Moonflower Blossoms

Anthropology from a Pragmatic Point of View . . Chapter Ten: In Awe . .

"Two things awe me most, the starry sky above me and the moral law within me."

― Immanuel Kant . .

Neji would have said their contact was incidental; that they happened to gravitate together as a natural consequence of who they chose to spend their time with. And what could be more natural than their going to dinner as friends, each taking turns paying as they tested out different restaurants. Neji had found he could not do hot curry, and Tenten found she was one of those people who thought cilantro tasted like soap.

Having learned that Tenten had traveled as a child, they sought out small, ethnic restaurants run by families and imperious old women, who sometimes informed you what you would be ordering, rather than requesting.

He also learned that Tenten had a love of both astronomy and astrology, and that her room had once been an observatory. He was one of maybe three people who climbed the spiral staircase that went past her room to the domed window beyond, where a powerful telescope awaited.

They had spent several evenings in relative quiet, or animated conversation, looking to the stars and beyond.

It was the night of the meteor shower that his world began to shift.

Watching lights streak across the night sky, under a dome of glass from the comfort of a Japanese bed roll tucked under a kotatsu table, he felt his world careening into hers like the meteors above.

Would he crash to earth, or ricochet off to another orbit? Was he a comet? An Asteroid? Or, perhaps, something altogether different?

Her adopted brother's birthday was coming up, as well as the fall break, and she'd asked him to come shopping with her as she also wanted to get some ideas for Hanabi and Tenten.

"So early?" he asked.

"Hinata's birthday is soon, and so are the holidays. I want to have an idea of how to pace myself and still make it special. We tend to do small exchanges between Konoha East and West, and they host the Winter parties, which," she checked her phone, "I am supposed to help decorate for in the upcoming weeks." She grinned. "I'm one of the only ones not afraid to use the really tall ladders."

"Sounds about right," he tsked. "At least you have good sense."

"Careful," she teased. "That was almost a compliment."

Konoha East and West also got together for what Naruto called "Friendsgiving," which Neji deemed as completely fictitious, and yet not without merit.

Tenten facetimed Lee to wish him a happy birthday, and he promised he'd be home soon. He opened his present in front of her (which made her beam beautifully) and was so effusive in his thanks, that Neji would have thought it obsequious had he not clearly been so genuine.

It was strange to him to see such freedom of emotion, but, again, not unwelcome.

He wondered if perhaps he was stationary and she was the star hurtling across his sky, too independent to ever seek an orbit.

It was the first time he thought, perhaps, his planned trajectory in life was not as definite as what he had assumed it would be.

And, to his amazement, he was at peace with the uncertainty.

Illusions January 1964 - The Pitch

Shino Aburame and his team arrived in Konoha via private jet, around the same time the sun was starting to rise. Naruto was yawning broadly as he waited in the cruiser, trying to finish his coffee before the plane finished taxiing.

"Why is it such an early flight?" he nudged Kakashi, who sprawled in the passenger seat. "Do these people never sleep?"

"They left Paris first thing. Stands to reason that it's early, given the time change."

"That's a private flight," Naruto jutted his chin toward now stopped jet and the scurry of people congregating on the tarmac. "Don't they get to leave when they want to?"

Kakashi lifted one shoulder. "They must have their reasons."

"And why isn't Sasuke here," Naruto yawned again. "Or Konohamaru?"

"Konohamaru is taking the Professor to the Waldorf. As for Sasuke, he's not part of a police escort."

"Fair," Naruto allowed, sparing a thought for his friends. "Guess this is more on the security side of things anyway. Still, I wish he were here to talk to the others; that way they could all speak in Japanese, and I could focus on other things. Like where to get another cup of coffee," he shook his now empty to-go cup.

"Too late for that now," Kakashi stood a little straighter. "Our guests have arrived."

About thirty seconds later, Shino Aburame strode out of the gangway into the terminal, as inscrutable as ever. He noticed Kakashi and Naruto and made his way toward them, even as the others followed in his wake.

"Good morning, Aburame-san," Kakashi nodded. "I trust you had a pleasant journey?"

"We did, thank you," he returned the bow. "Also, it is good to see you again. Why? That is because, we are excited that the Hyūga collection will travel to Konoha."

Naruto tried to imagine Shino as anything remotely close to excited, but drew a blank,

"Mr. Hyūga, Ms. Sato," Kakashi added, and Naruto looked beyond Shino's shoulder to see the assistant and curator approaching. He glanced about as the other exchanged pleasantries, wondering where the big guy with the dog was.

A large bark followed by a whistle preceded Kiba rounding around the corner.

And next to them were two luggage carts pushed by men in uniform – clearly hired by Shino.

"Kiba will ride with our employees to the hotel," Shino intoned. "He will make sure all of our personal effects get to our respective rooms and then wait with them there."

Kakashi glanced to Kiba with another nod, while addressing Shino. "Would you like us to provide an escort?"

"No need. Why? That is because, Kiba is more than capable of handling this assignment. I have somethings to discuss with you, Captain Kakashi. I do hope you got my request?"

"I did," he said easily. "I shall take you and Mr. Hyūga to your first meeting while Officer Uzumaki escorts Ms. Sato to the hotel. We already have officers waiting at the hotel to ensure your rooms are secured."

"Excellent." Shino turned to Mr. Hyūga and Ms. Sato, and after a very brief conversation (it sounded like instructions to Naruto) in Japanese, he turned to Kakashi. "Shall we?"

"We shall. Officer? Are you clear on your instructions?"

"Got it," Naruto smiled. "Ms. Sato? Are you ready?"

She gave a quiet nod, and followed him to the car, where he opened the passenger door for her.

They had light, pleasant conversation on the way to the hotel, but it was clear that she was tired from traveling.

Naruto got her checked in to the hotel, and made sure to escort her to her door, where Kiba met them to take over.

Although he left her that morning, she lingered on the edges of his consciousness for the rest of the day.

Later that night, Naruto was jotting down notes for the case, and making a list of questions to ask Kakashi regarding Hanabi, Hinata, and whatever threats there may or may not be. Hanabi was a loose canon who seemed to have no qualm finding and dealing with trouble, but he doubted the same could be said of Ms. Sato. Knowing some of the people that had applied to be part of the exhibition – and their temperaments if they did or didn't get in – he had his concerns.

"I need Ino," he sighed, rubbing his forehead. He'd talk to Kakashi tomorrow, and tell him he'd need someone on the inside of the social goings-on – someone who could navigate the sharks.

When he brought it up to Kakashi two days later, Naruto was surprised that Kakashi agreed so quickly. Before he could suggest anything further, Kakashi arranged to have lunch (on the precinct's bill, of course) with his team, Ino, Ambassador Sartuobi, and Ebisu, at a private room in the Konoha Waldorf-Astoria

"I'll fill in Uchiha later," Kakashi winked, handing the files around – all recently revamped by Shino and his team. Naruto smiled to himself. It would be good to work with Sasuke again, and the assignment might even be more interesting than he had thought.

A memory of Hinata smiling at Master Sarutobi's flashed through his mind.

--------------------------------  The Mechanics of Law Chapter Six: Ad idem

ad idem: 'to the same thing.' In agreement.

--------------------------------

-Part One: Cherry- Slang. Implies a car in excellent condition, often new or old but well-maintained

Tenten was elated.

The trip had been so much better than she could have anticipated. Considering she had faced a horde of Hyūgas and business people, and far too many others to remember, she expected to be drained and want to hole up in her shop for a month

As it was, she was happily humming to herself as she did a routine check on Gai's van at the garage. Her thoughts kept drifting to Hinata – she had been an absolute doll and every bit as kind and compassionate as Neji told her – and far more than any human had a right to be. Learning she was moving to Konoha was exciting, and made Tenten feel like maybe she had one more ally in this strange crossing of worlds.

However, by far her favorite part of her time away had been when Neji had seen her in the dress Ino and Hanabi had picked. Tenten silently sent up a thank you to her friends as he beamed at her in his own Neji way. He had just looked so proud of her – like he was seeing her as part of his world while still embracing who she was. In those few seconds she felt so close to him – so connected. Almost as much as when he had expressed his pride in her in whispers across her skin for some hours after her dress had been replaced on its hanger, and her hair was free of the pins that held it in check.

She stood and wiped her hands on a cloth, smiling at her completed job. She glanced at the clock and kept smiling. 8:00 am. She'd come in early to work alone, and now she was going to take the car by Gai's, and meet Lee for brunch.

Luckily, Gai was not at home, because she was certain that Lee could read her happiness all over her face, even as he sat behind the wheel.

To his credit, he just raised his eyebrows and said "So?"

"It was amazing," she beamed.

Lee gave her a dazzling smile.

"Tell. Me. Everything."

-Part Two: Amicus curae- 'Friend of the court.' A person who offers information to a court regarding a case before it.

Neji had been swamped since the trip, but had been so quietly smug that even Hinata was beginning to question him.

"I guess the conference was a success?" she asked one morning over coffee.

"Resounding," Neji smiled into his cup, and his cousin blinked twice to make sure she wasn't seeing things.

"That sounds… promising?"

"It is," he nodded. "A few pieces fell into place that were unexpected, including several internship and work-abroad prospects."

"You are still looking to work abroad, then?"

"That has never truly changed – even if I have more… personal ties to Konoha than I did before."

"I quite enjoyed meeting your personal ties," Hinata teased lightly. "She is as wonderful as I had heard, and then some."

"It means a great deal to me that you think so," he met her eyes. "Tenten has become… quite important to me."

Hinata felt a quickening in her chest, but answered with a composed, "Oh?"

"I was beginning to wonder how to… reframe my future outlook, but I think now I have a very clear picture of what things might look like between now and graduation… and beyond."

"Oh," Hinata's breath escaped on a whoosh of air, and Neji smiled wryly.

"Oh."

"Does she know?"

"She knows how much I care about her. We've talked about the immediate future, but not too much beyond that – our lives are too busy to do too much speculating. However," he laced his fingers around his mug, "I hope we can have the conversation soon. Perhaps leading up to the Winter Gala – or at New Year's."

"Not the Winter Gala," Hinata said definitively. "The event is important to her, and her family, and we will be unveiling the new center. Let that be about them… if you can wait that long."

Hinata's smile was something Neji could only call cheeky.

"Fair point."

"And anyway," she continued innocently. "There is time between the Gala and New Year's, if you do get impatient."

"And what of you," he narrowed his eyes. "Hanabi tells me you have someone you dated in Suna but were very secretive about."

Hinata flushed.

"I have good reason to keep my personal life quiet."

"Well, certainly you do," he allowed almost too generously. "But surely you would let us know if it is anything serious."

Neji let the teasing hover between them, but Hinata swallowed.

"It… It is serious. And you'll meet him soon. I promise."

It was Neji's turn to blink.

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Oh."

"Well then," he raised his mug to her. "I can only wish you the best."

She raised hers. "Same to you."

Between the Devil and the Deep * * * Chapter Twelve Toward Dawn II

*The Age of Kings* Madara

Madara stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

"Report."

"I have delivered your missives to the Kelpie communities," Yugito stood tall. "They respectfully maintain they are certain of their safety, and decline your offer."

"If it is Kelpies, I doubt it was respectful," Madara scoffed.

"The majority of the communities lie closer to the Otsutsuki territory, and overlap with the Finfolk, although I gather there is no strong comradeship there. Lady Chiyo asked that I relay assurances that no further action is required of us."

"Lady Chiyo did," something amused tugged at his lips. "Very well. I shall ready the rest of my reports. We shall travel to the Otsutsuki palace once you are rested. There is a full moon in two days' time, and that shall make the journey easier for you, will it not?"

"Yes."

"Then, that is when we shall depart."

She thanked him for his consideration, and he released her. That night, as he gazed upon the nearly-full moon, somewhere deep in his chest a thing small and warm dared to blossom.

"She will be even lovelier in moonlight."

*The Age of Kings* Lady Hina

"What are you crafting, my lady?"

Lady Hina hummed to herself, her clever fingers weaving something of magic, as Lady Chiyo watched.

"A present of sorts," Hina smiled.

"For the Uchiha, I suppose," she snorted.

"Perhaps," Hina chuckled. "This is just a preliminary idea. I want those who have allied themselves to us to be protected by our magic. The idea is to create a neutral vessel. Something light and maneuverable."

"So not another Comrade then," Chiyo clucked.

"Not another Comrade," Hina agreed. "But Hashirama did infuse his magic into these," she placed a hand on several pieces of wood. Here," she handed one to Chiyo.

"What is this for?"

"I've already woven our blessings into it. You can make whatever you like."

"And in return?"

"That isn't a bribe," she gently handed over what she was working on. "But I would appreciate your magic as well, Chiyo. I want to know we can safely transport any of our kind, should the need arise."

"Fine," Chiyo grumbled. "But hand them all over to me, or you'll make a mess of everything."

Hina did as bidden, a secret smile on her lips. That smile was nothing short of brilliant when Chiyo showed her the small boats she had created to resemble the offerings so often entrusted to carry prayers to the Goddess.

"These are wonderful," she whispered in reverential awe. "This one is particularly interesting," she peered at the small boat with red sails.

"It is modeled after a boat I saw many years ago," Chiyo shrugged as if not pleased at the compliment. "It is common in waters far from here, but will do well on the inlets and waters in my territory."

"Keep it safe," Hina put her hand over Chiyo's, her eyes quicksilver for a moment. "I see a day when it will serve you well, before you grant it to another of your choosing."

Chiyo held back any retort she might have had, and handed the small basket with the other carvings over to Hina.

"I know just the place for these," she smiled cryptically, and Chiyo never saw them again.

*Thirteen Years ago* Itachi

Ichiro and his crew had been welcomed in the Harbor. He had a small house that he returned to, telling his crew they would be on leave for a few months. He had some trading to do in-land and would go for a month at a time, and he regularly made offerings at the ancient shrine.

"Where do you think he goes when he goes inland?" Shisui asked Itachi.

"I do not know," Itachi allowed. "But I am with Kakashi. He isn't to be trusted. Especially around the children."

The cousins shared a knowing look, and Itachi knew Shisui agreed.

Ichiro had been at the ruins the same time the children had been, when Iruka explained the old shrine hidden in the cave, and the rumors of another now swallowed by the sea. Itachi had watched him eye the small, outcropings of rock further in the water – the ones that were barely even small islands – and little more than rocks in the sea. Yet he had studied them as if he were measuring them for some unknown reason.

It was also how he looked at Hinata.

Gentle Hinata with her quiet ways, and her infatuation with Naruto – that annoyed Sasuke and Neji both.

Hinata, who still snuck away with he and Shisui to practice scrying as they could.

Hinata, who was convinced that the beast that had been chased away, had not been the one in her dreams.

"I see it lurking," she said. "Hiding – under a rock somewhere."

And without telling her cousin or any of her friends, she met regularly with Itachi and Shisui to see what they could find out.

There was nothing in her kindness that should make anyone look at her the way Ichiro occasionally did. Like he was hungry.

Then there was the matter of the ships.

"So you are an Uchiha."

"Uchiha Ichiro," he gave a small smile. "I am afraid my parents were not very original in naming me. Now," he began to button the shirt he'd pulled on over his bandages. "Can we go see my crew?"

Kakashi merely stepped back and held open the tent flap for the man to follow him.

His crew was clearly loyal to their leader, and each thanked him profusely for his help. He asked to see his ship, and Kakashi obliged, pleased to report the ship had little more than superficial damage.

"I see you've got several ships further out," the man noted. "Civilian vessels. Fishing boats maybe?"

"Yes," Kakashi followed his gaze. "Several locals came out in case we needed to get survivors somewhere safe, or evacuate the village."

"Amazing that you got three ships out here so quickly," Ichiro nodded in approval. "And with so few settlements in this area."

"It is surprising how interconnected this area can be," Kakashi said agreeably. "Tell me, he squinted, handing him a spyglass from his hip. "I've only one good eye, and it is sore from the smoke. Anything identifying about the ships?"

"Mm," Ichiro considered them. "Nothing particularly remarkable. No special sails or identifying colors. It looks like they all tied green cloth to their masts; is that to show they carry survivors?"

"It is a system the locals have come up with."

"Well," Ichiro collapsed the spyglass and handed it back. "With any luck, that system won't be needed after today."

"May the Goddess make it so," Kakashi tucked his spyglass away, "Where does your journey lead?"

"As it happens," Ichiro smiled, "our next port of call was to be The Harbor. I never imagined we would be sailing in the wake of the Royal Navy."

"Perhaps it is fate," Kakashi mused. "Ah, Commander Yamato. Please assist Captain Uchiha and his crew in preparing their ship. They are also sailing to The Harbor, so we shall sail together."

"It is an honor," Ichiro bowed, his hand on his heart. "May the Goddess bless our journey."

With that, Kakashi gave a curt nod and left the vessel, striding quickly to his own ship. There, Obito, and Genma were waiting for him.

"Send up the green flare," he commanded. "Once the ships have departed, meet me in my quarters. Bring Itachi and Shisui. Tell Gai I shall send word."

The men exchanged glances, but tucked their questions away. As soon the civilian ships pulled up anchor, Obito fetched his cousins to their Captain.

"Green flare?" Genma frowned. "What happened?"

"How many civilian ships do you see?"

"Four."

"Captain Madara can see three."

Genma swore softly. "I'll send up the flare."

Obito looked between Kakashi and Genma. "What's going on?"

"I mean," Kakashi's jaw tightened, "that this Ichiro might not be who we think he is. And he is on his way to The Harbor."

"The Harbor?" Obito blinked. "Why?"

"He says he is from there. An Uchiha."

"He could be," Obito shrugged. "It isn't uncommon to be named after our first King."

Several bright flares were set off – a green one first, followed by several white ones, and the remaining civilian ships began to pull up anchor. Kakashi watched as the four ships departed – the one with the bright red sails, that looked unlike any of the other civilian boats – speeding away the quickest. And the only one with protective magic that shielded it from detection from those who would do harm.

Itachi did not know much of the ship – only that it belonged to a friend of Gai that was no longer among the living. Considering that Gai was a caretaker at the Sanctuary, though – he could guess why the ship had been hidden from view.

The Sanctuary was not only a refuge for civilians, but for Children of the Sea, and others with magic in their veins.

He frowned.

Hinata was a Child of the Sea, and Ichiro was a threat – that much was certain. But how, or to what extent, he did not know. He decided it was time to dig a little deeper, and to stay close to his brother and his friends whenever possible.

*Thirteen Years ago* Tenten

"What do you mean I can't go to the orphanage?"

Tenten swiped at her face with the back of her hand, leaving a dusting of flour across her cheek.

"It's just for a little while longer," Genma said soothingly. "Gai said that there is more need for these salves and provisions for now. The Beast may be gone, but the villages are still trying to rebuild and recollect – this is how we can help them.

"I could help with Kosuke, too," she muttered, tossing down the ball of dough to knead at it furiously.

"You are missed," Genma pulled a bag from behind his back. "Kosuke sent you some recipes for making things that will last longer. More like rations and jerky than baked goods. He said they're not easy, but he is sure you can figure them out."

"Oh?" she sprinkled flour over the dough and gave it a final knead before dividing it to rise. "He isn't overworking himself, is he?"

"He is fine," he gave an easy smile. "Kosuke can handle ten times as many people as he has right now. It's Ibiki you have to worry about. He has several weapons he wants to try out, and his favorite assistant isn't there."

"Well tell him I'll be home as soon as they let me," she half grumbled, half smiled as she covered the dough and wiped her hands on a towel. "When do you go back?"

"Not for a couple of days. Gai asked me to stick around"

"So… if I get enough done today…?" her eyes gleamed in hopeful mischief.

"I'll play you in darts," he held up his hands. "But no hurt feelings if I win."

"Ditto," she chirped happily, checking the large brick ovens to see if her first set of bread was done yet. It had been nearly Autumn when the Beast had last been seen – surely it was nearing winter now?

The Sanctuary didn't know winter – here the fields were lush and green and medicinal herbs grew aplenty. Gai sent requests for bread and rations and knitted scarves and harvested herbs – but not for her return. Yes, she was safe, yes she was happy, and yes, Lee – her nearest and dearest person was never far from her, but Tenten grew worried.

"These things take time," Gai assured her on those occasions when he visited. "For now, it is a great comfort to know you are here and safe, and that each time I come, I shall leave with what I need to tend those not as fortunate as we."

Tenten had tried keeping count of the days, but tired of the task. Instead, she counted how many times she harvested eggs from the chickens, and watched the trees for signs of new nests.

Here, on this island, time flowed differently – and she was safe.

But even though she was only twelve, she knew that safety could only ever be an illusion when the people she loved might be in danger.

So, when the word came of strange goings on in The Harbor, she watched the skies and the seas with trepidation. Something was brewing on the edges of her haven, and it was only a matter of time before it would draw her back into the cold, unrelenting flow of time in a world that hunted her kind.

*Before Dawn* Madara

Madara had not slept well.

His dreams had been fitful and chaotic, and filled with faces and names long since passed from this world. He grunted to himself as he raked a hand over his face. He, too, should have left the world before. Would Hina have wept if he had died then? Did she, with all of her gifts of prophesy, know he would return…? Or had her oracular talents been limited to what the Goddess chose to share with them that time so long ago.

Given all that had happened, Madara had little taste for prophesies.

He was more interested in revenge.

And what revenge would be sweeter than bringing this world to heel, and reforging it according to his vision – the same vision that could have stopped all of that tragedy, so long ago.

"Are you awake, Sire?"

He didn't bother to answer the sibilant voice, and didn't bother to face the speaker.

Instead, he stood and tied his robe closed, forcing his dreams into nothingness with the melting night.

"What do we hear?"

"There is activity in the East," the voice whispered – a strange, duality of sound, as if more than one person spoke at once. "Plenty for the Admiral to find, as you instructed. However,…"

"However?"

"We have not heard from several of our allies transporting prisoners."

"Was the mine collapsed successfully?"

"It appears so. I do not think either Hidan or Kakuzu survived."

"That was always the plan," Madara scoffed. "That was why I had you set so many extra detonation traps before those two even got there."

"Our spies will report from there in the next day or so – but initial reports indicate it went well. I already sent someone to the Admiral to tell him to ready the Serpent."

Madara hummed his approval before dispatching his spy and summoning his breakfast.

Just as the servants came to remove his tray, he was given a folded missive, sealed with his nephew's seal.

The message was written in code, but Madara was quick to decipher it.

'Received word of additional threat. Leaving the Serpent at port to defend the Harbor. Taking the Quicksilver to investigate. Shall report back.'

Madara sat for a moment, frowning. He had intended for Sasuke to find and capture some of the pirates he had commissioned to attack in the West.

"No matter," Madara shrugged. "Perhaps the little sea witch will approach him if he is alone."

*Dawn* Tenten

The early dawn painted the sky in oranges and reds as the plume of smoke spiraled to the sky. When the main ship had clearly been captured, the others had tried to flee, but they did not get far. The banner of the black and red cloud snapped from their masts, signaling their capture, even as one small vessel grew smaller on the horizon.

There were only two emissaries on the departing ship that had been left unmanned during the battle. After the final explosion, and with victory secured, Neji had done as instructed, and dived deep and gone north. By the time the second ship had detonated, he was far enough away to be unaffected, and unsurprised to see a seal swimming toward him. They did not communicate until they were out of harm's way, and aboard what he assumed to be her ship.

He emerged from below deck, watching her at the helm.

"Strong magic on this ship," he offered.

"It is," she agreed. "That is why I can sail her alone."

"Remarkable," he rested a hand on one of the carved bannisters. "The magic is old and powerful."

"Very," she gave a slight nod. "It was entrusted to my father, who in turn trusted me with it."

"And should I worry about finding a seal skin somewhere?" he teased her lightly.

"Do you know anything about selkies?"

"Not much," he admitted. "I know that children with a land walker for a parent tend to have different abilities. I've heard their seal coats can be different as well."

"My mother was the Selkie," she said, her eyes on the sky ahead of them. "My Father was not from these lands. He traveled from far away, and his people had legend of Dragon fire in their blood. Not generally compatible with Children of the Sea."

"No," Neji looked surprised. "Most children take after one parent or the other."

"My magic was unstable," she admitted. "My seal skin was more fragile than mother's – and I could not hide my signature as well under water. When.." she swallowed. "When the enemy finally came… she went to fight. She … she took my skin to lead them away."

"But how?" Neji blinked. "That should be impossible."

"Granny Chiyo," she said, voice thick. "She bound mother's skin to me – sealed it with magic. When I transform, I am wearing her magic – which makes mine harder to find. Madara feared the half-borns – some word of prophesy or superstition – but he feared any of us with mixed blood. Most of us don't have strong magic… mine was something different. It never quite settled until Grany Chiyo helped bind it."

"Is that why you can shapeshift?"

"Yes," she flicked her eyes to him. "That was my own magic, apparently. Granny Chiyo said it had something to do with the mixing of my parent's backgrounds."

"This Granny Chiyo of yours sounds interesting. Will I meet her?"

"She died," Tenten swallowed. "Around the same time as my parents. It was the last time she left the Sanctuary."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be," she smiled tightly. "Granny said she had lived a long, long life, and wanted to protect our kind."

Neji raised an eyebrow.

"She was a Child of the Sea?"

"Finfolk. But she chose to stay on land."

"Ah, so that is why she aged."

"She had a brother," Tenten allowed, "But I think he is gone as well. Either way, she is why we are protected on this ship."

"Not just her," Neji mused. "I feel the magic of our kind here."

Tenten cocked her head to the side. "I thought Merfolk and Finfolk didn't really interact much."

"We don't," Neji admitted. "That makes this more surprising."

"Well," Tenten smirked. "That will make our next stop more interesting. Tell me, Neji – have you ever heard of Finfolkaheem?"

*Toward the Horizon* Sasuke

The Quicksilver was cutting across the water even faster than usual. Sasuke stood at the helm, looking like a man driven.

"You haven't slept well."

Sasuke flicked a glance to Sai before nodding. "I haven't."

"How many nights?"

Sasuke grimaced. "Three? Four?"

"Mm," Sai hummed. "And do we know what we are sailing toward?"

Sasuke looked to the horizon, still seeing the stars in his mind's eye.

"Not what," he narrowed his eyes. "Whom."

Sai arched one eyebrow. "Friend or foe?"

"No idea," Sasuke scoffed. "Be prepared for anything."

Sai nodded and left to check on the crew. Sasuke stood, his whole being attuned to the sea and the wind and the sun. He was being drawn – being beckoned – and he did not know toward whom. It was not the same as when the Sea directed him. This was something more raw – less refined.

Whatever it was, there was a pinpoint of light that only he seemed to see that hung in the sky just as it had in his dreams – a pulsing pinpoint of orange and red begging to be chased.

It was as if all of nature willed him to hurry. The winds were steady and strong – the current carried him quickly – he willed himself to go and go fast.

*Meanwhile* Naruto

The dawn had not long scattered on the water when he awoke.

Naruto sat up abruptly, almost hitting his head on the bunk above his. He paused for a moment, listening, before tossing off his sheet and running above deck. He looked around frantically, as if trying to make sense of where he was – which was odd, as they were on open water, and the sky was just beginning to lighten in the east.

He paused, his head cocked to the side as if listening for something far, far off in the distance.

It was then he knew.

"Naruto?"

"Get ready," he said, bracing himself against the gunnel, not even looking at Shikamaru. "He's coming."