Athena the Kunoichi-2

"Naruto, come back here." A shinobi shouted as he and his partner were chasing after a blonde haired, whisker faced kid wearing an orange track suit, with goggles on his forehead. "When I get my hands on you…"

"You've crossed the line this time, Naruto." His partner shouted, as they began chasing him over buildings and through the streets.

"Give it up." Naruto laughed. "You're just bent because you don't have the guts to do what I do. Do ya? Losers. Wannabes! You'll never catch me!"

Naruto continued to run and evade the shinobi chasing after him, before he pulled a quick one and pulled a disguise technique on them, hiding as the fence, before the shinobi ran past him.

"Naruto! Hold on!" One of the shinobi shouted running past his hiding spot.

After they were gone, Naruto dropped the tarp he was using for his disguise, and laughed as they hadn't caught him.

"That was too easy." Naruto said proudly, before he was grabbed by the back of his shirt, and dragged away by one of his classmates, no doubt sent out to go get him.

"Oh yeah, Naruto?" She asked, dragging him through the streets.

"Ah, where'd you come from Athena? What are you doing here?" Naruto cried out.

"Iruka-Sensei sent me out to go retrieve your ass Naruto. Today was the Transformation Jutsu Test, before graduations tomorrow. Or did you forget?" Athena said, her triple colored hair braided in down to the small of her back.

Athena was dressed in her form fitting hero costume from Japan, wearing it as every day clothing, consisting of a black titanium based carbon fiber mesh undershirt, with a breastplate similar to Pyrrha Nikos's, scarlet red with gold trimmings, only instead of being made of metal, it was made of the same fiber her undershirt was comprised of, in fact every part of it was comprised of the material, with form fitting black pants, and combat heeled boots.

The vambraces were simple in design, black for the fabric, and white for the metallic parts on the back of her forearms and hands, that were magnetically attached to the fingerless gloves under them. The top was sleeveless and left her back from the shoulder blades up, exposed, allowing for her to spread her wings if she needed to. The attire was finalized with a red sash tied around her waist, just like how Pyrrha would tie hers.

"Oh come on, can't you just tell him you weren't able to find me?" Naruto complained.

"No, as Class-Rep, it is my job to make sure all my classmates are present and accounted for." Athena exclaimed. "An' after class Iruka-Sensei and I will be supervising you to make sure you scrub all the graffiti off the Great Stone Faces of all the previous Kage."

"Oh man." Naruto grumbled.

It didn't take long for Athena to return to class with Naruto in tow, tied up with rope, and ready for a lecture from Iruka-Sensei again.

"I'm at the end of my rope with you Naruto." The brown haired, Iruka said looking down at his tied up student. "You failed the Graduation Test last time, and the time before that. Tomorrow you've got another chance, and you're messing up again. The only reason why your grades are as good as they are, is because Athena has been monitoring your after school studying which is eating up her study time, but she still manages to get through it and maintain her spot, at the top of the class."

"Hmph." Naruto grumped.

"Fine. Because you missed it, Naruto, everyone will review the transformation jutsu." Iruka exclaimed, causing the whole class to groan in annoyance.

After all the students lined up, Athena was beside Naruto trying to make sure he didn't run off again. First up was Sakura.

"Alright Sakura here. Let's do it." The pinket said.

"Man, this is such a drag." Shikamaru groaned.

"I couldn't agree more. During the first test I turned into my grandpa." Athena said.

"I still don't believe he was that big and buff." Shikamaru stated.

A large plumb of smoke rose from the center of the floor, and their attention was drawn to Sakura having transformed into Iruka-Sensei.

"You transformed into me. Good." Iruka said.

Sakura undid the transformation and returned to herself.

"Yes! I did it!" Sakura cheered. "Sasuke, did you see that?"

"Next, Sasuke Uchiha." Iruka said.

Sakura moved back to her seat, as Sasuke came up to do his turn in the transformation jutsu exam. He turned into Iruka as well.

"Uh, good." Iruka said.

"Suck ups." Athena sighed.

"Next, Naruto Uzumaki." Iruka stated.

"This is a total waste of time, Naruto." Shikamaru sighed.

"We always pay for your screw-ups." Ino stated.

"Like I care." Naruto groaned.

"You should. I'm not gonna be here next semester. I'm graduating like the others, so if you fail tomorrow, you're on your own." Athena stated.

"Naruto." Iruka said.

Naruto stepped up to the front, and took the proper stance, allowing his chakra to surround him, before a cloud of smoke puffed up.

Standing in his place, was an adult, naked female, version of him, with smoke covering the important areas to hide. The sight of this caused Iruka to fall over with a nose bleed.

"Ahaha. I got you with my Sexy Jutsu." Naruto laughed before he was punched in the back of the head by Athena, as she clenched her fist.

"You dumbass perv." Athena shouted, a blush on her cheeks.

"Alright, you're up next Athena." Iruka said. "An' please nothing perverted like Naruto."

Athena stepped up to the front of the class, and decided she'd transform into someone she loved other than her grandfather.

"Transform." She exclaimed, making the proper hand sign, and in a plumb of smoke, she was replaced with Yang in her hero costume.

"Athena. I thought I told you not anything perverted like Naruto." Iruka sighed. "He must be rubbing off on you."

Athena returned to her normal form, and looked at him questioningly.

"What are you talking about? I didn't do anything perverted. I just transformed into my mom in her hero costume." Athena explained.

"Hmm? So you weren't trying to give all the boys in class bloody noses?" Iruka asked.

"No. I just turned into one of my mom's." Athena stated.

"Huh, well full marks, for both your technique, and following instructions." Iruka said.

~Great Stone Faces After Class~

"This sucks. Loser." Naruto said.

"You're not going anywhere, until you've cleaned all the paint off the monuments." Iruka said with Athena sitting next to him, doing her homework, combat training fighting a shadow clone of Iruka-Sensei, with her cloak around her shoulders.

"I warned you Naruto." Athena sighed.

"So what? It's not like there's anyone waiting at home for me!" Naruto stated.

Athena and Iruka looked down at Naruto for a minute before Iruka spoke up.

"Naruto?" Iruka began.

"What do you want now, Sensei?" Naruto asked.

"Well, I was just thinking, maybe after you clean this all up, I could take you and Athena out for some ramen. The good stuff. What do you think?" Iruka said.

"I'm down." Athena smiled. "Been a while since I've had ramen."

"Now that's some serious motivation. I'll have this cleaned up in no time." Naruto cheered before he began scrubbing like crazy.

"You really know how to motivate him." Athena chuckled.

"Well, he's easy to read like a book." Iruka smiled. "You on the other hand, are not easy to read. You've been in the village for what, six years now, and I still don't know what motivates you in class."

"Seven tomorrow, and the simplest answers are often the ones you miss." Athena chuckled. "What motivates me, is trying to live up to my grandfather's legacy, and the fact I was able to find someone who could replicate my hero costume down to the last detail kinda made things easier, as I didn't want to lose what piece of my past I had left."

"You still have the original in a case in your apartment don't you?" Iruka asked.

"I do. But what I'm talking about, is the connection it gave me to everyone else." Athena explained with a smile. "I'm never gonna get to see my family again, but that's okay, because I'm not gonna let that stop me from living the legacy I was born into."

"So, I've got a question for you." Iruka said.

"What's up?" Athena asked.

"Would you care to explain, why the smartest girl in my class, failed twice before at the graduation exams?" Iruka inquired.

"Heh, I should have known I couldn't slip that past you." Athena sighed. "In all honesty, I'm concerned about Naruto."

"Why?"

"Ever since I got to the village, he's been there for me, and I've been there for him. He's childish which makes him an easy target. He's like a little brother to me. Which sounds weird since we're the same age, but I'm a few months older than him, so I makes sense in a way." Athena explained. "I just want to make sure he's doing his best, but I gave myself a deadline. If he failed twice, then I wouldn't purposefully fail anymore, and I'd leave him to figure it out himself. I'm hoping it doesn't come to that, but if it does, then I'm not gonna hold his hand anymore. He's gotta grow up some time, and this would be a good first step."

"Every time some sagely words come out of your mouth, I always forget, you were forced to grow up faster than anyone else I know." Iruka smiled.

"So, when are you gonna tell Naruto, he forgot to add the paint remover to the water?" Athena asked looking down at the struggling Naruto.

"Let him figure it out on his own." Iruka smiled.

~Later that night~

"Are you sure you don't wanna join Athena? I thought you were up for it?" Naruto asked.

"I would but… I have some feminine problems, I need to take care of." Athena exclaimed.

"I see." Iruka said understanding.

"What are you talking about?" Naruto asked.

"You'll know when you're older Naruto. Leave Athena to her own devices." Iruka said. "I'll see you in class tomorrow Class-Rep."

"See you both in class tomorrow." Athena smiled. "Oh and Naruto, if I have to come chase your ass down, and miss another opportunity to graduate, you're not gonna have to worry about grades anymore, since you'll be six feet under."

"Y-yes ma'am." Naruto said, frozen in fear to the aura radiating off her.

After that Athena left them, and went to the shopping district, where she made a B-Line for the exact store she was looking for.

"I can't believe I have to deal with this again." Athena groaned walking into the store.

"Ah, Ms. Xiao Long. Welcome, are you here for another measurement?" The shop keeper asked.

"Yeah, I'm here for another measurement." Athena sighed. "It feels like they're weekly now."

"Alright, now please step into the dressing room."

Athena did, and removed her breast plate, and sash, before raising her arms, and letting the shop keeper take her measurements through her mesh fiber shirt and pants.

"Oh my." She said writing the measurements down. "Your waist has gotten a little thinner, and your hips as well as your chest have grown a bit."

"How much?" Athena asked.

"You're sizes are up to, B86-W60-H88cm." The store attendant exclaimed.

"I'm a D-Cup already?" Athena asked, in shock. 'I shouldn't be surprised. My Argonaut form is a full H-Cup, and that's just an accelerated aged version of me being around sixteen. But seriously, mom has some crazy good genetics. At this point, I'm the same size as Hinata.'

"Shall I get you some of our latest products?" The shop keep asked.

"Please." Athena sighed putting her breastplate and sash back on.

After purchasing several sports bras in her new size, Athena made her way home, stopping for some takoyaki at Choji's mother's takoyaki shop.

"Evening Mrs. Akimichi." Athena said greeting the shop owner.

"Evening Athena. Are you here for you usual order?" She asked.

"I am, make it a double please." Athena sighed.

"Grew another size?" Mrs. Akimichi asked. "You only order double your portions when you're upset about outgrowing your clothes. Your, eating habits are probably what's causing these sudden unwanted growth spurts of yours, not that I'm one to talk."

"I know." Athena sighed.

"Is that Athena I hear?"

"Hi Mr. Akimichi." Athena smiled as Chōza Akimichi came into view.

"How've you been sweetheart?" He asked with a smile.

Choji's parents were always doting on her, like she was their own daughter. Athena thought it was because they felt bad that she was an orphan. She wasn't the only one either, they also treated Naruto like a son whenever he visited the shop, or came to hang out with Choji.

"I've been good. How are things going with you? I heard Choji has mastered the Partial Expansion Jutsu." Athena smiled.

"That he has Athena that he has. Ordering the same beef and cheese takoyaki as always?" Chōza asked as he saw his wife cooking up the dish.

"She made it a double order dear." Mrs. Akimichi said.

"Outgrew your clothes again huh?"

"Yeah. Hey, there's something I wanted to ask you." Athena started. "Why, don't you hate me like most of the village? Not that I'm ungrateful for it, it's just I don't want you to get judged about treating me like I'm not a freak."

"Just as big a heart as always." Mrs. Akimichi smiled as she cooked up the takoyaki. "Don't call yourself a freak sweetie, it's unbecoming of someone of your level of strength and honor."

"I guess, but still…"

"Athena, the answer to your question is simple. You didn't ask to be a Jinchuriki to whatever the hell is inside you. You're not that beast, and that beast isn't you." Choza exclaimed. "You have more of a handle on its power than any Jinchuriki your age has ever had on a beast's power."

Athena nodded. The entire village knew she was not from the village, and thanks to Danzo, they knew she was a Jinchuriki as well. Whatever the Goddess of Darkness from Remnant did to her before sending her to the elemental nations, had turned her magical power into a monstrous beast, sealed away inside of her, with the seal being her mother's sigil with the same type of weird markings as the seal she's seen on Naruto's stomach from time to time. She knew about the tailed beast within him, and was aware she was forbidden from speaking of it. An' because she was a Jinchuriki, over ninety percent of the village, treated her like she was poisonous to the touch. But for some reason, the Hyuga's were one of the exceptions, along with Choza and his family.

"We understand why you'd be concerned with how people would react to us treating you like a normal human being. But that's for us to worry about, not you. We appreciate it none the less, and hope that you keep yourself in good health." Mrs. Akimichi smiled handing her a bag. "Here, the double portions are on the house tonight."

"Thank you." Athena smiled leaving the money, with a generous tip. "Have a good night."

"You to dear." Mrs. Akimichi called out.

Once Athena was out of their sights and out of the curtain, Chōza and his wife looked at one another with smiles on their face, happy they could be of some help; that is until something wrong echoed from outside alerting them.

"Hey, what the. Get your hands off me." Athena shouted before she went silent.

Choza rushed outside to see a Hyuga shinobi standing there, while another made off with a moving potato sack.

"Lord Hyuga wishes to speak with her about important matters. There is nothing to worry about." The shinobi said before disappearing.

"Oh hell no. Honey, I'm going to the Hokage's office. I have a bone to pick with the Hyuga." Choza stated.

"I'll be sure to let Anko and Kakashi know about this." Mrs. Akimichi called back.

~Hyuga Compound~

"Hey, what the hell is going on here?" Athena shouted struggling in the confines of the potato sack she was held in, as her captor was moving rather quickly. "Hey, I'm talking to you."

Athena's shouting was responded to when she felt her captor put her sack down, and cut it open, showing that she was suddenly kneeling in front of the Hyuga Clan's leader, Hiashi Hyuga, in his tea room.

"Uh, hi." Athena said as the remains of the potato sack were removed from her.

"Greetings, Ms. Xiao Long." Hiashi said. "I apologize for the rudeness of my request to speak with you, but I do have matter of importance to discuss with you."

"I'm all ears." Athena said, as she began to eat her surprisingly untouched takoyaki. "But just letting you know, I'm a little stressed right now, so I apologize for eating during out conversation."

"Polite, and cool headed as well." Hiashi smiled mixing up some tea. "For starters, I'd like to apologize once more for how you were brought here. A Princess of her Clan should not be treated so harshly with disrespect."

"Your apology is appreciated Mr. Hyuga." Athena said. "Now the matter at hand for which you nabbed me? We don't have a lot of time, as my guardians Anko Mitarashi and Kakashi Hatake will come looking for me, and they won't be happy with how you grabbed me for this talk."

"I have already spoken with them, they know you are here." Hiashi exclaimed.

"Then we have nothing to fear." Athena smiled. "Continue."

"I am here, because I wish to talk with you about my youngest daughter Hanabi." Hiashi exclaimed.

"Ah yes. The young girl, who you deemed more fit to rule the Hyuga Clan when you retire." Athena said. "Tell me, what do you think, makes her worthy."

"She is strong." Hiashi exclaimed. "How do you know she's surpassed her elder sister?"

"Hinata confides her worries and woes in me whenever we have lunch together. She told me how she was concerned with the fact, you might be putting too much responsibility on her younger sister." Athena exclaimed.

"I see."

"Would you please elaborate on what you mean when you said, Hanabi is strong?" Athena asked. "I assume you're talking about physical and mental strength?"

"Yes, she is a perfect example of those things." Hiashi exclaimed.

"She is flawed." Athena stated.

"Excuse me?" Hiashi asked, as he stopped mixing the tea.

"Hanabi is physically stronger, that much is clear from how aggressive Hinata said she fought." Athena stated, finishing the first thing of takoyaki. "She might have fought with the grace of the Hyuga's Gentle Fist, but she fought like a savage barbarian, hungry for power. She lacks the mind of a true leader, and is too quick to jump to conclusions, as well as too irrational to make wise decisions based on what's good for your clan. She's more focused on power, than anything else. Her mind, is not one meant for dealing with Hyuga Clan affairs."

"I will admit, Hanabi did fight a little more aggressively than her pure hearted nature allows." Hiashi said, knowing he couldn't argue with those words.

"That being said, I will hear what you have to say." Athena stated.

"Thank you." Hiashi said. "I will take your words into consideration, as for what I was saying earlier, I want you to train her, in your clan's style of combat."

"An' why exactly should I do that?" Athena questioned. "My clan's secrets are mine to bestow on who I see fit, and no one else should be able to dictate that."

The, Xiao Long Clan's, style of combat was a unique one that Athena had developed herself, combining the fighting styles of all members of Team RWBY, as well as adding Qrow's, Pyrrha's, and Penny's in the mix, she even added a touch of All Might, Gran-Torino, and Rei's fighting styles to it. It hadn't been easy to create or perfect that style of fighting, but thankfully, her mindscape was the ideal place to create and perfect it, as years would pass within her mind, mere hours would pass in the real world.

When used in training one day at the academy, she revealed it as her Clan's ancient fighting style, and that she had trained on it daily.

"Your clan's fighting style training teaches discipline, teaches one to be calm, patient, and composed, even in tough situations that could mean life or death." Hiashi exclaimed.

"Does your wife know you're asking this of me?" Athena questioned.

"She does." Hiashi stated. "In return, you can take any of the young, unmarried Hyuga men who catch your fancy to help you rebuild your clan. Even my nephew Neji would be a prime candidate."

"As much as I appreciate you're willingness to help me rebuild my clan, I have a bit of an idea to propose." Athena said, opening the second container of takoyaki.

"An' that is?" Hiashi inquired.

"I duel, between the two of us. Well more specifically, members of our Clans." Athena explained. "Should you accept it, the terms are as follows. If I win, you return Hinata to her rightful place as heir to the Hyuga Clan, and Hanabi shall only be named heir, should Hinata willingly relinquish the title herself, or she perishes in battle. Since I'm the only one left of my clan, I'll be the fighter."

"An' what do I get if I win this duel of ours, should I agree to it?" Hiashi inquired.

"You get me accepting your proposal to teach Hanabi my Clan's Ancient Fighting Style, in exchange for your nephew. Though I should let you know, I am a lesbian, so I'd only be using him for breeding purposes to rebuild my clan." Athena said.

"So, your proposition is as follows, if you win the duel, Hinata becomes the heiress again, and her sister will only inherit the title should she relinquish it, or die in combat as a shinobi. While if I win, you'll willingly teach Hanabi your Clan's Ancient Fighting Style, and accept my nephew for breeding rights to rebuild your Clan's population." Hiashi clarified.

"He'd have to take the Xiao Long name, but that is the gist of it." Athena said.

"Very well. I agree to your proposition, and will call for a scribe to write down the agreement on scroll." Hiashi exclaimed, placing down a cup of tea for her.

"Thank you, Lord Hiashi." Athena smiled accepting the tea.

After having a scribe come in and write down the contract, twice, for their agreement, one contract for each party involved, Athena and Hiashi signed the contracts, and marked them with their thumbprints in blood, to legitimize it.

"Perfect, now if either party backs out on their word, their Clan's will be dishonored, their reputations will be tarnished as well." Hiashi exclaimed. "The duel time is set, correct?"

"The day after tomorrow at noon, after I submit my Shinobi Paperwork to the Hokage." Athena stated.

"Very well. I will have my Clan's fighter ready by the time you arrive." Hiashi exclaimed.

"Excuse me. Lord Hiashi, Mr. Hatake and Ms. Mitarashi are here to have a word with you." One of the Hyuga house guards said, opening the door while on his hands and knees.

"Hmm, whatever for?" Hiashi asked.

"Well… they don't seem too happy about how you had Princess Xiao Long, brought to the compound sir." The guard said raising his head, to show it was bruised and lumped from no doubt a beating from Anko.

"I see." Hiashi said, looking slightly concerned. "Send them in please."

"Yes sir." The guard said, shutting the door, before a second later it slid open, showing both Anko and Kakashi standing there, both with disapproving looks on their faces.

"Kakashi, Anko. Please, have a seat, let me make you some tea." Hiashi said.

"Athena, are you okay?" Kakashi asked, taking a seat on one side between the two.

"I'm fine. I actually just got done discussing an agreement with Lord Hiashi." Athena smiled as Anko sat across from Kakashi.

"Oh, and what might that agreement be?" Anko asked. "We gave him permission to keep you out later than the curfew we set for you, but we did not give him permission to have you brought here in a potato sack."

"We actually made an agreement, based around the future of both our Clans." Athena exclaimed.

"Don't tell me this was a marriage arrangement." Kakashi exclaimed, moving to uncover his left eye to put Hiashi in a Genjutsu with Mangekyo Sharingan.

"No, it wasn't anything like that." Athena said, putting a hand on Kakashi's arm to stop him. "He was actually wanting me to train Hanabi my Clan's fighting style, in exchange, I get Neji Hyuga as a partner to breed with to help rebuild my Clan."

"You make it sound like you're nothing but a piece of livestock meant to be bred." Anko stated.

"However, I refused his offer, in exchange for another, more suited proposal." Athena smiled. "A duel between one member of each clan, me being the representative of my clan, and another fighter from the Hyuga clan. Should his fighter prevail, I'll accept his offer, but should I win, he gives Hinata back her position as Heiress to the Hyuga Clan, and cannot take it away unless one of two events happens. She either gives it up willingly, handing it down to Hanabi, or she's killed in action. The contracts have been written out, and signed, as well as marked with a blood stamp. The fight will be noon the day after tomorrow."

"Alright, you handled a political meeting all on your own squirt, you really are shaping up to be the next Xiao Long Clan Chieftess." Anko smirked.

"So the terms have been agreed upon, and the fight date has been set. Athena are you sure about this?" Kakashi asked, looking at her with an intent for truth.

"I am. Even if I weren't, it is too late to back out. As I said, the contracts have already been signed and finalized with a stamp of blood." Athena exclaimed.

"Then I guess it's time we taught you some new skills in order to fight against his warrior." Anko said.

"Just teach me one skill. A Jutsu, I don't know yet." Athena said.

"Of course. I know just the one." Kakashi sighed, knowing he couldn't argue with either Athena or Anko on this subject. "As for you Hiashi, the next time you decide to have Athena over for a political meeting, send her a shinobi with an invite in hand a couple days prior, don't just have them stuff her in a potato sack."

"Of course. I apologize profusely." Hiashi said, performing dogeza.

"Alright, sorry we can't stay any longer, but Athena has to get as much sleep as she can before graduation exams tomorrow." Anko said.

"Of course I understand." Hiashi said, still in the dogeza pose.

Athena got up from her position on the matt, and bowed to Hiashi, thanking him for the hospitality, before they left the tea room, running into Hinata as they did.

"Oh Athena, what brings you by?" Hinata asked.

"Just a political matter between our two Clans, seeing as I'm the only member of my Clan left, I was the one who had to attend." Athena explained. "So, are you nervous about graduations tomorrow?"

"A bit. But I just know I'm gonna pass. I'll do my best." Hinata smiled.

"Also, I know you're rooting to Naruto to pass, but I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you." Athena said. "Naruto has skipped on over half the semester's classes, so he's not bound for doing great at the exam. He might become a genin while you become a chunin, or even a jonin."

"I know." Hinata said, looking a little glum.

"But hey, look on the bright side, he's got you and me in his corner. We're both princesses of our own clans, and we're in his corner. Though I'm betting you wish you were in more than just that." Athena said, snickering at Hinata's blush.

"W-what are you say?" Hinata asked.

"Oh you can't hide it from me Hinata. I know you like him. I know that one assignment Iruka-Sensei assigned to us, who would we spend our last day on earth with, if the moon fell from the sky, that one? You wrote Naruto's name as your reply." Athena smirked, as Hinata sighed in defeat.

"How'd you know?" Hinata asked.

"Are you kidding me girl?" Athena questioned. "I've sat next to you in class every day since I first joined the academy."

"I guess you have a point." Hinata sighed.

"As fun as it is seeing you two talk about who you each like, we need to be heading out." Kakashi said. "Anko, report back to Lord Hokage, tell him everything is under control. Athena hand her the contract, so she can show it to Lord Third."

"Uh, right." Athena said handing the scroll to Hiruzen.

"What is the contract about?" Hinata asked.

"Sorry Hinata, I can't give you any details, but I can say, that if I lose what comes in less than thirty six hours, then we're going to become family." Athena said.

"I see." Hinata said.

"I'll see you in class tomorrow." Athena smiled, before she left with Anko, and Kakashi by her side.

~Hokage's Office 30Min Later~

"Well, at least now we know why the Hyuga Clan, is one of the few clans that treat Athena with respect unlike the rest of the village." Hiruzen said, putting down the scroll the contract was written in. "An' you say she handled this political matter, with the finesse of a true Clan Princess?"

"I do Lord Hokage." Anko said as Hiruzen let out a puff of smoke.

"An' what of her safety against, him?" Hiruzen inquired.

"Orochimaru has yet to make a move that could endanger her wellbeing or cause trouble for her. If he has learned of her, and her Clan's unique Bloodline Abilities, then he certainly hasn't shown any signs in wanting to take them for himself." Anko exclaimed.

"To think, the Xiao Long Clan, a race of people, who are genetically born as natural Jinchurikie?" Hiruzen thought. "It's inconceivable. Danzo has certainly shown his interest in wanting her power for himself. He's come to me with requests to admit her to his Anbu forces once she graduates, he wants to use her as his own personal weapon. Perhaps, the fact that the people of the Xiao Long Clan are born with powerful beasts already inside them, is why her Clan was wiped out."

"Didn't she say that the beast the clan members are born with are one in every five who have powerful beasts within them, and that those beasts, take form based off the animal of their souls?" Anko asked, remembering what Athena had said, about the power she possesses.

"That is indeed what she said. An' examinations of her chakra show that her claims are indeed true. Which means that she was originally born into the Xiao Long Clan, but was adopted by its Princess at the time, becoming the next heir to the Xiao Long Clan's throne, and responsible for continuing the bloodline." Hiruzen said. "Most likely, because she was a one in a million chance born with a beast, powerful enough that she could rival even the Ninetails."

"She did say that normally, even the most powerful of Beasts born in her clan couldn't even hope to compare to one of the Nine Tailed Beasts of the Elemental Nations, at least not alone. By her estimates, or a guess on what they were, it would take at least a hundred to compare to the Onetail." Anko added.

"So if the Xiao Long Bloodline were to mix with the Hyuga Bloodline, then who knows what kind of offspring they could create." Hiruzen thought. "Either way, win or lose this duel, we must be cautious of when she conceives a child with Hyuga blood."

"Sir?" Anko asked.

"Read over the contract again, and you'll understand." Hiruzen said, giving the contract back to her.

~Athena's Apartment~

"I'm home." Athena called out to no one.

Athena sighed when she didn't get a response.

"Of course, what was I thinking?" Athena stated dropped her keys in the bowl by the door and removing her boots before walking into the hall.

The apartment wasn't all that big. It was large enough to house three people at least, but she had it to herself. The bath was decent, and her electricity worked just fine. She had a few of her classmates over a few times, and Sasuke Uchiha had said that her apartment's quality was on par with the quality of his, which must have been real good. She figured that it was because they were both marked as, last of their Clan's, that they were both treated so well by the Hokage.

Athena dropped her bags onto her kitchen counter, and put the remainder of her takoyaki away, before going to her room and putting her newly bought clothes away as well. After changing into her pajamas, a red muscle shirt and a pair of shorts, Athena went to one of the rooms she converted into her own personal study office, complete with a desk and everything an office belonging to a teenaged girl would need.

She reached into one of the drawers of her desk, and pulled out a big red journal, with the words, Letters to Mom #6, written on the cover.

"Dear Mom, today was a bit hectic. I had to drag Naruto to class again, but this time I stayed after class to help Iruka-Sensei watch over him as he cleaned off the graffiti that he painted all over the Great Stone Faces of the Hokage of the past. We also had to redo the Transformation Jutsu Exam because he decided to give Iruka-Sensei lip, instead of listening to his lecture about skipping class, especially with graduation exams coming around tomorrow. Don't worry, I promised you I wouldn't hold myself back if Naruto failed again and I intend to keep my word. Though I have a pretty good feeling this won't stop him, he'd fail a thousand times over and he'd still keep pushing to his dream. Kinda reminds me of Grandpa Toshi.

"In other news, I grew out another size today. I know I should have seen my rapid growth coming, given what my Argonaut form looked like when I had access to it, but it's still a pain to constantly buy new bras and other clothes like that. It's really cutting into my budget, I had requested a bit of a raise in allowance from Lord Third a couple days ago, and he said that it would come with my next allowance check.

"Finally, I was abruptly taken to a meeting with the Head of the Hyuga Clan, Hiashi Hyuga. He wanted me to train Hanabi in the Xiao Long fighting style, something I didn't agree with. She might not actually be mine, but Hanabi is like a little sister to me, I don't wanna see her put under so much stress at such a young age. So I struck a deal with Hiashi that had fair and equal terms if either one of two parties won.

"It's been about seven years now since I came to Konoha and officially changed my first name from Scythe to Athena, and I've made some real fond memories here, but I miss you all so dearly. It's sometimes unbearable to sleep at night, I still have nightmares from what Chisaki did to me and Eri, but I'm pushing myself to move forward, and face the future with a smile on my face. I love you mom, I have to go to bed now, but tell everyone else I said hi, and let them know I'm doing okay. I'll be in touch again tomorrow to let you know how graduations went, and I'll also let you know what the contract is about after I fulfill my end of the challenge. ~Love Athena."

After finishing the letter, Athena closed the journal, and put it in a different compartment of the desk, on top of the journal, Letters to Mom #5, before reaching in the other side and pulling out an identical journal, with the same title, only with the difference being #7 after the title instead of #6.

"365 days a year, nearly five hundred pages in each book, and yet I fill one out each year." Athena laughed before leaving her office and going to her room, and flopping down on the bed, a sad smile on her face. "I wonder how everyone is doing." She questioned before falling asleep.

~Graduation Exam Next Morning~

"We will now start, the final exam." Iruka said, greeting the class. "When your name is called, proceed to the testing room. The final test will be on, the clone jutsu."

'Oh no, that's Naruto's worst technique. He's gonna fail no doubt about it.' Athena thought smacking her face.

"Psst, Athena." Hinata whispered.

Athena turned to Hinata as the girl passed her a note.

Athena accepted the note, and silently opened it, deciding to read it while waiting for her turn to take the exam.

'{I asked my father what your contract with him was about, and he explained everything to me. I thank you for looking out for my sister, by having the burden placed back on me. An' I'm sorry my father had grabbed you to meet with him the way he did. ~Hinata.}'

'Were my intentions really that obvious to her?' Athena thought. 'Of course they were. She knows that I used to be a big sister myself, so it didn't take much for her to figure out my big sister instincts were what drove me to strike that deal.'

"YOU FAIL." The sound of Iruka shouting from down the hall could be heard as everyone knew, Naruto had gone first to take the exam.

"Sounds like he didn't do so well." Athena sighed.

"Athena Xiao Long, you're up next." The instructor supervising them called out.

Athena got up from her seat, and with a sighed walked out of the room, ignoring how most of the guys were catcalling and wolf-whistling at her.

"If any of you think you're man enough to tame this beast, I'd like to see you try." Athena said, the cold venom in her voice instantly shutting them all up.

Upon entering the exam room, Athena found both Iruka and Mizuki-Sensei's sitting at a table covered in headbands.

"Alright, give it your best shot." Iruka said.

Athena nodded and made the hand sign for the clone Jutsu, before she let her chakra flow through her, and she produced three solid clones.

"Incredible." Iruka said standing up and going to examine the clones. "These aren't just shadows. They're solid clones, with the same personality as the one who cast the jutsu."

"That's a jonin level jutsu. Where'd you learn it?" Mizuki asked.

"Kakashi taught it to me a year ago, took me up until last month to actually master it though." Athena exclaimed.

"Tell me about it, the training was such a pain." One of Athena's clones said.

"I know and don't even get me started on how troublesome and unhelpful his nagging was." Another clone stated.

"Okay, that's enough." Athena said dispersing the clones.

"Well, it's enough that you're able to pass." Iruka said, handing her a headband. "Congratulations."

"Thank you." Athena smiled with a bow.

After the graduation ceremony, Athena was last to leave the class room, thinking of all the fond memories she'd made there. When she got out to the crowd of people, she sighed hearing all of them whispering how crazy the academy was for letting her graduate, or for letting her attend the academy at all. There were even others who spoke ill over the Hokage for letting her join the village.

Athena just sighed, and shook those thoughts away, ignoring what the people were saying, before she spotted Naruto sitting on the rope swing. Athena wanted to go cheer him up, but were stopped by Kakashi, Anko, Choza, Choji, and Mrs. Akimichi.

"Congrats on graduating." Anko smiled.

"Eh, thanks." Athena smiled.

"Hard to believe you failed twice before." Mrs. Akimichi said.

"Choji said you purposefully failed, just to keep an eye on your friends. That's an honorable thing to do." Choza smiled.

"Figured it out huh?" Athena chuckled looking at Choji.

"It wasn't hard to figure out. You've got a big heart, and the rest was easy to put together." Choji smiled, eating some chips.

"Of course you'd figure it out that way." Athena sighed.

"So, last night I noticed you had a bag from that lingerie store I showed you. Who you trying to seduce little miss flirt?" Anko asked. "Or did you grow out of your bras and panties again?"

"A-Anko, not in front of boys from my class." Athena exclaimed her face as red as the main part of her hair.

"Either way, your graduation celebration is put on hold until after your fight with the Hyuga Clan tomorrow." Kakashi said. "C'mon I'll teach you that Jutsu I promised."

"Uh…" Athena looked back to the rope swing, and saw Naruto was gone. "Sure thing."

"Wait, she's fighting a member of the Hyuga Clan?" Choza asked. "Is this about what happened last night?"

"Yes and no." Anko said. "Also, Athena. There's a clause in the contract that I doubt you agreed to."

"What would that be?" Athena asked.

"Even if you do win the fight, you still get Neji Hyuga married into your clan to help you rebuild the Xiao Long Clan." Anko explained.

Choza, Mrs. Akimichi, and Choji were all frozen hearing Anko say that. Athena and Kakashi were also surprised.

"So either way, if I win or lose the fight tomorrow, I'm still gonna be betrothed to Hiashi's nephew?" Athena questioned.

"I'm afraid so, and with your signature and blood stamp on the scroll, it's legally binding, and can't be undone. There is a possibility you could refuse Neji if you win the fight, but it's a slim one. Only the Clan Head, or the Heiress can null and void that clause either before or after the fight happens." Anko sighed.

"Well… I don't know what to say except… congratulations?" Mrs. Akimichi said, unsure if she said the right thing.

"Than that gives her all the more reason to practice this Jutsu." Kakashi said. "C'mon Athena, I've already sent Pakkun to where you're going to train, and he should have someone of interest waiting there with him."

"Uh, right…" Athena said following closely behind him.