Dedicated to WarFlower

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"Well done," Kanna said, leaning against a tree. "You're progressing faster than I expected."

Kirie managed a brief smile. She was breathing heavily, body shaking from the workout it had been put through. Kunai shone in the sun, some lying on the ground, many stuck in the tree Kanna leaned against. The sun was beginning to set, throwing long shadows across the ground.

"Alright, time to call it day. We'll meet here again in three days."

"What? Why three days?" Kirie asked, surprised.

"I have some business to take care of, and I need a rest. I'm not the only one either. You need a break too."

Kirie slumped to the ground, conceding defeat. "Alright, we definitely need a break. Can I help you with whatever it is you're doing?"

Kanna shook her head, smiling. "Sorry Kirie, but this is a personal matter. Besides, I'm sure you have your own things to deal with back home. How's Yume going anyway?"

Kirie grinned. "She's doing just fine. She's gotten quite big in the last couple of weeks. Would you like to see her?"

"One day. For now, I have to go back to the inn and deal with some personal matters. And you need to eat something and get some rest."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm going. I'll see you around!" she called over her shoulder.

"She has far too much energy," Kanna murmured to herself, smiling. "Now, I think it's about time that I paid Hidan a visit. After all, he is waiting at the border."

Kanna began walking, getting further and further away from the village. The open plains and rivers gave way to the thick jungle that ringed the Land of Rivers. She travelled quickly, eager to see Hidan again. Her pace got faster and faster, until she was sprinting recklessly through the thick undergrowth, somehow avoiding tripping on the vines and roots that twisted across her path. Hearing noises not native to the jungle, she slowed to a silent walk. Peering ahead, she spotted Hidan washing his face and torso on the bank of a small creek.

She crept forwards, a smile spreading across her face. She leapt, shrieking a war cry that frightened birds into flight. Hidan spun and lashed out, blade slicing across Kanna's torso. Blood ran from the wound in small rivulets. Hidan froze, shock on his face. Kanna crashed into him, her momentum carrying her forward. They fell into the creek.

"Kanna! What…how…huh?"

Kanna laughed. "What did you expect? Of course I was going to show up eventually. I knew you were here."

"Have you finished your investigation here?"

"No, I haven't finished yet. I've found some possible sources of information, I just need to get them to trust me and tell me what they know. I've also picked up a student."

"A student, huh? What the fuck did you do that for?!"

"She asked, and she needs to know how to protect herself. There's some dangerous people loose in the village."

"You mean someone other than you?" he teased.

Kanna grinned. "Yep. Although they're definitely not as dangerous as me. I already took out a group that attacked me. Fucking idiots thought they could take me. Guess they didn't know as much about me as they thought they did."

"So this student, she any good?"

"She's got real potential. More than most of the young shinobi back in my old village. Not that I'd ever tell her that. The last thing she needs is an ego boost." Kanna turned to face the trees, and disappeared.

"What the fuck? Kanna, get back here!" Hidan yelled furiously.

Kanna reappeared, dragging Kirie behind her. "Honestly, did you really think you could remain undetected? You're not that good."

"I was just curious."

Hidan laughed. "You picked quite a student, didn't you Kanna. Why the fuck did you let her follow you here?"

"I fucking felt like it, that's why. I'd forgotten how mouthy you can get. Dickhead."

"Dickhead?! You're not better, you little bitch!"

"Is that so? At least I can stop swearing, you fucking moron."

Hidan leapt at Kanna, scythe singing as it sliced through the air. Kanna dodged, and pulled out her staff. Kirie watched, amazed and excited and nowhere near frightened enough. Kanna leapt, drawing blood as her staff whipped across Hidan's chest. He laughed maniacally, and lashed out with his scythe. It sliced open Kanna's arm, causing her to drop the staff.

"Stop!" Kirie shrieked, leaping forward. Hidan froze in shock, scythe centimetres from the young girl's neck. Kanna laughed, and knocked Hidan onto his butt.

"It's alright, I'm fine. We're just having a little fun."

"But, but, you're hurt!"

"I'm fine, really. It's not that bad. Come on, sit down. I suppose I may as well introduce the two of you. Kirie, this is Hidan. Hidan, this is Kirie, the student I was telling you about."

"Ah, so you're the one. How much has she taught you?"

I shot a warning glance at Hidan. He cringed slightly, then shrugged.

"She's taught me mostly defensive moves. All basic stuff really." She turned to face Kanna, smiling hopefully. "Can you teach me some more advanced stuff? Please?"

"Alright, soon. But not right away. Besides, you are supposed to be resting right now."

"Ah, right. I'm sorry. I'll head back now then. Nice meeting you Hidan."

She vanished into the jungle, singing. Kanna and Hidan remained silent, not speaking until Kirie's voice could no longer be heard floating through the jungle.

"That's some student you've got there. Real fucked up."

Kanna sighed. "I know. I hoped I could help her, but there's no way, is there?"

"Are you still going to teach her more advanced moves? You don't know how she'll use her abilities, or what purpose she follows."

"I'm still going to teach her, and hope for the best. Besides, who truly knows what they will choose? I still don't know which path I follow."

"Oh no, don't go getting all philosophical on me. That fucking shit hurts my head."

"Of course it does. You're a dumbshit."

"Take that back you bi-"

Kanna leaned forward and kissed Hidan, silencing him. She pulled away, and smiled gently. "Believe it or not, I've actually missed you."

AN- And so another chapter ends. Yes, I know my chapters are ridiculously short. Unfortunately, I only have small time slots in which to write them, and if I don't get them done in one go, I tend to forget whatever great idea I had. Sorry about that. Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and thanks to WarFlower for reviewing almost all of the chapters. Seriously, it means a lot. And thanks to everyone else who reads this story, please show your support by reviewing!