Chapter Text
Of course, because why wouldn’t Hoshigaki Kisame be in Konoha?
Stupid question really.
“Erena...you are looking well,” he grinned. He was wearing my Appearance Modifier, but somehow he still managed to come across shark like. I’m guessing that aspect wasn’t just in his looks, but ingrained into his personality.
“All the better for seeing you. To what do I owe this pleasure?” I asked. While I liked the guy, his visit didn’t spell out great things for me. My mind was whirling with the possibilities.
“Now, that doesn’t seem sincere. Can’t a friend just come for a visit?”
“That’s the first warning sign. You’ve never actually called me a friend before, friend.”
“Paranoid little Twig, aren’t you?”
“Always...But really, what fo you want? You wouldn’t come here just for the sake of it.”
“I may have a few things I’ve been asked to discuss.”
I sighed. “Maybe we should take this conversation elsewhere? The place will be crawling with ANBU in a second.” Even if he managed to get in undetected, I wasn’t stupid enough to think I didn’t have a tail when I was unsupervised. The Akatsuki think tank knew of Kisames access to my Appearance Modifiers, and no doubt a strange tall man suddenly talking to me would have raised suspicions. And if Kisame was intercepted here, it would mean potential civilian casualties when the fight ensued.
“I will follow your lead, friend.” He smirked and gestured.
I shunshined away and into the forest, quickly and hoping I could keep my chakra control up for long enough. It wasn’t quite out of Konoha’s boundaries but it was far enough from the village I didn’t feel as on edge. It was easily trackable, too.
I knew Kisame wasn’t here on a social call. I would count him as a friend, but I wasn’t stupid enough to think that included social visits. He might have looked after me, but nothing could deter him from the mission. If he was given a task, he would carry it out to the letter. He liked me, but he would always put his loyalty first and foremost.
I landed on the ground and he followed suit, standing a few meters away from me.
“Konoha seems to have done you some good,” he commented, sincerely.
I smiled. “It’s been interesting.”
“I half expected you to be wasting away in a cell somewhere. The Leaf haven’t had the best track record with you.”
I blinked. “You were worried about me? That’s...surprising.”
“You grew on me. Like a fungus.”
I smirked at him. “You know, you’re quite the fungi yourself.”
“I have not missed your attempts at jokes,” he said, dryly. But I could see the amusement in his eyes. He totally had.
“Don’t lie. I can see right through you...But really. Why are you here? You wouldn’t have put yourself at risk of exposure to exchange pleasantries. I miss the banter but I’m not stupid.”
“You never were...Leader-sama sent me on a recruitment drive.” My eyebrows shot up. “I was passing by and told to observe you. I expected a prisoner or that feeble self pitying shadow. If any betrayal was suspected I was ordered to kill you.”
I stilled and took a breath. “And what have you found?”
He shrugged. “Not feeble, and not a prisoner. So why not leave?”
“You offering? You just can’t be bothered getting a new partner,” I attempted to joke. Inside I felt cold, this didn’t bode well.
“True. So what do you say? You appear recovered enough to resume your main duties. I’m certain you will be welcomed back.”
I shook my head. “It’s not that simple.”
“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow.
“The second I leave I’ll have a dozen hunter-nin after me.” I was trying to stall.
“Pathetic excuse. You would evade them in a matter of minutes.”
“Perhaps. But I won’t just leave again. I can’t...I thought I’d never get to return back. I’ve found some peace here. If I left now, I’d break all over again.”
He looked at me for a little while. “That is disappointing.” I swear I could hear a bit of regret in there, but I couldn’t be sure.
He made a go for me and lunged with his sword. I dodged and flipped out of its path, missing the scales by a mere millimetre. I took out a smoke bomb tag and released it, and the area was immediately surrounded in a thick blanket of smog - hopefully it was dull his senses a little. I then activated a chameleon tag and zipped to his side. I managed to sneak a kunai - he registered my movement as I grabbed it but I just managed to evade again.
Where he might have the strength, I had the stealth and I was planning to use it as long as I could. I hoped that reinforcements would arrive soon enough. I had a few seals remaining, but I wasn’t willing to try and produce any ninjutsu- if they weren’t successful I would just waste time and effort.
Kisame sent out a wind technique to dissipate the smoke and left the area clear. He started trying to sense me, so when he was distracted and facing the other way, I jumped on his arm and slashed his face, before gracefully landing back down. I bolted and ran behind a tree before he swung.
Not only did he take out the tree but me managed to slice across my back. I could feel the blood pour and started concentrating to try and steam the flow. He managed to miss anything vital, but I could feel damage to a couple of my ribs. They could wait.
“I’m impress you managed to get my face. There is a first time for everything,” he said in appreciation. I wasn’t stupid enough to reply, he was trying to goad me into revealing my location.
A series of explosion tags let off around him. Unbeknownst to him, I had placed a couple on his person as I vaulted to get his face. He was too focused on me to think about what I had left behind. They weren’t powerful enough to inflict any lasting damage on him, but would probably sting like a bitch.
I took that moment to move. I’d never be more thankful about sessions with Gai. I might complain but my speed and agility definitely benefit. I shoved the kunai into the centre of his forearm and used it as leverage to manoeuvre and kick him in the face. It landed, but he grabbed my foot and threw me into a tree. My knee made a popping noise and my face hit a rock as I felt to the ground.
He came over and picked me up by the throat before I could right myself. He brought me close and grinned.
“I wish you had taken me up on the offer.”
Next thing I knew I was hurdled into the air again, but only for a second. Instead of falling, I was captured by water. I was caught in a water prison, completely submerged. I tried, but I had no access to any of my chakra, and any remaining seals I would have had were ruined by the water.
My eyes widened at the realisation that I was fucked.
I held onto my breath for as long as possible, but in a moment of panic my body tried to take in a breath, but instead inhaled water. Needless to say it did not help. My body started to panic with the lack of oxygen, however I wasn’t willing to give Kisame the satisfaction and stayed completely still as my vision started to blur.
Just as I started to see black, I saw a flash of red flame. The water dissipated and I fell to the ground. By some stroke of luck, I landed heavily on my back and the water in my lungs came out of my mouth involuntarily, followed by a round of vomit. It was not one of my finest moments.
I was on my hands and knees as I tried to support myself up. It took a while to catch my breath and breathe properly, with throat aching and mind still dulled. I looked up to find Kisame fighting with what looked a couple of ANBU. Kisame looked like he was having the time of his life. He briefly saw me look over to him and made eye contact before grinning wide. With obvious ease, he sent out a high powered wind jutsu and knocked the two over, before effectively disappearing. The bastard must have taken my chameleon tag when he grabbed me....at least it would soon burn up because of the shitty paper it was on.
The ANBU signalled to each other about some kind of search radius, but I interjected.
“Don’t bother. He’ll be long gone. It you want to search anywhere, I’d focus on the old ROOT tunnels but he’s not stupid enough to hang around.” Fuck, my throat sounded like sandpaper.
One of the ANBU disappeared, and the other came to me. “I am taking you into custody. You will comply or you will be met with lethal force.”
I sighed. “Sure. Whatever.” I was tired, in agony and mentally drained. I’d almost drowned and had no fight left in me. I collapsed back down on the forest floor. He could take me into custody all he wanted but I wasn’t walking anywhere.
He didn’t even try and force me up, and placed a knockout tag on my arm and I fell unconscious.
When I woke up I was in a holding cell with chakra suppressing cuffs on. Ha. Jokes on them because I didn’t have any anyway.
The knock out tag must have worn off, because the paper was still on me. I clearly hadn’t received any medical attention as my injuries felt very much intact, with my knee feeling worse than before.
The holding cell opened, and two ANBU came in. One came right up to me and placed black cloth hood over my head, before grabbing the chakra cuffs and leading me out. I didn’t move far before I was shoved to a chair and cuffs secured to a table in front of me.
“You know boys, I’m getting a sense of deja vu here. If this is meant to be intimidating, you better up your ante. This ain’t my first rodeo.”
The room was then emptied and I was left alone. I sighed dramatically.
The wounds on my back were aching leaning against the cold metal chair but I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of knowing. I tried to keep myself as relaxed as possible and slouched in my chair.
I must have been there for a while, as I actually ended up falling asleep...I guess I was more exhausted then I thought. I was suddenly awakened by the hood being ripped from my face and a concerned Itachi in front of me patting my cheek. I flinched a little at the unexpected eye contact, and he immediately stepped back.
“Release her cuffs at once,” he ordered sternly. His orders were followed a split second later. “Why wasn’t she taken to a healer?”
“The injuries were deemed non-life threatening. Protocols mandate to secure the prisoner and arrange for immediate questioning in the event of an active threat.”
“And under what grounds is she under suspicion?”
“Knowingly interacting with and aiding in the escape of missing nin Hoshigaki Kisame.”
Itachi snapped his head to me, I shrugged while rubbing my wrist. “I guess he’s not wrong? But the second one is a bit of a stretch.” My voice stung. “Urgh. I don’t remember my throat feeling like thing when I was water boarded in ROOT. Maybe it was the vomit?” I meant to say that to myself, but it all came out. Oops. I guess I had a head injury, too?
The door opened before the ANBU Commander and Morino Ibiki entered. The ANBU Commander must have gestured for the guards to leave the room. The men sat down at the other end of the table. I blinked slowly, still feeling half awake. I was starting to become aware of the increasing effort it was taking to breathe.
“Nakahara, I need you to explain the recent events involving Hoshigaki,” Morino said, looking directly at me. The others all trained on me too.
I sighed. “He came for a chat, we got into a little fight. It got a little dirty...I lost, got arrested. The end.”
“Details, Nakahara.”
I blinked. “He approached me outside the bath house, wearing an old Appearance Modifier...the conversation became tense so I removed us from the area. He stated he was sent to recruit another member, but due to my recovery, he offered me a chance to rejoin the Akatsuki.” Itachi stiffened but otherwise kept his face blank. “I declined. He attacked me, he won...the ANBU eventually turned up and he took the opportunity to fuck off.”
“You’re missing some very important details, and you know it. Why did you tell the ANBU to check ROOT tunnels? Why would he be aware of them?”
I shrugged. “He’s known about them since the Chuunin invasion. I told him about a few.”
“And you didn’t think to tell us?” The ANBU commander asked. Despite his stoic demeanour, his tone gave away a slight bit of annoyance.
“You never asked?” Since having Sasori’s seal removed, they had asked me very little about specific things like this. As the sessions were limited, I’d had very little opportunity to volunteer information. And I will be honest, it kind of slipped my mind.
I saw the ANBU Commanders hands clench in anger for a second but he never replied.
“If Hoshigaki attacked, why aren’t you dead?” Morino asked, with interest. “We all know in your current state you are no match for him.”
“He never wanted me dead...I think he was genuinely checking up on me. And to give me a warning I was being monitored.”
“Erena, have you seen yourself? These are not the actions of someone coming into to check up on a friend,” Itachi said, incredulously.
“Shows how much you know Kisame. This is just a warm up. If he wanted me dead, I would be.”
“Perhaps he was interrupted by the ANBU agents?” The ANBU Commander said.
“Please. Leave the jokes to me, humour isn’t your strong point. They were ridiculously outclassed. The fact your ANBU are still alive is more of a favour for me.”
“In what respects?” Morino asked.
“I don’t condone killing. He might not hold the same ethical stand point as me, but he respects me enough to not do it in front of me, especially in my own village.”
“That sounds very out of character,” he mused. “I’ve met him, you know. He killed his own team rather than allow an information leak. I’ve never seen such brutality.”
I shrugged. “Apparently I grow on people. Like fungus...I’m infectious.”
“And your current injuries? How do you explain those?”
“He’s seen me survive worse. Hell, he’s caused worse. This is practically just a bit of foreplay.”
“Foreplay? Well...that would explain a lot.”
My face morphed into disgust. “Ew. Kisame? No. He’s like my brother from a scaly mother. Those are some bad and very wrong thoughts. Do you have any bleach? I need to clean my brain with it. Several times.”
“Let’s not get distracted,” Itachi said. “Is there anything else you would like to inform us of?”
“Yea, your ANBU were slow as fuck and were taken out by a single wind jutsu. It was embarrassing. They either need reassigned or training from a very stern captain.”
The ANBU Commander stiffed. “Reports will be thoroughly analysed.” He didn’t say anymore, and I guessed that was a diplomatic way of saying he wasn’t happy without losing face. I could respect that, as long as he got the job done.
“Do you need anything else from me right now, or can I pass out?” I asked. Although the question was a bit redundant as I did so anyway.
I woke up in the hospital. I was getting fed up with this. I’d been here more times in the last few months than I had in the last few years...although I suppose healthcare with the Akatsuki wasn’t really an option. But still.
I woke up alone in the room, although I could sense a couple of ANBU around - I guess I was going to be fully guarded from now on. Goodbye privacy.
I was aware of them before, but mainly when alone. I’d never detected them when I was with any others or in the hospital before. I suspected they thought the security risk was low at these points. Whether these guys were protecting me or were just monitoring me now I didn’t know. Either way, I was going to have to speak to someone about getting them to hide their presence better - for starters, detecting them shouldn’t be a thing. And second, it was distracting.
I removed the leads and things attached to me and got out of bed. I felt fine and wanted to leave. I popped my head outside the door and caught a nurse.
“Hello? Can I go? I feel great. Top notice service from you guys. I’ll leave a great review.”
She looked like a deer caught in the headlights. “Oh! I’ll go get your primary Healer. Can you wait in bed?”
Well, it wasn’t a no? “Sure. Thanks.”
Yumi had but enough fear into me that I at least wanted to be polite and inform them of my departure. If I didn’t and it got back to him, I’d have hell to pay. I walked back through and looked for my things. My clothes had been changed into hospital scrubs - I’m guessing they were disposed of. I’d hoped to find my bag and shoes at least.
“Nakahara-san?” A unfamiliar man walked in the room dressed in the usual Healer uniform. “I believe you have requested to leave?”
“I feel fine, seems like a waste of a good bed.”
“While the majority of your injuries are resolved, due to the type of trauma you have experienced, we would prefer to monitor you for a few days. For people in your condition there can be delayed complications.”
“People in my condition?” I asked, confused. “If you’re walking about the whole mental health thing, this isn’t a drop in the ocean. And if it makes you feel better, I’ll arrange to have a chat with Inoichi.”
“No, Nakahara-san. I mean your pregnancy.”
“Wait. WHAT?”
After that I would like to say I was calm and collected but that would be a lie. I demanded to see my chart, then demanded it was checked again. I demanded to see Shizune or Tsunade - he tried to tell me that they were far too important to deal with something like this.
“Show them my goddamn chart and if they don’t come straight away, I’ll do whatever the hell you want.”
Shizune arrived soon after and performed her own examination.
“They are correct. You’re pregnant. About five weeks along.”
I blinked. “But how?...no, I don’t need the whole...” I made awkward hand motions. “But...how? Gai had taken the contraceptive?”
Her face morphed. “This wasn’t planned?”
“No. Definitely not. The opposite of planned. Unplanned. Zero planning.”
“Has Gai been exposed to any poisons or medications recently?”
I furrowed my brow. “No, except antibiotics? He had an infected wound.”
Her mouth formed an ‘oh’. “Certain antibiotics can stop the contraceptives from working. Once the course is finished, it takes a couple of weeks to resume.”
I blinked. “Why weren’t we ever told this?”
Shizune seemed nervous. “It’s standard procedure to tell kunoichi...its rare for the men to be taking the contraceptive so it is an unfortunate oversight.”
“I’m going to kill him,” I growled.
“Gai?” She squeaked.
“Yumi.” I wasn’t just going to kill him. I was going to string him up, cover him in honey and find a pit of fire ants. I wonder if the Aburame would know where to find one?
“Erena...I know you must be feeling angry, but I’m sure Yumi will feel terrible. He takes his job very seriously...I know you only just found out and it’s a lot to wrap your head around, but just know who have options.”
I snapped my head towards her. “What?”
“It’s not uncommon for kunoichi in your position-“
“Hold that thought. First I need to tell people and discuss things and shit...” I groaned. “It was supposed to be a nice and peaceful day. I was going to the baths and then I was going to buy dango and find a nice fiction novel to read. Maybe a romance? Then have an early night and find people to annoy tomorrow...maybe prank the Hokage tower? I found a merchant with a fantastic supply of glitter...In fact in might still do that-“
“Erena, focus?”
“Right, yes. The bundle of cells reproducing and multiplying inside of me. Right. Important topic...but really. I need to speak to Gai first? I’ll try not an freak out until then.”
She gave me a soft smile. “You can freak out if you want.”
“Thank god, because I’m totally freaking out.”
She laughed. “Once you talk with him, I’m here for you. Whatever you need. Okay?”
I nodded. “So what now? They said they wanted to keep me here for a few days.”
She shook her head. “You’ve been lucky, there doesn’t appear to be any issues. I would be comfortable with you going home, but take it easy for a few days? And by that I mean strict rest. If you feel different at all, straight back.”
“Thanks. Will do.” I sighed. “This is a clusterfuck.”
“It’s unexpected. But you’ll figure it out.”
I left the hospital and went straight over to Yumi’s house. Kutsu opened the door.
“Erena, are you okay? You look flushed.”
“Where’s Yumi?” I asked.
His eyes widened. “I’ll go get him, you want to come in?”
I stepped in the hall but didn’t move any further.
Yumi came out a second later looking irritated.
“Kutsu said you looked ill? What the hell are you doing here? Just go to the-“
I punched him right in the nose and walked out.
I felt much better.
As directed, I sat at home and did nothing. Which is a dangerous thing for me. My head was whirling over all the possible problems and complications and I didn’t like any of them.
The next day Yumi came over and couldn’t be more apologetic. He had stopped by the hospital to speak to Shizune and she told him.
“Erena...I’m sorry. Truly. I can’t apologise enough. It was such a rookie error and I’d flay others for this. I can’t believe it.”
I sighed. “It’s okay. It’s happened. But I don’t know what the fuck to do.” I wasn’t going to hold a grudge against him for this. I could see the sincere regret written on his face. “I mean, I’m not mother material. It’s not something I had seriously considered - especially right now. I’m fun aunt or crazy godmother material...but actually leaving me in charge of an actual human child? It’s going to be a disaster.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit,” he replied. “You are an absolute pain in my ass, but you’re one of the most caring and selfless people out there.”
I gave him a funny look. “Are you okay? You just complimented me.”
He rolled his eyes. “I’ve been known to do that, occasionally. But seriously, we made you Aimi’s godmother for a reason. Have a bit more faith in yourself.”
I flopped back dramatically on the sofa.
“I hate this.”
“I know.”
I was called in for a more thorough debrief after a few days, this time with Shikaku being present too. I gave them the full play-by-play, starting from Jiraiya peeping in the baths...if I was going down, I was taking him down with me.
They sat in silence and waited as I recalled everything. The ANBU Commander then told me that the ROOT tunnels had been decommissioned and collapsed - long time coming if you asked me. I told them it may be worth extending the barrier seal around the village to include going slightly underground and they seemed interested.
Unfortunately, they didn’t take my interpretation of Kisame’s visit seriously - they thought it was more than a little unlikely he was there on a social visit. I know my Fish, but I could understand their opinion.
“The problem we have is the risk posed to the Villages security. Now you are a target of both Orochimaru and the Akatsuki,” the ANBU Commander said.
“This was always a problem. How has this changed?” Shikaku asked.
“But now there has been an attack. Within village.”
“And what do you suggest?” Shikaku asked, his face guarded.
“We remove the target from the Village. Should they return in greater numbers, there could be loss to civilian life.”
I looked to the floor. With my days of solitude, this is one scenario I had anticipated.
“Are you suggesting that we cast Erena from the Village? It will make her more of a target than she is now.” Shikaku was seething.
“And not only that, we could disrupt any current loyalties she currently has...what if she were to truly join the Akatsuki?” Ibiki said.
“Then I suggest securing her. She is a visible target around the village. Perhaps we should consider moving her to to detention facility, under closer guard?”
My head snapped up. “Hello? Sitting right here? And you can fuck off with that one. I’ll be kept under lock and key over my dead body.”
“You have no say in this decision, Nakahara.”
“Enough!” Itachi shouted. Oh, he was scary. “I agree with Shikaku, the risk is no greater than before, but we will ensure additional security measures. Erena, I would like to convey my disappointment in your lack of candour when it came to Hoshigaki’s knowledge of the village and it’s security. While you may have trust in his intentions, I believe your judgement is clouded. Is there anything else that you may have omitted that may be of importance?”
I frowned. “No. He has two Appearance Modifiers, I can give you the full description of these.”
“Do any other Akatsuki members have access to them?”
“No. I don’t hand them out like sweeties. His ones are designed for him and him alone. If anyone else were to try it would look ridiculous and out of place. You’d catch them a mile off.”
“And his comment on recruitment. How do you interpret this?”
“I was surprised. They have very specific specifications and skills required. They have been known to recruit from active ranks, so it may not be specifically missing-nin. If there are any S-Class shinobi with wavering loyalties, they could be a target.”
“S-Class? Then what did they want with you?” The ANBU Commander asked.
I sent him a condescending look. “My combat skills might be lacking, but you have no idea what I can manage.” I heard him scoff, and I turned to Itachi. “Permission to give a demonstration?”
I saw Ibiki perk up in his seat. Itachi rolled his eyes. “I’m not stupid enough to know you won’t do it anyway. At least here if can be controlled.” He waved me on.
I put my hand in my bag and activated a scroll attached to the left side. It was a localised time stasis seal- just big enough to freeze time in the area surrounding the men. It would only last a few seconds - since my time flicker seal relied on my immediate chakra supply and control, I wanted to have a back up that I could use in a combat-like situation. It was already charged with chakra, so would last as long as I designed it to. It was my first one, and I had designed it in the time I was off.
Also, I was weary to use my time flicker at the moment - as it sped time up in my body, I didn’t know what effect it could have on my pregnancy, so I wanted to be careful until I decided what to do.
I grabbed a pen from Itachi’s desk and started to draw on the ANBU commanders mask. Once I was done,I sat back down and resumed the exact same position I did before.
Once the seal stopped, I flicked my eyes to the the ANBU commander and winked. It took a second, but Shikaku started laughing, and I heard a guffaw from Ibiki. Itachi gave me an amused look and handed the ANBU Commander a reflective surface. Once he saw the clown face on his mask he bristled.
“You think this is a joke?”
I smirked. “Generally, yes.”
“I fail to see how this demonstrates S-Class skill,” he was deeply unimpressed with me.
“As many know, Erena’s knowledge of seals are extensive. She is able to manipulate the speed of time - whether on herself or an area-she first demonstrated this with exposing Shimura Danzo. I have seen this myself many times, including the ability to stop time within an entire hidden village.” Itachi supplied. Well, up to him if he wanted to reveal classified information. “Am I guessing the Akatsuki are not fully aware?”
I shrugged. “They’ve seen the Time Flicker, but most just think I’m really really fast. They contribute it to something like the Hiraishin...I don’t correct them.”
“If this is correct, the possibilities are endless...” the ANBU Commander trailed off.
“Sorry to burst your bubble, but I’m retired,” I smiled. I was glad I had taken that option at this very moment.
“If they are seals, you can replicate them.”
“Nope. Sorry. Secret technique. Plus the seals required to stabilise you within the bubble are incredibly dangerous - I won’t place them on just anyone.”
“But-“
“Erena is correct. She is no longer an active kunoichi. She has already been kind enough to supply us with other seals, however this was her choice. I will not betray her trust and force her to impart her knowledge on this...however I’m certain that if called upon, she would help us.” Itachi said, looked to me and I nodded. Of course I’d help if lives were at stake.
“Then we shall call the meeting adjourned for now...ANBU Commander...perhaps you may wish to use another exit?”
Shikaku walked me home and I could tell he was a little mad at me.
“You put yourself in unnecessary risk. You need to stop this.”
“I know. I know. Consider it stopped.”
“Why do I not believe you?” He gave me a side look.
“I promise I’ll be more careful? I don’t know what else to say. I’ve now got full time babysitters - who really need to hide their chakra better, by the way - and I’m no longer doing anything fun. How do civilians cope?”
“By relaxing. You should try it.”
“Relax? I am relaxed. See, totally relaxed!”
“You should get a hobby.”
“Like what? I get bored too easily.”
He turned to me and smirked. “How did I get you for a niece? You are far too troublesome.”
“It’s a problem.”
The rest of the walk home he continued to insult me. A police officer came over and said that Fugaku had requested if I could visit the station tomorrow to discuss a case, which I immediately accepted.
“Look, I do have a hobby!” I exclaimed to Shikaku.
“Erena, that’s a job, not a hobby.”
“What’s the difference?”
When I got home, I sensed Gai already in the apartment. He must have finally gotten back from the mission. I bid farewell to Shikaku, and said I’d see him for lunch tomorrow. He waved me off without coming and greeting Gai - he wasn’t one of unnecessary social interactions.
When I entered the apartment, Gai was sitting writing his report. He looked unscathed and only a little tired.
“Hey, good mission?” I greeted him and gave him a quick kiss.
He grinned at me. “A very successful one! Completed within time, and Neji showed great skill in leadership! I allowed him to be mission commander and he did not disappoint!”
“That’s good! Anything exciting happen?” I walked over to the kitchen and made myself a drink, bringing him one too.
“A few low level shinobi tried to intercept, but they were easily overcome. My genin are shining with their skills! And what about here? Did you make much progress?” He was meaning my chakra training.
I made a so-so motion. “Not really...but Kisame came for a visit.” He tensed. “We got into a little fight, but nothing serious.”
He looked to me. “I hope you mean this as a joke?”
I scrunched my nose. “Sadly not. Now I have two ANBU shadows...so if you notice them, try not to worry.”
“And what did he want? Are you now a target?” He had his serious face on.
“Officially yes - he offered me my old position back and I declined. But I think he was just warning me to be careful and keep my head down. No one believes me.”
“Based on previous experience, I also believe this is unlikely.”
“Everyone’s a critic...” I sighed and started to feel butterflies in my stomach. I had to tell him even if I didn’t want to. “So...umm...something else happened.”
“I hope this is more Youthful news than the other,” he still had his game-face on. He clearly didn’t think it was going to be.
“I guess, maybe? Umm...I’m pregnant,” I blurted. “They found out when I was at the hospital.”
He stilled and I don’t think I saw him breathing.
“You are pregnant?” He asked, finally.
I nodded.
“You are certain?”
I nodded.
“YOSH!” He jumped up. “How? This should have been impossible! But it is amazing! this is the most YOUTHFUL news!” He started jumping around and doing a little dance.
I laughed. “So...you want to keep it then?”
He stopped immediately and looked at me. “Do you not?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. The timing isn’t the best?”
“Is that your only reservation? While I am overjoyed, I understand your worry. If this is your only concern, I can promise we will make it work!”
“You think?” I asked quietly.
“I know!”
“Then I guess?”
“Yosh!” He practically jumped on me and hugged me. “This could not be any better news! The very product of our Love! We shall be Wonderful parents!” He paused. “I must tell my Rival!” And he zoomed out the door leaving me there. I blinked.
“Rude.”