Hiro Hyuuga listened as Tashi spoke, carefully scrutinizing the mask when he revealed it. When he relayed the information that led them to come to Konoha in the first place, he closed his white eyes and sighed, "So that is why you've come, eh? I have no doubt Hiruzen and Isamu, Konoha and Suna will want to go to war. Twenty years ago, I was amazed that anyone thought that a cease-fire would last that long. But it was long enough..."<br/><br/>Hiro looked over at Jun and softly chuckled, "That is a little harsh, no? There is little about Tanigakure that we do not already know... Besides, we are allies- are we not? The old alliances are still strong, else you would not be here today." He closed his eyes and nodded, "Duly noted. I meant no offense... to the Inuzuka's credit- dogs are loyal to the end, and much less... close to the wild than wolves."<br/><br/>Marise's father slapped his hands and his knees and stood up, "Well, enough of that. You are free to stay here if you wish. Consider yourselves our special guests. Mari-chan, your mother will be back tonight. I'm sure she'll be glad to see you."<br/><br/>There was a knock on the door, and Hiro authoritatively said, "Enter!"<br/><br/>It was Mari's cousin, holding a tray with tea cups as he cracked the door, humbly saying, "Hiro-sama. I was looking all over for you." He could only laugh in response. Marise knew her father too well- he was putting on a calm and happy demeanor.<br/><br/>After the tea was served and pleasantries exchanged, it was quickly decided that they all needed a nice bath. It was nice and hot, the walls made of stone to dissuade any of the Hyuuga from peeking through with their Byakugan. At least those whose eyes were not yet powerful enough to penetrate such obstructions. It seemed like most everyone was out, as the three kunoichi had the baths to themselves. Tashi as well, though he was considerably less entertained by himself. At least he spent more time relaxing and cleaning than chatting, and so by the time he had his fill- the girls were still in the thick of it.<br/><br/>Tashi was left unattended, free to explore the compound as he wished. It wasn't long walking through one of the gardens when a young woman in ninja gear walking past stopped suddenly, craned her neck forward and then suddenly recoiled. "That's no Sharingan." She said, leaning back and crossing her arms. Unmistakably a Hyuuga, with short deep blue hair that seemed common save for Marise. She wore short shorts, a shuriken holster strapped to her thigh, ninja sandals, gloves up to her elbows, and a fishnet tee shirt underneath a breast plate exposing her midriff, shaped like a short tank top. Her forehead protector was hanging loosely around her neck, "And you're not from here, either, mm?"