ONE WEEK LATER
Yuki walked out of the hospital, the stiffness in her body unnatural. They had discharged her, stating that she should take a good dose of honey before bed every night. It would help relax the muscles in her body. She sighed, glancing at Nao. She envied her pet. He had to only worry about food and sleep. She walked slowly, taking her time to enjoy the kept at her side, following her every step. She hoped Dad was at his house. She wanted to see him and talk about her experience. Tsukoyomi was dangerous, but she had survived better than her dad had. The month afterwards, he still had mental breakdowns and woke up shivering. She never said anything, but she knew that it had taken a real toll on his psyche. She kept her thoughts light, and away from the serious things that bothered her. She kicked a rock, and watched it, wondering what to eat. She wasn't starving but could use a good bite. She had just settled on dango, when a voice called out to her.
She looked around before spotting her second best friend. Someone who, though creepy, was a good guy.
"Shino-kun," she smiled, walking towards him. The insect user, was standing by a tree, obviously waiting for his squad mates.
"Off to visit Kakashi-san?"
Yuki smirked, and nodded. It wasn't often that she had to speak when they were around.
"Give him my regards," Shino said.
Yuki nodded and glanced at his hands.
"I'm working on a new jutsu for my beetles," he stated, following her gaze.
"Maybe I'll get a chance to spar with you again," she said. The last time, she had been sucked dry, but had had fun with the challenge.
"Maybe," he replied.
They both knew that he was always away on missions with his father, so they often didn't get to hang out as much as they used to. A minute here, an hour there.
"Stay safe, Yuki. I heard about what happened," he said, his voice solemn.
Yuki nodded, and glanced as the cat-fox hissed at the bugs.
"Bad boy! Come on, Nao. Leave'em alone." she said, picking up the heavy pet. It meowed loudly, struggling to get free.
"I better get going before your bugs devour him whole. Skin and all," she chuckled. She watched him nod, returning back to the tree.
They reached her father's house, who was watching them with a smile on his mask.
"Figured I'd be your first stop," Kakashi said, jumping down to meet them at the front door.
"Well, Dad...you and I have a lot in common," she said, walking towards the couch to lay down. She still got random spasms of burning agony throughout her body, so she was trying to take it easy.
"Other than surviving the Mangeykou Sharingan?" he asked, kissing her forehead.
"Yeah...Kakashi-sama," she smirked, watching him groan.
"So how's life?" she asked, noticing that he hadn't been keeping things clean as he usually did.
"Well, other than constantly training Naruto, it's been rather slow. He's working on his Wind nature chakra. He's persistent, and he hasn't rested for the past three days."
She nodded in acknowledgement and reached for a leaf.
"What is my nature?" she asked, staring at him.
"Well...you handled Fireball Jutsu a little too well for my taste. And Raikiri took a year to teach you, but yours was able to cut mine in half. I would have to say that you are either Fire or Earth natured."
She thought about it for a minute, before heading upstairs and opening the door to her old room. Everything remained where it had been.
"I'll be heading out on a mission in a day or two, but if you want we can do some training today," he called up to her.
"Focus on Naruto," she replied, realizing her Anbu blade was gone. She would never see the weapon she'd had for two years. She felt a small pang. That weapon had saved her life that night. If it hadn't been for that blade, she'd be dead.
She considered going back to the forest to retrieve her tool, but she didn't want to risk another run in with Itachi and Kisame.
She walked back downstairs, and noticed the room was empty.
I'll go home and rest up. Tomorrow, I'll train harder.
Heading back upstairs, she called to Nao, who followed her up.