A/N: Welcome back to the main storyline. Time as always moves on…


Nara Tsuzuki had a much easier time of transitioning into the Academy than his brother, Hajimeru. First of all, his name didn't come up as a word nearly as often as his brother's did. Second, he started school with two solid acquaintances…

Uchiha Matataki, Sasuke's daughter by Hinata, was a girl with issues of her own. She had her mother's shyness, but only because most people had a hard time looking at her without the sunglasses she used to hide her flawed features. It wasn't that she had none of her parents' beauty; she did. In fact, it seemed to be the best of their traits: skin (pale but an underlying rosy blush) and hair (black with glossy blue highlights, and a lush silkiness). However, these were best appreciated from the side view; because straight on, the pale Hyuuga eye on the left side of her face stood in stark, unnatural contrast to the agate dark eye on the right. Some hoped that this eye still held the promise of the Sharingan being carried onto the next generation. A few worried that she would have a far greater handicap in mastering it than Kakashi because both eyes potentially held unique talents that could interfere with each other.

Fortunately for her, Tsuzuki's long time playground buddy, Tsunakaiten Yusuke had no problems with her eyes. His own father, Yuji, had lost an eye in a fight over a woman when he was twenty. (Neither Yusuke or Tsuzuki knew the woman in question just happened to be Zuki's aunt Ino.) The black haired, brown eyed boy caught one sight of Matataki's mismatched eyes and was immediately taken with her. In fact, when the two boys were hanging out by themselves during lunch, Yusuke flat out announced, "I'm going to marry her some day."

Tsuzuki burst out laughing: It was the funniest thing he'd heard in a long time, especially when he thought about the serious expression on his friend's face as the words were spoken.

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Temari continued her visitations with Shinji and with the Hokage to see if anything could be done for her former student to return him to a normal life.

In mid-summer, they received a message from Takigakure: it came from a jounin named Inaba Egawa, who happened to be the blue-haired goggled captain Temari had met during the chuunin exams that had been so tragic for her team. The message was in fact tied to those exams in a most unusual way. Apparently, he had recently worked with a young man who bore a strong resemblance to Reito and had a need to be given very exact directions.

Tsunade frowned, "We have already sent a team with a medic to see if we can procure blood and tissue samples from the shinobi in question."

"So maybe we'll finally get another step closer to the truth about Reito," Temari sat across from the desk. "Do suppose this means that other villages have fifteen year old boys with dark blue hair and eyes the color of blood?"

"You can send a message to your brother, I'm sure he'll be right on it," the Hokage's lip twisted in a way that implied she knew what the flaxen haired jounin's next words would be.

"Are you talking about the preoccupied man, who told me he was too busy to have me and my family come out and visit this fall? You know, the one I send three long letters to for every short business-like one I get back from him." The sarcasm was every bit as thick as Tsunade expected.

"That's my point, this is business, so how can he possibly put it off?"

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Somehow they made it back to the fall before receiving a reply on the matter from Sunagakure. A young shinobi of the appropriate physical description had died the previous summer in a battle with some desert raiders. The Kazekage had it cleared with the family that had raised him and send what biological materials could be taken from the remains by his finest ninja forensic team.

These remains were a perfect match to all the previously gathered materials.

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October found the 'Character Assassination Specialists' who still insisted on holding onto the designation of Team 10, on their way out of the Hokage's office.

"You're serious about taking him along on this mission?" Ino looked askance at Shikamaru, "He's only eleven years old."

"He's already been given his genin status," the black haired man replied. "Besides, he'll provide us the perfect cover. He could easily pass for my nephew."

Chouji said nothing, but smiled as he nodded in agreement.

"What is Kurenai going to say about this?" the blonde argued. "My specialty missions aren't exactly the most respectable of assignments. It's hardly the kind of thing for Asumaru to build a shining reputation on."

"But it exposes him to a new way of thinking about missions," Shikamaru studied her expression. "It's not like your going to prevent Ryokou from learning this from you; you've talked about taking her once she's a genin."

"Yes, but she'd actually be doing the work," Ino replied. "These are profitable for Konoha."

"And for the Team as well," Chouji added, "but your real concern is for Ryokou-chan; you want to keep her safe don't you?" He met her eyes; she turned away from his for a slight moment, and then returned to his gaze, so he continued, "Then why would you not want to offer a fairly harmless mission to Asuma's son? Are you ashamed of what you do during these?"

"Only on the occasions where I end up channeling Naruto." Her embarrassment as she thought about this was palpable.

"Are you kidding? That's the kind of stuff an eleven year old would love about a mission like this." He grinned, "It's so much better than picking up litter or chasing some damned cat around town.

"Besides it will have other lessons in it for him," Shikamaru said.

"And?" Ino waited.

"Since I can't take my own sons to this amusement park, I might as well take someone else I like to spend time with." He narrowed his eyes at her, "There, I said it, are you happy now?"

"Of course," the blonde giggled.

It had never been a secret how much time Shikamaru spent helping Asumaru train; in fact Ino was sure it made her teammate find the job of working with his own sons more natural. No matter how awkward they started off the fact that he'd been through it once before seemed to give him the focus he needed to try to work with two boys who were proving to be an interesting blend of him and Temari.

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The next morning they hit the road with their fourth member: Yuuhi Asumaru, who bore his maternal family name, was black haired like both of his parents, with his father's brown eyes and complexion. He was already trying to imitate his 'uncle' for this mission by wearing his hair in a simulation of the Nara ponytail instead of loose around his shoulders like he normally did. The fact that his hair's texture was more like his mother's softened the look, as did the few short strands that escaped the pull back.

Shikamaru gave the mission briefing as they went along their way. The mission contact was named Miura Chumei. He was a man who was politically well connected. His uncle, Miura Hirokazu, was the governor of a territory near the ocean in the southern most parts of Hi no Kuni. The Miura clan had arranged for an elaborate 60th birthday celebration for his uncle during the final weekend at the popular amusement park Nanaboshi. The reason for the character assassination was that he had a reputation for being the practical joker of the family, but somehow he'd never been able to pull off something that would catch his uncle off guard. He wanted to finally achieve this goal in front of the whole family, if it wasn't done during this celebration, he had an agreement with the governor's son that he'd quit practical jokes from there on.

"Miura Hirokazu is a powerful man," Shikamaru concluded, "so we don't want to do anything too extreme, even if he is expecting the possibility."

"Could we try a different kind of secondary distraction this time?" Ino spoke up.

"Where did that come from?" Chouji muttered, "Don't you want to be Shika's pregnant wife?"

"It's an amusement park, I want to have fun," the blonde gestured. "I deliberately left 'Junior' home because pretending to be pregnant would have limited the types of attractions I could go on."

"That's true," Shikamaru continued, "and places like this tend to frown on public drunkenness as well, so that cover's out."

Ino smiled, "Thank you."

"So what should we try?" the burly member of the team put a hand to his face like he was trying just a little too hard to think.

After a moment an idea was offered, "Fake an accident or injury," Asumaru spoke up. "Lots of people are always losing things while on rides. Purses, sunglasses, you know…"

"And just how do you expect this to work?" Shikamaru studied his protégé.

"I know a wicked little trick with wind that uncle Konohamaru's been helping me with. I can pick up items and toss them around. All we need is the right location and I'm sure I can find something." He turned to look at Ino, "It'll smack you in the head somewhere, maybe hard enough to leave a lump, just enough to make it look good when a delicate flower like you faints."

"That's actually not bad," Ino smiled, even though she knew his description of her as 'a delicate flower' was based off the scenario and not anything to do with her personally, "I'm sure I can make it look like I was really nailed if I see it coming just before I go out of body."

"Since you're the catcher this time, what do I get to do?" Chouji spoke to Shikamaru.

"Fill in as best you can," the shadow ninja replied. "The backup man has always had the role of covering for unseen circumstances. I know it's been a while since you've had this part but I'm sure it'll all come back to you."

"Just look touristy," Ino giggled, "I'm sure you brought some gaudy tropical print shirts in your travel bag."

"The loudest I own," the swirl cheeked shinobi smiled, "you better have some high quality sunglasses with you to cut down on the glare."

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It was a perfect final day of the season at Nanaboshi. The walkway bustled with families who wanted one last outing before the weather turned into the rainy part of the season. The autumn sun proved to be delightfully warm on 'Eiko's' skin as she teased her 'husband' with the last piece of cotton candy. She was careful not to get any of it in his loose, black, shoulder length hair. Her own honey-blonde tresses hung in three braids from where she usually wore one pony tail. Finally, 'Shitaro' grabbed her wrist and got both the pink fluff and her fingers between his lips. She giggled as he released her then leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder as they continued to move along the busy walkway. Her blue eyes held steady on something beyond them.

Asumaru took their current position as the signal he'd been waiting for. They'd sent him off when they'd first gotten governor Miura in their sights; he'd picked up a snack at one of the vendors and stood around casually nibbling on it while watching for this sign. He slowly counted to 10 as he scanned around, There, he smiled, the redhead on the swing ride. He flicked out a subtle gesture, and tore a loose fitting sandal from the girl's foot with a controlled gust. It carried on its path catching Ino on the side of her forehead where her bangs covered it.

Ino had just completed her jutsu as the impact struck, her body slumped in a manner that followed the impact of the sandal, while Miura Hirokazu only flinched slightly as Ino's spirit possessed him.

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The older man briefly touched the spot on his forehead, as if a sudden headache was bothering him. He tapped the shoulder of his nephew, Chumei, as the group of relatives attention was suddenly caught by an excited noise from the crowd about fifty feet ahead of them. Then he broke away from his family, stepped over a low fence and waded out into a decorative pond up to his waist. Chumei followed, stopping at the fence. A moment passed before the rest of the Miuras noticed the governor's position.

His personal aide spoke out, "Miura-sama, what are you doing?"

The response came in the form of the older man splashing the group. Chumei decided to step over the fence an join him. Hirokazu suddenly froze for a moment, then he focused on his nephew, "You've really done it…you really pulled it off."

Chumei started to open his mouth to reply to his uncle, and was caught off guard as the older man splashed him in the face, this time of his own free will.

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Asumaru was about to join his 'uncle' when he noticed the crowd was rapidly growing around his teammates. He could just see Shikamaru holding Ino's body in his arms. The people started to excitedly comment about what had just happened to the blonde.

The youth tried to get closer, Hadn't even considered this…

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Ino's eyes blinked open, she could still feel the sting of where the sandal had nailed her above her right eye. Her first thought was to summon her chakra heal it, when the reality of her situation struck. There was a near solid wall of people surrounding herself and Shikamaru.

"You should sue," a man's voice offered.

"She's so pretty. I hope she doesn't end up with a scar," said a woman's voice.

Ino's hand paused on her bangs, feeling them sticky with blood. Without being obvious she did a light probe of the injury, Minor gash; like most head wounds, the blood makes it seem worse than it really is.

The crowd noise continued: "I know a good lawyer." I'm surprised the park hasn't sent any medics yet." "Or staff representatives." "How shocking!" "Maaaa, who hurt th' lady?"

The crush was getting closer, and as desperately as Shikamaru want to find an inconspicuous way to leave he could find none. As it was Asumaru had barely been able to wedge his way through the press with his cries of "Uncle Shitaro! Let me through, he's my uncle." The shadow ninja could feel the way Ino was tensing, as if ready to panic. As she gave him a despairing look, a voice cut through the crowd.

"Out of my way, I'm Chiba Kotaro and I'd like to evaluate the situation."

The three heads in the center of the crush turned in the direction the voice came from. The crowd immediately began muttering among themselves, but obligingly started to clear a path. Ino thought to herself, I can't believe he's come up with this, can he possibly pull it off?

The Chiba were a family of renowned lawyers who were split between Konoha and the capitol of Hi no Kuni. At least Chouji had gotten one detail right when he'd decided to pass himself off as one: they were known to be fairly hefty men. As he came into view, Ino looked up at him, grateful that she'd slicked down his hair this morning as she darkened it. It seemed to enhance the 'in control' image he was trying to project.

"Everyone, please give these people some room," boomed the voice of the large man in saffron colored shirt with a leaf print in turquoise and jade. The crowd cowered back in awe of the 'supposedly' famous man before them.

Ino was trying hard not to smirk as she saw him trying to take charge of the situation.

It also happened that the parks first aid team chose that moment to arrive, forcing back the gathered onlookers by another twenty feet.

During the following minutes, Shikamaru tried to look every bit the concerned husband, watching as the medics cleaned and bandaged Ino's head wound, while appearing to be consulting with lawyer.

Finally, one of the medics rose to talk to Shikamaru, but nervously eyed the hefty man at his side before saying, "The gash seems so superficial, it worries me that your wife fainted because of it. We'd like to take her back to our infirmary for a few hours for observation."

Ino's voice cut in, "I told them I don't have any pre-existing conditions that could lead to complications." Then suddenly her expression softened, she gave 'her husband' one of those puppy-eyed expressions, "Honey, tell them I get regular check ups."

The black haired man sighed, tilting his head so he didn't have to look at her pleading eyes, "It probably because of her latest diet."

Chouji glanced briefly toward the blonde then back to the man at his side, he spoke with quiet confidence, "You have my card if anything happens." His eyes then regarded the medics to clearly send notice the Chiba would be watching. Then he strode off through the crowd projecting the very image of pride.

Ino started to stand and Shika hurried to take her arm. The park medics finished their paperwork and went on their way.

"I think fun time is over," the black haired man whispered in her ear. "The crowds are starting to get to me."

She took the cue, then said so the nearest of the crowd could hear while looking at Asumaru, "Sorry sweetie, your uncle thinks I should take it easy for the rest of the day. It looks like we're going back to the room."

Asumaru stuffed his hands in his pockets and wore a sulky expression all the way back. There was no way he was going to allow himself to be out acted at a time like this.

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When they made it back to the room the sound of the shower running announced their fourth teammate's prior return. Ino promptly banged on the door yelling, "Hey, you better save me some hot water," then she turned grinning to the others, "Probably couldn't wait to get that gunk out of his hair."

"That and the concealer," Shikamaru muttered as he pulled his hair back into it's accustomed tail.

"So why do you use items like that?" the youngest member of the team queried, "Isn't it more convenient to use disguise jutsus?"

"There are some places that tend to deliberately look for chakra signatures. In fact, people like the governor have hirelings who have an exclusive duty of that nature." The Nara looked at his student, "When someone is as important as he is, assassination attempts of the real kind come with the territory. Only the most highly skilled of jounin can completely conceal their signatures while maintaining a disguise. Fortunately, very few individuals can afford top echelon ninja for such assignments."

He leaned close to Asumaru and added softly, "My brother-in-law, the Kazekage, is so good at it he can sneak a group out right under his guard's noses. Last time we visited, he snuck Temari and myself out to his favorite bar, while his wife disguised a shadow clone as him; she stayed back at the complex having her own dinner. The guards were none the wiser, she's every bit as good at it as he is." His eyes flicked to the blonde one last time; fortunately she was preoccupied with a mirror studying the gash on her forehead.

She rose up and walked to the bathroom door and rapped sharply, "You done yet? I want to get cleaned up before I finish healing this thing."

"Almost," came a muffled reply, followed briefly by, "sorry."

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When Ino finally emerged from her shower, Shikamaru gave her the piece of news that had arrived in her absence. "Our client has invited us to collect our fee tonight. His uncle would like to meet us and has requested us to dine with the family tonight."

"That's really nice," the blonde smiled as she toweled her long tresses. She set the cloth down on the dresser and ran her finger through the strands, "Is it casual or formal?"

"The message requested we show up as shinobi, so I guess it means we wear our regular travel clothes."

"As if they weren't going to get enough wear on the trip home." The kunoichi sounded disappointed.

"Feeling sad that you don't get to dress up for your pretend hubby?" Chouji teased from the chair by the window.

"No, sad that I can't flirt with some rich lawyer," she replied sarcastically, as she walked over to him. "Although," she stood above him, "I do like your normal hair better than that slicked back disaster we made it into this morning." She stuck her fingers into the still slightly damp crown of his mane and wiggled them, fluffing it out slightly. "At least it balances your face out better," she gave a quirky little smile to him.

"And I thought you were the fluff head of our group," Shikamaru said in a matter of fact tone.

Ino turned to face him, lips creasing on a bitten back retort. She retrieved her towel and headed back into the bathroom.

Chouji sighed, eyes looking still in the direction the blonde had disappeared.

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It was true that the governor was indeed pleased with the results his nephew's prank. "So, which one of you came up with the idea for a diversion big enough to distract the general populace from observing my stroll into the pond?" The old man's eyes showed that he was convinced that it was really part of the plan, "I wish to thank you for allowing me to keep my dignity intact."

After a quick glance to his companions, Shikamaru put a hand on the shoulder of the young genin. "The injury scenario was this one's idea," he allowed all the pride he felt in his student show in his voice.

"But, to have come up with it right down to the detail of him," Miura Chumei pointed at Chouji, "pass himself off as one of the Chiba. That was brilliant." The man applauded Asumaru.

Kurenai's son tried not to squirm under the weighted praise, especially considering how much of it was not due to planning but due to sheer luck. The smiles of his teammates were the only thing that kept him from bolting from the room. I guess this is one of those moments where an illusion can be created outside of a genjutsu.

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Since both the client and his uncle were amused with the scenario's turnout Team 10 received a very pleasant bonus, both for themselves and for Konoha.

Shikamaru took responsibility for Asumaru's part of it, "Your mother is going to get a full mission report before I turn any of it over to you."

"You're a cruel master," Ino razzed him on the boy's behalf.

A little later she quietly added the thought, "You know it'll be years before he sees another payday like this one."

Just as silently the shadow ninja replied, "I thought you were the one who didn't want him on this mission," he narrowed his eyes at his long time teammate.

"Don't say it…"

He sighed and it became a thought instead, troublesome woman.

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Kankurou was working through the never dwindling stack of paper that sat on his desk. Each piece became part of the monotonous blur this day had become. He almost hesitated setting his seal on the piece before him, then he re-read the part that hadn't made sense the first time he'd read it. It never ceases to amaze me what things the council finds urgent. Why did I ever decide to take this job? Putting a hand to the side of his head he let out an exasperated groan.

"Kazekage-sama?" It was Haijun's voice.

The puppet master looked up to see his assistant framed in the doorway.

"Shinobu has brought your sons back for their lunch with you."

The dark eyes shifted to the clock, 12:30 already, at least this boring day is moving fast. I thought time only flew when you have fun. He rose from the desk and headed out the door, softly saying, "Have fun," with a hint of sarcasm as he passed Haijun.

He actually enjoyed the walk down the hall to where he had these twice a week mid-day breaks with his sons. It gets me out of the office for something other than business.

As he entered the small room that was converted from a group waiting area to a dining room for these occasions, he was immediately greeted by a petite amber haired woman.

"Good afternoon, Kazekage-sama." Although her voice was nothing like Shiori's, Shinobu was still among the most pleasant of her cousins. He nodded an acknowledgement to her, then watched as she took up a vigilant position against the wall.

"Father," Yuugure spoke from the seat he'd already claimed as his for these lunches. Kankurou had noticed that the boy already understood the difference between these occasions and the ones where he had to publicly show proper deference to his father due to his title.

Mayonaka on the other hand showed the same happy smile even as the child hesitantly sounded out "Fa-a-fwer," trying to imitate his brother, but squirming just a bit in the booster chair.

Kankurou walked over to take his seat between the boys, taking a moment to touch each of them on the head before sitting. It was a conscious effort on his behalf; he really wasn't sure what was considered as showing affection to a child. His father had not been a caring man, so it did not seem to come naturally to him. Then he settled into the other thing he did for his sons' amusement; he used his puppet master jutsu to reach out and take the lids off the entrees that had been set before them. Sometimes, he would spin the lids in the air before setting them down, but today, since the platters were all the same size, he revealed each item briefly then after re-covering each, shuffled them gently in a shell game. He always observed the different way the two boys watched this game. Yuugure focused on the objects that moved, while Mayonaka seemed to pay as much attention to his father's hands and the space between the platters. Maybe he has my gift. When he can express himself better, I can ask him what he sees.

As he stopped the shuffling, he turned to Yuugure, "So where should we start?" knowing full well that one platter had a collection of their favorite fruits.

"That one," the amber haired boy pointed to the one on the left.

Kankurou pull the lid to reveal the prized tidbits.

Mayonaka threw his hands up in a happy squeal at his brother's success.

Shinobu once again walked forward in case her little cousins needed any assistance, (which the two year old invariably did, no matter how nicely prepared the finger foods were.)

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Promptly at 1:20 the boys' nanny appeared at the door, signaling the end of lunchtime. The black haired woman entered wearing a simple taupe colored frock. She settled into cleaning Yuugure face and hands as well as his area of the table. Shinobu was doing pretty much the same for Mayonaka.

Kankurou turned briefly to the amber haired woman as she was starting to pick up his younger son. "If I can have a few moments of your time."

"Of course, Kazekage-sama," she stood with the red haired boy in her arms, his turquoise eyes gazing up at his father in awe.

He reached out, a brief touch to the side of his younger son's face filling him with a familiar ache, I miss you, my brother. If you're out there, I want to see you again. "Aya, if you will take your charges back to their rooms."

"Certainly, Kazekage-sama." She took Mayonaka from Shinobu and set him next to his brother, "Come with me," she said to the two of them as she offered each a hand. Both obediently took hold and accompanied her out the door.

Kankurou kept his voice low as he spoke to the Chidoku woman almost as if he feared the children could still hear. "How is Shiori doing?"

"She almost seems like her old self," Shinobu spoke hesitantly, "but occasionally I will come to see her and you can just catch the flicker of her transformation jutsu going into effect…sometimes she'll miss a telltale sign that she's been crying again; wetness on her hands or clothing. I've been very cautious not to confront her with the fact she's trying to hide this." The brown eyes met his with concern.

"That is wise," he replied, "she needs time, so that is what we must give her."

The petite woman touched his arm, "I thank you for your understanding."

He nodded, "Please keep me informed, if anything changes or if the Chidoku need anything…" his words failed him.

"Then I shall take my leave Kazekage-sama." The woman bowed her head and headed out to return to the Chidoku's part of Sunagakure.

He stood in the room with his lingering thoughts, How long does it take a woman to recover from something like this? How responsible am I for this? Melancholy reclaimed him.

He started to move toward the door but a scent seemed to fill his senses, a hint of roses and suddenly in the back of his mind he pictures a pair of eyes, vivid as the skies in his wildest dreams, which held a passionate fire one would never associate with the color blue. And for the briefest moment he remembered…what he tried so hard not to remember.

The clatter of platters being hastily picked up by one of the serving staff broke his reverie. He turned to see another had put a vase on the table, with a fresh floral arrangement which, of course included the roses that had set his mind wandering.

No time to look back, I obviously have bad luck in my relationships. Yet the thoughts of Shiori and Ino so close in his mind left him feeling confused. Is it my own mistakes that leave me in this position?

"Kazekage-sama," the voice of Jiro, one of his regular guards, brought him out of his thoughts once more. "Haijun sent me to fetch you. He states your very important 1:30 meeting arrived early and you have been keeping them waiting."

No time to think of 'could have beens,' He hurried to join the shinobi in a rush back to his office, I am the Kazekage, not some ordinary man who has time to worry about his feelings.


A/N: In one of my other stories, I had previously assigned a holding name to Kurenai & Asuma's child…Yes, like most I decided that the child would be a boy. The name I assigned was Asumaru, kind of a cross between the child's father and the name of the man who avenged him…but with a pleasantly distinct meaning. I decided to use Kurenai's family name of Yuuhi, well just because…

Thank you to Awaii for being my only reviewer prior to the posting of this chapter…

Other reviewer are always welcome, comment on anything...where you think I'm going with this, why you like Ino fanfictions, or if you think Matataki's mismatched eyes are cute or not...

I applaud creativity.