Chapter Two: Where It Began.

Another day in Konoha. Birds chirped and sang to one another as the sun began to rise for the Leaf. A cold breeze streamed through the air, colliding with the wind chimes made of wood and silver on the shop doors below a small apartment complex. There's a small sign out front that reads:

The Place at Town Square Shinobi Apartments; The Genin Home Away From Home! Now open to academy students with parental approval!

It was a small place, not as popular as most genin apartments. But these were kept separate for very young shinobi, mostly 10 or 12 year olds, from other villages or the orphanage. Izanami, however, was shoved here three years ago after she tested into the academy. She begged for an apartment with people her age, but the Admissions Counselor was rude and said she was lucky to not be on the streets because that's what they would have done if she hadn't passed. At only 14, she couldn't do anything but sigh, say thank you, and walk to her new home.

Constant fighting and screaming encompassed the corridors, making it difficult for her to sleep at night, or study during the day. She would play music on the radio and try to drown out the sounds with a white noise machine, but always had her neighbor come knocking on her door to turn it down. Thus she resorted to night classes.

Taking time during the day to sleep and study but being out at night suited her. Only two sensei would do night classes, however, and there were only two or three stragglers who would ever show up. Since Guy-Sensei was one of the teachers for the class, of course Lee would show up as an assistant, and to get more training in since he already graduated the academy. What has later been called Team Ebisu was there too! They were forced by Konohamaru, though. He told Moegi and Udon that if they failed to pass the final exam that he would fail his test on purpose so that he wouldn't be a rank ahead of them. His dedication to his friends only encouraged Izanami more. She cracked jokes with the bugger and they became somewhat like siblings over the years. With the occasional quarrel over pervy non-sense or who won what race, she always knew she could count on him for a boost of moral. She'd return the favor by tousling his hair around with a smile behind her mask. Three years had passed. Time went by in what seemed to be an instant to Izanami. But she had learned so much! After graduating the academy, Izanami was quickly deemed a master at earth style, and was catching up to Lee in taijutsu. Of course after Pain attacked, the village had to train the genin more vigorously and far more often in order to rank them up and recruit new ones. So far, Izanami was one of the last Genin for her age group. That's why her next mission was vital. It's why she should be late.

Be... late...?

Izanami shot her eyes open, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Oh, fuck. I'm gonna be late! She rushed to the sink to, very rough and quickly, brush her teeth and splashed some water on her face. She had a very important meeting today... with the Hokage. "Hyuuuagh!" She exclaimed after slipping on a towel. "Damn that hurt!" No one else was around, but she often spoke to herself anyways. Glancing at the clock in a frenzy, she suddenly realized her anxiety had woken her up an hour and a half earlier than she was supposed to.

Well that's annoying... At least I get to take my time now.

She headed back to the bathroom and hopped in the shower with a head wrap and shower cap, still covering your hair from last night's deep conditioning. Self-care has always been a priority since nobody else seemed to care about her. Aside from two Chunin, also know as her only friends. Tenten and Hinata both became Izanami, later nicknamed Izzy or Twin Peaks, best friends in the three years that passed since that night behind the shop. She could remember her first day at the academy like it was yesterday! Of course, some of the sensei thought it odd she joined so... late. And it was hard, being put into an already experienced and full team. Especially since Neji decided that she was destined to die because she had killed her own mother, not ever bringing it back up when he started learning to be quieter when it came down to his criticism. He refused to talk to her in general, now. But things would change today, she could just sense it! The thought of people actually recognizing who Izanami was and not what she had done, brought a smile on her face as she finished up in the shower. As for her hair, she unwrapped it and started to comb through it while a cool blow dryer aired it out. On a typical day, she'd throw it in a messy bun and head out. But today, Izanami, had to stand out. But who was she kidding, with long cyan blue curls and deep purple eyes, who could avoid even looking at her once or twice? Her confidence was radiant, due to the acceptance she bestowed upon herself for convincing the two genin to stay in the village and for making Genin herself! Being a rank below her team impacted it a little, but they had an earlier start than her so she knew in her heart that she was the best she could be. For now, anyways. She was working to perfect her Fire chakra nature infused jutsus. Earth style and taijutsu were cool and all, but she was ready to be the Attack role on the team, instead of the Defense.

When her hair was just dry enough to be damp, she gave it a scrunch between her fingers by raising her hands through it and squeezing. Twirling her hair as she tossed it around for her beach-like curls to form quicker. She then parted her bangs to the right and combed half of her hair into a neat bun with a stray stand curling around her heart-shaped face. Now it was time to go. She stepped into her room and slipped into an over the shoulders crop top and made sure that she wore her fishnet undershirt this time because she feels like her arms looked weird without a cover.

Squeezing sheer black high waisted ballet tights with a lace rose design, and adding a pair of dark grey colored, low-rise skinny jeans that had tears from previous missions and black high top shinobi sandals that rose above the ankle, Izanami was debating if she should have removed her piercings or bought new jeans.

Nah, there's no way she'll judge me because of that stuff.

She grabbed her web belt and put it on as she speed-walked to her apartment door to leave, locking the door behind her and taking off on her stroll to HQ. She kicked herself as she remembered she wanted to wear her face mask in case she started to get flustered or upset.

What a drag, now everybody is going to see how I'm feeling in regards to what they're saying! I hope I don't get yelled at.

It was kind of annoying to her how she could tell herself a million times, not to forget a single thing, and forgets at least one thing every time. With her chin high and a sort of strut in her step, Izanami made her way through the crowds of people. Stopping for a fried pork bun and some freshly squeezed lemonade, she was approached by a familiar Jonin.

"Hey, uh, Nami-chan, h-how's things been?" the voice said, a pinch of guilt and pity mixing in his voice. Izanami stank eyed him as she continued to walk, tossing out her trash as she pushed past him.

"Don't speak to me like you care about me, Genma." She mumbled, her emotions getting the best of her over his chosen honorific.

Ah, Genma. The playboy of the guardsman. He had won Izanami's heart when she graduated from the Academy. Of course, their almost 12 year age gap made things difficult. He was very sneaky though, often times he'd slip into her bedroom window at night where they'd spent their time making a feverish type of love. But he started to grow cold when she had told him she was starting to fall in love and eventually became that of a ghost. He shadowed her as she walked away, pleading for her forgiveness but in a hushed tone so no bystanders would hear:

"Nami-chan, please, I'm sorry I left without telling you. I had a mission." A mission. He always used that excuse. He would leave her for days, weeks even, after an argument or accidental "Babe" or "Honey" name slip. This time he hadn't visited her for two months, even though she would see him in the village from time to time.

"It's fine, Genma-sama." She said cold and sarcastically. He was no one to impress, but his reaction to the honorific made him pout. She used to call him Genma-chan, a sweet or cutesy way of showing her affection for him in private or Genma-san in public.

"Gah, you stop it now," he grumbled to her and he caught up, looking around to see if anyone had noticed their little quarrel, "I left for good reason, but I'm back now and I want you-" He was cut off by her quick decision to chakra jump to a nearby building, leaving him behind.

No way, she thought to herself, not this time. The truth is, she was over him. She had decided this when she saw him with some jounin woman, flirting and touching her in public. If he can mess around, so can she. She was young anyways, and she deserved more than someone who smelled like saliva all the time. She was not to be made a fool of, not anymore. Jumping from building to building, she finally hopped off into an alley by HQ and dusted herself off before walking to the main road and heading to the door.

"Good Morning, Izzy-chan! Such a beautiful day to be youthful, right?" A booming voice behind her spoke, she turned around and chuckled, slightly bowing as she said:

"Hai, Guy-sensei. Good morning to you as well!"

"Twin Peaaaaaaaaks!" Shouted Tenten as she came around the corner running, arms wide open for a strong hug for her best friend. The girls laughed and they stumbled about in a hug.

"Hey, Tenten-chan! How was your mission?"

"Well, I had to escort some caravan to the next village over, and it was pretty boring. I missed you!" Tenten smiled as she pulled away.

"I missed you too!"

"Um, excuse me, Izanami-san, but I missed you as well. You are an awesome teammate and I hope that you are able to join us on our next mission." Lee stated, throwing her a thumbs up.

"Thanks, Lee! You get a hug too, c'mere!" She responded, bringing in the knucklehead for a side hug. He flushed a little as Guy gave him two excited thumbs up behind him.

"Well since you're keen on wasting the Hokage's time, I'm going to head inside." Ice cold Neji stated, stepping between Lee and Izanami to break them apart. She was taken aback. Clearing her throat and looking at the ground, she started to speak,

"Neji is right. Let's get inside and find out what this meeting is about!"

The group migrated to the inside of the building, making their way to the Hokage's office. They were silent as they walked through the halls, but Izanami was taking in the new scenery. She hadn't been summoned for missions since Pain attacked. The building was still being remade, and some rooms were taped off-limits. Still, the Leaf stood strong. Sasuke returned with the Juubi, and at the Five Kage Summit, they reassigned and resealed their beasts accordingly. Gaara, was reassigned as the One Tail. Naruto received the other half of the Nine Tail's chakra, and new Jinchuriki were chosen for the Two through Seven Tails. Those Jinchuriki were sent to Master Bee's island to train, and to master the control of their Tailed Beasts. War between the nations was unlikely, all of the villages had come to an agreement. Sasuke Uchiha would not be punished and should continue his training with the Leaf. The death of Danzo was tragic for the Council, but when Sasuke brought evidence of his clan's genocide(the arm of Danzo,) they couldn't tell him he was unjust.

"Hey! Naruto!" Lee exclaimed as the team stopped to let Team 7 pass. "What did she say, are you finally a chunin? Are you going on a mission?"

Izanami scanned the group for signs of sadness or negative reactions. She accidentally made eye contact with Sasuke, who's face was neutral until she did. He looked away quickly, confirming her suspicions that he was staring at her as she examined the 4 shinobi. Geez, he makes me feel so awkward. She thought to herself as a small flush crept upon her face.

"Yeah, she actually promoted me to Jounin!" Naruto said, throwing Lee a thumbs up. "I guess going Nine-Tails without hurting anybody really impressed her."

Team Guy, minus Neji, all exclaimed in awe.

"Yay, Naruto-chan!" Tenten cheered.

"Congratulations, Naruto, I always knew you were destined to be strong like me." Guy beamed, while Lee was deadpanned because he skipped rank.

"Good job, Naruto-senpai." Izanami squeaked out the honorific to her higher ranked friend, bowing to him slightly and she smiled a bit. The group looked her over, Sakura had a small pout on her face because she felt inferior to Izanami's looks, and Naruto flushing.

"Ah, it was nothing ya know?" He said, arms behind his head as he stretched out.

"Well it only took her three years. I'm glad you finally promoted, Naruto. You deserve it." Neji said.

Izanami looked over at him, she had never heard him say anything so.. nice.. It threw her off and she examined his face for any type of sarcasm or hidden meaning. He side eyed her, making contact and she flushed harder than she was before as she looked away.

Damn, it I'm always embarrassing myself!

Kakashi decided to end their visit by saying they had important training to do, and Naruto leads them out as Lee fist-bumped him with Sakura and Sasuke behind him and Lee lead his team to the Hokage's door. Tenten and Guy followed behind him leaving Izanami behind Neji. Kakashi waved at her as she walked past, his eyes showing that he was smiling underneath his mask. She looked at him with compassion in her eyes, she always liked Kakashi. He was reserved, like her, and never judged her from what people gossiped. They've exchanged more than a few conversations, at the library or in her secret reading spots that she hadn't known were not much of a secret. They were like friends but had more of a teacher-student relationship. She bit her lip slightly as she waved back, thinking about what he must look like under his mask. This is the first time he's seen her without hers, it made her nervous to wonder what he thought of her freckles and the constant slight flush she carried on her face. As the ninja filed into the room, they stood tall in front of Tsunade, arms behind their backs in respect, awaiting orders. From Tsunade's perspective, she looked over the group from left to right;

"Lee, Tenten, Izanami, and Neji" she spoke strongly, a small smirk on her face as she held her fingertips together in front of her.

"Hai, m'lady!" The quartet spoke.

"Team Guy did an excellent job on their individual missions this weekend. Thank you for taking care of those for me," she said, turning a few pages of the folder in front of her. "But today, we have another matter in our hands. Izanami Akiyama, please step forward."

Oh, fuck.

And so she did, her chin high and arms tight to her side like the soldier she was, fists slightly balled to contain herself.

Please don't yell at me.

"Izanami, you have made a lot of progress these past three years. I see you tested out of the academy in record time, Lord Third had a lot to say about how promising of a student you were. Your senseis, Guy and Kurenai, both hold you to a high standard despite your... experiences." She stated, looking her in the eyes as she stood up and walked to her face. "That is why today, I am promoting you to Chunin." She said, arms crossed with a smile.

Wait, what?! But I haven't even taken the Chunin Exam yet!

There was a moment as she took the information in. Izanami stood still in shock as Tsunade furrowed her brow, "Hello? Did you hear what I just said?" A little irritation in her voice, startled Izanami. She took a gulp and started to speak softly,

"Y-Yes, m'lady. I heard you, I-I just am confused. I don-" She was interrupted by an angered voice "She hasn't even taken the Chunin Exams, ma'am." Neji said sternly, taking a step forward.

Huh? Why is Neji upset?

"Well with the next exams being pushed off until the Tower is rebuilt, I am promoting the best genin I have left." Tsunade glared at the Jounin, "Are you questioning my ability to rank my ninja, Neji-kun?" her voice hinting at a warning.

"No, ma'am! I just think Akiyama-kun should have more experience before she reaches Chunin." he stated, the honorific he used making Izanami insecure.

"And what gives you the authority, to decide that?"

"Well, I have worked with her these past three years, between my own B-rank missions. I just don't believe she is up to par with other Chunin, like Lee and Tenten." He said, bowing his head to the Hokage.

Tsunade paused for a moment, taping her fingers on her arm in anger.

"Unfortunately, you make a weak point. Regardless of your opinion of your teammate, she is going to be promoted to Chunin. But since you think she needs more experience, I am assigning you to be her mentor." Neji gasped as he looked at the Hokage with anger

"But, ma'am-"

"No buts! Congratulations on promoting, Izanami-san. You well earned it, and I hope to hear good things from you soon. You are all dismissed.

Tears welled up in Izanami's eyes.

"Hai, ma'am!" the quartet said, turning about face and filing out the door.

"Oh my god congrats, Izzy! We have to celebrate!" Tenten exclaimed, jumping onto Izanami's back as they left. "Dinner at my place!? Oh! Now you can move into Chunin apartments! Come live with Hinata-chan and I! We have an extra bedroom!" Izanami laughed her tears away, still in shock.

"Good job, Izanami!" Lee patted her on the back.

"Ah, yes, my pupils are sure to be the strongest yet! You lot have the day off, I shall head off to plan a dinner party for this weekend in honor of this promotion!" Guy said, giving Izanami's shoulder a squeeze and leaving the building.

"Thanks, guys," she said softly, rubbing her neck softly. "I guess I'll head home and pack, Tenten can you go gather Hinata-chan for dinner tonight?"

"Of course! Dress nice!" The girl giggled as she left, with Lee tagging along. Izanami let out a deep breath, hanging her shoulders low as they left.

Man, I should be happy about this. But what Neji said really hurt me. I guess today wasn't any different.

"Congratulations." His sharp-toned voice startled her as she turned back to look at him.

"Oh, Neji-san, I didn't know you were still here, heh." She chuckled softly, "Thanks." Not knowing what to say, after he had just basically left her out to die in there. She was walking toward the door when he stopped her, placing his hand on her shoulder to face him.

"You don't deserve it. I've seen you fight, mother-killer." He mumbled, "You sit back, waiting for others to take charge, letting us do the work for you."

There go the tears welling up again.

"N-No I don't! I back you guys up, I'm supposed to be the defense. I was the last person to join the team, I-"

"Excuses!" He shouted, pushing her shoulder back. She grabbed it, not expecting him to hit her so hard. She opened her mouth to speak, "Save it. I don't want to hear anymore from you. After you pack, we're going to train. Then you may head to your stupid dinner with your friends."

Why is he being so mean to me?

Still upset, she nodded and walked out the door, him following closely. They headed to her apartment and he followed her inside.

"Would you like something to drink?" She asked softly, removing her shoes at the door.

"No." He said coldly, examining the studio in front of him, "I'll be waiting at the table."

He walked past her, straight to her dining area. She assumed he used Byakugan to scan her apartment for somewhere away from sight to sit. She sighed and began to pack. Starting with the bathroom where she had the least amount of items and moving to her makeshift bedroom behind a curtain, picking up dirty clothes and placing them in a bag to ensure she washes them later.

This is such a drag, why didn't he even offer to help if he was just gonna sit there?

She wondered as she turned the radio on to fill the silence. She moved onto her dressers and folded her clothes neatly in the box the apartments donated when she arrived. She didnt have much, just a few ninja outfits and undergarments. Mostly lace or fishnet undershirts and bras or panties. She had a few going out outfits, from when Tenten dragged her to a festival to shop and a few items she borrowed or that got left at her house.

Next, she emptied out the jewelry box Hinata got her for her 17th birthday. Examining each earring and necklace first before placing them neatly inside, and wrapping the box in a shirt for safe keeping. She packed her night bag for tonight's slumber party/move in party, and collected a few items around the house as Neji watched. She took pictures off the walls, and little nicknacks down from tables, collectibles from her study desk, as well as books from the Library. After everything was packed, she looked to Neji, who was going through the ninja pouch on the table. Quickly, she realized which bag he was going through, and went to stop him, "He-Hey! Don't touch those!" She stumbled on her words and she grabbed the pouch from him, a single kunai in his hand. "Why? Don't you think I know how to handle these?"

"No! I mean- It's not that. Those kunai. Um.. They're very special to me." She said, palm out to get it back.

Neji furrowed his brows as he examined the kunai. "They look like ordinary kunai to me, if not a little out of date." He said, matter-of-factly, refusing to hand it over.

"They were my father's." She said, a little bit of annoyance in her voice, "He died before I could meet him." Sadness in her eyes put warmth in Neji's heart and he placed it in her hand, and she walked away to pack the pouch as well, the kunai still in her hand. A few seconds had past once Neji spoke:

"Well, at least he didn't have to know you killed his wi-" his words were cut off as he ducked, Kunai stuck in the wall behind his shoulders. Izanami was trembling in anger as he looked up at her.

"Don't you dare." She spat.

In an instant Neji had her pinned up against the kitchen wall behind her by her throat, dangerously close to her face.

"Or what? You gonna kill me too?" He growled as he spoke in her face, his grip tightening on her neck. "You know, I hate people who turn against their families. How can you kill someone who never did anything to hurt you?!" Izanami was gasping for air.

"It was... An accident.. We were t..training." she was kicking her legs in protest, trying to pry his hand from her throat.

"Bullshit."

"Well, at least he didn't have to know you killed his wif-" his words were cut off as he ducked, a Kunai was stuck in the wall behind his shoulders. Izanami was beyond angry, she had always had a crush on him, and this is who he really is?

"Orwhat? You gonna kill me too?" He growled as he spoke in her face, his grip tightening on her neck. "You know what, I hate people who turn against their families. How can you kill someone who never did anything to hurt you?" Izanami was gasping for air.

"It was... An accident.. We were t..training." she was kicking her legs in protest, trying to pry his hand from her throat.

"Bullshit."

"N-No. Im.." She gasped for air, "Serious." Her eyes pleading for him to believe her words.

"And why should I believe you?" He spat, loosening his grip enough for her to talk.

"Because, if I had killed her on purpose, I wouldn't be alive. Either by the decision of the Council or by my own doing! Don't you understand?! I would've killed myself by now if I did killed her on purpose!" She yelled, pulling his hand off her, and flipping him onto the ground, holding him down with her chakra.

"I loved my mom. She meant everything to me!" She was crying now, tears hitting the ground below, "She taught me all I needed to know about who I am and how to be a shinobi! If I could, I would go back and miss! DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO BE A YOUNG WOMAN WITHOUT HER MOTHER TO GUIDE HER?!"

Now in full breakdown mode, her arms started shaking, it was obvious she wasn't trying hard to pin him anymore and he could easily escape, but instead, he studied her from below.

"I've been.. through so much shit... Without her. I wish she would be here... To help me when I'm down about some guy, or after a bad day, or to take me shopping when I don't have missions!" She sniffled, letting out soft sobs as she wiped her face.

"I wish I could have been a normal girl. Someone who has parents to be proud of her." She sighed, and sat up, looking at the boy beneath her.

A few moments passed as they looked over each other. Him scanning her for a sign that would show him she was lying so that he can continue to hate her, and her waiting for him to say something. Neji couldn't help but notice the soft freckles on her face, and how her plump lips settled in a small pout as she looked him over. He suddenly got the urge to run his fingers down her cheek and wipe her tears away, but he restrained. His eyes trailed down to her chest, noticing her strong shoulders and exposed collarbone. Moving his hands free from her grasp, he gently grabbed her wrists and moved her hands to his chest. He thought about how she was always kind to him even when he was cold, and how resilient she was in battle. Was she telling the truth? Would she the type of person who would commit suicide if she hurt the people she loved? Short answer: Yes. And Neji knew that from the days Izanami spent completely depressed after a fight with Tenten or Hinata.

"I'm sure she is proud of you." He said softly, his demeanor changed with this new information. "She would be happy to know how her daughter has grown into a powerful, and smart Kunoichi." She smiled a bit, relieved he believed her.

"Thanks, Neji-san." She said, bringing her hands off his chest to wipe her tears away. He seemed sincere enough, and it made her happy.

He looks so different now. He's softened up his stern face and his eyes look kinder as he speaks to me. The way his necklace kind of lays across his musclar chest, I- Did I just call him muscular? Well, he is.

"Yeah." He began to walk his hands back behind him to sit up, but Izanami was in his way.

She was still straddled over his lap. She flushed a bit when she looked at her legs and realized, "Oh! I'm s-sorry, let me-" she was cut off by his hand on her neck, thumb grazing over the slight mark he left on her, eventually lining her lips.

"I'm sorry I hurt you, I shouldn't have assumed anything about you." He said, he suddenly realized that he was always attracted to her, and that he only denied it because he hated her for killing her mother. But now that he knows she didn't have ill intentions, because she just couldn't have he is able to act on it.

She was looking at him in the eyes, not seeing that he had pulled her close. It only made the warmth in her belly grow.

"It-It's okay, most people do." She chuckled a bit, her breath shaky from noticing a glint of desire in his eyes and change in his heart rate.

"Let me make it up to you." He whispered, running his free hand up her leg, gently cupping her butt and he pulled her in for a kiss.

Oh my god. Is this really happening?