Interlude

It's been a year since the squad split and Einjeru was in meditation. She opens her eyes and lays back bored out of her mind. The images that roll through her mind are of the village that she left and her imagination runs wild about what to expect when she comes back. She smiles and Tenzo comes in the room and says "Couldn't meditate anymore?" Einjeru shakes her head and says "My imagination went wild again."

Tenzo smiles and says "You really are the blend of both of them, but I got a letter from the village. Guess who's coming to visit." Einjeru lit up and said "Is it dad?! Is it dad?!" Tenzo laughs and says "Yes, and he'll be bringing someone along, but I don't know who." She smiles so big and Anjera came in the room saying "I guess you were just told. Feel up to a spar?" Einjeru smiles big and says "You bet!"

Einjeru and Anjera met up in the main area. Tenzo sat to the side and spotted the match. Anjera said "You are only to use taijutsu and your demon techniques. No ninjutsu or genjutsu. In return, I can't use demon techniques, but ninjutsu and taijutsu." Einjeru then said "You know ninjutsu?" Anjera chuckles and says "I grew up in the hidden leaf as well. Of course I learned ninjutsu."

Tenzo thinks to himself "This will be an interesting spar." Einjeru nods to Anjera and they get into their stances. As soon as Tenzo said begin, Anjera was weaving signs as fast as Kakashi does with the sharingan eye open. Einjeru thought to herself "Oh shit!" Anjera called out "Fire style: Fireball jutsu" Einjeru had to think fast and then remembered the ability to deflect it back at her opponent. She called out "Demon style: Masterful reflection" A mirror appeared and deflected the fireball back at Anjera.

Anjera dodged and smiled saying "Very good. Now how will you deal with this?" Anjera moved so fast that Einjeru was thankful for her enhanced vision and blocked in time. Anjera says "Come on. Fight back!" Einjeru sighs and thinks "She's just trying to get a rise out of me, I just need to ignore her and keep calm." Anjera thinks "Well, it looks like she can ignore the taunting."

Einjeru goes for a scissor kick and got caught in mid-air with Anjera saying "I concede." Einjeru looks at Anjera confused and Anjera says "A shinobi knows when to pick their fights and when to back off. You've become smarter in the past year." Einjeru then said "But you had me in your grip." Anjera nods and gestures for Einjeru to follow her. Tenzo smiles and thinks "She's growing everyday."

Einjeru freezes and sniffs. Anjera notices and smiles saying "What do you smell?" Einjeru smiles and says "I smell dad, but I also smell someone else from the village with him." In her head, Einjeru thinks "She hasn't met Sasuke, but his scent... I can't determine if it's him or not." Anjera notices Einjeru deep in thought and asked "Is it someone you know?" Einjeru replies "I'm not positive." Tenzo comes up behind them and says "It should be fine."

Kakashi sniffs around and thinks "Einjeru was just training." Sasuke then says "Sensei? What are we doing here at a mountain range?" Kakashi eye-smiles and says "Lady Tsunade has us checking up on an asset of ours." Next thing Sasuke knew he was on his back. Kakashi readied a kunai and one was placed to his neck just for him to hear "Wow dad and Sasuke. What have you two been doing since I left?" Sasuke then says "That voice!" Einjeru giggles and says "It should've been obvious when I said dad."

Sasuke is looking around and Kakashi said "She'll reveal herself. Isn't that right Einjeru?" Einjeru appears in front of them and said "Come on." Sasuke and Kakashi follow her with Sasuke having a questioning look on his face. Kakashi says "Aren't you going to speak?" Sasuke was unsure of how to start. Einjeru chuckles and says "I know what you're thinking Sasuke. Say it."

Sasuke gulps and says "How did you sneak up on us?" Einjeru replies "A shinobi masters the art of silence." Sasuke then replies "We didn't even sense your chakra." Einjeru simply replied "Suppressed it." Sasuke simply was befuddled and Einjeru says "I did about six years of work in one using shadow clones. My mom has been a drill sergeant about the basics and all that."

Sasuke was surprised to hear that and Einjeru says "You are not to say a word of what we're speaking about or what you're seeing to anyone. If this was to have a rank of secrecy it would be S-Ranked." Kakashi smiles because he was privy from the start. Sasuke asks Kakashi why and Einjeru says "Because technically my mother is dead in the eyes of the village."

Sasuke heard the hiss behind the words and Einjeru said "I don't think you're ready to hear the reason I say that with disdain yet." Sakumo comes up to Einjeru in his wolf form. She hugs him and says "Hey gramps." Sasuke looks at the sight confused and Kakashi smiles saying "Technically my father is dead." Sakumo then says "Maybe this will jog his memory."

In Sakumo's place appears Shirobuki. Sasuke then said "The little brat that was visiting Einjeru in the hospital?!" Anjera comes in and says "Hello Sasuke." Einjeru then said "Meet my mom." Sasuke was confused and Kakashi says "You were wondering why she was such an enigma?" Sakumo went back to normal and Sasuke was thinking how far down the hole he was.

Einjeru sighs and says "Lady Tsunade sent both of you?" Sasuke said "Originally it was supposed to be another jonin, but sensei asked to bring me instead." Kakashi chuckles nervously and Einjeru shrugs it off saying "Well it was a matter of time before you guys found out." Sasuke breathes a sigh of relief. Einjeru sighs and says "How's the Leaf?"

Sasuke smiles and says "Same as usual. Lady Tsunade working us like slaves and we're training our butts off in anticipation of yours and Naruto's return next year." Einjeru just realized that they couldn't see her properly. Anjera says "Are you ready for them to see you?" Einjeru smiles and says "Yes and I just realized they could barely see to begin with. Even though dad is used to this, Sasuke isn't."

Anjera chuckles and uses the fireball jutsu to light the room up. Sasuke looks at Einjeru in shock. In the past year she grew almost a foot, her hair was cut to the point that it almost looks like Kakashi's, She ended up having to get new clothes because of her growth and the fact her old ones got destroyed in training. Einjeru smiles and says "Not the same shorty that you saw when I left, am I?" Sasuke shakes his head and says "Not even Sakura changed this much."

Einjeru smiles and says "The village will be surprised when their second Hatake comes back." Kakashi says "I see you started wearing your forearm protectors." Einjeru smiled and said "These go better with my outfit now." Einjeru's clothes consisted of a black, mid-length sleeve, form fitting shirt with a silver stripe running down the sides; a pair of purple, form-fitting pants that are bandaged toward the bottom with a silver stripe running down the sides. She switched her blue sandals for black ones, and wears forearm protectors that go up to her shirt sleeve covered in metal plating and fingerless gloves.

Sasuke says "You've definitely changed up." Einjeru shrugs and says "Everything is form fitting so I don't have to worry about my clothes becoming a hindrance in battle." Kakashi then says "Where's your chunin vest?" Einjeru shrugs and says "I don't wear it while training. Tenzo appears holding it and says "She'll wear it back to the village."

Einjeru tries to put the vest on, but can't zip it up. "Oh my... I didn't expect to grow out of my vest." Kakashi chuckles and says "You're bigger than you thought you were." Einjeru turns red and Anjera punches Kakashi saying "You're making her more self-conscious about it." Sasuke looks and realizes Einjeru was not only taller but bigger. He gets a light dusting on his cheeks and Einjeru says "Uhhh... Sasuke? Could you stop looking at me like that? It's kind of creepy..."

Sasuke averts his gaze and Kakashi chuckles saying "You already know she's taken Sasuke." Sasuke looks confused and Kakashi says "Remember, she's got Naruto." Sasuke smiles and says "I know, but I'm still a guy." Einjeru face-palms and thinks "He'll have a chance the fifth of never." Kakashi, Anjera, and Sakumo laugh hearing the thought leaving Sasuke thinking "What are they laughing about?"

Kakashi stops and says "We just came to see Einjeru's progression. When we came in I was able to tell she was just training." Anjera says "Just before you got here we had a spar with limitations on the attacks used." Sasuke then says "What were the limitations?" Einjeru said "Mine were no ninjutsu or genjutsu. Moms' were no demon techniques." Kakashi says "She used the fireball jutsu on you." Einjeru sweat-dropped and said "She weaved the signs so fast... I was able to deflect it... Luckily."

Anjera smiles and says "She's grown a lot in the last year." Kakashi smiles and says "I could tell. She managed to get the jump on me, and knocked Sasuke on his back. What have you done to her?" Anjera said "Utilizing one her most valuable jutsu to the maximum potential. We managed to get 6 years of work done in one using the shadow clones." Einjeru included "She's been working me to the bone... The results will be more evident next year."

Tenzo says "Einjeru has not been lax. She's been working on improving the chidori and her chakra control on her spare time. She also improved the amount of clones she can create." Kakashi looks at Einjeru and says "Oh really?" Einjeru smiles and says "I can't become complacent with what I have. I have to keep working. Stagnancy only leads to death for a shinobi." Kakashi replies "Then it's time for you to learn a second chakra nature. Both your mother and I can utilize fire style so it shouldn't be a problem."

Einjeru remains quiet and Sasuke says "Sensei, Lady Tsunade is expecting us back at the village soon." Kakashi nods and says "It'll be good to see you back home next year." Einjeru walks with them until they get to the forest. Kakashi and Sasuke make it back to the village to see Sakura waiting on them. She looked ready to beat them to a bloody pulp.

Sasuke says "Oh great, Sakura is the one that's going to kill us." Sakura said in the sweetest voice "What kept you two?" Kakashi decides to nip this in the bud saying "We were visiting Einjeru as per instructed and last I checked I outranked you so show me the respect that you'd show any other jonin and high ranking shinobi." Sasuke says "So we're waiting for Naruto to return before we take the chunin exams again."

Sakura nods and says "Lady Tsunade wants Einjeru to re-take them." Kakashi's visible eye and Sasukes eyes widened. Sakura looks down and says "I don't know why." Kakashi shakes his head and says "Looks like she's waiting on a new chunin vest for now." Sakura and them head to Lady Tsunade's office to check in. Tsunade heard the knock on her door and she told them to come in.

Lady Tsunade says "I can understand your tardiness from this mission Kakashi. Einjeru is your daughter first and I understand you wanting to catch up with her after not seeing her in a year. How did Sasuke react to the assignment?" Kakashi chuckles and says "His world view has been changed." Sasuke then says "Einjeru has demonstrated six years of growth in this past year." Tsunade looks intrigued and says "She knows the multi-shadow clones. I wouldn't push it past her to use them in her training."

Kakashi then said "I've given her something extra to do." Sasuke says "Something I've been able to do since I was six." Sakura then said "What is it?" Kakashi replied "Learning fire style. Her mother was able to do it and I'm capable of using it. If we play our cards right, she'll have another chakra nature before she returns." Tsunade nods and says "I'm sure Sakura told you, but I want to have Einjeru re-take the exams with Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto when they return."

Kakashi nods and says "May I ask why?" Tsunade didn't get mad at the question, but was slightly annoyed. She then says "I know she got the promotion during Lord Thirds reign, but I've been hearing some things, and to squash any form of rebellion due to those things, I've decided to have her retake the chunin exams. I'm leaving her rank as chunin however. It's not like she won't be able to pass, and with what you're telling me she'll potentially make it to jonin."

Sasuke then says "Squad 7 will be ready this time." Sakura smiles and says "I have no intention of letting Einjeru do all the work this time." Sasuke smirks and says "I wonder where the blonde idiot is now..." Sakura then says "Knowing him, he's probably eating ramen." Kakashi shakes his head amused. Tsunade chuckles and says "He'll be back stronger than ever."

A few days later in another village, Naruto was in a taijutsu bout with Jiriaya. Jiriaya is enjoying the bout and Naruto gets him from behind. Jiriaya pops and the real one appears saying "You're not the only one who can use shadow clones kid." Naruto punches the ground saying "Damn it! I almost had you!" Jiriaya laughs and says "It's fifty years too early for you to get a hit on me."

Jiriaya laughs and breaks a popsicle in half handing one of the halves to Naruto. Naruto sees a girl that looks like Einjeru nearby and feels the bite she left. Einjeru was near a river with Tenzo and Anjera guarding. Naruto found his way to the river and saw Einjeru in a dress, but didn't recognize her. Her mouth started to hurt and she looked in Naruto's direction.

Naruto looks at her and thinks "What a cute girl." Einjeru giggles thinking "He doesn't even recognize me. He's an idiot, but my idiot." She splashes her face and stands up to walk off. Naruto wants to speak, but Einjeru speaks first saying "See you soon Naruto." She disappears leaving Naruto behind confused. Jiriaya appears saying "Well, the brat has grown."

Naruto turns around and says "What do you mean Pervy Sage?" Jiriaya sighs and says "You'll see." Naruto feels his neck again to feel it red hot. Jiriaya sees the motion and says "Something wrong?" Naruto shrugs and says "I don't know why, but that girl seems to trigger the bite that Einjeru left on me." Jiriaya was debating whether or not he should tell Naruto that the girl they saw was Einjeru.

Meanwhile with Einjeru, she was trying to figure out why her mouth was hurting her when Naruto was near her. Anjera walked next to her and said "Mouth hurts after seeing your beloved after a year?" Einjeru blushed and said "He didn't recognize me but I'd recognize his blonde spiky hair anywhere." Anjera chuckles and says "You bit him with your baby canines. Haven't you noticed that you never lost any teeth, more particularly your canines?"

Einjeru shook her head. Anjera shivers at what comes next, leaving Einjeru to ponder what's going to happen. Kakashi in the meanwhile sneezed and said "I have a feeling someone is about to drop their baby teeth." Sasuke then says "Baby teeth?" Kakashi nods and says "While you guys lose your teeth around 6 and 7 years old, a demon loses their baby teeth when they fully mature. Someone is going to be in a whole new world of pain."

Kakashi and Sasuke finish their training for the day, and Kakashi heads over to the hokage office to give the update on Sasuke. Tsunade nods and Lord Third said "I don't think we'll have to worry about him seeking vengeance." Kakashi nods and says "I guess I'll leave him a few days of recuperation. He was pretty exhausted." Tsunade smiles and says "Is that an excuse for going to see Einjeru?"

Kakashi hangs his head and Lord Third chuckles saying "I don't see the big deal. However, I do want to see her as well. She and Naruto gave me a reason to look forward to the day and I kind of miss their sunshine like smiles." Kakashi nods and says "I think she's about to lose her baby teeth." Tsunade says "How?" Lord Third told her to look in the third drawer on the right for a red folder and explained that what she needed to know was in there.

Tsunade gives Kakashi his leave and Lord Third walks with him saying "She's probably changed a lot hasn't she." Kakashi nods and says "No doubt she'll recognize us, but if she's losing her teeth she'll most likely be growling in pain like I was before Minato sensei's death." Lord Third nods and says "I understand that too well Kakashi. Everyone can't stand that pain in their mouth."

They took a moderate pace to the mountain range, and Anjera and Tenzo greeted them handing them both a pair of ear plugs. Kakashi says "It's that bad huh?" Anjera nods and leads them to her room. Einjeru was screaming out in pain with blood dripping from her mouth. Kakashi says "This is worse than I expected." Einjeru spits out again and lays back down thinking "Stupid pain..."

Kakashi comes up and says "Well, someone is in a lot of pain." Einjeru growls at Kakashi saying "Not helping!" Kakashi sits her up and instructs her to keep her mouth open. He pulls out a special medicine and puts it on her gums. Sakumo comes in and says "So you still had that medicine." Kakashi shrugs and says "It was bound to happen sooner or later."

Lord Third chuckles and Sakumo and Anjera kneeled before him. Lord Third says "How is being the demon queen Anjera?" Anjera had no words to say but "It was kinda lonely for 13 years." Lord Third nods and says "Yes, it had to have been quite lonesome running the shadows of our world by yourself. I felt an emptiness inside after the nine-tails attack when Biwako was killed."

Kakashi sighs and says "It has been a crazy time in the village after the nine-tails attack." Anjera sighs and says "The month after..." Lord Third says "Danzo has been branded as a rogue ninja and we've been smoking out those who were loyal to him in the ANBU forces." Tenzo says "I have no doubt he'll try and come back to try and snatch her again."

Kakashi and Anjera say simultaneously "Like that's going to happen." Einjeru remains quiet due to not having any teeth to speak with. Lord Third looks at Einjeru and smiles. She keeps her mouth closed and writes on a scroll "No teeth..." Lord Third laughs and says "I can tell." Kakashi says "Her canines will grow in first... No doubt she's in for a painful couple of months."

Einjeru writes on a scroll "WHY?!" Kakashi chuckles and says "Your body determined it was time. I can't tell your body when it's ready to do something. It does it on its own." Lord Third chuckles and Tenzo says "So this is going to last 2 months?" Anjera replies "It's dependent on the demon. For Einjeru it may be longer because of her human genetics. Or it may be faster. Who knows?" Kakashi sighs and says "I managed to break through that in 2 months and I am half... Einjeru is ¾. I'm pretty sure she'll make it through in 2 months."

Einjeru frowns and disappears. Kakashi sighs and Anjera face-palms. Sakumo says "I'll get her." He disappears and Kakashi says "We argued in front of her again." Anjera nods and says "We promised we wouldn't." Lord Third sits there and says "You two have differing views about Einjeru and what she'll do, but the only one who can determine that is her. You guys give her a reason to stray."

Meanwhile on the wolf's cliff, Einjeru sits there thinking "They always argue when it comes to me..." Sakumo says "Hey there little silver fang." Einjeru shrugs being unable to speak. The wind blows and Sakumo says "Don't worry about it. Your adult teeth will come in stronger than your baby teeth ever were. Wolves are known for their bites." Einjeru smiles for Sakumo to notice one of her canines poking through.

Einjeru feels it and mutters. Sakumo smiles and says "If you're lucky enough, you'll have all your adult teeth before the month's up. Lets just keep it between us for now." Einjeru nods and starts to walk with him. They come back to an awkward silence. She writes down "What's going on? It's too quiet..." Lord Third smiles and says "It is getting late Kakashi. We should head back to the Leaf." Kakashi nods and gives Einjeru a hug saying "I have no doubt you'll exceed all expectations. Just keep it up."

After they leave, Einjeru goes to sleep. Anjera says to Sakumo "What do you two have that I don't?" Sakumo says "I guess there's a certain touch you have to have." It took less than a month for all her adult teeth to grow in and she was able to speak again. Anjera smiles saying "Your pearly-whites have finally grown back in and you beat your fathers expectations."

Back in the leaf the rest of the genin that were part of their class were taking their chunin exams again. At the same time Sakura is training in her medical ninjutsu and Sasuke comes to the hospital to visit Kakashi who overdid it on a mission again. Sakura notices Sasuke coming in and said "If you're here to see Kakashi sensei, he was just checked out Sasuke."

Sasuke nods and says "You're treating him?" Sakura nods saying "Under the supervision of Lady Tsunade." Sasuke smiles and says "That's good. By the way have you heard from Einjeru?" Sakura shakes her head and says "Have you?" Sasuke replies "I went her to see a month and a half ago. It was the day that you wanted to hit us for taking our time." Sakura sighs and says "How is she? I haven't been out the village in a while."

Sasuke says "She looks like a female version of Kakashi. Hair and all except for the clothes and her using a mask to cover her face." Sasuke and Sakura were absent-mindedly walking around the hospital and were walking by Kakashi's room when that was said. Kakashi says from his bed "I heard you two. The mask is going to change soon." Sakura and Sasuke walk into his hospital room and say "What do you mean sensei?"

Kakashi chuckles and says "She'll be keeping her teeth hidden. I'm pretty sure most of her teeth have grown back and they're sharper than ever." Sakura says "She just lost her baby teeth last month?!" Kakashi nods and Sasuke shrugs. Sakura says "I don't know why she'd want to hide her teeth. I mean we already know that she isn't human." Sasuke says "It's more than that Sakura." Kakashi sat up abruptly and silenced Sasuke.

Sasuke's eyes widened as he realized that the secret he was about to reveal was S-ranked. Sakura was confused and Kakashi says "The only way you're going to find out is if Lady Tsunade sends you on a mission with me." Sakura chuckles and says "A medical ninja should always go with you sensei. You always come back injured to the point of death." Tsunade comes in and chuckles hearing that. Kakashi looks at Tsunade and hears her say "Sakura is right Kakashi. You always come back messed up unless you go visiting Einjeru first. Not to mention you haven't seen her since last month and haven't pushed the issue on it."

Kakashi says "She doesn't need me breathing down her back every second while she's training with her relatives." Sasuke thinks to himself "I think sensei is lying." Sakura then says "You did it all through the first chunin exam we took." Kakashi replies "That was then, this is now." Sasuke then says "Prove it." Sakura was shocked to hear that. She then says "Sasuke! This is a hospital and sensei is still recovering. If Einjeru saw this she'd kick your ass!"

At the same time Einjeru sneezes and has an urge to go to the village. Anjera says "I have a feeling that isn't going away..." Tenzo then says "I don't think that going to the village is a good idea." Sakumo then says "I don't see a problem in Einjeru going in her civilian clothes. Besides if Naruto didn't recognize her, who else in her class will?" Tenzo then says "Her chakra signature is very unique. Anyone can sense it."

Einjeru replies "But Tenzo, I have the ability to suppress it and not show exhaustion. Besides Lord Third already knows." Tenzo gets stunned by this and says "But how?" Shibura comes back with a note and Tenzo face-palms." Einjeru reads the note and says "Alright! Lord Third will be waiting at the main gate!" Einjeru changes into civilian clothes, more specifically the dress that Naruto saw her in.

They head over to the village and see Lord Third. He smiles and says "If I didn't know any better I'd swear you were someone else." Einjeru smiles and says "I normally don't wear a dress." She senses Sasuke's chakra flared and says "Well that explained my urge to come home." Lord Third nods and says "He's probably at the hospital visiting Kakashi." Einjeru nods and walks through the village to the hospital.

Upon getting to the hospital she signed in under her nickname and went to Kakashi's room. They look at the person that came in the door. Einjeru smiles and says "You're better off than I thought you were." Sakura not recognizing Einjeru says "Who are you?" No one could recognize her because of her suppressed chakra. Kakashi automatically recognized it and said "Flare your chakra."

Einjeru shakes her head and flares it. Sasuke goes rigid and Sakura gets excited saying "Einjeru! I was wondering when you were going to return." Einjeru puts her finger up and says "I'm not staying long. I had a sudden urge to return, and I discovered why. Sasuke?" He turned around and had a nervous smile on his face. Sakura then says "Sasuke was just trying to push people's buttons." Einjeru shook her head and said "I sensed his chakra flaring up from the village gate. I want an explanation to why that was done in my father's hospital room while he's supposed to be recovering."

Tsunade then said "This is a hospital. Not a place to fight." Einjeru says "I have no intention of fighting here and giving away my new tricks. I'm just looking for an answer." Sasuke says "I just thought that sensei may have been lying about him not breathing down your neck." Einjeru sighs and performs the summoning jutsu. She then says "That's why we summon our nin-ken." Pakkun chuckles and says "We're for more use than just on the battlefield kid." Kakashi chimes in saying "They are our most loyal companions. Did you think the Inuzuka's were the only dog handlers in the leaf village?"

Einjeru sends Pakkun back and drags Sasuke out the hospital. Tsunade sends Sakura behind them to make sure Einjeru didn't kill him. Sasuke was filled with something an Uchiha never showed; fear. Sakura saw it and followed Einjeru to a training field. Sasuke says "What's the big idea?" Einjeru shakes her head and says "I see you remembered the arrogant ways of your clan."

Sasuke glared at Einjeru and says "I remember everything, but decided against leaving the village knowing they'd send you after me." Einjeru shakes her head and says "Jealous?" Sasuke replies "Not in the slightest." Einjeru appears behind him with a kunai to the neck saying in a bone-chilling voice "Now that we understand each other, if you ever try something like that again where I can sense the killing intent from the mountains; I won't hesitate to put you in Intensive Care. Got it?!"

Sakura thinks to herself "Her demeanor has changed." Sasuke nods and Einjeru changes moods saying "Good! I'm glad we were able to have this talk." Sasuke remained rigid and Sakura expressed out-right worship in a sense. Einjeru all the while was suppressing her chakra. Sakura thought to herself "Einjeru is not to be played with. EVER." Einjeru smiles at Sakura and comes over saying "Lady Tsunade had you tag along?" Sakura nods and says "Want some dumplings?"

Einjeru shrugs and says "I'm not a big fan of sweets, but sure." They head over to the dumpling shop. Lord Third was watching them conversing. Sakura asked Einjeru if she had heard from Naruto recently. Einjeru replies saying "I saw him last month by accident. He didn't recognize me." Sakura chuckles and says "Typical Naruto." Einjeru blushes and says "I didn't know it was possible, but he got cuter."

Sasuke says "What makes him so special?" Einjeru froze at that question and says "Sounds like something Naruto said when we first started at the academy, and you were getting all the fan-girls." Sasuke nearly choked on his dumpling and Sakura chuckles. Einjeru eats a dumpling and says "That's why us girls were always at odds in the academy." Einjeru finishes her dumplings and says "I'm gonna go visit my dad in the hospital and then I have to meet my friend at the village gate. See you guys."

After Einjeru left, Sasuke had a light dusting on his cheeks and Sakura says "Are you feeling okay?" Sasuke nods and says "Einjeru has changed a lot, hasn't she?" Sakura nods and says "No doubt she is stronger, but for now her new found strength is an enigma. She can and will kill if necessary now." Sasuke nods and finishes his dumplings saying "We've gotten stronger too. We'll fly through our next chunin exams." Sakura nods and says "You don't think that Einjeru is letting her strength go to her head, do you?"

Sasuke says "No. It probably would go to my head." Sakura says "I doubt that Sasuke." Sasuke leaves saying "I have to go meet up with my temporary team for my mission. Shouldn't you be heading back to the hospital?" Sakura jumps up and says "Oh my god you're right!" She pays for the dumplings and runs out of there. She gets back to the hospital.

In Kakashi's room, all Einjeru wanted to do was pull her ears off. Kakashi was going on and on about how reckless coming to the village was. Einjeru then says "It's not like anyone of the village recognized me. As far as anyone knows, I am a visitor. As long as my chakra is suppressed, no one suspects a thing." Kakashi sighs and says "I know you've grown, but I still think it isn't safe." Einjeru growls in frustration and says "Says the one who's laid up in a hospital bed."

Tenzo appears and says "I assume tensions are high?" Einjeru sighs in resignation and says "I only wanted to pop in one more time to check on you dad. I was getting ready to go. To be honest, I hate wearing dresses. This makes me want to be in my combat gear so bad." Kakashi chuckles nervously and says "About your chunin vest... Lady Tsunade wants you to retake the chunin exams."

Einjeru did not display any shock and simply said "That's fine. I want to earn my promotion the traditional way." Kakashi says "Lady Tsunade however is keeping your rank as chunin. She has no doubt in your ability to attain your rank." Einjeru nods and says "But you do. I'm not doing this because I feel inadequate. I'm doing it to prove a point to you."

Einjeru turns around and says "See you in 10 months dad." She walks out the hospital and starts heading towards the village gate. Tenzo starts to follow after Kakashi says "Please make sure she doesn't kill herself in training." At the village gate, Tenzo says to Einjeru "Your father is going to worry. It's his nature." Einjeru shakes her head and says "I understand... senpai."

Tenzo chuckles and says "I guess I earned that title and you the title of kohai." They walk back to the mountain range and Sakumo stands in the entrance way smiling. Einjeru runs up and hugs Sakumo tightly saying "I guess my real killing intent wasn't flared when I threatened Sasuke?" Sakumo nods and says "The puppy dog killing intent was what I sensed. That's good." Einjeru's eyes widened and she said "Sasuke was fucking frozen when I threatened him."

Tenzo says "Even if you release only a little killing intent and it looks like a puppy dog, someone who isn't used to the potency would freeze." Einjeru shakes her head and says "Lady Tsunade hasn't really sent Sasuke or Sakura on any missions too much so they could focus on training." Sakumo nods and says "Your level of training is beyond anything that anyone is the village can match, besides Naruto, but he has his own training that only he can do."

Einjeru shakes her head and says "Isn't it almost time for a spar?" Sakumo shakes his head and said "Your mom had some urgent business to attend to." Einjeru shrugs and says "If that's the case, could you teach me Earth style Tenzo?" Tenzo then says "Why?" Einjeru summons Pakkun to explain. Pakkun appears and says "There's a particular jutsu that we nin-ken can use in collaboration with the Earth style. It's called Summoning: Earth Style: Fanged Pursuit Jutsu. Is this the reason Einjeru?" Einjeru nods and Tenzo nods saying "It never hurts to have another chakra nature under your belt." Einjeru smirks and says "Next year I'll have three chakra natures under my belt and be able to use some techniques unique to my mother."

Tenzo says "I wouldn't go flaunting that." Einjeru nods and says "Shall we begin senpai?" Tenzo nods and Einjeru makes as many shadow clones as she possibly could to start learning the earth style manipulation. Sakumo says "With this many shadow clones she'll have the mastery like someone with the affinity in a short amount of time." Einjeru grins along with her shadow clones and says "Where do we begin?!"

By the time Anjera made it back from her venture, Einjeru was sprawled out on the floor exhausted. Tenzo smiles nervously and says "We've been working on the Earth style while you were gone." Anjera nods and says "We'll be working her to the bone. By the time the year is up she'll want nothing more than sleep." Tenzo nods and Sakumo chuckles and says "Are you sure you can do it?" Einjeru gives a thumbs up and falls asleep.

At the same time Naruto was sitting with a trio of clones meditating. In his mindscape, there was a forest and Kurama sat there thinking "This kid would have a remarkable career as a photographer." Naruto says "Hey Kurama, isn't there a way that I can explain to the Pervy Sage that I can control your chakra without doing it. It tires me out." Kurama shakes his head and says "You still have to learn to control your strength when using the chakra cloak. Just go into version one chakra mode."

Naruto does so and Jiriaya was surprised that Naruto was able to maintain control despite only doing it once. Jiriaya says to Naruto "How are you able to do that without losing control?" Naruto shrugs and says "You know you asked me that when we did the training for the chunin exam third rounds before they were cancelled?" Jiriaya says "I'm just curious because in the course of history never befriends a tailed beast like that." Naruto shrugs and starts to explain.

Flashback:

It was the month before the third rounds and Jiriaya obnoxiously says "I'm going to teach you how to tap into the foxes power and summon toads." Naruto shrugs and sits to meditate. Jiriaya looks at him curious. Naruto was perfectly still and quiet. When he opened his eyes in his mind, he saw a dark, dingy sewer." He thinks to himself "Is my mind always this dark and gloomy?"

He comes across a cage with a piece of paper that says seal. An ominous voice sounds off saying "Hey! What are you doing here?!" Naruto stands firm and says "I'm here to talk. First of all, the name's Naruto." The ominous voice replies "You of the Leaf know me as the demon fox that destroyed the village, but my name is Kurama." Naruto nods and says "Well now that introductions are out of the way, is there anything I can do to make your stay inside me more pleasant?"

Kurama was stunned by this question and remained quiet for a moment. Naruto was confused and said "Did I do something wrong?" Kurama then says "No. I was shocked... I never expected this." Naruto shrugs and still waits for an answer. Kurama smirks and says "Here I thought that you were the impatient one. Well first things first, can you change this landscape? It's depressing."

Naruto nods and changes the scenery to a forest. Kurama was impressed and Naruto says "It was kind of depressing to me as well. Is this better?" Kurama nods and says "Plenty. Now what brings you here?" Naruto says "I need your help." Kurama thinks about the events that transpired in his life before he got sealed in Naruto. He then says "I have a proposition for you." Naruto scratches his head and says "What's a proposition?"

Kurama said "They really screwed you over didn't they? A proposition is a deal of sorts." Naruto says "What kind of deal?" Kurama says "Suspicious, aren't we? The deal is that I'll help you out in a pinch, but you must destroy a certain person in an orange mask." Naruto says "But how will I know?" Kurama shrugs and says "He has a sharingan eye that matches your sensei." Naruto then was shocked and asks how it's possible leaving Kurama to shrug as he simply didn't know.

Naruto thinks about it and says "It's a deal, but I could use your help now. My pervy master wants me to use your chakra to summon toads." Kurama smiles and says "Ok, but I may teach you things as well. Be ready whenever I decide to pull you in your mind." Naruto nods and opens his eyes to see he was covered in yellow chakra. He looks at himself and Kurama says from within Naruto's mind "I'm gonna munch on your chakra once in a while."

Presently:

Jiriaya shakes his head and says "I'm not sure whether or not to tighten your seal or not." Naruto grumbles thinking "He doesn't even trust me..." Jiriaya sighs and says "I don't sense any malice or anything so I'll leave it alone." Naruto smiles and says "You're the best Pervy Sage!" Naruto grabs Jiriaya in a vice like hug leaving the latter unable to breathe and struggling to say "Your strength is unmatched... Now if you'd be so kind as to let me go... It would be much appreciated."

Naruto lets Jiriaya go and says "So now what?" Jiriaya smiles and says "Let's try and control the strength so you don't accidentally kill someone when you have them in your grip." Naruto smiles sheepishly and says "My bad... I guess Kurama is right about controlling my strength in this form." Jiriaya strokes his chin and says "We need some new chakra control exercises for you. Make some shadow clones."

Naruto does and Jiriaya says "I want you to redo the tree climbing and water walking exercises using your chakra cloak." Naruto nods and directs half of his clones to do the water walking and the other half to do the tree climbing. Jiriaya was impressed that Naruto was able to use his shadow clones to this point with the mass amount of chakra he had.

After a couple hours, Naruto was worn out and the chakra dissipated. Jiriaya comes up to him and says "I'm impressed kid." Naruto gives a thumbs up and falls asleep. Jiriaya then notices that Naruto's chakra presence is reduced. He thinks to himself "Naruto's pursuers will have a hard time trying to track him."

Itachi was walking through the forest and came across the mountains. Einjeru wakes up and smells him. "How did he find his way up here?" That was all that was going through Einjeru's mind when she went to switch into her combat gear and Hidden Leaf headband. Itachi got to the entrance to be met with a kick to the face. Upon coming out of his daze he saw Einjeru who wasn't too happy to see him.

Itachi shakes his head and stands up saying "You've changed a bit. That was cold considering our little chat last year. What are you doing at a mountain range with a high concentration of demon aura?" Einjeru revealed her ears, tail and claws, flaring her chakra saying "Did you forget what I was?" Itachi then says "Your killing intent is present more than ever. However, you can't kill me."

Einjeru growls and says "I don't have time for this Itachi. I gave your brother a death threat when I went to the leaf village for a visit. I won't hesitate to use that threat on you and carry it out. Now what are you doing here at my mother's home?" Itachi then says "That explains it. You don't have to worry, I'm not here on purpose. I found the mountains by accident. We lost track of Naruto's chakra signature."

Einjeru shakes her head and says "I can still sense him through my bite, but I wouldn't tell you anything to save my life." Itachi smiles and says "Loyal as always, eh Ms. Hatake." Einjeru shakes her head and says "Sasuke remembers everything now, but refuses to leave the village because of the repercussions of last time." Itachi chuckles and says "Where you broke his neck and in turn all of your appendages?"

Einjeru shakes her head and says "Don't you have a partner to meet up with?" Itachi replies "Kisame? He's an idiot who resorts to fighting first." Einjeru sighs and says "So does Naruto, and your point is?" Itachi chuckles and says "He at least comes up with a strategy during battle and it works for him." Einjeru says "I can sense him getting closer to here. I suggest you get going before I'm forced to clean up house alerting my guardian, mom and grandpa."

Itachi nods and says "Until our next battle, princess." Einjeru turns red with fury thinking "I don't like being called princess." Itachi disappears and meets up with Kisame saying "There's nothing here." Kisame replies "But Itachi, there's a high concentration of demon chakra here." Itachi shakes his head and says "There are many types of demons. There are none that match the nine-tails malevolence."

Kisame disregards what Itachi has to say and goes toward the mountain. Einjeru sighs and thinks "Itachi was right. Kisame is an idiot." Kisame gets to the entrance and sees Einjeru. He smiles and says "You were the brat that I grabbed when I was in the village." Einjeru huffs and says "I remembered turning your clone into a fish fry, Hoshigaki."

Kisame laughs and says "Not this time brat!" Einjeru laughs it off saying "You're on my playing field. I'm going to make you regret not listening to Itachi." Tenzo hears this and runs outside using wood style to separate Einjeru and Kisame. Itachi appears and says "Kisame we have no business here. You'll upset the demon queen if you hurt her daughter." Einjeru smirks and says "Do you want to chance the wrath of my mother?"

Kisame laughs and says "I'll believe that when I see it. Until then; Water style: Exploding Water Shockwave" All of a sudden out of nowhere someone calls out "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu." The water evaporates, and Anjera appears saying "I heard everything Hoshigaki. You should've listened to your partner." Itachi gets fretful and Kisame laughs. Einjeru says "Itachi was right. You are an idiot." He appears behind Einjeru and grabs her by the neck.

Einjeru popped and reappeared in her full demon form punching Kisame in the face. He looks at her saying "Ok... So you punched me." He unleashes Samehada. Einjeru gulps and Itachi casts a paralysis genjutsu on Kisame saying "You really would test a demon. Idiot." Einjeru pulls out the White Light Chakra Saber to Kisame's surprise. Itachi chuckles at Kisame's expense.

Einjeru says "You know what this weapon is, don't you?" Kisame replies "That weapon was what gave the white fang his name." Einjeru smirks and says "What does he have to do with me?" Kisame was confused and Sakumo came out in a transformation. Kisame says "That's not possible! The White Fang killed himself 22 years ago!" Einjeru says "You know nothing of the Hatake bloodline trait. We're demons! When a demon's human form dies, their animal form goes to live on in nature. My grandfather just passed into his animal form, so the White Light Chakra Saber got passed down."

Kisame then says "How did you end up with it brat? It was destroyed in the third great ninja war at Kannabi bridge." Einjeru snarkly replies "It was reforged by the copy ninja. He gave it to me himself." Kisame then says "How is the guy?" Einjeru snorts and says "Like I'd tell you how my father is doing." Sakumo then says "Calm down. Your inner demon will take over if you don't. I really don't want to remind you the last time that happened."

Einjeru sighs and says "I got this grandpa." Anjera says "The last time you went berserk was devastating." Einjeru sighs and says "I know mom... You don't need to remind me. I kept the bruises from Tenzo's wood style to remind me." Kisame laughs and Itachi says "I'm going to take him and go." Anjera looked at Einjeru who had a begrudging look on her face. Itachi and Kisame disappeared.

Anjera says to Einjeru "You did a good job keeping composure." Einjeru reverts to normal and goes inside. Tenzo says to Anjera "She refuses to heal the bruises on her wrists and back. If she doesn't before go back, Kakashi is going to kill someone, namely me." Anjera sighs and says "I won't make any guarantees. Einjeru has been really pushy when it comes to her injuries."

Einjeru goes into her room and flops on her bed. Images of the leaf and squad 7 pop into her head. She goes to sleep for Sakumo to cover her up and give her a wolf plush. He smiles thinking "Not as independent as Kakashi, but sure as cute." Meanwhile Kakashi sneezes. Einjeru snores and Anjera comes in and says "I'm surprised. I guess talking about hurting Naruto really influences it."

Sakumo chuckles and says "Maybe, we are fiercely loyal to our mates and kin. When we lose our mates we go into a severe depression. Kakashi was too young to remember his mother, and never was able to warm up to others, until he met you." Anjera smiles sadly and says "I sensed that he was really depressed after my death. I was pissed that I wasn't able to see Einjeru grow up and spent most of the last fourteen years cursing Danzo for it."

Sakumo says "I understand you. Maybe if I had fought through my depression, then maybe Kakashi wouldn't have had to suffer so much." Einjeru woke up hearing that and feigned sleep. She thinks to herself "I will work hard, so I don't leave everyone alone." Anjera rubs Einjeru's head and says "I have no doubt that she can make it." They leave her room.

With 10 months left in their training, squad 7 was working hard to prepare the test that would bring them together or break them apart forever. Naruto was busting his butt in controlling Kurama's chakra , Sasuke's sharingan was maturing and Sakura was getting stronger. Einjeru kept using the shadow clones to her max and trying to learn her new chakra natures. What will happen when the squad reunites completely for the first time in two years?