I didn't leave the room for at least an hour. Jiraiya was determined to examine both Sasuke and I thoroughly. Sasuke was seal free but otherwise okay - his body was under a little strain but he'd likely wake up by the morning. I was feeling exhausted and my arm hurt like a bitch, but Jiraiya confirmed my seals were stable. He wanted to look into it more with me an another point, which I was okay with.

Fugaku tried to speak with me many times, but I managed to divert all of his efforts back to focus on Sasuke. I think he was a little hurt by it but I wasn't in any kind of frame of mind to open up that can of worms right now, especially given the audience. I just wanted to go home.

"Can I go now?" I asked, getting bored.

"Yes, but you should get someone to walk you home."

"I'll do it," Itachi said, speaking for the first time in a while.

"Why don't we just see if Gai is still here? Then you don't have to leave Sasuke?"

I could see he was torn but he nodded in agreement. When we left the ward, he finally spoke.

"Why didn't you tell me what you were going to do?"

"Would you have let me?" I asked. "Better to ask forgiveness than permission."

"I shouldn't have put you in that position in the first place."

"Yea, well, it's done now. We've got the outcome we wanted, minus my semi-dead arm...as far as I can tell, it's all sunshine and daisies."

"But what about you? You still have the Cursed Seal."

I sighed. "Correct. But not forever...I'm sure there's a way to remove Orochimaru's soul fragments, but I just haven't found it . That's what I'm holding out for, even if it takes like twenty years."

Itachi stopped. "That doesn't sound like a convincing plan."

"Well, it could be worse."

"How?"

"I dunno...but I feel like it could be."

Itachi laughed lightly. "You're terrible at trying to be optimistic. But thank you. I don't think I can repay you for what you did in there."

"I'll just add it to the tab."

We asked a nurse where Rock Lee was, and it was almost comical to see her tripping over herself to help Itachi. I never realised how big his little fan club was.

"Oh, of course, Uchiha-sama! I'll find out straight away Uchiha-sama!" I joked, once she was well out of earshot...I would make fun but I wasn't a total bitch.

Itachi seemed tired, and gave a little cough before speaking. "Is that really necessary, Sara?"

"Absolutely, someone's got you keep you grounded, Uchiha-sama. Having all these people fawning over you can't be good for your ego."

"You are exhausting."

"Absolutely. It's one of my main personality traits."

We turned the corner nearing Rock Lees room. Unfortunately, there was no sign of Gai, but we could easily see Naruto, Gaara and Shikamaru talking to the room by the doorway.

Itachi put his arm over my chest to stop me from walking further.

"I know I won't be welcome, but I came to apologise. Losing control like that was unacceptable. I hope you accept my sincerest regrets," Gaara said, and he bowed deeply. He was very formal and had terrific posture - I was a little impressed.

Naruto started shouting about friendship and all that crap and I started to zone out.

"I spoke to him briefly after the preliminaries," Itachi whispered, smiling softly. "He doesn't understand his own strength sometimes."

"Easy done, for a Jinchuriki."

"Hmmm..." Itachi hummed. "Come, looks like I'll have to walk you back after all."

We walked in silence for the most part. I thought back to Gaara and wondered how different things could have been if I hadn't repaired his seal all those years ago. I remembered the malevolent killing intent in the young child, and how that could have affected the boy in front of us before. If Rock Lee was injured severely as a result of him losing control, what would have happened if he was a murderous psychopath? Would he have been killed?

"So you and Jiraiya know each other well?"

I scoffed. "I wouldn't say well, he's an overbearing perverted idiot. I know he has a brain in there, but he makes it difficult to appreciate."

"You know, people could easily say the same about you."

I turned to him affronted. "Rude! I'm no pervert!"

He chuckled. "Is that the only thing to define you two?"

"Well, no...I have better dress sense and know how to use hair conditioner."

"You're not setting up a good argument here."

I shrugged. "I wouldn't say we are similar at all. He's a massive ass...I only put up with him because I have to."

"But why do you have to?" Itachi asked innocently, but I wasn't born yesterday.

"Nah-ah," I said waggling my finger at him. "Nice try."

"It was worth a shot. I suspected you'd have your guard down."

"Taking advantage of an injured woman!? Isn't that cheating?"

"I'm a ninja," was all he replied.

"Seriously, your are a devious little weasel. It's no wonder we became friends." I grinned, and he returned it.

I thanked Itachi when we returned, and opened the door. Gai came rushing forward, "You are back!" He hugged me tight enough to hurt a little. Something must be wrong.

"Whoa, you okay?" I asked, concerned.

"I am concerned I failed as a sensei."

"Well that's stupid," I said, guiding him down to the couch. "What happened?"

He sighed, looking down. "Lee was placed against Gaara from Suna in the preliminary fights...his leg was so damaged they have said he may never recover fully. His career as a shinobi may be over."

Oh shit, that was bad. No wonder Gaara went to apologise.

"Are they sure?"

Gai nodded. "They will attempt to heal, but they fear it is beyond them. There is no one at the hospital capable."

"No one at the hospital? But not 'no one'?"

He frowned. "They did not specify...why?"

"No reason! No reason at all!" I said too quick. "Look, I hope you gave him one of your usual 'keep going with the power of youth!' speeches? It's not right for him to give up."

"You truly believe that?"

"Gai, you are a regular Mr Motivator. Lee hasn't given up so far. And it's not over until the busty lady sings."

"Busty lady sings? You do say the strangest things."

"It's a gift."

The next few weeks were largely revolved around training, visiting Rock Lee, and trying to avoid anything that looked like work.

I was actually feeling pretty exhausted, and so spent most of my time napping. I figured it was something related to the seal, so actually did the responsible thing and let Jiraiya have a look at it after a few days. He said he was inclined to agree, but couldn't figure out why...I spent a long time in the library reading anything I hadn't already, and he promised he'd go to the Fire Temple to check out their library when he was next able. He assured me it wasn't anything too pressing, so I believed him.

And who would judge a Nara for wanting to nap anyway?

Gai had been sent on a mission for a few days, and asked me to look after his team while he was gone. Neji was getting specialised training by his clan, but as Gai had been determined to keep up their Youthful teamwork and vary sparring partners for him, I still had both Neji and TenTen in the mornings...and I mean Morning.

I couldn't believe he had the gall to ask me to meet them at six in the morning, but here we are. Gai had his own training schedule, and I was respectful enough to keep up with it. And unfortunately for me, it meant joining in on the sparring. Gai was going to owe me big time.

Neji and I were practicing evasion while TenTen watched my footwork. I had Neji trying to attack, with weapons and taijutsu, and I was evading...as TenTen and I were fairly similar in our body types, I figured it would be good to try something new, and Neji could get practice in attacking little gnats.

Neji was going at it for the last fifteen minutes, and he was starting to get annoyed.

"Why can't I land a single punch!" He exclaimed, about to have a tantrum. Tiny little geniuses hate having difficulty.

"Because I can read your body language...thankfully, your eyes make it impossible to track their movement, but your body tells a different story. You either need to work on your speed or become unpredictable."

"But how do I do that?!"

"Gai is your sensei for a reason, Neji. He's as mad as a box of frogs sometimes, but he's good at what he does."

"Well. If that isn't the most accurate description of Maito Gai, I don't know what is."Said a jovial voice from the edge of the playing fields. I had been too busy with Neji I hadn't noticed anyone approach - clearly my tiredness was getting to me.

The voice had come from Sarutobi Asuma, who was accompanied by his team...which just had to include Shikamaru. Other than at the hospital, I had managed to avoid him while I had been there...he was a specific weak spot for me, and almost like a brother.

He had grown up so well...and was pretty much the double of his father. Right down to the scowl and tired eyes. I feel you, bro.

Running would have not worked at this point, so I decided to do what normal people do and socialise.

"He does leave an impression," I said. I think walked over and offered him my hand to shake. "Hi, I'm Ito Sara. I'm a friend of Gai's, he asked me to babysit these little ducklings while he's on a short mission."

I saw Neji and TenTen both shoot me dirty looks at the use of 'duckling', but I just winked at them.

Asuma looked a bit surprised, but took my hand. "Sarutobi Asuma. Gai asked you to train his team while he was away? That's a bold move."

I shrugged. "Not really. He set a plan and I'm just following it. All I do is make sure they show up, direct them and bring them breakfast. It's an easy gig."

"You bring them breakfast?" Chouji asked from the sidelines. "Asuma-sensei never brings us breakfast." Ino elbowed him sharply, and Asuma laughed.

"Don't be making me look bad, now. That will set up unrealistic expectations."

I shrugged. "Least I could do when they're being forced out from six in the morning. I'm pretty sure they'd take the lie in." Both kids nodded quickly in agreement. "Well, on that note, it's time to eat...I have plenty if you want to join us? It's from the bakery just off the main square, they let me pick up before they open."

"Yes, please!" Chouji said, and Ino elbowed him again. Poor boy will be getting a complex.

"I think Chouji has spoken for us, if you are sure?"

"Absolutely...but no smoking while eating or I'll throw your cigarette down your throat." I pointed the the object hanging from his mouth.

He laughed. "Noted!"

We sat down by the bags and I got the kids to hand everything out. I had a habit of over buying (mainly because Gai eats so goddamn much), so it worked out well.

"So, what do you do around here? I haven't seen you before," Asuma asked casually, but I knew he was probing.

"I've mainly been running messages between border posts," I said. "I got bored and asked for reassignment, so have a bit of free time on my hands right now."

"That's decent," he said, with no hint of deception. "And how do you know Gai?"

"We had a mission together once. He was fun so I kept in contact."

"'Fun', huh?" He waggled his eyebrows at me, so I threw a piece of bread at him.

"Don't be crass in front of the kids!"

Neji snorted and TenTen smirked at him. "Sorry, Sara-sensei...allergies."

I blinked. "When did you start becoming a snarky little shit?" I asked.

Asuma guffawed. "I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that gets a hard time from the genin! This one here in particular," he jabbed his thumb towards a silent Shikamaru, "gives me a run for my money."

Asuma had finished eating, and I saw him reach for his cigarette packet, so I threw a senbon - only hard enough to puncture the packet, but not hard enough to break his skin. He gave me a startled look before removing the senbon to hand it back.

"Sorry, habit..."

"Whoa, how did you do that! I've been trying to get him to stop smoking for ages!" An impressed Ino said.

"Years of practice...say, how about we get the genin to spar? Let's avoid a Neji and Shikamaru pairing, because exams, but could be fun?"

"Sara-sensei, you just don't want to fight us anymore," TenTen accused. I shrugged.

"It's true. I don't believe in waking up before ten so this is basically torture."

"You wouldn't happen to be related to Shikamaru, would you?" Asuma joked, and I had to force a laugh.

"Who knows? Maybe there's a little Nara in there?"

In the end, Neji went against Chouji, and TenTen against Ino. We stuck to the same rules as I did, Taijutsu and weapons only, and Gai's team flattened them so much it wasn't even funny.

Asuma sighed. "Well...can't say I'm that surprised."

"Gai held them back a year for a reason," I said. "Time can be a wonderful thing...and you need to make sure you find the right motivation."

"Oh, and these two are motivated?" He pointed to TenTen and Neji.

"Absolutely."

"I'd probably manage with these two, but trying to motivate Nara? Shikamaru is as stubborn as they come. It'd take a genius to do that."

I thought hard for a minute before shaking my head. Fuck it.

"I'll take that bet." I got up and dusted myself off, before walking over to Shikamaru, who was lazing on the grass. I kicked him lightly in the side. "Come on, sleepyhead. It's our turn."

He blinked awake and looked puzzled. "Huh?"

"You. Me. Spar. Chop chop."

He slowly got up and looked around. "But why? And aren't I going to spar with one of the others?"

"No. I made the executive decision, you're mine."

"Urgh, no thanks. I forfeit." He went to sit back down. I looked to Asuma, who shrugged...I guess this wasn't exactly new behaviour.

"No chance, you little toad. Get up."

"What did you call me?" He asked, frowning.

"I don't repeat myself. Now come on."

This time he listened and followed me out. The other genin had all stopped and watching with interest. TenTen whispered something to Neji, who nodded back.

I settled into a stance and waited. He just stood there lazily, watching me.

"So...you going to attack or not?" I asked. He shrugged. "Seriously? Why the fuck are you even here then?"

"Asuma forced me."

"That's not what I meant..." God help me..."Tell me, have you managed to beat your father at Shogi yet?" He became tense. "No? Pity...because you have no right to refuse training until you do. You think you know better, but I can guarantee you don't...you're nothing but a little boy who schemes his way out of work. But hiding behind the deer won't help you now."

"Who are you?" he hissed.

"Oh, pushed some buttons, have I?" I crossed my arms.

It took him a fraction of a second before he dove for me. And he was faster than I thought he would be...but I easily side stepped, and he had to quickly catch up with himself. Once straightened, he came for me again. I caught all of the punches and kicks he gave me.

When I could see the anger getting to him, I moved behind him to hold him in a lock so he couldn't move. I struggled, until I leaned in and licked his face.

He immediately stilled.

"Ewww! Did she just lick him?" I heard Ino cry.

Shikamaru took a few moments to catch his breath, relaxing in my hold.

"Erena?" he whispered softly.

"S'up Shika?" I said in my normal voice, and let him go.

He whirled around to look at me, frowning. "But...I don't understand."

"Things are complicated...As far as anyone knows, I'm know as Sara. Alright?"

His eyes widened. "Does dad know?"

"Kinda, not really. It's super secret, okay?"

He seemed to think for several moments before a resolute expression spread across his face. I'm not sure what conclusion he had come to, but he was always smart. "Okay."

I smiled. "Can I have a hug now, or am I going to have to make you?"

Before I even finished the sentence, he barrelled into me. I laughed and hugged him tight, revelling in him. Out of all the possible reunions, he was one of the ones I was dreading the most. I was worried he wouldn't forgive me.

I started to feel something wet at my neck, and saw he was crying.

"The last thing I ever said to you was that I couldn't wait for you to leave. I thought you were dead and that was the last thing I ever said."

I took a breath. "I'm so sorry. I never meant for anything like that to happen...and I know you didn't mean it. I missed you so much."

He wiped his eyes. "Don't do it again."

I smiled sadly. "I'll try not to."

"Not good enough."

"It's all I have at the moment."

"I'm not letting you go again..."

"And how are you going to manage that? How are you going to stop me?"

He narrowed his eyes and looked at me. "I know exactly what you're doing."

I grinned. "Is it working?"

He made a small sighing sound. "This is going to be troublesome."

I cackled.

"What the fuck just happened?" Asuma called out.

"It's called giving a Nara a kick up the ass," I said, and grinned at him.

I felt like I was on a natural high after Shikamaru and I's reunion. He didn't want to leave but I forced him - I promised to meet with him later after he finished training with the clan in the afternoon. I explained he couldn't be too obvious or he'd blow my cover and I'd have to disappear. He didn't protest after that.

Asuma was also curious about what had happened, and tried questioning, but all I would tell him was that I installed a bit of fear into him. I'm not sure he bought it but he seemed smart enough to know when to quit. He didn't ask anymore. (I found out later that he told Shikaku about the encounter and told him to keep an eye out for me, but Shikaku told him I was an old and trusted friend)

After Neji left to the Hyuuga clan, I took TenTen aside for private lessons...she was determined to get cracking on with Fuuinjutsu. I'm not going to lie and say she was a natural, but she wasn't afraid of hard work and that can make up for a lot. She wasn't anywhere near ready to start producing her own scrolls - I didn't want her to get blocked in and only produce certain types of seals- she was going to learn them all. And so I was bombarding her with theory first. But that didn't mean she was happy about it.

"But Sara-sensei...you've gone over this already. Shouldn't I start practicing?"

"Okay, so if you're so smart: In a two dimensional multi-level seal, how to you link the third and fourth branches?"

"But...I don't know! I'd learn better with practice!"

"Wrong. This isn't taijutsu and ninjutsu. That's how you get yourself blown up. If you don't know the basics, you're dead. It's that simple...and the answer to my question if you don't. Never merge branches on a two-dimensional seal."

"But-"

"If you only want to learn storage seals, barrier seals and knock out tags- fine. Let's do it your way. Be mediocre...but if you want to be able to design your own ground breaking supercalifragilisticexpialidocious seals and make a name for yourself? Read those scrolls again and again and again. Ask me all the questions you need to until you understand. Take your time - I can be patient. It's not a freaking race... It's your choice."

She shut up and read (she understood two-dimensional seals by the end of the next day).

After spending time with TenTen, I went to see Lee also...I felt so sorry for his healers. Whatever pep talk Gai gave him caused him to overdo his personal training and he was on the way to screwing up his leg even more.

I couldn't blame Gai completely because he understood the importance of recovery. Hell, between his own injuries and nursing me through my past ones, I knew he knew what he was doing. But Lee didn't.

And unfortunately for him, he wouldn't listen to me or the healers either and only had eyes for Gai...I'd make him deal with him when he got back.

After a quick nap (three hours), I woke up in the early evening and remembered my promise to Shikamaru. Now, I didn't specify to him when and where I would meet, which was a massive oversight on my part. I went to the training ground again, but it was empty, and I was saddened to realise I didn't know him anymore to figure out where he might be.

Not one to break promises, I headed to the Nara compound to find him. It's not something I wanted to do, but something I had to do. I didn't want to let him down, even at the risk of everything I had built up. Since coming back to Konoha, and especially in the last few days, I found my defences slipping but I found I didn't care.

I approached the main house and stopped at the door. It felt alien not to just walk in, but it wasn't my home anymore. I breathed and knocked.

Within seconds, Shikamaru appeared at the door grinning.

"You came."

I shrugged lazily. "Promised, didn't I? How you coming or what."

"Nah, too much effort. Besides, dinner will be ready soon. There's enough for another." There was no question there at all.

I narrowed my eyes. "You've not changed at all. You're still a manipulative little shit."

Now he shrugged back, smirking. "And you're still troublesome."

I sighed and entered. "You're cleaning up whatever mess this leaves behind, got it?" He shrugged again.

"Just going to tell mum that there will be another for dinner," he said and walked away, leaving me in the hall. I wasn't quite sure what to do here...did I follow him? Go to the sitting room? Considering this was where I grew up, I didn't know what to do with myself and stood there awkwardly. I looked around the hall, but find my eyes flitting back to the door...it would be do easy just to walk back out...

"Erena?" He called from the doorway. He looked confused when he saw me standing in the same spot, but noticed my body leaning towards the door and fearful face. He stepped forward and grabbed my arm, pulling me into the living room.

"C'mon. Let's play shogi."

The next hour we sat playing my favourite game, and it felt like nothing had changed except his skill. He was good. Very good. But I was still better.

"I'm gonna beat you in three moves," I told him and he groaned.

"Again? How do you keep doing that?"

"You're predictable. Switch up your attack. I know there's a tactical genius in there," I flicked his head and he swatted me away. "Let him out."

"I can't when I keep on hearing your voice with that face. It's weird."

I shook my head at him in irritation. "Wow, so subtle."

"Worth a try," he muttered, looking a bit sad. Oh shit, why'd he have to look like that?

I reached into my pocket and removed a privacy-distortion tag and activated it, before removing the Appearance Modifier. I gave him a scathing look, hands on my hips.

"Happy?"

He smiled softly, chin resting on his hands and nodded. He looked like a small boy.

"Good. Now if you don't play a proper game I'm going to be so mad."

"Shikamaru! Can you set the table it's-" Yoshino appeared at the doorway and stopped in her tracks staring at me. Whatever utensils she was carrying fell to the floor and she looked startled.

"Um...he did it?" I said, pointing to Shikamaru, feeling a bit sheepish.

"...Erena?" She whispered, eyes wide.

"Uhh...no?" I tried, but he ran towards be and scooped me into a hug. It was forceful and gentle at the same time. After a moment she released her grip and grabbed the sides of my face, looking at me in the eye. She looked relieved.

"You are such a stupid stupid girl," she said, voice quivering. I let out a strangled laugh.

"Pretty much, yea...Sorry?"

Next thing I knew, I was slapped across the face. I saw it coming, but did nothing to stop it.

"Mum!" Shikamaru shouted, and ran over to us. I placed one of my cold hands on my burning cheek and waved Shikamaru away with the other one.

"No, no...pretty sure I deserved that. But god that hurt...no bloody wonder Shikaku's afraid of you. Fucking hell." I rubbed my cheek but it only made it worse.

She looked mortified, like she was about to say something before we heard the front door open, and Shikaku entered the house. We all froze.

"I'm home! Did Shikamaru bring someone over, there's another set of shoes at the door," he called from the hallway. None of us answered him, and he walked into the living room. His face paled.

"Whoa, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost!" I joked, scratching the back of my neck. God, this was awkward. Was it too late to leave? Maybe I should leave? I really wanted to leave...yea, I should definitely leave.

Shikaku must have read something in my face and posture, because he came forward in a flash and grabbed my arms, holding me in place. I couldn't read anything in his face at all, but I knew it wasn't good. His posture was stiff and on guard, and he looked ready to attack at any second...I just hoped it wasn't me.

And right there I regretted interacting with Shikamaru. Why did I goad him? Expose my identity? I wasn't thinking...What did I think would happen? When I first arrived in Konoha, I had no intention of a mass reunion and now nearly everyone knew I was back, and it was all on me. On some level, I wanted this and subconsciously made it happen. But I should have listened to my head and not my heart.

My heart skipped a beat and my chest hurt a little. "I understand if I'm not welcome here...I didn't mean to upset anyone, I should just..."

"Don't you dare," Shikaku growled between clenched teeth. I inhaled and looked to the floor...I couldn't think of a time he had gotten this upset with me before and I felt something shrink back a little. "Don't you dare leave."

I looked up, like a deer in the headlights. "Umm...I'm getting mixed messages here?" I said uncertainly. I hadn't felt this small in years (even with my height issue), but then the tall man grabbed me in a bear hug - if it had been a few months ago he would have snapped me like a twig, and even now i felt a strain on my ribs.

"Is this a hug or are you trying to suffocate me?" I said, strained. "Because right now both are totally possible." He dropped me in an instant (I hadn't even registered my feet were off the ground).

"After Itachi handed me the report, I thought I was going insane," he said. "Where have you been? Why did you leave? Are you back?" He said everything in quick successful.

"Everywhere. Complicated. Only for a while," I answered.

"She's not actually here," Shikamaru said helpfully.

Shikaku frowned, looking between us. "Uncomplicate it."

I sighed. "Sorry, I can't...don't ask me. I can't tell you and I won't lie. Please believe it's better this way."

Yoshino ruffled. "You've been gone five years and you can't even tell us why? Don't you know what we have gone through?"

And here was the guilt returning. "I'm so sorry." The door wasn't too far...I just had to make it past Shikaku. Then I could go invisible and they'd never see me again.

"Stop," Shikaku said, to both me and Yoshino. "Let's not do this now. You're here, and you're safe. I had hoped for this, and would have been happy with less...I'll respect your wish for now, but you will tell me when you are able. Understood?"

And this was why he was the Jounin Commander. He read the situation and knew I would run. I nodded in reply.

"Good," he said. "Now, lets sit down? I haven't had a good game of shogi for years. I have several new plays I wish to test."

I scoffed. "Please, new plays or not I'll kick your ass in seven moves or less."

Shikamaru perked up. "Seven moves?"

"Or less," I confirmed, and smirked at him.

Yoshino sighed. "I guess I'll set the table then."

I went back to Gai's apartment hours later feeling content. Despite the awkward reunion with Yoshino and Shikaku, it was like I had never left. It felt like home.

When Shikamaru was sent to bed, I made my way to leave. All seemed surprised and disappointed, and I realised they expected me to stay...but I could never have allowed that. I knew if I did, I'd never leave Konoha again - I couldn't let them get used to me being back and then break them all over again. It was already going to be harder than I imagined.

I promised them I would see them the next day, and it was only then I was allowed to leave. Shikamaru asked if I would meet him for training tomorrow (his request utterly floored his parents).

"Shikamaru...I really wouldn't recommend it," I replied.

"But I want to! You train with the others!"

"The others?" Shikaku asked.

"Maito Gai's team," Shikamaru said in a huff. A look of understanding crept over Shikaku and Yoshino's face.

I sighed. "Fine. But this is your only warning. Neji calls me a sadist and TenTen thinks I'm a tyrant...and they actually give a shit about training."

He looked torn for a second. On one side he would get to spend more time with me, and on the other side? Effort. I understood his dilemma.

He was thinking about this far too much, and I will admit I felt a little insulted. "Fine. Forget the physical...that can be Asuma's headache and I can't be fucked dealing with your moodiness. How about we look into tactics and mind fuckery? You've more than got the basics, but I'm pretty sure I could teach you a thing or two."

Shikamaru grinned. "Deal!"

And so a pact was made. He would probably come to regret it, but that was his problem.

When I entered Gai's apartment I was surprised to find the place wasn't empty. I found a bored looking Shisui draped over Gai's couch, but he immediately perked up on my entry.

"Excellent! You're back! Get ready, we're going out!" He said jovially with a big grin on his face. "I had the most boring mission and need a bit of cheering up."

I stood in the middle of the seating area and crossed my arms. "No," I said bluntly. "Go find someone else."

He groaned. "Come on! I thought you loved me?"

"No. I'm tired and want to sleep. I've had a long day and more than filled my social quota for the day. Try again later when the meter's been refreshed."

"Come oonnnnn! Please? Itachi is a loser, and you actually know how to have fun."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You only want a wingman, don't you?"

He shrugged, embarrassed. "Not only...I do think you are more fun than Itachi, I didn't lie. I love the guy but he's a stick in the mud right now."

I was crying inside, mourning my sleep. Shisui was a pain in the ass and relentless. I was never going to get to bed any time soon.

"Fine, you absolute bellend. But I'm not staying out past midnight, and I'm vetting whatever poor decisions you end up making. Understand?"

"Yes!" He cheered, then looked at me. "But I hope you don't think you're going out like that?"

I threw a kunai right at his face.

(I'm glad he caught it instead of avoiding, because I didn't want to have to explain to Gai why there was a mark on his wall).

After changing my Appearance Modifier (I was not going to be caught dead with Shisui in the Sara-role), Shisui dragged me to a fairly lively bar. It also had live music and was filled with people from Konoha and beyond - it was easy to recognise people from Kumo and Mist. There was a healthy balance of shinobi and civilian, and it was actually pretty decent.

"Huh. I like it," I said, as he somehow managed to find an empty table.

He grinned. "As if I would take my favourite girl to some dive bar."

"Watch it, smart ass."

"Anyway, what's your poison? I'm buying since I dragged you out."

I thought for a minute. "Probably just a water or a soft drink."

"No sake? Beer? I've heard they do excellent cocktails."

I shook my head. "Nah, I'm good." I sucked, but the thought of disappointing Gai was enough to be sensible.

His face flickered in surprise. "Huh. Unexpected but impressive." He shrugged. "More for me!" And he skipped to the bar...I had a feeling I was going to regret this.

A moment later he returned with a beer for him, and a cocktail for me. "Shisui..."

"It's a mocktail, calm down. The only kind of fuzzy head you'll get is because of the sugar rush."

For all my complaining, Shisui was good company. He filled me in on some events of the past few years (which I hadn't previously asked anyone, for fear of feeling like I'd missed out). He told me he split his time between ANBU and general Jounin duties now, and was considering taking a genin team ("For everyone's sake, I hope you do not. The poor children!")

Eventually if got the the point where his attention started to wane and he was flickering his eyes around the room.

"You're an absolute asshole, you know that?" I growled.

"What?" He said affronted.

"You just can't keep your dick in your pants, can you?"

He shrugged. "No apologies." Well, at least honestly I could respect.

I sighed. "Fine. I can't believe I'm facilitating this...one night stand only or more longer term?" He seemed confused. "What do you want? I can read the room, then tell you what they want. That way no hearts are broken and I don't feel like I'm helping a monster."

"You can do that?" He seemed genuinely intrigued.

"I'm an excellent judge of character, and I've been told I'm the best wingman in the Elemental Nations. Come on, we don't have all night."

He seemed to think for a minute. "Guess I wouldn't mind longer term? But all the ones I meet tend to be crazy...like really crazy."

I snorted. "Why am I not surprised..." I looked around. "Okay, go to the bar and get us a couple of drinks. I'll tell you who is interested when you get back."

Excited, he leapt up, grinned at me and did as I ordered. I watched the crowds as he moved and gauged their reactions to him. Several clearly interested and aroused, but looking in all the wrong places. Only a few gave me all the right signals...

"Well?" He asked when I came back.

"There's a few, but one in particular..."

"Oh?" His eyes sparkled with interest.

"Blond, our age, retired kunoichi. Recognised you're an Uchiha but no idea who you are...genuinely interested, open body language but no confidence in herself so you better not be an asshole." He looked around to see who I was talking about. "And, as a disclaimer, she's ex ROOT. Left being a shinobi once it was disbanded. She's not from Infiltration Corps, but I'll still castrate you if you screw her up further."

He stilled. "Ex-ROOT?"

I nodded. "Ex-ROOT. I never knew her, but the signs are obvious."

"Huh...why not? I mean, she can't be any more screwed up than you, right?"

Seriously...have I mentioned he's an asshole?

"Just fuck off, already. She standing by the edge watching the band. She's drinking a cocktail. Go."

I pushed him out of his seat, and he gave me one final grin before heading to the bar to get her a drink. I watched him turn on his charm and start up a conversation with her as he offered it.

Happy he was distracted, I got up and made my way to the other side of the room. During my observations, I noticed something interesting. Or more like, someone interesting...someone completely out of place and wearing something they never normally would have, unless forced.

I approached a man sitting by himself at the end of the bar.

"Soooo...what's a fish like you doing in a place like this?" I grinned.