Mesa no own Naruto or songs

Seito: Here's another chapter!! Sorry for the wait. I wanted to get a start on chapter nine before I posted it and I've been kinda busy lately.

Seika: Oh yes. Let's see she was depressed this past Thursday, dead tired on Wednesday, had two concerts to attend to and one she had to play in, 2 major test coming up that can affect her grade so badly it could give her a C and B (she aiming for 4.0), oh and a scale test to worry about. Oh the depression. That was on a big one. She was so depress—

Seito: =gagging Seika= That's enough about my one day depression, Seika. Oh and by the way didja know that you have a character in Saiyuki Reload named after you?

Seika: Muwph? (Translation: What?)

Seito: Well actually you're named after her cause she came out first but I never knew it until about a week ago. I forget to mention it in the other chapter. But she's a little girl so don't worry about people getting the two of you mixed up. Plus you two look nothing alike. You actually remind me of Konzen more then anything. That's 'cause your hairstyle is based off his. And you're not as mean. Well then again... yeah I'm rambling.

You people are so good to me. 70 reviews. I know that's not a lot to some people but it is to me. It's the most I've had in writing career.

Oh and AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I'm predictable!! People actually got it correct. Okay so some people did but still. I'm predictable to some people. Oh and I made a mistake in the little quiz. The first question should only have 5 answers but I accidentally split one answer into two. But yeah that still doesn't change the fact that I'm predictable.

Seika: =managed to untied herself.= Just answer the stupid reviews already so we can this stupid chapter done.

Seito: =Glare= Yeah well let's see.

To Naruke

I don't think you told me the pairing but yeah oh well. Omedetoo! (Congratulation) You answer the tesuto correctly.

To Kirikou-chan

Chan I have the website address to that shrine? (Seika: =tackles Seito= DON'T GIVE IT TO HER!!!!) As far as the birthday, thanks for answer but since 2 people said it was June 9th I'll just go with that one.

To Falcon-Rider

Omedetoo! (Congratulation) You've also answer the tesuto correctly.

To Kuroi Kitsune13

Thanks for proof reading. =Grin= And for Itachi's birthday. Hey at least you got the e-mail right? Keep your eye out for chapter 9 cause chapter 8 goes to The La/=/er and Purim next.

To trubluewolfeyes

Haha! I'm so stupid. I had a hard time just typing your name. Oh Kami-sama, I'm so stupid. Ah well...umm... yeah... if you meant 6 then Omedetoo you got it right too.

To Hikaru

Shikano is a possible pairing. Unless I change my mind and pair up Ino and Sakura despite what I said earlier. I had no pairing for Shikamaru unless it was him and Chouji together. I don't even know if Chouji going to be see in this story with the exception of tidbits. Actually I'm leaning towards a Neji/Lee pairing. They're so much like Naruto and Sasuke. =drifts off to daydream land= Wha? Oh yeah. Omedetoo! But you only got one of the answers right.

To The La/=/er

Ouch. I hate when my teachers do that. Wow you play clarinet? Cool. Yeah hopefully next year I'll do better. It's a bigger band so maybe. Then again I'm the newbie so maybe not. Juniors and Seniors. Yeah plenty of running. It's good exercise. Don't worry they'll disappear soon. They make no appearance in this chapter, chapter 8 and a small part in chapter 9 (not including Sakura and Ino). As for the hiding place, they're just mismatch hideouts I've seen in movies and shows or wanted to be real for myself. The tree thing well um... I was thinking =sheepishly= Lion King and Trees but not a tree house. It's almost something that I wanted to do but I don't have a tree like that. The main thing Seika and I share (other then our ability to jump to conclusion in a bat of an eye. I'm guilty of that fault many times) is the fact I love having peace and quiet. Not as much as Seika (who would have it 24/7 where I would like it about an hour a day) but I like having time and a place were I can just write in peace without noise (other then my CD and nature) and interruption. Of course I can't get that here so I make due with what I have.

Yeah rumors have a habit of doing that. The thing is the people who the rumor is about, never find out about until someone tells them. I should know cause something similar to what happened to Seika in the last is now happening to me. (Seika: What goes around, comes around. Serves you right for making me suffer. Seito: Actually I'm surprised it didn't happen earlier. Seika: Huh? Seito: Don't ask 'cause it isn't true.)

A sad past? I guess it seems like that cause how I wrote it, but it isn't as sad as I make it seem. Not tragic like the Uchihas =points to Sasuke and Itachi= parents died of poison and something else that we'll go into later. Mention that in the third chapter. Not lonely like Naruto =points to Naruto= who never knew his parents. Seika had a family, she just um... doesn't talk to them. You'll find out why in this chapter. Or at least the tip of the iceberg. I kinda made it a bit complicated. Yup Itachi is really starting to like Seika. He just doesn't know it yet. =Grin= This chapter should be longer. It's about 17 pages without the notes.

To pretendingtobesane

We really should talk some time about these kinds of these. (How to control you're OC when they've gone mad) =grin= (Seika: =Tackles PTBS before she can whisper anything into Seito's ears Seito: huh? Seiji and Seika: =Tying up PTBS= Seito: Huh? [I'm clueless and oblivious most of my life. Can you tell?])

Give them a Mom? Hmm. (Seika: That would work. That is if my mother... Seito: =covers Seika's mouth= Don't go spoiling the story now, Seika.) Umm... Well Seika doesn't exactly see her parents. As I told The La/=/er you'll find out in this chapter she doesn't. As for your story well... umm... I haven't really been reading fanfics lately. Unless it's a short story, cute and fluffy or it's a story I've been reading for a long time. But I will get around to it... eventually. (Seika: She means never. Seito: That's not true. I've read the first paragraph. Seika: She means never.) I don't mean to offend you but yeah I haven't been in the reading mood for a long time. Hehehehe.

To Yum

Thank you for Itachi's birthday. Forgive your English? Huh? You speak another language? Cool!!

To Purim

Don't worry I do that all the time. You should be proud. You're helping me write this story. Thanks again. Look out for chapter 8 cause I'll be sending it to you and The La/=/er. =Grin=

To Dragon Pearl1

What can I say? We talk through email every day. Enjoy the chapter and thanks for proofreading this one.

To the rest of the reviewers

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR READING AND REVIEWING!!!

Now enjoy the chapter.

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Sugoi! The Cherry Blossoms are finally in bloom! The Sakura festival rolls around the corner and you're looking for some alone, quiet time to spend with your boyfriend. Of course that seems impossible because those pesky fan girls are always following your boyfriend around. So if your roommate doesn't kill your boyfriend's brother (who is trying to annoy her or perhaps get a date) first, maybe the two of you can find some time alone and play some games. Perhaps win a prize or two. But as much as your roommate wants to enjoy this festival (with or without your boyfriend's brother), the past that she had thought that she had long buried, finally comes back to haunt her.

-----------------

[When the cherry blossom starts to bloom

Meet me here in my lonely room

We'll find a passion filled fantasy

And this time you will stay with me

All the misery that we knew before

Stays away when you are at my door

My heart will sing at ev'ry tender touch

And, oh, you'll want me twice as much] They really should change the name of this town. Somewhere along the lines of Sakura City or Cherry Blossom Town, but whatever the name is, it still doesn't change the fact that the Sakura trees are finally in full bloom. All around the town, the cherry blossom petals fall to the ground, covering the city in pink.

The town hurried and rushed; it was time for the Sakura Matsuri. Games and food booths were set up in long rows with bright colors. Banners, streamers, and paper lanterns of various colors were hung from buildings and lines. People began to make their preparation for the festivals with haste. Foods of all sorts were being cooked as dancers and performers practiced their routines until they dropped from exhaustion or reached perfection. Wives went shopping for new kimonos for their family and children were jumping in excitement as they were filled with joy that the festival was here. Many friends and young lovers made plans to head to the festival grounds, as many students and teachers forgot about school and homework while everyone prepared for the festival. Yes, such joyous times were here.

--------------

Area: Apartments

Location: Naruto and Seika's house

Time: 5: 00 pm

Date: Saturday, April 12th

Characters: Sasuke, Naruto, Itachi, Seika

--------------

So then it was no surprise that early evening that Sasuke showed up at Naruto's front door to pick up his boyfriend. "Hi Sasuke," said Naruto opening the door. He was expecting his boyfriend though it was a surprise to see Itachi with Sasuke. Naruto would have thought his boyfriend's brother would have gone straight to the festival grounds after dropping off Sasuke. "Hi Itachi, let me guess. You're here to see Seika," asked Naruto.

A faint blush appeared on Itachi's pale face, but he didn't say anything. Naruto looked at Sasuke who shrugged. "He wanted to come along," answer Sasuke. Naruto looked at Sasuke. He was wearing a plain dark blue kimono with a white sash that greatly contrasted against the dark blue. Naruto on the other had a white kimono with blue triangles on them and a dark blue sash to make the triangles. There was something stitched at the bottom corner that looked oddly like a chibi nine-tailed fox...

Itachi on the other had a black kimono with a crimson red sash, making Naruto wondere if all those of Uchiha blood only liked wearing dark colors. Definitely going to contrast a lot with Seika's kimono. Seika walked out of her room, finally ready to go. Her long white hair was braided this time, through her long bangs framed her face. Her kimono was a pale blue one with a white sash trimmed in silver. Around her neck was the dragon necklace that Naruto never found out where it came from. Seika never bought herself anything unless she needed it. Jewelry was never on her list. She was humming happily until she saw Itachi. "What is it going to take for you to leave me alone," she asked dryly. Itachi shrugged as she sighed.

Naruto had left with Sasuke without the two juniors even noticing it. Itachi offered his hand to Seika. "Shall we go," he asked. Seika crossed her arms with a frown on her face. "Very well, but only the ride down there. I don't expect to see you again for the rest of the night," she said. She slipped on her slippers and walked out the door. Itachi grinned. She said nothing about "accidentally" running into her and it's "expect" and not "want". Itachi enjoyed finding ways around her words. Seika really should be more precise with what she says.

--------------

Area: Festival Grounds

Location: Food Booths

Time: 5:15

Date: Saturday, April 12th

Characters: Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi, Seika

--------------

[A new dimension of love

A bold adventure waiting for you

The true dimension of love

A soaring flight. A dazzling view

We're gonna take it all the way

We'll make the dream so totally real

See greater wonders by the day

Then tell the stars what glorious rapture we feel]

Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi, and Seika soon arrived on the festival grounds. "Wow," said Naruto loudly, "Is it just me or does the festival get better and bigger each year?"

"I don't think it's just you," said Sasuke. The two started to head off. "Meet us back here at midnight," called out Itachi, reminding his little brother of his curfew. "And stay out of trouble," said Seika. Naruto and Sasuke turned back and waved at their overly worrying siblings, (though Seika isn't really Naruto's sister). Seika and Itachi looked at each, noticing they were alone again.

Seika bristly turned towards the games section of the festival. "I don't want to see you again until midnight tonight," she said, walking off. Itachi watched her leave. He would give her ten minutes before he "accidentally" found her. Oh how he loved to torture his classmate.

--------------

Area: Festival Grounds

Location: Food Booths

Time: 5:45

Date: Saturday, April 12th

Characters: Naruto, Sasuke, Neji, Ino, Sakura

--------------

Naruto and Sasuke walked to the food section. Naruto was already drooling over the food (despite the fact that he just ate) and made a dent in Sasuke large wallet from that alone. "You know, I don't think anyone will get used to the fact that you two are friends." Both Naruto and Sasuke looked to find Neji in blue kimono.

"Hyuuga what are you doing here," asked Sasuke. Neji just shrugged. "Just passing by. Have you two seen that blockheaded classmate of mine, Rock Lee?" Sasuke said no as Naruto shook his head. Neji grumbled under his breath, "That idiot. Where is he?" Then he left to find his friend.

"You know it could just be that ever since we got together I've been seeing things in a different light, but does it seem that Neji likes Lee," asked Naruto innocently. Sasuke shrugged. "Who knows what goes through the heads of 8th graders? I guess you could suspect that, but I don't know for sure."

"Let's go to the games," Naruto said excitedly. Every single time the fair came around, he never had anyone to go with. Seika often offered to come with him but it wasn't the same as having a friend come with you since Naruto often viewed Seika like an older sister. It was also the same when Naruto ran into Iruka and Kakashi at the festival. He was about to latch onto Sasuke's arm when someone else took his place. "Sasuke-kun do you want to win a prize for me," asked Ino. Naruto and Ino were then shoved to the side again as Sakura appeared taking Ino's place on Sasuke's arm. Of course when Ino was replaced, she bumped into Naruto who then fell on to the ground with Ino sitting on top of him. Okay, clutching to him, Sasuke could stand, pushing Naruto to the ground was a whole other thing.

Telling Sakura "no" before she could even ask, Sasuke darted off and scooped Naruto into his arms and disappeared. Sakura and Ino didn't even see him leave with Naruto. That was one of the high points of having girls chasing you. You get so fast they have no idea where you go. Plus Sasuke had been practicing with Itachi on his speed.

"Naruto are you alright," asked Sasuke from their new hiding place. He saw Sakura and Ino looking around for him. Luckily they didn't spot him or Naruto. Naruto nodded and then grabbed Sasuke's arm like he originally intended to do. Without another word, Naruto proceeded to drag his boyfriend to the game section.

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Area: Festival Grounds

Location: Games Booths

Time: 7: 30

Date: Saturday, April 12th

Characters: Naruto, Sasuke, Iruka, and Kakashi

--------------

[Soon, with the start of Spring

We'll know our hearts are changing

Leave the hurt behind

I'll be true and kind

Be the best you'll ever find

We don't ever have to cry or fight

Something tells me we can make it right

Enough of wandering far and wide

I just can't forget you though I've tried]

Naruto was carrying around a HUGE stuffed fox. It was yellow and the tips of the ears and tail were brown. The fox was ...for the lack of a better word... cute. Naruto had named him, yes it was a boy, Kyuubi for reasons Sasuke didn't understand. But he wasn't about to question his boyfriend about that as he was trying to win Naruto a plushie that looked just like him.

"Hello Naruto," said Iruka walking up to the younger boy.

"Hi Iruka," chirped Naruto. Iruka's eyes widened a bit at the size of the fox. "Did you win that Naruto," he asked. Naruto shook his head, his golden hair dancing. "Nope. Sasuke did." Iruka looked to the see the young Uchiha trying his luck at a basketball game. The theory about those two being together just jumped two notches. He would ask but there were too many people around to ask such a question. If he knew Naruto, Naruto wouldn't want to be asked such a question in front of so many people.

It didn't matter though, for at that moment, Sasuke came back. He handed Naruto the plushie and somehow hugged it along with his fox. Iruka briefly wondered if it was Sasuke's plan to give Naruto so many plushies that the blond would forget about eating food. Iruka knew that Naruto downed so much food that it left a person penniless. If it didn't then something was wrong. Either Naruto was feeling sick or you were some filthy rich bastard. (No offense to Sasuke though)

"Thank you Sasuke," Naruto happily. Sasuke didn't say much in the presence of his teacher but there was no need to for at that moment Kakashi randomly popped up with a dolphin for Iruka. Iruka blushed a bit before taking the blue dolphin. He gets embarrassed so easily. It was nice of Kakashi to get him the dolphin, plus the dolphin was quite cute.

Naruto and Kakashi pulled their respective boyfriends to the fish catching game. On the way there, they spotted Seika pushing past, quickly followed by Itachi who was once again following her. Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other. "When do you think Itachi will just tell Seika that he likes her," asked Naruto.

Sasuke just shrugged. "Heaven knows what going on in my brother's head. You think by now he would just ask her out on a date instead of stalking her." Naruto nodded in agreement while Kakashi and Iruka watched the small game of chase take place on the festival grounds. The two teachers had heard the rumors about 2 weeks ago. They didn't think it was true. (Seika: It isn't true!)

Upon arriving at one of the many fishes catching booths, the four tried their luck. A small contest broke out between Naruto and Sasuke. They wanted to see who could catch the first fish, first. Hey they may be together but a little friendly competition can't hurt. Just like video games right? In the end neither of them won because Iruka caught the first fish. He named it Scarecrow. (Seika: Gee I wonder why... Seito: Will you be quiet? Seika: No. Seito: -.-)

Kakashi caught the next one. He said its name was Dolphin. Iruka began to blush again. Then simultaneously, Naruto and Sasuke caught their own fishes. Naruto was going to need another set of hands to carry all of his prizes soon.

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Area: Festival Grounds

Location: Hillside Under a Cherry Blossom Tree

Time: 8: 00

Date: Saturday, April 12th

Characters: Seika, Itachi

--------------

Seika sat on the dark blue blanket she had brought with her. She sensed that Itachi was somewhere nearby, following her again. She had long given up on trying to lose him. Besides, she had other things to worry about. Especially after what happened yesterday afternoon.

=Flashback=

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Area: Park

Location: Very Small Clearing

Time: 5: 00

Date: Friday, April 11th

Characters: Seika and someone else

--------------

Seika was heading home. She wanted to study so she went to the park for some peace and quiet. She didn't risk going home to find Itachi there. Seika didn't want to deal with her classmate twice in the day. Besides, she wanted some time alone.

Suddenly her sense of danger went off as she quickly jumped to the side. It may have been 5 years since she gave up being a martial artist but her senses were still as sharp as ever. Buried into the soft ground in the exact spot she was previously standing in, was 5 kunai. Someone was targeting her but she didn't know who it was or why. But whoever it was, they were good.

"I'm surprised to find your skills haven't softened over the past 5 years, but that still doesn't change the fact that you've dishonored yourself and our family name."

Seika paled greatly. Her knees began to wobble. It couldn't be. Not him. What was he doing here? On second thought, how did he find her? She didn't have much time to think about it though. Another round of kunai came flying at her. Seika back flipped away and jumped up into a tree. She buried her school bag into the leaves of the green tree. The last thing she needed to worry about was her textbooks being damaged in the fight. She couldn't afford to buy new ones.

A gray chain then wrapped around her right leg. With a tug, it pulled Seika out of the tree. She landed on the ground with a 'thump'. Before she could even figure out where the chain had come from, it retreated and a storm of daggers came in its place. Seika rolled to the side, avoiding the daggers and managed to grab one as she moved. Following her instincts, she immediately threw it to her right.

'Thud!' She missed but it was expected. A simple dagger would not catch him off guard. 'Think Seika. You have one advantage. You know this park like the back of your hand. Other then that, you have no weapons, save the daggers and kunai in the ground, and you're fighting against a master while you've only managed to pass the basic before you gave it up,' she thought. This was a very grim situation. From the start she wasn't in a good predicament.

'Use your surroundings and what you have,' Seika reminded herself of her lessons. Arrows began to fly from all directions. Sapphire eyes widen in shock. 'Don't tell me she's here too!' Blending into the shadows and leaves of the treetops, Seika was glad she wore all black today. Peering around the trunk and watching the arrows fly she noticed how the arrows were flying. 'No, that is his style of shooting. She's nowhere near here,' she thought to herself.

At that moment, a red-feathered arrow decided to bury itself in the bark right next to her. "Where are they coming from," she muttered to herself. She never saw what happened next.

"USUYUKI STYLE: YUKIFURI!"

=End of Flashback=

[This is destiny so why pretend

Close your eyes kiss me once again

I'll always be the only one you need

So go where your deepest longing leads

A new dimension of love

A bold adventure waiting for you

The true dimension of love

A soaring flight. A dazzling view]

Seika closed her eyes. His presence was becoming annoying. "Uchiha-san you can come out now."

Itachi appeared in the shadows of the trees behind her. He was slightly surprised that she was able to find him. Itachi specialized in stealth and speed. The fact that Seika found him so quickly was... surprising, though he shouldn't be surprised. She had done the same thing that Monday after White Day. "Is something wrong? You appear to be worried," he asked.

How strange. Itachi normally didn't feel worry when it came to his classmates. Then again he couldn't explain why Seika sparked an interest in him. Perhaps it was because she wasn't like his fan girls who were always following him around. Or it could just be the fact that Itachi found it very amusing to annoy Seika. Whatever the reason was, Itachi couldn't figure out why he was worried.

"Is the great Uchiha Itachi actually worried about me," asked Seika, sarcastically. Itachi took a seat next to her, completely missing the sarcastic tone. "Do you wanna talk about it?" He wasn't blind. Yesterday when Seika came home, she was covered in dirt and grass. Limping too. Almost as if a bully managed to pound her into the ground. But that theory didn't make sense. None of the bullies at school picked on her and from the punch he had been on receiving end of once, he knew that would have knocked out anyone but him.

"No," she said. Yesterday had been painful. She was still recovering from the attack, despite the fact that her body healed faster than the normal human. Her body greatly protested against movement from the familiar abuse. It had been years since she was on the receiving end of such an attack. If she didn't do something soon about that... well she didn't want to quite think about it. The words she had heard yesterday were more then enough.

=Flashback=

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Area: Park

Location: Very Small Clearing

Time: 5: 10

Date: Friday, April 11th

Characters: Seika and someone else

--------------

Seika hit the ground right after the Yukifuri had made a direct hit. 'Yukifuri and the bo staff,' she thought weakly as she identified the attack.

:::Yukifuri; Snowfall. A technique that attacks from all side while traveling at high speed, like a whirlwind so to speak. Depending on what the weapon used for this attack is, how much and what kind of damage the person will receive differs. For example, a sword or dagger will cause numerous cuts over the body. While the bo staff or brass knuckles will cause bruises. A sword will cause longer cuts whereas a dagger is easier to use and would create smaller but more cuts. The strength of the attack is measured in how much power the user puts in and/or how tired the user is.:::

She pushed herself out of the dirt. "You couldn't even dodge that attack," the voice came again.

Seika wiped the dirt from her mouth. That last attack hit her harder then she thought. "I know you didn't come here to point out my failures. I also know you being here of all places has a reason. And you most certainly didn't come here to training me," she commented dryly. "What do you want, ojiisan."

Out from the shadows stepped her grandfather. His chocolate brown hair was graying and his beard was short and pointed. His sapphire eyes held no warmth or twinkle but were rather cold and calculating. There was a gleam of anger in those eyes. On his back were a wooden bow and a quiver of red- feathered arrows. Hanging from his brown belt was a single katana. In his pale medium sized hands were a scythe and chain. His black long pants and Chinese style black shirt served well to hide him in the shadows of the trees. From his belt and another holster tied around his right leg above his knee was where the daggers and kunai were held. Leaning against the tree was the wooden bo staff.

Seika could almost feel the anger radiating off her grandfather. She should have known this would have happened. Now she'll pay the price. The master of the Usuyuki style (her family style), the head of the Usuyuki clan, her grandfather and one of her previous teachers: Usuyuki Yobou.

Yobou looked at his granddaughter. Where did he go wrong? "Explain yourself Seika. Explain why you left your father."

Seika glared stupidly at her grandfather. "Really Ojiisan. What more could you have expected? He disowned me."

Yobou shook his head. "He did nothing of the sort. I was not told and it was not made official. You know the rules of clan, why did you leave?"

Seika snorted. Something rude and something she wasn't supposed to do in front of her grandfather but hey, she was no longer a part of that family. Why should she care? "Have you seen my otousan lately, ojiisan? My otousan is a broken man. He neglected me. I had no choice but to leave. If I stayed there, it would have just hurt him more."

Yobou sighed. Seika had her father's stubbornness and her mother's anger and determination. A very dangerous combination when he thought about it. "Then you should have come back to main house. Which is why I am here. To bring back to the main house to finish your training."

"What," said Seika. "I am not going back." Her eyes gleamed with defiance.

Yobou looked at his granddaughter. "You have a duty to fulfill granddaughter. You have to finish your training."

Seika's sapphire eyes narrowed as they seem to flash in anger. "I haven't been a part of the Usuyuki clan for 5 years, ojiisan. We share the same last name and that is it. The only reason why I wasn't disowned earlier is the fact that I am your only grandchild. I'm sure that I must have a cousin by now in the past 7 years I've last seen you."

Yobou put his foot down there. Such disrespect was not to be tolerated. "You are coming back with me, Seika, whether you want to or not. Believe it or not, you're still heir and you aren't being disowned even if you have a cousin." His voice said that he was not to be questioned with.

And then Seika did something very foolish. She disregarded her grandfather's order to return home. "I am not going. I have a new life here. I've given up my life as a martial artist and as the heir to the Usuyuki name. I. Am. Not. Going. Back."

Yobou knew he could just drag his granddaughter back. But he would give her chance. "Very well. Prove to me how much you want this life. Beat me in a fight and master the final technique of the Usuyuki style and I will let you stay. Lose and you will come home to finish your training. I will meet you one year from today. Use your time wisely, Seika."

Seika's sapphire eyes widened in shocked. The final technique! She could barely do Yukifuri right and he expects her to learn the final technique in one year when it took her three years to learn a simple basic one like Yukifuri?! Before she even said anything, her grandfather disappeared.

Seika leaned against a tree. Her tired body ached and protested against any movement what so ever. Groaning she wondered what on earth she had just gotten herself into.

=End of Flashback=

Seika sighed tiredly. She hadn't realized that as she thought about yesterday, she subconsciously leaned onto Itachi's shoulder. That's what she gets for not being alert. Her grandfather could attack again and she wouldn't even realize it.

Itachi didn't mind. In fact he didn't even notice. He stood up, startling Seika who fell over. He offered his hand to help her up. "Let's go back to the festival," he said. Seika blinked. "But the blanket and..." she started. Itachi cut off by showing her a small flag that said Uchiha with curious symbol. It was circle but the top half was red and the bottom half was white with a curved line cutting through it. There was white line that seem to drip down from the white half of the circle; the Uchiha family symbol. He placed the flag in the ground next to the blanket.

"There, if anyone takes the blanket, then they'll deal with me. If not I'll just get you a new one," said Itachi. "Or pay you back for losing your blanket. This is a festival. Enjoy it."

Seika seemed to think about. For once she decided she was going to give Itachi the benefit of the doubt and take his offer. "Fine. Just for tonight though," she said stubbornly. She accepted Itachi's hand. He pulled her up to her feet, steadying her to keep her from falling over again.

"Good," he said. "Now let's see if we can win you a prize."

--------------

Area: Festival Grounds

Location: Games Booths

Time: 8:30

Date: Saturday, April 12th

Characters: Naruto, Sasuke, Iruka, and Kakashi

--------------

[We're gonna take it all the way

We'll make the dream so totally real

See greater wonders by the day

Then tell the stars what glorious rapture we feel

Soon, in the April breeze

We will bring alive the mem'ries

Yes I'm sure we will

Bring back every thrill

Make them all lovelier still]

Unknown to anyone, though one could guess, Sasuke and Kakashi seemed to want to drown their boyfriend with prizes. That or Sasuke and Kakashi were having a silent contest to see who could win the most prizes for their respective boyfriends. Let's list what Naruto and Iruka have from the games Kakashi and Sasuke had won.

Naruto:

1 HUGE Fox stuffed animal (Name: Kyuubi)

1 small fox stuffed animal (Name: Nine tails)

1 small plushie that looked like Sasuke (Name: Sasuke)

3 Fishes (One caught by himself, 2 were from Sasuke)

1 squeaky Hammer

2 water balloon yoyos

1 bag of cotton candy (which Naruto was eating and sharing with Iruka as they watched Kakashi and Sasuke)

2 masks (the vendor called them Anbu masks whatever they were)

Iruka:

1 big dolphin (Named Iruka)

1 small plushie that looked like Kakashi (Name: Kakashi of course)

4 fishes (Iruka caught 2 and other 2 were from Kakashi)

2 small scarecrow key chains

1 dolphin key chains

2 water balloon yoyo

1 mask (The same as Naruto)

At the moment Kakashi and Sasuke were attempting get their boyfriends snow leopards. But the game was harder then it looked. Ring toss games are annoying and it's hard to get one ring on a peg. It's even harder to get 3 rings onto one peg. That was what this game was. In order to get a small snow leopard, one had to get 3 rings onto one peg. To receive a medium size leopard, one had to get 6 rings onto one peg or turn in 3 small snow leopards. To get a big snow leopard, one has to get nine rings onto one peg or turn in 2 medium size leopards. It's actually not that hard to get the big snow leopard if you have good aim. But there's another problem. You get 3 rings for 100 yen. Which are about 3 rings per US dollar. A bit of rip off one could think, but hey, anything to please their boyfriends. Kakashi and Sasuke must have spent at least 1000 yen at this game. And didn't win a thing.

"I think that game is rigged," grumbled Sasuke. After his 30th ring, he gave up. Kakashi nodded in agreement having stopped the same time as the young Uchiha. As the four walked away from the game booth, they didn't notice Itachi dragging Seika to the same booth they had just come from.

--------------

Area: Festival Grounds

Location: Food Booths

Time: 9: 36

Date: Saturday, April 12th

Characters: Naruto, Sasuke, Iruka, Kakashi, Sakura, and Ino

--------------

Naruto had managed to convince Sasuke, Iruka, and Kakashi to eat ramen. How, they don't know. (though it may have to do something with puppy [or fox] eyes.) So Naruto sat down, slurping up his ramen happily. Next to him sat Kyuubi and his other prizes that Sasuke won for him. Sasuke, who didn't really care that much about ramen, was content with just watching Naruto all the while eating his ramen. Iruka was eating quiet and Kakashi was done. Kakashi had eaten so fast, Sasuke didn't even see him pull down his face mask.

Sasuke turned to ask Iruka about it, since Naruto was busy with his ramen. "Iruka-sensei. Did Kakashi just eat without taking off his mask?"

Iruka shook his head. "He took off his mask. You just didn't see it. He always does that."

"I do not," said Kakashi defending himself. "You do. At least in public you do," said Iruka.

"Why do you wear that mask," asked Sasuke. He was learning to relax around his two teachers. Naruto seemed to trust them enough with their secret. That was enough for Sasuke. Kakashi's single eye curled up in an arch. "It's a secret," he said cheerfully. Sasuke sweat dropped. His teacher was joking, right?

"He's not joking," said Naruto, finally done with his ramen. "You have to pry it out of him." Sasuke, if possible, sweat dropped even more. His teachers were...strange. Sasuke briefly wondered what it would be like to have Kakashi-sensei as his teacher for one of his classes. Suddenly Sasuke wasn't sure if he should look forward to high school or not.

"SASUKE-KUN!!" Sasuke cringed and ducked under the table. "I'm not here," he told Naruto, Iruka and Kakashi. At the same moment, Sakura and Ino appeared looking for Sasuke. "Iruka-sensei have you seen Sasuke-kun around here," asked Sakura. Ino was checking under the tables. Sasuke moved behind Naruto.

Iruka shook his head. "Nope. Sorry Sakura. I haven't seen him," he lied. Sakura looked at Kakashi-sensei. Before she could even ask, Kakashi shook his head. Getting desperate, she asked Naruto. Naruto grin. "I believe he said he was going home."

Ino stopped what she was doing and both she and Sakura seemed to be heartbroken. Sasuke left... No! That wasn't possible! They were supposed to watch the fireworks together. "When," Sakura and Ino asked together. Naruto shrugged. "About 20 minutes ago," he lied. "Where," demanded the two girls. Naruto flinched. They were so demanding. "Around the festival entrance."

The two girls took off for the entrance, determined to see if Sasuke decided to stay, rather than go home. They had to find Sasuke. It was their destiny! After they were gone, Sasuke came out. He ended up behind one of the trash cans so that Ino couldn't find him. "Thanks Naruto," he said taking his seat once more. Naruto just shrugged. "Now they won't bother you for the rest night, if they think you're gone."

Iruka looked at his watch. "It's almost time for the fireworks," he said. He looked at Kakashi who was giving him that let's-be-late look. Iruka shook his head. "Oh no. We're going to be on time to watch fireworks. We're not missing it like last year." He then grabbed Kakashi by the ear and picked up his prizes. Sasuke and Naruto watched the whole thing with interest.

Then Sasuke helped Naruto pick up his prizes. (Naruto insisted on carrying Kyuubi through). Then they too headed towards the spot where they knew Seika had set up the blanket.

--------------

Area: Festival Grounds

Location: Hillside Under the Cherry Blossom Tree

Time: 9: 58

Date: Saturday, April 12th

Characters: Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi and Seika

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[When the cherry blossom starts to bloom

Meet me here in my lonely room

We'll find a passion filled fantasy

And this time you will stay with me

All the misery that we knew before

Stays away when you are at my door

My heart will sing at ev'ry tender touch

And you will want me twice as much]

Naruto and Sasuke arrived at the hillside with 2 minutes to spare before the fireworks started. Kakashi and Iruka had left them to find their own little spot (and heaven knows what else). Upon arriving to the hillside, they came across a rather strange scene.

Seika was sitting next to Itachi, hugging a big snow leopard with a happy smile on her face. Next to her was Itachi watching Seika with a caring and content look. In fact they were sitting rather close to each other for teenagers who seemed to hate each other. Sasuke and Naruto exchanged looks. Were they actually right? Did Itachi and Seika like one and other?

Itachi then noticed that Naruto and Sasuke were standing there. "Konban wa Naruto-kun, Otouto. Having fun?"

Naruto nodded and sat down with Kyuubi. Sasuke took the seat next to him. "That's a big fox you have, Naruto," said Seika. Naruto grinned. "Sasuke won it for me. How on earth did you get that snow leopard. Sasuke spent 1000 yen trying to get one and he didn't even get a small one." Seika just smiled and didn't answer Naruto's question. "How much yen did it take," asked Naruto. Seika stopped hugging her snow leopard for a moment and mentally did some calculation. "Umm..."

"About 2000 yen," Itachi answered for her. Seika smiled and nodded again. She went back to hugging her snow leopard. Naruto looked at Itachi before saying, "That was really nice of you to win her that."

"What do you mean," asked Itachi. He tried to look innocent or that he didn't know what Naruto was talking about, he wasn't very convincing. Naruto grinned. "Cause I know Seika doesn't have that much money to her to spend so freely. In fact she would never spend that much on a stuffed animal. She would have used it to contribute to her tuition next year."

Seika was completely oblivious to what was being said. The snow leopard was probably the first stuffed animal she had received in her life (except for that small teddy bear when she was 2, it was). Sasuke on the other hand was smirking. It would appear those silly rumors from about 2 weeks ago were coming true.

Itachi on one hand wasn't sure what to say to Naruto and Sasuke. On the other hand he did get to see Seika smile. It was a really beautiful smile. 'She should smile more,' Itachi absentmindedly thought to himself. Seika just looked so happy in his eyes, sitting there hugging her snow leopard. Seika had tried to win one for herself but after her 3rd try she gave up and waited for Itachi to finish. So when Itachi had won the big leopard he gave it to Seika. Of course she denied it but after some pushing she accepted the stuffed animal. Itachi hadn't missed Seika's eyes lighting up in happiness.

Itachi didn't have to answer his brother through. At that moment the fireworks started. Suddenly the sky lit up with dazzling colors. They shimmered and faded into nothingness. Starbursts, snowdrops, and circles lit the sky. Some changed from akai (red) to aoi (blue). Some were midori (green), other were shiroi (white) and murasaki (purple). The show drew to a close as Itachi felt something very light lean against him. He looked down to find Seika asleep. She was still clinging tightly to her snow leopard. There was a content smile on her face as her long white bangs fell around her face.

In front of Itachi and Seika, Sasuke and Naruto sat together. They leaned against each other, watching the fireworks light up the midnight blue sky with their colors. Their hands were intertwined together as the last of the sparkles of the finale disappeared.

All around them, the pink Sakura petals fell. Couples were bathed in the fading firework's light. Petals lingered and fell before being swept away with the wind and then finally falling to the ground. Above and around was the soft glow of the full moon, the stars gleaming and twinkling. It was a wonderful Sakura Matsuri... The Cherry Blossom Festival.

[We don't ever have to cry or fight

Something tells me we can make it right

Enough of wandering far and wide

I can't forget you though I've tried

This is destiny so why pretend

Close your eyes kiss me once again

I'll always be the only one you need

So go where your deepest longing leads]

-----------

Seito: Everyone like? Yup in this chapter we had the almost nonexistent fluff and tidbits on Seika's past.

Seika: Wait, wait, wait, and wait. Let's go over my personality and past. (Seito: Umm... okay... I don't see why though.)

Stubborn

Angered easily

Annoyed easily

Jumps to conclusions

Determined

Nice when not angry or annoyed

Loves Music

Seika: Right? As far as personality.

Seito: Uh... Yeah. That's about it. Minus a few other things.

Seika: Okay and my past.

Failure (Assuming that)

Only grandchild

Disowned by father yet not by main family (Seito: Well your father did, more or less, tell you to leave. I actually mention this earlier too. Well it was in one sentence.)

Only completed basics of family style (Seito: Actually barely completed)

Hasn't seen main family in 7 years

Hasn't seen father in 5 years

Unknown what has happened to my mother (Seito: That's not true. IF and I mean IF you're a careful reader I mention where she was in one of the chapter.)

Gave up Martial Arts 5 years ago.

Family is very strict as far as rules and training

Yobou is a master at Usuyuki-style and my grandfather

Lived in America

Seito: Yeah that's about right.

Seika: And you're telling me there's more?!

Seito: Well actually that's most of it. There are just tidbits of small information and holes that need to be fill in. Like why you lived in America and can speak English. What happened to your parents and such. Fears and small thing too. Yeah that's about it. (Seika: =sigh=)

Umm... Okay. I guess that all.

PLEASE REVIEW!!!

=EDIT=

Okay. To all my reviewers (incase you're reading this edit version) something next week there will a side story called 'Kuro to Shiro no Kiga' for this story. So feel free to check it out. Secondly the updates will be slowing down cause it's summer and I want to relax. So don't worry. Once summer school starts (or regular school) the updates =should= return back to normal. Key word there, =should=.