Chapter 1

-flashback-

The cool night air tickled down her shirt, the hairs at the back of her neck standing up. The dark sky was littered with small sparkles of starlight, lighting up the path ahead. Her long hair trailed behind, the mask covering up her face. Standing there, infront of the taller figure, she gradually pulled down her mask. Her eyes cast on him, wondering. "I can't believe you did that, you truly are amazing Senpai" her voice trailed on. The male didn't reply but slowly removed his mask, holding it in his right hand. His eyes moved to her face, seeing her half smile.

"Well, I couldn't do it without my whole squad" he answered at last, modestly. He couldn't help but feel his lips upturn into an almost smile as he saw her stand there, the moon light shining down.

She folded her arms across her chest, trying to stop her heat from going into overdrive. This happened nearly every time now. But they never got much time alone, both busy with their top secret missions. It deeply depressed her; all she wanted was to get to know him more as he didn't open up particularly well. She smiled cheekily and was standing next to him now.

"Someone is modest" she snickered, playing hitting on the shoulder. Then her smile drifted of her face, becoming be serious now. "So, I was thinking, the next time we get some alone time from the others and do something?" Ayaka grinned shyly now, face turned on his face, looking for any emotion.

"I can't. Ayaka, I'm leaving the ANBU the day after tomorrow. I don't think we should continue to spend time with each other anymore. I have too much on my mind" the male said sternly, almost ignoring her and even his own feelings.

Her eyes began to swell, tears trickling down her check. "Why?" she choked out. But before Kakashi could say much of one word, the others arrived.

"We have to go, the target is on the move "spoke of the brunette male. And with that, the silver haired man sprinted off into the night, leaving her standing in the glow of the howling moon.

-End of flashback-

The slight breeze drafted through the open window in the classroom, adding some much needed cool air. It was slightly warm and it especially stuffy being cooped up inside. The students cluttered their books on the table, mild chit chatter hanging in the atmosphere. It was the afternoon, which made the children even more restless, anxious to get outside and play. Her knee length light navy skirt rustled lightly in the drifting echoing breeze. On her top half she was wearing her usual black tank top, nothing too special. She wasn't very keen on the green flank jackets all the other chunnin and jonin wore, it just didn't suit her. So she tended not to wear it. Her black hair hung behind her back, trailing almost to her hips. It was left straight, as of most days. She wasn't the vain type and was more than happy to just comb her hair and let it hang naturally. A warm hand right hand pushed back the stray strands of jet black hair as the young female continued her talk, or boring lecture to the students.

"And so that's basic chakra control covered. Any questions?" she asked eagerly, watching the unenthusiastic children shuffle in their students, not paying any attention whatsoever. She frowned, her brows furrowing. Her hands slipped down either side of her hips. It was clear they were not in the mood to listen today. Her gaze turned to one male student with messy chestnut brown hair, head resting on his arms on the desk, not looking up.

"How about you, Ryo, anything?" she queried. The sleepy boy looked up with his tired grey eyes.

"No, Sensei" he replied lifting up his head slowly. "Does anyone have any questions?" she asked again. The class stayed silent.

"Okay fine, so we all know how to control charka and put together hand signs to create a jutsu, perfect." she smiled a devious smile. She was normally a nice person but infront of her students, she had to show off some authority so they would learn. "Well on that note, I'll shall have you all write a paper on it for the next morning" she added, clasping both hands together. Soon the hands of most of the student's hands went up, at her sudden threat. The black haired female grinned, happily satisfied.

"How about you Yuki?"Ayaka lightly said, her voice now gentle. The brown haired girl looked up with her green eyes.

"So, for the jutsu to work you have to concentrate on your charka and do the hand seals at the same time" the timid Yuki piped up. Soon after the pupil spoke up, the room and the building shook with the sound of the shrill school bell, acknowledging the end of the day.

"Yes that is correct." Ayaka all but managed to shout over the sound of the bell."So that's it for today" she smiled slunking back to her desk to sort out the daily paperwork. "And everyone don't forgot about the paper!" she called out, the children jumped out of their seats, grabbing all of their belongings. The blur of colours went past her they all dashed out the classroom, excited to enjoy the rest of their sunny day. She smiled as the last student bounded out of the classroom, closing the firm wooden door. She took the seat at her desk, pulling it outward and sitting herself down gracefully. With the papers still in her hands, Ayaka looked briefly through them and set them down, picking up a pen. Elbow leaning on the end of her desk, her other hand held the pen tightly, touching the sheet with slight pressure, filling out the report.

A light sigh escaped her lips, the endless paperwork dragging on. Although she didn't mind it all, it was a pain. With her head leaning on her open palm of her left hand and the elbow still on the desk for support, her mind got to work. The pen in her right worked away, scribbling all the information necessary. Her long hair touched the desk lightly, her head bent over her work. It shouldn't take long, she thought, writing down the last details. The sun out of the window streamed in the classroom along with the delighted giggles of children playing happily in the sun, with no worries. Ayaka felt her lips turn into a gentle smile. What would she give to be a carefree child again. It wasn't like she hated being older, it would just be nice to go back to the old days, with no worries plaguing her mind. She then quickly turned her attention back to the paperwork, now grading some papers. She quickly finished with the last one, her mind drifting off now.

Soon, this class would be graduating and sent into the scary world of being a shinobi. It wasn't the easiest job in the world, but very rewarding. Representing the village and protecting filled up the pride of many ninja in this village. She fondly remembered her days as a shinobi. She even missed it, especially her ANBU days. Those memories were etched in her mind forever. The horrible ones but most of all the good times she had there. Working as part of a team was hard work but so great at the same. It had only been a year since she quit to acquire a less demanding to help out her sister-in-law who was like a blood related sister to her. It was an overall good decision and she didn't regret it. The sound of the clock above moving its hand quickly shook her back to reality. Glancing at the time, she stood up, gathering up the papers. Walking out of the room with gentle footsteps, Ayaka calmly closed the door firmly. Her steps were still quiet as she walked up to the staff room, Iruka intent over some work of his own.

"Hello Ayaka, is that the paperwork?" the male with the spiky brown ponytail smiled, his eyes closing as he did.

"Yes it. It's all done as well" she grinned in reply always happy to speak to her colleagues. Especially Iruka, who had helped her alot this past year with teaching the class. She could remember her first day and how nervous she was and how quickly she managed to ease up from tips from him.

"Wow impressive. So how was your day anyway?" he continued with his smile, eyes opening now, the pen down beside the paper.

"It was okay but they were all so eager to get outside they didn't pay much attention" Ayaka grinned, left hand on her hip and handing over the papers.

"Of course you know what children are like. But I'm sure they'll buckle down and study when their exam comes" Iruka replied, taking her papers and putting them in the pile of things to be filed away.

"Yes hopefully. So I'd better get off, Emi needs my help with Naoko" Ayaka rushed on, knowing she was needed.

"Well, I better not keep you from your duties. Have a nice night" he replied, waving gently.

Ayaka waved and backed out of the door and out onto the street. She was minding her own business when she spotted a familiar figure walking down the street, face covered with that infamous mask and light silver hair sticking up, book held up to his face, reading closely. Her face lit up instantly as she slowly walked up to him. Her long hair swished behind her back, nearing closer and finally stopping infront of him, her grin never fading from her pale red lips. Her love for him never faded although she knew he couldn't feel the same.