Hello! I'm really sorry for making you all wait. Hope you enjoy this chapter and the more that will come! ^^

Sakura groaned in disdain as she picked herself up from the ground, her skin covered in sweat. She panted as she looked around, everyone was seemingly tired but only their new sensei stood out because she was smiling.

"Now don't all of you feel better after cool down exercises like that?"

Sakura narrows her eyes at the teacher, the full body workout Rina made them go through together was tough, it put a strain on every single muscle in their bodies. Sure, the cool down exercises helped their heart rates and breathing gradually get back to normal but honestly Sakura wished she wasn't forced into such an insane workout to begin with.

"Remember next week we are starting the elemental juts practise so don't forget your homework."

Sasuke nodded firmly, flexing his fingers. Rina pushed him to his physical limits and Sasuke had to admit that he liked that. Rina did not hold back.

Kakashi sneaked a look to Karin and Naruto's who seemed to be stretching on their own and observed that the two seemed more at ease compared to their teammates so he guessed Rina was putting them through workouts like this all the time. Suddenly, a loud shout interrupts his thoughts.

"Yo Naruto!"

The blonde turns to see Jiraiya walking toward him, waving and grinning, "I'm here to take you and your cousin to lunch!"

Karin blinked, confused and together with her cousin, she turns to Rina for an explanation but the slender built kuniochi merely smiles before kissing the both of them affectionately on the top of their heads telling them that it was imperative they spent time with Jiraiya today.

Not that Naruto did not like Jiraiya, in fact the Toad sage was one of the few people he could ask for help when Naruto was struggling with anything but for him to be in Konoha meant whatever was going on was important.

He nods before good-naturedly making his way towards the Saanin with his loud friendly gestures, making Karin smile as she watched.

"Onee-sama, surely you could give some hint?"

Rina says nothing at first, merely brushing the stray strands of hair that stuck to Karin's forehead due to sweat before tilting her head to whisper softly in the redhead's ear.

Sakura and Sasuke watched curiously as Karin's calm demeanour was immediately replaced with shock but before anyone could voice their curiosity, Rina was already nudging her female ward towards Jiraiya and Naruto insisting they get a move on.

Obviously, Kakashi was curious on what exactly was going to happen between the Uzumaki kids and the Toad Sage but he was no fool. If Rina felt like it didn't need to be said out loud, it had to mean that it was meant to be private.

"Ok, Sasuke and Kakashi you two head on home. I'm sure you are both tired."

Sasuke frowns, suspicious but he knew better than to pry. Rina was obviously different from anybody he met and if he wanted to get stronger, he had to win her favour hence he complied with her wishes; politely bowing to her in respect before walking away with Kakashi. To his silent envy, Kakashi didn't seem to be as sore as the Uchiha felt, hell Sasuke was barely managing to walk but he couldn't help but smirk seeing the tired and yet almost restless expression on Kakashi's face as they left the clearing; that was until he realised that Kakashi was walking away with his eyes on Rina.

Did Kakashi like her or something?

Sasuke was in fact curious on their relationship, he couldn't help it. He liked knowing things and it was clear they had some sort of history but he was not entirely sure if it was romantic because neither of them displayed any signs of affection aside from playful banter but he eventually he decided he wasn't going to think too much on it unless it interfered in his affairs which hopefully will not be the case. Sasuke had better things to worry about.

Sakura stared dumbly as Rina crouched in front of her with her back in her view.

"W-what?"

Rina rolled her eyes, "Sakura I have already said it three times now, are you seriously going to make me repeat myself for a fourth time?"

The pinkette shakes her head before realizing that Rina was not facing her direction, she mumbled a small apology as she climbed onto her sensei's back awkwardly. Rina was no fool that Sakura was uncomfortable but she wasn't going to allow Sakura to go home on her own. She had seen Sakura sway slightly during the exercises but was impressed with the fact that Sakura did her very best to continue to finish despite obvious difficulty. She would not be doing a good job as a sensei if she allowed a student to fall from giddiness as she tried to return home on her own.

The pinkette makes a squeak as Rina casually lifted the pinkette off her feat latching her hands under her knees for support. It was then that the genin realised that Rina was tall. Sakura could only gawk at how much she could see. Hell, she could see the market from where she was! She had observed before that Rina was only a teensy bit shorter than Kakashi but she didn't think much of it till now.

"Let's go"

Kakashi tried no to smirk at Sasuke's plight, he was actually having trouble speeding up with Kakashi's normal pace. He couldn't blame the boy, sure Sasuke had pretty good stamina but Rina had made all the genin push to their body's limits so it was unsurprising to see Sasuke struggling to move.

"Do you want me to carry you?"

Sasuke stopped and looked up to glare at the man I'm front of him, "Hell no, I am fine."

"You do not look fine Sasuke-kun"

Sasuke nearly jumped at the familiar voice coming out of nowhere. He turned and saw her, feeling breathless for a moment drinking in her image. He didn't think he would see Hinata this soon and he surely wasn't expecting her to sneak up on him!

Kakashi was impressed, he didn't even sense Hinata nearby and here she was right in front of the both of them, seemingly calm and collected. He wondered about her relationship with Sasuke, she had used the suffix "-kun" hence so he could only guess that the two had some sort of relationship. He studied her quietly as she attempted to converse with Sasuke. He knew she was pretty girl but seeing her today in a casual setting made him almost forget she was a ninja.

She wore a white long-sleeved cardigan over a pastel blue top, a black and white polka dot skirt and brown sandals on her feet. Kakashi's nose easily told him that the kuniochi had applied some powder on her angelic face and scented lip balm to her cupid's bow.

"Good afternoon Kakashi-sensei."

The jounin did a small bow in respect, "Good afternoon Hinata-hime, how is your medical training coming along?"

"Very well thank you." answers the lavender eyed child, smiling softly. The jounins bowed to her all the time due to her status as the Hyuuga heiress so she was not unfazed by the unusual formality Kakashi displayed but it made her feel more shy than usual. After all, they only bowed to her and called her hime because her clan was well respected and the oldest clan to exist in Konoha history.

Sasuke meanwhile was watching the two converse with an annoyed look on his face. Firstly, he had no idea that Kakashi and Hinata were on friendly terms with one another, an irksome situation which he will get to the bottom of later. Secondly, he prayed Hinata wouldn't bring up-

"I got your letter."

Kakashi blinked and turned to see Sasuke'ears reddening slightly.

Oooh...this is going to be interesting...

"Hinata-"

She stops herself from speaking further, she was flushed with embarrassment too but seeing Sasuke face, she knew better, "Nevermind, just come by when you're ready."

She bows respectfully and wishes goodbye to Kakashi quickly before hurrying off, her cheeks warm with a cute blush. Kakashi watches her go at first before turning his attention to Sasuke who was completely red in the face.

"What's this about a letter?"

"N-nothing, let's j-just go"

The jounin blinked, unsure if he heard Sasuke correctly, "Did you...just stutter?"

"N-no!'

Kakashi's good eye twinkled with mischief before suddenly picking Sasuke up, adjusting his hands to support the boy's weight on his back.

"O-oi!"

"I'll carry you home unless you tell me about the letter."

Sasuke' s eyes widened, "N-no!"

"Fine, then we are going home like this."

The avenger scowls, irate but Kakashi continues his banter with the boy on his back not caring that the boy was uncomfortable.

Sakura sees her house up ahead but before she could nudge her sensei to let her down, she already sees her parents in view. Sakura's father was the first to notice them and he immediately jogs over to the two, concerned.

"Irina-chan, why is my daughter on your back?" Did she injure herself?"

Sakura blinks, unsure if she heard correctly.

Irina?

'Irina' merely smiles, gently telling Haruno Kizashi that Sakura was pushed to exert herself more so than usual and Irina merely felt that it was her responsibility to make sure she got home safely. Sakura's father breathed a sigh of relief, realizing he had nothing to worry about and pleasantly went into conversation with Irina as they walked together toward the Haruno house, catching up. Sakura watched in awe as Rina spoke with her father kindly and listened as Irina talked about the new recipes she had been cooking at home for her kids and that the Haruno fruits and vegetables stall was the best in Konoha and etc. Mebuki, Sakura's mother came towards the two as well and joined in the conversation with Sakura just staring wide-eyed and confused as the three made small talk.

Since when did Rina-sensei knew her parents?

"What letter was Hinata talking about?"

Sasuke scowled, tightening his grip on his new guardian's shoulders, "None of your business Kakashi."

"Come on now, the more you deny it, the more you make me want to go over to where ever Hinata is right now to find out what's so juicy about this secret you have."

"Stay out of my business Kakashi."

The jounin did not miss the tone of anger in the boys voice but Kakashi was not going to stop. He was curious.

What was in that damn letter?

Naruto swallowed his food, staring at Jiraiya as if he grew a second head, "I am the son of the Fourth?"

Jiraiya nods his head firmly, the teens and himself were gathered in their living room, eating the lunch the Toad sage himself cooked. He did not want to get into such personal and secretive information out in the open. Doing this in a more intimate and private place was best for this situation.

"And you're my god father?"

Jiraiya smiles and ruffles the boys hair affectionately, "That's right kiddo. I'm sorry I couldn't be around to look after you but the Sandaime was insistent that you would be provided for and taken care of under his supervision. I didn't realize you had it this rough until we got to know each other."

Naruto's lips pursed uncomfortably," I get it, Jiji's orders are absolute. "

"Why did the Hokage thought your spy network was more important? Surely, looking after family was more? "

Jiraiya sighs at Karin's question knowing fully well that Naruto could not be kept in the dark anymore, "Naruto do you remember the guys in black with red clouds on their cloaks?"

"Yeah one of them was Sasuke's older brother right?" Naruto answers hesitantly, shivering slightly at the memory he had of when he had first locked eyes with Itachi the first time.

"Right, those guys are from this criminal organization called the Akatsuki and they are hunting jinchurriki which is another term we call demon containers of the great demon tailed beasts like yourself"

Naruto's eyes widened and for a moment he was frozen in his spot until Karin moves to hold his hand in hers and also squeezing his arm with her other hand firmly in a comforting gesture hoping to get through to him.

The blonde says nothing, acknowledging his cousin with a simple nod before motioning for Jiraiya to continue because he is intent on no longer being ignorant.

"I will tell you about the damn letter!"

Kakashi chuckles, satisfied that his constant poking at Sasuke finally got through. It did help that the villagers kept staring and whispering about them as they walked through the market area.

Sasuke took a deep breath and slowly told his story as if he was completely immersed in nostalgia as he spoke but he sounded different from usual, it was soft almost child-like even; if Kakashi wasn't carrying Sasuke, he doubted he could hear the emotion in the boys tone.

"I wrote Hinata a letter telling her I was leaving for Oto to meet with Orochimaru. I couldn't leave without letting her know. I wanted to talk to her but I didn't want her to get into trouble so I just wrote her a letter instead. I care...so much about Hinata. I have known her since I was 4. My mother and her mother were friends so they usually brought us together for playdates. Itachi came sometimes and whenever he did, he always seemed kind of interested in Hinata to the point that I started to think he liked her which made me kind of mad sometimes but at that time I didn't understand why I cared. Eventually, when I was closing in towards by 6th birthday, I heard from Hiashi that he wanted to find a suitor for Hinata. I don't know what came over me but I rushed in when I heard him mention Itachi as a possible husband for her. "

Kakashi blinks realizing that Sasuke had stopped, he tilts his head slightly and notices in the glass of a window that the boy was slightly red in the face. It didn't take a genious to know that he was getting embarrassed telling the jounin his story.

" I won't laugh at you or tell anybody Sasuke. I swear on my ninja's honour that whatever you say next will be only between us."

Sasuke frowned for a moment but he takes a deep breath and continues, "I volunteered. Hiashi was confused at first but I told him as maturely as I could that I want to be the one to look after Hinata and protect her. He was not persuaded until my parents found us. They were looking for me and when Hiashi told them what I said; my father thought Hiashi was joking but when he realized he wasn't, my father proposed that it would be good to finally join the distant families and see what would really happen for the hybrid of the Sharingan and the Byakugan. Only then did Hiashi agree but he made me promise to keep my mouth shut until he felt Hinata was old enough to be told about it. I signed the contract that day to marry Hinata when we turn 18."

Kakashi was surprised but at the same time not. Fugaku was a smart man so it wasn't shocking that the figured out a way to help his son achieve his desire which also benefited the clan in the process.

He climbs up the staircase slowly, deep in thought but when they approached close enough to his apartment, he helps Sasuke down and the pale skinned boy stares at the front door of his new home. Kakashi unlocks the door and the genin enters the apartment and immediately catches sight of a familiar black luggage bag on a bed in a distant room.

"That must be your new room. It used to be a storage room but I guess the people who brought your stuff here, cleared it out. It's small so don't expect much."

"Hn"

Sasuke walks onward, not feeling as sore as he used to earlier but Kakashi stops him from moving too far from him, ruffling his hair, "Thank you for opening up to me Sasuke."

Sasuke bit the inside of his cheek, hoping his face wasn't as warm as he felt, "I never told anyone about that before."

"You should let her know how you feel about her eventually. Otherwise, she would only ever be hung up on Naruto. You have to tell her."

Sasuke shakes his head, "I'm not ready. I just -"

Kakashi pats his head, not allowing him to say another word.

"You know what? Just do it when you're ready. Don't ever force yourself into a situation you are not ready for. But keep in mind Sasuke, you have to prepare yourself eventually. Otherwise, you will lose her."

Sasuke nods and he turns to look to look at Kakashi and for the first time since Sasuke was back, he sees the genin look at him with one of his rare small smiles.

"Sensei, who are you?"

Mashiro Rina had taken Sakura directly to the bathroom after Mebuki had promised that she will prepare a nice nutritious meal for the pinkette to eat later after her shower.

"How do you mean?"

"Why are my parents calling you Irina?"

Rina shrugged, she was unsurprised that Sakura had picked up on it after all she was literally in listening view in her conversation with the Haruno couple, "Irina is what my parents gave me as a birth name. They never really referred to me as Rina, no matter how much I wanted them to. At that time, Irina felt like a snobbish name. Nowadays, I just let the public refer to me as Irina."

"But the villagers know that you're Naruto's guardian right? Aren't you popular now though?"

"Yes they know now but I was not immensely popular back then since I was rarely seen in the village. Only your parents' stall is the only one I visit frequently. I don't normally travel through the common area. As far as the Konoha public is aware, I am any other ninja. I prefer not to reveal too much about myself especially to gossipy people like the Konoha citizens. Not many people call me Irina."

Sakura's face reddened immediately at the older female's snide comment, "W-why are you so secretive? You're a Konoha ninja yet you act as if the village is not your home and they're undeserving of knowing anything about you."

Rina tilts her head, looking at the pinkette carefully, "Sakura, just because I'm a private person, it does not mean that I am any less of a loyal ninja to this village. I just like keeping to myself. It is not a crime."

Sakura sighed, exasperated, the older kuniochi had a point albeit a frustrating one, "Why does names matter to you so much? You make the team call you a fake name when you have your own and you let the villagers call you by a different name when isn't what you actually go by. Why the different names? Why not just Rina? "

"Names if you haven't realized, carries the person's identity, weight of reputation, power and also, intimacy" Rina smirks at the last part, causing Sakura to frown in confusion but before she could ask, Rina had already turned around.

"Sakura don't try to figure me out, it will not do well for you. Take care of yourself and I'll see you next week."

Without another word, she descends down the staircase, not allowing the pinkette to say anything further.

Rina had a daytime job to get to.

Hope you liked the chapter! Please rate and review! Thanks! ^^