Konohagakure's Kakashi Hatake & Nina Sarutobi have only lived & prepared to die by the Shinobi rules.
Amid an intensive investigation into a spate of mysterious deaths, a birthday party for the elusive Copy-Nin sets off a chain reaction no one quite...
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(Sunday> September 21> Konoha's Hokage Office)
~Tsunade~
Tsunade spun her chair around and sat to face the visiting kunoichi. "Konoha's shorthanded on available ninjas, so we appreciate the aid from Suna." She motioned for her guest to sit in one of the two chairs opposite her desk. "I trust your journey went well."
"Yes, Ma'am," Temari answered, unshouldering her fan. "Our Kazekage is eager to build the political ties between the Sand and Leaf villages."
Another thing the village owed thanks to their number-one-knuckleheaded ninja, Naruto.
"As am I," Tsunade replied.
Their meeting was interrupted by two knocks on the office door. "Sorry to interrupt Lady Tsunade," Shizune spoke as she cautiously stepped into the office, "Shikamaru Naara is here."
"Send him in," Tsunade instructed.
Shizune shoved the yawning Nara into the office. Tsunade eyed the clock on the wall; he was fifteen minutes late and appeared as disinterested as always. She sighed heavily; the next generation's genius was as apathetic as the previous generation's.
"The upcoming Chunin exams will be held here in Konoha. As expected, there's a lot of distrust due to the events the last time we played host." Tsunade stood and looked out the bay windows to the village. "We must have comprehensive strategies in place and take the appropriate action to prevent any shortfalls." She turned around and tossed a file at Shikamaru. "You've been selected for your analytica-"
Tsunade straightened up, glaring at the intruder who'd burst through her office doors. "Now isn't a good time, Jiraiya."
The walls reverberated with the Toad Sage's hearty laugh, which made her left eyebrow twitch in annoyance.
"Sure, it is." Jiraiya placed a hand on the backs of Temari and Shikamaru's chairs. "Why doesn't... Why aren't you a chip off the old block?"
"Jiraiya," Tsunade cautioned, growing ever more impatient with his presence.
"Shikamaru," Jiraiya slapped the boy's shoulder, nearly winding him.
"Uh, yes, Sir?"
"Why don't you take this young lady for breakfast?" Jiraiya suggested.
The audacity of the man was exasperating. He'd barged into Tsunade's office, interrupting an important meeting, and was now speaking as if he were the Hokage and not her.
"Go, Shikamaru," Tsunade huffed. "Come back when you're finished."
"Yes, Ma'am," Temari said, uncrossing her legs and looping the strap of her fan over her head. "Let's go, idiot."
"Hmpf. Already bossing me around. Troublesome woman," Shikamaru moaned, holding the door wide enough for Temari to walk through unimpeded by her weapon strapped to her back.
