"My heart shivers with the memory of you."
-Love as the Stars Went Out

Kakashi walked me home that night in an awkward silence. Both of us were caught up in the recesses of our own minds; our gait lost the easiness of itself from earlier and was replaced with a sluggish amble. I was guarded because I felt that I shared too much and that the man beside me had shared too little.

Regret welled up in me and I wished, for what seemed to be the upteenth time, that I had never been put on his team or in this village or even this world.

Forget all the camaraderie or familiarity of this place, I should have told myself earlier, so naive in my thought that this circumstance would put me into anything that wouldn't remind me of the past.

Was it wrong that I felt a growing fondness for the village that I had witnessed being destroyed once, in another life, and to call it beautiful? Or that a blooming love- familial and almost motherly- began when I started training with the children?

Is it horrible for me to say that during the weeks where I had been in furtive probation I had fantasized of being able to replace my husband, my Kakashi, with a man who hadn't even known my name for a month?

People like me, who've killed innocents and broken things and people didn't deserve a second chance, I concluded. But in the same way that I am gifted with the blessing of a do-over, I think this was meant to be a punishment of some sort. To see what could have been, with no involvement of yourself what-so-ever and to see that the people you held so dearly were doing just fine without you.

A blessing in disguise, I think, Or perhaps more of a curse than a blessing.

We had arrived at the top of the street of my apartment building when Kakashi had given me the smallest of nods before flashing away.

I was half grateful for his speedy departure and half resentful of his cowardice towards saying what was on his mind. Then again, even the Kakashi of my world had trouble putting words to his feelings, even when I had been his closest confident.

That night, I tossed in my sheets as memories came to steal sleep from me once again. This particular one had me clenching the sheet between my hands, knuckles going bone-white.

"Do you think happiness will ever find people like us?" I asked him one night when the demons were too loud and The Guilt too strong.

(The Guilt was all the people that I allowed to die, all the people I've let down.)

Kakashi turned his body against me to put an arm around my waist, "Absolutely. The lives we lead leave us lost and, if we're lucky, only a little broken. That is why happiness needs to find us. And not the other way around."

For that short, blissful moment while wrapped in his embrace, I believed him.

That night, the pillows my head laid on- without any covers and bare- were stained by drops of saline that spilled from my trembling body.

The next morning I had woken with crusted eyes and a nasty case of bedhead. It honestly looked like my hair was sticking out in places that should have been impossible, almost gravity-defying. Akin to a certain silver head.

And there I go again, giving myself heartbreak, I shut up my thoughts with a rough shake of my head, loosening up some knots in my hair in the process.

Today was supposed to be the day I'd get my first mission. With Team 7, I mean.

God knew how much missions I've been on, not counting the undocumented ones from ANBU. The ones where no one knew but me and the Hokage were the missions I wished were never mentioned again. They were the ones that involved betrayal and brutal, mindless killing. The kind that revealed the truth about shinobi: that at our core we are heartless, monstrous killers.

Shaking those thoughts off as I did with my hair, I got up from my bed and headed towards the bathroom to wash up.

By the time it was seven, I had dressed myself in a high-neck halter top and standard-grade, black pants (the ones that billowed out at the ends and had to be strapped down with tape and sandals). I fastened my headband, shiny and scratch-free, on top my forehead and finished brushing my teeth before heading out into the living room/kitchen area.

The rustle of bright green leaves greeted me when I stepped out into the living room. An apologetic smile immediately grew on my face at the sight of my leafy friend.

"I'm sorry, I forgot my promise to you from earlier, huh?" I expressed. I had promised to greet the desert rose when I returned last night but had forgotten in the fervor of my ill feelings.

The pink ribbon flails from the morning breeze, and with it the smell of Konoha's bright morning.

My brows relax steadily, "...I'm going on a mission today, so I don't know when I'll be back. I'll find Gai to watch over you, alright?"

The sharp gust that came in almost made the plant seem like it twitched at the mention of the man's name. I stifled a small giggle at the sight anyway.

I rushed in the kitchen and pulled out an apple before departing and yelling a goodbye over my shoulder. I couldn't prolong seeing Kakashi again any longer and had to hurry before I get chewed out by the kids for being late.

Just as expected, Sasuke and Sakura were already at the front of the Academy when I had arrived.

"Good morning, Hinowa-san." Sakura looked up from where she was hovering around Sasuke. The dark haired boy gave his own greeting in the form of a short grunt.

"Good morning, Sakura-chan, Sasuke-kun." I returned good-naturedly.

The building anxiousness from having to face Kakashi again was threatening to rear its ugly head. I just hoped I wouldn't be visibly sweating by the time he arrived.

You're a better ninja than this, control yourself, I chided myself. But even the best ninjas have tells and weaknesses, something that will alert someone of their following actions.

Soon after, Naruto arrived shouting and grinning ear-to-ear. Jolly even in the mornings, that boy.

"Oi, Hinowa-chan, so how was your date with Kaka-sensei?' The blonde teased. His eyes turned leery as irritation replaced my nervousness.

"That Hatake Kakashi, no good I tell you," Sakura joined in, hands on her hips and taking on a tone that a parent would have when speaking to their child. "Please tell me that he at least told you he loved you before he tried anything?"

My eyebrow ticked at the pinkette's suggestion. Try anything? As if he'd want to come within ten feet of me now after everything I've said to him last night. He probably thought I was weird at best and a possible spy at worst.

"Sakura-chan, Naruto-kun, I promise you that Hatake-sensei and I-"

Before I could finish the sentence, a poof of smoke appeared between me and the kids. When the smoke disappeared (and speak of the devil) Kakashi stood there with his eye crinkled in a smile.

"What was that about me?"

…

"You're late!" The pink lemonade duo screeched accusingly. Even Sasuke gave his best glare at their jounin sensei.

"Sorry, there was a black cat that passed me so I had to take the long way." Kakashi held up a hand in his defense.

Of course, the kids weren't having any of it and continued their barrage of insults.

"Why would the long way take so long?"

"See what I mean, Hinowa-san? No good!"

"Pathetic, hn."

The man had the gall to just laugh it off awkwardly which made the three preteens more incensed. A small sigh escaped my lips as I thought about how much I worried about seeing him again only to have this happen.

Was it a good thing that everything was exactly as it had been?

The question filled my mind as we shuffled into the building and reached the mission assignment desk.

Yugakure. The Hidden Village of Hotsprings. That was our first mission's destination, and we were tasked to retrieve a scroll from a merchant there.

I felt a faint chill at the parallels between this mission and the one that had landed me in this world.

I was overthinking it and my mind created images of a failed mission and a goodbye that didn't reach that person's ears. The adrenalin of being chased by the enemy. Being beaten by rough kicks and being spat on. A slowing heartbeat in a pool of crimson.

I let a shuddering breath escape my lungs.

From the side, the silver haired jounin took note of his fourth genin's reaction to the mission. Trauma? Stress? A painful memory?

After getting the mission details from the chuunin manning the desk- not Iruka, I noted- Kakashi told us to pack for a week or two and to meet at the gates in about an hour.

Heading back to my apartment, I realized that I didn't really have any supplies. Then, stopping in the middle of the streets, I turned on my heel and went in search of a certain bowl-cut.

"My youthful dragon mistress! What aid can I offer you for coming to seek me out personally?" I had found Gai in a nearby training ground, practicing some kicks on a wooden post. There were chunks of wood around the man and a large dent burrowed into the furrow.

"Ah, hello, Gai," I fidgeted a bit. Best to upkeep the maiden in distress look (though the Gai in my world could easily through it, this one didn't know me like that). "I was wondering, since I'm a genin now…"
"And in the team headed by my great rival himself, no less! He gets this win for attaining such a beautiful maiden," He took my hand in his and kneeled. His eyes blazed with a youthful dazzle. "Now, what is it that you need, to seek me instead of my great rival?"

I feigned a blush (more from embarrassment) at his words. Honestly, Gai had hit on me before, in my world, but stuck to just 'sarcastic flirting' after finding out about my feelings for Kakashi. I think he was the first to know about my crush for the Hatake, actually.

"I'm new to this village, barely anything to my name. I was a wandering soul like that," I laughed solemnly. "But Team 7 was just assigned to a mission that could take weeks and see, I don't have much in supplies…"

"Nonsense! Let the Green Beast of Konoha fill up your empty stocks, save for that brimming, mighty need!" There was a dirty joke in there somewhere. "Come, let us get to the supplies store and make sure you are adequately prepared!"

With that, I was whisked away with him to get gear. Things like a sleeping roll, kunai, bandages, and ninja wire were a must. Others like soldier pills, explosive tags, and rations weren't necessary (especially the Akimichi brand, BBQ flavored ration bars) but Gai had insisted. Maybe he wanted to leave me with a good impression to tell to Kakashi?

When we were done, I had about five minutes to get to the front gates and meet up with my team.

"I can't thank you enough, Gai. Really. You've given me so much already, I don't know how to repay you." I looked up at him sincerely.

In this world and the last, Maito Gai was a great comrade and an even greater friend. The only thing I wanted now was to be able to thank the Gai from my world for everything he's done for me, but thanking this one would have to be good enough.

In my eyes were words and emotions that were meant for a man in a world over. I hoped, maybe a little pointlessly, that my thanks would reach him. I hoped and hoped.

"You are a ninja of Konoha now, Hinowa-san," I think that was the first time he's said my name here. And it felt nice to hear him say it, whether he knew that or not.

"That headband signifies not only your ties to this village, but with all the people in it. It is only natural to lend a helping hand to a comrade in need! Especially for a youthful flower such as yourself!" He gave his signature pose and smile.

For this moment, I accepted the fact that I lost my old life but the Will of Fire burns greatly and is inextinguishable in the face of all things, even fate.

All five of Team 7 met up at the front gates, as was told, and nodded their head at each other in synchronized greeting.

Kakashi went ahead to give the guards the proper papers for a mission leave and the next thing I know, we're flying through the thick forests of Fire Country.

Born and raised in Konoha, the leafy setting was a comfortable sight. The thick oaks with their abundance of branches and leaves give easy access to travelling ninja like us.

Soon as we near Yugakure no Sato, however, the treeline will change to Japanese maples and since we were catching the tail end of summer, by the time we head back for Konoha the maple leaves will be a blazing, fiery red.

(Not to mention, Konoha's own Mokuton trees within the village will slowly shift from their green to orange hues as well.)

A slight movement in my peripherals stops my sightseeing. Sliding my eyes, I glance at Sakura who was digging for something in her pack.

We were in a diamond formation: with me heading the front, Sasuke and Sakura behind me to my right, Naruto on the left, and Kakashi at the rear.

I was a little sorry for messing up their team formations since we were now odd-numbered and unevenly balanced, power-wise. It only made sense to put the two adults at the front and back of the group, the jounin sensei would have already known that I was already beyond genin level.

(Though in his opinion, he feels his team is quite strong compared to most other genin teams.)

We shouldn't be expecting too much trouble during our mission, though. Yugakure has long stopped being a shinobi village and has become a resort town instead, relatively peaceful and neutral.

Despite all of this, a nagging buzz in the back of my head keeps me a little paranoid. Team 7 always did have a knack for trouble anyways, and if some spiritual being- not Kaguya, not Kaguya, not Kaguya- happened to take notice of me, they may just decide that I didn't have a place in this world.

Focusing back on Sakura, the young girl apparently found what she was looking for and sped up her pace to catch me up front.

"Here." She said as she held out a small, braided bracelet with a sun charm on it.

The bracelet itself was a pastel yellow, intertwined with some red jewels in its plait. The sun charm was very simple in contrast, a wooden circle with a sun painted on it. It was...very cute and effeminate- just the right touch of girly.

"Is this for me?" I offered my own hand up and the pinkette dropped the bracelet into my palm. I blinked at the gift before looking up and blinking at the person who gave it to me. "Why?"

Sakura chuckled a bit, as if expecting that reaction from me, "For helping me yesterday! I mean, you were supposed to be training with Sasuke-kun but...you helped me out instead. This is just my way of thanking you, Hinowa-san"

I looked down at the gift once more, and though a cute accessory, I had to bite my tongue from saying that bracelets are impractical for ninja. Kunoichi wore as little accessories as they could, same as shinobi, because they were personal things. Personal things could be used against you, used to hurt you. For a ninja, their path forces them to rid themselves of objects like these (and for organizations like ROOT, rid themselves of emotions completely).

I held back my thoughts and instead responded a terse, "Thank you, Sakura-chan."

I tried to convey as much sincerity in my eyes to her because she will most likely not see me wearing her gift unless I was off-duty.

Seeing a flash of hurt in her eyes, I could tell that she understood that, too.

With a final nod from the girl, she fell back into step with the Uchiha behind her.

I can see how Kakashi had easily formed such strong bonds with these children, I thought as I pocketed the bracelet, So much warmth from them, they are so innocent at this age.

In my mind there flashed images of a screaming Sakura, a half-transformed Naruto, and a cursed Sasuke. Children who have been beaten and tested and forced to endure the burden of the world they live in.

This path is one of difficulty, especially for these three, I sighed.

The Hatake looked on at his group in front of him, paying close attention especially at the interaction between the females of the group.

Strange, I think to myself. That was the one word that came to mind when I thought of Tatsuya Hinowa.

Tatsuya Hinowa, who was from the Land of Tea, an orphaned vagabond, and a dragon summoner.

Just, strange.

She was peculiar in the way she had appeared in my life: half-dead and wearing ninja blacks. The woman later explained that she was a wandering traveller who'd "picked up" on things along the way, including tricks and items it seems. She was hunted by down bandits and managed to get away, though it looked like both parties had put up a good fight. Apparently, they wanted whore her out. A sad life for those inflicted but not entirely uncommon; it was one of those things in the world that I was not proud of (in fact, there is very little that I actually am proud of).

She was peculiar in the way she spoke and acted: casual and confident. Especially to a particular group not known to be overly friendly, a.k.a the shinobi of the village. When faced with the three genin, she took an almost motherly role to them and taught them in ways that I hadn't tried. Even with Gai, who was known to be exceptionally difficult to deal with, she dealt with an almost never ending supply of patience. Taking in all his quirks with her own gentle enthusiasm. Seeing her befriend one of my own closest colleagues made a small thump in my chest (perhaps hope?) signalling that maybe we would be able to get along as well. Become friends, even.

She was peculiar in the way she held herself when she thought no one was looking: guarded and filled with longing. Oh, how aged she looked in those times when she'd drifted away in thought, lost in her own mind, thinking of something. Her face looked far older than she was- at a good twenty four years of age- and her eyes were haunted. The dragon mistress had seen things that one only saw in great suffering, in times of war.

All of my observations have led to one thing: Who was Tatsuya Hinowa, really?

Each time I observe her or talk to her I seem to gather more questions than answers. What is your real purpose of coming here? Where did you get a dragon summoning contract? What have you seen?

Our talk last night was no help either. She was 'empty' was all I could muster from her words. I didn't know whether to take her admission as a well-veiled threat or a heartfelt confession but I was sure that the ANBU tailing us that night would have told the Hokage either way.

Just thinking about having to report back to the Sandaime after the mission to talk about our "night out" was already giving me a headache. It's a good thing my face was covered with a mask, both physically and metaphorically.

Considering all the circles I've been running around concerning her, I would have expected to be tired of this mess and dump her onto someone else more willing to deal with her (like Gai). Except I'm not.

At least, I'm not bored of her just yet.

Tired, yes, I've tried to incorporate her into our team and gather info on her simultaneously this whole time. I just didn't expect to find her as fascinating as she is, like a riddle waiting to be solved.

Whatever her purpose is, I'm half tempted to find out myself.

Maybe it was a mistake a tell Kakashi how empty I really am? Was I wrong in showing him a vulnerable side to me?

Turning my head to look at the man, his face betrayed no emotion and I found myself hating how well he hid behind that mask. I wished we could speak like the how we used to- how I used to with him, I remind myself- so that I'd be able to get all this stress of my chest.

At this rate, I was like a volcano, building up with steam and heat and waiting to burst into fiery, hot lava onto unsuspecting people. Most likely innocent, unsuspecting people.

God, my neck itches, I thought as I scratched at the spot beneath my hair. I was fidgeting, for sure, but hopefully the kids haven't caught on to my worry. The last thing I need is to have jittery, trigger-happy genin along for a supposedly peaceful mission.

We arrived at the outskirts of Yugakure by day three, the sun was setting and the idea of hitting up the hot springs seemed more and more appealing.

If it were just me or Kakashi, we'd probably arrive by the end of the first day but the genin were still learning and didn't have as much stamina, or willpower, to keep up. We were actually going as fast as we could, with no breaks, to get here in a timely manner.

So when we were escorted to our lodgings by some of the village guards, the kids decided to stay behind and rest while Kakashi and I "scouted the area".

More like: I actually scout the area and report back to Kakashi while he lounges at some bar or check into a hot springs.

With no more than a nod, we split ways and went on with our own agendas. Of course, as I was leaving, a few words were shouted out after me from the exhausted kids.

"You two better not be using this as an excuse for a hot springs date!"

"Eww, Sakura-chan, that's gross…"

"Dobe, not like that."

"What?! Why would either of you come to think of that anyway?! Shannaro!"

Leave it to these three to end up fighting even after three days of nonstop travelling. Was there anything that could tire out three overactive, genin children?

Seriously thinking about it, probably not.

Shaking my head, I quickly head out and exit the building we were staying in.

Yugakure, despite not being a shinobi village anymore, still held remnants of what it was. Like grime that wouldn't wash away, there were training grounds here and there that couldn't be repurposed because of the hazard of traps, the scuff marks of kunai and weapons mar a few of the buildings and even some of the older people here have those eyes that tell the tale of a life much different than that of a civilian.

It would take a few generations before the mark of ninja completely fades from this place, though from overhearing a few conversations, there is talk of returning back to the old days and become a hidden village again. There were those who were against it as well, finding the more peaceful setting more habitable for children and shopkeepers.

Obviously, there is some political unrest within the village.

In my original world, Yugakure remained as it is here, neutral and a tourist town.

"Excuse me, miss, have you seen my grandson?" Came an elderly voice.

I blinked a few times seeing that no one was in front of me before tilting my head down. There stood a short, old man that had to have seen at least the last three wars in his lifetime (perhaps even fought in them!) wearing a brown tunic and an even browner pair of pants. Altogether, he pulled off the harmless ojii-chan grandfather look quite well.

But looks could be deceiving, I thought as a flash of Hiruzen passed by my mind.

"Ah, no. I'm sorry, maybe if you ask the stalls around here they'd be of more help." I smiled awkwardly.

"I had already asked those frumpy shop sellers, so don't think you can get rid of me so easily just yet!" Before I could clear my name from the accusation, the old man had a vice grip on my wrist and leading me down the street. Yeah, definitely fought in the last shinobi war.

"H-hold on, ojii-san! I'm an on-duty kunoichi from Konoha, and I assure you that after I get my business done I'll be able to help you!" I tried to remedy.

"Nonsense, I'm sure Konoha would understand if I enlisted your help to find my dear, little grandson! I mean, I've already sent in a request for a genin squad from there to come pick up a scroll from me. I couldn't make the journey myself, I hope you understand, because of my health and all! Hohoho!" The small, old man continued on dragging me, though with little resistance now that he had explained that he was the one who summoned us.

I bet he knew exactly who I was when he'd saw the Konoha headband around my head, clever old man.

He laughed like what typical, cheery old men did and threw his head back at his own jokes despite his grip on my wrist. Now I could have forcefully pushed him away earlier, but I had no business causing a scene in neutral ground.

Just imagine it: "Konoha ninja, cruel enough to throw an old man to the ground! Said old man only looking for beloved grandson!"

Konohagakure had a reputation. One that I'd like to uphold.

So I went on with him, and even as he revealed himself as being our employer, I allowed myself to be pulled to wherever he wanted to go.

"So you're the one who employed us, Kazuhiko-san?" I asked as we finally reached our destination. We were sitting in a gazebo in front of a large house. Apparently, the old man- Kazuhiko Jou- was originally a shinobi for Yugakure but had retired after the village changed its international relations. He was a wealthy merchant of expensive shinobi goods now.

"Yes, I enlisted help from Konoha to bring a scroll to its Hokage. I'm sure the journey to get all the way out here was long, so please rest and visit our famous hot springs while you're here! I promise I won't tell that Hokage of yours that you all decided to take a few days for yourself." He winked. I laughed awkwardly and nodded at his suggestion.

I'd be able to fit in a night of hot springs, right?

"If you don't mind, Kazuhiko-san, I can take the scroll off your hands now. Rest assured, I'll be giving it to my squad commander, Hatake Kakashi, for safekeeping." Saying that the Copy-nin will be in charge of protecting something usually sets people at ease, I've found out a long time ago.

"About that…" The good-natured old man smiled with unease.

Please don't tell me you've lost it, I prayed.

"You see, I gave the scroll to my grandson to hold onto. And now that I can't find him…"

"The scroll is lost." I finished, my tone flat and face deadpanned.

Of course the grandson has it. Of course.

"I guess we need to find your grandson, huh?" I felt a drop of sweat threaten to form at my temple.

"That's what I've been trying to tell you all this time!" Kazuhiro-san clucked at me.

We searched high and low, asked everyone we could, and I even henged into a man to check the men's hot springs to see if Kazuhiro's grandson was there.

No such luck, though I did get a good eyeful of very nice man-butt. Kakashi wasn't in there either, though I can't make my mind up if I wanted him there or not.

(On second thought, he'd probably spot me from a mile away and I don't think he'd ever let me live it down, no matter what my excuse.)

Sighing, I turned to the still bright and cheery old man, "Kazuhiro-san, I really don't think your grandson is in this village. Do you remember if he told you anything? Anything at all about him leaving?"

"Nope!" He chirped. "I handed him the scroll for safekeeping, then next thing I knew, he was gone! Poof!"

I shook my head with a small smile. At his age, how can he be so merry? Maybe he led a good life so he hadn't need to suffer and work like others. But then again, he was an ex-shinobi, so maybe he's seen so much that all that's left is to make the best of his retirement.

"Alright then, Kazuhiro-san. Maybe we can search the male hot springs again-" I started to suggest, but before I could finish another voice yelled over in our direction.

"Hey lady! Back off of Jou-jii, he's not buying anything!" A young man that couldn't be older than eighteen came stomping over the two of us. He was so unlike Kazuhiro-san, wearing flashy clothes meant for a noble and long, red hair braided along his back. I also took note of the small parcel bag that slung across him, probably holding the scroll.

Fixing my most politically correct smile I said, "I apologize. I am a kunoichi from Konoha sent on a mission to collect a scroll, certainly not someone selling something to your grandfather here."

The boy checked his grandfather over first before turning to look at me. I was taller than average women at five-foot-eight, at least in Konoha, and it seems that dear grandson was eye level with me.

Unfortunately, the moment our eyes met his navy blue orbs morphed from the normal black pupil to red heart shapes.

"No, no, no! I should be apologizing! I'm Kazuhiro Jun by the way, heir to the Kazuhiro Trading Company here in Yugakure. Did I mention that you are the most beautiful thing I've laid my eyes on?" He grabbed my hands and leaned forward, his heart eyes almost throbbing like a real one would. Yuck.

"Hohoho! My beloved grandson seems to have taken a liking to you, Kunoichi-san! Hohoho!" The old man guffawed. A few people were looking at the commotion we were causing and I could have sworn I heard faint whispers of "poor girl" in there.

"...Before we move onto anything else, I was told that you have the scroll, Jun-san?" I deftly slipped my hands out of his and backed away slightly.

The younger Kazuhiro blinked at my retreat and suddenly the heart eyes are gone, his eyes back to its original blue.

Just as he opened his mouth, a familiar, brash voice cut in, "Back off of Hinowa-chan, bastard! She's already dating someone!" Naruto pointed towards Jun while Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi were behind him.

This time, I really did feel a sweat drop from how similar these two openings went.

Jun apparently didn't take Naruto's interruption all that well because sooner than the eye can blink these two were in a shouting match.

"What do you mean, boy, that she's already dating someone?"

"I mean that she's dating someone! And my name isn't 'boy', it's Uzumaki Naruto, and I'm gonna be Hokage one day, believe it!"

"Who would she be dating? And tough luck on being Hokage, boy, you're still a brat!"

"You're still a brat, too, idiot! And she's dating my sensei, Hatake Kakashi, the great Copy-nin!"

Then Sakura jumped in, "Tough luck on dating her now, you big creep! As if you could beat Kakashi-sensei!"

From behind them, Sasuke was nodding minutely, if only to agree that yes, his sensei wasn't that cool, but at least he's better than you.

I was rubbing my temples and Kakashi had a hand on his face at the display of the four children. The only one is a positive mood was Kazuhiro-san, who was shaking with laughter as if this was somehow funny to him.

Then again, all ninja were a little weird, no matter the age or retirement.

By the end of the day, I had managed to get Jun to give me the scroll and for Kazuhiro-san to fill out some papers. Kakashi was entirely useless throughout the whole ordeal so I made sure he would carry the scroll for the rest of the 'mission'.

The children were squabbling the entire time, of course. Neither side letting up, both believing they were in the right.

Kakashi and I made the executive decision to decline Kazuhiro-san's kind offer to stay a while longer and instead, leave immediately the next morning.

That night, while resting in our lodgings- the boys get one room and the girls another- Sakura told me her side of the argument. I liked to gossip sometimes, too, so I humored her and stayed up in bed listening to her.

"So then that bozo was like, that maiden is mine, I have fallen in love with her at first sight!" She imitated Jun's voice, poorly. "Like ew! Alright, I admit he's okay looking but his looks aren't good enough to cover the fact that he talks like some crusty, old man!"

I remembered that Sakura in this world hasn't met Lee or Gai yet so I briefly entertained the idea of introducing them to each other. Perhaps another day.

"Then Naruto was like, you're too young to get with her! Besides, she only likes ninja!" Sakura imitated Naruto's voice this time, just as poorly. In fact, both boys' voices sounded exactly the same. "So then I said, yeah! You can't be that much older than us, shannaro! Then he said that he was fifteen and then Sasuke, oh my God, he said, Hinowa-san is much too old for you, then." Sakura's Sasuke impression was only an octave lower than the other boys this time.

"I don't know if Sasuke was actually sticking up for me, but thank you anyways. Really though, I don't need you three to be protecting my honor or anything." I sighed out.

There was some moonlight streaming in from the window. My bed was on the far side of the door, so it was easy to see outside the glass and peek at the stars. Normally I would take the bed closest to the door to be able to defend Sakura, or any other genin, from an ambush but I had decided that the mission was peaceful enough.

Yugakure seemed docile compared to the rambunctious energy of Konoha.

"But it's not just protecting your honor, Hinowa-san! It's to keep any guy away from you since you and Kakashi-sensei are dating! Seriously, that man better try harder to keep creeps away from his girlfriend next time. If we weren't there, Kakashi-sensei'd be alone again."

I made no reply or retort back at the girl. No sooner than that, exhaustion claimed the pinkette and soft breathing was all I could hear from that side of the room.

Alone again, huh? Did Kakashi have someone in this world he considered more than a friend? Did he have, I hesitated on even thinking of the word, a girlfriend?

I could have told the girl that I certainly wasn't Kakashi's girlfriend and that I struggle to even think he considers me a friend. I mean, what happened that night in Konoha, I poured myself out to him and he's been a little distant since. If that wasn't an obvious sign that he's weirded out by me I don't know what is.

But maybe, just maybe, the fact that he's seen such a raw part of me could have opened the gates of friendship a little. They- as in most ruthless ninja- say that you only ever truly meet a person at their most vulnerable, preferably as they're dying.

I wasn't dying but my heart was bleeding for the hollowness I felt while in this world. I just wanted Kakashi to know that, even if he wasn't mine.

Maybe I could try, just to test the waters, to see if he didn't at least hate me. I still don't plan on ever getting that close to him but it's better to have more allies than enemies.

I really hurt my wrist badly and am still recovering (there's a picture on my AO3) so I've been unable to write seriously in the past weeks. I've only managed that one chapter on the EXTRAS since it was already pre-written and ready to upload...

Anyways! Back to the story! I needed to soften the angsty blows with some humor I guess so have some OCs (though Old Man Kazuhiro is based off of Master Roshi lol)! Hinowa tends to get interrupted a lot in this chapter...and in general! She doesn't get mad about it so maybe that's why it keeps happening haha.

Can I ask you a question by the way: Would you like it if I brought back Jun and his grandpa? I had a lot of fun writing these OCs and they're mainly going to be used as comic relief, maybe more, in the future.

Thanks for reading!