Part 10: The line between coincidence and intent

"You have the worst luck," Temari cackles as they walk through the glass double doors. "Seriously, I thought that it was just a few random chances, but for it to happen this much, and always to you..." She snorts.

Mesua huffs out a small sigh, but her posture remains straight and professional. "Naruto-kun was right, you are mean and nosy."

"What did that idiot say about me? I'll smack his cheeky face around next time I see him. He needs to learn to keep that big ass mouth of his shut. I'm plenty nice."

"Just not to him. Or myself."

"I'm nice to those who need my niceness," Temari clarifies. "It's more of a special occasions thing. Like to keep it special."

There is a pause in conversation as the two check in at the front desk of the Uchiha Corporation building. It's quiet around them; there are very few people on the main floor of the building. The secretary at the front desk is reserved as she murmurs instructions for Mesua and Temari to wait. She gestures to the seats a few feet away before reaching for the office phone.

The two sit where directed, but Temari soon picks up conversation again. Her voice is pleasant enough for being inside a major cooporation, but the empty space seems to echo her words around the room. "Seriously, I don't get how someone could have such bad luck. You dealt with him when Ashi got hurt, then when the DPA visit went down the tubes, and now you have be the liaison for the companies." She tilts in her seat to better face Mesua. "What are you going to do?"

"I do not understand the question," Mesua replies without missing a beat. She's sitting straight forward, ankles crossed, hands folded in her lap. By her chair is the brief case, filled with important documents, but there is one inside more important than the rest. "I will behave as expected of an attorney of my rank. As will you. Out past encounters do not matter, as this is a business situation. Professionalism is how our business is run. There is no reason this will be about anything but the contract."

There is a pause as Temari considers Mesua's words. Teal eyes examine the other woman quietly for a moment, before Temari sighs and returns to sitting forward. "Something tells me this is not going to go the way you want."

Mesua blinks and tilts her head to regard the other. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Temari says with a shrug, "That professionalism only goes so far. I bet even stuck up Uchihas have a breaking point. Hell, you might even have a breaking point."

"You will find my 'breaking point' requires much more pressure than meeting the same men in various situations of my life."

Temari hums while examining her nails. "They say the third time is the charm."

"'The third time is the charm,'" Mesua parrots back. Her eyebrows squint together, though the rest of her face remains rather blank. "I do not know that phrase."

Temari laughs. "It's an idiom; it means that you have terrible luck."

Mesua frowns. "You are lying to me."

"She not as far off as you might think," a mellow voice adds. Both women look forward to see the Assistant to the President approaching them. His suit is just sharp enough to match such a position, however it is clearer as he approaches that there are some scruffs near the knees of his pants. Additionally, instead of the usual button-shirt and tie, he is wearing a turtleneck high enough to hide the bottom of his face. When it is clear that both women are looking back, Kakashi waves casually at them. "Yo."

"Ears like a fox," Temari comments with crossed arms. "Or, is it a dog?"

As he gets closer, the two women stand. Kakashi comes to a stop with a foot between them and hums, his hand returning to his pant suit pockets. "Mesua-san, Temari-san, it's good to see you," he says, but it doesn't sound entirely sincere. However, with a man like Kakashi, that isn't exactly a bad sign. "You ladies are early."

"We're right on time," Temari defends. "Besides, knowing you, it's better to be early."

Again, Kakashi hums. His one visible eye crinkles upward to a U-shape, as though he were smiling with the eye alone. "Ah, always so prepared, Temari-san. That's what I like about you."

Temari snorts and rolls her eyes. "There's no point in trying to butter me up, Kakashi-san."

The two fall silent, just staring at each other. Mesua is the first to speak up. "I do not know the phrase 'butter me up," she comments, as if talking about the weather.

"It means he's trying to be nice to get out of trouble," Temari supplies.

"Oh." Mesua narrows her eyes a bit. "Well then, what about 'ears like a fox'? I was not aware that foxes have good hearing. From what I recall, bats are better."

"Yes, but foxes use their hearing for sly purposes," Temari counters, still eyeing Kakashi.

"Ah." Mesua nods. "Then perhaps you also mean the phrase, 'sly like a fox?' Godaime-sama has used that to describe Naruto-kun on several occasions."

Temari chuckles. "I'm sure she has. And, yeah, Kakashi-san is sly like a fox too. But with his skill set, it might be insulting to refer to him as a fox."

Mesua seems to think this comment over. She taps her index finger against her chin, eyes looking up at the tall, intricate chandelier that cuts through the center of the entire building. It's made of several pieces of metal and other material cut into geometric shapes; each is hanging from thin, near-invisible wire of various length to reach every visible floor of the office building that surrounds it. Lights twinkle on it, and the shape looks almost like a grand-scale modern art exhibit than a light fixture. "I suppose you are right," Mesua agrees.

"Mah," Kakashi sighs. "You're so mean and nosy, Temari-san."

Temari bristles and glares back at Kakashi. "Have you been talking to that blond idiot too?" She accuses. "I'm going to smack him twice as hard now," she grumbles. "Honestly—talking smack about me behind my back. Did he really think I wouldn't find out? I grew up with Kankero, for heaven's sake."

Kakashi's eye makes another U-shape. "I don't think Naruto thinks that far ahead of what he says, if we're being honest." The comment makes Temari laugh out right, and the dangerous aurora around her breaks.

"I think that is enough chatter for now," Mesua cuts in when Temari's laughter ends. She leans down to pick up her briefcase and gives Kakashi a small smile. "Forgive me, but we can talk more later. I have some papers for President Uchiha to sign, and we are now late to the meeting."

Kakashi shrugs. "It's not like he isn't expecting it."

The small smile on her lips drops. "Kakashi-san," Mesua replies, face blank and voice level. "Please lead the way."

The man takes a moment to stare at Mesua with a similar barren expression, but eventually nods and turns. He leads the two lawyers to the elevator and they take it to the twelfth floor. From there, he guides them down a long hallway, the large chandelier still in view to the left, though now at an entirely different perspective. Up close, it's even wider than before and near blocks the view of the hallway across the gap. Neither woman pays the piece any mind though, instead moving straight ahead with spines straight and faces set blank.

The three make it to about the end of the hall before Kakashi turns right and enters through an open doorway. The two women follow and stop just in the threshold. It's a casual office space: modern and sleek. There is a couch and chairs with a coffee table in the corner just left of the entrance, where the vice president and his assistant are sitting. The entire left wall is filled with window space. The back wall and right wall are a dark wood finish. There is also a large desk, neatly organized and grand at the back center of the room. In the large chair sits the president of Uchiha Corporation, who is leaning over the surface with a pen in hand.

Kakashi walks forward, not bothering to announce their arrival in favor of taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk. He lounges back with a sigh.

"Late again, Kakashi-san," Itachi murmurs. He doesn't look up from his papers.

"Mah, it's not my fault," Kakashi deflects. "I got caught up on the road of life."

Itachi hums. "You at least brought our guests," the president affirms. He places his pen back down and stands. When his eyes make contact with the two lawyers, however, he pauses. An eyebrow raises on Itachi's face. "Fenikkusu-san, this is a surprise. And... I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name..."

Mesua takes a step forward. "President Uchiha, it has been a while, yes. This is my associate, Subaku no Temari-san. She is a representative of my law firm with the Demon Protection Association branch located in Sunagakure. She is here on business, and has agreed to assist in the merging of Uchiha Corporation and my client the Demon Protection Association." Mesua then bows her head. Behind her, Temari mirrors the action. The two then straighten and move further into the room.

"I hope this will not be a problem," Mesua adds, face set blank.

"No," Itachi confirms. His eyes are watchful of her movement. "It should not be."

Mesua nods once then motions to the briefcase. "I have the paperwork ready for you to sign here. Will we need to wait for your attorney?"

Itachi moves from around the desk to stand closer to Mesua. "It is unnecessary. I already saw the final copy earlier this week." He pauses and a smirk appears on the man's face. "Assuming you have not changed anything since then."

"Of course not," Mesua responds without missing a beat. Her voice is flat, but her eyebrows draw down in confusion.

"Then we are fine," Itachi replies. He nods and gestures to the seating back by the entrance. "If you two will, I will sign the papers over here." He proves this point by moving to the furniture and taking a seat next to Sasuke. The younger Uchiha gives his brother a small frown, and from the seat across the couch, Shikamaru is also frowning at the president.

Mesua raises a brow. "You would like to sign from the couch?" She clarifies.

"I hope this will not be a problem," Itachi says, mirroring her words.

There is a pause as Mesua glances towards Temari. The taller blonde shrugs, but there is a small quirk upturning her lips. Mesua looks back at Itachi. "No, it is not a problem. Please, allow me to retrieve the document. May I use your desk?"

Itachi nods his accent, so Mesua places her brief case down atop the smooth metal surface. She dials the combination lock with practiced ease and the lids opens. It takes no more than a second for her to pull out the correct manila folder, opening it to reveal the contract right on top. She removes the document before placing the folder back in her brief case. She also grabs a pen from inside on of the inner pockets and brings both the items to the low coffee table.

"Here is the document for your approval," Meusa begins while placing both pen and paper on the coffee table. "Please read over it carefully to ensure that it is what was agreed upon."

"You said it has not changed since the last copy I read, correct?"

Mesua pauses. "No," she replies, eyes trained on the president's own. "It has not."

"Then I do not need to read it," Itachi concludes. He opens the document to the various tabs and starts initialing his name. It doesn't take long for him to get to the last page, where Tsunade's own name is already on its designated line. He brings his pen down to sign, but Mesua's voice stops him.

"Are you sure there is no reason to read the contract?"

Itachi's hand hovers over the contract. He doesn't look up. "Is there a need to read the contract, Fenikkusu-san? Are you saying your word is not good enough?"

The question seems to catch Mesua off guard, but she responds flatly, "I am merely trying to give sound advice. You should always read a contract before you sign it."

"I don't doubt that you should, and I have read the contract, just at a previous date."

Mesua doesn't reply. Itachi nods once before signing his name and dating the paper. He then passes the document to his younger brother, who also signs on the line just below the president's signature. "There. That should be everything then."

Itachi looks up to see a small frown on Mesua's face. Before he can ask though, Mesua gives a soft sigh. "I do not understand; you and Godaime-sama both see no need to look over a document you are about to sign. Even if you had read it before, it just seems irresponsible to not read the current copy."

Itachi hums as he hands the disgruntled lawyer both the completed document and her pen. "You seem to know a lot about contracts, Fenikkusu-san. You're very cautious; I wonder if you've signed a few dangerous ones yourself without reading."

Mesua's frown deepens at his comment, and she moves away further from the president and his employees. "I am a lawyer, Uchiha-sama. I see many different contracts. Though you will find I do not sign nearly as many."

"Of course," the president agrees. He eyes the woman for a moment before continuing. " You must be very busy, with the agency and your law firm demanding your time."

Mesua narrows her eyes, and it could very much be a glare if not for her overall expression remaining impassive. "If you are asking whether my firm only represents those of the Demon Protection Agency, then you will be happy to know that I take on many clients beyond that of just the agency."

"Yes, but you must have your hands full, if that is the case. And a full-time mother as well." The comment makes Sasuke stiffen up next to his brother. In the seat across from the president, Shikamaru is eyeing both Uchihas wearily. Itachi pays neither man any mind, however. "How is your son, by the way? Ashi, was it?"

Mesua visibly tenses at the name. Behind her, Temari snorts and places a hand on her hip. She shakes her head, ponytails waving to frame her slim face. "I told you this wasn't going to work," the blond lawyer reminds her colleague.

The other lawyer in question looks back between the president and Shikamaru. The president remains smirking at her, while Shikamaru looks tired but no longer shocked. He shrugs at Mesua. She then turns and frowns at Temari. "I believe the phrase is: 'you jinxed me.'"

"Ha," Temari starts with a grin. "Maybe I did." She doesn't look to upset by the accusation though. Her left hand in resting on her hip while the right is raised as if to help hinder the small snickers leaving her mouth. It's not exactly working.

"This entire conversation is irrelevant and unprofessional," Mesua continues as she moves back to her brief case. She slides the completed document into the correct folder, replaces the pen, and then shuts the black lid. "I am very... disappointed." She locks the case with a heavy click.

Temari rolls her eyes while crossing her arms. "I can tell."

Mesua sighs once before turning back to face the audience of executives. "To answer your question, Uchiha-sama, yes. He is fine."

"That's good." Itachi nods, but there is a small smirk on his face. "I haven't seen the boy since his accident. I couldn't be sure."

The comment makes both Mesua and Temari raise an eyebrow. The two women share a look. "I think I'm starting to understand what Naruto-kun meant about these 'Uchiha types'," Temari comments to Mesua, though it is loud enough for everyone to hear.

Mesua's face is neutral again. "I must admit, I did not understand what Naruto-kun meant by our last conversation. He was warning me about something. What were the words he used?" She directs the question Temari, and unlike the blonde woman, she keeps her voice softer.

Temari's shoulders shake. She bites back a laugh. "Oh," she manages with a snort, "I think it was something like them having sticks up their—" She stops. Her teal eyes open wide and her head falls to stare at the floor space between herself and the president's desk. Her face is clear with shock: lips pressed line, eyes trained on the dark wood. Her once crossed arms fall to lay against her stiff form. "Oh," she breaths again, but this time it is lost, worried and just the right amount of concerned.

Mesua, still by the president's desk, is also staring at the floor between herself and Temari. "Move," she murmurs. Her body shifts back; the movement is small, but somehow enough to push the president's desk back a few inches. "Move," she repeats, louder and more forceful. Her eyes do not move from the spot.

Kakashi jumps up from his seat to back towards the door. Temari backs away to join him. They both are tense and watchful of the floor.

Sasuke stands; Itachi and Shikamaru soon follow. The younger Uchiha darts his wide eyes from the floor to Mesua to the floor again. "What's wrong?"

Before anyone can reply, the floor begins to glow with a fierce light. The light burns into the wood floor, symbols foreign and bright and forming into a complex, circular pattern. The air seems to cool rapidly. A chill fills the air in seconds, and then the pressure changes. There is an audible pop. Smokes fills the office, originating from the dimming circle.

When the smoke clears seconds later, there is a large creature. It's a long and muscled snake, with purple scales and large fangs. It is glaring at Mesua.

"I reiterate," Temari says, breaking the shocked silence. There is a scowl across her lips; her teal eyes are sharp and narrowed. "You really do have the worst luck."