..Chapter Ten..
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Weeks had passed since the Genin exam. Team Rin had long since completed numerous missions, only gaining in strength and experience. The former ANBU turned Jounin was doing a damned good job of getting her team in shape. And she hoped against hope they would be ready when the Hokage called in all the teachers and asked who they wished to submit for the exam.
They'd not been in Leaf very much because she tried to keep them busy as possible without over working them. At first they'd started out with simple missions. Babysitting, catching that silly Fire County Lord's wife's cat, small body guard duties. And then after about a month, they'd been upped to more high ranking missions that involved dealing with bandits, samurai, artifacts on transport. At one point they'd been required to guard a prisoner through Sand and a few ninja had crossed their path. It had been a hard fight, but, they took care of it with quick action and swift movement.
Kei hadn't seen Shin in a long while. She missed him as much, if not more, than the rest of her family. Ryu and her worked wonderfully together but it seemed like more often than naught they'd been getting into little tiffs. She couldn't really help it. It were those damn feelings he incited in her all the time. It unnerved her because ... well... she'd seen him as more like a brother than anything else for so long. True, like Shin, there would be nothing wrong with her falling for either of her cousins. People married family all the time. Well, not brothers and sisters. That was a bit weird. But, it was nothing out of the norm for first, second or third cousins to marry. Especially within the Hyuuga clan. It was nothing out of the norm when the families had been separated by branch and main for two people to marry from either side.
The family was so large that it would be very difficult to remember all of them or see them as close as a brother...
Still, Ryu had always felt like a brother to her. She'd always spent so much time with him as a child. They'd pulled many a prank on their parents together. The Hokage monument for one. She was still a bit irritated about taking the fall for that one. At least all of it. But, she would never rat him out and neither he her. It had always been their rule. And sometimes, when one of them did something and the other did not, if the other was asked, they took the blame anyway. It was a give and take relationship.
Still!
And anyway, he'd probably tell her how icky she was if she even told him she'd started to have these feelings. So, instead she just got mad at him everytime they popped up. And he just went on thinking she was out to banter with him. Grr... Life got harder had you got older. That was for sure.
Rei had become a great mediator between the two when things got heated. She always acted like she didn't give a damn. She usually said she just got sick of them arguing and told them to shut up. Or that she'd been bored and felt like jumping in. And then there were those completely random moments when she said she actually cared in her own 'whatever' sort of way. Most of the time she just popped them on the heads at the same time and said they had more important things to do. Usually a fight or a mission.
No matter how you looked at it though, they had fun. And Rei had been a great teacher. She taught Rei how to hone her wood techniques; to refine them. She taught Kei how to better her taijutsu and accuracy with weapons during battle. And finally, Ryu. She taught him how to control and thin out his chakra so he could use his metal based attacks longer without wasting so much energy.
It had been a great few weeks. Kei was basking in the moment as they waited for their sensei. Ryu was leaning over the railing of a large river running through the village, looking like he might fall in as his feet barely came off the ground. Rei was sitting on the same railing next to him and Kei was leaning her back into the opposite one. She blew out a breath at a leaf that passed by her face on the wind.
It was starting to get boring... waiting here. Rei voiced her thoughts, as always when it got boring.
"If sensei doesn't show up soon I'm really going to go get a burger this time..." She looked to be frowning as her lazy eyes hung half closed. "She's so... troublesome. Damned woman. I don't even wait this long for my own mother."
Kei chuckled behind her hand. "What do you not wait on her for?"
She shrugged, "Sometimes she goes shopping and drags me with her when I'd rather be sitting on the couch with dad doing nothing. I usually wait outside if I can manage to get her not to drag me in the damned shop. If I wait too long I go get something to eat." She leaned forward, her chin in her palms and her elbows on her knees.
Ryu was still leaning over the railing. "I hate it when my mom does that to me. Usually she makes me carry the bags." He spit down into the river below.
Kei grinned. "I like shopping. But, ah well. I'll remember to never drag either of you with me then."
Ryu suddenly stood up and turned around, flashing her and smile as he leaned back into the railing behind him opposite of her. "I'd go with you, Kei-chan."
And there it was again. That feeling coiling in her gut. She pushed it down. And once more those words came out again. "Nah, it's ok. You just said you hated it." She stuck her tongue out at him. "You'll probably drop anything I hand you anyway."
He frowned, ready to argue when Rei spoke up.
"Oi, don't start again you two. I'm tired of it already and it hasn't even started." She rubbed her temples as if another headache was coming on.
Ryu was yet again about to start when right in the center of their little group Rin showed up. She grinned like a mad woman. "Gooooood morning, team."
Rei's temple seemed to twitch. "It's noon..."
Kei frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. "You're late again sensei."
She scratched her head and looked down at her watch. "So it is. And so I am." Another grin. "But, you'll be happy to hear what I have to say, young ones." She handed each one of them a slip of paper. "These are your forms for the Chuunin Exam in a few days. I'm happy to say you're all more than ready." She placed her hands on her hips.
Kei blinked down at the form and then a smile broke out on her face. She lept into Rin's arms and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, sensei! I take back the bit about being late."
Rin hugged her back and the released her. "Now, just make sure you fill these out and turn them in at the end of the day if you're going to participate. The exam will be the day after tomorrow." Her lips twitched. "It was going to be in another week. But, it seems for some reason the Kages are in a hurry this year."
"A hurry?" Ryu questions looking up from his form. "Why?"
She shrugged. "Who knows. I've heard they plan on having a meeting together. But, keep that to yourselves. I'm not too sure if it's information meant to be passed around. Ok?"
They all nodded.
Another grin. "Alright, well, I'm off. Don't forget to fill out those forms. I'm counting on you three to do your best." And then she was gone as quickly as she came.
Rei lept off the railing and started to walk off.
Kei looked at her retreating form. "Where are you going, Rei-chan?"
She stopped and looked back over her shoulder. "To get a burger. What else?"
"Are you going to take the exam?" Ryu asked her, stepping next to Kei in the center of the bridge.
"Duh." And then she was waving goodbye to them both as she walked down the cobbled path back into town.
"What about you, Kei?"
She looked from Rei's retreating form back up to him. "Definitely. It's one more step closer to becoming a great shinobi like my parents." A grin.
He grinned back. "I'll do it too then." He looked to be thinking a moment. "Say, do you have plans this afternoon?"
She shook her head no, placing her hands behind her back as well as the form.
"Feel like joining her and grabbing a burger too?" It wasn't a date if Rei was there. She'd have to agree.
"Sure." She took off in a run. "Race you!"
He sputtered and took off after her.
ooo
Three lone figures stood in the shadows just on the outskirts of Leaf. They were hidden by the shade of the trees above them as they gazed on and out at the expanse of the village from a high hillside. All three wore ANBU uniforms. The first one bore the mask of a weasel. The second, and the female of the group, bore the mask of what looked like a foo dog with bared fangs. The final and third member of group sported a mask resembling a baboon. All were very Asian in style; like all masks from the assassin group that existed in all of the five villages.
The female knelt down, placing her one forearm over her thigh and the other gloved palm flat on the ground. Behind the mask, her eyes watched with narrowed attentiveness.
Two days.
In two days time she would watch the Chuunin exams. In three, maybe four, days time she would get her answer from Naruto about the Kage meeting. And hopefully, just maybe, she would get a glimpse of her daughter.
She stood and the man with the baboon mask laid a hand on her shoulder. Sasuke.
"Don't worry. We'll meet with him soon."
"Today." Itachi stated and the both looked at him. He turned his gaze to them through the twin slits in his mask. "I sent word ahead that we would meet him today in the tower."
"Are you sure that's wise? In broad daylight?" Sakura asked.
He nodded. "No one will question our actions in these uniforms." And then he was moving out, calling them to follow. After a quick glance at one another, they did so.
ooo
Naruto sat behind his rather large desk, chin on his hands with a few papers about him. Over the years it had become increasingly easy to handle all the paper work. Unlike his predecessor he did it as soon as it hit his desk and never let it pile up. It had taken time to outgrow his procrastination. But, soon, he'd taken to it like he'd taken to his training as a Genin. Sometimes, no, most times he felt cramped up here. He loved achieving his dream, but, being Hokage meant keeping himself safe for the sake of the village. They needed him more here than they ever would in the field. He almost envied Kakashi. He always took time out to review the new Genin teams, but, he still had the ability to go on missions.
Naruto wrinkled his nose.
It was almost unfair. His life tended to be very monotonous. He loved his family. His wife was something he'd never expected in his youth. He'd always assumed her shy blushing moments and feinting were due to some issue she had. As a boy, he'd never taken the time to realize she'd been in love with him. At least, not until that day in the hospital when he'd broken down over loosing his two best friends.
In a few days he would be helping them and hopefully the rest of the shinobi nation. He'd even went so far as to call some minor Kages from lesser villages. Like the Star. He knew he really only needed the other three main ones. But, if he had everyone in one this then maybe, just maybe, he could inadvertently united the five great nations and stop the wars altogether.
That had been his second dream. His first was to become Hokage. When he had achieved that goal and solidified the bond with Sand he knew it was time to shoot for something bigger. And this was his opportunity to do it. Of course, he couldn't do it during the meeting. It would be too much to ask and he might scare them off the original idea entirely. But, if this worked and they rid themselves of Orochimaru and the Akatsuki... well, he might get the chance to.
There was a knock at his door which threw him out of his thoughts.
"Come."
The door opened to reveal three ANBU. It took him a moment after the door closed, but, soon enough he recognized Itachi's uniform. He stood and darted around his desk, reaching for the pink haired woman just as she took off her mask. "Sakura-chan." He hugged her, lifting her off the ground and turned.
"Oi... Naruto... your hurting me." But there was laughter in her voice.
He set her down and gave her a soft kiss on the head. When he pulled back he was glad to see a smile on face. "Lovely as always. I'm very happy to see you." He looked over at Sasuke who just pulled his off and grabbed him as well, lifting him and squeezing just as hard.
Sasuke grumbled. "Put me down, moron." His face turned to a pained wince and he hit the man's back as it to try and get him loose. "I will hurt you."
But, Naruto just snuggled him more. "Aw, it's not my fault you aren't comfortable with your sexuality enough to hug another man." He squeezed harder and Sasuke's face turned murderous in a purely humorous fashion.
And then something entirely odd happened.
Itachi laughed.
All three turned to him stunned as he continued to chuckle. "I'm sorry," he held his side, "but, after all the time I've spent with my brother so far.. that look on his face...oh Kami.." He was sure he felt tears coming on.
Sasuke pulled out of his stunned expression and ...yes... pouted! "Naruto..."
"Eh?" He blinked. The man was half over his shoulder since Naruto was lifting him up.
"Let me go, dropout... you're ruining my image." Still pouting!
Sakura laughed this time too. "I wish I had a camera. It's priceless."
Naruto laughed lightly and then finally released him. He scratched the back of his head as Sasuke wiped himself off. As if his friend had some weird form of germs he didn't want on him.
"What, do I have cooties now?" Naruto waggled his brows.
With another frustrated growl Sasuke smacked him up the back of his head. "I hate you."
Still grinning he said with still waggling brows. "Love you too, hunny."
There was even more laughter now from both Itachi and Sakura.
"I haven't laughed in so long. Thank you, Naruto." Sakura was wiping her eyes as she held her side and smiled. "It's good to be home."
"Not a problem. Just call me if he gets too stuffy." He felt another smack coming but dodged it this time. "Ok, ok, I get it." Another grin as his friend growled and stared murderous daggers at him for eyes. He moved towards his desk and sat down. He crossed both his arms and his legs as he leaned back into the ledge of it. "So, I assume you're ready?"
Itachi nodded.
"Well, I wanted to let you all know I didn't just call the other three villages for us." There was a pause. "I managed to get in contact with all the minor village Kages as well. They've agreed to come, although, no one yet knows the reason. So, we're still in the incognito faze of our plan."
Sakura nodded. "Good, the more help we might have the better."
"I agree," stated Sasuke.
Naruto smiled. "I have some good news for you. It's about Kei."
Both parents faces lit up with what appeared hope as they waited.
He kept the kind smile on his features. "She'll be in the Chuunin Exams this year. You'll get to watch her from the stands if she makes it past the first two stages."
"How's her jutsu? All three areas?" Sasuke asked, curious about how his daughter was progressing.
Naruto stood up and went around to his desk. He reached for a file and slapped it down on his desk as he sat. He opened it up and scanned over her information. Sasuke and Sakura came close to the desk on either side of him to look as well. "I know from working with her more when she was younger that she has great taijutsu skills which I taught her myself. Hinata made sure she could fight open palmed in the Hyuuga style. But, in all honesty... Kei is more smarts than brawn. Not that her strength is lacking. She's just better at figuring things out. Her sensei, Rin, a former ANBU and Kakashi's wife, has been the one instructing her and her team." He flipped a page and scanned through some of her recent mission reports. "Let's see. The last mission she went on was near Sand. She and the group helped escort a criminal. They were attacked by rogue ninja... it says here from... Mist. Yes, Mist. And it goes on further to tell me that she was the one among her group to coordinate things when Rin had to keep busy with the main member of the opposing group." He narrowed his eyes. "Hm..."
"What?" Sakura asked, looking down at his face.
"Well... " He scratched his chin. "It seems Rin thinks if she ever makes Jounin she'd make an excellent team leader. I'm surprised... But, overjoyed. It seems she's finally taking her position seriously."
Sasuke arched a brow, one palm flat on the table as he leaned on it. "What does that mean?"
Naruto sighed and began to explain about how she was very much like himself and yet not. He went into detail about the monument and Sasuke even twitched his lips at the story. He then explained how she was acting out because as far as she knew she was a Hyuuga and doesn't understand why she doesn't have the eyes of one.
"It's very troublesome. And then there's the chance that she may obtain the Sharingan. If that happens too soon..."
"Everyone will know she's not a Hyuuga before the right time..." Sakura looked worried. "Oh Kami. I never thought about that." She placed ahnd over her open mouth.
Sasuke shook his head. "I'm not too worried about it. Itachi was a genius. An aception. I didn't obtain my eyes until I was thirteen. She's still twelve and has no clue. There's a good chance we have nothing to worry about as all; especially if she doesn't know she has the potential."
"That doesn't mean anything," his brother said. "She could gain them at any time of great stress. You've been lucky so far."
Naruto sighed. "I don't have clue about what to do... "
Itachi looked intent. "Let's cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we just wanted to let you know we're here."
Naruto nodded. "Where are you staying?"
Sasuke turned and sat on the desk, looking down at him. "In the woods for the most part."
Naruto blinked. "That won't do. You'll have to come stay with us."
Sakura looked down at him, worried expression on her usually stern features. "Are you sure? We don't want arouse suspicion."
He nodded. "It's fine. I'll just let the rest of the compound know aside from people involved in this and direct family to stay away from the main house. It's gated and closed off unless we open it. So, no one will be the wiser. Just like when Itachi comes to stay."
"But..." Sasuke began. "What about Kei? She can't know yet."
He grinned and leaned back in his chair. "Oh, she already knows about you. She just doesn't know who you are to her. I think however, it would be a good idea for you to meet her. If you ever expect to get close to her and one day take take her off my hands, you might at least want to warm up to her. It'll make the transaction easier."
Sakura felt her heart beating rapidly in her chest at the prospect of seeing her little girl again. It ran through her. She felt sad, happy and scared all at once. She looked up into Sasuke's eyes. "I want to. Don't tell me no."
He nodded and looked at Naruto. "Only if you're sure no one besides family and those involved will be there tonight."
"I'm sure."
"Ok," He got up. "We'll meet you then."
"Dinner starts at seven o'clock sharp. Don't make me wait."
Sasuke smirked. "Yeah, and don't think I haven't forgotten we've still got something to settle, dropout."
He smirked back. "I haven't."
Sakura gave him a quick hug and a peck on the cheek and she whispered. "Thank you, Hokage-sama." And then was running out the door, dashing backwards at the last moment in a purely Sakura way with her tongue out and Cheshire-like grin.
Naruto sighed. "She really hasn't changed that much, despite how bitchy she tries to be."
Itachi smirked and he started to leave. "I wouldn't know... but, I'm sure you're right." And then he shut the door.
Well, it would be an interesting evening. He reached over to hit the button on his small desk radio. "This is Naruto."
A moment passed and then.. "Yes, Hokage-sama?"
He pushed the button to talk again. "Please send someone up so I can send a message to my wife as soon as possible. The fastest runner you have."