My Brother's a Jinchūriki!

Chapter Ten- New Friends, Old Friends, and Secrets Part One

Natsumi rushed to the Hokage's office and gasped to catch her breath.

I hope I'm not late. I hope I'm not late. I hope I'm not late.

The assistant, Kin, spotted Natsumi and smiled. "Oh, you made it. I was almost worried that your brother had forgotten to give you the Hokage's letter."

Natsumi straightened and laughed under her breath. "Well, he did. But I'm here anyway." She let out a quiet breath. "Am I late?"

"Oh, no, you're fine." Kin smiled and nodded. "The Hokage's previous meeting has run a little late, so I'm afraid that you'll have to wait for him to finish with that first before he can see you."

Natsumi sighed in relief. I'm not late after all. What good luck.

"I don't mind waiting." She smiled. "I'm glad that I wasn't late."

Kin smiled and listened carefully for a moment. "I think they're finishing up right now. You got here just in time."

No thanks to Naruto! Natsumi played with the bottom hem of her shirt nervously. Why did he throw it away? It was probably important. She sighed and then gulped. What if... What if I'm getting in trouble? She remembered defacing Ebisu's glasses. Oh, no. That jerk probably made sure to tell the Hokage! Or... She pressed her lips together. This is probably about that one prank I pulled... Natsumi hugged her arms close. Oh, no. This is probably... about... that.

The longer she stood there, the surer she became. I'm dead. I'm so, so dead.

The office door opened and a group of Jonin and Chunin filed out. Natsumi pressed herself against the far wall of the hall to give them room. Izumo recognized her and stopped to greet her.

"Oh, Natsumi. Hi." He waved and gave a friendly smile. "You're here to see the Hokage?"

She nodded. "Yeah, but I don't know what it's about."

He chuckled. "Well, you're a good kid, so I'm sure you're not in any trouble." He ruffled her hair.

If only you knew! She scratched her cheek and laughed softly. "Y-Yeah, I guess I'm just paranoid."

"Well, I've got to go get back to my post, but it was nice to see you again." He leaned closer with his hand to his mouth and whispered. "Kotetsu is still a little embarrassed that he was beaten so easily by a little girl, but between you and I, I think he needed to be knocked down a peg or two."

She giggled. "I think he'll get over it."

Izumo nodded. "Oh, he'll be fine. His ego is just a little bruised."

He began to turn and leave and Natsumi smiled as an idea came to her. "Izumo-sensei, wait."

He turned back to her. "Hm?"

"Does Kotetsu like Kiri?"

Izumi blinked and crossed his arms. "Kotetsu... and Kiri?" He leaned closer to her. "Why do you ask? Do you know something that I don't?"

Natsumi giggled and waved her hand. "N-No, I was just curious. It just seemed as if there was something between them."

He grinned and straightened. "Well, there has been someone he's had a kind of... puppy love for since he was a kid. But, I'm sworn to secrecy."

I think that's definitely a yes! I can't wait to tell Sena!

"Oh, Natsumi, you're here already." She turned to the Hokage, who stepped out of the office and nodded his head at her in greeting. "Good."