Next Saturday morning I found myself at the local coffee shop down the road from the house staring into a dark black cup of coffee. The last week had been exhausting. Between caring for Kakashi, keeping Naruto and Sasuke from fighting and destroying the house, training the genin and after mastering trees we had moved onto water. That had been a disaster having to teach Momo had to swim on top of her training.

I sighed and took a gulp of the caffeinated heaven putting my head down as I felt another migraine coming on. Training with Itachi was…infuriating. He demanded the utmost perfection and had become quite skilled in many more ways that he had originally when he had been my teacher. I absent minded rubbed the new scar through my mask that cut across my cheek. I had lost so much sleep in the last week it was ridiculous.

I heard the bell of the door jingle and I stared into my coffee cup hoping I could crawl into its delicious warmness and sleep for a few years. Anko had been an absolute pain as had Tsunade. I thought Tsunade was warming up to me. Not a chance. I had been sent on the most ridiculous missions with my genin which usually involved them doing work and me sleeping on a roof or in a tree but still a few had been irritating like painting some woman's fence. That had deteriorated into a paint fight between Kiko and Momo both chasing Kouga for something he had said. Had me in heaps of trouble not only from the client but from Tsunade as well and Anko popped up every chance she could get to taunt me or demand to fight or make our genin compete against one another.

I took another swig and grimaced as my migraine throbbed just barely contained. Kakashi was better, that much I was thankful for. He had been really down and out with the flu for the last week and had really taken a toll on my sleep with his nightmares that seemed to be recurring.

The waitress filled my cup again as I thanked her and downed half of it ignoring how it scalded my tongue. I put my head on the table and groaned. As much as I loved Konoha it really was trying to do me in.

'Yuki-chan you don't look so well' I heard Ino's obnoxious voice as I put my hands over my ears as her voice made my head throb.

'Not so loud Ino please' I begged as I heard the chairs around me scrape as people sat down.

'Oh do you have a headache? Here!' she said as I felt warm fingers before a soothing cool wave of chakra washed through my head. It made me shiver as the pain of the migraine vanished and I felt better than I had all week. Maybe if I really tried I could drown in my coffee cup… would that even work?

'So are you going to the festival tonight for the march of the shinobi?' It was Chouji's voice as I looked up and he visibly flinched.

'Wow what happened to you?' Ino asked as I noticed Shikamaru lounging in his chair looking as uninterested as ever.

' My Genin's cant control their chakra, Kakashi-kun was really sick, keeping Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun from tearing down the house, Training in general and I've lost a lot of sleep' I yawned as Chouji and Ino nodded.

'You look like death' Ino blurted as I gave her an irritated look.

'Thanks' I sneered as Shikamaru gave a chuckle.

'Don't tell other women they look terrible Ino-chan' Shikamaru said as Chouji sniggered.

'Yeah you'd know with your mother' he said as I saw the young man flinch. I guessed he had a strict mother as Ino sighed.

'ANYWAY, what are you going to be wearing tonight?' she asked gazing at me as I downed the last of my coffee waving the waitress over again. Six cups of coffee now I had had as I took a few sips from my seventh.

'Clothing?' I said as she gave me an irritated look and the boys laughed.

'That's always a good option' Shikamaru grinned as Ino looked annoyed.

'You know what I mean' she said waspishly as I shrugged.

'I dunno I might have some of my Ice ambassador clothing. They always were nice to wear. Never did like Kimonos' I muttered as Ino was aghast.

'You're not wearing a kimono?!' she said as I raised an eyebrow and took a sip of coffee.

'Why does this bother you so much?' I said around my cup as the boys also looked confused. I really could be a bitch when I wanted to be.

'It's tradition! All Konoha shinobi wear Kimonos!' she said as I shrugged.

'I'm not from Konoha' I took another swig.

'Yes you are you're half Uchiha, half Hyuuga!' she snapped as Chouji and Shikamaru looked at me. Well the cats out of the bag, have fun with this on Hiashi you cold prick.

'You're related to the Hyuugas?' Chouji said as I nodded.

'I was a fuck up, I mean, one night stand between Hiashi and Mikoto.' I said taking another sip of coffee as the two young men stared at me.

'Well shit' Shikamaru said and rubbed the back of his neck.

'So…you must be a really highly accomplished ninja' Chouji said as I shook my head.

'No, sadly I have the papers that say I am but really…I… hate fighting and I always seem to make stupid mistakes that nearly get me killed. It's strange I know I do these things but it seems like I cant correct them' I laughed as Shikamaru recovered fastest and shrugged.

'You're human not a machine you make errors.' He said as I looked sadly into my coffee. Yes, I was human and those errors cost my best friends their lives and mine nearly a few times. Itachi had once told me I had an angel watching over me for all the times I've survived after nearly dying.

I finished my coffee and left the money on the table and got up.

'Where are you going?' Ino called as I waved over my shoulder.

'To bed' I stated before teleporting home. I landed on my bed and snuggled into the blankets. Even with the coffee I was still exhausted and was asleep within minutes. Little did I know I slept the entire day as I was shaken awake roughly.

'Yuki, get up we only have a half hour until the march' I blinked as I saw Kakashi's gravity defying hair above me as I smiled still half asleep and pulled him into a hug. He laughed and I felt him kiss my forehead before pulling me up to a sitting position.

'I know, all I want to do is sleep too.' He said as I sighed. We had both been run ragged. Tsunade was making everyone work double time. I had not only been with my genin team but sent out on various scouting missions a few B-class and A-class tracking down people as well as training with Itachi and making sure Kakashi was alright. I knew he had quite literally just arrived home from an assassination mission in river and probably wanted to pass out on a soft bed as much as I did.

'Then miss the damn parade. I thought you hated traditions' I muttered against his chest. I was being childish and I didn't care I was exhausted as he laughed and hugged me again.

' Well, because people want to see the head of the Uchiha household and since I'm dating you I have to go.' He said as I cursed rather loudly. He laughed and pulled me in for a quick kiss before getting off of the bed.

'Still sucks' I said as he laughed and pulled me toward the bathroom. Kakashi playfully shoved me into the stall as 'to save time' as he put it jumped in with me. I had to shove him away a few times to try to wash my hair as he blocked the spray because he was so damn tall.

I was wrapped in a towel with another around my hair as I noticed Sasuke give me a sly smile before stepping into his bedroom. One of these days I was going to knock that cocky little jerk into line as I headed into my room. The first thing I noticed was a long black box had been set out on my bed. I heard Kakashi talking to someone in the hall as I went over to investigate.

The box was completely black with no markings of any kind as I noticed a little square of red at one corner. I took the little slip and opened it. It was a note.

To the most unique, beautiful and precious person I know. My snowflake, Love Kashi

I felt like I might cry at the little note scribbled in his own uniquely tilted characters as I gently lifted the lid of the box. Inside nestled in layers of blue tissue paper was an elegant white silk kimono. Little patterns of snowflakes and blossoms covered it as I pulled it out. I noticed that the ends were dyed an elegant blue as it faded into white the closer it was to the chest. The snowflakes went from light blue to white on the blue and the blossoms went from a light lilac to a vivid violet near the hem. The obi was a light blue with lilac and yellow designs over its surface before ending in a bow. I was shocked as I felt how fine the silk was. This must've cost a small fortune!

'Do you like it?' I heard Kakashi's smooth baritone for the doorway as I turned. He looked alarmed as I realized I was crying. I grinned and wiped my eyes on my towel as he stepped closer to me.

'I love it!' I said tackling him into a hug as he laughed and kissed me. I pulled back and smiled at him, it was the best present ever. As he pulled the towel off of my head, I wondered how much this thing cost. It must've been too much money I really couldn't accept it.

'Kashi-kun I love it but, this is so expensive! I can't accept something like this, you'd be broke even with your jounin pay' I said looking into his mismatched eyes as they shone with something that I had known was humour and love.

'Let's just say I have some money saved for…special occasions' he said giving me another sound kiss that left me breathless and dizzy. I looked up at him and crushed him against me as he laughed and kissed my forehead. I had never been given anything so extravagant in my life let alone and entire actual silk formal kimono. 'Try it on I want to see if it fits' he said as I nodded. I turned as I notice something had been set on the box while I wasn't looking. It was a mask-tank but instead of it's normal black it was made of a light lilac colour. I gently took the fabric and noticed how soft it was as I looked at him and he smiled. 'Sasuke had that tailored for you' he said as I smiled. I knew how Kakashi felt betrayed by Sasuke and hadn't an ounce of faith in him anymore but I knew he was trying to cope even if it was just for me.

I put on the mask-tank and layered on my Kimono. I noticed that cheekily he had bought one that was designed so that someone had to do up the obi for me as I looked at him with a smile.

'Please help?' he smiled and took the stiffened piece of cloth as I held the front together. Kimono's were stifling really after the six layers I was wearing of various kimonos. Kakashi was always extremely gentle as his hands ghosted over the silk with a gentle but firm pressure as he knotted the obi and created the bow.

'There all done' he said putting his arms around me and pulling me against him as I smiled and reached back to kiss his cheek. A small smile crossed his face as he let go and handed me my tabi socks and wooden sandals. I winced, this was going to be painful I hated the wooden sandals they were so painful to walk in for long periods of time. I never knew how Jiraiya could do it so easily.

'Go get changed' I told him as he nodded and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Kakashi seemed to like that jutsu it seemed as I stepped gingerly on the new shoes. I hadn't grown up using these so I was clumbsy at best on them I had only managed to walk halfway across the room when Kakashi was back.

I did a double take. Kakashi was stunning. Even though Kimono's were very feminine looking Kakashi just seemed to fit his. It was a deep cream with howling wolves that came over his right shoulder and around his left hip. There was a wind like pattern in grey and blue around it as he was also wearing tabi and wooden sandals but had his Tanto strapped to his hip. He had his usual mask on but this one was grey not black as he tossed me Akane.

'See something you like?' he asked as I grinned wolfishly.

'You know I wouldn't be opposed to staying here' I said wrapping my arms around his waist as he gave me an eye smile.

'neither would I but your brother might get suspicious' he whispered as I blushed. Woops forgot about that as I sighed in resignation. Damn being the head of a family. Kakashi laughed. 'come on we're going to be late' he said as I took two steps and remembered my jade barrettes. Quickly I grabbed them and pinned up my hair along with the senbon needle hair sticks the boys had bought me and slipped my Tanto into my Obi and Akane across my back as Kakashi smiled and gave me a quick kiss before taking my hand.

I could hear all of the noise downstairs as I came into the living room to squeals of delight from the girls. It looked like everyone I had met had decided to meet in my living room before going to the parade as a myriad of kimono colours made my eyes burn.

'Yuki-chan you're so CUTE!!!' Sakura and Ino squealed running over and fingering the silk of my kimono.

'Oh my gods this is real silk! And hand painted too where did you get this? It must've cost a fortune!' Ino gasped and ran her hands along my long sleeves as I blushed. Kakashi had moved off to talk with Tsunade as I caught them both glancing over to look at me.

'It was a gift' I said as both girls broke out into dreamy smiles.

'That's so romantic!' Sakura giggled as I smiled and noticed Hinata talking with Kiba as I managed to fight through the sea of silk to get to where they were standing.

'Hey Sis, Kiba-kun!' I called as they looked up and smiled.

'You look good Yuki-chan' Kiba said as I smiled.

'Thank you. You look nice yourself Kiba-kun and Hinata-chan you're gorgeous' I said as the shy girl turned crimson. She was wearing an all white kimono with lavender petals that dotted the hem and cuffs.

'Thank you Onee-chan' she said as I gave her a hug.

'No problem. Now teach me how to walk in these' I said pointing to my wooden shoes as Hinata giggled and gave mea quick lesson as I picked it up rather quickly. Still hurt like no tomorrow as Kakashi came to stand beside me.

'We're about to being' he said with a little distain as I kissed his cheek.

'Don't worry about it Kashi-kun. I know you hate these trivial traditional festivals but let's just make everyone else happy. We don't have to do this next year if you don't want to' I said as Kakashi gave me a smile but I knew he would follow me to the ends of the earth no matter what.

'Whatever you want' he said as I laughed and punched him. For someone who could be so cold and aloof he was a great lover as he growled and grabbed me in a fierce hug. There were a few cheers as I blushed and hid my face in his chest. Kakashi was something else as Tsunade commanded for the genin to start moving out as well as the chounins followed by the specialist jounin's the regular jounin's, family heads, ANBU and then herself. I had no idea where to go as Kakashi pulled me back so that we were just in front of Tsunade along with Shizune and two ANBU that I didn't recognize as the girl gave me a sweet smile and the man gave me a level cool stare and a nod to Kakashi.

ANBU; once you were in it no one forgot who you were it seemed as Kakashi grabbed my hand and I smiled at him giving him confidence. Kakashi was a shy person, he hated crowds and loud places preferring to be left alone and to his own devices. He really was like a breath of fresh air for me. Even though he could be infuriating when he was stuck on his opinion versus mine, but compaired to most relationships ours was easy and relaxed.

'It's good to see you relaxed Hatake' Tsunade commented as Kakashi I noticed had reverted to his lazy slouch and carefree attitude.

'Well, it's quite easy when you have someone relaxing to be around' he said as I smiled and looked back at Tsunade as she raised an eyebrow at me. She didn't believe Kakashi because she found me incredibly irritating probably because she knew she had no control over me because of my international status.

It was a quiet evening as the parade began. It was always just before sundown as we marched into town. It wasn't so much a march as a slowly walking mob of people as civilians bowed and cheered as their beloved protectors made themselves visible to their wards. As Kakashi, Tsunade and myself came around a corner a huge cheer went up for the hokage as I smiled. Tsunade was very loved here as she smiled and waved as little kids ran over to give her flowers and such. One girl even ran over to Kakashi and handed him a little carnation as he thanked her before she blushed and ran away to hide behind her mother.

He turned to me and slid the little pink flower behind my ear as I smiled. At that moment I realized that I would never leave Kakashi. As long as both of us were still alive and I hoped that would be for a long time we would still be together. He gave me one of his special eye smiles as I noticed his eyes held an inordinate amount of emotion as his normally warm brown eyes seemed like liquid chocolate that would wrap me in warmth forever.

'I love you' he whispered in my ear as I noticed we were nearing the festival as people continued to cheer anew when they saw Tsunade as she was being showered in flowers.

'I love you too Kashi-kun' I grinned as he gave me hand a squeeze and we arrived at the festival. Naruto and the others bounded over grinning from ear to ear at the sight of our clasped hands.

'Let's go play the goldfish game!' Naruto said as I laughed and agree as I met my genin squad already there trying to catch the little fish and not the turtles swimming around.

'Go Kouga-kun!' Kiko cheered as I noticed the boy was incredibly fast at catching the little wriggly fish. Momo was watching amazed as Naruto laughed and cheered on Kouga as well as the boy caught all but two fish in the tank in under 5 minutes.

'You have the best record of all time!' he laughed and handed the three genin their own little goldfish. I ruffled Kouga's hair as he showed me the little swimming creature.

'Good work Kouga-kun! I think you even put Naruto-kun to shame' I teased as Naruto stuck his tongue out at me as he battled with Sasuke to catch more fish. I rolled my eyes as I noticed Kakashi was having a shuriken throwing contest with Gai at a nearby booth as I wandered over. My team followed as I watched Gai going nuts while Kakashi looked extremely bored but was throwing six shuriken at a time and getting perfect hits every time.

'Go Kakashi-sama!' Kiko and Momo cheered as I smiled and put my hands on their shoulders as Kouga laughed at the clerk who was hiding trying to stay out of the jounin's contest and the flying deadly weapons. Rigged games were no match for ninja as Kakashi won by and extra three points when time was up.

'Alas Kakashi-san you once again bested me but we shall have a rematch sometime!' he said with a blinding smile and disappeared to talk with Asuma and Iruka as the shop clerk asked what prize Kakashi wanted. I noticed Momo was eyeing a panda as Kakashi looked at me.

'Panda' I said as Kakashi gave me a weird look but asked for the panda as I grabbed it. I loved stuffed animals but it was really for Momo as I handed the stuffed creature to the shy little girl. Her eyes went huge as she blushed crimson.

'th-thank you. Yu-yuki-s-s-ensei!' she stammered as I caught her before she fainted as Kouga sighed and gently hit her face trying to rouse her. Eventually she came round as Kakashi smiled and handed her the bear as Kiko grinned widely. She knew how much Momo looked up to the jounin as she clutched the large stuffed bear.

'Thank Kakashi-sensei not me Momo-chan' I said as the girl blushed an even brighter shade of red. Kakashi just smiled beneath his grey mask.

'You're welcome Momo-chan' he said as Momo fainted and I caught her. Deftly grabbing the bear before it fell to the street as Kouga rushed over to make sure his teammate would be okay, passing out was never good for a person. I laughed and moved her so that she was lying bridal style in my arms. She was surprisingly light for a twelve year old as Kakashi raised an eyebrow.

'We should go somewhere quiet so Momo-chan can rest' Kiko piped up as I smiled at her and Kouga.

'That's a good idea, should we go to the park?' I asked as they nodded and ran ahead as I carried Momo. Kakashi walked silently beside me his sandals not even making the usual click clack that mine did as I concentrated on not falling with the young girl in my arms. It was quite the daunting task.

'Have you ever thought of having a family Yuki-chan?' Kakashi asked out of the blue as I turned to stare openly at him. A family? The thought hadn't crossed my mind since I had been a little girl when dreams were reality before you were slapped by life into understanding what reality actually was. I smiled and looked at Momo as she breathed evenly almost like she was asleep.

'No, not since I was still an academy student myself' I said as Kakashi gave a 'hn' and returned to his usual goofy behaviour as I heard Iruka's light laugh and Kiba's gruff chuckle as we turned the corner to see Kouga showing his cousin his fish and Kiko showing Iruka the panda Kakashi had won for Momo as the adults heads looked up to see us approach. A wolfish grin crossed Kiba's face as he ruffled his cousin's hair.

'This might become a common sight, eh Iruka-sensei?' he laughed as I noticed how Momo must've looked cradled in my arms asleep. I blushed hotly as Kiba laughed and Kakashi shrugged.

'It probably will be Kiba-kun' Kakashi said completely blowing the comment out of the water with his blasé approach. I hid a smile as Momo stirred and opened her eyes.

'Wh-what happened?' she stuttered as I set her down and she looked at me with wide pale eyes.

'You fainted, here, Kiko-chan grabbed your bear before he fell' I said waving Kiko over as Momo blushed again but took the bear and hugged it smiling at me and the silver haired jounin beside me. I noticed Iruka had a huge smile stretched across his face pulling his scar across his nose taught as Kiba looked like the cat that ate the canary.

'Yuki-sensei you have to have some of the Tako Yaki!' Kouga said as I laughed and followed.

'have you ever had festival food before yuki-sensei?' Kiko asked as I shook my head.

'I haven't had much food from this side of the world. It's all so different from what I used to eat back home' I smiled as they loaded me up with different types of food as Kakashi trundled along watching the kids and I with good humour.

They made me try octopus balls, which were amazingly delicious, BBQ noodles that were an instant favorite, a pancake type of food, you could get just about anything on a stick. I had bananas, fruit covered in sugar, deep fired chicken, a snow cone, as I collapsed onto the big red blanket Kiba's family had brought as a spare as I rubbed my distended stomach.

'I haven't eaten this much in years!' I laughed as Kakashi said more fluidly than I had my team sat around us. Kouga had eaten nearly twice what I had and was currently chewing on some sweet dumplings as Kiko was downing her snow cone and Momo was hugging her panda.

'But you didn't eat much at all!' Kouga protested as I felt Sasuke's chakra flare as he walked over to our little blanket. I ruffled his hair as he glared at me.

'Yes I did, besides you'll get really fat if you eat like that all the time' I said as the genin pouted and stuffed another dumpling in his mouth. I looked up to see my brother staring at me as Nori padded over and stretched out beside me resting her head in Kakashi's lap.

'Yuki-chan!' Naruto called as he Sakura and Hinata bounded over. They were all out of breath as the collapsed on the blanket laughing. I rolled my eyes as the genin shuffled to make room. They all feared and respected the older ninja as Momo shuffled to sit even closer to me that normal as she peeked around me to look at Naruto.

Momo had always been shy but I think she looked up to the older men. Kakashi shifted so I could sit and use his chest as a backrest as Momo shifted as well, still trying to stay hidden by my massive sleeves as the fireworks started.

The array was stunning. I had never seen such beautiful or extravagant fireworks as they lit up the sky in images of butterflies and dragons. Coloured screamers flew through the sky making Momo jump and shuffle to nearly sit in my lap.

I leant back into Kakashi as he sighed and leant back on his hands as we stared at the sky.

'it's so beautiful' I heard Sakura sigh and Sasuke give a 'hn' in agreement as Hinata was kissing Naruto soundly. When had the kunoichi become so bold? Maybe having her life long crush all to herself had given the poor girl some confidence.

I glanced back at Kakashi as he was gazing at the sky with his relaxed bored stare. I knew he was enjoying himself as his eyebrow was crooked up in a half smile as he caught my stare and looked down at me.

'Is there something you need?' he asked as I smiled and shook my head before turning to stare back at the sky. A firework went up that split and became the village symbol as a huge cheer went out amongst the crowd. I smiled, spring, the beginning of a new year a new change of pace as the frigid winter melted away leaving room for summer as A soft smile seemed to cross my face as a devious idea came to me. Momo had stopped hiding and was talking with Kouga and Kiko as I turned slightly in Kakashi's lap once again to look at him.

He was watching me with a hint of amusement as I grinned and tackled him into a hug. His back hit the ground with a thump as our legs went into the air as the other teens and children erupted into giggles as Kakashi burst out into laughter. Not his normal little chuckle but full blown laughter. The sound was so enchanting I froze just listening. Kakashi had an amazing laugh, it was a shame he didn't laugh more as I hugged him tightly. He returned the favour still chuckling as there was an odd explosion. That didn't sound like a firework as even the ground seemed to shake with the force of the explosion. Quickly I jumped up as did the other ninja and looked up for the commotion.

Bright orange flames licked the sky as massive volumes of smoke poured into the sky from where the front gate was. My chest felt like a lead weight as civilians were fleeing with the aid of other shinobi and more ninja were rushing to inspect what had happened to the gates.

'Yuki-chan take the genin to the hideout then meet me at the house' Kakashi commanded as I nodded and shucked off my wooden sandals. Kakashi and the others disappeared with a transportation jutsu as I looked at me team. The three genin were scared stiff as I shook them slightly trying to get them to peel their eyes off of the site ahead of them.

'Come on we have to go!' I said as they sprang into action. We ran along the field toward the hokage mountain. People were being evacuated to a safe house that the ANBU had hidden deep within the mountain as Genma stood just outside with Iruka ushering people inside as I arrived with my genins. Iruka looked surprised as I looked at my team, crouching down to their level.

'Listen, Do what Iruka-sensei tells you to do okay? I cant come with you I have to protect the village so make sure everyone inside is safe okay?' I said as Momo and Kiko nodded tears in their eyes as Kouga looked shaken and frightened.

'We want to come with you!' Kouga snapped as I smiled and ruffled his hair.

'No, we need you if something should happen to us older ninja. You guys are the next to protect the village.' Another explosion cut me off as there were shouts and a few screams as Iruka looked at Genma. Both chounin and jounin looked concerned as I gave my team a hug. 'Go, be safe' I said as Momo broke out into wails. Poor girl, he really wasn't cut out to be a shinobi as Iruka moved them all along in the tunnel.

'You look stunning Yuki-san. Good luck' Iruka smiled as I nodded and used the teleportation jutsu to jump back to the house. I landed in my room and dressed for a battle in my dragon armor. That's when something cool and hard hi my foot. I looked down to see my dragon mask.

Gently I picked it up and turned it over as a little slip of white paper fell out of it. I caught it and opened it to see the elegant script within written by none other than Itachi.

'Found this, thought you might want it'- Itachi Uchiha

Well as least Itachi was still the same impersonal persona s ever as I grabbed my chakra cloak in case I needed reinforcements. Another explosion rattled the timber of the old house as I met with the group in the kitchen. People were shouting over one another as Kakashi bellowed for quiet. It was scary. The normal silent jounin making such a horrific noise startled me as the noise died down.

'Now, it is orochimaru that is attacking Konoha. He has amassed and army that is flooding through trying to destroy the town. We need to take down orochimaru before the masses, he has amounted more ninja than we have so at all costs go for Orochimaru.' Kakashi said as we all nodded now dressed for battle as he outlined out plan of attack. Nori had shown up as she looked at me with large green eyes. She was ready for an attack I could tell by her stance as we broke and headed out.

I landed on a rooftop to survey the damage. It was a nightmare, I thought I had landed in the seventh circle of hell. Flames roared eating building as missing-nin flooded through the streets fighting all of our shinobi. Bodies littered the streets as Nori growled. It made me want to cry. Beautiful Konoha, my home, was burning. People were screaming as they died and the dark bodies seemed to crawl over everything. My mind reeled, this wasn't supposed to happen! How could this have happened and no one saw it coming? My mind raced through all of the information I had collected over the last few weeks as Nori interrupted me.

'Ready to find that bastard?' Nori asked as suddenly everything clicked into place. Amassing missing-nin, sound in chaos, the patrols, Orochimaru's disappearance, my kidnapping, the torture, the frightening warning pinned to the city gate.

It was all planned.

This was an entire complex plan, Orochimaru had dissolved Sound as a cover for him to watch who we sent on patrols to count how many jounin and chounin we had. Then, after knowing our numbers, he could amass an army large enough to distract us while he did two things. First, destroy Konoha and secondly, get the forbidden jutsu scroll.

Everything clicked into place as Nori looked at me.

'I know that face, you just thought of something' she said as I explained how everything had just connected as her fur bristled. She looked at me seriously 'You have to find Tsunade and tell her what is going on' Nori said as I nodded and we took off for hokage tower.

Getting to the city centre was harder than imagined as the missing nin had poured themselves out over every city roof and street. Twisting I gutted a particularly smelly rock ninja as he grunted and fell off the roof as I kicked his shoulder to pull Akane out of his gut. I parried a blow from behind as a completely masked ninja that looked like he had been hiding in a mud hole for years used a silencing jutsu. It was quite disorientating as the world went completely silent and I had to focus on just using sight and smell to know where he was.

Nori thankfully finished him off as I gave her a signal and ripped his head from his shoulders in one powerful stroke. His head flew off the side of the building as more ninja seemed to crawl up and onto the roof.

'WE don't have time for this!' I shouted, I couldn't even hear my own voice as I jumped on Nori and she leapt cleanly from rooftop to roof top. Some of the ninja dared to send ninjutsu after us as I blocked with the best of my ability using a concealing jutsu for both Nori and I. Oddly enough it seemed that I could draw upon the chakra within the cloak the Akatsuki gave me giving me an insanely large reserve to draw from thanks mostly to Kisame.

I could feel Nori's voice rumble as she spoke to me but I couldn't hear anything at all as she gave me a sympathetic glance. Maybe Tsunade would know how to counter it as a massive explosion rocked the city sending fragments of charred concrete to rain upon the town. I caught a piece and threw it at a missing nin catching him smack between the eyes and killing him before he could kill the wounded chounin he had been advancing on.

I surveyed the damage. We were taking heavy casualties and the rouges just seemed to continue pouring into Konoha. We needed help badly. Hokage tower loomed as we landed on the roof outside of Tsunade's office and hammered on the glass. I watched as Shizune came running from a backroom as did Tsunade as they unlocked the window and I slid in.

I knew they were shouting and pointing but I couldn't hear them as Nori explained what had happened to me. Tsunade immediately came over and put a finger in my ear. I felt a jolt as my ear ached before sound returned to my senses.

'Now, what is the problem?!' she snapped as I sighed.

'I now know what Orochimaru's plans are, attacking the city is a diversion. He wants the forbidden jutsu scroll. That's what he was torturing me about. The location of the scroll and after that failed, which he knew it would he waited for us do to exactly what you did. He watched and counted our patrols as we check in on sound. All of this was planned!' I said as Tsunade looked shocked and Shizune fainted.

'Fuck, why didn't I see that!' Tsunade cursed and punched the wall causing a crater to spiderweb out from the force of the blow. She turned flaming amber eyes to me.

'We're taking on heavy casualties and we need reinforcements. As much as I Hate it I need you to bring in the Akatsuki. They're the only ones I know that can help us now. We also need to hide the scroll.' She said taking out a tiny little slip of a scroll no bigger than my thumb. I blinked. That was the scroll.

'There is a size jutsu on it' Nori explained as I nodded. Tsunade looked at me gravely.

'we need to hide it as best we can. Preferably with a person. Do you know who?' she asked as my mind flew, I needed an inconspicuous person someone who could fade into the background and disappear at a moments notice. Immediately the perfect person came into mind view. Momo. The girl was so quiet and plain that she could hide in a crowd anywhere. Plus she was a genin, no one would suspect such a low ranking ninja to carry the best secret of the village.

'I know who' I said as Tsunade nodded. I pulled my Akatsuki cloak out of my sash and put it on as Tsunade winced. She obviously wasn't accustomed to seeing the cloak without remembering difficult times. I smiled apologetically and climbed back onto Nori. The Akatsuki would be on their way immediately. Itachi was one to be prompt and he was scary when he wanted to be. Nori hit a nearby rooftop and looked at me.

'Where are we going?' she asked as I looked down at her.

'Hokage mountain. We have to find Momo' I said as Nori gave me a surprised look before she gave a firm nod.

'That's a good plan. No one would suspect her' she said as I agreed. I was glad for my mask as I pushed chakra into my eyes. The world exploded into colour as everything became vividly apparent. Konoha was being reduced to ashes and ruin as I saw Tsunade bound away toward the worst of the battle where we all knew orochimaru would be waiting.

I created three clones of myself and Nori then consealed ourselves and headed toward the mountain. I hoped Kakashi was alright as I deftly beheaded a rogue and impaled another as we tried to remove as many threats as possible on out way. It was tedious. There were so many of them as I was hit more than a few times by shuriken and kunai. I was luck enough to not be hit with any of the really dangerous weapons as Nori was able to dodge most of their attacks. I was glad that I had trained with the large cat now as I dodged a punch aimed for my head and cut the man's throat as he fell to the roof top with a strangled gurgle.

We had to make it to the mountain as I gave up and used a teleportation jutsu. I landed with a thump on a slick surface as my feet gave way and I fell back onto my rear as my tail bone protested at the rough treatment.

The stench of blood seemed to coat everything as I paled. Oh no, please no. let them be alright. Nori appeared beside me as I noticed the dead bodies around me. Some were Konoha shinobi others were rogues as I saw Izumo's wheezing frame leaning against a wall where he had a massive shuriken sticking out of his back.

'IZUMO!' I yelled getting to my feet and catching the young man before he fell. He was bleeding severely as he looked up at me as if dazed and confused. He had lost too much blood. I pulled out the shuriken as he screamed in pain as I did my best to heal what I could so that he might live.

'Yuki-san….the, civilians…they managed to get to… the back chambers. Please… get them out before they find them' he panted as Nori gave a rumble of agreement. I nodded and set him gently against the wall. Izumo wouldn't die, but he had been close when I had appeared.

'Izumo-san stay here and rest, we'll send help okay?' I said as he nodded and I wiped some blood off of his lip and he gave a shaky nod.

't-tell, Iruka-san that… I-I'm sorry about Genma-san and Kotetsu-kun' he wheezed as dread settled in my stomach. Were Kotetsu and Genma dead? Or maybe they had escaped? I nodded and looked at Nori she shook her head.

'They're fine they're not amongst the casualties here' she said as I felt a little better and took too into the gloom. It was eerie running along the tunnels as all I could hear was my breath and my footsteps slapping on the bare earthen floor. The tunnels seemed to stretch forever as soon I heard frightened voices. I turned right only to see a caved in wall as I backtracked and continued down the hall. The voices became louder as my footsteps ran by another caved wall and everything fell silent.

'They're here' Nori said as I nodded. I pulled my arm back and infused the muscles with chakra as I slammed my hand into the rubble causing the boulders to fly away and create a little entry way as I scrambled through.

'DON'T HIT ME!' I waved me arms as I saw the various shinobi armed and ready to strike as I pulled off my mask. There was relieved sigh as I was tackled into three different hugs from my genin team.

'YUKI-SENSEI!' they bawled as I hugged them and Iruka jogged over.

'What's happening outside?' he asked as I frowned.

'It's not good. We're taking heavy casualties. I found Izumo-kun by the front of the cave. He's the only survivor. He said to tell you that he's sorry but Genma-san and Kotetsu-san have disappeared. We have no idea where they went' I said as Iruka looked pained and the colour drained from his face. My genin were scared at the others from the class came and crowded around me. I held my team in my arms, I wanted them all to be safe. I knew that hiding them was killing them. They wanted to help save their home but we needed them here. They were our future and needed to be kept safe. I put a hand on Iruka's shoulder to steady him.

'Izumo-kun will be alright I healed him as much as I can but if you can get him from the front of the caves and bring him here he'll be safer.' I said as Iruka nodded and left shouting orders.

I looked down at Momo who was crying as I gently took her , Kiko and Kouga off to the side. They all looked incredibly scared and worried as I gave them another hug.

'Listen. Momo-chan I need you to hide and guard this with your life. You must never let anyone other than me or the hokage ever get this from you alright?' I said handing her the little scroll. She nodded and tucked it inside of her shirt as I looked at the other two.

Kouga was trying his best to be brave for the girls but I knew he was terrified as was Tomodachi who was trying to hide in the boy's hair. Kiko was a wreck, shaking almost as bad as Momo was but she looked closer to hysterics than the peach girl did as I hugged them again.

'now, Kouga-kun be strong for your teammates. You are a great Inuzuka. Kiko-chan, you're a genius. You could rival sakura-chan some day. I want you both to protect Momo-chan and that scroll with your lives. That scroll is vital to all of Konoha. Don't let anyone take it alright?' I said as they all nodded. I gave them a warm smile. 'Now I have to go help fight. If I don't come back remember I'm very proud of all of you and you have been an amazing team' I said as they all burst into tears and hugged me. I looked up to see Iruka was a sad smile as we both nodded to one another as Nori padded over. I looked down at the children and gave them one last squeeze before disappearing with a transportation jutsu.

I landed on top of Hokage mountain and looked out over the city. It looked like the gates of hell had opened as the city burned. Explosions rocked various parts as people swarmed the city like ants. Red seemed to coat everything in places as I felt sick. I hated war. It never decided who was right. It only decided who was left still standing.

I didn't have to turn as I felt the enormous set of chakra flares coming from my right as I drew Akane and turned to face my newest opponents. Black cloaks and red clouds assaulted my visions as a smile crept over my face. In front of my stood Itachi, Kisame, Deidara, Sasori, Hidan, Tobi, and Kakuzu. A grin split my face. I didn't think leader-sama would've allowed them to get involved in this as a fuzzy figure stepped out of the ranks. Immediately I bowed quite low. It was leader-sama. I knew he didn't have a very forgiving temper as I held my low bow as he approached.

'it seems you little town is burning.' He stated as I kept my head down. He seemed pleased by this. I was not about to let my pride get in the way now if it meant saving Konoha, saving Kakashi and all those I held dear.

'yes, leader-sama' I said still bent over. He didn't seem to say anything as he came closer.

'Stand up' he commanded as my back went ramrod straight. He was a few feet from me and watched my much like a big cat would a canary as he circled me. I stared straight ahead. Best not to make eye contact as the Akatsuki held firm at the far end of the field.

'You want our help. But what are you willing to give us in return for our help?' he asked as I swallowed. Of course, an arm for an arm, Leader-sama was always a very reasonable man as I looked at the others for help. Their expressions were hard and cold. No help there.

'What is it that you wish of me in return for your help?' I asked as leader-sama gave a laugh. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end as I held myself still. I would not cave to him as he circled me.

'Well, I enjoy having a spy within Konoha. Someone who can keep us… updated on everything going on around this area.' He stopped to look me in the eyes. 'Especially they kyuubi' he said as I felt my blood run cold. Naruto. He wanted Naruto. I was not about to give up my friend for their help.

'I wont give you Naruto-kun if that is what you want leader-sama' I said as he waved a hand at me.

'Naruto-kun is the least of our problems. I can send the others to collect him when the time is needed. What I want from you is to continue being a double agent for us.' He said as my stomach dropped. Double agent. Sharing Konoha's secrets with the Akatsuki. It was so dangerous and I'd be going against everyone in the village. It would make it insanely easy for them to destroy Konoha if they felt like it. I had been trained to be a double agent that was my job that was why I couldn't be trusted. Rin came first. It always had. I looked into Leader's holographic eyes as another explosion rocked the city.

Dammit, well at least if it really came down to it I would kill myself before I gave over any insanely precious information about Konoha to them. But Konoha needed all of the help they could get and the Akatsuki were the best help we could possibly get.

Was selling my soul worth the safety of all of the others?

I looked at Itachi's flinty eyes. I knew he would want to see Konoha burnt to the ground for what they had put him thought. But this wasn't his battle anymore, it was mine and I knew what I had to do.

'I'll do it if you help kill Orochimaru' I said as Leader's eyes seemed pleased. My stomach churned. I had just sold my soul to a living demon as he turned to look at this group.

'Looks like dear Yuki-chan is an Akatsuki after all. Itachi-san you are in command' he said as fizzed out. My knees felt weak and I felt nauseous at what I had just done as Kisame and Deidara came to stand beside me.

'You did what was best, Hm' Deidara said as I nodded. I still felt ill as Nori gave me a distressed look. She knew that what I had done had been to save my loved ones but at what cost to myself I didn't know.

'Let's kick some snake ass!' Hidan snapped cracking his knuckles as he let out a psychotic laugh. Well same old same old it seemed as Itachi came to stand beside me.

'Rules are simple. Attack missing nin, leave the leaf ninja. Find and kill orochimaru' he said and jumped. we all followed landing on a roof top and moving as a rather spread unit across the various rooftops.

No one stood in our way.

It must've looked frightening to see the black and red mass streaming across the rooftops toward the thickest of the fighting. Rogues ran for their lives but most were cut down with simple jutsu or weapons. I heard a wicked laugh from above me as Deidara jumped on one of his birds and was dropping bombs on the unsuspecting missing nin.

I really was in league with a bunch of psychos as we landed at the opening of the front gate. The moment we landed everyone froze and turned to look at us. I stood in between Kisame and Itachi as I brandished a sword.

'Tell us where Orochimaru is' I roared as no one dared to breathe. I felt Itachi's sharingan spin as he was waiting to unleash his genjutsu. Not a soul dared to move as the sound of fighting behind us roared.

'Akatsuki' the whisper seemed to echo around the crowd as some missing nin ran for their lives. Most were cut down before they had a chance to escape as the Konoha ninja looked confused.

'WHERE IS OROCHIMARU!' I bellowed as Kisame grabbed one of the fleeing rogues and dragged him over to me. I looked at him, all he could see was the dragon mask as he cowered under my stare. 'Tell me where he is' I hissed as the man looked like he was going to wet himself. Itachi focused the sharingan on him as my own spun pushing fear into his body.

'Half a mile north east from the city!' he shouted before Kisame broke his neck in one movement.

'let's move' Itachi said as I followed. Kakuzu and Hidan decided to stay along with Tobi who seemed to have changed as I saw him killing the rogue ninja in rather… gruesome ways before taking a bearing and heading off toward where we had been Told Orochimaru would be.