welcome

Illusions
September, 1963: The Introduction

The days slid past one another, and there was finally a break in the oppressive heat as Summer begrudgingly gave in to Autumn.

Kakashi called Naruto on a Saturday morning – September 21st, according to his calendar – to let him know that Shino Aburame and his party had arrived, and had asked to be given the weekend to settle in from their long travel.

On Monday, the Twenty-Third, he, Kakashi, and Konohamaru arrived at the Waldorf Konoha (which most people just called the Waldorf), in their suits. Much to Konohamaru's chagrin, Ebisu was waiting for them when the elevator doors opened.

"I will begin the introductions in Japanese," he reminded them. "Bow when I indicate you should."

"Begin?" Naruto murmured as he and Konohamaru fell into step behind Ebisu and Kakashi, but Konohamaru had nothing to add. "What's the matter?" something pulled at Naruto's lips. "Your Grandma threaten you?"

"Something about severe consequences if I brought shame to the family…" Konohamaru tried to joke, but ended up swallowing and offering, "Yeah, it was bad."

Naruto had no time to reply; they had arrived at the suite. Ebisu knocked, and the door was promptly answered by a hotel butler.

A few murmured words, and they were ushered in.

Ebisu made the introductions, and the men bowed when indicated. They were invited to sit at a conference table that Naruto would bet had been brought up specifically for the group's use. Shino sat at the head, Kakashi sat at the foot, flanked by Naruto and Konohamaru, while Ebisu remained standing.

"It is a pleasure to meet you all," Shino intoned in barely accented English. "Why, you may ask? That is because, this venture has been greatly anticipated by both myself and those whom have sent me. Allow me to introduce my associates." He gestured to the gentleman standing at his shoulder. "Kō Hyūga is here as both my personal assistant, and an additional representative of the Hyūga clan. He was formally an assistant to Hiashi Hyūga himself, and is incredibly knowledgeable."

Kō gave a polite bow. "I am looking forward to working with you."

His pale eyes caught Naruto off guard – he'd never quite seen anything like them.

"Kiba Inuzuka is a member of the security team. His rather large companion is Akamaru. Both are highly trained."

"I hope that means housebroken," Konohamaru said under his breath, barely loud enough for Naruto to hear.

"It does," Kiba's smile was sharp and not strictly friendly. "We also have excellent hearing."

"Inuzuka," Kakashi's eyebrows raised slightly in appreciation. "I know the name from our K-9 training protocols. I'd heard the Inuzuka family had a longstanding history of raising and training guard dogs."

"You heard right," he put his hand on his dog's giant head. "Akamaru is one of ours."

"Looks like he is ready for winter," Konohamaru eyed the thick coat and large (LARGE) paws.

"The breed started in Siberia," Kiba snorted, the flavor of that land and the bite of its air in his accent. "He's always ready for winter."

"Moving on," Shino gave Kiba what was probably a look of reproof from behind heavily tinted glasses (which was largely ignored). "Last, but certainly not least is Hinata Satō."

Naruto was surprised when the woman – who must have been there the entire time, but had been so unobtrusive as to have gone completely unnoticed – stepped forward and bowed politely. She was not very tall; demure and professional from the top of her bunned hair to the tips of her low-heeled, sensible shoes. Her suit was well made but conservative, paying little credit to whatever figure she might or might not have had. She adjusted her glasses and looked up; her eyes were a nondescript color, but they were intelligent. Naruto had the distinct feeling that she saw far more than she said – or could ever be coerced to say.

"Ms. Satō is one of the curators of the Hyūga Collection. Should this installation go forward, she will travel with the collection and stay in Konoha for the duration. She will also inspect and appraise each of the items claimed as having hailed from the collection and validate or refute such claims as needed."

"A pleasure, Ms. Satō," Kakashi bowed his head. "Am I to understand you would be staying with us the longest?"

"Yes," she answered quietly, her eyes politely downcast. "If the installation goes forward, I will work at the museum, and stay at this hotel."

"Well, you can count on us for support," Kakashi offered warmly. "Hotel security is excellent, and the museum has already informed us they will provide transportation daily."

"That is a relief," her smile was small and amused. "I do not know that I am brave enough to drive in this city."

"I think you mean stupid enough," Kiba muttered none-too subtly.

Shino drummed his fingers on the table. "Ms. Satō is an expert in her field, and is arguably the leading authority on the Hyūga collection. If it comes that her safety is to be entrusted into your care, I will insist upon regular updates."

"Naturally," Kakashi nodded. "I understand you already have some engagements lined up?"

The remainder of the meeting was spent outlining the communications already solicited, as well as known engagements. Mr. Hyūga was clearly very organized, and had all of the information at hand, as did Ms. Satō. She occasionally peered at figures and names through her tortoiseshell glasses, but her writing was fast and fluid, even as she clearly added notes to herself as she went.

"I prepared a list for you," Kō handed Kakashi a list of dates and patrons.

"Thank you, Mr. Hyūga," Kakashi put it carefully in his file. "I appreciate your consideration.

"And are we to expect to meet this," Shino considered his notes, "Sasuke Uchiha as well?"

Naruto smiled to himself, imagining Sasuke's 'tch' of annoyance (which he would swear was indifference) at being spoken of in this manner.

"He is currently on extended leave," the Captain folded his hands on the file. "But when he returns, I shall be glad to introduce you."

"Forgive me," Mr. Hyūga interrupted, "but you have an appointment this evening, Mr. Aburame."

"Yes, thank you Mr. Hyūga. Gentlemen," he rose, and the visitors rose automatically with him. "Thank you for your time, but I am afraid I must take my leave. Why, you may ask? That is because, Mr. Hyūga is correct. We have a dinner engagement, and I do not wish to be late."

"We understand," Kakashi inclined his head. "We shall be in touch soon."

Ebisu made a few more statements before offering the appropriate pleasantries.

Konohamaru leaned back in the elevator.

"Well that was…. Interesting."

"True," Kakashi patted his briefcase. "You two will be busy on this one."

Naruto gave an absent nod as he stuffed his hands in his pockets.

Kakashi turned his head to him. "Thoughts, Uzumaki?"

"Too early," he admitted.

"Fair," Kakashi allowed. "You two are dismissed for the day. Go straight home, and do not discuss the meeting with anyone - Ambassador Sarutobi aside. He will be included on some of the finer points of this case and be considered as an official liaison with the Hyūga and any of their representatives."

A snort escaped Konhamaru. "Knowing Gramps, he already knows what is going on, and will tell me all about it."

"Also, fair." The elevator chimed, and Kakashi led them into the busy lobby. "Have a good day, gentlemen," he waved, and headed for the Main Street exit.

Konohamaru looked to Naruto.

"Guess I'll go over to Gramps' house. Do you want to come?"

"No," Naruto shook his head, checking his watch. "Thanks, though. I'm going to Yiorgos' and then head home."

"Alright - see you tomorrow, then!"

Naruto walked the familiar route to the subway, his favorite Greek place for carryout, and back to his apartment without much of a thought for the world around him. He kept mentally reviewing the meeting today, considering Shino Aburame, Kō Hyūga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Hinata Satō, in turn. There was something about the dynamics between the four that wasn't sitting right with him - like he was holding a picture and waiting or his mind to catch up with what was missing.

"Maybe Teme will see it," he mused, throwing away the balled-up foil and paper bag before pouring himself a nightcap. Cheered by the thought of working with Sasuke again, Naruto fell into a pleasant sleep – a better one than he had had in quite some time.