Chapter One: Konoha

Jin and Kisho had finally reached the Hidden village of the leaf. They were about 2 miles from the main gates of Konoha. Kisho stopped walking. Jin turned to him.

"what's wrong?" He lowered his head.

"This is as far as I go, from here you will have to travel the rest by yourself. Its only two mi-''

"What?" She cut him off. Angry that he was going to leave her in the middle of the forest where god only knows what was hidden in the trees.

" Aren't you coming with me? Who's going to train me? Are you nuts? I can't go by myself!"

"Jin I'm sorry, but I cannot come with you to Konoha, it was my job to bring you here so that you could be taught by the ninjas of this village." She was going to have another out burst but he shot her a look filled with seriousness. She quickly resolved herself.

" I know you don't wish to continue alone, but that is how it has to be. I will say my goodbyes here. Konoha is about two miles from this point." He was still looking at her in the eyes. He could tell she was trying to remember everything "You should have no problem finding it."
"The guards at the gates should know who you are, but if for some reason they do not tell them that Kisho from the east island brought you here. From there they will know what to do, just do as they say." He walked close to her and put his hands on her shoulders. Steadying her in her place.

" Jin, I am so proud of you. You have grown into a fine young woman. I have always thought of you as my daughter and it is because of that, that I have to let you make your own path now. I can no longer watch over you. It is time for you to find your own way." She looked at him with tears in her eyes. "Kisho" she whispered. He hushed her and pulled her into a tight hug. He had done all he could for her, he had raised and trained her to his full power. Now it was up to her to stay strong and become stronger. He pulled back.

"Jin I will always be proud of you no matter what, just remember that."

"Kisho, Thank you." She looked at him with understanding eyes. She knew how hard it was for him to let her go, and her protesting it would only make it harder on both of them.

"Thank you for everything, I promise that I will not bring disgrace to your name or the monks. I will make you all proud." She smiled.

She always puts on a brave face, even when its something she does not want to do. She truly will go far. I have no doubt that she will go above and beyond what ever konoha has in store for her. He broke out of his thoughts and returned her smile. He watched her as she turned to leave. He stood there until he could no longer her see her. Kisho then turned and walked back to his boat. He felt worried but calm at the same time. I just hope they treat her right.

After about an hour she had finally reached the gates of Konoha. They were enormous. They towered above her making her feel inferior.

"They're just walls" "get yourself together Jin." She could see the guards at the gate. She hoped they knew who she was and didn't have to go through any kind of tests to prove herself.

She reached the steps to the gates. The guards, who were busy talking about the new icha icha paradise book, suddenly noticed the young beauty who stood in front of them. They looked her up and down, not disliking what they saw. Jin could feel their burning stares and politely coughed to break their fascination with her legs. They immediately snapped back to their posts.

"I'm Jin. I was told that you would be expecting me." The Guards looked at her with a blank look before remembering.

"ah yes you're Kisho's girl, right?" Jin felt the heat rise in her face and the tears starting to swell. She quickly masked her emotions and simply replied.

"Yes I am from the island to the east of Konoha." One of the guards mumbled to himself about something being in the water at the island and where could the girls in Konoha get some. Jin let this go unnoticed but a slight blush creped onto her face. At the monastery, all of the monks were old and celibate, and they never received guests close to her age, so Jin was not used to these bold actions towards her.

"Kakashi should be here any minute." One guard said to the other.

"He never misses a beat, I swear he's something else." The other guard mumbled a few obsinities before returning his attention to the girl.

"So Jin is it? What brings you to Konoha?" She paused a minute before answering, but before she could a silver haired man with a masked face appeared out of thin air.

"Sorry I'm late" he said lazily, "You see there was an old la-''….

"Save it Kakashi, we know you were busy 'reading'" Both guards laughed in unison. Kakashi shot them a glare with his uncovered eye then turned his attention to the girl standing quietly at the foot of the steps. Tsunade didn't tell me she would be good looking. This should make things more interesting around here. Kakashi thought.

"Sorry about the wait, but I'm sure these two were wonderful company." His right eye crinkled upward showing that he was smiling underneath his mask. Jin blushed, he was very handsome, even if you could only see his eye.

"Please, allow me to carry your bag for you." Kakashi walked over to her and picked up her bag and noticed her katana sheathed in the leather case out of the corner of his eye.

"Thank you."
They walked in silence as they entered Konoha. Jin wasn't sure of what to say. She had so many questions.

I wonder why he keeps his face covered maybe he's ugly?. And why is he dressed so funny? I mean those shoes must be awful to walk in. and why does he only have one eye uncovered? Is he the one that is going to train me? OH GOD there's no way I could concentrate on my training if HE teaches me…I'll be drooling the entire time. Ugh!

Kakashi noticed the girls silence and uneasy movements. He decided to try and break the ice.

"Where are you from?" he asked without looking in her direction. His voice broke her out of her thoughts.

She looked up to him, "I was raised on the island east of here by the monks who reside there.".

."Monks huh?"

"I weren't aware that they were skilled in the way of the sword" Caught of guard by his statement she stumbled over her words.

"The m-monksdidn't, imeanilearn.., Kisho taught me." He raised his eyebrow.

"They allowed a girl to become a swordsman?" Jin was offended by the silver haired man's statement and just huffed in reply.

Kakashi noticed this and concealed a small laugh. All that he was told about this girl was that she was raised by monks, she was an amazingly skilled swords fighter, and could easily take any man in tiijutsu combat. He was also aware that she was 20 years of age. He thought this was the most interesting. She was the same age as the other younger ninja in the village. Naruto and the gang were all in their 20's. She should have no problem fitting in….with the boys that is. He let out a sigh at his last thought.

"I didn't mean to offend you it is just unusual for a woman to learn the way of a samurai at such a young age. The only women I know who are truly skilled with a sword are my fellow female ninjas of the highest ranks."

They had reached a very tall, dome shaped building with a huge red symbol that read "fire".

"You are to meet the Hokage, then, I am to take you to your new housing arrangement." "Whats a Hokage?" Jin felt like she should know this but she was not aware of the ninja lifestyle or the government of the surrounding nations.
Kakashi simply smiled in response to her question,

"The Hokage is the head of the hidden village of the leaf. She is the ruler, who is responsible for the safety and well being of this village and helps to keep the peace between ours and the other nations."

"She is expecting you, so I wouldn't keep her waiting." Jin felt foolish for just standing there and quickly went to move up the stairs.

"I'm Kakashi, not that I'm important, it was rude of me to not properly introduce myself earlier and I apologize." The silver haired man continued walking away before Jin could reply. She started her way up the stairs, and finally reached two wooden doors. She could hear yelling from within the room. She stood back not wanting to interrupt.

"YOU OLD HAG" "GET OUT! YOU BRAT, LEARN TO RESPECT YOUR ELDERS" "NO WAY, YOU JUST WAIT UNTIL I BECOME HOKAGE YOU OLD FART!" "NARUTO!" Jin then heard a loud thud and a man yell in pain. It was then that the wooden doors opened. The scene inside was quite amusing. An older woman with light blonde hair tied back was holding a gigantic book with a smirk on her face. A younger looking man, close to Jin's age, came stumbling towards the door holding his head and rubbing a huge bump on the back of his head.. He had spiky blond hair that was just as bright as his shocking blue eyes. Jin had never seen eyes like that before, so pure and honest. He was an attractive looking man, he was a few inches taller than Jin and was well built.

"That old hag, who does she think she is hitting me like that, doesn't she know I'm the next hokage?"

Naruto was so busy cursing the woman behind the large desk to notice Jin. He looked up to see golden brown eyes. He was caught in a gaze with the girl before him, his eyes soon traveled to view the rest of her. He noticed her long brown hair that fell in line with the curves of her body. Her toned, tan legs stood out the most.

OH MAN, who is this girl? She is so much better looking than Sakura. Wait! What am I saying? Sakura is the only woman for me! But look at those legs! So tan and slender! STOP!

Jin felt a blush for the third time that day creep onto her face. The men in Konoha weren't the kind to hide their feelings. Naruto's thoughts and gaze was broken by the older woman's voice.

"Naruto! Leave that girl alone and go find Saskue. I need to talk to him." Jin just looked at the young man with a shy look as he met her eyes once again before giving her an apologetic look.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I plan on becoming the Hokage, as soon as the old geezer over there croaks" he held out his hand, Jin shyly held out her soft tan hand to find an extremely gently shake. She smiled at the blond haired man before he turned to leave.

"Please come in, the older woman said. You must be Jin. I'm Tsunade, the Hokage of this village. I apologize for Naruto, he well, he tends to get over excited about things. She let out a tired sigh. "Please, sit down." Jin made her way to a leather chair in front of the desk.

The room was filled with books, books, and more books. There were pictures of four men on one wall, one of which held a striking resemblance to the boy she had just met. The books on the woman's desk were open and had papers scattered all along her desk and the floor. There were windows behind the woman that looked out onto the beautiful village of Konoha. You could see all of the people walking the streets and the wonderful colors of the village's houses, and tiny shops.

Sorry about the mess, it's been hectic around here lately." "So you must be Jin?" the older woman took a moment to look the young girl up and down. She noticed the katana she carried and knew she must be skilled with the sword and her toned body told her that she was in shape and was strong. Even Tsunade, was captivated by this girls natural beauty. She was in a plain light brown dress with no make up and her hair tied back, yet she could walk into any room and be the center of attention. For some reason this warmed Tusnade's heart. "You're probably wondering why you're in Konoha." Jin simply nodded her head.

Tsunade then went on to explaining Jin's reason for being there. "I have heard from Kisho that you are one of the most skilled with a sword he has ever seen; let me tell you, coming from that man you might as well be called a god." Jin's eyes widened. She knew Kisho was a talented fighter but had no idea he was so highly respected in other counties. "The village of konoha is known for its ninjas. Now I know that at the monastery you did not receive any from of ninja training, am I correct?" Jin nodded.

"That my dear, is why you are here." Jin choked on the air. A ninja? Did just say that I was going to become a ninja? There's no way, they have techniques and can manipulate their chakra, I don't even know if I have chakra! "A ninja? Me?" Tsunade, expecting this type of reaction just waited. "I don't understand. Ninjas are far more advanced than a samurai. I have only been trained with the sword and hand to hand. I have no knowledge of ninja techniques." Jin took a breath. "I don't mean to seem rude or ungrateful but I don't see how I can become a ninja." Jin looked embarrassed about having to admit to not being able to do something, but she knew it was impossible. Tsunade looked the girl over who now had a slight slouch in her posture. "Jin, you are a very special young girl. You have the capability to become a strong ninja, you just haven't learned how to manipulate your power to help you achieve this." Jin was taken aback that The hokage had said this in a matter-of-fact way.

Does she really think I can learn? I'll be 40 by the time I learn everything! Great, I'll be an old wrinkly ninja! Jin sighed. "How am I to learn all of this. It takes you years to become a well respected ninja, right? It will take me years to learn all of the moves and book knowledge. I'll never get to return to my island."Jin's face let a hint of sadness play on her features. She didn't want to be seen as weak, because that was the last thing she was but it seemed at this rate she would never get to see Kisho and the other monks again.

Tsunade froze. Does she not wish to be here? I thought Kisho said that she wanted to come here to train. Didn't he tell her what was going to be asked of her? Is it so bad here that she wishes to return to the monks so quickly? Tsundae looked at the girl "The reason I have asked you here to train with us is because roughly 6 months we go to war." 'After we were attacked by Orochimaro and the sand things have never been the same. We have not had a n allowed time to recover from the multiple attacks. But recently the attacks have become less often and not as extreme. We've had about a year to prepare ourselves and our village to the best of our ability. It is over this period of time that we have recruited new ninjas to our village."

WAR! I have no place in this war, this is not my village, these are not my political affairs. I have no business to be here or to fight their war. Jin stood up ready to bolt to the door, to leave this place. But Jin froze when she saw the eyes of the woman sitting across from her. They were full of emotions, fear, worry, frustration. Jin had never seen someone her age looked so scared. "War is an ugly thing, I know that it is a lot to ask of you, but I am sure that if you were to accept the training I will provide for you and learn to accept the village and the people in it, you will become one of the strongest ninjas in all of the nations. You can help us win this war of this I am certain" Jin stood there, shocked. Did this really believe that she, Jin, could end this war. Jin had never even fought in open combat, I she had trained with Kisho but in a watched over dojo. Real battle was new to her.

"Please…" the woman's words broke the silence. At least think it over. Give it a day or sink in. That is all I'm asking" Jin her mind was telling her to run, to get the hell out of this village, to go back to the monks, to leave these people to fight there own battles. Despite her inner thought she nodded politely to the woman called Tsunade. "may I be excused" Tsunade looked saddened that she would leave her so soon but she understood what must be going on in her head. "Kakashi should be waiting for you at the end of the stairs to accompany you to your housing quarters. If you should have any problems or questions please do not hesitate to some to me." Jin bowed and made her exit out of the room.

At least she didn't scream and run off. It could've gone worse. She did agree to at least THINK about it. If she does not accept Konoha will be crushed. Kisho what have you been teaching this girl? Why doesn't she know?