9 Investigation - Part 1

Dani strolled through the bustling streets of Konoha, flanked by Sakura and Tenten. 

The village was alive with activity—vendors shouting about fresh produce, children running through the streets, and shinobi darting across rooftops. 

It had a charm that made Dani feel at ease, but she also knew she had a job to do.

Still, she couldn't help but smirk as she noticed how both Sakura and Tenten seemed oddly tense. 

The pair had taken it upon themselves to give her a tour, pointing out various locations—Ichiraku Ramen, the Hokage Tower, the training grounds, the Yamanaka Flower Shop—but halfway through the tour, they both seemed to realize something.

Dani waited, enjoying the visible flicker of realization that passed between the two kunoichi.

Oh, so they finally remembered the backstory I fed them, huh?

Dani thought with amusement.

Tenten cleared her throat, pretending to examine a kunai at a nearby stall. "So, uh... since you're from here, I guess you already know all this, huh?"

Sakura let out a forced chuckle. "Right! Of course! We just, um... wanted to make sure you didn't forget! You know, since you've been away for a while?"

Dani suppressed a laugh at how awkward they were acting. Their embarrassed attempts to cover up their mistake were endearing, but she didn't want to make them feel bad.

She waved a hand dismissively. "No worries. It's nice to see the village through fresh eyes again. Besides, it's fun spending time with you both."

Both Sakura and Tenten seemed relieved by her words, though there was still an air of tension between them. Dani could sense the subtle competition forming between the two. 

They weren't just embarrassed; they were also competing for her attention.

_____

Dani had settled into Konoha with surprising ease. 

The System had provided her with an identity, and as long as she avoided people like Tsunade for too long, she wouldn't raise suspicion. But she wasn't here just to play around—she had a mission.

Her first target was Sakura.

Using the System's tracking ability, Dani found her in the training grounds, practicing chakra control. She was moving between tree stumps, focusing her strength into her fists before punching through them one by one.

"Hey, mind if I watch?" Dani called out, approaching with a casual wave.

Sakura paused mid-punch, blinking in surprise. "Dani? Oh! I—um, sure!"

The System buzzed in Dani's mind.

Tip: Compliment her strength, but also plant the idea that she can go beyond her current abilities. She must believe she's capable of surpassing Tsunade.

Dani nodded subtly to herself and spoke. "You know, you're already pretty strong. But I bet you could be even stronger. You're not just Tsunade's apprentice—you're Sakura Haruno. I can already see it... a future where even Tsunade is impressed by you."

Sakura's eyes widened slightly. It was clear that no one had put it that way before. Everyone compared her to Tsunade, but no one had told her she could surpass her.

"You think so?" Sakura asked, her voice tinged with hope.

Dani grinned. "I know so."

Sakura seemed flustered but determined. "Then... I'll work even harder!"

Dani felt the System give a small notification—Relationship Level with Sakura Increased.

Perfect.

As Dani continued to talk to Sakura, she suddenly felt another presence approaching.

Turning her head slightly, she spotted Tenten standing a short distance away, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.

"Oh? What's going on here?" Tenten asked, voice casual but eyes sharp.

Dani could feel the jealousy radiating from her.

Not wanting to let Tenten feel left out, Dani acted quickly.

"You're just in time!" she said smoothly. "Sakura and I were talking about training methods. Actually, Tenten, I was hoping you could show me some of your weapon techniques."

Tenten blinked, caught off guard. "Oh? You want to learn from me?"

"Of course," Dani said sincerely. "You're one of the best weapon specialists in the village. I'd be crazy not to want to see your skills firsthand."

Tenten's face flushed slightly, and Dani could tell she was pleased.

"Well... if you insist," she said, trying to sound indifferent but clearly happy.

Tenten stepped forward and pulled out a few small scrolls. "I've been experimenting with ninja-weapon bombs lately. They can be triggered remotely or explode on impact."

Dani feigned excitement. "That sounds amazing! Can you teach me?"

The System gave another notification—Relationship Level with Tenten Increased.

Sakura and Tenten still glanced at each other warily, but Dani noticed something else—they were also getting slightly closer as rivals.

Two birds with one stone.

Unbeknownst to the trio, a pair of sharp eyes were watching them.

Tsunade stood at a distance, arms crossed, a frown on her face. She had been keeping an eye on Dani ever since their conversation.

She still couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about the girl.

Dani's presence had quickly influenced two of her most talented kunoichi. In just a short time, both Sakura and Tenten seemed to grow more determined, more inspired. While that wasn't necessarily a bad thing, Tsunade trusted her instincts.

And her instincts told her that Dani was hiding something.

When Dani's eyes flickered toward her direction, Tsunade's frown deepened. Dani knew she was being watched.

At that moment, Dani turned back to Sakura and Tenten, laughing at something Tenten had said.

But Tsunade didn't miss the slight stiffness in Dani's shoulders.

Dani felt her heartbeat quicken slightly. Tsunade was watching her.

The System's voice echoed in her mind.

Stay calm. Do not act suspiciously. Maintain your usual behavior.

Dani let out a slow breath, forcing herself to relax. She couldn't let Tsunade think she had anything to hide.

Turning back to Sakura and Tenten, she continued her conversation as if nothing was wrong.

But deep inside, she knew the truth—Tsunade wasn't someone she could fool forever.

______

Tsunade sat behind her desk in the Hokage's office, fingers interlocked, her sharp eyes narrowed as she replayed her encounter with Dani in her mind.

Something was off about that girl.

Her appearance in the village was far too convenient. She had no family records, no known connections, and yet, she had already made an impact on two of Konoha's most promising kunoichi.

Sakura and Tenten had always been strong-willed, yet in just a short time, both had started to gravitate toward Dani. Tsunade wasn't naive—she recognized when someone was becoming an influence.

And she didn't like it.

"Shizune," she called, breaking the silence.

The dark-haired woman entered the room swiftly, carrying a small scroll under her arm. "Yes, Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade leaned back in her chair. "I need you to gather all available information on a girl named Dani."

Shizune frowned slightly. "Dani? The one who's been spending time with Sakura and Tenten?"

Tsunade nodded. "Something about her doesn't sit right with me. She just appeared out of nowhere, and despite claiming to be from Konoha, she doesn't act like someone who grew up here."

Shizune sighed, setting the scroll down on the desk. "I did some preliminary checks when she first arrived, just in case."

Tsunade's expression remained unreadable. "And?"

Shizune hesitated before shaking her head. "Nothing. No records of her birth. No family ties. It's like she just materialized into existence."

Tsunade exhaled sharply. That's what I was afraid of.

"Then she's hiding something," Tsunade concluded. "I want to know what."

Shizune crossed her arms. "Should we bring her in for questioning?"

Tsunade shook her head. "No, not yet. If she's truly dangerous, we need to be careful. Until we know what she's after, we observe."

Shizune looked unsure. "And if she is a threat?"

Tsunade's gaze darkened. "Then I'll handle it personally."

The next day, Tsunade took a more direct approach.

She instructed ANBU to tail Dani from a distance. If there was even a hint of suspicious behavior, she would know about it.

Meanwhile, she subtly questioned those Dani had interacted with.

First was Sakura.

Tsunade casually brought up Dani during their training session. "So, how's your new friend?"

Sakura, unaware of the Hokage's growing suspicion, smiled. "Dani's really cool! She's been super encouraging, and honestly, it's nice having someone see my potential."

Tsunade narrowed her eyes slightly. Too quick to defend her.

Next, she approached Tenten.

Unlike Sakura, Tenten was more guarded. When Tsunade asked about Dani, the weapons specialist merely shrugged. "She's fine, I guess."

But Tsunade wasn't fooled. There was a flicker of something in Tenten's expression—an attachment.

Dani was working her way into their trust. The question was: why?

Dani had no illusions. She knew Tsunade was watching her.

The System had warned her the moment the investigation began.

Alert: You are under surveillance. Proceed with caution.

Dani bit the inside of her cheek. She had expected some suspicion, but this was dangerous. If Tsunade figured out she wasn't a real citizen of Konoha, she'd be in serious trouble.

She needed to be careful.

For now, she had to act completely normal. No sudden changes in behavior. No disappearing without reason.

But deep down, she knew—Tsunade wouldn't stop until she found the truth.

_______

Sorry for the long break. I got busy writing for my main yuri story. Writing smut for it is hard....