3

Akimichi Choki did not meet the traditional Hi no Kuni concept of beauty. Like most of her Clan, she was full figured and had the solid muscles of an older member. She had a mane of red spiky hair that hung down her back like a gracefully tousled torrent of fire. Her round face always held good cheer and kindness. She wore a soft hint of makeup that helped emphasis her glossy black eyes, the gentle curve of her full lips, and her surprisingly sharp cheekbones. She was a tall woman, taller than most men and her body was large but settled in curves that drew even the most reluctant eyes to her artful tight and colorful outfit. Her long sleeves carefully hid the missing hand on her right arm and the effortless way she made use of her left more than made up for the loss. In short, Akimichi Choki was a bombshell.

Junko may have spent most of her second puberty half in love with her for her warm smile alone. She was still without any doubt the most beautiful woman Junko had ever met and probably her best friend. Which was why she was fully capable of cheering her up no matter what mood she was in and fully capable of making Junko do things she normally wouldn't.

Like wax poetically about someone's appearance.

Or voluntarily watch children.

Both of which she found herself doing as Choki danced her way around the restaurant sitting customers and taking orders, while Junko balanced a curious one year old in her lap and tried to clean the face of the five year old beaming up at at Junko her little face covered with bit of sticky rice.

"Food goes in the mouth Hajime-chan," Junko told the little girl solemnly, picking off the last of the rice and brushing a strand of wild red curls behind the little girls hair. Her braids were basically nonexistent at this point, strands seemed to be slipping out at all sides.

A familiar laugh shook the tiny red head at Junko's comment, making the woman give her a smile.

"Junba-chan is funny!" Hajime declared loudly and quickly made her way across the booth to snuggle up to her side and give Junko's lap a measuring glance. Then the little girl carefully reached across Junko's lap to extract her little brother from Junko's grip and slip into the freed space, settling him expertly on her own. Junko allowed it all amused and used to Hajime's antics by now.

"Kazu-chan agrees." Hajime said, no chirped.

"Does he now?" Junko asked, smile settling to stay as she adjusted her arms to bracket the children in, moving Hajime's plate so it was within the girl's reach.

Hajime nodded, her round face uncharacteristically serious as she turned bright green eyes to focus on her little brother who was wearing a somewhat bewildered look on his tiny face.

"Don't you Kazu-chan?"

Hearing his name, the little boy looked up at his sister his black eyes widening as if only just realizing she was now behind him. "Neenee!" was the only answer she received. Hajime sighed as if this was some great disappointment, poking at her brother's squishy cheek to get his attention.

"No, Kazu-chan. Not Neenee, Nee-san!" Hajime corrected firmly.

Little Kazu, more commonly know as "Kazu-chan" or by his given name Kazuma, grinned up at his sister. He reached to poke her cheek back, but wound up giving it more of a gentle smack with his fat baby hands.

"Neenee," he said, practically cooing. Hajime gave another long suffering sigh and looked up at Junko as if seeking help.

"I don't think he's ever gonna talk right." Hajime told her seriously. "He can't even say Nee-san or Kaa-chan right!"

"Neenee," Kazuma said butting back into the conversation and clapping his hands. "Kaa, Junba."

Hajime wore an expression that clearly stated her brother was proving her point and Junko couldn't hold in her laughter anymore. Hajime looked bewildered at the response, but after a moment joined in not seeming to care that she didn't get the joke. Kazuma startled at that looking confused, but smiling when he saw his sister smile. Junko gave them both a quick kiss on the top on the fiery hair they'd gotten from their mother.

"You two are my favorite." she whispered making Hajime beam again.

The girl gave them both a satisfied look before she went back to eating her meal, careful not to drop anything on Kazuma.

Junko settled back content to enjoy a peace of mind and warm affection that Choki's children always brought out in her. Like their mother they had an almost healing effect on her and unlike most children she got on well with them. Choki's children had always adored her with a single mindedness she never quite understood, but had wholeheartedly returned since the first moment Hajime had looked up and called her "Junba", unable to manage "Jun-ba-chan". She'd known both of them since the day they were born and the little family was safe and familiar in a way she needed right now. They had the added bonus of being completely separate from the Plot.

She hadn't expected to find the children at the restaurant when she'd come to call on Choki. It had only taken a quick conversation with their mother to learn that Choki's usual babysitter, a younger cousin, had recently graduated the Academy and left her saying she was "a kunoichi now and had to focus on my training, but I'm really sorry cousin Choki".

With a laugh, but tired gaze Choki explained that had been three days ago and though the girl had been a little flighty, she was the best babysitter in the Akimichi Clan and Choki hadn't had time to find another. Normally, Choki wouldn't have to be in the restaurant since she was the owner, but a recent loss of staff and jump in popularity had demanded she work as both chef and waitress at times to make sure things ran smoothly. It had only taken one look at the bags hidden expertly under her friend's eyes for Junko to slip into the booth Choki had them settled to watch the children.

That had been over an hour ago and things were slowly starting to wind down as Hajime finished her food and Kazuma started dozing in her lap. Hajime gave a large yawn after finishing the last of her rice and settling the dishes back on the table. Junko settled her arms a little more tightly around the children to ensure they were secure as Hajime leaned back to snuggle into her with droopy eyelids.

Looking to the windows, Junko noted it was starting to get dark and likely close to the children's bedtime. She was considering getting Choki's attention to offer to take them home when the woman dropped into the open seat across the booth from her. Junko didn't jump, she had been a kunoichi too long for that, but her hand twitched slightly.

"You've worn them out it seems." Choki said looking at her children with a warm look that made Hajime give her mother a brief sweet smile before she settled her head back on Junko's chest.

"They were halfway there by the time I got here." Junko said. "The food finished them off."

"Just as well, it's about bedtime." Choki said lightly and smiled at Hajime's muffled grumbling at the little girl's least favorite word. She was still smiling when her black eyes looked up at Junko. "Want to help me get them home?"

Junko nodded returning her friend's smile and helped her get a hold of Kazuma. The little boy woke only briefly to see who was grabbing him. Seeing his mother's familiar face he settled onto his mother's shoulder burying his face in her shirt, one hand reaching to hold onto her hair, and the other her collar. Hajime protested losing her brother, but just as quickly settled into Junko's arms wrapping her arms around the woman's neck and relaxing against her hold.

"They don't need you?" Junko asked softly as they made their way out to the call of goodbyes from regulars and workers alike.

"Nah," Choki said, looking pleased. "The new girl, Eiri-chan, has settled in enough to not need supervision and Keiko-chan is an old hand at closing."

Junko nodded and closed her eyes at the feel of the quickly cooling night air, before ambling beside Choki down a familiar path. Konoha was colorful and loud during the day, but bright with lights and much slower at night. Closer to the bars it was still pretty loud, but Choki's restaurant though popular and providing alcohol had more of a family feel to it. It was also on the border between residential and business areas. It was a familiar ten minute walk to the Akimichi part of the village that they'd been walking together since the restaurant had first opened three years ago.

Junko enjoyed the quiet and emptiness of these parts of the village at night. It always allowed her to relax due to the lowered likelihood of running into anyone familiar. Choki liked to joke it was because Junko was a "hermit". Not completely false.

It was nice after her stressful day.

"So what's wrong?"

Choki laughed at Junko's startled look, but quickly quieted her laughter when Kazuma stirred. She kept an amused smile on her face though. "I know you too well not to notice when not to notice when you're wearing your 'Shisui-Uchiha-asked-me-on-a-date' face Jun-chan. I figured you'd have calmed down enough by now to talk about."

Choki, Junko realized, had purposefully left her alone with the children in order to calm her nerves. As her best friend and their mother she was well aware of the calming effect they had on each other and often liked to use it to her advantage. Despite her open, guileless nature her friend always did possess a surprisingly crafty nature when it came to "manipulating people for their own benefit" as Choki had phrased it one day.

Junko decided not to comment on the name for her expression. Choki refused to let the Shisui Incident go even six years later. "I've been given a Genin team."

There is a very telling silence and flicker of surprise that tells Junko that no matter what scenarios Choki had imagined, her receiving a Genin team was not one of them. She decided to put aside whether or not that was insulting for later. Her friend quickly settled on an open, neutral expression she knew well.

Part of what made her value Choki so much was her ability to listen and not judge any problems or concerns Junko had. The acceptance was something Junko had always valued and had made her tempted more than once to tell Choki the truth of her past life, but she had always stopped herself before she could.

"You don't want Genin?" Choki asked after a moment. A nudge to continue speaking, but also a signal she could stop if she wanted.

"I wasn't unhappy at the thought of having Genin. I'm not opposed to having a team in general." Junko explained after considering her words carefully for a few moments. Without asking Choki diverted from the path home to settle them on some of the benches at the park along the way.

Her second talk at a park today, Junko reflected.

The patient silence was comfortable in a way it hadn't been with the Sandaime and the remaining tension eased its way out of her. Junko focused on Hajime, happy to have something to focus on during the conversation and began to brush her fingers through the curls gently easing the knots out.

"It's the last Uchiha, the Uzumaki boy, and a half civilian girl."

Choki drew in a sharp voice at that and spoke after a few minutes of silence. "You don't hate the Uzumaki boy though."

Choki's voice was painfully neutral when she said Naruto's surname. Choki was not one to judge, but Junko knew her memories of the Kyuubi attack were always painful. She had never mistreated the boy or judged him for what happened that night, but he was a reminder of a loss she liked to avoid.

"No, I don't." Junko admitted.

"You avoid him though." Choki pointed out. She, at least, had long figured out what had made Junko stop visiting her favorite restaurant. Junko didn't deny it.

"You also don't have a Sharingan." Choki stopped for a moment. "Unles you've acquired one without telling me.

Junko laughed a little at that. The atmosphere relaxed. "No, I think I would have noticed spontaneous Sharingan."

Junko thought over what the Sandaime had told her. "It doesn't seem to matter to Hokage-sama."

"You don't hate either of them. Is it the girl?"

Junko looked up at that and gave a quick shake of her head. "No, she's fine. A clever girl who would make a clever kunoichi."

Black eyes and a round face looked thoughtful at this and when Choki spoke next it was with great care. "It could be considered an honor to be trusted with the last Uchiha and be considered strong enough to manage the Uzumaki boy."

"It could be." Junko agreed gamely and Choki gave a slight considering nod.

"But you don't find it one." Junko didn't need to confirm it. "You don't want them. You don't want these particular Genin."

Choki leaned back expertly adjusting Kazuma and looked up at the now dark sky and the visible stars. Junko looked with her letting her friend process this and curious at what she would advise. Choki liked to think over problems given to her and was never a fan of rushing in. She would have made a magnificent general and there was a joke among her family that she had a Nara's gift for it. Junko often found herself agreeing. Though without the air of regret the family often spoke it with as they pointedly didn't look at the missing hand that had forever stopped any chance of shinobi career for Choki. Junko saw the intelligence reflected in Choki's business, the advice she gave her friends and definitely in her always overwhelming victors at shogi when she could be coaxed into a game by Yusuke-sensei.

"You can always fail them."

Junko froze not quite believing what she heard at first. Then she unfroze and drew a quick, shaky breath eyes widening as she considered the thought.

I can fail them. It left her flabbergasted that she hadn't immediately came to the same conclusion.

Jounin always got to pick their own "Jounin Test" to judge what they wanted in their individual students. Each one tested for a different quality. Kakashi was unique solely for the fact no one ever passed his test. Junko's own sensei had tested them on their "fighting spirit". She was fairly certain she'd heard of tests for intelligence, obedience, and determination.

Theoretical Junko could make an impossible to pass test and get away with it. After all Kakashi failed every Genin he ever tested. The Sandaime couldn't fault her for Team Seven failing at the test. In fact if she failed them, she didn't doubt the Council would figure out some way to get their way with Kakashi becoming their sensei.

For one glorious moment Junko's problems were solved. She could make the world right again. She wouldn't be dooming everyone to die due to the fact she wasn't Kakashi Hatake and therefore couldn't turn Team Seven into the team they needed to be.

But then logic took over with an icy reality.

Yes, it could work.

If Naruto could pull of another miracle and pass like he did this time.

If his failure didn't automatically get him removed from the Academy because you only got three chances to graduate.

If Sasuke didn't lose it over being sent back to the Academy.

If Sakura managed to get put back on their team instead of another girl.

If they all made the exact same choices as Canon despite a year of failure separating them from their first graduation.

Too many ifs for her comfort. Taking Kakashi's place may seriously screw over the Plot and team dynamics, but Junko shudders to think of the consequences breaking up Team Seven could have on the world. They'd existed so long as a single entity in her second life the thought of them not being together seemed wrong. More importantly the lack of eventually world saving bonds being formed between them would have devastating effects.

"No," she choked out, voice strained. Hajime's curls were like silk separating easily and completely untangled under her hands.

Setting them up to fail her test, a test she still needs to come up with, would be wrong. If they still fail on their own that would be one thing, but she isn't about to make it impossible to pass. She can't just throw off the responsibility she feels settling over her like chains. That doesn't sit right with her.

"No?" Choki asked voice so soft Junko almost didn't catch it.

"No," Junko said voice steadier and a realization she'd been avoiding all day coming to her. "I'll test them and let them pass on their own merit. I won't destroy their dreams just because I think I'll fail."

Her voice was completely steady by the end and almost steely. It was comforting to feel resolved now. It helped ease away the fear. She knew what she had to do now and she hoped any god out there would help her. She would certainly need it.

Choki's laugh made her jump this time, unsettling Hajime, who muttered unhappily before calming. Choki smiled slightly apologetic at that, but looked downright proud of her. She reached over to ruffle Junko's brown hair in a way she hadn't since they were kids and Genin with Choki acting like their team's big sister.

"There she is. Just Junko, always demanding fair and equal treatment for all." Choki teased, but their was a very real approval in her expression and voice that made something in Junko feel relieved. If Choki approved of a decision it was rarely wrong, even if she didn't fully understand what Junko was deciding.

Junko rolled her eyes at the name, but smiled and stood up. "We should be getting them home."

"That we should." Choki agreed and they made it to her home with record time.

When they made it to the door Hajime stirred just long enough to demand "Junba" be the one to tuck her in and when Kazuma heard his sister he gave his opinion with an echo of the nickname. Junko accepted quickly and by the time she had managed to get Hajime changed and in bed and was turning out the lights in Kazuma's nursery she had moved on to settling her next problem.

She would need a test for Team Seven.

"You could stay the night. Our guest room is always open." Choki offered face clear of makeup and softer for it. She'd taken the absence of the children as a chance to finish her own nighttime rituals.

Junko shook her head, a little reluctant. Until her promotion to Jounin she'd half lived on Choki's couch and in her guest room. Since taking high level missions, solo missions, that came with a higher rank she was always lucky to make it to the Hokage's Office before collapsing.

"I need to start preparing if I'm going to teach." Junko explained and Choki nodded a concerned expression settling on her face.

"Don't work too hard Jun-chan." Choki warned a knowing expression on her face. That made Junko smile.

"I should be telling you that hypocrite." Choki rolled her eyes at that and waved her off with a good night and wish for safe travels that Junko returned.

Junko gave Choki's door one last look knowing the warmth and safety contained within the home before she turned back to walk in the cool night air. Junko expected a lot more work in her future than she believed even Choki expected of her.

After all she somehow needed to find a way to become skilled enough to be a suitable Kakashi replacement and save the world.

Baby steps, she reminded herself. First a Jounin Test.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Well this chapter was a surprise for me. I guess here's a surprise double update.

On a more serious note I'm just gonna say I love Choki Akimichi and I hope you will too, because I want to include a lot of her. Also you guys get to see that Junko isn't always having a bad time. She actually has friends!

I hope you think Hajime and Kazuma are cute like I do. I just have this adorable picture of these adorable red haired chubby babies and I've always loved the Akimichis. I blame my sister's undying affection for Team Ten and Choji in particular. I don't usually do chapters this quickly so this is an interesting time.

Just like last time thanks for the reviews, follows, and favorites. You guys are great! Keep telling me what you think! Also if you have suggestions or things you want to see happen feel free to mention them.

Oh and 10th Squad 3rd Seat you make me blush! I love all of those characters! Comparing Junko to them makes me feel so flattered! Thanks to Orodruin,Pyra-the-pyro, merryday, Arashi - IV of VI, Rehtnapome, Maya, and Tobee as well. I'll be trying not to just rewrite everything Orodruin though it is a little more difficult with some arcs and thanks for the well wishes! I hope I can keep it interesting enough to entertain you guys though. Thanks again! If anyone has any specific questions or comments I missed they want addressed please feel free to mention them in a review or PM me. Thanks so much. Next time I'll try to cut down on the Author's Notes.

Language Notes:

Hi no Kuni - Is basically the name of the Land of Fire, I prefer it to calling everything "Fire" or "Wind" country.

Junba - This came about due to Hajime having trouble with the addition of "Ba-chan" to Junko's name which would have basically been Auntie Junko. This shouldn't be confused with "Baa-chan" which Naruto calls Tsunade which is Grandmother, hence "Granny Tsunade" in the English dub.