Kakashi's POV

"Today's her trial…" I said, leaning against the wall in the hokage's office. Ibiki and Lady Tsunade nodded silently in agreement.

Ibiki stepped forward. "I think I should be the judge at her trial today."

"What?" I asked, "If anyone should be the judge it should be me."

"You're too close to her, your judgment would be biased." Ibiki countered.

"He's right, but Ibiki you're also fond of her. Therefore, I will be the judge."

Ibiki and I were a bit stunned to say the least, it wasn't everyday that the Hokage would make a court appearance. Then again…

"You don't like Akira…" I said.

"…And Akira doesn't like you…" Ibiki muttered.

"In other words, you're an impartial judge. You acknowledge Akira's abilities but hate her as a person."

"Exactly." She smiled.

"Heh, you're probably the most neutral judge Akira will ever get." Ibiki said, heading to the door. "I look forward to the results."

Akira's POV

The court house was a rarely used building in Konoha as very few criminals were taken alive and few crimes were committed knowing ninjas could easily retaliate. It was a tall, narrow building with a holding cell in the basement or so I had heard… The walls were cracked, the windows dusty and the only thing that looked new was the roof which had to be nearing the end of its life as well.

I'm surprised such an old building managed to remain after all the attacks on Konoha. I stepped slowly up the main steps, and Kakashi appeared near the door. He was still in a wheelchair, crutches strapped to the back.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

"Do I have much choice?" I said as I opened the doors and we walked into the courts halls. A few doors were symmetrically located in the walls, while double doors waited at the end. I took a deep breath and we walked towards them, I could feel ninja's watching from the shadows, hidden with jutsus most likely. It set my nerves on edge. Though the worst that could happen is they throw me in jail or stone me, or sacrifice me to a supposed demon in order to ensure the volcano wouldn't erupt… Yeah. No big deal.

"Akira before we go in," Kakashi stopped us at the door. "I want you to win this but even if you don't I won't let them do anything to you. You just won't be allowed in the jounin exams."

"Right…"

We pushed through the doors and entered the room, the judge would be Tsunade. The jury would be the jounin's family, my friends who were injured and Shizune. Kakashi was there for moral support and to help with my testimony. I just hoped they let me compete. Those kids are counting on me. Not to mention their parents would kill me otherwise.

Kakashi sat on the empty benches while I sat behind a desk facing Tsunade.

"Miss Akira Hatake." Tsunade began even as the jury began whispering to each other staring between Kakashi and I. Cat's out of the bag now. "As you know, you're actions during the jounin exams second event are being analyzed as mental instability, reckless and a danger to all. If you wish to be cleared of this and given permission to continue the exams, and your training, you will need to gain the approval of the jury and myself. You can either choose to drop out and continue training until your mental health is deemed adequate or you can defend yourself now and potentially lose your ninja status. What is your choice?"

"I choose to defend myself, my actions and my mental health, your honor."

"Very well. Walk forward, place your hand on the scroll."

I eyed the scroll in her hand but walked forward never the less.

"Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?"

"I don't think that's how it goes…" She glared at me, a lack of sake and rest making her irritable. "I swear."

"Good, we'll begin now. The prosecutor will ask you some questions."

"Akira Hatake." The man stepped forward. "Is it true you were the reason for Kunio Jushiro's death?"

"Yes." I admitted folding my hands in my lap.

"And is it true, you illegally entered the exams? You're still a genin aren't you?"

"You're wrong." I said calmly. "I entered and passed the chunin exams while I was away. I've been a chunin since I was 14."

"I see…" He looked confused, sifting through some papers.

"If you're looking for her file, I have it." Tsunade raised a small folder in her hand. "Here you are." She said passing it to him.

"Ah yes, thank you." He glanced through it. "So you didn't enter illegally. But you did wear a disguise. This suggests you premeditated this murder."

"I didn't. I wore a disguise to protect my identity. People thought I was dead. I wanted some people to continue thinking that. I had permission, more or less."

"Oh really? From who?"

"My guardian, and Lady Tsunade of course."

He turned to Tsunade with wide eyes. "Is this true, Lady Tsunade?"

"It's true. Moving on now." She said quickly.

"Right, well then." He turned back to me, clearing his throat. "I wish to hear your testimony."

"My story? Or my defense?"

He glanced at the jury, "Let's start with your story."

And so I explained the unfortunate event to the best of my ability, stumbling only to explain that I really couldn't remember the ten to twenty seconds I was out for.

"And that's all?" he asked.

"That's as much as I know."

"I see… so you claim you don't remember the incident, yet you can accurately describe what took place."

"There were people I knew there. I can ask them. I was only out for a few seconds and it wasn't hard to piece it together."

"But how did you know it was you?"

"Everyone else was injured?" I narrowed my eyes. "Other people told me. I ended up in court for a reason, you know?"

"Very well. I have no more questions Lady Hokage."

"Right, your defense now, Akira."

"Okay, so my first point: there is no criminal culpability behind these events."

"Pardon?" The prosecutor asked leaning closer to me. "No criminal culpability? You murdered him."

"First off: it was an accident. Second: It's not illegal or uncommon for deaths to happen during an exam unless killing an opponent is prohibited in the entrance contract." I picked my signed contract off the table. "I have read through the contract and there is nothing to say that killing an opponent is prohibited."

The man looked at Tsunade who nodded her head. "Charges for criminal intent, and the murder charges will be dropped and it will be ruled an accident. On to the next issue."

"Yes, of course, Lady Hokage." He wrung his hands nervously.

Tsunade's mood wasn't improving. My dad's was though. I caught his eye and we both nodded, so far so good.

"Now Miss Akira." The prosecutor continued. "Just because you aren't guilty of murder, does not mean we can safely allow you to rejoin the exams or remain a ninja, as the potential danger you pose to your comrades is still up for debate. We all know of your past history with bombs after all."

"I object. No dangerous bombs have ever been set off in the village, all of my bombs were used for survival and missions except for the harmless party trick ones."

"Oh? Like the one that left scorch marks on training ground 66."

"As I said before no one was harmed and no one was meant to be harmed."

"Right well then. What about your newest jutsu?"

"My new jutsu?"

"The one that made the underground exam halls unusable for three days, the one that harmed 5 examinees," He gestured to them.

Ren looked livid as he glared at the prosecutor as if daring him to blame me again. Michiro looked sympathetic while Suki grimaced, slumping into her seat. Maki looked about ready to jump the divider and start a fight, though Satoshi held his arm keeping a straight face. His eyes scared me though…

"The jutsu that killed young Junio Jushioro."

"Kunio."

"Pardon?"

"His name was Kunio." I should know, I've been visiting him everyday...

"That aside. Explain yourself. How can we accept that you won't burn everyone here today? Prove you have control over your mental state."

"It's not a jutsu, it's a state of trauma resulting from an attack on my person… by Danzo."

Well that got the room going, Tsunade called for order as the prosecutor wrung his hands together. Rolling her eyes she brought a jug of sake from beneath the desk much to Shizune's surprise and annoyance.

Tsunade took a swig of alcohol. "Do you have any evidence of this?"

"Actually yes." I said, slipping some photocopied letters out of my bag. "These are letters from Danzo to his two agents."

The letters were handed out to the jury, the judge, and the prosecutor.

Tsunade was the first to speak. "This is compelling evidence and – wait is this Sai? Your boyfriend tried to kill you?"

My jounin exam friends shot me worried looks, while Ren formed the words 'is that true?' with his mouth. I nodded.

"Yeah, on several occasions."

Tsunade almost chugged the last remains of sake. "Alright, so these letters were given to you by who?"

"I got permission from the owners to take photocopies."

The prosecutor seemed to get his second wind and doubled his efforts. "A few photocopied letters aren't enough to conclude anything. Besides this doesn't mean you're not a danger to other examinees or future comrades."

Tsunade nodded. "Akira, what do you have to say to this?"

"I'll be calling Danzo to testify please." If I can't win legally, I'll take him down with me unless of course he does what I ask.

After the recess, the court reconvened. I sat behind the defenses desk, the prosecutor sat behind his and the witness stand remained empty. Was he not going to show?

"Looks like your witness won't be making an appearance. He is a busy man." The prosecutor smiled. If Danzo didn't show, this case was all but decided. Even with Danzo here, I had to rely on his image, his pride and his ability to sweep things under the carpet.

At least I was out on the murder charge, but now I need to get back into the exam. I was hoping after it was deemed accidental and perfectly legal they would allow me back in but they seem to want to send me away instead. Man this is getting complicated.

As I was beginning to lose hope, an anbu opened the court room doors. "Lord Danzo has arrived and is ready to testify."

"Send him in." Tsunade said, a hint of amusement glimmered in her eyes as she caught mine.

Danzo walked slowly, with pride and purpose, using his cane as he walked to the stands. He paused next to my desk, looking me straight in the eye.

"I've never seen this girl, Lady Tsunade, I believe my presence is unnecessary."

"Oh?" She said, glancing at me.

It was true though, sort of. No one had ever seen us together aside from an unnamed anbu or two and some recently escaped criminals. Danzo probably didn't recognize me anymore either, I mean I looked like a boy when I was younger… Actually, I'm pretty sure my file still says I'm male. Maybe I should fix that after.

I turned to Danzo. "My name's Akira Hatake." A glimpse of fearful recognition. "Remember me now?"

"…I had heard you died." His shifty eyes flickered around the room.

"Convincing wasn't it. I have to thank your operative for that." I smiled. "He was a big help all these years."

Danzo's face darkened, as he turned back to Tsunade. "I believe this court hearing is now a more private affair. After all, Akira's words and my story could, potentially, compromise Konoha…"

The prosecutor kept looking between all the key players in the room: Danzo, myself and Lady Tsunade. He kept wringing his hands together, sweat dripping along his temple. Tsunade looked pensive as she took a swift gulp of sake.

"I agree with Danzo's statement. Therefore the jury will be escorted to another room, where they will decide much of Akira's fate without any more knowledge. I will have final say mind you. Prosecutor you can choose to stay but you will be sworn to secrecy. Is this alright with you?"

"It's fine Lady Tsunade. I believe I've accomplished what I came here to do." He was twisting his hands so much I thought they'd fall off. He shakily stood, bowed and left in a rush, leaving behind strewn papers and my file on his desk.

Tsunade turned to me, "And what about you? Are you alright with this?"

"It's to my benefit." I nodded. "Though I do have one request. My dad stays."

"You don't have a family." Danzo hissed.

"Actually." Kakashi said. "It's quite extensive. Though I believe I am her most trusted father." He looked to me for verification.

"You're probably the most legal…" I muttered, before replying clearly. "He's probably right."

"Very well, Lord Danzo, is this alright with you?" Tsunade asked.

"I'll manage."

"Alright," Tsunade smiled. "The jury will now leave to another room. Lord Danzo, you may proceed to the witness seat."

Everyone besides Tsunade, Danzo, myself, a few anbu guards and Kakashi left the room. The proceedings began again.

"Alright, Akira, you said that you had evidence that the trauma witnessed in the jounin exams was at the fault of Danzo?"

"Yep. I have the evidence in these letters given to two of his agents."

"Danzo, would you care to verify your signature?"

He visibly paled, rolling his shoulders. "Hmph, anyone could have forged these."

"So you say. But is it not true that while I spent a short time in prison, you broke me out? On a lie. Sending me out of the country illegally for, what? Three years, isn't it?"

"I have no connection to this."

"Again so you say. Yet you would be the only one capable of erasing all data from the prison tapes, the guards are all anbu root. Your private military."

His eyes narrowed to slits, as his reply passed over his teeth. "What does this have to do with recent events?"

Tsunade interrupted. "So it's true."

"What's true?" Danzo spat.

"You sent Akira away after getting her out of prison."

"I spoke with her, and we agreed that sending her out of the village was in the villages best interest. She was, and still is, a danger."

"That's not what you said in the prison. I have multiple witnesses I could call," If they weren't criminals.. or Sai who's still out. "and verify what you said. You informed me that my friend, Naruto, was in danger of the seal on the nine-tails breaking. You said he'd die, if I didn't find some sort of scroll."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

I shook my head, I have no concrete evidence of this. Best to move on. "Fine, but while I was away, did you not assign Sai to kill me?"

"…" He glanced at the letters. " I suppose, given the evidence is against me."

"Alright, and could it be that you hired another after Sai began to doubt his mission?"

He remained silent.

"Fine. I'll word this another way. If you knew an operative was going to fail, would you not send another nearby operative to finish the job."

"…Yes, under normal circumstances you would."

"Tsunade –I mean, your honor. Is that good enough to verify that he sent another to kill me."

She nodded, though she looked concerned. I was straying a bit.

"Good, so this other operative. He was also close to me at the time. In fact, we had been traveling for some time together. So it wouldn't be too hard for him, as my mentor on the road, to persuade me to create something. Something I knew I could create but kept abandoning, burning, and forgetting."

"Get to the point, child." Danzo waved his hand, looking weary. Sympathy for the old won't save you here.

"This was a jutsu, a jutsu with terrible connotations. A jutsu that could be attached to a bomb. It would look like a normal paper bomb. Feel like a normal paper bomb, but the ramifications were…horrible. To put it mildly." A foul taste entered my mouth. I licked my suddenly dry lips. Flames were dancing along my fingertips.

"He persuaded me to create it. I kept them separate from my gear, but somehow, they ended up in my paper bomb pocket… During the chunin exams, I ran low and the only ones left were the ones I never meant to use. I realized my mistake too late and…" I let out a shaky breath. It was around here my memories stopped.

"This was the first attempt to kill two of my comrades and cause me to lose sanity, making me a more vulnerable target. Thankfully we survived and do to an allies unique ingenuity the trauma of the event was sealed behind a genjutsu. This repaired most of the damage, though as during the jounin exams, the effect you saw was the full effect of the jutsu I was tricked into using."

Danzo was eerily silent. Tsunade passed a glance over him, suspicion in her eyes. I had to finish this. A good closing was all I needed.

"So in summary." I began once again, taking in a calming breath. If this doesn't work… "Danzo sent me on an illegal mission. His operatives attempted to kill me not once, but numerous times. Once Danzo realized that his main operative, Sai, had failed to kill me, he sent instruction to his other operative. He was to eliminate all those involved, namely Sai and I."

My voice was shaking, Danzo's face was impassive. Was he going to crack? Would my plan fail?

"This second operative, tricked me into using a traumatic jutsu, that could have killed my allies and made myself more vulnerable. Any of the jutsu's effects were reversed or sealed, thankfully, but this does not excuse Danzo's actions. Therefore, as I stated in the contract for what will happen to this court transcript, these crimes will be released to the public whether I am deemed a threat or not."

Danzo's once calm eyes snapped open. "What? This is a private court ,is it not?"

Tsunade looked confused but spoke with confidence as I pleaded with her eyes to go along with this. "It may be a private court but just because the court proceedings were not public knowledge does not mean that they can't hold a public trial for your crimes. Once this report is released to the council and the public, we will have to hold a trial. Your trial, Lord Danzo." She smiled slyly, finally understanding.

His eyes filled with rage, he looked directly at me. Understanding dawning on his face. "Lady Tsunade." He gritted out through clenched teeth.

"Yes?"

"I deem this court record pointless, Akira Hatake never used an extreme jutsu in the jounin exams. It is not a threat. She will not only be allowed to participate in the exams, sponsored by me and my estate, but her three year disappearance will also be scripted as an extended mission that I sent her on. Legally." Oh he was glaring now. All nobles are alike. They'll bury anything and everything if it means saving face.

"Well then," Tsunade smiled, her gavel hitting the disk. "This trial never happened. Akira will report to the hokage's office for compensation for her extended mission, and Danzo you will return to your position on the council. As for the rest of you. Erase this moment from your minds."

We all rose and bowed to the judge, exiting the court room. Danzo had left first, followed by a giddy Tsunade who didn't care what had happened, she was just glad it was over, a shocked Kakashi who kept giving me suspicious side glances and myself who was all too happy to be out of there.

Once outside, Tsunade left us and Kakashi finally asked. "What happened in there?"

"You were there, shouldn't you know?"

"I was there. But that doesn't mean I was following what happened. To me it looked like you switched the court proceedings, instead of having them focus on you and what you did, you made it about Danzo."

"Yep…" I smiled. "And?"

"Danzo has a prestigious title on the council, he used to be the third's friend as well. Pointing out his crimes on a written transcript would ensure that he would fall out of grace."

"Yep. Whether politically or socially he would have fallen. I was prepared to be shipped off if things went sour but I wasn't letting him get away with what he did. He had to suffer."

"So…you bullied him." Kakashi said, his cheek's moving up.

"No, I would never." I smiled.

He shook his head, muttering. "Ibiki's going to be so proud. Though I guess this means you'll be remaining in the jounin exams?"

"Yep, Tsunade mentioned afterward that she'd make sure I was back in by tomorrow's test."

"Ah the third trial."

"You know what it's about?"

"It changes every year, so… no I don't."

I rolled my eyes. "You're such a big help."

"I try."