Timing

A layer of dense cloud was reaching across the bright sky. Shadows loomed over the tiled rooftops of the village, and a dimness descended over the surrounding leafy forest. The only structure not yet touched by shade was the massive cliff face, displaying all the past Hokages of Konohagakure.

A change came in the wind, and the clouds stayed their passage. After a short stillness, the wind swiftly picked up. In the distance a bird glided at its leisure, and for moments it flew alone. Soon enough another bird, smaller in size, came up beside it, and with perfect timing the two creatures flew together. Swooping and dancing in the steady breeze, they flew in harmonious union.

Godaime Hokage stared out at the sky through her office window, and she studied the two birds dive down and out of sight. A downward turn of her mouth was her only expression of interest. Moments passed while she stood in silent meditation. Suddenly she turned her head and shouted at the top of her voice. 'Shizune! Shizune!'

A willowy girl, with short black hair, flung the door wide, and she entered in a panic. 'Tsunade-sama.'

Standing behind her desk, the statuesque Hokage halted Shizune's anxiety with a sturdy gaze. 'What date is it?'

Shizune's eyebrows raised, however she composed herself. Tsunade had a peculiar way about her, and over the years they had been together she had become more than accustomed to them. 'It's the second, of the second month.'

Tsunade gave a small nod, but to Shizune her abrupt glassy eyes gave away a secret.

Both her hands were placed hard on the desk, and her large breasts touched the wood as she bent to open a top draw. On to the desk she rolled two large red dice. She did not toss them gently, and they flew across a scattered bunch of documents and parchments.

Shizune stepped closer, in an attempt to understand Tsunade's actions. However, she didn't wonder what she was doing anymore, Tsunade was an extremely superstitious woman.

Tsunade stared down at the dice. Two ones. Studying the dice, her eyes widened, and it was not more than four hours till two in the afternoon.

Shizune frowned suspiciously. 'You don't think…,' she started, and noting the tear on Tsunade's cheek she stopped.

The quiet pause was ended when Tsunade's head lifted, and an over exaggerated grin covered her tear stained face. 'There's only one way to tell.' She quickly scribbled on a note and passed it to Shizune. 'Take this to the lottery kiosk.'

Shizune held the note lightly. 'What shall I bet on?' Yet she already knew the answer.

Tsunade continued smiling inanely. 'Two, of course,…mmm, and anything that has a falcon.'

Shizune turned to leave whilst rolling her eyes toward the ceiling.

The fifth went back to the window. The gloom of the sky had presently overtaken the noble faces of the Hokages. It had been a long time. She felt certain he was coming, it was the luck of it, yet she could only sense trepidation. What was he going to want from her this time?

- - - - - - -

Entering through the streets of Konoha was not as difficult as he first thought. The two shinobi by the gateway looked him over with a keen eye. He let them, and added to his congeniality he responded with a humble greeting. Travelling with a merchant's wagon was beneficial and well planned. It was too easy to pretend you were just one of the crowd, and that was exactly what he wanted people to think.

He had no firm recollection of Konoha, the truth was he did not think he had ever been in the village in his life. As he walked, he observed the disorganized lines of buildings, large and small. It was a quaint town, and he sensed a familiarity between the people and on observation only, he could see they maintained their abodes with care. The people were friendly, and from what he had heard about the village hidden in the leaves it was not a surprise.

His long blue robe had no obvious adornments except script across the back near his collar, even that was fading, and belted around his middle was a wide gold sash. His clothes were travel worn, but it was his favourite attire. A wide brimmed hat covered his eyes, yet he raised his head on occasion, responding to a villager's interested smile. He had nothing to hide, certainly not in Konoha, well not yet anyway.

Deep pockets were in his robe, and he patted one to check its contents. Inside was a flask, and he recalled it was near on empty. It needed to be refilled. It had been a long journey, far too long.

He spied what he was after. A scruffy sign hung above the little shop, "Izumi's White Wine".

Before entering he gazed up at the gathering clouds. He had time to refresh and refill, and to forget his troubles for at least an hour, maybe two.

Author's Note: Short chapter, but it had to be. Thank you for reading.