A small crackle emitted almost too soft for ears to hear, "Ahhh, we have a problem."

I pressed the ear piece tighter into my ear, a growl of irritation bubbled in the back of my throat. I tightened my kusarigama in my left hand and a kunai in my right. I grimaced behind my mask, crouching lower against the branch that I was on. A soft breeze fluttered my white robes around; I kept my eyes trained on the men below me. They were glancing around them, looking for me no doubt, and weapons in hand. My own hands clenched tighter, knuckles turning white.

The small crackle sounded again, "What is it?"

"They've detected us, we're thirty yards south of you, Nezumi-san. They probably know where you are." My eyes narrowed.

'Kuso.'

The men below me suddenly vanished; I threw myself back against the tree, a soft zwip ringing in my ears as a kunia grazed past. I turned sharply to my right, hands locked in front of me, waiting. Two of the men had perched themselves on a branch, the other stood at the base of my tree. My blood began to pound in my ears, they continued to watch me. We continued our staring contest, the two across from me slowly stood. I began weighing my options on if I would have time to make the proper seals in time.

Boar-Rabbit-Dragon-Boar.

"Kakuchou Kusarigama-no-Jutsu!"

The weapon in my left hand extended well beyond twelve feet, the chain at least twenty. I whipped it at the men across from me and they scattered, flinging myself back from the branch I threw the kunai at the man on the ground. Landing on my feet, I spun around blocking the katana with my kusarigama. The sharp dink filled the area, I frowned sensing chakra on my right side. I reached behind me for my own katana, leaping back and crossed both my weapons, all three of the men grinned at me.

"You won't be able to defeat us."

I growled deeply, they continued to grin. I shifted my feet to the right ever so slightly, they followed my example. Just as quickly, their grin vanished as three other ANBU appeared behind them, kunai to each of their necks. I relaxed out of my stance, putting the katana on my back. I released my justu allowing my kusarigama to shrink and placed it on my hip. The three ANBU watched me, waiting for an order. I shifted my mask slightly, brushing bangs out of my eyes but keeping it in place.

"Is everyone else captured? All nine accounted for?" I asked.

"Hai, Nezumi-san." Ookami-san answered me.

I pulled off my mask giving them the 'thumbs up', "I think we're good to go then. Let 'em go."

The ANBU let the men go, who grumbled and complained, rubbing their necks. I smirked at them and placed my hands on my hips. The ANBU behind them put up the kunai, sliding their masks to the side of their faces. I got the same three usual expressions as I always did after a good long training session. Isamu, Hiroki was grinning just as much as I was, if not more, his shockingly orange hair lay in spikes close to his head. Ryo, Masakuro was not amused by my childishness, his lips were placed in a firm line and I could have sworn his left eye twitched every time he looked at me. Lastly was Satoru, Katashi, his lips neither smiled nor frowned but his light green eyes told me everything.

"Good work today!" I cheered, throwing a fist in the air, "I say we did well, especially since these Jounin, didn't think we would be able to take them all down. So how about some sake and Yakisoba!"

I sent a smirk towards the Jounins way, they sent glares mine.

"Ita!" Hiroki yelled, throwing an arm around my shoulders, "This is why I love you Yuuka-chan!"

I grinned widely wrapping my arm over his shoulders as well. Masakuro and Katashi followed behind us at a relatively decent pace, since after all, Hiroki and I were almost in a run. We arrived at a small bar taking our usual seats in the back booth. The waitress took one look at us before turning to fill our orders without even having to ask. I smirked propping up my feet on Katashi's lap who just sent a small smile in my direction.

A pot of steaming green tea and bottle of sake were placed in front of us all. Chawan's were placed in front of Katashi and Masakuro while Puchikappu were placed in front of Hiroki and I. Masakuro poured himself and Katashi the green tea while Hiroki poured our sake. Not long after our Yakisoba arrived, we munched and sipped our drinks, as our stomachs filled so did our cups. I soon began to feel the effects of the sake as did Hiroki, I smiled shifting my position around the table so I could rest against Katashi. His green eyes smiled at me and he draped an arm over my shoulders.

My eyelids dropped slightly as Masakuro and Hiroki argued about who was better than the other, well, more like Hiroki was arguing and Masakuro gave short answers denying what he said. I opened my eyes as a shadow loomed over our table and saw a woman with soft green hair. I smiled up at her the best I could through my hazy mind and raised a hand in greetings. She placed her hands firmly on her hips, blowing her bangs out of her face. She didn't seem all too happy.

"Mami-sensei!"

"Kasumi, how much have you been drinking?"

My raised hand went to the back of my neck and I smiled sheepishly, turning to Katashi for my answer.

"Dont worry, Sadako-sensei. I'll make sure she gets home safe." I smiled at Katashi widely.

"Alright Satoru," She looked back at me, "As for you Kasumi. I would expect better of my former student and leader of an ANBU team for hire you need to be more careful about drinking. You can be called away at any notice to any village. Most don't appreciate incapacitated ninja."

My ego went from full to empty in a matter of seconds, "Hai. Sadako-sensei."

I knew she was only trying to help me become a better Captain but that didn't mean her words hurt me any less. It wasn't like I drank all of the time. Katashi stood quickly, glaring at our Sensei, Masakuro and Hiroki stood as well. Katashi pulled me up next to him, his arm around my waist, instinctively I relaxed into his side. Our Sensei's eyes softened slightly, but she kept her lips drawn into a thin line.

"We'll be leaving know, Sadako-sensei." Katashi said smartly pulling me along with him.

In the outside air I grimaced pulling my robe closer around myself. Hiroki and Masakuro began walking in a different direction from the one Katashi and I walked, they raised their hands in a goodbye and darted off. I was slightly surprised that Hiroki could run in his intoxicated state, but quickly giggles followed that thought as I saw Hiroki stumble and fall into a heap. Katashi chuckled, shaking his head at what had happened. I wrapped my fingers around his and smiled up at him.

"Should s-someone help Hiroki-i?" I asked, stifling yawns.

"He'll be fine, Yuuka-chan."

I nodded as we continued towards my apartment. We didn't have to walk much farther before reaching my door; Katashi fished through my pocket and pulled out my keys. He opened the door, ushering me in and closed it behind us. We removed our sandals placing them at the genkan with much of his help and headed towards my bathroom. When we entered he sat me on the toilet seat, drenching a cloth, he wiped my face and neck softly. I mumbled a thanks as he took me towards my bedroom; Katashi went through my draws pulling me out a large shirt to sleep in while I began to undress. He helped slide the shirt down over my head and as soon as I was comfortable I laid down.

"Do'n leave me 'Tashi." I whispered, my fingers curling in his hair.

He smiled down at me, leaning forward and placed his lips against mine, "I won't Yuuka-chan."

He shifted his body and mine, lying beside me. I curled myself against him and my back warmed quickly. His arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. His fingers traced circles on my stomach, giving me butterflies. He placed equally soft kisses to the back of my neck and shoulders. His soft lips gave me goose bumps and I let out a breathy sigh. I turned to face him, planting my lips against his. I opened my eyes to see him watching me; we smiled at the same time.

"I love you 'Tashi." I mumbled, fitting my head under his.

He pressed one more kiss to my lips.

"I love you, Yuuka-chan."

I woke quickly, my heart hammering in my chest as my fingers pressed against my lips. Anger swelled in my belly and I let out a harsh yell before curling back into a ball on the bed. The tears that spilled every time I woke pushed past my lids and stained my cheeks, a sob, soft enough to be a whisper, escaped my lips. I pulled my blanket around me tighter, shaking in anger and pain. My fingers reflexively reached for the necklace I wore, which only made the tears grow worse and the sobs harsher.

After what seemed like forever I untangled myself from the sheets, sitting up. Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself off the bed, heading into the bathroom. My eyes were puffy and swollen, my cheeks a blotchy red along with my nose. I ran thin fingers through thick, dark locks attempting to make my hair lay flat. With a sigh I turned to the shower, twisting on the hot water, before carefully twisting the cold to create the perfect in between temperature.

I pulled my shirt over my head and slipped out of my underwear quickly stepping into the water. It rolled over my shoulders and back, relaxing my tense muscles. I turned allowing the water to spray my face, my tears spilled again, disappearing in the running water. I reached quickly for shampoo and lathered it in my hair, forcing myself to take deep, painful breaths to calm down. When I finished I tightly wrapped a towel around my body, letting my long hair drip down my back and onto the floor.

I sat myself on the edge of the bed staring at the floor, before yet again curling into a ball on the bed. I turned on my left side and smiled, stroking the sheet with my right hand, with my left I clutched my necklace tightly. I allowed myself to believe Katashi lay next to me so much so that I could feel his hands snake around my waist as he pulled me against him. I could feel my head be placed under his chin, his lips pressing into my hair. Before long though the feelings vanished and I lay there, still cold, still alone.

With one last final sigh I pushed my body out of bed and over to my nin-pack. I pulled out my uniform, setting it down on the floor next to me. I quickly stood and towel dried my hair, wiping down the rest of my body as well to catch any stray drops of water. I pulled on a tight, black spandex suit which was sleeveless and came up like a turtle neck, over it I quickly pulled on my white padded ANBU vest. I slipped on my calf-high nin-sandals, followed by three-quarter gloves, standard metal on the backs of my hands. I pulled out a roll of gauze wrapping it around the tops of the gloves, securing them to my biceps and around my right thigh.

I repacked my bag, swinging it over my should, I exited the room skipping two steps at a time down the stairs. When I reached the bottom I calmly walked to the counter and handed the elderly man behind it the keys, they jingled in the air for a moment before he made to grab them. He gave me a warm smile, glancing at my attire and bowed his head slightly. I tried to smile back but I'm sure it looked more like a grimace. I quickly bowed my head, hiding my face behind my bangs and hair.

The wind swept my hair behind me as I ran quickly as possible to my destination. The nerves in my stomach bundled and clenched at the thought of what I was doing. Did I really want to be a part of a village again? I'd been alone for so long that I felt like an outcast, granted a self induced outcast, but one none the less. Could this really be what I need like the Hokage of Konohagakure had suggested? Plus, he was offering a pretty decent deal; I'd get double my old wages and my old position back as long as I could pass a simple test.

I stopped after a few hours, to calm my breathing, eat something and take a short nap. I pulled out some dried fruit and nuts, munching away quickly; I pulled out my canteen and took a greedy gulp. I wiped my mouth on the back of my hand placed the things back in my bag. I looked around the large forest, trying to decide if sleeping on the ground or in a tree would prove better protection, I decided a tree.

I allowed my chakra to flow to my feet and took my first step towards the large tree. I walked up it slowly, swaying my hips, letting my hair dangle free behind me. When I reach a height that I deemed, high enough to not be noticed but not high enough to die if I had happened to fall. I settled back in between two branches, my eyes closed and I realized I was more tired than I had originally thought.

"Ookami! Usagi! Ondori!" I yelled as loudly as I could.

My throat was going hoarse with the effort, but I couldn't stop. No matter how much I willed myself to remain calm, cool and collected like an ANBU Captain should, I couldn't. Tears pricked in the corner of my eyes and I clenched my fists tight at my sides. All around me ninja were franticly digging through burnt down building, ashes swirled up, stinging my nose, staining my cheeks. I felt my throat grow tight as Usagi was pulled from beneath a shattered rafter.

I darted over to him as quickly as possible, his chest heaved up and down with labored breathing. The medic-nins pushed me back, out of the way quickly, hands glowing over his body. Tears began to spill and I leaned forward to run my fingers through now red and black hair, instead of the vibrant orange. They shooed me back again and I quickly continued my search of the area continuing to yell for Ookami and Ondori.

It wasn't long before they found Ondori. He had begun to pull himself from the burning ashes, coughing heavily. He leaned back into the waiting arms of the medic-nin to examine him, between his coughs he managed to look at me, his lips were in the familiar stern line but somehow it seemed caring, his eyes sweeping over me to make sure I was okay. I rushed to him, kneeling down to eye level. His cough subsided for the most part and he stared at me with a soot covered face. I grabbed it between my cool, slender fingers. The tears down my face made white trails through the grime, my eyes stared into his before new tears came.

"Please, Ondori," I started, "Tell me. Where is Ookami, where is my Katashi?"

His eyes dropped from mine quickly to the space between us, my hands dropping from his face. I unsteadily dropped back, sitting on my butt; shoulders hunched forward arms between my knees. Tears continued to spill over my lashes and I couldn't help the harsh sobs that escaped my lips. Masakuro got to his feet despite the protests of the medics and stood in front of me. He pulled me up by the shoulders before giving me a harsh shake. My head snapped to him, eyes dangerous.

"We'll find him, Yuuka."

In that moment all anger dissolved, I believed him. Masakuro had never once lied to me before and the look in his eyes made me believe he wouldn't stop until he had found him. He let go of my shoulders, shooing away the medics as he began his search. I told myself to pull it together and headed in the opposite direction as him. I allowed my chakra to span over the entire mess hoping to catch his. Time ticked away and I became less and less hopefully. I stopped looking at a certain point and headed back to check on Hiroki. The medic-nin told he they had transported him back to base and that he was stable enough they would bet money he would make it. I tried to smile but my lips wouldn't form the necessary action.

Before I knew what was happening Masakuro sprinted into my line of vision carrying a limp body. The breath caught in my throat as he placed it on the ground. The medic-nins didn't even try to stop me as I knelt over him, tears rushing to my eyes. They made do while I cried over him, their hands glowing bright green over his body. My fingers tangled in his hair as I placed us forehead to forehead taking deep, shaky breaths. I stiffened when I heard a sharp cough and ragged breaths begin to force themselves out of his body. My tears of sorrow quickly became ones of joy and i gripped the sides of his face, planting a quick kiss to his lips.

This time the medic-nin did force me away, Masakuro stood behind me, hand on my shoulder. I turned quickly wrapping him into a tight hug that he halfway returned. My tears soaked his chest and he patted my back in an attempt to relax me. I pulled back, grinning up through my tears the best I could. I couldn't express my happiness and I hoped my eyes could show Masakuro just how much this ment to me. After another awkward hug I pulled away and we followed the medics to base.

Katashi and Hiroki would be just fine they told us and they were right. Both leveled out and all vitals were normal, they told us Kami-sama was on their side and they should consider themselves lucky. I considered myself lucky. Lucky that Masakuro had not given up, lucky that Hiroki would be fine and I wouldn't lose a friend, lucky that Katashi would live and not leave me, lucky that all my sorrow had been for nothing.