Of Tales now and Long Ago

Of the Hozuki and the Immortals

Chapter TWENTY FOUR

Sakura didn't slow her steps even when she had stepped completely out of view from Ao and her teammates didn't comment.

Itachi glanced carefully at Sakura's emotionless face. Her eyes kept changing from glazed over to focused.

Finally, she came to a stop at the foot of a small slope. She took a few deeps breaths then shook her head, as if to clear her thoughts.

"Okay...places to visit..." Her eyes narrowed, and she rubbed at her eyes. "Okay." She smiled, her eyes once again bright. She gestured widely towards the huge compound that lay at the top of the hill. "That's the Hozuki's place." She said. "I need to go say hi."

Itachi's eyes darkened a little at the mention of the clan. The last time he had come in contact with with the clan, they had been involved with the murder of the head and Sakura's sudden disappearance.

Sakura didn't seem to notice anything. She marched up towards the gates with her teammates at her heels. She shared a few words with the guard before he stepped past, letting them enter.

The Hozuki compound was nowhere as big as the Uchiha or the Hyuuga place, but was probably just as distinctive. Past the gates, there was a few feet of solid land before it all sloped downwards, to where water lapped at the dirt. Each of the individual houses stood on a raised platform, and was connected to each other by bridges.

Sakura led them straight to the biggest house in the area. She carefully slid open the door and softly called in.

"Mizuki-san?"

There was a sudden clatter of plates, before they all heard footsteps rapidly approaching. A white haired woman appeared at the end of the corridor, eyes wide.

"Oh my! Sakura-chan!" She darted up to her and dragged the girl up into the house. Sakura managed to kick off her shoes before she was engulfed in a tight hug. "It's been forever!" She held Sakura out at arm length, eyes bright and smiling. "You've grown so much..."

"Hello, Mizuki-san." Sakura smiled.

"What are you doing here, Sakura-chan?" The woman drew back. She gestured for Sakura and her teammates to enter. She sat them down in the living room and ran off, coming back with tea and some snacks.

Sakura gratefully took a sip. "We're diplomats from Konoha." She said. "These are my teammates." She gestured to the males and introduced them. "Mizuki-san, these are Uchiha Itachi, Hyuuga Neji and Nara Shikamaru." She smiled. "Guys, this is Hozuki Mizuki."

Mizuki smiled kindly. "Hello, Uchiha-san. It's an honor to meet you, Hyuuga-san, Nara-san."

At Sakura's confused look, Itachi explained. "When you went missing, I was on the team that went to investigate." He explained.

Sakura's eyes wilted a little. "Mizuki-san, about-"

Mizuki shook her head gently but firmly. "Let's not, Sakura-chan." She smiled. "Anyways, Mangetsu's gone to give in his mission report. I'm sure he'll be back soon." She stood up. "Do you have any immediate plans for today?" She asked.

Sakura glanced at Itachi, who shook his head. "Our next meeting with the Mizukage is tomorrow morning."

Mizuki clapped her hands together. "Well, then, why don't you spend dinner here?" She asked. "I'm sure Mangetsu will be pleased to see you." She said.

Sakura once again glanced at Itachi, who finally relented. "We thank you for your hospitality." He said.

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