It was pleasant weather, around 5:30 in the evening. Normally I'd help my mother cook dinner or play a random game with my grandfather when he was free from the stress of work.

Of course, there's always an exception to the rule. And tonight was one of those times.

"Kami," I breathed out one evening during training. My lungs burned as I tried to breathe in as much oxygen as possible. "I—*pant*cannot—go on anymore!"

"Now, now," Grandfather cooed as if he cared, widening his lips into a sneaky, evil smirk. His eyes sparkled in dark amusement. "Be a good little girl and run faster, Ayumu-chan."

"Wahhh!" I screamed at the top of my lungs when I saw Grandfather approaching me from behind, swinging one hand. It held a lit, flaming hot torch. I quickly summoned the strength I had and jump. I quickly scrambled away to gain more distance when my foot touched the ground. My lungs burned and the soreness I didn't realize I had make me unable to stand straight.

His dark chuckle rumbled in his chest as he spoke in a taunting manner. "Keep it up, Ayumu-chan."

I growled in annoyance. "Why aren't you tired, Oji-chan..." I mutter under my breath. I cursed mentally while pouring all my concentration to dodge to the swinging torch.

"You are sadist, Oji-chan!" I complain at last. Grandfather smirks again.

"Thank you for the compliment."

Grandfather stepped out, and I finally collapse into a heap, panting from my latest 'exercise' regime. He returned a few minutes later, carrying what appeared to be two buckets of water. I eye them, and then look at him.

"Since you still young and tired from running—" I glared at him at that part "—I will only give you a light exercise."

I blinked, thinking that I hadn't heard correctly. "What? No running? No fire?"

"Of course not! How can I torture— Er, I mean, How can I ever give my dearest, adorable granddaughter a hard time?" he chuckles as he set the buckets down.

"...You really enjoy it didn't you, Oji-chan." Either he didn't notice my glare or choose to ignore it. He didn't reply though.

"What are we going to do today then?"

"Oh, nothing much..." He gave me that smile that made me wary, until he opened his mouth and made me regret asking that question.

"Just a strength training that's all."

"Oji-chan…" I tried to hold on to the buckets of water for dear life.

"Another thirty minutes. You can do it, Ayumu-chan." he says calmly.

"I am dying here—!"

"Focus on your breath, not talking."

"I really can't feel my arm anymore!"

"That's even better. Now you could do more."

"You are insane!" I felt both of my arms are going to tear off and rotted, "You really are insane!"

I never thought that walking would be a painful experience for me. But it was. I groaned when I thought about the evening training session Grandfather set up for me. He always drilled me in strength training and dodging. And trust me, Grandfather never used the same method. Perhaps tonight would be another nightmare... and I wasn't looking forward to it at all.

I tried to take my time on walking home, purposely tried to stall time as much as possible. As I did, I heard a commotion and I stopped to listen in.

"One day I will become a Hokage and all of you will know how great I am! Dattebayo!"

I may not of recognized the voice, but I knew that saying anywhere.

Dattebayo...?

OH NO.

Becoming Hokage...?

OH SHIT.

I catch a glimpse of a blond head boy shouting angrily at the crowed, yet they seem like they didn't care. Those people just cast him a disgust look and continued to walk away, ignoring him. His blue eyes are dull with anger and red like he was going to cry. His cloth was dirty and worn out. It clung to his skinny body, along with mud and dirt. I feel my breath hitch in my throat.

"Hokage? Don't make me laugh. There is no way a demon brat like you is going to become Hokage!" I hear one of the store keepers' snorts. "And don't you dare step into my store! I will not sell anything to you!"

"As if I want that yucky onigiri!"

"You little—!" Many swear words come out from the frustrated man as the blond haired boy ran away without sparing a glance. I sigh and approach the store keeper's store.

"Err...pardon" I speak up, interrupted the angry store keeper in process as he is still ranting. "I want grilled salmon and ebiko onigiri please."

"Oh, what a polite child," His face instantly changes from angry to smiling. It was welcoming, warm, almost. Compared to how he treated the 'Demon Brat'...

I felt sick inside, but I managed to force a smile toward the old men as I went to pay for my food. I couldn't believe they could change so fast. I paid for my order, and headed out, intent on finding that young boy for some strange reason.

I took a peek here and there around the town, but I couldn't find him anywhere.

When I was about to give up, I paused. I heard what appeared to be sniffling. I took my training into effect, and quiet as I could, I followed the sounds into a small clearing, where I saw the little blond boy crying, sitting on the ground. I felt my chest tightening, as I realized I couldn't stand seeing people crying. I hated crying myself. It gave me memories of a time that I was unable to protect... him...

Taking a deep breath, I approached him and decided to comfort him the best way I could.

"Look what we have here... a weakling?" I sneered, internally surprised by my voice. It doesn't sound like me at all. But it made him looked up.

The blond headed boy stiffened, twisting his head to my direction with eyes reddened because of his crying.

"I'm NOT! Who are you, anyways?!" he snapped. I walked closer, feeling confident that whatever I would say would register.

"Sure, sure, that voice of someone crying in the forest." I rolled my eyes. "You don't need to know, crybaby."

The angry boy clenched his tiny fists, waving them above his head dangerously. "You want to go, huh?! Don't you DARE call me a crybaby!"

I glared back, not afraid of his words or waving fists. "Then don't act like a weakling!"

"What do you know? You know nothing!" he screamed. I placed the food down, stormed up to his face, and jabbed a finger in his chest.

"So are you going to sit here and weep about it all day?! Just because nobody likes you!?" I grit my teeth. "How long are you going to cry? NOBODY IS GOING TO HELP YOU!"

"Wha-" He was speechless.

"If you want to be liked, try and find a way, idiot!" I wondered why I was so passionate about this. But he seemed to be feeling it too, which was something I planned to achieve... at least, I think.

"I will become a Hokage! Then everyone will acknowledge me!" With all the snort and trail of tear, nobody would take him seriously.

But I believe him.

I felt my heart light up as Naruto say that. I am so glad he didn't lose his determination. But I still had an act to maintain. Still acting like I'm pissed off, I make an annoyed face at him.

"Then what are you doing here, crying like a pathetic puppy? Tch, waste of my time."

"Oh yeah, and who are you?!" The demon boy demanded.

I just shrugged, grabbed my food, and turned around to finally go home. "None of your business. I'm getting out of here. I don't want to see some weakling."

"Oi!" Naruto called out. I turn to glance at him, raising my eyebrow in a questioning manner.

Naruto's mouth hung open as if he wanted to say something. After a few second or so, he finally forms a sentence. "...What's your name?"

I stick out my tongue, just to rile him up. "Not telling you, ha!"

"One day you will tell me!"

'Maybe one day, Uzumaki Naruto. Maybe one day.'

I then looked at the food I had bought, and at the small, dirty blond boy walking next to me. I smiled to myself and turned around, handing the boy my food. "Happy birthday, Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto stood, flabbergasted. "W-What? How do you know me?! Oi! Come back here! You cheater! Answer my question, damn it!"

I laugh to myself as I run home. 'Mission accomplished.'

Thus, this was how I met Uzumaki Naruto.

"Ayumu-san, PLEASE BE MY FRIEND!"

"No."

"I will run hundred laps around Konohana if you would be my friend!"

"No."

"I will—"

"No."

I brush off Lee's declaration of 'friendship' and sigh, totally spent. Man, training with my grandfather is like a nightmare!

I never really appreciated my worrywart mother until she cured my sore body with her magical hands upon me returning home. And I mean magical...

Her hands felt heavenly as she massaged my shoulders, feet, back, everywhere I complained was sore and throbbing. She might kind of drives me nuts before, but now I will never complain about her ever again... maybe.

My father, on the other hand, looked a bit worried with grandfather's training method.

Every single day, I would have to train after school with grandfather. That usually meant I woke up sore, stiff and sometimes cramping every time I woke up for school. I somehow managed to drag my body to school, and tried to stay strong even under Shinku's worrying glance since he knew that I had started my own training.

I couldn't even read my books in class. I always immediately fall into sleep with exhaustion. My grades dropped because of it, but thankfully, my training was more important than my grades, and so my parents weren't too hard on me. They just wanted me to graduate.

During the second year in the academy, we were paired to spar. Normally, I was placed with different partners, so I wondered who my partner would this time.

When we were placed, I was paired up with some girl I didn't even know. But I was instantly recognized her dark eyes. She is an Uchiha.

"Uchiha Minami and Nakashima Ayumu, come forth!" Well, I guess I was right.

Uchiha Minami came out with a smug smile, seeing her opponent as less than threat potential. It was rational to be prideful when you were raised as a clan child, since they were raised to be a ninja.

I sighed while tiredly dragged my worn out body to the field. I was so sleepy and my thoughts drifted back to my grandfather and how I wished I could complain about my training.

I don't really care about winning or losing in practice matches. Putting enough effort to pass is only my top priority. I could care less about losing, as long as my nickname wasn't getting any longer, that is.

Both of us make a seal of confrontation, while assessing each other.

I scan her body build. She has an average height for her peer, but was slightly leaner than most. I concluded she was more of a speed person.

The teacher, whose name I could never remember, raised his hand, signaling us to get into position. Minami got into her position as did I. She prepared to use her clan's style of kata.

"Start!"

The Uchiha girl dash toward me with fist rose. It was fast and aiming at my face. My mind went blank and I could only do the most reasonable thing.

I dodged.

My body pulled backward reflexively in the most minimal effort. Her fist swung past my face as a flash of disbelief flashed through Manimi's face. She quickly recovered and tried to throw another punch to my stomach.

I blinked in shock when my body seemed to move on its own as my body twisted to dodge the blow. I took a few steps to completely move myself behind her back.

Of course, instead of a punch, I did something better. I pushed her from the back.

The girl let out a high-pinch 'Eieeee!' as she struggled to get her balance back. The class was silent, only to burst out loud with laughter a few seconds later.

"Manimi is being beaten by the butt-girl!" One of the boys yelled out as the other began chanting and cheering.

The Uchiha girl went red with embarrassment. Her body was trembling with anger as she turned around, fire in her eyes.

'Oh dear, not this again.' I rolled my eyes when the shout start.

The next movements of Minami seemed feverish. She seem to push more power into her punches and kicks. But it only make it easier to dodge, since the blows were more straight-forward. Most importantly, she was exhausting herself faster.

Obviously, the teacher wasn't going to end the match until one of our backs touch the ground. So maybe I could fake my defeat.

I took a glance at the sheer rage in Manami's eyes and mentally shook the ideas out of my head.

There is no way Manami is going to let me go if I fake it. She would think I was humiliating her.

Dodging another powerful kick from Minami, I tried to observe her clan's kata.

The way Uchiha's kata seem to focus on was a powerful blow along with fast movement to protect themselves from being countered. It would be effective if their opponent have lower speed and endurance.

"Oi, stop dodging and start to fight, butt-girl!"

My eyebrow twitched in irritation as I dodged the girl's right hook.

Minami was panting like crazy. Although her eyes seem angry, her body had reach its limit.

I sighed as I see her raised another fist, dashing with more intensity as ever.

Well, it's couldn't be help...

I prepared for the blow.

The second it almost hit my face, I slide to the side, leg stretching as my hand push her head forward, and I unintentionally... trip her.

Not even a scream came out of her mouth as her face crashed in to the dirt. The loud crack can be heard throughout the field as I went still, eyes wide in shock.

The crowed of children become silence as they all gaped like a dying fish, before chanting and cheering my name.

Minami lay there, not even a slightest stirred, as if she was dead. I just couldn't believe that had happened...

I laugh nervously and quietly whispered, "—I'm sorry?"

There was one good new and some bad news.

The good news was that Minami wasn't dead (yet), she only had a broken nose and had fainted due to exhaustion (much to my relief).

The bad news were as follows:

One, Minami has declared that I'm her Nemesis. The first thing she said after the teacher and I took her to the medic-nin to heal her broken nose was "You will pay." Which I replied to by rolling my eyes.

The second bad new is that I was categorized as 'aspiring taijutsu student'. The after-effect of beating an Uchiha and defeat her with only tripping her leg.

The moment the teacher gave me that comment, I was already gaping like an idiot. That was NOT what I planned at all!

That was when everything went down hill.

"You are super cool, Ayumu-san!" Rock Lee, with sparkle on his eyes, was gripping my hand and shaking it with all his might. "To able to defeat Minami-san who has better scores in taijutsu, you made it unbelievable!"

I tried to pry my hand from him, but he had a pretty tight grip. "I too must try my best and become like you!"

He widened his smile. "I will defeat Hyuuga Neji for sure next time."

"Er—"

"You will never beat me," The anonymous voice from behind make me startle as I turn to face the visitor. "It is your fate."

The one person I try my best to avoid would appear in front of me... Hyuuga Neji.

I stared at him. Neji stared at me. I was not too keen to making my dislike for him known.

His face is still round with left-over baby fat, which makes his glaring kind of hilarious.

"The weak will always be weak, and the strong will always stay strong." His words was cold and distant as his eyes stay focused on me. It seemed as though he would keep all his thoughts to himself rather than to anyone else. "It is fate."

But, of course, Lee kept getting the wrong idea.

"You are wrong, Neji-kun!" Lee twirled his whole body to face Neji. "Weak can become strong if we train! Just like Ayumu-chan!"

The two of them held a staring challenge. While I, on the other hand, stood there, confused and shaking my hand as it throbbed.

Shinku came back and stared back and forth between them, whispering to me, "Ayu-chan, should we stop them?"

"Let them be," I experimentally flexed my hand and sighed. "That's why I said that clan's kid is evil. You could never get enough of their 'pride' of being shinobi clan."

I paused while turning to Shinku. "Watch and learn, Shinku. Don't let my own judgment be yours." Shinku nodded absently, turning his attention back to Lee and Neji.

"Train?" Neji scoffed, "The weak could never change even if they train. Nakashima-san, here, is only someone who hides her potential."

"I too, was once weak when it came to math, but because Shinku-kun and Ayumu-chan helped me. I managed to pass it." Lee raise his fist, puffing his chest as if he was trying to get his point across, "I can't accept that kind of belief."

"I didn't help though..." I whispered to myself, but tried to look as if I was focusing on my nails.

"The dead last like you won't understand."

"Even if I am dead-last, even if I am no good at math, I know I will defeat a genius like you, Neji-kun!"

I shook my head when I recognized it. The budding rivalry.

'Ah, bromace...'

The second year in the academy is, well, it was what I'd called eventful. Not only it was a year we move to studying chakra and using it, we will be taught on how to fight. However, that wasn't a problem.

This year, a lot of new people came to the academy, including the Rookie Nine.

"Ayu-chan," Shinku sighed in exasperation one morning, "Why are you… Why are we hiding again?"

"Because." I answer, eyes darting around.

Shinku gives me a dead-pan eye look, waiting for an answer. When I don't talk, he sighs and proceeds to follow my antic, unwillingly. "Okay, so what's now?"

I actually pause to think. Good question. What are we going to do hiding in these trees.

"We are training to be—Um, stealthy?"

"Really? Before we have classes?"

"Our target for today, Shinku-kun," I spoke in a serious voice, ignoring his retort, "is to hide from the clan kids and successfully go to our classes."

Shinku, curious, questioned, "And why are we hiding from 'the clan kids'?"

"Simple." My voice unwavering, "They are evil."

"But our class has Hyuuga, right? I don't really think that he is that—"

I quickly clapped Shinku's mouth as I spotted the black hair kid walking into the building. Along with that boy is someone I really didn't want to meet.

Uchiha Itachi. His stress lines have started to show. If I didn't know his real age, I would think his is in his late teens.

To be honest, after our encounter that day at the dango store -long story short, I took a stupid leap on him- we have met often. Too often and frequent, which scared me.

Our conversations was usually short and light, but I couldn't truly relax in his presence. Itachi always stared at me, as if he was trying to figure me out. And that meant the boy who was obviously tailing him like a love-sick puppy is… Uchiha Sasuke.

"This is really the day of mischief. We are doomed."

Shinku, who managed to pull off my hand from his mouth raised his eyebrow questioningly. "Er, I think you are over-reacting Ayu-chan."

"Shhh, come on. We have to be quiet." I pull him alongside me and we enter the school building. Once in, we go the opposite way of the Uchihas. Things were going smoothly, until...

"WOOF!"

A bark made me stiffen. I could feel my hand become sweaty as I swallow panic. The light tug on my short make me even more pale. Oh my—

"Akamaru!"

My head started to sing a song like 'The dog boy is coming, and shit, we're doomed' repeatedly. I tried to shake off the tugging, but fate wasn't kind to me.

"Oi! What are you doing!" The boyish's voice raised as the figure of short brown hair came up to front of me and Shinku. I could only curse. "Akamaru said you are sus-sus-pi-nion!"

Akamaru, the tiny dog that I want to strangle so much, barked as an answer as it lets go of my long pant and goes running to its owner.

I gave Akamaru a light glare as I turn to the Inazuka clan's cannon character.

He has a boyish face. A tiny fangs peek out in the corner of his mouth. Both of his cheeks have two identical red triangle. His dark hair was cut short and messy. This was Inuzuka Kiba.

"It's 'suspicious'," Shinku pointed out, only to receive a glare in return. He quickly lower his eyes to the ground.

"I'm so sorry for being suspicious then. If you would, excuse me." I grit my teeth into a smile and speak as politely as I can. I quickly strode pass the boy, dragging Shinku along the way. My heart was beating so fast when I thought of what will happen if I remain there any longer.

Only to be blocked again by the dog-boy. 'Great, What now?'

"Wait! Aren't you new too? We're supposed to go to the roof!" The Inazuka gave a toothy-smile. "Let's go together!"

Shinku shook his head, ready to refuse, "N-No, we are—"

"So we meet again, Ayumu-san."

My brain throbbed in pain as I recognized the familiar voice of the older Uchiha. I cursed under my breath, but tried my best to smile to smile and act happy.

"Good morning to you too, Itachi-san!" I chirped.

"Nii-san, do you know her?" Sasuke watched me wearily from the side.

"We have met many times," Itachi answered. His blank face turned a little suspicious due to my actions. "You are a student here."

It wasn't a question, but a statement.

I only stared at him and Sasuke, while smiling dumbly at them. I don't really want to speak to them.

While I was having a staring contest, Shinku stuttered out his answer. "We-We are."

"I don't know what's going on here, but we have to hurry." Kiba said pointing at the teacher behind us.

I turned to get a glimpse and felt like I gonna faint.

The scar across his nose is a dead giveaway. Iruka.

I don't think I could handle anymore characters. They are giving me a headache. I could only hope that I would never meet Naruto again. Considered the slip-up I let out with the ramen-lover, I couldn't face him anytime soon.

The tug on my sleeve pulled me back in to the reality. "H-Huh?"

"Your name was Ayumu, right? Let's go!"

Kiba pulled me to the group of kids. I could only blink in confusion while I was trying to grasp what was going on.

"A-Ayu-chan?" Shinku's voice sounded distant. I then realized that he wasn't on my side and I was being dragged by none other than Inazuka Kiba.

To the middle of the crowed of children.

Wait... When did I let go of Shinku's hand?

"You Inu-baka," I swat his hand and hissed, "What's wrong with you? Did you not get when I said 'I'm not coming with you'?!"

"Huh, what was that for?" Kiba rubbed his hand as he leered at me. "I was kind enough to help you here, and what, no thank you?"

"Why, thank you," I spat out those word like it was poison. My hidden ill-temper began to show itself as I was getting stressed. Being in the group of cannon character mean I could have tangled myself in those 'destroying or changing the future' schemes, and I wouldn't want that.

"Now if you excuse me, I am out of here." I strode out as quickly as I can, completely ignoring him.

"What's her problem?" Akamaru could only whimper in return.

I walked quickly without wasting any more time. As long as they didn't interact with me, it would be fine, I comforted myself.

It seemed like it was fated I met so many of these cannon characters. But why? What was so important that I had to meet them?

I was so lost in though that I didn't pay attention, and I bumped into someone.

"I-I-I'm sor-ry..." The timid soft voice whimper, stuttering along the line.

This stuttering is kind of familiar. I grin and lift my head, expecting to see my friend. "It's okay-"

I was met with a pair of white irises.

Navy blue hair, round big eyes, and white skin were gathered in the single girl in front of me. The first thought that entered my mind was 'She was like a porcelain doll'.

I quickly remembered who this girl was. There was only one Hyuuga clan member who would be attending the academy this year.

Hyuuga Hinata.

However, my mouth already spoke reflexively. "Um, err-, you okay?"

I quickly get myself up. Out of habit, I also lower my hand to help her up.

Hinata look bewildered as if she thought I would leave her sitting on the ground. Her eyes looked up at me shyly, and a faint blush soon appeared on her pale cheeks. She looked cute like that...

I am racing against time, and my impatience got hold of me. "Hey, are you okay?"

The Hyuuga heiress twitches and lets out a squeak. She scramble to hold on to my hand as I yank her up. I expect a quick good bye, and off I would go, but the white eyed girl seem like she wanted to say something.

I got curious, so I waited for her to speak up. She looked at the ground. Hinata moved her lip and finally spoke up. "Hm, I—"

"Oi, is that Hinata? HINATA!"

I found myself involuntarily snapping my head to a familiar voice. Although it is more smoother and mature, I could never forgot it.

The blond haired girl waved, while dragging a poor pink haired girl along.

"H-Hello, Yamanaka-san..." Hinata give the blond a tiny smile. I just stood there.

"Haha, no need to be so polite," Ino laughed and pushed another girl up front. "This is my friend, Haruno Sakura!"

I couldn't help but stare at Sakura's pale pink hair. It surprisingly look natural even to the person who comes from another world like me. Her pale pink hair was pulled up into a ponytail.

"Good morning, Haruno-san," Hinata bow her head with a shy smile.

"Good morning, Hinata."

I don't have a choice but to retreat back quietly as possible. But just when I was about to take my run, the cute little devil seem to make her move, looking at me with a familiar expression.

"Hey, have we met before?" The sole Yamanaka questioned. She frowned and putting her thumb on her lip in thinking manner. "I think I remember you from somewhere."

"We never met," I avoided looking in to her eyes as I turn my back to another direction. "If you excuse me, I am getting out of here."

"If you excuse me, I am getting out of here."

"Um, wait—"

I could only stare at the girl's retreating back. I felt a little sadness when I couldn't even ask for her name. It was the first time that someone helped me and didn't ignore me because of my shyness.

I think back of the girl's honey eyes color and found it strangely beautiful. The way she walked around, while holding such confidence is what I admired about her. Even if I never properly talked to her, I could still remember her eyes.

Her eyes hold a kind and mature-like aura. And it made my heart throb...

T-Throb? I could feel my face heating in a increasing rate.

Oh my goodness, what am I thinking?

"What's wrong with her? How rude." The Yamanaka Heiress pouted. "Do you know her, Hinata?"

I could only shake my head.

"She look like she is the same age as us... maybe we could ask her later?" Haruno suggested which I quietly agree.

The next time I see her, I could at least learn her name.

But we never met her again that day.

Feels nice... it feels nice...

The sweet scent seems to overflow around me in the darkness. I could feel the wind pass through my body, sending a nice cool sensation throughout me.

I felt light as if I am floating in water, yet I can still sense my feet planted firmly on the ground. The worries in my mind seem to disappear...

I slowly open my eyes and was mesmerized with the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen.

I am standing in the middle of a flower field. Bight and alluring colors of the flowers make me unconsciously smile. Their colors varied from red to blue. I look at everything in front of me with awe.

"Hello."

The soft voice behind my back makes me blink. My cloudy mind instantly clears up as I tensed.

Quickly, I turned my head to see the source of the voice, only to come face to face with a horn. I gasped.

The old man, with a horn, is floating above the ground. His robe was pristine white, covering his pale skin. His face had winkles, and his eyes and catching red, spiky hair was a dead giveaway.

My heart quickened when I recognized who he was.

"The sage of six path...Hagoromo."

My eyes shot open as I gasp for air. I was panting and sweating, and confused at my dream.

What the hell is that?