Naruto Another

An unparalleled journey back to Amegakure in the middle of a civil war spanning the country, Inuzuka beasts lurking in the woods, refugees clamoring at the city's walls, and they decide to return now of all times? There were over a thousand ways this could go wrong, but Mikan had no choice but to heed the call.

"Well, well well, what do we have here? I didn't know the Kosutta princess was back in Ame."

Mikan stopped in her tracks, the young Jonin pulled her little brother in closely so he was hugging her side; he was warm despite the blistering cold, and vast amounts of rain pelting them from every direction.

They were in the open too, a mere block away from Kusakyu territory, and three blocks away from their destination.

"I don't have time for this Shusei," Mikan said. She had little patience for games, and even less for those of the Kusakyu variety.

"Oh, but aren't you a wee bit curious as to how I found you? Surely you don't think this meeting is a mere coincidence?"

"The Lead Jonin is already aware of your apt for sensory ninjutsu. There are numerous plates in the district, that when stepped on alert you to the user's chakra signature. I must have stepped on one by accident."

Mikan was well aware of the Kusakyu effort to expand their reconnaissance efforts over the last year. This method was particularly nasty, but not entirely effective. Mikan had been able to piece together bits of how the technique worked over the last month or so.

"So, you knew about my clay, and yet you risked waltzing through this part of Ame? Do you have a death wish?" Shusei laughed, and spun around excitedly, before stopping and pointing a finger at Mikan.

Numerous civilians passed the two by, most of them in a hurry but many stopped to gander at the two – especially at Mikan. It wasn't every day that you saw two shinobi out in the open, let alone a Kosutta and Kusakyu together, and even less likely than that was the appearance of the Kosutta princess herself.

"And you brought Sejin's heir along with you as well? I overestimated your intelligence, and Kuda was telling us all about how great you are – how disappointing."

"He has nothing to do with this."

Shusei smiled manically, "That is for Kuda to decide." The man frowned after saying that and seemed torn on what to do next.

Mikan rolled her eyes, clearly disappointed. "Let me guess, after detecting my signature you rushed here without letting anyone know, and now you have two choices Shusei. Either one, you can risk following me so you can gather intel – a feat we both know you will not be able to do, or you can risk losing me as you go report my appearance to Kuda."

"Tch, damn you!" Shusei said taking a step back. "Just because you're here now doesn't change anything. The Kusakyu have big plans, and you are just another bug we need to crush before achieving them."

"Hurry along now Shusei, it's not good to keep Kuda waiting."

After a brief pause, Shusei scurried away in the direction of Kusakyu Castle. The man wasn't particularly fast, so Mikan knew the two had at least 20 minutes to reach their destination.

Almost forgetting he was there Mikan turned to her little brother and knelt on one knee to meet him, the water from the rain continued to soak them from head to toe as she did.

"Are you alright Noboru?" She asked.

"I'm fine." That was all he said.

He was quiet, and obedient, which were good – and necessary traits for him to have living under the same roof as Sejin. For the last 13 years, he'd been a mere pawn to their father, and Mikan did not plan on treating him any differently, with only kindness being the exception.

"Alright, let's keep moving then."