Konoha-Zakura No Sei

Narichi's smile turned into a small frown when she said with a half sprightly and half serious attitude, "Well when I woke up in Konoha-Zakura No Sei I had to make a deal with the village Elder, my deal was that in order to stay there I had to work hard everyday. I worked at every single store in the village by the end of that first week. It was a small village but if I wanted to eat and sleep under my own roof I had to work hard. I was the town's intern, I even worked at their hospital. I worked as hard as I could and trained whenever I had the chance. At first sight I fell in love with that village, but my welcome had worn out the moment the shinobi of their village saw me step out of their Elder's estate. I was beaten and they cursed at me." (Cue for blurry pictures that are used to during flashback scenes.)

Narichi slowly opened her eyes and saw the ceiling of a room that had the scents of medicinal alcoholic formulas, old fashion herbs and the familiar smell of new life and old death. The ceiling to the clean room she laid in was white and the ceiling fan spun around and around. The warm air of summer was circulating throughout the room. Narichi woke and found herself in this place lying on a cot. Confused she attempted to jump out of the cot, but was stopped by the burning pain in her right ankle. She threw back the blankets to find her leg in a cast. She then remembered what had happened only three days before. Scared but excited she looked around the room. Narichi slowly got up out of the bed and stood up and used the near by walls for support. She slipped on the freshly cleaned floors and found herself in even more horrible pain. She attempted to call for help but the second she opened her mouth she found it was dry and swollen, from the past few days of dehydration. Slowly she passed out from the pain growing in her leg.

Narichi awoke again later and there was a cup of water and a bowl of rice waiting to be consumed. She eagerly reached over and grabbed the water. After she had finished the meal she grabbed the blanket on the cot. She pulled it over herself, for the sun had set and the air in the dark white room grew cold. Narichi was scared, she tried slowly to get up again and sat back down on the bed after failing to leave the empty room. A woman walked into the light of the doorway. "So you're awake now." The woman walked over to her but Narichi was too weak to bring herself up to look at her.

The woman picked up the bowl and cup and said, "You can eat more, later. Right now I'm monitoring your food consumption. Since you haven't eaten anything for the past three days you should be starving. If you eat too much too soon you could die, of course if you never came here you might have died as well."

Narichi's lips moved but no words came out. The woman caught them and said, "No need to say thanks, I'm only doing this because your friend was so persistent."

Narichi was surprised and looked up at her. The woman was in her 50's and had a few dyed gray hairs. She wore a rather lose dress that was similar to a yukata, but different in an indescribable way. She was about the same height as Narichi. (At this time) The woman noticed Narichi's reaction and said, "Yes, your friend the Anbu. You're lucky to have a friend like that. Here in Konoha-Zakura No Sei outsiders are forbidden to enter. He convinced the Elder to let you stay but for a price. You'll have to work and help out our village. Plus you can never leave here again." The woman looked at Narichi who was staring very deeply into the woman's eyes.

Narichi's mouth moved again, except this time words came out. Her voice sounded harsh and when she spoke pain pulsed through her throat. "Where is Kakashi-kun?" she demanded. Narichi's heart was racing when the woman spoke of him.

The woman was surprised she even attempted to speak. Smiling she sat down besides her on the cot and said, "He had to leave. But I know he waited outside our walls till he knew you were safe. That boy was very determined to save you. You both are from Konoha correct?"

Narichi nodded, she then calmed down a bit. The woman said, "Well you both have traveled far, and he told me you need a new place to stay, but for the both of you to have traveled this far and for him to be so persistent. I'd have to think you were running away from something." The woman looked at Narichi who was frozen in place. "A young girl like you shouldn't be making enemies so early in life, even if you are a shinobi." The woman said handing her, her Leaf Hitai-Ate Headband.

Narichi accepted it and looked at the woman with a little fear. The woman said putting her hand on Narichi's wrist to watch her pulse, "I'll I need to know is that you aren't running away from Shinobi Hunters or anyone in that department. So are you?"

Narichi's pulse stayed the same, as her lips formed the word "No."

The woman smiled after reading Narichi's lips and finding her pulse didn't jump, "Good. Tomorrow you should feel a lot better. Tonight is the only night you'll feel any sharp pains. Since you let your ankle get infected it's a wonder you'll be able to walk again. Fill out this information form so we can get to know you better. You can have another bowl of rice when you're finished with that, ok."

Narichi looked up with thankful eyes. The woman said rather plainly, "My name is Amano, Madoka. Welcome to our village.

Narichi's fear lessened from Madoka's welcome. But she was still very unsure and a little depressed.

The next day Narichi was on crutches, and hoping around the village with Madoka as a guide. Madoka looked at the form Narichi filled out. Since Narichi's voice was still recovering from her experience Madoka continued to read Narichi's lips. "So your name is Kazekami, Narichi. You are 13 years old, and have just earned the Chunin rank. You're an orphan, and you specialize in weapons crafting, and you suffer from an illness, caused by your reaction to your parent's death. Interesting life you have here, well you'll meet the Elder of our village soon, then you'll know what you can do here for the rest of your life."

Narichi felt like she was being imprisoned. She tugged on Madoka's sleeve, and asked, "What is an Elder, and why do you have them?"

"An Elder is the most skilled shinobi in our village. They're always older than most of the shinobi, so we call them that. Our Elders are similar to your Hokage. They run this village. He's definitely not as strong as the Hokage, but he is a rather high class Jonin."

Narichi became confused and asked, "Aren't we still in Konohagure No Kuni? You make it sound like were not in the country hidden among the leaves."

"Yes were still among the leaves, but we aren't within Hokage's knowledge. We're a secret village hidden from the world. We only follow the laws of our land." Madoka said guiding Narichi towards a huge estate.

"Is that why I can't ever leave? And why Kakashi-kun had to go?" Narichi asked.

Madoka said plainly, "Yes, and no. Your friend Kakashi is it? Well he said he had to return to his village. He said he would come back and check on you someday." Madoka smiled, "It's kind of funny, see he even swore to us with a blood oath that he would never speak a word of our village. But other than you he's the only other person not of our village we've aloud to enter."

"Really?" Narichi said confusing Madoka.

"What exactly are you directing that to?" she asked Narichi.

"He said…Kashi-kun said he was coming back. He told me." Narichi smiled, she wasn't going to let anything get her down from then on. Madoka honored her attitude for she knew something, was going to happen.

They walked and when they reached the center of the village. Narichi was amazed to find a beautiful cherry tree. Its pink petals fluttered down as the wind passed by. The way it was presented told her that it was an important tree. It was surrounded with carefully placed stone paths. Shrines were near by and their market was on the very other side of town the only people here were shinobi and villagers to see the Elder. The great estate was behind the magnificent tree which almost seemed to call out to Narichi.

"It's beautiful." Narichi said staring into the tree's glowing beauty. She admired it as she saw the long trunk and the flowing branches. It was an old tree that has been growing for many years, for its size was astronomical. The many branches that seemed to weave in mysterious ways, as its color brushed against the sky's endless patterns of blue and white. This earth is not worthy for such a tree to grow within its soil, this tree shouldn't have to feed from the pathetic rays of our biggest star, nor should this tree drink from the inconstant season rains, for nothing of this world is worthy of its presence.

Madoka caught her words and her gaze, then said, "You mustn't come by here near dawn. This is the tree in which we've named our village, and there is a legend tied with its existence as well. Our village is called Konoha-Zakura No Sei, which means 'The Spirit of the Konoha Cherry Tree'. For there's a seal inside that tree. It protects our village from unwanted powers, such as your Hokage's magic. Since before the Kages came into power, this tree's spirit has protected our village. The spirit is now very weak from the attack three years ago from the Kyuubi. So she appears at dawn looking for anyone to stop her pain. It is said that over a hundred years ago when this tree started growing. The spirit would wander around whenever she pleased but the seal was placed on her and her branches have engulfed it, she can only wander when she needs love. Ever since the attack she's been in pain. So again I warn you stay away from here."

"Why is no one allowed to stop her pain?" Narichi asked feeling sorry for the tree.

Madoka sighed, "Because anyone foolish enough would be engulfed by the spirit. This spirit need's all the passion a human can give, which forces her to take their soul. Once you see her you fall under her spell, no living thing can resist her beauty. Once you see her, living becomes meaningless."

"I see." Narichi said not feeling sorry for the tree anymore. "But then how do you know if the legend is true?" she asked.

Madoka stopped in her tracks, slowly she said, "Because after the attack…my daughter's…body was found entangled in the branches of this tree. She was up early training that morning. When she was pulled down from the branches, she had a calm smile across her face, she had a peaceful passing. That's how this tree takes its victims, silently and painless."

Narichi looked sad, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…"

"Well come along now. You have to meet out Elder." Madoka said waving for Narichi to hurry up. Narichi felt guilty but she knew Madoka wouldn't let her. For it was out of both their power.

"Oh, yes I'm coming!" Narichi called out, then realizing her throat still hurt she began to regret it. She took one more look at the tree and smiled, even if it took a life, she felt it was still worth respecting.

Narichi was lead into the estate and then to a large room where she waited for the Elder.

The sliding door behind her opened, "Hello. You must be Narichi-san." A man in long robes stepped into the room, carrying a piece of paper. "It says here you're a shinobi of the Chunin rank, I would like to know your experience."

Narichi stood up and bowed then she said without speaking, "I just earned that rank about a week ago. So I haven't had any missions. Also I am wondering what I should call you by."

The man watched her lips move and smiled, "Oh, I'm sorry I've really haven't met many people from outside this village. So everyone knows my name. I'm Iwakami, Wataru the Elder of this village."

Narichi bowed again, "It's a pleasure to meet you Iwakami-sama."

Wataru thought, "Wow, she's very polite for her age." He said, "So you just earned the Chunin rank. How would you say you did, for I need to know how you stand up against other shinobi?

Narichi started to look serious, "Well I was the best in my cell. I make all my own weapons. I don't know any GenJutsu skills, but I've been studying my own. I really only excel in speed. Unfortunately I'm poor strategically, I made a rather poor decision during the finial battle that almost cost me my life."

Wataru looked at the paper in his hand. "That doesn't matter, but can you explain your illness. Like does it effect your performance any?"

Narichi grew weary and a little nauseous, "Yes, I tend to lose my temper quite easily, and under uncomfortable situations I may lose consciousness."

Narichi noticed Wataru looked rather excited to hear this, "Well, what is it you want to do, stay a shinobi, start a career. Please tell me."

Narichi looked directly into his eyes. "I'm going to continue to train and become a better shinobi, while I pay off my debt to this village."

Wataru looked very serious, "What do you mean by pay off your debt?"

Narichi said, "Since I can't leave here, I want to show my gratitude by helping the people of this village. I don't know any other trades, but I'm willing to learn. That is if it's alright with you?"

Wataru smiled again, "Yes that sound good. Anyways you'll need a place to stay, so I've arranged a small cabin you can live in. It's decent, if you want it any better you'll have to make the improvements yourself. Now about helping our village? There are quite a few small jobs you can take. We don't use currency here so if you don't work you won't get feed. Understood?"

Narichi was confused but accepted, "Very well then. When can I start?"

"Once you leave here go to any store with wanted sighs." Wataru said. "Well good luck then."

Narichi asked, "But what about a dojo or any thing. Do you know where I can train?"

"Just find a shinobi and ask them, I'm sure someone will let you train with them." He waved good-bye as he began to leave the room.

Narichi gave up and started to hop to the entrance. Her ankle was feeling much better but it still slowed her down. She then thought for a moment, "Why do I feel a strong negative aura around me. And why is this entire village look at me like I'm some kind of monster." She thought beginning to notice their expressions. She left the estate, and saw the tree again. She stood in front of if and faced the shrine. She prayed, "Konoha-Zakura No Sei please protect me. I'm an outsider but I wish to stay and live with the people of your village. Thank you for your time."

The air was cold but Narichi felt warm inside. Until she heard some one shout, "Hey, you! Just what do you think you're doing?"

Narichi turned around and saw a small group of people. They all had similar clothing so Narichi assumed they were shinobi. "Nothing, just praying," she said plainly studying their uniforms. They all had white sashes on their arms and wore long black shorts, and simple shirts.

One of them approached Narichi. He looked at her and smiled when he saw her crutches. He was maybe a year or two older than her, "Well now, how does a pretty girl like yourself break her leg, huh?"

Narichi glared at him, "I was careless."

"Is that so, well looks like you were also careless when you came to our village." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a kunai knife. He held it up to Narichi's neck. She didn't flinch or move. "Well we're a brave one now aren't we, either that or stupid." Narichi just stared at him.

He got angry, took her hand then gave her the knife and walked back a few steps. He pulled out his own and said, "If you don't defeat me, then you can't live in this village."

Narichi stood there and looked at the kunai, when suddenly she felt horrible feelings of regret, guilt, and disgrace flow over her. Narichi threw his knife to the side ridding her of the feelings and said, "Fine, I accept your challenge." The group of shinobi behind him ran forwards to see what was going on.

The boy was filled with rage. He clutched his knife in his hand and yelled, "Damn you! But just so you know I'm Iwakami, Kozue. And I'm going to make sure you either leave or die!" He leaped forwards.

Narichi was surprised, "He's too young too be Iwakami-sama's son, so I guess he's his grandson or something. But then why is he challenging me?" Narichi picked up the crutch and swung it at him. He carelessly forgot about it and barely blocked with his knife. But since he was stronger than her he easily flung it away. "Heh, you really shouldn't have dropped that knife."

Narichi waited for him to get closer, then she disappeared and her other crutch was left lying on the floor. "Huh! Where'd she go?" he said looking around. Narichi was sitting on the branches of the cheery tree. He saw her then threw his knife. She dodged it and it struck the branch behind her. He quickly grabbed another one, when from out of nowhere two small objects came flying towards him. He quickly blocked with his kunai. Smiling he said, "Well I wasn't expecting any fight from you, but if you can bring one then I'll take it."

Kozue took a moment to examine the objects she threw. There were two small twigs lying on the ground. "What the! Why would she throw ordinary twigs instead of my kunai behind her? Unless she's weaker than I thought?" he thought to himself as he prepared to attack.

Narichi's eyes began to change into a yellowish state. Narichi knew she couldn't fight in her state. She needed something to take on her Chunin rival. She searched with her eyes for anything that would prove useful. She didn't have any skills that could provide her with a good offense or defense. And unfortunately her speed was reduced down to that of her rival, Kozue. "If I only had my fan or something I could easily defeat him," she thought to herself beginning to lose her cool.

Kozue noticed her reactions and smiled, "You're pathetic you know that. I saw you come in here. With that Anbu, he had to carry you to the hospital, all weak and helpless. You just hide behind him don't you! It's a wonder how you even managed to become a shinobi. A weak girl like you. Ha! You're making a mockery to all true shinobi."

Narichi's eyes were of solid gold. She felt no pain, but only an incredibly strong urge to kill. Furious she yelled back at him, "I don't hide behind anyone! But I'm glad that I only seem to make a mockery of my title as a Chunin, because you are more of a disgrace than a terrorist. You think a shinobi can just hand a weapon to a person and consider them a threat. And you pick on the injured to get what you want, as if you mean to prove a point or that you're better. But you're the one that should be called a mockery. I've worked hard, and with the help of others to get where I am now. I've suffered the same as all my friends. And I'm proud that I have such good friends that help me in desperate times of need. Instead of ones that just follow you around for the show."

Kozue was pissed, "Fine! Call me what you will, but that little speech won't get you out of this fight."

"I never intended to back out." Narichi said appearing behind him. He turned around and leaped back only to find Narichi waiting for him. She kicked him before he touched back down on the stone tiles that covered the cold earth. Kozue dropped one of his kunai and Narichi quickly raced to pick it up. She found one of Kozue's friends ready and waiting for her. Narichi retreated to the tree, "Damn it! His friends are actually helping," she said quietly.

Kozue appeared above her and kicked her. Narichi blocked but she was too late, and flew backwards and slammed against one of the tree's lower branches. He had a kunai knife against her neck and Narichi was frozen. She quickly put her hands together and Kozue sliced at her throat only to cut a log. He jumped down and looked around. "Come on out," he called.

Narichi was hiding behind a small stone shrine, carefully planning out what she should do. She leaned up against the cold surface of the shrine and cut herself on a sharp piece from the old worn out stone. She got and idea and hoped it wouldn't fail. She smashed the shrine with her fist, then her blood slowly began to drip down to the floor.

She knew someone probably heard her so she acted quickly and picked up a sharp shard of stone from the rubble. One of Kozue's friends rushed over and called out, "She's over here!"

"Shit!" Narichi said. It was pointless to replicate herself for they would all have broken ankles. She only knew a few other things, that's when she got an extremely great idea. She made two duplicates of herself with the Kage Bunshin No Jutsu and sent them out as a distraction, she then began to carve into her left shoulder with the shard she broke off the shrine. She spilled some of her blood one the floor, and painted symbols with her blood. "I really hope this works!" she thought. She performed different hand seal then executed it by placing her hands over the inscription she made in her shoulder.

Kozue appeared behind her, he sent his friends to take care of her replicas. "What's she doing?" he thought sneaking up behind her.

Narichi removed her hand from her arm. Through her blood soaked arm the inscription she carved into her shoulder began to glow. It was the kanji for wind, Kaze. She turned around and faced Kozue and stared right into his eyes. She clutched in her hand the shard of stone and charged forwards. Kozue was surprised she saw him and was able to run on her ankle.

Narichi swung her arm in attempt to attack him, but he just blocked with his kunai knife. "What are you doing! If you think you can defeat me with rocks you've definitely lost it!" he said looking at the shard.

Narichi pressed forwards and then her chakra began to move through her body and into the shard. The gentle breezes that they felt brush by before them grew into harsh gust of wind and leaves. Once they died down blades of wind rose from Narichi's shard of stone and cut Kozue's kunai in two.

"What!" he stammered jumping backwards to avoid another attack.

Narichi looked around quickly but there wasn't anything of use in the courtyard surrounding the Cherry Tree. She then turned her attention back to Kozue who was in a state of serious confusion.

"What was that just now?" he asked hoping she'd give him an answer.

Narichi rushed towards him and said, "My little secret!" He dodged her attack but her speed was now greater than his. When he touched the ground she was there, she didn't slash at him with her shard but instead she kicked him into the air and then punched him. Because she was running out of stamina her attacks were weak but they brought him to the ground which was all that mattered.

He was lying on the ground frozen, for if he moved he'd cut himself on the shard of stone resting upon his neck. "It's over, I win." Narichi said getting up and throwing away the shard.

Kozue was furious, "Damn it! How could she have beaten me?" He stood up and glared at Narichi. She clutched her left shoulder in pain. Narichi's eyes slowly turned back to normal. Narichi's blood continued to drip down her arm, she slowly kneeled to the ground. Kozue saw her in this state and decided to take advantage of the situation. His friends rushed over and saw him with a kunai knife in his hand. Madoka appeared in front of the enraged Kozue and looked him in the eyes.

"Just what are you planning to do to Narichi. She won your challenge fair and square. If you hate that so much to do something this dishonorable I'll have Wataru informed." Madoka helped Narichi up. She looked back at Kozue, "You are no longer allowed to come with in 25 feet of Narichi, and if you do I'll kill you myself. Do you understand!"

Kozue was pissed, "Just was do you think you can do, you old hag!"

Madoka was filled with rage and without dropping Narichi she moved her hands and formed seals. "Boy! This is what you get for calling me old!" Her eyes were like a demon, lighting shot down from the sky, (And on such a clear day). The lightning hit the earth without damaging it and skipped across the stepping stone towards Kozue.

Kozue jumped away in fear for his life, and looked at how serious Madoka was, "She's crazy!" he thought. He stood up and glared at Madoka. She turned around and guided Narichi back into the village. Narichi was losing more and more blood, but she stayed conscious just long enough to get back to the hospital.

Madoka helped Narichi into an operating room. "You're the luckiest person I've ever met. If I wasn't so nice you'd be dead."

"What do you mean?" Narichi asked not being able to recall the moments from just a short while ago.

Madoka looked at Narichi a little uneasy. She sighed, "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but our village…well when you were fighting with Kozue. Everyone in the village was watching you. Probably the majority of them were hoping for your death. You're the first outsider we've ever considered to allow shelter in our village. They don't trust you, and since you're a complete stranger and your past in unknown to them, they are very suspicious. Plus an Anbu brought you here, in a hurry. They also fear that you might bring danger to our village."

Narichi was shocked, "I'm…I'm sorry but I didn't mean for any of that to happen. I just want a place to live. I guess I'm running away from my past, but I'm not doing this to draw attention to your village, but to hide among its secret."

Madoka was silent, and examined Narichi's arm. When she wiped away the blood from her shoulder she saw the kanji. "What's this thing? It wasn't here this morning." Madoka asked puzzled. She felt some form of chakra rise from the wound.

"Oh that, well as you know I'm a weapons maker. I've just lately been experimenting with elemental weapons. My first few designs back fired on me during the Chunin examines. That kind of stuck me in the hospital for three days. I thought this would work better then how my other ones are used. See…" Narichi grabbed two knifes from an operation table. She used one to carve inscriptions in the other. She then demonstrated as she explained how they work, "…Now this was pretty much my first one. I can form a blade of wind when I concentrate hard enough. But when I use this I become dependant on this weapon. Also this one takes longer to convert the chakra into a solid form, because it must travel through the knife and be converted there instead of inside me. Now this one I'm trying now I'll I have to do is grab anything and it's a weapon. Plus I can convert the chakra in my own body instead of having it go through the weapon. This also helps during battles. If my enemy gets hold of my weapons they are merely objects to them, but a powerful one for me."

Madoka was surprised, "So in doing this you've turned yourself into a weapon. That's a pretty amazing skill you have at such a young age."

Narichi smiled, "Well my parents were in the business so when I was little I watched them. They always were proud even though I never did anything. My doctor and Yondaime-sama were always worried about something. I never knew what it was but they were always interested on how I improved when I trained with Kakashi-kun." Narichi seemed talk moving farther and farther away from reality and she became lost in her memories. She just sat there so relaxed.

Madoka noticed she was starting to lose consciousness and slapped her yelling, "Wake up girl!"

Narichi didn't respond she just stared at what ever random thing she saw as she fell back, lost in her past. She lost consciousness, and unfortunately Madoka had never seen this kind of thing before, she splashed cold water, and slapped her many times but Narichi looked as if she was reliving something painful. (Besides being slapped continuously) Madoka gave up and cleaned up her arm and hand. Then she left her, but she noticed Narichi was smiling, but her eyes were cold and harsh. She almost looked like she was going to cry. Her smile turned into a frown and her right hand shivered. Narichi in impulse grabbed it and tried to calm down. Madoka couldn't stand watching her in this form of pain. Quickly she hit her over the head and knocked her out. (Again!) "There that should stop her memories," she thought starting to leave again.

Madoka felt a tug on her sleeve when she turned around. "That hurt!" Narichi said rubbing her head.

Madoka was surprised and confused, "What I just knocked you out! Why are you up already!"

"Let's just say I'm use to that sort of thing," Narichi said referring to Kakashi. Madoka looked confused but then started laughing. Narichi was totally confused from her behavior. "What's so funny?" she asked. But Madoka just kept right on laughing. Narichi couldn't help but join in.

Meanwhile back over at the Cherry Tree, Wataru was talking to Kozue, "You're a disgrace! Clearly you need more training. Ok, after a few weeks we can plan another test. But if you fail, you won't get another chance." Wataru scolded.

"Yes ojiisan, I promise I won't fail you." Kozue said. And he didn't fail. For every week after that another shinobi of the village would challenge Narichi. If she won she wouldn't have to fight that same person ever again. If she lost she was beaten by the Chunin shinobi of the village. Many times she's won, but the times she lost were not things that she would want to remember.

The next day Narichi was to start working in the village on whatever job the hateful town gave to her. (Cue for the blurry stuff to disappear)

"Over the years I gained their people's trust. But their children still don't trust me, but that really doesn't matter. I'm just glad all of the villagers respect me. It might seem strange but we're family now, I love them and that village. But anyways, I guess I've had a lot of time to learn things on my own, wouldn't you agree…Kakashi-kun?"

Her words stabbed at Kakashi's heart, for he knew she was blaming him for her pain. But it almost seemed as if she was thanking him for it too. Kakashi said softly, "I'm sorry."

Narichi said, "Don't be. Especially if that's all you plan to tell me while I'm here. Anyways, feed Kuro this from now on till Mika gets back." She looked at Kakashi and smiled, "Kay!" There was a bowl of egg and rice for the next few days, all wrapped up.

Her attitude surprised Kakashi, but then he saw she was only hiding her true feelings. For her eyes were cold and harsh like a frozen tundra, ready to crack from the pressure. (Her eyes tell him everything)

Kakashi wanted all the details about Narichi. He fell guilty for all the pain he had caused her, but Narichi's introduction came on much too strong to even mention her past. Kakashi figured, "Well I guess I can talk to her tomorrow about it. If only she would tell me without forcing the blame on me. I just need a straight answer, but I did make her wait nine years."

"Thank you Narichi," Kakashi smiled at her to play along, she didn't want to talk anymore about it, and he knew it.

Narichi smiled softly and headed for the door. Kakashi said before she left completely, "We'll I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Unless you're still hungry?"

The split second he said, 'hungry' Narichi became overwhelmed with hunger. She froze, and clutched her completely empty stomach. Slowly Narichi turned around and said, "You're enjoying this aren't you?"

Kakashi smiled, "No," thinking "Yes." He walked over to her and patted her on the head, "Come on, I'll take you out for something."

Narichi pushed his hand away, "I'm not a kid anymore! But where exactly would we go?" Narichi wondered eagerly.

Kakashi waited by the door, "Whatever you want!" he smiled.

Narichi lit up, "Really! When we were little you always choose where we would go, why so nice all of a sudden?" (If you want to call 9 years sudden)

Kakashi then remembered something somewhat dreadful, "That's right she never could make up her mind." He sighed, "Because I always paid for it."

"Is that what you call paying for it! You order in someone else's name and run away with the food." Narichi said walking outside his apartment.

"Well how else were we going to eat?" Kakashi said as they made their way down the stairs.

It was silent for a moment. Narichi stood at the entrance of the apartment complex. Kakashi asked, "So where do you want to go?"

Narichi looked at him with a puppyish/confused face, "I don't remember what types of restaurants there are."

Kakashi smiled and almost laughed. "Well there's Ichiraku Raman, that Sukiyaki place, umm…Sushi, Udon/Soba, Tempura, etc. etc."

Narichi looked so confused, she was battling in her head where she wanted to go. "Umm maybe the Raman, no wait! The Sushi sounds good! Hmm…Maybe the Udon place. I haven't had that in a while, besides I never have time to make good Soba," she thought with lots of effort.

Kakashi sighed, "This is exactly why I always choose where we ate."

Narichi jumped up and yelled, "Soba Noodles!"

Kakashi smiled, "Well at least she isn't reconsidering."

As they walked to the Soba house, Narichi sniffed the air and smelled the different aromas from various other restaurants. Kakashi saw this and worried she might change her mind. But she actually kept following him. He was amazed when they got to the Soba house. She didn't even attempt to enter one of the other shops. They entered the Soba house and sat at one of the tables. After they ordered they heard someone say, "What exactly are you two doing here?"

Hello Oni-Onigiri Here!

Hi! Tune in next time to find out who the mysterious character in the Soba Noodle Shop is. Also is Sakura stocking Narichi? Find out next time!

Ojiisan -grandfather

If you were wondering, "How in the world did you think of that name, Konoha-Zakura No Sei! It's the strangest thing I've ever seen. And what's with that legend?" Well see I've been reading this book…(I'm actually reading on my own! I never pick up books unless I have too) called, Yoshitoshi's thirty-six ghost. It's this book about old Japanese legends and ghost stories. This one caught my eye it was called, Komachi-zakura no sei, or The Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree. It's a story about an evil man Lord Kuronushi, who is plotting something against the emperor. When Kuronushi is relaxing and drinking sake one night near a mountain in the spring season, he decides to build a shrine to ensure the success of his plot. Kuronushi decides to use the wood from an ancient cherry tree not far from his shelter. Before he swung his ax in attempt to chop it down, the enchanting Kurozome, a lovely courtesan who has magical powers appears before him. Kurozome asks him of his intentions and being attracted to her he tells her his plot against the emperor. Kurozome disappeared and in her place stood the hostile spirit of the cherry tree. He obviously didn't survive to fulfill his evil intentions.

This is a quote/review from my book that describes the picture that is next to the legend, which also explains how I came up with the legend in this fanfic. Try to imagine a beautiful Japanese woman in a kimono. "Very lovely, is she not, with that sly sweetness in her downcast gaze, - that light and dainty grace as of a resting butterfly?...Observe that the cherry-flowers falling from the branch above, are passing through her form. See also the folds of her robe, below, melting into blue faint mist. How delicate and vapory the whole thing is! It gives you the feeling of a Japanese spring-morning…She is a tree spirit, the Spirit of the Cherry-tree. Only in the twilight of morning or of evening she appears, gliding about her tree:-and whoever sees her must love her." Japanese ghost are all women, they are shown with no feet, (and not just because feet are so hard to draw), these ghost are filled with passion with is why they have come back from the underworld. See in Japan there is an underworld, but no heaven, their heaven, is considered to be Japan itself. For it is such a beautiful place, wouldn't you want to return to it once you die. Anyways basically ghost wanders around in purgatory, they are either driven by love or hate, but they are forever beings of only and all passion.

(Please review me! My morale is lowering, my self confidence is fading away into a hole of NOTHINGNESS, EMPTINESS, and LOW FAT FOODS! STOP THIS PAIN! IT'S KILLING ME! AHAAAA! So if you want to stop this pain follow the following. All you have to do is click the little go button and write your thought's in the box. He, he that almost rhymes.) Oh! Don't forget to mention this to all of your friends! Even if they hate it I prefer if you review. Well thanks for your time!

Well Oni-Onigiri says Good-bye!