Author's Notes: Well here it is loyal readers. After nearing a month since the last chapter, here comes chapter two courtesy of well…me! Read and I hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, just the OC.

X Chapter One: Promise X

Warm sunlight and the feeling of lying on something soft, the two sensations hit me like a shot the second when I start to regain consciousness. Yet something else is different.

The atmosphere smells somewhat sterile, maybe stagnant, I can make out the faint sounds of people nearby, I can feel myself wearing some really light clothing with and equally light blanket on top of me. Best case scenario, I'm in a hospital, but last time I check I'm fine, I don't need to go to a hos…

'DAMN YOU BASTARD!'

The sounds of a gun firing multiple times.

Searing pain in my chest.

Blood staining my shirt.

Darkness.

I snap my eyes open as I rise up on whatever I am on; I wince at the sudden exposure to a world of white before my eyes finally adjust. Despite my momentary blindness I still pat around my chest for any sore points or any indications of being on the receiving end of some piercing bullets, strange I can't seem to feel anything. Wait a minute-?

I look down to see that my hands are somehow smaller that I remember, actually, my body looks downright tiny right now. What happened to me?

"I know, so I will ask this just once, will you make a contract with me and become a shikigami?"

"Yes I will…"

Doi, of course. I sigh as I face palm myself over my big decision. That's right; I was killed, met the Kyuubi and agreed to be her container's shikigami or whatever. Next I remember waking up in a forest, finding the girl and fixing up her wounds, then I had a brush with a mob, then after that…I furrow my brow as my mind draws up a blank.

If that's the case, then where am I? I look around to find myself in sort of hospital room judging from the smell and that I'm wearing a pale green hospital smock. I also find myself sitting on top of a hospital bed with guard rails, probably just in case I unconsciously roll off the bed or something. Hm, for a world of ninjas, samurai, and youkai this is surprisingly modern, I hope that this world has advanced enough to have indoor plumbing.

Well crap and a half, I've just realize that I'm now in an entirely different world, with the trip itself being only one way.

I scratch the back of my head as I start thinking about my circumstances, less than a day, heck less than an hour in this new world and I nearly gotten myself killed. I wince at the slight burst of pain from my side, no doubt a bruise from that kick from last night. If my brush with the mob is a sign of things to come, than I'm going need to learn more about this world and fast. The problem now being, how do I do that?

I'm a stranger in a strange land, with no family members to turn too, no home, no money, and chances are no identity, that is unless someone can buy my story that I'm actually an eighteen-year-old guy who upon death made a deal with Kyuubi to play guardian to this Naruko girl. Actually come to think, I think I should keep quiet about this whole shikigami business, don't want to make myself seem suspicious or anything. Ugh, this is giving me a headache.

I take a deep breath as I rub my temples to sooth the growing migraine. "What a beautiful mess I'm in." I say with a sigh before noticing the window to my left. Well at least I should see what this world is like.

Looking out through the glass I can see that whatever I am is defiantly not like the city from where I'm from. The buildings are much smaller and more spaced out in comparison; I couldn't even see a single skyscraper for miles, or at least as far as I can find. Looking down I see that this area lacks any paved roads or sidewalks, closer inspection reveals that there is no cars or trucks of any sort, the best I can find are carts for transporting crates or produce. Even the clothes that people are wearing is mixed at best, I can see some people wearing shirts and pants, yet there are also some wearing kimonos or some sort of weird green and blue uniform that reminds me of those ANBU guys from last night.

All and all, a pretty nice sight. Still, where am I?

*Din*Din*Din*

Hm? I turn towards the door. "Hello?"

"Oh you're awake?" An aged voice that sounds familiar comes from the other side, "Is it okay if we come in?"

"Um, yeah sure." I answer, straightening my posture.

The door swings open to reveal the same the same old man from last night. He looks at me with a small look, "Ah it appears that you're feeling better now," He chuckles softly, "You gave us quite a scare back there, passing out cold from exhaustion."

"Uh yeah." I return, scratching the back of my head. Last night was a bit of a mess, what with running for my life with a girl on my-

OH SHIT, THE GIRL ON MY BACK! NARUKO!

"Where is she?" I shout.

The old man's eyes widen in surprise, "Pardon?"

"The blonde girl that was with me!" I answer, I can feel my panic rising, "Did you see the injuries that she had on her? She's the one that needs help, not me!"

The elderly man raises a hand in a calming gesture, "Calm down, she's…"

"Calm down, she was bleeding on the ground and half dead when I found her, and you're telling me to calm down?" I interrupt. I don't care who this guy is, no one should take those types of injuries lightly, especially if the injured party was just a little girl.

The old still looks mostly slightly alarmed by my outburst yet he still retains his calm air around himself. "I repeat calm down." His words carrying more power this time around, "I can assure you that Naruko is completely fine, actually…" He takes a step aside to reveal the same blonde girl wearing a clean oversized orange shirt, Naruko, was standing right behind him with her hands behind her. "…She requested to come see her savior." He smiles to the blonde girl, "Isn't that right?"

The blonde girl returns the old man's smile, "Uh-huh." She looks at me with wide blue eyes, a stark contrast to the lifeless bulbs from last night. "I really want to thank you for saving me yesterday. So…" Her arms swing right in front of her, bringing out a bowl of what appears to be vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup and a cherry on top, "I brought this is a thank you gift."

I look at the sight with wide eyes. Normally, this would be pretty heart-warming. These two are thanking me for a good deed out of the kindness out of my heart, at least as far as they know. Instead, I didn't feel relief or happiness…

…only more fury.

"Are you senile old man?" I growl out, catching the two by surprise. I look at the robed man dead in the eyes, "Is it even smart to letting an girl with severe cuts all over her out of bed after a few hours of rest?" I soon turn towards the girl herself, "And what about you, you should still be in bed and worrying about your own injuries than my own!"

The blonde's eyes waver, "I-i-It's fine. I'm o-okay, honest."

"Honest my foot!" I retort, "You were freakin' dying for crying out loud." Rage now spent, I take a few calming breaths. Seeing grievous injuries on someone is bad, hearing the same person making light of his or her own injuries is ten times worst. I slightly wince at the pain expression on the girl's face, I know that she wanted to boost my spirits, but…ugh this is complicated.

I take another breath, regaining my composure, "I'm sorry for snapping at you, both of you." I got on my knees and bow a bit to them. "I was completely out of turn; I was just worried about the girl's safety that's all."I look back up; the old man looking at me with a neutral expression, the blonde's expression is still in shock.

"Ahem." The old man clears his throat before giving me a analyzing look, "By your reaction I believe you are not from around here, am I right?"

Damn, this is not good. I don't have a cover story for who I am or where I come from, calm down Joseph just go with the flow and think of something quick. I shake my head no at the old man's question, "No, I'm not."

"I see." The old man mumbles before pulling up two nearby chairs and sliding one of them to the blonde girl. The both take a seat and the old man looks at me again, "Seems like introductions are in order. My name is Sarutobi Hiruzen, I am the Sandaime Hokage of Konohagakure."

Sandaime? So this is the guy that prevented Naruko's execution when she was a baby, well that might explain why the mob was so scared of him. Kyuubi did say that he does hold a lot of power and influence despite his old age. "Okay then, so who's she?" I indicate to the girl.

"Um," the blonde girl stammers, "Uzumaki Naruko."

"Uzumaki Naruko huh?" I smile, "That sounds like a nice name."

Naruko's eyes widen a bit before turning away from me a bit and presenting me the ice cream bowl, "Uh thanks, and this is still for you, you might want eat it soon since it's melting."

Looking down at the dessert I can see the confection sagging in some parts, the cherry already sliding off to the side. "Oh, right." I take the bowl and with a provided spoon start helping myself to it, ugh too sweet for my taste but it's a gesture of thanks for last night. Normally I don't like sweets but I'll make an exception in this case.

"By the way, what's your name?"

I stop eating my ice cream when I hear Naruko's question. Shoot, didn't think of that, I'm pretty sure the name Joseph Conners will defiantly not fit in around here. Still I think mother's maiden name might help do the trick.

"Hitoshi." I answer, "Kanshisha Hitoshi is what I go by." From here on out anyways.

"I see." The Sandaime speaks up before giving me another judging look, "And may I ask what you were doing in the forest in the middle of the night?"

I suppress the urge to grimace; this guy is practically interrogating me in a sense. I need to think of something convincing, "Just trying to find a safe place to rest for the night." I take another bite of ice cream.

The Hokage raises an eyebrow, "By yourself, don't you have any family to look after?"

I grimace this time, oh yeah that's a tough question, and it hits way too close to home as well. Sure I have family; however they're in a separate world now, not like I can turn to them for help. Besides there's also the matter of my death too, what with no corpse since it was used to make this body. Damn this is going to hit them pretty hard, still I'm sure they can manage, it wouldn't be the first time. Toughen up Hitoshi, toughen up. I take a deep breath, "They're…gone, Hokage-san, and I won't be able to see them ever again." Damn, just saying that is a punch in the gut.

Sarutobi's eyes slightly widen at my declaration, "Don't you have aunts, uncles, or family friends to look after you Hitoshi-san."

I can only shake my head no, "In one moment, I have been forever separated from everything I held dear." My tone bitter, I can actually feel my heart aching a bit. I take a calming breath, "You learn to get used to it." A side effect of experiencing that life, in general, is meant to be unfair.

"My apologies for bringing up a sensitive issue." The Hokage says, tipping his hat down a bit.

"Well, no one said life is going to be easy." I reply.

A small grin tugs on the Hokage's lips, "How right you are on that."

I finish the last bit of ice cream, "Okay then, now answer me this." I glare a bit at the both of them, "Why was Naruko-san being chased by those people?" Even though I personally know the reason I still need to make myself at least oblivious to the situation.

The faces of the Hokage and Naruko soon turn grim. "That's," The elderly man speaks up, "That's complicated." Naruko just looks downward a bit.

I remain serious, "I am willing to listen to the best I can." Out of the corner of my eye I take note of Naruko's nervous fidgeting and shifting her eyes between the Hokage, me, and the floor, no doubt she's curious to those attacks as well. No doubt Naruko is being kept in the dark about her own connection to the Kyuubi.

The old man takes a deep breath in resignation, "Very well, both Naruko-chan and I, along with the rest of the village know this, but considering that you are new I will inform you as best as I can." In other words, he's going to give me the censored version. "Years ago, without warning, a creature only known as the Kyuubi no Kitsune attacked Konohagakure. A creature of such might that with one swing of one of its mighty tails could crumble mountains and summon tsunamis. To fight the beast, the village assembled it own forces to withstand the attack. I will not lie, many lives were lost and the situation seemed hopeless, but that all changed by one man."

"One man?" I ask, playing innocence.

"The Yondaime." The answer surprisingly comes from Naruko. She looks at me with a somewhat cheery face, yet something about her expression seems…force, "He faced against that nasty ol' fox and beat it down to the ground all by himself. Even though he died from his injuries after the battle he was able to save the village because of his sacrifice." She gives a small smile, "I hope that one day I can be a hero just like the Yondaime and be able to save everyone."

You're a hero already Naruko-chan, you just don't know it yet. "Wow, wish I could see the guy for myself. However you guys haven't answered my question on why Naruko-san was attacked."

The Hokage's shoulder slack a bit, "It's because some people are incredible foolish. After the Kyuubi incident many were shell-shocked over the damage, trauma, and losses of the attack that they started acting irrationally. They sought an outlet for their aggression."

I clench my teeth. Outlet nothing, those bastards were out for revenge in "the name of justice". How dare they besmirch the word for their own actions of revenge. Ugh just thinking about those kind of people make me sick to my stomach. The next time they threaten my mistress I'll-!

"Hitoshi-san, are you okay?"

I blink, huh what was that just now. That was out of character, even for me. When was I this over protective, oh yeah the shikigami contract makes me care about Naruko. I shake my head to pull myself back together. "I'm sorry, what?"

"I ask that you were all right." The Hokage answers, looking a bit guarded, "You look like you were thinking of something unpleasant."

I scratch the back of my head, "Oh sorry. Well I can honestly say that my first encounter with this village's people has left a bad taste in my mouth. Yet there's one thing that's bothering me, doesn't she have any family?" The Kyuubi didn't quite say who her container's parents are.

The blonde girl bites her lip, "I don't have any family, Hokage-jiji said that they all died in the Kyuubi attack." She sniffs a bit, and I can see tears welling up in her eyes.

I widen my eyes and look back at the old man, "Is that true?" The Hokage nods and I sigh, "I see. Okay then." I look straight into the blonde girl's eyes, "If she doesn't have any family, than I guess I'll be her family instead." I grin at my mistress, "Well, is that okay with you Naruko-san?"

The girl didn't say anything, only looking at me with wide eyes.

"Why make such a big decision?" The Hokage asks out.

"Because I just want to help Naruko-san Hokage-san." I answer, "I remember my dad saying that people should always help others in need, and if he and mom ever found themselves in my situation they would do the same thing." I bit childish in my case, but pretty much true. I wonder if you're seeing this.

"Is that so?" The look on the Hokage's face is something you can find in the most experience judge.

"Yes, it is so." I return, I don't plan on backing down now, not this far.

"Very well." The old man relents with a small smile, "You seem like an honest young man, so I shall accept your decision. Just as long as Naruko-chan is willing to agree to it as well."

I look back to the awestruck blonde, "Well Naruko-chan." I hold out my hand, "Is it okay for me to become your fami-?"

"THANK YOU!"

I feel something wrap around my next and squeeze onto me tight. "GAH!"

"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!" I can barely hear Naruko amidst her crying. "THANK YOU SO MUCH HITOSHI!"

Everything…going…dark…

"Naruko-chan, you're suffocating him!" I barely hear the Hokage croak out.

"Huh?" The strangle hold that this girl has on me releases itself, granting me precious air. "Oh, I'm sorry." She blurts out.

I take deep breaths, "No, urk, no problem." I put on an embarrass grin, "Just promise you won't hug me that tight again."

The girl nods her head vigoursly, "Okay! I just can't believe it!" I see her tearing up, "I'm no longer alone anymore. I'm…I'm…"

A feeling of dread crawls up my spine, oh no.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

A right grip takes me by the chest this time, "Okay I get it your glad, just stop hugging so hard!"

The Hokage soon starts laughing, "Naruko-chan is just glad to have a friend now. I think that this may be a start of a beautiful friendship."

Yeah, provided she doesn't hug me to death if she keeps this up. Damn how can an injured girl have a grip like that?

"I know that this may sound sudden, but don't you have plans since now you're going to be living here in Konohagakure now?" The Hokage asks, now catching his breath.

"Plans?" I croak out, honestly I haven't even thought that far. Shoot what am I suppose to do? First… "Naruko-chan, please let go." Thankfully the blonde oblige, going back to her chair with a beautiful smile.

"Are you interested in becoming a ninja?"

I blink, "Me, a ninja?" I straighten out all the kings from my crush back.

The Hokage nods, "Yes, since you have no plans at the moment, I can get the paperwork ready so that you can enroll into the Ninja Academy within the next week."

I can't help but raise an eyebrow, the idea itself is bizarre, an academy to become a ninja. "Really?" I think back to those ninjas in the uniforms last night, "You mean like those guys in the masks."

"Indeed." The elderly man returns, "Of course those were ANBU, who are extremely well trained and have years of experience. Don't let that discourage you though, ninjas are well versed in many fields such as combat, medicine, politics, and such. In fact," He rests a hand on Naruko's head, earning a giggle from the blonde, "Naruko-chan is in the academy right now, I can probably pull a few strings to make it so that you two are in the same class. Of course it is your decision above all else Hitoshi-san."

"It will be awesome though, we can become ninja together." Naruko exclaims punching the air in front of her.

I, however, am not as eager. Yes being a ninja sounds cool, but that sounds like joining the military of this village or something. If it was joining any of the military branches back home in the states is one thing, this is another. Plus don't ninjas usually get involved in silent killing or something, that kind of stuff rubs me the wrong way. Still, need to play it cool, "Are you sure I can become a ninja?"

"Well I will be honest, the process will be tough." The Hokage bluntly states, "Training in the academy will be both physically and mentally demanding, there is always a fair number of those who do join that simply can't make the cut. However, should you last the 4-years at the academy you will be initiated into Konohagakure's ninja ranks at genin, the lowest rank. Within time, your skills and strength will improve and you can go up the ranks to chuunin, then jonin, who knows maybe you, can become an ANBU yourself."

Too inviting for my tastes, this guy is trying to convince me to become a ninja in the same manner on how military recruiters reach out to applicants. Make the field interesting and try to downplay the bad sides, still it's not like I have much to go for right now. Still there's one thing I need to know, "Are all ninja combat-oriented?"

The old man shakes his head no, "Not all, like I've said before, ninjas can specialized in a variety of fields. Though the most common known are ninjas who specialized in combat, others have train themselves into the field of medicine and healing, while few can also handle political affairs between countries, Konohagakure's ninjas specialize themselves in multiple fields Hitoshi-san. Any area you feel sound interesting to you?"

"Well…" I scratch the back of my head, "Being a doctor does sound like a good way to go." I hope that this can give some form of leeway, taking lives does not sit right with me.

"So I take it that you are interested in the program?"

I am going to regret this for the rest of this life, "Yes sir, I'll try the best I can." Mom, I hope you never catch wind of this, no doubt you'll throttle me for it.

The elderly man merely smiles as he gets up from his chair, "Very well then I'll see to it that the paperwork for your citizenship and enrollment will be done posthaste. You'll be in the academy as early as next week, though I must warn you that it's already been several weeks into the semester, you have to work hard in order to keep up."

Naruko raises her hand, "I can help! I can go get my books and stuff."

"Actually I'll assign someone to go take care of the matter, you're still injured remember, you still need to get those injuries heal properly, okay Naruko-chan?" The Hokage says to Naruko in a kind tone of voice.

The blonde girl soon holds her hands together, pouts, and stares at the man with wide eyes, "Can I please stay with Hitoshi-kun, pretty please?"

The Hokage's face turns slightly grim for a second before he regains composure, "Sure, just promise you won't look at me like that again please Naruko-chan." After the girl nods he soon gets up from his chair, "Well I think it's time that I get back to work, the duties of a Hokage is always constant excuse me." He makes his way to the doorway and turns around to face Naruko and I, "I expect great things from the two of you." He soon closes the door behind him as he left, leaving me alone with Naruko.

"Well then," I turn my full attention to my partner, "Since I'm new here, can you please tell about this place Naruko-chan?"

The blonde girl's smile widens, "Okay, where do you want to start?"

"How about you start with the village in general, what's it like?" It would also pay to know more about this world in terms of geography and politics first. Yeah, I defiantly need to do some studying.

"The village?" Naruko cocks her head to the side a bit, "Well, Konoha is pretty big, but I will tell you as much as I can. Where to begin…" I soon pay attention to whatever this girl will say.

XXXXX

'What a troubling development.' the Hokage thinks to himself as he makes his way to his office. 'What a troubling development indeed.'

"Hokage-sama." His secretary calls out, catching his attention, "Kakashi-san is already in your office as per your request."

'Good.' The Hokage nods that for once Kakashi is on time for this, "Thank you for the notice, just please hold off any future appointments until further notice."

"Of course Hokage-sama." She soon goes back working on the documents on her desk. The elderly man was thankfully for her all business attitude, though she sometimes badgers him to get his own paperwork down and catching him at times when he want takes a smoke break, she's a hard worker. She's also the tenth one he had since returning back to office; previous ones have a tendency to chase away a certain blonde child with insults within earshot.

Entering his office, the elderly leader turns his attention to the lone ninja already standing near his desk, "Glad to see that you're actually on time for this Kakashi."

The silver-hair ANBU merely shrugs, "I have my moments." He soon pulls out a small vanilla envelope, "I also have done a thorough look over the hospital's medical record over the boy's physical."

"I see." The Hokage grumbles before sitting down on his chair behind his desk, "And…?"

The ANBU rubs his chin, "Well this kid is defiantly hiding more than he lets on."

"I suspect that much as well." The elderly man soon starts working over some documents left on his desk, "What were you able to find about Hitoshi from the hospital report?"

Kakashi quirks an eyebrow, "Hitoshi, oh so that's the boy's name. Well I can say that a few of the hospital staff is already wary of him that's for sure, and not because he saved Naruko last night."

That got the Hokage's attention, "Mind elaborating on that?"

"Well his chakra is one of the main points," Kakashi says with a sigh, "One of the notes from the report says that his chakra acts in an abnormal manner, some theorize that it might be either because that the kid may have been born with more or unique chakra," his eyes soon narrow, "or could be entirely unstable."

The Hokage clicks his tongue, things were already complicated enough as is; now it seems Hitoshi can be either a foreign spy or a walking bomb. Has Iwagakure already learned about Naruko's connection to the Yondaime? "Anything else about the child that I should be aware about?"

"Two points of interest come to mind, one observation by one of the Hospital's Hyuuga staff reveals that Hitoshi's chakra pathways are shrouded by a veil of his own chakra, making it hard to get a clear idea how his chakra flows through his body or the tenketsu that regulates it."

The Hokage soon sets aside the paper he was working on and turns his chair to face the ninja, "And the third point of interest?"

"His mind." Kakashi answers, "Another member of the staff with specialties in handling psychological issues tried to use a mind reading jutsu while Hitoshi was unconscious, he was surprise to find that the boy's mental defense was strong, too strong for a child to posses, he wasn't able to get anything out of it. A good number of doctors are already requesting that you put the kid under investigation due to their findings. All of his traits already paint him as a possible spy from any of the foreign villages."

"I expected as much, I too also found his appearance in regard to last night's events to be more than just chance. Not to mention how a boy around the age of eight or nine was able to outrun a crowd of adults in the forest late at night and still have enough strength to repel a grown man's assault with only a fallen tree branch. At least not without any training." Leaning back in his chair, the leader of the village looks up to the ceiling, "His story is also not without some flaws, even his name Kanshisha Hitoshi is false, since chakra is part mental energy I can tell whenever his fluctuates in accordance to the notion of lying."

"So Hitoshi saying that he's an orphan is a lie." The silver hair ninja asks.

The Hokage nods, "Yes, though there is some truth to his words. When I talked to him earlier and asked him about his family, he claims that they were gone. I was able to sense his chakra react in way that reflects that someone is not telling the truth. Yet something about it struck me wrong, he may have been lying, but his chakra didn't react like he was fully lying, a half truth in a sense. When he made a comment about no longer seeing his family again, he was telling the truth. So if possible, he may have some knowledge of some relatives, but is unable to reach them."

Kakashi merely whistles a low note, "Well that's confusing to say the least."

The Hokage chuckles, "Since when anything in this world has been clean-cut, still there's another thing that he has been truthful about, wanting to be with Naruko."

The room soon turns silent; a small feeling of shame comes over the two trained assassins. Uzumaki Naruko, jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi no Kitsune, and the pariah of Konohagakure. Her life up to this point has been not a pleasant one to say the least. A small, lonely girl with no family, and hardly any friends except for two at Ichiraku Ramen and the Hokage himself from time to time, forced into her circumstances beyond her control from birth. Avoided by those who fear her, attacked by those who hated her. It's nothing short of a miracle of the girl hasn't lashed out at anyone in rage.

"So what are we going to do about this?" Kakashi asks, clearing his mind of past regrets.

"For now," The Hokage reaches into a desk drawer to pull out a pipe and some tobacco, "We shall only observe, we should at least see what Hitoshi's character is and work from there." Packing a little tobacco into the pipe and lighting it up with a low level fire jutsu the Hokage takes part in one of his favorite pastimes, "Hitoshi wants to protect Naruko out of kindness that much we know about. The reasons for his decision, and also his origins, will no doubt reveal themselves in due time. The girl needs to have some solace in her life; I simply don't have it in my heart to take it away from her." He takes a puff of smoke, "As far as the boy know, he believes that we don't know much about him or his past, let's keep that façade up for the time being."

"I understand Hokage-sama." Kakashi replies before bowing a bit, "Shall I take my leave?"

The old man merely takes another puff of smoke, "Yes, you are excused, oh by the way can you get on over to Naruko-chan's house and pick up her books. She's trying to teach Hitoshi a few things about being a ninja."

"Oh," Kakashi raises his only visible eyebrow, "Hitoshi wants to become a shinobi."

The Hokage puts on a small grin, "He expresses an interest in becoming an iryo-nin, and he made a comment revolving how people should always help others in need. He has a good heart."

The silver hair ANBU could only put up a sad smile beneath his mask, "Let's just hope that he bear the burden he just put himself in." Catching the twitch in the Hokage's eyes the younger decides to make himself scarce, "Well I'll go get those books now Hokage-sama, excuse me." He soon opens the only door to the Hokage's office, closing it behind him as he leaves.

Alone with only his pipe and work documents the Hokage looks out the window to see the village in all it's splendor. However he didn't spent time enjoying the sight, instead only thinking about how things will change all because of one boy. "Who are you really Hitoshi?" Finding no answer, the Hokage goes back to work; those damn papers aren't going to sign themselves, much to his eternal chagrin.

XXXXX

"And um…uh I think that's how chakra is supposed to work or something?" Naruko finishes her lecture, actually less of a lecture and more like a mix-match of poorly thought out notes and tidbits.

The way she's been describing it leaves an impression she knows about this world and way this "chakra" system works as much as I do, in other words next to nothing. Well she's what 8-ish or something so that's to be expected still…

"You honestly have no idea what you've just said." I deadpan.

"Uhhhhhhhhh." Naruko starts scratching the back of her head as if embarrass at her lack of knowledge.

I raise my right brow, "Naruko-chan…"

The blonde soon slumps her shoulders in defeat, "Okay I don't know much." She bites her lower lip, "I'm kind of the dead last of the class." The last part spoken only in a whisper.

Seeing a grimace from the girl is clear sign that she's going to need all the help I can provide. Still I'm not all reliable myself currently, Earth's geography is much different than this world's, plus back home stuff like chakra of these jutsu is stuff found in fiction. Thank the big guy up high that I still kept my mind and intelligence during the reincarnation, at least a few of my practical skills and knowledge can help me out in the near future, I hope. I am dealing with concepts that are entirely new and alien to me.

I take a deep breath, rubbing my forehead a bit to ease the coming headache, "Well thanks for helping me out a bit, I'm sure I can keep up in no time. Who knows I might"

The blonde girl soon smiles a bit, "Thank you. Hm?" She soon covers her mouth the moment she starts yawning, "Getting sleepy."

Really, last time I check it's still pretty early. I look out the window to see the sun already setting, coating Konohagakure in an orange hue. "I think you should go back to your bed and get some rest Naruko-chan." I say, still looking out the window. Strange no response. I look back to the girl, "Oi."

"Munya…" she grumbles while resting on her chair, her head nodding off to the side a bit. Well seems like she's so tired that she fell asleep on the spot. Actually she looks peaceful, maybe a little cute. I flinch a bit to see the girl's mouth start drooling, so much for being cute. Well no one said that anyone's perfect.

I stifle a yawn; a light sense of exhaustions hits me all of a sudden. Dang, didn't expect to be this tired, curse this small body's stamina. Ugh, my brain feels like it's going to burst too, cramming all that info on this world and chakra is murder on my mind. Best lay down for a bit and let my mind wander before falling asleep. Easing my way on the soft pillow I let my mind slowly drift away…

*Don*Don*Don*

I snap my eyes open at the sound of someone knocking at the door. So much for that peace. Still who would come here, it's getting pretty late. "Hello, who's there?"

The door opens to reveal the same ninja from last night with a small stack of books and scrolls on hand, "Just an ordinary ANBU, I've been asked by the Hokage to deliver some of Naruko's school books to help get you up to speed." He sets the reading material on a nearby table, "Sure beats doing nothing on a hospital bed."

I can't help but shrug, "I see what you mean there, say Ninja-san what's it like?"

"Hm?" The ninja looks at me behind his mask, "You got to be clearer on what you're asking."

"Oh okay." I clear my throat, "What I mean to ask is what it is like being a ninja uh Ninja-san?"

The ninja rubs his chin, "Being a ninja then huh?" He soon chuckles, "Honestly, it's not always a bed of roses despite what some may believe I can tell you that much."

"Well ain't that the truth." I mumble. It's pretty much a requirement in any military branch that I know of that a soldier must sooner or later be ready to take arms and be ready to be deployed on a moment's notice. Plus every soldier needs to know how to handle weaponry of various kinds, from firearms to grenades and such. Come to think of it, are there even guns in this world, a ninja using gun-kata sounds both hilarious and kind of scary.

"Thinking of something kid." The ANBU's words take me out of my thoughts, "You look like you were thinking of something."

I sigh, "I'm now cursing myself for getting roped into this whole ninja business because of the Hokage."

"Well don't take it too hard, there's people out there that also get drawn it by tales of how ninjas doing great stunts and acts of heroism and all that." He then looks out the window, as if in remembrance, "It only takes a few missions to see what some of us have to experience."

"Um Ninja-san?" I call out getting the man's attention.

"Oh sorry." He then looks back to me, "Just got sidetracked for a minute there." His sets himself down on a chair, "So I've heard you're interested in becoming an iryo-nin, am I right?"

"Uh yeah." I answer, "If it means that I can at least help some people, than I see no problem with that."

"So something like a hero?" The ANBU asks.

I narrow my eyes a bit, "Nope, not in the slightest." I state in a blunt tone of voice. My words seem to have caught the ANBU off guard seeing that he just flinches. "When you really think about the medical field is always in demand. As long as there are people, there's always going to be a demand for doctors, and if I can become one and help someone out than I'm happy. Besides…" I put on a small grin, "last time I check ninjas are supposed to be good at assassinations, not playing heroes."

"Well said." The ANBU adds in, "Seems like you've been through your own share of troubles I guess."

"More or less, but such is life." I answer before reaching to one of Naruko's school books, "If you don't mind me asking but don't you have some other duties to attend to Ninja-san?"

"Oh yeah." The ninja returns as he gets up from his chair, "I have to be somewhere in a bit, didn't mean to stay her for so long. Well then." He start making his way to the door, "It's been nice talking to you kid."

I wave the man goodbye, "You're welcome Ninja-san."

The ninja returns the wave and soon leaves, closing the door behind him.

I take a deep breath; once again I am alone with Naruko with nothing better to do. Well there are the girl's school books, I can learn a bit from them but ugh my head is pounding. I look back outside, it's getting dark too I should probably get some sleep. I open the book in my hands to the first page and start reading.

I can always sleep later.

XXXXX

"We're finally out of that nasty hospital!" Naruko exclaims, raising her arms in the air to bask in the sunlight.

I, for the most part, am not as happy. "Uh yeah, woo-hoo." I wince at another sharp stab of pain penetrating my mind from that damn accurse headache from all that studying. Note to self, all nighters can and will always bite back in the end. Ugh my brain is melting.

The blonde girl turns towards me with a pout, "You didn't have to spend all night reading Hitoshi-kun."

I put on a pain smile, "Right, I'll remember that Naruko-chan."

The girl soon gives me a small smile, "Well at least you're no longer in those ugly hospital clothes."

"Uh yeah." I mumble as I look down to the dark gray t-shirt, tan shorts, and some sort of weird blue sandals that cover a good part of my foot. I than adjust one of the straps to the worn out backpack that I've been given by the Hokage that has three sets of the same outfit I have on, kit with some personal care stuff, and Naruko's books. "So where to next?"

"My home of course!" The blonde claims with glee in her voice before reaching out and grabbing my hand, "Come on I'll lead the way." She soon speeds up ahead, dragging me along with her.

Geez for a little girl she's pretty strong, or it could because I'm only slightly taller than her by a bit. Nonetheless so this is Konoha, wow this is defiantly a big difference from the city. With no streets, skyscrapers, and such that I'm more used to feels kind of surreal to say the least. I wonder what this place is like beyond the hospital.

"Damn it's that thing."

"Why is it still alive?"

"It should just be gone and leave us alone already."

I look around to see various people covering their mouths, whispering to one another. I can already tell their talking about my mistress, er, I mean Naruko-chan, but damn a few are looking at me as well.

"Who's that kid with it?"

"Don't know, he doesn't look like he's around these parts."

"I can already tell he's nothing but trouble."

Oh come on. I groan at my now developing rep amongst others. What happen with common sense with these people? Hmm Naruko seems to be slowing down. "Hey Naruko-chan, are you okay?"

She turns back to face me, she still has a smile on her face, but I can tell that she's forcing herself to put on a brave face. "I'm fine, really." The shakiness in her voice says otherwise, "Let's hurry on, my apartment is nearby." She than runs ahead, dragging me along.

I can already feel by concern building, how much did these people affect her until I came along?

I remain silent, letting Naruko lead the way to her place. Sneaking glances at the various reactions to the left and right of me, a number sneers at both Naruko and me, some distance themselves and don't look directly, a few pull children out of our way, and a rare one is praying and giving me a sadden look as if pitying me for something. Geez now I'm starting to feel nervous.

We turn a corner and Naruko points to a building in front of us, "Well here we are. The apartment itself is on the top floor see?"

Really, this is where I'm going to be staying? The building itself is freaking huge, it's got to be what five, six stories tall! And Naruko's place is at the top? Augh I can feel my spine breaking. If I was in my old body than climbing the stairs will be no big deal. Dang I'm already missing my house in my world; at least it is a one story. "Well." I clear my throat, "Let's hurry, this backpack is getting heavy now."

"All right. Well come on we're almost there." She than points to a set of stairs.

I flinch, "Wait, doesn't this place have an elevator or something at least?" No way I'm climbing that behemoth of a building every day.

The girl tilts her head, "Elevator? What's that?"

"Nevermind." I groan out as I start my way up the stairs. Silly me for expecting elevators to exist in this world where tall buildings are a rarity, for all I know ninjas could scale up walls in no time or something.

I think best that I keep quiet until we get to the top. I mean it can't be that bad.

XXXXX

"I…hate…stairs!" I exclaim in-between breaths for air, attempting to soothe my burning lungs. Geez what's with me, I was able to run for about ten minutes with Naruko on my back one time, now I can barely muster up the strength after walking six flights of stairs…okay six floors is a lot, even with a heavy backpack but come on! Heck Naruko looks like she isn't even winded yet. I glare at the blonde girl standing nearby her apartment door giving me a funny look.

"Hey Hitoshi, if you're tired I can carry that bag for you since we're here now." She says with an air of concern in her voice.

I force a smile of my own, "It's all right, I know I can make a few steps." I refuse to back down now, I may have a child's body, to my chagrin, but I'm still a man damn it! I have my pride still, and to be honest it along with my past memories are one of the few things I actually have in this world.

Naruko only shrugs, "Well if you say so, anyway…" She unlocks the door and opens it wide open to reveal a room that resembles a kitchen a bit, "Here it is, home sweet home." She proceeds on inside, "Sorry for being a little messy around here."

Messy? I can see dirty dishes peeking over the sink, pots and pans with caked on gunk on the counter, and the ramen cups, good grief there's a small pile of them pooling around the garbage can, which also happens to be filled with ramen cups containers. I sniff the air; the smell of burnt and expired food invades my nostrils. If this is Naruko's version of little mess, I hate to see what a full blown mess is. I can just imagine my mother's reaction is she ever sees this.

I follow inside and set my backpack on the counter, "Uhhhh, sure. Anything else?"

The girl soon points to a nearby hallway, "Well the laundry room is that door behind you," I look behind to see an open doorway revealing a washing machine and dryer, "and my room is on the other side of this hallway and the bathroom is the only door to the left of it. Oh this is so exciting." I look back to Naruko to see her with her hands to her blushing face and swinging her body a bit, "I won't be alone anymore."

Seeing this girl looking so happy is a far cry to the panicking blonde I ran into in the forest, hard to imagine it's the same person. Heck, I'm feeling a little fuzzy myself. "Well than can I see your room than?"

The girl's widen, "Uh, m-m-m-my room?"

I shrug and I make my way to small hallway separating the kitchen and bedroom, "You said it's over here right." I point to the close door in front of me and reach for the doorknob.

"W-wait I don't think-?"

I open it.

"Naruko-chan." I deadpan.

"Yes?"

"We're cleaning…now."

"Huh?"

I twirl around to face her, "Now! We're cleaning up this place now! I am not going to sleep tonight until this place is clean do you hear me?"

The girl's posture turns ramrod straight in an instant, "Okay!"

I shift my focus back to the dishevel den that is the bedroom and roll up my sleeves, I did not sign up for this.

XXXXX

"Naruko-chan, what are these?" I point to a pile of…something in the corner.

The girl grins sheepishly, "Um, my dirty laundry, I think?"

"Really." I look down to see something orange…crawling? "AHHHHHHH!" I raise my foot and stamp down on the anomaly with extreme prejudice. "DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!"

Crap and a half, is laundry moving suppose to be normal in this world?

XXXXX

"Okay this is just disgusting; don't you have a time to clean up your apartment every now and then?" I ask, desperate not to scream at the state she left her bathroom.

The blonde next to me pouts, "Not really, most of the time I spend at either the academy or training into becoming a kunoichi."

"But to leave your bathroom like this?"

"Hey I do a lot of training!"

I palm my face, "Would it kill you to at least clean the toilet?" I think I'm going to be sick.

XXXXX

"And I want all those ramen containers cleaned up and put away." I bark out while scrubbing on a dirty pan that had the charred remains of something. "Honestly, how can a little girl eat so much of that cheap stuff is beyond me I swear."

"Hey!" Naruko snaps back, "Ramen is easy to make and is delicious!"

"Yeah when you eat it sparingly." I pour a little bit more elbow grease into the pan, "But that many cups is not normal, what do you do, eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?"

"Yes."

I pause. Yes? And to say it like it's no big deal. I'm surprise the girl can function normally with that amount of nutrition that crap has. "Naruko, do you have some food in the fridge that isn't ramen in anyway?" I see her nod. "Good, because tonight I'm going to show you what you're missing."

XXXXX

"Ugh I'm beat." Naruko moans out upon collapsing on her bed with fresh sheets, "Who knew cleaning would be so hard?"

"That's what you get when you put off something for too long." I grumble back, sitting against the side of the bed. "At least this place is no longer a mess." I run my hand across the smooth and more importantly clean hardwood floor and marvel at the pristine state that the bedroom is in now, a huge difference from the chaotic mess from earlier. This room, the hallway, the bathroom, and the kitchen are now no longer a hazard site, which is good. I look out the window to see the sky already dark, all that cleaning took the entire day so chances are its pretty late. "All right then." I got up from the floor, "Time to make dinner." I than make my way to the kitchen. I wonder what kind of ingredients the fridge has.

"Wait." I shift my focus to the Naruko as she sits up straight, "You're going to make dinner?"

"Uh yeah." I reply, "Though it's pretty late I think I can whip up at least a quick meal of fried rice." A quick inventory of the fridge's contents while disposing of all the expired food at least shows I have enough for at least that. Some day old rice, peas, several eggs, a few slices of bacon, a couple of carrots will probably be enough.

"Do you need any help?"

I shake my head no, "Thanks, but I think I can handle it by myself." I'll leave the girl alone, right now it's time to see if I've kept my past life's cooking knowledge

XXXXX

"Wait, you made this?" Naruko asks, staring with wide eyes with her mouth salivating a bit to the sight of the mound of fried rice on her plate. I can see the wavering grip that she has on the metal spoon in her right. I can only guess that this is the first semi-decent meal she has in a long time.

At least the culinary skills developed from cooking for my family didn't go to waste, even if it's for something simple like fried rice. I take a bit out from my own share, "It's no big deal really, now hurry up and eat before your food gets cold." Hmm, I overdid on the salt a bit, and the carrots are still undercooked.

"Haaaaaaaaaa."

Hm? I turn to Naruko to see the girl with a dreamy look on her face that has bits of food on her cheeks and cradling the spoon against her face. Okay this is a bit weird, I know my cooking is good but this a tad bit overdramatic. I snap my fingers in front of her, "Um, hello, you still with me?"

"Yummy!" She cheers before helping herself to another spoonful, "It's so yummy Hitoshi-kun, this is amazing!"

I smile, "I'm glad to hear that." Well I hate to ruin the mood over here but I need to get something straight, "Say Naruko-chan."

"Yes?"

I'm going to feel like crap for asking this, "Are the people around here always mean to you?" The girl than goes silent in an instant. Great this is going to be a pain in the ass for sure. "I can understand if you don't want to talk about it, but on the way here everyone was looking at us funny. I just want to know." Silence persists, in other words I should best leave this matter alone. "Didn't mean to intru-."

"No." The girl blurts out, "It's fine." She turns her head to look out the kitchen window, "To be honest, the people around here have always been mean to me. They always say hurtful things or look down at me. It's been like that ever since I can remember."

"And you're all right with this?" I ask with my tone full of worry. "Taking all that by yourself."

She gives a small smile, "Well there are people who are nice to me, like the two at the Ichiraku ramen stand. They always make me feel welcome whenever I come eat over there. Oh, and Hokage-jiji is nice to me as well."

I lean back in my chair a bit, "Aren't you the least bit concern about all this."

"It's no trouble." She looks at me with a wide smile and close eyes, "I know that one day people will be nice to me, I just know it." I can make out her eyes watering up a bit, "Yeah, one day…"

Well damn, she's actually losing hope. How this girl stays sane is a miracle in upon itself. "Well until that day comes." I reach my arm out across the table, "I'll help you as best as I can Naruko-chan. You shouldn't go through all this alone."

The blonde looks at me with the same expression when I said that I was going to be her family. "You're…really serious, about being my family?" Her eyes start tearing up.

"I was," I answer, "and I am still." I'm such a softie.

"Thank you Hitoshi-kun." She holds out her own hand and extends her pinky, "Then let's make a promise, to always look out for each other."

A promise? Err, to be honest promises are usually something I try to avoid, I'm not all that good with them. Yet, looking at this girl, who's been through all this crap, and still smiling and remaining hopeful, dang I've got to be a total bastard of a shikigami to deny her request. "Okay then." I extend my own pinky and pinky swears on it, "I promise to look out for you as best that I can."

"It's a promise than." Naruko's smile widens.

I nod, "Yeah, a promise."

As your shikigami Naruko, I will protect you to the best of my ability.

XXXXX

X OMAKE X

Warning: The following omakes are a byproduct of my bored little mind. So chances are they're going to be silly. All rights reserve to their respectful owners.

Omake One: A Needle in a Haystack

Kakashi has been through his share of troubles and hardships, a bit of a side effect of being a ninja. He's seen lives lost, towns ruin, and the horrors of war to name a few. However, the task before him could only be best described as a nightmare.

Finding Naruko's schoolbooks within the landfill the girl calls an apartment. Even behind his mask the ANBU could still smell things that no mere mortal should ever endure once in life.

Still the Hokage has given him a task, and he needs to complete it. "Okay then." He makes his way inside after opening the door with a spare key given to him by the Hokage. "If I was an 8-year old where would I put some school books? Hm?" He catches something from the corner of his eye and soon chuckles, "Well of course, on top of the TV." He procceds on over and takes the books and inspects their state, "Looks like these ones have been hardly used."

*Schlop*

The silver hair man's eyes narrow, 'What was that? I sense no incoming chakra signatures.' His danger senses flare up and he instinctively jumps to the left.

Just in time to avoid a huge mash-up of trash slam onto the wall.

The ANBU's eyes widen, 'What in the world?' He turns to find a being composing of dirty clothes, empty ramen cups, and various other messes lumbering nearby.

"You're…n..ot…ma…ster." The beast grumbles.

Kakashi could only shake his head and sigh, 'What have I don't to deserve this.' He puts the schoolbooks on a nearby counter, 'No matter.' His hands soon disappear in a rapid succession of hand signs, 'This will only take a minute.' He puts up the last sign, "Well are you coming or not?"

The trash beast gives a loud roar before charging.

'This girl really needs to clean up after herself.' The ninja thinks to himself before unleashing his jutsu.

Several eyewitnesses claim to a small explosion that can be seen outside an apartment complex.

XXXX

"Hey Naruko." Hitoshi asks the blonde girl as the latter was busy sweeping up the floors.

"Yeah?"

The boy holds up something charred up and burned beyond recognition, "Is this normal?"

The girl only shrugs, "I don't know. Just put that in the garbage can."

Hitoshi could only look at the thing one more time before tossing it with the rest of the trash.

"...mas…ter…"

Omake Two: Cuteness Overload

"It's a promise than." Naruko says with a smile upon the pinky swear.

Across her Hitoshi nods, "Yeah, a promise." He soon pulls his pinky back and resumes eating his fried rice. Yet something was bothering him, "Hey Naruko-chan why are fidgeting?"

"Um," The blonde stammers, "Well since we're family now." She than looks at him with wide blue eyes, "Can I call you onii-chan?"

*CRACK!*

The boy soon drops his spoon as his face turns white. Clutching his chest with both hands, he attempts to rise up from his chair before collapsing onto the floor.

"Onii-chan!" The blonde yelps in alarm before running to her adoptive brother's aid. Kneeling down beside him she looks at the shock look on his face, "Are you okay?"

The boy soon regains his bearings and struggles to get up, "I'm fine Naruko-chan, but can you please promise another thing."

The girl nods her head.

"Promise me that don't call me onii-chan and also not to wake me up and tell me that I'm late for something okay?" He gives a shaky smile.

Naruko could only raise an eyebrow at the request but relents, "Um sure, Hitoshi-kun."

The brunette sighs, "That's a relief." Inwardly though he's still reeling. 'GAH! I'm not sure what's going to kill me, being a ninja or Naruko's level of moe! I don't think my heart can take another attack.'

Naruko on her end, could only start in shock as her adoptive brother mumbles about how something about being a sis-con is bad. 'He's a weirdo.' She then smiles, 'But he's my weirdo.'

XXXXX

Well then chapter number two is done and thank goodness. Well anyway, love it, well hooray for me hate it, well I'm not making you read these send me your thoughts and don't forget to review.

So remember, reviews make me happy and eager to write more.

This is WanderingWriter79, signing off. Stay frosty everyone.