Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and I don't claim to know the real story behind Yondaime. You've been warned.

As Sei and the mystery girl approached the village, the blue-eyed boy felt he needed to prepare her for what would possibly happen. These were after all paranoid times for the village and outsiders would not be welcomed easily. Sure, with his connection to the Third and the manner in which he found her, he would have little problem getting her sanctuary. However, depending on her behavior, her stay could be a pleasant or difficult.

"Hey, let's take a break," he told the girl walking behind him.

"But aren't we almost there?"

"Yeah, but there are some things you need to know before we get there. The village I live in is a hidden shinobi village and we're at war. They won't be very accepting at first so you need to make sure not to give them any reason to feel threatened."

"If there is a chance that you're village won't accept me, then why am I even going there?" she asked with a solemn like on her face.

"Because you have nowhere else to go and my village would be the safest place for you to stay. Don't worry. As long as you're with me, no one will bother you." It was the truth since the village did their best to avoid him. "Besides, I need to have someone take a look at you to see how bad you're condition is."

"What's this person like?"

"Well, she's about ten years older than us and an experience healer. Probably the best medical-ninja we have. She's strong and if you get on her bad side she can be violent, but other than that, she's very kindhearted. My only advice is to avoid arguing with her little brother since she's very protective of him."

"Why would I argue with him?"

Sei thought about the brown haired kid and shuddered. "He's loud, obnoxious, and thinks very highly of himself." Sei then added, "But other than that he's a decent guy."

The two were quiet for a moment. Not liking the silence, the girl continued with questions. "Are you happy there?"

"I guess so. There are some good times and some bad times, but I think it's the same everywhere."

"What's it like being a ninja?"

"I'm not a ninja. I'll probably do something to help the village out but I don't think being a ninja is for me."

"Why not?"

Sei lost his patience. "What's with the third degree? I have my reasons and they're personal. It's none of your business" he stated angrily.

The girl was shocked by his response and lowered her head. After another brief moment of silence she said, "I'm sorry. I'm just scared. First I almost died, then I find out I can't remember anything about myself, and then you tell me the villagers might not like me. I'm really nervous about what might happen to me."

Although her eyes were fixated on the ground and he could not see her eyes, Sei knew she was on the verge of tears. Guilt was something he knew little about and experiencing it for the first time was tough for him. "You don't need to be sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you especially after what you've been through."

Although his words were sincere, this did little to ease her suffering. Tears began to roll down her eyes and she looked up at him, almost as if she wanted him to see what he had done. Then she did something Sei did not expect. She quickly wrapped her arms around him and began sobbing. Sei realized she was crying more from fear than from having her feelings hurt. In a way, her situation reminded him of what he had gone through growing up. Not knowing where you came from or who you are is tough, especially when you are nothing more than a kid. Why did life have to be so cruel? What had they ever done to deserve such cruel fates?

The girl continued to cry when without warning, not that there would have been, a loud growling noise came from the little girl's stomach. How could something so small make such a huge sound? Sei did his best not react in a rude manner, but could not stop himself from laughing. Who could blame him? You'd be laughing too if you heard it. Sei was now the one brought to tears.

"It's not funny!" she shouted, pushing him to emphasize her point.

"I know. Snicker. It's just that you've got to be the most unlucky person I've ever met. Tell you what; I'll treat you to something to eat if you forgive me for laughing and for yelling at you earlier."

"Fine," she said, wiping what was left of her tears, "but if you ever mention this again, I'm going to keep your tongue as a souvenir."

Sei took note of the hints of her true character. She was emotional but strong-willed. Rather than be intimidated by her aggressiveness, Sei was actually glad to discover her independent attitude.

As the two of them rose to their feet, the girl froze.

"Kyu…," she said.

"Kyu? What's that?"

"I remember being called that. Do you think it could be my name?" She asked with hope in her eyes.

"You're guess is as good as mine, but I guess it's as good as any. Well Kyu, let's get going. Wouldn't want your stomach to make another announcement, would we?" he said with again.

"I'll let that slide since I'm still hungry. You'd better stop teasing me or I might go through with my earlier threat."

Sei gulped and chuckled nervously.

x x x

As the two arrived at the western entrance to the village, Sei asked Kyu to not say anything while he talked to the guard. Although there was only one, Sei cringed when he realized who it was. "What do you think you're doing outside of the village? You know only shinobi on missions and those with the Hokage's permission are allowed to leave!"

"Relax Orochimaru-sama," the boy told the man. "It's not like I was out conspiring with the enemy. Besides, you and I both know the Third doesn't have a problem with me going out every now and then."

The dark haired sannin was becoming more annoyed with the boy's forwardness. He glanced behind Sei and saw the silent girl. She was glaring at him and it took all of Orochimaru's will to keep himself from snapping her in half. "Who the hell is she and why is she looking at me like that?"

"Her? I found her unconscious in the forest and I wanted your old teammate to take a look at her. As for the look she's giving you, I'd say it's your natural charm. You always did have a way with the ladies." The blond boy grinned.

"Why you little…" The pale-faced ninja once again fought his anger. He returned the grin and said, "I'm not letting her into the village. You should know better than anyone that we don't allow outsiders during times of war."

"You can't be saying that the great and almighty Snake Charmer is afraid of a little girl, right?"

"Off the record, It's not because she's a threat, but because I hate you."

Kyu opened her mouth to give the arrogant jerk a piece of her mind, but Sei stopped her. He turned back to Orochimaru and shrugged his shoulders as he said, "Then I guess we'll just have to get in the same way I got out. Say, Orochimaru, what did you do to get assigned to west gate duty anyway. From what I've heard, it's a full day assignment and it's only given as punishment."

"That's none of your concern," he said bitterly, "and why should I care if you get past an incompetent guard. No sweat off my back."

"Are you sure about that?"

"What are you getting at brat? I have better things to do than listen to your irritating banter."

"Nothing, though I am surprised I managed to get past a shinobi of your talent this morning. I didn't know I had it in me."

It took some time for the weight of this remark to set in. The look of shock in Orochimaru's eyes was priceless, but it quickly turned deadly. He knocked on the gate and whistled to the man on the other side. As the doors opened, the sannin told him to get an escort to take the two kids to the Hokage.

"I suggest you stay cautious in the future when going on one of your little adventures. It wouldn't surprise me at all if you disappeared one day without a trace. We are at war you know."

"Thanks for the advice," Sei said as he and Kyu were escorted into the village.