AN: Now guess what is going to start! ^_^

"Among the Inuzukas" by GreatMarta

Episode 5: Small steps

While Tsume's eyes caught the man, he was looking around with caution. Judging from his face, he was expecting to be attacked by at least a dozen of dogs, hungry for the Kurihara blood. Which would be just reasonable, considering what his brother's done to the niece of the Alpha male.

Having noticed Tsume, Shippo smiled and proceeded towards her. He seemed to be relieved to have found a familiar face.

Tsume stood up as Shippo approached her. Now she wished she had woken Kuromaru up. One bark from him would scare the intruder off. He might've stood up for Fukai, for which she may be grateful, but he still was a Kurihara. In the end, family is family. He couldn't be that much different from Jota in a longer run.

"Good morning" Shippo started politely "Tsume-san, wasn't it? Is Fukai-san home?" Oh, so he came here to seek revenge? How lovely!

"If she were, she'd have kicked you out of here by now" Tsume replied firmly, determined to show the man he's not welcome on the Inuzuka territory. If he's as smart as Jota claimed him to be, he'll get the message.

"Right, I suppose so" Shippo smiled stupidly, scratching the back of his head. The woman could easily sense his nervousness and lack of confidence. That ninja headband must've landed on his forehead by mistake. Cause he sure as hell wasn't a ninja material "Umh… when is she coming back? I'd like to talk to her"

Now that was insolent. Seems he needs more persuasion.

"She'll cut your throat before you could say a word. I'd advise you to stay away from her, unless you're dying to become a fertilizer for our ground"

"And I thought you fertilize your ground with dogs' dejections" Shippo attempted to turn the warning into a joke and forced himself to giggle. He however stopped quickly, seeing Tsume was looking at him as if he was crazy "Oh, never mind. Anyway, if I can't meet Fukai-san in person, could you please pass my most sincere apology to her? For my brother's behavior, that is"

Tsume's eyes winded. Apology?

"What?" she asked. She'd sooner expect a Santa Clause in May than an apology from a Kurihara.

"My brother didn't mean to hurt Fukai-san" Shippo went on "He just wanted to celebrate my success. He was so happy he forgot about the anniversary of Toru-san's death. You see, he doesn't think about the past much, neither does he about the future. He just focuses on what is now, that's the sort of person he is. I hope Fukai-san would understand. After all, she knows him pretty well, she should know he wouldn't upset her on purpose"

While talking, Shippo tried to make a friendly impression. Tsume, on the other hand, took no effort to hide her amazement. He really was apologizing. After Fukai had almost castrated his brother, he came to apologize to her. It would make more sense if he demanded an apology or even complain to the Inuzuka authorities. But this? This was pointless.

"Fukai and Jota hate each other" Tsume stated. This was the fact nobody in the Inuzuka clan could deny. So why would that Shippo guy be pretending nothing's wrong between his brother and his ex?

Shippo stopped smiling.

"My brother doesn't hate Fukai-san" he claimed "He might say otherwise, but I know him too well. He loves her. He has loved her all along"

"Then why the hell did he break up with her?! Why the hell did he leave her alone with a kid?!" Tsume demanded, angry. Jotaro has made Fukai a single mother. He knocked her up and betrayed her. If this was love, then she was the legendary sucker Tsunade.

Shippo remained calm, despite the Inuzuka girl's behavior.

"By the time my brother broke up with Fukai-san, he didn't know she was pregnant. He hadn't known until Fukai-san's father came to beat him up. At that point, it was too late to try to make things right. Just like my brother had said, Fukai-san would never love him the way he loved her. He was simply tired of chasing after a dream that would never come true. You know Fukai-san lives in the past, Tsume-san. In her world, there is no place for Jota. He knows it and stays out of her way. Nothing could justify his ignorance for his son's life, but there isn't much he can do unless Fukai-san gives him a chance. If you look at the bigger picture, Tsume-san, you will see that what I've said is true"

Tsume was speechless.

To her, everything was simple. Fukai was the victim and Jota the bastard who hurt her. There was nothing more into it.

Or maybe?

Fukai was a psycho. She might be a fantastic ninja, but she clearly has issues with herself. Tsume has always tolerated her cousin's mental breakdowns, simply because they were cousins. They might argue, they might fight, but an Inuzuka will always side with another Inuzuka. That's what being a family is about.

But Jota wasn't their family. There was no reason for him to share his life with Fukai if he felt he couldn't. It wasn't that unusual for people to break up. Come to think of it, the only reason the Inuzuka clan had for hating Jota was making Fukai pregnant. If he had used a condom, this wouldn't have happened.

But then, she didn't remind him to use one.

In this matter, she was equally guilty.

Fukai was the one who had to carry the child in her womb, give birth to him and provide for him. Jota has never once talked to Toru, has never spent a single ryu on his needs. But was it really his fault?

Fukai was too proud to ever accept any financial help from him. And her father had swore he'll roast his nuts over an open fire if he ever comes near their household again.

Jota did have his reasons not to interfere with his son's life.

All the thinking she had to do made Tsume feel like somebody woke her up with a bucket of freezing water. Her sweet sleep was brutally disturbed and her arching body smashed against a wall.

Tsume remembered the way Fukai's father treated her this morning and wondered if it made her cousin feel the same as she was feeling now.

Shippo considered her for a moment and offered a shy smile.

"It is so much easier to hate a stranger than a family member, isn't it?" he started "I'm having a loyalty conflict too, you know. Here I am, apologizing for my brother's behavior, although I know he'll hate me for it. You must be thinking I'm the worst kind of a brother, that I'm betraying Jotaro. But the truth is I love him too much to let him ruin his life"

Those words hit the nail on the head.

Tsume was having a loyalty conflict. She was talking to the brother of the man whom her cousin hated so much. Worse, she was starting to believe that what Shippo was telling her might actually be true. She mustn't. It was betrayal. Betrayal of Fukai's trust. If she hated Jotaro, the entire clan would stand by her side and hate him too. If Fukai was having issues, her family would show her support and forgive all her sins. If she was too frustrated to look after Toru, her parents would take care of him so that she could take care of herself. No matter what she did, the clan would back her up.

Which may be the worst kind of betrayal they could commit.

When you love somebody, you want to protect them. To make sure they don't suffer. But the truth was that some people need a kick in the butt rather than a hug.

"I don't want his son to hate him when he grows up" Shippo went on "Jotaro has so much to offer as a father. I'm sure he could take active part in Toru's upbringing. If only he'd come to an agreement with Fukai-san. It wouldn't kill her if she let him visit their son. The kid deserves to know both his parents. To know he has an uncle and another grandmother. That's the way it should be. Do you agree with me, Tsume-san? You seem like a reasonable person, you must understand I'm right"

She did. And it scared her.

"Do you really believe it could work?" she asked. She doubted Fukai would allow Jota to see Toru. She doubted Jota would risk asking. There was a wall between those people, one that could not be destroyed even with Gatsuga. What Shippo suggested was like trying to break that wall with a teaspoon.

"I will make it work" Shippo declared. He seemed to be serious "For the last three years I've been so focused on my education that I failed to notice my brother's personal problems. I want to make up for it. I want to bring peace between him and Fukai-san, so that they could raise their son together"

"That won't happen!" Tsume exploded. She couldn't stand this optimistic crap any longer "They won't get together just because you want them to! It's their choice, not yours!"

"It is my choice weather to help them or not" Shippo replied firmly "And I won't give up just because you say I should"

"Don't be ridiculous!" Tsume revolted "Even if you somehow convince Jota, which I highly doubt, you will never make Fukai listen to you!"

"I won't, but you could!" Shippo exclaimed "You are her cousin, you have influence upon her! She will listen to you!"

"Hold it!" Tsume demanded, jumping away from him "Are you suggesting that I should help you?!"

It was beyond her imagination. Not only was this guy planning a mission impossible, but he was also trying to corrupt her into it? Over her dead body!

"We have to try!" Shippo insisted "Just think about it, Tsume-san! We could bring a family back together!"

"How do you know we won't make things even worse than they already are?!"

"Things will get worse if we don't do anything!"

"Fukai and Jota are gonna kill us!"

"I put my brother before my life! I'm gonna do what's best for him, even if he hates me for that! If you really care for Fukai-san, you will do the same!"

"How dare you…!" Tsume rose her hand to slap him, but stopped halfway.

Perhaps it was because of the determination in his eyes. Perhaps because of the accusing expression he carried. Or maybe she simply felt that despite his foolishness, he was right.

Tsume cared for Fukai. But her care was passive. She always stood by her cousin's side and listened to her complaints. She had a good word for her and a consolation. She thought she was being helpful, but she was missing the most important things.

She had been blind.

She knew for sure one couldn't break a wall with a teaspoon. But Shippo made her realize a teaspoon was enough to dig a hole under that wall.

Was he really a fool? Was his plan really that pointless?

She'll never know if she doesn't give it a chance.

"Please" he said, seeing her hesitation.

She sighed.

"Fine. I might as well"

"About time!" somebody said. Tsume and Shippo jumped in surprise to find Kizuna and Hina approaching them. The mother had a huge dog by her side, the daughter had a schoolbag on her back. Both were smiling, but Kizuna's smile was mischievous.

"Nee-san!" Tsume panicked. How much did her sister hear? How much did Hina hear and how much was she going to reveal to Toru? Those kids were best buddies, she told him everything. If she discovered the truth behind his father, God help them all.

"Relax, I don't bite" Kizuna assured "Kitsune might, but not me" she pointed at the dog by her side. The name Kitsune fit him, for he had the same colorings as foxes do – red with white markings.

Kitsune barked happily. Shippo gulped in fear.

"What were you saying about aunt Fukai?" Hina asked "What are you planning to convince her to?"

"Sunshine" Kizuna pet her daughter's head "You will be late for the Academy"

"But I wanna know!" the girl protested.

"Let's make a deal then" Kizuna offered "You go to the Academy and I stay to ask aunt Tsume about the plan. If you get a good note I will tell you all about it once you're home. What do you say?"

The girl considered this option for a moment. She was curious, very curious. But the deal presented by her mother seemed to be fair. Besides, she'd hate to be late for Academy.

"Okay" she replied.

"Good girl" Kizuna complemented. Then, in a sudden enlightenment, she added: "You know what? You're getting a special ride today. Kitsune, you think you could ride Hina to school?"

The dog barked with enthusiasm and lay down, so that the girl could get onto his back.

Hina's eyes glowed with joy.

"Yuppie!" she exclaimed and threw herself at her mother "Mom, you rock!"

"So do you, Sunshine" Kizuna replied, hugging her daughter "But I don't think that would matter to your teacher if you don't come to the Academy on time"

"I'm gonna be there before the time!" the girl announced and crawled onto Kitsune's back "Go, Kitsune! Be faster than the wind!" she exclaimed. The dog jumped high into the air and hurried to the main gate, leaving clouds of dust behind.

When the dust well down Kizuna addressed Tsume and Shippo.

"So you're gonna play matchmaker on Fukai and Jota?" she asked. It seemed that she had no intention of throwing Shippo to the other side of the gate, so he and Tsume allowed themselves to cool down a little.

"Our main goal is to make them share their responsibilities regarding Toru" Shippo explained "They don't have to be a couple in order to do that"

"If you ask me, those two could use a good night of sex" Kizuna stated. She then offered her hand to Shippo "By the way, I'm Inuzuka Kizuna. Tsume's sister, Fukai's cousin. Nice to meet you"

Shippo shook her hand, but not before exchanging glances with Tsume. This was sort of awkward. Seriously.

"Kurihara Shippo" he replied.

"I think I like you, Kurihara Shippo" Kizuna said "And I like your brave little plan. If we play it smart, this might really work"

This declaration was a surprise to both Shippo and Tsume.

"You want to help?" Tsume asked in disbelief.

"Yeah, why not?" Kizuna answered "It's just a matter of time before Toru starts to ask difficult questions, like why doesn't he have a daddy. Fukai will have to let him meet Jotaro sooner or later. I'd say it's better sooner than later. So yes, somebody ought to make her aware of that fact and I see no reason it couldn't be us"

Shippo was starting to feel ashamed. It seemed there were more reasonable people in this clan than he had assumed.

"So… you don't hate my brother?" he asked, just to be sure.

"Let's say I don't like him" Kizuna offered "But if he's willing to take care of Toru, we can't deny him the chance. The kid deserves to know his father"

"You mean you are going to help?" Tsume wanted to confirm. Having her sister on their side added a whole new meaning to the entire plan. And increased their chances for success.

"We're going to have a girls' evening, you, me and Fukai. Gonji could make sure kids don't interfere" Gonji was Kizuna's husband "You bring her to my house at, let's say, seven? That'll give her enough time to regain strength after the marathon her father is putting her through right now"

"A marathon?" Shippo became worried "That's bad. If she has hangover, she should be able to sleep it over. Physical activities will only dehydrate her more, which might damage her organism. What she needs is rest and great deal of liquids and vitamins. Especially vitamin C"

Both sisters regarded him with interest.

"Personal experience?" Tsume asked.

"Professional perversion" he smiled "I'm an aspiring doctor, remember?"

"Good for you" Kizuna commented "You will be able to treat Fukai and Jota in case they try to kill each other. Now, if you please excuse me, I have things to do" with that, she headed back to her house.

Tsume and Shippo were left alone.

Both felt they ought to make adjustments to their outlooks. He, for Inuzukas were turning out to be more human than they seemed. She, because the plan he created seemed to have a chance to work.

"I suppose I should thank you" he started.

"You'll thank me if we manage to come out of this alive" she said. It didn't take the smile off his face.

"Oh, it can't be that bad" he assured.

"You're underestimating Fukai"

"There will be two of you against her" Shippo noticed "She should listen to you"

"I still don't know what to tell her"

"How about suggesting a meeting on a neutral ground?" Shippo offered "Like a park. A picnic would be nice"

"It's kinda too cold for that"

"Yes, but my brother and Fukai-san are going to need some time to get used to the idea of the family reunion. By the time it's warm enough for a picnic they might be ready to do it"

"Makes sense" Tsume admitted. Surely they couldn't expect Fukai and Jota to change overnight. Things can't be rushed.

"Then we have a deal" Shippo was satisfied "Although I wish I could see my nephew sometime sooner. I'm curious to get to know him"

Tsume considered it for a moment. Fukai was away. So was uncle Higemori. It will take a couple of hours before they return. Toru was guarded only by his grandmother Junko, who was a calm and understanding person. Yorukaru and Takara were a threat, but they were asleep.

"You know what? You could see him now" she said and grabbed his arm.

Big goals may require taking small steps. And Tsume has just made the first one.

AN:

Six people have an alert on this story. I'm happy for being appreciated, guys, but I'd be even happier to receive some reviews from you ^_^

If you have problem remembering who is whom to whom, here's a reference (remove spaces):

H t t p : / / greatmarta. deviantart.c o m/ a r t / Inuzuka-Family-Tree-1 3 6 3 7 0 2 0 1