within the gates of those who killed.

[[ dee. ]]

It seemed like only yesterday.

Only yesterday she heard of her father’s demise.

Only yesterday she had witnessed death.

Only yesterday…

Perhaps it was fate that her mother had left? That her father had died. Or maybe, just maybe, he was never meant to die; she was never meant to run. If only she could believe those words. How easy life would have been. Was she truly meant to be torn from the ones she loved? And f it was true, if her parents should have been with her now, then had she been destined to learn of the powers within her? Her mother never did bring it up, after all; and maybe she would never have spoken to her of these abilities she held.

Did she even know?

Oh how Hikari Rin wished to believe it; wished to believe it was all just an accident that those Leaf ninja had killed her father’s team for being within their land. Mistaking them for enemy ninja and attacking on the spot. Her father didn’t have a chance, he wasn’t trained for combat. He was trained to heal; to live.

Chakra was continuously flowing throughout the soles of her feet, a habit one picked up when living in the sand. This land was unfamiliar to the kunoichi jumped from branch to branch as carefully as she could. Tress, soil, plants; they weren’t the scenery she was accustomed to. And then the thought that her father could have been killed there, or there, or there… it was enough to drive her mad. Though she continued on; hazel eyes scanning the horizon when the treetops grew thin to find the golden hawk soaring above. She would have flown with the avian messenger; though she did not want to uncover her ability unless she absolutely had to. It was suspicious enough for a sand ninja to be in the leaf ninja’s land, and so close to Konohagakure. If a leaf ninja were to stop her, to question why she was there, she had a plan of course. Not only was she a jounin, Rin happened to be a tracker ninja. A roll of paper would be removed from her kunai pouch and opened, showing the ninja that she meant no harm. The signature of Kazeakge-sama etched at the bottom. Really, she should feel perfectly comfortable within a friendly land. It wasn’t like she was going into a country that her own was at war with. But her father…

*chhh*“Hikari Rin; approaching the village of leaf ~over.” *chh*
*chh* “Good, you are approaching the end of our radio signal ~over.” *chh*
*cch* “Yes, prepare to disconnect ~over.” *chh*
Before her village could answer, the signal was cut. She was officially disconnected from contact with Sunagakure; and as uneasy as ever. The radio was unbuckled from her neck and ear before being placed into her kunai pouch; careful not to disrupt the organization of the items inside.

-Later that day-

Sandaled feet finally approached their destination, the girl clad in dark and light grays walked cautiously towards the village’s gates. Her hands touched the thing differing her from the ninja; the symbol of her village that was knotted tightly around her neck.

“Halt! What is your reason for being her, ninja of the sand?” A voice called from the gate; two ninjas stood there in a battle-ready position. Her hands reached for the kunai pouch resting on her left thigh; the two ninja’s tensed.

“Cool it.” Rin said simply, taking out the roll of paper. “My name is Hikari Rin; tracking ninja from Sunagakure. I’m here on village terms.” She held up the signed paper and approached the two ninja. The one obviously read faster than the other and motioned towards the gate.

“All right; go ahead in.” He nodded, reaching for the paper and stamping it. Saying a simply thanks, the kunoichi entered the village; her mind still nervous.

Wandering down the streets of Konoha wasn’t comforting her at all; people gave her odd looks as she walked by. Of course she’d just smile and try not to take if offensive, but she seemed so unwelcome here… perhaps they were hearing rumors of the Sand and Sound as well as the Akatsuki just as she had?

[Tenko]

She wasn’t nearly drunk at that point; it was too early to drown oneself in sake, not when people could still recognize you. It was something the former kunoichi had always despised about the village, especially since she’d spent the passed odd years trying to be anything but herself.

Shizune was doubtless out with her feeble swarm of genin; helpless creatures if she ever saw them. Those children were one of two personalities: individuals forced by parental decree to enter the ranks, or foolish kits trying to achieve some fantastic dream, trying to accomplish something and signing themselves up for an early death. The slug-sannin gave a bitter chuckle, leaning back within her stool at the open-air booth; she hoped her attendant wasn’t planning on getting attached.

Chakra suppressed as she attempted to avoid meeting the common shinobi, Tsunade paid and played with her food, inwardly becoming more agitated as the seconds ticked onward. She sensed the spiking chakra signatures about her, casually going about their daily business, almost waiting for some reckless ninja to pop up and greet her – Tsunade-sama, they would call her, treating her with the careful respect of someone sharply out of their league. Heaving a sigh, she pushed the lone remains of her meal away, blonde horse-tails whipping around as she twirled out of her stool and onto her heeled sandals; her over-robe, sporting the phrase ‘to gamble’, was slung over her shoulders as the medic-nin found herself wandering resolutely from that traffic zone. Needless to say, it made her uncomfortable to linger in a place for too long.

~*~

It wasn’t difficult to appear like she wasn’t paying attention; Tsunade was – was, she assured herself, as in, past-tense – a kunoichi, after all, and a legend at that. However, there wasn’t really much use in acting like she didn’t see the forehead protector that child had adorned, parading through streets and causing discomfort amongst the villagers; then again, Suna-nin tended to do that to a person. They felt harsh, rough – everything about them seemed to put a person on edge, and if Tsunade herself hadn’t tried to forget the war she’d engaged in with them… well, she would act all the same.

Instead she casually drew herself closer, an intimidating figure, knowing that obviously this child – because really, what was fifteen to fifty? – had a legitimate means to be here, because border patrol would surely have stopped her otherwise.

“You know,” she muttered darkly, or perhaps it was more of a growl, “I don’t think the Chuunin Exams are for another while. Fancy meeting a sand-nin here of all places.”

Shall we take the direct approach, m’dears?

[[ dee. ]]

The chakra around her seemed to have grown once she stepped inside those gates. Assuming it was the new genin teams, she assured herself it was just like Suna. They were forming teams and getting to know new abilities and skills as they practiced for the chuunin exams. Though Suna welcomed her, even if they were still wary. And here, she could feel the ninja’s chakra spike as she walked by. Deciding they were just taking precautions, Rin brushed it off.

They wouldn’t attack her, would they?

No; it would be instant war between their countries. And neither would want to break that treaty of peace. But the rumors, the Hokage must have heard them by now? And Rin knew they weren’t just rumors anymore… and she was stuck in the middle of it all. Though, she always did lust for revenge; perhaps soon it would be her chance?

And they could all call it an ‘accident’.

From the corner of her eye, she could see a flash of blonde and green. She believed it to be just another person, of course. She was wrong.

The words stopped her in her very tracks, the sound of that voice, the shear power dwelling within it. Rin gulped back a shriek, searching for the chakra signature. Why wasn’t it there…? Turning, Rin came face-to-face with someone she intended never to meet; the sannin Tsunade. She smirked, trying her best to play it cool.

“Oh really? Guess I’m early.” She scoffed, acting like she could take on the world hands down. “How about you? Fancy meeting a sannin, right? I thought you all scurried off to the ends of the earth. Never hear from you anymore.” A smirk appeared on her face as she placed her hands on her hips. ‘Tsunade’s scarier in person… and she was terrifying to begin with’

[Tenko]

A feral grin sliced its way upon her features as the sannin showed her teeth; her features tightened into an unpleasantly vicious smirk, something like disdain but more like anger etching its way upon her features. “That’s cute, kid,” scoffed the kunoichi. “The hell are you doing to your fac - Oh wait; I think I get it…”

Scuffing painted nails against the folds of her robes, Tsunade twisted her neck to drag a horse-tail over her shoulder, the motion striking her eyes as brighter and her skin paler; it was almost fascinating that she was hardly interested in this little sand-snake, and yet could still pull of such an intimidating stance. Apparently her movement was as fluid as ever, her muscles casual, but her expression held some damaging feel to them that could wound in her glare.

“You think that you look like a kunoichi that way, right? That’s a precious parlor trick.” Looking away her face contorted into a sharp laugh, her voice grating to the nerves. While it was often smooth as satin in casual conversation, it seemed like the sannin was sharpening her words and biting off their edges, a dagger imbedded in each and a blow intended in the phrase. “What gave me a way, chit? The necklace or the assets?” It could’ve been a lighthearted question asked any other way, but it was too much to hope for. “Or maybe the better question is – didn’t your sensei teach you a little respect, my dear? Because really, it would take my little finger to turn you inside out, and all I’d have to say was that you annoyed me.”

[[ dee. ]]

The words coming from the sannin’s mouth seemed to be practiced; it was as if she had practiced the entire encounter before they had ever crossed paths. Tsunade was sure of herself, and she had ever reason why. Rin would have cut a normal shinobi’s tongue straight out if they decided to talk to her like she was nothing. But this woman… she wasn’t your everyday ninja. During her travels she heard more than enough stories about the infamous sannin, hearing bits and pieces about their abilities and jutsu. Being a jounin, Rin was expected to be a high level ninja, but from what she’d heard about this particular sannin and her incredible strength, she was just better off running the hell away. The sand ninja inside her told otherwise; she had a reputation to uphold for her village. Didn’t she?

The laugh had pulled her back to the current scene, ripping her clean from her thoughts. Though the question lingered in her mind. ‘Would I have a chance of taking down a sannin?’ It seemed as though her mind and erupted with laughter at this thought and she shook it away quickly, deciding it was best not to test it.

“It was your voice, actually.” Answering truthfully was her best bet; for all she knew this sannin could pick out lies from her voice like it was nothing. “I didn’t sense your chakra, or I’m sure it would’ve been that. And since your voice wasn’t hiding I could hear you perfectly.”

The next question struck her, and though she knew it wasn’t a smart idea to step on the older woman’s toes; she’d done it anyway. “Respect?” Rin hissed, her eyes narrowing as she looked into Tsunade’s eyes. “Of course I’ve learned respect. Respect for my village and its people.” A sly smirk appeared on her face as she opened her eyes once more. “Just because you’re a sannin doesn’t mean you’re a god. And it doesn’t mean I have to respect you.”

[Tenko]

"That's a shame," Tsunade replied promptly, indulging herself in examining the so-called child's features. "And here I was so hoping for friendly conversation." Pinching the fabric of her clothing between her finger tips, the former kunoichi tugged at the cloth absently, fixing her clothing and smoothing out her robe. Smiling wryly, she added, "I'm afraid Chiyo-chan gave me quite the time when last we met, so I've lost my taste for formalities with Suna-nin. But shall we pretend you're not the spitfire you pretend to be, little sister, and act like the civil women that we are?"

Eyes narrowing in a challenging fashion, the sannin tilted back her shoulders slightly so that her dull green over-robe slid down to her elbows. In a swift, fluid movement she'd pulled both arms free and snatched the cloth in a hand, throwing it over her shoulder so that it trailed behind her. The trinket she'd inherited from her bloodline was much more prominent this way, and the sannin wrinkled her nose slightly in distaste, eye catching the crystal.

Crystalized chakra. At least it doesn't give me away.

"At least you aren't one of ours," was the statement, not meant to be caustic but completely casual in its delivery. "You'd cause a war playing Ambassador."
Glancing upwards and planting her free hand over her hip, a bored expression crossed Tsunade's features and she began to speak, in a quietly lulling tone, almost hypnotic in the way she spoke. "Beneath the shirt your muscles are probably toned when, in combination to the look of your arms, would signify a more fluid taijutsu fashion, and if you were a little less tactless with your clothing, I would probably be able to roughly isolate the style by your appearance and movement. You hide your form - or, I wouldn't think you consider it hiding - with the sash you wear, your garb being typically more formal than genin robes. The chakra output you're subconciously pouring through your sandals ensures that you're from Wind Country, and that the hitai-ate is hardly forged. The cut of your hair demotes vanity and encourages practicality, most likely saying that you're personality is exceptionally straight forward. This obviously must hold some sort of disregard to the past and, like most shinobi, a hope for a better future. Typically, this won't happen, eventually leading to a desperation to keep going until you reach your better land. Then again, the possibility of you recognizing and standing within this cliche is slim. However, your pride as a Suna-nin is probably warring with your logic; if you're here on business which is potentially offensive to the Hidden Leaf, I could assume that one of the Sannin would automatically be bad news. A sannin with an attitude, on the other hand, is something you can't deal with outside words."

Tossing her a blank glance, she added, "Does that bother you?"

Turning line of sight to assess their areas, she watched as villagers seemed to loose interest in the Suna-nin's form, which was perhaps what the Sannin was up to all along. Seeing Tsunade there, there was suddenly another prominent figure to take in their attention, and knowing the Shodai's grand-daughter with some formal recognition turned their eyes away. Rin had suddenly become less important.

"So you're either a Tracker-nin or an advanced Scout. My third guess is a messenger, though possibly not between the Kages - key information of that means would be delivered by Anbu if a ninja was necessary, or else a hawk. However, your rank can't be genin, unless you're an additional attachment to the transfers from Sunagakure - but I doubt it. Your chest puts you in your mid-teens, which is plenty of time to have attended the Chuunin Exams outside of the two-year break Sand took from them. You could be jounin, if Sand sent you alone."

Smiling something cheeky, the woman cocked her head towards the younger girl in a friendly manner - but still, there was something threatening there. "Tsunade. A pleasure to make your acquaintence. I insist you pretend the same and introduce yourself."

[[ dee. ]]

“Civil woman, hn?” Rin replied mockingly, watching Tsunade’s eyes examine her. “I don’t think I’ve been civil since I became a genin really. Though I’ve come to realize it’s in my blood.” And it was, really. What Suna-nin had any sort of clam, caring features that Konoha-nin seemed to carry. It was weak, in her opinion. Though she had to try to act her best, starting war before planned would be damned near suicide. “But of course, I’ll try and be nice.” She smirked, eyeing the sannin carefully.

Watching the green robe slide from Tsunade’s shoulder’s she took the chance to examine the necklace placed so perfectly on her neck. Suddenly she wished her mother was a jeweler and had taught her of the different stones and minerals. She lived in a rather large trade system of things such as that. Seeing as food wasn’t exactly easy to grow in the desert and all, they had to have found different ways to sustain trade and barter. Jewelry was one of those things. Though she couldn’t seem to place its origin, and soon decided it was just a pretty trinket.

“I’m not exactly diplomatic.” She murmured, watching the sannin slip away from the world and look to the sky. She began to speak in an unearthly tone, making Rin’s attention stick to the woman reluctantly. It seemed she knew everything about her; including her fighting, styles, her persona and… her past.

‘How does she know all that? Am I that open about myself? Or is she just… amazing…’

Rin chuckled lightly, tossing off her words as if they meant nothing and were not directed towards her. “Not at all.” She looked up at Tsunade, slowly dimming the chakra to its dullest point. Though it seemed the air spirit within her would not allow the hiding of its own chakra, and she had to face the reality that it would not be fully hidden. Of course, she was only doing it to stop her subconscious emotions from rising its current state of being. Even if she knew this would hardly work against someone that could near read her mind.

She too noticed the eyes of the villagers straying from her form, focusing on the imposing figure before her. Sighing inwardly, she thanked them. It was annoying enough having a sannin randomly appear; a person breathing down her neck certainly wasn’t helping.

“Guess it can’t be helped then.” Rin sighed, looking lazily towards the woman. “Your first guess was correct; I happen to be a tracker-nin from Sunagakure, obviously. I’m also a jounin. If you want proof, I have it all in writing.” She patted the kunai pouch on her left thigh.

‘No use hiding from her. Though I wonder if she’s heard about us…?’

“Hikari Rin, nice to meet you as well.” She answered plainly, taking it upon herself to say nothing more.

[Tenko]

"It's almost refreshing how well you do that, little girl," was Tsunade's reply, icily sweet. "I love that, how you can pretend to disregard so well; I know you're paying hardcore attention. If you weren't, there'd be less than a pathway in Hell for you to become jounin like that." Features sharpening in a harsh reprimand, the sannin continued, dropping her voice to a ferociously low level. "Hikari-san, Sunagakure's damyo cut the military budget. They can't afford nin to be so lax, so you quickly have to rethink the guise you're playing, because that kind of attitude from a sand-nin is more suspicious than say..." A coarse little chuckle flooded from her throat, and the kunoichi looked away. "A written confession from the Kazekage's youngest son. What do they call him? Sabaku no Gaara? The name itself amuses me."

But there it was, that closed, calculating look on the woman's face; her features seemed absorbed by their disdain, and she reached up with the fist grasping her robe, pushing back her bangs absently. "You and I both know that that signature is trash to me. If it does have the Kazekage's signature as a legitimate scroll, whatever you're doing here will reflect poorly upon him if you're caught. That signature is meant to gain you entry-way and communicate with whoever you have inside here."

Spies were a way of life - a way of thriving. They were the lifeblood of the realm, as rumor and gossip was its soul; fear being the border. Tsunade seemed absolutely uncaring as to whatever Rin was up to, keeping her gaze focused on the crowd as though expecting someone now, watching civilians look away beneath her eye. "Me, Hikari-san? I don't give a damn what you're up to; so tell me a story, and a good one. Who would be the target to your so-called pursuit?" Inwardly she felt a distorted sense of glee; the sand-nin was acting bored, which could be a facade or a weakness - even both. It was the old kunoichi instinct kicking in and out of nothing Tsunade began to laugh, pushing it roughly back within her.

This was getting far too amusing; and she didn't even care two cents in Hell for what was going on.

Cracking her knuckles absently, one at a time in their respective position, Tsunade gave a light shrug and added, "Gossip with me. Rumor has it, my dear, that Suna is snuggling up with Otokagure; security's going up accordingly. Humor me with whatever story they've cooked up for you to tell."

Features twisting as though she'd caught sight of something displeased, the former kunoichi added, "Or you could tell me the truth, but that's probably a load of bull too. I suppose there's a possibility that you're seriously innocent; but that wouldn't be any fun."

[[ dee. ]]

“Really? Then you’d know that our ninja are trained to perfection due to that exact reason.” Hands taking the form of a fist before releasing, Rin scowled toward the older female. “And my reasons for becoming a jounin are completely clear; I showed promise as a ninja.” Eyes flickered lightly in distaste for the entire conversation. Why wouldn’t this damned old woman leave her alone? Didn’t she have better things to do than interrogate people? “Rest-assured, I’m putting on no disguise. You’ve already washed away anything I’m hiding.” Head turning from the scene she glared off towards the sky, barely listening to the sannin anymore. She’d truly had enough; though when she heard Gaara’s name it seemed as though her expressions softened and she looked back down to the woman.

‘Kazeakge-sama never should have sent me here; babysitting isn’t part of the job.’

Rin stayed silent, staring blankly at the other kunoichi. Perhaps she was here to speak with people, there was nothing she could do about it any who. “The target?” She questioned, bemused. “A few missing ninja.” Replied the kunoichi without doubt. Oh how she hated verbal confrontations…

“If something was happening, I wouldn’t know. I reassure you everything in Suna is as usual.” Eyes wandered up to the sky once more, searching for the golden hawk that was her last line home. “Why do you care, hn? I thought you’d given up being a ninja for this village years ago.” It felt as though Rin was some type of messenger bringing word between villages. Of course, she’d try to bore the sannin; either that or just walk the hell away. Much more of this and she’d go crazy. Find the three genin siblings; report to them the happenings, then high tail it back to Suna. All tose damned trees were beginning to get on her nerves anyway.

{HOMG~ writer’s block.}

[Tenko]

“You miss the point completely,” Tsunade replied with a slight scowl. “As a Sunagakure jounin, you’re far too elite to pretend you don’t care what I say; some part of you has to hang over every word, in case I say something useful – which I might’ve.” A careful look caught Rin pointedly looking away from her – a good sign, her kunoichi instincts bid, reveling in the knowledge. The more she spoke, however, the more the young girl seemed inclined to stare, and Tsunade felt herself grow impatient, deeming the child dull competition; however Sarutobi-sensei could’ve looked at these shinobi, it was a wonder he still vouched for them.

If Tsunade had noticed anything of Rin’s outward reaction to Gaara, she made no comment; going on and smirking lightly, in that painfully bitter way of hers, and shrugged absently at the inquiry. “I like to keep connected,” she stated airily. “You know, write to Chiyo-baa-chan, irk her a bit. Visit Hokage-sama every now and again.” With a mild sound that would’ve been a snort in a lesser perso, she added, “Once again, are you seriously paying attention? No? Didn’t think so. I told you – I don’t give a damn what you’re up to in Konoha; I’m just passively watching things hit boiling point so I know when to plan my next vacation.

“…I goddamn hate this place.” Frowning in absolute distaste, she decided to gauge one final try at the tracker-jounin. “You know, some of the hawks flitting about don’t look like Fire Country birds.” Silence a moment, as she switched tracks. “Perhaps the sand-siblings, as the world has become so fond of calling them, are getting a little bit homesick? I can’t see why you shouldn’t want to speak with them; did you hear? Team Three, under Ijichi Akuro, Team Six under Asuma Sarutobi… Team Five under Mitarashi Anko. Very interesting match-ups - particularly that last one; everyone’s all the titter about our new transfers… There’s even one from Cloud.” Shrugging this off as though it were merely an absent discussion topic, as opposed to a gauge upon what Hikari Rin was aware of (however small),tTsunade continued her bid in an almost polite tone, “And I think you should thank me. I saved you one hell of a problem just by being here, so stop looking as though you’re tempted to tear my limbs off.”

[[ dee. ]]

“Partially.” The kunoichi cooed, still look blankly at the sannin. “Important, hn? Then I guess that little bit of me listening is serving this conversation well.” This older woman was just playing games, she told herself. And Rin never was the one to stay quite and act like a proper person. Though, subconsciously, there was that being inside her mind slowing the girl. Telling her to act as if she was just passing through. To her surprise, she herself felt as though she had stumbled in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Paying attention to an old woman doesn’t exactly interest me when I’m trying to get the hell out of here as quickly as possible.” Hand raised, she twirled an end of her hair, thoughts and eyes trailing more and more away from the chat. “Konoha isn’t exactly my favorite place to be.

‘I’m certain she knows.’

Smiling lightly, the jounin looked towards Tsunade after hearing her words. “Probably Kazeakge-sama telling Gaara not to kill anyone.” She mused as if the sentence were completely acceptable. “I wouldn’t put it past a person such as yourself not to know of people such as him.” Of course, most people weren’t exactly aware of Gaara being the carrier of the Shukaku unless they had lived in Suna. “Or they may be complaining about how people stare.” Eyes wandered to her side as she watched a few villagers pass; their own gaze directed towards the two kunoichi. “Or maybe…” Rin spoke to continue her previous comment. “Kazeakge-sama is speaking with Hokage-sama about the chuunin exams?”

“Saved me?” She inquired almost childishly before chuckling at the statement. “From what? I see nothing to be ‘saved’ from.”

[Tenko]

“Racists, radicals…” The woman gestured to a pair of men passing curtly through the crowd. “Ninja. The fact that I’m here makes you automatically less prominent and hardly as important. Because I’m nothing short of every-day life in this living hell, you’re about as dangerous as a church mouse. Idiots.” Pulling her hand up to toy absently with the crystal dangling from her neck, Tsunade weighed her actions a moment as though they actually mattered: the Sannin hadn’t even checked Hikari’s papers for a concealment jutsu, hidden orders or a forgery. Then again, it wasn’t as though she actually cared to; Sand was just waiting for a chance to attack them again (anyone of importance could tell), and Sandaime-sama kept pressing onwards for peace, the old fool.

“Actually, those patrol-nin who were stalking you through the gates – I think you might’ve written it off as the residue from exam training – might’ve stuck you down their noses if I hadn’t just conveniently strolled along to speak with you.” Grinning something menacing, she asked kindly enough, “Now say thank you, Hikari-san.”

Clearing her throat she pointed dully to a few of the restaurants littering the town, few formal and most open-air, with a slight chuckle the woman shrugged and grabbed her horse-tails, amiably shouldering them before resting her painted nails on Rin’s shoulder. “It’s such a shame that you hate us so much. We could’ve gone out to lunch for all the fashionable updates.” This was obviously some sort of coarse mockery, as Tsunade cleared her throat, looking nothing near amused but filled with malice. “Kazekage-sama has then become awfully chatty as of late, really, and I’m unconcerned what you do with the likes of ‘his’ kind.” Obviously, this was a reference to Gaara. “Actually, I think the hawks have pegged themselves to your Suna-nin.” Seeming falsely delighted by this prospect, she judged, “Doubtless the Kazekage’s children are quite eager to fill in their father about their teams, and their sensei. And of course, I think you’d be kind enough to meet with one of them, and give those genin a friendly face – wouldn’t you say, Hikari-san?”

It was a very clear question. You’re meeting with them now, aren’t you?

[[ dee. ]]

“Well, happy you’re getting all the looks then.” Rin answered pointedly. “Though I’d think a sand jounin is hardly as weak as a church mouse.” A hand flicked back her hair before smirking lightly. “Actually, I’m surprised you didn’t recognize my family name. Though it isn’t well known, I suspectes a sannin to know quite a bit about their enemies. Am I right?” Even she had studied up about Konoha’s more prominent families. The Hyuuga for example with their byakugan and Uchiha with the sharingan.

“Heh~ perhaps I should’ve let my guard up then?” She shrugged slightly, sending a smile towards the sannin. “Thanks.”

‘Just play nice and perhaps everything will turn out fine. It’s not like I’m talking to an actual Leaf-nin. Just a former kunoichi…’

A hand fell upon Rin’s shoulder, a gesture the kunoichi certainly wasn’t expecting. The older woman pointed down the street, her eyes caught a person jump slightly as though Tsunade had pointed to him. Needless to say, the person quickly scurried off and out of sight. A thought suddenly arrived in her mind, senses quickly flaring.

‘This person could easily kill me; I don’t know if I would be able to doge an attack with her hand on my shoulder.’ She could almost feel the chakra in her hand; it’s ability to crush a person quicker than they could move. ‘Don’t underestimate her…’

Taken aback by the sannin’s next statement, her eyes stayed staring down the street of Konoha. Meeting Tsunade’s eyes wouldn’t be something she wanted to do. They way she picked her apart; she knew the older kunoichi could see right through her. She had just ranked to jounin, after all; and she wasn’t exactly a master in hiding her thoughts. “I would talk with them, but I’m here on business not concerning Kazeakge-sama’s children.”

Oh if only she’d taken a different route.

[Tenko]

“Which is what I find disgusting about it,” Tsunade replied, grin widening as her eyes narrowed. The woman looked almost demented like that, almost akin to a shark egging nearer to its prey. “Suna-nin do damage; I would know, after all; I spent years of my life keeping people alive by their hands – and that was before they had the time to properly train their ninja.”

Lowering her head slightly so that she spoke into Rin’s ear, yet looking straight ahead; eyes were hooked upon them for a moment, before participants were struck down by Tsunade’s steely, autumn-eyed glare. “I know enough, I think. I might’ve killed a Hikari at some point; dreadfully common name…” She paused, allowing the foreboding feel of her tone latch on eagerly to the younger girl. “…But I think what’s most particularly fascinating about you is the claim they whisper about a Hikari healer and his wife. I suppose I could look into it with you, and have a bit of bonding time, but I doubt that you would like that - or that it would amuse me.”

Rising, she planted her remaining hand on Rin’s other shoulder, now walking behind the girl in what appeared to be a friendly pose; to any decent shinobi, it was nothing short of utterly threatening. “You wouldn’t? Not even to be friendly? It’s on your way after all, Hikari-chan. Surely they’ll be glad to see that their father’s checking up on them.” Light and amiable conversation, but Rin couldn’t see the expression anymore; perhaps because Tsunade recognized that the younger kunoichi wouldn’t dare look. “Tell me, Rin-chan, do you feel safer where I can’t meet your eyes?”

[[ dee. ]]

Smile widened to a full smirk, though her eyes stayed averted from the sannin’s. “Quite a nice reputation we have, hn?” Light pink lips mused in a sarcastic tone, the weight of Tsunade’s hand becoming uncomfortable and unwanted. The older woman was holding her down; it felt something like clipping a bird’s wings. The mind could soar and the body would not follow. This soon led to her discrete fear of being caged or stuck in a place where there was no hope of freeing herself.

Breath was suddenly felt on her neck, a voice ringing softly in her ear. Fear overwhelmed the kunoichi as she heard the woman’s words. “That healer was my father…” The girl whispered to herself, the sounds inaudible to any other person’s senses.

‘It was her. She killed my father… she made my mother run, it was all her fault.’

Eyes widening as the past suddenly over whelmed her, the girl tried desperately to keep her cool. Emotions would not be shown to this woman; it would only show her that the mind games were working. This was something Rin could not afford to do. Choking back an onslaught of anger and tears she felt another hand on her shoulder, followed closely be the woman changing to a position behind her.

“Get away from me.” The kunoichi hissed; body frozen in place. Fists clenched tightly as her chakra desperately pushed for release from hiding. “I will not have some old woman playing games with me.” Despite fright closing in on her from all sides, the girl turned her head slowly. Hazel eyes met the pair of auburn behind her. “Why do you ask, Tsunade-sama?”