Scarlet Justice - ep. 103
"Naturals"

The week goes by at a comfortable pace. We are already touching upon the second month of this brave new year.

Everyone is busy around this time it seems, especially Hina who I haven't seen much of. Nami phones me every so often to say that there are frequent meetings and strange sorts of affairs at the Hyuuga estate, ones that she cannot make sense of. However, both Hina and Hanabi are none the worse for wear as a result. That sounds good enough for now, I suppose.

Fio is registered and tested for general ability. Even in her sub-optimal state, she immediately earns her wings as a chuunin, and is going to lead a small team of her own soon. Before that, she will be warming up with missions here and there. I have to wonder what sorts of characters will come under her command...but with her personality, she fits well with most anyone. I don't believe I have anything to worry about at all. She's also very helpful around the home, cleaning whenever she sees the need to and saving me a bit of work. A lot of time is spent curled up into a cute, fuzzy ball on the couch, sleeping to conserve energy.

She really is much too adorable to handle sometimes. I couldn't be happier with how things have turned out.

"Lili! Phone for you!"

"A moment, love." I step out of the shower on this lazy afternoon and wrap myself in a towel. "Who is it, by the by?"

"It's your sensei!"

"Hm...interesting. I wonder what Kurenai needs of me." I put up my hair, step into a pair of slippers, and exit the bathroom, taking the phone from Fio gently. She yawns and curls up on the couch so that she can nap again, nibbling on some of her hair. "A lovely afternoon to you, sensei. How are you today?"

"Just peachy. Been a while, yeah?" Kurenai says from the other end.

"It has been. Things are okay over here."

"Was that the new friend I've been hearing about?"

"Yes, that was my Fio. She's gone back to sleep for now, but we will have a round of introductions as soon as our schedules properly clear," I say as I pet her head. "I've just been reactivated, and I want to take care of a few things while I still can."

"Yeah, for sure. I can leave you to that. I'm a bit busy myself right now with some of these rotations, just wanted to check in and see how you were doing."

"Thank you for that. I'm starting to get back to my old self, don't you worry."

"Means I have more bullying to look forward to, huh."

I smile. "Exactly. Very exciting, no?"

"You would say something like that. Hey...I'm looking forward to it, Lili. Things aren't the same without you poking at me."

"I know. I've missed you as well, Kurenai. We'll talk soon. And get back into our little gym routine. Fio will probably tag along, too. She can't wait to get back into fighting shape."

"Sounds like a party. See you in a bit, Lili."

"Until the next." I press the button to hang up and sigh. "It truly has been long enough. Team Eight needs to come together soon, like we used to. I have a feeling the future will depend on it."

"...but that's how things are so far. So you didn't miss a whole lot."

"I see."

Today is as good a day as any to get myself reoriented with the village's workings. Ino happened to be free, so instead of a quick meeting, we've settled on tea and finger foods in the mid-town area. Things are continuing on the assumed trajectories from months earlier. Sasuke is still recovering, Sakura is settling into her 'new' self, and Naruto has been training a lot more with Jiraiya. Or simply training, it seems. Jiraiya is always out and about for some reason - I suspect that it's because of the Akatsuki threat. They are after the hosts of the tailed beasts as Itachi said, so extra vigilance is hardly something that I will complain about. Other than that, Ino says that it's largely been a normal, calm, and predictable start to the new year. Recruitment in the shinobi forces is up, we have a few more non-commissioned officers rising through the ranks, and of course there is that search for the Fifth Hokage that may never start in earnest. I have a feeling the old man will step down and throw his support behind me at some point. I won't be able to stop it, either. That sort of job...

"What about you, Lili?"

"Hm? Oh, just the new developments you've heard of...the incident with my father for one, and Fio's arrival in the village for another."

"I know you're not, like, shallow or anything...but she was not what I was expecting. Can't wait to meet her myself and see what pulled you in so quick." Ino grins. "I guess you have the central piece of your harem, then?"

"I wonder about that."

"Don't play coy with me, woman."

"Listen, I'm not." I take a sip of tea. "This...wasn't even planned. You know that she was the one who kept coming after me?"

"Was she? That sounds spicy."

"Quite stubborn, that one. Insisting that I'm not a terrible person, or that I don't have ulterior motives, all of that."

"So she saw right through you."

"..." I make a face. "I would rather you not put it like that."

"You would, yeah." She gives me a smug smile while sipping her tea, and I sigh. "Finding love is a good thing, Lili. You're happy, aren't you?"

"That much is an understatement. She fills me with joy. So much so that I can forget the tragedy that consumed me just a short while ago. I feel at peace when I'm with her."

"I am super jealous."

"You shouldn't be. You're a vibrant young woman yourself, Ino. If I can do it, then so can you."

"You'd think so, right? But...life has its quirks. I could end up alone, a tragic waste of beauty left to wander the barren earth until her dying day."

"Come off it," I say while rolling my eyes.

"It's happened! In fact, it's happening right now! Do you know anything about the Fifth Mizukage?"

"Mei Terumi. Yes, I've heard of her. I've been compared to her at some points as well."

"Yeah. So...she's getting to that age, you know? But it's an open secret that she couldn't get her hands on a good man if her life depended on it. Can you imagine? A leader of the free world and one of the strongest, most beautiful women on the entire planet...and she's single. Not 'cause she wants to be, either..."

"Unlike our Tsunade, who simply refuses to court a man."

"Right. So you see, it's possible that I'm in danger here."

"Again, come off it. You're not even sixteen. Go ahead and panic at that point, you silly bitch."

She chuckles and picks up a slice of cucumber. "It's really good to have you back, Lili."

"There you are. I was hoping that those directions were correct..."

I look back over my shoulder to see a familiar face. Long, straight brown hair and brown eyes. The standard chuunin uniform, clean and neat as usual. Futaba Azuma. What might she want with me?

"Got business with us, hon?" Ino asks her.

"Yes. Please pardon my interruption..."

"It's fine. Pull up a chair and help yourself to the snacks we have here. You like rice balls? Those are good."

"Thank you. I'm not hungry at the moment, but thank you."

"Well, just have a seat either way. We don't want Lili to get a kink in her neck looking up at you."

"Thank you." Futaba seats herself while I sip at my tea. Ino has a subtly amused look on her face, but says nothing and lets the silence drag on.

"So. What business did you have with me, Miss Azuma?" I ask.

"I wanted to ask...about your teammate."

"Which one? I have three of them, you know."

"I know. Just...sorry."

"It's perfectly fine. Which of my teammates did you want to know about?"

She takes a breath in and out before answering. "Shino Aburame."

"Ooh..."

I give Ino a look to silently hush her. But this is quite the development. "Shino. Whatever for, my dear?"

"I...I have a strange hobby. For a girl, I mean. And I thought that he might be able to help me out with it. I also figured that as his teammate...you know, it would be safer for us to arrange a meeting of some kind. Things like that." She rubs her shoulder nervously.

"You collect insects," I conclude.

"Yeah. I only have a very small collection right now, but...I've always been interested in them. My parents don't really know, they assume that the interest in bugs got left behind as I grew. I took to collecting books, and if anyone asked, I just said it was research for missions and related stuff."

"So you...wish to consult with Shino? Is that it?"

"S-something like that. Getting in contact with him, at the very least. So that we could talk properly. I...don't have it in me to approach him on his own, so suddenly. His personality...it's..."

"Difficult. He can be a pain in the ass sometimes, inaccessible. You have to spend a bit of time with him to figure him out."

"That's the truth," Ino chimes in. "Really good guy once you get past that weirdo barrier, though. Gotta be easier for boys. He's friends with Kiba, and...well, you know how Kiba gets."

"Did you want to pass me your information so that you could get in touch?" I ask. "I can inform him later this week of your desire to meet in the future."

"That...I would like that a lot. Thank you, Captain Kobayashi." She places her hands in her lap. The beginnings of a blush creep onto her cheeks.

"Very much fine. Here, I've taken to carrying these cards for such situations."

Futaba nods and takes the card from me along with a pen, then writes down her contact information. I take the card from her and put it into one of my pockets along with the pen.

"As said, I will have an answer for you before the week closes. Was there anything else, my dear?"

"Nothing. Thank you for hearing me out, and sorry again for interrupting your meeting."

"No trouble at all. Do take care, Futaba."

"I will. Take care, Captain." She stands up and bows before leaving. As soon as she's out of range, Ino hits the table with her hand and stares at me, mouth agape.

I can't help but be shocked myself. What...was that? It couldn't be what I think it is.

"Oh my god what the actual-"

"Never in a million years would I have considered it," I say with amusement. "Bloody fucking hell."

"The tea was about to evaporate right out of my cup. Oh my god, the absolute thirst."

"It might just be the hobby after all...oh, who am I kidding. She was bursting at the seams just now."

"Right?! I'm losing it, Lili. I can't believe that just happened. And I bet she thinks we're oblivious, too. I'm not gonna say a goddamn thing, but..."

"Yes, agreed. Not even to Shino. This has to play out on its own. Although...I am going to keep an eye out for my friend. She seemed like she turned over a new leaf when it came to Yuno, but I don't want Shino going through even a fraction of that. She's good as dead if she fucks with him."

"That's the way you gotta do it," Ino says with a nod. "But I think she'll behave. Took some courage coming up to you and asking that, honestly."

I fold my arms as she refills her teacup. "It did, yes. And as disgusting as she was that time...I don't think she's a bigot at her core. It was something learned, and she expressed a desire to unlearn it."

"Talk about irony, though. Straight laced turbo bitch thirsting after local bug boy."

"The heavens do have a sense of humour."

"Gotta love it."

I pop a spring roll into my mouth and chew. We really do live in interesting times, don't we...

"That should take care of it."

I wipe my hands after delivering the last of the lumber to its destination.

"Thank you very much, Madam Shinobi," the woman in cover-alls says as she approaches. "That should keep us until further notice. Though I didn't think we'd get an elite like you lifting and carrying."

"Equal parts boredom and benevolence, if you wanted an answer. Getting out to see the village like this never gets tiresome."

"Heh. You really love this place, don't you?"

"Very much, yes."

"Well, have yourself a cool drink here, and I'll send the pay over like you asked." I gently take the glass bottle from her and sip once. Ah, refreshing. It's been a while since I had some lemonade. "Probably won't need to hire anyone in the next few weeks, which will help my bottom line plenty."

"Good luck to you," I say with a bow. "And if you do need anything else, call for me directly."

"I might just do that, heh. See you around, Missy."

I give her a wave before leaving the construction site. Always good to give people a bit of help when they need it. A D-Rank mission or two might not meaningfully add to my resume, but they don't need to at this point.

As soon as I get home, Fio lifts her head from the couch and meets me at the front door. I hand her the bottle and she sips from it as I take off my sandals.

"Tasty!"

"It's the good stuff. If you like it that much, we can buy some for home. Have the rest of it, love."

"Really? I thought lemonade was easy to make at home," she says before drinking.

"Oh, it is. But there's a certain something about this particular brand. Plus, it's made here in the village. I know where the shop is."

"Always good to support your local businesses!"

"Exactly."

"How was work today? Nothing too difficult, yeah?"

"Nothing difficult at all. Just taking care of things within the village. Eventually I'll pick up something that's a little more involved."

"Taking your time is for the best."

"Yes. Are you hungry, Fio?"

"A little bit. It's weird...I don't feel super full, but it's not near as bad as it was before. Tsunade said those pills will help for a little while. She's working on making an actual solution outta some plants that are way out in the forest, usually."

"Hm. I might have to talk to her about that. But you're doing better now, Fio. That's all I care about." I step into the kitchen and take out the rice cooker. Dinner can be something simple again tonight. "Have you been drinking my supplements in the meantime?"

"Yep."

"Good. Simple things like that will help you along." The phone starts to ring. "Sweetheart, would you get that for me?"

"Sure can!" Fio bounds off while I get the rice grains and measure them out. Then it's a simple matter of rinsing in the sink before placing the rice inside.

"Yeah...yeah, she's in the kitchen. Starting on dinner. Yeah...you're sure? Okay. I'll tell her. Yeah, you too! Thanks! Bye-bye~!"

"Who was that, love?" I ask as I switch the cooker on.

"Kurenai-sensei again. She said that she wanted to have an impromptu meeting if possible."

"Over dinner, I assume."

"Yep."

"Well, fortunately this cooker here is one of the models that can manage itself. After the rice is finished, it will keep itself warm afterwards. We are able to move freely between now and then."

"We?"

"Yes. It's time to introduce you properly to my comrades, Fio. Is that okay?"

"Um..." She closes her eyes. "It's not any trouble, is it?"

"Certainly not. Did Kurenai say anything about the urgency of the meeting?"

"Nope. In fact, she said not to worry about it at all."

"Then it's settled." I wash my hands in the sink. "Throw on whatever you like. I'll take a quick shower and get myself into something more presentable."

"Okay, got it."

I take a half-hour to get myself ready, simply to be safe. Today's ensemble will feature a plain black sundress and heels for the evening. I add in the ring of pearls that I bought in Tanzaku Quarter a few months ago, and finally slip on my armband to signify that I'm out on business. An extra touching up of my hair, and I should be ready for anything.

"Are we all set, Fio?"

"Should be. Wasn't too sure what to wear...so I kind of winged it. Hope you don't mind."

I step out of my room to look at her. She hasn't rummaged too far through my closet and picked simple items, a pastel pink blouse and dark pants that stop at her ankles. Her hair is set into tails again, so I suppose that she's become comfortable with that style most of all. "A little conservative for you, but altogether fine."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure, darling. I know that you'll find your style in time. You did spend quite a while wearing nothing but rags, and a time before that with a plain enough family."

"I guess." She puts her hands behind her head. "You don't think I need to be more...girly?"

"You're girly enough." I kiss her on the cheek. "As I've said before, don't worry. The only person who gets to decide how much of a woman you are is you. Don't forget that."

"I'll try. Thanks, Lili."

"Of course, my love. So, are we finally ready?"

"Yep! Let's hit the town!"

I smile and lead us out, securing the premises before heading down the stairs and into the village proper. It's certainly been a while since I've been able to so casually stroll down these streets. Passers-by give us enough attention, directed mostly towards me, of course. It's more than enough to fuel any latent egocentrism inside of my head. Definitely Emi's influence...but I have to admit, I do love the thrill of it. Fio gave out the name of the place chosen earlier, and I can recall where it is...it's fine enough, but I think we can relocate to somewhere that's a bit more upscale for dinner.

"Here we are. Early, as always," I say to Fio. "One of the things that Mama is very consistent about."

"Emi sounds like a trip, around the world and back."

"To say the least of it. There...are some things I will have to clear up before we have you two meet, as a warning."

"That's fine enough, I think."

If I had a collar, I would be pulling on it quite hard by now. Forget telling her that I have a girlfriend now...she doesn't even know I'm a lesbian yet. Between having to put down my father and her almost being killed, there understandably hasn't been much of an opening to make that announcement. And I couldn't dream of telling her over the phone or by postcard...it's not something that I could handle. That woman deserves more from me. But I will tell her within the year, this I know for sure.

"Looks like spring's come a bit early this year. Not that I'm complaining any."

Kurenai, Hina, and Shino arrive together. Save for our gentleman friend, everyone is dressed fairly casually.

"We are changing venues. You haven't put in a reservation for us already, have you?" I ask her.

"Seriously? You're just embarrassed that you got dressed up for nothing."

"Do be quiet."

"Yeah, I'm right." She sighs. "Lead on, Princess."

"I shall," I say firmly, turning on my heel. "The venue is thankfully not far from here. Come." We head forward another block to the place I had in mind, slightly more upscale but welcoming to customers of all stripes. The host that greets us is polite and responsive. I show him the black card that comes from my thigh holster, and he nods before taking us to a quiet corner booth. The seats are coloured a crisp blue, blending nicely with the white and gold interior. Even the drink glasses have stripes of gold running across them. A quaint little place.

"Ah, lovely. Everything you could want is in this place, so don't hold back when ordering," I instruct as everyone sits down.

"It's been way too long. I should have remembered that you liked to go big, even for little dinner dates like this," Kurenai says.

"I hope I haven't been too much of a bother," I say to her. "I know that you have your pride, too."

She waves me off. "Nothing to worry about, hon. Just know that I'll be ordering quite a bit of alcohol on your dime."

"By all means. You do seem just a bit stressed."

"Just a bit. Anyways...we're all here. And with a new guest, to boot."

"I'm sure you've heard already, but this will be a good formal introduction." I nod to Fio and she nods back.

"It's really nice to meet everyone for the first time! My name's Fionne Asagao, and I'm Lili's gal pal! You can call me Fio! We met just outside of Leaf one day and really hit it off...before this, I was stuck as one of Orochimaru's experiments. He kidnapped me from the Hidden Rock...that's the short version, pretty much. But yeah, I'm happy to be here, and to meet all of you. Lili's told me so many wonderful things, and I hope that I can connect with you all like she has."

"We're really glad to have you," Kurenai says. "As you've heard on the phone, my name's Kurenai Yuuhi, jounin and instructor for Team Eight here. I pretty much just split duties with Lili now since we're the same rank and everything."

"She sells herself short sometimes," I say. "This woman is the most delightful partner."

"I appreciate you, but you lay it on thick sometimes."

"You see? Adorable."

"Sheesh. Listen, I'm around if you need anything. Since you're attached to our Lili, you're a part of us too. Remember that."

"Yes'm. Definitely," Fio says with a smile.

"Good!"

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Fio," Hina says. "My name is Hinata Hyuuga, a chuunin and member of the Leaf's noble Hyuuga Clan. My younger sister Hanabi is the clan heiress, you'll see her around the more you interact with us. Lili and I are sisters, and have been for a while. She's my best friend in the world, really. So hearing about you, and how happy you make her...well, it goes without saying that you have my support in whatever you choose to do. I hope you enjoy life in the village, and just as sensei pledged, I will devote my time to helping you in any way that I can."

"Thanks so much! You're just as awesome as Lili told me you were."

"Is...that so..." Hina smiles and blushes. "She really is too much. But I hope that I can continue meeting those expectations, Fio."

"A year or two ago, you would have never heard that kind of speech coming from her lips," I say. "Hina has grown considerably, and is a strong woman in her own right. Feel free to rely on her if I'm not available."

"Again, I wouldn't put it like that...but yes. I will be here for you as much as I can."

"Hmm...well, considering the season, I might call on you soon enough. Thanks, Hinata," Fio says with a smile.

"And of course our last member needs to be poked a little to get going," I say. "Your turn, Shino."

"Got it, Boss." He adjusts his glasses. "My name is Shino Aburame, the next in line to lead the Aburame Clan and chuunin of the Hidden Leaf. I serve as the Boss' right hand and use my skills to act as her eyes and ears within the village. If there is any information that you need right away, I will do my best to assist you."

Fio nods slowly. "Whoa."

"He's a bit on the chunni side-"

"The pot said to the kettle..."

"Hush," I say to Kurenai. "His active imagination has led to great results, and he is an invaluable member of our team. Strange in some ways, yes, but a friend that you can rely on."

"I'll certainly prioritize your well-being above other things," Shino says. "After all, you are important to the Boss, so you're important to all of us. As said before...my concise way of communication may cause a bit of friction. I apologize in advance for that."

"Hey, no worries! Everyone has their own quirks, you know? I like you already, Shino. Good to meet you!"

"Yes." He nods and I can make out a smile from the way his face moves beneath that collar. "Thank you, Miss Asagao."

"Fio's totally cool, you know."

"It'll take him a while to get used to that. You know, if he doesn't make up some weird name for you later," Kurenai says.

"Yeah? I wouldn't mind one of those."

"Another one of you? Should have seen it coming..."

"The time will come, Kurenai," I say to her. "I will provide the village with details about your legend-"

"For the love of god, do not."

"It will be swift and sudden."

"Great. Now I'll have to drink myself into a coma. You're actually the worst."

"And she's proud of it," the rest of us say in unison.

"Oi..."

"I want to see how everyone is doing today," I say. "Well, after we order our drinks."

Kurenai snorts and makes sure to order the most expensive wine they have, just to try and spite me. I make sure she orders a few bottles, since each of them comes with those fascinating gifts like limited edition glasses, cutlery, even watches. The rest of us order our various non-alcoholic beverages.

"Let's start with our beloved sensei."

"Ah, we're starting with the sarcasm early." Kurenai sips at her wine.

"Goodness, no. I really do love you to bits," I say.

"Hmph. Well...I've been pretty miserable the past while because of work. Paperwork, to be specific. Missions here and there, extra training...stuff like that just crammed in. Don't get me wrong, it's far from the worst thing in the world, and maybe I shouldn't complain too much considering where I stand. But...it just takes a lot out of you after a while, you know?"

"That much is understandable," Shino says. "The current era has been stressful for those elites who maintain the balance of our world. We all appreciate your hard work, sensei." Hina and I nod in agreement.

"I appreciate hearing that. Really. You're the best group of kids I could ask for. So I'll put in the work, and watch out for you for as long as I possibly can."

"We're going to be together for a long time," Hina says with a smile. "So we can help each other along the road of life."

"I'm very much looking forward to that," I say. "Shino, what of you?"

"Well." He clears his throat. "I have managed to expand my information network substantially within the past three weeks. I have also bred a new series of insects that carry the same hardening properties as the previous colonies, adding a significant level of fire resistance in the process. This means that while fire type attacks are still hazardous in large volumes, I will not be immediately taken out of battle by the rapid depletion of insects. Further research will of course be conducted to improve said resistance. Aside from that...not much of consequence has taken place, as far as I am concerned."

"Oh, very nice. As expected of my right hand. Well done, Shino."

"Thank you, Boss."

"As for things of consequence, well...that will change soon enough. I have a message for you, from an acquaintance of mine. Do you remember my mention of Futaba Azuma?"

"The young woman with a complex towards lesbians and non-binary persons? Yes."

"Very good. She expressed a desire to speak with you, regarding a certain hobby of hers. It's the collection and study of insects."

"Oh?" Shino's brow goes up, at an angle higher than I've seen before. Which to most people wouldn't be much, but I'm not most people.

"She was a bit hesitant on approaching you on her own, due to your...mm. Idiosyncrasies, so to speak."

"I see."

"Using myself as a medium, I have delivered her message. So, would you be open to meeting with her for those purposes? I have her contact information here, and I did promise an answer before the next week was upon us."

"This sounds like a set-up for a date, Boss."

I frown. "Shino. You know much better than that, love."

"Yes, Shino. I don't think Lili would set you up with Futaba of all people...I myself can think of much better candidates for your affections," Hina says. "It sounds like her desire to meet with you is honest enough, and strictly related to insect studies. Perhaps you should give her a try."

"I think so too," Kurenai says. "Not to mention that both Hinata and Lili would murder the bitch if she did anything to upset you."

"That much is correct. But there is no pressure here," I say to Shino.

"I see. It sounds harmless enough. Tell her that we can meet up at some point this week. She can come over to the house."

"Uh, Shino? Suggestion," Fio says delicately. "Inviting a girl to your house right away like that...not a good first move."

"How come?"

"It...would take a while to explain. I'm just saying, as a word of advice, have your first meeting in a neutral spot. You know, to keep everything even and junk. You don't want to startle the poor thing, you know?"

"Hm." I hand him a card with a copy of Futaba's information, and he nods while taking it. "That makes sense, somewhat."

"You can give her a call from tomorrow onwards," I explain. "I want to give her a proper heads up before you do so, so I will contact her tonight. Futaba is a nervous thing these days, and she wants to make a good impression with you."

"Understood."

"Good." That went...well enough. It might be good that Shino is so oblivious sometimes. "And last, but far from least. Hina, have you been well?"

"Yes, definitely. Brother Neji has been making sure to train me properly. And...I've become a bit closer with Naruto. Perhaps in a few months, we can start dating properly."

"Ambitious, aren't we? Very nice. We're all in your corner, since the two of you are terribly cute together," I say with a smile.

"Thank you, Lili."

"As for me...I feel much stronger than I was the last time we came together. I've been reunited with a precious companion, and started to overcome those nightmares day by day. Things feel...normal for the first time in a long time. I really will be better than okay soon enough. Thank you, all of you, for accepting me and helping me to heal. I love all of you so much."

"We love you too, Lili. You've been a light to each of us. Without you, we wouldn't be where we are right now," Hina says.

"She's right, Boss."

"What they said. Even this old gal has been able to fly a bit higher recently."

"Is that what Asuma tells you?" I ask.

"As aloof as he can be at times, he's got a good eye when it comes to these things. He's not the only one saying it either, which helps a bit," she replies with a smug smile.

"I'm glad that I could pass my blessings on to all of you. It makes everything worth doing."

"Just make sure you cap it all off right, yeah?"

"What do you...oh for fuck's sake, would you stop with that nonsense?" I grumble.

"Eh? What's got Lili all grumpy?" Fio asks.

"It's about that position...you know, the one with the big pointed hat," Hina explains.

"You mean Hokage?"

"Don't say it, idiot..."

"Ah? What's wrong with that? Being Hokage sounds super cool! Imagine, people you pass by every day and smiling at you like, 'hey, Lady Hokage!'"

I groan and put my head on the table.

"She doesn't think she's worthy," I hear Shino say.

"Eh? Eh? Not worthy? What? Lili! We're gonna have to have a talk about this when we get home!"

"Wine...give me wine..."

"No booze for you, Lady Hokage. Suffer as you are," Kurenai says.

"You bitch...I'll kill you for this...ugh." Unfortunately, even the bullies get bullied once in a while. I suppose this is one of those days. Annoying.

Fio rubs my head, and I can't help but smile wryly. I really do love these people, don't I...