He's The Quiet One

New Purpose

When Ani woke to her alarm clock the following morning. She expected to feel different after what she and Tenzo had done. But she didn’t. It felt right. All of it. She got dressed and showed up at the headquarters for her assignment. Kakashi was waiting for her. He had a smirk on his face. She blushed. Was it that obvious? Kakashi shook his head, but didn’t say a word. When she saw Tenzo, she blushed again. But Tenzo came up and gave her a hug. “Relax.” He purred into her ear. Ani closed her eyes, thankful she was wearing her mask. She could almost feel the juices run down her legs in response to him. Kakashi cleared his throat. “Aright, our missions for today.” He handed out papers to different groups each one leaving immediately to complete them. He walked up to Tenzo. “Tenzo, you’re with me. Your first assassination.” Tenzo nodded. Ani waited. Kakashi looked at her. “Ani, the Hokage has requested that you accompany him to a meeting with the Feudal Lord of the Land of Fire. A rank pay.” Ani nodded. “He’s expecting you, so meet him as his office as soon as you leave here.” “Yes, Captain.” With that she left and found her way to the Hokage’s office. When she appeared next to him, she nearly fainted. Standing in front of Lord Third was none other than Danzo. A fellow Anbu appeared next to her and put a hand on her shoulder to steady her. Ani at that moment was thankful for the squirrel mask. Danzo was looking right at her. She steadied her breathing with more effort that she would have liked. “Danzo,” The Hokage was saying, “the Anbu are fully capable of escorting me to meet with the Feudal Lord and the rest of the council.” “I disagree, Hiruzen.” “You’re free to do so. But I have made my decision.” Danzo glared at him, but bowed, turned and left. Ani fell to her knees, despite herself. Lord Third took her hand and helped her to her feet. “Ani, are you alright?” “Yes, Lord Hokage. I’m so sorry for showing my weakness.” “Enough of that.” Lord Third said sternly. “As I told you before, the emotional healing will take time. I was not expecting Danzo to come here or I would have assigned someone else for this mission.” “Please Lord Hokage, I’m capable.” Lord Third smiled gently. “I know you are. We’re leaving at sunrise tomorrow. You return home and get some more rest. That’s an order.” He turned to the Anbu behind her. “Make sure she goes home.” “Yes, Lord Hokage.” She responded. Her fellow Anbu escorted her home and watched as she drank a cup of tea and was comfortably in bed before finally turning off the lights and leaving her alone. Due to the herbs in the tea, Ani slept deep and restful.

Ani as well as seven other Anbu met Lord Third outside his office. They left escorting the Hokage on his journey. The journey was uneventful. They arrived where they were to meet the Feudal Lord and his entourage. When the meeting began Ani stood well behind the Hokage with the rest of her fellows. The Feudal Lord kept getting distracted. “Is something the matter, My Lord?” Hiruzen asked when he noticed. “Nothing is wrong, Lord Hokage, I just keep seeing the hair of one of your Anbu shimmer for some reason.” Lord Third turned and looked directly at Ani. She blushed. Now she was in trouble. Instead Lord Third chuckled. “I see you noticed the newest addition to my Anbu. Ani, please release your jutsu.” Ani bowed and did as ordered. The feudal lord and all those in attendance gasped as they watched bright red hair flow freely. “An Uzamaki?” The Lord said with a smile. Lord Third nodded. “Indeed.” “You are a very lucky man. They are a rare find.” A council member responded. Though Ani didn’t like the way he was eyeing her. Lord Third noticed this, much to Ani’s relief. “I’m sorry my Lord, she has already been spoken for.” Lord Third tells him sternly, but softened with a smile. The councilman that had spoken almost choked when he realized what Lord Third was implying. “Lord Third,” He stammers, “I meant no disrespect, of course.” Lord Third smiled, “Indeed.” He responded bowing his head. The rest of the meeting was spent discussing various topics. At near sundown, the meeting adjourned. The Feudal Lord insisted that Lord Third and his group stay the night in comfort before leaving in the morning. Lord Third graciously accepted. Ani followed her fellows as they escorted the Hokage to his room. As he opened the door, he leaned over to Ani, “Dear, I think it would be best if you remain in the ante room next to mine. I fear you may have attracted some unwanted attention from some of the Lords in attendance.” Ani nodded. “Yes, Lord Hokage.” She turned to look at the only other female Anbu in the group. She nodded.

Ani curled up on the floor in the room next to the Hokage’s. Hiruzen couldn’t help but smile. Ani was the closest he could have to a granddaughter. And those jackels on the council were far from being gentlemen. He took a spare blanket and covered her up. When she woke and she found that she had been covered, she returned the blanket after bowing prostrate in front of Lord Third. Hiruzen shook his head. “Dear child, get up. Bowing your head in respect is sufficient enough.” Ani got to her feet. “Please sit and share a cup of tea with me.” Ani hesitated for a moment. “Is an order necessary for a kind gesture?” Ani nodded and sat down. Lord Third poured her a cup of her own. When he still saw she was nervous, chuckled. “Look behind you.” Ani did so. The female Anbu was there. She nodded. Ani took a breath. The Hokage spoke to her about what had occurred with Danzo and had her tell him about how she came to be in his possession. Ani told him what he wanted to know and spoke of Tenzo as well. Lord Third nodded in understanding. “That explains the closeness the two of you share. I dare say that without each other you would not have survived your time with Danzo. Like you Tenzo is a very kind soul.” Ani bowed. There was a knock on the door. “Lord Hokage, it is time to go.” Lord Third nodded. “Shall we?” Ani got her feet. “Yes, Lord Hokage.” Ani paused. “Thank you.” She whispered. Lord Third smiled and followed her out.