WOW! Thanks for the reviews! I really mean it! I wasn't actually gonna post it because I thought nobody would read it, so I thought it was a waste of time. People actually liked it! WOW! squeals and runs away

Takes place during/after the Chuunin Exams.

Warning: Semi-AUness. This will not follow the plotline or the storyline of Naruto. Iruka-centric… mostly.

"…" Talking

"…" thinking

… Iruka and Shizuka talking through link. (They ARE twins after all…)

AN: I don't want to call Iruka's bloodline limit: bloodline limit anymore cuz it's so troublesome. I'm gonna call it Kanazaki. It doesn't mean anything specific.

XXX

(Flashback)

"WHAT!" Shizuka screamed. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN!"

"But, Hokage-sama," Iruka protested politely, unlike his twin, "what do you mean by that?"

Sandaime sighed. "There are many people who seek power. Many do with forbidden jutsus. Others read many legends and prophecies to help them. If they were to come across the Hazaki legend, things may grow out of hand."

"Hokage-sama," Iruka spoke up. "Even if they get the prophecy, they can't use it. Neither me or Shizuka would let them use us."

"There are many ways that a person can use another," Sandaime said vaguely. "For example, through the forbidden jutsu."

"But why me?" Shizuka demanded angrily. "I wouldn't be doing my freaking job otherwise!"

"Iruka can be protected in Konoha," Sandaime said calmly. "There are many ninjas around. You can learn more techniques if you travel around, possibly even creating your own. You can become much stronger if you live on your own, depending on yourself."

"So you're banning me from coming back forever?" Shizuka growled. "Then why the hell should I get stronger? The Konoha shinobi might as well protect him forever and strip me from my job!"

"You and Iruka can communicate with each other through a mind link, am I right?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Iruka nodded.

"When Iruka is of need of you, then he will call for you," Sandaime said as if he had planned this all out. "There will be times when that happen, Shizuka, do not worry." He turned towards Iruka. "I know your parents made you promise that you wouldn't tell a soul about anything and that you won't use the Kanazaki. If war comes upon Konoha, the Kanazaki would be extremely helpful."

"I can't just reveal myself!" Iruka protested. And then, as an afterthought he added, "Hokage-sama."

"A disguise could be easily made," Sandaime said. "Shizuka, you are to leave in 2 days."

Shizuka grunted unhappily. "This is so unfair. Right after my parents leave me, I have to leave my only family left!"

Sandaime sighed. "I'm sorry, but you being here with Iruka are dangerous, especially if people get there hands on the prophecy. If only Iruka is here, it wouldn't be a problem, as they wouldn't think he was the one in the prophecy by himself."

"I know, I know," Shizuka grumbled. "Iruka, you and me are gonna have everyday talks through our links okay? I am so not letting you not tell me anything from your life."

"Right!"

(End Flashback)

Iruka looked at his alarm clock. 10 o'clock. Time for the daily talk with Shizuka. He felt a small smile creep up his face. Shizuka had been complaining to him yesterday about how her new sensei was killing her. And how stuffy the Water Country was.

Irukaaaaaaa! Shizuka's voice whined through Iruka's mind.

Hey there, Iruka said. What did you learn today?

A whole bunch of new Water jutsus, Shizuka said. And a whole pile of crap.

Shizuka, you really need to watch your language! Iruka scolded.

Heh, looks like the teacher side is coming out. I knew you'd be a teacher! Always so… polite and strict, Shizuka said.

Iruka sighed mentally. Really Shizuka. You're 25, act like it.

Shizuka snorted. That's not fair! I'm born this way and I'm proud of it!

It's really your fault that I became a prankster, Iruka grumbled.

Believe it, we're just attention seekers, Shizuka snorted. By the way, how's the Chuunin Exams? Is Naruto doing okay?

Yeah, fine, he's going to the third round. The one where you actually fight in an arena against other ninjas. Remember? Iruka said.

No, I don't know, Shizuka grumbled. Remember, I didn't get to do the Chuunin Exams. So technically, I'm a genin that can beat the crap out of some Chuunin.

Iruka chuckled. Getting egotistical Shizuka.

Oh shut up, Shizuka growled. You're a Chuunin, and I can beat you! Besides, you cheated in the Chuunin Exam! You activated the Kanazaki, you're lucky nobody could see the orange glow because of the sun.

I would've died, and you know it, Iruka protested. That guy had me pinned on the ground with a kunai in his hand!

I would've saved you, I was nearby, Shizuka shot back. I wouldn't have let you die.

Iruka paused, trying to think of a comeback. In the end, he sighed and said goodbye. I still have a class to teach tomorrow, he said when Shizuka started complaining about lack of sibling interaction.

Fine, fine, Shizuka mumbled. Till tomorrow.

Iruka smiled slightly and turned over in his bed. Tomorrow would be Tuesday; he had classes to teach and had to correct all his students' quizzes, tests, and essays. And probably half the time he would be worrying about Naruto.

He knew he shouldn't be biased, but he couldn't help it. He hoped Naruto will make it through the whole entire thing.

Iruka yawned, and was asleep before he could cancel his biased thoughts.

XXX

"IRUKA-SENSEI!" A loud booming voice rang through the entire Academy. Iruka slightly winced as the yell hurt his already hurting head. He had a very troubling time with the kids today, especially with Konohamaru, who was especially desperate to make a prank even Iruka-sensei couldn't predict.

"Naruto," Iruka said, grinning at the younger boy. "How was your fight?"

"It was awesome!" Naruto blabbed. "You should've seen me out there! I was totally kicking Kiba's butt! Even with that Aka-whatever backing him up!"

"It's Akamaru," Iruka laughed. "Yosh! Let's go celebrate your victory with ramen!"

"ALRIGHT! RAMEN!" Naruto screamed enthusiastically. "You're the best Iruka-sensei!"

Iruka didn't understand how Naruto could talk for so long. Naruto talked about his fight with Kiba and Akamaru on the way to Ichiraku, in between slurps while eating his ramen, and on the way back to Naruto's apartment.

"Ne, ne Iruka-sensei," Naruto said as Iruka turned to go back to his own apartment. "Are you going to be there tomorrow? It's going to be the finals!"

"I'm sorry," Iruka apologized as Naruto's face fell. "I have classes to teach."

Naruto's face brightened up. "Maybe you can bring the class to watch us!"

Iruka face-faulted. He didn't even want to think about what tricks Konohamaru would pull if they went to the Chuunin Exams. Especially in front of the Hokage and the Kazekage. He gulped, imagining an angry Kazekage and the Sandaime burying his head in his hands in shame. Then he imagined himself being scolded and possibly fired by the Hokage. "I'm not so sure about that…"

"Aw, I'm sure Konohamaru would love it!" Naruto urged.

Iruka sweatdropped. "Konohamaru is the one I'm worried about."

"Ne, ne, why?" Naruto asked.

Iruka thought long and hard for an excuse. Say 'Reasons beyond your understanding.' Shizuka's voice echoed in his head. Iruka nearly jumped in surprise.

"Iruka-sensei? Is something wrong? You just suddenly tensed!"

"Oh, nothing, nothing at all," Iruka smiled weakly. Shizuka! Next time, warn me or something.

"So why are you worried about Konohamaru?"

"Reasons beyond your understanding," Iruka muttered, for lack of an excuse. "Well, I have to go now; I've got lots of stuff to do!"

"Okay, Iruka-sensei!" Naruto waved goodbye. "Don't overwork yourself!"

"Right," Iruka smiled as he ruffled Naruto's head. "Don't overwork yourself either."

"Right!"

XXX

Iruka rubbed his temple in frustration and fatigue. He had been correcting quizzes, tests, and assignments for the last 3 hours, according to his dolphin alarm clock beside his table. He quickly glanced at the clock again. 6 o'clock p.m. It was time for dinner. He stretched quickly and stood up. He walked quietly; the only sound was the hardwood floor creaking under his feet. All around his house was pictures of his mother and father. There was none of Shizuka, all of them buried in his box. The Sandaime had said that it would be best if people eventually forgot about Shizuka. The girl had blown up at that, not liking the fact of being forgotten. So, Iruka had to clear out pictures of her, just in case somebody came over.

The brown-haired man sighed as he checked all his cabinets. There were no traces of food to be found. He had forgotten to go grocery shopping…again. He quickly slipped on his Chuunin vest and sandals before going out the door. Looks like another night eating ramen again. He locked his door, though living in a village full of ninjas, it was totally useless.

He sighed as he turned left to head to Ichiraku.

"Hey Iruka-sensei!" a kid screamed, waving enthusiastically. Iruka waved back. The kid, Kai, jogged up to the sensei, with his father bustling to catch up. "Guess what, Sensei!"

Kai's father, a fellow Chuunin named Fushishu, caught up. "I'm sorry Iruka. Kai's been a bit active since he had known he could see the finals of the Chuunin exams."

"That's alright," Iruka said reassuringly. He crouched down to Kai's level. "So, is this Chuunin Exam that's got you all excited?"

Kai nodded enthusiastically. "Uh huh! I get to see the Uchiha Sasuke! Daddy says he's the last one from his family! I wonder what happened…" Kai trailed off for a moment before gathering all his energy back. "But it's gonna be sooo awesome! I can't wait! The match is tomorrow right daddy?"

"Right kiddo," Fushishu said, ruffling the kid's hair. He gave Iruka an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, but we have to go. My wife's going to kill us if we're any later than we are."

"That's alright," Iruka said. "Hope you guys have a good time at the exams." "While I suffer Konohamaru's frightening class."

They waved goodbye with Kai skipping home happily and Fushishu sighing in his hands. He could just imagine tomorrow, waking up at 4 o'clock because of Kai's fear of being late, sitting at the stadium for hours on end until the first match shows, Kai complaining because Sasuke isn't fighting yet… ooh boy, he was so not looking forward to tomorrow.

Iruka smiled as he walked down the road towards Ichiraku. He waved around, greeting parents and shinobis alike. As he entered the ramen shop, he instantly recognized the blonde hair and the orange outfit. Of course Naruto was here, he had ramen everyday, despite Iruka's complaints and protests.

Iruka sat himself down beside his favourite pupil. "How is it going, Naruto?"

Naruto turned from his bowl of ramen, noodles still dripping from his mouth. Iruka sighed at the sight. The blonde boy slurped at the noodles noisily. "Iruka-sensei," Naruto said accusingly almost. "You forgot to get groceries, didn't you?"

Iruka grinned sheepishly. "I've been busy, with the Chuunin Exams here and all. And I wouldn't be talking, what are you doing here then?"

Naruto grinned back. "I ran out of instant ramen."

"Naruto!" Iruka scolded. "How many times do I have to tell you? Instant ramen isn't good for your health if you eat it everyday! Try eating vegetables, fruits, rice…"

Naruto made a face. "Ramen taste sooo much better than those things!" He exclaimed, waving his chopsticks towards his bowl of ramen, or rather, bowls, for emphasis. "They're sooo tasty, and yummy, especially Miso Ramen!"

Iruka sighed, knowing that the day Naruto quits eating ramen is the day Orochimaru comes back in a pink tutu and has a dream of becoming a professional ballerina. Iruka suddenly blanched at the mental image. Definitely not a pretty sight.

"Ne, Iruka-sensei," Naruto's voice brought Iruka back to reality and from his daydream of a dancing Orochimaru. "Aren't you going to eat your ramen?"

Iruka glanced at his Pork Ramen. "Yes," Iruka replied. "I was just… thinking." He inwardly shuddered again.

Naruto looked somewhat disappointed. He wanted to have Iruka-sensei's bowl of ramen. He was still hungry after two bowls, but he didn't exactly have enough money. His face fell, remembering that the rest of his money was at home, under his pillow. He gave the Pork Ramen bowl another longing look before searching for his wallet.

Iruka sighed, knowing that look. "It's alright Naruto, it's my treat." Oh well, he just got paid yesterday anyways.

Naruto's face brightened. "Thank you Iruka-sensei!" He screamed. Then, to the old man at the counter, "another bowl of Pork Ramen please!"

Iruka grumbled unhappily as he munched on his ramen. There was already a huge dent in his wallet from this afternoon. And now, there was going to be an even bigger dent.

"Iruka-sensei…?" Naruto asked uncertainly as his pork ramen was being prepared. Iruka turned towards him and gave him a nod, a sign to continue. "Is there such thing as a dragon?"

Iruka choked on his ramen. Naruto instantly panicked. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to ask that! You don't hafta answer! Really! You don't! It was just something I overheard somebody talking about! I was just curious! Please Iruka-sensei, don't die!"

Iruka took a deep breath in, and swallowed the ramen before clearing his throat. He glanced uncertainly at Naruto. "No, it's alright, Naruto. I was just surprised," he said reassuringly. "Where did you hear about dragons?"

Naruto shrugged, after making sure his precious sensei was actually okay and wasn't about to die from choking. "I heard it as I was passing by some market. I didn't really hear the whole conversation, but I know there was something about a dragon." His eyes brightened up. "So dragons are real?"

Iruka had a slight glazed look on his face as he remembered what his father had told him about dragons.

"Dragons are the symbol of the Hazaki clan. We, the Hazaki, are the only people who can summon dragons with the Kuchiyose no jutsu. However, a dragon is hard to control, and many have failed to control the dragon. Iruka, I don't want you using the Kuchiyose no jutsu unless you really have to, we don't know what the outcome would be."

"Well, they're real," Iruka said slowly. "But nobody has seen a dragon in a very, very long time. You sure you didn't hear a single thing?"

"Well not really, all I heard was 'dragon' and 'clan'," Naruto said thoughtfully. "I was just curious, cuz I've never heard anybody mention a dragon before."

"They're dangerous creatures, that's why," Iruka said. "Nobody has seen one since decades ago."

"So you've never seen one?" Naruto asked. Iruka nodded. And it was true. He was shown the hand seals, and told how to mold the chakra after the last seal, but he has never actually summoned a dragon before. "Cool."

"Do you want to see a dragon?" Iruka asked curiously. Naruto seemed to be surprised before thinking about his question.

"Yeah!" Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "It would be pretty cool!"

Iruka chuckled. "For everybody's sake, I hope nobody ever sees one."

XXX

The brown-haired man yawned tiredly and stretched his worn out limbs. It was currently around 8 o'clock according to his alarm clock. He had finally done all his correcting, and was finished planning tomorrow's lesson as well. He grinned slightly. "Maybe I could get in a couple more hours of sleep today." However, his thoughts were interrupted when an impatient knock sounded through the entire apartment.

"Coming," Iruka muttered. He sighed as he unlocked his door, and was entirely surprised to see the Hokage. "Ah, Sandaime-sama, uh, what brings you here? Shouldn't you be looking after the Kazekage?"

The Sandaime paused. "That can wait. I have some things I wanted to talk to you about."

"Alright," Iruka nodded and stepped aside to let the old man in. Sarutobi sat himself down at the kitchen table. Iruka hastily locked the door before joining the Hokage. "What is it?"

"Have you heard from Shizuka yet?" Sarutobi asked. Iruka looked surprised.

"Well, she interrupted me in my thoughts this afternoon…"

"Did she say anything?"

"No," Iruka shook his head. "Sandaime-sama, what's happening? Why are you asking me this?"

Sarutobi frowned. "I'm sure you've heard at least a bit of it, as word passes through the country pretty quick. Somebody said they spotted a dragon somewhere near the Country of Water." Iruka immediately frowned, remembering his conversation with Naruto. "I was wondering if Shizuka was there."

"She is," Iruka muttered. "But I don't think she would do something like this, I mean, we've never actually summoned a dragon before. She wouldn't take the risk unless she was in big danger."

"I know," Sarutobi said. "It was only a thought. Some people like to use holograms of dragons to scare the people of the Country of Water. They know the feudal lord would be scared, because of the legend. But if she is there, then it's a possibility that she was in trouble."

Iruka frowned, not liking the idea. "If she was, she would've contacted me right away."

"Unless she wasn't given the time too," Sarutobi said. "There is no need to be worried Iruka, I'm sure she's fine. She has the Kanazaki plus she's a good shinobi. It's only a small possibility that it's actually her. Try contacting her now."

Iruka nodded. Shizuka, he practically screamed through their link. Where are you, dammit? He was inwardly panicking. What if something really had happened? He sighed. "No response, Hokage-sama."

Sandaime looked really disappointed. "We'll look farther into this after the Chuunin Exams. Relax, Iruka, she's probably too busy." But he knew, deep inside, he was just tricking himself.

That night, Iruka had a very hard time sleeping. Actually, he barely got any sleep. He was too busy thinking up all the possible outcomes. Most of them ended in death. He hoped and prayed that it was just one of her tricks she was playing. He sincerely hoped that. But he knew he was tricking himself. She has never ignored him, especially when he's all panicky.

But still, he hoped, and wished, and prayed that nothing happened to her. She was, after all, the only family he had left.

XXX

End of Chapter 2.

9 pages... this chapter was 9 pages. Why? Because I received 9 reviews. It's one page per review. I get 5 reviews, the next chappie would be 5 pages. Anyways, I hope you liked it.

Review please!