AN: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.


Two weeks after Wave Mission, meeting between the Sandaime & Elder Shimura

"What will you do with the prisoners."

"The Iwa shinobi have requested political asylum."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"I know. I must admit I'm caught between two minds. One calls for justice. The other reminds me of potential merits."

Danzo narrowed his sole eye at Sarutobi.

"You cannot seriously be considering letting them live."

"I haven't dismissed the possibility."

"I must protest Sarutobi. Their village has decreed kill-on-sight orders for any Leaf shinobi."

"Something they had nothing to do with."

"They tried to interfere in one of our operations, in clear violation of the Accords. They tried to kill our sole jinchuriki."

"As well as committing countless other crimes aiding Gato", Hiruzen agreed.

"That is irrelevant to me. What counts as justification for their execution is their attempted killing of our shinobi."

"Their captured shinobi have been very forthcoming with regards to information."

"Then grant them mercy with a quick, painless death. Anything less would be a sign of weakness."

"I have to think of the bigger picture as well. Presenting them in front of Iwa at the upcoming Shadow Summit would be very advantageous for us."

"Then do so as a show of strength. Execute them & show their heads at the Council."

"That'd be a call to arms. We would be at war instantly."

"We would win."

"Perhaps, but at what cost?"

"Peace has made you soft Sarutobi."

"No. It has only reminded me of how terrible war is."


Two hours later

He felt he was seeing this place for the first place. Everything seemed sharper & stood out more in red.

Naruto could feel everyone's anticipation bubbling from where they stood behind him.

His teammates were there, as were Kakashi & the Hokage. Ino had also requested to observe, & the old man had accepted; saying there was no point in refusing given that only she had actually seen his new ability.

"Now", the Sandaime called.

Naruto lifted his shades & opened his eyes.

The line of trees in front of him was getting reduced to ash. One by one they were crumbling like sand.

He could hear someone's footsteps thundering nearer, but it was hard to know if they were saying anything.

"STOP!" a voiced yelled into his ear.

Naruto closed his eyes & stumbled back a step.

Someone steadied him from behind, & he put his glasses back in place.

"Could you not hear us?"

"I could hear your footsteps, but it was hard to make out much over the noise."

"What noise?" Kakashi asked him.

"The noise from the blasts."

Everyone's confused looks made him realise only he could hear it.

"It's a bit difficult to describe. I suppose I felt it in my mind rather than my ears."

"How would you describe the sound Naruto-kun?"

"If I had to guess, something like a bird's call. Whatever it was, it felt very majestic & tranquil."

He thought the old man's face tightened just for a microsecond, but he smiled at Naruto quickly.

"Very well. Should we try again? This time try & hold back."

"I'll try."

Everyone regained a considerable distance, & Naruto looked at the now heavily reduced treeline.

Naruto removed his glasses, & this time did his best not to blow apart his target.

Holding back was much harder than he thought it would be. It felt like holding back the wind itself, & he could feel it yearning to be let loose.

Naruto groaned with the effort & decided to stop.

As he massaged his temples, Kakashi moved to his target some hundred yards away. The tree he had been aiming at still stood, though with a small hole running through it.

"Interesting."

"Do share with us, Kakashi-kun."

"Although Naruto has punched a hole through the tree, the bark feels completely normal to touch."

Kakashi checked the internal cross-section of the tree.

"Cool, as the internal temperature of most trees is."

"I think that's enough for now. I'll have someone out here to investigate immediately, which means I need the area clear. Kakashi, if you could take them elsewhere today?"

"Of course, Hokage-sama."

"I should be going as well," Ino said. "Asuma-sensei only allowed me to stay as long as Naruto would be doing the tests."

The two of them left, Ino giving him that smile that made his heart race like a stampede.

Sakura punched him on the arm, giving a sly smile as he rubbed his arm in irritation.

After the old man left their sensei turned to him, his crinkled wrinkles telling them he was smiling.

"We're off to the library...to write your reports."

They all groaned.


6 PM

A long shadow cast over them & placed them momentarily in the darkness.

The shadow neared them & its owner came into view.

If not for Kakashi-sensei, this man would be the strangest Sakura had seen.

He was a tall man with broad shoulders. His hair was long, spiky white with a bang on either side of his forehead - almost like a mane which went down past his shoulders.

A hi-taite with the 'Abura' sat upon his tanned face, & he wore a red vest jacket over a matching grey-green kimono & trousers.

His most striking feature were smooth red lines running down from underneath both eyes to the jawline.

Their sensei got up & bowed.

"We all didn't have the advantage of terrible handwriting as an excuse my lord."

"A meagre Captain openly mocking a General. Is this what passes for respect in the Leaf these days?"

All the talking brought the dusty old librarian scurrying over, a look of positive fury on her face.

"What is the meaning of this? Have you juvenile delinquents no respect for the sanctity of the librar-"

She halted her lecture when she saw to whom she was giving the earful.

"I'-I'm sorry my lord," she faltered, hastily fixing her clothes & hair. "Had I known you had graced us with your presence I would've never disturbed you."

"You can make up by excusing yourself & closing the library for the day."

"O-of course."

She bowed & left as quickly as she had arrived.

"Now, what's this they tell me about a fashion makeover?"

Naruto got up & walked over to the man.

They grinned at each other & the man folded Naruto into a hug that lasted several seconds.

"You old pervert! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

The tall man laughed, "I wanted to surprise you. It's fitting, after the surprise you've given all of us."

She could tell he meant Naruto's new ability, as he gently cusped Naruto's chin & inspected his glasses.

"I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met before. We're Naruto's teammates, Sakura & Sasuke-kun."

The man answered without looking at her, continuing his investigation.

"I go by many names, & just as many titles. Sometimes I'm a writer, sometimes a researcher, sometimes a shinobi. To Naruto, I'm his godfather. Since you're friends of Naruto...you can call me Jiraiya."


So this was the Toad Sannin.

Everyone in Konoha had read of the 'Great Three', the team that had almost on their own turned the tide in Konoha's favour during the Second Shinobi War.

But nothing about the man stood before him seemed great.

He seemed more like a member of a travelling circus act rather than one of the strongest shinobi the village had ever produced.

Then again, he'd learned first-hand with Kakashi how deceiving looks could be.

The Sannin approached him directly, putting his hand out for Sasuke to shake.

"Sasuke of the Sharingan, is it?"

He frowned, ignoring the man's request for a handshake.

"How could you know that?"

"I read your sensei's field reports. Not bad for a first-time rookie, might I add."

"Only the highest of our government could access those files. How did they end up in front of you?"

The white-haired man chuckled, retreating his hand.

"A lot of questions for one so young."

"Age is not an indicator of intellect."

"Nor is a clan an assurance of prowess."

Sasuke did not bite for the jibe.

He could see where Naruto got his confrontational traits from.

"That's enough for today" Kakashi announced; "we've been at it all day & I'm satisfied with your reports. Leave them with me & you're free to leave."

"I'll see you tomorrow Naruto", the man named Jiraiya said.


They'd gone up to the roof.

Jiraiya-sama was smoking from his pipe, & Kakashi stood next to him leaning against the deck.

"It was not my intention to take over your lesson that way Kakashi."

"Of course not Jiraiya-sama. And besides, who could be a better teacher than you?"

"Your Uchiha doesn't seem to like me."

"I think it's because he doesn't trust you yet."

"That's rather arrogant."

"I won't deny it. It's a work in progress, this team."

"Anything worth the effort always is, Kakashi."

"How long will you stay this time?"

"Until I get a chance to look at the archives. I'll have to examine the seal first."

"Do you think you can reverse his condition?"

"I'll need to find out what exactly his condition is in the first place. Chances are that his situation may be irreversible."

Kakashi sighed.

"It's so unfair - this world of shinobi."

"That's why we've become what we are Kakashi. But enough of the glum talk now. I have some good news for you."

Jiraiya-sama put out his smoke pipe.

"The old man initially wanted this to be an official ceremony, with dress uniform & medal awards. But I knew you'd prefer this to be understated. So, I requested to stand in his place, as your sensei's sensei & whatnot."

Jiraiya-sama straightened up, clearing his throat.

"After careful review the Joint Lords of Command (JLOC) are all in agreement."

Kakashi realised what was happening, & he bent to his knee appropriately, keeping his vision focused on the hem of Jiraiya-sama's ankles.

"In light of your excellent leadership & selfless bravery in field operations the Joint Lords Of Command have unanimously voted in favour. By the power vested in me by the Sandaime Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, Field Marshal of the Konoha Armed Forces I am giving you official notice of their decision. I, General Jiraiya of the Konoha High Command hereby pronounce you as a Major of the Konoha Armed Forces."

Jiraiya-sama undid his hit-aite, replacing it with one he procured from his vest pocket, stepping away when he finished.

Kakashi felt his new headgear, nearly identical to the regular hit-aite apart from the outward facing arrows on either end of the central spiral. The number of arrows on each side matched his officer rank (three for Major).

Kakashi wasn't expected to wear it except during parades, which almost never happened.

"Congratulations, Major Hatake. The Hokage expects you in his office sharp at 2100 hours."

Jiraiya-sama gave him the military salute.

"I haven't said those words in years, but they still sound right to me - Major Hatake. He would've been proud of you."

Kakashi returned the honour.

He'd finally equalled rank with his father.


Inoichi was going over the notes on the renegade Kiri kunoichi Haku.

He was reading the field reports of the personnel, focusing on the descriptions of his current patient.

A knock on his glass door made him look up.

"Am I interrupting, doc?"

Inoichi got up immediately, bowing in respect.

"Of course not Jiraiya-sama. It is an honour to have you in my office."

"I'm surprised to see you here after office hours."

"Well, the workload has increased as of late. Besides, you're here as well."

"I'm not the one with a wife & child."

"They understand the ardours of the job."

"I apologise for not scheduling an appointment, I've just come from a talk with the old man."

Only a Sannin could speak of the Hokage in that way.

"What can I help you with?"

"Sarutobi told me you were working with the girl?"

"Yes. And I think we have progressed well in the past two weeks Jiraiya-sama. The patient has opened up to us much better than we had anticipated."

He handed the folder on his desk to Lord Jiraiya.

The older man skimmed over the files, before returning & staying on the first page.

"This one memory that she shunned off from you, have you considered a second attempt?"

"I thought it best not to push her. She has already provided us valuable data; I didn't want to risk alienating her."

"I would not ask you to get the information forcefully; an act tantamount to psychic rape, but do you think the girl could be persuaded?"

Inoichi responded with cautious positivity.

"That is a possibility."

"Good. Time to make it a reality. Chances are it won't be of much significance to us; yet readily sharing that information on her own volition would go a long way in showing us that she can be trusted."

Jiraiya-sama closed the file & handed it back to him.

"Has she given any hints on her current knowledge regarding her village's status."

"I don't follow."

"We have reason to believe that Zabuza was receiving intel from both sides of the Kiri civil war. That was a major reason I requested to speak to the prisoner personally."

"With all due respect, she is a patient. My patient."

"Don't assume to be so naive Inoichi. You know exactly what she is."


Thirty minutes later

"Who are you?"

In the absence of light, she could barely make out the shadows shifting as a man stood in front of her.

Whoever he was, he was big.

"Someone with a key interest in your case; & someone who would like to see you out of here by speeding up the verification process."

"Have these past few days not been proof enough?"

"No", the man replied bluntly.

"However, there is a way. The very first memory, the one that you kept from us. If you were to trust us with it, certain arrangements could be made."

Her answer was just as devoid of emotion.

"You do realise there is a reason that has been out of reach to you. I trust Yamanaka-san to make a clinical judgement on my psyche, not provide therapy."

Another, more familiar voice tried to convince her.

"Quite often the two become the same. I would like to think we've established a rapport in these last few days."

"You certainly want to test its limits."

"If it'll make you feel any better, Inoichi will agree in writing to never disclose what you are about to show him. Not even to the Hokage."

Haku didn't want this man knowing her past any more than she did the Konoha leader.

"But you will know?"

"Yes. My role in my country's security demands it of me."

"And you are?"

"You'll know after Inoichi briefs me on the events of that day."

"You drive a hard bargain."


Jiraiya waited in Inoichi's cabin.

An hour later he returned, his face ashen.

Inoichi collapsed into his chair & closed his eyes, rubbing his forehead as he muttered to himself.

"What a terrible tragedy."

"Start from the beginning Inoichi."

He took a moment to settle down, clasping a coffee mug as warm comfort.

"For the first 8 years of her life, she had an ordinary childhood. Middle-class parents; not rich but not lacking for anything. Her mother was a civilian teacher, the father a shinobi."

He didn't need to be a genius to figure out what happened next.

"Then the purge happened?"

"Yes. But since the mother was a civilian, Iwa thought they were harmless. Until one day the father brings over some of his colleagues for dinner. Haku was making an ice sculpture in the backyard. The father begged them not to, but they informed their boss. It was found out that the mother had a distant relation to a bloodline. Unfortunately for them she had passed it onto her daughter."

Inoichi took a sip from his mug.

"Then one day a mob attacked them, setting fire to their house & killing Haku's parents."

"I can see how that would traumatise a young child."

The Yamanaka shook his head.

"That wasn't the worst of it. Her parents were tied up & paraded in the streets, people lining up to spit on their corpses. After this, they were burnt as effigies."

"For fuck's sakes", Jiraiya breathed out.

"Indeed. No wonder she agreed to run off with Zabuza."

"I'll tell the old man."

Inoichi was confused what the Sannin was referring to for a moment before he realised.

"What about your vow to her?"

"I said nothing of myself - only that you would not tell anyone."

Inoichi gave a bitter chuckle, "The title of shinobi truly befits you, Lord Jiraiya."

"You don't approve."

"I don't. But I know you will do what you must."

"It would be for her own good. The old man has a soft spot for broken bastards."


"I know you've managed to survive some extraordinary situations, so I'll speak to you with respect."

The lights were then switched on, & Haku finally saw the person behind this farce.

"You've held up your end of the bargain, now I'll hold up mine."

The man undid her shackles & held his hand out.

"I'm Jiraiya."

Haku knew of that name. Zabuza-sama had mentioned him as being beyond him - someone to be avoided at all costs.

"You're one of the Mighty Three."

"Yes, child."

"A Sannin. You."

Then the man's face hardened, & from the fire in his eyes Haku could see why he had earned the title.

"And here I thought you would reciprocate my respect."

"You have a very unorthodox definition of respect."

"What can I say? I like to play with my food before I roast it."

He produced a map & placed it on the table.

"Point at the locations."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

The Toad Sannin brought out another map, which had several locations circled in with descriptive notes underneath them.

It dawned on her why it looked so familiar.

"You've been tracking us."

"I have my sources. Your master was good; he managed to slip away a few weeks before Gato hired you, or your plan would've nipped in the bud."

"And now you want me to tell where the bases of both the rebels & my country's governments are."

"Having second thoughts, are you? Or have you forgotten what your village did to you?"

"I relive it every day I wake up."

She removed the second map from atop the first, & her index finger circled specific spots on the map.

He immediately marked them & looked back at her.

"You knew where the enemy was, yet you did nothing?"

"Zabuza-sama forbid it. The very reason he even had people supplying him with geographical information from both sides was to avoid those locations. He held love for neither side & wished to be free of any attachments to his former village."

The Sannin weighed her words for their true meaning.

"That's why you killed him. Not because you wanted to leave him, but because he wouldn't let you exact revenge."

"Not revenge. Justice."


"Give me your professional opinion Inoichi. Will the girl qualify for field missions?"

"More specifically," Jiraiya-sama added, "spy-ops."

"I would have to answer no."

"Give me reasons."

"For starters, she has suffered immense trauma due to the armed forces. It is very difficult to accurate predict when this trauma could come to the surface; & if it were to happen in the field it could have disastrous consequences."

"What about non-combat roles? Reconnaissance & tracking duties?"

"That would entail moving around from place to place, something she has already been doing for years. It is clear to me upon speaking with her, she detested having to do so. Even if she were to accept a role, I doubt she would fully commit to the mission - something we all know is unacceptable."

"Are you saying we should limit her to the T&I section further?"

"We've received all actionable intelligence from her. At this point I'd say the girl requires therapy to join the village."

"Would you conduct sessions with her?"

"With your permission Hokage-sama. I have a request as well."

"Very well."

"My daughter Ino has been showing interest in our clan's heritage. I would request her to be included in these sessions, purely in an observational capacity."

"I don't see why not. We must build up the next generation. I trust you to make the correct judgement."

"The question of the girl still remains. If she is ready, keeping her locked in a dungeon would be needless."

"I do have a suggestion."

"By all means."

"A teaching post."

Jiraiya-sama frowned, "I don't understand."

"Her master taught her to believe everyone was out to betray or kill her - she has next to no empathy. Allowing her to nurture the minds of little children could go a long way in reversing the damage. What ulterior motive could schoolchildren have?"

"I can think of a few", Jiraiya-sama muttered.

"Perhaps we could arrange something on a trial basis. I will speak with the Academy."


Kakashi held the door for Yamanaka Inoichi, taking his place inside the Hokage's Office.

He'd been requested at the last minute - but for the Hokage he'd always have time.

Kakashi stepped inside, closing the door & bowing to its occupants.

The Sandaime was seated, going over the reports from the Wave.

Jiraiya-sama was perched upon an upon window, smoking on a pipe.

"Your reports are impressive, Major Hatake. As always."

"I learnt from the best, Hokage-sama."

Jiraiya-sama put out his pipe.

"Indeed. Sit Kakashi, we have something we wish to discuss."

Kakashi did as ordered.

"I will not beat around the bush Kakashi-kun," the Hokage told him.

"I have called for a Shadow Council. It will be a week after the chunin prelims, in the Land of Iron as always."

"How do I factor into this my lord?"

"You will do the briefing on the Stone's confederation with the criminal Gato; an act in clear violation of previously agreed terms."

"All due respect Jiraiya-sama, but I'm not an analyst or public speaker - I'm a shinobi."

"Which is exactly why it should be you. No one would give two ryo to an empty suit or kimono; but the Copy Ninja? All the nations would take you on your every word."

"On top of that - you were there. You combatted & defeated these men - it is only right that you get this honour."

He was running out of ways to get out of this, so he nodded.

"Thank you Kakashi-kun, that will be all."

Kakashi bowed & left.

He took the longer route back to his apartment, chilling the cold night air.

When he reached his door, he found a folded paper placed in the slot underneath his door.

He bent down & opened the paper.

My place. 10 PM.

He recognised the handwriting.

On the other side of the page were instructions to find the place.


"Will you be there?"

"You know I won't. I have little patience for diplomacy."

"Very well."

"I'd never disagree with you in front of anyone, you know that. But it would've been better if you had not called the Council."

"You think Iwa will not take lightly to us exposing them on the international stage."

"You know they won't. And what if it turns out they haven't been alone in their rule-breaking? We'd be gifting our enemy alliances."

"Allies of convenience at best. We both know how fickle friendships are on the international stage. I know Onoki. I know how he works. This does not have his fingerprints over it."

"Then whose does it?"

"I'm not sure yet. This isn't Onoki's way. He would be much more precise than this."

"Are you saying there's a rogue element within the Iwa ranks?"

"It is a possibility. Are you familiar with a paper published by their Jounin Commander before the outbreak of the Second Shinobi War?"

"Seven Nights Of Fire. Yes, I've read it. I found it plausible if not somewhat fantastical."

"Indeed. It caused quite a stir in the Stone. That was a major reason they entered the battlefield. The outcome of the Second War turned everyone's opinions on him. After their defeat, he was branded a traitor & fear-mongerer, & banished. No one has ever found him since then."

"Not even us?"

"Unless you've found him, then no."

"You think this individual is responsible for what's happened?"

"I haven't ruled it out. I never met the man, but the reports of our spies mentioned him as a highly nationalistic figure, obsessed with making Iwa the most feared shinobi nation."

"How quaint. The Stone's very own Danzo."

"This is not funny Jiraiya-chan."

"No, it isn't. Which is why I think you should share this information with the Tsuchikage personally. He'll listen to you."

"He might, but will his countrymen? They still haven't forgotten Kannabi Bridge."

"I hear it's a day of mourning for them."

"It is. Is there no way to convince you to attend?"

"Let me personally handle the investigation & I'll think about it."

"Very well."


"I wasn't sure you'd make it."

Kakashi shrugged, "One rises to meet a challenge."

"Is that what you think this is? A challenge?" Anko asked him.

"I don't know what this is" He replied honestly.

"Well, why don't you come in & we can find out."

Kakashi came inside with some trepidation.

It had been a while since he was in a girl's apartment.

"Dinner's on the way. How do you like dango?"

"You're worse than Naruto with ramen."

She held her hands up in mock surrender.

"Guilty as charged."

Kakashi sat down on the dinner table as she prepared the food.

He noted the faint smile on her face.

"You like cooking."

"Yes. I know it sounds very feminine & old-fashioned, but I take comfort in it."

"If it makes you happy, who cares what people think?"

She turned to face him, wearing a white apron with a knife in one hand & a carrot in the other hand.

"Something else makes me happy too."

He'd never found her more desirable than in that moment.

But he stayed where he was.

They needed to define what they were before things escalated.


Neither spoke a lot over dinner.

They put away the dishes, then reclaimed their spots at the dinner table.

She poured two glasses of wine.

"I don't want to scare you away Kakashi."

"That's good to know."

"It's just; I've never had this with someone. That's scary."

"It is", he agreed.

They both said the dreaded words at the same time:

"I'm not looking for a relationship."

They stared at each other, before laughing.

"Well, that's a relief."

"It is. I don't know how to be a couple. I'm very happy with things as the way they are."

"The way they are?"

"Satisfying our physical needs. I think you'll agree that we do have a little physical chemistry."

Kakashi leaned forwards, almost nose-nose with her.

"Oh, I'd say it's more than just a little."

"A lot of something can be very dangerous."

He smirked, slipping off his mask.

"That depends on your definition of safe sex."


Two hours later

Anko lay on his chest.

"I really needed that."

"Ditto."

He caressed her hair, marvelling at its silk-like smoothness.

"How did you actually find my apartment in the first place?"

"The first time. I may have asked Kurenai who may have asked Asuma."

"So, you were looking for something to happen."

"Maybe. Why? Are you mad I stalked you?"

Kakashi snorted.

"Mad after this? I'd have to be crazy."

Anko giggled & laughed into his chest.

He kissed her forehead.

Maybe their bond wasn't ideal, or traditional.

Maybe it wouldn't last very long.

But who cared?

They were happy now.

A shinobi could die in a million ways, so why worry about the future if you could enjoy the present.

He ran soothing patterns across her scalp, & eventually her soft snores brought him to a peaceful sleep.


Next morning

"Who's the girl?"

"Huh? What?"

Jiraiya had taken him to Ichiraku Ramen for an early breakfast, a ritual for them.

Later in the evening, he would take Naruto to his personal training ground.

"You've been zoned out for the past five minutes & smiling to yourself for no reason. In fact, you've even let your ramen run cold. So who is she?"

Naruto blushed.

He blurted his answer out into his bowl.

Jiraiya leaned closer, "Who?"

Naruto repeated his answer.

"Inoichi's girl. Does she know?"

"Yes."

"Does she like you back?"

"I think so?"

"I have a way of finding out. It's a very special technique."

Naruto leaned closer now, determined to learn whatever this special technique was.

"Ask her out."

Naruto almost fell off his stool.

"Yo-you baka! Don't you think I would've already asked her?!"

"Well, have you?"

"No", he deflated.

"Either way, I'd like to meet her."

"I'd rather people not find out my godfather is a pervert."

"Bah. I can be a true gentleman when the need arises. Bring her over to my house for dinner. Tomorrow, if you wouldn't mind. I'll have to clean the old place up first."


Sakura wasn't expecting anyone, so she was a bit surprised when Naruto showed up on her doorstep.

She was still getting used to seeing him with those ruby red glasses, & she just stared at him for a moment.

Her mother had to invite him inside.

"Naruto-kun, please come in."

She directed him to the living room, letting him get comfortable whilst she walked her mother to the door for her evening shopping.

Naruto noticed when she walked back alone into the living room.

"Where's your mother?"

"She's gone shopping."

His eyebrows rose.

"She left you alone at home with a boy?"

"Relax, my mum trusts you. Besides, she knows who you're pining after."

Naruto blushed hot red.

"How did she find out?"

Sakura grinned at her teammate.

"I told her."

His voice rose an octave as he protested.

"Why would you even do that?"

"Relax, she's just my mom. I tell her everything."

Naruto slumped back into the sofa.

"Yeah well, it's not like I'd know anything about that."

Sakura didn't like how melancholy he sounded.

"Hey. Not that you aren't always welcome here, but what brings you by?"

"I uh, I have a question."

"I'm at your service."


Naruto left half an hour later with a fool proof plan.

Trust Sakura to know what to do.

Naruto opened the door & walked inside, a tiny bell chiming above his head to signal his entrance.

"Welcome to Yamanaka-"

"Cat got your tongue?" He teased her.

She stuck her tongue out in answer.

"I have a question about flowers."

Ino looked at him in surprised.

"I didn't know you were interested."

"I've got a very good reason to be interested now", Naruto grinned.

She blushed slightly, "Ask your question baka."

"What question represents loyalty & respect."

"The daisy."

"Good. Can I get one?"

Ino went to the back & came back a minute later with the flower.

"Here you go."

She held out a red daisy for him.

"Thanks."

He gently tucked the flower behind her left ear.

"You're welcome", He beamed.


Ino blushed.

"My godfather's visiting."

That was news to Ino.

"Godfather?"

"Yes. He's invited you to dinner tomorrow."

"I thought-"

"Someday, I'll tell you everything. How about we start with my godfather?"

"I'll have to check with my parents, but I don't think they'll have an issue."

"Great. I'll pick up at 7."

"What should I wear?"

"Clothes preferably."

She smacked him on his forearm.

"Ow. I'm kidding. I'm not the best person to ask that question, I think you look pretty no matter what you wear."

He pecked her on the cheek, dashing off before she could respond.

Ino stood at that spot blushing red for several minutes.

Her fingers traced the flower, & she realised why he'd smiled at her when he'd placed it there.

Flower on the left ear, huh?


Beneath Mount Hokage, two hours later

"I've never liked this place."

"Nor did your mother gaki, but we need to do this."

"I understand", Naruto nodded.

Jiraiya had brought Naruto to a secret room directly underneath Mount Hokage for a particular purpose.

They would come here annually to get his seal checked out.

Jiraiya had never had to anything beyond checking the integrity of the seal.

That was before his godson could shoot lethal lasers out of his eyes.

Naruto took off his shirt & laid on the table.

He leaned up to let Jiraiya secure the air mask over his head.

Naruto fell asleep within moments.

Jiraiya took off his mask, ensuring the oxygen cylinder was inert.

He conjured chakra on his fingertips & applied them over the sleeping blonde's abdomen.

The seal revealed itself.

Instantly Jiraiya could tell what was wrong.

Sarutobi needed to do see this.

Jiraiya alerted the sentry posted outside to inform the Hokage of his presence, & it wasn't long before his sensei arrived.


They stood over Naruto's prone form, examining the visualised seal on his abdomen.

"This isn't right."

"What isn't?" Sarutobi asked him.

"I trust you know how the Kyubi was sealed into Naruto?"

"An Eight Trigrams Seal was formed by merging two Four Symbols Seals in alignment."

"Yes. But on Naruto's seal, there are only seven instead of the eight."

"That can't be. We've seen the seal before - how did?"

Sarutobi quietened as he realised it.

"Naruto somehow removed one of the seals."

"Yes. Something which is almost never done. Seals can naturally weaken over time; but to be able to remove its layers is almost never allowed."

"Naruto has been allowed. Unfortunately for us Minato never kept a record of the exact sealing method he used to put the beast in Naruto."

"It is very suggestive of his intentions however."

"To allow Naruto to use the Kyubi's power."

"We've both seen first-hand how destructive & diabolical the Beast is. More advanced seal masters than Naruto have struggled in his place."

"Reapplying the last seal will be very tricky."

"It's not a straightforward process?"

"You would think so, but no. A Four Symbols seal required four separate seals being placed atop the other. Each sub-seal can only be bonded to its specific counter sub-seal. This ensures the integrity of the entire seal."

"Then how has the untethered seal not caused any damage?"

"It has. The chakra flowing from Naruto's eyes is that damage. If we refit its counterpart, we could fix the damage."

"Is it possible to visualise the sub-seals?"

"Yes, but that is another challenge of its own. Such a thing is never done, as it is nigh impossible to try to view the lone unbonded sub-seal in a way that does not threaten the entire seal."

"I don't understand?"

"A seal is not a bookshelf from where one can take & replace a book anytime they wish. As I said, the sub-seals are arranged in descending order. To know which sub-seal has lost its counterpart would mean unsealing every sub-seal that is before it."

Sarutobi took a seat as he finally understood what Jiraiya was saying.

"Meaning the Kyubi could escape during this process."

"Yes. Unless we find a way to sedate the Kyubi, which is next to impossible."

"We will figure something out Jiraiya. I will not have Naruto be in this condition permanently."

"Neither will I. That's why I'll need to access the archives - tonight if possible."

"Of course. I'll notify the security. You received your entry codes for this month?"

"I have them memorised."


Konoha Archives, Top Secret Classification

A dozen men armed with weapons surrounded him.

If he so much as wiped his brow, they'd take him out.

"I abhor to force you through this my lord, but we must authenticate the signal."

"Of course."

The sentry notified one of his comrades, who knocked a specific pattern on the door.

A minute later four men arrived.

Jiraiya could tell from the arrows on their uniform that the men with the verification codes were both Lieutenants; whilst the men trailing them were the executive officer (XO) & the commanding officer (CO) of the station.

The Captain handed him a pen & paper.

"The code for this month, General?"

Jiraiya wrote it down.

The two junior officers then snapped open the red cases & read out the alphanumeric code.

"The signal is authentic" the first Lieutenant announced.

"I concur", the second agreed.

The Captain read Jiraiya's code & passed it to his XO.

"The signal is authentic."

"I concur."

The CO burned the note with a lighter, & the XO waved off the armed men.

"Your presence honours us General" the CO bowed.

The other officers followed his lead.

"And your promptness impresses me. I was timing you. Well done, Captain."

"Was this a routine inspection then, General?"

"No. I have need of your facilities."

"Of course. We will ready an office for you & ensure you are not disturbed."


Midnight

Jiraiya leaned back into the office chair, rubbing his eyes.

He'd poured over all the Fourth's notes, finding nothing of use.

Minato had not written down the specifics of Naruto's seal.

It was a long shot in the first place.

Nobody would be deranged enough to deliberately mess with a seal this way.

Except one man

Jiraiya stepped out of the office, acknowledging the salutes & bows of the people in the facility.

He reached the O section.

Orochimaru

Jiraiya ignored the stab of anger he felt when he read the name.

His old teammate had recently jerked him around from one place to another looking for him.

The bastard had even left him a sick memento at one place, mocking a man's dead wife.

The Toad Sannin reached the section on fuinjutsu & took all its contents back to the office.

He repeated the process with his old teammate's notes.

About halfway through the box, he stumbled onto something.

Jiraiya scrutinised the page multiple times, gaining confidence with every re-read.

Bingo.

He'd struck gold.

Jiraiya looked up at the wall clock. He'd been there for hours.

The Sannin understood & memorised the contents of that particular file, before replacing everything in its correct place & leaving.

He really did need to start cleaning up the house.


Evening, Konoha Library

Sasuke had called this meeting. He couldn't have this on his conscience any longer.

"You must stop."

"You are just as involved Sasuke-san."

"Not anymore. Naruto is my teammate. What you're doing is wrong."

"A shinobi cannot think of right or wrong. Only what is necessary."

"Listen to yourself. Both of you, stop before you get hurt. Or worse, someone else does."

"We're doing this so that no one gets hurt."

"What exactly are you doing? Antagonising Naruto & invading his privacy. What do you hope to achieve?"

"We want the truth. That's what we're trying to find out."

"Don't fuck around & then complain what you find out."

"What are you speaking of Sasuke-san?"

"Ask him. I saw your little skirmish on the island. He took you out in seconds."

"Naruto-san attacked you?" Shino asked sharply.

"It was totally justified. He had it coming."

"Violence is never justified."

"Invading people's privacy is?"

That shut up the Aburame.

He looked at the Nara.

"If not out of decency, then do it for your teammate. Your families are close, are they not? Think about how she feels about your actions."

Sasuke didn't let him respond, getting up & heading to the exit.

"This is the last time I will meet with either of you in this manner."


Next night

"Dinner was amazing Jiraiya-sama. You have to give me the recipe."

"Please, call me Jiraiya. No need for formalities. Any friend of Naruto's is mine by extension. As for the recipe, well that's a secret that can only stay within the family. I only ever gave it to Naruto's mother. Maybe one day if you & Naruto-."

Naruto stomped on Jiraiya's foot, disguising it by turning around & launching into a coughing fit.

His godfather kindly thumped him on the back, a little harder than necessary.

"Can you tell me where the powder room is?"

"Straight down the hallway, second left."

Naruto turned around when she left.

"What the hell where you going to say there?"

Jiraiya smiled at him.

"You know what I was going to say. After observing the two of you, I can say with confidence that the odds are in your favour."

"The odds for what? I'm 13."

Before he could answer Ino arrived.

"Well, get home safe. Both of you."

Jiraiya gave him a hug, ruffling his hair as he let go.

"Do I not get one?"

Jiraiya laughed, bringing Ino in for a hug.

She pulled back partially after a moment.

"You know, I asked my mother about you."

"I hope you heard good things."

"She mentioned these books you write."

That seemed to light a fire in him, "Oh really? Did she anything? What do women think of my novels?"

Ino smiled sweetly, & never in a million years would Naruto have anticipated her next move.

Her left knee flew upwards, striking Jiraiya square in the groin.

"MY NUTSSS!" he howled as he staggered back & tripped on his backside.

"That," Ino blew back a strand of stray hair, "is what we think of that trash you write."

Naruto unconsciously pinned himself to the dinner table, covering his own family jewels. He resisted the masculine urge to groan in pain when a male in nearby proximity was attacked in their private area; afraid that Ino would take it as him having sympathy for his downed godfather.

He'd thought this late at night he should drop her off home.

Not after this. She clearly didn't need any protecting.

Ino turned around & strolled out the door.


I picked up the flower over the ear thing from Hawaiian culture; flower on the right ear means a girl is single, whereas over the left ear signifies a commitment. Very affectionate in a symbolic way if you ask me.

The signal authentication was inspired from Crimson Tide, where submarine officers need to verify messages before acting upon them.

I thought it would mirror real life to add in the part of Naruto being a bit unsure of Ino's feelings for her.

Us men are in general bad at picking up hints; & if we do pick them up we're usually afraid of getting our leg pulled, or trying to be respectful & not reciprocate.

Dear Women,

If you like a guy, just tell him.