Disclaimer: Nao is my baby. Everything else in this story is Kishimoto's baby, though.

Warning: Fluff. Death of board games.

Beta: Kalafina94

Beta: silverseed

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

Interlude – Omniscient – 4

"And this is where you left them?" Yagura enquired, his cold eyes flickering towards one of his most trusted kunoichi, a young woman by the name of Mei.

"Of course, Lord Mizukage," Mei said, bowing her head in respect. "I disabled the traitors - the ones who would rebel against you - and left them here for your judgement. There were too many of them to safely take back into the village."

"It's quite a ways from the village," Yagura observed, stopping before the clearing where Mei allegedly had tied the bodyguards up.

Mei didn't respond.

Yagura cocked his head. "Leave me. I will deal with these traitors on my own."

"As you wish," Mei whispered, flickering away.

Yagura stepped into the clearing before he immediately froze. There were bodies of unconscious shinobi scattered about, true. However, years of experience had Yagura freezing and immediately giving his chakra a sharp spike.

The genjutsu faded and all around he saw mercenary shinobi and kunoichi surrounding him. In that same instance, he felt a strong wave of fatigue.

It didn't take long for Yagura to calculate what had transpired.

My morning tea. it was poisoned.? And now. and now I cannot even focus my chakra enough to defend myself, Yagura thought, feelings of anger at the betrayal bubbling inside of him. His hands clenched into fists and he stumbled forward, falling to his knees. Damn it!

That was when the most blinding pain erupted behind his eyes and the Kage screamed.

In the shadows of the trees, a masked man held up his hands in the Yin seal, sealing away the jinchūriki's memories.

And on the kunoichi by the name of Mei went, unhindered or faltering at the sound of her Kage's screams.

. . .

. .

.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

I finished applying all I could to Yagura's injuries, my hands drenched in blood and my fingers shaking. Not for the first time, I regretted not taking the path of a medical-kunoichi, perhaps then I would have been able to truly help Yagura.

When that was done, I popped in another soldier pill - a more intense one, something to help me push back my own fatigue like I didn't even have it - and furrowed my brow. I looked around the muddied forest; most of the vegetation had been ruined from Yagura's merciless attack. My eyes roamed around until I caught sight of a familiar cloak, caught in the branches of a nearby tree. I flickered towards it, climbing up the tree and carefully extracting the cloak. It was made of tough material, something that didn't tear so easily. It would have to do.

I brought the cloak over to my master and I laid it beside him. I then concentrated on my chakra, pulling on the warm hum inside of me and guiding it outside of my body. It slithered around Yagura, carefully wrapping around him and lifting him off the ground. I was careful not to allow his body to move - or else it would unsettle the gauze and irritate his already damaged skin. Slowly, I lowered him on the cloak. When I was finished with the task, I rubbed my head, thankful I was only forced to deal with a minor headache.

For once, I was thankful for Yagura's small size, as the cloak was fairly large. I then grabbed the end of the cloak and with great care, I began the long journey back to the Leaf.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

I didn't meet up with anyone else on our team on the way back to the Leaf. Yagura was conscious within the first few hours of the journey, but I forced sedatives down his throat so he wouldn't have to deal with the pain. While Yagura was a jinchūriki (and thus he had a significant boost in regeneration), he was also a holder of a lesser bijū, so his healing rate wasn't all that impressive in comparison to Naruto, if anything it was only slightly better than the average shinobi.

I was, however, once recovered enough, able to carry him through my kekkei genkai quite a ways. The consequence of it, however, was a sensation akin to a severe hangover that lasted several hours and I didn't attempt it again. When I reached Konoha, I muttered something to the guards before finally allowing exhaustion to press down on me and I passed out.

When I awoke, it was in my bed at the Yamanaka compound. I moved the covers off of me and sat up, ignoring the dizzying sensation from the action.

I yawned, rubbing my eyes, and I rolled out of bed and stumbled my first few steps. Glancing around the room, I noted with satisfaction it hadn't changed since I last came here. Moving out of the room, I padded down the hallway, before I exited the compound.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

After checking Naruto's, Kakashi's and Sasuke's homes, I concluded they hadn't returned yet and that I had only been asleep for a couple hours. Because the rest of my team hadn't returned, it was courtesy to wait until they had before I did a mission report. So instead, I headed towards the hospital - only after I stopped by our flower shop and picked up some lilacs and sweetpeas (sweetpeas were his favorite).

The hospital was bustling, as always, and I didn't waste my time at the reception office. Due to his status and how his identity was to remain anonymous, Yagura was only ever treated by very specific doctors in a very specific room. I headed straight to the room and entered it, closing the door behind me.

Yagura looked up from a book he was reading, awarding me with a surprised look. "I woke up ten minutes ago. I take it I owe it to you that we're here?"

" as much as I owe you my well-being and possibly my life," I mumbled, blushing under his appraising look. I shifted again before I moved towards him, setting my flowers at his bedside and peering at him. "How are you?"

"Fine. The others?"

"I don't know. I think they're still in Sand."

"Mn. More than likely. You mentioned that Naruto and Gaara were close, I imagine the two would like some time to catch up with one another. Did anything else happen?"

I shook my head. "No, sensei."

"Ah, I thought you might be here."

I whirled around, finding Ino entering the room, a mischievous smile on her face as she took the two of us in. "When I went to check on you, you were gone. How'd I know you would be here?"

I blushed, looking away, while Yagura gave Ino a polite dip of his head.

"Ino-san," Yagura said evenly.

Ino grinned at him, pulling up the only chair in the room and taking a seat. I frowned at the action, uncertain of where I was supposed to sit, that was, until Ino pulled me into her lap. I gave a squawk of indignation, blushing brightly in embarrassment. "S-Sis!"

Ino ignored me, pulling me close and resting her chin on the top of my head. I squirmed a bit in her hold, my eyes darting everywhere but Yagura's thoughtful gaze.

"What?" Ino asked innocently, her question directed at Yagura.

"You two are very close," Yagura observed thoughtfully.

"And cute," Ino added. "We are very cute together."

Yagura chose not to respond to that.

"Come on," Ino persisted, realizing she found something he wouldn't respond to. "Admit it. We're adorable."

He gave her a mild glare, annoyance clear in his tone. "I will do no such thing."

"Why? Don't you think Nao's cute?"

I squeaked, looking in horror at my sister. "N-N-N-N-N - !"

Yagura glowered at Ino, shifting his posture, his fingers twitching. I knew from experience that he was itching for his staff at that moment, but I also knew he wouldn't dare.

"Dove, your sister is annoying," Yagura finally told me, settling back down.

Ino giggled with glee, satisfied she had gotten a rise out of him.

I considered his statement. I nodded. "She is, but I love her anyway."

"Aww," Ino sighed, pulling me tighter against her and kissing the top of my head affectionately. "I love you, too, little sis."

My cheeks and heart both warmed at that, and I relaxed in my sister's lap, content for the moment.

Yagura eyed us another moment before snorting softly and returning his attention to his book.

"I wonder," Ino mused out loud. "Oi, Yagura, Nao-chan, won't you humor me for a moment?"

"Will you go away if I do?" Yagura retorted.

"Maybe. There's a higher chance if you do."

"What do you want, Sis?" I asked hesitantly, part of me fearful that she wanted to use me as her doll again.

Ino lifted me up in her arms and I gave a mild glare at being handled like a small child, and she said to Yagura, "Sit up straight, get comfortable, and open your arms!"

Yagura eyed Ino for several moments before doing exactly that. She then deposited me in my sensei's lap, ignoring my horrified expression and Yagura's expression that was torn between indifference and annoyance. Ino giggled at us, and I felt the blood rush to my head, my heart hammering in my ears as I was torn between mortification and sheepish amusement.

"There. You two look very cute," Ino observed, smiling at us.

Yagura awarded her with a very dry look. "You're hilarious."

Ino ignored him, her smile softening. "I'm glad, though."

I looked over at her, my brow furrowed.

"I'm glad you weren't alone on your trip, little sis, and I'm glad you'll look out for her, Yagura," Ino said quietly, taking a seat back down and propping her chin in her hands as she leaned onto the bed. "Please continue to do so."

"She is my student. It is my duty and obligation to protect her," Yagura said simply.

"Mm."

I looked down at my lap, my hands resting there. I felt small and warm at the moment, flattered and happy at Ino's words. It was one thing to know that you were loved, it was quite another to have confirmation of it, and to know that the confirmation was by someone who you loved as much. It was a nice feeling, that sort of warm and lulling feeling. It was the type of feeling to keep you comfortable on cold nights.

Comfortable silence fell between the three of us until Ino remarked, "You know, for the longest time, I thought your intuition was your second ability."

For a long while, I didn't respond, uncertain of how to. Yagura and Ino were the only ones to know about my 'intuition'. Although, Yagura knew more than Ino in some ways. Not that I intended for that to happen, not in the slightest. It was more or less because he was there when. when I had a slip-up with reality. Ino knew for a long while, she had told me. When I told Ino about my teleportation ability, she had mentioned her confusion, as she thought my second ability was different. We hadn't talked much about it since, though.

I finally shrugged, relaxing.

"Maybe she has a third ability," Yagura mused out loud.

Ino stretched out her hand, idly brushing a few locks out of my face. She touched the cheek below the eye I kept closed, patting it. "Maybe."

"Well," Yagura said softly, "if anyone had to have that ability, I would rather it be her."

I twisted my head around to see Yagura, his face carefully guarded. I blushed at the compliment, smiling. " Thank you, Yagura-sensei."

Yagura shrugged before he smirked, resting his chin atop my head. "Although, I have to also add it is nice to be taller than my student."

"That doesn't happen a lot to you, does it?" Ino asked snidely. "Don't glare at me like that; you'll ruin the cuteness of the scene."

"Get out."

"Aww, come on, at least let me take in this adorable scene!"

"Get out."

Ino pouted, but smirked. "Oh, alright. I'll leave you two to your adorableness."

Ino leaned over quickly and gently placed a kiss on my forehead. "Be good, little sis."

Blushing brightly, I was starting to wonder if my complexion would ever return to its normal hue and no longer a bright, rosy color.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

A handful of hours passed by before I bade Yagura goodbye and headed out. It had been a long time since I last visited the memorial stone and I intended to rectify that immediately. After acquiring the bluebells, I left for the stone. Setting them down gently before them, I kneeled before the stone, bowing my head.

I couldn't quite tell how much time passed, only that I was so immersed in my thoughts that I did not resurface until a hand was placed on my shoulder. Jerking out of my thoughts, my head snapped around and I found myself staring at Naruto, who was huffing at me.

"How'd we know you were going to be here? I take it you and that Kame-guy made it out alright?" Naruto asked.

I noticed that his clothes were slightly tattered and Sasuke looked tired. "I am. Where's Kakashi-sensei and Sakura-san?"

"They left after us. Sakura wanted to make sure Gaara and Kankurō were okay," Sasuke said, moving to stand on my other side. "Where's Yagura?"

I explained what had transpired.

Naruto nodded his head. "Good. It looks like he didn't fail completely."

I awarded Naruto with a displeased look. "He's in the hospital because— "

"Like Naruto said, he didn't fail," Sasuke interrupted. "We didn't come here to talk about Yagura. We came because we wanted to exchange information. Naruto and I. Sasori was able to give us some interesting information."

Immediately, I straightened, my eyes focusing and I gave both boys a calculating look. What Sasuke defined as interesting usually implied useful and something that would be difficult. The fact that both Sasuke and Naruto held a dark mirth in their eyes did little to console me. "What exactly did Sasori divulge?"

"A reward for defeating him," Sasuke said quietly. "In exactly ten days, Sasori was meant to meet up with a spy connected to Orochimaru."

My eyes widened and my breath caught in my throat. We knew little regarding Orochimaru, in truth. Even from what. from what Yagura knew, there wasn't much. It was true he was part of the Akatsuki organization, but the Akatsuki wanted nothing to do with him anymore (except, maybe, kill him). Still, it was a known fact that he was nothing but a danger. If we had the opportunity to discover where his bases were. if we had the opportunity to then formulate an ambush and kill him.

How could we not take that chance?

Orochimaru was a threat, not only to us, but to all villages.

Subconsciously, my hand drifted to my neck. Naruto and Sasuke's eyes followed my movement.

"That's. that's something," I managed.

"You okay, Nao?" Naruto asked, scrutinizing me.

"Worried," I confessed. "Concerned, definitely. Anxious. I don't really know what else I feel."

Sasuke nodded, glancing away and Naruto looked down darkly.

The mark was something I tried to forget I ever had. It was a nuisance. well, it was that and more. It was a stark reminder of the contrast in powers. Of how weak I had been. how I still was in comparison. and my failure to truly protect my family. It was a reminder of a horrible moment, of my weakness in allowing myself to panic and indulge my hysterical mind. Something that should never be done and that Papa had drilled into Ino and myself to never do.

More importantly though, it was a mark.

It was a brand. As if I were an item to him. As if I belonged to him.

I hated it.

I smiled at them. "I remembered something—I need to talk to my sister about our uniforms. See you guys soon, alright? And you two will be going straight to the hospital for a check-up, right?"

Both boys looked almost sheepish at my glare when it became apparent that they weren't planning on doing a check-up.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

Kakashi and Sakura arrived about an hour after I finished informing Yagura of the latest happenings. Naruto, Sasuke and I were at my home with Ino, Shikamaru, and Chōji. Mommy had laid out a good spread of food and the six of us were conversing, catching up with each other.

"Then Sasuke pierced his heart with the Chidori while I finished up destroying his army," Naruto finished retailing his and Sasuke's fight with Sasori. "He talked to us a while longer before he finally croaked."

"Wow. I can feel the respect," Ino said dryly.

Naruto grinned foxily and I smiled. "I'm glad you two didn't have too hard of a time."

"Nah," Naruto said, stretching back and sprawling out on the ground.

"Damn it!" Sasuke cursed again, before throwing the entire shogi board away. "Why, why do I keep agreeing to play with you when you keep kicking my ass?"

"Because you're a sore loser and you don't know when to quit?" Shikamaru guessed lazily.

Sasuke sneered at him.

"Glad to see everyone made it back okay."

All heads turned in the direction of the voice and Kakashi entered the room, giving us an eye-smile.

"Welcome back!" I chirped, smiling brightly.

"What took you so long?" Naruto whined. "You know we can't report to Granny until you show up."

"I'm fine, thank you for asking," Kakashi said dryly. "Are you ready to report?"

"No," Sasuke snapped. "I am going to defeat Shikamaru first."

"That's not happening within this century," Kakashi dismissed. "Let's go, team. We can come back later for dinner if you're really determined."

"I'll tell Mother," Ino said, smiling at me and kissing my cheek. "See you at dinner, little sis."

"Tell Father and Mother I said hello," I said, standing up. "And I'll see if I can get Yagura-sensei to come."

"'Kay!"

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

" A meeting with Orochimaru, huh?" Tsunade asked, a contemplative light in her eyes. " I will need time to consider the next course of action. Good work, team. For now, you are dismissed."

"Hai!"

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

I stepped back into Yagura's hospital room and he looked up, raising an eyebrow. Naruto entered, a cool look on his face. Sasuke headed straight back home, intent on defeating Shikamaru once and for all.

"Oh, joy. It's you," Yagura muttered, eyeing Naruto distastefully.

I cleared my throat, giving my teacher a pleading look. Yagura glanced away stubbornly, folding his arms across his chest.

"If you've got a problem with me, then how about you and I take it out to training ground three?," Naruto returned, a challenging glint in his eyes.

"Don't be ridiculous," Yagura dismissed. "Two jinchūrikis fighting it out inside the Leaf? Don't be absurd."

Naruto stiffened, his eyes widening as he stared at Yagura in disbelief. "Wh-What?"

I brushed past Naruto, giving a confused look at his reaction. It was true that Yagura's jinchūriki status wasn't well-known in general. He didn't advertise it, and those he had faced in battle. well. there were very few people to have escaped him during his time on the front lines. Kirigakure itself was secluded and mostly isolated from the other villages, as well. Their nickname did nothing to spur alliances or trust, and they were reluctant in general to share information. At least, that's how it was with Yagura as Mizukage. Then there was his supposed 'death'.

His status as a jinchūriki wasn't advertised, and with his 'death' and the 'shame' of his. of his circumstances, it would have been almost taboo to bring up Yagura in Mist.

But it was something that I had known for so long, it seemed almost odd that Naruto didn't.

"You're. you're a.?"

Yagura frowned and his brow furrowed as he looked at Naruto thoughtfully. "You didn't know? Yes. I am the holder of the Sanbi, as you are the holder of the Kyūbi."

Naruto was still staring at Yagura, dumbstruck. "I had no idea. so then. you're. you're like me.? Only. Heh. Both you and Gaara became Kage of you guys' village. I'm behind now, then?"

And then Naruto smiled brightly at Yagura, his teeth bared and his eyes closed as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. I had to beam at that. The fact that Naruto's hostility towards Yagura had vanished, and been replaced with sheepish-friendliness was. was wonderful.

Yagura flushed. "S-Stupid. You aren't behind. I've had years to work towards my title as Kage. Besides, you're not doing too bad now, from what Nao's told me. You'll become Hokage someday."

Naruto's eyes widened and he gaped. "You. You seriously mean that?"

Yagura gave Naruto an annoyed look. "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it."

"But. but you've only known me for. and you still.?" Naruto's grin was widening and an excited look sparked in his eyes.

"Hmph. You've got the bleeding heart, like all the other Hokages, you're not horrible in combat, and Nao thinks quite highly of you. Now stop looking at me like that," Yagura snapped.

Naruto kept grinning.

I glanced over at Yagura while Naruto inched closer to him and started poking him, smirking and singing, "You think I'm Hokage material~ You think I'm Hokage material~ ."

You knew I wanted you and Naruto and Sasuke and Kakashi to get along, didn't you? I thought, slowly backing out of the room. Mn. Thank you, sensei.

Yagura noticed my inching away and glared. "I swear if you leave me alone with this idiot.!"

I smirked, exiting the room.

"Nao!"

Laughing with glee, I turned and hurried away.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

A nice, neat Chidori sliced through the shogi board—and the table underneath it—and a glowering Sasuke stormed away.

"That was my favorite board, too," Shikamaru sighed.

"I wonder if I should talk to Sasuke about his sore-loser side," Naruto wondered out loud.

"Has he always been a sore-loser?" Yagura asked, taking a sip from his tea.

"Yes," Chōji admitted, sighing. "Even when we were young. I remember when we were playing tag and Naruto tagged him. Sasuke was hell-bent on always tagging Naruto since then."

Ino shook her head, giggling. "Cute."

I screwed up my nose in distaste.

"Hm. We probably should talk to him about it," Kakashi agreed, having already finished his meal.

"An intervention?"

"It might come to that," I admitted.

"This poor board," Shikamaru continued, still mourning his board. "It didn't do anything wrong. It's not its fault that I'm more intelligent than Sasuke."

"I'm home."

"Welcome home," Ino and I both said as Papa entered the room, taking in the scene and smiling.

"There's two of my favorite girls in the world," Papa said, beaming. "Hello to you, too, boys. Ah, and hello Kakashi, Yagura."

"Inoichi-san," Yagura said levelly while Kakashi dipped his head in acknowledgement.

Papa glanced about, frowning.

"Mother's with Nina-nee and Akiko-nee tonight," Ino explained. "Your dinner's on the counter, Father. Will you join us?"

"I think I will," Papa said, moving back towards the kitchen and grabbing his food.

"What am I supposed to say to Dad about this?" Shikamaru asked, gesturing towards his board.

Chōji patted his friend sympathetically. "I'm sure Uncle Shikaku will understand."

Shikamaru sighed.

Papa re-entered the room and sat in between Ino and myself. Both of us moved apart to allow him room to sit, and once he was settled, we both leaned into him. He chuckled. "If you girls are going to use me as your support, I'm going to lose my balance."

"We're okay with that," Ino said.

I giggled, moving my body so my back was pressed against Papa's side and I was facing Yagura (who had sat next to me. and I was next to Naruto. who was next to Kakashi., etc). Yagura ignored the three of us, glancing over at Shikamaru. "If there's another shogi board nearby, I would like to challenge you."

Shikamaru smirked, looking up. "I know where they keep their board. It's been a while since we last challenged each other."

"It has," Yagura agreed. "Three to one, in your favor, I believe."

Shikamaru smirked and stood up, heading off to grab the board.

"You actually beat Shikamaru?" Naruto demanded.

"Once," Yagura dismissed. "And that was only the first time—he underestimated me and he's been sure not to make the same mistake again."

"That's still impressive," Kakashi said, eyeing Yagura.

"No. What's impressive is anyone defeating Shikaku at shogi," Papa snorted, grinning mischievously.

"Shikamaru's pretty good, though," Ino objected. "I wouldn't be surprised if he's able to take on Uncle Shikaku someday."

"Someday," Papa agreed, "but not today."

Shikamaru returned with the board, as well as a small frown on his face. He held a note in his other hand. "Oi. Team 7. Tsunade-sama wants you guys to report tomorrow morning, eight sharp."

I looked down at the note in his hands. "Is that the message?"

"Yep," he said, sitting down in front of Yagura.

"Another mission?" Papa asked.

"Hopefully," Naruto said.

"It's more than likely related to the information we were able to ascertain in our last mission," I told Papa. "Did you hear about it?"

Papa nodded his head. " I see. Is it wrong of me to hope that she's calling you on a subject completely unrelated to that man?"

"No," Kakashi assured him, "but it doesn't make it any less true."

"Damn."

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

.

. .

. . .

Interlude - Nao - 4

"Nao-chan!" greeted one of the regular Chūnin guards, Kotetsu, if I remembered correctly. I didn't see the other guard, but that was moot.

I dipped my head, gesturing for Kame to remain still as I entered Konoha, rushing over to Kotetsu. "Hello, Kotetsu-san. A-Ah, I actually have a visitor with me. I would like to sign him into the registry. He's a friend of mine, you see. I'll be taking him straight to my compound so Papa can take a look at him."

"Hmm? Does he have his papers?" Kotetsu asked, peering over at Kame, who was currently looking away.

I shook my head. "He. he was attacked not too long ago. He doesn't have any memories regarding his personal life. I thought Papa. I thought Papa would be able to help."

Kotetsu gave Kame a sympathetic look. "Poor guy. normally it's against the rules to permit strangers into Konoha without notice and their papers, but. alright. Sign him in here."

Beaming, I bowed my head in thanks. "Thank you, Kotetsu-san!"

Kotetsu scratched his cheek sheepishly. "No need to thank me, Nao. I know you're a good kid."

After I signed Kame in, being sure to write my signature next to his name (so they knew he was with me), I hurried back to my friend and started guiding him towards the compound.

The Yamanaka compound was further inside the village, but it wasn't the heart of the village. It took roughly two minutes of roof-hopping to reach it. I guided Kame through the gates and straight to my home. There, I opened the front door and called out, "I'm home!"

There was no immediate response, and I gestured Kame to follow me.

" Shoes off, please," I said, slipping on my house slippers.

Kame pulled off his sandals, setting them gently down and slipped into the guest slippers. He was looking around my home with wide, bright eyes. There was a soft smile on his face, and he trailed behind me.

"That's the living room, and over there's the kitchen. There's a guest bedroom down the hall, and a bathroom attached," I said, gesturing to each area respectively. " Are you hungry? Would you like something to - "

The words died in my throat, because two strong arms had wrapped around me and I was being lifted off the ground and swirled around. "Little sis!"

Squealing, I wiggled in Ino's arms, ignoring her ecstatic giggles. When I finally broke free, I stumbled a bit, flushing in embarrassment. I snuck a quick glance at Kame and saw that he was undoubtedly amused.

I was mortified.

"Sis!" I whined, burying my burning face in my hands.

"Hehehe," Ino snickered, smirking. "Welcome home. Who's this?"

Refusing to allow Kame a glimpse of my tomato-red face, I mumbled through my hands, "Kame. I met him on the road. H-He needed help. he. he can't remember his past. I thought. I thought Papa."

Ino placed a hand on my shoulder, and I peeked through my fingers. She smiled warmly at Kame. "Hello, I'm Ino, Nao's sister. It's nice to meet you."

Kame smiled in return. "It's a pleasure to meet you, as well."

Ino turned back to me, kissing the top of my head (and ignoring my squawk of indignation). She said, "Father will be home in a couple hours. How about we play a game in the meantime?"

"Sounds like fun," Kame chirped.

I smiled behind my hands.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

When Papa returned, he entered the living room (the three of us were sprawled out, cards strewn about us) and yawned. His eyes landed on me and he brightened immediately. "Nao! I wasn't expecting you back so soon."

He frowned then. " We need to discuss the fact that you essentially ran away by letter."

"Momma gave me permission," I objected.

"I don't care. You're grounded."

"Technically I'm still on the 'mission,'" I pointed out.

He glared at me and I wisely dropped the subject. " Papa, I would like you to meet a friend of mine. I met him on the road, you see. he. he was being attacked by mercenaries. I rescued him and. and something happened. He doesn't remember anything about himself, Papa. Could you.?"

And finally Papa turned his eyes towards Kame, and he stared at him.

And he paled.

"Yagura?"

Kame blinked at him. "Is that my name?"

In a flash, Papa had grabbed Ino and me and practically flung us behind him. I stumbled a bit, my eyes wide from shock. "Papa! What are you doing?"

"Explain yourself," Papa barked, his eyes narrowed and posture tense as he glared at Kame. Kame paled and flushed.

"I-I don't know what you mean," Kame stumbled, his eyes darting in between Papa and myself. I shoved myself from behind Papa, moving to stand between the two.

"Papa!" I snapped, anger churning in my stomach. "Kame is a friend. He has no memory and. and someone tried to kill him. Something happened. he."

Papa's eyes turned back to me, his skin still pale with anger. "Explain everything, Nao. Right this instant."

Ino shifted nervously between the two of us, her expression torn.

Glancing back at Kame(Yagura?), I took a step towards him. I placed a calming hand on his shoulder and gave him a comforting smile. He relaxed minutely and returned my smile with a tentative one of his own. I then turned back to Papa and took a deep breath.

"I was en route to my next destination when I felt an odd gathering of chakra signatures," I said slowly, carefully. "I—I was at the border. In between our land, and. and Mist's. The gathering was on the other side of the border. I know I shouldn't have crossed. it was against the rules, but it's also my duty and obligation as a kunoichi of the Leaf to investigate any activity I deem suspicious or potentially harmful to it. I thought. I thought perhaps it w-was a surprise invasion."

I fell silent, my eyes falling downcast. "I-I, um. I went to investigate and I saw Kame. He was surrounded, and he looked annoyed. Then—then he started screaming. He was clutching his head and screaming in pa-pain. Papa—I—his scream—it—it—" it reminded me of my own. I couldn't finish the sentence, didn't want to. It was a horrible experience, receiving that. that brand. "I knew he was in pain and then—he passed out. I—I intervened. I defeated the bandits (they were weak, little to no shinobi training), and when I checked on him."

I gestured to him. "He didn't remember anything."

Papa still stared at Kame, but there was a contemplative light in his eyes. " I believe your story, Nao, however. I must ask. Yagura. to follow me to the T&I department."

"Papa, no!" I exclaimed, my eyes wide. "Surely there's no need to torture him, please! He'll cooperate. Just. walk through his mind, Papa. Please."

"You have my permission," Kame added, his eyes still wide. "I don't want any trouble for my friend. I-I'm sorry."

Papa looked apprehensive. " Alright. Yagura, stand here. I will do a preliminary test. I will see if your memories are truly locked away. If they are. then you are no threat to Konoha and I give you my word we will not. harm you."

"Understood," Kame said.

Papa reached out his hand towards him.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

Question: Favorite Jōnin?

Reviews are love!