As he worked on his fire nature transformation training, Shota had not forgotten about the name Danzo had given him of the traitorous elder in Suna.
Shota had started his own quiet investigation on the side. He was now focusing most of his investigation on the traitorous elder. It would still take time to confirm that he was the traitor and Danzo was not leaving him on a wild goose chase.
But the pieces were starting to fit. His investigations had revealed that the elder had been in contact and had some dealings with Tamashiro Tamiko in the past.
Tamashiro was the same noble Shota had assassinated. The one who tried to restart the war between Suna and Iwa. The elder had done it through a proxy. Even the Anbu and the Kazekage could not trace it back to him directly. The same was true for Tamashiro. He only knew someone from Suna was backing him. Never the exact name.
Shota sat on the ground now. His breathing had slowed. He wiped sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. The training had tired him.
He decided to take a break by thinking about Danzo's situation and waiting to hear about his fate.
'Any day now,' Shota thought.
------
Shota walked through the main streets of Sunagakure. The village looked different today. People were smiling more and children ran around laughing instead of hiding from the hot sun. Shopkeepers stood outside their stores calling out prices with cheerful voices. The usual heavy feeling that always hung over Suna had lifted.
The Kazekage had announced the peace treaty with Konoha earlier this morning. Messengers had read the scroll in every public square.
Not everyone liked it. Some families had lost sons, daughters, brothers, or sisters to Konoha shinobi over the years and did not want to end the war until they got their revenge. But that was the minority. Because people knew that taking revenge would mean that more lives would be lost in the war.
The announcement had came with good news. Food prices had dropped. Water cost much less now. Merchants from the Land of Fire had already started sending cheaper grains and vegetables.
Civilians who spent most of their money on basic needs suddenly had coins left in their pockets. That cheered everyone up.
Shota passed a group of old women sitting on a bench. They were sharing a small basket of fresh fruit that had arrived from the border trade. One of them waved at him. "Eraserhead! Come try an apple!"
He gave a small nod and kept walking. He did not stop for fruit and he definitely did not want people to think that calling him by Eraserhead would satisfy his ego and maybe give people an autograph...jeez he had a proper name.
When he reached the orphanage, the front yard was busier than usual. Kids ran around carrying baskets and buckets.
The matron stood at the door with her arms crossed. She spotted Shota right away.
"It's good that you are here," she said. "I need your help in preparing a feast for various people."
Shota stopped at the bottom of the steps. "A feast? Why?"
The matron stepped aside so he could come in. "Well, the alliance with Konoha meant that people will have to spend less of their income on food and water. That's why many people have decided to donate some of the amount they saved to the orphanage. They came one by one this morning with small bags of coins or food items. I have decided to give a feast to all the donors. No matter how low or big the amount is. Everyone who gave something gets invited. We will thank them properly."
Shota looked around the hallway. A few younger kids peeked from behind doors, listening. He rubbed the back of his neck. "But why me? I am a very busy shinobi. Put up some D-rank mission and get some genin to help you. They need the experience anyway."
The matron turned to him slowly. Her eyes narrowed. She placed both hands on her wide hips."You are going to help me. And this is not a request, young man."
Shota felt a cold sweat break out on his back. The matron rarely used that tone. When she did, even the toughest academy students knew to run.
Shota straightened his back like a soldier and saluted sharply. "Yes ma'am!"
Inside his head, he thought, 'Scary old lady.'
The matron's glare softened just a fraction. She nodded once. "Good. You are a good cook. That's why I am asking you for this. The rest of the bigger kids would help you. They can chop, stir, carry things. But you will be in charge of the kitchen. No arguments."
She turned her head slightly and raised her voice. "You lot! Stop hiding and come out here!"
The doors creaked open. Five or six older kids stepped out sheepishly. They ranged from twelve to fifteen years old. Shizu stood at the front, grinning wide. Shota sighed.
He could not say no now. The praise about his cooking felt nice too. He crossed his arms and tried to look serious. "Fine. I will do this."
He then licked his lips in excitement. "I think I can do that. I'm going to enjoy peeling all those potatoes."
The matron raised one eyebrow. "And stop saying things like that. It's bloody creepy."
Shota blinked. "What? Potatoes are fun to peel."
She shook her head and walked away muttering something about strange children. Shota watched her go, then turned to the group of kids. "Alright. Kitchen. Now."
--------Author Notes---------
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