When I started 'You Must Believe in Spring,' I hadn't intended to involve Konohamaru and Hanabi. The original story ended up having over 50,000 words of story about these two, and I decided to let it stand on its own. This is an offshoot of You Must Believe in Spring, and ties in directly. This story picks up from Konohamaru's introduction in ch. 4 of YMBIS.

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Bonfire Nights
Chapter One

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Konohamaru
*The Assignment*

Tuesday, March 24th 8:42 AM KST
Konoha ANBU base/Training Area 3

Sarutobi Konohamaru had a new assignment.

"Kakashi's got the file," Shikamaru said, bored. "Go find him down in their team training area."

"Kakashi?" Konohamaru frowned, packing away his other files. "Why Kakashi?"

"Your protection details overlap."

"What, Kakashi is going to pretend to be a transfer student to KU?" he snickered. "You know the 'non-traditional' kind? No – wait! He's going to be the lazy pervy proff isn't he?"

Shikamaru gave less than half a shrug.

"Kakashi will tell you all the details."

"Yeah, I bet," he zipped up his bag and tossed it over his shoulder. "You been to see Shōgi this week?"

"I've not been by since I got in from the Land of Iron."

"Oh yeah," he said innocently. "That's right. So. How is Temari?"

"Fine. If you want to ask her yourself, I'm sure she'll be by soon."

"Nah. Busting your ass about her isn't the same as hanging around to have her bust my ass. Later, Shikamaru."

He heard the trademark 'troublesome,' as he left the office and hopped a shuttle to the ANBU training areas. Tired of the constant call for repair to the training facilities, Tsunade had a team of ANBU engineers designate and design one training area able to withstand Naruto and Sasuke's attacks; specifically against each other.

Konohamaru walked in just in time to see Naruto climb out of a Naruto-sized crater in the wall.

"Whoa," he breathed, watching the melee of Narutos and Sasukes move like lightning. "What set them off this time?"

Kakashi shrugged airily. "Did Shikamaru give you any details about your assignment?"

He dragged his eyes away from the spectacle ahead of him, wincing when Naruto bounced Sasuke off of the floor before dodging the Uchiha's fireball. "Sort of," he took the file from Kakashi's outstretched hand. "I'm supposed to pick up a bodyguard detail over at Konoha U. Oh, wait, no way," his eyes went wide. "You want me to guard her?!"

Kakashi still didn't look at him. "Problem?"

"Oh, no, not at all," Konohamaru grimaced as he flipped through the file. "Just looking after the Hyūga heir, and probably having to sign up for all of the same classes mid semester – none of which are even remotely close to my major, by the way – AND I have to somehow watch over this chick who talks to no one, and always has one of those creepy-white-eyed clansmen of hers hanging around. Should be a frickin' cakewalk."

"Good to hear," Kakashi turned his head to the right to dodge an electrified kunai. "I expect you to make contact with her by tonight, Konohamaru."

"By toni- are you kidding me?" he spat out. "Do you know how many guys try to talk to this girl a day? What's wrong with the standard ANBU-protocol 'watch over the target without introducing myself,' thing?!"

Kakashi slid his eyes over to him. "Chicken?"

"He did study under Naruto," Sai chimed in. "Perhaps in his training he also learned to not have a penis."

Konohamaru's eyebrow twitched as he flexed his jaw, fighting the urge to retort "I do SO have a penis!" or something equally as embarrassing, because Sai irritated people into doing the strangest shit.

"Fine," he spat out between clenched teeth. "I'll report in tonight." With that he exited, cursing under his breath the whole way.

Mentally, though, he was already running the logistics of this assignment. Undoubtedly another female agent would have to be pulled in for some of this, considering there were places his assignment would go that he just wouldn't be able to follow.

"Moegi would be best," he thought, mentally flipping through possible mission partners. As a former teammate, Moegi worked well with Konohamaru, and they'd tag-teamed on assignments before. He sort of wondered why Moegi wasn't assigned to begin with. Then again, Hanabi had bodyguards, and it was no secret to anyone that she was an elite shinobi – maybe this was something that went beyond just a protection assignment.

"Threat to dōjutsu users," he murmured. An outside, unknown threat. Well, that made it a little more entertaining at least. Babysitting assignments weren't his favorite, and he'd been wanting something with a little more meat. But if he was on Hanabi's duty, then he could bet who was on Hinata's.

He pulled out his phone and punched in the code for a fellow security contact.

"Hey, kid."

"Hey. I hear we might be working together?"

"Did you talk to Kakashi and Genma?"

"Kakashi. Just got the file."

"Mm. Uzumaki and Uchiha still going strong?"

"Yeah. I'm betting you have money riding on it?"

"Naturally. Genma always has a pool going when those two go at it. So. What do you need?"

"Did Genma say anything about another female on this assignment? I can't exactly follow Hanabi into the restrooms."

"Why? Forget how to do your sexy-no-jutus?"

"Nah – made Ebisu get a nosebleed just last week, for old time's sake. But seriously, Tenten – what are my resources?"

"Genma will give you the details, but Hanabi will still have her normal guards, so you don't have to worry about monitoring her in the bathroom unless you go somewhere her guards aren't. Genma listed Moegi, Udon, and Inari as having clearance for information on this one – since you'll all be on campus."

"I don't know Hanabi very well," Konohamaru admitted. "You think she'll get along with our gang?"

"I think it is your gang's job to get along with her," Tenten said pointedly, "but yeah – I think she'll surprise you."

"If you say so," he shrugged. "I defer to you on all things Hyūga."

"I am kind of an expert," she grinned. "Now check in with Genma. He was having a meeting with Hiashi today, so it might be a good chance to introduce yourself."

Konohamaru blinked.

"Hiashi like Hyūga Hiashi? He knows about this assignment?"

"He knows that you are an intern with the ASF and that you are currently working under Gemna. He has been told that you are being brought on board as an extra set of eyes and a capable addition to the existing team. Neither he nor Genma want Hanabi to know about your assignment."

"So is this an ANBU thing or an ASF thing?"

"Both. ANBU is working on the finer points of the threats, so any assigned agents have to have ANBU clearance. Officially, you are being brought on board through the ASF side of things, if you are looking for technicalities. All you really need to know is that you report to Genma."

"So back to the part where I don't really know Hanabi?"

"You were invited for the clan celebration on the 27th, right? Her birthday?"

"Is that what that is?" he paused to flip through the file. "It didn't really say."

"I'll go over the finer points of it with you later, but there are two events marking Hanabi's birthday this year. This one isn't so bad," he could hear her shrug. "There are some bells and whistles because she is turning twenty and therefore "of age," but it boils down to a birthday celebration for mostly family and a few select guests. The big event is in June, when she is formally instated as the heir."

Konohamaru's smart watch buzzed against his wrist, and he tapped it to read the message.

"Aaand there's Genma telling me to come by. Guess I'll learn more about this. Kinda weird to not meet Hanabi until her birthday party, though, isn't it? Like – something kind of kindergarten about the whole thing…"

"You're just worried she won't like you and your cooties."

"My cooties and I happen to be well liked and accepted anywhere we go," Konohamaru sniffed.

Tenten laughed, "Good luck, kid," and hung up.

Konohamaru tucked his phone away with an impish grin. Tenten didn't have a clan, so as the rest of the Konoha 11 grew into their clan roles, she'd grown into her position at the armory and working with Genma on security assignments. That's where he'd gotten to know her, and decided she was kind of like a really cool older cousin or sister. Also, she may have once saved him from getting thumped by Temari when he was a kid, and he might technically owe her his life.

But either way, still cool.

Genma, on the other hand, was very often not cool. He liked to stir up shit, and Konohamaru was often the recipient of said shit stirring.

He knocked politely on Genma's office door, and only opened it when invited to do so.

"You sent for me?"

"I did," he said lazily before turning to the other man in the room – none other than Hyūga Hiashi. "This is Sarutobi Konohamaru, the young man I was telling you about. He is one of our most promising interns here at the ASF."

"Unsurprising, given his family," Hiashi noted, his pale eyes inscrutable as he considered Konohamaru. "And do you also have plans to join the Allied Shinobi Force after graduation?" Hiashi inquired.

"Yes," he said politely before grinning, "Like you said - it runs in the family."

"And you attend Konoha University, do you not?"

"Yes, sir."

"And what year are you?"

"I am finishing my third year."

"He is a member of the Konoha House. In fact - " Genma took the senbon out of his mouth, studying it idly, "- Konohamaru is up for the position of president next year." He looked up at the young man, his taunting expression unnoticed by the serious Hyūga."We have high hopes for him. Very high hopes indeed"

"Is that so?" Hiashi raised his eyebrows. "That is quite the accomplishment. Congratulations."

Kohohamaru blushed slightly, making a mental note to have words with Genma. "Thank you, sir."

The Konoha House was ostensibly an honor's society/dormitory with separate dwellings for the outstanding young men and women at Konoha University.

In reality, it doubled as a base for the ANBU members at KU and those that needed special protection, and they were connected to the main base and each other via the underground shuttle system. In practice, the boy's dormitory was much more like a frat house known to have the absolute best parties on campus, especially during Bonfire Nights. The years when Naruto, Kiba, Chōji, and Shikamaru attended were legendary, and Konohamaru had long sought to surpass them. It just wasn't the sort of thing you mentioned to the leader of arguably the most prestigious clan in Konoha - particularly not when you're being considered for the security team for his youngest child and heir.

Hiashi gave a short nod as if deciding something, and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "I would speak with you about a certain matter in which I feel you could assist me," he said. "That is, if you have the time," he added graciously.

Konohamaru looked to Genma – and once he received a nod, turned back.

"I have time, sir."

Hanabi
*The Introduction*

Tuesday, March 24th 11:15 AM KST
ASF Headquarters

Hanabi was worried. She was also annoyed.

Not three nights ago, she had been speaking with her sister, worried about her after her flight to Suna. In that amount of time, her sister had come rushing back on life-flight (which she knew must have sent her blood pressure through the roof), helped treat the Kazekage's brother, and been pulled into some highly classified ASF research with Dr. Haruno.

Last night Neji had assured her that Hinata was fine, but that Lady Tsunade had insisted she rest, and put her in a carefully monitored sleep. She'd gotten a text that morning that Hinata was tired, but well.

Having had no progress getting any thing else out of Neji, Hanabi decided for a different approach. Shiranui Genma was the head of security for the ASF, and regularly worked with her father; he would have to know more about what was going on.

Something about everything was not sitting right with her. Of course the ASF had top secret research – but if this had been biological in nature, that could be cross-classified as a terrorist act. Counterterrorism was ANBU's department.

As the heir, Hanabi was aware of ANBU and exempt from recruitment – just as Hinata was. It wouldn't surprise her if Hinata was helping ANBU out (because it wouldn't surprise her if Hinata was helping anyone out), but she had a strong feeling that all of this was far more complicated than she was being told.

"If only I had someone on the inside like Genma is on the inside," she muttered to herself. It was a gamble that Genma would tell her anything, but she could at least give it a shot. It wasn't until she got to the ASF headquarters that she learned her father was meeting with Genma right then.

"Do you want me to call over and tell them you are here?" the receptionist asked kindly.

"No, thank you," Hanabi shook her head politely. "I'll just wait for my father in the reception area."

She decided to try her sister one more time.

"Why Hanabi," a warm, kind voice came on the line. "How nice to hear from you!"

"Master Sarutobi?" she blinked. "I…yes, it is nice to hear you as well. Is my sister there?"

"She is," and she could picture him nodding his head once.

"May I speak with her?"

"I am afraid that she has been trapped by the combination of a peaceful garden and hot tea – but she is well, and should be able to call you back in a few hours."

Hanabi's smile was slow. "You tricked her into falling asleep, didn't you?"

"Tricked is a strong word."

"Thank you for looking out for her," Hanabi felt some of the tension slide off of her shoulders.

"I'll have her call you when she wakes."

The conversation ended with her sincere thanks, and his assurances that they were unnecessary. Hanabi tucked her phone away with a sense of relief. Master Sarutobi was incredibly fond of her sister – he would make sure that she was well. His ever-present medic Yori would be there as well; Hinata was in good hands.

"At least someone tells me things," she muttered, pocketing her phone.

Hanabi was frustrated.

In several days, she would turn twenty, and be considered "of age" in her clan. She would declare her intent to accept her position as heir on her birthday, and then, presuming she passed her clan's succession rituals, would be formally declared as the next clan head at the summer solstice. She had been training for the position of heir since she was a small child. She'd accompanied her father in the board room and on business trips. She was a master practitioner of the Gentle Fist style, and an extremely accomplished shinobi. In her two years at Konoha University, she'd distinguished herself academically, and was universally recognized as a quick-witted and excellent student with a bright future ahead of her.

However, the uneven balance between freedom, responsibility, and inclusion in her life was beginning to chafe. It rankled Hanabi her to be forced to ferret out important information - like if her sister was alright - as if she were a child that didn't need to know the affairs of the adults. She had only two years left at KU, discounting the remainder of the semester, and she was more than a little tired of not having the freedom to enjoy the experience. It was the one irritation she didn't feel she could confide in anyone. Normally, she'd speak with Hinata, or Neji, but Hinata had taken over as Clan Mother when she was sixteen, and her time at University was spent living at home while managing the clan's affairs.

Neji had been a diligent student, staying on campus occasionally, should it better serve his academic schedule – but he had no life outside of his studies and his assignments. Naturally, as the incipient head of the branch family, he had been a member of ANBU as well, and had those obligations, but he never indicated he had any interest in university life. Had Tokuma not stepped forward to take over the role of ANBU liason after the death of her Uncle, Neji might have skipped University altogether.

"It is an honor to stand in for Lord Hizashi," he had assured Neji, "But I will only stay until you are ready to take his place."

She grimaced, remembering that Tokuma still wasn't back from his mission. She mentally added "Ask about Tokuma" to her "things to get Genma to tell me" list.

A familiar voice broke through her musings and over the general hum of people bustling around the building.

"Hanabi," Kurenai smiled broadly. "I thought that was you."

"Kurenai-sensei," she returned the smile. "How nice to see you. How are my favorite little ninjas?"

"The kids are fine. Shōgi was just asking about you."

"Then I'll have to make a point to come see him," she pulled up her phone and flipped to her calendar. "I'm free later in the week."

"We'd love to see you any time – you know that. Oh," she looked past Hanabi. "Konohamaru! What are you doing here?"

Hanabi tucked her phone away and looked up to the young man striding over to them, with an open, friendly smile.

"Hanabi, I don't know if you remember Konohamaru – Asuma's nephew?"

"I'm your nephew, too, Aunt Kurenai," Konohamaru teased her lightly, nodding to the wedding ring on her finger. "Nice to meet you," he nodded, adjusting his backpack on his shoulder.

"Likewise," the cool, professional mask of the Hyūga slipped back into place automatically.

"I was just going to get some lunch," he turned to his aunt. "Would you like to go?"

"I would," she checked her watch, "but I have an appointment to get to."

"I get it," he shrugged. "Tell the kids I said hey – I'll be by later tonight to drop off some of Shōgi's stuff."

"You spoil him," Kurenai tsked.

"Big Cousin prerogative," he shrugged. "Can't be helped. How about you?" he looked over to Hanabi. "Did you eat?"

"I haven't had lunch," she answered truthfully.

"Care to come along?"

Years of grooming meant that while she appeared to do no more than consider his request, she was reflexively analyzing his offer for every conceivable motivation, as well as weighing the pros and cons of accepting or declining. She found no reason for him to solicit her company, and decided he was merely being polite.

"I wouldn't want to impose," she said with that polite finality that most people would understand meant "No."

It appeared that Konohamaru was not most people.

"It's no imposition," he shrugged. "I'm not polite enough to have asked you if it was."

"That, I fear, is true," Kurenai sighed. "Perhaps if you eat with Hanabi, some of those manners will rub off on you."

"Could be worse," he shrugged again. "I could be Naruto."

"Fair point." She rechecked her watch. "I really must go – take care, you two." She waved, hurrying away.

Konohamaru waited a beat before a slow smile spread across his face, and he slid a look over to Hanabi.

"So," he said, mischief in his bright eyes. "Figure out my angle yet?"

She arched an eyebrow at him.

"Angle?"

"You look like you're trying to figure out my master plan - but honestly, I'm just hungry. You pick where we eat, and if you get sick of my company, just say so, and i'll bugger off."

"Hm," she looked him over. She wasn't particularly hungry, and she definitely wasn't social…. But perhaps she could work this to her advantage. She met his gaze openly. "Your approach is novel, I'll give you that."

"You got nothing to lose," he grinned crookedly. "Meal is on me - even if you tell me to leave. Or you decide to leave. Either way, no harm no foul."

"That is novel," she said dryly.

"So?" he raised his eyebrows. "Where are we going to eat?"

The idea came to Hanabi out of nowhere, and it was so impetuous - so ridiculous - that it begged to come to fruition.

A slow smile tugged at her lips.

"I know just the place."

A/N:

Thank you for those who have taken time to read and review - I am sincerely grateful.