Burn

"Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced."
― Soren Kierkegaard

Chapter 11

TW: suicide/death talks

I had been feeling tense for a while. Uncle still hadn't given up in the few months he had been there. He still made comments about my returning with him. He still made rude comments about Kakashi. I could see it weighing down on my Love, but he tried to be as tame as he could for my sake. Uncle did like to use English more around my Love when he came to visit. I stopped responding in English a month and a half ago.

It was getting to be too much. But I did have some reprieve from the dramatics of both my Love and my Uncle.

I had been able to assist Mozuku out with his lover woes. We had a plan ongoing. We started looking for ways to elevate him in his position - gain recognition and awards. New skills, and such. All we had left was to sell the idea of him to the Hyuuga if that's what he truly wanted. It was an ongoing process.

Kakashi was out on a mission again. He was out there getting into situations that I hoped he was okay involving himself in. I assumed it had something to do with the investigation into Danzo. I didn't ask. My Love didn't say. I knew it was more trouble than it was worth for me to dig into it while Owl was still sniffing around me.

Kakashi had told me some somber news about Owl - or who I thought was Owl. They believed they found the body of Yasu. From the sound of it - he was murdered after returning to Konoha nearly four years ago. After he returned with me. He hadn't been found, his death hidden and since ANBU had short life expectancy (unless they were exceptional), no one noticed his disappearance, and the Owl I knew slipped into his place. He was masked, after all. It wasn't hard to do.

The Owl I knew wasn't the Owl that saved me. As I mulled it over, it made sense. Yasu was amused by my nicknames from what I recalled. My Owl, he didn't like them very much at all. Scoffed about it, grumbled, and complained. It was clear to me, I was Owl's assignment.

Years ago, I called him out for informing his superiors about me. Who would have known it was more than Hiruzen?

I did my best to hide that I knew it. Owl still came by from time to time, checking in on my progress. I noted that he usually only showed up after I visited the compound or Sasuke's home. He was trying to see what I knew.

So I crafted my own reasons for him to believe. Keep your friends close and enemies even closer, after all.

I invited him once to come by, spinning a tale of my heartbreak and sadness about Sasuke. How I missed him terribly. I would rant about how evil and cruel Itachi clearly was. I spoke about how unhinged he must have been to murder his family and clan. I threw in a few sobs for good measure. I needed him to buy it. I needed a cover for our investigation.

They couldn't know about the journal.

From what I could tell? Owl bought it, his head lowered and it took weeks for him to return. From what I could bet, he bought it. Maybe he even felt bad. I couldn't say what was real with him and what was an act.

Uncle knew what I was doing. He warned me only once to take care. Otherwise, he didn't talk about it. I figured it was because he couldn't, or wouldn't, use it to criticize me. I counted it as a small win.

It broke me just a little bit that he was so insistent on arguing with me. It soured what little time we had left together. I had delivered the scrolls and jutsu that I estimated would help get Uncle Oliver home (and Maya, I hoped) to Tsunade. Soon enough, he would be leaving. And, soon enough, all I would have would be memories of him being sour until the day he left.

I hated it.

Out of respect for my Uncle, I didn't confront him. Though my patience was wearing thin.

It finally happened - a week after Kakashi had left. I was up early getting ready to train. My Darling had suggested a new sort of meal regimen that I was trying out. Uncle came in - clearly tired.

"Tams… Why are you doing this?" He asked outright.

"Because I'm not about to let this world steamroll my family," I said, not switching to English for him. He needed to get the idea. I tried telling him, so I've resorted to showing him.

"Your family isn't here."

"Kakashi is my family. Those boys are my family too. I'm not just going to abandon them."

"And you're abandoning us." He continued.

I gripped the pan I was cooking with a little harder.

"I'm not leaving," I said firmly. I could see his arms crossed, and inhale sharply to speak. I was done, "Uncle, I'm staying here. My future is with them. I'm not abandoning anything. I grew up."

Oliver stood there in the doorway, just studying me in silence. His arms were still crossed and I could feel him evaluating me. I looked away, moving to go to make a plate for him too. I sat down to eat my breakfast, and Uncle watched me before slowly moving into the room. I gestured to the plate and he quietly went ahead and got his plate. He sat down across from me and we picked at our food in silence. It was about right before I was ready to get up that he spoke up.

"You're serious about this guy?"

"I am."

"He's an ass."

"He's a dear. He just dishes back out what's thrown his way." I told him pointedly, looking at him. I saw my Uncle's lips twitch.

"Point taken, Tams." He grumbled, leaning back in his chair. He sighed. "Fine… when does dream-boat get back?"

"A few weeks from what Pakkun said," I replied.

Uncle groaned and rubbed his temples, "A dog gives you reports on your boyfriend."

I couldn't help it. I laughed.

"Pakkun is a charmer, and so is the rest of the pack. You'd know it if you actually gave Kakashi half a chance."

Oliver sent me a look and grunted. I left not long after, heading out to train more. I was still struggling with hitting the right note for my new whistle attack. I still also needed to polish up my water jutsu knowledge. I just needed two elemental chakra solidly under my belt, to be nominated, take my final tests, and then I was a Jounin. My wind chakra was fairly solid. From what I hear this process was easier than the Chunin Exams, though the bar was higher up of course. I just was this close. I had a meeting with Inoichi later on this week to go over the finer details.

Nothing truly happened from then until I met with Inoichi. Uncle was tamer, though reserved. Work was fine, and I tried not to miss my Darling much. My part of the investigation into Itachi was put on hold for now. I had to actually talk to him to continue it.

The day I did finally sat down with Inoichi, my nerves were running rather high. Would he nominate me? Would Ibiki? I didn't think Ibiki would. He seemed to like that I was bound to the village.

I found his office rather easily, him being in the wing across from mine in the T&I. I waited for him to bid me to sit as he finished up some paperwork. He glanced up and gestured for me to close the door. I complied and found my seat across from him.

"I hear you're looking into getting your Jounin rank." He began, sitting back in his chair.

"Mm. There's things I want to get done. Things that I need to do. Sitting idle, I'll do none of it." I said plainly.

Inoichi hummed. He looked me over, a small frown crossing his face and he breathed out.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I asked you to come." He began.

"I assume it has something to do with being a Jounin?"

"This… this talk is something only a few get, Tami. I'm not pleased with having to go over this with you." He began.

I rather hated the sound of that. He looked uncomfortable for a second, sitting back and looking me over.

"But it must be done." He said finally. Now I just wanted it over with.

"Go on." I prompted.

Inoichi took a long breath in before he began.

"We usually reserve these types of talks for shinobi with bloodline abilities. The Uchiha and Hyuuga looked after their own clansmen, but…." He continued and then stalled for a moment. He started fiddling with his fingers, and his mouth pressed into a firm line. What did I have to do with bloodline abilities? Why was he so nervous?

"But it's not terribly uncommon for others to need to be spoken to about this." Inoichi began again, "There are times that missions go wrong. The enemy has captured you, and either your bloodline ability or intel might be compromised."

Ah. That was why. So that's why he was nervous. I was starting to share his discomfort.

"We teach shinobi ways to destroy themselves to protect the village. To become a Jounin, you will need to learn how." He said finally. I blanched.

It- made sense. From the sound of it, even that Shisui fellow had to. And it never occurred to me that I might have to -. I hoped I'd never be put in that position. Kakashi didn't deserve that. But - I must do what I must do.

"Well… carry on. Best be quick, like ripping off a bandage." I said, trying to sound undisturbed. I failed, though I think Inoichi appreciated my attempt. He sent me a weak smile and we began the lecture.

It was gruesome talk. I rather hated it but it was part of the life I led. I hoped I'd never have to utilize what I learned. I never wanted to. I'd have to be extra cautious. My Darling didn't need another reason to visit the memorial stone.

After we were done, Inoichi was kind enough to share a cup of tea with me. We chattered on about what had been going on. He, proud as a peacock, explained how his daughter was doing incredibly well under Tsunade's tutelage. Hearing him talk of her - I almost wished we had a better friendship.

He finally did tell me who would oversee my testing for Jounin.

"Shikaku, my teammate, will be overlooking your exam." He said. I tried not to make a face but I did. Inoichi pressed his lips together to not laugh, "Is that a problem?"

"I don't think he's a particular fan of mine. He was sexist to me, I mouthed off to him." I explained. Inoichi actually had the gall to laugh! He shook his head and sat back.

"I'm sure his wife would love to hear that. For as much as the Naara men complain women should be meek and mild, they're only interested in strong and opinionated women."

I raised my eyebrows. What?

"You're kidding."

"Not at all. She runs a tough household keeping both Shikaku and their son in line. Anything you could have said is nothing worse than his wife has put them both through."

It suddenly made sense why I had an inkling Shikamaru was sweet on Temari. Through the Exam prep, he seemed to stick close to her side. It was rather cute.

It did make me feel a touch better, after all.

I ended up leaving not too long after, trying to keep my mind away from the talk I just had. The week before the Chunin exams, I dedicated my free time to polishing up what skills I had. I wanted to be prepared. More than likely I'd be unable to assist with the wild dash from Konoha to Suna. I still didn't have my Jounin rank.

X

Sasuke sat on the roof of the new compound, his back against the wall. He had just gotten through with another round of experiments and training with the Snake Sanin. Kabuto had faced off with him. The two men often sent him looks from the corner of their eyes. Sasuke assumed they suspected he did something. No one could really say. But the evidence of everything going up in flame, paired with the broken jail cell….

His only redeeming grace was the dead body they found. Orochimaru seethed for days. Kabuto didn't care at all. Orochimaru did muse about stealing another from that world, though he needed a sample from that world. Otherwise, they could end up anywhere.

"I believe I must have succeeded. For Konoha to react in the way they had…" Orochimaru decided smugly, a smile curling on his lips. He glanced over to Sasuke.

"She must have been trying to prevent you from acquiring…." Kabuto paused. Sasuke had been nearby at the time. He wanted to balk. Neither of them told him what they meant outright. So Sasuke avoided it for the time being. Instead… he remained alone on the roof. Mostly to avoid Karin. It was the one place she didn't go often. He'd eventually have to change to another place to hide. She reminded him a little bit of Sakura, but Sakura hadn't been so - insistent.

He pulled out the ragged photo he had, Tami and Naruto smiling up at him from the snow. He was in the picture, shooting annoyed looks at Naruto. Had he only known.

Naruto, from nowhere, had gotten stronger. Sasuke had to keep up. He had to become even stronger and if the dead last Naruto beat him there was little hope for him getting justice for his clan. He had to beat Itachi. He wanted to drag him and Orochimaru back to Konoha - and face punishment for their crimes. He knew only then he could go home. He had to get stronger. And he had to plan. He would stay as long as he could with Orochimaru, learning what he could - then he'd make his own escape in the night. The need for power wasn't as overwhelming as it used to be. Maybe it was a driving force, but he also saw he needed to be able to apply that power in ingenious ways. Tami had done it. Sensei and Naruto too (maybe not so much). Sasuke would be able to. He was just as clever.

He just needed to think of the battlefield like a game of Go.

So with that -. Sasuke breathed in and stood. He made his way back to his room slowly, using the shadow clone jutsu. He hated using it - it was a waste of chakra on the battlefield - but this?

He could do this.

Sasuke sat down across from his clone and the two started setting up the board.

X

While training the week before the exams, Uncle had started to watch me train in the morning. He never said much. He just stood off to the side as I practiced. Gai had joined me one day as I was trying to hit the right note to use the whistle attack I had developed. It was come and go. I could use the attack, it was inconsistent.

Gai had come by with his team to cheer me on. Oliver had silently settled beside a curious Tenten and a grumpy Neiji.

I felt a little foolish, standing there trying to figure this out with an audience.

Gai has been trying to help, though he wasn't as skilled in this type of jutsu. So not much was being done. I was near done, ready to pack it up for the day when Oliver called out. I froze, not expecting it. And he didn't tell me in English?

"You're overthinking it, Tams. Stand on one leg." He advised from the sidelines.

"One leg?" Tenten murmured.

"I do not see how that can help," Lee added.

Gai rubbed his chin and then hummed softly.

"Uncle…." I began, and Oliver just nodded to me.

"You're in your head too much, focusing on it. Better try another way." He said again.

As I realized what he was trying to say, Neiji piped up.

"That doesn't make any sense."

"Sure it does." Oliver countered.

"No. No, it doesn't." Neiji insisted, shooting my Uncle a dirty look, "Limits are your limits."

"Who told you that?"

"Everyone knows it."

Oliver scoffed and then nodded to me to continue.

Of course, now was the time I needed to look a fool. I did as I was told. Focusing on keeping my balance, my chakra, and the target. It took a few tries, but sure enough, I was able to produce the sharp whistle that cut into the target.

Tenten clapped. I could near feel Neiji's scowl from where I stood. Gai was grinning up a storm as Lee congratulated me. He was a sweet dear.

"Your brain is designed to keep you alive. It'll tell you all kinds of things to keep you complacent, and comfortable. It'll even tell you that you can't do somethin'. Sometimes you gotta work around it." Oliver explained. For once, Neiji had no comeback. He pressed his lips together, looking over at Lee and Gai. I watched as a thought flickered through his mind and - understanding.

"Do you think a jutsu would work under the same logic?" He asked.

I nearly froze again. Neiji was -. I looked at Gai. A big grin broke out across his face. We shared a look, but he tapped his finger to his lips. Lee remained silent as well.

"Ehh - maybe. Don't know enough to say, but it has to tie to something for it to work." Oliver reasoned.

Neiji's lips pressed into a thin line. The team was dead silent as the boy processed the information.

"Forgive me… I need to get off to work. Uncle - thank you." I said, breaking the silence. Who would have thought Uncle would be the one to…. I hoped Neiji listened to him. And I hoped he'd show his very own Uncle what-for.

With the business of the exams, I hadn't much else that I was able to do but that and train.

Temari often came by, as well as Kankuro. Gaara couldn't be too involved as he had to go through the exam again.

Temari didn't give me too much grief. Kankuro, though. He was a little mischievous.

"Gonna get beat up by Kabuto again?" He asked me suddenly after dropping in to see me at my station. I near rolled my eyes. He sent me a cheeky grin. He was a little mud-rucker.

"Gonna get fooled by an international psychopath in a failed military move?" I countered. Kankuro groaned and sent me a sour but tolerating look. "Don't dish it if you can't take it."

"You're kinda fun." He said finally.

"I aim to please," I said, sending him a grin before settling down. Kankuro left soon enough to go to his assigned spot. I wasn't of much importance - simply standing outside of the first exam to watch over the students. I was on the lookout for anything suspicious.

I saw quite a few familiar faces that day. And, soon enough - as the Chunin exams began, I saw even more.

Many of the teams returned - Asuma's team had checked in, with Sakura taking the place of Shikamaru in the team. From the look of it, Sakura and Ino weren't at each other's necks. I assumed it was because with Sasuke gone there was little to argue over.

"This'll be easy. No way Shikamaru would go out of his way to make an exam hard." Ino told Sakura who quietly agreed. She paused, seeing me. I just sent her a wink.

"He wouldn't. I might."

Ino sent me a glare before ushering her friend on. Choji laughed and waved. He was a cute boy. Maybe one day I'd have to get to know little Ino better. Might be fun.

Gaara eventually crossed my path again. He didn't stop and chat. He simply bowed his head and headed in for the test.

It wasn't until a little girl with soft teal hair with bright orange eyes came by. Something about her grin made me think of Naruto. Her eyes were just lit up as she carried on. She stopped by me, looking up at me.

"I'm gonna win this whole thing." She said with conviction. I pressed my lips together. How cute was she?

"Ah? Is that do?" I asked, "I would warn you. There's quite the competition." I said. I had almost expected a "'ttebane!" with her speech.

"You got it. I'm winning this whole thing!" She exclaimed.

"I do wish you well. I'm rather sure with that attitude you'll do well enough." I said. Though, personally, I rather hoped Sakura, Lee or maybe even Gaara would win. Truly? Probably Gaara would.

The girl grinned and left, looking pleased with herself. Two men who I assumed were her teammates followed suit.

I had seen her a handful of times through the following hours before the big dash to Suna. I had to stay in Konoha, so that was where my assistance with the Exam ended.

With all the action, I went to find the gem known as Kurenai. I hooked my arm through hers and gently tugged on her arm. Kurenai huffed and sent me a mild look.

"Yes, Tami-chan?" She asked.

"Shall we?" I asked, "I'm bored out of my mind."

Kurenai laughed, and we were about to head out when we both heard a groan and grumble.

Shizune came by, rubbing her face.

"Can I - can I come with you guys?" She asked. Kurenai and I shared a look. I didn't mind. Shizune was a grand person from what little I knew.

"I do hear three's a party," I said with a grin. Kurenai rolled her eyes playfully at me. With my free arm, I looped the other through Shizune's and we were off.

Shizune was a sweetie - thought clearly overworked. She immediately wanted a drink once we reached the restaurant we all picked out. She leaned heavily on the table and rubbed her eyes.

"I'm just glad this is over." She whined.

"Oh?" I prompted. Poor thing must just need an ear.

"Every day! Tsunade has so much going on and I'm just running back and forth between that and helping her students train while she's busy." Shizune explained. Kurenai patted the other woman on the back.

It was then I realized that Shizune really was a Konoha Kunoichi. Before Tsunade had left and taken Shizune with her - she lived every day in the village. She probably went to school with Kurenai as well. Well. Unless Tsunade had taken her that early.

"It's good that it's finally over. Kiba-kun had been getting antsy. And Hinata-chan was nervous." Kurenai agreed.

I hummed. I'd been juggling things myself. Between Uncle, Owl, my love, the investigation, training, and work - I was a busy woman.

"It has been quite the couple of months," I murmured in agreement.

Shizune sighed. Her drink arrived (as well as Kurenai's) and she took a sip. I didn't order, save for water. It wasn't my style.

"And I'm still single. Kurenai! You look amazing. And Tami - I think I'd kill for your legs." Shizune carried on.

I blushed. What? Kurenai and I shared a look. What-?

"No wonder you two found someone!" She continued on. "You guys look so cute. No wonder someone snapped you up. I never have time to shop or do my hair or anything."

I didn't quite know what to say to that. Kurenai seemed more embarrassed than I. She had her nose buried in her drink to hide her flushed face.

This was where I wondered - who was Shizune meant for? Did she find anyone? Was she -. I nearly thought about my Darling being her potential lover but it didn't quite fit. Shizune was very type A. My Darling, while a hard worker, would drive Shizune up the wall. Then again - she didn't take any nonsense from Tsunade if I remembered correctly. Though she did often just try to steer her in the right direction. Hatake would just do what he wanted no mater

No - those two weren't the right fit. Though the thought that my Love might have someone else out there meant for him made me feel a little ill.

"You do know that's fixable," I told her. Shizune was like myself. She hadn't much of a chest - but she did have hips. I rather think she would have trouble keeping men away if she really wanted to.

Shizune stopped. She blushed and turned to me, her jaw slack.

"Oh - oh no, no. I'm fine." She carried on. "Really."

Kurenai looked up and glanced between us. "It really wouldn't be a problem."

"We could raid our closets. Make a night of it." I added on. I do think Shizune and I were similar sizes. "I rather think we could try out some new hairstyles."

"I think she'd look cute in that fish-braid," Kurenai said. Ah, yes! The fishtail braid. I tilted my head to the side. Oh! It would be excellent. Keep part of her hair from her face - I could weave it in on the side. She'd look adorable.

"Oh no. No, no, no. You-! I'm not like Tsunade." Shizune said, waving her hands as her face grew warmer and warmer. "Or Jiraiya! I don't need you to fix me up, or change anything or -"

"I never said anything about setting you up on a date, luv. Just a few nice options for yourself. Make yourself feel better about the day-to-day."

"Why would Tami-chan set you up?" Kurenai asked. Shizune fell quiet, looking at the table. Ah - she must have misspoken. I waved my hand with a grin.

"I might have gone with Jiraiya years ago to see if Tsunade-sama would have any sort of interest in him. Shizune, being the avenging angel she is, swept in and came to Tsunade's defense. Rather impressive, if I do say so myself." I explained.

"She sang half the night. Jiraiya gave Tsunade a flower and asked her to dance. She laughed at him at first but…." Shizune continued softly. I rather forgot Shizune was there when I sang. I glanced away.

"That - that poster on Kakashi's wall. That really was you?" Kurenai asked, staring at me.

"She's really good," Shizune added.

"That man is dedicated to embarrassing me." I managed to get out. Kurenai couldn't help it - she broke out into laughter. Shizune followed after. Despite myself, I laughed too.

I ended up going home, picking a few outfits I no longer wore to give Shizune some options. We met up at Kurenai's home to give Shizune a little makeover. I didn't fight much to get Shizune out of that drab deep-eggplant purple kimono and into one a lovely raspberry-shaded kimono instead. I tried to convince her to wear some other outfit but she was adamant. It truly set off her eyes and skin tone. Between the both of us, Shizune had a lovely new wardrobe. We did end up talking about boys for the rest of the night, though neither Kurenai nor I were the type to kiss and tell.

It was nice to have some lovely girl time. It was rather grand to break up the rigorous training I had been under.

It wasn't until two days later that I found out about the exams. The death toll came in. The young girl I met in the hall had been murdered. Gaara hadn't been the target. He had too much of a guard around him. Instead - the girl had been. Fu. The Akatsuki had been spotted on the scene, killing her team and dragging her off.

I don't know why it affected me so. I knew her for a matter of seconds. Maybe it was because she made me think of Naruto. Maybe it was because she truly was like him, as a Jinchuriki. With all of this - it broke me a little.

Had I pushed for more safety measures, could I have prevented her death? Could I have stopped it somehow?

It never occurred to me that other Jinchuriki could have been sent to the Exams. Had I been able to - I would have gone in person to let the other Kage know (with Tsunade's permission, of course). With Tsunade's approval, I crafted a letter for the other villages. Our peace might be tentative at best, there were others like Naruto out there who hadn't anyone looking out for them. Had I known before, maybe I could have stopped it.

I couldn't stop it that time.

Maybe I could prevent it this time. I detailed some information about the Akatsuki that we had acquired and things to look out for. It was all I was able to get clearance to add.

Tsunade eyed me after I gave her the letters for the other villages. She didn't say much. Shizune, sporting her new cute hairstyle, sent me a grateful smile and murmured a promise that she'd see these out.

I was grateful for her - and so I left quietly for the day.

Uncle knew on instinct that something had gone wrong. It was a kindness that he didn't rub it in my face. Any of these Shinobi could die at any time. Myself included. Kakashi included. Though he might have lived once through this, the state of the Universe I was in clearly shifted. Maya said so. I'd have to be careful.

It was of course then when Shikaku decided to grace me with his presence. I had been working on my own, sorting through files and intel from the Anbu (there were strange, disjointed reports from a man called Junpei. It took hours to make sense of his scribbles). He strode in, his arms down by his side. A frown crossed his lips as he evaluated me. I sat back in my chair; I hadn't quite expected him to just show up.

"Well - quite grand to see you. Have a seat." I told him as he was already moving to sit down. I did have a tiny little office I was using. It wasn't quite as grand as Ibiki's or Inoichi's office, but it was suitable for my needs. A little snug for anything beyond three people, though.

Shikaku got comfortable in his chair, eyeing me critically.

"You have been recommended for the Jounin evaluation." He said dryly, "though I don't know if you'd meet my requirements."

"I'm rather sure you'll get to the bottom of it," I said. I was trying to not be a sassy little thing with him. His eyes narrowed as he watched me. He looked me over as if he were trying to understand me in mere minutes.

"The exam will be in a few days." He said finally, "Will you be ready for it?"

"Of course," I said, raising my eyebrows. This man was an odd one. What on earth?

"Good. I expect to be impressed."

"Well, for that I may just have to pass by the skin of my teeth," I replied quickly - and nearly wanted to facepalm. Grand. Might as well put my whole foot in my mouth and show myself as a fool! Shikaku's eyebrows raised.

"Are you not serious about this?"
"I am. I'm just not sure I'm interested in impressing a man who's half convinced I'm in the wrong field." I said, fully honest in my thoughts. That's when the unexpected happened. His mouth twitched as he regarded me. Was he - was he trying not to laugh at me?

"So you agree. Women shouldn't be in this line of work." He said back.

"I rather think no one should be in this line of work. Yet here we all are, risking our own necks in the hopes for the better." I replied.

Shikaku grunted, sitting back in the chair. He folded his hands as he looked me over.

"Is that what you're doing?"

I raised my eyebrows. What on earth did he mean? I tilted my head as I began to evaluate him. The Naara men were so odd. Why was he -ah. It was a test. Grand. I was being tested by a man who very well might rival Sherlock in intellect. His son nearly did. I was sure Shikaku shared that trait

"I? Well, luv - my entire hope is to help my friends, my newfound home, and family to betterment, safety, and the normal shenanigans," I replied, sitting back in my seat. I wondered what that man saw.

"I see. Looking over your files, I have seen that for the most part, you've done well. There's one mission you nearly died had it not been for Hatake's assistance. And the obvious Oto plot to get you out of the village." He drawled. I fought off a flinch as I thought of that mission. I had been an idiot. I saw his mouth crease as he took in my reaction.

Grand.

He was reading me.

"You know, don't you?" I countered.

"I don't." He drawled out, "But I know Inoichi and Ibiki enough to know that there's more to your story than meets the eye."

Grand.

"Of course. You're a clever man. Rather sure not much gets past you." I continued, crossing my legs. I felt like I was in the hot seat. It made it even worse when he flashed a smirk.

"Very little does," Shikaku said with conviction.

Years ago, I dismissed the man as akin to my father. Shikaku was nothing like my father. My father was all about the image of things, or impressions. He was more concerned about the appearance. Shikaku? No. No, I see what Inoichi meant. The comment he made years ago probably was due to me lecturing his son rather than anything else. Once again, someone reminded me of Charles. Shikaku definitely was closer to him in personality.

"So. Obviously this is some sort of test. I'm rather curious as to what it is." I said. None of his questions seemed to point to anything.

Shikaku grinned. He slowly stood up and looked me over one last time.

"I'll let Ibiki know the details of your exam. Have a good day, Walker-san." He said and left me in silence.

I breathed out, not really sure what to make of that all. I had a hard time focusing on work after that. I later found out my exam would be in a few days. I felt a little stunned about it all. I didn't know what else to think about it. I nearly went home but… but I missed my darling.

I decided to go to his place. I didn't go without him, but he had offered me to visit any time.

I felt a little like a sap. Though he'd been gone for a time, I knew I'd see him soon enough. I missed his scent, though.

I made my way into his apartment. I might have pulled on one of his sweaters and sat on the bed. I just wanted to be there for a moment. I shouldn't miss him too much, but it being as long as it had been - it was a little hard. I breathed out and turned my head to see the photo he kept on his window sill. He had team seven there. The irritated faces of Sasuke and Naruto looking at each other. I missed them too. I probably needed to go to Naruto's home. Made sure no science experiments remained. I then picked up Kakashi's team from when he was a child.

I could see why he thought he was like Sasuke. Both he and the other boy, who I figured was Obito were glaring at each other. I giggled to myself. He was such a cute little boy, my love, though clearly emotionally wounded. Rin smiled widely up at the camera. I wondered idly if we would have ever gotten along had I met her. Probably not. After all, we were both interested in the same man. Though I do wonder what Rin would make of me - what Obitio would have.

It was then that I looked at his Sensei, Minato. I smiled for a moment before it hit me.

He looked -. My...

I picked up the other picture and set them side by side.

Minato looked near exactly like Naruto. The unkempt hair, the face shape -. Minato was Naruto's father. I'd bet money on it. The only differences I saw were the eye-shape, and color and Naruto had a little bit more softness to his face due to his age.

Naruto's father was Kakashi's old sensei.

Some strange antics of my love over the years suddenly made sense. Kakashi seemed to avoid the boys when he could before he was assigned to them as students. Though he had been one of the only ones to confront me after befriending them. I had thought that it had to do with Sasuke and him being partnered with Itachi years ago. But it was more than that.

Somehow - I wasn't surprised. And, even stranger, I wasn't angry with him. Like so much else in his life, Kakashi more than likely had guilt wrapped up in his. Which was why he never spoke about it directly. I breathed out. It made sense in a way why Naruto's parentage was in question. He would have been the son of the Fourth Hokage. Which meant that he'd have many enemies.

In a way - Kakashi was trying to help Naruto. I smiled weakly. I suppose one day we'd have a chat about it. Maybe I could convince him to talk to Naruto about his father. And, maybe, I could start looking into Kakashi's father. Maybe find him some photos of his dad. Maybe pluck up old details about previous missions-? No - no, I don't think he'd like that.

I set the photos down and settled against the bed as I mulled over my findings. Naruto was an Uzumaki. I near bet his mother was a red-head like the other Uzumaki I met. Both gingers and blondes carry the recessive gene for blondes. I wonder what his mother was like.

End Chapter

AN: So I was able to get another chapter done! At some point soon, I'm planning on doing some edits to Sparks that I've been wanting to get done. My biggest task on my list is to clean up Tami's Chunin exam. I feel like I'm in a better place to clean it up and make it special. When I do, I'll let you guys know in case you're interested in looking it over. I had the absolute pleasure of a sweet reviewer going through Sparks over the last week. It was so nice and I really felt inspired!

Anyway - I'm hoping to have the next chapter out sometime in the next two weeks :D

I hope you all are doing well!