Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto only my characters.

As always a big thank you to my Beta cheekylips.

Chapter 23 Old Friends

Upon Maiha's arrival to Tsunade's Door she knocked. "Lady Hokage, it's Maiha you asked to see me?" Maiha could hear a discussion on the other side of the wooden barrier.

"I will allow her to come to her own decision and I will honor whatever she chooses." Tsunade paused a moment before raising her voice slightly, "Yes Maiha, please come in."

Maiha pushed open in the heavy door and saw two familiar faces staring back at her. "Oh my goodness, hello you two!"

"Maiha, I have summoned you to be an escort for these two men while they are in the village."

Maiha was a little confused by Tsunade's tone but it didn't seem angry so she pushed it aside agreeing with an excited tone and a bright smile, "Sure Lady Hokage," she nodded, "no problem at all."

"Alright gentleman, Maiha will show you to your accommodations and will be your escort during you're stay in the village. I am sure that you will be honorable guests. If there is anything that you need, please, let us know."

"Thank you Lady Hokage," they bowed.

The two men followed Maiha out into the hall and once the door closed she gave them both a hug. "Katsuro-san, Isamu-san! Oh my goodness how are you two doing?" she smiled widely.

"We are well," Katsuro nodded speaking for him and his First Lieutenant Isamu.

"Forgive me for being so surprised but you two are the least likely comrades that I would expect to see!" Maiha shook her head to refocus, "Oh, forgive me I'm babbling, let me show you to your accommodations."

"That would be grand Maiha-san." The trio proceeded out of the Hokage building and continued up the street.

"What do you make of the samurai's request Lady Hokage, she seems happy to see them?" Shizune asked.

"I'm not sure what to think about it, but I am leaving it up to her," Tsunade leaned back in her chair and exhaled. "It's her life, her decision."

"Wow you two are staying at the finest place in town," Maiha spoke in awe.

"We wanted to make sure that we would experience the best of your village," Katsuro boasted proudly.

Maiha thought about how he always made the best the only option. "Alright, I'll take you to your hotel straight away so you can have a little time to get settled in. You must be tired from your long journey. I'll come back later this evening and take you out to dinner." Maiha spoke eagerly again, "I have so much to tell you since I left the Land of Iron, and I have to give you a proper tour of Konoha."

"Then why should we wait Maiha-san. Please, let us get started."

"Okay, well, why don't we start with lunch first. You must be hungry, I know of a restaurant that has a menu you will like."

"A splendid idea Maiha-san, we could use a good meal. We can catch up while we dine."

"Okay let's go!" Maiha said with smile leading the two samurai to the restaurant district.

While at the restaurant Maiha filled them in on everything that had happened since she had returned to the village and they did the same for their lives in the Land of Iron. As people passed they noticed the two men with Maiha. It was usually easy to spot someone that was not from the village and two samurai stuck out like a sore thumb.

Ino happened by the restaurant while making a delivery for the flower shop and noticed Maiha with the two unfamiliar men. Of course after that it didn't take long for most of the town to find out about Maiha's guests after Ino saw them together.

After the trio had finished trading stories, Maiha noticed how late it was. "Well," she sighed, "there isn't much time to take a tour now that it's so late in the afternoon." She thought for a minute, "I would love for you to meet my friends! We make it a point every so often to gather and I am sure they would be interested in meeting you. After all, I have told them all about my stay in your land. If you two come out with me I can introduce you," and she smiled.

"Yes I agree," Katsuro nodded, "it would be nice to put the names and the faces together."

"Then let me get you back to your hotel so you can rest up a bit. Like in your village the bars here are quite lively. I'll spread the word that I have guests and then I will pick you back up this evening."

"What time shall we expect you Maiha-san?"

"I'll come get you around 8:00. Now let's get you back to your hotel, that way you can get properly settled in and relax a little."

"Please let us proceed with your plan."

Maiha spread the word and rounded up the girls though she was a little surprised that they already knew about the samurai. She gave them more details while they were all getting ready.

"Okay girls I'll see you at the bar, I have to go get Katsuro and Isamu," Maiha hopped out the door with a wave.

Maiha knocked on the hotel door. Isamu answered and stood in a silent stare. "Well Isamu who is it?" He stepped aside. Katsuro's eyes opened wide, "Maiha-san?"

"Yes?" She answered in a confused tone. "Oh, you're probably not use to seeing me like this. It's not exactly warrior attire," she chuckled.

Katsuro made his way to the door quickly, "You are beautiful in either armor or your shinobi attire Maiha-san, but tonight, you take my breath away."

"Oh, uh, thank you," Maiha slipped out blushing, remembering the few heated moments that took place between them. "Um… are you two ready to go?"

"Yes, please take us to meet your comrades."

After Maiha finished the introductions they began talking amongst themselves. She was happy that they seamlessly blended in with her shinobi friends, though there was one person missing from the table and he was the one that she wanted them to meet the most. Maybe he'll find his way in later, it is early after all. She smiled.

Maiha didn't have to wait long, almost right on cue to her thought he slid into his regular seat down at the end of the table. It didn't take him long to notice the two men at the opposite end. She brightened a bit when she saw that he had joined the group. "Kakashi please let me introduce you to Katsuro and Isamu, two of the samurai that I trained with in the Land of Iron."

"Kakashi-san," So this is the one, "I have heard much about you, a very honorable and respectable shinobi."

Kakashi nodded a bit thrown off by their presence.

Maiha glanced briefly at the chair next to him noticing it's vacancy. She gave a brief puzzled look but quickly jumped back into the conversation.

Later into the night after everyone had consumed their fair share of alcohol, the atmosphere became a little more lax. Throughout the night, Maiha held a more proper posture still programmed from her geisha mission and Katsuro had slyly positioned his arm on the back of Maiha's chair. As the alcohol relaxed that posture and she sat back into her chair, Katsuro made a bold advancement by rubbing her arm with the thumb of the hand that he had positioned behind her.

Not wanting to make a scene, Maiha sat up slowly and took up the bottle of sake, "Hey who needs a refill?" she asked with a smile hoping he would move his arm by the time she had finished pouring. However, when she leaned back into the chair, Maiha found that his hand was ready and waiting for her. She knew that he had a lot to drink at that point so most likely his behavior stemmed from that influence. Maiha thought she would be cordial and allow it as long as it didn't go any further. Though she was not the only one that noticed his encroachment into her personal space, those seated at the opposite end of the table noted it as well. They were all intrigued what the meaning behind it could be. All accept for Kakashi, he felt almost offended by Katsuro's actions and tightened the grip on his bottle of beer.

"Last call," the bartender announced.

"Oh wow that time already?" Maiha turned to the two samurai, "Sounds like it's time to get going. If I'm going to take you on a proper tour of Konoha we'll all need our sleep there's a lot to see," she smiled.

Katsuro stood and pulled out her chair gently before addressing the group. "It was grand to meet all of you, it seems that everything Maiha has told me about her comrades is true. You all seem like honorable shinobi and Maiha cares for you very much." He bowed, "Until we meet again." Katsuro looked directly at Kakashi for a few seconds and then stepped to the side to escort Maiha out of the bar.

"Good night everyone," Maiha waved quickly before turning to go. Katsuro placed a hand on her shoulder as he walked beside her. His large stature cleared the way for her to move through the crowded bar.

Kakashi watched as Maiha walked out the door with the two samurai. He could only stare as Katsuro moved his hand from Maiha's shoulder down to her side at her hip. It took some effort for him to remain calm. He found himself aggravated at Katsuro's physical contact with Maiha. But the bright smile that she flashed to Katsuro on the way out the door is what disturbed him the most.

Sakura had studied Kakashi and Maiha the entire evening. Like Kakashi, she had noticed Katsuro's physical advances as well as his body language toward Maiha. By the end of the night his actions were more than friendly and became almost possessive which in turn made Kakashi irritated and to her, noticeably jealous. After the trio had left the bar she analyzed his reaction yet again. His knee was bouncing up and down and the label of his bottle pealed under the grip of his hand as he looked away from the door. Jealous, maybe, but he also seemed somewhat hurt and dejected as well. In the love triangle involving Kakashi and Maiha, Madori had been subtracted but now Katsuro was added making things just as confusing as before.

"Wow that was the guy she told us about in the hospital, I was right he is even more gorgeous than I imagined!" Ino squealed.

"Why is he here now though?" Sakura thought aloud crossing her arms as she sat back in her chair. "The land of Iron is so far away."

Kakashi said not a word but he wondered the same thing. Only his angle at the situation stemmed more from jealousy than deductive reasoning. Not only did the Samurai's presence raise a question but Katsuro's behavior toward her as well. Kakashi was beginning to wonder if they had some kind of relationship while she was in their land and if so did the flame still burn.

The next morning Maiha made her way to the hotel where Katsuro and Isamu were staying to pick them up for the grand tour. "Are you two ready for your tour of Konoha?" Maiha asked excitedly.

"Yes, please let us begin the tour of your village."

Maiha took them on her normal route first. They stopped at the flower shop, the memorial and then she showed them the training field.

"This is you routine every day?" Katsuro asked.

"When I'm not out on a mission, yes," she answered nonchalantly. "Now let me show you the rest of the village and you will see why I told you that Konoha is so beautiful."

"Any place where you are is beautiful Maiha-san."

"Oh," Maiha blushed, pausing a moment. "Shall we stop at the dock and the lake first?"

"Please begin wherever you like Maiha-san, we wish to see it all."

The tour was extensive, but she showed them everything. "Your village is beautiful Maiha-san, I can see why you love it so."

She smiled, with his complement as she loved her home land immensely. "I don't know about you two," she rubbed her stomach, "but I am famished, how about a late lunch?"

"Yes we are hungry as well please let us proceed to the restaurant of your choice."

While the three were dining, Ino again noticed them all together and that Maiha seemed to be really enjoying herself. She immediately sought out the girls wanting to gossip about what she saw.

"They are spending a lot of time together."

"Well she did spend year training with them," Tenten pointed out and she checked the edge of a kunai for sharpness.

"Katsuro seems interested in getting Maiha's attention coming all the way here," Sakura said in deep thought tapping her index finger on her chin.

"What do you mean?" Ino asked.

"Think about it Ino, him coming all the way here, asking Lady Hokage for her personal escort, the over the top attentiveness," she focused at Ino more intently, "and don't tell me you didn't see his body language last night" Sakura pointed out.

"Oh come on Sakura, wouldn't it be great to get that type of attention," Ino bickered, "anyway she seems to be enjoying it."

Sakura slumped back down in thought, "I think he is here for a specific reason, I'm just not sure what it is yet."

"Well I think I have pretty much shown you everything. How long are you two staying in the village?" Maiha asked as she paid the bill. "You have such a long trip ahead of you. Come to think of it, you never really told me why you came all the way out to Konoha."

Katsuro took a deep breath, "Maiha, there is a time in a samurai's life when we are expected to marry and begin a family. For me that time is now. I could not think of a more suitable woman than you to be my wife. We have good rapport, you are strong, a good warrior and your beauty is an added plus. Our village already accepts you and even though we tend to not show much emotion I believe that in your absence I have grown affection for you."

Maiha was paralyzed on how to respond, she was completely blindsided by his proposal.

He continued. "I know one year is not a long time to know each other but I am sure as time goes on we will grow to love each other." He paused a few moments. "I can see that this comes as a surprise to you therefore I do not expect you to give me an answer at this moment, but I am prepared to move you back to the Land of Iron with me when I return. I have already spoken with your Hokage and she has left the decision up to you."

Maiha felt her stomach flip and she started getting light headed after he had finished. "I… um… have to digest all of this, please excuse me." She slid her chair out from the table, stood and left them at the restaurant. Maiha wondered about the village aimlessly trying to comprehend how to answer and what would happen either way.

She passed Kakashi on the street but didn't notice him. He had seen that she was alone and the look on her face was one of confusion and listlessness. He spun around and began following her trying a few times to call for her attention before she finally heard him.

"Oh, hello Kakashi," she said giving him a weak smile.

"How are you today?" he asked a little concerned.

"Oh I'm okay," she said as she turned away from him. She was obviously lying given her trademark turn away and then answer, but given her current demeanor he didn't push.

"Would you like to go for a walk little kunoichi?" It seemed like hearing the affectionate nickname he had given her brought her out of her daze somewhat.

"Um, yes I'd like that thank you," and she gave him more of a life like smile. There wasn't much conversation on their walk but as soon as they were alone under their old familiar tree she relaxed and opened up a little.

"Kakashi, would you ever consider leaving Konoha?

He was somewhat startled by her question and attempted to answer it in a supportive way. "Well Konoha has always been my home and I have sworn allegiance to it, so I have never thought of leaving."

"Oh, that makes perfect sense, what a silly question to ask" she said again with a fake smile." I love Konoha I think it would be really hard for me to leave again."

Kakashi was confused by their entire conversation. Where is all this coming from? "Maiha are you ok? You don't seem like yourself."

"Yeah, I'm okay Kakashi, I just have a lot on my mind is all."

"Is there anything that I can do to help?"

"Just be here with me." and she leant her head on his shoulder.

"Whatever you need Maiha," he replied warmly as he opened up his body posture a little more allowing her to move in more closely. He placed his arm behind her for support and leaned up against the tree as she cuddled up next to him. Though she didn't realize how personal her position had become Kakashi was more than willing to let her occupy that space.

That night Maiha went home and took a long hot bath. She thought about the proposal and her feelings that she was holding back for him. It was all so confusing. If I choose Katsuro I would have to leave Konoha forever. But Kakashi will most likely never have the same feelings for me as I have for him. She sank down in the tub up to her chin as she exhaled. Suddenly there was a loud banging at the door.

"Maiha, it's Sakura please open the door!"

"What the…" Maiha hopped out of the tub and wrapped her robe around her as she headed to the door.

"Get dressed you have to come with me to the bar."

"What, why?" Maiha asked in confusion.

"Just put some clothes on I'll explain while you are getting dressed."

"Okay."

Sakura stood in Maiha's apartment fidgeting nervously as she filled her in on why she had sought her out. "Katsuro and Kakashi are at the bar right now and you seem to be the topic of a heated conversation. I thought I would come and get you before it got out of control."

"What?" she shouted as the apartment door closed behind her.

When Sakura and Maiha arrived at the bar they saw the regular table in the back surrounded by a crowd of many people. Maiha pushed her way through and saw Kakashi, Guy and Katsuro with a bottle of sake and a line of cups in front of each one.

"What the hell is going on here?" Maiha yelled demanding an answer.

"We are having a drinking contest for your affection," Katsuro boasted.

Maiha's chin almost hit the floor in shock. "Katsuro I would expect something like this from you by the way you were raised but Kakashi? and Guy your participation just confuses me."

"It's a contest involving Kakashi, need I say more?" Guy pointed at Kakashi his finger just inches from his face as he raised his voice with one bushy brow "I will not allow you to get a one up on me eternal rival!"

Kakashi rolled his eye. Guy was turning this into a circus act. He wasn't sure why Maiha seemed so despondent earlier in the day but he was convinced that Katsuro had done something to her and he wasn't going to allow that, not to Maiha.

She exhaled angrily. "I am going to put an end to this right here and right now." Maiha sat down at the table and pulled up her hair.

"This is getting interesting Maiha, you continue to amaze me. This makes me even surer of our match," Katsuro smiled as he looked over to her approvingly with a nod.

That's it, that's why he's here, that's what I couldn't put my finger on Sakura gasped.

"Alright, now that the game has changed, how about we add a friendly little wager," Katsuro said smirking. "Kakashi, you first."

"If I win, you and I will have a little go 'round," he spoke with a scowl.

Maiha rolled her eyes exhaling annoyed as she crossed her arms.

Katsuro turned slightly "Guy?"

Guy's head snapped to the side and he leaned in aggressively, "Kakashi, one contest a week, my choice, for an entire year!" and he pumped his fists wildly.

There was a pause of confusion after Guy's sudden outburst as it had nothing to do with the actual situation.

"Your exuberance for competition is admirable and your participation is welcome in this contest of tolerance Guy. It reminds me of the young samurai of the village working their way up the ranks."

"Even the youth of other countries recognize their strength attempting to best each other the same as we Kakashi," he shed a tear "such an example we set, this is truly a wonderful world."

Kakashi rolled his eye again and the entire crowd was silenced with Guy's confusing sentimental speech.

"Now my wager. If I win, Maiha you will accept my proposal and return to the Land of Iron with me to be my wife and bear my children." He had said exactly what she had expected him to. The bystanders at the bar released a collective gasp.

"What?" Kakashi exhaled forcefully like someone punched him in the stomach. Suddenly the conversation that he and Maiha had earlier that day became clearer.

"Agreed," Maiha answered with an exhale and a nod.

Kakashi shot her a shocked look, "You can't be serious!"

Maiha looked him straight in the eye as a tear streamed down her face, "Think of it this way Kakashi, Katsuro is more than capable of taking care of me so you won't have to feel like you need to anymore."

"And Maiha, what if you win?" Katsuro asked.

She turned to Kakashi once again, "Kakashi I am deeply hurt that you would involve our friendship in such a childish game." He looked down and exhaled. "If I win I get to choose my own path, whether it is in Konoha or elsewhere. Let's get this thing moving; tonight I will welcome the numbness that alcohol brings. Who's pouring?"

Genma volunteered. "Okay most downed cups wins. You must finish each cup completely and turn it upside down in front of you. You can forfeit, but if you pass out or vomit you're out." He filled up the cups for the first round "Begin."

With many cups of sake down Maiha was still very much in the contest and so were Kakashi and Katsuro. Guy however was waning. It was at that time Maiha enlisted Sakura to care for her afterward.

"Maiha I'm not sure what you were thinking but there are some pretty high stakes here." Genma said concerned as he leant over toward her.

Maiha exhaled, "Either I leave, get married and start a family or they kill each other. I have no choice, I have to win. The one thing that neither one of these two counted on is that since my stint as a geisha my tolerance for alcohol increased substantially."

Genma thought back to the time before her geisha mission when she was drinking large amounts of alcohol on such a frequent basis. It was all part of mission preparation, and he hoped that it would also help her out here.

Not long after Maiha enlisted help, Guy's head dropped to the table.

"Looks like Guys out," Genma shouted.

Maiha studied the two left in the contest. "Doubles from here on out Genma," she announced.

"Umm… Okay are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Doubles it is."

Kakashi and Katsuro hung in as long as they could but it seemed that having to drink large amounts of alcohol every night while she was undercover helped Maiha prevail, but just barely.

"Pleze 'cn someone take charge of theze two, Isamu, take care ov Katsuro," she spoke with an extreme and almost incoherent slur. Maiha slid off her chair to leave and almost fell herself. Sakura went to her side to steady her.

"Here let me help you Maiha, seems like you have had enough trouble tonight," Genma said scooping her up. She just settled into his arms and put her head on his shoulder. He made his way through the crowd and out the bar to her apartment, with Sakura close behind.

On the way home Maiha began to cry. "What the hell wuz he thinking? Why can't he see, why can't I forget?"

"What is she talking about? Genma asked confused.

"She has had a lot to drink Genma don't worry about it, I'll take it from here," Sakura motioned to set Maiha down on her bed. "Thanks for helping get her home. Can you make sure Kakashi and Guy got home okay? Even though I'm sure she'll still be upset with Kakashi tomorrow, she'll still care at least about his wellbeing."

"Will do," he assured her and he headed back to the bar.

"Oh Maiha," Sakura exhaled looking at her unconscious body. She decided to use her medical skills to remove some of the alcohol from Maiha's system decreasing it's affect. She took up residence on the couch after she had finished and fell asleep wondering what drama tomorrow would bring.

Ok so if you're confused about Katsuro skim through Chapters 14 & 15.

I know I say this every time but I really do appreciate the time you take to read each chapter. And a big thank you for the reviews as well. It is very encouraging to hear that someone enjoys what you are willing to share. In my case I still can't believe I am actually publishing anything, so please read, review and enjoy.

Up next... The decision, the fallout and a little help from some four legged friends.