Chapter Text
“Absolutely not, I’m working.”
“Pleeeaaasssee?” I pleased. “Help me, Yumi, you’re my only hope.”
“Then you’re hopeless. Scram.”
“It’s a matter of life and death. Life and death!”
“Who’s death?” He looked at me sceptically.
“Mine.”
“Pfft. You’re like a cat with nine lives. You’ve got at least a couple more in the bag.”
“Come on. Please! I’m begging here. Literally begging!”
“No. I don’t know what you’ve got planned but I won’t be your enabler. I will not enable you.” He pointed at me viciously.
“It’s like really cool. Like history making cool.”
“Still not happening!”
“Pleassseeee!” I was starting to sound more and more like a toddler having a tantrum.
“I have a young daughter. You seriously think I haven’t dealt with this before? Hell, even within the last week. I didn’t give in to her, and she’s actually cute.”
“I’m cute!” I protested. “Fine...dramatics aside...what’ll it cost me?”
“Bribery? Seriously? Erena, it’s still a no.”
“Honestly. Name your price. I need you for one full day. And even add in a little bit extra for the short notice. And for the future mental scarring.”
“Mental scarring? Erena! What on earth have you got planned?”
“Disclosure only on acceptance.”
He sighed. “Fine...funding for the hospital. We need new equipment.”
“Done.”
“I didn’t say how much.”
I waved. “Done. Next.”
He raised his eyebrow again. “Coffee machines. Top of the range. Every staff room, every floor.”
“Done. I’ll even design you a lovely espresso maker - you put tiny pods in and perfect amount and strength within two minutes.”
“An extra weeks paid vacation.”
“Make it two...you’ll thank me later.”
“An apprenticeship for Sakura with Tsunade. She’s outgrown me.”
“Done.”
“How can you promise that! I’ve asked her and she point blank refused.”
“Don’t ask questions. Just demand.”
“An extra day off a week for Kutsu. Paid.”
“For god sake...done. But only six months.”
He frowned. “This is must be really serious. Except the coffee machines, you shouldn’t have been okay with any of that.”
“I’m not lying when I’m saying it’s a life and death matter. You’re the last variable, and the only one I trust. Our opponent makes Danzo look like a freaking genin, and I need to do something to tip the balance.”
“God...okay. Now I feel bad...so what time are you going to injure yourself? And do I have time to take a leak?”
I laughed and handed him instructions. “Meet us there in an hour.”
This was very need to know. We couldn’t have any hint of this getting out, so as far as anyone was aware we were out having lunch.
Itachi, Shikaku and Jiraiya all came. Jiraiya was my failsafe in case anything went wrong...not that I thought it would. Plus, if he found out afterwards, he’d throw a massive tantrum. As we left the tower, I placed tags on us so we were impossible to track and overhear. Other than Itachi, no one knew where we were actually going, but Shikaku recognised it was we entered.
“This is the ROOT headquarters? Why did you bring us here?” He frowned.
“It’s easily defendable - I’ve placed enough privacy seals and barrier seals that it’s surprising we can even enter now. People forget it exists...and only one known way in or out.”
“I’ve been waiting for ten minutes,” I heard Yumi from the shadows.
“Who’s there!” Jiraiya startled.
Yumi stepped out from a shadow. “We were built for the shadows.”
“And in the shadows we remain.” I answered.
“I hope that is a password and not an old ROOT mantra,” Itachi said. “Because that was quite sinister.”
“Danzo was a dramatic asshole. He had many...most included tree root symbolism, how we were the foundations of the village... Blah blah,” I replied.
“Don’t forget his loyalty pledge...his narcissism knew no bounds,” Yumi reminded me, and I shivered.
“Fuck that. That will never leave my lips again as long as I live.”
“As nice as it is to see you, Yumi, what are you doing here?” Itachi asked, amicably.
“Erena bribed me. Apparently her life is in jeopardy?” He shrugged. “She wouldn’t tell me any more.”
Itachi snapped his head to me. “Your life in in jeopardy? You never mentioned any danger.”
“I’m about to invoke the Shinigami...did you think this would be a walk in the park?”
“What...stop. You are going to invoke the Shinigami? That’s impossible!”Jiraiya said in disbelief.
“People need to stop over using that word. It’s not impossible, but improbable...However, as I’m about to prove, it’s possible, probable and really remarkably easy.”
“Why are you about to invoke the Shinigami? What’s your endgame?” Shikaku asked.
“To beat Kabuto at his own game...anything he can do, I can do better...I refuse to summon Madara, but we can get information on him, or even gain allies.”
“You mean to reanimate the past Hokage!”
“Bingo...but slight snag is that they dwell in the Shinigami’s stomach. Therefore, I gotta make him chop ‘em out.”
“Summoning the shinigami is dangerous. The only true way the the Reaper Death Seal, and you would end up trapped yourself,” Jiraiya said.
“The Uzumaki knew more about sealing than we’ll probably ever know,” I said. “They had ways around it.” I brought out a scroll and released it. “An Uzumaki mask...I don’t know how, but some genius managed to link the Shinigami to this. Technically the mask acts like a remote control...it’ll only work for a short time, but if I put it on, I can release the Hokage and then summon them. I have the remaining Zetsu, which I plan to use as the vessels for the reincarnation.”
“What do you need me for?” Yumi asked, confused.
“Between releasing the Hokage and resurrecting them, I may become...incapacitated. I need you to make sure I: A- don’t die, and B-stay conscious and continue working. I only have a small time frame or the Shinigami may seize them again.”
“And if it’s a choice between option A or B?”
“Option A, obviously. I don’t have a death wish.”
“I do wonder, sometimes.” He rolled his eyes. “I see why you offered the two weeks holiday now.”
I winced. Maybe I should have offered three?
With everyone up to speed, I did a bit more prep work. Timing issues expected, I set up the Resurrection jutsu so I just needed to activate it when the time came. I made a few mild changes from the original, and Kabuto’s abomination...I would allow them full control, except I could unsummon if necessary. They could also unsummon themselves. Their appearance would be like that of someone alive, and no one could take control of them. At all. This was a mind control free zone.
As I put the Shinigami mask on and sent some chakra through it, I gasped as I suddenly felt a chilling cold. It permeated deep into my soul. Then came a crash of emotions, and they were not kind.
“Holy shit,” I heard Yumi state, as a ghostly figure appeared behind me.
The Shinigami was mad. Mad mad. Like, he was so mad I would have probably feared for my life if he didn’t have his own set of rules to follow. The mask linked me to this spirit, but I also got a faint glance into him as well.
He was driven by his duty, and had no concept of morality at all. There was no right or wrong. He was annoyed by mortals, but also found them entertaining. And vengeance was very present on his mind...he loathed being summoned (hence why he always consumed his summoner), and what I was doing was even worse in his book. I could feel tendrils creeping out trying to find me...
The legends weren’t completely correct. The mask didn’t give you full control of the Shinigami; it only allowed a taste. He was more powerful than a mask could hope to contain. If I wasn’t quick, he would override this, and grab me along of the ride.
Concentrating, I forced his hand to move. His arms acted like a shadow of mine- he was a puppet and I was the puppeteer. I brought them down, and opened his stomach using his claws. He didn’t feel pain, but I did.
“Fuck.” I gasped, as I felt a wound form in the same place...he caused this. It didn’t need to happen but he was never letting this go unmarked.
“Erena!” Yumi came rushing forward, despite the Shinigami behind me, and started on his work.
Without further ado, I ripped the mask off and broke the link. I threw it on the floor far away from me. The coldness started to recede, but I could feel a lingering promise from the Shinigami - he would remember this.
I think I finally felt true fear. My only comfort was that he was on a very different plain of existence...but should he even be summoned back here, and I was present, all bets were off. And it wasn’t just my life, it was my eternal soul...Why did these things never come with a clear warning?
I pushed back Yumi and stumbled to the seal I had already prepared and activated it.
I hadn’t actually witnessed the initial Resurrection process before, and it was pretty vile. The Zetsu clones looked like they were turning into dust, and then shifted. I knew Kabuto used alive and awake people for this - it looked excruciating.
I collapsed back slightly and Yumi continued to heal me. The blood had already stopped, but it wasn’t healed over yet. A few moments later he stopped. “The skin is closed but it won’t fully disappear. There’s an obvious mark.” he frowned, annoyed at himself.
“I guess spiritual wounds don’t heal that fully? It would be too easy” I whispered and looked down. “Doesn’t look terrible, it only looks like a deep scratch.”
“I’m sorry, but it’s going to scar.” He looked frustrated. I knew he took pride in his work. He was usually impeccable and never left any evidence.
“It’ll be a badge of honour.” He helped me stand up, and took me over to a ledge to lean on.
I was all but forgotten as the others watched the Hokage form. I’m not going to lie, excluding the Sandaime, they were a pretty attractive looking bunch. The books and Hokage mountain did not do them justice. Or maybe I just had a thing for armour? That was something to explore later.
“Itachi? You have summoned us to the world of the living?” The Sandaime said, looking at him.
“Someone must have reversed the Reaper Death Seal. It should be impossible,” Minato commented. Again with the impossible word...
“Who is this Uchiha? And who are they to use the Resurrection jutsu so lightly?” The Nidaime said in anger.
“This is Uchiha Itachi. He was my trusted advisor, and now the Godaime Hokage- it appears,” Hiruzen said, fondly.
“An Uchiha as Hokage! I never thought I’d see the day! How extraordinary!” The Shodaime said with a laugh.
“Wait!” Minato clicked his fingers. “You’re Mikoto’s boy!” Itachi nodded. “She must be so proud!”
Itachi smiled. “Thank you. She is.”
“Why have we been summoned? I do not sense a battle,” the Nidaime said.
“I apologise for interrupting your afterlife, however there is a problem at hand that we require assistance with. I hope you are willing to help us,” Itachi said, acting ever the diplomat.
“We are soon to face an enemy you are familiar with, and information is vital to our success in keeping the village safe,” Shikaku added.
“Well, who is this mysterious enemy?” The Shodaime asked.
“Does Orochimaru have anything to do with this?” Hiruzen asked.
“Orochimaru is dead...and with no possibility of being Ressurected,” Itachi confirmed.
“I am glad he is finally at rest. Was your battle hard?”
“Ah. I can claim no part in his demise,” Itachi said.
“Yo!” I gave a small one figure salute from the sidelines. “And no, piece of cake. How did you even have a problem?”
“Nakahara?” He said incredulously. “Itachi, you are working with her? This cannot end well.”
I narrowed my eyes and was about to clap back, when Itachi raised a hand to stop me.
“Hiruzen, I ask you to stop. Erena is my trusted advisor, and has never shown any disloyalty towards Konoha despite the numerous grievance against her. I will not tolerate any negativity towards her. Were it not for her, you would still be resting within the Shinigami- even when you are dismissed, you will finally be able to rest in peace.”
“Itachi...she cannot be trusted-“
Oh, fuck that.
I teleported in front of the Sandaime, grabbed his collar, then teleport again, but changing position and I slammed him onto the ground on his back.
“Erena, stop,” Itachi said calmly.
“Who is this to show such disrespect to a Hokage?” The Nidaime growled.
Shikaku sighed and rubbed his bow. “I should have placed a bet on this happening.”
I let the Sandaime go and glared. “Watch yourself, you hypocritical prick. Your secrets are out, so there’s no point hiding behind your false platitudes. If you even think my name, I will unsummon you faster than you can blink. The only reason you are here is because Itachi insisted...I would have been quite happy to leave you to rot in the Shinigami forever.”
“Erena?” Minato said. “You’re the summoner?” He blinked. “It was fuuinjutsu this whole time!?”
I laughed. “I told you...my lips are sealed.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t guess...but you were only a child.”
“I started when I was three,” I said sheepishly.
“THREE?!”
“I’m sorry, what is going on here? And who is this?” The Shodaime asked.
“Hi!” I said with a grin, holding out my hand to shake his and then the Nidaime’s. “I’m Nakahara Erena, huge fan, by the way- the way you united the clans and formed the village and stuff? Outstanding...I’m just Itachi’s general dogsbody. Oh, I brought welcome packs!”
I opened up a sealing scroll and handed files to everyone.
Itachi raised an eyebrow at me as he accepted his. “When did you do this?
“Last night. Couldn’t sleep. Excited...plus I like files.”
Shikaku snorted. “She did the same when ROOT was disbanded.”
“Helps the process and keeps everyone on track, you know?”
“This says Uchiha Madara is going to be resurrected?” The Shodaime said with a frown, as he read the first page.
“Madara?” the Nidaime said, trying to read further down.
“Brother, you’re so slow at reading!” the Shodaime chortled.
“Shut up!”
“Why don’t we take this to one of the briefing rooms?” I suggested. “I think briefing room five still has a table inside?”
Yumi nodded. “It does. I explored before you got here.”
As we walked through the halls, Minato looked around. “What is this place? Are we in Konoha?”
“This is the old ROOT headquarters. We’re underground, next to the main reservoir,” I offered.
“ROOT?” he frowned. “But I ordered it disbanded. There was no place for such an organisation in Konoha.”
“Well, Bastard McPrickface over there,” I jabbed my thumb towards Hiruzen. “Allowed his BFF to reinstate it...it’s reason number one I hate the guy.”
“What is ROOT?” The Nidaime asked.
“It’s all in the welcome pack- I included a brief history of Konoha to keep you up to speed. Section nine, page fifty two, parts one to three...I didn’t go into detail, but the ANBU archives hold a copy of my original document, should you wish to see. I’ve stated the location for ease.”
We sat down at the conference room and Itachi and Shikaku explained our current predicament. I sat there and clarified a few facts, when necessary, but this wasn’t my playing field. It was funny how out of place Yumi looked, and he was clearly trying not to react when certain things were discussed - as a medic, he was kept totally out of the loop.
It was interesting to see how the Hokage processed the information. Shodaime was insightful, but tried to find a joke in everything... I liked him immensely. He was like that silly uncle who shows up at family reunions...you think he’s a clown until you find out he’s some super important member of government.
The Nidaime was...spicy. He punched a wall at some point, and the Shodaime just laughed and told him to calm down. I’m guessing it was a frequent occurrence? It almost reminded me of when Itachi told me to behave, but the Shodaime had more humour and less exasperation. The hatred the Nidaime had for Madara was intense, and he was willing to help in any way.
As much as I hated the Sandaime, he was also incredibly knowledgable. I was going to have to stay away from him, or I could not promise I wouldn’t let my anger out (every time he spoke I felt my eye twitch).
And Minato...he was actually surprisingly quiet about a lot of things, and read through the rest of the file as we talked. He would interject with his opinion, but otherwise kept a thoughtful expression. As he didn’t personally know Madara, he had little to add in at this point.
“I think we should find this Kabuto and kill him before any plans come to fruition,” the Nidaime said. “It would be better to stop him before Madara appears.”
“Unfortunately he is elusive,” Shikaku said. “We have heard nothing from him in over a month, and he evades our patrols and spy network.”
“The only lead we have is the cavern system,” Itachi said. “Neither our parties or foreign teams have been able to make much progress. We plan to send in the Kazekage soon- his sand may be of assistance for mapping and avoiding the security measures in place.”
“The Kazekage?” Nidaime said. “Why would he help?”
“Section four, page eighteen,” I said. “A brief history of the Allied Nations- it’s birth and current status.”
“The nations are united!” Shodaime laughed. “So war is a thing of the past?”
“Unless you count our current concern, yes,” Itachi said. “We work closely and meet frequently. If there is any tension or disagreements a neutral party will step in to mediate. So far, there have been no major concerns.”
“It says the Kazekage is a Jinchuriki? And the Mizukage....have the prejudice against them resolved?” Minato asked.
I smiled at him. “Almost...it’s taken time, but the animosity isn’t quite there anymore. Civilians are harder to change, but Naruto’s sorting that all on his own. I don’t bother interfering anymore...check the recent report on the attack on Konoha. He’s quite impressive.”
Yumi gave me a strange look and whispered, “Why would he care about Naruto?”
“He’s his son...obviously. God, it’s like the most obvious thing in the world. Don’t you have eyes?”
“Sorry, I’ve been too busy patching up the village to care about family trees.”
“Is he in the village now?” Minato asked.
“No, but he should arrive in a few days. I recalled him...I believe Killer B will be resuming his training here,” Itachi said.
“Killer B?” Both Minato and I said, but in very different tones. Mine was excited, his was shock. Minato gave me a funny look.
“Alliances and friendships change things,” Itachi said. “There are many changes you may find surprising - I encourage you to explore them.”
“Explore them? You mean you aren’t going to unsummon us?” Shodaime asked.
“The jutsu was not designed for long term resurrection,” Nidaime said.
“I made a few changes, I hope you don’t mind,” I explained. “There’s still a lot to ask you. And in all honestly, having a hand wouldn’t be a bad thing? Should you wish to rest, you have the capability to unsummon yourself at any time- there is a tag on your chest and you just need to focus chakra to break it. But we would appreciate help with the strategy and fighting. You have direct experience with Madara, and you can never be too prepared.”
“I for one would love to see the new Konoha! What do you think, brother?” Shodaime said, excited.
“I think this is a gross misuse of the purpose of Impure World Resurrection,” he huffed, folding his arms.
“Have you always been such a Debbie Downer?” I said and immediately regretted it. It was actually quite rude, and I actually respected the man.
The Shodaime laughed. “All his life! Ignore him, though. We would love to stay.” He nudged him playfully with his elbow and received a stern glare.
“Excellent,” Itachi said. “Shikaku and Erena can go through everything. Unfortunately, I have other things I need to attend to...There will be another War Council tomorrow, and it would be interesting if you could attend. Jiraiya, can you make another Interface scroll?”
“Of course. Have you told the other Kage yet?”
“Ah, no...” Itachi winced. “An oversight, but I’m sure they will excuse the haste.”
“I can send them correspondence, if you like?” I offered.
Shikaku snorted. “We want to diffuse the situation, not escalate it.”
“I will handle it,” Itachi said with a humoured smile. I felt like I was being personally attacked. I can be plenty diplomatic, thank you.
Itachi and Jiraiya left, and Yumi with them to show them out of the maze of headquarters (I think he wanted an excuse to leave). Shikaku and I were going through a basic rundown of the village and other material within the information I had given. While they stayed, they would have a place within the Hokage residence unless they wished otherwise. They would be given free rein to do as they wished, but we advised that the general populace be kept unaware of their presence.
“It’s totally up to you, but I’ve placed Appearance Modifying tags in the back of your hand outs. They’re subtle, but just enough to avoid suspicion. You’re kinda famous, so walking around as you are will probably raise a few heads.”
They examined the tags. “What of those with the Byukagan?” Nidaime asked. “They will see through these.”
“Totally Doujutsu proof...on the second layer you’ll see there’s a visual bypass mechanism, so-“
“It interferes not only with light refraction, but transmits to the visual cortex.” The Nidaime raised his eyebrows. “This is impressive.”
“They’re just a bit of fun.” I shrugged.
“Are you the villages Fuuinjutsu master?” He asked.
“That’ll be Jiraiya-sensei,” Minato said. “He was my teacher.”
Shikaku smiled. “I think you’ll fine Erena exceeded his skill long ago...he provides more of a tactical and leadership role with the current issues. He helps run the front line.”
Minato looked surprised and gave me an assessing look. “Just how good are you?”
“Um..” I felt a little nervous under his gaze. “I technically had the skill of a master at seven?”
“Seven years old? But who taught you? I never saw you with anyone other than your parents.”
I shrugged. “Books? Scrolls? I read a lot.”
Minato looked like he wanted to ask more, but Shikaku interrupted and requested that we carry on. We still had a few things to cover, even if the day was young. As we finished, Shikaku offered to send someone to act a tour guide. The Sandaime declined, stating he knew his village and wished to see his family. Shikaku offered to go with him, for the explanations, and I offered to stay with the others as Tour Guide Barbie for a while since the Sandaime wasn’t going to be there.
Appearance Modifiers in place, we headed to the streets, and Shikaku and Hiruzen veered off towards the Sarutobi’s compound. The Shodaime was like a little hyperactive child, and was hopping around pointing at everything.
“Look at the mountain! They captured your glare perfectly, brother!”
“Is that a Mist shinobi? Hello!”
“Look at these fruit? They must be from Suna!”
“Oh, a book shop! I want to see if they have anything on me!”
The Nidaime was getting irritated. “Behave yourself. You’re acting like a child!”
“But look! They even have erotic novels! So publicly available!” He grabbed one and opened it, flicking through the pages.
“Not that one, it’s pure smut.” I said. “I’d recommend The Dalliance of the Daimyo series, and Forbidden Fruits...top tier.”
He nodded excitedly and went to look through the shelves.
“Mah, you never told me about them, Erena. I feel left out.”
“That’s because you’re a philistine who still thinks Jiraiya’s porn is exceptional. Why waste my breath when you won’t appreciate it?”
Kakashi had appeared out of no where and was leaning against the shelves lazily.
“Kakashi!” Minato exclaimed. “You’ve grown!”
Kakashi raised his brow. “Do I know you?”
I grinned and clapped my hands. “Kakashi? Guess what?”
He sighed. “This is going to give me a headache, isn’t it?”
I ignored him. “I may have done a thing.”
“You do many things...none of which I enjoy.”
The Nidaime snorted. “I understand that sentiment.”
“Hey!” The Shodaime scolded, still looking through the books.
“Kakashi, it’s me- Minato!”
Kakashi’s face slacked and he looked from Minato to me, then the other Hokage behind me.
“Appearance Modifiers,” I shrugged.
“And those are?”
“Yup!”
He sighed and looked to Minato. “It’s good to see you, Sensei.” He said warmly.
Minato came over and hugged Kakashi, who tensed at the motion. “You look good! We need to catch up-“
“Hey, Bakashi! You lied, they don’t have any wire. Their stuff is too thick! Oh, hey Erena!”
“Obito?” Minato went tense and he looked beyond perplexed. “But you...I don’t understand?”
“Er...hello? What’s going on?” Obito greeted, but was incredibly confused.
I blinked. “Oh...shit...” I activated a privacy seal quickly. “Perhaps we should take this outside? A bookshop’s not exactly the best place for this.”
It was an awkward conversation. I huddled everyone into the nearest cafe and set up a million security seals. I explained Obito’s past, while Minato kept silent. Obito looked nervous and mortified. He would probably have disappeared if Kakashi hadn’t forced him to stay.
Considering that Obito had technically been the one responsible for the Nine-tails attack and the death of Minato’s wife, and his, this would probably end quite badly. The Nidaime was seething upon hearing about everything.
“Why is he allowed within the village? He is a traitor. He should be expelled, or imprisoned!”
“That was the Sandaime’s call,” I said. “But there’s a saying that goes ‘keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.’ I personally think it fits well for this scenario. And Obito has shown no sign of concern since initial integration. In fact, he’s gone out of his way to make amends. Without him here, we’d never have realised the role Madara played.”
“I knew the Uchiha cannot be trusted. This is just further evidence.”
“Calm down, brother. The Godaime is an Uchiha and we should give them our respects.”
“The village sentiment regarding the Uchiha is no longer what it was,“ I said. “That kind of prejudice is over with. I know it’s hard to see past a lifetime of hate, but things are far more progressive. Please try and give it a chance.”
“It’s more than just an opinion. The Curse of Hatred-“
“Not that crock of shit again?” I huffed. “I only heard about it yesterday and I’m already over it. Itachi has promised me it’s being looked into - with an impartial mental health professional.”
Minato looked surprised. “Fugaku is allowing others into the clans business? That seems unlikely.”
“Erena forces herself into everyones business,” Kakashi offered. “And she and Fugaku have a very strange relationship...from what I’ve seen, she says jump and he says how high.”
“That’s totally inaccurate,” I said. “He just respects my opinion...unlike some people.” I glared at him.
“The only thing I respect about you is your Sanma Shioyaki. Otherwise you’re all hot air.”
“You’re such an asshole-“
Minato and the Shodaime started laughing. “I’m so happy you made friends, Kakashi!” Minato said. “I thought you would be a surly little beanpole forever.”
Obito chuckled, “He still is, he just withholds most of his bastardness until the right moment.”
I snorted. “Yea, usually for my benefit.”
The table went quiet for a minute. “Look...this is like super awkward and I’m allergic to awkwardness, so maybe Minato and Obito should have a private chat? I’ve been super responsible and done a lot of adulting today and I don’t have the emotional intelligence for dealing with this kind of shit.”
Kakashi nodded. “I’m going to bow out, too. Too much effort.”
“Usually you just fuck off...how come they at least get a warning?”
“I like them. You? Not so much.”
“Screw you.”
“Wait,” Minato interjected. “Are you two...in a relationship? I’m definitely detecting tension.” He looked between the two of us.
“Yes, yes!” Shodaime nodded. “I see that, too!”
Obito started laughing at mine and Kakashi’s expression. “I wish I had a camera!”
“There is no kind of relationship between us,” Kakashi said stiffly.
“Are you sure?” Minato teased. “Maybe there should be?”
I choked on my own spit. “I’m sorry, I almost vomited a little in my mouth...he’s my boyfriends best friend, and sons godfather. Let’s leave this chat at the door, please.”
Minato grinned. “Kakashi is a godfather! That’s fantastic!”
I sighed. “Maybe we should leave the tour for another day? Or should I just leave you with these two, Minato? Got any plans, Kakashi?”
He gave a gentle shrug. “Nothing that can’t wait.” He was trying to be nonchalant but I wasn’t buying it.
“Fine...Itachi requested them back in a couple hours...five PM...and be on time, yea?”
He shrugged again. “No promises.”
“Whatever...” He would be late. I turned to the Shodaime and Nidaime. “There’s not much left, but I can show you around the Hokage tower and the archives after.” I figured they’d likely make base there, so that would be a good place to head.
The rest of the tour was basic. The Nidaime seemed particularly interested in the library - a man after my own heart. He wanted to have a look at how it had progressed. As they wandered through the shelves, I spotted TenTen at a desk scribbling furiously.
“Watcha got there?” I asked her, and she jumped.
“I never saw you there!” She said. “Oh, um, just an idea...it’s not ready yet.” She seemed nervous and was trying to hide her papers away.
“No, no...let me see.” I grabbed a paper she hadn’t quite hidden yet. “This is...what is this?”
She sighed. “I wanted to combine fuuinjutsu into a weapon. But wanted to make it my own, you know?”
“Holy Mjolnir,” I said. “You’re onto to something alright.” Precious little TenTen was effectively designing Mjolnir. “What’s the specification? Objectives?”
“Oh, um!” She went bright red. “Well...the seals would make it more durable and easier to use- increase aerodynamics and shock absorption for the user. And I wanted it to pack a punch? Maybe amplify the force applied.”
“Good, good. What else?” I said, looking at the rest of the paper.
“Maybe have a recall? But I haven’t figured that out. And then I need to combine it all...”
I started scribbling. “These scrolls will help you out. They’re in the jounin section, but I’ll speak to Jun, and he’ll allow you access. If there’s any problems, just mention me...he’s trying to poach me from the Hokage Tower, bless him...anyway...Don’t limit yourself there. What about making it an attack absorber for some ninjutsu? Oh, and a store and conduit for lightning or wind attacks...” I looked up and saw her staring at me. “I’ll stop now. This is your baby. And it’s going to be super cool.”
“No, thank you!” She said excited. “Those are really good ideas!...but what about the seal placement? I can’t make a weapon out of paper.”
“Find a good blacksmith, one that specialises in etching. Either get them to teach you, or get them to place it if you trust them enough. Ask Neji who the Hyuuga use - their ceremonial blades are usually super pretty.”
Her eyes widened. “Thanks! I never thought of that.”
“No problem. Any worries, let me know. I’m actually ridiculously excited to see what you come up with.” I grinned.
After that she scarpered off to get the scrolls, and I sat and read over her progress so far, and made a couple of small corrections.
“We are done here,” the Nidaime said, gruff as always. “What is this?” He said, picking up TenTens work.
“Just something my apprentice is designing. She’s away to get material to research- shall we go?”
“It’s an interesting concept,” he said, screwing up his eyes. “But she’s lacking the foundation. The seal will never work.”
“I know...but I want her to figure that out herself. If I spoon feed her the answers she’ll never learn. I’ve told her the scrolls to read- she’ll sort it out.”
The Shodaime looked at me cocking his head. “What is it that you do, exactly? You claim you are the Fuuinjutsu master, but that doesn’t explain your relationship with the Uchiha or encyclopaedic knowledge of the village...and you state you killed that Orochimaru person who summoned us before?”
“Indeed...you are abrupt but also command a lot of respect. You are a contradiction.”
“A contradiction? I like that. I’m stealing it.”
“Erena! I knew I saw you here!” It was Jun, the head librarian. “Hello!” He greeted the others. “Sorry to disturb, but I’m in a bit of a bind. The Logistics office want a copy of the village foundations in the merchants district and I can’t find them anywhere!”
“First floor, it’s in the architecture section. Second row...it’s the original blueprints, that enough?”
“Yes, thank you!” He bowed.
“Oh, and there’s a Chuunin called TenTen working on a Fuuinjutsu project- would you mind if she had access to the jounin sections?”
“Oh, no absolutely! I’ll make a note for the others! Have a good day!” He ran off quickly.
“You have a photographic memory,” The Nidaime said, looking a bit surprised.
“That’s a simplification, but yes.”
“Wait! No you don’t!” The Shodaime looked excited. “You’re part of the Kokoro clan!” He whacked the Nidaime. “A shinobi with the Kioku Meiro!”
“Is this true?” He frowned in thought.
I waved a hand back and forth. “So-so. No to the first, yes to the second.”
“This is extraordinary!” The Shodaime seemed excited. “And in Konoha! I have so many questions!”
“It would explain your proficiency in Fuuinjutsu at such a young age,” the Nidaime said thoughtfully. “I would expect your knowledge of ninjutsu is also impressive?”
“It’s...not bad.” I said, feeling a bit awkward. “In the nicest possible way, there’s far more exciting things than me here. We should head off.”
I hurried them away and to the Hokage Tower. The entire way, the Shodaime was hounding me with questions. The Nidaime also seemed to have loosened up a little, and wasn’t treating me as gruffly. I suppose back in their day it was still an active Kekkei Genkai, but it was still weird. I did get a little annoyed, which the Shodaime laughed off, and explained they’d never met anyone with my Kekkei Genkai with any inclination to be a shinobi...he made me sound like a unicorn.
It turned out they were massive nerds, which I loved. While I had a cheat to get to my knowledge, they spent their time in study and practice. It was interesting to see- if Shisui or Kakashi actually gave a shit, they could probably reach their god-like levels of power... Itachi, too, but he was too busy. I never would- my taijutsu was average, and my chakra levels were pitiful compared to most. I only managed due to my level of control...I had no interest in working on increasing my levels...so, meh.
The Sandaime was already present and talking with Itachi when we arrived. Itachi actually looked fairly annoyed by whatever they were speaking about. The Sandaime, too, looked embarrassed.
Itachi frowned at me. “You lost the Yondaime?”
“Kakashi and Obito happened...sorry.”
He sighed. “I suppose we should get comfortable. Any bets on how late they will be?”
“Not terrible...I think Obito’s going to be on his best behaviour.”
His face dropped in realisation. “I did not think...”
I shrugged. “It was awkward. Anyway...do you still need me? I have things to do and people to see.”
He waved me off. “No, thank you. You’ve done quite enough for the day.”
“Wait! I have one more question!” The Shodaime asked.
I sighed. “Go on.”
“What is three thousand seven hundred and fifty three multiplied by twelve thousand four hundred and four?”
“Forty six million five hundred and fifty two thousand two hundred and twelve...was that supposed to be hard?”
He grinned. “Just another thing I wanted to check.”
“You call that maths? You know, the centre of my house is one thousand and twenty three point four meters away, thirty degrees north and sits at three hundred at two meters above sea level. Taking those stats, and factoring in my mass, speed of light and gravitational pull, I can calculate the necessary chakra requirement for translocation. That is maths.”
“What do you mean?” He said.
“Instant teleportation. See you tomorrow!”
I appeared home and immediately collapsed on the sofa.
It was almost three in the morning, when I was woken up by voices downstairs. My father was still based in the livingroom, and the voices were soft so I didn’t bother getting up to see what was going on.
Twenty minutes later the bedroom door slid open, and I turned around to see Gai enter.
“I apologise for waking you. I just returned from the mission.”
I yawned. “Mmm, s’okay. Any problems?”
“Minor scrapes. There are some ill informed parties who are against the Alliance and they have formed a small resistance. Nothing I and my proud team couldn’t handle.”
“Mmm. I know who you mean...I’ll sort it tomorrow. I’ve already got people there.”
He chuckled. “Of course you do. Any exciting events happen while I was gone?”
“Mmm...a few. Sasuke is an asshole and no longer welcome here or seeing Shinai, and I may have resurrected all the Hokage. Other than that, super boring. Goodnight.” I turned over and shut my eyes.
“Are those the ramblings of someone dreaming and half asleep, or did I hear you say you resurrected the dead Hokage?” I ignored him and shuffled deeper into my pillow. “Erena!”