The First Lesson

"The most of important not to mention the hardest part of the Henge isn't forming the image, or even maintaining it, but to add the vocal component to it. It's important in general because infiltration is more about acting than it is about the actual illusion, but for you this especially important considering your accent and all. So, that's what we'll be practicing; how to change your voice without the aid of chakra and with. The better you are at changing it without, the easier it will be with the help of your chakra."

"Huh, who would've thought that broadening ones vocal range would be part of the Ninja curriculum? Does that mean that you have a great singing voice?"

"Ha, no, I wish. I still suck, even with the aid of chakra. Though, to be fair, I am better than both Orochimaru and Tsunade, but then that's not a major accomplishment when neither of them have any interest in anything remotely civilian. I have to grant Hime this though; she is the best at changing her vocal pitch because her control is so damn fine."

"Ah, so it's one of the things where control is the key."

Jiraiya nodded. "Yeah, as it is with fine tuning anything that's that delicate. Generally the rule is: the more complex and brittle the biology, the better your control has to be if you want to augment it. There's a reason sending chakra to your eyes is almost never done unless you have a doujutsu; an overdose and you could end up blind. "

Harumi pulled a face. "Ouch! Does that mean I can lose my voice?"

"It's probably possible, but I haven't heard anyone mention it." He grinned and waggled his eyebrows. "Get it?"

She rolled her eyes, but he saw the slight curl of her lips. "Yes, Jiraiya-san, I get it. Seriously though, can it happen?"

He shook his head. "No, it's an unusual place to send chakra and there's only one Tenkestu situated there, so the amount that you can delegate there from the start is very little. Plus, very small amount of nerve endings when you compare it to things like the eyes and nose."

Relief filled her dark eyes. "Good, good. Don't really want to be mute. So, what we start with?"

"Well, all that talk about tenketsu got me thinking and not going to start off with the vocals just yet; first up is breathing. Not only is it good for this, but also meditation, which I'm also assigning you because that's how you learn to find your core. Is it boring as all hell? Yes, but even I have to admit that it pays off; you'll be able to regulate your flow better and better as time goes on. Chakra, at the end of the day, is always about equilibrium and balance."

A sigh escaped her lips, and some of the excitement left her eyes. "Guess I should've expected this, having to start from the very beginning."

He chuckled. "I know the feeling, Harumi-san, believe me. Honestly, I can't believe I'm about to quote Sensei, but 'the basics are where you begin, however, you do well to remember that one day it might be these very basics that will save your life."

"Alright, that's solid advice. Now teach me the correct way to breath, as apparently I've been doing it wrong my whole life."

And so it was that for the next half hour they spent time learning to properly breathe whilst standing, as well as when sitting in the correct meditation pose. It turned out Harumi had never really meditated before, only having done it once when visiting a temple, so he got to teach her the Siddhasana pose, the pose everyone in the academy had started off with.

He was pretty relaxed in his Full Lotus pose, looking through lidded eyes how her chest went up and down (if he was honest this focused him better than that stupid flame ever had). Every so often she fidgeted, and clear annoyance would flash across her features, but she was resolute and didn't open her eyes.

He had instructed her to find her core, or as it was officially called, the Gate of View and work on from there. She'd already shown earlier that morning that she could control a small amount of her chakra network, but that had been all mental effort; just like the blood that ran in their veins, the chakra that ran through their body was never still, and thus the small amount had already been there. So, she'd not so much sent chakra to her palm, as pulled up the small residue that was already there. Not that'd he'd tell her that.

Some ten minutes later there was a knock on the door, and both of their eyes flew open wide. Right, what now? Another knock came, and he shouted towards the door, "Coming!"

He pointed towards his room, and she nodded, and tip toed in that direction. He in the meanwhile stood up and answered the door, though before opening it he checked to see if Harumi was well out of sight.

Hagoromo-san, one of the regular Chunin who delivered his missions, greeted him.

"Morning, Jiraiya-san, got a mission for you. This one's a solo D-rank, as per the Hokage's orders, and I don't envy you in the slightest." The grin that stretched across his square face was full of humor, accenting the large scar that marred his left cheek. One of these days he'd ask the man how he'd gotten it, there had to a good story behind it.

Jiraiya sighed, another solo mission. That had been the way as of late, Sarutobi-sensei tasking them with missions they'd done a million times together, now having to be completed on their own. Apparently it was supposed to build character and cater responsibility, but he just saw it as punishment. This was mostly because D-ranks were boring and annoying when it was the three of them, alone it was even more so the case.

He took the scroll and read it and promptly groaned out loud when he read the name at the top: Soga.

Yes, the Soga clan, one of the noble civilian clans that resided within Konoha. If he remembered correctly they were even an off shoot of the Daimyo's family. Very powerful, very rich, and very well connected, but Kami be damned if they weren't the most arrogant bunch of people anyone could ever hope to meet. Extravagant to the extreme, too, their residence an enormous mansion that was as lavish on the outside as it was on the inside. Honestly, it was impossible to miss and had thus not only become one of Konoha's main landmarks, but the icon of wealth as well.

Their obscene display of wealth was enough to generate dislike on its own, but it was their elitist and entitled demeanor that caused them to be despised by the whole Shinobi population. True, the arrogance and elitism of the Uchiha and the Hyuuga was also legendary, but they had the bite to back up their bark. All the Soga had was their money.

If the rumor mill was to be believed the upper echelon of the clan was more bearable, if only because most of them had lived through the First World War. Still, the elitism was present even there, as they only employed people from and backed by famous clans. He'd only had the one interaction with them due to who his Sensei was, to further prove that point.

Hell, most of the time they hired high Chunin or even Jounin for escorts. Though, to be fair, it did make sense, as they were political figures who played a role in the capitol when it came down to it, so you couldn't really begrudge them for their favoritism. No, it was the younger generation that was responsible for their ill gained reputation.

He, like every Genin, knew them, despised them and had entertained fantasies of killing them. See, these young nobles had not only the guts to treat them like servants, but to also look down on them. The smarter ones largely ignored them and looked at them like they were dirt, which was in fact very much preferred to the subtle digs that the braver and more spoiled ones slung around. Not to even mention some of the children, who had no filter whatsoever. In any case, it was a trying experience no matter who you got saddled with. The only reason no one had actually murdered them was because they were a good source of income for the whole of Konoha.

Their missions were often seen as a lesson in humility, propriety, patience, and noble etiquette. Indeed there were a multitude of tasks that they as Genin were employed for by the Soga, ranging from babysitting to helping out in the garden, or unloading a shipment of gaudy furniture. The worst by far was babysitting, and the best was gardening. He'd gotten the most important, if boring and tiresome task: helping out at a few tea ceremonies.

"Great," he groused and Hagoromo's smile only widened. "Yeah, you laugh it up, but at the very least I'm not stuck doing paper work all day."

"Fair enough, Jiraiya-san, fair enough. Enjoy those Tatami floors, man!" And with that the man flickered away.

"Screw you too," he yelled after the Chunin.

Still grumbling he reentered his apartment. He'd really rather be doing anything else than this particular D-rank, and Sarutobi-sensei knew it too. When it was the three of them, he was at least content knowing that Orochimaru and Tsunade had to sit through the same hell as him; alone he'd have to face the subtle jigs that they'd never dare lob at the Senju Heiress or the last Himura. It really wasn't fair. He hoped they'd gotten missions just as rotten and ill-suited.

"You can come out Harumi-san, he's gone." She came out of his room, hair now back in the pony tail and took a seat on his lumpy couch.

"So, I kind of heard you got yourself a D-rank. What do you have to do, or is that classified?"

He scoffed and took a seat next to her. "Oh no, this is far from classified. I can easily tell you what my mission is without any penalty whatsoever. I've got to pour tea for obnoxious nobles as they have meeting with either other nobles or business partners. It is boring as anything, and I've got to not only be dressed the part but also act it."

A grin lit up her face. "Oh that sounds fun."

He gave her a look. "It really isn't."

"Oh no, pouring tea for these nobles sounds like a hassle. Now, watching you pour tea for these nobles whilst not trying to kill them and act all proper like, that sounds like fun!"

"It takes so much effort, you have no idea."

She laughed. "Ha, I bet! Maybe some more meditation will get you ready for it?"

"I wish I had the time, but I got to get ready soon. It's from 10:30 onwards, and formal wear is a bitch to put on."

A dainty eyebrow was raised. "You own something formal?"

It was his turn to grin. "You'd be surprised, Harumi-san. Not only is it formal, I look damn good in it!"

"Then by all means, Jiraiya-san, impress and dazzle me."

He stood up, and started to walk towards his bathroom. Looking over his shoulder with a grin he replied, "I will do exactly that. I also have to smell the part, and as such I've got to take a shower. Care to join me?"

"Ha, in your dreams!"

"Exactly, how did you know?"

He ducked as the only couch pillow he owned was thrown in his direction. "Just take your stupid shower, you perv!"

Having showered and put on his dark brown kimono, red obi and dark green Haori – the same golden designs on the collar as his usual garb - he stepped out of his room. If he were richer everything he was wearing right now would be made of silk instead of soft cotton and he'd probably also own a hakama. Orochimaru owned all that shit, which wasn't too surprising, the once upon a time rising Himura Clan having been way richer than his parents had ever been.

He vividly remembered the first time he'd ever gone over to the Soga. He'd been eight, wearing a Yukata, thinking it formal enough and oh boy had he been wrong. Tsunade, truly living up to her nickname by wearing not only make up but also a beautiful red Kimono with a pattern of leaves on it as well as her clan sigil, had been appalled. Orochimaru, usually not fussed about looks, had donned a fucking Montuki Kimono, proudly displaying the Himura sigil three times. He had never quite felt as out of place and reminded of his station in life as he had then.

Thankfully Sensei had saved the day, quickly bringing and helping him into a kimono he'd worn when young. It had fit surprisingly well considering, and was the only time he'd ever worn silk. Given who he was in company of, they actually learned how to pour tea along with the Heir of the Soga, a chubby boy of 10 named Ryusei, who he'd never meet again.

Afterwards his teacher had offered it to him, but he had obstinately refused, knowing full well that he'd worn the Sarutobi Sigil that day and his pride wouldn't allow that to happen again. It was a form of charity, and he'd be damned if the next time it was Orochimaru who was the one offering him a silk Kimono. He couldn't remember for the life of him what he'd originally been saving for at the time, but he'd immediately spent all that money on formal wear that he could afford. He'd spent another clout of money a year ago on his current attire, the other one way too small.

"And, my fair lady, is this dazzling enough for you?"

She looked up from the mission scroll, apparently having taken a look at the thing. She looked him over twice, before saying, "Not dazzling, but you weren't wrong when you said it looked good on you. Your Obi is tied all wrong though, here let me fix it up for you."

And indeed she fixed it, pulling it real nice and tight. It reminded him of why he hated these clothes; they were restricting as anything. "That's better. Now you're close to perfect, all you honestly need is a Haori-himo and you'd be set."

"Right, that stupid string." He ran back into his room and clipped it on. "Is this better?"

"Yep, perfect. Look at you being a gentleman, its adorable."

He puffed up his chest. "Excuse me, I think you mean gallant."

"Adorably gallant," she replied.

"I'll take that." He grabbed up the mission scroll and said, "Alright, I'd better be off as I really don't want to be late and give the Soga any more reason to chew me off."

"No, wouldn't want that," she agreed, "but what time do think you'll be back?"

He gave it some thought. "Probably around 7 or so, but you never know with those nobles. Stuff always drags on with them. Anyway, I've got some Miso stashed away in the kitchen and plenty of rice. Some meat in the fridge, if I remember correctly, and some vegetables too, so it should be enough for dinner. No need to wait or cook for me by the way, if I'm lucky the kitchen staff will have something for me, and if not there's enough stalls open for a quick meal on the way back."

"Alright, what can I do in the mean time? Can't go outside and I'm not going to be meditating for hours on end, so is it cool if I read some of the books scattered around?"

He shrugged. "Pick whatever you like, I've even got some academy books left over, which could help you out. That sound good to you?"

"Yeah, sounds good to me. I'll see you around seven then, Jiraiya-san."

"Yeah, till then!" And with a wave he left his apartment, immediately jumping up on the roof opposite and bounding off to the south, where he could already see the large building peek out above the rest.

Evening had fallen, the moon a sliver high in a clear sky. He was thoughtfully eating some takoyaki as he leisurely walked his way back home. Out of the five ceremonies he had been forced to serve at only the two had stood out from what was the norm.

The first meeting of the day had been one of the most trying experiences he'd had so far when it concerned the Soga. These four were teenage girls were of the bolder variety, and in his opinion also the stupider variety, because the snide comments they were throwing his way about how he was doing a poor job of serving them their tea, as well as that his way of dress was "befitting his station", weren't subtle in the slightest.

It showcased how much of a buffer his teammates had been when they'd been assigned this particular task, and it was plainly obvious these girls were trying to get a rise out of him. A year ago he would have snapped, but now he just kept everything bottled in. It wouldn't do to release even a sliver of killer intent, and it was a miracle that he hadn't poured the delicious smelling blossom tea all over the jewelry covered bitches. Thoughts of doing so though, with Harumi heartily laughing, were honestly what got him through it. The crack in the handle of the tea pot was the only indication that he'd almost lost his temper.

For two hours they gossiped on, about the latest fashion trends and affairs that took place in the mansion and in the capitol, throwing around so many unknown names that even if he paid attention he lost track of the story at some point or another. At the very least if he was ever assigned the gardening duties he was going to chat up this Soma-san and tell him that Airi Soga had the hots for him and that he should try and bed her.

The next three were less degrading, but just as boring and tiring, as they were also small socialite gatherings. No, it was the last ceremony that he attended that stood out from all the others because it was a proper meeting. The first change was that took place in much smaller and obviously more private tea room on the floor above.

It introduced him to two men, both of whom looked quite serious. The dark haired one was obviously the Soga, and the bald man with the beard, who wore clothes just as fine, was clearly of importance. In what was one of the rare security checks he had to present his mission scroll whilst already inside the mansion, confirming he was supposed to be here. All of this together had greatly piqued his interest, and he listened avidly as the two men talked for the following hours.

The two nobles were largely content to ignore him, if and when they addressed him it was as "Genin-san". They talked about the booming trade as of late and how they wanted to increase their influence in Rice as well as Grass, and eventually, after some actually interesting politics were thrown around, it came down to the matter at hand: a lady in Grass had come of age, and was to be betrothed. Kammu-dono, the Soga, congratulated Bando-dono, who turned out to be another Fire noble, with securing it for his son. Talk of a few Iwa lords looking to do the same in Taki was started, and how to best counteract such things. A glance in his direction was the silent and only mention of the Shinobi aspect of global politics.

Now, he wasn't as stupid as Tsunade made him out to be, he understood the implications of that just fine. Betrothals of nobles happened all the time, sure, but that was within their own nations. The last time a marriage that had crossed borders had taken place was the Shodaime and the Lady of Uzugakure.

It was a testament to the peace and prosperity that had come after the First World War that nobles were even entertaining the notion of marriage across nations. More than that though, it was a bold statement and a power play like no other as it would tie Grass closer to the land of Fire than any treaty could, when and if the marriage went through. That, more than anything, was what if came down to: if the marriage went through. As anyone who was anyone knew, in world full of ninja, things they didn't like tended to be rather short lived.

Soon enough he was home and he found Harumi lying on his couch, reading the second year book on Chakra (the first year one back at the orphanage, if he wasn't mistaken). She looked up when he entered and put down the book to greet him.

"And, how was it? As taxing as you thought it would be?"

He took off his Haori and waved at her to move over. She did, and he plopped down next to her.

"Yeah, it went about as expected for the most part, snide comments and all. One ceremony is tiring enough; five of them is absolutely killer. Honestly, I don't know what Sensei was smoking when he assigned me this bullshit because I had to sit in Seiza for hours! I wore these stuffy and layered clothes, which he knows I hate!"

"You're sure you haven't somehow pissed him off and this is his form of punishment? Also, you didn't kill anyone, did you?"

"It could be a punishment, but I honestly think this is him just being sadistic. Also, sadly, all the Soga are still alive. Oh I wanted to pour tea over some of them so bad though, you have no idea."

She smiled. "I think I've got some idea. Good on you, though, for being the better man."

He crossed his arms and said petulantly, "Well, being the better man sucks. Today sucked. The last meeting being interesting doesn't make up for the rest."

He didn't need to look to know she'd rolled her eyes. "Regale me with what made the last one so interesting because my day was probably more boring than yours. I mean, I cleaned up this place even though it was far from messy, just because I wanted something to do. Also, if anything sucks, it's your shower."

He looked at her then, all his annoyance pushed back as he processed that she, a beautiful teenager, had been naked within his apartment and he hadn't been there to witness it. That she had stood under his shitty shower, with its very limited and sporadic supply of warm water, in his small bathroom. That she had been covered in only water droplets and some steam. That she had used his towels and his shampoo. That this was reality, not some wacked up fantasy and that the chance of this happening again was large.

"Fair enough, Harumi-san, fair enough." It took much indeed to not say anything else.

"That's what I thought. Now, what was so interesting about that last meeting?"

And so he told her, explained it all over some Miso - he'd seen quite enough tea for the day.

She looked thoughtful, a slight crease present above her nose. "Maybe that's why the Hokage assigned it to you though."

"What?"

"Not only as a way to teach you etiquette and what not, but to also make you realize that these boring ass things can hold good or sensitive information. For example, they probably wouldn't have said it in front of an heir like Tsunade-san, right? It's also likely a lesson on how patience is a virtue that is rewarded, I think, otherwise why put you through the other four?"

"That…makes a lot of sense, actually. He's mentioned before how fame isn't everything, and can sometimes be more of a hassle than anything. Not to mention that he loves his speeches about patience. Besides, there's no way me serving at that particular meeting was coincidence; he knew."

"I think there's very little the Hokage doesn't know."

"This is true."

They shared a smile, neither saying out loud that as of right now, she was one such thing.

Himura Clan: A once up coming clan that got decimated in the First World War. Orochimaru is the last one left. They are not the only clan to meet this fate, some completely wiped out.

AN: So, it has been a damn long while, but here's something. It's not the chapter I expected to write, but it is the one that got written and I hope you enjoy it. The next one is already underway too, so thats all well and good! I could apologize, but honeslty by now we all know that I am one hell of a unreliable updater. Just know that none of these stories are dead, just...slow as all fucking hell.

Oh, and as you've no doubt noticed I've added the honorifics this chapter, and I plan to add them in on the already posted chapters as well, just because thats what would happen culturally speaking. Let me know what you think of it.

Also here's a link about Kimono's and all their little parts: www . wafuku . co . uk /kimonoinfo3 . htm (just remove the spaces)

If you've got any questions, feel free to ask away!

Cheers,

Ray the Red