Burn

"Knowing when to fight is just as important as knowing how."

― Terry Goodkind, Faith of the Fallen

Chapter 8

The next morning, Oliver started the trek back to this Konoha with Asuma's team and the Pirate. The man, Kakashi, had been glancing out of the corner of is one visible eye, shooting looks at Oliver from time to time. Oliver couldn't say why for sure. The gray haired man was quiet and more of a lone wolf. He had some kinda weird Pug trailing with him. When the dog talked, Oliver nearly choked on his own spit. Choji got a good laugh, and Asuma smirked. He could have sworn the Scarecrow's eye lit up.

"I see the family resemblance." The Pug murmured.

Family? Did they know his Tams? The gray-haired one looked to be around his niece's age. Maybe a little older. Oliver looked over the two men. Personally, he thought that Asuma guy was the better of the two. He seemed more together - less abrasive than the other one. Knowing his niece…. Well, he could only hope in the months he'd seen her, she hadn't gotten into any boy trouble. They would be going home soon, anyway. Him, Tams, and Maya. Surely that Ninja village had a way back. If they didn't - he'd figure something out. He bet his niece already started the work to get back.

So - maybe he'd get intel.

"You know my niece?" Oliver asked finally, looking over at the group. Ino groaned, rolling her eyes heavenward.

"Unfortunately." She complained, "She's so annoying!"

"I dunno, I kinda like her," Choji commented between bites.

Yeah - yeah, that was his niece. She was loved or hated.

Shikamaru remained quiet as the other two started to bicker.

"She's such a pain! She puts her big nose into other people's business and it's so annoying!"

"She kinda reminded me of you," Choji commented and Ino scowled at him.

Asuma groaned and rubbed his jaw.

"We - we know her." He said, glancing at the Scarecrow. That man didn't say anything, just hummed softly in agreement.

"Sounds like my niece is doing her usual," Oliver said. Asuma chuckled and the Scarecrow's eye crinkled.

"She'd be here - but the Hokage had ordered her to stay in the village," Asuma explained quietly.

"Smart," Oliver grunted. He wondered if the two of them knew the secret. Both men didn't comment, but Shikamaru frowned as he looked between the two. Ino and Choji hadn't noticed yet.

"Why is that good?" Shikamaru asked.

"Tams has a habit of biting off more than she can chew. Her mouth works faster than her sense." Oliver said flatly. The Scarecrow snorted a laugh. Asuma chuckled and sat back.

"So she's always been like that." One mumbled.

Oliver grunted but didn't say much more on the matter. He was more concerned about why Ninja knew who his niece was. What had she gotten into while he was away?
"So - how do you know my niece?" He asked the two men pointedly. The two glanced at each other. Asuma was the first to break the silence. He shrugged.

"A friend of ours introduced us. He thought she needed friends, said she was full of youth." He explained. After seeing Oliver's eyebrows raised, Asuma's lips quirked, "Gai is a character. Good man, but he's kind of…."

Oliver grunted. Sounded like that Robert fellow Tami had hanging around. He was a punk, but Oliver liked him okay.

When Oliver looked over to the man with the pug, the man had nothing on his face. Well, at least the exposed part. The pirate had trained his expression to be completely void. Great.

"We worked together." Was all the pirate said. Oliver's eyebrows raised.

"You let unlicensed detectives help you on ninja business?" He asked, barely believing his own thoughts. What was his Tams doing there? He should have known she wouldn't have the sense to stay out of trouble. It had barely been maybe three months and she was off doing who-knows-what!

"She passed the Genin exam," Asuma added, rubbing the back of his head. The pirate grimaced as Oliver tensed. He knew a little about the levels these Ninja went through.

"So she's a ninja. In three months."

"What do you mean? She's been a Kunoichi for, like, three and a half years I think." Ino chipped in.

Three years.

His niece had been involved in that work for three years?!

"Maa - Oliver-san, it really hasn't been that bad." The pirate added in, but it was too late by that point. The whole camp could practically hear the man grinding his teeth in anger. He was going to be talking to his niece about this. She shouldn't have gotten into something so dangerous! He taught her better than that. He tried to teach her to be safe.

Looks like he failed in that.

X

Gai left on his mission, Kurenai was busy with her students, and I had been busy training. I tried not to be too nervous. I hoped Kakashi and Asuma were able to get my Uncle back in one piece. Who knew how it would go? I hadn't heard anything since his letter. I had faith in him, but I tried not to dwell on it.

Instead - I had my own issues to deal with. Such as what Owl was up to. The Anbu had been suspiciously quiet as of late. Nothing from him, no attempts on my windows or seals. Instead, I buried myself in my work. Or rather, my matchmaking work.

Researching the Hyuuga was saddening. Neiji was a dead-end, so I ended up going off on my own. The clan itself was tight-lipped.

I tried to charm a few Hyuuga, sprinkling in that Walker charm to get my way. Said charm went nowhere. While most shinobi were reserved, the Hyuuga were even more so. The second I began even questioning anything, the best I got was a press of the lips, and a bob of the head before turning around to leave. I didn't even get a goodbye.

It was Neiji that inspired my next move. He was the black sheep of the Clan. Surely there had to be more.

Most Hyuuga tended to stick together. They tended to look fairly similar. There were two that strayed. Hyuuga Neiji, and one young woman by the name of Himeko.

She favored tea shops and clothing stores on the other side of town. Most of the time, she was on her own. Once or twice I caught a man (who turned out to be her cousin, Haru) who checked in with her. She tended to dress better than I saw most, but I never saw her without a fabric headband around her forehead. After what Neiji had exposed, I was sure I knew what she was trying to cover up.

The best part about this find was that she wasn't the object of Muzuku's affection. I could work a little more freely.

I tracked her down - she was rather predictable. She was nearly always taking her tea at the little cafe outside of the Naara forest. I looked forward to this interaction - at least she seemed to have good taste.

I slipped into the cafe and found her rather quickly. She didn't look up as I approached.

"What a lovely day. Mind if I join you?" I asked cheerily.

"So it's been you." Himeko drawled, her ghostly eyes flicking over to me lazily before looking away. "I thought I sensed someone around."

"Oh? I thought I was rather sly. I'll have to work on that."

"The Hyuuga are skilled sensors. You'll have to be exceptional." She drawled lazily, looking me over again. She frowned, "And what does the outsider want with me?"
Straight to the point. Ah, refreshing. I sat back with a bright smile.
"Perhaps I'm in the market for new friends. Maybe additional tea-drinking buddies. It's been rather sparse, you understand." I carried on, waiting for her response.

Her lip twitched, and she finally looked at me straight on.

"Alright. You have my attention."

"Oh?"

"You came to find me for tea. I would have thought two outsiders would have become friends years ago. If that was the case." She explained, leaning on her hands as she looked me over.

"What can I say? I'm a little late. Life has yet to slow for me." I continued.

She hummed, "Two orphans and a time-challenged Shinobi will do that to you. I promise I won't hold it against you if you tell me the real reason you're here."

I couldn't help it. I laughed. She was fun.

"Do tell, are you a Kunoichi? You're wasting your talents if you're not." I said, leaning against my chair.

She remained quiet, waiting. I was familiar with the tactic. She was trying to use the uncomfortable silence to urge me to answer. Truly, I'd play more but she didn't seem keen on going against my questions.

"I might know someone who might be interested in one of your numerous cousins." I began and she ahhed softly. A faraway look flickered in her gaze for a second as she pulled back and took a sip of her tea, "I'm investigating to see if he might have hope."

"And who is the someone?" She asked.

"A friend. An orphan. He's rather smart, rather put together. Good, steady job. Good man." I explained softly, thinking of Mozuku. He was a good sort.

Her brow furrowed for a second, and she placed her cup down.

"Are you talking about Hatake? I really don't think the Clan head would accept him even with his list of accomplishments. The Clan hated when the Uchiha just let him keep that eye. We won't chance him getting a Hyuuga eye as well."

I had to fight to keep my face neutral. She thought that Kakashi-? Once again, it brought to mind that I might be on borrowed time with him. Someone else might be the one he was meant for. My mouth felt like sandpaper.

"Ah - no. Different friend. Not as high profile or accomplishments, so to speak. But still solid." I carried on, trying to push past this without thinking further on it.

She hummed. I could tell she saw her words affected me, but she thankfully chose to move past it.

"I guess it just depends. If he's a threat to the Clan, there's no way. The Hyuuga won't accept him. But if he's not strong enough or good enough - they won't want him. It's a case-by-case basis." She explained softly, shrugging her shoulders, "I mean, I'm barely accepted as it is, and it's in name only. My dad still is getting flack for being careless."

Ah… so that's why she's a black sheep. I tried not to grimace. She had no control over that, but a stain on the family is still a stain. Although I didn't believe it was - clearly the Hyuuga thought it.

"I see," I murmured. If I could help Mozuku market himself right, he might have a shot. Since he was an orphan, he had no clan to help him seem more appealing. But he also had nothing marking against him.

He might have a chance.

"Thank you, Luv. I appreciate this. He'll be pleased to hear it." I said, moving to stand.

"Who is it, if I might ask?" Himeko looked up at me. I couldn't help but answer. It wasn't relevant to hide his identity anymore.

"Mozuku - with the T&I."

Himeko paused and a smile broke across her face. "Airi. I knew it. I thought I saw them shyly flirting the other day!"

I grinned and couldn't help but wink.
"Keep it between us, ah? I think he'd rather surprise her."

I parted, deciding to meet up with her later. She seemed to be a lovely sort. Maybe I'd stop by again.

I left to continue on my investigation. I did sneak a peak on Mozuku and his love, Airi. It was adorable. He was a stuttering, blushing mess. So was she. How cute.

I tried to keep myself busy.

I tried not to think too much about what was going on elsewhere. I hoped Uncle was found and safe. I hoped My Darling was, too.

Though, he wasn't the one in the hospital as often as I was.

Best to work on that.

In the end, I went to find Maya and check in with her. I hoped all was well. I wouldn't ask her about the future events, or people again. Not until she spoke of it first. She had been right, and I'd do my best to be better about it.

X

Kakashi never would have thought he'd meet one of his favorite novel characters. Oliver, or Hiro In the series, was a good character. In some ways, he felt comforted reading about the man on the page, being imparted some wisdom. Seeing Oliver in the flesh was something entirely different. He was grumpier than Kakashi had expected.

That could be because he found out his niece is a Kunoichi.

Kakashi couldn't say what the man thought of him. It didn't matter, in the end. Although they were fine for the moment, Kakashi suspected that Oliver wanted to get Tami and leave for their home.

He couldn't let that happen. Kakashi already knew he was selfish for wanting to keep his Tami from her world. He didn't care. He wanted her. Oliver wouldn't get what he wanted - at least so long as Tami wanted to stay.

He frowned at the thought. That might make her leave. Tami was loyal to her Uncle. Though she had a mind of her own, he was sure she'd take Oliver into consideration.

As much as Kakashi wanted her to stay with him - she might still leave him. Oliver might take her away. He remembered what Maya had told him. He was originally meant to be alone. Having lost everyone else close to him - he could hope that this time would be different. Maybe Tami's presence changed things.

Maybe he had no reason to fear her leaving him, in death or her choosing it.

Maybe he could get the family he always wanted.

He mulled it over as the team slowly made their way back to Konoha. Oliver didn't want to be carried, so they had to take the long way back. Kakashi was already missing certain parts of Village life when the man in question fell into step with him. Kakashi had been walking behind the group, taking up the back end to ensure they weren't being followed.
"So, you always this quiet?" Oliver asked directly. Kakashi managed a small shrug and sent him an eye smile.

"Only when I have nothing to say, Oliver-san." He replied lightly.

Oliver chuckled, his hands sliding into his pants pockets.

"Yeah? Not a bad way to be. Always told Tams she had two ears for a reason."

"Maa - I doubt she heard it," Kakashi added lightly. Oliver chuckled more.

"Speaking of. I hear I have you to thank for keeping my niece safe. Working with her is one thing, I know she can be a handful. But keeping her safe in the middle of ninja business is something different." Oliver added on.

Kakashi felt a little uncomfortable with that. Tami hadn't been that bad. Twice, maybe, she messed up. Sure, he was the stronger of the two, but she wasn't a burden.

"Tami-chan was very capable in the field. She has excellent chakra control and has shown to be a good kunoichi." Kakashi said, looking at the man. Oliver grunted, a small frown on his face.

"I hear she was in the hospital not long ago."

"She was."

"Yeah? And she clearly doesn't belong here, fighting." Oliver continued, "She could have died."

For some strange reason, Kakashi hated hearing this. He had said the same things, even using the same example. And yet, hearing Oliver say it hadn't sat right with him.

"Tami-chan has become a Chunin in a short amount of time. She mastered skills some take a lifetime to achieve. She may be overzealous but she's capable." Kakashi said firmly.

Oliver studied him for a short time. Kakashi felt a sense of deja vu flow over him; the way he read Kakashi was not unlike how Tami did. And with that, Kakashi could only guess what the man now figured out. He didn't have to wait for long.

"My niece doesn't need to be a ninja. She's returning home. With me. Where she belongs. You might want to say goodbye to your partner." Oliver told him coldly. The way he said partner made him wonder if Oliver suspected that he was dating Tami. He wasn't trying to hide it, per se, but it wasn't a convenient time to talk about it.

Kakashi sent him one of those eye smiles his Tami used to loathe, "Maa - Walker-san, you have such a sense of humor."

He felt a rush of satisfaction when he saw Oliver scowl back at him. The feeling was mutual. He wasn't about to let Oliver talk to him like that. Not when Kakashi had every intention of keeping his Tami by his side.

Oliver stalked off not long after, leaving Kakashi to his thoughts. Getting to Konoha couldn't be soon enough. It took another day and a half, to be on the safe side. Oliver hadn't sought him out since their talk. But Kakashi did his best to make himself scarce. He didn't want to argue with his Sunshine's Uncle.

X

I hoped since it was taking my darling so long to return that they might have my Uncle in tow. At least I hoped that was the case, and not Kakashi being dragged back due to chakra exhaustion. Maybe he got a good hit on that Kabuto-cretin for me. My Darling would get a kiss for that.

But, instead, I went grocery shopping. It had been a while since I had to buy more food than for myself and Hatake. Since Naruto left to train and Sasuke…. Well. My home hadn't seen many invited visitors. I carried my selected purchases up the flight of stairs to my apartment door. I shifted them in my arms, pulling out my key to unlock the door.

"Why are there seals on your windows?" A voice asked.

I nearly jumped out of my skin. This ninja! I swear they live to torment me. I'm rather sure it's a contest! See who makes Tami jump the highest!

I snapped around, barely managing to ensure I didn't drop my eggs.

Owl. Of course, it was Owl. I sent him a scathing glare.

"Perhaps I'm tired of uninvited guests showing up in my home like they pay rent," I said lightly as Owl watched me struggle. I ended up shoving a bag in his arms. He was there. He had usable arms. Might as well help as I struggled, "here. Hold that."

"Are you saying I'm not invited?" Owl asked again.

"I'm saying the amount of times some shinobi have decided to arrive in my home, and the amount of times they've let me know they were coming is zero," I said, finally getting the door unlocked and stepping in.

"Hatake comes and goes."

"Hatake has a key."

"I want a key."

"And I want a self-cleaning, always full kunai set. Sometimes it just doesn't happen." I continued. I probably shouldn't joke like this with a man who I wondered might be out to kill me. But, I couldn't help it. I set my things down and got the bag from Owl who stood in the doorframe listlessly. I looked him over. I couldn't tell a thing he thought or any sorts of emotion. I hadn't a clue. I sighed and nodded into the kitchen.

"Would you like tea?" I asked, feeling resigned.

"I wanted a key but tea will do," Owl said as he walked in and made his way to my kitchen. He reminded me of my Cousin right then. Charles always liked being difficult.

I followed after him, moving to get the kettle ready and put away my prizes.

"That's a lot of food for just you." He continued on.

I shot him a look.

"The peanut gallery isn't necessary," I called over my shoulder as I went to pull out the selection of tea I had on hand and prepared the mugs.

Owl didn't say anything, simply waiting for me to fill his cup and make his choice. I sat down across from him, mugs in hand. I handed one to him and sat back to look at him.

"So - to what do I owe this delight?" I asked him.

Owl didn't speak for a long while. He lazily selected the tea he wanted, and slowly opened the individually wrapped package. I tried not to let my impatience show. He was doing this on purpose, I was sure of it.

"I wanted to offer my help in training." He said. "I saw you were swimming the other day. I thought maybe I can help."

I hummed, looking at my mug as I thought through the offer. Owl wasn't being generous. This had to be an angle. He was already being a little shifty. I imagined it was some way to get close to me. But perhaps I could use it to my advantage. I could learn a new skill in the meantime if he could help me.

"You never seemed interested in helping me train before," I said.

"The basics are boring." He said flatly, "You still haven't learned about chakra natures, have you?"
I had not. I hummed and looked away. Maybe my knowledge was lacking.

"What? Your lover hasn't even taught you that?" He asked, incredulous.

I really wish he'd stop saying that! They were dating, not-. I fought off a blush and frowned.

"Behave," I told him. "We've been busy."

The long silence didn't help, and Tami felt her face grow hotter. That was not what she meant.

"I've been training, and he's been on missions. And it's none of your business." I clarified after a moment. Owl scoffed behind his ANBU mask, settling back against the chair.

"If you say so. But the offer stands."

I sighed and looked at my mug. Maybe I could use this as a way to find out more information on why Owl suddenly was interested in me. Was he part of that ROOT like My Beloved thought? Mm. I'd figure it out as I went. I could learn a skill too.

"Fine, then. I train in the morning for a few hours." I said, looking up.

"Glad to hear it. I'll find you." He said and stood up. He quietly made his way out and I watched him go. It just felt so weird.

What was he up to? What did he want?

I couldn't quite say yet. Intel, obviously. I knew how he felt about informants, so what was he doing?

I'd speak with My Darling about it. Until then - I'd keep an eye on him.

The next morning after training (and Owl not showing up), I went to work to find Mozuku. He had been sitting beside Shinobu when I walked in. He perked up immediately, and didn't even wait for me to sit down to ask, "Well?"

I fought off a grin as I sat down across from him. Shinobu frowned as he looked between us.

"Well, what?" He asked, "You - did you ask her for help?"
"Yes, I did. She helped Jiraiya get Tsunade-sama." Mozuku reasoned, turning his focus to me once more.

"That's just a rumor." Shinobu grumbled, "Like how kids said she was a tengu."

I decided to ignore that one. I grinned at Mozuku finally.

"I think we might be able to find a way." I said, "If we work this at the right angle."

The smile on his face practically lit up the room. He beamed at me, sitting nearly at the edge of his seat.

"You really think so?"

"Mm. We'll just have to find the right angle. I think you'll have to be on the up-and-up from the beginning. But we'll work on it." I said.

He let out a breath I don't think even he noticed he was holding. I nearly wanted to ask about Itachi's journal, but I didn't want to take this moment from him. I'd find him later, I decided. Decoding took time.

I stood and sent him a grin as I went to go on my way.

Mozuku grabbed my wrist before I could go far.

"Uh.. that… report you needed. I have it, and the key you needed." He said. I froze - he found something. I could see this look in his eye - he was unsettled.

"I'll pick it up later," I said before pulling away. He nodded and I pulled away, feeling shaky.

I was about to know what happened with Itachi and this Shisui. I licked my bottom lip as I left, wondering what would be uncovered.

My thoughts nearly focused on just that journal. I didn't get my hands on the page again until two hours later. My curiosity was getting the better of me, wanting to dive right in. I went to my little corner of the T&I building. I was almost at my door when Ibiki barked down the hall at me.

"Walker! Get to interrogation room two now. No dawdling." He ordered.

I groaned and shoved the decoded page into my pocket.

Great.

All I wanted to know was the answers to the mysterious Uchiha massacre - and Ibiki was about to torture - interrogate some poor unsuspecting knob. I grumbled to myself as I shuffled back to the interrogation rooms.

I saw Asuma and Shikamaru with Kakashi up ahead, murmuring quietly to the Hokage as I neared. Tsunade stood off to the side, her arms crossed as the four spoke quietly.

They found something. Or someone? Sasuke? Uncle?

I ran to look.

Uncle. He sat in the interrogation room, anger seemed to roll under the surface. I could clearly see him past the two-way mirror. I could tell by the way he tapped his fingers impatiently on the table, his mouth pressed into a thin line. I felt so struck by how familiar he was, though he looked different in this world than I was used to. I didn't realize how much I missed him until this very moment. Sasuke wasn't anywhere - my heart sank. The boy was probably still with Orochimaru. Maybe - maybe he escaped?

I hadn't seen him in so long.

"Well. We got him." Ibiki growled as he stepped up beside me. "Any ideas how to verify his identity?"

I worked my mouth, trying to make my mind work. I licked my bottom lip.

"I-ah. I - Uncle likes cigars. Bourbon, whiskey… just - tell him - tell him the Pittsburgh Pirates deserved to win. That the Greenbay Packers have better men." I began rattling off. Uncle always got too excited about his sports. He was relentless in defending his specific teams. I nearly thought he just defended the home team out of spite. I never did ask if there was more to it. Maybe I should have.

Ibiki shot a look at Shinobu. The other man sent me a curious look and nodded as he stepped into the room.

It didn't take five minutes before Uncle started on an angry rant on his sports teams. By that time, Kakashi made his way over to me. I watched in slight awe as Oliver ranted to the poor ninja about the finer points of baseball and football.

"It's him," I murmured.

"Maa," Kakashi grunted back, gently nudging my arm with his elbow. "I thought so. Ibiki-san wanted to make sure."

"Ibiki - it's him," I said again. My boss grunted and stepped back, letting me into the room. I gently squeezed my Darling's arm before I raced into the room. The only thing that stopped my Uncle's rant was when I darted in and wrapped my arms around him. I gave him the biggest hug I could.

"Uncle!" I cried softly. He even smelled like him. Like old cigars and ash. I missed it more than I realized. I needed to pull myself together before I-. No. I wouldn't do that.

"Tams." Oliver started, placing a hand on my back. He spoke to me in English - I missed it, too, "Glad to see you again."

AN: So this is probably the shortest chapter I've done. But - you know. Life. Oh well, a small one would do well enough here I think. Thank you guys so much for your support on this.

Also - let me know if you guys would like to read any of my odd AUs for this story (like, what if Tami accidentally did go home in sparks, or otherwise. I have some but I don't know if anyone is even interested in it?)
Anyway, I meant for this to be out way before now. But a lot has happened in the last couple of months. A new job, better income, and things have gotten much better. I've been going to Disney and playing way too much of Tears of the Kingdom. I'm loving the storytelling in the game. If you haven't played it - I suggest it.

Anyway, I hope you are all doing well and I'll see you next time!