A/N: Seems like these damn chapters keep getting longer. Might need to reign that in. When I conceived this idea, I knew the story would be long, but I am only starting to realize the scope of what I have begun. Maybe I should have just gone with a silly ass sequel to Jones and James Most Excellent Adventure. Ah well. Nothing worth doing is easy or short.

It had been one long year of constantly being watched, of talking with the head of T&I. One long arduous year of never ending scrutiny, then another six months of red tape while his citizenship applications were processed.

It was enough to drive anyone mad, but Hiroto persevered. This was the only haven he would find. Not that he really wanted a haven. He would have been happy to let the oblivion of death wash away his guilt... and the nightmares.

They were here, though, and he had promised to protect them. He did so from a distance. Quietly fearing the girl would condemn him for his role in the death of her family and clan.

Today, though... today was good. He missed dearly the sense of belonging that he had left behind. He hoped as a citizen of Konoha he could find that again.

He was currently waiting outside of the Hokage's office, as final concerns about his application were heard. Most of them were from members of the civilian council that helped to govern the village, but the Hokage had final authority in the matter.

After about an hour, he was invited in to plead his case and hear the final verdict. He noted a few sour faces amongst the witnesses, and was surprised to see two very important clan leaders present as well: Hyuga Hiashi and Inuzuka Tsume. He suddenly wished he had worn something better than his normal gray attire. Old habits died hard, though.

"Ryouko Hiroto," the Hokage began in a formal tone, "You have filed an application for citizenship with Konaha. An unusual request considering your birthplace and previous ties. Before I decide, a few concerned individuals have some questions."

Now Hiroto understood the clan leaders' presence. Unlike the civilian council, the shinobi clan council could override the Hokage with enough votes. Their civilian supporters had most likely put pressure on these two clans to forward their own concerns. Hiroto hated politics, but he would suffer through this. It was just another part of his penance.

"Ryouko-san," the Hyuga patron started, "I am Hyuga Hiashi, leader of the Hyuga clan."

"It is an honor to meat you Hyuga-sama," Hiroto replied formally with a bow.

"Least he does the song and dance well, eh Hiashi" his counterpart commented gruffly, "I'm Tsume, leader of the Inuzuka."

Hiroto hesitated at her brash and disrespectful manner, but decided strong deference to her was a bad idea, "No song and dance, she-wolf. I just know how to address my betters."

A dead silence followed his remark. It was broken by the sudden and hearty laughter of the she-wolf herself. Hiroto was pleased by her good humor. The laughter trickled out, but a lopsided grin remained on her face.

"I like this one, Sarutobi," she said to the Hokage, "He's got balls of steal."

The Hyuga patron seemed unamused, but otherwise unaffected by Hiroto's comment to his peer. He looked ready to have this business over.

"Ryouko-san, why did you leave Kumogakure?" he asked, fixing his piercing gaze on Hiroto.

The former Kumo ninja met the gaze unflinchingly, "There was a severe difference of ideals that could not be reconciled."

"You expect something different here in Konoha?" Tsume interjected.

"I have already seen the difference," Hiroto answered with conviction.

"You have other reasons for being here, do you not?" Hiashi almost accused.

"I do," Hiroto answered honestly, "There are people here I swore to protect. They have chosen to serve Konoha, and so I serve Konoha."

"Why did you swear to protect these people?" the Hyuga leader went on.

"To repent for the sins I committed against them."

"What sins were those?"

Hiroto met the man's gaze with a fierce one of his own, "None of your business."

That took the whole group by surprise. Even the Hokage.

Some of the civilian representatives looked about ready to pop for Hiroto's temerity, but were stopped dead by a chuckle. Not from Tsume, but from Hiashi himself.

"You are bold," the man said, "Indeed, those sins are not my business. The Hokage never would have let you get this far had he believed otherwise."

He turned to the Hokage, "I have no further concerns, Hokage-sama."

He looked to Tsume who simply shrugged, "He had me at she-wolf."

"Very well, then," the Hokage said as he stood, "Ryouko Hiroto, you are henceforth a citizen of Konoha, with all of the benefits and responsibilities that come with it. Would you like to say anything before we disperse?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Hiroto answered, "I would like to formally request entry into your Shinobi Corps."

"Very well," the Hokage sounded pleased, "You will be tested one week from today for your aptitude. Dismissed."

A few of the civilians seemed about to protest this, until a spike of killing intent washed over them. Hiashi raked them with his unnerving gaze and said, "Any citizen of Konoha may become a shinobi provided they meet the requirements."

Finding no arguments forthcoming, Hiroto bowed and left.

XxXxXxXxX

Ren looked at her home with pride. She had managed to get the place cheap, but had a hell of a time finding labor to fix it up. The Village clerk had scoffed at her request to buy a four acre estate in the south-eastern district of Konoha that had been severely damaged by the Kyuubi. After she had produced the Hokage's writ, he had changed his tune. He was having so much trouble getting people to resettle the area, and he was more than happy to haggle with her over the already low price. She walked out after talking the man down to 200,000 ryo.

The place was a steal at that price. It already had a large home, though it had been partially destroyed. She set about finding laborers to repair the damage, but few would come for fear of malevolent spirits. Finally fed up, she talked a few imps into causing a little havoc that she could then put a stop to. The villagers began calling her an exorcist and a priestess.

After one or two 'exorcisms' she managed to talk people into working for her. As time went on, she found herself petitioned more and more for her talents, and soon she had a decent business 'exorcising' evil spirits. It gave her an excellent cover for gathering the information the Hokage required.

She found herself smiling; something she had rarely done over the past year and a half. She almost felt guilty for not being sad, but couldn't get rid of the feeling.

Her brother playing with his kitten in the grass didn't help. They were both clumsily rolling about, with the kitten purring loudly and Osamu giggling incessantly. She took some pride in him, too. He was already trying to walk, and his babbling was beginning to sound like words from time to time. His eyes had settled from the light gold of his birth to a deep amber, and his hair was coming in as black as her own and just as straight. She kept it cut short after his kitten kept getting tangled in it.

"Well ain't that something," a female voice declared gruffly, "Someone is living here."

Ren turned toward the street to a see a stout woman supported by a pair of crutches looking at her home. She was broad shouldered for her gender, with heavily muscled arms. Her curly hair was a honey brown and allowed to hang loose down past her shoulders and framed a kind but blocky face. She had eyes as green as the leaves that hid the village and they held a fire and vigor that denied her infirmity. Her legs seemed frozen below her, twitching from time to time. As if to mock her own condition, she wore a white sleeveless gi like she was going to, or coming from, training. She hobbled closer to Ren using her crutches as extra legs.

"And where are your parents, my dear," she asked, "village is safe enough, but a pretty thing like you might get someone lusting."

Ren blushed at the comment, but bowed deeply to the woman, "I am Sakibou Ren. I am the eldest in my family."

The woman's eyes saddened at that, "Orphans, eh? Too many of those about. Almost made one of my son during the attack. I am Shoudou Mayu. You can call me Mayu if you like, Ren-chan."

"Thank you Mayu-san," Ren tried a little cautiously.

"And who is that little bundle of energy?" Mayu said as she watched Osamu with amusement in her eyes, "He looks to be a handful."

"That is my baby brother, Osamu," Ren said, a bit of pride seeping into her voice.

"You're raising the boy yourself?" Mayu asked, but without an ounce of mockery and just a touch of worry.

"I... I am doing my best," she said, a bit surprised by the woman's concern.

"Well he's lucky to have you, my dear," Mayu said evenly, "Say, would you like to bring him to meet my son? There aren't many boys in the neighborhood, and little Hotaka could use a friend. I'll make you dinner."

Ren perked up at that. She could cook, but it tended to be bland. It would be nice to have someone else do it.

"I would love to, Mayu-san!" she exclaimed happily, "Osa-kun, would you like to make a friend?"

"GAHHH!" was her brother's answer.

She gathered him up and shooed his kitten up the step to the door, "Zuki, look after the house and take care of the kitten."

Zuki, who was sunning himself on their porch, just browwed and rolled over.

XxXxXxXxX

Mayu had a cozy little home not too far away. It seemed her house had always been in this area since before the Kyuubi's attack, and she refused to let superstition move her. From inside, the sound of someone yelling could be heard. The noise grew louder until the front door flew open, revealing the source of the sound to be a black haired girl around Ren's age in a black tee-shirt and shorts.

"GET HIM OFF!" she wailed, "MAYU! GET YOUR LITTLE MONSTER OFF ME!"

As she screamed she danced around reaching for something on her back. As she turned, Ren saw the source of her distress. A toddler with brown hair and bright blue eyes, presumably Mayu's boy, had clamped his hands into the girls hair. He seemed to be enjoying the ride and was laughing happily.

Mayu, laughing the whole way to her door, hobbled up to the distressed babysitter, "Stand still Anko. I can't grab him with you prancing about like that."

After a few minutes, the boy was disentangled from Anko, who then grabbed him by the ankles and began to swing him back and forth. This seemed to delight the boy even more.

"Laugh all you want, you little beast," Anko growled, "I'm in control now."

"Ren, this is Mitarashi Anko," Mayu introduced, "The monster is my son, Hotaka. Anko, Sakibou Ren."

Ren bowed to the girl, but Anko answered with rasberry.

"Don't give me that formal crap," the girl said, "And call me Anko. Nice to meet ya, Ren"

The last word was screamed as Hiroto somehow managed to get a hold of her hair again. He was tugging on it furiously.

"WHY IS HE SO STRONG!?"

Eventually they managed to break the boy's grip, and he was introduced to Osamu. The two babbled at each other and began stacking blocks in a pen set up in the kitchen.

"Can't be chasing after the boy," Mayu explained the arrangement, "Can't walk yet, but he crawls faster than a cockroach."

"Guess you can go on home now, Anko," Mayu told the girl, "They'll have your money at Ops."

"Errr," the girl replied, "You sure you don't need help with dinner?"

"Wasted all your mission money on dango again, huh?" Mayu asked casually. Anko had to decency to look a little ashamed, "You can stay for dinner if you want."

Mayu's kitchen was heavily modified. A circular counter sat in the middle. Atop it was a stove, sink, miniature oven, and cutting board. Mayu was currently retrieving ingredients, pots, and pans from the cabinets and a fridge built into the outside of the counter. After piling all of it near the stove, she hobbled around and entered into a hollow in the center of the set-up. She set her crutches to the side, and began to cook. She simply used her strong arms to turn her to whatever task needed her attention.

"Amazing isn't she?" Anko whispered to Ren, "She was paralyzed during the Kyuubi attack... protecting me. They were able to repair some of the damage, but all she can do with her legs is stand."

Ren was indeed amazed. The woman obviously had difficulty, but refused to bow to her infirmity. Instead she modified her kitchen to allow her to cook unhindered. Anko, despite her promise of help, dragged Ren out of the kitchen and showed her the rest of the house. It had all been made to allow Mayu to live normally.

"How did she protect you?" Ren asked.

"Let's just say that I was a stupid child, and she payed the price for my stupidity," Anko answered.

Dinner was delicious, and the company was wonderful. Anko and Mayu had an informal manner that put Ren at ease, and soon she was laughing as easily as they did.

After the meal, Anko chose to clean the dishes, while Ren cleaned up the two toddlers, who were wearing as much food as they ate. Anko was adamant in her belief that Hotaka had it out for her.

"The little monster is trying to kill me," she proclaimed as she scrubbed a pan, "He just isn't big enough to finish the job yet."

When they were done, they sat and talked for a while longer as the boys played. When Osamu yawned, Ren took that as a cue to go.

"I think my brother needs to sleep," she said.

"Wish mine would wind down like that," Mayu said, "He just goes till he passes out."

"Say goodbye to your friend, Osa-kun," Ren told her brother as she picked him up, "We can visit him again soon."

"F..Fend," Osamu said sleepily, to Ren's surprise.

Hotaka liked the sound of that, and began to chant it, "FEND, FEND, FEND!"

"Well I'll be damned!" Mayu exclaimed, "My boy's first word."

XxXxXxXxX

Hiroto had gone through the motions of various written and practical tests with the chunin at Konoha's academy. They all came to the same conclusion as his last time at one of these institutions; he was an average shinobi in just about every way. Soon though, he was standing in front of not one, but two jonin and two chunin in an open field interspersed with a few trees. A jonin with grey hair, a mask, and his hitai-ate covering his left eye stepped forward.

"Well, then," then man drawled lazily, "You seem to be passable enough to enter our ranks, but the Hokage asked that we test you to see if you meet the standards for a Leaf chunin. I am Hatake Kakashi."

"Yuhi Kurenai," the female chunin with deep red eyes introduced herself.

"Maito Gai," the other chunin, who was wearing green spandex and had the most awful bowl cut, yelled with his fist in the air.

"Sarutobi Asuma," the other jonin, a man lighting up a cigarette offered, the stubble of an emerging beard gracing his cheeks.

"I am Ryouko Hiroto," the former Kumo shinobi offered in return with a small bow, "I am honored that so many would participate in this exercise. I actually recognize all of you by name, and Asuma-san from his bingo book picture."

"Do you now?" Asuma laughed.

"Thirty five million ryo would catch anyone's attention," Hiroto jokingly answered.

"Well then," Kakashi interrupted, before Asuma's head pushed them out of the training field, "These three will be observing the two of us spar. Use any and all skills and tools you deem necessary."

"Are you sure, my friend," Hiroto lightly mocked, "I could hurt you that way."

Kakashi gave a smile, or at least what seemed like one from the visible parts of his face, "I wouldn't worry about that. Your only goal is to last as long as you can."

Without any preamble Kakashi rushed Hiroto. The newest leaf shinobi had figure that would happen, and spun to his left to avoid the direct attack. Kakashi had predicted his move and was already swiping out with a held kunai.

Hiroto ended his spin by throwing his butt out, narrowly avoiding the slicing blade. The jonin stopped his forward momentum and, spinning low, swept his leg out to catch his opponent while he was unbalanced by the desperate dodge. He found Hiroto surprisingly stable and ready, as the man lifted his leading foot over the sweep and tried to stomp down on Kakashi's passing leg. Seeing no other recourse, Kakashi broke engagement and backed off.

"You're better than your test scores indicate," Kakashi complimented, "You are amazingly fast."

"A man's true worth in battle can only be tested in battle, Kakashi-san," Hiroto offered in explanation.

That brought a whoop from Gai, who began babbling loudly about the power of youth, much to the chagrin of his fellow watchers, but the over eager martial artist was soon drowned out by the continued battle.

This time Hiroto initiated the clash. He came in low, aiming a kick at Kakashi's knee. Kakashi simply moved his leading leg back to avoid the strike, only to have to lean as far back as his balance and flexibility would allow to dodge a kunai flying at his face.

He caught a glimpse of Hiroto preforming hand seals as he straightened and attempted another step back to give himself room to dodge. His foot caught on the results of the ninjutsu, a deformation of the ground. Instead of attempting to regain his balance he threw himself into a backward roll, narrowly avoiding a powerful ax kick from his opponent.

"He shows an excellent grasp of combat tactics," Asuma commented.

"His Taijutsu is simple, but he mixes in his other skills to unbalance his opponent," Gai said excitedly.

Kakashi came out of the roll to block a series of jabs aimed at his upper body. On the last one, he instead grabbed Hiroto's arm and used the momentum of the attack to throw him. Hiroto flipped mid air and managed a skidding landing on his feet. The two faced off, resting a bit after the clash.

"You live up to your reputation, Kakashi-san," Hiroto said, panting a little, "but I won't let this end until I see that other eye of yours."

"You're going to have to do much better than this, then," Kakashi mocked with another veiled smile.

"Alright then."

Hiroto pulled out four kunai and began tossing them high in the air. As they began to come down, he caught and juggled them back up.

Kakashi watched the actions warily, unsure of his opponents intentions. When he caught sight of the hand seals between tosses, he charged. He wasn't sure what sort of jutsu the unpredictable shinobi was planning, but he was sure he should interrupt it.

He wasn't expecting Hiroto to suddenly meet his charge with a kick straight to the chest, somehow managing to keep up his juggling. The impact knocked the wind from Kakashi, but he was able to slow his momentum and reinforce his chest with chakra so as to prevent real damage. Without missing a beat, Hiroto began throwing his kunai, as Kakashi dodged and attempted to regain his breath.

His dodging suddenly stopped as he fell into a hole that had not been there a moment ago. Instead of leaping out, he used a quick jutsu to tunnel further in.

Instead of looking into the hole, Hiroto tossed an explosive tag tied to a kunai in it. The thing blew up, and Hiroto was surprised to find Kakashi hadn't leapt out.

Fearing he had hurt the jonin, Hiroto ran to the hole and peered inside to find it empty. Kakashi burst from the ground behind him and punched out. Hiroto was forced to duck the blow, but was unable to do anything about the follow up kick that sent him tumbling into the hole. Hiroto managed to turn mid fall and caught sight of a red eye with strange marks around the pupil.

Hiroto landed at the bottom of the pit and quickly went through some seals after drawing blood on his thumb. With a poof of smoke his trio of tigers sat around him awaiting orders.

"The target is a grey haired man with mismatched eyes," Hiroto quickly explained, "This is only a test of my abilities. Do not do any real harm to him."

The tigers looked to one another and seemed to shrug. They leapt from the pit before Hiroto, and the aspiring chunin was awarded with a cry of surprise.

"You can summon, too!?" he heard Kakashi say breathlessly.

Hiroto came from the pit to see the jonin dodging the tigers' well concerted attacks. He threw some kunai at the man to keep him on the defensive. Before he could charge, however, he felt a cold point at his throat. Hiroto held his hands out to his sides.

"You truly are deserving of your reputation, Kakashi-san," Hiroto said as the clone the tigers were attacking vanished in a poof of smoke, "How did you do that?"

"I made a clone before our fight," Kakashi explained as he removed the kunai, "I used a replacement technique to swap with it as soon as I saw the tigers. I'll admit I was not expecting the hunting cats."

Hiroto turned to the jonin as the man was covering his sharingan eye. Both bowed, Hiroto a bit deeper, and shook hands.

"So the rumors about your eye are true." Hiroto mused, "I never stood a chance did I?"

"The fact that you got him to use it is a testament to your skill," Asuma said walking up, "That was an excellent fight."

"I was impressed you managed to work in a genjutsu with those kunai," Kurenai admitted.

Kakashi stared at her for a moment, "Those weren't real?"

"Nope," answered Hiroto, "I don't like using real kunai just to herd my opponent."

"I should have seen through that," Kakashi said a little confused, "Guess it's time to ramp up my training."

"You were winded and in a desperate situation," Kurenai explained, "Couple that with your expectation of Hiroto actually throwing kunai at you and the vision is as real as it gets. You show an excellent grasp of genjutsu theory."

"Your taijutsu is also very good," Gai piped in, "Simple, but fast and effective."

"A well rounded shinobi," Asuma agreed, "Most tend to be specialized, like Kurenai or Gai here."

"My father once told me that trying to be the best at one thing was a worthy cause, but being decent at everything would carry me farther in life."

"A fine philosophy," Kakashi told him, "Come on, let's get something to eat. The sharingan drains me, and Asuma can make the report."

"I lost, I'll buy," Hiroto offered.

Asuma was left alone on the training field as the others walked off to find a place to eat.

"How the hell did I get saddled with the report?" He grumbled.

XxXxXxXxX

The Hokage mulled over his son's report, "That impressed, were you?"

"Yes," Asuma replied, "I recommend he be given the rank of chunin, and pending performance in actual missions, be considered for jonin as soon as possible. I believe Kakashi agrees."

"Well, I will get him to work immediately," the Hokage smiled, "What do you think of him personally?"

"He is both friendly and respectful," Asuma granted, "but... can he really be trusted?"

His father tossed him a hitai-ate, "Take that to him and see for yourself."

XxXxXxXxX

Like many single shinobi, Hiroto lived in one of the many apartments scattered across Konoha. Even without knowing the room number, Asuma was able to find the apartment due to some rather obscene graffiti. 'Go home, Kumo scum' 'traitor' and 'get out' were just a few of the epithets scrawled on the door. Knocking earned him a rather worrisome, and somewhat humorous, reply.

"Go away you punks!" he heard the angry yell, "You know ANBU still watches me."

At the last word the door flew open to reveal a shirtless, and by the smell slightly inebriated, Hiroto. Asuma couldn't help but note a few odd scars on his junior's chest.

"Well I'll be damned," he said, surprised, "My apologies. Come in. Come in."

Asuma entered and was met with the sight of beer bottles... everywhere.

Where there weren't empty bottles, there were stacks of what looked like sketch paper. Asuma picked up a sheet and was disturbed by the drawing on it: a boy, screaming in agony as he held the stump of his right arm.

"I... uhhh," Asuma didn't know where to start now.

"That was the first one I saw," Hiroto told him from over his shoulder, his voice haunted, "Not the last, though. There were so many... too many. Not dead either, just maimed. Cruelly maimed and left to die in agony."

Asuma couldn't form a reply and instead grabbed another sheet. This one had a woman using someone as support from the supporter's view. Her eyes held pain and despair.

"I never knew her name..." Hiroto lamented, the alcohol loosening his tongue, "She died in my arms, and I never knew her name. I killed a comrade to try to save her... It was almost instinctive."

"What happened in those mountains, Hiroto-san?" Asuma whispered in awe as he went through more grisly sketches, each as bad or worse than the first, "What did Kumo do to make you leave?"

And so Asuma became the second man in Konoha to hear Hiroto's tale of horror. An hour or so later found Asuma a few beers in, feeling the need for them to calm his nerves.

"Why?" Asuma asked, overwhelmed, "Why did Kumo do it?"

"Why else?" Hiroto countered, "Power. I could understand that. I didn't agree with it, but the Raikage had ordered it. What made me leave was the carnage. I can kill a man and deal with the guilt, but it will be quick and clean. Not...that," he waved a hand at the stack of sketches in front of Asuma.

Asuma nodded. The life of a shinobi was a life in the shadows, and one had to get dirty... a lot. What Hiroto described, however, was the vilest thing he had ever heard. He found himself agreeing with Hiroto's decision to abandon his village.

"I asked my father why he trusted you," Asuma admitted, "Now I think I understand the old man's game here."

"Oh yea?" Hiroto asked.

"Don't let that codger fool you," Asuma warned, "He is crafty and will do anything to help and protect this village. That includes manipulating and using others. He is using this to ensure your loyalty."

"I gathered that much," Hiroto admitted, "That's why I trust him. I know he is looking out for what's best for this village. So long as I can keep my promise, I will serve faithfully."

Asuma nodded and got up to leave. Before walking out the door, he tossed Hiroto his new Hitai-ate.

"You are a chunin of Konohagakure now," Asuma told him, "You can start taking missions tomorrow."

Asuma left, haunted by the images Hiroto had given him.

XxXxXxXxX

The next year had Hiroto doing all of the shit missions. Guard duty, construction, sewer inspection. He would complete one job after another, each one worse than the last. He accepted it all without complaint. He still suffered from nightmares and found sleep hard to come by. He would finish his missions for the day and then throw himself into his own brutal training regimen. Only when exhausted from it did he find sleep.

Over time, the missions stopped being so bad, but the mistrust he felt from his fellow shinobi seemed to linger. He didn't mind so much. He understood their misgivings, after all. He just took it all in stride with a quiet calm.

Two and a half years from his arrival, the Hokage called him to his office.

"I finally managed to talk the council into giving this back to you, Hiroto-san," the Hokage place his hand on the massive Cat Summoning Scroll, "Toraneko was not pleased to find it was in my hands."

"You spoke with the cat boss?" Hiroto inquired.

"My personal summon inhabits the same realm as the cats," Sarutobi explained, "Messages were passed. Toraneko demanded that, as the scrolls official guardian, it be put back in your care."

The thought of the little tabby berating the Hokage brought a smirk to Hiroto's face.

"As for the collected knowledge of the Sakibou clan..." the Hokage paused when he saw Hiroto tense, "She still doesn't know you are here, does she?"

Hiroto had avoided any and all direct contact with Ren. He checked up on her and her brother regularly, but always clandestinely. An irrational sense of dread gripped him around the girl and Osamu, and he could not bring himself to go before them despite a burning desire to throw his worthless hide before her for judgment.

Instead of explaining all that, Hiroto simply said, "No, Hokage-sama."

The Hokage sighed, "Then your mission today is to return these to their rightful owners."

The Hokage tossed the two storage scrolls to Hiroto. He caught them, bowed, and turned on his heel to get away from the old man before his panic bubbled over.

XxXxXxXxX

Ren couldn't help but wonder if it had been a bad idea to agree to watch her friends' children.

Mayu had introduced her to Hibaku Natsumi shortly after their own meeting, and Ren had immediately liked the woman for her bluntness. Natsumi was disabled like Mayu; she had been a victim of a stroke during child birth. The stubborn woman had managed to regain use of her right arm and most of the right side of her face, but her right leg might as well have been made of wood for all she could move it. She made use of a cane and brace to help her walk, but otherwise lived normally.

Her son, Masaru, had gotten along with Osamu just as easily as Hotaka had. Her son looked almost two years ahead of his peers in growth, and had a set of dazzling sky-blue eyes under a mop of red-blonde hair. Together with Osamu and Hotaka, he completed the 'triumvirate of toddler terror' as Anko liked to call them.

Ren was beginning to agree with her. Both of the older women were at their respective doctors, and Anko was away on a long mission. Ren had offered to watch the boys easily. Now, as she looked for three boys hiding in her large home, she regretted the decision.

Osamu was normally well behaved and easy to deal with. When his friends were about, however, he became rather mischievous. At two and a half years of age, they could all walk and run... and apparently hide. Passing by a window she caught a glimpse of blue, Hotaka's favorite color, enter a small cave.

Ren paled at the thought. That cave housed a mother puma that had been attracted to Ren's land. She could easily tear those boys to shreds. Ren was out the window in an instant and running as fast as she could.

She reached the entrance and dove in without even bothering to look. The sight she was met with filled her with relief and hysterical laughter.

The puma was nursing its cubs while Hotaka chased its tail. Masaru was currently sleeping on her flank, and Osamu was nestled in her front legs while she licked his hair. Upon noticing Ren, the mother puma looked up at her as if to say, 'are these yours?'

Ren gathered the boys as she apologized profusely to the great cat and berated the three toddlers for their rudeness.

Upon exiting the cave she came face to face with Natsumi. Her hair was cropped short and was going over to grey from its natural blonde. Her brown eyes were full of fire, and her right eye twitched slightly in anger. She had her customary frown, and was tapping her good foot amongst the bones of the puma's various kills. She was thin and wiry, but still imposing in her ire. She wore the most ordinary clothing: grey shirt with grey pants and some work boots. Her clothing today, like everyday, was stained with various inks.

"Ren... why are the boys inside the den of a puma?" Natsumi asked in false politeness.

"They uhhh..." Ren was trying to find a good way to word 'They got away from me and decided to hide here.'

"Ren, I have a bum right leg, and can still keep track of my boy," Natsumi scolded, "How in the hell did you lose all three?"

"I'm sorry, Natsumi-san," Ren said, tears forming in her eyes, "I was trying to make them some lunch and they just disappeared."

Natsumi sighed, "Never mind that... Why do you have a hunting cat living on your land?"

"Ren has a way with cats... like those Inuzuka with their mutts," said Mayu as she hobbled up, "Probably has an understanding with that mother in there."

Ren was relieved to see Mayu, and happy to have her support.

"The thing is dangerous," Natsumi growled, "It could have eaten our boys alive."

As if to mock Natsumi's fears. The puma chose that moment to exit her den, the two cubs following. She walking up to Osamu and rubbed her cheek against his and began to purr. Hotaka and Masaru began to play with the cubs. She seemed pleased to have someone to play with them.

"See," Mayu declared, "Would probably kill anything that tried to harm the boys. Besides, Natsu, last time the boys were at your place, they ran off with one of your explosive scrolls and almost managed to set it off."

They had actually managed to set it off, or at least her own oversized son had. Luckily they had taken it from Natsumi's pile of discarded scrolls she had messed up in sealing. The thing had been a dud.

"They did, didn't they?" Natsumi said thoughtfully, "Last time they were at your place, they got a hold of a bunch of kunai and were playing at being ninja."

That had been a terrible mess. When Ren showed up to retrieve her brother, Anko had been smeared with blood and had several small nicks and cuts on her. She seemed oddly proud of her attackers.

The three ladies looked at their boys and silently agreed to drop the subject. This was the least hurt any of the boys had been on their various misadventures.

As they watched the toddlers play Ren began to look around.

"Osa-kun... where is your cat?" she asked, worried that the kitten was causing trouble... again.

"Kitty inside," Osamu told her from the back of the puma.

"Oh no," Ren said just as she heard a crash, "Curse that little hellcat."

XxXxXxXxX

Hiroto had managed to leave the scrolls on the table and was about to sneak out when he came face to face with two cats. He recognized Ren's cat from his black fur. He figured the smaller cat was Osamu's, though he thought it odd that is was still so small. Intel Kumo had on the Sakibou had suggested the cats were selected for a companion at a new member's birth.

"Uhhh..." he said, unsure of what to do, "Good kitties?"

That was when the hissing began. They chased him out of the house, knocking over quite a few things on the way out. He didn't notice that the cats' rush to get at him had knocked the scrolls off the table and under a nearby cupboard.