Butterflies

"Me? I'm nobody. I'm not skilled like Uchiha-san. I am not passionate like Haruno-san. I am not smart like Nara-san. I'm not as strong as Chouji-san. I'm not as collected as Aburame-san. Or as pretty as Yamanaka-san. I'm not as confident as Inuzuka-san. If anything, I'm like Hyuuga-san, socially awkward. Oh wait, no, she's just shy. The socially awkward one is me." OC! Team 7 remix!

Chapter 55 – A different kind of mission

8-8

Having gotten back to my usual chaos, my usual insanity, my life… I find myself missing Ryruuzetsu. Still, her father will be back for her.

So imagine my surprise when the elders ring on once again, asking to speak with me. Can I go on another mission, please?

"If you're here to repeat past offences, I promise you that you'll find I grow less welcoming each time." I warn them.

"No, Aya. We're here to beg a favour. The Third had faith that you and Uzumaki-kun could turn enemies into allies. We have need of that talent." The man begins.

"… I'm listening."

"The Kazekage's children. No one that speaks to them can reach them. We would have you try." She explains

Hmm, no harm in trying, but… "What are you suggesting, exactly?"

"We don't know how you work, Aya. All we know is that you and your partner have built up stronger bonds in mere months than most manage in a lifetime. Speak with them. More we do not ask." He explains.

"I'll see what I can do." I say, wondering if that will be all.

"As well… we've received word that Grass is sending shinobi to collect their people. The girl… her father didn't make it." That hits me. Poor Ryuuzetsu… she'll be crushed. "We would have you there by her side when she hears of it. She has, after all, been asking for you."

"When will they be arriving?"

"Tomorrow, we should think. Perhaps the day after." I'm told.

"… Why do you want me there?"

"You know why we want you there. However, that you want to be there is by far more important. We are not heartless."

I'm not sure if I believe that, but it's none of my business. "Was there anything else?"

"Yes… We would like an update on Jiraiya's mission."

"They've found trails, but the target's still eluding them." I answer evenly. They look at me curiously. "I talk to him every day. Even if I don't bother him for mission details, I know he's been complaining about how this person is a slippery one."

"Do you know who they are searching for?" She asks.

"No, I don't. He didn't tell me, I didn't ask. If it was important for me to know, I would know." They share a look, but I don't care why. "Look, if there's nothing else?"

"One last thing… we would like to appoint an Anbu to guard you."

"No. I already have one, and one I trust. Good day." I turn and leave them standing there.

8-8

"Oi, how's my newest patient doing?" I tease the redhead half asleep on my bed. "You know, we still haven't been introduced? I'm Namiki Aya. Please, just call me Aya."

"Uzumaki Akira. And I'm doing much better now, thank you." She says, smiling. Karin is laying on the bed next to her, cuddled up with her mother. "I… Karin's been telling me how you and your family have taken such good care of her."

I snort. "Even after she tried breaking my flute."

"Oi! I said I was sorry!"

I wave her off, opening my cache. I go through my blades, looking for my old tanto – the pink one that isn't chakra conducting. "Ha! There you are!" I cry, picking it up and cradling it. "You're just the ticket I need."

"Hnn? Aya-chan, are you okay?" Karin asks.

"I'm great. I just… need to do something is all." I say vaguely. I close my cache, sealing the tanto in my glove once again. I'm once again back to having my kodachis on my back and my tanto just above the summoning scroll. "Hey, I'm heading out for a while. Karin, when Akira-san has rested a bit, please don't forget to introduce her. It wouldn't do if a packmate wasn't properly introduced."

"Yes, ma'am." Karin's all smiles.

"And make sure to tell Hina-nee that I want Akira-san to start medical training as well. I don't know what that whole biting thing was about, but… no. Just no. Not in this house. Too Dracula-in-reverse for my liking. I'm not sure if she's had any formal training in sealing, but if you can't work her in, have Hina-nee help. Asami and Naruto won't be back for some time, so we'll have to trudge along as best we can until then. They know she's here though, so don't worry about that."

Both redheads gaze at me, plainly shocked.

"Something on my face?"

"No, no!" Karin answers a little too quickly. "I… wasn't expecting you to accept her so easily."

"It's a medic thing. I'm off."

"Hey, Aya. Where're we going?" Hitomi is on me in an instant.

"I… have a present to deliver."

8-8

I make my way out to South Gate, check out of the village, and start nosing around the refugee camp set up. There isn't much to see, it's just one big tent and a lot of vaguely familiar faces mulling about. Doctors I know, patients I'd tended to.

And… a very sullen looking Ryuuzetsu. I unseal the pink tanto from my glove, walking up to her. She eyes me, unsure what to make of me just yet. Then her eyes notice the blade – even if the shade of pink is different, and the blade is somewhat shorter than the one she'd borrowed from me before, she sees similarities.

"Catch." I carefully toss it to her. She catches it, drawing the blade. Her eyes find mine, hope twinkling and mixed with wonder. "A friend told me you don't mind pink. So I figured this one might do some good."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I got a better one for my birthday, so I haven't used this one in some time. I figure you might put it to good use." I tell her, shrugging. "I'm Namiki Aya, by the way." She looks at my neck, noticing the headband there. She no doubt recognizes the shade of my glasses as well. She knows exactly who I am.

"Ryuuzetsu." She bows her head, suddenly not feeling so alone anymore.

"Pleasure to meet you, Tsu." I smirk. "Listen, can I talk to you privately? I've… got some news."

8-8

I hold onto the girl, letting her cry and grieve the man that sacrificed everything for her. I smooth her hair, not once uttering a word to her. Words will not help.

It's almost a half hour later when she speaks again. "Do you know how…?"

"No. I'd only heard about this because one of the village elders wishes for me to convince you to stay in Konoha. I doubt they wanted you to know yet." I tell her honestly.

"… Why are you even telling me this?"

"I lost my parents too. I know what it is to hold on to that hope you'll see them again…"

"But…" She's probably thinking back on my talks with Shika-nii during the trip here.

"I found people that care for me as their daughter, but my biological parents are long gone." I explain seriously, my tone downtrodden. "… I needed to be the one to tell you… because I know you don't want to make a fool of yourself when they come to bring you the news."

"… like you did?"

"Nn." I smile sadly, thinking back. "Some people I'd never met came and told me they were bringing me home. No one told me my mother was gone, so I thought…" I trail off, knowing she understands exactly what I thought. "When they brought me to the orphanage instead… when I finally understood what was going on, I… I died, you know?"

"N-nn." She nods, burying her face a little deeper into my neck. She's taller than me. Everyone's taller than me. But at least I'm starting to have half a boob. Stupid thought.

"I know you're not okay. You won't be okay for a long time… but, are you not falling apart right now?" I ask carefully, squeezing her a little.

She pushes me back a little, smiling even though she's still crying. "I will be after I get some chocolate."

"Tsu… you're in good hands." I smirk.

8-8

It took some doing. I mean, 'Wolf' has far more leeway than 'Aya', but Hitomi was able to step in and we've arranged a temporary visa to allow Ryuuzetsu into the village. And where do I drag them? To the bakery of course! The one Hina-nee loves. We buy all the chocolate we can stand. Hitomi, it seems, is also a chocolate fanatic, so we end up with at least twenty chocolaty pastries for us to try and compare.

Even with construction and the clean-up still in full swing… Konoha is home. So after we decide we can't even look at another pastry, I drag Tsu along with me showing her the sights.

"That's the Hokage Rock." I point, and Tsu seems authentically impressed by the monument. "From left to right are the Senju Hashirama, he's the First Hokage, Senju Tobirama, he's the Second and the First's little brother. Then Sarutobi Hiruzen, he's the Third. And last is Namikaze Minato, the Fourth. I know it might sound weird, but after the Fourth died, the Third became Hokage again… but he passed on during the invasion… Anyway, I've only ever known the Third. He was almost like a grandfather to everyone in the village, you know?"

"I've heard of the Third. He was hailed as the Professor, wasn't he?"

"Uh huh. One of the smartest men I've ever heard of, and trust me… I hang around Naras, so that's saying something."

"Naras?"

"Oh, sorry. The Nara clan, they've been with Konoha from the start. Naras seem to be the smartest, and often laziest, people around. You can always tell it's a Nara from the ponytail, black hair, beady eyes and constantly muttering 'troublesome'."

Just to prove my point, I notice a Nara – not one I recognize though. He takes one look at me, and mutters 'troublesome' under his breath.

"You know I'm right!" I say, making sure he can hear me, but he just waves it off. "Anyway, enough of that… I need to check on my patients. You mind tagging along?"

"… are you sure it's alright?" Ryuuzetzu asks, obviously nervous.

"They're in my house, if they have a problem with who I bring home then they can leave." I explain, teasing a laugh out of both of them.

"So you say, but you'll be the first to give them hell for trying to leave." Hitomi counters.

"Exactly… so they only have the option of accepting what I want."

8-8

Once home, I'm immediately ganged up on by a bunch of midgets. Sakiko is bubbling about something, and Udon is backing her up, and Moegi is trying to shout something over the others and Hanabi is trying to tell them to shut up…

"Oi! One at a time! You guys are so loud I can't even hear myself think!" I outshout them all. They calm down, barely but there's a difference. "Sis, let's start with you. What were you saying?"

"Katsuo, he totally got the first kata down that I was showing him, ya know!" Saki announces, obviously feeling proud of him. I pet her hair, telling her how proud I am of her that she's helping him. She, of course, blushes and grins, puffing out her chest to let the others know just how on top of the world she's feeling.

"Ooh! Me next!" Moegi announces. I nod to her. "I made a Sound Ball! It's not very stable yet, and it explodes on contact, but I made one!"

"That's really good, Moegi! And don't worry about it being unstable. Even Hinata needs to work on that. I'm really proud of you!" I praise, happy to see her glowing from the attention.

"I made one too, but it kind of fell apart on its own." Udon admits, rubbing the back of his head embarrassed.

"That's okay. I'll show you a trick that helped me when I first started out. It really helped me. Tonight, after dinner. I expect all of you in the dojo for formal training again, alright?" They all cheer, loving it when I find time for them – more like create time… I soo need to get my chakra reserves up to scratch so I can learn the shadow clone jutsu… there's no way I can keep up with the demands on my time this way.

"Ooh! Me, me! Me next!" Haruki gets in on the action. He's usually so shy and reserved, so if he's this excited, then it must be major! "Maki-sensei, she said she's going to try a regular day of training, since she's doing much better now!"

"That's wonderful!" I coo, happy that he really does look up to her. I wonder if I should check her before green lighting that? Hmm, it's for the best. I wasn't too impressed with her last examination, so I doubt her body can cope with a full day of training just yet. We'll see.

"Sakiko kinda spoiled what I wanted to say." Katsuo says, poking Sakiko in her side when she isn't expecting it. The two end up wrestling each other on the ground, tumbling in a jumbled heap over each other. Sakiko's been training for a while with us, so I don't doubt she'll come out on top.

"I think those two are as good as married." Hanabi points out.

"You tayg that bagk!" They both try, pinching each other's face so bad that it's deforming their words.

"Anyway. Hina-nee said my chakra control is good enough to start on simple medical jutsus!" Hanabi completely ignores the bickering pair – who are now fighting about the other not talking to Hanabi like that. "She's starting my training tomorrow."

"Oh my Kami, Hanabi, that's major! Congratulations!" I hug the girl, amazed that she's progressing like she is.

"Aww, Aya-nee! Now you're making us feel like our announcements weren't as big a deal!" Moegi complains, crossing her arms and pouting dramatically.

"Fine, fine." I wave it off. "Hugs. Now please!" They don't even hesitate. I'm almost buried in a wave of midgets – who are all now fighting that they want to hug me first. We all end up tumbling in the grass, laughing because Hanabi and Sakiko start a tickle war.

"My, my, you guys are certainly close." Oh no, I completely forgot about Ryuuzetsu!

"Guys?" No one reacts, too busy trying to defend their sides and tickle someone at the same time. "KNOCK IT OFF!" That gets their attention, but Sakiko still gets in one last poke in Katsuo's side – almost restarting the tickle war. "Everyone, this is Ryuuzetsu. Please come introduce yourselves. And if any of you start anything before everyone's been introduced, then I'm going to be banning your favourite foods for a month!"

"WHAT!?" They all hate the idea.

"That means no junk food either. And the one that starts it will have to explain the patients about the sudden junk food shortage." All of a sudden, they're angels – halos, white feathered wings, the whole package.

They take turns introducing themselves, bowing politely, even going so far as to welcome our guest into our home. They can be so sweet when they want to be – or when I bribe/threaten them with food or certain death (explaining to Hikaru and Kanon why they can't have junk food IS certain death).

"Alright, you all pass. As you were." And the tickle war is back on, worse than it was before. I just roll my eyes, motioning for Tsu and Hitomi to follow me.

8-8

"Jeez, we seem to be running into everyone today." I tease. Everyone's in the family sitting room – other than daddy, who's probably en route home from Sand. "Everyone that is as yet unaware, this is Ryuuzetsu. She'll be joining us for lunch and probably for dinner as well." Poor Tsu has to make her rounds introducing herself to everyone and giving them a chance to do the same.

"Maki, I hear you're going to try a full day's training?" I begin, getting an embarrassed grin from her.

"That's not quite how I worded it, but… more or less, yes. I wanted to get it cleared with you first though." She says.

"Good. I was going to suggest the same thing. I have time now?"

"After your rounds is fine, Aya-chan. We both know you dragged poor Ryuuzetsu into the wolf den so you can check on them." I smile, not bothering to deny that.

"Alright. I'll go deal with that now then, you and Minori mind keeping Tsu away from the more… paranoid among us?" My eyes flick to Kakashi and Momochi-san. Those two often forget they're in my house, so they tend to treat newcomers as if they've entered THEIR territory. Men, I swear… if they go in a house, it's automatically theirs.

"I'll keep an eye on them for you as well." Yasu-nee promises.

"Oh, perfect! Then there's nothing for me to worry about. Tsu, I'll be upstairs for a bit. If anyone gets on your nerves, tell a redhead or this woman right here." I link arms with Yasu-nee to show who I mean. "They know how to handle everyone here."

"I think I can manage, but thanks." Tsu rolls her eyes playfully, smiling at me.

8-8

"Kanon, we've been over this. You may be in therapy now, but that doesn't mean you should be practicing on the stairs. Stop running when I'm asking you to walk!" Kami-sama! Anbu Operatives are just impossible!

"Sorry, doc. I was doing good though!"

"Every time one of you says that, it means I have to put you back together again." I complain. Luckily I caught her just as she missed a stair, so the damage is minimal. "You know what? I think we're going to splurge and get you idiots some proper exercise equipment. I don't think my heart can take scenes like this anymore."

"Aw, doc… don't be like that." Kanon complains, obviously feeling horrible about me having to save her hide AGAIN.

I pick up the Akimichi woman like she weighs nothing –you get used to doing crap like this after all the times I've had to pick her up by now– and bring her back to her room. "Tell me I'm wrong then." She looks away, unable to answer. "Kanon, I get it. I really do. You guys want to get back in the saddle like yesterday. You want to start jumping rooftops and claiming bounties. I get it. But right now, you're just not in any condition to do that."

She wobbles a bit as I put her down on her feet, but I help stabilize her until her sense of balance kicks in. "… I know."

"Hey, look at it this way. You guys have the time to study some pretty awesome scrolls now, so that when you're back at a hundred percent, you can be more awesome than you were before!" I offer. I like telling them things like this because it gives them something to focus on. Something they can control. And it reminds them that I have absolute faith that they'll get back to where they were before; whether they get better than that is on them, not me.

"Doc, you're such a sweet talker." Kanon teases, grinning.

"After hanging around you guys, how can I not be?" I tease right back. Now that Kanon's stable on her feet –for someone that hasn't been able to walk for a few weeks– I check her charts. I go over all the updates, the suggestions and updated protocols with her. She's doing surprisingly well. Probably why she figured she could handle 'silly stairs'. "Yes, I think getting some proper exercise equipment will really help. You're recovery is coming along well." I want to say amazing, but that'll probably tell her to try tree-walking inside the house and mess everything up for her and me. No.

"Of course!" She brags, suddenly lightheaded. I grab her before she falls again – not something someone without my kind of training should ever do, mind you.

I think we need to get these guys outside again, maybe start arranging all meals downstairs. If they're recovery is ahead of schedule, there's no reason not to adapt right along with it. Be careful, of course… but I'm cautiously optimistic about all my patients.

"Alright. Kanon, I need to focus on your stubborn roommate now." I tease, and Chinatsu puffs up proudly.

"Oi, I can promise you that you'll be happy with me! I haven't fallen once, I haven't pushed too far beyond my limits. AND I've been getting more sleep too!" Yeah, we'll see.

"Chinatsu, this is your handwriting." I point out, reading her charts. Her eyes are wide as dinner plates. "Just kidding. I know you would NEVER mess with our charts. Right?" It really is her handwriting, but masked as Hana's. Don't underestimate me!

"N-never!" Liar.

Still, what she wrote agrees with what the other medics have been reporting since I left. I can let this slide. Yes, I think arranging meals downstairs from now on is for the best. It'll be bothersome to get all of them downstairs, but… I can see this working out.

"You're right though. I'm quite happy with your progress."

8-8

After dealing with everyone else, I focus on Chouji. He's been going to the bathroom on his own for days, even washing himself unaided. He isn't to the point where stairs are a good idea yet, but… baby steps are still progress.

"I'm starting to think that you guys are trading secrets." I tease. All of the reports are almost identical in progress. There's always one that starts something, the news spreads and everyone needs to try it. Usually on the same day. I sigh, relieved; grateful that they're all doing better.

"Nah, we just know that the better we do, the happier you get." Chouji teases right back. "Besides, a little birdie told me that you're going to be hanging around the village a lot more now."

"Oh?" I haven't even decided that for myself yet! How would someone know, and why would they tell Chouji that?

"Yeah. I'm grateful to be honest. I know you can handle yourself just fine, but… my heart doesn't care." He says, blushing but not looking away. "I need to know you're safe, you know?"

Stupid butterflies. Go away! I'm working! "I am… I am safe." I say, hating the frog in my throat. "Anyway. I'll be holding a meeting later today with the other medics about you guys' progress. There might be some changes in the near future, but I won't tell you what until we all agree."

"Hey." Chouji cups my cheek gently. "You worry about us all the time. Can we worry about you, too?"

He stumbles a bit as he tries coming closer to me. I end up grabbing him to make sure he doesn't fall. So, as I'm holding his sides to make sure he's okay, he wraps his arms around me, to make sure I'm okay. Stubborn as sin. He'd fit right in with Anbu Ops.

Scratch that, he does fit in with the Operatives around here.

8-8

Hana, Midori, and Yua. Three licensed Anbu medics, all three females for some reason. Ren, Nana and Haku, three medics in training – Dragon approved Haku, appointing Hana as the one to work her in. Ren's the only guy.

"Alright. I've gone over the progress of all six patients. You guys have done amazing work, with their rehabilitation and keeping them in one piece." I begin. I give them a second to feel proud of their work – they deserve it. "Now, I've come up with a few suggestions. First off, I want to get some exercise equipment so that the patients can avoid stupid things like stairs. I'm thinking some stair masters, maybe a treadmill, weights, simple things like that to allow them to start training in a controlled fashion. What do you think?" I ask, but they know only Hana's opinion could really sway me in this.

"That sounds like an excellent idea!" Hana's excited about that. "This way they can start building back up their endurance, and we can have at least one of us there to make sure we can pick them back up if something happens. I'll even talk to the others, make sure we have some brawns handy that can react at the drop of a hat."

"That sounds ideal. This way we can even include Maki and Kakashi as well. Help them get back to where they were in a controlled environment." I add, thinking about Maki's examination. She's not at a hundred percent, but definitely around the eighty percent mark to let her begin training. "Alright, it's settled. I'll head out in a bit to get the things we'll need. Hana, I want you to start moving the guys into one room, so we'll have a room available for them to work out in. I also want you to discuss your idea with the Operatives that seem to be here all the time anyway. This could be an excellent way to re-forge strong ties with active Ops. I also want Haku, Ren and Nana to start attending Hinata's medic classes. I know you each have experience, but there is always room to learn more. Midori, Yua, the two of you will take turns helping Hinata. This way you can both have a chance to listen in, see if there's something you don't know, and help our trainees at the same time. Do keep in mind that I trust Hinata's skill, so I will not tolerate either of you undermining her authority. Is that understood?"

No one argues with me – they wouldn't dare. Other than Hana, not one of them has tried to contradict me in anything. I'm grateful, to be honest. I like having my way.

8-8

"Oi! Tsu, we're heading out again, you wanna tag along, or are you good here?" I ask. Ryuuzetsu seems to be in a pretty intense conversation with Minori and Fuu. I don't know what, I don't think I care what.

"Umm… would it be okay if I stay here a bit?" Tsu asks.

"I wouldn't offer otherwise. I'll be back later. Oh, and Minori, please don't let Karin and her mother be too lazy today? I know Akira-san is still going to be groggy and out of it, but we need to try getting her into a healthy rhythm quickly. Don't let her do any chores yet, but I don't want her in bed all day either. Okay?"

"I'm on it!" Minori announces proudly. She dashes for the stairs, already calling out, "Auntie Akira! Time to get up, lazy bones!" I roll my eyes, knowing better than to get between two Uzumakis.

"Fuu, are you enjoying your time here?" I ask, hating that I haven't had too much time with the girl. Not that I have much time for anyone, really, but that's beside the point.

"Of course! You guys are all nuts, but you're a crazy I've come to enjoy." She says, grinning from ear to ear.

I roll my eyes, not bothering to deny the claim. My pack always has been a bit crazy. "Alright, you be sure to tell me if someone's giving you a hard time."

"Psh. Minori'd give 'em hell if they did!" Fuu grins even wider.

"Yeah, she would." I agree, scratching my cheek. Uzumakis. You either love them, or hate them. I'm kind of fond of them myself. "Alright. Hey, you're a decent medic, aren't you?"

"I can make sure people don't die. Why?" She's curious, but she has such a serious look on her face now.

"Talk to Hinata about our medic classes. I think you would benefit from them. Sorry, I really can't stay too long. Always too much to do. Even if you don't take the classes, please at least talk to her. For me?"

"Well, since you put it that way." Fuu grins again, rubbing the back of her head. I nod, waving and telling them I'll see them later.

8-8

Out in the village once again. The first thing I do is buy the equipment we need. Eight patients (if I include Kakashi and Maki), so I make sure to buy enough so that they can all eight work out at the same time – even if not doing the same thing.

Once I have it all sealed away, I head to the market and buy myself some chocolate. I've been working so hard, I deserve to spoil myself a bit. Exercise equipment, check. Spoil Aya, check. Okay, Sand trio.

We make our way to the Tower, where I find the elders discussing something with another mummy – this one really is bandaged up pretty badly and has a 'X' shaped scar on his chin.

Hitomi and I make our way over. "Good day. I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction? I wasn't told where the Sand Trio are being held."

They share a look, before the man that doesn't talk down to me speaks up. "T&I holding cells. Ask for Takara, and say you're expected."

"Thank you. Good day." I bow politely, and Hitomi and I h-

"One moment, Namiki-san." The other mummy –I haven't been properly introduced to any of them– grabs my attention. "A word, if I may?"

"Depends on what you have to say, mister…?"

"Shimura Danzo." He bows his head politely. Hmm, I sniff to memorise his scent. Something about this man screams trouble, but not any more so than the scores of shinobi I've been introduced to lately.

"Shimura-san." I bow politely to him – from the waist. "I'm sure you can understand I'm always busy. If you can make this moment worthwhile, you'll have my attention." I tell him honestly.

"You intrigue me, child."

"And you just made this not worth my time. Good day." I bow politely once again, and we head off.

"That girl respects no one and nothing." The woman complains loudly.

"You're wrong. She respects those that earn it." Shimura-san says. I roll my eyes. Anyone that's ever met a Namiki before knows exactly how I am. He called me 'child' just to see how I'd react. I snort. Idiots think I don't know when I'm being tested.

8-8

As expected, after going through standard procedure, I'm allowed an audience with our three political prisoners. So 'Takara' escorts me into an 'interview room', where I'm told to wait. Hitomi and I make ourselves comfortable, standing around and just killing time mostly. There are only two chairs, and frankly I don't want to know what they've had splashed over them. Thanks, standing isn't that bad.

It's almost fifteen minutes later that our guests arrive. They seem shocked to see me, to put it mildly. "Morning!" I greet them, smirking. "I hear the meals here are horrible."

"Heh. Have you tried her cooking?" Kankuro teases thumbing towards his sister. He's rewarded with a handcuffed smack. Political prisoners, maybe, but prisoners in a hidden village. They're cuffed and shackled.

I look to Gaara, noticing a seal on his forehead – I think it's a modified suppression seal, but I'm not too familiar with it.

"A little birdie told me you guys are being brats. I can't say I'm too surprised." I tease.

Temari snorts. "We simply don't bend to idiots we feel are below us. You're no different." She says, eyeing me cautiously. "Why are you here?"

"I was just in the neighbourhood. I figured I'd stop by and chat." I offer with a teasing smile. "After all, like you said, I'm no different than you… other than my heritage. I can't claim to have noble blood or any relation to a Kage."

"Yeah, uh huh. And I'm a fairy princess." Kankuro drones sarcastically. At least, I hope he's being sarcastic.

"Oh? My apologies, your highness. I didn't recognize you without your pink tutu and your magic sparkles." I tease, but the playfulness fades quickly. I'm here on business, not for the sake of annoying people; as much fun as that tends to be. "Look, like it or not, you guys are stuck here. If you play nice with me, I might be able to help. But… I dunno. At least one of you is being a brat, so…"

"And what could you possibly do to help us?" Kankuro is, once again, being a brat.

"You?" I laugh. "Nothing. Gaara… I'm not too sure about. He did try killing my brother."

"What are you even getting at?" Temari demands.

"Look. You three aren't going home. Not for a long time. Sand broke the alliance and now needs to pay reparations. So they're going to use the three of you as bargaining chips, hostages so that Sand does what we say, when we say it. And you know it." The three of them are silent.

"… your point?" Temari asks, looking away. She hates how sound my arguments are.

"Play along, and maybe you three will get prettier cages until then."

"Yeah, like where? You're home I'll bet." Kankuro scoffs, thinking I'm here to play him.

"No. I have more than enough people in my home. Just ask Hitomi here. She's been living with us since the invasion." I thumb towards my guard. "Look. You don't have to believe me. I lose nothing either way. But… can you say the same?" That trips them up. They have nothing to lose, but everything to gain by playing along.

"The seven." Gaara begins.

"Her name is Fuu. Not 'the seven'." I correct him. "And what of her?"

"You guard her." He doesn't ask.

"Who knows. She kind of just fell off the map." I shrug, not interested in getting into this.

"You also guard the nine." Gaara isn't giving up.

"Now, now, Gaara-kun. Who'd be silly enough to put a thirteen year old girl in charge of guarding so many important people?" I smirk, my eyes twinkling.

"You do not see us as others do." Gaara… are you just monologuing?

"What, jinchuurikis?" I snort, amused. "Why is it that me treating you guys with a vague kind of respect I offer everyone seems to impress you? It doesn't speak highly of those closest to you." I glare at the redhead's siblings dully, glad that they're fidgeting nervously. "No, Gaara. I don't see you as anything more, or anything less, than anyone else. If you earn my respect, I respect you. If you do not, I will not."

Gaara nods, then suddenly seems to lose his balance. I body flicker to him, catching him before he falls and hurts himself. The two elder siblings brace themselves, unsure what to expect.

I snort. "Why do I always end up catching idiots when they fall?" I am not amused. Gaara's breathing evens out, his muscles relax completely. He just fell asleep. I roll my eyes, picking him up bridal style.

The blonde and brunet stare at me, shock obvious in their eyes. "Hitomi, you mind calling the guards? We need to get Gaara to bed." She nods, heading out the door and leaving it wide open. I can smell that she isn't going too far. "He isn't used to falling asleep, is he?"

"… N-no." Temari answers. "To be honest, I'm not used to seeing him sleep either." The guards come in not a minute later, and we're guided back to the holding cells. I walk in, still carrying Gaara. Hitomi pulls back the sheets and I gently lay him in his bed. I take off his sandals, laying them on the floor, then cover him up like I would Sakiko. Then I sit beside him.

"You two have no idea what your little brother has been though." I say, my tone wistful. "And all he ever wanted was a little love." I lean in, kissing the sleeping boy on his brow. He stirs, but doesn't wake up.

"Sweet dreams, Gaara."

8-8

End Chapter 55

8-8

A/N: Oh boy! Looks like Danzo is interested in Aya. But why? What's his angle?

The next chapter is going to be mostly politics, I'm afraid.