage and council means very little for your career."
At that statement you couldn't help but pout because on one hand he was right, you were part of an organized group of outstanding shinobi but on the other hand you wished to be able to prove to the village and those surrounding it that you were a force to be reckoned with. Rationally, you recognized that you could accomplish your goals much easier if you remain anonymous, working in the shadows as ROOT commander Widow. No one would ever guess that a five year old child would be the one to play God, to decide who dies and when.
But you also yearned for that glory and recognition, you wanted the name, "Nara Ayumi" to instill fear in the hearts of men just as the Yellow Flash did. You wanted to be feared by your enemies and loved by your people. You wanted to prove to your sexist clan that gender doesn't dictate your strength or capabilities.
"That's not the same sensei, I want to be known for being strong, I want enemy nations to fear my name as they do yours. I want to be like you, respected by their peers and village but feared by everyone else."
"Hmm I see, you wish to be like me?"
"Well, yeah. You're the strongest person I know sensei, your name carries power. I want my name to instill fear like yours or possibly even more so. I'm your student, the product of your devotion and skillset, I want to bring honor to your name as Namikaze Minato did with Jiraiya the Sannin."
"Haha Ayumi-chan you really are laying it on thick right now. What are you seeking of me, my child?"
"You're capable of influencing the council to retry my case, convince them to do so. Please, please, please sensei."
"Ayumi-chan, even if I did convince them to retry the case, the end result would stay the same. You don't have sufficient evidence or credible testimony to back up your claim. You would somehow need to prove your side, if you can tell me how you'd do that then I'll convince the council to do a retrial."
Danzo's statement was followed by a long silence, the only sound being that of his pen writing on paper. You were wracking your brain for any possible evidence or material witness you could call but were coming up empty.
If only they could just look into my mind and verify that- oh my god I'm a fucking idiot.
"SENSEI!"
The old man jumped at your loud shout, knocking over his drink onto plenty of important papers in the process. Gifting you with a look of absolute defeat, Danzo prompted you to continue speaking.
"What if a Yamanaka mind walks me and the bitch? We can get Fū to henge into another Yamanaka to make sure no ROOT secrets are dug up. If he presents himself as a third party, someone with no reason to lie, then I'd be proven innocent and given back my reputation. Then I can sue Sakura for defamation of character! I get back my reputation and I get rich! Oh my God I'm a fucking idiot, why didn't I think of this sooner?"
Hearty laughter followed your revelation, sensei was bent over his desk, in tears while laughing. You felt happiness swell inside of you at the sight of your sensei laughing, you really did love this man like a grandfather.
"Very well Ayumi-chan, I'll call the council together this evening and implore them to retry your case. I will also inform Fū of his task. Now run along, you haven't yet seen your family and I'm sure they want to ask you how the conference went."
Nodding along to your sensei's words, you quickly rearranged yourself to a sitting position on his couch before standing and making your way to the door. Just before opening it you remembered something that had been on your mind for a while.
"Sensei, when Sai checks back in with you, he will tell you that the mission was a failure. Uchiha Sasuke still lives but please know that he acted on my orders. If you wish to punish anyone for this, punish me."
"My child, I knew the mission would not succeed from the very beginning. You need not worry about being punished or me punishing Sai."
"Mmm I see, I ask that you allow Sai some time to himself away from ROOT. He seemed distant and almost shaken on our way home, he might be burning himself out."
"I'll keep that in mind Ayumi-chan. Thank you for looking out for your future organization, I've raised you well.''
That you have, sensei. That you have indeed.
"Sweet pea, you need to eat more. You're at a pivotal age for growth and you've barely grown at all. You barely reach my hip, at your age Shikamaru was already near my waist!"
"Odds are I won't grow to be very tall, childhood illness tends to stunt growth. Eating more won't make me grow in height mom, I'll only get fat."
You were pushing the food on your plate in circles while your mother prepared a bento box for your father. Only you and your mother were home, your brother was away on a mission but hopefully would be returning later today and your father was working in his jounin office.
Your mother was watching you like a hawk though a quick glance at the clock mounted on the wall had her cursing and rushing into the master bedroom. You used the time alone wisely and dumped your remaining food into the trash. When your mother returned, you were already standing on your step stool and washing your now empty plate.
"Nara Ayumi, what have I told you about wasting your food?"
"Ugh not to?"
"Then why do you keep doing it? There are children out there who are starving, who eat less than what you did in a week and yet you still decide to throw out food. Why?"
"I served myself the amount I knew I could eat comfortably, you were the one to decide that my portions were too little and stacked more food on my plate."
"You barely eat as it is Ayumi-chan, if you eat any less then you'll fade away. Don't you want a nice full figure?"
At your mother's question you turned a constipated face to her.
"A nice figure? Mom, I'm five what the hell?!"
Light laughter followed you outburst, your mother was fastening her hospital uniform as she made her way to you. You allowed her to pick you up, curling into her as she spoke softly to you.
"I'm kidding sweet pea, I'm kidding. I want you to be in tip top shape before your surgery, ya know. Though I do have to say, you should enjoy your childhood while you can Ayumi-chan. If you're anything like me then puberty will hit you earlier rather than later, by the time I was ten I was already sporting B cup breasts."
Again you made a face to show your displeasure only this time you paired it with a loud groan. Your mother ignored your horror as she set you down near the back door and handed you the bento box she had prepared.
"Now then, I'm running late so I need you to deliver this to your father for me alright?"
"Noooo, why do I have to do it? You're already on your way out."
"Tsk, just when I hoped your father's laziness hadn't been passed onto you. You will do it because I'm telling you to! Now go before I decide to invite more people to your party tomorrow!"
With that last shout, your mother all but threw you outside, your sandals joining only a few seconds later.
Fucking hell, how she goes from sweetheart to devil in the span of a second is beyond me. Now I have to actually leave the house and walk to the center of the village...what a drag.
Strapping on your sandals, you picked up your father's lunch and begrudgingly made your way to the village center.
While walking towards your father's office you noticed two jounin loitering outside his door. A quick look over of both men revealed them to be Shiranui Genma and Namiashi Raidō, two men who used to play with you when you were still in diapers and had weaseled their way into your heart. Smiling widely you called out to both men.
"Genma-kun, Raidō-kun!"
Two heads whipped around and searched for the person who had called them, when they looked down and found you they both broke into large grins.
"Ah it's little Ayumi-chan! Kami, look at how pretty you are, I would say you've grown but you're still about the same size as you were like a year ago. Maybe you'll just stay this tiny for li- OW! Genma what the fuck was that for?"
"With your incredible luck you'll jinx her. Don't worry squirt you'll probably go through a massive growth spurt later."
Both men reminded you of Steve and Tony and it warmed your usually cold heart, though, you were quickly brought back from your memories when they turned to look back at your father's office door.
"Genma-kun, Raidō-kun, why are you loitering in front of my father's door?"
A trickle of sweat ran down Raidō's nervous face. In his hands was a stack of papers with dates from over a month ago.
Ah late paperwork, yeah dad's gonna kill em.
Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Genma jumped and his face lit up.
"I'm a genius. Raidō, buddy, we're gonna live another day. Hey baby Nara how does spending the day with your two favorite uncles sound?"
From the other side of the door a loud thud was heard, it was obvious your father could hear the conversation. Knowing this and that Genma was speaking about himself and his best friend you decided to tease him before giving in.
"I'm gonna spend the day with Choza-oji and Inoichi-oji?"
Loud laughter echoed from behind the door and both males slumped in defeat. Laughing lightly you reached up and took the stacks of paper from both men, maneuvering your father's lunch to sit on top of it all, before telling them to wait for you outside. Opening the door you skipped towards the massive desk. Your father was standing near his window smoking a cigarette.
When he noticed it was you who opened the door, he quickly put out and flicked away his cancer stick. You knew he was an avid smoker, his clothes reeked of it but ultimately it didn't bother you. Medical ninjutsu could reverse any lung damage caused by smoke inhalation. Regardless, you knew your mother didn't like it when he smoked in front of you so now you had fresh blackmail material.
Plopping the giant stack of papers you gave your father no time to explain himself before beginning your childish rant.
"Ooh I'm gonna tell mom! You know she doesn't like it when you smoke so you're gonna get in trouble!"
Speeding towards you he quickly picked you up and shushed you. He knew you would definately rat him out so he had to find a way to persuade you not to.
"Mah mah my little shadow, how about we keep this between us? I'll buy you an ice cream today if you keep this secret."
"Ice cream everyday on your way home from work for a month and it's a deal."
Your father sighed and began to mutter.
"By the end of the month you'll be as big as Choza.."
"I'M TELLING MOM YOU CALLED ME FAT AND I'M TELLING CHOZA OJI WHAT YOU SAID!"
"No! No, no, no, shhhhh I didn't mean it, I didn't mean it. Yes I'll buy you whatever you want for a month just please don't tell your mother or Choza anything."
Howling laughter from Genma and Raidō had your father glaring at his door. Before he could stalk towards it and beat the two jounin black and blue, you hopped out of his arms and ran to the door.
"I'm keeping you to your word! Also I'm spending the day with Raidō and Genma so you can just put my ice cream in the freezer for when I get home. Love you papa!"
Your father stuttered out a quick "What?" but you were already out the door. Both jounin had tears running down their faces from laughing and were more than happy to take you out. Raidō had picked you up and put you on his broad shoulders as the three of you walked out of the hokage tower. Weaving through the streets of the village you noticed that it was busier than usual. The normal crowd of citizens had seemingly doubled and you were curious as to why.
"Raidō-kun, why is it so crowded? Is there a celebration happening?"
"Nah some travelling performers are gonna be in town or the next three days. They're supposed to be really good so tickets have already sold out. From what I've heard their theme is 'cats'?"
"Cats?"
"Yeah I heard it's weird as shit but apparently really good. Hey baby Nara, how about we go see how packed the barbeque place is?"
"Yeah that sounds okay with me Raidō-kun so long as it's okay with Genma-kun."
The senbon user nodded and teased you for your formality. Walking through the village you were captivated by the happy atmosphere. In your old life you had travelled the world but you never were able to enjoy it, even towards the end when the Avengers initiative was dissolved you had stayed vigilant and monitored the wellbeing of the people, completely giving up on taking vacation time.
Now you were in the same boat, most of your day was completely spent at your home, your family wasn't one that liked leaving the compound, they much rather would stay at home and your nights were filled with rigorous training with Danzo-sensei.
When the two jounin passed by a clothing store catered towards children they stopped and released squeals. In the window of the shop was...an outfit. Khaki corduroy overalls with a dark green shirt underneath was proudly displayed. You cringed at the horrible outfit and prayed that the jounin would have some sort of pride and not enter the store. Almost as if they had heard your thoughts both men rushed inside, bring you with them.
They threw countless outfits at you to try on and ended up buying a mountain of clothes and shoes. By the end of the ordeal you were dressed in said horrible outfit paired with a small backpack to carry the storage scrolls all of the clothes were sealed into. Despite being relieved of your shinobi duties, you still wore fitted dark pants and plain shirts. Being in these types of clothes accentuated your age and left people cooing at you, something you found unnecessary and demeaning.
Walking through the crowded streets in such childish clothing with two grinning jounin led to many stares from bystanders. You sighed but figured it was a rather sweet gesture from both men that they spent so much time and money on your wardrobe. Since it was now later in the evening the already crowded streets seemed to be filled to the brim with people.
Turning the corner revealed a packed Akimichi barbeque restaurant, there was even a crowd waiting outside. Raidō moved you to Genma's shoulders before rushing inside and asking for the wait time. Waiting for the scarred man led to you and Genma to engage in a trivia game, if you got more than three answers wrong then you would have to pay for your own dinner but if you got them all right then Raidō would pay for your dinner. By the time Raidō came back you had a win streak of twenty seven.
"Okay so, the wait time for a table is over an hour, I even pulled out the "I have a starving toddler" excuse but Shitō-san wouldn't budge. Odds are that most places are going to be packed since there's an influx of travellers. Hey! How about we take baby Nara to the Wet Boar? There's always space there and the food is pretty good."
You had never heard of the Wet Boar and were thoroughly curious. Genma on the other hand smacked Raidō upside his head and called him stupid.
"Are you dumb? Ayumi is five years old and also NOT a chunin or jounin. The Wet Boar is not a place she should be going to."
"Ah c'mon Genma don't be such a wet blanket! She'll be fine, we aren't going to leave her alone and if anything that's the safest place for her to be. Who could get hurt in a room full of jounin?"
The two bickered for another minute before Genma's stomach growled loudly. Giggling to yourself you cheered when he relented and the three of you set off to the jounin and anbu district. When you neared a dingy and ghetto street the two jounin slowed before stopping completely in front of a rundown house.
Raidō knocked in some sort of code and a burly man opened the door. He recognized the two jounin but gave you a scrutinized look.
"Really Genma? You don't come around here for a few months and you come back with a kid? Who would let your goofy ass knock them up?"
Raidō snorted and made a poor attempt to hide his laughter while Genma starred unwaveringly back at the mountain of a man.
"Haha very fucking funny Keisuke, let us in we're starving."
"You really think I'm gonna let a little kid in here? Don't you have any sort of parental instinct?"
"She'll be fine, she's really mature for her age. Now c'mon man, let us in."
"...If she ends up traumatized we aren't responsible. Kid, I'm really sorry you have this dumbass for a dad."
Hiding your smile behind Genma's bandana the three of you entered the building. Your eyes flew open when you took in the dim lighting and elegant interior, there were multiple chandeliers hanging from the ceiling along with multiple naked women. There was a pulsating beat echoing throughout the building and it smelled heavily of alcohol and sex. While the two jounin appeared unaffected their bodies had stiffened momentarily, as if they hadn't expected such a sight.
A woman in a perverted bunny costume came up to your group to ask if you all were interested in their preferred seating. When asked she elaborated that they had recently booked a dance performance and that it was highly reviewed. Both jounin agreed to that seating and asked for a booth with a clear view, their rationale was that hopefully a dance routine would help you forget the very naked women dangling from the roof.
Being seated in a booth right in front of a curtained stage, another woman in a bunny costume came and handed out menus, turns out they don't have a kids menu. Deciding to play it safe you ordered a cherry soda and overpriced glorified grilled cheese with a cup of broccoli soup. Genma and Raidō had decided to share a pizza and ordered two bottles of sake as well as a few rounds of shots.
While they were ordering your eyes drifted from table to table, stopping at one in the far right corner. The waitress seemed to be taking a shinobi's order when all of a sudden he handed her a wad of cash. Pocketing the money the woman disappeared underneath the table and moments later the shinobi was throwing his head back and smiling widely. It was difficult to notice because of the dim lighting and the music drowned out any sound they were making but you weren't stupid.
Waiting for your food to be brought out, you tried making conversation with the two men, though they weren't able to maintain anything too deep because they were nervously watching the inappropriate scene from the far right table. It made you almost laugh, they really seemed to have not expected this place to be so raunchy.
When the food and drinks arrived you had to admit that it was delicious. Focused on eating you didn't notice the surrounding tables turn their attention towards the hidden stage until the music cut out and the lights dimmed even more. Now, in almost complete darkness, a spotlight was shone on the curtain hiding the stage. A booming voice introduced the name of the performance as "Alice in Wonderland" and the curtain pulled back only to reveal a dozen dancing poles.
One by one the characters of the traditional "Alice in Wonderland" appeared, each portrayed as a butt naked woman with minimal face and body paint. The audience was absolutely losing their minds, and you were too for that matter. While they were loving the show for it's errotisicm, you found it completely hilarious how twisted the entire scene was. The intensity of the blush spreading over Raidō and Genma also added to your fun. The performance included many close up views of vaginas and butts as well as complimentary lap dances for those in the preferred seating.
Having a grown woman try to seduce and hump you almost gave you an asthma attack from how hard you were laughing. Your two guardians were frantically trying to get you to look away while also getting a special dance and it really was just too much. Halfway through the show you heard Genma order a dozen more shots and vaguely you wondered if they could really handle their alcohol that well.
Newsflash: they couldn't. By the end of the show both men were blackout drunk and in no condition to take you home. The majority of their food was still untouched so you went to town on it. The first to leave the booth was Raidō, with claims of having to use the restroom he wobbly stood and staggered off into the dark. Thirty five minutes later you figured he had either gotten lost or passed out. Ten minutes after that Genma got pulled away by a group of jounin, he yelled that he would only be away for a minute but an hour later you figured he had the same fate as Raidō.
You didn't mind having to eat alone, though your anxiety did spike when the waitress brought the check. You knew you could pay for your own meal and maybe the pizza but the alcohol had added an extra eighty dollars you simply did not have.
Your hands shook as you brought out your small yellow sunflower wallet, bringing out the amount for your half and the pizza left your wallet empty. Nervously you looked around, everyone seemed to be having a good time enjoying drinks and the dancers but you felt as if you wanted to cry. You hated feeling vulnerable, and the odds that if you left the tab unpaid then the majority of the shinobi here would beat you because they were too drunk was extremely high.
When the waitress came around to collect the check you were shaking like a leaf as well as close to tears. Quietly explaining your predicament the waitress took down the names of Raidō and Genma and assured you that you only had to pay for your portion. Relieved, you did just that. Once you were debt free you went back to eating the leftover pizza and were happy to know they had left the majority of their sake and a few shots behind.
Your father was going to kill Raidō and Genma, that was a given, so what was holding you back from having a bit more fun?
Back with the Avengers you had been tied with Barnes for highest alcohol tolerance, now you wondered if that carried into this world. Taking a large gulp of the sake you were surprised at the sweetness it spread on your tongue. Deciding to not let Raidō and Genma's money go to waste you downed the few shots as well. One was definitely whiskey, another was tequila, and the last two were a variation of flavored vodka. After downing the shots you went back to the pizza and your grilled cheese, nothing was going to go to waste if you had any say in it. Finishing your grilled cheese you drank the sake in place of your cherry soda, the flavors mixed better.
You had no idea how long you spent in the club but by now your eyesight was blurry and your hearing was distorted. You knew you should start the trek home but the moment you stood an overwhelming need to pee sobered you a bit. You made sure your wallet was in your backpack and left a kind note and tip to the waitress before exploring the club. You walked slowly around the club, trying to find the bathrooms but failing miserably.
By the time you decided to ask someone for help you were maybe seconds away from wetting yourself. Tugging the sleeve of a chunin who was drinking at a table with friends, you prayed she would help you. When said chunin turned and looked down to you a gasp left their lips, the other chunin and jounin also turned to see what had elicited the reaction.
"Iruka, what's up man?"
"Ayumi-chan, what are you doing in here?"
Oh you're a man, oops my bad. Wait how do you know my name? Let's see Iruka...Iruka..Iruka..the mission desk dude? Oh! Shikamaru's academy sensei. Yes, yes I remember now.
At Iruka's outburst the mess of jounin and chunin all stood to catch a glimpse of the usually stoic child Nara. Resorting to your last attempt to hold in your liquid you began to embarrass yourself in the worst way possible. You began to do the potty dance.
"Do you know where the potty is? I really really need to go pee."
Maybe this man was a father himself because he immediately scooped you up and ran to the nearest restroom until he plopped you right in front of a urinal. Confused and slightly disgusted you whined loudly and pointed towards a stall.
"Ayumi-chan what's wrong? Use a urinal if you need to go number one. The stalls are only for number two."
"No! I'm not a boy, I don't have a peepee. I need a potty to tinkle!"
By now your drunk self was crying messily. You were about to piss yourself and Raidō and Genma had left you alone and you were probably going to get in trouble when you get home. Perhaps when you had sobered up you would apologize and get Iruka a fruit basket but for now you just wanted to pee.
Hearing little Nara Ayumi say that she needed to "tinkle" had thrown Iruka for a loop. Hearing her cry that he didn't have a "peepee" had made him pause for a moment before the cogs in his brain began to turn and his eyes widened. Picking up the child he rushed out of the men's room and ran across the club until he reached the women's restroom.
Not caring about self image he threw open the door and plopped the girl into an empty stall. The girl fumbled a bit with her overalls but assured him that she could do it all on her own. Waiting outside the girls stall was a bit embarrassing but Iruka would never forgive himself if something happened to her because of his bashfulness.
When the girl had finished Iruka had to help her reach the soap and sink, as well as fix her shirt and overalls.
Who would bring a kid to a club? Especially the kid of Nara Shikaku.
Walking hand in hand with the toddler, Iruka brought her towards his table, all eyes were on him.
"Iruka, what the fuck was that?"
"Language Kotetsu, there's a child present! Ayumi-chan came up to me and asked me to take her to the restroom. I have no idea where she came from or who she may be with but I think she might be drunk?"
Iruka sat the child in his lap and handed her a cup of water. The child's eyes were dilated and unfocused and she reeked of alcohol. Whoever had brought a baby to a place like this was going to pay hell from him later. Izumo leaned forward in his seat, his eyes were squinted as he took in the small child in Iruka's hold.
"Holy shit! That's Nara Ayumi, Tsunade's apprentice and princess to the Nara clan! I knew she looked freakishly familiar! What the fuck is she doing in here?"
At his words the rest of the table gasped at began to mumble amongst themselves. The girl had obviously heard Izumo's outburst and began to cry.
"I'm not a f-freak. I'm Ayumi. W-why are y-you callin me a freak?"
Iruka glared at his friend and tried to calm the child in his arms. There was no doubt about it now, the kid was hammered. Completely disappointed in whoever had given the child alcohol, Iruka stood up. Sighing, he bid his friends goodbye and informed them that he would be dropping off Shikaku's kid.
Walking towards the entrance of the bar he had to step side step passed Raidō, who was half naked and making out with one of the waitresses. The girl gasped at the sight and Iruka pushed her face into his chest to shield her from any more inappropriate scenes. Walking into the cold, crisp air of Konoha Iruka couldn't help but let out a content sigh, the club was so stuffy and hot. Taking to the roofs, he paused to wrap his chunin vest around the girls shivering form before taking off again.
"So how exactly did you end up at the club? I can't imagine Keisuke letting you walk right in."
The girl was quiet and clearly distraught but answered anyways.
"I was taken there. They said it was a good place to eat and it wouldn't be packed."
"Who took you there?"
"Genma-san and Raidō-san...they left before they could finish their food though. Raidō-san said he had to pee but never came back to the table. Genma-san got pulled away by friends."
Unmitigated rage filled Iruka, Raido and Genma had brought a child into an adult club only to leave her there completely alone. Where anything could have happened to her? Those two would definitely be hearing from Iruka as well as Shikaku and the Hokage.
"What about alcohol? Who bought you alcohol?"
"I wanted to taste what they were having. They got really happy after drinking it and when they left I felt so alone and sad..I wanted to be happy like them so I had the last bit they left behind."
"I see. I'm sorry they left you alone Ayumi-chan. They should have never brought you to such a place at all."
"The food was good but the naked people were really gross."
"I'm sorry you had to see all of that."
The child didn't respond after that so Iruka could only assume she had fallen asleep. Arriving at the Nara compound was a weird experience for Iruka. He had never visited Shikamaru's home simply because the boy never misbehaved too badly or struggled in school, so this was a first for him. Asking a passing clansman where the clan head's residence was located was a bit jarring but he found his way just fine.
He lightly knocked on the wooden door and waited for someone to open, lightly shifting the toddler in his hold. The girl was gazing up at him intensely before speaking.
"You're really pretty Iruka-sensei. I thought you were a woman when I first asked you for help."
At the confession Iruka couldn't help but burst out laughing. As much as this girl looked like her brother, she acted nothing like him. Where Shikamaru was very private and socially awkward, she seemed to be very open and a social butterfly. Before he could thank the girl for the compliment the door opened to a tired looking Shikamaru. His eyes widened when he noticed who was standing on the other side of the door.
"Iruka-sensei, what brings you here at this hour? Wait imouto?! Where have you been, parents have been waiting for you to come home hours ago! Was she causing trouble sensei?"
"Ah quite the opposite actually Shikamaru-kun. Are your parents home? I need to talk to them in regards to your imoutos whereabouts."
"Yeah they're waiting in the living room, please come in Iruka-sensei. I can take my sister, thank you for returning her."
Iruka gladly handed over the mini Shikamaru and couldn't help but coo at the fond smile he sent his sister. In return the girl began to babble about the day's events to him and made wild hand movements to emphasize certain parts.
When the three reached the living room the two Nara clan heads were waiting with fresh tea. Iruka bowed and took a seat in front of the two while Shikamaru sat on the sofa with the now quiet girl. Shikaku was sending a blank stare towards his daughter which made her hide her face, he probably uses that face before scolding her.
"Shikaku-san, Yoshino-san, I'm sorry to intrude at such a late hour but I believe it to be important you know where your daughter has been. Were you aware she was spending the day with Raidō-san and Genma-san?"
Yoshino glanced nervously towards her husband but relaxed slightly when he nodded.
"Alright that calms me a bit. I don't know the full details but about two hours ago a few friends and I decided to get together for a night out. We decided to go to the Wet Boar, I'm sure you've heard of it. Well, about twenty minutes ago your youngest asked me for directions to the restroom, inside the Wet Boar."
At that sentence the father and mother's eyes widened in shock, Shikamaru made a sort of choked noise as well but still no one spoke. Taking the silence as his queue to keep explaining Iruka continued.
"She couldn't walk properly and reeked of alcohol so once she had done her business I brought her here. On the way back I asked her what she was doing in such a place and she informed me that Genma-san and Raidō-san took her there to eat. I'm not sure what else happened but she did comment on the bare women."
If glares could kill then Iruka was sure the tea kettle would have been destroyed by Shikaku's glare. A tense silence followed the revelation and Iruka began to worry that maybe he would get roped into the Nara's fury.
"I'm going to kill those two idiots."
Shikaku was a force to be reckoned with when he was angry, Iruka knew that for a fact. Seeing that same expression on his son terrified him and for a brief moment he felt pity for the two partying jounin. Yoshino turned and gathered her daughter in her arms, scrunching up her nose at the smell of alcohol. Gently she asked Ayumi for the full story.
"...Are Raidō-kun and Genma-kun in trouble?"
"That depends on how you answer me Ayumi, I need you to tell us everything that happened tonight."
"Well, we were gonna go eat barbeque but the wait was too long so Raidō-kun said he knew a place that had good food and it was called the Wet Boar. Genma-kun didn't want to go but his tummy grumble really really loudly so he said fine and when we got there a bunch of women were naked and hanging from the ceiling and some lady in a really short rabbit costume came up to us and asked us if we wanted the special seating. I don't think they knew what it meant but they said sure and so we were sat in front of a big stage that was covered by a big curtain. Then when we were ordering I saw a man pay a waitress a lot of money and then the waitress hid underneath the man's table and then the man started smiling really wide and then the food came and it was really good. I got a grilled cheese and soup and cherry soda and Raidō-kun and Genma-kun got a big pizza and special soda that came in two bottles and a bunch of mini cups of soda. Then when we were eating the lights went out and a really loud voice said that the show was about to begin and that it was called "Alice in Wonderland". I thought it was gonna be the story momma told me but more naked women came out and started dancing on poles. It was really really cool! They were doing flips and hanging by their legs and it was awesome. Sometimes they would move their underwear to show their privates, though I don't know why. Then they started getting off the stage and walking towards our booth. The lady playing the queen of hearts started dancing really close to me and tried sitting on me! It was weird but Raidō-kun and Genma-kun's faces made it really funny. Then they ordered more mini sodas and then the show was over but some ladies stayed dancing. Then Raidō-kun said he had to go pee pee so he left but then he didn't come back and then Genma-kun found some friends there and he left too. So I was left to eat alone. I got really scared though because the waitress came and left the bill and it was really really high so I could only pay for my food and pizza. I'm sorry momma I spent all my allowance. I thought I was gonna get in trouble because I couldn't pay the full bill but that lady was really really nice and said I only had to pay for my food. Then I finished my cherry soda and I was sad that I was alone so I grabbed some of the special coda Raidō-kun and Genma-kun left and it tasted really bad. But then I remembered how happy they got after drinking it so I wanted to be happy too and so I drank it all and then the mini soda's too. They were really bitter and after a while I couldn't see well or hear well. When I wanted to leave I had to really use the bathroom but I couldn't find it and a lot of people bumped into me and made me fall. But then I asked Iruka-sensei for help and he helped me and I thought he was a pretty girl but he was actually a boy. And then he thought I was a boy! And then he brought me here. And now I feel really sick, my head and tummy hurt."
The girl was panting from her long rant and Iruka felt nothing but rage towards the two jounin. Though when his gaze landed on Shikaku's he gulped, the man looked ready to kill. Shikaku sighed loudly before rubbing a hand down his face. The man looked tired.
"I see. Thank you Iruka-sensei, if you hadn't brought her back then who knows what would have happened. I will deal with the two dead men tomorrow. Is there anything else we should know sensei?"
Shikaku's voice was devoid of emotion and Iruka found himself nervously sweating as he shook his head.
"No, Shikaku-san. I'm very sorry we had to meet again under these circumstances but I'm glad your daughter is safe. I wish her a speedy recovery and you some peace. I can see myself out, goodnight."
And with that, Iruka fled the house.
Shikaku was sure that if he wasn't feeling so defeated and done, he would be raging right now. Yoshino was upset but focused entirely on the drunk five year old while Shikamaru was in shock. Asuma had taken him to the Wet Boar when he turned sixteen and he never wanted to go back, knowing his baby sister had been there for hours, gotten drunk and gotten a lap dance made his head spin.
Looking towards the drunk five year old, the three adults couldn't help the growing amusement they felt. Ayumi-chan was always so serious, so careful to not show much emotion. The times she truly acted her age were few and far in between, anyone outside of immediate family and friends would never believe them if they spoke about it.
It was more than a bit unnerving to see their usually stoic and mature child, slur a song and dance in front of them, all while smiling the widest smile she's ever worn. When she started tugging on Shikamaru to join her, Shikaku and Yoshino couldn't help but laugh. It was equally touching and hilarious to see their drunk daughter guilt trip her older brother into making a fool of himself.
Only their daughter would be a happy go lucky drunk.
"What are we gonna do dad? I don't think Iruka-sensei is gonna let this go, odds are he's already reported it to the Hokage."
"Tonight we stay here and try to make your sister's first hangover as bearable as possible while also documenting all of her drunk antics, for memories. Tomorrow, you and I are going to go get your uncle and Inoichi and Choza and anyone else we can possibly find and we're going to beat some sense into those two idiots and deal with the Hokage. That sounds alright with you?"
If Shikamaru was being completely honest then he would have liked to go beat them up right now but his sister was so adorable when she was acting her age. Shikamaru could barely remember the last time his sister acted so childishly, he was so used to seeing her blank face and emotionless voice that seeing her now, drunk, dancing and singing, made him tear up a bit. Ayumi kept up her performance long enough for Yoshino and Shikaku to take plenty of pictures and videos, all while Shikamaru hyped her up.
But as all good things do, the night came to an end when Ayumi jumped up and wobbled towards the restroom. It would have been such an adorable sight if the circumstances had been different. Instead the Nara family sobered a bit when the sounds of the five year old vomiting violently reached them. Yoshino stood quickly to go help her daughter while Shikamaru and Shikaku cleaned up the living room.
When she had finished, Yoshino made sure to help her brush her teeth and quickly helped her shower. An hour later the toddler was squeaky clean and barely awake. Picking out one of the softest cotton pajama shirts and pants the young girl owned, Yoshino changed her daughter and brought her to the master bedroom. Laying the girl on her husband's chest Yoshino left to get ready for bed as well. She kissed her eldest son goodnight and made her way towards her own room smiling fondly when she saw both of her loves asleep.
Laying down she prayed that her husband and son wouldn't go overboard tomorrow.
I love Raido and Genma:)
There's twelve thousand words for y'all. Not gonna lie, I'm losing motivation to write though I do have a few ideas I really want to try writing before deciding anything in regards to updates to this story.