More Training and Several Surprises 3

Five minutes later, Shino stood in the shadows of an alleyway, staring with a strange mix of consternation and anger at the altercation playing out before him.

"-runt of the litter is a bit far from home, isn't he?" One Chuunin jeered.

Kiba glared furiously back at them, fists clenched as Akamaru growled on top of his head. Behind him, Hinata stood frozen to the spot, looking shocked and uncertain, but a rising flush of anger coloured her cheeks. "Shut the hell up! I'm going to be Clan Head one day! I'll be the strongest shinobi in Konoha!"

The trio of Chuunin scoffed. "That's what you always say, but how are you gonna do that if you never get stronger? Besides, everyone knows Hana's going to be the next Inuzuka Head. At least she's strong. All you ever do is fail at school and skip out on training to play with that pathetic excuse of a dog. Little boys shouldn't play at being shinobi."

"Don't insult Akamaru!" Kiba yelled, and Shino inwardly winced at the familiar words. "He's gonna become the greatest Inuzuka dog in the Clan!"

The Chuunin near the front laughed, loud and mocking. "Yeah? What's he gonna do? Woof someone to death?"

The teen took a step forward and Akamaru immediately leapt to the ground, young voice yipping madly as his hackles raised. This only made the Chuunin laugh harder even as one aimed a kick at the dog. Kiba lunged forward and managed to drag his partner back just in time.

"Do you understand now, Shino-kun?" Haruki's voice sounded above Shino and he nodded woodenly, a funny ringing in his ears when the Chuunin made for his teammate again.

"Well?" A gentle push to his shoulder propelled him forward. "He's your teammate, isn't he? Perhaps even a rival and maybe a friend one day. What are you waiting for?"

That was all the prompting Shino needed and a silent command to his kikaichuu had them shooting towards the jeering teens with single-minded intensity.

Kiba pulled back, still clinging onto a growling Akamaru when a cloud of bugs swarmed the Chuunin in front of him, dissolving their laughter to shrieks of alarm. Seconds later, they were scrambling away, chased down the streets by the Aburame Clan's signature partners.

Slowly, Kiba rose to his feet, blinking bewilderedly as his other teammate stepped from the shadows of an alleyway. They stared at each other for a long moment, but surprisingly, it was Shino who spoke first.

"I apologize," The Aburame heir said clearly. "I did not mean what I said on the Hokage Monument. I was only tired and took it out on you."

Kiba stared wide-eyed at the bug-user, opening his mouth to say something back only to find himself gaping. "I- That's alright," He finally spluttered, surprised to find that he meant it. "I'm, er, I'm sorry too. I said some pretty bad things as well. Not just today."

A stilted silence fell between them and Kiba concentrated on patting Akamaru. This was really weird. Usually, he and Shino just didn't get along, but, well, this side of Shino he could live with. And he had defended him.

"Thanks," He said awkwardly, gesturing in the direction that the Chuunin had ran off in. "I 'ppreciate it."

Shino nodded once and the silence this time wasn't as bad. They both glanced at Hinata when a soft giggle was heard.

"S-Sorry," She stammered out, hands clasped together. "But y-you two can actually get along pretty w-well when you both try."

Kiba turned back to Shino, a little bemused at the change in team dynamics. They were completely different this morning.

A throat clearing drew their attention to their sensei and they all straightened when Kurenai approached them, a broad smile that spoke of pride directed at them. She didn't say anything though, as if any words mentioned about their tentative camaraderie might ruin it. Behind her, Haruki followed at a more sedate pace, hands comfortably stuck in his coat.

Feeling suddenly embarrassed, Kiba glanced down again, crouching to pick up Akamaru. "Sheesh," He grumbled half-heartedly. "You're always jumping out at people way bigger than you. Why are you always doing that? Can't you use your head first before you go rushing in?"

Soft laughter snapped his gaze back up and he frowned at the red-haired Jounin as the man approached. Haruki quirked an eyebrow at him, mouth curved in a gentle smile. "You should know, Kiba. Dogs aren't like humans, no matter how intelligent they are. They don't need a reason to protect their important people." He glanced down at the white puppy. "Right, Akamaru?"

Akamaru yipped in agreement, tail wagging. Kiba stared in shock at Haruki before blinking down at his partner. Not many people talked directly to his dog, as if Akamaru couldn't understand. A rustle drew his attention back to the Jounin and his jaw dropped when Haruki pulled out a bag of Inuzuka dog treats.

"Where did you-!"

Haruki grinned a little as he withdrew a treat. Akamaru's ears suddenly perked up. "Your sister sold it to me earlier this morning. May I?"

"Oh, yeah, sure," Akamaru was already wagging like crazy and he snapped up the two treats that were offered at once, yipping a 'thank-you' and a 'they're delicious' afterwards before jumping towards Haruki, settling into the arms that automatically came out to catch him.

Kiba watched, astonished when Haruki chuckled and replied, "You're welcome. And I wouldn't know but I'm glad you like them."

"You can understand him?"

Haruki shrugged, shaking his head as he put away the treats before passing Akamaru back. "No, but I can guess. I've spent time around a few dogs over the years."

Without waiting for a reply, he withdrew a blue and a yellow ribbon next, offering the yellow one to Kiba and the blue one to Hinata.

Kiba examined it curiously as Akamaru clambered back up onto his head to get a better view. "Hey! That's Akamaru!"

And it was. The depiction of his partner and best friend was sewn in white and brown thread against the sunshine-golden yellow of the ribbon, and even as small as it was, the figure was clearly standing guard over something, jaws opened as if barking and tail flaring behind him.

"Thanks, Haruki-san!" Kiba openly beamed up at Haruki, grinning happily as he showed it to Akamaru.

Haruki only gazed back almost solemnly. "You did well today. Regardless of what other people say, if you think you can do it, then show everyone else what you and Akamaru can do. Become the best Inuzuka combo to ever come out of Konoha."

Kiba stilled, hand clenched around the ribbon. Haruki hadn't told him to train harder, like his mother, or study more, like his sister; simply do. Show me you can do it. Show the world you can do it.

He looked back up, gaze firmer this time and nodded sharply, once. Being one of the strongest shinobi with Akamaru beside him had always been what he wanted. If he tried hard enough, if he didn't give up... He glanced up at his partner. They could do it. And they'd show those who called them runts just who were better.

"Hinata-chan, something wrong?" Haruki turned to the Hyuuga heiress who was looking mildly confused as she stared down at her ribbon.

"Um, why a Owl?" Hinata asked timidly. She had always liked the like the night bird but didn't really understand the conection.

Haruki smiled, a tinge of wistfulness entering his expression. One day, Hinata would sign a summoning contract with the owls. From them on she would often join him in the sky's during patrols or guard the camps and village through the night. She became know as the Madian of Never Ending Sight and he couldn't say any other animal suited the Hyuuga heiress more than them.

"Owls symbolize wisdom, Hinata-chan," Haruki chuckled at the blush that rose in the girl's face. "They also represent caution and patience, cleverness and vigilance, and above all else, independence. Don't let anyone or anything hold you back, Hinata-chan, and that includes yourself. You have great gifts and more than just Jutsu or beauty or your eyes. You have the patience to listen, the timing to wait for the opportune moment, and the wisdom to know what to do with it. All these and more will grow in time. You'll become far greater than you could ever imagine; all you have to do is let yourself do that."

Hinata was wide-eyed and blushing wildly when Haruki stopped but she didn't hesitate to nod this time, and she carefully wrapped the indigo ribbon with the flame-orange and black owl design around her wrist, carefully tucking the ends away. She would carry it with her, as a reminder of what Haruki had taught her today.

"Alright then," Haruki took a step back and glanced briefly at a bemused-looking Kurenai. "I've gone on long enough. Thanks for going along with my tedious mission. All three of you have done really well today. I was impressed with the way you clicked together once you actually started trying to work as a team. But I'm sure you've had enough of me for one day, so I guess I'll just let Kurenai take over now."

Kurenai quirked an eyebrow at him but stepped up with a warm smile. "Great job today, everyone. Your teamwork's improved quite a bit, and I've spotted some areas in your tracking skills that could use some work, so we'll start on that tomorrow. Training is at the same time in the morning, so get a good night's rest, okay?"

All three Genin nodded obediently and it wasn't long before Kurenai and Hinata departed first. Kurenai brushed by Haruki, thanking him warmly for the training session though her eyes thanked him for a much deeper reason. He had pulled her team together for her; something she wasn't sure she would've managed for at least a few months more. Of course, the dynamics still needed work and Kiba and Shino would no doubt get into another fight sooner or later, but something between the boys had disappeared, and Hinata now looked at her and not at the ground.

Hinata left next, needing to be home before her sparring session with Hanabi started. She would try harder this time. Her sister couldn't look up to her if she was always looking down. She thanked Haruki shyly and the Jounin smiled back at her, friendly and warm and entirely focused on her. She left the practice with an almost-skip in her step.

Haruki stared with some puzzlement at the last two of Team 8, not quite sure what they wanted. They glanced at each other and then seemed to come to some sort of silent agreement.

"Haruki-san, would you be free for a couple minutes tomorrow, sometime around six?" Kiba asked eagerly. "It's just that our parents, my mum and Shino's dad, are coming home and I want my mum to meet you. No one's ever actually took the time to listen to Akamaru before and she'd be interested to see you. She can be a bit scary though, and she's impatient and gets angry easily and really tough."

Haruki sweatdropped. Yeah, that sounded a lot like the Tsume he knew. "Should I be worried?"

Kiba rubbed the back of head. "Nah; Kaa-chan's great once you get to know her and she can be all those things but I, well, I love her anyway, ya know?" He ducked his head, hiding the embarrassed red as it rose in his face.

Haruki chuckled but nodded. "I get it." He turned to Shino. "And you'd like me to meet your dad too?"

Shino inclined his head. "You treat kikaichuu very differently than most people outside of the Aburame Clan. I would like to introduce my father to you."

Haruki sighed, running a hand through his hair. Well, he would have to meet the last two Clan Heads sooner or later, so it might as well be now. "Alright, but on one condition," Both boys blinked at him. "Go get a bowl of ramen together."

Both Genin looked taken aback, glancing at each other before looking back at him. Haruki held back a smile and nodded firmly. "Go on. I'll meet you at the park near the Academy tomorrow at six if you go get dinner together. Consider it boys-only team-bonding training. Hurry up."

The two boys blinked at him again before Kiba shrugged and grinned a little, less cautious and friendlier. Shino remained stoic but he nodded once and made no move to protest.

Haruki grinned inwardly. It was a start. He waved the two boys off and didn't start moving away until they disappeared around a corner, Kiba already talking a mile a minute about something or other.

Satisfied, Haruki turned and headed back to his own apartment. Overall, he supposed he did an okay job with Team 8. He had given them a push in the right direction and he hoped it was enough to cement the team together.

x.X.x

Resting beside the hospital bed in the uncomfortable plastic chair, Yugao listened to the steady beep-beep-beep of the heart monitor and offered up thanks once again for the umpteenth time that day.

Her boyfriend was going to live. Hayate would live a long and healthy life, missions notwithstanding. And she couldn't even thank the right person for it because she didn't know who it was.

"I'm sorry, but he doesn't wish to have his name revealed," Takumi shrugged apologetically at them.

Yugao clutched at Hayate's hand as the man slept on, for once undisturbed by rasping coughs. "But I have to thank him," She said earnestly. "I didn't think this could ever happen. I have to at least thank him."

Takumi merely shook his head. "He doesn't want you to know, and I gave him my word that I wouldn't say."

Yugao's face fell. "But why would he do this and not want anything in return?"

Here, the doctor smiled, genuine and thoughtful. "He is something of a rarity these days. I asked him what he wanted in return for the cure and he got angry with me." He chuckled. "Refused payment right then and there."

Yugao couldn't help the bewilderment that surfaced on her face. "But why would he help Hayate specifically?"

Takumi smiled again. "Yugao-chan, there are people out there who help just because they can. He seems to be one of them." He turned to leave, tossing one last comment over his shoulder. "You two have a very good friend. Perhaps one day, if you ever find out, you might be inclined to help him in return. He certainly looks like he needs it."

Yuugao leaned forward and rested her head on the edge of the bed, cheek against the white sheets. What did the medic mean by that? Was their mysterious benefactor in some sort of trouble? And did Takumi really mean that he was a friend? But why would any of their friends keep something like this from them?

"Yugao?" The sleep-roughed voice stirred her from her position and she quickly jerked up, leaning over her lover anxiously. It was the first time Hayate had woken up since going through the surgery.

"Hayate, you're awake. How do you feel?"

Hayate smiled sleepily up at her. "Fine. Great. I don't think I've ever been able to breathe so well."

Yugao almost burst into tears as a wave of relief crashed into her. Takumi had assured her that the surgery had been a success but it was far better to hear it straight from Hayate.

"I'm so glad," She whispered, clasping one of her boyfriend's hands again. "Takumi-san said that you'll need to rest for a couple more days, just to get any lingering side-effects of the treatment out of your system, but you're going to be back to full strength really soon."

Hayate quirked another crooked smile at her; the one that always made her feel like the luckiest woman alive (and yes, she definitely was, because how many other women with terminally ill boyfriends were suddenly given another chance right out of the blue?).

"So did you have any luck finding out who saved my life?"

Yugao shook her head, absently lacing her fingers with Hayate's. "No, Takumi-san wouldn't tell me. But I think he did say it was a friend though."

Hayate's brow furrowed. "All our friends act like they're walking on ice when they talk about my sickness. They'd never be able to keep something like this a secret."

Yuugao nodded in agreement. "Well whoever it is doesn't want to be known."

Hayate arched an eyebrow at her. "I don't suppose that's going to stop you?"

Yugao grinned back. "Of course not. I'll do some digging. Surely someone must know something."

Hayate chuckled, shifting a little. "I'll leave you to it then. In the meantime, when should we tell the others?"

Yuugao brightened, eyes dancing. "Do you really think I was going to keep it from them any longer than necessary? I sent Saya off with messages a while ago. She's to deliver them the moment you woke up."

Her cat summon had the odd ability to communicate telepathically with her from certain distances. Quite useful in tight situations.

Hayate gave her a puzzled look. "You told them I've been cured with pieces of paper?"

Yuugao scowled good-naturedly at him. "Of course not. I just told them that you're in the hospital and to come right away."

Hayate started, eyes widening as he pushed himself up. "What? Wait, then they're-"

"HAYATE!"

The door burst open and Kotetsu and Izumo piled in, looking frantic and prepared for the worst. Another flurry of footsteps sounded behind them and Anko, Raidou, and Genma pushed their way in as well. Anko's expression was darker than a storm cloud, brow furrowed as she tried to cover up the anxiety flashing in her eyes. Beside her, Raidou's lips were pressed tightly together and he began scanning Hayate as if by simply looking hard enough, he would be able to tell what was wrong. And bringing up the rear was Genma, who looked as calm and collected as ever, senbon stuck in his mouth, but his face was almost completely white and the brown eyes that surveyed him were narrowed with tightly-reigned apprehension.

"Hayate, what's wrong? !"

"Why are you in here? A relapse?"

"The fuck is the doctor? ! Shouldn't he be here doing his fucking job? !"

"How do you feel? Nausea? Fever? Pain?"

"Are you even dying?"

Genma's pointed question overrode everyone else's babbling and they all turned to stare at him. The senbon-wielder's face seemed less pale now as he studied the kenjutsu expert sitting up in the hospital bed. He had come in expecting the worst news possible; that his long-time friend had finally used up his nine lives fighting the disease and they were supposed to come and say their last goodbyes. He had almost thrown up when he had gotten Yugao's message.

But when he had walked in, inwardly terrified to the core, his friends' rapid-fire questions had given him enough time to take in the situation and he had noticed the light in Yuugao's eyes and the relaxed slant of Hayate's shoulders, no longer tensed to stave off continuous bouts of coughing.

On the bed, Hayate sighed and shot his girlfriend an exasperated look.

Yugao grinned sheepishly. "Whoops."

"'Whoops?'" Anko snapped, taking another step forward. "What 'whoops'? What the hell's going on?"

Both Yugao and Hayate smiled at this, bright and happy. Hayate spread his arms, smile morphing into a small grin. "All cured."

Stunned silence descended on the room and Yugao hurried on with an explanation. "Early this morning, someone approached Takumi-san and gave him the cure for Hayate's sickness. Takumi-san called us in, explained the treatment, did the surgery to remove the disease, and here we are." She leaned in, pressing closer to Hayate. "He's all cured. Totally and completely cured."

Nobody moved for several long seconds and the ticking of the clock on one white wall echoed loudly around them.

And then Kotetsu and Izumo were surging forward, all but tackling Hayate as Yugao hastily backed away, laughing and almost crying at the same time. Anko whooped happily, bounding forward as well as she promised to buy Hayate a number of sweets that he had previously been unable to eat. Raidou and Genma remained a few feet away but Raidou was grinning broadly and Genma was smiling around his senbon, shoulders slumped in relief.

Ten minutes later, when they had all calmed down enough that the nurses had finally stopped threatening to kick them out, Raidou inevitably asked, "So who exactly approached Kano-sensei? Or are you not supposed to say?"

Yugao shook her head. "We don't know either. Takumi-san promised him that he wouldn't say anything." She glanced at them. "Though I guess your reactions rule out you lot."

Izumo frowned a little. "Rule us out? Why would we have anything to do with it?"

Hayate shrugged, now reclining against the raised bed. "Apparently, whoever he is, he's supposed to be a friend."

"Dude," Kotetsu quirked a smile at him. "I think anyone who saves your life can be considered a friend."

"But the way Takumi-san said it made it sound as if he knew us," Yugao spoke up again. "And he said that whoever he is seems like he needs help too."

Hayate glanced sharply at her, having not heard that part yet. "'Needs help'? Is he hurt? In trouble?"

Yugao shook her head again. "Takumi-san said he 'certainly looks like he needs it'. Could be both."

"Well if he needs help," Anko announced. "We'll just find 'im and do that. We can all do some pokin' around."

There was a general round of agreement from all of them before Kotetsu and Izumo turned the conversation to something lighter, filling them in on the fun they had had earlier that day during the training exercise that Haruki had invited them to take part in. Anko chimed in enviously, grouchy that she hadn't been invited as well until Raidou reminded her that she had been away on border patrol with him and Genma. None of them noticed the thoughtful frown that passed over Genma's face as the red-haired Jounin was brought up.

It was a few hours later before the nurses finally had enough of them and shooed them out. They all departed for the day, promising that they would return early the next morning. Hayate just waved them out cheerfully, falling back on the bed to get the first peaceful night of sleep since he could remember.

As Genma made his way home, waving a lazy goodnight to his friends when they parted, his mind turned back to the sneaking suspicion that had crept up on him the moment Yugao and Hayate had revealed what little information they had on their benefactor.

A 'he'.

A friend.

Someone who knew them, or more accurately, someone who knew of Hayate's sickness and had most likely found out only recently.

And someone who looked like they needed help.

There was only one person Genma could think of that fit all four descriptions.

But why? Why would Haruki not want them to find out? Surely the Jounin wouldn't mind some appreciation from them all.

But did it really matter? Haruki had helped Hayate without asking for anything in return, had acted like a real friend would even though they had only just met the day before. And judging from Kotetsu and Izumo's recount of their day, the red-haired Jounin seemed to honestly want to help the people around him, from twelve-year-old Genin to terminally ill adults. As far as Genma was concerned, that was enough to convince him of the redhead's sincerity.

Takumi had said that Haruki seemed to need help, and after the fainting episode yesterday and the fatigue that Genma had noticed was always weighing the man down, the senbon-wielder fully agreed with the assessment.

If Haruki didn't want anyone to know what he had done for whatever reason, then Genma would respect that. The others would find out eventually anyway. But that didn't mean he couldn't keep an eye on the redhead in the meantime, just to make sure he didn't do anything recklessly stupid or keeled over again because he was too stubborn to go to the hospital.

After all, it was the least Genma could do for the man who had saved one of his closest friends from a premature death.

x.X.x

Landing hard on her side Hinata was panting from the exertion of the spar. Standing not a foot away from her was Hanabi staring down with bored disappointment in her eyes while Haiashi, Hazashi and Neji, and the Hyūga elders look on from the side of the training yard.

Most kept the typical blank expression that was expected of them while a few of the elders and Haiashi all had a small barley noticeable frown mating their otherwise stony visages. It had been sometime since Hinata had won a spar but today's performance was particularly lacking. Even during the Kata portion the training session her movements were sluggish and lacked precision. Before the other onlookers had joined Haiashi had tried his usual commentating to get a rise out of Hinata but rather than the controlled and fueling anger he was looking for, he encountered a very weary but solid resolve he had not witnessed in her before. Looking to take advantage of even the slightest sign of improvement Haiashi quickly ordered the two to spar hoping that this would prove to be the change that brought out the power he believed locked away in his oldest daughter and heir. Unfortunately from the way things looked now that may have been to much to hope for.

"I don't think she can take any more Otō-Sama. She still the failure she was this morning when she left. It's seems Neji-Nisan was right; she is fated to fail." Hanabi scoffed and turned her bored expression to her father. Though both Neji and Hazashi tense slightly at her words no one said anything.

It was here that here that the entire room stiffened and starred in surprise and confusion as small rough giggles could be heard between pants as Hinata slowly stood back up.

"I am a bit mo-more t-tired than u-usual today Imoutu. But I'm n-not done." She got back in her stance loosely. Before striking out with a palm trust to her sisters side.

Hanabi parried the blow and uses her sisters momentum to flip her over grabbing her wrist. It was then that she felt something odd. Something that had been previously hidden by her sisters ridiculous hoody. She looked down to see a nice ribbon tied around her wrist.

Before Hinata can break free Hanabo lets her go after untying the ribbon and taking it off her wrist. Hinata cries out as she does so. "Imoutu r-return that! It w-was a g-gift!"

Hanabi scoffed as she looked at the Owl pattern that intricately wove through the indigo fabric. "As if a failure like you deserves something this nice. Who would even give a dates looser like you something like this."

The frown on Neji, Hazashi and Haiashi's faces deep sharply but none move to intervene.

"At least it's good quality, I'll think I'll keep it. It'll be your price fur getting back up. Fated looser."

Hinata had rolled over into her knees her face shadowed as Hanabi followed the example that had always been set before her. Reminding herself that it not her Imoutu's fault she was raised this way. Her confidence which had been hanging by a thread despite her charade return with a vengeance and twice the power as she looked up Byuakugan eyes flaring yet staring directly at the ribbon Hanabi slipped over her wrist.

"The only one's fated to fail are those that don't even try!" Hinata shouted the words that Haruki told just a few hours ago.

The entire room was riveted and shock evident in ever face even Hanabi's at the determination and resolve that Hinata was now displaying.

"That is what Haruki-Sensei taught me today. To never give up. To continue to walk the journey. He believes I can do it and now I believe I can too. Because I'm patient."

Hinata stands up shaking on her feet and stands in her Jukin form as she continues to speak boldly the longest she ever had and without any stuttering.

"I can defeat you and I will. I have something precious to protect and you have taken that symbol. You may say what you will about me just as you always have, but I will not permit you to speak ill off Haruki-Sensei's teachings."

At the mention of the red-heads name Haiashi Hazashi and Neji stiffened and their eyes widen. Haiashi and Hazashi because they were unaware of the red-heads involvement in Hinata's training today. Neji out of respect for the man and serious contemplation as to what she claimed he said. Perhaps he should further revise his opinion of fate. The elder's for their part were mostly confused as to who she was referencing. Wasn't that new Jonin Kurani her Sensei?Hanabi just scoffed and didn't even bother sliding into her stance. "I don't know who that is but no matter what he says you still haven't won."

Hinata still tight and coiled prepared to unleash her plan.

"I will win. Because I can wait, I'm vigilant and I know exactly when to..." In that moment she lashed out with speed none knew she had and struck at Hanabi's abdomen. Hanabi of course leaned forward as she took the blow, but before she could follow it up with a counter move. Hinata had with drawn her hand and whipped out bother her hands firmly cupped and struck the sides of Hanabi's head and she crumpled.

All was still as Hinata continued to breath hard before exhaustion took it toll and she collapsed. Immediately Haiashi was on his feet Byuakugan active and rushing over with Hazashi close behind after ordering Neji to get the clan medics. After scanning Hanabi and finding her just to be unconscious, Haishi became aware of Hinata was dragging herself over to her sisters out stretched arm. Even as he stood there in her path she moved with a single focus. That little elegant yet sturdy ribbon Hanabi had threatened to take was from her. Even as he was reflect on the incredibly high chakra control and ingenuity it took to manipulate the general fist in such a way to bring her the victory, Hinata was reaching through his legs to grasp the ribbon. The determination her tired face was daunting.

"Winner Hinata." Haiashi acknowledged with a hint of awe Ingrid voice.

Hinata not longer seemed to hear him though as she had apparently fallen asleep clutching the ribbon right there in the court yard.

Quickly ordering the branch members and medics that had just returned with Neji to prepare his daughters for bed after treating them, Haiashi bid his brother and the elders goodnight as he went to his study to think. Hazashi knowing what his twin was trying to do leaves him be and leaves with Neji both reflecting on their own thoughts of the events they had just witnessed. No doubt his brother would have thoughts worth hearing tomorrow.

As he reached his study, Haiashi's mind is drawn back to Hinata's words and performance. No wonder she was so exhausted if Haruki trained them today. He would have to ask her what he had them do and how she was able to preform that final move after it all. Whatever it was the red head had done the Hyūga clan head was more indebted to him than ever for getting through to his younger daughter. He idly thought if all it took was give his daughter a pretty ribbon to bring out this firey and resolute spirit he would have done so ages ago. Of course he doubted it was the ribbon itself that had caused the change. Again his mind turned to the mysterious red head Jonin that had done so much for his family and had mot so much as come by to say hello or request anything since that time. In fact he had heard of him training Neji and if the soars he had seen his brother and Neji have were any indication of how much it help, forgetting Haiashi's own comments, it was indeed considerable. Haiashi decided he would talk to the Hokage concerning what he might could do for the red head because after this latest change in his daughter the red head would have helped far to much for him to ignore or respond with a simple thank you. Haiashi had to admit he was incredibly curious as to learn more about this Jonin. Perhaps he could be persuaded to be a private tutor in his spare time for the three children. He would see what the Hokage thought when next they spoke since as far as Haiashi knew no one else seemed to have much knowledge of the red headed Jonin. Perhaps it was time to do some digging. And do Haiashi spent the remaining evening our contemplating his daughters training and the mysteries that surrounded his clams most recent ally.

X.x.X

The next day saw Haruki spending most of the day barricaded in his apartment stocking his supply of seals, recounting his various plans and steps for future events and just avoiding people in general. Haruki needed and inside day away from the world just working to calm his nerves and rest, or at least as best as he could. Haruki spent most of the time after lunch correcting and commentating of the Hokage's seal work and theories. He had advanced rather quickly considering his age and time constraints. Once again proving his title of Professor. Finishing his last notation he look up at the clock and found it to be approaching his meeting time with the two male members of teen eight. Seeing this he hurriedly got up and left activating his security seals and grabbing his trench coat and sword in the way out. Best to be prepared after all. And he departed with a flurry of leaves.

X.x.X

As Tsume rushed towards her village's gates with Kuromaru loping at her side and Shibi on her tail, she expected to head straight to the Hokage Tower, check in with the Sandaime, be briefed on whatever the hell was happening with the Hyuugas at the moment, and then go home and crash for the next ten hours.

That didn't happen.

"Kaa-chan! Kaa-chan! Welcome home!"

Tsume skidded to a stop in front of the main gates, feeling mildly bemused as her son bounded up to her, Akamaru on his head and an excited grin on his face, and- wasn't that Shibi's kid behind him?

"Aa, I'm back," Tsume managed to return. "What's with the personal reception, brat?"

"C'mon, c'mon! Shino and I wanna introduce you to someone!" Her son glanced at her mission partner as he stepped up beside her. "And Shino's dad too, of course. C'mon!"

Tsume shared a look with Shibi, not bothering to hide her bewilderment. 'Shino and I'? Last time she checked, their sons didn't get along at all. What the hell was going on?

"What the hell is going on?" She demanded, crossing her arms and ignoring the warning elbow she got from Shibi to curb her language. "What are you planning, Kiba?"

Her son took on a mildly hurt countenance and glanced at Shibi's son for support. For support. And Shino stepped up to give it. Had the world flipped itself when she wasn't looking?

"Kiba is not planning anything, Tsume-sama," Shino started in that stilted way all Aburame talked in. "We simply wish to introduce both of you to someone we know."

"Drop the 'sama', kid. Seriously," Tsume told him absently as she stared between the two of them, standing companionably next to each other. She traded another glance with Shibi. Her former teammate and long-time field partner looked as emotionless as ever to most people, but Tsume could pick out the confusion in the slight frown creasing the man's brow. Oh good; so it wasn't just her then.

"Who is this person then?" Tsume finally asked, letting her son tug her along as they entered Konoha while Shibi followed at a more sedate pace. She flicked a glance at Kuromaru and the dog nodded and loped off towards home. Her partner deserved some rest after such a long mission.

"A Jounin," Shino spoke first (and since when did an Aburame speak first, especially in the presence of an Inuzuka?). "He was our temporary sensei yesterday. Why you ask? Because Kurenai-sensei invited him to join us. He helped with our tracking skills..." The Aburame heir trailed off and glanced at Kiba with an almost thoughtful air. "And our teamwork."

"I... see," Tsume really didn't see because she had always thought that it would take months and a miracle for their sons to see eye-to-eye. She and Shibi hadn't gotten along at first either and it had only been after their third mission when she had been saved by her reticent teammate that she had started to see him as something more than an annoyance, and she had thought that Kiba would be the same.

Walking beside her, Shibi observed his son from behind. Shino was still keeping several inches between himself and his boisterous partner, but he didn't shy away or step to the side when Tsume's son brushed against him. What had happened? His son usually came home from the Academy in a typically-silent but foul mood whenever he had a brush-in with Kiba. Granted, he hadn't seen Shino in almost two months, missing his graduation because of the damn mission, but surely being put on the same team wouldn't suddenly make them friends.

As if sensing his gaze, Shino turned to look over his shoulder and glanced up at him. "Otou-san?"

Shibi blinked behind his sunglasses. "Which Jounin is it, Shino?"

His son cocked his head. "Kazama Haruki. Recently returned from an extended mission." A short pause. "He is respectful of our bugs, Otou-san."

Shibi's eyebrows shot up a fraction even as Kiba jumped in enthusiastically, "And it's like he understands Akamaru! I mean he says he doesn't really, but he can guess what Akamaru's saying! Right, boy?"

Akamaru yipped happily, wagging his tail.

Kiba laughed. "That's right; Haruki-san spoils you with treats too. Kaa-chan, Haruki-san knows how to treat our dogs properly. Before he came to train us, he bought a bag of the food that only Inuzuka dogs eat."

Shibi glanced at his former teammate, noting the consternation on her face. He knew the food Inuzukas fed their dogs were only sold in one specific store and was completely run by the Inuzuka Clan. One would have to do some very fast talking and have a very good reason to buy anything from them.

"Who was manning the store?" Tsume demanded.

"Hm?" Kiba looked confused at the annoyed tone that his mother had taken on. "Nee-chan was."

Tsume blinked, stunned. Her own daughter, who was almost as protective of her Clan's dogs and secrets as she was, had sold their specially-developed food to some Jounin Tsume had never heard of? Who was this guy?

"We told him to wait for us at the park near the Academy," Kiba continued, walking even faster now. "Hurry up!"

Five minutes later, they walked into the park and Kiba pointed excitedly, "There he is! That's him, Kaa-chan!"

Tsume squinted at the red-haired shinobi. He had his back turned so she couldn't see his face, but she was sure she had never laid eyes on any ninja with hair that colour for a long time.

"Do you know him, Shibi?" She muttered quietly, glancing beside her.

Shibi shook his head minutely, eyes glued to the shinobi across the playground. Moments later, he felt his kikaichuu stir. He frowned. They recognized the Jounin to some degree. He silently asked for a clarification but his bugs didn't seem all that inclined to answer him. Shibi only managed to pick up detached whispers that didn't particularly make much sense.

familiar... descendent... know him, know him... strong, very strong... stronger than the one before... sad sad sad, so very sad... sacrifice... alone, always alone... lost forever... danger danger... help him help him help him-

Shibi quickly cut the connection, mind racing. Though kikaichuu only lived for several hours, they had the ability to pass on knowledge to each generation after them, retaining a long memory of people they had come into contact with even decades after. Remarkably, they were also able to sense a shinobi's chakra as well as anything they had come into contact with, and pick up on their emotional state to an extent; a useful skill when judging an enemy shinobi's condition in a fight. But Shibi had never met anyone who could cause such a strong reaction from his bugs. Obviously, this Kazama Haruki reminded them of someone that their earlier generations had met before. But Shibi didn't know any ninja with this Jounin's surname. And his kikaichuu, who usually simply reported back to him as they were trained to do, were openly insisting on giving assistance, as if they sensed something of great enough importance that helping this shinobi was for the best. Kikaichuu didn't live long; as helpful as they were to the Aburame Clan, they didn't particularly care whether or not their hosts died and vice versa; they simply moved on once their chakra supply was cut off. Death was literally part of life for them and they didn't have complicated feelings about it like humans did. But did this mean that something was going to happen, something big enough that even the kikaichuu were worried?

"Shibi, what's wrong with you?" Tsume hissed beside him, gaze sharp.

Shibi shrugged a little, trying to settle down again. "My bugs recognize him to some degree."

Tsume glanced at the red-haired Jounin again. "I don't sense malicious intent; your bugs?"

Shibi remained silent for a moment before replying slowly, "They seem... partial to him."

Tsume did a double-take. "They like him?"

Shibi's frown deepened. "Something has them worried."

Tsume tensed, hand automatically drifting down to her hip pouch. "Is it this guy? Because I've never seen him before. I don't care how long a mission he's been on; I've never laid eyes on him before."

Shibi glanced sharply at her. "No. They are worried for him."

Tsume pulled up, hand dropping back to her side. "What? Why?"

Shibi shook his head. "I do not know."

Before either of them could say anything more, the Jounin they had been discussing turned to face them, and both took an immediate sprint down memory lane as brilliant cerulean pinned them in place.

"Shibi," Tsume murmured without looking away from the blue-eyed Jounin. "Is it just me, or does this guy remind you of...?"

"The Yondaime," Shibi finished gravely. He would never forget their old friend's eyes; Minato always seemed to be able to look straight into a person's soul with them, and even from this distance, Shibi got the exact same feeling from this shinobi.

"Um, are you two alright?"

They both blinked and tore their gazes away from the red-haired Jounin to look down at their children. Kiba was blinking up at them with confusion and even Shino had raised a questioning eyebrow.

"We're fine, brats," Tsume told them briskly. "Now are you going to introduce us or not? We don't have all day."

"Haruki-san! Sorry to keep ya waiting!"

Haruki smiled down at the two boys of Team 8 as they approached, Shibi and Tsume several feet behind their children. "Don't worry 'bout it; I wasn't waiting long. How are you today? Still tired from yesterday?"

Kiba grinned up at him. "Nope! I bounce right back! And Akamaru's back to full strength too!"

Akamaru yipped and leapt off Kiba's head, settling in the arms that automatically came out to catch him. He liked this person. Haruki smelled like sunlight and summer and always gave him treats. And whenever Akamaru snuggled against him, some of the loneliness he could sense disappeared as well. He hoped his human visited this man more often. Kiba seemed less angry and more relaxed ever since meeting Haruki. Akamaru would have to do his best to repay him.

Haruki sighed as the white pup made himself comfortable in his arms. "Kiba-kun, I think there is something wrong with Akamaru. He keeps doing this."

Kiba grinned even wider, baring sharp canine teeth. "He just likes ya so ya better get used to it. He's gonna be doing that a lot."

Haruki just sighed again and turned to Shino. "And how are you, Shino-kun? How's that new jutsu coming along?"

Shino nodded once. "I am fine. The jutsu is difficult; I am still working on it but I have improved the distance to five meters since I started making chakra threads. That is much harder to do."

Haruki nodded, not missing the miniscule but sharp jerk of Shibi's head. "Keep at it then. When you can extend them from all your fingers at the same time, I'll teach you how to attach them to objects so you can move them."

Shino nodded back, silent again, but there was a hint of a smile peeking out from behind his collar.

Haruki smiled back, amused as he watched the younger version of his friend, before finally looking up at the two adults still standing several paces away. "And these are your parents then?"

"Oh yeah!" Kiba bounded back to his mother. What was wrong with her today? He didn't usually have to drag her anywhere. Maybe she was tired from her mission. "This is my mum, Tsume! Kaa-chan, this is Haruki-san."

Tsume stepped forward, eyes narrowed as she studied the redhead. Haruki only smiled back and nodded a greeting. "Hello, Tsume-san. Kiba's talked about you."

Tsume arched an eyebrow. So this Jounin knew not to call her by the formal honorific. Did Kiba mention that to him? "Oh? What about?" She knew her son; Kiba wouldn't hold back on the comments. He would've told Haruki both good and bad.

Haruki tilted his head, considering the woman in front of him. He knew how to handle Tsume from his time; the woman was loyal to the core, as were all Inuzukas. She appreciated honesty, no matter how harsh, and detested sugar-coated words and traitors more than anything else.

So, "Impatient," Haruki stared steadily back at the Clan Head, catching the surprise that flitted across her face and ignoring the slightly nervous look on Kiba's. "Short-tempered, tough. Quite frightening when lecturing Kiba-kun. But your son says that's okay because he knows you love him anyway."

"Haruki-san!" Kiba spluttered, looking embarrassed and indignant.

Haruki smiled innocently down at him. "You did say that, Kiba-kun."

"You're not supposed to repeat it to her!" The younger Inuzuka sibling wailed, face red. He yelped when Tsume suddenly laughed and slung an arm around his shoulders.

Tsume could only stare in astonishment as Haruki told her straight to her face what he had heard. Of course, it sounded just like her son, but she really hadn't expected the Jounin to repeat it word for word. Most people took one look at her and quailed. Haruki looked at her without the slightest bit of apprehension. Hearing the end of Kiba's account of her, she couldn't help but bark out a laugh as a rush of affection welled up inside her. That last part she hadn't expected.

"Tsume's fine," She told the redhead as she straightened up and offered him a sharp smile. "I hear you've been teaching them?"

Haruki shrugged. "Just for a day. Kurenai invited me."

Kiba grinned proudly. "It was really hard but we managed it in the end!" He blinked, glancing up at Shibi as if suddenly remembering his presence before reaching over to poke his teammate. "Oi, Shino! Introductions!"

Shino arched an eyebrow at Kiba but didn't get too annoyed. Yesterday was still fresh in his mind. He turned a little to his father instead. "Otou-san, this is Haruki-san. Haruki-san, my father, Aburame Shibi."

Haruki's greeting to him came just as freely as it did to Tsume. Shibi nodded briefly back, noting how the Jounin's gaze seemed to slice right through his sunglasses and straight to his eyes. He wanted to ask more, very out-of-character for him, but he wanted to know why his kikaichuu picked up such a tangled mess of emotions when all Shibi could see right now was a warm smile and a cheerful countenance.

But, "Well, we'd like to talk more, but we haven't reported in to the Hokage yet," Tsume said briskly, one hand on top of Kiba's hood. "Maybe later, Haruki?"

Haruki nodded quickly. Sarutobi would need to fill them in before he called everyone together tonight. "Of course, I won't kee-"

He stiffened and glanced to the right, as did Shibi and Tsume. The children looked confused and Akamaru raised his head, sniffing the air questioningly.

"Ah," Haruki rubbed the back of his head. "I suppose it would be bad manners to run away right now?"

Tsume glanced curiously at him. "Run away? It's just Shikaku. Man's not that bad. Granted, he could lighten up a bit but it could be worse."

Haruki just heaved another sigh, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets. "Maa, that's not it. He's-"

"-been looking for you for the last four days. If I didn't know better, Haruki, I'd say you've been avoiding me."

The sarcasm was thick in the Jounin Commander's voice and Haruki inwardly winced as he turned around to face the Nara Head. "Good evening, Shikaku."

Shikaku stared menacingly at him, torn between wanting to wring the redhead's neck for forcing him to endure so many troublesome hours and congratulating the man for avoiding him so well. He knew ANBU who couldn't hide from him, which only served to pique his curiosity even more.

"You are a difficult man to track down, Haruki," He finally said, frowning irritably at the redhead.

Haruki tried a Kakashi-eye-smile as his lips tilted up unrepentantly. "Maa, I didn't want to play another round of shogi so soon."

Shikaku just sighed before glancing at the newly-returned Clan Heads standing behind the Jounin. "Shibi, Tsume, good to see you back." He frowned again as he glanced at Haruki. They needed to be filled in soon. "You need to head over to the Hokage Tower. Sandaime-sama's been expecting you."

Both shinobi heard the weight in his voice and they quickly nodded.

"I'll see you at home, Kiba," Tsume ruffled her son's hair before giving a general nod at the others and shunshining away.

Shibi patted his son on the shoulder before following his old teammate. He would ask Shino about Haruki when he got home, and enquire about the chakra threads as well.

"Well, see ya later, Haruki-san!" Kiba waved as Akamaru jumped back onto his head. The dog yipped as well, looking almost expectant.

Haruki chuckled and reached into a pocket to withdraw a small bag of dog treats. "One; that's it."

Akamaru snapped up the treat, wagging vigorously as his best friend laughed below him. Haruki was quickly becoming one of his favourite humans.

"See you tomorrow, Kiba-kun, Shino-kun," Haruki glanced up at the darkening sky. "Go straight home, alright? It's getting late."

Both boys nodded before heading off in their compounds' direction. It helped that their homes were so close to each other.

Haruki watched them go before turning warily back to Shikaku. The man had watched the entire exchange quietly, content to wait Haruki out.

"So," Haruki began, slouching a little in his coat. "You want a match."

"Partly," Shikaku agreed. "At the moment, I mostly just want to figure you out."

Haruki eyed him dryly. "You'd suck as an interrogator."

Shikaku shrugged easily, motioning for Haruki to join him as he headed away from the park. "That's why I leave that job to Inoichi. Or Ibiki now."

They walked in easy silence for a while. Despite Shikaku's desire to figure out his secret, Haruki was almost completely relaxed in this man's company. The Nara Clan Head wasn't all that different in the future; always a steady, solid presence that Haruki had learned to depend on. Of course, there would be no depending here, but that didn't mean that he couldn't feel comfortable around the Jounin Commander.

"Inoichi is worried about you," Shikaku started again, glancing sidelong at the redhead.

Haruki nodded. "I heard. The Sandaime mentioned he came by when I reported to him this morning. I don't know why."

Shikaku dearly wanted to ask have you looked in a mirror lately, but held his tongue. "You haven't been by to Yamanaka Flowers either," He said instead.

Haruki shrugged. "Inoichi is one of your best friends. He wouldn't have let me leave until you came."

"Would that be such a bad thing?" Shikaku asked dryly. "I simply have a theory I wish to confirm."

Haruki automatically scoffed, amused and nostalgic in equal parts. "Of course you have a theory. A Nara without theories is a dead Nara."

A slightly stilted silence followed as Haruki blinked at the odd look on Shikaku's face.

"Be careful with your words, Haruki," Shikaku said at last, and Haruki frowned a little as a belated alarm bell rang in the back of his mind. "You have the disturbing tendency to repeat things that you shouldn't know."

Haruki frowned a little more and repeated his words in his head.

A Nara without theories is a dead Nara.

He had heard this from Shikamaru, but it wasn't something his Chief Strategist had ever voiced as a kid. This time's Shikamaru shouldn't have said it yet.

"My wife once said that to me," Shikaku revealed quietly, face half-hidden in shadows as they passed under an alcove. Haruki remained stubbornly blank-faced. "Before Shikamaru was born. As a joke, of course." His head tilted in a mockingly contemplative manner. "But I could swear you've never met Yoshino before."

Haruki walked on, refusing to acknowledge Shikaku's faint smirk and cursing himself inside his head.

"And of course," The Jounin Commander continued relentlessly. "The day you trained my son and his team; you repeated my words as well. And I know I have never said them to Shikamaru, and it would be somewhat redundant to say them to someone who isn't a Nara. Strange, isn't it?"

In his coat, Haruki's hands clenched into fists. How the hell had their conversation deteriorated to this point so quickly? There were times that he hated this side of Shikaku; the ruthless, uncompromising shinobi who excelled at continually boxing in his target even after they were completely cornered with no way out. Even worse was that Shikaku wielded this skill like he would a piece in a shogi game; seemingly careless, outwardly effortless, and utterly destructive. In the future, Shikaku had passed this skill onto his son, and during the few times either of them had carelessly turned it on him, Haruki had been beyond pissed off.

He had spent his entire childhood running, always running, and knew the pain and fear of being surrounded with no way out. It was why, when he had to kill, he almost always made sure to do it as quickly as possible. If someone was going to die either way, the terror that set in if a kill was drawn out too long was unnecessary. They were ninja, not psychopaths, though he'd seen the two combined more than once in his life.

At the moment though, Haruki was facing a friend, someone he would gladly die for, and the man was playing mind games with him. Maybe he would have to retract his previous statement; Shikaku could give Inoichi a run for his money when he was like this.

"I've made you angry," Shikaku's sudden observation, quiet and a touch apologetic, snapped Haruki out of his thoughts but not his anger.

"Damn straight," He snapped back, low and dark and not bothering to hide the fury (and, even after all this time, just the smallest amount of panic) that roared in his chest. "Either get to the point or get lost, Shikaku. Don't turn that cornering crap on me!"

Shikaku almost stepped back at the unveiled tangle of emotion that made Haruki's eyes blaze. Shit, he had overstepped his boundaries. It occasionally happened when he was angry or when he caught onto something interesting that kept him occupied for more than a couple days. The habit had slowly gotten better after Inoichi had taken him aside one day, years ago, after he had reduced a fellow shinobi to a shaking heap of fear for insulting Yoshino, and had warned him of the consequences of what he could so easily do.

You're smart, Shikaku, Inoichi had told him, blue eyes intent. And that brain of yours is as deadly as any weapon, but you have to be careful. Say the wrong thing one too many times and you could destroy someone's mind. I don't care if you do it to enemy nin, but keep a lid on it when it comes to allies. You could seriously hurt them.

And here he was, doing the exact same thing Inoichi had warned him not to do to someone that Shikaku knew didn't have the best mental health at the moment. Shit.

"I apologize," He said quickly, automatically raising his hands in a placating gesture when gleaming cerulean narrowed. "It's a bad habit. I did not mean to turn on you like that."

Haruki studied the Jounin Commander for a moment longer, struggling to shove his emotions back down as he did so. He took a quiet deep breath, slowly letting it out along with his anger and then immediately wishing he hadn't. Now that he was no longer angry, the heavy exhaustion from before seemed to come back in full force, settling on his shoulders like deadweight once again.

"What do you want, Shikaku?" Haruki suppressed the urge to close his eyes. God, he just wanted to go back to his apartment and rest, maybe even risk sleeping for a few hours.

Shikaku stayed silent for a long moment. A part of him wanted to just leave and call it a night. It was obvious that he had just botched their entire conversation. But a bigger part of him, the shinobi side, the strategist side, theNara side, wanted to know.

"I was going to ask you for another shogi match," Shikaku spoke at last, choosing his words carefully. "Just to verify some things, but I'm pretty sure I've already figured it out, so I won't. All I want right now is a confirmation."

This time, Haruki did close his eyes, sighing deeply before opening them again. "What exactly do you know right now?"

"...You have the chakra capacity exceeding the size of the Kyuubi sealed inside you," Shikaku started after making sure Haruki really did want to know. "You have Namikaze Minato's eyes, and your face is a bit like his. I thought you were his brother or cousin, but I forgot to consider his wife, and you have her smile and mainly her facial structure. So I'm inclined to believe that your hair colour is a powerful henge as strong as the one used by Tsunade, and you've hidden the whisker marks on your face because you can only be one person, even though I cannot sense the beasts chakra and no one has seemed to notice a seal. I've asked. But that should be impossible because Uzumaki Naruto is just a boy and I know you have not henged into one or the other. You have the Hokage's ear, you repeat words that you shouldn't know, you navigate the Nara Compound like a second home, and," Shikaku stopped for a heartbeat, watching the shadows creep into those sorrowful eyes again before ending softly, "And apparently, you look at my son and you see someone else, someone you can't bear to look at."

Whatever light that remained in Haruki's eyes flickered out and Shikaku almost wanted to take every word back as a deadened gaze stared back at him. But he had come this far, said this much, and he needed to push because if he was right (and he knew he was), then Haruki needed help since there was just no way he could do everything alone, no matter how strong he was.

So he continued, concluding in a gravelly voice that was barely above a murmur, "One person from two different times. You are Uzumaki Naruto from the future, from a different timeline, from a world beyond repair. So you came back, to change things." Shikaku stared hard as dull blue eyes closed. "Am I correct, Haruki?"

Haruki didn't answer him directly, only opening his eyes and turning to stare down a surprisingly empty street. The sunlight was almost completely gone by now and most people had headed home for dinner.

"Bodies and ashes," Haruki finally spoke, and Shikaku contained a shudder at the raw haunted expression that finally surfaced on the redhead's face. "Can you imagine Konoha reduced to nothing but bodies and ashes? And everyone dead. Everyone. Babies, children, civilians, shinobi. All gone." He turned back. "Can you imagine that, Shikaku? Because, funny enough, until I saw it myself, I couldn't imagine it either."

"It won't happen," Shikaku was startled to hear how rough his voice had become but continued anyway, looking the time traveller in the eye. "We won't let it."

Haruki smiled, humourless. "'We', Shikaku?"

"Yes," Shikaku frowned sternly at the Jounin. "I don't know what kind of person I'll become in the future; I can only speak for myself in the present. I know what's going on now; don't think I'll let you handle this on your own, especially if Konoha's on the line. The Sandaime has told Inoichi that you can't be helped, I can understand why now and I wouldn't ask for therapy but I do think you can be helped. I won't lie and promise you that everything will be alright. After everything you've been through, maybe you'll never completely heal; I don't know. But the Hokage is wrong to leave everything to you. We can at least try."

Haruki stared at him, expression twisting a little in a way that Shikaku couldn't read.

"You're exactly the same," The redhead finally muttered, shoulders hunching just a bit. "You wouldn't leave me or Shika alone in the future either." He glanced up, a morbid smile curling at the corners of his lips. "It got you killed."

Shikaku didn't blink. "I'll be more careful this time around."

Haruki snorted but Shikaku felt something loosen in his gut when some of the dead expression lifted from the Jounin's face and blue eyes became a little more alive again.

"I won't tell you everything," Haruki said at last. "I might not even come close to telling you half of that."

Shikaku shrugged, shoving his hands into his coat as he walked forward, unbelievably glad when Haruki didn't move away from him. "That's fine. So long as you warn me of something that's about to happen so we can prevent it, I won't push anymore. Much." He added as an afterthought.

Haruki let out a sound that was a half-laugh, half-sob. But his shoulders relaxed and he walked willingly enough beside Shikaku as they moved aimlessly down the street again.

"You called my son 'Shika'," Shikaku recalled. "You were good friends then?"

Haruki smiled a little, more genuine this time. "More like brothers. I made him my Chief Strategist. Er, other Chief Strategist anyway. I kept you on until you...well."

Shikaku nodded thoughtfully and absently wondered how he had died. "Ah. Rokudaime Hokage, I assume?"

Haruki nodded but didn't expand on it and Shikaku didn't ask. Instead, "I haven't had sake in three days because of you. Let's go to Shushuya. You can tell me who knows what over dinner."

Haruki bit back a smile as he nodded and followed the Nara Clan Head to the popular restaurant.

It was... strange. He had thought that it would complicate matters if more people found out, had thought that maybe Shikaku would insist on knowing everything right away, but the man had never, at any point in time, rushed into things without thinking it over first. And Naras were always smart enough to know when to defer to someone else when they weren't as knowledgeable in the area.

Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad then. The Sandaime knew, but the Hokage could hardly sit around all day listening to tales of another time if they weren't relevant to any immediate danger. And while Hizashi knew, Haruki wasn't all that comfortable relying on someone whom he had never known in any time. But Shikaku was someone he was familiar with, even if this was a younger version of him. Haruki had properly met the Nara Head when he was fifteen so a couple years wouldn't make much of a difference. And Shikaku was patient and a good listener and an excellent advisor. He had been a steady rock for Haruki right up until the day he died, so maybe depending on this man in this timeline was something he could do after all. Besides, it didn't look like Shikaku was going to give him much of a choice anyway.

x.X.x

Shikaku heaved a tired sigh as he sat down on the wooden porch, reaching down to take off his sandals. What a night.

Hyuuga Hizashi was the only person other than the Sandaime who knew the truth. No wonder Haruki looked so tired all the time; he doubted the Hyuuga Clan Head's brother had been much help. Hyuugas were an emotionally stunted lot; even if Hizashi was better than the rest, he doubted that the man would ever go out of his way to take on such an emotional mess like Haruki. He didn't get much out of Haruki tonight but what little he did was crucial and it would be enough for now. He had promised not to push much at least.

"Shikaku?"

Shikaku stifled a yawn before glancing up to smile at his wife. "Sorry I'm late, Yoshino. Got held up with some business."

Yoshino could no doubt smell the alcohol on him but Shikaku had always marvelled at her ability to tell when he was giving a half-assed excuse and when he was serious, even when he said both in the same tone of voice. His wife only nodded before taking a seat next to him, leaning into him when he curled an arm around her waist.

"Can you imagine Konoha reduced to nothing but bodies and ashes? And everyone dead. Everyone. Babies, children, civilians, shinobi. All gone. Can you imagine that, Shikaku? Because, funny enough, until I saw it myself, I couldn't imagine it either."

His arm tightened just a little around Yoshino and his other arm suddenly felt a little empty without his son beside him. No, he couldn't imagine it, couldn't see it at all, and kami he hoped he never would.

He had always known that real Kages were a rare breed of shinobi, set apart from the rest of the population, but he had always contemplated on what it was that made them different. Physical and mental strength, of course, but it couldn't just be that. Charisma and a genuine desire to protect the village and its people, but Shikaku had seen quite a few shinobi like that as well.

So perhaps it was what he had seen in Haruki tonight. The will and resolve to never give up, to sacrifice not the people but himself to protect what was important. To keep on going even after everything had been destroyed. To put the people who followed him above everything else.

The Shodaime had been like that, killed in the many battles before the First Great Shinobi War trying to clean up Madara's mess, but not before passing on his Will of Fire to the next generations of Konohagakure.

The Nidaime had been that way as well, sacrificing himself to give Konoha a future in Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The Sandaime had lost two teachers, a student, a wife, a successor, and many, many shinobi in the Third War, and had still come back to take up the mantle to keep the village going.

And the Yondaime, of course, had sacrificed himself and both his family members to ensure Konoha's survival from the Kyuubi. But his old friend would be disgusted with the very village he had protected if he ever saw his son's abysmal childhood. Come to think of it, he could only imagine how Haruki was taking it. Wasn't he living next to Naruto?

"Shikaku, are you alright?"

His wife's concerned voice made him blink and he managed a small smile for her. "Of course, Yoshino. I just have a lot on my mind."

"More theories, Shikaku?" Her gentle teasing warmed his heart. He'd do anything to keep this in his life.

"Well, you know us," Shikaku grinned a little, repeating her words even as he recalled his earlier conversation. "Naras without theories are dead Naras."

Yoshino huffed exasperatedly, but her mouth curled up into a smile. "Just don't think too much. You'll get frown lines if you do."

She settled against him again and Shikaku turned to look up at the moon. They had a chance now. Haruki had come all the way back, fourteen years into the past, and Shikaku would be damned if the same thing happened again. He had several hours before the next council meeting. After talking to Haruki he didn't find it so strange that the meeting was called so late. No doubt it involved him and the next step to righting the future. He just hoped he could be of help without revealing too much Haruki had been adamant that the others should only become aware of the truth by figuring it out themselves. He actually agreed with the red head on that though. After the meeting he would meet with Haruki Hazashi and the Sandaime to work out a better background for the man. The Sandaime was sure getting lazy if this was his best shot. However that could be thought on later, for now in his remaining hours of peace Shikaku was going to hold his wife and treasure the moment while it lasted.