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 60 – (not) Just another patient

8-8

I might as well start my own orphanage. It's the only thing I haven't tried my hand at, even though I seem to be collecting orphans.

Yuzuki isn't too pleased about meeting everybody, but I can't say I'm surprised by that. "Oi, Aya, why is there a midget following you? Shouldn't they be in bed already?" Mitarashi-san asks just as I walk past the doorway to the family sitting room. Of course, that gets us everyone's attention.

"Because she just got here." I say, smiling at Yuzuki to let her know she's safe – with me, if nothing else. "Yuzuki-chan, would you like to say hello to my pack?" She looks at me, wondering about that last word. "Oh, sorry. When I say pack, I mean those closest to me. Like family, almost."

She shakes her head, no.

"Too many new faces too quickly, huh?" Not surprisingly, she doesn't answer me. In fact, she grabs my leg, hiding her face from the sea of unfamiliar faces. "Sorry, guys. Yuzuki-chan's really shy. We'll try introductions another time. Right now, we just want to go wash up. Isn't that right, Yuzuki?" She nods once, but doesn't speak.

"In that case, don't worry, Yuzuki-chan. If Aya says she'll take care of you, there's nothing to worry about." Kakashi says. "Isn't that right, guys?"

"Hear, hear! To the doc!"

"To the doc! Kanpai!" The lot of them toast to me again. I roll my eyes, but can't fight the smile hard enough.

I wave lazily to them, turning to head upstairs. Yuzuki isn't letting go of my leg though. "Hey, sweetie. Do you want me to carry you upstairs? That way you won't have to face any more crazy people tonight?" I offer. She nods, so I hook my hands under her arms and scoop her up. She's quick to wrap her arms around my neck, burying her face part in my neck, part in my hair. I make sure to wrap her in my arms, to let her fell as safe as she can right now.

"Aya, that sounds like a lovely idea. I think I'll join you." Yasu-nee says, just as I'm leaving. I smile, knowing just what she's thinking.

8-8

The first thing I do is go into my room, to grab my pyjamas and a comfy top for Yuzuki as well. It won't fit, but it's comfortable enough to sleep in, so it'll be like an oversized shirt – much like my own pyjamas. The trouble is underwear. She's too big for Sakiko's, too small for mine and Minori's. Hmm, we need to take this girl shopping. Like now, preferably – too bad that just won't work.

Still, once Yasu-nee finds us, she comes up with a quick fix – selecting an older pair of my undies, and taking them in on the spot so they're just the right size. "It's only a temporary fix, of course." She says, smiling. "But this will do for tonight. We'll just have to go into town to get you the basics tomorrow."

"Would you like that, Yuzuki? Getting some clothes? Maybe a bed to sleep in and some sheets and small things to help make you feel more at home?" I ask, kneeling in front of her; is it weird than I'm glad she's shorter than me? She's way too skinny, though. Poor thing needs to eat more.

"Y-you d-don't h-h-have t-to." She says, looking away from us.

"You're right, we don't." I agree, hooking my finger under her chin to guide her attention back to me. "We're not offering you this because we have to, but because we want to."

Her eyes meet mine. Those seemingly cold, coal eyes of hers. Tears well up, falling quickly.

"Hey." I hug her, running my hand through her hair gently. "I told you I'd take care of you. So this isn't a big deal to me, okay?" She nods, but the wetness on my neck isn't slowing down at all. This is just too much for her right now – in a good way, but too much nonetheless.

We take her, with her quick-fix night clothes, into the girls' bathroom and we start getting ready for our bath. We place our clothes on the shelf where we always put them, showing Yuzuki where she can put hers as well.

"See, we left a space for you right between ours." I assure her. She smiles that little unsure smile of hers again, gently setting her things down and nodding, clearly satisfied. Yasu-nee and I share a look, smiling.

After that we grab our towels and washrags and whatnot, and we guide Yuzuki into the washroom. We once again leave just enough room for her towel between ours, and we show her where she can grab the bowl she'll need to wash up. She puts her washrags into it, just like we do with ours.

Yasu-nee tries taking over as much as she can, explaining little things, giving her little tips, helping to scrub the girl's back, even as I scrub Yasu-nee's back to help her along.

I find myself more and more at ease, the more Yuzuki turns to both of us for something – anything. We're not out of the woods, of course, and we still have a long, long way to go before the girl builds up the kind of bond with us we have with each other… but when Yuzuki glomps Yasu-nee out of the blue, and for no reason I can come up with…

That's when I decide that we're going to be alright.

We make our way to the tub, ready for a soak to help ease the day's tension. Yasu-nee and I sit on the same 'side' of the tub, leaving just enough space between us for Yuzuki, if she wants to sit between us. She doesn't even hesitate this time.

"Hey, Yasu-nee. Sorry to bug you about this, but I'm going to be at work tomorrow. Would you be willing to take Yuzuki into town to get the things she'll need? Maybe take Naruto-nii with you?"

"That wouldn't be a problem for me. What do you think, Yuzuki-chan? Would you like to come with me to get your new things?" Yasu-nee asks. Yuzuki thinks about it, eventually nodding. "Alright. Then that's what we'll do."

"Oh, before I forget. You need to get her some shades to hide her eyes." Both of them look at me funny. "Yuzuki has the Sharingan. We can't have it get out that she's an Uchiha before we're ready to deal with that. So to make sure she can still use her Sharingan if she feels she needs to, she needs shades to hide her eyes."

"I see. Yes, that makes sense. Well, just one more thing we need to get you then, Yuzuki-chan." Yasu-nee smiles to show she really doesn't mind.

8-8

It's five in the morning. I'm already (partly) awake, idly going over what I need to do today. Honestly, I'll just have to figure that out when I reach to Tower, because today's my first day as Senju-san's secretary. I just need to make sure I look presentable, in clothes comfortable enough to fight in, and can hide my usual weapons and tools in an inconspicuous way.

I'll figure that out after I wash up.

So I turn my full attention to my bedmates. Tsu is still snoring lightly – as usual. Haku's awake, probably going over her plans for the day as well, but I can't be sure if anyone but me does that first thing.

Yuzuki, however, is sleeping on top of me. She'd woken up a few times during the night to go to the bathroom, but she didn't seem to mind and she was asleep the second she cuddled up with me again.

We need to start getting ready for the day though. If I don't get up now, I'll get stuck in the morning rush, and I'll just start complaining about having to cut my soak time because we have to share with every other female that also needs to wash up and wants to soak a bit.

"Tsu. Time to get up. We need to start the day." I say, not keeping my voice down at all. I make sure to keep my tone pleasant – even though I feel annoyed that I can't sleep out, ever.

"I'm up, I'm up." Tsu says, her head jerking up and her eyes open, trying to take in the scene she finds herself in. She falls asleep almost immediately, her head falling back onto her pillow. I shake my head, wondering how she can fall asleep so fast. I need to learn that trick.

"Haku, how does she always manage to do that?" I ask, both amused and annoyed with Tsu.

"I wish I knew. I wake up at the slightest noise, and it takes me at least a minute to fall asleep afterwards." Haku explains, a smile in her tone. I know, right!

"Let's just get going. You know Tsu will chase after us when she realises the bed's empty."

8-8

We run into Sakiko, Minori and Yasu-nee in the bathroom, so we start the introductions for Yuzuki. She's still half asleep, but she doesn't seem to mind meeting a few friendly faces, even though she either clings to Yasu-nee or me.

Hitomi and Tsu are quick to join us though. Yeah, we got stuck in the morning rush. Then Moegi joins us as well. I smile, shaking my head. I end up with Sakiko in my lap for our soak, Yuzuki is in Yasu-nee's. It saves space, so we don't mind too much.

After that, Yuzuki gets dressed in the same clothes she had on yesterday –luckily Yasu-nee already washed and dried them, so they're clean– and I head into the backyard to do a light workout. I don't want to get all sweaty or anything, so I focus on a light kata to warm up and get my muscles and limbs limber and ready for the day.

At breakfast, Yuzuki sits between Sakiko and Minori, but she's mostly trying to focus on Yasu-nee, Tsu and I, seeing as she knows us better.

Everyone takes a turn introducing themselves to our newest member, but Yuzuki doesn't seem to like talking to too many new faces and clams up after the fourth introduction. Minori and Sakiko take turns speaking for her, mostly Sakiko though. I smile each time my little sister hugs the shy little Uchiha beside her.

"Hey, Naruto-nii. Yasu-nee is taking Yuzuki into town to get her the basics. You mind going with them? I mean, I'd feel better if I could be updated immediately if something happens, you know?" I (sort of) blab.

"No prob, sis." Naru-nii says, smiling. "I was hoping to spend some time with her anyway. Hey, Minori, you mind tagging along as well? I mean, if we leave around the same time as you and Haruki take the kids to the Academy, then it shouldn't be a problem, right?"

"That's perfect! I would love to tag along!" Minori says, obviously happy about that. "What about you, Sakiko? I mean, maybe we can get you that plushie you were telling me about?"

Yuzuki smiles a little; shy and unsure, but there's a warmth mixed in there that lets me know she feels safe with at least some of our packmates. I nod, feeling a bit more confident our little Uchiha is going to be alright.

"Alright. I'll be sure to give Yasu-nee some spending money for you guys before I leave. Please keep in mind that I'm not going to be too happy with any of you if you give Yasu-nee a hard time."

"You can count on us, ya know!" Sakiko announces, linking arms with her new friend. Yuzuki nods, smiling a little again.

8-8

Tsu, Hitomi and I make it to the Tower, to Senju-san's office, at exactly quarter to eight. I'm wearing a furisode kimono top, with skin tight black pants and shinobi sandals. My twin kodachis are strapped to my gloves, like I would usually have them if in Anbu uniform, and my hip pouch tucked away in my obi, just to make sure I have it handy. Hitomi and Tsu are wearing a more practical jounin uniform, just to make sure they would be taken seriously if the situation demands that kind of approach.

Senju-san and Katou-san show up not five minutes after we do.

"Good morning. Thank you for being on time. Come, we need to discuss a few things privately." Senju-san says, motioning us into her office. Once inside, I'm asked to cast a privacy jutsu – thank Kami-sama daddy taught me a few since that last 'oops'.

"Alright. Let's start with what I need. Aya, you will be posted at the desk just outside my office. As we discussed yesterday, you'll be maintaining my agenda. There are currently no scheduled appointments, that means that no one has the right to waltz into my office unannounced. If anything comes up, I'll let you know before I head out. Shizune will be coming and going all morning, while I'm busy getting up to date on everything. Hitomi, Ryuuzetsu, I may or may not need to send you on errands. Anything I need done, I'll be sure to tell Aya, and she'll relay duties to the two of you. Is this agreeable?"

"Yes, Ma'am." We answer as one.

"Good. Then the first order of business is to introduce ourselves to the departments of the Tower, and to make sure they understand that anything your four," She motions to Katou-san, Hitomi, Tsu and myself, "demand is without a doubt my orders. That way, no one will dare to give you a hard time. Now, let's get to it!"

And that's exactly what we do. We make our way to Intelligence, to T&I, to the Missions Desk, to Administration, to the Archives, to Cryptanalysis, to the Barrier Division, to Internal Affairs, to the Aviary, the academy teachers' lounge, to the dozens of security checkpoints, and Senju-san introduces each of us to the big players of each of them.

Each head of each department shakes their head, often muttering a stupid comment about a female Hokage hiring a bunch of female assistants; other than Ibiki from T&I, he's smart enough not to. I glare at each of them as they do, warning them that I won't tolerate being looked down on.

Having completed the most annoying part of our day, I settle into my new position. My desk is rather nice, with plenty of drawers, and a laptop – something I've never worked with in my life. Katou-san takes her time to explain how things work on this cursed thing, even going so far as to teach me a few tricks she'd learned to make things run a little smoother.

Tsu and Hitomi settle in, fading into the background until they're needed. I'm not sure why, company would have been nice while frustrating myself during the crash course on something I'm quickly learning to hate.

Still, I try to learn things as quickly as I can, and I start practising my Sound Release: Whispering Winds to ask Senju-san simple things, like what time she'd prefer to break for lunch, if we're taking an hour break, what she prefers to drink – other than sake, because I flatly refuse to bring her sake at this time of the day.

It takes a little organizing, but we figure out the best workable schedule possible. I plan in some blank spaces that no one is allowed to touch so that Senju-san will have little breaks here and there to not get overwhelmed – and so that she can stretch her legs, go to the bathroom, or whatever.

So far, the day is broken down into four blocks. The first is starting up the day and scheduled meetings, then we do the rounds at the hospital to check on the patients there. Break for lunch. Scheduled meetings, another round at the hospital, and call it a day around five. Yes, Senju-san will also have other things to handle between this. Manning the Missions Desk, chief among them. But she assures me she can send a shadow clone to deal with that. I shrug, not caring too much.

Around nine o'clock, the first round of paperwork starts piling in. "Oi, idiot. I don't care what you think is going on here, but a request for longer lunch breaks is not something I care to pass onto my boss." I crumple the form, throwing it into the moron's face. "Only serious paperwork, or I'll start bringing a lighter to burn it right in front of you."

"No, we won't be buying nicer toilet paper. Stop wasting my time." This time it's a woman that gets her form thrown back at her. It's no wonder why there's always so much useless paperwork on the Hokage's desk. This is pure crap!

"Wanting to skip your lunch break so you can leave earlier is something you need to discuss with your Department Head, not the Hokage." Another one gets tossed on its ear. Seriously, it's nine-fifteen and I've already tossed out fifty pointless forms.

"Hmm. Yes. This is something that needs to be dealt with." I nod, finally getting the first form that would ACTUALLY need Senju-san's attention; a report on an internal conflict in Intelligence. It's nothing that needs her immediate attention, but definitely something she needs to know about.

"Oi! Where do you think you're going?" I call, as some random chuunin tries strolling up to Senju-san's door. "I'm not stationed here for my good looks. You will speak to me before you even attempt entering Senju-san's office, is that understood?"

He scoffs, strolling towards Senju-san's door like I'm unimportant. Oh, really?

Snap!

Sound Release: Mime's Barrier, which is what I named this jutsu after having to use it during that 'meeting' between Temari and that Sand idiot the other day. I kind of like this one, because it traps the target in a box of Sound Barriers, and can either keep them safe from outside attacks, or simply make sure they can't escape.

I focus the Mime's Barrier, hovering the idiot right next to my desk and letting him stand there. He's glaring at me, but I don't care. "You just let me know when you're ready to tell me what you need to speak with Senju-san about. I have the time."

The paperwork keeps pouring in. Most of it gets tossed right at the idiots trying to file it. Then another idiot tries going towards Senju-san's door. A jounin this time, but not one I know too well.

"I've already detained one idiot for not speaking to me first. I will do the same to you." I warn. The woman looks to the chuunin trapped next to my desk. She nods, walking over to me.

"I need to report in about a completed mission. Is Hokage-sama available?" She asks politely.

"Your name, please." I say, my tone polite but unbending.

"Hayakawa Mako." She says politely.

I focus my jutsu, relaying the information to Senju-san. "Send her in, Aya." Senju-san mumbles, but we've being doing this all morning, so I can still hear her just fine.

"Please." I motion towards the door. Hayakawa-san bows politely to me, seeing herself into Senju-san's office. As she enters, I mark her name down as having entered Senju-san's office, the time she enters and her stated reason for entering. I'm not too surprised when I no longer hear Senju-san's heartbeat; she likely cast a privacy jutsu. I'm not too worried at any rate, she has three Anbu in there with her.

There's an annoyed huff from beside me. "Namiki-san, may I speak with you?" The chuunin finally gives in. He obviously realises that I'm not bending for anyone.

I hover his cosy little prison to right in front of me. "Your name, please."

"Miki Dayu. I was sent up from Administration to bring Hokage-sama her paperwork." He informs me.

"Good. Leave it here. I'll decide if it's something she needs to see." I tell him, releasing the Mime's Barrier.

"Ah… Namiki-san, I don't-"

"Unless you plan on taking that paperwork back with you, you'll be leaving it here on my desk. I will check it to see if it's something worth bogging down Senju-san with. If it isn't I will toss it. This is something I've already discussed with Senju-san, and she approves. So I hope you're not planning on wasting any more of my time." I lay it out for him.

"I understand." He gives in. Not that he has a choice in the matter. He unseals a huge stack of forms, plopping it onto my desk. I start tearing into it immediately. Birth registrations, people that moved, requests of citizenship, marriage requests, death registrations. I briefly wonder if any of this –other than the requests of citizenship– is even worth her time, but that isn't something I can decide. I'll discuss it with her after her current meeting.

"Thank you." I wave the chuunin off, setting the stack aside to keep it separate from the small pile of important forms that Senju-san actually has to deal with.

8-8

By the time we take our break to start heading to the hospital, I've already made an a memo for Administration from Senju-san.

The birth and death records need to be summarized, she only needs a list of names of births (along with the registered parents) and deaths (with registered identification information to not confuse who died).

Marriage requests are just not something she cares about, so Administration is ordered to set up a team to look into both parties and their families. Only cases that stand out need to be brought to Senju-san's attention, otherwise may be approved by definition. So long as both parties are from Konoha, that is. Expats requesting to marry Konoha shinobi need to be interviewed first, but civilian-civilian marriages that do not alter citizenship rights are allowable without her intervention. All she needs is a list with names, otherwise it's just more useless junk information.

I jotted all of that information down, careful to spell it out in plain Japanese so that no one can claim they do not understand. On our way out, I give that memo to the head of Administration. He takes a look at it, reading it right in front of me –as I demand– before nodding and calling a meeting with his department.

At the hospital, I can't say anything important or interesting happens. We talk to the heads of each section, Senju-san and Katou-san go over the cases with them, and Tsu, Hitomi and I follow them around as they do their rounds. This just isn't very interesting.

Eventually the former head of the hospital –who now bows to Senju-san, because she's simply a better doctor than he is– asks Senju-san about a program to train the doctors so that Konoha will have more capable medical staff. Senju-san says that Katou-san will be dealing with that for her, and how only the brightest of the brightest will be allowed Senju-san's private tutelage.

The man doesn't seem surprised, promising a list of all hospital personnel and their Ranks so that she can decide who goes where in that program. "No, create a form and have them apply. If they feel they are worth becoming my apprentice, let them try their luck." Senju-san says. I shrug, not caring either way.

Senju-san only finds three patients she wishes to tend to personally, other than that, she seems quite satisfied with the current status of all patients.

8-8

"We're losing him!" I hear from down the hall. We're in the Jounin Wing, so it doesn't surprise me too much when Senju-san body flickers towards the voice, shoving the doctor out of the way and taking over.

Katou-san is quick to join her mentor. The three of us mostly just keep the others out of their way. There's a long, tense moment that no one seems to want to breathe too hard. I'm not bothered too much by it, even knowing who's life is now in Senj-san's hands. I know for a fact Senju-san won't give up unless there's no hope.

It takes almost a half hour before Senju-san breathes a sigh of relief. "He's stable. Weak, and going to have one hell of a time recovering, but stable." She updates us.

She gets out of the way, revealing Weasel still wearing his mask and covered in his own blood. I nod, grateful the idiot will live to fight another day. "Aya, do you think you'll have the space for one more? He shouldn't wake up for a few days, but…"

"I would never allow one of our own to recover in the hospital." I tell her plainly. "We'll transfer him immediately."

"Good. I'll see you after lunch then."

I unseal a stretcher and blankets to keep him warm, offering them to Tsu and Hitomi. They ease him onto the stretcher, wrapping him up carefully and I strap him in for transport. His mask is cracked in places, but it won't reveal who he is.

8-8

We make it home fast enough. We take the quietest route possible and I maintain a genjutsu to mask our presence, to make sure no one knows what's going on.

Once home, I immediately call a meeting with Hana and the others. I update them on Weasel's condition and his prognosis. We set him up in the room with the other male patients, who are explained the situation. We remove Weasel's mask and his forehead protector.

"Poor Tokara. He just can't get a break, can he." Hana says, sorrow in her tone. "Don't worry, Aya, I can take care of this part. You go get something to eat. And make sure you two wash off all that blood. We don't need bloody people walking around the Tower, after all."

"Thanks." Tsu and Hitomi go wash up, grateful to get the blood off them.

"Yua, I need you to head to HQ. Update Dragon on his condition, let her know where he is." Hana takes charge of the situation, even as she's stripping our patient of his clothes to wash him clean of all the blood and gore.

"At once.." Yua excuses herself. I smile, grateful to have Hana here when I can't be.

"Haku, he's suffered severe nerve damage. I'm going to need you to whip up a little of your magic for him."

"Of course." Haku smiles, excusing herself as well.

"Aya… you really should go eat something. This isn't the first time I've had to bathe Tokara. And it's not going to be the last time either." I nod, rubbing her arm before I see myself out.

8-8

I give 'Tomi and Tsu some time to wash up, while I'm in the kitchen negotiating with Yasu-nee.

"No, Aya, I really don't think it's a good idea to drag your patients into the house in the middle of the day. It's not something children should see at all, let alone regularly." She puts her foot down.

"I know, Yasu-nee. I'm going to make arrangements with Sasa-nee to start putting up a similar security system across the street so that all future patients will be taken there instead." I explain, understanding where she's coming from. "And I promise you, I was careful to not let Yuzuki and Sakiko see our newest patient. You know I don't want to traumatise either of them."

She sighs, rubbing her forehead. "I know that, but you sometimes forget that not everyone has your tolerance to blood and whatnot. Just… be careful. Please."

"Always." I assure her. I hug her, thanking her for helping with everything she does. She rolls her eyes, knowing that I just want to change the subject.

"Hey, Aya, I heard you calling me?" Asami walks into the kitchen.

"Technically, no I didn't. But I'm glad you're here. I need a huge favour! That house across the street? Do you think you could set up a similar security system to what we have here?" I ask.

"Hmm? Yeah, it shouldn't be too hard, but… why? I mean, isn't that place vacant?" She sounds confused.

"Oh, sorry, Yeah, it is. But it's ours. I want to set it up as a secondary den, where we can take our patients, and whatnot. I mean, I'm sure you've noticed how crowded it's gotten around here?" I explain.

"You bought it?" She asks.

"Well, yeah? Not outright. I still had to take out a slight mortgage, but yeah. I have the rights to the place." I shrug, wondering what the big deal is. I mean, people buy houses all the time.

"Overachiever." She teases. "Alright. I'll get started this afternoon. I'll have to get the inks and whatnot I need first. Oh, and why not call a meeting with everyone later to update them? I mean, this is kind of a major change, you know?"

"Will do. Yasu-nee, you mind letting everyone know that there'll be a meeting after dinner tonight to discuss the changes and whatnot? Oh, and can you tell Kakashi that I want to talk to him about something? Asami, this includes you. I want to create an underground tunnel to connect the two dens so we can come and go as we please without having to telegraph our movements. It would have to be integrated into the security system after all, so I figure letting you know isn't a bad idea." I'm always arranging things these days. Really, it's starting to get a bit annoying.

"Hmm, sounds good. I'll see what I can come up with for you. Anyway, I'm off. I've got some shopping to do."

8-8

"Ah, Itayouri-san. How nice to see you." I wave to the familiar face. She blinks, obviously not expecting to see me here. "Yes, I'm Senju-san's new secretary."

"Ah." She shakes off her shock, making her way over to me. "I was wondering if Hokage-sama was available? There are certain matters I'd like to discuss with her." She doesn't doubt for a second that I'd stop her from getting into Senju-san's office. She's seen some of my work first hand, after all.

"Unfortunately she's currently in a meeting with Jiraiya and the elders. She has nothing scheduled afterwards, if you're willing to have a seat and wait?" I offer.

"It can't be helped. This is something that should be discussed sooner rather than later. I'll wait." She says.

"Would you like some tea while you wait?" I offer, but she turns me down so I motion towards the couch opposite my desk. She makes herself comfortable. "OI! There's a secretary here that you need to talk to first, you know!" I interrupt the latest idiot that feels he doesn't need permission to see Senju-san. He waves me off, moving to touch her door handle – not even knocking.

You want it rough, huh?

Snap!

The man suddenly finds himself shackled to the ceiling. Sound Release: Devouring Shackles – one of the two A-ranked jutsus I learned from that scroll Dragon gave me. It isn't very draining to use, but it takes medic level chakra control –just my luck!– and can act almost as a snake, doing whatever I please. I like it, because the jutsu feeds off the target's chakra. So the stronger they are, the stronger the jutus becomes. I really like it.

I start dragging the idiot across the ceiling, until he's a just in front of my desk. "I'll warn you only once. I don't like being ignored, and I certainly don't like being looked down on. Senju-san is currently in a meeting, and I know for a fact you aren't allowed in. When you're ready to tell me what you want, I might consider releasing you." I don't look at him as I speak, just going over some paperwork that I believe Senju-san will need to look at after this meeting.

"Same old Namiki-san." Itayouri-san says, shaking her head.

"Oi! Who you think you are, you little brat!" The man shouts, obviously upset. I manipulate the jutsu holding him, rapping one of the snake-like chains around his big, fat mouth to shut him up. Unfortunately for him, that means the rest of his constraints are that much tighter. Pity.

And look it! Shimura Danzo is coming this way. He glances in my direction, but ignores me and heads straight for Senju-san's door.

"Oh, Shimura-san. I'd look above me before you think about touching that door." I coo, still filtering through the paperwork.

"You think that because you can detain Mimura Hamaki, I should fear you?" He asks me, his tone neutral.

"No. I'm saying that you wouldn't be the first person to not heed my warning today. And you won't be the last. Should you wish an audience with Senju-san, I would kindly advise you to speak to me first. And when you speak to Senju-san personally, you might wish to request a standing order to be able to bypass me. Without that, I am legally required to detain any that does not follow proper protocol. Regrettable, but that's my current job. You understand, I'm sure." I explain carefully. Now, whatever happens is on him, not me.

"Do what you must." He says, reaching for the door handle. Okay, be that way.

Snap!

And we have another shinobi being dragged across the ceiling. He struggles against it, but I feel the jutsu strengthening each time he calls up on more of his chakra.

"The fun part is that I was serious when I said you won't be the last." I smile up at him, batting my eyelashes coyly. "If it makes you feel better, you're only the second person I've needed to use this jutsu on. It's only needed against the strongest, of course."

"Very well, Namiki-san. I need to speak with Tsunade-san. When will she be available?" Shimura-san caves, obviously realising that I'm well within my rights here – and not bowing to his idiocy.

"She's in a meeting. When that meeting lets out, Itayouri-san needs a word with her. After that, she should be available. Would you prefer to wait, or would you like to schedule an appointment for another time?" I ask professionally. I'm not releasing him yet, though.

"I would prefer to speak with her with some haste." He demands.

"I would prefer to win the lottery." I counter. "Will you wait, or should I schedule in an appointment for another time?" My tone is just as crisp and professional.

Just then, I can hear four heartbeats. The jutsu was released. The door opens, revealing Jiraiya, the elders, and finally Senju-san. They look up, some more amused than others with what they find.

"Insolent child! What do you think you are doing!?" The she-elder tries getting on my case.

"I could always arrange that you join him." I warn her, my tone dark, my fingers poised to snap. "Or have you not learned your lesson from your attempt to gain access to Senju-san's office without my say so?" The woman scoffs, but doesn't press the issue.

"Senju-san." I stand up, grabbing the paperwork she needs to deal with. "These just came in. I would advise you deal with them sooner rather than later. You also have a few guests. Itayouri-san from the Konoha Police Force wishes to speak with you over matters she feels are important, but I did not inquire what that might be. The idiot jounin up there, no idea what he wants. His time out should be done by the time your meeting with Itayouri-san is through. And Shimura-san seems to feel his opinions are more valued than others. I'll update you on whether he wishes to speak with you after Itayouri-san, or if he'd rather an appointment on a later date."

"I see. Thank you, Aya." She says, grinning from ear to ear. "Ah, before I forget. Jiraiya needs to be able to see me without an appointment and without having to worry about going through that." She points at the two currently floored – technically, even though they are on the ceiling

"If that is your wish." I shrug, not caring. "Jiraiya's smart enough to talk to me first. But if you wish for a standing order that he be allowed access to your office?"

"I didn't say that." She corrects. "Jiraiya, sorry, you'll just have to talk to her first. There's no way I'm giving you that kind of leeway."

"It's fine. I know she won't do that to me if I behave." Jiraiya is fighting not to laugh. Something Shimura-san is not amused with.

"Ah, Senju-san, before I forget. Katou-san asked I give you this after your meeting." I say, offering her a unmarked flask. I know it contains sake, but if Katou-san is offering it to her, then it's just none of my business.

"Thank you. Itayouri-san, this way please." Senju-san and her guest disappear into her office, the door closes and their heartbeats vanish once again. I shrug, not worrying about that too much.

I sit back down. "So, Shimura-san. Will you wait, or should I schedule you in for next Wednesday at two in the afternoon?" He looks even less impressed now. "Those available slots get further and further away the more you push your luck, Shimura-san. I do not like those that look down on me."

"Very well. I will wait." He says, his visible eye closed. I ease him down and onto his feet.

"Would you like some tea while you wait?" I ask professionally, motioning towards the couch opposite my desk.

"Yes, thank you." Ah, so well behaved when you want to be. Now, if you only thought about that before ignoring me earlier. I pour the man some tea, bringing it to him myself – mostly for the sake of messing with him.

Having made it back to my post, I manipulate my jutsu one more time.

"Mimura-san, I believe?"

"N-nn."

"Are you willing to speak to me now, or should I leave you up there?"

"N-nn." I ease the man down, releasing him. He takes a long moment to catch himself. "Namiki-san, would I be able to speak with Hokage-sama at her earliest convenience?"

"Why, of course, Mimura-san. Would you like some tea while you wait?" I offer, my tone pleasant.

8-8

"Your name, please." I demand, my tone sour, my eyes narrowed at the current idiot that needs –but doesn't deserve– my full attention.

"T-tanzou." He manages.

"Well, Tanzou-san. I can do nothing with this form. All team assignments must be processed at the Missions Desk. This is the Hokage's office. You do know where the Missions Desk is, don't you?" I talk to him like the idiot he is. I mean, really? A request to be placed on a new team, being brought to the Hokage's office? What does he think? That she has nothing better to do all day!?

"I-I understand, but they t-told me to b-bring it here." He REALLY doesn't feel comfortable talking to me. Maybe it has to do with the three chuunin currently in Mime's Barriers, muttering about troublesome secretaries – oh wait, that's just that one Nara, the other two are begging their teammate not to make things worse.

"I don't know why they would." I say, but that just makes the boy wince. "Take this back to them. With this note. If they do not believe you, tell them to come here themselves. If they still send you back to me, then let me assure you that I will come down there and… re-educate them. Personally." I say, scribbling a (very unfriendly) memo for them and signing it with my name. I offer both to the boy, sending him on his way.

"Now. Nara-san. Let me explain to you just how big an idiot you are being." I say, manipulating my jutsu and hovering the three chuunin so they're right in front of me. "No one enters that office without my say so. You do not have an appointment. You do not have permission. Senju-san is not expecting you. Now, you will either tell me what it is you need, or you will leave."

"Namiki-san, please, can I talk for him? That moron's only going to make this worse for himself." The Yamanaka teammate offers.

"I don't care who speaks. I care for the reason." I inform them coldly. The three of them shiver at my tone.

"W-we need to report in. W-we just got back from a month long m-mission." The Yamanaka explains. "We're just tired from the travelling."

"That's no excuse, but I can understand." I say, my tone far kinder now. "Very well. If you three would take a seat, you may see her after Shimura-san." I offer, releasing the three barriers keeping them in place. "Would you like some tea while you wait?"

They turn me down, so I motion to the couch. None of them dare to sit down next to Shimura-san.

"Hey, princess." Daddy greets me.

"Hi, daddy. Sorry, Senju-san's in a meeting right now. No one can go in." I say, smiling warmly.

"That's alright, I just wanted to see how your first day is going." He smiles a little wider seeing the collection of people waiting (im)patiently to see Senju-san. He smiles just a little wider when Shimura-san eyes him.

"It's been entertaining." I smirk, knowing that he can guess why that is. I hear two heartbeats. The meeting with Itayouri is done.

And just in time too. Two doctors rush up to the door, but I trap them in my Mime's Barrier. "You DO NOT just rush into her office. What's wrong?"

"Emergency. Three new patients just came in, most of the staff is wiped out. We need more hands at the hospital, stat!"

"Nara-san. You're team will just have to report in tomorrow. Go home. Shimura-san, I will discuss your situation with Senju-san. Excuse me." I enter Senju-san's office, finding her discussing some kind of pleasantries. I don't care what. "Hospital is understaffed. Three patients came in. We're needed there. I'd advise leaving a shadow clone. Shimura-san, a team with their report and one other still wish to see you."

8-8

An hour later, Senju-san, Katou-san and I are complaining about stupid idiots that can't keep themselves in one piece on a mission. Senju-san took the most intensive patient – who was cut in half just above the waist. He… didn't make it.

"Well. For your first day, I'd say you're doing alright for yourself." Senju-san says, sorrow lining her eyes but smiling nonetheless. I don't even want to know what it's like to lose a patient.

"Thanks." I say, offering an understanding smile. She shrugs, knowing what I'm really trying to say.

"Well, let's get cleaned up and back to the office."

8-8

Back at my desk, I find hundreds of forms stacked up. And fifty people lined up, patiently waiting to see Senju-san. I groan.

"Senju-san is not seeing more people today. If you are here for that, you're only hope is an appointment for a later date." I tell them. More than half leave, annoyed. I don't care. The first one comes up to me. Haruno Sakura. I smirk, seeing how nervous she looks.

"H-hello, N-namiki-san. I w-would like an a-appointment with H-hokage-sama for sometime this week?" She manages, not meeting my gaze.

"And what would this be about?" I ask, my tone professional.

"An a-apprenticeship?"

"That should be applied for at the hospital. Ono-san has forms for that. This isn't something you need to be here for. And no, I won't make an exception." I lay it out for her.

"I-I already have the f-form filled in. I was t-told to bring it h-here." She explains.

"Ah. Good." I motion for the form. She looks nervous, but hands it over to me. I go over it, making sure everything is properly filled in – it is. "Very well. I'm sure Senju-san will get back to you, should you be approved." I say, placing the form in the pile that is meant to go to Senju-san. She sees my not putting it on the stack already towering on my desk.

"… N-namiki-san, I kn-know we…" Tears are welling up.

"Haruno-san. I am here to do my job. This pile hasn't been approved of, and as such is not guaranteed to see Senju-san. Your form has been approved of. She will receive it." I say. "If there is nothing else?"

"N-no." She bows politely and leaves without another word.

The next one starts rattling off about this that she needs and that that she demands. I'm called a brat and a worthless ingrate. She finds herself on the ceiling, her mouth wrapped nice and tight.

"Does anyone else feel to look down on –and/or talk down to– me?"

8-8

End Chapter 60

8-8

A/N: Wow. You guy's will have to thank Cabu for the idea to have Danzo try his luck with Aya. I laughed so hard I nearly peed when I read it! No, their scuffle didn't turn out as funny, not to me anyway, but I still quite enjoyed writing it ^_^

Anyhoo. This is the last of the longer chapters. After this there will be an Interlude (maybe two, but that's undecided), and another Chouji chapter.

And seriously, is anyone else noticing that those horizontal lines sometimes don't feel like showing up? Or is that just me?