Chapter 28- I Fucking Hate Lightning Users

"Hi!"

I rolled my eyes already having felt Kushina's sudden appearance.

This did not apply to Obito as he fell off his chair.

"Kushina-san!"

Said women snickered and sat down on my booth, successfully pushing me in towards the window.

"What?" She grinned. "It was just too easy!"

Obito opened his mouth but another voice cut in.

"Don't worry about her, Obi-kun."

I blinked in surprise, having not immediately noticed the other person.

"Miko-chan!" he grinned, moving over for his elder cousin.

His elder cousin, that was actually my Anbu teacher.

Mikoto Uchiha sat down on Obito's side of the booth, looking over at Kushina.

"What luck do we have!" My old teacher grins answering my unasked question. "We decide to catch up on Dango, and you too were already here to reserve a spot for us!"

"Eh!" Obito exclaimed. "You two are friends?"

"Kushina is my best friend, Obi-kun."

He scratched his head in question.

"Oh, I didn't know that!"

I bit back a laugh, before catching the eye of my senpai.

"So you must be the Rei-chan that these two keep talking about." She smiled and nodded her head. "My name is Mikoto Uchiha, it is nice to meet you."

I curbed the need to glance over at Kushina, to see her reaction.

There is no doubt what Mikoto was doing here. By approaching me in our everyday lives, she is inviting me into her life. This is no longer just a senpai taking care of their kohai. She is offering me friendship, a chance to be in her life.

"Likewise, My name is Reika Hyuga."

Why would she do that?

"Miko-chan is also the matriarch of the clan, but she is more laid back than her husband." Obito supplied with a grin.

"Careful he doesn't hear you say that, Obi." Mikoto scolded. "He is your patriarch."

The black-haired boy ducked his head before looking around as if Fugaku was going to jump out from the tables around us.

Kushina laughed.

"He won't do anything! That stick in the mud wouldn't dare to deny the truth if I'm here."

She looked over at the exasperated Mikoto and winked as if they were sharing a secret. I raised my cup of tea, and prepared to take a sip, but never swallowed.

"And I also have lots of blackmail." The Uzumaki stuck her hand up and called over the waitress. "Now, let's get some dango for Mikoto's cravings!"

I coughed up the hot tea, trying to wipe the smiled from my lips.

Mikoto's cravings…

Dango…

Chibi Itachi…

"Are you okay Rei?" Kushina asked, tapping my back. I waved her off, tearing up.

"Yeah, went down the wrong tube."

Mikoto sent me a questioning look but was cut off by Obito's enthusiasm.

"Dango? I wonder if my little cousin will like sweets!"

-.-

"Reika!" My mother called, knocking on my bedroom door.

I groaned before rolling over and shoving my head back under the pillow.

My whole body hurt, and to be frank. Mikoto and Okaa-san had kicked the shit out of me yesterday.

"Your hand signs are too slow!" Karasu kicked through my earth wall, and I barely got out of the way before my mother engaged me in hand to hand combat.

Her finger sunk into my shoulder right at the end of my replacement jutsu. This causing it to fail.

I hissed and moved away once again, but was cornered by the shadow clone of my teacher.

"Stop running away and fight Reika!" my mother ordered before they both went in at the same time.

"Reika! Kakashi is here!" I felt the need to flip off my mother but knew that wasn't the best idea. Especially when she could see through walls.

"Coming." My voice cracked full of sleep as I slide down my mattress and put on my Anbu armor under my clean clothes.

My outer gear and insignia went next.

Once ready, I grabbed my mission's bag, propped it on my shoulder and moved to the door.

Just like my mother said, Kakashi stood there, chatting.

"Hey Rei," He grinned, his eyes full of excitement. "Ready for a mission?"

I knew he was just as happy as I was about going on a mission together.

It would be a first.

And it would also be my first time outside the village since Seiichi and Tsubasa's death.

"Take care, okay?" Okaa-san said patting my head. "And listen to Minato, both of you."

I rolled my eyes and slipped on my shoes.

"This isn't my first mission, Okaa-san," I told her. Her eyes became slightly glossy as if she was going to cry, but she sucked it up fast.

"I know, but don't blame me for worrying."

The door closed behind us, and we hurried through the glares to the gates of the compound.

"This is going to be great," Kakashi stated, motioning between us. "And we have to do great on this mission. This way the Hokage will be impressed and will let us be on the same genin squad this year."

I blinked in surprise.

"This year?" I asked.

"Yes, he told Minato-sensei that he wants him to teach a squad next."

I hummed, before following him to the gates. How long until then?

6 months?

"Hey, you two." Minato greeted as he finished signing us out. "Ready to get going?"

"Good Morning, Minato-san," I said back walking right into step with him. A sudden huff answered me from the sides of the gate, distracting my movements.

Kakashi gave a short whistle and Bull got up from the ground and moved to greet me.

I scratched his ear, knowing full well that throughout this mission, he would be in a different state of mind. Like guide dogs, when on duty, they were not to be treated like regular ones.

With one last pat, I turned back to my companions.

"Now I'm ready," I told them. Minato grinned before turning to the gates and jumping into the trees.

We ran in a diamond. Minato up front, me in the back with Bull and Kakashi flanking the sides.

"What's the mission?" I asked my squad leader flicking my Byakugan on and scanning around us.

"As I said at Ichiraku's two days ago it is a C-rank." He told me. "We are going to the Eastern border and will be meeting up the test raid. The Hokage needed to send some last minute orders to them, so he is sending us."

"That's a C-rank?" I asked, surprised. "That sounds more like a B!"

"In wartime, the ranks are a tad bit different, but we can handle it. The Hokage usually gives me these types of missions to do solo. Really I'm just letting you guys tag along for the experience."

But these are the types of missions that usually go wrong. Worry curled in my gut and I stamped it down quickly.

Nothing will happen to them. These are members of canon.

"Why do you usually do these solo?" Kakashi asked and I tuned back in. Minato looked back and a grin spread on his face.

"That is because I am the fastest shinobi we have." He said and it didn't even sound smug. It was a fact.

That meant one thing. One thing that made me feel a whole lot better.

He already knew the Hirashin.

-.-

It took us a total of three days to make it to the coast and another to run into patrols.

Or rather, they ran into us.

"Leaves flutter…"

We stopped, and after having already warned Minato, he prepared the response.

"In a peaceful village." He answered.

I didn't recognize the three men but it seemed to be the right answer.

"Welcome Minato-san." The head Jonin called before he looked over at the two of us who had flanked our superior. "Who are these two?"

Minato laughed before moving to meet him. The other two jonin moved behind us.

"My apprentice Hatake Kakashi, and his nin-kin Bull, and Genin Hyuga Reika." He replied and we headed out once again, this time in another direction.

I discretely turned back on my Byakugan and watched us move towards a large blue dome.

"What's in the dome?" I asked as we reached the perimeter.

"You'll see," Was my answer.

I understood once we took a step through the barrier.

It was a base camp.

"Come on, let's get you to Orochimaru-Taicho."

Orochimaru?

"Rei?" Kakashi looked over at me and I schooled my features.

"Are we really going to be meeting one of the Sanin?" I asked, for nothing more than information.

Minato smiled.

"Are you that nervous to meet a Sanin, Reika? That is surprising." He teased.

"I'm not nervous." I bit back, but his eyes still seemed to be laughing at me.

Bull brushed up against me as if to tell me that he was here and not to be nervous and I glared at Kakashi and his pinched mask.

I'll give him something to be nervous about.

We came across a large tent with two guards stationed just outside.

"Orochimaru-Taicho, Minato and his team have arrived." The Jonin called from the outside.

"Enter."

I took a deliberate breath before I followed my temporary teammates into the tent.

Orochimaru was not much different than how the anime portrayed him. Snake-like, yellow-eyed, black-haired and fair skinned.

"Good Afternoon, Orochimaru-san." Minato smiled.

Surprisingly, said man rolled his eyes.

"I think we are beyond pleasantries Minato. And do tell me if you have seen your sensei lately?" He complained. "He's being a fool even more than usual! Had an unfortunate run-in with him last week and he keeps talking about wanting to write a book! The Idiot needs to be able to write for that!"

I rubbed my chin on my shoulder, trying to stop my smile from appearing on my face.

Probably one of the most hated characters in all of Naruto, complaining about his teammate.

The blond-haired man chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.

"I'm not my teacher's keeper, Orochimaru-san." He chuckled. "But that aside, I am here with a message."

Orochimaru schooled his features, turning directly towards us, leaning on the large table set in the middle. A large map had been placed on it, laying out the elemental nations.

"What does sensei want?" he asked. "We are about ready to move."

"He sent us with this." Minato pulled a scroll out of nowhere and tossed it over the snake.

Orochimaru unraveled it and looked it over.

One, Twice, and Thrice.

"Last I heard, you had only one Apprentice." The Sanin said closing it up with a snap. His yellow eyes looked over at Kakashi and I tried to resist the urge to flinch.

If I remember correctly this guy had been in league with Danzo. At least partly. My hand twitched next to my kunai holster and I met his eye with mine.

Try it.

"Yeah! Kakashi is mine, Reika was Kushina's student until Team 6 disbanded. She's waiting to be placed on a new squad with the next rotation." Minato supplied.

Thanks for just giving out everything, Genius.

The yellow-eyed man hummed before nodding to the entrance.

"Is this their first time at a base camp?" he asked.

"Kakashi's," Minato answered, and I felt said boy shift next to me.

"They must be curious to check it out."

That was a dismissal if I ever heard it.

"Ah? Without a guide?" Minato hesitated.

"By the way it looks, There are similarities to the Kumo border camp." I piped up. "I doubt we will get lost."

I wanted to be gone from Orochimaru's sight. He wasn't as scary as Danzo, but still. If he was going to start performing experiments on children, all the more if he is already doing it, I didn't want to be known by him more then I had to.

Minato caught our eyes before giving us a smile.

"All right, I'll find you guys after." He instructed. "Don't stray too far, and stay together."

I glanced lightly over at Kakashi and I could see the pinch in his mask.

"When do we ever cause trouble, Minato-sensei?"

-.-

We stayed at the border camp for a good week.

And on day two of that week, we were found by someone I really should have expected, and surprised by another.

"And what is this?"

Rolling my eyes I turned to face my once-teacher.

"Who are you?" Kakashi glared lightly and I couldn't help but think it was just so cute, him trying to defend me. But the other completely disregarded him.

"And here I thought I was finally rid of you."

"It is nice to see you too, Fugaku-sensei."

The Uchiha was leaning against a nearby tree as Kakashi and I were helping with transporting supplies.

"Sensei?" Kakashi asked me.

"Yes, he is the one Kushina-sensei had help me with my basic elemental training," I replied to my best friend.

"Had? You are lucky I gave you the time of day, brat." He crossed his arms, looking as douchey as usual, but he stilled as I grinned.

"Really? I heard Kushina-sensei blackmailed you into it!" I retorted.

I heard snickering next to me and held my hand out for a high five from Kakashi who supplied.

The Uchiha Patriarch frowned and glared at me.

"And where would you have heard that annoying thing has any blackmail on me?"

Checkmate.

"Your wife," I replied.

I snickered even harder as his eyebrow twitched harder.

"As if you would know my wife!" He defended.

Kakashi and I shared a look before Bull sneezed and got up. He made his way over to the tree line, closer to the edge of camp and crouched down, his tail flat, back to us.

"I agree!" I called to the overgrown mutt before pointing to him. "Bull Shit."

Kakashi started to cough dropping his box and crouching as well to try and quiet his laughter.

It didn't help much before we were both almost crying.

Did I ever tell you how much I love Bull?

He and I just get along so well… We get each other.

"Obito was saying that Kushina and someone called Miko-chan crashed your lunch yesterday," Kakashi said wiping his eyes.

"She did not." Fugaku bit, I could almost see the horror in his eyes.

This is no longer me being trained by Karasu-senpai. This is being personally acquainted with the matriarch of the Uchiha clan. His wife. And being acquainted with her means it would not be weird to let's say, swing by and say hello every once in a while. Or even get closer to the family.

"Yup," I told him. "I guess you won't be rid of me any time soon."

Fugaku opened his mouth to retort when another chakra signature cut him off.

"You know, I thought I raised you better than to be teasing another of higher rank."

I looked up and with a grin. I let myself lean into the chest of the ninja behind me, thankful that he had not heard the language I was wielding just before.

"Good Morning, Otou-san." I grinned up at the Hyuga.

"Oh! Hello Hizashi-Oji-san!" Kakashi grinned next to me, both of us the picture of innocence.

His hand fell onto my shoulder and he gave me an amused look.

"Please forgive my daughter and her friend for their disrespect, Uchiha-sama." My father said with a bow of his head.

Surprisingly, Fugaku waved him off.

"Relax, Hizashi-san. I think this is your daughter's payback for my harsh training."

He gave me a knowing look.

"I've had worse." I snarked back at him.

Unlike I thought would happen, he smirked over at me.

"I think that comment warrants diaper duty once my child is born." He threatened. "Since Mikoto has all but given you the keys to the house."

Opening my mouth I was going to bite back a response when I thought about it.

"If I'm going to be doing diaper duty, I want Nee-chan rights!" I said picking back up my box of supplies.

"Wait. What?" he growled. "Who said you get…"

"No take backs!"

And without further ado, I activated the Shunshin, using a one-handed seal.

-.-

My father found me later that night and sat beside me. Kakashi and Bull already asleep. Minato was eating a bowl of stew the camp had prepared that night.

"Since when do you know One-hand seals?" he asked sitting next to me.

I smiled and handed over my canteen. He took it with a soft smile and sipped at it.

"One-handed seals?" Minato looked up surprised.

I scratched my head in embarrassment.

"It's only the Shunshin…"

My father ruffled my hair. Batting away his hand, I tried to fix the mess my hair had become.

"That is still kind of impressive since you have only known the Body Flicker for a month or so." Minato praised.

The praise made my cheeks feel hot, and I hid behind my own bowl, finishing it.

"Okaa-san has been helping me," I muttered before realizing something important.

My father didn't know I was in Anbu. Not yet anyway.

"She got back alright?" Hizashi smiled, his crystal eyes softening.

"Yes, she had eyestrain, but other than that, she was pretty much okay," I told him, playing with the ends of my kimono top.

Watching him exhale was like watching a weight fall off his shoulders.

It was one less thing to worry about.

Was it wrong of me to not want to tell him? That I was in Anbu?

That night, I slept with my back to my father, snuggled in my sleeping bag, him in his.

It felt nice to see him, to be able to spend time with him.

Come three nights later, Minato, Kakashi, Bull and I were standing by, as the camp packed up, and the ninja grouped together.

"Alright. Let's move out." Orochimaru yelled. One by one the Shinobi and Konichi jumped into the trees, following the Sanin.

"Be good to your Mother and Minato-san." My father said and squeezed my shoulder once.

No other goodbyes were said before he flew into the trees after then men.

I jumped as another hand landed on my head. At the same time, a piece of a paper slide into my hand.

"Give this to Mikoto."

Fugaku jumped after them, pushing forward to the head of the pack of 100 ninjas, all with their chakra signature, next to Orochimaru.

I watched them go, leaving not only the camp but the dome.

Activating my Byakugan, I watched the dome fall apart for the top down, canceling the jutsu.

"Minato-san," I asked him before I slide the folded piece of paper into a safe pouch.

"Yes Reika-chan?" he replied, tapping his sandals to remove the little rocks that he had in them.

"This isn't going to be a raid is it?"

He was silent.

"It's too big to be one." My best friend supplied catching on as well.

At the heart of me, I knew what this was. And I could only hope that they all came back alive.

"Anyway, just letting you know that I'm finally being sent out," Fugaku told me.

I blinked in surprise.

"Anbu?" I asked.

He shook his head and shifted his weight, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Counter-attack."

"You are both right." He turned away.

"Mission Accomplished kids, let's go home."

I wish I could have said that was it.

But as always.

Shit happened.

-.-

The shaded scene with blue specs before me could only mean one thing.

"Group of seven to the northeast, engaged in conflict." I reported. "10 km away."

Minato flicked his head back and I felt Kakashi tensed to my right.

"Who is fighting?" he asked.

I zoomed in and took a look at what was going on.

"Three Konoha ninja, one Nin-kin." I paused taking a better look at their opponents. "Three Kumo ninja with Three Kumo tails."

"Catch." I blinked back only to catch the bingo book that he threw me. "Look over the Kumo section fast, who are they?"

Minato changed our direction, moving towards the conflict.

I did what was told of me when I really didn't need to.

Fear crept up inside me as I glanced over at my best friend.

This can't happen when he is here.

Please don't let him be hurt.

"A, and Killer Bee," I told our team leader, swallowing the lump in my throat.

The future Hokage stopped on the closest branch and faced me.

"Are you sure." He asked. His voice was calm and even like he had done this stuff before. And I honestly would believe he had.

I nodded before tossing it back.

Breathing seemed to be the loudest thing in our vicinity as I waited for our orders.

"Are we engaging, Sensei?" Kakashi asked. It was different to hear the slight worry in his voice. But that might also be because I know him so well.

Minato looked over at us as he weighed the options. We were two Genin and a nin-kin. Blinking, his eyes hardened.

He became the Yellow-Flash and looked at me for what I was. An Anbu trainee.

"Kakashi, I want you and Bull to circle around and head to the border, get us back up. Kumo was a step in front of us and decided to raid us."

I opened my mouth, wanting to tell him that Kakashi was going to get himself killed if he did that, but closed it soon after.

If Kumo is raiding us with such key pieces, then it is better for our counter-attack if hit them…

Minato wants us to hold them off.

As a distraction.

I calculated the distance in my head, Kakashi could get back up from within 20 minutes.

"But…" Kakashi looked towards me. "I can fight."

"Out of you and Reika, you are faster. I need you to get to the border, you do remember where it is right?"

"Yes."

Bull barked and Kakashi sighed but jumped on his back. He sent me one last worried look before taking off.

"Reika…" Minato said, his voice just as hard as his eyes. Serious, like the leader he would become. "Are you fit for combat?"

The last serious combat I fought in, was when Seiichi and Tsubasa died.

I sighed before sliding off my bag and pulling off my kimono. Stuffing it in, my hands slid on my mask. Blank, so much like root, but so different.

"I'll be fine," I told him, my voice slightly distorted. I know I would. It has been months, and fighting was second nature to me.

So, I pulled in my chakra to the exact amount that Karasu instructed me to and waited for orders.

He nodded before he too pulled in his chakra. And he held out his hand.

"Pass over your bag, I'll seal it."

I nodded and watched him do that and stuff it in a pouch.

"Keep on the perimeter and pick off the tails that are following them. I'm going to engage the main raid." His hand touched my shoulder and I felt the invasion of foreign chakra on my armor.

"If anything, feed chakra into it, I'll know to come." He looked me in the eye and my respect for him only increased. "When you see Kakashi and the others on their way back, I want you to signal the retreat. You remember it, right?"

One long whistle, at just the right pitch.

"Yes." I fell back and circled around him.

Nervousness turned in my gut as I once again activated my Byakugan and watched my surrounding. This panic needs to leave. No one will die. This is not their time.

Inhale 10

Hold 20

Exhale 5

My movements were mechanical as I slipped from branch to another. Up into leaves before into another tree where I would be able to have a visual.

I hit the closest enemy at the same time that Minato appeared in defense of the border patrol.

He never realized that he was being attacked as a kunai through his ribs, up into his heart, instantly killing him.

Enemy Kunai hit my replacement log and I disappeared into the bush once again. I was watching as the Kumo kunoichi turned and listened, looking for my presence.

Refilling my usable chakra with pain-stricken slowness, I kept an eye on my target.

Breathed in when she did.

Exhaled as well.

The hunter hunting the prey.

My body slipped down from the branches, not letting a single noise escape and I hit the ground as soon as she did.

Earth Style: Head Hunter Jutsu.

I never got used to the feeling of moving through the earth, but the technique was useful as I moved under the ninja. Even better with my Byakugan, not having to rely on approximate location, but exact.

Fire? Water? Wind? Lighting? She was probably expecting one of those techniques where the user has to be above ground.

Earth user? Kohona was not known for its good earth users.

I pulled her below ground, clogging and shattering the chakra point in her spine, breaking the bone in the meantime.

She choked in pain. But the next thing she would see was that office lady. I sighed, replacing my foot on the ground from breaking her neck.

I zoomed out again and faded my way back into the trees.

Who is next?

My eyes brought me slightly back to Minato.

And I tell you.

The Hirashi is amazing.

Each one of his kunai, each one of his marks, held a bright blue indication of chakra and it was held at a constant rate. With every move he made it was only his chakra that would flicker. There was no disturbance in whatever seal he came from. There was no way to track it.

Oh! How I wanted that.

But sealing.

Zooming back out, I returned to my task tracking the other Kumo nin that was hiding in the trees.

The last one.

He wasn't a problem.

No, not at all.

It was what came after him that was the problem.

Using my Kekkei Genkai despite the itch on my eyes, I located Kakashi, riding on Bull only a few kilometers away, two squads of Kohona ninja behind him. So I sounded the whistle.

But after that?

I had no warning before I was tackled off the high branch, a sword aiming for my neck.

A hand immediately went to half a tiger seal and I shunshined out of the way.

Bright blond hair, nearly white, pulled up into a ponytail was the first thing I saw.

I swallowed and flew through more hand signs to match her own.

Earth Style: Mud Wall

Using it as a diversion. I launched myself back over it just as my opponent broke through.

Brute strength was the next thing that caught my eye.

My feet touched the ground and I fell into an open stance.

Gentle Fist 32 Palms

I hit the back of my opponent, realizing just how small they were.

The body turned into smoke just as instinct demanded that I duck.

She.

It was a she.

My light purple eyes met Emerald green through my mask.

What the fuck?

She didn't look more than 13 years old. But the open chunin vest on her shoulders warned me not to be deceived.

The shock went both ways, as the girl froze looking me over.

That was the mistake for her.

I sent over kunai, and she blocked them with her sword. Electricity seemed to spark around her lightly, concentrating on her weapon.

Diving out of the way was the only way to avoid the bolt that vaporized the branch I had stood on. I hit the ground and swore.

"Just my fucking luck! A lightning user!"

Earth Style: Earth Spear

A large earth pike erupted from the ground. A single slice broke it into pieces.

She's good.

Really good.

And a fucking lightning user to boot.

Wind. I need wind chakra.

"Fuck." I cursed, dodging out of the way.

Hesitating for barely a second she turned around, creases forming on her dark-skinned forehead.

"What did you just say?" her voice was soft. Not how I would have pictured her to be.

"Go suck a thousand dicks," I muttered.

That was my mistake.

Her eyes turned from astonishment to understanding, and finally anger.

She understood.

Her swing became wild, clearly full of emotion. That was my point of entry. She swung too large, allowing me to trap her arm and flick the sword out of her wrist.

I then hit a single tenkentsu point in her arm, closing one of her pathways, and she kicked me back.

The ground was hard, but I choked up the pain and rolled back. Three kunai wrapped in homemade seals flew out from my hands.

They detonated and ignited the trees.

I pulled my chakra back in and slide into the forest. Silently and vigilantly I made my way to the back of the forces, where Minato still stood, preparing to leave, the other Kohona ninja already gone.

Again, there was no warning before I was sent flying into yet another tree, my shoulder erupting in pain.

"What the fuck!" I hissed. "How the hell are you finding me!"

Quickly I relocated my shoulder, sloppily, but I didn't have a choice.

Next thing I knew, the lightning chakra was surrounding her and her feet were bunching.

I hissed and ran through the seal again.

Earth Style: Mud Wall

As she hit the wall, I was prepared. In pain, but in position.

8 Palms

16 Palms

32 Palms

My fingers felt like they had been held inside a deep fryer as I completed the next part of the sequence.

8 Trigrams 64 Palms.

This time, she was the one who was sent into a tree, cracking it with the force of the strike.

I gasped for breath, taking a quick glance at my blistering hands. Eyes snapping up was surprised to see her still moving, struggling to get up, blood rolling down her mouth. She coughed, and more came out.

"Who." She whispered in that past language. "Who are you?"

I froze in my approach. Her green eyes seemed to be staring right into me.

My eyes moved down her form taking in the black tattoo that encircled her arm.

I watched closely as her arms moved weakly up to the same level as her shoulders and snapped towards her shoulders.

Eight times after that she did the same movements. And I was an idiot for holding back at that moment.

There is no way she should know that.

Neigong. The non-combat style that increases Chi flow.

Swallowing my nerves, fear struck me, my limbs shaking. She unlocked her chakra points in her arms.

Neigong unlocks Chi points. Aka Tenketsu.

Why did I never think of that before?

Neigong returns the body to an even balance.

And why did I never continue it?

"You understand me." The girl whispered again.

My feet shook, but I refused to step back.

"Shut up." I lashed out. "And fight already."

Her chakra flared once again before it was pulled into her arm… into the dragon tattoo.

Reika, Reika, Reika. You should know by now that you shouldn't provoke your opponents.

Black Lightning.

Recognizing the technique I swore again before taking a gamble. Starting the sequence with Snake and ending with a clap I only needed a short gust of wind.

Wind Release: Gale Palm.

More explosive tags that I had sent went flying into the black being that rushed towards me, exploding and splitting the technique.

It didn't stop all of it though, and part of the jutsu hit me in my bad shoulder, making me fly past the tree line and into the clearing.

"Fuck!" I hissed. Coughing out blood and looking back up as the blond haired girl limped out of the treeline after me, her tattooed arm just as blistered as my fingers.

"Enough."

We both froze, seeing Minato, pointing his kunai to Killer Bee's head, and Killer Bee pointing a spike at his gut.

A was closest to us, and the one who had spoken.

"But A!" the girl said but swayed on her feet.

My eyes caught Minato's and he appeared next to me, his hand on my back, where he had placed his seal beforehand.

"You okay?" he asked me, his eyes never left the enemy.

My eyes traveled up to A, then the tentacle behind Bee before snapping back over to the girl.

"We are retreating as well, Maiko. Gather the others."

The girl, now known as Maiko, kept her eyes on me, questions floating around. Questions for me.

"She killed them all."

All Kumo eyes flickered to me and that was our cue to make our escape.

-.-

Minato, Kakashi and I were sent right back to the border, while the squad that Kakashi had sent for inspected the border once again to check on Kumo movements.

Minato and Kakashi reported to the person in charge of the border and I wasn't given a choice as to be sent to the medical tent.

Opening my eyes, mine caught those of my temporary teammates.

"Hi," I muttered.

Minato grinned.

"You need to stop ending up in the hospital every time you leave the village, kiddo."

I felt the need to flip him off, but with my fingers bandaged as they were and in so much pain I just rolled my eyes.

"Hey, Rei!" Kakashi asked. "What the heck did you touch? Your fingers were all bloody and blistered."

I thought about the best way to answer the question but decided just to say a fact.

"I hate Lightning Users."

This made Minato burst out laughing, his hands wiping the tears from his eyes.

Kakashi failed to see what was funny, so he ended up declaring that he would fight with us next time.

Barely able to move my fingers, I forced them to give him a thumbs up.

"Sure, you get Green eyes."

Minato smiled before turning to his apprentice.

"Hey Kakashi, do you mind getting us food while Reika gives me her report?" he asked.

I ignored, the reluctant attitude Kakashi gave our leader. Instead, I thanked karma that Minato had the sense not to pull Kakashi into the report. Surprisingly, he hasn't killed yet and I didn't want to have to baptize him on what combat was really like.

"So?" The future Hokage asked, leaning back on his chair. "Report?"

And I did. There were parts I left out. Like how that Maiko girl knew the same language as me and her use of Neigong. But left the rest in. I talked particularly about the tattoo and the black lightning that came off it.

"You know, the only person that has that ability of the black lightning is the Third Raikage," Minato replied, scratching his chin.

"Well, I don't think the Third Raikage is a pre-teen girl."

Minato snickered before silence fell between us.

"What happened to my mask?" I asked him.

He nodded to my bag that set next to the bed.

"I made sure Kakashi didn't see it and replaced your Kimono top on your armor."

Humming, I shifted but only hissed in response.

"Anyway, that sucked."

Minato couldn't help but smile. Sadly, but still, smile nonetheless. He is probably just happy I'm alive.

"At least you only had one. I had to deal with the next in line for the position of Raikage and the 8-tails."

I snorted.

"That doesn't count! You're you."

-.-

We got back to the village as soon as I was ready for travel.

And it was a breath of fresh air. All in all, I think my first mission in a while went well.

While Minato and I were sent in to give the report, Kakashi was instructed to head home with Bull. It took an argument and a half, but he finally did as was asked.

Whatever happened to the boy that would obey orders without question.

The little voice inside my head called out after.

He didn't gaze upon his father's corpse.

Hiruzen tapped his fingers on his desk in thought.

"I was expecting this, but not this soon." He replied.

"But at least, it gave a cover for the counter-attack to get in," Minato replied. The Hokage glanced over at me in question. "Both kids already figured it out, Hokage-sama."

He hummed, clearly not surprised and turned back to me.

"Reika-chan, You said the girl was using the black lightning technique?"

I nodded.

"With a black dragon tattoo to match, they are linked somehow."

Hokage sighed taking a puff from his pipe.

I must give him a headache. He always starts smoking when I come in.

"Then it is a good thing it missed you." He said.

Pursuing my lips, my eyes flickered to Minato.

"Uh, Hokage-sama. From what Reika told me, She split the lightning but part of it did hit her."

"If it matters, I don't want to deal with that again…" I remarked before realizing I was being sarcastic to the Hokage.

Surprisingly, he took it in stride and laughed.

"Of course you would live after that, Rei-chan." His eyes softened.

No. I just think she hadn't completed it yet. Those burns on her arm afterward told me she was still working on the jutsu. It wasn't complete.

"So what so special about her other than the black lighting technique?"

It was a question I was dying to ask. Even in the past, it was never really explained.

Exhaling the smoke, he tapped out the tobacco and pulled out another bingo book directing me to page 60.

"The third Raikage?" I asked. "Minato-san already told me this."

My eyes went back to the page and I could tell that he wanted me to see something else.

"Dark-skinned, Blond hair and green eyes," I muttered. "They look similar."

And then I got it.

"She did seem to take orders from A, but was not above questioning orders, like she was used to the guy," Minato remarked, sighing and scratching his head.

"Does this mean what I think it means, Hokage-sama?"

The leader of the Village Hidden in the Leaves crossed his fingers and leaned his head on them.

"I think this means that the Raikage had another child, and our informants never caught wind of the girl."

Internally, I groaned at the thought.

Just my fucking luck, to have caught the eye of another Kage's child. A child that wants to wring answers from my throat.

And someone, when push comes to shove, and shit hits the fan…

Might end up being my greatest ally in the long run.

-.-

I was quickly given two weeks mandatory rest, and appointments every few days to check my progress before I left the hospital that night, a lollipop in my mouth, because why not? They had a bowl, I was 8, therefore still a kid, and I wanted sweets.

I think I earned it.

Turning down the streets I made my way to the Uchiha compound and to a familiar apartment.

"Good Evening, Uchiha-baa-san." I greeted as Obito's grandmother answered the door.

"Oh, Rei-chan." She said like the sweet little old lady she was. "Are you here for Obito?"

I smiled and nodded.

"Yes, please." She chuckled and let me in.

"You are such a polite little lady." She continued, despite my eyebrow twitching at the word little. "I'll go get him, please make yourself at home."

Turns out, she didn't need to.

"Rei! How was the mission?" he yelled crashing down the hall, and almost into the wall.

I shrugged and held up one of my bandaged hands, the other in a sling.

"Two weeks rest and I'm back on the rooster."

He sent me a quick glare.

"Seriously? Can't you ever come back not injured?" Obito scolded.

It was quite the day when it was this Uchiha scolding me.

"Yeah, yeah," I said waving him off. "Anyway, I wanted to know how to get to Mikoto-sama's house."

He slipped on his sandals without hesitation and kissed his grandmother on the cheek.

"I'll see you later, Baa-chan."

Moving from the apartment he addressed my question.

"I'll bring you, but why?" he folded his hands behind his neck and turned around to walk backward.

I ignored the way his eyes searched for other wounds on my body.

"I have something for her," I told him.

"And how did you get a hold of that?" he questioned again, like the nosy kid he was.

"Met up with Fugaku-sensei." I finished holding up the small paper he had stuffed in my hand.

He blinked but grinned.

"Is it a love note?" he questioned.

"I didn't check Obi." I reprimanded. "It would be a breach of trust."

Pouting, he veered to the left.

"Stick in the mud." He muttered. "I bet it is. Fugaku loves my cousin."

I replaced the paper in my kimono as soon as we walked through the gates of an enclosed house.

"This is the main house, They moved in here a few years back when the previous clanhead died." He hummed.

"Thanks, Obi," I replied curling my fist out to him.

He bumped it softly, still conscious of my injuries, and turned away.

"Sure. I was going to head out to see Rin anyway. We are heading over to the Teme's house."

I smiled promised to meet them after and headed inside the yard and to the front door.

Barely having time to knock, Mikoto in a soft navy blue kimono met me at the door.

"Reika-chan." She greeted.

I bowed like I was supposed to and met her eye.

"I'm sorry for coming to see you so late, Mikoto-sama." I apologized. "I would have come earlier, but I was in the hospital."

Worry crossed her eyes, and in quick response she smothered it.

"I hope all is fine. Please. Come in." She responded.

"Thank you." I walked in the door and took off my sandals with care for my fingers.

Her soft expression turned a little more fierce and she gently caught hold of my unstrapped hand.

"I thought this was supposed to be a quick mission to give orders to a raid." She scolded leading me to her kitchen. "Sit."

I did as ordered. Wincing as I knelt down on the cushions, drumming my hand on the table.

"Stop moving them or they will not heal." A real Momma Bear this one.

I tried not to snicker at the thought, as she placed a cup of tea in front of me. I couldn't help but frown afterward at the straw she had placed in the lukewarm tea.

My first reaction was to claim that I wasn't a child, but I was.

"So what went wrong?" She asked.

While not giving the specifics, I ran down the mission before focusing on the end result.

"I guess that was good for us. Two out of Kumo's strongest ninja were not with their main force." She reasoned. "This gives us the advantage."

She hummed before her hand touched her belly.

"You got really close to some major fighting there, Reika." Her voice seemed strained like she was holding back her nerves. "Using your Mask for the first time as well. I wouldn't be surprised if you are sent out on a mission earlier by the Hokage because of this. You did well."

I nodded, before reaching for my cup. A glare stopped me and I reluctantly used the straw instead.

"What worried me the most," I paused thinking back to the fight. "Is that she knew where I was. She was a sensor and an extremely good one."

Mikoto's eyes narrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean? Were you using too much chakra?" she asked.

I shook my head.

"The same amount you had me level out the first few times we met." My eyes met my fingers. "I was able to eliminate the other targets easy enough through stealth, but the other girl, it was like she could sense that amount of chakra easily" She rubbed her belly it in circles as she thought.

"That is concerning."

We fell silent again before I saw her eyes pop.

"Come here." She ordered.

I barely had time to move before she grabbed my wrist and placed her hand on her belly.

Despite the stinging of my burns, I could feel the fluttering and quick movements under my palms.

"He's moving." I blinked in surprise. I could choke up the pain in my hand for this any day.

"This is the first time he's moved so much." Mikoto smiled.

A proud mama. That is what she was. I couldn't help but smile as well.

Itachi will be spoilt this time. If not by Mikoto, but by me.

"Oh," I said, finally pulling my hand back. "Fukagu-sensei gave me Nee-chan rights," I told her.

Black eyes whipped towards me in surprise.

"What?" she confused and I completely understand why. With a husband like Fugaku, a clan leader to boot, there was no way he would give away those rights without a good reason.

"He said that because I was bugging him too much, I deserved diaper duty," I replied with a grin. "So I told him that since he gave me that, it warrants Nee-chan rights."

Mikoto snorted, then covered her mouth, trying not to laugh, but clearly failing.

"And he just gave you them!" she snickered.

I shrugged.

"I shunshined out of there before he could argue."

Remembering the main reason for my visit, I reached into my kimono and took out the folded piece of paper.

"He also asked me to give you this."

She looked over at the paper before she took it from me.

Opening it. She smiled, wetness coming to her eyes.

I let her have her moment, in silence. Not looking as the matriarch of the Uchiha clan looked over the note the patriarch gave her. A note from her husband. Despite my common sense, I couldn't help but think that it was also a note that could very well be the last she ever gets back.

"Do you want some blackmail?" she asked me after a while, clearing her throat.

I rose an eyebrow and with one movement, she turned over the scrap piece of paper.

"What the hell!" I gasped.

For one, the paper looked as if it had been ripped from a corner. Nothing formal about it, just a scrap piece of paper. Written on it, were no words to see. Nothing that gave instruction or what I would have expected from Fugaku.

No. Instead there was a little drawing. A cute little drawing.

How cute you ask? So cute that I raised my hand to rub at my eyes, sucking up the soreness.

A little doodle with a cat sleeping its tail wrapped around a little egg. Beside it, was a crow with the beak tucked under her wing that was spread behind the egg. Looking closer, I noticed the little snores that came off them both.

Honestly, I was shocked.

Never in either of my lives did I ever think that Fugaku was a little romantic, nonetheless cute!

"Ever since we started dating, he would leave me little drawings. He's not good with words, so he draws little things like this for me so that I would know he was thinking of me," She confessed with a smile. "I guess it is what made me fall for him from the beginning."

She brought the paper and placed it on the table next to her tea.

"He even drew the little one, this time."

I was still flabbergasted at the thought of him drawing them.

He would be so embarrassed if he found out that I knew.

"You are actually the second person who knows." She told me.

I blinked in surprise.

"And who is the second?" I asked.

I immediately thought Kushina, as her best friend but I was taken aback by the name that came next.

"Obi-kun." She giggled. "Fugaku and I started dating 4 years ago, and apparently he sucked up his pride and went to my little 4-year-old cousin for a tip on how to win my heart."

My thoughts went back to moments before when Obito was escorting me here.

"Is it a love note?" He questioned.

"I didn't check Obi." I reprimanded. "That would be a breach of trust."

"Stick in the mud." He pouted. "I bet it is! Fugaku loves my cousin."

"Why give me this blackmail?" I asked her. "Actually, while we are at it. Why include me in your life as well. I'm just your Anbu charge? You don't have to deal with me outside headquarters?"

She blinked twice before her hand rested on my forehead.

"You asked me to." She answered. "You wanted to be a part of it when you asked about him." her other hand touched Itachi.

I blinked.

"You didn't have too," I said, embarrassed as emotions built up. "I'm just a kid you met not even three months ago."

"You are right." She leaned forward and to my surprise, kissed my forehead. "But you see, this works well for us too."

She held up her fingers and counted off reasons why.

"You are my charge. I enjoy working with you. You are skilled and kind, and young enough to still connect with the little one. By knowing Mikoto and not just Karasu, as he grows inside me, we can take the lessons inside my house for more delicate things and it won't be suspicious. That and you can annoy Fugaku when he gets home."

I waved her off with a blush.

"Okay! Okay! I get the point." I tucked my chin in my kimono, trying not to bump my injured shoulder.

"Oh, and there is one more major reason." She refused to stop. " Both Fugaku, no matter what he says, and I like you as a person."

I finished my tea and got up, my face completely red.

"Are you sure you just don't want a free babysitter." I bit.

She chuckled and smiled.

"There might be that too, with Obito and You, Fugaku and I have all the time in the world."

I rolled my eyes and moved towards the door.

Gracefully Mikoto came with me, seeing me out.

"Take a week off and rest Reika." She told me at the door. "We will start up again seriously when you are healed."

I waved her off, bowing right outside the door and left the compound as fast as possible.

It was shocking just how much those two trusted me. It was unlikely that this was the first time Mikoto heard of me. As Kushina's best friend, she would also have been her soundboard. All the good and bad that came with me that Kushina knew, as did Mikoto. No wonder she didn't feel nervous about accepting me into their circle.

Itachi. I won't let Itachi grow up to be the mass murderer he was destined to.

I will break that destiny. That you can be sure.

"It's only fitting." I froze as a voice woke me from my thoughts.

I could tell he was a Hyuga by the eyes. But about what he was referring to, I had no idea.

So I stopped moving and stared at him.

And Stared.

"The Uchiha clan is a lesser clan. It is only fitting that you would associate yourself with them."

Hot rage flew through me and I felt the need to snarl at him.

But I never had the time.

"Enough, Nijiro-san. Do you not have somewhere to be?" I blinked at the other Hyuga that stepped out from behind a building.

"Yes, Hitomi-sama." He hurried to say. Not long after he disappeared. She was beautiful. Dark purple- hair, straight and soft looking. Her eyes a lavender white, brighter than mine, looking like pearls. She was also dressed in a formal purple Kimono.

"Run along now, Reika-chan." She smiled softly. "And please forgive their rudeness."

She turned away after and I was left standing there.

Her forehead was bare. A member of the main household? The answer came to me fast and sharply.

Hisashi's future wife. Mother of Hinata and Hanabi. My own future matriarch.

That begged a different question. Why did she protect me?

And the words that the little dick said? Fuck him, At least it will be okay to hang around the Uchihas. I shrugged before my feet then brought me straight to Kakashi's house, bouncing the thoughts around in my head.

I was surprised to find my mother's chakra signature at the table with Sakumo's. Kakashi, Obito and Rin were in the living room like usual. Not bothering with identifying the Nin-kin, I opened the door.

"Taidaima," I called, undoing my shoes.

When I looked back up I was frozen in place.

Sitting in front of me was another...

Dog? Wait, that was no Dog.

A silver wolf hound sat in front of me, eyes boring into my soul.

"You must be Sakumo's other Pup." The wolfhound was also apparently a She. "State your name, age, and Rank."

Wait? Pup?

"Reika Hyuga, 8, and Genin?" I couldn't help but ask. My hands slowly moved to place my sandals into their place properly, like the Hokage was judging me.

"Good. Come now, there are some ground rules that we have to discuss with my place in the pack, Reika-Pup." She barked, marching her way into the living room.

I only hesitated for a second completely confused before a voice yelled out.

"Kaiya! Let her get in first, will you?" Sakumo scolded.

That is how I met Kaiya, Sakumo's new partner.

And if you ask me?

She is undoubtedly a Bitch.

-.-

Yo! I'm on time! For once!

I was quite surprised by how easy this chapter came out. All week I've been working on this, and I'm already halfway through chapter 29 too. The 40cm of snow and official snow day for most of Montreal probably helped! That or the anxiety of having two midterms that I should be studying for but lack the motivation to. Oh well. Enjoy!

So I should start keeping track of which stories I recommend... Anyway. This weeks is, Time Travel? What the Fuck? by dragonpyre. Nearing the end of the Fourth Shinobi War, Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto are about to take down Kaguya but suddenly find themselves in their 12-year-old body. Yes, this plot has been done a few times before. But I love the way dragonpyre, develops the characters and has a great balance of serious to funny without it being overbearing or unbelievable.

This week's question? Let's go with the Baby theme because Babies are everywhere right now. I mean I'm writing about Baby Itachi, and to of my cousins just had kids. one with a little girl and the other with twin girls. Babies! So.. the question. If you could be in contact with any character in their baby years within Naruto, who would it be? You guys can probably guess mine is Itachi, or maybe Shikamaru... Can I have both? One for spoiling with sweets while the other will be spoilt with cuddles?

Thank you, everyone, for your support! It means the world, and I am always looking forward to hearing your feedback.

Until next time,
Ravenmocker6

Bored411, There are still a few kinks in the bow and arrow theory, but it will come into play soon enough. And your wish is my command. Not too bad eh? Both the mission with Minato and Kakashi and Kaiya's introduction!

Dark Rose Charm, Haha, that would be cute. But you will see what I have planned soon enough. Shisui... Oh, Shisui. That boy, I have such a plan for him... But it is all takes place years into the future... but I'll try to cook something up sooner for you within the next few chapters.

Reginleif2004, Thank you for reading and for the feedback. You bring up some very good points that I have not thought of, Thank you! So the goal of the bow is not to be used in close range, by the time the enemy is in range to hit her, she should have the time to fold it back up, especially if she does not miss her first shot. My whole goal of giving her a bow is the long-range aspect to it rather than for using it close range. I was reading up on it online and it was saying that a short bow can shoot 250m. I figure that gives her enough time to fold it back. As for the weight balance, it actually shocked me that I didn't think of that. But the only way that could be fixed it to get used to the fighting with it, and she will eventually adapt to having her left arm heavier. As for arrows, I was thinking a quiver on her lower back, near her kunai pouch, this way she is already somewhat used to going there for her throwing weapons, that it will be automatic. But again, as the years go on, she is going to find tricks that will better her use of it. I have not given everything away because that would spoil some things. If you think of anything else, don't be shy. I like it when people test my theories, this way either it is wrong and I have to change it, or I am able to successfully defend my point and can keep it. Thank you again!

I'mAlsoAWe, With this chapter... Itachi being a little brother is a given! Honestly, she does have perfect Chakra control, but I do not see her doing it. I do not think Reika has the personality to heal people so that they can continue to fight leaving her to heal others. No, Reika is and always will be a front line fighter. She is like Naruto in that aspect or Luffy from One Piece. If anyone is searching for her in a fight, She will always be in the thick of it creating mayhem in any way she can.

SkullWolfSteam, Yo! Thanks! Danzo is quite a particular character, and as much as I hate him, I like him as a character. I don't think Danzo will ever try and get her into root per se, as long as she is being used to her full potential. But he will be back, don't worry about that.

Megabyte97, Aww! I love reading your comments!
Okay, I get where you are coming from. But I still stick by it. I will not pretend and say 'Reika is in Anbu so she must be somewhat trustworthy.' When Reika is doing her chores, in the last few chapters, Neko/Fugaku was standing by her, watching her work. So the other Anbu members don't need to trust her. All they have to do is trust that Neko would never let anything happen to their gear. Second thing is that They are Anbu and their 'lockers' are not really lockers. They do not have locks. So literally anyone could go into the lockers unless they trap them, but they wouldn't do that if they gave their uniforms to wash. And the third thing is. Why worry about the 8-year-old initiate doing something to your uniform? Whatever this kid would know how to do, there are chances you would be able to undo it easily. So in my point of view, there is no doubt the Anbu members could always check over their armor and uniform. This isn't Reika sharpening their weapons for them, weapons would be a big no-no. You only give your weapon to those you trust 100%. And if you are not comfortable with giving your armor in? That is okay, it isn't a rule that she is the only one who can wash the clothes. Like Yoshino and her mother don't give in their armor. Anyway, that is what I think.
I know exactly what you mean! I love being able to write that distinction. Like Swan could be sent out to massacre the children of high class individuals, and she feels nothing, gets changed out of her uniform, becomes Satomi and goes home to her 8-year-old daughter so similar to the children she just killed and is able to hug her and talk to her like normal because as you said. It was not Satomi who killed the children, it was Hakucho-taicho who did it. But it is important to note. I mean when you do shit like that, you have to find a medium, a divide which disassociates yourself from the actions. This is just the way of Anbu. Again, I love it! It gives me chills!
Kaiya! The main reason I added her in, is as a closing point to Sakumo's healing. He lost all his dogs in that mission, and almost took his life with the guilt of failing the mission and losing all his partners. So getting a new partner is the end to his healing process. I'll take a look at the story you were talking about. I've actually never heard of a story where he gets a new partner, call me curious.
Bonus. Thank you. You asked for it, and I delivered. It was interesting writing it too. Getting that bit of fluff between Kushina and Minato too. It was rightfully called for, and I'm so glad I wrote it. Thank you again, and if you have any more requests, let me know.
I'm quite glad I am not dead either. That would suck. Haha!
Thanks and looking forward to your next review!

GreyMoon. Huntress, Thanks! Yeah, her mom was long overdue to come back to the village. She had been gone for like 5 months easy. Itachi! I can't wait to start writing the brat! He's going to be so cute! And Reika is going to corrupt him so much! Reika is also going to fight as much as she can for Team 7 and all of her friends, even the ones she doesn't know very well. By the way, I like knowing that you can't tell what is going to happen. It makes reading your comments so much more fun, so enjoy!

Girl-luvs-manga, My pleasure. I'll see if I can add some other P.O.V as well in the future.

KaYenn, Really? All the chapters in one day? Seriously? You must read fast! Just looking on my Word Document, I'll well over 500 pages into the story. Just this chapter is over 10k of words. Mitsuki? Is that in Boruto? I haven't started the series yet, and I'm kinda scared to. Let me know what you think? YES! Naruto and little chubby whisker cheeks! How can anyone be scared of them! I would hug him and never let go! There really is a lot of lovable characters in Naruto. That I admit.

orlha, Thank you! Like I told a few others, the bow is not going to go off without a problem or two. I'm not trying to make Reika indestructible and overpowered. So there will be a couple of speed bumps, and in a couple of years, she'll have it down. Don't worry about that. Thanks for reviewing.