Disclaimer: this is fan-fiction, and as much as I would like to say I own something, I don't. So yeah, I own nothing. Nothing!

Chapter 10: of Snakes and Ashes

"Speaking/thinking inside flashback"
Thinking/small flashback
"Jutsu/abilities"
'Actions/actions'

Recap:
He turned towards the sound and in even more amazement, noticed that it came from Kagome. Meaning that Sesshomaru was right…she may wake up soon! "Haha—!" he quickly covered his mouth with his hands and backed away, towards the window, cursing himself for being stupid. Someone could have heard me…

Deciding not to take a chance, he quickly headed back to the window, and after looking at Kagome one last time, left.

Now:
Orochimaru watched with ill-disguised glee as his student practically flew between his chosen enemies, all the while taking them down as he passed without so much as a sweat.

He grinned. Soon…so soon.

Just a bit longer. A few more months and what he's been after for years will finally be his with nothing to hold him back.

The grin suddenly vanished from his face, as at the reminder of what he wanted came to mind and he remembered something he still doesn't have but wants. Kagome Asahi.

His sickly yellow eyes narrowed and annoyance. That girl is the one thing he has not yet obtained and it infuriates him to no end that she continues to evade him, or somehow get free. But how still confuses him. Does she have help perhaps? Is it possible that his 'dear' old teammate Tsunade has finally done something right and has placed guards over Kagome as a precaution against him?

As a block to stop him from using the same thing he did to grab Sasuke?

Or maybe, has Kagome enlisted help on her own, like that unknown man traveling with her and her team-?

He immediately knocked that option off realizing how stupid it sounded. Kagome may be cautious… but even I know that girl is too stubborn to allow herself protection like that. His eyes strayed back to Sasuke who just knocked another enemy unconscious before blurring to his next victim. Which I have to say makes her similar to Sasuke in that aspect.

Both of them would rather take care of themselves instead of accepting help from others. He gave a disappointed sigh. But alas. That's where most of their similarities end, well besides a few other things. It would have been so much easier to get Kagome if she was a little more like Sasuke in the thought of revenge.

He gave a small hum in thought. So if Kagome didn't enlist in the help herself, someone else must be protecting her without her knowledge. It's highly possible. The only problem that he keeps coming to is who is protecting her.

He crossed his arms over his chest. And how does he get around them to get Kagome? He's tried the ambush attempt to fail both times, despite the large amount of Nin he's sent to retrieve her.

And sneaking into Konoha is too complicated and Tsunade would expect it. She and a few others have to know he's after Kagome by now. And I will get her. It may take longer than I originally expected but in all due time. Things will go my way. They always do.

He looked at Sasuke again. He has Sasuke and the Sharingan, took it right underneath Konoha's nose and was able to even keep Konoha from even attempting to fight back. Sure, he lost a few of his men in the process, but necessary sacrifices for something even better.

And like Sasuke, he'll get Kagome and her abilities too. He just needs to use a bit of…force for it to happen. Kagome's situation for retrieval is a bit more complicated than Sasuke's, because unlike her 'dear teammate', Kagome isn't the type to want power or revenge, regretfully. It's such a pity. I think she has such promise for that kind of thing too. How fun it would be, having two strong students under my wing…oh well. He mused. I could always plan another invasi—.

"Orochimaru-sama!"

Turning his head towards the intruder of his thoughts—Kabuto—he noticed that the man's face held the barest traces of concern and worry.

When Kabuto stopped in front of him, Orochimaru raised an eyebrow at his right hand man, curious as to what caused such an expression. "Yes, Kabuto? What is it you want?"

From his place a few feet away, Sasuke quickly knocked out the last few remaining Nin attacking him before pausing in his training to see what the commotion was about.

Kabuto, after he caught his breath looked up at Orochimaru. "There has been a report of intruders…"

Intruders?" Interested, Orochimaru grinned. It's not very common that they get intruders near their base so this is a bit of a surprise. "Are they maybe out leaf-nin friends?"

The grey haired man shook his head, looking confused himself. "We don't know who it is…there's only one of them."

Orochimaru blinked and the grin on his face grew as he quickly turned to head out and greet their visitor. "Oh? Now this is interesting, we don't get visitors often… let us go greet our guest, shall we?"

Sasuke watched them as they left from the corner of his eye, before turning back towards his opponents—but much to his annoyance, all of them remained down. Narrowing his eyes at the pathetic excuses of ninja, he quickly sheathed his sword. Weaklings.

He didn't even have to use his Sharingan to take care of them. with a small 'tch' in irritation he turned towards the direction where his 'teacher' and Kabuto went and after a few seconds of consideration, made his way through the unconscious bodies to follow them, his own interest unwillingly peaked.

The snake's right. They don't get many 'visitors' so this should be interesting. It's better than facing off with any more weaklings Orochimaru decides to throw at him for 'training'.

. . .

Kiyoshi stretched his arms over his head and yawned. I shouldn't have stayed up like I did. He wouldn't have, but after he merged the jewel into Kagome and left, when he got back to the apartment, he felt something.

It was like the power serge he felt with the others back when they were trying to get to Kagome through the barrier, but it wasn't like any power was released. He just felt quick and sudden warmth. It lasted only a second before vanishing, but it made him pause and look up in shock at what he felt.

It was almost as if something was saying that what he did worked…or alerting him that Kagome would wake up soon.

And if it weren't for that quick gasp of air she took before he left her alone in the room, he wouldn't have believed the feeling and just forgot it. but because it did happened and he did believe it, he stayed up, mostly because he was too excited and happy to, but also because he was waiting for the knock on the door to come followed by the words that 'she's finally awake!'

Sadly though, his hopes went unfulfilled. All through the night, no one came to get him, but because he had to act stubborn, he ended up staying up until dawn before finally giving up and going to sleep.

But he forgot one crucial detail during all his excitement.

The fact that he promised both Sakura and Naruto the previous day that he'd go with them to hang out with Kagome today. At ten.

Which means he only got around four hours of sleep.

Fun. he thought sarcastically, letting his arms drop back down to his side as he leaned back farther in the extra chair given to him by one of the kind nurses while they stayed. sure a demon can go days without sleep, some of the more stronger ones—himself included—could go even longer, but is it really too much to ask for just a nice nap or something once in a while? Especially with all that's going on now?

"Kiyoshi?"

He opened his eyes at the call of his name and smiled at Sakura who raised an eyebrow at him. "What's wrong with you?"

"Ah." He chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "Didn't get much sleep." more like was waiting for Kagome to finally wake up.

He looked towards Kagome from the corner of his eye. When is the jewel going to take effect and make her wake up? Sesshomaru told him it should help her wake up, and last night she actually did something other than just breathe, followed by that feeling so he thought that she'd wake up pretty soon after. But I guess not.

Sakura started speaking again and he turned his attention back to her in time to hear the last bit of her sentence. "…same here, for some reason last night I couldn't sleep." she chuckled and blushed a bit in embarrassment. "I had the strangest feeling that Kagome was going to wake up soon…"

She trailed off and Naruto, who was absentmindedly playing with a kunai by balancing the handle on his nose, perked up and quickly looked towards them, catching the kunai before it could cut him. "Really? You too?" he grinned and scratched the side of his head. "I had the same feeling! It was weird!" he quickly started moving his hands around to prove his point. "I was just eating at Ichiraku's for dinner after we had to leave when suddenly this feeling just came over me and it felt like Kagome was going to wake up!"

The elder teen blinked at the two. And unable to help himself added. "You guys too huh?"

Both stopped and turned to him, and then back to one another. Sakura blinked in shock. "So…you're telling me, we all had the same feeling?"

Naruto nodded and tilted his head, trying to make sense of the weird thing that happened yesterday night. "Yeah…I guess we did…that's weird huh?" he grinned towards his two friends, eyes twinkling. "It's like Kagome was telling us that she was going to wake soon or something!"

Sakura nodded in agreement, but Kiyoshi furrowed his eyebrows and leaned back against the wall. They felt it too? He looked at the two currently conversing about what happened last night, then turned to look at Kagome. It is because, like me, of their bond with Kagome?

. . .

When Sasuke made it outside, he turned and walked towards the direction both Orochimaru and Kabuto stood waiting for their 'visitor' to get closer so they could find out what it is they want.

He came to a stop a few feet away from the duo and by following their line of vision he was able to locate the single black figure walking towards them. Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Who would willingly walk into what could possibly be their death and not stop at all?

The Uchiha got his answer when the figure came within proper seeing range but as soon as he was able to identify a face he blinked once and couldn't keep the shock off his face. Kagome?

Movement besides him made him momentarily take his eyes off of the kunoichi to look in Orochimaru's direction. Orochimaru, it seems, as well as Kabuto too were shocked because Orochimaru's eyes had widened and Kabuto looked about ready to just openly gape at her.

He gripped the handle of his Kusanagi. What is she-? He didn't finish the thought because when he took a second glance at 'Kagome' coming closer to them, he noticed that it wasn't Kagome at all.

She looked remarkably similar to Kagome, but wasn't her.

First off the clothing was different. This person wore clothing of a shrine priestess, the usual red hakama and white haori, with a quiver full of arrows slung over one shoulder and a long bow over the other that she gripped with her hand—something he noticed was done in case she would need to attack—while simple sandals and socks were adorned on her feet.

And secondly, now that he could see her more clearly, that not only was this woman older in appearance, but other features about her were different, especially her eyes. This woman had blood red eyes just a few shades lighter than his Sharingan.

But Kagome had silver.

It's not her. He released the grip on his sword's handle and straightened back up, watching the Kagome imposter come closer to them. From his right he heard a disappointed sigh come from Orochimaru who looked greatly disappointed at something, probably also noticing that who came wasn't Kagome but someone entirely different.

After a few minutes, the Kagome look-a-like came to a stop and a monotonous yet female voice called out to them. "I am looking for the one called Orochimaru."

Things have just gotten much more interesting. Orochimaru smirked at the woman while taking a step forward. "I am Orochimaru." He tilted his head towards the intruder, "and you are?"

The woman was silent for a moment or two as she scanned them over, as if trying to decide if she should see them as a threat or not before answering—which considering she was the one who came and should be considered as a threat, was funny since Orochimaru did no such thing.

Instead, he seemed almost interested in the woman, but it was probably because she had a resemblance to Kagome. Otherwise, thought Sasuke as he looked from the corner of his eye back to the black haired man. He'd have wanted either me or Kabuto kill her already.

Sasuke felt eyes land on his form immediately and turned to look back, but when he did, tensed up when he met the red of the woman's eyes. Something suddenly felt off.

It wasn't big, nothing more than a mild annoyance, but he could still feel it. It was like something was trying to crawl up his body and suffocate him. His fingers twitched at the annoying feeling, while even instinct told him to grab his sword and attack to get rid of the annoyance. Instead of doing so though, he planted himself in his spot and stared back stubbornly, refusing to give in to her or the feeling that clawed at him.

Even when she looked away from him a few seconds later— and the clawing, suffocation that bugged him vanished—he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong with this woman.

Apparently, thinking it safe to continue and that she wasn't going to be attacked, the woman's grip on her bow decreased and she gazed at Orochimaru with indifference. "I am Kikyo."

"Kikyo?" repeated Orochimaru. When he got a nod of confirmation, a grin appeared on his face and he motioned towards her with his hand. "Tell me, why have you come here looking for me?" he paused before resuming. "And by chance, do you have any sort of relation to a girl named Kagome Asahi? You do look remarkably similar to her."

As if those words were a switch, as soon as he spoke them Kikyo tensed and her face changed from indifference to hatred within seconds, eyes burning in anger. "Don't compare that girl to me." she spat in disgust.

Sasuke stared at the woman. She knows Kagome? How? Kagome's never mentioned anyone by the name of Kikyo. Or even made it apparent that she may know someone like this woman. So how does she know Kagome? Sasuke watched as Kikyo's face twisted into anger. And why does she hate her?

While Sasuke was trying to think of the connection between the two, Orochimaru had similar thoughts, but for an entirely different reason. My guess was right; she does know Kagome…I wonder if I'll be able to use this meeting to my advantage.

"My apologizes." Continued Orochimaru after a few seconds of silence. Then with a nod, he repeated his earlier question. "Now what is it you want with me?"

"I come for a temporary truce is all." was the response.

Orochimaru blinked, out of all the things he could have expected from this Kagome look alike, he has to admit that he was not expecting that. "A partnership? For what and why?"

A small, almost unnoticeable smirk appeared on Kikyo's face. "You may not be aware of it, but we share a common goal."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed darkly at Kikyo for her assumption. "Oh? And what is that?"

The smirk did not fall. "We both want to capture someone that continues to evade or escape our attempts." the lift of her lips turned almost arrogant as she noticed the quick change of Orochimaru's posture. "I am correct yes? Every attempt you used to capture Kagome has somehow failed. Whether it is by her own hand, or someone else's."

The sannin's form tensed as she hit the nail on his situation. But he had to reluctantly agree that she was right. "How is it you know about that?"

Kikyo only shook her head. "I have my resources."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed further at Kikyo's refusal to answer so he decided another approach. "I couldn't help but notice that you used Kagome's name when explaining, so how is it you know that I'm after her?"

The smile Kikyo gave them all was nothing good. "Because I'm after her too."

"Really?" asked Orochimaru. So is this how she knows Kagome? Because she's also after her? "Why are you after her?"

They all noticed Kikyo fist her hands as she spoke. "That girl has something that belongs to me, and I want it back."

"Oh?" his interest was piqued. "And what, pray tell could Kagome have that belongs to you?" he grinned again. "If you ask me, she is not the one who has something that belongs to the other, but it's the other way around…"

The passive woman completely vanished at his mocking and she glared furiously at them all. She tightened her grip on her bow and Sasuke could have sworn he saw a red glow cover her form. "I'm nothing like that copy. Nor would I choose to ever be."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at Kikyo's choice of words, confused at her meaning. Copy?

Orochimaru tilted his head to the side. "Copy? From your words you act like Kagome is nothing but a replica…"

Kikyo gave another smile. "Ah, but that's because she is."

Again, Orochimaru found himself chuckling, amused. "So she is nothing but an imitation of you? Then what could she have that belongs to you, if she is a mere copy? Wouldn't you already have what she has?"

"no." denied the woman with one shake of her head. "She took it from me; I'm just trying to get back what she stole."

Orochimaru eyed her before asking. "You have yet to tell us what that 'thing' is."

Kikyo gave them two simple words. "My soul."

. . .

Naruto was at the at the Ichiraku stand. Eyes downcast and leaning his cheek on his fist. Kagome still hasn't wakened up. Even after he was so sure too…

Sakura and Kiyoshi too. They all had the same feeling last night and were so sure she was going to wake up today…but it's already the evening and nothing. Not even a stir or twitch. Kagome…

The blond boy sighed and leaned further into his hand, making his form slump forward more than before. it's no fun without Kagome…he's tried training since he got back but it's not fun and he hurts himself more than he gets any training done. With worrying about Kagome and all…

The sound of something suddenly being placed in front of him made Naruto jump and lift his head from his hand. He turned towards the object and saw a large steaming bowl of pork ramen with everything added in it placed in front of him. What?

Confused he looked up towards the person who placed it in front of him and saw Ayame smiling at him, with her father behind her nodding. "Go ahead Naruto. It's on the house."

Naruto blinked up towards the stand owners. "This…is for me?"

Ayame gave him a toothy grin, nodding. "Yeah Naruto. Go on." She motioned for him to start eating with her hand, "you look like you need it and all…" she trailed off and a sad sheen appeared in her eyes. "With Kagome still in the hospital and all."

Naruto nodded in agreement, and sighed. "Yeah…"

Teuchi frowned and paused in his cutting of vegetables to look over to one of his favorite customers. "So…any change in her condition?"

Naruto looked up to meet the man's eyes and shook his head. "No…she's the same…hasn't moved at all..." after he spoke, Naruto's expression darkened even more and he slumped forward in his chair, eyes downcast. It looked as if Naruto had a small storm cloud over his head, with rain and lightning included.

Both daughter and father looked at one another, worried about their blond friend. They don't think they've ever seen him this down before except when he was sad about Uchiha Sasuke leaving the village…but that time, Kagome was with him…

…but this time, no one is with him and the one he's worried about is Kagome herself.

Ayame bit her lip, and not wanting to see the blond so sad, took a breath before forcing a smile on her face—she's sad about Kagome too, but right now is not the time to worry. "Cheer up Naruto!" when the blond looked up at her, she widened the smile and lifted up a finger. "Kagome will be fine! She's tough, remember? She's had a lot worse things happen to her!"

As the blond blinked at her, she winked back. "Kagome wouldn't let something like this stop her. If anything I bet she'll wake up in no time." She place her finger to her mouth in a shushing matter and leaned in closer so to act like what she was going to say was a big secret, even though her father would be able to hear her loud and clear. "And when she does wake up, you both can come here and eat on the house!"

Naruto stared at her for a few silent moments, and Ayame started to worry she wasn't able to cheer him up, but that motion was tossed when she saw a grin appear on his face and he nodded. "Yeah…she'll be fine…she is Kagome…"

Teuchi nodded and chuckled, going back to his work. "Yeah, I'm sure she'll wake up in no time."

Naruto nodded again and reached for a pair of chopsticks to start eating before it got cold. "Thanks you guys!"

. . .

Unknown to the trio at Ichiraku's, back in Kagome's hospital room where she slept, Kagome's fingers twitched and she let out a sigh.

She was sitting in a wooden hut with six other people around her; they all were sitting around a fire with a thing of stew cooking. Besides her on her left, a figure leaning against the wall gave a small 'feh' before crossing their arms over their chest and looking away. "That's stupid."

Turning her head to face them she huffed and puffed out her cheeks in annoyance, while mimicking their posture, and glared, cheeks flushing in anger. "It is not!" she suddenly stared at them for a few seconds before it clicked and she grinned at them. "You just don't want to admit that you liked the story!"

The figure blushed in sudden embarrassment, and their head turned to glare right back at her. "Nuh uh! That story was stupid! Some knight coming to save some girl who wasn't even smart enough to find a way to escape? How dumb can you be? That story's just some made up crap! There's nothing like that in the real life! Some guy isn't just going to save some girl…"

She stared at them for another moment, while everyone else around them went silent at their argument. Then after a moment of silence, she sent him a serious look and tilted her head. "But you saved me, right?"

At her words, they suddenly flushed a bright red before turning their face away with another yet embarrassed, 'feh'. "It-it's still stupid though…"

She only grinned in victory.

. . .

Silence followed after Kikyo's statement until Kabuto, who had been quiet and stayed back throughout the conversation, finally spoke. "Your soul?" he asked in disbelief, taking a step forward and glaring at impassive Kikyo, "you expect us to belief that?"

Kikyo just stared at him.

Insulted at her lack of retort—which showed exactly what she thought of him—his glare deepened and quickly moved to attack the woman.

Before he could take another step though, Orochimaru had held out his arm in front of Kabuto to stop the younger man from attacking the woman. "Calm down Kabuto."

Kabuto gapped at his master for a few seconds before shaking his head quickly to regain his composure. "y-you can't belief her Orochimaru-sama?" he cast a bitter look back to Kikyo. "I mean, there's no way what she said is true!" he looked back to Orochimaru, "Kagome took her soul? There's no way it's possible! She wouldn't even be alive or standing here in front of us!"

To prove his point, he raised an arm and motioned towards Kikyo's form. "But yet she stands and speaks to us. She is lying lord Orochimaru."

From his position, Sasuke looked from Kabuto towards Kikyo again. He hates to admit it, but Kabuto is right. How could she still be alive if Kagome supposedly took her soul? There's no way, it can't be possible.

As if she heard his thoughts Kikyo spoke. "It is possible. And it has been done."

Her words made Kabuto freeze up before resume glaring at her. "You continue to go with this lie? You came all the way here to just waste lord Orochimaru's time?" his glare deepened and he quickly moved to attack her again—

"Enough, Kabuto."

The stern voice of Orochimaru halted his movements and he looked back towards Orochimaru, who was not looking at him, but even without his gaze on him Kabuto could still feel the disappointment and anger in Orochimaru's voice.

With one last glare towards Kikyo, Kabuto finally backed off, taking a few steps behind Orochimaru. He lowered his head in apology. "I apologize, lord Orochimaru."

Orochimaru didn't grace him with an answer and from behind Kabuto's head turned away and to the side, gritting his teeth with fisted hands.

Instead, the snake like man kept his attention on the woman before them, an unreadable expression on his face as he took in what Kikyo said. Kagome took her soul? How is it possible…is it even possible? He inwardly frowned. I am able to transfer my soul into other bodies for my reincarnation jutsu. So is it possible to some degree… he looked back to Kikyo with his sickly-yellow eyes. But then, if that's true, how is she here with us now, speaking, talking as if she is alive?

Wanting to get down to business and figure out the sudden mystery, Orochimaru smirked at Kikyo chuckling. "Excuse Kabuto for his actions. But I have to agree with him." he held out his hands at his sides and shrugged. "It is...hard for me to believe you on your claim."

He lowered his hands. "You say you're soul is gone…yet you walk among us. How is that?"

Kikyo's head tilted very slightly to the side, and if her face wasn't emotionless, Sasuke would have thought she seemed almost curious at Orochimaru's response. "You do not believe me?"

When she got a nod from the person she wished to have a partnership with, she straighten her head and closed her eyes with a sigh. "Very well. I guess I must show you then."

The trio before Kikyo interest was piqued at her mention of showing them what she meant and watched as she released her bow from her left hand to move it to grab the sleeve of her right arm and lift it up for them to see her arm.

All three of the male's eyes widened. Or what they didn't see of her arm.

The top of half of Kikyo's arm from the elbow down was completely gone, while the part of it that was still there was cracked or chipped. It looked like her arm was made of clay and someone came along and just used a hammer to break the top half of it. But that wasn't what made them widen their eyes; it was the fact that the remainder of her arm was hollow.

There was no blood, no muscle, no skin. Nothing. Her arm was just empty; you could even see the inside of the bottom part of her arm.

Kikyo noticed their expressions and nodded, looking down at her arm. "As you can see. No skin, no blood. My arm is just a hollow space." She smirked bitterly. "Actually my entire body is this way. I'm nothing but a hollow shell."

She lifted up the sleeve more till she revealed her whole arm, and her upper arm was better than her forearm, she actually had the whole arm, but cracks spread like spider webs decorated the arm. And when she lifted up her arm for them to see inside it, you could see nothing but black and empty space.

She really was just a hollow shell.

Kikyo then lowered her sleeve and her arm disappeared from their view. She then turned towards them again, still smirking that bitter smirk. "Now, do you believe me?"

Orochimaru gave only an empty nod, eyes wide in wonder. "Yes, I do believe I fully believe you…" he trailed off before staring at her in amazement. "But if you are nothing but an empty shell, how can you…"

Again, Orochimaru trailed off and Kikyo chuckled, explaining part of her…situation. "I am dead." When Orochimaru moved to speak again she nodded. "Yes, I died." The smirk on her face vanished. "But was brought back by dark magic. A witch. She used graveyard soil and my ashes to bring me back." she motioned towards her arm again. "That is why my body is like such. Like clay."

She then placed a hand on her chest. "As for why I am able to speak and be myself is because I currently have half of my original soul inside of Me." she looked down. "But because I don't have my full soul, I must survive on the souls of other young women to keep me here. Otherwise I will die again."

She looked up at them, red eyes burning in hate. "I died a long time ago. Then Kagome came." She sneered at the mention of the kunoichi. "She was born with my soul." She gripped the cloth of her haori. "And when the witch decided to bring me back, my soul was split in half." She explained, careful to leave most of the important details out.

She straightened up her pose and released her shirt. "Kagome currently has the other half of my soul."

Kikyo finished her explanation with another narrowed eyes stare, and the trio was left in silence. But Orochimaru was grinning in glee; his eyes were wide as he took in the information, transfixed at what he just learned. "I see…" he chuckled suddenly. "So, if Kagome was born with your soul…she is your reincarnation then?"

Sasuke snapped out of his shocked trance to turn and stare at Orochimaru. Reincarnation?

Kikyo nodded in response to Orochimaru's question. "Yes, she is my reincarnation."

"Well, it explains then…why you—I mean, Kagome looks like you." replied Orochimaru, trying to cover up his mistake by grinning even brighter. "I've read, that most…natural reincarnations…usually resemble their incarnation closely. Not always an exact matches but close enough that they could resemble family." He eyed Kikyo's form. "And even if you do not wish to hear it Kikyo-san, you and Kagome could very well resemble siblings."

Kikyo raised an eyebrow at his…sudden politeness towards her and gave him a hard stare, purposely ignoring the 'sibling' comment. "So, do you agree?"

Orochimaru chuckled and shook his head lightly at her. "I have to say, I'm interested now in this partnership…but if I were to agree, what would I get out of it hm? You can't really expect me to help you...get your soul back without anything in return now can you?"

Kikyo smirked back amused and shook her head. "No, but it is true that you despise Konoha, correct? If you were to agree to help me capture her, not only would you have a chance to destroy the village, but also finally gain Kagome's capture."

Orochimaru was silent as he thought over Kikyo's proposition. Then his eyes narrowed again. "As you said earlier, but I've already planned on capturing Kagome for her abilities and research. What would teaming up with you do to besides give me a chance I already will have without you're help?"

"I know a lot more about Kagome than you do." the smirk did not disappear on her face. "I know of what most of her abilities are…I'm sure you've encounter a power from her that you did not know what it was?" Orochimaru tensed but she continued. "I know what that power is, and I can counter it, I can easily fight back." Kikyo gave him almost a bored look, "and if you were to capture her, how would you expect to keep her there if she uses those abilities?"

"A little over a week ago, I had an encounter with Kagome." She motioned with her uninjured arm towards her injured arm. "And this was done to me by Kagome herself." she ignored the shocked looks. "My arm is still healing from the damage she did and she used one of those abilities she has to do this to me."

She stared straight at him. "I'm still here because I know of those abilities, if she did this to me, how do you think you or any of your men will fair, not knowing how to counter it?"

The snake gritted his teeth, knowing that Kikyo was right, but not to be outdone by this woman, he added to it. "I'll only agree to this partnership, if once we have captured her and even after you take your…soul, I get to use her for any experiments or research I want."

His answer was another smirk from Kikyo. "I don't care what you do to the girl when she's captured, I just want my soul."

"Then it's settled." Spoke Orochimaru, licking his lips again in anticipation for what's to come. "I accept your partnership."

. . .

As he walked behind Orochimaru, Kabuto stared at his back confused at the quick change that has happened with only a few hours' time.

They were now alone, since Sasuke took off somewhere, Kikyo was shown her room during her stay and didn't wish to be bothered, and yet, he still doesn't know what his master is thinking.

Why did he accept the partnership with Kikyo? Doesn't he know it could be some kind of trick in the end? And what if Kikyo ends up betraying them and taking Kagome for herself once they capture her.

They have to be careful now, it's getting closer and closer to the time till Orochimaru needs to perform the reincarnation jutsu, and as it gets closer, he'll get weaker and weaker—

"Kabuto. Is something wrong?"

Kabuto stopped walking and looked up from his thoughts to see that Orochimaru too had stopped and was looking back at him. "Ah." He lowered his head back to the ground. "I am…sorry for earlier lord Orochimaru…I should not have acted out of turn."

Orochimaru chuckled and with a wave of his hand, put the incident behind them. "Your apology is accepted but I know that is not what you want to ask me."

The grey haired man, sighed and nodded, adjusting his glasses. "yes…why did you accept Kikyo's proposal…I know you've been wanting to catch Kagome and this seems like a good idea…but what if Kikyo ends up betraying you?" his black eyes narrowed. "What if this whole thing is just a plot she has, you'll just be walking right into it…"

"You think I haven't thought of that Kabuto?" came Orochimaru's response a few seconds later. "I'm very much aware that this could be a plot to use me."

"Then why did you accept?" interrupted Kabuto. "If you knew then why—?"

"Because, it'll allow me to learn more about Kagome." replied the black haired male in front of him. An excited glint appeared in his eyes as he licked his lips in anticipation. "If everything Kikyo said is correct…then that means that Kagome Asahi is much more interesting than I ever thought." he suddenly whirled around, holding out his arms, laughing. "Just think about it Kabuto! All the stuff we could learn, more about natural reincarnation, how Kikyo is able to be how she is, Kagome's abilities! All of it, I can learn just by capturing Kagome!"

"Just think of the possibilities!" continued Orochimaru, his eyes lit up with almost a crazed light. "If it is indeed true, just think, I could learn away to keep me alive forever! A way to stay in one body permanently! A way where I'd never die…just if I can see how and what Kikyo does…if I can just learn how Kikyo was brought back…"

Even though Orochimaru was overjoyed at this new development, Kabuto still was cautious. "But what if she tries to double cross you, then what? And are you really going to let her kill Kagome?"

"You don't think I'll have a plan incase Kikyo does? And as for Kagome…" Orochimaru turned his head back to him and smirked darkly. "Of course not…Kabuto. As if I would willing let such a perfect specimen be killed so easily. She would be such a perfect little soldier you know." He faced back forward and continued on his way to his lab. "I may go along with it for a while…may even allow Kikyo to perform the ritual just so I can see how it's done…but I won't let Kagome be killed until I'm done with her or she runs out of uses."

He paused and placed a hand to his chin, suddenly thinking and considering something. "Well…maybe not…if it seems to be more interesting, I may allow Kikyo to just take her soul…even though it would be sad to lose a possible student, if I decide to just use her as a test subject, I won't absolutely need a live specimen you know…"

He chuckled again, "It would be more fun to watch her scream in pain…but it may just save me time and trouble to have her killed if I decide to do that."

. . .

"Ah…this feels great." Sighed Kagome. She leaned back against the rock and sunk deeper into the hot springs. It's been so long since they've been able to relax like this, especially with everything that's happened.

"Yeah. It's good to relax once in a while."

Kagome opened her eyes to stare at the woman across from her. She was older than her by a few years. And had dark brown hair and one of the warmest brown eyes she's seen, even for one who had to face and lose so much.

She's also is her best friend and sister.

Smiling back at the woman, Kagome drew the towel closer to herself as she lowered herself more into the water to get her hair wet. Sinking till only her face was visible and she was looking up at the sky, she gave another smile. "Especially because we haven't had any leads…"

She trailed off but suddenly froze realizing what she said. Quickly sitting back up so she could face her friend she held a look of remorse. "Oh! I-I'm so sorry Sango—I shouldn't have—."

"It's okay Kagome." Sango waved off her apology and sighed, looking up while gripping the towel she had wrapped around her tighter. "I know…that even though we haven't been able to find him…that he's somewhere…" she looked back towards her and grinned. "I'm sure Kohaku is fine. He's a strong boy. He'll be fine till we can find him. I know it."

Even though she was trying to make her feel better, Kagome still felt bad, being unable to help her locate her brother. When it should be so easy… "But Sango…I mean, I should be able to find him…he has the last one...unlike all the other times when there was multiple ones, this should be so easy...but for some reason…"

"I told you its fine Kagome." repeated Sango, a stern look coming to her eyes. "I know you're trying your hardest. I don't blame you." she looked back up at the sky. "You don't have to force yourself to try and find him all in one day. You'll end up overexerting yourself. You're still a bit wounded remember? We'll find him…it's just a matter of time."

Nodding back, Kagome determinedly fisted her hand and grinned back. "Yeah, we will. But I promise you Sango. I will find your brother and bring him back to you no matter what. I swear it."

Kagome's eyes furrowed in her sleep and she lightly turned while a single tear fell from one of her eyes. "I…swear….it…"

. . .

A black blur, barely visible to the naked eye flew through the trees.

"Damn bastard."

Male by their voice, they cursed and growled in annoyance, taking another large leap across another wave of trees, while their long hair behind them blew in the wind. "Sending me on some kind of scouting mission!" the figure snorted and rolled their eyes. "Just a waste of my time, nothing was even there! The bitch is gone by now anyway…"

Another growl escaped his throat and he narrowed his eyes. "And I bet he knew it too, that's why he sent me away. Tch."

"I just wasted a day doin' nothin when I could go and be with—." He's musings halted at the memory and he stopped on a branch, now angrier at what he hasn't been able to do. "It ain't my fault things haven't been any interesting! Besides, I should have been the one to go in the first place, if I was all this wouldn't have happened! But no the damn bastard sent the punk off instead! It wasn't like I was going to do anything!"

Frustrated and wishing so much to kill said punk for taking his place, the male fisted his hands. "Speakin' of the punk, it's his fault I had to head out." A grin suddenly appeared on the shadowed man's face. "As soon as he comes back, I'm gonna make him regret mocking me before he left."

"Haha, stuck here while I get to go!"

His anger returned full force and the grin fell off his face. "Damn it! Should have just dealt with him earlier! And if it wasn't for the fact that she'd end up mad at me, I would have—!"

"…bijuu…"

His rant was cut short when his ears caught wind of the sentence some ways away. Interest peaked; the shadowed man turned his head to look off towards his right, ears alert. Bijuu…who would talk about them…

"…capture…"

That word made any of his questions halt and he turned in the direction where the male voices where coming from. Should I check it out? He cast a quick glance in the direction where he was heading—back home—but after a few seconds of thought, grinned mischievously and took off towards the right.

He doesn't have to be back till sundown tomorrow. So he has some time to burn. Might as well use it to do something fun.

. . .

The voices he picked up were about half a mile from his initial direction. When he was close enough to where he could see and sense them, but them not him, he stopped and settled himself with the shelter of a bunch of thick branches.

Then with stealth that could only been formed with many, many years of practice and being a hunter, the figure quietly pushed away small amount of the leaves that blocked his vision from the two down below.

And widened his eyes.

Like he expected, two males appeared in his vision, but they were nothing special to him…most humans usually never are.

So it wasn't them themselves that caught his attention and made him widen his eyes. No, it was what they were wearing.

Both had black cloaks that bared red clouds on them. I know those cloaks.

They must belong to the Akatsuki. They are the only organization that has those types of cloaks. A scowl appeared on his face. Why are they here…I thought they were in hiding after—.

"Sending us after the one-tail again…you'd think after none of us have been able to locate any of the bijuu, they'd think of something better for us to do…un." Spoke up the first.

"Can't be helped…the mission is the mission."

Immediately the first shot up from his lazing position against the rock and seemed to point at himself, "ha! I'd much rather be working on my art. Yet we're sent out again to capture some Jinchuuriki brat…"

He tuned out the rest of what the first male was talking about; having the answer he wanted for his questions. So the Akatsuki are sending out teams again…interesting.

The figure leaned bit closer. The bastard would want to hear about this…he did say to keep an eye out if we happen to see them… he scanned them, but noticed that it seemed like they were resting. Probably on a break before they head out into the desert that's a about a day's travel away and where the Ichibi is located.

Then he looked back in the direction he came from. They were told if they by chance came across any of the Akatsuki to immediately inform the others. But that means leaving when they are right there. What to do…head back now, tell bastard, and then suffer boredom…or… his eyes slowly moved back towards the two still conversing below him, unaware of even his presence.

…He could probably attack right now and they wouldn't even know what hit them.

As if a light bulb went off above his head, the thoughtful look on his face vanished, and the scowl melted into a predatory smile, revealing his long canines.

He should. The Akatsuki and its members is a nuisance and need to be taken care of, they couldn't last time cause they vanished as soon as they were unsuccessful in capturing the bijuu the first time…but now he has an opportunity. If he leaves to tell everyone else, this chance with be gone and they'll be back to square one.

Who cares about what the bastard thinks. He'll probably end up thanking me for making this job easier for us all. Besides, he could use something to take out his anger and boredom on.

With that decision in mind, the figure flexed his claws and attacked.

. . .

A knock coming from the door to Kagome's room made the three teens settled in various places around Kagome's bedside; look up in shock, then to each other, not expecting any visitors today.

Team 8 and 10 came yesterday for a bit, just a quick hello and check up on Kagome and even team Gai came over for a few minutes before they had to leave for another mission just two days ago…so they're not expecting anyone else to come over.

Besides, if it was team 8 or team 10 again, they know to just come on in so who could be knocking?

Blinking Sakura stood from her chair and turned her head to the other two, who shrugged not knowing who it is. With her own shrug, she turned and walked over towards the door, uttering a confused "Come in." and waited to see who it was.

And when the door opened in front of her face and she saw who it was, Sakura squeaked in surprise, and fell back onto her butt in shock.

Surprised at the sudden high pitch noise come from the pink haired female, both Kiyoshi and Naruto fell off their chairs before recovering to run over to her side and help her up. "What happened Sakura?"

Sakura only blinked and looked at the door, face flushed in embarrassment at her actions but eyes wide. "It's…it's—."

The door opened and the person who surprised Sakura walked in with a casual wave. "Hello."

Naruto looked up recognizing the voice and immediately grinned, finishing Sakura's sentence for her. "Kakashi-sensei!"

The silver haired Nin smiled under his mask towards his students—or old students, whatever works, and closed his orange book to properly greet them. "Nice to see you Naruto. Sakura." he gave a small chuckle towards the still embarrassed girl. "Sorry about that Sakura didn't mean to surprise you."

Regaining her composure after that embarrassing fall, the medic could only laugh nervously and shook her head, grinning. "It's alright sensei."

Kakashi nodded his head. "That's good." then he turned towards Kiyoshi and blinked before laughing lightly in embarrassment. "Ah, you must be Kiyoshi. Tsunade told me about you."

Kiyoshi nodded and gave his own nod towards the older man, grinning. "Yeah, and I'm guessing your Kakashi Hatake?" Kakashi nodded again and Kiyoshi bowed towards him. "It's nice to meet you, while on our travels Kagome mentioned you more than once."

Kakashi blinked and turned towards the bed where Kagome laid sleeping. "She did, did she?"

The black-haired teen nodded in response and stood up straight again, still grinning. "Yeah, she mentioned that you were an evil sensei during her time training with you…something about her almost blowing up her hands?"

The Jounin scratched the back of his head. "So she told you about that, I can't believe she still remembers…"

"yep." replied Kiyoshi while inwardly he was snickering. He has a feeling that he's going to get along with his Jounin, if what all Kagome told him about the silver haired man was true.

While Kiyoshi and Kakashi were talking to one another, Sakura and Naruto watched from the sidelines amused at their interactions. Then they turned to one another and blinked. Naruto pointed towards the two. "Is it just me…or was something off about their conversation…"

Still watching them with her eyes, Sakura shook her head. "I'm…not too sure…"

Both turned towards them hearing what they were saying and both grinned innocently before Naruto tilted his head to the side towards Kakashi. "So, Kakashi-sensei where you've been?"

Kakashi sighed at the memory. "Oh…around. But Tsunade's been particularly scary with missions as of late. I just got back from one and found out you guys were back, so I decided to come for a visit."

His students nodded but then looked downcast. "That's cool, and it's nice to see you sensei…but well, as you know, Kagome's currently out of it right now."

"Yeah I know." replied Kakashi. "Tsunade's told me everything about what's happened to you three since you've all gotten back together as a team." He eyed them curiously. "Everything."

His two students had the decently to look abashed, knowing what events he were referring to. He gave another sigh before walking forward to see Kagome. "Don't worry I'm not going to do or say anything to you guys for it. You did what you thought at the moment was right." he paused while taking a seat. "Just wished it ended better. Both times."

The trio of teens nodded in agreement and followed his example, each taking a seat while Kakashi took out his book again, but instead of reading lowered it to stare at his fourth student lying in the bed in front of him. Seems she's always the one ending up in the hospital…

First with the Naruto and Sasuke mishap, then again with the Sasuke fight, followed by her attack earlier and then again now.

He inwardly sighed. Sometimes I wonder, it's like she just draws trouble to herself sometimes.

"She appeared when I was fighting Sasuke and the rest of your team…and I must say I'm quite impressed. When she faced me she didn't once look frightened, just more determined when she saw the state of her teammates."

"It was quite amusing really; she even insulted and held a weapon to me. And her defiance was interesting…willing to fight just to protect her friends."

"I was planning on just killing her at first but when I saw her eyes and abilities I became interested. Her determination and loyalty is just perfect. She'll be an excellent pawn… just like Sasuke behind you. Both will do nicely for my plans."

The memories of his unwilling meeting with Orochimaru made Kakashi narrow his eyes. He looked back towards Kagome. Seems even after two years he hasn't given up on trying capture her…or never did in the first place. From what Tsunade told me…

From her place against the glass, Tsunade sighed. "First before I say anything else, I think you need to know why I need information on Orochimaru."

He nodded and put his book away, knowing just from her tone that whatever she needed to tell him about his team was important.

Tsunade, seeing that he was listening, turned her head to look out the window, eyes narrowing. "Remember when Orochimaru claimed to be interested in Kagome?"

"yeah." answered Kakashi. "But he hasn't done anything since he's gotten Sasuke…"

He stopped speaking at Tsunade's expression and unwillingly had to admit that he felt a bit of dread coming. "…he did give up, right?"

"That's not entirely true." Started Tsunade slowly, before sighing and rubbing her forehead. "just a few weeks ago, Kagome was attacked by sound nin when they were on a mission, they were trying to capture her." she closed her eyes, "and I just found out about a little over a week ago that early into her travels, Kagome was attacked by Orochimaru himself, Kabuto Yakushi and a thing of sound nin. She was able to escape with some assistance but not without a scar on her arm."

Kakashi took in the information and gave his own sigh. "So he's still has an interest in her."

Tsunade gave a snort and smiled bitterly. "No, Kakashi, from the way things seem and how many Nin he sent after her during their mission, he's more than just 'a little' interested." She turned to look back at him, eyes serious but still filled with concern. "He seems almost to the point of 'obsessed.'

Kakashi shook his head. "Like Sasuke?"

Tsunade nodded and she looked back out to the sky again. "Like Sasuke. And I fear that he may try something. That's why, as soon as team 7 comes back, I need you to start training them again. Especially Kagome if you can." She smiled softly. "That girl is strong and can take care of herself pretty well, but still she and team 7 needs to prepare in case he tries something big."

Tsunade's expression fell and she gazed sadly outside. "Because I know that this time, when Orochimaru tries to take her, however it may be, both Naruto and Sakura will fight with their lives to keep her here. Because they're not going to lose another person to that man."

He turned towards his other two students, sitting on either side of Kagome and talking to each other but noticed that every so often, either one's or both gazes would look at Kagome time to time to see if she had any change. I think you're right Tsunade. He grinned underneath his mask, and cast a sideways glance towards Kiyoshi who he noticed, did the very same as the two previously. But I do believe you forgot a member…

. . .

"Ah, lady Kagome. How you bless me with your lovely presence today!"

At the flirty tone, she turned and rolled her eyes at the faceless man that even though she couldn't see his face, just knew he was grinning at her and winking one of his—purple? Yes, purple eyes. He had purple eyes… and short black hair tied in a rat's tail. But his name?

What was his name?

The first thing she was properly aware of besides the weird visions that continuously came to her was a weird sense of lightness. Like she was floating or just plain weightless. Whichever makes more sense.

"Ye child, are now the keeper of the jewel. Keep it and yourself safe. It may be under the seal, but we do not know when the seal will fade, so ye must be prepared at all times to protect it when that time comes."

With a grim smile, she nodded towards the old woman—Kaede? That's her name? "Thank you Kaede, I understand."

The second was a slight discomfort in her chest, like someone placed something that wasn't supposed to be there in there. Like the uncomfortable feeling you get when you have a rock in your shoe except this was in her chest…or well, she didn't really know it was her chest, since she couldn't see, but something just told her it was so she went along with the feeling.

The third, actually she wasn't so sure what the third really was, but all she knew was that she could hear voices.

But they weren't really voices she could identify. They all were blurred together like one big whisper that had different tones all in one while saying something different every time.

Kagome…

Give me the jewel!

Stupid, what the hell do you think you're doing?

nothing too big, but as she continued to listen to the voice—or voices—she realized that they continued to become smaller and sound farther away, like she was walking away from them one step at the time, which now that she can properly think, she believes is a bad thing.

Because the farther she 'walked' away from the voices and visions, the colder the area around her seemed to get and the more the discomfort in her chest grew as well as a feeling of loss. Like she's leaving something really dear and really important to her behind in those faded visions.

But the strangest thing of all is that despite that feeling of loss, it felt like waking up.

. . .

The door to Kagome's room opened and a gentle looking nurse walked in, humming a small tune to herself. As she closed the door, she smiled even though the person in the room wouldn't be able to see it and headed towards the window first of all. "Let's let in some sunlight shall we?" she muttered to herself.

She pulled open the previously closed curtains and grinned brightly when blue sky and clouds met her visage. "It's such a nice day today, don't you think Kagome?"

She knows it's very possible Kagome won't answer her, since she hasn't for the last week she's been here, but it doesn't hurt to try right?

Once the curtains were fully drawn, she turned around; grabbing the clipboard placed on the desk and started walking towards Kagome, while checking over her chart and tests. "Still the same…"

"Wa…it…"

The nurse's sentence cut short, hearing the small murmur and looked up from the clipboard slowly, staring straight at her patient watching for any movement. Did she…?

She got her answer when Kagome's hand twitched and she shifted while muttering something under her breath.

And that was all she needed.

With a bright smile, the nurse quickly turned on her heel, ran out the door and quickly called for someone to get the Hokage, because Kagome Asahi was going to wake up!

. . .

Tsunade was doing paperwork when she got the message that Kagome was going to wake up, and immediately she called for team 7 to be notified and told to head towards the hospital.

Because since Kagome's awake, it's time to see how 'sleeping beauty' is doing, as well for them to hear of their temporary suspension from missions.

Team 7, consisting of Kakashi, Sakura, Naruto and Kiyoshi as well as Tsunade all were in the room within five minutes since Tsunade got the message, all watching and waiting for Kagome to wake up. She was stirring and they could hear faint mutterings but nothing that could be considered 'awake'.

Finally after what seemed to be forever, Kagome's eyes finally seemed to be opening and every waited with alert eyes, for her to wake up and greet them—and finally got what they wanted when they saw the silver of her eyes, although a bit unfocused, and blinked.

Then, she pushed herself up some still unaware of her surroundings and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, yawning. "Wow."

Kagome was silent for a moment, then as if just realizing she wasn't home but in the hospital with five people staring at her—which most likely wasn't far from the truth—and tilted her head to look at everyone. "Why are you all staring at me like that?"

The next thing Kagome new, three bodies were squishing the live out of her and she suddenly felt quite lightheaded. "U-uh, can't—can't breathe!"

Quickly the bodies pulled away and Kagome was greeted with the smiling faces of her teammates. "You're awake!"

Still clueless, Kagome stared blankly back. "Um…yeah…I don't know why I wouldn't be…"

Tsunade suddenly came up from behind the trio smiling at her with a stern but happy look. "You mean you don't remember anything that happened to you?"

The 5th Hokage got a blank stare.

Tsunade's eyebrow twitched. "You do realize that you've been asleep for a little over two weeks."

That got a reaction from Kagome. Her mouth fell open. "Two weeks…wow…I didn't think I'd ever be able to sleep that long…without being injured."

"Well, your left arm was broken for a bit." interjected Naruto.

"Oh." Kagome turned towards him and just blinked, interested at the news. Then she turned towards her left arm that she knows is no longer broken. "Well, mostly uninjured."

"Never mind that." commented Tsunade, "but do you remember anything before you just woke up now?" Kagome went silent, trying to think of something and narrowed her eyes.

"I think…I remember the talking to someone…but then suddenly things started to get blurry and the next thing I know, I'm here with you guys." Kagome paused to consider everything closely. "I also remember the mission—." Her eyes suddenly widened and she turned towards her teammates. "The mission! What happened to the mission?"

Sakura held up her hands to calm Kagome down. "Don't worry Kagome the mission was a success. After you fought the killer they vanished, and the village is safe now." she smiled. "In fact, the elder and his wife wanted me to say thank you for them. They even gave us a few herbs." She winked and grinned. "I planted them for you so they wouldn't die. I'll bring them by later alright?"

Kagome nodded in agreement, "that would be cool…I'd like a small herb garden…" she smiled at that but then looked down recalling something else Sakura just spoke of. "The…killer."

Tsunade's and everyone's interest increased. "Yeah?"

Kagome looked back towards them. She was about to speak but at the last moment, something stropped her from speaking. She tried again and the same thing happened. Why can't I speak about her?

A face identical to hers appeared in her mind and she shivered. Is it because of that? Because she looks like me?

"Kagome?" Kagome looked up with her eyes, then back down. "I…I can't remember a lot. I remember saying something to them, but that's it…" she placed a hand to her head, getting a headache while hating herself for lying. "I'm not sure what I say or what they look like, except for red eyes and dark colored hair…because then everything's blurry."

She sighed and looked up. "I'm sorry." I don't want to lie…but that woman has some kind of connection to me. And I want to find out what it is.

Tsunade shook her head and sighed. "I guess it can't be helped." She smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"How am I feeling?" questioned Kagome. When Tsunade nodded, Kagome opened her mouth, but shut it, looking amazed at something. "I feel fine…actually," She looked down at her hands and flexed them. "I feel really fine. Really, really fine." she looked back up at them. "I can't explain it." continued Kagome, "but I don't feel tired or anything…it's like I never was asleep for as long as I was…"

Kiyoshi inwardly blinked at that statement. Is it because of the jewel? Did it not only make her wake up faster up but also give her a bit more strength? He suddenly felt stupid. Well it is the jewel…So of course she'll feel fine after waking…even as the keeper of the jewel, Kagome's not completely immune to its powers.

He turned his attention back to Kagome who, by now was moving her arms around and stretching them from the stiffness that must have formed. Feeling fine or not, she still hasn't used them in about two weeks so it's no surprise that they may be stiff.

Tsunade who was fine during Kagome's admittance of her state gave a loud cough to get the three teens attention, who by now was conversing about what she missed. When they looked up and caught her look, Kagome grinned sheepishly. "Sorry. Please continue."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow in amusement before shaking her head. "Well…it is weird. Considering if anything, you should be feeling tired and worn out…but I'm not going to complain. You had another episode."

Kagome's eyes widened. "It happened again?"

Tsunade nodded but Naruto exploded in sudden anger, at that even Kagome knew about this but didn't tell him—even Kiyoshi looked mildly annoyed about being left out on something as important at this. "You knew that this has happened to you before? And you didn't think to tell me about it?"

Kagome gave a small nod and sigh. "Yeah, it happened before but it wasn't bad…Tsunade said nothing was wrong with me, so I just wrote it off as possible exhaustion or even stress." She shrugged. "And I didn't tell you, because then you'd do what you're doing now besides…" she looked at Naruto amused. "How could I have told you? You weren't here." Naruto flushed a light pink, knowing she got him and started sputtering wile Kiyoshi turned towards Kagome, eyes narrowed.

"I was with you." he said, continuing since it seems Naruto couldn't at the moment. Kagome turned to him and gave an apologetic smile. "Yes I know, but like I said I thought it wasn't anything big…"

Naruto suddenly started waving his hands in the air frantically, finally thinking of something to say at her simple causal wave off of her health. "But you still could have told us!"

The black-haired girl only gave another shrug. "It never came up. I thought what happened was a one-time thing…but I guess not." She sighed.

"I'm just glad you awake. We were all worried." said Sakura, trying to change the subject before an argument could form. Her plan worked when she got nods of agreement from the others and both her males friends calmed down.

Kagome smiled back with a small 'thank you' under her breath towards Sakura, knowing what she was doing and grateful. She doesn't want to argue with either of them. she was about to say something when she finally noticed that someone else was in the room that she hasn't greeted yet, sitting on a chair against the wall across from her bed with an orange book in his hand.

"Hello Kagome." waved Kakashi with his free hand. "Welcome back to the land of the living."

Kagome blinked at the man. "Kakashi-sensei?" when he nodded and it finally set in that Kakashi was here and she hasn't seen him for around two and a half years, she quickly sat up from her bed and pointed at him, mouth-dropping open in shock. "Kakashi-sensei! It's you!" she motioned to say something else but instead furrowed her eyebrows and squinted at him, hand falling down onto her lap seconds later. "You look the same."

At Kagome's blunt statement, Kakashi sweat dropped before grinning at his black-haired student. "Ever the observant one aren't you?" he looked over the top of his book to look at her with a raised eyebrow.

Kagome stuck out her tongue at him at the obvious mocking tone before grinning back at her sensei. "It's nice to see you again sensei. I hope you haven't been trying to have other people blow up their hands in the past few years' right?"

At her side, both Sakura and Naruto started chuckling while their sensei was left to sigh and look remorseful. "You're never going to let that go aren't you?"

Kagome only gave a proud 'nope' that ended up with team 7 laughing and everyone else, besides Kakashi shaking their heads.

Once everyone calmed down, Kagome sent a serious look towards Kakashi. "No, but seriously where have you been? I and Naruto have been back for a while, but while here we haven't seen you at all."

Kakashi looked back down towards his book. "Been busy with missions." he looked back up towards her suddenly. "Which, from what I've heard, so have you and the others."

Kagome's face flushed in embarrassment, knowing what he meant. Then she crossed her arms over her chest and looked away, stubbornly refusing to allow him to win. "Yes. And things have been fine."

Kiyoshi snorted from his area at the edge of the bed and Kagome quickly turned to glare at him, but he only gave her a stern look in response—and she sighed dejectedly deciding to just give up and admit things haven't been exactly okay. "Okay…well maybe not."

Better now than ever. Thought Tsunade, referring to the little news she needs to give to team 7. "I'm glad you admit that you haven't had the best of luck...because concerning that I have some news."

Everyone in the room except Kakashi—since he already knew—looked up at her confused. At the glances, she nervously coughed into her hand and dropped the bomb. "Because as of now. Team 7 is on temporary suspension from any missions."

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