I have been taking quite a while between chapters and I do apologize. However, I enjoy writing in block form, and that does give my followers more to read. I have a commission going (yay!) and the drawing should be done soon, so far it looks amazing. Any questions, comments or criticisms post or message me. Thank you again for taking the time to read my stories!


The exams themselves were a rouse. If the genin from Sunagakure had any choice, they would skip the exams and hide within the village. However, that might draw attention in some way.. So here they were, going through the motions. Hisa only hoped that they would at least try to enjoy themselves and do well.

Sasuke was summoned, as was a member from the Sound whom Hisa was not well aware of, a Yoroi Akadō.

The sound ninja had a black cloth draped over his face and his eyes were hidden with small, circular black glasses.

Hayate gave the signal for the match to start and Hisa watched eagerly from above. Sasuke had gotten into some trouble within the forest of death, and had been attacked by Orochimaru. But what was more interesting was the mark on his neck, and the threat it caused to everyone around him.

Hiruzen didn't enjoy talking about Orochimaru, and it bothered Hisa. She wanted his full trust, and needed it if she had any shot at assassinating him. Even mentioning his name made The Third nervous.

Sasuke was asked by his Jonin, Kakashi, to not use any stressing chakra based moves or the mark would reactivate. This put the Uchiha in a predicament, and Hisa watched with intrigue. What was he going to do?

The match began and only lasted four minutes. Yoroi was quite skilled for the level of rank he held, and Hisa was a little suspicious. Sasuke Uchiha barely ended up pulling through, his Sharingan had allowed him to capture and then replicate a move it had previously seen, a move Hisa had seen.

Lee's Front Lotus combo was a move in which his opponent was hurled into the air, spun around like a hurricane and then wrapped in Lee's arm wraps. The opponent was then thrown to the ground in a spinning furry. Hisa must have missed the moment Lee and Sauske fought.

The match ended and the next one began. The match involved Shino Aburame of Team 8 and Zaku Abumi from the sound. This match also went quickly, as Shino's Clan's abilities easily over whelmed the inexperienced sound ninja's techniques.

" Are you waiting for a match in particular, Hisa?" Hiruzen had been watching her like a hawk, she had been getting overly involved in the matches and hadn't realized it.

" It wouldn't be right for me to root for one group of Shinobi in particular.." Hisa quickly spat at him, turning away a little embarrassed. Hiruzen let out a small laugh and nodded.

Hayate announced the next match and Hisa's stomach dropped. She began to feel her heart rate increase, and her palms easily slipped against the railing infront of her as she fidgeted.

" Kankuro of Sunagakure, you're to face Misumi Tsurugi. "

Hisa nearly fell over the ledge of the railing, looking over and down, her bangs began to get into her eyes. Shaking her head she made sure to keep her eyes on Kankuro.

The match lasted a little longer than the rest, however it was still stressful to Hisa. Kankuro's puppet defense was much stronger than she remembered, and inside her busy mind she was rooting for the young Suna shinobi.

Misumi's molding attack seemed to end the match, however the tables quickly turned as Misumi realized he had been fighting a puppet the entire time and not Kankuro. Hisa lips pursed together in an uncomfortable, tight line. She tried her best not to smile.

Kankuro kept the upper hand and ended up winning the match. Standing in victory he discreetly nodded up to Hisa and the young kunoichi began to blush, hoping no one noticed,

" Hisa, I have some news for you.." Hiruzen began to speak to Hisa as the next match started between Sakura and Ino. Without a word she left where she was standing and walked to Hiruzen's side, trying to quiet her facial expression.

" After this section of the exams are over, we are going to have a month break in between now and the next section, I wanted to take a small trip out of the village to the land of water. It will take a week at the most before we are back and I think you'd really enjoy it."

Hiruzen's words were confusing at first but Hisa amused the aging man.

" That sounds fine, as if I had a choice in the matter. You know I have to follow you where ever you go any way." Hisa shot him as unamused look. His face relaxed, now knowing her answer.

" Make sure you pay attention, the match has already begun." Hiruzen spoke looking up and over her shoulder.

Hisa's face was distraught for a moment as she turned and quickly rushed over to see what was left of the match.

As of the moment, Ino and Sakura were both at a stand still, Hisa had noticed that at some point Ino or Sakura had deliberately cut Ino's hair. Both Kunoichi's now battled it out to see who was made of tougher stuff.

Hisa folded her arms and rested them against the railing from up above, where the matches were being held. She looked down intently, trying to see which moves each young women would use.

Half way through the match Ino and Sakura fought for a spot to advance to the 'third' section of the Chunin exams. However, their match would come to a stand still, as Ino's possession jutsu would wear off from her exhaustion, and Sakura would be too worn out to fight back. The two young women collapsed in the center of the ring, both too tired to move.

Hayate walked to the center of the ring and announced a draw, and that neither would continue on in the exams. Both girls soon stirred awake, but Hayate kept his decision as final.

The next match was between Tenten and Temari, Hisa had to hold back a wicked smile as she watched from above.

" You seem pretty confident." Hiruzen spoke from behind Hisa.

" What do you mean, Hokage?" Hisa looked over her shoulder, questioning him.

" What I mean is that you clearly think Temari is going to win this match, I can see it in your body posture and your face."

Hisa's face became slightly twisted as she became more confused. 'How could he see her face when she had her back to him.'

" Don't be silly, that would be unprofessional." Hisa quickly came back at him. For a moment Hiruzen seemed taken back, but he soon began to laugh. Hisa glanced back at him annoyed, sometimes she felt as though she couldn't get anything past him.. Well, almost anything.

Temari's wind release was powerful, a common element controlled by those from Sunagakure, Temari's had extra ferocity and angst. She had been personally trained since she could stand, there was no way Tenten stood a chance, at least not at the level she was currently at.

The match started and Hisa eagerly looked down from above. She had grown up with Temari as a rival, and not once had Temari disappointed Hisa. Although Hisa was born with extraordinary gifts, Temari's sheer will and ability have kept Hisa on her toes.

Temari's wind release made it hard for Tenten to even get close to her, nonetheless actually hit or touch her in any way. Tenten's ability to summon weapons through a scroll was interesting though, mostly because Hisa had done so many other things with scrolls and summoning besides using weapons. She watched on as Temari's hits struck again and again, and finally Tenten fought back with a tornado furry of items, all of which were deflected and left Temari unharmed. The young Sunagakure Kunoichi was done playing around and shot a furry of wind waves at Tenten, sending the young Genin reeling back wards, her body bouncing up and off of the ground. The moment Temari used a blade based jutsu in combination with her wind release, Hisa knew it was over. Tenten was cut up and exhausted, and the match ended with Temari victorious and Tenten unconscious.

Hisa looked back to Hiruzen as Hayate entered the grounds where the match had ended, and announced Temari the victor.

" I know that security will be getting stepped up since the sighting of Orochimaru, but would you like me to keep an extra clone around outside, just in case?" Hisa spoke to Hiruzen in a low tone. The Hokage shook his head, but Hisa still looked worried.

" If he wanted to attack, he would have already done so. His attention was on Sasuke, but that's being taken care of right now."

Hisa still worried but kept it to herself. This Orochimaru fellow was interrupting Sunagakure's plans, not entirely, but in essence. If he attacked the village before Sunagakure did, then Hisa would have to wait longer until Hiruzen died. She highly doubted that one of Hiruzen's subordinates would be able to kill him.

The next match had already started as her and the Hokage spoke. She turned and looked down over the railing to see who was up next.

Hayate coughed to clear his throat, he sounded as though he had a cold.

" The next match will be between Kin Tsuchi and Shikimaru Nara." Hayate coughed again and motioned for the Genin to come down and to the arena.

Kin was a sound ninja, and is Hisa remembered correctly, was one of the three who had attacked Sakura and the rest of Team seven during the second section of the exams.

The match began fast and drew out for almost ten minutes. Shikimaru and Kin had faced one another in the Forest of Death, and each knew the other's strategies. Kin dodged all of Shikimaru's attacks and managed to throw and place senbon needles and exploding wire around Shikimaru, to distract him. However, Shikimaru wasn't phased, and when his Shadow Imitation Technique finally did contact, Shikimaru out smarted Kin by causing her to knock herself out on the wall behind her.

Hayate announced Shikimaru the victor, and the young Genin actually looked a little disappointed. The arena was cleared of the senbon needles and wire, and the next match was announced.


Kiba and Naruto's match was interesting, but not outstanding. Hisa had expected more out of both of them, and was disappointed. The Hyuuga match however, was one of the most interesting ones of the entire semi-finals.

Neji Hyuga and Hinata both came from different branches, both were brought up differently. Hisa had taken a few evenings to read up on the Hyuga Clan while Hiruzen did paper work in his office. He told her about the war and the struggle between both them and the Uchiha. There were more Clans within Konohagakure than Hisa previously knew, and reading up on each one was fascinating to her.

Hiruzen took a special interest in this fight, although he wasn't outright gawking down at the match, Hisa did notice when he would keep his attention on something.

The match began and it became painstakingly clear that Hinata was at a clear disadvantage. She was, however, a member of the main house, so her abilities should have surpassed Neji's.

Hisa looked on with strained eyes, she knew the gentle fist that the Hyuuga's used was key to their technique, and she also knew the affects that laid after one was hit with the gentle fist.

" You've noticed then, what's happening." Hiruzen spoke from behind Hisa. Hisa looked back at the Hokage, straightening her posture.

Hiruzen had his hat off, and was taking long, deep breaths from a smoldering pipe. His eyes were as sharp or even sharper than her own.

" The Gentle fist is one of the more fearsome techniques, and combined with the Byakugan, its deadly.." Hisa paused looking on, speaking so only she and he could hear.

" Its power lies in halting the chakra points within the body, and by doing that you can immobilize the chakra network, shut down organs or even kill someone.. And the worst part is that there are not any superficial wounds, so the damage can be done without the opponent knowing what's going on.."

Hisa spoke and Hiruzen nodded in agreement.

" Those books you buried yourself in paid off then I see."

Hisa looked back at the match, her grip beginning to tighten on the bars. She watch every one of Neji's moves, he wasn't trying to simply hurt Hinata, he was trying to seriously injure her.

" I'm not entirely sure if the match should continue, Lord Hiruzen.." Hisa spoke with a serious tone, looking back at the Hokage.

" Go GET'IM HINATA!"

Hisa whipped around to see Naruto on the lower level, screaming and waving to Hinata, who was on one knee, coughing and expelling blood from her mouth.

With every chant from Naruto, Hinata grew further up and to her feet.

" Don't let some bully tell you what you are, you can do this! Knock this guy off his fucking high horse!"

Hisa started to smile, where did Naruto learn to be so rowdy. Either way his chants worked, and Hinata and Neji began to fight again. This time however, Hinata's body wouldn't be able to keep up with the pace.

Hayate tried to stop the match, but Hinata declined.

Hisa's grip tightened on the bars of the railing. She had watched Neji's movements and judging by the way Hinata was breathing, she was about to have an ailment of some kind. Hisa hoped for something small, maybe a cracked rib or a bruised lung.. But she knew it was likely far worse.

Hinata's eyes rolled into the back of her head as she stood unconscious, Neji pulled back and Hisa reacted. Taking a deep breath she leapt over the railing and landed quickly before shooting forwards.

She had watched Kureni, Kakashi and Asuma moments before Neji prepared his final blow. It took all three of them to stop him from delivering a finishing blow. Hinata fell backwards and Hisa caught her, she had no interest in stopping the fight, she'd leave that to the other Jonin.

She slowly laid Hinata on the ground and looked at her for a moment. Hinata's hands were bleeding and badly bruised, and she had a constant stream of blood trickling from her mouth. Her beautiful grayed over eyes were barely open and had no life in them.

Hisa's hands began to glow a soft green as she used her chakra to see what organs or sections within Hinata's body were injured. Hisa paused her hands, her entire organ system was shutting down and she was going into cardiac arrest.

Hisa reacted quickly, pulling her short hair back into a small ponytail, she placed her hands back down and onto Hinata's chest, the soft green glow of her chakra from her medical ninjutsu quickly became a darker, more solid color as Hisa increased her chakra flow.

" MEDICS! I NEED A DEFIBRILLATOR CART NOW!" Hisa screamed over to the far corner of the ring where two men stood in white scrubs. Hisa released her chakra flow and scooped up Hinata into her arms, darting to the side of the arena and to where the men were.

Hayate cleared the arena and prepared for the next match. Hisa stood on the sides of the arena, from the view of the others and cut open Hinata's clothing using the chakra from one of her fingers.

Hisa ripped off Hinata's surprisingly heavy jacket and her mesh shirt, leaving her torso in nothing but a small white bra.

The two men from earlier were at her side, and as Hisa removed the clothing then stepped in and sent wave after wave of electricity through the young Hyuuga.

Hinata technically died for almost twenty seconds, her heart had stopped beating and she wasn't breathing. For the moment however, she was breathing and had a normal heart beat.

Hisa sighed, her body draped over Hinata's. She placed her hands over Hinata's body and began to repair some of the damage within her abdomen.

" Hisa, isn't it?" One of the men looked at her and weakly smiled.

Hisa looked up at them and nodded, ignoring the sweat forming on her brow.

" We can take it from here, please, go back up and accompany The Hokage."

Hisa paused, unsure.

" You did a wonderful job, but I promise, she's in safe hands."

Hisa lost her train of thought and nodded, the men loaded Hinata onto a stretcher and took her from the building.

' If I had done a wonderful job, she wouldn't have needed that defibrillator..' Hisa thought to herself, there was still so much she needed to learn.

The next match was getting ready to start and Hisa quickly made her way up and to where Hiruzen was. He had finished smoking and looked over at her smiling.

" What!?" Hisa got defensive and shot at him. However, Hiruzen simply smiled and told her what great instincts she had. Hisa's cheeks began to warm and she quickly turned. She never did take compliments well.

The large digital board that looked over the arena finally showed who the next two opponents would be, and the moment their faces showed themselves on the screen, her heart dropped into her stomach.

" Lee.." Hisa whispered to herself.

Hayate entered the arena and cleared his throat with a cough, " The next match is between Rock Lee and Gaara. Please come down to your starting positions.."

Hisa looked on in somewhat horror, her facial expression mimicked that of the other three Sunagakure members that were in the stands. Temari and Kankuro were both silent and on edge, and their jonin looked very uncomfortable next to them.

' The one tail..' Hisa thought to herself. ' What would happen if it gets out of control..' Hisa thought to herself. Everything would be ruined, Gaara was the most feared creature in the village. Hisa had talked to him on only a handful of occasions, and each time they spoke he was incredibly cold. He had an angry, blood thirsty aura to him.

Lee leapt down and into the ring, unbelievably excited he was rooted on by a still upset Neji, Tenten and their sensei, Guy. Lee flashed his team a wide smile and a thumbs up. The two genin were ready to start, and Hayate gave the starting signal.

Gaara stayed where he was while Lee ran circles around him, darting everywhere trying to land a blow of any kind on the Sunagakure Genin. The sand that was held within Gaara's gourd poured out and blocked every one of Lee's potential blows.

Hisa's heart beat began to speed up, she wanted the match to be over with as soon as possible, but she knew it would end one of two ways; with Gaara going on a rampage or with Lee in the hospital. Neither one of those options excited her.

Lee tried to land a blow for almost five minutes before he changed his strategy. Dodging one of Gaara's attacks he leapt up and onto a high ledge over looking the arena.

" Guy Sensei! I am going to do that forbidden Technique!" Lee yelled over to his sensei, who looked eerily similar to him. Guy nodded and Hisa tried to listen as Kakashi began to question guy as to what technique it was. Hisa didn't catch the name of it, but she got to see Kakashi put down verbally and shun him for teaching such a young student such a dangerous technique.

" Lee is different from other ninja, he can't use ninjutsu or genjutsu. He can only use Taijutsu. This was his choice to learn this technique, and as his master I can only have the highest amount of respect for anyone that can master this technique."

" Master? He's too young Guy. His body won't be able to take the change in gates." Kakashi protested, but it was too late. Hisa watched, along with everyone else as Lee took off each of his orange leg warmers, and then removed each set of weights that was tied around each calf. Lee held a string of weights in each hand, and dropped them from his high position. The moment the weights touched the arena floor a loud clap shook through the large room, and a massive blast of dust and debris shook the area where the weights touched. Hisa was shocked and in disbelief, how could Lee of been hiding those and wearing them while he trained. She began to wildly grin, he was always surprising her with his ability.

Lee's movements were inhuman. He moved at a speed that even Hisa's eyes couldn't match, and as he attacked Gaara his moves connected again and again.

Finally Gaara was hit square in the face with one of Lee's punches, and sent flying across the arena. Hisa stopped breathing, she held her breath. She was certain the creature inside Gaara would soon come out.

Gaara made his way to his feet and began to again take control of the situation, Hisa shifted her gaze from him and to Lee. Lee's body stopped and he announced his new technique.

" Sixth gate, OPEN!" Lee's voice seemed to intensify as his body began to flood with chakra, his normal relaxed bowl cut style haircut was being pushed straight up because of the amount of chakra his body was releasing, Hisa noticed that his skin had also taken on a darkening red tint. She stretched over the railing in disbelief. She had no idea Lee had this much ability or strength.

" He's going to permanently hurt himself!" Kakashi spoke to Guy in a more aggressive tone. Guy simply stared out and at his student.

" Lee has had a hard life, he's been ridiculed and looked down upon because he is a ninja who can not use techniques that come easily to others. Do not tell me what I should and should not teach him, because what he wants to learn is his own choice." Might Guy spoke loudly, and Kakashi quickly withdrew from the argument. He didn't want the attention that Guy was giving off.

Hisa watched as the match progressed and Lee released another gate. The amount of chakra his body released was unreal, and Hisa began to become concerned.

" He's releasing way too much chakra, this much strain on his body.." Hisa spoke allowed and Hiruzen straightened his posture and got to his feet. Hisa didn't notice and was startled when Hiruzen ended up standing next to her.

" Hokage.." Hisa spoke allowed, surprised. She took a few steps away from him, as to give him some space.

" These matches are very important to the final round of the Chunin exams.." Hiruzen paused and looked down at her. " However, I trust your judgment.."

Hisa didn't say a word, she looked out and at the battle that was still going on.

The match only progressed another ten minutes before it finally came to a dramatic close. Gaara's chakra, when being compared to Lee's, was far greater. He was out lasting the Green Beast and Lee's body wasn't taking his Gate's technique very well, the amount of strain on his young, lean body was far too great.

' If he doesn't forfeit, or if some one doesn't step in soon..' Hisa trailed off in her own mind, not realizing how much she was beginning to care for Lee's safety.

Lee's body finally gave out, and he landed one last, hard kick before his body dropped off, and his technique finally ended. Hisa could tell by the way he was walking that he was in bad shape..

Hisa paused as her eyes widened and her mouth gaped. She swallowed hard as her eyes began to focus again, she was completely leaning over the railing, trying to second guess the situation.

She thought to herself and then said it allowed without realizing,

" He's not conscious.. He's still fighting..but."

Hisa glanced over to Hiruzen who looked on without much emotion.

" Hiruzen, I.." Hisa spoke with a fading look of confidence.

Hisa pushed herself up and off. Lee wasn't showing the signs he should have been showing for giving up that much chakra. He was still fighting, still standing.. She knew that there was something up.

The moment her feet hit the arena floor, Guy and Kakashi were also between Gaara and Lee. While Hisa had leapt down, Gaara had tried to kill Lee in a sand tomb, but only managed to catch his foot in the technique. Lee screamed in pain for only a few seconds before fully collapsing.

Within moments Hisa was down and at Lee's side. She didn't bother pulling up and back her hair, she simply placed her hands down and onto his chest and began using her medical ninjutsu.

Within a few seconds Hisa gasped and her face started to look pained as her eyebrows furrowed together and her teeth clenched. She continued to move her hands further down past his pecks and to his abdomen. She began to shake her head. What had Lee done to his body.

She was expelling a lot of chakra examining his body, her hands moved quickly and soon she broke out into an intense sweat. Her eyes feverishly moving with her hands.

" He.. He shouldn't be breathing.." Hisa spoke allowed and Guy quickly bent down behind her.

" What's going on, please tell me he's going to be okay." Guy's voice was rushed and full of anxiety. Hisa glanced up at him and just stared at him with wide, concerned eyes.

Lee wasn't moving, his body was in too much pain. He was far worse than when she had helped heal him within the forest of death or before that when he had collapsed from training. Hisa's chakra darkened again as she pumped out more of her energy, repairing the smaller injuries that were inside of him.

" Hisa.." The young medical ninjutsu user looked up upon hearing her name to see one of the medical men from earlier, he had changed his scrubs.

He placed his hands down and onto Lee also, the moment he found Lee's profound injury, he immediately pulled back his hands.

" I'm going to repair some of the circulation that was lost to his foot, and some to his…" Hisa swallowed hard. " His spine.."

Hisa's hands quickly moved down to Lee's left foot, the one that was caught within Gaara's Sand Coffin. Every bone within the foot was broken, this didn't bother Hisa as much as it should have. She reconnected some of the veins and arteries within his ankle and foot using her own chakra and worked her way back up to his back.

" Say something! " Might Guy yelled from behind Hisa and the young Jonin flinched as Guy's voice rumbled past her. Her arms began to shake and tremble as her chakra started to deplete further.

" I.. I'm not sure if he will ever be able to fight again.."

Hisa spoke and Guy became deathly quiet, standing over her and looking at his student, he didn't know what to do.

" How could this have happened.." Hisa didn't turn her head but she listened to the other medical attendant next to her.

" Please get him to the hospital, do what you can and have the head doctors look at him immediately. This healing is far greater than anything you or I could ever do.." Hisa spoke as she withdrew her hands from his body.

Hisa's body was hunched over, and her breathing had excelled. Her shirt was drenched in sweat and wasn't realizing how much she had pushed herself this last week.

Guy protested, he couldn't understand how Lee could get such a serious injury and not let anyone even know..

Hisa stayed quiet, and helped load Lee's limp body onto a stretcher. She began to get to her feet when she fell down.

Kankuro caught her before she hit the ground and everyone around her got silent.

" Hisa.."

" I lost my footing.." Hisa spoke in a low, dry voice. She slowly pushed away from him and took a deep breath. She bent down and picked up the other side of the stretcher. Her hands gripped the poles of the stretcher tightly. She couldn't mess this up.

The other matches continued and ended. Hiruzen made the announcement that the final stage of the exams would be held in Konoha a month from now. Everyone complained, but it wasn't their choice. The Kazekage needed time to arrive and other preparations needed to be made.


Kankuro met Hisa outside the hospital, it was no longer light out and she fought the urge to massage her arms and rub the cold off her skin.

Hisa's hair was finally up and into a semi secured ponytail. She had a white head band over her forehead, holding up and back her bangs from interfering with her view.

She stood outside the hospital and was in a slightly hunched position, her feet were awkwardly placed and her arms were crossed. She could keep her eyes open, but not in focus.

" Listen.." Kankuro spoke and Hisa tried her best to pay attention.

" Things are going to get crazy from here on out.. I don't want you to second guess yourself.." Kankuro paused and began to run his hands through his hair, he pushed down his hood and rubbed his eyes.

" What ever you choose, I'll support you.. If you leave, I'll take care of your mother."

Hisa's body tensed and she began to get frustrated. She angrily brought up her arms and shoved him.

Her eyes still didn't focus on him, she just looked down at his feet, and gritted her teeth, fighting back tears.

" Don't act like I'm a child, I don't need you to nurture me, or lead me! The decision I chose will.." Hisa trailed off and her arms dropped to her side.

She suddenly didn't know why she was so angry. Her body had goosebumps and she was trying her best not to shiver,

Kankuro had walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, he put his lips onto her forehead and held them there. She didn't even realize he was there until her body began to feel warmer, and she tried to snap away from him.

Kankuro's grip was tight and he didn't budge. Hisa stopped pulling away and moved her head to his shoulder. She held back her tears, but began to release muffled sobs into his shoulder. She brought up every trouble that had bothered her since she had arrived and he stood silently, holding her close.

" What if I'm not strong enough.." Hisa managed to clearly speak out. She relaxed her cheek onto the side of his neck. She released a deep, warming breaths onto his body and wrapped her arms under his. Shifting her body against his, Kankuro took a unexpected deep breath.

Kankuro shifted his position and cleared his throat, Hisa was completely oblivious to the amount of sexual tension she was causing.

" The Kazekage asked us to meet him back in Sunagakure and escort him.. So I won't see you for a month.." Kankuro spoke and Hisa stood quietly listening.

" I.. I'm a little bit afraid.." Kankuro spoke quietly and Hisa pulled her body off of his. She immediately realized how warm he was and how much warmth he had given her.

" You're in a real serious position Hisa, you have the weight of the village on your shoulders, and I know it's not fair."

Kankuro spoke as Hisa lazily repositioned her arms, she relaxed them from under his and brought them up and around his neck.

She slowly brought her arms around his neck, almost exaggerating her movements as the tips of her fingers graced his neck and began to lightly touch his hairline. Kankuro brought his hands up to her hips and put his hands up the back of her shirt and began to rub the base of her back. Hisa relaxed her head onto his neck for a moment, her chilled lips touching his supple, warm skin.

Kankuro flinched for a moment and Hisa's head slipped down to his chest and rested. Kankuro brought his head down and began to kiss the sides of her neck. Using his lips Kankuro traced the outline of the arch of her neck, and ended up at her jaw.

He smiled and paused, listening to Hisa as she rested her face against his chest. Hisa had all of her body weight rested against him, and would have slipped and fallen to the ground if Kankuro wasn't holding her. She had begun to slightly snore with each deep breath, she relaxed against him now in a deep sleep.

Kankuro tightened his grip around her shoulders and used his other free arm to bend down and pick her up. He held Hisa in his arms as she rested against him, and within moments his body disappeared into the night.


The morning sun burned Hisa's eyes with an outstanding strength. She groaned and squinted at her window. Hisa lifted her head off of her pillow and threw it at the window, in an unorthodox attempt to solve the problem. However, the pillow struck her curtain rod and the small stream of sunlight became a scorching beam as sunlight filled up the room.

"WHY!" Hisa groaned loudly and fell back onto her bed. However she quickly pulled her body back up as she heard footsteps within her apartment.

Within a few seconds Kankuro was in her room, he was fully dressed and already had his dark violet face paint on. Kankuro's hood was down and Hisa could see his messy rusty, brown colored hair.

" I didn't try anything funny, just so you know."

Kankuro spoke with a grin, " Not that I didn't think about it.." He spoke again this time trying to keep a straight face. Kankuro was holding an half eaten apple, speaking between chews.

Hisa reached behind her to throw her pillow but realized it wasn't there and fell back onto the bed, still exhausted.

" You've been out for almost eight hours, its nearly six in the morning.." His voice seemed to be much more kinder and warmer than Hisa remembered. She didn't realize how much she had missed him until this moment.

" I need to go, Temari and Gaara are both waiting.. We'll be back in a month with the Kazekage.." Kankuro spoke with a stern look, his eyes seemed a little strained.

Hisa fully sat up and hunched her back, she was beginning to feel overwhelmed again and it was already so early.

" I.." Kankuro paused and shifted his gaze to the ground. There wasn't much he could say to comfort her, but Hisa knew she could at least comfort him.

" I have a plan and I'm much more prepared than I'm leading on.." Hisa spoke with a small grin, looking down and at the pattern on her blanket.

Kankuro released a sigh of relief before turning and preparing to leave.

" Make sure she's alright, will you.." Hisa spoke lifting up her head, she began to squint again as the light from her window became steadily harsher. The sunlight from the window outlined her bare shoulders and defined arms.

Kankuro nodded and quickly left Hisa's apartment, the young kunoichi began to examine her bare arms. Kankuro had taken off her outside, long sleeved shirt but left her tank top on her. He had also taken off her shoes and left on her pants. She began to smile, she enjoyed being taken care of.

Hisa had a few bruises on her arms and a nasty scratch on her left knee. She dragged herself out of bed and showered. She redressed herself and brushed her hair. She threw on a pair of black, lightweight training pants that fitted her frame and ended mid calf. She rummaged through her dresser and pulled out a bra and a white long sleeved shirt. Hisa also pulled a forest green vest from her dresser, that zipped and had a small hood attachment. She was hoping that no one would care if she dressed down for today. She was tired and hungry. She'd grab some fruit and meet Hiruzen in his office by seven.

To her surprise the man who constantly scolded her for sleeping in, was in fact, sleeping in. She decided to make her way to the hospital and see how Lee and Hinata were doing. She stopped by the flower shop and paused outside the hospital before heading in.

The head nurse was extremely busy and just motioned with her free hand for Hisa to go up and visit. Hinata had been moved to a private area within the Hyuga district to get treatment from a private doctor. Lee was still asleep, his body so still that she had to put her hand on his throat to make sure he was still alive.

Hisa opened up the privacy curtain that was around his bed and opened the window next to his bed. She noticed that the vase next to his bed was empty, and put the flowers she had brought with her into it.

Lee didn't have a cast yet, and this allowed Hisa time to unwrap his leg and look at his wounds.

Lee's entire left ankle and calf were badly bruised and swollen. She placed one of her hands onto his foot, carefully, and within seconds her bright green chakra began to glow and disappear into his body.

She checked the repairs she had made yesterday, Lee had a stable amount of blood flow going from his leg to his foot, and the bones would eventually heal with time. However his spine was an entire different matter.

Hisa brought down the swelling within Lee's foot and rewrapped it. She pulled the blanket back up and over him. Hisa did a quick visual inspection of Lee's arms and chest, the tips of her fingers lightly touching his well defined pecs and biceps. She paused for a moment and realized how strange she might look to anyone who was on looking and stopped. Hisa stood up and stretched, reaching her feet just in time for two visitors to enter the room.

" Lord Hokage.." Hisa spoke, sounding concerned and a little confused. He had said earlier that she wanted to sleep in so why was he here? The other visitor was Guy, he looked in much worse shape than Hiruzen, Hisa could tell by looking at him that he hadn't slept.

" Well, how is he doing? " Hiruzen spoke loudly and Guy brought up his hands to his face, not being able to deal with the suspense.

" His leg should heal in a month or so, but I'm not sure about his spinal injury.." Hisa spoke, catching a serious look. Her lips pushed together nervously as she then crossed her arms.

" I'm sure if you speak with the head nurse here- " Hisa spoke, not wanting to undermine anyone who worked at the hospital or become too heavy headed, after all she was still an outsider.

" They won't tell me anything, please… Hisa.." Guy spoke to Hisa and began to cry. Hisa's expression dropped from serious to compassionate. She sighed and ran a hand through her short, shoulder length black hair.

" Listen, his injuries are very, very serious.. He won't be able to fight ever again. His injuries are far too severe.. I'm sorry.."

Hisa spoke losing eye contact with Guy for a moment as he stepped forwards.

" Why, why can't anyone help him! Tell me, how no one can fix him!? " Guy's voice had become much louder as he took a few steps towards her. Hisa glanced over to Hiruzen who was currently looking outside the window, ignoring the situation.

Hisa's voice darkened some as she spoke, " Lee's spinal column is a wreck, he's got bone fragments lodged into nerves and the curvature of his spine is off.. If anyone tried to correct it, he'll die.. That's the bottom line." Hisa spoke firmly, she didn't want to be talked down too, but at the same time felt how sorry Guy was.

Guy began to sob further and Hisa sighed, she hated seeing grown men weep. She swallowed hard and spoke clearly for him to understand.

" I mean, for someone to do such an operation.. They would have to be incredibly talented, they would have to have years of experience, and most importantly they would have to have little to no conscience. The only people that are capable of doing this procedure are three women. Princess Tsunade, of the Legendary Konoha Sannin, Lady Chiyo, Sunagakure's Puppet Brigade leader and medical nin specialist, and Lady Kawatta, the leader of the Rinha Clan and Medical Specialist. Tsunade hasn't been seen is years and has a bounty for her capture because of poor financial choices, and she's nearly impossible to find, Lady Chiyo doesn't leave her hideout underneath Sunagakure, and could care less about her village or about someone from the village that had killed her only son, and Lady Kawatta has been dead for nearly ten years, SO! " Hisa paused to breath and nearly fell over. She sat down on the bed next to Lee and gathered herself. " Even if one of these three miraculously appeared, Guy, that doesn't mean they would do the surgery… There would be such a low chance of him surviving, I just don't think they would risk it.." Hisa spoke away from Guy. She slowly stood up and noticed that Hiruzen was fully dressed and looking right at her. Guy silently slipped away and out of the room and the Hokage stayed in silence with Hisa. " I wish there was more I could do, but this kind of procedure is so many years ahead of my current abilities.." Hisa spoke looking up and at Hiruzen for recognition. The Hokage stayed quiet, Hisa wasn't sure if he was at a loss for words or simply didn't listen. " We're leaving in a few hours for The Land of Water.. I'll be more specific when we get there.. Pack and meet me at my office by ten.." Hiruzen spoke and Hisa nodded, not making eye contact with him. Hiruzen left and Hisa was alone with Lee again, she turned around and looked at him. Lee's body was covered in superficial bruises and his eyes seemed to be clenched shut. He quietly stirred, wincing in pain as he did so. He moved for only a few moments before silently resting. Hisa sighed, she was exhausted. But still, if Hiruzen needed her, she would go. The trip would only take a few days to a week, max.. and she did enjoy her adventures with Hiruzen.. Hisa slowly stood up, groaning and holding her knees as she did so. She put some water into the vase that sat next to Lee's bed and fixed the flowers. She fastened the curtain so they wouldn't blow if a sharp wind came into the room, and secured the window. " I can take things from here, Ms. Hotoke.." Hisa listened and casually turned as one of the morning nurses smiled in from the hallway and walked into the room. Hisa didn't speak, but she did smile. Without another gesture she left the room, trying her best to keep her mind on the tasks that would be coming at hand.

Hisa packed light, a small bag with only a few extra cloths, food pills and her two scrolls. She left the house promptly and arrived at the Hokage's office as soon as possible.

Hisa made her way upstairs and was surprised to see the door to Hiruzen's office open. She quickened her pace and raced up and into his office.

Hiruzen, along with five other ANBU officials were in the room. Hisa's quick pace halted and she stared around warily.

" Hisa, come here.. I have some news."

Hiruzen's voice seemed so far from her. Barely reaching her ears for her to process as her mind was running a thousand other scenarios.

'Had they found out, were they all here to capture her or kill her..'

Hisa's mind raced and her heart began to feel very heavy, she tried to breath but her chest felt incredibly stiff.

" Don't be so hesitant, its alight." Hiruzen spoke again and Hisa's stern eyes matched the masks that the grown Jonin were wearing. All of them were much taller than her, which added to her inferiority complex.

" Plans have changed, and you will be going alone to the Land of Water. I have an S ranked mission for you.." Hiruzen spoke, reaching out and handing her a tightly wrapped scroll.

" This is an official document that is to be delivered to HiYurō, a small village that has direct contact with the current Mizukage. This document, if not delivered, could lead to a civil war.. I need to stay here, within the village because of some other matters, but I trust that you will travel there and hand over the document. One of the Anbu members will meet you at the gate and brief you on the smaller details."

Hiruzen's words shocked Hisa, she wasn't sure what was going on, but she needed to stay within the village.

" I can't leave, I'm your guard. That wouldn't make any sense Hiruzen-" Hisa was cut off by one of the guards.

" How dare you speak so formally to The Hokage! You disrespectful, little-"

Hiruzen raised his hand in protest and the ANBU member immediately stopped talking.

Hisa's body tensed, she could tell it wasn't just that one shinobi but everyone in the room who felt that way. She hadn't realized how many people disliked her within the village until this moment.

" Do you accept, Ms. Hotoke? " Hiruzen spoke with a wink to her. Hisa nodded and didn't say another word. She immediately bit her thumb and began to sign, a few gasps escaped the room and everyone backed up except Hiruzen.

" Summoning Jutsu! " Hisa paused as a burst of smoke filled the room.

" If I leave, then he stays.. You can reverse summon me if anything happens.." Hisa spoke and from the smoke emerged a large bird who had hawk like features. The large summoning bird had splashes of red and orange with black tipped features. Hisa was surprised to see he was taller than her now and had to slightly hunch to not hit the ceiling.

" Kasitori, please keep an eye on the village for me.."

Hisa didn't say another word. She turned and left the room, quickening her pace as she went down the stairs. She didn't want to be in the room with all of those people. She knew what they were saying..

' Don't trust her.. She's from a rival village..'

' Why did the village hire some sand thug to protect The Hokage?'

' She can't be trusted..'

'She's dangerous..'

They were right, all of them. She didn't deserve to be here, and with such a large burden on her shoulders, she often questioned her involvement in this entire scheme.

" Hotoke!.." Hisa listened as she was called at by a man in a mask. She hadn't realized it, but she had already ran through the gates that protected the village.

He caught up to her and paused to catch his breath, " You're in a hurry, huh?" The man spoke and Hisa just glared at him.

" Well then, lets see.." He paused again and took a deep breath.

Hisa listened and looked at the intricate and absurd markings on his porcelain mask as he spoke. A small scroll was handed off to her before she could leave.

" In the village of HiYurōyou will seek out a woman named Masami.. She's expecting you. I don't have a physical description, but she shouldn't be hard to find. She's one of the Four Guards that work under the Mizukage. Don't get killed and if that document becomes a risk-" Hisa cut the man off.

" I know, I know.. Destroy the document and keep the information hidden at all costs. " Hisa spoke with a small smirk. She turned from the man and crouched.

" Is that all.."

The man shook his head yes' and Hisa's body seemed to disappear as she left the area in a flash.


The trip took less time than expected. Hisa didn't sleep much, but she never really did. She used her resting time to travel, using her food pills in placement of real food.

Hisa reached just a few miles from the Land of Water and she could begin to smell fresh water. She paused for a moment and allowed fresh air to push past her and involuntarily closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath she began to smile. This was the most relaxed she had felt in months. But why..

Hisa continued on and came into a large porting town that was busy and bustling. She entered the town's limits and took another deep breath and began to walk around. Taking advantage of the street food, she ate and walked past street vendors, children playing and the bustle of the boats. She wasn't sure where to start, but she was quite good at blending and getting information. So she'd do just that, blend in and find out who Masami was.

Hisa was bumped into by three different kids who were arguing over who was the strongest swimmer, their mother was quick to run after them and apologize. Hisa smiled and shook her head, bending down to talk to the boys.

" So, who is the strongest swimmer? " Hisa smiled more brightly now and the boys began to look a little more at ease.

" Well I can swim the furthest! " Hisa listened as one of the boys with short red hair raised his hand, he spoke proudly.

" Yea, well I can swim up a river with no problem! " Another of the boys spoke, this one having deep, rusty brown hair.

The last boy spoke up in a much softer tone, " I can swim really deep down, and I can hold my breath for a really long time.."

Hisa smiled and raised her hands, clenching them into fists, " It sounds like all of you have amazing talents, think of what amazing shinobi you will all be! " Hisa spoke and the boys all looked at each other and laughed in excitement.

" Lets get going boys.." Hisa listened to the boys mother, but she didn't sound the same. Her tone was darker and more unstable. She shot Hisa a dirty look before leaving. Hisa looked back at her confused and dropped her arms. What was with her?

She stayed the night in the local Inn and became restless. Leaving her room and heading outside she walked with her hands in her pockets and let the wind push against her face. Running through her hair and calming her nerves, she took a deep breath. Looking ahead of her she noticed how there were very few street lights along the shore. The moon was so big here that most of the town was lit up beautifully.

Hisa paused and noticed an empty dock with no ships attached to it. She casually walked out and onto it, listening to it creak and moan as she continued.

" Are you the person I've been looking for.." Hisa spoke allowed, not turning her body or head. She continued to look up and at the moon above her, and admired how beautiful it looked with the calm water below it. A shadowed figure approached her from behind, pulling down her hood, she spoke.

" Are you the kid from Konoha.." The woman spoke with nearly no questioning.

Hisa was quiet for a moment, but sighed when she looked away from the moon and water to face the woman.

Hisa's features were darkened by her position, but her golden brown eyes seemed to glow with the light reflecting off the water.

The woman's features were no longer hidden, and Hisa was surprised to see how old the woman was. Hisa guessed in her late eighty's or older. Her silver hair was up in a tight bun, that had braided accents to it and her eyes were a young, deep honey brown. She seemed to have thinner features, high cheek bones and an angry look to her. Hisa would be sure to keep her distance.

" I am Hisa Hotoke from Konohagakure, who.. are you.." Hisa spoke with an unapologetic attitude.

The woman's jaw dropped for a moment. She seemed in pain, and Hisa was surprised to see the woman start to laugh.

Hisa was immediately on guard and brought up her arms and hands, ready to attack.

" Deakon.. Deakon Hotoke, is he your father.. Is he, child it is very important that you tell me.."

Hisa's heart began to race as the woman repeated a man's name, her father's name. Her mouth opened slightly as she became bewildered.

" Just as I thought, you're his daughter.. Oh my, how are you still alive! I.. I am so happy.." The older woman began to speak and Hisa looked at her worried.

" My name is Kawatta Hotoke, or you would know me as Masami. " The woman spoke and Hisa let down her guard a little.

" Child do you know who I am.." The woman spoke, taking a step further towards Hisa.

Hisa brought up her guard and the woman paused. " Tell me, how much do you know about me.."

" You've been dead for over ten years, you're the last known member of the clan, besides me and my father, to openly admit your heritage after the massacre of our people.."

" Dead I am not, I am in hiding for the moment, and I am your grandmother, young child. I was informed that you, Deakon and your mother had been killed.. But here you are.. Tell me, is Deakon.."

" My father had been dead for as long as I can remember and my mother is none of your business.."

" Ah, you have your mother's brash attitude I take it. Listen-"

" NO, you listen. I have a job that I need to keep to in Konoha, and I have no time for your lies or stories, old woman.. Now if you are Masami prove it or I'll be leaving.."

Hisa spoke and the woman began to smile, Hisa noticed that the woman had the same eyes as her own, no.. Maybe it was something she was imagining.

The woman began to weave a few signs and within a few moments a brief puff of smoke revealed a small scroll. The woman unraveled the scroll and held it out infront of her. Hisa noticed the Kazekage's Union Symbol as well as their own Special Nin symbol. Masami's name was next to the insignia. Hisa took a few steps forwards and looked closely at the document. It was legal and wasn't forged, she reached behind her and handed her document over to Masami. The older woman took the document and Hisa walked past her and prepared to make a quick stop at the Inn and leave.

Masami quickly turned and Hisa paused, within a few moments a huge wind rushed past them and Hisa briefly closed her eyes.

" Hisa.. I know I haven't been there for you.. But listen…" Hisa paused, her mouth began to contort as though she had just sucked something sour, she was getting fed up.

" There will come a time when there are people around you that you love and that you cherish.. You won't be strong enough to protect them, to protect your village. You will watch everyone around you perish and you will be at fault.. You will seek me to get stronger.. Just hope, child, that I am not gone.."

Hisa scoffed and quickly left, she didn't need this right now. She had an assassination to plan and training to do. Without another word she left the dock and gathered her things at the Inn before departing the Harbor Town.

Hisa hadn't been reverse summoned, and thankfully she wasn't too tired to get some training in before she reached Konohagakure.

Asuma had helped her, as had Kakashi. She was incredibly thankful for what she had been taught and how far she had excelled in her short time at the village. She had a few surprises for Hiruzen, and as her chest filled with excitement, it immediately recoiled with anger and remorse. She wasn't here to make anyone proud or to save anyone, she was sent here to prevent casualties for her village, to assassinate Hiruzen.

" Who.. was that lady.." Hisa spoke allowed to herself, she had just finished warming up and was starting to breath more heavily. She had seen a few photos of her father and listened to her mother tell stories about him, but she knew that he had a good and bad side. That he could be an exceptional husband but a terrible listener. That her mother had begged him to give up being a shinobi to live life as a family and that he loved it too much to quit.

The new techniques Hisa had designed were above her ability level, but she knew she could achieve them if she tried hard enough.

The Spirit Reflection Technique wasn't so much a technique as it was a natural ability. Hisa wasn't entirely sure if people knew the extent of its power. Hisa could pull the chakra from an individual and place it into a puppet, and after its transformation it would have the abilities and memories of the shinobi whom Hisa took the chakra from.. However, Hisa's ability in controlling other nin and having them confess their deepest, darkest secrets and use their strongest abilities, was very difficult.. She had yet to truly master either of those. However, Hisa had been working with a new puppet, a puppet she was sure Hiruzen would love. Hisa pulled one of the two small scrolls from the back base of her back and unraveled it. She brought up her right hand and bit her thumb, immediately placing it onto one of the three seals that the scroll held. She had created the scroll and made the seals useless unless her own blood was used to unlock the chakra seals.

Hisa quickly reached into her pocket and pulled out a lifeless, plain cloth doll and threw it to the ground infront of her, not taking her other hand off the seal.

" Spirit Reflection Technique: Chakra Samurai. " Hisa spoke and within seconds a bright blue chakra spilled from the scroll and began to twist up and around, funneling to the small doll that Hisa had placed onto the ground. Within seconds the chakra finished draining into the doll and the doll began to glow, shifting and growing until it was in its complete form.

Hisa smiled from her crouched position as Hiruzen stood infront of her, he was in his casual Hokage attire. This was a huge part of her training, chakra control. She had gotten better as slowly siphoning her chakra instead of letting it out in huge bursts, but it was always difficult to focus on more than two things at a time.

" Alright Hiruzen, lets do this.." Hisa spoke with a grin, slowly gaining to her feet, she rolled up the scroll and latched it to her lower back. Preparing for him to attack, however when he didn't, she changed the amount of chakra she was producing and he began to move and talk.

" This is a surprise, to think you'd be able to construct a jutsu like this.. I am impressed, Hisa Hotoke.."

Hisa paused and seemed dumb struck, her body completely frozen with her mouth gaped. Her lips quivering for a moment, wanting to speak but not finding the words. Hisa swallowed hard and smiled, she had did it.. However suddenly Hiruzen's body hunched and he seemed like a zombie. Hisa looked devastated, she had lost her mental and chakra control for only a few moments and he had slipped back into his puppet state. If she was going to master this, she needed more than a month.. She needed something she didn't have, more time..

Hisa stayed an extra two days training outside Konohagakure, exhausting herself before finally returning. Upon sensing how close she was, Kasitori left the village and allowed Hisa more chakra for training. She had lengthened her duration of control for almost five minutes for her technique. Before her training she had the ability to control the puppet and have it use some moves, but having an entirely functional, life replication was entirely different.


Hisa arrived in the village hungry and tired, she immediately hit a tea and dumpling bar, Hiruzen was quick to find her and question her.

" You've returned right on time, how did the meeting go.." Hiruzen spoke with a small smirk. He was wearing his large red and white hat with his long white and red Hokage robe. Hisa shrugged, " As expected, I left as soon as the parcel was delivered. "

Hisa's tone was plain and a little cold, she didn't want to talk in detail. The man who was taking Hisa's order quickly left, giving Hisa and the Hokage some privacy.

" You didn't send me there on purpose, did you.." Hisa spoke, eyeing him a little unnerved, she didn't like being set up into scenarios she wasn't comfortable with.

" Why, did you find something interesting."

Hisa paused for a few seconds before speaking.

" Just an old, obsessed woman and lots of fresh water."

Hisa spoke looking away from him.

" You can have the night off, I know the trip must have been taxing.."

Hisa was quiet but sighed and nodded, she walked past Hiruzen without eating, a little annoyed that he would send her on a mission to try to meddle with her family affairs. She needed sleep, in a cold dark room. It was one of her favorite things.

Hisa loved schedules, and wasn't too thrilled when things spontaneously happened during event scheduled hours. Everyone in the village was amped up for the Chunin exams, the thing that Hisa had begun to dread. It took her an extra ten minutes to get to the Hokage's office for their early morning meeting. She had two weeks until the exams started, until the Kazekage arrived and things got, messy.

Hisa normally arrived and went up the stairs, but she was late enough that she arrived up and at the window seal. She leapt up and clung to the paneling outside the window, stealthily and quietly opening one of the large glass plane windows and slipping into the office.

Hiruzen was at his desk and wasn't dressed for his meeting. His hat was off and his hair was messed, Hisa coughed as she inhaled the air inside the room, she immediately brought up her hands to her mouth and started to cough. Holding her breath she made her way back over to each window, opening all of them.

By the time Hiruzen noticed she was in the room, the papers on his desk began to shift from the sudden breeze into the room. Hisa smelled cigarette smoke and alcohol, she looked at him from the window, letting her hands fall to her sides.

" You.. don't seem well…."

Hiruzen ran a hand through the hair that was left on his aging head and started to cough, immediately holding his ribs before taking a deep breath.

" I didn't realize what time it was."

Hisa watched the room clear of smoke and slowly approached Hiruzen.

" Did you stay up all night, you should sleep more you're too important to the village to.." Hisa spoke looking at the documents on his desk. Form and missions, letters and formal documents. Hiruzen had pulled an all nighter and was exhausted.

Hisa walked behind Hiruzen and grabbed his robe and hat, pausing for a moment as she rubbed the material between her fingers. She cleared her throat and snapped herself from what ever trance she was in.

" Dumplings and tea on me.." Hisa spoke, casually tossing Hiruzen's robe and hat at him. The robe went over Hiruzen's head and his disappeared under the robe, not even attempting to move out of the way or try to catch his garments.

Hisa paused and laughed, her eyes widening as she began to finally realize how difficult it was going to be to kill him, if she could that is… she had let herself get so comfortable around him, why was he so easy to be around..

Hiruzen had pulled his robe over his torso and stood up by the time Hisa snapped from her day dream, she noticed how old The Hokage truly was, his eyes barely open, the lines on his face seemed deeper today for some reason.

Ready to leave, Hisa left Hiruzen's office and soon he followed. Gathering himself he met her at the bottom of the stairs, taking a deep breath as the fresh breeze hit his face and body. People and merchants were out, busy and bustling, everyone excited for the exam that would bring new people and shinobi.

The small shop that Hisa took Hiruzen to was just ten minutes from her house, and was one of her favorite in the village. Hiruzen followed her, silently. Hisa wasn't sure if he was lost in thought or just tired.

Hisa ordered two bowls of dumplings and a large pot of tea for them to share. Hiruzen made himself a cup and Hisa's began to shift uncomfortably. She began to remember what the Jonin had said before she left for her last mission. How she was too casual around Hiruzen, he was a Kage after all.

" Hiruzen.. have I been, to informal around you.." Hisa spoke looking down and into her tea, as if it would have the answers she needed.

" The things those ANBU said to you a few weeks ago, it's still bothering you, is it? " Hiruzen began to eat and took off his hat, placing it onto the chair next to him.

" You've been uncharastically absent minded lately, the closer the exams come the more you have seemed to let things bother you. "

Hisa stayed quiet, keeping to herself for a few moments.

" You were sent here from Sunagakure, but I requested you Hisa.. I'm the one who wanted to reach out to you, I don't have much family left besides my two children and grandchild. It was imperative to me that I at least reach out to you. The fact that we seem to get along so well is," Hiruzen paused and smiled, closing his eyes, " is remarkable. Don't feel ashamed or uncomfortable around me for any reason."

Hisa fingers gripped her small, round porcelain cup, the tips of them turning white as she gripped the cup so hard. She stared down and into the muddy colored liquid. Her stomach turned as she realized what might happen, if she did some how managed to kill him.. She wouldn't be able to live with herself, she'd become a rogue nin.. or take her life.

Her village would call her a hero, a model of what shinobi are willing to do to protect their home. She shook her head, lost in herself. She wasn't sure if she could bring herself to do it.. to kill.. him.

Hisa raised her eyes from her cup and to Hiruzen, it was going to be so difficult.

Their lunch was interrupted by an ANBU, who requested Hiruzen's presence in going over the security plan for the exams. Hiruzen acknowledged the request and got up from the table.

He pushed past his empty dishes and put a brief hand on Hisa's shoulder. Her posture immediately straightening as she looked up and in front of her, a little bewildered.

" Don't question your role Hisa, you came here for a reason." Hiruzen lifted his hand from his shoulder and left. Hisa knew she should join him, but she wanted to check on Lee. She paid her bill and left in a rush.

Lee had done much better, he was responsive and insisted on taking small walks in a wheelchair, when he could. Hisa entered the hospital and one of the nurses escorted her up and to his room.

Lee was snoring loudly, a sight and sound that Hisa welcomed with open arms. His body was propped up and against a few pillows while his head rested back. He was in his green jumpsuit, minus his leg weights. Lee's leg was bandaged well, and Hisa realized she had forgotten to bring him flowers. However, looking over at the window she saw a few small get-well cards, as well as a small bouquet of beautiful yellow flowers. She was prompt and quiet, thinking to herself as she changed the water for the vase and opened up his curtains and pulled up the window. The room seemed to take a deep inhale as the wind rushed in past her and through the room. Curtains swaying and a few of the metal beds shifting from the forceful breeze.

Hisa still had many questions about the village, about the first and second Hokage, about the fourth as well.. She wanted to ask him about Itachi the Rogue Nin and about the Uchiha massacre. These were the things she needed to remind herself to ask Hiruzen about before the exam started. There was still so much she wanted to know, and so much she would miss.

Hisa listened as Lee's snores faded into a deeper sleep. His head turning to the side as he began to pout in his sleep.

Hisa laughed loudly, looking at him and immediately brought up her hands to her mouth and muffled herself. Even asleep, even injured, even broken down. Lee was very resilient.

Hisa sat down and next to him, she placed one hand on her lap and the other on his cast. Immediately, green chakra began to glow from her hand and into the cast. He was healing well, but he would be on bed rest for a while. She sat there for a moment, looking out the window and listening to the busy streets of the village.

Lee cringed and Hisa quickly shifted her gaze to him, his hand slightly shook as he reached down to his foot. His body not moving, just his hand, shaking helplessly. Hisa instinctively reached one of her free hands up and grabbed his hand. Lee's face slowly relaxed and his body slowly untensed.

Hisa looked onward at him. Where did he get his strength to go on, to continue. He'd been faced with such a serious injury, why did he still fight..

" I see he's been left in good hands then." Hisa listened and slowly turned her head over her shoulder to see a sneering Guy and the other members of his team.

" Ohh, Hisa, I'm glad you've kept Lee company for us while we were away on a mission. " Tenten mocked and smiled at Hisa. The young medical nin looked down and realized she was still holding hands with Lee. She quickly pulled her hand away and stood up.

She rushed from the room, keeping her head down. She wasn't sure what shade of red she was, but the heat from the embarrassment was giving her a headache.

Hisa trained with Asuma one last time before the exams to enhance her Fire Jutsu, and even summoned Anunakki once to perform a duo technique. Hisa was proud of herself, and for a few brief moments of training, she forgot what was soon to happen. What was going to happen, in just a few short days.


Hisa woke up the morning before the exams and vomited. She hadn't slept at all, her training through Sunagakure and within the lead village, all of it was overwhelming her. She kept having the same dream.

The room was incredibly dark, barely lit by an unknown source.. She was in Hiruzen's office and standing still, she felt incredibly chilled and was searching for something.

Hiruzen slowly walked from the shadows, his head bowed. Trudging over to where Hisa stood, she was unable to move. Frozen in fear. Hisa screamed for help, she tried to move, but couldn't. Hiruzen continued on until he was infront of her. With a sudden movement, he lunged forwards and grabbed her, bringing up his head, Hisa screamed and squirmed looking straight into the eyes of a dead man. A rotting corpse with Hiruzen's features. The more Hisa screamed the more terrified she became until Finally Hiruzen's face and skin began to melt from his face from decay, only for his head to completely fall from his shoulders and roll back onto the floor.

Hisa scrambled from her bed and to her bathroom, barely making it in time, she threw up and had to forcefully keep herself from weeping. Tomorrow would be the day, The Death of Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hisa showered and dressed herself. She had an early appointment with Hiruzen and the ANBU members of his choosing. They were to discuss measures surrounding ground control incase anything got out of control, if they only knew how futile their attempts were.

Hisa hadn't really eaten in days, and she looked ill. Her skin had begun to pale and her eyes had dark, unsightly circles around them. Her face looked thinned out and her posture was weak.

" Are you listening Hisa, we've decided to do a eight man support group with one extra support for each of those men, in case anything is to happen."

Hiruzen spoke and Hisa looked around his office, as if she had it to herself and was being nosy. She was half asleep and grateful that the room was as warm as it was.

" Hisa.. Hisa.." Hiruzen spoke and Hisa realized she was at one of the large windows that encased the office. She looked back at him and the few ANBU that were in the room.

" Are you feeling alright.."

Hisa turned and looked out the window. " I haven't slept in days.." Hisa spoke closing her eyes for a moment, not completely realizing where she was.

" There is really no need to worry, we will make sure that if something was to happen, the village is safe. "

One of the men spoke up and Hisa abruptly turned, the bright light causing a shadow to cast infront of her. She stared, emotionlessly at the group of ANBU's.

" And what if you can't protect the village, what if everyone you love dies.. what then.." Hisa spoke in a voice that was not her own; low and quiet. She was cracking and didn't even realize it.

The shinobi looked taken aback and everyone looked to Hiruzen.

" Hisa, I think you need some R&R.. you've become so obsessed with this exam and monitoring the people coming in and out.. Take a night off."

Hisa shifted her gaze to the floor of the room and began to smile. She needed to pull herself together.

" You're right, I'm just a little out of it today.." Hisa spoke turning to leave the room she paused for a moment, looking over to Hiruzen. However, she closed her mouth and quickly left the room.

The Sand Shinobi should be arriving any hour, Hisa wasn't ready to look them in the eye. She wasn't ready to distance herself from them.

" HISA! Hey.. Wait up! " Hisa listened as Sakura ran up behind her, her pace slowing down as she came closer to Hisa.

" Listen, I was speaking to some of the nurses at the hospital, and a lot of them were talking.. We were wondering if you would ever open up and do classes at the hospital. I mean, I'm not a medical ninja, but Hisa I'm interested.. I know others are too, and we have some kids from the academy who want to learn about herbs, and I know you have such a large garden.." Sakura continued to talk to Hisa as she walked, Hisa didn't acknowledge her presence and continued to walk.

Sakura's face began to fade as Hisa paused and turned to her, " You're going to get left behind, if you don't try harder.. " Hisa spoke glaring at the young kunoichi for a moment before scuffing her feet and continuing on.

" I.. know.." Hisa paused, only a few yards infront of her. Listening to Sakura speak.

" No one.. no one wants to work with me, Kakashi Sensei went away with Sasuke. Naruto is training and.. I don't know what to do. I keep falling behind."

Hisa was quiet, she silently sighed to herself.

" Listen, I'm really busy right now.. I don't have the time or the patience to be teaching.." Hisa spoke in a cold tone, glancing back to Sakura. She didn't feel like looking the kunoichi in the face.

" Maybe after the exams are over. If you make it.. " Hisa spoke, her voice trailing off as she turned and began to walk away. Haruno always spoke too much.

" But I'm.. not in the exams.." Sakura spoke and Hisa continued on.

She had a very light lunch of tea and some fruit. She mucked around the village. Avoiding the hospital, and as the village began to calm down, she made her way up to the stoneface.

Sitting atop the grass that overlooked the entire village, Hisa sat, her legs crossed and eyes closed. She took in a deep breath and slowly moved her eyes over the buildings and people that made the village what it was.

" Are you lost in thought, Ms. Hotoke." Hisa listened as Hiruzen spoke from behind her. She didn't move, she blinked a few times and glanced over to him.

Hiruzen walked over and stood only a few feet from her. Her body unwillingly tensed up and The Hokage noticed.

Hisa tried not to talk, but her mouth hung open. She was unable to speak.

" You are very young to have so much pressure put upon you.."

Hisa stayed quiet, she shifted her shoulders nervously and gripped tightly at the green grass below her. If he only knew how much pressure, she was truly under.

" The young medical prodigy from Sunagakure. One of the brightest within her village, with the potential to do many great things.. " Hiruzen paused. " You shouldn't be so hard on yourself, give yourself some room to grow Hisa. "

Hisa winced as Hiruzen said her name allowed. She glanced behind her shoulder.

" I .. had some questions about the Uchiha Massacre and the late Fourth Hokage.."

Hiruzen cleared his throat and shifted his gaze, Hisa knew some of what had happened in both situations, and she was almost positive that Naruto was the fourth's son, but she did need more information to confirm it.

" That..those talks are for another time. You're so busy and restless right now, another time would be better. "

There wouldn't be another time, by this time tomorrow the village would be in ruins and she would either be dead or labeled a rogue nin, or have a bounty on her head.. She'd be running for the rest of her life.

" Sure.." Hisa spoke turning back towards the village. Her voice sounded emotionless as she briefly rested her chin on her chest.

Hisa slowly stood to her feet, her shadow stretching behind her, touching and darkening Hiruzen's body.

" Try to keep your mind clear this evening, you have a big, busy day tomorrow. "

Hiruzen took a step back and spoke again in a pleased tone. " You've come far Hisa, I'm very proud of you."

Hisa's body tensed and her eyes widened, her mouth gaped open and she could feel her eyes begin to water. Hiruzen turned and walked away, leaving Hisa to her own silence. The moment she felt Hiruzen's presence leave her area she brought up both hands to her mouth, tears flowing down and over her face and cheeks. Hisa collapsed to the ground below her and sobbed. She tucked her head and knees close to her body. Holding herself in the same position for a few minutes, trying to collect herself, but her consciousness was gone. She felt like she was losing it.

It took another ten minutes before she could get to her feet without shaking. She wanted to run away, and leave the village. Run away from the exam and all of her problems. She felt incredibly sick, incredibly guilty and was on the verge of throwing up again. She began to repeat a phrase to herself, trying to keep calm, she looked down at the stone face she was standing over and at the village.

' Tomorrow would be the death of Hiruzen Sarutobi. '