I do not own Naruto as a game, Manga, Anime series or a character. All original characters are mine though :P

Hi no Ishi (The will of Fire) - The Countdown

Teams are being formed, but how will this affect the freshly minted genin? And what are we counting down to? Well, regardless the action is getting kicked up a notch!

All underlined terms are explained at the end of the chapter.

~Tatsuko's POV~

Why is it no one understands? I'm tired. That's all there is to it. I'm tired of fighting against the river's current. I'm just tired.
I'm twelve years old and I've been fighting for my life far longer than I feel comfortable with admitting. That was half the temptation with separating 'Tatsuko' from 'Tsu'.
Tsu was going to be the strongest kunoichi in the elemental nations. She was going to marry Tsume's son, and they were going to be the strongest partnership ever. It all sounded so good in theory.
Then reality struck, spearheaded by Uchiha Fugaku. I didn't know you could hate a person that much.

Anyway, not even going down that depressing road right now. I have things to do today. Things like suppressing the memories of those who heard Hikaru and me arguing. Memories can't be completely erased, only pushed aside and covered. So if someone was really interested in finding something out that I suppressed, they can.
That fact alone is why I didn't completely lose myself in the Uchiha District while imprisoned there. After all, the Divine Inquiry jutsu and the Mind Hack jutsu were both derived from the mind control jutsus that are cast naturally from a fully functioning Sharingan. Yeah, Fugaku taught me much more than he bargained for while I was 'under his thumb'.
By mentally torturing me for those long... LONG six months, I created well over half of my personal jutsus. I simply replicated what was being done to me. That eventually led to my creating a counter jutsu, which then led to things that would have made those... people (using the term loosely)... to drool over the possibilities.
But hey, who cares. I'm just a means to an end. That's all I've ever been. A method of getting something done. What other use could I possibly have...?
"So when were you going to tell me?" Aoba-sensei asked. Great, just what I need, questions.
Silence was the only answer he'd get.
"Imouto-chan, what's going on with you?" He asked. What's the matter, secrets getting too much for you? "Answer me." I am answering you, don't you get it? There's nothing to say about any of this. There is nothing worth doing. Just be happy I am trying to train Hinata-chan and leave me be.
He grabbed me by arms and shook me lightly, obviously hoping to get something out of me, anything. With me wearing my shades, he couldn't even be sure if I was awake with how much I was reacting.
"Imouto-chan, answer me." He made to take my shades off. I still didn't budge. "Why are you like this all of a sudden? You were fine just yesterday." Fine? I haven't been fine in years. Can you imagine thinking that the only reason you woke up that morning was because you had a mission to carry out... only to realize the mission was over. Why wake up then? To do what? To be what? To feel what?
"We already sent an update to Hokage-sama. He'll want to talk to you." Not too many straws hanging around to grasp at? "Do you want me to stay with you, or would you rather be alo-... have some privacy?" Does it matter? Verbal blunder or not, I'm not alone. It is in fact impossible for me to be alone. I'm a crowd.
Anyway, I need to tend to Hinata-chan's training soon. She needs to complete her training soon, and there is way too much to teach. Her mother would want her to learn it... as would mine.

Finally exiting my tent, I donned a smile and prayed no one wanted to talk about anything. Well, like I said, I was praying. "Senju Tatsuko what is the meaning of this?" Utatane Koharu asked already angered. Only a Haruno can get angered quicker than her. Though I noticed that Mitokado Homura and good ol' Shimura Danzo shared in her sentiment. They just hid it better.
"Oh look, the Council's very own mummy brigade. Here to ensure that the one I guard stays safe?" I told them plainly. There was no way in hell they'd come here themselves for a cozy little chat.
"We are here for many reasons, so keep the sass to yourself, child." To think I haven't gone berserk on this bitch yet. Hmm, we need to fix that eventually.
"Fuck you very much." I told her blandly, walking off. I noticed everyone staring at the scene that I just walked in on. It wasn't very often these three were seen by the public, let alone outside Konoha's barrier walls. "Hinata, it's time. Let's go." I said, showing those three their worth.
"You dare ig-"
"Oh great and wise Council of Konohagakure no sato, take head of my warning. Should you three push me, I shall squeal like a little piggy all the way home. Would you like that?" Rule number one when dealing with politicians – shinobi or not – always keep a few nasty secrets for a rainy day. And oh look, it's drizzling. "Now, as I said: fuck you very much."
There was only one person laughing, and only one person would dare to: Saru-ji-chan. "I told them not to bother you, but they seem intent on not listening lately." He smiled at them, right before they poofed away revealing them to be kage bunshins. I didn't even care to check that, I'm slipping up.
"Walk with me?" Saru-ji-chan asked already walking away from the crowd. I heaved a sigh that made Shikamaru seem energetic and dragged my feet, not caring if I really caught up or not.

It took us a good ten minutes before we got to a spot he deemed sufficiently private for what he had to say. "Come, sit with me." He said, sitting down on a largish rock near the river. His emotions may have been hidden as well they ever were, but I could smell them anyway. Well, in a sense at least.
"Great another one who just wants to talk." I intoned, wondering what he could possibly say that hasn't been said a thousand times already.
"No, not just another one. Me. They sent shadow clones, but I cleared my schedule and came out here myself. Just don't mind the ANBU hanging around." He laughed. I honestly hadn't even been paying attention for them this time. I'm just not in the mood I guess.
"So what is it? What makes this news so important that you had to come here?" I asked, sitting next to him. "I know you've known about this for quite some time, otherwise you wouldn't have put me on the team you did."
He chuckled. "Well, that's true. I have suspected you were beyond the point where talking could soothe you anymore." So what's the point of coming here?
Before I even got the chance to ask, he wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pulled me into a hug. I could smell the smoked tobacco on him – which is not something I was particularly happy with – but still, a hug is a hug... And if there was anything that 'Tatsuko' enjoyed it was a hug.
"i miss him..." I whimpered, not fighting back the tears. I wouldn't trust anyone else enough to cry in front of them. Still, I did cast a genjutsu to make the ANBU think we were just having a little chat – hopefully there aren't any Hyuuga or Ii clansmen around right now. Or Inuzukas... they can smell the subtleties of emotion on a person.
"I know, child. I know." He didn't utter another word for a while, just hugged me tighter. It wasn't changing my mind or anything, but it was helping quite a bit for some reason.

"I have a proposition for you." Saru-ji-chan eventually announced. "If you can turn Team 9 into the most efficient genin team in Konoha, I'll retire and be your personal hugging post. But you have to do it within a year."
"A year, huh?" I had actually estimated I needed three years to get everything done I wanted done. What harm could one little side-wager do to pass the time until then? Hell, I might even be able to use this as motivation for Hinata. "Deal."
"But if I do retire, I would expect you to take care of me." Wait a min- "And you already agreed, so you can't back out. Now can you, Tsu-chan?"
"Fine, but then you need to announce your successor before I take you seriously." I smirked when his face fell. Tit for tat, as they say.

He can think whatever he wants to, but life isn't as easy as a little trick to change things. But then, he would know that. Probably just trying to give me a long term goal that would give me something new to focus on.
Either way, I have to 'thank' Hikaru for his blabbing.

Saru-ji-chan and I walked back to camp, where Aoba-sensei and Kakashi-sensei seemed antsy to hear what happened. I just rolled my eyes and went to kidnap Hinata for that training session that was promised.
I did my best to ignore the looks I was being given, but it really wasn't my problem what everyone was going on about. It was probably best to just 'fold' that memory away for everyone – the last thing I needed was for everyone to turn Hikaru on me and never leave me out of the sight for a few months.
"Tsu-chan?" Kiba was standing there with Akamaru snoozing away in his jacket. He was tense, worried and probably on the return trip from freaking out. Great. I sighed.
"If you want to talk, walk with us. I already had this training set back for an hour." I said, walking off with Hinata dragging her heels to try slow me down. Great, they want to gang up on me.
"Let's go then." Everyone actually gasped at Kiba's words, obviously expecting something different. I made sure to give Hikaru a wilting glare, just so he knew how I felt about this.

"Alright Hina, what are the seals needed for this meditation?" I asked, hoping she still remembered from last night.
"Tora, Hitsuji, Tori." She recited. Tiger, Ram and Bird, very good. "T-tora should be f-focused in the t-third e-eye, H-hitsuji in the c-center of the p-palms, and T-tori in m-my s-stomach."
"Good, then get to it. I want you to be able to hover a ball of water by the end of the day." I told her, then cast a privacy jutsu around Kiba and me, to ward off any unwanted eavesdroppers. Which could be counted on like a sunrise.
"They want me to talk you out of whatever you're planning." Kiba said right off the bat. No wonder he was so willing to not talk around them. And why they reacted the way they did when we actually left.
"So why tell me about it?" Deception is the shinobi way, so why not just play me like a harmonica? It what everyone was doing anyway.
"Because I want more than that." He said. I gave him a confused look, not getting what he meant. "They wanted me to ask you on a date, saying that I was the only one that could talk you out of... that. I want to, but not because it's a trick." I blushed, looking away to hold on to what little pride I had left.
"I like you, Tsu." He said, grabbing my chin with one finger and guiding me back. "I really want... you to like me too, but I refuse to hold you here by dangling something that isn't real in front of you." Then it started again. That logic vs emotions bullshit battle that was left undecided from the last time I was this close to him. And the time before that... you get the picture.
"So-"
"Please..." He held my hand, forcing himself to go on despite the obvious blush he was sporting. "this is awkward enough as is." I stilled, while still fighting off a damnable blush of my own. "What I am trying to say, is that I had actually been planning this for some time. I even decided to use the pay from our first few missions."
"Wha-"
"Will you go out with me?" Brain functions stopped. "On a date." I feel my mouth working out something, but I can't tell what it is.
"I know you probably think this is some easy way to get through to you, but I need to know if what I feel is real. And Hana-nee-san said that the only way to know for sure is to try dating." He's rambling. I should be able to figure out why, but I can't. I can't even tell him yes! I can't... physically, incapable.
Suddenly he looks crestfallen. "But it's okay if you don-"
"yes." I whispered. Honestly that was more of an over-correction to not deafen him.
He smiled. Yes, that cocky smile. Suddenly there were butterflies fluttering in my gut. Why do I feel like this? Shouldn't I be doing something... planning something... "Yes, you'll... go?"
The logical part of me was screeching for me to tell him no, that this wasn't part of the plan. I nodded anyway.
"I dunno, you don't seem to sure. I mean, we don't have to." Fuck, where's that scared little unsure look he just had? Now all I can see is that confident air about him, a cocky smile and him actually teasing me to fish out more from me!
"don't push your luck." I smacked him on his shoulder. I can't even talk above a whisper right now.
He raised an eyebrow, clearly he wanted more of a reaction. "Push my luck? Nah, I just need to know if you feel the same way. What's wrong with that?" There's the smirk version of his cocky smile. Less muscles needed, but just as effective at stealing the air out my lungs.
"there are better ways to do that." I told him honestly, but the import of what I just said hit me. I wasn't sure if he'd take that as an insult, or worse yet... a come-on.
"Oh?" Shit, he went with a come-on... He leaned in a little closer. His scent actually jumpkicked the logical side of my brain, a one hit KO. All I had left was 'feeling', and that feeling was overloading my senses. "Like what?" He nose is less than an inch from mine – I can feel the warmth of his breath kissing me.

A feeling my lips were jealously trying get in on.

I gazed into his eyes, studying its features... oh hell, that's bullshit and I know it, I was lost in his eyes. And I think I'd kill anything that found me right now.
Of its own accord, my body acted. Something that I will eternally be grateful for, because the next thing I knew... our lips met. His lips were dry, and he seemed completely clueless what he was doing. And I thank Kami-sama for that – no one to hunt down for having taken his first kiss.
Backing up, just to see the reaction in his eyes, I saw something. Something incredible. Something I never want to forget, ever. Not in this life, nor the next.
His eyes twinkled with an emotion I had only seen dancing about in Tou-san's eyes. An emotion I didn't have a name for, but I knew it well once. "Like that?" Kiba asked. All in all, it was a chaste kiss. Soft and sweet. Perfect to remember as a first kiss.
But I had to make sure he understood that I was the only one that would ever get that kind of thing. So I knew I had to blow his socks off. "no... like this." I placed my hands on his chest – something I had seen girls do in movies when they were making out – and kissed him again. Only this time... I melted.
I felt his hands wrap around me, pulling me in closer. He was completely flipping this script on me! I'm not sure if it was the competitive side of me, or just the desire to have this moment last forever... maybe both... but I mustered every ounce of passion pent up over the years and offered it all to him. Every time I admired him during class. Every time I would see him smiling at me since we've become friends. Every time the urge to steal a kiss presented itself.
All of it. And yet, "mmm..." I'm the one that moaned. Something was welling up in me, begging me to make him moan harder than I did. Too bad he broke the kiss.
I opened my eyes – when the hell did I even close them? – only to see, well feel really, that he was just changing targets. He was moving left, along my jawline leaving soft kisses in his wake. Soft, featherlight kisses. Suddenly I felt his hand grab mine, our fingers intertwined instinctively.
"we'll set a date when we get back." He whispered in my ear, getting up to leave almost immediately.

My heart was pounding in my chest, aching for him to stay. My mind was racing a mile a minute trying to figure out a way to get him to stay... to make him stay. "Do you know which element you are?" I asked. Fucking straws.
"Huh?" He turned to me, clearly confused.
"Elemental affinity. Do you know which element you are?" He squinted his eyes and shook his head, trying to figure out where that even came in. "We're still on a mission here, and I plan on making the most of it. And since you already did the water walking..."
"Sensei already tested me, I'm earth." He said, smirking so obviously that he must have known what I was doing. "Why? You want to teach me just to keep me nearby?" Yes.
"No, I was just trying optimize the effici-"
"Whenever you use expensive words with me, I know you're lying." He smiled wider this time.
"Fine. Yes. Just please... stay..." And stay he did. Now if only I could focus on meditating long enough with him so close by...

I was still pretty quiet for the rest of the mission. Only it wasn't for the reason people expected: I just didn't want people fawning over me like a lost little puppy.
Still, I had to (try to) calm Yuuna down before she starting having a fit. "Imouto-chan, can I talk to you?" I corralled into my tent after lunch, about a week after the 'announcement' – which was the only time I wanted to be anywhere near the camp to avoid those uncomfortable stares. "What did you tell Kiba?"
"nothing nee-chan." She's a bit out of it, and clearly still trying to come up with something. "i did notice that hi-chan pulled him aside when you went to talk to hokage-chan." She explained. Just to be sure, Ototon – shinseina shoukai!
The movie played out, Hikaru tugged Kiba away from everyone and I saw a much more subdued look on his face when he got back to the group a few minutes later. She was telling the truth. I ended the jutsu and turned away. "Fine, so why are you so bugged out right now?" I asked her, hoping to get to the heart of the matter and lay it to rest.
"How can you even ask that Nee-chan!" Well, she's not mumbling anymore.
"Easy." I then slowly sounded out every nuance of the sentence to bug her. "W-AI R U sO b-uh-Gd A-Ut R-AIt N-Au-W...?"
"Not funny." She huffed, crossing her arms.
"Imouto-chan, if this is about me and Hikaru having an argument then you really got the wrong picture." I said.
"Nee-chan, you can try to play me off as the dumb blonde all you want, but I know better and so do you." She announced, obviously thinking she was right.
"No, you don't. You think you know, but you don't have half a clue." She cocked her head to one side, squinting her eyes as if to focus on something that is a bit fuzzy. "I am not looking for sympathy or understanding, but don't waste my time thinking you've got any part of me figured out. You, just like everyone else only see what I show you – what I want you to see."
Her eyes bugging out was her only response. "Hikaru sees me as violent, damn near psychotic, you see me as the incarnation of goodness, Naruto sees a guardian angel, Aoba sees the perfect student, Hiruzen sees a lost little girl... why do those that should know me best, all have a completely different picture?" Because no one is supposed to know who I really am. No one is close enough to me any more, therefore no one knows.
"Who are you then? Tell me what we're all missing of the picture?" Her voice was heavily laden with so many different emotions at once. She's torn at not knowing who I am...
"Stop trying to study the glass that water has found itself in." I philosophized. "Because the water will look completely different in another glass." She just looked at me, lost. "Nevermind." I got up, ready to leave.
"Nee-chan, if I were smarter, would you stay with me?"
"Would you be more upset if I died at my own hands, or at the hands of someone else?" I shot back. "You know that death is the only constant. I can't protect you from that."

Harsh? Yes. Now someone try tell me I'm wrong...

A few weeks passed by. Yes, weeks. Kiba and I still haven't gone on that promised date, but we were both too tired to do it yet. Kuso! I sound like a dog in heat putting it that way! Umm...
The second we got back, Aoba-sensei kicked our training into overdrive – with no reason other than that he could. Any other team would have burnt out already, but we were lapping it up. No days off to rest, no lame excuses like bruises or broken bones. Nothing. Seven days a week for three weeks straight. I loved it!
We were also clearing four D-class missions a day in addition to our training. His tactic was obviously making me way too tired to focus on anything – and I thank him everyday for it. I honestly haven't even properly picked out a room yet, and the guys are not complaining to make me work any faster.
I could go on like this forever if I had to. It was almost familiar – reminiscent of training with Tou-chan. Still, all good things come to an end. "Senju-sama, Hiasha-sama wishes to speak with you at your earliest convenience." Kou announced as he was 'retrieving' Hinata for the day. "Would you be willing to come now?"
Aoba-sensei just nodded to me, signifying that he would wait for our special training session. Yes, he really did make sure I was training fourteen hours a day. Can't complain, it's better than sneaking around at midnight to do it. Kuso! There it is again! I swear I'm going to end up jumping Kiba next time he decides to take off her shirt to wring it out... "Alright. I will just go home and freshen up a bit. Please Tell Hiashi to alert the Hyuuga elders that I will be there within the hour." This wasn't going to be fun. Not in any version of reality, not by any stretch of anyone's imagination. Dealing with people over fifteen is bothersome when you have to tell them something.

"Thank you for heeding our summons so quickly, Senju-sama." One of the older – not elder, just older – Hyuuga told me formally.
"Tatsuko-chan came because Tatsuko-chan wanted to play with her Hinata-chan. Don't thank Tatsuko-chan for coming fast to get her Hinata-chan or Tatsuko-chan might think you are trying to make fun of Tatsuko-chan." I smiled, speaking far too sweet for the threat just issued. "Now, Hiashi-chan, what can little ol' Tatsuko-chan do for you?" Want to try make me feel small by acting like you can time how long it takes for me to heed your call? Well, I've mindfucked bigger crowds before.
"That would be my question to you, Senju-sama. The request you sent me is a little... unorthodox." He knew me well enough to take the situation seriously. After all, he has seen what I can do firsthand.
"What's wrong? Ka-chan told me all about the twadition and that Hiashi-chan's Tou-chan wanted this too." I looked around trying to see who was the real cause of this little issue. The elders were all nodded slowly, some more thoughtfully than others, and Hinata-chan was kind of just staring off into space. Yes, she has to suffer through this just as much as I do. Poor thing.
"Perhaps if you were to word the request differently I could gleam more wisdom from it's words?" That's a nice way of saying he either doesn't understand shit I said, or that he simply doesn't trust what he currently understands of it and wants something else to chew on mentally.
"I'm not sure what there is to not understand, Hiashi-chan. Tatsuko-chan has been very clear. As per the agreement made between the Second House of the Senju Clan and the Hyuuga clan several generations ago, I wish to arrange the exchange of a female. Now as I am the only member of the Senju clan, I am the only plausible member to receive and therefore choose said female. And seeing that the agreement is to mix the blood of the offspring produced by said exchange, and that it is in fact impossible to produce an heir from two females, that renders our agreement void." There was no way to say all of that in any fashion that can come over as cute, so straight to the point is best, I guess. I still said it in a cute voice, but that's as far as that went. Sucks, it was going over so well too.
"I see." He said, but he really didn't. He's confused as hell.
"So as per our agreement, Hinata-chan will be sever ties with the Hyuuga clan, is forbidden to be marked with that caged bird of yours... and will in fact become a Senju." I said. Still, there was something more to say, so I used my ototon to whisper something extra into Hiashi's ear so no one else could hope to hear it. "Luckily for you I cannot claim both your daughters." I don't know why they feel the need to talk about this. It is a straight forward deal that has happened three times before. Hell, Hiashi is the one that choose his wife from our clan in the first fucking place. Talk about bullshit and hypocrisy.
"You seem well versed." Was all one of the elders would say. They had no way out of this an they knew it.
"Well, I suppose that's all I have to say on the matter. Though..." I stood up, assuming a more compassionate tone of voice and stance. "should a father wish to see his daughter, I see no reason to forbid it."
Hiashi nodded, mouthing a thank you.
"Come Hinata. We must pack your things." I said, smiling at her as warmly as I could.

We were holed up in Hinata's bedroom. It's cramped, to say the least, and not because it had too much stuff. I've seen bigger closets.
"there i-isn't m-much to p-pack..." She managed. Even with all the progress over the last few weeks, she still stutters when something bothers he enough. "s-scrolls and p-p-pictures m-mostly."
We grabbed her missions backpack and a duffel bag from in her closet and set them both on her bed. I'm sure she didn't wake up this morning thinking that this was going to be the last time she woke up in this house.
I really didn't want to spring this on her like this. This was supposed to happen a year from now, but I won't risk any 'accidents' after having mouthed off like that to the Hyuuga elders. Heaving a sigh like I was an old woman, I set about packing what little clothes she owned, as she set about packing her other belongings – precious few as they were.
I can't help but feel that there was a story lurking just behind the scarcity of her possessions. Well, in a matter of minutes it will no longer matter.

There was a knock on the door, followed by a very subdued request to enter. I activated my doujutsu, seeing only Hiashi and Hanabi on the other side of the door – and no one else within twenty meters. Nodding for Hinata to continue packing, I opened it. "I'd offer for you to come in, but there isn't much space to maneuver in here."
"That's fine..." Hiashi seems a little lost right now. "We would like to escort Hinata to her new home." His voice is uncharacteristically subdued. I notice a little nod out of Hanabi-chan as well.
I turned to Hinata who just nodded, not even looking up from her task. "Very well, if you would wait here? We won't be long." Two nods followed, so I closed the door again. It wasn't to be rude, but it was a clear sign to the fifty-odd fuckers using their Byakugan to see what was going on right now.
Another five minutes and the four of us started making our way to the gate to leave the compound. Naturally, Hiashi instructed Kou to walk with us... to carry the bags. Can't have important people carrying bags, now can we?

So here we are. Hiashi, Hinata, Hanabi and me... with Kou stuck playing the gopher. He didn't utter a word of complaint, but there was an tenseness to him tonight.
The walk from the Hyuuga compound to the our destination was usually no longer than ten minutes – if you take the shortest route – but Hiashi seemed to want to stretch this walk as long as he could. To him, he was losing his first born way too soon. Too bad he never let her know that before. Still, we had to end up at the guard post announcing the entrance to the Senju District eventually.
Everyone had something to say, yet no one said any of it. Too many things left unsaid, too many smiles left at a tense glare. Fuck, using the shinseina shoukai right now is not really helping anyone! Hmm, maybe I can turn this into a good thing?
Well, why not? I decided to announce how fucking weird this whole thing was. "You know Sasuke's going to have a fit when he finds out we're technically married, right?" I'm not sure who started chuckling first, but the sheer ridiculousness of it all finally hit home. We were far enough away for us to lose most of those fucktards us without them being obvious, and the Hyuuga entourage knew that. So they actually just laughed.
Hinata's giggles were lighting up the night, accompanied by Hanabi's – who had a hand over her own mouth. Kou chuckled a bit, before he nearly dropped on of the bags, causing everyone to laugh a little harder. And Hiashi...
"Tatsuhi would approve." Hiashi finally said, laughing at something only he could see. "Minato and Jiraiya-sensei too." That seemed to only make him laugh harder. Who ever thought Hiashi could laugh? It utterly morphed his features until I couldn't even recognize the man – and no, this wasn't even a henge gone wrong. Just don't ask me why he called the old perv 'sensei'...
"Well, now that everyone knows this isn't a funeral." I poked fun at them. "Keep your Hyuuga pride off my property, if you wish to enter you had damn well better do it with a smile on your face and laughter in your heart."
Everyone stared at me, wondering what I meant. Jeez, stop reading between the lines and listen. "In or out?" I clarified.
"Thank you, Sen-"
"Tatsuko." I interrupted yet another formal attempt.
"Tatsuko... but no. It is getting late and we need to get back. However, there is a boon I must beg of you." His posture was stiff again, obviously something he thought needed being done formally.
"Yes?" I looked around, noticing how dark the night had gotten. It was already past ten at night... yeah, or trainings run late more often than not.
"Take Kou as well, to watch over my daughter." His eyes were begging me. "He is one of the few I trust enough for this." I looked at Kou, who also seemed taken back. Well, I see no real issue with that... but...
"So long as he understands that he will living in the same household as Naruto as well. I trust that will not cause any discomfort of any kind." I glared at him, daring him to say any of the bullshit I had heard him say when he thought no one was listening. Including, but not limited to, forbidding Hinata from ever seeing or associating with Naruto again. Yeah, I know all about that.
He fidgeted bit. "I-" He cleared his throat. "If it pleases Hinata-sama, I would be honored to." Good save, shithead. I was still half tempted to deny him outright, but he has a point.
Hinata, of course, looked at me askance. I rolled my eyes, but nodded. "I'd l-like that."

This is just great. Just fucking great. We all decided to have a meeting once I showed up with Hinata, Kou, and bags in tow. I guess I've been putting it off long enough. "Alright, settle down. Here's how I see things playing out. We each need our own room and an office for whatever research and what not we want to do. So, we keep everything on the second floor, girls to one side, boys to the other. There are two furos on this floor, so one for each group."
"Fine, but if Kou starts any bullshit, I reserve the right to knock him down a peg." Naruto stated bluntly, with Hikaru nodding with an evil smirk
"That goes without saying. Everyone deserves equal respect in this house, so whoever forgets that needs a firm reminder." I said. Double standards works with everyone else, so it'll work just fine now too.
"Kou gets a room on the fourth floor. And if there's any repeat offense, he's either out or executed." I was looking at him right in his eyes when I said that. "And we need to do something about that seal on his forehead. I refuse to have anyone of the Hyuuga elders holding anything over his head to blindside us with later."
"That won't be necessary." Kou said, taking the verbal beating in stride. He took off his hitae-ate, showing an unmarked forehead. No wonder Hiashi said he would trust him.
"Fine. One less stress, but don't think we were joking. We've got our eyes on you." Hikaru warned.
"I understand." He at least accepts that with grace.
"Moving on," I pulled out a custom made map Yuuna drew up of the castle. I flipped through it (yes maps need to cover more than one page with multiple floors) until I got the floorplan of the second floor. "this side will be for the boys." I tapped the left side. "We will have this side." I tapped the right side.
No one complained, so I continued. "Pick one room for the bedroom, and another for your study/office/whatever-you-want-to-call-it. Yuuna and Naruto, I want custom made seals that can lock the doors that only one person can open, namely to owner of said room. How fast can you two get that done?"
"Hmm, tomorrow night?" Naruto locked eyes with the carrot top.
"Latest, I already know what you are more or less looking for Nee-chan. Should be pretty easy." Yuuna shrugged.
"Good, that settles that. Alright, then once we have those seals installed we will need to furnish out both rooms. Everything we'd need is locked away on the fifth floor. We're going to be handling that tomorrow while Yuuna and Naruto are dealing with the seals." And Naruto chalks out more clones than Konoha has shinobi.
"D-do you th-think Aoba-sensei w-will get m-mad?" Hinata stuttered. I did notice the blush on her cheeks again, probably just realizing that Naruto will be down the hall now, instead of across town.
"Nope. He'll be happy that I'm busy. Just let me handle him. Hell, I might even talk him into moving in too just to shut him up about this whole thing." I told her, half joking. He really had been a bit... overzealous... about keeping an eye on me lately.
"Anyway, any questions so far?" No one had any. "Alright, Kou, you can pick any two rooms you want on the fourth floor. Hinata, Yuuna, we're going to be bunking together for tonight."
"Aww, man."
"Hikaru, you can have a room with her after you guys either get married or make chuunin." I told him, which he seemed to not mind. "Preferably marriage though." Everyone laughed when his face fell.

The next morning was a bit weird – I slept in. I actually just felt like taking it easy, before tackling yet another project that needed my undivided attention. So around seven I started making my way downstairs to start making myself something to eat, already finding everyone there. And by everyone I mean Hikaru, Naruto, Hinata, Yuuna, Kou, Aoba and Kiba...
"Morning guys." I waved at them, not even caring about my disheveled bedhair, or the lines decorating my face that told them I had just gotten out of bed.
"Good morning, sunshine." Aoba-sensei teased. I was half tempted to ask why he was here so early... but then, we usually started training at six AM. "Kiba and me were... curious... why you and Hinata-chan didn't show up to train this morning, so we decided to come here to find you." He must have red the question on my face. That, or he has some weird jutsu that can read minds too.
"ah..." I shrugged, grabbing some coffee and the bento that Yuuna laid on the counter with my name on it.
"Nee-chan! That bento is for later!" Yuuna complained, grabbing a plate and magically filling it up with food I have no idea where she found...
"gomen, gomen..." I trudged to the table, plopping on a chair ungracefully. I dunno why I feel this way, but I'm guessing this is what a hangover feels like. My vision is blurry, my head is thumping and I have this weird itch right behind my left ear...
"Someone's not a morning person." Yuuna announced. Not sure who she was saying that too, or whether I care or not.
"The one time I sleep in, and this is what I get?" I stuck my tongue out at her, then took a long pull at my coffee. This isn't one of those little cups that you use when being polite and need caffeine. This is a beer mug that I... borrowed... from a bar a few years back. Filled with just under a pint of piping hot liquid euphoria – six parts coffee, two parts milk, one part sugar. This is the stuff dreams are made of – or at least the only legal orgasm I can have at this age.
"So, Senju-sama, what's on the schedule for today?" Hikaru's being a smart ass again.
"A one way trip to hospital if anyone asks me another stupid question before my coffee works its magic." I intoned via ototon. Everyone should know not to bother me while drinking my coffee. I noticed Yuuna and Hinata giggling at the face Hikaru made, but I didn't really care.
"Aw come on, 'Ruto and me are going on our first C-class mission today. So I won't be able to bug you for weeks. WEEKS! Do you know how long that is?" He poked fun at me.
"Longer than five minutes." I said, then tilted the mug to get the last of the my pissed-off-at-the-morning-because-it-sucks liquid.
"Exactly! That's like a lot of five minutes!" Hikaru's been hanging around Yuuna too much. Way too much.
"Yuuna, what have you done to him?" I asked, grabbing my chopsticks to start eating. Don't question my breakfast logic – there is none.
"Huh?" She asked, pretending to wipe something from the corner of her mouth with her fingertip. Okay, too much information!
"Anyway, how come you said you would have the seal done by tonight, if you were leaving today?" I turned to Naruto.
"Because Kaka-sensei will probably be ready to leave tonight, even though we were told to meet him by the gate at three PM." As sad as that is, it's true. I wasn't admitting or denying it though, plausible deniability works best that way.
"Well, I figure we could start setting up the rooms, and give the boys some time to rest after that. They will be the pack mules after all." I smirked at Naruto and Hikaru, showing them that I was referring to them specifically.
"Sounds good to me. Maybe I can get some quality time with Yuuna before I leave." Hikaru said. He and Yuuna smiled at each other, obviously agreeing to do just that.
"And you wonder why I refuse to let you two share a room?" I intoned, glaring dully. Though I'm sure the rice stuck on my lower lip is ruining the effect I was going for.
"What she doesn't know can't hurt us." Yuuna's stage whisper was not exactly earning them any points. But it certainly was giving me a good idea to pay him back for that 'little' slip up a few weeks ago... Hmm, and I'll have some time to plan while he isn't here. The smile that I offered him... well let's just say he knows he's not going to like this. He hasn't even gotten the warning slap to gauge it by this time.

"So Aoba-sensei, what do you think about moving in here too?" I asked, after everyone picked out the bed, desk and bookshelf they wanted. Naruto was spamming clones right and left to move it all to the second floor so everyone could claim it there.
"And give up my stylish bachelor pad?" He laughed at the thought of it.
"Sensei, you have a studio apartment." I deadpanned, trying to ignore the nervous drops of sweat on my brow.
"Exactly." He announced like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Sensei, telling chicks you live in a castle is always going to trump what you got now." Kiba countered. He has a point, even I would quicker go for the guy with in a castle. Still, he better be telling people that his chick lives in a castle!
"Think about it. Here you can have more space, pay no rent and be down the hall in case you want to keep an eye on me." Logic wins every time. So long as Kiba is more than a meter away from me – and has his shirt on. Thinking back to his walk on water training... is it warm in here?
"Hmm." He seemed to be thinking about just that. Well, best to give him the time needed for the slow acting poison I injected through words. No one wins an argument with me. Ever. And as an added advantage: Kiba's over there and fully clothed.
Well, while that plan was stewing on its own, I was busy telling Naruto's clone brigade to mind the corners and to not scratch the walls. I swear, no matter how mature that boy acts, he has no patience whatsoever.

"So we'll need these couches set up downstairs in the room next to the kitchen. That will be the sitting room. And two matching coffee tables as well." Another set of clones popped into existence and the items were being carted off with little to no visible effort. "AND WATCH THOSE CORNERS DAMNIT!"
Naruto – the original, since clones can't make clones – shouted at them to remind them who would suffer if they messed up. Which earned the blonde jinchuuriki a swat from his twin sister.
In the middle of this 'controlled' chaos, Hinata was doing her best to make herself useful. She had her doujutsu active, trying to play the foreman of the one man moving company. Somehow she found a loudspeaker of some sort and was stuttering out warnings to the blonde army. I really need to work on that stuttering thing. Maybe Anko-chan will have some helpful hints?

Things kinda settled down too quickly after that. I set up my bedroom and the study I claimed right across the hall. Nothing spectacular for now, just the basics so I can live comfortably. I made sure to tell everyone that they needed to start gathering the finer things of their trade to furnish their study with – fuuin scrolls, weapons, jutsu scrolls, whatever catches their fancy.
As for me, I was making my list with what I needed. Scrolls were of course at the top of that list. I may never be as good as Yuuna, or even Naruto, but I can make my own tracking seal, storage seals and I can copy any seal they explain in depth. They were the ones that can makes seals on the fly – catered to their exact specifications might I add.
Anyway, I need fuuin scrolls, regular scrolls, and ink for both. Never use regular ink to make a fuuin! Ever! I also need some pegs put up to arrange my equipment. Hmm, I could use some jutsu scrolls to fill these shelves with too. Sure, there's the library too, but that is too general. I need to start cataloging my custom jutsus too. Wouldn't want those to be lost with me. Still, I need to bug Yuuna about making those special seals to keep my scrolls from falling into the wrong hands regardless.
"Hey, Imouto-chan. Can I talk to you?" Aoba-sensei asked after knocking and entering. I wasn't really doing anything important, other than marking where I want those pegs set up.
"Sure, sensei. What's up?" I smiled, but didn't waver from my current ministrations. Hmm, no I want Tou-chan's wakizashi higher than that! It should shine as my prized possession, after all.
"What's up with you lately?" He asked, taking off his shades to show that he wasn't using his doujutsu to gleam any hidden meanings. "I know you don't want to talk about it, but it would make me feel better."
"Lately? Nothing that hasn't been there the whole time." No, not that high! I want to be able to grab it in a hurry in case I need it.
"Tsu?" I flinched, breaking the tip of the pencil I was using to mark the walls where I wanted something or another done. "And you wonder why I ask." He deadpanned.
"Sensei, don't call me that." I tried to speak naturally, but it still came out as a growl.
"Why? That was your registered name up until two and half years ago. Why else would the records of Senju Tatsuko be so iffy." He leaned up against the doorpost, crossing his arms with an unamused... I dunno, it's not a scowl, but he's making it clear he's not very happy right now.
"Sensei, look, there are somethings I would trust you with blindly. Others I wouldn't trust even Hikaru with." I explained, walking to the desk and praying there was another pencil in one of the drawers. There wasn't, so I took out a kunai and sharpened the pencil with that – not a regular kunai, I don't keep those on me.
"Yukikami Tsu, graduated the academy at age four, made chuunin at age six by means of a field promotion. Inducted into the ANBU by age seven originally placed under Yukikami Tatsuhi. Completed her one and only S-class mission at age eight, the assassination of the Yondaime Mizukage – which was a joint mission between Konoha and the rebels of Kirigakure no Sato. She then wandered with Jiraiya of the Sannin for just under a year with her ANBU partner, before coming back and attending the academy under the name Senju Tatsuko. Served under Yukikami Tatsuhi, aiding him to protect the jinchuuriki Uzumaki Naruto. After the Kitsunaga massacre, she became the second in command of the squad and aided in training Yuuna in Fuuinjutsu – which she hadn't learned anything of up until that point." I'm going to kill Saru-ji-chan.
Apparently he wasn't finished either. "After the loss of her father, she took up the reins and continued his mission, becoming the youngest ANBU buntaichou in Konoha's history. Though for the first six months you served alongside Hatake Kakashi and his partner Umino Rin. Once Kakashi gave the go ahead, you recruited three rookie ANBU operatives and trained them personally. Once satisfied you set up a rotation between three ANBU teams to monitor Naruto around the clock to ensure his safety. Later she changed all the rules and started training Naruto as well." Doesn't the word 'confidential' mean anything anymore?
"During her last A-class mission, she was to subtly interrogate the members of the Uchi-"
"Get to the point." It's a shame Tsu never outranked him, it would have been nice to use right about now.
There was a long silence before he formulated this weeks edition of Kami-sama's comedy hour. "Why can't I call you 'Tsu'?" Some shit only the Gods can find humor in.
"Because she's dead." I said. "If I were her, would I be on a genin team?"
"'Dead' and 'undercover' are two very different concepts. You are neither, so what is the problem?" You just don't get it, do you? No, of course you don't. No one gets it.
"Everything." Was all I said, and all I was going to say on the matter. Am I going to have to burn those records to keep them private?
"You are no longer undercover, Tsu so wh-"
"Stop. Calling. Me. That." What the fuck is it with calling me by that name these days? Is Hikaru spouting his bullshit again? He of all people should know better.
"Why are you still going by your code name then?"
"Tatsuko is my birthname. It wasn't until Itachi started hanging around me in the first place that I even needed to be called by any other name." I said, my tone dripping with anger and frustration. This is not my favorite subject by any stretch of imagination.
"So you prefer being called Usagi then?"
"Tsu's ANBU mask was Usagi. Seeing as she's dea-"
"You are not dead."
"Tsu. Is. Dead. Now kindly leave her that way." I warned, my hands flexing like they wanted to grab/break something. I turned to the sound of footsteps coming down the hall. I half expected it to be Hinata or Yuuna going into their room for something, so I kept quiet until the footsteps died down.

Another knock on the door. "Tsu-chan, since we don't have to kill ourselves training today, how about that date? We can go shopping and get those things you were talking to Yuuna about too." Kiba smiled, already knowing I wouldn't say no.
"Let me just get ready, okay?" Before leaving, I made sure to give Aoba-sensei a wilting glare. I will be chewing Saru-ji-chan out over this!

After a long bath, putting on three inch pumps and the one dress I own – spaghetti straps, back out, down to the middle of my thigh and peach colored – I finished that list of things I wanted to pick up. I didn't put my hopes up too high for praise – with him being colorblind like most Inuzuka, it wasn't likely that he would really care what I wore.
I did however put on some watermelon flavored bodyspray. Can't use perfume, since he's more than likely going to have an aversion to it, also typical for his clansmen.
The list, money, tessen and a scroll containing my battle outfit and regular gear, all went into my purse – yes the scroll is small enough to fit in a purse, it's not that big – and I was ready to go... after checking my reflection in my mirror.

Not ten steps out of the Senju District, Kiba decided to tell me that we were going to get a bite to eat... before trying his luck on the one thing even he won't get a straight answer on. "So what were you and Aoba-sensei talking about when I arrived?" He asked, seemingly leading me in circles.
"Nothing." I said. Trying to get that subject to drop before it got too serious, I held his hand and looked away to hide a blush. Having sparred with him at least twice a day since we became a team – well this is the first time that we were actually... well, like this. I can't even think straight with him so close.
"Oh." His smile faltered a bit. With his sensitive hearing he must have heard more than I wanted him to.
"So where are we going?" I looked at him, noticing that I wasn't the only one blushing at the intimate contact.
"There's a restaurant that always catches my attention whenever I pass it. I've never been there, but I figure the food's got to be good." We continued walking for a bit, our eyes meeting every once in a while – making me blush a little deeper each time.
Deciding to just enjoy the view, I noticed that Kiba was wearing his usual outfit. And that Akamaru was napping on his head. I couldn't help but smile at that, and the gentle snores coming from the pup.
"Kawaii!" I gushed, trying to keep my voice down. Akamaru snorted and went back to snoring again. Seeing a puppy sleeping like a baby never gets old.
"Huh? Oh, him? Yeah, he's just recharging the batteries." Kiba smiled. He has a different smile depending on who he's smiling at. When it's something Hinata does, he smiles like a proud big brother. When it's Aoba-sensei, he smiles like a son getting complimented by his father. For Akamaru, he's smiling at his best friend. Then there's the way he smiles at me... it's like he knows something. You know that smile when someone knows something they're not supposed to know and no one knows they know? It's kind of a cocky, smart alecky, smirk that just makes you want to slap him... although it makes me want to do so many other things instead.
I blushed a little deeper. "You up for some barbeque?" He asked, stopping and tugging me to stop with him. In front of us was a modest sized grill restaurant that smelled of so many good things at once. No wonder he wanted to come here, my mouth is watering from all the scents kicking my appetite into overdrive. Just my luck, my stomach decided to thank Kiba with a loud 'WRRRRRRR!' I felt so embarrassed that I almost cried. "Well, sounds like we're just on time then." He smiled. That damnable smile! I just nodded and let him lead me in.

"Good morning and welcome to Yakiniku Q. Table for two?" The waitress welcomed us with a smile.
"Yeah. No issue with the pup right?" Kiba pointed at his head with his left hand, still keeping our fingers entwined the whole time. It felt... warm. Warm, like a thick blanket wrapped around you near the fireplace on a cold winter night. Does that makes sense? Even a little? I'm not sure. I just know how it feels – good.
"Of course not, Inuzuka-san. We get far too much business from your clansmen to worry with little details. Please, this way." She seemed to smile a little looking at us. Or was it us? "A private booth, I take it?" I blushed a little deeper, but looked at Kiba wondering what he thought about it.
"Yeah, nothing but the best for my girl." Who needs blush to make my face look red? Jeez, I'm giving Hinata a run for her money right now.
As per tradition, the waitress led the way with me a few paces behind her and Kiba right behind me. He was a good bit closer than anyone else would walk, well within my personal bubble. Hell, he was close enough for me to feel him walking behind me. Somewhere in the back of my mind I figured that he was showing possession. Which somehow I didn't mind. So long as he knew that possession went both ways, it's fine by me... I think my pride was trying to contest that, but was currently being fried by Kiba's proximity.
"Here are the menus," She tapped the glass pane on the wall behind me, the elegant menu visible through it - the glass I mean. "would you like anything to drink?" I sat on the blue pillow to the far side of the booth, with Kiba sitting down next to me and he placed Akamaru next to him. The booth was made for four people so we had plenty of space, and the lighting was just perfect. Not so dark that we couldn't see what we were doing, but not so bright so that everyone could see what we were doing.
"Yeah, do you have jasmine tea?" Kiba asked. How did he-
"Of course, Inuzuka-san." She smiled politely. A little too politely. I already decided that I don't like that skank.
"Good, we'll start with that."
"I'll be right back with your tea to take your orders." She excused herself, not even writing down any notes.
I decided to find out how Kiba knew about that. "How did you-"
"We've been having lunch together almost every day since we graduated. Remembering little details like your favorite tea, and liking being treated like a lady aren't too hard." He smiled at me. That last part sounds weird to most civilians, but kunoichi usually like to be treated like one of the guys. He obviously noticed that Hinata, Yuuna and I are the exception to that rule – we act like girls and prefer to be treated as such. So long as you don't disrespect us, of course. That's when we pull out the kunoichi card and rip you a new one.
"I see." I smiled back at him, kissing him on his cheek as a thank you – making sure to rub off the excess lip gloss off with my thumb. Not all of it though! I wanted to make sure my scent was all over him for when he went back to his clan's compound – if there was anything to ward off girls in his clan, it's the smell of another female, especially a strong female. Just don't ask me how they can tell how strong someone is by their smell.
"So what are you up for? I figure the beef/pork mixed bucket should be more than enough." I remember having glanced at the menu. There was quite a selection of meats, some salads on the side and deserts, but that was more or less it.
"Hmm, that sounds good. And maybe a veggie delight?" I'm not one to only eat a salad, but salads are also very nice to have, and this one has spinach, two kinds of lettuce, baby tomatoes and beats. And most importantly it has carrots! I love carrots.
"Alright."

Somehow the conversation just kind of wandered about after that. He started talking about his training with his mom and sister (the only veterinarian of his clan), I started talking about the extra training I was doing with Hikaru and Aoba-sensei. Somehow we managed to get to carnival games, and the festival that was coming up in a few weeks. Then there was the chuunin exams that had taken place in Iwa a few months ago, the babysitting missions that we were truly depressed every time we heard we got – yes, the same little brat that no one could handle but us for some reason – and of course there was Tora.
"I still can't believe Naruto and Hikaru caught that little beast faster than we did."
"I know, right! You'd think that they would have the most trouble finding that cat..."
"It must be because she smells a dog chasing after her. Cats and dogs, meh..." He shrugged.
"True, that might just be it. Maybe we can work on you just chasing her to one of us next time, that should counter that and shave off at least a half hour of chasing that damn thing around." I said, already tossing some ideas around in my head. Which wasn't easy with the meat sizzling right in front of me. No matter what anyone thinks, planning on an empty stomach with food in front of you is not the best situation.
The food should be properly cooked by now, so I decided to try one of the thinner cuts if it was cooked clean through. Just as I was going to grab one of them with my chopsticks, "That one's not done yet." Kiba stopped my chopsticks with his, then grabbed a thicker cut that was near the middle. "Aah." He instructed, bringing the food to my lips for me to try. Who would refuse such an offer? Not me!
It was a juicy piece of beef, well seasoned. I took a few bites, letting it melt on my tongue. I closed my eyes, studying the unique mix of sweet and bitter the chef had used. "Mmmm, it's good." I turned to Kiba about to tell him something, but he had this look on his face. He had his eyes trained on me with a... blush? He decided to push his luck as far as it would go by rubbing my back, offering me that smile of his to disarm any reaction he may or may not have expected out of me.
Had anyone else touched me like that, they'd never be able to feel their fingers again. But with Kiba... I had to bite back another moan, this time from the warmth of his hand against my bare back.
"You want one too?" I asked, grabbing a piece of the beef, right next to the one he just fed me. I was going to just put it on his mouth, I really was. But I need to make sure that waitress that has been eying him for the last ten minutes understands exactly what her place is. Yes, I can see the tramp peaking through the door that she obviously kept slightly ajar for this exact purpose. So I grabbed it between my teeth and fed it to him.
Needless to say that the walking-on-clouds look on his face was more than gratifying enough to be willing to do that again soon. How soon depends on whether or not he is the gentleman I think he is... and I have just the way to test for that.

"We really should get going. Let me just go to the lady's room, okay?" I said, nudging against Kiba to let him know I wanted to get passed. I didn't even mind that he enjoyed the contact, but I was a little disappointed that he just got out of the way. I'm not sure what I expected him to do, but just obeying wasn't it. You'd think he would have realized that I could just walk around him with no problem.
Still, rewarding that kind of behavior is not a bad thing. So I gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek as I walked past, already looking around for the bathroom.

On my way back to our booth I heard the same out-of-place about-to-be-tortured waitress openly flirting with Kiba. It's not hard to tell when a a girl's flirting. Playing with her hair, swishing her hips back and forth, both feet pointing right at him and the slightly higher pitch in her voice than normal. Most guys wouldn't even pick up on half of that, but girls pick that up in under three seconds. Even looking around a corner coming back from the bathroom. That's why lying to your girlfriend is pointless. And stupid.
"So Inuzuka-san, you planning on taking the chuunin exams? I'm sure you would do well, with you being so strong." He's half your age! Who you think you are? Jenna Jameson?
"Look, I just want the check, okay? If Tsu-chan comes back and finds you flirting with me, I'm sure she'd-"
"She'd what?" Watch the bedroom eyes and voice, cause I have the needed skills to permanently put them to rest. "A man like you doesn't need to be with a little girl. I can offer you everything your body craves." All I saw was red. And somehow ripping her throat out and feeding it to her just to see how the mechanics of it would work, it just felt like the right thing to do.
"Yeah, I'm sure you could. Too bad the last three guys that you flirted with thought that was cute. And why do you smell like day old fish right now? Hmm?" I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Maybe you should just talk to your boss about a raise, because the red light special isn't legal here. So clean up your act or I'll personally arrange an audience with someone in Torture and Interrogation that you'll never forget. My sensei works in that department, so I'm sure we can speed it up too."
I was walking on clouds. Who would have guessed that a twelve year old boy would have the resolve and strength of character to not take advantage of an easy lay.
"Now bring the check, or your manager. Which ever is easier for you." … wow... If this was a game he would have just hit the jackpot. Or I hit the jackpot. A winner is... me!

"Oh, hey. There you are. We just need to pay the bill and hit the road." Kiba already had Akamaru in his jacket, and was watching me with an appraising eye. I instantly decided that I liked having him look at me like that – because he liked what he saw. "You ready? Or did you just want to have this moment last forever?" Is something wrong with that? That damnable smile. And my knees are about to give out – they feel like jelly right now. Would it be wrong if I wanted him to carry me home... bridal style?

After that things kinda settled into a very comfortable pattern. We just walked around until one of us found a store that looked interesting, and we'd walk in and look around until we lost interest in it. No goal, no time limit. Just talking... and touching.
No groping, unfortu- uhh... I mean thank Kami-sama. I wouldn't want to have to hurt him. Right? Umm, yeah, we'll go with that. Thank Kami-sama Kiba was behaving himself? This is what I get for hanging around the greatest super pervert the Elemental Nations has ever seen.
Am I supposed to want Kiba to touch me this badly?

"I've been meaning to ask for a while now. What's up with the tantos you usually have on you? … Think you could teach me a couple of tricks?" He asked. His tone was as conversational as it gets, but my head wasn't in it. I was either in my own little world, or staring at his backside. And a gorgeous backside it is, might I add.
"Sure." I replied, both blushing and not entirely sure what I just agreed to.
"Cool! What do you think? Should I start with a single blade like Naruto and Hikaru, or should I just start dual blade style like you?"
How much does he work out? Cause I can't see an ounce of fat anywhere on him! He looks like one big walking, breathing bronze statue of muscle. What I wouldn't give to have him wrap those arms of his around me.
"Tsu-chan!"
"Huh? Wha-" He caught me spacing out, but hopefully he doesn't know what I was actually thinking about. But then, him knowing might make him want to-
"Swords. One or two?" Uh...
"Two?" I use two, right?
"Hmm, sounds good. Hm, you mind helping me pick out a good pair then? Not too many people in the family use swords for anything." He explained, a bit embarrassed at admitting that he wasn't all that good at something.
Should I find that attractive? It feels like I do. It definitely feels like my cheeks are on fire from blushing so much. I just nodded and walked towards the the racks on the wall.
None of the swords, tantos, wakizashis, katanas... none of the blades looked like a matching pair. Hmm. "Ryuusei-san, a moment of your time?" I asked politely. He's really one of the few people I know that has earned that level of respect at every turn – other than Tou-chan or 'Karu.
"Of course, Senju-sama. How can I be of service?" The tall, stocky man asked as he was walking over from behind the counter where he was usually perched. He had a bit of a limp, which I'm sure there was a story behind. Still, he is the most capable blacksmith I know, so I make a habit of bringing all my business to him.
"We're looking for a matching pair of blades meant for dual wielding. Do you have any recommendations?" I explained the situation to him.
"Hmm..." He paced through the collection decorating the wall. "No. Not really. Everything I have here won't balance well if dual wielded. The only thing I have that fits your description is something I gave up on ever selling. No one seemed to want it."
"What is it?" I asked, noticing Kiba-kun's wary gaze. He probably figures that if no one else wanted it, why would he.
"It's something of a custom made windmill shuriken, but it's so big that no one thinks it would be would ever be useful." He explained, before making his way to his workshop in the back. "I'll bring it to you."
"Hmm, a windmill shuriken. Interesting." I wondered what was so customized about it, and why no one else would want it.
"Tsu-chan, why is it that everyone knows you?"
"Senju?" I replied, wondering why he never made that connection before.
"They wouldn't know your name, unless they already knew you." He retorted. Well, that makes sense, I guess.
"It's a long story, and I'm not really in a storytelling mood." I answered. No matter how warm and fuzzy I feel inside with him, that is not something I want to talk about.
"You think sensei is going to double up on training tomorrow, because of us slacking up today?" I wonder...
"I doubt it, he will make us train hard regardless though. You know how he feels about training."
"If you can still feel your legs, you did it wrong." Kiba quoted, a sour look on his face. More often than not, sensei was right about his training methods. He must be stronger than he looks since he does everything we do, and still feels energized at the end of the day. Even I feel like death warmed over and sprinkled with shit at after training with him.
Which was actually a step up, from training with Tou-chan... that says something sad about my life, I just know it.

"Sorry for takin' s' long." Ryuusei-san announced. He was what looked like a long (meter and a half long) scimitar in it's sheath. The weird thing was that the pummel was similar to a kunai – there was a ring at the end. He unsheathed the... blade. It looked like... a short naginata. That is, until...

ffft...

… it clicked out. Strangely enough it sounded like it passed wind...? Is it supposed to sound like that? Anyway, this really is a modified windmill shuriken. From the angels of the blades I can tell it was designed to boomerang back it the user, while unleashing hell all around him or her.
"I'll take it!" Kiba didn't need to be talked into anything, it seemed.
"Really?" Ryuusei-san sounded shocked. "Maybe I should have kept this out on display then. I had given up hope that it would ever sell."
"How much?"
"Seeing that I am the only one that can do the upkeep? Nothing. See this as a thank you for trusting in my skill." He clicked it back, so it once again appeared to be a single blade, then re-sheathed it. "My only regret is that there are no custom jutsu I can give you with it. It's basically all up to you how it is used." He then offered the blade to Kiba.
"I'm not worried about that! This is the most bad ass weapon I've ever seen!" Kiba was looking at it like a kid looks at a Christmas tree. I couldn't help but smile.
"Well, I'm sure we can come up with something." I said, placing my chin on Kiba's shoulder. I wanted to hold his hand or arm, or something. Something to show that I was there with him. But only his shoulders weren't being used.
"I didn't say it comes with nothing at all." Ryuusei interrupted. He handed Kiba a single scroll. "That contains the instructions on how to work it, as well as some of my theories on what it should be capable of doing. It's not made of chakra conducting material, but it will stand up to most any opponent you could face."
"I... don't know what to say... I..." Kiba held the offered items like a man trapped in a desert who was just offered a jug of water. "Thank you, Ryuusei-san. I am in your debt." He bowed, thus sadly breaking the contact I was just starting to enjoy.
"Think nothing of it. Just send business my way and we'll call it even." He winked.

Kiba damn near dragged me to the training grounds after that. There was no way in hell he was going to not try to figure out how to use his new toy. Somehow I couldn't even get mad at him. The sheer joy on his face... I dunno, it just disarmed every argument I could have come up with.
He was way too much of a doer to read the scroll though, so he chucked that over to me in case he had questions. Was this how I imagined my first date would go? No. But I wouldn't change it, not for all the money in the world.
The first thing he did was practice flicking it open and shut. For over an hour, mind you. He might not be a perfectionist, but he damn well could pass for one! After that he would just fling it, making sure to give it the spin I told him to give it. Sure the scroll said nothing on the matter, it just explained the mechanics of the weapon. It didn't even have a proper name! What was Ryuusei-san thinking? Well, Kiba fixed that, calling it his Fang. Kiba and his Fang. Something to tease him with for the next few years at least.
Anyway, it was damn near sunset by the time Kiba decided he it was time to remember I was there. I didn't mind so much, it was kind fun thinking up moves and plotting out jutsus for it while he tossed it around.
One alteration he seemed to enjoy a little too much was when I suggested he use his Tsuuga while holding the Fang firmly. The combination of the rapid rotations of the Tsuuga, and the curved blade of the Fang. Well, let's just say he learned to balance it out eventually so he could literally hover five meters off the ground. He couldn't maneuver it yet, but he'd figure that out eventually.
Things were going so well, just the two of us in that otherwise empty training field. So well. Until Aoba-sensei showed up, a serious look on his face.
"Team 7 has been ambushed by two unidentified chuunin nuke-nin from Kiri. Naruto and Hikaru managed to defeat them and they are all fine. Still, Hokage-sama wants us to investigate the two, bring them back to Konoha, and provide back up for for Kakashi-san should we deem it necessary." My eyes hardened immediately. "Meet me by the gate in thirty minutes. Move out."

To say that I was freaking out would be the world's greatest understatement. But instead of actually freaking out, I prepared. I made it to my study in under a minute from half way across the village and immediately changed into my battle gear. I didn't even close the door – it would have taken too much time.
I wrapped my hair, donned my hitai-ate like a mask, put on my shades, strapped on my tantos, buckled my kunai-pouches... and for the first time in years... I grabbed Tou-chan's wakizashi. He always called it Eiyuu, his hero. Well, that got strapped to my back, much like how 'Karu wore his blade. After that, I rushed and grabbed Okaa-sama's Nohkan. And I grabbed all of my fuuin I've been collecting.
If the opening gambit is a pair of chuunin nuke-nin... then the main threat will be a jounin for sure. I refuse to risk losing you, 'Ruto, 'Karu. I will not lose anyone else. Ever. Just hold on.
Once I was ready, I shunshinned to the front gate, already rolling plans through my head. I likely had twenty minutes to sort through everything, since I always have a scroll with all my missions gear already prepared. The only time I have to pack anything at all, is when I want to train during the mission. There will be no training this time. This is war. A war to save my little brothers.

"Jeez, you're early." Aoba-sensei arrived shortly after I did. "You have everything?" He asked, only getting a nod in response. There was no hiding my tense muscles of attitude, so I didn't bother to. This whole mission stank with memories for me. Bad memories. I can almost smell the blood in the air when from-
"Where are the others?" I asked, not even really sure if I saw Hinata to tell her.
"Not sure. I met up with Hinata before I found you two, so everyone is aware. They are likely just making sure they are prepared." He explained. "However, I will call off this mission if I feel you are ill prepared, Tsu." He's obviously testing for something.
"Nothing you or anyone else does will get me to stay here." I explained bluntly. "Not even Saru-ji-chan."
"Fair enough." He turned to see the last two members of our team walking up to us. Both had somber expressions on their faces. "Good, we're all here early. We head out now. We should make it to the nuke-nin quickly." That was all that was said.

We immediately took to the trees, blazing through the forest to the place Aoba-sensei said our targets were tied up. The whole time I was using the Divine Inquiry to get all the info about the mission I could without uttering a word. It seemed that Inu encountered a puddle in the middle of the road. That was a brilliant move, seeing that it hadn't rained in a week.
Anyway, after Yoko and Shirokuma dispatched the chuunin, they were tied up and Inu proceeded to 'politely' interrogate the client. Agreeing that the mission was mislabeled but vital enough to follow through on, they continued anyway. Inu, as per protocol, sent a summon back to report in on the update. Probably Pakkun, since that was the sole speaker of his pack.
Only the no names were given. Inu requested my team specifically, seeing that he knew I would be able to judge the situation without the hours Ibiki would need to get what we needed to know.
Well, that was all Aoba knew on the matter, and we didn't have Inu or Hokage-sama to get more information. I guess only the two unlucky, and overrated, nuke-nin would be able to tell us more.

"There!" Sensei announced, pointing with his nose at a tree that had ninja wire wrapped around it. We all dropped to ground level again, as I moved forward without being told to. I whipped out Okaa-sama's Nohkan and prepped the Shinseina Shoukai to tell me everything they knew about the Wave Country and all members of the contingent we could possibly encounter. While the videos were playing out in my mind – I only have to cast the jutsu and the information will come to me heedless of what I am doing – I started disarming the two.
The Demon Brothers, Gouzu and Meizu. Rebels that fled after being discovered by the former Mizukage. I remember them. All too well in fact. If they're here then... that must mean...
After filtering through the bullshit – denizen headcount, history, Gato's plans (useful but that's Ibiki's job) – I finally got stats on the head of the rat pack.
… Death is too good for you. After what you made me go through, you walking corpse! "Momochi... Zabuza..."

"I – Inu – Tori – Saru – Hitsuji... Kuchiyose no-jutsu!" I slammed my left hand on the ground before me, waiting patiently for the ones I called upon. The second the smoke was cleared away for me to see five silhouettes I explained why I chose now to summon them. "An old friend has shown his ugly face again. I have a debt that must be paid in full. Will you help me?" Five pairs of blue eyes simple stared at me.

A/N: Well, this concludes this Arc. Coming up next is the Usagi Gaiden Arc. For those who are completely lost, this upcoming Arc will actually explain all the mystery away. Including the Kinjutsu (both of them actually) that formed the person that Tatsuko is today. For those who are used to the mild violence used up until now, you may want to reconsider whether you wish to continue reading. As there will be no holds barred from this point on.
Tatsuko/Tsu is going to be showing her actual skills in the upcoming chapters and flashbacks, and there will be quite a bit of fighting for Team 7 as well. This is the main climax I have been building up towards since chapter one, but I haven't decided if this is where I want to end the story. I have some ideas for what comes after, but I will leave it up to the readers whether I actually utilize those ideas. Which includes, but is not limited to, the Chuunin Exams the of course the Invasion Arc.
I will leave it up to the reviewers what will be the fate of this story. I'm cool with it either way.

Btw, in case no one else gets the joke with Kiba naming his new weapon 'Fang', Kiba can actually be taken to mean fang. Believe it!

Kirigakure no Sato - Village hidden in the Mist.
Nuke-nin – Missing Nin.
Shinseina Shoukai – Divine Inquiry.
Windmill Shuriken – Something like the weapon that Sasuke threw during the Wave Arc (I believe it was described as a collapsible Fuuma Shuriken, or something like that). It's been used in many games revolving around shinobi, including Ninja Gaiden and Ninja Gaiden Black. It basically is a big shuriken that flies back to the user after being thrown like a boomerang. But then, I already explained that in-story.
Eiyuu - Hero.
Nohkan - Transverse flute traditionally used in Noh and Kabuki theater. As well as the weapon first introduced with Tatsuko in... chapter 3?
Kuchiyose no-jutsu – Summoning jutsu. The words preceding it are the handseals needed: Boar – Dog – Bird – Monkey – Ram.

Omake: Simpler times...

Sarutobi Hiruzen spent most of the day in his office, as he had been doing all week. He hated that, he really did. But what did you expect with his second term of a thankless job no one else wants right now? Or at least, no one capable wants. Jiraiya had been refusing the Hat for years now, and no one had seen hide nor hair of Tsunade in a decade.

There was a knock at the door. "Come in." Hiruzen announced. The door swung open to reveal a six year old blond with a bright smile plastered on her face.
"Saru-ji-chan, you shouldn't still be here! Tou-chan told me to kidnap you and drag you to the festival so that you can buy me some ice cream!" Tsu dashed to his side, already tugging at his hand to attempt to do just that. She seems to have a sweet tooth that rivaled his late wife.
"Does Tsu-chan really want me to come?" He asked her, teasing her a bit.
"Saru-jiiii-chaaaaaan! Stop wasting time! All the ice-cream will be gone by the time we get there!" He couldn't help but smile at his granddaughter. Sure they weren't related by blood, but she wouldn't listen no matter how many times anyone told her that.
"Can I at least finish this stack?" He tried, at least that way he could blame it on her if it came to that. Sad as it sounded, no one would be able to blame her for not turning her down.
"No! Saru-ji-chan, come on! I'll even let you pet my hair when people ask you who I am!" She tried to bride him with the one thing she always bristled at. Only Tatsuhi could ever get away with being affectionate with her in public, but Hiruzen was getting away with more than anyone else.

It was good to get out of his office, and even better to have someone else to blame for it! Even though Tsu had been a chuunin for less than a month, all the shinobi knew she was not to be trifled with. Sadly she didn't seem to act her age often enough, which was one of the more pressing reasons he had agreed to come with her. Somehow the festival always brought out the child in her.
Whether the games, all the candy and ice cream, or just the atmosphere, but she did away with the far too old for her years look in her eyes.
"Naruto-chaaaaaaaaaaan!" Tsu called out, waving someone over. "Come on, you have to help me drag Saru-ji-chan over to the ice cream stand! He's taking forever!" There was Hiruzen's other adopted grandchild, now all he needed was little Konohamaru and his little sojourn with the grands would be complete.
"Tsu-chan! Stop being so obvious." Naruto came over, shushing her as best he could. He was obviously trying to keep her from calling his name again.
"NARUTOOOOOO!" Someone bellowed off in the distance. A small group of civilians were looking this way and that, obviously not being able to find him in the crowd. Having spotted the Hokage, they all made their way over, the look on their face clearly saying they were going to complain about something... until everyone heard a flute being played. The same civilians looked confused, then just went on looking elsewhere.

"You want ice cream too, Naruto-chan?" Tsu asked, putting her flute away. The smile on her face made it clear that he better say yes if he wanted to live.
"Does it taste like ramen?"
"What's ramen?" Hiruzen just smiled as the two started gushing about their favorite dishes, saying that the other had to try it or they haven't really lived.