The boredom was crippling. Namikaze sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the wall. The two guards had taken him straight to the Magister, but the village leader had been meeting with the creditors providing the money for the tournament. Minako, or maybe Minori, had delivered a message from her employer that the Magister would meet with Namikaze as soon as his meetings were finished.
'Creditors, yeah, this isn't a trap for Baa-chan at all,' Namikaze thought sarcastically. The sarcasm helped ease his discomfort at simply waiting for some arrogant little man that thought he could coerce a Sanin. Namikaze had achieved so much recently. Thus, the waiting was killing him.
Literally, in fact.
Namikaze's time was very limited. He only had a year to lay the groundwork for Naruto and Nagato-niisan to bring true and lasting peace to the world. Namikaze had reviewed how he was going to approach baa-chan a dozen times. He was confident in his ability to secure Tsunade's help against Madara while still keeping everything on track for The Bet.
'This'll work,' Namikaze assured himself. His goal was to change as much as possible, but keep things roughly the same as his first go-through. It was a fine line to walk, but he could already see the positive changes occurring. The mission to Wave would be much smoother. Haku and Zabuza wouldn't be hired by Gatō. That would make liberating that nation from the shipping magnate and criminal much easier.
There were dozens of other benefits that Namikaze could list. The biggest were dealing with Hidan and Kakuzu early. Those madmen did not fit with the vision Namikaze, Naruto and Nagato had for the world. Monsters that killed in the name of some blood-crazy god and for a paycheck didn't have a place in the new world Akatsuki would create. Namikaze smiled at the knowledge that Asuma wouldn't meet his end at the hands of a Jashinist ritual. He remembered Shikamaru's anguish as he recalled the fight. Asuma had dominated that fight. Hidan should have been obliterated.
'And he will be this time. That bastard won't harm Asuma-sensei, Shikamaru. I promise,' Namikaze swore.
Namikaze was ripped from his thoughts by a knock on the door. He barely had time to stand up before a second impatient knock echoed through Namikaze's lonely room.
"I'm not the Yellow Flash, give me a minute," Namikaze grumbled. He opened the door and was greeted by a young, slightly nervous, man. The Magister had sent a new flunky to retrieve Namikaze, evidently.
"I'm sorry, sir. The Magister wishes to speak with you as soon as possible," the flunky said quickly. Namikaze grinned as he recognized what had the young man flustered.
'He's from the Land of Earth! His mother probably got him to behave by claiming Dad would show up and take him away if he was bad,' the time traveler thought with a grin.
"Of course, of course," Namikaze said with a smile. "What kind of turn-out are you expecting for this little card game you are hosting?"
"This…tournament is catering to a very exclusive clientèle. It is by invitation only," Namikaze's guide boasted.
"Hoping to ensnare some big spenders, eh?" Namikaze asked as he exited the hotel. He swallowed back a smirk as he saw the guide take a misstep. If Namikaze had any doubt that this was a trap for baa-chan, it just evaporated.
"I…believe the Magister can answer any of your remaining questions, sir," the handler responded neutrally.
"Fine by me," Namikaze answered with a smile. "So, what kind of job am I looking at?"
"The Magister will give you the details," the nameless man answered quickly. Namikaze shrugged. The rest of the walk was under a strained silence. The Land of Earth native was clearly nervous in the presence of someone who looked so similar to the Yellow Flash. Namikaze turned his thoughts to his father. It was still a complete shock that his father was Namikaze Minato. Namikaze had chosen Namikaze as his alias in order to honor his father. It was also a way for Namikaze himself to show the Yondaime that Namikaze forgave him for sealing the Nine-Tails within him.
'I wonder who my mom was? Dad didn't have enough chakra to tell me while fixing the seal,' Namikaze thought somewhat forlornly. She must have been a beautiful and powerful woman. Namikaze just wished he could have met her like he had met his father.
"Sir, the Magister will see you now," the guide said before scurrying away. Namikaze didn't give the man a second glance as he opened the door and strode in confidently. The time traveler had faced down Orochimaru, Nagato, Tsunade, Sasuke, and Kakuzu. This civilian wouldn't have intimidated Namikaze when he was in the Academy. Now, Namikaze had the bravery of a man who had accepted his own mortality. The only real fear Namikaze had left was the fear of failure.
The Magister was a tall man, but spindly. His face was rather gaunt and Namikaze found himself recalling the Fire Daimyo. Granted, Namikaze had only seen the Fire Daimyo at a distance in his past life while training with Jiraiya. Still, the resemblance was a bit striking.
"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice," the Magister said promptly. Namikaze smiled, both politely and in amusement. The man's voice was rather nasally. Namikaze had always found that tone hilarious.
"You are welcome, sir. I see that you are gearing up for a rather exclusive tournament," Namikaze said with a bow. The town leader smiled warmly.
"I am impressed by how well-informed you are, good sir. But forgive me, we have begun this conversation without introductions. I am Magister Sho," Magister Sho introduced himself.
"Well met, Magister Sho. I am Namikaze."
Sho squirmed in his seat. Namikaze realized that Sho was also from the Land of Earth. He had not been the best student in his past life, but Namikaze remembered hearing that certain territories changed hands following the peace treaty.
"Quite. As you know, this card tournament is very exclusive and a large amount of money will be changing hands. We require extra security," Sho explained eagerly.
"I'm game," Namikaze said glibly. He found his word choice amusing; unfortunately, Sho did not share his amusement.
"Quite," Sho repeated. "In addition to basic security work, there are other…opportunities available."
'They have no idea who they are up against. Baa-chan is going to tear whoever goes against her apart,' Namikaze thought dismissively.
"I'm always interested in opportunities," Namikaze honestly confessed. Sho leaned back in his opulent chair and smiled.
"Tell me, Namikaze-san. What do you know about the Legendary Sucker?"
"Just that she loves to gamble and is the greatest medic-nin to ever live," Namikaze answered noncommittally.
"Exactly, as a medic-nin she is not a front-line combatant. We will have the advantage," Sho said overconfidently.
'I almost feel sorry for these idiots,' Namikaze thought in pity. "We will indeed," he responded verbally. Namikaze just didn't mention his true allegiance. Although, he realized, he would side with Baa-chan just because of the lack of respect this village was showing to a Sanin.
"Due to the dangers of this…opportunity, we will pay you half upfront," Sho said as he rose from his chair. The Magister reached a safe and slowly and deliberately opened it. Namikaze immediately readied himself for any potential attack. The years as a shinobi had drilled an instinctive and necessary paranoia into his brain. A lifetime as a Jinchūriki had honed his paranoia to a razor's edge. Namikaze did not relax as the Magister reached into the open safe.
"Byakugan," Namikaze whispered as he flashed through the hand seals drawn from the memory remnants inherent in Hinata's eyes. He didn't breathe a sigh of relief as he confirmed the envelope was full of ryo notes. Namikaze wouldn't trust the man until he got back to his hotel room and ran some basic checks. Contact poisons on payment envelopes were the doom of many ninja over the years.
Namikaze wouldn't be one of those ninja.
Besides, Sho would probably believe he had successfully bought Namikaze when the ninja accepted the money without even double-checking the amount. Sho slid the envelope across the desk. Namikaze carefully picked up the envelope and slapped it against his other hand.
"Full," Namikaze said with an impressed whisper.
"We are sparing no expense," Sho said proudly.
'He's definitely the type to double-cross any unaffiliated or missing-nin he hires. He's like a taller Gatō,' Namikaze thought darkly.
"Well, that makes my life more pleasant," the ninja said with a smile.
"Excellent! The players in our little game will be arriving within the day. Feel free to enjoy the hospitality of my village," Sho finished with a flourish.
'Yeah, definitely a trap,' Namikaze thought with finality. "Thanks!" the blond-haired ninja hopped out of his chair. He took two steps to the door before turning around. "There aren't any ramen joints in this town are there?"
Naruto put his head down on his desk and groaned. There were a few times he wished he didn't have to keep his position as dead last. For once, Iruka-sensei was teaching an interesting lesson. It was on the Shodai Hokage's Wood Release. That was something Naruto was interested in! The Wood Release was awesome. Naruto had watched Yamato-sensei enough to see just how incredible that bloodline was.
'But nooo… I can't get above a C on this test. I could totally ace it!' Naruto thought in annoyance.
Mizuki-sensei dismissed the class and Naruto turned his head and looked at Hinata. She always improved his mood.
"Is everything okay, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked quietly.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just wish they would give us the graduation exam already. I mean, this stuff on the Shodai Hokage is actually cool, but it won't benefit us all that much in the field," Naruto explained.
"These lessons are designed to instill us with a strong bond with Konoha, Naruto-kun," Hinata explained.
'I carry another bond…and its one of hatred with my brother,' a memory of an older and much darker Sasuke entered Naruto's mind. Naruto flinched and stole a quick glance at Sasuke. The two boys would never admit it, but they had actually gotten along during their short training sessions.
'He betrayed Team Seven,' Naruto thought darkly, before quickly slipping into confusion.
"What's wrong, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked quietly.
Naruto looked up and smiled. "I'm hungry. Want to grab something to eat? How about Sayuri's? I know it's your favorite place," Naruto lied warmly and offered lunch as consolation. Hinata recognized the lie, but chose not to press and the couple headed out of the classroom. As they walked through the streets of Konoha, aware of their surroundings but not caring about the whispers or disapproving looks. Naruto and Hinata had each other. They were each other's rock and believed they would win the world over eventually. Naruto and Hinata sat casually at a counter.
Naruto fought the urge to sigh as Hinata pulled out the study sheet for the upcoming quiz. He just wanted to spend time with Hinata. This was about as close as they were going to get to a date until Naruto secured some social standing.
'Or if I could prove I'm the son of the Fourth like Namikaze claimed, but most of the village would just think it's a prank,' Naruto thought a bit glumly.
"The quiz is tomorrow, Naruto-kun. I need to score high in order to pass Sakura in the standings," Hinata explained. "You do want to be on my team don't you?" Hinata teased playfully. Ever since Hinata had realized her friendship with Naruto wasn't simply a dream, she had become far more relaxed in Naruto's presence. Hinata's greatest fear had been to have Naruto reject her.
That fear was revealed to be completely unfounded. Hinata, in her relief and desire to explore her expanded boundaries, became more open with Naruto. She slowly started to joke with, tease, and reveal her hopes and insecurities to Naruto. Hinata found such unconditional acceptance liberating.
"I should already realize 'Hinata is always right'. It'll make things much easier long term," Naruto said with substantial emphasis on the last two words. Hinata involuntarily tensed as the possibilities of long term ran rampant in her mind. "Two can play at that game," Naruto matched Hinata's playfulness as he leaned in and whispered in Hinata's ear. The moment seemed to hang in the air between them.
Hinata and Naruto reluctantly separated as they remembered why they were at Sayuri's in the first place. The pair began to study for the upcoming quiz, slowly. The two prospective ninja wondered where the edge to their teasing had come from.
"The Shodai's bloodline has never been successfully reproduced," Hinata read a bit of her notes.
"Actually, I know someone with Wood Release," Naruto said after sipping on his water. Hinata looked at Naruto in clear disbelief. "Hey! I'm not lying, Hinata-chan! His name's Yamato, well at least that's the name he gave me! ANBU and all that, but he's moving in to my apartment complex next week!"
"I believe you Naruto-kun," Hinata said in an attempt to placate Naruto. She treasured his enthusiasm, but sometimes Naruto could…embellish certain details. After finishing their light meal, Naruto and Hinata left Sayuri's for their usual training ground. The two Academy students had studied 'enough' for the quiz on the First Hokage and turned their conversation to lighter fare. Naruto told Hinata about some of the stories Yamato had revealed whenever Naruto pestered him enough. Hinata happily recounted her recent sparring victories. She couldn't help but laugh at Naruto's enthusiastic congratulations. More than anything, Naruto said the four words Hinata wished her family would tell her.
"I'm proud of you," Naruto had said with a soft smile. After paying, Naruto and Hinata left Sayuri's without a clear destination in mind. They simply enjoyed the friendship they shared. The two Academy students rounded a corner and found a trio of Branch family members were approaching from the direction of the Clan compound. Naruto felt Hinata tense. In fact, Naruto could feel fear rolling off his best friend in waves. He didn't care what the Hyūga would think in that moment. Naruto took Hinata's hand and gave a quick, reassuring squeeze.
"Hinata-sama," the oldest Hyūga greeted respectfully. "Hiashi-sama requests your presence for training."
The older Hyūga weren't causing the fear in Hinata. Naruto could tell that easily enough.
"Otou-sama is asking for me?" Hinata asked in disbelief.
"Yes, Hiashi-sama was adamant that you attend today's training session. Though, it was a relatively recent decision," the middle-aged Hyūga confessed. Hinata felt her spirits buoyed that her father was once again taking interest in her progress. Naruto, on the other hand, was not impressed. A father shouldn't decide to spend time with his daughter on a whim. It should be an everyday occurrence.
Naruto could feel his ire rising has he figured out why Hinata was afraid. The youngest Branch Family member was staring at Hinata with a self-satisfied smirk. Naruto recognized him as Hyūga Neji, the Rookie of the Year from the last graduation.
"W-we should not keep otou-sama waiting. Please, lead the way," Hinata said graciously.
"Your politeness and kindness is a testament to your nature. You should hurry, so that you do not disappoint Hiashi-sama," Neji said coldly. Naruto had been trying to be polite and not glare, but Neji's tone nearly set him off. Kindness had sounded more like weakness. Neji had also put a bit of emphasis on 'disappoint'.
"Good luck with your training, Hinata-chan! You'll do awesome. I believe in you," Naruto said encouragingly. Hinata visibly brightened and followed the two older Hyūga towards the Clan Compound. A few moments passed before Neji turned towards Naruto.
"It is fitting that Hinata has gravitated toward the likes of you," Neji said grimly.
"What?" Naruto growled.
"Fate determines who is strong and who is weak. The weak gather together in an attempt to create the illusion of strength," Neji lectured.
Fate? Naruto questioned in his mind. He knew Fate was nothing but a lie, a crutch. If there was such a thing as fate, then Namikaze would still be Naruto and, the present Naruto hoped, Hokage. If Fate existed, time travel would be nothing but an outlandish plot device in a really bad novel.
There was no Fate. "I don't believe in Fate and I don't believe it determines strength. Hard work, drive, and belief in yourself make you strong," Naruto countered. Neji scoffed at Naruto's declaration. The blond-haired academy student simply stretched in response.
"It is clear that you have something else you would like to say. The set of your jaw reveals you are trying to hold your tongue. Strange, I did not think it was possible for you to show restraint," Neji taunted. He was amused by Naruto's continued attempts at restraint. "Speak your mind; so that I may show you the futility of your denials of Fate."
"Want me to, eh?" Naruto asked and Neji responded with a nod. "Fine…you're an asshole."
Neji's face had a momentary flash of anger, before the Hyūga regained control. "You truly are a fool."
"Am I?" Naruto retorted and smiled. He loved it when a plan came together.
Namikaze leaned back on his stool and sighed. It had been far too long since he had the pleasure of ramen. He was using some of the money from Magister Sho's payment. Namikaze had a Shadow Clone run the standard tests and confirmed that there were no poisons on the envelope's flap or on the bills themselves. His initial belief that the Magister would turn on him hadn't vanished. Namikaze had simply refined his estimate of when the stab in the back would happen.
The 'freelance' shinobi shook off his attempts to plan for the inevitable betrayal. Namikaze already had several Shadow Clones scouting the village and learning the amount of muscle Magister Sho and baa-chan's creditors had available. Right now, his primary concern was enjoying the ramen. It wasn't Old Man Teuchi's, but it wasn't bad. Namikaze tipped the cook and started to work his way back to his hotel room.
'Standard security for this type of high society get-together. I haven't seen any other freelancers… I should check a bar,' Namikaze thought to himself. He then paused in the middle of the street. 'I don't want to go to another bar. Gah, why didn't Ero-sennin mention any places other than whorehouses and bars as solid places for information gathering?'
Namikaze grumbled and started walking. After a few feet, his shoulders slumped. "That was a really dumb question."
Namikaze continued his wanderings and eventually found his way to one of the village's entrances. There, he heard a voice that warmed his heart.
"Tsunade-shishō, I don't think this is a good idea," Shizune said in a tone Namikaze recognized well. Shizune had probably been trying to warn Tsunade for weeks about this 'tournament'.
"This is a small out-of-the-way tournament. We'll play a bit, win big, and be gone before my creditors know I'm even here. Now! Let's find some saké!" Tsunade said jubilantly.
Namikaze sighed. It looked like he would be going to the bar after all.
"You cannot defy your Fate," Neji reiterated. "You may struggle all you like, but in the end Fate has decided the course of your life, your strength and your ultimate end."
'I really have to contact Namikaze. I have to get that proof,' Naruto thought to himself. "Do you remember why I failed to graduate with you?"
"You are incapable of creating even a simple Bunshin. I have never seen anyone with such laughable chakra control," Neji answered. "Despite all your attempts, mastering that technique will be forever beyond your reach."
"It sucks to admit this, but you're probably right. Hinata-chan has been helping me with Chakra control, but I haven't made any progress with the Bunshin," Naruto confessed. Neji smiled and was about to drive another point home when Naruto looked up. "But you know what I have learned?"
"Enlighten me," Neji scoffed.
"It's amazing what you can do with Shadow Clones, tree walking, and a distracted opponent," Naruto's voice said from behind Neji. The Hyūga genius quickly activated his Byakugan and saw that a second Naruto was less than six feet away.
"How?" Neji asked in complete disbelief.
"It's simple. I worked for this. I won't lie, I had some help. Yamato-sensei taught me the Shadow Clones, but I train every day to discover all the uses of this kick-ass jutsu," Naruto half-confessed. He did not reveal the full truth and used the cover story Yamato had fed the Hokage.
Naruto could see the shock on Neji's face. The Jinchūriki was thankful Neji had been thrown so far off-balance by Naruto's ploy. "I'll see you around, Neji."
Neji watched as both the Kage Bunshin and Naruto faded from his sight. The Hyūga teen's mind was reeling. If Naruto had wished it, the Kage Bunshin could have plunged a kunai into his back. Neji had been so blinded by his arrogance and his foolish dismissal of Naruto that he had failed to maintain awareness of his surroundings. Neji had failed as a ninja in that moment while a failure had succeeded beautifully. That 'failure' had also mastered a Jonin-level technique in a maddeningly short time. Naruto was so casual in his use and, to be frank, mastery of the Kage Bunshin that he referred to the technique by its informal name.
'How could I, with these eyes, have failed to see the world around me so completely?'
"You are dismissed, Kazue," Hiashi commanded crisply. The young Cadet Member rose shakily to her feet. Kazue bowed nearly perfectly and profusely thanked the Clan Head for the honor Hiashi had bestowed upon her. Hinata maintained perfect posture and the expected Hyūga stoicism. She resolved to find Kazue and speak with her. Hinata was horrified that Kazue would be punished for some perceived flaw.
Hinata could never outwardly show such concern in front of her father, however. Hiashi had often stated such sentimentality was a 'weakness'. So, Hinata would wait and follow the traditional forms. She would wait until her father spoke before speaking. She would sit when a seat was offered and she would maintain perfect posture despite the protests of her body.
She would make him proud.
"Hinata…" Hiashi finally spoke. Hinata tightened her posture and stood proudly. "I am pleased by your recent improvements. Your Jūken requires refinement, but the hesitation that crippled your style is fading away. This newfound boldness suits you and your station."
Hinata subtly swallowed back her shock. It took all of her self-control not to cry. Her father had finally complimented her. "Thank you, Otou-sama," Hinata responded formally. Hiashi simply nodded.
"Your position as heiress has many demands," Hiashi continued as if Hinata had never spoken. Hinata did not mind. Her father had acknowledged her as heiress. Hinata had not heard those words in nearly six years. "One of these demands is the company you maintain. Your every action, acquaintance, and word is a reflection of the Hyūga Clan. Hinata, you must carefully consider all of your social interactions. There are…many in your academy class who are not worthy of your attention."
The pride that had been swelling in Hinata's heart now had competition. Worry had seeped into her heart.
'I'm finally beginning to achieve my dreams and now my father is hinting I will eventually have to choose his approval or Naruto-kun…'
"I…understand, otou-sama," Hinata responded neutrally.
"Today's training has been enlightening. You are dismissed, Hinata. I expect you properly attired for dinner. Ensure you choose your Cadet Attendant carefully," Hiashi said with a perfectly controlled voice and in a perfectly controlled stance.
"Of course, Otou-sama," Hinata said with a bow. Hiashi was the first to leave the dojo, as per tradition. After taking a moment to calm her racing mind, Hinata exited the dojo. Hiashi had never permitted Hinata to 'take' a Cadet Attendant before. Hinata, truthfully, did not like the tradition. It was the further, to be blunt, enslavement of a part of the Hyūga Clan. Hinata was well aware of the great honor the Attendant would receive, but she could not accept that being a personal slave was an honor.
'I have to speak with Naruto-kun,' Hinata thought resolutely. 'I have to speak with someone I can trust.'
"I can't believe the disrespect," Namikaze scoffed. He had enough faith in Tsunade to not be furious. The blatant disrespect was grating however. There were only two other freelance shinobi in the room. Namikaze almost felt sorry for the idiots. If the timelines matched up, baa-chan and Shizune probably leveled the town in a few minutes. Namikaze just hoped baa-chan was sober enough at the time to loot Magister Sho's office.
"Congratulations, Tsunade-sama. You win the pot," a Dealer exclaimed. Shizune and Namikaze immediately went pale.
"I…won?" Tsunade asked in disbelief.
"Yes, you won quite handily, my lady," the Dealer said uncertainly. Namikaze could understand his confusion. He didn't know baa-chan like Namikaze did. Tsunade only won bets or at gambling when things were about to head south.
"This…isn't good," Shizune groaned. Namikaze silently agreed as he put down his drink.
'The only way this could get worse is Magister Sho showing up and giving a smug speech,' Namikaze groaned. Across the room, the doors were thrown open. Magister Sho entered the room flanked by two guards. Namikaze buried his face in his hands and sighed.
"It will, however, be good for all Tsunade-sama's creditors," Magister Sho said with an arrogant smirk.
"Shizune, if you say 'I told you so', I won't speak to you for a week," Tsunade grumbled. Shizune nodded in agreement.
"I promise, Tsunade-sama," Shizune promised. Tsunade sighed and downed her last bowl of saké.
"We are willing to be reasonable, Tsunade-sama. I am sure you have something of value that will placate your many creditors," Sho said offhandedly. Shizune and Namikaze knew immediately what something Sho meant. There was no way Tsunade would hand over her grandfather's necklace.
"Shizune! We're leaving," Tsunade announced hotly. The Slug Sannin rose to her feet. Shizune quickly followed her master and dearest friend. Magister Sho was shaking his head as if disappointed. Namikaze was struck by a memory of Mizuki at his most condescending.
"I am afraid that we must insist you stay. The debts you have accrued must be…settled. If you would be so kind as to follow our three quality ninja…" Sho said haughtily. The two Chunin moved from their positions eagerly. Namikaze took a deep breath and rose to his feet.
"Alright boys, drop the henge," Namikaze said suddenly. Magister Sho, Tsunade, Shizune, and the two Chunin whose names Namikaze hadn't bothered to learn each had very telling reactions. Magister Sho looked completely confused at Namikaze's outburst. The two Chunin freelance, probably missing, ninja didn't have time to react. Shizune used her Poison Mist technique to reduce the closest enemy ninja to a convulsing wreck. The second freelancer was knocked through several walls by one of Tsunade's legendary punches. Namikaze's Shadow Clones were untouched in the quick burst of violence. Several Shadow Clones had positioned themselves to create a cordon between Tsunade and the other guards. The positioning was not lost on either Tsunade or Shizune.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Tsunade snapped at Namikaze.
"I'm not going to attack you," Namikaze said simply. "Several reasons, actually. First, I was only paid to provide basic security. Second, you're a Sannin and I'm just a freelancer. Finally, I need to speak with you about your family's feud."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes at Namikaze. "My family's feud."
"Specifically, your Grandfather's," Namikaze revealed.
"That man is dead," the last Senju said with finality.
"I'll explain somewhere more…secure," Namikaze responded.
Magister Sho took a step back. "But I paid you!"
"And you set a trap for someone you had no chance of defeating. Magister Sho, you have no idea how much better baa-chan is than you."
Shizune slowly started backing away from Tsunade. The Slug Princess had developed a twitch Shizune had only seen when Jiraiya and bathhouses were involved.
"What did you call me?" Tsunade asked dangerously. Namikaze chuckled nervously. He remembered a moment too late that this Tsunade wasn't the woman who would become the closest thing Namikaze had to a mother.
"I meant that in the most complimentary way possible," Namikaze, lamely, tried to assure Tsunade. "I also know where Sho's safe is."
Sho squawked indignantly as he realized that Namikaze had well and truly betrayed him. Tsunade weighed the mysterious stranger's words. Shizune was about to recommend that Tsunade take this opportunity to leave Anamizu.
"I will not permit you all to leave!" Sho yelled and stamped his feet.
"Shush, the adults are talking," Tsunade said after moving towards Magister Sho. The civilian wilted under the angry gaze of the Sannin. Tsunade smirked before flicking Sho in the head. Namikaze's memories from his time as Naruto flashed to the forefront. He had been on the receiving of several of baa-chan's finger flicks. Thus, Namikaze instinctively flinched as Sho was knocked violently through a window.
Tsunade whirled around and faced Namikaze. "So, where's this safe you were talking about?"
Namikaze could only smile at Tsunade's antics and Shizune's groan of exasperation. It was good to have them back.
Author's Notes: I have been resurrected by Kabutomaru's Impure World Resurrection. Now excuse me, I have to go stall Itachi.
All kidding aside, I'm sorry for the long delay in updating this fic. I've recently gotten a job and I've gotten a ton of hours. I'm also taking a class that involves 75 hours of Classroom observation. Enjoy!