"Harii, whatever you do, never introduce yourself with the Uzumaki name out loud. Promise me."

Harry frowned as the peculiar memory resurfaced in his mind alongside Akira's solemn face. I forgot about that because he didn't explain or mention it again. I didn't remember until Danzo called me Uzumaki out loud. Why'd Akira… it's not like I intended to call myself Uzumaki Harii.

Harry shoved the thoughts away, intent on concentrating on the current situation. He examined the large room and shifted on the hard sofa wondering how long they'd been silent for. Must be more than ten minutes, already? Would waiting for them to start talking be a sign of respect? Probably not. I haven't even greeted them… "How much longer do we have to wait for the tea?

All three faces concentrated on him in eerie tandem.

"I thought you wanted to talk." A part of Harry loved the blank looks he was getting. Another part of him -that sounded a lot like Akira- told him to shut up and act like a normal civilian. "When old people need to talk, they usually need tea…"

Danzo's face seemed to sour for a moment but Harry couldn't be too sure with the heavy wrinkles and the squinting eyes. At least that childish jab proved I definitely can't rely on any facial cues from them. Harry cast the Homenum Revelio discreetly, found two of Danzo's hidden guards and wondered why the other two better-dressed elders didn't have any guards of their own.

Finally, the woman at the centre of the trio cleared her throat pointedly. "It seems you've managed to establish yourself quite nicely in the short time you've been here." She shifted and the elaborate tasselled pin in her hair-bun chimed. "It's rare for an unknown youngster to end up on the Hokage's list."

No introductions to this youngster? "I was lucky with good advertisers," Harry said blandly even as he thought, Fine, I'll call her Hair-pin and that guy with the glasses… Glasses.

"Yes, you've managed to endear yourself to several shinobi."

Harry wondered if Danzo was purposely implying something unpleasant. But he shrugged nonchalantly in response.

"Uzu …" Danzo spoke up from the edge of the opposite sofa.

"Harii." Harry raised his voice slightly. "My name is Harii."

Danzo gave him a long look. "Wouldn't you prefer to be known by your clan name?"

"No, I don't." Harry took wary note of the silence his statement garnered.

"As I was saying, your skills are really unique in our village. I'm surprised we haven't heard of you before. You've claimed this is a family craft?" Hair-pin said, her voice soft and appropriately curious.

Harry nodded, resigned with where the conversation was headed.

"We've never heard of anyone before you who could do this. If there was, surely we'd have heard of them."

Harry stared at Hair-pin. "Before they died, my parents lived in seclusion away from people. They didn't think of using these skills as a means of gaining a living."

"Ah, you were the resourceful one in the family?"

The soft voice grated against Harry's senses and he shook his head. "I just didn't want to have to depend on anyone."

"An admirable trait," Glasses said.

Harry smothered a snort. "So I've been told."

After another stretch of awkward silence, Hair-pin said, "We were wondering when you planned to open your shop."

"Not anytime soon."

The lady leaned back at the blunt answer and went silent.

Danzo picked up the conversation. "A lack of funds could be dealt with if you find a sponsor to deal with initial costs of setting up."

Business advice? And what lack of funds? Harry wanted to laugh at the assumption, but thanks to Isshin, he knew what to say. "No one would want to sponsor an unknown youngster like me. Especially since I'm not a citizen."

Glasses sent Hair-pin a quick side long glance and said, "You've considered gaining a Konoha citizenship?"

Harry shrugged. "I just know I'd need to be a citizen before I can legally set up a shop."

"Not completely true." Glasses shook his head. "If you get a sponsor, the shop will be listed under the sponsor's name in all the official documents. You'd be able to have a store without the bureaucracy."

"I suppose I could ask Nara-san…" Harry looked to the side thoughtfully, wary of their eagerness.

Danzo cleared his throat. "It wouldn't be fair to impose on a clan-head who has to take care of his entire clan."

Harry mentally sighed in relief."Then I guess that option is out."

"There are many other sponsors," Danzo said.

Harry turned to Danzo curiously but stayed silent.

"In fact, I've been looking for a new venture to support in this village."

Harry stared at Danzo incredulously. "You're offering to be my sponsor?"

"I know a good business investment when I see one," Danzo said leaning forward on his cane.

How dense does he think I am? "So you want to invest in my… work?"

Danzo nodded slightly. "The profit margin would be phenomenal with the right amount of support. As far as I know, you don't need any raw materials other than the broken objects and you can fix a boxful of items within a few hours. If you had a place to work for during the entire day…"

As if I'd confirm that verbally. Harry stared back at Danzo, hiding his apprehension. "I don't see the point in going through all that trouble for…"

Hair-pin interrupted him curtly. "Setting up a shop with a sponsor's help emphasises your intention to reside here. All that trouble, as you label it, would work in your favour when you apply for your citizenship especially if someone recommended your endeavours to the Daimyo."

"And then what, I'd just get my citizenship?," Harry said, "That's just unrealistic. No one would vouch for me."

Hair-pin shook her head making the tassels in her hair pin chime. "The three of us are in the Daimyo's council."

"You're offering to vouch for me to gain my citizenship." Harry struggled not to snort at the ridiculous situation he'd ended up in.

"It wouldn't be too much work. Especially since you're already on the Hokage's list. With a shop…" Glasses said.

"Aren't you being a bit too hasty?" Harry interrupted. "You can't just assume my business would work. Right now I'm only getting work from a few ninja. The civilians don't even know I exist."

"That's the perfect reason for you to set up a shop. So that others can learn of your skills," Glasses said with a self satisfied nod.

Harry bit the inside of his cheek in irritation. I should have seen that coming.

"With civilian clients, your reputation will be spread through word of mouth. An actual store in the village will also bring foreign business to Konoha. The village will benefit from the new blood."

Harry noted the honesty behind the words but still felt wary."You're rather keen on helping me become a citizen of this village. But I'm not entirely sure I want to stay in one place. Konoha is nice, but it's very different from home and it might get boring."

"We're just interested in keeping a potential asset in our village." Hair-pin said, her voice taking on a soothing air that left Harry on edge.

That sounds like they need to keep me here, Harry thought to himself as he went over their words, for more than just my fixing skills.

"Wouldn't it be reassuring for your cousin to know that you'll be living here?" Danzo said when Harry remained silent.

"He'd understand if I wanted to travel." Harry shrugged indifferently just as his head started to ache.

"Travel? Is that really a wise choice?" Glasses narrowed his eyes

Harry pursed his lips trying to ignore the headache that seemed to grow in intensity. "I can join a caravan."

"A civilian relative is more prone to getting attacked, abducted or killed just to cripple the ninja they are related to. A caravan will not be able to…"

Harry frowned and interrupted Glasses. "Are you telling me that none of your other ninja have civilian relatives?"

"Uzumaki Naruto is one of our more important shinobi," Hair-pin said.

"Because he's going to be the Hokage?" Harry felt a tad victorious when the trio stilled even as the throbbing in his head continued. Harry placed his elbows on his knees and rested his chin on an upturned palm not caring if he looked undignified. "Anyway, isn't it silly to settle down for the sake of one relative who I don't even know much about?"

"A shop in Konoha is really the only way for you to succeed in your business." Glasses folded his arms and stared expectantly.

What happened to Naruto being important? Feeling vaguely irritated Harry said, "That would make sense for traditional jobs that need specialised workspaces but…"

"Are you going to overlook the Hokage's generosity? Placing an outsider on the Hokage's list… that's usually incentive to get them thinking about citizenship."

Mentioning that now just seems…desperate. Besides I went on that list before I found Naruto. The insistent throbbing in his head shifted to an irritating pounding that made his eyes water. Voldemort? No, I don't feel any foreign moods… "My decisions are my own to make regardless of other's opinions."

"And this is your final answer?" Danzo said.

Harry grit his teeth at Danzo's voice. It was the same flat tone he'd used through the entire meeting. But something about it this time rubbed Harry the wrong way. "Maybe you…"

The door flew open and landed on the floor with a loud thud.

Harry turned and stared in astonishment.

"Tsunade-sama…" The black haired lady behind the Hokage stared at the broken door anxiously.

"You have some nerve!" The Hokage walked towards the long sofas, hazel eyes narrowed in fury.

"Is there really a reason for you to be worked up so senselessly Tsunade-hime?" Danzo said in a noticeably bored tone.

"Senselessly? Of course there's a reason to get worked up…"

Danzo turned to Harry. "We were just talking about business, weren't we?"

"Yeah." Harry stared at Danzo and struggled to hide a grin. "In fact, we just finished talking."

"Then, you can leave." Tsunade nodded to the open doorway.

Glasses protested. "We're not done!"

Harry stood hastily, bowed stiffly and walked out of the room without a backward glance. The headache dulled as he rushed down the carpeted corridor. He paused abruptly when he caught sight of Hedwig perched on someone's shoulder. "Nara-san?"

Shikaku stared at him for what seemed like a few minutes before he turned around. "Let's go."

"But…"

Hedwig flew to Harry's shoulder with an expectant hoot and a nip on his ear. Harry shuffled after Shikaku ignoring the voices spilling in to the corridor behind him.

They passed unmarked wooden doors, climbed down many stairs and finally exited the building's main lobby in to the afternoon heat. Harry stared at the building to the right. "I wasn't in the Administrative building?"

Shikaku glanced back over his shoulder.

"You guys need better interior decorators. The building we left looks exactly like the inside of the Administrative Building."

Shikaku snorted. "It's meant to confuse intruders if they get in."

"Oh, well then, they did an excellent job." Shikaku was silent but Harry knew the older man was laughing at his expense.

As they walked out of the walled compound that led to the village, Harry turned and stared at the circular Administrative Building flanked by two smaller buildings. From the outside they're obviously different. But inside, they're connected and look the same.

Harry shook his head. "Nara-san, I do know the way to my apartment from here."

"Who said you're going there?"

"Err," Harry searched for an excuse. "I have work to catch up on?"

"Too bad, you owe me a game. Actually with today, you owe me two games."

Harry searched for an argument but inevitably followed Shikaku down unfamiliar streets towards a familiar gate.

As soon as they entered the Nara property, Shikaku turned to Harry with an exasperated look. He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and read, "Gone out with not-Cat-san to have tea with village Elders. Will be back soon, I think. Don't eat my dango."

Harry gaped in surprise. "What… How'd you get that?"

Shikaku quirked an eyebrow at the owl perched on Harry's shoulder.

"But…" Harry turned to Hedwig in surprise. I didn't tell her to deliver that to anyone. I just left it on the table…

"Do something about your horrible handwriting. It took ages to decipher this." Shikaku walked to the largest house of the estate.

Give me a break. Harry felt his eyebrow twitch in annoyance. The language was shoved in my head by some unknown source.

"And what kind of message was this anyway? Tea, really?"

Harry shrugged as they stepped on to the wooden porch. "I really did think I was going for tea. He said the elders wanted to talk. Am I the only person who pictures tea in that scenario?"

"You do know that the Elders are ninja?"

"They did seem rather predatory." Harry shrugged. "But I thought they were retired…"

Shikaku shook his head. "The only way out for a ninja is death. They've survived countless wars and are politically powerful. If anything, they're deadlier than your average ninja."

Harry scratched Hedwig absently as they walked towards the back of the house.

"Did you do anything to antagonize them?"

Harry recalled the brief meeting. "No…"

Shikaku sighed looking fairly resigned. "What did you say?"

"Nothing. Why would you assume I said anything?" Harry said with as much indignation as he could muster.

Shikaku gave him a dull stare.

Harry cleared his throat. "I might have…"

"Please tell me you didn't make a crack on their age."

"I didn't," Harry said, "I just made a general statement about tea and old people."

Shikaku pinched the bridge of his nose. "And?"

"And nothing. After that it was purely business talk."

"Business talk?" Shikaku looked sceptical.

"Yeah, you know. You poor ignorant teenager, let us guide you with fancy tidbits of information…" Harry mimed a giving motion with his hands.

Shikaku stared at him.

Harry ruffled his hair wearily. "It wasn't a big deal. Obviously I haven't made friends with them but at the same time, I don't think I've insulted them much."

"That's not reassuring at all."

"Why are you so concerned?"

Shikaku huffed and turned away. "At any rate, sit while I bring the board out."

"You can't be serious! I just came out of a traumatic experience. I can't play…"

Shikaku snorted, slid open one of the doors and entered the house. "You seemed rather lively a minute ago."

Harry turned to Hedwig. "Out of everyone I know, why'd you have to give him that note?"

"I heard that!" Shikaku yelled from within.

"Not like I was being quiet about it…" Harry paused in surprise when a loud clap filled the air making Hedwig tighten her claws on his shoulder.

Harry searched the backyard curiously and noticed a fountain with moving bamboo sticks. Harry moved closer to it and watched water trickle from one hollow stick to another. After a few minutes, the last water-filled stick tilted forward, banged the rock below with another sharp clap and bounced back up to collect water.

Hedwig hooted and glared at the fountain. Harry snickered and concentrated on the moving water.

"I didn't know my shishi odoshi was that interesting."

Harry turned and saw Shikaku seated in front of a shogi board. Harry walked back with a sigh and sat on the other side of the board. "That fountain's meant to scare deer?"

"The deer used to get bored. After they ate our herbs here, Yoshino got annoyed." Shikaku said and pushed a cup of steaming tea towards Harry.

Harry sipped the tea as Hedwig hopped down and settled on his legs. He relaxed as a minty flavour filled his mouth. "Tea really would have made that meeting bearable."

"That bad?" Shikaku motioned for him to start the game.

"It was," Harry took another sip and pushed a random piece forward as he searched for the word, "creepy. Danzo tried to give me advice. I think Hair-pin was trying to pass for a nice grandmotherly sort. And Glasses was channelling a nasty teacher."

Shikaku blinked at Harry. "You didn't call them that out loud, did you?"

"Of course not! Would I really do something that stupid?"

Shikaku quirked his eyebrow. "The old lady is Utatane Koharu"

What an unsubtle deflection. Harry said, "Is her hair pin meant for stabbing?" Harry rolled his eyes when Shikaku looked troubled. "She didn't threaten to stab me. It just seemed suspicious for a hair ornament."

Shikaku sighed. "Glasses would be Mitokado Homura…why are you giving me that weird look?"

Harry shrugged. "Just wondering if you can kill someone with eyeglasses."

"If you stab hard enough in the right place, probably."

"Well, that's all the incentive I need to stay away from them. I'm glad we had this conversation," Harry said and sipped his tea languidly.

"Oh? What about Danzo?"

"It's obvious I'd stay away from him. He has guards who'd do the stabbing for him." Harry settled in to a thoughtful silence thankful that his headache had faded.

"So?"

Harry looked up.

Shikaku kept looking at the board. "What did you talk about?"

Harry shrugged and said, "They offered suggestions on how I could gain a Konoha citizenship faster."

"Did they?"

Harry grinned at Shikaku's scepticism. "They were very informative."

"And…" Shikaku pushed one piece forward. "Are you planning on applying for your citizenship?"

"Not like they suggested, no." Harry pretended not to notice Shikaku's shoulders relax. I wonder if the Elders… "Nara-san?" Harry waited until the man looked up. "Would they hurt Naruto?"

Shikaku stared at Harry. "Don't be ridiculous."

He looks confident… so, would they hurt me? Harry looked down at the board going over the information he had. My week with Akira dealt with everything other than clan history and I never pushed. He absently moved another piece on the board. Not pushing for information was an implied promise that I'd be back.

The elders definitely expected something from me as an Uzumaki. Harry lost track of time as he recalled everything he knew. There's got to be something in there. Something to make sense of their motivations, Naruto seems to be at the centre of things.

But… "Ow! Hedwig, what was that for?" Harry winced and rubbed his fingers.

He looked up and stilled. Naruto was looking away, Shikamaru was frowning and Shikaku was staring at him. When did Naruto and Shikamaru get here? Hedwig bit his fingers one more time and flew to Naruto's shoulder.

"It's your turn." Shikaku nodded to the noticeably empty board.

"Right…" Harry glanced at the board but focused at Naruto and opened his mouth to speak.

But Shikamaru said, "Come on Naruto, I need to pick up some stuff from Chouji."

Harry frowned as Naruto followed Shikamaru silently with Hedwig hooting softly on his shoulder.

"I did something stupid, right?" Harry said when the two boys disappeared from sight without a backward glance or a word to him.

"It's more what you didn't do." Shikaku said. "He was calling you, but you didn't notice."

Calling me? But… Oh! He must have called me nii-san in front of them. Harry rubbed his forehead anxiously. "I knew it. I knew I'd screw things up. I always do…"

Harry winced as something smacked the centre of his forehead and fell to the ground beside him with a clatter. He picked up the fallen game piece and looked up.

Shikaku stared at him with narrowed eyes. "What kind of attitude is that? If you messed something up then you fix it. You don't sit there and mope about it."

"I…"

"Stupid kids, always acting so dramatic. And here I thought you were the mature sort."

Harry grimaced. "I'm not dramatic."

"I could almost hear teary sobs and morose music playing in the background."

Harry straightened his back and stared at Shikaku. "If you're hallucinating, maybe you need to take your nap."

Shikaku snorted. "You're hilarious."

"Yeah, I'm a big hit with the old people around here."

The both shared a look. Shikaku's lips twitched slightly. "I highly doubt Danzo's fond of your humour."

"I'm sure it'll grow on him." Harry rubbed his forehead.

Shikaku leaned back a little making the wooden deck creak. "Like fungus?"

Harry huffed and moved one of his board pieces forward. He picked up the piece that Shikaku had thrown at him. "Is this piece mine now?"

"It won't help you win."

"Doesn't mean it's useless." Harry examined it thoughtfully and dropped it in his tiny pile of captured pieces.

Shikaku stared at him.

"What? You're the one who threw it. By the way, you could have taken my eye out with that throw."

"Maybe I was trying to make you empathize with Danzo." Shikaku concentrated on the board.

Harry sighed. "I'm sure Mrs. Nara would have something to say about that."

"Did…" Shikaku sighed. "Did they say something about Naruto at the meeting?"

"No."

"Really? You were lost in your own world for an hour or so before Naruto got here."

An hour? Harry shook his head. "It's nothing."

Shikaku shot him a disbelieving look but nodded and immediately started talking about complicated shogi strategy.

One game and two hours later, Shikamaru came back alone.

"Where's Naruto?"

Shikamaru shrugged. "He had some errands to run."

Harry stared at the shogi board. He's supposed to meet up at my apartment for dinner tonight, which is perfect. I can clear things up over food. He moved one of his pieces forward and stood up. Maybe even start talking about the clan.

"Hey!" Shikaku said. "You can't just leave the game…"

"My last move allows you to reach my King in a few more moves so it doesn't matter." Harry ignored the look he got, waved and hurried away. He'd barely taken a step in his apartment when his mirror buzzed.

Harry moved away from the windows and pulled out his mirror. "Hermione?" He examined his friend's tired face in worry. "Isn't it almost three in the morning there?"

"I wanted to send a message before I went to bed," she said absently, "I didn't think you'd pick up."

Harry frowned. "Are you all right?"

"It's been a long few days." She perked up. "We got our OWL results."

Harry grimaced. Haven't really thought about that.

"You passed all the important ones. Hold on…" The image in the mirror shifted and papers rustled. A very official letter appeared on the mirror surface. Harry squinted at his scores. Failed History and Divination, as expected. An O in Defence? Wonderful! My potion score would have kept me out of Snape's class. So much for being an Auror… why am I thinking of that? "How'd you manage to get the letter?"

Hermione's eyes brightened. "Remember when Dobby intercepted your mail before second year?"

Harry gaped. "You asked Dobby? But he works at Hogwarts!"

"Yes, but he's still a free elf. He can choose to do things without Professor Dumbledore's permission. And he's always been so eager to help you. Though he wasn't very clear on how he intercepted your mail."

"Hermione! Tell me you didn't guilt him into helping."

"I didn't. The guilt card was to make him accept payment for his help." Hermione rolled her eyes. "I wanted to ask if he could find you. But he said Professor Dumbledore already asked him to do that."

"What happened?"

"House elves have the ability to bypass magical wards and barriers by focussing on a specific person, you know," Hermione said. "Dobby can tell that you're alive but not where you are. I think that's what really made them stop searching for you."

"Dobby told you all that?"

"Amidst bouts of hysterical sobbing…"

Harry cringed.

Hermione reassured him. "But I told him you were fine."

"And he took your word for it?"

"His sobs did quieten a bit." Hermione bit her lip. "But the important thing is he decided to help. He even offered to get things from Hogwarts."

Harry grinned. "So you're using him to get books from Hogwarts on the sly?"

"You can't take library books out of Hogwarts," Hermione said in exasperation. "For now, he just intercepts your mail."

"That definitely sounds like a pretty eventful time."

Hermione sighed. "There's more. I got a letter from Susan Bones yesterday. She wanted to write to you first but thought it wouldn't be safe. She felt someone was impersonating her aunt, Amelia Bones."

"But why contact either of us with that? I don't see how sending you a letter would be any safer," Harry said.

Hermione nodded. "She thought no one would listen to her without solid proof especially since Death Eaters would've used the Imperius instead of impersonating her."

"What did you do?"

"I told Professor Lupin immediately. But it was too late. Whoever was impersonating her to get in to the Ministry seems to have gotten what they needed. Amelia Bones' body… the Prophet made a spectacle of the news."

Harry winced and remembered the seemingly dependable lady from his Wizengamot trial the previous year. "No ideas on what the impersonator wanted?"

"The Order probably knows because of Professor Snape."

Harry looked away from the mirror to hide the rage that name had garnered. "Why'd you tell Professor Lupin? You could have just talked to Mrs. Weasley sooner."

"He came by for a visit to tell us that Grimmauld Place was safe again if we wanted to move."

Harry frowned. "What happened to Grimmauld Place?"

"After Sirius, they didn't know if the Fidelus worked anymore since you need the current owner's consent for it to…" Hermione sighed. "The Order didn't know if Sirius left a will. They left when they thought the property would be inherited by…"

"The Malfoys?"

Hermione shook her head.

An insane cackle taunted Harry's mind and he grit his teeth. "I'm glad that didn't happen. But what took so long? It's been more than a month since Sirius died."

Hermione nodded grimly and said, "There were some issues with Gringotts. The Ministry wanted them to hand over ownership of known Death Eater vaults. Some sort of pre-emptive measure against the Death Eaters."

"Didn't work out too well?"

"They almost caused another Goblin rebellion. Professor Dumbledore had to step in and work things out, it was a mess. After everything was resolved, they found Sirius's will this week."

"Well, that's good then," Harry said feeling relieved. Odd, nothing seemed wrong when I went to Gringotts. And my gold pile had grown back then. Wasn't that money from Sirius?

"Harry," Hermione said, looking unsure. "Sirius made you the owner of Grimmauld Place and everything in it."

"Then…"

"They needed your verbal consent to ensure the Fidelus would remain. So Dobby was asked to search for you."

Harry frowned in confusion. Then how is Grimmauld place safe?

"Fortunately Professor Lupin was listed as the second beneficiary. He said he'd hand the ownership back to you when you came back."

Harry hmm-ed thoughtfully. "I'm surprised the Ministry didn't trouble him for being a werewolf."

"The Ministry's archaic rules have no say in inheritance matters. Gringotts is a separate nation and the goblins could really care less about a werewolf inheriting property. They're just concerned about their gold. If the will isn't followed, then a curse gets activated. But I'm not completely sure about that."

"I see." Harry didn't know what to feel. "So Grimmauld place is Order headquarters again?"

"Professor Lupin wanted the house hidden under the Fidelus. If you don't want it as the headquarters, you could…"

"No, Sirius would have wanted it that way. To know that he was helpful by using that house as the headquarters. I wouldn't take that away from him." Harry said. They lapped in to a comfortable silence and Harry noticed Hermione looking less stressed.

"You know, it's only a matter of time before news of you disappearing becomes common knowledge."

"Yeah," Harry said absently.

"The Prophet will probably say something about their 'chosen one' abandoning them." Hermione scoffed.

"Chosen one?" Harry listened with a tinge of disbelief as Hermione explained the Prophet's articles on the fight in the Department of Mysteries. For guesswork, they're pretty close to the truth. "Do you think I'm selfish for…"

"Harry, just because they label you as the Chosen one to make themselves feel better doesn't mean you're responsible," Hermione said.

But I am the Chosen one. "Yeah." And what happens when Voldemort tries to use the connection to find out where I am? Or if he…

"Harry?"

Harry shook his head. "Sorry, Naruto is coming over. I was just wondering what to make for dinner."

Hermione's face brightened. "Oh! Your cousin. I'd almost forgotten about that even after Ron told me. Can I see him? You could just hide the mirror somewhere so I could catch a glimpse…"

Harry huffed. "It's going to be a while before he gets here. And you need to sleep!"

"Just a glimpse."

"Goodnight Hermione." He rolled his eyes and smothered a grin when Hermione giggled. She must have been really tired, she didn't ask me much. Ah! I forgot to ask her the details of that spell to find blood relatives. Harry sighed.

At least I improved her mood. Maybe I'll have the same luck with Naruto. Feeling optimistic and slightly energized, Harry prepared a large dinner and waited impatiently for Naruto. When Izumo came around with a box of items to fix, Harry literally shooed him away.

By midnight though, Harry's optimism drained away to worry.

No bossy owls came in through the open window noisily.

And there were no timid knocks from recently-found cousins.

X-X-X-X-X

"Sai! Have you seen Naruto? He's not at his apartment." Harry wiped the sweat off his forehead and leaned against the wooden fence tiredly. The usual morning clutter of people buying groceries surrounded the two of them.

Sai stared at Harry in confusion. "Didn't you leave him eating at the ramen stand with your owl?"

"Can you show me where the ramen stand is?"

"You're lost?" Sai blinked. "Then, I'll leave you there before I go to the library."

There's a library? No! Don't get distracted. "Thanks Sai."

Sai led him through countless streets to a small wooden shack. Harry rushed forward, pushed aside one of the cloth hangings and frowned at the empty seats. I wonder if Sai… oh! Sai left already? I was so distracted with finding Naruto, I didn't even pay attention to him. I'll apologize later. He bowed to the man behind the counter. "Sorry to disturb you, but have you seen a blonde boy, about this high, wearing a lot of orange…"

"You mean Naruto?"

Maybe this won't be so difficult. "Yes, do you know where he is?"

"He just finished his breakfast, so he's probably training. He was in a hurry, today." The old man pointed to a stack of bowls.

Harry stared at the bowls. "He ate all that in a hurry?"

"He didn't eat a lot today." The old man looked at the stack thoughtfully. "He looked very distracted, didn't even pay."

Didn't eat a lot? Have I been giving him enough food? What if he's been hungry all those times but was too polite to ask for more. I mean I never had any leftovers. "Does he eat here often?"

"Of course, he's been my number one customer for the past ten years. He was such a tiny thing when he came here by himself all those years ago."

"I see," Harry said. "Do you know where he's training?"

The old man turned to the girl washing the dishes. "Ayame, do you know?"

"Dad, you know he trains somewhere new every time."

Harry sighed. "Any general ideas?"

"He used to talk about his team having a training ground near a bridge. But there are many bridges in the village." The old man tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Either way, there aren't any training grounds near the residence districts."

Hedwig would have led me to Naruto… "Then, is there a particular time he comes here to eat?"

The man shook his head. "Lately, his visits have been infrequent. Are you all right? You look a little pale. Why don't you sit and I'll bring you a nice bowl of ramen, hmm?"

"Thank you but…" Harry paused in embarrassment when his stomach growled in hunger. I did skip breakfast and dinner last night. That and the lack of sleep… With a resigned sigh, Harry sat on a stool.

The man prepared and placed a steaming bowl in front of Harry with a flourish. Ignoring the man's stare, Harry broke his chopsticks and dug in. Within minutes the bowl was empty. "Thank you, it was really good."

The man smiled. "I can make another one if you're still hungry."

"No," Harry said and pushed the empty bowl forward. "I'm fine."

"You know, there's a training ground near the outskirts of the fifteenth district. It's a little beyond the memorial stone there." The old man pointed to the right. "Just keep going to the north of the village."

"If Naruto comes back, would you tell him Harii wants to talk?" As the man nodded, Harry left a large wad of cash by his bowl. "Thank you." He hurried out in to the dusty street ignoring the man's shocked protests.

The streets grew less crowded as the morning passed in to a searing noon. Unable to find any proper signs or changes in his surroundings, Harry couldn't tell when one district ended and another began. After the incredulous look from a passer-by he had stopped for directions, Harry found out that he was in the eleventh district. At least I'm headed in the right direction.

Harry looked up at the stone faces that overlooked the village. I just have to keep going that way. With another hour of walking, Harry saw a smattering of trees in the distance and picked up his speed.

He went past the tree line into an open grassy clearing and saw a black stone in the distance. That's probably the memorial stone. Harry stopped by the stone and frowned at the silence around him. With a Homenum Revello, Harry confirmed that the area was empty. He turned to leave but noticed the names carved on the large stone. He leaned closer. No Uzumaki name here. He turned away with a frown. Have I abandoned looking for other Uzumakis because I found Naruto? What if… Harry shook his head, returned to the residential area and entered a store. "Can you tell me where the training grounds are?"

The woman pointed in the direction of the memorial stone.

"No, I mean other training grounds around the village."

When the woman shook her head, Harry contemplated his next course of action. I could go to the Nara property. No, I'd have to go back to the eight district, head to the Nara grounds… it's too long. Harry asked other people but was no closer to finding another training ground. Maybe I should just ask a ninja. And how convenient… not a ninja in sight.

Remembering that Izumo had gate duty,Harry swivelled around and frowned. Now which way to the gate? Directly opposite the stone faces seems right. But just to be sure, I'll ask…

Conflicting directions from different people left Harry in an unfamiliar and empty part of the village, no where near the gate, after the sun had set. The stone faces up there look very unhelpful now. And since its dark, Naruto's probably finished training.

"Harii, is that you? What are you doing here?"

Harry found the owner of the voice and slumped in relief. "Asuma-san?"

"You look lost."

"I think I've been lost for that past few hours." Harry sighed. "Can you tell me how to get to the eight district?"

"You're about two hours away from it. I can show you the way…"

"That's not necessary. I don't want to make you late for your date." Harry glanced at the nicely wrapped flowers in Asuma's hands.

"What? No, I'm…" Asuma rubbed his chin sheepishly. "Will you be fine with just verbal directions?"

After reassuring the man repeatedly, Harry managed to reach his apartment without any hassle. He slumped on his couch and groaned when his muscles throbbed painfully.

It's too early to relax. After downing an Invigoration Draught and some hurried preparation, Harry stood in front of Naruto's apartment door arms laden with food containers. With a brisk knock, and the lack of response, Harry opened the door and went it.

There's no way I can miss him here. Harry sat at the dining table and stared at the food containers. I should have done this last night. Why didn't I? Ah! He was supposed to be at my apartment.

He patted his pocket. I'll show him this journal and we can talk about the clan…

Minutes passed.

An hour went by. I should have brought a book with me.

Four hours. The Invigoration Draught isn't keeping me awake anymore. Harry rubbed his chin against his folded arms in an attempt to stay awake. I should have checked the ramen stand again. But which way is it from here?

Five hours. Maybe I should move a bit and get the blood moving.

Six hours. Ohh, now I've been awake for more than 40-something hours. Harry turned and stared out the window, wondering why Naruto wasn't home yet. It's late.

Harry woke up to sunlight falling on his face, a serious crick in his neck and empty containers on the table in front of him. He sat up with a wince. He came and ate after I feel asleep! Harry rushed to the hallway, passed the washroom and opened the door to Naruto's bedroom. It was messy but empty.

I wasn't just imagining it. He's avoiding me! Harry groaned. "Maybe he needs some space?"

In a slight daze, Harry stumbled in to his own apartment and entered his bedroom. With a tired sigh, he fell on his bed, reached in to his pocket and pulled out a small tattered journal. Grandmum… "I've managed to drive him off even though I just found him."

He flipped through the pages finding solace in the distraction provided by his grandmother's familiar handwriting. He paused at the page where the large seal design had been etched. I wonder if this has something sealed inside. He tilted his head from side to side, squinted and then ran his fingers over the seal. He gasped as a sense of incompleteness filled his mind. What… He lifted his fingers and stared the design warily.

I wonder… Harry unrolled his storage scroll and looked between the scroll's seals and the seal etched in his grandmother's tattered journal. They looked nothing alike. Unlike the scroll, the seal in the journal lacked any understandable symbols. He hesitantly touched the seals on the scroll. Nothing. He turned to the book and traced over the squiggly lines. But with this, it feels like something's missing.

Unable to ignore the situation, Harry read the first few pages of the journal. I don't understand anything here. Harry stared at his bandaged hands, ran his fingers over the words experimentally and snorted when nothing happened. I can't believe I expected to feel something by touching the words.

He flipped back to the page with the seal. As his fingers traced the design, the sensation of incompleteness returned accompanied by a throb of pain. Harry closed the book and rubbed his forehead trying to get rid of the newly acquired headache. He sealed the journal back into his scroll, frowning as the headache dulled but persisted.

Harry looked under his bed and stared at the stacks of paper, the inert quill and the extendable ear beside it. I need to ask the twins if the ear's supposed to revert to its original form after a certain amount of time without any interference from my part. Is it running out of magic or something? Even if it is…. I still have a lot to read. He pulled the sheets of paper and grimaced at the long blocks of text. I've been ignoring things since I found Naruto.

It took a few hours, a lot of moving around and countless snack breaks but Harry went through the recorded gossip meticulously and destroyed the papers with a flick of his wand. He had just started reading a plant book when loud yells and knocks interrupted him. He dragged himself to the door and opened it warily already knowing who to expect.

"Harii, guess what?" Izumo said and rushed in to the apartment.

"It's buffet night at Yakiniku's?" Harry shuffled back to his couch.

"What? No! And what's with that mess?" Izumo pointed at the couch littered with empty food containers, books and paper.

Harry just shrugged as he sat on his couch. The soft material dipped with a slight whoosh of air. Harry grabbed a dango stick from the table and shuffled deeper in to the inviting material of the couch.

Paper crinkled as Izumo took a step forward. "You've never been messy before! What…"

"Never mind that! We got you a job interview." Kotetsu pulled two cushions from under the low circular table.

Harry wasn't impressed. And it must have showed on his face.

"It's a job from outside Konoha. Not a regular ninja weapon fixing job," Izumo said as he sat on a cushion. "Ever heard of the temple of Fire? Well, it's the most famous temple in Fire Country. The monks there…"

Harry leaned forward in shock. "Monks?"

Izumo quirked an eyebrow. "Yes, monks from the temple. Anyway, they've managed to break some priceless statue. Although how a monk would be careless …"

Kotetsu elbowed Izumo in irritation.

Izumo cleared his throat. "…anyway, we happened to meet him at the tower and heard his problem. He was searching for someone to remake the statue but we told him of your skills. If you took the job, you'd have to go to the temple, so…"

Maybe this is the kick I need to start searching again for other Uzumaki out there. "I'll do it." Harry blurted out and winced. "I mean, if it's for a monk then I don't have a problem helping."

Izumo gave him an appraising look.

"I wouldn't want any bad karma for not helping a monk." Harry rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"You believe in stuff like that?" Kotetsu asked.

Harry shrugged, remembering his first meeting with the monks at the start of his trip. "Only when it comes to monks."

"If you say so." Izumo tapped this chin. "But does this have anything to do with how Naruto's been avoiding you?"

"You should never turn down an offer to help a monk." Harry frowned at the dango stick in his hand. This way I can give Naruto his space.

"What did you do to him? I never thought I'd see the day that Naruto, of all people, chose to avoid someone instead of confr…" Kotetsu's words were punctuated with a pained oof.

Harry slouched and sighed heavily.

Izumo said, "He'll come around eventually, Harii. I'm sure whatever happened between you two is just a misunderstanding."

"He could try talking to me for a start." Harry threw the dango stick to the ground carelessly and picked up the map he had folded away earlier. "So where's the temple located?"

Izumo leaned forward and stared at the map. After a few minutes, he looked up. "How did travel on your own with this outdated map?"

"It's not that bad!" Harry pulled the map closer to him.

"Not that bad? All the villages created in the past fifty years or so aren't even marked. You're getting a new map. Actually no, I'll get the map when you meet the monk tomorrow at the Administrative building…"

X-X-X-X-X

Harry fidgeted as he waited for the monk in the small room. I really should start walking around with a book. I seem to be spending a lot of time just waiting.

When the door finally opened, a young bald man, garbed in white and blue, entered the room and looked at Harry in confusion. "Are you Harii-san? The one who fixes things?"

Harry winced at the description. "That's me."

"You're younger than I expected. I am Ichigen from the Fire Temple."

I almost feel let down. Harry smiled feeling a bit awkward. He's not much older than me and doesn't have that 'monk' air.

"They said you could fix things without needing any raw materials."

Harry nodded and they discussed the possibility of Harry fixing a shattered statue.

"Honestly, your skills sound so… fantastical. I'd almost think you were making things up but I doubt the Hokage or her ninja would endorse something false especially for a non-citizen. So if you're free, are you willing to come to the Fire Temple?"

Non-citizen? Just why was he late? Harry paused. "I'm not entirely sure where the temple is…"

"You could travel with me. But I have several errands to run so it'll take least four days to reach the temple."

Harry frowned in thought. "How long does it usually take for a civilian to reach the temple?"

"A day," Ichigen said sheepishly.

"You must have a lot of errands to run." Without Hedwig, travelling with someone means less chances of getting lost. I managed to get lost in the village itself. But do I want to go away for so long? Especially with Naruto… Harry sighed.

"You don't have to come with me. I could send a message to the temple to expect you earlier."

"When are you leaving?"

"I'll be leaving an hour before sunset tonight. I need to reach a meeting with some suppliers tomorrow."

Tonight? But Naruto… No! This has to be done. Harry shook his head. "I'll take the job. But I'll need to travel with you, if you don't mind. I'm not good with directions to new places on my own."

X-X-X-X-X

Potions, food, clothes, more food, non-magical books, sleeping-bag, food again... Harry grinned at his small backpack that lay on the couch. Shrinking charms definitely lighten the load.

Harry grabbed the scroll, which had all his magical things, and checked the straps carefully. He dropped the scroll in surprise when his apartment's front door slammed open just as the spell-alarms blared in his mind.

"Don't go!"

Harry turned and stared at a hysterical Naruto.

"Please don't go!" Naruto grabbed Harry's sleeves with a panicked expression as Hedwig barrelled in to Harry's chest. "I know I'm clingy and… what kind of teenager starts calling their cousin nii-san after knowing them for less than a week. I know you wanted to talk to me because you didn't want to meet with me anymore because I was selfish and I stole Heduwigu-sama. Which is understandable, and I'll try to be better and not bother you…so don't go away!"

"What…" Harry blinked at his cousin. That didn't make any sense.

"Please don't move away from Konoha." Naruto's voice hitched. "I'm sorry. I won't bother you. And you can't leave forever before your check-up with Sakura. What if something happens to your hands and…"

"Naruto." Harry grabbed his cousin's shoulder. "Calm down. What's this about me leaving forever?"

Naruto coughed thickly. "I heard you were becoming a monk…"

Harry blinked. "I'm only going to the temple for a job. You know, to fix things." Then he frowned as he processed the rest of Naruto's words. "I never thought you were clingy. Why would…" And if you consider yourself selfish, what does that make me?

Naruto looked away.

"And even if you were, I wouldn't just leave." Harry sighed, knowing he could justify his behaviour. "That day, I just had a lot on my mind. I don't have a problem with you calling me nii-san. You could call me green and I wouldn't care." Harry smiled when Naruto snorted. "So I thought you wanted space and you thought I wanted space. We're both ridiculous, huh?"

Naruto nodded unsurely.

Let's leave the awkward talk for some other time. Harry grinned. "You thought I was becoming a monk?"

Naruto's cheeks coloured. "I didn't hear everything they said."

Harry snorted. "And about you stealing my owl…"

"I'm sorry." Naruto bowed his head.

"Let me finish." Harry pushed Naruto's head up. "Naruto, she's too smart to get stolen, so don't say such ridiculous things."

Hedwig hooted softly and rubbed her head against his chest.

"Yeah, I missed you too." Harry patted her head. "Are you coming with me, then? You can stay with Naruto if you want…"

Hedwig flew up to his shoulder and flapped her wings.

Harry smiled. "Thankfully your owl treats are still in the scroll."

"You're still going?"

Harry tilted his head to the side. "I have to."

"But…"

"Isn't your teacher's coming back in a few days? You won't even notice me gone." Harry frowned when Naruto slumped. "What?"

"He's not getting back till next week."

According to all the gossip, wasn't he just discharged from the hospital? I wonder where he went. "I'll be back before you know it. Even if we travel at a snail's pace, the trip would just take a week a so."

"But you just got here!"

"Yeah." Harry rechecked his backpack. "But he's a monk. It's just one of those things, you know. Always help a monk because you never know when you'll need their help."

Naruto said, "Really?"

"Must be." Harry shrugged. "All I know is I already agreed to take the job. I can't back out."

Naruto looked away morosely.

"Since I'll be gone for a while, I'll need someone to look after my plants. Can't have them dying." Harry reached into his pocket, pulled out a spare apartment key and placed it in Naruto's hand. "Plus I have way too many groceries that'll spoil. You can eat those wh…"

"Harii! Are you packed?"

Harry sighed as Kotetsu entered the apartment. "You really have the worst timings."

"It's not like I did it on purpose. Just wanted to walk you to the gate after making sure you were packed. How was I supposed to know…"

Harry turned to Naruto. "I've left instructions about how to take care of the plants. I thought I'd ask Izumo to look after them, but since you're here I think you're the better option."

"I was never even an option?" Kotetsu mumbled from beside the door.

"Syrup is not appropriate plant food." Harry replied but kept his eyes on Naruto. "What do you say?"

Naruto curled his fingers around the key. "I'll make sure your apartment remains perfect."

"I'm sure you'll do a good job." With the spells lacing every window no one's getting in through there. Harry shouldered his backpack and tied his scroll to the middle of his back. "Just keep Kotetsu away and the plants will thrive."

"Hey!" Kotetsu protested. "Is this the thanks I get for coming all the way here to escort you to the gate?"

"You thought I'd get lost?" Harry asked as he locked the apartment door.

"Depends," Kotetsu said with a triumphant smirk, "do you know which gate you're supposed to be at?"

Harry blinked in confusion. "There's more than one gate?"

"There are four gates in addition to the main gate Izumo and me are usually stationed at."

So me getting lost from all the conflicting directions the other day… Harry frowned. It was because there's more than one gate? Not because I was without Hedwig and sleep deprived?

"… lets people reach certain training grounds or their properties outside quicker."

"Properties outside?" Harry asked. realizing that it made sense to have training grounds outside and away from the civilians.

Kotetsu nodded. "Yeah, the Nara have a large forest area surrounded by mountains for their deer…"

Harry stopped in the middle of the unfamiliar narrow road. "But their deer are in the village. I saw them in the forest and we didn't pass any gates to reach them."

Kotetsu snickered. "They keep a few deer close at hand in case of emergencies."

"Close at hand? Few deer? But…" that means they're rich! Harry turned to Naruto. "Did you know about that?"

Naruto scratched his neck thoughtfully. "I kinda remember going to one of their labs in the mountains."

"Labs?" Harry felt stunned at knowing nothing about the Naras and being comfortable in his ignorance.

Naruto nodded. "They make medicine from the deer."

"I…" Harry followed them on to a small wooden bridge and paused once again. "There's a stream in the village?"

X-X-X-X-X

Izumo took the stamped papers from the ninja on duty at the desk and handed it to Harry. "Got all your papers, now?" Harry nodded, propped his backpack on the desk and shoved the papers in one of the inner compartments.

"Food?" Kotetsu stared at Harry's backpack.

"And the new map I gave you," Izumo said and prodded the backpack. "In case you get separated."

Harry rolled his eyes. "You do realize I've travelled before."

Both men stilled. Then Izumo snorted. "Kotetsu gets lost with a map."

"What are you talking about? You're the one with the bad sense of direction."

Thankfully, they don't know about me getting lost the day before yesterday. Harry shook his head in exasperation and turned to Naruto but tensed at Naruto's serious expression. "What's wrong?"

Naruto fidgeted. "I should go with you."

"Err…" Harry turned to Izumo and Kotetsu and found them grinning at him. He ignored them and turned back to Naruto. "Wouldn't you need the Hokage's permission for that?"

"She should let me go." Naruto mumbled in irritation. "We'd reach the temple in less than a day. You could fix whatever is broken and then we can come back. You wouldn't have to travel for so long. And then you can get you check-up too. I'll go ask her…"

Hopefully, Izumo didn't notice that check-up bit. Are farewells usually this embarrassing? Harry looked up at the pink sky. "You guys… I'll be fine travelling with Ichigen. Plus the extra time will let me see more of Fire Country."

"I suppose." Naruto slouched and shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Do you want me to get you anything?" Harry asked as he tightened the straps of his backpack making sure it was secure.

"I want a…"

Harry turned to Kotetsu. "I wasn't asking you!"

"But," Kotetsu's expression crumpled.

"You look constipated." Harry grinned and turned to Naruto when Kotetsu huffed in exasperation. "What do you want?"

"Want, ah well, nothing." Naruto looked down at his feet. "Just…"

Harry leaned closer to Naruto. "Just?"

"Just come back soon."

"I'll try." Harry ignored the snickers from Izumo and Kotetsu and awkwardly patted Naruto's hair. Hedwig hooted at Naruto and took to the air.

Harry turned to Ichigen who just smiled and said, "Ready to leave?"

That serene smile… I guess he's really a monk. Harry looked over his shoulder and waved as he passed the green gates. "I'll see you in a week or so."

"I'm surprised you're bringing such a large scroll," Ichigen said as they moved away from the gate.

"Just in case I find something on the way." Like another long-lost relative.

Ichigen nodded. "One of our stops is famous for their handmade furniture. I'm sure you'll find something there."

Furniture? Harry sighed in exasperation but listened as Ichigen talked about the stops they'd make. As they reached a turn in the road, Harry turned for one last glimpse of the village. He paused when he caught sight of orange by the gate. Harry waved and grinned when the orange figure jumped up and waved back.

"First time he's seen you go out to travel?"

"Yeah." Harry waved back one last time as the gate disappeared from view.

"Oh, then he'll be anxiously waiting for you to get back."

Waiting for me? Harry looked up at Hedwig and smiled. I can't wait to get back now.