The sharp tap of the Hokage's pipe jolted Harry out of his murderous thoughts.
Flicking his finger, he discreetly made the invisible quick notes quill begin taking notes.
"Welcome," Hiruzen intoned, his voice heavy, "to the annual meeting of Konoha's heads, fifty-six years after the founding of our village." He set his pipe aside, and looked around at the gathered faces. "I know you are all as eager as I am to get the business of the village underway, so let us begin with an introduction."
"It is my pleasure to introduce Konoha's newest clan head, Hari of the Ryūjin clan." He paused to puff on his pipe once again. "By royal decree, Konoha is now the Ryūjin clan's seat, and its lord serves as a representative of the Daimyo at our council."
Harry rose, letting the confidence hard-won from the Wizengamot settle over him like armour. His voice was clear, carrying through the room as he bowed his head respectfully.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama. I look forward to working with you all for the prosperity and protection of this village." He paused, eyes glinting as he swept the room as many bowed their heads and clapped in welcome.
He did not—absolutely did not—look at Shikaku.
Instead, he sat with deliberate poise, suppressing a grin when Tsunade shot him a mocking salute. The Hokage took another long drag on his pipe, shifting everyone's attention. "And, of course, we are delighted to welcome home our long-lost daughter of the Senju clan, Tsunade. May the Will of Fire burn all the brighter for her return."
A ripple of polite applause. Tsunade, not bothering to rise, muttered loud enough for several heads to turn, "Just get it over with, old man."
Several of the older shinobi hid their smiles behind their hands, but the Hokage only smiled tolerantly.
The meeting began in earnest and Harry found it both tedious and fascinating, familiar in the way all bureaucracies were, yet coloured by the unique madness of a hidden village. A village that blended both civilian and ninja, he wondered briefly if it could have been like this in his old world. A blend of muggle and magical, but he shook the foolish thought away, his old world had far too many advancements to coexist peacefully like this.
One by one, representatives of each civilian department rose to give their annual reports.
Harry was nearly bored to tears in those first few hours.
Eventually, a tall, reedy man with thinning hair, and a scroll clutched tightly in his hands introduced himself.
"Sadao Yamaoka, representative of the Trade and Commerce guild."
He cleared his throat and began launching into a summary of the guild's profits. "This year, our exports of rice and textiles rose by 4%, but several trade routes were repeatedly targeted by bandits. We have submitted multiple reports and requests for protection to the Hokage's office and to Intelligence. Our guild is concerned that continued attacks will negatively impact both supply and the profits we have worked so hard to keep."
The Merchant Guild's representative, nodded in agreement. "Our guild has also suffered increased losses this last year. Several caravans from Fire Capital have been raided along the main routes, many merchants killed. We believe some of the bandits are missing-nin, we are demanding further assistance."
Inoichi, his usual cheerful expression replaced by grave concern, spoke up, "A team from Intelligence has already been dispatched, Etsuko-san. We've identified several groups of low-level missing-nin, most recently a ring that attempted to block the eastern roads. We've managed to eliminate some, but there seems to be a higher power coordinating them. We ask for your patience in this matter."
The Hokage tapped his pipe. "How often are these attacks happening, Inoichi? Are they targeting specific goods, or is it opportunistic?"
Inoichi flipped through a folder. "They seem to target high-value shipments, medicine, processed goods, rare ores. Most attacks occur near border crossings, within a few miles of the major watchposts."
Etsuko shook her head, exasperated. "Someone must be feeding information to them. We're haemorrhaging money every day!"
A portly man raised his voice. "If the attacks continue, merchants will simply stop coming. Imagine what it would do to the village economy!"
The debate gained heat as several voices chiming in, some urging more aggressive patrols. Harry could only listen as the voices overlapped into pointless arguing.
Etsuko finally spoke again, "Our guild is willing to pay for an undercover operation. Our people can help identify routes and weak points if you will eliminate the threat."
Shikaku's drawling voice cut through the mounting squabble. "I think these are matters best discussed in a private meeting, Etsuko-san. We'll revisit the specifics with Intelligence and discuss our next steps."
He lounged in his chair as if barely interested, but Harry saw the calculating glint in his eyes. The man looked like a jungle cat in the sun, and Harry found himself staring, body remembering far too vividly the way Shikaku lounged on his bed that very morning, all tan skin, wild hair and hungry eyes.
He shifted in his seat, feeling heat rush through his body before forcibly dragging his thoughts back to the argument.
The Hokage nodded in approval. "Thank you, Shikaku. Let's move on—."
Before the Hokage could even finish, Yamaoka, the Trade representative interrupted and lifted his hand with the scroll in the air.
"Actually, Hokage-sama, I'd like to raise the issue of the Aka and Kuro districts," he announced. "These areas have seen increased economic activity in recent years, but not all of it desirable. For too long these districts have been a stain on our village's reputation! I propose an increase in business licensing fees and taxes for enterprises in these districts, effective next quarter, to deter these undesirable services."
Harry tilted his head in thought. He barely knew Konoha's geography, but he was sure that these districts were in the poorer parts of the village.
Fugaku's voice, interrupted. "Yamaoka-san, I must object. Aka and Kuro house some of Konoha's poorest families. Yes, there are businesses there that cater to adult entertainment and other less-traditional trades, but they operate legally. Many families there already struggle with their livelihood. Tax hikes will not cleanse the districts of these businesses; it will only serve to make them more desperate."
Yamaoka's mouth curled in a sneer. "With all respect, Uchiha-sama, the presence of… unsavoury elements in these areas ruin the reputation of our great village. Tourists are deterred by the rise in crime. Families are afraid to walk the streets at night. This is an opportunity to encourage a safer, cleaner environment for all our citizens."
He turned towards another man and continued. "Housing and Infrastructure has worked closely with our guild on this issue. Our proposal suggests that relocating businesses from these districts would free up real estate for more desirable investments—medical centres, reputable shops, public parks. It would encourage new opportunities among the residents, providing them with incentive to seek out more respectable work."
Harry bit back a grimace, he'd heard plenty of similar proposals to recognise this play. It usually bled the poor dry, driving them out of their homes, and replacing them with investments that benefited only the privileged. The Pritchard's shop in Knockturn nearly fell victim to a more ambitious member of the Wizengamot before the bill got rejected.
Fugaku spoke again, this time his anger only barely restrained. "These 'undesirable elements' are our citizens! The police force has built strong relationships with the Aka and Kuro districts. Forcing out legal businesses would not solve underground crime. It would drive them further into the shadows, making them harder to track, harder to stop."
Yamaoka countered, "the council must do what is best for the village's future. If we allow filth to accumulate, Konoha will lose all prestige! We've all heard the complaints from visiting dignitaries, can we really allow these districts to continue to ruin our relations these highly valued allies?"
The head of Housing and Infrastructure jumped in then, his voice rising, "I must agree heavily with Yamaoka-san. We believe raising taxes on the Kuro and Aka districts will encourage a voluntary relocation. In a year's time, the worst offenders will have left, and we'll have room to build something better for the village."
Harry sat back, brow furrowed, eyes scanning the council for reactions. Some of the ninja heads looked bored or sceptical, but a few civilian leaders, likely with business ties to the proposed redevelopment, nodded along eagerly.
A stern looking woman, representing Civilian Affairs, spoke then. "You speak of opportunity, Tanaka-san, but for whom? I see no plan for supporting displaced families, no guarantee of jobs, no protection for children whose parents work in those industries. If you want to address crime, then help strengthen the police force and academies! Don't punish the innocent for the crimes of a few."
Tanaka coloured but stood his ground. "The Housing Department is drafting a plan for relocation support, vouchers for families willing to move. We intend to work closely with Social Welfare to provide a safety net."
Junko Koboyashi didn't look convinced. "Intentions aren't policy or a guarantee, Igarashi-san. The council has a duty to all its citizens, not just the ones you find most appealing."
As the room divided, other voices began to weigh in.
Yamaoka responded smoothly, "That may be, Koboyashi-san, but our primary concern must be the village. We cannot allow Konoha to be known as a den of vice and debauchery."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed. "You seem to care more for the image of the village, than for the people who helped built it!"
From the other side of the circle, a younger man with quick, darting eyes stood. "Morimoto Kenji, Youth Outreach. I worry that pushing these families out will drive the youth into worse situations, homelessness, crime, gangs. I really must urge caution."
Yamaoka smiled, patronising. "Of course, Kenji-san. All we want is a safer, brighter future for our children."
Harry looked around the room and caught a few silent exchanges.
The Hokage though looked unbothered by the escalation, pipe bobbing in his mouth, eyes shrewd as he let the council air its grievances.
Yamaoka finally pressed his advantage, raising his voice. "Esteemed council, I believe we have debated enough. I propose we vote now on the motion to raise the fees and tax for the Aka and Kuro districts."
He looked confident—too confident—eyes sweeping the room as if he already saw victory.
The Hokage let out a heavy sigh, lips tight around the stem of his pipe, and nodded once at the three behind him. "Motion received," he announced. "Let us proceed to the vote. Advisors, if you would."
It was Danzo, who was not an official advisor, who picked up a scroll while the thin-lipped Koharu readied her tray of small ivory tiles, each etched with the emblem of a clan or civilian department.
Danzo's single visible eye glinted. "We will proceed by roll call. When your name is called, please state your vote. Koharu will tally."
The names rang out, echoing against the chamber's walls.
"Yamaoka Sadao, Trade and Commerce."
"For," he intoned, chin raised, the confidence in his voice matching the smug smile curving his lips.
"Igarashi Tanaka, Housing and Infrastructure."
"For," came the next response, equally certain.
"Nakashima Etsuko, Merchants."
"For," Etsuko replied.
"Mei Yamamoto, Education."
"Against," said a gentle-voiced woman, pushing her glasses up her nose.
"Haruki Haruno, Banking."
"For…"
And on, and on it went.
Until finally, as the vote count neared its end, Harry tensed ready, waiting for his name to be called.
But after Shibi cast his vote, Danzo paused. He glanced at the scroll, then smoothly put it down. "Now, the Advisors' votes," he announced.
Homura Mitokado. "For."
Koharu Utatane. "For."
Danzo's own voice was icy. "For."
Harry's hands clenched into fists.
Was Danzo actually going to do this?
Danzo looked up, voice mild, "That concludes the votes. Sixteen FOR, fifteen AGAINST, unless the Hokage would care to cast a vote and cast a tie—"
He really was…the absolute audacity of this man.
Harry let out a low, rueful chuckle that rang out through the hushed chamber. Slowly, he straightened in his chair and pinned Danzo with a look of sheer disappointment.
He could practically feel the pulse of tension as every pair of eyes in the room turned to him.
"Ah, Danzo-sama," Harry said, voice soft but carrying, every syllable dripping with sarcasm. "It seems you've forgotten something. Completely understandable, I'm a new clan head, after all, and you've had many years of the same faces in this chamber. One can't expect a man of your experience to keep up with every change." He let the words settle, a few barely concealed snorts echoing from some of the ninja.
Danzo stiffened, then offered a cold smile. "My apologies, Ryūjin-san. Quite right. However, it would be perfectly understandable should you wish to abstain from this motion. Given your unfamiliarity with our village, I'm sure you are unaware of the positive outcomes that could come from this bill should it pass."
"Please, let's keep to the professional formalities within the Chamber, you may refer to me as Ryūjin-sama." His own smile was razor-sharp. "And I understand exactly what kind of outcomes we're talking about. Exploitation is often inevitable, wherever there are poor and uneducated innocents, there are always those eager to take advantage." His gaze swept the council, lingering on the ones who'd voted for. "I may not know every street in Konoha, but I know politics. Approve this bill, and you don't just raise taxes. You'll force families, innocent ones, families with children, out of their homes and into desperation."
He let the silence stretch, watching several representatives shift uncomfortably in their seats. "Some of you stand to benefit greatly. Tanaka-san—" his gaze slid to the Housing representative, who coloured angrily, "—it would be foolish not to buy up cheap housing, wouldn't it?"
"And Yamaoka-san—" said man tensed, "—imagine the new trade opportunities in a freshly-emptied district. No doubt the licensing fees would miraculously drop again once the original residents are gone, making way for more profitable enterprises."
A low ripple of consternation echoed through the room. Harry pressed on, voice measured but lethal, "I will have no part in destroying innocent lives for petty greed. I may not have been raised in this village, but I know an injustice when I see one. Just imagine how many people, how many children would disappear, never to be seen again. It would be a crime in itself."
He made sure to keep steady eye contact with Danzo as he said this. Was he treading the line of caution? Yes. But he figured he should be allowed to get his digs in at the man while he can, who knows if he would get the opportunity to kill the man after all.
He felt justified when he heard Tsunade's hasty cough as she covered a laugh.
Danzo visibly tensed for a moment, but he gathered himself, lips thin. "You must understand, Ryūjin-sama, this is for the good of Konoha—"
Harry held up a hand. "I'm going to stop you there, I believe this has been debated enough, the time for discussion is over. My vote is against."
A hush fell, only the faint clink of a tile as Koharu added his vote to the pile.
Harry smiled, then turned to look at the Hokage. "I believe were tied, Hokage-sama. The deciding vote lies with you."
All eyes turned to the Hokage then.
His pipe resting on his lower lip, as he watched Harry for a long, speculative moment. Harry met his gaze without flinching, giving him a small tilt of his brow.
Then the Hokage's lips curved in a wry smile as he finally sat up straighter, tapping his pipe to clear it of ash. "As Hokage, I will cast the deciding vote. Against."
The words dropped like a stone in a pond. Half the council, those who had voted for, shot to their feet, voices rising in protest.
"Surely, Hokage-sama—"
"We must reconsider—"
"This is a missed opportunity—"
The Hokage's gaze sharpened. He brought the pipe down with a crack against his dais. "Enough! The votes have been cast, and the matter is closed. This proposal will not go through today."
The room fell into sullen silence, the air thick with disappointment and resentment from the losing faction.
Harry, heart pounding, felt the satisfaction roll through him in waves. He let his gaze sweep across the chamber, seeing the small smile of triumph on Fugaku's face before turning to look at Shikaku.
Who was staring at Harry with an intensity that bordered on wild, dark eyes burning with pride and something darker. For a moment Harry thought the man was angry, but when Harry bit his lip and offered a tentative smile, Shikaku's gaze softened into something warmer.
The Hokage cleared his throat, letting his gaze sweep the room once more. "Let us move to the next item on the agenda."
As the rustle of parchment and the shifting of chairs filled the room, Harry glanced once more to the seat where Danzo sat. The old man's gaze was on him, eyes like ice, but Harry refused to look away first.
Let him stew, he thought grimly. This was only the first battle after all…
~
Luckily, the meeting went on with a lot less drama after that.
No more proposals, at least none that needed voting on. The rest of the morning was a blur of monotone reports, endless numbers, and requests that only served to drag out the session.
When at last the Hokage called for a lunch break, Harry had to roll his shoulders and twist to stretch out a kink in his back. He caught Shibi's eye and leaned over, voice low.
"How are you holding up?" he asked, noticing the faint twitch of Shibi's fingers. They'd been energetic at the start of the meeting but now seemed to only twitch every other minute.
Shibi's dark eyes flicked toward him, fingers stilling suddenly. "Surprisingly well, Hari-sama," he murmured, his tone curious. "The forced proximity seems to have settled my colony. Either they are too full or, perhaps, they have learned to restrain themselves." He paused, as if listening to the insects within his cloak. "A fascinating adaptation."
Harry stifled a laugh. "Let's hope the charm I made for your little bug works just as well," he said. "Shikamaru's been excited for their playdate."
Shibi tilted his head, and Harry imagined he might even be smiling under his high collar. "Shino has been exceptionally…animated about it. He often asks about you as well."
Harry smiled, only for Tsunade to sneak up behind them and clap him on the back. "Well, look at you! Konoha's new golden boy already, popular with all ages! Even the Aburame colony from what I just heard, though Shibi's little insect is far too young to offer you a ring baby cousin."
Harry rolled his eyes, nudging her playfully. "Don't be jealous, Tsunade."
Tsunade cackled. "Speaking of rings…" she started, her attention shifted over Harry's shoulder. He turned and couldn't help but smile as Shikaku finally made his way through the crowd towards them.
Shikaku arched a brow and smirked. "Congratulations on surviving your first bill, Hari-sama," he drawled. "Though of course you couldn't resist making a scene."
Harry looked up through his lashes, feigning innocence. "Me? I only reminded the councilman about my vote, nothing so untoward…"
The man's voice dropped, suddenly rougher. "You must be hungry after all that grandstanding. Maybe we should go grab some food while we can."
Tsunade, never one to let a good tease slip by, snorted. "Excellent idea! You two best get moving now, looks like the sycophants are about to descend."
She wasn't wrong.
Harry glanced around and saw a handful of representatives already steeling themselves to approach them, no doubt eager for a snide word or two.
"I think I'll go check in on the boys quickly before grabbing a bite. Shikaku, would you like to join me?" He said, shooting the man a pleading look.
"Troublesome, we'd best get going then," Shikaku said, perfectly deadpan. "I'm sure the boys are overdue a nap..."
That was a bald-faced lie, and they both knew it.
Tilly had both Teddy and Shikamaru well in hand at the Nara compound, but Harry beamed and turned to make his way out of the room. Shikaku at his side as they slipped down the corridor and out of the Hokage tower.
It was only when they were alone that Harry realised something was wrong. Shikaku's easy going posture had changed, his shoulders tightening and his jaw clenching slightly.
Harry hesitated, reaching out to touch Shikaku's hand briefly, "Shikaku?"
Shikaku shook his head, "not here."
Feeling a bit anxious he nodded and led Shikaku into a nearby alley way, letting his veil surround them both from any prying eyes.
Shikaku was silent for a moment, but then his gaze sharpened and he closed the distance, pinning Harry to the wall with a look of frustration and worry.
"Do you have any idea how dangerous that was!" Shikaku hissed, keeping his voice low and urgent. "Confronting Danzo like that? And mentioning children disappearing? Do you want him to pay more attention to you?"
Harry blinked in genuine surprise, then felt indignation rise up. "Was I supposed to let him walk all over me? Not speak up?"
Shikaku sighed, his anger slipping somewhat. "Danzo is dangerous. He's not an enemy you need or want. And I… I can't watch you make yourself a target. Kami, if something ever happened to you or our boys…"
Harry's anger faded, replaced by a kind of aching warmth as he realised that Shikaku was more worried than angry. He lifted a hand to Shikaku's cheek, thumb brushing along the stubble of his jaw.
"I can't help it," he admitted softly. "Seeing him, knowing what he's done, to those children, to Tenzo, the wolf inside me wanted to rip his throat out right there. And then he tried to make me look weak. Skipping my vote on my first day? That would have undermined any respect I've gained if I didn't speak up for myself. I couldn't let it slide, Shikaku."
Shikaku let out a slow breath, all his tension melting as he dropped his forehead to rest against Harry's. "You need to be more careful. I would hate to see you end up in the Bingo Book for killing one of Konoha's most influential men."
"Would you kill him for me?" he teased, only half-joking.
Shikaku's lips quirked in a lopsided smile, but his eyes were deadly serious. "If I had to," he murmured, "but I'd rather you not give me a reason to speed it up."
Harry let out a breathless laugh, nerves fading now that they were back to their usual banter. "Well, we've got about fifty minutes before we need to be back. Tilly's got the boys, and Saeko is keeping them all well distracted at yours." He let his hand slide lower, over Shikaku's stomach and down to the front of his pants, fingers teasing.
The man cursed, catching Harry's wandering hand. "We do not have time for that."
Harry's grin was pure mischief. "Let me speed it along." Without another word, he wrapped his arms around the man and apparated them both straight into his kitchen.
Shikaku stumbled, swearing and gripping Harry's hips as the world righted itself. "You're horrible," he grumbled, but Harry only grinned, pressing their lips together in a fierce, silencing kiss.
Shikaku barely had time to get his bearings before Harry's hands were sliding under his shirt, nails grazing his bare skin, pulling him in. "Aren't you hungry?" Shikaku managed, voice already thick.
"Starving," he whispered, voice purring. "I'm in the mood for something filling."
Shikaku's hands gripped his waist, pushing him flush against the table. "Is that so?" he murmured, eyes dark and face close. "Tell me what you want, sweetheart."
Harry let his lips trace along Shikaku's jaw, nipping gently. "You," he breathed. "I want you. Right now."
It was all the encouragement Shikaku needed.
Their mouths crashed together, the kiss deep and consuming, hands fisting in hair, tugging at clothes.
Harry gasped as he was suddenly lifted onto the table, legs falling open to cradle Shikaku between them. Shikaku's mouth finding his neck, beard scraping deliciously as he bit and sucked, leaving bruises that he would have to glamour before they leave.
Harry whimpered, arching into the body pressing into him, hands already busy dragging Shikaku's shirt over his head and tossing it aside. He had to spell off his own shirt and vest when Shikaku cursed trying to tear it off him, eventually baring his chest to the cool air, nipples pebbling as Shikaku's teeth and mouth showered them with attention.
"Kami," Shikaku whispered, voice guttural, "I've imagined this, got myself off to it. You, spread out on this table, begging for me. Do you want that sweetheart? For me to take you right here?"
Harry keened, fingers tangling in Shikaku's hair. "Yes," he hissed, voice wrecked. "You promised—promised to make love to me every day. Please, Shikaku…"
Shikaku swore, fingers trembling as he fumbled with his pants, shoving them down, the man's hard cock slapping his stomach as it was freed. Harry let him pull down his own skintight trousers, wriggling and lifting his hips until he was naked, flushed and wanting.
Shikaku held his hand out and silently asked for Harry to conjure up some lube, but Harry didn't want to waste time and instead lifted his hand downwards and cast the preparation charm with a whisper.
"I'm going to need some lube, sweetheart. Have to get you nice and open for me," Shikaku groaned.
Harry shook his head and blushed. "I'm ready," he insisted, voice low.
Shikaku's eyes darkened further, restraint etched into every line of his body. "Don't have much time, need to prepare you," he murmured, hands gentle even as they gripped Harry's thighs open.
He gasped as Shikaku pressed their cocks together, grinding roughly. Harry panted heavily, stuttering out, "C—Charm prepared me, don't need it."
He felt Shikaku's fingers glance over his entrance and the man swore when he felt how wet and ready he was. "Fuck, I love magic."
Harry laughed shakily, guiding the head of Shikaku's cock to his entrance, moaning as it breached him, slowly pressing in. Shikaku paused, breathing hard, but Harry's legs tightened around his waist and rolled his hips, allowing the cock to slide in deeper.
"'Kaku please," Harry whimpered, biting his lip when the man only thrust shallowly into him.
With a guttural groan, Shikaku finally gave in, thrusting forward in one hard, deep stroke that made Harry arch and gasp, head falling back against the table.
"Yes," Harry moaned, eyes squeezed shut, hands scrabbling to grip the edge of the table as Shikaku began to move, slow at first, then harder, deeper, every thrust angled to hit that spot that made Harry scream.
"Is this what you wanted?" Shikaku panted, voice rough with effort. "Tell me, sweetheart."
Harry's head thrashed from side to side, pleasure and need burning through him. "Yes—Gods, yes, more, please—don't stop—"
Shikaku obliged, pounding into him relentlessly, hips snapping, sweat beading on his skin. Harry's vision blurred, every sense focused on the man above him, inside him, claiming him.
"Look at you," Shikaku growled, leaning down to press their mouths together in a tangle of tongues, swallowing his cries. "So beautiful, taking me so well. Mine. Say it!" He rasped, fingers tightening into his skin as he gave a harsh thrust.
"Yoursyoursyours," Harry gasped, tears pricking his eyes as he was fucked into relentlessly. He reached down, only for Shikaku to bat his hand away, gripping Harry's cock in his own large, callused hand, giving him that extra bit of attention that he needed to finish.
"Cum for me, Sweetheart," he commanded, and Harry's body obeyed, thighs shaking, eyes rolling back as he came hard, spilling over Shikaku's hand and his own stomach.
Shikaku followed a moment later, hips stuttering, cock buried deep as his seed painted his insides, groaning Harry's name into his mouth. They stayed like that for a long moment, bodies trembling against each other.
After a minute, Shikaku gathered Harry into his arms, still buried inside him, lifting him from the table and settling into a chair, letting Harry collapse bonelessly onto him.
Harry nuzzled into his neck, pressing lazy kisses against the slightly salty skin as Shikaku's hands traced soothing circles over his hips and back.
Harry sighed accepting the kiss Shikaku pressed to his lips, before flicking a tempus with a finger. "We have twenty-one minutes before we need to go back."
Shikaku groaned, pausing in his caresses. "What a drag," he muttered, making Harry laugh, the sound muffled against his shoulder.
Harry pressed a gentle kiss to it. "We could always stay here," he teased, rolling his hips slightly, making Shikaku hiss.
"Minx," Shikaku replied, voice husky.
Harry grinned, wriggling in his lap. "You're a terrible influence," Shikaku accused, but his tone was fond, full of love.
Harry just smiled, resting his head on Shikaku's shoulder, letting himself bask in the warmth and safety of the man he loved, even if only for a few stolen minutes.
For the first time all day, he felt truly, perfectly content.
Harry stayed nestled against Shikaku for another minute, reluctant to break the connection. Eventually, though, he exhaled a soft sigh and shifted, lifting himself off the half-hard length still in him with a faint hiss. He couldn't help but give a light clench before he dislodged himself though, breathily laughing at the reaction it got him from Shikaku.
"Mm, careful," Shikaku rasped, voice still heavy with satisfaction. His hands catching Harry's hips to still him. "You move like that and—"
"—and you'll start something we don't have time for," Harry finished with a grin, only for Shikaku's fingers to tighten and pull him back down with a lazy grin.
"Exactly," he murmured, rubbing his beard against the sensitive curve of Harry's neck.
Harry laughed, pressing a kiss to his temple. "We really should eat something before we have to go back."
Shikaku's reply was a muffled grumble against his throat. "Don't want to move."
"Of course you don't," Harry said fondly, combing his fingers through the man's dishevelled hair. "You'd probably nap right here and miss the rest of the meeting if I let you."
"Not untrue," came the lazy reply, arms trapping him against Shikaku's naked body, making Harry smile wider.
He gave in with a soft huff and flicked his fingers. The refrigerator door swung open, containers floating across the kitchen before setting themselves neatly on the table beside them.
Shikaku arched a brow. "I'll make a lazy Nara out of you yet."
"You'd have to marry me first," Harry teased, passing him a set of chopsticks. "I'd make a great housewife."
Shikaku's smirk softened into a warm smile. "You make a lot of things great."
Harry rolled his eyes and hid his small smile as they shared the meal directly between them.
Between bites, Harry finally asked, "Do all the meetings go like that?"
"Not all of them. Some are worse. But you handled yourself well. Very well."
Harry raised a brow. "You mean my temper tantrum didn't make too big of a bad impression?"
"That wasn't a tantrum," Shikaku said, chewing thoughtfully. "You were right to be angry. Danzo's hands were all over that proposal, and he knew what he was doing when he passed over your vote. If you didn't say anything then the bill might have passed." His voice dropped. "And you weren't wrong about the children either."
Harry set down his chopsticks, watching the older man's face. "You think he really thought that far ahead? Planning to kidnap more children—?"
"There's an orphanage in the Aka district that's already being watched," Shikaku confirmed, leaning back in his chair. "Fugaku's been looking into it quietly. Too many children 'adopted' by visiting civilians, and too few ever seen again. It's been slow going though. The people in those districts don't trust law enforcement—not even the Uchiha—but they know Fugaku would never try to harm them."
"Do you think he'd show me the districts?"
Shikaku's gaze sharpened, measuring. "Maybe. If you bring Daen with you."
Harry groaned. "Seriously?"
"Seriously," Shikaku mimicked. "If things turn ugly, I don't want you wandering in alone. As much as I supported shutting down that proposal, it wasn't wrong about the danger. Those people are desperate, and there is more crime there than the rest of Konoha."
Harry wanted to roll his eyes at the overprotectiveness, but couldn't find it in himself to argue. Instead, he smiled and leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to Shikaku's lips. "Fine. I'll take Daen. Happy now, you overprotective, handsome Nara?"
"Ecstatic," Shikaku murmured against his mouth.
Harry laughed, flicking his fingers to send a cleaning charm over them both, Shikaku giving an exaggerated shudder at the sensation.
"You'll live," he said.
"I'd rather you do it the old-fashioned way," Shikaku muttered.
"I wouldn't mind getting my hands on you again."
"Wouldn't stop you, Sweetheart."
Harry cast another tempus, groaning when he saw the time. "Six minutes."
Shikaku just leaned back, unbothered. "Plenty of time."
Harry's eyes betrayed him, sliding down to the man's half-hard state, a flush spreading down his neck. Shikaku noticed, of course he did, that lazy smirk only widened as he impossibly lounged even deeper into the small kitchen chair, legs spreading wide.
The sight made Harry's mouth go dry. He shook his head and flicked his wrist sharply, clothing snapping back onto both of them in a sweep of magic.
"Oi!" Shikaku jolted as his trousers materialised, nearly tipping the chair over.
"I thought you loved magic," Harry teased.
Shikaku stood, adjusting his jacket, and caught him around the waist instead, pressing a soft kiss to his mouth. "I love you," he said simply.
Harry smiled, a small bright thing, his breath catching.
"I love you too."
He took a moment to fix Shikaku's hair, fingers gently as he smoothed it back into a high ponytail. The small domestic moment making something inside him ache with quiet affection.
"There," he murmured, accepting another press of lips against his own. "Presentable again."
Shikaku groaned but allowed himself to finally be hauled forward. Harry flicking his veil over them once more, shadows spilling around their forms.
Shikaku blinked, glancing down at his hands, flexing them as though feeling the magic slide over his skin. "Feels like shadows," he said curiously. "You'll have to tell me about this later."
Harry smiled faintly. "It was from a fictional book I read as a child. My magic didn't know the difference between fiction and real, so it worked. The book called it the Veil of Shadows."
Shikaku's lips curved into a wry grin. "Appropriate."
He leaned down to kiss him again, slow and deep, tasting him thoroughly. Then he murmured against his mouth, "Do your horrible magic again."
Harry grinned. "Hold your breath."
He apparated them, and they reappeared in the alleyway behind the Hokage Tower, letting his veil down when he saw no one was around. Before Harry could fully steady himself, Shikaku's hands slipped briefly down to squeeze his ass and give him a quick, but deep kiss, that made Harry gasp.
"You—!" he hissed, but Shikaku was already striding toward the tower doors, turning back and sending a smug smirk at him.
Harry hurried after him, trying to smooth his hair down and get rid of the blush in his cheeks.
When they entered the council chamber again, Shibi glanced at him with something suspiciously close to amusement, his kikaichu buzzing erratically for a moment. Harry thought he was laughing at him, but ignored it and slid back into his seat with as much dignity as possible.
Across the room, Shikaku sat down lazily beside Inoichi, who was elbowing him with a teasing grin.
The next few hours crawled by, filled with monotonous reports about funding allocations and agricultural developments. Harry nearly fell asleep twice before jerking himself upright.
How do they do this every year? he thought, half-exasperated, half-in awe.
Finally, the Hokage rapped his pipe against the table. "If there is no further business, we'll—"
Harry lifted his hand. "I have something to bring before the council."
A ripple of surprise spread through the room. The Hokage arched a brow but nodded. "The floor is yours, Ryūjin-sama."
Harry rose smoothly, back straight.
"I have been the head of my clan for many years. Now that the Ryūjin clan is established in Konoha, I understand that each clan contributes to the village in its own way," he began, eyes sweeping the room. "While the Daimyo's decree may exempt my family from this requirement, I consider Konoha my home now."
He got a few murmured approvals, some in surprise. Even the Hokage seemed caught off guard, pipe paused mid-tap.
Before he could continue, Danzo's voice slithered through the air. "Then the council demands access to your summons. Your dragons will serve as a deterrent to the other nations, a formidable show of strength if deployed properly."
Murmurs of agreement rippled across several seats.
Harry froze, his heart dropping into his stomach. He didn't just—
He did.
Danzo had called his children weapons.
He turned slowly, eyes sharp, voice calm but colder than ice. "You want to use my children as weapons?" His rage was so potent, he slipped into using parseltongue for a moment.
Danzo's one visible eye narrowed.
"If your creatures can be wielded for the defence of the village—"
"They are not creatures. They are not weapons! And they will never be used by anyone for anything other than their own choosing. Those dragons are my children, I have raised them and they will follow no other!"
Harry's voice rose with power, thick with magic. His aura pulsed around him like a thunderstorm barely restrained killing intent, barely holding back from murdering the bandaged man.
"Anyone who tries to force my dragons into battle will find themselves burned to ash, which I'm sure the Daimyo will consider it a justified defence."
The silence that followed was absolute.
Danzo opened his mouth, but Harry lifted a hand, silencing him with nothing more than a look.
"This discussion is over. I will add to the protection of this village, but it will not involve my dragons."
There was another moment of heavy silence, some looking on in disbelief as he silenced Danzo with a mere gesture.
Then the Hokage nodded. "Agreed. The Ryūjin clan's contribution shall not include his dragon summons. The Daimyo himself has decreed it a crime against the crown to anyone who harms them."
Tsunade's smirk was wide enough to be dangerous. "Heh! Guess that answers that."
Danzo's single visible eye narrowed in anger, but he inclined his head. "Of course. It was merely a suggestion."
"Then I pray you have no more," Harry said, voice cold.
The words hung there for a moment.
"As I was saying before I was interrupted," he continued smoothly. "I will be contributing toward the village's protection, particularly the most vulnerable buildings. I have already liaised with Tsunade-sama, who has agreed that the seals I am offering could be essential to the continued protection of the patients at the hospital."
He reached for the bundle of papers he'd taken out of his pocket. With a flick of his fingers, a subtle swirl of air lifted them from the table, sending a copy to each council member's desk.
Chakra manipulation, they would think. No one here would guess it was magic, just a slightly skilled man using chakra.
Harry allowed them a moment to begin reading before continuing.
"These documents list the protections I can offer, defensive wards for the hospital, the academy, and the evacuation sites within the mountain."
He let the silence grow for a moment as eyes scanned the pages for the listed defences.
"The wards include malicious-intent detection, intruder prevention, lockdown barriers, and redirection seals capable of turning an attack back upon its source. The evacuation tunnels will be reinforced against collapse and warded to prevent entry by anyone with hostile intent. All of these seals will last for as long as I live, even longer if others continue to maintain them."
Murmurs spread around the table like ripples.
Fugaku was the first to speak. "Hari-sama," he said formally, "would it be possible to commission similar protections for the Police Headquarters? The Uchiha would gladly fund any materials or labour required."
Harry inclined his head with a small smile. "I would be happy to discuss it further, Fugaku-sama. I'm not opposed, as long as it's within my power."
"There is no possible way these protections could be real," Yamaoka scoffed. "Even if they were, such defences would require more chakra than an entire division could produce. It cannot be done."
A few others nodded, mainly the civilian members whose only experience with chakra came from watching others use it.
Harry arched his brow towards them. "I'm sure you've heard of my compound by now, haven't you?" he asked mildly. "The rumours about those trying to enter it?"
There was a shuffle of discomfort. Harry's gaze lingered on Danzo deliberately before turning to the Hokage with mock politeness.
"I've felt several attempts to enter my home," he said conversationally. "Over the walls, under the ground, even in the stone of the mountainside. Nineteen attempts in total so far. Nineteen failures."
He didn't have to look to know Tsunade was smirking. His eyes flicked back to Danzo, whose single eye was now fixed elsewhere, the Hokage's sidelong glance heavy and unamused on the man.
"And you haven't reported this?" someone demanded.
Harry waved a hand lightly. "I wasn't worried. Without an invitation or an escort from me, no one can enter. You're all welcome to try, of course." His lips curved faintly. "But I'll know. And anyone foolish enough to force entry will learn why they shouldn't have."
Tsunade covered a laugh with her hand as Harry continued, tone dipping into something wicked. "I imagine there have been quite a few men or women wandering around lately with fresh burns. Perhaps a broken bone or five."
Uneasy laughter filled the chamber. And he could see Shikaku's lips twitching from where he lounged, eyes glinting with restrained amusement.
He could see a few shocked faces at his words, so he cooled his tone again. "For the record, those who continue to try and break in with malicious intent risk becoming comatose or dead. It is the right of any citizen, is it not? To defend their home?"
Before it could turn to chaos, Shikaku's deep drawl cut through it.
"The Nara have had to remove threats from our compound before," he said, voice steady, slow. "Nothing unusual about that."
Inoichi nodded immediately. "Same for the Yamanaka. It's the way of the clans to defend what's ours."
Chouza gave a hearty "Aye," Tsume barked out her own agreement, and even Fugaku gave a curt nod.
Harry inclined his head toward them, grateful, then steered the meeting back on track. "This will be the Ryūjin clan's contribution to Konoha. Anything further can be requested, but I reserve the right to deny."
That, apparently, offended Koharu to her ancient core.
"As a citizen of Konoha, you must obey the Hokage's directives!" she snapped.
Harry met her glare and matched her tone. "As the head of a clan granted royal decree, I answer only to the Daimyo. And even then, the Daimyo requests my aid only in times of dire need. I think you would do well to remember that."
Koharu's lips thinned to nothing, her indignation visible as she puffed herself up trying to look impressive.
Harry wondered absently when the last time anyone had spoken to the advisors like that. Probably not for decades going by the offence on their faces.
Tsunade's voice broke the moment. "Even if the council voted against it," she said dryly, "I'd have him ward the hospital anyway. How many times has it been targeted in attacks against the village? How many patients have gone missing? How many babies stolen?" She fixed the room with her fierce brown eyes. "If my cousin says he can protect it, then only a fool would refuse."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the chamber.
Shikaku added quietly, "The evacuation tunnels are long overdue for reinforcement. One strong attack could bring them down in seconds. Ever since the nine tails attack six years ago, they've been unstable."
"True enough," The Hokage nodded. "It would be a great boon to have such defences. We've neglected those sites for too long."
The old man inclined his head toward Harry. "The village would be honoured by the Ryūjin clan's contribution. Its value far outweighs some others."
The three advisors stiffened visibly, Koharu spluttering, "Hiruzen, we really must discuss this—"
"There is nothing to discuss," the Hokage said mildly, puffing on his pipe. "Ryūjin-sama has offered a gift for the good of Konoha. What kind of leader would I be to refuse?"
The Hokage continued, voice cutting through the tension. "Every clan's contribution, big or small, has been accepted. I would be a fool to turn such a priceless one away."
Harry blinked, genuinely surprised. The Hokage had been wary of him from the start, now he seemed almost… respectful? No, accepting?
I wonder what changed, he thought.
But for now, he was simply relieved the matter was over with.
He bowed his head slightly to the old man. "Then I'll liaise with my cousin to begin with the hospital wards," he said, reminding them all subtly of his connection to her. "Once those are complete, I'll proceed to the other locations."
Hiruzen nodded. "When you're ready, come to my office. I'll direct you to the appropriate departments."
Harry inclined his head. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
With that, he finally sat, the weight of it all lifting from his shoulders.
The Hokage finally called the meeting to a close, the sound of chairs scraping not long after.
Shibi turned to him as the council started to rise. "A very generous offer," he murmured, voice low enough that only Harry heard. "The village owes you thanks."
Harry smiled. "Thank you, Shibi."
The Aburame head gave a small nod, fingers twitching slightly, the faint buzz of his kikaichu barely audible. "I have no wish to linger for post-meeting politics. I'll take my leave."
Harry chuckled softly. "I'll see you and Shino tomorrow, then."
A faint hum of agreement escaped the man as he disappeared through the door quickly.
Harry straightened, gathering his papers and moving toward Tsunade.
"Hari!" Tsunade called, voice loud enough to startle a few of the lingering councillors. She reached out and snagged him by the arm, dragging him forward with a grin that was half-savage, half-proud. "Come meet Tsume Inuzuka."
A wild looking woman turned at that, her grin flashing white fangs towards him.
Harry blinked at her, then felt the curl of his wolf stir under his skin.
Something in Tsume's posture made him perk up in challenge, the easy confidence that rolled off her, the feeling of dominance. He felt his lips pull back without meaning to, a flash of teeth answering her greeting.
One pack alpha to another.
"Ha! I like you already," she said, stepping closer and sniffing subtly, not even hiding it. "No Inuzuka blood in you, but you'd fit right in."
Harry couldn't help but grin back, his own stance loosening but not backing down. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"You should." She tilted her head, studying him, then did something that shocked him, she bowed.
"I owe you an apology," she said. "On behalf of my clan and particularly my cousin Kenta. His actions against you and your pups were vile. He not only shamed you, but he shamed his clan. I know Shikaku already gave him his punishment, but the Inuzuka don't take lightly to disrespect. He's been semi-exiled, made to work in the kennels until he remembers his place."
The satisfaction that rippled through Harry was instinctive and fierce, a deep, rumbling pleased growl escaping his chest before he could stop it.
Tsume's brows rose in surprise, her grin sharpening.
Then something large shifted under the table beside her, and Harry froze. The creature was wolf-sized, its fur thick and dark, one ear missing and an eyepatch covering an eye.
"Kuromaru," Tsume warned, the edge of amusement in her voice.
The dog huffed and tilted his head again. Then to Harry's shock, the dog spoke.
"Why do you smell like a wolf, Pup?" the dog asked in a gravelly, baritone voice that sounded impossibly human.
Harry stared. "Did—did he just—"
Tsume snorted. "Don't mind him. He's nosy. Kuromaru, behave."
"I didn't realise talking dogs were a thing," he admitted with a shaky laugh. For a moment he had thought his wolf had given him the ability to speak canine, but seeing the comprehension on Tsunade's and Tsume's faces told him otherwise.
Tsume barked out another laugh. "You'd be surprised how many civilians react the same way. But you? I thought someone who talks with dragons wouldn't be so startled."
Harry grinned, the tension easing. "Their language is more instinctual, not human speech like this. It's an entirely different language." He inclined his head toward the dog. "A pleasure to meet you, Kuromaru." His chest vibrating with a greeting growl to the dog.
Kuromaru's good eye widened briefly, then the beast gave a barking laugh. "I like you, pup."
Harry smiled genuinely, before the sound of a throat clearing made him turn.
"Hello, Shikaku-sama," Harry teased lightly, lips curving.
The man's gaze flicked to his, amusement sparking in his eyes. "Hari-sama," he drawled, before sighing when Inoichi appeared behind him suddenly.
"Hari!" He said, leaning in with a smirk. "You did so wonderfully in your first session! Should've seen the looks when you shut those old bats down."
"I did my best not to embarrass myself," he said, but Inoichi just laughed.
"Embarrass yourself? You embarrassed them, my friend. It was glorious!"
Harry smiled despite himself. "Ten o'clock still good to pick Ino up tomorrow?"
The blonde's grin softened instantly. "She's been excited all week. My little princess couldn't stop talking about everything they're going to do together."
Harry chuckled. "Your little princess is a terror. My poor Shika's going to have his hands full."
Inoichi's mock offense was immediate. "She's an angel." Then his grin turned sly. "How was your lunch though? Get anything off the menu?"
Harry froze, cheeks flushing a mortified shade of pink as he spun to glare at Shikaku. "You told him?"
Shikaku coughed into his hand, looking away with a suspiciously innocent expression. "He's the head of Intelligence," he muttered with a glare to the blonde. "I didn't have to tell him anything."
"Aren't you the Jounin Commander?" Harry hissed.
"Tsume, you'll have to cancel the offer of mateship for this one. He's already mated to the deer," Kuromaru's deep voice cut in.
Harry gaped, eyes wide at the dog's declaration.
Tsume threw her head back and laughed loudly. "You sly old dog!" she barked, slapping Shikaku hard on the shoulder.
The man had the audacity to smirk, right up until Harry elbowed him sharply in the ribs. "Ow," he muttered, but didn't stop looking smug.
Harry groaned, dragging a hand down his face. He made the mistake of glancing at Tsunade and immediately regretted it, her grin was so wide and unholy that he wanted the ground to swallow him up.
"I think," he said tightly, "it's time we went home. I have two boys to feed and put to bed."
"But we have so much to talk about," Tsunade teased.
"No, we don't," he said with a glare that only made her grin wider.
Harry nodded, offering his farewell, cheerfully ignoring Tsunade's calls of "Wait up, brat!" as he slipped toward the exit.
Shikaku following close behind, leaning close, voice low enough to send a shiver down Harry's spine.
"Can I touch you now that half the council knows?"
Harry laughed quietly, glancing up at him with teasing eyes. "Five people and a dog is hardly the whole village."
Shikaku's smirk said he'd take what he could get.
They were nearly outside the building when they collided with Fugaku. The man inclining his head politely. "Hari-sama, I wanted to thank you for standing against the proposal today. I understand how difficult it could be to go against the elders as you did, but I and the people of those districts are thankful, nonetheless. And sbout tomorrow, my wife and son would like to join, if it's still agreeable?"
"You don't have to thank me for going against injustice, Fugaku. I would do it again if need be." Harry said easily, forgoing the formalities. "And of course they are welcome! Have them come around ten-thirty? If Itachi and Shisui haven't left on their mission already, they're welcome too."
Fugaku's expression softened slightly. "It is much appreciated." Then, after a pause, his sharp gaze looked at him with ferocious intent. "You enjoyed Shisui's company, then?"
Harry blinked, caught off guard. "Yes, very much. He's very polite, witty and he was excellent with my boys. I'm looking forward to sparring with him." His words made the man stand up straighter and give a serious nod, as if he had just confirmed something.
Something in it must have disturbed Shikaku, because the man gave a growling grunt that made Fugaku's brows twitch upward.
Harry sighed softly, sensing the faint pulse of possessiveness radiating from his lover as he pressed closer to him.
"My wife and son will see you tomorrow then, Hari-sama," he said diplomatically, satisfied, and strode away.
As soon as he was gone, Harry turned, smacking Shikaku's arm lightly. "Honestly, Kaku. Was that necessary?"
"Troublesome," Shikaku muttered, glaring after the Uchiha. "I don't think you should meet Shisui alone again."
"Are you getting jealous over a fifteen-year-old?" Laughing at the indignant look of betrayal Shikaku gave him.
Shikaku clasped their hands together and pulled him closer, uncaring of eyes upon them as he grumbled about everyone trying to set him up with their clans.
He felt the stress of the day melt away as he leaned his head slightly on the man's shoulder.
He had survived his first council meeting, overcame Danzo's manipulations, made new allies—and enemies, and walked away with Shikaku at his side.
This day couldn't get any better.
It did.
~
Tsunade was practically vibrating with the knowledge that her baby cousin—and, well, her other cousin, if she really let herself think about it—had finally given in and fucked the sexual tension out of each other.
Honestly, she was surprised it had taken them this long, given the way Hari and Shikaku circled each other like wolves in rut every time they were in the same room.
She wanted to cackle with glee.
He had flushed so red she'd half expected steam to come out his ears, while Shikaku's proud, smug, utterly unrepentant reaction had been exactly what she'd wanted to see. Her baby cousin deserved to be shown off, even if he did try to keep their relationship secret.
They were just so bad at it.
Anyone with eyes could see just how much they loved each other.
She wondered, idly, if Hari would move in with the Nara now. His mutt of a godfather was moving into the Ryūjin compound next week, and while she'd grumble about it, Tsunade didn't want Hari to move out.
She liked that she had her own room there, that she could go over whenever she wanted. Even adored his two brats, sticky fingers and sassy attitudes in all.
She'd been alone for so long, with only Shizune's quiet company to keep her from sinking over the years. She loved Dan's niece, truly, she was family in every way but blood, but something had sparked inside her the moment Hari and his boys entered her life.
Something she hadn't felt since Dan or Nawaki were alive.
In a hundred years, she never imagined she'd be back in the village, let alone taking charge of the hospital again. Don't even get her started on the council meetings she had to attend now.
She snorted, what had her life come to?
She was about to make her own escape, to chase after her two idiot cousins and squeeze every salacious detail out of them, when her old sensei's voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Tsunade, come to my office for a moment?"
She wanted to sigh, to roll her eyes and make an excuse.
She didn't hate the man, not really. She hated how blind he'd let himself become, how many things he ignored, how much trust he still placed in people who'd never earned it.
Especially when it came to Danzo.
She tried not to imagine her sensei knowing the true depths of what Danzo had done, to Nawaki, to Tenzo, to so many other children.
In a way, she didn't want to know if he had known all about it and just let it continue.
In the end she followed, stomping along behind Hiruzen as he led her through the winding corridors of the Hokage tower.
"So? What did you want?" She dropped into the chair opposite his desk, arms folded, chin tilted up in a way that was probably brattier than she'd care to admit.
Hiruzen looked at her, and for a moment, he was just an old man.
A tired, grieving, world-weary old man.
That alone softened her a fraction, enough that she didn't snark outright.
"Tsunade," Hiruzen said quietly, settling behind his desk, "I wanted to thank you for attending today's meeting. The village is better for your presence. And the hospital—"
She waved him off. "That was Hari's doing, solidarity and all that."
Hiruzen just smiled a little. "Your cousin did well today. Perhaps a bit too confrontational for some of the council's tastes."
She snorted. "Hari's not the type to let anyone walk all over him. Danzo was out of line and you know it. We all know what he was trying to do. Trying to make him lose face in front of the whole council? Not to mention the blatant vote tampering." She shot him a pointed look. "I could practically smell the bribery on half of them."
Hiruzen's shoulders slumped. "I'll speak to Danzo about his attempts today. He overstepped." There was real fatigue in his eyes, but she couldn't muster sympathy.
Not when it came to Danzo.
"Did he?" she shot back. "Or did he do exactly what he always does?"
The Hokage didn't have an answer that.
Instead, he changed the topic, "I will admit, I had my doubts about your cousin."
"And?" Tsunade prompted, folding her arms.
He surprised her by smirking. "And I was wrong."
That stopped her short.
"He is a man who clearly has high morals," Hiruzen continued. "The way he spoke for the Aka and Kuro districts, despite the enemies he might make by doing so? It made me reevaluate my perception of him."
Shock rippled through her, followed swiftly by vindication. The old man admitting fault was rarer than Jiraiya not peeping, which was rare.
"Can he truly protect the hospital as he claims?"
She grinned, sharp and proud. "Oh, he can do far more than that."
She told him then of Hari's healing abilities, and of his willingness to help with the worst cases at the hospital.
"You're going to have to learn to trust him, Sensei. I do," she said quietly. "And I don't say that lightly."
Hiruzen blinked, deep in thought. "I've heard many rumours from his travels. I dismissed them as exaggerations. But if you say it's true—"
Tsunade's lips curled. "Believe it."
The man tapped his pipe deep in thought.
"Sensei—" she started, then stopped herself from speaking the thoughts that burned through her mind, anger building as the questions flooded her mind.
Why? How could you let this happen? What do you know?
"I need to go," she said instead. "I have paperwork to finish. Looks like you do too."
He managed a tired laugh, glancing at his own towering stacks. "Tea, sometime?"
"Maybe," she said noncommittally, before using a shunshin to disappear from the office and onto a nearby rooftop.
She leaned against the wall, breathing hard, willing the rage out of her mind.
She wanted to scream.
To demand answers.
To tear the truth out of him with her bare hands.
She liked to think that she had learnt patience over the months that she had found out the truth, enough to not confront the Hokage in his own office.
She debated heading back to Hari's house, then immediately dismissed the idea. Tomorrow it would be crawling with hyper clan brats and hovering mothers.
She loved their tiny family, but she needed quiet right now.
She smirked though, already thinking of every filthy innuendo she was going to unleash on her baby cousin once she caught him alone.
She leapt from rooftop to rooftop, landing before her compound entrance within minutes before she froze, hand outstretched, senses prickling.
Someone was watching her.
Her eyes narrowed, chakra flaring outward, probing until she pinpointed a presence in the trees nearby. She called out, voice sharp as a whip, "Come out now and I won't pulverize you into dust!"
A young boy, the same age as her cousin really, crept out from the trees. His limbs were tense, every muscle taut, prepared to run at any moment. His face was pale, his hair messy, eyes dark. He looked so familiar, achingly so, and Tsunade's heart thudded in her chest for a moment.
He stopped a few paces away, eyes wide, hands clenching nervously at his sides. "Tsunade-sama? Kakashi said you were asking about me…" He swallowed, voice trembling. "My name is Tenzo." He looked up, shy and uncertain, "Is it true? Kakashi said — he said you were my aunt?"
Tsunade's breath caught.
The world seemed to slow, her thoughts turning sluggish and heavy, as if she were underwater. She'd dreamed of this moment for weeks, of meeting her nephew, of welcoming him home.
Now that it was here, she was utterly unprepared.
Her mouth opened to welcome him home, but what came out was, "I—I…Do you like sake?"
The boy's eyes snapped up, startled, and she cursed herself. He was what, seventeen? Barely old enough to smell sake, let alone drink it. She purposely forgot all the times that her and Hari tried to drink each other under the table…
She coughed, looking away, ears pink. "I meant tea. Would you like some tea? We have a lot to talk about."
Tenzo's shoulders eased, and when he smiled, just a tiny little thing, full of relief, it was all Nawaki. For a heartbeat, Tsunade thought her brother stood before her, alive and whole.
"I like tea," he whispered.
She blinked hard, willing away the sudden sting in her eyes.
C'mon Tsunade, you're a Sannin for Kami sake. Act like it…
As she gestured for her little nephew to follow her inside, she debated with herself on whether she should go and grab Hari to be the buffer between them. To help her bridge the gap, bring some of the warmth and softness that always seemed to elude her.
She was terrified of saying the wrong thing and scaring him away, of failing yet another member of her family.
But for tonight, she would try. Tenzo deserved that much. Nawaki deserved it.
And as the Senju gates closed behind them, Tsunade squared her shoulders, determined to not fuck this up.
She could do this…