Jump High to the Future

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt Name’s Sarutobi Mirai. A Konoha kunoichi, following my parents footsteps, since there’s nothing else I’d rather be and no one else I’d rather make proud. Sin/Virtue: Charity Job(s): Ink and Paper (Part time assistant) Major: International Security and Conflict Resolution Minor: History Housing: Bronwyn Apartments

[prodigyitachi]

noise control.

[prodigyitachi]

Despite the length of time he had spent living in close quarters with other shinobi -Konoha shinobi, specifically- Itachi still experienced a sense of disconnection with them. No matter how much had transpired since his arrival at their previous world, Itachi never felt as though he truly belonged. In his mind he was the repudiated member of the society they had built, and he accepted that. Deserved it even.

So when one spoke to him as warmly as she had, he could not help but enter a pause. It remained a foreign concept to him.

“It… It was. Thank you.” How very odd. 

However, the silence she had taken to to digest that piece of information had not escaped his notice. As an individual who lived to see the village recover after the fourth shinobi war, as well as one who remained close to team ten and their companions, she must have grown to see them settle down and have children of their own.

All, if not most, with partners different from the ones that existed here. Both Uchiha brothers, for example.

He had good reason to believe that Sasuke had already made his choice with a certain Shinigami.

“It wasn’t just a shock for us, but for you as well, I gather? This must all be very strange.”

[futuremonkeyjump]

My, my~ 

Wasn’t this one a more reserved one? And to think at some point she did questioned her reasoning on Itachi and Sai being different. Mirai glanced at him over his last statement, her features slowly turning more serious.

“Yes. It actually is...” she said while looking away for a moment. “But questioning about how time and this world works, it’s just a waste of time and a real headache. Thinking too much of the past or the future won’t bring anyone here or make a difference... enjoying the little things that matter every day does.”

Eyeing back at the shinobi, who’s name was very well known in her timeline, she let go a low breath and offered a genuine gentle gaze and smile. The rash decisions and tragedies that were made in both of their pasts, because of their families actions -as a matter of fact- whether for good or bad, they were lessons, meant to teach not to repeat. 

To move on in peace, a new start was meant to begin, maybe this was part of it, and maybe this time things could get along better between the former shinobis of their world. Plus, she’d met a young Uchiha a while back who wasn’t close enough to be called evil, due this and more, it was why Mirai decided to give Itachi the benefit of doubt.

“So-- Prepare for a lot of mood swings from Ino-nee! Even without being pregnant she’s that unpredictable." she added with another and a bit brighter smile. “Also stop being so wary, yes I did wrong by bursting that question so loud in public, but I don’t bite, and so far you haven’t either so we should both try and be cool, don’t you think?”

There should be something clear, despise the past alliances, Uchiha Itachi was not the man Mirai couldn’t forgive.

[futuremonkeyjump]

Source.

[prodigyitachi]

noise control.

[prodigyitachi]

… At the very least, Sarutobi Mirai composed herself just about as quickly as when she had unravelled for her outburst.

There was… not a great deal that Itachi knew about her aside from the fact that she was one of the guests at their wedding. Daughter of Yuuhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma; as a child who ought to be close to the Ino she had grown up to know, the idea of this one marrying a different man must have been a very strange concept for her indeed.

Itachi was only thankful that her apologies allowed him more time to recollect himself.

Nonetheless, a subtle wave of nerves still thrummed through his veins, the elder Uchiha not especially keen on approaching this subject with anyone else.

Least of all an individual he believed Ino ought to relay the news to. She was more or less like an aunt to Mirai, wasn’t she?

Or she should be.

“Ah…” He hesitated. What else was there to say? “,,, She is. She’s about three months along now. She just told me about it recently.”

While he on the other hand had suspected it since the day they reunited at Pendulum.

[futuremonkeyjump]

Wow. He truly was a quiet nervous one wasn’t he?

Mirai’s heart was racing, the facts were obvious yet she just needed the reassurance. Waiting for it didn’t made it all better, the more seconds went by the hotter her ears turned, the less she breathed and the closer she was for another outburst.

“--!!”

Crimson eyes widened as the words sink in her brain, she turned slightly while lowering her head in thought. It truly was strange, a baby was on the way, a son or daughter from Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Ino... She couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to the young kids back in her time? A certain blond one specifically.

Aish...Was time and --well space such a weird thing.

A few chuckles escaped her lips, “Amazing!” she finally said while offering a smile at the ebony haired. “This only proves how much you truly love each other, I’m grateful and relieved.” she added with a genuine happiness for both, mainly Ino’s of course, but he as well. 

They chose each other for a reason, and each time she heard something from both it was more and more noticeable.

“It must’ve been a great shock right? And three months now! Congratulations” she exclaimed while clapping her hands together. Ino-nee was having a baby!

[futuremonkeyjump]

The Chase {OPEN}

[nejinojuukenpo-blog]

With Kurenai as her mother, it seemed natural she’d be close with team 8, and then with Asuma as the late father…

“I’m certain your childhood was very involved,” he said seriously, though he wasn’t really capable of picturing having so many people chase after you as a child. “And hot cocoa it is, I believe they sell it near the entrance, possibly to ruin parent’s day.”

He tucked his hands into his sleeves, regarding her curiously. It was very easy to see her parents in her, though she favoured Kurenai-san more obviously. “And yes, Neji is perfectly fine, or Neji-san if you prefer, not much Hyuuga about me anymore.”

He smiled ironically, “and as it stands, is saves me the mental gymnastics if you should be Mirai-kun, or not.”

[futuremonkeyjump]

A bright grin, with a hint of embarrassment, was crossed in her features. True, as a child she couldn’t consider herself lonely, for that she was grateful, but of course it would be common to have some interest in his father back then. This thought made her realise something, and she turned around to face the Hyuuga, blinking in surprise.

“You know huh?” she said, a small gentle smile remained in her face, of course. He lived in the time her parents used to, according to many tales, father wasn’t as subtle and mysterious as he intended to do. Regarding the hot cocoa, she shrugged, “Well, business is business?”

Not much a hyuuga anymore, “I wonder about that...” she whispered before widening her eyes and thinking for a moment, “How about, Neji-jii! Wouldn’t you like be called that? Ah, and you can address me however you want to of course, you’re even allowed to call me Mirai-chan too!”

[gentlenobility]

futuremonkeyjump:

Mikoto had the grace to look embarrassed.

“Oh dear– I’m sorry. I was just a little distracted. Please, carry on. How much will all of these books be?”

@futuremonkeyjump

[futuremonkeyjump]

Mirai blinked a couple of times confused, wondering for how long will she keep finding people that’ll look at her with those curious eyes?

“That’s all right. Oh! Those ones..." the crimson eyed approached to get a better look on the books and calculate it, “Yup, thirty five.”

[prodigyitachi]

noise control.

[prodigyitachi]

Three months… It was absurd. This was likely a sentiment that was shared by a good portion of fathers-to-be, but it was one that was experienced quite acutely by the elder Uchiha, more so than most. It was simply difficult to believe that in a matter of six months, perhaps even less, he would be a father, ready to welcome his firstborn child into the world.

Time passed them by so quickly. So much that it seemed miraculous to him that a living, breathing human being was rapidly developing inside of his wife.

Even more so when one considered the amount of preparing that the couple had to do. They were still in the process of acquiring furniture and appliances for their new home- and now they had to take the arrival of their child into account. A nursery had to be set up; items such as a stroller, a cot and clothing had to be bought; parenting books and classes… Both he and Ino had to learn as much as they could about the baby.

Four to six months did not seem sufficient at all.

Sighing, Itachi was about to turn away from the display -and at the same time, ignore the too welcoming image in his mind of small infant fingers reaching for his hand- when an eardrum-shattering shout shot from across the street. 

“!!”

Goodness. Had that screaming been absolutely necessary?

Even the stray cat a few feet away from him jumped into the air, its tail and fur positively on end. Shocked. Who could that possibly—

–Mirai. A wave of discomfort washed over him, a prickling heat on his cheeks following suit. He had caught sight of Mirai, and she appeared just as stunned as he was. 

So were passersby, evidently. Surrounding conversations had stalled, and the majority of those around them were peering at both Itachi and the young woman, curious.

He really should have stayed at home.

[futuremonkeyjump]

All right. Maybe she perhaps went out of line with the volume of her voice, and she realised that only by the reaction of the people nearby. If she was cold a few moments ago, her ears were burning now. 

“--Aish.” she hurried to bow in forgiveness towards the other people in her way towards the eldest man.

Perhaps, if she would have time to analyse the situation in a more calmly way, or perhaps if Ino-nee would’ve mentioned something, perhaps...she wouldn’t scream that loud...But this was not this situation. Somehow when figuring it out for oneself made the news even more shocking. 

Not like she could blame either of the couple, they must be having a hard time trying to figure out what to do. One way or another, babies was the most important job to do, and no one really prepared you for it.

Once she was close enough to hold a more “civil” conversation with the other shinobi, she couldn’t help but continue, “So, is she? I mean, it’s the other reasonable explanation. Are you...”

[futuremonkeyjump]

Artist | Source

[shintenshin-archive]

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[shintenshin-archive]

There were times, not many, but definitely moments were Mirai resembled Itachi’s best friend, Shisui, a lot. It was now, when she was smiling and her fringe was waving in her eyes courtesy of the breeze, that she looked like him. Even though, Mirai was definitely not an Uchiha.

“Heh… you’re cute,” she couldn’t help but say in response to the girl’s smile.

Whilst she was panicking, Ino noted that she wouldn’t be alone. Kurenai had the support of the rookies and Asuma’s team behind her- but Ino also had Itachi. Her ears burned at the thought of telling him the precious cargo she had acquired.

…

“Huh?” Ino looked up, blinking rapidly since she had been coming up with creative ways to try and tell Itachi the news. She hadn’t been paying attention to what the Sarutobi was saying.

“What thing?”

[futuremonkeyjump]

Mirai blinked surprised by the blonde’s compliment, a small hint of blush as her body tensed for a moment. That was truly unexpected. “Uh...Thank you?” she said while scratching one of her cheeks, thinking how in reality it was her mother the one who was cuter.

In fact, she was forced to shake her head to get back to her reality and formulate her question correctly. She kneed to be on same level with the blonde, biting her lower lip in thought for a moment.

Crimson eyes stared back at blue ones, Ino-nee truly seemed happy, and even warmer ever since she had the chance to witness the blonde alongside her current husband. It was in that moment that Mirai understood, that was all that matter.

“...” The young woman looked at a side for a moment, before facing Ino once again and eventually offering a bright almost guilty grin.

"...Have you seen any place in where they sell decent hot dogs? Specially with chili?” she finally asked. It was not her place to ask deep personal questions, whatever the future may bring, it would come in time, and she had to believe they all will be able to handle. Whatever it was.

[katagirii]

Friendly Collisions (Kanae | Mirai)

Kanae didn’t know what to do. What did one do when in her situation? Cry? Yell? Become violent from rage? Her whole being in what felt like; in a blink of an eye, was gone. How could someone be okay with taking a part of a person? Perhaps Pandora sought to see their reaction to losing a part of themselves…

If that were the case then Pandora would get no such joy. Not from herself at the very least. If there was ever a time to keep her cool it would be now. Becoming enraged (no matter how much rage she felt) would not be getting her powers back, her identity back.

And so she puttered her was through the city, trying to find any kind of clue as to what was going on. With her eyes reaming, she did not witness the human being that she had ran into. Shoulder checking the yound woman caused her to drop her belongings. “Oh dear!” She exclaimed as she rushed to help the other woman. “I am terribly sorry! I must have been further in the clouds than I thought.”

Her face grew red as she picked up her own things. “I am so so sorry. Again. Sorry.” 

[futuremonkeyjump]

Ever since she stepped out of the Government’s Building, Mirai had been optimistic to that she would be able to find certain people easily. So far, no luck. In fact, the crimson eyed was slowly losing motivation, which was the main reason she barely looked where she walked that day.

She’d seen some familiar faces, but no signs of neither her mother of father. Did something happened? Where they not sent to this world, and if so-- what would happen to her father? Did he like-- Died again? 

“Aish” she exclaimed before letting go a loud sigh while looking back at the sky. Even it, was foreign.

Following the same streets and paths only for mere routine to accomplished. So bumping with someone really worked as an awakening. Mirai blinked surprised, and didn’t hesitated to help the young woman.

“That’s all right, no need to apologise, I wasn’t looking either.” she said with a warm smile, offering the other a few of her dropped belongings, “Here.” When she saw the dark haired’s face somehow, she looked very familiar, wasn’t she--?? Ah yes, “You’re from Iwakiri too, aren’t you? I think I met you once.”

[prodigyitachi]

noise control.

Winter had arrived, and just like it ought to be at his previous home, Pendulum City was a vision with delicate details of powder white.

For snow had fallen upon the metropolitan city, and Itachi daresay that it was a condition that agreed with Pendulum- especially once the shadow of night makes an appearance. With the combination of the city’s bright lights, high-rise buildings and snow, the environment created would make quite a picture.

But apparently, there existed one other that managed to so effectively draw his attention away from the effects of the season’s embrace. A cheerful shop that boasted warmth and light-hearted colours.

Pausing, Itachi’s breath chilled in the air, the Uchiha momentarily contemplating, hesitating before he finally turned, his gloved hands tucked quietly in his black coat pockets.

Just behind the frosted display window sat a variety of soft toys and mannequins dressed in clothing designed for toddlers and infants. … And further behind stood a section dedicated solely to the latter. Small t-shirts, pacifiers and strollers… Itachi blinked.

Goodness, even with the knowledge thoroughly embedded in his mind, the experience was jarring, far removed from his person. His presence was not meant to be a part of any of this.

[futuremonkeyjump]

Due for the arrival of the extreme cold, it wouldn’t be a surprised to cover all up, and much less to seek warm beverages and food. Mirai had just finished all her errands for that day, but the weather didn’t cooperated with her being. Having to wear scarves and gloves almost everyday because it wasn’t enough.

After buying quickly a hot latte, the young crimson eyed walked around, despise everything, the snow did seemed to decorate well the city. Specially with all the past festivities, the lights were what usually catch all of her attention.

Except the moment her crimson eyes could find a-- somewhat familiar figure, she’d to approach a bit more to fully identify. Yes. That was undoubtedly Ino-nee’s husband, at least the one from this world-- worlds, place and time. Mirai blew her beverage before taking another sip, her eyes staring back at him. 

Anyone could believe that she was judging but in reality, she was merely wondering. Questions like, how those two happened? Why did Ino-nee seemed a bit...happier (and better dressed up even)? What sort of man he truly was to be with her? Because in the end, no matter the records, a shinobi’s life was full of secrets.

When she finished with her inner questionnaire she realised something, why would he be looking on the toddlers section? The clothes and toys were just way too tiny. It wasn’t like-- Wait. If she recalled...that one time she met with Ino-nee she seemed very anxious, more than usual-- or anyone. Her arms spoke too, they were “...Protective?”.

Like being struck by lightning, crimson eyes widened as much as they could, her mouth made a perfect ‘o’, the only reasonable explanation-- “...NO WAY!” she exclaimed, unconsciously (and weakly) pointing at Itachi, while all the puzzle pieces went in place in her head. “...IS INO-NEE PREGNANT?!”

[futuremonkeyjump]

The Chase {OPEN}

[nejinojuukenpo-blog]

Neji spared her a tiny, sideways smirk at her words. “Familiar with the Aburame, are we?” he asked, not arguing the point at all. She was right, after all. He cocked his head a little at her small laugh, wondering what promted it, but not surprised by the look she gave him.

Sometimes Neji forgot people weren’t used to the whole walking dead ordeal.

“Neji’s fine,” he said, pretending he didn’t read the subtext to her tone. He mulled over her name for a short moment of his own, however. Sarutobi Mirai…well assumptions did not always make an ass of one after all.

“And it’s an honour to finally meet you, Sarutobi-san,” he said, “you’re more than welcome. There’s some barely edible hot cocoa offered in small cups somewhere around here, or would you prefer something out in town?”

[futuremonkeyjump]

“You have no idea.” she answered with a nod and almost a proud smile. All the great lessons she learned came from a very peculiar group of great shinobis and kunoichis. In her time, Neji would’ve been one of them too, so of course, this was more than just a pleasure.

The crimson eyed shook her head, offering a small smile, “The honour is mine.” she replied calmly, taking by surprise of him requesting to be addressed just by his name.

“Ah-- Hot cocoa sounds good.” The weather’s been changing a lot after all, it definitely was the best option. The young woman hurried to follow Neji’s side before adding a bit hesitant. 

“Is that all right though? To address you, just Neji?”

[futuremonkeyjump]

[stares at curiously]

Definitely notices the woman and her actions, and tries to give importance…

But that deep stare is really hard to ignore.

“Uh…May I help you?”

[futuremonkeyjump]

Gloria in Excelsis Deo

mynameisnotbambi:

Happy holidays.

–S

Finding the basket full of great treats was quite a surprise! Unexpected but very much appreciated, and when finding the note, the smile of the crimson eyed simply turned bright and eventually warmer when she realised who it was from. 

“How sweet of Shika-Jii!”

Because there was absolutely no one else who could come with such great detail. Taking the basket and placing it in the main table, she hurried to give her gratitude in silence by clasping her hands together. Eventually, Mirai hurried to message back at her father’s former student.

[Text] Thank you for your surprise Shika-Jii! Hope to meet you, Ino-nee and Hina-Obasan soon to share this with you all.

[Text] :D

[shintenshin-archive]

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[shintenshin-archive]

Ino managed a weak laugh in return. Good. Mirai still had her memories from Iwakiri. At least those weren’t taken from others and it saved a lot of awkward explanations regarding her current relationship with an S-ranked criminal.

She heaved a sigh of relief, still feeling queasy but considerably less so than she had been without Mirai. That girl’s looks were as elegant as Kurenai’s, but her warmth, her reassurance… it was all Asuma. Ino could feel the little pricks of tears stab the corners of her eyes. Asuma would have reassured her just like this if he saw her in distress. He was always so good at knowing Ino’s heart, even though he donned a mask of cool and collected calm. She swallowed the lump rising in her throat and drank in the sight of his king.

This was the future…

Mirai’s crimson eyes, her warm smile and sagacious words. They were all the comfort she needed in this world to get back up on her feet.

“Hehe, you’re right. I can’t let a little thing like lack of my powers stop me!”

“I’m still cute!”

[futuremonkeyjump]

Mirai might not understand many things that were happening in this world, or Iwakiri even, but she genuinely trusted that despise everything, everyone remained the same in spirit. Which only made things a bit strange and amusing at the same time. Ino’s choice of a husband in here was far different to the one hse remembered, but if she chose him, it simply must be a good reason behind, beyond anyone’s imaginary right to intervene.

There.

Just for an instant, Ino seemed to lightened a bit, such reaction made the crimson eyed let go a sigh of relief, her smile turning smaller, yet it remained warm. That was until she finally came up with such optimism and confidence, in where her smile just turned into a nervous one.

Definitely the same Ino-nee, no matter how much people will argue with me later on.

“...Yes, yes.” she mumbled followed by a nervous laugh, “Ino-nee...There is one thing that I wish to know though...” she added a bit more serious.

[shintenshin-archive]

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[shintenshin-archive]

Mirai’s assumptions were quite correct, for Ino was in terrible distress. Her brain was reeling from the information she had received and she still hadn’t quite worked out what to do with it. Forget Pandora… this was a calamity.

A baby? A baby in this world? What was she meant to do with it?

“Perhaps it’s all a lie…” Ino thought. Quite reasonably so. This entire world was all fabricated, so why not this, small truth? Why not mess with her like this? How many times had the headmaster of Iwakiri stolen their powers or brought deceased loved ones to life?

“It’s all a lie.”

That was decided then.

She looked up to see- Kurenai? No. It was Mirai. Her daughter. Those eyes were exactly like Kurenai’s, though. Exceptionaly pretty, even without the familiar eyeshadow.

“Mirai?” Ino blinked, then offered her a very weak smile. “Eugh… I think so? I feel sick.”

That was the truth. She was clearly just sick and weakened from her power loss.

“This world is so weird. I didn’t expect- never mind.” Ino knew she wasn’t making sense, and wouldn’t, for quite some time.

Either way, a familiar face was a slight comfort.

“Err… Mirai… do you know who I am married to?”

[futuremonkeyjump]

The young woman furrowed her brows in concern, the emotions of the blonde clearly confirming her own statements. What would’ve happen? Of course, the whole change of world -again- starting from zero -again- and taken away their abilities, was plain obvious and it did disoriented anyone. Not long ago she had to deal with a very crying girl.

But this.

This amount of anxiety, worrisome and nervousness was beyond something like that, specially coming from someone who’ve gone through this once before. Taking in a deep breath, Mirai offered a small, yet gentle smile before she kneed to be on the same eye level of the blonde.”Yeah. This world is weird, and I do know who you’re married to..." Invited to the wedding as a matter of fact.

It was in that moment she placed her hands over Ino’s shoulders, her smile still on her features. “...In this world, on in the other, in your time or mine, it doesn’t matter. Ino-nee is still the same Ino-nee. Strong willed, dependable, and above all kind.” she began to say calmly, crimson eyes turned gentler, “You’ve always been very smart, and the choices you make while they are different, they’re yours to take. There might be many questions, but it’s none of our business to interfere with your life, and what your heart desires...Besides I really trust your judgement.”

It was strange, to explain what she always felt while growing and trusted that was well known and therefore no need to say, but this was different.

“Which is why, whatever you’re going through right now, remember. You can do it, like the one heck of a lady that you are.” she added with a bright grin, “Want to take a walk? You look like you need fresh air.”

[horoprincess-blog]

♚ how dare she!

[horoprincess-blog]

Unacceptable! Unbelievable!

Completely deplorable!

The former Ghost Princess simply refused to believe that this bullshit was happening to her. She had had her powers since she was a little girl, a cute little princess who dragged her own teddy bear around with her practically everywhere she went. She had gone through scraps, stormy, insane weather and blasted through dozens of battles without so much as breaking a sweat.

How the fuck did she lose everything so easily?

It just didn’t make a lick of sense.

So occupied that she was in her despair, Perona did not hear the gentle voice that called to her, asking for her attention. Instead, her shoulders continued to shake and big, fat tears continued to roll down her cheeks, the young woman not caring about how she had already alarmed numerous passersby.

It was only when she felt someone place a hand on her shoulder– that she stiffened, vision blurred and a touch of snot dripping down her nose.

Was that…? Turning, she peered through her tears, her nose scrunched up unattractively.

“Sh-Shisui– Is that– Is that you? Did you lose some height?”

[futuremonkeyjump]

This woman was truly in despair, wasn’t she? Seeing the people walking nearby, Mirai quickly bowed to some of them apologising in the pinkette’s stead before turning back to hair. 

Hoping to be of any help, yeah things might look bad, since they were taken off their worlds and times, literally into another dimension, had a strange tattoo on their necks and lost all their powers, but one should stay positive.

The brunette shook her head, good thing the other was crying and allowed her to think before talking until--

“Ah...” Seems like she found a certain doppelganger’s friend, a very affected one, “I’m not Shisui, I’m Sarutobi Mirai.”

The former kunoichi offered a gentle smile as she walked down a few steps and decided to sit next to pinkette, offering an awkward pat in return, because...Yes they were similar but was it really that hard to tell the difference? 

[futuremonkeyjump]

The Chase {OPEN}

[nejinojuukenpo-blog]

Neji actually found himself almost smiling at her words. “Nature, thankfully, is not exceptionally different here than anywhere else. When it’s not taking the forms of bugs and sulfurous mud pits, it’s quite relaxing. And it is excellt to hear you are not homeless.”

He didn’t stand though she herself did. Instead, he shook his head as he studied her. Shinobi posture, quick reflexes, very familiar red eyes. Almost as telling as his own, really. Neji didn’t know many Yuuhis, just the one really though…she had been heavily pregnant when he last saw her at home. He gave the girl an apraising look, and then shrugged off the thought.

Best not to assume, there were other Yuuhis after all, illusive or not.

“No,” he said, “you aren’t bothering me.” Which was somewhat surprising, actually, but Neji hadn’t been meditating, so being jerked out of his trance was hardly the rude surprise it could have been. Finally, he stood and gave her a shallow bow.

“Hyuuga Neji,” he said, “about to be off in search of a warm beverage.” Whether she took the invite wasn’t his problem. He would have to make a concerted effort to be friendlier, however. His traditional information gathering methods were lost to him which meant he was now reduced to the rather less esoteric method that was networking. And he had a business to think of.

[futuremonkeyjump]

“Point taken. Very understandable to, but not all bugs are so bad, some can be very useful and other rather unique.” Of course there were certain exceptions but it would be best not to judge them all as a nuisance, they were part of nature after all. 

Feeling the young man’s stare deeply ...analysing her? Did made her a bit wary, for some reasons she’s been having that strange reaction on some people recently. All she could hope was to not be compared to the young Uchiha who she resembled a bit, as much as she cared of him as a partner in crime, it would be just the cherry on the cake.

Well, at least she wasn’t bothering, as the other bowed, the young woman returned along with a small relieved chuckle. Once he introduced himself, her own crimson eyes widened in surprise, and like that her smile banished. In her awe, her gaze turned gentler the more she stared, there was no doubt this must be the things that red haired woman must’ve talked about,

“Hyuuga Neji...” That’s right, there couldn’t be a doubt, he was Hinata-Oba-chan’s cousin, he had to be. “...I’m Sarutobi Mirai, would you mind a little company?"