"Hey Hinata you want to come with me to the airport to pick up the Areias", Hinabi asked over the breakfast table. Hinata tore her eyes away from The Times. She had not expected that Hinabi would want her involved any of part of her extravagance. They had seen so little of each other since their father separated them. In the past Hanabi always seemed a little distant, and self-absorbed, but that was three years ago.

"When are you leaving?"

"Now."

Maybe she was wrong about her sister's maturity level, but it was still an opportunity to put in some quality time. "Sure let me get my purse."

"Already got it. "

The ride to JKF airport started out quiet.

"So what do you think of this contest that dad set up?"

"Typical"

"He is not as bad as he used to be. Anko has reigned in his, Mr. Dictator side. You could tell him that you don't want to do this"

Hinata's eyes grew wide with surprise. She did not think anyone had noticed that she was resentful of the task.

"Come on Sis. I hear that over there they call you the gentle fist. You're like a genius negoiatator, who closes deals inside a week. You've been home almost a month and have barely lifted a finger. What gives? "

"I did not realize you were so aware."

"I'm a Hyuuga. We are involved even when we don't want to be"

"I'll tell you this, I do have a plan."

"Share"

Hinata paused evaluating her sister. This probe could be innocent, but it could also be prompted. All the same for the time being it was best to seem like she was not taking the contest seriously.

"You'll see soon enough"

Hinabi pouted. Although should not have expected anything less. The Hyuugas have gene designed for reticent behavior. They never do anything in the open and heaven forbid that they do anything that could cause a public scandal. Of course should anyone of them do such a thing, the PR department of Hyuuga International was guarantee overtime pay. Neji has defiantly kept them busy until recently. Secretly Hanabi had hope that with Hinata coming home things would lighten up a little. That was not the case.

"Hanabi, why did not you send a car for them?"

"Kankuro thinks it's horrible formality and snobby. He droned on about how he likes to treat clients like friends. And apparently friends come to get their friends from the airport in person.

Hinata laughed. "He sounds eccentric. How did you get him to agree to help?"

"I wrote him dozens of letters and emails in English and Portuguese, till he caved. But I think it was the picture of you that sealed the deal"

"So he thinks you're me?"

"No. But I assured him that you would be here."

"You did not know if I was coming or not did you"

Hinata grinned. She got what she wanted one way or another.

"I hear you are taking on a client."

Tenten spun away from her computer, offering the speaker a bright smile. "Where did you hear that Uncle Kakashi?"

Her godfather cringed at the word uncle. It never sat well that Gai named him godfather to the twins at age fifteen him the. It was like becoming both automatic babysitter and role model in one. But on the other hand they turned out to be an endless source of entertainment.

"Your old man told me. He also said something about you getting soft and slow."

"I'm soft and slow, huh?" In one fluid movement she leaps into his arms. Wrapping her arms about his necks firmly attach the tall man's waist, who struggled to find balance to keep both of them in the up right position. "If I'm soft and slow that makes you old and weak"

"Touché. Now will you get down? You're getting too old for me to hold you like this."

"But it's comfy up here"

Kakashi despondently dropped his arms hoping that this hug would end.

"I am going to sit down"

"So sit. The couch is to the right."

Kakashi groaned sinking into the worn leather. Tenten reared back so they were face to face. In this position she could freely trace the lines of the scar that marred his left eye. She is only one that dares to touch it. She is the only one he allows this close. Maybe it is because she painted the walls of the Maito apartment with kunai until someone took to uncle Kakashi, because it is impossible that he could be hurt. Maybe she is his favorite because at age five, she boldly said to him, he still had one good eye, and should not mope around. But it he needed both so badly he could have one of hers. That could be the reason he lets this grown woman sit on his lap like she is still five, asking if his eye still hurts.

"How long are you in town?"

"Just long enough for you to tell me what I have to sign for the company. Check in on some people. Then it's back to work."

"A few days, then?" Tenten continued sitting on her heels "No way I could convience you to take the Uchiha off my hands"

"Itachi is not that bad."

"You know him?"

"Maybe?"

"Don't be vague!" She punched his shoulder. "I have better things to do then-"

Kakashi cut her off , "You teach three classes a week, run two seasonal classes that last six weeks neither of which are due to start. And lately the only thing you do for yourself is go out with Ino and Sakura on Tuesday nights. Otherwise you are the in this office."

"You clocking me?"

"No, you're predictable," pinching her hip "and getting soft. Itachi will work that out of you. He hates slackers".

"If I did not know any better I'd think you three were setting me up"

"Set you up? Sure we can make that happen, all you have to do is ask. Although I don't think we could pull the Uchiha heir for you"

"Even if you could, no thank you"

Kakashi shrugged.

"Little Dime?" He used her nickname.

"Yeah, uncle?"

"When you're working with Itachi keep it that way. He's different"

"I can handle him don't worry. But not nearly as well as Shizune is handling you"

"You clocking me?"

"I don't have to. She puts everything on Facebook".

Almost outside the door he pauses, "I'll have to talk to her about that. " They give each other a parting smile and Tenten returns to the list of calls she has to make. A big red X glared up at her from the desk calendar. In just three days she have to find it in herself not to be a classist.

In the dojo Kakashi watches Gai finish his teaching his class. As the students wander out the approaches his friend and partner. "Yo!"

"You have arrive at last, my rival and friend"

Kakshi leans against the wall next to Gai's supply closet. "She seems content"

Gai remained silent as he replaced his equipment. "I don't think she had recovered from the incident."

"That was not her fault. Surely she realizes that. That prick Neji took things completely out of context. Not saying Itachi would do something that low but, think that is good Idea."

"It wasn't me, Lee suggested it."

Kakashi's eyes widen. He never would have thought that the twin would deceive his sister this way.

"You know this could end badly?"

"Let's hope not"

Kakashi did not like it.

That night Tenten zoomed off to meet up with Ino and Sakura. She could not remember exactly when they decided that it was a good idea to start belly dancing. Ino had probably talked them into it. The good psychiatrist suggested the activity as means of personal development and relaxation. They made a strange trio, two doctors and an all but retired martial artist, shaking, twisting and laughing at themselves on Tuesday nights. But as much as Tenten grumbled about going, if she told herself the truth, she'd admit to enjoying being away from all things green beast and scarecrow. The class was small and the tiny instructor worked them just the same. True to her rearing Tenten made sure never missed. Unlike her cohorts, who always seem to get distracted by how they looked in the mirror. At the end of the session they would stop at the coffee shop for a chat.

"Ladies, I think we are getting better" the blonde announced over her latte.

Tenten and Sakura shared a look.

"What?! I'm serious. Sakura you have to admit that you don't look so stiff anymore. And Tenten you finally look like you're having fun."

The strawberry blond sipped her espresso, and brunette grinned. "Ino we are up to your jig. You just wanted to take these classes to impress your husband. It has nothing to do with stress relief but you were too insecure to come alone so you conned Sakura and me to come along to be your ego boosters."

"I don't need new dance moves to impress Chouji. Now, if I cook that is would be something. You two on the other hand need get of you. Between being overworked, the family issues, and not to mention being sexually frustrated, it's a wonder either of you function"

The blonde used her fingers to count off the list of flaws, with an analytical gleam in her eyes. That usually meant "the doctor has spoken, and she is right", there could be no rebuttal that would sway to think that she was just meddling.

"I am fine. But if Sakura is sexually frustrated all she has to do is call my brother"

"If he's not going to say anything, then neither am I."

"So, you do like him. Why are you playing hard to get?"

"I am not."

"Riiiight", Tenten made every effort to stay out her brother's love life. But that sometimes proved harder than she thought since she and Sakura stared hanging out with Ino.

"What about you, Tenten? What new man has entered your life? You seem bit flustered." Sakura returned.

"Just a client" she admitted ruefully

Oh, Ino and sakura said in unison. It was an unspoken your that Tenten did not talk about the Maito client list under any circumstance. And for her to even mention that a client was her mind, meant trouble of non-romantic proportions. However this guy was they hoped for this would not last long.

Just as they were about to give their condolences, Tenten's Phone rang.

"Real. See you in an hour"

"What happened?"

"The Cousins are in town and want to go out. See you next week?"

Ino waited till Tenten left the room ask "What Cousins?"

"The Areias from Brazil" Sakura deadpanned like it was common knowledge.

When Ino continued to look baffled Sakura elaborated, "During the Bejing Olympics they meet Gaara Areia. His is a really famous soccer player down there. After the Olympics, Gaara invited them to go with him back to Sao Paolo to meet his family. Somehow, Tenten started explaining that their mother was from northern Brazil, then Lee and Kankuro decided that they were cousins. That is the short version".

Ino sat back and digested that information. "Small world, think she could snag me an original?"

"Mister Uchiha, I received a message from Rock Lee. He would like for to know that He will be unable for your regular session because a training sabbatical. However, he recommends that you met with his sister as a possible stand in." Shiho relayed the information in her end of the debriefing. Along with other informatory memos, and another petition from InoShikaCho Corp for a meeting.

When Itachi responded with a quirked brow, she continued. "Tenten Miato, age 27, Kendo master ranked no.1 until 2010. She participated in the 2008 Olympics, achieving a gold medal in shooting, and a Bronze in Archery. She also is a black belt in Kung Fu, Akiko and Capeoira. Until 2010 she was also a primary trainer for Scarecrow Security guards. Weapons and hand to hand are her specialities."

Shiho knew her job, and pulled together the bio the moment she received the message. Itachi would not bother to meet the woman, if Shiho had not vetted her.

"What happened in 2010? "

"There was lawsuit filed against. She was charged with harassment and assault and endangerment by a client. When the charges were dismissed the plaintiff commenced to slander her. The plaintiff was silenced and forced to recant. However, Ms. Maito has chosen to not take more clients."

"Who was the client?"

"The records are sealed, sir."

"Well this should be interesting."