With the ink and blank scroll prepared, I set off. This is another off day, and I've decided to pay another visit to them. Though courteous, they refused to help last time, but I've gotten the proof I need since then. I'm sure I can convince them.

I've taken a fast pace, as I did last time. The forest is calm, with few birds, or other animals stirring. The morning passes quickly. I stop for a small snack, a few red berries from a nearby bush.

I again think of the girls I freed on my last mission, and where they are now. As a ninja, I'm aware that it's dangerous to get attached to your clients, but I can't help myself. I also think of how those awful traders and the girls' relatives will react to a third group interfering in their business- if they'll try to find out who I am, or if they'll even notice. Hmm. Though I've never thought much of them, I do suppose my looks would be distinct to a non ninja- especially my eyes. Perhaps I'll need a new way of thinking to deal with them. Instead of being a third player in their game, I'll make it look as if I was there all along. Still, this is a tricky business I got caught up in. I'll have to be careful and work at getting stronger. Who knows, maybe I'll actually devise that shark hurricane jutsu the team I worked with on the mission seems to think I know.

With my wind back, I dash off and quickly come to the shrine. There's a sort of singing to the silence of the forest here. I walk up the the box and make a donation, then off my shoes and step in. The room seems to be empty, and there's no incense burning. I go back out to get my shoes, and check around the back. There, sitting on the bench next to the koi pond, is the shrine maiden. "Hello..." She doesn't answer, but I sense she is waiting for me to step closer and continue. "...I've studied new sensory jutsu in the days since my last visit, and I'm certain now..."

"Are you?"

"Yes. I cannot detect anyone following me with my normal sight or Byakugan, I can't hear anyone following me, can't smell them, can't feel anyone around with my hands or my new sensory jutsu, and not with the regular Chakra Sensing Technique, either."

The shrine maiden is silent for a few moments. "What does this new sensory jutsu involve, exactly? If it isn't destructive, perhaps you could show me."

I nod. "Water Style: Creeping Mist!" The white mist billows out and swirls around us. With a great shock, I realize I can't sense the shrine maiden with it! "But, but you're right in front of me..."

"Your mist cannot sense me because I am one with nature. Indeed, that is the focus of my meditation here. To your senses, I would seem to be no more than a stone or tree." The shrine maiden opens her eyes, and looks up. "Also, earlier, you forgot the sense of taste."

"Well..." That's true, but what good would the sense of taste serve for a sensory jutsu? I can't very well lick every stone or bush I come across.

"Think of the snakes. Do they not taste the air? I am sure that being a ninja, you could find some way to do the same."

"...What of you being one with nature? Would I be able to sense you if I was in the same state?"

"Of course. Though they do not speak with our tongues, the trees and grass greet each other and are good friends." Hmm, being one with nature. Ah. Of course. Though I'd have to study under him I'm going to do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of this. After a few moments of silence I bow, and take my leave.

Though my mood was soured a bit by the visit, I now have several things to do. I make it back to Konoha mid afternoon, but don't stop at my house first. On the run back I remembered one of the other dojutsu of Konoha, one not as renowned as my own Byakugan or the Sharingan. Its bearers have never advertised its use, and their clan only has a small alley to themselves. It is this alley I head for. The paper lanterns hanging from their back doors are already lit, holding back the shadows of the alley. I've heard of this particular clan member and know their address, and they're about half way down the alley.

We've never spoken to each other before, so it's with a bit of hesitance I knock on their door. There's a short silence before I hear someone coming to the door. "Oh! Hello, miss Hyuga. Come in." I smile at Aoba and enter, getting a quick glance around the front room. "What brings you to our alley today?"

"I... was wondering if you had a moment to help me with something..."

"Yeah, I've got the day off. What's up?"

I gulp. Aoba and the other Yamashiro are known for never removing their sunglasses, so I'm not sure how he'll take this. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd like you to use your Daiyagan and take a look at me." Aoba's easy smile fades, and he gets a quizzical look on his face.

"You've got a Byakugan, don't you? I'm sure that'd work better."

"I asked my sister to look the other day, and she couldn't see anything. And, the Daiyagan is different- it sees emotions. I want to make sure I get everything covered."

"...Alright, then. Now, I should ask, are you referring to a certain forbidden jutsu, or a more normal look?"

Forbidden jutsu? I've never heard of the Yamashiro having one to do with the Daiyagan. "Just a more normal look at me and a couple feet around me." Aoba nods and takes off his sunglasses, his eyes having a diamond-like sparkle. After only a moment he puts his glasses back on.

"There's nothing around you, Hinata..." I sigh, and he continues. "But you're afraid. What's going on?"

"A watched feeling has been following me for about the last fortnight or so- here in Konoha, and even on the last mission I went on a few days ago. I can't detect it by other means, and I'm starting to think it's a ghost."

"Hmm... well, I've never heard anything about seeing ghosts with the Daiyagan before, but it'd make sense to be able to. Ghosts have emotions, right? I'll look into that some more and maybe give you a call if I find anything." I nod, and stand.

"Thank you for your help." Aoba smiles, and I turn to go. It seems like more questions appear to closer I get to the truth...