"So, where are you going now? Where are you staying?" Itachi asked.

We didn't stay in the bar long, as I didn't want to draw too much attention to the new female hanging around the Uchiha duo. Instead, we made our way to the park to a familiar spot around the Naka river. It was fairly quiet at this time, and I placed a privacy seal on that would also make us less noticeable to passers by.

"I haven't really thought about that yet."

"Liar," Shisui said. "You've thought about everything."

I shrugged, he was correct. "Probably just making camp or find an empty apartment to squat in. I wasn't released the funds for a hotel for the whole length of the exams." I had also considered staying with Gai, but I was nervous and didn't want to assume just yet.

"Pfft. As if any of us would let you camp in the woods."

"That is true. You have many options. And I can assure you the obvious one would not decline," Itachi said, raising an eyebrow.

"It's a bit of a surprise, though...and he's got his team to prepare. I don't want to get in the way."

"Ha! Who would have thought Nakahara Erena was nervous about a boy!" Shisui snickered.

"It's not like things aren't complicated...and I don't want him to get into trouble. If he gets caught shacking up with a missing nin, that's grounds for execution."

Both looked confused now. "But you aren't a missing nin. You're still a kunoichi of Konoha." Itachi said.

"Official title or not, it won't matter."

They shared a look. "It won't come to that. We promise you, okay? You're back in Konoha, so enjoy it. Let us help you."

Goddamn Uchiha using their goddamn good looks and puppy eyes against me. You don't even need to be a clan of genjutsu masters when you've got this in your arsenal. I've always been a sucker to it.

"Fine. You're a bunch of assholes. You could get me to to anything with those eyes."

"You have no idea," Shisui snickered, and Itachi punched him on the arm.

"We should be leaving, it's quite late and unfortunately I have duty in the Jounin Command Centre tomorrow," Itachi said. He stood and straightened his clothes, before clearing his throat and his breath giving a little hitch. We followed suit and started walking.

"Oh, really?" I perked up. "How is Uncle doing? I bet he's hating all this extra work."

"Indeed. His displeasure is clear." He paused. "He took your leaving hard. He never accepted you were dead. I remember many arguments with the Hokage about your disappearance. He suspected foul play."

"He always was a smart one," I smiled, thinking of him fondly.

"His relationship with the Hokage has not been the same since. I am largely the middle ground between the two. If it wasn't for his experience and efficiency, I suspect the Hokage would have removed him from his post long ago."

"I'd like to see him try," I nearly growled and twitched.

Itachi considered me for a moment but never said anything about my outburst. "Will you tell him you are here?"

I shook my head. "No. I don't want to make things worse...but if he doesn't figure it out, I'll be very surprised."

"What do you mean?" Shisui asked.

"You really think I'm going to sit on my ass the whole time I'm here? Nah. I got things to do - honestly, I've been here a day and things are a joke. The guards on gate didn't even question a solo foreign chuunin entering the village. I made it into personnel files without difficulty...From just walking through the Tower I noticed two spies without even trying. What are you guys playing at?"

"You were in the Tower? How did you not get noticed?" Itachi looked concerned.

"What, like it's hard?" I scoffed. "This is my bread and butter, but I didn't even have to try."

"This is concerning," he frowned.

"Don't worry, you'll get my report and recommendations at the end of the week." I waved him off. "I won't even charge you - I'm not sure you could afford me." I joked.

"Thank you. I was not aware things were even that bad."

"That's what happens when people get complacent. And that's the thing with me - I never let you get complacent. Got to keep you on your toes. The powers that be may have hated my methods, but I got shit done."

"That's the understatement of the year," Shisui said. "Oh look, we're here."

I knew Gai's apartment from the personnel files I read (certain knowledge is important, you know? It seemed he had moved only a few months after my disappearance. He was still in the same district, but different place. One thing was noticeable.

"Thank fuck he isn't on the top floor anymore," I exclaimed.

"You know, I still don't fully get how you two got together and work out. You're polar opposites," Shisui commented, thoughtfully. There was not judgement in there, just genuine curiosity.

I shrugged. "Opposites attract? He kept me grounded and didn't let me get away with my shit."

"But Gai is so...Gai?"

I chortled. "Exactly. He's never lied about who he was, not even once. I can count on one hand the people I have met who can say the same."

Shisui shrugged. "I guess." He moved to knock the door.

The door opened soon after, and Gai appeared at the threshold. "Shisui, Itachi and companion! What an unexpected surprise! To what do I owe for this Youthful visit?" He grinned and moved aside to let us in.

Instead of following, Shisui quickly moved behind me and shoved me into Gai - who caught me, of course. My face clearly read my annoyance, and Gai looked bewildered.

"Present for you!" He called, and grabbed the door to slam it closed.

"That little fucker!" I shouted, and was about to run after him.

Gai stopped me. "Erena! Is it you?!"

I stopped in my tracks, and turned around to him. He looked so hopeful right then. I reached up and removed the Appearance Modifier from behind my shoulder, letting the illusion drop.

"Surprise?" I said, nervously.

He ran over an grabbed me at my arms. "You are here! How! This is the most amazing of days! When do you have to leave?"

I laughed at his excessive energy and excitement. "I'll be in Konoha for a little while...I was kind of hoping I could get a place to crash while I'm here?" I asked nervously.

"Yosh! Of course!" He started bouncing again. "Come, let me show you the apartment!" Without any further questions, he dragged me around the place. It wasn't that much different from his last place, but he made sure to show me everything I might need.

"And this is the bedroom! You may rest here - I will take the couch!"

For some reason, my heart done a little stutter at that. It was stupid to think he would be comfortable with us sharing a bed, and I don't know what I expected? It was one of the few times didn't fully think things through. I was disappointed...but more in my self, to be honest. It was a mistake coming here.

I absently scratched the back of my head. "Uh, it's okay. I'm okay with the couch...besides, you're too tall to comfortably sleep there."

"Nonsense! Konoha's Noble Gentleman would never let a lady sleep on the couch!"

I tried to smile, it came out a little strained. "Gai, I'm happy to take the couch. Please?" My heart hurt a little and I didn't want to argue.

He looked confused for a second but it disappeared just as fast. "Then I will need to get suitable bedding! Wait here!" He ran to a sliding cupboard and pulled out pillows and a blanket. "Come! I will make us tea! I should tell you about what the team has been up to! They are most excited for the upcoming exams!"

Any awkwardness was soon forgotten. Gai knew my dislike for strange atmospheres and changed the subject expertly. The kids were a safe zone.

Apparently they had all come on leaps and bounds since I last saw them, and he was excited to show me what they could do. He also said they had all asked about me several times, and were looking forward to seeing me again.

"Even Neji?" I chuckled.

"Especially Neji," he confirmed. "He is most curious about you. When your name was mentioned as the one to remove the Caged Bird Seal, his Uncle stopped all protesting. I did not even have to mention his previous debt - he was immediately accepting. Neji was enthralled!"

"Ah, I knew Hiashi was a soft touch," I said, fondly.

"It was more his trust in your judgement. You have always had a curious way of influencing...am I correct in thinking your powers of perception have somehow aided the Hyuuga?"

I tapped my nose and smiled. "Nosey! A lady won't betray her secrets."

He laughed. "You are always such a shining example of strength! You truly bring out the best in people!"

"Gosh...I'm not sure that description fits me at all," I said nervously.

"Of course it is! I am sure if I were to know more about your exploits, I would be even more impressed and in Love with you than I already am!"

I smiled at him, and before I said anything else, he leaned him to kiss me.

Neither of us slept on the couch that night.

When Gai woke me up at dawn the next morning, I could have killed him.

Over the years he had invested in some proper black out curtains, but what was the point when you opened them before six in the morning?

"Why the fuck would you do that?" I complained and hid under the blankets. He pulled them off. "Seriously! What the hell!"

"Come! We have my team to meet! We will be late!"

"Urgh...did you get a job in T and I over the last few years, because you'd fit right in there! " I complained and made my way to the shower room.

"Erena...what is that on your back?" He asked, tone completely different.

Ah..."What do you mean?" I turned around, and he saw my front this time. His eyes widened...but not it reaction to my state of undress (which consisted of a pair of pants ).

"What happened?" He came over and traced the large scars on my shoulder, abdomen and middle of my chest, and then a seal on my back. It was dark last night, so he didn't seen them properly, but now they were all on display. The scars were all products of various intensive spars in the Akatsuki (mainly thanks to Hidan) and the seal was one I had placed several years ago.

"Oh, just a couple of friendly spars. There's only so much self healing can do, you know?" I said, nonchalantly.

"These were not friendly spars...these were killing blows. And deep."

"Sometimes spars get out of hand, you know?" I tried to feign disinterest. "They're healed, so it's all good...Hey, where do you keep your towels?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"You cannot keep avoiding this, Erena. You are hurting, and these scars tell me you have almost died. Itachi said we should not push you - that you will run if we do. But I cannot stand to see you broken. You have so much life in you, and you have given so much of it for others...when will it stop?"

"Gai I..." I started to shake, faint tremors shuddering my whole body. "It can't stop. If I could, I would. Please don't ask me anymore."

He enveloped me in a hug. "I only want you to be safe. And I will do everything I can to make it happen."

"I know...and knowing you are here is enough for now."

When we left the apartment, we left the Feelings at the door.

To avoid suspicion, I demanded that we split up on the way to the training grounds. Gai didn't bother to argue with me - he knew this was my thing. I had on an Appearance Modifier, taking the guise of a Konoha Chuunin.

He sprinted, while I casually walked - if he wanted me to show any kind of effort, waking me up at dawn was the wrong way to go. On the way, I purchased some breakfast materials for everyone from the bakery I had heard people discussing the day before - I hope it lived up to his reputation.

I arrived and gave Gai a faint wave before plopping down on the ground. It was too early for this.

"You made it! Did you get sidetracked by the Youthful lure of Konoha?" He exclaimed, running over to me.

"No, I was walking slowly out of protest. It's too early for this crap," I replied yawning.

"Early! But we are in the Springtime of our Youth!"

"I'm part Nara. We don't do Springtime...it's genetic."

He laughed at my mini tantrum and the curious genin came over.

"Gai-sensei...who is this?" A bashful TenTen asked. Lee was nodding, but Neji scowled.

"This is my good friend Sara! She will be joining us in some of our training sessions before the exams! I hope you will give her your courtesy and attention!"

Both TenTen and Rock Lee looked confused by bowed in greeting, but Neji was steadfast.

"But who is she?"

I stood up and put my hand on the small of Gai's back, and Neji narrowed his eyes. Interesting...

"As I said, she is a friend who I hold in high esteem. She has much knowledge to impart!"

"Hn," he save a short nod in my direction - I guess that was all I was getting.

After the very brief introductions, I showed them the breakfast I had brought, and Lee and TenTen were delighted. Neji also accepted, but was watching me intently. I decided to test my theory and positioned myself close to Gai so that we were just touching. Occasionally our arms touched, and I sent him an embarrassed and coy look.

Eventually Neji had enough of our light intimacy, and had enough.

"Gai-sensei. I thought you were a man of honour! What about Erena?!" He stood up and accused. Gai's face looked dumbstruck and TenTen face had a scandalised look on it, looking between me and Gai.

"Whatever could you mean, Neji!?' Gai asked.

I started cackling like a mad woman, tears coming form my eyes. "Oh, that was brilliant. I thought I would have to wait until I kissed him before some reaction! That is super cute, though. Thanks for having my back."

"What?" Neji asked, looking confused.

I activated a privacy seal, and removed my Appearance Modifier quickly. I gave them a quick wink before replacing it.

"As you can see, Erena is back in Konoha at the moment. Due to the nature of her mission, her presence cannot be known. Please call refer to her by the name of Sara for the time being."

"But I don't understand...you don't look like you," Neji said.

"Other than seals, my focus is espionage. And sometimes the two meet. You wouldn't know who I was unless i wanted you to."

"Oooohhhh!" TenTen said. "That makes so much sense!"

"Indeed! Erena is a very talented kunoichi. While her main skills will not aid the exams greatly, she will be able to give you pointers on certain things I am unable."

"Like what?"

I grinned. "Like being a sneaky sneak."

Training with the others was fun. I didn't show them too much, but I think they enjoyed my lessons - just some simple tricks to avoid detection in crowds and learning how to read your opponents through body language for a threat - more would come later. Rock Lee was a bit of a lost cause, but he seemed happy at being given the opportunity - if he even managed to remember one thing, I'd be happy.

I left them to their physical stuff in the afternoon, and headed to the Jounin Command Centre. I felt nostalgia hit me like a brick as I approached. I had spent so much of my teenage years in there, it almost felt like a second home. That being said, I had given myself a little task and I wouldn't get distracted.

I forged a scroll that appeared to come from the Hokage, stating that I was to be given access to the Command Centre files for a review. I handed it to the desk clerk, who quickly reviewed it, handed me a pass and waved me on.

That was strike one. He'll be out of a job by the end of the week - no verification, no questioning. Sure, off you pop to the confidential achieves. Kill who you feel like while you're at it.

I took note of his name to look into further.

I knew where to go, so I made my way there. I wanted to read the missions from the past five years first - to make sure there was nothing obviously shady. I started from the date of my leaving and worked forward...every single time there was information omitted, things filed incorrectly or odd grammar used in reports (which could indicate a lie), I took mental note of who and when to look into further. Most of the time it would be basic administration errors, however there were some obvious trends going on.

My the end of the first day, I had read through almost a years worth (I read fast) , and already had a list of things to look into. It would be interesting to know that the next five years would show.

I went back to Gai's apartment and let myself in. He wasn't back yet, but then I didn't know what his schedule was like so wasn't concerned. I made myself some tea and curled up on the sofa to read a random book I found in Gai's bookcase.

I only just started when I heard a knock on the door, and got up to answer it. Itachi and Shisui were found at the door with a back of takeout. Yakitori!

"Come in!" I said enthusiastically.

"Gai has gone to fetch Kakashi, they should be here soon," Itachi explained.

"So is this like a fun dinner party, intervention or both?" I asked casually, getting plates out. I didn't miss the two of them share a glance. "So definitely an intervention. Could you be any more predictable?"

"It's not an intervention. We just have some things to say and then we'll leave it like that. Whether or not you respond is up to you."

I stared at Itachi. "Diplomatic, I like it. Fine. I won't lose my shit until you finish...then all bets are off." He nodded.

We chatted amicably until the others arrived. Gai greeted me with an enthusiastic kiss, and Kakashi scowled at him as he did it. Honestly, Gai was such a troll and people didn't even realise.

"So will we eat before I start throwing things? I know that would be my preference. I haven't had this kind of Yakitori in years!"

Despite the shit storm that was brewing, it was actually a nice meal. Gai and Kakashis rivalry had now extended to their genin teams, and there was a lot of banter about whose would go furthest. Itachi was on Kakashi's side, naturally, and Shisui and I stayed out of it.

"Erena! Surely you must see the talents of my Youthful Genin!"

"I mean, sure. They are good, but I don't make bets without getting all the facts. Both Sasuke and Naruto had spades of potential, so it really depends how much Kakashi has managed to screw them up."

"Mah, that's not fair. They were all screwed up before they got to me."

"Sasuke is not 'screwed up'," Itachi bristled.

"He has a big brother complex the size of the moon. He loves and hates you in equal measure. You should see him when people mention your talents and status."

Itachi looked concerned for a second. I intervened. "I'm calling bullshit. Mild jealousy and sibling rivalry, maybe, but he was wickedly overprotective even when he was little."

"You mean your height?" Shisui snarked. I threw a piece of chicken at him.

"Har har. But seriously. The third degree every time I came over was insane. That's not hatred, that's just pure adoration."

Itachi smiled and looked pleased. No one said anymore on the matter.

"I suppose we should get this over any done with," Shisui muttered, as we cleared up the plates and packaging. I placed them on the counter of the kitchen and then sat down on the coach next to Gai, bringing my legs up.

"Okay, lay it on me," I said. I'd prefer the conversation wasn't to happen at all, but I knew where was no point. I could have just ran, but running away form my problems hadn't gotten me anywhere so far.

"Erena...we've missed you. The last few years have been hard on all of us," Itachi started. "We didn't know where you were, or if you were still alive. When we tried to look for you, we got no where. But now you are here..." He sighed. "We just want you back, and not just for some short term mission sent by whatever mercenary organisation you were forced to join." My eyes widened at that. "Yes, we know what you are doing is not of your own choice. That someone threatened you...well, me. For once you have to let us take care of our own problems. Let us help you this time."

I breathed for a few seconds. "I can't. It's not that easy."

"You've said that already," Gai said. "When is anything ever worth doing easy? Let us help."

"You've always had our back, let us have yours," Shisui said.

I could tell them of the Hokage and his threats, of the things I had seen and done...but I couldn't do that to them. The loved Konoha...to do that would break them. I had no doubt of their love for me, but I wouldn't make traitors of them. I couldn't.

I shook my head, and Itachi sighed.

"Why are you so afraid? We can protect you."

I shook my head again. "Please don't ask again. I will tell you when I can, but it isn't now. Please trust me...I know you don't have a reason to. I want to be free - but this isn't the time. I promise you'll know...and hopefully soon."

"Soon?" Gai asked, and I nodded.

"There are things I can't control, and this is one of them. My organisation is dangerous, but there are other factors out there that are even worse...things aren't what they seem."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean by that?"

"Danzo wasn't the only one to ruin my life. He was just more honest about it."

"And you won't tell us who?" Itachi asked.

"No."

"Well...this was pointless." Shisui complained.

"I wouldn't say that," Itachi said. "She confirmed things we had merely speculated."

I snorted. "I've built a career on speculations and conjecture. You should trust your instincts."

"How close are we?"

I shrugged. "Still pretty far." He sighed, then made a sound of clearing his throat, posture becoming uncomfortable.

"Well...I think that is enough for now. I promise I will not mention anything again unless there is new information."

I smiled and nodded in thanks. Soon after, they all left the apartment, leaving me and Gai alone. He apologised for getting the others involved, but said he couldn't leave it after seeing my injuries this morning.

I understood - as I would have easily done the same. The marks weren't little and were quite jarring.

"If it's any consolation, it's unlikely going to happen again. I've learned to stay away, and I don't get forced to participate - my skills are too important to lose over some simple sparring."

"But who could leave such marks on a friendly match?"

"Crazy bastards, that's who. Now everyone isn't as noble as you." I kissed him on his jaw. "Now, I am going to bed. You woke me up far too early to cope with more intensive questions. You got anything else to say, write it on a post-it."

"What's a post-it?"

Ah, right, wrong world. "See, I'm too tired to even think straight. Come on."

The next morning I joined Gai with the kids only briefly- the first exam was very soon and I didn't want to take up too much of their time.

Before heading to the Command Centre to continue my investigation, I decided to drop my the hospital. It only took a very brief trip to the staff area to look at the rota to figure out Yumi's location.

I skipped downstairs, and found him reviewing notes at a nurses station - and angry scowl on his face. I poked his forehead.

"Keep that up and that perfectly sculpted face is going to get wrinkles. It's amazing it already hasn't. What's your secret? Anti wrinkle cream? Fish oils? The blood of new born calves?"

"Who the hell are you?" He growled at me. Oh, the rage. I missed it.

"What's up buttercup? Don't recognise your old friend?" I grinned.

He face morphed in a fraction of a second. "No fucking way."

"Yes fucking way."

He vaulted over the desk quite impressively, grabbed me and threw me into an empty patient room before smothering me in a hug.

"You are a fucking idiot, I hope you know that," he said.

"Yes, yes. I've been informed."

"You're lucky you aren't dead or I'd kill you myself...do you know what kind of things I was thinking when Gai came to see me months ago?"

"I can imagine..."

"No, you can't. And now you're here...and what's with this face?" He poked it. "It's not a henge or prosthetic."

"Nah, I don't bother with prosthetics anymore. It's a seal - completely revolutionised the infiltration game. Totally Dojutsu proof."

"What? Nice! What did you - nope, no getting side tracked...Not that I'm glad to see you, but I'm guessing this isn't just a social call?"

"You were due a visit, but this was earlier than I anticipated."

"So what have you done this time?"

"It's not me...and I'm totally about to get you to break your confidentiality oaths but I don't care and you owe me."

He stilled.

"I need you to tell me what is going on with Itachi."