Author's Note: I fractured my wrist recently as you all know, so apologizes if their are any grammar mistakes.

Tsunade's coming back! Yay, I honestly don't know if I will do a snow country chapter, I never really watched the movie and didn't like the beginning when I attempted to watch, so I'll probably skip to the ending when Koiyuki thanks Team 7, don't know for sure.

Also, I know Tsunade's thing went fast, and Itachi and Kisame didn't really attack Raiura, but here's the thing, do you think Obito could have created Akatsuki without taking control of Yagura, because it was said that Akatsuki formed in Kiri, food for thought ya'll *country accent kicking in*.

Enjoy!

Bijū talk or think/Jutsu

"Talking"

'Thinking'

"Communication"

Flashbacks – Everything is slanted in flashbacks and Raiura's dreams

Summons Speaking (When they are not in the summoning world)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything other than my own creations and ideas.

Chapter 38

Finally Found

or

From "Legendary Sucker" to "Legendary Smoocher": Tsunade Misses Poker, Raiura Misses a Clue, and Yagura Finally Stops Purring Long Enough to Snog Someone Senseless.

Tsunade stood at the Tanzaku Gai entrance, radiating a palpable aura of misery. "Ugh," she groaned, throwing her hands up dramatically. "You two have ruined my entire day! Do you even comprehend what today was? The one, the only, the glorious Tanzaku Gai Annual Poker Championship! And thanks to our little detour," she shot a pointed look at Jiraiya, "I missed my chance to fleece all those unsuspecting fools!"

Raiura, with a deadpan expression, walked past Tsunade and remarked, tilted her head and casually said, "Well, Tsunade-baa-sama, considering your legendary track record, you probably would have just ended up losing all your money anyway. They don't call you the 'Legendary Sucker' of the gambling world for nothing."

Jiraiya, who had been attempting a stealthy peek at the ladies strolling by, choked on his own spit and burst into laughter. "Pfft! Legendary track record! Oh, that's gold, Gaki! You just perfectly summarized every gambling night I've ever witnessed with her!"

Tsunade's eye twitched. With the speed of a striking viper, her fist shot out and landed with a resounding thwack on Jiraiya's head. He crumpled to the ground with a theatrical groan. "Did I ask for your commentary, you overgrown peeping tom?" she snarled.

Jiraiya, rubbing the burgeoning lump on his skull, whined dramatically, "But I didn't even say it first! The kid has a real knack for… truth-telling where your gambling habits are concerned!" He gestured weakly at Raiura. "She's the one with the sharp tongue!"

Tsunade fixed Jiraiya with a withering stare that could melt steel. "Oh, so you're saying it's alright for her to say it, but not for you to agree?" She punctuated her words with a sharp tap of her foot. "Honestly, Jiraiya, sometimes I think your brain is even emptier than your sake flasks after a three-day bender. At least Raiura's got the excuse of youthful bluntness. You're just… perpetually incorrigible."

Jiraiya's face crumpled into a picture of wounded pride. "Incorrigible… my legendary charm reduced to incorrigibility… and all because of a missed poker tournament and an accurate observation," he mumbled, looking utterly deflated.

They walk out of Tanzaku Gai down the path, towards Konohagakure no Sato.

Back in the familiar training grounds of Konoha, the usual dynamic of Team 7 was slightly altered by Naruto's unexpected presence. Kakashi, his visible eye narrowed in thoughtful scrutiny, observed the interaction between the three genin. Sakura, with newfound ferocity, was giving Sasuke a run for his money, her punches carrying a weight and precision that hinted at Raiura's influence. Sasuke, ever the focused avenger, was meeting her attacks with his usual sharp counters, though he was clearly being pushed.

Kakashi, however, had his attention divided. Naruto stood a little apart, watching the sparring match with an unnervingly neutral expression. The information Kakashi had gleaned so far about his former sensei's son was… unsettling. Purple over orange, no favorite food, and the stark declaration of emotional muteness had painted a picture far removed from the boisterous, sunshine-loving Naruto he vaguely imagined.

"So Naruto," Kakashi began again, his tone casual but his gaze piercing, "do you know Fūinjutsu?" He winced internally as Sasuke narrowly dodged a particularly vicious, chakra-enhanced punch from Sakura that aimed for his shoulder. 'Raiura has certainly taught her well,' Kakashi noted with a flicker of pride.

Naruto shook his head, his expression unchanging. "I do not. Raiura appears to have inherited that aptitude more than I have." His stoic gaze followed Sasuke as the Uchiha launched a swift kick at Sakura, only to be met with a sharp, unexpected punch to the gut, leaving him momentarily winded.

"Do you like Kenjutsu?" Kakashi continued, his mind racing. Sasuke, recovering quickly, skidded backward to create distance before charging Sakura again, his fist connecting hard with her shoulder. Sakura grunted but stood her ground.

Naruto shook his head once more. "I do not have a preference. But I do not know kenjutsu. Nē-san is more inclined towards the blade. I only know taijutsu and ninjutsu."

Kakashi raised a visible eyebrow, his single eye conveying a wealth of unspoken questions. "Is that so? Well then," he suggested, a hint of a plan forming, "why don't you and Sasuke spar?"

Naruto's gaze flickered towards Sasuke, who was now panting slightly after his intense exchange with Sakura. "Sasuke-san will likely be fatigued after sparring with Sakura-san," Naruto replied, his tone still devoid of any discernible emotion. "No, thank you."

Kakashi let out a silent sigh behind his mask. This was proving to be far more complicated than he had anticipated. The boy in front of him was Naruto Uzumaki in appearance only. This was going nowhere fast.

As Sasuke slid open the door to his home, a cheerful voice greeted him from the kitchen. "Sasuke, Okaeri!" Shisui stood by the counter, a welcoming grin on his face as he chopped vegetables with practiced ease.

"Tadaima..." Sasuke replied, slipping off his outdoor shoes and into his indoor sandals. He then noticed Raiura across the room, her attention divided between the simmering pot on the stove and a small figure tugging insistently at her pant leg. Little Ryūsei looked up at Sasuke with wide, curious eyes. Raiura glanced from Ryūsei to Sasuke, a warm smile gracing her lips.

"Sasuke, welcome back. How was training today?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Sasuke froze for a fleeting moment, the unexpected normalcy of the scene momentarily eclipsing the unusual morning. He swallowed hard. "It was good," he managed, "Naruto was there too."

Raiura hummed in acknowledgment, her gaze returning to the bubbling food. "Go wash up. I brought some guests with me."

Sasuke nodded dumbly, a sense of unease beginning to prickle at the back of his neck. He walked into the dining room, and his feet stopped dead in their tracks. Seated around his modest table were five figures who were anything but ordinary: the Yondaime Mizukage, Yagura, and his four imposing guards.

Yagura, a surprisingly young man with striking brown hair, turned his kind smile towards Sasuke and gestured to an empty seat. "Ah, you must be Sasuke-kun. Come, sit down."

Hesitantly, Sasuke approached the table, bowing his head respectfully. "Mizukage-sama," he murmured, his voice a little shaky.

Yagura waved a dismissive hand, a snort escaping his lips. "Please, none of that Mizukage-sama nonsense. You're Raiura's friend, and any friend of hers is a friend of mine. Just Yagura is fine."

"Yagura-san," Sasuke repeated, licking his lips nervously. "What brings you to my home?"

"Raiura invited me, so I came," Yagura said simply, tilting his head with an innocent expression. "So, Uchiha-kun, the Chūnin Exams are coming up, aren't they? Think you'll be promoted?"

Sasuke shook his head, his gaze fixed on his hands. "More likely Raiura and maybe Sakura than me. I'm not good enough to be chūnin just yet. Maybe next time. I have a lot of things to improve on before even thinking about it."

Yagura's gaze softened, a hint of understanding flickering in his magenta eyes. "You're hard on yourself, Uchiha-kun. Raiura speaks highly of your potential." He glanced towards the kitchen where Raiura was still humming softly as she stirred the pot. "She doesn't offer praise lightly. She sees things others don't, you know?""

Beside him, a tall, slender man with hickory borwn hair that reach his shoulders, his side parting let a large portion of his bangs cover the left side of his face, Utakata, chuckled softly. "Yeah, Yagura's got a real soft spot for Raiura. Always has." He winked at Sasuke, a teasing glint in his eye. "Wouldn't surprise me if he followed her to the ends of the earth."

Yagura shot Utakata a playful glare, a slight flush rising on his cheeks. "Shut it, Utakata. I just appreciate a strong, capable shinobi when I see one. And Raiura… well, she's got that in spades." He turned back to Sasuke, his expression earnest. "Don't underestimate yourself, kid. Having a goal to improve is a sign of strength, not weakness."

Utakata leaned back in his chair, a lazy smile playing on his lips. "Still, following her all the way to the Leaf? That's some dedication, Yagura. You miss her that much already?" He chuckled again, a low, rumbling sound.

A striking woman with beautiful auburn hair styled into a herringbone pattern at the back, a top-knot tied with a dark blue band, and with four bangs at the front. Two bangs are short, with one covering her right eye, and two are long, crossing each other on her bust, just below her chin, Mei Terumī, spoke up, her tone deceptively light. "Perhaps the Mizukage is simply ensuring our… asset remains secure. We wouldn't want her causing any… unforeseen incidents in another village, would we?" Her gaze flickered towards the kitchen, a hint of something sharp in her teal eyes.

Beside her, a stoic-looking man with a covered right eye, Ao, nodded curtly in agreement. "Prudence is advised. Her… abilities are considerable, and her loyalties… remain to be fully ascertained."

The youngest of the group, a timid-looking swordsman with short, tufty blue hair, Chōjūrō, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He mumbled softly, "But… Raiura-san was very kind to me when we first met…"

Utakata ruffled Chōjūrō's hair affectionately. "See? Even the kid likes her. You guys are just being paranoid." He grinned at Yagura. "Admit it, Yagura. You just can't stand being away from your favorite sparring partner."

Yagura rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Sparring partner, nothing. She just happens to be… a valuable contact. And a good person. Unlike some people I know," he added, pointedly looking at Mei.

Mei's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Of course, Yagura-sama. A very valuable contact." Her gaze lingered on the kitchen door, a subtle tension in the air. "One we must keep a very close eye on."

A knot of anger tightened in Sasuke's chest. He didn't appreciate the thinly veiled hostility in Mei's tone towards Raiura. He might have been distant after the massacre, lost in his own darkness, but he remembered the kind, fiercely protective girl who had never fan-girled over him and instead became his friend and family.

Mei continued, her voice laced with a saccharine sweetness that didn't fool Sasuke for a second. "It's just that, Yagura-sama, one wonders if such… domestic talents are truly befitting of a shinobi in these volatile times. Perhaps some are better suited to quieter roles." Her gaze flickered dismissively towards the kitchen again.

Just then, the aroma of something delicious wafted into the dining room, followed by Raiura and Shisui carrying a large pot filled with bubbling broth and platters of colorful ingredients. Ryūsei trailed behind Raiura, his small hands clutching a wooden spoon.

As they placed the hot pot on the table, Mei offered a strained smile. "Oh, how… domestic. One might almost think our guest would prefer to remain in the kitchen, tending to such things. Truly, if all one can contribute is cooking and… childcare," her eyes flickered pointedly at Ryūsei, "perhaps a different path would be more suitable than that of a shinobi."

Sasuke's jaw clenched. He saw the subtle tightening of Raiura's lips, the brief flicker of hurt that crossed her eyes before she masked it with a polite smile. He also noticed the protective stance Shisui subtly adopted beside her.

Before Raiura could respond, Sasuke spoke, his voice low and firm. "Raiura is one of the strongest shinobi I know, Terumī-san. And she's more capable than you can imagine." He met Mei's gaze directly, a hint of the Uchiha fire in his dark eyes. "Don't mistake her kindness for weakness."

The sudden shift in Yagura's demeanor was palpable. The friendly warmth vanished, replaced by a chillingly sweet smile that didn't quite reach his magenta eyes. In a swift, possessive motion, he reached out and gently but firmly pulled Raiura onto his lap.

Raiura yelped softly in surprise, a flush immediately rising on her cheeks. She instinctively leaned back against his chest as his arms wrapped around her waist, a protective and possessive gesture that was impossible to ignore. Yagura buried his face in her hair for a moment, inhaling deeply before resting his chin on the top of her head, his gaze fixed on Sasuke and then flicking pointedly towards Mei.

"Raiura is a cherished guest," Yagura stated, his voice losing its earlier lightheartedness and taking on a low, serious tone. "Any… disparaging remarks directed towards her will be taken as a personal affront." His grip around Raiura tightened almost imperceptibly. Ryūsei, sensing the change in the atmosphere, looked up at Yagura with wide, slightly apprehensive eyes, still clutching his wooden spoon.

"Yagura?" Raiura questioned, her voice laced with genuine confusion. She hadn't been privy to the undercurrents of the conversation while focused on preparing the meal in the kitchen, and Yagura's sudden, possessive action had caught her completely off guard. She tilted her head, looking up at him with wide, questioning eyes, a soft blush still coloring her cheeks. "What's going on?"

Yagura's gaze softened slightly as he looked down at Raiura, the possessive edge in his eyes momentarily receding, replaced by a gentler concern. "Just making sure our guests understand how much we value you, Raiura." He gave her a small, reassuring squeeze. "Some people," he glanced pointedly back at Mei, "don't seem to appreciate the… finer qualities in others."

Raiura's brow furrowed, her gaze shifting from Yagura to Mei, then to Sasuke, a dawning understanding beginning to color her expression. She hadn't missed the subtle tension in the air earlier, but hadn't fully grasped the underlying hostility.

Utakata chuckled softly, sensing the shift in dynamics. "Looks like someone's got a white knight," he murmured, a teasing glint in his eye as he looked at Yagura.

Mei's smile tightened, her green eyes narrowing almost imperceptibly. "Of course, Yagura-sama. We all value our… alliances." Her tone dripped with insincerity.

Ao remained silent, his covered eye giving nothing away, but his posture remained stiff and watchful. Chōjūrō, however, looked increasingly uncomfortable, his gaze darting between Mei and Raiura with a worried expression.

Sasuke, witnessing Yagura's surprisingly fierce protectiveness of Raiura, felt a strange mix of relief and something akin to… curiosity. He hadn't expected such a strong reaction from the Mizukage.

Raiura, still nestled in Yagura's lap, placed a hand on his arm, her expression softening. "Yagura, it's alright. I can handle myself." She looked at Mei, a newfound steel entering her cerulean eyes. "But thank you for your concern." Her gaze then shifted to Sasuke. "Let's eat, shall we? This hot pot won't stay warm forever." She offered a small, polite smile, attempting to diffuse the tense atmosphere. Ryūsei, still a little uncertain, reached up and gently patted Yagura's cheek.

Yagura reluctantly released Raiura, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. Raiura, clearly eager to escape the awkward situation, practically bounced to her feet. She quickly settled Ryūsei into a chair beside Shisui, ensuring the little boy was within easy reach. With practiced efficiency, she began serving everyone portions of the steaming hot pot, her movements brisk and focused.

However, despite her attempts to appear composed, Raiura couldn't ignore the intensity of Yagura's gaze. His magenta eyes seemed to follow her every move, their pupils noticeably dilated. A blush, hotter and more persistent than before, crept back up her neck and spread across her cheeks. She could feel the weight of his stare, a silent and unwavering attention that made her insides flutter with a confusing mix of embarrassment and… something else she couldn't quite decipher. She busied herself with ladling broth and arranging ingredients, trying her best to ignore the heat radiating from Yagura's unwavering gaze.

The moonlight cast long shadows as Yagura and his guards stood outside the Uchiha residence, the warmth of the shared meal lingering in the air. However, Yagura seemed reluctant to leave. He stood close to Raiura, his arm wrapped firmly around her shoulders in a possessive embrace. Raiura could feel a subtle vibration against her side, a low, almost feline purr emanating from his chest.

"You will visit tomorrow, yes?" Yagura murmured, his voice a low rumble against her ear. He squeezed her tighter, his grip bordering on possessive. "Please say you will."

Raiura, a little flustered by his intense focus, nodded. "Yes, Yagura, I'll come visit tomorrow."

A sigh of contentment escaped Yagura's lips, and he nuzzled his cheek against her hair, his hold relaxing just a fraction. Raiura, in a spontaneous gesture of affection and perhaps a desire to ease his somewhat overwhelming intensity, reached up and gently kissed his forehead.

"Calm down, Yagura," she said softly, a small smile gracing her lips. "We just spent the afternoon together. I'll see you again tomorrow."

As her lips brushed his forehead, Yagura seemed to physically jolt. His arms loosened completely, and he stepped back slightly, his magenta eyes widening as if he were just waking from a deep sleep. The possessive intensity that had clung to him moments before seemed to dissipate, replaced by a slightly bewildered expression.

"Raiura… I…" he began, his voice a little rough, as if he were trying to recall something he had momentarily forgotten. He blinked a few times, looking around as if reorienting himself. "Forgive me. I seem to have gotten… carried away." A faint blush dusted his cheeks.

Raiura's giggle, light and airy, seemed to momentarily stun Yagura again, a soft, almost dreamy look returning to his eyes. "It's alright, Yagura," she said, her gaze dropping to the ground as she self-consciously rubbed her arm. "I actually… think I like the affection."

She looked back up, a delicate blush dusting her cheeks. "I'm not… I'm just… I… I'm really not used to affection like this. Shisui's and Ryūsei's and my friends' affections are different from the ones you give me. But you've always been my friend, so…" She trailed off, a small frown creasing her brow. "I… I'm not getting it. My brain is confused, that's all."

Yagura watched her, his expression softening with a mixture of understanding and something deeper. "Confused?" he echoed softly, taking a tentative step closer. "Because…?" He seemed to hold his breath, waiting for her explanation.

The moonlight bathed Raiura in a soft, ethereal glow, making her flushed cheeks and glistening eyes even more prominent. "I-I have been thinking…" she began again, her voice barely a whisper. "About it… about you. You're always on my mind, wondering how you are, if you're stressed, if you needed me for something. I guess…" Her blush deepened to a fiery crimson, and her cerulean eyes glazed over with unshed tears. "I… I… I… I can't say it," she finally choked out, a tear escaping and tracing a path down her cheek. "I… I… I… I want to say it… it's not coming out." More tears followed, silent and shimmering in the moonlight.

Yagura's breath hitched in his throat. He watched her, his own magenta eyes wide with a mixture of shock and a dawning realization that sent a tremor through him. He reached out a hand, his fingers hovering just above her tear-streaked face, as if afraid to touch her and break the fragile moment. "Raiura…" he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. He gently cupped her cheek, his thumb softly brushing away a tear. "It's alright. You don't have to say anything you're not ready for." His gaze was intense, searching hers, a silent question hanging in the air between them. "But… if what I think… if what I'm hoping… is true…" He swallowed hard, his own composure threatening to crumble. "Then perhaps… perhaps my own confused feelings… are not so confused after all." He leaned closer, his forehead almost touching hers, his voice barely a whisper. "Tell me, Raiura. Just… give me a sign."

Raiura, her heart pounding in her chest, closed the small distance between them and gently pressed her lips to Yagura's. The tentative touch seemed to shatter the remaining restraint within him.

Yagura's breath hitched, and then he moved with a sudden intensity that surprised them both. His hand shot up, cupping the back of her head, his fingers tangling in the soft strands of her hair, tilting her face up to his. Simultaneously, his other arm wrapped firmly around her waist, pulling her flush against his body.

Raiura gasped softly, the unexpected force of his reaction stealing her breath. Yagura seemed to take that small sound as permission, his lips deepening the kiss with a newfound urgency and passion. The world around them seemed to fade away, the moonlight their only witness as their long-standing friendship took an unexpected and exhilarating turn.

End of Chapter 38

Author's Note: I was actually planning to do something totally different, but I guess life has a way of making unexpected turns. But anyway:

YAY! Yagura and Raiura are finally going to get together, after 37 chapters!

See you in the next one!

Bye loves!

Slivia