Tanna, "Good job on your essays kids."
The students beamed as the class ended and they left for the lunch break. It had been two weeks since Naruto left with Jiraiya and Tanna was feeling a little bored with her sunshine brother to talk to. Normally, he had interesting gossip to share either about the neighbors, the training he did with his team earlier or plans for the next few days. He had sent a letter a week ago, mostly complaints about how he had to apologize to ladies on Jiraiya's behalf after he kept getting caught peeping. The blond had written and she quotes, 'He could not even peep without getting caught, is he really a spy?', it had made her cackle like crazy making her neighbors look at her curiously. Tanna had of course shared the letter with Naruto's team getting snorts and chuckles from them.
Sakura shook her head pitying Naruto's luck about getting three male Senseis who were perverted one way or another. When Tanna asked, the pink haired teen mentioned their last day of E - rank missions when they got Chunnin shinobi to play invigilator. The one Naruto got was Ebisu - Sensei, well known for his really good chakra control and being a master at breaking Genjutsu. However, the man was a closet pervert, nothing dangerous but a really disappointing one, unlike Jiraiya. Sasuke eyed Kakashi and pointed at him saying he was the second one which made Tanna snicker while Kakashi eye smiled turning a page of Teyvat Love. The latest book was about a female dancer and a female bodyguard who were introduced to each other through the employer who was the dancer's friend. It was a nice story with an interesting premise for sexy times that she had copy pasted from another Yuri story but it had been fun writing it.
Sasuke and Sakura shared their own letters with Tanna and it had similar complaints in it though the only thing different was the plans. With Sasuke there were plans for a date and a team outing while Sakura's only had a team outing. Kakashi looked happy with how close his team was and did not say anything, read nag them, about developing their teamwork anymore. Tanna however wondered if it was because, Kakashi is expecting one of Team seven to become a Chunnin. If that was the case then, they would need to re -work their team work plans and strategies. But that was for when Naruto returns, hopefully with the new Godaime. Another point of interest was the pleasant dinner and lunch outings with her lovely students. Since they refused to stop calling her Sensei, she would keep calling them her students till they did not need her anymore.
Hinata had in the beginning joined her for lunch one week ago with her teammates for lunch and Tanna did not mind. She could talk to Kurenai, one of the most talented Genjutsu users and keep up with what Kiba and Shino were up to. After that just three days ago, she dragged young Hanabi and Neji to join the lunch outings. Neji looked exasperated while Hanabi looked really shy but both of them relaxed once they realized Tanna did not expect perfect table manners from them. Hinata even commented having food with Sensei was less tense and more open then back at the clan. Hanabi wanted to protest but seeing Neji relax and talking freely with them had to agree as well. Tanna did not mind the food outings, she got to talk to her cute students and fangirl inside on seeing the cousins get along.
Tanna finished her bento, 'Well, I should receive another letter soon. It is the end of the second week, since Naruto left.'
Sasuke, "Nee - sama, are you done for today?"
Tanna, "Sasuke - tan, almost actually. I just have one more class."
Sasuke, "Good, I wanted to invite you to dinner."
Tanna, "Oh? Of course, I do not have any plans scheduled tonight at least."
Sasuke, "You are too popular among the kunoichi nee - sama. I always see some kunoichi or another invite you out."
Tanna, "It is just your seniors and fellow kunoichi, Sasuke - tan."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, "Mitarashi - san has gotten very chummy with you too."
Tanna, "It was just three dates. Mostly to act as her cover for a mission she was doing."
Sasuke, "One date too many. Everyone thinks you two got something going on."
Tanna, "I see, well, you do not have to worry. Unless she asks me to an actual proper date, not a mission related one, I am single."
Sasuke, "Fair enough nee - sama. I will see you and mom after classes are over then."
Mikoto walked in a few minutes later, "Tanna - chan, you are here."
Tanna, "Hi, Koto - chan, Sasuke - tan invited me over for a family dinner."
Mikoto, "I see, I believe he has been practicing making the food you usually make and spoil them with."
Tanna, "Really?"
Mikoto, "Yes, I believe he wants to show you what he mastered so far and if he needs more development somewhere."
Tanna, "Let me guess, he is making the food that Naruto loves most. That is actually pretty romantic. Naruto will be touched by that."
Mikoto, "Right? But what about you Tanna - chan? Anyone caught your eye yet?"
Tanna, "Personally speaking, I find every shinobi and kunoichi attractive physically."
Mikoto, "Is that so? Even the foreign ones?"
Tanna, "Yes, they were all pretty impressive and looked really attractive to me."
Mikoto, "So, will you date one of them?"
Tanna, "I am not against it. But, I have not had the time to ask anyone out properly."
Mikoto, "Rumors say Anko - chan asked you out."
Tanna shook her head, "It was more of a cover for a mission of hers. Not actual dates, I am afraid. Maybe if she askes me on an actual date, not a mission based one."
Mikoto, "Got it! That makes sense. Would you be against us setting up dates for you?"
Tanna, "You want to do that? Sure, as long as it does not clash with the times I am going out with the kids."
Mikoto, "Kids come first for you."
Tanna, "Heaven knows they need someone they trust to vent to and rewind with. I do not mind being that person if they come to me."
Mikoto, "I am sure they appreciate those moments."
Tanna, "It is all I can do for them."
Mikoto, "I have heard Naruto is actually looking for the next Godaime."
Tanna, "Yes, I think so. Jiraiya was more or less tight lipped about it so, I am pretty sure that is what they are doing. Either that or ….. "
Mikoto, "Or?"
Tanna, "They are looking for a healer to help the Sandaime. This village is not ready to let go of her longest living leader yet."
Mikoto hummed as she sat at her desk and started to go through her own stack of papers to grade. Tanna watched the older woman and could not help but compare what she was seeing now to the Jounin - Mikoto a few weeks ago. When the raven haired woman had appeared in her Jounin uniform, it was like Tanna was seeing a new side of the always smiling woman. She was very powerful and fierce, Tanna would say when wearing that uniform, now however she was protective and welcoming. The way she switched from Jounin to Academy Sensei was very impressive though Tanna worried a bit about what it meant mentally. She did however trust Mikoto to ask for the proper help when needed so, she would just support her as her friend. Tanna paused her writing at that before smiling at the thought, she was friends with Mikoto Uchiha, a living Mikoto, not a dead one. So, she must be doing something right considering her dear friend was still alive.
Naruto glared at Jiraiya, "Will you stop peeking on them?"
Jiraiya, "Oi! Oi! This is necessary to get the information I need."
Naruto scowled, "Peeping on girls is not necessary."
Jiraiya huffed, "That is a bonus."
Naruto took a deep breath trying not to blow up, 'And I have to be the one to apologize in your place and get pitiful looks in return.'
Jiraiya, "Besides we got the next clue."
Naruto, "Oh really?"
Jiraiya, "Really! We are heading to the gambling den located next town."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, "You know you suck at gambling."
Jiraiya bristled, "Brat! You were just lucky, that's all."
Naruto mocked him, "Ah yes! I was so lucky I won every game we played even with you cheating for most of it."
Jiraiya grumbled, "Disrespectful brat. How are you so good at this?"
Naruto smiled for real at that, "Nee - chan taught me and made me Master the art of probability. It is what gambling follows unless someone cheats."
Jiraiya, "Interesting, not many learn about Probability. Your nee - chan is a clever one."
Naruto, "She always preferred the practical teachings over the impractical ones. Unlike others, she does not even bother giving long lectures. She keeps it simple and short then makes us do assignments to make it easier to grasp the theory."
Jiraiya hummed, "I watched her teach a few classes. It was interesting."
Naruto nodded, "Mind you other Senseis are just as good at teaching but nee - chan's method is easier to follow."
Jiraiya, "Was she a teacher before?"
Naruto shook his head, "No, before she came to Konoha, she just buried her family and was wandering around. From what she said, she was not planning on staying here more than a week."
Jiraiya, "What about before her family passed?"
Naruto, "She was studying at the court sanctioned Academy, but she never completed it as she had to return to bury her family. After that she studied on her own and did her own thing, I think."
Jiraiya recalled a conversation he had with the young woman one night when Naruto was fast asleep. Tanna had admitted before meeting Naruto her memories about what happened in her travels and during the funeral was a blur. She did not have any plans as far as settling down was concerned and was just floating by. Meeting the little sunshine, the nickname she gave his Godson was just too cute, changed that for her and most likely saved her from killing herself. Jiraiya could see where she was coming from and half wondered if that was the actual reason why she had shinobi watching her, to protect her from hurting herself. Tanna had truthfully confessed to feeling lonely and lost, which could be dangerous for a shinobi, he could only imagine what that felt like for a civilian that too someone who did not have chakra receptors. After all chakra was more then just a weapon, it kept them going, kept them sane and gave them a certain security in this world.
Jiraiya, "There, see that town?"
Naruto, "Will the medic we are looking for really be there?"
Jiraiya, "That is what the last informant said. We will get a room first and you will bee studying your seals while I look around. I have another set of papers for you to study."
Naruto sighed, "Fine, I need to unwind anyway. I feel dirt in places it should not be in."
Jiraiya grinned, "That's the spirit."
Naruto, "Just do not go around pissing off ladies again."
Jiraiya, "Excuse you. I need content for my book."
Naruto, "That is the difference between you and nee - chan. She has experience dating you do not."
Jiraiya squawked, "Hey! No need to be so rude."
Naruto, "I will stop being rude when you stop making me apologize for your stupidity."
Jiraiya bickered with Naruto as they found a hotel to stay in. They got amused looks from the passer - bys who thought they were obviously a family. Naruto huffed as he sat on the bed after a quick shower, looking through the seal theories that Jiraiya dumped on him. It talked about the multiple negative and positive deviations of the basic shun shin seal, Shisui had explained his seal before. However, the Uchiha's particular seal was adjusted, developed and personalized to match Shisui's battle style so Naruto and the rest could not use it even though they wanted to. That was just how personalized seals worked compared to basic general seals, which were easy to purchase at shinobi stores. Naruto grumbled as he started to map out a seal he could use for himself, his father's three pronged kunai seal was still sitting in his nee - chan's work room. He had hidden it among her works and Tanna had allowed it provided it was not obvious it was hidden there. As he was getting to the middle part, there was a knock on the door distracting him from his study.
Naruto frowned, 'Jiraiya would barge in and I did not order room service. Time to scoot!'
The door slammed open and a familiar face appeared, "Oh ho, brat! Running without inviting us?"
Naruto, 'S - rank nin Kisame. Who the hell is the red head?'
The red head sighed, "I am not paying for broken doors Kisame."
Kisame, "Kakuzu, chill! The brat is here. Let's grab him and leave."
Naruto scowled, "Great! Two S - ranks rogues."
Before anything else happened Jiraiya barged in stopping whatever the two S - ranked nins had planned. Naruto was still a little wary as he left through the window while Jiraiya distracted them from following him. The blond had overheard rumors and gossip about S - rank rogue shinobi after Jinchurikis before and he was not taking his chances with them. Naruto rushed off to find an open space, he could sense one of the high ranking shinobi following him, it was the shark. Naruto smirked, he always wanted to fight an S - ranked shinobi, rogue or not, Kakashi did not count, the silver haired man always out smarted them. He landed in an open area and figured he had one minute to set up the trap and made his clones who nodded and got to work while he prepared his katana to fight the man. Naruto sent a silent prayer to whatever deity existed he walked away from this fight alive.
Tanna knocked on the main gate, 'It has been a while since I wore a kimono. Last time was during the festival before Naruto graduated.'
Tokuma the guard answered, "Tanna - sensei, please head inside. You are expected."
Tanna, "Tokuma - san, how are you? How is your wife and baby?"
Tokuma smiled, "I have been well, Tanna - sensei. My wife and daughter are healthy too, although my daughter has proven to have very powerful lungs when awake."
Tanna grinned, "Oh my! I heard she just gave birth last month. I apologize for not coming around so much lately."
Tokuma shook his head, "I know you had to help with the exam preparation, despite what happened in the end. So, no need to apologize. We understand and are just glad you are safe."
Tanna, "Still, I am a bit free now, so I will visit your family soon. Perhaps next weekend would suffice?"
Tokuma smiled pleased, "Of course Sensei. My dear wife would be very happy to see you again."
Tokuma watched the brunette go inside only to be met by Mikoto - sama who happily took her in. The guard shook his head in amusement, the young woman may not realize it but se was greatly adored by the kunoichi in the clan. The reasons varied for each of them, for the elder kunoichi it was because Tanna's presence made it easier for the civilian women to relax around them. For the adult kunoichi like Mikoto, it was very refreshing to have a civilian's point of view on things allowing them a chance to see the bigger picture plus, new blood to add to the family. It was not everyday a civilian would be so open to join a shinobi clan known for it's terrifying eyes after all, for a meal or tea, it was almost absurd. Another reason was her scent, it was always pleasant to be around. Shinobi even those who did not specialize in sensory advancement could easily tell if a person was comfortable around them or not through their scent and Tanna was always comfortable and welcoming.
Mikoto, "Come, come, Sasuke - kun has been practicing his cooking."
Tanna chuckled, "Ah yes! Naruto learned how to make various tomato based dishes just for him too."
Mikoto paused her eyes twinkling, "Truly?"
Tanna mused, "They are such cute romantics, don't you think?"
Itachi answered from the couch, "I knew it. That was why he did not want to share his bento on specific days."
Fugaku hummed, "Well, I do not have to worry about their courting at least. Unlike someone here."
Itachi, "I am right now focusing on being the best ANBU Captain. My goal is to be the Head before Sasuke becomes ANBU."
Tanna, "Overprotective, aren't you?"
Itachi, "Nothing compared to what Okaa - sama and Otou - sama did before."
Fugaku looked amused at that, "We are your parents, of course we are going to be protective."
Tanna chuckled as she sat next to Mikoto, "As expected from shinobi parents. There is nothing you would not do for your kids."
Mikoto, "You would do the same for Naruto, do not lie Tanna - chan."
Tanna, "I will not deny it but what I do is limited compared to what you can do."
Sasuke entered, "Food is ready. Nee - sama you are here."
Tanna, "Hello Sasuke - tan, I heard you have been busy mastering Naruto's favourite foods."
Sasuke, "Naruto learned how to make mine. I did not want to be left behind."
Itachi was amused now, "You know it is not a competition Sasuke."
Sasuke, "Of course not Nii - sama, I just want to make sure I can take care of my future husband anyway I can."
Tanna, "Awwwww! That is very romantic of you, Sasuke. I like it."
Sasuke beamed, "You think so?"
Tanna, "Yup, if someone put their all to learn how to make my favourites, I would fall in love with them all over again."
Sasuke, "And Naruto?"
Tanna, "I cannot answer for Naruto. His feeling are his own but knowing him, he would be very touched by the gesture."
Naruto meanwhile cursed as he wiped the dirt and soot off, "Damn S - ranked rogues!"
Jiraiya, "You good kid? That was quite an explosion."
Naruto, "It is one of the specialized seals I made specifically for team - 7. What happened to the rogues?"
Jiraiya, "Got away. I think they were here for something else but saw you and decide to snoop around."
Naruto, "I will take that, despite everything I am reluctant to admit he played me like a toy. So, I am lucky to not be kidnapped right now."
Jiraiya, "Well, if it makes you feel better I saw our target is actually in this town. Well, a person close to our target is."
Naruto, "Are we following them?"
Jiraiya, "Once we make sure the S - ranked rogues are no longer following us. We will have to follow in a round about way."
Naruto nodded, "Alright, let's get going."
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, "Not gonna clean up first?"
Naruto, "Mud and soot can mask scent better then any scent based jutsu so I will leave it alone for now. Will jump into the river we find on the way or use one of the local water taps to clean up."
Jiraiya, "Okay, whatever floats your boat. You should know it would not actual work for high ranking shinobi though right? They track you through your chakra."
Naruto sighed, "I know, this is more for my mental comfort then any practicality."
Jiraiya, "Alright then, let's get out of here. Tomorrow we are bringing our wayward medic home somehow."
Naruto, "We could always kidnap them, make them fulfil their obligations and then let them go."
Jiraiya sweat dropped, "Sometimes you sound more like your mom. She had some crazy hair brained ideas as well."
Naruto, "Really?"
Jiraiya nodded, "Oh yes! I remember during the third war. Your mom suggested she should go with your father and smile full on beaming confidant smile at the enemies."
Naruto, "Huh? I did not know mom studied psychology."
Jiraiya, "She did not study it more like research for a few seals. Anyway, that plan crazily enough worked. Apparently seeing a happy and beaming jinchuriki in the middle of a battle made the enemy think twice about continuing the war."
Naruto, "Let me guess, they thought mom snapped and was planning to unleash the Kyuubi on them?"
Jiraiya, "Most likely yes. What are you doing?"
Naruto, "Writing down this idea. It might come in handy in the future with a few tweaks here and there."
Jiraiya, "I see a river gaki. Jump in, you said you wanted to."
Naruto, "My scroll?"
Jiraiya, "Got it here. Planning to change?"
Naruto smirked at him mischievously, "Yup!"