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 75 – Facing our ghosts

8-8

"… You have something to say." I begin, already tired of the silence. It turns out that Ibiki can't even get these two to open their mouths. Not because he's losing his touch, but because he already figured out that they'll sing if they talk to me. That's his story at least.

"Mei was here." Miwako begins, her face carefully arranged to hide her emotions. I snort, knowing her better than that even after all these years. "Tsunade-sama was here with her, of course."

"Your point."

"We understand." She tries.

"Do you."

"We knew it'd be an uphill battle. That we'd have to start from less than scratch to get through to you." I don't react. "We know. And we understand, Aya."

"Alright. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Let's say that you know, that you understand. Tell me, what does that do for me?" I see the pain in her eyes. She's wilfully showing me her emotions. So much appeal to emotions lately. How sad. "Did you know that your children haven't asked for you once? That they've settled in without a fuss? That not a tear was shed, because they're so used to the two of you not being around?"

"We're shinobi, Aya. You should know what that's like." Satsuma tries.

"So that's your defence? You're shinobi? That you've distanced yourselves from them just like you abandoned me has absolutely nothing to do with it?" They sit there, silent as the grave. "They're learning Muay Thai. I have Sakiko and Katsuo teaching them. Funny how neither even knew of the style. I'm willing to bet you didn't even know that Hoshie is already starting to show her Namiki heritage. That she closes in on herself at loud noises. That spices irritate her and make her sneeze if she gets too close. That perfumes do the same thing."

Again, no response.

"So, tell me. How are planning on fighting this uphill battle?" They just stare. "I mean, after all. I hold all the cards. I hold all the keys. All you two have is a past I can barely remember."

"You lie." Miwako says. "You remember. You just don't want to think about it."

"Got it in one. So?" Again, no answer. "You say you understand, Miwako. Show me that you understand. Show me what you understand. Your memories of a five year old aren't helping you all that much."

"I know you better than you think." Miwako tries again.

"Then by all means, tell me what I want to hear." I say.

"I'm sorry." I don't react. "That's what you want. Isn't it? To know that we regret our decisions."

I snort this time. "Point to me. You don't have a clue." I shoot her down. "You will never earn your place in my heart again. I buried you, mentally and emotionally."

"Then why are you here?" She challenges.

"Because Hoshie and Kenshin shouldn't have to." The silence that follows is almost too much for me. I leave without another word.

8-8

"I swear, I spend more time interrogating people that sorting through paperwork these days." I complain, finally getting back to my desk. Haruno-san giggles, but knows not to get involved.

"How are you holding up though?" Tsu asks. I sigh, tired and worn out. "I thought so. You should ask for a few days off. You'll end up wearing yourself down."

"Sadly I relax more on the job than at home." I admit. "I mean, let's be honest. How many days off have I had where I rested?"

Sniff, sniff.

"Mom, what are you planning?" I murmur, smelling her and Hoshie coming our way. Not surprisingly, the two of them arrive not a minute later. I smile, warm as I can. It isn't fair to Hoshie that her parents are the scum of the earth. "Hey, guys. What brings you all the way out here?"

"Hey, baby. Hoshie was feeling a bit… pent up at home. So she wanted to come see what you're up to?"

"Mom, I know better." I counter, smiling and rolling my eyes. "Imouto-chan wants to ask me something, but she's scared I'll get mad."

The two share a look. Mom's being more of an I-told-you-so, while Hoshie's is plain ol' surprise.

"Come on." I motion for her to come to me. She walks around the desk, coming to me without hesitation. I smile, grateful for little things. Yuzuki wasn't this trusting for nearly two months. I turn my chair to her, patting my lap to tell her to hop on. When she does, I wrap my arms around her middle and tug her closer to me so she can sit comfortably. "Alright, so tell me what my little cutie wants that she's so afraid to ask me."

"… I was… wondering if… it'd be okay… to see her?" She braces herself for the 'no', and probably a far more colourful response.

"Sure." I pat her backside to tell her to hop to. She doesn't react. "Come on, if you want to see her you'll have to come with me, you know?" I tease. "Or did you want to see both of them?"

"You… don't mind?" She sounds unsure of what's going on.

"Hoshie, you love them, right?" She nods, but I can't see her face to tell what she might be thinking. "Then why should I mind? Now come on. Maybe we can get some ice cream afterwards. Sound good?"

8-8

Both Miwako and Satsuma are shocked when they walk in, seeing Hoshie and mom with me. Hoshie runs to them, glomping them and telling them over and over how she loves them. I smile, remembering wanting to do just that for so long.

"Hey, princess. I hear you've been busy." Satsuma says, a frog in his throat that won't leave him alone.

"Uh huh! Kiko's been teaching me taijutsu! A style she calls Muay Thai! I'm not very good at it yet, but she and Togo say that even they're still learning the basics. Kenshin gets bored of it pretty fast though, but they don't mind at all. Did you know that Muay Thai is a Namiki style? That we should learn it from the time we can walk?"

"Yeah. I taught Aya the basics when she was Kenshin's age. She was pretty focused, even at that age." Miwako says, her tone wistful.

"So why didn't you ever teach me?" Hoshie asks. I narrow my eyes, daring them wordlessly to lie to her.

"… Your father never learned it, so he couldn't and…"

"And I remind you too much of Aya-nee, so you wouldn't." Hoshie hits the nail on the head. Miwako looks about ready to cry. Getting so much truth in so short a time, must be hard when you've been telling yourself pretty lies for years. "Don't give me that look, mama. Everyone's been saying it. How much me and Aya-nee look alike. Even Kiko and Togo are saying it."

"Why don't we all have a seat, so we can talk?" I offer, giving Miwako time to catch her breath before the next revelation hits her.

"Hey, Aya-nee. Are you going to teach me and Kenshin sound release?" Hoshie asks.

"Of course I am. What kind of silly question is that?" I ask, honestly confused. She looks surprised. "Imouto-chan, I might not appreciate how you and Kenshin came into my life, but I'll get over it. You are my little brother and sister, so I'm going to do everything I can to be there for you. Even teaching you the secrets I've learned for mastering the Okami jutsu."

"O…kami jutsu?" Hoshie looks confused, but her parents look shocked beyond belief.

"It's a hidden jutsu that only Namikis are allowed to learn. I might teach you one day, but you'd have to show me that you can handle it first. Don't worry, I'll show you a mediation tonight to give you the tools you'll need for just that."

She's surprised, shocked even. Slowly, the tears start welling up. "Aww, sweetie. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you sad. It's just that learning the jutsu is really, really hard." I explain, feeling horrible.

She glomps me, burying her face in my tummy – seeing as we still haven't gotten to the chairs to sit down. She shakes her head, no. "I'm happy." She says, still crying. "I'm happy, Aya-nee. I'm so, so happy."

I hook my hands under her arms, pulling her up for a proper hug. "Then why are you crying?" I ask. I think I already know, but those two need to hear it more than I do.

"No one ever teaches me anything. They're always too busy." She murmurs, her arms wrapped around my neck, holding onto me for dear life. "But you're busy too, and you… you… you keep doing things. And you keep asking people to help me when you can't. And you… you barely even know me."

I make a sussing noise, rubbing her back with my left hand, making sure to support her with my right. I don't want her to fall, after all. "Of course I do, Imouto-chan. I love you." I say, tears in my eyes. I kiss her cheek and the side of her head, smelling her hair as I do. She's using my shampoo, Yasu-nee's conditioner. I don't know why I find that funny, but I do.

"But they love me… and…"

"I know." I murmur, glaring at the two really uncomfortable idiots in front of me. "But sometimes even grownups have to learn that they need to grow up."

8-8

Mom decides that Hoshie's had more than enough for one day, so she scoops her out of my embrace. She's been crying for the last ten minutes, so I kind of agree with mom. "Hey, sweetie. If you and mom are willing to give me five minutes? I did promise you ice cream, after all." Hoshie nods, before turning her head and burying her face in mom's neck and hair.

"We'll be at your desk messing with all your drawers." Mom teases, her eyes laughing and crying at the same time.

"Fine, give me more work to do." I sigh dramatically, shooing them with a motion of my hand. The door closes firmly behind them, so I know they can no longer hear me. "Wow. You two are consistent, if nothing else." They flinch, obviously reeling from the low blow. "I've known her for two days, and she already respects me more than both of you combined. That must suck."

They look away from me, unable to face me. "Hmm, you know mom's been teaching her to read. It's funny that no one ever bothered to. I mean, she's picking it up like a sponge. I might even have her start learning to play an instrument. She seems to like the shinobue, but I think she should learn something that lets her be different from me. Give her a sense of self, you know?"

"We get it, Aya!" Miwako shouts, losing her cool. "We're horrible parents!"

"No. You don't get it." I press. "Because if you did, you'd start correcting the mistakes while they're still young. With a little luck, they'll forget about how much you two suck in a few years."

"… How do you know so much about parenting?" Satsuma asks, his tone showing just how crumby he feels. Poor thing.

"It's kind of hard not to, seeing as I had to raise myself." That pretty much did it. Miwako's in tears. Satsuma's not doing so well himself. "I mean, when you've got no one to catch you when you fall, it's kind of hard to still believe that the world is a nice and friendly place. So you have to learn fast, or face the consequences. Did you know that the gas company will shut off your heat in the middle of winter if you don't pay? Yeah, that's a lesson you don't ever forget. It's alright though. That was the month I paid for the headstones for your graves. So I thought it was worth it."

I don't think the two of them could possibly feel worse than they do now. Let's test that. "I wonder when the two of you are going to realise that even if you get out of here, no one's going to trust either of you enough to hire you. Deadbeats with two kids and a baby on the way. Must be rough."

"… get out." Miwako demands, wiping away her tears. So, she can feel worse. Interesting.

"What's the matter, Miwako? Truth too much to bear?" I ask, my tone completely neutral.

"I said, GET OUT!"

"No." I say, not backing down even a little. "I won't. And not because I enjoy doing this to you. As shocking as it might seem, I don't. I'm doing this because you two obviously won't realise it without someone on the outside rubbing your noses in your own urine to show you where not to go."

"Aya, you've made your point." Satsuma tries, tears welling up and almost to the point of crying again.

"My point? You haven't been listening to a word I said. This isn't about me. This is about Hoshie and Kenshin. And, by the way? A three year old that hasn't even begun potty training? Really? Wow. Just wow. How many bad parenting awards were the two of you trying to win with those two?"

He opens his mouth to say something, but I cut him off. "And don't even try give me that cock and bull, he wasn't ready crap. Mom already has him asking to go to the bathroom, and he hasn't had a single accident even though he's in jockeys full time." I see them sinking a little deeper into a depression every time I hit them with another point. "The fact is that neither of you tried. And frankly, Hoshie's been taking extremely good care of him, even though she's only two years older than he is. I mean, didn't you two notice yesterday? How Kenshin turned to her and not either of you? Or how about that Hoshie is so used to everyone telling her no and that they don't have the time, that when she came to me earlier she came prepared for a no."

"There's an old saying, you know. Children who never hear 'no' will never learn to say it, but children who never hear 'yes' will never believe they deserve it. It's about balance."

"… You wish we'd died on a mission, don't you." Miwako doesn't ask.

"You did. I promise, if you two get out of here, I'll bring you to see your graves. It's a nice, shady spot, under a plum tree. And guess, what? There's a spot right between yours that's reserved for me. And do you know why?" They brace themselves, knowing they won't like the answer. "Because I'd planned on dying young, no children, no partner, no friends. No one to mourn me. That way, there'd be no broken hearts left in my wake. That's how much you used to mean to me. Why don't you think about that for a few days. Kami knows I've thought about it for years already."

Without another word, I leave them there. Clutching each other for comfort. Crying their hearts out, even knowing that Ibiki is on the other side of the mirror, studying their every move.

8-8

It's almost time for the rounds at the hospital when Ibiki and Inoichi-san come to my desk, asking to speak to me privately. I shrug, asking Senju-san if she'll need me for the hospital rounds.

"No, Aya. Go ahead and use my office if you want. Make sure you lock up before you leave. And take the afternoon off. Heaven knows you need time to catch your breath with everything going on right now." Senju-san says, already motioning for Haruno-san to follow her.

"Tsu, why don't you tag along? I'm sure you could pick up a tip or two." She shrugs, but stays by my side regardless. "Fine, fine. Come on. I'm sure the two of you have more than enough going on."

We enter the office and Inoichi-san casts a privacy jutsu. "We've been talking to you parents."

"Miwako and Satsuma, I assume." I halfway correct.

"They are your parents." He presses, obviously not liking my response.

"Biologically, but go on." I motion for him to get on with it.

"They haven't even tried holding back since that second little chat." Inoichi says, obviously studying me to figure out something. "They've been telling us everything, every detail, about everything we ask. Even things we don't ask, they bring it up on their own."

"That's good. So how is this important enough to get both of you over here?"

"You broke them, Aya."

"… Yes?"

"Two jounins."

"Satsuma's a chuunin."

"You aren't listening. You broke two jounins taught to resist interrogation and torture. Even Ibiki would have had a hard time with them."

"Circumstantial. I'm their weakness, you both know that. And Satsuma's still a chuunin."

"Why?"

"Because they won't realise their broken until they finally break. Are you not listening to me?"

"Yes, I am. But I'm more aware of their rank than you are. They are jounins. Why were they broken to begin with?"

"Inoichi-san, really. You have one child, and she was raised well. They're getting their third-"

"Forth." He corrects.

"Third child, and they're still clueless on how to do the most basic thing for them."

"Now who's not listening?"

"Mutual respect. My parents are dead, Inoichi. They have been for years."

"Presumed dead."

"Have you ever attended a funeral for the living?"

"…" That trips him up.

"Ibiki heard me loud and clear, I'm sure. I buried my parents. I conned people to get the money to buy the plots, because I thought no one in Konoha cared enough to give them the burial they deserved. I didn't even understand until yesterday why their names were never carved in the memorial stone." They seriously, seriously don't like where this is going. "So, you'll have to forgive me, Inoichi, if I can't dig up the sympathy you're looking for towards two complete strangers that share my DNA."

"Aya. Are you upset with Konoha for how things went?" He's at least honest enough to ask.

"I used to be. Then Ino found me. Then Naruto-nii found me."

"What if they hadn't?"

"Then I'd probably have already died on a mission." Neither responds, but I see the questions in their eyes. "For the goals I'd set for myself before Ino got to me? I'd have happily died already. I'm a decent medic, and I've saved lives. I'm an Anbu Operative, and I've ended lives. That's all I had to look forward to."

"… And now?" There's a frog in his throat. He usually isn't as emotionally attached to people that tell him things like this.

"I need to dance with Chouji on my birthday. I need to see my first niece or nephew born. I want to see if Sakiko and Katsuo really do fall in love in the future. I want to see who else I can teach to truly master our hidden jutsus. I want to see what kind of woman Hoshie will grow into, what kind of man Kenshin will grow into. I want to see if Shika-nii and Temari are really falling in love and if they'll get married. I've got things to look forward to, things to cherish the moment for." I try not to get emotional, but I'm a little teary eyed anyway.

"I can't believe I'm going to say this… but I think you need to start dating Chouji." I narrow my eyes at him, unimpressed. "I'm serious. Aya, if I wasn't convinced that you were mentally stable, I'd ban you from missions and remove you from Anbu."

"You think that would keep those idiots off my porch?" I drone sarcastically. It's his turn to be unimpressed. "Inoichi, seriously. Relax. I'm fine."

"Miwako told me those exact words mere hours before her last mission. So you'll have to forgive me if I'm a bit sceptical."

I glare, unimpressed. "Don't compare me to her. Even at my worst, I never even considered abandoning my territory."

"No, just dying prematurely for it." He holds up a hand to stall whatever I'm about to say. "Aya, I'm worried about you. And judging from the two currently plotting something behind you, I think it's safe to say I'm not alone. Please… take an old man's crazy advice. Talk to Chouji about making you relationship official."

"We're not ready." I try, but Inoichi isn't listening. He drops the privacy jutsu, moving towards the door. "What if I start trying to hook up Ino then!?"

"I'm sure Mariko-chan would thank you. Please, by all means, ask her yourself." I hate people that don't back down sometimes. I really do.

8-8

"Okay. Please tell me why my presence is important in this meeting again." I complain. Naturally, I –having been given the afternoon off to relax– have been called in to a 'vitally important meeting' between Terumi-san and Senju-san. Of course. Because 'take the afternoon off' is a secret code for 'why are you still trying to take the afternoon off?'

"Because Mizukage-sama isn't used to people telling her off, and she rather enjoys someone that gives it to her as it really is." Senju-san says, smiling.

I blink. "So… the reason I'm needed is…?"

"I got bored and wondered if you'd actually come after being given the afternoon off." Terumi-san says, a teasing smile on her face.

"Uh huh. Well, this was fun. Let's not do this again. Ever." I wave, seeing myself out.

"I'm sorry, Namiki-san. Really, I'm just teasing. I could use you're help explaining things to Senju-san."

"I'll let you know when I care." I don't even break stride.

"Kami-sama, I'm going to miss having a Namiki around." Terumi-san says, her tone wistful. Uh huh.

"You've never met a true Namiki. Because if you did, you'd never have met her if you weren't in Konoha to begin with."

8-8

"I'm sensing a pattern. I really am." I complain. Get away from one (pointless) meeting, only to get called into a Council meeting. With Sand. And Mist, apparently. Why? Why not!

"Thank you all for coming. We've come up with a plan to help change the way the people of Sand view the people of Leaf." Inoichi, really. You're being dramatic. "We've collected and grown over a hundred dwarf coconut trees, which we will gift to Sand."

Wow. I'm awed. And inspired. And choked up so much right now. Really. I am. Totally in tears. Uh huh. Why do I need to be here for this?

"Aren't coconuts trees… palm trees?" One of the Sand delegates asks, confused. Insightful. Truly an awe inspiring show of intellect and wisdom in one fell swoop. Again. Why am I here?

"Gentlemen. Look. I'm fresh out of patience, so allow me to break this down swiftly and mostly painlessly." I get everyone's attention, just not in a good way. "Coconut trees are ideal for this, simply because they do well in sandy soils, even if it's salty. It's doubly important because Sand is prone to cold nights, meaning that you would have to care for the trees to ensure they do not die. As well, they would need extra water because they are used to humid climates. Get it? It's a test as well as a gift. A test, because it'll test your willingness to keep these trees alive. And a gift, because coconuts produce a lot of useful products. Coconut water, the jelly, coconut oil, coir. The products are considered the Holy Grail in some circles because of its beauty product usages. In other words. Treat Konoha well, and Konoha will treat you well. Treat us badly, and we will treat you badly. Get it? Symbols. Can we go now?"

"I see. Is that right, Yamanaka-san?"

"Pretty much."

"Good. Message received. And we will gladly take care of those coconut trees. If you would be willing to provide us with some tips to get the most out of their care?"

"I'd be happy to."

"Excellent."

I narrow my eyes, shaking with (mock) joy and (sarcastic) excitement. "Yea, we're all friends. Let me know when you need me for something important, because… really? This is supposed to be my afternoon off." I tell them, already seeing myself out of the Council Chambers. Really. And they're supposed to lead a village. The world as we know it is doomed.

8-8

"I'm starting to hate you people. Just a thought." I toss out there. Outside of the Council Chambers were none other than Dragon and Salamander needing a word. In Senju-san's office. Coincidentally also having Senju-san and Terumi-san. Just for the heck of it. "What do you need me for this time? Beauty tips?"

"Actually no." Senju-san says, smiling a bit too brightly. "Terumi san is considering sending a few Anbu trainees to Konoha for medical training. And guess who Dragon suggested to spearhead this effort?"

"Congratulations, Salamander. It couldn't have happened to a more capable medic." I say, already excusing myself.

"Oh, Aya~aaaaa." Senju-san sings.

"Forget it, Senju-san. I have enough going on." I tell her plainly.

"I know, but that's just the thing. This would ensure the Namiki clan's place in Konoha and Mist politics. And it would strengthen ties between our villages."

"And I'm sure Salamander won't mind putting in a good word for me. I already said no."

"But this comes with the added bonus of needing a location, which I happen to know you have. And you have the people needed to ensure the training."

"That's nice." Wait a minute. I've been walking to that door for the past minute… and I'm still not there? I do the genjutsu-release, then focus the Offsetting Sound and keep the effective range just beyond my own skin. Shockingly, the door starts coming closer this time. "I don't appreciate the Genjutsu, Senju-san. And I know you did it. No one else is sneaky enough."

"What if I offered you, and any and all staff you choose to hire, B-rank pay for the duration of the training, and reduce your time here to half days without reduced pay?" She tries, completely ignoring the genjutsu I'm complaining about.

"I'm short on time, not money. And frankly, we both know I've got enough going on. I don't have time to play doctor wolf with Mist Anbu trainees. Have either Salamander or Penguin take the position. And really? I sensed that one, even if I'm unaffected."

"Aya, please?" She tries.

"No."

"Pretty please?"

"What are you taking lessons from Naruto-nii? I said no!"

"It comes with thank you baskets filled with chocolate?"

"Low blow!" I complain. "I'm busy, Senju-san."

"It'd be exotic chocolate. From the Land of Water. The assorted boxes. With pralines and caramel."

"…" I scratch the back of my head. "Suju's? I thought they went out of business."

"See, I told you she'd know the brand." Senju-san says, amused. "So you'll do it?"

"No. I just can't figure out why Suju's stopped exporting to Konoha."

"My clan recently bought the company. I could… arrange a reduced price for Konoha. Make it easier for you to buy all the high quality chocolates you heart desires?" Terumi-san offers.

"… Senju-san, are you teaching other village leaders how to bribe me?"

"Of course not! Just Mei." She says, grinning.

"… And I'm sure you haven't been discussing this with Gaara at all then, huh." I drone sarcastically.

"He's not the Kazekage yet, so I'm being entirely truthful." His name is Kazekage Gaara…!

"Yeah, and that's because you haven't had a meeting with the Raikage or the Tsuchikage. And given your track record, I somehow have trouble believing you're not going to let it slip if either gets you into 'girl talk mode'."

"I take offence to that. Mei happens to be a fellow Kage and a kunoichi. How many kunoichi other than us have laid claim to that?" She defends. "Now come on, you know you want the chocolate, and the other offers are still on the table too. You'd get less work, more pay, and you get to boss people around on a regular basis."

"I do that every day. How is that a plus?"

"Because they'll be shinobi… from another village. Anbu trainees, in fact. And they'll be trying to show you up, every… step… of… the… way."

…

I'm not sure what's worse. The fact that I'm now considering this, or the fact that Senju-san knows me well enough to bribe me just right to get me to consider this. After turning it down repeatedly, mind you.

…

The jury's still out.

"How many Anbu trainees, exactly?" I hate that I'm curious now. I hate it. And yet, I know I'm walking in their carefully laid traps.

"We're considering starting off with twenty. We really need to build up after the civil war, and frankly, I can't imagine anyone handling a group quite like you can." Terumi-san says. "They'd be from both sides of the civil war. So you'd need to get them to cooperate with each other as well as yourself."

…

Tempting…

Tempting…

"Medical training only, or…?" I wonder.

"Overall as well. Medical training would be the only specialised training you'd need to deal with though. I'll be petitioning Momochi Zabuza for other trainings, like tracking and the silent killing style." Terumi-san says, grinning as brightly as Senju-san is.

"Fine. But I want full on Anbu styled classes. Codenames only. And permission in writing from each participant that I can maim them at any time, provided I put them back together after. Even if there's no reason apparent." Say no, say no, say no. Why do I keep hoping for people to turn down my unrealistic requests? It's never worked. "And I want the uncensored, unfiltered truth of what really went down with Miwako and Satsuma."

"Works for me." See what I mean. "You'll be getting mostly guys, so they could learn a healthy respect for women. I'll be sure to send their psychological profiles well in advance so you can prepare for them."

"… Senju-san. You know I'm going to start hating you eventually for talking me into things like this."

"Hey, if you agree it's not my fault." She tries, grinning.

"That defence only works the first time. Not the… what are we on, the fifth?"

"Why yes, we are the Fifth. Thank you for noticing."

"Okay. That's a clear sign I need to take a few days off. You're starting to sound like me."

8-8

End Chapter 75

8-8

A/N: Somewhat less angsty and pissed, I suppose. Aya's still not coping, at all. Unfortunately, there's so much more going on that meets the eye, but that's for another time. I have the next chapter already mostly done, and it's somewhat more... fun to write. I think Anko got off easy by comparison, but I think that isn't a big surprise given how deep this cut.