Chapter Thirteen.

They went back to the hotel to meet the others and discuss with them what had happened. Something just didn't feel right and they would need their comrade's help if something bad was going to happen. Shino, Kiba and Akamaru were in the lobby, waiting for them to arrive.

The three males looked at the other approaching Leaf ninja and it was easy to spot that something was amiss. Kiba wasn't smiling and Shino told them why.

"Mei-Sama has requested us all to go to her office urgently. Chōjūrō is already there and asked us to wait for you both to arrive before attending too."

Hinata and Kakashi shared a quick glance and then nodding to the others, they left quickly for the Mizukage's Office. When they arrived the guards certainly seemed pensive and as one of them entered the office to ensure they were expected, the guards looked around as if expecting trouble. The guard came back and advised them "You may enter".

As they went in, Chōjūrō smiled slightly and when they approached the desk, they saw a very tense looking Mei-Sama, surrounded by papers and with slight black circle around her light green eyes. She had not even realised they were they until Chōjūrō gently patted her on the shoulder and whispered that they had arrived. She put down the report she was reading and smiling, asked them to sit down.

As they sat down, Chōjūrō's hand remained on his Mizukage's shoulder before she patted it gently. He then removed and moved around the desk to sit in a chair next to Shino.

"I have some bad news," Mei-Sama said, though she still kept a modest smile on her face. "It seems that the intelligence that Kakashi-Sama received about the Hunter-nin thinking about rebelling against Kirigakure's current government is true. Kakashi-Sama, I need to ask you a few questions and I would like you all to give any opinions or information that you may have on anything that might help us."

Kakashi sat up slightly and said: "Mei-Sama, please go ahead."

"How did you learn of this?"

"That is a bit hard to say… but I will. As I told you before, I was on my way to the Land of Lightening on a personal mission - to pay my respects to my team mate who had passed away there. It was as I was approaching the crossroads that I found a 'Bingo book' (A book that is given to 'ANBU' (forces directed by each Village leader) and hunter-nin (responsible for capturing missing or AWOL ninja) that lists all the 'missing-nin' that need to be captured) with the symbols for Kirigakure on it." Kakashi removed from his pouch a small book which indeed had the rain symbol on it, making it a book belonging to either the Kirigakure ANBU or Hunter-nin. Mei-Sama studied the book, opening it and could tell from the criminals listed in it which sector the book came from.

"This is certainly a book belonging to the Hunter-nin division. We can use it to track which Hunter-nin this book belongs to. Kakashi-Sama, please continue."

"My Ninken (a group of ninja dogs who have a special relationship with Kakashi) then detected the distant scent of a small group of men. They advised me that one of men was the owner of this book and together, we tracked them to a small clearing near the outskirts of Land of Water. They were sitting by a small fire, wore blue kimonos with a striped, turtle-necked undershirt and each had a mask. Each mask had a wavy design, eye-slits and on the forehead, the symbol for Kirigakure but crossed out with an 'X' mark. They were discussing where they should next go and one person was saying they needed to wait until they received orders. Another then argued, saying they had been waiting for almost a year now and still nothing had changed. He said he was tired of waiting and that now was the time for them to take back control of their country. They continued to argue for a long time and as night approached, they then decided to sleep. It was only then that I decided to leave and come here."

"So that is how you arrived so quickly." Shino commented and Kakashi nodded.

"I was, shall we say, motivated to leave Konoha after a misunderstanding with the Hokage. And when I received the message from you to come here anyway, it was an interesting coincidence."

"Indeed." Added Kiba, and he said with a light edge to his voice that unsettled Kakashi slightly.

"Mei-Sama," addressed Hinata and the Mizukage nodded, looking at her. "There is something that I need to tell you … and Chōjūrō-Sama. I went to the hospital alone this morning to visit Ao-Sama. Kakashi appeared during our conversation and to us he made a confession… of sorts. I am not sure if you both would like to hear the details of it as it concerns Chōjūrō-Sama."

She looked at the young man sitting near her, his face quizzical. He nodded and let a smile come onto his face to try and reassure her it was okay to talk. She then proceeded to describe everything that had happened and what Ao had told her and Kakashi. The room was deadly quiet until at the end of her talk, Chōjūrō burst into laughter. The Mizukage looked slightly confused but smiled at the reaction from him.

"Hinata-Sama, I am sorry to have sounded so rude but that really was a fishy story." Everyone then laughed; accept Shino who smirked slightly beneath his coat. Why did he react like that? She knew the story had felt strange but did not have any idea Chōjūrō would react like that.

"Kisame-Sama could not have been my father. He would have been about 12 years of age at that time, Hinata-Sama." He wiped away a tear of laughter from his eye, trying not to let anyone see what other things he was thinking about. That lady could have been my mother though. That would make me part-Hyuuga? How could I be part Hyuuga?

"Some parts of the story may be valid. I suggest that we try to do some personal research into this." Mei-Sama suggested and everyone nodded. "There are tests that can be done and if you wish, we could arrange for a DNA test. It may be hard for us to determine accurate results between potential cousins but I do not suggest we ask Ao for a DNA sample from the Byakugan he now has."

"Chōjūrō-Sama, I believe Ao may wish to tell you this story next time you see him. As you heard, I advised him to tell you and I am sure he knows that we would tell you if he did not." Chōjūrō nodded again to her, a soppiness coming over his face as he looked at the covered eyes of his potential cousin.

"I will go and see him tomorrow as I usually do. If I go now, it would only raise his suspicion. Why has he told such a blatant lie though? It just seems like a stupid thing to have done."

"Maybe he felt panicky after seeing me and was trying to quickly fabricate a story to get me away from him and stop asking questions." Hinata suggested.

"He's a very skilled person," Mei-Sama added. "He is not the type of man to panic and lie so badly. He truly seems to have become unwell for nearly a year now, ever since this reported disturbance within the hunter-nin guild. It would make sense to say the two are linked but why I do not know."

"He has always been a very loyal and devout member of Kirigakure," Chōjūrō said. "I cannot believe he would not only be a traitor but also that he would fight against you, Mizukage-Sama."

Mei-Sama smiled at him warmly. "I love your way, Chōjūrō. You always try to balance things and act in accordance of what you feel and know."

He blushed and grinning looked down to the floor. "Mei-Sama, I am not so wise as you make out."

She adored him when he was like this. Sweet, kind, strong and would defend those around him from anything. He had grown confident and strong in the time she'd known him, yet he was still so modest and open-minded. So unlike any other Kiri-nin she had ever met. Maybe that was why she…

"Mei-Sama?" Said a concerned Chōjūrō. He sat up and walked to her. "You've been working through the night and you must be feeling exhausted. Please, let me help you and take you home. We can take these things with us and I'll help you with anything you need done."

"That's okay, Chōjūrō." She beamed at him and he felt his toes melt. "I will be finished soon and from what I have heard, we've been invited to Inuzuka-Sama's apartment for dinner. We can just leave together. What do you all think?"

The Leaf Ninja grinned and all agreed on the plan. The Mizukage indeed looked a little tired but being the woman she was, would not leave until everything had been arranged and matters were within hand. She ordered a member of the guards to take the 'Bingo book' and have its original owner identified. However, before letting it go she quickly researched it herself. This would be a good way for her to determine who could be trusted and to force things into motion.

She quickly approved the DNA test and before submitting it to be administered, placed the form in her pocket. "Shall we…?" She suggested and together they quickly left for the apartment tower. Just as they approached the lobby and walked up the staircase, the Mizukage suggested they went to Shino's room instead. They complied and going down the hallway, Shino opened his door and they all quickly entered.

"Do you think it will start soon?" Kakashi asked Mei-Sama, as soon as the door was closed and they proceeded to quickly sit on the grey furniture around them.

"Tomorrow would be the best time for them to do some form of attack." Mei-Sama confirmed. "The festival means many civilians will be out on the streets as soon as the rain clears in the afternoon. It's the perfect time to begin an assault on Kirigakure's HQ." Mei-Sama spoke seriously. Her smile had dropped and just then looked more than tired, she looked concerned. I cannot let another 'Bloody' period happen to my people. History will NOT repeat itself whilst I can help it. She then looked at the people with her and put on her best smile.

"We however have some good things we can do to prevent any attack." Chōjūrō chipped in. "There are many who adore you and their country. We can achieve anything together, Mei-Sama."

And she believed the charismatic, confident man who instead of remaining seated, walked to her side. He put his hand again on her shoulder again, making her feel warm. She had missed the contact of someone, anyone. Ever since she was born she was either attacked or fought against. Her parents died to protect her, the same fate which sadly her niece had shared until Mei rescued her. They at least had each other throughout the dark times they had once lived in, people disgusted at their 'unnatural double Kekkei Genkai'. It was hard to think that now; they had come through so much and now were the figureheads of their country. But it had come at price… she could not love anyone unless she risked the lives of her niece or countrymen. Many suitors had come to her, but each with hidden agendas and some even assassination attempts. It took its toll on her heart, so that now she felt it best not to love any one…

Patting his hand gently, Chōjūrō removed his hand again and watched the smile he wanted to protect so badly waver slightly on her lips.

Shino then added an idea to the conversation. "Would you like me to track anyone for you? It would be very easy for me to watch them and they can alert us whenever trouble is coming."

Mei-Sama nodded appreciatively and Shino instructed a hoard of flies which suddenly came through the gap under his door to where he sat. "All you need to say is who you would like watched and they will alert me. I will also get them to relay a message to a group of fireflies who will come to you as soon as any danger is made known to them.

"I know the guards have been acting very strangely recently," Mei-Sama advised. "And I believe they feel a battle will break out soon. They are reacting to every single movement made and are being extra vigilant with people coming to the office... ."

"We must prepare as well then." Kiba added. "May I suggest Nina-Sama and yourself move to a safer location?"

It was a very good suggestion. She was worried about her Nina and she would one day be Mizukage. "Agreed. But where would be the best place for her?"

"Speaking of which," Shino added, standing up. "Aren't we meant to be meeting at Kiba's room?"

The group realised that though this was a sensible way to discuss what had happened, they must not arose any kind of suspicion. "We will leave now for you room, Inuzuka-Sama." The Mizukage said. Everyone got up and left for Kiba's room. They used the door to the balcony and walked along to Kiba's room and entering through into his dining room, heard a light knock at the door.

Kiba opened the door smiling and there stood on queue the 2nd pretty redhead. He escorted her into the living room where everyone else was seated and after handing Kiba a large box of chocolates and a bag of dog treats, she sat with them. She wore a red wine coloured kimono with silver butterflies in her hair. She wore her hair down it hung about her waist. Shino was thankful he had his glasses on as he could not stop staring at her. Mei-Sama saw what was happening and after calling to her niece to sit, Shino felt his cheeks slightly redden and the Mizukage smiled, amused.

"I am sorry if I was late," she bowed slightly and sat beside her aunt. "It seems the shops are really busy at the moment. It took a long time to get served."

"You were perfectly on time." Shino said, earning a smirking noise from Kiba at Shino's cheesy comment.

"We need to discuss something," Mei-Sama said, patting her niece affectionately on the knee. "Konoha needs our help."

Nina-Sama turned to her aunt, she knew from the pat on the knee it was serious but not to react to it too much. She smiled as she gently tucked her hair behind her ear; a small groan coming from Shino before Kiba not-so-gently slapped the back of his head. "Damn fleas! Sorry, Shino."

The women spun their heads to the scene and after smirking in unison, turned to face each other. The Mizukage began the conversation.

"I need you to escort Aburame-Sama, Kiba-Sama and Akamaru-Sama back to Konoha. They have to return home quickly and as you know, it is a long journey. Chōjūrō will escort you to the cross-roads and from there we need you to ensure they safely return. If anything happened to them, the treaty would be in danger. You are my intended heir and as such, would be the most suitable person to do this."

Nin-Sama grinned and licked her lips. Kiba hit Shino again and Shino dropped his head, gently rubbing the back of his head. I deserved that. He thought. I am a very, very bad man.

"Mizukage-Sama…" She elongated the word 'Sama' and then winked at her aunt. "No need to go into details." She then looked down at her lap and her aunt patted her knee again and gently gripped her knee cap. "This is just like old times, isn't it?" She then looked up to her aunt's face, smiling. Mei-Sama smiled affectionately back and helped brush her niece's hair back behind her ear where it had fallen forward again.

"Yes, darling." She held her aunt's hands in hers and squeezed gently.

"Then let's have a nice meal together and chat over the silliest of things." This means something bad is going to happen. She wants me, Chōjūrō and the others out the way … but why not Hinata or Kakashi? She had been in enough bad situations to know not to discuss things blatantly in case there was a risk of someone watching them. She wanted to stay and fight for her aunt, her Mizukage, her country but knew if the Konoha ninja were involved, it would risk the treaty.

They then had drinks and Mei, Kakashi and Nina talked whilst Hinata, Kiba and Shino leapt into the kitchen and prepared quickly the food. With fifteen minutes, dinner was ready and they all went to the dining room to eat. Conversation was light and fun, though everyone had burning questions within them.

"I will send a message to the Hokage to inform them you are heading back. We are just so sorry it is so soon." Mei-Sama said.

"Mei-Sama, we are sorry too. Sadly, it cannot be helped. We have to leave early the next day but appreciate the guards you have kindly offered to help us." Kiba said.

The oven made a high pitched 'Ping' and Hinata excused herself from the table to get the chocolate she was baking from the oven. It smelt heavenly and although they all (including Akamaru) had eaten very generous portions of various dishes with rice, they felt ravenous again.

After 10 minutes, plates with iced chocolate cake were placed in front of everyone and they began to eat heartily.

"This is amazing," said Mei-Sama. Both her and her niece then simultaneously grinned and moaned in pleasure, proceeding to suck their spoons when they were done.

Shino slapped the back of his own head before Kiba could get there and Chōjūrō dropped his spoon and blushing madly, bent down under the table to pick it up. As he went down, his glassess fell off his head and as he reached around for the spoon he heard a soft squeel come from the Mizukage. He leapt up, naging his head on the table and getting up quickly, squinted over to where she was sitting, concerned as to why she made a noise.

"Mei-sama?" He called loudly before hearing a slight giggle coming from the Mizukage, who then bent down to pick the spoon and his glasses.

"I'm absolutely fine, Chōjūrō." Her face was truly a picture when he put on his glasses. She had rose bud coloured cheeks and couldn't keep eye contact with him. She then proceeded to handing him her spoon, so he could finish his cake with a cleaner spoon. He blushed more heavily and thanked her. The nerve above Kakashi's right eye throbbed badly whilst the others tried to discreetly forget what had happened and continued the conversation from where it had left off.

After desert, they then proceeded to play chess long into the night. Before leaving, Hinata gave the red heads a large white box with the remains of the cake inside. Chōjūrō thanked Kiba for the invitation and escorted the ladies back to their home.

"Shino," whined Kiba slightly with the biggest, goofiest grin on his face. "How are you going to cope with Nina-Sama staying with us on our way to Konoha?" Kiba then proceeded to laugh heartily.

Shino didn't bother to show any signs of wanting to react, and when he was in sufficient range, whacked Kiba hard around the back of head so hard that it sent the Inuzuka flying to the ground.

"I'll cope." He said, matter-of-factly.