Disclaimer: For this chapter and the previous, I don't own KHR or Naruto, only my OCs

When she opened her eyes, she thought she was dreaming again of Namimori. Only instead of being with her friends as they were in their last year at Namimori Middle, she was alone. Still, it was weird that she realized that she was in a dream, usually she would just go with the flow without much thought but right now…

"I'm very much conscious but I know I can't be here somehow. Is this…a lucid dream?" That was very plausible. A genjutsu was also possible but she couldn't feel a disturbance in the chakra in or outside her so that wasn't it. She furrowed her eyebrows in thought for a moment before smoothing her expression out, a content smile on her face.

Oh, what the hell, she would just enjoy this dream until she woke up. It'd be nice to be with her friends even if it was only a dream and she'd feel empty in the morning, However, for her that didn't matter. Not at all.

Turning her focus back to her surroundings she noticed that she was in a park. No, THE park where she first ever made contact with Tsunayoshi. A fond expression lit her face as she touched the cool surface of the red painted metal of the swings. Back then she would admit that she was pretty foolish in her way of thinking. She pushed others away because she mourned the loss of her parents, and she was jealous of the other kids too. They had their parents and to her appeared so happy. Deep down she hated that and them for having what she lost, but that was something she hadn't admitted to herself.

She couldn't, no she didn't, want to accept her reality so she essentially shut herself off. Going through the motions of living while not really caring about much. Bless her Aunt and Uncle for trying to help her and patiently dealing with how she was. However, eventually that anger, and hate faded and all that was left was loneliness. A loneliness that she had done to herself.

It was also during this time, where she had begun to see the changes in Tsunayoshi's life. He seemed to be less weak, lonely, a little bit more confident and happy. She had never made a move to help or befriend him before this. Only observing his actions and how he would cower when dealing with his bullies. A part of her had felt bad but always thought it wasn't her problem or place to deal with them. In fact, no one went to help him most of the time, except for Kyoko Sasagawa. Although, it was unknowingly most of the time, but she is genuinely nice, so it was no mystery of why she helped him out.

As she kept on observing him more during school, she had noticed oddities happening around and the all led back to Tsunayoshi. However, no one else appeared to notice these strange occurrences. This wasn't all she saw, she had been able to see him gain more confidence, friends, and happiness. Things she had been jealous of him getting that she didn't have, but this time she let go of that jealousy because it was through her own actions that led her to be isolated. She caused her own isolation from her classmates and it caused her to reflect of her own life until that point.

Yeah, her reflection might not have been as deep or as insightful as she can now, but it did cause her to realize that she had been in the wrong for a long time now. It wasn't the other kids' fault that she was alone, that she had lost her parents, that she wasn't liked and that her self-pity wasn't healthy. This led to a slow but steady growing longing and want to change. However, she didn't know how to approach her classmates or what she should do, always holding herself back in the end.

Yet, she had an opportunity here, in this park, to have a friend, to begin having friends, and moving forward with her life. She trailed her hand lightly over the chain metal of the swing as she sighed softly. Really, she owed Tsuna so much. 'Now...maybe I can...materialize err influence them into appearing?' The thought entered her mind but before she could even start a very familiar, cool, smooth tone spoke behind her.

"Yu-chan I wouldn't do that if I were you. You'd cause a big problem at the moment." She turned around in shock and she could feel herself choking up. Even though she knew the man before her wasn't real, it still felt like being by a ton of bricks as she started to tear up. Oh, how she missed seeing or hearing someone familiar.

The brunet man's expression panicked a little. "Ah Yu-chan don't cry. It's going to be ok, so don't cry." He put his hand on her shoulder, patting her in a comforting manner, while giving her a reassuring smile. A warmth bubbled in her chest as the tears continued to fall and she started laughing. She wiped her tears with her hands.

"I'm not crying, who even said I'm crying." She retorted causing the dream Tsuna to smile.

"Alright. Then I must have been seeing things then."

"Yeah, better get your eyesight checked."

He chuckled. "Will do." She gave a wobbly smile and then blinked in realization that she was in her original appearance, only wearing her normal business attire. She could tell because the top of head was just a few inches lower than Tsuna's and he had grown very well these past few years. A befuddlement colored her face.

"How…?" Well no, if she was in a dream it would be possible for this to happen. Before she could continue thinking about this further Tsuna spoke in a solemn tone, and she unconsciously straightened her posture, face blank.

"Well Yu-chan, I suppose I should explain before you start getting the wrong idea of what's going on and where we are." Confusion again littered her face. "Right now, we're inside your mind clearly. However, rather than this being a rather lucid dream we're in your mindscape, a reflection of your thoughts." He closed his warm colored eyes.

"This is a result of crossing dimensions, quite different from our own, which is why I, a reflection of the real Tsunayoshi's Dying Will Flame, as are the other's but only to a lesser extent."

"…So you're saying this isn't a dream and that this is very much real. Also, the other guardians are…also here or rather a projection of your flames." That…made somewhat sense and she was inclined to believe this – projection- of her Boss' flames. Logically speaking, she should think she was going insane, that this was a dream and she was just making things up. However, as focused more, she could feel the familiar hum of his Sky flame. Warm, accepting, encompassing. He wouldn't ever lie about something like this, therefore as a projection of his will neither would this Tsuna.

"Yes, as my guardian's you all share a connection through me with each, although to a lesser extent. Usually it's more of just being able to sense one another to an extent and would have remained more or less the same here with just being as added defense mechanisms against intruders. Or motivators in cases of emergency of your mind remaining stable. However," He opened his eyes again, filled with concern as he continued softly.

"You haven't been taking things well and ruminating too much on our world, of us. Rather than facing the fact in a much healthier manner, it's overwhelming your mind to the point of obsession."

"But…No…" She started to argue but kept choking, unable to make a coherent argument, when knowing it was true.

He shook his head. "You know it's true Yu-chan…"

She crumbled. "But…I just want to get home soon…I…I don't belong here Tsuna-kun…Boss, you know I don't…this isn't. I shouldn't even exist here. It's all I can think about…" It's all I've been thinking about.

He gave a knowing smile. "I know Yu-chan, but right now that's out of your control and your showing that too much." A worried look appeared on his face.

"Just like earlier tonight, and apparently it caught the attention of those higher up. Which is why I even formed like this in first place. I'm the wisest choice to deal with this situation and…Mukuro as well." Her breath caught in her throat. That couldn't be, what had she given off…what did she do wrong. She never showed any sign of disloyalty towards the village. She panicked a little and before her panic could rise further he placed a hand on her shoulder and calmed down at the comforting presence.

"Calm down Yu-chan. It's been taken care of, like I said, we're like a defense against intruders. I believe it was one of the Yamanaka looking through your mind at the moment." But that would mean that he's going through her memories. He continued before she could voice her concern. "Right now, he's only seeing selective memories of what he wants to know, plus others that wouldn't show of who you really are. Of course, the fact that they're real memories means that they're not fabrications, but the other ones are hidden through Mukuro's. well his flame's representation, help.

"So…expect him to know about your ah, childhood a bit." He grimaced as Yume's face burned in anger instead of panic now. They were looking through her memories! How could they; who gave them the right?!

Indignation towards the village official's for ordering this bubbled as she tried to school her face back to normal. Tsuna sighed, in truth he wasn't happy about this either, but it couldn't be helped. "The good thing is that if this goes well, and it is, the cloud of doubt they have towards you will go away." Anger was still prevalent, but a calculating gleam appeared in her eyes. It wasn't long before she sighed, seeming to see that this was beneficial in the end towards what she wanted, but it still didn't mean she was happy about her breach of privacy.

"…I trust your judgement Boss." He gave a nod.

"Yes…and on that note. I'd prefer if this didn't happen again. We may be able to fool him this time but next time…" He trailed off and she sighed once more.

"…I may not be so lucky…"

"No…so…that's why for now I want you to stop focusing so much on us. Wait, wait just here me out first." He raised his arms in a placating manner as she began to argue.

"It's fine Yu-chan that you want to return soon, as quickly as possible. However, being too hasty causes mistakes, and those mistakes is what led you here. They know something isn't quite right about you, among other things but most are chalking it up to you being a prodigy or something of the like…if not a spy, or sleeper agent it seems."

"I didn't make a mistake…or at least I don't think I did…" Uncertainty littered her voice. She had gone through a lot of lengths to make sure she wasn't suspicious, did she fail?

He shook his head. "It's not that Yu-chan…not entirely anyways. You've done well but…the fact remains that you're an adult mentally. You don't act like how kids would and so the way you deal with others reflects that. I'm sure I don't have to say the rest, do I?" He questioned, but it was more like a statement as she understood what he was implying.

"What's the point of it? I'm leaving eventually plus it's not as if I should even be here."

"And that's where the problem lies Yu-chan." He gave her a sad look as she couldn't understand what he was getting at now.

"You are aware of those facts and act the way you do…because you fear getting close to people that you that you will have to leave behind. That something terrible might happen to them and you can't do anything about it because these are the risks that come with being a shinobi. You're afraid."

"That's not true! My job is just as dangerous as they are with you guys, but I don't feel like that! I know the risks and I accept it."

"Do you really?" He was calm as he gazed at her in a concerned manner.

"I-" She choked as she clenched her fists, as she questioned herself. "…I don't know…" Was her soft reply. It was silent for a long while as she kept looking at the floor.

"Well…" He cleared his throat putting a rest to the topic for now. "Since I don't particularly like seeing my guardians being in a precarious situation; you're going to have to compromise on certain things soon."

She stiffened as he spoke and, his voice taking on a deeper pitch, leaving no room for discussion. "First of all, Yu-chan, you will have to behave more genuine with all of your friends. Don't keep them at a distance, this will help your cover of being a normal girl. Well as normal as one can be in your situation anyways. Also, rather than focusing on the past or your goal whenever you can. You will focus on the present and enjoy yourself. You understand what I'm getting at, so I don't need to explain."

She did, and quite frankly she didn't like it. However, all complaints were stuck in her throat whenever Tsuna spoke like that it meant serious business. And again, due to him being Tsuna's will in a way, she would follow his order's as if he was the real Tsuna.

Hell, she had even acted towards him as if he was the real deal.

The bright smile flashed at her in a way that made her feel warm. "Alright. I'm glad that's out of the way. You'll be waking soon so I was worried I wouldn't tell you all you needed to know or be aware of."

"But we didn't even get time to talk…or even…" A pang of loneliness coursed through her chest.

He chuckled. "Yu-chan time passes by differently here than outside, so even if it doesn't feel like it half a day has gone by now. Our Shinobi guest has left a long time ago too with no problems on your end or theirs."

"Will…will I see you again…or…" She trailed off. It was painful, yeah this wasn't the real Tsuna, but they were so much alike.

"Ah…Well, maybe not for quite a while. Doing this much has already been exhausting, so we may not manifest for who knows how long. Oh, but the other's might although…maybe not to the degree I can maybe."

"I see…" Resignation flashed on her face before she gave a nod. It's fine she's an adult she should start dealing with her problems like one, even if she'd rather not touch them with a ten feet pole.

"Till next time Yu-chan. It's time for you to wake up…have…fun…safe." As he spoke his voice began to get fainter and fainter as her vision also became fuzzy.

She opened her eyes slowly, blinking the sleepiness away as she sat up groggily with a soft groan. The soft, steady beeping of the heart monitor beside her was a heavy indication of where she was if the antiseptic smell wasn't already. 'Ugh. I hate hospitals.' Hospitals meant she was unable to do her duties, and that she had to remain in one place when she could be doing something productive.

Grumbling softly, she looked around her surrounding idly and found that it was the typical hospital type room, a bed, thin blanket, curtains, medical machines, a small white desk a door which led to a bathroom and white walls.

After noticing that she was alone she began to inspect herself. She pursed her lips as she noticed the wrapping around her right hand, and the way her body seemed to protest movements and overall exhaustion. A result no doubt from the fight she had, and the prior spar with Itachi. Was the answer she came up with rather slowly. She frowned a bit, for some reason her thought processes, seemed rather sluggish.

"Ah. Good morning little. Glad to see your awake!" A cheerful voice came from the entrance of the room, causing her to jump a little from the surprise. She made a face as her body seemed to object to her reaction. In front of her stood, a rather cheerful young nurse. Plain, brown haired, lightly tan, a regular looking civilian, who began to inspect her. Yume kept quite as this happened.

"Hm…well. Everything seems to be in order." She finished writing down on her clipboard, and she went to pat her on her head. Yume unconsciously tensed and moved back a little in panic before catching herself and stopped with a perturbed expression. This caused the nurse to look at her sympathetically and with pity.

"Oh right. Sorry, little one I forgot." She said as she scribbled something down on her clipboard again. Yume had an inkling as to what it might be, and she was not liking it one bit. She should be desensitized to these things. Yet why…

"I'll be letting the doctor know your awake, so he'll be here very soon okay sweetie?" Yume turned to look at the nurse with a blank look for a moment before turning back into herself in figuring out her problem. The nurse in turn gave her one last look of pity before exiting.

'Why am I like this? Apart from deaging and the change in physio-oh. I get it, even though I'm able to handle this mentally. My body hasn't really gone through it, and I'm probably going through some type of shock or coping.' How wonderful.

She sighed, as she laid back down, ignoring the discomfort. Nothing ever seemed to go right, but with what the Tsunayoshi in her mind – she might have to come up with a better way to refer him by - said, there was now a clear objective for her to follow.

Of course, it wasn't easy. She had been living like this for a good while now, so an abrupt change might be a cause for concern. Though with what happened it may not be so odd of a change. Food for thought. She hummed softly, as she waited for the doctor to come in.

"Yu-chan! How have you been? Better I see." An annoyingly familiar voice called out as an arm wrapped around her shoulder, causing her to tense a bit before relaxing, as she was pulled closer to said person. She kept her gaze on her book, something that she had requested, Kunai's and Swords, a fantasy like novel. It wasn't quite to her tastes, but it would do.

"Aww! Come on, Yu-chan don't ignore me! Is that how you treat your savior? Kids these days don't even know how to show respect to their elders." Without looking up she quipped.

"Elder? Where? All, I see is a snot-nosed brat."

She heard a mock gasp. "How dare you? See Itachi! See no respect at all." Shisui whined as he leaned against said boy. Yume rolled her eyes as she turned to look at them. "Then stop whining Shisui." Itachi said, he kept his focus on her, eyes filled a bit with guilt. He looked worried too, concerned as he stood there still.

Yume sighed, an act that she has been becoming common to her. "You know Itachi-kun. It wasn't your fault that day." Shisui became quite as he observed the two.

"I should have still."

"No. It wouldn't have made a difference. They would have approached one way or another I expect. Better it be me alone than with a clan heir. Besides, I already had a troubled feeling and I still went alone despite that. In the end, I have no one to blame but myself." Her reply was serious. Itachi still didn't appear to agree with her.

"So, in the end it's not your fault. I'll take this as a learning experience and move on from it. Nothing," She paused looking for the right word. "Irreversibly damaging happened to me." She continued and looked at the boy square in the eyes. Then frowned at how he still appeared to disagree, but didn't say anything, coming up with some type of resolution in his eyes.

She wanted to groan out loud. Of course, he'd be stubborn. "Hm…quite a mature way of handling things for a little chibi isn't it?" Shisui was next to her again and began poking her cheek and pulling at them. She glared at the older boy who grinned devilishly as she let him do as he liked.

What was it with these older kids and pinching her cheeks. Itachi merely shook his head as he sat down on the chair placed besides the bed. She honestly didn't know why they had that there, since she hardly received any visitors apart from the nurses and doctors. Machiko was busy with the orphanage, her senseis had no reason to visit her, and apart from these two and Izumi she didn't have other friends.

"Shisui I think she'll get more upset if you keep doing that." Itachi pointed out at the sour look she kept throwing his older cousin. This of course only caused said relative to smirk as he continued with a bit more force added. Which was his plan. Honestly, his friend was too stubborn for her own good, and didn't like others worrying about her. Itachi could practically feel her glare turn to him as she shot him a venomous look.

He smiled lightly.

"Why dear Ita-chan. It seems you're right but how can I resist. These cheeks are just so pinchable." If looks could kill both he and Shisui would be dead by now. Itachi laughed softly, causing Shisui to grin wider and finally let her go.

"So have they told you when you'll be out Yume-san?"

"No." She shrugged as she rubbed her poor abused cheeks with a huff. "I'm not sure when either."

"I see."

"Well that's boring Yu-chan. I'd have escaped by now. Being stuck here would drive me up the walls…literally." He grinned as she rolled her eyes.

"Yes, but unlike someone I'm a reasonable adult. Therefore, I will be pa- Why are you laughing?" She stopped as Shisui started laughing as she spoke.

"I- I am sorry but adult?" His cousin said in clear amusement, trying to hold down his laughter. "Sorry, chibi-chan but you're way too far off to be an adult anytime soon." He ruffled her hair.

"Whatever." Was her muttered reply as she acquiesced reluctantly to having her hair mussed. Itachi in the meantime had watched the two interact and had silently noticed that she was behaving a bit differently than before. He couldn't quite pin point it yet, but he was glad that she seemed to be doing fine, minus the brief moments where she tensed when touched without warning.

The two then started to banter for a while as Itachi took to remaining on the sideline, offering a small quip to either one when he had the chance. During this time, he didn't notice that time seemed to pass by quickly and soon they would need to get home. They had arrived when classes had ended today, and he had only found out until yesterday evening what happened.

Shisui had been quite secretive about what occurred, but Itachi had remained stubborn in getting his answers after not seeing his friend for the past few days. That had been odd, and not even her teacher really knew what happened or where she was, only that she would be out for a few days. Not to mention Shisui became a bit sullen when he had mentioned not seeing her to him. Which was unlike him, and that was how he knew that Shisui knew something.

He had been worried. Worried that he would see her become more reserved and refuse to be anywhere near them, him, as friends anymore. He knew it was irrational, but he couldn't help it. He'd hate to lose a precious friend.

"Oh. We must go now Itachi. Mikoto-basan wouldn't be happy if I kept you out too late."

"Oh. Right. I'll see you next time Yu-san." He bowed a bit. "Get better soon."

"Yeah, get better Chibi. I'll be back tomorrow with Itachi maybe." Shisui grinned as he grabbed Itachi and both disappeared in a flurry of leaves.

Yume stared at the amount of leaves left on the floor and she rolled her eyes again. "Stupid ninja."

A low chuckle filled the room, causing her to jump slightly, tensing and causing irritation to rise. She really needed to stop doing that. She turned to look at the source of the chuckle and saw an ash blonde, pupil-less blue eyed, shinobi stood in the doorway. He wore a fore head protector that pushed up the spiky hair on top more, with a ponytail, and had the standard flak jacket, and uniform that most shinobi wore.

Point being, he wasn't a doctor or a medical staff.

"That's not a nice thing to say to a future colleague given that you'll soon be like us 'stupid ninja'." He said warmly, causing her to blush a bit at being caught.

She cleared her throat, schooling her expressions. "Was there something you needed…sir?" She looked at him warily, based on his appearance he was either one of the Yamanaka descent or someone like them. Also, it was disconcerting, how she hadn't been able to sense him at all.

"Yes and no. I'm Yamanaka Inoichi, head of the Yamanka clan, and will be taking over your guardianship until you graduate. I came to give you an early notice of your change in accommodations, as you still need to be here for a few more days." She was surprised and then she furrowed her eyebrows.

Okay. What? What the hell is going on? Why is she suddenly becoming a ward to a freaking shinobi clan! They don't offer this thing willy-nilly unless they are part of the clan somehow or they genuinely wish to adopt. Which doesn't happen that often as clans don't like accepting outsiders into their folds and learning clan secrets.

"As expected your surprised and confused right. Well, this was done under the order of Hokage-sama after the incident that happened. We can offer you protection as well as help you with ah…any issues that might have arisen from said incident."

'Yeah, but that doesn't exactly mean that I'm somehow important to warrant protection. As far as they are concerned my origins are of civilian descent what could- Oh! Right. I'm a 'prodigy' under their eyes. I'm valuable.' She thought before making a face. 'Also, issues? What issues I'm fine, and nothing some desensitization won't help fix.' She'd allow physical contact with Izumi and Shisui, that way she can stop tensing all the time when touched. That should help fix the problem.

Her displeasure must have been evident as the older man continued. "Of course, this is only until you graduate and even then, it may be best to remain with us for a short while longer. After that, what you do will be your decision."

"I see…" It would be nice to not have to worry about being kidnapped after having to move out on her own, the backing of a clan would be nice safety net. Although, the fact that this clan focused on psychological aspects wasn't something she would be pleased about. She'd have to be careful on not letting anything slip until she could safely manage on her own.

"Then…thank you for your hospitality Yamanaka-sama." She bowed her head respectfully. She'll use anything to her advantage, but she'll be doing as her boss ordered as well.

"Ah...yes. I'll send someone over to pick you up in a few days. They'll be escorting you to my home." He had honestly been expecting some resistance but as her file stated she was more mature in some respects. He had seen her deliberate on the pro's and cons of going along with the already made decision. It wasn't as if she could refuse but everything would go along smoother if she cooperated.

Despite knowing what the child had seen and gone through, looking at her eyes was disconcerting, and he could see why now. There was none of that child naivety in them, nor the sparkle children had as they looked at the world around them. No, instead there seemed to be a sort of other worldly aspect to them, seeing more than what a child should, cautious and yet undeniably human. It reminded him of the eyes of the orphans who had witnessed destruction and death before their eyes and survived, only not quite either.

Still that was to be expected, he supposed. The child had a strong sense of will and determination, and he could very well see that it could border self-destructive if it wasn't curbed before then. Children were impressionable after all.

He continued observing her intently as he pondered. Speaking of children, she seemed to do reasonably well with the much children in her orphanage and spent time helping around. Even if the same didn't apply regarding children in the academy. That being said, she could help Tsubaki with Ino while staying with them. A relief to his wife.

"Also…I have a baby girl, so I expect you to help my wife while you're there as well. Consider it one of the responsibilities you'll need to do while you remain with us. I'll explain the rest of them for you when you get situated at my home."

"I understand Yamanaka-sama."

"There's no need to go that far in formalities, Inoichi-san will do while you remain with us." He gave her a reassuring smile. Best to start letting her get comfortable around them sooner.

"Very well…Inoichi-san."

Yume sighed as she stared at the flower shop a Yamanaka clan member had dropped her off at. After that she had stayed still looking up at the entrance. For some reason the building appeared to be more imposing than it should be. She was wearing new set of clothes, a dark brown shirt and light tan shorts, a welcome gift sent by Inoichi. They were much more form fitting than the slightly loose clothing she had bought for herself. Rather than a welcome gift, it appeared more to her that he thought her wardrobe needed an overhaul.

Of which, she would begrudgingly admit was true, only reluctant because she was the one to choose her close in the practicality of saving money. Haru would be so horrified at her recent lack of self-care, her hair had been washed and cleaned of blood when she had been unconscious and the fact that it was a lot tamer after that said just how far she had let herself go.

Figuring she had stayed outside long enough just standing there thinking, she walked forward and entered, the bell at the door jiggling merrily as it opened.

"Hello, how may I help you today?" A kind greeting was given to her as she entered by a pretty looking woman, with brown hair and brown eyes, no pupil in sight either. She wore an apron tied over a dress of a lovely shade of dark green.

"Ah…I'm here…that is to say I was brought here as Yamanaka-sama's new ward, Miss." A flash of recognition lighted the woman's eyes before she smiled some more.

"Oh, so you're the kid Inoichi spoke about. That husband of mine didn't tell me what time you would arrive dear, so I wasn't expecting you yet." She shook her head fondly as she mentioned her husband.

"Your room has been set up, it's near Ino-chan's. Ah speaking of Ino, she's sleeping right now so please be as quiet as possible while you get familiar with your new room alright?" Yume began to feel uncomfortable as the woman spoke so kindly to her, while seeming to radiate a motherly aura.

"Oh right. Forgive my manners, I'm Yamanaka Tsubaki, but you can refer to me with Tsubaki-san or obasan whichever is much more comfortable alright?" She smiled some more as she clapped her hands once. "Now, let's get you situated with your room follow me. It's best to get this done before any customers arrive. Ah, and when you're done come down and help me with the shop okay?"

"Ah, hai." She paused for a moment before speaking, processing what was being told to her. She followed the older woman as she led the way upstairs to a room beside an open door leading to a nursery room.

"Now remember, be as quiet as you can while up here. Also, I must apologize for the size, but it was mostly a storage room until we knew you were going to stay. So we don't have anything other than the basic furniture's and a blanket or pillow. Your stuff is already in boxes. We thought it'd be best if you set up your things to your liking." All this was said in a hushed but clear voice.

"Um…thank you again Tsubaki-san. I apologize for any trouble." Tsubaki smiled and shook her head.

"Don't worry about it Yume-chan. As your guardians it's our responsibility to take care of you." The tinkling of the bell rang up the stairs. "Seems like a customer has arrived. I'll be heading down now, if you need anything let me know alright?"

"Thank you, Tsubaki-san." She bowed thankfully as the woman left, leaving her to stand in front of the door in thought. The woman was clearly nice and genuine and was trying to make things as comfortable to her as much as possible. A kind gesture but it really made her feel more uncomfortable. She hadn't been used to other people, outside of a few, that were as kind and hospitable as Tsubaki-san was towards a stranger.

It made her feel like an inconvenience, but she'd have to deal with it for now. Of course, being in a new environment with undoubtedly excellent shinobi around didn't help either. She was able to sense chakra normally again, something that been dampened at the hospital for some reason, and could feel that she had her own silent observers ever since she left said building. She hadn't mentioned it to anyone yet and would keep it that way until it became a problem.

If anything, they were probably ANBU or some sort of guards that were of the Yamanaka clan that ensured the safety of their own. Especially, if the clan head had a baby daughter and wife now. Probably.

Humming softly, she opened the door to the room, Tsubaki hadn't been kidding when she said they had only gotten the basic, but it was fine. A bed, a desk, two drawers and a wardrobe were all she needed while she remained there. No need to buy too much for a person that would only be there for a short part of their lives.

Glancing at the boxes she set off to work, organizing her limited number of personal items to the way she liked. She would admit, having her own room again did feel nice.

Dinner that evening was a bit awkward once it began. Inoichi had explained to her what she was expected to do outside training, school and studying. She was supposed to help with the shop (already got a head start on that), help take care of Ino (so I'm basically a free babysitter then), house chores, and an errand boy- er girl for Tsubaki whenever she requested something.

She didn't mind it so had agreed without any complaints, it was fair after all. She would work since they were basically letting live with them for free without paying any bills. After that explanation dinner was set out. It was clear to her that the man was tired from his work but loved his family dearly. Evident with how he treated his wife and child indulgently. They tried to get her, well it was mostly Tsubaki who did, to join in the conversation but she merely smiled, and gave small replies while she sat their awkwardly. It was a bit surreal being surrounded with a family after so long.

A wave of nostalgia filled her eyes, but she quickly brought herself out, only to see that baby Ino was gazing at her curiously for who knows how long. The child hadn't noticed her since Inoichi had taken all her attention upon waking up and holding her.

It was clear to her she would be the apple to his eyes, and that had caused her to smile a bit. Her father had also been like that with her. At least, the fuzzy memories of that time seemed indicate it at least.

Still now she was face to face with a child who seemed to have taken interest in her. Now this could go in a few ways either a) she gets ignored b) the child doesn't like a stranger around and starts bawling her eyes out or c) she's happy to get to know a new person.

Thankfully Ino choice option c and pointed at her in question.

"Tou, kaa…who?"

"That's Yume-chan dear, she'll be your new friend." Tsubaki replied. Ino's eyes sparkled as she turned back to look at Yume happily.

"Me-me fwein!" This caused Inoichi to chuckle, gazing at his daughter happily. "Me-me fwien!" Ino cried out again and this caused Yume to give the girl a smile in return.

In all honesty, she didn't really have a choice in the matter, but it couldn't be helped. She had a feeling Inoichi and Tsubaki would be very disappointed if she made their daughter cry. And as her hosts the least she could do is return the favor and cause as little inconvenience as possible.

"Hello there Ino-chan." She said causing the younger girl to laugh happily and started to babble while being fed by Tsubaki. After that dinner was less awkward, as Yume nodded and listened to the little girl talk until she tired herself out in her father's arms.

After that, Yume helped with clearing up the dinner table and kitchen as Tsubaki headed out to spend time with her husband after putting Ino in the crib. Leaving Yume alone again, humming to herself, as she dried her hands on a towel.

The following days would follow the same routine of pleasant but short interactions as she once again resumed attending the academy.

M:Okay! I'm done with 2/5 chapters that I promised but I won't be able to keep that promise. Which doesn't sit well with me but I'll post these two chapters since finals are around soon, and these were the only ones I was able to complete since the rest of the time I need to study. That is when I'm not drawing to relax a little, as much as I enjoy writing and work on From the Sky to the Leaves, since once I start I can't stop and I can't do that right now. Especially since I find BioChem really difficult and physics as well. (Mind you I struggle with those) That being said I'm also taking courses the first half of summer so I doubt I'll be posting up much then either.

Of course, I'll still be drawing (for fun) and brainstorming ideas but I won't be able to fully write them down for this story. It's best I be honest on this.

Still, this is the end of the academy arc basically so I had that finished. As well as an explanation of what I had in mind this time for how things were with her mindscape. I hope you liked it, and I'll end up editing the previous chapters after finals I expect. Again sorry for not completing what I had said but when I can I'll upload the rest when I finish them.

Reccomendation:

Through the Spy Glass

By: Katsura369

Sakura's back in her world, however she hasn't forgotten the people she met in the other. Especially given what she unexpectedly received as constant reminder(s) of a certain ambitious dungeon capturer she fell in love with. They say that secrets always find a way of coming out-no matter where they are hidden. Does that include in another world? An unraveling like no other.

Rated: Fiction T - English - Adventure/Romance - Sasuke U., Sakura H., Sinbad

I really liked the first book to this sequel. I'm not a big fan of Sakura but that's mostly due to how she was written, so when I actually stumble across ones where she's written quite well I read it. Of course that's my opinion, but if you want to check it out, read the first one too!