"All right my boy, you've done enough for now. You're free for the day."

"Thank you father." The boy bowed to his father and walked out of the room. When outside, he walked quickly across his large garden and through a path covered in flowers and colorful berries. It was a long walk through his home to get to the forest. His family was a rich and powerful group and they owned their own land with a large division of homes in one temple. Usually doing work around the temple and helping his father out, he was very busy. But whenever he had free time, he'd go train with his master of discipline and ninja training. He enjoyed training with him, always looking forward to his next lesson and studying hard. He was his pupil.

The boy stopped to catch his breath and flicked his blonde wavy hair out of his face. A long layer of a sideway-cut bang covered part of his right eye and behind his head was a natural flow of more blonde hair.

"You're here early." A gentle voice sounded from a tree.

The boy looked up and bowed. "Yes Shishou. Father let me out early today. I've done all my tasks quickly and efficiently and-" He was cut off when his master's hand went up.

He smiled down at his private student and jumped down neatly from the branch he was sitting on. "There is no need to act formal today."

"Sir?" The boy asked, confused. He straightened himself and followed his master to a river running through the temple. Sitting down next to his master, he listened quietly.

The man was silence for a moment, as if in thought. It wasn't until five full minutes later did he speak, "You are aware… ever since I first met you, you had potential. You're father and I both knew." The boy nodded and then the man took out a pipe and lit it. "You've improved dramatically. I've never seen anything like it, actually." He looked down at his student whose head was down, in thought. "But it's in a very good way. When I first met you-"-he chuckled slightly-"you were by far the most stubborn, impolite, horrible child I have ever met. Never could trust you with anything." He smiled to himself and looked at the boy through the reflection in the running river. "And now I can trust you with my life." The boy looked up at him.

"Thank you master."

"No need to thank me. I simply told you what you were capable of and how to get there. It was your determination to go for that goal with everything you had. For that I am proud to call you my student." The man put his pipe away and stood up. "I am also proud to say that you deserve a vacation."

This caught the boy's attention. "W-what? But Shishou, don't I need more training?"

"I've done my part for now with your mind. I'll be back for your next step of training."

"So you're leaving?"

"Yes." The man said. "Now, tell me. What is it you would like to do? It may be anything you'd like for you are the son of the rich and powerful temple leader." He bowed slightly and smiled.

The boy thought for a second but his answer was clear. He was about to answer when he was interrupted.

"I'll set up a group of guards to go with you to your destination." He stood up straight and turned around, back to the boy.

"You know where I want to go." The boy smiled.

His master looked back and saw the rare smile he never wore. He smiled himself and nodded, "Yes, in fact I do. You want to see that girl again, don't you?"

The boy looked away and flushed.

The man laughed and put a hand on his shoulder, "No need to be embarrassed, it's gonna happen! I wish you luck…

"Mori…"

"Ahh, I knew it! You wanted to see that lovely girl again didn't you? Oh, my son is growing into a man. I'm so proud! I must make preparations." The temple leader bustled around calling on guards, making sure his son's bags were packed, and treating Mori like a child.

It was all true too. The young, immature and spoiled child Mori had turned into a handsome, mature and very polite and responsible young man. He'd gotten extremely taller and his hair was no longer messy. Instead it was neatly combed in the back and parted to the side covering part of his right eye. His clothes were always ironed and organized and he never argued with anyone. Always attending parties or meetings with his father, he took charge of many things. Formal, like his family -even his voice. His mother said it sounded like bells in the soft of the wind. Calm and moving. His voice astounded the ladies around the temple, although he paid no mind to them. He was interested in only one girl. And that girl lived in the Leaf Village. In other words, he wanted to see her badly and prove that he's changed.

Walking to his room by himself to get ready to leave, he stopped in front of his door and stared at a particular spot. The spot where he had hurt the girl…

Ryume…

That name that brings joy to his ears. But not when he's standing at the spot where she had gotten hit on the head with a bucket full of water trying to save a child he had sent to run on the roof. There was also another problem.

Sasuke.

Is he in love with her now…?

He'd always defend Ryume and hated Mori. They hated each other but Mori wanted another chance. He wanted to prove himself and start over with Ryume.

But how?

Mori closed his eyes, his happiness gone of seeing Ryume, and walked into his room where his pet was sleeping. It was a white ferret with black paws, ears and striped tail. His eyes were green, like Ryume's. That was the reason Mori wanted him. He found him in the forest and took him in because he was injured. The ferret loved him and was always near him.

Mori packed and left to go out to the gates with his ferret, Shimamaru. Shima for short.

Mori stood and waited patiently for his father to finish his lecture to him and his guards. There were always rules when going out of the temple. Of course, Mori would always follow them, but his father shouldn't have to repeat everything. Eventually, he finished and sent Mori off with his four guards surrounding him. He took Shimamaru out of his bag and let her run around for a bit.

This is it. Mori thought to himself, I'm finally going to apologize and start over.

Ryume…