Shoutout to nctloveclub on Tumblr for helping me write a little bit when I was stuck!

This chapter includes:

I'm gonna just name (Blank) - (Blank) Because there's a lot Tessa is NOT in

An Unrivaled Match: Hokage Battle Royale! - Beyond the Limit of Darkness and Light

Return of the Morning Mist!

Eye to Eye: Sharingan vs. Sharingan!

Jiraiya: Naruto's Potential Disaster!

Roar, Chidori! Brother vs. Brother!

I felt my eyes squeeze, before slowly blinking them open, light slowly filtering in. I squinted my eyes, the brightness blinding. I recognized the ceiling of the hospital and the familiar but gross clean smelling chemicals in the air. My throat felt extremely dry, and my body felt sore, or exhausted. I turned my head the slightest bit, looking to see the window, and beside me sat a familiar bushy browed face. Next to him was a black haired male, a Shogi board in front of him.

"Is my arm gone?" I joked, my voice weakly. Shikamaru's head turned towards me, his eyes narrowed slightly.

"Tessa!" Lee shouted excitedly, pushing himself to a stand on his crutch, and getting closer to my bed. "You are awake!" I squinted, my eyes still adjusting to the light.

"L-Lee?" I tried to push myself to sit up, but Lee gently put his hand on my shoulder, stopping me.

"You must rest. The nurses said your arm is better, but you are still weak." I scoffed, ignoring his hand and pushing myself up completely, my right arm shaking under my weight, but otherwise fine. Thank god, it was extremely painful last time I was awake.

"Weak my ass." I smirked. I looked over at Shikamaru who was looking at me, an expression on his face that I couldn't quite read. I looked back at Lee, a small smile on my face. "Lee, do you think you could go get the nurse for me?" I asked softly. Lee looked at me for a moment and then smiled widely.

"Of course!" He said, and slowly wobbled out the door on his crutch. I felt so bad for asking him that because of his injury, but how else would I be able to talk to Shikamaru alone? Shikamaru didn't say anything, a silence filling the room.

"Soo...I didn't lose my arm." I joked, trying to break the silence. Shikamaru didn't even crack a smile, but looked up at me.

"You're so reckless." He said, his eyes narrowing the slightest bit.

"But you love me." I smiled widely, hoping it would at least make him smile. Nothing.

"I hate you." He spoke lazily. I sighed, looking away.

"You're still mad at me? Look, I'm sorry, but I wasn't gonna let them hurt you. You had no chakra, and you were done as soon as your Shadow Possession disappeared. What did you expect me to do?" I asked. Shikamaru stood up, shaking his head in annoyance.

"That's not the point!"

"Then what is the point?!" I asked, getting angrier. Shikamaru huffed.

"The point is that you could've gotten yourself killed! I don't want you to risk your life to protect me." He yelled. I felt tears start to fill my eyes, looking away and biting my lip.

"I told you. I care about you. I wasn't about to let anything happen to you. Besides, I'm alive, so what does it matter?" I whispered harshly, trying not to let the tears leak out on my cheeks. Shikamaru didn't say anything for a moment, me trying to hold my tears in still.

"..What a drag." He finally said, closing his eyes. I couldn't help it, I snapped.

"Fine! If it's such a drag, then get out!" I pointed to the door, my voice wavering, both anger and hurt in it. Shikamaru's eyes widened in surprise.

"What? You're kicking me out?" He asked in disbelief, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Yeah, I guess I am." I replied harshly.

"Well I'm not leaving. You're finally awake days later, and Lee and I were here waiting to make sure you were okay." I leaned forward, ignoring the soreness in my body.

"Get out Shikamaru!" I shouted, the tears finally rolling down my cheeks. Shikamaru's face softened at this, his eyebrows furrowing together. I saw the guilt take over his face instantly.

"Tessa, please don't cry.." He whispered, taking a step closer. "I..I just-" I grabbed my pillow, throwing it at him with as much force as possible, making it slam into him with a soft thud.

"Get out!" I shouted. His eyebrows narrowed down again in anger or frustration, and he scooped up his Shogi board and all the pieces before storming out. The door slammed shut with a loud bang, me immediately bursting into tears and pressing my hands against my face, hiding my eyes under them. My shoulders shook as I sobbed, my hair hanging down and hiding my face.

How could he be so mad that I was trying to protect him? And now he was mad at me because I kicked him out? I cared about him, so the thought about him getting mad at me or hating me because I did what I did, really hurt. I could feel my chest hurting as I cried, trying to ignore the pain and just cry it out. My sobbing blocked out the sound of the door reopening, a voice making me freeze.

"Tessa! Why are you crying?!" Lee's voice asked, him coming over quickly, shutting the door behind him and sitting on the edge of my bed. "What is wrong? Are you in pain?!" He asked, worry taking over his face and lacing his words. I shook my head, wiping my tears away with the back of my hands.

"I-It's nothing, Lee." I stuttered, pushing my hair back out of my face. Lee looked at me with furrowed eyebrows, and gently leaned forward, pulling me into a one armed hug.

"It is okay Tessa." I gave a soft smile and leaned my head on his shoulder.

"Thank you Lee. I needed that." I still felt terrible, but Lee was making me feel better.

"You are welcome!" He grinned. I smiled softly back at him. At least this was all over.

*Shikamaru*

I slammed the door shut, and when it hit the frame, I could hear Tessa inside bursting into a sob. I froze, my hand still on the handle, feeling guilty for making her cry. I groaned softly, leaning against the wall next to her door and closing my eyes. What a drag. I didn't mean to make her cry.

I was brought out of my thoughts by some stomping footsteps getting closer. I looked over to see a familiar pink haired girl with blue eyes. She came right towards me, making me internally sigh. I really wasn't in the mood to talk to her.

She wanted to talk to me though. Or more yell at me. She grabbed me by the front of my shirt, making me stumble.

"H-Hey, hey, what's the deal?!" I asked in surprise. Angel pulled me forward, glaring into my eyes.

"Why the fuck didn't you rush her to the hospital?! You just sat there and let her bleed out?!" She stopped, listening. I could still hear Tessa crying inside. "And why do I hear her crying?!" I was frozen in shock for a moment, before I could say anything. What is she so upset about?!

"A-Asuma told us to stay there! He was having a medic come to us!" I tried to back up from her, but her grip on my shirt was tight.

"Our clan has healing abilities! Why didn't you rush her to our grounds?!" She asked, full of rage.

"I couldn't move her, she was in too much pain!" I hurriedly replied, hoping that was enough. She let me go after hearing my response, dropping my shirt and sighing. I also let out a sigh, in relief though that she finally let me go. I shoved my hands back in my pocket, the Shogi board still tucked under my arm. "What do you even care, you don't even know her." I said lazily, avoiding her gaze. I was still upset Tessa kicked me out, so talking to Angel wasn't exactly something I was pleased with at the moment.

"A friend of Naruto's is a friend of mine." Angel replied cooly, looking around. Well, she finally calmed down at least. I looked over to see Lee coming back down the hallway, towards Tessa's room. Angel looked at the guy and sweat dropped. She's probably never seen a guy like that before, not with those eyebrows. She looked at me, her expression clearly wanting to know. "Who's that?" Lee stumbled to Tessa's door, nodding at me before sliding the door open.

"Tessa! Why are you crying?" He hurried in, shutting the door behind him. I could feel the guilt welling up inside me. She was still crying.

"What a drag." I noticed her look at me with a side eye though.

"Might Guy's student." She realized. "I forgot. Oh god, mom told me about that.."

"Yup. That's the one." I replied, looking at her finally for a moment before looking back at the door. "Are you only here to yell at me?"

"Nope," she replied. "I'm here on healing duty and I'm on break. The rest of my team is helping the village." She added, finally sitting on the floor.

"So you're just gonna sit here?" I asked, annoyance in my voice.

"So why is Tess crying?" Angel asked, ignoring my question. I leaned back against the wall, my head tilted up.

"Cause I'm an asshole, probably." I muttered. I looked back down at her to see her looking at me pitifully. Great.

"Well go apologize, and stop being an asshole." She said simply. I groaned loudly.

"She kicked me out, she doesn't want me in there." I replied, sliding to a sit against the wall, my hand running down my face. "Whatever, it's not that big of a deal." I lied. Actually, it was, but I wasn't gonna admit it. Angel moved a bit closer, speaking a bit quieter.

"The only way to settle this is for you to apologize, but since she obviously wants alone time, there's no point in me forcing you in the room."

"Even if I apologized, nothing his going to change." I replied, looking away.

"Bullshit Shika, just say sorry and stop being a coward." She snapped, standing up.

"I'm not a coward!" I shouted up at her, avoiding her eyes. "It's just...I don't.." I stopped, not sure what to say.

"Shika, listen," Angel said, putting her hand on my shoulder, kneeling down. "Tess and Naruto have been through hell. All they really want is for someone to accept them for who they are. All they know is pain and loneliness. Why do you think she kicked you out?" She asked seriously. "She wants you to be her friend, she wants you to be there for her, but with you yelling at her, you're making her feel worse, like you're not her friend anymore." She then reached down, grabbing a rice ball and shoving it in her face. I groaned.

"What a drag. She told me she cared about me and almost died during the attack on the village, and as a thanks, I made her cry." I shoved my hand in my pocket, looking away. Angel glared at me.

"She saved your life and told you she cares about you. You basically shoved what she did back in her face." She said, making me feel worse.

"Look, I'm not good at this kind of thing." I said, rubbing the back of my head lazily.

"Don't you guys hang out?"

"The only times we hung out was during the exams. She hates me now though, remember?" Angel rolled her eyes.

"She doesn't hate you, she's angry at you. God, men are such a drag." Angel said in a tiresome way.

"Girls are such a drag." I rebutted. "This is too much work." Angel's eyebrow twitched in annoyance.

"You're gonna have to apologize sooner or later, Shika.."

"I know, I know, quit nagging." I said, annoyed. She was right, but I didn't have to admit she was. "Look, it's gotta wait anyway, what with the Hokage's funeral being tomorrow. I'll apologize later." I added, looking away. I mean, it would be harder, but maybe I could do it. Maybe.

"Fine, fine." Angel said, dropping the subject. "Look, my break is almost over. I gotta check the last few patients and cook dinner before Naruto goes and eats ramen for the 6th time today." She said sighing. She wasn't completely wrong. "But good luck. Also, hey, let's go to Yakiniku for lunch tomorrow." I raised my eyebrow.

"Without Choji? What's the occasion?" I asked suspiciously. Angel shrugged innocently.

"Just lunch. We haven't had lunch together for a while." I sighed. Arguing with her would get me nowhere, and that's way too much work.

"Fine." I groaned, sliding my hand down my face yet again. "Now I gotta get out of here before Tessa slams me into the wall if she sees me."

"Okay byeee." Angel said cheerfully. I raised my hand in a wave at her as I started down the hallway. Girls are troublesome.

*Tessa*

I looked down at my feet, feeling significantly less sore than I had before. My black boots I still wore, but instead of my usual garments, I had on a black skirt and a black shirt, my headband in its usual spot, hanging from my neck. I looked at the clock, realizing it was time to go. With a quick look back at my apartment, I looked back outside, walking out and shutting the door behind me. Thunder roared above me, making me look up. The sky was dark with clouds. Fitting for today, I suppose. I made my way to the familiar alley, meeting Naruto and Sakura, who stood waiting.

Naruto had gauze and bandages on both sides of his face and his forehead. I nodded at him, not saying anything, doing the same with Sakura. I leaned against the fence for a moment, before Sasuke came waling this way, his hands in his pockets. He walked right past us before stopping, giving us a moment to catch up to him, all of us headed for the same destination.

The funeral was on the roof of the academy. When my team got up there, we all walked to the areas we were supposed to be. I kept my face forward, my expression emotionless as I passed Shikamaru, whom I saw look at me, but didn't attempt to say anything. I ignored the burning in my eyes, tears threatening to fill them yet again. Instead, I stopped in between Shino and Naruto, who was standing next to Konohamaru. Everyone had grim expressions on their face, also fitting for a funeral. I felt something wet and cold hit my cheek, making me look up. The sky was still dark, and it had started to rain, dampening my mood even more.

I loved the rain, yet, now it seemed to not bring any joy. Not now.

It was really quiet as everyone was leaving flowers, but the silence was broken by a quietly crying Konohamaru. I looked at the young boy softly, feeling sorry for him. Iruka who was next to him moved over, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder comfortingly. I could see sorrow on his face too. This truly was a sad day.

I had noticed no sign of Kakashi, which I felt might have been strange. When it was time, we were slowly brought up in a line to leave flowers for the Hokage. Someone on the side was offering them. I gently took one, and tilted my head down, closing my eyes in front of his coffin.

Thank you Lord Hokage...without your ninja, Asuma and his team..I could have been back into Orochimaru's clutches. This village rescued me when I was 9 years old. I will never forget that day. You allowed me to stay here, to train to become a better ninja. I will never forget the kindness you showed me that day. This village thanks you for your sacrifice.

I looked back up at the photo of the Hokage, before looking down and gently setting the flower on top, walking back to my spot between Shino and Naruto, the rain stopping.

"Iruka-sensei?" Naruto's soft voice asked. I didn't turn my head, but I listened. "Why do they do it? Why do people risk their lives for other people?" Iruka was silent for a moment.

"Well.. when someone passes away, it's the end. His past and future, all the dreams he once had, they disappear along with him. This is true, even if he dies honorably in battle, as so many have. As Hyate did. All the times that bind him to the living are severed, all but one. The most important of all; people. Parents, siblings, friends, lovers, the people who are important to him. And these people, the ones left behind, are joined together in a great circle by their shared memories of him. A circle of friendship, trust, and sacrifice that grows larger and stronger as time passes. It's hard to explain it. We remain in the circle together. We have no choice. It's important to us."

"So we do it because we have to. I get it, sort of." I closed my eyes, tilting my head down.

Or we do it because we would do anything to make sure the people we care about won't be hurt. That they'll live on past us, despite anything that did happen to us. I gulped down the lump in my throat, feeling myself shake. Why was I shaking? Sadness? Anxiety? I didn't know anymore.

After the funeral ended, the crowds around us dispersed, leaving genin and other ninja to talk to others. I nodded at Sakura as she was talking when I heard a scream.

"Naruto!" I turned my head quickly to see a girl with shoulder length pink hair run at Naruto, slamming into his back and wrapping her arms around him in a hug. He stumbled for a moment before looking over his shoulder.

"Uhh...Angel?!" He asked excitedly, turning around, making her let go. She gave a wide grin at Naruto, her eyes shining brightly. Her eyes were a beautiful shade of blue. In her hair were twin buns, her pink hair shining beautifully in the sunlight. I stared at her in confusion, exchanging looks with Sakura.

"Who is she?" I whispered to Sakura, confusion clearly in my voice. She didn't have to answer me before Naruto turned around to look at me.

"This is Angel Zorro! She went to the academy with us, but I guess you never met her there!" Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. I turned to look at her, and gave a smile, nodding my head.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Tessa Cabrera." I said politely. Her blue eyes looked over at me before them widening, a gasp escaping her lips. I looked at her taken back, my eyebrows furrowed.

"Y-You're..you're.." I looked at her with wide confused eyes.

"Yes..?" She didn't lose the expression on her face.

"Wait, when did you get to the academy?!" She asked, stepping closer. I looked at her with a little nervousness that she was getting closer.

"When I was 9.." I said, trying to figure out what her deal was.

"Where are you from?" She asked, stepping closer in my bubble. I raised my hands.

"A lot of places, why are you getting closer to me?" I asked, stepping behind Sakura. She stared at me in wonder for a moment before regaining herself.

"I'm sorry! I just love meeting new people! Especially interesting ones." She elbowed Naruto, a mischievous smile on her face. I looked at her in confusion, turning back to Sakura.

"Right. I'm gonna go over there now." I pointed towards Kakashi, whom I now saw, starting to walk over.

"It was nice meeting you!" Angel shouted, something in her voice that I couldn't quite place. Well. That was kind of weird.

I let out a sigh as I walked through the village. Why was I doing this? It's not like I had anything else to do I guess.

"Hey Tessa!" A voice shouted at me, making me jump back in fright. It was the pink haired girl, Angel.

"Uh...hey Angel." I said warily, standing myself back up straight. I was training, so I should have noticed her, unless I was so focused or she was so good. Although, I was throwing kunai at the post to get a certain someone off my mind..

"Hi. I just wanted to apologize for the way I was acting at the Hokage's Funeral." She said sincerely, her hands clasped together in front of her. "The truth is, you look a lot like someone, and I must have mistaken you for her." My eyes widened a bit, looking at her.

"That's the second time I've been mistaken for someone. What the hell?" I asked, slightly annoyed. "I can't look that much like whoever she is." I threw my hands up. Angel giggled, making me look at her.

"Anyway, I wanted to make it up to you. Maybe, Yakiniku Q?" She asked hopefully, her eyes glittering. I looked at her for a moment, debating on whether it was a good idea or not. After a moment, I nodded.

"Yeah, okay, that sounds great." She gave a huge smile, hugging me in excitement.

"Yay! Okay, I will meet you there tomorrow morning at booth #14!" I nodded at her, patting her back with one arm.

"Okay. See you there."

I mean, Angel was nice, but I had just met her. I don't really hug people I just met I guess. She was sweet, but kind of strange. I shrugged, walking in the doors of Yakiniku Q. The host greeted me, me telling them I was going to a booth, and sat down in the booth she told me. She wasn't here yet. I sighed, resting my head on my hand, looking out the window.

After staring out the window for some time, a voice spoke up, making my heart stop.

"Huh? What are you doing here?" My head snapped around to see Shikamaru standing, his hand on the back of the booth seat.

"I'm having lunch with Angel." I snapped. "What are you doing here?" Shikamaru narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"I'm supposed to be having lunch with Angel." My eyes widened, and I closed my eyes, my eyebrow twitching.

"Angel!" We both hissed. I hit the table with my fists before pushing myself to a stand.

"That's it, I'm out of here!" Angel sped around the corner out of nowhere, making me jump.

"Wait!" She said, grabbing my arm. "Shikamaru wants to apologize." I narrowed my eyes at her and then turned to look at Shikamaru. He looked like he'd just been caught doing something he wasn't supposed to be doing, him looking between us.

"Uh.." I scoffed, looking away, not even wanting to do this.

"So what, you're gonna leave and keep fighting with him? Or are you gonna make up? He's trying." Angel said, still grabbing my arm, her eyes looking at me softly. "Please Tess." She added, squeezing my arm slightly tighter. I looked at her, still feeling hurt from what Shikamaru said. This is stupid though, why do I feel so hurt? I'm angry too, but I guess..I guess I just expected more from Shikamaru. Grateful would be nice.

"He doesn't even care." I said softly, not caring if Shikamaru heard.

"Shika does care, he just has a hard time expressing himself." She gently pulled me into a hug. I let her hug me, not having the mental energy to hug her back. I could barely see Shikamaru over her shoulder, who looked guilty. He only looked down, not saying anything. Angel pulled away from me and put her hand on her hip, glaring over at Shikamaru. "Shikamaru, say something dammit!" I looked over, a strand of hair falling in my face as he looked up at Angel and I, his mouth open.

"I..uh.." I heard Angel growl and without warning, she whipped her hand around, smacking Shikamaru hard in the face. "Ow! What the hell?!" He shouted at her in surprise. His cheek was quickly turning red.

"Why are you not talking?! Come on you stupid ass pineapple, say something!" Angel yelled at him, practically steaming at the ears.

"Okay, okay!" Shikamaru shouted, rubbing his face where Angel hit him. He looked at me, his face yet again filling with guilt. "Look..I'm really sorry I got mad at you. I just..I was..well.. I was worried.." Shikamaru admitted reluctantly. "I'm just, I'm not good with this kind of thing, okay? I'm not an emotions kind of guy, and this shit is confusing." I looked at Shikamaru, blinking at his apology. It was strange to get one from him like this, but I looked down.

"I'm..I'm sorry I put you on the spot like that. I just shouldn't have said anything." Shikamaru's head popped back up.

"What? No, I-" he stopped, looking at Angel then back at me. "I-I mean.. so what if you said something.." he looked away, seeming like he didn't care. Angel let out a sigh.

"As you can see Tess, he does care, it's just that the Nara clan sucks at expressing themselves. They're smart, but also dumb." She said, her hand raised and ready to smack Shikamaru for a second time, making me internally grin. Shikamaru glared at Angel, but then looked back at me.

"I'm...I'm sorry." He said softly. I gave a soft smile, nodding.

"I'm sorry too." He gave a tiny smile back before Angel shouted.

"Yay! Now we can eat, Shika is paying!" Shikamaru turned and looked at her with narrowed eyes.

"I'm...what?" He sighed, rubbing his face. "What a drag." I scooted into the booth, Angel next to me and Shikamaru sitting across from me. I put my right hand on my face, leaning on it and looking out the window. I felt like something was wrong, but I couldn't quite place it.

"Tessa?" I heard. I looked back at Angel, who was looking at me curiously. "What's up?" She asked. I opened my mouth to say something, when I heard a familiar Pervy voice.

"There you are!" I turned back around to the window to see Jiraiya and Naruto outside, looking at me expectantly. "Naruto said you might be here." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"What's that supposed to mean, I could've been literally anywhere." I replied. "What do you want, Pervy Sage?"

"Pervy Sage?" Shikamaru asked, his voice slightly elevated. I looked at him shaking my head and rolling my eyes.

"It's a long story." Jiraiya pouted.

"I told you never to call me thatttt." He whined. Angel leaned closer to me, her head resting on her hand.

"What, did you get your ass kicked from peeping in our clan bathhouses again? Knowing my mom, you did.."

"W-What?" Shikamaru asked again, confusion in his voice. "You peep in the bathhouses?" He asked, looking at Jiraiya.

"Whaaat? Nooo, of course not, these kids are all just joking!" He said, sweating. I shook my head, looking at them.

"No, we're not. I caught him staring at me too when Naruto was training and I was in my swimsuit." I said, narrowing my eyes. Jiraiya started choking on air, his face turning red.

"N-No I wasn't!"

"Ew, you did what? She's underage!" Angel said disgusted.

"Y-You saw her in her swimsuit and was staring?!" Shikamaru asked loudly, his face turning beet red. Jiraiya reached in the window, putting his hands over my mouth, him sweat dropping.

"She doesn't know what she's talking about, just us all playing around." He said, chuckling nervously.

"You're digging yourself a deeper hole, Pervy Sage.." Naruto mumbled, watching the scene unfold. I bit Jiraiya's hand, making him yell out in pain and pull his hand away from my mouth. I stood up, slamming my hands on the table and glared at Naruto.

"YOU'RE ONE TO TALK, YOU WERE STARING TOO!" I yelled, my face heating up in anger. I saw Angel shaking her head in disgust, making me look at her. "What? What's wrong with that?!" I asked, slightly offended. I mean, not that I wanted Naruto staring at me, but if someone was to stare at me, so what?

"Nothing." Angel said quickly, shaking her head again. I narrowed my eyes at her but slowly started taking a drink. Shikamaru rubbed his face, probably trying to get the beet red to go away. "Also Naruto, you can't date Tess, Shika thinks she's a hottie." Angel said, changing the subject. I spit out my drink all over the table, me coughing and choking on the water. Shikamaru's face turned even redder if possible.

"What?!" Naruto shouted in surprise. I continued choking, Shikamaru looking at Angel, his hand slightly hiding his face from my direction, and Jiraiya and Naruto.

"Shika thinks Tess is the baddest bitch alive." She added, drinking her tea and making bubbles casually. I was gasping for air, trying to get the water out of my lungs as Shikamaru slammed his forehead into the table, leaving his head down. Jiraiya was silent for once, and Naruto looked like he was both intrigued and disgusted. Angel slammed her hand on my back, trying to help me breath again. "Let's stop before Tessa chokes on liquid and Shika turns into a red pineapple." I finally stopped coughing, my face about as red as Shikamaru's. Angel rubbed my back after I was finally breathing. "You good girl?" She asked with amusement. I turned my head, side eying her.

"I hate you." I mouthed at her.

"I love you too." She replied, flipping her hair dramatically. "Anyways, why are you guys here?" She asked, peeking past me at Pervy Sage and Naruto. Jiraiya, who's face was red, finally spoke.

"Well, Naruto and I have something to do, and I'd like to bring you Tessa." He said, leaning down to my level. I raised my eyebrow.

"Why?" I asked suspiciously.

"Hm? Well...you and Naruto make a good team, I suppose. Plus, there's something I like about you two. Something that I can't quite put my finger on." He said, not at all convincingly.

"Aw, that's awesome." Angel said, making me slightly suspicious about her as well.

"I mean..Naruto is my teammate." I said with sarcasm, rolling my eyes. "I would hope that we'd make a good team." Jiraiya groaned, annoyed with my sarcasm.

"Oh, just shut up and let's go. We've gotta get a move on." My eyes widened.

"What, now? I haven't even ate!" I whined. Jiraiya shrugged.

"We'll get something for you on the way!" He said casually. I groaned, looking back at Angel and Shikamaru. I was looking forward to eating with them. Shika finally picked up his head, his forehead red where he smacked it on the table.

"What a drag." He said, almost seeming...disappointed? I furrowed my eyebrows at them both.

"I'm sorry guys." Angel shook her head.

"Shikamaru is paying, so don't worry." I sighed, nodding and hopping up on the booth seat, crawling out the window.

"Eat enough for me too!" I placed my feet on the ground, taking a step, but stopping at Shika's voice.

"Hey." I turned around, looking at him. He was away from me, his hand holding his cheek. "Maybe...don't almost die this time." I blinked for a moment, then gave a soft smile.

"Okay, Shika." I heard Angel's voice as I started walking with Naruto and Jiraiya.

"Well Shika, you glad I gave you that smack from God?" She asked, making me quietly giggle. I am, kind of.

"So all of this is just for your stupid research? Man, I could've stayed and ate with Shika and Angel." I groaned.

"Look kids, I can assure you this isn't just another research trip. There's a woman I have to find, a very remarkable woman!" He said, one eye closing mischievously. I made a vomiting noise, making Jiraiya deadpan.

"You guys are too much." He said, making me laugh. Guess he ran out of things to say.

"Besides, it's time Kakashi taught me something new, like that..chidori thing." Naruto said. I could see how jealous he was just by the expression on his face. He isn't the only one either.

"I see. Hm.." Jiraiya replied, clearly thinking. "You'd just be wasting your time. Chidori's not really your style." I leaned forward, my hands on my hips.

"Well it's my style." I replied annoyed. It probably wasn't, but oh well. As Naruto and Jiraiya start arguing, I turned towards where I was earlier. I'd give anything to be back with Angel and Shikamaru.

"...I could have taught you new Jutsu that made Chidori look like kid's stuff." I hear Pervy Sage say, making me look back. New Jutsu, huh? "Maybe I'll just see if Sasuke wants to come." He added, making me roll my eyes. That'd definitely work on Naruto. Right as I thought that, he sped right past me, stopping and looking at Jiraiya hopefully.

"Right! When do we leave?!" I shook my head.

"You're pitiful, Naruto." I said, deadpanning.

After some of Naruto's antics with his curiosity with the Jutsu he wanted to learn, and the giant bells he ripped down earlier, we finally made it to the town we were aiming for, some sort of festival going on around us.

"Oh man, this town is pretty weird." Naruto's voice said next to me, him looking around. I stood next to Jiraiya as he got a room for us, although I made I'm get a second room. There was no way I was sharing a room with two boys, especially one being Pervy Sage.

"Naruto!" He turned around, getting the blonde's attention from the lobby decorations. "We're gonna crash here tonight."

"What? But why?!" Naruto whined. "I can still walk, and so can Tessa." I looked at him, my eyebrow raised.

"Can it Naruto, we're just here for tonight, okay?" I asked, throwing some hair back over my shoulder.

"A disciple should always obey his master." Jiraiya only replied. I rolled my eyes.

"Good thing I'm not officially your disciple." I muttered, making him glare at me.

"Look, I just want to learn some Jutsu, okay?"

"Yeah, no kidding." Jiraiya replied, kneeling down to Naruto's height. "That's what makes you a disciple." He turned to me. "And you too. If you wanna learn Jutsu from me, you're also a disciple." I scowled, looking away. Yeah, okay, whatever old man. I noticed Jiraiya look behind Naruto, making Naruto turn around. When I looked up, there was a lady in a dress with long dark hair standing there, Jiraiya practically drooling over her.

"Seriously?" I asked, crossing my arms. Jiraiya and Naruto started being idiots, both drooling over this woman, when Jiraiya turned and shoved the room key in Naruto's hand, and mine in my hand.

"Here's the room keys. I want you guys to go right up to the rooms, train for a little, work on your chakra, then get to bed okay?! Haha!" He said quickly and laughed. I groaned, slamming my hand into my forehead with a loud smack.

"Oh, so I supposed you're gonna tell me it's time for the grownups to play now! Is that the vibe here, you big perv?!" Needless to say, that argument didn't last long, and the next thing we knew, I sat on Jiraiya's bed facing Naruto, while Naruto sat on his facing me. He closed his eyes, focusing his chakra into his hands.

"You know, I could show you how to do the strength thing I do if you wanted." I suggested, mindlessly braiding my hair from the back in front of my face.

"Mmmm, I dunno Tessa, that doesn't seem as cool as Chidori." He said, not even looking at me. I didn't have the energy to argue with him, only rolling my eyes.

"Not everything is going to be cool, Naruto." I said bitterly. "Besides, you could easily break someone's back with it. Like Pervy Sage's." I smirked teasingly. Naruto's eye peeked open, looking at me with some curiosity. "Thought that might get your attention." I giggled. Naruto didn't laugh, looking at me curiously.

"Hey, Tessa, what's going on with you and Shikamaru?" He suddenly asked, making my face burn red. I sat up straight, looking at him flustered.

"W-What do you mean? Nothing's going on." I said, looking away. Naruto laughed, pointing at me.

"There's totally something going on, look at your face, it's redder than an apple!" I growled, hitting Naruto upside the head.

"Oh, SHUT UP NARUTO!" I yelled, holding my fist in front of his face. I went silent when a knock was heard at the door, making me turn my head to it. "Oh look, now we're getting complaints because we're loud probably!" I shouted, gritting my teeth at Naruto. "See what you did?!" Naruto looked at me with frustration.

"What I did?!" He asked, hopping off the bed, getting his sandals on and walking to the door. "More like what you did!" He grumbled, unlocking the door and pulling it open. In front of us stood a man in a long black cloak, red clouds on it. I looked up at the man's face, and felt the color drain from my face. He had familiar dark hair, but the thing that scared me the most...his eyes. He had blood red eyes. A gasp left my lips, and I shoved Naruto back, trying to slam the door shut.

"Move!" I shouted. Something stopped the door from shutting, making me groan as I tried to push it. Instead, whatever it was slammed the door open, the door knob hitting me in the arm and shoving me backwards. I fell into Naruto, shoving both of us back onto the floor. I gazed up at the man with wide eyes, fear filling my chest, when another man stepped in view.

"Ha. Hard to believe that children like you carry demons inside them." He had blue skin, and looked...weird.

"What the hell is wrong with your face?" I asked sarcastically, trying to mask the fear in my voice. The man gritted his teeth angrily, glaring at me but not moving.

"Naruto. Tessa. You're coming with us." The pale man said, staring at us. It felt like he was staring into our souls. Might as well have been. I knew exactly who this was, only because Orochimaru talked about him constantly. About how he wanted to steal his Sharingan. Only, he couldn't, because the man in front of me was much stronger than the man I was terrified of. Naruto and I were screwed if he wanted us. We were completely and utterly screwed.

Hey ya'll! Massive thanks to AaliyahHarris on Wattpad for being/playing as Angel Zorro! Angel is 100% her character, so go give her some love!

Thanks guys ❤️

~Tessa