"The Inuzuka clan offers their assistance, that's all," said Hana Inuzuka to the young contractor. "I'm a veterinarian after all, working primarily with the Inuzuka clan dogs but also various other nin-animals as well. The exception being the messenger hawks as they're exclusively cared for by the Cryptology Department."
"Didn't know that," admitted Naruto.
"Well, it's something to keep in mind," said Hana.
"Ah, Naruto Uzumaki. Fancy meeting you here."
Naruto paused in mid-noodle-slurp.
"Considering how often he comes here and that you've been here twice today already," muttered Teuchi in the background.
"I just wanted to say that I've heard you're needing to set up some place of your own now," said the stranger.
"Yeah, that's what Mushu tells me," agreed Naruto between slurps. "Who're you, anyway?"
"Oh just a concerned party," said the stranger.
"Uh huh," said Naruto. True, he could be very gullible. In this case, however, he had a clue that something was going on. "Nah. Already got a place."
That seemed to take the stranger aback. "You do?"
"Yup," said Naruto. "Choji's father heard the same thing. Said something about zoning that I didn't understand."
"The Akimichi clan?" The stranger scowled. "What's their interest?"
"Eventually, transport," said Ayame, a ladle in her hand twitching every so often.
"'Transport'?" asked the stranger.
"Your intel appears to be dated," said Ayame. "Naruto's been approached by the Akimichi, the Aburame, the Inuzuka, and the Yamanaka clans already."
"Is this stool occupied or reserved?" asked a member of the Hyuga clan, indicating a seat on Naruto's other side.
"No," allowed Ayame. "Though we have booths if you'd prefer."
"No, this is quite adequate for my purposes," indicated the Hyuga.
"Wow," said Naruto, staring into his bowl. "Ya get a clan and suddenly everyone wants to talk to you."
Unexpectedly, it was the Hyuga who answered that. "It is not quite an accurate depiction of events, though understandable in your conclusion."
"Eh?" asked Naruto.
The Hyuga let a slight breath out. "You now have a clan, with useful abilities. As you are a new factor in the clan inter-relationships, it is understandable that each wishes to determine your clan's standing and to either acquire an ally or establish boundaries at the very least."
Naruto blinked a couple of times. "I still didn't get that."
The stranger shook his head. "He really doesn't need you to confuse matters, I think he manages that quite well himself."
"Hey!" complained Naruto, who thought that sounded almost vaguely insulting.
"Let me translate from Hyuga-ese," said Teuchi. "You have a clan now. Your contract with dragons means it could become a powerful clan in the future. The existing clans want to either become friends with you or make sure you're not cutting in on their territories or causing them to lose money or power."
"Oh? Oh!" said Naruto, brightening. "I ain't no bully. No worries about that! Sure my clan's gonna be awesome - dattebayo! That don't mean I'm gonna step on anyone."
"Then I shall assure those concerned parties within my own clan structure," said the Hyuga.
"Eh?" asked Naruto.
"He'll let his people know you're not planning trouble," translated Teuchi.
"In the meantime, perhaps one of the miso ramen?" asked the Hyuga.
"What about you, mister?" asked Naruto, turning towards the stranger who still hadn't introduced himself.
Except that he was not there and Naruto couldn't recall seeing him leave.
Danzo was thoughtful and silent for a few moments after the report had been given.
When the operative had begun to perspire in that nerve-wracking silence, Danzo finally spoke. "I had not expected the clans to move that quickly."
"No, Danzo-sama."
"I see," said Danzo with a frown. "It is of no consequence in the short term, and we'll manage despite a starting disadvantage in the long run."
"Yes, Danzo-sama."
"There will be other opportunities," concluded Danzo before he turned his attention to other matters.
"Whoa, it's bigger than I thought it would be," said Naruto, plopping the small stack of boxes down in front of the new house.
"Yeah, it's a real fixer-upper though," noted Mushu as he drew a claw over a section of railing. He winced when it fell down and broke apart. "Uhm. I meant to do that. Yeah. Real fixer-upper."
"I can see that," agreed Naruto.
"Still, it's a start," said Mushu.
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(Posted Sat, 23 Mar 2013 19:05)
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