After I dropped my bombshell, both Morino and the ANBU Commander had a bit of a melt down. Well, as much of a meltdown two emotionally stunted shinobi could have - it mainly involved them arguing between themselves and trying to convince each other I was wrong, with me awkwardly sitting there in silence.

After some pretty weak arguments, they both concluded that my conclusions had merit and justified further investigation.

"You're a pain in the ass to work with but you've never been wrong," the ANBU Commander commented. Wow, I had no idea he thought so highly of me (the man was a renowned hard-ass and probably didn't compliment his kids- if he had any).

After that, they decided to reassign me.

I was practically removed from Team Ro, and placed into the task force that dealt with locating and targeting missing nin. It was a joint venture between Intelligence, T and I, and ANBU...and one of the only times I saw three different divisions work cohesively. Intelligence and T and I would gather information, then brain storm with ANBU, who would go out in the field- to gather more information or act in the Hunter Nin capacity to capture or neutralise.

And of their targets, Orochimaru was undesirable number one.

The problem was, is that he was a slippery little snake. They couldn't pin him down and his movements made little sense. Once, one of their operatives managed to get him cornered, only for him to get away.

And that operative? Uchiha Shisui.

I was seriously going to kill him. He had been with the task force for over a year, and had put himself into the paths of one of the most despicable creatures to ever come out of the Elemental Nations. And he didn't even tell me.

The ANBU Commander gave me access to all the files on Orochimaru (most heavily redacted, shocker) prior to my entry into the Task Force, and I was ready to smack the files over Shisui's head when I read them. Other than being a stupid idiot for putting himself in harms way, he knew of my capabilities in gathering information and he didn't even ask...even if only for pointers.

But my main problem was that the intel they had was pathetic, and I was seriously concerned about the efficacy of the Intelligence department. How did they get anything done?

When the ANBU Commander offered me a spot, I immediately accepted. Not only did I want to get the the bottom of it, but I couldn't let Shisui get himself killed due to bad intel. If I walked away with the current state of things, I would have never forgiven myself.

Morino and the Commander called a meeting the next week. During this time, I utilised my new spy network and researched the achieves to paint a bigger picture...not only of Orochimaru, but a couple of the other targets. When I showed them the new up to date files, Morino smirked.

"You are ridiculously efficient. Danzo was a vicious bastard, but he really did know how to pick them."

I clenched my jaw. "Shut your mouth." No one ever spoke about Danzo so bluntly to me anymore, and it was not welcome.

As the meeting was started, I was kept in the room next door to wait until I was to be introduced as a consultant to the group (they could not offer me a permanent spot without the Hokage's permission, which they could not be bothered doing, apparently- but I suspected there may be more to this), but I was never good at doing what I was told. Instead, I used my eavesdropping devices to listen through the walls.

"Thank you for meeting us here, we have called the meeting as new information had been brought to light, and so we are making a few adjustments to the structure of the task force."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I heard a nasally voice whine - I had never heard it before, so it was unlikely ANBU (plus most were the strong and silent type, I was an anomaly).

"We are bringing in a consultant to the task force. They will be focused primarily on Orochimaru, but ask nicely and they may consider helping with others.

"In the last week, they have discovered the location of one low and two mid level threats," I heard the slam of files hitting the desk. "Without even leaving Konoha...care to explain how they managed this in a few days, when you have been working on these for months? Hm?

"They are also responsible for connecting the Iwa attack last week with Orochimaru, and suspect a link between him and Misumi. We aim to find out their true objectives and why. You will all fully cooperate, understand?"

"What do you mean there is a link between Orochimaru and Iwa? That is impossible!" It was Shisui to speak this time.

"Not impossible, just improbable. While the links are pure conjecture at this point, I am inclined to believe them. But I will happily be proven wrong."

"Pfft, whatever. It sounds like bullshit to me. We've been at this for ages and there's no way someone can just come in a bulldoze our entire investigation." Oh, Shisui, you're an asshole sometimes.

And that was my cue. I pocketed the device, and walked to the meeting room before knocking. Morino let me in and smirked with me - he must have known I would be listening.

"Hey Ibiki - I heard someone order a bulldozer?"

I didn't make a lot of friends on the task force but I've never been one to care for that kind of thing. I stomped on their parade and showed them how to properly gather and compile intel...the operatives from Intelligence were reluctant to accept my help and advice - it was like I was working with toddlers, so I treated them like ones.

"Look, girl, I have been in Intelligence for seven years. I know how to do my job."

"Oh, really?" I sneered at the irritating Tobuketsu Jounin. "Because all I see is accounts from Konoha shinobi on missions. Where are the reports form your foreign contacts? Kumo? Mist? Even the neutral countries? What about foreign placed agents? Reports from merchants and travellers? Hell, even from Jiraiya?"

"Konoha doesn't have a spy network like that. It hasn't since ROOT was dissembled."

I heard Morino snort and Shisui mutter an 'oh dear'. I raised my eyebrow.

"You useless fuck. For being in Intelligence, you're not exactly Intelligent. Of course we have a network. We always have, even if basic. And now it's back to acceptable standards, I have seen to that myself. If you can't keep up with the times you should really get the fuck out."

"Nakahara, that isn't your decision," I heard the ANBU Commander warn.

"No, but it should be." I crossed my arms in protest.

"Wait a second," another Intelligence operative asked. "What do you mean you've seen to the spy network?"

"Exactly that. We have one, it's up and running. It's not exactly a secret."

"But how?"

"It just is. If I told you how, it wouldn't be an effective network. You just need to work with the handlers or head of infiltration."

"Head of Infiltration? Like, from ROOT? I've heard about them, they are legendary. They personally trained all the agents to be undetectable. Even Shimura Danzo couldn't see past the deception. And their foreign network was a thing of beauty."

"Why, thank you," I said, deadpan.

His eyes bulged. "You? Really? You?"

I blinked. While I would normally enjoy the attention, I was getting tired of this. "Yes, really. So will you shut up and let me speak?"

After than they did, but I occasionally got mild protests...they didn't last long.

While they were flapping over the new files and information, I took Shisui aside for a full verbal account of the his interaction with Orochimaru. I expected him to be a little resistant to me, but he seemed resigned more than anything else.

"You really think Orochimaru has a connection to the events of last week?"

"Yes, Shisui. I do."

"Fuck."

"Agreed."

He gave me his version of events, including certain things that had been redacted - not that it changed anything. At one point, when describing the battle, he slipped up on his language a little - just a shift of tenses, but it was enough for someone who knows him to tell the difference.

"Stop right there - what aren't you telling me?"

"What do you mean? I've told you everything?"

"Nope - after your fight started. Something isn't right. I need to know everything, Shisui. Even the smallest piece of information could be the key."

He stilled, and face went blank. "I...don't know what you're talking about."

"Nope. Stop. I don't like it when people lie, Shisui. What is so bad you can't trust me to know?"

He sighed. "Not not just up to me. It's not only my secret to tell."

My mind whirled. It wasn't a secret related to the village itself. And something that could put people in danger. People he cared about in danger...and his bubble was fairly limited.

"Uchiha related, I'm guessing?"

"How did you..? Never mind...yes."

"And what do you need in order to tell me?"

"I guess permission from the Clan Head...maybe from a couple of others. But Fugaku will never allow this knowledge outside of the clan. Even to you."

"Let him be the judge of that...we'll head over tonight. Going now would be too suspicious."

Shisui gave me a silent nod and stayed tense. The rest of the meeting he kept fairly silent - a testament to how on edge he was feeling. Even when I continued to berate the asshat from Intelligence, he didn't say anything or even snort when my insults were hilarious (I was on top form).

We left the task force together when Morino called it a day. It was still early enough that Fugaku was likely to be at the police station - when we got there, Shisui went to the desk to sign in as a guest, but I just grabbed him and pulled him through.

"What are you doing?" He hissed under his breath.

"Puh-lease. I haven't signed in here in forever. Oh, hey, Mika- can I go in? Will he be annoyed?"

There was a temporary secretary outside his office today, but she usually worked in records. I met here a few times when I went their to play with (solve) cold cases when I got really bored.

"No, he should be okay!" She replied.

"Oh bummer. It's less fun when he's not bothered. Thanks though!"

I opened the door without knocking, hoping to piss him off a little. He lifted his gaze from what he was looking at, and looked stern.

"Oh, it's just you, Erena. Come in." He softened his gaze and pointed to the seat. I instantly deflated with his casual acceptance.

"I brought a friend, this time. So you're saved from an ass whooping for another day."

Shisui entered, and bowed to Fugaku. He looked between us and frowned. "Well, this is certainly not a social call."

"Nope," I said, popping the 'P'. "I'm investigating the incident in the forest. I've hit a bit of a snag and I need certain information."

He lifted his eyebrow in question.

"Fugaku-sama," Shisui said, sounding a bit sheepish. "She required full disclosure on my combat capabilities."

Fugaku stiffened and looked to me. Oh, I've come across a pressure point. Something juicy. Now I had to know.

"To what end?"

"I need to know why someone would want to target Sasuke, and this is the only link I have," I volunteered. I wasn't sure how much I could disclose to Fugaku, but even if he had not been informed of this, he needed to know either way. By the sharp look I got from Shisui, I was guessing it wasn't openly available information.

"Target Sasuke? You are certain he was the target?" In other words: 'not the Jinchuriki.'

"Very certain."

Fugaku looked stressed and pinched the area between his brow. "And the information you seek - will it aid in capturing the perpetrator behind it?"

I sighed. I had never lied to Fugaku and could not lie now. "I already know the 'who', but I don't know the 'why.' Or how determined they will be and try again. I cannot guarantee capture, but that is our aim. I will promise I will not disclose anything you tell me here to anyone else - there will be no written record and the information cannot be forcibly removed from my mind."

Fugaku looked at me blankly for a second. "If it may help Sasuke, then ask us...We will answer."

And so I learned about the Mangekyou Sharingan. I already knew there was something different about Itachi and Shisui's sharingan, from seeing them in Mist and when I was in Psyche, but I was brought up with a healthy respect for bloodline limits from my parents so didn't ask questions when information wasn't volunteered.

It turned out that Shisui had used his Mangekyou sharingan against Orochimaru during his fight - namely some cool flames called Amaterasu and a really cool giant avatar he called Susanoo. They mentioned that each person with it had individual gifts, but would not elucidate further, and I saw no need in pushing. According to them, the only members of the clan with active Mangekyou sharingan were Fugaku, Shisui and Itachi.

"And who knows about Itachi?" I asked.

"I am not certain what you mean. No one outside of this room is aware," Fugaku replied. But that didn't make sense at all.

"Sasuke is being targeted because of his latent potential," I said, now certain. "Orochimaru has seen the Mangekyou's power. And if his profile is correct - he craves power and knowledge...a powerful sharingan would provide him with both. Just look at what Danzo did for the sharingan, Orochimaru would not be the first...he's not stupid enough to go for you three - you are too powerful and heavily protected. But Sasuke? He could take him and mould him to what he wants...he's taking a leaf out of Danzo's book - grab 'em young, manipulate 'em, use 'em."

"He will not get his hands on Sasuke," Fugaku all but growled.

"Correct," I said. "And now I know the why - and a selfish one at that - I can guarantee whatever agreement he has with Iwa is shaky at best. I can work with this." I stood and looked between the both of them. "Thank you for trusting me."

Shisui looked shocked. "You're thanking us? Are you okay?"

I scowled. "Hey, I'm trying to be nice. I've been told I'm not nice at times...You want me to take it back?" I asked.

"No. I'll take it. It may never happen again!"

We parted ways after leaving the police station. I left better now I had a more concrete plan in my head, but needed to sort things the next day.

I would still be assisting the task force in locating Orochimaru, but I needed to expose him. If I cut off his resources, he may slip up and do our jobs for us. If he was using Iwa to do his dirty work, then we needed to show them that they had more to gain from us than him...and that meant politicking the shit out of the situation.

First though, I promised to spend the evening with Gai. We had met up several times since our first date, and I was quite pleased with how things were going. After the awkwardness of our departure, I was a little bit worried it would continue that way, but it turned out I had nothing to worry about. Where I might find things awkward and not know how to react, Gai cared little about that kind of thing - and goodbye tension.

For example, when we met up the second time (in the forest, with an initial plan just to go for a walk - but ended up turning into a game of hide and seek) I didn't know if I should wave or what...but he just ran up to me and grabbed me in an over dramatic hug, practically throwing me into the air. I couldn't help but giggle (almost a foreign sound from me), and that seemed to spur Gai onto more silly displays.

And while he was very physical with his affections, he was still incredibly respectful and would wait for me to make any move that could be perceived as more than friends. When I kissed him at the end or our last meeting he turned a bright red colour but looked incredibly pleased. And his happiness was infectious.

Tonight he promised to make me dinner, so I was heading over to his flat. He lived in a tower block in a busy area of town, and not too far away. When I got there, I came to realise he was on the top floor - because of course he was. Normally I'd just walk up the walls, but he warned me too many shinobi lived in the block, so it wasn't a good idea - shinobi are paranoid little bastards and like to lay traps against possible intruders...so stairs it was...I hated stairs.

While I wasn't unfit by any means, I was still in a bad mood when I made it to his, grumbling under my breath. I knocked on the door, and he answered immediately. "Erena! How wonderful to see you! I hope you - why do you look displeased? Are you okay?!" He grabbed me any pulled me into his flat before grabbing my hands. "Tell me what is wrong! I will do my best to resolve your unhappiness!"

I was a little taken aback by his response, and I felt pretty pathetic when I mumbled out, "I just really hate stairs."

He blinked a couple of times before frowning. "The stairs?"

"The stairs. They are boring and take a long time and you live on the top floor."

He broke out into a grin, clearly finding it funny. "How Youthful! It almost sounds as though you could not wait to see me! Can you not resist my handsome manly features?"

Oh, he was definitely making fun of me. "Yeh, sure. If that's what you want to believe." I rolled my eyes but it seemed to encourage him more. He leaned down and kissed me quickly before pulling me over to the seating area.

"And so I shall believe it! Tell me about your day! Dinner is almost ready, I am just waiting on the rice to finish cooking."

I sat down next to him, and leaned slightly on his arm. "Oh, you know, the usual...Irritating the plebs, planning to restructure shitty departments, uncovering mysteries. All in a days work."

He laughed. "You do have a unique outlook. Your daily accomplishments exceed what many achieve in a year. If only all had your attitude and work ethic!"

I snorted. "I doubt those in command could survive if everyone had my attitude. Pretty sure I would be on the chopping block if I didn't get results."

"But your attitude is what makes you, you. You are so cool!"

"Cool? What are you, twelve?"

"You jest! Thankfully I am not. Otherwise I would not do this!" And he kissed me, hard. It only lasted a minute, before he broke off to smile and finish dinner.

"Nope. Definitely not twelve." I spoke to myself.

The next morning I sent requests for a meeting with the necessary individuals to discuss the Iwa situation, but had no concrete plans until I had replies. While I had the opportunity, I decided to go and visit Yumi at the hospital.

I found him working in one of the office rooms - it was a room with multiple cubicles used by the healers for their paperwork. Unfortunately only higher ups had individual offices, so the rest were lucky if they got their own designated desk.

I grabbed one of the empty office chairs and slid over to him.

"What's up, buttercup?"

He turned to look at me, assessing me for injury before answering. "Too much paperwork and not enough time," he said.

I peered over. "Anything I can help with?"

He snorted. "Sadly, no. But if you're feeling helpful you could sort that pile into alphabetical order? It would help speed things up slightly."

"You got it." I grabbed a large pile of what looked like test results, and started to work. After as few minutes, I got into a rhythm. "So...I may or may not have a medical based question for you..."

"Oh course you do." He continued writing, not even bothering to look up. "What do you need?"

I took a breath. "So...you know my hormonal problems? And those shitty supplements I have to keep taking?" He still didn't respond so I took that as encouragement to continue. "Say if I wanted to look into contraception, what would it do? Do I even need to look into contraception, or am I barren as a desert?"

His pen slammed down on the table and he snapped his head towards me.

"Privacy seal?" He asked.

"Pfft, on, of course." I activated it as soon as I reached his desk.

"Who?"

"None of your beeswax," I said.

"I'll find out by this evening. And don't think I won't."

It's times like this I regretted training them. How dare they use my Corps against me. "Well...nothing's happened yet. I'm just preempting things...should they get there. I'm being sensible. I thought you'd appreciate it."

"I'd appreciate you telling me who it is. And if you tell me its that stupid Uchiha friend of yours, I'm going to castrate him."

"Oi! Shisui's not that bad!"

"Erena!" He growled at me.

"Fine. It's Maito Gai." I crossed my arms in defence. "We've only been on a few dates, but I like him."

He narrowed his eyes, at me assessing. I wasn't sure what he was thinking. We had never discussed relationships before, even his and Kutsu's. It was just a thing that happened, and seemed so organic it wasn't a surprise by any means. One day he just told me that they both wanted to enter a relationship with each other, I said "okay, that's nice" and that was that. And I had never shown any interest in one before, so I suspected he thought it wouldn't be a problem.

"Good. I like him." He said finally. "Send him to see me."

"Whoa, stop. Time out. I'm not sending him down to you for some kind of shovel talk." I liked Gai, and kind of wanted him to continue liking me? Not have Yumi scare him away.

"Not like that, you idiot." He rolled his eyes. "Thankfully, you came to see me before actually diving in head first and screwing up. Literally." I guffawed slightly. "To answer your questions: Standard contraception is not compatible with your current treatment and would have undesired side effects, and yes, you do need to look into it - you are not barren, and the thought of you with a child scares me more than I want to admit."

"Wow, thats super rude." I said. "But also true - could you imagine? What would I even do with it?" I shivered.

"Exactly... so that leave two options. Civilian methods, or he comes to see me for the male contraceptive treatment."

Civilians didn't have access to the same contraception that shinobi did. With kunoichi going out into the field on long term missions, often certain cycles had to be paused, or those in seduction had to be taken care of to avoid unwanted accidents, so healers could give long term injections when necessary. As I was on hormone replacements, I hadn't been certain I could even take them. And I was right.

What Yumi was suggesting was having Gai get the male contraceptive - a less common option, usually reserved for those in seduction (because men can be just as effective as women, if given the right target), or players who didn't trust their victims not to try and trap them into marriage by becoming pregnant (usually those in clans such as the Hyuuga or Uchiha). Most male shinobi did not see it as their responsibility and so it was a very unpopular option...the thought of having that conversation with Gai was beyond embarrassing.

"I don't know..." I said. "Are you sure there isn't something I could take? What if I stopped the hormones? Wouldn't that work?"

"Absolutely not! That would send your body back...you may even end up as weak as an old crone. Stopping them could have side effects on everything from your hair to your bone density. Don't even think about it...look, I've met him enough times to know he wouldn't think twice about it. Just send him to me - keeps it quiet, off record, and no one else has to know, okay?"

"Okay. Thank you, Yumi."

"Thank you? Who are you and what have you done with Erena?"

"Fuck this. I thought I'd take a leaf out of Gai's book and try and be nice. The two times I have done it, I get the third degree! Experiment over!"

(The next time I saw Gai, we had the awkward conversation...well, I found it awkward. He only had questions about my medications and why and his face went all dark and grim when I explained about Danzo's interfering. He only commented once that Danzo's execution was too easy an end for him. It was so unlike Gai I worried slightly. That being said, he soon changed the subject, and I found out later he went to see Yumi not long after...Yumi further declared his approval and told me not to fuck it up.)

I received confirmation of my meeting request and a time to head to the Hokage Tower. When I arrived, Hiruzen was present with Morino and the ANBU commander, so we were just waiting on a couple of stragglers.

"Hey, S'up?" I asked, and flopped down onto one of the desks, lounging with a leg draped over the arm. "Lovely weather we're having, isn't it?"

Morino raised an eyebrow at me and smirked, while the Hokage sighed. "Good afternoon, Elena."

Both Shikaku and Itachi appeared at the same time. I didn't move from my position and casually waved at them. Shikaku gave me a withered look and Itachi just shook his head in amusement as he sat down.

"So, Erena, now we are all here - can you explain the reason for this meeting?" The Hokage asked professionally.

"Abdo-fucking-lutely," I replied, unprofessionally and grinned. "Okay, so...As Morino and ANBU Commander are aware, I've kind of taken lead on the whole Iwa incident from last week and have some pretty exciting news." The Hokage and Shikaku both seemed a little surprised at my input.

"And when did you become involved in the case?" The Hokage asked.

"We asked her to locate the mole within ANBU, however her investigation led to more insight than we had anticipated, so we allowed her full access," replied the ANBU Commander, with absolutely no remorse.

"I will review this. But in future, decisions like this must be run through me."

"Understood, Hokage-sama," he replied. Now, you don't have to me a genius to know that what he meant was: I probably won't. It seems that he and Morino must have been aware for the Hokages distaste in me and didn't give a flying fuck. I think they were my new favourite people.

"So, yea, anywayyyyyy," I interrupted. How dare you steal my limelight. "It appears Iwa were targeting Uchiha Sasuke." Itachi snapped his full attention on me. Mother-hen mode, activated. "And were doing so under the direction of our favourite missing-nin Orochimaru, who wants a little Sharingan wielding child for his own nefarious gains...and we all know my views on child snatching to know that shit don't fly with me."

"Are you certain?" Itachi asked. I couldn't read his face, which meant really bad things for anyone in his way.

"Unfortunately. And this also means that Orochimaru and Iwa have some kind of deal going on...and he's also sticking his scaly little fingers in Ame's pies too...I still don't know what's fully going on, but that's what I've called you all for."

"What is your plan, Erena?" Shikaku asked. All eyes were on me, assessing.

"To break whatever bond Iwa and Orochimaru have - and remove them from his grasp. Which means including them in our little United Nations."

"After an attack on Konoha soil I cannot condone seeking an alliance. It will make us seem weak," the Hokage said. What was it with people and their obsession with appearances?

"Don't be predictable, Hiruzen," I scoffed. "Power is an illusion. It is not a constant...Besides, like I would be that predictable. There's other ways to get what we need. Any request for peace will not be coming from you."

"Explain."

"Iwa is grasping at straws. We have Konoha, Kumo, Kiri and Suna in an alliance - all the major nations in balance for years...except them. So they need allies, no matter how shady they are. Unfortunately, the Tsuchikage is unlikely going to be willing to enter into honest talks with any country. He will reject or betray, as is in his nature. However, what if he had no choice? I plan to manipulate the Earth Daimyo to get him to force an alliance."

"That is impossible. You cannot have that amount of power over a Daimyo."

"Not yet, but I will. It's easy when you know how." I smiled at the Hokage, in a condescending fashion. He always underestimated me.

Morino chuckled. "You're a dangerous little one. I know I've said it before but D-"

"If you even think about mentioning the person I think you're going to mention, I'll be adding extra scars to you current ensemble."

"Maybe it's worth it, hmm?"

"Ibiki, stop flirting with my niece," Shikaku said, glaring. Morino grinned ferally. Ew, really? I really hoped he was just doing it to troll.

"Erena, please explain how this will stop Orochimaru's ministrations towards my brother?" Itachi asked, clearly getting antsy.

"I won't, not completely. But it will remove the chance of him using them as tools for his goals. I am also working with the missing nin task force to locate him - I have narrowed down his base to a few possible locations and I am sending agents already in the field to monitor and report back."

Itachi frowned, clearly not liking my answer. At the moment, I could not do anything about Orochimaru's designs on Sasuke. I had never played that much attention to him before. But I knew he was smart, and that we needed to be cautious around him. With Fugaku and Itachi aware, then it was likely Sasuke would be under guard at the moment, at least.

"And what is your plan for the Earth Daimyo, then?" the Hokage asked.

I explained my plan to exploit the mans greed - in my research, I found him to be a particularly slimy character. He cared little for other people - and so a peace treaty would have no appeal to him. I wanted to destroy a portion of his income, so that he had no choice but to look into an alliance for his own gain. I wanted all of the allied nations to set up taxable borders for merchants a d travellers- so that those within could pass freely, and all others were taxed heavily. Any goods coming from Iwa would be heavily scrutinised, with no guarantee of passage.

This would mean that trade within Earth country would be largely kept internally. It was a difficult decision to make as it meant that their people - farmers and manufacturers - would be the ones penalised, but it was the best way to get his attention.

Rumours would then start flying around about the special treatment between those in our alliances and the lack of taxes between us. I would also include a small rumour about the countries handing back lands from ancient borders, in a further attempt to pique his interest (which wouldn't happen, but rumours didn't necessarily need to be true). Hopefully he would then approach the Tsuchikage and make him reach out...I suspected it would be Kumo that he approached, but any alliance would be between us all...and I could ensure that there was a clause to guarantee there would be no agreements with missing nin from any country.

"It sounds sketchy, at best, Erena," Shikaku said. "Not your best work."

I shrugged. "I've not spent any time there and don't know the guy, so that's the best I got. If it doesn't work then send me over and I'll have a plan B in no time."

"And how long would it take to see results, if you were to go ahead?" The Hokage asked.

"Dunno...depends on how long it'll take for it to hurt his pockets. Maybe one, two months?"

"Is that all?" He asked.

"According to reports, his greed is on another level. He's selfish and mean and will do anything for extra cash in his pockets. And a peace treaty is cheaper than a war."

"Will the others agree to impose such sanctions?"

"Kumo's not a problem - A will find the whole game entertaining."

"I will go write to Suna - I doubt that they will reject," Itachi said - his role as Suna ambassador was the main reason for my inviting him here.

"And Mist?"

I shrugged. "Probably? But they are too far away to make a big impact either way. We can ask, but it won't make much difference."

"Then we will send out communications," the Hokage said, and he looked tot he ANBU Commander. "Send me three teams tomorrow - this will be S-Ranked, but off book. Itachi - please send me your letter by then for approval. Shikaku - I presume you can see to the logistics of manning the border?"

"Yes, that shouldn't be a problem," he replied, but gave me a dirty look. Yea...I just gave him more work to do...sorry...

"I will inform you all when I have replies back from the respective Kages. Until then, resume your posts."

It took less than a week to receive confirmation from the other countries, and another week to put everything in place. I had heard there were some angry letters being sent from Iwa, and that there had been a few mild border skirmishes, but nothing too drastic. As expected, once the rumour mills got going (I was allowed to send a few of my old infiltration corps in to assist field agents to ensure favourable results), the Daimyo started ruffling a few feathers.

Just shy of the three months, Raza confirmed he had received a letter of interest to enquire about negotiations. All of the nations sent a representative (Itachi from Konoha) and within a few weeks a contract was finalised...It was a tentative one, and I didn't trust the Tsuchikage one bit, but it would do for now.

Once Itachi returned, Shisui demanded that we have a night out. And because he was an irresponsible idiot, he was determined to make sure that Itachi 'didn't let his success turn him into a boring loser. Buckle up Erena, because I am going to get him drunk!'...Bearing in mind Itachi was only fifteen, never let it be said Shisui is a positive influence on anyone (and if Fugaku found out, I was having nothing to do with it).

He opted for one of the more popular shinobi bars. The bar was fairly busy, which I suspected was standard for a Friday night. I don't think anyone there was under the rank of chuunin, except the odd civilian (whom all seemed to be there accompanying a shinobi, based on how close they tended to stick to one or another), and myself. I recognised a few chakra signatures from ANBU, but couldn't tell you who most of them were. I didn't care.

I sat opposite Shisui and Itachi...and impressed that Itachi even bothered to come, and accept the drinks from Shisui. He was still fifteen, and supposedly the perfect clan heir...yet here he was in a shinobi dive bar, sharing a bottle of sake with us.

"You know, I think she may genuinely like me. It's a shame, really. She's fun. I'm just not interested in anything else, you know?" I rolled my eyes. Drunk Shisui was more of an asshole than normal Shisui. He was attractive, charismatic and well liked by nearly everyone. But he was a shameless flirt, liked loose women, and was going to end up getting someone pregnant if he wasn't careful.

And if he dared to infect Itachi with his manwhorishness, I was going to castrate him.

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. "No, I don't know."

"I think Erena would appreciate a change in conversation." Itachi was more diplomatic than I was. "I'm not sure it suits her sensitive constitution." He smirked in my direction.

Scratch that, I was going to castrate Itachi.

Shisui started laughing far too loud for my ears. "Oh, poor little Erena, the girl that hormones forgot. When you finally hit puberty and get laid, the whole country will celebrate! There will be a parade and everything!"

"Pfft, that ship sailed long ago," I said, without even realising what came out my mouth. Shit, I guess I had more sake than I thought. I looked at my cup accusingly.

Both Shisui and Itachi stilled. Clearly that hadn't been what they were expecting. I could see gears going around in their little drunken heads, and I was concerned what conclusions they would reach. Sure, I never talked about boys, or girls, or gave them any indication I had any interest in a relationship, but I supposed they expected friends to share things like this?

I saw Itachi pale and look at Shisui, whose jovial expression crumpled.

"Erena, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...you know if you ever need to talk about what happened...there...we-"

"Oh god no!" Obviously Itachi came to the wrong conclusion. "This has nothing to do with ROOT. Nope, no. Leave that train of thought alone and throw it away. It was nice and consensual and between adults, thank you."

Shisui looked confused. "But then, when..."

"Never you mind."

"Oh no, I mind now. I may not be in T and I, but I have ways to get information out."

I crossed my arms.

"Sake!" He exclaimed, and hopped to the bar to get another bottle.

Two bottles later and they were still trying to get me to spill the beans, but I wasn't giving in. It wasn't that I didn't want to, but Gai and I had not discussed anything to that effect. I was happy and he seemed happy, so I didn't think about any other variables. Maybe I'd bring it up at some point soon?

"Come on, just tell us or we'll start guessing." Itachi nodded in agreement to Shisui's threat.

"It won't take long, your list of acquaintances is very slim," Itachi really was a little shit.

"That makes me sound antisocial. I am not antisocial," I huffed. They shared a look.

"You are the definition of antisocial."

"I am not. I know lots of people."

"No, you know lots of ANBU. Out of work, how many people do you know?"

I must have taken too long to think for the answer, as Shisui started to guffaw.

"Erena, you would be friends with books if you could," Itachi teased.

"And what's wrong with that? I like books, they are very black and white," I chuckled at my own joke, even if it was terrible...I was terribly drunk now.

"Mah, who have we got here? The bat has left her cave?" Kakashi walked over to our table, drink in his hand, before sliding into place beside me. Great, just what I needed.

"This coming from you? I thought you were allergic to social interaction," Kakashi was the last person I would allow to call me antisocial.

"True...but I got bribed by the promise of free drink by a friend."

"You have friends?"

I received a dry look. What?

I noticed the Uchiha brats had went silent opposite us, and found both of them staring between me and Kakashi-with varying levels of shock. What is it with the Uchiha and jumping to conclusions?! Is it genetic, or are they all just socially inept?

"No! Ew! No!" I cried, before they could say anything.

"But it would make sense," was all Shisui could manage.

"It would make no sense, stop it right now."

Itachi shook his head. "It certainly explains a lot."

Kakashi was watching the exchange between us in confusion.

"They think we've slept together," I spat out.

His eye went wide, and if it wasn't for the mask, I'm sure his mouth would have been open.

"That is the most disturbing thing I have ever heard."

I have torn between agreeing with him and being insulted.

"I know, there's already too much angst in my life to add you in the mix," I went with agreeing. And received another dry look.

"But then WHO?" Shisui practically shouted. Half the people in the bar went quiet, giving him a funny look. I glared.

"Yosh! Is this a shouting competition? What are the rules, so I may enter!"

Always my saviour. As someone who hates attention on them, having Gai distract from me is always welcome. And as always, his timing it impeccable. No doubt, he was the friend Kakashi had mentioned. But why was he here in the first place? Gai rarely drank, so his presence here was less explained than Kakashi.

"No idea, Gai, Shisui seems to be having it with himself," Kakashi told Gai, while I smiled up at him.

"What a youthful display! And what shall we be shouting about, young Shisui?!"

I could see Shisui squirm a little. While he was a pest, he wasn't the type to gossip about his close friends to someone who he saw as only an acquaintance. I also knew Shisui didn't respect certain aspects of Gais personality (he was loud and strange, but I enjoyed it), and would have been worried about him embarrassing me further. While Itachi and he were good to make fun of me, he would still protect me from anyone else.

That being said, I knew Gai knew exactly what he was doing. His timing could not have been a coincidence, so he must have picked up our topic of conversation. Even if Shisui had been stupid enough to blab, I'm sure he would have steered the direction to another topic easily. People always underestimated Gai.

"Nothing important. I'm getting another drink," Shisui mumbled, getting up. Gai made his way around the table and slid into a Shisui's seat, so he was facing opposite me.

"Erena! What a youthful coincidence that we might be enjoying the evening at the same bar! I hope you are having a terrific evening?!"

"Yes, what a wonderful coincidence indeed," I smirked, giving him a sly look. "What's a Gai like you doing in a bar like this?"

"A joke!" He grinned at me full force. Before he could reply further, the sound of a throat clearing was made to my side, and I turned to look at Kakashi.

"I was not aware you two knew each other," he commented. His drink was half gone-how he managed that without people seeing his face was a mystery. My vote was an illusion of some sort.

"Of course I know Erena!" Gai replied, looking shocked. "How could I not know such a radiant example of Strength and Youth!"

"And of course I know Gai, he's my knight in shining green spandex!" I guess the sake had hit me more than a little, to be making public statements like that.

Kakashi looked between us, both smiling at him, and groaned.

"I take back what I said earlier. Nothing is more disturbing than this."

I shared a look with Gai before cackling, whereas he simply looked sheepish, shrugged then grinned widely. I'll give it to Kakashi, at least he came to the correct conclusions, unlike the Uchiha double act. If Gai had forced Kakashi out tonight, he would have known he was smart enough to put two and two together. I guessed that this was his way of telling him without telling him? It would have been nice to be consulted, but I was more than pleased with the results. A despairing Kakashi made for a happy Erena.

And talking of Uchiha, Itachi was silent. He had a thoughtful look on his face and a gentle smile. "I'm happy for you," he said, with no teasing in his voice. It's times like this I remembered why I loved the little gremlin. Sure, he was a pain in my ass, but he was one of the most thoughtful people I knew. "But let's not tell Shisui. It's already driving him crazy. Shall we have some fun with it, hm?"

And that was the other reason I loved him. Troll Itachi was the best Itachi (as long as it wasn't directed to me).

The rest of the evening was more than a little entertaining. The addition of Gai and Kakashi produced several unexpected results. Once Shisui got over his annoyance of Gai's arrival interrupting his interrogation of me, he and Gai actually got on very well. They were both animated individuals, so bounced off each other energies. It would have been exhausting to watch, if they hadn't been making utter fools of themselves.

Gai tried to turn everything into a competition, which Shisui happily participated in (Kakashi seemed happy for someone else to be the focus of Gais rivalry for once). However, when one of these competitions resulted in Shisui vomiting on the bar, we were thrown out. I was so past drunk at this stage I could not laugh, breathe and walk at the same time, so Gai threw me over his shoulder like a sack of rice...if I had been sober in anyway (and if it was anyone else) this would have resulted in more than a few death threats, but I just found the whole situation even funnier, and my laughing turned hysterical. It was only when he patted by ass that I stopped and I tried to swing around to smack his head, but I just ended up flailing my arms around like a fish.

"Well, gentlemen," Itachi said from somewhere behind me, "I thank you for the pleasant evening, however I must return my unconscious cousin home." I guessed Shisui must have blacked out between the vomit and here. "Do take care of Erena, she's does tend to get herself in varying amounts of trouble-and thats without alcohol involved."

"Ah, no need to worry. I'm sure Gai can keep Erena away from any mischief. The Elemental Nations are safe for another day."

"I swear, if I was on the ground I would kick your asses into the next century," I mumbled. Gai laughed.

"I'm sure you would, my Fiesty Female! But for now let us depart. I predict you will have the most Unyouthful morning tomorrow!" I could tell he was grinning. I was about to comment on his new name for me (I had zero appreciation), but at that point my stomach gave a heave.

"You better put me down right now or some Unyouthful vomit is going to decorate your back."

Before I could blink, I was gracefully lowered to the floor, my head the right way up. After a few breaths the nausea subsided and I could open my mouth without fear of emptying my stomach.

"I think I need my bed now, please," I sounded like a petulant child, but I did not care. This time, Gai picked me up bridal style.

"Yosh! If the lady needs to sleep, then sleep she shall. Farewell and safe journeys!" He gave them his characteristic thumbs up, before setting off like a shot. He ran an breakneck speed, but I didn't jostle at all. I lowered by head to his neck and fell asleep sometime before getting to his flat. I hadn't realised at all, but I woke up several hours later, with Gai asleep next to me. There was a glass of water at the side of my bed. Despite a headache already brewing, I turned to him and gently placed an arm over his chest, in an attempt to cuddle him. He immediately woke, and looked to me with alert eyes, and a smile so soft I didn't think he could have been capable of...I kissed his cheek.

"Gai, I love you."

Before I could see his reaction, I fell back asleep.