Soft, gray light drifted over the lush valley rousing the various life from their slumber, replacing the subtle hum of night with the beginning symphony associated with the daily bustle of a prosperous village. Sighing as once deserted streets seemed to fill before her eyes, Kurine trudged on mourning the loss of her solace and praying that things would remain uneventful.

' yea fat chance of that happening.'

At least the scenery was a spectacular distraction. Lush foliage overflowed from the forests and fields to meld into the surrounding eclectic structures until it was impossible to tell where one ended and the other began.

"hidden leaf.......how fitting'

The rich scent of baking bread wafted up amid the earthy tones making the red heads stomach growl. It had been at least a day since her initial rations ran out and she hadn't found many people willing to oblige someone like her with some extra food. Not that she blamed them their apprehension was justified, somewhat, considering that it was human nature to fear the unknown but reason did not a belly fill. Now thick as fleas villagers began to surround each side of the street, throwing out glares and the occasional insult at the strange insulting visitor. This was nothing new unfortunately and Kurine had long ago learned to display as air of nonchalance despite the hurt that never quite seemed to go away.

' It doesn't matter. They don't really know you and are only reacting off their own fear and prejudice.'

She just kept looking at the horizon mentally replaying the mantra as the animosity grew along with the crowd. Eggs, cream and fresh fish joined their starchy counterpart, shops sparkled with warm vibrant colors beaconing costumers into their depths, and all around her families called out bidding their loved ones goodbye as they left off to an array of pursuits. Azure skies bursting with fluffy pure white clouds was the final touch to this picturesque scene making it easier for one scared lonely girl to keep her cool while desperately searching for the tall towers that housed the one woman she hoped would be happy to see her.

Trying her best to laugh it off as sharp edges bit into her skin Kurine turned to smile her assailants, a group of little boys hiding behind a tree.

"You all have very good aim."

Scurrying off toward their houses and safety from the "monster" the fearsome foursome disappear into a sea of cotton and flesh.

'At least no pitchforks or torches'

As the crowd thickened so did their spines and the comments and disdainful sneers which had been hidden behind hands started racing for the surface eager to leap out at her as she passed. Reaching up to brush back an unruly curl Kurine flinched at the dual onslaught of pain and the nauseating smell of copper. It was promising to be a very long day.

Finally free of the throng a pair of clumsy heels clicked wearily on the worn cobblestone, dragging their owner with them.

'I can't believe I let those clowns talk me into this. This whole scene could have been avoided had I been in normal clothes and shoes I can actually walk in.'

No , she had to be dressed like a lady else risk insulting the leader and elders of the village. At least that is what her overbearing uncle had yelled at her when she had dared to request wearing something nice, but practical seeing as she was sailing across an ocean and would be trekking it the rest of the way on foot. Stepping back to free her heel from the back hem of this ridiculously long dress Kurine felt the supporting foot slip. Suspended midair she tensed preparing for the inevitable kiss of cobblestone.

" Are you ok?"

Warm and much softer than stones worn smooth by generations of shinobi feet, one gallant knight smiled down into soft hunter eyes. He smiled watching color bloom into the peachy complexion as relief flooded her system. Forcing frozen hands and frazzled mind to work the relieved girl disentangled from her unfortunate victim.

" Yes, I'm fine. Thank you."

Busying trembling hands with fixing the skewed dress Kurine allowed collected herself before glancing back up frowning as a glint of silver caught her eye. Her perpetual lack of grace had unsettled the headband he was wearing.

"Gah, I'm sorry. I'm such a klutz."

Gasping as strong fingers caught her wrist, she felt herself flush as a smile turned the corner of his lips.

" There's no need to fix it. I always wear it this way."

Flushing up to her hairline the red head found herself wishing that she had fallen. Maybe then she could have used smacking her head as an excuse for such inane stupidity.

Highlighted by the deep flush, a smattering a freckles drew the jounin's attention away from the far too amusing shock glimmering behind the sharp attentive eyes. Bright coppery crimson hair, peachy skin, and those mossy eyes made the girl unique and gave reason for a second look even though she wasn't a considerable beauty. As the blush settled he caught the most distinguishing features that nearly knocked him for a loop.

'wait....no it can't be...'

There hidden among the subtle tan specks was six entire too recognizable marks three on each cheek. Sadly though they were the lesser of the two evils as a pair of pointed ears appeared out from under the frizzy curls they had been hiding in.

" I didn't mean to offend you. I though I had knocked it somehow when I barreled into you. "

Cracking around the edges Kurine started to ramble in a vain attempt to keep from sobbing in front a stranger. Tearing he gaze away from the scuffed, ghastly excuses for footwear she felt everything fade just for a moment as he smiled scratching his head nervously.

" No harm done. I wouldn't be much of a ninja if I let some little slip of a girl get the best of me."

Unable to resist the flood of gaiety, she laughed only blushing again when a snort slipped out. Though the deep resounding chuckle that followed was worth the embarrassment.

" I'm Kurine by the way. I really do appreciate you not letting me fall flat on my face."

"I'm Kakashi, and it's all in a days work."

Taking the offered hand he was surprised at how calloused it was, especially when her manner and attire screamed nobility.

" Nice ears by the way."

Tsunade chuckled from her window as she heard the final remark and watched her former babysitting charge saunter away from the dazed lady.

' Not even noon and stealing hearts already huh hatake.'

Shaking her head, the gorgeous, timeless hokage made her way down knowing that the next person Lady Silver stumbled upon might not be as tolerant.