Two years have passed and Kai Namikaze is now thirteen years old. A child who looks like in her late teen, close to early adult; a young Jounin, and the first prodigy child of the late Fourth Hokage.

Speaking of Kai, she was in the Hokage Mansion, giving her report of her latest mission of escorting and protecting a Feudal Lord back to his home.

"You did a job well done, as usual, Kai," said Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The Third Hokage, a wise and respected elder man whom everyone looks up to, was in his Calligraphy Room. He was writing while smoking from his cigar pipe. He turned to look at her over his shoulder, "So, how are Naruto and Sasuke?"

Kai smiled as she thought about them, "Naruto's doing fine. As well as Sasuke."

"Is he still bent on revenge?"

Her smile vanished. There was no need to answer his question for they both knew the exact answer for it. Five years have passed since the massacre has happened. The grudge, the ambition that the young Uchiha still held for his brother was very strong till this day.

Inhaling from his pipe before sighing the smoke out, the smell of tobacco could be smelt throughout the room. Hiruzen was about to discuss something more with her until two shinobis came barging into the room.

"Lord Hokage! It's an emergency!"

The two looked over to them. Panic and annoyance were shown on the shinobi's faces.

"I hope you're not bothering me with some trivia. And don't tell me it's Naruto again," said the elder man, already used to this regular routine.

"It is Naruto again! He climbed onto the Great Stone Faces!"

"He put graffiti all over the Hokage."

Sighing, Hiruzen looked over to the young girl, who was smiling sheepishly of the regular news about Naruto's usual pranks as she scratched the back of her head. He couldn't help but compare her action and smile to Minato's. If the man was still alive, the two could've been twins. Besides the red part of her hair.

"Kai, would you mind telling Iruka of this event? Come back once you do."

Hearing the Hokage says the young Namikaze's name, the two shinobis looked over at her. They gasped and quickly bowed, "W-we're so sorry, Lord Namikaze! We didn't-"

She waved them off, "It's fine. I know Naruto can be a handful sometimes." With that, she dismissed herself by teleporting to the academy.

/

Appearing in front of the building, Kai looked up at it and smile softly as she reminisces about her very first day of being there. There were some hard times and good times during her academy years. But the best memory that she held precious the most to her was meeting her squad. Softly smiling at all the memories with them, she hopes that both Naruto and Sasuke would get to experience the same bonds that she did with her teammates when they graduate and pass their genin exam. Focusing back at the task at hand, Kai walked herself into the building, towards the room that she knew Iruka taught in.

Stopping in front of the very door, she knocked on it before slowly opening, catching every eyes and attention that was in the room. Iruka was at the front of the room, not yet noticing her presence. He was almost finished taking test results down until the students in the classroom started shouting in excitement.

"Oh my gosh, it's Kai Namikaze!"

"Kyaa! He looks even hotter up close!"

"I wonder what he's doing here?"

"I want to touch him!"

Everyone in the classroom sat up straight when they saw the young Namikaze. Even Sasuke had straightened up in his seat when he saw her.

Kai Namikaze, the girl who had been there for him before and after the Uchiha Massacre, was a very important person to him. Though she may have been his friend first, she had stuck by his side until this day. Even though he had to share her with the loud idiot, Naruto Uzumaki.

His mind went to the memory of the little declaration that the young blond made in the bath a couple of years ago. A declaration of marrying the sunset blonde. He mentally scoffed at the idea of the Uzumaki marrying the older girl. She was someone who was kind, patient, understanding, and beautiful; when she has her hair down. So for her to be with someone like Naruto, who was boisterous and goofs off all the time… he just couldn't imagine or see it ever happening.

So when he heard Kai saying that they made a siblings pact, made him inwardly sighed in relief. Since the energetic blond was always with the young Namikaze, he got to spend more time with her than the Uchiha did. It had bothered Sasuke since he felt like his relationship with her is at a standstill.

Intertwining his hands in front of his face, his eyes narrowed at nothing in front of him as he made a mental promise to try and be with the sunset blonde as much as he could while training to become stronger to achieve his ambition.

Hearing Kai's name, Iruka looked up from his clipboard. His eyes widen when he saw that she was actually there, in his classroom. Not once has she ever come to visit his classroom before. So to see her standing there, worried and confused him.

"How can I help you, Kai?" asked Iruka.

The young Jounin looked at him after waving hello to the class, "Yes, it's about Naruto."

Knowing exactly where this is going, he sighs, "I wonder why it was so quiet in the class today. Where is he?"

Chuckling, she points out at the window. Everyone turned their head to see where she pointed at, just to see all four of the Hokage's faces graffitied. Seeing the Great Stone Faces vandalized, irked Iruka. Just when he was about to thank her for telling him, the boisterous laughter of Naruto Uzumaki could be heard from a distance.

Sighing in frustration and exhaustion, he thanked her, "Thank you, Kai. I'll make sure to bring him in and clean up his mess as punishment."

Smiling, she nodded, "I'll be taking my leave then."

Her words made most of the students whine.

"Aww! He's leaving already?"

"That sucks, I was hoping for him to show us some of his moves."

"Darn it! I didn't get a chance to touch him!"

/

Returning back to the Hokage Mansion, Hiruzen was back in his office, wearing his robe once more. Kai walked into the room as the man still puffs from his cigar pipe from behind the pile of paperwork that had piled up upon his desk.

Standing in front of his desk, she waited until he finished sorting through his paperwork until he finally looks up at her. Setting the papers aside, he folded his hands in front of him, "As you know, the graduation exam is coming soon."

Kai nodded, "That's right. Sasuke's graduating this year as it will be Naruto's third…"

Hiruzen nodded, "Correct. But they aren't the reason why I wanted to talk to you about."

Confused and curious about what he meant, she asked, "Then what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?"

Inhaling from his pipe, he exhales before answering, "I know that you are still very young, but you are a Jounin."

She wonders on where he was going with this until his next words surprised her, "For the graduates this year, I will be partnering you up with another Jounin sensei who will or might be passing their squad this year."

Frowning, she asked, "May I ask, Lord Hiruzen, why this sudden decision?"

Putting his pipe down, he intertwined his fingers together in front of him, "As you know that both Naruto and Sasuke are graduating this year, I would feel reassure if there were two Jounins looking after them."

Now she was confused by his explanation, "In order for the Jounin sensei and I to be able to watch the two, both boys have to be on the same team right? How will it work if they are separated?"

He didn't answer her. His silence telling her everything she needed to know.

Sighing, she rubbed the back of her head, "Alright then. So… who's the sensei? And we won't even know if Naruto will graduate this year."

"Oh I think you know him," he chuckled, handing her a file. "And as for Naruto… there's no need to worry about him. I have a feeling that he will pass this year."

Not questioning the elder man's intuition, Kai grabbed the handed file and looked through the squad that the two were put together and saw the third member to be none other than Sakura Haruno.

Sakura Haruno, a common girl with light pink hair and green eyes, was a smart girl from the information that was on the files. She is apparently smart with book knowledge, a bit average on Shuriken Jutsu, but quite poorly on Taijutsu. There wasn't much about her Genjutsu other than being knowledgeable about it. Her basic ninjutsu was also average.

She hummed at the information of the girl until she flipped to another page and saw who the Sensei was for the group. Her eyes widen at who it was.

"Wha-? He's going to be their sensei?"

Picking up his pipe, Hiruzen lit it up, "Yes he is. He's a worthy Jounin who I know will be able to handle the two."

Sweat dropping, she smiled nervously at the elder man in front of her, "But… Lord Hiruzen, he has never passed a Genin squad ever since you assigned him to be a sensei."

He chuckles, "Well then, it'll teach the squad a lesson if they do not pass."

/

After talking about her being assigned to be the squad's Jounin assistant, Kai had noticed that it was time for the academy students to be out by now.

Making her way there, she watched as the kids ran out of the academy. The older's in groups while the youngers are being picked up by their parents, older siblings, or relatives. She smiles as she watched a little boy run past her and into his older brother's arms, calling out for him.

Watching them smiling happily made her remember of a certain sibling that was once happy just like them. She inwardly sighed, sad that the happy relationship had ended badly the way it did.

"Kai!"

Snapping out from her thoughts, Kai turned to the familiar voice. Before she could find them, the owner of the voice slammed himself into her. Quickly righting herself before they toppled over to the ground, Kai wrapped her arms around the familiar blond, smiling.

"Hello to you too, Naruto."

Smiling up at her, Naruto laughed, "Did you like the graffiti that I did this morning on the Hokage's faces? It was awesome wasn't it?"

She chuckled, "Yes it was. But you also know that you had to clean it up now, right?"

Smiling nervously at her words, he started to slowly back away from her, "Uh… I just remembered that I had to do something."

Amused by his little lie on trying to get away from cleaning, Kai crossed her arms in front of her, "Oh really? May I ask what it is?"

Sweating now, he scratched the back of his head, "Uhh… training?"

"Naruto!"

He jumped and quickly hid behind the girl. Turning her attention to the voice that had called out to the young Uzumaki, Kai saw Iruka standing there in front of them. His face was stern with his arms crossed in front of him.

He nodded at her, "Kai."

She smiled, "Iruka."

Looking away from her, Iruka narrowed his eyes at the young blond who was slowly trying to get away, "I sure ain't hope you're trying to sneak off from your punishment, Naruto."

Freezing in his spot, Naruto quickly rubs the back of his head as he turned to him, "O-oh… hey Iruka-sensei."

"Don't hey me!" Iruka irked. Grabbing the blond by the back of his collar, he started dragging him to the Hokage Monument, "You're going to be cleaning your mess up and I'll be watching you until it's done."

"No! I don't want to! Kai, help me!" Naruto struggled as he cried for the sunset blonde to save him.

Chuckling, Kai watched as they made their way to the Monument, Naruto's cries still loud and clear. Once they were gone, she turned her attention down to the raven-haired boy who had stood by her side the whole time quietly. She smiled down at him, "Hey Sasuke, had a good day today?"

He hn'd as he grabbed her hand and started to fast walk away from the academy. She was confused by his sudden rush but heeded no explanation as she kept speed with him.

Once he saw that they were far enough away from the academy, Sasuke had decided to slow down but never letting go of Kai's hand. He was happy that they were finally alone without the loudmouth being in the way. Every time when he wishes to be alone with her, Naruto would always somehow find a way to come in between them.

But now that he wasn't here and was too busy being occupied, Sasuke was going to take this chance to try and spend every minute and every second with her. Even if most of it was training.

Walking side by side, not yet releasing each other's hand, Kai saw that they had arrived at one of the training grounds. Looking around, she saw that the area was empty, unoccupied. She looked down at the Uchiha when he finally let go of her hand.

She watches as he takes a few steps forward before turning around to face her, "Teach me a new Fire Jutsu, Kai."

To say she was surprised would be an understatement. Ever since the Uchiha Massacre, Sasuke would always come to her, when she isn't busy, and ask her to train him. She didn't mind helping him, however… she just wishes that his motivation to become strong was not for revenge. Sighing, she knew that she cannot change his mind once it is made up.

Looking down at the raven-haired boy, Kai saw that he has been patiently waiting for her reply. She hummed, deciding which Fire-style Jutsu to teach him. When she finally decided on one, she smiles, "Alright, but first show me how well your Fireball Jutsu has gotten. The last time you showed me-"

"Was unperfected. I know," Sasuke interrupted, looking away from her in irritation.

He remembered the first time he had tried out that Jutsu. It was when he asked him to teach him how to do it. To try and make their father proud of him. Kai had been there when he had first tried it out and felt completely embarrassed when his fireball wasn't as big as his brother's. It came out as a mere small one. The same size as his younger self. But now that he is older, he has been training non-stop on trying to perfect the Jutsu as well as his Shuriken Jutsu and Taijutsu.

Shaking his head, Sasuke went to focus back at the task at hand. He took a few steps away from the young Namikaze and started to do the necessary hand signs, his chakra flowing with the certain amount that he thinks he may need.

Once done, he brought his hand out in front of him, "Fire-style: Fireball Jutsu!"

Kai watched as the heat from Sasuke's fireball lit right in front of them. She saw how he had executed the jutsu perfectly. However, she couldn't help but notice how much drainage it took on his chakra. She frowned, 'Looks like he's going to need some teaching on chakra control. But he did do the jutsu pretty well this time. I guess it won't hurt to teach him one fire jutsu.'

She then inwardly chuckle, 'I think I'll leave him to teach them chakra control.'

"So?"

Snapping her attention back to him she smiled, "It was a lot better than the last time. So great job, Sasuke."

Though he would never show it on the outside, Sasuke was actually very happy on the inside from her praise.

"Now teach me the next jutsu already."

Kai couldn't help but chuckle at the tone that he used. He sounded so pouty as if he was a kid demanding for more sweets. Then again, he still is just a kid.

Walking so she could stand next to him, she ruffles his hair, "Alright. Now watch closely."

Doing the necessary hand signs, she noticed that Sasuke had been keeping a close eye at her hands, before performing the jutsu, "Fire-style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!"

Bringing her hand up, she blew multiple small fireballs. Once she was done, she turned to look down at him, "Ready to try?"

He had an unimpressed look on his face when she looked at him. She raised an eyebrow, "Something wrong?"

Looking up at her, he answers, "It's just a smaller version of the Fireball Jutsu. It's not even that great. I want to learn a stronger jutsu, Kai."

She frowned at him, "Sasuke, not every strong jutsu will be able to help you through if you were ever in a tight situation nor your revenge."

He looked down at the ground, his eyes narrowed. Sighing, she put a hand on his head, smiling, "Why don't you take a closer look."

Not understanding what she meant, he looked over at the ground and trees. There were scorch marks that her mini fireballs have left behind but what he didn't expect to see were shurikens left in their wake.

His eyes widen, "When did you?"

"I threw them at the exact time and the exact moment when I executed the jutsu."

He turned to look at her in awe. Chuckling, she continues, "You can do this too if you practice Sasuke. With this skill, you'll be able to catch your opponents off guard. Like, say you were fighting against a wind user, they'll blow the fire away but it'll leave them a nice surprise."

He contemplated her words. What she said was true. Every ninja always used tactics and Jutsu's to complete their goals no matter how weak or strong it may seem. Coming to a decision, he looked at her in determination, "Teach it to me."

/

The sun was setting when Kai had finished training with Sasuke. The raven-haired looked quite exhausted.

She smiled at him, "You did well today, Sasuke. We can continue training some other time."

Though he may not show a lot of expression to others, he still showed them around her and only to her. So to see him pout in front of her made her quietly chuckle at the childish look on his face, "Why can't we train tomorrow?"

She raised an eyebrow, "Tomorrow is your's and Naruto's graduation day. I think one or two days without training will do no harm. Besides, you should know better than anyone that training without breaks will only harm you. Not strengthen you."

He looked away. He knew that she was right. She was always right.

~Flashback~

It was two years ago that he stupidly kept on training non-stop. He had trained when it was sunny. He had trained when it even rained. At that time, he had only cared about getting stronger and his revenge. He remembered Kai coming to the training grounds multiple times to get him to stop and rest. But he refused her request every time. Heck, he even remembered Naruto coming by a couple of times to try and stop him so Kai would stop being worried about him.

Seeing Naruto and hearing him say Kai's name had only made him felt bitter and angry, so he had lashed out at the blond boy. He didn't know what happened after, but the next thing he knew, he had a busted lip and bruised ribs. While Naruto had sported the same as him. Both of them were breathing heavily, him more so than the latter.

That was when Kai had decided to show up. When she had seen them all bruised and bleeding, her face had shown disappointment, anger, and sadness. That's when Sasuke knew that he might've taken it a bit too far.

Instead of talking to them, she had merely grabbed a tired Naruto by his collar and put him on her back. Naruto hadn't mind the way she had to handle him. He just wrapped his arms around her neck and snuggled up on her back. Kai had walked over to him and was about to grab him too. But before she could grab him, he had gotten himself off the ground and stood to stand in front of her.

Both of them had stared at each other for about a minute or two until he finally spoke, "I'm sorry."

No reply. Just a sigh and a shake of her head. Waving a hand, she gestured for him to follow while carrying Naruto on her back.

Before he could follow her, he had only taken one step before everything turned black for him.

When he came to, he had found himself in a bed. The same bed that he had slept on before he moved out of the young Namikaze's house. Pushing himself up on the bed, his vision started spinning.

"Lay back down, you have a really high fever right now."

Before he could reply, he felt a hand gently push him back down on the bed. Once the dizzy spell is gone from his vision, he looked over to see Kai looking down at him from the bedside. Her face was stern but her eyes were soft, concerned for his health. When she saw that he was alright, she put the back of her hand on his forehead to feel his temperature from hers.

She hummed, "Your fever is still high."

Pulling her hand back, she turns to grab something on the nightstand before handing it out to him, "I need you to take this before you rest some more."

Not fighting her, he put his hand out for her to drop whatever she held into his hand. Feeling two small objects, he brought it close to face and saw that they were medicine.

"Eat it. It'll help you with your fever."

He didn't argue with her. Actually, he didn't want to at all. He didn't want her to be disappointed with him any more than she already is.

He tried to sit up again, but the dizzy spell quickly came back. When he almost fell sideways off the bed, Kai quickly caught him and righted him up.

He squeezed her arm as a silent thank you before putting the medicine in his mouth. Kai handed him a glass of water, which he kindly accepted, and drank it while swallowing the medicine. Once she saw that he was done, Kai grabbed the glass from him, setting it on the nightstand, and helped him lay back down. Seeing that he was fine and tucked in, she started to leave the room for him to rest.

Sasuke's eyes widen in panic when he saw her leaving. He didn't want her to leave while still mad and disappointed in him. So he quickly grabbed her by the back of her shirt.

That stopped her in her track. Turning around to face him, he saw her look at him, confusion in her eyes.

"Is there something you need, Sasuke?"

He didn't answer her. Instead, he let go of her shirt and brought the blanket up to his chin. He didn't know how to answer her. How to ask her if she was still angry at him. If she was disappointed in him.

Hearing her sigh, he focused his attention back on her. Kai had sat next to him on the bed, quietly waiting for him to talk.

Silence filled the room. It was a calm and yet an uncomfortable silence between the two until Sasuke finally decided to break it, "Are you mad at me?"

She didn't answer him right away. Rather, she looked away from him, staring out the window that was next to the bed. The moonlight filled the room as the wind blew softly through the window.

To say he was nervous is an understatement. He was afraid. Terrified. He was more afraid than the night of the Uchiha Massacre. He didn't want to lose Kai. She was the only important person to him ever since the massacre. So to have her leave him because he was too stubborn to listen to her when she told him to stop training, he didn't want to think about it.

A couple more minutes of silence passed between them until Kai finally spoke, "No, I'm not mad at you Sasuke."

Looking at her, he waited for her to continue.

Sighing, she looks down at him, "I'm not mad. Rather, I'm disappointed."

Furrowing his eyebrows, Sasuke ponders on what she meant.

Kai saw his confusion and further explained, "You said you wanted to get stronger. So you trained. I had no problem with your training, Sasuke. But the way how you did it… training all day and night… not listening to me when I asked you to stop and rest. Even when Naruto came and asked you to stop. But rather than rejecting him like you usually do, the both of you fought with each other until both of you were covered in bruises with busted lips and a bleeding nose."

She sighed and turned to look back out the window, "It's fine to train Sasuke. To become strong. But to train until you collapse and get sick like what you just did… that won't help you become stronger Sasuke. Rather, it will only weaken you. It will weaken your body."

Looking back at him, she could see that he understood yet at the same time, didn't see the harm in it. Sighing inwardly, she fully turns her body to face him.

"You want to become strong, right Sasuke?"

He answered her question right away with a nod.

"You want to become stronger than Itachi, right?"

Hearing the very name for his hatred and reasoning of becoming stronger, Sasuke narrowed his eyes, "Of course."

"Than in order to become strong, you can't let your body become weak. If your body becomes weak, then how will you achieve your goal? Your revenge for your Clan? You won't be able to do it if you are weak and dead while your brother will roam the living, strong and healthy."

His eyes widen before narrowing them, finally understanding what she was saying. Feeling a hand on his forehead, he looks at it before looking over at Kai. She was smiling down at him now.

Blushing at her kind smile that was towards him, he brought the blanket to cover the bottom half of his reddened face. But never taking his eyes off of her.

"Seems you finally understand…"

~End of Flashback~

Ever since that day, Sasuke had made a mental schedule on his training with resting in between. And whenever Kai is free, he would add it to the schedule while trying to hang with her as well.

"You coming, Sasuke?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, he looked back at her, "What?"

Kai smiled, knowing full well that he was in thoughts when she had asked him. She mentally laughed at how similar he was to Itachi.

"I asked if you wanted to get dinner with me, seeing as how late it has gotten."

Looking up at the sky, Sasuke saw that she was right. The sun had just set. The moon shining bright with the stars twinkling in the black blanketed sky. He then realizes what she just asked.

'Dinner? Alone with Kai?'

Thinking about just the two of them alone having dinner, he lightly blushed at the thought. It would be like a date if no one else interferes that is. Like a certain loudmouth that clings himself onto the girl like a koala.

Shaking himself from his thoughts, he focuses his attention back at the sunset blonde that was still patiently waiting for his answer.

"Sure."

Smiling, Kai started to their trek back to the village, "Do you know what you feel like eating?"

He shrugs as he walks next to her, his hands in his pockets, "Anything's fine."

Thinking, she started to list out loud to see which one he wants to go to, "We could go to Ichiraku's. We might meet Naruto and Iruka there."

Sasuke frowned, knowing that the Uzumaki boy would definitely be there. He quickly tried to change the girl's choice, "I always see you eat there with the idiot. Why not somewhere else…"

She looked at him, "Alright, like what?"

Without thinking, he chose by pointing randomly at a building when they made it to the restaurant area. Looking over to where he pointed to, Kai looked in disbelief, "You want to go eat in a pub?"

Hearing her words, he looked at where he pointed and felt embarrassed when he saw that she was right. He then heard her chuckle at his mistake. Trying to hide his reddening face, he brought the collar of his shirt up. Before he could embarrass himself any further, a loud voice that the two instantly recognize from anywhere, yelled out to the young Namikaze.

"Kai!"

The two turned to where the voice came from and was met by a blur of orange and yellow slamming itself into the older girl. Kai, used to his unexpected hugs, caught him in her arms and smiled, "Hello again, Naruto."

Removing his face from her stomach, he smiled brightly up at her, "Kai! Come have ramen with me and Iruka-sensei!"

Chuckling, she patted him on the head, "I gladly would, but I'm supposed to be having dinner with someone else."

Naruto pouted and looked over to see who she was going with. When he saw who it was, his eyes narrowed as his arms gripped a bit tighter around her waist.

Having no problem in returning the feeling, Sasuke glared right back at the blond, his fists clenched tightly in his pockets.

Sensing their rivalry, Kai couldn't help but sigh. She will never understand what started their rival for each other is, but she just wished that she wasn't in the middle of it. Like right now for example.

"Kai, Sasuke. We were just about to head to Ichiraku's. Why not join us?"

Looking over to the Chunin sensei, Kai smiled at him, "Thank you, Iruka. But Sasuke and I were going to go and eat somewhere else."

Naruto quickly look up at her, "What?! Just the two of you?"

She smiled, nodding to his question.

Turning to look at the raven-haired, he was quickly irked at the smirk that appeared on the Uchiha's face. Then with a brilliant idea, he grins, "Than how about Iruka-sensei and I join both of you?"

Sasuke's eyes widen at the question. If Kai accepted the offer than he wouldn't be able to be alone with her anymore. Instead, he had to endure the night with the boisterous blond and his academy sensei.

"I don't know, Naruto. I did tell Sasuke that we would have dinner together. You'll have to ask him," said Kai, turning to look at the Uchiha, who had stood quietly the entire time.

Just wanting Kai to be happy, Sasuke inwardly sighed. He turned his head away from them, "Whatever. We can eat at Ichiraku's."

He then started making his way towards the Ramen stand. When he brushed past the smug looking Uzumaki, he quietly whispered, "You owe me."

Letting go of Kai, Naruto turned around to stick his tongue out at him, "Nyeh!"

He stopped when he felt a hand on his head. Looking up, he saw Kai smiling down at him, "Come on."

Shouting in excitement, he quickly grabbed her hand and started running towards the stand where Iruka and Sasuke were now waiting for them.

/

After getting their orders, Naruto was the first to quickly dig into his noodles, as the others took their time.

Seeing some sliced tomatoes on her side salad dish, Kai picked them up and started putting them into Sasuke's. The raven-haired looked up at her in question after taking a mouthful of noodles.

She smiled, "You like tomatoes don't you?"

Lightly blushing, he quickly swallowed and looked down at his bowl, nodding. She chuckled at him before starting to eat her ramen. Her attention was turned to the conversation on her other side.

"Naruto," Iruka started.

The said boy hummed as he kept slurping his noodles happily, "Hm?"

"Why would you do that to the Hokage faces? I mean, you know who the Hokage are, don't you?"

"Course I do," answered Naruto, his mouth still full.

Softly chopping him on the head, Kai saw him flinch a bit at her hit, "What did I say about talking with your mouthful."

Slurping the rest of his ramen, broth included, Naruto breathed out his held breath before quickly apologizing to Kai and finally answering his sensei, "Everybody knows. They were the greatest shinobi of their time, right? The best of the best. Undefeated ninja champs."

He then looks up at Kai who had just finished eating her ramen and is now eating her small salad. She hummed when she caught him looking at her. Looking away from her, the face of the Fourth Hokage appeared in his mind.

"And the Fourth Hokage's the one who saved the village from the nine tailed fox. He was the most amazing…"

As he said the last part, he couldn't help but remember the large scar on Kai's back. He was snapped out of his memory when Iruka slowly asked, "Then why did you-"

Knowing that he was going to ask, Naruto interrupted him, "Because I'm going to be greater than any of them."

He grins at Iruka, a look of determination sparkle in his eyes as he pointed at him, "Me. Naruto. The next Hokage. A ninja legend! Then everyone will have to stop disrespecting me and look up to me. Believe it!"

Hearing him proudly proclaim his ambition, Kai couldn't help but chuckle quietly. She knew, that as long as Naruto carried that determination with him through all the way, no one and nothing else will stop him from achieving his goal. Ever.

He will become strong and show everyone that he isn't what they all make him out to be. He will show everyone who he is and will work hard to gain their respect.

Thinking about his ambition, Kai looked down at Sasuke. He has been quiet the entire time when the two talked. Nudging him a bit, he looked up at her from the corner of his eyes.

"You alright?" she quietly asked.

"Hn," was his only answer.

Hearing the Uchiha's famous words, Kai couldn't help but want to stretch his cheeks. For so long she had to hear those same responses from the older sibling. So to hear the younger sibling giving her the same response whenever she had asked Itachi the same question… she couldn't help but inwardly sigh.

She decided to turn her attention back to the two when she heard Naruto ask Iruka, "Uh, by the way, I kind of want to ask a little favor, sensei."

Swallowing, Iruka knew what he wanted to ask, "You want another bowl?"

He instantly declined, putting his hands together in a begging manner, "Uh-uh. I want to try on your headband. Come on, please?"

Looking up at his headband, Iruka smiled as he touched it, "Oh, this? No way. You can only wear the Leaf headband when you finally graduate from the Academy and become a ninja. You've got to pass the test tomorrow."

"That is so uncool!"

Iruka laughed, "Hey, is that why you took off your goggles?"

Embarrassed at being caught, Naruto quickly shouted, "I want another bowl!"

Kai chuckled at the two. Pouting, Naruto looked at her, "It's not funny, Kai!"

Hearing a small snicker, he looks over Kai's other side to glare at the Uchiha, "What?! Did you just laugh at me, Sasuke?!"

Instead of answering him, Sasuke just smirked at him and looked away as he ate the sliced tomato that Kai had given him. His silent answer irked Naruto as he was about to shout until another bowl of ramen appeared in front of him. Grumbling, he decided to leave the raven boy alone and ate his new bowl of ramen.

Kai smiled at his restraint of shouting at the young Uchiha. She knew that he would usually yell at Sasuke, but to see him show restraint was an improvement.

Her attention was turned to the raven-haired when he stood up from his seat, "I'm going to get going now. Thanks for dinner Iruka-sensei. I'll see you tomorrow, Kai."

Standing up, Kai followed him out, "I'll walk with you, Sasuke."

He waited, not wanting to reject her offer. Kai turned to the two, "I'll see the two of you tomorrow. And good luck Naruto."

Naruto wasn't able to answer seeing as his mouth was full. So Iruka answered for them, "All right. Be careful going home you two."

Smiling, she nodded at him before starting to walk with Sasuke to his home.

It was quiet between the two. A calm silence, a wonderful night. The moon shined bright in the sky with its companions of millions of stars.

Breathing in the night air, Kai couldn't help but smile. As she did this, she didn't notice that a pair of onyx eyes have been staring at her. Admiring the way how she held herself.

She was beautiful, strong, and fearless. Yet, kind to others whether they are strangers or not. But when she is angry, she will show no mercy to those who had hurt or kill those close to her.

Watching her, Sasuke couldn't help but wonder if he saw Kai the way he did. The memories of how his eyes would soften whenever she is around, makes him wonder how he saw her. Sasuke may have been young back then before the massacre. But even he knew the looks that he would usually give to the young Namikaze.

It was the same look that their father would give to their mother when he thinks no one is either looking or around.

"Sasuke, are you alright?"

Taken away from his thoughts and admiring, Sasuke looked at their surroundings. They had arrived at the front door of his house and Kai was now facing him, fully looking at him.

He answered, "Fine."

She frowned at his answer, "You sure? 'Cuz you looked very solemn just now."

"Yeah. I was just thinking."

Not wanting to push anymore, she nodded, "Alright. Well, this is where we part." Before she leaves, she walked up to him.

Confused, his eyes didn't leave her until she was in front of him. Grabbing the back of his head, she pulled him to her and softly kissed him on the forehead. His eyes widen at the contact of her soft lips upon his skin.

When she pulled away, she smiled down at him, "I know you don't like others to tell you good luck. So, this is my saying 'Good Luck' to you for tomorrow even though I know that you'll pass."

Chuckling, she ruffled his hair before starting her trek home, leaving a still very daze Sasuke. When she was gone from sight, he slowly lifted a hand to touch his forehead where Kai had kissed and smiled with a light blush before entering his home.

/

It was the day of the graduation exam. It was late afternoon already and Kai wondered how the two did. Sasuke, she had no doubt would do just fine.

Naruto, on the other hand… she knew that it would be his third try. The first two years she understood. It was the years where the sensei's didn't give a damn about Naruto. So in return, he didn't a damn about them. Rather, he always either left to prank or to be alone.

She focused her attention back to the present when she saw a white bag dangling in front of her. Blinking, she looked up from where she sat, which was on a bench near the Academy, and saw Kakashi smiling down at her.

"Yo. You seem to be deep in thoughts. Want to talk about it?"

Shaking her head, she smiled up at him, "It's nothing serious. Just wondering how the two are doing, is all."

Humming, he sat next to her as he sat the bag on his lap, "They'll do fine. Besides, you're the one who trained them to this day."

She sighed, "I know. But the one whom I'm most worried about is Naruto."

"Well, we'll just have to find out later today if he does pass or not. Now don't we," said Kakashi.

The rustling sound of the bag that he had with him was heard before a stick of dango appeared in front of her face, "Here."

Accepting the sweet, Kai couldn't help but chuckle, "I see you have a crave for sweet today."

Kakashi chuckled, "Not really. I was passing by and saw you sitting here, deep in thoughts. So I thought getting this would get you out of whatever brooding thoughts you have been thinking about."

His explanation made her laugh, "Well, it worked."

Smiling, the two sat as they enjoyed the presence of each other while eating the sweets.

/

Waiting out front with the other friends, family, and guardians, Kai stood as she looked for a certain Uchiha and Uzumaki out at the front. When she didn't see them, she frowned a bit, worried if something had happened. However, her worries were relieved when she saw a certain raven-haired walking out of the doors. His brand new headband tied on his forehead.

She saw him look around through the crowd while maneuvering through them, not trying to touch anyone. When his eyes finally met her's, he quickly made his way to her.

Kai smiled, "Congratulations, Sasuke."

He let a small smile appear on his lips, "Thanks, Kai."

Looking away from him, she searched once more, "Do you know where Naruto is? Did he pass as well?"

Silence was her only answer from the Uchiha. Looking down at him, she saw him looking over at the only swing that the Academy has. Looking over at that direction, her heart immediately ached and reached out for the boy.

There, sitting on the swings, sat none other than Naruto. Sadness was clearly seen on his face as he sat there, watching as his classmates were congratulated by friends and family.

Kai knew that if she were to walk up to him right now, he would only put up a strong facade. He would just put a fake huge smile on his face and tell her that there would always be next time. However, she knew that this year, he really wanted to graduate.

Seeing him put his goggles back on, Kai was about to walk up to him with Sasuke by her side until she stopped when she saw that Mizuki had approached him first. Standing back a bit, she watched as the two interact before leaving the grounds. She looked over to where Iruka and Lord Hokage stood.

Hiruzen caught her eyes and mentally gave her orders not to follow. Sighing, she nodded before turning her attention back to Sasuke with a smile, "So, you want to go out and celebrate on graduating? It'll just be the two of us."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow at her, "What about Naruto?"

"He seems busy talking to Mizuki. And besides, if I were to approach him right now, he wouldn't want to talk about it to me just yet… I'll wait till later tonight to confront him."

He nodded, knowing that she was right.

"Alright! Let's go celebrate shall we?"

/

Later on that night, Kai was making her way home after dropping Sasuke off from their dinner celebration and running away from fangirls until an Anbu suddenly made an appearance in front of her. He bowed on one knee, "Lord Namikaze, Lord Hokage wishes to see you. It is quite urgent."

Nodding, she teleported herself, instantly standing right in front of him. Turning around, she saw that they were standing in front of the building that held secret scrolls, including the Scroll of Sealing. There was a huge crowd of Chunins and Jounins, that surrounded them.

Not understanding what was going on, she turned back to the Hokage, "Lord Third?"

"Naruto stole the Scroll of Sealing," was all he needed to say for her to understand the situation right away.

Before she could say anything, one of the shinobi's shouted, "Lord Hokage, this is not just a prank! This is a serious crime!"

"That scroll contains secrets that were sealed by the First Hokage! Secrets known only to our village!"

"If it falls into the wrong hands, they could destroy our entire way of life."

It was quiet until Hiruzen finally made a decision, "All right. Bring Naruto here at once."

"Sir!"

And with that command, everyone dispersed.

Still standing next to the Hokage, Kai turned to face him, "You and I both know that Naruto wouldn't just take the scroll for evil ambition."

He sighed, "I know. But we both know that Mizuki is behind it. Which is why I didn't want you to do anything."

She raised an eyebrow at him, "So, you used Naruto as bait. To finally catch Mizuki in the act."

He nodded, "I'm sorry."

Sighing, she shook her head, "It's fine. This is how a ninja life is."

He nodded until he started into the building. He hummed in question when he saw Kai walk next to him.

"I can't always baby and protect Naruto forever," was her only answer.

Smiling, he chuckles, "You're right. Especially since he wants to become Hokage."

/

Hours passed as the two watched the battle through the Hokage's crystal ball in a secluded room. Kai clenched her hands tightly when she heard Mizuki announced the decree and spouting out lies to her little brother. But she calmed herself, knowing that anger will only do so much.

Hiruzen sighed as they watched Naruto run away from the two Chunins, the Scroll of Sealing tightly bound on his back, "This is not good. Mizuki has a big mouth. He made Naruto feel so bad. Worse than he's ever felt. It could unleash the power inside of him. If Naruto keeps tampering with the scroll, the seal that locks the fox spirit inside of him could be broken, and the beast could come out. If that happens, I fear for us all."

Not taking her eyes from the image, Kai answered, "I won't let that happen. I will stop him before that could happen."

/

The sun was rising, showing them that a new day is about to start. And as Kai watch Naruto finally earn his ninja headband, she couldn't help but smile.

She looked up once the image started to fade and saw the Hokage smiling at her, "Come. Let us tell everyone that everything is well and that they don't need to look for Naruto anymore."

Nodding, she walked next to him as they exited the room and building. There were shouts when they exited.

"You're telling me no one can find Naruto?"

"Not a clue."

"This is bad news. We've got to smoke him out or something."

When they saw Kai walking out of the building with Lord Third, two of the Shinobi's quickly ran up to her, "Lord Namikaze! Please, you're the only one who can find Naruto!"

Before she could answer them, Hiruzen interrupted, "There's no longer any need to worry."

They all turned to him, "Lord Hokage!"

"The scrolls safe. Naruto will be back soon," he reassured them.

Some of them were in disbelief and worry. But if the Hokage said so, then they will stop the search. However, that didn't mean that they would relax. Not until the Scroll of Sealing is back in its rightful place.

"Kai, how about you go and retrieve them and the scroll," said Hiruzen, smiling.

Nodding, she instantly teleported herself by using the marked kunai that Naruto still had. So when she suddenly appeared, both Naruto and Iruka jumped in surprise at her presence.

She smiled at them, "Hey you two. You both look worse for wear." She looked over at the Chunin, "Especially you Iruka."

Iruka chuckled, rubbing the back of his head, "Yeah well, it wasn't easy."

She nodded before turning to look at Mizuki's beaten up body, "I know."

"Kai! Look! I finally graduated! I finally did it!" Naruto shouted, jumping up and down in front of her.

Looking down at him, she chuckled, "Looks like you did, Naruto. This calls for a celebration!"

"Yeah! Iruka's treating us to ramen and Kai being there is even better!"

The two older chuckled at the young blond's excitement.

/

It was still early in the morning when the three finally finished eating. Naruto had wanted to go to Kai's place seeing as he was still happy, elastic that he finally graduated.

So when they arrived at her place and entered the house, Kai had just closed the door behind her when Naruto's humming went silent. Wondering what was wrong, she walked over to the living room to find him sitting on the couch, looking sadly down at his hand.

Sitting next to him, she looked at him, worry etched on her face, "What's wrong, Naruto?"

He didn't say anything at first. Not until a few minutes passed before he finally spoke, "Did you know about it?"

Knowing exactly what he meant, she answered, "The decree? Yes."

His hand clenched tightly in his lap, his shoulder shaking, "Why? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because… Just like Lord Hokage… I wanted you to live a normal life."

"But… If you knew that I had the nine tailed fox inside of me… that it was that… beast that gave you that scar and took your parents away from you. Why did you still talk to me?"

Silence was all he got. When she didn't answer him, he snapped at her as tears ran down his face, "If it's out of pity! Or because you want your enemy closer-"

Before he could finish, Kai had pulled him into her arms, hugging him tightly to her. Naruto didn't resist her. Rather, he ended up wrapping his arms tightly around her, scared that he would lose her forever on whatever her answer would be. He just really hope that she didn't see him as a monster all this time and just kept him to keep tabs of him so she could kill him later.

"I didn't talk to you out of pity or because I see you as the monster who took my parents away," said Kai. Than mentally thought, 'Our parents.'

"I became your friend, your sibling, a father and a mother figure to you… because I know that if I were in your place, that I would want to have a friend. A friend, a family who will be there for me no matter how hard life gets. That they would always be there for me. Naruto, my parents don't blame you for their deaths."

He pulled away to look at her, "How do you know?"

She smiled, "Because, even though I may not have spent many years with them. Just that one year and a couple of months were enough to let me know how they truly are. And I know that if they hadn't had died, they would have accepted you as part of our family with open arms."

His eyes teared up again, as he happily tackled her down off the couch and onto the floor. She breathily laughed and tightened her hug around him.

Nuzzling his nose in her neck, Naruto, for the first time, felt like a huge weight was lifted off him and he was happy. Happy that he met Kai and have her in his life.