"Leaf Hurricane!"

Lee comes at you with his signature move, before you could blink he lands the devastating kick right at your torso, thinking quickly you put your arms up to block the impact. Coating your arms in the metal skin, you managed to minimize the damage, but the force was still there and it shot you back across the ground.

Getting up quickly just as Lee came down with a heavy kick. He wasn't playing around and you knew, you move just in time otherwise you might have become the now smashed ground. Covering yourself from the debris, realizing that was mistake giving Lee an opening which he takes. He comes at you countless strikes, you felt yourself begin to panic. Not good, your body started to stiff up, pushing it down and remaining focus your eyes follow his strikes carefully dodging them. While coating that part of the body from any hit he landed, his attacks where just ruthless and seemingly endless. But who better to fight against, this was what you wanted anyway. This was the team you chose to be on, despite the grueling training, you had to do it. Pushing yourself further to control this new form. You had to release yourself of the fear, if not than it would take over. So far you've been rather well compared to when you first started, always freezing up. Flashbacks always caught up to you, which paralyzed you from doing anything. A feeling you didn't like, so you had to fight back.

And fight back you did, Lee lands another strike hitting you back. This time though you catch yourself and come back at him. Drawing your metal covered fist back, changing into blade. That was one benefit to this new form of yours, you could shape your arm appendages into either a blade or claws. Which slightly gave you an edge, your teammate sees this and braces counters by blocking. It was like a barrage of endless strikes, punches and kicks. Only those with keen eyes could actually follow the movement of you two. Locking wrist, you and Lee exchange furious gazes at one another, then push back on the other one. Sliding back, your gazes never broke from the other, setting up to go again. Lee smiles at you while still glaring.

"You are doing very well, May."he compliments."I am very proud."

You had no time to smirk back, your mind was focused on the fight at hand and keeping your nervous under control. You wait for that ting in his eyes, which told you to start up again. Such strong gazes from the two of you, you kept your stance strong, by now your arms where fully coated in the metal skin along with your whole leg to your hip. Which was clearly visible, thanks to your new outfit. No longer did you wear the outfit Temari helped you pick out, or as you called it your Genin outfit. You sported a newer look, a short sleeve deep magenta nicely fit Kimono dress with cut-out shoulders with a scoop neckline, a deep yellow sash around your waist, the sides slit to give you more a mobility, topped off with standard ninja sandals, you had some golden yellow designs on the kimono. And switched out your arm warmer fingerless gloves for wrist bands.

You choose this outfit with the help of Hinata and Ino, you felt the need for a change. Since your life changed to begin with. Though Guy insisted you wear you one of his uniforms like himself and Lee. That way you and Guy would really be like father and daughter. So many times he's stressed that with you, becoming overly emotional with you, especially when you joined the team. If not for Tenten and Neji, Guy would have smoother you with his tears and iron grip. He almost went as far as giving you a haircut like his and Lee's. Tenten always felt the man was over reacting. She actually felt bad you joined their team.

Which you surprised her, telling her it was actually a breath of fresh air joining them. Here you felt your skills would be utilized much better.

Clashing again with Lee, you both push the other one back. Landing and pushing off again rapidly punching and kicking, neither one showing signs of exhaustion. Though that couldn't be said for Tenten who grew tired just watching you two. Upon first meeting you, she didn't think you had this much tenacity in you, sure she remembers you joining her team for training, but that was training. This here what she was seeing didn't seem like training, more like a brawl. Lee had opened at two gates, he was animal. While you nearly coated yourself, both blow after blow shook the ground. She would lie if she said she had gotten use to this, but that wasn't true. It seem whenever the two of you enter battle mode she called, a different person came out. The ferocity both you and Lee displayed was just remarkable. She could tell both of you where giving it your all. Or as much as one could. With your training from Master Splinter to training with Tsunade and their team. Your skills no doubt deadly, it as clear why you deserved the rank you did. You style of fighting was focused, driven, on key, graceful and deadly. You already had your own natural strength thanks to your biology, in a petite body like yours, many would not assume someone with such a cute and innocent face, that now seems to have matured just a bit held this power. When you didn't fight with your metal skin and preferred to use your other ability, you could give one a run for their money. Being able to fly gave you a advantage, having the high grounds and with your spells and barriers it would seem nearly impossible to land anything on you.

But everyone has their weaknesses, and with you in your normal mode, you needed to focus and time to unleash your spells or barrier. Which gave your enemy an opening to attack, or when you attacked them from high above, your back was open giving your enemies a chance to attack. And when it came to you switching between your metal skin and normal skin, there was a few seconds you paused but of course it was rather quick so many would not see it. But your movements did slow down a bit during the transition. Not to mention when you healed yourself, it took some time as well. Weakness that was covered by herself and the rest of Guy's Team. Just as you covered theirs. You had become their sort of Ace card, because many didn't know about what you could do and assumed the exact opposite. You looked like easy pickings.

Tenten chuckles to herself thinking about when that happened, when you went on a few missions with them and the others where in shock to see what you did. What made it even funnier was you gave you fair warning or tired to talk yourself out of it, unless they pressed the wrong button and threaten the team, then you just unleashed your fury, once she was sure someone saw death when scared them. It wasn't that you had a temperament, which she was sure you did and you hid it rather well. Or yours was more a silent type, which was way scarier. Just don't mess those close to you, having lost enough already protecting them was very important to you, and with you apart of a team escalated it more. Out of everyone in the team, you where the most emotional one and sympathetic not to mention humble and modest, in other words: "Normal."

Which seem to balance the group, and Tenten liked it. She could actually have a talk with someone, without loosing her head. Or hair. Talks with you was pleasant, even it came to training. You brought something new to the group with you wondrous outlook and innocents. Your modest optimism and tender and gentle touch. You seem like quite the nurturer really. Tending to everyone, which mainly would end up being Lee and you didn't mind. Having developed this since having Kaito and Natsuki. It made sense that you had maternal like instincts. Those two where almost like your kids, Natsuki herself already cried it out. Admitting it.

Her's eyes still following you and Lee. Neji wasn't around he had a meeting with his clan so practice was out of the picture. So it just, herself, Lee and you. Since the sun rose, training has been going on. Lee just loved getting a fresh start on the day, Tenten meet up with him and you came about an hour and half later after you made food for the kids. And since training hadn't stopped, it was no going into high noon. She wasn't sure how much she could watching you both. She gets ready to open her mouth to stop it, when it ended on it's own. And again it ended in a draw, both you and Lee having the other one. You stare at Lee and he stares right back. It was so intense, Tenten could feel it emitting off you both.

Lee relaxes first."You did well, May. As expected!"

You return his smile. And bring your hands down."Thank you. You as well Lee."Began dusting yourself off and straightening your clothes, then move to adjusting your broach making sure it was alright.

"Finally."Tenten said walking over."I was wondering when you two would stop. It's about high noon." You turn to her with a soft bashful smile."I apologize."you tell her."I suppose time was lost."

"I'll say. But besides that, you're getting rather good."she gives her praise."You'll be ready for the war soon."

You just smile, when you remember the time."Oh! Excuse me, but I must leave. I am to meet up with Hinata for lunch. I shall see you later."you tell them waving bye and take off in the sky. Lee and Tenten watch you leave with a smile.

At the Hyuga compound the clan was just wrapping up their meeting, and not a second later. Everyone was dismissed, Hinata comes out at the exact time you land down and make your way over to her.

"Hinata!"you exclaim embracing. You sudden action took her by surprise, but she had grown use to it. You had a habit of doing these things out of the blue not to mention the tight grip you had on her. But you where just happy to see her.

She manages to hug you back."May. Hello."You both break and grasps the others hand in their own."Did you finish training?"

You nod."Yes, just a few minutes ago. I apologize if I am a tad late."

"No. Not all, we just finished."

"That's wonderful. Shall we go to lunch?"

The other Hyugas that passed you both glanced over at the two friends, smiling and sharing a small laughter. They knew who you were, Hinata's best friend and for a few Neji's significant other. They didn't have to use their eyes to figure that out. It was actually Hinata who knew before the others in her clan. You told her, which she couldn't be more happy for you and approved right away. Telling you things you hadn't realized with Neji towards you. How you made him feel, even if didn't show it. The next of her kin to find out was her father, Neji personally took to his uncle Hiashi Hyuga. The leader of the clan, the man knew of you as his daughter's friend and you had taken up residence here before. He was a serious looking man, when you first saw him. Not to mention rather stern looking and kind of down to business type and traditional. His gaze command much respect and he didn't seem to tolerate anything less. He some what made you nervous. You honestly thought he disliked you after what you did to Hinata, but she managed to clear up the understanding.

That day Neji took you to his uncle, you never felt so exposed before in your life. Neji was the one who spoke to him, while all you could think about was the man's gaze and trying not make a fool of yourself. But that didn't go as plan, your nervous got the best of you and accidentally had an outburst of your powers when called to you. You pretty much blew a whole in his wall. Which you quickly apologized for. You sure did expect a sort of back lashing, but instead he wasn't upset at all. He accepted you and held no ill will at all. He gave his blessing and support, telling you, his nephew is a genius and as a genius they make the right choices. His words made some sense, but not fully. And since that day, you popping up at the compound was the norm. You where polite to them and respectful. Addressing them as such.

Though when it came to Hinata, it was different.

"Are you ready?"she ask. You nod your head when you notice Neji out the corner of your eye talking with a few Hyuga members, you smile to yourself. He didn't see you since his back was turned, but you had a feeling he knew where here. Hinata looks from you to her cousin and smiles. She was sure if you could blush you would.

Smiling one more time, you turn back to Hinata."Let's go."

The steam and aroma was so inviting and delicious it could make anyone start to salivate, there was one person in particular that would right away. Someone who enjoyed this lovely dish day and night non-stop, they would drag you here or you eat it over at their place. Looking into the broth you think about those times, the first time they brought you here to when you came to visit for a bit, and then again to speak with you privately. Then just for fun after that, a few times they took you out of the hospital to bring you here. Wheeling you down the streets of the village, which you felt rather embarrassed by but they made it to where you didn't have to feel it. Took you here late that evening after the funeral. "A good bowl of ramen can make anything feel better."their words echoed in your mind. Along with their cheeky smile.

Though you weren't really that much of a fan for the dish, it was nice to have and since their departure you've having it a bit more than normal. Even taking Kaito and Natsuki here, the two enjoyed it equally. But still preferred your home cooking still. Coming to have ramen every so often, was just your way of expressing how much you began to miss them. Though they assured they would be back it wasn't enough. The day of their leave, you managed to catch them before they left.

"Naruto! Naruto wait! Please wait!"

The young man stops at the entrance of the village, hearing you call his name. He turns around to you."Oh, hey May."he greets you, when he notices the sadden look in your eyes."Hey what's wrong? Are you okay?"

You bite your lip wondering if you should say something or not. You didn't come all this way over here for nothing. Dropping your head, clenching fabric in your fist."W-why are you leaving?"you ask just above a whisper. He didn't hear you fully so he gets down to your level putting his ear to you."Why do you have to leave?!"you speak up this time, nearly yelling in his ear.

He yelps in pain."Oww. My ear."

Did not hear what you just screamed out? Was he trying to be funny, because you surely weren't. His escorts Yamato, Guy, and Aoba give you a sympathetic look, mainly Guy and Yamato. Your eyes looked like they wanted to cry, but you couldn't. Still fusing over his ear, Naruto looks at you a bit annoyed which quickly drops when he sees the long look you had.

"You said, you promised to not leave."you raise your voice, trying to mask your hurt. But it showed no matter what you tired to do to conceal it."You said so. You said friends never leave friends. So why are you leaving? Why are you going away? Why are you leaving me?"your voice drops with the last sentence. Sniffing you start to rub your eyes as if you where actually crying. Then bury your face in your hands. Muffling your words."Why didn't you tell me?"

Naruto eyes soften at you, you where such kid in his eyes. Despite the way you looked and acted, it must have been his mind because standing in front of he for some reason saw a little girl, to revert back to you. He began to feel a bit guilty, he should have remembered.

"I'm such a jerk."he apologizes to you. He takes hold of your wrist moving your hands away from your face. You look up at him, your eyes sure did look puff but nothing else. He does his best to give you a smile."I'm not leaving you, May. I'm just going on a mission a top secret mission. Granny Tsunade asked me too. I'll be back home soon, I promise."his smile begins to grow."You know I won't leave you. I'm right here for you."

You sniff a bit."Then, can I come with you?"you perk up at the thought."We'll go together, and I can help you! Yeah, I can! I might not be up to my full strength just yet, but I promise, I'll get there."

Guy was about to step in, but Naruto does so for him. He was flattered by you wanting to come, but he knew you couldn't."Thanks May. But you can't. You're going to have to stay here, okay?"You didn't understand why, your eyes told him what you thought he meant. He shakes his head."No. I don't mean that you're weak. Not at all May, you're far from it. You just have to stay here and get better,"he grins wide."And you know when I come back, we can celebrate your birthday okay? Have you picked one yet? A date?"

You shake your head."No. I haven't. But, I...I want to still come, we can celebrate together. Please let me come."

Your pleads tugged at him. He didn't like doing this to you."Come here."he pulls you in, putting his forehead onto yours."...I know your scared of me leaving, but I promise I will come back. Nothing will happen to me. Remember we sense it. We made that bond or whatever it was back in the Mountains. I promised you, you wouldn't have to worry anymore about loosing anyone. So don't worry about loosing me. Because you won't. I couldn't live with myself if that happened."he takes his forehead off, smiling at you.

Feeling ashamed for what you just did, you nod your head."Okay..."you think on his words.

"Besides, if you leave, just imagine how Ino will be? You don't want to give her gray hair."he jokes. Laughing a bit. You join him in a soft chuckle."Not to mention how upset Sakura will be and everyone else, if you leave. I don't think they will like another wild goose chase."

"No, they would not like one."you sigh with acceptance."...I shall stay here then. And..."you turn around to the village."Make sure your home is safe and standing. When you come home."

Naruto comes to your side, he playfully knocks your head."How many times do I have to tell you, this your home too. But, alright then it's a deal."You give him a side smile, looking up at him. He looks down at you."You're my little sister in a sense after all."He holds out his arm pointing to his vain."We practically share blood. Well some of it."

"Yes. That is true."you nod.

"Alright then."he pats you head."Se-"You almost knock him over hugging him."Heh, I'll miss you too May."he returns your hug.

Naruto. You thought looking at the broth in your bowl. You smile to yourself thinking about it. Hinata had stopped eating noticing the long stare you had. She normally would be worried, because you wouldn't tell her or you would tell he something else. But she pretty knew what it was you where thinking about, with the warm smile you had.

She knew you missed him greatly, just like she did. And after what you've been through, your reaction to him leaving was understandable. To leave without a word, it felt like he was abandoning you. The feeling you felt when a certain someone left you in the care of Konoha. Which was far from what Naruto would do to you. Your attachment to him wasn't what she at first thought way back, it was clear the way you viewed even now. He was very important to you. The both of you two peas in a pod, with some what similar personality traits. When he left the village you had sulked for a day or so, but came out of it. Remembering what you promised him, and if he could see you now. He would be very proud.

Which was why you both came to Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto's favorite place. Because here you felt like he was present. She never mind.

"He'll be back."she assures you. You look at her.

"I know."you exhale softly. Then quickly perk back up, opening your chopsticks you break them and apart."Why don't we start eating? If I stare any longer I might fall in."You repeat the words Naruto had said to you before.

"Yes. Let's eat."she agrees.

The day went by fast, after you had lunch with Hinata you offered her to come over, which she did. You had some extra things you needed to do, for Tsunade. She had assigned you to make new barriers and protection charms. So when Hinata came over, she saw your place had a few books and scrolls, papers all around. Though you where sure you didn't leave it like this, no doubt from Natsuki and Kaito. It looked like they let Onyx fly around again in the place while chasing him. There was also a burnt hand print mark on the wall, from Natsuki's jutsu. Whom you've told before not use any jutsu indoors. You didn't have to be home to figure out how it played out, and you didn't want to think about it.

With Hinata's help, you managed to get things orderly again. It took some time, but it was worth it.

"Wow, you've really been busy."Hinata looks at one of the scrolls."You made this one?"

Looking up from one of the scrolls at what she was holding."Yes. I almost forgot about that one. Thank you for finding it."

"What does it do?"she rolls it up and sets it down.

Thinking about it for second."Oh, it allows the caster or user to lock their target. Subduing their movements and restraints. Binding them really. This one though, which I am working on, will provide cover and regeneration. Though only for a bit, the large the group less amount of time they have to heal."

"It sounds like Lady Tsunade is really putting you to work."Hinata sits down on the floor on the other side of the coffee table.

"Yes. She very much is. But I don't mind."you tell her."It is nice actually. Oh, is that the time?"You glace at the clock, getting up quickly.

"Is something wrong?"Hinata inquires. Standing up too watching you make your way to the kitchen.

"No. Nothings wrong."you tell her taking out couple of things and turning on the oven and stove."I just have to get dinner ready, who knows when those two will be back."

She watches you take out a much larger pot. Pretty big for a group of three."You're making extra? It's alright really, I can eat at home."she tells you.

"That would be rude."you tell her smiling."Please join us tonight for dinner, I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

Picking up on what you just said. He."He?"Hinata repeats. You just finished filling the quart pot with water, placing it on the stove. You started rinsing off some meat along with veggies, you form your hand into a metal blade began to dice the meat and veggies rather quick. You put them in the water.

"Yes. He. Neji. Your cousin."you tell her, while putting on your apron. She was a bit shocked."He's coming over for dinner tonight. I am sure he wouldn't mind you joining. So please stay."

You tell her taking out some seasonings, sprinkling them into the pot. You take out a skillet and fill it with oil, and start to grill some onions. The house started to fill up with a wonderful aroma. Hinata just watched you move back and further in the kitchen, which wasn't that bit but it gave you what you needed. Though it was the thought of you saying her cousin was coming over to eat dinner. It never crossed her mind that he would, but then again it started to make sense. When he wouldn't be home for dinner, she just assumed he went out or was still training. But now she knew and from the way you said, meant he came over quite often. You fill another pot with water and wait for it come to a boil before adding soba noodles. Hinata just looks at you, deciding if she should stay or go. You invited her to stay and wouldn't mind, than again it seem like this was the time the two of you spent together, no doubt with Natsuki and Kaito. Stuck in a bind, she had to come with choice.

Kaito's eyes widen at the food upon the table. He started drooling just a bit, becoming excited. He squeals with delight at all the tasty food, a hand shoots out at one of the rolls in the basket.

"Hey."Kaito exclaims at the culprit. Natuski looks at him snickering."You're not suppose to take food off the table."

"So? What are you going to do about it?"she mocks him, flicking his forehead. Laughing at his pain.

"You're so mean."Kaito whimpers covering his forehead.

"And you're a cry baby."She laughs at the young boy who huffs and puffs.

"Natsuki. Kaito. Please behave."you tell them. Turning to Hinata."Please, forgive them."

She puts her hands up."No. No it's fine. Thank you again for inviting me to dinner."She thanks you."You made a lovely meal."

"Thank you. Please, eat first. You're our guest."you tell her, while giving Natsuki a tired look. Telling her you've had enough for today. She just rolls her eyes at you uncaring.

"Don't be rude."Neji quips at her. She looks at him, he stares back. The two of them lock eyes giving each other a lighting glare. Hinata looks at the two of them, she was sure she saw lighting crackle from both their eyes.

You get her attention."They'll be fine."She looks to you. You smile."It'll pass, juice?"

You hold up a pitcher for her, she hands you her cup and you fill it."Thank you."

"Natsuki and Mr. Neji get that like at times."Kaito informs Hinata."She always thinks she can take on someone."he starts to fill his plate and bowl."It's really funny, watch."he snickers a bit pointing to them both. Hinata looks back noticing the stare between the two had become more intense. So intense Neji had his eyes activated. A bit extreme. Natsuki hand was in a fist turning red hot. She look to you sitting next to Neji who sat at the head of the table. Covering your mouth trying to hid your laughter.

Kaito who in-between you and Hinata, she had the other end of the table covered his mouth trying to hide his laughter too. She didn't get it, why you hadn't said anything and let Neji and Natsuki glare at each other like so. She looks at everyone, unsure what was going to happen. It looked like Neji and Natsuki looked ready to fight, while you and Kaito ready to burst. She just didn't see it, until...you flicked them both in their forehead. Ending their glare on each other and Kaito started burst out laughing, Neji and Natsuki look to you. You just smile trying to hide your laugh.

It was right there Hinata saw it, the way both Natsuki and Neji looked at you glaring at you. Was the same, and you paid no mind to it taking you seat, and next thing you take out a piece of toast holding it up. Waving it.

"Such heated glares."you joke."You've made toast."

"Seriously?" Neji and Natsuki give you a deadpan look. She couldn't help but laugh a bit at what she saw.

Trying to conceal his giggles, Kaito looks at her."See, Miss Hinata."he tells her, she nods agreeing.

"Yes."

"Is that really necessary?"Neji said irritated.

"That was just lame."Natsuki comments huffing, turning back to her food like Neji did.

You just smile putting the toast down, they stopped at least. It always worked. Kaito couldn't help but keep laughing, not even phased by Natsuki's threatening glare.

Looking around the table at everyone Hinata smiles, seeing the dynamics of the relationships. It was quite a interesting mixer, and it was clear who kept things at bay and lively. With Kaito's giggly self, to Natsuki's edginess, Neji stoic and collected self, to you. The bright side of things. Turning things around like that. Putting things back to normal, helping Kaito fill up his plate, while telling Natsuki to eat right, and getting Neji to be a bit more lighter. Waving the toast by him, which it worked. She saw a small smirk appear. She could see why her cousin came here for dinner, and she could see how much he greatly cared for you. Catching him glancing you when you weren't looking. She saw the look in his eyes, filled with admiration, joy, peace and so much more. It mirrored the same way she felt about Naruto.

"Hianta, will you stay for dessert?"

Your question broke her train of thought, she looks to you."Yes. I would love too." You smile from her response. She smiles back, you turn back around to talk with Neji.*I'm so glad, you two make each other happy. Neji and May.*Hinata said to herself.*I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you two. Oh?*she noticed something wrapped around your finger. It looked like string. She gasp mentally. Smiling softly to herself.*Your future together is going to be wonderful.*