Chapter 9

A/N: Timeline for this chapter: Day 5 in the house. WARNING: Sexual Situations: suggestive situations, fantasies, nudity, language, physical violence towards a pervert, & more.

Last night's test to see how adept Genma had become at using chakra had been a success. While he refrained from using any chakra until the last minute and I was well on my way over the edge to my release, it still was just enough that I could feel the harmonious blending of his chakra signature inside me that came from his hand that once again brought a waterfall of orgasms out of me. I was confident whenever he was able to release himself in me, my body would easily accept his seed.

As I lay there in bed, I compared each man's strengths to see where, if any, areas would need to be focused on. Kakashi had the ability to learn and strategize quickly for optimal results at any given moment along with his excellent chakra control—He probably had already figured out the ratio of time, orgasms and chakra needed so I saw little need for trying to assist him in figuring out where he needed to improve. He could do that by himself; Tenzo had minimal down time and the ability to easily bring out multiple orgasms in both of us—I hoped that when we added chakra into the mix that he either had good control or an un-ending reserve; Genma was a marathon man who could easily last for hours before delivering the goods and years of experience on how to please a woman fully helped so that when we did reach our peak together, the use of minimal chakra would ensure it would mould together to create a child—He would just need to pick up the pace a bit to make sure he brought three orgasms out of both of us in the time period in which all this merging of chakra, sperm and eggs had to occur.

I finally got out of bed, dressed and made my way to the kitchen to find notes scribbled on the dry erase board on the refrigerator letting me know where each man would be today. Kakashi was headed to headquarters to see about obtaining a mission; Genma was subbing for a sick teacher today at the academy; and Tenzo was individually counseling a few of the new ANBU recruits who were going through their basic training. I added my own message on the board Working at spa until 6 pm then drew a heart with an 'L' in the middle of it. I had agreed to take Micah's shift from 7-Noon as he wanted to take his guitar in to get it re-strung and the elderly man who operated the store only worked on repairs between 8-10 am. Micah had offered to take my regular shift from 1-6 pm but I told him that it wasn't necessary as I figured all three of my men would be busy and I wouldn't be able to see them until dinner time anyway and that the spa was a good place to catch up with many of the people I had not yet seen from my childhood for so many years.

I made myself a quick bowl of cereal with strawberries and milk and decided that for lunch I would have some of the leftover mango chicken and rice that Kakashi and I had made for dinner two nights ago. With breakfast finished and my lunch ready to go, I grabbed my keys and headed out the door to the spa.

I looked at the appointment book and recognized many of the names scheduled to visit the spa today. Kurenia and Asuma had reserved one of the private spas between 8-10 am; Iruka was scheduled for a therapeutic massage at 1 pm; Anko was to have one at 2 pm; Tsunade reserved a private spa from 3-5 pm and both Kotetsu and Jiraiya had signed up to use the communal spa during the entire co-ed bathing period between 2-4 pm.

I was certain the only females to step foot in the spa today between those hours would be those who had a private spa reserved or a therapy appointment as it was a well-known fact to all the women in Konoha that if Jiraiya was in the village, you avoided using the general spa services during those times. It did happen on occasion that an uninformed girl would wander in and use the spa during those times, but she only did it once and within 15 minutes of arriving, would be seen leaving and vowing never to make the same mistake again. It happened often enough though that it kept Jiraiya returning and now Kotetsu had decided to join him in welcoming whatever poor girl made that once in a lifetime mistake.

I heard the door open and saw Asuma holding it for Kurenia. As she entered and saw that it was me behind the reception desk, she instantly became nervous.

"Good morning Kurenia and Asuma. You're right on time for your appointment. I have you in private spa 2 this morning."

Kurenia looked like she was trying to come up with a story about how there must have been a mix-up in reservations and that each of them had reserved a private spa but Asuma spoke before she could say anything.

"Good morning Leah and thanks. We like that room better than the other one. The benches don't squeak as loudly…or have splinters." He rubbed his ass as if he was reliving a painful memory. Kurenia nudged him gently in the ribs and quietly whispered out the side of her mouth, "Why would you say that?"

"Don't worry. I already knew you two were together the day you helped us move into the house. Only a woman in love would give a warning nudge instead of seriously hurting a man if he said something as incredibly stupid and suggestive to another female."

"We haven't shared this with anyone other than Micah. We usually only schedule our visits on the days we know he will be working the front desk. I'm not from a clan and his father was the Hokage."

"I won't tell anyone. But I'm pretty sure people know something is going on. It's obvious anytime you two are seen together. Life is short, especially for shinobi. You shouldn't worry about what others may think because in the end the only thing that matters is how the two of you feel for each other."

"I keep telling her that but she thinks that coming out about our relationship will somehow ruin my family's reputation. I left the village because my father and I didn't see eye-to-eye on the choices I made in life. It didn't change his opinion of me and he accepted me back without hesitation. So did the rest of the village when I returned. I don't care what anyone else thinks. Thank you Leah for agreeing with me."

Asuma turned to Kurenia, "I love you and I want everyone to know it. We shouldn't have to sneak around to enjoy only a few hours together. I want to be able to take the woman I love out in public and not make up excuses if some jealous busy body sees us. We put our lives on the line every damn day for the people of this village. If they can't accept we found love with each other, then too bad!"

I walked over and stood in front of both of them and placed my hand on Kurenia's shoulder. "I don't have the same issue with regards to the people of this village looking down on the family of the men I love or my own. But I do know the pain of being the topic of conversation in the rumor mill. I've heard the hurtful things people say or assume because I love three highly skilled and sought after men. I've been called a childish girl unable to make up her mind, the biggest slut in the village, and a heartless bitch who takes delight in playing with the affections of men. The gossip mongers do not matter. Your family and friends that truly care for your happiness will be there to support you. If you ever want to talk Kurenia, I'm here for you."

Kurenia hugged me. "Thank you Leah. It's nice to know that there is someone I can talk to about this." We broke from our embrace and Kurenia took Asuma's hand in hers as they walked toward the private spa.

The remainder of the morning was uneventful. While eating my lunch, I looked up to see Iruka waiting at the door. He always arrived early for his appointments. I walked to the door to let him in. "Hello Iruka. It's so good to see you again." I gave him a hug.

Iruka smiled. "It's good to see you too. Your brother Shin told me you were back in the village when I picked up my dry cleaning the other day but with everything that happened with Kakashi, I figured you were too busy for visitors. I saw Kakashi at the induction ceremony. He looked well for having been in a coma for three days. You did an excellent job of nursing him back to health."

"Thank you. Mia isn't here yet, but you can come on in and we can visit while I finish my lunch and she arrives."

"That would be nice. Thank you." Iruka sat down on the couch. As I was walking back to the reception desk to pick up my food and take it over to sit by him, the phone rang.

"Konoha Spa how may I help you? Hi Mia. Oh no. Is he ok? I understand. Don't worry about it. I hope your little boy feels better soon."

"I'm guessing that my appointment has been canceled due to a sick little boy?"

"Yes, Mia's 6 year old son fell out of a tree and broke his arm. She took him to the emergency room this morning and they were able to set it and put him in a cast, but they gave him a high level of pain medication. She doesn't feel comfortable leaving him with a babysitter until he's off the medication in a day or two. If you want, I could give you the massage. I am medically trained and licensed. I just would need to put up a sign for anyone who shows up to come to the room I will be giving you the massage in if they have any questions. Would interruptions bother you?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll just take a dip in the spa and relax my muscles. I'm not as sore as I was four days ago when I twisted my back trying to pull one of the academy students off the other for insulting his attempt at making a clone."

"Was it that bad?"

"No, it was good for a first attempt. It just wasn't able to talk as it didn't have a mouth."

"Yes, that probably would be noticed. If you are sure you will be ok, I'll remove your appointment from the books. Do you want me to re-schedule you for another time?"

"No need. If I'm not feeling completely better after 2-3 days I'll call and set up another appointment. Would it be ok if I go ahead and jump in the spa?"

"Sure, not a problem."

Iruka walked towards the men's locker room and soon I returned to my seat behind the reception desk and finished my lunch.

Anko was scheduled for a massage at 2 pm but I wasn't able to reach her by phone ahead of time so when she walked in the door I let her know the situation and of the possible interruptions. She had pulled the muscle in her right leg during training and was in enough pain that possible interruptions didn't matter.

"Seriously Leah, if I don't get the kinks worked out of my leg today, I think I'm going to cut it off myself just to make it stop."

"Well we wouldn't want that. You have fantastic legs."

Anko raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"I wish I had that kind of power in mine."

The door opened and right on time, Jiraiya and Kotetsu walked into the reception area. Jiraiya headed straight for the men's locker room but Kotetsu paused, waiting for my conversation with Anko to wrap up. Most likely he was looking forward to telling me about his most recent dream featuring the two of us naked and acting out a kinky fantasy.

"Go ahead on into room 1 Anko and get undressed. I'll be there in a few minutes to work your leg over so that you will be able to kick some serious ass by tomorrow morning."

Kotetsu limped toward me favoring his right leg. "Leah, would it be possible for me to get a therapeutic massage today on my left leg. I don't know how but I pulled a muscle in my inner thigh and when I had it looked at by a nurse she suggested I get one to ease the discomfort."

I checked the appointment book. "I'm just getting ready to go in and work on Anko now. It probably will take about an hour. You could either wait here or take a dip in the spa to help ease the muscles if you are hurting that bad. The soonest I have is at 3 pm. Would you like me to pencil you in?"

"I'll take it. My thigh is really bothering me. I'll go ahead and try relaxing in the spa like you suggested but I'm sure I'll need a good rubbing afterwards to take care of it completely."

"Okay. You will need to get dressed though before you come out here on the way to the room to get the massage. We can't have anyone walking through the lobby in just a towel."

"Of course, I understand. I'll see you out here in an hour." Kotetsu limped his way to the men's locker room and I put the sign up directing anyone who were to show up with a question. I also set the answering machine to play after the second ring in case someone called, and then I went to the room where Anko was waiting.

It only took me 45 minutes to work all the pain and tightness out of Anko's leg. I left her in the room to get dressed and returned to the reception desk. Iruka, who was visibly upset by something, greeted me as soon as he saw me.

"Leah, you can't give Kotetsu a massage! He's faking it. He just wants to get you in the room so that he can have a legitimate excuse to be naked and your hands on him. He's convinced that once you feel his thigh that you'll be so enamored that you will let him rub his filthy hands all over you. He was bragging about it to Jiraiya in the spa."

"Thank you for letting me know this Iruka. Don't worry I won't be giving him a massage ever. I'm going to call one of my brothers and he will take care of it."

"Do you need me to stay until one of them gets here?"

"No, I'll be fine. You go ahead. I hope this stress didn't cause you to become so tense that it made your back worse. You call and get an appointment tomorrow if it has alright?"

"I will. Be careful. You're sweet just like my Ayame and if he ever tried something like this with her, I would kill him. Do you want me to find Kakashi, Tenzo or Genma for you?"

"No. My brother will make certain that Kotetsu learns never to attempt anything like this again. Give Ayame my best."

"I will. See you soon." Iruka was walking out the door as Kotetsu came limping into the reception area with a sly grin on his face. Iruka shot him an angry look and quickly headed out the door.

"Are you ready for me?"

"I just finished with Anko and she is getting dressed so why don't you go get comfortable in room 2. I need to call my replacement so we have coverage for the front desk."

Kotetsu excitedly, but still limping, walked off toward the room to prepare for what he imagined would be a fantasy come true.

I picked up the phone and dialed the Yamanaka flower shop.

"Hi Inoichi, it's Leah. We have someone needing to be taught a lesson in proper social behavior. Could you get down here and take my place giving a massage to someone faking an injury to the groin."

I hung up the phone and within a few minutes my brother was walking through the door, long blond hair swinging back and forth as he was shaking his head slightly from side to side in anger ready to beat the snot out of whatever idiot though it was a good idea to fake an injury in order to get me to touch them.

"Room?"

"2."

KOTETSU's POV

I was so excited. Leah would finally be touching my naked body. I was tempted to begin stroking myself just thinking about it but I knew that if I did, then the element of surprise would be over as soon as she opened the door and saw the tent forming from the small hand towel I had draped over my soon to be massaged and happy groin.

I heard a soft knock on the door. I made an effort to hide the excitement in my voice.

"Come in."

The door opened slowly.

This was it.

Finally after years of dreaming about this day, I would have my body rubbed by Leah's…

Brother?

What the hell?

Inoichi made several hand signs so quick that I didn't realize what he was doing until it was too late and I couldn't move an inch or speak.

"Hello, I'm here to take care of you." He cracked his knuckles and had a terrifyingly evil grin on his face.

I realized I had seen that same grin before on his daughter Ino's face right before she did something horrible to a poor civilian sap that was lured into her deceptive web. She convinced a young man to join her in a dressing room and then be talked into wearing only a pink lacy thong because the idea of him wearing something so feminine excited her so much that he willingly obliged, not listening to the warning bells going off in his head as she was still completely dressed and mentioned that she was just going to go get another pair for herself before she returned. Unfortunately when she returned she had brought a large group of her girlfriends with her and when she opened the door fully, she pretending to be just as surprised as the rest of them to see the boy wearing only the hot pink thong and a crimson blush on his face. The story of this quickly spread through the village and became so widespread and legendary the kid quickly left Konoha never to return. It also had quickly earned Ino the reputation of being a manipulative tease.

Inoichi cleared his throat. "In case you haven't figured it out yet, I have taken control over your mind and body. You will only be given the ability to think, breathe and other life supporting bodily functions in order to answer the questions I'm going to ask you. I recommend that you answer quickly and honestly because if I find out that you are lying to me, and I will know if you do as I'm monitoring your heart rate and breathing at this very moment, your punishment will be slow and painful. I may even decide to take away my generous offer to let you remain in control of your breathing and bowels. Do I make myself clear boy?"

I decided right then and there to answer him as quickly and honestly as I could. "Yes sir."

"Good. Did you fake an injury and ask for a massage?"

"Yes."

"Did you do this so that you would have an excuse to have Leah touch you?"

"Yes."

"Do you have your underwear on under that towel?"

"No."

"Is this the first time you acted in a dishonest way towards Leah?"

"No."

Anger wiped across Inoichi's face. "What happened the other time you were dishonest towards Leah?"

"Drunk, naked, singing & wiggling."

He sounded sympathetic towards me. "We've all done stupid things when drunk. When and where?"

"7 ½ years ago, closing time on Friday night, men's locker room."

The sympathy was gone and the anger returned. "How many times, did you try exposing yourself to a 12 ½ year old girl? I remind you that honesty is the best policy…that is if you want to keep breathing and ever wish to have children."

"Three."

"Since you have been cooperative, I'm going to be lenient. You were drunk at the time. I strongly recommend you never drink again when you plan to visit the spa or if it's a problem to remain sober during the day, join a 12-step program. Do you want your punishment in your face or gut?"

He had assumed that all the instances were when I was drunk. I didn't correct him as I knew that would anger him further and cause me more pain and injury.

"Gut"

I received a hard punch to my stomach. He then pulled out wire and tied me up. He shoved a wadded up washcloth into my mouth and then tied a towel around my face to keep me from spitting it out ensuring that I would be quiet as the effects of the jutsu were wearing off.

"I am going to make a phone call to my brother so that he can finish teaching you this important lesson in manners. I do this out of compassion. He is not a ninja and will go easier on you than I would. If I find out that you lied to me, this lesson in respect will be repeated by both of us until you fully grasp the concept that such behavior toward our sister or any female in our family, by either blood or marriage, will not be tolerated. If you choose unwisely to not heed our warning and try anything remotely disrespectful to the women in our family, I will not hesitate to ask all of my 21 brothers and Leah's three men to assist in beating this message into you repeatedly on a daily basis until it sticks or you die. Understand?"

I shook my head yes.

END OF KOTETSU'S POV

Inoichi returned to the lobby and made a call on his cell phone as he stood next to the front door.

"Micah, get down to the spa immediately. There is an idiot we need to teach a lesson to." As he waited for Micah's response, Jiraiya walked into the reception area wearing only a towel and was headed directly towards me. "Bring Kakashi, Tenzo and Genma with you as fast as you can. Konoha's #1 pervert has stupidly chosen to walk into the reception area wearing only a towel and he's making a beeline toward our baby sister. I've got to go stop him and will need backup to teach him a lesson as well."

Inoichi hung up the phone and darted in front of Jiraiya's path, performing a series of quick hand signs that I was sure he had done only moments earlier to Kotetsu.

Inoichi turned to me. "You should have told us about what happened all those years ago. This was so much easier to do when I was younger and Kotetsu could have gotten the help he needed for his apparent drinking problem."

"Kotetsu doesn't have a drinking problem or at least the times he was trying to get me to see him in various stages of being naked in the locker room. He was drunk the first time and I never thought he would try anything like that the following two weeks when he was sober."

With Jiraiya temporarily frozen, Inoichi turned and began walking back to the room containing Kotetsu to give him another beating for not telling the complete truth just as Kakashi, Genma & Tenzo walked briskly through the door.

Inoichi pointed at Jiraiya. "This one is yours" then pointed to the three men and back to Jiraiya.

Micah burst through the door, anxious and out of breath, "I wasn't able to" he spotted the men he had been asked to retrieve. "Oh, they already are here."

"Micah you come with me. The lesser of the two idiots is tied up and gagged in Room 2."

Without explanation all three men realize that Jiraiya was about to do something perverted to me and they quickly took up a protective formation with Kakashi and Genma directly in front of Jiraiya blocking his path and Tenzo backing them up but standing protectively by my side in case he needed to provide a tree to lift me to safety if things got violent when confronting Konoha's legendary pervert. After all, he was still one of the legendary sanin.

Soon the effects of the jutsu began to wear off and Jiraiya regained the ability to move his eyes as they darted back and forth between the three men glaring daggers at him. Sputtering, Jiraiya began to speak. "I was just coming out here to ask for a bottle of lavender scent so I can add it to the water in the spa…Kakashi that's all, I swear!"

I handed Tenzo a bottle of lavender and he walked over and slapped the bottle hard into Jiraiya's hand. Having fully regained the ability to move, Jiraiya turned to go back to the spa. Tsunade arrived for her reservation in the private spa, took in the sight before her and sighed.

"Jiraiya you were warned by Akina on numerous occasions. Don't make me give you a beating worse than the time I caught you peeping in the women's bath. They were strangers, not my goddaughter. I promise you I won't be as lenient as last time."

Jiraiya gasped and a noise that sounded like his bowels loosening erupted from his gut. He quickly left the room, clenching his ass tightly and placing his hand over his backside to keep anything from accidentally leaking out.

Micah and Inoichi return dragging a roughly dressed and beaten up Kotetsu with two swollen eyes by the arms. They turn him towards me.

"Say it" ordered Micah.

"And mean it" added Inoichi.

Kotetsu looked through his swollen eyes over to see Kakashi, Genma & Tenzo now aiming their wrath at him. He also noticed Tsunade watching intently with her arms crossed and tapping one finger against her bicep.

Kotetsu dropped to his knees and pleaded, "I'm sorry you saw me drunk and naked late at night all those years ago. I'm sorrier for repeatedly attempting to get you in a compromising position for the two weeks after that. I've seen the error of my ways and I promise never to attempt to do anything like that ever again to you or any female you are related to by blood or marriage. I promise to be on my best behavior at all times when I am in your presence. Please forgive me."

"I forgive you Kotetsu."

Inoichi and Micah roughly pulled him up off the floor and dragged him to the door that was being held open by Tsunade. They threw him out and he fell to the ground. Inoichi growled, "You best keep your promises boy and never lie to me again. Because if you don't, you can be certain I am someone who always keeps mine."

Kotetsu's face turned white as a sheet. He quickly stood up and ran away holding his stomach.

Inoichi turned to me. "Is there anyone else here we need to teach a lesson to?"

I walked over and gave him a hug. "No and thank you."

He looked at Micah who replied before he has a chance to ask, "I've got the rest of her shift covered for today."

He turned to my three men. "Can one of you walk her home?"

All three men replied "Yes."

Tsunade looked at Kakashi but directed her comments to all three men, "As long as Jiraiya is in the village, I'll expect whoever doesn't have a mission to inform me immediately if I need to follow through on my promise." She left the lobby and headed to the women's locker room.

The four of us silently walked home in our traditional pattern with a man on each side of me and one behind me. I half expected Kakashi to grab me, poof us back home, and begin interrogating me for full disclosure as to each and every man in Konoha who had ever attempted something like Kotetsu had.

Instead we took the long way home, walking through the middle of the village so that every male could see the silent message that was emanating from each man's body. 'Leah is ours. You try anything, you die horribly.'

We stopped when we walked by the ramen stand and I saw Iruka talking with Ayame.

"Leah are you ok? Did your brother show up in time?"

"Yes and he had back-up as well." I motioned towards the men surrounding me. "Thank you for letting me know what Kotetsu was up to. I would have hated to been in that room with him when I found out his true motive for asking me for a massage. Is your back causing you anymore trouble?"

"Don't worry about me. I'm fine. But I felt so bad for leaving you there before your brother arrived. As soon as I was out the door I went to find anyone of these three." He looked at Kakashi, "Were you able to get there in time to help her?"

Kakashi stretched his hand out towards Iruka. He accepted it and they shook hands. "Yes, thanks to you, we were able to get there in time before anything worse happened. Jiraiya had chosen today to walk through the lobby wearing only a towel."

Ayame walked out of the shop and placed a hand on my shoulder and pulled me to the side while Tenzo and Genma stepped forward to offer their thanks to Iruka as well. "That's why I love Iruka so. He loves and protects the people of this village like they all are his family…even when a good majority of them turned their backs on him when he acted up after losing his parents. I know your family was one that always offered him encouragement to get back on the right path. He thinks of you as his sister."

"I think of him as my brother as well. I'm glad you two have each other. Maybe someday you two will make it official and I'll have another sister."

She hugged me. "You already do."

We broke our embrace, said goodbye and continued our walk towards home. All three men feeling more at ease knowing Iruka would not hesitate in the future to help if needed to keep me safe took a more relaxed stance as we finally made it back to our home. I on the other hand, became increasingly tense, as we got closer to home. Feeling the need to have a few moments to collect myself I walked past Kakashi and headed towards the sanctity of the bathroom in my bedroom. "I need to use the restroom. Please excuse me."

Kakashi was about to grab my arm when Tenzo pushed his hand away so that I could get past him. I stood just inside of the bedroom door and heard his reason for stopping Kakashi. "Let her go. She will be back in a few minutes. She's worried we are upset with her and she already had a challenging day. I encourage you both to not interrogate her and make her feel worse than she already does."

I took a deep cleansing breath and let it out before returning to the room to let the questioning begin. "Could we all sit down before we begin this conversation?"

Tenzo held out his hand and guided me to the living room. Kakashi and Genma followed. Tenzo sat down on the couch, pulling me onto his lap and wrapping his arms gently around my waist to move me back close to his chest to comfort me. Kakashi sat down to the left of us and held my hand.

Genma paced back and forth in front of the couch debating the best way to ask the questions he needed answers to. Several times he stopped as if he had decided on what he was going to say, but before anything came out he was pacing again. He finally worked everything out and sat down on the couch on my right side and took my hand in his. He rubbed it softly and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm sure you had your reasons for not telling us about this. I don't question that you did what you thought was best, but I do know that there are men out there that are not as stupid or harmless as Kotetsu and even though you have all this knowledge of techniques to defend yourself, I still worry. Why didn't you use your mental connection to contact us?"

I squeezed his hand "I know you worry. I also know my own limitations. That is why I called my brother instead of handling it myself. Inoichi has the skills to subdue, interrogate, and teach a lesson to correct the behavior and make a convincing threat to ensure it won't happen ever again. All with the ability to keep his cool and cause the least amount of bloodshed. He's always the one I call when something like this happens because he knows I don't like the idea of hurting people—even if they do deserve it."

Kakashi squeezed my hand and I turned to him. "Is there anyone else that has done something similar to this in the past that hasn't been taught that lesson?"

"No, the last two men that have actively pursued me over the years were dealt with today at the spa. I genuinely think Jiraiya just made an error in judgment when he walked into the lobby wearing only a towel. The last few times I've seen him he really had stopped trying to get me to model for him and was pleasant...not a pervert."

Tenzo gave me a squeeze. "And if he was even remotely thinking about trying something, Tsunade's promise ensured that he won't try anything in the future ever. He nearly crapped himself at the memory of whatever it is she did to him all those years ago. Do you know what she did to him?"

"No, but knowing Mama Nada and her medical knowledge it was something painful enough that he would wish himself dead but not enough to actually kill him. It probably would have taken a long time to heal from it also—even if treated with chakra. Did you know she can break a man's arm with just a flick of her finger in the right place? I don't have her strength to break bones, but she taught me enough that I can drop a man to his knees in pain if I were to flick them in a key location."

All three men cringed at the thought of where that key area might be.

Genma wanted to understand, "And yet you don't use these techniques because you really don't want to hurt anyone? What if someone tried something like that on your nieces or sisters? Would you do it then?"

"I have faith in all of their abilities to take care of it as they see fit and would not question how they handled it. However, if they were unable to act for themselves then yes, I would act on their behalf using whatever method was needed to guarantee their safety. Even if it meant that I take their place as being the object of the perpetrators attention. I do after all have a protective barrier that will keep me safe and though I can't activate it on will, it never has let me down in the past."

Kakashi was curious, "Then how is it that Akina was raped if she too has this protective barrier? Sure it killed the guy, but he shouldn't have been able to get that close to begin with if he was threatening her."

"She knew the man as a friend. She had no reason not to trust him. There wasn't time for her body to pick up the warning signals. It all happened so fast that before her body was aware of the need for protection he already had violated her and the secondary barrier took over. You don't need to worry about any known perverts as I learned to never let my guard down when around them. I also learned while traveling that while I'm open when I meet new people that I'm also a pretty good judge of character when I first meet someone. I can tell if they have ulterior perverted thoughts or if their interest in me is genuine."

"But you still give people the benefit of the doubt and that's where a person who is really intent on hurting you and a master at maintaining a calm façade could slip under the radar. Please let one of us walk with you when you work at the spa."

"How do you two feel about Genma's request?" I looked at Kakashi.

"I agree with Genma. But I'm also concerned about someone with skills like Itachi being able to get close to you and not making an obvious attempt like at the spa. You told me yourself he was able to get close enough to hug you using a henge to disguise himself. If someone were intent on doing you harm they would simply need to look like someone you were comfortable with. Whether it be one of us or any other family member. You wouldn't even have to touch them. What if someone took on the appearance as one of your sisters and asked you to go to the store and try on clothes? They could get you in the dressing room and naked and even if they didn't touch you they would get an eyeful before making a more sinister move."

"And you Tenzo?"

"I never have thought about a scenario like the one Kakashi described but now that I've been made aware of the possibility, it would make me feel better if we escorted you wherever you went for a while."

"Since it would give all of you more peace of mind, I will agree to your wishes. If, however there comes a time when none of you are available to escort me, I want your promise that you will not fight me on going anywhere by myself. I won't live my life in fear of ever stepping out of the house without one of you. Do you agree to this?"

Each man agreed and Kakashi calmly added, "There isn't anything more important than your safety. If it comes down to it, I'll have Pakkun or one of the other dogs walk with you or I will refuse missions if need be. I won't let another one of my precious people be taken from me."

Each of us knew even though Kakashi had said it calmly that it was only masking what he was truly feeling. When Kakashi quickly kissed me on the cheek and left to read outside in the branches of his favorite shade tree in the front yard, we all knew that it really meant he wanted to be left alone with his thoughts. I wanted to help him work through his emotional turmoil, but I also knew that if he wanted me there to assist him, he would have made some subtle attempt to let me know it was ok to join him. He didn't and so I offered to help Genma sort and fold the clean laundry and Tenzo with supper. Both men politely declined my offers.

I decided to keep myself busy by changing and washing the bedding. I pulled the sheets off all the beds, added them to the industrial sized washing machine along with laundry detergent and fabric softener and returned to each room to put the spare clean sheets on each of the three beds.

As I had finished making the final bed that Tenzo and I would be sharing tonight, I heard the washing machine stop. I picked up the empty basket I had used to carry the sheets to the machine and pulled the freshly spring scented wet sheets in it so that I could take them outside to hang up on the clothes line in the back yard.

I closed the machine, picked up the basket and carried it outside. I hung each set of pillowcases up on three separate lines first. I then added the sheets that matched each set on the same line as the appropriately colored pillowcases. My sheets were red, the ones used in the room Tenzo had been sleeping in were dark green and Genma had been sleeping on navy blue sheets. I left the basket under the line for when I would be collecting and folding the sheets once they were dry. Just as I was straightening back up, I felt a strong set of arms wrap around me from behind. Without turning around I knew exactly who it was and was glad for the company.

"Supper is almost ready. Would you like to eat out here tonight? It's not too hot and we have a nice breeze."

"That sounds nice Tenzo. Will you let me help you set the table or is everyone still wishing to do everything without my help?"

Tenzo turned me around to face him. He placed his hand on my cheek and rubbed it gently. "Hey, are you upset because I told you that I would take care of dinner tonight?"

I picked at his shirt like there was a piece of imaginary lint needing to be removed. "Not just you. Genma didn't want my help and Kakashi is up in a tree hiding from me. I know it's ridiculous, but I feel like no one wants me around them because you all are still mad at me for the way I handled the situation this afternoon."

"Well I can't speak for them, but no, I'm not mad or even remotely upset by how you handled it. All that matters to me is that it was taken care of and you weren't harmed. You did what you were familiar doing. I understand that. I declined your offer to help because I figured you might want to rest after being at work all morning and afternoon and the stress from everything. I always want your help. I just thought that you deserved a break. That's all."

"Well, maybe I am tired. It appears I've lost the ability to remember you've always been that way with me. You're right; a nap probably would have been a good idea. I think I may turn in early tonight…or a long soak in the tub. That always makes me feel better even when I'm exhausted."

"Do you want to lay down now? The food will be fine whenever you are up to eating. I made a big salad with all your favorite veggies in it and the buttermilk dressing you like. I can just place it in the refrigerator."

"That does sound appealing, but what about you? Are you hungry now?"

"I can wait. I'd rather snuggle up next to you in bed right now."

We walked into the house. We put the food in the refrigerator and Tenzo wrote a quick note on the dry erase board: Salad in fridge—help yourself. Leah & I will eat after our nap—Tenzo.

We walked into our bedroom. I kicked off my shoes by the door, pulled off my shirt and peeled off my shorts dropping both on the floor, leaving me only in my bra and panties. I pulled back the covers as Tenzo removed everything except his boxers. We both climbed into bed, lying on our sides facing each other. Tenzo wrapped his arms around me and I snuggled into his chest. My right leg slid in between his legs and I let out a sigh. Tenzo kissed my forehead as my eyes closed.

"Sweet dreams Angel."

"Sweet dreams Woodsy."

For the second time today, I woke up alone. I picked up my clothes that I had left on the floor and put them on before making my way outside to the back yard to check on the sheets.

I could feel that they were dry and began by removing the pillowcases first, folding them neatly and placing them in the basket. I had removed the clothespins from the first set of sheets when I heard Genma join me in the backyard. "Can I help you with that?"

"Sure. I don't really know how I would have gotten these down and folded without having some part touch the ground if I didn't have someone's help. I don't know what I was thinking doing this by myself."

He picked up that I wasn't berating myself about the sheets so much as second-guessing the decision I made earlier in the day at the spa.

"Hey, don't talk that way. You are a smart woman who knows the best way to handle any number of situations." He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. "Unfortunately, you have been through something like this afternoon many times before. It was automatic for you to call your brother. I don't' doubt your decision. I just like to think of myself as your knight in shining armor who should always come to your rescue. I just need to remember that you have several people that would willingly come to your aid and that I can't always be the only one who saves the day."

I giggled, "Thank you sir knight, you made me feel better about my decision-making abilities." and gave him a soft kiss on his lips.

"Could you grab that end down there and I'll take the other?" We both took an end of the sheet and pulled it off the line. Folding it over, walking towards each other, taking turns holding the sheet up while the other reached down to bring the bottom edge up to meet the top edge until it was finally folded and placed into the basket.

We only had one set of sheets remaining on the line when Tenzo walked out and began setting up a folding card table and two chairs so that we could have dinner outside.

"Genma, have you eaten yet? Leah and I decided to eat outside tonight and you are welcome to join us."

"Thanks. That sounds nice. I will. Do you need me to grab another chair?"

"I've got it." Replied Kakashi who was walking outside with two additional folding chairs.

Genma wanted to give Kakashi and I a few moments of privacy so that we could talk about any lingering issues like he and I had worked through just moments before.

"Then I'll help Tenzo go get everything else while you help Leah fold this last set of sheets."

I turned back to the clothesline as Kakashi made his way toward me. Genma gave me a soft kiss on the cheek and left to return to the house taking Tenzo along with him.

Kakashi silently walked to the other end of the sheet, and just like when Genma was helping me, we pulled it off the line and began folding it. I could feel his eye on me, watching to see if I would look up at him. Without saying a word, and without looking at his face, I took the folded sheet from him and placed it in the basket. When I turned around to start folding the second sheet, Kakashi was right there in front of my path wasting no time in wrapping me into a loving hug. I let out a frustrated sigh.

"I'm sorry. I know you have wanted to talk to me about how I was feeling after what happened today at the spa but you stayed away and gave me time to work through it by myself first. Thank you for that. I was sort of hoping you would come look for me after a few hours so that we could talk, but when you didn't, I realized that I needed to come to you, as you would honor my request for privacy until I let you know I was ready to talk."

He rubbed my back to sooth me.

"Unfortunately, by the time I realize that and made it back into the house, you were resting with Tenzo and I didn't want to wake you. I know you will be sleeping with him tonight but I'm hopeful that talking briefly now will be enough to clear the air between us about how today's events were resolved, or at least enough until tomorrow night where I promise to also tell you more than you ever wanted to know about my past when we are alone again for the night."

I placed my hand on his cheek, looked him directly in his eye and gave him soft kisses to let him know we were ok. He returned my soft kisses and hugged me tighter. We stood there holding each other and kissing softly for several minutes before we finally pulled apart.

"We better get that last sheet folded so I can take these inside, Tenzo and Genma can stop waiting at the door, and everything for dinner can be set up. I'm hungry." I smiled.

We folded the last sheet and I placed it in the basket. I carried it on my hip as I walked back to the house. I was greeted at the door by Tenzo and Genma who were holding everything needed for dinner. They moved out of the doorway to give me room to get past them. "Thank you both." I leaned in and gave Tenzo and then Genma a kiss on the cheek as I made my way past them and into the hall where I placed the clean sheets on a shelf and the basket on the floor in the closet, shut the door, and walked back outside to enjoy a late dinner.

Tenzo wasn't kidding when he had said he made me a salad with all my favorite veggies in it. He had sliced and diced, julienne and cubed every vegetable I ever had mentioned that I liked. He had placed some of the more unusual vegetables in a smaller bowl so that anyone who didn't care for things such as bean and alfalfa sprouts, wouldn't have to pick them out of their salad. I of courses loaded my bowl with everything before pouring the homemade buttermilk dressing on it. Sometime during the 7 years I was gone he had to have convinced Henry to give him the recipe, which was a highly guarded secret, that few members outside of immediate family were ever privileged enough to receive.

"Tenzo, this is amazing. You must have said or done something impressive for Henry to give it to you."

Tenzo smiled, "Yes it is. I told him that I needed to learn how to make it for the most important person in my life, you, and he not only gave it to me but he taught me a few subtle tricks to make sure it was perfect."

"Thank you. You always know just what I need."

I looked at both Genma and Kakashi, "What about you two? Do you like it?"

Neither man replied right away as they were looking at each other silently trying to convince the other to speak first. Kakashi broke the silence.

"It's nice. But I'm more of a fan of a lighter dressing like balsamic vinegar and oil, with a bit of garlic in it."

"And you Genma?"

"It's good, I just don't have anything to compare it to as this is the first salad I have ever eaten. I like all the vegetables, but if we mixed a little meat or cheese in this it would be perfect for me."

I was concerned that maybe the comments about how the salad could be improved might cause Tenzo some concern. However he wasn't even fazed. In fact he seemed glad the other two had provided their honest assessment.

"I agree with you Genma, I like to add that to my salads as well. But I made this especially for Leah so I left it out. Next time I'll add a bowl of either cheese or cubes of cut up chicken so that we can add it to ours. Kakashi, we can try your preferred salad dressing too. It sounds good as well. Just give me the recipe and I'll keep it in mind for next time."

I smiled at all three men as I rose from my seat and walked over to Tenzo. "I'm glad to see that even though we don't always all like or do things in the same way, we've found a way to respectfully try new things and share our honest opinions with each other."

I placed my hand on his shoulder as I faced the other two men, "Kakashi & Genma, if you two could please clear the table and take care of the dishes tonight since Tenzo worked so hard on supper, I would appreciate it."

I turned back to Tenzo, leaned down and whispered in his ear. "I want to show you my appreciation in the tub for the wonderful meal you fixed just for me."

Both men agreed as they saw Tenzo rise from his chair with a smile on his face. "Goodnight everyone. I'm hitting the tub for a relaxing soak and then I'm off to bed."

I walked over to Kakashi & Genma and gave a goodnight kiss to let them know I was turning in also. "I'll see you in the morning."

As I walked into the house, I could hear the water running in the bathroom that Tenzo and Genma had been sharing. I went to my room and removed all my clothing before slipping into a white robe that I had kept from when I worked at a hotel. I made my way down the hall to the bathroom where Tenzo had left the door open for me. I walked in, closed and locked the door and heard the water stop as I turned around to see Tenzo in a tub filled with bubbles and candles lit around the edges. I turned off the light, dropped my robe, and stepped into the tub behind him.

I pulled Tenzo's back towards my chest and I brought a small amount of water in my hand up to him and let it pour down onto his chest. I began to rub him while I placed kisses on his back and neck.

"So how was your day today with the new recruits? Or are you not allowed to talk about it.?"

"It went well. There isn't any hard and fast rule about talking about training but missions are a complete no-no. I also can't mention any real names, just the code name that goes with their mask. I didn't think there would be anything interesting for you to want to talk about. I'm just filling the role of the go-to guy for any answers the new recruits may have. It's a major adjustment to some of them giving up their name and being referred to as an animal."

"I'm not interested in knowing the details. I just want to know how your day went and if you need someone to talk to about anything that might have come up that could be weighing on your mind. So animal names. I've got a name I can think of for you but somehow I don't think 'love bug' would fit well with the ANBU image."

He placed his hand over mine and pressed it against his chest. "Love bug huh? You're right. It wouldn't exactly strike fear into the hearts of the enemy if that was yelled out in a battle. Is that what you want to start calling me?"

"No." I placed my lips on his back giving him a soft kiss and inhaled deeply, "You will forever be my Woodsy."

"Is that because I smell like a tree or because I can sprout limbs from my body?"

"Those are both good guesses, but the real reason I call you that is because you are always strong and steady like a tree. Even during a storm, you have always been there for me when I need it whether it be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. I love the way we know each other so well that sometimes all it takes is a look and we understand what the other is thinking. Not just tonight at dinner, but so many times you've been able to give me what I needed at any given moment whether it be food or loving words of encouragement."

He turned and twisted his back so that he was facing me. He wrapped an arm around me, pulled me close and gave me a long, deep passionate kiss. We broke the kiss and looked at each other. We both silently agreed to get out of the tub so that we could go to bed and continue loving and touching each other in a more comfortable location.

Tenzo returned facing forward in the tub and pulled the stopper to drain the water and grasped and turned on the hand held showerhead to rinse the bubbles off of us. While the water was warming up, he offered me his hand to help me stand up and when it was just the right temperature he trailed the water over my body before doing the same to himself. As he turned off the water and placed the showerhead back in its cradle, I wrapped myself in a towel and grabbed and offered one to him. He gave me a kiss as he took it from me and wrapped it around his waist. He held my hand as I stepped out of the tub and completely dried off while he blew the candles out. He dried off as I dropped my towel, put on my robe and picked my towel back up to place it in the hamper.

Tenzo interlaced his hand with mine, unlocked and opened the door and let me lead the way to the bedroom. We walked in the bedroom and he closed the door. We made our way to the bed where we released our hands so that Tenzo could walk to the other side.

We each grabbed a side of the blanket and the top sheet and pulled it back to the end of the bed before climbing in and meeting in the middle where we once again found ourselves wrapped up hugging and kissing each other. He gently pulled the belt untying my robe as I pulled his towel away and we both began rubbing each other's bodies while we kissed. The electricity was surging through our bodies and I felt myself melting into him with every touch we gave one another.

I felt the coiling sensation in my groin grow tighter with each soft stroke of his hand against my body. I looked at him with pleading eyes that said 'I need more' and he silently replied by slipping his finger inside me. My body rocked up to feel his finger drive deeper into my eager hole.

I could feel him working his finger and swelling until it felt the same size and shape of the penis I was currently stroking. He was giving me a glimpse of what it would feel like that magical evening when we would be able to make love without restrictions or fear of harm to either person. That thought had me rocking faster and harder as well as the pace I was stroking him. He increased his pace pumping in and out of me and soon I felt a surge of his chakra flare out as he began bumping his finger against my cervix. The only words out of our mouths were each other's names as we were sent plummeting over the edge, fully feeling the love and passion we held towards the other. He slowly shrank and pulled his finger out of me and used the towel he was laying on to clean us both up. He wrapped the towel up into a ball and threw it toward the hamper; missing and it fell to the floor.

"Perfect."

"What do you mean, I missed the hamper?"

"I wasn't referring to that. I was referring to the way you made me cum so hard when I felt you bumping against my cervix. I see you've mastered when to use chakra as well as built up your endurance. I'm the luckiest woman ever to exist." I smiled and pulled him closer to me giving him soft kisses all over his face.

"You do know there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you right?"

"I know...and right now all I want you to do is hold me tight and kiss me until we fall asleep."

"It would be my pleasure."

Next Chapter – Day 6 – Kakashi shares his past, the precious ones he has lost, and the reason he wears the mask.