Confessions

Naruto looked at Kakashi confused and said "What did you say?" Kakashi repeated the question and added "Your answer will influence what I say next." Naruto thought about it and said "I'm not sure... At first I always thought of her as my best friend, but now all I can think about is her. I mean sure I think of Sakura and Sasuke but not like Einjeru." Kakashi smiles and says "You know her feelings for you are pure and true, so it is important that you listen to me carefully."

Meanwhile, Anjera was prepping Einjeru to relieve her of her built up power. Einjeru whines in pain. Anjera says "I'm going to bind you." Einjeru thrashes trying to get up. Anjera sighs and says "You really are stubborn... 1. 2. 3. Bind!" Einjeru screams out in pain saying "This hurts!" Anjera then said "If you weren't so hardheaded it wouldn't hurt so much."

Kakashi starts off saying to Naruto "Einjeru isn't your typical, run of the mill shinobi." Naruto nods and says "She isn't pure human." Kakashi nods and says "Well she's more than you know. She's a princess." Naruto looks at Kakashi like he's crazy. Kakashi looks at him and says "I'm not pulling your leg Naruto. She is a princess on her mom's side."

Einjeru cries in pain. Anjera sighs and says "I'm sorry... I know it hurts, but bear with it." Anjera starts to hear Einjeru's heartbeat and sees the markings starting to glow. "It is time..." Anjera thinks while hitting Einjeru's vital areas. Einjeru coughed up blood and said "Isn't there another way?" Anjera looks at her and says "Your blood is stirred. It has to be removed and purified."

Naruto's mouth drops and he says "How?!" Kakashi shakes his head and says "That involves history that goes back to the beginning of the leaf." Naruto then says "Einjeru's bloodline trait?" Kakashi looks at him and says "She has more than one. The Hatake are descendants of wolves, but we also carry white chakra. Her mother's side involves something I can't dive into much because I just don't know."

Einjeru growls and says "I swear mom! Stop it!" Anjera sighs and says "It has to be done." Einjeru starts to pass out from lack of blood. Anjera breathes a sigh of relief and slumps in a corner thinking "Now she can heal..." Einjeru is breathing heavy, her chest rising and falling slowly.

Naruto then says "Errm... Kakashi sensei? Do you feel a change in the air?" Kakashi sniffs and says "It's going to rain soon." Naruto nods and yawns saying "I think I'm starting to feel sleepy." Kakashi smiles and says "You can sleep in Einjeru's room tonight." Naruto yawns and replies "I can make it back to my apartment, but thanks Kakashi sensei." Kakashi sees Naruto out and goes to lay down.

The next morning, Kakashi wakes up and decides to go check on Einjeru. Einjeru was still sleep and Anjera comes into the room to see that Einjeru had relaxed. Kakashi appears in the doorway and says "How is she?" Anjera was slightly annoyed that he appeared like he did but said "She's fine. The method was crude but she's perfectly fine." Kakashi then said "You look like you haven't slept a wink."

Anjera shook her head and said "It was time consuming and Einjeru was fighting me for part of the time." Kakashi sighs and says "I wish I could've been here. When she fights with the nurses in the hospital, I'm normally there to calm her." Einjeru's eyes twitch and slowly open. Kakashi walked up to her and said "Welcome to the land of the living."

Einjeru coughs and says "Can't... Move..." Anjera then releases the bind saying "It was the only way to stop your thrashing without your father around." Einjeru frowns and says "So what happened last night wasn't a dream. I was really fighting with you." Anjera tucks Einjeru's hair back and says "It was more like you were fighting the pain." Kakashi smiles and says "Don't worry about it."

Meanwhile, Naruto gets ready to head out with Jiriaya to bring back Tsunade. He grabs just about every cup of ramen he has and heads out to the gate. Jiriaya smiles at Naruto and says "What happened to you this morning kid?" Naruto replied "Rough night. Couldn't sleep." Jiriaya laughs and says "You have Einjeru on the brain!" Naruto turns red and says "Shut up Pervy Sage!"

Kakashi and Anjera meanwhile are talking about Einjeru's wellbeing. Anjera is trying to see things from Kakashi's point of view regarding Einjeru's need to be in the village. Kakashi says "You're just seeing her for the first time in her whole life that she can remember. I've been taking care of her for over 7 years now. I'm surprised that she doesn't resent either of us." Anjera then said "I know that, but her wellbeing needs to come first. If she doesn't get herself under control, she'll become a danger to everyone including herself."

Naruto and Jiriaya are on their way to the gambling town where Tsunade was spotted and Naruto starts to fall asleep walking. Jiriaya sees this and says "All right we'll take a break at this hot springs town coming up." Naruto wakes up and says "Why are we stopping?" Jiriaya nods and says "You need to rest." Naruto replies "I'm perfectly fine..." and falls asleep.

Einjeru forces herself to sit up and thinks to herself "Why couldn't I just be normal and fit in with my classmates getting the average grades? Why do I have these latent powers?" Kakashi hears these thoughts and says to Anjera "Do you hear her thoughts?" Anjera looks at him and says "Do you?" Kakashi nods and says "She's hurting mentally. I want to hurt Danzo myself. She was perfectly fine until he kidnapped her."

In the room, Einjeru is crying and thinking "I hate this!" Kakashi sensed a tension and ran into the room. Einjeru looked at him teary-eyed, and Kakashi walks to her. Anjera releases a low growl and goes to look for something to hit. Einjeru sits on the bed sniffling and says "Why... Why me?" Kakashi hugs her and says "Just the unfortunate luck of the draw. However I wouldn't take any of it back for the world."

At the hot springs, Naruto goes into his room and sleeps, while Jiriaya goes and peeps. However, Tsunade and Shizune were in the baths. Jiriaya notices them and runs to the room. Naruto was sound asleep and a knock was heard. Jiriaya hides in the bathroom. The knock sounded again and Naruto woke up to answer it. Naruto sees Shizune and she says "I apologize. You must've been sleeping. Did a man with white, spiky hair come in here?"

Jiriaya was hoping Naruto didn't notice him sneaking in the room. Naruto shakes his head saying "I just woke up, but if I see him I'll let you know, miss... I'm sorry I don't know your name." Shizune then says "Oh! I'm sorry, I'm Shizune, and you are?" Naruto says "The name's Naruto Uzumaki!" Shizune looks at him and thinks "This is the fourth's legacy? He reminds me of his mother." Shizune nods and says "Thank you Naruto. I hope to see you around." Naruto closes the door and goes back to bed.

Kakashi helps Einjeru out of bed and says "If you need me I'll be finding your mother." He leaves Einjeru to her devices and goes to find Anjera. Meanwhile Anjera was beating on a rock. Kakashi came up behind her and she said "When were you going to tell me that she was kidnapped out of her bedroom Kakashi?" He snarled and said "You think I was holding out on you with that? I wasn't able to tell you because of the situation."

Back in the village, Sakura went to go see if Sasuke wanted to train, but Sasuke using the day as a reprieve and Sakura respected that by going to see if Ino was around and ended up hanging with her for the day. They all went for something sweet and both figured they didn't want to waste the day, so they decided to go to the training ground to spar.

Einjeru stood in the room looking in the mirror and said "Who am I?" She saw a flash and fell backwards. She then coughed up thinking "What was that?" Kakashi was upset and said "When I last checked I didn't even know about her at first. You need to come clean Anjera. Your secrets are doing more harm than good at this point." Einjeru is grabbing her head thinking "What is going on?"

Anjera then says "Did you leave her alone?!" Kakashi then said "It's not like she needed to hear what we were talking about." Anjera growls and says "That's not what I meant you dumb ass wolf! She's not to be left alone!" They run to the room to see Einjeru sitting on the floor holding her head. Kakashi lifts up his headband and Anjera says "You are not putting her under a genjutsu to calm her down!"

Kakashi snaps saying "Who says I was? She calms down when I look at her with both eyes open." Anjera sighs and Kakashi kneels down in front of Einjeru and says "Einjeru look at me." Einjeru looks up and sees both Kakashi and Anjera. Einjeru then says "I think I would've preferred being in the dark." Kakashi smiles and says "You probably would've been told eventually. I know you don't like this but you have to get this under control. Apparently it's gotten to a point where you're a danger to yourself as well."

Einjeru looks down and Anjera says "Way to be blunt about it." Kakashi growls and says "How did we end up mating again?" Anjera says "Your horniness and being drunk." Einjeru hisses and puts her arms up in a cross saying "Not in front of me!" Kakashi looks at Einjeru and says "When did you become a cat?" Einjeru looks at him funny and Anjera fills in the blank saying "She has to ability to mimic other demons powers and behaviors. I'm not surprised."

Kakashi thinks to himself "Great. Now Einjeru has split personalities." Einjeru sighs and says "I'd appreciate if it you guys wouldn't fight... or talk about that kind of stuff in front of me." Anjera then said "Well, I was looking through some stuff and found something that may put you both in shock." Kakashi looks at Anjera and says "Like what?"

Anjera then says "You know your wolf genetics right Kakashi?" Kakashi nods and says "What does this have to do with anything?" Anjera then says "I was looking through some lineage scrolls and they go all the way to you." Kakashi's visible eye widened and Anjera continued saying "The wolves that the Hatake descended from are demons." Kakashi then said "My father?"

Sakumo comes in and Kakashi becomes petrified. Einjeru sees this and snaps her fingers in his face. Anjera says "I knew this was going to happen." Sakumo then says "It has been 20 years since I technically died. Einjeru growled and said "What the hell?! First my mom and now my grandpa?! Mom you owe us answers!" Anjera said "First of all, calm down because you're going to get those answers. Second of all, mind your manners."

Sakumo then sees the White Light Chakra Saber in the corner and notices the silver straps saying "Who put the silver straps on the holster?" Einjeru said "I did..." Sakumo smiled and said "Nice touch." Einjeru shrugs it off and says "Well, it is one of my favorite colors and it goes with my outfit." Sakumo smiles and says "Well, I assume you know how to channel the chakra into it then."

Einjeru takes the sword of the holster, channels the chakra into it, and slashed the bed. While slashing, the sword had a flash of white chakra behind it. The bed had a clean cut and Einjeru said "Piece of cake." She then pokes Kakashi and he comes out his trance. Sakumo then says "You've trained her well." Kakashi looks at Einjeru and said "Well she does have my genes."

Sakumo in reply says "You're in no position to brag." Kakashi looks at Sakumo and says "You kill yourself 20 years ago and say I'm in no position to brag?" Einjeru huffs and walks out the room. They look at her and think "What's bugging her?" Einjeru meanwhile is growling thinking "They think they know best yet I am the only one not arguing with the other."

Kakashi comes up behind and says "Why do you insist on going off on your own?" Einjeru snarls and says "Why do you guys insist on arguing about me?!" Kakashi was shocked and said "We only want what's best for you." Einjeru huffs and says "I was perfectly fine until I was told about the true nature of my blood." Kakashi kneels down and says "The truth was bound to come out eventually. It would be better that it came out now while you're young enough to tame the power."

Sakumo and Anjera were watching from a distance and thought "Kakashi has been taking care of her the most. He knows her actions the best." Kakashi hugs Einjeru and says "I would never let anything or anyone harm you. I will die before I let that happen. I swear if I see Danzo he'll be sorry." Einjeru sniffs and says "Get in line pal. I want to get back at him for smacking me, and I intend to deliver it a thousand fold."

Sakumo then comes up saying "Oh really?" Einjeru looks at him and says "I hate when people eavesdrop." Sakumo smiles and says "Well, a female born Hatake is rare. However a Hatake with black hair has never been known of." Einjeru grunts and grabs her head. Sakumo looks and Kakashi yells "Dad! What the hell?!" Sakumo replies "I didn't do it."

Silver streaks appear in Einjeru's hair. Anjera came up and said "Sounds like Einjeru's inner demon heard you." Einjeru stops and says "Thanks grandpa..." She disappears and Kakashi was pissed. "Just as I calmed her down and was getting her to come back, you say that! Damn it dad! Now I have to go retrieve her!" Kakashi disappears and Anjera says "He really needs to stop babying her." Sakumo said "How was I supposed to know?"

Anjera said "If she's anything like me, she lives to please and her inner demon will try and accommodate." Sakumo replies "Oh..." Anjera then says "She's going to have to get used to her silver streaks. Silver is her favorite color so she'll get over it." Sakumo nods and says "It's a common Hatake trait." Anjera shakes her head and says "She's not your common Hatake, so there's bound to be differences." She pulls out a box and says "Her marks are on her arm..."

Einjeru is walking around grumbling "Stupid grandpa..." Kakashi came up to her and said "Are you okay?" Einjeru shakes her head and says "Hello?! Do you not see silver streaks of hair?!" Kakashi says "It isn't unusual all Hatake have silver hair." Einjeru growls and says "You, mom and grandpa are getting on my nerves." Kakashi shakes his head and says "Deal with it." He sees her arm and says "What are you going to do about your arm?"

Anjera came up behind them and said "Cover them." Einjeru huffs and says "Why should I?" Kakashi decided to stay out of this one and backed off. Anjera said to Einjeru "You already have people after you. It would be wise to listen to what I have to say." Einjeru growls and says "You left me alone for most of my life! Why would it be wise? I barely know you!"

Anjera then says "I thought you'd at least have an open mind." Einjeru then says "I'm just a kid. I'm still going to have these types of thoughts." Anjera then said "If you're calm enough, I'd like to explain why I am physically around." Einjeru remains quiet. Anjera then said "After I left you with Lord Third I ran out of the village to try and evade the ANBU that were after me."

Flashback:

Anjera ran out of the village diverting the ANBU. The ANBU surrounded her on all sides and said "Where's the baby?" Anjera spat at them and said "I'd never tell you where she is! I'd rather die before I told you that!" The lead gives the signal and the rest of them attack with their most lethal attacks. After the last attack, Anjera loses consciousness thinking "Grow strong my baby."

Anjera wakes up later in a cave thinking "Ok, I know I died, but why am I alive?" An elderly voice sounds saying "I guess it is time to pass the throne to the next generation." Anjera sits up and sees she's in her animal form. "What's going on?" She says. The elderly voice sounds from an elderly looking fox at the back of the cave saying "Did you forget what I taught you, my daughter?" Anjera jerks her head and says "Dad?" The fox nods and says "You did die, or should I say your human form died. Your animal form lives on."

Anjera then said "What does that mean?" Anjera's father replies "When a demon's human form dies their animal form lives on in nature never to be noticed unless by another demon." Anjera looks down and says "I did something horrible..." Her father looked at her and said "Hmmm... You do seem down. Want to talk about it?" Anjera looks at him and says "I mated, had a kid and now she's on her own."

Her father says "Well at least you mated and produced offspring. Does your mate know?" Anjera shakes her head saying "I tried hinting it to him, but he was oblivious to it." Her father says "Ok, well when she's old enough to start taming the other side that is when you get involved. Anjera then said "How will I know?" Her father replies saying "You'll be able to sense her spirit. Also, her scent never changes."

Anjera sighs and her father says "It's time for me to go into the next light." Anjera says "How?" Her father smiles and says "As the next heir phases in, the current demon ruler phases out. The throne goes to you now Anjera." His animal spirit disappears and Anjera sniffs thinking "I'm not ready... I'm only 14." Her fathers voice says "No worries. Trust in your intuition."

Presently:

Einjeru then says "Well that explains a lot... But what about grandpa?" Anjera replies saying "If you were paying attention earlier, I said that I was looking through lineage scrolls and discovered that the wolves that the Hatake descended from are demons." Einjeru sighs and says "No wonder why I'm like this." She yawns and Anjera smiles saying "I guess your fits made you tired huh?"

Kakashi smiles and says "Go rest. You need all of the energy that you can get." Einjeru was already sleep by the time he said it. He and Anjera look at her thinking "She's just perfect." Kakashi carries Einjeru to the bed and Anjera starts off saying "I wanted be involved so badly, but I did what I had to do thirteen years ago to ensure that she got to grow up in the light of the village instead of the dark."

Kakashi tucks a piece of Einjeru's silver streaks back and says "She may as well have been living in the dark. Part of her embraces it." Anjera nods and says "That's why I'm worried." Kakashi chuckles and says "It's kind of fun raising a kid and having a quartet of genin." Anjera giggles and says "It must be... I miss the Hidden Leaf." Kakashi looks at Anjera and says "A lot has changed. A new hokage will be installed soon."

Anjera sighs "Lord Fourth's son... He's Einjeru's..." Kakashi nods and says "They are." Anjera smiles and says "I assume he's aware?" Kakashi nods and says "I told him as much as I knew. I think they're linked to each other in mind and spirit." Anjera looks down and blushes saying "That tends to happen when mates find each other." Kakashi starts to blush and says "Why am I blushing?"

Anjera chuckles and says "Because I am." Kakashi looks at her and says "So you are." Anjera stops and says "When she wakes up, she's going to be ornery." Kakashi says "She's always ornery, and picky." Anjera then says "So? You were like that once upon a time." Kakashi shakes his head and says "Yeah, but Einjeru is..." Anjera completes the sentence saying "Like me?"

Kakashi nods and says "She takes more after you than you care to take credit for." Anjera smiles and says "Well girls are quite the tough ones." Kakashi chuckles and says "She's a fighter." Anjera sighs and starts sweating. Kakashi notices and goes over to her. Anjera says "She'll be waking up soon, and we'll need to be well rested. A whole new side of her will awaken."

Kakashi says "You don't look too well." Anjera shakes her head saying "I haven't slept." She goes to her room and Kakashi goes to sit with Einjeru. He falls asleep and Einjeru starts to growl. She grips the blanket and bares her teeth. Anjera lies in bed and thinks "I haven't been like this since last month." Einjeru growls louder waking Kakashi. He looks at her and his eyes widen.

Anjera senses Kakashi in shock and runs to the room. "No wonder why I was feeling weird. It was Einjeru." She says. Kakashi replies "Do we wake her?" Anjera shakes her head and says "We have to enter her mindscape." Kakashi was confused and Anjera grabs his hand saying "I know you're scared, but we have to do this together or risk losing her." Kakashi looks down and sniffs.

Anjera looks at him and says "Are you thinking about Obito, Rin and Minato sensei?" Kakashi nods and says "Every time I let someone close to me, something always happens to them." He lets go of Anjera's hand and continues saying "You, dad and Einjeru are the closest; yet dad killed himself in disgrace; you were killed at the hands of Danzo's men; and Einjeru is in danger because I'm too scared to help. It's not fair!"

Anjera smacks Kakashi across the face saying "I didn't fall in love with a weakling! Get yourself together Kakashi Hatake! I fell in love with you because you were able to pick up the pieces and continue on. Now we have to go inside of her head and pull her out of her darkness before she gets lost in it completely and we lose her!" Kakashi rubs his mask and says "That hurt... I guess I deserve it." He pulls down his mask and smiles saying "We better get to work and bring her back." Anjera sees a red hand mark on Kakashi's left cheek and looks down in embarrassment.

Kakashi puts her hand to his cheek and says "It's okay." Anjera smiles and says "Let's get to work." They both put their hands on Einjeru's forehead and focused. Kakashi saw what Einjeru's life was like before he came into it upon touching her head. Meanwhile, current Einjeru was sitting in a dark corner of her mind crying.

A sinister voice sounds off saying "You're just a weak little girl. You always look to daddy for approval." Einjeru yells out "It's not true! It's not." The voice retorts "Oh really? What was life like before he came into your life?" Einjeru sniffs and says "Please don't. I don't want to go back to that. I spent the last seven years putting it behind me." The voice laughs and says "Your past comes with you no matter what. Your past makes you what you are today, which is a scared little girl and you don't want to face it because you know it's true."

Kakashi sees her time in the orphanage and thinks "If only I had known." Anjera looks at Kakashi and smiles saying "Now we can truly get to know her." They hear screaming and turn around thinking "That sounded like Einjeru." They ended up seeing the day that Einjeru tripped over Kakashi's leg. Kakashi smiles and says "I'm glad Lord Third sent me after her."

The voice manifests itself into a person and says "It looks like daddy came in to save you." Einjeru sniffs and says "I'll take care of you before he can even make it to me." The voice then said "Try. You won't get far." Einjeru growls and says "I'll show you who's scared!" She took off her headband and got into her stance. The voice laughed and said "It's your funeral brat."

On the outside, Einjeru gripped Kakashi and Anjera's hands. On the inside, Einjeru weaved the signs for chidori and lightning shown from her right hand. The voice just chuckles and says "I'm your dark half. I can anticipate your moves before you make them." Einjeru growls and says "It's worth a shot." She charges in and her dark half dodges all of the attacks.

Einjeru's dark half laughs and says "I told you so." She gets behind Einjeru and puts her in a choke hold. Einjeru struggles for breath and thinks "Am I really that weak?" Her dark half says "What a pity. You are quite strong, however, you can't expect to win a fight against yourself when you don't know yourself." Einjeru tries to break the grip to no avail.

Meanwhile, Kakashi and Anjera are going through Einjeru's memories and Kakashi says "This gets us nowhere. A lot of her memories after I met her have me in them." Anjera replies "Her memories are the key Kakashi. Einjeru relies on this." Kakashi sighs and says "I know, but I'm anxious. We're getting closer to the present and her inner physical form has yet to be seen." Anjera nods and says "We're almost there."

Einjeru is almost on the verge of passing out and her arms fall limp. Her dark half laughs and says "You're weaker than I thought." Einjeru replies "You fight dirty... I fight with dignity and honor!" Her arm starts to glow and her dark side jumps back hissing. Kakashi and Anjera get there in time to see.

Einjeru collapses to one knee trying to breathe. Kakashi and Anjera come over and say "Are you alright?" Einjeru nods and gestures to her dark side, gasping for air. Her arm was still glowing and Anjera noticed it, smiling. Einjeru smiles back and says "I just realized how to beat myself." Anjera nods and Kakashi smiles saying "Your brain is working faster now. What is the plan?" Einjeru starts off saying "Stay out of this. I have to do this myself. The key to this lies in my dormant powers."

Einjeru's dark side laughs and Einjeru picks up her headband and tosses it to Kakashi, smiling. She faces her dark side and says "I know you're scared of me!" Her dark side comes out laughing and says "In your dreams brat! If anything you're scared of me." Einjeru closes her eyes and thinks "I'm not afraid anymore. I am... Fear!" Her dark half gets a little nervous and says "Where did this come from?"

Einjeru's arm glows more and her mark spreads. Kakashi watches and says to Anjera "Is that Einjeru?" Anjera watches smiling and saying "Yes, that is. Like I said before we entered her mind; a new side of her will awaken." Einjeru opens her eyes and they're glowing purple. Her dark half charges in ready to get a hit in, but is blocked. Einjeru laughs saying "This is fun! You're not worth the time I'm putting in, but I'm indulging myself."

Her dark half looks at her and says "You're still a weakling!" Einjeru laughs and says "That is a lovely thought, but look at who can't hit who." Her dark half growls and sees Anjera and Kakashi saying "Let's see about that." Einjeru gets confused and her dark half starts running towards them. Einjeru flashes in front of them saying "You won't touch a hair on them!"

Einjeru kicks her dark half halfway across her mindscape and looks at Kakashi and Anjera. Kakashi smiles and says "Well at least you didn't abandon us." Einjeru says "I couldn't even if I tried. Now I have to knock some sense into someone." Einjeru's dark half tries to get up after the heavy kick, but gets pinned by Einjeru's foot. The dark half remarks on how quick Einjeru was and sees her arm.

Einjeru looks at her dark half and says "What do I do with you?" Her dark half looks away and Einjeru's mark glows bright. Anjera sees it and says "Well, this is it as far as who won." Kakashi looks at Anjera confused and she says "Einjeru won and her mark is shining to show that she has dominance over her dark half." Einjeru looks at her arm and puts her arm to her dark half's head.

Einjeru starts off saying "If you even try anything, I'll bind you so tight that you'll be able to just breathe. Got it?" Her dark half smirks and says "It'll hurt you too." Einjeru sighs and says "Also, if you even think of touching my parents again; I'll make sure you live to regret it." Einjeru walks over to Kakashi and Anjera smiling. Kakashi hands her back her headband saying "Remind me not to make you mad anymore." They all started laughing and Anjera says "Well I guess we're not needed in your head anymore, so time to wake up."

They woke up, and Einjeru was struggling to breathe saying "Could you please get off. You're crushing me." Kakashi sat up and smiled. Anjera stretches and hears grumbling. Einjeru grabs her stomach and blushes in embarrassment. Anjera chuckles and pulls out some fruit. Einjeru takes the banana and noms on it. Kakashi not being a person who likes sweets passed on the fruit.

At the same time, Naruto was in the forest trying to master rasengan. He was suffering chakra burns on his hand and was on the verge of exhaustion. Jiriaya was secretly watching from a distance. Shizune comes by and sees him hard at work. She starts watching him and thinks "For someone who sleeps a lot, he sure has a lot of energy when it comes down to it."

Naruto's arm freezes on him and he falls backwards. Shizune comes up to him and starts healing his arm. Jiriaya comes up behind her saying "I wouldn't touch him if I were you." Shizune turns and says "I should've known it was you, Master Jiriaya." Jiriaya then said "You're Tsunade's apprentice aren't you? You've grown so much." Naruto looks at Shizune and says "You know each other?" Jiriaya replies "She's Tsunade's assistant." Tsunade comes up and says "Should've known it was you Jiriaya."

Jiriaya smiles big and says "It's been a while." Tsunade looks at Naruto and says "This kid has been working hard on a jutsu that is impossible to master. He's like you Jiriaya." Naruto smiles and says "I am a knucklehead, but a determined knucklehead." Tsunade smiles and says "I'll make a bet with you. If you win, you get my necklace. If you lose, you give up on being a shinobi."

Naruto then says "What is the bet?" Tsunade replies with a smirk saying "You master this jutsu in a week." Naruto smiles and says "You're on!" Shizune gets nervous and says "Milady! That necklace!" Tsunade says "I'm sure I'll win this one." Jiriaya laughs and says "There's a reason you're called the Legendary Sucker. I'd like to sweeten the deal. If Naruto wins, you come back to the village and become hokage." Tsunade says "Deal."

Naruto thinks "I can't let Einjeru keep one-upping me." Meanwhile, Einjeru sneezes and Kakashi says "Someone is thinking about you." Einjeru smiles and says "I wonder if it's Naruto." Back with Naruto, he sneezes and Jiriaya smiles big saying "You definitely have someone thinking of you." Naruto thinks of how to master the rasengan. Jiriaya looks at Naruto and says "Remember what you did with the wind chakra?" Naruto looks at him and says "The shadow clones!" Jiriaya nods and Naruto makes 50 clones.

Einjeru thinks about the village and Lord Third. Kakashi and Anjera come up to her and says "It's going to be time to go soon." Einjeru tucks her hair behind her ear and says "I'm a little nervous about returning." Kakashi says "The only thing that is different about you is your hair and how strong you are. Other than that you're still the same kunoichi that everyone has come to know."

Einjeru stretches and says "I could go to a hot spring right now." Kakashi, Anjera and Sakumo laugh and say "We all could." Einjeru says "Why not? I mean there must be a way to use a transformation. Also, I am not saying go as yourselves because that will draw unwanted attention." Anjera smiles and says "Look who's grown hip to the ways of the world." Sakumo chuckles and says "Alright, you win."

Anjera goes to grab something and drags Sakumo with her. Einjeru looks at Kakashi, a little weirded out by Anjera's actions. Kakashi looks back smiling, leaving Einjeru to think "My dad is all types of weird." Anjera comes back looking like Einjeru if she were slightly older. Sakumo comes behind saying "Why do I have to be a little kid?"

Kakashi and Einjeru were do their best to bite back their laughter. Kakashi goes up to him saying "But you look so cute dad." Anjera then says "Well Einjeru?" Einjeru stares at Anjera and says "Will I look like that when I'm older?" Anjera shrugs and says "Who knows?" Kakashi looks at Anjera and blushes. Sakumo sighs and says "Kakashi, you need to snap out of it."

Einjeru walks up to Kakashi saying "I got this grandpa." She smacks the hell out of Kakashi and says "What are you going to do when I get older?!" Kakashi shakes his head and looks at Einjeru and Anjera together. He then says "What about names?" Sakumo then said "You are right." Einjeru then said "What about Shirobuki?" Kakashi then said "Why that?" Sakumo says "I kind of like it." Anjera says "That name is fitting. Now what about me?" Einjeru replies "What about Kuroko?" Anjera says "I never thought you'd refer to my animal form like that, but it works."

Kakashi then says "It's going to be a little awkward, but it will work." Einjeru smiles and says "Let's go!" Anjera smiles and says "Okay we're coming." Sakumo chuckles and Kakashi walks behind them. Einjeru runs outside excitedly. Sakumo (Shirobuki) smiles and says "She's full of energy and spunk." Anjera (Kuroko) smiles saying "Well she has to put on a smile. It's not easy being in her shoes." Kakashi then says "While that's true, her soon-to-be mate may have something to do with it."

Naruto uses the shadow clones to expedite the process but to no avail. He tries a different tactic and finally gets it. Jiriaya smiles and says "Wow brat! You actually got it. Not the way it was intended, but you got it. Lets go to the hot springs to celebrate!" Naruto replies "You just want to go peeping again..." Jiriaya then yells "Brat! It's research!" Naruto sighs and says "Let's just go."

At this point; Einjeru, Kakashi, Anjera and Sakumo got to the hot springs and separated into the gender baths. Einjeru sits down and relaxes. She then says to Anjera (Kuroko) "Come on in Kuroko! The water is refreshing." Anjera comes in sits in the water. Kakashi comes into the bath and sits saying "It has been a while, hasn't it, Shirobuki?" Sakumo (Shirobuki) comes in saying "Yes it has, Kakashi."

Naruto and Jiriaya get to the hot springs a few minutes later and go into the male baths. Naruto gets in there and sees Kakashi. Naruto yells out "Kakashi sensei!" Kakashi turns to Naruto and smiles. Naruto falls in the water thinking "He never takes his mask off." Jiriaya comes in and says "You never fail to amuse me Kakashi." Kakashi chuckles and Shirobuki surfaces saying "Who's the blondie who fell in?"

Naruto replies "Who's the pipsqueak?" A tick mark appeared on the back of Shirobuki's head and he said "My name is Shirobuki. I'm a distant relative of Kakashi. I may ask the same of you." Naruto says "I'm Naruto Uzumaki. I'm Kakashi sensei's student." Kakashi noticing the tick-mark says "He's older than he looks. He has a condition that allows him to still look like he's a kid." Naruto comes up to Shirobuki and says "Nice to meet ya!"

Einjeru in the meanwhile is relaxing when Tsunade and Shizune come in. Shizune notices Einjeru and says "Hi there." Einjeru smiles and thinks "Keep it cool." Kuroko comes next to Einjeru saying "Your heart-rate is going up." Einjeru nods and says "Thanks Kuroko." She then takes some deep breaths and Tsunade comes in saying "This is so relaxing."

Naruto then gets excited saying "I learned a totally awesome jutsu sensei!" Kakashi looks at Naruto saying "Oh really?" Naruto smiles real big and says "It's called the rasengan!" Kakashi's eye widened and he said "Show me." Naruto made a shadow clone and performed the rasengan perfectly. At the same time Jiriaya was peeking into the girls bath.

Naruto hears the girlish giggle and turns saying "Pervy sage! I'm going rasengan you back to the leaf and walk with Kakashi sensei if you don't stop!" Einjeru, Tsunade, Shizune and Kuroko heard that and jerked their heads toward the fence. Einjeru said "Kuroko, hand me my towel." Kuroko handed Einjeru her towel. Einjeru wrapped herself in the towel and said "Master Jiriaya. I'm giving you one warning: You get off that fence right now, or I'm going to give you a chidori to the nuts!"

Tsunade laughs at Jiriaya saying "That's quite a threat. Do you really want to lose your manhood?" Jiriaya lets go of the fence and Naruto sighs thinking "I'm glad I'm not a girl." Kakashi sighs and says "It would have been the end of Jiriaya's baby making days if that threat went through." Naruto then said "So I did hear chidori?" Kakashi nods and Naruto turns red saying "Enjeru... other side?"

Einjeru huffs and goes back to relaxing in the hot spring. Kuroko smiles and says "Nice self restraint." Tsunade and Shizune look at Einjeru and say "What village are you from?" Einjeru felt like she was under a microscope and Kuroko nods. Einjeru then says "I'm from the village hidden in the leaves." Tsunade looks at her and said "What's your name?" Einjeru replies "I'm Einjeru Hatake."

Naruto is turning red and decided to leave the bath. Kakashi sighs and starts feeling flush. Shirobuki says "Are you feeling okay?" Kakashi nods and says "Just starting to boil." Jiriaya just soaks in the hot springs. Naruto decides to wait up for Einjeru in the main room. Kakashi starts turning red and Shirobuki says "You should probably get out Kakashi." Kakashi gets out and gets dressed.

Shizune then says "The last Hatake that I know of is Kakashi." Einjeru nods and says "I'm his daughter." Tsunade says "I can see his traits in you. You have his apathetic demeanor at times. Also the streaks of silver in your hair. From what I know, the Hatake wolf genes shine in you." Einjeru shrugs and says "My dad would disagree with you. He says I'm more like my mother."

Kuroko hears the tone of voice used and makes a note to talk to Kakashi later. Einjeru notices the look in Kuroko's eye and says "It's fine." She gets out and gets dressed. Tsunade and Shizune notice the change in demeanor when she mentioned her mother and Kuroko sighs thinking "That wound is still fresh. I wish I could reveal myself."

In the changing rooms, Einjeru lets the tears flow. Kuroko comes in and says "I knew it. You're still hurt by this." Einjeru gets dressed and says "It's fine mom. Dad will always say I look like you. I just wish I could see it." Anjera then says "Maybe someday. You'll be able to see what mine and your grandfather's human form looked like. Until then I say you do look like your father."

Back in the baths, Tsunade said "She's as reclusive as Kakashi as well." Shizune then said "She's hiding something milady." Tsunade nods and says "The old geezer of a sensei knows better than anyone." Shizune then says "It seems pretty important that she's keeping it hidden like that." Tsunade then replies "We just met her. She barely knows us so of course she's going to keep her most guarded secret hidden. Something tells me is has to do with the village so she'll tell in due time."

Einjeru, meanwhile walks out into the main room and sees Naruto. He turns and gives his foxy smile. She smiles back and says "It feels like it's been forever." A light blush comes over her face and Naruto notices her hair. He in turn says "Einjeru? You look different." She replies "And yet you still recognized me. Not much has changed except for my hair." She tucks it back and Naruto envelops her in a hug.

Kakashi comes in the room and a small smile tugs at him. He clears his throat and says "It was quite a coincidence seeing you here Naruto." Naruto rubs the back of his neck and says "Yeah. The Pervy Sage says to come here and relax before heading back to the village, but I think he just wanted to peep at the girls." Einjeru balls up her fist and says "That threat still holds no matter what. I will chidori his nuts off if I catch him peeping at me again."

Tsunade and Shizune hear it and Tsunade says "I would bet that to be true." Naruto replies "I'll also give him a rasengan to the gut for peeping at her like that." He has a perverted thought in his head, and both he and Einjeru flash red for a second. Einjeru then says "Not at this point in time boy." Kakashi caught the meaning of that and chuckles. Naruto smiles at that.

Jiriaya comes in bloody and bruised with Shirobuki coming up behind him looking innocent. Kakashi gives a stern look and Shirobuki just smiles innocently. Kuroko comes out and sees Jiriaya thinking "That's what he gets." She then says to Kakashi "Shirobuki and I have to get back. It was nice seeing you and Einjeru after so long." Einjeru remains quiet and Kakashi understood what that meant and said "She's going to miss you two."

Shirobuki goes up to Einjeru and gives her a necklace saying "We're never far away." She hugs him and whispers in his ear "I'm gonna miss you grandpa." Shirobuki smiles and says "You'll be back soon." Einjeru smiles and Kakashi says "We'll see you guys around." Shirobuki and Kuroko disappeared. Tsunade then said "It's been a week brat!"

Einjeru looks at Tsunade and Shizune says "Lady Tsunade made a bet with Naruto that if he mastered rasengan in one week she'd give him the first hokage's necklace and she'd come back to be hokage, but if he lost; he'd have to give up being a shinobi." Kakashi smiles behind his mask and says "Shall we go outside?" Einjeru says "I wanna see!"

They get outside and Naruto makes a shadow clone. He makes the rasengan in all of its glory. Einjeru stutters in amazement and Tsunade says "Well I lost this bet." Shizune smiles, and Jiriaya says "He's an idiot, but a determined idiot." Einjeru flashes red in the face, and Kakashi says "You really want him don't you?" Einjeru nods and says "I'm willing to wait though." Kakashi says "You better, unless you want to end your shinobi career before it truly begins."

Einjeru smiles and says "I understand dad, but I want to return to the leaf soon." Kakashi nods and says "I do too." Naruto comes over and says "It feels like forever since I've been home." Jiriaya, Tsunade and Shizune come up to them ready to return to the leaf. They start their journey back to see a hawk circling above them. They called the hawk and read the note. However, the news wasn't pleasant.