Behind the Mask
Rated: T for language and violence
Disclaimer: Naruto characters (c) Masashi Kishimoto
Summary: We all wear masks. But that only makes it harder to tell the difference between truth and lies.

Note: Please Review. Thanks to Joele again

003: 风
(Feng)

"I hope you'll be staying for a while." Smiled Tsunade's short haired assistant, Shizune.

Sakura nodded her head and gave a wry smile behind her mask. "It would be a nice vacation…"

Shizune nodded her head eagerly as they approached Tsunade's study. "It would be great to have someone to talk to! Sifu Tsunade works me to the bone…" She grumbled. Like Tsunade, Shizune was also aware of Sakura's real identity, having come from a shinobi background herself. Shizune was practically Tsunade's surrogate daughter – that was how much Tsunade trusted her.

Sakura giggled to herself as they crossed the courtyard to Tsunade's study. Tsunade's estate was vast and Tsunade chose a cottage separated from the main estate to be her private study and a place where she could relax. No one was allowed inside and Tsunade figured it would be the safest place for the Tian Tang Jian to be away from the prying eyes of the servants. Shizune and Sakura walked up the steps and pulled open the massive red oak doors and stepped inside. They stopped short when they saw someone was already in the room. Sakura gripped the box that the Tian Tang Jian was in tighter in her hands. Shizune stepped up, her serious face on. Sakura knew that under her light and airy façade, Shizune was a fierce woman who was trained by Tsunade herself in the art of the shinobi.

The person inside the room was a young woman. She stood straight, with her back to them as she gazed up at one of the scroll paintings that adorned Tsunade's wall. Her hair was decorated with lavish gold ornaments and she wore a purple and gold silk brocade jacket that suggested she was of noble birth.

"Excuse me," Shizune said. "May I ask who you are and what you are doing here?"

The woman turned slowly and eyed them carefully. She was alarmingly pretty, with delicate features. Yet her eyes were dark, sharp and alert.

"I'm your guest today." She said politely. "Governor Feng is my father. We are staying with Tsunade-furen until our estate is set up here in Peking." She explained.

Sakura frowned as Shizune's eyes widened. "My apologies!" She said quickly, bowing her head. "I was not aware that you were his daughter."

"It's alright." The woman replied coolly.

Shizune cleared her throat and stood straight again. "This is Tsunade-furen's private study. Do you have business here?" Shizune asked in her politest of tones.

"I was just looking for a private corner." The woman replied, but her curious eyes remained on Sakura. "You are?" She questioned.

Shizune's eyes widened and her face turned red with embarrassment. "My apologies again for not introducing myself." Said Shizune with a bow. "I am Tsunade-furen's assistant, Shizune. And this is another one of our guests, Wu He, a Konoha shinobi."

Sakura took a step up and gave a polite nod of her head. The girl did the same; her smile seemed polite, but also strained. Her eyes darted to the box in Sakura's hands.

"A sword?" She asked curiously. "May I see it?"

Shizune looked at Sakura with uncertainty in her eyes. Sakura nodded her head, showing Shizune it was ok. It couldn't hurt to just show the girl the sword.

"I will stay with Feng-xiaojie and show her the sword." Said Sakura.

Shizune nodded her head. "Then I shall leave you ladies to yourself." She bowed before backing out of the room, making sure to close the door behind her.

As Shizune left, Sakura entered the room and led the woman to a nearby table. She placed the box on the table and gestured for the woman to sit. She took a seat as Sakura unlatched the clasps and picked up the sword with delicate hands.

The woman's eyes widened in wonder. "Amazing. May I hold it?" She outstretched her well-manicured hands. Sakura hesitated for a moment before carefully placing it in her hands.

"Such a heavy piece of metal." The woman murmured, weighing it in her hands.

Sakura smirked beneath her mask. "The handle is made of heavy metal, but this is still the lightest of weapons. You are just not used to handling it." She allowed herself to be smug for a brief moment.

The woman slightly frowned, although Sakura noted she looked less like a displeased girl and more like a harpy considering the way her eyes glinted dangerously at Sakura. "But I have had experience!"

Her frown then turned into a smile and the suspicion left Sakura as she boasted about her experiences. "When I was a small girl, my family journey with a platoon from the Land of Wind. They let me play with their weapons." She smiled as she handed the sword back to Sakura. "The sword is beautiful though."

"Beautiful but dangerous." Said Sakura as she traced her finger slowly along the length of the blade.

The woman's eyes followed the sword's blade as Sakura swiftly moved it. "Its' beauty however, is hard to admire once it is tainted with blood."

Sakura turned the blade on its side. "It's over 500 years old. It has been said that it was crafted by a very gifted metal worker who added special properties to it. Ever since it was given to the First Hokage, it has been passed down from Hokage to Hokage."

"What a touching story." Said the woman. "And how has it come into your possession?"

Sakura cleared her throat uncomfortably. Kakashi's sudden decision still weighed heavily on Sakura's shoulders. "It belongs to my teacher, Wo Lang. He is giving it to Tsunade-furen for safe keeping." Sakura finally explained.

The woman's eyes widened with recognition. "Wo Lang? The famous warrior? Why would he give such a priceless weapon to Tsunade-furen?"

Sakura could see the disapproval in the woman's eyes and her inner temper flared up inside of her. Why should this girl, who knew nothing of her teacher, judge him? "It is a complicated story." Said Sakura flicking the sword out with some force.

"Are you a sword fighter too?" The woman asked.

Sakura moved the sword with a casual hand. "I suppose you could say I am, but my teacher has much more experience than I."

"I have heard such fascinating stories about shinobi. I have heard all about the exploits of your teacher, Wo Lang. They say he has the eye of a demon and can summon a pack of hounds from the depths of the underworld."

Sakura smiled and refrained from laughing. Civilians surely did have wild imaginations. "That's about half true."

"And you are partners with Zhong Hu, right? Is he here too?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Sakura gave the woman a surprised look that was luckily hidden beneath her mask. "How do you know who Zhong Hu is?" Kakashi had a reputation that was widely known throughout the Land of Fire and beyond. Her and Naruto, however, weren't that well known.

"Oh," Said the woman, dismissing the question with a wave of her hand. "I was at the Chunin exams a few years back. I saw him fight. He was very good." She smiled. "I heard you two were partners."

The Chunin exams took place every year as an examination between all the shinobi villages to see who would pass from the Genin rank to the Chunin rank. The first two steps of the test were conducted within the Hidden Villages, and varied from village to village. In Konoha, it consisted of a written examination which promoted observational skills and an obstacle course. The Village Hidden in the Mist was notorious for having a free for all battle to the death in the past.

The third and final part of the test was held outside the Hidden Villages and was a heavily promoted event where celebrities and politicians came to watch. It was how the village showcased their talents for business. Naruto and Sakura had entered the exams for the first time six years ago when it was held in Tianjin. They each made it to the Chunin rank.

The woman sighed and stood up as she started to walk around the table. "What I wouldn't give for freedom like that. I bet you enjoy it, right?" She asked longingly. Her superior air had disappeared as she waited for Sakura to answer her.

'She's an aristocrat.' Thought Sakura. 'She must have no freedom at all.' The thought almost made Sakura pity the girl.

"A shinobi's life isn't exactly filled with freedom." Sakura allowed. "We actually have many rules." Sakura slipped the sword back into the scabbard and placed it back in the box. Sakura got up to put it away as the woman followed her.

"Not showing my face or revealing my name would be easy in comparison with my life." The woman sighed, "As shinobi, people fear you. They wouldn't be able to force you to do anything."

Sakura tilted her head. "I think maybe you have read too many wuxia novels."

The woman looked to Sakura and her dark eyes narrowed slightly. "Maybe so." She murmured, "But I'm getting married soon and soon enough, there won't even be time to do that."

"Congratulations." Said Sakura politely.

The woman did not reply. Sakura began to feel a bit sorry for her. "But marriage is the most important step in a woman's life, right?"

"Perhaps so." The woman allowed, "Are you married, Wu He? Are shinobi women required to get married?"

Sakura lowered her gaze to the floor as a sickening feeling twisted in Sakura's gut. "Yes, of course."

"And do shinobi women marry for love? Or do they marry for family honor?"

Sakura had the sudden urge to drop the conversation and walk away. But it would be rude to do so, especially to someone of noble birth. Sakura made herself stand straight. "It is the highest honor to allow one's family to make a good match for them."

The woman smirked sadly as she turned away. "How old are you, Wu He? If you don't mind me asking. It is so hard to tell with the mask."

"Eighteen years." Sakura responded carefully.

The woman turned back to Sakura and eyed her. "Then I suspect you may know a thing or two about what I am talking about. And if not, you will soon."

The thought made Sakura's stomach curdle.

Glossary:
Furen – Chinese honorific, Used for a high ranking female
Wo Lang - Crouching Wolf
Wuxia - the term for martial arts novels

Incense.

Uchiha Sasuke was never very fond of the smell – much too smoky and musty for his taste although the real reason was something far more depressing. Yet, despite Sasuke's reasons to hate the smell with all his might, he still set the smoking sticks down and let the smoke perfume the air around him. He bowed six times; three times in front of the portrait to his mother, and three times in front of his father. As he straightened up after the last bow, he felt a pang of regret and anger run its course through his entire body. He performed this ritual weekly, something his brother would no doubt call frivolous. To Sasuke however, it reminded him of his goal, his only goal in life.

Uchiha Clan was one of Peking's most powerful families. His father, Fugaku had been an influential man – both as head of the clan as well as Chief of the Peking Police Force which the Uchiha's had helped to create. They were renown through the country not only for being rich, powerful and successful, but also because of their Kekkei Genkai – a bloodline trait that had been passed down through the generations. While old and powerful clans such as the Uchiha often had Kekkei Genkai, the Uchiha were the holders of the Sharingan, one of the most fearsome and powerful of all.

But that had all changed ten years ago. Sasuke and his older brother were now the sole members of the Uchiha after the rest of their clan – including their parents – had been brutally massacred one night while Sasuke had been attending to his studies.

"Sasuke-hou." A maid called timidly from the doorway. "I've come to inform you that dinner is ready."

Sasuke nodded, dark hair swishing in front of his eyes as he followed the maid toward the once grand dining hall. When Sasuke arrived, he found his older brother Itachi already seated, his hands folded together. Often, Sasuke was called Itachi's mirror image, something that Sasuke used to take pride in, but now it only made him bitter. They both had the classic look of a well-bred Uchiha – dark silky hair, dark eyes and pale skin. Itachi, however, was slightly taller and wore his hair long; pulled back at the base of his neck in a simple ponytail. He had maturity lines etched in the skin on his face – possibly from taking on too much at such a young age.

Sasuke took a seat across the table from his brother. When he looked up, his eyes found Itachi's. In the years following their parent's deaths, Itachi became a stranger in his own household. He stayed long nights at the police force headquarters, assuming the role as Chief as he tried to simultaneously find new recruits to replace the members of the clan who had worked on the force and deal with the onslaught of crime in the city. And in assuming his father's duties as clan head, Itachi had been thrust into the world of Peking politics with others who were more than twice his age. But Itachi had borne the additional weight on his shoulders without complaint.

Initially, Sasuke had been frightened. Every night, he lay awake in bed, inside a now empty house, plagued by thoughts that his family's killer would come back to finish the job he started. Sasuke, who assumed all the household duties visited every locksmith in Peking and installed fresh locks on every opening within the main Uchiha household. When he finally felt safe enough in his own house, nightmares of his dead parents and clan members terrified him night after night where he often ended up staying awake for days on end.

Newspapers had named the Uchiha massacre the most violent of crimes in the history of Peking and it had Peking clans refusing to admit visitors in their houses for the fear that they would be next. It had taken a lot of convincing on Itachi's part that the city would be the safest that it had been in years now that he was in charge and surprisingly, it had remained that way. The Peking clans eventually opened up to the public again.

Yet despite Itachi's elaborate claims, the Uchiha murderer remained at large. On days when Itachi was home, Sasuke pestered him to no end on results of the ongoing investigation, yet results were still minimal. Eventually, the case died down and Itachi was forced to close it, due to lack of evidence. It was on that day that Sasuke completely shut out his brother. It wasn't that he blamed him for his clan's death. It wasn't even that he blamed him for closing the case. Sasuke shunned him for the peculiar feeling he got that his brother just didn't care that the whole family had been murdered. And that scared Sasuke to no end.

Sasuke pushed these thoughts aside and picked up his chopsticks along with his bowl of rice. "Gege." He responded cordially. "I wasn't aware you were home."

"I returned home only a little while ago." Itachi explained, his long lashes fanning against his cheeks as he glanced down at the table. "The maid told me you were…paying your respects so I thought it best not to disrupt you."

His voice was quiet and Sasuke thought he could detect a hint of fatigue in it. For a brief moment, he felt pity for his brother assault him, but he quickly brushed it aside. He filled his mouth with rice to keep from talking.

"I have good news for you." Itachi said with renewed strength in his voice, although the look on his face bore no sign of anything positive. "Tomorrow, I have arranged for you to meet your prospective fiancée."

Itachi might as well have been speaking a foreign language for none of Itachi's words registered with Sasuke. Did he just say the words 'fiancée'? A cold sweat broke out onto Sasuke's neck. "Excuse me?" He managed.

Itachi looked at him as if the thought him slow. "To the daughter of Governor Feng." Itachi elaborated. "I mentioned it sometime ago that I have been in negotiations with the Feng's for weeks now. They have arrived in Peking today and have finally agreed to a prospective meeting."

"What?" Sasuke cried, scaring the maid who had been standing in the corner.

"Sasuke." Itachi reprimanded lightly. "Not so loud."

Sasuke looked around the table for something to break yet found nothing. They were eating with his mother's good china and he was loath to break anything of hers. Itachi's face would have made for an appealing target, but Sasuke wasn't stupid enough to try it. This was complete news to him. Had Itachi really mentioned that he was searching for a potential bride for Sasuke? Itachi had been busier than usual lately and he outside of the house more than he was in it. Sasuke could scarcely remember the last time he spoke more than casual greetings to his brother.

"This is ridiculous." Sasuke retorted, folding his arms in front of his chest, very much resembling a pouting toddler. "I can hardly marry a complete stranger. Who said I want to get married at all?"

"Governor Feng is very prominent." Explained Itachi, as if this would placate his younger brother. "He might even become Emperor one day. You should be proud that they will even consider you to be part of their family." Itachi spoke as if their family name was a dark mark against the city, as if the prestige the Uchiha Clan carried was no longer there.

"That doesn't…matter!" Said Sasuke, sounding exasperated. Itachi rose an eyebrow at Sasuke's words. "Don't you think that I should be the one to decide my own future?"

Itachi put down his chopsticks and dabbed at his mouth with a napkin. He looked down at the table before gazing directly into Sasuke's eyes. Sometimes, it seemed that Itachi's eyes were even darker than Sasuke's. "If father were not alive, do you not think he would be arranging your marriage?"

Sasuke pursed his lips. Although dead ten years, Sasuke's image of his father was still fresh in his mind. No doubt Uchiha Fugaku would do whatever he thought best for his son, regardless of his opinion.

"Sasuke," Itachi continued, "Ever since the deaths of our parents, I have done everything in my power to do right by you." There was something unreadable in his eyes as he looked at Sasuke. "Can't you see what an excellent opportunity this is? Don't you…want to move on?"

Itachi's question was hard hitting and Sasuke had no real response to it. It seemed like there was so much Itachi was leaving unsaid. Don't you want to rebuild you clan? That's what Itachi seemed to be saying to Sasuke. And didn't he want to rebuild his clan? Didn't he want to see the Uchiha name restored to its original pride instead of the ghost town it was now, its living inhabitants not any better off than the dead ones? His hands clenched into fists under the table as he was powerless to say anything to his brother.

"I will hear no more about this matter." Said Itachi suddenly, breaking eye contact as picked up his chopsticks again. "I will expect you to be on your best behavior tomorrow."

Sasuke reluctantly picked up his chopsticks and picked up a piece of bai cai. "Don't you think about them?" Sasuke suddenly asked, his voice low. "Don't you think about the past? Or are you too caught up in the future and yourself to think about that?"

Itachi remained silent and didn't dignify Sasuke's question with an answer. Instead he let it hang heavy in the distance between them.

Glossary:
Hou - Rank beneath Lord
Gege- Older Brother
Bai cai – Bok choy

"Wu He!"

Sakura turned away from Governor Feng's daughter to see Naruto bounding up the steps to Tsunade's study where they stood on the porch. "Shizune said you were still here." Said Naruto.

Sakura nodded. "This is my teammate, Zhong Hu, as you've already figured out." Said Sakura gesturing to Naruto.

The woman gave a slight smile. "A pleasure to meet you."

"Zhong Hu, this is Governor Feng's daughter." Said Sakura continuing the introductions.

Naruto bowed his head. "Feng-xiaojie."

Sakura bowed graciously in farewell before joining Naruto. They walked briskly through the courtyard as dusk quickly fell around them.

"Tsunade has been working me to the bone." Naruto grumbled as they stepped past some servants. "And I don't even live here."

Sakura gave a laugh. "I suppose that's what you get for commenting about her appearance. Tsunade never lets those off light." She said, nudging Naruto in the arm. "Next time watch your mouth." She joked.

Naruto groaned. "Please remind me next time. I can't wait to go home and hit the sack."

"Oh, about that." Said Sakura stopping in front of Naruto. "Tsunade would like for us to spend the night."

Naruto peered at Sakura incredulously from under his mask. "Spend the night? So she can work me to the bone again tomorrow?"

Sakura smiled sympathetically. "C'mon, it would be a nice vacation for once. I promise that I'll tell Tsunade to go easy on you."

Naruto grinned and patted Sakura's shoulder. "It's ok, I was only kidding. A vacation would be nice anyway. Man when was the last time we had one of those?" Asked Naruto as they continued to walk again.

"Oh…" Sighed Sakura. "Too long ago. Maybe when Kakashi let us stay at that inn on the way back from Suna?"

"Ugh." Groaned Naruto. "That was NOT a vacation. It was one hundred degrees in that place! Disgusting." Said Naruto suppressing a shiver. "Everyone smelled."

"Well…" Said Sakura thoughtfully. "I guess it was Kakashi's idea of a good time. There were an abundance of women and very little men."

"Good point." Said Naruto. "Maybe I should re-evaluate my opinion of my time there."

Sakura punched Naruto in the arm lightly. "Pervert."

"Owww," Groaned Naruto rubbing his arm. "That's gonna leave a bruise. I was only kidding." Naruto lifted his mask to grin at Sakura. "You know I only have eyes for you."

"Haha…" Said Sakura distractedly as her conversation with Tsunade came drifting back to her.

"Well…" Said Sakura clearing her throat as she hid her unease. "This is where Shizune said we would be staying…"

Fortunately, the whole uncomfortable period passed right over Naruto as he bounded up the steps and into the guest cottage Tsunade assigned them.

Tsunade reclined in her chair and took a sip of her huang jiu and reveled at the taste it left in her mouth. She had been craving a drink all day, but she had been busy preparing things. Now, she finally had time to relax as she sat in her study, amongst the glow of lanterns. She pulled her feet up onto her desk. It was very un-womanly to do, but then again, Tsunade was never very womanly.

A tall man, with hair the color of rust stood to the side of Tsunade, his hands glazing over a long black box. His dark eyes lifted to meet Tsunade's. They seemed to be daring her. Tsunade eyed him back, her gaze unwavering. Slowly, he dropped his gaze and unclasped the latches on the box. When he opened it, he was greeted with the sight of a long sword. The sides of his mouth quirked up into an awkward smile. "The famed Tian Tang Jian. I wasn't aware you were its owner, Tsunade-furen." Said the Viceroy of Zhili.

"I'm not. A friend of mine brought it today." Said Tsunade casually. "I didn't know you were so well acquainted with swords or shinobi lore, Governor Feng."

"I'm from the west." Said Governor Feng vaguely. "I have close ties with Sunagakure. This sword is legend." He replied.

"Go ahead." Tsunade said nodding her head as she looked across at the red haired man.

Feng's dark eyes looked into Tsunade's before pulling the sword from the box. The sword quivered as he admired the pattern on the blade. "They say the sword dates back to the early Zhou Dynasty." Said Feng, as he turned the sword in his hands. "It is a beautiful weapon."

"It is." Said Tsunade smiling once more as she sipped her huang jiu."Won't you have a seat?" She asked, inclining her head toward a chair near the desk.

Governor Feng nodded, delicately handing the sword back to Tsunade before settling himself in the chair recommended. "I must express my sincerest thanks that you have lent your home to my family and me. A thousand thanks."

Tsunade waved her hand casually. "A small price to pay for the things that you will do for Peking. I must remind you though, you find all sorts of characters in Peking. This is not the west." To the casual listener, Tsunade was making small talk. Governor Feng however, picked up on the threat.

"Do continue." He said, waving his hand.

"Peking is a dangerous place to be lately, especially of someone with such a high stature as yourself." Said Tsunade, carefully placing the sword in the box, "I worry for the safety of you and your family."

Feng followed the motion with his eyes, but didn't show any fear on his face. "Your sincerity touches me." He said finally. "And I appreciate the security measures."

"The last thing I need, Governor Feng, is for you to get kidnapped." Said Tsunade, sipping her drink.

Governor Feng folded his hands carefully in front of him. "You refer to the Peking kidnappings." He said.

Tsunade gave her head a nod. "I fear that in times like these, no one can be too safe."

"Yes…there were…troubles in the west as well." Said Feng, his eyes looking distant. He leaned towards Tsunade. "Perhaps you can enlighten me Tsunade-furen. You are so knowledgeable in many things."

Tsunade's smile became wry at Governor Feng's words. She gestured for him to continue.

Governor Feng's eyes were hard as he looked at Tsunade. "I have heard rumors that there is going to be a war soon. Someone wishes to unite the countries of this great nation again. Is this even possible?"

Tsunade narrowed her thin eyebrows as she took a deep sip of her huang jiu. A united land? The thought troubled her and her mind instantly turned to Orochimaru. But he couldn't. Even he was not powerful enough to overcome the emperors of each country let alone the Hidden Villages. But Tsunade was worried she was underestimating her former teammates ambition for power.

"This is the first time I have heard that rumor. Thank you for bringing it to my attention." Said Tsunade as she poured herself and Governor Feng more huang jiu.

As she handed Governor Feng back his cup, she eyed him evenly. "If the rumor is true, you will need to watch your back. As a prime candidate for becoming the next emperor then you will surely become the next target."

"I will take your advice into consideration." Said Feng bowing his head.

"Perhaps now would be the best time to suggest getting some contacts within the underworld." Said Tsunade.

Feng smirked for the first time since she saw him.

Glossary:
Huang Jiu- alcoholic drink

The days were growing increasingly shorter as the sun set below the horizon leaving the sky in ripples of dark blue and purple. There was a cool breeze that blew through the air that shook the leaves on the trees, a sure sign that winter was approaching. Maids and servants held their arms tight around them as they scurried to finish whatever chore they were doing so they could get inside the warmth and comfort of their own quarters before the hour was called and curfew set in.

"Ta yi xiao shi de lao zhu!" Someone called out in the distance, announcing the Hour of the Tiger.

A stealthy shadow, unseen by those who still loitered in Tsunade's courtyard moved into a darkened alley. He saw his contact leaning against the alleyway wall, his arms crossed over his chest, but his face still hidden in the shadows. The man bowed to the ground before removing his hood. "You have to make this quick, I'm expected back soon."

The hidden man chuckled. "Oh Kabuto, always the diligent dog."

Kabuto bristled by the man's comment, but bushed it off. Kabuto stood up straight to look the man directly in the eye. The moonlight fell in slants down the dirt alley way and Kabuto's glasses reflected eerily upon the visible portion of the man's face.

The man smiled a moment more before it faded and he stood up straight. "I'm proud of you, Kabuto. That is the reason I called you here tonight. You perfected your infiltration. That gives me reason to trust you over anyone else."

Kabuto smiled inwardly to himself. "So everything is going according to plan." The man said as he started to pace back and forth.

Kabuto cleared his throat. "There is one thing."

The man stopped and looked at Kabuto. "What is it, then?" His cool voice hissed.

Kabuto inwardly blanched at his master's voice. "It's nothing really..." He added, trying his best to keep the irritation out of his voice.

"Get on with it, Kabuto." The annoyance in the man's voice was easily heard.

"The Konoha shinobi Zhong Hu and Wu He arrived early today. They met with Feng-xiaojie. And you know that means Wo Lang isn't far behind."

The man eyes sparkled at the piece of information. "Ahh Kakashi...this is wonderful…"

Kabuto, narrowed his eyes, calculating. "That's not all actually…they just delivered the Tian Tang Jian." Kabuto blinked rapidly and adjusted his glasses, looking away.

The man's smile turned calculating in turn. "Very good…" He purred. "We'll make our move tomorrow then…"

Kabuto started to move out of the alley when the man motioned for him to come back. "Make sure Kakashi's shinobi don't probe too closely in our affairs."

Kabuto was gone in a flash.

Glossary:
Ta yi xiao shi de lao zhu - Hour of the Tiger
Xiaojie - Chinese honorific, the equivalent of Miss

Sunagakure -Hidden Village in the Sand

Note: The Viceory was also known as the governor-general hence referring to Feng as Governor Feng.