Hey guys, filler time! Like I mentioned in the previous chapter, this one contains a bunch of side stories that most likely would have been unable to be put in future chapters. I made these originally with the intent on lengthening my chapters, but since this fic will be over in the next… 10 or so updates, I wanted to put out the ones that I have been promising for a while. This does not mean that there will be no more side stories… it's just a precaution.

Just a heads up, I tried to make these in chronological order, but are not back to back. I will state when these happen in correlation to the main story.

Thank you guys for the fave, follows and reviews!

Venahope: Oh god B… I have been dreading for his arrival in the fic, love the character, love him a lot… but I can't rap. Do forgive me if I keep his appearance brief, and he won't be getting Samehada since Kisame won't fight him.

Ringo1327: I know, but I have school to deal with so I can't update more often. Not to mention with my level of standards now, I need to make sure I can keep on producing quality chapters.

MidnaMoo: It was pretty obvious that I would bring him back. ^^ No way could I continue the fic without my SI, it wouldn't feel right doing that.

Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf: Konan is my favorite female character, I hated that she died due to Kishimoto pulling a brand new jutsu out of nowhere. Oh man… if canon Deidara met Fugaku and Mikoto he would lose his marbles. From a western standpoint Fugaku is not the best father, but in my opinion with how fathers are portrayed in Japanese animes that take place in modern Japan… Fugaku is actually a pretty good father. He at least spends time with his kids, even if it's to train them. The novels actually hint that he was pressured to do a lot of things from his unhappy clansmen, so the poor guy had a lot of crap to deal with.

himekuroyuki853: Hope everything is doing good with your testing! The 5 Kage Summit arc is gonna be fun for me to write.

Guest: I'm using the Japanese anime, and when Tobirama and Hashirama meet Sasuke. At one point he calls Hashirama ani. Animes and manga are never consistent with honorifics.

Pr1nc3ss K3nny: I don't plan on giving the kids the speech impediment, as that would be hard to keep up with in typing and the twins are gonna be doing… twin stuff. So you know, talking a the same time and such when they get older.

MLOM: Yeah, I know it's a little anticlimactic but it was something I've been wanting to do for months now, so I did it anyway. Sakura is a pretty forgetful character, if she was on any team but the main team, I bet she would be forgotten pretty quickly… or if the fan community didn't make her a meme with how useless she was she would have been forgotten.

silentnight00: Madara really cares about Deidara, so at this point his reactions are always fun to write.

TheDeadGirlRisen: Thanks for giving my story a chance! I always get really excited when readers test out my story and finding out that they like it!

Nekoboy13: Oh well, if you don't like the story I ain't gonna force you.

Roberto Pelotudo: I had to use google translate/my beta who can read Spanish to translate for me, thanks for taking a look!

hartman227: Thank you! Glad you are liking the story!

Warning: Violence, language, homosexual relationships and petty old fossils, polite Deidara, pregnancy mood swings, crossdressing, Anko. My beta and I had fun listing these.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. Nuff said.


Side story #13 Ukon and Sakon (whenever Deidara became an ANBU captain, I forgot if that happened on screen yet so that's why it's on the top)

I fold my arms, pleased with the sight in front of me. In Tsunade's office stood Ukon and Sakon wearing ANBU masks. Their masks were definitely different from the normal masks, they remind me of traditional western theater masks with half being white and the other black. Sakon had the one with the giant smile and Ukon had the frowning mask. Thankfully, it was the 2D style and not the hyper-realistic designs.

"Deidara, Ukon and Sakon have agreed to be a part of your squad. They go under the code name… Gemini? I never heard of it, but I'm assuming you taught them that word." Besides Tsunade, there was also another person. A very familiar dark haired boy with a white birds mask, random ink splatters covering it.

We just need a genjutsu user and this group would be perfect.

Slipping on my mask, I change my voice and hairstyle, "This will be a trial run for you two. I am Okami and the one next to me is Magpie*, we will give you details on the way." Without warning I leap out the window and was pleased when the three teens were hot on my heels.

Sakon inclined his heads towards me, "What's the mission?"

"A daimyo wants a scroll that was stolen from him back. Intel located the bandits that took it, our job is to get in, get the scroll then get out while causing as little issues as possible." As disappointing as it was that we couldn't go and kill them all, there was a tiny problem with doing that.

Ukon scoffed, "Why don't we kill everyone?"

"Because it's mostly guarded by rogue samurai that all worked in the Land of Iron."

Everyone went silent. We heard of the rumors about these samurai. They're powerful, enough to take on strong shinobi, even the Akatsuki avoided them most of the time. Stealth is of the most importance in this operation and my jutsu are anything but stealthy.

But that's what Sai is for.

We reach the hideout by nightfall, all of us easily morphed into the shadows even with my stupidly bright blond hair. A plus on samurai, they're strong and honorable… but I've met goats that were smarter than some of these idiots.

Ukon and Sakon morphed into one form and Sai released ink rats to scurry the hideout. I, on the other hand, wanted to keep people busy. Which is why I caused… a little show.

"KATSU!"

The sky illuminated with fire and smoke, the explosions were almost deafening as samurai and missing nin scrambled to find the source of the explosion. No one was getting hurt and I remained hidden. At some point I began filling my clays with dyes, causing multiple men to come out of the smoke looking like the Easter Bunny used them as a canvas.

Thinking that this was satisfactory, I sneak inside after the boys… I did say the point of this mission was to be stealthy… right?

"Heh! These guys are so weak!" Sakon was currently gutting a shinobi while Ukon was possessing a samurai. Sai was… letting this happen. If I was a cat I would be puffed up by now.

I grit my teeth together, "Magpie, keep them in line while I collect the scroll." They really are ment for close combat and speed, I cannot picture them sneaking at this point. A nod from Sai sent me in the direction of the scroll. The entire area was guarded, since our cover was going to be blown from the pastel posse outside, I just used a C4.

Once the guards were killed, I kick open the door and found the scroll in a matter of seconds. Absentmindedly grabbing a handful of scrolls that this group had also stolen and pocketed them.

"Okami… why don't we just destroy this group right away?" Sai motions to the fact that Ukon and Sakon are already killing more men, "It would save the trouble of dealing with them later."

He… has a very good point.

"We were not ordered to wipe them out. And as ANBU our duty is to follow Hokage-sama's orders to a T without fail." I grab the twins by their collar and yanking them back, "That includes getting out of here. Now." My tone left no room for argument, we fled the building before more guards could show up.

Dropping off the scroll to Tsunade, I read through the scrolls I did take and was pleased with what I found. With a satisfied smile I make a beeline for Ukon and Sakon's apartment, barging in.

"Wanna finish what you started, un?"

After all, she gave the orders to not kill when an ANBU. She never said we couldn't deal with them in our own free time.

Side Story #14 Mei and Anko (When Deidara ditched the Sora arc)

What do you get when you have two pregnant women in the same room together? A ton of tears and emotional moments… and if you have long hair you become a dress up doll.

"Dei-chan! Your hair looks so cute when put down!"

"Haku please stay still while I paint your lips."

The things we do to please the women we love. Currently, I'm being forced into a frilly Victorian style outfit that reminds me way too much of Ciel Phantomhive's clothes from Kuroshitsuji, but with long pants. I don't even want to know HOW Anko got her hands on western clothes. I am also dying as she grabs large chunks of my hair and is trying to curl it. I don't like heat and I don't like my hair being messed with.

Haku is having it easier, Mei is turning him into a little Japanese porcelain doll… to be fair, she's shoving him in a 12-layer kimono. So the misery is mutual between us.

We had initially said no to the dress ups, but since it was their baby shower and some crying convinced us to let them do as they pleased. Behind us was a bunch of giggling women. Relatives of Mei's and some of her close friends had come to celebrate the lives growing in her's and Anko's stomachs.

"Oh they are just dolls!"

"If only the blond wasn't married, so handsome in that suit."

"I wonder if he knows about Haku-kun's girlfriend?"

I love gossiping women sometimes. Eyeing Haku, I give him a smirk, "Well then…" He chose to ignore me, but I could see the blush under all that powder.

Once we were dressed, all of the women got out cameras and started taking photos. I love dressing people up, but I hate being the doll in the activity. Needless of my petty complaints, I posed as they asked and even took pictures with the women, Anko and Mei included. Haku just had to sit there and look pretty for his photos.

Speaking of Haku, he gently turns his head to Mei, "May I wear my normal clothes now… kaa-san?" The room went silent as Mei's eyes slowly lit up with glee. Shit, hormonal happiness, time to cover my ears.

"You called me kaa-san!" Mei clapped her hands in delight as she hugged Haku tightly. She suddenly bursted into tears as Haku struggled to hug back, "I-I never thought you w-would c-call me that! Yes, you may change." She kisses her son on the cheek before drying her eyes. Damn, she bounced back fast. I guess she's going to have more mood swings than some pregnant women.

I had to help Haku out of his kimonos, they never seemed to end as I just tossed layer after layer. Once we got to the undergarment layer, I allowed Haku to dress in his normal shinobi gear by himself. For some reason, my suit is extremely comfy, so I'm going to keep it on until it's time to leave.

While the girls opened their gifts, Haku slipped out of the room. Mei noticed and gave all her guests a knowing grin, now I'm curious. I look to Anko for permission to leave.

"Go on ahead Dei-chan, I'll be fine!" Now, usually when a woman says that, she really means "sit your damn ass down and be with me". But her frantic waving me away meant "gooooo aaaaawwwwwaaaayyyyyyyyyy", thankfully, she's as much of a shipper as I am.

Leaving the building, I used my sensing abilities to track down Haku in the village, the last thing I want to do is get lost in this place. This place is so easy to get lost in, turn left and you see mist, turn right and there's a wall… and then you go through the mist and there's a shinobi that wants to kill you. This is why I always keep clay on me at all time, kiddies.

Keeping my distance from him, I followed the boy to a little tea house where he sits at the table with someone already there. I couldn't see Haku's face, but zooming in my scope, I was pleasantly surprised to see a rather cute girl smiling at him. She was plain, not too pretty and not ugly in the slightest. She had shoulder length brown hair, large shiny brown eyes and a pale complexion like many civilians in Kiri. I didn't approach them. Their body language was enough for me to approve of this, Haku was earnestly talking to this girl while she patiently listened with an interested smile on her face. After he was done, she would begin talking then crack a joke. I never would have thought I would see that boy throw his head back in laughter, but here I am, watching him die at whatever she said.

"She's someone who makes medicine." Jolting slightly, I look up to see Zabuza watching with a calm gaze, "Pretty good at it too. Haku met her while he was gathering herbs and it bloomed from there. He's been teaching her how to use senbons and she's been teaching him her trade. The girl is named Yui and her father graduated a year after me from the academy."

I nod slightly before returning my attention to the pair, Yui slid something to Haku and I see her say "Mei-sama". Haku looked into the bag before smiling brightly at her, nodding in what appeared to be approval.

"Got Mei-chan a gift, un. She seems sweet." I hear Zabuza grunt in agreement, of course he would approve of her. I could tell she was a gentle soul, perfect for the boy, I could just imagine them growing old and still having such loving smiles as they do now. He doesn't need some glamor girl or kunoichi to be his love, he just needs someone who will give him as much love as he gives them.

"Now… please tell me why you are dressed like this?" Zabuza lightly kicks my leg as Haku and his lady leave the tea shop, still chatting. I finally got a good look of Haku's face before looking at Zabuza in annoyance, and yes, the boy is completely head over heels for this girl.

I look down at myself before blushing in embarrassment, "Mei-chan and Anko made Haku and I dress up. This are comfy… so I got lazy, un." I really do look ridiculous in this outfit. Considering I'm a shinobi and not some fancy noble, I stick out like a sore thumb.

Suddenly, it felt really itchy, lovely… it has that kind of material.

"Urgh…" I press my hand against my chest, an odd habit I have to keep me from feeling itchy material, "I need to change, un."

"That's what I thought kid." He ruffles my hair, completely ruining whatever style Anko made it, "And don't curl your hair again, it makes you look… weird." Tell that to Anko. I still don't know what she did with it and now you ruined it.

30 minutes later I had showered and straightened my hair back to its normal appearance. Thankfully Mei understood my hatred for curly hair and agreed to let me use her bathroom. Her shampoo smelled nice, she uses quite a bit of natural products too.

Returning to the party room, I was greeted with a question that I… should have seen coming.

"Hey Dei-chan, what does a breast pump do? Sounds painful!"

...Maybe the Sora arc would have been less hectic… nahhhh.

Side Story #15 Ino (A few days after Hidan and Kakuzu's death)

'Okay… this is an odd state of development...' Was the one thought running through my head as I sipped tea at Ino's house. For some reason she had invited me over, wanting to discuss something important.

"I never got to properly thank you… for saving Asuma-sensei's life." I blink owlishly as Ino bowed her head to me, "So thank you… thank you so much."

For some reason, I lost my ability to taste the tea, and swallowing was harder, "You don't need to thank me Ino, I was doing my duties as Asuma's comrade… did you invite me just to talk about Asuma?" Now it was Ino's turn to give me big eyes. Honey, I live with an Uchiha, if I can read my husband I can read a teenage girl.

Not to mention, I was one before.

Ino tucked her hands close to her lap, fidgeting them causing her shoulders to shift. Why do girls in animes do that? Not to mention why to me? I thought girls only did this when expecting a kiss?

"You and… Itachi-san are happy… right? Even though you two are men?"

I nod, a few guesses start appearing in my head.

"Then… can… can it work with two women too?"

Okay, my guesses just dropped to one idea, "Depends on the girls, but it is possible. One of the perks to girls being together is that they understand how each others' bodies work, and can work with the emotional swings… and the need for chocolate." I had to smirk when Ino blushed at the comment.

"Wh-why do you always have to be so blunt? Can-can't you ever talk like a guy for once?!" Her eyes slammed shut as her voice went up several pitches. She's so red now.

"Nope, un. Get to your point hun."

Suddenly Ino stretched her neck out like a giraffe, "Can we talk somewhere else…?" I turn my head to see Inoichi entering the house, watching us with interest. Oh how I love this world's timing.

"Deidara-san."

"Yamanaka-sama." I dip my head in a bow then return my attention to Ino, "He's gonna learn eventually."

Ino made a displeased whiny sound before shrinking in her seat, "I… like… Karin…" I blink once, "Fine… I… love Karin… a lot… and I… think she feels the same…" I could hear Inoichi's back straighten suddenly.

"Better go ask her then. I heard some cute boys thinking about asking her out. Something about wanting to… what was his wording…? 'Getting some with the sexy redhead', un? He didn't grunt though."

"WHAT?!" Owwwww Ino, you have a very high-pitched voice. She slammed her hand on the table before sprinting to the door, only stopping when Inoichi placed a hand on her shoulder, "... tou-san…?"

"I want you to be happy, and if this makes you happy, I will not argue… but I also want grandkids. So make sure you and Karin can give me some." With a loving smile, Inoichi gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead before sending her off to find Karin, "... Was this planned?"

I raise my hands in apathetic self-defense, "Nope. Those two fell in love on their own, I just brought Karin to the village, un." Hell, Karin met Ino through Sakura! I barely even spoke to Ino before the chunin exams, let alone acknowledged her existence, "I was banking on Ino dating this other boy I know… but I guess fate wanted to play their hands at this."

Inoichi paused for a moment to think about this, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "Granted, I would have turned down almost any boy she brought home… yes, Karin is good. Very good. I like the girl. She's smart and a little hot-headed like all Uzumakis. Ino needs someone she can butt heads with but still smile at the sight of them." Still muttering to himself, Inoichi left to talk with his wife. Father logic: All boys are potential threats to their daughters. Thankfully, this father likes his offsprings potential partner, saves me playing matchmaker later on.

Seeing no reason to stay any longer, I place the tea cup in their sink, rinsing it out then leaving.

I didn't look for them, I gave them their peace. But I also couldn't help but chuckle when I heard from Sakura the next day that Ino gave this one boy a bloody nose for asking Karin out. And I also silently cheered seeing them holding hands in the Yamanaka flower shop later that week.

Side Story #16 Kimimaro (A few days after mentioning that he needs to speak with the Hyuuga elders, when Naruto was learning rasenshuriken)

Kimimaro's POV

I couldn't stop fidgeting with my kimono as I waited for nii-sama to finish getting dressed. We were at his house preparing to go to the Hyuuga estate, and my heart would not stop hammering in my chest, a thousand fears flowed into my mind like a rapid river.

'What if they disapprove of Neji and me? What if we have to break up? Would being in a relationship with me shame Neji? What about otouto's potential relationship with Hinata-san?'

"Kimimaro, if you think any louder you're gonna start talking, un." I jump a foot in the air as Nii-sama almost dramatically flung the screen door open with a sharp clack. He leaned his forearm against the wooden frame, amused at my internal dilemma.

Even though I was in a plain dark blue mens Kimono, Nii-sama was wearing a woman's, as usual. Dark blue, almost black with lighter blue ocean patterns and an off-white Obi. His hair was tied up with a pair of ornamental chopsticks sticking out of the bun, and bangs pinned back to the side with some clips hidden behind his ears. Honestly, he looked like the matriarch of a clan than a shinobi of Konoha at this moment. But being married to Itachi does make him a matriarch of some kind.

Nii-sama tugged at his sleeve, "Like my kimono? I got it as a wedding gift from Mei. I'm surprised she remembered my size, un." Waltzing over to me, he double checks my clothes before nodding in approval.

"Y… Yes Nii-sama, it is beautiful." Slipping on my sandals, I followed him to the Hyuuga estate. Suddenly, the place became something I was afraid to enter.

Why was I so nervous? I've been coming here almost daily since Nii-sama introduced me to Neji… but the atmosphere felt so… different. Despite how loose the clothing was, I felt like I was suffocating under the cotton as we reached the gates. Nii-sama never once missed a beat in his step, never lowering his head or flinching as the gates open. Why couldn't I be brave like him?

A branch member escorted us to a large traditional room, in it were several elder Hyuuga men, Hiashi-sama and Neji. Neji was in a grey kimono, head bowed almost submissively as he sat next to Hiashi-sama. Not once did he look at me. The room was designed to make Nii-sama and I look like the inferior beings, out in the open for all eyes to see. Made me feel like a rat under a magnifying glass.

"You're late, Deidara." The scold was fake, Hiashi-sama was just as uncomfortable as Neji and I. The only ones that were calm were Nii-sama and the elders, but even then I could sense hints of weakness within the men.

"On the contrary, we are early." I snap my head at Nii-sama, he was using formal language, something I didn't even know he was capable of. Keeping his head high Nii-sama flattened his kimono at the shin as he sat on a cushion. I followed suit, sitting behind him as he is my guardian and thus the elders must talk to me through him. If I am to be spoken to at all.

Slowly sliding his hands from his lap to the tatami, Nii-sama bowed to the point where his forehead touched the ground, "A pleasure Hyuuga-sama and company. I am Uchiha Deidara, matriarch of the Uchiha clan and guardian of Kaguya Kimimaro. We hope you will be kind to us."

I sat there stiffly for a moment, before mimicking his actions, "My name is Kaguya Kimimaro, last member of the Kaguya clan. Please be kind to my elder brother." I felt humiliated, but pride was something to swallow in this incident.

Nobody moved for the longest time, it was like the elders were sizing us up. Eventually, what I assumed was Hiashi-sama's father, spoke up.

"You two have been trained in your manners well, despite neither of you being from higher ranked clans." I could hear the shuffling of a kimono, I am to assume he also bowed, but not as deep as Nii-sama and I. He was the elder and we were to be polite to him.

Only until Nii-sama breaks their control of course.

I hear Nii-sama raise and I follow suit, "We are here to discuss the relationship between Kimimaro and Neji, correct?"

"There is nothing to discuss, will not allow Neji to continue a relationship with another man. He will marry a Hyuuga woman and produce powerful children. He is too talented to die fruitless." My hand tightened its grip on my kimono, trying to contain my anger that was bubbling over. Thankfully, Nii-sama was the one doing the talking.

"Neji is a branch member and not part of the main house. Him not producing children has no effects on the clan and you know this." Not once has he used his speech impediment… I have to wonder if he can actually control it.

"He is still our blood, and that blood shall continue."

"Then you should remove the curse mark on his forehead if that is the case."

"Impossible. The seal remains until he dies and then the byakugan is sealed away."

"But he is your grandson and directly related to you and your bloodline."

"Hizashi was born second and was made the leader of the branch. Neji will take that role when he is 18 and a marriage will be arranged for him."

"Why was Hizashi, your son, sentenced to be a branch member, yet I have met several Hyuugas that are the main house? Why does the main house consist of more than just you, Hiashi-sama and his children? Why are YOUR brothers," Nii-sama gestures to the other men in the room, "part of the main house, but the moment your wife had twins you ship the younger into the branch?"

Everyone was frozen, he had a point. It made no sense for there to be main house members like Ko, who is Hinata-san and Neji's relative but not directly part of Hiashi-sama's bloodline. I sneak a glance at Neji, who's entire attention was focused on my brother. Nii-sama had this odd ability to take people's history and twist them for his gain… what is he planning?

One of the elders spat out in hostility, "That is not the business of an outsider, especially one that doesn't understand how to dress correctly! We are here discussing these two boys' disgusting relationship!"

Disgusting? Neji and I love each other. I would give up my life to protect Hinata-san and Hanabi-chan just like him. How… how is our love… or Nii-sama and Itachi's love… any different?

Nii-sama didn't move for a moment, but then with the grace of a spider, he cups his right elbow with his left hand, and places his right palm under his jawline. His body slowly relaxed as a perfectly manicured nail lightly tapped his cheek and an almost feminine chuckle erupted from his chest. I couldn't see his expression, but I knew his infamous smile was on his lips.

"Neji and Kimimaro can easily produce children, as Itachi and I are expecting twins in a matter of months. Besides… I don't see how any of you have a right to decide their lives. All of you will be buried 6 feet underground before my own children even reach the academy." I could hear the smugness in his voice, like he won a game of shogi, "The fact that you had to bring my outfit into this is highly amusing. How could I not wear such a generous gift from the Mizukage?"

"How dare you-!"

"Your only hold of Neji is the mark on his forehead. I bet I could remove it in a week… no… before sunset. I could free the bird from its cage."

Hiashi-sama's father has been silent ever since Nii-sama brought up Hizashi and the flaws within the clan. With a tired sigh, the old man waved to Neji, "If you can remove his curse mark. I will not only adopt him into the main house… but he may also resume to have a relationship with your brother, provided that if they get married, they continue the Hyuuga bloodline." Something in my gut was telling me that he knew this was a bet that Nii-sama would win. The other elders seemed to scoff at the idea, but held their tongue.

Checkmate, "Neji, come here." Nii-sama waved Neji over with an authoritative tone. He scrambled to his feet to stand in front of my brother. Neji looked at me, the left corner of his mouth twitched, as if trying to smile at me but remembering where he was. I kept my eyes focused on his pale orbs. My faith in Nii-sama unwavered no matter what he planned, but the room felt cold. I didn't like this.

Without a word, Nii-sama shot to his feet and yanked the bandages off of Neji's forehead, the white material daintingly piled at his feet. Reaching into his sleeve, Nii-sama slammed a seal on Neji's forehead with an audible smack. When did he get that?

"Deidara-san?"

"Just let it happen Neji. RELEASE!"

Neji's toxic green mark glowed a painful red, like it was on fire. He collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain like a dying animal, screaming to the heavens as steam emanated from his forehead.

I got to my feet and quickly kneeled beside him, letting him grip onto my hand as it was the only thing he seemed to be able to consciously do besides scream. I noticed all of the Hyuugas had their byakugan activated, watching this whole ordeal from Neji's chakra points. But Neji wouldn't stop screaming, every breath was released in this foreign sound that I have never heard from this boy before. Why wouldn't it stop…?

I feel Nii-sama's fingers dig into my scalp, massaging it as he coldly stared at the elders, "I'll inform Tsunade of the update, un." With that statement, Neji went limp.

Panicked, I place my head on his chest, sighing with relief as I heard his heart racing. I look up to my brother, "Nii-sama… what did you do?" In the corner of my eye, it looked as if the curse mark was scorched off, as there was only faint black lines where the mark use to be.

"I removed the mark, didn't know it would hurt him that badly though. I tested it once on a branch member of my ANBU squad as they were dying and he didn't want to return to Konoha. That burned mark should heal, un." He said it so casually, like he didn't just change Neji's fate, "Go put him to bed Kimimaro, you can stay the night with him. Is that alright, Hiashi-sama?"

"I have no qualms with that, they have shared a bed plenty of times before..." I feel my cheeks heat up at the tone, was he implying...? Oh Kami, please no, there are elderly people in the room.

I could feel Nii-sama perk up in interest before patting my shoulder, "Baby, I know you are just experimenting with Neji… but no sex before marriage and do use a condom anytime you want disobey me and get frisky."

Nii-sama, please stop. We are in front of Neji's grandfather and great uncles! How can he go from serious and formal, to openly tease me like this in a matter of seconds?

"Hanabi was the one that discovered them, then asked me questions. Her byakugan training has allowed her to see beyond walls now." That makes it worse!

"Oh really? Mind if I take her in as a student? I miss training others, un."

"I usually wouldn't argue, but Hinata's rebellious phase was bad enough with your influence. Hanabi is already getting an attitude that I do not want you to encourage."

"Oh come on Hiashi-sama, it was just nail polish and makeup, she was experimenting. Girls do that, un." When was this?

Seeing the subject being diverted away from us, I adjust Neji and pick him up bridal style. Nii-sama helped Neji wrap his arms around my neck so carrying him was easier. He kissed me on the cheek before looking to the elders again, "I hope we will not have a repeat of this when Naruto comes for Hinata's hand in marriage, un." Like a ghost, Nii-sama disappeared through some doors and left the estate.

I slowly made my way to Neji's bedroom, keeping attention on his sleeping face. On occasion he would nuzzle against my chest, before sighing and resume his death like state. Reaching his room, I lay Neji in his bed and lay down next to him so the first thing he sees is me. I want to make sure he knows that I am not going to abandon him.

Brushing the long, chocolate bangs off his face, I scoot over and kiss his now mark free forehead. I've kissed this forehead so many times before, and now I can kiss it knowing that he was no longer bound to the fear of a sudden death. Taking his hand in mine, I close my eyes with a tired sigh.

"I'll see you in the morning Neji… I love you, my beautiful sparrow*."

Side Story #17 Suigetsu (Literally the next day after Sasuke walked in on Deidara and Itachi… you all know what I'm talking about)

"Duck-kun, you are so grounded, un." I tapped my foot impatiently as Tsunade signed the last bit of documentation the following day of Sasuke returning with Suigetsu and Jugo. The two teens were wilting under my imposing aura while Sasuke was glaring at me heatedly.

"You can't ground me!" Oh? Wanna act like a child? Bring it on.

"Love?" I cross my arms, not even looking at Itachi standing behind me.

"Sasuke listen to Deidara, you are indeed grounded. No paints for a week." I love having this kind of power.

Sasuke sputtered incomprehensible sentences, staring at Itachi in disbelief. Beside him, Suigetsu was dying of laughter, howling even.

"Man Sasuke, you really messed up big time huh? You should have known that leaving Konoha without telling anyone would have gotten you in trouble~" He leans against the Uchiha in amusement, poking his cheek. Sasuke could only huff in annoyance looking away, "That or he's sore from last night."

I feel my cheeks heat up, "I swear to Kami…" Before I could strangle the teen, Itachi shoves a piece of chocolate into my mouth. I don't know when he got chocolate, but the raging beast has been calmed… for now.

"That is enough." Tsunade sighed in annoyance as she hands me some documents, "Have the person you want incharge of Suigetsu sign this. Sasuke, since you are the only one able to control Jugo, you will be incharge of him." Slumping in her chair she waved us off, which we all happily left the room as a result.

Sasuke looked to Jugo and nods in contemplation, "You'll live in my house for the time being, I'll see if Naruto can help me find a seal for your nature chakra." I… actually never thought of that, if Jugo can control his nature chakra without Sasuke, he could live a normal life. I doubt the boy wants to be a shinobi, he's more of a passifict than Itachi… and that says a lot. Birds lands on him frequently!

Jugo nods to Sasuke in gratitude, "I will follow you wherever you go." That… sounds familiar.

Sasuke looks to me deadpanned, "Should I introduce him to Kimimaro? He acts just like him."

Oh right! Kimimaro! I shrug, "Depends, Kimimaro doesn't socialize well with people like him." He even told me one time how he finds people like him infuriating. I sincerely cannot tell if my brother just deals with his own personality or he's a hypocrite.

Sasuke thought about this for a moment before sighing, walking off with the ginger on his heels. This left Suigetsu at my mercy.

The boy began to sweat water, I don't think this kid has anything in his body but water, "Um… you're not still mad at the whole sore comment… right?"

"I-" Another chocolate shoved in my mouth, "... love my beautiful husband and his knowledge of me. Come on, un." I head out of the building with a terrifed teenage and Itachi having this smug grin on his face. He always acts like this when I'm in chocolate mode… damn him and knowing my weaknesses.

Suigetsu kept a good five paces behind, before catching up and whispering to Itachi, "Are you sure that's a man? He acts like a woman." Thank you for noticing my charms, I can still hear you.

I could hear Itachi chuckle softly, "Considering I am his husband, I sincerely hope I would know his gender by now."

"... You and Sasuke are so alike."

"Hn."

"Damnit, that's a family thing huh?"

"You get use to it, un." I look over my shoulder at the pair, "Took me a while to understand what they said. And yes, every Uchiha does that." Except Obito, never heard him make that grunt, but he was always more Naruto than Uchiha. If he suddenly started saying a variation of "dattebayo" I wouldn't be surprised.

Reaching a large pond, we met up with Kisame who was lounging at the dock. I had sent a bird to him with a note asking to meet us here that morning. Watching the two look at each other was like holding a treat in front of puppies… deadly shark puppies.

"Well… Look what we have here. Mangetsu's little brother Suigetsu, all grown up. Uh… what is he doing here?" Kisame went from amused to confused at a record breaking speed, limply pointing at the boy in question to us.

"Sasuke brought him into the village, Dei thought you would like to train him and keep an eye on him." Itachi's face was back to being passive, talking to his former partner casually. Kisame visits often, but I have heard from Kakashi that he's been training swordplay and water techniques to promising academy students.

"I don't mind, but shouldn't it be better for Zabuza to train him?" Kisame sweat drops as Suigetsu inched towards Samehada, "My sword."

"Come on Kisame-senpai, let me fight you for it! I'm itching to get my hands on that sword!" They sound like children.

I rub the bridge of my nose, "I'm shipping him to Kirigakure after I get news from Zabuza. He's busy, with Mei being pregnant and everything, un." Mei has been nothing but an emotional mess the entire time she has been pregnant. On multiple occasions, I have heard Zabuza was nearly killed by her kekkei genkai because of a comment he made.

"Zabuza-senpai has a woman? Is she hot?" Suigetsu whistled in approval at my nod, not realizing that the nod was to the first question, "When was this?"

"A couple of years ago, I introduced him to the Mizukage and they hit it off almost instantly, un." I take a step back as Kisame got sick of Suigetsu trying to get handsy with his mummy looking sword. Without giving the teen any warnings, he swings Samehada at him, turning half of Suigetsu's body into water, "Play nice you two, un!"

Without another word, I grab Itachi's hand and drag him away as the whole area became a water battle. Well, at least the plants are going to get watered. I'll give Kisame the paperwork later.


So much happened in this chapterrrrrrrrrrr, my personal favorites were the Kimimaro and the Ino parts, they were ones that I have been dying to type out for a long time. To be honest I am a little surprised that no one guessed that Ino would be with Karin… considering I always have them together. But in any case, I wrote the Kimimaro one from his perspective because it would be more interesting to see everything from his eyes, the confusion and anger towards the elders as they tried to remain traditional all made this fun to write. Sorry if the old farts offended anyone, but that is the harsh reality that many homosexual couples face, some people just will not accept it. Thankfully Deidara was able to keep Neji and Kimimaro together.

* In Japanese culture, sparrows are known for their loyalty and honor while in the west they have various meanings. One of my personal favorites is their symbolism to protect, which fits Neji's character as by Shippuden he is determined to protect Hinata and his family, while in this fic he wants to protect not only his family… but also Kimimaro.

* Magpies are black and white birds that have random patterns on them… that's it. No special symbolism was considered when deciding Sai's ANBU code, please ignore anything google may tell you about the birds.

Next chapter will have the 5 Kage Summit arc, I'm not sure if it will be broken into two parts or not… I doubt it, lot less drama now that Sasuke is good. So I expect to be one chapter.

As always, reviews are loved and I will see you guys next week.

Bye!