So, sorry for the, er, short break, but as I may or not have said before I was busy being important, but now I am back. For now anyway. This is short, and reasonable unedited, but I wanted to get this out now seeing as it has been a month. The next one should come along much sooner, and there will be more Mai/ Kakashi. But enough of this, lets get back to the story.

Oh by the way, I highly recommend that Kakashi fans go and watch Shippuden ep 85. Aaaawesome.

I was crouched on a railing above the funeral. It didn't feel right to go and join the rest of the mourners; it all just made me feel so uncomfortable. It was raining, and the sky was almost black; very fitting weather when you thought about it.

Kakashi, Gai and I had rushed up to the roof where Orochimaru and the Hokage had battled, but there was nothing we could do. By the time we got there, he was already dead and Orochimaru had escaped with his goon squad. We had all been in shock, which now gave way for disappointment. There had been so much I had wanted to ask him, and he had given me permission on my first day back. I always thought he would be around. I should have made the time, but now I will never get answers about the Uchiha massacre, or of what he did to protect me.

I never even thanked him.

I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't notice Kakashi until he spoke.

"Why aren't you at the wake?"

I just about fell of the railing. I didn't even bother to look at him, instead regaining my balance and getting back on to the ground more gracefully.

"Because I shouldn't. What's your excuse?" I answered, brushing myself off.

He raised his eyebrows at me.

"I got distracted on my way."

We started walking.

"Some old lady needing help crossing the road?" I asked sceptically, sure the funeral of the Hokage was of more importance than whatever Kakashi had been doing.

"No. I was at the memorial."

I said nothing; his reason was far better than mine; hiding from the people. I felt so guilty, after everything that had happened I was lucky to be back here at all, let alone generally accepted as one of Konoha's own. I had the Geezer to thank for that.

"The Hokage was a great man. I should have listened to him more."

We continued down the track I had snuck up, which would eventually veer towards the wake.

"Don't dwell on regrets Mai, it'll get you nowhere." He finally broke the silence.

Yeah, I thought, says you. It didn't seem like the right time to alert Kakashi to the hypocrisy of his statement, so I stayed silent. Though…perhaps he was using himself as an example, of what I would become if I followed the same path. He still pained himself over his ghosts, and was weary from the burden of guilt. I looked up at him, pretending to be admiring the forest. He had the usual air of disinterest and detachment about him. What was going on in that head of his?

I didn't have the guts to ask, so I resumed staring at my shoes as we walked.

We remained silent as we joined the rest of Konoha, though we walked close to each other. No tears were shed, the ninja sticking the rules. Stern serious faces gazed up at the photos of the people that were killed in the invasion.

I clenched my jaw and distracted myself.

Ninja don't cry. Kakashi glanced sideways at me, knowing what I was doing. I had cried at Obito's funeral, but as I had grown, I learnt that tears were useless. That person was gone, and no amount of crying or bargaining would bring them back. The only way to honour the dead was to carry on living, to take on each day as it comes.

Ninja live relatively short lives, so we must make the most of it.

Ninja do not cry.

It started to rain, though nobody made a shifted to get shelter. We were all frozen, honouring the fallen. I pulled my headband out of my pocket, and tied it around my forehead. I straightened up, gave Kakashi the briefest of nods, and waited until it was alright for us to move again.


I pushed off the ground with my hands and flipped back onto my feet. Gai was still recovering from his kick when I sprinted towards him, leapt into the air and kicked him in the chest with both feet. We both crashed to the ground.

"Very good Mai!" He puffed, sounding pleased.

It was back to training now, one week after the funeral. I hadn't realised how powerful I had become until the incident at the exam, being able to fight at full strength after an enormous amount of training was awesome. The weights had gone straight back on, in order to keep up the effectiveness of my speed training, and I was faster now than even Gai.

I was first on my feet, jogging around Gai, high on endorphins.

"Got to get up earlier than that, old man!" I jeered at him, punching my fists in the air and dancing about. My legs were suddenly swept from under me, and I landed face first in the dirt. I pushed myself up, spitting out grass and mud and glared at Gai. He was on his feet, bending down towards me, grinning smugly. I glared at him accusingly.

"Don't be a smart arse." He laughed, before helping me to my feet.

"Yeah, yeah…" I muttered brushing myself off. It was only a "light" training session today, as we were both slightly worn out from all the work that needed doing around the village since the attack. Those Sound and Sand bastards sure made a mess of things, good thing the Sand was coughing up to pay the reparations.

"Mai! Well done today – but our time together, as always, comes to an end! I must leave, but we shall meet again in the not too distant future!"

"Um, tomorrow then?"

"Of course!"

I nodded and bent down to retrieve my scattered shuriken and kunai.

"So what are you up to tonight anyway?"

Gai yanked a deeply implanted katana out of a tree trunk.

"Hot date."

"Yeah? Anyone I know?"

"That charming nurse you brought to the exams."

I slapped myself on the forehead. Of course he was, they were so meant to be. I tossed a scythe over to Gai, who added it to the steadily growing pile of weapons; it had been a good workout today.

"Yourself?"

"Oh, nothing really. I might go for a run, maybe hang out with Adam later…" Gai straightened, and looked down his nose at me.

"So you're still seeing that boy?" I laughed at Gai, he sounded so sniffy, like a disapproving parent.

"Er, yes. Is that not okay?"

"Well, I just thought that maybe you and Kakashi…"

"Yes?" Great, here we go again. He hesitated, seemingly weighing up whether what he said next would earn him a kick in the head.

"You just worked really well together at the exam. And you certainly have chemistry. Why not?"

"Because he has terrible taste in women and therefore can't see what a catch I am." I said sarcastically, gesturing at my muddy clothes and dirty hair. Gai laughed at me, and pulled out a scroll. He lay it on the ground, weaved signs, and the weapons disappeared in a puff of smoke. I'd been hoping he would reassure me, that he would be able to give me some insight as to what Kakashi thought of me. I'd thought there had been something there during the fight, but I'd join Gai in standing on boiling coals for a day before mentioning it to Kakashi.

I continued to pick up the odd throwing star, and realised that there was more to clean up than I first thought.

"Gai, you go ahead, I'll clean up here."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, don't keep your, um, 'hot date' waiting."

He flashed me a grin and a thumbs up.

"Alright Maia, until tomorrow then!" Gai saluted me and like the weapons had, disappeared in a puff of smoke. I stared for a moment at the place he had been standing. I felt some what depressed – what kind of world must it be, if Gai has a date on Friday night, and all I have to look forward to is getting locked out of the apartment.

I pulled my hair out of its ponytail and bent to pick up more scattered stars. I could always pick up some ice-cream on the way home and have that for dinner. Screw veggies. There was a smile on my face immediately at the thought.

I cleaned up the rest of the field fairly smartly and rid myself of the extra weapons with a scroll. I put my shoes back on, which had been discarded early on, did one last scan of the area and then set of for the shopping district.

It was a warm summer's day, perfect weather for training. I should probably go for a run if I'm going to pig out tonight…

I decided to take the long way to the district, running around the outskirts of Konoha. As I raced past, I could see the amount of work that needed to be done on the village, and winced internally at how long it would take. Buildings and barriers alike were crushed from the monstrous snakes Orochimaru's army had summoned, and the wall around Konoha was yet to be properly repaired.

My musings were interrupted suddenly by a shout somewhere in the distance. I skidded to a stop and listened; it hadn't been a shout from the village, nor was it playful or of frustration. I heard what sounded like an explosion, and then of water falling.

I started running, silent and stealthily towards to racket. Could Konoha be under attack again? Certainly we were seriously weakened at the moment, and it would be ideal for competing villages to attack us…but surely there would be more of an uproar if that was true…

I was headed towards one of the rivers that flowed past the village. From memory, I knew that the bridge that crossed the river was one of the paths directly into the village. Whatever waited at the end of my short journey would not be good.

I jumped from the path into the trees for cover, and continued to jump from branch to branch until the river came into view.

What I saw stopped me short, and I nearly lost my footing on the branch. I didn't even think about what I did next. The moment I saw him I was already throwing myself into the air, towards the river.

Kakashi was falling to his knees, and I arrived before he hit the water, pulling his arm over my shoulders and straightening. Asuma and Kurenai were somewhere behind me, standing still with their eyes shut. I didn't even have to ask what had happened; I had seen it a dozen times before. I took a deep breath and turned towards Itachi.

"Maia. I had heard that you'd returned." Itachi murmured tonelessly.

Red met Green, before the Sharingan melted away our surroundings.


"What the fuck are you doing here?" I yelled as soon as the Genjutsu was cast.

"Hello yourself." Came the cool reply.

This wasn't an attack. We had often communicated this way after Itachi perfected the alternate realm jutsu. We could have an entire conversation here, and when it was released, no more than a few seconds had passed in the normal world. It was the same jutsu that had been used on Kakashi, though I doubted that they had got much talking done.

"Why are you here?" I demanded again. He said nothing, surveying me calmly. I realised that I was posed to attack, and knew the futility of it here, so straightened and tried to hold onto my temper.

"You've grown up." Was all he said.

"Yeah so I've heard."

He still wasn't in the least bit perturbed by the fact that I was absolutely furious to see him.

"It's been what – 3 years?"

I didn't bother with an answer, he would know right down to the day. He tried again, walking towards me.

"Why so hostile?"

"Well. Let's have a think,' I said sarcastically. "You attacked my friends, undoubtedly tortured one of them, god knows if he will ever regain consciousness. How's that for a start?"

He raised his eyebrows at me.

"You have friends?"

I nodded sharply. It wasn't a gibe. I had had very few as a kid; I was such a brat. Itachi was genuinely surprised that I had fit back in so quickly.

"That's good, Mai."

I relaxed a little more. As angry as I was with him, we had been friends once, and I knew that he wouldn't hurt me. Though he would be in danger of a broken nose if he came any closer.

"Why are you here Itachi?" I asked yet again, though softer now. I didn't think he was going to answer anytime soon, the way he was looking at me. But then he shrugged slightly, and started to talk.

"I had heard about the death of the Hokage. I wanted to make sure that the change in power didn't affect the deal I made with him in regards to Sasuke's welfare."

That was actually a pretty decent excuse. I shifted uncertainly.

"And you just thought you'd take out a few Shinobi while you were here?"

"They followed us. I had no intention of fighting anyone."

I bit my lip, annoyed again.

"Itachi,' I started, 'It took a lot on the Hokage's behalf for me to be accepted back. And now, how it will look with you showing up just over a month after I do - do you seriously have no sense? I get that you were worried for Sasuke, but you being here is putting a lot of people at risk."

"I understand."

He took a step back. Underneath my anger at Itachi, and my worry for Kakashi, I felt guilty. Reprimanding someone who had already given up so much for the village.

"Itachi – I,"

"Forget it Mai. You're right. We're just leaving."

"Wait-!"

The genjutsu was released, and I had to blink my eyes a few times. Itachi continued the sentence he had been speaking before he cast the jutsu.

"- I would love to catch up, but our business here is complete."

He moved to walk away, when I realised that Kakashi was still conscious.

"You're after Sasuke?" He muttered. I tightened my grip on him, stunned that he was still able to talk after what he'd been through moments before. Itachi hesitated before turning back.

"No,' he said, 'we are after the fourth Hokage's legacy."

What? Akatski were after Naruto. Rather, they were after the fox?

"You're after the nine-tails." Kakashi said. I was surprised that he reached the same conclusion as I so quickly.

"I know you aren't the only two,' he continued, 'you work for a group, the Akatsuki, right?"

He had Itachi's full attention now, and the ninja behind us started at the name. Itachi's red eyes narrowed.

"Kisame!' he said, and the man behind him stood at attention, 'change of plan. We're taking Kakashi with us. Make the others disappear."

I took a step back, still holding onto Kakashi. I'd never fight them off; Asuma and Kurenai couldn't open their eyes, and Kakashi was in no state to fight. I snarled at Itachi, who remained motionless and apparently indifferent.

Kisame rushed towards us, dragging an enormous wrapped up weapon behind him. I concentrated more Chakra to my feet, preparing to get out of the way and started calling on the Hou-ou.

Kisame was on us, I could count many rows of pointy, shark like teeth. He swung his weapon forward-,

"- Leaf Spinning Wheel!"

I jumped at the shout, and ducked as a shadow flew over us, and threw Kisame back with a splash. There stood Gai, posed to attack again. I breathed a sigh of relief and glanced in Itachi's direction. He gave me the barest of nods before focusing back on the eccentric ninja before him.

"Who're you?" Snarled Kisame.

"The Leaf's proud beast!-,"

"-Oh my god" I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose.

"Maito Gai!"

Kisame smirked at him, clearly thinking the Nin was insane.

"That's an interesting outfit; you must be an exotic beast to say the least-,"

"- don't underestimate him Kisame." Itachi ordered, watching carefully.

Suddenly the weight on my shoulder doubled, and Kakashi let out a groan. He'd passed out.

"Shit – Gai, I need to get him to a hospital, can you manage this from here?"

"Go." Was all Gai said, measuring the other two up.

I immediately used the White Chakra I had been building up, and disappeared in a streak of white.


I had summoned a medic on my way back to Kakashi's apartment. It was much closer than the hospital, and I need to treat him right away. There was nothing I could do for his mental state now, but I could heal some of his wounds immediately. Two medics were waiting for me outside the door.

We carried him and put him straight into his bed. I explained what had happened while I checked for flesh wounds, healing them as I went.

Once the medics went to work, I rose to return to the others, to try and lend a hand. But I ran into them just as I left.

Kurenai, Asuma, Gai and I stood and sat around Kakashi's bed. His physical wounds were healed, yet he still hadn't woken up. The medic Nin had left to get transportation for Kakashi to the hospital.

My stomach was churning, and I was starting to panic. What exactly had happened in the alternate dimension? To put Kakashi in such a state was unheard of, yet here he lay…

I didn't realise how tensed up I was until Gai lay his hand on my shoulder. I unclenched my jaw and my fists, and attempted to relax, but I felt as though I was going to hyperventilate.

"Mai. Calm down. Why was Itachi back in the village – was he after you? Or Sasuke?"

I shook my head, trying to take deep breaths, before saying hollowly.

"Naruto."

Gai looked up sharply at Asuma.

"What?"

"They were after the nine-tails. Does any one know where Naruto is now?"

Gai nodded.

"He's away with Jiraya, searching for Tsunade. He will be fine for now, but we need to warn them what's coming."

"Let's hope they find her, the state things are in…"

"Sssh!"

The door creaked open, and I saw Sasuke standing in the doorway. He ventured in the room slowly, first looking alarmed at the state I was in, before the questions started.

"Why's Kakashi sleeping? And why are all you Jonin gathered around where he's resting?"

I scrambled to think of an excuse, when -,

"-Hey is it true the Uchiha Itachi was in the village? And now he's chasing Naruto?"

Some ninja appeared at the door.

Gai clapped his hand to his forehead.

"Idiot." I spat.

Sasuke stood there frozen for a moment, before charging back through the entrance and down the corridor.

Gai was on his feet immediately.

"I can get him." I said, standing also. I was desperate to get out of this room.

"No." Gai cut me off. "You are in no state to fight, and you don't know what he'll do if he finds out about your previous relationship with Itachi. I'll get him."

I sunk back into my seat, dejected. Gai patted me on the shoulder before racing out of the door after Sasuke.


The medics returned shortly after with a transportation scroll and took Kakashi to the Intensive Care unit. Asuma went with them; I sat staring at the bed.

"Mai."

God Itachi. Why did you go over board? What did he have against Kakashi? Maybe he thought that he didn't do enough to help me when I was attacked by the ANBU on the night of the massacre. Maybe this was some twisted sort of revenge.

"Maia."

I jumped and looking around; Kurenai was still in the room.

"Do you want to stay at mine? You shouldn't be alone after all that."

I laughed shakily, and got up shaking my head.

"I didn't even fight those too. I'm fine, I don't know why everyone-,"

"You know exactly why we're worried."

I shrugged and walked over to the window.

"Really. I'm fine. I think I'll go over to the hospital in case he wakes up. Or any of the nurses make a murder attempt." I attempted a smile. "Thanks though."

I didn't wait for Kurenai to reply; instead I opened the window, jumped up onto the roof and ran towards the hospital.


I jerked awake at the knock, and saw Gai in the hospital room doorway.

"Did you catch up to Sasuke?"

"Yeah, but I was too late. He's alive, but in the same state as Kakashi. Naruto and Jiraya are ok, and have been informed on what has happened. They've resumed their search for Tsunade, and they have some promising leads."

I chewed the side of my cheek. No matter how much Gai sugar-coated this, we were still sitting ducks.

"What makes them think Tsunade will return? She fled the village years ago." I sulked glancing at Kakashi's still frame.

"Well. You did, why not her?"

Gai grinned at me and gave me the thumbs up. He wasn't going to let me mope about. I smiled at him gently, before curling back up in the arm chair.

He was right, and I hoped for all our sakes that Naruto was successful in his mission.