Chapter Ten: Making Friends and Having Dinner With the Hyuga

It was such a strange place, this Kohona Naruya thought as she wandered down the street, seeing the many building and never kept her eyes staring for more than five minutes at one as she looked at another in a different direction.

Not as grand as said Lucas or Bevelle but she didn't mind. She felt less tense since she woke up to this new world. It was relaxing and comfortable here and seem to hold some of the familiar quality from home. It was almost as if she never Spira and she was home.

Home…why did she suddenly feel that the word had more meaning here than back in Besaid--

Growl! Her empty stomach decided to inform her that it was hungry.

Guess I should have ate before I left Sakura's to go exploring. She looked around for where she could get something to eat and saw a small stand nearby. She could smell the wonderful aroma in the air and her mouth water as she made her way towards the restaurant.
There were only a few people inside and some picked their heads up, a few giving only a secondary glance and some continue to stare while she took a seat at the bar before going back to what they were doing. Behind the bar, an old man wearing a stain apron saw her,

"Ohayo and welcome. What do you feel like having miss?"

She gave a quick glance at the chalkboard menu by the old man. "Umm…miso ramen and a glass of water."

"Coming right up!" The cook put the noodles in the pot and placed the seasoning on it. While Naruya waited, she turned in her seat to check this place out. It wasn't crowded and she thought it must've been too early for people to come in to eat ramens.

"Here you go! One miso ramen, enjoy." The cook said as he place the bowl in front of her when she turn around.

"Arigato oji-san!" She broke her chopsticks and slowly ate her meal. Once she finished, she started searching in her pockets to pay.

Uh-oh. Just as she found her wallet she realized she didn't know exactly what kind of currency these people took. She had only the gils from her world and she doubt the man would be likely to accept that for payment.

"Something the matter?" Naruya didn't know what to say until someone else sitting beside her on the far left did.

"Here's you go. This is for both mine and hers." Naruya and the cook both turn to see a young man with brown hair pulled up in a ponytail and a long scar across the bridge of his nose handing out money to the old man.

The cook smiled, "Ah Iruka I didn't know you had company, why didn't you tell me. Friend of yours?"

"Not really, it's just I dropped my wallet by accident the other day and she gave it back to me. Though I repay the favor." The man, Iruka lied. Naruya had never met this man before but as he start getting up and leaving, "Thanks for the meal, I'll come back later!" She followed after him.

"Excuse me, excuse me. Sir Iruka, wait!" He stopped when he heard her calling out to him. "Hmm, daijoubu ka, is something the matter?" He asked as she caught up.

She looked him in the eyes and shook her head. Something about this man seem almost familiar to her, like he was somewhat close to her but she couldn't explain it. Strange how she kept meeting these people but felt some sort of connection to them.

"No…I just wanted to thank you for what you did for me back there because I wasn't sure if he would accept the kind of money I had."

"Ah it was nothing miss it was the least I could do."

"No really, I thank you for your kindness and want to pay you back." Iruka was going to protest but she reached inside her pocket and pulled a couple gils and handed to him.

"Here I'm not sure if they're worth much or not but consider a part of my repayment to you for what you did for me back there and I promise that if this isn't I pay you back with money I'll earn once I find a job." She started to turn around and walk away when he grabbed her arm.

"Wait, wait a moment, please wait! I'm sorry if it seem so forward but it would really be nice to know who you are. What's your name for starters? I'm Iruka Umino."

"I'm Naruya." She said not noticing the bewildered or surprise look on his face as she said her name or how he looked at her more closely. "Thank you once again Iruka-sama. Bye!" She said as he let go of her and she left.

Iruka stood in the street, staring in the direction to where the girl had gone.

"Naruya…"

"What to do? What to do?" She saw the shops, bathhouses, and restaurants, all in all the same and was beginning to wonder if this was really a village for ninjas or just plainly a village.

Of course you can't expect ninjas to be acting uncivilized! Kyuubi said in her head, they're humans too you know!

Yeah but still I wanted to see some people training or doing mission like Sakura said. Her gaze wandered down the road until she saw a restaurant where two men wearing green jackets, like the one Kakashi wore, sitting in there doing something. Curiosity getting the best of her as it did, she walk through the double doors and step inside the restaurant.

"Well you beat me once again." Asuma said as he lean back and took one long drag of his cigarette. Shikamaru waved his hand lazily to rid the smoke coming toward his face. He thought it was troublesome that someone could live with breathing in this lung killer stuff. If he weren't careful, he could get second hand. Then again it was just too much trouble to bother.

Asuma stood up, "I think I'm going to use the john," and left. Shikamaru sighed to himself.

Chouji should be here anytime soon. He would for the all you can eat barbeque and lighten Asuma's pocket in this place. He set up the GO pieces and waited until either Asuma returned or Chouji come in and probably try and challenge him. He closed his eyes for only a minute before he felt a presence loomed over him. "About time you show up Chouji. Asuma-sensei went to take a leak so you'll have to wait for your free meal ticket with me."

"Chouji? Asuma-sensei? Oh so you're Shikamaru, the lazy guy with the high IQ of 200." Shikamaru surprised that he heard a feminine voice speaking opened his eyes and saw a young girl standing by the booth.

"Oh um hello." He was at a lost of words, his intellect failed him for once when all thoughts stopped when he saw her. It was the girl he and his teammates had found on the outside borders of Kohona. She was looking much better, he noticed her skin, once pale, was lightly tanned and her eyes bright. The clothes she had on were very unusual but they showed what a great figure she had and also her smile was...

Kuso, what in the world, what was with him and blondes! First Ino, then Temari now this girl! Gah! What was going on with him? While he was in his own thoughts she noticed the game he was setting up. "What this?"

He snapped out of his daze. "Huh what?" Oh brilliant just brilliant. She pointed to the board. "This game, what is it?"

"Oh this is GO." He started explaining the rules while she scoot in the seat across from him after he asked her to sit. He was sure Asuma or Chouji weren't going to mind having the girl there. She seem very interest as she listen to everything he said and asked if she could give it a shot.

"Sure which color you want, we play evens." She picked white and he took black. He went first, showing example on how to go and win with each enemy you grab. She followed and then set her own pieces to the stage. The game went on for quite a while. He asked after his first turn, "By the way what's your name?"

She smiled and told him. "Naruya."

Naruya, it almost sounded like… He concentrated his focus back on the game as she gained another of his pieces. "Shikamaru Nara." He said as they continue their game.

Throughout the whole time he was very much impressed at the way she played. She wasn't that bad. In fact she seem she was on the verge to win.

"I have to say you're good but," he landed his piece on the board, beating her and instantly winning the game, "you need to practice some more to try and beat me." He did ask if she wanted to play again, just for practice sake.

She was becoming quite a formable opponent as they kept going at it and talk throughout the game. Shikamaru had to admit he was starting to take a liking to this girl.

"So how do you like the game so far?" He asked as he beat her once again. She did tie with him once but that was luck. Not even Asuma could tie in Go against him. She tapped her lip thoughtfully before answering, "Well it's certainly very tactical and mind challenging I gotta say. You must've beaten over a dozen but I bet that you would have a harder time with Shinra if you were to play against him."

"Shinra who's he? A friend of yours?"

"Yup. He happens to be one of the best geniuses I know. We played many games and he beaten me in every one of them. I learn some interesting tips from him on how to cream my opponents but never him. The only person to ever beat him was my mother and he said it was by some fluke or something, never admitting that my mom totally annihilated him." Shikamaru was setting the pieces back when she asked, "Do you want to try one of mine then?" He looked up from where he was finished setting up the stones and shrugged.

"Sure why not." He set the game aside and watched as she brought out of her small backpack a board and laid it on the table. He saw there were sixteen coins sitting in a square fold: twelve silver surrounding four gold in the center. On the coins there were strange monsters etch in them.

"First one to get to forty or higher in less than 15 turns wins." He smirked. He never back down from a challenge. "You're on."

"Well let the games begin." She flipped first, got 9 and chose a 5 and 4 on the square with two silver coins and the pieces instantly disappeared, much to the amazement and bafflement of Shikamaru but he believed he got it.

One turn, fourteen to go. It was Shikamaru's and he grabbed seven. The game went on between the two until Shikamaru came out victorious. "Pretty impressive on this one you got. You could almost say it's a close opponent to GO." They played for another few minutes before they decided to call it quits. He watched as she started placing the board back in her bag. "Hmm, leaving so soon?"

"I haven't quite finish exploring and thought I should before it gets late." She flipped something towards him that he caught it in the air. The thing in his hand felt smooth and cold. "We'll play again Shikamaru-kun. See ya!" She exit the restaurant and walked passed the window to where Shikamaru could still see her before she was gone from sight. He opened his palm and saw a small coin, one similar to the pieces from her game. In the poorly dim light of the overhanging lantern above his head, it winked at him as he held it.

What an interesting girl that Naruya…

"Ah, seems like you had been having a good time?" Shikamaru turn his head to get face to face with his friend who sat behind him in the other booth.

"Gah!" When did he get here! He nearly lost his composure as he saw Chouji smirking down at him. He then saw smoke billowing up the front of where Chouji was and Asuma waved to him. The thin filter was longer, more than the last meaning he had been there for a while or maybe the whole time. Watching as he and Naruya played and chatted.

"Yo, so how did it go? It's seemed you met a very intriguing player to challenge. If I didn't know any better, I say she was your perfect 'match'." Shikamaru felt his face grow warm and turned himself away before seeing the wide grin on his Chouji's.

"So Shika, who was she and why did she look so familiar? Met her on a date once ne? Pretty cute I have to say, nice figure too. I wonder if she has a good appetite--" Shikamaru grabbed his white scarf and tugged down to firmly speak in his ear so no one else heard what he had to say. Suddenly everyone around them could have heard the startled choking of the round boy and then a loud voice booming, which would be ringing for the whole day end, especially in Shikamaru's case. "NANIIII!"

Sigh, it was very troublesome.

Naruya had a feeling someone was following her. She had been feeling it since she left the restaurant. It made the hair on her arm rise slightly but she didn't really sense she was in any real danger. Even Kyuubi, who was just resting in between, was keeping a keen watch on their surrounding and telling her to be careful.

Yeah I know but it's not like there's really any threat here now, she thought as she continue walking. Beside it wasn't like she couldn't handle it herself. Nope she could take care of it without a problem.

There she heard something!

She turned around and saw no one behind, just a trashcan and boxes lying to the side of the fence. She started walking again, mindfully wondering about if it had just been her imagination and then there was it again.

She saw it was the same trashcan and boxes behind. She knew those were the same with the badly draw smile doodle on it. Then she noticed three pairs of blue sandals poking beneath the boxes and can.

So they were following her and thought they could fool her, well two can play this game.

She pretended to make to cross the street but then zigzag back and across through shops and alleys and made a left turn and head to a sparse area with a hill where it seem nobody was around. She turn and saw that she lost them, her tracking quarry.

She lied back on the grass, feeling the soft blades tickling her bare arms and legs while staring at the clouds floating by in the sky. It was nice and thought it was interesting to be here but she wanted to do something adventurous, something fun.

Her thoughts were broken when she heard a noise coming up to her right and then felt a heavy but slobbering thing jump onto her chest. "Umph!"

"Arf! Arf!" Naruya saw that a big creamy brown dog was sitting on top of her and was licking her face furiously while its' tail wag crazy. Her face was being covered in sloppy kisses before a gruff voice came calling from below the hill.

"Oy Akamaru! Akamaru there you are! What the heck do you think you're doing, running off like that?" Naruya turned her head sideways to avoid more sloppy kisses and see two young guys running towards them. Naruya saw that one was wearing a white trenchcoat, his collar up covering half his lower face and wore dark sunglasses and had black bushy hair sticking out. The other guy that hollered out had red triangles painted on his cheeks and his feral eyes were almost like a canine's along with his pointed fangs. As the two race towards them, a pretty woman following not too far behind and her gaze falling on the girl who Akamaru was on top of.

"Ohayo miss, sorry about that. Kiba and Shino were training when Akamaru just decided to run off and Kiba went after him."

"Sorry Kurenai-sensei." Kiba, the one with the red triangles shouted to his sensei. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly and then looked back to where his dog and Naruya were. "Sorry about that too miss. I guess Akamaru decided to go and—"

He stopped when he saw her and blurted, "It's you!"

She blinked confused. "What do you mean 'it's me'? I haven't met you before have I?"

"No but we were the ones who found you back in the forest." It was the other boy who spoke. He had been so silent that she almost forgot that he was there. "You were unconscious when we found you. We were the one half of the team to track with Chouji while Shikamaru, Lee and Neji went to find the others."

Oh so Shikamaru had also been the one to rescue her. She should have probably thank him. Next time she saw him she would. She rose up after the dog got off her then bowed to the two of them.

"Well I thank you for what you both did. I'm Naruya and I hope that with me staying here in your village will not be any trouble to you in any way." The other woman, Kurenai smiled back at her.

"Well I'm sure you're welcome to stay with the Gondaime's permission and hospitality. I'm Kurenai, these are my two shinobi students, Kiba Inuzuki and Shino Aburame." They bowed back to her politely. "If you like, would you care to join us while these two finish training?" She nodded enthusiastically.

Finally she was going to see some action!

"Hai I love too!" She said and then they walked to an area that was clearly where the two boys had been training. She noticed that one member was missing from their team.

"Hinata Hyuga used to be a member of my team and Ino is our replacement but since she had to do work today I have only these two to train for now." Naruya was shocked that the woman knew what she was thinking.

Was she a mind reader or did she have the same jutsu like Ino to read minds? She stared questioningly at her before she and Kurenai took a seat on two stumps as the two boys stood opposite on the field and went to battle stance.

She watched as Kiba race head first against Shino, hands extended and saw long claws pointed out. Shino stood still, didn't raise his arms or draw out the kunais that he had on the side of his leg pouch.

What's Shino doing, wasn't he going to defend himself? Kurenai patted Naruya on the back. "Don't worry about him, Shino has a bloodline that is able to defend on its own will."

Bloodline? She questioned inside her mind to Kyuubi to let her in on what was going on while the battle ensure.

It's another way of traits that only appear, and can only be passed down from generation to generation in certain clans. Just like jutsus, there can be special inside one's own family like the Aburame clan for example, they're able to control and communicate bugs.

Bugs? Kyuubi purred loudly, meaning 'yes'. At birth, the babies of that clan are given to the kikai, or destruction bugs. The kikai are the parasites and the body of the newborn is the host. However, it's a mutualism. They both benefit. The kikai get chakra and the host body gets a powerful weapon and resource.

Naruya shuddered at the thought of a child in that family being host to bugs but then again she did have Cindy, Mindy and Sandy that were bug aeons inside her just like the rest of her aeons. What else about their clans' ability with the Kikais Kyuubi?

The kikai are useful as offensive, defensive, and informational tools. Watch closely Kit as Kiba tries to land a punch on him. She did as she was told and saw to her amazement that the punch to Shino's stomach open a gaping hole and there were black swarm of bugs crawling towards Kiba.

Kiba back away but he was too distracted to see the Kikais crawling up his leg. Soon he was bending down and then placed his two fingers and whistled. Akamaru came over. Ah now we see what Inuzuki does.

Does the Inuzuki clan have a bloodline too?

No, theirs isn't like Aburames' but they're similar in way as they specialize in communicating with canines and have beast type attacks which helps successfully complete their missions. Now watch carefully.

She saw Akamaru leaped to his master's side and Kiba pulled from out of his pocket a red pill and hand it to the dog. She watched as the dog's fur bristle and then change to the color of red. Akamaru then barked twice and Kiba with his hands folded together said, "Beast Effect Nippou!" And then there were two Kibas!

The Beast Human Bushin, a transformation and directed copy. Hmm this will be very interesting to watch… Kyuubi purred as she and Naruya watched as the two Kibas went with intense speed against Shino.

Such movement, wow, that's amazing. Her eyes widen at the two Kibas went head-on and Kyuubi chuckled lightly.

Heh heh you ain't seen nothing yet kit!

Both Kibas then started spinning into two storm vortexes against Shino. "Piercing fang!" They attack from different sides but Shino still stood while the tornadoes charged at full throttle. It was in all a rapid move and Naruya could only see a vague blur but when the tornadoes dispense and the two Kibas stood, Shino was gone. Then she saw him appear behind one of the Kibas and held a kunai to his throat.

"I win again Kiba." The other Kiba 'poof' and Akamaru started barking and running towards them.

"Nice work you two, very good. Your attacks are getting stronger Kiba." She looked to Naruya. "Wouldn't you say Naruya?" She nodded. "Yes that was incredible, the both of you were. I certainly wouldn't mind trying to fight against one of you guys." She looked towards them. "Of course if that's all right?"

Kiba gave her a big grin and said, "Sure why not? I wouldn't mind seeing what you can do? Maybe even Shino would like a go right?" He nudged his arm into the stoic boy and Shino didn't say anything but he too wanted to take a chance against her. His bugs were reacting like crazy; her chakra was driving them off the walls with hunger. He remembered what Neji said a few nights ago about her having more than one.

Was that possible or could it be some bloodline she had in her clan? He would have to watch her closely to see what she did. He took the stump that Naruya had been sitting before as she got up and went to battle stance opposite Kiba on the other side.

Kiba and Akamaru did the same. Kiba was curious in what kind of jutsu she had and how powerful she really was. He took noticed of how she pressed one of the beads on the bracelet she had around her wrist and it started glowing.

What the! He watched as bright light engulf her and she had a completely different outfit and was holding a staff in her hand. "You ready Kiba cuz' here I come!"

She waved her staff and the ground beneath her started turning red and a weird symbol showed. It rose and then a beast appeared underneath Naruya's feet and the ground broke and threw her in the air. The beast jumped up and caught Naruya easily in one clawed arm and let her down once they landed. It gave a mighty roar over at Kiba and Akamaru.

Kiba's, Kurenai's and Shino's eyes were wide with surprise to see her summon a creature they've never seen before, but they were most curious as to why this summoning didn't required the blood to call it forth and what contract did she summon it from?

"Since you have your comrade Akamaru to go against me I decided to summon mine. Meet Ifrit." Ifrit was a massive dark brown dog-like creature with fiery flaming hair and had long ebony claws that could easily rake off the flesh of anything. Its teeth were so long Akamaru started whimpering a bit and backing down. Kiba smirked.

"Heh, quite a move you got there for a summoning no jutsu. So let's begin!" She saw him do the same move he did beforehand. He called Akamaru to his side and created the clone and preparing to do his ultimate attack.

"Right back at ya Kiba!" She and Ifrit both went in for the attack.

Kurenai and Shino watched amazed as the girl fought alongside the summon beast she had. She dodge the attack easily along with the help of her summoned beast. She fought against Kiba while Ifrit fought with Akamaru, spewing fireballs and raking claws at them. The fight last a long time before she and her summon did an attack called Hellfire and she herself cast fire twice and took down Kiba and Akamaru. After the battle was over Naruya dismissed her summon and went to go help the two lying on their sides.

Instantly she changed from her summoner-mage to White mage to help heal them both of their injuries. She started first Kiba who had taken more damage blows thanks to her fire attack then over to Akamaru.

"What with the change of clothes? You some sorta fashion person or something?" She turned around after she was finish and shook her head. "It's the way of how the garment grid works and what dresssphere I use during battle." She stood up and then look towards Shino.

"Hey are you gonna challenge me next or what?" Shino got up and walked to stand in the spot she last been.

"Fine." This was going to be interesting as Kiba and Akamaru went to sit and watch her. Again the question on who or what Naruya was running inside their minds.

"Konohamaru-kun, are you sure that is our target?" Three kids, hiding behind not very good camouflages disguises watched as the fight between the girl and Kiba finished and hers with Shino's was getting ready to begin. They had been watching the first half by the time they follow to where she had disappear after they lost her through the market. The young girl in their group looked towards a boy with brown spiky hair beside her who he was the leader of their pack had asked if they were really to follow this girl.

Konohamaru looked at her as if to dare ask her to question his authority.

"Of course it is Moegi that is the one that our ex-boss's ex-girlfriend descript to us when she gave us this mission. Blond hair, blue-green eyes, dress well…different and has a sexy body." Sakura didn't really say 'sexy' but just from getting one look on their target, made him have a nosebleed, same with Udon that trailed with his snot.

Udon looked through his binoculars, "She's fighting now Shino." The two then looked through theirs and saw indeed she was. Again she was in that strange outfit that she fought against Kiba before and got her staff and then called forth another summon.

But it wasn't just one summoning it was three.

Three big bug creatures stood in front of her. Shino called forth his own bugs and they began their fight.

Kiba and Kurenai were once again amazed with this girl. She just summoned three strange bug-human creatures on the field. This girl certainly had a talent for summonings. She was also good at healing. Kiba didn't feel any pain in his body and it seem all the chakra he lost in the fight was given back to him when she healed him and Akamaru. How could she had the power to heal them just like that in mere seconds, almost like a medic nin would and still had charka to fight against Shino. Who was she exactly?

Akamaru started barking and Kiba scratch him on the head. "She sure is…" He said understanding what his canine companion said. Kunerai smiled at the two then turn her attention back on the fight.

It took a lot longer with Shino as her aeons refuse to cooperate with her commands and had to fight on her own to keep his bugs from attacking her as she dodge them and used her staff to fight. She had to guess it must do with his gift with bugs that made it difficult for her to control.

"I think they like you." She said after the fight was over. They had called it a draw as she couldn't give a simple command to her aeons and it was hard to stop them from glomping the boy to death.

She was lucky to dismiss them. Cindy look ready to pound him to the ground and Shino looked almost thankful that she forced the trio to go.

"It's hard to control them at times but I guess they couldn't resist you very well when they caught your, hmm, intriguing scent." She giggled and heard Kiba snicker at Shino.

"Seem like you got the love bugs on you Shino-kun." Shino silently glared at him before turning his attention to Naruya.

"You fought very formidable with your skill. However if you need to practice on controlling your bugs, let me know. I might be able to help you with them."

"Arigato Shino-sama, I'll think about that. Thanks for your time with battling with me. I hope we could do it again soon. Well bye Kurenai-sama, Kiba-sama and Shino-sama." She said waving as she went to walked away.

"Wait!" She turned at the sound of Kiba's voice, "Um, Naruya-chan, do you have any plans to stay in the village?"

She thought for this a while. She wasn't too sure if the Hokage would be able to find a way to get her back home and likely chances it would take a lot longer. She didn't even know how she got here in the first place. It could take forever for all she knew. "I think so, why?"

"Well I dunno, I was thinking maybe you could become a ninja? You seem to have the move and right skills and maybe with some practice learn a few jutsus." She looked over to Kurenai who smiled at her. "Hai, I'll discuss the idea with the Hokage and see what she has to say."

Naruya bowed to her. "Arigato then, thanks and good luck to both you again Kiba-sama and Shino-sama." She said grabbing her bag and running off. They watched as she disappeared down to the forest trail behind them. Nobody heard the ruffling up on the top hill or see the three kids go downhill to follow.

The sun was starting to set as Naruya walk the small path towards the forest close to the area she had been, but wasn't really paying any attention to as she seem elsewhere in her thoughts.

To become a ninja? It sounded very tempting and a part of her felt that she should really consider it.

But why, why did she want to? She continue to brood in her mind before making to a tiny serene area with a little river and waterfall.

Very zen, very appropriate. She went towards the bend and sat down to stare directly into the mirroring reflection. Her fingers lightly trail the surface, watching as the water shimmer then fell back into place while the ripples spread. Feeling in light spirit, she started to sing.

Neji was sitting in the area he spent training for the last eight hours before he heard something faint in the distance.

Cultivate your hunger before you idealize.

Motivate your anger to make them all realize.

Climbing the mountain, never coming down.

Break into the contents, never falling down.

That can't be Lee or Tenten, the two had already left four hours ago and he didn't have any idea who would be coming in this area beside himself and his ex-teammates. He was sure that it wasn't anyone from his family that would be out here. They would be all back at the manor.

He practice almost everyday outside the Hyuga property. Not like he was really any part to that clan so to speak. But still Hinata and Hanabi were like the closest to family with the expectant of their father and his uncle, Hiashi the head of the Hyuga family, after Naruto 'knock some sense into him' and when Hiashi let him know the real truth as to why his father had died.

Already his hatred and despite over the main house seem to slowly lift off him like a dark cloud and try to treat them in better respect. But still old habits die hard when the main and branch were still separated. Some times he still remember the promise that Naruto had told him during their match four years ago.

When I become Hokage I'll change the Hyuga!

Hmm, I'm sure you would have Naruto…you would have become a great Hokage but now you're gone…

My knee is still shaking, like I was twelve,

Sneaking out of the classroom, by the back door.

A man railed at me twice though, but I didn't care.

Waiting is wasting for people like me.

He stood up; his byakugan activated and went to search the source of where it was coming from.

Don't try to live so wise.

Don't cry 'cause you're so right.

Don't dry with fakes or fears,

'Cause you will hate yourself in the end.

At 5 o'clock on his side not to far from where he was practicing. It sounded very close. The singing was a tranquil harmonious melody almost as gentle as a whisper but yet sound strong to give way to the soul of anyone who'd listen.

You say, "Dreams are dreams.

"I ain't gonna play the fool anymore."

You say, "'Cause I still got my soul."

He raced through the forest; the Byakugan came in handy as he could see what he was searching for.

Take your time, baby, your blood needs slowing down.

Breach your soul to reach yourself before you gloom.

Reflection of fear makes shadows of nothing, shadows of nothing.

The charka he saw wasn't the normal blue like the ninjas he knew. This one was different and he believe he knew which it was only he wanted to find out for himself. Once he made it there his heart almost stop at the sight he beheld.

You still are blind, if you see a winding road,

'Cause there's always a straight way to the point you see.

It was the girl that their team recently saved about two days ago. She was sitting by the river bend, her back to him wearing another strange outfit yet it suit her as she sang, singing with such leisure that the wind seem to be gently in tune with her melody.

Don't try to live so wise.

Don't cry 'cause you're so right.

Don't dry with fakes or fears,

'Cause you will hate yourself in the end.

Neji was entranced and memorized as he took in the glow of the girl as she continue her sad song.

Don't try to live so wise.

Don't cry 'cause you're so right.

Don't dry with fakes or fears,

'Cause you will hate yourself in the end.

When she finished she sighed then turned around and saw him standing by.

Naruya was more to say that she was surprised someone had been right behind her without her knowing. She had been so into her song that she hadn't even sense his presence neither did Kyuubi as she had already decided on taken a nap having seen no danger.

But now here was someone who was around her age sixteen or seventeen. He had long black hair that fell past his shoulder, pale skin, not quite as pale as Sasuke's but his eyes were a beautiful transparent color like silver pearls. He was definitely handsome and she felt a light flush rush to her face as she saw that she was staring at him never realizing that he was the one staring at her.

Neither person spoke not sure what to say until it was Naruya who took the first move as she stood up and waved slightly, "Ohayo."

Neji snapped out of his subconscious and blinked twice before replying, "O-ohayo." His eyes were glued to the way the skirt moved swishing side by side along her as she stood about a few inches away and said, "You ok you look flushed um..."

"Neji. Neji Hyuga." He said quickly before deciding to say something else to make this less awkward than it was. "I was singing-training about a few meters from here and I heard you training-I mean singing I mean I sense your chakra while training…" He sounded like an idiot the way he was blabbing now.

His attention was brought back on her when she snapped her fingers.

"Oh so you're the Neji who was with the team Shikamaru, Lee, Chouji, Kiba and Shino that found me weren't you?" She said and Neji nodded. "I'm Naruya and I'm very thankful for you guys saving me. I mean I don't know what else to say beside that I'm glad that you were the ones who found me before those other two did."

"Other two? The two back in the forest, they were after you?" She nodded. "But at least you're safe now and will probably go back to your village soon as we know when you're not in anymore danger right." He noticed the way her eyes went sad instantly and Neji thought he might have said the wrong thing and upset her.

"You do have a village don't you?" She turned her gaze over to the river and sigh sadly.

"I don't think…I can ever go back."

"Oh…I'm sorry…" Neji realize that he best not say anymore on the subject and looked towards the sky instead. "Perhaps we should get out of here because it'll get hard to get through once it's completely dark." She turned around and nodded.

"Hai I guess we should." Neji watched her for a moment before he said, "I apologize for what I said that upset you and ask for your forgiveness. It would best be redeem if you like to accompany me back and join for dinner at the Hyuga manor."

It surprised both of them, although differently as this was the first time Neji ever invited someone outside the Hyuga family to join in a meal within the main. But yet he wanted to spend time and get to know her, to find out about who she was because he just needed to know, had to. Naruya smiled and he thought that it was beautiful just like she was.

"Hai I would love to Neji-san." He smiled back as he took her hand and led them out of the forest towards the manor. She didn't see the faint redness on his cheeks as he held her hand in his.

Hinata was sitting outside on the small porch near the garden while her father and sister train inside the room behind her as she counted the stars as they began to appear in the sky.

About four years already and the family still seem unchanged but there was some improvement as Neji was accepted to the main. It took a long time with counseling with the other but in the end her father had won and Neji had been given chance to be within their life. She and her cousin had gotten along better and could almost understand him but he still kept to himself at time and she worried about him as the last couple days he was being secretive.

She gaze at the gate up front where they were opening and enter her cousin coming through. She was just about to go and greet him when someone else came in, striding alongside her cousin holding his hand and talking to him.

The person was looking around their estate with wide eyes filled with wonder and fasciations.

Hinata looked at the girl curiously. There was something about her that she wasn't sure of until she realize the girl looked almost like Naru—

The girl saw her and out of old habit quickly turned her head and looked away. Neji and the girl were walking towards her and then she heard the door sliding open behind by the time the two reach her.

"Oy Hinata hurry and change before din—"

Her father's words died as he saw Neji and the newcomer standing not to far from his daughter as he looked over to his nephew. He then set his stare at the girl standing beside him. His eyes made Naruya feel uneasy, almost as if he was trying to look directly into her soul. Kyuubi felt the sudden tension her host was feeling and recognized who it was when she sense where they were standing on what grounds.

Naruya what the hell are you doing on Hyuga territory! This is bad, this so bad!

Why what's wrong Kyuubi? But when she saw the veins around his eyes appeared and stand out more promptly than before this didn't look good. Right before she could even think Neji step in and spoke, catching the man's attention.

"Hiashi-sama I'm sorry to intrude on such a time as of now, to come so late without informing you or asking your consent to allow someone as a guest to join for dinner tonight but she has accepted my offer and hope you will not mind for this evening." He said as he looked toward his uncle. Hiashi turn his byakugan gaze on him and was afraid for a millisecond that he would perform the deadly jutsu that affect only members of the branch. But he was relief when the byakugan changed back to normal pale eyes as he looked over to Naruya again.

"Tell me, what is your name miss?" He said it almost in a friendly tone yet it hold no emotion to feeling normal but Naruya rather not be so quick to jump the gun because she felt that he might do that weird bloodline on her again and afraid to risk it.

Just relax Kit and tell him your name and bow respectfully to him. This is the main family and that man is the head of the house so you have to deem respect towards him. Do it or he might change his mind.

Naruya did as she was told and half bowed towards him. "My name is Naruya Hiashi-sama and it's an honor to meet the head of the Hyuga clan." She kept her head down but then heard the man speak.

"Very well Naruya-chan you may join us for tonight." She lifted her head slightly and saw him turn to the girl she had caught staring at her when she and Neji walked in through the gate.

"Hinata, please take her with you to change and join at the family dining room when you're ready." The girl, Hinata nodded as she went to Naruya's side and grabbed her hand and took her down the small walkway towards the main house's entrance. Naruya took one last look to where Neji was and saw he and Hiashi just staring at each other. She wondered if it was a bad idea to come here.

The two headed inside one of the rooms that were one of many she saw as soon as the girl shut the sliding door and then went to the closet to fetch some clothes. The room was certainly well lavish and elegant as she saw it decorative and expensive with the furniture and when Hinata handed her the clothes she was to wear for the evening.

"Um…here you can try this on if you like Naru-Naru-chan." She said stuttering as she went to fetch her own outfit from the wardrobe.

"Hinata-chan." Hinata froze and turn around. "H-hai!"

"You're name's Hinata, it's a very nice name for you." Hinata flushed and said, "Ari-arigato Naru-chan!" Naruya smiled to the shy girl before she started to undress. Hinata was undressing herself as well but paused to stare over at Naruya who was momentarily half naked. "You know you-you're incredibly beautiful Naruya-chan." She said and then went back to search in the closet, fumbling for a decent kimono to wear. Naruya watched for a few seconds before deciding to try on the kimono Hinata handed her. She looked at it and then turn to see Hinata dressing and said, "I-I can't wear this. I mean surely it would be better on you as it's your and…"

Hinata at first confused now realize what Naruya was saying, giggled and shook her head. "But it would be much lovelier on you than it would for me. I haven't worn that dress for years and had no plans to, go on try it." Naruya sigh and slip the dress on and tied the obi awkwardly, feeling fairly certain that it wouldn't go but Hinata walk towards her and fix the obi and then smooth the wrinkles out. "It looks beautiful on you. In fact you probably don't have one like this, you may have it."

"But Hinata-chan I can't! This is--"

"Would you mind if I try something with your hair? I think I have a nice set of combs that certainly matches your eyes." Naruya knew she was losing the fight seeing the subject change and she nodded. "Hai and here let me help with your kimono." Both girls were smiling and talking as they prepare themselves for dinner as if they known each other for a long time than just meeting for the very first time that day.

Neji was waiting patiently outside the hall to the dining room, waiting for his cousin and Naruya-chan to come.

Naruya-chan, it was interesting to call her that but also Naru-koi didn't sound half bad either.

God now what was wrong with him! First seeing her made him red in the face, finding out her name made his heart almost stop and now he was deciding on which nickname he prefer calling her, Naruya-chan or Naru-koi.

He was giving himself a headache by the time he heard footsteps coming. It was either another main family member approaching or it was… The footstep stopped and he turn to see Hinata dressed in a traditional lavender kimono with passing clouds and small teahouses on the sleeves and hem of the long skirt.

But the reason why his heart was beating rapidly or it became harder to breath was when he saw Naruya behind Hinata. She was a wearing a kimono that was turquoise blue, orange and gold with large white chrysanthemum blossoms arrange in the light background.

Four birds were embroidered in the same colors. A peacock at the center back, a phoenix whose tail feathers wrap around the skirt, two sparrows soaring at the shoulders, and a plover dancing at the hem. Her hair was in a high ponytail held in place by two sticks, some wisp of strands on her face, her eyes sparkling like jewels, sapphire and emerald. She blushed when she saw Neji staring.

"Hello Neji-sama, were you waiting long for us? I hope you weren't because really it took us longer than we expected and well—"

Neji walked over to her and said, "It's ok, Naruya-chan you look absolutely beautiful. You too Hinata-chan." He said to his cousin whose face was as red as Naruya's at his compliment.

"Thank you, Neji-nii-san." She said as she walked into the room first. Naruya looked over at Neji as she and him were still standing outside.

"You look handsome yourself if I do say so." She said blushing while Neji smiled. He was only wearing one of the traditional black robes he had. Two white sparrows sitting on the branches on top his chest over his heart with white flowers and branches edge around the corners of his kimono. "Arigato Naruya-chan." He whispered to her before they stepped into the hall.

Naruya felt everyone was staring at her. All those transparent pearl like eyes. It was starting to feel creepy in a way that made chills run down her spine and the only support she found was standing close to Neji as they walked in. All the people who had seen the heiress, Hinata come in and then her cousin were about to go back to what they were doing before they saw the girl standing by Neji. She wasn't a member of the Hyuga family, a complete stranger to them but they watched as she and Neji walked side by side, whispering to one another and Naruya could hear of somewhat their conversations.

"Who's she? I never saw her before in Kohona."

"Is she a shinobi…what village, surely not from the Sound."

"Well she is certainly gorgeous and Neji seems well taken with her…"

She was wondering if Neji was listening in to any of this when they reached a table where she saw Hiashi at the head, Hinata by his right hand side and a small girl around twelve sitting by the left. There were two empty seats on Hinata's side. Were those for Neji and herself? She followed to join where he took his seat next to Hinata and she by him. Just when she was about to sit she heard a loud cough behind her and turn around to see an old man glowering at her. "I'm sorry sir I didn't know this was…"

The man's glare didn't seem unfazed as he turn to the head of the table and said, "Why is she here in the presence of the Hyuga family Hiashi?" His voice barked as he demand to know why this girl was here.

"She is a guest and I'm certain that there was never a law within the family to never invite a person to join."

"Yes but this girl's a complete stranger!" He pointed out accusingly. "We have no idea who she is or why. For all you know she may be a spy for the Sounds!"

Some people muttering in agreement and Neji looked ready to speak up against the old man but Hiashi beat him to the point. Naruya wanted to do something but Kyuubi said, "This is the Hyuga we are dealing with Kit, best not mess in this matter. If you do it will become messier. So be quiet for now and don't try anything. Let them try to handle it out."

She did as she was told and watched silently as Hiashi and the elder argued. She glanced worriedly to Neji who was glaring at the old man's back.

If looks could kill the old man might be buried six feet under she was fairly certain. For as it look to be faring for the elder and having had the last bit to the edge of her raw nerve of self-silence did she suddenly have enough.

"Hyuga-sama I am in truth a stranger in Kohona and I know nothing of how it is here or any other place. My life is a complete mystery to you but I'm certain that you probably not understand even if it took a lifetime for you to figure if I told you in many ways or explain in words I could find. Forgive my interruption but I had to speak to let you know to not fear me if you think of me as some spy."

The hall become silent as she spoke, everyone stared wide-eye as this was a first time anyone spoke up against an elder. Even Hiashi was surprised as he wondered more of this girl. The old man this time looked at her, his eyes threaten to use his bloodline but Neji had risen and stood in front of Naruya, "Who are you and what exactly makes you think we should trust you so well, to welcome you with open arms in our presence?" Naruya placed a hand on Neji's shoulder and then looked into the old man's eyes, her green-blue into his ghost-like orbs.

"I am Naruya, and by Kami I give you my word to lay myself in your honest opinion of me that is all I can tell you for now but if you have further question I will answer all I can. I can be trustful and self-reliance to put my life to those I have base myself on your judgment whether you are willing to believe me or not is your decision. The Godaime of Kohona has put her trust in me and I would like it for you as well to do the same."

Naruya heard the Kyuubi groaned for the fifth time that night, 'You had to do that Kit, you just had to.' She ignored the fox's comment as she heard another talking to her and she listened before someone else decided to speak with her. Many had been quite shocked at this girl's attitude and when she just told off one of the elder well surprisingly that was suppose to be an offense but Hiashi had said, "Well there you have it, there's your answer as to whether she's a stranger to you. She's Naruya and I'm sure that she'll answer any question you ask of her."

The old man had been scowling when he went to the table where other elders were.

Well at least she knew that this was her seat, not the old man's. Once she sat, everything became normal as everyone went to feast and make conversation during the meal.

Well most wanted to talk with Naruya as they were very curious about her and what she did for herself. She figured to answer a few, trying to not lead too much on her life back home in Spira, knowing they wouldn't have any clue whatsoever even if it took the whole night to tell her life. She explained she was able to conjure summoning and that got Hiashi's and everyone's attention.

"Perhaps you could give a little demonstration of your summoning, I'm certain it will satisfied many if they saw one of your summons. Before you leave tonight it will satisfy our curiosity."

"Of course Hiashi-sama, I would be delight to do so. If you give me a moment to prepare I will be ready to show you." She said as she rose from her seat and left the room. While heading back to Hinata's to change into her summoner's outfit, she pondered on which aeon she should use.

Anima and Bahamut were certainly out of the question, Ifrit she didn't want to cause a hole in the floor, Cindy, Mindy, Sandy? Yojimbo? Shiva? Ixion?

Wait she had it! She return to the main dining room where everyone was waiting and went to the door where it lead outside to the garden. She slide them open and then went outside. Everyone looked to one another before following outside to gather in the garden.

Neji, Hinata and Hiashi were standing close by as they watched Naruya started slowly to twirl the staff in her hand and then pointed to the sky where in the distance they heard the sudden sounds of flapping wing.

A great gush of wind came and then appearing before their very eyes, a large bird swooped down to the ground and moved with such flight and precise movement in the air to make it almost seem like it was dancing in the sky. It flew towards where Naruya stood in the clearing, its large rainbow wings sending a massive cloud of dust as it landed near its mistress.

"Hello Valfor, it's been a while I know." She whisper as she went and held her aeon's head and pet her while Valfor nuzzled her.

"That tickles." She said but continue to hold and rubbed the soft feathers at her neck. Valfor was enjoying being petted as she cooed in her mistress's ear until she pulled her head back and looked towards the crowd. The people were struck speechless and Hiashi, Neji and Hinata were the only three that broke from the spell of seeing the stunning creature and move towards the summoner and the summoned to where they stood.

Naruya patted Valfor's side before speaking for everyone, "This is Valfor, one of the creatures I can summon from my own 'home' that has one of its own gift compared to others. Many of my summoning have them with their basic elements of fire, thunder, ice and others." She explained and then felt Kyuubi urging her to get them outta there. "I hope that you will excuse me for leaving so early and like this but I must be going. I thank you for letting me stay and join for a while." She jumped onto Valfor's back who had bend down to the ground to allow her to climb on. She looked towards everyone once again.

"I hope I can see you some other time. Ja!" And then grabbing hold of Valfor's feather neck she whispered, "Ketta ib!" And Valfor spread her wings, flapping hard and lift them up towards the sky where everyone watched as they flew away in the dark night back towards the village.