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 83 – Just one little meeting

8-8

"Ikoku, I want you in the dojo, meditating with the others. I've already told you I'm not going to tolerate you trying your bear thing before you master the meditation to my liking. And no, I don't think you're ready now." I demand. She rolls her eyes and pouts, but she knows I'm only getting on her case for her best interest.

"Sakiko, Hoshie, I want the two of you in there with her. You too, Katsuo. I don't like slackers and you three have been neglecting your training." They look like they want to defend it. "I'm sure your reasons are good ones, but you know I'm not going to listen anyway. I'm busy. You know I'm busy. If you waste my time like you did last time, I'm going to offer it to someone else. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Aya-nee." They sulk a bit.

"Good. Then hop to. And after that I want the three of you working on a new piece for the next concert. Solo, duet, group, whatever you want. I want you three to perform. Understood?"

"Really!? Cool!"

"Work hard. I want to be able to brag about my amazing little munchkins." I tease a little. They glomp me before dashing off to join Ikoku in the dojo. I roll my eyes, but find myself smiling anyway. "Yuzuki, I understand Sasa-nee's been helping you train?"

"Nn!" She beams.

"Good. Then I'll leave you to it. Let me know if you need anything, alright?"

"I will, Aya-nee!" She glomps me as well, squeezing me a little before she dashes off. Moegi and Udon are both in the Uzumaki compound training – but I have no idea what they're up to. Something.

"And Ki-chan?"

"Nn!" Kenshin is glad he's getting the spotlight a little too.

"I have a really big job for you. One that only you can do."

"Let me at it!" He announces, pumping his fist dramatically.

"Come here… it's a secret job." I whisper dramatically. "You're really good at making people smile. And there are a lot of frowny faces lately. I need you to make people smile again, okay?"

"Dat's a biiiiiig job!" He says, eyes wide with surprise that I'm giving him something so important. I nod sagely, fully agreeing with him "Awight! Then I'mma stawting wid you, Aya-nee!" He announces, glomping me. "Don't fight de smile, Aya-chan… de powa of de cutiepie is ways too powaful!"

I squeal! I can't help it! He's right, my little cutiepie is just too adorable to resist!

"I know… I'mma iwwesitabable." I think he means 'irresistible', and although he's absolutely right, I think his ego is a bit overinflated. Something to work on in time. I'm not tolerating a 'Kiba' in the clan! Still he dashes off to spread a little love and laughter.

"Right. Tsu, Tomi, Kin, you three are with me today. I'm going to need more support than usual, because frankly…" I trail off, refusing to put it into words.

"She was so messed up that she ended up crying in Miwako's arms for nearly an hour before realising it." Hitomi explains Kin.

"Ah. So that's why she's been walking on clouds." So ignoring you!

"Whatever. Let's get going." I say, ready to head out.

"Hold on. I need to get my gear. I'm not used to you dragging me all over the place!" Kin points out. I roll my eyes.

"Tomi?"

"Already working on a plan. I'll let you know if it needs ironing out."

"Good. Your weapon?"

"I've… considered the tonfa, but…"

"Tomi, it's your decision. We can only suggest, you know that."

"… I've offered to test a… prototype weapon. From Lee's teammate, Tenten?" She says, hesitantly.

"Sounds good. Use the resources available, Tomi. Ask for help, even if you don't feel you need it."

"I will."

"Mi-chan, you mind?" Kin asks, the picturesque damsel in distress. Hitomi rolls her eyes, but helps her mate to strap the chokutou just the way she wants it – diagonally across her lower back.

It's too tempting to not say something. "You two are too cute for words. You know that, right?"

8-8

The first thing we do is head to the Tower to collect Saromi. Ibiki decided to keep him overnight for whatever reason. I don't know; I'm not an interrogator. "Hey, Takara. Ibiki in?"

"Interview room two. He's expecting you." Takara motions me down the hall. I nod and offer a lazy wave as we walk past her desk. Entering the room, I see Ibiki leaning against the wall, and Saromi sitting seiza, his katana placed neatly beside him.

"I was wondering when you'd show up." Ibiki offers his usual greeting.

"Well, here I am. What's the situation?" I ask, nodding to Saromi meaningfully.

"I've never had someone so willing to talk before. It's refreshing." He says, almost smiling. "He poses no security risk to Konoha, and I've already put in my report. You can take him any time." He explains.

"Thank you, Ibiki. By the way, when you see Mitarashi-san, please remind her that…" I trail off, not wanting to think about it, not again. Not now.

"She knows. She's being ever so… loving… with your little friend."

"Good." I nod, feeling a bit better. "I owe you a drink, Ibiki. When you get off, tell Mitarashi-san I said so." He grins, knowing exactly what that means. He's never been to one of our parties, but everyone is always talking about them, I'm sure. "Saromi, you coming?" The ronin nods solemnly, grabbing his katana and standing with that practiced grace of his. He slips his katana into his sash with the wakizashi, bows formally to Ibiki – who nods back, smiling a little. I think Ibiki is impressed with this one; not an easy feat.

"The first thing we need to do is register you properly." I say, waving to Ibiki as we leave. "You are a warrior, as such you will be registered as a shinobi under the Namiki clan. You will not be required to take missions, but this allows that you may. It also gives me the leeway to oversee your training and I will warn you from right now, Saromi, I have high expectations of every member of my pack."

"I understand." He says, nodding as solemnly as he sounds. "I assure you, I will not disappoint."

"Good. After your registration, we are taking you to the blacksmith's. You're swords haven't been properly cared for, Saromi. That kind of thing will not be tolerated. Do you understand?"

"I do. Forgive me, milady." Did he just slip into high society slang? He's been calling me 'my lady' up until now. Baby steps, baby steps.

"Nothing to forgive, just don't let it happen again. Are you particularly attached to these swords?" I ask, studying him from the corner of my eye.

"No, milady."

"Why is that?" I'm asking you to open up, Saromi, not to merely answer my questions.

"… My blades were… broken, milady."

"I see. Your blood swords." What little I know, mostly from rereading 'Ronin' so often, is that in some samurai circles they carry honour blades, forged with the samurai's blood to make it part of them, and likely their family line as well. Sometimes these honour blades can be passed down for generation! To break a blood sword…

"Yes, milady." He doesn't want to talk about this. I can see it's hurting him, badly.

"Then we will have new blades forged. The proper way, to honour your ways." I don't ask if that's what he wants. He'll turn me down if I do, but if I simply order it, he won't believe it's his place to fight me.

"As milady wishes." There's hope in his eyes. A longing for blades he can truly call his own.

"Does this daisho set bear bad memories?" I ask, wondering why they aren't better kept. I know he had little when he found me, but even I think that a weapon is part of me. To treat it badly, or simply not caring for it as it deserves, says something. And there were more than a few chips in it. For a samurai to have a chipped sword, let alone a katana and wakizashi –called a 'daisho', or 'long and short'– tells me there is a story there.

"… It does, milady."

"Bad enough for me to want to never see them again?"

"Milady need not trouble herself with these matters." He tries, trying to hide the pain in his eyes.

"That's not how I am, Saromi. If you want to be part of our pack, you refuse the right to hide from us. Now answer the question." I demand. We're still walking to the exit, being greeted by familiar faces every few steps.

"… There is a custom… When a samurai is disgraced, his swords are… broken… and he is given a… broken daisho to symbolise this." He REALLY doesn't want to talk about this.

"I see." I think about that. One the one hand, repairing this pair could symbolize repairing his honour, offering him closure. On the other hand, this could be seen as a halfway house, keeping him down where he wrongly believes he deserves to be.

8-8

Registration goes quickly, for once, and we head straight for the blacksmith's. Once I get the blacksmith's attention, I put phase one of 'fix a ronin' into action. "Saromi, your blades." I demand, holding my hands up, palms facing the ceiling.

He looks… broken. I know this is hurting him, but a little pain now will save him a LOT of pain in the future. He takes his katana, offering it to me in the traditional way I'd expect from him. I don't react as he releases his 'broken katana' into my grip. "Both of them." I demand. I know that he would consider being unarmed an act of treason to me – it's a samurai thing. He's likely to think that being unarmed means he cannot defend me, and blah, blah, blah, blah.

But this has purpose.

His movements are slower this time, he's fighting not to shake, not to revolt, not to react emotionally. I am taking away what little honour he has, in his eyes. I know that.

"With this, you offer me your broken honour. Is that correct?" I ask, my tone as formal as the situation –as he– needs me to be.

I notice the blacksmith studying the ronin closely. He understands what's going on. Saromi nods sullenly. "Good. Blacksmith, I would have you repair these blades. Have them fitted for storage. Repair his broken honour." I hand the blades to the blacksmith, enjoying the gratitude I find in his eyes. It's Saromi's eyes that really hit hard though. He's close to tears – in a good way. "As well, I will need new blades for him, worthy of him. Forged as a true samurai's blades should be."

"Of course." The blacksmith, bows his head formally once again. He takes his notepad, ready to take the order.

"He will need a set of four. A katana, a wakizashi and twin kodachis. All reverse edged. Of a chakra conducting metal, of course. What alloy would you recommend for a samurai?" I ask, carefully referring to Saromi not by his name, but as a samurai. I know he both cannot and will not fight me on this, and I know that this is the first step he needs to believing he is worth something in my eyes.

"Nectar of the Kami." He says, his eyes smiling again.

"…" Saromi obviously knows this alloy, if the pure and utter shock he's radiating tells even half the tale.

"An alloy reserved for the guards of royalty. A bit pricey, but if anything is worthy of the samurai you have with you, this is." He explains. I nod.

"Very well. I will trust you to pick a proper sheath, colour and style befitting my honour guard, blacksmith. He is of the Namiki now." I say, again being way too formal for my liking, but… Saromi needs this.

"Then he will need a new name. A samurai takes a new name when he takes a new master." I'm explained.

I nod… thinking about that. "From this day forth, you will be Namiki Keito. 'Kei' meaning 'respect'. 'To' meaning 'person'." Literally naming him 'respectable person' is meant to drive the point home each and every time he's called by his new name: you are worth something.

"As milady wishes." He says, bowing so low I wonder if he'll be able to stand on his own. "Then I, Namiki Keito, offer you my life. From this day forth, I am yours to command, Aya-dono."

Too formal. Too formal. Kami-sama! I want to scream just to break the cursed mould we've gotten stuck in!

"I accept you oath, and will honour it." That's taken straight out of 'Ronin'. If I hadn't read that book, I'd have no clue what I'm doing right now. "In turn, I will need you armed, Keito."

I take my twin kodachis from my sleeves, holding them palms down to show I am offering them to him. "Until your new blades are ready, you will wield mine. Guard me well, Keito." The formality is starting to make me itch! Seriously! Take the blades and let's be done with this!

"With my life." He vows, once again. He takes the blades from me, bowing much too low once again. That has to be bad for his back!

"Good." I say, nodding. "So anyway. You'll need a down payment for the order, of course." Ah! Much better! Now I can just be me.

"Nn. About forty-thousand Ryou. Under name Namiki, no doubt."

"Of course." I say, smiling. Even though we'll have to reregister Keito, I don't care. Now… now he can start a new life. A life with honour, hope… and who knows. We have more than enough singles for him to start trying his luck with.

I really do need to find out why he was dishonoured though, but I'm almost afraid to ask – for his sake and comfort, not mine.

8-8

Senju-san is quite amused when I explain why I'm reregistering Keito. I don't mind too much – seeing as he glows each time I tell the tale. She's especially amused that I gave him my family name.

"That's our Aya for you." A little too amused. "Welcome to Konoha, Keito."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Now that's just unfair! I get 'dono' and she gets 'sama'?

"Ah. Before I forget. I've taken the liberty of picking a headband for you." Senju-san says, still sounding way too amused. She takes something out of her drawer, placing a red headband on the table with the Konoha symbol. Keitou takes the headband, then looks to me.

"How… should I wear it?"

"It's your headband." I remind him. "Most wear it on their foreheads. Shika-nii wears it on his right arm. Lee wears his as a belt. I've seen people wearing theirs like bandanas, some even backwards. It's about what you want."

"Around the neck?" He wonders, looking at my headband.

"Mostly a girl thing, that's why I didn't suggest it. I won't care if you want to." I say, shrugging. Although…?

"What if we make it a Namiki thing?" Hitomi asks, either thinking the same thing as me or wondering if that's what I'm thinking. She wears hear headband on her forehead, a habit from her days of wanting to hide her Caged Brid Seal. Without a second thought, she ties her headband around her neck, snugly. Just like I wear mine. Kin is quick to do the same.

"What do you know, I'm a trendsetter." I say, amused. I used to be the only person wearing my headband like this. Sure, plenty of girls wear their headband around their neck, like a scarf but not a choker.

Keito ties it around his neck, snugly, looking to me –just me– for approval. I smile, amused that he cares what I think about how he dresses. "It suits you, Namiki Keito." I tell him, mostly because I like how his face lights up like a child opening presents on their birthday. "Now come on. I'm sure there will be another meeting soon just for the sake of annoying me. And we still need to introduce you to the pack."

8-8

"I hate being right sometimes." I complain, fidgeting in my seat in the Council Chambers. "I really do." Still, at least it's only the Shinobi Council – far less bothersome to deal with.

Naru-nii pats my shoulder, saying something about something I don't care to figure out just yet. We all settle in, and Senju-san enters soon after, starting the meeting immediately – even before sitting down.

"Thank you all for coming. I know this might seem like your standard meeting. It isn't. This is me laying things out and you all listening very carefully." She begins. I nod, grinning. That means I'm allowed to knock some head around if they interrupt her. "Now. Aya, would you say that Gaara and Kankuro are ready to return to Sand?"

"I would." I nod. Gaara has already laid a healthy foundation with his three genins.

"Good. Then you will assemble a team and escort them, including their genins to Sand. You will stay there for a minimum of a month to ensure that he is well received. And I expect you to lay down the law with Taiju, who is supposed to because Gaara's personal Anbu guard once he's Kazekage. I will also expect you to attend a meeting being held here in Konoha between the Fire daimyo and Wind daimyo. I suspect these meeting will take place over the next week. Gaara is to attend as well, seeing as he is the only true candidate for Kazekage. Furthermore, you will be the head of my guard during these meetings. Choose only shinobi you trust with this task, and ensure they understand that not a word they hear is to ever be spoken of. Do you understand?"

"Of course, Senju-san."

"Good. On another note. Mist has confirmed the joint training effort. They will be sending fifty of their shinobi to Konoha for the minimum of two years for specialised training. Namiki Aya and Momochi Zabuza will be spearheading this training. They are charged with the duty of forging deeply seeded bonds between our villages. These shinobi are scheduled to arrive in three months' time and arrangements for them have already been made. While they are here, it is every Konoha citizen's duty to foster these bonds. Should you be incapable of being nice and polite, then shut up and stay out of the way. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"Good. Aya, Zabuza, we will discuss the details privately." We nod, knowing she means after dinner. "As well, with everything going on, I've been trying to open as many friendly communication channels as possible. To both Great and Minor villages and countries. There will be very politically sensitive missions coming up shortly. I will need five specialized teams to see to these missions with grace and care. Jiraiya will be lead one. Hatake Kakashi will lead one. Akimichi Chouza will lead one. Ono Masao will lead one. Hyuuga Hiashi will lead one. You will each select three subordinates and be ready to be sent out at a moment's notice."

"Of course, Hokage-sama." They answer as one.

"Namiki Aya and Momochi Zabuza. You will both also have teams selected and ready to be sent out immediately, you are our first response cells. I am aware that this may conflict with your other duties. Be prepared for this eventuality."

"Of course." We answer.

"Yamanaka Inoichi, I have a new project I need you to spearhead. You will report to my office at your earliest convenience. Bring Ino with you, this concerns her as well."

"As you wish, Hokage-sama."

"Nara Shikaku, I'll need a private meeting with you and Shikamaru as well."

"As you wish, Hokage-sama." Hmm, interesting. I really like how poor, poor Shimura is getting left out in the cold.

"Uzumaki Naruto. I am aware that you are leaving on a mission soon. However I have a top priority task for your clan. Report to my office immediately after this meeting for details. It will need to be handled swiftly and with extreme care."

"Alright, alright." He doesn't sound happy. This will cut into his pranking spree. Wait… shadow clones. No it won't.

"Honda Ikemoto, I have an idea for the Academy that you and Umino Iruka will be looking into. I'll need both of you in my office sometime this week. I expect you will both give this the attention and care it deserves."

"Of course, Hokage-sama." That same guy that came to pick up mom way back when. Meh.

"Ito Nariko, the time has come for each genin cell to pick a medic for training. You will spearhead this effort, ensure that each attends their classes and you are to not stop stalking them until they are at least Rank Four medics. Is that understood?"

"Of course, Hokage-sama."

"Inuzuka Tsume, you have more than enough going on already. However, I have a project that could use your… tender touch. Low priority for now, but I expect you in my office before the week is out for details."

"I look forward to it." I hear the pleased smirk in her tone.

"Tatewaki Satomi, now is the time to being your project. Do not fail me."

"As you desire, Hokage-sama."

"Aburame Shibi, I have considered your recommendations. I approve. You may begin whenever you are ready."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama."

"Sarutobi Asuma, the Fire Daimyo has requested you as a personal guard during his stay here. You will report to my office today for details.

"Good. I expect regular reports from each of you. Konoha needs each of you to ensure our future is bright and promising. To fail me is to fail the future of Konoha." I grin. Shimura-san just got snubbed. Of the sixteen shinobi clans registered in Konoha, he's the only one that didn't get a project.

"Oh. And before I forget, there will be some… new arrangements in the Shinobi Council. I will be issuing memos sometimes this week. There will be a meeting to discuss the details after you've each had time to go over these changes. Bear in mind, I am informing you, not asking you. That is all. Dismissed."

Naru-nii, Kashi-nii, Momochi-san and I grin, sharing a knowing look. We don't know what that is about, but… We can guess. And if my guess is right… Shimura-san won't like it, at all. Especially seeing as the old ghouls aren't here – he's without backup and no one likes him.

8-8

"Hayashida-dono, welcome to Konoha." Senju-san greets the Wind daimyo. "I hope your journey has been pleasant?"

"Joyously uneventful, just how I like it." He jokes – I guess.

"Yamanaoichi-dono, welcome to Konoha." Senju-san greets the Land of That daimyo. "I hope your journey has been pleasant?" Wash, rinse, repeat.

"It was splendid, Senju-dono. Simply splendid. Ah, is this the Namiki-sama I've heard so many good things about?"

"Namiki Aya." I say, bowing but not getting into this any more than is needed. I don't have the patience for politics, and this is a meeting with three heads of state. I'd long since warned Senju-san that I'm keeping my mouth shut as much as I can get away with.

"A pleasure to meet you, Namiki-sama. Truly an honour." He slightly inclines his head, obviously thinking himself above me. I notice, but don't react.

"Aya-chan is here as my personal guard. Please forgive her reserved attitude, she is merely keeping her wits about her as her station dictates." Senju-san explains, smooth as silk. Politicians. I just don't want to insult a bunch of pompous windbags.

"Of course, of course." He goes on and on about something I don't care to identify. Senju-san seems to understand. Good on her.

Ten minutes later, the final guest arrives. "Mitsuzaka-dono, welcome back. I trust your journey was pleasant?" Senju-san must have the patience of a saint to deal with these people.

"It was, Tsunade-dono. It is good to see you again." The Fire daimyo says, his eyes smiling slightly.

"Likewise, Mitsuzaka-dono. As you requested, Namiki Aya is with us today. Though she is here as my guard. Please forgive her reserved attitude, she is merely keeping her wits about her as her station dictates." She rehearsed that. She'd have to, to word it precisely the same way twice.

"Ah, Namiki-san, it is good to finally meet you. You know, thanks to your efforts, the former Land of This is a new territory in the Land of Fire. Truly remarkable that you could accomplish such a feat at the tender age of thirteen. You do your clan, your village and your country proud, Namiki-san."

"Thank you, sir." I bow politely, sniffing the air to memorise his scent.

"Ah. A true Namiki." He probably realises what I'm doing. "Who do you have here with you?"

"Hatake Ryuuzetsu, Namiki Hitomi, Namiki Keito and Imamura Ikoku."

"I see, I see. How interesting. You wouldn't happen to be related to Hatake Kakashi, would you, young lady?" Tsu is asked.

"His daughter, milord." Tsu says.

"Good, good. I feel safer already. And Imamura… of the Imamura clan of Stone?" The Fire daimyo presses, his eyes boring into Ikoku.

"Formerly, yes. I am the last of my clan and currently under Aya's wing." Iki-chan explains.

"I see, I see. My, Namiki-san, you certainly choose your company well. My compliments." He says, smiling at me. I try not to shrug – their heritage and/or their skills isn't why I keep them close to me, after all. "You also seem to have adopted a Hyuuga and a ronin into your clan?"

"Samurai." I correct.

"Truly? How interesting. To have earned the loyalty of either is truly a boon and it speaks highly of your character, Namiki-san. I would love a private meeting with you later, to discuss certain matters. Perhaps in your home? I have heard so many interesting tales of your den and I would so love to see for myself."

"Not an option." I shoot that down without even thinking about it.

"Aya." Senju-san warns. "What sh-"

"I'm sure Namiki-san is more than capable of speaking for herself, Tsunade-dono. Please, explain." He all but demands.

"We are wolves, not dogs. We do not fetch and rollover. Our den, our pups, our pack… we are not suited for high society. And furthermore, I see no reason to invite your guards into my den as I don't know them."

"Why would that be a problem?" He asks, curious. If I didn't know better, I would think he's amused with my explanation.

"I do not invite death into my den. It isn't the Namiki way. You would pose almost no security risk, but your guards…?"

"Ah, but you see I'd already planned for that. That's why I requested Asuma-kun. He is, after all trustworthy?" Warning signs are going off in my head. Why would he want to get into my den so badly as to research and plot that far ahead?

"You'll have to forgive me, but you're planning that far ahead marks you a security risk. We can meet in a secure location away from my den, where your guards are more than welcomed to join you." I say.

"That's too bad, I was-"

"I don't do politics. I don't do silver tongues. And I certainly don't change my mind with what I see is a security risk. Our pups' lives mean more to me than your idle curiosity. Either the location I've suggested, or Senju-san's office. Pick."

"Now, now, Namiki-san, there's no need for hostilities. I'm only sugg-"

"Mitsuzaka-san." I interrupt him again. "Just as you would not allow me into your private quarters with your children and wife, I will not allow you into my den. This is non-negotiable." I glare at him. I don't care that he's taller than me. I don't care he's a daimyo. And I certainly don't care whatever he hopes to achieve.

People are let into my den because I trust them. I don't trust him. So there's no way he's getting in. Period.

"A true Namiki alright!" He sounds amused. "Please, forgive me, Namiki-san. I was raised around your grandmother, so I know how Namikis think and act. I was merely curious if her spirit lives on within your clan."

I fix him with my best 'we are not impressed' glare. He only laughs louder at that. "Tsunade-dono, I see why you like having her around. Even with a daimyo she doesn't back down." He sizes me up completely different this time, and he seems impressed. I roll my eyes. "This secure location of yours sounds adequate. I'm sure Tsunade-sama can arrange this private meeting for me?"

"Of course, Mitsuzaka-dono."

8-8

"Yes, yes. Gaara most certainly fits what I would need of a Kazekage. You say Namiki-sama is to escort him back to Sand personally?" The Wind daimyo seems to like the thought.

"They leave the day after our business is concluded." Senju-san assures him.

"I see. And how does the future Kazehage feel about this?" He presses.

"I am uncertain. There is much work to be done. Much to reorganize. Much bad blood between Sand and Leaf to heal." Gaara seems to be right in his element. Good on him – less trouble for me.

"Too true, too true."

"However, it is for this reason I am grateful Hokage-sama has agreed to my request that Namiki Aya accompany me. It would show a strong bond between Sand and Leaf is not only possible, but inevitable given time and room to grow." Gaara explains, cool as a cucumber. How does he stomach the overly polite crap these people keep spewing?

"Yes, I see your point. And her blossoming reputation certainly shows that Leaf favours you as well. Nothing short of Tsunade-dono herself escorting you could top that." Not rolling my eyes takes considerably more effort than I expected.

"Agreed. Which is why I wish to petition Konoha for a training program, as Mist has. It would bode well for us if we could forge ties to the Village hidden in the Mist, would it not?" Don't roll your eyes. Don't snort. Don't react at all. This is their version of a spar.

"Hmm?" The Wind daimyo strokes his chin, thinking about that. "Yes, yes. This would prove most beneficial to us. Perhaps you should try to pay the Hidden Mist village a visit, to foster friendlier ties with them?"

"I was thinking along the same line, milord."

8-8

End Chapter 83

8-8

A/N: Notice anything? Aya not exploding on anyone, maybe? It didn't slip my mind. At all. She just doesn't have the time or the leeway, and no one's stepping far enough out of bounds to justify it, even if only to herself. That means... that the next chapter is going to be entertaining ^_^

And BY THE WAY! Butterflies has hit over a hundred reviews! That means, as I've kind of made a custom out of, that once the story ends, you guys get bonus content almost immediately! That's right! For every hundred reviews, you get 1 Bonus Chapter (with a teaser of what the future will bring), 1 Bonus Content Chapter (fun and interesting facts I haven't pointed out, and perhaps even an in depth breakdown of how Butterflies was set up and/or plotted), and 1 'Just Because' Chapter (containing either a deleted scene, or something that sheds light on the more subtle background noise that actually plays a bigger role than has been hinted at).

These three chapters will only be posted after the story is officially completed, which won't be long now. And each will be named accordingly. So, Enjoy ^_^