~Chapter 13~

When Naruto was concentrating too hard and Kiba lunged right behind him, he let out a whole can of stink in the Inuzaka's face. Kiba jumped back and yowled, Yoru facepalmed himself and Sakura hung her head.

"At least that's one way to knock an opponent away..." Yoru muttered.

The fight continued on below, Sakura and Yoru cheering their teammate on. Before they knew it, Naruto's fight came to an end and he was declared the win. Yoru whooped and then coughed, Sakura started to worry over him and Naruto panicked below. Yoru gasped for a breath of air and raised his hand that he was okay. Sakura stepped back and nodded her head, Naruto hopped back up with them and started on Yoru like a mother hen.

Yoru finally lost his temper, "WOULD YOU LAY OFF?! I'm fine, okay? The one we really need to worry about right now is Sasuke."

Naruto stared at Yoru like he had two heads. "Since when did you and Sasuke become buddy-buddy... without lopping each other's heads off?"

Sakura agreed with Naruto and very curious. "I thought you two didn't get along...?"

Yoru looked away, placing a hand behind his head. "W-Well... I don't know," he avoided their eyes as best as he could. "He's-He's our teammate a-and we share the same clan... by the Nine Hells! I don't know when." he huffed, crossing his arms and grumbled.

Sakura and Naruto laughed at his action then went quiet when Sakura's name was called. She didn't catch who she was going up against, until she heard Yoru growl a little. She glanced up to him, seeing that his head was turned as he looked across the room. Someone whistled and called her name, Sakura looked over as well and her temper started to boil up a little.

"Yooho~, Sakura~! You and me," Ino called out with a sneer, "Let's settle this on who get's Sasuke now!"

Yoru scoffed and rolled his eyes, shook his head. "What's with girls fawning over Sasuke? Sasuke! Sasuke! Kyah! Kyah!" Yoru mimicked a girlish voice then stuck his tongue out. "You don't hear any guys going kyah-kyah over her." he waved his hand about towards Ino.

Sakura was about to bop him on the back of the head and remembered the last time he lost his temper like this. She sighed and went to take her place on the floor below. Sakura then caught the last part of his little rant and snickered.

"You fawn over Sakura!" Naruto pointed out to Yoru.

Yoru lowered his head and side glared at him. "Yeah, but I don't go kyah-kyah..." Yoru caught what he said, his face going all red in the cheeks and he snarl-growled at Naruto. "Shut it!"

Naruto snickered and walked away, shrugging his shoulders as he smirked. "Whatever you say, Ru-Ru."

Down below, Sakura watched the two boys bicker and Yoru having Naruto in a headlock as he twisted his knuckles into the top of Naruto's head. Sakura sighed and shook her head. Honestly... boys... Lucky for Yoru, she didn't hear what he said.

Sakura faced Ino and once their fight began, it caught both Yoru's and Naruto's attention. Yoru noticed the change in her movements, the way she met Ino's every move. It was almost like both girls didn't really want to fight each other, but had no other choice. Naruto kept cheering her on, but didn't. Friendly worry started to tug at him s he watched. Both girls jumped away from each other, Sakura straightened a little.

"I'm not going to fight you over Sasuke."

Ino snapped, "What you'd you say?!"

Sakura smirked, "I'm not that needy little girl anymore pining after him."

Her words shocked Yoru, even Ino was surprised. Ino went into a fit a Sakura continued. The other girl drew a kunai knife and Sakura readied herself if Ino threw it. Instead, Ino gripped her pony-tail and cut it. She threw her cut hair between her and Sakura. After the whole thing, ten minutes went by as the two girls kept fighting.

This seems like a fight between two rivals...

"Ino missed!"

Yoru looked over to Shikamaru and Choji. "Missed?"

"Ino used the mind transfering jutsu." Kakashi returned, answering Yoru's question. "It's a jutsu meant only for spying than combat. Since it's radius is a straight linec and slow, but it's a powerful jutsu. "

Yoru looked back down to the fight, this time Sakura was trapped by Ino's chakra rope using her hair as a rope. Ino had feigned in using her jutsu to trap Sakura. She performed the mind transfer jutsu signs once more, this time actually nailing the pink-haired girl with it. When Sakura went still Yoru's body tensed up. Naruto noticed Yoru's hands grip the railing, his knuckles white. Kakashi placed a hand on the white-haired youth's shouler. Yoru's head turned sharply to face him. "Don't worry, Yoru. Sakura can handle this." But I'm not sure if she can escape from this...

"Yeah, Sakura! You did dodge it!" Naruto cheered.

Yoru turned his gaze back down to Sakura. Ino was on her knees, shoulders slumped and head low while Sakura straightened up and smirked. Yoru glanced from Sakura to Ino, then back. Something was wrong and he wasn't sure exactly why yet. When Sakura raised her hand, Yoru figured it out right there that it wasn't Sakura. Ino/Sakura started to announce withdraw, but Naruto yelled out no.

"Don't do it, Sakura! You came too far to quit now!" A look of annoyance crossed Ino/Sakura's face.

Yoru leaned forward a bit on the railing, joining in when Ino/Sakura attempted the withdrawl again.

"Naruto's right! Yes, I wasn't there for you guys, but you came too far to give up now... because.. because," Yoru stepped back, his head down as he shut his eyes, "I BELIEVE IN YOU!"

A few minutes had passed since Sakura broke through Ino's mind possession and still the fight continued on. Yoru could see that both girls won't be able to hold out much longer. Naruto went on cheering on Sakura then another boy said her name as he cheered her on. Yoru leaned back a little to look behind and over Naruto's left. He blinked as he stared at the oddly dressed genin. His hair was black and bowl-cut, he wore a green body suit and had orange leg warmers. Then it clicked, "Hey, I know you."

The boy looked at Yoru, then beamed. "You know of my strength and prowess as a shinobi of the Leaf?"

"Bushy brow, green suit guy!" Naruto looked at Yoru then to the boy on his lef. He started to snicker when the boy's jaw dropped.

"My name's Rock Lee!" He jabbed a finger at Yoru. "And don't you forget it!"

I was going by what Naruto told me... touchy, touchy...

Naruto nudged Yoru in the side, getting his attention. Yoru looked at him curiously. "He has a crush on Sakura, too." Lee caught this and fiery determination burned in his eyes as he clenched his hand in a fist pump.

"So you are my rival for lovely Sakura's heart! I'm warning you now," Rock Lee pointed at Yoru again. "I won't give up so easily!"

"Uh... yeah," Yoru raised an eyebrow. "Sure..." he shook his head.

"Sakura!" Naruto and Lee both called out.

Yoru watched in silent shock, both Sakura and Ino had punched each other at the same time, second time around. Both girls fell back, their headbands clattered to the floor. Ino and Sakura struggled to sit up then fell back, but before her back hit the floor Yoru called out to her. "You can do this, Sakura!"

Sakura heard him, catching herself on her forearm and pushed up. Her muscles strained from the effort, but she managed to stand. The judge stood there amazed, nearly dropped the toothpick he was chewing on. Sakura lifted her head up, panting for breath. She wiped the back of her hand across her cheek and smiled. The judge declared her the winner and Naruto and Lee whooped and cheered. Yoru's shoulders slumped a little and he sighed in relief. Kakashi placed a hand on Yoru's head, the white-haired youth looked up. The jonin then ruffled his foster son's hair, knowing fully well that not only Naruto, but Yoru too gave Sakura strength to continue.

When Yoru looked down to Sakura, she had started to fall. The fight had proven too much and, without thinking, Yoru jumped over the railing and appeared behind Sakura. He caught her by the shoulders and as he took a step back, he faltered. Crap! Too early to be moving like that...!

He placed his arms protectively around Sakura as they both fell back, cushioning her fall. Asuma, Team Nine's teacher, had picked up Ino and Kakashi rushed to Yoru and Sakura.

"You shouldn't be moving around like that! What would've happened if your markings started to up again?" Kakashi scolded the youth.

Yoru slowly sat up, propping his unconscious teammate with one arm around her shoulders. "I'm sorry..." he apologized. Kakashi sighed and took Sakura and Yoru stood up, brushing himsf off. He knelt down and picked up Sakura's headband. They returned to the upper level and both girls were set down side by side against the wall. Naruto teased Lee and Yoru glanced over. Lee looked at him and Yoru did the most childish thing. He placed a finger beneath his right eye and pulled down his eyelid and stuck out his tongue. Lee fumed and went into a fit. Yoru turned his back to the boy and snickered, putting his hands in his pants pockets.

"Boy, dont you have a lot of patience." Naruto said.

"Yeah, yeah..." Yoru grumbled.

After Sakura and Ino had woken up and made up (sort of), the girls went back to their old rivalry over Sasuke. Yoru sighed and rolled his eyes at the two as he crossed his arms. Now, fight four or five began. It was between a Sand girl and Ten-Ten, a girl who was part of Lee's team. The third phase of the Chunin continued on, Yoru made a few new friends within the Leaf Rookies. They cheered on their friends, seen friends and rivals get severely injured. Especially Lee against the odd red haired boy. Naruto said that the guy was freaky with that cold expressionless look on his face.

"Gaara of the Sand...?" Yoru mumbled, he picked up an odd scent from the boy. He also sensed something familiar. Yoru glanced at Naruto then back to the boy who now stood a few feet away from them. His scent is a bit similiar to Naruto's... like the there's another there, but I can't really tell. Not only that, he can control the sand he carries with him. Yoru looked down back to the medic nin, who took Lee away on a stretcher. Both Lee's left leg and arm were shattered and had multiple fractures through out his body. The white-haired youth gritted his teeth, clenched the railing in front of him and tsked. What the hell is he?

The third phase came to a close and Yoru was still thinkng about what happened to Lee. Ten-Ten was also ruthlessly defeated by, Temari he later learned, the Sand shinobi girl. As they walked through the streets of Konohagakure, Kakashi offered to pay for dinner. Sakura declined and Yoru didn't really feel hungry after what he saw. Instead, Yoru encouraged Kakashi and Naruto to go. He walked with Sakura in the direction of their homes. Both were silent and Yoru could tell Sakura was exhausted after today.

Sakura stumbled and he caught her in time before she fell. Yoru steadied her, but kept a hold on her shoulder for a brief moment.

"Easy there," he said. "Here, lean against my shoulder."

Sakura looked up at him, her cheeks tinged at the close proximaty to Yoru. She looked away and nodded her head, taking Yoru's advice. Yoru placed his hands in his pockets and Sakura leaned against him. She held onto his arm for more support. More awkward silence built between them, but neither knew what to say. Once they reached Sakura's house, Yoru led her to the door to make sure she was going to be okay. He stepped back and placed a hand behind his head as he looked away. Sakura stood there with he hands behind her back and she looked down.

"So... I should go." Yoru said.

Sakura simply nodded her head. She then lifted her head up and called out to Yoru, he turned around and looked at her curiosly. "Th-thank you! If you and Naruto hadn't called out to me... I wouldn't have won against Ino."

Yoru smiled, "Hey, what're friends for? We're here for you, Sakura."

Sakura smiled nodding her head. Both young genin said goodbye again and as Yoru stepped past the gate and Sakura was about to close the door, he turned on his heels.

"Sakura!" She stopped and this time was the one to look up. Yoru chewed his bottom lip, contemplating on rather he should tell he or not. "I-" She straightened up a little more, but Yoru sighed and shook his head. He looked up to her and smiled a little. "Goodnight."

"Oh," she felt a little disappointed, "Goodnight."

She closed the door and he headed for home. When he got to the door, he unlocked I with the key Kakashi gave him. Closing the door behind himself, he leaned back against it and hung his head a he sighed heavily. Coward... he thought to himself, taking off the sandals that were given to him. He stepped up onto the wooden floor of the small front hall and heaed upstairs. Right now, all he wanted was a proper shower and his own bed. Now, he felt exhausted. Even with all the sleep he had from his coma.

After his shower, Yoru stepped back into his room. He only wore a pair of black sweats as he toweled his hair dry. Before his shower, Yoru remembered to take out his parents' trinkets and set them down on his bedside table. He draped the towel over his neck and let out a contented sigh. He felt a little better, though still tired. He went over to his bedroom window, pulled back the curtain and opened it. Just as he did, he heard a gasp sounded across from him. He looked up and was surprised himself, but then laughed.

"So, we really are neighbors."

Sakura blushed and ducked down where only the top of her head and wide green eyes could be seen. I'm only in a towel and Yoru's not wearing a shirt...! Yoru tilted his head, "You okay?"

"F-Fine!" She gripped the edges of her soft pink curtains, "Just... give me a minute." And shut them.

Yoru blinked, then shrugged. He pulled the towel off his shoulders and tossed it onto the back of his desk chair. He went over to his closet and took out a navy blue, loose long sleeved shirt. As Sakura opened her curtains again, dressed now in a pair of red pajama bottoms and a matching night shirt, Yoru was just pulling his shirt on. When he got it on, he smiled and waved. "Welcome back."

Sakura blushed again as she got down on her knees in front of her window. Yoru crossed his arms loosely as he leaned them against his windowsill. When she glanced up at him, she finally noticed the difference in Yoru's hair. "Your hair grew out a bit.."

"Eh?" Yoru sort of glanced at his shoulder as he touched the ends of his hair. "What do you know, it did." he grinned and looked back to her. "I'll get it cut next time I'm out. So, um, you did pretty great today." His nervous tick kicked in. Yoru placed a hand behind his head as he looked away.

Sakura giggled and Yoru glanced up, a light blush coloring his cheeks. "What?"

"You already said that not long ago." she pointed out.

He blinked then turned a bit redder, looking down. "O-Oh, right. Haha..."

They were quiet again. Sakura glanced down at her hands and fiddled with her fingers. Yoru glanced up at the night sky, watching the stars briefly. A certain group of stars jumped out at him and he lit up with the idea that crossed his mind. He looked back to Sakura, "Hey, Sakura?"

"Hm?" she looked up to him.

"Want to hear a story?" he asked.

"Ah... a story?" She questioned and Yoru nodded his head. Sakura thought about it and agreed. "Sure."

Yoru smiled and leaned back a little as he closed his eyes, hummed softly to himself as he tried to remember how it went. He opened his eyes and pointed up to the stars. "Do you see that large group of stars up there? The one near Scorpio?" Sakura looked up and searched a bit, she found where he was pointing at and nodded her head. He grinned, "Don't look away from them, 'kay?"

"Okay." she said.

Yoru shifted into a more comfortable position and closed his eyes again, "Centuries ago, there lived two brothers. One held the will of Man, the other the heart of a beast. Their names were Kagenashi and Arashiryuu..." Yoru remembered those names and his markings warmed a little. "And together they were a force to be reconded with... Kagenashi guided Arashiryuu's bestial wrath towards the destruction of their foe... the Senju clan." Yoru lifted his head up towards the stars. "Back then, the Senju clan have been the enemy of the Uchiha... as the two brothers led their clan against them, Arashiryuu razed half the Senju forces."

As Sakura watched the stars, they seemed to dance and move with Yoru's tale. The consolation took form of a dragon, a beast she well knew since Yoru had changed into it during their first C-rank mission. It danced and twisted around those that looked like men, much smaller in size compared to it. Then, as the story turned towards a different path, so did the stars seem to calm. The Dragon consolation took form of a man, and the ones that were the small men into a woman.

"One day, months after the first clash between the two clans," Yoru's voice softened a little, "Arashiryuu met a young woman in the forest during his patrol... both fell in love at first sight, but soon realized the other was of enemy clan. Arashiryuu cared not that she was Senju, and pleaded with her to see her again." He began to remember where he heard this story.

His father, his biological father - Nebiah Uchiha - had told him this story countless times.

"Did Aishi - Arrahi-" his father chuckled.

"Arashiryuu, he's your ********." Yoru's brow forward as he tried to remember what his father had told him. He continued the story for Sakura, but his memories reeled in his head.

"And yes, he did see the Senju woman again. For weeks, the two met in secret and Arashiryuu felt more at peace than he ever had beside his brother..." Nebiah held his son in his lap. "But soon Kagenashi began to grow suspicious of his twin. He called for the best stealth members of their clan, ordering them to follow Arashiryuu and find out what his brother may be hiding." little Yoru tilted his head back to look at his father, "They found Arashiryuu in a clearing with the Senju woman. Returning to Kagenashi, they told him of his brother's betrayal to our clan... Kagenashi became outraged and went with a small handful of men to apprehend our ancestor."

Sakura laid her head down as she watched the stars follow Yoru's story. Her eyelids felt heavy and she fought to stay awake. "... to apprehend Arashiryuu for his betrayal. Kagenashi confronted his brother and Arashiryuu defended the Senju woman he loved. Arashiryuu killed three of his clansmen while in bestial form, his rage roared within him like a storm. Kagenashi and a few others used chakra enhanced chains to bind his brother with. They were specially made by the clan elders for the purpose to temporarily seal Arashiryuu's power, forcing him into his mortal form. Kagenashi captured his twin and forced him to watch the Senju woman he loved be killed before him... ah?"

When Yoru looked up, he found Sakura fast asleep. He smiled softly and got up. The white-haired youth leaped the small distance between their two bedrooms, gently picking Sakura up so not to wake her. He cared her to her bed and laid her down. Yoru covered Sakura up and brushed a lock of loose pink hair from her face. He closed his eyes and steeled his nerves, leaned down and feather-lightly kissed her forehead. "Goodnight... Sakura." he murmured and left her room.

The moment he closed his window and curtain, Kakashi came home. He knocked on Yoru's bedroom door and poked his head in. "Still awake?" Yoru nodded his head and moved onto his bed, crossing his legs. Kakashi walked over and sat on the edge of his foster son's bed, coaxing him under the covers and ruffled his hair. "Well, try to get some sleep tonight. okay?"

"Okay." Yoru yawned and Kakashi turned off the lamp. He left Yoru's room, closing the door and headed to bed himself.

Yoru rolled onto his right side, curling up a little and glanced at his closed window. He smiled and soon started to drift off to sleep.

I know Sakura doesn't win against Ino, but I wanted to weave Yoru's part into that a lil' :3