Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Naruto.

Song: Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely by Backstreet Boys

(Just part of the song is being used in this chapter.)

Chapter 2

The next day, Kakashi and Mayu met in the same spot for their sparing session. After they agreed on some ground rules, like no hits below the belt (Kakashi's suggestion) and no grabbing hair (Mayu's suggestion), they began their match. After another 2 hour fight, the match ended in a draw. When they stopped to take a break Kakashi had some questions for Mayu.

"So what brings you to the Village Hidden in the Leaves?" he asked her.

"Oh, I'm traveling the world to improve my skills." Mayu responded. "Even though I've made the rank of Jonin, I don't feel that I've reached my full potential yet. I believe that by experiencing the world will make me stronger, and my village is open-minded to all kinds of training."

'That makes some sense' thought Kakashi. But he couldn't help but feel that she wasn't telling him the whole story. Like she had a deep dark secret she didn't want anyone to know. He began to wonder if she could be trusted. But he didn't press her more on the matter. He figured if he watched her closely, he could possibly learn what her true intentions are.

As the days passed, the sparring sessions became routine. Sometimes Mayu would watch Kakashi train the Genin and they would spar as soon as the lessons for the day were over. Sometimes Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura would stay to watch the match. During one of the matches, Naruto suggested making bets on the fights. But Sakura and Sasuke thought that would be pointless, because the matches always ended in draws.

"You never know," said Naruto. "Kakashi-sensei might actually win this time."

"Or Mayu might win." added Sakura.

"Who's side are you on?" both boys asked indignantly.

After watching Team 7 train for the past 3 weeks, Mayu noticed Sakura's crush on Sasuke. So after training one day, she pulled Sakura aside to give her some advice.

"You like that Sasuke boy, don't you?" Mayu asked Sakura.

"How can you tell?" asked Sakura.

"Oh, come on girl. It's so obvious; you might as well put up a neon sign."

"That obvious?"

"Yep."

"Well, what do you think I should do?"

"Well…" began Mayu. "…for one, don't try so hard to impress him or play "hard to get". Those things never work. Just be nice to him. Give him positive reinforcement when he does well, without sounding like a cheerleader, and maybe some subtle flirting here and there."

"Are you serious?" asked Sakura.

"Trust me, this method has a high success rate." said Mayu.

"I guess I'll try it. Thanks. Say, Mayu, do you have a boyfriend?"

"No."

"Is there anyone you like here?"

"No.", replied Mayu again. "Just take my advice, okay. Now excuse me, I have to go kick your sensei's butt."

As Mayu walked off, Sakura couldn't help but wonder if Mayu was developing feelings for the sensei.

3 days later…

It was dusk and Kakashi was heading back to the training grounds because he forgot his book there. Just as he found his book, he heard someone singing.

So many words for the broken heart

It's hard to see in a crimson love

So hard to breathe

Walk with me, and maybe

Nights of light so soon become

Wild and free I could feel the sun

Your every wish will be done

He wondered who it was and decided to follow the voice.

They tell me

Show me the meaning of being lonely

Is this the feeling I need to walk with

Tell me why I can't be there where you are

There's something missing in my heart

The voice sounded beautiful yet sad.

Life goes on as it never ends

Eyes of stone observe the trends

They never say forever gaze

Guilty roads to an endless love

There's no control

Are you with me now

Your every wish will be done

Just then Kakashi discovered that Mayu was the one singing. He wondered why she was singing a sad song to herself. Just then she sensed his presence, stopped singing, and looked at him.

"Don't stop on my account." Kakashi said to her. "I never heard that song before. Is it from your village?" he asked as he sat down next to her.

"Yeah.", she told him. Then he asked her, "What you doing out here?"

"Just thinking."

But from the look on her face, Kakashi could tell that she was reflecting on s sad memory. A feeling he knew all to well. The eyes that sparkled like emeralds during the day were now dull and sad. But he didn't ask her what she was thinking about. He figured she wouldn't want to talk about it. Heck, he never talked about the dark parts of his past.

From what he's seen of her, he could tell she was determined to become stronger. But what for exactly? All he knew was that he had to figure it out, and hoped that whatever her intentions are wouldn't bring harm to the village.

They watched the sunset for a few minutes when Mayu noticed the book in Kakashi's hand.

"You read the Make Out series too?" she asked him. "I've read that one twice. How 'bout you?"

"Well, look at the time. I gotta go." said Kakashi as he got up and walked off. He was too embarrassed to admit he hadn't finished reading the book yet. As Mayu watched him walk off, she wondered why he didn't ask her a lot of questions about whom she is and why she's there. This was good as far as she was concerned. She didn't want anyone to get involved in what she had to do.

A.N.: Whew, that was a long chapter! Please R & R.