Wildflower Book 1 | Naruto Fanfiction

Chapter54: Peace

"Uzuki-taichō, I'm sorry to have called you in at such a time.", Tama said as she looked at the older lady through the slits in her mask. Yugao shook her head.

"Suzume-taichō, it's my job to be here no matter the circumstance. Remember that even after the massacre of your clan, you continued to contribute from the shadows in spite of your grief.", she said. Tama nodded. She was right, but it was different to lose people who, at the time, you felt you had no true connection to, than to lose someone who gave your life purpose. Hayate was the perfect person for Yugao, and after his passing during the Chūnin exams, she had never been quite the same.

"Thank you for doing this. It means a lot.", Tama said, recalling that it took her a full two years and eight months to finally stop mourning her clan. She wondered how long it would take Yugao, or if she would need still need someone to talk to.

The woman nodded before casting a curious look at Ibiki who was lounging not far from them. The man grunted when he noticed this, but said nothing.

"Morino, what do you think?", Yugao asked. The man shrugged. He was no war and battle specialist, he was just head interrogator. Surely those two remembered that?

"You're asking the wrong person. Ask Hitsuji or something. He's good with that stuff. Tama chuckled, the man was right. Hitsuji did carry Black Ops' heavy duties since Hayate's passing, and he did the job quite well while still carrying out his duty as faction captain.

"You're right, Morino-san. Uzuki-san, please consult with Hitsuji and see what can be done. I need you at the border in two days.", Tama said. Yugao nodded and excused herself before swiftly stepping out.

"Isn't it funny how Uzuki was the one who trained your kenjutsu when you were under Inu? Here you are now, telling her what to do. We all are, at this point.", Ibiki grumbled, causing Tama to smile. It was indeed ironic.

"Everyone here knows that I look up to them. Being in this position will never change that. The same applies to you so don't act like that.", she said. Ibiki looked up a her. She met his gaze.

"Please be ready for what we'll be bringing in during the next week.", she said. Ibiki nodded and stood up.

"With those bags under your eyes I suggest you get some rest, kid. Things are getting real serious.", he said as he walked up to her side. Tama sighed.

"You're right.", she said. She didn't have the heart to tell him that she was a clone. He already hated how she used them anyway. He would tell her how sick and twisted she could be. They walked through the long passage, and out into the village. At this point, it was almost time to check on the Sabaku siblings again. They must've been hungry by now. Tama immediately made for the market.

"You're not going home, are you?", the man asked when he noticed this. Tama always had food at home, so heading for the market meant that she wasn't going there. The girl shook her head before quietly stepping into a crowd and disappearing. Ibili sighed, at this point, there was no helping her. Tama was a mess, if anything, always trying to do every single thing at once.

"I wouldn't be surprised if that was one of her clones.", he whispered before beginning his journey home.

Meanwhile, in the market, Tama selected a few large chuncks of beef, some vegetables, and fruits. Today, she would make those kids a mix of Konoha and Suna cuisine. They seemed to like good food, so she wasn't worried about them much.

"Tama ojōsama!", a little voice called from not far away. She turned, perplexed, she hadn't been called that in a really long time.

A little girl came prancing her way, a stern Hyuga Neji not far behind. Tama blinked. What was this? Why were they coming her way? Was she thinking too much? +