NOTICE:

I'm nearly in tears, my friends…
Our beloved
Waiting has fallen from the first page to the sixth page if you search 'ItachixOC' in the engine.

I am truly heartbroken. I wish this story could reach the top...

I wonder if it's because I don't have enough readers...? Or maybe because the story has lost it's popularity...

If anyone might know, please private message it to me.

Enjoy the latest chapter, and thank you to those who review.



The owl came to a slow landing once the blonde and brunette arrived near the outskirts of Konohagakure.

If they landed any closer, Deidara would've been endangered and the shinobi of Konoha would know whom she was recently abiding with.

Thus, failing the entire mission.

Koneko placed her feet on the grassy moor, pulling her backpack onto her shoulders.

Deidara leapt off as well, standing before the girl with a note in his hands.

"Last minute details from your dad, un." Deidara said, "He wanted me to give this to you once we reached the leaf."

She began to open the slip of paper, however she was stopped by Deidara's hand being clamped onto her wrist.

"Make sure to burn it when you're done, un." He smirked at her expression. Obviously, his sudden movement had frightened the girl to a degree.

As he pulled his hand back, Koneko pocketed the scrap sheet.

"Don't get lost or hurt, okay, un?" Deidara spoke, slight worry in his tone.

The emerald-eyed girl giggled silently, nodding her head in response.

She wouldn't get lost with Itachi's map in her possession. Thank goodness.

"Alright, un." The blonde boarded his clay bird, "See ya, Koneko-chan!"

Rising high into the sky, he flew back to the base.

The flapping of the owl's wings had disappeared, leaving her only with the sound of trees rustling and the singing of cicada bugs.

Her lips pursed as she opened Pain's note. She read:

My daughter,

Please remember to not tell anyone of our location, nor the names of who works for Akatsuki. You absolutely mustn't.

Konan slipped money into your bag while you slept. I will not have you going hungry, neither will I allow you to have nowhere to sleep.

She smiled.

Once every few weeks, a member of Akatsuki will visit you to check on your well-being and the amount of progress you are making. Do not bother with trying to find them, they'll find you.

If anything at all, please befriend Uzumaki Naruto. He holds the kyuubi, and therefore is very vital to our plan. Learn as much about him as you can.

If you feel that you are unsafe, let one of the visiting Akatsuki know and you shall come home immediately. You will not be scolded for wishing to return sooner.

As for your identity, here is what's to be said:

Name: Suzue Koneko (Use your other father's surname.)
Age: 15
Birthdate: Your decision.
Village: Yuki no Kuni. Look in your second pouch. There is a snow village hitai-ate.
Rank: Chunin or Genin if you desire.

Anything left out, you may decide for yourself.

Perhaps once you arrive, head to the Hokage's building. Tell them you wish to become a part of their village.

Finally, do not become harmed and keep cautious. There is a possibility that they may suspect you.

Good luck, my daughter.

Your worried father,
Nagato.

Koneko placed the paper into her pocket and reached into her pack to find the forehead protector that her father mentioned.

She realized that wearing her usual black sweater and white skirt may not have been the best of ideas. Since these were her most used clothing, it might be simple for others to track her down in the future.

Casting that off, she tied the black cloth around her neck.

Koneko pulled out Itachi's map and turned to walk in the correct direction.

His map was edited. There were notes, reminders and messages all along the paper.

Apparently, a bit away from here was a training field; filled with mines and other dangerous objects.

Without his map, she probably would've walked straight into it.

She was very grateful to that incredible Uchiha.

She read a tiny message on the side of the sheet; telling her that from where Deidara had dropped her off, the walk to the village was only a minute or two away.

Koneko noticed that he had the most elegant penmanship. Her heart fluttered a bit.

Soon enough, she was out of Konoha's deep forests and was now at the humongous gates of Konoha.

Beginning to walk into the village; however she was halted by the pierce of someone's voice.

"Hey, you!"

The brunette looked over at her left where she saw a little booth. The two men inside stared at her. She knew they looked familiar.

"You aren't from this village, are you?" A man with spiked, navy hair analyzed.

Meeting new people, she fell into a deeper pit of shyness.

"I... No, I'm not..." She stuttered, "I'm f-from Yukigakure..."

The slightly more tanned, brown haired male crossed his arms, "Yukigakure? What could you possibly want here?"

"I want t-to... Become a part of this village." She choked out. Not even three minutes had past and Konoha already had her in the hotseat.

"A citizen?" He asked again. The spiky haired one rolled his eyes.

"There's a headband around her neck, Izumo."

Noticing it, he was silent for a moment.

"So, you want to be a shinobi here?" The other man slapped his forehead at how dense his friend could be.

Koneko cracked a smile at the humorous situation.

"Yes, I do..."

"You'll have to talk to Hokage-sama. He'll let you know if you're eligible to stay."

A full smile came across her lips, "Thank y-you."

"Before you go, what's your name?"

She blinked twice, "I'm Suzue Koneko..."

The brunette never thought she'd have to say her fake surname again.

"Izumo," The navy haired male pointed beside him, then to himself, "And I'm Kotesu."

People in Konoha truly were friendly.

Koneko then left the main gates and made her way down one of the village's busy streets, occasionally getting a few odd looks from shopping citizens or passing ninja.

Finally, she was at the large red building, asking various people where the Hokage's office was.

When Koneko arrived, she knocked on the door.

"Yes, come in."

The girl slowly opened the door and stepped inside, closing it behind her. Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced up from his work.

"Ah, and what is your name, young lady?" He asked, a friendly smile on his weathered face.

She felt welcomed by him already,

"My name is Suzue Koneko... I'd like to become a s-shinobi in this village."

"I see..." The elderly man inhaled from his pipe, then pointed to her neck, "And you're from Yukigakure no sato?"

"Yes, I am."

"Hmm." He leaned back in his large chair, tapping his pipe against the ashtray.

"How old are you, Ms. Koneko?"

Blinking, her green eyes shone, "I'm 15, sir."

The Sandaime nodded, "I presume you are a Chunin?"

"Erm... Yes."

"Do you have any particular talents?"

Her lips curved, "I'm skilled in medical ninjutsu."

"Fantastic, I'm sure the hospital could use some assistance." The man's eyes creased joyfully.

He opened a drawer in his desk, pulling out a sheet of paper; handing it to her.

"All you must do is fill out this form with your information, then return it to me." He said.

Koneko nodded, tucking it away.

"Stay at an inn for the night and return here in the morning."

The Sandaime smiled, "If you need any help finding anything, I'm sure one of the villagers will assist you."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama..." Sarutobi then dismissed her.


Once Koneko was out on the street again, she opened her map.

There on the backside, she saw a minature list of hotels and inns. All written in Itachi's handwriting.

Unconsciously smiling, she picked one out at random.

Shiyou Inn.

The brunette began to walk in the direction of the inn. Turning down various streets and alleys.

She had done exactly what Deidara had told her not to do. Get herself lost.

Even with Itachi's map, she was.

"Do you need help, miss?"

Koneko looked to the sound of the voice behind her. It was Kakashi; his favorite book in his hands.

"Um... Yes, p-please." She said timidly.

His eye creased happily while he leaned over to see the map in her hands.

The smile faded as he looked over the writing on the sheet. He must've seen Itachi's printing before...

To distract him from the familiar writing, she made eye contact. It worked. Kakashi instantly switched his gaze to her.

"I am l-looking for Shiyou Inn... Do you know wher-"

"Oh, yes. It's just around the corner."

She tucked the map away and said in embarrassment, "I would've n-never came across it there.."

The white haired Jounin simply smiled.

"Would you like me to show you the way?" He asked.

Koneko nodded, "Please,"

The two of them turned the corner and walked just a bit down the street. They saw a glowing lantern with the building's name on it.

"Thank y-you. I'm Suzue Koneko..."

"Hatake Kakashi." His lips turned upwards, "I see you are a villager from Yuki no Kuni."

She laughed shyly, "Yes, I am. Though, I've come to s-stay in Konoha for a little while..."

"Is that so?" Kakashi said, interestedly.

The girl smiled.

"I came h-here for a change... Hokage-sama seems to think I might b-be of some help to the hospital."

His visible eye widened a tad, "What rank are you?"

"Chunin, Kakashi-san."

"Hm... Well I would love to chat longer but I have to hand in a mission report. Perhaps I'll see you soon, Koneko-san."

She waved to him as he left, then checked in.