Humming echoed across the dimly lit halls of an underground base, a soft clink echoing a blade was swung by a chain around a single finger, the edge scraping the floor just barely at an angle that only sharpened the thin blade.

Chakra thrummed around the intruder, whose features were exposed to those who witnessed. Mismatched eyes twinkled with mirth and anger at the same time, violet and blue shading over and lighting up as the man passed candle after candle.

A kunai sailed past the figure's face, slamming into the wall beside him. The figure had stopped just in time, his eyes level with the sharp edges of the kunai.

Slowly, the man turned his head to look down the stone candle-lit hallways, catching the reflection of glass frames as another male walked toward him from several meters away. The male's silver hair was bound into a high ponytail, his glasses pushed up to the top of his nose while his hands gripped several more kunai.

Blue chakra became visible around the man's hands, his sharp tone echoing.

"Who are you?"

The intruder hummed in reply, grasping the handle of his blade while walking toward his attacker. His hair was pulled back and tied into a low bun with bandages, his scarred face highlighted in a ghastly glow. The Intruder and attacker both stopped around 10 meters from each other, the attacker's eyes narrowed on the still placid intruder.

"And here I thought Orochimaru would have someone worth my time guarding him."

The man suddenly bit out, his eyes narrowing while his chakra surged outward in a sharp wave. Killer intent poured down the halls, the silver-haired male choking down on a gasp as the brunt of the man's anger was directed at him.

Blue and violet lit with disgust, the violent azure chakra spread from the figure swirling around him in a large orb, cracking the walls surrounding him.

"I have no time for peasants, Yakushi Kabuto, so either take me to Orochimaru…or let me tear apart this base to find him." The man called to his now kneeling opponent, lightning crackling around his body as the chakra became more potent.

Sharp spikes of red hair remained still on the man's head, not subjected to the force that was the man's chakra.

Suddenly, a voice broke through the edges of the man's mind, his gaze redirected at the figure walking toward him from the shadows, his pale skin and sharp features relaxed and composed despite the furious intruder that had demanded his presence.

"Dear Yin-Kun…there is no need for such hostility," Orochimaru called out to the man, his yellow eyes catching the mismatched gaze that soon lit up with something akin to joy.

The chakra vanished quickly, the lightning dying down to soft sparks while the walls groaned in relief. The killer intent was reined in, leaving behind a shaking Kabuto and a chuckling red head.

"O-Orochimaru…Hehe…Took you long enough~"

The man's tone dipped into a sing-song nature, but Orochimaru knew that the man was a threat, and would not fall for his 'innocence' charade that he had pulled since Orochimaru had met him long ago.

"Are you done frightening my subordinate Yin-Kun?" Orochimaru drawled in boredom, watching Yin carefully as he walked toward him, hands stuffed into the pockets of his black leggings.

The man hummed again in response, his demeanor completely doing a one-eighty as he reached Orochimaru, his lips twisted into a mockery of a smile that drew at the edges of his face. "For you Orochimaru-Sensei, I can behave~. I only ask for your assistance is all, because you see…I found another Uzumaki."

The smile twisted once more, close eyes slitting while the azure chakra that had vanished flickered into existence, drawn back as soon as it appeared.

Kabuto turned toward the man and his master, his eyes widening a fraction when Orochimaru placed a hand on Yin's shoulder, drawing him to his side.

"I see…Do tell me more, Yin-Kun." The snake called out, ignoring his right-hand man as Yin began his tale, spun from silver hair and stricken bloodlines.

I~~~~I

Naru breathed out softly, resting her head against Sasuke's broad shoulder, her hand grasping onto Hinata's arm. The three stood at the end of Tazuna's bridge, waiting for the goodbyes to end. Sakura and Tsunami were still talking, while Ino was telling her to hurry up. Shikamaru and Choji stood off to the side, Kiba and Shino off to the other side. Haku and Zabuza walked toward the three Genin from their position beside Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai.

Naru redirected her lavender orbs at the darker ones of the Missing Nin, her head light despite the weight of the past few days on her shoulders.

Ever since finding out about Terumi Mei, Naru had been planning with Zabuza and Kakashi about what to do. In the end, Zabuza decided on going back to Kiri to help the resistance while leaving Haku with Konoha if they would take him. Of course, he would also return to Konoha to make sure Haku was accepted, but he would not stay longer than a week.

Haku fought to change Zabuza's mind, but in the end, he agreed to stay with Konoha since he would still be in danger in Kiri due to his bloodline.

Sasuke tightened his arm around Naru's shoulder, settling his head on her chin as he glared at Zabuza. The man had caused a lot of trouble for their group, and he honestly didn't like him. It didn't help at all that the man had hurt Naru and Hinata.

"Oi, Gaki, the Copy Nin said he wanted a word with you."

Akihane sighed gently at this, shifting her gaze to Sasuke and then Hinata, before gently untangling herself. She straightened, her hair hitting her back with a soft thump. Two braided tails hung low, bangs framing Naru's face in a Hime-style cut.

Hinata had chosen to do her hair that morning, resulting in the current style. Naru didn't mind it much, but she preferred her single braid over two since two always ended up over her shoulders. There was also the fact her bangs were quite long, all the way down to her chin in fact.

A few steps guided Naru to her sensei, who glanced at her from his conversation with Asuma and Kurenai.

The Jonin gave her an eye-smile, stepping forward into her personal space. His hand settled on her shoulder as he saluted his fellow Jonin.

"I'll catch up later, I need to talk with Aki-Hime real quick."

A soft flush covered Akihane's cheeks as she turned to glare at Kakashi, leaves rotating around them both.

Her mouth opened as they vanished in a Shuinshin.

I~~~~I

"Really Sensei?"

Naru called out with a bitter edge to her tone, eyeing Kakashi's palm resting on her shoulder.

The male only sighed, turning toward her.

He stopped and kneeled down so he was eye-level with his student, his one eye calmly assessing her.

"I need to check the seal," Kakashi spoke bluntly, shocking the young Uzumaki with his words.

Naru's annoyance faded, replaced with worry and reluctance. She had been very careful up until this mission, watching herself so she didn't lose control and let Kur-the Kyuubi loose.

All of her patience and training was flushed down the drain by Sasuke's sacrificial move, leaving behind a loosened seal and a no doubt angry council. She'd be watched even more closely now, and she wouldn't be allowed things no doubt.

Naru closed her eyes to keep Kakashi from seeing the defeat that had taken over, her hand reaching to grab the fabric of her shirt. She lifted the bottom enough to reveal the mark left behind from her birthday. Chakra was channeled into the area, drawing forward the black lines that sealed both her prisoner and her fate.

Kakashi tried not to react to the desolate aura his student gained upon being reminded of her seal, knowing that her line of thought wasn't a fun one. The girl had struggled, he knew this, but it didn't mean much to those on the Council that demanded she is caged.

Kakashi withdrew one of his hands from its glove, lifting his headband soon after. His Sharingan eye opened, gazing into the girl's chakra system. It would have been easier to use a Byakugan, but he couldn't trust Hinata not to hide anything. Already her actions and that of Sasuke dictated that the two had known. And while Naru telling people about her Jinchuuriki status wasn't against the law, it still wasn't ideal.

His palm rested onto the girl's skin, pressing chakra into the swirl imprint.

Kakashi looked at the seal, noticing the placement of chakra. His eyes widened a fraction in disbelief as he saw the workings of the seal, noticing the chakra leaking into Naru's system, the controlled stream directed by the seal. Next came Naru's own chakra that circulated around the Kyuubi's, mixing it and turning it into usable energy.

"You see it too, then? Hinata looked at it a while ago…she was shocked by the intricate workings. Apparently, it mixes the fox's chakra with my own very slowly, allowing my body to get used to it so that later on I can use more. The designer of the seal never wanted me to just contain the Kyuubi."

Akihane mentioned softly, her eyes gazing off to the side with a far-away look resting on them.

Kakashi could see her defeat, as well as her acceptance. The girl knew what would happen when she returned, and it only hurt him, even more, to think about it.

"Namikaze-Sama was really good with seals, huh?" Naru whispered to Kakashi as she choked up, a tear trailing down her cheek.

I~~~~I

Kakashi and Akihane both returned to the group, who had finally headed out, around ten minutes later.

Naru was sleeping against Kakashi's back, exhausted after having Kakashi do a temporary tightening on her seal. He'd wait until Jiraya came back to see what the man wanted to do later on, but for now, that would simply have to work.

Sasuke and Hinata stood beside the Jonin while Sakura and Ino tried to ask Kakashi what had happened.

Shikamaru was the only one to catch the tear tracks going down Akihane's cheeks, as well as note the wording Kakashi had used when describing Akihane's condition.

The Jonin mentioned that he and the Uzumaki had to tidy something up and since Akihane was exhausted, he told her to sleep.

The tidying up no doubt had to deal with what Shikamaru saw on the bridge, the large plume of red chakra, shaped like a fox's head. If what Shikamaru thought was correct, then the tidying up had overloaded Naru's body, causing her to collapse. The tears could also be explained by the situation turning out to be worse than any of the Jonin Senseis let on.

Shikamaru sighed inwardly, biting his lip as he tried to think. Perhaps, he could ask his father about his findings.

Out of all the adults, Shikaku seemed to accept Naru to most, going so far as the encourage Shikamaru to be friends with the young Uzumaki.

Yes, Shikaku might be the best one to ask about Naru's 'condition'.

I~~~~I

The Rookie Nine returned to Konoha without any more trouble, only to be escorted by the ANBU operative, Neko, the moment they arrived.

Neko took them to the Hokage Tower, slipping away when Hiruzen dismissed the purple-haired woman.

Naru had woken up not long before they arrived in Konoha and now stood beside Kakashi and Sasuke, Hinata clutching her hand from behind her.

The rest of the teams were grouped together, leaving Sakura standing awkwardly beside Kakashi as she gazed toward Sasuke.

Hiruzen surveyed the teams, and once he found the minimum injuries, turned his gaze onto Haku and Zabuza.

"Momochi-San, Yuki-San. It's a pleasure to have you in our village, though I must say I'm a little surprised after all that has happened."

Zabuza nodded toward Hiruzen, bowing along with Haku in a show of respect.

"Thank you Hokage-Sama. I do not blame you for being surprised…I am myself to be completely honest. I also know I have no right to request anything from Konoha, but still, I ask if you would help Haku with a place to stay…and allow me to return to Mist."

Hiruzen crossed his arms, resting his chin on his hands. His brown eyes turned toward the Genin who were watching with wide eyes, before landing directly on Naru.

The young Uzumaki nodded mutely at him, a mere twitch to others, but easily noticed by a shinobi of his caliber.

"Genin Uzumaki, as you were the one to suggest such a thing to Momochi-San here…how do you suggest I proceed?"

Hiruzen's words shocked the Jonin in the room, but they seemed reasonable to Sasuke and Hinata, who had witnessed Naru aid Hiruzen many times.

Zabuza and Haku were struck, unable to comprehend a Kage asking a Genin for advice.

"Hokage-Sama, I would move forward with allowing them into Konoha. Haku has a valuable bloodline, and should he choose to remain with us and marry into Konoha, it will provide military strength. Zabuza would be indebted to Konoha, and as such could negotiate and alliance between Kiri and Konoha. Also, by waving the two from our blacklist, we would be seen in a greater light by those who know the nature of Zabuza's attack on the Mizukage. This could also lead to more trade proposals, more trust in Konoha, and increase to our economy. Wave has also agreed to join Konoha's allies, even with Zabuza and Haku's punishments not being severe."

Naru paused, her shoulders straight and head high. She gazed toward Hiruzen, whose hand motioned for her to continue.

"As a precaution for them, I suggest Zabuza remain here until he can contact the resistance in Kiri, while Haku will be put on probation. I also suggest Haku been inducted into the clan, as a side branch of sorts, to gain support, and that he use his medical prowess for Konoha."

Naru inclined her head in respect, showing she was done.

Hiruzen smiled at the girl, glad that she was learning. He had taught her quite a lot about politics, knowing that she couldn't be allowed to be clueless when it came to such things. The girl was one of the last members of her clan, both of them, and she had a higher standing in the hierarchy thanks to her status as a Jinchuuriki. All of it paid off and prepared Naru for moments like these.

"I agree with you, Uzumaki-San. From now on Yuki Haku is instated as a Probation Genin of the Leaf, and shall rise or fall based on his own worth. He will spend three months under his consulting clan, and work in the hospital without pay for one month. After that, he can choose his career path, whether to continue as a shinobi or a medical nin, or both. He will only be allowed out of the village once his loyalty has been confirmed. He can also choose to start his own clan or become a branch of his consulting clan. As for Momochi Zabuza, he will be placed on arrest inside Konoha until he can contact Kiri and negotiate with them on Konoha's behalf. Once that is done he shall be allowed to leave, with help from Konoha depending on how well negotiations go."

Hiruzen turned his piercing gaze onto Zabuza and Haku.

"Also, for the first week of your stay, I request chakra seals be placed on your person, as well as tracking seals. I am giving you my trust, and should you break it…"

A pressure settled on the room, the grandfather figure replaced completely by the Sandaime of Konoha, one of the few to receive the title God of Shinobi, as well as the title of The Professor.

"Are my terms accepted?"

Both of the Missing Nin were released from the pressure, Haku struggling to breathe correctly while Zabuza began to sweat.

"We accept, Hokage-Sama." Haku and Zabuza spoke up at the same time. They were both shocked at the power Hiruzen still held at his age, but also at his welcoming nature and the fact he had given them allowance into his village.

"Very well. Oh, and as for your Consulting Clan…I believe Uzumaki-San has already volunteered, correct?"

Akihane stepped forward so she stood beside Haku and Zabuza, her gaze straight and firm.

"I, Uzumaki Akihane Naru, acting head of the Uzumaki Clan as of my instatement as a Genin of Konoha, officially request the role as consulting clan to Momochi Zabuza and Yuki Haku. Should anything happen to them, or should they betray the trust of my Kage, I shall be the one to act accordingly."

The room grew silent, the Rookie Nine shocked at the proclamation from their fellow Nin.

All of them were clan heirs except for Sakura, and so they knew that in the Clan law there was a clause that allowed the last member of a clan to become head the moment they were an adult. As shinobi, they also knew that once you donned that headband and had a sensei, you were automatically made into a legal adult.

Konoha's Clans Last Stand act was being put into action before their eyes, over a clan no-one had known existed but the Jonin in the room.

"I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Sandaime of Konoha, accept."

Naru's shoulders seemed to drop slightly, her eyes shutting as Hiruzen spoke. Sasuke appeared at her side, grasping her right hand while Hinata appeared and took her left.

Closing his eyes, Hiruzen then spoke up to the others.

"Not a word of this leaves this room, is that understood? This is now marked as an A-Ranked Village Secret. Shall any of you speak of what has been discussed, you will be tried for treason against your Kage and a Clan of Konoha."

Hiruzen directed his gaze to the Genin left beside their Senseis, the Jonin already straightening.

A chorus of 'Yes, Hokage-Sama' echoed in the room, leaving Hiruzen to dismiss the Genin.

"You may leave…Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, please stay. Momochi-San, Haku-San, follow Akihane-Chan to her home so she can situate you."

The dismissal released the tension from the younger ninja, causing Naru to rush to Hiruzen.

Despite the odd looks she was given, she hugged her grandfather figure tightly, whispering a soft 'thank you' into his ear, before pulling away. Sasuke and Hinata gave their farewells to Hiruzen before all three left after the rest of the Rookie Nine.

Zabuza and Haku trailed behind them, the doors shut as soon as they exited the room. Silence seals remained active, the blue glow shining as the doors locked.

I~~~~I

Once Naru had exited the room, the other Genin tried to question her.

"W-What the hell was that Akihane?!" Kiba tried to shout at the Uzumaki, only to get slapped over the head by Ino.

"Shut up dog-breath, you heard Hokage-Sama. We can't say anything here…"

Naru raised a brow but shook her head at the antics.

"Where people can hear, yes…Anyways I'm tired and hungry and I have to show Zabuza-San and Haku-San around. Sasuke-San, Hinata-Hime, are we having dinner as usual?"

Sasuke answered with a 'hn' while Hinata nodded at her idol, walking forward.

"Yamanaka, Haruno, Shikamaru-San, Choji-San, Inuzuka, and Shino-San, you are allowed to join us. Kakashi-Sensei was already told and he may bring Kurenai-Sensei and Asuma-Sensei."

Akihane offered as she walked past the others toward Hinata, Sasuke right behind her. Zabuza and Haku shared a look before tagging along.

Ino frowned, sighing as she answered. "I suppose. I just have to tell my dad."

Shino nodded toward Naru, showing he would come.

Kiba huffed but agreed, mentioning the same thing as Ino, except he spoke of his mother instead.

Shikamaru muttered but replied louder with, "I'll come. Choji has to go home though."

Choji nodded while apologizing to Naru.

Sakura mentioned she had to go home as well, and so the group split up, Naru asking them to meet at the Academy around five so she could escort them to her house.

Naru walked with Sasuke and Hinata toward the middle of town, giving Zabuza and Haku a tour as they waited.

I~~~~I

Kakashi hummed softly as he and Asuma walked toward Naru's apartment with Kurenai, each one having accepted the dinner proposal. Hiruzen had declined the invitation after finishing the briefing, claiming he had work.

The three Jonin stopped outside Naru's apartment, finding Naru standing there with Shikamaru, Ino, Shino, and Kiba. Hinata and Sasuke were no doubt cooking with Zabuza and Haku, and the others must have declined.

"Afternoon Kakashi-Sensei, Asuma-Sensei, Kurenai-Sensei."

Naru tipped her head, before turning and marching into the apartment. The others followed her inside, the newcomers frowning at the state of the building while Naru mentioned they should watch their step.

They arrived at the door, and Naru let everyone in once more, mentioning the cubby as she placed her shoes inside. Once everyone had filed into the small apartment, Naru closed the door and sealed it shut. Hinata and Haku both peaked at the others from the kitchen, Sasuke walking out of the hallway, dressed in fresh clothes with his hair dried after a shower. Zabuza was sat down on the couch, reading over one of Naru's scrolls.

Naru walked to the kitchen to help out Hinata, Sasuke glancing at the others before sighing.

"I'll go get the table from storage. Kakashi, come help since you'll just loiter like Zabuza."

Kakashi gave his student an eye-smile while Zabuza huffed at the Uchiha. Kakashi followed the male toward the storage room in the hall.

The others glanced around awkwardly before Ino muttered and grabbed Kiba and Shino, hauling them into the kitchen to help. Asuma chuckled and sat down on the couch with Zabuza, having been over to Naru's house for dinner before with Konohamaru. Kurenai stood for a moment before heading to help Kakashi and Sasuke with the table.

Shikamaru's attention was drawn to the scrolls on the shelves, and much like the Copy Nin on his first visit, he became curious. He had already spotted several scrolls Naru used to read in class, and so he wondered if the others were all used.

His hands unrolled them and looked at the data, taking it in before moving on.

Two more Fire Scrolls, brand new by the looks of them, were added, as well as two more water, and one wind. The scrolls were mainly in three columns, one for each person no doubt. The wind and water along with the singular earth were in the middle, the fire to the right, and the rest of the water to the left.

A figure crouched beside the male, silver hair indicating Kakashi. The male reached into his Kunai pouch, removing a smaller scroll. He placed it on the top where Genjutsu and beginning chakra scrolls were located.

"Akihane-San, you have an Earth Affinity?"

Shikamaru heard a voice from behind call out, noticing how Kurenai had read over his shoulder.

Footsteps sounded, Naru walking into the living room. Her hair was pulled into a bun now, and in her hand she held glasses. She placed them on the additional table that Sasuke and Kakashi had set up with Kurenai's help.

"Yes…It's not too strong, I mainly have wind style. Jiji-San gave me some specialty paper and it showed how strong each affinity was. If I had to name them in order it'd be Wind, Water, Earth, Lightning, and Fire. I have nearly no skill in the last two but have promise in the first three. Earth is still the harder affinity, however."

The Uzumaki revealed to those listening, setting down plates and cutlery. Her lavender eyes gaze up at Kurenai, a soft smile playing over her lips.

"Sasuke-San has Fire and Lightning, but can also do a little bit of the others and has excellent skill in Genjutsu, Bukijutsu, and Taijutsu. Hinata-Hime is mostly the same as me…but she has a primary Earth and that's it. She has skill in Taijutsu, Bukijutsu, and Iryo Ninjutsu."

Kurenai looked shocked at the revelation as well as Zabuza, pondering over the facts as Naru returned to the kitchen.

Asuma chuckled from the sidelines, glancing toward Kakashi.

"Guess you have your hands full."

Kakashi glared at Asuma with his one eye, standing up along with Shikamaru. Shikamaru placed the scroll back on the shelf and walked toward the kitchen to help where he could.

All of the Jonin sat down, Kurenai shaking her head with a soft hum as she rested beside Asuma.

"Hokage-Sama really does like Akihane-San, doesn't he? I mean what happened earlier and the fact that he helped her with this…it's really shocking." Zabuza spoke up, glancing to his fellow Jonin.

Kakashi chuckled lightly, gazing toward the kitchen where Hinata was giggling at Kiba as the dog-lover got hit by Ino for trying to put his hands in the food.

"Akihane-Hime is talented, yes, and so are her friends. She grew up alone though, and Hiruzen ended up close to her because of it. I have no doubt that she will live up to his expectations, and her being accepted as the head was part of it. Hokage-Sama has a plan; it's why he allowed the other Rookies to hear that whole thing. He's looking at the bigger picture, for now."

Silence descended upon the Jonin as they all caught onto Kakashi's double meaning. Soon after Kakashi had stopped speaking to the adults, Naru, Hinata, and Ino walked into the living room with plates of food that they then placed down on top of the table, which had just enough seats for all eleven people that were currently staying.

Sasuke and Haku followed with some pitchers of ice tea, iced water, and a pot full of hot tea.

Kiba and Shino filed behind, placing bread and some spices on the table.

This time dinner was a large roast, which rested on a plate of vegetables. Yellow rice sat to the side, along with the bread, butter, salt, pepper, and more vegetables.

Everyone took their place at the table, Hinata, Sasuke, and Naru sitting in the middle of the right side, with Haku and Shikamaru to Naru's left, Sasuke to her right, and Hinata to Sasuke's right, followed by Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma, Ino, Kiba, Haku, and Shino. Kakashi sat at the head, and as such, drew everyone into the silence before the meal.

During the stay at Tazuna's house in Wave, the Rookies had all been introduced to Hinata's, Sasuke's, and Naru's strange actions during meal time which included their bought of silence before eating. As such no one complained during those moments, just before Akihane opened her eyes and started serving everyone.

Everyone took a little of everything, pouring themselves some tea or water while they ate.

Ino was the one to start talking, turning to look at Haku as she swallowed a bit of rice. She had tried to tell Naru she was on a Diet when the girl told her what they would be eating, but she was ignored. It honestly shocked her though that Naru had her shadow clones cooking while they went to the briefing in order to finish since the girl had to have known how many people were coming to make that much. Akihane wouldn't spill though.

"So Haku-San, how good are you at Medical jutsu?"

Haku glanced over and tapped his chin, before answering.

"I don't know any Iryo-Ninjutsu. I use herbs and my knowledge of anatomy in order to treat my patients."

The Yuki Nin answered, smiling at Ino gently. Ino blinked and hummed.

"So you use plants? That's cool. I really like studying flowers and their uses. My family owns a flower shop."

The two conversed, Kiba huffing form between them. Hinata soon pitched in, while Naru opened another conversation for Kakashi and the other Senseis.

"Kakashi-Sensei, what are you going to teach us next? I'm also wondering about the other teams."

Asuma and Kurenai glanced at each other, while Kakashi leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands.

"Well, I think some Nature Exercises and more teamwork routines. I need to catch Sakura up to you two after all."

Naru nodded, the other Senseis catching her gaze.

Asuma spoke up first, scratching the back of his head. "Well, I needed to work on the three's stamina really."

Kurenai followed, smiling at Naru as she swallowed some roast.

"I'd say more tracking exercises, but they also need to practice the tree climbing and water walking exercise."

Naru nodded, glancing off toward the others before adding on.

"Perhaps we can do a joint session? I noticed that we need more help when working with others, not on our team. It could aid us greatly, and it helps you guys push whoever needs help in the right direction."

The three Jonin looked at each other, Zabuza chuckling as he looked toward Akihane.

"You are quite the little tactician, huh? With that hair, you remind me of Konoha's Silver Kage, the Nidaime." The man's words shocked those at the table a bit, drawing silence even from the other girls.

Akihane hummed in response, smiling gently at Zabuza.

"I get that a lot." Akihane finally replied a few seconds later, turning toward Shikamaru and Shino to talk about training while Sasuke glanced from her to Zabuza.

The Uchiha sighed gently, remembering that Naru also had her other 'family' that consisted of Jonin and ANBU that no doubt mentioned that fact quite a lot. He himself had been shocked when the Hokage showed them the pictures of the past leaders. Sasuke always thought that Naru's facial structure was closer to the Yondaime's than the Nidaime's, however, even if he didn't voice it aloud.

"Say Naru, I've been meaning to ask where you got that sword move from. You used it on Zabuza."

Naru blinked, then glanced toward Kiba, since he had asked.

Kiba huffed and gestured to Hinata.

"Hinata had something like it too, Leaf Wind Palm Strike or whatever."

The two girls shared looks before Naru answered.

"Palm Dance of the Leaf? Well, Hinata uses a modified version of mine…which is Dance of the Leaf. I drew it from Dance of the Crescent Moon. I found the stuff for it in a bunch of things my parents left me before they died."

Kakashi narrowed his singular eye on the girl, reminded of the technique that the girl had used. He didn't exactly doubt she found it in a scroll, as he and the rest of Minato's guard platoon along with two of his ANBU guards had helped Kushina package everything in preparation for Naru's birth.

The only problem with Naru's statement was that Naru would have needed Hayate to teach her regardless since you couldn't get that perfect of a form from just reading a scroll.

The Hokage Guard Platoon had been disbanded after Minato died, and they hadn't been informed of his daughter still living. Naru didn't exactly look like Minato, even if the shape of her face matched his and her eyes were like Kushina's.

"Wait so you mean you taught yourself that? Isn't that technique Gekko Hayate's?" Kurenai cut in, her eyes furrowed in confusion.

Naru glanced toward the woman, and she smiled and pressed her fingers to her lips.

"He gave me permission."

The Uzumaki allowed them to know, inciting more questions in their heads while Shikamaru cut in next.

"So, what else are you hiding under your sleeve?"

Naru tilted her head to the male, and a gentle laugh echoed over the table, one that was as cunning and vixen-like as Naru's present smirk. "A Kunoichi has to keep some things to herself. Besides the Hokage, none of you really have to know."

Hinata and Sasuke shared glances before Sasuke added onto her statement.

"Akihane doesn't even tell us all about what she learns…do not waste your time."

I~~~~I

And done. This is a filler chapter, no denying that. It was getting to 5.5 k words though and so I halted it there. Hope you enjoyed, until next time.

Edit-Fixed the Ero-Ninjutsu to Iryo-Ninjutsu. Sorry about that, I had gone through and fized this earlie, but I guess I missed it here. Thanks for poiting it out again!

Omake-Hayate, Dance of the Crescent Moon

Hayate had of course known the moment that Genma had given Naru a sword, she would come to him.

The girl had received her Father's box of gifts on her tenth birthday, and now she had found the scroll he had donated for her to read.

"Hayate-San, like this?"

Naru spoke up from beside him, her arms angled toward the ground while she grasped the handle of her blade, tilting it to the side.

She was practicing Katas at the moment, trying to get the basic form of the Dance of the Crescent Moon down before starting the actual process.

Hayate smiled at the girl, reaching over to correct her stance.

His chest burned a bit, but he ignored that and the slight pounding in his head over his condition and standing in the sun too long.

A little pain was worth training the small white haired girl that brought such light to his days.

Off to the side, Genma and Raidou waited for him to finish, both chatting eagerly about who would teach Naru what next.

"Alright…there."

Hayate stepped back after correcting Naru, allowing her to draw back before going through the Katas once more.

Her form needed improvements, but she learned quickly and Hayate had faith in her.

The girl paused mid-swing, automatically correcting her grip before restarting again.

She continued well into mid-day, Hayate soon resting beside his friends in the shade while he watched.

The sun faded away, but the little girl continued to train, even when Genma was the last one watching her.

She trained until she eventually collapsed, and was taken home by an amused Neko.