Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was Team Ibiki’s tenth D-Rank mission since becoming genin. Hatake Tsukiko, still learning how to deal with her emotions, found herself almost slipping into a meltdown over a crowd on the other side of the village. Her team was there for an mangaka signing, ensuring everything went smoothly, given the author was known to have teenage girls fawning over him and causing problems.

Tsukiko didn’t understand the big fuss over him, he seemed pretty average to her, writing semi-horror fantasy manga. Nothing interesting to her. In fact, she hated anything horror. Blood, guts, surprises, living dead? Yuck. She liked her tame fantasy manga like Natsume Yūjinchō and, shoot, even Sailor Moon.

“Hey Tsuki, I think you might like this,” her teammate, Ryouichi, said suddenly.

Ugh. Minamoto Ryouichi. Tsukiko hated him. Even though she absolutely loved being on the team with Morino Ibiki, Ryouichi made it hard some days. For whatever reason, he was just a massive jerk to her. It was weird, they were able to work together the first few times, but then something changed, and he started being nasty to her.

“Put that back, Minamoto,” Ibiki-sensei snapped. “You know Tsukiko doesn’t like the series.”

“Oh, come on, look at this really creepy character with his face spl––”

Sensei snatched the book from him and set it back on the table. “Enough, Minamoto.”

Tsukiko shuddered and tried to focus on the mission at hand: keep fangirls away from Takahashi Hidari. Really though, why did girls like him so much? Was she missing something? Or did she just not see what they saw?

As the day went on, the sensory input grew. More and more people trickled into the store for the book signing. Normal sounds turned into a cacophony as people filtered in. Heat swelled around them from the crowd. Tsukiko found herself rocking on her heels, trying to self-regulate before she went into a meltdown. Soon after, she started fidgeting roughly with her jacket.

She heard movement and when she turned her head, she saw Ibiki-sensei kneeling beside her. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and gazed at her gently.

“You okay, kid?” His voice was a barely audible whisper amongst the cacophony of chatter.

Tsukiko took a shaky breath and shrugged.

“Go step outside and get yourself together,” he suggested calmly. “I know, it’s a bit much in here, isn’t it?”

Tsukiko swallowed hard and nodded.

“Go on. Go take a breather, and I’ll see if we can do something about the sensory input. I don’t need you having a meltdown, kiddo.”

Ryouichi snorted. “Looks like the cry baby needs to go cry, huh?”

“Minamoto, shut up,” Sensei snapped.

Tsukiko pinned her arms to her chest and started walking away. Behind her, she could hear Ibiki-sensei heading in the opposite direction to find the coordinator of the event. Yet just before she got too far from her team, she heard Ryouichi proclaim as loud as he could, “Shinobi can’t have accommodations in the real world, Shion. I think she’s just a big baby!”

Humiliation scorched her cheeks and tears poured from her eyes. With her lips trembling, she bolted while crying into her hoodie sleeve.

“Wait, Tsuki––” Ibiki-sensei called after them. Just before the doors closed behind her, she could hear him groan with frustration.

She didn’t care where she went, she just needed to get away from Ryouichi. Soon, she came across a quiet spot under a tree and collapsed to her knees. Burying her face in her hands, she sobbed uncontrollably. Why was he so mean? Why did he have to make them feel worse than they already did? Why couldn’t he accept the fact that Tsukiko needed more help than the average shinobi?

She dug the palms of her hands into her eyes and whined. For several minutes, she was left alone. Eventually, she heard a soft sound and muttering softly. Naturally, she felt the urge to look, but they avoided looking. Though, judging by the person’s gait, she could tell it was Ibiki-sensei.

“Tsukiko.”

She buried her face between her legs. “G-Go away.”

Sensei sat next to them. “You don’t mean that, kiddo. You want my company, but you are too embarrassed to admit to it.”

Tsukiko sniffed and wiped her tears. Well...he was right, they weren’t going to admit it.

“Interestingly enough, Hidari-san is giving Ryouichi a thorough chewing out, and working on reducing the stimulation.”

Tsukiko sniffed again. “But Ryou will keep doing this. He’s never going to stop, Sensei.”

Ibiki dipped his head in thought. “I keep trying to get him kicked off the team, but Lord Hokage believes I have the capacity to scare him straight.” Sensei scoffed. “That kid isn’t afraid of me, no matter what I say or do. Which is interesting, because I’ve seen people kill their teammates rather than let them be interrogated by me. But Ryouichi? Hardly bothered. But…that’s neither here nor there.”

“Sensei, why am I a shinobi? I’m disabled…do I really have a place in this world? Maybe Ryou is right, I’m too sensitive...”

“He’s wrong,” Ibiki-sensei spat the words out. “Every person who wants to be a shinobi should be afforded the same opportunity to become one, disabled or not. You can’t learn about becoming a shinobi if you’re not in the right environment. That’s natural, y’know? Everyone learns differently.”

Tsukiko avoided his gaze still and he sighed heavily.

“Tsukiko, you’re a genin. The main job of a genin in the beginning? To learn how to apply what they learned in the Academy to the real world. It’s not going to be easy. That’s something that Ryouichi doesn’t understand, and I’m not sure he will understand it.”

“Why won’t he be kicked off the team, Sensei?”

Ibiki-sensei scowled. “I don’t know. I think it’s the hope that he’ll eventually figure it out, but I’m not quite as hopeful.”

Tsukiko huffed with annoyance and Ibiki-sensei glanced to the side.

“You know, I get picked on, too,” he said.

Sniffling, Tsukiko finally lifted their gaze to see their sensei. “Really?”

He nodded. “You wouldn’t think it, would you? A tough, scary guy like me. I mean, part of it is people are so scared of me, but other people think I’m hideous. Sometimes, it’s a combination of both. Others think I take my interrogations too far...it’s a lot of things.”

Tsukiko frowned. “I don’t think you look bad at all.”

Ibiki widened his eyes and then smiled slightly. “You’re biased, Tsuki. Either that, or your father taught you how to be polite.”

Tsukiko giggled a bit, and he grinned.

“People are assholes, Tsukiko. And it’s going to be a tough lesson to learn, but I promise it will get easier to deal with.”

Tsukiko glanced down. “Can you teach me how to be more like you?”

He hesitated. “I don’t think you really want to be like me. Everything I’ve seen and experienced, I wouldn’t wish on anybody.”

He paused when they gave him a pained look. A tense silence between the pair followed. Finally, he closed his eyes and loosed a tired sigh.

“Well...I could teach you some ways to stand up for yourself and make yourself a harder target for Ryouichi,” he relented. “You know how to fight––very well, might I add. I’ve seen you working hard at fighting. What you need to do is utilize that knowledge against Ryouichi.”

Tsukiko wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her hoodie. “I thought we weren’t supposed to fight our teammates, especially like that? Isn’t that bad?”

A faint smile flickered on his lips. “Correct. However, given your teammate believes you are a target to fight, you need to stop it. At this point, you have to consider your options.”

“Mmkay...”

Ibiki tilted his head. “Tell you what...how interested are you in learning genjutsu, Tsuki?”

She perked her head up. “You’d teach me?”

“Yes. I don’t mind teaching you what you need to know, and this would be something you could easily translate into other skills.” He smirked. “Besides, it gives you a mental advantage over him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, let me put it to you this way...” Ibiki scratched his cheek and glanced through the trees thoughtfully. “With genjutsu, you can essentially get into a person’s mind. You can confuse them, lead them astray, and then keep them guessing. That gives you an advantage over Ryouichi. You’d be ahead of him by kilometers. And it’d be an advantage not many could claim.”

Tsukiko canted her head to the side.

“And I’ll teach you how to mentally fuck him up,” Ibiki continued. “Show him that you’re the last person he wants to mess with.”

“Really?”

“Mhm.”

Tsukiko finally returned her gaze to the ground again. Would it help to be able to perform genjutsu? Wasn’t it basically like ninjutsu? What difference would it even make at that point?

“You know, it gives me confidence,” he snapped her back out of her thoughts. “Practicing genjutsu, I mean. I know you’re good at ninjutsu, but I think that you will find genjutsu to give you the confidence you lack. We can try tomorrow after I send those two home. What do you think?”

“Okay, I guess.”

“Cheer up, kiddo. Could be worse––you could be me.”

She laughed and he smirked.

“Got you to laugh,” he said. “Come on, Tsuki. Let’s go back and finish our mission, eh? The nice mangaka might have gotten things to settle down by now.”

“Okay...” Tsukiko agreed.

After Tsukiko got home from her mission around suppertime, she bowed to her sensei and headed into her house. Waiting in the living room was her father, the legendary Copy Ninja Kakashi, who...upon closer inspection, was fast asleep on the couch with his book on his face. In the kitchen, she could hear her grandfather, the legendary White Fang of Konoha, cooking dinner.

Sniffing the air, she could tell immediately it was his special chicken curry. Even without tasting it, she knew he had once again successfully managed the perfectly balance the sweet with the savory. Once again taking a whiff of the air, Tsukiko could catch a hint of apple and chocolate. Oh, that was the best one he made.

She kicked off her sandals in the genkan and headed into the living room.

“Tadaima!” She called, then walked over to her father. Giggling at him, she grabbed the book off his face, and he reached up to snatch it from her, not even opening his eyes.

“Nice try,” he said. “But you forget, I can sense your movements even with my eyes closed.”

“You don’t usually notice when I come into your bedroom in the middle of the night,” she teased.

Daddy opened his eyes finally and looked at her. “It’s been five years, and you still aren’t letting me forget?”

“I scared you.” She grinned. “The only time I’ve ever been able to scare you.”

“I was dead asleep,” he pointed out, sitting up. “And sick. Didn’t really take much effort to startle me, Little Moon.”

Tsukiko giggled and hopped into his lap. He grunted and then wrapped his arms around her. With an exasperated sigh, he kissed her cheek and gave her a gentle squeeze.

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” he said. “How was your mission today, sweetheart?”

Tsukiko curled up against him and didn’t look at him. “Ryou keeps making fun of me. He was calling me a cry-baby in front of everyone. I was just getting overwhelmed. It’s not my fault that I can’t control it yet...”

Daddy sighed and pulled her close. “Kids are cruel. And I’ll admit, I was one of those cruel kids.”

“I tried to lead him in a different direction,” Grandpa admitted as he headed into the living room. “Unfortunately...”

“You weren’t there for a while,” Daddy said with a growl.

Grandpa held up his hands defensively. “Sorry.” He sighed and sat next to them. “I know it’s easier said than done, Tsuki, but really...don’t let Ryouichi get to you. He is just jealous because you come from a long line of excellent shinobi.” He poked her chest. “And because you are the kindest shinobi out there.”

“What’s the use of being the kindest shinobi if I’m just going to cry?” Tsukiko asked. “I know I’m a genin and I’m supposed to be learning, but it’s really hard.”

“I know it is, sweetie,” Grandpa said, taking her into his arms and pulling her close. “But you can do it. You come from a long line of lunatics.”

Tsukiko giggled. “Yes, Grandpa.”

He kissed her head. “Got you to smile, didn’t I?”

“Yeah,” she agreed. “Oh! But Sensei said he would teach me genjutsu, he says it might actually help.”

Daddy’s expression blanched. “Genjutsu?”

Grandpa looked at him. “What’s the matter with her learning genjutsu, Kakashi?”

“I just...don’t think Ibiki should be the one teaching that to her.”

“Why not?” Grandpa asked with a cant of his head. “He’s her sensei, after all. Not only that, but how well can you actually translate your knowledge of genjutsu to her?”

Daddy rolled his eyes. “I’m not sure I want her learning how to torture people with genjutsu.”

“Sensei isn’t gonna teach me that,” Tsukiko promised. “He wants to teach me a way to get inside people’s minds and show I’m not an easy target.”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure I’m fond of this idea. I don’t want him scaring you out of being a shinobi.”

Tsukiko beamed. “Daddy, Sensei wants to help me be a shinobi, and he wants to give me a confidence boost. He won’t scare me, I promise.”

“You’re sure?”

“Mhm!” Tsukiko nodded eagerly. “I can tell that Sensei won’t scare me. He’s really nice, Daddy.”

Daddy sighed. “Alright, if you’re sure it’ll be okay...but...”

“Kakashi, she’s fine,” Grandpa said, standing up. “He’s shown he’s not going to terrorize her, you know.”

“I know...I just worry.”

“Don’t worry about it. I know it’s easier said than done, but you have to trust Ibiki.” He placed a gentle hand on his son’s head and mussed his hair. Daddy cringed and frowned. Grandpa offered a teasing smirk. “Hey, don’t make that face. It’ll get stuck like that.”

Daddy rolled his eyes. “Yes, Dad.”

Tsukiko glanced between them and giggled. “You guys are silly.”

Daddy kissed her head. “No, you’re the silly one.”

“Nuh-uh. Daddy, you’re silly.”

“Who? Me?” Daddy scoffed. “I’m not silly at all.”

Tsukiko giggled, then lowered her gaze. “Daddy, is it really okay that I struggle with my emotions? Am I still a good shinobi?”

“Yes,” he told her. “You are perfectly fine. You’ll learn to control it better, I promise.” He sighed. “I also admit that I’m glad you have your emotions to begin with. You won’t be a callous asshole like I was, and I appreciate that about you.”

“Callous?” Tsukiko repeated with a cant of her head.

“Heartless. Mean.”

“You were heartless?”

Daddy furrowed his eyebrows and sighed. “Yes. I was. And I hope you don’t ever go in that direction. Remember our promise a few years ago?”

Tsukiko nodded. “I won’t let you down, Daddy.”

“Good. Now, how about you go shower before Grandpa finishes dinner?”

“Okay, Daddy!” Tsukiko beamed.

Chapter Text

月子

At 08:00 the following morning, Tsukiko came to her senses from a deep sleep. Turning onto her back, she opened her eyes and glanced at the golden sunlight filtering onto the wall from around her window. She hated mornings. Unfortunately, she would likely never get to sleep as late as she wanted, unless she was on vacation. Ugh. 

Groggily, she climbed out of bed and examined her room. It was a modest size, but she was content with it. She had room for her bookcases––filled to the brim with books and random figurines of anime characters she liked––and her desk, where art supplies were scattered about alongside scrolls and a few books. Framed photos of her and her father and grandfather together hung above her dresser on the opposite side of the room. Above her bed was a poster for a video game she was looking forward to: Final Fantasy 14 .  People said it was bad, but that wasn’t going to stop her: she wanted to play. 

The Hatake household had been in the family since the days of her great-grandpa, Hatake Masanori, who was a close friend of the second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. Great-Grandpa Masanori was a diplomat in the old days, having been the one to help establish Konoha as a shinobi village. If she recalled correctly, he also served in the First Shinobi War. When he retired, he built the house that she now lived in, and he lived out the rest of his life there with his only son, Sakumo. 

Grandpa Sakumo continued the tradition of living in the house her great-grandfather built. He continued the upkeep of it and he recently worked to replace the wood on the back porch. Grandpa sure was deft with his hands! Daddy, on the other hand, was not as handy. That’s okay, though. He didn’t have to be good at everything ! That’s what Grandpa was for. 

A knock rapped at her door before opening. “Tsukiko, are you awake?” 

She startled out of her thoughts with a jump. Much to her relief, it was just Daddy at the door. He paused and glanced to the side. 

“Sorry. When I hadn’t seen you out there after I got dressed, I got worried.” He smiled before pulling his mask over his face. “Ojiisan is making you breakfast. I have a mission, so I’m a bit in a rush. But I wanted to check on you before I left.” 

“Oh. Okay, Daddy.” 

An awkward silence fell between them and he sighed. 

“Would you like a hug, sweetheart? I know you love being hugged.” 

A grin widened on her face. “Please?” 

He held out his arms and she threw herself into them, scooping her into a warm embrace. Sure, Daddy absolutely hated hugs but it always was nice to get them from him. Even if they had to pry the hug out of him, it was still nice to receive. 

“Behave for your master, alright? I’ll know if you haven’t behaved.” 

“I’m always behaved!” 

“I know...” Daddy let go of her and scoffed. “Better behaved than I was at your age...though, I guess it doesn’t take much effort.” 

After petting her head gently, he bowed and left. Tsukiko sighed and began getting dressed. As a genin, she wore a dark blue hoodie with the Hatake mon on the front, grey pants, gloves, and her hitai-ate was worn around her neck. Daddy had gotten her the outfit to match what he wore around her age, but as a hoodie since she loved hoodies. Though one day, she’d be a chuunin and would wear the Konoha vest with pride!  

For a brief moment, she pictured herself a bit older, proudly sporting the Konoha chuunin uniform, running around and beating up bad guys like Daddy and Grandpa did. She’d cast genjutsu left and right. Maybe she’d be a legend in her own right, with her own sobriquet! Hatake Tsukiko, the legendary Chibi Menace of Konoha! Master of Genjutsu, feared by even the toughest of shinobi! Especially Ryouichi. When Tsukiko was a great legend like her dad and grandpa, he’ll have no choice but to treat her with respect! 

She shook the thoughts away. None of that would be for a while yet. Right now, it was just her job to learn the basics of being a shinobi and train. The fun stuff can and will wait for her to grow up. And by then, she’ll be the best shinobi she can be. 

Tying her hair back, she left her room to get breakfast. If it were not for Grandpa or Daddy, she probably wouldn’t remember to eat. Well, maybe. Then again, Ibiki-Sensei was always adamant that everyone not skip meals. He would probably also make sure she ate. 

“Ohayo, Tsukiko,” Grandpa called from the kitchen. 

“Ohayo, Ojiisan.” Tsukiko covered her mouth as she yawned, blinking tears away.  

“I reheated last night’s salmon and rice, made some fresh miso, and some piping hot hojicha––your favorite!” 

“Mmkay.” 

“Oh! And Daddy made your bento this morning. Plain salted onigiri, plain tamagoyaki, carrots, bell peppers, sweet potato slices, with some freshly picked strawberries.” 

She blinked. Daddy didn’t usually make bentos for her, unless her grandfather was on a mission. Confused, she gave a cant of her head. 

“What? Did Kakashi not tell you? Jeez. I really should’ve done a better job raising him.” Tsukiko giggled at the last part. “Yes, your father made your lunch. He feels bad that you’re being bullied for being different, and he wanted to cheer you up.”  

“Oh...” She furrowed her eyebrows. What else could she say? 

Sakumo’s lips twitched in a sad smile. “I feel bad, too. The bullying had stopped when you were put in the accelerated classes, but Ryouichi wasn’t in any of them so you didn’t experience any of what you are now. Now, it’s happening again because...” He scowled. “Well, because kids are cruel creatures. It’s a crappy feeling when you’re the target of bullying. I know how it feels, because I’ve been there.” 

Tsukiko lifted her head, surprised. “You have?” 

“You didn’t think the legendary White Fang could get bullied, did ya?” Sakumo crossed his arms behind his head and sighed. “But he did.” 

“Why were you bullied, Grandpa?” 

He lowered his arms and glanced away. “I...don’t like talking about it, sweetheart. I have a lot of unprocessed feelings about it, and I don’t dare burden your precious heart with my troubles. You have way more important things to worry about, like training and...” He ran up to her and scooped her into his arms, “and showing Ryouichi that you’re a force to be reckoned with!”  

Tsukiko giggled as he kissed her and ruffled her hair. “Yes, Grandpa.” 

“Now, let’s eat breakfast so you can be fuelled up for training with Ibiki-sensei, eh? Don’t want to train on an empty tummy! Trust me, I did that once and immediately regretted my decision.” 

Tsukiko giggled. Of course, Grandpa made the mistakes so she didn’t have to. At least, that’s what he liked to tell her.  

Just like any other training day, it started with Ibiki-sensei coming to get Tsukiko. According to Sensei, he chose to pick them up given how close to the outskirts they lived. For him, he would rather make sure they were safely accompanied to the training grounds. For her, she liked when he fetched her in the mornings. Tsukiko liked talking to him and listening to him. He always had interesting things to talk about, and part of it was due to his job in the Intelligence Ward, where he was also the leader of the Torture and Interrogation Unit. Tsukiko could only dream of being that cool. 

When he knocked at the front door that morning, Tsukiko had just finished brushing her teeth. Slinging her backpack over her shoulder, she snatched her bento off the counter and bolted to the front door.  

“Have fun during training, Little Moon!” Sakumo called to her from the hallway. “I love you, sweetie.” 

“Love you too, Grandpa!” 

Opening the door, Tsukiko was greeted with Ibiki’s imposing figure waiting for her patiently. In his right hand, he was holding a paper cup of what Tsukiko knew to be coffee. He usually had a cup early in the mornings. One time, he informed her it was a habit from working at Intel due to the number of all-nighters he had pulled. The coffee gave him the boost he needed in order to keep going. Though, the all-nighters were far fewer now that he was a jounin instructor, but he still liked the boost of coffee. 

Something that caught Tsukiko’s eye, however, was the cup in his other hand. She tilted her head in confusion as she inhaled the scent. It was coffee, but wasn’t just any kind––it had a pumpkin-like scent with a tinge of cinnamon. Noticing her confusion, Ibiki handed the drink to her and she accepted, peeking up at him sheepishly. 

“This is what is called a ‘pumpkin spice latte’,” he explained. “It’s a rather popular drink amongst the younger generation, and I thought you might like it. I don’t care for it myself, but that’s because I don’t like sweets.” 

Tsukiko took a sip of the drink. Much to their delight, it was a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, and the texture was amazing. Her mood brightened. 

“It’s really good, Sensei.” 

“Glad you like it, kiddo.” He gestured for her to follow and she did. “We’ll meet up with the other two then get started. Ever climbed a tree properly ?” 

“Daddy showed me a few times.” 

“Of course he did.” Ibiki rolled his eyes. “Not surprising. Well, I’ll get to see what you can do later, then.” 

“Do you think Ryouichi knows how?” 

“Absolutely not. And knowing him, he’ll make himself look like a fool about it too.” 

Tsukiko smiled.  

“Also, I hope you’re ready to learn genjutsu, kiddo.” 

“I am, Sensei. I want to make Ryouichi regret ever making fun of me!” 

Ibiki’s stony facade almost broke. Tsukiko could see the corners of his lips twitching as he fought back an amused smile.  

“Atta girl,” he said instead. “Keep that enthusiasm, would ya?” 

“I will, Sensei.” 

Tsukiko sat on a tree trunk with Shion while sipping her drink. Ibiki-sensei was showing the team how to properly climb a tree with chakra. Once he concluded the initial lesson, he gestured at her to try it out first. Biting her lip, she handed her almost-empty cup to him and performed the hand sign to focus her chakra to her feet. When she was ready, she bolted towards the tree, jump, and began running up the trunk.  

She had only managed this a few other times before this lesson, and she did not have much confidence yet. Of course, she was working on getting better at it, but it was anxiety-inducing with Ryouichi around. Unfortunately, it had to be done in front of everyone. There was no real getting around it, but she reassured herself she could do it. 

Halfway to the top, her anxiety took over and she lost focus. Her chakra moved away from her feet and she fell. Lucky for her, Ibiki-Sensei was there to catch her and she landed hard into his arms. She looked up at her sensei with a wince, a tingling sensation creeping up her neck and face. Ibiki-Sensei's face finally cracked with a reassuring smile. 

“Sorry...” Her voice was a barely audible whisper. 

“You’re fine, I don’t expect you to be perfect at it,” he said, then switched to a quieter voice. “Even with Kakashi having shown you.” 

Finally, he set her back on her feet and turned to Ryouichi and Shion. “She did great for being a novice. I don’t expect any of you to be absolutely perfect at it yet. However, I expect you all to be practicing as much as you can. Eventually, it’ll become second nature. For now, don’t worry about it.” He gestured for Tsukiko to take a seat. “Minamoto, I hear you over there snickering. If you think you can do better than her, then you can go next.” 

“Okay, bet.” Ryouichi jumped to his feet and cracked his knuckles. Tsukiko glowered at her teammate, taking a weird amount of pleasure in seeing her fail. “I can do better than cry-baby Hatake,” he retorted, throwing a thumb over his shoulder at her.  

Anger boiled in her blood but she remained silent. She knew she would be able to eventually put him in his place. But for right now, she was going to take it with her head down and practice genjutsu until she could stand up for herself. Besides, he’ll probably fall on his face. Sweet revenge. Sure, she hated wishing harm on people but to be fair, if he fell on his face, he might take the hint that he’s too mean. 

“Minamoto.” Ibiki crossed his arms and continued in a forcefully controlled tone, “Just do as I asked of you. It’s not that hard to follow directions.” 

Ryouichi mimicked the hand sign to focus his chakra and then rubbed his hands together. “Lemme show you how it’s done, Cry-baby Hatake.” 

Tsukiko’s muscles tensed and she growled at him. Really? Did he not know how to stop?  

Ibiki-sensei put his hand out to the side, stopping her from even considering to go after the jerk. Surprised, she looked up at him. 

“Watch this.” 

Canting her head to the side, she watched as Ryouichi bolted towards the tree. At first, she thought he might make it. Then he slammed face-first into the tree. Startled, the boy stumbled backwards and fell backwards onto the ground. Ibiki offered a slow clap. 

“Great job showing us what not to do, Minamoto.” 

“Wait, what did he do wrong?” Shion asked. 

Tsukiko put a hand on her chin as she thought about it: he had used the sign of water rather than earth, also known as the sign of confrontation. The realization clicked in her mind. 

“It’s because he used the wrong hand sign, right Sensei?” 

“Precisely.” Ibiki-sensei threw a glare at the kid. “Alright, enough moping. Get up and try again.” 

“Hey!” Ryouichi snapped as he pushed himself back to his feet. 

“You heard me!” Ibiki-Sensei frowned. “I don’t like repeating myself. Use the sign of the earth, not water. Got it?” 

Ryouichi kicked the ground. “How does a kid who cries all the time end up as a shinobi?” 

Tsukiko’s breath hitched in her chest. It’s not my fault! And we’re genin! Ugh! Would he ever stop harassing her?  

“ What was that, Minamoto?” 

Ryouichi huffed and avoided Sensei’s question. He performed the seal of the earth and tried again. He got partially up the tree but immediately fell on his back. Ibiki scoffed with disdain. 

“Oh, you think you’re all that , don’t you, Minamoto?” His voice was scalding as he spoke. “If only you were half as good as you claimed, perhaps then you would’ve graduated sooner.” He lifted a cold gaze to the young shinobi. Giving a disgusted snort, he crossed his arms and widened his stance. “But that’s not why you graduated late, is it?” 

Ryouichi groaned as he pushed himself into a sitting position, his brown hair falling over his shoulders. “What are you going on about?” 

“Oh, don’t you play stupid with me. What was it? Your desperate need to be the center of attention? Your need to over-compensate for your lack of an ego?” Ibiki swiped down and grabbed Ryouichi by his shirt, yanking him to his feet. “Get your ass going and keep practicing until you get it right.” He turned to Shion with a softened gaze. “Shion, go practice on the tree over there.” 

“Yes sir.” 

Ibiki turned to Tsukiko, gazing at her with a much softer gaze. He nodded at the other tree nearby and said, “And you may continue over there, alright?” 

“Yes, Sensei.” She nodded and hopped off the trunk to practice tree climbing. She was rather grateful he was gentle with her.  

イビキ 

During lunch, Tsukiko sat close to Ibiki. He was used to it at that point, understanding that he was very much her safe space. It was not as though Ryouichi was going to be a friend or even someone who tolerated Tsukiko enough to let her eat in peace and quiet. Shion, on the other hand...Ibiki wasn’t sure what to think. He seemed to care about Tsukiko, but also wanted to try and be friends with Ryouichi as an act of self-preservation.  

So much for bloody teamwork. It was strange, everyone had been mostly working together pretty well at first. Yet, ever since Ryouichi discovered Tsukiko’s sensitivities and that she cried, Ibiki couldn’t get the ungrateful brat to work with her. Even on missions, as Ibiki noticed yesterday, the genin just wanted to make Tsukiko’s life a living hell.  

That was not conducive to learning, being constantly bullied. Ibiki wanted it to work, but he knew at some point he was going to have to throw in the towel and have Lord Hokage throw the little shit off his team. Yet, he held hope that once Tsukiko could use genjutsu that she would stand up for herself and put that brat in his place. Perhaps then he wouldn’t have to resort to getting Ryouichi expelled from his team.  

Yet, the temptation remained.  

A screech startled him out of his thoughts. When Ibiki looked, there was Tsukiko’s bento on the ground with a crack in it, a half-eaten onigiri in her right hand, and a kunai sticking through the back of her left hand, and a slackened jaw. He followed her gaze to the person who did it––unsurprisingly, Ryouichi. Next to him was Shion, his terra cotta and freckled face drained of color. His jaw was slack with shock.

“Ryouichi! That’s not cool! What the heck?” Shion kicked Ryouichi in the shin.  

“Well, I told you I could get the bento.” 

“You got her hand . That’s nowhere even close to being the bento!” 

“Two for one.” 

“Jerk!” 

A string of swear words escaped Ibiki’s lips. Oh, he was going to shred that brat later. But first, he had to tend to Tsukiko’s wound before she bled out.  

He set his bento to the side and pushed himself to his feet. Ibiki dug through his weapons pouch and pulled out a cloth and a wrapping bandage. Heaving a heavy sigh, he knelt before Tsukiko and he caught sight of her glassy eyed gaze. Their lips were pressed tightly, as though trying very hard not to cry from the pain.  

“I need your hand,” Ibiki said in the gentlest tone he could.  

Swallowing hard, she offered her hand out to him and he gingerly held it. First, thing's first—he carefully pulled the kunai from her hand and did a basic healing jutsu he learned in case of emergency. Then, he took his bottle of water and poured it over the wound and he dried her hand. Once dry, he took the bandage and wrapped it around her petite hand. 

“It’s okay, Tsuki,” he reassured.  

“Sensei, he hurt me...” Her lips trembled as she spoke. 

Ibiki scowled. Injuring a teammate in this way was more the reason to have him removed from the team. In fact... He finished wrapping, bit the bandage to take from the roll, and tucked the end in. When he stood back up, he turned to Ryouichi and crossed his arms. 

“That’s the last straw, Minamoto. If you’re going to constantly harass your teammate and attack her, then you have no right being a shinobi.” He reached his hand out. “Give me your hitai-ate, brat.” 

Ryouichi lifted his chin with defiance. “No.” 

Ibiki snarled. “Don’t make me treat you like a spy, because I will not hold back.” 

Ryouichi was seething, and for a moment Ibiki thought he was going to have to summon garrotte wires to restrain the brat. Face red, eyes cold and hard, teeth bared. If Ibiki didn’t know better, he would have thought he was dealing with a pissed off spy. Finally, the boy ripped his forehead protector off and slammed it into Ibiki’s hand.  

“I’ll get my revenge.” 

Ibiki snorted but said nothing. He knew the kid wasn’t bluffing, but the problem was the kid was not a decent shot, and definitely couldn’t go up against a highly trained jounin.  

“Get out of my sight, punk.” 

Ryouichi barely moved. 

“Get out of my sight now, or I will make you.” 

The boy scowled but finally stormed away. When the boy was far enough out of earshot, Ibiki turned to Tsukiko and Shion. 

“You can do that?” Shion asked. 

“Take away his hitai-ate? In extreme cases such as this, yes. Otherwise, I would’ve let Lord Hiruzen deal with it himself.” He heaved an exasperated sigh and looked at Tsukiko, who was staring at him with wide-eyed awe. Swallowing a chuckle, Ibiki nodded at their bento. “How much of the food did that jerk waste?” 

Tsukiko’s awe melted into disappointment. “Most of it. I’d just finished my tamagoyaki, and...well...I still at least had my onigiri.” Tears streaked down her cheeks. “Daddy made my lunch this morning before he went on a mission. He hadn’t made me one in a while because Grandpa usually does.” 

Ibiki scowled. As a father himself, he knew the joys of sending his child off with a bento for lunch. His only son, Hiiragi, always loved his handmade bentos and Ibiki could tell Tsukiya felt the same way. With a sigh, he gestured at his bento. “Finish my bento off, kid. Pick around anything you don’t like.” 

“B-But Sensei... That’s not fair to you.” 

“Don’t worry about me. You're a growing shinobi and I’ve grown as much as I’m gonna grow. I’ll eat the rest of the mushrooms when you’re done and I’ll live.” 

“O...Okay...” She took his bento and picked up her own chopsticks, wiping them off on a napkin and then eating from his bento.  

Ibiki sighed, wondering what that boy was thinking, throwing his kunai at Tsukiko. Ibiki shook his head. Oh well. Clearly, there was nothing more Ibiki could do to work with the kid. Now came the fun part: finding a replacement for him. 

月子 

After lunch, Ibiki-Sensei went ahead and sent Shion home, but kept Tsukiko behind. She glanced at him with her eyebrows knitted together, wondering why he had kept her behind. Ryouichi was off the team now, so was there a purpose in still teaching her genjutsu? Tsukiko gave a cant of her head. 

“How’s your hand doing?” Ibiki asked. 

“Uh...well...” She held it up. “It’s throbbing and feels warm. But...I think the bleeding stopped with how tight you wrapped it.”  

Sensei nodded. “Good, that was the point.” 

“So...are you still gonna teach me genjutsu?” 

Ibiki-Sensei nodded. “I don’t see why not. It’s a great skill to have, and it’ll build your confidence. And you really need your confidence boosted.” 

“Oh...” Tsukiko nodded.  

“You sound disappointed.” 

“Not disappointed. Surprised, I guess?” 

“Eh, just because Ryouichi’s been thrown off the team doesn’t mean I can’t teach you genjutsu. You just might not be able to use it against anyone for a while longer.” 

Okay. That made sense.  

“Do you have a notebook to write in? I’ll go over basics with you.” 

Tsukiko reached into her backpack, gingerly holding onto it with her bad hand, and pulled out a notebook. She had to make sure she was ready for any notes she would have to take. A slight smile crept up his lips.  

“Alright. Title it ‘Shit I Need to Know About Genjutsu’,” Ibiki-Sensei said.  

“Mmkay.” Tsukiko wrote that word-for-word. 

“So, what do you know about the basics of genjutsu?” 

“Uh...that it’s a yin release technique?” 

“Mhm.” 

“And that it affects the flow of the chakra in your opponent...” Tsukiko trailed off, trying to remember the rest. 

Sensei stepped in to help. “Thereby affecting the cerebral nervous system?” 

“Yes!” Tsukiko rubbed her forearm. “That’s how you control their five senses, right Sensei?” 

“Mhm. Very good.” Sensei dropped his arms to his side. “With that, you can trick an opponent’s brain or body into thinking they are experiencing what you present in the genjutsu. Not only that, but genjutsu can be used to manipulate or even control your opponent.” He sighed. “But, I do need you to understand something, Tsuki. You need precise control over your chakra, and it’s something I can teach you but it’s going to be a rough road. Even Jiraiya cannot do it as well as I or Lady Kurenai.” 

Tsukiko rubbed her pant leg with her good hand. “Do you think my attention problems will make it harder?” 

“I won’t lie, but yes, I think it may. However, I believe in your potential as a genjutsu master. In fact, while your attention problems may hinder you, you will be able to compensate for it in other ways.” 

“Really?” 

He nodded. “So, write down what I tell you to. I’d rather not repeat myself, but do ask if needed. And I’m going to go as slow as I can.” 

“Okay, Sensei.” 

When Ibiki-Sensei finished the lesson an hour and a half later, he took Tsukiko to the hospital to check his haphazard healing job, and then brought her home for the day. She headed into the house after bidding him a ‘Jaa, mata ne’. As she stepped into the house, she kicked her sandals off in the genkan and moved them to their correct position.  

Once in the living room, she dropped her backpack on the couch and glanced at her hand again. The medical ninja recommended washing the wound thoroughly for a few days and rewrap it. It was mostly healed, but still was in need of extra help. At the very least, it didn’t hurt as bad as it did before, but it still throbbed with the swelling.  

“Ojiisan?” she called with an upward glance around. The sound of footsteps rushing down the hallway caught her attention and when she turned, she saw Grandpa holding a bunch of blueprint papers in his arms.  

“Oh, hi sweetheart!” 

“Uh...what are you doing?” 

“Uh...definitely not drawing up a design for a new wood table.” 

“Grandpa...” Tsukiko sighed. “Daddy is gonna kill you if you make another big mess.” 

“Ah, I’m gonna make it outside this time.” Grandpa chuckled. “He’ll deal with it, Little Moon.” As he drew closer, his smile faded and he gasped, dropping the papers on the floor. “What the hell happened to your hand, sweetheart?” 

Sheepishly, she showed him the bandaged hand and he held it ever so gently. Grandpa scrutinized it, even partially unwrapping it to see the damage. He winced at the remaining scar and Tsukiko winced when he pressed it. 

“This happen during training?” 

“We were eating...and Ryou threw it at my hand and it went through not only my hand but my bento too...Sensei washed my hand with his water bottle, we did a genjutsu lesson, and then he took me to the hospital for a proper heal before heading home.” 

“Jeez...” He re-wrappped her hand. “What’d Ibiki do?” 

“Sensei took his hitai-ate.” 

“Huh, serves the brat right.” Grandpa sighed.  

“Ryouichi wanted to fight back and defend himself, but...I think Sensei scared him.” Tsukiko giggled. 

“That man can scare just about anyone. I’m not surprised even Ryouichi backed off.” Grandpa gently squeezed her hand and planted a kiss on it. “I hope Grandpa kisses still make things better.” 

A smile bloomed on Tsukiko’s face. “They do.” 

“Good. I’d hate for you to grow out of those.” He took her into his arms and gave her a gentle squeeze. “Hopefully, your next teammate will be better. I hope they treat you much better.” 

“I hope so too, Grandpa.” 

He let go and then knelt to pick up his diagrams. Tsukiko did the same to help him.  

“Say, want to help me gather up supplies so I can start the new table?” 

“Yeah!” 

“Come on then. Let’s go make a really cool table together.” 

Chapter Text

Tsukiko woke up the next morning to the sound of her bedroom door opening. Grogginess weighed on her like a blanket but she lifted her head. The bright light from the hallway gave Daddy’s silver hair a faint glow, but left his face in a shadow. Tsukiko watched as Daddy crossed the threshold and across her room. When he knelt beside her, he placed a gentle hand on her cheek and caressed it.  

“Morning, Little Moon. Sorry to wake you up, but Ibiki-Sensei wanted me to pass along a message. He’d caught me on my way home and wanted you to know that he caught a case at Intel that needs dealing with, so you can sleep in late if you want.”  

She rubbed her eyes roughly. “Do you think Sensei would let me watch him?”  

Daddy grimaced and cleared his throat. “Hm...how about I send Pakkun to ask him? I’m sure he’d be fine with you watching, but let’s not assume, alright kiddo?”  

“Okay, Daddy.”  

“How’s your hand?”  

“It’s ok...it still hurts...”  

“Okay, good.” Daddy brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “Go back to sleep, sweetheart. Alright?”  

“Okay.”  

He pushed himself to his feet as she flipped to her other side to go back to sleep. Daddy laughed and left the room and she reached for her special Shiori doll. She hugged it close and drifted back to sleep.   

When she woke up again a few hours later, she dragged herself out of bed with her doll and headed to the kitchen. There, her father and grandfather were chatting, and Daddy threw a teasing jab at Grandpa. In turn, Grandpa laughed and punched Daddy in the shoulder, who simply laughed and swatted him. It was nice seeing them act so silly with each other.  

“Man, I can’t believe you managed to find a date, Dad.” Daddy chuckled. “I’m impressed.”  

“Just because I’m old doesn’t mean I don’t have it in me still!” Grandpa dropped his hands to his hips, puffing his cheeks out. “Who do you think your father is? I can’t be a lonely bastard for the rest of my life, ya know.” He hesitated and lifted a gaze to the ceiling. “Well, whatever that life span actually is...” With a shrug, he returned his gaze to Daddy. “Son, I’m surprised you haven’t gone looking for another partner. Tsuki’s mom has been dead for as long as Tsuki’s been alive. I dunno, but I feel like she’d appreciate a mother figure in her life.”  

Daddy glanced to the side. “I just...haven’t had a connection with someone like that in a long time. It’s hard to find a person you truly click with. At least, for me it is.”  

“Okay, fair. You got me there...” Grandpa agreed. “Still, I think she would do good with a mother figure.”  

“She would, yes,” Daddy agreed. Finally, he turned his head further, throwing a glance over his shoulder with his regular eye. “Yes, little one? Thought I told you it’s impolite to eavesdrop.”  

Tsukiko jumped. “S-Sorry...I...wasn’t paying attention.”  

Daddy chuckled. “So I see, sweetheart. Come sit with us. We’re just talking shit.”  

She listened and sat on Kakashi’s lap. He rolled his eyes but he put his arms around her and drew her close.  

“Did Sensei respond?” Tsukiko asked, recalling their earlier conversation.  

Daddy gave a dejected sigh. “Yes. Sensei said you could go watch him after breakfast.”  

“Yay!”   

Though, Tsukiko’s excitement was short lived when she realized her father was not very keen on the idea. With a frown, she looked at Grandpa, hoping for some of his wisdom.  

“Oh Kakashi, don't be like that.” Grandpa shook his head. “There’s nothing wrong with her wanting to spend time with her sensei and watching what he does. I think it’s adorable. I know you are really worried, but Tsukiko should learn about what they do at Intel. It’ll give her a great appreciation for what her sensei does.”  

“I know...” Daddy petted Tsukiko’s head. “I just don’t want him to scare her away, Dad. She’s just so sweet and innocent.”  

“I’m fine, Daddy!” Tsukiko puffed out her cheeks. “Sensei won’t scare me. He doesn’t scare me at all.”  

“Sensei scares your father,” Grandpa teased.  

“He doesn’t scare me!” Daddy heaved an exasperated sigh. “I just don’t like how sadistic he is and I don’t like his...methods.”  

“Kakashi...” Grandpa sighed and placed his head in his hand. Wearily, he shifted his gaze to Tsukiko and offered a tired smile. “He just worries about you, sweetheart, and he does not know how to handle that worry.” He sighed and gestured towards the stove. “How about some breakfast? And Kakashi will work on a bento for your lunch. I’ll walk with you to Intel!”  

“You will?” Tsukiko asked.  

“Of course. I don’t mind. I gotta run errands anyway.”  

“Awesome!”  

Daddy sighed. “Well, she probably needs a fresh bandage, so I brought some out earlier.” He reached next to him and picked up the roll of bandages. “Sit across from me, I can’t fix up your hand like this.”  

“Okay...”   

She hopped off his lap and pulled the chair from the other side and sat across from him. She crossed her legs and he rested his feet on the spindles of his chair. He took her hand and began unwrapping the old bandages. Much to her surprise, there was some fresh blood on the bandage. The wound must’ve reopened while she slept restlessly, as she usually did.   

“You know, I thought I was the biggest jerk as a kid...” Daddy muttered. “At least I didn’t throw a kunai at my teammates’ bentos.” He paused. “Well, admittedly it did get tempting with Obito...”  

Tsukiko twitched her hand. “How did you know Ryouichi threw the kunai through my bento? You weren’t home until late last night. Grandpa and I were asleep.”  

Daddy’s eyes widened in realization and he paused.  

“Daddy?”  

Grandpa stopped and turned around. “You knew to get the bandage for her...” He gasped. “Hatake Kakashi! You did not spy on your daughter!”  

“Daddy!” Tsukiko groaned, yanking her hand away from him. He snatched her hand back and kept wrapping it.  

“I was worried !” Kakashi defended. “Tsukiko, keep still.”  

Tsukiko groaned but kept her hand as still as she could. Ugh! Why did Daddy have to always worry about her?   

“You seriously need to stop being overly worried about Tsuki,” Grandpa chided Daddy. “Okay? I get it. It’s scary when your kid is out there as a ninja. But what you’re doing is breaking her trust by intruding on her lessons with Ibiki.”  

Daddy bit the bandage to tear it from the roll and made no efforts to argue.  

“I know you’re worried, but Ibiki is an expert on the human mind. He can interrogate the hell out of a spy, and he can work gently with Tsukiko. If you want her trust, then you need to cut it out. This is not how you keep it. Now, apologize and stop spying on her.”  

Tsukiko fixed an expectant ice gaze on her father. She didn’t need Daddy spying on her for crying out loud! Ryouichi may not be on the team anymore, but who knew what would happen if he knew about Daddy spying on her? Ice crawled down her spine at the thought.  

“I’m...sorry, Tsukiko,” Daddy mumbled his apology.  

“Sensei’s nice, Daddy,” Tsukiko reassured him. “He won’t go overboard when teaching me. He hasn’t done that yet and I don’t think he will.”  

Daddy tucked the bandage away and sighed. “I don’t want you getting scared, sweetheart.” He brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “Well, at least not yet.”  

“I’m not gonna get scared, Daddy!” Tsukiko promised. “I don’t get scared! I’m a strong shinobi like you are.”  

He cracked a slight smile. “Yes, you are.”  

“So, while I’m out and while Tsuki’s at Intel taking lessons from her sensei about how to not act as a shinobi, is there anything we need from the store that isn’t on the list?” Grandpa asked. “Add it now or forever hold your peace.”  

Daddy canted his head to the side. “Uh...deodorant...hm... toothpaste. Oranges! Also, can you stop at the bookstore? I think Jiraiya has a new book out and my pre-order should have come in.”  

“Okay, I can do that.”  

“Grandpa, when you come pick me up from Intel, can we stop for a GameStation?” Tsukiko asked. “I want to play the new game that came out!”  

“Have you saved enough from your missions and allowances?”  

“Mhm!”  

“Damn, she’s better than I was at her age,” Grandpa grumbled. With a sigh, he pushed himself to his feet. “Alright, how about some breakfast and we’ll get going?”  

“Okay, Ojiisan.”  

After breakfast, Grandpa walked Tsukiko to the Intelligence Ward, an agency dedicated to the collection, processing, and analysing security information in Konoha. It was a huge building, with two stories. From her angle, she could see a pair of steel doors marking the entrance to the building. In big, red characters on the side, it read:  

木ノ葉隠れ情報部  

“Maybe one day, you’ll be an Intelligence Agent,” Grandpa said. “I don’t see you doing interrogation the way Ibiki does, but I think you could learn a lot by watching him interrogate bad people.”  

“Why do people do bad things that get them interrogated by Sensei?” Tsukiko asked.   

“I don’t know, Little Moon. Some people are just born bad, some people are raised that way. Some people just...one day have a switch flipped and they become bad. Not all people are inherently bad, though.”  

“How did Ryouichi become a bad person?”  

“I don’t know, sweetheart. It could be any number of things or a combination.”  

Tsukiko glanced down. “Do you think Sensei would interrogate him?”  

“If he does something really bad, yes, I think Ibiki-sensei would.”  

“Do you know anyone who’s been interrogated by Sensei?”  

Grandpa chuckled. “Thankfully, no, I don’t. I’ve only heard stories. I heard this one guy killed his teammates to prevent them from being interrogated by your sensei. He is still horrified by this years later!”  

“You mean Sensei gets scared by things?”  

“Well, he wasn’t scared. He was just disturbed.”  

“Oh...”  

Grandpa led her into the building. Tsukiko saw Ibiki-sensei waiting in the lobby, his arms crossed, and a stern expression etched into his stone face. She jumped up and rushed to his side and he lifted his gaze to her.   

“Ah, wasn’t sure you’d come,” he said coolly. “Your dad said you sounded interested in what I do.”  

“Mhm.”  

A ghost of a smile flickered on his face. “Come on, then. I’ll show you some really cool things.”  

“I’ll be back in a few hours,” Grandpa said. “I have quite a few errands to run, and I figured it wouldn’t hurt to bring her here.”  

“That’s perfectly fine.”  

“Behave for your sensei,” Sakumo warned Tsukiko.  

“I’m always behaved for Sensei!”  

“I know.” Grandpa chuckled.  

When Ibiki-sensei took Tsukiko to the interrogation room, she was led to the room on the other side of the glass, where another Intelligence agent stood. The man was almost a head shorter than Sensei, and he had a mess of flaxen blonde hair, tied neatly in a high pony tail. He had kind and slightly rugged features. It took them a moment to recall the man to be Yamanaka Inoichi, the head of the Yamanaka Clan and owner of the Yamanaka Flower Shop.   

“Yamanaka,” Ibiki-sensei greeted. “Here’s my little pupil who wants to watch me interrogate that dipshit.”  

Yamanaka-san fixed his ocean green gaze on Tsukiko and he smiled.  

“Oh, it’s been quite some time, Tsukiko,” he greeted. “Haven’t seen you since...last fall, I think? My, you’ve grown!”  

“Yamanaka-san!” Tsukiko grinned.  

“Ah, so no need for introductions,” Sensei commented.   

“Not at all. I’ve known her since she was about a year old.” Yamanaka-san beamed. “Kakashi and Sakumo love to take her to my shop and show her the flowers.” He placed his hands on his hips. “I hope you’re giving Ibiki a run for his money.”  

“Shit, she’s the most well-behaved genin I’ve had the pleasure of meeting,” Ibiki admitted. “Next to my son, because I raised that little shit right.”  

Yamanaka-san chuckled. “Yes, Ibiki. I know.”  

Ibiki-sensei turned to Tsukiya. “I won’t be able to answer questions you have, so whatever you want to ask, you can ask Yamanaka here. Our jobs go hand-in-hand, so he knows a lot about interrogations.”  

“I consider myself knowledgeable in interrogation, yes,” Yamanaka-san agreed. “Well? Done letting that poor soul sit, Ibiki?”  

“Mm... yeah.” He shrugged. “I guess I could.” Sensei gently punched Tsukiko’s shoulder. “Watch and learn, young one.”  

Tsukiko nodded eagerly and watched her sensei leave. As the interrogation progressed, she asked Yamanaka-san questions about what Sensei was doing and what the shinobi did wrong to warrant such a thorough interrogation. At one point, Yamanaka-san slapped a hand over Tsukiko’s eyes and she tried to push it away but he wouldn’t budge.  

“Trust me, I don’t think you want to see this until you’re a bit older,” he said.   

“What’s Sensei doing?”  

“Something a bit disturbing... trust me...”  

“Hey, why is the guy screaming?”  

“And I think that’s my cue to escort you out.”  

“Why am I too young to see?”  

“You’re too inexperienced with blood. I don’t need you throwing up everywhere.”  

“What?”  

Tsukiko heard a loud ‘squish’ before he closed the door and nausea washed over them. “What was that sound?”  

“I don’t think I even want to know, kiddo.”  

After the interrogation, the three of them took a seat in the mess hall and ate lunch together. Yamanaka-san smiled.  

“Who made that bento for you?”  

“Daddy did.” Tsukiko beamed. “I didn’t get to finish the one he made me yesterday so he made me a new one today.”  

“Aw, that’s sweet,” Yamanaka-san said.  

“Yeah, well, the reason she didn’t finish her bento isn’t quite as sweet.” Ibiki-sensei sighed.   

“Ah...Ryouichi again?”  

“For the last time. Think I scared the piss outta him when I demanded his hitai-ate and threatened to treat him like any other spy to our village.”  

“Good. Maybe you scared sense into him.”   

Ibiki-sensei snorted. “Right...” He shrugged. “What’s done is done.”  

Tsukiko lifted her gaze back to her sensei and Yamanaka-san. “Hey guys...you’re both dads, right?”  

“Yes, of course,” Yamanaka-san said.  

“Well, I sure hope so because I’d make an ugly mother,” Ibiki-sensei retorted.   

“Hey!” Yamanaka-san elbowed him.   

“What? It’s true. I barely look decent as is!”  

“Anyway...” Yamanaka-san rolled his eyes. “What’s up?”  

“I don't understand my dad.”  

“Heh, none of us understand him,” Ibiki-sensei retorted.  

Yamanaka-san jabbed him again and then settled a gentle gaze on Tsukiko. “Why do you say that?”  

“Well...I ‘unno. He...” She readjusted her chopsticks. “He doesn’t like the idea of me learning genjutsu. And he’s always worried about me. But yesterday, he spied on us during training. He said he was going on a mission but this morning he asked me how my hand was doing when he told me sensei was cancelling training for today.” She sighed. “At first, I didn’t think anything of it but then Daddy said before breakfast that he’d never have thrown a kunai into his teammate’s hand the way Ryouichi did...and then Grandpa and I realized he had spied on me.”  

“I knew something felt off...” Ibiki-sensei sighed. “Oh, Kakashi...”  

Yamanaka-san took a sip of his water. “It’s interesting, none of us thought Kakashi would become a father. And well, he did! Unfortunately for Tsukiko, the poor man doesn’t know how to handle his own worries.”  

“Clearly,” Sensei agreed. “Well, Tsuki...I wish I could explain it better but Yamanaka’s right.”  

“Do you two worry about your kids?”  

“Hah, all the time.” Yamanaka-san grinned. “She’s a girl, and a beautiful one at that. I’m always worried about the boys, y’know?”  

“Eh, yes and no.” Sensei shrugged.  

Both men paused and Yamanaka-san sighed. “Though, my daughter is still in the academy. She’s not a shinobi yet, you see. Would I spy on her if she was a genin? Doubtful. I do have a better grasp of my emotions than your father does.”  

“I don’t worry much about Hiiragi-kun.” Ibiki put his arms behind his head. “His sensei’s a good woman, and I trust her with my son.”  

“Kakashi, on the other hand...” Yamanaka-san sighed. “He doesn’t trust Ibiki. Well, let me rephrase that. Hm...” He tilted his head slightly in thought. “Your sensei is a well-known interrogator and your dad is uncomfortable with that, given your personality. He doesn’t quite understand how a sadist can work with you, even though...”  

“Even though my specialty is psychology.” Sensei sighed. “Your father is a complicated person, Tsuki. And, he does mean well. He does. He just wants you to succeed as a shinobi, without losing the person you are.” He looked at Yamanaka-san. “That sound about right?”  

“I think so, Ibiki.”   

“But how would I lose the person I am?” Tsukiko asked.  

Both men exchanged uncomfortable glances.   

“Oh, her innocence is adorable,” Sensei muttered. “Remember being that innocent, Yamanaka?”  

“Yes.” Yamanaka-san swallowed a chuckle. “You’d be surprised, kiddo. A lot of things can happen in a shinobi’s career. Things you won’t see for a while.”  

“Like what?”  

“Death, trauma…injury…” Ibiki-sensei rattled off the list.  

“Oh.”  

“I mean, it’s a fact of our livelihood. Unfortunately.”  

Ibiki-sensei and Yamanaka-san grimaced, but didn’t add anything else to that conversation.   

“But don’t worry. Your dad will figure it out, eventually,” Yamanaka-san promised. “He just needs a bit more help to stop worrying a lot.”  

“Yeah,” Sensei agreed. “Maybe Yamanaka-san can sit with him and help him work through his worries. If we think it’s needed, anyway. It’s not like I’m going to let you get scared before we’re on the field. Even then, I’ll guide you. Alright? If he’s worried, tell him that.”  

“Okay… I will.”  

Tsukiko returned home later that day, armed with new knowledge of interrogation and a new gaming console. Daddy was lying sprawled out on the couch, reading his book. When he lifted his gaze, he offered a tired smile.  

“Tadaima,” Tsukiko and Grandpa both said.  

“Okaeri. Did you have fun today?”  

“I did, but there were a few times Yamanaka-san covered my eyes.”  

“Hm, Ibiki was probably doing something that’s not suitable for a mind as gentle as yours.” He waved them over and sat up straight. “Come sit with me a moment, Tsuki. Before you get too terribly comfortable.”  

“O...kay?” Tsukiko tilted her head and took a seat with him.  

Daddy put his arms around her and drew her close. “I’m sorry, Tsukiko. I realize now, it was inappropriate of me to spy on you during your training––whether I’m worried or not is irrelevant. It hurt you.”  

Tsukiko rested her head against his chest. “I'm in a safe environment to learn, Daddy. Sensei won’t scare me. He won’t let me be scared until we’re out on the field. Even then! He will guide me through it.”  

“Is that what Sensei told you?”  

“Yeah...kinda.”  

He chuckled and sighed. “Well, I sure hope you won’t see anything that he will have to guide you through for a while yet, Little Moon.”  

“I hope not either.”  

“You will experience the worst humanity has to offer eventually,” Daddy started. “But I’ll be here for you, and so will your grandpa, and your sensei.” He squeezed her. “Do you forgive me for making a fool of myself?”  

Tsukiko nodded. “I forgive you, Daddy.”  

“Thank you, sweetheart.”  

Tsukiko turned and hugged him. “I love you, Daddy.”  

“I love you too, sweetheart.” He squeezed her.  

Chapter Text

The next day when the team met up again, it was for a mission and to meet their new teammate. Whoever he was. That morning, Tsukiko arrived at the Hokage mansion with her sensei and Shion. Much to her surprise, there was another boy in the room, waiting.

It was strange, he looked like Sensei. The same deep tawny skin, but the kid had jet black hair and hair just long enough to have bangs. He had mismatched eyes—a green right eye, and a dark grey left eye. He sported a loose, unbuttoned shirt over top of a plain grey shirt and matching cargo pants.

Wait. Was he their new teammate? He was so cute, and really dorky-looking. And not in the bad way. In fact, his visible dorkiness soothed their frayed nerves—they were scared they’d get someone just as bad as Ryouichi, or worse! This kid barely looked like he’d hurt a fly, let alone someone’s feelings.

“Hiiragi…?” Ibiki-Sensei breathed the kid’s name. “What’s going on?”

Wait. The kid was Sensei’s son?! Oh, even better. That meant he was even less likely to be a jerk. Right?

Morino Hiiragi lifted his dual-colored gaze to his father. “You know how Sensei was sick from her last mission?”

“Yeah?”

“Hiiragi’s sensei died,” Lord Hiruzen finished for the young genin.

Tsukiko’s heart broke for Hiiragi. She couldn’t imagine losing Ibiki-Sensei. And so early in Hiiragi’s career as a shinobi, too. That was so awful.

“I’m sorry, Hiiragi…” Sensei was gentle. “I know you looked up to her.”

Hiiragi wiped his eyes roughly and nodded, unable to say anything else.

“And I know you need another teammate for your next mission,” Lord Hiruzen continued. “At the very least, would you take Hiiragi for this mission?”

“Shouldn’t he have time to grieve first?” Ibiki-sensei raised an eyebrow.

“N-No, I… I want to do something,” Hiiragi reassured. “It’s what Tōko-Sensei would’ve wanted.”

Ibiki-sensei turned to Lord Hiruzen. “What about his teammates?”

“They’re going to figure out what they want to do. For now, I think it’s best to give Hiiragi something to do. Don’t you agree?”

Ibiki nodded. “Okay. Then, I’ll accept this set up.”

“Excellent.” Lord Hiruzen beamed. “Now, the mission I present to the four of you is your first C-Rank mission. I think you have earned it, no?”

Tsukiko and Shion exchanged thoughtful glances. Then, they nodded.

“Yeah, I think so,” Shion agreed.

“They are ready for a C-Rank, yes,” Ibiki-sensei agreed.

“Excellent. You four are going on an escort mission.” Lord Hokage peered past Ibiki. “Miss Nakamura.”

When Tsukiko turned her head, a woman with greyed blonde hair tied in a thick braid entered the room. She had a deep tan skin and noble features. Her kimono was red-violet with complicated gold, black, and white floral prints. Her obi, on the other hand, was a plainamethyst. Tsukiko was simply in awe of her beauty.

“She’s so pretty,” she murmured.

“No kidding,” Hiiragi agreed.

Both of them exchanged surprised glances, then they stifled giggles. Well, at least she seemed to be getting along with Sensei’s son. Maybe this change won’t be such a bad thing after all.

The woman bowed deeply to the shinobi, who all returned it in kind.

“Good morning,” she said. “I’m Nakamura Hoshiko. I live on the island of Kuridaka. You may be familiar with our gaming consoles.”

Tsukiko beamed. “Oh! Like the newest GameStation!”

“Exactly.” Hoshiko beamed.

“You like gaming too?” Hiiragi whispered.

“Sorta…” Tsukiko scratched her head.

“Cool!”

“I’m Morino Ibiki.” Sensei put his hands on Tsukiko’s head and Shion’s. “These are my pupils, Hatake Tsukiko, Morino Hiiragi, and Yamada Shion.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all.” Nakamura-san smiled. “I’m excited to spend the next day or so with you all. Don’t worry, it’s just a routine escort back home.”

Ibiki slipped his hands into his trench coat pockets and leveled a thoughtful gaze at his students. “So, what do we all need to do?”

“Get our shit together!” Hiiragi answered quickly.

Ibiki grimaced. “I told you not to use that language in front of the Hokage.”

“S-Sorry…” Hiiragi bowed in apology.

Lord Hokage chuckled. “It’s good to see your enthusiasm, Hiiragi, given the circumstances.”

Hiiragi gave a sheepish nod and glanced back at his father.

Sensei scoffed and sighed. “Alright, get your to-go bags and let’s meet up at the gate in about an hour to an hour and a half. Sound good?”

“Yeah!”

“Think you’re okay heading home on your own?” Ibiki-sensei turned to Tsukiko.

“Yeah. I can.”

“Good. See you at the gates.”

“Hai, Sensei.”

When Tsukiko got home, she immediately burst through the door with excitement. Daddy looked up from his book, surprised.

“Tsuki?”

“Daddy, we’re going on a C-Rank mission to escort someone!”

“Oh that’s great.” Daddy beamed with pride. “It’s an easy stepping stone into harder missions. There’s little to no risk of fighting. You’ll do great, Tsuki.”

She dropped her hands to her hips. “Maybe I want to beat someone up!”

“You will, in due time.” He chuckled. “Go on, go get your things. You don’t want to keep your sensei waiting.”

“I won’t, Daddy,” Tsukiko promised.

Without hesitation, Tsukiko rushed into the bathroom first,making sure she was completely empty and wouldn’t have to go to the bathroom any time soon. As she washed up, she looked in the mirror and scowled. Occasionally, she wondered whether she was a girl or not. How could a girl have such messy hair and not care about her appearance much? Or wear such baggy clothes?

She shook the thought off. Whatever. That wasn’t important.

When she finished, she bolted into her bedroom and grabbed her special mission bag Kakashi bought her for graduation.It sat in her closet, packed neatly and ready for its first use. She yanked her main backpack off and pulled out her sketchbook and pencils, shoving it into her mission bag. With a hesitant pause, Tsukiko glanced around her room to ensure she had everything.

Satisfied, she hauled the bag over her shoulder and left her room. Kakashi beamed as she stepped into the living room.

“First C-Rank. Next thing I know, you’ll be a chuunin, taking on some B-Ranks and A-Ranks if you’re lucky.” He sighed. “Damn, you’re growing too fast for me, Tsuki. I should put a brick on your head, make you stop growing for a bit.”

Tsukiko giggled. “That won’t stop me.”

“Yeah, I know. Unfortunately…”

She walked up to him and he reached a tired arm to pat her head.

“I’m proud of you, Tsuki.”

“Thanks, Daddy.”

He smiled and sighed. “Alright, go on. I’ll see you when you get back, alright?”

“Mhm!”

“Good. I love you, Little Moon.”

“I love you too, Daddy.”

イビキ

Ibiki’s team gathered around him at the gate an hour later. It felt amazing not having to wait on Ryouichi to make it there, as he had a tendency to be late to just about everything else. Though, he had to admit, it was rather strange having Hiiragi on his team. After all, Hiiragi was Ibiki’s own flesh and blood.

On top of the obvious, Ibiki couldn’t help but worry that going on this mission would be too much for his son right now. Yet, the stubborn boy insisted on going. Child took after his father, after all.

Once Tsukiko arrived, Ibiki turned to Nakamura-san and dipped his head. “We’ve got everyone. Let’s head off.”

“Of course.” Nakamura-san gestured for the team to follow her and they did. “So, we’re going to be riding on a cargo ship. It’s not the fanciest thing by any stretch of the imagination, but it’ll get us to Kuridaka.”

Ibiki shrugged. “Well, it’s not the end of the world. We’re shinobi.”

“Well, yes,” Nakamura-san agreed. “However, it is a shame as you are accompanying me. You’re my guests, and I wish I could provide more. It’s just too wasteful, in my opinion, to have a completely separate ship.”

“I understand,” Ibiki reassured.

“Perhaps when we get to Kuridaka, you could at least spend a day with me.” She smiled. “Far more hospitable than a cargo ship.”

Ibiki remained stone-faced. “That’s not necessary, but we appreciate the offer.”

“Oh, nonsense, I insist. One day. Besides, have any of these kids been outside the country for long? Can’t hurt to give them some time to explore.”

“Well…” Ibiki sighed. “I mean. Yeah, you’ve got a point. It would be beneficial for them to explore a bit.” He looked at the three genin. “This is intended to be a learning experience, not a vacation. So don’t get your hopes up.”

“We won’t,” Shion promised.

Tsukiko and Hiiragi nodded eagerly and Ibiki gave a satisfied dip of his head. His son sped to Tsukiko’s side and Ibiki watched their interaction with interest. A memory sparked in his mind, around eight years ago when he and Yasumi had taken Hiiragi to the hanami that year. He vividly recalled Tsukiko breaking off a piece of her cookie to give to Hiiragi—her way of saying ‘hello’ to him.

Ibiki wondered if either one even remembered that.

“Your dad is really nice,” Tsukiko said to Hiiragi.

“He likes to be a tough guy but he honestly loves kids.” Hiiragi grinned, putting his arms behind his head.

“Hey, you better not be over there spilling my secrets, you little shit.” Ibiki flashed a glare.

Nakamura-san giggled. “Kids, huh?”

“Whether they’re yours or someone else’s brat you’re teaching…” Ibiki agreed with a sigh.

“It’s unusual to be training your own kid, isn’t it?”

“Hm? Oh. Yeah. It’s a long story. But admittedly, I believe my team is all the better for it…” Ibiki watched Tsukiko, Hiiragi, and Shion all excitedly chat away about...whatever the hell they were talking about. “They will cooperate much better, I think.”

“Teamwork is important, no matter what your occupation is.”

“Indeed it is. Though, it is especially in the shinobi world.”

“I can imagine.”

Ibiki returned his gaze to his three genin. Tsukiko was beaming with excitement, talking about her recent hyperfixation. You know, it was nice seeing her socializing for once, instead of hiding behind Ibiki because she was afraid of her teammate. In fact, she was getting along pretty easily and quickly with Hiiragi.

For the first time in four months, Ibiki felt as though a weight had been lifted off him.

Finally, a working team.

月夜

Later that day, everyone boarded the cargo ship. It was huge, but Nakamura-san sure wasn’t kidding when she said there were very few places to sleep. The business owner kindly led them to the most decent room she could, still apologizing for the lack of space. Sensei reassured her the room was fine on its own.

The four of them dropped their things and set up as best as they could. Tsukiko made her bed on one side of sensei, and on the other was Hiiragi. On the other side of Hiiragi was Shion. It was tight, but at least there was just enough space for the four of them. Especially Sensei, who towered over everyone!

As everyone settled in, the ship lurched forward and Tsukiko gasped. She grabbed Sensei’s arm in an attempt to stabilize herself.

“You okay?” Ibiki-sensei asked.

“Uh...yeah… s-sorry…”

“Never been on a boat before?”

“Er...well…” Tsukiko scratched her head roughly. “When I was six, I followed Daddy on a mission. I was on a boat, but I don’t really remember much about it. Or the mission really. Daddy said that was one time I actually scared the shit out of him. The other being when I had pyl...pylor…ugh!” She pointed at the 10-year-old scar on her upper abdomen. “When I had surgery here!”

Ibiki-sensei nodded. “Hm… perhaps it’s for the best that you don’t remember what happened on that mission, if it scared your father too.”

Tsukiko shrugged. “Probably.”

“Can I have my arm back? I do need that, y’know.”

“Sorry…” Heat crept up her cheeks when she let go.

“Can we eat yet?” Shion groaned. “We haven’t eaten since like noon...it’s almost 7 in the evening.”

“Alright, alright, I’m not the one who prepares food.” Sensei held his hands up defensively. “I’ll go ask, alright? Try not to gnaw off each other’s arms in the meantime.”

“We won’t, Dad,” Hiiragi giggled.

“Sure…” Ibiki scowled.

After dinner, the team got settled in for the evening to unwind and relax before going to bed. Tsukiko, despite having been social with Hiiragi and Shion earlier, still chose to sit next to Sensei. She liked watching what he did, even watching the mundane things such as writing his case notes. Which was what he was doing.

Tsukiko glanced over his shoulder, curious about what he was writing.

“What’re you doing, Sensei?”

“Hm?” Ibiki-Sensei glanced up and covered his notes when he realized she was looking right at them. “Not for prying genin eyes, but I am writing up reports from a recent case I had. Not the one you saw yesterday. One I hadn’t finished yet.”

“Oh.” Tsukiko looked away with heat warming her cheeks again. “Sorry.”

“You didn’t know. I’m not worried about it.” He tapped his pen against the paper. “Hm. I suppose you want some genjutsu lessons?”

Tsukiko nodded eagerly and Sensei sighed.

“Alright, I reckon I can offer you a lesson before bed. It’ll keep you from watching me write up my report. Here, I’ll give you a history lesson. It ought to bore you into sleeping.”

Tsukiko smiled.

“Well, when I was younger than you, my grandpa Morino started teaching me genjutsu, as it’s a Morino trait, and every Morino had to learn,” he explained. “His mother was the one who brought it to Konoha five generations ago. Of course, the Uchiha had their own genjutsu. But my great-grandmother, Morino Sara, she taught genjutsu to non-Uchiha who could learn it. Unfortunately, no one gives credit where it’s due.” His jawline sharpened as he clenched his jaw.

“But originally, she brought it from a country between the Wind and Earth. Though, the precise location has never been figured out.”

“How come?”

“According to Grandpa’s recollections, she did not like talking about her past much.” Sensei shrugged. “Not that it was ever important to know exactly. But I do wish it was more acknowledged that she brought genjutsu here. Heavens forbid a woman gets acknowledged for her achievements, though.”

“Are you talking about Great-Great Grandma Sara?” Hiiragi asked.

Ibiki-sensei lifted his gaze, keeping his expression still. “No, I’m talking about Great-Grandma Sara.”

Hiiragi giggled and so did Shion and Tsukiko.

“Yes, I am.”

“Oh, are you teaching Tsukiko-chan about genjutsu?” Hiiragi asked.

“Yes. I am.”

Hiiragi beamed. “I bet she’ll be better at it than me.”

Tsukiko tilted her head and looked at Sensei.

“Eh, Hiiragi...is one of the few Morino whose skills in genjutsu are...lacking.”

“Sorry.” Hiiragi apologized.

“It’s fine. You know I don’t blame you, kid.”

“I know...but I wish I could do it.”

Ibiki-sensei shrugged. “Your uncle Idate didn’t either.” He hesitated. “Though, he probably could’ve, now that I think about it…”

“You had a brother, Sensei?” Tsukiko asked.

Sensei pressed his lips into a grimace. “Yes. Morino Idate. He’s… dead. Or, so I assume. Perhaps one of my failures as a shinobi.”

“Dad, you shouldn’t talk about it if it hurts,” Hiiragi suggested.

“No.” Ibiki-sensei lifted his gaze. “I actually believe it’s a good learning point, Hiiragi. Shion, you should listen as well.” He glanced down. “As the three of you know, I also proctor the chuunin exams. And I proctored the same one Idate took, maybe four years ago now. And he failed. Miserably. I can’t tell you the details of the exams, but I can tell you he was arrogant. I tried to help keep him from being arrogant, y’know? But he was stubborn.”

He lifted his gaze once again. “His arrogance was the downfall of him and his teammates. I stood by my decision to fail him, and he ran away. He met a shinobi, Aoi, who tried tricking him into stealing the Sword of the Thunder God and a secret scroll in exchange for being made a chuunin. My brother, in his infinite arrogance, believed him.” He scoffed. “I chased after him with some ANBU shinobi. My dumbass got caught, Aoi tried to force me into reading the secret scroll. The building was set on fire...I don’t remember how, actually. Some of it’s a blur still.”

He glanced at every one of them. “None of you have the same level of arrogance my brother did. But that’s the full story of why I have some of these scars, and an example of what not to do as a shinobi. I don’t want to look for any of you the way I had to look for Idate, and I don’t think your parents would want to either.”

Sensei crossed his arms. “I think story time is over, but I leave you with a grain of wisdom: being a shinobi is about making nasty, no-win decisions. I had to make the decision to leave my brother to die. Saving him was futile, because I could’ve died in the process and then both of us could’ve been lost. It was either lose him, or take the chance that both of us lose our lives.”

The room fell silent. Tsukiko’s heart hurt for her sensei; so that’s the actual reason he had the scars he did. He alluded to some brutal torture techniques, but never the whole story. Wow. What a tough shinobi. She wished she could be that tough! Instead, she was soft and squishy. But, she knew there was a place for her as a shinobi. Right?

“I’m sorry you went through that, Sensei,” Shion said.

Tsukiko murmured her agreement. Ibiki shrugged.

“I hate to say it, but it is what it is.” He grinned. “Remember: don’t make stupid decisions, kids.”

“We won’t.”

“Good. Now, get some rest. We’ll be at the island in a day or two.”

“Hai.”

Everyone immediately began getting ready for bed. When she was ready, Tsukiko curled up under her covers and closed her eyes. Sensei flicked the lights off and curled up under his blankets. Tsukiko’s mind was still reeling from her sensei’s story, trying to imagine his younger brother. The visuals she had in her mind along with the soft sound of breathing eventually lulled her to sleep.

Chapter Text

イビキ

Ibiki woke the next morning before the little gremlins did. When he finally came to, he realized he had genin attached to him on both sides, probably from restless sleep. With a sigh, he lifted his head and looked at the little shits curled up against him. Both Hiiragi and Tsukiko. He huffed with amusement, and could hardly fault them for having ended up attached to him—there was so little space to move, if they both were restless sleepers, it would’ve happened either way.

Needing to get up to relieve himself, he carefully substituted himself so as to not wake them up and allow them to keep sleeping. Standing up, he saw Shion had ended up rolled over into Tsukiko’s space. Damn. All three of them didn’t know how to sleep without moving. This was going to be fun.

Ibiki snuck out, heading to the restroom and then to the deck when he was ready. He needed to get fresh air. When he arrived at the top, he was immediately hit with the briny scent of ocean water. Across the deck on the starboard side, he spotted Nakamura-san , gazing up at the lightening sky. In the darker parts, stars still twinkled about.

Ibiki approached Nakamura-san and greeted her. She jumped and spun to face him. Her terra cotta skin reddened with embarrassment. Nakamura-san breathed a shaky breath of relief.

“Oh, Morino-san.”

“Please, Ibiki.”

“Well, then you should call me Hoshiko.” Her lips twitched into a playful smile.

Ibiki nodded slightly. “Fair enough.”

“What brings you up here early, Ibiki?”

“Well, I could certainly ask the same of you. Though, I could take a guess rather easily.”

Her terra cotta skin brightened with blush. “Well, I’d like to hear your assumption.”

“You like to star-gaze. Looking to the stars reminds you of the endless possibilities that exist in this world. So what does that say about you? Possibly a hopeless romantic, and I don’t mean that negatively. And you’re quite curious, perhaps too curious for your own good sometimes if you’re anything like my younger pupil, Tsukiko.”

“Well. I’d say that’s a good assumption.”

“Is it correct?”

“Yes.”

Ibiki glanced out at the moon and spotted the red planet near it. “Tsukiko likes space as well, though I don’t think she knows or understands why. She’s quite the night owl, though, and you’d never catch her out this early.” He sighed. “It gets fun sometimes, having to work with her struggles on getting up early. She’s a bit different than other shinobi, so I try my best to work with her learning needs.”

“You’re a great master.” Hoshiko beamed.

“Well, I just do what I have to in order to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to become the best shinobi they can be,” Ibiki admitted. “I look like I could be a drill sergeant and be a full blown asshole, but I know what’s conducive to learning and what’s not.” He scowled, recalling Ryouichi’s constant harassment of Tsukiko, but kept the thoughts to himself. “What works is getting to their level and guiding them from there.”

The woman nodded solemnly. “The world needs more teachers, whether shinobi or not, who can get to a person’s level and guide them that way.”

Ibiki nodded and the pair fell into an awkward silence. A shiver went down his spine and he fought a shudder. By nature, his heart raced, but he quickly steadied it. With a slight turn of his head, he focused his senses, wondering what was going on. It feels like someone is watching us. He raised an eyebrow. Who am I sensing…?

Yet, Ibiki couldn’t discern it as he scrutinized their surroundings, and the feeling eventually disappeared. That was strange, especially given they were in the middle of the sea. There’s no one around for kilometers, aside from people on the ship. He even tried breaking the theoretical genjutsu, but to no avail.

Maybe it was a ghost. Or his imagination.

“You okay, Ibiki?” Hoshiko asked.

He fixed his gaze on the older woman. Part of him wanted to say something, but at the same time he couldn’t prove what he felt. Maybe it was nothing. There was no point in worrying her over potentially nothing.

“No,” Ibiki said instead. “I’m just...thinking.”

Hoshiko dipped her head in understanding. Ibiki glanced back at the sea, wishing he could figure out what he had sensed. He could not come up with a logical explanation for what he felt.

Crossing his arms behind his head, he tried to push the thoughts away. Just enjoy the nice sunrise, Ibiki.

When Ibiki returned to their cabin , he found the genin stirring and waking up. As he stepped inside, Hiiragi gasped and threw his hands over his mouth. Ibiki followed his son’s gaze to Tsukiko, who was simply stretching her arms out.

“What?” Tsukiko raised a confused eyebrow.

“Are your arms broken?”

“N-No?”

It took a minute for Ibiki to recognize what Hiiragi was talking about. Tsukiko's elbows hyperextended the wrong way, making them appear broken if someone didn't know about her joint problems.

“No, Hiiragi, that's natural,” Ibiki explained gently. “Tsukiko's elbows hyperextend. Speaking of..." He turned his attention as the tiny shinobi pulled her sweatshirt back over her head. “You need to be careful about that, you know. You can seriously damage your joints by doing that.”

“Sorry… it’s hard not to.”

Ibiki sighed. “I know.” He looked at the three of them. “So, how did you all sleep?”

Everyone mumbled their opinions and Ibiki barked with laughter.

“Oh, don’t worry, it gets worse.”

The genin groaned and Ibiki chuckled.

“Listen, y’all chose this,” he reminded. “Anyway…” He looked at Tsukiko and Hiiragi. “You two, little shits, tossed and turned so much you ended up attached to me.”

Tsukiko slapped her hands over her face, embarrassment burning her cheeks. Hiiragi just simply shrugged.

“I mean, did you expect anything less of me, Dad? You already know I sleep chaotically.”

“Don’t remind me. When you were a kid, you kicked me out of my bed more times than I care to admit…” Ibiki muttered.

“Sorry to interrupt but, uh... how much longer til we get to Kuridaka, sensei?” Shion asked. “I’m getting claustrophobic…”

Ibiki slumped his shoulders. “I f you’re getting claustrophobic, you need to get out and get some fresh air. Go on, go get some air, Shion…”

Shion rushed out of the room and Ibiki was left with his two disasters of genin. Tsukiko pulled out her sketchbook from her backpack and flipped to a page she was working on.

“Oh, hey, did you draw this?” Hiiragi asked Tsukiko, looking over her shoulder.

Tsukiko’s face brightened with pink again. “O-Oh… yeah! I did!”

Ibiki glanced to see what Tsukiko was working on––art for one of the stories she reads. Just in the past few months of being her sensei, he was amazed to see her constantly working to improve her artwork the way she worked to improve her shinobi skills.

Hiiragi smiled. “It looks so good. I can’t draw people. I like doing landscapes though.”

“Ah—th-thank you?” Tsukiko clearly had no idea what to do with that information, amusing Ibiki.

He gazed between them, enjoying how they were getting along. At first, he was hesitant because well, Hiiragi was his own son. Yet, seeing Tsukiya and Shion getting along really well with his son made it worthwhile.

Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

月子

Later that day , the shinobi headed to the top deck to see how close they were to the island of Kuridaka. Tsukiko was first greeted with a strange scent in the air, intermingled with the sea breeze. At first, it was hard to distinguish what the smell was, and assumed it was nothing to be concerned about. The three genin rushed to the bow of the ship, curious about the scene in the distance.

It was difficult to see what exactly lie beyond the ship, given from what Tsukiko could tell, the island was surrounded by some weird, thick, yellow haze . Tsukiko could make out the faint shapes of ships at the western port of Kuridaka. Past that? Nothing much.

“Why is it hard to see the island?” Shion asked, turning his head to Sensei.

Ibiki-sensei leaned onto the railing and looked with them. “Here’s your science lesson for the day, children. You see that yellowish haze? That’s called pollution, specifically air pollution.”

“Why does it smell weird?” Hiiragi asked.

“You’re smelling the sulfur being released,” Ibiki-sensei explained. “Any of you ever smell a match after someone struck it?”

Tsukiko nodded. “Yeah. Once, when Daddy lit some candles so we could see when a thunderstorm knocked out our power.”

“Well—” Sensei nodded towards the island, “—in technologically advanced places such as Kuridaka, they’ve undergone heavy industrialization. With it comes a by-product called ‘smog’, which is that pollution you’re seeing and smelling. It doesn’t smell good, does it?”

“Why do they let their skies get like that?” Tsukiko asked. “Don’t they like seeing the stars? And don’t they like breathing normal air?”

“We’ve been fighting to implement regulations for years now,” came Nakamura-san’s voice from behind. “But it’s an uphill battle.”

Everyone turned to face the older woman. She dipped her head in greeting.

“Nakamura-san, perhaps you can enlighten us more,” Sensei suggested.

“Of course,” she agreed. “See, that pollution isn’t good for our planet. Thankfully, I think we’re one of very few places with this level of pollution. And you know, we’ve been telling our lawmakers for years—hey, this isn’t good. It’s making our people sick, and it’s making our environment sick as well. We have proof, but they won’t listen.”

“Why not?” Tsukiko asked with a slight tilt of her head. “If you have proof, then that means they have to listen, right?”

Nakamura-san pressed her lips into a grimace. “Oh, you’re adorable, Tsukiko. You would think that, yes. However, it’s not quite as simple as that, unfortunately. You see, people with skin in the game like to buy out politicians. So instead of doing things logically, they do whatever the person who paid them wants.”

“Isn’t that wrong?” Tsukiko asked.

“My, you sure ask a lot of reasonable questions,” Nakamura-san sighed. “Technically, yes, that is wrong. However, our government is ruled by the rich and it’s hard to get them to listen without enough money.”

“Is it what the people want?” Hiiragi asked.

“No. It isn’t,” Nakamura-san shook her head.

“Then you guys should revolt!” Shion exclaimed. “The government should listen to everyone, not just the people who can pay them.”

“I’m sorry, Hoshiko, they’re a rather curious bunch,” Ibiki-sensei apologized quickly.

“No, it’s fine,” Nakamura-san reassured. “Admittedly, it’s nice to hear out the mouth of babes.” She returned her attention to the genin. “I am firmly on the side of starting a revolution. It’s just...difficult to get the people together to do such a thing. There’s constant bickering between groups, and… it’s like herding cats, trying to get everyone to agree on something.”

“Maybe you need a strong leader,” Tsukiko suggested. “Someone who can rally everyone together!”

“We do,” Nakamura-san agreed. “We truly do…”

When they set foot on the island almost an hour later, Tsukiko clung close to Ibiki-sensei as the team and their charge trudged their way through the city. Already, Tsukiko decided to dub the place “Enmugakure”, or “Village Hidden in the Smog” since, well, it was pretty much hidden in smog— no one could see more than ten feet ahead, if they were lucky. Though, it wasn’t a village.

Tsukiko didn’t care, though.

Her lungs burned with every breath. Even with her hood wrapped over her nose and mouth, the air was so thick with sulfur that there was nothing in the fabric that could filter the particles enough. Hopefully, they got to their destination soon enough! It felt as though at any moment, Tsukiko could pass out from how hard it was to breathe.

At least it was comforting to know that even Sensei was struggling with the air. He had his collar pulled over his nose. Both boys on either side of the pair also were wearing their collars over their noses.

“What makes the pollution hurt us?” Hiiragi asked.

“Factories use chemicals that we don’t see in our neck of the woods,” Sensei explained. “We have no need for them, but we do have a need for the technology made here.”

“Why don’t we make our own technology?” Tsukiko wondered out loud.

“Well, that’s a question for Nakamura-san, isn’t it?” Ibiki-sensei asked with a raspy voice.

“We have an abundance of the materials necessary for manufacturing,” Hoshiko explained. “The coals and such to run the plants, the lithium for the batteries, the iron ore for steel...amongst various other resources.”

“We have coal,” Ibiki added. “We just...don’t make much use of it outside of grilling and art tools.”

“In fact, many places have coal,” Nakamura-san explained. “We just happen to have a heavy concentration of it on this island.”

Tsukiko nodded. “That makes sense.”

As they continued forward, Tsukiko scrutinized their surroundings. It was certainly a far cry from Konoha. Aside from the obvious, they were surrounded by new forms of sensory input—the deep rumble of the motors of vehicles and busses passing by, the sound of revving engines, the high pitched squeal of brakes being hit, and not to mention the awful smell of whatever the vehicles were emitting!

It was overwhelming. Tsukiko found herself drawing closer to Ibiki-sensei, to the point of unconsciously hugging his arm. If he had noticed this, he paid no mind to it. For several minutes, the five of them walked in relative silence.

Tsukiko sensed something unusual nearby and stopped dead in her tracks, letting go of Sensei’s arm. Ibiki-sensei stopped as well, and he began examining their surroundings.

“Sensei, do you sense it too?” she asked.

“Yes…” He scowled.

“Wait, what’s wrong?” Shion asked.

Something dropped behind them and she squeaked, grabbing Sensei’s arm again. When she turned to look, she saw a pair of big, scary shinobi. Not that she could tell where they were from, exactly. Just that they were not Konoha shinobi.

“Let go of my arm,” Ibiki-sensei warned.

“S-Sorry…” Tsukiko complied, hot embarrassment scorching her cheeks.

Sensei did not make an effort to acknowledge her, instead holding his arm out to keep the three genin out of the way.

“What do you want?” Ibiki-sensei demanded.

“We want the woman,” the first one, a man wearing a kimono, demanded. “She is the known leader of the resistance.”

“What?” Nakamura-san breathed shakily. “I...I don’t…”

Ibiki silenced her with a glare and returned his gaze to the shinobi. “What do you want with her?”

“To kill her, on behalf of the government.”

Nakamura-san gasped. Ibiki-sensei reached into his shuriken pouch.

“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.”

“We’ve been hired for a job, as you understand.”

“Yeah, and so were we.” Ibiki-sensei glanced to the side at Tsukiko. “Tsuki. Get Hoshiko and your teammates to safety. I’ll find the way later.”

“Sensei, I’m not leaving you,” Tsukiko protested.

“Which one of us is a jounin?” When Tsukiko did not respond, Ibiki-sensei continued. “That’s what I thought. I can handle myself. Go.”

“Come on, Tsuki,” Shion urged.

She glanced between her teammates and her sensei. She didn’t want to: she wanted to help . However, she heaved an exasperated sigh and nodded.

“Okay. Fine…” Yet, she was already planning her return to Sensei’s side once everyone was safe. After all, her father always told her that abandoning one’s comrades made them trash, and Hatake Kakashi did not raise trash! He raised a kind and caring shinobi!

Turning away from her sensei, she gestured at her teammates. “Let’s go, guys. Nakamura-san, lead the way.”

“Sure thing,” Nakamura-san agreed, leading the way.

Tsukiko knew full well Sensei was going to be upset with her when she came back for him, but her conscience wouldn’t let her leave him be. Once they got to Nakamura-san’s place, Tsukiko made sure everyone went inside before she did. Hiiragi and Shion noticed immediately and turned to look at her.

“Tsuki, what are you doing?” Shion asked.

“I’m going back to help Sensei.”

“Dude, my dad is going to kill you if you do,” Hiiragi warned.

Tsukiko rubbed her wrists and suppressed a cough . “But I can’t abandon him. I can’t abandon my comrades. That’s what my daddy taught me, because he said that abandoning your comrades makes you trash, and I’m not trash! So I’m going back for sensei.”

“Tsukiko, are you sure you should?” Nakamura-san asked.

Tsukiko gave a curt nod. “Yeah! I’m gonna be just like my daddy and my grandpa, I’m not gonna abandon my sensei.”

“Tsuki…” Hiiragi’s eyes widened.

“Tsuki…” Shion loosed a shaky sigh. “We can’t stop you, can we?”

Tsukiko shook her head. “Nope!”

“Ryouichi really didn’t know what he was talking about, huh?” Shion beamed with pride. “Look at you, Tsukiko-chan. You know what’s up.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Hiiragi admitted. “But there’s no stopping you. Just be warned, my dad will be pretty angry.”

“I know…” Tsukiko agreed. “But I think he’ll understand.”

“Come back safely, Tsukiko,” Nakamura-san pleaded.

Tsukiko nodded and bolted. I really do hope I know what I’m doing, though. Sensei’s gonna be really pissed at me, either way. When she got a third of the way there, she doubled over coughing from the pollution in the air. That was the other issue, how were any of them supposed to fight in this? The air was painful! Sensei was probably struggling too, and he was the most experienced out of the four of them. Of course.

Once she had stopped coughing consistently, she walked the rest of the way. Eventually, she found herself several feet away from her sensei. Although the smog was thick, she was able to make out Ibiki-sensei’s ebony black trench coat whipping around with the breeze. The gauge the severity of the situation, she hid by a building and watched.

Ibiki-sensei coughed heavily into his elbow, and the shinobi before him laughed.

“You’ll get used to the chemical-infested air,” the shinobi said. “But before that, it’ll be easy to take out you and your genin. You won’t stand a chance protecting your charge because you’ll be too busy coughing!”

Ibiki-sensei coughed again. “What’re you trying to insinuate, dickhead?”

“Only one of us is fit enough to fight.”

If he’s not coughing as much as Sensei, that means he’s been here for a while. That’s not good.

“I won’t let you—cough—or this damn smog—cough—get in my way!” Sensei snapped and held up a hand sign to prepare a genjutsu.

At the same time, the opponent began performing his own set of hand seals. She gasped. Wait, is that guy about to do some earth ninjutsu? The shinobi bent over with his palms facing the ground and summoned the earth to grab Ibiki-sensei. Tendrils of rock crawled up her sensei, locking him in place. She slapped a hand over her mouth with her hands before she could let out a startled squeak. Sensei!

Ibiki-sensei squirmed, trying to break free. It was barely audible, but Tsukiko could hear him mutter “bloody hell” as he tried to break free. Her stomach hardened. She had to step in and help him. Yet, what could she possibly do? She didn’t know a whole heck of a lot of jutsu yet! Well...she did just get a lesson on fireball jutsu from Daddy. And she was getting better. Though, she did better at the lightning ninjutsu…

First thing’s first—the thing she was good at. That should do the trick, right?

Bolting out from her hiding place, Tsukiko flashed a string of hand seals before raising her hands into the air, preparing a storm of lightning needles.

“Oh look, one of your pathetic kids came back for you!” the shinobi taunted.

Ibiki-sensei craned his neck to look. His eyes widened with shock, then melted away into a deep frown. “Tsukiko! What the— cough — hell d’you think— cough —you’re doing?!”

“I didn’t want to leave you behind,” she answered. Then, she swiped her hands through the air and shouted, “Lightning Release: Lightning Needle Shower!”

The needles formed, fell, but quickly dissipated. Tsukiko gasped. Crap! That was my good jutsu! Maybe if I try again!

“Leave, now!” Ibiki demanded.

“I can’t!”

“You idiot! You do—cough—not disobey—cough—your master!”

“My daddy taught me not to abandon my comrades! Only bad people do that!”

Frustration flickered upon his face.

“How adorable that Copy Ninja Kakashi’s daughter came back for her master,” the shinobi taunted. “What are you, kid? Eight? Nine? You couldn’t possibly handle me on your own.”

Indignant, Tsukiko stomped her foot. “I’m ten, thank you!” She did the jutsu again. “Lightning Release: Lightning Needle Jutsu!”

She rained down another shower of lightning needles, but a hand made of earth formed and swatter her like a fly. A jolt of pain coursed through her as she flew backwards into the mound of earth Sensei was stuck in. Her head struck the hard earth and she gasped in pain. Stunned, she grabbed the back of her head and writhed on the ground. No, no! Not fair! I want to help Sensei, but I can’t! I’m too inexperienced! This isn’t fair… Tears of pain mixed with frustration streamed down her face, but she didn’t make a sound.

“I told you to—cough—run, Tsukiko,” Ibiki-sensei growled. He squirmed again, trying to get out of the earth prison.

She was in far too much pain to even attempt to respond.

“Like I said, pathetic. Get used to disappointment, kid. It never gets easier.”

“Gods, no...she’s bleeding,” Sensei muttered under his breath.

I’m bleeding? She drew a hand away and through her blurred vision, she could make out stains of crimson on her pale hand. Oh no, my vision’s messed up now. That’s not good.

Behind her, she heard Ibiki-sensei grunt. When she looked towards him, she caught a glimpse of him breaking free of his restraints and hopping out of the earth prison. He landed in front of her as she sat up.

“We will stop you.” Ibiki coughed. “Nakamura Hoshiko is under our protection. You—cough—think you can take us on, but you’ve got another thing coming.”

“Given your protégé’s pathetic attempt at attacking me, I say you have a very low chance of getting through me.”

Pathetic ? Tsukiko’s blood boiled and she forced herself to her feet. “I’ll show you pathetic!” Although she was unsteady on her feet, that wasn’t going to stop her from trying to aim a fireball at him. She clumsily signed for Fireball Jutsu.

“Tsukiko!” Ibiki-sensei snapped. “Enough!”

When Tsukiko formed a weak fireball, the shinobi summoned a pillar of rock that shot her into the air. Her legs stung as the rock hit her feet. The momentum sent her in the air a few feet. Tsukiko landed on her back and the air was promptly knocked out of her. For a few moments, she fought to regain her breath.

“Tsukiko!” Ibiki rushed to her side. “Gods, you are going to be the death of me.”

Dazed, Tsukiko looked up at him but his face was blurred and double. Yet, she could still feel the intensity of his glare. He’s so going to kill me later. Ugh. This was a bad idea. She groaned and squeezed her eyes shut.

“I’m sorry,” she wheezed weakly. Taking a shuddering breath, she continued, “I’m really… really sorry… Sensei.”

Wordlessly, Ibiki-sensei turned away and moments later the shinobi started screaming with pain. She gasped as her master returned his gaze to her and shoved his arms under her. She flinched and let out a whimper of pain as her eyes began watering.

“I cast a very painful genjutsu on that guy.” Ibiki-sensei scooped her into his arms and pushed himself to his feet. “It’ll maim him enough and he won’t be able to follow. Now, let’s get you to safety.”

“I’m sorry… Sensei…” She reached her hand to his vest and gripped it weakly.

“We’ll discuss this later, Tsukiko.”

Chapter Text

イビキ

Ibiki was glad Hiiragi came looking for them, because he couldn’t make heads or tails of where the fuck they were. The deeper into the city they got, the worse the streets and sidewalks. Who the hell designed this place? It was like a freaking maze! There were alleys leading to gods know where. He had to dodge signs, fire hydrants, food trucks, cart vendors, and worse—people.

Ibiki’s sense of direction rarely failed, but when it did, it wasn’t good.

After a good few moments of trying to find his way, he paused to stifle a coughing fit from the fumes. Disgusting. How did people live in this smog? His lungs were irritated to hell! After he recovered, Ibiki looked up and spotted a figure approaching from maybe ten meters away.

“Hiiragi!” Ibiki exclaimed.

Hiiragi lifted his gaze and bolted towards him. “Dad!” As he drew closer, he saw Tsukiko resting in Ibiki’s arms. “Dad, is she okay?”

“Yes, yes, she’s fine—” Ibiki stifled a cough while he spoke, “—please, let’s just get to Hoshiko’s house. This air—cough—is disgusting.”

“I know, Dad. That’s why I went looking for you.”

Ibiki nodded for him to lead the way and he followed his son to the Nakamura household. The house itself was a relatively modest home. A traditional style house with more modern fixings, maybe five or so bedrooms. Hard to tell fully through the smog.When they entered, Hoshiko and Shion jumped to their feet, relieved to see they were okay. However, as soon as Shion settled his gaze on Tsukiko, he loosed a shaky breath.

“What happened?”

“A lesson she soon won’t forget,” Ibiki muttered. “Hoshiko, do you have a room for us?”

“Yes, I do. Follow me.”

She led him to a room, more traditional than he expected. The room was pretty big, but only had two futon. Both were raised on a bamboo platform standing at about ten centimeters off the ground. There was a shoji screen separating the room from the closet and shielded the windows. The tatami flooring squished beneath his feet as he crossed the room and placed Tsukiko on the first bed.

Gods. What was going through this child’s head?

“My daddy taught me to not abandon my comrades. Only bad people do that,” she had said to him.

Shit. Kakashi told her something she took a little too seriously. No wonder she did that. Oh, he was gonna have to have a little chat with the Copy Ninja...

“You're going to be the death of me...” Ibiki grumbled as he pulled the covers over her.

“Sensei, is she okay?” Shion's worried voice approached them.

Ibiki threw a glance over his shoulder. “She's alive.”

“Dad, can I heal her?” Hiiragi asked. “I've been trying to practice healing ninjutsu and I've been reading all of Mom's notes on medical ninjutsu. Can I? Please?'

Ibiki crossed his arms. "Alright... let's see what you can do, son."

Hiragi beamed and he sat next to Ibiki. Immediately, he got to work. He performed a string of hand seals and focused a ball of chakra into the palm of his hand. Ibiki was impressed he could do that much—he must've been working at it.

“You graduated only a few months ago and you’re already able to do minor healing.” Warmth flooded Ibiki’s chest. “Very good, Hiiragi.”

Hiiragi nodded. “Thanks, Dad.” He stopped a few moments after. “Alright, I think she’s okay for now. Tsuki-chan will have a bit of a concussion and may need to rest a bit, but other than that she should be good as new.”

Ibiki patted Hiiragi’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

Hiiragi grinned.

“I gotta say, that was rather brave of her,” Hoshiko remarked as she entered the room.

“Not sure I can call this bravery,” Ibiki admitted. “Although, not stupid either. Reckless, more like.” He lowered his gaze. “Though that is neither here nor there. Right now, I’m just relieved she’s alive.”

“I am as well. I tried talking her out of it, Ibiki, but she insisted.”

“Oh, I’m sure.” Ibiki tensed when he heard the front door open. “Are you expecting anybody, Hoshiko?”

“I...I don’t know. I can tell my niece is out of the house, though. So maybe she just got home.”

I hope it’s just that... but to be safe... “Shion, go check who came through the front door.”

“Sir.” Shion hopped to his feet and bolted out of the room.

Ibiki shifted his gaze to Hoshiko. “While we wait, I must ask a few questions. Please don’t take them the wrong way, I’m simply trying to understand the situation. Do you know that shinobi?”

“No.” Hoshiko shook her head. “I don’t.”

She’s telling the truth. Ibiki dipped his head thoughtfully. “And tell me again what your purpose was in our village?”

“I was helping get my company’s new console set up in stores across the fire, including Konoha.”

Again, the truth. He scowled. “Do you know anything about this rebellion he was talking about?”

“I haven’t been here in two months,” Hoshiko tensed. “I don’t think a rebellion leader would’ve left their country for that long. So no, not really.”

“Hmm...” Ibiki raised an eyebrow. She had a point. Why would that be so? But if it wasn’t, then why was she called the leader of the resistance? Why would the government want her eliminated? He didn’t get a chance to continue the interrogation. Shion returned with a young woman who looked eerily similar to Hoshiko, with long brown hair in low twin braids. Admittedly, he thought she could’ve easily passed for a younger Hoshiko.

The woman gasped and rushed into the room. “Obasan! I missed you! I’m so glad you’re safe and sound.”

“Now, now, Aneri.” Hoshiko soothed. “I had shinobi escorting me, like you insisted, and they did a wonderful job getting me home.”

Aneri turned to the shinobi and dipped her head. “My apologies. In my excitement to see my aunt, I forgot proper etiquette. I’m Aneri.” Her gaze shifted to Tsukiko. “Oh, dear me. What happened? Are they going to be okay?”

“She’ll live.” Ibiki scowled and lowered his gaze back on his pupil. “Hard-headed little gremlin...” She’s going to be the death of me, though. Yare-yare. “But on our way here, we were attacked by some shinobi. Perhaps you would know why?”

Aneri shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“Someone hired shinobi to take out the resistance here,” Hoshiko stated. “And that I’m somehow the leader of it?”

“What?” Aneri blinked. “I don’t know anything about that, Auntie.”

“Nothing?” Ibiki asked.

“No...” Aneri frowned. “The only reason I insisted on shinobi escorts is because I worry about ronin or bandits out in the mainland. This is the first time I’m hearing of the resistance and my aunt being the leader.”

“So someone must’ve assigned you as the leader because of your political viewpoints.” Ibiki put a hand on his chin. “I’d ask who would hire the shinobi we encountered, but I think we already know.”

“We do?” Shion asked.

Ibiki gave a slight nod. “Yes. Our earlier conversation about the government not willing to listen to the people, and how there should be a revolt.” He glanced at Hoshiko. “Your viewpoints must be well known for you to be made the leader of the revolution, yes?”

“Well, I imagine so,” Hoshiko agreed. “But I haven’t really put together anything for that. I’ve been busy enough with the release of the GameStation, you know? I really don’t have the time or the energy to be pouring into a revolt.”

Ibiki nodded. “I understand. But from the looks of it, you’re being targeted, Hoshiko.”

“Yeah...” Hoshiko sighed. “But I don’t know what to do about it.”

“We’ll help you.”

Both Hoshiko and her niece looked up with wide eyes.

“R-Really? Are you sure?” Aneri asked. “You were only hired for C-Rank, n-not B.”

“I’m not going to be an asshole and leave you two to figure this out on your own,” Ibiki explained. “We’re already here. And these three have to learn somehow.”

“Thank you so much, Morino-san.” Aneri dipped her head deeply. “We’ll pay you accordingly.”

Ibiki nodded. “Thank you.” He returned his gaze to his pupil, unconscious on the bed. Oh...we’re going to be learning a lot on this mission, aren’t we?

月子

Tsukiko woke up later that evening with a throbbing headache. It almost felt as though someone had pressed her eyes into her skull while a light buzzing rang in her ears. She groaned and screwed her face up against the pain. Ugh, what did I do? Why do I feel so bad? For several moments, she lay motionless, begging the pain to go away. Eventually, she gave up­––it wasn’t going to go away for a while. Instead of trying to fall back asleep, she tried to open her eyes.

At first, the dim light filtering into the room stung her already sore eyes. “Ouch!” She closed them again and slapped her hands over her eyes. Her headache intensified briefly before calming back down. This sucks, ugh. What the heck happened? It took a few moments before she could open her eyes again and try to adjust to the dim light.

At first, Tsukiko’s vision remained blurry, and she couldn’t quite make out her surroundings. After a few blinks to bring her vision into focus, she realized she was in someone’s spare bedroom. The walls were beige, and a few old-style paintings hung neatly against the wall. The floors were made of tatami and the door was shōji, meaning the light filtering in was from the hallway. A diffuse light, at least. Across from her bed was a shōji room divider, and she figured on the other side was probably a dresser. From the angle she had, it was hard to tell.

Where am I? She pushed herself up into a sitting position. And where’s Sensei?

“Hm... I wonder if she’s awake yet.” It was Sensei’s voice.

The hallway lights brightened and the door opened. Tsukiko squeaked with pain and covered her eyes quickly.

“Well that answers that question.” He slid the door closed. “You can uncover your eyes, Tsukiko. The shōji is closed now.”

Tsukiko dropped her hands and looked at him. “S-Sensei? What happened? My head hurts really badly.”

“That’s your first major lesson on being a shinobi, young’un. You hit your head.”

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t remember blatantly disrespecting my orders and being reckless?”

Tsukiko pressed her lips together. No, she hardly remembered anything after getting off the ship. Everything after that was pretty fuzzy. With an awkward glance at her sensei, she echoed her thoughts out loud. He sighed and swiped an exasperated hand over his face. After a hesitant pause, he explained what happened. Oops...I really messed up, didn’t I?

“I will say, I’m not mad at you,” Sensei said at the end. “I’m mostly frustrated and maybe a bit disappointed.”

“I’m sorry, Sensei...” Tsukiko lowered her head. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

“No, but you got a tough lesson on what happens when you disobey your superiors.” Sensei shrugged. “Anyway, do you otherwise feel okay?”

“I guess I do... my head really hurts though. Like worse than after I cry really hard.”

Sensei grasped at his biceps. “You need some water, probably. And pain killers. Are you hungry? I can get them to reheat some rice and miso.”

Tsukiko dropped her gaze. “Why are you being nice?”

Ibiki-Sensei scowled. “What do you mean?”

“I disobeyed direct orders.”

Sensei dipped his head. “You think you should be punished for it. Well… trust me, you’re already being punished for it with that concussion of yours. I’m not going to punish you further. Take it as a lesson. Learn from it. Move on. It’s the life of a shinobi. You fuck up but you keep going.”

Tsukiko offered a slow nod.

“Don’t worry about it,” Ibiki reassured. “I’ll be right back, ok?”

“Yeah…”

Without waiting for her response, he turned and left the room quickly to avoid hurting her eyes more. For several moments, she remained still. Then, she gingerly massaged her temples. Gods. Why does being a shinobi have to be frustrating? Every decision felt hard! Sure, she should’ve listened. But at the same time, it felt unfair to leave Sensei alone without backup. Was she just overthinking things?

Ibiki-Sensei returned a few minutes later with a bowl of miso and a bowl of rice on a tray with a cup of green tea. Tsukiko accepted and took a sip of the tea first before digging into her food. Sensei reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, crumpled up paper towel and pulled out a small pill.

“Here, this should ease your headache.” He offered it to her.

“Thanks, sensei...”

He sat on the other bed in the room and rested his wrists on his knees. “Well, you’re gonna have to rest up for at least the next day or two, kiddo.”

“What about genjutsu lessons? Aren’t you gonna teach me more?”

“Well, I was. But then you recklessly threw yourself into a battle you had no business going into...”

Tsukiko dropped her gaze.

“I don’t want you overexerting yourself,” Ibiki-sensei continued. “You almost got yourself killed.”

“But genjutsu won’t make me hit my head again,” she pointed out.

“Well... I could make you hit your head if I took control of you that way. But that’s not the point.”

“Please, Sensei?” Tsukiko begged.

Ibiki-Sensei sighed. “You sure are a stubborn brat.”

Tsukiko grinned. “Daddy tells me that all the time. And Grandpa tells him that too. He says it’s genetic, because all Hatake are stubborn.”

“Well, your grandfather isn’t entirely wrong...”

“Please, Sensei?”

Sensei loosed a loud sigh of exasperation. “Alright, how about this: you rest up tonight and tomorrow, and we’ll talk about it later?”

“Okay...” Tsukiko agreed.

“Hmph, kids.” Ibiki-sensei shook his head. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, Tsuki.”

They saw shadows moving towards the shōji door.

“Hiiragi, Shion... you two be careful opening the door,” Ibiki-sensei warned. “Tsukiko has a headache and light’ll make it worse.”

Tsukiko dropped her gaze. “It’s fine. They can come in.”

The door slid open, footsteps entered, and the door closed behind them. Tsukiko glanced back up and saw her two teammates entering in.

“What do you want?” Ibiki asked.

“Just wanted to check on Tsukiko,” Hiiragi admitted.

“Yeah,” Shion agreed.

Tsukiko softened her expression. “Thank y’all for checking on me.”

“Are you okay?” Hiiragi asked. “You took a serious hit.”

“My head hurts, but otherwise I’m okay, I think.”

“She’s stubborn,” Ibiki muttered. “But I knew that going in.”

Hiiragi giggled. “Dad, is she as bad as me?”

“Hm... you both are pretty stubborn... perhaps equally so at times.”

Shion giggled.

“Oh, Sensei, you said we had been fighting some people,” Tsukiko started. “Who exactly were we fighting? And like, why?”

“We were fighting for-hire shinobi who were trying to take out a revolution,” Sensei explained. “Though, the problem is, they’ve deemed Nakamura-san to be the leader of that revolution, and she isn’t aware of anything about that.”

“Are we gonna keep helping them even though we were technically hired for something else?” Tsukiko asked.

“We are,” Ibiki-sensei agreed. “We’re already here, and I’m not one to turn down a challenge. I think the three of you will benefit from this lesson. It’ll be tough, because you’re not fully trained. But I believe in your capabilities, as I have trained… well, two of you and raised the other one.”

Everyone laughed. Tsukiko caught sight of shadows again and there was a knock. Glancing at the shōji door, she realized maybe the headache had gone down some. Her head didn’t hurt looking at the diffuse light anymore.Nice.

“Yes?” Sensei asked.

The door slid opened. Tsukiko saw it was Nakamura-san, who settled a gentle gaze on Tsukiko.

“Ah, I just wanted to see how you were doing.” Nakamura-san dipped her head. “Sorry… when Ibiki brought you back, I was pretty worried.”

“I’m okay.” Tsukiko beamed. “I’m a ninja, I can take it.”

“You’re a novice, Tsuki,” Ibiki reminded.

“I mean… still! I can take it! I’m just like my daddy.”

“Yes… you are… except maybe more chaotic.”

Nakamura-san giggled. “How cute.”

Ibiki-sensei shrugged. “Anyway, I think tomorrow I’ll give a fighting lesson to the boys.”

“But what about me? I need to be trained too!” Tsukiko groaned.

“Tsuki, I already told you that you have to rest.”

“Oh, Ibiki, isn’t there anything you can have her do?” Nakamura-san asked.

“I’m afraid not.” Sensei shook his head slowly.

“Ugh…” Tsukiko finished her supper and sighed. What did I get myself into… now I’m not gonna be able to train.

Nakamura-san reached for the empty bowls. “I’ll take those and bring you some water.”

“Okay.”

After Nakamura-san took the bowls, she left the shinobi alone for a bit. Tsukiko slumped her shoulders, still feeling dumb about what she did.

“Don’t worry, we’ve all done stupid shit at some point.” Ibiki-sensei gave her a gentle pat. “And even if it wasn’t stupid shit, we typically overexert ourselves rather often. It’s part of the job.”

“Kinda like when Daddy over-uses his chakra?” Tsukiko asked.

“Yes.”

“He does it really easily. That’s why he covers his sharingan eye.”

“Yes. Do you know why that is, Tsukiko?”

“It’s because he’s not an Uchiha, and the Sharingan isn’t part of our bloodline,” Tsukiko answered cheerfully. “Because of it, he doesn’t have enough chakra naturally!”

“Very good.”

“So wait, if you get a kekkei genkai like how Kakashi-san did, you can eat up more of your chakra that way?” Shion asked.

“Indeed, Yamada. Say you manage to earn yourself a byakugan from a dying Hyuuga teammate, as Kakashi did with his sharingan. You can try to use it all you want, within limits. You’ll tire more easily, though. Are you going to utilize that byakugan often, or are you going to cover it up?”

Shion nodded with understanding.

“Dad, what would happen if a Hyuuga ended up with a sharingan like Kakashi-san?” Hiiragi asked. “Or like, an Uchiha gets a byakugan?”

Ibiki-sensei grimaced and glanced up at the ceiling, fumbling for a response. Finally, he shrugged and showed the palm of his hands.

“Good question. I don’t have an answer for that,” he admitted his defeat.

Hiiragi grinned. “I stumped you, Dad.”

“Yes, you did. Little shit.”

Nakamura-san returned with a glass of water. “Alright, here’s your water. Gotta stay hydrated. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask me or my niece, Aneri. That goes for all of you.” Everyone nodded. “Bathroom’s down the hallway if you need to freshen up, Tsukiko-chan.”

“Thank you.” Tsukiko bowed before accepting the water.

The woman smiled and left the bedroom. Ibiki-sensei turned to Hiiragi and Shion and sighed.

“And on that note, how about we call it a night?” Sensei asked. “Hiiragi, Shion, off to bed y’all go.”

“Okay, Sensei.” Shion hopped back to his feet.

“Yes, Dad…” Hiiragi mirrored Shion’s movement. “Night, Tsukiko-chan.”

“Yeah, night, Tsukiko!”

The pair left the room and Tsukiko glanced at Sensei. “I’m sharing the room with you?”

Ibiki shrugged. “I figured you would feel better with that set up.”

“Oh… yeah… I guess so.”

“Anyway, go clean up a bit and get ready for bed. Alright?”

“But didn’t I just sleep?”

“Yeah, but… sleep’s a form of medicine.”

“Aw… okay.”

Tsukiko hopped to her feet. At first, she was greeted with dizziness, but as soon as it passed she headed to her backpack and sifted through for her nighttime stuff. Once obtained, she headed to the bathroom and started getting ready.

She scrubbed hard at her face, trying to rid it of all the disgusting grime, dirt, and blood that she accumulated from the attack. Yuck! After the thorough scrub, she dried her face and gazed into the mirror. A pair of bright blue eyes stared back at her. She sighed, thinking about how obvious it was that she was a Hatake. Bits of the attack were coming back, and the ninja’s comment about her being Kakashi’s child came with the memories. Of course, her pale skin and silver hair were dead giveaways.

Ugh.

“Your hair came from generations of brave Hatake men and women,” Grandpa once told her. She recalled him gently running his fingers through her hair when she was a little girl, about five years of age. That day had been her first at the Academy and another young girl had started bullying Tsukiko because of being a girl with a mess of hair. “See, our silver hair tells a story of a fight—one we never lost. So remember that the next time Hina mocks you for your beautiful hair. You’re strong, just like me and your daddy.”

Tsukiko tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear and wondered if Daddy would be upset about her defying Sensei’s orders. On the one hand, he could be a bit proud because she wouldn’t abandon her comrade. On the other, she disobeyed Sensei.

Tsukiko dropped her gaze. She knew she shouldn’t have returned to Sensei’s side, but she felt like she had to. Ugh. Why does being a shinobi have to be so darn complicated ?

Tsukiko shook her head. She was overthinking again. It’s ok, Tsuki. No one seems to be mad at you.

But why did it have to feel like Sensei was a bit mad?

Chapter Text

月子

When Tsukiko returned to the room, Ibiki-sensei pulled his layers off. He set his vest aside, neatly folding it and placing it on top of his folded trench coat. He hadn’t taken off his hitai-ate. Huh. Even at night, he tried to keep his bandana on.

Once he was ready, he reached into his backpack and pulled out case files and a pen. Curious, she continued watching him until he turned and began walking towards her. He stopped dead in his tracks and looked at her.

“Good job. Didn’t realize you were there.” Sensei patted Tsukiko’s head and she grinned. “Anyway. I’m gonna work on these files before I go to sleep. You can do something to relax as well, if you’d like.” He gestured at her backpack.

Tsukiko thought for a moment and reached inside to pull out her sketchbook. Ibiki smiled and nodded with approval. She sat back down on her futon and started a new sketch. Ibiki-sensei took a seat on the other futon and read through his case files, scribbling notes in the margins as he went. For a little over an hour, the pair sat in silence together. As time went on, however, Tsukiko felt fatigue settle back into her bones and fog her mind. Ugh. How long was this gonna last?

“I think I’m ready to pass out,” Sensei startled Tsukiko out of her thoughts. “What about you? Can I turn off the lights?”

“Y-Yeah...I guess so...” Tsukiko yawned.

“Sure sounds like it...” Ibiki-sensei teased. “Alright.” He crossed the room to flick the light switch. “Good night, Tsukiko.”

“Sensei?”

He paused before he turned the light off. “Yes?”

“A-Are you mad at me?”

He sighed and flicked the switch before returning to the futons. “I’m not mad, Tsukiko. Just disappointed, is all. You disobeyed my direct orders. And I understand where you’re coming from, kiddo. I do. But you are my subordinate, and you do as I say.” He sat on his futon. “Besides that, you’re ten years old. You’re still learning a lot of things. Kids tend to press boundaries, shinobi or not. It’s just a natural part of being human.”

Tsukiko pulled the covers over herself as she lied down on the futon.

“All I ask is that you don’t disobey me like that again,” Ibiki finished. “Alright?”

“Yes, Sensei…”

He laid on his bed as well and sighed. “Now. Get some rest, Tsukiko. Good night.”

“Good night, sensei…”

Tsukiko woke the next morning to the sound of Ibiki moving around in the bedroom. At first, she thought she had to get up with him, until she remembered she was supposed to be resting. Oh… Right. Ugh. Boring.

But Tsukiko didn’t want to rest. She wanted to get up and do things. Hadn’t she rested enough by this point? Ugh!

With a sharp intake of breath, she pushed herself into a sitting position. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and looked at Sensei. He stood in front of the dresser, slipping his arms into his trench coat. A few moments passed before Ibiki-sensei turned to look at her.

“Oh, sorry. Did I wake you, kiddo?”

Tsukiko shrugged, not wanting to admit he had.

“Hm, I did but you don’t want to admit it.” He straightened his trench coat. “You can’t hurt my feelings, Tsuki. I barely have any.”

Tsukiko giggled.

“Anyway, I think I’m gonna take the boys to...maybe train outside? I don’t know how well it’ll work, with the air quality being as piss-poor as it is.”

“Are you sure?” Tsukiko asked. “Maybe it’d be better to train indoors.”

“It would, but we can’t let these people have an advantage over us.”

Tsukiko tilted her head. “Why don’t we wear face masks? Like the ones we’re supposed to wear when we’re sick. Wouldn’t that be better?”

Ibiki-sensei paused. “You know… you might be on to something. I’ll have to ask Hoshiko where we could obtain face masks.” He patted her head. “Good job, Tsuki. That’s the kind of thinking you need to have as a shinobi.”

Tsukiko beamed.

“Anyway. I know you’ve slept a lot and rested, so I’m guessing you may want to venture out a bit.” Sensei sighed. “But just know you’re sitting out of training still.”

“I know, Sensei.” Tsukiko nodded. “I can... draw or... Oh, I think I have a book on genjutsu with me.”

Sensei pinched his chin in thought. “Read the book on genjutsu and you can write me a summary on whatever you like. And we’ll call it even.”

“Whatever I want?”

“Yeah. I don’t think I’ve ever read that book you have, so I can’t give a proper assignment. But I want to know what you are familiar with now.”

Tsukiko nodded. “Hai, Sensei.”

He patted their head. “Good, Let’s go.”

The pair of them headed out to the hallway and Ibiki lead Tsukiko to the kitchen. From the hallway, Tsukiko could smell breakfast being cooked. Rice was the easiest scent to catch but there was another one that was harder to decipher. Fish, maybe? Whatever it was, the seasoning or sauce had a delightfully sweet scent. Her two teammates sat at the kitchen table; Hiiragi was drawing in his sketchbook and Shion was reading a book. Meanwhile, Aneri and Hoshiko worked on breakfast together.

Tsukiko entered the kitchen with Sensei. The boys glanced up and waved awkwardly.

“Ohayou.” Hiiragi pointed his pencil and Tsukiko. “Did you sleep ok? How’re you feeling?”

Tsukiko poked her fingers together. “Y-Yeah... I did. I’m fine. But I’m still really tired.”

“It’ll be another day or two,” Sensei was gentle. “Sit.”

Tsukiko nodded and sat in front of Hiiragi. He beamed at then before going back to his drawing.

“Do you two have some paper Tsukiko could use?” Sensei asked their hosts. “I’ve tasked her with writing me an essay from her book on genjutsu.”

“Oh sure! I believe we have some notebooks, right Aneri?” Hoshiko asked.

“In the office,” Aneri agreed. “I can look for one after breakfast, if that’s okay?”

Ibiki-sensei nodded. “Sure, not a problem. Oh! and face masks, such as the kind you wear when you’re sick. Would those filter out the particulates from this horrid air?”

“Some of it, yes. Would that allow you guys to train?”

“I would like to believe so, yes,” Sensei agreed.

“Worth a try!” Aneri beamed.

After breakfast, Sensei took the boys for training outside, leaving Tsukiko alone. She read her book in silence while sipping from her tea. Every so often, she found herself nodding off from fatigue. The third time she did, she was startled awake by Aneri setting down some paper and pens for Tsukiko to use for her essay.

“Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you, Tsukiko-chan.”

Tsukiko rubbed her eyes roughly. “It’s okay.”

Aneri glanced over Tsukiko’s shoulder. “Are you doodling in your sketchbook while you read?”

Tsukiko glanced at the sketchbook, opened on the page she was working on. She had Daddy and Grandpa together. Though, it wasn’t really good.

“Yeah. Helps me focus a little bit.”

Aneri smiled. “Who’s that?”

Tsukiko smiled. “My daddy and grandpa.”

“Your daddy wears a mask?”

“Yeah. He doesn’t like how he looks. I think he looks good. And so does Grandpa. But Daddy says we’re biased.”

Aneri giggled. “It’s okay, he’s probably self-conscious about something you don’t notice. Everyone has a part of themselves they don’t like.”

Tsukiko touched her hair. She used to be self-conscious of her hair because usually only boys had messy hair like hers and she always got misgendered. Yet at the same time, she couldn’t imagine it being any different. Though, another thought occurred to her—she didn’t like being seen as a girl sometimes, but also hated being seen as a boy. She liked it being hard to guess what her gender was, to be honest.

“Kinda like me,” Aneri continued. “I had the reproductive system of a boy because that’s what I was born with. But I feel really uncomfortable with that, so I tried finding a way to present differently. But it’s still not enough. It wasn’t as simple as covering my face, as much as I wish it was.”

“What happened?” Tsukiko asked.

“Well, after some research, I discovered I could have surgery to correct the bottom half, to feel more like myself.” Aneri smiled. “And estrogen to help with the top half.” She pointed at her chest. “My breasts aren’t much now, but they will be in another year. I hope.”

“How do the hormones do that?” Tsukiko asked.

Aneri chuckled. “I’m basically going through second puberty, so it’s called. You’re going through yours now, right?”

“Yeah. Daddy was shocked when he realized I was growing that way. He said I’m growing too fast!” Tsukiko giggled. “Grandpa threatened to put a brick on my head.”

Aneri laughed. “Very much a grandfatherly thing to say. But yeah, hormones are what cause your body to grow and develop into whatever your gender may be. Yours is…?”

Tsukiko shrugged. “I look like a boy but I have girl parts.”

“I sense a ‘but’ coming…” Aneri finally pulled up the seat beside her.

“But I don’t feel like I’m either. I kinda like that my appearance keeps people guessing.” Tsukiko flashed a mischievous grin.

“So you’re saying, you don’t like when people call you a boy, but…?”

“I dunno if I’m really a girl either.”

“Ah…” She smiled. “Well, Tsuki, what if I told you that you don’t have to be a girl or a boy?”

“Huh?”

“Mhm…” Aneri nodded. “Chuusei. Or maybe musei.”

“Chuusei? Musei?”

“Yep. Chuusei is kinda like… gender neutral. Like just neither, or maybe something else. And musei is like just not having a gender. Because that can happen sometimes, where someone doesn’t feel like they have a gender. It also encompasses people who just don’t care about gender.”

“Sometimes I feel like I’m neither, but I dunno if I don’t have a gender.”

“It’s okay! You can always be discovering your gender.” Aneri smiled. “I think I might be chuusei myself. What about you?”

Tsukiko took a moment to process everything. What was she? Well, she wasn’t a boy and she wasn’t entirely a girl. Though, she did sort of identify with the latter, but not enough to be comfortable with being called one. Maybe she was more neutral. Finally, she smiled. “I’m chuusei.”

Aneri hugged her. “Chuusei it is. Do you like your name?”

“Kinda. I don’t like the girl suffix though.”

“Okay, well if you want to, you can drop it!”

Tsuki looked at Aneri. “But… what do I tell my daddy?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well… Daddy gets upset sometimes because I do something different from what he expected. Like I told him I wanted to be a genjutsu master like Sensei and he got a little upset.”

“He sounds like he’s worried about you.” Aneri nodded at the doodle. “But you really love your daddy, huh? You’re drawing him, so that tells me that you two have a pretty good relationship.”

“I guess so,” Tsuki agreed.

“What’s he like?”

“My daddy is really cool!” Tsuki beamed. “He’s the Copy Ninja. He can use all five main nature types and knows a lot of jutsu. He protects innocent people and our village. And... he’s always there for me when I really need him. Kinda like when I had a really mean teammate on my team. Though, he kinda followed me on one of my training sessions and spied on us. I didn't need him there because I had Sensei there to help me. But Daddy was really worried, I guess…"

They glanced down. "And he didn't want me to learn genjutsu from Sensei either. It feels like he doesn't trust Sensei with me sometimes, but like he was super excited when I graduated the academy. So I don't really understand why he feels like he still has to protect me like this…"

Aneri brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Well, it sounds to me like he really cares about you. I think he loves you no matter what.”

“You think so?”

“Mhm.”

Tsuki looked back at Aneri. "Did your parents support you?"

Aneri pursed her lips and it took a few moments before she could respond. With a shake of her head, she said, "No. But my parents aren't the greatest people in the world to begin with. That's why I live with my auntie instead. Auntie Hoshi took me in when my parents disowned me a few years ago…" Tsuki widened their eyes and Aneri held out her hands and shook them. "It's okay, don't worry. That will unlikely happen to you. Some people just are bad parents. But I don't think that'd happen to you."

Tsuki slumped their shoulders. “I hope it won't. I really love my daddy and grandpa.”

“I can tell.” Aneri chuckled. “And I bet they love you just as much. Unfortunately, parents will always worry, Tsuki. It's a natural part of parenthood."

"Are you a parent?" Tsuki canted their head to the side.

"Not particularly, no, but I work with kids quite often."

"I think you'd be a good mommy. You're really nice and caring."

"Aw, you are such a sweetie. Thank you." Aneri beamed. "I hope I can have kids one day. I mean, I won't be able to carry them, but I'd like to help still if I can."

"You'd be really good at it." Tsuki grinned.

Aneri nodded. "I appreciate it." She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Ooh, I want to add… because you may be chuusei or musei, just know you do not owe a soul androgyny. If you want to present like a girl, or a boy, or neither, or both, that's your choice. The way you present is special to you, nobody else."

"I like the way I dress and present myself. It's really comfy."

Aneri chuckled. "Then, that's perfect. And you are perfect the way you are. Even if you're apparently a little menace to your sensei."

Tsuki giggled, not even trying to deny the accusation. "Yeah!"

"Well… I should let you get back to your assignment for your sensei. I don't think he'd appreciate me distracting you for very long." Aneri giggled. "But, I'm glad we got to talk, and that I was also able crack an egg."

"Eh?" Tsuki tilted their head. "Crack an egg?"

Aneri giggled again. "Yes, 'crack the egg'. Means you're transgender but you didn't know it yet. And then I cracked the 'egg' for you, by educating you."

"Oh! That…makes sense. I think."

Aneri nodded and stood up. "Well, I'm going to go fold laundry with my auntie. Please let one of us know if you need anything, alright?"

"Okay." Tsuki watched Aneri leave the room before returning to their work. They made sure to take as many notes as they could so they could write Sensei the best essay he's ever seen. In full blown hyperfixation mode, they spent so much time on the essay and notes that they hadn't realized how close to having an accident until Sensei came back in an hour and a half later with the boys.

"Yuck, Dad, my face is really sweaty under this mask." Hiiragi groaned as he pried it off. "Oh, EW! My mask is gross too."

"Yeah, that's gonna happen, kiddo." Sensei took his mask off as well and then wiped away the sweat from underneath. "But I do agree, it is gross."

"Will the air ever clear here?" Shion asked, also pulling his mask off. "Like, I dunno how anyone can actually breathe comfortably."

Sensei sighed. "Perhaps once they regulate emissions, the air will be breathable again. For now, this is just how it is, as sad as I am to say it."

Tsuki looked up and widened their eyes at the feeling in their bladder. Oh shit. Carefully, they sat their pencil down and stood up. Sensei looked at them in amusement before they bolted off to go to the bathroom. After they finished up and washed their hands, they glanced back in the mirror at themself. Am I really chuusei? They ran their fingers through their hair. It felt more accurate than just a girl or a boy.

Would Sensei understand it?

They threw a glance over their shoulder at the sound of Ibiki-sensei barking with laughter. Surely, he would. He's proven over and over again how he understood them and cared about them. He'll totally understand, right?

Tsuki poked their fingers together and took a deep breath. Everything's fine. Everything's okay. There was no need to worry. Tsuki was just, well, Tsuki.

They left the bathroom finally and headed back into the kitchen, where their study materials were still. Sensei had bent over and started reading what they had so far for their essay. Their cheeks burned bright red.

"Se-Sensei, it's not finished yet."

"You've already written two pages, Tsuki," Sensei chuckled. "I think you went a little bit overboard with this. I like the enthusiasm, though, but please don't hyperfixate like that. You'll hurt yourself."

"Ah, h-how did you…"

"When you bolted to the bathroom when we came in," Ibiki-sensei explained. "So it's easy to deduce, we brought you out of your zone."

Tsuki scratched behind their head. "I guess so. Yeah…"

"This is fine as is," Sensei told them. "Three pages is more than enough for me."

Tsuki poked their fingers together. "A-Are you sure? I didn't even get to finish it."

"Yes, it's fine. Give it a break, kiddo." He took the papers and tapped them to straighten them. "We'll call it even."

"Dad, how come you're teaching Tsukiko how to do genjutsu?" Hiiragi asked.

"At first, it was because of the kid I kicked off the team," Ibiki admitted. "But, Tsukiko here has great potential for genjutsu. I think it'll come in handy for her one day."

Tsuki took note of how they felt about being called 'Tsukiko' and being referred to as 'she'. They definitely didn't like the '-ko' tacked onto their name, but… For some reason being referred to as 'she' didn't bother them as much. They'd still rather be referred to neutrally, but also didn't mind the feminine references.

Of course, almost nothing about them was going to be cut and dry, huh?

Tsuki wanted to talk to Sensei, and as much as they liked their teammates, they weren't sure they were ready to say anything in front of them yet. They wanted Sensei's guidance first.

But first, to get Sensei alone… that wasn't going to be easy, was it?

"Anyway," Sensei took a seat on the other side of where Tsuki had been sitting. "I think what I want to do is take an intelligence gathering mission later. I'd like to scope out who our potential enemies are, and their potential weaknesses." He glanced between the three genin. "You three will remain here. I don't need help for this. I just need the three of you to stay here and keep Aneri and Hoshiko safe. Got it?"

"What if something happens?" Hiiragi asked.

Ibiki turned to Tsuki. "Would you be willing to come find me if something goes wrong? It might be a difficult task, but I believe you'd be up for it."

Tsuki blinked. "M-Me?"

Ibiki nodded. "I mean, with you having a concussion, it'd be safer for you to come get me."

Tsuki dropped their gaze, shame burning their cheeks. Oh… that was the only reason…

"It's not just because of your concussion, if you're wondering. I trust your capabilities to track me down."

Tsuki lifted their gaze again. "Really?"

"Mhm." Sensei smiled and then sighed. "I just hope it doesn't come to needing to come get me. It's not the ideal situation. However, sometimes there is no winning decisions in the shinobi world."

"I hope not either," Tsuki admitted.

"Yeah…" Hiiragi agreed. "I'd rather nothing happen when you're gone."

"Unfortunately, shit will happen. And there's nothing we can really do about it," Sensei admitted. "It's good to have a plan in place just in case. Alright?"

Everyone nodded.

"Good. Now… let's rest up, get clean, and perhaps have lunch. Shall we?"

"Me first, I feel yucky!" Hiiragi groaned.

Tsuki offered a tentative smile. Hopefully, no one will see them any differently than before once they come out of the closet.

Chapter Text

イビキ

Ibiki slipped his trench coat back on later that day. He knew whatever intelligence he had to gather today was going to be rather interesting. A group that wants to pin Hoshiko as a revolutionary leader, all because she speaks against what the government is for. Yet every bit of what he's observed the past day told him there was no way in hell she could do that. Sure, she can run a gaming company, but to lead a group of people to go against the government was an entirely different skillset. One that he didn't believe she possessed. Realistically, of course.

Tsukiko was behind him. He turned. She had her arms behind her back and a lowered gaze. Hm. That's unusual… "You ok, kiddo?"

Tsukiko poked their fingers together. "Sensei, I uh…"

Oh no. Please don't be her first period. Ibiki held his breath. That was the last thing he needed to deal with right now!

"D-Do you know… Eh… I—I don't know… if I'm… am I a girl?"

Ibiki loosed his breath and let out a bark of laughter. Oh, just that? Thank goodness. He didn't need Tsukiko to start her period. Ibiki slapped a hand over his face and shook it with a sardonic chuckle. Oh. Jeez. Working with prepubescent monsters was certainly interesting.

"I—uh… Sensei? Are you okay?"

"Yeah." He laughed again with relief. "Sorry, I was worried you were gonna tell me something else."

Tsukiko tilted their head. "Uh… Like what?"

Ibiki shoved his embarrassment down. "N-Nothing you need to worry about right now." Ibiki took a calming breath so he wouldn't laugh again. "So, you don't think you're a girl?"

"N-not really."

Ibiki put a hand on his chin. "Are you a boy?"

Tsukiko shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "No."

Why is she so nervous about this? I'm not going to judge her. "Something in between, then?"

"Kinda? I guess? An—uh—Aneri-san told me about chuusei and musei… and… I kinda relate to chuusei."

"Chuusei…" Ibiki repeated the word thoughtfully. "Gender neutral. Yeah, I can see it."

Tsukiko blinked in confusion. "You're… okay with it?"

Ibiki raised an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I be, Tsuki? What kind of jackass do you take me for?" Oh, trauma response from being bullied. She fears judgement from having been judged during school.

"I-I just… everything seems to involve boys and girls, and everyone in between seems to be left out…" The tears finally slipped from her eyes. Ibiki sighed and wiped them.

"Who gives a shit what's 'normal'?" He grinned. "We're ninja, nothing about us is normal. The only 'normal' really is just the setting on a washer and dryer. Got it?"

Tsukiko giggled. "Yes, Sensei."

He patted her head. "There's no shame in being different. Imagine if everyone was the same, it'd be pretty boring wouldn't it? I mean, fuck. Imagine if everyone was like me? That'd be a special kind of fucked up, don't you think?"

Tsukiko giggled harder. "I guess so, Sensei."

Ibiki grinned again and placed a finger under their chin to lift it. "Now, chin up. You, Hatake Tsukiko, are perfect the way you are. I don't want to see you crying because you're scared to be different. Embrace who you are. Fuck with everyone. And if someone gets pissed off, tell them they can go fuck themselves. And if they argue, tell them who your sensei is. They'll back off pretty fast in most instances."

Tsukiko tilted her head. "Thank you, Sensei…"

He crossed his arms. "So if you're not a girl or a boy, how do you want to be referred?"

"I… I don't know?" Tsukiko poked her fingers together again. "I mean… definitely not 'he'."

"No," Ibiki agreed.

"I guess… hm…" Tsukiko dropped her gaze. "Well… they/she? I guess? Because like… I don't mind 'she' being sprinkled in. But… because I'm not entirely a girl… I'd rather have more 'theys' in the mix."

They and she. Well, who's Ibiki to judge?

"And your name?"

"I dunno, Sensei…" They slumped their shoulders. "I don't really like the -ko affix, if I'm gonna be honest. I feel like it's too girly. I like the Tsuki part. I love the moon."

Ibiki put a hand on his chin in thought. "Do you want to have a different affix? I can think of a few alternatives if you'd like."

Tsuki tilted their head. "Like…?"

"Hm… Tsukichiyo. Moon, earth, and sun."

Tsuki grimaced. "Meh."

"Fair enough. Too long of a name for a pipsqueak like you." Ibiki tilted his head. There were a few different names with 'tsuki', but few that were gender neutral. "Eh… Tsukiyomi?"

"Tsukiyomi-sama was mean to Amaterasu-sama's friend," Tsuki pointed out.

Tsuki sure was familiar with mythology. Fair enough point, though.

"Yeah, that's true, and you're not very mean…" Ibiki scratched the back of his head. Huh. What would be a decent gender-neutral affix to Tsuki's name? Gods. There were only so many different affixes out there. Some of the affixes were so ridiculous, like -maru, which could mean anything from 'shit' to 'round thing'. Then there were overused ones, such as -ko. Boring. Maybe something like…

"Tsukiya!" Ibiki exlaimed. "Tsuki, plus 'ya' which means 'night'. Your name becomes 'moonlit night'. And I think that suits you quite well."

Tsuki's eyes widened and paused for a moment to think about it. "Tsuki… Tsukiya. Hatake Tsukiya! Moonlit night in the fields!"

Ibiki beamed. "Yes. I think that's perfect."

Tsukiya flapped their hands. "I love it." They threw their arms around him and hugged tightly. "You're awesome, Ibiki-Sensei. Thank you!"

Aww, they think I'm awesome. How sweet. He awkwardly returned the hug, warmth flooding his cheeks. The way she willingly would hug him was pretty cute, he had to admit. Maybe he wasn't the cold hearted bastard he liked to paint himself to be.

Ibiki pulled away, thinking about the last interrogation he did. All bloody, his body wracked with a surprising amount of pain but not enough to drop him for the count. Poor sod needed intensive treatments for a week.

Okay, yeah. Nah. He's a cold-hearted bastard, given what his job is. A cold-hearted bastard with a soft side, though. Heh…

"Sensei! What do you want us to do while you're gone?" Shion called.

Ibiki and Tsukiya turned to peek outside the bedroom door. Shion and Hiiragi stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Ibiki and Tsukiya standing together. Hiiragi tilted his head in thought. "Uh… is everything okay?"

"Yeah… why's it look like Tsuki was crying?" Shion asked.

"Oh, Tsuki's fine, just a bit nervous." Ibiki glanced at his pupil. "Is it ok if I tell them? Are you comfortable with that?"

Tsukiya glanced at her teammates, paused in thought, then nodded slowly. "Yeah. That's okay. I trust them."

Not her. Them. Them. This may take getting used to, but Ibiki would be damned not to try. He was an asshole, but not that kind of asshole.

Never hurts to ask. Ibiki turned to the boys. "Boys, your teammate, Tsuki, would like to go by Tsukiya. They are chuusei, so please only refer to them neutrally or femininely."

"What's chuusei?" Hiiragi asked.

"Basically, a chuusei is gender neutral," Ibiki explained. "Someone who doesn't feel quite like a girl, but not quite like a boy, but outside of the gender spectrum. But past that, if you have more questions, I'm sure Aneri-san and Hoshiko-san would be more than happy to explain it. I, unfortunately, cannot. Not as well as they can, anyway." He crossed his arms behind his head. "Anyway, I really have to go intelligence gathering. Tsukiya, Shion, Hiiragi, you three do whatever Hoshiko and Aneri ask of you. Got it?"

"Hai, Sensei," Tsukiya and Shion replied.

"Yes, Dad," Hiiragi said.

"Good. You three, behave. I'll hopefully be back before you go to bed."

"What if you're not? Do I get goodnight kisses, Dad?" Hiiragi asked, a teasing grin on his face.

Ibiki was not impressed with his son's humor. Or at least, he didn't want to be. He patted Hiiragi's head and said with a straight face, "I love you too, you ungrateful little shit."

Tsukiya and Shion both giggled.

"I'll try to be back before you go to sleep, all three of you. Alright?"

"Okay."

Ibiki dipped his head and left.

月夜

Tsukiya was weirdly energized by coming out. Like they were finally putting together the pieces of their identity, figuring out just who exactly they were. It felt nice, actually. And the fact that everyone accepted them immediately made them fear their father and grandfather's reactions far less.

Hiiragi and Shion asked endless questions, mostly to Aneri, since Tsukiya still wasn't fully sure of everything themself. Aneri patiently explained everything over tea and dinner, explaining the difference between sex and gender, as well as how even biological sex was a spectrum. The conversation eventually turned into a lesson on sexuality as well, detailing how sometimes girls like girls, boys like boys, girls like all different genders, sometimes people don't feel love like everyone else but feel their love in other ways, and so on and so forth.

Tsukiya listened to her talk about the new information, amazed at how diverse and different human beings could be!

"Ooh! I think I'm asexual," Hiiragi said. "I feel like I don't understand what a crush is. On my old team, my teammate Izumi said she had the biggest crush on this kid still in the Academy named Sasuke. But I don't feel that way about anyone, I don't think. It's weird."

"Yeah, I don't think I'm attracted to people," Tsukiya added. "I just want to read books, draw, and beat up bad guys. Oh! And cuddle my dad and grandpa. And pet kitties."

Aneri giggled. "At your age, that's very appropriate I'd say."

"I like boys," Shion spoke up. "And I like wearing kinda girly clothes but I don't see myself as a girl."

Aneri and Hoshiko both chuckled.

"And everything you three expressed are valid feelings," Aneri said. "Very good."

Tsukiya grinned but the it slowly faded as they caught a glimpse outside the living room window. A shadowy figure, but not tall and imposing like Sensei. Sorta tall, but definitely lanky. Like someone still growing. Other than that, Tsukiya couldn't make much else out in the darkness.

"Hiiragi-kun… Shion-kun…" Tsukiya leaned close to their teammates. "Do you see that outside?"

Hiiragi lifted his dual-colored gaze to the window. "Wh…"

"Huh?" Shion tilted his head and looked.

There was a shout and the figure disappeared. Someone rushed across the path, chasing after the figure. Hm… if Tsukiya knew anything at all, it’d probably be that the person chasing the shadow was likely Sensei. It seemed to be about the time he’d come back, after all.

All three genin exchanged confused glances. Who was that shadowy figure that Sensei chased off?

“What was that?” Tsukiya asked in a whisper.

“I have no idea,” Hiiragi admitted.

“That was so weird…”

“What did you guys see?” Shion asked. “I think I missed it.”

“I think there was someone watching us? I dunno.” Tsukiya frowned. “I do not like that, though. Let's close the blinds so no one else can look inside.”

All three rushed to the living room windows and pulled the blinds down. Though, Tsukiya wondered if the blinds should've been pulled down a while ago. But then again, no one expected someone to be peeking into the house anyway. That was weird. Who even does that?

A sound outside stilled Tsukiya and they hesitated. The sound of someone stepping on the veranda. Wait. Was that Sensei? Tsukiya stepped towards the front door and stood on their tippy toes to peer out the peephole. Relief flooded over them. It was Sensei, just as they thought.

“Sensei!” They opened the door for him but something was wrong. Sensei usually could hide his emotions, but there was a crack in his tough façade. His expression had ever so slightly blanched, as though he had seen something unexpected. Quickly, he recomposed himself and cleared his throat.

“Ibiki-Sensei, are you okay?” Tsukiya asked.

“Yeah,” he mumbled. “Just… thought I saw someone.”

“I think we say you chase after them.”

“Oh, I definitely did. But… something isn’t right…”

“What’s that?” Shion asked.

Ibiki-sensei glanced back outside. “They seemed strikingly familiar…”

Tsukiya released a shaky sigh. “I thought something was off… they definitely seemed familiar, but it was really hard to tell.”

Ibiki-sensei placed a gentle hand on their head. “Well… I wouldn’t worry much about it but I'm going to put some seals on all entrances. If one breaks in the night, I'll know.”

Sensei sighed and followed everyone back to the kitchen.

“Oh! So, what did you find out, Dad?” Hiiragi asked.

Sensei sat at the table and the genin sat with him. “Alright… so, these shinobi were hired by the government to take out the resistance. I snuck in and I saw a whiteboard with pictures and string, and at the top was Hoshiko.” He turned to Hoshiko as she got up to pour him a cup of tea. He dipped his head in thanks before continuing, “They have others who are suspected resistance members, but you’re the one they want. You have the money and means to potentially take them down.”

“I suppose I do…” Hoshiko grumbled. “But I just… I don’t have the time or the energy necessary to do all of that. These people…”

“No one ever said that bad guys ever made sense,” Aneri pointed out.

“I just don’t have the logistics necessary!” Hoshiko groaned. “I spend most of my days planning and designing consoles and other stuff for the company. Yeah I’m the owner, but I’m more involved with my processes than the average CEO. I hit the road and brought the new console to all of the shinobi villages myself, helping them stock my product. The places that already had the new console, I helped with sales. I get to do this all over again in about a decade.”

“I know,” Ibiki-sensei agreed.

“Sensei, why are they pinning the blame on Hoshiko-san?” Tsukiya asked. “Like it’s obvious she can’t do what they’re saying she can.”

“Well, they want a scapegoat,” Ibiki-sensei rpelied. “Hoshiko is convenient for their propaganda, and thus…"

“What's a scapegoat?” Shion asked.

“Someone who is essentially the object of irrational hostility,” Sensei explained. “Such as Hoshiko.” He remained deadpan. “The restlessness with the pollution and other political activities has them concerned, and the right wing is aiming for a hostile takeover.” He glanced at Aneri. “And they wrongly believe making a martyr out of your aunt will lead to the instability they need to sneak in and takeover.”

“But why?” Tsukiya asked. “That's really stupid. If they're not legitimate, then they can't do that.”

Sensei sighed. “Which is how it should work, yes. However, people who are hungry for power don't care about being reasonable or legitimate. The six of us have morals and standards. These people, on the other hand, just want control and will do anything they can.”

“But it still doesn't make sense that they would randomly pin the blame on Hoshiko-san.” Shion tilted his head.

“And I reiterate—they will do anything they can, whether it makes sense or not,” Ibiki-sensei sighed. “I’m sorry, there’s no making sense out of people who are so damn delusional they think a business owner has the time and energy to lead a revolution.”

“Ugh.” Everyone groaned.

“Why are adults so complicated?!” Tsukiya asked.

“You'll slowly grow to understand this as you continue training and as you get older,” Sensei continued, a bit gentler this time. “Trust me, this is knowledge that comes with experience.” He sighed. “There's a reason shinobi are needed in this world—to protect people who cannot protect themselves, and to protect them from those who seek power at the expense of the poor and weak.” He lifted his gaze from the shadows and grinned. “And when I'm done with you three, you will be a force to be reckoned with!”

“Yeah! I wanna be just like my daddy and grandpa!” Tsukiya grinned.

Sensei offered a sideways glance. “In some ways, you already are…”

Tsukiya tilted their head. “What do you mean, Sensei?”

"Heh… I think you'll understand better when you're older.” Sensei sipped his tea. “Anyway. I want everyone getting ready for bed, and we'll work out a plan in the morning. I'd like to end this sooner rather than later.”

Ugh. Adults.

“Where's their hideout?” Tsukiya asked. “Will I get to go with?”

Sensei scowled. “Further north. As for the second part, we'll see.”

“Can I learn genjutsu before bed?” Tsukiya asked. “Please?” Maybe if they said ‘please’, he’d relent. Always worked for Daddy, at least."

Sensei shot them a glare. “You're stubborn, you know that?”

Tsukiya grinned. “I know, Daddy and Grandpa tell me that all the time.”

“I'm sure they do…” He muttered. “Sure. One lesson. Show me what you've learned.”

“Yay!”

“Oh… I hope I don't come to regret this…” Ibiki-sensei muttered.

イビキ

“Alright, so, I'm not gonna push you hard because you're still recovering from a concussion, you stubborn brat.” Ibiki led them down the hallway. “But first, let me see if you’ve retained what you’ve learned, though. So, what makes genjutsu difficult to cast?”

“Oh! Uh, precise control over your chakra!” Tsukiya exclaimed. “And intelligence to be able to make it convincing. It has to be really convincing to work.”

Impressive. They retained the information pretty well. “Very good. In my opinion, your creativity combined with your natural intelligence is likely to give you an advantage when casting a genjutsu.” They turned towards the bathroom. “But one thing I need to see from you is your chakra control.”

Tsukiya twitched a confused eyebrow. “How?”

He gestured at the bathtub. “Standing on water.”

"Huh…?" They followed him into the room.

He led them past the dividing shōji to the bathtub on the other side of the room. On the other side was a pretty large soaking tub, or an ofuro, made of hinoki wood. After dinner, Ibiki pulled Aneri aside and asked her to set everything up for them in the bathroom. He’d seen what they could do climbing trees, but there were other ways to test chakra control.

Ibiki preferred assessing with as many tools as he could. One test alone wasn’t enough to draw a proper conclusion. Not to him, anyway.

The soaking tub was filled to the brim with water, and a heating element nearby heated the water slowly. On the side was a set of bath towels and robes, courtesy of Aneri. Good, good. Aneri understood what he was asking of her. They were likely going to need the bath towels. Things might get a little wet.

“Alright, Tsuki. Switch into a bathrobe, because you're probably going to get wet.”

“What…?”

Ibiki tossed a bathrobe at them and turned his back so they could change comfortably. Look. Ibiki was a sadist, not a pervert or a pedophile.

“O…kay…?” They did as he said. “Okay, you can turn around now.”

Ibiki turned slightly. “Good. Now…” He put his hands together in the sign of the tiger to focus his chakra to his feet before he stepped onto the water. The warm water rippled under his feet and he tilted his head in thought. A bath sounded pretty nice right about now, actually. Maybe this was hardly a bad idea. “This is the same concept we use to climb a tree. You did very well with that, and I think you will be able to do this as well.”

“Okay…” Tsukiya put their hands together in the same sign and focused their chakra to their feet. Concentration scrunched their face and he waited. When they opened their eyes again and dropped their hands, Ibiki extended a hand to help them into the tall tub. They squeezed his hand and pulled themself up with his help.

At first, they panicked and Ibiki snatched them up before they could fall into the water. “It's okay, you're fine. You had that handled perfectly, Tsukiya. Come on, focus your chakra to your feet again. I've got you.”

“Dad, what are you doing in here?” Hiiragi stepped inside.

“Uh… trying not to drop Tsukiya in the water?” Ibiki joked. Yeah. He could imagine how this looked to Hiiragi. Awkward. “Uh, we’re working on chakra focus.” Ibiki paused. Oh. You know what? He had no idea where his own son was at with this. “Actually, come here. I want to see yours too.”

Hiiragi raised a perplexed eyebrow. “Why?”

Ibiki scowled. “Because I need to know where to pick up from your previous sensei. I don’t know where you’re at with your training yet.”

“Oh… Right.”

Ibiki gestured. “Put on a bathrobe because you may get wet.”

“Okay.”

Tsukiya turned to let their new friend and teammate change in peace, but Ibiki didn't turn away. It's nothing he hadn't seen before. After all, he did help change the kid's diapers as a baby. Watched him streak across the apartment a few times. Bathed with him. The usual.

“Do you have to watch me, Dad?”

“Child, I'm your father. None of this is anything I haven't seen before.”

Tsukiya busted up laughing.

Hiiragi’s cheeks burned a bright shade of pink. “You suck, Dad.” He threw the robe on.

“You know how to focus your chakra to your feet?” Ibiki asked.

“Yeah…”

“Good. Then this should be pretty easy. Tsukiya, I think you can let go now.”

“Oh! Sorry.” Tsukiya finally let go of Ibiki and pulled away. They turned around and breathed a sigh of relief. “I did it!”

“Now, how long can you keep your chakra at the bottom of your feet?" Ibiki asked.

“I dunno…”

“Well, we'll find out won't we? Alright, Hiira. Your turn.”

Hiiragi took Ibiki's hand when he was ready and stood up on the water. Admittedly, this was kinda fun.

“Uh…. what are you guys doing in here?” Shion finally entered the room.

Well, now he’s got the whole team. This might get a bit crowded… Ibiki wondered if he should get off and let Shion take a shot…

“Oh, Sensei wanted to see how precise my chakra control was for genjutsu!” Tsukiya put their hands on their hips and grinned.

“And Dad wanted to see where my sensei had left off…” Hiiragi scratched behind his head.

“Did you want to join?” Ibiki asked. Admittedly, he felt bad not extending the offer to Shion. Then again, he didn’t realize Hiiragi would come looking for him and then get involved as well. Oops. So much for a private lesson. “Originally, this was supposed to be a one on one lesson with Tsukiya. Hiiragi came in, curious as well, and I realized I had no idea where his training was in chakra control. So I apologize for not inviting you originally, Shion.”

Shion put his arms behind his head and glanced between the three of them. “I dunno. I don't want to be a bother.”

“You're not a bother.” Ibiki hopped down. “You're a genin who needs the practice. Come on. Get a robe on and do what we did when we climbed the trees. I think this is a good exercise for all of us.”

Shion glanced between everyone and finally relented with a nervous smile. The team let him change into the robes without an audience. When he was ready, he hopped onto the water with Tsukiya and Hiiragi. At the same time, Hiiragi dropped into the ofuro. Everyone laughed.

“Gah!” Hiiragi groaned. He pushed his jet black hair back out of his face. “I thought I had it!”

“Well, Tsuki's going pretty strong right now.” Ibiki glanced at Shion. “Think you can beat them, Shion?”

“What?! Sensei, I don't have that kind of confidence!” Shion groaned.

“Yet.” Ibiki smirked.

“Come on, Shion!” Tsukiya grinned. “I believe in you!”

“Okay…” Shion crossed his arms and the pair stood still. Now it was a waiting game on whose chakra would give out first. There’s no way any of them could stay on the surface of the water for longer than five minutes. Though, at this point Tsukiya had been standing for about two and a half.

Another thirty seconds passed. Shion scrunched his face and grabbed the sides of his head. “Don’t give up, Shion…” Another ten seconds passed and he dropped into the tub. “Aw come on!”

And then there was one. Tsukiya remained standing strong. Everyone laughed and Shion shook his head before crawling out.

Ibiki patted his head. “It takes practice. Don’t feel bad.”

Ibiki was surprised Tsukiya was still standing on the water, though. Huh. I didn't expect them to keep going, given they're so new to this still… and I know Kakashi only taught them but so much. Hm… He had to admit, there was a chance they were just a natural at chakra control. It was possible. Still, it wasn't something he was used to seeing. Damn Hatake genetics. Fucking show-offs. All of them.

Finally, Tsukiya dropped and they laughed. Ibiki suspected they did it on purpose because he caught a flicker of movement with their hands, though. It was likely that they felt bad they were still going. Tsukiya giggled, dipped their head underwater, and surfaced with a grin. “Did I do good, Sensei?”

Ibiki chuckled. “Yes. And I think that is all we have time for tonight. Let's call this lesson finished, as I was able to gauge where you all are with your chakra controls. Tsukiya, you're rather impressive, kid. I don't think I'm going to have much problem teaching you genjutsu.”

Tsukiya blushed and avoided his gaze. “Aw, thanks, Sensei…”

He patted their head. “Now, everyone. Let's all get dried up and cleaned, and get some sleep. Alright?”

“Yes, Sensei.”

"I'll see you two in the morning," Ibiki said to Hiiragi and Shion. “Tsuki, I'll see you when you're out.”

“Hai…”

He chuckled and left. Well, that exercise went rather nicely. He'd have to keep doing lessons like that. All three took to it pretty well. And, it was nice seeing the three of them get along.

Ah. It warmed up his cold and jaded heart.

Chapter Text

月夜

Tsukiya took a bath in the soaking tub. Aneri had left scented bath bombs of various scents and colors, and she had a hard time picking one! Eventually, she settled on a rustic, woody scent to add into the water. She watched the bath bomb fizz and color the water a rainforest green. So cool! They didn’t have those back home. I wonder if I can take some home, these are so cool!

After her bath, Tsukiya dried off and dressed for bed. Gods, that soak was amazing. The tub was like a bigger version of the one she had at home, where sometimes Daddy and Grandpa would bathe with her. That was tradition, after all, for parents to bathe with their children. But bathing alone made them miss Daddy and Grandpa. Ugh. If only they had another girl on their team…

Oh well… what's done is done. At least Hiiragi’s really nice. He wasn’t mean like Ryouichi. In fact, he was really sweet. And really funny too, kinda like Sensei! Man. It was just like night and day, the difference between having Ryouichi on the team and having Hiiragi. Even Sensei was happier.

Tsukiya did a once-over with a toothbrush before leaving the bathroom. They yelped—Hiiragi was waiting outside with his hands behind his back.

“Hey! Were you trying to peek on me?!” Tsukiya squeaked.

Hiiragi jumped and waved his hands. “No, no, I swear! I… I just… wanted to talk to you. I-If that’s cool?”

Tsukiya canted their head. “Talk… to me?” Why does he want to talk to me? Immediately, the possibilities swirled around their mind. Did they offend Hiiragi somehow? Did they hurt him? Something? Oh no, and just when I thought I made a new friend! No, what have I done? I’ve messed up another friendship! Ugh! Why am I like this?

Hiiragi lowered his gaze. “I… I just wanted to ask… why you're so quiet… like you're afraid to speak up. Or to be yourself.”

Tsukiya blinked. Okay. Well, that wasn't an expected question. There goes her mental preparation. But on the plus side, it wasn't anything serious. They relaxed their shoulders and looked away. “Uh… well… I don't…” They didn't know how to explain it. “Uh… I dunno…”

“Were you bullied, before?” Hiiragi asked.

“Well…” Tsukiya scratched her cheek. "Yeah… I was." She glanced down. "Because I'm kinda different, I guess. No one really liked me in the Academy. I was made fun of because I look like a boy but I’m not one. And then we had Ryouichi on our team, and he was really mean… Like he called me names, he was that mean.” She shrugged. “But that's why Sensei is teaching me genjutsu. He thinks it'll build my self… self… uh, confidence?"

Hiiragi lifted his gaze and cocked his head to the side. “Why would anyone bully you? You're so cool, Tsukiya-chan. Or -kun?"

Tsukiya waved him off. “I don't care. It’s okay either way, Hiiragi-kun.”

“If you’re sure.” Hiiragi knitted his eyebrows upward. “But, like… don't feel like you have to make yourself small, Tsukiya. You're really cool! And I think you're really pretty, too.”

Tsukiya widened their eyes. “Eh…?! Pretty?”

Hiiragi gasped and grabbed the back of his head. “W-Was that the wrong word? I-I'm sorry, I should’ve asked first! Please don’t be mad.”

Tsukiya giggled and waved their hands. “It’s okay, Hiira-kun. I'm just surprised. Don’t worry. It’s okay.”

“You sure?” Hiiragi lifted a worried gaze.

Tsukiya twisted their foot sheepishly. “Yeah. 'Pretty' is okay. I'm just surprised anyone outside my family says I'm pretty.” They crossed their arms. “Usually no one knows what to think of me, so I just get called 'cute' instead. Which, I’m fine with. But anything else throws me off.” They shook their head and looked back at him. “Anyway, wh-what made you ask about me, though?”

“Well… I just wanted to make sure it wasn't me.” Hiiragi crossed his arms behind his back. “But like… I’m socially awkward, and I don’t really know what to say sometimes, so I worry a lot about what I say.” He slumped his shoulders. “I was bullied, too, you know. I don't know why. I guess I just come off with a weak personality, maybe? Like people expect me to be like my dad. But I'm not my dad, y'know? I'm… me… and I’m much softer. And I guess they think it’s weird I’m not like him.”

Tsukiya understood. With her father and grandfather being who they were, it was hard not to get bogged down by everyone's expectations. Especially Ryouichi, who made fun of them for crying. Or for their meltdowns. Being grossed out a bit easily.

Some people thought it was weird they couldn’t handle their sensory overload or their emotions. It was kinda embarrassing sometimes. But Sensei had to remind them quite a few times that they were still young. Controlling emotions and masking emotions would come as they got older and gained experience.

“I know how you feel,” Tsukiya admitted. “My daddy is the Copy Ninja. Sometimes, I feel like everyone expects me to be like my dad and then they're surpised when I'm different. But like… I'm not an extension of him. I'm me.”

Hiiragi smiled. “Tsuki, do you want to be my friend?”

Tsukiya beamed. “Yeah. I'd like that, Hiiragi-kun.”

His dual-colored eyes brightened up even more. “Awesome.” He slid his hands into his pockets, his posture relaxing a bit. “Anyway, sorry. I just wanted to check up on you. I should get cleaned myself. Goodnight, Tsuki.”

“I appreciate it.” Tsukiya dipped her head. “Goodnight, Hiiragi-kun.”

Hiiragi dipped his head and Tsukiya walked back to her and Ibiki's room. Sensei was waiting for them, sitting cross-legged on his futon. He’d already gotten ready for the night, having shed his button-up shirt and left his fishnet shirt. He smirked. “Ah, took you long enough… I heard you talking to my boy.”

Tsukiya poked their fingers together. Warmth flooded their cheeks. “Y-Yeah. He was checking on me. He's really sweet, Sensei.”

“Indeed. One of the many qualities he gained from his mother, thank the gods.” Sensei dropped his gaze. “I don't wish the way I am on anyone else, let alone my own flesh and blood.”

Tsukiya tilted their head. “But Sensei, you're cool.”

“Eh, trust me. The world does not need two of me.”

Tsukiya scowled. “Say, what happened to Hiiragi-kun's mommy?”

Ibiki-sensei dipped his head further. One of the few times she'd ever seen even a smidgen of sadness in his chiseled face. “I couldn't save her…”

"Wh…What? Save her?"

Sensei lifted his gaze and hardened it. He knitted his eyebrows together and narrowed his eyes. “All you need to know is she died on a mission. The rest isn't your business, I'm afraid.”

Tsukiya's breath caught in their throat. Oh… they just upset Sensei. Nice going, Tsukiya. They dropped their head in an apologetic bow. “I’m sorry… I shoudn’t have asked.”

They lifted their gaze and Sensei softened his gaze slightly. “It's fine. Get some sleep, Tsuki. Alright? And we'll see what tomorrow brings for training.”

“Okay…” They crawled into their futon and Sensei turned off the lights.

"Oyasumi, Tsukiya."

Tsukiya beamed. He made sure to specifically say their new name. Best sensei ever. They curled up into a tight ball and closed their eyes. “Oyasumi nasai, Sensei.”

イビキ

The next morning, Ibiki woke Tsukiya up early to start a genjutsu lesson. Given their rather precise control over their chakra, a simple genjutsu wouldn't be terribly hard for them at all. Even half awake and groggy as hell. Well, to be fair, that was the whole point of this exercise, in fact. He wanted to see them at this stage of the day.

Attacks happen at all times of the day. Broad daylight. Middle of the night. Morning. Dusk. There was never rest for the wicked.

Tsukiya sat up and rubbed the sleep from their eyes. “Sensei?”

“Early morning practice, without breakfast and groggy.” Ibiki grinned. “Let’s see what you can do half awake and hungry.”

“What?” Tsukiya pushed themself to their feet. “What do you want me to do?”

“Genjutsu. Just do something simple. Like put a rock somewhere or something of that sort.”

“Okay…” Tsukiya focused their chakra and Ibiki watched in amusement as they contemplated their genjutsu before putting him in it. Half awake, it'd be interesting to see what they could do. Though, when he was through teaching them, they would be able to do an excellent genjutsu—whether half asleep or fully awake.

It’s hard to get a genjutsu past him at their skill level. Ibiki sensed the genjutsu the second they placed it, but he didn’t bother breaking it—he needed to assess their skills. Just about everything looked normal. Except…

His eyes were drawn to a stuffie that wasn't in the room before. A tiny orange cat stuffie, with green button eyes, lay on his futon. A very well-done illusion, and if he hadn’t known better he would’ve believed it to be a real plushie. He smirked and picked it up. Even felt real. “Very cute.”

Tsukiya grinned and the plushie disappeared. Ibiki slid his hands into his pockets and studied them. It was strange. How are they already decent at genjutsu? It's considered the hardest technique to learn. Kakashi was good at genjutsu, only because of his sharingan. Sakumo preferred a blade and lightning. Most shinobi preferred the tangible effects of ninjutsu to genjutsu.

And yet here was Tsukiya. They had a rare talent for illusionary techniques. Though, just like other shinobi, they still might prefer the tangible effects of ninjutsu and a blade like Kakashi and Sakumo before them. It was only natural.

But give them genjutsu, and they can get into people’s minds. A tool that came in handy if utilized correctly.

But man. This kid was something else.

Ibiki liked it.

“Good,” he said. “You'll have a handle on this in no time, Tsuki.”

“Really?” Tsukiya’s eyes practically sparkled with their delight.

He nodded. “I think you may have a natural talent for genjutsu. It's rare but indeed possible. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't practice. I needed you to show me what you could do barely awake. It'll be interesting to see what you can do when you're fully awake.” He patted their head. “Now, how about breakfast, kid?”

“Yeah!”

He gestured out of the room. Together, they walked down the hallways to the kitchen. Hoshiko and Aneri were busy cooking breakfast together, humming in sync. Hiiragi and Shion slowly made their way from their rooms.

Ibiki nodded at his pupil and son. “Good morning.”

“Morning,” the boys murmured.

Hiiragi waved sheepishly at Tsukiya. “Are you feeling better today?”

Tsukiya nodded. “Yeah! I dunno if I could take on a bad guy but… I can train. Kinda.”

“Within reason, they can,” Ibiki agreed. “Maybe take on one singular bad guy.” Actually, they may have to… He glanced towards the window. I don’t like it… but after last night with that weirdo looking inside… Gods. It was peculiar, though. The individual didn’t threaten the household, they only peered inside. What were they doing there? And why did Ibiki have a bad feeling…

He shook it off. No. Now’s not the time to ponder that. They have far more serious issues at hand.

“Alright, breakfast,” Aneri sung.

Ibiki eyed the kitchen. Hoshiko was the eldest person in the house, so of course she already had her plate. Aneri was younger than Ibiki, meaning it was his turn to get food. She nodded at him to go ahead, and thus he did. Ibiki and Aneri took a seat and watched kids figure out who was the eldest. Ibiki chuckled and simply watched.

He plotted out how to take down the government's for-hire muscle. First, they would have to go to the Presidential Building, where these shinobi were waiting and guarding the President. From there, the four of them would infiltrate together. But they were going to have to cover his flank. There was no way they’d be able to take on the Suna shinobi alone.

Gods be damned, Ibiki didn't want to risk his three genin yet. When they accepted the mission, they believed it to be a C-Rank. Even Hoshiko and Aneri believed so. It was unfortunate, but he had to work with what he could.

At the same time, Ibiki would have to make sure he kept the kids safe. Hopefully, he could keep the focus on himself. The genin would cover him with whatever they could—mostly kunai and shuriken. Maybe Tsukiya could squeeze in a genjutsu or two. If they could distract the shinobi, that would help immensely…

Gods, what a mess. Was he sure he didn't want to do another round of training with the three of them? Would it hurt? It didn't sound like there were plans to raid Hoshiko's house immediately. Ibiki would have to weigh the risks against the benefits. Either which way, he did not like the choices he had. Tch.

Decisions, decisions.

After eating, Ibiki sat on the edge of the couch and crossed his arms. No. They needed to put an end to this sooner rather than later. Not ideal, but he played through as many options as he could during breakfast. Ibiki wanted more information and maybe more time to train. But with that person in front of the house last night… That was a risk. That shinobi could have been an unfriendly.

No. This shit ended today.

“Alright you three…” Ibiki sighed and scratched his cheek. “This is hardly the ideal situation given you're genin, and Tsukiya still has a bit of a concussion. However, I am not risking an attack here. We saw that person last night and if we hesitate, we could lose our charge.” He fixed a stern gaze on his three pupils. “You better listen, and listen real good. The three of you will do exactly as I say. There will be no ifs, ands, or buts about it.”

Ibiki flashed a warning glare at Tsukiya. “It will be tempting to go against orders and listen to your gut. However, none of you have the experience necessary to even consider going against me. Going against direct orders has consequences. Right, Tsukiya?”

Their cheeks burned a bright red and they dropped a shameful gaze.

Ibiki smirked. “And I presume you’ve learned your lesson?”

“Mhm…”

“Good.” Ibiki dipped his head. “Alright, well… get your weapons, get ready. This fight may get ugly, but I will do my damn best to protect every single one of you. I ain’t letting any of you die if I can help it. But you will be fine as long as you do what I say. Got it?”

“Hai!”

“Good. Scram. Be ready to leave within half an hour.”

“Hai!”

Ibiki watched his genin rush away to get ready. Hm. Was he doing the right thing? Would it have been easier to go after these people himself? Gods. Can’t he get maybe one easy decision in his career, or was he doomed to always have to make the shittiest choices out there?

Sigh. ‘Twas the life of a shinobi. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

月夜

Excitement thrummed through Tsukiya's veins. Sensei was gonna take them to put a stop to those awful politicians and their hateful rhetoric. Gods. Tsukiya may never understand how people can be so horrible. Really. All Hoshiko and the other lobbyists wanted was clean air and a safer environment. Even Tsukiya’s 10-year-old brain understood the necessity of that!

The squadron left Hoshiko and Aneri alone. Tsukiya felt bad that they were being left alone, but Sensei reassured her that the two should be fine given the team was intercepting the bad guys before they could cause more harm to their charge. Everything should be fine, right?

That's what Tsukiya hoped, at least.

Ibiki-sensei led the trio through the city. The air was clearer that day, for whatever reason. Huh. Weird. Tsukiya thought the smog never cleared, even a little bit. They walked by puddles. Humidity clung to the air. Huh. Must’ve rained last night.

“Sensei, how come the air is better today than it had been?” Shion asked.

Sensei glanced around. “Well, it seems there was some rain last night. The particulates in the air were washed away, most likely. In a day or two, the smog will thicken again.”

“Don’t these people get tired of it, though?” Tsukiya asked. “Like they get relief, but then it comes back. Don’t they get tired of it?”

“Well, it seems there are enough people that are tired of this smog and the status quo that the government deems them to a threat to their power.” Sensei slid his hands into his trench coat. “So I imagine pleny hate this.”

“Why do they want to keep their jobs?” Tsukiya grumbled. “If they’re not good at what they do, and are making people’s lives worse, then they should be thrown out!”

Sensei chuckled before he was taken over by a cackle. “Oh, you are so cute.” Sensei suddenly stopped laughing and looked at Tsukiya with a deadpan. “And yet, you were serious. Oh, my sweet summer child.”

Tsukiya pouted. “Why do adults have to make everything so complicated?”

He patted their head. “Don’t worry, it gets worse as you get older.”

“Ugh.” Tsukiya reached one arm behind their shoulder and the other behind their back and grabbed their hands. Then, they pulled as hard as they could, trying to relieve the tension building up in their upper arms. Ugh. Why were their joints like this?

“Hey! Don’t do that, you’re going to hurt yourself,” Sensei barked. Everyone stopped in their tracks.

“What?” Tsukiya asked. “It’s how I stretch.”

Sensei grimaced. “Stretching like that’s how you tear tendons and possibly dislocate your shoulders.”

“Why am I like this if it’s not good for me?” Tsukiya groaned. “What’s the use in being extra flexible if all I’m gonna do with it is just hurt myself?”

Sensei sighed. “It’s just how you were born, kiddo. Nothing we can do except try to stabilize your joints. Do you wear any compression garments?”

“Mhm… Daddy got me these special fingerless gloves.” Tsukiya pushed their hand out and spread their fingers as far as they’d go. “They look like the gloves he and you wear, but he said it—”

Sensei grabbed their right hand to examine the glove on their hand. “It applies an even pressure over your hands, improving the circulation in them and warming them up.”

“Uh… yeah… I guess.”

“I’m a bit familiar with them,” he admitted. “A lot of people around Yamanaka’s age start wearing them because of arthritis and other things.”

“Dad, are you calling Uncle Inoichi old?” Hiiragi giggled.

Sensei shot a silencing glare at him and everyone laughed. “No. I’m not. I know better.” He looked back at Tsukiya and let go of their hand. “No other compression garments?”

“I mean… I guess wrapping my ankles is kinda like compression.”

Ibiki-sensei tilted his head in thought. “Actually, yeah… that would work… I’ll allow it.”

“Daddy showed me how to wrap it without being too tight but just tight enough.”

“Good. Perhaps you need compression in your elbows and knees as well.”

“But my knees and elbows are fine.” Tsukiya stretched their arms out and hyperextended their joints.

“Hey! What did I just tell you about hyper-extending your joints?” Sensei sighed and Tsukiya relaxed their arms. “Yes. It can hurt you. I know, it sucks. Though… if used right and sparingly, it could be an asset.” He sighed. “For now, don't get any ideas and quit hyperextending your joints.” He stood up and patted their shoulder. “Let's keep going.”

“How far away are we, Dad?” Hiiragi asked.

“Not too far,” Ibiki-sensei answered.

“And who exactly are we going up against, Sensei?” Shion asked.

“Well, we’re going up against the government basically,” Ibiki explained. “The president of this country, his cabinet menbers, and his goons. The president and his cabinet members are the least worrisome, because they have no training in being a shinobi. Easy incapacitation. However, the hired Suna shinobi will prove troublesome.”

“So wait, what happens if we beat the bad guys and end the government?” Tsukiya asked.

“Hm, good question.” Ibiki-sensei shrugged. “Probably hold an election or something. Hold a convention? Honestly, no idea. I’m interested in how they will rebuild, though.”

“What should we do with the Suna shinobi?” Shion asked.

“Follow my lead,” Sensei stated. “And don't do anything stupid.”

They continued their trek. Before long, the smog thinned out just enough to reveal a two story building in the distance. Tsukiya could just barely make out the tall windows on the second floor and the arched ones on the first. Other than that, it was hard to make out all the details between distance and the thin smog.

Ugh. Tsukiya couldn’t wait to get back to clean air. They kept catching the smell of rotten eggs and it was so gross. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as though they could do much of anything about that.

What a drag.

“Follow my exact movements,” Sensei stated suddenly.

“Huh?” Everyone followed Sensei’s movements as he led them towards the building more stealthily.

“Sensei, what are w—” Sensei shot a silencing glare over his shoulder at Shion. He immediately fell quiet.

Yeah. What were they doing?

Sensei jumped into the nearest tree and the genin followed him. The team climbed together, with Sensei and Tsukiya helping Hiiragi and Shion get further into the tree when they lost control of their chakra. Sensei stopped at a branch just above the building and the three genin stopped with him.

“So what I want to do…” Sensei started and gestured towards the nearest window. “You see that room right there? That’s the executive office. We want to get into there, but we’re not gonna crash into the window. Of course not, we have far more grace than that.” He gestured at the roof terrace. Tsukiya followed his gesture and saw a person standing in front of the metal rooftop access point. No, wait… They squinted. There were two people.

“There’s a rooftop entrance, and it’s guarded. I will knock them out, those two look like easy targets. Then, you three will drop in and follow me down the access. I believe there will be a shinobi outside of the presidential room, but again, I can take them down. Now… the shinobi with the President…” Sensei gestured back at the office again. “That man will prove a challenge. His name is Katano. We ran into him the other day. He is a Suna jounin, and his nature type is earth.”

Sensei glanced at Tsukiya. “Can anyone tell me what earth is weak against?”

Tsukiya blinked. “Lightning. But Sensei, why did my lightning ninjutsu fail?”

“Just because a nature type is weak to another, doesn’t mean anything in this case,” Sensei explained gently. “You are a genin, your strength is lacking for now. That’s why we train you, so you can develop that strength.” He nodded back at the window. “Katano, on the other hand, is a jounin. At your skill level, it’s the equivalent of a kid hitting a brick wall. As you train more and hone your skills, you'll be able to take on more skilled shinobi than your teammates. Perhaps one day, you'll be on par with your father.” He cracked a smile.

I hope so. I want to fight Daddy and Grandpa one day! Tsukiya gave a quiet nod.

“Anyway… When we get to the Presidential Office, I will need the three of you to play a supporting role. Katano is strong, but I think the four of us together can take him out and scare the piss out of the president.”

The trio nodded.

“Do you have any questions?” Sensei asked. “Ask now, or forever hold your peace.”

The three of them exchanged thoughtful glances. What questions could Tsukiya ask? Everything seemed pretty straightforward to her. She placed a thoughtful finger on her chin. Hmm…

“I dunno if we might get split up, but in case it's possible… what do we do?” Shion asked.

“First thing's first: do not panic.” Sensei dipped his head. “If you get lost somehow, just take a deep breath, stay calm, and work your way back. Use all six of your senses to track the rest of us down.”

“All six?” Hiiragi asked.

“Your sixth sense is essentially your intuition,” Ibiki-sensei explained. “I know I said follow my orders and not your gut. However, some situations require intuition. It’ll become clearer with more training, I know.” All three genin groaned and Sensei chuckled. “I know, but bear with me kids. Please be patient.” He straightened. “Alright. Are we ready?”

“Hai!”

Chapter Text

イビキ

Ibiki circled the building to sneak up on the Suna shinobi. Sure, easy fight, but the less time he wasted the better. As he scaled the brick building, images of the effortless ways he could eliminate them flashed through his mind. With a nearly inaudible hop, he was on the terrace. He quickly crept towards the rooftop entry and hid behind a wall.

A quick peek around the corner revealed a relaxed shinobi, cleaning his nails with a kunai. Pathetic. Ibiki would relish the look of surprise when the illusion broke and the shinobi was lying in a pool of his own blood.

Ibiki held up the sign of the earth and cast a genjutsu, obscuring his presence. His fingers slipped gracefully into his shuriken pouch and fingered the tiny blades. A single beat of his heart—then his ninja star was spinning towards the man’s chest. The shuriken sliced a gash into his right breast, barely missing his heart. He wasn’t worried; the yelp and blood squirting from the man’s chest were good enough.

With a kunai drawn, Ibiki swooped in. The man twirled around, confused and frightened. It was far too easy. And this man was a chūnin? Who let that happen? Sure as hell wouldn't have been Ibiki!

Ibiki darted past. The kunai drew a red line across the shinobi’s neck. Blood splurted out. Satisfied, Ibiki watched the guard stumbled backward. The shinobi’s eyes darted around, then he fell to his knees. The wide gaze locked into Ibiki’s, and the illusion was broken. It didn’t matter; the man would be dead soon enough. Good. One down, three more to go.

“H-How…?” he gurgled through the blood sputtering out of his mouth. The shinobi grabbed his throat; blood gushed around his fingers.

Ibiki kept his face still. “You Suna shinobi don't know who you're dealing with.”

The man gasped for air. “You… don't know… either…” With one last gasp, the man stilled and fell silent.

No, Ibiki knew, but he wasn't going to let that stop him. The Suna shinobi bled out on the terrace until there was nothing left in the body. He signalled to the kids to hurry over. While he waited, he circled the terrace, ensuring everything was still as it was yesterday when he performed his reconnaissance mission.

Something still felt wrong. He felt it on the ship, and he felt it yesterday when he saw the shadow at the window. What is this feeling? His skin pricked. Something is wrong about all of this. Could I have made a mistake somewhere? Of all the times for Ibiki to make a mistake, a mission with three genin was a poor choice.

But he was careful. If there was some bit of unknown piece of the puzzle... gods be damned if his genin get hurt because of this. He returned to the entry and waited.

Two of the genin quietly scaled up the fire escape, but Tsukiya climbed the walls. If Shion and Hiiragi could control their chakra enough, getting to the terrace would’ve been a lot faster just by walking up the walls. Just another reason he wished this mission hadn’t turned sour. Speed was important and the three kids were newbies.

Gods. Ibiki did not like this in the slightest.

Tsukiya was the first to get to the top and they rushed up to him.

“Very good, Tsuki,” he praised them. “Your chakra control is imepccable.”

Tsukiya smiled and then glanced past him. “I saw you get him.”

“How did I defeat him?” Ibiki crossed his arms.

“Well, he didn’t see you there but I saw you… so I wanna say you cast an illusion that made you invisible to him?”

Ibiki nodded. “Mhm. Excellent perception. So because he couldn’t see me, he didn’t know to react.” Hiiragi and Shion hopped over the edge of the terrace. “Boys, tell me. What’s a good way to get yourselves killed in the line of duty?”

“Not being aware of your surroundings!” Shion and Hiiragi chimed at the same time.

Ibiki smirked. “Both of you, that was excellent.” He gestured at the dead Suna shinobi. “So what happened here is, this shinobi had no awareness of a genjutsu. A skilled shinobi would’ve known there was an illusion being cast. At the bare minimum, he should’ve known to stand guard for unfriendlies. Instead, he lost focus and grew weary, which cost him his life.” He shrugged. “It is what it is, though. Tough life lesson. Anyway, let's head inside. Stay close, alright?”

Everyone followed Ibiki down the roof access. Ibiki glanced around, keeping tabs on everything going on around him. The uneasy feeling grew. What the hell is going on to make him this uncomfortable?

Ibiki led the genin to the second floor and he slowed his pace. The hall was long and filled with portraits of the current President as well as past ones. Yet, there appeared to be more portraits of the sitting president. Dude had one hell of an ego but looked like a wet snot rag. Ibiki grimaced.

“Ew, why does this guy look like that and have so many portraits while the other presidents don't?” Shion asked.

“Dad, he looks like what happens after you torture someone brutally,” Hiiragi giggled.

Ibiki snorted. “I don't think my torture techniques cause jaundice, kid.”

Hiiragi grinned.

“What’s jaundice?” Tsukiya asked.

“It’s what happens when your liver doesn't function well,” Ibiki explained. “Which, given how much saké this prick apparently drinks, on top of the unfathomable amount of junk food, I’m surprised he’s still alive.”

“Ew!”

Everyone stopped dead in their tracks when a loud bellow sounded from… Ibiki could’ve sworn was the president’s office. What’s going on? Were they found? No… They couldn’t be found out, Ibiki set electronic interference tags near all the cameras yesterday. Not willing to take any chances, he grabbed the three genin and dragged them to a corner to hide.

“Sensei?”

“Sh…” Ibiki held everyone flat against the wall and he peeked past the corner to listen closer.

“I WANT THOSE KONOHA SHINOBI FOUND AND KILLED WITH THE NAKAMURAS.” A pause, probably a calmer person responding. “KURIDAKA WILL NEVER BE GREAT AGAIN IF WE KEEP LETTING RATS ROAM AROUND OUR GREAT ISLAND! RATS IN OUR STREETS. RATS IN OUR SEWERS. OUR GREAT ISLAND IS OVERRUN BY DISGUSTING RATS!”

Ibiki grimaced. Gods, the President was just as unhinged as he was yesterday. Was this actually how he was all the time? Holy crap. Ibiki couldn’t fathom having to be stuck around such a loud mouth all day every day. Even if he’d been paid handsomely. No money in the entire world could get Ibiki to guard this piece of shit.

“What’s going on, Sensei?” Tsukiya whispered.

“I don’t know… I think President Nibui is throwing some sort of tantrum,” Ibiki answered.

“Why?” Shion asked. “That’s really weird.”

“Especially for a leader,” Hiiragi added. “Aren’t leaders supposed to be really mature?”

Ibiki bit back a bark of laughter. Fuck, even Ibiki wasn’t all that mature depending on the situation. But he reserved his immaturity for his friends and family, mostly. “In a way, yes. When you’re a public-facing figure, you’re supposed to show a level of maturity. In private, you can be however you want to be. However…” Ibiki winced as another shout filled the hallway. “I think this goes beyond the pale in regards to immaturity.”

I wonder if it’d be best to put the bastard out of his misery. Though, perhaps Ibiki should torture him first. After all, the man was trying to kill his own people with the refusal to regulate emissions. And that’s just barely scratching the surface of the war crimes the man committed daily. The suffocating smog and effects on the island was just the cherry on top.

Torture, then kill. Yeah, that could work for sure. Get justice for the island and Ibiki could feel good about himself for a little bit.

No one will know, right?

Everyone stilled and Ibiki strained his ears to hear more. A few heartbeats passed, and everything seemed calm again. He scowled. “Let’s keep going.” He gestured and the genin followed him again. “Before we get there, the biggest thing I need y’all to do for me is stay calm, do not panic. Whatever aid you can give me will help.”

“Hai!”

Ibiki spotted the guards and quickly set another concealing genjutsu. The two guards were easy targets like the one on the roof. Still, he’s rather not waste time. Better get this right the first time. His hand dipped into his shuriken pouch and whipped out two ninja stars. He took one in each hand and flung them at the oblivious guards.

Blood sprayed out the second the stars embedded into the hearts of the chūnin. One shot, nice. Ibiki gestured for the genin to follow him and rain on President Nibui’s parade.

“Ikuzo!” He kicked in the door to the office. The door shattered in splinters and Ibiki led the team inside. Katano and Nibui gasped in sync. Fear distorted President Nibui’s already hideous visage, but determination hardened Katano’s expression. “Oh how cute, the Konoha shinobi came back for more humiliation.”

Ibiki bared his teeth. “It won’t be us experiencing the humiliation this time.” He held his hand up in the sign of the earth. I have to trust my genin. All three of them have some skills I can use in this situation. He peeked over his shoulder to check on Tsukiya, Shion, and Hiiragi.

The genin stood shoulder-to-shoulder, ready to back up Ibiki. Hiiragi and Shion drew weapons, but Tsukiya held up the sign of the earth themself. Ibiki widened his eyes before quickly recomposing himself. No. Let them try something. Anything is better than nothing at this stage of the game. Make me proud, young’uns. He turned back to his opponents.

Katano slid in front of President Nibui. “You’ll have to get past me first.”

“Protecting a pathetic and delusional dirtbag is pretty low for a Suna shinobi,” Ibiki sneered. “What’s in it for you to protect a coward who’d rather control a whole population and let them suffer the ill effects of a poorly maintained environment?”

Katano picked his cuticles with his kunai. “I don’t think I need to dignify that with an answer, now do I?”

“YOU KONOHA SHINOBI ARE SO MEAN!” President Nibui waved his hands around meaninglessly. Ibiki raised a dubious eyebrow. What was even the purpose of… nah never mind, he had no desire to know.

“Shut up!” Katano snapped at President Nibui. “You are my charge, and I will not have you distracting me.”

The president widened his eyes but didn’t speak. Katano returned his gaze to the shinobi and performed a string of handsigns to blast them with an earth jutsu. Ibiki responded in kind to deflect against sharpened rocks.

“How do we help Sensei?” Shion whispered to Tsukiya and Hiiragi.

At this point, it didn’t seem like there was much point in having brought them along. Though, perhaps in retrospect he may have been using this as a learning experience for them. At the same time, wasn’t there anything that they could do? Or was this less of a fight than he feared?

Well shit.

Ibiki pulled out a kunai and weighed it in his hand. “I did my research yesterday on you, President Nibui. You’ve got quite the reputation behind you. Bought out by oil companies a good twenty years ago. You sold your soul to a pedophile and rapist. You were convicted in another country of forty counts of rape, child molesting, and extortion.”

He spun the kunai on his index finger. “And yet here you sit in the highest seat of this technological superpower, targeting arbitrary scapegoats who dissent against you. Even a buisness lady who paved the way for console gaming. Who hardly has the time to lead a revolution in the way you proclaim she does.”

“FAKE NEWS! NONE OF THAT’S TRUE. THE LEFTISTS ARE AFTER ME—”

Ibiki aimed a kunai past the man’s head, letting it graze his ear ever so slightly. “Nobody asked for your input, scumbag.” He snatched up a new kunai from his weapon’s pouch and tossed it in the air, playing catch, leveling a glare at Katano. “With such a corrupt, vile history behind this garbage, you chose this mission. Most shinobi would’ve run the other way presented with this man to guard. Hell. You can’t even pay me enough to take this mission. I wonder how many shinobi across how many hidden villages refused to accept it. So…”

Ibiki quirked an eyebrow. “Am I to presume you stand for the same things he does, Katano? Or are you so easily corruptable?”

“Why don’t you fight me and find out?” Katano asked.

“My pleasure,” Ibiki sneered.

月夜

Tsukiya waited. They focused on Sensei, waiting for the right moment to cast an attack. But they weren’t sure what would work. Genjutsu? Kunai? Something? Gah! Why did this have to be so hard. Honestly, could Sensei have just done this mission himself? Well… Sensei probably had his reasons.

Katano summoned a fist made of rock and Ibiki-sensei dodged it. Sensei had a better chance today than he did a few days ago. Wait, why is Sensei doing better fighting today? Wait… A few days ago, he was trying to fight through a thick and barely breathable smog. Now they were indoors, in a place that purified the air. Wow, what a difference the air they breathed made! Don't take good air for granted ever again, Tsukiya.

Sensei flashed the sign of the earth and muttered something under his breath. Metal glinted in the corner of Tsukiya’s eye and they drew their own kunai to deflect it. They swiped the weapon out of the air and it landed with a clatter a few feet away.

“WHY ARE YOU FIGHTING IN MY BEAUTIFUL OFFICE? I WORKED REALLY HARD—”

“To make it the ugliest room?” Ibiki-sensei retorted. “Get real, President Nibui. This room is so poorly decorated, I think a battle inside would actually give it an upgrade. Now shut the hell up and let the grown-ups do the talking.”

Takano performed a string of hand seals and a rumble followed suit. Everyone glanced up—the ceiling was cracking. Sensei gasped, spun around, and shoved the genin out of the room to protect them. Tsukiya pushed back, wanting to help.

“Sensei, let me help!” They performed a string of handsigns. Alas, a chunk of ceiling landed in the doorway, separating Sensei from the rest of the team. “Sensei!”

“Dad!” Hiiragi cried.

“Crap!” Shion groaned. “What do we do?”

Tsukiya wished they knew. “I don’t know, Shion-kun.”

“I’m fine! Just stay put!” Ibiki-sensei shouted around the rocks. “I’ve got this.”

Tsukiya scowled. So much for being able to help Sensei. Though, judging by how the battle was going, it may be better for the genin to sit it out anyway.

Ugh.

“Well, well, well… if it isn’t Tsukiko Hatake.”

Tsukiya jumped and spun around with their teammates. Much to everyone’s surprise, it was Minamoto Ryouichi. Although he still looked about the same, there was something different about him. Like… Tsukiya didn’t know how it could be possible, but they sensed he was meaner than he had ever been.

“Ryouichi?” Tsukiya and Shion both gasped his name.

“Uhhh who?” Hiiragi asked.

“Our former teammate.” Shion held his arm out to keep Tsukiya back. “He bullied Tsuki-chan for no reason and Sensei kicked him off the team.”

Tsukiya swiped their teammate’s arm away. “I don't need protection, Shion. I’m not afraid of Ryou anymore.” They glared at the boy.

“So you’re my replacement,” Ryouichi sneered at Hiiragi. “Ibiki’s little boy.”

“At least I treat my teammates with the respect they deserve, jerk,” Hiiragi spat. “Instead of flinging kunai into their hands. Or calling them names.”

“Why are you here?” Shion demanded. “You have no right being here! You’re not even a shinobi anymore. Sensei took your hitai-ate.”

“Oh… I hitched a ride with these Suna shinobi.” A smug smirk tugged at Ryouichi’s lips. “But I didn’t know you were here til I overheard Takano talking about a silver haired menace and a bandana-wearing shinobi. Not entirely hard to deduce who it was, but I had to see it for myself.”

“Wait…” Tsukiya widened their eyes. “Were you the person at the window last night?”

“Wow, you are intelligent, who would’ve thought!” Ryouichi sneered. “Maybe there is something to you after all.”

“Leave us alone,” Shion snapped. “Go home. Deal with the consequences of your actions and the fact that you’re not a shinobi anymore.”

“What do you know about being a shinobi?” Ryouichi shouted. “Any of you? Shinobi don’t cry. Shinobi don’t sleep with stupid dolls.” He leveled a sadistic grin at Tsukiya. “You get nothing but special treatment from Sensei, a man thoroughly scarred from mistakes he’s made as a ninja. And yet, what are you?”

Tsukiya balled their right hand into a fist. “Not a coward who preys on someone who lacks the self esteem to stand up for themself.”

“OOH!” Shion and Hiiragi high-fived.

“You tell him, Tsuki-chan,” Shion cheered.

Tsukiya took a swing at Ryouichi. The older kid jumped out of her way and she stumbled. Not willing to give up, Tsukiya launched another physical assault on the boy.

Ryouichi dodged again. “Aww, crybaby Tsukiko can’t hit me, what is she gonna do, cry some more?”

“Their name is Tsukiya, dickhead!” Hiiragi kicked the boy in the shin as they crossed paths. Ryouichi tripped and Hiiragi pinned the boy to the ground with his foot.

Wow, Hiira-kun really takes after Sensei with his mouth. Tsukiya couldn’t fight the smile that split their lips. Immediately, they shook their head. No. They needed to focus and stop this fight. “Leave us alone. You aren’t fit to be a shinobi. Sensei took your hitai-ate for a reason, Ryou.”

“You are the one unfit to be a shinobi!” Ryouichi snapped. “Ibiki gives you special treatment. Why? Because you’re Kakashi’s kid? Hah!”

Tsukiya kicked him in the ribcage. “No, because every person deserves the chance to become a shinobi, jerk. Sensei knows anyone can be a shinobi with the right amount of help and right circumstances.”

Ryouichi snatched Tsukiya’s foot and yanked them to the ground. Hiiragi and Shion caught them before they hit their head on the ground and Tsukiya breathed a sigh of relief. Oh, thank the gods. Tsukiya did not need another concussion!

Hiiragi and Shion pushed Tsukiya back into a sitting position and they shook off the attack.

“You need to leave,” Hiiragi demanded. “You have no right to be here.”

“Aww look at you, Daddy’s little prince. What’s your daddy gonna do, kill me?”

“I hope he does!” Hiiragi snapped.

“I don’t think that’s a nice thing to say,” Shion muttered.

“Probably not.” Hiiragi shrugged.

Ryouichi growled. “You’ll regret saying that!”

“Make me!” Hiiragi retorted.

“Sure thing!” Ryouichi clasped his hands together in the sign of the dog, with his left hand flat on his right fist, then delved into a string of hand signs. He moved his hands clumsily but still made the signs recognizable.

What’s he going to do? Tsukiya furrowed her eyebrows. What technique is this? Crap!

“Ryou… what are you doing?” Shion asked. “This looks like the ice technique you showed me a few weeks ago…”

“It is!” Ryouichi laughed and threw his hands forward. “Ice release: Ice Blood Jutsu!”

“What?” Tsukiya and Hiiragi both yelped in sync.

A blast of white chakra slammed into the three genin. A shock of cold expanded in Tsukiya’s chest, and then crawled through their veins. They gasped and coughed, like they normally would after inhaling ice cream. Their insides burned. Their limbs tingled. Their joints ached.

“Gah… H-How?” Tsukiya’s body quivered. “How are you doing this?”

“Oh… you know… I studied this move pretty hard.”

“You shouldn’t be able to do this…” Hiiragi coughed. “This is a kekkei genkai from Kirigakure.”

Wow, Hiiragi was really smart. Even Tsukiya didn’t know that off the top of their head.

“Distant relatives are a hell of a thing, aren’t they?” Ryouichi asked. “What’s wrong with you, pathetic brats? You give shinobi a bad name, with how weak you are.”

Hiiragi and Shion collapsed beside Tsukiya. Tsukiya’s knees wanted to give out. Fatigue tugged at her eyes. But Tsukiya wouldn’t give up. No. She had to do something. What could she do to stop this? Doesn’t fire stop ice? Could that work? Gods. How?

“I’m not giving up.” Tsukiya bared her teeth, but couldn’t stop them from chattering. Her body shivered from the inside. “You can… try to freeze me… from the inside… but…”

She held up a shaky tiger sign. OhIt was well worth a shot, no matter their skill level. “I can…” Her vision doubled but she wouldn’t give up. “…cast… a genjutsu…” She squeezed her eyes shut and imagined flames surrounding him. Please let me cast something good, even if it only works for a few seconds.

And then, it happened. Ryouichi screamed. His voice was alarmingly high pitched and Tsukiya winced. “Tsukiko, what are you doing to me?” he screeched.

“Stopping you.”

“Please, stop! Stop, I’ll do whatever you want! Please don’t let the fire burn me!”

Hiiragi crawled forward. “T—Tsuki-chan? What are you… what did you do?”

“I’m doing what I need to in order to protect you two,” Tsukiya said.

“I’ll do anything you want, Tsuki! Please! Stop!” Ryouichi begged.

“Why should I show you mercy?” Tsukiya demanded. “You never showed me any.” They drew out a kunai and weighed it in their hand and took a step forward. “Leave me and my friends… ALONE!” Tsukiya threw themself at Ryouichi and jammed the knife into his abdomen. With a brutal twist, he screamed in pure agony and crumbled to the floor. Tsukiya yanked the kunai out and let the blood drip to the floor.

Ryouichi’s wails ceased, replaced with soft whimpers. He gazed up at Tsukiya with his grey eyes, a plea darkening them a shade. His eyes were filled to the brim with surprised tears.

“How…?” He could barely get the words out.

Tsukiya didn’t answer. “Who’s the crybaby now, Ryouichi?”

Ryouichi coughed up blood and it splattered against Tsukiya’s sandals. Finally, Tsukiya allowed herself to collapse to her knees. She shivered violently. Now there was another problem—why was she still freezing from the inside out?

“Holy shit…” Hiiragi and Shion remarked at the same time.

“Remind me not to piss Tsuki-chan off…” Hiiragi breathed shakily.

“Hiiragi, I think I’m warming up.”

“Me too, Shion.”

Tsukiya watched Ryouichi collapse and his eyes glaze over. A ringing echoed in her ears. He was dead. Rouichi would never harm her ever again. Her limbs grew heavy. What’s wrong with me? Why am I not happy?

Tsukiya heard Hiiragi and Shion talking, but they couldn’t understand what they were saying. They squeezed their eyes shut. Something’s wrong. I shouldn’t still be cold… Why am I still cold? They fell to the floor.

“Tsukiya!” They could hear their name, but it was muffled. “Shion, give me your jacket. Something’s wrong with Tsuki.”

Chapter Text

イビキ

Ibiki swallowed hard at the sound of frightened clamoring coming from the other side of the debris. Did he miss something? Why were his genin screaming right now? Fuck. He needed to finish this, now. He stepped around Takano’s body, throwing and catching his kunai. I will viciously protect my team and my charge, no matter who it is.

“If you survive this, you’d be damn lucky,” Ibiki started, kneeling before Takano. “But chances are, you’ll bleed out right here, right now.” He sensed movement out of the corner of his eye. Nibui was trying to escape. Immediately, Ibiki performed a string of hand signs and summoned a torture chamber for the elderly dictator. “Oh no, you don’t get to run away, you damn coward. You’ll face the consequences of your horrific actions from the past seventy years.”

President Nibui whined. “HOW DARE YOU TREAT ME LIKE THIS. YOU’RE SO MEAN. MEAN RATS EVERYWHERE.”

Ibiki snatched his kunai from the air and slung it at Nibui, purposefully missing vital organs. The knife embedded itself into the dictator’s shoulder and he screeched with pain. Blood squirted out and splattered against the mangled desk. Nibui hyperventillated. Ibiki growled, “Shut your damn trap before I shut it for you. The next kunai will not be a miss. Got it?”

The dictator gulped loudly and Ibiki returned his gaze to Takano. The Suna jounin growled. “I don’t understand. I defeated you last time…”

Ibiki looked down upon the ninja. “You were simply lucky. When we first arrived, the smog was impossible to breathe in. But today… it wasn’t. It rained last night, dropping the pollution levels temporarily.” That realization reaffirmed his decision to attack today. Sure, it was rather risky but he had more of an advantage than he thought last night.

Good.

Ibiki pulled out another kunai and spun it on his finger. “I made sure to do my research before bringing a fight to you.” He rested his free hand on his knee. “Some word of advice––if you play stupid games, you win stupid prizes.”

“You may have done your research…but you missed one important piece of the puzzle…” Takano spat out more blood. “I separated you from your team on purpose.”

Hiiragi’s panicked voice barely made it through the debris. “Dad! Dad, can you hear me? Dad! Something’s wrong with Tsuki!”

Ibiki shot a concerned look at the pile of rubble that separated him from his team. What the hell was going on over there? What the fuck did Takano do?

“What happened to my genin?” Ibiki demanded, pointing the kunai at Takano’s throat. “Tell me!”

“You sure made a mistake underestimating Minamoto Ryouichi…”

“Wh…” Ibiki had considered letting Takano take the chance of survival, but now… He swiped the kunai against Takano’s neck, but the man snatched his wrist and swung a punch with his free hand. Ibiki substituted quickly and slipped behind him. “Big mistake.”

Takano gasped and Ibiki sliced the Suna shinobi’s throat open. The last bit of blood squirted out from his neck and the man took a strangled gasp for air before he fell silent. Dude’s dead. Good. The shinobi world didn’t need more fascists than there already were.

Ibiki sprinted towards the debris and dug to the other side with a hand and a kunai. “Hiiragi, can you hear me?”

“Dad?”

Ibiki grabbed the hardened earth. “One of you needs to help me dig through this.”

“Okay.” There were more words, but they were muffled by the rocks. It’s strange, but there was no time to sit and think about it. Ibiki dug his kunai into the earth and pried a big chunk out. Gods. If Takano is right, and Ryouichi is here… fuck. Fuck me sideways with a rusty kunai.

Tsukiya would’ve been his target.

Fuck.

“Are you going to leave me here?” President Nibui demanded. “Aren’t you gonna kill me.”

Ibiki tugged at a chakra thread to drop the spiked ceiling down a bit on the dictator. “Not a damn word.” He resumed his dig.

A few minutes later, he broke through to the other side. He peered through the fist-sized hole at Shion, who was missing his haori. Shion breathed a shaky sigh of relief. “Sensei!”

Ibiki breathed a relieved sigh. “Shion, give me a run down of what happened.”

“Sensei, we ran into Ryouichi.” Shion frowned. “He tried to kill us with an ice jutsu. But we fought him! Sensei, the three of us tried to stop him. But Tsuki… Oh my gods, they are so cool. They killed him.”

Killed? Ryouichi? Ibiki’s eyes widened briefly before he regained control of his expression. No. He can’t let his surprise worry the genin. But by the kamisama… Out of the three, Tsukiya was the last one Ibiki thought would deal the first kill. He didn’t know whether to be proud or worried.

Ibiki’s mind jumped back to what Shion said before that, though. Ice jutsu. That’s not a common combination jutsu. Yukigakure shinobi can use ice jutsu with snow already there, and they were in an island without any snow. That left…

“Kekkei genkai.” Ibiki breathed the words. But how? It didn’t make sense…

“What?” Shion blinked.

“Ice jutsu. That’s a kekkei genkai, one we don’t have in Konoha.” Ibiki frowned. “He can’t do that. Unless…”

“I didn’t actually realize that…” Shion scratched behind his head. “But I remember him trying out this ninjutsu he found in his family’s archives. I just… I thought…”

“It’s fine, Shion. I’m not mad.” Ibiki shoved his knife into the earth again and yanked out a bigger chunk. “Let me make this hole bigger so I can join y’all. Is Tsukiya okay?”

“I don’t know. Hiiragi is trying to warm them back up.”

Ibiki raised a dubious eyebrow. “Warm them back up?”

“Ryou did a jutsu that was supposed to freeze us from the inside out. When Tsuki killed him, we started warming back up. But for some reason they are still really cold!”

Fuck. He needed to get through and help, but that was going to take a few more minutes at the very least! Shit. Gotta think quickly. How can he help? Shion’s haori was made of a rather thin material, but Ibiki’s trench coat was made of a combination of wool and cotton.

Ibiki shrugged his trench coat off and passed it to Shion. “Here, this is made of a thicker material than your haori. This should help with warming them. Give me a few minutes, because I need to clear more of this shit before I can get through.”

Shion nodded and rushed back to Tsukiya and Hiiragi with the trench coat to wrap Tsukiya up. On the other side of them, Ibiki could see Ryouichi’s lifeless body. Thinking about it, was he the reason behind Ibiki’s bad feelings? His gut knew… fucking hell.

“Tsuki-chan, it’s me, Hiiragi.” Hiiragi was gentle. A slight smile curled Ibiki’s lips—the softness his son expressed reminded him very much of Yasumi. Hiiragi continued, “Hey, my dad is coming. We’re gonna help you warm back up.”

“What can cause this, Hiira-kun?” Shion asked. “Like… they shouldn’t be still freezing! But we’re warming up.”

Hiiragi frowned. “I don’t know… unless… theory of area of effect…”

“Area of effect?” Shion repeated.

Hiiragi nodded. “That blast was more targeted at Tsuki, but we were in the ‘splash zone’, I guess. We got hit with that blood freezing spell, but Tsuki took the brunt of the damage.”

“Huh, maybe video games do teach a few things…” Ibiki muttered. “Yes, that is a possibility. That’s a good theory, I like it.”

“Yeah!” Shion agreed. “I think it makes sense. But… doesn’t that mean it’ll take a bit longer for Tsukiya to thaw out?”

“But we don't have time.” Hiiragi trembled. “And I am still a bit cold.”

“Me too. Like I’ve warmed back up but it doesn't feel like enough, you know?”

“Yeah, that makes sense!”

Ibiki yanked another chunk free. Oh good, there was just barely enough room for his broad shoulders to squeeze in. He was tired of trying to dig out. He pulled himself up and crawled through. When he hopped out the other end, he turned and tugged on his torture chamber one more time before releasing it. A scream, a squelch, then nothing. Satisfying. Sure, he could relish in the torture, but… there were far more pressing matters at hand.

He rushed to his genin and knelt with Tsukiya. He placed two fingers on their neck, checking for a pulse. Slow and sluggish, but there. He scooped them into his arms and held them tight, hoping his body warmth could speed up the process.

Tsukiya groaned and opened their eyes. “S-Sensei…?”

“I’m sorry.” Ibiki squeezed them. “I’m just trying to warm you back up.”

Tsukiya rested their head on his chest. “It’s okay. You’re… really warm.”

“That’s the point, silly.”

A tired smile tugged at Tsukiya’s lips. “S-Sensei, I—I didn't mean to… to kill Ryou. But he was g-gonna kill us… I had to do something to stop him.”

“I’m not mad, and honestly not surprised. With the way he treated you, I was concerned he’d eventually turn to murder.”

“Isn't flinging a kunai into someone's hand a far cry from murder?” Shion asked.

“Not quite.” Ibiki shook his head. “Not with the way Ryouichi is…” He pushed himself into a stand. “What I failed to inform you of, after that incident, was that he pleaded with Lord Hokage, begging to have a second chance. When he was refused, he found me and tried to threaten me. Mind you, I don’t give a flying fuck if I get threatened. I’d squash him like a bug the way I just did to Nibui. However, when it comes to my genin…”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Shion demanded. “This could’ve been prevented.”

Ibiki flashed a glare. “It wasn’t of any concern to you three. At least, it shouldn’t have been.”

“Huh?” Hiiragi raised an eyebrow.

“He didn’t originally threaten you guys. Just me.” Ibiki led them away. “But he cowed the moment I bit back.”

“So…?”

“I didn’t think it was necessary to tell you three. In retrospect, I should’ve suspected he might come after you three.” He sighed. “And that’s on me. But, to be fair, it didn’t make any sense for him to bring harm against y’all, especially given he knew full well I’d protect you viciously.”

“But Dad, you said you were concerned he’d turn to murder,” Hiiragi said.

“Well, yes, but here? On this mission? I had no idea he’d get caught up with some Suna shinobi. I don’t even know how he figured out we were here.”

“Maybe just… kinda worked out that way?” Shion asked. “I guess. Like…”

“Wrong place, wrong time…” Ibiki muttered. “Perhaps he joined the Suna shinobi and didn’t know we were there until Takano fought me. And then he saw an opportunity…” He peered over his shoulder. “And perhaps made a deal with the devil in the process.”

Hiiragi and Shion murmured their agreements. That was the most likely explanation.

Tsukiya shuddered and looked up. “Sensei, did I do good?”

“Yes, Tsukiya. You did great.” Ibiki smiled. “You protected your comrades.”

“I’m so glad…”

Ibiki readjusted his grip on Tsukiya. Hm. No immediate reaction to the killing, other than if they did good. The shock hasn’t set in yet. They were definitely going to have a delayed reaction later on. The question was how delayed would it be? And how bad would the reaction be? He fought back a grimace. Best not to think about that right now. Just get Tsukiya back and cleaned up.

月夜

Tsukiya could barely remember Sensei taking them back to Hoshiko’s house. Everything was moving slower than they could process, as though they were in a daze. One minute, Sensei is carrying them in his arms, the next they were under a kotatsu and drinking tea to fully stabilize their body temperature again. Tsukiya could hear Sensei talking to Aneri and Hoshiko but she couldn’t comprehend any of the words.

Something was wrong. Why couldn’t she understand what was being said? It was like listening underwater. One moment, she saw Sensei cross the kitchen and the next there was a hand on her shoulder. She nearly jumped out of her skin at the touch. She looked up and met his softened gaze.

“Go with Aneri, she’ll help you get clean,” Sensei said. Or, at least that’s what it vaguely sounded like. Ibiki-sensei’s words were muffled but Tsukiya tried to piece together what they thought they’d heard.

They set their cup on the table and stood. A hand reached out to them and Tsukiya traced the hand to its owner—Aneri. A slight, warm smile pulled the corners of her lips up. She said something, but it was just a mush of sounds to Tsukiya’s ears. Sensei glanced at Aneri and mumbled something that Tsukiya couldn’t understand.

The next minute, Tsukiya was in the really nice soaking tub again, their clothes off. Aneri sat outside the tub, using the shower head to wet Tsukiya’s thick hair. Aneri might’ve told Tsukiya to let her know if she hurt them, but Tsukiya couldn’t recall entirely. Sounds made it to their ears, but nothing processed well. Aneri massaged shampoo into their hair. That felt really nice, though.

Another few moments passed. Tsukiya caught a whiff of a sweet-smelling soap. It reminded them of autumn, their favorite season. Which, admittedly, was probably the only reason it caught their attention. But it was so brief. They fell back in the strange trance, only faintly noticing Aneri’s gentle, rhythmic, strokes as she scrubbed Tsukiya’s body.

Another long minute passed. Tsukiya was dried off, clothed, and eating dinner with everyone. They blinked, holding their chopsticks with rice to their mouth. Tsukiya glanced between everyone eating their dinner, quietly chatting amongst themselves.

What was wrong with Tsukiya? Why were they feeling so weird after what happened? Ugh! They shoved the clump of rice into their mouth.

Sensei waved his hand. “Oh, no, Hoshiko… I don’t think it’s necessary to give such a gift…”

Hoshiko took a bite of her fish. “Nonsense, you four helped to end the regime in a way we didn’t expect.”

“Well, it’s not entirely over… The figure head is gone, but the rest of the regime remains. And that’s on y’all to finish, not us.” Ibiki-Sensei shook his head.

“I don’t know, Ibiki,” Aneri started. “I think it all may collapse with Nibui’s death.”

“Perhaps…”

“I still think it sucks we couldn’t even help,” Shion grumbled.

Ibiki-sensei glanced at them. “Nah… I didn’t need your help as much when they separated us. No one was going to come behind me after that. But in retrospect, I wish I’d left you three here…” He laced his fingers and rested his forehead against them. “I suppose, let this be a lesson to you three, if Tsukiya is listening right now. Even I can make mistakes. Jounin make mistakes all the time. It’s a fact of life. But I’m sorry for putting you three through this.”

Tsukiya lifted their head but didn’t speak.

“Despite the rather strange circumstances, I applaud you all for how you handled today,” Ibiki-sensei continued. “Though your fight may have been a bit short, you three worked together in a way that gave Tsukiya the opportunity to protect you two. I’m impressed with your teamwork.”

Hiiragi looked up. “Oh! Dad, it was really weird. Tsukiya did a genjutsu on Ryouichi. Right before they killed him.”

“Oh yeah, they did something that was making him scream,” Shion added.

Tsukiya vaguely remembered that. Right. They did cast a genjutsu. But what did they cast before? Whatever it was, it made him scream. Tsukiya scratched the back of their head. Didn’t they cast some sort of basic genjutsu?

“Tsuki…” Sensei breathed their name. “Interesting. What did you cast?”

“I don’t… I don’t remember.” Embarrassment scorched their cheeks. “I just…” Spiders. There might’ve been spiders. No, no… that’s not right. Flames flickered in their mind’s eye. Oh! Right. They had him surrounded by flames. They told Sensei.

“Interesting… you fought ice with a fire genjutsu… and he was screaming?”

“I—I don’t think it was hurting him. I don’t know why he was screaming!”

Ibiki-sensei softened his expression. “Calm down, Tsukiya. Breathe. I’m not mad. Quite the opposite…” He put a hand on his chin in thought. “Do you remember how you did the genjutsu?”

“I don’t know, Sensei. Just one moment, I imagined flames and did the tiger sign, something else, then earth, and then he was in a genjutsu.”

“Interesting…” Sensei nodded.

“Isn’t genjutsu a harder skill to learn?” Aneri asked.

“Yes… however, my protégé here has quite the knack for it.”

“I wasn't thinking much other than I have to protect myself and Hiira and Shion,” Tsukiya mumbled around a piece of her fish.

“Interesting…” Sensei eyed them. “Perhaps that’s worth exploring.”

“It is,” Hoshiko agreed. “Oh, but back to our conversation before I forget! Yes, Ibiki, I insist. I’ll have someone drop by with some new controllers, in colors that haven’t been released yet, before you leave.”

“Alright…” Sensei agreed. “Thank you, Hoshiko.”

Tsukiya didn’t realize they’d finished their rice until they heard the soft ceramic “thunk” as their metal chopsticks hit the bowl. The sound made them jump slightly. Crap!

“After you finish eating supper, I think it’ll be time for bed.” Ibiki-sensei told them, but also looked at Hiiragi and Shion. “I want you all to go to bed a bit early, get some rest. We had quite the day.”

Wait, what time was it? Tsukiya looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost seven in the evening? They stared at their empty bowl of rice. Why were they acting so weird? Why did it seem they were blacking out randomly? At least, that’s how it felt. Maybe not blacking out. Time kept moving so slowly, and this was the only time in a few hours where they felt the most alert.

What’s going on?

イビキ

“Sensei? What’s wrong with me?”

Ibiki yanked his shirt off. “What isn’t wrong with you? Have you not met your father?”

Tsukiya cracked a smile, but no laugh escaped their lips. “No…” They explained how they kept feeling like they were trudging through their thoughts, or how time kept moving slowly. How they would be doing one thing, vaguely remember it, and suddenly was doing something else. Everything Ibiki expected.

“Ah… yes… that’s shock.” He tossed the shirt aside.

“Sh…shock? What do you mean?”

“So ‘shock’ is what happens when you experience something… traumatic” Ibiki-sensei clasped his hands together. “It happens quite often in our line of work. You did something really horrific today, right?”

“Y-Yeah. I guess.” Tsukiya shrugged.

You guess? You’re really out of it, kid. Poor Tsukiya. He felt kinda bad that this happened.

Ibiki softened his gaze and put a hand on their shoulder. “There’s no ‘I guess’, Tsukiya. Yes. You did. You killed someone for the first time, and you’re just a kid. It’s okay to say it’s upsetting.”

Tsukiya scowled. “Yeah… it is kinda upsetting… But will the feelings go away?”

“In due time, Tsukiya. But you’ll need time to process what happened.”

“How long does that take?”

“As long as necessary.”

Tsukiya frowned again. Not that Ibiki could entirely blame them. He scowled in thought—how could he get it to make sense to them? He settled his gaze on their hand with the partially healed stab wound.

“You’ve had that wound almost two weeks now, right?” He quirked an eyebrow.

Tsukiya lifted their scarred hand to their chest. “Yeah…?”

“It’s still not quite healed.”

“No… but I can still use it!”

Ibiki chuckled. “Alright, so think of trauma like an injury to your mind. It needs time to heal, and it may never be the same. And just like your hand, you have to treat it gently until you feel better.” Gods, he hoped this made sense.

“Oh…” Tsukiya lowered their gaze. “That makes sense.”

“When we get home, I’ll give you a week or so to recover. Alright?”

Tsukiya nodded. “Sensei, will it ever get easier?”

Oh gods. He was the worst person to ask. Ibiki didn’t give a flying rat’s ass when he killed someone. 99% of the time it was earned or just another casualty in the shinobi world. For him, it was as easy as killing a spider. For Tsukiya…

It may never be that easy.

He sat in his futon and took a sip of water. “Get ready for bed.” Ibiki didn’t have the heart to admit it may never get easier for them.

“Sensei?”

“You need to rest.”

Tsukiya opened their mouth in protest, paused, then shut it. Guilt gripped his heart and he loosed a shaky sigh. “I don’t have advice this time, Tsuki. I’m sorry. Please, get some rest.”

“Hai… Ibiki-sensei…” Tsukiya left the room, presumably to brush their teeth and relieve themself.

Ibiki laid on his back and stared up at the ceiling. This is gonna be quite the challenge for Tsukiya. But knowing them, they’ll bounce back. He believed in them and their capabilities. Most of what they need is more patience and guidance.

And Ibiki could offer that, at least.

Chapter Text

イビキ

Ibiki woke up and glanced over to check on Tsukiya, who was completely out cold on their side, wrapped up tightly under their blankets. Strange. He’d fallen asleep long after they had. Well, if they were still out cold, then they must be exhausted. Not surprising, given everything that happened the previous day. Which, admittedly was a surprise because he fell asleep long after they did. He almost felt guilty that he had to wake them up. They needed to eat, after all.

Ibiki sat up and stretched his arms behind his head and his legs over the side of the bed. He reached a gentle hand across before stopping short of their shoulder. He saw fear etched into their pallid face, which suggested a nightmare. Although that was cause for concern, Ibiki was otherwise not entirely worried. Hardly a surprise they were having bad dreams. In retrospect, he probably should’ve warned them about that.

Oh well. They’ll live.

Ibiki finally settled his hand on their shoulder and shook them. “Hey, Tsuki. You need to wake up, kiddo.”

Tsukiya bolted up right and held their hands up defensively. “I’m not afraid to kill you again!”

Ibiki slumped his shoulders. Oh, she’s gonna need more than just his help… He sighed. “Tsuki…”

Tsukiya squeaked and covered their head with both arms. “Sorry! I didn’t…I guess I was in a nightmare.”

“Yes, you were. Don’t apologize.” Ibiki scratched the back of his head. “Get dressed and start packing your things. We’re leaving right after breakfast.” I think you and Kakashi need to sit down and have a long talk… But Ibiki kept that thought to himself.

“We are?” Tsukiya asked.

Ah. They probably weren’t paying attention during that conversation. “Yes. I think it’s prudent to get home as quickly as possible. Hoshiko arranged for a small ship to take us back to Konoha, and we likely will be home before bedtime.”

“Oh…” Tsukiya nodded absentmindedly.

Ibiki rose to his feet and started packing. Tsukiya grabbed their underwear and rushed out to change. He glanced over his shoulder at the shōji door. Poor kid. All they need is a little bit of patience, Ibiki. They’ll be fine soon enough. Just needs Kakashi’s guidance, some rest, and they’ll be good as new again.

After breakfast, Aneri and Hoshiko led Ibiki and his team back to the docks, where a decent sized ship awaited to take them home. Also waiting for them was someone in a casual black suit, holding a stack of small boxes. The man was nearly as plain as his outfit with tan skin, dark eyes, and medium brown hair.

“Thank you, Toji,” Hoshiko dipped her head to the man. “These three young shinobi earned themselves some of our new controllers.”

“Of course.” Toji dipped his head.

Ibiki watched him offer the boxes to the genin. “Pick a color.”

“Purple! Oh it's so pretty!” Hiiragi cheered. Ibiki chuckled at his son.

“Oh! Blue!” Tsukiya’s eyes brightened. It was so nice to see them cheer up, even just a little bit.

“Oh, it's so pretty, like your eyes!” Hiiragi grinned.

Ibiki had to stop himself from laughing. Nearly 11, and his kid was already trying to hit on Tsukiya. Puppy love. How cute.

Tsukiya’s face turned beet red. Instead of responding, they grabbed the controller box and hugged it to their chest. Shion reached for the last one. “The pink is really nice.”

“Thank you, Nakamura-san!” the genin said.

“Of course, kiddos.” Hoshiko beamed. Then, she dug into her purse. “And before you leave… Here’s the rest of your funds. Again, I apologize for it turning out this way but I’m glad no one was seriously hurt.”

“I am too. Thank you.” Ibiki accepted the reward and tucked it in his back pocket. He’d split it up later.

Tsukiya lifted their head and looked at Aneri. “Th…Thank you for teaching me about chuusei.”

“Sure thing.” Aneri smiled. “I hope your father takes it well.”

“I’m sure Kakashi will handle it very well,” Ibiki said. But Tsuki’s apathy regarding Ryouichi, however… He had vague memories of when Kakashi was in Root, and the memories he had of him were not entirely great. And this was before Tsukiya was born. After their birth, it was strange. His overall demeanor never changed, however, he clearly was a kind and loving father to Tsukiya.

Gods. Hatake Kakashi was ever the complicated man.

“Thank you for teaching us about gender!” Shion exclaimed. “I’m glad I’m not alone in feeling kinda feminine.”

“Of course, Shion.” Aneri agreed. “You three take care. Hopefully soon our skies will clear up. Maybe you guys can stop by in the future.”

“Perhaps,” Ibiki agreed. “Thank you.” He dipped his head and turned. “Alright, brats. Let’s get going.”

Tsukiya, Shion, and Hiiragi copied his bow, but made it deeper, before turning to follow him.

“Take care!” Hoshiko and Aneri called as they walked away.

And then, they boarded the ship.

The whole boat ride was quiet, which was nice. Ibiki watched Tsukiya closely, even when they took a nap after lunch, curled up in their seat in the cafeteria booth. They kept their knees pulled tightly to their chest while they leaned against the wall. He’d draped his coat over their shoulders, and sat in silence with them.

“Dad…”

Ibiki looked at his son. “Hm?”

“Do you think Lord Hiruzen would keep me on your team?”

Ibiki shrugged. “I don’t know, kiddo.”

“I really like Tsuki and Shion,” Hiiragi admitted. “They’re really cool, and I feel like Tsuki needs a friend like me.”

Ibiki smiled. “That they do, Hiiragi. And the three of you work together perfectly. I think I might be able to convince Lord Hiruzen to keep you on my team, given that assessment.”

Hiiragi beamed. “I’m glad!” He looked at Tsukiya and furrowed his eyebrows. “Will Tsukiya-chan be okay?”

Ibiki glanced back at them, the faint lines of anxiety disturbing their soft features. “They will. They just need time, Hiiragi.” He returned his gaze to his son. “It’s a good thing they have friends who care about them, hm?”

“Yeah!” Hiiragi agreed.

Ibiki shushed Hiiragi. “They’re sleeping.”

“Sorry…”

Ibiki glanced between the two genin. Hm. Something told him that Tsukiya and Hiiragi will become close friends, if not something more. Though, was that entirely a bad thing?

“Hey Hiira, wanna play this card game I found?” Shion asked, rushing up to him.

Hiiragi’s dual-colored eyes brightened. “Yeah! That sounds fun. Dad, do you wanna join?”

Ibiki shook his head. “Nah. I’d like to sit in silence for a while. No offense.”

“I know, Dad.” Hiiragi smiled. “You like quiet.”

“I do, yes…” Ibiki waved his hand dismissively and the boys rushed off together.

It was nearly nine in the evening when they returned to the Village Hidden in the Leaves. The sun had almost set, leaving just the slightest chill in the late August air. The dark purple of night met a sliver of fading orange in the horizon. Fireflies twinkled around them. Cicadas chirped and frogs croaked. Overall, it was quite a pleasant evening.

And the air? Pristine. Just as it should be. Ibiki was never going to take clean air for granted again. But by the gods, he might cough up disgusting gunk later on. Ugh.

The gates opened, and Ibiki fixed his gaze towards the direction they must head—Tsukiya’s house. They needed to be home, with Kakashi and Sakumo. On the plus side, Tsukiya’s home wasn’t too far off the route to the Hokage mansion.

“Why do I have to go home before the mission report is submitted?” Tsukiya asked, rubbing the sleep from their eyes.

“It would be better for you,” Ibiki was gentle. “And I need to talk to your father.”

“About?”

“You’ll find out soon enough…” They rounded the corner towards Tsukiya’s two-story house. Ibiki sometimes forgot Kakashi’s lived in the same house Sakumo’s father, Hatake Masanori, built during the founding of Konoha. It was quite a cozy home and definitely worth keeping in the family.

Tsukiya glanced up at Ibiki. “I’m not in trouble, right?”

“No, no…” Ibiki shook his head. “I’m just concerned about something.”

They approached the veranda. Ibiki turned to the boys. “Stay over here. I need to talk to Kakashi real quick.” He turned back to Tsukiya. “Please summon your father for me.”

Tsukiya dipped their head. “Okay…”

“See ya later, Tsuki-chan!” Hiiragi grinned.

“See ya, Tsuki-chan!”

Tsukiya waved to their teammates with a slight smile before going inside her house. Ibiki stepped onto the porch and waited for Kakashi to step out. A few minutes passed. Kakashi opened the door and stepped out with his arms crossed. He furrowed his eyebrows before quirking one up. “Is everything okay, Ibiki?”

“Yes and no.” Ibiki slipped his hands into his coat pockets. “But let me hit you with the good news first. Your child, Kakashi, is rather adept at genjutsu for someone of their age and skillset. We went ahead and did some training on the mission—after they somewhat recovered from their concussion.”

“Concussion?” Kakashi tensed.

“It’s not what you think… suffice it to say, she’s just a little shit and takes after you… but that’s not the point. The point is, Tsukiya is damn good at genjutsu.”

Kakashi relaxed a bit before leaning against the wood paneling of the house. “I see… Interesting.”

“With that being said, however…” Ibiki hardened his expression. “I believe you do need to have a conversation with them.”

“Hold on. Them?” Kakashi tilted his head. “That’s new.”

Ibiki nodded. “Tsuki is now Tsukiya, and goes by they/she pronouns. We had a conversation about it the other day. I’ll let them elaborate further.”

“Oh. Okay.” Kakashi raised an eyebrow again. “So what conversation do I need to have with h—them? I don't presume it's about that.”

“No, no. You see…” Hm… how do I explain this tactfully… Finally, Ibiki sighed and spoke. Kakashi listened intently, nodding along to acknowledge Ibiki’s words.

By the time Ibiki finished, Kakashi’s expression blanched and he looked over his shoulder as if trying to peer through the window. “That’s why Tsukiko—er, Tsukiya—seems half out of it.”

“I think they need a gentle reminder that it’s okay to express their emotions and be upset,” Ibiki said. “Granted, you’re not entirely the right man for that job, since you’re emotionally stunted—”

“—Hey, no need for the personal attacks, Ibiki.”

Ibiki scoffed and continued, “—but I think hearing it from you would help. After all, you were worse not even six years ago…”

Kakashi sighed. “I was a bit worried that this could happen. But… I can’t let her be like me.” He shook his head. “That’s not Tsuki.”

“You and I both know, killing someone changes you.”

Kakashi hardened his expression. “Yes, but she shouldn’t get too comfortable with it. I’m not letting her make the same mistakes I’ve made.”

Gods know Kakashi’s made some serious mistakes in his time. So has Sakumo. Can’t get to where Ibiki and Kakashi were without a few mishaps…

“Our job as parents and sensei is to keep our children and genin from making the same mistakes we’ve made… Well… you’re not a sensei yet, but the concept applies nonetheless.”

“Yes… Thank you for letting me know, Ibiki. I’ll have a word with Tsukiya. Hopefully she doesn’t need a lot of convincing.”

Ibiki pulled his hands out of his pockets. “I don’t think she will.” He bowed slightly. “Goodnight, Kakashi. I’ll be by for Tsuki in a few days. She needs to recuperate after this.”

“Of course.”

カカシ

Kakashi opened the door and headed back inside. Tsukiya was on the couch with Dad and Dad’s girlfriend, Murasaki. Tsukiya watched Murasaki teach Dad how to crochet, though Dad’s hands were hilariously clumsy when it came to this. Deft with a sword, but apparently terrible with needles. Though, it was kinda cute to watch.

Kinda sucks Kakashi had to take Tsukiya for a private conversation. Murasaki was so sweet, and Kakashi was excited to see his father with someone again. Hopefully, Murasaki was the one Dad would settle down with. It would do Tsukiya good to have a feminine figure around the house, especially as they got older and started puberty.

He shut the door behind him and gestured for Tsukiya to follow him. “Tsuki, come here please.” Tsukiya looked at him, panic draining the color from their already pale face. Kakashi softened his expression, realizing he may have sounded harsher than he meant. He lifted his gaze to the ceiling. Oops. He dropped his gaze again and said, “You’re not in trouble. Exactly…”

Dad looked up at Kakashi with concern and went to set the needles down, but Kakashi shook his head. No, this was going to be between Kakashi and Tsukiya. Dad wouldn't be able to help this time.

Kakashi needed to do this alone.

Dad furrowed his eyebrows but didn’t say anything to Kakashi. Instead, he rubbed Tsukiya’s shoulder and gently pushed them towards Kakashi. They got up and followed Kakashi upstairs. Kakashi sat them in the reading nook and pulled up the desk chair to sit in it backwards. “Mind telling me how you're feeling?”

Tsukiya shrugged. “I dunno. Excited Grandpa has a girlfriend? She’s really nice, Daddy!”

Kakashi chuckled. “No, not about that.”

Tsukiya tilted their head and fell silent. Kakashi gave them a few moments to figure out what he meant. They opened their mouth slightly in realization. “Oh…”

“Ibiki was telling me you’ve been a bit apathetic about killing Ryouichi.”

“Well…I mean…” Tsukiya glanced down. “Not really apathetic? I’m glad he's dead though.”

Kakashi blinked. “No you’re not.”

“Yes I am. It means he won’t hurt me anymore.”

Kakashi loosed a shaky exhale. They can’t be like me. Tsukiya can’t be like me. “Tsukiya. Sweetie. I think, as your sensei said, you’re in shock. And you’re not processing what happened very well. Do you know why I don't kill the spiders when you find them?” Tsukiya shook their head. “Because if you killed everything you didn't like, there wouldn't be many people and creatures left, right?”

“But Ryouichi was gonna kill me and my friends!” Tsukiya protested.

“I know,” Kakashi remained calm. “And that’s fine, I’m not mad about that. My point is that it's not good for you to be glad he’s dead. It leads into an extremely dangerous territory, where you could eventually kill without remorse. I don't want you to be that way.”

“Why not?” Tsukiya kicked their feet against the couch. “Wouldn’t that make being a shinobi easier?”

“Because I was that way for a long time.”

Tsukiya looked up with their eyes widened.

“Do you remember our promise?”

“Y-Yeah…”

“The reason I made you make that promise is because I can't let you go down the same path I did.” Kakashi flinched at the memory of his hand cutting through Rin’s chest. Her warm blood splattering on him. The look of pure horror on her face. And then, she fell limp—she was dead.

A kill he regretted to this day.

Sure, he made the promise to kill her. But it didn’t sting any less, even fifteen years later. And somehow, killing became easier sometime after…

“You won’t remember this, because I made damn sure you never saw that side of me. You know that I was in ANBU. But you don’t know that I did horrific things to people, especially bad guys. I didn’t care about giving second chances, I killed without a second thought, and I did some pretty selfish things in the midst of all of that. And the gods know I let even worse things happen…”

He remembered the Uchiha massacre from five years ago. How he left the house that morning to take them to school, but had to take Tsukiya back home because school was cancelled that day. The remorse he felt, thinking he had some hand in it despite the fact he had no idea that was going to happen. He might not have drawn the blade, but he was under Danzō’s thumb as much as Itachi had been.

In a way, he felt like he had drawn the blade.

“I will never be able to make up for everything I’ve done,” Kakashi continued after a tense silence. “And I don’t want you going down that path, Tsukiya.”

Tsukiya frowned. “But he hurt me and my friends… and almost killed us. Why can’t I be glad about that?”

Kakashi sighed. “I know. But you can’t be glad that he’s dead. That’s not a good reaction to killing someone.” He leaned forward and rested his wrists on his knees. “And truth be told, I don’t think you’re actually happy you killed him. I think that’s a lie you’re telling yourself. You want to know how I know?”

Tsukiya blinked away a tear and then wiped at their face. Good. That’s the response he wanted to see. “H-How?”

“Ibiki told me you were having nightmares about it last night. That’s not the reaction of someone who’s glad they killed another person.” And you’re a terrible liar! But Kakashi kept that thought to himself.

Tsukiya dropped their gaze and took a shuddering breath. “I’m sorry, Daddy…”

Kakashi knew what was coming. He shifted to sit with his child and took them into his arms. Tsukiya buried their face in his chest. It took a few moments before they broke down into strained sobs. This was the reaction of the child he knew and loved. Someone who knew how to use their emotions. Not…

Not Kakashi.

He stayed still for a long time as he held them tightly, letting them know he was there and they were safe to release those emotions. In a way, he kinda envied them. Letting their emotions free came so easily. For Kakashi, it took true effort to break him down.

Kakashi had no idea how long they’d been there together when he heard footsteps on the staircase. He straightened and peeked over his shoulder at the stairs. At first, he presumed it was his father. After all, Dad lived here, too.

Except, it wasn’t Dad. Lord Third emerged from the steps.

Kakashi widened his eyes. “Lord Hokage.”

Tsukiya sniffled and lifted their head to look. Lord Third softened his expression slightly and dipped his head. “Ah, I see you’ve already gotten through to them, Kakashi.”

Kakashi tucked a lock of hair behind Tsukiya’s ear and nodded. “They understand better now, sir.”

“That's good to hear, Kakashi.” Lord Third gestured at the desk chair. “May I join?”

Kakashi nodded and the third Hokage took a seat. “First, let me make sure on something. You’re… chuusei? And your name is Tsukiya and not Tsukiko?”

Tsukiya wiped their eyes on the sleeve of their hoodie. “Hai.”

“It’s a very lovely name,” Lord Hokage told them. “Your sensei did a fine job helping you pick out a new name.”

Kakashi fought a smile. How sweet of Ibiki…

Tsukiya nodded again and cracked a faint smile. “Yeah, he did.”

Lord Third cracked a smile. “Alright, well… To move onto the main reason I’m here. I’m sure your father has told you a lot, but did he give you one additional piece of context? That he stopped working in ANBU for a reason?”

Tsukiya shook their head. “N-No… I don’t think Daddy’s ever told me why he no longer works for ANBU.” They let go of Kakashi and straightened a bit.

“You wouldn’t remember any of this, most likely,” Lord Hokage started. “But when your father was in ANBU, he became apathetic and cruel.”

“I did,” Kakashi agreed. “But like I said earlier, I made sure you never saw that side of me, Tsuki. You never saw it. But Dad…” He trailed off, guilt creeping into his throat. The fights he had with his father. The fights he tried to keep Tsukiya from witnessing.

“Sakumo and Kakashi’s friends came to me, asking for help,” the Hokage continued. “They knew Kakashi would become like Danzō if I didn’t intervene. So I did.”

“Who’s Danzō?” Tsukiya asked, glancing between Lord Third and Kakashi.

“Shimura Danzō…” The name felt like venom on Kakashi’s tongue. “He is the leader of Root. A sub-organization within ANBU. And he is… let’s just say, the last person you ever want to run into.”

Tsukiya pulled their knees to their chest. “So what did you do, Lord Hokage?”

“I needed your father to find compassion for other people again,” Lord Hokage continued. “So, I did the sensible thing—I pulled Kakashi out and made him a sensei to genin.” He sighed. “Though, I have yet to find a suitable team for your father. He sends every single team running with their tails between their legs.”

Kakashi scowled. “It’s not my fault these kids don’t understand the concept of working as a team.”

“I think you’re wont to admit that you have a stricter definition of teamwork than most,” Lord Hokage agreed. “But I will say, you’ve come far from when I first removed you from Root.”

“Yes…” Kakashi agreed.

“And you’re a far better model for Tsukiya to follow now she’s a shinobi,” Lord Hokage added. “Er… They.”

“Yes…” Kakashi lowered his gaze.

Lord Third smiled. “I understand, though, Tsukiya. The relief you must’ve felt when Ryouichi was gone. And you did excellent protecting your team. But taking another life is not something to ever take lightly. I hope you will take this lesson to heart, and strive to be better than Ryouichi ever was. Don’t stoop down to his level—rise up and be the best version of yourself.”

“Yes sir,” Tsukiya dipped their head. “I will.”

Lord Hokage glanced at Kakashi and nodded before returning his gaze to Tsukiya. “Think that’s it. Enough of my ramblings, you must be exhausted. I sincerely hope you take everything that’s been said tonight to heart, Tsukiya.”

“Mhm.” Tsukiya nodded. “I won’t let you down, Lord Hokage.” They looked at Kakashi. “And I’ll make you proud, Daddy.”

A slight smile tugged at Kakashi’s lips. “I’ll always be proud of you, Tsuki. No matter what.”

Lord Hiruzen pushed himself to his feet. “Well then, if that’s all. I shall leave you two to it. Get some rest, Tsukiya, since Ibiki’s given you time off. I expect you to continue to shine in your shinobi way.”

Tsukiya nodded.

“Thank you, Lord Third.” Kakashi rubbed Tsukiya’s shoulders. “I appreciate your input, as our Hokage.”

Lord Third dipped his head. “Goodnight, Kakashi. Goodnight, Tsukiya.”

“Goodnight.” Kakashi and Tsukiya said at the same time.

Lord Hokage disappeared down the stairs, leaving Kakashi and Tsukiya alone together. Kakashi planted a kiss on Tsukiya’s head. “Alright, it is late sweetheart.”

“I haven’t eaten anything other than a snack since we got off the boat,” Tsukiya groaned.

“Alright, well let’s go warm up dinner, then you can go take a shower and get ready for bed. Okay?”

Tsukiya beamed and nodded. “Yes, Daddy!”

He hugged them and smiled. Of all the things in his life, he never expected to have Tsukiya. His ray of moonlight, the one person in life that brought him joy. And Kakashi was going to do his damn best to make sure they never come close to being the same man he was five years ago.

Tsukiya had advantages he didn’t, and for that, Kakashi was glad.

Chapter Text

Tsukiya went through the motions that night, but at least it felt clearer than it had the previous evening. Talking to Daddy and Lord Hokage seemed to help give Tsukiya the perspective they needed. Not that Sensei’s words didn’t help, though. Why did Daddy’s words help more though? Who knows. Tsukiya sure didn’t!

They took a shower, soaking in the warmth it brought. Well. More like the scalding heat, but that’s how they liked it. Tsukiya scrubbed their body with their favorite autumn-scented soap, and massaged their special shampoo into their thick hair. After they dried off, they got dressed in their fuzzy kitty pjs and headed back downstairs.

Much to their surprise, Murasaki-san was still there, showing Grandpa how to crochet. Grandpa fumbled with the hook but there was a sharp look of determination across his face—until it melted into confusion, anyway. He tilted his head.

“Why does it look weird?” Grandpa asked, holding up his project. “It looks like it’s curling into itself. Is it supposed to do that?”

“You’re holding the yarn too tight. Loosen the tension just a little bit.”

“Ugh! This shouldn’t be hard!” Grandpa groaned.

Murasaki-san giggled and tucked a loose lock of dark hair behind her ear. “It’ll come to you with practice, Sakumo.”

“I sure hope so,” Grandpa sighed. “Because I really like doing this, even though so far I kinda suck at it. But, it keeps my hands busy.” He lifted his gaze to Murasaki-san. “Thank you for showing me how to do this.”

Aww. It was so cute seeing Grandpa enjoying someone else’s presence. Maybe Tsukiya will have a grandma soon enough! Would be nice to not be only surrounded by boys all the time at home, as much as she adored Daddy and Grandpa.

Murasaki-san beamed. “I’m glad you’re enjoying this. Once you get a handle on single stitches, we’ll start on double stitches.” She lifted her gaze to Tsukiya. “Oh, hey, Tsukiya-chan!”

Tsukiya dipped their head. “Murasaki-san.”

“Please, just Murasaki.” She waved them off. “I’d like for our relationship to be casual, especially if I’ll be your grandmother.”

Tsukiya perked up. She hoped so! Sure, she had only known Murasaki for less than an hour, but she and Grandpa seemed to work together really well. “Right, Murasaki.”

Grandpa lifted his gaze from his project and drew his eyebrows together. “How’re you feeling, sweetie? Daddy told me what was going on.”

Tsukiya shrugged. “I feel okay… I guess.”

“You guess?”

A slight smile lifted the corners of Tsukiya’s lips. “Yeah. I guess.”

Grandpa and Murasaki exchanged amused glances.

“Ah, kids. Gotta love them.” Murasaki shook her head with a chuckle.

“No kidding.” Grandpa glanced back at Tsukiya. “Well… I suppose that’s a step in the right direction. Just remember, Daddy and I are here for you, sweetheart. Alright?”

Tsukiya folded their arms behind their back and smiled. “I know, Grandpa.”

“Aww, look at them.” A wide grin crossed Murasaki’s face. “They have your smile, Sakumo.”

Grandpa scratched his cheek with a finger. “Oh? They do? I never noticed, actually.”

“Yes! Yes, look at them. Oh, so cute.”

Tsukiya blushed. “Thank you, Murasaki.”

Grandpa looked over his shoulder and nodded towards the kitchen. “Well, your father’s over there reheating your dinner. I think he wants to see you.”

“Okay, Grandpa.” Tsukiya headed towards the kitchen. Daddy was just plating their dinner for them. Looked like grilled steak, a bowl of rice, a bowl of miso, and some pickled vegetables. Something simple tonight, at least.

He turned and looked at them before he softened his expression. “I’m going to bed, Little Moon. I’m exhausted and it’s late. I expect you in bed after you finish eating, okay?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

He planted a kiss on their head. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

“Goodnight, Daddy.”

Daddy twitched his lips into a faint smile. “I love you, Tsukiya. I love you the way you are. You will always be my precious child. You can change your name as many times as you need, or your gender identity, but you will always be the child I know and adore.”

Tsukiya hugged him. “I love you too, Daddy.”

There she was, back in the Presidential Mansion. Partially frozen. Kunai shoved right through Ryouichi’s abdomen. Blood dribbled down her hands to her sleeves and dripped onto her sandals. Ryouichi stared up at Tsukiya with his cold and dark eyes. More sticky, crimson liquid dripped from his mouth. But instead of fear, they saw rage. Anger burned in his eyes like an inferno.

“You’ll…pay!”

Tsukiya yanked their kunai out, their eyes widened. “But you’re dead! You can’t hurt me anymore.”

“Sometimes people can come back to life.” Ryouichi coughed up blood. “You know that, Tsukiko. You know more than you think.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ryou.” Tsukiya fingered their kunai, twirling it between their fingers. “Leave me and my friends alone!”

Ryouichi reached to attack Tsukiya but they dodged it. They snatched their kunai from the air mid-twirl and swiped the apparition.

Ryouichi held his arms up to block their attack. “Hah! This time, I’ll kill you! Put you out of your misery, the way you deserve.”

“No!” Tsukiya shouted. “I won’t let you kill me!”

Ryouichi formed an ice dagger with a jutsu. “Too late!”

The dagger went right through their heart and Tsukiya screamed. Sweat beaded on her forehead and she hyperventilated. Adrenaline thrummed through her veins. Her heart pounded against her chest, almost ready to burst out.

Her eyes flew open. She took in her dark surroundings. Faint moonlight filtered through the cracks around her curtains, revealing the outline of bookcases and desk. Wait. She’s in her own room.

Oh.

It was just a nightmare.

Their shōji slid open and Daddy and Grandpa rushed in.

“What’s wrong?” Daddy asked.

“Are you okay?” Grandpa fretted.

Tsukiya loosed a shuddering sigh. “I… I-It was a nightmare. I think.”

Grandpa and Daddy exchanged concerned glances.

“Well, Ibiki did say…” Daddy sighed.

“Yeah… and not unexpected given what they went through.”

Tsukiya looked at her father and grandfather. “Wh…what?”

Grandpa crossed the threshold with Daddy trailing behind to flick the lights on. Tsukiya sat up and pulled their knees to her chest. They sat on either side of her but Grandpa draped his arm about their shoulders.

“This is what's called trauma, Tsuki,” Grandpa started gently.

Tsukiya swallowed hard. “Trauma… Sensei told me about that the other day after I killed Ryou…”

“Trauma can manifest in a lot of ways,” Daddy said. “Nightmares being one of them.”

“Nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks…” Grandpa held his palm up in thought. “It’s common amongst shinobi. I don't think there's a shinobi out there without trauma.”

“No…” Daddy agreed. “Even I have trauma.”

Grandpa looked at him with a teasing smirk. “I think that's the first time you've ever admitted it.”

Daddy shot a glare back. “Only for Tsukiya.”

Grandpa held up his hands in defense. “Yes, Kakashi…”

“Why don't you admit it to Grandpa or your friends?” Tsukiya asked.

“It’s…complicated…” Daddy scratched the back of his head. “But that’s not important.”

“What’s important is, right now it’ll be rough and a bit scary,” Grandpa continued. “But you’re not alone in this. No shinobi should fight solo, whether in battlefield or in their own minds.” He pinched his lips into a slight grimace. “We’re here for you, Tsukiya.” He hugged them and they melted into his warm embrace.

Tsukiya closed their eyes and breathed in Grandpa’s warm vanilla scent. Daddy rubbed circles into Tsukiya’s back, and then silence fell between the three of them. They sat there, eyes closed and curled up against Grandpa.

Tsukiya didn’t recognize when she eventually fell back asleep on her grandfather.

A few days later, Ibiki-sensei gathered the team for a new mission. Grandpa and Daddy hugged Tsukiya before letting them run off for a new adventure for the day. Tsukiya headed outside to meet up with Ibiki-sensei and Hiiragi-kun. Sensei waited patiently, his arms crossed as he leaned against the fence. Hiiragi-kun waited with his hands in his pockets, but his face brightened the moment Tsukiya stepped outside.

“Tsuki-chan!” He waved excitedly.

Tsukiya rushed up to them. “Hiira-kun!”

“How’re you doing, young’un?” Ibiki-sensei asked.

“I’m… still having some nightmares… but I’ve been talking to Daddy and Grandpa, and Murasaki-san a lot and it’s been helping me a lot.”

“Murasaki?” Ibiki-sensei asked.

“Yeah! Grandpa has a girlfriend!” Tsukiya cheered.

Sensei chuckled. “Ah, yes. The old man finally scored a girl, huh?”

“Murasaki is really cool! She knows how to crochet.” Tsukiya grinned. “She said she wants to make me a blanket in a style that she calls a ‘temperature blanket’? She’s taking all the high temps from the year I was born and is gonna make a blanket out of it!”

“That’s pretty cool.” Sensei patted their head. “Come on, you ready? Lord Third has a new mission for us, and it’s a D-Rank. It’s nothing serious.”

Tsukiya beamed. “I’m ready for it, Sensei.”

He smirked. “Good. Let’s get going and pick up Shion, then.”

“Yeah!” Tsukiya pumped a fist in the air. “Ikuzou!”

A smile cracked Ibiki-sensei’s face, and he gestured for them to follow to pick up their last teammate.