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 76 – Facing our fears

8-8

"Aya, you can do this." I murmur. My little pep talk isn't doing much, for some strange reason. "It's just Satsuma and Miwako. You've been dealing with them for days now. This is not a big deal." Only it is. It's a very big deal. Huge! Ginormous!

Why am I dealing with this on my day off? Why? Why couldn't Senju-san let me read the reports after I've rested? After I've gotten used to sharing a bathroom with a mini-me and her little brother that both just look WAY too much like me!

The reports! Maybe going over them will help me to soothe my nerves? Not likely. Let's just get this over with.

Nodding to myself, I open the door and walk into the 'interview' room. Satsuma and Miwako are sitting there, their eyes on me. The dashed hopes, the longing; on display, as it usually is. Why is it bothering me this time? It hasn't bothered me the last six times I've spoken to them.

"I'm in no mood to beat around the bush, so I'll get straight to the point." I tell them, sitting down across from them. "Given you're behaviour, there is talk of releasing you into my custody."

They exchange a look, neither sure how to take the news. "I won't lie to you, neither of you is going to have it easy in my den. Or at all, really. Dragon flatly refused to have you back in Anbu, and the hospital feels the same way about you." I tell Miwako and Satsuma in turn. "That means you will be financially dependent, and in no position to argue with me on any point you think should be different."

"…" They try to say something, anything, but neither can find the words.

"Understand that things are not the way you left them. The house is set up differently, there are people you would consider complete strangers that are members of the Namiki clan, and far more respected than both of you. Rooms have been changed around, caches claimed by individuals. Protocols that weren't there before are now commonplace and expected. All your old colleagues are no longer your colleagues, they are mine."

"I don't understand." Satsuma admits.

"I am an Anbu Operative, one of seven medics on the roster. Codenamed Wolf." They both look like they want to cry; happy tears this time. "I am also Senju-san's secretary, and for some reason I'm called in to interrogate people more often than not. Especially people I bring in. That also means that we have quite a few in our den that most would consider prisoners. We have strong ties to the Hatake clan, the Yuki clan and the Uzumaki clan, and everything we do reflects that."

They share another look, unsure how to even begin processing that. "Furthermore, we have the Naras, Akimichis, Yamanakas and Sarutobis over more often than not. And we run an Anbu Rehabilitation centre for trauma patients. Not for the sake of money. We don't accept payment for or from our patients."

This time they beam with pride. "I'm telling you this so you can mentally prepare. We have more Anbu lingering in our dens than HQ. It's gotten so bad that Dragon sends messengers to us before looking anywhere else in Konoha."

"That means there's going to be a den full of pissed of people that know more or less what happened." Miwako sums it up nicely.

"Exactly. And they are more protective of me than daddy and Naruto-nii ever were. After all, other than one other, I'm the most respected medic in Anbu. We're busy training the others, so there's hope for the future." I explain seriously.

"… Just how much do you have going on?" Satsuma asks, worried but impressed.

"Too much, as usual." I complain. "Just know that neither of you are in a position to ask questions. There are hundreds of little secrets and dozens of big ones that my packmates keep without batting an eyelash. Neither of you has that respect. Don't ask and there won't be a problem."

8-8

We go through the –very familiar– motions. Unshackling the prisoners, introducing my usual shadows, ordering them to follow. 'Takara' seems amused, seeing me taking another set off her hands. I don't care.

"I can't believe Takara still works here." Miwako says, amused.

"I can't believe that's actually her name." I counter, just as amused. Takara isn't amused. "I've been talking to you for months and you have yet to introduce yourself. Your own fault." She doesn't answer. She just takes the shackles and leaves.

Whatever. "Let's get going. I've got more than enough going on right now." I say, motioning for them to follow. Tomi and Tsu take up our rear flanks, as usual, and we start making our way out of the Tower. Not surprisingly, quite a few familiar –but not quite friendly– faces greet us, completely ignoring the two in my custody.

"Oi, toilet paper girl! I know that isn't another request you plan on bothering Haruno-san with!" The woman stiffens, before disappearing. I grin, enjoying messing with her more than most.

8-8

We make it to our den without too much hassle. On entering, the first thing I notice is the most common scene in the world to me: the kids are in the front yard training. Sakiko and Katsuo are sparring, showing Hoshie the value and the point of the training they've been putting her through, Udon, Moegi and Haruki are comparing notes on their accuracy with kunai throwing. Konohamaru is showing off, again. Yuzuki seems to enjoy training with them, too. They take the time to offer her little tips and corrections, and she seems to be soaking it up.

Kenshin is mostly getting in everyone's way, but no one seems to mind too much. They try to make it fun for him, but Kono-chan looks like he's ready to make a fuss.

"Good to see everyone's training." I announce our arrival. Of course, that means all training stops and they come begging for their hugs. I hold up a hand to stall them though. "Ah ah. With Kenshin nosing around, I expect you to first collect your kunai and make sure there's nothing he can get curious about and hurt himself with."

They nod, collecting and stowing their kunai. It doesn't take more than a second before I'm buried in midgets again.

"Mama, papa!" Hoshie and Kenshin cry out, noticing the pair with us. I look away this time, unwilling to see the happy family reunite. Moegi notices. Her eyes study me, but she doesn't say a word. I sigh.

I prefer missions, they tend to make more sense.

"Alright, alright. Keep in mind that I still have two days off. That means I'm going to be holding a few training sessions for you guys. The first one is in the dojo, tonight after dinner. Haruki, I'm going to want to see how well your practice with your new sword is coming. Udon, Moegi, I want to see how your sound release training is going. You two have shown quite some progress, but have a long way to go. Sakiko, I'm curious about how you're coming along with those genjutsus I wanted you to learn. And Katsuo… I want you to be ready to show me how far you've come. Both with the kodachi kata I showed you and the snap-genjutsu. And Haruki… don't think I won't start getting on your case about your medical training eventually! I happen to have a few days, and I plan on mostly being home, alright?"

"Yes, Aya-nee. Do you think you could help me with the Healing jutsu? It's…"

"Harder than it looks. I know. Tomorrow morning I'll see if I can't help you with that, okay? Don't let me forget." I give him a stern look, but I'm smiling anyway.

"Nn!" He beams.

"Hoshie, I expect you there as well. I want to properly introduce you to someone that helps me train our pups in sound release and medical jutsu. I will want you to start studying both, alright?" I say with an expectant look.

"Nn!" She looks about ready to cry again.

"Alright, as you were. And Kenshin, please remember that you could get hurt if you're not careful, okay?" He gives me his pouty face. "None of that, you're the one that's going to cry not me. If you're bored, why don't you come into the house? I'm sure Yasu-nee has something that might keep you entertained."

"Nuh uh! Yasu-nee says he's not s'posed to go near the kitchen right now!" Sakiko announces.

Ah. That explains the mouth-watering scents coming from there. "Alright, alright. Then how about this…" I tap my chin a few times, pretending to think about it. "What if I summon Tsuren and her pups to play with you guys?"

"YEAH! Aya-nee, could you!? Could you, could you, could you!? Pretty please?" They really like that idea.

I summon the six wolves. "Hey, guys." I greet them. "Our pups are a bit bored. You guys feel like playing tag with them?" I ask, grinning like mad. All five wolf pups turn to their mother, eyes begging and whining pitifully.

"… Alright. Play nice." Tsuren gives in. Her pups and ours all cheer, already running around the front yard like their tails are on fire. "You and I will have words before I leave, Miwako." I grin, liking the frosty tone and how Miwako shivers slightly.

"N-nn."

8-8

It doesn't take long to get them settled in. It's not like they had a lot of things packed, after all. One of (more like 'the last of') the spare bedrooms upstairs is theirs now, and I take my time to introduce them to everyone. I smile just a little brighter each time Miwako and Satsuma get a frosty reception. Even Yasu-nee tells them point blank not to expect any respect any time soon, if at all. Ouch. Just, ouch.

"Oi, Imouto-chan." Kashi-nii calls me. I turn, finding him eyeing our newest prisoners coldly. "We have a problem we need to talk about. Zabuza and Naruto are already in your office waiting."

"Does this involve Miwako and Satsuma?" I ask, curious.

"Among other things." He admits.

"Alight. Tomi, I'm going to need you to get the troops rallied. And for Kami's sake, figure out what Kin's been up to with training? I mean, I've gotten no reports on her at all. It's starting to annoy me." I demand. "Tsu, I want you in the front yard minding the pups. I know it's so unneeded it isn't funny, but I promise there's a reason I'll discuss with you another time."

After getting two nods, I warn Miwako and Satsuma to be on their best behaviour, and notice how Mitarashi-san is already calling them into the family sitting room. We settle into the office and I activate the seals. "Alright, guys, let's hear it." I say, getting comfortable on the old couch. Naru-nii is sitting next to me, and Kashi-nii and Momochi-san are sitting on the new couch across from us.

"I want to know what the plan is for those two." Momochi gets right to it.

"I have none as yet." I admit. "Senju-san asked me to take them off T&I's hands, because they need the cell."

"I don't buy it, Namiki. I know you better than that." He presses.

"… Well," I sigh. "I've read the reports. I have a copy for the three of you, but I don't want to discuss it."

"Look, I'm all for happy reunions and mushy crap, but this is bigger than that. You have two known traitors in our dens. I need to know what the hell is going on, because I've already got six pissed off Operatives getting on my nerves about when the execution is scheduled." He really isn't mincing words.

"Read the report, then we'll talk." I counter. He looks at me funny. "I'm not in the mood, Momochi-san. Really."

"What's the deal with you wanting Ryuuzetsu to spend time with your wolves?" Kashi-nii changes the subject.

"Well, even though she's a Hatake, she's my responsibility. It's not my place to ask for her to sign with the Dogs, so I figure letting the wolves get used to her and giving it time…" I trail off, knowing he'll understand.

"Alright. That sounds fair. Give me a few months before you decide anything. Yasu-chan and I have been… discussing things that aren't quite formalized yet." He says, vague as ever.

"Take your time. I'm mostly focusing on her medical, stealth and combat training anyway. She doesn't seem interested in sound release though. And Naru-nii, I'm really glad you took my advice about Haruki. He seemed excited about showing me his skills with the chokutou." I smile at my own words. I'm not sure why, I mean, it's not exactly news. Still, I just feel happy about how things are going.

"Twin scimitars aren't for him. No shame in letting him try another style." Naru-nii shrugs, but is grinning anyway. "Did anyone tell you that Haku claimed a chokutou as well?"

"I told Tsu that someone would." I grin. "It's a good thing I bought three. Did anyone claim the third one?"

"Kin's been thinking about it, but…" Momochi-san trails off.

"But…?" Why is everyone so vague when it comes to Kin?

"She's been acting… weird." Naru-nii says. "Really weird. And no one seems to be able to make sense of her."

"… I see." I think about that. "Indicators?"

"Nervous around females, especially Hitomi. Always the last ready and the first to turn in at night." Kashi-nii lays it out.

"Closet lesbian?" I ask. A bit of a shot in the dark, but it would explain why she consciously and consistently avoids bathing with us.

"That would be my guess. I don't know why though. It's not as if we'd care." Kashi-nii says. Naru-nii and Momochi-san shrug and nod as well.

"I'll talk to her. How's Hinata holding up with everything going on?" I change the subject. Lingering on something silly is pointless.

"Pretty well, actually." Naru-nii answers. "Dragon's considering giving her a mask, but I don't think she's the type."

"I agree. She has the skillset, but not the mind-set." She really doesn't belong in Anbu. She wouldn't last five minutes with that kind of crowd.

"Agreed." Kashi-nii chimes in. Momochi-san just rolls his eyes, wondering why this is even a topic. I have to agree.

"So anyway, I've been thinking about having her sign with the Kitsunes. She seems okay with it, and Yokoe says the elders aren't against it." Naru-nii continues.

"Makes sense. You might want to talk to Hyuuga-sama first, before making that big a step, though. We both know that her signing that contract is as good as a marriage contract." I point out.

"True. I'll talk to him about sooner or later. By the way… has anyone else noticed that Anko's been flirting with Neji?" Naru-nii starts gossiping. Obviously the bigger issues are out of the way.

"Flirting is harmless." I shrug, not caring.

"Not if he's been flirting back, 'ttebayo! I mean, seriously! Neji and Anko?"

"They are adults. If they feel like having a tumble in the sheets, it's their business." I remind him.

"Sis. They already had their tumble." Okay, that's news to me. "And they're still flirting. This is looking like something more, 'ttebayo!"

"Well, that's nice. Maybe he can get her to dress normal-ish? Or maybe entice him to join Anbu? I mean, he does have the mind-set for it." I point out. Kashi-nii shrugs, not disagreeing but not really caring either. Momochi-san is a bit more interested in that, though I can't say why. And Naru-nii?

"Sis, be serious, will you! This is fate obsessed Hyuuga Neji, getting caught up in a relationship with Mitarashi Anko! She'd break him in a second!"

"And that's on him, not any of us." I remind him. "Look, it's not that I don't agree. The thought of those two dating is weird. But the fact is that it's no one's business but their own."

"… True." He relents. "Anyway. Fuu's going to be bugging you for some extra lessons. She heard that you're taking a few days off."

"I figured she might. Haruki's getting some extra time with me tomorrow, I'll try to include her. And, Momochi-san? I was hoping you'd consider giving Tsu, Kin and Haruki a few lessons on how to wield their chokutou? I know it's nothing compared to your Executioner's Blade, but I know you're a swordsman worth your salt. Any tips you offer would be heaven sent." I stroke his ego a little, knowing that he'll at least consider it this way.

"I might be able to spare some time…" He strokes his masked chin. "What about Hitomi though? She still being a nutcase?" I roll my eyes, but don't disagree with him. She was being stupid.

"I've been dragging her into my training every chance I get. I still can't believe she tried to teach herself earth release jutsu with so many experienced shinobi willing to teach her!" I complain. "Anyway, after we deal with the basics, we're going to start figuring out her weapon choice. She seems to like swords, but I somehow wonder if that's the best choice for her."

"I agree. She's seems more of a tonfa user to me." Kashi-nii suggests.

"Worth looking into." I nod, wordlessly thanking him. "Hey… I just realised that we still haven't thanked Hana for helping out as much as she has. I mean… she practically lives here these days."

"I wouldn't worry about it." Momochi-san says, grinning. I narrow my eyes, wondering what that's about.

"She's been a bit… zealous with Tokara's rehabilitation." Kashi-nii explains. "Almost as bad as you are with Chouji."

"… I see…" I grin, liking the sound of that. "Well, I'll see if I can't do a little digging then. I think it's about time Hana started considering settling down with someone worth her time. And I'm sure she'll agree… eventually." The three of them roll their eyes, but don't comment. "Inoichi's bugging me about making my relationship with Chouji official, by the way."

"… Why?" Naru-nii doesn't like the sound of that.

"He and Ibiki are under the impression I'm still suicidal." I tell them honestly. "He thinks making it official will ground me."

"It couldn't hurt. I mean, look at Kakashi." Momochi-san teases, grinning.

"And you're one to talk?" Kashi-nii teases right back.

Momochi-san shrugs, but is still grinning. "I can't lie, Nara had a point. A good woman is worth being whipped for." D'awwww! "Oi, Namiki. Cut it out. I know that look."

"What?" I ask, all hurt innocence. "Can't I enjoy the legendary Demon of the Hidden Mist finding the love of his life?"

"Kunoichi. I swear… the whole species is crazy." Momochi-san shakes his head, obviously annoyed.

"We'd have to be to survive around shinobi." I say, grinning.

8-8

"I don't mind helping?" Miwako tries, but the offer immediately gets shot down. Yasu-nee and Maki and Haku are more than happy to dish out dinner, and Haku doesn't even mind serving Miwako and Satsuma, but they know better than to risk letting Miwako serve anyone.

"Hey, Aya-nee? Can I sit with you tonight?" Sakiko asks. She's been asking to sit with me a lot lately. I'm not sure if there's a reason, but I'll get it out of her if there is.

"Sure, Imouto-chan." I say, scooting back a bit to make space for her. "Mom, would you mind helping Kenshin?"

"… I wouldn't mind helping him." Satsuma tries, and gets ignored.

"Of course, baby. Come on, Kenshin-chan. I'll even let you pick your own desert if you behave." He likes the idea, so he's quick to run to mom and plops into her lap. Mom, hasn't complained once that she and daddy are pretty much raising the whole Namiki clan. Kami-sama, I'm so glad they're in my life.

"Yasu-chan, I really wish you'd let me at least serve the food for you." Kashi-nii tries.

"Nii-san, come on. If you had your way she'd be in bed for the next nine months." I point out.

"And that's wrong, because…?" He seriously doesn't get it.

"Because exercise is healthy and letting her do little things while accepting her new limitations is by far better for her physical, mental and emotional health." I explain seriously. "Mom's keeping an eye on her, Kashi-nii. Do you really think she'd let her do anything strenuous?"

He sighs, but can't argue with that. He still bugs her to let him help, but she swats his hand away every time. I don't miss the grateful look she send my way though.

"I'd have to agree with her." Satsuma tries. "So long as she rests when she's tired, there's no reason to limit her."

Kashi-nii glares at him; who asked you? Satsuma looks a bit uncomfortable, but doesn't respond.

"Aren't the others coming?" I ask, wondering why Inoichi-san, Mariko-san, Chouza-san and Remi-san aren't here. It's also kind of weird to not see Ino here.

"Hmm? No, not tonight." Mom says, smiling.

"Mom…?"

"They're just considering something I suggested." She says, being really vague on purpose. Somehow I get the impression she'd talked to Remi-san and Mariko-san about the three of them getting pregnant again. I don't know why I think that, but it fits.

"Papa?" Hoshie's already begging with her eyes.

"What's up, princess?" He asks, glad someone's talking to him.

"Can I sit with you tonight?" Tears are welling up. She's a bit jealous of Sakiko and Kenshin, and obviously wants the same treatment. I silently pray that Satsuma understands that saying no will crush her – and piss everyone off, not unimportant.

"If that's what you want, sure." He says, smiling. He scoots back a little, to make room for her, but poor Hoshie isn't even sure how to respond.

"Imouto-chan." I grab her attention. "If you don't hurry, dinner will get cold." I give her a meaningful look. She looks about ready to cry, getting up and running around the table to sit with her father. I don't look, but I listen. I listen how he asks her if she's comfortable, how she sounds overjoyed to finally get the attention she's craved from at least one of them.

I listen to how Miwako praises her for eating her vegetables, to how Hoshie proudly announces that Yasu-nee told her there's no dessert without eating all her veggies. I listen to how Satsuma offers to help her, and how she declares that she's a big girl so she doesn't need any help.

And all the while, Sakiko and I are going tit for tat, to see who gets the last eggroll. I tend to hold my chopsticks left-handed when she sits with me, so we don't continually get in each other's way, but it does make for some interesting little games to test and hone her speed and reflexes. Eventually mom gets on our cases, saying that we're setting a bad example for Kenshin. So I pretend to be embarrassed and let her 'steal' the eggroll we were fighting over. She's earned it.

I also listen to how mom is teaching Kenshin how to hold the special chopsticks she bought for him. How he boasts that he's getting the hang of it, even though he's making a mess of things. I smile when I don't hear mom making a fuss at all. She knows this is just a part of learning.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Hoshie sounds near tears. She probably dropped something in her lap, messing up her clothes, or his.

"It's fine, princess. These things happen." Satsuma assures her. I hear a sucking sound – she'd probably dropped a piece of beef, which has sauce, and he's 'cleaning up the mess'. "See. Not a problem."

I don't know if he realises it, but mom, Yasu-nee and I are all smiles. It seems that maybe, just maybe, Hoshie and Kenshin will get the childhood they deserve.

And it's about time.

8-8

"Alright, everyone. Line up, please!" I call clapping to get, and keep, their attention. Miwako and Satsuma are here, for some reason. Don't know, don't care. "Hoshie, you are our most junior member, which means you need to be all the way to that side." I point to my right. Udon, being the most skilled right now, is to my left.

Once everyone is lined up properly, I sit seiza, and so do they. "Good. Hinata is here with us tonight, because I want to introduce her to our newest member. Hoshie, Hina-nee is one of the senseis of the four clans in sound release and medical jutsu. She has much to teach, and she is my foremost student in both schools. Now, everyone, I've explained earlier what I wish to see. I expect you to give it your all, no matter what. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Aya-nee!" They answer as one. I don't remember when they all decided that I'm their big sister, but I don't mind. It's fine.

"Alright. Since we have a new member, we'll be switching things up. I want to start with Hoshie-chan and we'll work our way up to Udon. Please come here, Imouto-chan." She looks nervous. "There's no need to be nervous. This is a place we are allowed to make mistakes. Moegi, why is that?"

"Because we cannot grow without making mistakes and learning from them." She answers, beaming to show she knows she got that right.

"That's exactly right. It's better to make mistakes here, among your pack, than anywhere else." I explain, my tone kind and my smile as warm as I can manage – with those two sitting right there. "So don't be afraid to make mistakes here. So long as you learn from it, it's healthy and needed."

"N-nn." She nods, but still stounds uncertain. She walks over to me, so I jump to my feet. I stand in front of her, assuming the Muay Thai stance. She's quick to do the same.

I make some minor corrections, but overall I'm not disappointed. For someone that started learning this so recently, she's doing surprisingly well.

"Good. Show me your game face." I demand. She still looks nervous. "Imouto-chan, look at my face. Study me." I demand as gently as I can. I drain all emotion from my face, sharpening the look in my eyes to the point that I could cut people with just a look.

She tries mimicking me, but on the look in her eyes is still uncertain. "Better. You'll get there with time." I say, smiling. "Alright, now show me your punch."

She throws a sloppy punch, overextends and almost loses her balance. I catch her before she falls. She looks ready to cry, obviously wanting to make her parents proud of her.

I take my time explaining her what to pay attention to, how she shouldn't extend her arm all the way and that if she does she might hurt her elbow if she hits something or someone. She nods, throwing another punch, better this time. She doesn't lose her balance at all, and she throws her weight into it slightly.

"Better, much better. Again." She throws the same punch, determination in her eyes this time. "Again." She throws the punch again, breathing hard as she strikes her imaginary opponent – just to show how seriously she's taking this.

"That, just now." I begin. "That's how I want you to punch." I praise, giving her a moment to enjoy the attention and admiration of her peers. "Again."

She does the punch exactly the same way. Throwing the punch with her whole body. "Good! Good! Now the other arm." It takes a few tries, but she executes the punch the exact same way. "Good! Now I want you to throw two punches. One right, one left. Keep in mind they both need to be just as strong."

This takes a bit longer. She starts out throwing one punch the coming back to throw the next. Eventually, I explain that if she takes a slight step forward she could cut down the time. It's a bit of a crutch, but she gets the result she wants almost instantly.

"Good! That's what I'm talking about, Hoshie!" I praise, enjoying the slightly worn out, but oh so proud look in her eyes. "Alright. That's enough for now. Back to lineup. We'll work on it some more after you catch your breath."

Next comes Yuzuki. She doesn't hesitate at all. She's mastered the steps I just worked through with Hoshie, so I trade punches and elbows with her, helping her to toughen up her fists and elbows. I keep going with her until she winces the first time.

"Good, Yuzuki-chan! You've been practicing." I praise, glad to see her face light up. "Now, we'll work on your knees and shins."

This time it takes her twice as long to wince. "Excellent, Yuzuki! You should try to focus on your fists and elbows more, until you can hold out just as long as with your knees and shins. Alrgiht?"

"Yes, Aya-nee!" She bows formally to me, but I wave it off.

"Come now, Yuzuki. Is that anyway to be with your pack? I appreciate it, but if you feel so strongly, I prefer hugs over bows. Alright?" I tell her. Even without seeing her eyes, I can tell she's a little teary. She runs over to me, hugging me briefly before rushing back to line-up.

"Alright, next up!"

8-8

"Udon, you're approaching this all wrong. Don't try using force. Sound release is about finesse." I explain seriously. "I want you to imagine this jutsu is your koto. Remember that plucking the strings harder makes more noise, but not sweeter music. So play the jutsu for me, soft and sweet."

He nods, mentally rehearsing it before trying it again.

Snap!

One Divine Hand pops into existence. I grin. "That's what I'm talking about." I praise. "It's still shaky, and it will explode on contact. But, you've got this stage down pat. Good work, Udon." I pat him on the shoulder, pride swelling within me. The Hand fizzles out of existence, he's sweating a bit from his efforts.

"Alright, Haruki, Moegi, Udon. I want the three of you to continue working on this jutsu until you can do it effortlessly. Like this."

Snap!

Two Divine Hands pop into existence instantly. I have one muss Haruki's hair, to show it won't explode on contact. "When you can do that, I'll show you the next step. But you three should feel proud having come so far so fast!"

"That goes for all of you! I'm proud to call you my students." I tell them honestly. I'm engulfed in a wave of midgets again, each overwhelmed that I feel that way. "Alright, alright. That's enough training for tonight. I want all of you to go wash up. After that, you can see if Yasu-nee has a snack for you, alright?"

They start dashing for the door. "Not you, Hoshie." The others filter out quickly, but Yuzuki and Sakiko do come for one last hug before dashing out.

"Do you know why I asked you to stay behind?" I ask her.

"… Because I suck." She says, looking away.

"No." I tell her, hooking a finger under her chin to invite her to look at me. I don't continue until she does. "I asked because I wanted to compliment you. As skilled as the others are now, they didn't throw a proper punch the first weeks of training. You've already got it down in one night." I tell her honestly. Her tears well up, so I hug her. She needs and deserves it.

"Do you want to spend a little extra time training with me?" I ask, proud of my little sister. She nods – no hesitation, no questions, just the joy of knowing I want to. "Alright. I can't promise you I'll always have the time, you've seen how many students we have running around. But, I'm willing to give you the chance. If you show me that you will take this seriously, I will find the time for you. Alright?"

"…N-nn." She nods again, clutching my shirt to hold onto me even tighter.

"Good. Tonight it's just you and me. Tomorrow, I'm going to want to get you, Katsuo, Sakiko and Yuzuki for some more training. I expect you to tell them for me. Deal?"

"Deal." She says, nodding.

"Alright then." I push her back a little, enjoying how her eyes are lighting up. "I'm proud of you, Imouto-chan. So long as you continue to give me your all, I won't care how many mistakes you make, okay?" She's in tears, but smiling brightly all the same.

8-8

"You're a good sensei." Satsuma says, after Hoshie leaves to go wash up.

"…" I don't answer. I don't want to. Instead I cast a privacy jutsu, wanting to understand just how screwed I am with setting these two straight. "Why didn't Miwako ever teach you Muay Thai?"

"I'm not a Namiki." He says, shrugging.

"Sakiko wasn't born a Namiki. Udon, Moegi and Haruki are Uzumakis. Yuzuki isn't a Namiki either. In fact, I even taught Naruto. So, why wasn't your mate allowed to learn?" I ask Miwako this time.

"He didn't need it. He's skilled enough with the Konoha Medic style, and he's not likely to ever be able to handle the Okami jutsu, so there was just never a reason to." She explains.

"Idiot." I say, shaking my head at her stupid reasons. "There's no such thing as a skill you don't need." Neither has an answer to that. "Whatever. Not my problem."

"If you don't mind me asking?" Satsuma begins, uncertain. "Why are you training the other clans in what could easily become a Namiki hidden style?"

"Because the den depends on each pillar being strong." I tell him, smiling and rolling my eyes that I have to explain a core Namiki principle to him. "Besides, the Uzumaki's didn't need to teach me Uzumaki Script Sealing. The Yukis didn't need to teach me the silent killing style. The Hatakes didn't need to help me develop and perfect half the jutsus you saw tonight. We are stronger if we pool our resources, that's the whole point of the pack, isn't it?"

"Aya, do you know that Yuzuki is an U-"

"I know who she is." I cut her off. "I warned you of the secrets carefully kept within these walls." They both look at me, obviously approving of whatever they think they see. "Though you only see four clans accounted for, the fifth is never far from our hearts."

"What about Asami, do you know?"

"Oh yes. I know all about that. Who do you think forced the Third's hand to tell him?" They look confused, probably wondering how I found out. "It was easy to figure out. You always trying to get Naruto-nii and I to play and spend time together when we were children? You being the Fourth's personal Anbu guard? And the impressive collection of Uzumaki and Namikaze scrolls in our hidden library?"

"Heh. You always did take off your father in the brains department." Miwako says, sounding proud. I gaze at her, wondering why she thinks that's a compliment.

"So you're going to be his guard dog?" Satsuma doesn't sound pleased.

"I am no one's dog. I am a wolf." I correct, my tone crisp. "And I am protective of him, yes. Just as he, Kashi-nii and Momochi-san are protective of me."

"What about you and… Chouji?" Satsuma asks, his tone a bit darker.

"Watch your tone, Satsuma." I glare, warning him only once. "My love life is none of your concern." He tries to look stern, until I growl at him, my every muscle coiled to strike, my every hair standing on end.

I don't cool off until I get visual confirmation that he's backing off from this topic. And then, "You would blame your father for wanting to look of for you?" Some idiots never learn.

"Ah yes, because I've been calling you Satsuma for the pure joy of it." I intone. "Your duties begin tomorrow morning. Be ready for no later than six." I drop the privacy jutsu, leaving them there to figure things out for themselves.

8-8

End Chapter 76

8-8

A/N: I believe the stage is set for... some fun. So, let's have that fun, shall we?