In need of a way out

[Micheru]

Waving quietly, Ai held in her breath till the young man left. As soon as the doors closed she released her sigh. She knew she needed to watch her mouth around these children. If only she could lock away what she had on her mind. Looking at her desk, Ai decided it was time for lunch.

[Noryo Satoru]

Noryo raced up to the mission quarters building and skidded to a halt, waiting for a second to catch his breath before he ran into the building. Now that he knew the name of the Mist nin that Megumi killed and who Shinji and Rin were he had a few more questions for Ai...

[Micheru]

Little old Ai halted just outside the doors to her office. Standing before her was the young man again. Raising an eyebrow questioningly, she opened the doors. "Hello?"

[Noryo Satoru]

"Ai! Why did you call me Shinji?" He asked, not bothering to be subtle or polite. He doubted Ai would tell him but he had a feeling that surprising her was the best option...

[Micheru]

Ai's mouth opened to say something when she caught herself. Slowly closing it she studied Noryo's face quietly. With a sigh she turned around and motioned to the couch that sat against the far wall. Sitting down herself she looked at her spotted fingers. "Well, I suppose you have met that historian already, haven't you?"

Without even waiting for a reply she swung her legs gently. "If you must know, I used to know a young man named Shinji. I doubt anyone remembers who he was really, more so now that his sister and uncle are dead. His full name was Shinji Izumihara and his little sister was Rinati Izumihara. They were orphans about..." Ai's voice trailed off a little as she did the math in her head.

"Oh, roughly...50 or so years ago. Atleast that was when Rinati was born. Oh she was a wild one. Always trainning and cracking jokes." The old lady laughed at memores. "Yet it was her brother whom I really got to know. He was kind and did everything he could for her." Ai looked at the wall, humming lightly as she thought.

Then with a sudden burst she jumped back into the story. " I was his age when the attack on the village happened. We were both trainning in those fields off to the west when he spotted the smoke. Naturally, he became worried about his mother and newborn sister. We raced to their home but when Shinji opened the door, no one was home."

"We searched everywhere. Shinobi were fighting other shinobi. As we reached the Village Gate I pointed out a fallen body laying on the ground, shaking. Shinji..he..." The old woman wiped at the tears falling down her cheeks. Chocking back her tears, she continued. "The boy raced to the person's side and I-i still remember his shock cry. Stepping towards them I noticed that it was his mother. Three kunai were sticking out of her back."

Sniffling loudly, she sighed. "His mother moved slightly and I saw the baby wrapped in her arms. Shinji grabbed her and we ran off. It was years later that he was killed, protecting his sister." Ai's watery eyes looked at Noryo. "It was kinda funny that the girl ended up dieing so that another boy could defeat a traitor. His name was Shinji as well. Shinji Okano"

[Noryo Satoru]

Noryo frowned a little, taking in what she'd said. "I appreciate the history lesson Ai but you didn't answer my question... Why did you call ME Shinji?" He'd assumed that she'd just mixed up names again but after she avoided his question by telling him a long story he could only assume that she was hiding something.

[Micheru]

Ai just simply waved her hand, as if brushing away his question. "Why do you care so much, eh?" Her winkle covered eyes stared into his face.

[Noryo Satoru]

Noryo frowned and crossed his arms. "Because I want to know." He replied, a slightly pouty tone in his voice.

[Xia Tien Jin]

Xia yawned and pushed open the door to the mission quarters. "Ai, I need more of the old mission records..." She said before noticing Noryo and stopping in her tracks. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. Should I come back another time?"

[Micheru]

Little Ai shook her old head and asked no one in paticular. "Why am I being crused by that child?" Turning her attention to the newest person she simply said, "State your name before I believe you are someone else please."

[Xia Tien Jin]

Xia smiled and rolled her eyes. "I'm Xia Tien Jin, I need more of the mission records to archive. Is now a good time or shall I come back later?" She asked, glancing between Ai and Noryo.

[Micheru]

Ai smiled quietly, her voice softer when she does speak. "It is quite alright child. You can stay, just giving a "History lesson" as this boy calls it." Ai huffed loudly though it did come out more like a croak. Waving her arm toward her desk, she spoke. "The files are all there. On the right side."

[Xia Tien Jin]

Xia arched an eyebrow and laughed as she walked toward the desk. "A history lesson hm? Anything I cal help with?" She asked with another laugh. She grabbed the files and started walking to the door, stopping just before she reached it.

[Noryo Satoru]

Noryo grinned and shrugged. "Probably not, I'm not a very quick study. I get distracted too easilly." He laughed. "And Ai likes to try to confuse me by answering every question but the one I asked..."

[Micheru]

Ai threw her arms into the air. "You brat! You're worse than little Umi half the time!" The old toad turned towards Xia, trying to cool off a bit. She wasn't angry at her, she wasn't angry at all. Just frustrated. "Xia, dear, I hope that this child hasn't caused you the same trouble he has me."