*!*

Illusions
November 1963 - The Shift

November 22nd, 1963, the eyes of the world shifted to Dallas, Texas, and the assassination of President Kennedy.

There was an immediate and dramatic shift in the media; talk of the Hyūga Collection disappeared overnight, replaced by discussions of the political climate of the United States, and the Civil Rights movement. News stations replayed Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, while pundits discussed what this could mean for the tide of international politics.

It was a more somber shift into that year's holiday season, but eventually the newsprint and air waves began to carry happier tidings and the promise of cooler weather.

The Land of Fire was a nation of immigrants which meant a wealth of celebrations and solemnities to honor. The society columns filled with social events and sightings and goings on of the Who's Who. Naruto teased Sasuke mercilessly the first time he and Sakura were in the paper, but only days after, he (ostensibly as Ino's date) joined the two of them at a fund raiser, and his picture was in the paragraph ahead of the pictures of Hanabi Hyūga in Istanbul. The column recounted her global sightings - Rome, Paris, Rio, Monaco, London – and announced she planned to travel to Konoha after celebrating the New Year in New York City.

The papers would pick up on the news, but the local buzz about the collection never really left – as Naruto soon found out when he was dragged to social events.

"I hear you are going to help guard the curator," one woman wrapped long fingers with talon-like nails around his arm, batting heavily mascaraed lashes up at him.

"Sorry," Naruto gave a polite smile, "I don't talk work outside of the office, ma'am."

"Nonsense," she waved her free hand airily. "Everyone in Konoha knows. I hear you were selected for your bravery in the field."

"Now, now, Madam Terumi," Professor Sarutobi said warmly as he joined them. "You know Officer Uzumaki isn't allowed to discuss such things. "Have you spoken with Mei lately?"

"Still abroad," she sniffed. "Still available," she added with a squeeze of Naruto's arm. "She is my only comfort since my husband passed," she sighed, her free hand to her heart.

"I was just speaking of him with the Colonel over there," he nodded to a man across the room. "He is visiting from the Capital."

"And, he knew my husband?"

"A few years younger than him, I'm afraid," he stroked his chin, "but yes, he did."

"Well then!" she brightened, "I shall have to go introduce myself. Excuse me," she patted Naruto's arm fondly before making a beeline for the Colonel, plucking another flute of champagne from a waiter on the way.

Hiruzen looked up to Naruto.

"Better?"

"Much, thanks," he let out a shaky laugh. "Was she hitting on me for herself or for her daughter?"

"Yes," the old man smirked. "But don't worry. The Colonel will handle her well and kindly."

"That's been happening more, lately," he rubbed the back of his neck, "but never quite that – blatant."

"Ah, well. Madam Terumi had many motivations, but she also has a necklace her husband gave her, and claimed it was part of the Hyūga collection."

"Is it?"

"Time will tell," he drawled, motioning the waiter to come over with the beverages. "But many of those who want to see their pieces included were unable to sway Mr. Aburame. I suspect they are hoping someone like you or I might have some influence in the matter."

"That's just a disappointment waiting to happen," he snorted. "I have less than no say in the matter."

"Ah," the professor plucked two drinks from the waiter. "But Ms. Sato potentially does, and you shall be accompanying her. Here," he handed him a drink. "No alcohol. Keeps at least one arm occupied, and makes it easier to deflect others."

"Thanks," he took the drink. "So, you think they will try and influence Ms. Sato?"

"They'll try," he shrugged. "From what I gathered of the young lady, she has the utmost integrity, and they will be politely deflected. You may need to step in here and there – remind the others that she is no used to our forward culture."

"The girl that traveled with the dog guy isn't used to forward?"

"Yes, well," the Professor's eyes sparkled. "Half-truths are still mostly true."

Naruto took a sip of the cold, sparkling drink. "She isn't very comfortable around people, is she?"

"She is a quiet soul," the Professor mused. "But she knows what she is talking about. While I am sure she can handle whatever her job brings, it would not be a bad idea to circumvent what nuisances we can to allow her to only deal with what she must."

"Seems like the polite thing to do," Naruto glanced over to Madam Terumi who was monopolizing the Colonel's time.

"Quite," Hiruzen sipped his drink calmly. "Also, with news of the would-be-Ms.-Hyūga returning, I am not sure you can count on my grandson to be constantly in your company."

"He's actually supposed to intercept her, should she show up."

"She will," he said dryly. "Of that, I am certain. And she is not wholly without her supporters, even in this limited arena."

"Are you serious?" Naruto's eyes widened. "Even though she is clearly a fake?"

"You'd be surprised," he stared into his drink. "She can be quite convincing, and knows how to play people's feelings."

"You don't believe her, do you?"

"I met Hanabi – the real Hanabi – a long time ago," the Professor watched the carbonation in his drink. "I would love to believe she survived as much as anyone, but the evidence is strongly opposed."

"Maybe it is more that people want to believe than that they actually believe."

"And now you know how people function, at their most basic level," his lips twisted ruefully. "No matter how skeptical we are, Naruto, we always default to hope – whether to deny it or embrace it, but it is one of the strongest motivators there is. Love and greed, of course, but hope can be a tricky two-sided coin."

"I'll be sure to act as a buffer for Ms. Sato," Naruto promised quietly. "I can only imagine how she must see Hanabi."

"Yes," Hiruzen's eyes darkened. "I can only imagine."

"Naruto," Ino sashayed over, her smile bright, and her eyes merry. "Professor," she dipped her head to the older man. "Why don't the two of you come join us," she flicked her eyes to the Colonel and Madam Terumi.

Professor Sarutobi chuckled. "I appreciate the effort, my dear, but I am at home among the sharks. Take the good Officer here, and make a run for it."

"Got it," she winked, looping her arm through Naruto's.

With a hasty wave, he followed, muttering his thanks to Ino.

"No problem," she said quietly. "I know how things get around here."

"You okay with rumors about the two of us?" he teased.

"Well, we did get married as kids," she said loftily. "And since Sakura has moved on, I guess it is just you and me!"

"True," he nudged her with his elbow. "Lead the way, Wife!"

She rolled her eyes at him, but led him to a quieter, more exclusive part of the party, where she had control over who did and do not speak or attempt to speak with him. By the time the evening ended, she made sure he got to his cab, and kissed him on the cheek.

"I'll have your back at these things," she assured him. "You just focus on your job and Little Ms. Sato."

"Thanks, Ino," he sighed, tired. "You're the best."

"I know," she winked, closed the door, and tapped the top of the cab to signal him to leave.

Naruto waved, and then turned to watch the city of Konoha through the cab window.

"How will Ms. Sato do at these things?" he thought to himself. There was something about her that reminded him of a startled deer. You got the sense that maybe you shouldn't move to fast, or speak too loud, or she would scamper quickly out of sight. He thought of her large, brown eyes behind her glasses. There was a vulnerability there, despite all assurances that she was competent.

Maybe he was letting that miniature she'd sent him go to his head. Still, he was supposed to act as her guardian, wasn't he? And despite his years of experience and natural way with people, there had been some genuinely uncomfortable moments throughout the evening. No. Ms. Sato was quiet and polite in the extreme. She'd never speak up to get herself out of that kind of situation, so it would clearly be up to Naruto to help whenever he could.

His thoughts followed him through the whole drive, and up the sixteen flights of stairs into his apartment. He was distracted as he got ready for bed, occasionally scribbling in a notebook as thoughts came to him.

"Better talk with Ino and the others," he muttered to himself, as he made a few more notes. Tired from the evening, he set the notepad on the nightstand, and switched off the lamp.

There was nothing to see the smile on his lips, save the figure of Gambunta on the dresser, and an unopened bottle of gin.