Chapter 34

Missing Mitsuki

On one of the nights, Kotomi was serving dinner to her husband and two sons. Both Konohomaru and Kojiro's eyes sparkled at the sight of their dinner plates.

Kotomi giggled at the sight, thinking that they really looked like father and son right now. Looking over towards Mitsuki, she saw that he was deep in thought about something. He's been like this all day, and it was starting to worry her.

"Mitsuki." Hearing Kotomi calling his name made him snap out of his thoughts. "Are you feeling alright?"

Mitsuki gave her an empty smile. "I'm fine, mother."

Not feeling convinced, Kotomi didn't want to pry in for now. But she wanted to be there for him in a way. "If you need to talk about anything, you know that you can talk to me about it."

His smile dropped, lowering his eyes. "Thank you, mother. I will keep that in mind."

Something was sitting right here. Kotomi knew that something was bothering him. She knew that if he wanted to talk about it, he would tell her. She couldn't force it, she could only give him time.

Later that night after putting Kojiro to bed, Kotomi knocked on Mitsuki's door. "Mitsuki?"

"Come in." Mitsuki said at the other side of the door.

She opened the door, seeing him sitting on his bed. Mitsuki's room was empty with only a bed and a desk. The desk had a few pictures on them. A family picture, a squad picture, and just a picture of Boruto. She knew that she had to add a little more to his room eventually.

Kotomi gave him a smile. "I came by to say goodnight."

Mitsuki smiled back. "Goodnight, mother."

"Don't stay up too late, alright?"

"I won't."

"Good. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite!" With that, Kotomi exited his room, closing the door behind her.

Mitsuki's smile soon disappeared, looking down towards the floor. He looked lost in thought about something, feeling mixed emotions. He didn't want to leave his family he was living with, but at the same time, he wanted to learn more of who he was.

In Kotomi's bedroom, she turned off the lamp, getting under the covers. Her husband was already sound asleep, snoring the night away.

Kotomi stared at his sleeping face endearingly, thinking he looked really cute at the moment. She felt at peace, but she still couldn't shake off this strange feeling. She wouldn't let it bother her for tonight, thinking that she will worry about it more tomorrow.

***

The next morning, Kotomi woke up, seeing that Konohomaru wasn't in the bed with her. He already went off to go to work. And it would be her turn later. First things first, she had to make breakfast and get Kojiro ready for daycare.

After breakfast, Kotomi was helping Kojiro put on his jacket. Before heading out, she headed towards Mitsuki's room as Kojiro was busy putting on his shoes.

Knocking on the door, Kotomi spoke up. "Mitsuki?" There was no answer. She knocked again, no answer. She opened the door, seeing that he wasn't there. "That's strange. He always tells me he's heading out every morning. Maybe he left earlier today." Closing the door behind her, Kotomi went towards the front door.

After dropping off Kojiro at daycare, Kotomi arrived at her workplace: The Konoha Police Force. Every time she entered the building, her subordinates would take a bow, showing their respect.

They did so, but for some reason, they went back to talking. Kotomi couldn't quite hear what they were saying, feeling a little suspicious.

Walking over to the man who was exactly a rank under her, Kotomi spoke up. "Kotaro. The men are quite lively today. What's going on?"

Kotaro started to sweat nervously, not knowing if he should tell her right away. "It's just that... We just received a report that two of the leaf security guarding the main gate were attacked last night."

"By who?"

Gulping, Kotaro handed her some papers. "We just got these from the medical facility. They just found out who it was..." At this point, he looked scared out of his mind.

Kotomi began reading the report, her eyes soon widening. "What?! This can't be right! What kind of nonsense is this?!"

Kotaro bowed his head. "I understand how you must feel, m'am! But they used the mind transfer jutsu in one of the guard's memories, and that's what they saw!"

Calming herself down, Kotomi took a deep breath in and out. "I apologize for yelling. I'm going to have a talk with the hokage about this."

Seeing Kotomi walking away, Kotaro extended his hand. "Wait! I don't think the hokage will-"

Kotomi stopped where she stood. "We won't know unless we try. I want to get to the bottom of this." She continued walking away, leaving a worried Kotaro behind.

***

Arriving at the hokage building, Kotomi was about to knock on the office door when she suddenly heard her husband's voice from the other side. "Please assign me to this mission! He's my student! It's my responsibility as his sensei to bring him back!"

"Konohomaru. I won't allow it since you're bringing personal feelings into this." Something snapped in Kotomi, making her barge into the office.

All three guys in the room grunted at the sight. "Kotomi, you know you're not allowed to come in here without permission." Shikamaru said.

"I know, but you all have some explaining to do." Slamming the papers on the desk, Kotomi creased her eyebrows. "What is the meaning of this? Mitsuki would never do something like this!"

Naruto let out a sigh. "I know how you feel, Kotomi-chan. But it's the truth. The evidence is right in front of us."

Kotomi clicked her tongue. "I believe you don't have enough evidence! Mitsuki would never attack any leaf ninja, so I believe he was framed and kidnapped! That's the only explanation!"

Naruto shook his head. "You're wrong. He attacked the guards, and went with the enemy willingly."

"He would never do that!" Kotomi snapped. Silence filled the room. She pointed towards Konohamaru. "Assign my husband to this mission you were talking about! He needs to bring Mitsuki back!"

Naruto shook his head once more. "I'm afraid I can't do that since you two are involving personal-"

"Who gives a crap about that right now! My son is somewhere out there, captured by strangers! You better assign Konohamaru to this mission or else I will raise hell!"

Kotomi's mama bear side was scaring the men in the room, but Naruto had to not let it faze him. At the same time, it brought a smile on his face. "You really care about that kid, huh?"

"Of course I do! Even if he isn't blood related, I think of Mitsuki as my own son! I... I just want my child back!" Pausing for a moment to calm herself down, Kotomi spoke up once more. "As the head of the police force, I will also do my part, and have some of my men do a little more investigating. I promise I won't do anything rash if you give the ok for the police to be involved, and have my husband assigned on this mission."

Seeing Kotomi so worried about Mitsuki, Naruto was lost in thought about something. Shikamaru was waiting for the hokage's answer. "What will you do, Naruto?"

Naruto closed his eyes, his elbows resting on the desk. "You can put as many of your men on this case if you want to. Also, I will think about putting Konohamaru on this mission. But we need to discuss about it more." He opened one eye, giving Konohamaru a smirk. "Your wife really helped you out this time, Konohamaru."

Konohamaru rubbed the back of his head. "I know, kore..."

Seeing that she had persuaded Naruto in letting Konohamaru going on this mission to get Mitsuki back, Kotomi turned towards the door. "I'm going back to work. Sorry for all that. I will assign some my men on this case at once." She placed a hand on Konohamaru's arm, giving him a reassurance pat as she walked out the office, closing the door behind her.

***

At her workplace, Kotomi was looking over a bunch of paperwork. She saw that it was almost time to clock out, and about the time pick up Kojiro from daycare.

She heard Kotaro's voice from the other side of the door. "Even if you're her husband, you can't barge in there!" The next second, the door swung open.

Kotomi looked up, seeing Konohamaru looking somewhat angry. She stood up from her seat as he closed the door behind him at the same time. "Konohamaru, what are you doing here?"

He walked over to her, gripping her shoulders tightly. "Why didn't you tell me that Mitsuki is Orochimaru's son?!"

Kotomi swallowed, remembering Naruto telling her not to tell anyone about it. She always felt bad for not telling her husband about it, knowing he would refuse to take Mitsuki in if she told him upfront. "Naruto gave me direct orders not to tell anyone..."

"Naruto told me himself! You know that man killed my grandfather! Why did you let my grandfather's killer's child enter our home?!"

It was Kotomi's turn to get mad. "Don't compare him to that guy! He isn't the one who killed your grandfather! He's not Orochimaru! Mitsuki is his own person! I thought you of all people would understand how it feels always being seen as the honorable grandson of the third hokage!"

Konohamaru grunted at her words, swallowing in silence. She was right. But he still felt hurt about her not telling him about it. "Even if you were under direct orders not to tell anyone, you still could've told me about it. Yeah... I would've gotten angry then, but I would've understood it if you explained it."

Kotomi swallowed, feeling extremely bad. He was right. "I'm sorry... I know I should've told you from the start. Yes, I was given orders not to tell anyone, including you. But at the same time, I felt like I couldn't tell you personally since I knew you would be against Mitsuki living with us since he's related to Orochimaru. I took him in, because I know that he isn't nothing like that awful man. He's just a child." She looked her husband in the eye. "Our child. And a proud member of squad 7."

Konohamaru grunted once more, feeling mixed emotions. He knew that his wife was right. He shouldn't hold anything against Mitsuki just because he was Orochimaru's son. He shouldn't be blamed for what Orochimaru has done. She was right. He was only just a child.

Konohomaru wrapped his arms around Kotomi, squeezing her tightly with reassurance. "I'm sorry for getting angry. I just felt hurt that you didn't tell me at first. I understand why. But you're right. Mitsuki is his own person. He belongs here in Konoha, and with us."

Kotomi squeezed back, burying her face in her husband's chest. "Bring him home safe and sound..."

"I will."

The two were hugging for a while, not breaking their embrace. Konohomaru would have to go back to the hokage's office to officially start his mission to bring Mitsuki back. At the same time, Kotomi had thought of her own personal mission she had to do. But first things first, she had to take care of her two year old.

***

After Kotomi had picked Kojiro up from daycare, she tried to think of who could watch him for the night. Sakura was busy at the hospital, Sasuke was out of the village again, Konohamaru had already gone off of his mission, Sarada and Boruto went off on their own to find Mitsuki. Luckily, there was one person left.

Knocking on the door, Mirai opened the door. "Nee-san? What are you doing here?"

Kotomi clasped her hands together. "Can you do me a favor, and watch Kojiro for a few hours?"

Mirai blinked. "What are you planning to do?"

Trying to come up with a white lie, Kotomi thought of something. "I have to go back to work, and look over more reports. I wasn't done with them, so I have to go back and finish them by tonight."

Understanding, Mirai nodded. "Ok. I'll watch him."

Kotomi let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you so much!" She slipped off a carrying bag off of her shoulders. "There are extra clothes in here just in case he has an accident."

Mirai received the bag, smiling at Kojiro. "It looks like we'll be spending some time together, Kojiro."

Kojiro cheered in response. "I get to play with Aunt Mirai!"

"Kojiro." Kotomi said in a stern tone. "Listen to your auntie. If I hear that you weren't listening, you won't get that new toy you want so badly."

Kojiro really wanted that new toy that he saw in a commercial several times. He wanted to get rewarded with good behavior. "Ok mommy! I'll be good!"

"Good." Kotomi turned to Mirai. "He's in your hands for a while. Thank you again."

"Anytime, Nee-san!" Both Mirai and Kojiro went inside as Kotomi began walking away. She felt bad that she had to tell a white lie to her cousin, but it felt like she needed to in order to get to the bottom of this.

Getting permission this time to leave the village, Kotomi headed her way towards a certain area. She did not want to be labeled as a rogue ninja again like in her past. She was relieved that Naruto let her go this easily, understanding her feelings.

***

Arriving at a familiar hideout, Kotomi entered it with caution. It was so dark in the hideout, even the dimmed lights weren't helping.

Hearing footsteps behind her, Kotomi turned around, being on her guard. Stepping out of the shadows, she saw two familiar faces, Jugo and Suigetsu.

They stopped where they stood, Suigetsu arched an eyebrow. "Kotomi-chan? What are you doing here?"

Kotomi had her serious face on. "I need to see Orochimaru."

Jugo bowed his head. "Very well. We will escort you to him."

"Geez... You're always so willing to follow both Sasuke and Kotomi's orders."

"Kotomi is Sasuke's precious little sister and-"

"I know, I know. You talked about it before." Suigetsu felt a sharp pain on his arm, seeing that Kotomi had punched him. "Ow! What was that for?!"

Kotomi stared him down. "That's for upsetting my niece that time!"

"But that was so long ago!"

"I'm well aware of that, but I didn't get my justice with it. Now I have."

Suigetsu rubbed his arm where Kotomi had punched him. "Geez... You're so feisty, Kotomi-chan..."

Silently listening in, Jugo spoke up. "Please follow us, hime." Not arguing about him calling her that this time, Kotomi started to follow the two where Orochimaru was.

Inside a room that had giant experimental tubes, Kotomi noticed that they all looked similar to Mitsuki. Grunting at the sight, she now realized how Mitsuki was created. "What brings you here, Kotomi-chan?"

Kotomi turned her head, seeing Orochimaru walking towards her. Swallowing, she started speaking up. "Are you aware that Mitsuki has left Konoha?"

Orochimaru nodded. "I'm well aware. I just got done seeing off Boruto and Sarada. You just missed them."

Kotomi grunted. "What did you tell them?"

"I told them how to obtain a great power to have a better chance to bring Mitsuki back. I gave them directions to Ryuchi Cave."

Kotomi's eyes widen. "You what?!" She felt her blood start to boil. "You're putting my precious niece and nephew's life in danger for some stupid power?!"

Orochimaru chuckled. "I'm not trying to put them in any danger. I just gave them some helpful advice."

"I swear if anything happens to them, there's no telling what I would do!"

Orochimaru looked amused. "Threatening me now, aren't we? There's no use in doing that."

Knowing that he was right, Kotomi looked away. "So tell me about these Mitsuki clones. This is how he was created, right?"

Orochimaru nodded, he started to explain from beginning to end of how Mitsuki was created. It was a long and complex explanation, but it seemed like Kotomi understood.

Her eyes wavered, swallowing towards the end of the story. Kotomi looked up at Orochimaru with a serious expression. "Basically, he's just trying to find out more about himself? Is that what you're saying?"

"That's right. I knew that time would come eventually."

Kotomi lowered her eyes. "I should've been more supportive and there for him. I'm supposed to be his foster mother, and yet..."

"You did nothing wrong, Kotomi-chan. From the reports you send me with my snake, it seems like Mitsuki has been adjusting well in a family environment."

Kotomi nodded. "It feels like he's a part of my family. I feel like he's my own son."

Orochimaru smirked. "I'm glad that I entrusted you with him. Not only did I want Mitsuki to find his own independence, I wanted him to know how it feels living with a normal family. When he returns to the village, please keep looking after him."

"Of course I will. He's my son."

"Continue to keep sending my reports of how he's doing as well."

"I will." Kotomi paused for a moment, remembering something important about Mitsuki. "There's something else I would like to ask."

"What is it?"

"When I was watching Mitsuki fight in the chunin exams, I saw some strange aura coming from him. What was that?"

Orochimaru started chuckling. "You saw that, huh? I guess there's no use in hiding it from you." He started explaining how Mitsuki has senjutsu, able to use sage transformation and sage mode with snakes, claiming to be a dangerous power when in use.

Kotomi grunted. "I don't know if I should be amazed or afraid..."

Orochimaru smirked. "You don't have to worry about it. He wouldn't never do it to harm anyone dear to him."

"I know that, but still..." Kotomi was thinking to herself, now being well informed about Mitsuki's strange power. Hearing the explanation about it, she still didn't know how to feel about it. But she knew that even if he possesses such a dangerous power, Mitsuki was still her child.

***

On one of the nights, Kotomi had put Kojiro down to sleep. She heard that her husband had returned, but is having a meeting with Naruto at the moment and would be home later.

She also heard that Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki had made it back safety. But they had their genin status stripped. It brought back memories when she was stripped of her ninja status.

Kotomi heard the door opening, revealing Mitsuki. He closed the door behind him, looking like he was afraid to meet her direction.

Mitsuki was silent for the longest time, still not looking her way. "I'm home..."

Kotomi walked towards him with her arms crossed. She was so angry at him, but so relieved to see that he was finally home. She ended up wrapping her arms around him, making Mitsuki grunt.

Kotomi hugged him tightly. "Don't ever do anything like that again, do you hear me? I was so worried about you this entire time..."

Mitsuki was silent for a moment, feeling warm from her hug. In return, he slowly wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry, mother. I'm sorry for worrying you."

Kotomi was holding back her tears. "You better be, young man." Slightly breaking the hug to meet his gaze, she had to put on a strong face. "Remember when I said the next time you do something bad, I'll have to punish you?"

Mitsuki nodded. "I remember. I'm prepared for whatever punishment you will give me."

It was so hard being a parent at times like these. But Kotomi knew she couldn't back down on her own words. "Mitsuki... You're grounded. For the rest of the week."

Mitsuki smiled in response. "Understood. I will stay in my room until the week is over. That is what grounded means, is it not?"

"Yes..."

"I will go in for the night. Goodnight, mother." Mitsuki began walking towards his room door, stopping where he stood. "Mother... Thank you for what you do for me. I appreciate you taking care of me the entire time I've been here. I appreciate all you do for my sake." With that, he walked into his room, closing the door behind him.

Kotomi went towards the couch, sitting down while burying her hands in her face. Being a parent is so tough. But sometimes, you have to show your children tough love. It feels like it's more tough on the parents than it is on the kids.

A/N: So Mitsuki got grounded. In real life, I couldn't do it. He has this face where it's so hard to say no to him. Mitsuki's just too precious. Seriously, who can say, "You're grounded." To this face?