My second run in ANBU was a lot more enjoyable without me having to play a part. I was able to actually have fun with my teammates - the ones who weren't fully aware of my identity, Bear and Gecko, didn't know how to take my sudden personality shift. Sure, they were aware of ROOT and it's integration, but they weren't expecting a full blown personality transplant.

Itachi was thrilled I was back with the team, and told me his father has taken back his previous wishes for him to leave (that was nice of him...). He even insinuated that his goal was now to keep me out of trouble - but even he couldn't promise that. I was a walking disaster

Kakashi, however, was not pleased. It wasn't so much that I was on Team Ro, but more the fact I was back in ANBU. He pulled me aside to berate me for making such a stupid decision, and asked how I managed to convince Inoichi and the Hokage it was a good idea, since I just had a full mental break.

"Dog, don't get your panties in a twist. It wasn't a full breakdown...just a little set back. I'm all fixed. And if it makes you happy, I have weekly sessions with Inoichi. If you have any concerns in my performance, you can go tell on me."

"Hibari...it's not just your safety here. It's the team. They are my responsibility. I can't have you here if you are a liability."

"I promise you I'm fine. Have I ever lied to you before?"

He couldn't argue but let it drop for now. I couldn't help but notice he kept a close eye on me, and obviously declined a few missions in the beginning under the excuse of 'building teamwork with the new recruit.' Teamwork, my ass.

Surprisingly, the only other person who vocalised their displeasure with me joining ANBU was Gai. Even though we were both recovered from our respective injuries, we decided to try and keep up weekly training sessions, when we were both free. I suspected he had little in the way of a social life, and I found his banter entertaining enough. Now I was in ANBU, and so was everyone else I socialised with, I needed someone around who wasn't all cloak-and-dagger. And a bright green taijutsu monster was about as opposite from that as you can get.

"Erena, ANBU may seem attractive, but you should not hide behind a mask. Show everyone your Youthful and Positive energy!" He did an expressive dynamic pose and smiled.

I snorted. "Yeh, no. My only Youthful quality is my age, and the only energy I have is fuelled by sarcasm and sass."

"But you may become lost in ANBU. I have seen it happen! I know you, and you don't have the darkness of the others."

"I couldn't get lost in ROOT, I'll be fine in ANBU. And it's okay, I've got plenty people to keep me in check - like you! If I start to become all broody and speak in grunts, you have permission to slap me back to reality."

"Then I will do my best to preserve your Youthful Spirit!"

After that, he got off my back, but was determined to be more ridiculous each time I saw him. We usually kept our training to the Nara grounds, but occasionally he reserved one of the main training grounds, if he was feeling particularly sadistic. I swear, if he ever got a genin team they were going to hate him so much.

Time went by pretty fast, and I found myself getting into a full routine. And I had nothing to complain about. The night before my sixteenth birthday, Shikaku asked me if there was anywhere I wanted to go to celebrate, but I was confused.

"What for?"

"Your birthday?"

"Why is that important?" I was confused. I hadn't celebrated my birthday since I was seven - I was either in ROOT, on mission, or injured. I had been to other peoples celebrations (usually family dinners), but I never seen my birthday as important.

"Because it's your birthday? The day we celebrate you? And you're turning sixteen."

"Oh, um...it's okay. I don't need a fuss."

After that, both Shikaku and Yoshino were determined. He somehow arranged for me to be off duty the next day (I was forced out of ANBU Command when I tried to show up), but then I was left with nothing to do until the evening. Didn't he realise I actually liked working? Yoshino was out on chores, having taken Shikamaru with her, and I was left to my own devices. I was bored.

Just before lunchtime, I heard a loud knock at the door, and found Gai there.

"What do you want?" I blurted. I didn't mean to sound rude, but I was confused and annoyed.

"I heard it was your birthday, so I am here to celebrate!"

This screamed Shikaku. Considering he was the only one that knew about our training sessions (at first he was deeply confused about how we had formed a friendship, but learned not to question me anymore), the fact Gai just happened to show up when I just happened to be off screamed sabotage.

It was also a cruel and unusual punishment - why would you sick Gai on me for training? When you wanted me to celebrate my birthday? I liked Gai but come on!

I sighed, resigned. "Okay. I'll get my shoes."

We walked to our normal clearing in the forest, with him acting more excited and energetic than normal. The phrase 'energiser bunny on crack' came to mind. If he was like this now, I was concerned what he had in store for me.

But colour me surprised, I got there and all that was left behind was a picnic blanket and a couple of bento boxes.

"What's this?"

"This is a picnic!"

"Well, yeh, but like...what is this?" I gestured to the whole set up vividly. "This isn't normal. Who are you and what have you done with Gai? Where's the threat of physical torment?"

He grinned. "I thought it would be nice to celebrate your Springtime of Youth in a more relaxed fashion! But if you like, we can train!"

"Nope. No. Absolutely not. I vote picnic. Thank you very much, and I'll shut up now." I hurried over to the blanket and sat down before he could change his mind.

The whole affair was actually quite fun. The food was nice (healthy but nice, I'd expect nothing less from Gai), and he was being ridiculous. I swear he was a clown in another life, or maybe someone like Mr Motivator? He wasn't that far off. I almost spit my fruit at him when he decided to try and drink the melon juice doing upside down one handed push ups, and it went flying out of his nose. He didn't try that twice.

We headed back after a couple of hours and I thanked him for the nice time - i swear I saw him blush before he hurried off to head back to duty - he didn't have a mission but paperwork from his last one to complete.

When I got home, the place was still empty. I grabbed a book on spiritual energy that was on my 'to be read' pile, and sat down in the living room with a pot of tea. I was sitting reading upside down when Shikamaru sauntered in and jumped on me.

"Ooft! You little bastard!" I let out, before trying to right myself without falling off.

"Erena, language!" I heard Yoshino scold from the hallway. Shikamaru snickered.

"You little toad!" I hissed, and I narrowed my eyes at him. He paled immediately and ran - I gave chase.

I could have easily caught him, but it was fun making Shikamaru run. He wasn't a natural, but could reach some speed when there was a threat...and I was a threat.

He only just made it to the shed outside before I grabbed him. I wanted to swing him upside down, like I'd seen Shisui do with Sasuke many a time, but I just didn't have the height on him to manage it effectively. Shika was already a beansprout - he'd easily reach his fathers height when he was older, and that was no mean feat.

I cursed Danzo and his interference with my growth every day.

Instead, I grabbed the back of his arms in a hold with one hand (softly, he wasn't a enemy), and marched him back into the house. I was about to set up a static seal (so his already frizzy hair would reach new heights), when I saw Itachi and Shisui enter the living room.

"Oh, hey guys, what ya doing here?" I still didn't let go of Shikamaru.

"We wanted to take you out before dinner," Shisui replied.

"Why?" Shikamaru was still struggling in my grip and I wasn't giving in. I noticed his jaw clench like he was about the shout out, and I held my hand over his mouth. Both Shisui and Itachi ignored the exchange.

"Because it's your birthday! Why didn't you tell us?" Oh, great, now Itachi was the energiser bunny. He was practically bouncing up and down. It was difficult to forget he had only just entered his teenage years, but then he acted like this.

"Because it's just a day? I really don't get the obsession - Shikamaru quit it! Seriously? Listen you want to know the secret to getting someone to stop holding their hand over your mouth?" He nodded, and I smirked. "You lick them." I then proceeded to lick his face and let him go.

"Why are you so weird?" I called out as he ran away from me.

"Isn't that the question of the decade? How long have you got?" Shisui smirked.

I shrugged. "It's a problem."

Shikamaru gave me a final lazy look before stomping off. Shisui laughed.

"You know, he's going to be a powerhouse when he's older. Why are you aggravating him now?"

"Training."

Shisui scoffed. "Right...so, anyway, lets go! Shikaku told us to meet them at seven, so we've got plenty time."

"For what?"

"We're going to a bar!"

I blanched. "I'm sixteen, not twenty six! And you remember what happened last time? You were the one that had to pick up the pieces...and Itachi! Fugaku will kill us."

"I can go to a bar and not drink alcohol, Erena." Why was he on Shisui's side, he was the sensible one!

"Sixteen us a perfectly respectable age for a few Jounin to got to a bar, calm down."

"Shisui, I'm still a Genin...remember?"

"Semantics. You can kick the asses of half the Jounin out here. Why don't you get a promotion, anyway?"

"Doesn't make a difference in ANBU, does it?"

"It's still weird. Anyway, lets go!"

We headed to a nice bar in the restaurant district. It was a bit more upper class than the place I had been with Jiraiya, but that wasn't hard. Shisui offered to get the first round, and I was happy when he returned with a nice fruity cocktail. I took a sip.

"This has alcohol in it?"

"Not much. If I got you wasted before dinner, Shikaku would probably have my head."

I took another small sip. "It's nice, I like it."

He snickered. "Under all of that bravado you really are just a girl, aren't you?"

"Well, if the bra fits!"

Shisui paled and Itachi snickered. "Oh, you uncomfortable, Shisui?" Itachi really did have a little wicked streak. "Didn't like the reminder of Erena's assets?"

"Shut up!" He hissed, and I laughed loudly. After the hormone supplements kicked in, I had become moderately endowed. Shisui only just noticed when we were sparring one day and he accidentally groped me. He had become embarrassed by any mention of my boobs ever since.

Shisui went to try and throw an ice cube at Itachi, but he easily ducked. Boys, I swear...

All in all, it was a pleasant time. Shisui was on top form, and Itachi was buzzing so much that I thought he was the one drinking alcohol. At one point Itachi left to go and get more drinks, leaving me and Shisui alone.

"Shisui-kun! I'm so pleased to see you! I thought you were on a mission?" A preppy looking civilian girl approached our table. She was looking at Shisui with something resembling adoration. Her eyes briefly glanced over to me, and I saw a flicker of something dark before she focused on her prey. "Why didn't you tell me you were back! I've missed you!"

Oh, she was the clingy type. I really needed to have a chat about how Shisui chose his flings.

"Eiko! Well, you see, I just got back. I'm just out for Erena's birthday, then I'm heading straight out again. Being a Jounin keeps you busy, you know?" He seemed flustered, I'm guessing he had planned to avoid any future interaction with this one. And forgot to tell her. As usual, he was incompetent.

Her eyes landed on me again, eyes narrowed. Possessive little thing, she didn't even attempt to hide her jealousy this time.

"And...you and Shisui, have you been friends long?" 'Are you on a date?' Subtle.

"Friends? No. We're not friends. I hated him as soon as I saw him. Instant animosity. I dislike him with every fibre of my being. It's instinctual. Deep within my soul. The aggression he brings out of me has no limits."

"It's true. The first time we met she knocked me out for no reason. She can't be trusted. Watch your back."

"See? Mutual dislike. We understand each other." I nodded to him and brought my glass up, we did a small cheers and clinked out cups together.

"Ummm...I see." You could tell she didn't. Honestly, Shisui. As if a civilian wasn't bad enough, a civilian with no sense of humour? Have mercy. "Since you are short on time, maybe you could come and spend time with me? I'm sure my company is much better." She fluttered her eyes at him. Little cow.

I rolled my eyes at Shisui and scoffed. "Listen here, girl. If your 'Shisui-kun' wanted to see you, he would. But guess what? He's here with me instead. So take your perfectly styled hair and flounce back over to your friends, so we can get back to talking about different ways of dismembering annoying little pests. Shoo!"

I waved my hands in clear dismissal. She paled considerably and looked to Shisui for help-he ignored her completely and was instead looking at me, a dry expression on his face. I shrugged at him and took a drink.

"Why are you still here?" I asked her, when she didn't move. This time she turned and fled. Mission accomplished. I grimaced at Shisui. "Next time clean up your own mess."

"Why? You are far more effective. I have a reputation to maintain."

"I am not your bulldog. In future, you're on your own."

Shisui laughed. "Nah, I don't believe that for one second. Imagine if they started hanging around? You would get annoyed and get rid of them some way or another. Who needs to break hearts when I have you to threaten to break bones?"

"You are annoying." I hated it when he was right. "Just make sure you don't pick someone who can take me in a fight."

"Erena, not many could take you in a fight."

"Who was that?" Itachi came over with our drinks. He got Shisui a cocktail this time, too.

"Shisui's latest fling...well, I guess she's your ex now?"

Itachi gave him a look that clear said 'I'm judging you right now.' "One of these days, it's going to be you that gets hurt."

"Not likely, he has a heart made of stone."

"What, is it 'let's pick on Shisuis love life' day? At least I have one!"

I rolled my eyes. "Trust me, whatever that was, it's not a love life."

"Shows what you know," he took a sip of his cocktail and made a face. "What even is this?"

"Strawberry surprise," Itachi smiled. "Because you're bitter and needed some sweetening up."

"Why don't I pour this over your head? You'll see how sweet it is, then."

I chortled. It was turning out to be a pretty good day, but then I saw something out of the corner of my eye. Two seats down from me I saw Ban, my disaster of a date, sitting with a group of friends. I hadn't seen or heard from him since the time in the restaurant.

"Great..." I groaned and looked down when he saw me and smirked.

"What is it?" Itachi asked.

"You know how I don't have a love life, a reminder about why is walking over."

Both boys frowned as Ban strutted over. Seriously? Did he not remember the last time we met? Flying chopstick, Killing Intent?

"Well, if it isn't Shikaku's crazy little Genin niece," he smirked as he came over. Itachi and Shisui's heads turned to face him and he paled a little. Guess he wasn't great with situational awareness.

"Well, if it isn't Konoha's least favourite Chuunin...how many times have you failed the Jounin exam now, five? Oh, six! Harsh."

He scoffed. "At least I've made it past Genin corps. How does it feel to be at the bottom of the barrel?"

"I have no complaints," I smiled.

From behind him I saw the faces of his companions as they looked at us. One of them paled when they saw my face properly.

He snorted. "Of course not, hiding behind your Jounin friends and relatives? You don't even have the right to call yourself a shinobi."

I could see Shisui getting riled up and was about to say something, but I held up my hand to placate him. I could handle myself.

"I suggest you sit down and shut up before you say something you'll regret."

"Like a stupid little kunoichi like you will ever tell me what to do."

Oh, poor boy has a death wish.

"Okay, you little immature prick. Let me tell you why you'll never make it to Jounin, hmm? For all your bravado, it's clear you have little in the way of skill. You have no situational awareness and can't read the room for shit. You can't dodge, whether it's chopsticks or insults. How do you think you'd fare against an enemy kunai? Poorly. You're clearly lacking as a tactician, and even your scheme to use my uncle in your favour was poorly thought out. Do your research. The worst thing is that you think you are smarter than you actually are. You're just a little dumb fuck who reached his peak and now doesn't know where to go. You might as well get comfortable, because I can guarantee you aren't getting any higher than chuunin."

"You have no idea what you are talking about, you little bitch. You have probably never even been out in the field - what do you know?"

"I know not to start fights I won't win."

"Like you could ever lay a hand on me," he scoffed.

Instead of backing down, like Itachi would do, or even squaring up to him, like Shisui, I opted for the higher ground. And by that, I mean knock him on his ass.

I activated my Time Flicker seal, and threw him to the ground. When I deactivated it, I was crouched above him, snarling into his face.

I probably didn't need to go as far as that, but I wanted to be memorable.

"Like I said, little dumb fuck." I stood up and sat back down.

I gestured to his friend that recognised me earlier.

"Get him out of here before he says something that will get him killed."

He nodded and picked him up, before hauling him out of the bar. He had been a member of ROOT before the fall. He was not from my Infiltration Corps, but I was easily recognisable. Even if Ban was stupid enough to want to try anything again, I could guarantee his friend would warn him off properly.

I took a sip of my drink while Itachi and Shisui stared at me. "What?"

"You really are scary sometimes," Itachi said. I shrugged.

"Needs must."

"Hold up a minute..."Shisui said, voice raised and deeply concerned. "What the hell was that?"

I frowned. "What? I was just teaching him a lesson."

"No, forget the Scary Erena Mode, that's boring. Old news...I mean that...where you threw him to the ground. You did it in a fraction of a second...I couldn't even see it! That was even faster than me!"

Oh, they didn't know about the Time Flicker. And I think I had just caused ShunShin Shisui to have an existential crisis.

"Time Flicker seal? It makes me go really really fast."

I could see him crumbling in front of me. Seriously, it was like his heart was breaking.

"But I can't really use it often...there's side effects. So don't worry - you're still the fastest one I know!"

"But I'm not. I'm going to need a new angle..."

"Oh, Shisui, stop feeling sorry for yourself. Erena, what do you mean, side effects?"

"It doesn't just make me fast, it speeds up time while I'm using it. What you feel as a fraction of a second, is what it would take me to do in real time. Time lapses different."

"So, if you activated it, and went to, say, Kumo. In reality it would be like only a split second had passed, but you'd experience it in days, and age accordingly?"

"Exactly."

"And how often do you use it?"

"That's probably the fourth time? I'm not stupid."

"Good. Don't make a habit of it."

"Yessir," I saluted him.

We weren't at the bar for much longer, and Itachi guided us to a Yakitori place just down the next side street. Shisui was still in a stupor when we arrived.

"What's up with him?" Shikaku whispered to me, after we all sat down. Yoshino and Shikamaru were arguing over the menu.

"He's mourning," I replied. He looked concerned.

"Who?"

"His ego."

The next week Team Ro were sent on a mission to Waterfall to take down a sexual predator whom had made advances to a rich merchants wife. It was a particularly sleazy man, and they had me going in undercover to get his attention and lead him away from the crowds. As per usual, I refused to allow assassination...but I didn't mind the use of genjutsu to scare him away from future endeavours. Bear had suggested castration, and while I wouldn't normally decline, his profile suggested that would lead to an escalation in violence.

When we returned, Itachi and I were summoned to the ANBU commanders office.

"Seems you two have been temporarily reassigned."

Itachi's posture stiffed. "By who?"

"Hokages orders. You are to head there immediately."

When we got there, we were immediately let in by an ANBU guard. We shunshined to the Hokages desk and didn't speak.

"You may remove your masks. Your ANBU roles are suspected for the moment."

We both removed our masks. Itachi looked confused, but I wasn't. I knew exactly what was going on. Only a fortnight ago, the Treaty with Mist was finalised and made public. It shocked a large percentage of the population, but was mostly welcomed. A few doubted 'the Bloody Mist's' ability to keep promises, but wouldn't openly speak out of turn.

And now Mist was covered, it was on to Suna.

"I have a mission for you, Itachi. It will require the utmost secrecy, and is imperative to Konoha's quest for peaceful diplomatic relations. Based on your impeccable record and loyalty, you have been recommended for the role of Ambassador to Suna in the planning of a peace treaty. Do you accept?"

"Hokage-sama...I don't understand. I am under-qualified for such a role. Surely someone for the council would be better placed?"

"While that would normally be the case, Suna requires a different approach...less aggressive."

"But why me?"

"Why indeed? You will have a tutor in diplomatic relations, and on Suna's politics. I have been assured that you are fit for the role. While my...advisor is unsuitable, you have been selected in their place. Will you accept?"

I could see the cogs whirling in Itachi's brain. Seriously, what was taking so long?

"Yes, Hokage-sama. I accept."

"Excellent. Then I leave you in the capable hands of my foreign diplomatic advisor. Good luck."

"Foreign diplomatic advisor? Laying it on a bit thick, Hiruzen?" I scoffed. He really was an asshat. He waved at us in dismissal.

Itachi turned to look at me. "What?"

"Ah, Itachi...I hope you're ready for Erenas School of How to Make Friends and Influence People. Feel free to call me sensei!"

Itachi did not call me Sensei, and I was a little disappointed. In fact, he called me many other things I didn't think he was capable of after he saw the amount of training I intended to get through.

Over the next month, I gave him a crash course on basic infiltration (not quite the same level as I had given Gai- he didn't need to be someone else, but needed to understand the process), human psychology, how to anticipate peoples reactions and read intentions, international politics, trade law, negotiation theory and the history of Suna. I also had to explain the whole of the Suna political structure, including an in depth analysis of all major players.

At first, he couldn't understand how we had that amount of information available - when I explained my role in ROOT a little deeper, he started to understand a little more. At first he thought Danzo was using me as a tool to get the information for negotiation...I quickly corrected him.

"Danzo didn't negotiate anything. The more information he had, he easier something was to destroy."

"I don't understand?"

"This is the only time I will admit it, but Danzo was incredibly intelligent. For example, say you knew Politician A held the favour of the Kage, and Politician A owed money to Politician B. Then Politician B got himself into a bit of trouble with a prostitute, which you may or may not have set up. With a little bit of blackmail, you could tell Politician B to tell Politician A to recommend a particular decision - whether in battle or within contracts. Suddenly you hold the power to win wars, control trade or even the peoples favour...and how much effort did it take?"

Itachi's eyes widened. "But surely they wouldn't fall for that."

"They do. Daily. Suna wasn't the only country I was sent to. And I can guarantee Konoha isn't the only one playing the game."

"But surely the Hokage isn't taking part in this still?"

I scoffed. "Of course he is. Why do you think he was happy to continue to allow Infiltration into Konoha's ranks? Do you even know that the Seduction corps do?"

"But it's wrong."

"Itachi. As long as there are politicians, espionage will exist. It's inevitable. If done right, think of it like a peaceful war...no one gets hurt except a few egos."

"But how will this help me in Suna?"

"Because you need to play the game, Itachi. Rasa responds to power...right now, Konoha has that. You'll be sent with Ambassadors from Mist and Kumo, in a show of force...and Rasa will eat it up. But the council leaders need more. They'll need scheming. There are a few members of the Infiltration Corps already in place, but they will need direction on where to go. You need to be able to read the room and act accordingly."

"I don't know if I can do that. Why can't you go?"

"Because I'm a disrespectful wench and the Hokage hates me...Itachi, you are far more capable than you think. You're capable of reasoning with the Hokage, and have more potential in one finger than he ever had in his whole body. You are brilliant. I wouldn't put you through this if I thought there was any chance you might not succeed."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Okay."

A week later, I was playing shogi with Fugaku when he asked me a question.

"Erena...would you care to explain how Itachi was able to convince me to give Sasuke two days off lessons so they could go on a camping trip?"

"Aw, you going soft in your old age?"

He glared at me.

"It's called negotiation, Fugaku."

"I am certain I did not receive anything in exchange."

"Then it's called successful negotiation."

"Erena...did you just give Itachi your last stick of dango?"

"No, I-"

The little prick.

I grinned at him.

"I think you're ready."

Three months later he returned from Suna, only a bit more tanned than when he had left but looking a lot more cheerful.

It was the fastest negotiations they had ever seen in the history of peace treaties. Konoha got everything they set out for, and Itachi received a personal commendation from the Kazekage himself - outwith the negotiation, he formed a strong bond with the Kazekages youngest son, who was devastated when Itachi had to leave.

After being congratulated by the powers that be, Shisui and I went to find him. We has sitting by the bridge at the Nakahara River, staring down into the water.

"The victorious return!" Shisui said, clapping him on his back hard. Itachi winced a little but smiled wide at him.

"How has it been while I've been away?"

I settled in beside him, while Shisui did the same on his other side.

"Oh, you know, same old. Another day another mission! Oh, Shisui managed to keep a girl for a whole month this time, he's maturing!"

"And Erena is going to end up a spinster!" I stuck my tongue out at Shisui.

"So how was Suna? Considering it's their high season, you hardly look like you've stepped outside. I expected a little sunburned nose at least. I feel robbed."

"Not a lot of talks happen outdoors, thankfully. The sand and sun is not for me," he said.

"Understandable. The sand gets everywhere...like everywhere!" I shivered in remembrance. "So what you getting up to now? Surely they aren't relegating you back to ANBU after that?"

He shrugged lightly. "I'll get a full debrief tomorrow...But Shisui, Erena? I think I've come to realise something while I was away. It seems stupid, but I wanted to know what you think."

Shisui looked concerned. "Oh?"

I smiled. "I think it's a great idea."

"What is?" Shisui asked, thinking he was missing something.

Itachi looked at me strangely before smirking. "You set this up, didn't you?"

"Maybe..."

"I hate you, you know that?"

"Whoa, stop guys! What am I missing here!" Shisui started flapping.

"It'll be funnier if we don't tell him?" I suggested.

Itachi smiled then shook his head, before turning to Shisui.

"I think I want to be Hokage."