I stopped on a lower branch, focusing my chakra to my feet to keep my balance. A small bundle of nerves exploded in the back of my stomach and I thought about darting away from the sight before me. Not two hundred yards ahead the great gates on Konohagakure stood tall and proud. I sat down swiftly, allowing my legs to dangle over the branch and pulled my pack in front of me. I laced my fingers together, setting my elbows on the top of the pack.

A cool breeze fluttered at my back, sweeping my hair into my face. I took a few calming breaths before dropping myself to the forest floor. I stuck my hand in my bag, rummaging around for my scroll from the Hokage before shifting my pack back onto my shoulders. I gazed ahead at the entrance of the gates and quickly released a spurt of chakra. When I opened my eyes I stood in front of them, two Chuunin jumped from their seats, making their way towards me.

"What are you here for?" A man with bandages across his nose demanded.

I stared at the bandage longer than necessary before snapping my eyes back up to his. His were hardened into a scowl and I shut my eyes for the briefest seconds, the man with a bandanna gave me a look just as harsh. They were nervous, I could tell my how their fingers itched to grab their weapons, I would be too. I extended my arm with the scroll and bowed so my back was level with the ground. My hair spilled over my shoulders and around my face, effectively hiding it from view. One of them reached and took the scroll from my hand and I raised myself out of my bowing position.

The one with the bandanna unrolled it, scanning it with his eyes quickly, he looked up at me when finished, eyes wide in shock. The one with a bandaged nose took it from the others and read it just as quickly. When he looked up I tried to force a smile, but just like earlier it formed more of an ugly grimace. The one with bandages rolled the scroll back up, sliding it into his kunai pouch. They exchanged a glance with one another.

"The Hokage has been waiting for you."

I nodded as another figure appeared next to them, a long toothpick between his lips, he gave me a once over and took the scroll from the bandaged one. He jerked his head towards the village and took off, I followed closely behind him, jumping on the roofs of buildings. Within a few short minutes we reached what I figured was the Hokage Office. Reaching the stairs he stopped running and casually began walking up them, I followed his example.

"So you're the infamous Kasumi, Yuuka, huh? The Hokage has been awaiting your arrival. I'm Shiranui, Genma by the way. If you need anything, let me know." He turned, giving me a half smile.

I bowed my head slightly, "Arigato, Shiranui-san."

He rolled his eyes at me, "Just Genma is fine."

I nodded my head letting him know I heard him. We continued the remaining of our journey towards the Hokage Office without running into anyone or talking. When we reached it, Genma rapped his knuckles on the heavy wooden door. From behind it a soothing voice called, telling us to enter. When we did I was slightly surprised to see an old man sitting there his Kage robe and hat neatly in order.

I quickly bowed my head as did Genma as the Hokage turned to me. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a huge grin break across his face as he stood from his seat. I lifted my head as he crossed the room quickly, grasping my limp right hand between his own. Genma nodded, standing back against the wall by the door and I could see the joy in the old man's eyes. I managed another grimace of a smile at him.

"Kasumi-san. I am so grateful that you choose to join us. I contacted your old home to let them know you were here. As a precaution I assure you." I didn't try to hide my grimace at the mention of my old home.

"Please, Kasumi-san, enjoy yourself here in Konohagakure, it is now your home as well. Shiranui-san will show you to your new apartment and anywhere else you would like to know the location of today. I expect that you relax tonight and have fun. I'll expect you back at my Office in two days time." He gave me a warm smile and squeeze of the hand.

"Hai. Hokage-sama."


Before going to my apartment Genma offered we stop at the market so I had things to eat while I unpacked my bag and so I would know where it was, in case I needed to go back out later. I nodded my head and followed him, this time we walked instead of darting across rooftops. I watched him out of the corner of my eye. He had a relaxed pose, hands stuffed in his pockets, shoulders sagging forward, as he chewed on the end of his toothpick.

He turned to look at me and I snapped my head forward quickly, anger bubbling in my stomach. I clenched my jaw tightly, fingers digging into my palms drawing blood. I knew why I was mad, I was always mad, justified or not, if I looked at another guy. It didn't matter if I was checking him out or not, but every time I was caught for looking, I felt like a snake of guilt and betrayal coiled in my stomach ready to burst.

If Genma had noticed my strange actions he didn't let on, he just turned his head back forward, shoving his hands farther into his pants. After spending some time shopping for food, I decided that it would be best to head to my apartment. Genma agreed, shifting some of my bags that he insisted he carry and we were off again. When we arrived we both spilled off our sandals by the genkan, taking my bags into the kitchen.

Genma carefully helped me unload the bags, placing things in cabinets or in the fridge. I was relieved to see a rice cooker and tea pot had been placed on one of the shelves, along with a few cups and plates. When we were done Genma leaned his left hip against the counter, crossing his arms and stared at me. I kept my eyes on the task at hand, filling the pot with water and placing it on the stove, when I turned to look at him he gave me another half smile.

"Would you like to stay for tea, Genma-san?" I asked cautiously.

His eyes took on a thoughtful look as he placed a finger to his chin, I didn't know if it was for show or if he honestly did that when thinking. In all honesty I had only asked because it was the right thing to do in situations like these.

"Thanks, but no thanks Yuuka-san. I think I should get going and let you, uh, unpack your bag." He glanced over his shoulder to my single bag laying on the floor.

I nodded my head and gave a short wave of the hand after he disappeared out the door. The water began to boil and I pulled the pot off the stove, pouring the water into a cup with tea leaves. I gripped the warm cup tightly between my cold fingers, deciding to explore my apartment and unpack my bag. I walked from the kitchen into what I assumed was the living room, grabbing my bag. To the right of the front door was a small narrow hallway and I figured that was my best bet to the bedroom and bathroom. The first door on my right was a full bathroom, which, to my delight, had a large stand up shower stall instead of a tub. I unpacked some of my necessities before continuing on my way to my bedroom.

I was slightly surprised that I had a decent sized bed placed against one of the walls, along with sheets, pillows and a blanket. The window in the room had a bench in front of it and a small potted plant, my eyebrows furrowed as I stepped closer to the green mass. A small tag read, 'Thank You Kasumi-san. Regards & Welcome- Sarutobi.' The small show of care made my heart beat heavier and I turned away to unpack the remainder of my bag.

I folded up the few articles of clothing I had, placing them on a shelf in the closet along with my extra pair of sandals. I emptied the rest of the bag on the bench in front of the window. Scrolls and weapons spilled out and I quickly set to putting everything in stacks, my fingers slowly clasped my kusarigama. A surge of power and pain coursed through me, tears pushed their way to the corners of my eyes but I shoved them back quickly.

I harshly threw my kusarigama down, effectively scattering the stack of scrolls in every direction on the floor. I took a deep breath, kneeling to grab them up and placed them back in their stack. When I was done I pulled out the last thing in my bag. It was old and worn but I caressed the pages longingly as I stared at the faces. The first face I traced was my own, long dark hair framed my face which was broken into a huge grin, so tightly that only a sliver of my eyes could be seen, my pale skin glowing.

To my right was Isamu, Hiroki his neon orange hair spiked dangerously. I had my arm hooked around his neck tightly, but his grin was just as big as mine, his orange eyes gleaming in the sun, the tattoos on his face stretched. To Hiroki's right stood Ryo, Masakuro, his lips in the permanent thin line and eyebrows scowling. His deep blue hair reflected, going well with his tanned skin. Lastly my finger traced the person to my left. Their white hair, that had seemed so blinding that day, was a light grey on the faded picture, their light green eyes stared up at me and my heart clenched seeing how Satoru, Katashi and Picture Me held hands tightly.

Before the tears could come, I shoved the picture back into my bag and stood up with my empty tea cup. I headed into the kitchen, placing it in the sink and getting things ready to make myself dinner, consisting of rice, fish and sake. I put the rice and water into the rice cooker, pulling out my tunas and a cutting board. Scaling them wasn't difficult but filleting them was, I ended up with a few thin slices, enough for myself. I reached for the sake bottle pouring a small bit into the hot pan so the fish wouldn't stick.

Glancing around as if I was doing something wrong I took a swig myself, placing it back on the counter. With the fish simmering on low and the rice cooking, I pulled out a puchikappu, bringing it and the sake bottle to the floor. I filled the small cup, swirling the sake around before tipping it back, drinking it down. The liquid burned my throat and seared my stomach. I poured myself another cup, drinking it just a quickly as the first.

Placing both the puchikappu and bottle down, I checked on my food, the fish was done but the rice had a few minutes left. I pulled out a bowl and chopsticks, turned off the stove and grabbed a bottle of Wasabi Sauce. As I finished setting things up on the counter the rice cooker gave a small ding. I placed the rice first in the bowl, followed by the fish, followed by a bit of wasabi. I balanced the bowl in one hand as I bent down for the small cup and bottle of sake; I placed the cup in the sink, keeping the bottle with me.

I took my dinner and drink, walking back to my room. I sat cross-legged on my bed, taking a few more swigs of the sake. My mind was a pleasant hum, as was my body, the tingling feeling all over. I put the bottle down next to my bed, grabbed up my chopsticks, grimacing to myself and dove them into the bowl of food. As I brought the rice and fish to my lips I remembered my manners.

"Itadakimasu." I whispered.


"Nezumi-san."

My head whipped around to the voice angrily, the grip on my kusarigama tightening threateningly. Behind my mask I was absolutely livid, dark eyes narrowed dangerously, lips turned down in a growl. The person across from me stood motionless but firm, their brown eyes serious, lips set tightly. I almost wanted to mock the Jounin for being lesser than I was, I could see his face and that was deadly enough right now.

"Nezumi-san," He repeated, "Leader would like to speak with you and your team about the last mission."

The Ookami, Usagi and Ondori straightened their stances, walking closer to me; the Jounin didn't wait for my response as he darted away. Usagi placed a hand on my shoulder his porcelain rabbit face looking at my mouse one, grudgingly I shrugged off his hand looking at the wolf and rooster. They all nodded their heads to show they would follow. We reached the Leaders door quickly, throwing it open without a knock.

The man who sat there sighed, running fingers through deep black hair. When he lifted his head to look at us, I felt a snarl form on my lips angrily. His normally brown eyes shone a bright amber color. He motioned us to enter the room and to stand in front of his desk. We did as expected, me crossing my arms in front of my body to keep from strangling him to death. He pinched the bridge of his nose and leaned farther back into his seat.

"I'm sure you know why you're here, Kasumi-san. You broke the rules again. Not only did you recklessly save the life of Isamu-san, but in doing so you not only put your team in danger but the target as well. I am growing tired of you disobeying the orders that are placed upon you as ANBU Captain and if you weren't so good at it I would relieve you of the position. But as of late other Captains and members of our shinobi are taking it upon themselves to think they can save everyone from 'unnecessary death' which we both know is impossible, leaving us with more mission failures than we have ever had before. Your manners towards our rules have become unacceptable."

I bit the inside of my cheek in my anger, drawing blood.

"It is because of this that I wish to teach you a lesson in front of your team, one that shows you cannot save everyone. Please, Kasumi-san, remove your mask."

I reached up quickly ripping the mask from my face, my hair fluttered up in the gust of air before settling back against my forehead and cheeks. If the look in my eyes was any indication to my anger he ignored it. I stared him down, the longer I looked into his eyes the quicker my feelings of anger vanished replaced with fear. I could feel my body tense; my mind began to race, showing me all of the things that could bring me pain in this world.

All of the cuts from the kunai and senbon felt real, all of the burns from the fires. My heart constricted painfully as one by one my team mates fell, blood oozing from some unseen wounds. Before long I could feel the screams ripped from my throat, how my knees buckled and I fell. I gripped the sides of my head, tugging sharply at my hair, as I continued to scream and yell, curled upon the floor.

After what felt like an eternity of torture it stopped. My breathing was labored and I struggled to uncurl myself, to sit up, to stand. From behind me hands helped me up onto my feet. I didn't have to look to see them, one held out my mask which I quickly put back into place. The man, who had inflicted such pain, opened his eyes calmly to show muddy brown. My hate for him grew at his lack of remorse.

"You are free to go. And remember, Kasumi-san, manners are very important."