A/N: Naruto Shippuden episodes 307-308 inspired me.

Disclaim: Masashi Kishimoto owns all characters.

Summary: Who knew a clashing of swords could bring about love?

Song of the day: Isak Danielson- Ending

Yūgao Uzuki could not stop pacing as she waited nervously outside the Kage's office. Why did he want to see her? Yūgao urgently found herself thinking back on all the missions that she had carried out for the Konoha. She tried to find a potential fault that would cause her to be called upon; However, none of her missions stood out negatively to her. They had all been successful with the odd inconsequential slip-up.

Without warning, the office door swung open then. Yūgao immediately halted in response and a tall, imposing man filled her vision. He stood in the doorway, dressed all in black and a porcelain tiger mask covered his face. He was an Anbu like herself, yet Yūgao still felt a shiver run through her. The man said nothing and instead just moved off.

"Yūgao," the Hokage called then.

Startled, Yūgao was quick to enter the office and bow.

Hiruzen was sitting behind his desk and calmly waiting for her. He got straight to the point. "Your skills have been recognised in team Ro," he began and before Yūgao could say anything he continued, "However, it would be beneficial for you to improve both your sensory skills and kenjutsu and learn to use them in combination."

Yūgao felt a fire ignite within her and she took a step forward. "I can practice. I can improve! I ca-"

The Hokage held up his hand, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. "I have taken care of that," he informed her, "I have found an instructor for you."

Yūgao's eyes lit up then, and she could not restrain her smile.

"He is a Tokubetsu Jōnin in Kenjustsui, and his skills are unparalleled," the Hokage told her.

By this point, excitement was bubbling up inside of Yūgao, and she could barely stand still. She was raring to go. However, she was interrupted from basking in her fiery determination by a knock at the door.

"Come in," the Hokage called expectantly. Yūgao could not help but turn around for curiosity got the better of her. The door opened then and in stepped, a man with intense dark brown eyes and a strong jawline. He was clothed in the regular Konoha shinobi uniform and wore a bandanna forehead protector.

"Uzuki Yūgao, this is your instructor Gekkō Hayate," the Hokage announced.

Yūgao blinked twice at the man who wore such a warm expression that she could practically feel his happiness radiating off of him. Her heart reacted to his smile. He was nothing like she had imagined. Yūgao had been picturing an old sensei. She had been expecting someone severe and strict. In reality, her instructor was so young and casual, and he was…handsome to her, even with the lines that creased the skin underneath his eyes.

A sudden girlish interest took life inside of her then. Yūgao shook her head vigorously. Get a hold of yourself. There is no room for distractions.

Yūgao was quick to squash the irrational feelings which were so new and foreign to her.

Hayate nodded at then in acknowledgement, and the mere gesture sent Yūgao's thoughts into disarray. Stop it!

When Yūgao managed to recover, she nodded back.

"Excellent," the third Hokage said suddenly, and it was only then that Yūgao remembered that the Kage of the village was present in the room too. Instantly a heat spread through Yūgao's cheeks as she came to realise that she may have been staring at Hayate. She was quick to turn away from him.

The third Hokage merely smiled when Yūgao faced him. "Make the most of your training," he advised.

Yūgao bowed her head low. "Of course lord third."

With that, Yūgao made her way out of the office. She heard the door close behind her, and without skipping a beat, Hayate fell into step beside her. The immediate proximity caused the odd sensation to return, and Yūgao frowned as she became hyper-aware of herself. Why is this happening?

Time passed, and Yūgao was unaware of the silence that had settled for she was thinking so intensely. It was only the sound of crowds that eventually burst Yūgao's bubble. Yūgao came crashing back to reality then, and suddenly she noticed that she was no longer in the academy, but walking through the village. Startled, Yūgao turned sharply to her side. Already, she had shown such disrespect to her instructor.

To Yūgao's utter surprise though she was met with a smiling face.

"I don't meet your expectations," Hayate plainly stated before she had a chance to apologise.

"Oh no!" Yūgao was quick to say as she shook her head vigorously "It's just…well, I am surprised with your skill level. You are so young. You look like you are around my age."

A smirk broke across Hayate's face then. "Well from your file I know that I am a year older than you."

'You are more talented than me though,' Yūgao sighed internally. 'How depressing.'

Noticing Yūgao's deflated attitude, Hayate added. "I've also discovered a scary coincidence from your file."

Yūgao furrowed her brow's "What?"

Hayate grinned. "Your birthdate is a day after mines."

Yūgao eyes shot open in response "Really?" she asked in utter surprise.

Hayate smiled softly at the change in her expression and nodded. "Yes."

Yūgao was unable to stop her face from brightening in amusement. "That is a scary coincidence."

Hayate's answering laugh was so rich and carefree that it caused Yūgao to stare. The corners of Hayate's closed eyes were creased, and his head was tilted back as he shared his laughter with the sky. He was nothing like her fellow Anbu members. He was so full of life and happiness.

Yūgao felt the heat return in her chest. I'm in trouble.