The courtship of Naruto Uzumaki
XVI. The Fifth's strategy session
Tsunade walked out on the dais with Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu following grimly behind her. They both looked like dried-up old prunes beside her youthful appearance. Over the nearly seven years of her tenure as Hokage she hadn't aged a minute. It was definitely vanity which had her continuing to use the jutsu which kept her appearance young. She knew the risks involved, but she was willing to risk time at the end of her life to maintain the spectacular quality of her present. If she had to actually look like the venerable pair following her—she'd rather be dead.
As she stared out over the group of young faces that only partially filled the room, she was acutely aware that so many of the ninja standing before her were little more than children. She'd placed children ninja in jeopardy every year of her tenure as Hokage, and she'd never liked the necessity. They hardly had time to be children before they were thrown into dangers that were sometimes even too difficult for most adults to handle. It didn't matter that the majority of those in the room were exceedingly gifted. She'd seen too much of the snuffing out of life before its time. Sometimes she wondered how she could bear to grow fond of any of them again if tomorrow she must face their deaths. But despite her desire to harden her heart against loss, she was fond of many of the children, youth and young adults in this room ready to put their lives on the line to protect their home.
Why could there never be peace in the land? Why must those with power seek ever more power, ever more control over everyone and everything around them? She'd never sought the position of power she now held. She'd never wanted the power of life and death. She'd run away from her destiny for years, but it had come relentlessly to find her in the person of a brash, irrepressible, young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki. Maybe if he hadn't reminded her so much of her deceased brother Nawaki she'd have been able to withstand his appeal. Maybe—then again—maybe not. Naruto Uzumaki had a great appeal all his own. He certainly would have died trying to bring her back to Konoha—and he almost did. In the face of his determination and idealism, she'd finally been forced by her awakened sense of honor to don the mantle of power offered her by the elder advisors of Konoha—the power that Naruto sought as idealistically as her brother before him. Once she'd accepted the position of Hokage, she was determined not to let Naruto or Nawaki down. She would do what she had to do no matter how hard it might be to protect Konoha and all of her inhabitants.
Here she and what was left of her shinobi stood in the great hall of the ninja complex—a hall large enough to accommodate every ninja of Konoha—immersed in a dire situation in their own back yard that could result in the deaths of any one of them. She had no idea what they were dealing with. So far no one had died, but was that by design or accident? Only the perpetrator could tell them for certain, but who was that person? Yes, she'd come to the conclusion that it was a human instrument responsible for these attacks and not an animal or other form of wildlife. An animal would not attack so neatly. An animal had no conscience in regards to killing their prey. An animal would not have been so conscious of remaining unseen. An animal would leave some signs of its presence having no knowledge of trace evidence.
She squared her shoulders, and stared out over the sea (a small one) of young faces. Many of them had quieted as soon as she'd walked into the room. Naturally, Naruto's little group of cronies had continued their own little drama ever more loudly until she'd had to yell at them to listen. Somehow there was always a drama centered around Naruto. He couldn't avoid attracting attention. His very presence was simply too there to be avoided or ignored. In a Hokage that would be a good quality. In a young jônin—not so good.
She stopped walking when she reached front and center of the dais. She stood still and formidable with her hands on her hips as she waited for all the talking to cease. She leveled dark stares on the holdouts. Surprisingly, Naruto's group was not the last to quiet down, although she continued to give them a sharp glance now and then just because. Once there was absolute silence for an appreciable length of time, she began to speak again.
"First, I'd like to thank all of you for your magnificent efforts to cover for the absence of the senior jônin. Every one of you is doing a tremendous job even those with very little real time experience. I commend all of you for your efforts. I think Konoha is in very good hands at her time of need, and in the future."
She paused, dropped her hands from her hips, and took a step forward. There had been a shuffling, and mumbling among the shinobi at her unexpected praise, but they quieted down quickly this time. She only had to wait a moment for silence to reign again.
"I know rumors abound already regarding the latest attack, but you must not listen to rumors. You must take your facts from me. Only I will have the complete story. Only I will collect all the facts together, and disperse them sensibly to you without hyperbole and innuendo. Here are the facts as I know them at this moment.
Two men were discovered in the early hours of the morning. One man was found near the riverwalk tucked into an alley on the side opposite the river. The other man was found on a boat in the river almost directly across from the alley. Each man had two puncture wounds in his neck, and had been drained of over two litres of blood. There was no blood found at the scene, and very little around the wound. Neither man has regained consciousness yet, so we don't know what they might remember about the attack. These two attacks bear a striking similarity to the one last week. There is no reason to doubt that the perpetrator of all three attacks was the same person. Based on our experience with the first attack victim, neither man found this morning may remember anything about their attack that will aid in our investigation."
Low level mumbling broke out among the shinobi. It was naïve to expect that such young ninja could keep quiet for very long. She was pleased to see that at least the older ones remained respectfully silent, and attempted to admonish the younger ones around them in effective ways such as rapping them sharply on the head, back, shoulder or leg. Unfortunately, this type of corrective action resulted in more noise at first, but order was generally restored far more quickly with this method of discipline than mere shushing. She made no protest to whatever procedures brought order as quickly as possible to the room. If anyone dared breaching her patience, they'd feel more than modest raps on their persons. She made that clear with the narrowed glare she sent around the room.
"Despite the lack of empirical evidence, we will investigate these attacks as thoroughly as possible. I've determined that the attacker is human, and not an animal based on my own observations of the wounds, scenes of the attacks, and my understanding of animal behavior.
So far our attacker has not killed. However, until we know the circumstances surrounding these attacks, we must consider the attacker dangerous with the potential to escalate to killing at any given moment. You must all be vigilant. Even off-duty you must be careful never to wander the streets alone after dark. Although these attacks give all evidence of being perpetrated at night, you must still be careful during daylight hours. We just don't know enough to give reassurances of safety at any time. I want you to keep this in mind at all times."
She paused allowing this information to sink in before continuing. "Mitokado, Utatane, and I have formulated a plan of investigation. I will assign your duties now with everyone present so you will all understand the procedures of this investigation.
Each morning you will report here for new information or a change in duties or strategy. There will be no off time for frivolous activities. Your off duty time will be spent resting, and recoupingyour energies for your next task. I don't want you depleting your energy or chakra with excessive training activities. Your strength, skills, and stamina may be required at any time. I need you all to remain in top most physical, mental, and spiritual condition. Do what you have to do to stay that way." Her voice commanded clearly through the silent hall.
She paused again for dramatic effect, and to reduce information overload. She gave her shinobi time to absorb her words before continuing.
"All those genin and chûnin who don't already have specific guard and patrol duties, I want you to follow Mitokado and Utatane to another room. Your assignment today will be to knock on the door of every residence in Konoha, and warn every inhabitant of the dangers of walking the streets at night or during the day alone. You will tell them of the attacks, and relay to everyone that if they have any information pertinent to these attacks, they should bring it to me at the ninja complex as soon as possible. This evening you will be available at the hotel, theater, and any business open after normal business hours to escort people safely home. You will do this in groups of at least two. I want genin paired with chûnin whenever possible. I don't want any ninja alone after dark no matter what. Mitokado and Utatane will coordinate your routes. Report back to them when you've completed your assignments. Good luck all of you—and be careful."
She waited for the largest group of shinobi present to file from the room following the two old advisors. They would be in good hands. Those two could scare anyone into obedience with one sour, penetrating glance. She'd heard more than one accusation about the evil eye regarding those two. The youngest genin would toe the line faithfully rather than deal with their displeasure—of that she had no doubt. Their bite could definitely be as bad as their bark.
Once the room was cleared and quiet again, she turned back and studied her remaining shinobi.
There were eleven jônin minus the one at the gate. There were three chûnin minus the one at the gate. And there were eight genin. Originally, she'd chosen the chûnin and genin loosely matching their skills to her remaining jônin still in the village. She'd hoped this would be a quiet time that could be used as a training period for some of the more talented genin. Unfortunately, the training had become real. She hoped she'd chosen well among the genin and chûnin she had available. These 22 shinobi were the bulwark of her defense, and her best investigative force presently in the village. If they couldn't handle this situation, she didn't know what would happen until her more experienced jônin returned—who knew when. She almost wished she'd kept some Anbu Black Ops in the village, but their stealth skills had been especially valuable to the mission outside the village. She'd insisted that they all cooperate in that mission.
"You may not be best pleased with the way I've divided up this investigation, but I've had to take into account your already scheduled duties—so live with it.
First, I'll deal with last night's guards which involves Neji's group. Unfortunately, there is little for you in today's investigation. You must rest. You'll be useless to me if you wear yourselves out before you're needed. So today, Neji, Lee, Tenten, Konohamaru, Udon and Moegi will not be involved in any duties until this evening. After you've replenished your energy, I want you to report back here for new assignments. I'll probably have you join the younger shinobi in escorting people from evening entertainments or businesses to their homes. Lee, don't hurry off. You may stay and listen to the assignments of the rest of the groups. I'd like you and Tenten to explain the situation to Neji."
Lee stopped his immediate rush towards the door. "Yes, ma'am," he said saluting her, and returned to his place at Sakura's side. He and Konohamaru both looked disappointed to be left out of the day's investigations. Resting hardly seemed important compared to what everyone else would be doing. It was assumed that Neji would be displeased as well. Lee didn't look forward to explaining it to him.
"Sakura, your group has guard duty tonight, so I want you to alternate on the front gate today instead of Shikamaru's group. I don't want you worn out before your night duties so make the shifts short. While tending the gate, I want you to track any new arrivals in Konoha. I want everyone guarding the gate to do this from now on. I want names, place of departure, specific destination, purpose of visit, and length of visit. I want visitors to be apprised of the situation, and warned to be careful, but I don't want them alarmed. I don't think we're ready to totally close off Konoha to outsiders, but I don't want any visitors harmed. That would not be good for our reputation. If a Hidden Village couldn't control a dangerous situation within her boundaries, then who would respect our abilities? Besides, the village relies economically on tourism. We must keep the tourists safe and happy.
I'd also like you to visit the hotel, and obtain a list of visitors staying there. Interview as many as you can and obtain the same information you would at the front gate. If you can't complete the information by the time your shift at the front gate begins, I'll have Neji's group complete it."
Sakura's group looked only slightly less disappointed with their assignment then Neji's group. It was a necessary duty, but why couldn't they have a meatier assignment? Sakura wouldn't question the Hokage anymore than Lee would, but she'd have preferred doing something more investigative than guarding the front gate. Anyone could do that.
Tsuande turned to the last group awaiting instructions. "Shikamaru, I want you, Choji and your genin to investigate the homes, businesses, family, friends, and associates of the two attacked men. I want a thorough examination made of all the premises involved. I want everyone's movements last night accounted for. Shikamaru, you're the best person to handle this part of the investigation. If there's anything to find, I know you'll find it."
Several pairs of disgruntled eyes settled on Shikamaru. Why was he handling the best part of the investigation? When did he become the Fifth's pet?
"Naruto, I want you and Hinata, and your genin partners to visit all the businesses open after hours. I want you to explain the situation, and strongly recommend that they close down before dark. If they won't or can't do it, have them talk to me. If necessary I'll make arrangements for ninja to accompany customers home, but only until a certain time. I don't want everyone staying up all hours waiting around to walk people home. These people have to take some responsibility for their own safety.
Now I want you to especially speak to the theater troupe. I know they won't be able to afford to close down their business in the evening so we'll have to make arrangements there. But I want them to be aware of the dangers. I want to know if they've noticed anything unusual since they've been here. If possible I'd like you to talk to as many individually as possible. I want your impressions of these strangers. I'd prefer our attacker to be a stranger rather than one of our villagers.
I'd also like you to visit that religious order that's staying here. The Order of the Way of the Horse. Talk to them individually as well. Ask them similar questions. Get a feel for them. Share your information with Shikamaru this afternoon when you all report back here. He can reinterview them if he deems it necessary."
This time the disgruntled eyes were on Naruto. Why did he rate such a plum assignment? What did he know about investigative procedures? Was it only because they were on the best part of the guard duty rotation that they were chosen to perform this investigation? Or was there something else involved? Was he the Fifth's pet, too?
"Alright everyone, get going. Good luck And please—find something, anything. We need a break here."
They were all uncomfortably aware that the Fifth stood still and watched them as they left the room. This circumstance forestalled any complaining, razing, or discussion of their missions until they had quit the building. It wasn't until they were outside that it started.
"What's that all about, Shikamaru—If there's anything to find, I know you'll find it?" Kiba demanded. "When did you become special?"
He shrugged. "The Fifth often relies on me for my analytical skills. That's all. Believe me, I rather have easy guard duty like you."
"What do you mean by that? It wasn't my choice. Tell him, Shino. We can handle investigations, too. We aren't eager to take on the easy jobs," he argued. He was feeling combative. It felt like every one else was getting all the breaks in life. Nothing seemed to be going his way lately.
"Unless she altered the duty schedule, I suppose it makes sense that Shikamaru's team should handle the majority of the investigation today," Shino responded to Kiba's plea with his usual rational demeanor.
"Damn it, Shino! Even you're not on my side!" Kiba exclaimed in disgust.
"Kiba, I want you to relieve Neji on the front gate," Sakura ordered to forestall further unproductive grousing. She didn't completely agree with Tsunade's reasoning either, but she would follow orders—and argue about it later. "Shino, you relieve him in two hours. Ino will relieve you after two hours. I'll relieve Ino, and we'll start again until our evening guard duty begins. Kiba once you've completed your duty at the front gate you can join me at the hotel to collect the information from the tourists that the Hokage requested."
"Fine. C'mon, Izumi," he said grudgingly, and motioned to his genin partner. At least, he'd have some involvement in the investigation. Maybe he'd find something Shikamaru's team couldn't. With that pleasant thought in his mind, he put his hands in his pockets, and strode off. He'd forgotten all about that business about Naruto's girlfriend before the meeting. He'd wanted to hear what Naruto had to say hoping he'd try to squirm out of admitting his relationship to Hinata in front of the group. That would have convinced her that he wasn't serious. Instead, his mind was on his dissatisfaction at being stuck with just guard duty for the day, and how he could overcome it.
Unfortunately, some of the others hadn't forgotten the conversation before the meeting.
"Naruto, before you leave—what was that about you having a girlfriend?" Sakura asked. She couldn't contain her curiosity until she saw him again. She had to know now.
"Yeah, Naruto, what was that about?" Shikamaru asked innocently.
"Say it ain't so," Choji added with a twinkle in his eye.
Naruto sighed in resignation. He was hoping they'd forgotten about that after everything the Fifth had said. He looked around. Even Shino was looking at him inquiringly. Konohamaru looked at him apologetically. Apparently, he'd cooled off during the meeting. Shikamaru and Choji were practically smirking. After all the teasing he'd endured on their mission together, there was no chance that they didn't at least suspect something.
"Don't we have more important things to do?" he stalled.
"This will only take a minute. Go on."
Where was Hinata? He looked around, and found her behind him. She looked him straight in the eye, and smiled encouragingly. Even though her face was bright red, apparently, she wanted him to tell the world. Her wish was his command. He turned back towards the group, but behind his back held out his hand to Hinata. When she placed hers in his, and drew up just behind his left shoulder, obscured somewhat by Choji, he was ready to proceed.
"I've got a girlfriend. So what?"
"So what? That's big news!"
"To me maybe, but why to you?"
"I—well—I'm your team mate. Of course, I'd be happy for you to have a girlfriend. I was afraid you were still stuck on me," Sakura gave a little laugh.
"Well, I'm not," he said gruffly.
"So, who is she?"
"Yeah, Naruto, who is she?" Choji echoed, and stood aside slightly to give Hinata a chance to be seen. He grinned down at her.
"Who do you think she is?" Sakura could have picked a quieter time for this rather than putting him on the spot. Of course, it was really Konohamaru who'd started it all. Now he was stuck with making his big announcement here and now. He'd always enjoyed a lot of attention, but even this was a little too much for him. For some reason he didn't want to simply hand the information over to Sakura too easily. Her insistence was making him feel stubborn. He wasn't ashamed of having a girlfriend, but why was she making such a big deal about it? If she wanted the information, she'd just have to work for it.
"He bought her flowers the other day," Ino announced. She'd stood by quietly during all this Naruto baiting. She'd been concentrated on watching Kiba, but once he was gone she stuck around so she wouldn't miss anything interesting. She'd been just as disgruntled as Kiba to be shunted off the real investigation. She had yet to make an impressive mark in the world. It always seemed like Sakura, Naruto, Neji, Lee and Shikamaru were getting all the attention. Why were they so special?
"Flowers? You spent money on her. This is serious," Shikamaru teased.
"Who is she?" Sakura demanded. She couldn't say why it was so important for her to know. Even though she hadn't wanted it, she'd gotten used to Naruto's devotion. Who could he possibly have found to replace her in his affections?
"Can't you guess? Not you guys," he said quickly, and frowned at Shikamaru and Choji as they opened their mouths. "Let Sakura guess."
She looked at him intently. "I really can't think of anyone who'd—"
"Go out with him? Yeah, I've got that problem, too," grinned Choji.
"It is a puzzle. Even my analytical brain has trouble dealing with this one," Shikamaru added.
"Shut up, you guys! I know you know who it is."
"They do?" Sakura frowned as she looked at those two grinning goof-offs at Naruto's side—or nearly at this side. Hinata was standing between Choji and Naruto barely noticeable. "Lee, do you know?"
"I do not have a clue. I am very surprised myself." Lee knew he should have started for the front gate to give Neji a briefing on the Hokage's meeting, but he wanted to take a proper leave of his fiancé, and her attention was otherwise engaged at the moment. He gave Tenten an apologetic glance, but she seemed just as interested in the proceedings at hand as Sakura.
"I really don't know when you've had the time to get a girlfriend. You've been on one mission after another since you got back to the village a few months ago. Is it someone you met on a mission?"
"Nope."
"Is it someone living outside Konoha?"
"Nope."
"So it's someone from the village?"
"Yeah."
She wracked her brains, but couldn't imagine any female of her acquaintance paired with Naruto. What attractive girl would put up with his antics? He wasn't exactly the most sensitive or romantic guy she knew. Plus, she'd be a hard act to follow. Who could possibly hold his attention? She threw up her hands in defeat. "I give up. Who is it?"
Naruto pulled Hinata completely up beside him while Choji stepped aside to give them space, and threw his arm around her shoulders.
"Hinata, of course," he announced with a duh in his voice.