Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. If I did, lord knows what kind of chaos I can unleash on the Naruto world.

XXXXX

Alone.

She's always alone.

Well, not entirely in this dream, but she wishes she is truly alone.

A crowd, their visages covered in darkness, leaving only silhouettes and glowing pale lavender eyes. Eyes that are staring her down, like she's vermin or something similar in their eyes.

The crowd looms overhead, like a judge giving out a final sentence to a guilty person. Their voices, all different, have the same objective.

"Weakling."

"Spineless."

"A born mistake."

"Pitiful and she's suppose to be the next head?"

"Pathetic."

She curls up into a tight ball and tries to tune out the harsh words. But they keep on coming, they always keep on coming.

"Worm."

"Coward."

"Once a failure, always a failure."

She curls up tighter; her eyes are becoming watery with tears.

"Please stop." She mutters.

"Failure." Is the crowd's response. Their voices spoke in unison.

"Please…stop." She mutters again, her eyes tearing.

"Failure!" The crowd returns, their voices are louder."

"Please…" She mutters quietly.

"FAILURE!" The crowd roars.

Unable to take the vocal assault, she breaks and begins sobbing her heart out.

The crowd, once yelling curses, went silent, and now just observes the crying girl before them.

All they did is just taunt and watch, taunt and watch, taunt and watch.

The only thing heard is the painful cry of a little girl in a cruel, unforgiving world.

XXXXX

Chapter Seven: A Different Person

XXXXX

*RING*RING*RING*

'That sound.'

*RING*RING*RING*

'That accursed sound.'

*RING*RING*RI-*

*WHAM!*

I wince at the dull pain coming from the impact of my fist slamming down on the damn alarm clock…hard.

'Well if that ain't the greatest way to start another day.' I think to myself while getting up, shaking my hand to sooth the pain somehow. Looking up at the clock, I notice that it is about time to get ready.

'Five months.' I think to myself as I got up to do my daily routine, 'It's already been five months since being reincarnated. I can still remember it so vividly, but it's been a while now.' I think back to my family back home at the states.

Mom, last time I check was doing some important medical research for a big name company. She's rarely home, but every time she is, it just feels worth it.

Shin, that knuckle head of an older brother of mine, has been studying law at a college out of state for about a year now. He always keeps in touch either over the phone, e-mails, and maybe the occasional visit or too. He also plays in the college's baseball team in his free time after studies. He's studying law so that he can follow in the old man's footsteps and become an able police officer as well.

Tsuki, that 12 year old little sister of mine, is off at space camp located down at Huntsville, Alabama. She's always kept an interest in space, even while growing up. She keeps on going off about space facts and tidbits that she learns in books and whatnot. The girl's a broken record of astrology in fast forward the way she can recite such information without breathing.

I get up from bed and wipe out the gunk building up in my eyes. 'Five months.' The words repeat in my head. 'It's been five months since I died and agreed to be Naruko's shikigami. No doubt the initial impact of the news of my death must have him them hard.' I proceed into the bathroom with some fresh clothes and a towel, 'Still, I believe they endure and cope with the pain…' I turn on the shower water and let the warm water flow onto me, that one particular memory began resurfacing, '…it wouldn't be the first time that something like this happened.'

After a quick shower and putting on a set of clean clothes, I'm now ready for breakfast. I got out of the bathroom to notice the faint sounds coming downstairs.

My eyes widen a bit, my hand reaching to the kunai holster strapped to my right thigh as I made my way to the stairs. I vaguely hear some sort of scraping sound as I made my way further down the hall leading down the stairs. My nose caught the faint smell of…breakfast?

'The heck?' I sniff again and try to figure out the scents, 'Eggs. Bacon.' Curious, I made my way down the stairs, my hand still position for the kunai just in case.

Halfway down the stairs I notice what is going on and decide to relax. It was no intruder, just Naruko in the kitchen making breakfast. 'Heh, that's kind of sweet of her.' I than notice the mess in the kitchen, 'Now it's not. Unless having about 50 percent of kitchen covered in flour is a sign of something good.'

I notice the blonde turn to me and give a smile, "Hey Hitoshi! Good morning!"

"Uh fine, thanks." I reply nervously, not only was the kitchen covered in flour but Naruko, and the apron she is wearing, as well. Not just flour, but grease stains, fruit juice spots, and…'Wait a second? IS THAT A BURN MARK?' Seeing Naruko so messing makes me reconsider the whole 'alarm clocks are crappy ways to start the day'. If Naruko current state of messiness are a sign that whatever is for breakfast is probably haphazard to eat, I thinking that I might die not because of becoming a shinobi, but her cooking instead. "So," I cough to clear my throat, "what'cha doing?"

Naruko beam me a wide smile, "I'm cooking breakfast. What else does it look like?"

I chuckle nervously, "Um…why?"

The blonde turns to me, completely ignoring whatever it is that she's cooking, "Well ever since you got here, you've been doing all the cooking." She blushes a bit, I smell something burning, "I felt kind of bad. Since you've been helping me out all this time. You know with helping me at the academy and all."

I tilt my head to see that whatever it is Naruko is cooking gradually turning black, "Uh Naruko."

She raises her hand, "No, I don't want to hear it Hitoshi. You've been doing so much for me and ask for nothing in return. You help me on my homework; you stand up for me when bullies come around, and you even spar with me and give me some pointers."

The smoke is pitch black and I think I see a little bit of fire, "No Naruko it's not that, it's…"

Naruko stomp on the ground with her foot, making her point across, "I'm serious Hitoshi. I just wanted to do my fair share of the work. Okay?"

I panic, "That's not what I mean?"

Naruko blinks as if surprise, completely oblivious to what's behind her, "Oh? That what do you mean?"

Naruko's cooking catches on fire. I run up to her, grab her shoulders with both hands, and turns her to her burning creation.

"OH SHOOT!" Naruko shrieks, she than turns to me, "WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO?"

"I tried too." I groan as I let go of Naruko before making me way to the kitchen sink, where the fire extinguisher is. I open the drawer, quickly snatch the extinguisher, aim at the small blaze building up on the stove, and fire.

White foam spray from the nozzle, coating Naruko's cooking with the stuff and squelching the fire before things got REALLY out of hand. I've been living in this house for five months now, I don't want go back to that cramp apartment down at the slums; especially if it was because of Naruko's cooking.

Speaking of which, I see her just standing where I left her.

"Well," I said to myself as I set the extinguisher down, "Is it okay if I cook breakfast today?"

Naruko's shoulders went lax and she looks dejected, "Sure. Sorry Hitoshi." She then looks to me with a worried smile, "I just wanted to let you take a small break that's all."

I sigh, 'Five months, will the wonders never cease.' I look over to the stove, "Looks like the only thing that got burnt was your cooking Naruko. Come to think of it, what were you trying to cook?"

Naruko scratch her cheek, "Wellll, to be honest I was just trying to be creative. So I gathered all the tasty stuff I could find and try to combine them into a super tasty dish I know that you love." She then laughs in a nervous manner, "Guess that didn't turn out to well."

I look to Naruko, then turn my attention to the flour-covered kitchen, and finally back to the stove. 'I'm kind of afraid of this suppose super tasty dish of Naruko's. Wonder where she got that from?'

XXXXX

Deep within Naruko's mindscape, the Kyuubi, who was observing the recent events, gave a small sneeze.

She wipes her nose in a dignified matter, "What was that just now? Is someone talking about me?" She then shrugs it off and goes back to watching Naruko's life through the blonde girl's eyes.

XXXXX

I look to the clock on the wall nearby and notice the time, "Let's talk about this later Naruko. We're going to be late if we don't hurry."

"Huh?" Naruko turns to the clock and her eyes widen "You're right, let's hurry!" She starts running to get prepare.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" I calmly ask before point at the blonde. Naruko looks down to see that she wasn't exactly on the clean side.

"Whoops sorry." Naruko says with an embarrass smile before making a mad dash up the stairs and into the bathroom. The sounds of a quick, thorough shower can be heard.

I sigh once again as I start packing up as well, 'Five months and counting. Will the wonders never cease?'

XXXXX

She wakes up. Her body is cover in a light sweat due to her nightmare last night. She looks around, slightly panicking. She sees no one, no looming crowds mocking her. She breathes a sigh of relief. It's just her, alone in her room in the main family household.

'Alone.' She thinks to herself as she gets up to begin her mourning routine. That word always brings up the reality of her life.

As heiress of the Hyuuga clan, she has been raise to become an able leader when the time comes. Etiquette, clan politics both inside and outside the clan walls, the history of the clan, Juken: the fighting style of which the Hyuuga clan is famously known for, all her life so far is solely dedicated to learning of these subjects. Due to her upbringing, she was unable to make friends…actually; she didn't quite have the time to make friends.

It also didn't help out with most of her teachers, and even her own father, not being very supportive of her own progress. No words of encouragement, no kind or gentle words, just cold words devoid of any emotion.

Her shortcomings, however, were responded with words of disgust and scorn. Though the darkest responses come from her tutors, deeming her a "Failure" and anything similar. The only one who didn't say anything belittling to her is her own father, though considering he rarely speaks to her doesn't help that much either.

She notices how bright it is, 'I must hurry. I must not be late for the academy.' Pushing the mental pain aside, she begins her mourning routine.

'I really wish I have a friend.'

XXXXX

After Naruko cleaned herself up, she and I immediately bolt down our way to the academy as soon as I lock the door to the house.

We make to spot where we usually meet Shino and Kiba in record time.

"Hey what took you guys so long?" Kiba shouts as soon as I am able to see him. Apparently he has been waiting for a while, if that twitch in his eye is any indicator. Shino, for his part, is calm, like that is any different.

"Sorry Mutt-face," Naruko answers, earning a sharp glare from "Mutt-face", "I wanted to cook breakfast today, but things got pretty messy."

"That's the understatement of the century Naru." I add.

"Wait a second, you mean Hitoshi is the one doing cooking duty ever since you guys met?" Kiba ask.

"Yeah, why?" Naruko answer with a straight face.

Kiba only remain still for about a couple of seconds before bursting out laughing, "BWAHAHAHA! I DIDN'T KNOW HITOSHI WAS INTO GIRL STUFF!"

'Why that little!' I clench my hand to prevent myself from going medieval on that laughing twerp. I turn to Shino to find the Arubame shaking his head in disbelief. Normally, I would have punched the guy, but I had a better way, "Is that so? Now remind me, who is it that always wins every time we spar?"

I grin as that remark got Kiba to shut up. In the five months I've been living here and attending the ninja academy, not once have I ever lost a spar against any of my peers. Of course, considering I have much more experience in fighting underneath my belt, that's too be expected. The only ones who ever gave me some form of challenge were the kids from one of the mains clans of Konoha that I face so far. At least those ones know how to fight.

Kiba pointed an accusing finger at me, "YEAH, WELL, JUST YOU WAIT! I'LL BEAT YOU SOMEDAY!"

Shino adjusts his glasses, "I, too, look forward to our next bout."

I grin, "Likewise Shino, likewise." I turn to Naruko, "I also look forward to seeing if me teaching you my fighting style wasn't a total waste."

Naruko clenches her right hand into a fist and gives me a determine look, "Trust me, it wasn't."

We soon all laugh a bit before making our way to the academy.

XXXXX

"Do not dawdle Hinata-sama." Her escort says in a stern voice.

She fights back the urge to wince, opting instead to just look emotionless. Not wanting to embarrass herself in public and bring more "shame" to the Hyuuga clan.

In public, she always presents herself in a respectful manner. Face forward, stand up straight, do not allow yourself to be distracted by others. Every step she takes is control and order. As heiress to the Hyuuga clan, she must at least act the part around others.

"YEAH, WELL, JUST YOU WAIT! I'LL BEAT YOU SOMEDAY!" A loud shout broke through the silence, causing the younger Hyuuga to shift her attention to the source of the yell.

What she sees is four kids, three boys and one girl. She instantly recognizes them from her class.

The one with sunglasses is Aburame Shino, son of the head of the Arubame clan. His clan specializes in the usage of their Kikaichū for their jutsus.

The feral looking boy is Inuzuka Kiba, son of the head of the Inuzuka clan. A clan specializing in a brutal style of taijutsu while working in unison with their ninken.

The other two though she knows little about aside their names and the occasional rumor she picks up every now and then.

The boy with the brown hair is known as Kashisha Hitoshi. From what she's heard, the boy is an orphan who surprisingly doesn't originate from Konoha. So anything relating to his parentage or even what area in the elemental countries he comes from is completely unknown. He also has a tendency to keep to himself about his past, if his slight outburst from months ago is any indication. The only ones he actually talks with are Kiba, Shino, and Naruko.

Naruko, she eyes the blonde girl with a little bit of envy. Uzumaki Naruko, a girl who's existence is almost parallel to her own. She sometimes finds herself wishing to trade lives with the blonde girl. To be free of her own burdens and live like a normal person. To make friends, to not worry about fate or anything similar, anything that doesn't involve being cooped up in that stuffy clan complex.

"Hinata-sama." The escort's cold words brought her out of her musing, "I advise wasting no more time than you have right now."

"Sorry, I just got distracted by something." The heiress apologizes to her escort in a calm tone of voice. She than follows her escort the rest of the way to the academy. The image of those four laughing together lock within her mind.

XXXXX

"…and that concludes today's lesson on the…" I drown out the rest o Iruka's words.

If it's one thing about lectures is that it's one part information, second part presentation. As far as I know, Iruka can damn well recite the meaning of life only for everyone to fall asleep due to his tone of voice.

I look over to my right to see Naruko on the verge of sleeping. The notebook page she is writing on is a horrible compilation of scribbles and abridged notes. There's even a stick figure similar to Mizuki with the word "Dummy" written above it.

'It's a start.' I think to myself as I focus my attention back to Iruka's lecture. With me around, Naruko's performance in school has actually made great strides. In other words, she actually pays attention. Though with learning conditions in the academy, I considered that a great accomplishment.

*Thud!*

'New personal best, she lasted for about half an hour this time.' I ponder as I heard the sound of Naruko surrendering to boredom and lightly slamming her head on her desk. Not loud enough to get anyone's attention but my own.

Still, Naruko has a long way to go.

"Okay class. It's that time again for sparring, so everyone please follow Mizuki and me to the sparring room." Those words from Iruka broke the stagnant air developing in the classroom.

I grin to myself, 'Sparring. My favorite part of this class.' One of the few things I actually enjoy out of this class is the anything that involves physical activity. Anything involving fighting, running, climbing, anything that can put my current body limit's to the test I actually enjoy. Fighting is actually the one I enjoy most of all. Normally if I was in my old form beating up little kids, I would normally have second thoughts, but I'm about 8 or 9 years old physically now so in a sense its fair game.

I nudge Naruko awake, "Come on Naruko, its sparring time."

The blonde awakes with a snort, "Um, what? Sparring?"

I nod, "Yeah, come on."

She yawns, "Sure, I'm coming, I'm coming."

After Naruko rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, she and I join up with the rest of class as we made our way to the sparring room.

Making our way to our destination, we caught up to Shino and Kiba in order to talk about who we are going to face.

"I don't care who I face." Kiba proclaims as he slams a fist into his open hand, "Bring them on, I'll keep on growing stronger."

Shino adjusts his glasses, "Though I don't have you enthusiasm Kiba-san, I too look forward to who I'm going to face." He then turns to Naruko, "Your thoughts Naruko-san?"

Naruko thinks to herself before she smiles, "I hope that my opponent would be Hitoshi."

I smile a bit, "Don't expect me to hold back Naruko. I want to see how far you can go."

She and I laugh to ourselves. Laughing, I notice something that caught my eye. A girl with dark blue hair wearing formal robes walking by herself. Her head is tilted forward, making her looking somewhat depressed or something. Though, what's more shocking is her eyes, pale lavender with no pupils. All of her traits remind me of something, but I can't figure out what.

Some light taps on my head breaks me out of thoughts, "Oi, Hitoshi you still there." It's Kiba.

I turn to him, "Um, yeah sorry. Got distracted for a minute there." I than turn back to the girl to find that her speeding ahead, like she's in a hurry or something.

'What's her problem?' I think to myself before deciding to let the matter slide for now, there are more important things at hand. For example, who's butt am I gonna kick in sparing.

Arriving in the sparing room, I sit next to Naruko who is sitting next to Kiba and Shino. "You ready Naruko?"

Naruko clenches her hand, her eyes gives an aura of determination, "You bet Hitoshi."

I smile at Naruko before turning my attention towards Iruka as he calls the names for spars.

First one of among the group was Kiba with his opponent being Choji Akimichi. Match lasted for about a minute in Kiba's favor. Though from what I can observe from the Choji's expression, he doesn't look the type to fight.

Shino's opponent wasn't that much better, a poor fighter through and through. All I can tell that he's just some kid doing the whole ninja business for the fun of it or something. Kid lasted a little longer than that Choji guy before surrendering.

"Uzumaki Naruko and Hyuuga Hinata please come into the ring." Iruka's words made Naruko stiffen up a bit.

"Well," Naruko gulp, "Wish me luck." She than got up and made her way to the ring.

As she made her to the ring, I shift my attention to her opponent. It's a girl wearing formal robes and…

"Wait, it's that girl." I think out loud

"You mean Naruko's opponent?" Shino's voice got my attention.

I nod, "Yeah, I saw her earlier in the halls on the way over here. She looked kind of down in the dumps or something."

"Ahhhh what do you know?" Kiba spoke up, "She's a Hyuuga, and as far as I can say she's probably as much of a stuck up as the rest of her clan. Bunch of high and mighty snobs if you ask me."

'That's pretty harsh.' I think to myself before going back to observing Naruko's match. 'If I remember, the Hyuuga clan specializes in some sort of taijutsu that focuses on disabling opponents. I don't much about their fighting style beyond that however. Hope Naruko can handle her.'

The only thing I could do now is just watch.

XXXXX

'Okay Naruko, keep it together, you train with Hitoshi many times, you're ready for whatever they can throw at you.' Naruko thought to herself as she made her way inside the ring. Upon entering said ring, she turns to face her opponent; a shy looking girl in formal garb looking downward a bit.

"All right," Iruka broke the silence, "You both know the rules. You are to fight to the best of your abilities till a. One of you is unable to fight, b. One of you is force outside the ring, or c. Till' either Mizuki-sensei or I deem it necessary. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Both combatants said in unison before taking their fighting stances.

Naruko's fighting stance consisted of positioning the left side of her in front, with her left foot and fist in front with the right side of her body in the back. It was a stance similar to the one Hitoshi uses during his matches, but in comparison Naruko's stance is still rigid and still needs improvements.

Hinata, on her part, took the traditional Juken stance. One meant to incapacitate an opponent with only a few well aimed strikes.

"Ready?" Iruka's words made both girls tense off before they gave a nod.

"Begin!"

No sooner had Iruka signal the start of the match Naruko charge forward, ready to launch the first blow.

Hinata tense up as the blonde girl came charging and prepare an intercepting strike to stop the latter. With one fluid motion, the Hyuuga heiress strikes the point where the blonde girl was suppose to be.

Only for said blonde girl to duck below the blow at the last second.

Not missing a beat, Naruko brought both her hands behind her before launching them straight forward, striking Hinata in the abdomen. The blow had enough to force the Hyuuga girl back a couple of feet. Not wanting to not give her opponent a chance to recover, Naruko attacks again with a sweeping leg kick.

Despite the somewhat staggering blow, Hinata was quick enough to see Naruko's next attack and quickly jump to the side, evading the attack just as the leg swept the space below her. Upon landing, Hinata charges forward, preparing to incapacitate the blonde girl. Fortuanly for her, Naruko's attack left the blonde wide open for a set of juken blows.

Naruko, unable to properly counter due to the close distance between her and her opponent, brought up both her arms in defensive position and preparing for the blows.

Hinata's five blows were blocked by Naruko's sudden defense, and Naruko figure out some things against blocking the juken.

One, it hurts…really badly. Second, her arms started feeling numb from Hinata's blows.

'Need to put some space away from her.' The blonde thought to herself before jumping away to get some distance. Her arms still stinging in pain of having the equivalent of needles stabbed in them. Landing a safe distance, she raises both her arms, wincing at the stinging sensation, 'Argh! It stings like heck! Can't leave myself open like that again!'

Hinata, on her end, was waiting for the blonde to make the next move. However, there was a little niggling sense of curiosity going around in the girl's mind. 'Strange. Normally her arms would have been disabled, or at the very least make it difficult for her to even move her arms. Yet she can still move them with some level of ease.' She inches closer, 'I must not underestimate her again.' She then took the initiative and charges at the blonde, ready to deliver more blows.

Naruko eyes widen at the ambush, 'Shoot!' Force into the defensive, Naruko backs away from the offensive strikes, ducking and weaving while also staying within the ring's boundaries. Naruko was panicking, 'At the rate this is going, she's going to kick my butt before I even get another shot at her. Come on Naruko think of something quick.' Then out of the blue, a memory about one of her earlier spars with Hitoshi surface in the blonde girl's mind.

XXXXX

"WAAAAH!" Naruko scream while she soars through the air before landing face first onto the training mat.

Hitoshi gave a sigh, "Come on squirt, at least think before throwing your punches at random. I'm not even winded yet."

"Just you wait Hitoshi," Naruko grumbled as she got up, she then charges and delivers a fierce right straight punch, "I'LL SHOW YOU!"

The brown hair boy caught the fist in his left hand with little effort. The blonde was barely able to register her surprise before Hitoshi's left hand quickly grabbed her right wrist and Hitoshi's right hand grabbed by the shirt. He then slide his right foot underneath Naruko's, throwing the girl off balance and finally tosses her overhead. The girl soared through the air once again before landing on her back with a thud.

The blonde groan at another defeat, she could see Hitoshi looking down at her.

"A good tip to fighting Naruko," the brunette spoke, "A throw is a good way to get your opponent off balance. Not every fight is all about just beating someone up. Now come on," he smile as he held out a hand to help her up, "Didn't you say that you were going to show me or something?"

The blonde gave a wide smile as she took Hitoshi's hand. "Thanks."

XXXXX

'Yet and in the end I still wasn't able to get a good blow at him.' The blonde then took a stalwart stance, 'Still…' she readies herself for Hinata's coming strike, 'He's a pretty good training partner.'

'This is it.' Hinata thought to herself as she sees the blonde take another defensive stance, 'Forgive me for doing this.' She then strikes.

The blonde's eyes widen, 'Now!' At the last second, she sidesteps the strike and grabs the striking arm by the wrist with her left hand. She then reaches with her left to grab the Hyuuga's clothes. Lastly she slides her right foot underneath her attacker's feet, throwing Hinata off balance. With all that done, Naruko pull all the strength, throwing the blue-hair girl over her shoulder and out the ring.

Iruka was as dumbstruck as the rest of the class, excluding Hitoshi who just smiled at Naruko's progress, before gaining his bearings straight.

"Winner, Uzumaki Naruko!"

XXXXX

"All right Naruko!" I shout at the declaration of Naruko's victory. Naruko turns to face me and flashes the "V for Victory" hand sign.

"No way, did she just lose to the dobe." I overhear someone.

"Isn't the Hyuuga clan supposed to be really powerful or something?"

"Is Hinata really that weak to lose to that girl?"

I frown at the number of harsh words, 'So she lost, not like it's a big deal right?'

I turn back to Naruko to find her kneeling next to Hinata, she's probably saying something to her but I can't make it out. I wonder what she's talking abo-

"GO AWAY!" Hinata shouts, shoving Naruko away before running through some double doors at the opposite side of the hall.

I immediately got up and went next to the dumbstruck blonde, "What did you say to her?"

Naruko shrugs, "All I said that is that it's okay to lose sometimes."

I smack her in the back of the head, "Not the choice of words I would go for."

"Sorry." Naruko says as she nurses the back of her head.

"Hmm, this is bad." I overhear Iruka, "Mizuki, you go oversee the rest of the spars; I'll go out and retrieve Hinata, okay?"

Mizuki shrugs, "Whatever." Iruka gives him a clip board and runs off through the same double doors that Hinata ran through.

I place a hand on Naruko's shoulder, "Come on Naruko." I than proceed to lead her back to our usual sitting spot.

"Not so fast Hitoshi." Mizuki's words made me stop, "It's your turn next."

"Well, didn't see that coming." I reply, "And who's my opponent?"

Mizuki's mouth curve into a grin, one that I didn't quite like. "Next match Uchiha Sasuke versus Kashisha Hitoshi!"

XXXXX

Naruko's eyes widen while Hitoshi's went narrow at Mizuki's statement.

Even the class itself was shock, two of the best, undefeated fighters in the whole class going head to head is match that's a must see. The only who didn't shown much interest in the sudden announcement is Shikamaru, of course that is too be expected.

However, there is one person who's actually smile at the announcement, Sasuke. He slowly got up and makes his way to the ring, eager to show Hitoshi his place.

Hitoshi, the very name made the Uchiha's blood boil. Seeing him perform so well at the academy with the littlest big of effort was a damaging blow to his pride. To Sasuke, Hitoshi is nothing more than just some loser from some sort of hole in the ground. Being an orphan, there should be no possible way for the brown hair boy to even stand a chance in the academy. 'So how can this fool actually reach MY level?' Such enraged thoughts linger within the brooding boy's mind. It was as if Itachi somehow sent this boy just to toy with him.

'No matter,' Sasuke thinks as he steps inside the ring, 'If crushing this nobody means being one step closer to killing you, I'll do it.'

Hitoshi saw the somewhat foreboding smile on the raven hair boy's face and got close next to Naruko. "Naruko can you please go back to Shino-san and Kiba-san." He whispers.

The blonde gives a swift nod before doing what she's told. 'Kick his butt Hitoshi!' was her mental cheer.

"Okay you two, get ready." Mizuki's words made both boys take their fighting stance.

'I'll show what it means to have true power.' Sasuke thinks as he glares at Hitoshi. The thought of crushing Hitoshi ran in the boy's mind.

'Why is it that everyone I encounter so far is either an asshole or some form of ulterior motive?' Hitoshi's thoughts were not as serious.

"Begin!"

As soon as the match started, Sasuke charges forward with a preemptive strike, launching a right paunch aimed directly at Hitoshi's face.

Only for the attack to be caught by the brunet's hand just inches away from his face.

Sasuke, Mizuki, and even the class itself were shock. Hitoshi caught the attack and wasn't even budging by the slightest bit. He was standing still, his face set in a calm visage.

Hitoshi broke the silence, "Ah, you're one of those guys."

"LET GO WORM!" Sasuke shouts throwing another punch with his free hand; Hitoshi caught that as well and just as easily as the last attack.

Hitoshi's mouth curled into an embarrassed smile, "Geez is that all you got?" He lets go of Sasuke's hand and immediately jumps afterward, his legs curled up.

Sasuke wasn't unable to recover quickly enough before Hitoshi's legs shot out and planted a hard blow to the raven hair boy's chest. The blow knocks the wind out of him and causes him to stagger a bit.

Landing on his back after the attack, Hitoshi quickly recovers and gets up. "Come on Sasuke-san," Hitoshi as he cracks his knuckles, "I know you can do better than that."

Those words made the Uchiha boy clench his teeth in anger, "Don't you DARE mock me like that!"

Hitoshi's response was "Bring it on" sign, and like that the battle really began as Sasuke charges once again.

Naruko watch from the sidelines as Hitoshi's spar with that jerk Sasuke began to heat up. She could only watch in awe as Hitoshi ducks and weaves every one of Sasuke's punches and kicks. Sometimes, Hitoshi would catch one of the attacks and counterattack, earning gasps of shock as the strikes connects and Sasuke is sent back some feet. Hitoshi is actually making Sasuke look like a total amateur in comparison and the best part is…

Hitoshi is not even taking Sasuke seriously.

Naruko would see the bored look on Hitoshi's face. Unlike his previous bouts he had, Hitoshi's face was only one of focus, but this one was different.

'Why is that?' Naruko thinks before focusing back on the match.

'Right jab, left hook, rising kick with the right foot, this kid is getting sloppy.' Hitoshi thinks to himself as he anticipated and dodges everyone of Sasuke's attacks. The further the match, the more Sasuke's temper flares up, and the easier it is for Hitoshi to dodge. 'This is going nowhere fast, best to finish it now.'

Jumping to avoid a sweeping kick, Hitoshi lands just close to edge of the ring. He yawns, "Come on, don't tell me that that is the best you got."

Sasuke, despite being exhausted by his failed attempts to hit Hitoshi, mentally snarled at the remark.

Hitoshi gives a chuckle, "Hey you know what, I'll humor you." He points at himself with both hands and smiles, "Come on, I know you have at least one good punch left in you."

"CURSE YOU!" Hitoshi's words made the Uchiha roar in angry before charging at the brunet. He launches a powerful punch aimed directly in between the brown hair boy's eyes, unaware of the sly grin the boy had on his face. The fist was just inches away from Hitoshi…

…but he disappears.

Sasuke's eyes widen before he caught something in the corner of his eyes. A blur form of Hitoshi rushing past him to right behind him. The raven hair boy turns his head to find his opponent right behind him with a foot planted right on the former's back.

"Whoops!" Hitoshi said to himself as he push his foot he has on Sasuke's back forward sending the Uchiha off balance, and outside the ring.

The moment the so-called "Uchiha Prodigy" lands on the outside of the ring, everyone went silent. Well almost everyone…

"Um, victory goes to Kashisha Hitoshi." Mizuki announces awkwardly.

That statement alone made Naruko's eyes brighten before she rises up, "WOOHOO! ALL RIGHT HITOSHI!" The blonde cheers, seeing Hitoshi beat Sasuke so easily made her ecstatic to say the least.

Naruko wasn't the only one who's thrilled by Hitoshi's victory. Kiba and Shino were also quite happy for their friend's achievement, that is to say Kiba's being loud and Shino being…Shino.

"HECK YEAH!" Kiba shouts while pumping his fist in the air, a stark contrast to Shino's quiet clapping.

However, not everyone was so cheerful at Hitoshi's victory. The Sasuke Fan Club being a prime example.

"SASUKE-KUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!"

"NO WAY, HITOSHI MUST'VE CHEATED!"

"NO BODY COULD HAVE BEATEN MY SASUKE!"

Another, more serious, individual was also not pleased with the outcome of the match, Sasuke Uchiha himself.

He just lay there, thinking over what just transpired, 'me…lose? I cannot lose!' He turns back to Hitoshi with eyes filled with burning hatred. There he was, just trying to get some kinks out of his body. Seeing the boy just take his victory in stride made the Uchiha's blood boil even more, 'I refuse…' he gets up, '…to accept…' he sees Hitoshi turn to him with a look of concern.

"Hey what's with you?" The brunet says, "You feeling all right?"

'…THIS!' All rationality forgotten Sasuke's charges at Hitoshi in a blind rage, unaware of Mizuki's warnings, unaware of the shock on the spectators' look of shock, unaware of anything besides obtaining total domination.

A straight kick to the face sent the raven hair boy flying a bit.

Naruko's eyes widen as she saw lower his leg from kicking Sasuke in between the eyes, sending the raging boy back to the ground. Normally, she would be shock that Hitoshi was even capable of such an attack but what were more important were his eyes.

Hitoshi's eyes had an aura of coldness in them that just made the blonde shudder internally. They were devoid of any of the warmness or sincerity that she normally sees in them. It was if…Naruko was looking at a whole different person.

XXXXX

I take a breath to calm myself. Having that little brat try to take me down just because he couldn't stand to lose makes me wonder how sad people can be.

I turn to face Mizuki, there was still a little bit of shock in his face, "Uhhh, that was in self defense."

Mizuki snaps out of it and went back to a neutral face, "Whatever, just take a seat and don't raise any more of a ruckus that you already have."

I nod, "Thanks." And with that I proceed down to Naruko and the rest, making sure to block out the noise Sasuke's fan club is making, though it's failing due to how loud those banshees can scream. All I can understand was something about "Sasuke-something" or "You cheated!" The looks on my friends' face means that they are also getting sick of the fan club's little crusade. I turn to them.

'I always wanted to say this.', "Sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am."

"WHAT?" A pink hair girl shrieks her arm already in the windup. My cue to hightail it.

"That's quite enough."

I turn to behind the pinkette to find Iruka standing right behind her, looking down at her like any teacher would.

I decide to give a faux salute, "Hey Iruka-sensei." I look around to find Hinata; she was located sitting against a wall by herself.

The pinkette turns to Iruka in a state of shock, "Iruka-sensei! I-!"

"Sakura-san, I would be talking to you after class about your behavior outburst. Is that clear?"

Sakura slumps her shoulders in defeat, "Hai Iruka-sensei." She gives me one final glare before joining up with the rest of her little group.

I turn back to face the others, "Sooooo, what I miss?" All I get is awkward silence. "What?"

Shino cough, "We were only stunned by your victory that is all." The others gave a small nod.

I shrug it off, and decide to just watch the rest of the matches go by.

After spars were done, Iruka pulled a sudden recess, saying that we need time to recover before going back to class. It's a first, but hey I ain't complaining.

I follow behind Naruko and the others as we made our way out of the sparring room and down the halls leading up to the nearest exit that leads outside.

The fresh scent of trees and warm silent was a nice change of pace than the usual time spent in the classroom. I stretch, basking in the warm sunlight, 'Oh yeah, this feels nice.'

"Let's head on over to the usual spot." Naruko said with a smile.

The "Usual Spot" is a small clearing nearby the Academy entrance. There was only a tree with a swing on it which Naruko frequently uses. It provides adequate shading from the sun on hot days, though sometimes it turns into who gets the most shade brawl between Naruko and Kiba.

"Hold it." Kiba's words got me back to reality and made me, along with Naruko and Shino, to stop.

"What's up?" I ask, already into a defensive position. Sneak attacks, while rare around here, are always a possibility while living with Naruko.

Kiba takes a few steps ahead and closes his eyes.

"What do you hear?" Shino questions.

"Just give me a sec." Kiba returns, moving his head around as if to pinpoint the source.

"Well Mutt-face?" Naruko adds. I smack her in the back of the head.

"Don't push me dobe." I can practically hear his teeth clench. His head than snaps to attention, "I think I got something…" his eyes narrow, "…sounds like… a girl crying, and it's coming from somewhere nearby the swing tree. I say we check it out."

Shino adjusts his sunglasses, "Is that such a wise decision Kiba-san?"

Kiba turns around and strikes some sort of pose, "Of course! Imagine, a sadden girl lost in grief, and then suddenly a figure in bright light comes to her aid. The girl, amaze at figure's own presence falls head over heels for this mysterious hero;" He points a thumb at himself, "…the mighty Kiba-sama! The next top dog of the ninja world!"

I went silent, mostly due to Kiba's theatrics and how cheesy his little monologue was. "Kiba-san, I'm going to be honest, the chances of that happening are slim to none…and slim just left town."

"ARGH, WHAT DO YOU KNOW?" Kiba barks back.

Shino coughs, "There's also a possibility that the girl you just mention could also belong to that fan club. Of course, that's just being me."

Kiba's face darkens, "You guys can sure ruin a mood y'know?"

"We know." We said in unison.

I turn to Naruko, "Can you believe this guy Naruko?" She isn't behind me. "Naruko?"

"Shush, I'm right here." Her voice comes from nearby.

I turn again to find her hiding behind some bushes that are nearby the source of the crying.

"Naruko, what are you doing?" I whisper-yell.

She puts her finger to her mouth in a "shush" motion and then points in the direction of the crying. Curious, I round up Shino and Kiba and made our way to the bushes as well, keeping quiet while doing so. When we got next to Naruko, we immediately check at the source of the crying, my eyes slightly widen at who's actually crying.

It's that Hinata girl. Crying like her pet died or something. I could see the faint tear stains on her clothes; guess she must've been crying for a while.

I turn to Kiba to find the dog boy's face in a slight grimace. I smile, "Hey at least it's not one of Sasuke's fan girls eh?"

A slight punch on the arm and a silent "Shut up" was the response.

"So what do we do, now that I know she's crying, I'll feel bad for not doing anything." I said.

Kiba scoffed, "Probably some sort of sympathy Hyuuga trick or something, she still can't take losing to the dobe."

This time Kiba got punched, courtesy by Naruko this time.

"Still," Shino adds in, "It's unlikely for a Hyuuga to act like this; often they display an air of emotional control in the public eye, of course that is speaking from what little understanding I have of the clan."

"I say we leave her, she probably go high and mighty on us." Kiba adds again.

"Kiba, do me a favor and shut up for now, I'm going in." I said as I got up and make my way through the bushes, ignoring the cries of protest coming from the others.

I raise my hand in a greeting gesture, "Hey, my friends and I heard you crying and kind of thought that maybe we can cheer you up."

She keeps on crying, my words having no effect.

I get closer, "Hey, can you hear me?"

More crying.

'Patience…running…thin.' I clench my hand, "Hellooooooooooooooo?"

Even more crying.

'Strike three, time for a direct approach.' I got in front of her and got on my knees. As I watch her just bury her head in her knees I take the best possible choice….

I reach out and pinch her cheeks with both hands and started twisting them a bit, "Hey, I'm talking to you, so cut out the waterworks."

She looks up to face me, her eyes red from crying so much. She's still sniffling, but it's better than gushing waterfalls.

"Got your attention now?" I deadpan. I got a nod from Hinata, "Good." I let go of her cheeks, "Sorry about doing that, it was the only way I could think of that I could get your attention." I take a deep breath to calm myself, "So as I was saying, what's with you? You look like someone close to you died or something."

She rubs her sore cheeks, "I…I…I…"

I nod, "Go on."

Her eyes start getting all teary again, "I…*sniff*…I…"

'Not again.' I pinch her cheeks again, "Clear sentences please. Understand?" This time I keep a firm grip on both her cheeks. Hinata nods and I let go, "Okay, so please, tell what's with you before you start bawling again."

She looks down a bit, "Why?"

I raise an eyebrow, "Why…what?"

Hinata curls up, "Why are you helping me…a weakling?"

I held up my hands defensively, "I didn't say that. I'm just trying to help you out just because I want to. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing I suppose." Hinata answers. "But I think its best that you just leave. It's best that you don't associate with a failure like me."

'What is with this girl?' I scratch my cheek, 'This is going to be harder than I thought.'

A hand on my shoulder breaks my attention, I turn to find Naruko.

"Mind if I help?" She asks.

"Sure, why not?" I accept. Naruko got on her knees as well and turns to Hinata.

"Hey Hinata-san." Naruko smiles.

Hinata turns away, "Go away."

A tick develops on the blonde's forehead, "Oh really now."

I back up a bit, 'Hoo boy, this won't end pretty."

Naruko gets closer to Hinata, "If that's the case…" Suddenly, she rushes, places a fist on both sides of Hinata's head and starts twisting them. "Double Noogie!"

I sit there on the sidelines watching Naruko pull off the double noogie on the Hyuuga girl's head for about a minute or so before the blonde finally cease and pull her fists away from her victim's head.

Hinata's hair got totally frizzled out by Naruko's little stunt. "W-w-w-what was that for?" She exclaims.

Naruko stamps the ground with her foot, "Look, I don't know what goes on within that clan compound of yours, and quite frankly, I believe it's your business. But Hitoshi is trying to help you out and now you're giving him the cold shoulder! What is the matter with you?"

I got up and smack Naruko's head…once again, "Not the choice of words that can help Naruko."

Naruko pouts, "Just helping."

"I'll go back to doing the talking." I return before turning my attention to the Hyuuga as she straightens out her hair. "Sorry about that. Though to be honest, she did make a point. What's it with you and losing to Naruko?"

Hinata's eyes darken a bit, "It's because the clan views me as a weakling. No matter how hard I try, I was fated to be nothing more than a weakling."

I raise an eyebrow, "Says who?"

"Fate." The girl replies, "The Hyuuga clan always believes that one's fate is determined by the moment one is born, and that we are always fated to die in the end. I was born a weakling, and I cannot change that."

"Says who?"

Hinata's eyes darken more, "Fate, don't you get it. I cannot change what I am, so just leave me alone."

I smile, "If you want my honest opinion, I beg to differ."

The Hyuuga looks at me with wide eyes, "W-what?"

I sigh, "Personally, I believe the world to be both a wondrous, but also cruel thing. Filled with moments of joy and sadness every day. Yeah it's true that we die, in fact, death is a pretty common factor in the world." I take a breath, "So what if everyone is fated to die one day. Honestly I intend to live life to the best way I can, but that doesn't include just sitting down being depressed all because life gave me a bit of a curveball."

I smile, and reach out a hand to Hinata, "The same can be said to you as well. If life knocks you down, you just have to get up again. It won't help you if you just cry all time long, it's just not plain healthy."

Hinata's eyes are wavering, "R-r-really?"

I feel Naruko rest a hand on my shoulder, "From what I take, you just need a friend right? So…" She brings out her hand and smiles.

"Perhaps we can become of assistance as well." I turn around to see Shino slightly dragging a reluctant Kiba with him. "Forgive us for staying mostly in the background." He then got next to me and also presents his hand, "I, too, also wish to lend a helping hand to Hyuuga-san, and so does Kiba-san as well."

Kiba scoffs as he also held out his hand, "Yeah, whatever. Just don't expect any special treatment from me you got that?"

I turn back to Hinata; her eyes are on the verge of tears, "See Hinata-san, you're not alone in this world."

"I-I-I," Hinata bursts out crying again, "Thank you!"

A blur of orange and Naruko is once again giving Hinata the "double noogie", "Enough with the water works already!"

"I'm sorry!" Hinata squeaks, her arms flailing around as she struggles to get out of the blonde's grip.

I was too busy laughing along with Kiba at the scene.

XXXXX

Unbeknownst to the five kids, Hiashi Hyuuga is standing a small distance away from the scene. He came to check on his daughter when her escort hidden nearby the sparring room reported her outburst after facing defeat against the Kyuubi jinchuuriki.

'Perhaps it's for the better.' He thinks to himself as he disappears in a swirl of leaves. Leaving his daughter alone with her newfound friends.

XXXXX

The rest of the school day went by in a flash. Even Iruka's lectures were only half as boring than usual.

Okay, that's taking a bit too far.

Next thing I know, it's the end of class. I'm surprise that no one is pestering me about my match with Sasuke, whatever, means more peace for me.

Soon enough, it's the group plus one on our way home. We get to the point where we have to part and I turn to Hinata, "See you tomorrow."

"Uh, er, yeah." Hinata bows.

I turn to Shino, "Can you two mugs make sure she gets to the complex safely."

"That won't be necessary." A voice calls out.

I turn to find a man in formal clothes, long dark hair, and with the same eyes as Hinata.

"O-otou-san!" Hinata yelps.

'Wait a minute…that's Hinata's old man?' I think to myself. I slightly push Naruko behind me, "Just stay behind me okay?"

"Sure." Naruko whispers.

The older man looks me directly me in the eye. It's as if he's judging me or something.

"I assume you are this Hitoshi that has been gaining a little bit of infamy around this village. Rest assure I am only hear for my daughter." He turns to Hinata, "Daughter, it is time to go home now, please follow me."

"Yes otou-san." Hinata answers in a quiet voice, she than proceeds to leave the group, though not before giving a quick wave goodbye.

I ease up, the guy's words getting to me, 'Infamy. Well no shit Sherlock.'

After that Shino and Kiba also said they're goodbyes and soon it's just me and Naruko again. We decide to go home.

During the way home, Naruko pokes me, "Hitoshi?"

I turn my head to face her, "Yeah Naruko?"

"I was wondering, about you saying about life."

"Yeah, what of it?"

"What about times that just seem like you…you know…feel totally hopeless."

I stop. Naruko's words hit me hard. Memories I prefer not to remember start popping up.

'Why did you do it?'

'You know you're asking a pretty big question here kid.'

'Why did you murder all those people?'

'Oh that's it. Well it was fun. Their looks of terror, their struggles till the very last; it brings a tear to my eye every time I look back on it.'

'You're insane.'

'Indeed I am, and you want to know something?'

'I don't want anything to by taught to me from you, you twisted asshole.'

'You also have the capability to doing what I did all those years. In fact any human has the ability.'

'I am not like you.'

'Oh really? A personally philosophy of mine that among the various beings that inhabit this earth. Humans are the closest thing to the devil there is.'

'You bastard.'

'Oh, is that so. I can see that look in your eyes…and I like it. It's a very scary look to be sure.'

'Our time here is done.'

'So it is. Say hi to your dad for me. Ha ha ha!'

"Hitoshi, Hitoshi are you there?" Naruko's voice brings me to reality.

I snap out of it, "Oh sorry. Where were we?"

"Where were we?" Naruko repeats in a serious tone, "Hitoshi you were just standing still for five minutes! I tried to snap you out of it but you just ignored me."

I scratch the back of my head, "Sorry. Just something I prefer to forget."

"Hitoshi."

I smile and turn my attention back to her, "Come on let's go home okay?"

Naruko just stands there, looking at me like I'm someone else.

"Um, Naruko?"

The blonde snaps out of it, "Oh sorry. Let's go home."

And like that, we're on our way.

XXXXX

Hinata kept to herself as she follows her father back to the clan complex.

"Daughter, I have received about your outburst over the outcome of your spar with one Uzumaki Naruko. Care to explain?" Hiashi's calm, yet cold, words cause the girl to slightly flinch.

"Yes otou-san," Hinata responds, "When the victor was announced I overheard my peers speaking negatively about me. I…"

"That is enough my daughter." Hiashi cuts in, "Next question, what are your honest opinions about the group that you were with on the way home?"

Hinata was puzzled, "My thoughts?"

Hiashi nods, still looking at the road ahead, "Yes."

Hinata fiddles her fingers a bit, "Yes well, they seem nice. Shino-san seems friendly, if a bit detached. Kiba-san apparently doesn't think of me so highly. Hitoshi-san is nice, but can be a bit brutish. Lastly, Naruko-san is similar to Hitoshi-san."

Hiashi process his daughter's words, 'The Arubame boy takes after his father, the Inuzuka is just as gruff as his mother, the Kashisha and Uzumaki is a tough matter. Kashisha for his part is more worldly than he looks like, perhaps events in his life caused that. The Uzumaki girl is thankfully just another girl within the village's walls. Perhaps this change of events would benefit Hinata.'

They pass through the complex's gates and proceed towards the main household.

"Hinata-chan," Hiashi's words made Hinata's eyes go wide, "As a kunoichi, you would eventually be placed in a squad of three including a jounin instructor. At times you would need to depend on your squad for your own survival in a mission, and they would depend on you for theirs. If by chance you would be place in a squad with them, it would be best for you to start establishing ties with them. Is that understood?"

Hinata went silent. Whenever her own father called her "Hinata-chan" instead of daughter is usually a notion of praise or approval. He's even approving of her making friends, actual friends. She wouldn't need to be lonely anymore. She keeps her enthusiasm to herself and takes a breath to regain composure. "Yes otou-san."

"Just make sure you don't prove a burden to them."

"Yes otou-san."

Hiashi allow a small smile to cross his mouth before returning to the detached visage he normally wears.

XXXXX

When Naruko and I got back into the house the first thing we did is set our bags down and hit the couch. After chilling on the couch for a few minutes, we proceed on to our homework. It was getting late when we finish so I started on making dinner, though I did invite Naruko on helping me this time around.

After dinner, we got ready for bed and I said our "Good nights" to each other and soon enough I find myself in my bed.

As I lay there, just waiting for sleep to take over I think about my family back home. 'Sure wish that they're okay.'

XXXXX

Deep within Naruko's room, the blonde girl was wide awake thinking. Thinking about Hitoshi.

When she initially heard that he was going to live with her, she was overjoyed of someone being with her. Someone to talk to her, laugh with her, be with her. It was one of the few times that she was actually happy in her life so far.

But as time went by, she started feeling guilty. There he was doing everything in his power to make her life happy and asking nothing for return. He teaches her, spars with her, and even stands up to her when all the bad people come.

She had watch Hitoshi always back her up when bullies come to make fun, or even hurt her. She doesn't know why, but she always had an idea that old man Hokage knows something, but she let it slide thinking it's for the better or something.

But after today, she's growing concern about the brunet.

After seeing Hitoshi's cold eyes when beating Sasuke, his warm and gentle expression when he was encouraging Hinata, but most importantly that soul crushing look he had when she asked Hitoshi on the way back home.

Naruko shudders, she never seen Hitoshi look so…sad. It was like seeing someone important to you killed in front of your very eyes. His brown eyes had that thousand yard stare but had a aura of defeat in them, his right hand twitching as if was reaching for his kunai he keeps on the holster on his right thigh, his mouth was unmoving but were in a curled in grimace.

The more she thinks about, the more she realizes how little Hitoshi talks about himself. Every time she asks him a question, he always said, "I'm an orphan; don't have much to go back on."

Naruko curls up deep into her bed sheets, "Hitoshi, you're hiding something from me. Please, let me help you." She feels her eye lids get heavy and soon sleep overcomes her as well.

XXXXX

Deep within a vast darkness, a lone figure floats within.

"Hitoshi…Kashisha."

XXXXX

You know, I'm guessing that you guys must be sick of me always updating to about a month each chapter. I apologize due to a combination of me being lazy, going to college, and life itself, but mostly me being lazy. So anyway, things are going to pick up a bit after this chapter and trust me things are going to take quite a turn in a way you are not going to expect (hopefully).

So anyways, love it, hate it, think it needs a guy in a bear suit. Send me either a PM or a review and I'll read it. I find feedback encouraging for me to keep on working on this story.

So anyway, this is WW79 signing off. Peace.