A/N: Please let me know what you think so far? Thank you

Song : Rather be

Disclaimer : I do not own Naruto

CHAPTER 5

He spills every little soft secret he ever kept from her, even his fear of being seen as weak in her eyes making her heart swell and ache for him. He finally had the courage to admit he was too broken after losing their daughter and the thought of losing her too nearly cost him his sanity. After kissing away every single tear she shed and allowing her all the sobs her heart could take they ended up making the sweetest love either of them had ever enjoyed…again and again and again.

Nalina smiles in her sleep.

Over the next two weeks Nalina was introduced to every clan head of Konoha, each visiting the Uchiha district with a full entourage in tow. Some were less than enthusiastic than others, while a few were not as willing as the Uchiha to follow their late Hokage's final wishes, luckily the majority had trusted in their directives merely coming to pay their respects and pledge loyalties.

Lord Third had respectfully requested all clans put aside their individual differences, work together and accept the help that was being offered. He had to disclose the whole near massacre incident, which did not sit well with the village elders but, this was done on recommendation of Fugaku. In most cases this with Fugaku's personal account was enough to secure the alliances, the realisation of what the Uchiha had faced…on their own had made them appreciate the loyalty being shown to the Light. The rest were easily swayed by the girl herself as she patiently, sometimes unintentionally, and extremely confidently convinced them otherwise.

Only one family seemed to have reservations, the Hyuga.

Nalina watched Hyuga Hiashi from across the table listening to him speak, very politely conveying why they should be cautious of trusting outsiders. Nalina was not nearly as agitated or even slightly offended as her protectors were though, she seemed to have been expecting it, even Mikoto bristled at the discreetly worded and politely phrased insults aimed at the young girl as she tended to the guests in her home.

Dressed in a pale yellow kimono with white lotus blooms and deer antlers all along the hem and collar tied with a warm gold obi around her waist (a gift from the Nara clan when they visited a few days prior), hair braided and falling over her shoulder as it hung way past her hips, the shock of silver curls braided over the top of her head like a small crown weaved of blue-black and silver, with dainty golden yellow poppies and white snowdrops woven intricately in between (the Yamanaka clan gift on their visit for peace, innocence and rebirth). She stood up tall and bowed low in front of the two Hyuga males, Hiashi as clan head and Neji who had accompanied his uncle as a personal body guard.

"Hyuga-sama, please may we have a word in private?" she requested speaking softly and keeping her head bowed low. Itachi's hands clenching tight, knuckles white as he remained standing to the right of his father who was seated next to Nalina – he did not deem it necessary she show such docile homage to them.

"I do not see what can be said in private that cannot be shared in front of who is present here in this room" Hiashi clipped regally lifting his head just that much to accentuate superiority.

Raising her head slowly, eyes set with determination and resolve, her chakra swirling in turbulent waves around her almost palpable in the confined room, Nalina barely whispers "What about the real reason why your respected nephew is now part of your personal bodyguard and why you are starting to re-think his position as part of the branch family?"

Everybody seems to stop breathing just for a moment and before either Hyuga could reply, a soft plea was issued "Neji, forge your own destiny. Your fate is something you create with your own hands." Neji's eyes widened and Hiashi stood shocked the confusion clear and unmistakable on their usually blank schooled faces.

Her protectors' look from each other to the Hyuga, all but Itachi who never lets his eyes leave them, he can feel Nalina's emotions so he need not look at her. He felt their shock and uncertainty just as he felt her restraint, control and hurt? Why is she feeling hurt? Affording her a quick glance he catches her piercing them with hazel eyes, conveying an unspoken message only they understood.

"Uncle, perhaps it is best we take our leave….for now" Neji says in his cool serene tone. Hiashi is merely looking from him to Nalina who is still standing with her hands folded in the folds of her sleeves and finally nods his head. Bidding farewell to the Uchiha head they leave without any further words.

Just as they are about to step through the door Nalina who followed them out says "Neji-san, he chose his own fate." Her voice is clear and near pleading. He stops and slowly turns to face her as she unfolds her hands and opens her arms seeking an embrace, he looks to Hiashi who still has a deep frown set between his pale eyes but still he moves closer, he could not deny the serenity that surrounded her the calmness that emanated off of her slowly seeping into his being making the tumultuous waves in his heart start to subside into clear and serene bliss. Nalina hugs him to her softly and whispers in his ears "You really are a genius. Your father would be so proud." Her words as well as the welcome comfort spilling over from her grabbing hold of his heart as he feels the last few vestiges of frost melt into nothing in her presence.

Kakashi steps forward after they leave and says with a twinkle in his only visible eye "Now then, that leaves only the village elders, Uchiha elders, Lady Fifth Hokage and the whole of Konoha to persuade." all while raising a single finger for each feat still to come on his one hand.

"Just go read your book Kakashi-san" she says rolling her eyes and turning away to help Mikoto clear the table. Their slowly growing relationship has bloomed daily as they had their private discussions away from prying ears, or at least so they thought. Itachi being sly, ensuring to always be just within hearing shot of the girl that has become just a bit more than interesting to him. The fondness she harbours and nurtures for Hatake evident to everybody including him and if he had to admit it (which he won't) does not sit well with him at all.

She had met Shisui and Team 7 in their entirety on her third day, Sasuke on her second even he had an easier time of connecting with her. The bond was spontaneous and Team 7 had unofficially also become her bodyguards. Itachi was somehow a bit jealous of how easily she was forging relationships with others but her fear for him hindered theirs, he needed to fix it but how? He was not accustomed to having to work for any kind of affections, especially from a female so why was she so different – he vowed to solve the conundrum that was presenting itself daily.

"Mikoto, are Naruto and Sakura still coming for the sleepover today?" Nalina enquired, voice brimming with excitement at having some fun with the young teens.

Mikoto bubbles "Yes, Sasuke said they will be coming over as soon they complete their training for the day" looking at Itachi with a knowing look as he still has not even attempted to broach the subject of his own lessons with her since that night.

"Great, think they would be willing to have me as company again?" she asks politely, already knowing the answer as they would undoubtedly seek her out later the evening.

"Perhaps later we could have a moment Hime, there is much to discuss and I require a word with your Mistress" Itachi speaks without looking at her, his timbre low and resonating almost soothing.

Pouting slightly, she looks at Kakashi and Mikoto both have a fleeting look of expectancy as well as a twinge of beseech hidden there "As you wish Uchiha-san" sighing as she consents knowing that she cannot avoid the inevitable.

"It won't be very long; you may join in the fun afterwards" he tries to soothe her unwilling to completely bereave her of some entertainment.

Smiling faintly and nodding without meeting any of their scrutinising gazes she turns and heads down the hall towards her room her aura having become an impenetrable cloak around her. Alone in her room she finally finds a moment to open the chest and scroll. The letter from the Third surprising her somewhat…

Dear Lotus

When you finally read this I will undoubtedly not be around. Your Mistress has tried to make your transition to our world as smooth as possible without impacting your chances at adjusting quickly too much.

I have tried to explain as much as possible to the needed people in advance but fear you may still be required to prove yourself even when you are accepted. Your Mistress has entrusted me with a few items she deemed you would appreciate while being here and I have charged the Uchiha as you adoptive family. I trust they will tend to you like one of their own, they have already convinced me of their intentions in this regard.

This said, Itachi will be much closer to you as a result of being a vessel for your Mistress himself. He may not seem as approachable as most and I hope you are able to overcome your reservations as he will be able to teach you much on how to control your unknown powers. He may seem aloof at best of times but believe me a better man or shinobi you will not find anywhere else. He is not only a prize unto his clan alone, he is valued highly by his village as well as being an exemplary human being – we ALL could learn much from this fine young man.

I have disclosed the events around Hatake's fathers' last mission to him, so in that aspect he is somewhat caught up. I don't doubt he has questions but I am sure he will wait till you are ready to share them with him should it be best he knows. I wish I can relay that you will have blind faith from everybody but as you know the human race is naturally suspicious.

With this I wish you only the best and I hope that I have somehow assisted your mission even if only a little.

Your grateful Third Hokage

Hiruzen Saratobi

Excitement, a little confusion and a twinge of sadness clear in her eyes she looks inside the ornately carved chest at the foot of the bed. Folded on one side is her ensemble and cloak with mask that she arrived in the first day, underneath that is three folded yukatas each beautifully decorated with lotus blooms around the entire hem, sleeves and collar, the other side held a few nylon legging tights, three plain leotards with a pair of pale pink pointe shoes with a black chiffon wrap skirt. Her heart skipped a few beats and her face lit with elation until she found right at the bottom of the chest, a few drives and a small portable music player with ear buds.

She was over the moon, beaming and chakra flaring at the discovery in joyful glee, all this Itachi felt as he crouched on the roof of the small hut. Dropping down onto the walkway he makes his way to her room to find her kneeling in front of the chest, all the items strewn around her and the music player nestled in her hands lightly swaying with her eyes closed as she listens to music.

He finds himself even more intrigued as he has not yet seen her this calm and at ease since her arrival, he almost feels bad to disrupt her from her new found peace. Just then she opens her eyes and he could almost swear her usually hazel eyes were more gold but blinking he saw them just bright and … happy?

Breaking out in a smile that lights up the entire room "Uchiha-san, I think we can start now."

He is nearly floored at the sudden turn of her demeanour but does not show it as he enters slowly and takes a seat at her desk "May I enquire as to what has changed your reaction to my presence so?"

She sighs and ducks her head hiding her face from his enquiring gaze "Your mother, Kakashi, Lord Third and Mistress…all of them vouching and me only now listening" the light red sting at the tops of her ears not missed by him.

He notices her chakra still diminishing but not to the point of extinction as her ears tinges a darker shade of red and decides to let it go "Whatever it was I am glad we could move past it."

"Hmm.." she hummed in response, "Uchiha-sama what-"

"Itachi" his velvet voice smoothly vibrates.

"did you…Excuse me?" she looks at him a little startled at the sudden interruption.

"My name is Itachi" he offers as explanation to her quizzical eyes.

"Yes, I know" her chakra levels starting to flicker again slightly as her decisiveness seem to falter in the current exchange.

"Please use it" he has noted that it is only him she continues to address with any formality and thinks perhaps getting past that will somehow make their needed relationship flow more easily.

Looking a bit shocked "As you wish Itachi-san, what would you like to discuss?"

"Hime, please just Itachi" he drawls, voice smooth as velvet deciding he would continue to use the name she clearly does not appreciate. "For now I need to contact your Mistress, she said to speak to you when I need to."

"Yes, you need to enter my consciousness using your eyes." Ignoring his use of the title she merely relays the instructions she received.

"Hn" he moves slowly from his seat to right next to her in one smooth swift action.

Startled by his sudden proximity her heart starts to hammer and her aura fluctuates, eyes widening she looks up into his eyes as they begin to bleed red. Before she can react his tomoe starts to twirl and she feels herself falling.

"Hime, wake up"

Nalina feels the deep voice resonating through her whole being and opens her eyes to see onyx orbs staring back at her, a strong arm cradling her shoulders and another under her legs holding her close to a muscled chest as her head is cradled against his shoulder. The sky above is swirling with blood red clouds across a black sky with a bright crimson moon hanging low and full, around her is just more of the same and the dark foreboding bears down on her "Wh-where are we?" the fear clearly visible on her face and in her voice.

"Shh...shh, Hime…you are safe. This is my Infinite Tsukuyomi. I need to speak with your Mistress." Itachi coos softly trying to keep her from becoming too scared.

Trying to calm down she closes her eyes, breathing deep. Suddenly all around him the darkness starts giving way to endless light until there is nothing but open empty bright light surrounding them. Slowly he starts seeing the meadow appear first in small blotches then bigger chunks growing and merging as if being painted by an invisible hand until finally the scene before them is the same as he remembers it.

As he turns around he finds there actually are differences now, a stream cuts through the centre of the meadow running from a waterfall flowing down from a high rock wall covered in wisteria in hues ranging from white to pink, blue and pale purple, with a cleft in the rock face where the water falls down but as it gets closer to the bottom it sprays out into a gentle curtain. The silver water cascades down spilling into the clear stream, a brilliant shining silver ribbon that glimmers in the abundant sunlight, the bottom of the stream is littered with multiple smooth pebbles in all shapes and sizes in white and grey. The rock face closest to them has small perfect alcove shaped doorways carved into it and just as he starts to move towards them Nalina speaks from behind him.

"Those are not for you to see Itachi-san, they are mine and mine alone."

Turning to face the voice he sees her standing in the open meadow among the flowers. She is no longer dressed in the yellow kimono but in a long flowing robe of pale blue that covers her from shoulders to toes, the v-line neck dipping just enough to allow him to see the emblem crest etched into her skin as Mikoto described for the first time. Her hair is untied flowing behind her in a mass of long full blue-black curls reaching mid-thigh and it seems to envelope her like a cloak and hood. The shock of silver curls is still braided and woven like a crown atop her head but this time there are bluebells and yellow daises evenly placed in between completing the crown effect like jewels. Her hazel eyes are all warm gold and amber accents catching fractals of light making them shine like yellow gemstones the sight of which takes his breath away. He notices her perfectly pouting rosebud mouth with pale pink lips and an almost heart shaped black beauty mark just below the corner on the right.

'Did she always have that mark?' he wonders to himself.

She chuckles softly "Yes, Itachi-san. I've always had this, seems my Mistress created me in your world flaws and all." Her response and answer to the question he thought was unheard surprises him, intrigue gnawing around the edges at her flaws comment.

"You have no flaws my Lotus, you should know better than to say such things" the voice says seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time softly reprimanding.

"Mi'lady, where are you?" Itachi asks looking around but not seeing a form to address but he can feel her presence all around the meadow now, her presence in the very air he breaths.

"I am here Weasel but this is a shared space with my Lotus's consciousness, it is no longer the in between. The coves you see are her memories of precious people and places. You can only enter with her escort and permission."

Ignoring the slight reprimand, she ploughs ahead wanting to have a small moment before allowing the two others their meeting. "Mistress, I miss you terribly. I am having some difficulty in adjusting but thank you for all your efforts to rally assistance for me prior to my arrival." She looks at Itachi shyly but continues anyway "I have yet to complete the task of filling in the details you asked to Kakashi but he is adamant we only do it a little at a time. I feel safe and trust him though, so it won't be too long. And..and thank you Mistress, I received your gifts and even though I did not expect them here I am truly grateful."

With this she glances back at Itachi and fades into a mirage and then nothing as she leaves him alone in a circle of pale blue tulips from which he cannot move.

"What is this? I can't move" he says just a hint of concern edging his voice.

"Seems my Lotus doesn't quite trust you Weasel" a slight tingling of bells filling her voice "or perhaps she don't trust herself having you loose among her memories."

He eyes the confining ring of flowers around him "Why is she so scared of me? Does she not trust your judgement?" true confusion at the current situation flooding all his senses.

"Ah! That my dear Weasel you will have to ask her, it is not mine to disclose."

He sighs disconcertment clear "As you wish Mi'lady." Glancing around the meadow he asks "How do I convince her?"

"Trust breeds trust my Weasel, just as love spawns love." Her words fade as the meadow bleeds back into his familiar black swirled with red background leaving him alone in his own illusion.

Back in the room Nalina had left him before he awoke, his head lain on a soft pillow on the floor next to the small chest. The items from her chest cleared and packed away while she sits on the bridge staring into the pond. Kakashi meanders slowly towards the bridge followed by Shisui who had been on missions and patrols since her arrival.

"Yoh! Up for a little chat today?" his playful request a near hum to her ears.

"Hey! I was hoping to keep her company a bit, you all have been hounding her non-stop. I also want a turn" Shisui fake pouts while throwing her a mischievous wink from behind the other nins back.

Her laughter rumbles lightly as she finds their antics completely adorable "Shisui join us a bit later? Naruto and Sakura will be coming over later." Turning to Kakashi she looks up at him towering over her still seated form "After dinner perhaps please? I think I have avoided my Mistress's choice of instructor long enough. I won't be ready in time if I can't control whatever powers I may possess." Turning slightly to look over her shoulder she finds Itachi staring at the three of them, missing the dead stare that was focussed on her the entire exchange "When do we start?" she asks meekly almost resignable in her consent.

"Tomorrow, I'll come collect you. Bring your mask." He says before leaving in a flurry of crow feathers.

Nalina fails to catch the narrowing of Kakashi's visible eye or the look between him and Shisui who just exhales softly and closes his eyes after meeting the question in the lone dark eye mirrored in his own. 'What's up with him?'

-O-

That night after everybody had turned in for the night Nalina lay in her bed waiting until she was sure everybody was deep in slumber. Slipping out of bed she reached into the chest to retrieve the shoes, some tights, a leotard and the skirt. Dressed, shoes slung around her neck with music player and buds in hand she pads out barefoot over the bridge and down the opposite corridor to the training room on the far side of the huge home.

Being careful to make no noise she closes the sliding door she had entered through softly behind her, the room was shrouded in darkness except for the moonlight streaming in through the windows but finding a single lamp in one corner she decides to light it. Buds finally in her ears she lays the player down next to the lamp pressing a button as she begins to stretch.

Itachi had felt her chakra stir and move in her room and found it strange as she usually fell asleep straight after settling in her room for the night. He followed her signature and found it strange she was moving to the training room that was seldom used anymore, all apparatus being removed had left the space completely bare. He finds himself moving to the opposite side of where she entered knowing he could slip in unnoticed from another door.

He finds her sitting in the middle of the room eyes closed, dressed in very form fitting clothes he had not seen yet and hair in a simple braid and rolled into a full bun at the base of her neck. Stretching her legs and arms all the while making slow movements with her body, was she dancing?

Nalina listens to the music as she impatiently tries to warm up her muscles. She knows they are out of shape and will protest if she just jumps right in but she NEEDS this. The notes are filling her senses, taking her shoes and slipping them on only opening her eyes to meticulously tie the pale pink ribbons in a crisscross pattern around her ankles securing the ends by tucking them back in on themselves. She stands tapping the hard toes into the floor, securing the fit one last time before allowing the music to completely take over her whole being, filling her, moving her making her bend and arc as it wills, for the first time since she arrived, she feels completely at home.

Itachi finds himself mesmerised as he watches the slip of a girl clad in almost nothing start to move to the silent music. He can tell by the way she moves that whatever tune is leading her is completely in sync with her ministrations on the floor, she glides effortlessly and her legs and arms are graceful extensions pulling him in as he remains crouched and hidden in the shadows across the room. Just as he thinks she cannot become more beautiful she starts to do a series of turns that has her ending up on the very tips of her toes, where she stays to complete whatever dance had caught her within its grasp.

He has never seen anybody able to do what she is doing and all that while on her toes! She twirls and jumps soundlessly seeming to weigh nothing and completely moving on air instead of the hard wood floor under their feet. Then he feels it….the slow increase of her chakra building up from deep inside her growing in volume and intensity as her dancing becomes more earnest as if climbing to reach an unknown peak just within reach.

He is sure if her aura was visible it would be vibrant shades of blue and gold as he can almost see the colours around her. Her chakra swirling and still growing in slow progression to her dancing. He feels the crescendo before he sees it unfurl as she leaps once, twice, three times each time higher and longer than the last before she lands falling onto the floor before she throws her body back on itself landing with her back completely flush against the ground, knees bent and her heels tucked beneath her shoulders, arms splayed out. A burst of chakra right at that moment was sent out in a pulsing wave washing over him and he is sure it does everybody else in the home at that moment, filling him with such calmness, serenity, renewal and something else that he just can't name.

The room is left with a feeling of pure life and joy that seeps into every corner leaving Nalina still on the floor chest heaving as she gulps down mouthful after mouthful of cool night air as she smiles wide and bright. Her aura is now a soft glow of warm yellow shrouding her and suddenly she feels exhausted "Now THAT feels good!" and with a blink she's gone leaving lotus petals in her wake, dispersing before the first one even touches the ground.

Stunned by her sudden ability to blink Itachi's lips begin to curl in a slight smile, shaking his head the thinks to himself 'I could use this in her training.'

The next morning just as the sun starts to kiss the horizon Itachi stands on the porch around the hut, "If we are gonna do this I need coffee first" he hears before seeing her as she steps out in front of him moving past him to cross the bridge on her way to the kitchen. He notes her aura is still warm and covers her like a cloak seeping calm and serenity. Following behind her he notes she wears a normal track pants and t-shirt, both seem too big and hangs loosely around her frame, a small back pack slung over her left shoulder.

"Morning Mikoto" – smile bright and cheery with love clear in her eyes – "how did you sleep?" she reaches for the mug his mother has poured and placed on the counter with only a nod and smile for her and a warning glance thrown his way – "Thank you, it smells awesome as always."

He watches as the two females start to chatter while the younger one finishes her steaming brew in a few gulps. "Itachi-san is starting my training today, not sure how it will go but something tells me we won't be back by lunch" she says this as she looks up at him locking gazes to confirm, her chakra flaring some before she manages to calm it again.

He had noticed she favoured braiding her shock of silver over the top of her head, she probably doesn't even know it resembles a crown sitting on top of her head in stark contrast to the rest which is again in a French braid running down the length of her spine simply tied at the ends.

"Hn" his only response as agreement.

Rolling her eyes at him Mikoto proceeds to pack each a bento for lunch passing it to Nalina with a smile. 'Wait…since when does his mother roll her eyes?!' He is a bit shocked but with his current somewhat daunting task at hand he chooses to leave that to rest for a later time.

-O-

Their day had not been as fruitless as he had thought initially it would be. Somehow the girl had managed to dampen her terror of him enough to actually learn, impressing him with her tenacity. She has a long road ahead as she does not know hand signs or even the simple act of controlling her chakra fluctuations, these having been his only indication when she had gotten very irritable with him as she never once uttered a word in protest. Not even when he had drilled her to do kata's for nearly three hours straight, her arms and legs had trembled with the strain and the beads of sweat had dripped down from her temples, the dark patches on her t-shirt evidence that she was drenched between her shoulder blades.

When they had taken a break for lunch she merely opted for the flask of water and an apple she had tucked in her backpack.

"Okaa-san will not be happy if you do not finish the lunch she packed" he reminded her gently. Chuckling to himself as she guiltily took the bento and scoffed it down, clearly she was hungry. He allowed her a further thirty minutes in which she splayed herself out in the shade of a tall tree with her buds again in her ears while he feigned target practice while watching her intently noting how her chakra levels although not even close to depleted started replenishing themselves. He had only sealed his summon contract on her chest, deciding to forgo the training session he had planned for after for another day. Convincing himself it had nothing to do with the jolt of electricity he felt run through his body as he had dragged his bloodied thumb across the etched emblem across her chest.

By the time they were heading back home later the afternoon she was physically exhausted he could see that she was not used to this kind of training. Going straight to her room to bath he presumed, he headed back into the main house to speak with his mother.

The next two weeks was over sooner than anybody could register, Naruto had left with Jiraiya to retrieve the new Hokage after locating her and the village was still in the process of rebuilding the damages done during the attack. The Uchiha compound had been buzzing as more of the clansman met and saw the vessel that was doing the rounds on the grapevines. Nalina was still always accompanied by any one or a few of her usual companions but they could not deny that she was burying herself deeper and deeper into the hearts of the Uchiha people and even the clans that accepted her arrival and role without question – even them swearing their loyalty and offering services to afford her clock round protection.

Nalina had found an orphanage within the compound and made it a daily mission to visit the children where she just spent time playing with them and acted very goofy just to make them laugh - even the older members all had to warm up to her gentle nature and easy manner as she went about assisting whoever needed help as she met them, in the background however there was still a few who looked down on the change she was representing and was disgruntled at the clear position she was being afforded within the clan.

None of this had gone unnoticed by either Fugaku or Itachi and they decided that when she leaves the compound her security would need to be even more vigilant. It came as a surprise when Hyuga Hiashi arrived one day with Neji again and offered their services as part of her protection detail when she leaves the safety of their compound. Itachi was expecting his father to decline the offer but was surprised to hear him gracefully accept their help. Not for the first time Itachi noticed how very different both his parents had become after her arrival.

In between everything Nalina still managed to find time almost every day to sneak to the abandoned training room and dance all while having a constant unknown spectator present. All too soon she had been among them for three months, her abilities having grown in leaps and bounds under Itachi's diligent hand – he had even started teaching her a few jutsus - and then the notification from the Hokage's office to meet eventually came.

-0-

Nalina had not expected to meet with the new Hokage alone but neither was she prepared for the entourage that was escorting her to the meeting that day. The whole Team 7 with the entire Uchiha head family including Shisui, Kakashi, the Yamanaka and Nara heads as well as Neji and Hiashi all present as she walked through the village of Konaha for the very first time since her arrival. Dressed in a kimono and sandals on insistence from Mikoto she was captivating in her simplicity.

The dark green kimono and matching obi with the signature lotus blooms adorning the hem, collar and sleeve cuffs enhancing her honey coloured skin and again her crown braid of silver adorned with white baby's breath blossoms and small green ferns woven in between. Her usual French braid had also been adorned with the flowers today and the sight made for a spectacular view as every person they passed merely stared at her some not sure if they should be bowing because she was nobility or not.

She had asked Mikoto for a bottle of the best sake as she wished to gift the Hokage on her first meeting. Finding it a strange request Mikoto and Fugaku tried to dissuade her but she remained adamant until finally she received a bottle of the finest sake Fugaku has in his personal stash. Gift in hand she was now waiting in the small waiting room patiently biding her time to be seen.

A shuffle of sorts draws every person's attention to the door leading to the long corridor that encircles the cylindrical Hokage Tower. There is a muffled voice and loud footsteps drawing ever closer - "I don't care, I want to see her myself!" a booming voice could be heard from just beyond the other side of the closed door.

"You cannot meet them in this state Lady Tsunade, it's-" a much softer voice tries to interject before being cut off as the door swings open.

"I am honoured to finally meet the Fifth Hokage in person. I hope that I will be of as much service to you as I hope I am to my Mistress." Nalina is in a deep bow not lifting her head once during her greeting as the whole room is shocked. Everybody holds their breaths in anticipation. Not one, except Itachi who had watched nobody else except her, had even noted her stand in anticipation of the entrance.

"What the hell are you talking about you little nitwit!" is the booming response from the blonde haired busty female that nearly took the door off its hinges.

"I come bearing gifts, I hope you will allow me to explain myself" still in her deep bow Nalina offers up the bottle of sake.

On eyeing the bottle of intoxicant the honey eyed blond quickly adds while snatching it before her brunette assistant could grab it away "Oh just stand up already would you? Clearly you know how to suck up to authority."

Nalina erupts in a fit of giggles at this point not even trying to hide her mirth "My Mistress told me you are sharp but the bribe would be well received."

With a chuckle the blonde woman eyes the entire room and brazenly sizes up the girl in front of her "Don't you trust to meet me alone?"

"On the contrary they" – motioning around the room with one hand - "are here to ensure that I do not slight or embarrass myself or anybody else who has placed their faith in my Mistress and thus me by default. I am aware you have been informed of my markings" – glancing over to Fugaku – "so to answer your questions ...yes, they are in service for what lies ahead. No, I do not mind you having them sketched and documented, however I won't be able to assist with a detailed description of their purpose. Mistress only informed me that it will reveal itself when needed."

Tsunade only arches an eyebrow at this – 'Now how in heaven's name did she know that is what I had planned?'- her only thought, "You have no objections to it being documented?" her only response though.

"None, as it is in service to the village it is my duty to oblige" meeting the menacing eye-lock of the blonde in front of her with no fear or dishonesty.

"Very well then…..Shizune!" – the brown haired assistant moves forward- "Get me that brat, that one that paints in Anbu."

"But La-"

"Just get him!" the growl is low and authoritative leaving no room for question.

Unable to hold her giggles anymore Nalina cracks up in a full fit of laughter as they all watch Shizune scuttle from the room to find the artist. "I believe his name is Sai" she calls after the departing figure between her chortles. The rest of the occupants look on in disbelief and pure shock, Lady Tsunade is known for her short temper and even more so for her monstrous strength, none would defy her and yet this girl is laughing at her?

"You think I'm amusing?" Tsunade is now towering over the young girl who has stopped her laughter abruptly.

"Not you Hokage-sama, just that Mistress was so accurate in her depiction of you" Nalina sweat dropped to everybody else's surprise.

The answer merely earned her another calculating glance from the blonde and a small smile as her lips curled upwards slightly.

"Hokage-same, I do have one request please" just as unexpectantly she manages to turn the smile upside down.

"I was wondering when your demands would start….out with it!" any humour left vanishing and Tsunade's tone was only of a concerned leader in that moment.

"Demand yes, but not for personal gain. Your future apprentice is in this very room and I do believe that the sooner she is under your capable tutelage the sooner everything else will fall into place."

Nalina feels every single pair of eyes on her, she feels the puzzlement and for the first time since she arrived here she starts to doubt herself and her abilities to accomplish everything her Mistress requested of her.

"Listen, I am not a fighter I cannot even claim to be capable of protecting just one person in this room. What I do know is that there is a battle on the horizon and the only way you all stand a chance to survive is if the key players are in play. Please, trust me…stopping the massacre was just a small part of it and already the course was changed, but not enough" she basically pleads.

"Tell me why I should believe a single word you are saying" Tsunade asks with a cold tremor in her voice.

"Let me take your pain away and then you decide" she says confidently. She had known that even though Tsunade would eventually see the truth of the situation she was starting to fear that their time was not enough. None of this she had voiced to her protectors for she did not know how to. "Before you deny the request…the pain I mean is the longing you have in your heart for your lost loved ones. Everybody needs the bad to make them stronger yes, but sometimes holding on to the bad just holds you back…like in your case. They loved you and would not want you to suffer needlessly."

The only response was a cold steely gaze filled with confusion then hurt and finally anger, fists already curled for action and just as they were being aimed at the closest available target – in steps Shizune with a very pale boy in tow dressed in standard Anbu attire. On seeing him enter Kakashi, Fugaku and Itachi close ranks around Nalina who merely moves around them.

"There is no need for that, he is no threat." She solemnly says.

"He is originally from Root, the very people who killed my clansman" Fugaku says through clenched teeth.

"I am aware what his previous allegiances were but I can assure you his loyalty no longer lies there. Hello Sai, my name is Nalina and I believe the Hokage would like you to sketch my markings. Would you mind to oblige please?" she asks as she calmly steps towards the young man.

He views her with no emotion visible on his face but a smile as fake as any appears on his face when he responds "I only follow my Hokage's requests."

Two hours later….

Having moved the entire company to her office (nobody wished to leave the girls side much to Tsunade's chagrin) they were all seated and finally Sai could start on his sketch.

"Unless all of you have seen her naked I would advise all of you to leave right now" she somewhat growled having already started on the gift from Nalina. The girls' spunk and innocence had captured her attention much like Naruto's determination did on meeting him not too long ago. That and the missives she had received and re-read from the previous Hokage combined with the fierce loyalty she is witnessing leads her to believe in everything the girl has to say, but she is not known for carrying her heart on her sleeve – at least not anymore – so she tucks it away behind verbal tests and manipulation tactics for the remainder of this meeting.

"No need Hokage-sama, seeing as I have a message to convey as well I may as well use this time to just get it over with….if you don't mind that is" only realising her audacity in hindsight by the look she receives from Mikoto, her eyes widen and the last part is merely added as an afterthought.

Not missing the passing look between the females – "if you're comfortable getting indecent in front of all these men who am I to object" – hoping the harsh reality will shake some sense into the girl.

"I have come somewhat prepared so I will not be completely naked so there is no offense or shame to be had. Besides, at some point they will have to see the markings I think so there is safety in numbers in this situation I believe."

Proceeding to slide off the top half of the kimono leaving it to cover her from the waist down revealing a pale pink sleeveless body fit leotard with low back ensuring a full view of the lotus bloom nestled between her shoulder blades and jewel like diamond shapes adorning her spine from top to bottom. In front the neckline plunges just enough to allow a clear view of the etched emblem on her chest only the straps of the leotard needs to be moved off her shoulders to reveal the two half markings on each shoulder.

Seeing the etched mark on her chest Tsunade lets out a gasp "Is that carved into your chest? How can you call her Mistress if she has done that to you?"

A chuckle escapes Nalina's mouth as she registers the look and similar view on every face present except Sai who still wears his blank expression minus the fake smile. The Uchiha's and Hyuga's are all masters at schooling their faces and it is no more than fleeting glimpses in either their eyes or slight facial twitch, but she sees it. Missing the darkening in Itachi's eyes as she drops the straps to reveal her shoulders (and more skin) as he recognises the garment underneath as one she wears when dancing at night though.

"You seem to forget…this body was created only as a vessel. This is not my own, mine is…- she falters which is immediately noted by many – "is back home, safe." Her small lie is detected by everybody as her chakra inadvertently betrays her transgression.

Deciding to further this investigation another time – "In that case, I need to do a complete physical on you. Come see me tomorrow at the hospital, I'll be there all afternoon." – Tsunade says. "And please, leave all this" – waving her hand across the room – "behind."

Giggling again to everybody's relief – "As you wish Hokage-sama. I'll bring Sakura with me since she will be your apprentice soon." – Nalina adds slyly. Sakura's head jerks up while her eyes nearly pop out. All the while Sai remains focused in his task as he makes sketches of the girl and her markings with perfect detail in every stroke.

The next day Nalina, Mikoto and Sakura makes their way to the hospital after a light lunch. Neji was walking a short way behind them even after being informed again it would not be necessary, insisting it was on Hiashi and Fugaku's insistence. Mikoto had been feeling a bit sick lately and Nalina had insisted she comes along to have herself checked out.

Nobody except Neji noticed the shadow ever present following the small group. Itachi having spoken to the Hokage and as per Saratobi's last missive had been removed from active duty until further notice. Unbeknownst to Nalina, he was her personal guard of sorts her constant shadow if you will. He did not fail to notice the irony in their current situation, even with their near daily interactions she was still terrified of him, at least if he had to follow her erratic chakra patterns in his presence that is.

On their arrival they were shown to a small office adjoining a private examining room where they waited for a short while before Tsunade arrived. On entry she eyed the smaller, but still unneeded in her opinion, assembly before she could say anything except a greeting - "Hokage-sama, since you liked my last gift so much I brought you another" - Nalina beams handing over another bottle of fine sake.

She accepts while arching her brow knowingly "Seems you do have a knack for cosying up to authority, thank you though I appreciate the gesture" the beginning of a small smile tugging on the corners of her mouth.

Giggling whole heartedly Nalina just nods "I already like you, I can see you will only be a remarkable teacher to Sakura and she can only blossom under your supervision." She adds without thinking about her words repercussions.

"You were serious about me taking her on?" it's Tsunade's turn to be surprised by the young girl. "Please tell me why you find this so important? I have never had an apprentice, nor have I ever wished to take one on."

"Ah! Hokage-sama the future you see for the medical field not only on the battlefield can only benefit from teaching people in your way of thinking. This starts with taking on students…even more importantly an apprentice. And who better than our beloved young cherry blossom with her remarkable near perfect chakra control. It's a perfect fit" her sweet endearing smile at the end made the not only logical but also valid argument just that much easier to accept. Tsunade had no choice but to consent eventually with a nod.

Sakura was surprised to say the least but found her voice somehow as it was currently hiding somewhere in her throat, bowing low she managed to croak out "Thank you so much for the opportunity. I promise I will work hard and give my all."

Eyeing her over Tsunade waves her off "It will be hard work and long unforgivable hours. Are you willing to sacrifice all that?" she asks hoping the young pink haired girl will be intimidated.

"Hai!" is the only response she receives as Sakura visibly hardens her resolve and her bright green eyes shines with pure determination. "Very well then, report to my office tomorrow first thing." Tsunade throws the instruction to her in a cold manner.

Turning back to Nalina – "Time for your physical then. Will the room be cleared?" – glancing at Sakura and Mikoto who have not moved from the room.

"I don't mind in the least; they can stay but first I need to ask you one more favour please?" gold flecked hazel eyes resting pleadingly on the blonde medic in front of her. "Mikoto-sama has been unwell lately would you mind terribly to first have a look at her?" she bluntly blurts out before she could be halted.

Grumbling under her breath (something about runts taking advantage) she motions the older female over to the bed in the examining room where she proceeds to ask questions and hover over her with green glowing hands. She comes to a stop over her abdomen and leans back up to her head whispering something, then she goes back to examining her lower abdomen with a deep frown between her eyes. She scribbles something on a clipboard and turns to Mikoto, who has gone completely white in the face, ushering her out the door and down the hall.

"I'll be back shortly girls, please wait here for me" is all Mikoto can manage before she disappears through the open door.

By the time Tsunade turns around Nalina had already occupied the empty bed and started to remove her clothing. "Shall we begin?" she simply states to the surprise of the blonde female.

Tsunade takes another clipboard and starts scribbling something peppering in questions in between "How old are you? Any illnesses you are aware of? Any pain or discomfort experienced? Does any of your markings hurt?" and so she kept rattling on. All the while Nalina just answers her questions as best she could knowing that Tsunade could easily have answered these by just doing a normal chakra infused check-up which she knew was still coming. Sure enough, after only a few more questions she asked her to lay down and her hands started to glow green again.

Starting at her head the medic allowed her soothing chakra to seep through skin, bone, muscle and nerves to prod and analyse every part and cell it reached. As far as she could tell what Nalina had told them so far was indeed all true. Even though her body was fully matured her age was no more than 17 years but the state of her body was like that of a child. The cells were still young almost as if they were born a few months ago, it was baffling to her medical mind. Working down her body Tsunade checked her chakra paths and found that even they seemed to be brand new, only recently starting to be used. There was something that seemed odd to her but she moved it aside making a mental note to return to it at a later stage.

When she reached her abdomen though suddenly the chakra that she was pouring in the whole time was forcefully pushed back "Nalina, I need you to relax or this could hurt." She stated flatly.

The girl just looked at her "I assure you Hokage-sama, I am not fighting anything. Your chakra reminds me of my Mistress's presence and I only now realise how much I actually miss her" stating this softly but still the sadness is evident in her voice. Something shifted and Tsunade's chakra once again seeps into her body this time moulding into her abdomen where it was pushed out.

Tsunade gasps and checks and rechecks the area "Sakura, go find me a Hyuga medic …now!" she barks at the girl who was watching everything intently.

"Neji-san is outside, will he do? I surmise you require the Byakugan." Nalina asked almost as if she knew this was coming. Tsunade just nods and Sakura flies out the room to fetch Neji waiting outside. Barely a moment later both Genin are back, Neji bows on entering.

"I need you to scan her chakra pathways with your Byakugan and tell me what you see" Tsunade wastes no time as she hurls out the order to him as soon as he steps inside. If his scan proves her theory, and she suspects it will, then they really do need to protect this girl at all costs. This amount of power will be like a honey hive ripe for the picking for Orochimaru.