Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Inuyasha.

Author's Note: Hey everyone! I hope you had a good Thanksgiving:) Initially, I had this one-shot (turned two-shot) written for Thanksgiving, but things got in the way. As I just mentioned, this is a one-shot, divided into two parts because it was too long for the site to upload. So, if you're patient, I'll have Part 2 up very soon (it's already written).

Bittersweet Memories: Part 1

11/19/06 – 11/23/06

Naruto's face immediately brightened upon learning that his team was going to be the only one assigned an A-rank mission. He couldn't wait to rub this in everyone else's face. They'll all be so jealous!

"What's the objective, Hokage-sama?" Sakura asked nervously, half-tempted to decline the mission on the spot. After all, they were only genins! What was she thinking assigning them an A-rank mission? Is she trying to kill us?!?

Clearing her throat, the Godaime calmly replied, "An important Konoha shinobi is finally returning to the village after an extended absence." Stopping for a brief moment to gauge the genins' reaction, she slowly continued, "She was an exceptional shinobi part of Konoha's elite forces – the ANBU. However, certain circumstances have left her traumatized…"

Understanding clicked as Sakura softly murmured, "You want us to keep a close eye on her, right? Is she…dangerous?"

The Godaime sighed as she carefully elaborated, "Yes and no. However, I don't want any of you to make her feel like she's a missing-nin. You are to treat her with the utmost respect and make her feel welcome in this village. Your objective is her safety, her comfort, and her happiness. I admit that the mission is dangerous, but not for the reasons you make think. All you need to know is that she would never attack anyone without reason or provocation."

"In other words," Sasuke snorted derisively, "we're glorified babysitters."

The Hokage shot Sasuke a smothering glare (which he promptly ignored by turning his head haughtily aside).

Kakashi coughed lightly as he discreetly glanced towards Naruto and silently willed him to somehow break the uncomfortable silence. However, Naruto – too preoccupied with his own musings – remained blissfully unaware of the mounting tension in the office. Kakashi frowned as he dryly grumbled, "The one time I want him to speak; he decides to become mute."

Silent seconds ticked into minutes, and moments before Tsunade looked like she was about to leap over her desk and throttle Sasuke to death, someone interrupted. "Who is it?" Tsunade demanded irritably, shooting the Uchiha heir one last glare (that he ignored again) before turning her attention to the door.

"Shizune," the voice answered respectfully. After a brief pause, she softly added, "She's here."

The Godaime's face immediately softened as she gently called out, "Enter."

Four pairs of curious eyes swiveled to the door as it slowly swung open to reveal a young teenage girl dressed in civilian clothes. She took a step into the room and bowed, "Greetings, Hokage-sama."

Tsunade quickly got up and moved out from behind her desk. "I'm glad you're here, Kagome." Moving towards the girl, she quickly encased her in a large hug and gently murmured, "It's good to see you again."

Smiling half-heartedly, the girl slowly wrapped her arms around the Godaime and whispered, "I missed you too. It's been so long…" Tightening her grip around the older woman, she softly added. "Too long…Everything's changed."

Pulling back from the embrace, the Hokage murmured, "You're right, a lot has changed in the last six years. However, you'll find that some things will never change." Gesturing to the three genins behind her, she continued, "This is precisely why I'm going to have these three show you around Konoha. Then, you can see for yourself what has changed and what has not."

Laughing slightly, the girl replied, "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

"No need." Tsunade waved off carelessly. Then, turning to face Team Seven, she stated, "This is the girl I was talking to you about. Her name's…"

"…Kagome." Kakashi whispered, recognition lighting his eyes.

"Huh?" Naruto asked confusedly, glancing to and fro between his sensei and the new girl. "Do you know her, Kakashi-sensei?" When Kakashi finally nodded his head in affirmation, Naruto quickly asked, "How? Who is she?"

"An acquaintance." answered Kakashi. "I met her once by chance. However, I've heard many great stories about her through others. She was said to be a prodigy in the Healing Arts."

Bowing again, Kagome softly whispered, "You flatter me, Kakashi-san."

"Don't be so modest." chided Tsunade, patting Kagome heartily on back.

Smiling slightly, Kagome managed a small, jerky nod as she tilted her head in acceptance. Then, turning her attention to the genins stationed around her, she slowly straightened her back and greeted, "Hello, I'm Kagome Higurashi – a former Konoha ANBU member. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

"Really?!?" shouted Naruto, jumping forward excitedly. "You're really part of ANBU?"

"It's hard to believe, isn't it?" Kagome laughed gently as she did a small twirl. "Truthfully, if it wasn't for my healing abilities, I would have most likely remained a genin for the rest of my life. My Ninjutsu and Taijutsu skills, compared to other ANBU members, are only mediocre at best."

"Nonsense!" Tsunade snorted, brushing off Kagome's modesty.

Shaking her head, Kagome softly laughed, "You haven't changed at all, Hokage-sama. However, I must leave you now. I promise Shizune-san I would meet her outside as soon as possible so she could show me to my new apartment."

Nodding her head in acquiescence, the Godaime answered, "All right. Then, I'll see you tomorrow."

Bowing again, Kagome quickly turned and walked out of the office.

As soon as Kagome left the room, Tsunade's smile pulled downwards into a frown. Her eyes softened with sorrow as she slowly moved back to her desk. "She's changed so much over the last six years…" she murmured quietly to herself. "It's hard to believe that she's still the same little girl who used to follow me everywhere."

Silence reigned in the office as the Hokage stared reminiscently into space. "She used to be such a cheerful little girl…" I wonder what happened. Did that event from six years ago completely destroy you? Will you ever…return to normal? Can you forget? Or does the scar run too deep too ever heal completely?

Shifting nervously, Sakura softly asked, "Ano, Hokage-sama, who…" The pink-haired kunoichi quickly stopped mid-sentence when she felt something clasp onto her shoulder. Turning her head slightly to face the person behind her, she asked confusedly, "Kakashi-sensei?"

Remaining silent, Kakashi quietly tilted his head towards the Hokage and gently shook his head. Placing his finger to his lips, he silently asked her to drop the subject and leave the Hokage in peace.

Nodding in understanding, Sakura slowly turned her head towards the Hokage and silently wondered, "What's going on?"

"Thank you, Shizune-san." Kagome smiled as she escorted the older woman out the door. "Don't worry about me; I'm sure I'll be able to manage one night without causing too much trouble."

"All right, but don't hesitate to come find me if you need anything." laughed Shizune as she descended the spiral steps. "I'll see you tomorrow morning then, Kagome-chan. Sayonara!"

"Sayonara…" Kagome murmured quietly as she turned back into her apartment and locked the door.

Moving to the windows, she gently pushed them open and propped her arms on the windowsill. Laying her cheek on her arms, she serenely closed her eyes. Moments passed in silence as she simply basked in the sunlight, enjoying the gentle breeze that affectionately ruffled her hair.

Hours passed before she finally reopened her eyes. Gazing forlornly out the window, she quietly whispered, "I'm back."

I'm finally home…

Walking in companionable silence, Team Seven remained oddly quiet as they made their way out of the Hokage's Tower. However, the peace was short-lived. As soon as they were a distance away from the tower, Naruto questioningly demanded, "What's going on? What happened six years ago?"

Sighing tiredly, Kakashi stopped and turned his head towards his pupils. "It's a complicated story – one that I don't completely understand myself. However, if you really want to know, I can tell you what I have heard."

"Please tell us, Kakashi-sensei." Sakura pleaded, curious to know why the usually hot-headed Hokage seemed to dot on Kagome like a loving grandmother.

Sighing deeply, Kakashi softly began, "Eight years ago, an elite ANBU platoon was created. Of the twelve qualifying members, there were three shinobis that were exceptionally young, but powerful. The first was Uchiha Shisui, named the Mirage of Konoha."

At the mention of Uchiha, both Sakura and Naruto turned to Sasuke, who looked equally surprised. Shisui was on the…ANBU squad? Sasuke's face hardened as he quickly brushed the memory of the deceased Uchiha out of his mind. Thinking about Shisui only brought back more unpleasant memories of happier times.

"The second was Higurashi Kagome, who was a young shinobi who had learned to heal before she could walk. She was an exceptionally talented medic-nin that had been personally trained by Tsunade-sama. Or, in other words, Kagome was her first apprentice. However, their relationship extended beyond that of teacher and student. After Kagome had lost both her parents during the Kyuubi incident, Tsunade-sama had single-handedly raised Kagome as her own daughter."

"She lost her parents to the Kyuubi?" Naruto asked softly, casting his eyes downward in guilt.

"It's not your fault, Naruto." Sakura whispered, hoping to alleviate her friend's guilt. "It was something beyond everyone's control."

"Sakura's right, there's no point in dwelling on the past." Kakashi smiled. "What's done is done, and everything worked out in the end, ne?"

"I guess." Naruto mumbled.

"Anyway," Kakashi continued, hoping to take the attention off of Naruto, "as I was saying, there were three shinobis in all. The last of the three, also the leader of the new platoon was…"

Kakashi shot a tentative glance towards Sasuke.

"…Uchiha Itachi."

Naruto stiffened as Sasuke visibly tensed at the mention of his older brother.

"The three – the youngest members of ANBU – were inseparable. However, as the years passed, Itachi became increasingly powerful. Not long later, he was appointed ANBU captain, which separated him from Kagome and Shisui. As time passed, Kagome and Shisui fell in love and forgot their friend. Bitter and angry, Itachi turned against his family and friends.

"First, Itachi killed Shisui, which left Kagome physically and emotionally shaken. Then, he massacred his clan, leaving only one survivor – his little brother. His motives for such an act are still unclear, but it is rumored that it had something to do with Shisui and Kagome's growing relationship." Turning away from Sasuke's stony expression, Kakashi continued, "The night of the massacre was the last time Kagome saw Itachi. No one knows for sure what happened, but whatever transpired between the two left Kagome emotionally broken.

"Many say Kagome went insane with grief because her lover was killed by her best friend, but the actual happenings were never documented. However, we know for sure that the Sandaime was eventually forced to send Kagome out of the village – away from these haunting memories – for recovery. Since then, no one has heard of her…until now. What I want to know is why?"

Why come back now?

It had remained untouched.

Even though it had been four years since the massacre, the place still remained relatively unchanged. It was still the same houses lining the same streets, connecting to the same places she had visited as a child.

Each nook and cranny was firmly engraved in her mind…

Kagome walked silently down the deserted streets as she gently brushed her fingers over the Uchiha symbol painted on the walls.

The Uchiwa fan…

A smile stretched over her lips as she recalled that particular memory.

Kagome paced impatiently back and forth as she alternated between crossing and uncrossing her arms in frustration. "Where are those two anyway?" she demanded grumpily as she stomped her foot in agitation.

"I'm sure they'll be here soon." the Hokage answered calmly.

"But you said that two hours ago!" whined Kagome, dropping at the Sandaime's feet in an undignified heap.

Sarutobi chuckled as he gently patted Kagome's head. "Cheer up, Kagome. They'll be here soon."

"No they won't!" Kagome huffed, falling onto her back. "Those liars tricked me! Well, I'm going to give them a piece of my mind when I see them next time."

"I'll hold you to that." smiled the Hokage just before someone knocked on the door. "Enter."

"Hokage-sama." the voices chorused.

"Itachi! Shisui!" shouted Kagome, quickly jumping to her feet when she heard their familiar voices. "I knew you guys would come! Come on, let's go play!"

Sarutobi laughed. "I clearly remember someone saying that she was going to give her boys a thorough beating the next time she saw them."

Kagome flushed a dark red and whined, "Ho-Kage-Sama!"

"All right, all right, you know I was just joking." the Hokage smiled. "Now, go on and enjoy your birthday."

"Thank you!" Kagome chirped. "I'll see you tomorrow!" Without waiting for a reply, she quickly latched onto the Uchihas' wrists and pulled them out of the office. After walking in silence for a few minutes, Kagome quietly suggested, "It's cold today, so I figured we should go get something warm to drink first."

"Whatever you want is fine with us." Shisui assured, bringing a bright smile to Kagome's face.

After walking for another few minutes in silence, Kagome suddenly asked, "So, what did you two get me?"

Shisui burst out in laughter as he carefully reached into his vest and pulled out a beautiful, gold necklace with a silver kunai charm. "Happy birthday, Kagome-chan." he whispered gently as he moved behind her to help her clasp on the necklace.

"You're the best, Shisui-kun!" Kagome giggled as she turned and wrapped her arms firmly around Shisui's waist. After a minute, they separated and turned to face their last companion. "So, what did you get me, Itachi? Just to let you know ahead of time, I expect something special from the Uchiha heir."

Kagome's grinned widened when she saw Itachi's lips lift slightly in a ghost of a smile. She felt her anticipation swell when Itachi reached into his pack for the gift…Only to deflate when she saw it.

He got her a paper fan…

Accepting it from Itachi, Kagome coughed lightly, "Um, even though it's winter now, I'm sure it'll come into use as soon as summer comes…I think. Oh, I know, I can use this to fan the stove!"

Shisui howled with laughter as he clutched his stomach in pain.

Itachi looked unimpressed.

Kagome tilted her head in confusion. Was it something she said?

After regaining his bearings, Shisui kindly explained, "From the Uchiha heir, that fan is the highest honor of all. The Uchiwa fan is the symbol of our clan – to receive it from a member of the Head Family is to be accepted into our clan. Itachi would never give it to just anyone. He sees you as family."

Kagome's eyes immediately softened as she turned to Itachi with newfound adoration. "Thank you, Itachi-kun."

By the end of the memory, Kagome found that her cheeks were soaked with tears. When…did I start crying? Wiping the tears from her cheeks, she softly pressed her hand over the Uchiha symbol and closed her eyes.

I wish time could have stopped in that moment.

I didn't want anything to change.

Slowly sliding down the wall, Kagome gently laid her cheek against the cold stone and cried with renewed fervor.

I wanted us to be together forever.

Why did things have to change? Why couldn't we always be together? WHY?!?

Why…did it all have to change?

The next morning dawned bright and early. As agreed, the three genins went to Kagome's apartment to pick her up at seven o'clock. However, they were all sorely surprised find that no one was home.

"Maybe she can't hear us?" Sakura suggested, shrugging her shoulders helplessly.

"Just kick down the door." Sasuke snorted.

"We can't do that!" shouted Naruto, sounding abhorred. "It wouldn't be…"

Bang

"…right." the blonde-haired genin finished lamely as he shot Sasuke an angry glare. "Now, why'd you do that?"

"Forget it, Naruto." Sakura sighed as she quickly ushered them into the apartment. "Kagome-san, are you there?" she called, poking her head into Kagome's bedroom. The bed was perfectly made – as if it had never been used…Beginning to panic, Sakura frantically shouted, "Kagome-san, are you here?!?"

"She's not here." Sasuke stated, cutting off Sakura's frantic shouts. "She probably escaped out that window."

"How?" asked Naruto, peeking wide-eyed out the open window. "It's like ten stories high!"

"You forget, dobe, she's ANBU."

"So, what are we going to do now?" Sakura asked worriedly, inadvertently recalling the Godaime's infamous fury. She's going to kill us if we don't find Kagome soon!

"Let's split up and meet at the bridge in two hours – with or without the girl." Sasuke stated, taking charge of the team.

Naruto looked like he was about to protest, but quickly agreed when he found himself at the other end of Sakura's glare. "All right," he conceded as the three raced out of the apartment in search of the missing ex-ANBU.

Sasuke was beginning to feel frustrated when his two-hour search ended in vain. He had checked the whole village, but she wasn't there! Slowing to a stop, he was just about to give up and return to the bridge when he spotted someone who would be able to help him. Although he was hesitate to ask for help – especially from him­ – he figured dire times required drastic sacrifices.

"Hyuuga," Sasuke greeted coldly, stepping towards Neji. "I need to talk to you – alone." he added as an afterthought when he spotted the Hyuuga's less-than-savory choice of companionship.

"Wait here." Neji ordered Lee before following Sasuke a distance away.

Once he was sure that they were out of Rock Lee's hearing range, Sasuke turned to face the Hyuuga and stated, "I need you to use your Byakugan to help me find someone – a young girl who's slightly shorter than me. She has dark-brown hair and despondent, but sorrowful dark-blue eyes."

Neji quirked an eyebrow and asked slowly, "You want me to help you find a girl."

Sasuke scowled. "She's part of my mission."

Smirking slightly, Neji stated softly, "In other words, you lost her."

Growling slightly, Sasuke was just about to leave when Neji spoke again. "There's no need for me to use the Byakugan. I saw the girl you described last night walking into the Uchiha District."

Sasuke's eyes widened slightly. "The Uchiha…District?"

Stupid woman!

Sasuke's fist clenched and unclenched as he slowly made his way through the deserted streets he hadn't visited in years. Just looking at the place brought back horrific memories of that terrible night…

The dark-haired genin's jaw tightened as he increased his pace. The faster he found the girl, the faster he could take her and leave this place and (hopefully) never look back. He hadn't returned here since the day after the massacre…and he planned on never coming back here – ever.

After searching several streets, he finally found her huddled against the wall in front of the Uchiha Mansion. Ignoring the sharp stabs of pain he felt in his heart when his eyes glanced over his old home, Sasuke quickly hurried towards the girl and nudged her with his foot. "Hey, wake up."

The girl didn't respond.

"Woman, we're leaving – now."

Kagome shifted slightly, but pulled herself closer to the wall. "Shisui," she whispered quietly as fresh tears slipped passed her closed eyes. "I'm sorry, please forgive me. I'm sorry…I didn't want it to happen that way."

Sasuke shifted uncomfortably as he slowly lowered himself so he was couching beside Kagome.

"Don't leave me…come back." she whispered brokenly, as she stretched her hand blindly towards Sasuke. "Don't…"

Involuntarily responding to Kagome's cry, Sasuke gently covered Kagome's flailing hand with his own and pulled her into his arms. Gently, so as to not wake her up, he carefully lifted her into his arms and began making his way back out of the Uchiha District. Staying there brought back too many memories…

Memories that he had long-buried…

"Where is that hypocrite?" Naruto demanded angrily as he paced restlessly back and forth across the bridge. "Sure, he tells us to meet back here in two hours, but then, he goes and runs off to who knows where!" Growling under his breath, Naruto quickly resumed his pacing with renewed vigor.

Sakura sighed for the umpteenth time that hour. Even though she hated to hear Naruto bad-mouth Sasuke, he was right. Where is he? It's been over three hours. Did he forget to meet us back here? "Let's wait a little longer. I'm sure he'll be here soon." Sakura placated calmly. I hope.

Another fifteen minutes passed before she finally spotted a familiar silhouette in the distance. "It's Sasuke – he's here!" shouted Sakura, grinning from ear to ear. "Naruto, Sasuke's…"

"TEME!" howled Naruto, leaping towards Sasuke. "We waited almost four…" Spotting the precious cargo in Sasuke's arms, Naruto quickly skidded to a halt. "You found her?" he asked quietly, his anger immediately dissipating.

"Tche, she fell asleep on the streets." answered Sasuke, not bothering to tell his teammates the whole story. It doesn't concern them. Shifting Kagome slightly in his arms, Sasuke quietly continued, "I came to tell you guys I found her. Now, I'm going to take her back to her apartment."

"Oh, okay." Naruto answered, sheepishly scratching the back of his head. "Uh, I guess I'll see you later, huh?"

Without bothering to deign the blonde-haired shinobi with an answer, Sasuke quietly turned and made his way towards Kagome's apartment. His finger subconsciously tightened its grip around the frail woman when he heard her whisper Shisui's name again. In a way, he felt that she understood him...

…Because she had experienced it too.

TBC

Author's Notes: Um, yeah, hopefully I'll have Part 2 up next week. Anyway, for those of you waiting for an update for Koibito, It'll be up this week (possibly tomorrow). I'm almost done with the chapter – it's just that I've just had a lot going on last month with college applications and tests (yuck).

Anyway, keep your eyes peeled for an update!