Chapter 60: Spring Flowers

'Inner thoughts'

Writing

°Telepathic Communication°

3rd POV

Pushing open the large door just as she did when she was young she looked at the familiar bookcases with a faint smile. Entering she heard the heavy doors shut behind her bringing the building to its usual silence. As always the place was quiet with a few people here and there focusing on their own things. Removing her hat she quietly walked to the non-fiction books in the mood for something mystical. Something to inspire her. With her life becoming consistent and with little variation she began to feel her body and mind become weary. Of course, she could turn on the tv and learn of the ongoings of the current world but even that had become stale. So to kick up her motivation she brought up her visit to the eldest brother.

Luckily it worked. She got a key, the spare key to be precise that he had in his locker, one that he had prepared for an occasion where he lost the original or it had been destroyed in battle. Now that same spare was hers for the day.

Standing idle in front of the cases she didn't know where to even begin. Noticing her plight a helpful librarian walked over. "Excuse me miss, do you need help with anything?"

Snapping out of her daze she flinched, turning to look at the young man who asked the question. "You wouldn't happen to know where the owner of this library is, would you?" She asked saying the first thing she could use as an excuse.

"I'm sorry, she's currently outside the village." He told her as his eyes went from her eyes up to her hair. She could tell he was trying not to seem so obvious so she spared him by not pointing it out.

"Ah, I see." With a small smile on her face, she knew the woman was out there finding new and different books to fill her shelves and share with others. "Is there anything you would recommend? I can't make up my mind there is just so much here."

"Yes," face brightening up like a lightbulb he turned to a shelf picking out a book. "This just came in. I heard it is a popular book in the Land of Fire." Handing over the book of a hundred poems she gladly took it, thanking him before she left to find some quiet corner to read.

Opening the book to a random page she read the first poem she saw.

If your name is true

Trailing vine of 'meeting hill'

Isn't there some way

Hidden from people's eyes

That you could bring her to my side?

'Quite the romantic poem… I quite like it… yet for some reason it… no. Ignore such thoughts we agreed to move on.' As if the sad thoughts never intruded her mind she hummed trying to drown them out. Placing a hand on her chin she tried to remember the name of the plant in the poem instead. 'Ah, this is about the Kazura vine. It had a nickname… that's right it is also called the handsome man plant.' Thinking of the name she considered it for a moment before shaking her head. 'The poem is beautiful but it's a bit sad. Kazura would be a good name but not one I want to give him.'

Putting the book back in its place she walked over to the children's section and let her hand trace the spines of the picture books. Coming to a stop on one she opened the colorful book and flipped through the pages stopping on a page about the seasons.

Spring. Pink blossoms of the sakura tree filled the page reminding her of the greenery she was currently missing out on. 'Spring. New beginnings how funny is it to have woken up during this season… huh. New beginnings… spring.' Standing there holding the book she hummed in thought. "Haru…my new beginning." Briefly remembering the woman who first took her out of that forest when she was a child. What did she feel at that moment? She felt many things that's for sure but maybe she also felt a bit of hope. The hope of freedom. It was then that a name formed in her mind. "Haruki. Spring hope…" Eyes opening widely she looked down at the book with a smile. "Haruki. Your name… is Haruki."

Kazekage Manor

Returning to the manor she stood in the middle of the living room cheering in silence. Plopping herself on the sofa she lifted her legs and kicked the air holding in a squeal. 'Haruki. Haruki. Haruki.' Repeating the name in her mind she couldn't contain her smile. It had to be fate she thought. The name had a hidden meaning and it took part from another of her caretaker's names, Haruko's. 'When he grows up and asks I can't wait to tell him. He's going to love his name.'

Thud.

Hearing a noise come from above her smile dropped. Slowly sitting up she grabbed a nearby broom as a weapon and took the stairs up to the source of the noise. It was reckless in her current state but she also didn't want to run to her room and hide so she braced herself and quietly went up to the third floor.

Reaching the top floor she looked at the storage room as she remembered Kankurō calling it, and turned the doorknob. Unlocked she realized. Surprised for a moment she snapped out of it and adjusted her grip on the broom's handle before quickly opening the door looking to see if there was anyone inside.

Seeing nothing that stood out, aside from a box that had fallen over, she went to pick it up. As she did she noticed the lack of dust on it. Putting it back where she believed it was put before, she opened it and looked for any signs of anything having been broken from the fall.

As she rummaged through the box she saw a cute surprise. 'Oh, I haven't seen you in years.' Pulling out an old but well-taken care of teddy bear she noticed the tear on its arm. 'Did he put it away after Yashamaru died?' Playing with the loose arm for a bit she took it with her after closing back the box.

・・・

Returning to the quiet manor the Kazekage returned to a quiet home. Letting out a sigh he felt the silence fill him as he turned off his mind for a moment, he was done for today at least he hoped he was. Heading to his room he entered the living room freezing mid-entrance.

Holding a thread to her mouth Yukino cut it quickly with her sharp teeth, holding the loose thread she tucked the thread back into the plush toy's seams with the needle. Something about it looked almost… refined. Like she had done this multiple times before. Like him, he wondered just how many times she fixed her stuff on her own. The shinobi with no partner. At least until she became a teen but even knowing that didn't make him feel any less sympathetic.

Spotting him as she finished tucking the thread she greeted him. "Ah, welcome back," wearing a small smile she held out the plush. "Look who I fixed."

Snapping out of it he walked forward and took the teddy bear. "Where did you find this?" He asked already knowing the answer to that.

"I heard something fall in the storage room so I went to take look. Sorry if I intruded."

'So that's what happened?' Moving the fixed arm he gave a slight nod. "No, I'm sorry I should have paid better attention to where I put things. Thank you for fixing it." Seeing the carefully hidden stitching he was impressed and at the same time, he felt saddened by the fact that it was fixed. He couldn't explain.

"Mhm. I remember this little guy from back then. Thinking back at the way you introduced him I mistakenly thought he could talk." Giggling she waved her fingers at the plush greeting him. "Isn't that right Mr. Cuddles?"

Putting a hand to his face Gaara looked away. "Please forget that." At the same time, he was thankful for her bringing up some good memories.

"Ah… but how could I forget? You were so cute. Your face looked so squishy too." Holding her own face in her hands she smiled remembering the small boy as if it was yesterday, which it literally was for her. "Even in your genin years, you were cute. Maybe a bit menacing but still cute."

"Menacing but cute?" He found this hard to believe he certainly couldn't see how anyone could think that when he was that age. The cute part. Just thinking of how he was back then made him want to just bury himself in his sand.

"Yeah! The black and fishnets looked really good on you, especially the sash." That made him even more confused. He couldn't see what she meant then he remembered that although they were the same age she wasn't present for the chunin exams he took part in. 'Is that why?' Even with that, he could still not see why she thought that.

As he was putting into question her eyesight she had a realization. "Now that I think about it, you have quite the refined taste in clothes. I have to say the red suits you. Good choice"

"Thank you." Flattered by that he was glad she thought so considering that was his thinking when he choose his clothes. He was the Kazekage he had to look the part even though he was a shinobi.

"Even now you still look cute."

"?"

"Especially your confused face." Giggling at his reaction he turned away to not giving her what she wanted. Seeing this only made her laugh harder making it really hard for her to try and stifle it to not embarrass him any further.

Too entertained in their conversation they were caught by surprise when the older brother spoke from the entrance. "What were you two talking about?"

Nervous for some reason Yukino took the now-forgotten teddy bear and held it up. "Look what I found!" She said.

Holding up Mr. Cuddles the older brother's face brightened up at seeing the old toy. "Where did you find it I haven't seen this in years!"

"In the storage room."

"Really? I wonder what else might be in there." Handing it back he turned to Gaara. "Hey, sorry but I came to tell you that something came up." Getting close he whispered the situation to him.

"I see." Getting up he apologized. "I'll be coming back late," code for he wasn't going to make it for dinner, "I'm needed at my office." Without another word he left.

"What about you?" She asked the older brother.

Shaking his head he let out a sigh. "It's only him that's needed."

Humming in response she resonated with the younger brother's troubles. Her work was a lot like that. Luckily she had been working on transferring some of those responsibilities to those she found qualified. She wondered though for someone as esteemed as the Kazekage could do such a thing. 'If he did it would lessen his power. Luckily no one cares much about politics back home. They just want to live peacefully.'

・・・

For dinner, Yukino made some Harira, a dish she has come to learn to make during her stay in Sunagakure, something that the current absent brother could reheat later. While eating their meal together Yukino listened to Kankurō's day learning more about the current time in the process. It worked to her benefit to listen, it was but a small habit she has yet to discard from her intel-gathering days.

When they finished she sat in the living room reading a few of the books the brothers had in their home as the older brother washed the dishes. "I'm turning in." Passing by her he left that little message before heading upstairs. Wishing him a good night Yukino stayed where she was reading the books on the country's history as well as politics. Safe to say that reading the young Kazekage's books was a smart move she should have thought of earlier. Finishing the book in her hand she put it to the side as she reached for the next.

Yukino's POV

Waking up on the couch I looked around and looked at the clock realizing I had fallen asleep. Standing up I stretched and realized that the fact that I was on the couch without so much as a blanket meant that Gaara had yet to return. 'Is he still at the office?' With that thought, I returned the books to their place before heading to the kitchen once more. 'If he's still working he must be hungry. He hasn't eaten anything since this morning.' Diligently making a bento I swiped the spare key and made my way to the office.

Walking around the quiet building stealthily and quietly by secondhand nature I reached the Kazekage office without running into anyone. 'Pretty lax security I must say. That or I'm that weak that I can't sense the Anbu keeping watch.' Looking around me I pressed my ear against the door hearing nothing inside. Quietly cracking the door open slightly I took a peek.

To lower the risk of getting caught by someone I scanned the room quickly, my eye darting to every space I could see. It was at his desk that I spotted the Kazekage hunched over asleep. A sight I never expected to see.

Entering inside I placed the bento on the desk and carefully moved the papers to the side to prevent further wrinkling. "Gaara," I called out to him. Placing a hand on his shoulder I gently shook him. "Gaara, wake up. It's uncomfortable to sleep like this." When that didn't work I checked for a pulse before snapping my fingers close to both of his ears jolting him awake. For a shinobi, this was a bad thing. 'Or wait does he have the same thing I do? Does he have moments where he falls into a deep slumber?'

Quickly grasping where he was he looked at me in confusion. "Yukino? What are you doing here?"

"Sorry for waking you but here." Holding out the bento I placed it before him.

"You made this… for me?"

"You never came for dinner and I don't know how much you've eaten today so I was worried." Grabbing a few papers I remained near his desk. "Eat. I'll organize the last few papers for you if you let me.."

"Thank you…"

"Just eat. You needed to go back home hours ago." Leaning over his desk I read the papers and began to organize them leaving small post-its with summaries of what was written. Once they were organized by urgency I began to organize them by related topics or if they were localized to an area I grouped them together. As I did this I hummed as this reminded me of my duties back home. 'So much happened in such a short time… I wonder how my work has changed.' Finding such an idea exciting I chuckled having the urge to return and see for myself. 'I'm certain Emi and Kichi did a wonderful job–'

"Thank you for the meal." I looked up in surprise as Gaara said that. Looking over at the clean bento I looked back at the clock seeing that time had passed quicker than I expected. 'Oh, wow. No… this must be a prank of some sort… It was only a few papers I could do so much more than this–'

"I start with this right?"

"Huh?" Looking down at what he was pointing at I nodded. "Y-yeah, they seem like the most urgent ones you need to settle. You can leave the others for tomorrow." I told him as I handed over the reports.

"Thank you." Getting back to his remaining work, I remained in the office making sure he only did just that and nothing more. Sitting there waiting patiently I could feel his eyes looking up every once in a while, checking up on me. Thinning from his perspective I understood his worries I had only recently begun to walk without any assistance and far as he knew I could barely do any jutsu. Reality was slightly different, exercising at night while they slept I could walk for longer periods without tiring and if I wanted to I was certain I could run. As for my jutsu that was definitely something I could do with ease I just wasn't going to tell them.

I considered them my friends but after that trial, I was reminded that above all they were responsible for their people. That was what that trial was about. Born in a nation my loyalties should obviously lie with them but my actions have proved otherwise. No loyalty to one nation. A wildcard. A rash child. I know what they all thought of me and how my actions could not only affect me but their countries as well as the daimyō who finally agreed to a fragile peace.

Some days later… Outside Sunagakure

3rd POV

Near the village entrance, Kankurō finished his round around the village. Having collected a status update on their current situation he was glad that it was another quiet day. At least he thought it was.

"HEEEY!" Hearing a high-pitched voice of a young girl he froze. 'Is the hospital having another collaboration?' That was his first thought since any incoming traders would have already been listed and not due to arrive for another week. The same was for any incoming shinobi from other villages. Looking out at the dune he saw three cloaked figures running over with the one in front of the trio waving wildly with both arms trying to get their attention.

Just in case, he stayed to see what this was about when the three teens reached the gate he noted that none of them showed some exhaustion from their journey. The one in the front that called out earlier pulled down their hood showing their vibrant red hair catching him by surprise and the men around him. "Hi! You're the Kazekage's brother, aren't you? Yukino-sensei told us about you!" She giggled grinning from ear to ear.

"I'm sorry," The black-haired boy who was with her sighed, his icy blue-colored eyes frowned at his friend's overexcitement for skipping important information before looking at the Kazekage's older brother. "We are here to check up on Yukino-sensei. I hope you can understand why." He explained lifting up the girl's cloak and pulling out a large moonstone ornament placed snugly in rich brown cedar wood with red beads attached to the sides meeting at the center with a hanging green-blue magatama. "The shrine sent us." He clarified.

"Guys," The brown-haired boy next to them whispered. "He may not know about the shrine. Let's just say things about Yukino-sensei to prove we aren't pretending to know her."

"No, it's alright." Kankurō stopped them, overhearing the boy's worries. "I remember you from that beach trip," He gestured to Kohaku, "and we saw Ryota-san give Yukino her stone." Hearing this the kids' eyes lit up as they turned to look at each other to gauge each others excitement. "I'll write you in." He gestured to the shinobi on standby telling them that they were of no threat. "I need to go elsewhere but I can take you to the manor on my way there."

・・・

In the manor, Yukino had grown a bit bored from being indoors and tried out an outfit sealed within the scrolls. Wearing the long black dress with frills at its ends and she headed to the living to do a deep clean-up, putting on a white apron for good measure. Just as she was sweeping she heard the door to the main wing open turning her curious eyes to the hallway sensing something familiar. Confused for a moment she stood there before recognizing a familiarity in the signatures of the newcomers. Dropping the broom she ran to the three young teens as they entered the room hugging them tightly.

"Kohaku, Kiyoshi, and is that you Fumio?" Laughing with tears in her eyes the eldest brother quietly slipped away leaving them to enjoy their moment without a spectator watching from the sidelines.

Mid hug Yukino placed a hand on Kiyoshi's face and looked at his grey eyes. "Where are your glasses?"

Pulling away Kiyoshi smiled and pointed to his eyes with both hands. "I have the same eyes as Ryota-san, Emi-san, and you, Yukino-sensei."

"It was right after that collapse too!" Kohaku added shivering slightly.

Noticing Yukino's quizzical look Fumio gave more details. "Kiyoshi was helping the shrine with the collapse of one of the old buildings. Something went wrong and the building collapsed earlier than expected while he was still inside." Looking over at his teammate he let out a sigh. "It's still unbelievable how you only got a broken arm out of that."

"Well if we hadn't unearthed him when we did he would have suffocated first before the blood loss got to him." Kohaku looked at Kiyoshi and glared. "While we were all freaking out looking for you you were sleeping. Do you know how much time we spend booking for you before the Kinukami clan sent their spiders? It had better have been a good dream." As she berated her teammate for something he had no control over Yukino stood to the side hearing all this in mortified silence as she stared at her students hoping they were just joking.

"Spiders? You guys never told me that?" Shivering once at the thought of them crawling over him as he was passed out he apologized. "I'm sorry." Remembering something he gently touched his cheek and hummed. "It was weird actually… I saw this black-haired woman with the same eyes I ended up with." Looking over at his sensei he tilted his head with a bit of curiosity. "Yukino-sensei, when did you get your eyes?"

'He saw Tsukiyomi?' Considering what has happened to both Ryota and Emi she was certain that he wasn't joking. But apart from that, something else stood out, the accidents. 'Could they really have been accidents?' Three times were too much of a coincidence for her that she began to have a small thought in the back of her mind if Tsukiyomi was in any way behind it. Remembering what her students had asked she snapped back to the present moment and raised a finger as if she was thinking of it the whole time. "It was during my first trip to Sunagakure…" Hearing this their attention where peeked and they raised their heads to full attention waiting to hear the rest. The way they acted made her chuckle a bit reminding her that the 18-year-olds before her were still the same students she last saw three years ago. "Ah, I'm glad this part of you three is still the same. Now let's see… it happened during a full moon when I was just 5 years of age…" Trailing off she began to recount that night leaving out the kidnapping that occurred. She instead kept the part of her running around as the one tails who was inside of the current Kazekage ran amok within the village. "Amidst that chaos rubble flew everywhere from big chunks of buildings to fist-sized rocks." With every word she uttered her students hung on every word as if they were watching a movie. The enthusiasm of her students only spurred her retelling making it more epic than terrifying. "While running to cover those smaller rocks jabbed my back sending me to the ground. Bloody and unable to move I lay there my mind desiring nothing more than sleep. That desire was so strong that I succumbed to it and by some miracle, someone had found me in time and healed me enough to get me to the hospital in time."

"That's exactly what happened to me!" Standing up Kiyoshi went to adjust his glasses by habit for a second before remembering he no longer wore them. "I knew that staying awake was important until I was rescued but the urge to sleep was too strong."

"That's true." Letting out a sigh Fumio turned to his sensei. "And… Yukino-sensei to get your eyes and your sight that way must've been terrifying. We can't even begin to imagine what that would be like the worst we've seen was the evacuation and the lockdowns during typhoon season."

"You know as odd as this sounds I'm relieved that that is the worst you three have ever seen." Flattening out the wrinkles in her maid skirt she spoke with the memories of the horrors she's witnessed in her mind. "I wish to keep it that way for the new generation. Oh! But just because life is calm don't think our nation's shinobi education will become lax I will make sure of it is just as rigorous." Hearing that they let out a sigh wishing luck to the current students. They were lucky or unlucky in some instances to skip the academy though they did have to attend for some basic education. Although they were the oldest by the other nations' standards they were lucky enough to attend alongside other kids in the same boat as them. "That's right! You guys are adults now so tell me what paths are you guys considering?"

'Oh… that's right your path was set for you since you were young.' That thought was shared by her students. A thought that they made sure not to voice to not offend. Having worked with the shrine before they were aware of the circumstances that led to their sensei holding her current position. By the grace of their land's god, her birthright, and her strength they were in awe at the woman they were placed to be their sensei but just as much as they revered her they were also a bit more careful.

Being the most outspoken one in the group Kohaku responded to the question first. "I Kohaku Uzumaki have joined the herbalist department in the poison's division!" She proudly declared before remembering something important. "Uh… actually I was given the chance to be an apprentice as part of some program. I forgot its name though." Slightly embarrassed about that she scratched her cheek.

"The poison's division? That's great!" Clapping enthusiastically Yukino scooted a bit forward. "Do you think you specialize in making them or curing them?"

"Making them of course! Do you know how many interesting plants the wolves have brought back?"

"You don't say! You're so lucky!" About to go off-topic she remembered that she had two other students to receive answers from. "I, uhm, so Fumio what about you."

"..." Staring at her blankly the boy knew that she had forgotten about them but forgave her since she remembered so quickly. "Well, I am proud to announce that I have become a medic-nin and since my fighting abilities are above average I have been given permission to accompany the wolves on their trips. Other than that I am also studying in the pediatrician department."

"Oh, that's incredible. As part of the Yuki clan I can see how useful that freezing ability is to treat wounds but why go down that route? If I remember correctly I saw you excelling more in fighting prowess so much so that your clan head chose you to personally teach."

"I spoke to her about it and allowed me to pursue it as long as I taught the techniques she showed me in her place if she ever passed away before naming a successor." The boy explained it so easily that Yukino was slightly taken by surprise. "But I don't think it will ever come to that our head has a few nieces to pass on her role to."

Quietly raising his hand Kiyoshi spoke. "Uh… you guys should've let me go first." Letting out a sigh he began to feel that his career of choice did not inspire as much awe as the rest of his teammates did.

"Don't be like that!" Kohaku said slapping his shoulder rather harshly. "I think your choice is very cute and deadly!"

"It's not that deadly." Letting out another sigh he lifted his head. "I chose to become a veterinary medical-nin. I know it's not much compared to the others but I really enjoy my job. I do my best to treat the hawks we use, the wild foxes, and even the animals in our waters. I'm making sure to study everything we have available so the wild animals don't attack people because they are afraid."

"Oh! Speaking of injured animals, you should've seen this!" Kohaku perked up having been waiting for years to share this story with her sensei. "He wrestled one of the Hoshigake clan's shark summons."

"It was injured. It wasn't at its full strength." Kiyoshi tried to play it down.

"He wrestled with it In the ocean!"

"And he did it alone as everyone watched from the shore," Fumio added impressed to have witnessed the wild scene. "He didn't even get bitten."

'Are these really my students?' Staring at her chatting students she wondered if they were always like this. 'Don't tell me they became like this because of my influence.' Looking at her hands she was impressed and terrified. Looking back up at her students those thoughts dissipated. "You have all exceeded my expectations. I'm happy with your choices as long as what you are doing is something you enjoy doing."

Hearing this her students smiles dropped before they thought of her words feeling the warmth from inside their hearts build up before surfacing on their faces as soft smiles. Without needing to share any words they just smiled enjoying the moment.

・・・

Catching up on a few things Yukino was up to date on a few things that happened here and there on the island during her sleep. However, she couldn't help but notice that there was one major event that they failed to mention. The day the moon was falling towards their planet. 'Were things that bad that they don't want to mention it? Or did the falling meteors not affect much?'

Before she could ask, she was interrupted by Kohaku. "Yukino-sensei, there was another reason why we were sent here."

By saying that Kohaku reminded her two teammates. "That's right," Fumio said. "The shrine wanted us to collect a report on what you saw."

"They also want you to include everything no matter how minor," Kiyoshi added.

"I'll get to it." Quickly leaving to get something to write on Yukino came back to the living room and began to write down what she saw including her thoughts and orders.

When Kaguya and the divine tree fused she became the ten tails. Her thoughts became incomprehensible and loud. The loud voices within were desperate, craving power so much that she went after her own sons to get back the chakra she had given them the moment they were born. But from deep within I could hear her quieter thoughts. Her longing for peace, the one she mentioned from Sakura's memories, and her fear of her clan coming after for a betrayal she committed. I feel that this became the root of her desire for power. Nevertheless, she was corrupted by that power and became a terrifying being during the war.

The fact that her reign was so long ago and yet her worries had not been proven yet I worry that we may see the ones she feared so much arrive on our planet soon. If not now then in the generations after us. She is a celestial being whose life spans millennia, her concept of time may be different than ours so there is no way I can say for certain what her definition of 'soon' was. I trust you to share this information with a couple few: the heads of the clans, the elders, as well as those with enough skills in fūinjutsu.

I can't do much research with the brothers looking after me so I want you to look into two powers in particular Six Paths Yin Power and Six Paths Yang Power. Those that have it have a seal on them as I've drawn below. Both of which Naruto and Sasuke individually had on themselves. When combined together they form a fūinjutsu technique powerful enough to seal away an Ōtsutsuki, the same one which was used on Kaguya during the war. Six Paths — Chibaku Tensei. That is what it was called. The only other way I know of getting six paths power is to become the host of the ten tails but that should be used or even considered an absolute last resort.

I will visit Konoha on my way back and try to get Naruto's memories of what happened and how he got that power. If we do not see the threat Kaguya feared during our time it would be best to prepare those in the future. A future when Naruto and Sasuke are no longer with us.

I repeat I do not want to scare everyone so keep what I'm telling you confidential. Keep doing your job of analyzing the old texts we've found and keep note of any seal that may be of use. It may take a while for me to return, so pass on this order for me. Any and all ruins encountered by any Wolf or Koi are to be marked down for future research. The shrine will have permission to leave the island to visit these ruins only if they are accompanied by jōnin level Anbu members. I don't know what else to say aside from being careful. Make sure to take precautions when visiting we can't be sure of what will be found. For now, though look for the ruins of the noble family's palace. When the city was unsealed it wasn't there so wherever it is I hope it has some information that we can use if it hasn't already been ransacked.

After finishing writing her report Yukino quickly folded it and passed it to Kohaku who passed it to Fumio. Pulling out his tanto from his waist he pulled out the butt of the hilt revealing a space small enough to stuff a rolled piece of paper. Or hide a message.

"We will deliver it without failure."

"Thank you, I couldn't write it beforehand. Not without risking them coming across it."

"It's a good thing you didn't Ryota-san was worrying about you slipping up and drawing more attention to us," Kiyoshi added as he rummaged through his bag. "Here this is for you." He said, carefully placing a pouch in his sensei's hands.

From the bumpy texture, she could guess what was inside nevertheless, she opened it so her students could see. Holding up a precious ring decorated with small but beautiful gemstones she wondered why she would be given such an expensive gift.

"Woah… so that's what the artisans gave…" crowding around her hand Kohaku picked up the ring, getting a closer look. "I can't believe they want you to sell this."

"Sell? Why?"

"They said it was so you can survive here," Fumio said as he took the ring to inspect for a moment before passing it to Kiyoshi.

"That and they want you to advertise the jewelry we make to high clientele." Hearing that she looked down at the various rings noting that they were all of varying sizes. Keeping the request in mind she made sure to remember that for when the opportunity arose.

As they were admiring the rings they heard the click of the front door. Quickly putting the rings back into the pouch Yukino stuffed the pouch into the pockets of her skirt. Sitting there they all stared at the hallway surprising the Kazekage who returned.

Dressed in his robes Kohaku immediately stood up and walked up to him looking at him up and down once. "Look Yukino-sensei! Even dressed so drab he looks handsome." Her comment felt like a stab to the Kazekage who came over to check on the guests his brother invited in. "What do you think Yukino-sensei?" She said drawing attention away from what they were talking about before his arrival. And if by chance he grew curious they would leave the lies to their sensei.

Attention piqued Gaara was interested in hearing what she had to say. He couldn't really say why though. 'Is it because she's my friend?'

"I would definitely agree the outfit really brings attention to his eyes." Staring intently at him he held his breath as he saw her piercing eyes analyzing his own. "They remind me of seafoam." She said after a long pause.

Hearing her say that her student's eyes were drawn to his eyes and they completely agreed with her. Even going so far as complimenting them making the Kazekage flush a little. Seeing this clearly the other people in the room simultaneously agreed to stay quiet about this.

Yukino created a mind link telling her team. °His flushed face looks so cute.° At the same time, her team shared a single thought °It looks so innocent°. This timing only made the group want to laugh but in order not to embarrass the Kazekage they stifled it trying to keep their faces as neutral as possible.

Recovering after a minute Fumio glanced up at the clock and realized that time had quickly passed by. "It's already eight." Saying this the team looked up at the clock realizing this as well.

"I guess we should get going now…" Kiyoshi said remembering their agreement with the shrine that this would be a short visit. Noting Kohaku's hesitation as she stood next to the Kazekage she looked at him for a moment with a pleading face before looking away and putting on a smile. °Kiyoshi let's do that.°

°The hug?° Standing up Fumio stood up as well copying him unaware of what was awaiting him.

°Yeah!° Quickly walking over Kohaku created a mind link sharing information about a fad going around among the youth in the Uzumaki clan. "Huh? Really?" Nodding enthusiastically she smiled wanting to do it. Standing in the center Kiyoshi stood on Yukino's left and on her right stood Kohaku. The three Uzumaki held hands once they were in position and spread out a bit around Fumio. The second that they did that he immediately understood what they were going for.

"U," Started Kohaku swaying to the side before swaying to the other immediately.

"Zu," Followed Yukino right after her.

"Ma," Kiyoshi said.

"Ki!" In unison, all three finished letting go of each other, and with extended arms, they finished by saying: "HUG!" Pulling the Yuki clan boy into a hug they laughed happily as he succumbed to the embrace.

"Did you two really have to tell her?" Fumio pouted as his pale face began to redden from embarrassment.

"Aww come on. You know there was no way we were going to leave without trying this once." Kohaku laughed as her body rocked from side to side out of joy. "And also… don't you think this is the right opportunity to take out that? Hmmm?"

Reluctantly he liked and agreed with her idea, placing a hand on his black turtleneck he made the release hand seal with the other.

Poof!

The moment the item was released the young adults pulled away, all of them holding the same bouquet of flowers with a single hand each. Holding up the bouquet to her face they wore soft and nervous smiles.

"Yukino sensei thank you for creating our home," Kohaku said.

"I doubt we would have been able to reach adulthood if it weren't for you," Kiyoshi added, his comment resonating with Fumio who agreed. As they gave their message their hearts beat rapidly from worry wondering if the woman who had a whole garden would like their small gift. A small part of them even began to regret their decision.

Breathlessly Yukino took the bouquet of pink and peach roses, violets, white dahlias, and hydrangeas into her hands. At first glance, anyone would think that it was a messy assortment made only by an amateur but looking at each flower individually told a different message. In her eyes, she saw the gratitude her students held for her. Holding it to her chest Yukino closed her eyes tightly and lowered her head. Her lips trembled but she didn't let out a cry. "I should be the one thanking all of you…" Her voice came out shaky as she spoke. "If it weren't for your support I would have given up a long time ago… Thank you." Holding the flowers tightly she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

As her vision was obscured her students looked at each other and smiled. They didn't think it would move her this much but since it did that meant that their emotions reached her. One by one her students hugged her from behind one last time for now before heading to the front door passing by the Kazekage who watched everything in silence.

If they stayed too long they feared their sensei might change her mind and run away with them. "Goodbye Yukino sensei." That was all they said before leaving out the front door.

Hearing them leave she uttered a quiet: "Thank you…" once more.

Standing to the side Gaara had watched this all unfold feeling as if he had intruded into something personal. He couldn't leave now that they knew he was here but at the same time he didn't know what to say to his crying friend. It was then that he remembered that her stay wasn't a permanent one. "You will see them again. You have a few months left." Saying that he saw the flow of tears slow down as she agreed with him remembering that bit well. For some reason, though the moment he uttered those words he felt his stomach tighten. A part of him, like her students, wanted her to stay but unlike them, he couldn't say it and kept it to himself.

Before anyone could say anything more Kankurō walked in. In a few seconds, he was able to grasp that the young adults had left and were no longer in the manor. "Hey, where are the kids? Did they head to a hotel? Gaara you should have stopped them, we have empty rooms here." He said all this before noticing the crying red-haired woman in a maid outfit that stood in the middle of their living room. Something he should have pointed out first but he had become accustomed to many strange things lately.

"No, they went back home," Yukino replied to his question, a few tears still in her eyes.

"What? But they must be tired from the trip."

"They'll be fine." Yukino cut in knowing that with the gift Kiyoshi was given their return home would be a safe and quick one. "They have each other." Holding the bouquet to her face she weaved around them bidding them a small goodbye as she left for her room.

Once the door was locked behind her she held the bouquet at arm's length and spun around with them before hugging the flowers again. Taking in their scent her tears began to flow and she let them fall into the flowers as she did she wondered what to give them to show her appreciation and love for what they had done. To be given a gift with so much love she couldn't help but laugh and want to return the gift. "For such a special gift I have to choose something just as special…" Remembering the dream she shared with the two brothers she knew what her new assignment would be. "My precious kids… such a miracle can only equal the gift you have given me. I promise to make that blue rose real."

Yukino's POV

The moment I woke up I looked around the room from my bed seeing the flowers my students had given me separated and placed in their own pots just like I had done the night prior. Having that little dash of color I jumped out of bed and looked through the scrolls picking another gift people back home had prepared for me. Releasing a stripped tan komon kimono I looked carefully at the material realizing it was for warmer climates. 'How considerate I wonder if they gave me winter clothes as well.' Looking at how much was left in the scroll I was excited to find out when I go through each item on its own time.

Dressed for the day I headed to the door but not before stopping in front of the coffee table. Gently touching the roses I took in a whiff giving me the energy to leave the room and get back to work.

Unknown to me at that moment that whiff was what I needed to prepare for the things that would happen that week. Noticing a few papers that Gaara left behind I picked them up and took them to the office unaware of how that would set things into motion.

Entering the office Kankurō and Gaara both turned to look at me with confused looks before I held up the papers the other left behind. Thanking me for bringing them they told me something important.

"We will be leaving immediately for daimyō's residence," Gaara said, surprising me with the sudden news.

"We agreed that you will stay with Baki. I was going to tell him before you came." Kankurō said, telling me of the arrangements they had come to.

"I see…" Remembering something I saw a great opportunity to sell the rings. "Speaking of the daimyō, what happened to the daughter we saved years ago?"

"Hm? She's the sister of the land of wind's current daimyō."

"!" Seeing this as a great opportunity I slammed my hands on the table. "Let me come along!" Before they could argue against it I brought up a few points of my own. "Please I want to see how she is not only that but I heard the daimyō's residence is near the sea! Please I want a change of scenery. Also, what do you think the other Kage will say if you aren't keeping me within your sights 24/7?" Saying all of this in one breath they stared at me with surprise half expecting me to agree to stay behind.

"Well you do have a point–"

Before they knew it they were all waiting at the gate. "I can't believe you are coming with us."

I only chuckled in response as I bounced from foot to foot. Out of the komon kimono I wore that morning I now wore a tan Suna outfit held by an obi, black pants underneath, and shinobi sandals. Aside from that my right hand clutched a small ball I made before I left the manor. It was cold but I kept it there, mixing my chakra into it to better control.

"Let's go," Gaara said having finished informing Baki of his departure. "Are you two ready?" He asked, looking at me specifically. His worry was a reasonable one considering the state I was in nearly a month ago. Even so my recovery had been going smoother than anyone could have hoped.

Securing the veil on my head I adjusted the backpack I carried and gave a thumbs up. "Let's go." He said going into a sprint right out of the gate followed close behind by Kankurō.

Caught by surprise I stood there for a second before running after them. On my third step I threw the melting ball of ice in front of me, with a gesture of my hand it flattened and split. Stepping on one half with one foot and the other half with the other, each part stuck to the bottom of my shoe as I continued running forward.

Leaving no footprints behind I levitated the water under my feet making them into platforms for me to step on at the right moment.

Making a direct path over the soft sand and uneven terrain I caught up to the brothers in no time.

"How did you–?" Kankurō asked me as I ran with ease. It only took a look downwards to figure out my trick. "Think you'll be able to keep up?" He smiled and challenged me with that remark.

"As long as we keep this pace." I retorted. I knew better though than to do that when I wasn't confident in my own condition.

The poem is the 25th verse from the Ogura Hyakunin Ishhu.

A/N: Sorry for uploading late. I got a job and I haven't been able to review this for a while.