Burn
"Knowing too much of your future is never a good thing."
― Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief
Chapter 16
In the year and a half since we wed, my Love and I simply enjoyed our time. We spent some lazy mornings in bed, training when we could and sometimes I humored myself by watching my Love participate in his contests with Gai. The Blue Beast did visit sometimes, often dragging my Love in from being exhausted from spent chakra. He'd stick around, and I'd give him a treat or some such for his trouble (I tried to make sure it was some kind of protein based snack). We had gotten a cozy two bedroom, one bath home. That extra room was more study than anything. We had both decided to hold off on, uhm, children for the time being. He wanted to be sure he could handle it. I wanted to be sure the action was over. The nervous looks Maya sent me and pointed questions had me mildly uncomfortable.
Together, we decorated our home. He insisted on keeping the photos of his team close in the bedroom, and I had managed to convince him to move the Konoha Canary photo out to the den. Speaking of the Canary, Kakashi had asked me to grow out my hair at some point, wanting to see me with long hair. I cut it years ago in defiance of my father - I didn't mind growing it back out for my Love. So I did, preferring it up when I was training or on a case. I'd braid it and pin it up with a senbon.
My Love and I had small adventures in the meantime. We, of course, went to see the Icha Icha movie. We sort of treated it like a honeymoon, seeing the sights and enjoying each other's company until the movie. He was so giddy about seeing it, excitedly telling me little things about the story and plot, insisting he not spoil the end. He was simply too cute. Our time at the hotel had been relaxing and enjoyable - though I won't share more. A lady simply doesn't kiss and tell.
Sometime after we returned home, a mysterious envelope with Hatake labeled across the front appeared on our doorstep. Inside was film negatives with notes to take them to a print shop. Being the nosy woman I was (and the newest Hatake), I held one up to the light. My breath caught.
The man and a woman were in the picture. The man looked like my Love, except with long straight hair held in a ponytail. The woman beside him smiled at the camera - she had Kakashi's smile.
I didn't know how he'd handle that one. I had to wait a few days for him to come home, Guruko and Pakkun keeping me company. Pakkun was sure it would be fine. Guruko seconded this. I hoped so.
When he came back home from his mission, my Love paused when he saw me. He'd gotten good at reading my moods - near as good as I was with him. I had been in the middle of cleaning the counters, needing the simple task to clear my head.
"What's the matter?" He asked.
"I…" I looked up at him, trying to decide how to begin, "do you remember me asking you about a hypothetical situation where I might have information about your parents…?"
"Yes…." He drawled, and then his gaze flickered around the room as he tried to find the aforementioned information.
He wouldn't find it. I hid it. I wanted to give him the option. He might not wish to know.
"Do you want to know?" I asked him softly. He paused as he thought and I realized it was vague of me to ask in the way I had. So I added, "It's photos, my Love. It looks like it's your parents' wedding photos."
His gaze snapped to mine, "where?"
I moved quickly to gather them from the hiding spot (right in the pantry behind my stash of dark chocolate I liked to keep on hand. He still wasn't keen on it, but I liked it sometimes). He waited impatiently, nearly pulling the envelope out of my hand to see them. In one motion, he was looking at the negatives, staring up at them as if they could solve life mysteries. I placed a hand on his back, waiting for him to absorb it all. He stared up at those negatives for so long, I worried for the state of his neck.
"We could develop them. I'm sure Sukea has experience as a reporter. I've done some in the past." I murmured softly, trying to gain his attention.
My Love seemed caught in a whirl of emotion, pocketing the negatives and barely murmuring out a come with me as we raced to find the supplies. It took us about three hours to develop the negatives after we found the supplies and a dark room. We worked together, though he was silent for most of it.
When we were done, he simply stared at the photograph. I couldn't help it either. His parents cut an impressive figure. His father had a kind face, although they looked stunningly similar. Kakashi had his mother's beauty mark, and more wild hair. Although hers was longer than Kakashi's hair and near pure white. She had these expressive piercing blue eyes that told me where my Love's attitude had come from.
I stayed by his side through this as he memorized their long forgotten faces.
"Your mother is beautiful." I told him, leaning into his side. His hand reached out for me, quietly squeezing my fingers.
"Thank you." He murmured. Before long, he added, "sometimes I heard I look like him. I didn't realize…."
I smiled weakly. He didn't deserve to lose them so young.
"And your mother?"
"Dad… didn't want to talk about her much after she passed." He murmured softly, "he was heartbroken when she passed. I've never seen what she looked like."
I couldn't help but give him a squeeze, wishing I could take this pain away from him.
We put them up in the living room of our home. He sometimes would sit there, staring at the pictures of his parents. Mostly I left him be, sometimes I cuddled beside him on the couch. He never said anything much about it, but I felt he appreciated it.
I had been able to help Mozuku and his own romance start. He got at least permission to start seeing his Love officially. The clan head would revisit his offer and potential to join the clan later. We were pleased - Mozuku was near over the moon with the possibility he could be with his love. It was sweet. Sometimes she brought him bentos in for them both to share.
When I could, I'd check in on Shisui - see how he was fairing. He hadn't been doing too well, having felt like a has-been useless stage prop someone forgot in the corner. He insisted he didn't need his eyes to be strong. Knowing what I knew about vibration and sound, I believed him. He had the experience I needed to get better, and I had the knowledge and push-back to help him recarve out his own life again. Hatake came by to help at times, coming by to offer support or advice. I'm rather sure it was with assistance between the both of them that I was able to get stronger. And, somehow, Shisui was able to sense when a shadow clone was nearby after some time of work. He was just as capable as my Love when it came to fighting. And, I can say I'd gotten quite a bit stronger after training with the man, too. He helped me finetune my abilities. I was well on my way to being a force to be reckoned with. Shisui and I later argued his case to at least be let in on light duty, Tsunade allowed him to return to some work and missions.
It was after that when I found my summon. Most used whatever their clan had. Others followed in their Sensei's steps. Myself? Having so many varied experiences and teachers made it hard to even choose. My Love did offer to allow me to sign his summons so that he could be notified of ongoings (and vice versa). I did sign, only to ease his concerns. Though both his summons and I knew - I wasn't their true boss. Kakashi was.
"So, what?" Urushi snapped, looking up at me critically, "am I supposed to call you Boss now?"
My Love quietly watched on, his arms crossed. I figured he was letting me sort out his summons rather than help. After all, I just signed the thing. Might as well deal with it.
"Oh, I rather think not." I said, "After all, I rather think I'm more of a shift lead if anything."
Bisuke huffed, while the others watched me curiously. Akino sat there silently - I couldn't guess what was going on in his mind.
"A shift lead." Bisuke scoffed, looking at me in bemusement.
"Mm - after all, me and Kakashi signed a contract of our own. I rather feel like we're already dear coworkers." I said. I could practically hear my Love roll his eyes at my antics. I couldn't help it.
"Wouldn't that make you at least a co-manager? Or even an assistant?" Pakkun tried, scratching his chin at my comparison.
"I rather think it's up to the Boss, mm? After all, he hired us." I said, and sat back with the pack to look up my exasperated Lover. He sent me a look for my antics and heaved a large sigh.
"Tami-chan." He grumbled.
Ah, he probably wanted me to utilize his Pack as he did, take more ownership of them. I didn't mind working with them. His Pack was a delight. But, the respect they had for him was from all the work he had done with them, how much time and effort he'd spent on his pack. I was just his Lover. The only reason they'd listen to me would be because of that. Nothing more.
I grinned up at him as Bull placed his head on my shoulder.
"Yes, Boss?" I asked innocently. Bisuke and Urushi snickered quietly. My Darling just had his hands on his hips as he stared down at me. He finally shook his head exasperated.
I did eventually find a ragtag team of Songbirds who wanted to work with me. Pakkun told me that they weren't the strongest I could find, but they seemed passionate and dedicated. I certainly could do worse. And it helped my moniker.
The months before Naruto was set to return - Tsunade had called me into her office. She had a grin on her face that promised me nothing but trouble.
"I have an assignment for you." She said finally after I stood there silently before her for a long minute. The grin on her face -.
"Yes, Hokage-sama? How can I assist?"
I do hope she would be lenient.
"The new Genin have graduated. I was going to assign another Shinobi to this team, but you know what? I think I want to assign you to them."
"Ahh…."
What? I hadn't even thought about being a Sensei myself. I was in the T&I. I was working, doing smaller missions on the side - helping Ibiki with information gathering.
"You meet them today. At 3pm. Ibiki has been notified." Tsunade said finally, looking just like a cat after a successful hunt. She handed me papers on the new Genin.
Grand.
I could barely think. I near floated away from her office, my mind busy. I found Hatake after, feeling near numb. He had been sitting out in the village, reading Icha Icha Fantasy. He glanced up at me and then turned back to his book. His arm was stretched out over the back of the bench. We had gotten better at not being so, ah, public. Or, rather, I was better at it. I don't think he ever struggled.
I sat down wordlessly next to him.
He didn't say anything. He was probably waiting to hear what I had to say in his own way. Finally, I just blurted it out.
"I have students." I said.
My Darling froze. He slowly turned to me and - was his eye crinkled? I looked at him and it looked like he was trying not to laugh! The cheek!
"Is that so?" He asked, humor coloring his tone.
"Oh, hush." I told him sharply, "I've never had to deal with students! At least you knew it'd happen."
He was at least trying to contain himself, his shoulders shaking lightly. He took his time to respond. His lone exposed eye lit up in a lively way. I never would have thought the one time I saw him this amused would be at my expense!
"You should get going. Check in on the students. Figure out how to test them to see if they're ready." He advised, trying to control his reaction.
"Test? Test! I rather think I needed a test! I'm barely responsible enough to tend to - to My Love and I, and now I've three children to look after?"
I caught his shoulder jerk as he desperately tried not to laugh at my expense. After a long minute, he managed to get out, "You looked after Sasuke-kun and Naruto-kun, Tami-chan."
"Keeping an eye on two orphans and making sure they didn't kill each other over Sakura-chan is vastly different from making sure three children don't accidentally impale themselves on kunai while training."
"I feel like Naruto is worth three students on his own."
"Oh hush!" I carried on, "he was a dear. A little excitable but not too troublesome. These three - I've no idea what to expect!"
"Maa. Maybe you should tell Tsunade-sama to send them back to the academy then." He said pointedly, sending me a look. I knew he'd often had to. What was it - like five times? I knew he didn't just send them back needlessly, so the offer almost shocked me.
"And destroy their little hearts on their ninja dreams?" I asked, aghast, "I couldn't bear it, especially so regardless of their little desires. At least your prior students had a real reason to be sent back."
"Then maybe you should test them, and see if you can train them." He offered up. I turned to look at him, my mouth open to respond and -. And that little Minx. Trying to out-smart me and turn it around to calm me down. I snapped my mouth closed and looked at him. He watched me expectantly.
"I'm going to talk to Kurenai." I said. He watched me as I got up, and I leaned in to murmur to him, "You're lucky you're cute."
He just gave me an eye-smile as I left. I did exactly as I said - running to hunt down my dear friend. She was able to give me some solid advice before I went to see the little Chunin.
I had a few hours left, able to take the time to learn about these students. Sarutobi Konohamaru - the name made me pause. He was Hiruzen's grandson. The photo of the young boy, even moreso. He was that strange little one I would catch following around Naruto more often than not. From his registration photo, it looked like he had taken direct inspiration from Naruto. The next name I came across was Ise Udon. He seemed the serious, studious type. He should be simple enough. And the last, a charming little girl by the name of Kazamatsuri Moegi. She had the sweetest looking face.
I'd have my work cut out for me. And I'd have to have the heart to test them like they needed it. I wasn't about to use the Bell Test that my Darling used. I had no attachment to that test. I couldn't quite test them as Uncle had me, as he was far more subtle back then. I had already decided my course.
I met with the students at 3pm on the dot, their folder tucked under my arm. The three little faces watched me as I entered the room. The other students watched me just as curiously.
"I am looking for a Sarutobi Konohamaru, an Ise Udon, and a Kazamaturi Moegi." I called out. The three of them slowly stood, as serious as could be. It'd be nearly cute if it wasn't work related. "Onward we go."
The trio followed me out, quietly murmuring to themselves in hopes I couldn't hear them over my own footsteps. The poor dears.
"We got that kooky foreigner." Moegi muttered.
"Oi! Boss hangs out with her. We can't call her that." Konohamaru told her.
"But she is weird, Konohamaru." Udon insisted but fell silent. I bet Sarutobi sent him a look to silence him. I rather wished he didn't. I was curious about what these children thought - and how they worked together.
I took them somewhere to chat. I took them to an open area in the courtyard outside of the school - far enough from prying eyes but not so far that they might feel uncomfortable. I crossed my arms as I decided my next decision.
"It's rather nice to meet you all. My name is Tami. I've been selected by Tsunade-sama to teach you all. I hope we'll get along well enough." I said to them.
I had thought Konohamaru was actually on my side. The boy narrowed his eyes at me, looking up at me, "Just 'cause you an' Boss get along don't mean you're good enough to be our Sensei."
My brows raised.
"Well, just because you know Naruto doesn't mean you're strong enough to be my students." I said flatly.
Konohamaru's mouth fell right open. Moegi and Udon stared at me in stunned horror. The absolute uproar that statement caused. You would have thought I told them to go right back to the academy then and there.
Moegi and Udon were talking at once while Konohamaru shook in rage. The two carried on, I couldn't understand a single word until Konohamaru shouted over them both.
"You have no idea what you're talking about! I'm more than strong enough! I have a legacy to uphold! I'm going to become Hokage after Naruto-nii-san!" He snapped at me. The two others quieted, shared a look and Konohamaru snapped out, "Now!"
The three burst into a cloud of smoke and - oh, I was going to ground Naruto as soon as he returned. Three half-naked women stood before me, clouds covering their particulars. I stood there, staring. I blinked. Well then.
"3/10; nice energy but I rather think I'm not the target audience." I said simply. You would have thought I insulted him outright. The three poofed back, Konohamaru gasping at me.
"You -you! I'll-!" He geared up again to transform and I quickly took a hold of his scarf and collar, picking him up to look him in the eye.
"As charming as seeing you try to embarrass me by transforming into a half naked man, you'll find I'm not a wilting violet, luv. I've been around more half-dressed men and women than probably the lot of you have ever even seen collectively. Now, shall we play nice or do you really want a battle of wills?" I snapped. I'd truly seen my share - the bathhouse, the raves, the detective work, dead bodies, theater dressing rooms, beaches - I'd seen the nude form and barely clothed form well enough to not be too phased by it.
The three looked pacified but not entirely placated. The burrow of their brow told me trouble would brew. Konohamaru crossed his arms, glaring up at me.
"Our sensei is a pervert." He announced.
"I'm not the one transforming into a naked woman." I snapped. Naruto and I would be having a long conversation about this one. How old was this child when he taught the boy his Jutsu?! Eight? Ten?
I set the boy down and breathed out slowly. Calm down. They're kids.
"I'll see about getting us our first case-"
"They're missions." Udon interrupted, but I kept going.
"And I'll have the particulars tomorrow. Are you three up for the challenge?" I asked them.
The three looked at each other and agreed - Konohamaru being the loudest among the three.
It felt like an eternity later when I was able to return home. I passed my Lover who had been sitting in the living room. He looked up and watched me as I crashed beside him. I kept my mouth shut as I tried to plan what I'd do.
"So?" He asked finally. I groaned, pinching my nose and sinking into the couch.
"Naruto taught these children his Sexy Jutsu." I said finally. My Darling's shoulders shook and I sent him a dark look. "Don't."
Kakashi had the nerve of looking at me as if he were innocent. "Don't what, Tami-chan?"
Such a troll. I let out a long sigh and tried to think through what I would do. I didn't want to emotionally scar them, but I also had to provide a suitable challenge.
"I need to think of a test." I murmured. "These kids look tight knit - they were good friends. They're not going to fight each other over me."
"So they'll work as a team."
"Absolutely."
"But will they listen to you?"
I glanced at my Love and sat back as I thought about it. "I suppose I could test them in that. They seem the argumentative type."
My Love sent me a look. I stared right back. I knew very well he thought I was argumentative, but I certainly wasn't. I simply had an opinion and chose to voice it.
"Maa," He grumbled and sat back. He tossed his arm over the back of the couch behind me, "so, test them and see if they'll listen to you for the sake of a mission."
"If I had the time, I'd rather like to see how far they'd listen." I murmured.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't want them to blindly listen to me. I'd rather they use their own smarts - not be afraid to- If you say the bell test, I'll pinch you." I told him. He just stared at me and-, "Hatake!"
He pinched my arse! I huffed at him and flicked his nose.
"Behave."
"Maa, Tami-chan, that hurt." He whined, "I only wanted to tell you that the bell test would help you."
I keep getting distracted by him now. I huffed and waved him off. I'd figure it out on my own. It turned out after asking my friends that Gai had just pushed his students to the brink, Kurenai had done similar - Asuma I hadn't wanted to ask. After all, his nephew was my student.
As always, I went a simple route. Made up a case for them to sink their teeth in. Konohamaru had been ecstatic, thinking it was a true mission.
"I've intel saying that there's an unsavory sort about. We're investigating." I told them as we stood outside of the gate. I had one of my Shadow clones hiding in the forest. I needed some razzledazzle for this.
"Nuh-uh. This ain't real. This is a test, aint' it?" Konohamaru snapped, "Grandpa told me all about these!"
I near rolled my eyes into my head. This boy. For such a sweet-looking face, he was so contemptuous!
"A test." I said flatly, looking down at their sweet little infuriating faces. Naruto or Sasuke were ever this difficult. "I had to get clearance from Morino Ibiki to allow you three to join me. I had thought you'd enjoy seeing what cases you can get when you get more experienced."
All three of them stiffened. I was lying through my teeth, of course. I had made the whole thing up, and the Shadowclone would be in the forest to add the scary elements before I could sneak away and see what these kids were made of. I wouldn't dare involve Morino; he'd do whatever he could to terrify these poor children.
"Morino Ibiki." Konohamaru murmured, fear filtering into his tone.
"The T&I?" Udon gasped.
"It's a real case…." Moegi said softly, looking up at me with awe. Well, now I felt a little bad. Hopefully their little hearts could handle the truth after I tell them. And she said case. I might have a new favorite student after this. How cute.
For most of the day, we tracked down tracks I had laid earlier that day. I at least wanted to teach them the basics. We focused on covering tracks, tracking them, how to tell if there's many or few - if they're running or walking by the state of the impression. They listened rather well. I didn't get much sass from them. So then I decided to shift the test. I wanted to see how they performed under pressure. I waited until the sun was low in the sky. It was time to razzledazzle.
I paused like Kakashi used to right before an attack. I already knew where Spicy was. The plan had been in motion for some time. Spicy was transformed into someone who scared me. I modeled the bad guy after my Cousin. His cold steel gray eyes, the impartial look on his face - the slicked back blond hair while he always seemed to be able to look down on anyone.
There was a rustle in the wind. A figure darting in the background. The poor dears - they huddled behind me. Konohamaru sniffled, Udon took hold of my leg, and Moegi gasped.
Showtime.
Spicy swooped in, coming after me. We clashed and I ordered the kids to get back to the Village. Regardless of if they listened or not, I wanted to see how they handled the stress. Kakashi's prior students turned on each other - one set offered up one almost as sacrifice. I wanted to see how they handled a stressful situation when their Sensei was in trouble, and what they did. They had many ways to pass. They had just as many ways to fail. I needed to make sure they could handle the pressure.
On stage, I had feigned my death often enough. I was an understudy more often than not, and often found myself taking minor roles because I prioritized my Uncle's case files over the theater. They were easy to memorize parts - I just had to die convincingly. Rather good I had the extra practice. I razzle-dazzled myself stabbed, falling to my knees. I shouted at the children, Konohamaru staring at me in fear. This boy would deserve the world after this.
"Run." I whispered out through a death rattle. It was Udon who urged the others to run. Moegi had tears in her eyes as she sent me one last look.
And now the test has begun. Spicy chased them, feigning near misses as the children were chased.
After they cleared the scene, I sat up and dusted myself off. Now, to see what they were-. I looked up, Was someone-?
My Darling stood there, his hands in his pockets as he looked down at me. His eyebrow raised.
"What? Would you prefer I toss them a few Genjutsu as I writhed in pain?" I asked him. He hummed and looked out to where Spicy had taken to the treetops.
"Maybe a little." He said. "How is it going?"
"It only just started, L-luv." I was trying to behave myself as we were out in the open, but he was making it hard. I near called him Lover again. I got myself up and the two of us kept a close eye on them.
The three had thought they managed to get away from Spicy. The Clone was holding off, letting the children gather themselves. Kakashi and I crept up close to hear them.
"Tami-sensei!" Moegi gasped, her hands over her mouth to muffle any noise.
"We need to get out of here." Udon whispered to Konohamaru who was still shaking. The little boy swallowed, looking at the others.
"She - she died. Just like that." He said, his hands shaking.
"What can we even do? That guy killed a Jounin! Just like that!" Udon continued.
"We need to get back to the village." Moegi said, looking at the others. Konohamaru got a hold of himself, nodding his head.
"We do. We gotta… we gotta get help. She might still be okay. Granny-Tsunade might be able to help." Konohamaru said, looking at the other two. "We gotta get to the village and get help now."
The three nodded. My eyebrows raised. These little punks, trying to take care of me. My Love watched with me as they quietly planned.
"Should we split up?" Moegi asked, looking at the others. I held my breath. These kids shouldn't split up in a situation like this. There was power in numbers, and it would be easy to mow them down one by one. But who knew what they would choose. I was rooting for these little kids.
"If we split up, one of us might be killed." Udon reasoned. Konohamaru nodded, his arms crossed in front of him as he thought.
"We can't let that happen. We have to get to Granny as soon as possible. We need to work together." Konohamaru said firmly, the group sharing a look and nodding.
They were so cute. I leaned against my Darling for a second, and only a second. I tsked softly.
"I rather wish this was real. Look at them, worrying over me." I murmured.
"I could show up… take out the shadow clone." Kakashi murmured.
"Oh? Wanting to play Prince Charming, are we?"
"Just trying to help."
I smiled and shook my head. He was incorrigible.
"Go on, play the fair Prince. I'll go back to my mark. We'll tell them after, mm?"
We split. I watched him dart through the trees, heading toward some distance away to await the students running into him. As the students got out of the brush, the three began to make their trek toward Konoha. It was Udon who pointed out the way using the stars. Smart little thing.
I watched as the Clone followed in hot pursuit, darting through the underbrush after them while the three made their mad dash. It was Konohamaru who used the sexy jutsu to, ah, distract the clone before darting away with Udon. Thankfully, Spicy pretended to be stunned. It was Moegi who reached Kakashi first. For all of his trolling capabilities, the man was just standing there with his hands in his pockets like he was waiting for them to show up. I almost wished it were Gai; the man knew character, he knew acting. If there were a next time, I think I might ask Gai for help. Moegi pulled on his arm, begging for help.
Oh. Well. Time to go to my mark.
It wasn't five minutes later that the memories from Spicy popped into my mind. He managed to keep the secret with a well placed attack in the dark. I lay back on the ground to pretend to be wounded. It was another ten more minutes that Kakashi came by. The three children were panicked, all speaking in a hurry to tell him where I was. I rather think he liked the spotlight - the Diva. He came over to me, I could feel his shadow right over me. I near expected him to say something right then. But, instead, the man picked me up and started carrying me to what we had previously been using as a camp.
"You were so cool! I knew Boss' sensei would be great!" Konohamaru carried on as they walked.
"I can't believe it. We managed to get help! We saved our sensei!" Udon carried on. Moegi agreed loudly too. I could practically feel my Husband puff his chest up in pride. That man. For all his pretending, he liked the attention.
"You diva." I grumbled to him. He pretended to let me slip but I clung to him and shot him a dark look. Thankfully the students were short enough to not see me send him that look. He smiled back weakly.
"Hey! Don't drop her." Konohamaru snapped, "you can't jostle her! She's injured!"
"Sorry, sorry. She's just -" Kakashi started but I sent him a more intense glare. If he dared call me heavy, that man would be in trouble. Instead he started laughing nervously. Eventually he set me down and after about five minutes more I let my little students in on the news. Their poor hearts were devastated that it was all an act.
"You're kidding me! After all that?! It was a test! I called it!" Konohamaru carried on.
"Did we pass, did we at least pass? I think I have a gray hair!" Udon continued. Moegi frowned, looking up at me distrustfully.
"I thought it was real. We were in so much trouble." She said sourly.
Kakashi just watched me as I tried to explain. "I needed to make sure you three had good heads on your shoulders. Needed to make sure if the worst happened that you three would be capable enough to handle yourselves to get help without trying to take on this burden on your own."
Konohamaru scowled at me, crossing his arms over his chest.
"So?"
"So you passed. Flying colors, in my books. You three found a safe place, strategized, went for help and stayed together. You worked together. I'm rather proud of you all. You all have a good head on your shoulders." I told them. The three puffed up their chests a little bit but Konohamaru still seemed a little sour at being deceived. I'd have to win him over in time. Over the next few months we did indeed have many small cases. Like Naruto, Konohamaru wished to be impressive. It was all I could do to convince him to take his time and slow down.
Time passed as it tended to do. We trained as we wished - I more so than Kakashi, especially with my new students. I still had quite the way to go to catch up. I had to get strong. I had to be stronger, not only for my family but for my students as well. And then the day came. Naruto would be returning, though I wouldn't be present. Tsunade wanted me to come in for a case without my students.
That morning, I lay in bed resting. My Darling was asleep beside me. It was about time for me to get up and get going. I didn't want to awake my Love, so I tried to quietly get out of bed. The little I shifted alerted Kakashi. His arms slid around me and pulled my back in against his chest. He nuzzled my hair sleepily.
"Stay." He rumbled.
"Tsunade-sama wanted me in."
"Hatake, so help me…." He grumbled sleepily, his arms tightening around me. I giggled, shifting to caress his bare cheek with the back of my knuckle.
"I can't get away with being late. I'm simply not you, My Love." I said softly.
"Tsunade-sama will understand." He insisted quietly, though we both knew otherwise. I stroked his cheek lovingly. I stayed for a moment more and eventually managed to get free. He grumbled quietly, pulling up the covers around himself before drifting back to sleep. I smiled as I went about getting dressed. He was so cute. I didn't dare go close as I was rather sure he'd pull me back in and then I really would be late.
I grabbed a quick bite in the kitchen before grabbing my backpack and I headed out the door to meet with Tsunade to see about this case. From what she had said before, it was only for me. Not for my students and I. They were coming along well enough - mostly training and getting those silly little simple cases. We pulled weeds, we gardened, we fished - we did rather well. I didn't fall on my tail nearly as much as I had before. My Darling didn't show up too often. Neither of us wanted to be more public.
I arrived early enough to the Hokage building. Tsunade was already there with Shizune, murmuring quietly about Suna and otherwise. They both paused when they saw me walk in. Shizune sent me a bright smile, waving and bowing to step away. Tsunade grinned and nodded over to the desk.
"Come on, Just-Tami." She said cheekily, "I have something for you."
She rounded the desk, tossing a file down in front of her desk. She gestured for me to pick up. Tentatively, I reached for it and flicked it open. It was - reports. Missing persons reports. I looked up at her, curiously.
"There's been an uptick of missing persons up north." Tsunade said, a grin on her lips, "all kinds have gone missing."
I hummed as I went through it. It wasn't uncommon that - a photo of Sasuke had stopped me in my tracks.
"Sasuke has been sighted around. No Kabuto or Orochimaru, but I want you to be careful." She informed me.
Sasuke. How was he doing? Was he eating? Sleeping well? The photo didn't tell me anything about how he was doing. I pressed my lips together and closed the file, looking back up at Tsunade.
"I wanted you to try to get him back before I send in the others." She said to me, "see if you can convince him. I don't think he's beyond returning yet."
I stared at the file in my hand, I almost couldn't believe it. Sasuke was that close. I tried not to think of him beyond knowing we'd try again to get him back. I didn't want to let the failure consume me. But now - now I could try to talk with him, reason with him. Maybe this time I wouldn't fail him. Not again.
"Do you think you can handle it?" Tsunade asked. My breath nearly caught.
"Yes, Hokage." I said finally. I couldn't wait. I wouldn't wait. I needed to leave immediately. Sasuke was in reach.
I ran. I ran to the coordinates, being mindful of the stakes. Sasuke surely had his own team now, Orochimaru probably had a set of people around him to use and ensure Sasuke stayed in line. I'd have to be careful as I moved.
I could have summoned Pakkun and the others. But my Darling might need help and I rather wanted to handle this alone. Besides, birds would be less conspicuous than a group of Ninken, no matter how sweet they were. I summoned a songbird, a clever Bluejay by the name of Toshi. He flittered down to my shoulder and I showed him the picture of Sasuke.
"See if you can find a boy like this. He'll have an attitude - keep your distance." I told him quietly. Toshi whistled, jumping closer to the photo to look it over. He eyed the photo.
"Yes. Yes yes. Will do." He said, looking up at me. He took flight and I filed the papers away into my bag. It was time to work.
Sasuke had been keeping a low profile. I wouldn't find him outright by asking around. The young man was smarter than that - at least I hoped he was. So I investigated the better part of the source - the disappearances. Sasuke was not cleaning up after himself. The disappearances were sloppy. He seemed to prefer a handful of locations that most of the locals tried to avoid. What happened to Sasuke in the last two years? Had I failed him that bad?
I picked a spot that I was sure he'd visit and holed myself up. I waited there for as long as i could. The papers seemed to note that he went at particular times. It didn't take long to get notice that Sasuke was near. I could hear Toshi's call out above me. Sasuke was near. I composed myself. I needed a brief moment to clear my head before I faced him.
I slipped out from my hiding spot. There he was in the distance. His hair was a touch longer. His white shirt was open, and he had a sword of all things. He stood there, his back to me. He watched my Blue Jay in the distance squawk at him. I could hear him scoff and then -. His back stiffened and he spun around. His sword unsheathed. He didn't recognize me immediately. His face fell for just a moment when he did. A scowl flashed across his face and he widened his stance.
"What do you want?" He called out, his tone cold and he was trying to look dispassionate.
"Just stopping by. Checking in as it were. Lovely little… trick you've got going on here." I told him, slipping my hands in my back pocket. His sword raised as he studied me.
"You need to leave, now Tami. You don't belong here."
"I belong where I please, luv. Truly, what have you to say two ways about it?" I countered.
"Kabuto is nearby."
I stiffened for the briefest of moments, and a grin slowly spread across his lips.
"Even after all this time, you're still weak." He snarked. That little - where was my Sasuke? The cute little boy who scrunched up his nose at me?!
"Even after all this time, following after your brothers' coattails." I replied just as fast. I couldn't say that didn't hurt. He scowled at me, shifting his stance again before looking away and sheathing his sword.
"You aren't here to do anything. Just as useless as before." He grumbled. What a little punk he had become. Where was that little boy I cared for? Was I too late?
"You're right. I'm here to offer you an alternative." I began, stepping closer. I held out my hands, showing him that I meant no harm. "Even if Kabuto is about. You're worth the risk, Sasuke."
I watched as his jaw clenched as he watched me move closer. When I stood within ten feet, he shifted back. Ah. So that's the closest I could be to him.
"There's - Sasuke, there's so much that happened. That I need to tell you." I started, maybe even a little desperately. For just the briefest of moments, he looked willing to listen, "you could come home. We can make up a room, just for you. You don't need to go back to that compound-"
"Would you just shut up?" He snapped angrily, "I'm not a kid. You can't just drag me away anymore and argue with me."
"Sasuke-" I stepped forward, and he moved to unsheathe his sword again. We both froze. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end.
Sasuke and I leapt away as a long thin hammer struck down where Sasuke had been standing. A dark toned woman wielded the hammer, her eyes covered by dark goggles and a kumo headband across her forehead. She wore the standard dark clothes and cream vest the Kumo wore. However, instead of the sandals, she too wore boots. She ignored me outright and lunged toward Sasuke. Alarm flashed across his face as he pulled out his sword, she hooked her hammer right around and yanked it right away. Sasuke went to move away again and her partner was right behind her. The man darted in, focusing on Sasuke as well. I wasn't about to have that. I moved, getting between them both. Sasuke shot me a dark look, though he didn't move away. His Sharingan activated, and we engaged the two in battle. The woman pulled something from her vest and tossed it at us. I saw it as it shot past us. Glass? Shite. Was that a Batavian Tear?
She had focused them on Sasuke and on impulse I pulled him in and covered his eyes with my body as shattered glass exploded around us. Sasuke scowled, trying to shove me away. He parted, watching the two gear up to fight again. He began to charge up his Chidori. I stood my ground beside him, getting ready. The other Kumo man shifted, a scowl on his face and started going through his jutsu. The woman geared up again. There was no way I'd - . I screamed, the other remaining glass droplets shattering around the woman and her partner. Sasuke took advantage, rushing in to go in for the kill. Had he become that inhumane?
"Sasuke!" I snapped at him. The man recovered as I raced over to intervene. I shifted to attack, whistling sharply to cut through and keep them both away from Sasuke. Neither of the Kumo nin backed away. They seemed especially focused on him. No. I failed him once, not again.
Sasuke, instead of trying to punch the woman right through, he reached right out for her hammer. Her partner, though, slipped in, knocking Sasuke away and into me. I couldn't move fast enough - that man was near as fast as Kakashi himself. The Chidori hit my arm - my scar. I shrieked. Electricity seared through my veins racing up my arm. The bright blue glow was back. Sasuke rolled away, pushing himself up onto his feet as he stared at me in stunned horror.
"TAMI!" Sasuke shouted out. He moved to get closer to me but the Kumo man raced after him as I writhed. The woman stopped, her head turning from Sasuke to I. The man had raced after Sasuke - no. I rolled over and released a sharp whistle, aiming for the back of that man's knees. He stumbled as the hit landed. I saw one more glance of Sasuke's horrified face.
"Run." I ordered. Sasuke looked at each of us. He scowled and vanished. The two were clearly Jounin. Why did two Jounin get dispatched for Sasuke?
I heard the man curse loudly. Sasuke was good at disappearing when he needed to.
"Rue! We need to go. We failed here. Suna is next." He snapped.
I lay there, feeling the woman's gaze on me. What was in Suna? I'd stand and demand answers, but my arm felt like it was on fire. I took a deep breath to gain some sense. I started pushing myself up onto my knees.
The woman lifted her goggles, staring at me near dumbstruck. Her dark skin shimmered under the sunlight.
"Tami?"
I looked up at her - was that- "Luanna?"
Luanna stood there, her heart-shaped face and narrow dark gaze watched me, gobsmacked. Her mouth fell open. "I never…"
"Lue!" Her partner called, "we need to go!"
Luanna glanced at her partner, shifting from one foot to the next. I saw hesitation and then - she was gone. Luanna. Luanna was here. She was Kumo?
On instinct, I shook off my arm, electricity shot out and ripped up the ground. Tsunade and I - we'd need to have a talk. But first - first I needed to get to Suna
End Chapter
An: So I really really thought that I was going to be on hiatus and take a break. I really thought I would be. But this chapter wouldn't leave me. With Luanna's return, and then Tami becoming a Sensei - I really couldn't just not write. The sensei thing wasn't something I even planned, but I realized that she would be an ideal candidate. Ebisu is still busy with Maya still, checking in on her and he's aTokubetsu Jounin. I was on the fence about it because it might shift Tami away from the action, but I also realized that it doesn't mean she would be. There might just be times she's not involved. And there will be excuses for something else that's brewing for later.