*Moriko's pov*

Here I am, taking a stroll in the village, as usual. I see Kakashi coming to me. Ren is the next to join us. He starts 'How are the preparations?'

'Yes, they are going nicely here. Have either of decided on the presents?' I ask. Both reply in positive.'

Kakashi speaks 'Does the birthday girl know about anything?' we shake our heads. 'Good. If things go this way, it will be a great surprise. Let's keep this up, the day is not too far.' we smile and nod.

'What surprise are you talking about?' we freeze. It's the birthday girl.

'Ah, Rin, you are here too!' She keeps looking, suspiciously. 'What a coincidence, we happened to meet here and so we started talking.' I say, trying not to show our shock and nervousness.

She said, sounding unconvinced 'So you three came across "by chance", and started talking'. We nod 'Even big brother Ren and Kakashi?' Of course she was unconvinced. Ren and Kakashi were doing this together only because I told them to do it for their sister/friend. And they agreed, both wanting to make her be happy in her birthday, as she was still upset about Obito's death.

'Yes,' I reply 'I made them talk with one another. After all, it won't do if they keep avoiding one another. Right you two?'

Ren put up his best fake smile 'Of course Moriko! I will do my best to stop ignoring... him.'

'Yes, of course!' Kakashi joined, unwillingly. 'However, I have to go now, I have other business.' and he left.

'Same here, my team is going to meet up in 5 minutes. I'll be going to. See you girls later!' and Ren left too. Those two, they may never be able to get over their dislike for one another.

I didn't have any reason to go, so I just stood there. 'If you don't have anything to do, let's walk.' Rin suggested.

'Sounds good.' I agree with a smile.

Rin's birthday is on the 15th of November, which is less than two weeks away. Seeing how depressed she has been after Obito's death, Ren, Kakashi and I agreed to keep a surprise birthday party for her. But she often came upon us when we were making the plans or meeting up. And each time, those two left me alone in an awkward situation to hide the surprise from her. So now I was talking to her, keeping her away from remembering or asking about what we were doing.

I suddenly realise that Rin had stopped in front of the accessories shop, again, while I was lost in these thoughts. I go over to her and see what she is admiring– a beautiful sea shell necklace, which is a too expensive for us.

Rin realised that I was watching her 'Ah, I am so sorry. I started looking at it again.'

'You sure seem to like it. and it would definitely look good on you.'

Rin smiled, with a small blush on her face 'You think so? Well, I should become serious and stop looking at it so much. It's so much expensive after all. Let's go, now.' and I went after her.

It was very expensive indeed. That would make it an even better surprise when I gift it to her on her birthday.

*Time skip to more than a week later*

Kakashi signals me to follow him into the cave. I nod and do the same. I start getting a that dark and horrible feeling.

Rin had been assigned as the medical nin for another team, while Kakashi and I were sent for another mission. After returning, Lord Third informed us that Rin's team had been attacked by Kiri-nin and had requested for backup. However, when Kakashi and I got there, her injured team informed us that those Kiri-nin had kidnapped Rin. Kakashi and I then summoned our ninken and told them to find her and lead her to us.

And here we are, getting into the cave. We find Rin tied up and under a genjutsu's influence. Kakashi unties her and releases the genjutsu.

However, when we were getting out, some Kiri-nin spotted us and started chasing us. With the help of the ninken, we managed to leave them behind.

After we come out, Pakkun says 'Go. We'll create a diversion to distract the enemy.'

'Thank you' Kakashi says.

'Save it. If we are driven to a corner, we'll make a run for it too.' Pakkun replied.

Kuro came forward 'I'll go with you guys too.' I nod in approval.

'Alright, now let's go.' Kakashi commanded.

Rin, looking very fearful and worried, placed her hand on her stomach and said 'Kakashi, Moriko, I feel very strange.'

'We'll deal with that after we escape.' Kakashi suggests. I agree, and hide my concern over Rin's fears.

After quite a while, when it has become very dark, Rin starts again 'I can feel something. It's as if there's someone or something else inside of me!'

'What do you mean?' I ask her.

'I don't know–'

'There they are!' she is cut off by Kiri-nin who had finally found us. We defeat some of them and make an escape, but more nin continue to chase us.

Rin continues 'Those Shinobi tried to perform some ritual... It was a special ritual... Then I lost consciousness, and I–' she gasped in horror. I try to ask her more, but am cut of by those shinobi.

After some time, Rin spoke again 'I can't return to the Leaf!'

We look at her shocked. 'What are you talking about?' Kakashi asks.

With a determined face, Rin tells us 'Kakashi, Moriko, you have to kill me, now!'

Shocked, I ask her 'What are you saying Rin?'

Her expression saddens 'The Hidden Mist is using me. I might end up attacking the Hidden Leaf!'

'No Rin, I won't kill you.' Kakashi stopped her 'I promised Obito that I would protect you.'

'Right, Rin. We are your friends. We won't let you die, let alone kill you. There has to be some other way.' I tell her. Rin becomes quiet. After dropping a smoke bomb, I suggest 'Let's get behind those trees.'

Making sure that the enemy had not noticed us, I begin to discuss. Rin continues what she had been saying. 'I cannot go to the village, they put the Three Tails inside me. I will end up attacking the village.'

I stop her 'Rin, I will find a way. I am pretty sure I'll be able to do something about it.' it was a chakra beaset, from what I had heard from Kushina. If I recall our conversations about her tailed beast, I'll be able to figure out a way, for sure. 'You don't have to die–'

'I died the moment they put it in me! They said it themselves, that's what happens to jinchurikis when the tailed beast is extracted or comes out! So, please...' she hangs her head low, and starts crying.

The dark feeling I got earlier, became stronger, made me shudder. It was the same feltvthis darkness two times before– before Tokemi and Obito's death.

We hear the Kiri-nin getting closer. Pushing aside my fears, I bend over to her 'Rin, just give me sometime, okay? I think I have found a way. So, trust me.'

I turn to Kakashi 'Kakashi, take Rin and go another way. Kuro and I will distract them by transforming into you two.' he agrees to the plan.

After transforming, I turn to the two 'Be safe.'

'You too.' Kakashi says. I look into Rin's eyes, and she looks back, with a fire in them. She nods. I leave with a transformed Kuro. The nin follow us. I take them as much far away from Rin and Kakashi, as I can.

After coming a long way from where we were, I detransform. Kuro, whose time had come to an end, goes back with a "poof", giving me a worried look.

'What's this, we were tricked? The rest did a good job by not following us here. She's alone. We'll finish with her and return to her friends. I face them, with my eyes closed. I sense that there must are twenty of them in total.

I am sorry, Kakashi. I know you told me that I could depend on you whenever I needed you. But I never told you that almost every night since, he comes in my nightmares and reminds me of his teachings.

I know I said that I wouldn't let him influence me more or use his teachings freely, but Rin is in danger. And to protect her smile, I am ready to break my word.

Warning you beforehand, this part contains very violent scenes. Don't read if uncomfortable.

I open my eyes, Jikanogan activated. I slide past them quickly and gt behind them. They are left stunned at my speed. But before they can react, I send a burst of chakra to the ones I made contact with. I see them fall on the ground, bleeding.

Jikanogan's speciality– if you even touch a person, you can leave behind some chakra, with which can kill the person from inside.

The rest of the nin, who have woken from the sight before them, come at me. I throw some shuriken at them, slitting their throats.

Violent scenes ends here. Mostly.

After ensuring that they had all died, I leave to search for Rin. I had taken too long to finish them, especially because I had not yet become an efficient user of jikanogan. Due to this, my eyes are bleeding, and I am tired.

But the thought of protecting Rin and Kakashi gives me strength to search for them.

I return to where I had left them and activate my byakugan, as I don't think I want to save as much chakra as I can to fight the other nin. I spot Kakashi, but he is so far that I almost lose sight of them. He is surrounded by many Kiri-nin. I rush there, ignoring the pain of my injuries. The dark feeling growing stronger.

I reach right when Kakashi is aiming his Chidori at one of the enemy-nin. Next I see Rin appear in front of the enemy-nin and get stabbed by his chidori.

I am left stunned. It happened so quickly that Kakashi couldn't stop himself. I am too late. I couldn't even see it and stop her by going back in time.

With Rin dead, all strength disappears from my and pain overcome me, and I collapse.

*Narrator's pov*

After Moriko and Kakashi collapse, Obito kills every single Kiri-nin present there.

After they are all dead, phasing through the unconscious Kakashi, Obito goes to Rin. He checks her pulse.

After realising that she was indeed dead, he lifts her body, and promises 'Rin, I will create a world where you are alive.' I will change the fate of this world, he thinks as he looks over at an unconscious Kakashi.

'Obito, we must leave now.' a man, whom Obito had befriended in Madara's cave. Obito gently placed Rin's body on the ground and left. He suddenly stopped, ahving seen an unconscious Moriko.

He goes over to her and checks her pulse. He notices that her pulse was very feeble. 'Stupid sister,' He then places his hands on her, and a glow appears, as if he was giving her some of his chakra, 'You should be more careful with that kekkei genkai of yours. I won't always be there to save you.' After giving her sufficient chakra, he leaves.

The man looks at Moriko one last time and leaves as well.

*Timeskip*

Moriko had finally woken from the horrible night. A crying Kushina hugs her. Minato tells her about how he also g with a rescue team brought them back, and is told that Kakashi had woken up too, but was still in a shock.

After they leave her at the end of visitor hours, Moriko leaves her room and goes to the room where Kushina had said Rin lay. She was going to be given to her family the next day for her funeral.

She enters the room and finds Rin on a bed. She approached her, continuing to look at her still, pale body. She lifts her hand to touch her cheeks.

Touching her cold, lifeless skin finally makes her realise that her friend had died, and she broke down.

*Timeskip to next day*

*Moriko's pov*

After I have put on my mourning dress, I lock the door of my apartment and leave for the Rin's home.

Kakashi and I were discharged from the hospital, but we still have to visit the hospital for a few weeks to check our "mental state". They say we both are still in a shock from what happened in the mission.

Inside the house, I see that man people have come to attend the funeral. A few members of the Amizu clan are present too. I wonder how things must be between the Amizu and the Nohara.

I see a crying Mrs. Nohara, bring consoled by her family. Rin had got her looks from her but did not get her dark blue hair, which was sign of her mother being from the Amizu clan. I don't feel like going to her mother, or her father.

As I am backing away from her, I bump into Aoki. I had only met her this year, but from what Rin hd told me about Aoki, I could tell that the two loved one another as siblings. She gives me a hug, and I hug her back.

I ask her about how things are between the things are, and soon reach the subject of the two clans. She confirms my suspicions by saying that things have been rocky between the two clans. Only those members of the Amizu are present who are close to Mrs. Nohara.

I don't want to get deeper into clan affairs, so I ask about Ren. 'Ren? He met up with Kakashi and took him to upstairs, saying that he wanted to talk with him in private.' she replied.

It didn't feel right, 'Let's go see the two upstairs, then.' and she went along with me.

When we were about to reach Ren's room, Kakashi came out of the room, flying as though he had been hit, and hit the wall opposite to the room's entrance on his back. Ren walked out of the room next, his eyes filled with anger, staring daggers at Kakashi. His clenched fist was bruised.

I realise what was going on and rush towards Kakashi, and stand in front of him, while holding out my hand to stop Ren from beating him more. My action makes them realise about my and Aoki's presence.

Aoki too had moved, holding back Ren. 'Ren what are you doing? This is your cousin's funeral!' she rebukes him.

Ren continues to stare at Kakashi 'This would have been a birthday party. Had it not been for him.'

Kakashi looked down. 'It's because of this trash that my sister isbdd. What had you gone there for, to rescue her or to kill her? For once I decided to trust you, and this is what you do, take her life?'

'Stop it Ren!' I interrupt, 'He didn't do it on purpose, and besides, I was there too. I could have saved her, but I couldn't. So, if he's at fault, I am too.'

The three stare at me, and I stare at Ren. He then looks away from me, and finally speaks 'Standing up for that killer, and taking the fault as well? Well, you are not wrong either. You were there. So you are guilty too, just as you claim. I have no business with you anymore.'

'Ren!' Aoki looks at him shocked, as he leaves them. 'Moriko don't take his words seriously, and he's already upset. You know that's the kind of person he is.' saying this she goes after Ren.

I start healing Kakashi's injury with my medical ninjutsu. He starts 'Why did you do that? Now he hated you too.'

I smile to him 'It doesn't matter. He'll get over it.' no, I don't think so. I am really upset at what he said, and I am afraid he really means it.

'Besides, we have a to go to hospital again, and they won't be pleased to see that you have an inj–'

'STOP IT! WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BEHAVE LIKS NOTHING HAS HAPPENED? WHY ARE YOU BEING NICE TO ME? I DIDN'T FIGHT BACK BECAUSE I KNEW THAT I DESERVE IT! STOP SMILING AND BEING SO CHEERFUL EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE MAD!'

I stop smiling, but I continue to heal him without saying a word. He soon starts apologizing 'Moriko, I am so sorry. I didn't mean any of that...' and he went on. But I didn't turn my gaze even once.

After finishing healing him, I go towards Rin's room. He keeps on apologizing, but I ignore him. After I can no longer hear him, I start regretting my behaviour to him, but I couldn't help it. Sure I was upset, but I stilll cared for him, and I wanted him to be happy. But his words were very unfair.

I push aside these thoughts as I enter Rin's room. I place the shell necklace, that I was going to give her today, on her desk. Happy 13th Birthday, Rin.

*Timeskip*

I am playing with Neji in the training ground, which was the first place that came in my mind to take him to. He's so cute! He doesn't cry much or make a fuss, and he smiles so much for a baby.

'Moriko?' I heard Kakashi call me. I look at him, nervously. He seems nervous too. This is no surprise, since we never talked properly after Rin's funeral. On top of that, he became an anbu, which made him more busy.

He breaks the silence 'This is unusual. You with a baby. You don't even know how to hold one.'

This makes me angry 'Shut up. Don't you see that he is so calm. How would that have happened if I didn't know to "hold one"?'

He gave me a knowing look. 'But, I learned from his mom.' I said with a sigh. This made him chuckle. We hadn't spoken like this since Kannabi, since he had become more friendly and nicer. Then why was J talking like this again? Is it because I have to...

I push aside my thoughts. I don't want our meeting to be so short. 'Help me look after him.'

Kakashi was going to leave, but I pulled him 'I don't know I to deal with babies, and worse, I would upset him!'

I cut him off 'Don't worry, you are with an expert.'

After sometime, he is able to hold Neji without any problems. I also introduce him to Neji.

'Yeah, he is cute. I think you two really are cousins. He looks like you.'

'By the way, you know that sensei is going to be a father, right?'

I nod 'My main reason to teach you how to deal with a baby was so that you can help when needed.' I joke.

He chuckles, and becomes serious again 'Had to be, with how often you meet Kushina. You must also know that this is top secret. Since she is a jinchuriki, her seals will be weak, making her vulnerable to attacks. So sensei gave me a mission to protect her. I am going to be her bodyguard till her due date.'

My eyes widen 'So you will be away for a long time too? So that's what he meant by saying that I won't be bored.' I mutter the last sentence, blushing a little.

Kakashi had heard it. I sigh, and tell him.

*Flashback*

I am standing outside the Hokage's office 'Enter.' he said.

I went in 'You called me, sensei?' he had allowed me to call him by whatever I wished, so this was my cchoice replied 'Moriko, I wanted to ask you to join the ANBU.' I looked shocked. Kakashi had joined about a month or two back. If I joined the anbu, I would be able protect Kakashi better. But.

'I am sorry sensei, but I don't think I should. Ever since Obito and Rin died, it feels like I am becoming more distant from everyone. And from what I have heard, Kakashi has become bpvery distant and cold. And then there's my father. Sometimes, I think– would I become like him? Killing those hunters? I didn't like the thought. So, no.'

I think I said too much. I look at sensei, who smiles gently. 'I had a feeling you would say no. But I don't blame you.'

'You sound like you need a break. You said on your first day in Team Minato that you wanted to travel some day. How about a mission where you will have to go around the Fire Nation and report to me how things are going on there?'

I look at him, shocked 'You are serious?'

He chuckles 'Yes, I am serious. Besides you will get bored if you stay here in this time. You can btravel for as long as you want. But be back by October. Kushina would be mad if you aren't among the first tohold our child.'

'Don't worry, I won't be late.' I smile and bow to him. He dismissed me.

*End of Flashback*

Kakashi looks at the ground, deep in thought. I didn't tell him the"bored" part.

He looks up at me, with a smile 'So, you have a mission too? That's not bad. But stay safe. You remember the promise, right?'

I smile back at him too, 'Yes. I remember. "I won't leave you alone."'

Then I turn my attention to Neji, who is fast asleep, without a care about the world.

So here's chapter 16 after a month, again. I am sorry, but you know with school and all, I have been busy. And there were things in the family too (it has been a very busy year). In exchange for being late, I have given you a chapter longer that my usual word limit (it's over 3000!).

The promise mentioned at the end of the chapter was made between them in the previous chapter, apahen Kakashi and Moriko were at Ichiraku's. And the chapter may have neeb rushed, I apologise for that. I want to quickly finish Part 1 and begin Part 2.

*If you are confused about Amizus and Noharas etc, read 'Memories'.

*Also, my final exams are in Feb, practicals in Jan end, so I may not be able to update. But I will try updating.

And this is a final sketch of Moriko's teen appearance:

"She has straight black hair that she keeps in hime-cut. Her hair reaches her chin. Her left bang is usually tucked behind her ear. In the fair she visited at the age of 7, she wore a white sleeveless frock, from which Kakashi noticed she had scar on her shoulder blade. She tied her hair in 2 pigtails. For her usual ninja attire, she wears midnight blue shorts and the standard blue shinobi sandals, and also the standard blue forehead protector."

Anyways, hope you liked it. Don't forget to give a review!

Published: 10th Jan 20'