I've been spending the afternoon walking through the gardens and over the grounds. Not idly, as I've been working up my chakra and using the Chakra Sensing Technique as I do so. My range is enough to cover nearly the whole palace, the outer buildings out of my reach. The feel of Lady Sorano is very familiar to me now, as are a few other individuals, like Mister Midoriyama. I spin the shaft of my new umbrella as I turn the corner of the servant's building, enjoying the bit of shade on this sunny day.

The Common Garden, as the one nearest to the servant's building is called, is in sight. It's a low maze lined with blooming vines, and in each corner is an arrangement of flowers surrounded by benches. I decide to stop here for a moment, and rest. Sitting in the near left corner, I let the Chakra Sensing Technique fade, and enjoy the fragrance of the flowers. So many worries have invaded my life the last couple of months I've had precious few moments to myself. But, as my mind begins to clear, the watched feeling opens up and enfolds me. My breath speeds up; this is the strongest it's ever been if I'm not showering or around Naruto. I scramble to work up chakra and use the Chakra Sensing Technique, but as usual, it reveals nothing. I can feel its weight on my back, whispering in my ear. "Touch…" I break down and start crying, letting my umbrella fall to the ground.

Several moments later, the tears stop flowing. I wipe my tears with the back of my hand and pick up my umbrella, shaking off the dirt. After a second I open it and rest it against my shoulder, closing my eyes. I hear someone walking over, but don't turn to look. They sit down beside me on the bench, a little too close for my liking, and say, "Taking time to stop and smell the roses?"

Before I can catch myself my true feelings for Taizo leak out, and the Killing Intent cracks the bench. Taizo tumbles into me and we both fall off, him landing on top. He looks me over and gives me a smirk before standing, and offers me a hand. I take it, and he pulls me up. "Perhaps I need to lose a bit of weight…"

"You're fine," Taizo says with a chuckle. "And these benches are ancient. It was probably about time they got replaced, anyways." He takes a deep breath, and looks into my eyes. "So what brings you out here, Miss Hirawa? Are you doing okay? It looks like you've been crying."

"I just needed a moment to relax…"

"Yeah, it can get pretty stressful around here sometimes. Doctor Tadakichi said it'd do me good to get some fresh air, so I thought I'd spend sometime walking around."

"Doctor?" I ask. In fact, now that I look at him, Taizo does have bags under his eyes.

"I've been having a few… problems." Taizo looks away to the flower arrangement, and asks, "Miss Hirawa… have you been seeing things? Like ghosts?"

"Can't say that I have. Have you been having nightmares?"

"...Of a sort. My summer in the quarters got ruined by all that gang violence, and the cooks swear they saw a dead friend of mine the other day… I'd been planning on having an easy, quiet summer, then I come home and the weather is all over the place and I can't get a good night's sleep…"

If Taizo was the person his family thinks he is, that would indeed be an awful summer. "Isn't sudden rain supposed to be a good omen? Your sister passed her test after the last shower."

"Heh, it is some kind of miracle that you've stayed this long, I'll admit that. Sorano's last tutor left after four days."

"Then maybe after the next shower your luck will change."

"Maybe it will…" Taizo turns to me, with a smirk on his face. "Say, Miss Hirawa, are you busy tonight?"

"Yes, there was something I needed to take care of in the city tonight and tomorrow."

"Two nights? Sounds fun."

"That… wasn't what I meant…" I say, with a blush.

"I know I know, just teasing. But, you know, if you really want to I could get you a room here in the palace instead of some run-down hotel."

"It would be awkward to do what I need to do here in the palace…"

"Again, just teasing. I know what you mean- why do you think I head to Tanzaku Quarters in the Summer? The thought of being summoned for some boring official business while in the act is revolting."

"Official business? Pardon me for saying so, but you're only the second son, aren't you?"

"Yeah, it's not so much holding court as it is formal dinners and dances and all that fun stuff. Say… how about I throw a little party out in the city in a few days? You'll have a chance to get Sorano out of your hair, and who knows, you might meet someone there."

I'm having trouble believing this happened without me even trying. "...Well, fine. One little party shouldn't hurt."

"That's the spirit!" Taizo says, clapping me on the shoulder. "And make sure to wear that black yukata you wore to tea the other day!" He adds as he walks away.

In spite of myself, I smile. I'll have to tell Lady Sorano…

Later in the evening, I'm headed to Mr. Taniguchi's. The bar is in the more ornate and affluent part of the royal city closer to the palace, with large gilded signs proudly hanging above the store fronts. The air is still warm, but not as oppressive as it was during the day, and I'm not carrying my umbrella with me. I'm wearing a loose yukata I haven't worn around the palace yet, simple and of the same blue color my baby sister Hanabi favors. It works well with Raiko's dark hair. I suspect I'll be underdressed, but that's the furthest thing from my mind right now.

I step in, and my hunch is proven correct: everyone I see has some kind of stylish or expensive evening wear on. The women have glittering jewelry, and I see one clean-shaven man with a striking jaw-line wearing dark sunglasses. No one looks my way, except for the bartender. I give him a friendly smile and nod, and make my way over. He's a younger man, close to Taizo's age, and his brown hair is slicked back. "A casual night out?"

"Something like that," I say with a sly grin.

"What can I get you, ma'am?"

I start to order a Double Dragon, but hesitate for a second, as I doubt that this man is Toriko Yotsuki. "I'll take some sake, the smoothest you have." The bar tender nods, and scans the bottles behind him for a moment. I watch his hands carefully, but don't notice anything going into my glass, and as he hands it to me he gives a slight smile before someone else at the bar calls him over. Though refined, there's a lively atmosphere in the bar. I let my eyes wander around it, glancing towards the corners. I see no older gentlemen solemnly watching as they sip their drinks, or plain-looking men who are too bland. It seems it's just another spirited night, and I calmly finish my drink. I call for my tab, and the bar tender brings it up. I flinch; there goes my spending money for the next week. Thankfully, Lady Sorano bought my umbrella and yukata, and I have enough to pay. As I get up from the stool the room wobbles a bit, and I shake my head. That sake was so smooth is was like drinking air, almost. As steady as I can, I leave Mr. Taniguchi's and head for the Transformation Jutsu switch point…