Man things have been so hectic lately! First break in a long time I've gotten to do anything asides from homework. Figured I'd get this chapter up before I forgot lol. Hopefully my hectic schedule hasn't made my story lose it's touch in my rush to update. Anyways enjoy!

~*Iga Village*~

"How much longer?" Tonya groaned as she pushed herself up the small hill.

"Oh come on you big baby!" Sasuke laughed as Tonya made it the last few feet. "Look down there, you can see Iga village."

Following his finger she could barely make out a small village nestled within the valley. Surrounded by mountains and forest on either side. Tonya's face lit up as it reminded her of her own little mountain village she'd once lived in. To her, it'd felt like a lifetime ago. When in reality it'd only been just a few weeks. After being on the road for so long it was nice to see that some form of peace still existed somewhere in the world.

"Come on. We can't dawdle." Saizo snapped as Tonya was drawn out of her daze. She rolled her eyes as a smile came to her face. He was the same old Saizo.

She quickly caught up with them as they began their trek down the mountain path towards the village. The men were surprised at Tonya's bubbliness. She hadn't seemed this excited in a long time as she ran ahead of them to look at everything around her. Fang stuck close by as he looked around as well. Eager to start exploring but not wanting to leave Tonya's side. The four just let her have her fun, especially since the memories of the last battle still haunted her. While she'd gotten better at dealing with it they could tell that it still deeply bothered her. So to see her carefree side once again, it pleased them all. Since in a way they'd become her family.

"Greetings Masters Saizo and Sasuke of Koga. Master Kotaro of Fuma. And welcome back Master Goemon." A ninja greeted them at the entrance to the village. "And this must be the princess?"

"Yes. This is Tonya Shadray." Kotaro introduced as the man nodded with a smile upon his face before kneeling.

"It is an honor to finally meet you. I am Hanzo Hattori of Iga." His voice rang out with deep respect as the girl looked from him to the others behind her. He was the first one to really show her any kind of formal respect. After having been abused on the road for so long it was strange to her. "I'm sure you're tired. Please follow me."

Hanzo led them through the village as curious on lookers came out to see what was going on. To sneak a glance at the ninja princess. Hanzo led them through the village and to the biggest house. Once there, maids greeted them before sweeping Tonya away as the ninja went to discuss other things. She was once again being pampered, being treated like something delicate, and was constantly being asked if there was anything she needed. As much as the girl tried not to be rude, it was all starting to just get on her nerves.

"Princess, these kimonos were prepared special for you. Please pick one." A maid said as a rack of kimonos was revealed. Very fancy kimonos at that.

The maid left her as the girl looked through the various pieces. Slowly running her fingers over them as she trailed her eyes over the various designs. Then her eyes fell on to a dark purple one. It wasn't shiny like the rest of them, but was extremely soft. It was the same shade of purple as the shard that hung from her neck. And adorning the sleeves and bottom of the kimono were scattered cherry blossoms, the same shade as the ones that had been on the very first kimono the guys had bought her. When she'd first set out with them. She pulled it from the rack and took off her old one. As she caught sight of her reflection, it made her happy to see that all her injuries had finally healed up. It was nice to see her own skin once again instead of bandages and bruises. She put the kimono on and fastened it as she went to look around the grounds.

"The maids said that dinner would be ready later. But it's still pretty early for it. Maybe I can convince Sasuke to take me out and get some training in. After all I hadn't gotten a chance to train with him. And there's no way Goemon would agree to train me. All we do is fight." Tonya sighed as she wondered what she should do. The peace and quiet was strange to her after all the battle she'd been through with her guardians. "What should we do Fang?"

The wolf ignored her question as he walked around the corner and tilted his head. She wondered what got him so curious as she walked over there by him. She immediately regretted it when she saw Kotaro, Sasuke, and Saizo all leaving the bath house. All wearing nothing but a simple towel around their waists. Her face turned bright red as she quickly ducked around the corner and backed up into something hard. Her face grew even hotter when she reached up and felt nothing but flesh behind her.

"What are you doing?" Goemon asked as he looked down at her.

"Aaah!" Tonya screamed in embarrassment as she fell over and covered her eyes.

"Hey what's going on?" Saizo asked as he and the other three came around the corner.

"We heard a scream….Why is the princess on the ground?" Kotaro asked as Goemon shrugged as Sasuke knelt down beside her.

"Tonya are you ok?" He asked as he gently shook her.

"Will you guys go put some clothes on?!" She hollered as she kept her eyes shut.

"Have you never seen a naked man?" Saizo asked in disbelief as Tonya shook her head.

"But when we met you were in a hot springs wearing nothing but a towel. How can you be ok with people seeing you like that, yet you can't stand seeing us like this?" Sasuke teased as he poked her cheek.

"Sasuke I swear I'll bite you if you don't get some clothes on now." Tonya growled as she peeked through her fingers to see his face so close.

"You know, it's not too late for me to teach you about women skills." Goemon said as he squatted down and pulled her close. Tonya covered her face again, not wanting to let him see what his touch did to her.

"Man talk about a little kid." Saizo scoffed as he turned and started to walk away. He felt something hit him in the back of the head as he turned to see Tonya fighting back a blush as she glared at him.

What happened next surprised them all. Kotaro started laughing. It only grew louder and louder as the others looked at him in shock. Never once had they heard him laugh. Yet here he was holding his sides trying not to fall over. It wasn't long before the rest of them joined in the laughter as they just enjoyed the carefree air. Tonya covered her eyes as the four went to get changed for dinner later. Once she was sure they were gone she moved and went to sit on the porch as she vaguely recalled what she'd seen. Scars covering all their bodies from head to toe. The proof of their many battles and hardships. She wondered if she would receive that many scars as well or if she would even see the battlefield.

'I can't just let them do it all themselves. I've come so far and overcome so much. I've made good friends along the way as well. I have to get stronger so that I can help win this war.' Tonya swore to herself as she sat there.

Later…

"Let us rejoice! Our princess has joined us after many years and now we can finally start unifying the ninja!" the elder hollered as everyone cheered loudly.

Tonya sat near the head of the table as Goemon had sat near her and Kotaro by him. Saizo and Sasuke sat on the other side as she was glad to be with her friends. And that they had clothes on. It was a time of happiness and a time to rejoice. People ate and were merry as the sake was passed around to all. Tonya refused multiple times, sticking to just tea. This hadn't gone unnoticed by the others as they wondered why the girl didn't wish to drink.

"Tell me, why do you keep on passing on drinking with us?" Goemon asked as he sipped on his sake.

"I'd just rather not." Tonya said calmly as she sipped her tea.

"You are a kid aren't you?" He teased as Tonya's hand inched towards her fan. "Come on, just try one with us."

"She said she doesn't want to drink so leave her be." Sasuke snapped as he snatched the cup from Goemon. "I'll drink for both Tonya and me."

"Idiot, you're not the one I want drunk." Goemon muttered as Kotaro started choking while Sasuke slammed his hand on to the table.

"What was that?" He growled as Hanzo was about to stand. Saizo put a hand on him and shook his head to leave them be. He wanted to watch them make asses of themselves.

"So you admit that you're trying to bed her?" Sasuke growled as his eyebrow ticked in anger.

"Perhaps. Even though she's a kid, the innocent ones are always fun too." Goemon grinned as he wrapped an arm around her. Tonya shook her head and sighed. Knowing that this was heading in a bad direction.

"Gentlemen come now! Tonight is a night of merriment! I say we have a drinking game to liven the mood!" The elder laughed as Hanzo shot his father a look.

"You know drinking too much isn't good for you." Hanzo said as he walked over to his father.

"No a drinking game is perfect! I'll drink you so far under the table Goemon and prove to you once and for all that you're no good for Tonya!" Sasuke challenged as Tonya wondered what he meant by that.

Goemon merely smirked as he accepted the challenge. The two drank cup after cup as Goemon easily held his own. Sasuke on the other hand was already starting to wobble by the time his first bottle was done. But he wasn't willing to give up that easily. Tonya wondered exactly how this all started. And how it'd all been about her. Saizo watched with mild interest as the two men slowly got drunker and drunker as Kotaro shook his head. Knowing that this would end badly. Sure enough Sasuke couldn't handle it anymore as he put his full cup down and put his hand over his mouth.

"I think….I'm going to be sick." Sasuke's eyes widened as he began to feel extremely sick.

"Still think I'm no good for her?" Goemon teased as he pulled the girl close to him, earning a growl from Sasuke before he covered his mouth.

"Goemon?" She asked as she wondered if he was drunk or not.

"Come on dumbass. Kotaro will you help me?" Saizo asked as he looped one of Sasuke's arms around his neck. Kotaro nodded as he rose and helped Saizo take the drunk boy to his room.

"I hope he'll be ok." Tonya said as Hanzo rose to help his father to bed.

"You should retire for the night as well Princess." Hanzo said with a smile as he carried his father off. "Goemon I've got my eye on you!" he called over his shoulder as the red head chuckled.

"Walk with me." Goemon said as he rose. Pulling the girl along behind him.

Tonya watched him as the two walked together. Wondering if he was drunk or not. Goemon didn't seem to stumble about as Sasuke had earlier. And he didn't seem sick either. Tonya sulked as she realized he'd probably become such a good drinker from drinking with other women all the time. She felt her face grow hot as she realized how jealous she felt. She shook her head hard as she tried to get the feeling out of her. But no matter what she thought it wouldn't go away. She could hear all his mocking nicknames for her, hear him pointing out her flaws, remembering just how much he got under her skin. Yet whenever she thought of something bad it was always coupled with a memory of him being kind, a look of happiness, a look of fear or concern for her.

'How did things become so jumbled?' Tonya thought to herself as she bumped into something. "Huh? Oh sorry Goemon!"

She quickly apologized as she backed up. The man sighed and turned as he looked at the girl. A light flush was on his face as he did something unexpected. He pulled the girl to him as he leaned his cheek on her head. Her heart began to pound quickly as she felt her face touch Goemon's exposed skin on his chest. She wondered why he was doing this. The only time he ever held her was to help her. Because it was his duty. But now, it felt different than all the times before. She slowly wrapped her arms around him and held on as something more began to stir within her.

"I'm a fool. I shouldn't be doing this. Yet here I am." Goemon chuckled softly as he cupped her chin and made her look at him.

"Are you ok?" She asked as he smiled at her.

"I don't know. I don't know anything anymore. But for some reason this feels right. Being here with you here now." He said as he leaned his head towards her.

"Goemon?" She whispered his name as his lips stopped just short of hers.

"Is this what you want?" He asked softly as somewhere deep inside of her she knew it was exactly what she wanted.

Tonya pressed her lips to his as Goemon crushed her to his body. She felt her arms loop around his neck as she yearned to be closer to him. Despite the fact that he was already holding her so closely. Goemon tangled his hands in her hair as the two remained pressed together for a time. Eventually they had to breath though as Goemon broke it off. He pulled her close once more before giving her a kiss on her forehead.

"Get some rest." He smiled as Tonya nodded.

Goemon retreated to his room as she walked in a daze back to hers. Waiting inside was Fang. Being able to sleep with her in doors again. Tonya didn't even change as she crawled under the covers and closed her eyes. Doing her best to hold on to the memory of Goemon kissing her, of him crushing her to him, of his hands in her hair. Of the pure bliss of it all. And how she hadn't wanted it to stop.

_._._

Tonya woke early the next morning as the events of last night came rushing back. A slight blush crossed her face as she recalled it all. But she couldn't afford to dwell on things now. She quickly rose and headed to the bath which was already prepared. Bathing quickly, she hurried to find the others to find out what the plan of action for the day was. She headed around front to see Saizo, Kotaro, and a worse for wear Sasuke all standing there.

"There you guys are." She breathed as they turned to see her.

"You're up bright and early Princess." Kotaro nodded as she wondered why they had travel packs with them.

"So what are we doing today that requires those packs?" Tonya asked as Saizo sighed.

"We are heading out to contact the other ninja clans to try and convince them to gather here. You are staying here and are to continue your training." Saizo said as her face fell a bit.

"You're leaving? But we all just got here." Tonya said softly as Sasuke walked over to her.

"It's our job to let the other ninja know that our princess is ready and waiting for them to join. We won't be gone long. So don't miss us too much." Sasuke said as he gave her a quick hug.

"Do your best to become stronger." Kotaro said as he smiled at her.

"And try not to hurt yourself too much." Saizo winked as she nodded.

"You guys better come back safely." She said with a smile as they all nodded. They waved goodbye to her before disappearing at incredibly fast speeds.

Tonya's face fell once she was sure they were gone. Of course they had other duties to tend to. They couldn't babysit her all the time. While it did make her incredibly sad to see them leave, she knew they would be back before she knew it. Since she had no idea when someone would come for her, she headed back around to her room. To her surprise Goemon was around back, his back turned to her. She figured he'd left long before the others and was hurt the most at the fact that he hadn't said goodbye. Her entire mood lifted as she ran over to him. But when he turned around his face seemed troubled.

"Goemon? Are you ok? I thought you'd taken off with the others. But I'm glad I'll at least get to see you before you took off." She smiled as he sighed.

"Princess, about last night…" He trailed off as she wondered what he was alluding to. "What do you remember?"

"Why?" She asked as his arrogant smile came back.

"I was drunk, and I well I can't remember things too clearly." Goemon scratched his face as an embarrassed look came across his face. Tonya felt her chest tighten again much like the time she'd caught him and Sasuke talking about her. "The last thing I can recall is me and you taking a walk. I hope I didn't do anything too embarrassing."

"Oh I see..." She forced a smile as her chest became unbearably tight. "No you didn't. We just walked and then you gave me a hug is all. You had me walk you back to your room before you crawled under the covers. I made sure you were ok before I left."

"Well then I'm glad I had you to take care of me then." Goemon grinned as he hugged her from behind. Tonya pretended to be annoyed by it when inside she was yelling at herself internally.

"Ah Princess, there you are. Goemon what are you doing to the princess?!" Hanzo hollered as he stormed over to them. A large female ninja was with him as she watched the scene with an amused grin.

"I was giving her a goodbye hug. Since it'll be awhile before we see each other again." Goemon winked as he let the girl go.

"Well next time conduct yourself with more respect around her." Hanzo growled as he turned his attention to Tonya, a smile already back on his face. "I want you to meet Kuma. She'll be taking care of your training from here on out." Hanzo said as Tonya turned to the woman before her.

"I heard all about your little adventure getting here. It'll be fun training you." Kuma said brightly as she looked at the girl.

"I look forward to training under you." Tonya said cheerfully as she kept her eyes forward, not wanting to look at Goemon in case her eyes betrayed her emotions.

"Actually Goemon, I'm glad you haven't left yet. There was something I needed to discuss with you before…" Hanzo's voice trailed off as the two men walked away. Leaving Kuma and Tonya alone. Kuma looked at Goemon and then to Tonya who watched him leave.

"You're going to miss him aren't you?" Kuma asked as Tonya nodded.

"It'll be weird without the four of them around, but I know they have an important job to do. I hope they return safely." Tonya sighed as Kuma slapped her on the back hard, almost causing the girl to fall over.

"Don't worry! Those are four are extremely hard to kill. They'll make it back before you know it. Now shall we get a start on training?" Kuma asked as Tonya steeled herself and nodded. Ready to finally start getting stronger.


And just like that the four ninja are gone! *waves hankie as they disappear into the sunset* But it was time I did some more character building with Tonya on her own. So expect the next chapter or two to be just mainly about her. And for all my avid little readers out there, here's a little teaser for next time. There is something big in store for our favorite heroine. Let's just say she'll get a chance to truly prove what she's made of in this war. That's all for now! Till next time!