Chapter 53: The Days Before

'Inner thoughts'

°Mind Link°

3 years later… in late March

Age: 21

・

3rd POV

Sitting by the entrance to a certain underground passage under the remains of the divine tree, two guards sat with naginata in their hands. Both protecting and waiting for their leader and the day that she would awake. It was still the beginning of spring and as such, they wore layers of warm clothes as they sat guard at the entrance. Luckily their wait would come to an end in a couple of days as another would take their place. 'If only the shifts were longer… then the empty-handed return of the next set would feel less melancholy.' The young woman told herself as she let out a sigh. With the warming weather of spring, they would soon see the cherry blossoms in bloom coming to the end of their turn.

Thump.

Perking up they looked deep into the cave, sure that they had heard a sound from within. Glancing at each other they confirmed that they indeed heard a noise from inside. Reading their weapons they stood up and carefully tread deeper inside.

Careful to not make too much noise they ventured deep until the soft glow of the lantern came to view. Rounding the bend they saw the collapsed figure draped in white clothes face down on the ground as their long red hair sprawled around them like vines. Almost letting out a gasp they covered their mouths to silence any noise that could slip out, out of habit, as they saw the figure of their leader free from her bindings. Dropping their weapons they ran to her with the younger of the two pulling her up onto her lap relieved to see the one they've been waiting patiently for finally wake up.

Teary-eyed the eighteen-year-old wiped her eyes overjoyed to have been present for her wakening. 'Your rule took me in…' The orphan girl laughed out of joy as she stared at the blue eyes of her village's leader. However, her laugh faded as it was replaced with worry. Looking up at them with an unfocused gaze her lips moved, unable to produce any sound. "Something's wrong." The young woman noticed as she held Uzushio's leader in her arms. "Yukino-sama, we're the caretakers of Tsukimi shrine." She told her.

The teal-haired man, noticing this as well, stepped closer placing a hand on the woman's legs focusing on something. "Her muscles are weak. Staying in that state for so long must have weakened them." Letting go he looked into his pockets pulling out a small flashlight. Turning it on he gestured for the young woman to hold her still. Moving the flashlight he saw the woman's eyes move and follow it. "Blink once for yes, two for a no." He said slowly, putting away the flashlight. "Do you understand?" She blinked once. "Was Kuzunoha-sama the one who put you to sleep?" Asking that she blinked twice. "Was it Haruko-sama?" She blinked once. Receiving that answer he looked up at the younger woman with a smile. "She's lucid. Chie-san, get the scroll and report to the shrine that it was a success."

"R-right away, Ayumu-san." Carefully placing the red-haired woman down the doe-eyed young woman ran back to their belongings at the entrance to look for the scroll that would send their message.

・・・

With the news sent back to the shrine Nori was the first to receive the news. Delighted, he raised his arms in the air, cheering quietly. Regaining his composure he headed to the plaza and to a certain office where his friend would be.

His friend in question, Kichi, looked over the papers in her hands looking for the answer with a binder before her as she sat on the coffee table to the side of the previous owner's office. "Why did I have to be the one to deal with the noble duties?" She asked the black-haired young woman who sat at the desk overlooking her share of work.

Looking up, Emi's emerald eyes stared at the Miko's hazel ones. "It requires your knowledge of the island Kichi-san, remember? That's why you took up this task so happily." She smiled as she explained, hiding the exhaustion she felt as she was used to.

"True." Kichi sighed resting her chin in her palm as she stared at the woman. "Even though I'm sixteen years older than you, you act more like what is expected of an adult." Kichi huffed, closing the binder before her. Walking towards Emi she put down the papers the woman held. "You need to take a rest. Look," She turned around to point at the binders that were organized into low bookcases by the side of the room. "The answers are all here. You can put this down for now and relax. This can be put off for a day." Seeing that the woman was about to formulate an excuse she shook her head holding her hand up to stop her. "Aside from that, I heard that your boyfriend~ came back from his mission." Making kissy noises she stared at the woman with emerald eyes who looked away to hide her embarrassment. "You want to see him, don't you? I know you do~" With a laugh, Kichi walked around the desk grabbing Emi's hands once they were within reach. Pulling her up she led her away from the desk she bound herself to.

Thud! Jumping in surprise they looked at the door where Nori stood after running the whole way here. Without wasting much time he closed the door behind him and pointed his hands at the windows, extending his chakra threads to them he pulled the curtains down. "Nori-kun, people speak on this island." Kichi jokes, reminding him of the same thing he said a couple of times before.

Furrowing his brows he dismissed what she said by the shake of his head. "The seal was a success." He told Emi as his vibrant purple eyes stared at her green ones. "Yukino woke up." He told her again as she showed no reaction. "Emi-san?" He asked, snapping his fingers in front of her face.

Letting out a chuckle, Kichi ran over to the door. "I'll go tell Ryota!" Closing the door behind her she left Nori to try and convince the woman that the news was real.

・・・

Once both Ryota and Emi received the news they headed to the remains of the divine tree. Stepping foot into the hidden entrance they met up with one of the guards posted there. Without saying much they were led below.

Sitting against the nearest wall Yukino listened with intrigue to what the young woman was saying. "A lot of things have changed in the three years that you've been asleep both on the mainland and back at home. So when we get out of here try not to get too overwhelmed." The black-haired woman, Chie, told her. About to explain more she stopped hearing the sounds of running footsteps. Cautiously she stood up picking the weapon that lay beside her. However, the moment she saw who had come down she relaxed her stance gesturing to her side. "I'll give you three some privacy." Quietly she shuffled back to the entrance as the two newcomers ran to the woman.

"Y-you fricking dummy. You know how long you made us wait?" Ryota said among his tears, pulling the woman into his arms.

"You missed so so much…" Emi wept, falling to her knees and hugging the woman as well.

"H-hey…" That small barely audible sound managed to leave Yukino's lips as they formed a smile on her face. The water she was given worked wonders for someone so parched. "Sorry… making… wait… so long…" Trying her best she managed to let out a broken sentence that still conveyed what she meant.

"Yeah, ok, but this seal had better be worth it." Ryota pulled away with a sniff and wiped away the tears on his face with his hands, smearing by accident the eyeliner he wore. Creating a mind link he connected both her and Emi together feeling that it would be easier for them to talk that way. °How are you feeling right now?° He asked as Emi still clung to her body.

°I can still feel in my arms and legs though it takes a lot of effort to just move my arm.°

°Well you were immobile for three years.° Beginning to calm down he pulled out a handkerchief and began to clean his face and hands. °What did you find out? I'll report it to the shrine for now.°

With a nod, Emi added. °They missed you, once they find out you woke up they'll be so happy...°

Looking down, Yukino weakly shook her head. °No, not yet. If they see me like this they will just worry even more. Especially the elders, worrying so much can't be good for their health. Also… there is something else I need to do.°

°And what is that?° Emi asked, hugging her tighter, having a feeling as to what it would be.

Feeling this increased in tightness her eyes looked at the back of her head with a look in her eyes as if she wanted to pat her back in reassurance. Unable to do so, she could only tell her what she needed to do. °I promised Tsunade and the Raikage that I would tell them what I've done. If I let more time pass it may worsen our case. I'm sure they've guessed by now that we're the Demon Foxes.°

Letting out a quiet sigh Emi nodded letting go. °If they intend to harm you I will have no qualms in kidnapping you.° Pulling away Emi held her by her arms showing something Ryota failed to notice as his vision was blurry when he held her first. Walking over he carefully grabbed Yukino, laying her down on the ground. Yukino curious watched as her friend took out a measuring tape from the inside of his lavender haori that faded into a crimson red.

Thus he began to measure as the two women stayed there in silence, Yukino who laid down thinking nothing of it and Emi who knew what the issue was. Letting out a sigh he shook his head. °Your old clothes won't fit you anymore.° He told Yukino with a sad look in his eyes, before she could ask if he meant all of her clothes he continued. °Even though your hips widened a bit your hakama pants should be usable but the fact that you grew a couple of centimeters taller means that they will be higher than what they should be, making it look a bit weird. Not even that, you can tell immediately that this kimono no longer fits you, your bust grew by two sizes making it too tight for you to wear. But knowing you you're probably fine with it.° Looking at her she looked away knowing he was right. °Not only that but your shoe size changed as well. Your old shoes won't fit you anymore.° Saying that a small gasp left her body, closing her eyes tightly letting a small tear slip away.

Emi, seeing the scene before her, reached for Ryota's ponytail and lightly tugged on it, producing a small yelp from within him that he tried to suppress. °If you're going to speak to the Kage you can't wear something like this. They'll think you are mocking them.° Emi voiced her opinion something the man beside her should have done considering the topic at hand.

°Ah, you're right...° Yukino trailed off in thought. °Konan gave me a shirt. I can wear that in the meantime.°

°You're right your chest should fit in it now.° Ryota said as he opened a portal to take it out. °I guess we should use your old hakama pants in the meantime at least until I find some pants and shoes to match your shirt.° He sighed knowing that both choices of clothes would not look right with each other. 'Wait. There is still something she can wear.' He realized.

・・・

Talking about clothes for a good while Emi joined in enjoying the lively internal conversation. Eventually, she realized something and opened a portal taking out a hand mirror. °Yukino, remember how your hair has been slowly changing over the years?° She asked before holding up the mirror in front of her friend.

Inhaling slowly Yukino wished to reach out for the mirror which reflected her new appearance. Staring at the familiar azure eyes she saw the sprawling blood-red hair around her. Her hair. Looking as close as she could she looked for the blonde strands finding none from her angle. 'Did it all turn red?' She asked herself. 'I'll have to take another DNA test to see how much I changed.' Noticing her bangs she realized that they had long since grown out, no longer sporting that familiar hairstyle she was used to. With a smile on her face, she wanted to laugh. However, that feeling was short-lived. Noticing that the subject of the Kage had been steered to something else she brought it back. °The meeting has to be in the Land of Iron. In the same place that Sasuke infiltrated. The place where the Fourth Great Shinobi War was declared.° Breaking the cheerful atmosphere her friends had built she shakily tried to move her hands. Noticing they helped and held her hands. °Please follow my next instructions… and invite one person in particular…°

・・・

Hearing everything Emi gave a nod knowing that the woman before her had most likely planned for this during those six months. °I'll tell the shrine and clan heads of your next move. I won't mention your current condition.° Remembering something else she gestured to the passage leading up. °I'll also return the guards.°

°And I'll send the message and take you to the nearest inn.° Ryota nodded confidently in the task he was given.

°Thank you.° Blinking slowly she said one last thing. °I'm feeling tired… night…° Closing her eyes she fell asleep once more.

Seeing this Ryota cut off the mind link and shrugged off his two-color haori. Crouching down he covered his friend before he looked up at Emi as she stood up. "I'll go back to Uzushio, I'll meet up with you both soon."

Giving a nod he sighed, smiling a bit. "But you missed this, didn't you? Working together as a team…"

"Hm." She smiled giving a small spin making her short black hair spin with her as well as her forest green haori. "It feels less stressful than office work."

Parting ways she headed back to Uzushio with the two guards leaving Ryota alone. "Geez… maybe once this is all out of the way your mother may finally relax." He sighed.

Placing his hands on his thighs he stood up. Stretching his bare arms to the dirt above he gave a nod. 'Alright. Time to complete my part.' Leaving the cavern the red-haired man took in a deep breath of the spring air catching the faint scent of the ume blossoms a bit away. With his mind clear he shook his head. 'Not even a day awake and she's back to work.' Letting out a sigh he chuckled. 'This is just like her…' Obeying her wishes he did the summoning hand seals, biting his thumb he smeared it on the palm of his other hand before placing it onto the ground. When he did he gave more than enough chakra for any fox available who could deliver a message.

Poof! Poof! Poof! Poof! Poof!

"What may we do for you, Ryota-san?" Five voices said in unison.

As the smoke cleared five little foxes appeared with a familiar face among them. Kneeling, Ryota smiled. "Yukino has a promise she wants to complete. My mission for you five is to go to the five Kage and deliver this message. If you wish to speak of the matter I brought up before the war began I will do so at the Land of Iron. I will answer the questions you have, as promised." He said what he imagined his friend would have said. "Also whoever is going to Sunagakure I will take you there since I know getting to it is hard due to the lack of forests and moisture to create fog." Hearing this they nodded and began to talk amongst each other to decide.

"I'll go." Kitaro volunteered. "I've talked to the Kazekage before so he should recognize me."

"We'll go to the other places then!" The quadruplets said at the same time turning their small furry heads to Ryota, their small bells ringing as they did. "Hey, hey. If the meeting will be in the Land of Iron shouldn't someone go?"

"I'll be going," Ryota told them. "Just make sure to deliver that message as I said okay?" He begged the small foxes. "Please, don't say anything else. Kitaro-kun you are in charge of this task." Giving a proud nod the small foxes poofed away and returned to Mount Inari to split off except Kitaro who waited for Ryota.

Konohagakure

In Konoha where the flowers were in full bloom for the season, the Hokage had been staring outside the window hearing the small yips of the fox behind him as they delivered a message. 'So she returned once more… I wondered when she would bring up what happened before the war.'

"Oh, my. Oh, my. I heard Konoha is where Yukino-sama was born…" Letting out a squeak, the small fox shut its mouth for a moment before ranting off everything in Konoha they heard about and wished to verify if it were true.

Turning around, Kakashi propped his elbows on the desk resting his head against his hands. "Where is she right now?" Avoiding the question the fox kept rambling off all the places she's been in Konoha that it knew off but not mentioning any place of interest. "I'll give you some dango if you tell me what she's been up to for the past few years." he offered.

"Dango? I heard Yukino-sama likes dango with some green tea." The fox said never answering his question as it continued rambling. Unable to get any more information out of the small fox he let out a long-drawn-out sigh.

Meanwhile, in the other shinobi villages, the other Kage faced a similar issue as the foxes would not remain quiet and any attempts to ask further questions led to more rambles. All except for one Kage who was trapped in a staring contest with a small red fox. Kitaro, saying what he needed to say, stared at the Kazekage in silence, conveying silently to talk to the other Kage to confirm that the other four had delivered their messages.

・・・

After a while of getting no answers, Tsunade arrived with Shizune as it was a topic of interest for the Fifth Hokage. Not long after her arrival, an email came in from the other Kage. All who wished to speak about their mysterious small guests. Once the televisions were set up it allowed the Kage to see each other and the quadruplets who were silent for the first time. Kakashi looked at each of the foxes poking their small faces on screen and let out a small chuckle. "As these messengers have said, Yukino Uzumaki wishes to give us an audience."

From his side, Tsunade leaned her body forward to show her face on the screen. "I will attend. She has yet to tell me of her movements outside Konoha and her involvement in Kumogakure."

A beautiful woman in her thirties spoke from one of the screens, inquiring about a certain detail. "May I ask why she hasn't said anything before if she is a shinobi of Konoha?" The Mizukage asked as she petted the small fox that sat on her lap.

Letting out a sigh she closed her brown eyes. "She was a part of the shinobi unaccounted for after the war. There were more pressing things to deal with at the time so I allowed it knowing she was still alive as Kakashi confirmed it." Looking back at the Sixth Hokage she backed away letting the camera focus on him. "Six months after the war she showed up in Konoha to resign her status as a Konoha citizen. Kakashi was taking up the office at the time and signed her renunciation forms as per the agreement."

"Agreement?" The Raikage asked rightfully so.

Before any of the Hokage could respond, Kitaro spoke, perking up the ears of the other small foxes. "The agreement from more than a decade ago formed between Uzumaki Yukino's aunt and the Third Hokage." Kitaro began surprising the Hokage present since they hadn't revealed information this important. "In that deal, the time limit was her seventeenth birthday and the condition was the capture of fifty shinobi from the bingo book. If the conditions were met she would get the option to either stay in Konoha or leave severing her ties to the village. Whoever won ended up with her loyalties." Kitaro ended by explaining the details of the deal so she wouldn't.

"Why would the Third Hokage agree to this?" Shizune asked from the background, intending for Tsunade to hear.

"When this deal was made she was close to reaching her eleventh birthday," Kitaro answered, hearing her even at her distance. "It was clear from the training we provided that she was easily moldable and receptive. Something he saw with the training he gave her as well. You saw in that war how she used her talents. Obedient and completing the tasks as given in short amounts of time. A medic capable of going into the field and fighting, coming out of it without a scratch. A medic-nin that never studied under you, Tsunade-sama. A made genius. Who wouldn't want a shinobi like that?" Explaining, he said what he had heard Kuzunoha and Haruko say. With a slight shake of his head, he scratched his head and returned to being silent. 'However, he made many mistakes, so the decision was decided upon by the time he gave her such a mission.'

"I see…" Kakashi sighed as he looked down at the open file before him that included only the details of the mission and nothing more. Not even a word of the training she was given. "I will attend. I signed the forms so I should go."

"I will attend as well." The Raikage spoke. "I need to know her real reason for being in Kumogakure. Seeing how even the Fifth Hokage wasn't aware of it."

With a smile, the Mizukage gave a nod. "I'm interested in this kunoichi, I will attend as well." Something which surprised the Hokage and Raikage. "I have time to spare." She chuckled.

"I will attend as well." The Third Tsuchikage said, "To hide their tracks from even the land they are from. Who knows if she infiltrated my land. There is also more I wish to ask."

Gaara who had remained quiet the whole time spoke up. "I have yet to hear why we are talking about her. Can someone tell me why this matter would require us to travel to the Land of Iron?" Hearing his question they realized he wasn't present the day she talked to them. Thus they told him what they knew including her participation during the Fourth Great Shinobi War. "I see… then I will attend. There are things I also wish to ask."

Before the meeting could be called to a close Tsunade entered the camera frame once more. "Seeing how she's capable of hiding for more than a year without so much as a word or appearance from her I request that one of us guide her to the Land of Iron to ensure she doesn't try to run away." Turning to look at the foxes that appeared on screen she asked Kitaro who shared the most relevant information so far. "Do you know where she is?"

"Don't know, don't know." The quadruplets spoke in unison and laughed. "We only deliver messages. Nothing more." Laughing, they talked to each other through the screens, interested in the technology. "We'll let you know when we're summoned again." They said before returning to their previous conversation. The more they talked the more you could see the exhaustion building up in the Tsuchikage and Raikage as their small voices began to ring in their heads.

Unbothered by this, the Mizukage spoke with a smile on her face. "I'll be her guide if there are restrictions. I'm certain you would object and choose someone else." Looking down at the fox she scratched it behind the ears, finding its reactions cute.

"Then we will return!" All of the foxes said but before they could Kitaro spoke up.

"Oh, before we return," Tilting its head, the small red fox looked at the Mizukage through the screen. "Where should we expect to wait for you? I assume it's at a port, correct?"

"Yes, we are heading to a port in the Land of Steam."

"I see, I see. They'll meet you at the nearest hostess bar." The two of the quadruplets responded. "Yes, Yes, meet you there. Kekeke…" Repeating the words the young foxes disappeared in a poof of smoke with their small laughs echoing in the minds of the Kage.

When the smoke dispersed the Kage noticed that one fox remained. Sitting on the Kazekage's desk the small fox bowed its head slightly. "Forgive us. This is their first time being summoned for something so important." Poof! Explaining the behavior of the younger foxes, Kitaro returned to Mount Inari.

Emi Ito's Appearance: Short black wavy hair with a green hairpin on her right side, a gift someone gave her since her hair kept falling forward when she looked down to do paperwork. Wears a brownish beige tank top tucked into black pants that reach past her knees. She wears wooden wedge shoes.

Ryota Uzumaki's Appearance: Messy short hair in the front with a long low hanging ponytail tied with a dark red string. He wears a semi-see-through black turtle neck top which he wears under a lavender haori that fades into a dark red. Wears black baggy pants, passing his knees his legs are wrapped in bandages reaching his black shinobi sandals.

Land of Steam

Stepping foot on the dock of a small port town in the Land of Steam, the Fifth Mizukage walked towards the nearest market street. Immediately she spotted a hostess bar with a special theme going on. Kitsune. Wearing fox masks the women standing outside giggled drawing in customers.

"M-Mizukage-sama?" Chōjūrō stuttered trying to look away but as the Mizukage's guard, he had to keep an eye on her, and therefore he was unable to look away. He had become more confident since the war but this was still an area that he was unfamiliar with.

"Mm." The auburn-haired woman hummed, "I've never been in a place like this before." Crossing her arms she let her Mizukage hat hang at her side. "Let's go in." Walking towards the establishment Chōjūrō followed behind her keeping his eyes at the back of her head.

Before she could even ask one of the masked women noticed her and covered their mouths to stifle a laugh. "Come in, she's been waiting." Gesturing for the Mizukage to follow, the masked woman walked inside heading towards the deepest part of the establishment.

Curious, the Mizukage followed coming to a stop before they reached the private booth. With a slight bow, the woman left them returning to the front of the shop so they could talk privately to the one sitting away from the other customer's eyes. Taking a couple of steps forward she reached for the tacky curtain moving it aside. At the sight before her, the Mizukage's green eyes widened with surprise.

Sitting in the center of the large curved seat was a woman with red hair wearing a white dress that covered her neck and chest but left her back and arms exposed. Munching on some fries, brazen-dressed women sat around her coddling her as if she was their child. "Look at you, you've grown into such a beautiful young woman." One cooed as she tied her hair up into a ponytail. Another nodded in agreement pulling at the long hair in admiration. "That red hair of yours resembles the color of the rose under this light." Laughing another added. "The bud we met years ago turned into a rose! We have quite a late bloomer here." Sparked by what she said, the first one finished tying her hair. "Let's celebrate! You're old enough now so I'll get the stronger sake. Oh–" Looking up, the woman saw the Mizukage and her flushing red guard. "Yuki-chan, your guides arrived." She turned back to the woman with a disappointed whine.

Looking up, the woman gave a tired smile. "Hello." She said quietly, her voice came out raspy as she had yet to get used to it. "Your journey must have been tiring… take a seat, the food here is great. We can depart once my friends return." With a smile on her face, she ordered some caramel ice cream.

The three women who sat beside her got up and invited the Mizukage and Chōjūrō to take a seat handing them a menu as they did. As one who handed Chōjūrō a menu, they leaned forward enough to display her breasts in his direct line of sight, making him tense up and go red. "Please, don't tease him…" Yukino sighed, receiving a look of relief from the blue-haired man. Seeing it she smiled and gave a wink. "You can the next time he visits." Chuckling, the woman stood up straight, placing the menu before him as his face retained that same red color.

After a while, the food arrived, surprising the two guides when they took their first bite. "My! I didn't think such an establishment would have food like this." Mei gasped looking over at the young red-haired woman who was reading a folk tale. 'Tsuru no Ongaeshi' She read, vaguely remembering the contents.

"Drinking alcohol increases hunger…" She explained simply before looking up. "Also, good food brings customers who just want a nice meal. Like it did to me." She smiled, placing her book down. Hearing something her head perked up as she turned to look at the two people who arrived.

Arriving at the table stood two well-dressed individuals with the man being the flashiest of the two as the other dressed modestly but with more style than that of her outfits three years ago. "We're back…" Ryota let out a sigh, closing his reddish-pink eyes. "It took a while but I found something to match that shirt of yours."

"We also bought a wheelchair for you," Emi added, bringing it forward. When she did she noticed the arrival of the Mizukage and her guard. Placing her hands before her she gave a slight bow. "We have been waiting for your arrival."

"We're her guards so don't mind us," Ryota spoke, focusing attention on himself as Emi helped her friend to the wheelchair they bought, "but as long as you two are tagging along we'll protect you two as well. I'm Ryota Uzumaki, this is Emi Ito. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Guards? Oh, were you two the students that protected her during the war?" Mei asked, remembering what was said years ago.

"Yeah, we were. If I remember correctly she protected you during the war from that large wooden statue thing." He remembered pointing it out hoping that it would lead to leniency in her case. Turning his attention to the red-haired woman he smiled. "Your chains were really helpful back then." Giving a nod in response he looked away and gestured elsewhere. "Anyways I'll take care of the tab." Leaving the group he headed to the front.

Facing the group Emi picked up the bag Ryota left behind on the floor. "We need to prepare before we head out. Enjoy the rest of your meal." Thus they headed to the nearest dressing room.

・・・

Wearing the blue shirt a kunoichi from Amegakure gifted her along with black pants and low heels they set out. With Ryota pushing her wheelchair, he placed a hat with a white veil on her head to cover her face. 'From the sun.' Ryota lied as the clouds lazily came and went, covering the sun every once in a while. But she allowed it, seeing the bright smile on his face.

Passing the outskirts of the town they reached the road quietly judging the bumpy road. At one point they began to feel the glances of a certain blue-haired shinobi. "What?" Ryota asked, annoyed at the other's inability to speak up as he caught Chōjūrō glancing at him.

"He's just curious as to why you're wearing makeup, that is all," Mei answered.

"That's all?" He asked, confused. "Well is it bad to want to look the best way you can?" He answered, passing the control of the wheelchair to the nervous man. Turning around he walked backward and continued to explain. "I have features I love and want others to see." Placing a hand tentatively to his lips he brought attention to them as he then tilted his head slightly drawing attention slowly to his red eyes. With a wink, he turned back around seeing the light blush in the other's face from the corner of his eye. "I will proudly wear these features that my family has been ashamed of revealing since my grandmother's time." He narrowed his eyes as he reflected on something his mother confessed to him not too long ago. 'I have an aunt out there… but with all the time that's passed is she even still alive?' Putting on a smile he shrugged. "Aside from that, it makes my job easier to spot the pervs and break their fingers. Doing the ladies a favor. Right Yuu-chan?"

Giving a quiet nod she spoke. "You always looked better than me. I was a bit jealous back then."

"Oh," the man said, glancing over at the Mizukage he saw her looking off to the nearby trees pretending to have lost focus. Feeling slightly nervous his grip tightened on the handles of the wheelchair. "D-do you think I can do anything to improve my appearance?"

Caught off guard Ryota nearly choked on the air he breathed in. "Nah, you look fine." He waved his hands. "You don't look like the flashy type so your current style suits you. That sword, although bulky, actually suits you…" He hummed in thought and nodded, setting up a mind link. °There's not much that I can do to improve his appearance. He looks a bit dorky with that stubble on his chin. From your memories, he looked cuter during the war. I don't want to be mean and say it so I leave that to you.° Cutting it off he looked up sensing something from the Mizukage. Sharing a look with Emi she blinked in agreement. "We'll scout out the road ahead and scare off any bandits or whatever she's in your care!" He said as he and Emi ran ahead giving the Mizukage the privacy to ask what she wanted.

Giving a slight wave Yukino remained quiet as she played with the necklace she wore. One which surprisingly survived for three years. Noticing this small act the Mizukage let out a quiet hum.

"Since your surprise entrance to our discussion meeting, Yukino-san, I wonder… what took you until now to hold this meeting?" She asked, noticing as the other woman stopped playing with her necklace. "Was it a lover perhaps?"

Hidden by the veil she could feel the smile under it. "I haven't had one for more than three years… ever since illness took him." She managed to say, as a sigh escaped her. "Though that would have been a good reason…" Pulling a hand out from under the veil she reached for the hat she wore and took it off her bright blue eyes staring at the Mizukage. "What about you? A beautiful woman like yourself surely has a lover…" The moment she said that she sensed Chōjūrō tense up and a quick look at the Mizukage's face she noticed the shadow looming over her eyes. Putting on a smile she clapped her hands together. "But you know… the right man for you might not be from your land," saying that the woman beside her perked up interested in what the other had to say. Knowing this she kept talking, putting the veiled hat back on to hide her face and the emotions she may show. "But sometimes all you have to do is stop looking and you may find them… Then again how would you find them if you don't look?" She asked herself, seeing the contradiction. "All this talk about love just reminds me of something Ryota said…" With a smile, she looked up at the lazy clouds above. "I just want to wait for the right one for me… although he's flirty at times he's quite the romantic at heart." As the wind blew gently it brushed away the veil showing the other woman her genuine smile. Feeling her stare, Yukino turned her head to the Fifth Mizukage. "Remember that lover I mentioned? He was from a land different from mine." She said with some truth in her words looking ahead in the direction her friends went. 'I'm no longer a citizen of the Land of Fire but the Land of Whirlpools. I severed that connection years ago. I can't rely on it to get off easy…' Since before she woke up her plan had been put into motion.

Meanwhile…

Butting with the handle of his sword Ryota took out the last road bandit. "That should be the last of it right?" He asked, turning to Emi as she looked over the memories of the ones he took out first.

Standing up she gave a simple nod securing the ropes once more. "That was the last of them, we'll report them when we reach the next town."

"The next town…" Hearing that he closed his eyes remembering how far it was from where they stood. It was during that moment that something he forgot returned to him. 'Shit. I knew I forgot something. I forgot to buy new clothes for Yukino. If we're going to be waiting over there for a couple of days she will only have this set of clothes.' Sheathing his blade he turned to the black-haired woman beside him. "I'm sorry you were right, I forgot to do something else."

Hearing this a small smile formed as she let out a sigh. "Let's go back, we can come up with an excuse for you to stay behind."

Hearing this his face glowed. "Thank you so much! Let's go back and tell them!" Grabbing her arm he ran ahead pulling her with him. It didn't take long for them to sync their speeds when he let go by the time they reached the trees.

・・・

Jumping from branch to branch they jumped into the road sensing their friend. Stopping before the group of three he sighed noticing that they traveled that far. "It'll take us weeks to arrive at the Land of Iron at this pace." Saying that an idea struck him as he raised his arms. "Welp, I guess we have no other choice but to use that if we are going to get there at all."

Without being told to, the red-haired woman caught on to what he was implying and covered her eyes with her hands. "Why are you covering your eyes?" The Mizukage asked.

"It's so I don't accidentally look…" She managed to say.

Catching on Emi walked over and stood behind the group marking the end of the circle for her red-eyed companion. When she did she explained to the two who accompanied them. "There's a chance you could lose your sight with the following technique if you see its light. I rather not take my chances if I wish to continue serving Yukino to the best of my abilities." She smiled and covered her bright green eyes as well.

Ryota, looking at his two friends, noted the hesitation in the other two and spoke up. "Ok, I'll be performing it now." Doing some random hand seals, Mei and Chōjūrō quickly closed their eyes, allowing him to activate the Getsugan. Using his friends as a reference he opened a circular portal below them to the Land of Iron.

At the speed of one snapping their fingers, the ground below all four shinobi vanished as they fell through to the other side. The moment they passed through he closed it ensuring that they wouldn't see the real trick.

Left behind in the Land of Steam the other four all fell into the leftover snow in the northern land home to the Land of Iron. Falling onto the snow Yukino luckily fell backward into a pile of snow near some trees giving her a good view of the pine trees overhead and with this view she was the first to break the little spell that was cast. "It's safe to look now." She told the other two who opened their eyes to brush off the little snow that remained.

Giving a quick look around the Mizukage noticed the absence of the other red-haired person in their current group. "What happened to your companion?"

Emi quickly came up with a lie and stood up from the snow unbothered. "The technique can only transport others but not the user. It takes a lot of the user but considering the importance of this meeting, it couldn't be helped. We might see him in a few days… maybe more, it depends how long it takes him to make the trip." She explained as she walked over to her friend and pulled her out of the snow.

"Mizukage-sama, I can see the building ahead," Chōjūrō spoke as he spotted a familiar structure through the small gaps in the branches. Without wasting any more time the group of four quickly headed out of the woods and towards the building. Half of them wanted to get out of the snow while the other half wanted to confirm if they really had traveled such a long distance so quickly. 'Kumogakure's Heavenly Transfer Technique was dangerous with the possibility of even killing a person but for us to suffer no more than a simple tumble… is this how they were able to travel so quickly through the battlefield?' The Mizukage questioned looking over at the two women who calmly walked ahead. 'My… how many more secrets do you hide?' Keeping her thoughts to herself she opted to watch.

Within minutes of walking, they reached the first outer wall that surrounded many others leading to the pyramid-shaped structure in the center. "Mm. It seems that we are the first to arrive." Mei sighed hearing the surprise in the guard's voices at their arrival since they were always the last to arrive. 'I can see why the Tsuchikage is always so proud. I could get used to this feeling.' Allowed entry into the building they were soon led to the guest rooms to await the arrival of the other Kage.

Having little in their person, both Kiri shinobi followed the person of interest for the meeting to the small room she was given and watched as she settled in the small room. As she watched her a samurai walked by catching the Mizukage's attention as the conversation she had with the red-haired woman an hour ago came to mind. 'Men from other lands…' Turning to look into the room she asked the two women who were staring out the window a simple question. "I assume you know you can't leave until this ends, don't you?"

Looking at her she gave a simple nod. "I know." Turning back to the window she began to point at a few things with her friend.

Seeing this Mei walked out of the room with Chōjūrō following behind her. Once they were in the hall she stopped. "Oh, Chōjūrō?" She asked.

"Yes, Mizukage-sama?"

"I noticed how her voice sounds a bit hoarse, do help her get her voice back before the other Kage arrive." She asked him, silently telling him to keep an eye on her for anything odd.

"I'll do my best Mizukage-sama." He said, giving a nod before returning to the room once more. Knocking on the door both women looked at him as one of them held a stringed instrument in her arms. Before he could say anything Emi walked over handing the shamisen to him.

"I'll go get some honey for your throat." She said turning to her red-haired friend before turning to him and gripping his arm. "Chōjūrō-san, I entrust her to you once more. Keep her safe." Letting go with that warning she quietly walked out of the room.

Left alone he looked over at Yukino and held up the stringed instrument confused. "What am I supposed to do with this?"

"Do you know any songs?" She asked, seeing as he shook his head in response she knew of another exercise. "Then play a chord… I'll try to match it."

Days later…

Yukino's POV

Sitting in the guest room by myself I played slowly with the strings of the shamisen in thought thinking of home. 'I should have checked how much of the geography changed once the war ended. I hope the Land of Fire's coast didn't change much… it is detrimental to Uzushio's isolation.' With a sigh, I closed my eyes remembering how years ago the closest port town to the Land of Whirlpools was closer to the Land of Waves and the peninsula southeast of the Land of Fire than directly across from it.

That was due to the steep coastline stretching alongside most of the central east side of the Land of Fire, adding to that the sea below is littered with sharp rocks that protrude from the water making docking hard. Not only that but the maelstrom and whirlpools on that side make sailing hard. However, I was thankful for that. Due to such harsh conditions, it meant that the sea was avoided. Not only that, without the benefit of the sea and the resources it could provide, people rarely settled near there leaving only the trees and wilderness to look towards the sea. Something I had to learn on my search to reach the island years ago.

'That would explain why I was able to buy that island rather easily… it's close to the sea no one wants to venture into. Still… thanks to all those maps in the cursed library we know that there are safe routes through it.'

Lost in thought I flinched when I heard the door open behind me. Turning to look at who it was, I smiled seeing Ryota for the first time in a few days. 'I guess I'll ask later… if there was a problem they would have told me.'

"Sorry I took so long…." He sighed as he put down the bags he held on the bed. "It was harder to find clothes made of good materials than I expected. Not to mention that the samurai at the gates wouldn't let me enter. It wasn't until the Fifth Mizukage came that they let me in. Also, I think I caught sight of the Third Tsuchikage on my way to the room…" As he talked I looked down at my body in thought as the subject of clothes came up.

Feeling a familiar sensation in my head, I heard Ryota's voice. °Are you ok?°

°It's weird.°

°What is? Is it the wheelchair?° He asked as he walked over, taking the instrument from my arms and placing it on the bed. °Do you find it uncomfortable?°

°No,° I shook my head. °When I close my eyes I know and feel that this is my body but when I look down it's different from what I remember.° I sighed. °I guess I need time to get used to the fact that my body looks like this now.° Looking up at his worried eyes I looked back down and shook my head. °I'm… I'm still trying to let it sink in that it's been three years. When I was under that seal, it didn't feel like three years…° Closing my eyes, I could feel his eyes on me. 'All those months of fighting that I witnessed… those mixed thoughts I had to listen and separate…'

°Don't open your eyes,° He told me as I heard shuffling before me. Then I felt something cold touch my pointer finger making me flinch. Hearing a stifled laugh I sighed, catching the strong scent of something I knew well. Certain of what he was doing I waited quietly letting him concentrate. After a while, I heard the one word I waited to hear. °There.° Opening my eyes I saw the proud expression he wore as he kneeled before me. Looking down at my hands I saw the rosy pink nail polish that covered my nails. °Now you have something familiar to look at. Just like back then your nails remain the same color.°

Feeling a smile bloom on my face I stared at my nails and the light they reflected. °Thank you.°

°I have something to ask you.°

°What is it?° Placing my hands on the armrest to let the nail polish dry. I looked up at him.

°How can you stand having things sealed in your body? Doesn't it make your skin crawl?° He shivered at the thought.

°I guess it doesn't… I think I got used to it because I just never focus on them. That or I got used to it because of how many times I've done it.°

°You're so weird,° He sighed as he shook his head when remembered something. °You know… I tried to seal a tanto on my arm when you left. I saw how handy that trick would be but when I did it felt so weird it made my skin crawl. I couldn't stand it and removed it.° He shivered. °And I'm not the only one, the shinobi back home caught wind of what you did and tried it themselves. It was a trend or something for like a month. Either way, a survey was taken, and most felt discomfort like there was something heavy inside them, some were like you and didn't mind the feeling, and others couldn't just stand it. They said that the feeling was horrible even so far as to say that it felt like needles piercing their skin.°

°Really? Honestly, I never met anyone else who sealed things within themselves. I started doing it when I was younger because I found it more convenient than carrying a scroll around.°

Staring at me with a 'are you serious?' expression he let out a small chuckle. °I should've known that was how it all started.° Letting out a sigh he sat down on the floor and stared up at me. °You know something interesting that came from that survey?°

°What?° I asked with intrigue.

°Those from the Uzumaki clan felt the least discomfort compared to everyone else. I guess you're part of those few whose bodies just feel comfortable having things sealed within themselves. Maybe the bodies of the Kyūbi's first two jinchūriki's were like that…°

°Who knows it's not like we have their diaries.°

°Yeah,° He laughed as something came to mind. °If they existed Kichi-san would be all over them.°

°She would, wouldn't she?° I giggled as I remembered the shrine maiden who would gladly throw herself at old scrolls, to read through passages of forgotten times. 'I hope that with my absence she still had time to indulge in that passion of hers.'

"Hey," Se perked up as an idea came to him. Standing up he patted his clothes. "Why don't we take a stroll. We may see how your old samurai buddies are doing."

Agreeing to his plan we began to move out of the room. "They were at another base. I'll be surprised if we do see them…" I sighed remembering my floormates. 'I wonder if it would be weird to ask Ryota and Emi if we could host a slumber party. Then again… we always slept in the same rooms so I guess we have been doing it…' As we walked we were in awe at how much snow there still was left outside. "It's spring right?" I asked him.

"It is but it sure doesn't look like that here. I guess that's what happens in a land that's so up north." He said looking ahead before pushing me along. He didn't take three steps before he stopped. "Oh, hey look, isn't she that kunoichi from Kumogakure?"

Looking ahead I saw Karui wearing a familiar annoyed expression on her face. Wearing a white cloak I could tell that just arrived. Remembering what she did to Naruto I put a smile on my face. "Stop here," I whispered. Without telling him he walked back to watch things from around the corner. Looking back at Karui I caught her eye and I beckoned her over. As she stood there I could see the confusion in her face as she tried to place a name on my face. "Wait… Yukino? Yukino from the botanical department?" She asked, finally recognizing me. Nodding I kept waving for her to walk over. Luring her until she was close I grabbed her arm and pulled her close enough for me to slap her. But a gentle one as my strength was still nonexistent as a toddler could give a harder slap than I just did.

"What the heck?! Why did you do that?" She backed away in surprise.

"I'm sorry? Repeat that." I put my hand to my ear.

"Why. Did. You. Slap. Me! Are you deaf?"

"No, I should be asking you why you punched Naruto bloody. You know who tended to those wounds!?" I asked her. "It was me! Do you know the fright that gave me when I saw it?"

"What's Naruto got to do with you?"

"He's my friend?!" I raise my hands in the air. "Then I hear that he willingly let himself be beaten up by you!"

"Okay…" Ryota came and pulled my wheelchair back. "Easy there. I suggest staying a bit back. She may not be able to fight properly right now but I wouldn't put it past her to bite." He sighed.

Staying quiet Karui let out a sigh. "Okay then." Squatting down slightly she closed her eyes. "That slap was weak. Make it even."

"What, no! I just wanted to remind you that punching people bloody out of anger is never good. I heard you did that once when someone insulted Killer B." I sighed remembering the rumors from when I was back at Kumogakure.

"I still punched him, so slap me!" She grabbed my arm and held it up.

"No! Once was enough! You learned your lesson." I tried to pull my arm back but couldn't. While I struggled weakly I could hear Ryota stifle a laugh as he watched my futile struggle. Giving up I sighed. "You're too impulsive as always. This is why B's parties get discovered." I laughed trying to catch my breath.

"Hmph. It was Omoi's fault. He keeps mumbling on and on about the worst-case scenarios. Talking about the exact place it was being held and how multiple things could go wrong. Who wouldn't know."

"But you also didn't care enough to hide the decorations. I remember you just walking into my office and hiding things there the first time we met." I laughed as I remembered how laid back she is. "It's been almost a decade since then…"

"Has that much time really passed?" She said in disbelief resting her hand on her hip in thought.

When she did she pulled on her cloak slightly, revealing something interesting. Wide-eyed I reached forward and pulled it open thinking my eyes had deceived me. Staring at her baby bump I looked up at her in surprise. "You're pregnant!?"

"Oh, right I forgot about that." She sighed looking down at the bump. "I'm three months along I guess."

"If you were, you shouldn't have come. You know how far we are from Kumogakure don't you?" I sighed. °The pot calling the kettle black.° I heard Ryota say in my head. Ignoring that comment I continued talking. "Either way you should rest. I think some of the Kage are still on their way. If they have yet to arrive tomorrow then let's talk." Parting ways I returned to the room once more.

3rd POV

Upon returning to the guest room the two redheads noticed Emi sitting on the bed holding a thick envelope. Pushing his friend inside Ryota checked the hallways before closing the door.

"What's that?" Yukino asked, startling their friend who seemed lost in thought.

"O-oh, this is for you." She stuttered, hearing this she cleared her throat slightly embarrassed. "I thought that if you were to make an album these would be the kind of pictures you would put inside or frame." Handing over the envelope to her friend she pulled her close so she could see her reactions.

"Thank you. With everything that's happened, I guess doing that flew over my head." Giving an apologetic smile she looked down at the envelope as Ryota walked over to see what Emi chose. Opening the envelope the first picture she saw at the top was the family picture the foxes of Inari took when she was six.

"There are older pictures than this one but they have their album already." Emi reminded her of the Uchiha album the Anbu had selectively removed her pictures from. Giving a nod she took out the pictures one by one seeing some she never saw before.

Ryota giving a proud smile explained. "I asked around Mount Inari and it seems that more than a few of the foxes there took pictures of your younger days." Pointing to one of the pictures it showed two blond-haired kids passing by a festival stall together with masks to the side of their heads. The angle was a bit off showing the one who took it did so secretly to avoid detection. Not sure how to react to the news, she was grateful to have a memory of the occasion since the excitement of that day made it slip from her mind. 'Should I worry about what other types of pictures they took?' She asked herself.

Doing her best to maintain her composure as her two friends present watched her she flipped through the pictures. Stopping at one she saw herself and Hinata eating Valentine's chocolate in one of the academy's balconies. Remembering the day she kept flipping through them seeing her childhood in still moments in time. Once her younger years passed the sneakily taken pictures stopped as they became pictures she began to take. Seeing the pictures of the two friends she smiled as she continued flipping through them seeing one taken at the hostess bar as she learned alongside Ryota. Then it kept changing, showing life in their developing village. Flipping through them it showed a group photo with her and her students.

Then she saw one of the most recent ones. Standing in the wedding dress she wore for the presentation she stood alone under the ginkgo tree as she stared at the camera with a small smile. One of the many pictures taken that day for the shrine to use as a reference. 'If they still have mine that means they still have the one with me and Itachi in it.' Thinking that her face heated up as she glanced up at her friends.

"Don't worry," Ryota laughed. "We made copies so you have the original pictures in your chest back in your storage space."

Giving a nod Emi added, "Another presentation was made with the original two who were supposed to go. So their pictures are used by the shrine now." Relieved she kept flipping through them seeing one of all three of them before they headed out to join the war. After that, the last picture came up of all three of them coming back to their home all beaten up and exhausted.

Emi, staring at her friend who smiled while looking at the last picture, looked outside with a worry of her own. Letting out a quiet sigh she got off the bed. "Yukino, aren't you worried that they may choose to execute you?" She asked, leaning over her friend so the other wouldn't attempt to dodge the question. "You know what happens to shinobi who know too much."

For a moment her blue eyes revealed surprise as she had hoped to not worry them with that possibility. Letting out a sigh she placed the pictures she held on her lap. Propping her arm on the armrest she leaned into it resting her face on it. "If that happens," she lowered her voice, "I'll reveal to them my pregnancy… I'm certain Tsunade will come so she will be able to confirm it. Hopefully, they will give me a year." Remembering something else she looked at Ryota who he gave a nod encouraging her to tell their black-haired friend. Closing her eyes she tapped her head knowing it would be best to show her. "Emi there is something else you should know." She told her since she knew her first greatest secret. °As you know… I wasn't born like everyone else but I failed to tell you that I won't die as such either…°

・・・

Telling her friend of the forbidden technique, Shinigami's Candle, her guardian had placed on her Emi was reasonably shocked. Unable to restrain her curiosity she couldn't help but stare at her friend's left ankle and the vine-like rings one would mistake for a tattoo. Finding it hard to believe she chose to believe the other's words nonetheless. °I see… that would explain your suicidal nature.° Was the only thing she could say after hearing all that. Ryota, hearing this nodded in agreement as he had known this secret for the longest time.

Wanting to argue, Yukino couldn't deny it as it matched her plan. °Yeah… either way back to what I was saying. IF. If the choice ends up being execution, I know you two will argue against it but in the end, I want you both to accept the decision. I want you both to cry as if I had really passed but I need you both to act fast once the execution is carried out. After a couple of minutes of my death, my body will begin to break down and reform elsewhere so I want you to cremate my body in front of the Kage so there is no chance in their minds that I'm alive. When I reform I will be in one of Uzumaki temples, I won't have my memories at first but they will come back. Show me these pictures and show me a mirror. Explain to me everything as best as you can, since my mind will regress to whatever age my memories are at.° Holding their hands tightly she gave a solemn smile. °When this is done, we will all be able to finally start anew back in Uzushiogakure.°

Next day

Sitting in the lobby Yukino and Karui talked of their shared past while Emi and Ryota sat off to the side playing a game of shogi. "Karui," Darui said, drawing the woman's attention.

"Hm? Oh, Darui-san." She said as he walked over.

"I'm sorry but you have to stop talking to her. What if they consider you an accomplice?"

The woman in question sat right in front of them and gave a small lighthearted laugh. "If that happens I'll take the blame."

"Oh, so the trial is about you huh." The Kumo kunoichi asked. Giving an awkward nod Karui was silent for a while before just shrugging. "Whatever, if I haven't heard about it until now then the punishment can't be severe. Orochimaru was the worst there is in the Shinobi world but he's still alive."

Letting out a sigh, her former comrade let her do what she wanted. "Just be careful." He told Karui before he left the lobby. Leaving only to eavesdrop a bit deeper into the connecting hallways as ordered to.

Left alone as best as they could be in a lobby that was connected by multiple halls Yukino chose to pry. "So… I've been meaning to ask who's the lucky man you married?"

"Chōji Akimichi. He's from one of the four noble clans of Konoha." She answered giving a brief explanation.

"Chōji?" She asked with surprise as she looked through her memories. "I barely talked to him but from what I heard he's a gentle soul. I'm sure he'll be a kind father." Hearing this Karui looked at her stomach and smiled, giving off a light glow as she placed her hand over the bump. She didn't say anything but she gave a nod in agreement.

Staring at her Yukino smiled, radiating her own glow of joy and sadness at seeing the other's happiness. Feeling a sharp jab in her chest she closed her eyes feeling envy nest itself in her heart.

Standing to the side Darui's face reflected surprise as he stared at the woman that was labeled to be the Sapphire Demon Fox. "It's odd isn't it," Chōjūrō asked as he stood beside him. "I expected her to be more cold-hearted for what the rumors stated."

"Yet, she's standing before us as someone different." Looking back at the two women as they talked to each other with a familiarity of people who knew each other their whole lives, he scratched his head. "Then again rumors are rumors. They may contain some truth to them but they also consist of lies." Turning away he left to tell his Raikage what he gathered so far.

When he left a curious face popped into the lobby from a different hallway. Karui, noticing first, smiled brightly. "Master! I didn't know you were here. Remember Yukino from the botanical division? This is her. She's apparently good with a sword. You have to show her how incredible you are." Saying that with so much energy Yukino was taken by surprise, making her give her surroundings a double-take in case she had fallen through to a different dimension once again.

Turning back to the two Kumo nin she gave a nod. "I know my way around the sword but from what Karui-san told me about your kenjutsu skills, it's impressive. Managing seven blades at once is quite dangerous; it must require careful handling and precision to avoid hurting yourself."

"Master B is so skilled that I never once saw him hurt himself using that technique," She beamed with pride.

"Gahh… you're so lucky… I heard about his kenjutsu skills and I wanted to learn so badly but I couldn't leave my post at the botanical department." She pouted at having missed such an opportunity. As she thought of opportunities another thing came to mind that she wanted to share. "Oh, that's right. I may not have another chance but B-sama, Naruto wrote a song with you and the Hachibi in it. Did he tell you about it?"

Giving a nod he raised his hands moving them to the rhythm in his mind. "On his bachelor night, he got drunk. Singing with his heart out he belted out that song, amusing Gyūki and the rest of the tailed beasts. Embarrassing the Kyūbi, yeah…" He smiled nodding once to confirm his words. 'Bachelor night? Wait does that mean Naruto marri–' Unable to finish the thought he continued talking. "That night was a wreck and a mess. Such a lively event. Whee!" Going silent he suddenly spoke up again. "That reminds me I never wrote a song, a memory of that night. Yeah." Moving to an unknown beat he hummed and walked away jotting down the lines that came to his mind. A bit confused but understanding both red-haired women stared at him as he walked away.

"So… I guess we'll go back to talking about how you're settling in Konoha?" She asked as her voice raised its pitch towards the end of her question.

"You can say it. His rapping isn't good." The amber-eyed kunoichi sighed. The other giving an awkward laugh changed the topic to swords sharing their knowledge on the best types. "Hm. So you specialize in using wind release… I guess I can see it. I imagined you to have more of an affinity for water release for some reason."

"How did you know? I do have an affinity for it. I just don't use it with my blade. But back to you, I didn't know you could use lightning release. Didn't you wear earrings? That's really dangerous, you know." She warned her remembering how metal and lightning did not mix well from the example she witnessed during her chūnin exams.

"I did." She sighed. "I keep forgetting to take them off so I just don't wear them anymore." Looking at the other woman she hummed trying to remember something. "Didn't you wear earrings before?"

"Only small ones so the piercing wouldn't close." Reaching for her hair she moved away the long hair to show her earlobes. "Being a shinobi you really can't wear jewelry. If they get snagged it can be a pretty gruesome sight." Letting out a sigh she crossed her arms. "Then again that applies to genin who can be pretty clumsy. Maybe I'll wear earrings again…" Sitting straight up she smiled. "I want to try the long dangling ones. I think they look really pretty." Continuing their talk, conversations jumped from one topic to another until it eventually grabbed the attention of the red-haired man a seat away.

Thus they spent the whole day in conversation. Once evening arrived Emi stepped in to end it. "It's getting late, it seems we still need to wait for the Kazekage to arrive."

"The Kazekage? I expected him to arrive around the same time as the Tsuchikage." Ryota complained.

"Maybe something popped up in Sunagakure that held him up. It's probably nothing serious." Karui shrugged, standing up. "I'll be returning to my room. I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Bye," Yukino waved goodbye.

"Bye…" Ryota sighed, stretching his tired limbs. Turning to his friends he let out another sigh. "I'll return to our room. Night." Leaving ahead of the women they stared at each other knowing that waiting for everyone to arrive was tiring him out. Something they both felt as they wanted to just get it over with it and return to a minimally quiet life.

"I guess I should return you to your room."

Letting out a sigh she nodded. "Please do. I didn't think we would talk for so long."

"Well, there isn't much we can do." Taking a hold of the handles, Emi began to push her with a smile. °Also, you have a couple of nosy watchers.°

°I know. I could feel their eyes on me the entire time. I think the Mizukage put Chōjūrō-san to keep an eye on me.° Keeping her facial expressions stable she didn't say a word as she was taken to her temporary guest room.

Pushing her along time slowed down the moment their hall crossed paths with another. Although it was fast they witnessed the exchange of a file between the Kazekage and his older brother. Seeing this both women knew that his tardiness and that file were connected in some way.

Keeping the same pace Emi didn't falter or speed up. After the quick peeks she returned her eyes to the front and so did Yukino. Deeper into the hall both Suna men noticed the movement from the end of the hall catching the sight of the black-haired woman wearing a green haori.

Once the two women passed the connecting hall Emi spoke to her friend. °Do you want me to see what that file contains?° She asked, willing to take a peek from it although it was in the puppeteer's possession.

°No need. I have a feeling about what it is.° She told her simply as they reached her room. 'I have a feeling he grilled the council for more information about me. Good thing I burned the files they had on me. Most of them are stuck up. I bet they don't remember anything important about me.' She thought with confidence.

°I see. Hopefully, he doesn't complicate things for you.° Helping her off her wheelchair she helped her friend onto the bed with the gentleness of a white night in a children's book.

°He's the least of my worries. If anything Kakashi is the real threat he knows about my past and my connection to the Uchiha and Sasuke.° Telling her that she pulled the covers up to her chin knowing she wasn't going to sleep at the moment.

°I see if they dig into your past you have to be careful or else he'll be able to pick out your lies.° Letting out a sigh she walked to the door letting out a small goodnight for the one tailing them to hear. Click. Closing the door behind herself she continued talking as she headed to the room she shared with Ryota. °Your connection to Sasuke is quite troublesome. You don't have the same good reputation as Naruto so they may look at you with more scrutiny.°

°Don't worry, I'll deal with whatever they have to say. Trust me.°

・

Note on technology: This takes place after Sasuke's Story Sunrise in that emails are already a thing and something that has been developed along with other communication technology. So from this point forward, there are going to be mentions of such technology.