Whew! Dang this chapter took waaaaaaay longer then I ever intended. Between finishing Kingdom Hearts III (I'm still feeling disappointment about that), work, more work, my mom remodeling, joining a new D&D campaign (not nearly as intensive as the first one), and being sick, it's been tough to keep rolling. Not to mention that this chapter kept changing. On the bright side, it's now almost 100% original content, so that's nice. Also, WOOHOO! I've hit 1000 Followers! It's been a long road to this point, so this is a big thank you to all of you who felt this story was worth getting emails about. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the chapter.

Stolen Starlight

Tuesday, May 17, 20XX

After School

Shibuya Station

The Phantom Thieves walked out of the doors of their car with the other passengers. and got on the escalator out of the subway platform. They made their way to a quieter corner near the skywalk. "So…what's the plan?" Ryuji said eagerly. "So how are we gonna go confront that Yusuke guy?" Ann sighed.

"I messaged him last night that I would model for him. I think he might be more willing to talk if I'm co-operating with him." Morgana narrowed his eyes.

"I still wish you would reconsider, Lady Ann," the feline murmured. Naruto sighed and shook his head.

"Nothing is really going to change between yesterday and today. I doubt buttering up to him is going to loosen his tongue," he said firmly. Akira glanced at the blond, his lips pursed.

"Maybe so, but right now we have only circumstantial evidence at best to Madarame's guilt."

"The guy has a freaking Palace. He can't be that innocent," Naruto pointed out, a little exasperated. Once again, he ignored the small whispers from his past in the back of his head. Akira stared at the Uzumaki.

"That might be true, but it's still not enough justification to just rush in." He folded his arms across his chest. "Infiltrating that Palace means we'd be making a decision to not only change someone's life, but risk our own necks to do so. If we choose to get involved, we have to make sure we're going to be able to live with the consequences, and that we won't come to regret our choice later." Morgana poked out his head.

"Akira's right Naruto. You can't be too careful." Ann looked down.

"I just really can't imagine that nice old man really being so cruel. And Kitagawa-kun was so adamant in defending him…" She shook her head. "Something just isn't adding up." Naruto resisted the urge to sigh. He could see their hesitation and understand it even. But that did nothing to ease the slowly rising antsiness or frustration, especially knowing there was little chance of them getting anything more out of Yusuke at this stage. Ryuji put his arms behind his head.

"Not sure I really understand the waitin' part, but the fastest way is to figure out if Madarame is really as shitty as the rumors say he his is to get it out of somebody who knows him, right? It's not like we've got any leads to go on otherwise, so we might as well pay the guy another visit." Morgana nodded.

"For once, we're actually in agreement, Ryuji. We don't exactly have much to go on, so as much as I hate to admit it, this is probably our best option. Our information network is unfortunately rather limited since we're just starting out." Naruto's eyebrows rose up for a moment as an idea sparked in his mind. He looked at the others.

"In that case, I think I'm going to pass on the visit. If he's going to lower his guard, then I'd just be in the way." Akira looked at Naruto carefully.

"You're sure about that Naruto?" The Uzumaki waved him off.

"Yeah. If Ann's going to go under the guise of modeling, the guy's is already going to be wary of there being two unwanted two tag-alongs sitting there. Never mind three." He flashed an easy smile. "Besides, after seeing that house, I'd be shocked if he could fit all of us into one room anyway." Ryuji grinned.

"He's got a point there! Wouldn't want us to bump into the wall and bring the place down on us after all!" Morgana tilted his head.

"I guess that is a valid concern. We don't want Yusuke to clam up by crowding him after all." Akira glanced at Naruto for a few seconds more before nodding.

"Alright, then we'll catch you up tomorrow on the visit. See ya later Naruto." Naruto gave them all a thumb's-up.

"Good luck, guys! See ya tomorrow!" The blond watched the group disappear into the bustling crowd as they headed for the surface. Once they were out of sight, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. After a couple rings, the other line picked up.

"Why, this is a surprise," Konada said. "Wasn't expecting a call from you so soon Fox. Unfortunately, I haven't found any solid dirt on your painter friend, though I have come across some rather nasty rumors. If he does have any major skeletons, then he's done a decent job at keeping them under wraps."

"I expected as much. I met the guy yesterday, and he definitely seems like the kind of guy who's super careful about hiding his dirty laundry where the general public and his adoring fans might stumble on it."

"That's a rather direct approach," the con-artist noted.

"The guy's not going to know about me," Naruto replied. "If he did, then you'd have found at least something about him by now. Anyway, I'm not worried about hard dirt right now. I'm sure that will turn up eventually."

"Of course," Kon said coolly. "In that case, what can I do to help you, Mr. Fox?" The Uzumaki's gaze hardened a little.

"Got anything you can tell me about these some of these rumors, and where they might have started?"

Early Evening

Jinbocho District

Naruto scowled as he passed by yet another bookstore. "Come on! Why is it so hard to find one stupid coffee shop!" he muttered. "Kon had said it was right around here somewhere." According to the con-artist's information, one of the rumors originated from someone who'd claimed to have been one of Madarame's old pupils in the past. The Uzumaki been hunting for the location for the past hour, with no success. This was his first time in the area, having had no reason to journey to the artsy district until now.

Naruto walked through the quaint streets, passing shops displaying antiques, books, and other old stuff. His face was set in a small frown as he skirted around window-shoppers and collectors. He needed to find something to convince the others, he just had to. As he turned a corner, he nearly bowled over someone in his annoyance. Wooden tiles scattered to the ground. Naruto looked at the person he'd bumped into. She was fairly tall, just a couple inches shorter than him. She wore an unfamiliar school uniform, a dark blue blazer with a star emblem on her chest, and a black skirt. Her face was framed by her raven-haired bangs and long locks which trailed down past her neck. A small crimson omamori tie adorned the left lock. She was carrying a wooden gridded block with a small drawer on each side. Naruto stared into her green eyes and could see a clear light of intelligence behind them. He grimaced. "My bad, didn't mean to bump into you." The girl nodded politely.

"It's no trouble," she replied. She knelt down to begin picking up the scattered pieces. Naruto got down as well.

"Here, let me help you out." He picked up the pentagonal wooden tile and examined the elegant kanji on it. "Huh, a ginsho piece," he said aloud. "Pretty well made as well." The girl looked up at him with a little bit of surprise.

"So, you are familiar with shogi then?" The blond nodded.

"I've been exposed to it a fair bit," he admitted. "I was told I was decent at the game." He looked down and continued to pick up the scattered pieces, missing the sharp gleam enter the girl's eye. After a few moments, they had gathered everything together. The ravenette nodded and stood up.

"I appreciate your assistance," she said. "Togo Hifumi."

"Uzumaki Naruto." Naruto extended his good hand to her. "Nice to meet you, Togo-san." Hifumi nodded and grasped the offered hand with an amused smile on her face.

"So, what were you doing around here Uzumaki-san?" she asked. Naruto sighed.

"I've been looking for a coffee shop to talk to someone who works there," he replied. "I don't suppose you've heard of the 'Starlight Reprieve,' have you?" To his immense surprise, Hifumi nodded.

"Yes, I've been there a few times. It's a nice place to relax." Naruto grinned at the girl. Finally, a lucky break.

"Great! Would you mind pointing me where it is?"

"Yes, I would be willing to do so…" The young lady smirked. "But only if you will play me in a game of shogi, Uzumaki-san." Naruto was taken aback a little.

"You want a shogi match?" he repeated. "I'm not all that great at it."

"I will be the judge of that," Hifumi replied firmly. "Now do we have an agreement?" Naruto sighed.

"Well, it's better than trying to wander around cluelessly again," he thought to himself. He nodded.

"Alright, it's a deal Togo-san." Hifumi smiled.

"Excellent. Now, follow me." She led the blond down a couple of side streets to an unmarked small building. Naruto gave the place a glance over. The windows were tinted black, so it was difficult to see inside. However, from what Naruto could make out, there wasn't any movement happening.

"Doesn't look like this place is open," he commented.

"That's because it isn't at the moment. The place opens up at sunset and stays open the early morning," Hifumi explained. "There's usually someone here setting up around this time." She knocked on the door. After a couple moments, Naruto heard the door unlock. A large man opened the door. His burly frame towered over the girl. He looked down at the two of them through his thick eyebrows.

"Hifumi-chan!" he said aloud. "How are you doing?" The shogi enthusiast smiled.

"I'm doing well, Hiroto-san. I was hoping to borrow a table. I have an opponent." She showed him her shogi board.

The man gave Naruto a once over. "You sure he's going to give you a challenge?" He jerked a thumb in the blond's direction. Naruto scowled at the man.

"That's what I intend to find out," Hifumi replied. "So, may I borrow a table?" The man nodded.

"Sure thing. Boss isn't here yet though, so I'm still getting things ready in the back." He opened the door and allowed Hifumi and Naruto to file through. Naruto looked around the place. It had a dimly lit ambience, with only some lights behind the counter to illuminate the place. There were a couple of interesting paintings hanging on the wall behind the counter, depicting broad landscapes. Each table had its own lamp which stood on a small stand. Hifumi placed her shogi board on one of the tables and turned on the lamp there. She began to set up the shogi pieces. Naruto sat down opposite her and pulled out his drawer to do the same.

"This place seems…interesting," he commented as he began placing the back tiles.

"The owner's a…unique individual." Hifumi placed her bishop down. "She once told me her goal was to make a quiet place to people to pass the night." She finished placing her tiles. "Now, are you ready to do battle?" Her voice took on a steely quality. Naruto looked up at her in surprise. There was an intense fire in the girl's eye. He could feel the shift in her persona.

"What's going on with her?" he wondered to himself. He mentally shook it off. Whatever it was, he needed to face her in order to get the information he needed. He gave her a nod.

"Excellent, will you toss the furigoma to see who strikes first?" Naruto scooped up five of his pawns and tossed them into the center area.

"Three tokins. Looks like I'll be going second." He looked at Hifumi. "Your move, Togo-san."

"Indeed." Hifumi's eyes narrowed. She selected the fourth pawn piece from the left. With an audible snap she advanced the pawn a space forward. "Here begins the start of the Chariot's Ride!" Naruto looked at her with a raised eyebrow for a moment before shrugging and advancing his right most pawn with the same snap. Hifumi smirked.

"So, I can hear the decisive footsteps of your troops," she commented. "But will your tactics lead them to victory or death?" She responded by advancing her the next pawn to the left. "Now how will you proceed, Uzumaki-san?" Naruto picked up his right knight and advanced it into the empty space where his pawn had been. Hifumi's eyes widened. "You send your cavalry to skirt the field? Interesting. But we shall see if such tactics will prevail!"

Naruto looked down at the table, his eyes furrowed in concentration. He only had his rook, his gold general, and two promoted pawns. Hifumi had a promoted bishop and his own captured bishop locking down any movement for his king except further into a corner, and her silver knight cutting off escape routes. He dropped a lance into the row next to the king to try and cut off some movement. She smirked. "So, you try and divide my forces! However it is too late! My assassin now strikes." She dropped the rook she'd stolen back in the row with his king. Naruto scanned the board and sighed. With that piece, there was no more means of escape. He picked up a handful of captured pawns.

"Good game Togo-san." He gently dropped the pieces on the board to signal his defeat. Hifumi looked at him in surprise at his action before recovering.

"That was an interesting game, Uzumaki-san," she said. "You were quite the unorthodox opponent." She offered her hand. Naruto extended his own and shook it.

"Didn't stop you from beating me pretty handily. You were pretty amazing." He'd actually enjoyed the match thoroughly, surprised by some of her more inventive plays. Hifumi smiled.

"You were a challenging opponent as well, Uzumaki-san. With a little bit of practice, you'd be a great shogi player." Naruto chuckled and shook his head.

"Sorry, but no thanks. I'm much more of an active person. I'd play you again sometime though." Hifumi nodded smiling.

"I would enjoy that. It was interesting matching wits with such a creative rival. Some of your strategies nearly broke through my fortress. We should exchange numbers so as to meet again." Naruto nodded. As he they did, the mysterious voice spoke again.

I am thou, thou art I…

Thou has obtained the power of rebellion to break the yoke of oppression shackling you.

Through the bond with the Star, though has begun the path to defy destiny.

Naruto sighed, at this point used to the voice popping up unexpectedly. "Still doesn't tell me this all means," he said. He folded his arm over his sling. So…have I impressed you enough for you to tell me about that café?" Hifumi's eyes twinkled as a knowing smirk appeared on her face.

"Yes, I believe I could share that information with you," she replied. Naruto frowned a little at her mischievous smile.

"So, where is this Starlight Reprieve?" At this, a large guffaw erupted from the counter. Naruto turned to look at the large burly man doubled over in laughter. "What the hell's so funny?" he asked scowling. The man just grinned. He walked to a switch on the wall and turned it on. Immediately the roof of the coffee shop was alight with a myriad of small lights.

"Welcome to the Starlight Reprieve. The only coffee shop in Jinbocho for those late owls." He picked up a sign behind the counter displaying the name and set it just outside the door. Naruto looked at Hifumi who had a large grin on her face.

"You weren't ready for my surprise tactic," she said simply. Naruto shook his head.

"This means war you know. I will pay you back for this Togo." Nobody got to pull a fast one on him like that and get away with it. Hifumi just grinned.

"I look forward to your attempt, Uzumaki." She put away the shogi tiles into the drawers and picked up the board. "Well, I must be on my way. Until next time."

"Goodbye Hifumi-chan," a quiet voice murmured. Naruto turned to see a young lady, probably in her mid-twenties now at the counter. She matched Konada's description: short, with dark hair tied in a ponytail, with hazel eyes and perpetually half-lidded eyes. Naruto steeled himself and sat down at the counter and looking at the young lady. "Yes?" she asked cleaning a glass. "What can I get you this evening?" Naruto shook his head.

"Sorry, not here to buy anything. Your name is Takata Yuri?" The woman looked surprised.

"It is? And who's asking?" Out of the corner of his eye, Naruto saw the burly man shoot a look at him.

"I am. Nothing big really. I've heard that you used to study under an artist named Madarame?" The woman abruptly stopped what she was doing, nearly losing her grip on the glass. She slowly turned and looked at him carefully.

"Yes…once upon a time I did refer to that man as my sensei," she said slowly. A bitter flash crossed her eyes. "Why do you ask?" Out of the corner of his eye, Naruto saw Hiroto tense up. He sighed a little.

"I've got a friend I'm concerned about who's studying under him, and I've heard some…rumors about how he does things." Yuri took a look at him for a moment carefully. Naruto could see behind those drowsy eyes, there was an underlying sharpness about her. The large man stepped forward.

"We don't deal in rumors here, pal," he said curtly. "I suggest you look elsewhere." Naruto frowned and raised his uninjured hand in defense.

"Hey, I'm just trying to look out for my friend here," he said. "I'm sorry if it's a bit of a difficult subject. But please, is there anything you can you tell me anything about what happenedAfter staring at him for a few more seconds, Yuri set the cup she was wiping down and picked up another one from under the counter.

"Alright," she replied. "Though I'd appreciate anonymity on the matter." Naruto let out an internal sigh of relief. He nodded.

"I promise to keep quiet on my source." The large man looked at the woman a bit uncertainly.

"You sure you can trust him, Yuri?" he asked. She nodded.

"I will trust Hifumi's judgment." The blond watched her move to a bubbling mixture she had in the back and pour some dark brew into it. She placed the cup on a small plate and set it in front of Naruto. "This…may take a little time," she said quietly.

"I'm not going anywhere." He picked up the cup and sipped it. "This is pretty good," he mused. Yuri gave him a soft smile.

"Thank you." She leaned against the wall facing Naruto and sighed deeply before looking up at the now twinkling ceiling. "It was a little over six years ago. I was a senior in high school and a member of the art club. I'd always been good at painting, but it was mostly just a hobby. My favorite kind of painting was to do landscapes. However, everything changed when one of my submissions for an amateur art competition happened to win some recognition. It was…exhilarating to be noticed for my work, but I never thought it would be much. But then, Madarame noticed me." Yuri shook her head. "Of course, I recognized him. I'd been dazzled by Sayuri like so many others. So, when he offered me a chance to come under his wing and hone my craft, how could I say no?" Naruto could hear the bitterness creep back into her tone.

"So what happened then?" he asked. Yuri sighed.

"He was very demanding, always wishing to know my progress. At first, I chalked it up just to him being a strict teacher. After a year, I began to realize there was more to it. Still, an opportunity like this didn't come easy, and I'd already forgone going to college, against my parents' wishes."

"At that point, I began focusing on landscapes, finding comfort in the expansive view. One night I was out walking through a park away from the city, and my eyes were opened to the stars above. It was something I'd never seen before that moment." Yuri let out a fond sigh. "It was like being struck by lightning. I found my inspiration in those twinkling lights. My paintbrush moved like never before, trying to capture those stars in my own way. After about a month of painstaking work, I finally had my maiden piece, Heavenfield." She looked at the twinkling lights.

"When I told Madarame-sensei about my work, he looked so pleased. He said he'd take care of all of the arrangements and have it revealed with his new work." She looked down. "Without a thought, I entrusted my piece to him. After a few days, I attended the unveiling of Madarame's new work. I remember my heart sinking into the abyss as I watched the man I called sensei reveal the painting I'd painstakingly created, and call it his own. While everyone was applauding his genius, I could only silently weep. I slipped away amongst the clamor and praise." Yuri sighed and shook her head.

"After such a betrayal, I went back to my parents. They along with Hiroto," she nodded to the burly man, "helped me renovate this store into what you see now. But I could never return to the art world, not with my painting sitting on display under his name." Naruto looked at her. He'd known what he'd find wouldn't be pretty, but he hadn't expected something like that.

"Damn, the guy's a total scumbag," he thought to himself. "If the others have any doubt after hearing this, then I don't know what will convince them." He looked at the woman. "I'm…sorry for making you relive that," he said somberly. Yuri shook his head.

"I've been able to move on," she replied. "It was difficult at first, but Hiroto really helped me make this little place my own." She looked up at the man in question flashed a soft, earnest smile. Hiroto just looked away, his face blushing a little.

"Someone needed to help you out," he muttered. Naruto stood up from the counter, having finished the coffee.

"Well, thank you for telling me this. Don't worry; I have no intentions of sharing this with the media or anything." He turned to leave.

"Wait a moment," Yuri called out. Naruto stopped and looked back at her. "Your friend you were concerned about, was his name, Kitagawa Yusuke by chance?" Naruto looked at her in surprise.

"Um, yeah; that's him," he said. The coffee shop owner let out a small smile.

"I remember him from when I was staying with Madarame, though he was only ten back then. He's rather…eccentric, isn't he?" Naruto just nodded. While he'd only met the guy twice, that much was definitely clear. Yuri giggled a bit. "Yusuke-kun was like that back then as well. Even from that age, it was clear he was born to be an artist. The way he saw the world, it was indeed unique, but it was just the right kind of mindset for him, always finding beauty and art in things. He was such an inquisitive and bright child." She sighed.

"From what I could tell, he'd been with Madarame from such a young age. He looked up the man as his sensei, and as something of a surrogate father. However, I could tell Yusuke-kun as starting to understand the truth behind the man." Yuri looked at Naruto. "I can only imagine he's sacrificed his own work to Madarame by now. Please, if there's anyway to help him…" She gazed at Naruto pleadingly, almost as if she knew the blond could do something. Naruto swallowed.

"I'll…do all I can," he replied. Yuri nodded.

"Thank you. What was your name again?" Naruto hesitated.

"Naruto. Uzumaki Naruto," he replied. Yuri nodded.

"Alright Uzumaki-san. Please feel free to come by again." Naruto nodded. He turned and walked out of the shop. As he saw the rapidly setting sun in the distance, his thoughts drifted to another evening like this, six years ago.

Konoha Market District

XXX AS

In a grocer's store on the corner of Sage's Street, a stocky man sat in front of his counter, wrapping up his inventory for the week. Throughout his shop various fruits and vegetables hung in baskets and filled barrels. A knock on the door to the shop interrupted the man. He looked up, his face breaking into a grin as he saw a short, portly man with a thick mustache peering into the window on the door. He walked around the counter and unlocked the door. "Nishida! How good to see you! How goes the weaving?" The man nodded and smiled back.

"It's been going well enough, Takemishi. Just got some interesting fabric from Sunagakure, should be able to make something special with that. And yourself? How are things with the missus?" He glanced at the scroll of inventory on the counter. Takemishi sighed.

"As good as things can be. She keeps on nagging me about kids. Still not ready for that thank you." The grocer shook his head. "But enough about that. What brings you over to his neck of Konoha?" The stout man smiled.

"Well, I heard that Rokuda-san has a sale on some of his eggs. Apparently, the fox brat got in and started dying his eyes orange." Takemishi scowled deeply.

"Damn that cursed brat. How much trouble can one boy cause? Haven't we already suffered enough from him?" His friend folded his arms.

"I know how you feel, but don't let yourself get too worked up about him. Anyway, I just wanted to give you a head's-up about Rokuda's eggs." The man smiled. "After all, a sale's a sale, and you know how rarely Rokuda-san gives any kind of discount!" The stocky man sighed and shrugged.

"I guess you're right. I'll be over once I finish up here. Thanks for the heads-up Nishida." The round man nodded.

"See you later, Takemishi." The man walked out of the store. However, instead of heading further inward toward where Rokuda's store would be, he walked down the other way, walking down into an alley, moving away from the street. After making sure that there was no one watching, he brought his hands up into a release seal. With a small burst of smoke, the middle-aged man disappeared, replaced with a ten-year old blond-haired boy with whisker marks on his cheeks. Naruto grinned. "Alright, stage one complete, now to wait for stage two."

He checked his pockets for a small sack and pulled it out. He crept out towards the busy streets, staying in the shadows of the alley. After waiting for a few minutes, he saw Takemishi walk out of his store and lock it from the outside before heading in the direction of Rokuda's store. Naruto nodded. "Good, he's out of the store." He hopped up onto a closed dumpster in the alley. From his vantage point, he could see the inside of Takemishi's store. He looked around to make sure there were no patrolling ninja before focusing on one of the half-full barrels in the shop. He formed a couple hand-seals. "Kawarimi no Jutsu!"

With a small poof, Naruto found himself in the store. Thanks to his jumpsuit, the setting-sun helped provide cover for him. He quickly set to work. The blond carefully took a couple fruits and vegetables from the ones that Takemishi had already completed inventory on, putting them in his bag. He knew he couldn't take too much, or else the return substitution would be too difficult. After putting a dozen or so pieces of produce into the bag, Naruto returned to where he'd first substituted in and formed the hand-signs for the Kawarimi. In an instant, he found himself back outside, and the barrel back in its place. Naruto looked around ensuring no one had noticed anything before smirked to himself.

"Heist successful." He snuck away down the alleyway toward the seedier part of the Leaf Village, where his apartment was located. In the past four years, he'd gotten pretty good and stealing from the various shopkeepers in Konoha to fill his stomach. He'd never went so far as to instigate the Uchiha Police Force into looking into his misdeeds. He didn't need that kind of heat. But getting to take from all those stupid civilians who kept charging him exorbitantly…he'd come to love the thrill of sticking it to them. Before the blond could make his way to his apartment, he heard a voice call out to him as he was about to enter another side street.

"Hey, Naruto-san!" As smoothly as he could, Naruto quickly stashed his goods in between two containers and turned to where the greeting had come from. He let out a sigh of relief as he saw a tall teenager with unruly brown hair approach him.

"Hey Junpei," he replied. "How are things?" He'd known Junpei for a long while, the teen also a resident of Konoha's slums. However, despite not having any formal schooling, Junpei somehow had a thing for numbers, able to calculate things in an instant.. The teenager grinned, showing a missing tooth.

"It's great Naruto-san! I found a new job that might help me support Mother." Naruto's eyes widened. He knew about Junpei's mother. She'd suffering from a chronic lung disease for a couple years now. Unfortunately, the number of experts capable of fixing said disease were few in Konoha, and the ones that could were far too expensive. He could only stave off things by working for an occasional treatment at the Konoha General Hospital. The woman was one of the nicest people Naruto had met, not once having glared or frowned at him. She'd even once made him a small little cake on his seventh birthday. "So what's the gig?"

"I'm going to be working on a farm near Konoha helping to sort things. It's going to pay twice as much as what I've been earning!" Naruto raised an eyebrow.

"How'd you manage to land that?" he asked.

"Junpei-kun, slow down," a voice called out. Naruto turned and looked at the person striding towards them. He wore a dark brown robe which fell to his knees. What grey hair remained on his head was groomed well, matching his impeccable mustache. His stature towered over the others in the street. Naruto noticed the other people on the street staring and whispering. The old man reached the duo. "I'm not as young as I used to be." He looked at Naruto. "And who is this?" he asked politely

"This is a friend of mine, Uzumaki Naruto," Junpei replied. The tall man looked down at Naruto, spotting his whisker birthmarks. Immediately, Naruto was prepared for a glare or a scowl, but nothing came. The old man just gave him a small smile.

"It's nice to meet you, Uzumaki-kun," he extended a hand to him. Naruto looked at it for a moment before taking it warily. Junpei was oblivious to the tension, grinning from ear to ear.

"This is Mokuhyo-sama. He's the one who found a better job for me. He said that my skills with numbers could be put to use." Mokuhyo nodded.

"It would be such a waste, for one of his talent to not make use it." He looked over Naruto. "You look like a scrappy young lad? I'm sure I could find you a part-time job if you'd like." The Uzumaki shook his head.

"I think I'm good, thank you," he replied. "I've been able to take care of myself." For a moment, Naruto could see a flash of disappointment.

"Ah well. If you should change your mind, I'm sure you can find me." He turned to Junpei. "Alright Junpei. I still need to get you introduced to that job."

"Yes, Mokuhyo-sama." The young boy turned back to Naruto. "Alright Naruto, I'll see you later." The Uzumaki watched as the Junpei disappeared behind a street corner with the old man. His lips were pursed as he went to retrieve his ill-gotten gains from their hiding place.

"Something's up with that Mokuhyo person," he thought. "Everyone seemed so…respectful of him. Someone like that just doesn't hand out jobs to street urchins like Junpei and me." He sighed. "Whatever, it's not my problem." He already had enough on his plate as it was. He continued his way back to his home, content to leave his friend to his new job.

Alright, so I couldn't get to the fighting. But we will officially begin the infiltration next chapter! Now that we're back in Palace mode, things should be easier. I've been itching to write the fight scenes for this for a while now. After last chapter, I'm not going to make any promises for now, but the hope is by end of month, I can have the next chapter out. I've already constructed one of the fights in it.

Now, someone recently brought up the request for me to open this story up to a reading challenge. If anyone wanted to do that or reference Shinobi Trickster in their own works, feel free to drop me a PM with your idea and I'll let you know. Once again, thanks so much you guys for all the support so far!

As always, please read and review, and PMs are welcome!