Sakura's POV

How long has it been since I've been in school? Days? Weeks? It's been exactly two weeks, I've changed nonetheless. I took Masuo's words to heart or part of it. Sure, telling my parents was the easy part facing what came after was harder. They smothered me with love and told me to take some time off of school, and I did exactly that. Not allowing myself to get wrapped up in his grasp again, I cleared him from my mind to my best ability. What helped was watching my peers, their lives were interesting, to say the least.

My world was compact and thin, I couldn't fathom anyone's opinion that well. I wanted a change, but where did that start? I had to find a new goal and pursue it, I couldn't be held up by Sasuke no matter if my petty heart wouldn't stop beating near him, this crush was holding me back I couldn't even remember the last time I did something for myself without him in mind. I had a bare thought about chopping my hair, but that was immediately buried with the realization of speaking to my mother.

Dragging my feet, I stopped at the entrance of the academy. The little research I conducted proved to me I was making friends with the wrong people or allowing the wrong people around me. From this moment onwards, I decided to surround myself with only the best of the best. Putting on a smile I marched inside the area, the hallways were the same. The smell of everyone mixing also gave me a warm feeling, I was prepared. So, why couldn't I move? My legs wouldn't budge, my arms were shaking as if I was being pressured. Didn't I grow? Wasn't I finished with everything?

Didn't I come to terms, with myself? My legs weren't on display, I managed to raise my arm the simple feat enough to bring a tear-out. I haven't apologized to Hotaru, but I would! Lying to myself wasn't working, nothing changed. I just adopted a red streak in my hair and put on a mask. I was still scared of all of the eyes and questions, I was worse than before. Why couldn't I change? What was the process? Did I even have something to keep going for? What was I lacking? Skills? Hard work? A focal issue? I couldn't find it, all my nerves were telling me to leave...just go away.

Closing my eyes, I waited for the world to disappear. The sound of everyone on the other side was making it hard, I was lost. I didn't even feel the hand on my shoulder, the slim body part forced me to the side. My eyelids fluttered, the darkness disappearing with Aju's pure smile. "I'm glad your back." Those four words, was I worthy of hearing them? Were they supposed to make me better? Did she pity me? I didn't have control of what was going on, and in no time Aju was leading me away from the classroom; the sounds of my peers leaving my ears, I was happy. No, I wasn't fearful anymore. What changed?

Aju took me away from the environment, and the next thing I knew we both were sitting on a bench; in front of us was a small patch of grass, the small flowers threatening to bloom. Clouds were hovering around the sun, it was a peaceful day. It was normal. What was I missing? I would ask myself this question until I figured it out...if I could.

"Ya know, it's kinda hard for me...to go inside every day also." Her words rolled around my head, "Just the thought of failing, or not achieving what I want...risk comes with a reward no matter how small." They serenaded in me, "Sometimes when I wake up, I can't help but think about what will happen...everything is random, but I still look forward." Was this for me or her, "I hope...you don't let what happen change you too much." I watched as she threw her head back, she had an almost tired expression. It wasn't defeated though, I haven't seen someone with that look; the look in which nothing they did work.

"I-I'm..." What was I trying to gain by reaching out, if I couldn't figure it out alone how would this help? Where do I go from here? "I'm tired of talking to the walls." My voice was soft and hardly audible, I didn't want to repeat myself. My heart was palpating, I was breaking out into a cold sweat, it felt as if something was constricting my insides.

"Then tear them down before it wears you out." I stopped breathing, was it possible? What was on the other side? Was I ready? I was scared, the walls protected me...I was tired I needed them. Without them, I was weak and vulnerable, with them nothing could hurt me...no one.

"This is an odd question, but do you want to spar? It always helps me." Aju was direct, and knowing her status in school there wasn't a surprise...it wouldn't hurt to test myself but even I was scared of death. Was there something therapeutic about sparring? Everyone had a different coping mechanism, not wanting to leave the cheery girl hanging I nodded.

"Alright, follow me I know this neat little spot." Aju finished off her sentence with a wink, it made me feel warm inside. While walking, I couldn't help but take in the scenery; was my mind clouded by Sasuke before so I couldn't entertain myself with my surroundings? We were heading down the food district, multiple shops labored the pathways; some vendors trying to give away free samples to get some customers. The aroma was enough to make my stomach growl, and as Aju kept walking I mentally appreciated the loud surroundings for covering up such a simple mistake.

The simple civilians were happy, cheering each other on or maintaining a simple conversation; people were laughing, it was warm. The companionship was nice, some elders lounged around playing some sort of game, and even some of the high ranks in the shinobi rankings were chatting as if they didn't have a care in the world. I wanted to preserve this atmosphere, bottle it up and keep it for my own enjoyment. It was selfish, but something like this needed to be protected. I didn't hide the simple grin that ran onto my features.

Somewhere along the lines, I got lost in the many makeshift stands, the scent, and all the chatter, it was bliss. Aju took me back to reality, and she was holding some sort of snack out in her hand. I felt embarrassed, of course, she'd hear my stomach growling.

"You should put something in your system before accepting a fight, I learned that the hard way." I didn't question it, Aju had her own past but part of me knew it would be a funny story.

Taking the glistening dough ball, I couldn't help but let the flavor widen my senses. Everything was going well, even if the villagers were giving us a strange look; we were having fun.

Our little walk before reaching the training grounds was different, so as we both got in a battle-ready stance I watched as Aju loosened her frame. My taijutsu was average, compared to the brute strength that petite female carried around I could die if I didn't try to expand my options.

"Ready?" A nod got her roaring, and in a swift instance, she was gone. How much time passed since I saw her spar? No, she wasn't this fast before. Jumping back, my eyes started to register her movements; she was jumping with each landing. I had to brace myself, dodging wasn't an option. Crossing my arms, my calfs tensed; heels digging into the ground as I awaited the incoming attack. I started to get light-headed, it was then I felt a flick hit my forehead. Releasing the breath I didn't know I was holding, I opened my eyes to view Aju.

"In a battle, you shouldn't close your eyes and block...in all honesty that would be your last option, you don't know what they could have up their sleeve; if I was trying to kill you...you would've been dead." Aju tried to soften her words, but she couldn't let someone walk around with such poor defense.

"I-I...I froze!" Hearing the words, my eyes trailed the dirt on the ground it was the truth. I froze here and when in the forest, I couldn't move when someone was coming at me with the intent to kill...it was horrible. Masuo was right, I'd kill not only myself but whoever my team is.

"Don't worry, as my mother says! We won't stop until I beat it into you!" I felt a sweat drop from the side of my face, I should be concerned about what was about to happen; no I should've stopped it. Then again, what did I have to lose?

"B-Bring it on!" I raised my voice, in a way I thought I wouldn't ever do again.

No one's pov

Kei closed the book and looked at each student, all of them had promise that much was certain. So, why did he catch his brother looking towards only one person?

"Sensei? Is it true your younger brother was put in the hospital along with Shino?" Kimi's question got an eye roll out of the elder brother, in hindsight it happened a week ago but here this student was trying to dig further.

"Yes, but what happened is strictly confidential." Meaningless gossip, that's what this was. She was speaking loud enough for me to hear her, she had no self-respect.

"I'm pretty sure, they fought each other, I wonder who won." Kei didn't say a word, sure he was in charge of a class but even he knew attacking a child would land him in trouble. He wanted to defend his brother, but that would look like he was playing favorites even if he wasn't in school. The Jonin couldn't lie to himself, before he was informed he assumed his brother attacked Shino or vice versa. Perhaps, he was certain what happened but he kept giving excuses. Kei knew what his brother was capable of, he witnessed it when they were younger. Now, there was a huge difference from what happened when they were younger.

Hotaru looked at the one teaching them, her eyes analyzing each expression he made. She was attempting to map the similarities between the two brothers with her memory, well she couldn't find much. Sure they had the same nose shape and small stuff, but through her context, she could tell Kei was someone that wasn't as analytical as his brother.

"Think whatever you want, all I can say is people like you won't ever make it in this world." There was another difference, Kei expressed his emotions, she had yet to see Fukō do such a thing...possibly.

After some brief discussion, the class was freed, which led to Kimi marching with her little friends out of the classroom. The rest area was filled, students talking away the day as the academy days slowly started to end.

Akira made a nice little foundation for himself, sure it was next to Hotaru someone that just listened to what he said which made it easier for him. "Hey, who is this Fukō kid? I hear about him, and I think I saw him once or twice but I don't think I had the pleasure of meeting him."

"My fr-," Hotaru was cut off by Mia's words which more or less made her annoyed.

"He is someone you shouldn't bother yourself with, as I keep telling my rival he is akin to a parasite." Mia found a seat with the two, "You seem like you are pretty straightforward and balanced, I suggest you keep to yourself as everyone else does."

Akira rose a brow at Mia's words, "Alright, then let me ask you this...do you think he really fought Shino? I took some time to study up on the Aburame clan and they don't have any history of violence then I had a chance to catch the rankings this year, it doesn't seem like this kid could beat Shino."

"No."

"Yes."

Akira felt the need to facepalm, they were rivals alright. 'Shino lost his memory, of the incident whether that is true or not could say a lot...did Fukō bash his head in?' Losing himself with his grim thoughts, Mia started to chow down on the food her mother prepared her.

She didn't understand how certain people didn't think they fought, in terms of skill Shino should've swept but even she knew now that Fukō had cards he had yet to reveal; from the start, he didn't view anyone as a comrade not showing his skills or gaining noticeable relationships, so why was he around Hotaru? What was she missing? Mia can assume he started to hang around her rival after class, what was he trying to gain? A friend? Well, before she interrupted Hotaru was going to call him an ally.

"He's strange, but out of all the times he's someone that will be there." Hotaru's golden yellow eyes darted to the two before going back to her research, granted she hasn't seen the male in two weeks she didn't figure anything changed.

'I have a nice little standing with two prodigies, both were ranked above the rest which puts me at an advantage already.' Oval emerald irises took in the two females, maybe climbing the ranks would be easier than he thought.

xXx

Masuo scribbled in his book, the lead from the pencil snapping. Something was off, he knew it. When Shino was hospitalized, he took it upon himself to visit, and like he told everyone his memory was hazy. It was a lie, not everyone would pick up on the subtle facial expressions or slight tone change; the way Shino would rub his eyes to relieve stress. I couldn't picture why he would lie unless he was scared. Sure, they lost the battle but why would you lie? What really happened that day, Masuo attempted to question Seiko unfortunately he was just as clueless as everyone else.

It irked the young preteen, but he wouldn't let such a thing get to him as of now; he had more important topics the main focus being the new kid. It had been two weeks since they joined, and they were trying their best to fit in naturally. Whether they knew it or not, they stuck out like a sore thumb. Eyesight rested on the letters jumbled together,

Akira, a new student. Has some strange fixation on reaching the top of the class, overall seems like a male version of Mia just a tad bit darker. Darker is an understatement, after viewing the specimen I discovered that he finds enjoyment in watching the clouds. Not only that, Akira seems to have some hidden talents it was directed at his mood. When he is mad or flustered the area around him would spike up in temperature and drop when feeling the opposite of such emotions...or to better put it any grim emotion. Sketchy, asks a load of questions. Most likely trying to get a grasp of everything going on, other than that...I have seen him gawking at Aju out of all people, ew. Attempting to hang around Mia and Hotaru mostly Hotaru, has a mother...have yet to see the father. Witnessed him apologizing to Hinata out of the blue a while ago, she was just as confused as me. I Will document more after a broader study.

Turning his attention to the small trio the boy closed the book, it annoyed him how he could analyze situations and people, but there were some he couldn't. He was lacking. As if the shinobi gods were helping him grow, he found himself raising his brow at Kiyoshi standing right next to him. He didn't feel like an asshole, he hasn't had much free time. Still among the instances, he watch Kiyoshi nothing strange occurred, he wasn't a lost cause. Things like this took time, and it was all they had; after all, they were just starting.

"Would you please, start sparring with me." Masuo's intuition hardly failed him, so why did that question of all things catch him by his neck? He was just about the last person someone would ask to get their taijutsu better, it was strange.

"If you give me a valid answer as to why me out of everyone." Masuo knew it wouldn't come, unlike him someone didn't like to speak in bulk.

"I need to have a deeper understanding to counter Genjutsu, and at the same time it'll help you with areas you lack in." Right to the point, it was very much his style. Masuo pondered, it would help in the future and could knock some of the minor free time he had, but he enjoyed it when he got to watch his parents pick away at someone. He wouldn't mind as long as the timetable didn't conflict,

"I'll get back to you on that." It was better than downright accepting the request, with teams being formed soon. Making connections with people were starting to weigh down on people, in the end, no one had control over who would be placed together.

Danzō wondered how far one would go to master their craft, he often pictured how offspring would be if one mixed certain clans. If an Uchiha and a Kurama decided to conceive how would the child be? Would it be a master at Genjutsu at a young age? One could even unlock a newfound kekkei Genkai by mixing clans, the possibilities were endless; if the hidden leaf was run by him everything would be perfect. Then again, you weren't doing something right without gathering a huge mass of hate.

The fall of the Hokage was soon to come, time was ticking; his old friend was weak-minded, he recalled when they were younger how they proclaimed to be rivals; the bitter memory erased any trace of emotion on his face. The younger they start the longer they last, it was a motto of his. Snapping his fingers two Root operators appeared from the shadows, "Any word on the Hiruzen's plans?" His old pal wasn't accepting visitors, he was moving under the radar something he didn't usually do. Did that Iruka scare really affect him that bad?

Something else was happening, besides the graduating academy students what else could keep that old man's attention? Danzō tapped his foot against the cool flooring, the cold concrete giving him a stable feeling. The movements of the third were the focal objective, but a small problem was slowly forming right in front of him. His agreement with the dreadful snake was cracking, 'If what I heard was true, then why wouldn't they simply relay that information to me?' There were holes everywhere, neither of them could be trusted. Something was wrong, and he couldn't make any public movements there were eyes everywhere. Everyone was watching him, waiting for him to mess up and take his head away.

Standing, the chair he used flipped over. It wasn't right, why were people always after him? He didn't want to die, he couldn't. People, no. The Leaf needed him, in order for them to keep surviving the village needed him. Everyone else, they were expendable. The older man stopped his thoughts, keying back into reality he watched as the root member tapped on his arm in some sort of plea to survive. "In order for me to survive, you need to die." He released too much information, they knew too much about him. The muscles in his arm started to flex, the life was leaving the poor member's body.

Trashing was heard inside his hideout, but it soon died out. Both Root operators lost their lives because they were traitors, it was what he was telling himself. Clearing any sort of blood or stain off of his body, the Kage level threat excused himself. Whatever was going on would soon come to light, it always did.

xXx

"Thanks for arriving on such short notice, as you know the village is having trouble dealing with exterior threats."

"If it's for the greater good, I can make time during my research." Long spiky white hair danced to the side, warts on his face not stopping the hearty laughter he emitted.

The Sandaime Hokage stood out of her chair, the old bones in his body crackling. Wrinkled skin took in the star that gave the world light, the heat giving him a youthful look. "I'm in need of some help, lately things have been working against the village." How else could one explain what was happening? First, the exam went haywire and they lost important time and people were injured, if that wasn't enough they lost intel but he hasn't informed anyone of that problem. Someone was targeting them, more respectively they were after the next generation. They weren't the only village with promising students, yet they were being targeted. "I'm hesitant about letting this group of students leave the village, two veered outside and both were soon placed in medical care."

"Ah, the world is changing and we are slower to adapt with each generation something new is coming out; hell back in this rural village I was researching in, this group of kids was practicing a high-ranking jutsu. It sounds as if you are worrying over the possibility that whoever is fixated on the village will wait until the children start exploring."

Hiruzen Sarutobi knew he was kind-hearted, he cared for the village with his heart. So even with the hint of ill intent, he'll be pushed to overthink. "Perhaps this old fool is thinking about the subject too much," Clearing his throat he continued, "That aside, with you being here formally I think you'll offer more insight in these upcoming months...if you accept my offer to stay and live, who knows maybe you'll find that pupil." Hiruzen's attempt to joke flew over the other man's head.

"How's Naruto Uzumaki?"

"Ah, he seems to be doing better than expected." Turning away from the sun, the old man went back to his seat. "Lately, he's been spending time with Shinobu and Shikamaru."

"What about Kiyoshi Narukami?"

"Ah, still no news regarding his memory I am quite surprised about the duration of his memory loss, it makes me wonder if his body is forcing itself not to remember." The Hokage looked directly at Jiraiya, keeping tabs on certain students was their expertise. The old man's mind began to wander, he was on the fences about informing Jiraiya about the issue revolving around the clans; it was a Hokage's duty, but handling everything was slowly consuming him, perhaps it was nearing his retirement? His replacement was a mere few feet away, all he needed to do was fix some major issues they had. "You should rest after such a journey, and please limit your research some people might try to kill you."

"Someone as great as me must stay on top of my game!" Bowing the male exploded into smoke, Hiruzen exhaled. Time was ticking, and he still had mountains of work to complete.

Seiko watched as the water rolled around his hands, the lukewarm liquid helped organize his thoughts. The stream of water ended at the drain, despite how much he washed his hands the blood still stained. Helping animals was his bread and butter, there was something therapeutic about it. Hina, his white rabbit was the first he tended to awhile ago; he could vividly remember the broken leg of the poor kitten, how they fell in love at first tough; such a soft creature being injured broke him. He took after his mother in the idea of making medicines and helping, somedays he wondered what she'd say to him...or what he would say to her if he had the knowledge he had now.

Turning the faucet off, Seiko pushed his tools to the side. They were clean unlike his hands, everything was his fault. Why wouldn't it be, if he was a tad better none of that would've happened. Closing down the small shop, the male didn't head home; instead, he went downstairs into the basement, most of the supplies were held down there but he kept a small section for training. Getting stronger was his top priority, he wanted to protect those he cared about...those that couldn't save themselves.

So, when he saw his two classmates outside dying he had to act. He wasn't an expert medical examiner, but whoever attacked them wasn't skilled. He checked them before doing anything, Shino was the one in worse condition but Fukō was hurt internally; poison was tricky to counter especially since it was always evolving, the important aspect was one's immune system was fighting to poison as if it was used to countering such a thing.

Heading to the small corner he made, the young boy sat down. They weren't his friends, but they weren't that different from him. Some similarities could be made with the three, and maybe that was the driving point that made him want to find out what happened. Then there was the problem with why his spot? Was it a coincidence? Then again, he never bothered to tell anyone how he escaped. Was he followed? Unlikely, he was labeled weird among other names by Kimi and others. "I wonder how the academy is going?" Seiko not being present wasn't a big deal, the Hokage granted him special leave especially since his brother submitting a large form on why he should train from home.

His brother was trying hard, so why couldn't he master anything? Closing his eyes, Seiko attempted to clear his thoughts the empty sound of nothing surrounding him, vision of him sitting there helpless as his mother smiled at him warmly the look in her eyes saying everything was going to be fine, it was a mothers nature to protect their kids, and she was doing that until the end.

Akihiko took one step at a time, the flooring creaking as he came to view his younger brother meditating? The air in the basement was usually cooler to keep product useful, but even he could tell it was dropping. "Seiko! I bought some food!" No reply, his brother only got like this when he wanted to recall the past. Quickly removing the distance he placed his hand on Seiko's shoulder, the floor under him was building up ice shards, and Akihiko knew those shards personally the way it could easily cut through wood and bone. His brother was nice, just about pure-hearted but everyone had demons they were hiding.

Akihiko's fingertips started to numb, removing his hand he watched as the purplish color faded; mastering something like this takes time, with sprang emotions it was a gamble on what could happen. Funny enough, this was why they were granted special permissions; the leaf village didn't have any ice release users, or as far as he knew of; if the Hokage was cruel he would've monopolized his younger brother. After all the Yuki bloodline was all but nonexistent anymore. If they ran to any other place, his brother would be forced to breed as inhumane as it sounded; people sought power and with an army full of Yuki blood they would rein. No matter how someone changed their perspective, the people with power could do anything.

xXx

Sakura fought against her rapid breathing, experiencing such exhaustion was something new. She figured, Aju was proficient but this was beyond what she was told; the girl stretching a few meters back still had energy and hardly any injuries the difference between them was clear. Still, she felt relieved. This small battle proved her style didn't fit her, attacking randomly and praying she needed to use her head. It was easier said than done, fighting while keeping a calm mind was only something some could hope to achieve.

Chest puffing then deflating, Sakura found her arms losing strength her head falling straight to the ground. She was sore, her body was on fire. Sweat beads ran down her forehead, the small droplets matching the small odor that emitted from her. Aju was spectacular, and her style was unpredictable one could only guess how the others in her age range fight.

Green eyes followed the leaves blowing in the air, what season was it? She couldn't grasp it, her defeat was eye-opening. She distinctly remembers the way she fumbled around while eluding, how she was forced into a corner with each step. Aju was someone that would reach heights she could only dream of, the term of growth was already there but it felt like she was done. Perhaps, it was best if she quit? No one would bother, she could live an ordinary life away from all the fighting and trauma. She wasn't someone that was capable of ignoring the scars on her legs, how the metal felt against her skin. This little skirmish, helped her realize all she could do.

Despite feeling like shit, Sakura pushed the soreness away. Gathering herself, she stood only to catch Aju looking at her. Her eyes screamed for another round, but any more and she'd really be at death's door. "You did good, considering your lack of training." The praise, she didn't deserve it. She was weak, now and then. "You even had me on the ropes when you randomly kicked my face, the dirt from your boots got in my eyes which put me in a tight spot for a second." Aju's words were uplifting. Sakura didn't think much of it, she simply assumed she got a good hit in and she used that time to retreat.

Her lips thinned the red streak in her hair burning with the sunset, she was always running. Running from all her problems, she knew she was scared but evading everything wasn't working. She was doing it now, running. Running from herself. This wasn't something she could fix, and just like that, she was back at the start. The naive little girl she was, thinking she'd be fine in this line of work. Joining a team with Sasuke and soon after marrying him. The world wasn't like that, everyone wasn't like her. She recalled the time spent in her room, the endless voice. She didn't want it, she couldn't take it anymore. She ran away from the voice, instead of confronting it head-on.

She did the same earlier, hearing her classmates she froze...the only thing that went through her mind during that time was escaping. Sakura had to stop. Stop, running. Stop being held up on something, how. She asked herself this all the time, how could she change? What was she missing? Was her fate to merely follow Sasuke and coward in fear? He hasn't shown any interest in her, she was the last thing on his mind yet he was the only thing on her. Obsession, perhaps that's what this was. If she could convince herself to get better for Sasuke would it work? That was a start, if she could get his approval then she'd have a new goal. Aju's hand broke her from her thoughts, "Are you okay? You looked like you were going crazy for a second."

The edges of her lips curved, the thin body part separating revealing her teeth. She smiled, "I'm perfect, this may sound weird but do you think we can keep fighting?" Aju didn't answer, and it worried Sakura. "I think, doing this with you will help me come out of my shell and help impress everyone around me."

Still not answering, Aju scratched the back of her head.

Masuo scribbled away in his book, "It seems she didn't take my advice." He used the incident as an excuse, none of this correlated with the injury she received. Looking at the words from months ago, his vocal cords strung as he sighed. "I thought if I didn't mention it outright she would've figured it out, but now she's deeper than before." The truth was Sakura was beyond obsessed with Sasuke, she was bullied when she was little to a point where she developed some sort of inferiority complex and in her head, Sasuke was the perfect guy for her. Sakura is dependent on that hierarchy where she feels intimidated by him and frantically fits into his standards to be noticed.

Masuo closed the book, his study was done with her. He gave her the warnings, there wasn't much he could do now. "She puts him above herself, her family, and her own life and happiness just because she needs to have this man...I told her she'd end up killing her team, but now I think she'd end up killing herself if she doesn't end up with him." Whenever she thought about Sasuke, she developed this codependent look. "I can safely say, she never was depressed about those scars on her legs...instead about the man that showed no interest in anyone showing minor interest in Hotaru, I heard she snapped on her which out of everyone to console her just happens to be then? This all started when she started to figure it out, now anything was in the air the line was erased."

"It makes more sense the longer I think about it, she convinced herself it's about her insecurities which instead it was about that dangerous obsession...strangely enough I wasn't the one to figure it out first, the very person that approached her the day she came back the one who was looking at her as if he knew or felt something," Masuo was no longer interested in Sakura, her chapters were done but it did open up doors for other people. "Aju, let's hope you can pull her out before you get hurt also." Brown sharp hues set on the pink-haired girl, the fact she didn't know herself was even worse.

xXx

Hotaru leaned against the wall, she was dreading heading back to the clan compound. She wasn't scared but causing a scene with Diao was something she wanted to avoid, her grandfather was returning today all she had to do was wait until the time intervals crossed; conflict was the last on her mind, and if anything she'd attempt to talk it out first. Since her little chat with the gross man, she wanted to distance herself from him and whoever he was working with; although his words glued into her membrane, she knew there were ways to move past this roadblock. She could gain everyone's trust, but that would entail turning into Mamoru. People already viewed her as him, looking to her as if she had some role to fulfill. They needed him. She wasn't running away, simply stalling from the inevitable. At least her mind was already accepting it, she couldn't push his threats away she knew he was capable of getting what he wanted. In the end, they never asked for her own interest.

It was as if destiny was outlined for her, she wasn't going to lie to herself, she seriously thought about his proposal last night. It would bring some light to what happened to her brother, and most of all it could give her some closure on everything. Lost in thought, she didn't register the female standing in front of her. How long has Kirayari been speaking to her? No, when did she even come from?

"Geez, even someone with such nobility as you seems to lose the light in your eye." Kirayari's words didn't get a rise out of Hotaru, "Although, I don't like you...I can't help but offer advice for someone with that look in your eye, I've been there before...where the wall is closing in with no hope of opening, all I can tell you is don't waver. Not like you'll listen to my advice anyway." Kirayari, turned her feet digging into the earth. "You are someone that won't bend, I gathered that much from watching you." As she walked away, Hotaru couldn't help but swallow down the doubts. Being around those clan officials had taken a toll on her, even Kirayari pointed it out.

Letting life go by, she started walking. She'd have to face it head first, it was her only option. Forgetting to thank her peer, she realized it was too late as she was already gone from the general area. She knew it would only lessen her image in Kirayari, but she wasn't perfect the opposite in fact. Dragging herself in the direction of the Kyokai compound she couldn't help but solidify herself, she couldn't show a hint of weakness to people like Diao they'd take that small emotion and turn it against her. He was crafty, yet composed...she wasn't dumb, he was hoping she told the Mitsukaze of their interaction which would work in his favor, her best bet was to keep quiet for now. Then again, what if he figured she would stay silent? Snickering to herself, she couldn't help but admit she was used to overthinking about the scenarios that could take place.

As time passed she made it closer to her destination. By now it was obvious Diao was playing a game he didn't want to lose, the fact he had to nerve to stand at the entrance of her wing was enough for her to sigh. She was going to scale the wall and sneak in, it would be a first as she hasn't done it before so if there was backlash it wouldn't be that bad. Coming out from hiding she prepared for her plan only to be caught by the male, his hand on her shoulder. He had years and experience on her, he was persistent.

"Who knew that you would've tried getting in such a disgraceful manner," His slimy voice made her disgusted, some of the clan members started to leak out. With eyes on her, the gossip would spread. She was placed against the wall again. She was growing grouchy and worried, the mixture of emotions wasn't healthy. In the blink of an eye, Diao's hand was peeled off of Hotaru, and all she saw was raven-like hair covering her eyes.

Diao grinned, his eyes taking in what seemed to be a rather close friend. "I'm Diao, a friend of Hotaru and I take it you are Sasuke Uchiha?"

No comment, Sasuke didn't know what came over him. He was simply passing by, but he saw this guy and something about him clicked in his mind. "Hotaru head inside, I'll chat with this guy." Before she could argue, her body was pushed away from the two men and despite that, from the corner of her vision she could've sworn she saw the male annoyed.

"I don't recall Hotaru having many friends, it seems I misjudged her and the famous last Uchiha at that." Diao rose a brow, in terms of experience he was leagues above the brat, but if skill came into play despite the rumors he knew he lose in that category.

Sasuke didn't say a word and walked by the male, clashing shoulders in a remedial petty attempt.

Diao didn't say a word after, even as the boy left, as hours passed the night sky came out to greet the world; Konoha was slowly changing.

Masuo's assessment on Sakura, who saw that coming? Now, was that growth, or did she go back a couple of steps haha. Generally speaking, I think she was obsessed with Sasuke to the point where she endangered her own life for him in the anime, she stated in the last one that she would be unable to stop liking him and had to pursue him to have a relationship. Maybe, that's my take on why Sakura is so hung up on Sasuke though.

Aju helping Sakura may see something else, who knows. This chapter has a bunch of issues regarding the characters namely Danzo and Sakura, ahh thanks for all the support going to leave this note short and get to comments and PMs next week. For the cells, they are following the next chapter with that in mind I wonder with all that happened up to this point what cells would be any guesses haha.

See ya!