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Season 2 Chapter 14

Nagisa let herself into the Senju home, keeping her chakra suppressed and steps silent. Jiraiya unfortunately had to return to his mission only two weeks after visiting. Already he’d been gone for a week and Orochimaru had requested for her to visit the boys. Three weeks out since their kidnapping and they were still subdued. It was worrying the entire Senju-Uzumaki Clan.

Thankfully the incident with Kumo had been…somewhat resolved.

Apparently the Lightning Daimyo had paid for a hunter squad to perform the classified mission. He’d been planning to use the Senju children to blackmail Konoha for a dojutsu wielding clan child instead. The Raikage hadn’t necessarily approved of the mission, nor had he objected. Instead the Daimyo had picked out the shinobi and sent them ahead of the actual delegation squad with the seals they’d stolen back during the Uzushio invasion. They’d snuck in via a merchant caravan by hiding with the stock. (Sakumo officially assigned an Inuzuka to always be at the gates during high traffic hours.)

The only person in the delegation that had any hints of what would occur was Yugito, only because of her close relations with A-sama. This was because if the squad had been able to get what they wanted in the treaty, they were to act on the secondary mission goal. However, since that route failed, they were to stay low and get out of Konoha while the hunter squad did their jobs.

Due to this betrayal, the Fire Daimyo was livid and almost demanded war. Between the calming of Sakumo, the convictions of Hiruzen, and the diplomatic solutions Minato suggested; Lord Masato’s temper cooled.

Fire demanded financial reparations to the two families of the shinobi who lost their lives and the kunoichi who was forced into critical conditions by their actions. Not to mention financial reparations to the Senju Clan personally for traumatizing two of their children.

It had taken an additional week of meetings for the Alliance treaty to be amended with a few additional sections that favored Konoha more so than Kumo. Trying to keep the peace -since a kumo shinobi’s life had been lost as well as four of their nins losing limbs- Konoha compromised through getting a better deal in the merchant and supply subsections. 

Not to mention a passive aggressive warning was sent to the Raikage personally by Sakumo telling him to get his Lord under control before he too was found dead in his bed like his right hand retainer. Then Lightning would be scrambling for a new Ruling Lord. (All but admitting that those mercenary girls and their guardian had been under Konoha contract. Not that A-sama could prove it. Even the letter was only speculation. It helped that A-sama hadn’t cared for the slimy bastard anyways.)

Thus, the two squads had been escorted to the Hot Springs border. The original delegation was a little worse for wear. The hunter squad was much worse off. One in a body scroll provided by Konoha that would incinerate itself once the subject material was removed. One was missing a hand, another was laid out on a stretcher carried by two Konoha ANBU because he was missing a leg from his knee down. The last two were missing an arm each. One cleanly cut just above his elbow, the last cut cleanly at his shoulder. The last one while uninjured physically was twitchy and very quiet. His eyes were glassy and would need a lot of therapy to recover from the trauma he experienced.

A squad of Kumo shinobi had met the two Squads of Konoha ANBU at the Hot Springs border. The agreed Reparations Money was exchanged for their returned shinobi. Insults were passed and when one of the more hot headed Tokubetsu Jounins of Kumo made a threatening move towards one of the konoha kunoichi Anbu, Kitsune stepped out of the shadows of the trees she’d been hiding in, and glared the younger nin down.

The former subject 5 shrieked and fell into a fetal position. It derailed the tension as they looked between the masked kunoichi and their normally hard as nails comrade. He was muttering about staying away from children, just don’t make him live that horror again.

A very brave blonde Kumo Kunoichi Jounin looked between the two.

“Just…what in the world did you do to him?” She asked curiously.

“I shared my night terrors with him.” Kitsune stated blandly. “Watching everyone I love die over and over again. However, I might have taken some creative liberty on just what the monstrous army looked like in my nightmares.”

She got looks from even the ANBU that hadn’t been aware of why the prisoner was so twitchy.

“I want to hate you, but I sort of respect you now. If that is what you should look like, then I guess you’re a pretty badass warrior.” She smirked.

Nagisa tilted her head and reached up to pull her mask off. She was one of the only ones that protocols didn’t affect. Everyone knew who kitsune was for a long while now.

“Thank you?” The Uzumaki answered a little thrown.

“Nakano.” Nagisa tilted her head the other way as she looked the blonde kunoichi up and down. There was something about that pixie cut/bob that looked familiar.

‘….Samui and Atsui….Maybe’ Nagisa thought to herself. She didn’t know those two as well as she’d gotten to know Darui.

“Nagisa. Maybe, when tensions lessen between our villages after this, we could spar.” Nagisa offered carefully.

The blonde kunoichi smirked. “Sounds Badass. Fighting a foxy warrior.” She held out her hand. “Until then?”

Nagisa’s lips twitched as she took the hand and confirmed from a slightly familiar feel to her chakra that she was related to those two siblings. “Until then Nakano-san. Safe and fair travels.”

Nakano winked and then barked for her teams to get moving. Apparently she was the actual Lead Captain, but had just been seeing how her co-captain would lead. Nagisa turned and put her mask back on. 

“Let’s go.” the Konoha squads were gone in a blur into the trees.

Nagisa was pulled from her memories when a small hand took her own. She looked down into the honey eyes of Wakana who’s bottom lip trembled.

“Aunt Kitty, are you going to help my nii-sans?”

Nagisa smiled softly. “Hai. how about you go back to your lessons while I take your brothers for a walk.”

Wakana pouted but did as told. Nagisa moved to where she sensed her godsons. She found them huddled up in their room, shades pulled and quietly reading their academy books.

The Uzumaki’s nose twitched at the lingering scents of fear and apprehension. She had an idea of what was eating at her kits.

Slamming the door open, they jumped up, kunai in hand, but were too slow as Nagisa’s arms whipped out, disarmed them, and then tossed them both over her shoulders like sacks of rice. They spluttered and struggled, but she held firm with chakra to keep them in place.

Marching outside, she took the boys deeper into the older parts of the Senju land. The trees were denser, the chakra thicker with Hashirama’s lingering energy.

She dropped the boys down and they roughly shoved their hair out of their faces to glare up at her. However, Nagisa was sitting down with them and just meeting their gazes evenly. Golden eyes looked away. They didn’t want to see what their hero thought of them in her eyes.

“Look at me.” Nagisa ordered softly. It took a few patient minutes but finally Itama was the first to meet her gaze and just stared, golden eyes widening the longer he looked…and didn’t see any judgment in her gaze…even after they’d brutally killed a man. Kawarama’s eyes snapped up next, feeling the relief in Itama’s emotions.

Kawarama’s eyes turned watery as he too got to witness their favorite person’s face softening with love.

“You are not monsters for defending yourselves.” Nagisa whispered gently. “Your bloodline is not what you think it is.” The redhead reached into her pouch with both hands and then held the clenched fists out. “Hold out your hands.”

Itama and Kawarama did as instructed and they felt something like a small ball dropped into their palms. However, Nagisa kept her hands over them blocking their view of the object.

“I’m going to call upon chakra to my hands. I want you two to feel what I’m doing and mimic me.” She coached gently. The twins were hesitant, but there was something in their aunt’s gaze that allowed them to push down their fears of using their chakra again and possibly hurting Nagisa.

Placing their trust into Nagisa, two heads of layered spikes of white hair nodded. Nagisa smiled softly, she knew that hair was silk soft and soon would either need to be cut, or clips would need to keep the bangs out of their faces. Already both had small tails at the bases of their necks, but everything else was out and wild.

Taking a calming breath, Nagisa reached within for her own chakra. Now, she was no mokuton user, but she remembered the feeling of Yamato-sensei using it all the time. The best way she could mimic it was to mix her chakra with heavy yang chakra. However since her chakra was Fuuton heavy it wouldn’t have the same effects as their earth and water heavy chakra would.

Slowly the boys concentrated on how her chakra was moving, how she was molding it, feeding it into her palms.

“Good.” Nagisa whispered softly like the wind. “Now, trickle your chakra into the objects in your palms….Gently…yes, that’s it.” Nagisa opened her eyes and carefully pulled her hands away as the boys were totally focused on keeping their chakra steady like they would for any of their control training.

Cyan speckled eyes crinkled fondly as in two small hands long thick stems sprouted and grew from the flower bulbs. She watched as slowly the stems grew stronger until they began to bloom.Beautiful white petals puffed out until they opened and showed off their pink trimmed tips.

“Stop.” Nagisa called gently.

Itama and Kawarama did as ordered and in the sudden jerk from their concentration, snapped their eyes open, fearful that they’d hurt their aunt. Instead she was leaning on her fists, elbows on her knees, and smiling proudly. Her eyes were looking up though. Twin sets of golden eyes followed her look, and the ball thing…had a long green stem…and..

“Flowers.” Kawarama pointed out, surprised.

“Gladiolus to be exact. They are used to express strength of character, remembrance, faithfulness, and Moral integrity. White petals symbolize purity. Pink symbolizes maternal love.”

She looked back at the two eyes still staring up at the flowers they’d grown. “Itama, Kawarama.”

The twin nine year olds met their godmother’s gaze. “You showed your strength of character by staying calm in a terrifying situation. You showed your dedication to each other and the village by defending yourselves and then sticking through all the questions after your safe return. Your Moral integrity was tested very harshly and very suddenly. Yet, you two, by the guilt you have been feeling since your attack, is proof of the strength of that integrity. Your morals are good. You will Never forget your first kill. No Shinobi does. However, it will fade over time into something not as terrifying. What you must do is always remember it and the strength, loyalty, and morals you discovered about yourselves from that single moment.”

Nagisa reached up and gently touched the white. “You two are still innocent and children, we know your hearts are still pure despite the traumas you suffered.” Her finger trailed across the pink of the petals. “Myself, and your mother will never stop loving you. No matter what you do from now on, we will always love you.” Nagisa finished meeting golden eyes that were spilling over with tears. “Lean on your mother and I. We are here to catch you and support you even when you fall.”

Clutching the Gladiolus in one hand each, the twins launched at her in a hug. Nagisa held the boys tight.

“Mokuton is like any other bloodline. A two sided coin.” She softly lectured as they moved to sit in her lap instead. She soothing pet their silky hair, knowing they were listening even if they were instead playing gently with the flowers they’d grown. “On one side, you have a weapon that can act as a sword and shield as you two have witnessed first hand. On the other side, you have beauty and art. Mokuton can do great and wondrous things, you only need to practice in controlling it so that you two will be able to choose which side of the coin is on display.”

“Understood?”

“Hai.” Kawarama and Itama whispered softly. Nagisa didn’t worry this time about their quietness. Instead there was a relaxness to their coils that hadn’t been there when she’d arrived.

“Ne, Aunt kitty,” Itama said gently. “We can hear the trees talking.”

“Have for two years now.” Kawarama finished spilling.

Nagisa just smirked at them. “I know. I’ve caught you two talking to flowers and trees alike.” They stared at her wide eyed. “Now, how about we go give the flowers you two grew to your very worried mother. She’s been at a loss of what to do to cheer you two up.”

Itama and Kawarama shared another look before finally, they sent her matching smiles that were all Jiraiya. Nagisa returned the sentiment and then escorted the boys to the hospital where their mother was more than happy to accept her new office plants as a reminder.

Tsunade was more than happy to take the rest of the day off to show the boys all of the journals her grandfather left behind. Everything any of his future descendants would need to train the Mokuton with. Itama and Kawarama were ecstatic to learn from their great-grandfather.

Kakashi hated this. He was only supposed to be dropping off the allowance. Instead he was sitting listening numbly as Rin chatted about how she missed working with her co-workers and patients in the walk-in clinic of the hospital where she used to work. How she couldn’t wait to go back to them after their baby was born. 

She’d sobbed and cried that because of him earlier, she was isolated from her friends. All because she was pregnant and Kakashi had said he wanted to keep the pregnancy a secret. The least he could do was spend a meal with her. So Kakashi had sat and didn’t touch the food before him. He pushed it around but he had no appetite.

Continuously she tried to reach for him and show him the new things she’d been getting for the baby. She’d even asked for even more in her allowance since she was out of a job and everything else he’d given was going to the bills. The least he could do was make sure that she had everything she needed for their baby.

Kakashi felt raw, there was something inside his head thrashing and clawing at his sanity. Every time Rin touched him, smiled at him, rubbed her belly, it thrashed harder.

No matter how many missions he threw himself into as the days and weeks slipped by into months, the thrashing and clawing sensation didn’t go away.

The panic in his chest swelled with each time he was forced to interact with Rin. He’d missed meeting her in person to drop off the allowance once. Had done it when she was out of the apartment. She’d come searching for him at his House. Luck was the only thing that saved him. He didn’t miss another in person drop off.

Rin was thirty five weeks along. Only a week ago when he’d been home for a two day break, they’d gotten into a fight. Rin had wanted a baby shower. Kakashi said a firm No. Rin had broken down into sobs and threw the dinner she had made to the floor. Kakashi had flinched and proceeded to put his back to a wall as she continued to shout and sob that he was isolating her. That their baby wasn’t going to have nice things, she still didn’t have a crib for them or toys because Kakashi wasn’t being a good father and helping her!

She’d even had to quit her job, her dream, two months ago because she couldn’t hide the pregnancy like Kakashi wanted. The least he could do was be a better father. She was barely scraping by, but he wouldn’t know because he was always gone!

Kakashi had gone shopping the next day, instead of resting, and bought everything a new mother would need. He hated how the salespersons had each congratulated his henged persona for his new baby. Kakashi had wanted to puke.

Instead he returned and dropped everything off. Rin had been thankful until Kakashi mentioned having another mission. Rin blew up at him again saying that she couldn’t put everything together alone! She could barely see her own feet anymore. She wasn’t supposed to be lifting anything heavy!

Kakashi had murmured that it was only a week. He’d return and set everything up and have the next allowance.

Thus, he was here listening to Rin talk about returning to her dreams as his stomach rolled and his mind howled and clawed at him. He’d already spent the day setting up the crib, dresser, and other baby things. Rin had even gotten him to help her sort out the clothes, diapers and set up the breast pump. She wanted to nurse naturally so she wanted to start soon to make sure she collected early for when she went back to work, Kakashi had some to feed their son with.

“Oh!” Rin gasped wincing before chuckling sheepishly. “He’s kicking! Come feel Kakashi-kun.”

“No.” Kakashi muttered.

Rin rolled her eyes and stood up. “Oh, stop being so difficult, Kakashi-kun. Daisuke-kun will be here soon. You need to interact with your son or he will think you don’t love him!” Kakashi, still exhausted from his latest mission followed by no sleep and building furniture all day, was just a hair too slow to react. Rin touched him!

Kakashi wasn’t quick enough to jerk away before his hand was placed on Rin’s distended belly. His entire being froze, his mind was awashed with the sudden chill that raced down his spine and the world went silent to his ears.

Something kicked against his palm, and the world snapped back into focus.

“See? Not so bad. Daisuke is greeting his papa! We’ll have to work on getting along before he learns to understand words. Wouldn’t it be so nice if we could get married so that Daisuke-kun could talk to his future friends about how cool his papa is?” Rin beamed.

Kakashi looked Rin in the eyes for the first time in months. “ Never. ” Kakashi snarled out as the thing thrashing in his head broke free. He ripped his wrist out of her hold.

Snarling and growling he forced Rin back away from him until he could get to the door without her attempting to stop him again. The brunette was pale and holding her hands protectively over her belly like she thought he’d hurt it. He hadn’t noticed that he called upon the white chakra sitting in his chest, making his visible eye glow silver.

“ I’m. Done. ” Kakashi hissed out lowly. A moment later he shunshined away. Panting on a nearby rooftop, his mind flashed with a list of names of people he could go to. His emotions were so strong, so uncontrolled. He knew very few things at the moment.

One, he never wanted to be in Rin’s presence again.

Two, he needed help.

Three, Mina can’t know.

He…He needed to tell someone that would help him, but would not break that last promise.

His mind flashed to one person who would go out of their way for someone that wasn’t even close blood related. Even with their close relation to Mina…they’d still protect him…hopefully.

Kakashi turned and sprinted across Konoha, his nose leading the way.

Nagisa sat up from where she and Mashai were taking a post sex nap. There had been a flare of searing white chakra that had not come from three adults that knew how to activate that part of their chakra.

“Nagi?” Mashai murmured.

Nagisa didn’t answer. She hopped into the shower to quickly clean up as that same signature was making a bee-line for the Uzumaki compound. Whether he was coming to her or either of his senseis, she would be there.

Distress, panic, fear, pain. Everything she never wanted to feel in Kakashi’s chakra ever again.

Clean, she threw on shorts and one of mashai’s t-shirt before rushing downstairs. Her mate followed her, still asking what was wrong.

Nagisa didn’t answer, focusing on where Kakashi was going. At the same moment she threw the door open, Kakashi appeared from his last shunshin and collided into her torso.

Mashai stopped a few paces away as he watched his mate hold kakashi.

Kakashi….kakashi who was in the middle of a panic attack and shaking like a leaf.

Nagisa made soothing humming noises as she slowly lowered to the floor, Kakashi’s knees having already given out at the immediate acceptance from his aunt. She smelled like home, like pack. There were no signs of flowers in her scent. She was the oceanbreeze, sunwarmedfox, packmashaimate.

Kakashi let out a long pained whine as Nagisa gently brushed her fingers through his hair.

“Shhhh…”She soothed as they kneeled there. “I’ve got you Kashi.” She whispered. “I’ve got you.”

Mashai silently prepared some calming tea and then helped Nagisa to move Kakashi into the living room when the worst of his shaking had settled down.

Nagisa hadn’t let him leave her side even as they sat down. His head was kept under her chin, and her arms wrapped around his torso. Gentle warm hands rubbing up and down his arms soothingly.

Kakashi thought he’d be revolted by another’s touch since he’d lost all progress he’d made those two months away. Instead, he was finally able to breathe in the arms of his aunt. He didn’t even realize when he dozed off, the thrashing and howling thing inside his head settled down to just whining and whimpering.

Nagisa’s throat bobbed when Kakashi dropped off to sleep. Her heart was breaking at the tiny hurt noises under his breath even as the teenager slept.

Lips pressed against her temple. Her watery eyes met Mashai’s own worried ones.

‘ I’m going to get the guest bed ready-’

‘Mate…’ Nagisa interrupted gently. Mashai not only felt the request through the bond, but saw it in Nagisa’s eyes.

“Okay.” he whispered aloud and went to prepare the bed.

Nagisa carefully started removing Kakashi’s jounin vest, pouches, and wraps. She even removed his face mask and the pup didn’t even react. If anything he burrowed closer to Nagisa’s neck. The last she pulled off was his hitai-ate. Arms under his knees, Nagisa took the teenage pup upstairs and gently coaxed him awake enough to shower. Mashai helped Kakashi into fresh clothes then back into Nagisa’s arms. Gently nagisa coaxed him to call his pack out.

The pup did and soon five dogs appeared. Pakkun took one look at his shaking summoner and jumped into his arms. Shiba, Urushi, Bisuke, and Guruko didn’t hesitate to jump onto the bed around the pile around their summoner.

Mashai huffed a little amused as the teenager disappeared partially under his ninken. Another pop of smoke sounded and Mashai turned to find ten foxes of varying sizes and tails appear.

“Puppy pile.” Nagisa ordered gently. Mashai huffed and then figured he’d get scolded if he didn’t make sure his own pack didn’t get to join. Nipping his thumb he called upon his summons. While he’d lost his original duo favored summons over the years, their children had been more than happy to partner with him.

Triplets Kota, Goku, and Suki appeared, their pitch black fur a dark contrast to hues of the kitsunes softly bickering with the ninken around Kakashi. Nagisa was snorting at their antics and coaxing Kakashi's head back towards her neck. He went willingly.

“Mashai?” Suki, the strong she-wolf asked worriedly.

“Cuddle pile with Kakashi-pup.” Mashai ordered gently before moving to the other side of the distressed pup and making sure that nothing and no one would get to him without Nagisa’s or Mashai’s knowledge. The large wolves moved and took residences near their summoner, but making sure a paw or tail were on the pup. Kakashi was completely buried under ninken and two tailed foxes. Nagisa was supported and surrounded by the rest of her own pack.

Kakashi took in a deep stuttered breath before releasing it with a heavy and relieved sigh. For the first time in months, he had no nightmares and didn’t even dream. He slept like the dead, knowing he was safe, knowing and trusting that when he woke, his aunt and uncle would make things better.

He wasn’t looking forward to his father and mother finding out, but those thoughts were muddled and soothed by the soft paw pads, warm fur, and familiar chakra protecting him.

When morning came, Kakashi felt no urgency to get up, to worry about anything, or to prepare to escape into a mission.

No, he was basking in the feeling of the strong back pressed against his own (a silent show that it was protected), of the soft body holding his own in a maternal way. Gentle fingers were brushing through his hair, soothingly and making it easy to keep his breathing steady to the long strokes. He could feel Nagisa’s and Mashai’s heartbeats against his chest. He could feel how they were beating in sync. The teen knew from just that, that apparently his instincts were right for calling her his aunt. Synced beats were a byproduct of the Hatake bonding ritual his father had told him about.

The room was filled with the sounds of many sleeping figures. Kakashi groggily remembered being told to summon his pack. He could scent the five pups he’s raised over the years. He’d…wanted to add another, but then…

Pakkun was trapped in his arms between him and Nagisa. Bisuke was in the dip of his waist, and Urushi, Shiba, and Guruko were sprawled out everywhere else. From what Kakashi could sense and smell, they were sharing spots with Mashai’s triplets and Nagisa’s pack. Which would explain the heavier scent of fox in the air.

“Pup.” Nagisa’s voice was just a whisper.

Kakashi finally let his eyes open. “Rin’s pregnant.”

Nagisa went very still.

Kakashi swallowed down the constriction around his throat, and the heaviness to his tongue.

“I…I was at Mina’s birthday party. Rin asked If she could go with me because her invitation got lost. I…I didn’t know she wasn’t invited. I stayed near her because I wanted to make sure she didn’t upset Mina or Obito after learning she wasn’t invited….We’d been meeting for trainings for a few months…Taijutsu for iryojutsu…then at the party…….I…I only have blurry memories…I remember I couldn’t move my arms….My….my body betrayed me…i didn’t want it…i don’t remember if i even agreed….I ran away into a mission the next day….She told me when I got back that she was pregnant and would get kicked out if she didn’t name the baby’s father…” 

Kakashi felt those fingers return to stroking his hair. The constriction around his throat eased the longer he confessed. The heaviest of his tongue eased when the back pressed firmer against his own. He talked and talked until he got everything out. How he couldn’t take it anymore. He explained the thing in his head clawing at him.

“She made me touch her belly…and…Something just snapped.” Kakashi finished exhausted all over again. This time it wasn’t physically from a mission, but from all the mental stress and strain he’d been through. “I told her I was done and fled.”

The silence was heavy as Kakashi settled into the feeling of relief of finally telling someone. There was still a part of him that feared Nagisa’s reaction, but he only had to remember the gossip of how she reacted when the twins were kidnapped.

Kakashi swallowed around his tired throat. “Oba-san…help.” he choked out as the tears finally rose and spilled from his gaze.

Nagisa pulled the trembling pup closer as Mashai even turned and hugged his mate and nephew close. Their packs whined and whimpered as they tried to sooth the stressed pup.

“All will be well Kashi.” Nagisa promised kissing his forehead. “All will be well. I promise, pup.”

Kakashi let out another relieved sigh. She pecked his forehead. “I need to go tell your father pup. This is very serious.”

Kakashi twitched. “I know. just….Just keep it quiet….please…I…I can’t face anyone else yet….Please…especially Mina.”

“She would not judge or pity you Kashi.” Nagisa whispered.

Kakashi just shook his head and burrowed closer. “Please don’t tell her.”

Nagisa sighed. “I will do my best to keep everything under privacy seals. But this is no small matter Kakashi. You were drugged and raped.”

Kakashi flinched. “I-I was. But-”

“You are not weak for being a victim.” Nagisa continued. “But not only were you drugged and raped, but the Hokage’s son was attacked and used.” She continued firmer. “I cannot let this go unpunished. The gossip will spread no matter how much I keep it contained. This is not acceptable. Not only because you are the Hokage’s son, but because the act in general is not acceptable, period. That is not how a kunoichi of Konoha should act towards their comrade. Not to mention you two were friends and teammates at one point. This betrayal is not without consequences.”

Something in Kakashi eased with her every word. He still didn’t like it and wasn’t going to like the gossip that would come from it all, but…

“You’ll help…and protect me?” He asked in a small voice.

“Without question.” Nagisa hummed. “Now, are you feeling up to telling your father, or do you want me to be your voice until you’re absolutely needed?”

“Voice.” Kakashi murmured, relieved that he wouldn’t have to leave.

Nagisa gave him a small smile. “Alright. You can stay here. Mashai and the packs will puppy pile with you until you’re ready to leave it. Feel free to be selfish and ask for whatever you want.” She touched his cheek. “You’ve gotten so thin, pup. Please eat something and get as much rest as you need.”

Kakashi nodded and pouted when Nagisa lifted up out of the pile. All but one of her foxes shuffled around until Kakashi was once more surrounded.

The large four tailed fox stretched out beside his summoner.

“Mashai-” Nagisa called.

“I’ve got him. Do what you do best Nagi.” He chuffed, sitting up to read as his own pack readjusted on their bed where Kakashi was already halfway asleep from the emotional exhaustion.

After kissing her mate in thanks, Nagisa slipped into the walk-in closet and changed into an ANBU uniform, armor and all. Her mask was clipped at her hip, and gloves up to her elbows. The Red ANBU tattoo was brightly on display. Nagisa’s mind patiently waited until she’d shunshined out of the house and compound with Haku at her side before her fury washed down upon Konoha.

Walking towards the Hokage tower with Haku prowling menacingly at her right, four tails lashing and teeth bared, people were quick to get out of her way, and wondered just what pissed her off.

Nagisa knew she promised Kakashi to keep it low, but it seemed that the sheep of Konoha needed to know that you don’t fuck around with any under her protection lest they find out about the true Uzumaki temper.

Temper that Nagisa was happily displaying as people moved out of her way, and froze shinobi and kunoichi alike in their steps as she passed them. Instinct telling them a predator was furious.

Yet she walked with the grace of a veteran huntress as she made her way to the Hokage tower. Chuunins hid behind jounins, desks, and even genin were mixed between fear and awe. Nagisa’s eyes had long since turned the violet vulpine of her sage mode. She’d taken the walk to collect the data that she could from that alone. Thus when she walked into the mission assignment room, it was quickly vacated of Genin and their senseis. Chuunin and Jounin shinobi alike were frozen as the fury surrounding Nagisa was thicker than the blast before.

Sakumo was standing with concern in his gaze. Minato was pale, but also having gotten to his feet.

“Nagisa?” Sakumo called. “What’s happened?”

“Hokage-sama, as Official Voice to the one under my personal protection, I request a private meeting immediately.”

Sakumo nodded and they left the stunned, wary, and curious group behind. Even Minato, who was left to get control of the room and finish handing out the missions in his senpai’s stead.

Sakumo shut his office doors and moved to the stiff form of Nagisa and her pack beta that both looked ready to tear out throats, but the bloodlust in their eyes.

“What happened?” Sakumo asked, not having put the privacy barrier up. Nagisa knew that and would request it if it was needed.

“I formally request that Councilwoman Nohara Gina, Nohara Hachiro, and Chuunin Nohara Rin are summoned, immediately.” She practically growled the final word.

Sakumo didn’t question his sister and Right Hand. Nagisa was never rash when it was something important.

The Hokage sent out the orders and his personal guard left to complete the summons, well, until Nagisa snapped out and grabbed Lion’s arm.

“Rin is not with her father. You can find her in the Lilac apartment complex. Apartment 6C.” Nagisa reported firmly. Lion nodded and disappeared to do as his superior ordered. (None of the Hokage’s guards felt bad for the family that had earned Kitsune’s fury. They probably deserved it.)

Lion arrived at the apartment and when a heavily pregnant Teenager opened the door…he had an idea of where this was going. How her face ashened only confirmed it. He grabbed her arm and didn’t answer any of her questions. He ignored how she was sobbing. Instead, he kept his eyes active and the genjutsu around them strong so none would notice him practically dragging the pregnant girl back to the tower.

“Nagisa, what is going on?” Sakumo asked once his guards were gone.

“I will explain when everyone needed, is summoned. I formally request Nara Shikaku as Shinobi Commander, Dragon as ANBU Commander, Yamanaka Inoichi as Interrogation Commander, and Senju Tsunade as Commanding Medic to be summoned.”

Sakumo looked at the fire and fury burning in violet eyes and knew this was…personal …someone close to her from her past, personal. The Hokage felt dread pooling in his gut. There were very few on that list.

He stormed to his office doors where more ANBU were posted in the shadows, but also where Asuka jumped back from where she’d been eavesdropping. (he knew and appreciated how it helped her do her job better. Never for actual gossip.)

“Get it done.” He met the woman’s wide eyes. “Now.” He looked to the shadows. The two ANBU posted outside left for the two named individuals that had offices outside of the Hokage tower. Asuka herself rushed away for the two that should be in the Tower offices.

Sakumo moved back to his office and leaned against his desk, arms crossed to hide how his hands were shaking.

‘ Love, I'm worried about kakashi. He’s hardly home anymore. I know him and Mina-chan had a falling out, but this isn’t healthy.’ Mariko’s voice echoed in his head from only a few weeks ago.

‘I’ll talk to Kudo.’ Sakumo had promised his wife. And he had told Kudo to lessen the missions Kakashi took, but the pup was still taking missions. Sakumo had thought Kakashi would come to him eventually if something was wrong. He’d noticed he’d lost weight, and looked to have something weighing on his shoulder, but the pup had dodged his every attempt, during the few times he’d had time to try, to ask what was wrong.

Dragon was the first to appear in a shunshin. Tsunade arrived moments later with Shikaku and Inoichi arriving together. They were all silent as they noticed Nagisa standing just to the left of the Hokage’s desk. Her beta, Haku’s hackles were still raised and four tails lashing. Both were emitting thick waves of bloodlust and fury that were making even the commanders nervous.

Well, until the doors opened again and it was all abruptly cut off as the Civilian councilwoman was escorted in, shouting and demanding what was going on. How dare they manhandle her!

The civilian man behind her was struggling just as much. His mouth spitting off curses and complaints and demands for answers as well.

“What is the meaning of this!” The brunette woman demanded shaking off Dolphin and Sloth that had only taken a step back. Squirrel and Wolf had also released her husband.

“You would do best to remember where you stand, Councilwoman. ” Shikaku said sternly, eyes narrowed on one of the civilians he hated dealing with during mixed council meetings.

Gina glared at the Nara, before biting KI whipped across the room with the sound of sparks. Gina’s head snapped to the Hokage and found him glaring at her. The Hokage hat made his eyes shadowed, but no one missed how there was just a fine glow around his pupils. Glow that was from the White chakra boiling under his skin.

“H-Hokage-sama,” She executed a semi-respectful bow, one that even her now silent husband copied.

“Nohara-dono.” Sakumo said tone cold. “You were summoned here for a reason that will be disclosed when all parties are present.”

Gina opened her mouth before the doors opened again and then shut. The air shimmered and the genjutsu dropped as Captain Lion was revealed along with the sounds of the teenager sobbing beside him trying to get out of his grip.

Sakumo’s and everyone else’s eyes went to the large belly of the teenage girl. Her brown eyes widened at the sight of her parents.

“Daddy! Mom!”

“Rin-chan!” Hachiro called and caught his daughter as she was shoved into his arms. Lion blocked the door, sharingan glowing from his mask with his own anger.

Gina didn’t say a word or attempt to comfort her daughter. Her arms were crossed as she emotionlessly watched her pregnant and emotional daughter beg for answers.

“Hokage-sama.” Nagisa’s voice came out a low growl. “Privacy barrier.”

Sakumo didn’t hesitate. With a harsh snap of chakra, the barrier was in place.

“What is the meaning of this summons, Hokage-sama?” Gina asked again. “Why have you dragged my daughter into this?”

The Hokage turned his gaze to Nagisa. “Uzumaki-dono summoned you.”

Nagisa stepped forward, and Haku lowered his head as he bared his teeth and circled the civilian family. They were ashen as they watched the horse sized fox circle them.

“As Voice for the person under my personal protection, I hereby formally request an in depth investigation of the Nohara Family. Additionally, I am formally requesting Nohara Rin to be stripped of her Medical license as well as her Ninja License. Lastly, I am here to press criminal charges against Chuunin Nohara Rin for planning and committing the drugging and Rape of one Jounin, Hatake Kakashi. Not to mention the mental manipulations she performed over the course of her pregnancy against said Jounin.”

Dead silence. Jaws dropped. Eyes widened.

Deep snarling came from the Hokage. All eyes snapped to their Leader and Found glowing silver eyes pinning the Teenager to the spot.

“ Requests granted .” Sakumo’s voice was deadly. His hand flashed out in ANBU sign to his guard and Dragon. The six masked figures disappeared to tear apart the Nohara home and The apartment Rin was found in.

“You have until the ANBU get back to defend yourselves.” Shikaku drawled lazily. Everyone however, knew that he too was pissed. It was how the shadows were creeping in on the three brunettes.

“I have no clue what is going on here.” Gina yelled. “I kicked that brat out of my house when she announced her pregnancy but wouldn’t name the father.”

Sakumo’s eyes turned to Hachiro who gulped. “I-I-I don’t approve of her pregnancy, but she is still my daughter. I’ve been going to her appointments at a civilian clinic since she said the father was a busy shinobi.”

Eyes turned to the crying teenager. “I didn’t! Kakashi and I are dating. We’ve been dating for over a year. We got drunk at Minashi-san’s birthday. I couldn’t go home drunk, and Kakashi said he couldn’t either. So we got a hotel. He came onto Me! But…I love Kakashi and I..I didn’t know what was going on but I wanted to make him happy. We’d both had a lot of that moonshine that was served. I hadn’t even had intercourse with anyone before but kakashi-kun was persistent. But I love him so much, so when he kept pushing, I let him take my virginity. W-when i woke up, he was gone. I tried looking for him, but he didn’t return for two months. But I'd since learned I was pregnant. We’ve just been trying to work things out since. Every couple hits a few rough patches. Especially with a baby on the way. It was hard since Kakashi didn’t want to tell anyone and my family wasn’t fully supportive.”

Inoichi frowned as he listened to the sob story. Something…wasn’t adding up. He looked at Nagisa who’d moved back to the Hokage’s desk when the civilians started trying to defend themselves. While the fury was still in her eyes, there was…a quirk to her lips like a cat that caught the canary.

What…did she know? Inoichi turned to Shikaku who looked bored and disgusted. Inoichi nudged him with his elbow. A sleek black brow raised. Inoichi frowned and raised a brow back. The Nara rolled his eyes and lifted a finger from where he had his own arms crossed, and tapped his left bicep. 

The blonde frowned. Shikaku deadpanned him and tapped the spot again and jerked his head at Nagisa. Inoichi turned back and found that the Redhead was in a similar position of crossed arms. Her finger as well, was tapping rhythmically just below…below..

The ANBU tattoo. A RED anbu tattoo Inoichi realized and remembered all the complaints from years ago when Nagisa had made all of the force get updated tattoos. Even the retired (you never really retired, but went inactive) ANBU had had theirs updated.

Inoichi’s own black ANBU tattoo became a heavy reminder of what he’d been told. 

He snapped back to Shikaku who was now sporting a dark grin.

Nohara Rin had just dug her own grave.

Inoichi swallowed down the snort of laughter at the stupid kunoichi, that wanted to escape and instead leaned back to watch the show unfold. Nagisa was on a warpath, and would get justice for the one that had given her permission to be their voice.

[Nagisa only reason Hokage not attacked?] Inoichi signed to Shikaku. The Nara read the sign and huffed.

[Affirmative.]

“So,” Tsunade’s voice was even and controlled. “If Kakashi-san’s Voice demands a paternity test done on the fetus, will it come back as Hatake Kakashi?”

Rin looked nervously to Nagisa who’s violet eyes narrowed.

“Of course.” The teen answered eyes still on Nagisa who didn’t give anything away. Nagisa had to hand it to Rin, her chakra was even, her reactions were spot on for someone telling the truth.

‘ Or someone who believed wholeheartedly it was the truth.’ She absently thought.

Nagisa remained silent. She didn’t need to speak yet.

Lion and his squad returned minutes later, the Hokage’s chakra allowing them into the barrier once more. ANBU signs flashed in silent report to the hokage, who’s brow twitched.

There was no evidence in either place for any of the standard drugs seen in date-rape cases.

“Your homes are cleared. No signs of drug possession.” Sakumo grit out between his teeth, fingers white on his biceps.

Gina scoffed. “So this was a baseless accusation. Just another ninja using their power to get what they want.”

“Hm?” Nagisa raised a brow.

“It’s obvious. Your ‘apprentices’ were jealous that Kakashi and Rin were together and planned to break them up. Everyone knows how that blonde always hung off the hokage’s son. That halfbreed uchiha was also hanging off of my daughter. Enough to make her uncomfortable when he wouldn't take a rejection.” She slipped her hair away from her face. 

“Now, while I'm not happy with my daughter being pregnant at sixteen, she’s showing her maturity by preparing properly to be a mother. All by making sure the man responsible for getting her pregnant is taking responsibility for his actions in pressuring my daughter. It’s disgusting how he used her feelings against her to have a secret love child.”

Dragon felt his own brows rise behind his mask at the sheer audacity . He ignored Dolphin and Wolf exchanging signs about how large the balls on the Councilwoman were. His fellow commanders were reacting similarly…and were Shikaku and Inoichi exchanging bets? He let out a breath through his nose in a silent sigh. They’d gotten unruly since leaving ANBU, even if their time had been a clan requirement for their positions as Clan Head.

“Ne, Nohara-san,” Nagisa drawled lazily calm towards the mother. However, all the shinobi present that knew the Uzumaki, could tell that she was anything but calm. “Are you aware of what it means to be a passive sensor?”

Gina frowned. “You can sense chakra in others.”

“Hm.” She nodded once. “Nohara-san,” violet eyes turned to Rin who was still playing the victim, a few tears still leaking. “Do you know what it means to be a Sage?”

Rin wiped away another tear. “You can sense even stronger than a normal sensor. Sages can even feel and manipulate the natural energies, turning them into sage chakra within their own bodies.”

“Hai~” Nagisa elongated, eye-smiling at the teen, head tilted just the right amount. “You were the Top kunoichi of your year for a reason it seems.”

Rin flushed at the praise before Nagisa opened her eyes and they were hard and cold slabs of amethyst. Rin felt a shiver of dread go down her spine at the blank expression on Nagisa’s face despite her cold eyes.

“Top Kunoichi, one of the rising medics of your class in the Konoha medic program. You were even looking to take your field medic testing soon, well, until you dropped out after you found out about the baby.” Nagisa paused.

“T-thank you?” Rin answered nervously, not knowing if there had been a question in there or not.

“Hm.” Nagisa’s violet eyes lowered to her belly. “So, as a medic that has been working in the hospital for years, have you spent any of your clinical hours in the pediatrics wing?”

“N-no. I was studying emergency care and field surgery.”

“Hm.” Nagisa hummed again, head tilting to the other side. “So…you are unaware that those that practice the Sage arts, any hyuuga with an active byakugan, and any Uzumaki trained sensor can read the undeveloped coils of a fetus starting from eight weeks?”

Rin suddenly found her brown eyes unable to leave the violets boring into her head.

“Are you also unaware that sage practitioners and jinchurikis become practical empaths due to their sensitivity to chakra? With the right training they are very skilled at reading the emotions of a person's chakra and can tell when someone is lying?”

Rin slowly shook her head. “N-n-no, Uzumaki-sama.”

“You are a very good little actress, Nohara-san.” Nagisa said evenly. “You knew Kakashi had sensors in his close circle. You honestly believe that the fetus within you is of Kakashi’s blood. Because of this belief, you have also convinced yourself that what you said happened in the hotel is what actually happened to you.” Nagisa clapped slowly. “Congratulations, very very few have ever successfully fooled me. Funnily enough, I can count them on one hand. Would you like to know what happened to them?”

Rin swallowed thickly as those predator eyes pinned her in place.

“Why, we can just look at the most recent example.” Nagisa smiled as she walked towards rin. Haku circled and pushed her parents out of the way with his threatening size alone. “It was only a few years ago that I personally saw to the dismantling of the ROOT program. Shimura Danzo paid with his life for planning and aiding in the Uzumaki genocide. His chakra never gave off his malicious intentions. Thus, Mito and then Kushina never realized. Then I came to Konoha following a lead. I watched him act like a poisonous infection evading all detection as he corrupted innocent after innocent.”

She stopped before Rin’s face, their noses only inches apart. Rin was trembling in terror at the KI thickly wrapped around Nagisa that was now brushing against her own coils.

“I got justice for my family.” Nagisa’s voice was calm and cold as her eyes bore into Rin’s. “Now, here I find myself facing someone else that wishes to harm my family. While not as devastating as genocide, Rape is a criminal charge in Konoha. But you know that.” 

Nagisa tilted her head predatorily. “That is why you practiced and practiced until you yourself believed the lies were truth. However, there was a glitch to your plan….wasn’t there Rin-chan?” Nagisa grinned sharply.

“You weren’t pregnant after raping Kakashi. Being a medic trained kunoichi, you could test yourself sooner than a normal civilian. So, while Kakashi was away you had someone else knock you up. All so you could have your beloved Kakashi-kun trapped by your side.”

“No.” Rin whispered. “No, that’s not true. My baby is Kakashi’s. I love kakashi, this baby is made from-”

“Sweetheart,” Nagisa called condescending, her grin darkly pleased. “Kakashi is an Active member of ANBU.”

Rin frowned. “I…I know, he works hard and has been providing for me and our baby-”

“The baby isn’t his.” Nagisa chuckled as she reached forward and touched the belly. Rin flinched, but Nagisa also had a hold of her shoulder. “Not only is your story a lie, but there are two facts you are forgetting.”

“One, Kakashi is an Active ANBU member.” She repeated. “Secondly, This baby holds no trace of White chakra in its soul.”

In a sudden blur of movement, Rin’s throat was in Nagisa’s hand, nails digging into her skin, pricking it. Hachiro shouted as Rin scrambled at the tight grip on her. However, by proof of her startled yelps, Rin could still breathe. No one but Hachiro and Gina were startled at Nagisa’s actions. Both were quickly dropped to their knees by ANBU when they went to stop Nagisa. The ANBU placed silencing seal tags over their mouths.

Rin shook in terror as she looked the Shinigami in the eyes. She thought she’d been scared of Obito after she heard what he did to his own cousin. That was nothing compared to the death she saw in vulpine violet eyes and felt in the burning hand around her throat while nails dug into her skin.

“You fucked around with the wrong Shinobi this time.” Nagisa’s whispery words floated in the room, the bloodlust coiling with deadly cold intent. Even Dragon felt a child go down his spine. This was the former Rokudaime, Fourth War Survivor speaking. Not the loving Personal advisor they all knew. 

Nagisa’s voice continued in the chilly temperature the room had dropped to. “I let it go the first time. It was a hard but a good lesson for Obito to learn that civilian-borns are not to be fully trusted until they prove themselves a Shinobi instead of a civilian playing ninja. Obito healed and moved on. Then…” Nagisa chuckled and Haku snarled from behind Rin. “You went after Kakashi. One of the many pups under my protection.” 

She leaned closer and tightened her grip just a hair. Rin whimpered, brown eyes building with fear. “You drugged him. You tied him down. You made his body betray him. You manipulated him through guilt and shame into making him take care of his rapist. All for a baby that isn’t even his.”

The air shifted around Nagisa into something just as cold, but more vindictive. “Oh, but you aren’t ANBU, you aren’t even Tokubetsu Jounin.” Nagisa’s face turned falsely happy. “So you wouldn’t know that as Konoha’s only Grand Sealing Master a few years ago, I systematically replaced all of the ANBU tattoos with a new and improved version.”

Nagisa reached up with her other hand and pet the purple tattoos that Rin shared with her mother, with her free hand. Rin whimpered and flinched at the touch.

“Would you like to know what the Tattoo does?” She chirped playfully. Rin whined in fear.

“Good.” Nagisa grinned. “First, there is a communication link between all the tattoos for the Hokage and ANBU commander to send village wide alerts in case of emergencies. Secondly, there is a feature that allows ANBU to verify that another’s tattoo is legit. Third, there is a storage aspect. This has been ordered to be used for emergency rations, a medkit, and uniform supply only. Fourth, all of the marks are linked to a list of all the former and current members. Red Ink stands for active. Black stands for inactive. Only when the ink is red, does the member have access to all of the aspects. When the Ink is black, they only have access to the first three I listed.”

Nagisa dropped her grin. “The following are only for active members. Location tracking, distress signal, chakra concealer, scent suppressant, telepathic communication between squad members when linked for missions, the standard blood henge seal for infiltration mission use only, and most importantly…” her grip tightened on Rin’s throat and nails dented over the protruding belly of the bitch. “Lastly, to ensure seduction missions are the safest they can be for shinobi and kunoichi in ANBU; Contraceptive, to prevent mission babies along with STD prevention. Contraceptive that has been tested and proven to prevent kunoichi from getting pregnant and to prevent Shinobi from getting a female target pregnant.”

Rin went ashen as did her parents.

Nagisa chuckled darkly as she finally felt the cracks in Rin’s composure as she realized she was busted.

“So, I repeat. This child is not and has never been Kakashi’s baby. You however are still in a lot of shit for raping an ANBU agent, a respected Jounin of Konoha, and the icing on the cake?” Nagisa forced her to face Sakumo. “The Hokage’s son.”

Sakumo’s face was pulled into a dark snarl, white chakra outlined his body, his eyes were a burning silver.

Nagisa leaned into Rin’s ear. “You are only alive by my will.” She hissed sharply. “I stand between you and the Wolf that wants to tear out your throat for hurting his pup. So you have a decision to make Rin-chan~” Nagisa called sweetly, keeping the teenager’s face on the hokage vibrating with fury and bloodlust. “Willing submit to an interrogation and confess to the T&I head everything you have done to Kakashi, and you will live. You will still be going to jail, but you will live. Or, you can keep denying facts. Tsunade will perform a C-section and pull your baby out and give it to either the orphanage or somewhere else it can disappear into the masses. The Hokage will then have free reign to tear out your throat and your parents won’t be able to save you.”

Rin whimpered, Chakra confused and fearful.

“Oh? Didn’t you know? It’s within his right as the Hatake Clan head to seek punishment and retribution for any who harm a member of his Clan.”

“So,” Nagisa dragged her clawed nails across Rin’s throat leaving four bright red lines, the blood bubbling up in the places it broke skin. “What is your decision Nohara Rin?”

The Former Kunoichi was shaking as she was caught in those deadly silver eyes of the predator before her. She could still feel the Violet eyes of the predator at her back.

“I…i…IT WAS Mom’s IDEA!” Rin wailed. “She promised me I could have Kakashi and all of his babies. She got me a test drug from her company!”

Gina struggled and muffled shouting could be heard.

“Daddy had his friend’s son knock me up when I didn’t get pregnant the first time or by the samples!”

Hachiro went ashen from his own prone spot.

“What else?” Nagisa ordered clawed hand threateningly over Rin’s stomach. The brunette’s next word vomit was stuttered out, a rambling mess and a lot to take in.

“I…I..I raped Kakashi. I…I was Jealous that he always only talked about Minashi. Mom wanted to get back at the Hokage for cutting her department’s budget by getting her hands on the Hatake Coffers. I…I told her that I could always try to marry Kakashi. She told me to trap him with a baby instead. Marriage could come later. S-s-she had her male assistant teach me how to get a guy hard and how to get him to ejaculate. I-i-i was told to not only make sure I had intercourse, but to get back up samples. When none of the implanted sperm worked, dad had his friend’s son help then. Mom didn’t know that.”

Nagisa released the teenager and moved away from Rin. the girl’s knees gave out as she looked up to where Nagisa was now standing beside the Hokage.

“ Dragon .” Sakumo snapped. “Yamanaka.” he looked up at the two. “Confirm her story. Whether via torture or Mind walk. I don’t care. When you are finished with the parents, lock them in the coldest and darkest ANBU cell until a full investigation has been launched and completed against Nohara Pharmaceuticals.”

The two snapped and saluted. “Hai! Hokage-sama.” The ANBU jerked their prisoners to their feet and waited for the barrier to be dropped.

“Tsunade.” The Senju had already been stiff from rage. Now her back snapped straight and her shoulders back at the order in just her name. “Nohara Rin will be under house arrest in the hospital. Isolation until the investigation is complete. Her sentence will be determined after the Shinobi council has met to discuss the punishment she faces for the criminal charges she is facing. However, as Hokage, I REVOKE her medical licenses immediately and indefinitely .” He snarled. “Should she ever practice medical jutsu again, she will automatically serve three years jail time as is protocol.”

“Hai, Hokage-sama.” Tsunade bowed deeply. She moved and pulled the teenager to her shaking legs.

“Shikaku, I want you to grab the Chief of Konoha Police, Uchiha Fugaku, and launch a full joint investigation on the Nohara family and the Nohara Pharmaceuticals. Leaving nothing unturned. Make sure no other families of high standing have been manipulated and blackmailed.”

Sakumo turned back to the three Nohara brunettes. “Lastly, I Yondaime Hokage, officially suspend Councilwoman Nohara Gina from her duties as a member of the Konoha civilian Council until the investigation and trial have completed.” Silver eyes turned to the trembling kunoichi. “I Yondaime Hokage, Officially suspend Chuunin Nohara Rin of her Ninja license until the investigation and trial have completed.” Tsunade reached up and ripped the hitai-ate off her head. If sakumo moved towards the girl, he’d end up killing her because that’s all his instincts were telling him to do. He was only holding on by a very very thin thread. That and Sakumo’s instincts knew that Nagisa was the bigger alpha between them despite their actual positions. She literally was the only thing keeping him in check instinctively, just like she’d said.

“ Get them out of my face. ” Sakumo hissed, chakra snapping at the privacy barrier. ANBU dragged the bound parents away with Dragon and Inoichi leaving with dark looks. Shikaku was actually fast walking out of the office with fire in his eyes. Tsunade was practically carrying Rin out as she quietly cried the entire way to the hospital.

The office staff watched the procession with wide eyes. Eyes turned back and paled at the silver eyed Hokage and Violet eyed Nagisa still in the Hokage’s office watching them all leave. The fury on their faces was unmistakable.

“Asuka!” Sakumo barked. The woman jumped, never having heard that level of anger in the hokage’s voice before. “Please send for my wife…I-” The anger left the hokage as did the visible chakra. “I would like her beside me right now.”

Asuka nodded quickly and hissed at one of the faster chuunins to do as ordered.

“Nagisa,” Sakumo called, moving to the couch as the redhead moved to shut the doors, but not before the crowd heard, “Bring me my pup.” Sakumo choked out on a sob.

Nagisa’s violet eyes full of warning, were the last thing everyone saw before a privacy seal snapped into place. Muffling everything else from being heard.

Nagisa didn’t leave her brother’s side. A look at Haku, and the fox knew what to do. Leaping out the window, he went to fetch the mate and pup. Sakumo turned into Nagisa’s shoulder and shook.

“How didn’t I see?” he whispered brokenly.

“Your son is a shinobi.” Nagisa swallowed thickly. “He made us miss seeing underneath the underneath. We were looking at the relationship between him and Minashi deteriorating and assumed that was causing his depression. I…I missed seeing and feeling his pain.” She choked on her own sobs. The duo fell into quiet silence as they suffered from the guilt of missing something so important.

A knock sounded at the door hesitantly ten minutes later. Sakumo’s head was buried into his hands and Nagisa was no better. However, she was used to pushing past her emotional turmoil. Standing, she opened the door, eyes blue once more, to a very worried Mariko with Karin on her hip and Sanjiro-kun strapped to her back.

“Nagisa?” Mariko worried at the redness she saw around her cousin’s eyes.

Nagisa stepped back. “Sakumo needs you and the kits.” Mariko shuffled in and saw the broken looking form of her husband. Dropping the baby bag, she set Karin down and grabbed her husband’s hands. She didn’t hear the door shut or feel when Nagisa took Sanjiro off her back. She was focused on her softly crying husband.

Little Karin made a distressed noise at how sad her papa’s light was. “Papa, papa, what’s wrong papa?”

Sakumo looked up, dark eyes red rimmed, and cheeks damp with tears. Sakumo pulled Karin into his arms at the same time he leaned forward and slid to his knees. He held Mariko as he softly cried into her shoulder.

“I should have listened to you and persisted.” he whispered brokenly. Mariko bit her lip. 

“Is this about Kakashi?”

Sakumo nodded.

“What happened?” Mariko asked gently.

“Kakashi will need you most.” Sakumo choked out. “He…Mariko, Kakashi was sexually assaulted by his former teammate Rin. She’s been blackmailing and manipulating him to taking care of her and her baby.”

Mariko froze. “Where is he?”

“Oh his way.” Nagisa answered, rocking and bouncing with the sleepy nine month old Sanjiro. “He came to me just before sunset yesterday in the middle of a panic attack. After settling him down, we called it an early night. He told me only two and a half hours ago what happened. I came straight here to officially open an investigation. He knows this can’t be kept discrete for long, but his only request it to try as he doesn’t want Minashi to know.”

Mariko and Sakumo both looked at Nagisa. The woman shrugged at their looks. “I’ll do my best to keep that promise, but he knows deep down, she’ll find out. He doesn’t want to disappoint her. Silly pup. ” She murmured to the pup in her arms, his scent and presence was the only thing keeping her calm. “Isn’t that right Sanji-pup, your brother is just silly thinking Minashi won’t still have his back.”

They were distracted when Haku leapt into the window. Sakumo jumped up when Mashai came in with a sleeping Kakashi on his back. Mariko handed Karin off to Nagisa who moved out of the way, when Kakashi started waking up.

“He didn’t want to get up.” Mashai hummed looking at the sleepy head on his shoulder. “He’s been in a pack puppy pile since last night. Woke long enough to tell us before dropping off again.”

Mariko watched as Sakumo carefully took his eldest off his brother’s back and sat down. Kakashi only turned into his sire’s chest with relief. Mariko moved and shakily caressed her son’s drawn face. She’d seen it so pinched recently. Without the mask she could tell just how thin he’d gotten.

Mashai saw his own distressed mate and went to her, minding his nephew in her arms and niece holding onto her leg. She bowed her head and nuzzled in close to his collar.

“ ‘m so’ry.” Kakashi’s muffled voice filled the silence. Sakumo hugged his son closer. While he obviously couldn’t fit in his lap all the way anymore, it didn’t mean his arms were long enough to wrap around his pup.

“You have nothing to be sorry about.” Sakumo whispered tightly. “Nothin, pup. Do I wish you would have come to me first thing that morning? Yes. You would never have had to deal with all the pain you suffered if you’d just come to me.”

“Didn’t wanna disappoint you. Hokage’s son assaulted….and….and lookin’ back, I-i-I couldn’t think well. I just wanted to escape the hands, the smells.”

Sakumo sighed and hugged his son closer. “Kakashi, you have never and will never disappoint me. I’m disappointed in myself that I let my own son think he couldn’t trust me with something so important. We’re pack, pup. Pack sticks up for each other. Just because the pack has grown doesn’t mean you are any less important to me. I’d move the Pure Lands and tear open the Shinigami’s stomach if it meant getting you out of danger.”

Kakashi’s chin quivered as his hand tightened on Mariko’s that had long since taken his own.

“ She wouldn’t stop trying to touch me!” He whined low and long.

Sakumo held him closer and Mariko’s own tears fell as she sent her chakra into kakashi in soothing waves, trying to sooth his stressed system.

“She won’t ever touch you again.” Sakumo promised. “And Kakashi, the baby isn’t yours.”

Kakashi froze. “What?” he choked out.

“Kashi.” Nagisa called from Mashai’s arms. The pup looked at in confusion. “You’re active ANBU. As long as that Tattoo on your arm is Red, you can’t get anyone pregnant.”

Kakashi blinked at her. “What?” he repeated numbly.

“Kakashi, there was an entire mandatory briefing about this years ago when I made the changes.” Nagisa said gently.

“I…don’t remember… when?!” he whimpered.

“Not long after Minashi returned permanently to Konoha. “You four had made ANBU and I wanted you all safe. It took some time to create a new seal that looked the same, but it was done by the following year. We kept it secret to only the current and former members of ANBU. I personally sealed each squad and told them what the seals did.”

Kakashi still looked lost at her.

“I had to do Team Ro’s on the training field because you brats hardly sat still, let alone reported for a mandatory meeting.” she continued.

Kakashi felt a hazy memory. “Mina had been working on…Minato-sensei’s hiraishin. Trying to get it faster or something…I took a header when she’d sent me and Ryouta through it in a deflective move…I…I think I remember you barking at her and Kenji for laughing.”

“Is that why you two were hanging out of the tree like that?” Nagisa’s brows reached her hairline.

The teen grunted as he squirmed until he was squeezed between his dad and step-mom on the couch instead of on their laps. “Yes.” he replied a little petulantly.

“Short-term memory loss is common in concussions.” Mariko pet Kakashi’s head. “It’s not his fault for forgetting if you told him then.”

“I knew it was special and cool and had a lot of features.” Kakashi started blushing as he covered his red face. “But I tend to drown out anything related to intercourse. It’s never been anything I'm interested in right now. And all of my friends were starting to get stupid with feelings and dating….” he shyly admitted.

Sakumo let out a sigh that was a mix of reluctant amusement and mild bafflement. “So, Just Hatake stubbornness and possibly helped by memory loss from a concussion. How about when you are feeling up to it, we sit down and review the breakdown of the ANBU tattoo, Kakashi? We can then review the regulations, rules, and the laws of the village and Clan laws so you are better prepared for if anyone tries this on you ever again. It’s a failure on my part for not preparing you better for what people would do within our own village, to get to me as Hokage when they don’t get their way. I’ve protected you from foreign attacks, but overlooked the domestic ones that threaten you in our home.”

Kakashi was silent as he met his father’s gaze and saw nothing but love, concern, guilt and sadness. “Okay.” the teenager agreed.

“Now, so you all are aware,” Nagisa turned the topic back to the matter at hand. “Because of that indisputable fact and a bit of threatening-” 

“A bit?” Sakumo smirked.

“Shush you,” she said airly. “Like I said, a bit of threatening, Rin confessed and even outed her parents who were in on it. Currently Rin is in isolation in the hospital having bloodwork done confirming that the father is who she said it was in her confession. The Shinobi commander and Chief of Police also have their orders to tear Nohara Pharmaceuticals down and find whatever unregistered drug they used on you. Including anything else shady the corporation has in the works to get back at the hokage for funding cuts.”

“Councilwoman Nohara has been suspended. Rin has had her medical license revoked indefinitely. All three will be in isolated holding separately until the investigation is complete. Once the investigation is complete, the Shinobi council will meet.” Nagisa looked back at Kakashi and her eyes softened on him. “This is the only time you must be present, Kakashi. They need to hear it from you, not me.”

Kakashi had gone stiff.

“They are professionals and Clan Heads, pup.” Sakumo said gently. “They know something this serious is nothing to gossip about. They will respect your privacy as best as they can.”

 Slowly Kakashi nodded even as he curled into himself tighter.

“After the Council meeting, there will be a private trial where evidence of the investigation will be brought forth to the Mixed Council. There, the Nohara’s will have their sentences deliberated over depending on the severity of evidence found along with the criminal charges they are already facing. You do not need to attend this trial if you don’t want to. The criminals will be there with guards to keep them from running or acting out.”

Kakashi nodded in understanding.

“During all this we can make sure a permanent restraining order is in place on the Nohara family, no matter the verdict. They won’t touch you ever again, or speak to you. You won’t even see them.”

A curl of relief filled Kakashi’s chakra as he nodded again and leaned into Mariko when she gently encouraged him over.

“Thank you.” Kakashi finally whispered.

Nagisa smiled fondly at the pup. “I’m not one to break my word Kashi-pup. You asked for my help, I gave it. You asked for me to protect you, I’ll make sure nothing domestic ever hurts you again. I can’t fight your other battles, but you better be damn sure that i’m not going to let you continue this suicidal solo mission kicker you’re on, to continue.”

The teen just nodded in acceptance.

“You are officially on medical leave.” Sakumo ordered gently. “You are to rest, recover, get your weight back, and…” Sakumo sighed. “Therapy Kakashi. You know how much that helped Mariko, Nagisa, Minashi and the Uzumakis as a whole with their own traumas.”

The pup just nodded against Mariko’s shoulder. “Okay.” he agreed. “I…I know I need help. I…I can’t even stand anyone that doesn’t smell like pack touching me.”

“Therapy will help.” Mariko promised. “It helped me through my Sexual assault trauma. It will help you. And remember, I’m here for you too, Kakashi.”

Kakashi whined. “Gomen…Gomen Ka-san.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, son.” Mariko hummed, petting his head. “Just lean on us now. We’ll take care of you until you’re ready to stand back up on your own feet.”

Kakashi nodded and the family decided to call it a day. Sakumo told Asuka to cancel his appointments for the day. Together they headed back to the Hatake compound. There Kakashi quietly asked for another puppy pile. Karin, while she knew things were tense, cheered at the prospects of animals to cuddle.

Thus, curled up on all the pillows of the Main house in the Hatake compound, four adults, one teenager, one toddler, and one carefully cradled baby, the hatake family was surrounded by ninken, foxes, and two packs of wolves.

This was the sight Mako and her husbands returned to after their brunch date. Sharing looks, they shrugged and summoned up their own. Mako’s sleek she-wolfs joined their packmates while the twins’ Jackals almost started a few fights with kitsunes.

Haku snarled and the two groups settled down, tails tucked. Snorting, Haku laid his head back down on his summoner’s stomach. The quiet of breathing bodies was only disturbed after kakashi had drifted into deep sleep once more.

Then Sakumo and Nagisa passed along to Mako, Ren and Riku what Kakashi had been suffering with for eight months. Mako had to be sat on by Haku when she went to tear out the bitch’s throat. Nagisa only held gazes with the twins. In that one look they shared that while they couldn’t physically harm the criminals, that didn’t mean they couldn’t prank the fuck out of them.

Nodding at the silent exchange, Ren and Riku grabbed their wife and settled back down into the family cuddle pile.

In a different part of Konoha uniformed Police officers were tearing through archives and current documents in the Nohara Pharmaceutical offices. Shikaku was ordering teams of Inuzuka Chuunins and Jounins to search the research departments.

The ANBU squads had every worker handcuffed and awaiting interrogation by a T&I employee, Supervised by Commander Dragon.

During this, the rumors quickly spread that something serious had happened between one of the Civilian council members and the Hokage. Serious enough that Nagisa-sama was as angry if not more angry then when Kumo had attacked. So serious that even the Hokage was furious enough to activate his own White Chakra.

Rumors were that the Councilwoman was stripped of her position. There were also rumors that Chuunin Rin Nohara was also stripped of her medic-nin status and had her hitai-ate revoked.

Thus, by sunset when Inomi and Genma, lower grunts but co-workers in T&I, came running into the barbeque place where they knew part of team Ro always ate at once finishing a hard training session. They found three tense shinobis watching a frowning and tense Minashi.

“You won’t believe what we’ve Heard today!” Inomi shouted rushing to them. Genma right along beside her. They pulled up chairs as Kenji, Obito, and Ryouta glanced at them, thankful for the distraction.

“What?” Obito asked looking between them and Minashi.

“Nohara Rin and her parents were arrested today.” Inomi exploded pale. “Like seriously, Genma and I watched her parents get escorted to the deepest cells by the Commander and Cousin Inoichi personally!”

“Rin is apparently heavily pregnant and in isolation in the restricted section of the hospital.” Genma added.

Kenji’s jaw dropped. Obito’s face went hard. Ryouta looked between Inomi and Obito as the blonde worried how Obito would take the news.

“Who got Rin pregnant?” Obito asked quietly.

Inomi shrugged. “Don’t know. It’s being kept hush hush, but squads of Police and ANBU are already at the Nohara offices tearing through their documents for some sort of investigation.”

“A serious investigation if its got all three forces working together. Nara-sama was even leading teams of Inuzuka and their Ninken for searches.” Genma spouted off next.

“Shit.” Kenji hissed.

“There’s something more.” Genma looked between their friends and saw how Minashi hadn’t lifted her head yet from where she was staring at her plate. No one could see her expression. 

“Nagisa-sama apparently started the investigation. She went to the Hokage in an official manner, Speaking as the Voice of someone under her personal protection, requesting a meeting….then all this happened.” The senbon chewing Tokubetsu shinobi informed warily. “The Hokage is fucking furious. Called up his white chakra and everything. According to rumors both him and Nagisa-sama’s eyes were different colors. That sage mode color for Nagisa-sama and Silver for the hokage.”

“Then he had his wife and young children called for.” Inomi bit her lip. “Shikari said that the Hokage was starting to cry after the Noharas were escorted out.” They all glanced at their resident Sensor, knowing that she must know something they didn’t.

Obito, Ryouta, and Kenji now had a rock sitting in their stomach. Minashi had been down all day. Only getting worse as they too had heard the whispers.

“Mina, do you know something?” Kenji tried to gently ask.

Mina nodded. “I…can guess.” She whispered.

Obito swallowed as his mind put together a puzzle he wasn’t liking. Someone Personally under Nagisa’s protection, close enough to the Hokage to make him cry, and close enough to Minashi to have her distracted and ‘off’ all day.

“Mina.” Obito called in a small voice.

The blonde lifted her head and there, they all saw what her hair had been blocking. Her eyes were violet and sage markings decorated her lids.

“Please tell me I’m guessing wrong. Please tell me she didn’t cross that line.”

Minashi remained quiet. “It fits.” she whispered. “The behavior, it fits.”

Obito went green. “How could she?”

Minashi’s eye twitched and the hair rose on Kenji’s arm as he felt it first. Killer Intent coming from the chakra under the arm he had around Minashi’s shoulders.

“Because she’s a selfish, greedy bitch that didn’t learn her lesson the first time.” Minashi growled and slowly stood up.

“Mina-!” Kenji startled, but the blonde was already gone. Obito cursed and activated his Kamui to follow where he knew Minashi was going. Kenji and Ryouta followed in fast shunshins to where they sensed Minashi reappearing.

They rushed through the hospital praying to stop their teammate before she did something that would get her in trouble.

Minashi appeared at the entrance to the restricted section and shoved past the doors. The guards on duty attempted to stop her but were stopped by the dangerous look in the Captain’s unmaked gaze. They swallowed and stepped back into their positions.

Minashi trotted to the room she felt her target in. She also felt Obito arriving outside of the restricted section and booked it.

Pushing the medic away with a semi-gentle fuuton jutsu, she kicked open the door, startling awake the sleeping former kunoichi. Rin paled at the sight of a violet eyed Minashi. Minashi didn’t wait any further. She’d be stopped otherwise.

Lunging she punched Rin across the face, hard enough that she tumbled out of the bed and landed on her hip. Dazed the kunoichi was smart enough to back herself up into a corner and attempt to cover her belly as Minashi advanced on her again. Minashi snarled, hand pulled back with sharp claws, eyes bleeding red as she prepared to give the bitch a scar to remember what happened when she messed with those precious to an Uzumaki.

Obito arrived at the door with a cut off shout just as Minashi was swinging down.

Just as the tip of her nails touched the skin of Rin’s face, glass shattered and a hand snapped around her wrist. Nagisa’s dark galaxy colored chakra coated hand was wrapped firmly around Minashi’s wrist. The same ever shifting galactic eyes meet the Red ones that had snapped to her in that instant.

“ Cease. ” Nagisa ordered in a deadly calm voice.

“ She was given a warning to not fuck with the minds and hearts of my precious people. She ignored it.” Minashi’s voice replied back, just as deadly calm and cold.

“Cease.” Nagisa repeated.

“ She doesn’t deserve to live without a visible reminder of the guilt she should feel for the invisible scars she gave Kashi.”

“Cease.” Nagisa repeated once more, the kaleidoscope of colors in her eyes swirling thicker.

Minashi hissed as red chakra bubbled against her skin. Nagisa’s eyes narrowed as she bared her sharpened Canines right back and Snarled deeply in warning.

“ Cease .” Nagisa growled, both Kunoichis having ignored their audience of team Ro, acting Hokage Minato who’d been getting updated by tsunade on the situation, and tsunade.

Minashi struggled, but her arm was trapped.

“ She hurt Kakashi!” Minashi barked, still struggling.

“And we didn’t come this far for you to throw everything away by losing your Ninja license too!” Nagisa barked back, stopping Minashi’s struggles. There were tears of frustration in Minashi’s eyes as she met the swirling mix of blue, purple, red, white, and black of Nagisa’s active bloodline. Something the Redhead still hadn’t fully explained to Minashi about. All the blonde knew was that it was related to Kamera. 

Nagisa took a deep breath, Minashi mimicked her. Together they held it and slowly let it out. Nagisa pulled Minashi away from the petrified Rin whose mouth was bleeding, and jaw was very obviously broken.

“You got your one in.” Nagisa stated carefully. “It can be explained away as an emotional teenager protecting someone she saw as family. You hit her again, and you are a kunoichi attacking a civilian. A pregnant civilian.”

Minashi’s eye twitched. “Which means…even after she’s not pregnant I still can’t pummel the bitch.”

“Not without Assault Charges and a Military trial.” Nagisa hummed in confirmation. “You weren’t supposed to find out.”

“I’m a fucking sensor with a bijuu’s range and sensitivity. I’m also not stupid.”

“No, but you are still someone Kakashi holds in high regard. Would you be able to go to him or even Sakumo if someone took advantage of you when your guard was down?”

Minashi looked away, reminded of when she’d been terrifyingly close to such a situation when she was nine. Naruto had been there for her, but it was never something she’d been able to tell Iruka-nii. She hated Nagisa for bringing that up. That incident was why she didn’t trust civilians as far as she could throw them.

“Give him time.” Nagisa said gently to her niece. “He’s hurt. When he’s ready to face you, he will. If he drags it out too long, then you can drag it out of him kicking and screaming like kits.” the redhead smirked.

Minashi twitched and glare-pouted at her Aunt.

“I hate it when you’re right.”

“You love me.”

“Go suck a frog.”

“You need new insults.” Nagisa continued bickering with her niece as she coaxed her out of the hospital room. If she let go, Minashi would still go back and attack her. Evidence in her still red eyes.

“My insults are fine.”

“They lack creativity.” Nagisa narrowed her eyes on Team Ro, they scrambled out of the way and out of the room, but followed them as they left.

“I’m creative when it counts.”

“Hm, the lack of complaining elders of the Shinobi clans say otherwise. Seems you are losing your touch.”

“I’m doing no such thing!” Minashi hissed trying to punch or claw Nagisa, but her galactic eyes were still active. A dark kaleidoscope chakra covered hand blocked all attempts of the younger Uzumaki.

“Hm, fine. Prove it on the trap course.”

“Wha-” Minashi barely got out before the two disappeared in a sound of shattering glass as they just disappeared.

There was silence at the nurses’ desk where Minato too had followed team Ro out. Worried for his little sister that was on the brink of losing her hitai-ate. The blonde let out a relieved sigh.

“Ne, Minato-sensei.” obito called, making minato smile at the term his student still used. “That….wasn’t the hiraishin…nor Nagisa-shishou’s own Hiraishin.”

“No. It wasn’t.” Minato confirmed and ignored the implied question. “You all will keep what you learned to yourself. Respect your comrade’s privacy. He’s been through enough as it is.” With that minato left in a teleport back to the office. He was in charge of making sure the investigative reports were gathered correctly in the Hokage’s absence while also making sure the village didn’t fall down in a day.

The three remaining members of team Ro left the hospital and found themselves at a bar. One round of shots down, and a second one in their cups, the silence that had befallen them was broken with a sigh.

“Well…” Ryouta hummed “at least we know it can’t actually be Kakashi’s baby.”

Obito choked on his shot. “What? How?”

Kenji and Ryouta both looked at their teammate.

“We’re active ANBU.” Kenji said to his cousin. Obito looked even more clueless.

“How does that matter?”

“Obito,” Ryouta called brows raised. “Nagisa-sama created a new ANBU tattoo for the entire force, active and inactive. It’s littered with protective seals. Not just handy seals for missions.”

Obito tilted his head confused.

“If my math is right, Rin is about eight months or so along.” Kenji hummed. “That, matched with Kakashi’s behavior, lines up with Minashi’s birthday party. If Rin had actually gotten pregnant then, she should be closer to nine months pregnant as Minashi should be, if not for the Contraceptive seals active in the ANBU tattoo.”

Obito’s jaw dropped while Kenji tossed back another shot. “This is the only reason Minashi and I don’t really worry about having unprotected sex. She can’t get pregnant and I can’t get her pregnant.”

“It’s why Inomi’s never told you to wear a condom anymore.” Ryouta snorted. Obito flushed. “She may not be ANBU but I am and passed that little tidbit onto Shikari. You know those two are more like sisters. Thus, no condom for you and Inomi.”

“She did say that she was protected. I thought she just had the kunoichi shot.” Obito grumbled, still embarrassed. Before something Mashai said months ago sunk in. “Wait! Do the kunoichi’s still get their period?”

Kenji groaned at his cousin’s loud voice. Ryouta’s cheeks pinkened. “From my knowledge, no, they do not.”

“Then why the hell have I still put up with two PMSing kunoichi at least once a month?!” Obito groaned, holding his head.

Kenji snorted. “Because they’re females. They don’t need to have a menstrual cycle to still PMS while on birth control.”

Obito groaned and ordered them another shot. “I need to get my own place in the compound or out of it. Between you and Mina and shishou and Mashai-san, there is no privacy in that house. Knowing that it’s a ticking time bomb every month is stressful.”

“Hm, Well, I was looking at an apartment in the shinobi district.” Ryouta provided. “They are a bit out of my budget, but if I had a roommate or two, It could be more affordable. Additionally it gets me out of my clan compound.”

“Oh! Maybe we could get Mina and Kakashi to move in too. We could be a team again and we could make sure no one messed with any of us.” Obito cheered half way to tipsy.

“Really?” Kenji smirked. “You’d invite Mina and I to live there too?”

Obito twitched and frowned at his cousin’s smirk. “There would have to be rules obviously, but I wouldn’t want to exclude the Captain.”

“Hm, it would make things for coming and going on missions easier.” Ryouta nodded.

“I’ll talk to Mina.” Kenji nodded. “She might like the idea of having a place that she could call home. We’re always bouncing around between my house, the Namikaze house, and Nagisa-sama’s house. She used to crash at the Hatake compound when we were younger…” he cleared his throat. “Anyways, she might agree to it for a few years.”

“Sweet.” Obito grinned.

Ryouta hummed, nodding and tossed back another shot. “Hm, Alright then. Obito and I will do some apartment shopping tomorrow. You can convince Minashi, and then you both can work on convincing Kakashi.”

“Me?!” Kenji yelped.

“You two were teammates with him the longest.” Obito shrugged.

Kenji wilted. “You have a point.” he grumbled. “Fine, I’ll deal with the prickly hound when he’s feeling better.”

Obito and Ryouta smirked and shared conspiring looks before tossing back their shots. Kenji followed a moment later with a grumble.

“You don’t have to be here.” Mashai’s voice murmured beside him. Kakashi glanced to his uncle…and practical Aniki after everything he’s done over the last week.

“I need to be.” Kakashi whispered back behind his Raiju mask. Mashai was sporting a cloth mask like Kakashi’s normal ones. It made them look even more like brothers instead of Uncle and nephew.

Mashai only hummed as they watched the last of the witnesses that had been a part of the investigations setting into the audience seats. The civilian council was sitting in a lower dias whereas the Shinobi Council and Hokage were sitting a level up. There were three platforms prepared where the prisoners would be placed during the hearing.

“Bring them in.” The Hokage ordered of the ANBU standing guard.

Kakashi stiffened, his fingers biting into the wood of the rafter he was hiding on with a few other observing and on duty ANBU. He…he was almost regretting taking back his words about keeping things private. He’d known his father would want to set an example, and had in a moment of stupidity, allowed him to.

(He ignored how it was because he’d been informed that the trial was delayed because Rin had to have surgery for a broken jaw that Minashi had given her. He was still avoiding his best friend.)

“Nohara Gina, You stand here today with criminal charges for multiple counts of drug smuggling, blackmailing, exploitation, aiding in the sexual assualt of a konoha shinobi and multiple accounts of murder. I would ask how do you plead, but this is no longer a trial. This is officially a court-martial.”

Gina’s eyed bugged out and her mouth opened but the ANBU at her side, jabbed the handle of his tanto into her stomach. She choked, gagged, and gasped as she fell to her knees.

Sakumo didn’t even flinch when the civilian criminal looked back up at him furious. Fury that was hiding her panic and fear.

“Did you forget that even though you are a civilian, you are living in a Military Village? ” Sakumo tilted his head, eyes cold. “If you expected a civilian trial to attempt to weasel your way or buy your way out, you should have never left the capital as a teen. Moving on.” Sakumo looked down at the paper before him. “The Mixed Council has arrived at a unanimous verdict after looking over the reports of the evidence and witness statements. You have been found guilty on all accounts. You will have all your assets confiscated and sold at auction. Your accounts will be frozen and then funneled back into the village coffers. Your sentence was unanimously decided upon. Death Penalty.”

Gina’s face blanched. Just as she started to shout, seals lit up underneath her feet, keeping her voice from leaving the pale barrier around her.

Hachiro was deadly pale as he shakily looked at the Hokage and mixed council.

“Nohara Hachiro, you stand here today with criminal charges of two counts of knowing and aiding in the sexual assult of a Konoha shinobi, Multiple counts of blackmailing, Covering up multiple counts of murder, drug smuggling, and exploitations, Lastly,” The hokage took a deep breath to keep his temper in check. “You are charged with two counts of child rape.”

People gasped as Hachiro turned sickly green.

“Your verdict was unanimous. Your assets will be seized and sold at auction. Your accounts frozen and funds given to the two families who your pedophilia damaged. Your sentence was unanimous. Death penalty.” Hachiro’s knees gave out.

Sakumo saw the shock on the man’s face and glared. “You two should have done your research. Konoha was founded to protect children. While the Civilian Council worked over the years after the Niidaime’s death to destroy the laws protecting children, I have not sat on my ass behind that desk for nothing. Once more, Konoha stands proud and strong, protecting children from not just foreign threats, but domestic threats as well.”

Hachiro was already silent, thus his silencing box wasn’t activated.

Sakumo turned his gaze to Rin. She had two ANBU medics at her side instead of the standard ANBUs.

“Nohara Rin, you stand here today with criminal charges for one count of rape against a Konoha shinobi, mental abuse and manipulations of said Konoha joining, medical malpractice by drugging said Konoha shinobi with an unregistered date-rape drug and committing treason by lying to your Hokage and Commanding officers.”

The Hokage went quiet as he shut his eyes and recomposed himself before his anger got the best of him. 

“Your medical license has already been revoked. After deliberations by the mixed council a verdict has been reached. You are hereby removed as a Konoha shinobi and indefinitely prohibited from ever becoming a Konoha shinobi again.”

Rin’s chin quivered.

“Due to your…circumstances, the council had a mixed opinion on your sentence.” Sakumo grunted. “The biological father,” He looked down at his paper “Nakashima Yuji, has already waived all rights to the baby as he’d never wanted one. Due to the circumstances that both of you were unconsenting, this case of rape has already been charged on your father.” 

The Hokage linked his fingers and on the dias top and gave the girl a stern look. A bolt of pride filled his chest seeing that the girl’s jaw was still bruised and wired shut from surgery. 

“The unborn child is innocent of your crimes. The Council and Myself have agreed that due to your questionable mental stability and lacking ability and support to be able to provide for the child’s future, they will be stripped of the nohara and Nakashima surnames, and placed in the orphanage. You will have no contact with them. If you are found trying to contact them, you will serve two years in jail automatically.”

“Which brings me back to your sentence. Until the baby is born, you will remain in isolation and under medical supervision. After your child is born, and you are healed from labor, you will serve ten years in jail for your crimes. With that all of your assets will be seized and sold, your accounts frozen, and the resulting funds given in reparations to the Jounin you Raped and Manipulated.” 

“After your ten years have been served, you will undergo another mental evaluation to decide if you are of sound mind to be able to return to society. If not, you will be transferred and admitted to the psychiatric ward where you will spend the rest of your days until you are fit to return to society. However if you are found to be of sound mind after ten years of your sentence served, you will be moved into monitored housing, have a tracking seal placed upon you, and will work community service for one year as probation.”

“After a year of probation you will have three months to get a job and get a place of your own.” Rin nodded and Sakumo’s eyes narrowed. “And as a final reminder, you will not approach the child. Consequences are Two years jail time. You will not practice or work in any form of medical field. If you are caught, you will serve three years jail time. Lastly, a restraining order has been placed on you. You will stay the hell away from my family. ” Sakumo snarled. Rin trembled and nodded quickly. “If you approach any of my children, or anyone of my family, I will take that as a threat. I say that last part not as Hokage, but as the Clan Head of the Hatake Clan. You break that restraining order and I will be within my rights to make you feel the pain you made your victim suffer.” The Hokage’s eyes flashed silver. “My sister will not be there to stop me next time.”

Rin was shaking, ashen and just constantly nodding her head in silent understanding.

“The Death penalty for Nohara Gina and Nohara Hachiro will be held in one week. Court Dismissed.” Sakumo said the chakra gone from his eyes. He stood up and led the Shinobi council out.

Kakashi watched as Rin was escorted out. Her mother was still struggling against the ANBU, but as a civilian it didn’t do anything. It was a sharp contrast that her father was practically catatonic and almost limply dragged out.

Mashai’s hand had been on Kakashi’s shoulder the entire Court-martial.

“Dad…Didn’t say my name.” Kakashi whispered.

“Hm, nope. But that last part probably gave it up.”

Kakashi couldn’t help his snort at the slightly playful tone to his uncle’s voice. “Ma, no shit.” Kakashi drawled lazy with the relief curling in his being. They sat there quietly as the others there to witness the semi-private/public court martial, left with hushed whispers. There hadn’t been such a big case in ten years. Sure, there had been smaller cases that the council dealt with, but nothing that affected the Hokage personally.

“You doing alright pup?” Mashai asked, noticing Kakashi having zoned out.

“She’s…not gone, but…still gone?” He whispered.

“Hm. Yep. You’ve got some amazing friends that will make sure that when her sentences are served, she won’t get near you.” Mashai pointed to those he recognized from the wedding and that hung around Kakashi’s team. Practically Kakashi’s entire graduating class, and agemates had attended. Their faces had been dark on Rin before now looking relieved now that she was put away.

“Up to talking to any of them?” Mashai inquired of the pup watching his friends. One specific teen in a green spandex was getting louder and louder about Kakashi’s youthfulness and strength as a survivor.

“I…Don’t know.” Kakashi murmured. While it had been two weeks since he’d gone to his aunt and uncle for help…things almost felt floaty. “I’m…still floaty.”

“That would be the relief.” Nashai hummed, landing silently on their perch. “Sakumo’s asking for you kashi-pup. He wants to make sure you’re okay.”

Kakashi hummed before spotting a head of blonde become visible when Kenji turned from where he’d been unintentionally blocking her from view.

“I’m…” Kakashi really thought about it. He’d been going to therapy practically every day. Nagisa or Mariko at his side each time. He’d had nothing better to do during his medical leave. He wasn’t even allowed to train. Just relax, get his weight back, and recover from the year of manipulation. Inojiro-san was kind and patient with him. They’d already made a lot of progress apparently, even if Kakashi wasn’t sure about that.

“...Okay.” Kakashi finished, realizing that it was true. He’d stopped locking everything up and was slowly relearning how to process his feelings. “I’m better than I was yesterday.” He repeated the phrase for if he met that specific goal for the day.

“So?” Mashai asked, looking at the friends that were starting to leave. Only when Team Ro started to follow, Minashi was the only one to not move. Kenji looked back at her, but she waved him away. It was literally the four of them left in the courtroom.

“One at a time?” Nagisa murmured encouragingly. “You might find that your fears are just illusions.”

Kakashi swallowed and looked at Nagisa’s kind, loving, and soft gaze upon him. His mind whirled with nerves and fear.

“Pup, she’s practically pack.” Mashai reminded him. “What does pack do?”

“Sticks together.” Kakashi let out a shaking sigh. He knew why they were gently nudging him. He had a horrible habit of running away from confrontation when it involved feelings. Thus, he’d ‘shut down’ and avoid the problem until it either went away, or was forgotten about. Inojiro told him that trying to face one problem at a time and giving himself breaks in between was all part of a healthy healing process.

Thus, with two warm hands on his back, he let them support him as he rocked back before drifting forward and taking the literal plunge.

Kakashi landed in a crouch and before he could even rise completely up and start to apologize to Minashi, he was instead tackled.

“Umph!” Kakashi grunted as he landed with his back halfway leaning on the partition blocking the audience from the trial floor. “Kami damn it Mina what the hell was that for?”

He looked down to the blonde strangling him by his rib cage and realized she was trembling. Kakashi scented it a moment later and pulled his Raiju mask off and let it fall to the ground. In the meantime, his arms wrapped around his best friend as he scented her tears and sadness.

Kakashi was too floaty to cry, but he still hugged his best friend close and dug his chin into her head. Mina didn’t even complain.

“I didn’t notice.” Minashi whispered, her voice heavy with guilt and grief.

“You’re my best friend. I’d be a horrible shinobi if I couldn’t hide from you after growing up with you.” Kakashi stated calmly back.

“I wanna slice her face off.” Minashi suddenly snarled.

Kakashi couldn’t help the snort of amusement leave his body as his chest lightened. “Ah, let me watch?”

“No. You’re never getting near that psycho again.” Minashi barked petulantly.

“Ma, ma Mina…then you owe me. Especially since you apparently also not only broke her jaw into so many pieces they had to replace it with a metal one, but also knocked out six of her teeth. And you didn’t even let me watch that either.”

Minashi squirmed. “I…was in sage mode…and very angry….Kurama was also not helping. His temper fueled mine. He likes you and wanted to ‘wrend the ningen trash to pieces.’” She mimicked with a deepish voice.

Kakashi paused before finally looking down and finding Cerulean eyes looking back up. Her lashes were still wet with tears. Reaching up he wiped them away.

“Ma, I didn’t know I’d earned sir furball’s respect.” Minashi just stared before throwing her head back and cackling. Kakashi grinned beneath his mask as that sadness finally left minashi’s soothing scent. Sitting up straight he watched as the golden doll rolled around the floor cackling and holding her gut. She’d pause, smirk, before continuing. Kakashi softly smiled beneath his mask as he watched the silent teasing going on between jinchuriki and her bijuu.

When Minashi finally seemed to have calmed, Kakashi stood up and held out his hand to his best friend. Minashi didn’t hesitate to retake his hand. Kakashi pulled her up, knowing she didn’t need the help, but internally knowing this symbolized more. 

“Ne, Mina,” Kakashi started softly, staring down at blue eyes that hadn’t stopped looking at him. “Can I come back to Team Ro?”

Minashi’s head tilted to the side as she stared at him softly. “Hai. We’ve missed you.”

Kakashi nodded a bit bashful, noticing that they hadn’t let go of each other's hands. He…He knew what he felt for Mina now, what he’d missed. he…He still wasn’t ready for anything like that, and he knew just by the look in her eyes Mina wasn’t either. If she would even accept him. She had Kenji now. Kakashi pushed at the depressing thoughts. It was his own blindness that didn’t see what was always in Mina’s eyes. He’d heal, get stronger, and…dedicated his life to making sure she was happy, even if he wasn’t at her side.

“Can…Can we go get food?...Um…At that place you and Kenji always go to?”

“Uzushio’s sunset?” Minashi inquired.

Kakashi nodded. “Not just the team…but with our friends? I’ve…heard how they’ve all been helping and supporting the investigation.”

“Will you feel safe in such a large crowd?” MInashi worried softly.

Kakashi knew that there was no ill-intent or coddling in her question. But genuine worry.

“I trust you.” the taller teen murmured and leaned down while pulling his face mask down to press a kiss to her forehead. Minashi went very very still when his lips touched her forehead. Just those three words were an answer in itself. Kakashi trusted his exposed weeping wounds to Minashi. She wasn’t there to heal them, but to protect them from outside infections.

The blonde’s eyes watered but she was quick to wipe at them. Just as Kakashi pulled back to fix his mask, warm hands stopped him and suddenly his old scar marking his cheek had warm lips pressed against it. Kakashi was frozen as that innocent kiss tingled against his skin. It was like nothing before and he didn’t know how to compute.

However, for Minashi who was worried she’d crossed a line, she started to panic and flutter around nervously.

“Kashi? Kashi, did I cross a line? Hnnnn…” She whined “Answer me Hatake!” the Uzumaki barked.

Kakashi twitched and quickly pulled his mask up and bent down to grab his mask. “fine…I’m fine….it…it just surprised me. It…didn’t feel bad….it was strange in…a good way.” Kakashi struggled to get out. “Took a moment…to process.” He finally answered.

Minashi tilted her head at him, gaze slightly concerned, but otherwise just staring at him curiously. “Okay.” she muttered and just shrugged. The blonde then held out her hand. “So, food?”

Kakashi nodded and took her hand. Minashi grinned, spun and raced out of the room. Bursting outside the doors, their close friends were all standing outside of them like they’d been waiting.

“Food!” Minashi cheered. “Uzushio’s Sunset! Who’s in?!”

“Finally!” Obito whined. “I’m starving.”

“You are a bottomless pit.” Ryouta glared. 

Inomi snorted. “Nah, he’s just got a lot of energy and it needs fuel.”

“Who doesn’t?!” Kenji chuckled, moving to throw an arm over Kakashi’s shoulder. He was slightly shocked that it didn’t garner a flinch. He’d slowed down enough for the hatake to move away, but he didn’t. Instead he seemed to almost relax under Kenji’s arm. The Uchiha looked at Minashi who was still holding their teammate’s hand as they all walked for the restaurant. Chatting all the way about everything but the trial. Minashi shrugged.

It was only minutes later that the poor wait staff at Uzu Sunset had to scramble to set up for the over a dozen teenagers. Thus, they did have to wait a bit, but no one commented on how Kakashi was keeping quiet.

Kakashi personally didn’t mind being between Kenji and Minashi. He…didn’t realize until Kenji had thrown an arm around his shoulder, but…his team, most importantly his former genin team…was his inner pack. Not his family pack, but just as important. Even Obito and Ryouta had somehow become a part of that inner circle.

The fog of relaxation was getting heavier as Mina still had his hand, Obito still called him bakashi, Ryouta still shot witty little quips his way and teased Obito in his place. He could feel Kenji’s frame shaking against his own as he laughed and gestured with his free hand at any of their friends he was talking to. Koto and Anko had him especially riled up.

His mind was hearing everything, but there was a slight cloud of safe-relax-peace that kept him from focusing too much on the conversations. It didn’t help that he was almost hyper fixating on the thumb gently moving back and forth over the back of his own. Mina’s own way of keeping him focused, but not pushing the boundaries she wasn’t aware of.

Kakashi almost felt like he was in a weird cuddle pile around these people. Mina led the way when they were seated, and once more he was kept between his genin teammates. The group just decided to get a large assortment of dishes and share. Thus Kakashi was pulled slightly out of the comfort of the foggy peace to eat…and not even care if he kept his mask down. They were in a private room…and these people, his inner circle and trusted friends, he didn’t mind them seeing. If there was a next time something was eating at him, maybe they would be able to help him when he was missing something again.

He promptly ignored Inomi shouting and pointing at Suzume at the other end of the table that she owed the yamanaka money, that it was a beauty mark.

Thus, while the conversations did get focused on him, it was nothing ‘dangerous’ to talk about. Normally kakashi probably felt he would be annoyed that they were dancing around the eggshells of the elephant in the room, but he was too relaxed to care about anything but the soothing feel of his inner pack ready to defend him at any time. Even from their closest friends.

Well….that is until Anko seemed to finally burst after smelling so eager and anxious.

“Did you really shatter Rin’s jaw? She just looked a little bruised and maybe a bit swollen.” The purplette exploded. The table went dead silent and all eyes went to Kakashi.

“Ma, ma, you know I'm not going to break if you talk about her.” He raised a brow at them. He had an eyepatch on today since his aunt and uncle wouldn’t let him leave in Mission clothes. Despite the ANBU mask he’d worn to the trial. Sure he was still in dark pants and a shirt/mask combo, but there were no shinobi tools on his person. 

“You have seemed awfully relaxed despite today’s proceedings.” Kurenai called curiously.

“I think I can probably answer that.” Koto said sniffing and with a look for permission, Kakashi nodded. “The Hatake and Inuzuka are similar in instinctual mentality.” She pointed to how Kenji and Minashi hadn’t let Kakashi out of their grip. “Those two are his inner pack, since he doesn’t have siblings close to his own age, they are practically that to his instincts. Their years as a genin team only reaffirmed to his instincts that they were packmates. So from what I'm getting from his scent, he’s just sort of zoned in on their safe scents and trusting them to keep anyone else from getting close. Am I right?”

Minashi tilted her head in thought and Kenji’s eyes widened in surprise. Sure kakashi was his best friend and precious to Mina, so of course he’d protect the hatake…but Kakashi felt safe with him? Someone not family?

Kakashi hummed. “Close enough. My therapist also says that the fog in my head I'm feeling is a deep drop from the high stress I've been under. Keeping close to those I trust allows me to relax in the fog. Mina and Kenji are pack. Obito and Ryouta too even. Plus, while not inner pack, I do trust you all. Mina, Kenji, Obito, and Ryouta wouldn’t have allowed you near otherwise.” Kakashi let out an impressive yawn and seemed to lean heavier on Kenji. “I’mma nap. Wake me for dessert.” he muttered before dropping off.

Kenji just stared at the silver head on his shoulder, still a bit stunned from what his best friend said. At how he was just dropping off like a light switch.

“He’s really out cold.” Shikari sat up surprised.

Minashi smiled softly. “Oba-san said he’s been sleeping a lot. Tsuna-oba said it’s his body finally taking the time to heal.”

“Well, yeah. Baka deserves the rest.” Obito grunted. “He’s been putting up with that menace for a fucking year.”

“Personally I'm a bit shocked by the fact that Rin’s going to be an orphan.” Raidou pushed around his food. “The Hokage talked about Konoha protecting Children, yet had one’s parents killed.”

“Legally Rin is an adult.” Suzume pushed up her glasses. “But to our parents we will always be children.”

“I think I can understand the Hokage’s decision.” Gai said calmly. The recent events had reminded his friends that he did have his serious moments. “What her parents did to people was bad enough that to protect the families they affected, the death penalty was the only way to give them closure or peace of mind. Rin, while she did commit an unforgivable act, was partially a victim in certain places as well.”

“Evil isn’t born. It’s made.” Minashi added. “I punched her for hurting someone precious to an Uzumaki. I punched her because of the pain she caused Kakashi. I punched her because she deliberately targeted Kakashi because of her childish obsession with him. However, her mind was warped by her parents, thus why she doesn’t have any rights to the child she carries. She isn’t of sound mind to raise a child. Just as her own parents should never have had children. They weren’t fit to be parents, and it resulted in a girl that was raised with a messed up mentality.”

There was a bit of silence before Anko snorted. “I’ve never really liked how she played cute and innocent all the time. It just felt fake or forced.” She shrugged. “Guess I was right.”

“We all missed it.” Kurenai sighed, shaking her head. “I’m just sorry Obito and Kakashi especially had to deal with her.”

“Yes, well, she’s in isolation and then going to prison.” Inomi sniffed, taking Obito’s hand into her own.

“Hm, it would be best that we make sure she abides by the rules of her release when the time comes.” Ryouta hummed. “She did get only ten years.”

“Yeah, what’s up with that?” Koto barked angrily. “Why didn’t she get life? Especially since Kakashi is the Hokage’s son and a Clan heir?”

Genma and Inomi shared looks before looking to Mina. She raised a brow at them.

“Are…the documents of the court-martial going to be highly classified?” Inomi asked the only person between their friends that would have that inside information.

“Chuunin and above will eventually have access to the records.” She sighed. “It’s not on any official statements, but the Hokage practically declared that it was one of his family members that she targeted. So it’s sort of a gray area. Kakashi’s name is blacked out on the documents, but any witnesses at the trial or participated in the investigation will know it was him who was the Jounin Rin targeted.”

“What’s that have to do with my question?” Koto frowned at the pale blonde.

Inomi bit her lip. “The two counts of child attacks on Rin’s father?” The Tokubetsu said carefully. Koto raised a brow. “Rin was one of them.”

Silence across the table.

“That doesn’t excuse her actions.” Raidou murmured into the silence.

“But it affected the Council’s decision.” Gai assumed. Minashi nodded.

“She’s doing time for her crime, but to a lessened degree because she too was a victim. Additionally, she apparently confessed to Nagisa-oba and the Hokage when initially summoned.”

Kakashi let out a heavy sigh, startling the group just before he spoke. “Only after Nagi-oba scared her shitless and threatened to set my father on her.” He opened his eyes to see his friends mixed between wincing and shocked. “Death or Confess. Those where her options. Dad said that even Dragon-sama was scared of Nagisa in those moments.”

Minashi looked at Kakashi curiously. “Wait…is that what those claw marks and bruises on her neck are?”

Kakashi’s lips twitched. “Nagi-oba used chakra to scratch her. She was very happy to tell me in detail how she put the fear of the shinigami in her.” the hatake smirked at her. “Mashai-nii has been strutting around that his girlfriend is the most scary of all. It’s sickenlying sweet.”

“Are all uzumakis wired that way?” Anko asked curiously. “Because Yoshio-kun was pretty impressed by my poison collection and some of the pictures I've made with dango sticks.”

Koto snorted at one of her best friends. “I think it’s a mix of the Uzumaki gene and the Hatake wild instincts in his case.”

Kakashi grunted in silent agreement as a few chuckles went around the room and the topic changed to other clan or family quirks that the friends hadn’t really talked too much about before. A strong example being that everyone learned why Suzume never drinks alcohol.

Their conversations continued well through dinner, even into desserts and some alcohol that they sipped on, but didn’t get full out drunk on. Kakashi nodded off here and there, but was glad that he’d chosen to go out with everyone. 

No one was pitying him. No one was treating him too much like a victim. His plate was always full and water filled. When Kenji had to leave for the restroom, Obito slid over before Kakashi could even tense, and protected his blind side.

Somehow, Kakashi found himself even arm wrestling Gai who’d moved to sit across from him. They went at it over and over to the hoots and cheers of their buzzed friends. Kakashi found himself still unmasked and smirking at the boisterous green beast as he cheered over his victory but already declaring another challenge

Well, until they were kicked out by the staff. Paying for their meal and leaving a hefty tip for the staff that had put up with them, the group slowly disbursed for the night. When it was just down the Team Ro, they just wandered aimlessly until they found themselves in one of Konoha’s many parks. There were a few playsets around and the Team found themselves sitting on one of the climbing domes. The five nin stared up at the stars coming out to play, the silence wasn’t awkward or suffocating.

“So,” Obito blurted. “Ryouta and I found a place.”

“Found a place?” Minashi tilted her head around to look at the senju.

“Obito and I decided that as much as we care for our families, we need space. Personally with Clan taxes and fees, I cannot afford a place on my own. So I offered to be a roommate to Obito.”

“Then I suggested that since we were going to make Kakashi come back to the team, we might as well save ourselves the trouble of always having to hunt each other down for last minute missions, and just get a place together.”

“Which I sort of agreed with.” Kenji scratched at his cheek. “It’s also a way we can all watch each others backs in the village. Did you guys really find a place big enough for us all?”

“Hm, while the five bedrooms aren’t massive and there are only two bathrooms, the flat is the only thing that was available, had everything we needed, and was in fair distance to the training grounds, gates, and HQ. It’s a bit away from the tower, but the view is pretty great.”

“Pretty great? It’s amazing!” Obito sat up grinning. “The living room balcony looks over Lunar Lake and has a sick view of the Mountain!”

“What’s wrong with it?” Kakashi asked.

Obito lost a bit of his cheer as he flopped back down. “Price.”

“How so?” Minashi asked curiously. The more she thought about it, the more it was sounding a bit appealing. (She was also looking forward of the prospect of being the one to make sure no one else fucked with her boys.)

“It’s a condo that’s for sale.” Ryouta admitted. “We missed that part when the realtor was showing us places. Everything else was either short a bathroom, only had three bedrooms, or wasn’t in one of the areas of Konoha we were looking at.”

“Or were just shitty places.” Obito grumbled. “We obviously turned a few of those places into the police for inspection.”

“Obviously we don’t have to do this.” Ryouta turned to see Kakashi -still maskless since they were alone, the hyuuga noted pleased- “Especially if you aren’t comfortable with this Kakashi.”

“I love my family.” Kakashi said to the night sky. “I love my baby sister and baby brother. I don’t like how I feel like a burden to them right now. Mom’s even talked about extending her own time off for me.”

“You aren’t a burden.” Minashi said firmly.

Kakashi met her gaze. “I sort of know. Inojiro-san has told me that feeling like one is natural in this situation.” He looked back to the sky. “I understand their hovering, their concern, it’s how they are making up for missing the signs and showing how they care.”

“But?” Kenji prodded gently.

“I think sticking with you guys might be more helpful at this stage. At first I only wanted my family pack near, but…I’ve missed being with you guys….a lot. I…can’t promise I’ll be the best roommate-”

Minashi snorted. “And you think living with Obito is easy?”

“HEY!” said senju squawked indignantly, “I’m the best roommate!”

“You never lock your door when you bring your girlfriend over, your room is always a mess, and you forget to put up privacy seals.” Minashi smirked at him. Obito flushed. “Not to mention you always misplace your crap around the house.”

Obito pouted at her. “Harsh.”

Kakashi snorted. “That doesn’t surprise me too much.”

“So are we doing this?” Kenji sat up grinning at his friend.

“Hm, we can always split the cost of the monthly mortgage.” Ryouta frowned.

“Or I can just outright buy it and everyone just splits the bills.” Kakashi stated dryly. His four teammates looked at him with raised brows. “What?” Kakashi muttered.

“You’d…do that?” Minashi asked gently. “I know what funds you’re talking about, I mean we all do, but would you be okay with that?”

“Well, the money I spent renting that other place has already been returned with interest. I don’t mind getting rid of it for something like this. It’s better than staring at it in my account. Makes me uncomfortable to see it there. Like a reminder of just how much I ignored that I was not just mentally being drained, but physically and financially. Plus, all those A ranked Solos and a few S-ranked ones could be put to good use.”

Obito turned on his stomach at Kakashi with a playful glare. “And you, you troll, won’t lord this over us in a few years?”

Kakashi eye-smiled at obito. “ Never. How could you obito, I’m hurt.”

The Senju deadpanned his best friend. “Fuck off.”

“Ma, ma, you kiss Inomi with that mouth?” He teased.

“Yes, she loves my mouth.”

“We know.” Kenji and Minashi chorused. The Uchiha turned to glare at his cousin. “Seriously, the next time you two don’t put up a silencing seal, I’m recording it and forcing you two to listen to just how loud you are.”

Obito flushed and before he could answer Minashi did.

“Hm, you shouldn’t do that. I’ve learned those with the sharingan are sensitive in that department. Thus, he’ll enjoy it and then inomi will like the results.”

Kenji flushed as did obito.

“Minashi, are you saying Kenji and Obito are voyeurs?” Ryouta smirked.

The blonde deadpanned him. “Like you’re any better Mr. Byakugan user. Shikari talks too ya know.” The hyuuga didn’t even have the decency to blush.

“Like she’s one to talk. She is very creative with those Clan Jutsus of hers. I still believe they were a peaceful kinky Clan until someone pissed them off, and the Naras just had an ‘ah-ha!’ moment. Then they decided they could be used for battle.”

Kakashi, Kenji, Obito, and Minashi were all staring at Ryouta who rolled his eyes. 

“It’s true, and you can’t make me believe otherwise.”

“Nah, I can actually see it.” Minashi tilted and rolled onto her stomach now too, chin on her palms. “Ya gotta watch the quiet ones. They have all that silence to let their imagination run wild.”

“How would you know?” Kakashi asked her. “As far as I know, your only dating experience is Kenji and he’s anything but quite like Obito.”

“OI!” Minashi ignored the two sharingan users matching indignant shouts.

Minashi shrugged. “Nagisa-oba’s sex-ed training was no joke. A kunoichi’s life is a lot harder than a shinobis, so she made sure I was prepared. Not to mention…” the blonde let a grin that was more of a leer, appear on her face. “I have a secondary income outside of mission work.”

“Wait, doing what?” Kenji flipped over now too. “You never told me this.”

Minashi rolled her eyes at the Uchiha. “That’s because you still blush at anything new or if I tease you too much. As adorable as that is, you are only just starting to find some immunity.”

“Blondie, spill.” Obito demanded.

Minashi eye-smiled at them. “I am the Editor of the Icha Icha Novel series. Jiraiya pays me fairly well to edit his work before sending it off to the publishers. Oba was the editor until I was about thirteen, then she told me to do it since she didn’t need the money. Not that I need it, but it’s a good break from missions.”

Cerulean eyes opened and found all four of her boys in different levels of embarrassment. “Boys, while you all get scolded for being open perverts, girls are just as perverted. We just know better than to flaunt it around.”

She turned to Kakashi, “So if that condo is out of your budget, I can help split it. Then you could use the rest to get some new gear.”

Kakashi’s cheeks slowly lightened. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The five teens looked at each other as everything settled and processed.

“We’re really doing it?” Ryouta asked softly, hope in his eyes.

Looks were exchanged and Minashi grinned as she put her fist forward. “Hell yeah!”

“This is gonna be a nuthouse.” Kakashi snorted, putting his fist in.

“Nah, it’s gonna be fun!” Kenji laughed, fist connecting with theirs. Obito hooted and put his in next.

“Hey, I won’t be late this way!” he cheered.

“I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this madness.” Ryouta sighed, but his smile betrayed his words, fist joining them.

“We’re a team.” Minashi said gently next. “We’re family. Pack. We stick together and have each other’s back. No one gets forgotten, lost, or left behind. We’ll fight, we’ll bicker, but we’ll always work together and communicate to a compromise.”

“Hai!” Team Ro swore together, smiles all around. Minashi knew from that day forward, life was going to get more interesting.