A/N: Thanks again for the great reviews.

Okay a quick note, I have you all to know that this story is not going to be short. There is a lot and I mean lot of information I have to go through and its all important. Also as another note. If you are confused don't worry about it, there are parts where you are supposed to be, I would like my readers to think a bit. Please keep reviewing though I would love to hear your thoughts

Well that's all I have to say so I'll stop talking now and let you read the story.

Anyways enjoy chapter ten and please remember to review. I'm seriously pleased with how well this story has done.

Chapter 10: Worry

Akane was pleased with herself. She had not only tracked him the entire time just by using chakra but also by using a genjutsu that even confused the great copy ninja; and further more surprised the hell out of him. To do that one needed skill.

"Copy ninja Kakashi, I never thought I would meet you face to face."

"I don't believe you could truthfully say that." He chidded.

Was that supposed to be an insult or a joke? She wasn't too sure. All she wanted was to get this done and go home and sleep.

"Look I want to end this. Cooperate and no one gets hurt. It's plain and simple. You come with me and everything will be as it was."

"And how was that?"

Is he dumb or something?

"Okay obviously we're not getting through here. I-WANT-TO-GO-HOME! And you're coming with me. Simple, now just give up this stupid attempt."

"Where are my comrades?" He knew she had them.

"Safe, you'll see them as soon as you come with me."

Kakashi didn't want a full-blown fight, but was she telling him the truth or lying to him?

How often is it that people on your team know these people...and happen to be hiding here? Then again Genma could be here.

"How do I know you're telling me the truth?" He desperately wanted her to be telling him the truth. That way he can rest. His voice was causing him more trouble than he was expecting it to.

Sighing the ANBU before him reached behind her and pulled out a familiar orange book and threw it in the dirt at his feet.

His eyes went wide with surprise. Is this the woman who took his pack?

"How?"

"It was with all your stuff." She laughed. "By the way that book is way too smutty for me. I couldn't get past the first chapter without laughing my head off. Seriously no woman would fall for lines like that."

He stared at her in dumb-founded wonder. This woman read his book. Riffled through his stuff and had the audacity to tell him his book sucked!

"Well then I'll just take the book and not cooperate then." Just as he bent to reach it the orange book disappeared in a puff of smoke. "MY BOOK!" He should have known better. Even he knew if she were in the same postion cooperation was out of the question. She had tricked him and he fell for it like a fool.

"You know I find it amusing that you're so connected to these. Jiraiya isn't that good a writer. It's just a sappy soap opera."

"My book!" A murmmer came from the tall man. He hadn't noticed she had addressed the author as though she knew him. He was too upset by the trick she pulled.

"You said that the first time."

"MY BOOK!" Kakashi was now mad. He wanted his book and if it meant torturing her to get it then he was fine with that.

Note to self: Do not steal copy-nin's books he'll look like he'll shred you.

"Look it's just a book, it can be replaced." Akane was now backing up and waving her hands in front of her. He was seriously starting to scare her. Was he that unstable or was it just the book?

"My student gave it to me. It's a special edition meant for me, there is not other like it."

"Oh geez you suck, it's a damn book. Look if you don't come with me now I might burn it."

What else could I say? I can't talk to him all day.

Sharingan Kakashi didn't look too happy but he seemed to be thinking what she said through.

Yes use head...good for you. She was getting nervous, she wasn't to sure if he was going to attack her or not.

"Fine."

"Good now we're getting somewhere." Turning Akane had the distinct feeling she made a mistake.

The wall before her suddenly became very personal with her. Her face hit the wall hard but she managed to stay conscious as the copy ninja smashed her into it.

Oops! Damnit that's one of the major rules of battle, never turn your back on an enemy. Why the hell did I do this? I'll be lucky if he doesn't kill me.

"I changed my mind."

"Let me guess you're going to knock me out and find my house trash it for your book..."

"No I know better than that." He spat in her ear. This whole thing was turning personal and fast.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing?" His hand moved from the back of her neck along her back and into her hip pouch. "You jerk! Pervert!"

"Oh?" Pulling out her kunai he held it to her throat.

"Call your team!" The way he demanded this reminded her of someone, but at the moment the situation was too dire, so she pushed it to the back of her mind.

"Why should I?"

"Because if you don't you won't need your windpipe anymore."

Can't they ever get creative...everyone goes after my throat. It's getting redundant.

"NO!"

"If you don't I'll kill you. I have no need for you to live."
Akane had been in this situation countless times and she was sure she could use her technique to get away as long as if she kept him talking.

Pulling her fingers out of a fist and pushing them against the wall she addressed her attacker.

"You must be enjoying this aren't you?"

"Perhaps, but I would prefer that you cooperate with me."

As he spoke she began to push chakra into her hands. As long as if she keeps him from noticing it then she'll be fine.

"Just call your damn team off!"

"Fine." But there was a problem she needed to activate the com-link. "Could you possibly turn on the mike for me?

Shifting his weight against her the Kakashi used his free hand to turn on the mike around her neck.

"Section 1 and 2 please stand down. I've apprehended the target." She tried her best not to sound muffled. The man holding her to the wall had her held there so hard she was having a hard time breathing properly.

"Wha...but we never even saw him."

"SHUT UP AND DO AS I SAY!" She snapped. Behind her she could feel Kakashi's body tense.

"Confirmed section 1 standing down."

"Alright boss we'll stand down!" with that all communications with the two teams terminated.

"Boss?"

"Long story."

She was finally ready, she waited for him to shift once more and as he placed the other hand back to the base of her spine. Finally he did what hse was hoping, as fast as she could she released a large amount of chakra into the wall sending both her and her attacker flying backwards. Brick flew everywhere, creating a cloud of dust. Just enough for a quick escape, just as she hoped.

Damn what the hell was that? I've never seen a technique like that before. How did she do...she's gone.

Glancing around Kakashi got to his feet he had to find her and stop her from regrouping with the other team. The technique she had just used scared him. It was strong and with that much force she could kill him easily without him noticing in time. Finding her was important if not for the mission then for his life.

"You're smart and fast but I'm not to far behind you in that area." He sighed. If he was fully healed he wouldn't have been affected as he had been. No things would have been different.

Jumping to a nearby roof Kakashi began his search.

A hostage isn't my style but I might need to use her as one in this case. She could tell me a lot more information than any of her flunkies and I doubt that shinobi dressed as a Konohoa ANBU was indeed from Konohoa. If I spot her soon I could be at an advantage.

He knew the best course of action was not to engage her again. That would be stupid. She'd have the upper hand but if he followed her he could chose the proper time to strike.

Sure enough she was within sight making a hasty retreat to the western side of the village. From the way she was moving he could see she was seriously injured.

Opening his left eye he saw that indeed this was the real one and not a genjutsu. Had he hurt her while they were thrown or was that from earlier? He had no clue where, all he knew was his kunai was soaked in her blood. At least if he loses her he can have Pakkun follow her scent.

Why should I even feel guilty she did that to her self she's no ally.

Somehow he knew he was only fooling himself, he felt guilty. He was no bad guy in this and he wasn't out to kill.

She had no choice but to get home as fast as she can. If she can't force him to come with her then she'll have to get him to chase her there. So far she was right to make that choice but the injury she had received in the process was a high price.

He had kept his promise, maybe not intentionally but still he had slit her throat and if it weren't for the chakra she was pouring into the wound she would have been dead by then.

Home was the place where she'd be safe and get help.

It wasn't too far now. She could sense him converging on her position but the waves from his chakra seemed different, almost less hostile.

I'm surprised he didn't just try to leave... some how he's familiar though, I still have to come up with where I last saw him.

Time was running out. Her chakra wasn't endless at lest not her own anyways. She was close now she could sense the familiar chakra signatures of her friends and family.

"AKANE!" A familiar voice screamed.

It's like him to freak out, I'm okay really.

Reaching the porch she heard the sound of running feet coming towards her as strong arms pulled her inside just as the lights when out.

Someone was next to her...who was it? Coming to groggily Akane smashed a fist into her right eye as a hand grabbed the fist and held it for a moment before telling her to be still.

Iruka?

She glanced at the shadowy figure questioningly hoping for it to answer her and sure enough it did.

"Yeah it's me Akane-san no need to be defensive." He smiled. He looked as though he had been crying. He always looked like that when she got hurt.

You big cry baby!

"What happened out there? Who did this to you?" He was fishing for information.

Something told her not to answer that. Knowing Iruka he'd get upset and search for the guy all by himself, and since it was Kakashi who did it; Iruka could risk getting killed.

She shook her head and looked to the window. What she saw didn't surprise her at all. Luckily he didn't know if it was her he had hurt or if she was a sick woman who lived in the house.

Perched in a tree she could see a figure watching.

Is that him? Why is he watching me?

Smiling to herself she knew that he wouldn't recognize her now. She'd just be another person of the household. Glancing at her clothes she realized she had been dressed in her night clothes.

I don't think Nariko is here yet...did he? No he... It had to be. She wasn't upset though. He had taken care of her many times and this was no different. She would have done the same for him.

"Akane please tell me."

Sitting up slowly Akane shook her head slowly. "There's no point, it's alright."

Okay I made a big mistake opening my mouth...why does he make me do that?

"Why not?" He leaned closer so she could see his face more clearly. He was upset. She felt bad for not telling him but if it kept them both safe then her mouth would stay shut.

"Because it's my own fault...I was careless." She said as she glanced down at the blanket bunched up in her hands. Slowly Iruka placed a hand over hers.

Unlike her he was always so warm. It had always made her feel so comfortable; he was always so loving around her. Come to think of it he had always been like that.

"Don't let it happen anymore okay, I can't stand seeing you like this." He sighed as he looked away a blush passing over his features. Akane couldn't help it, she coughed. Iruka's features became even more strained.

Stop it! I'm fine really of course I have a cough, geez. I can say I have the flu now and that jounin won't know it was me he hurt. Don't give it away.

"You blush way too much!" She laughed as his head snapped in her direction and blush went from a rosy color to crimson.

"Heh." He laughed nervously as he rubbed the back of his head causing the ponytail to bounce. "I can't help it!"

"Should I start making you do the training I put my people through?"

"Um no I like my feelings where they are thank you." He smiled

"What's that mean? I don't work with heartless people you know that." She was insulted to say the least. She never would make someone lose their emotions or their compassion.

"I know but I would be afraid of becoming cold." He frowned now. Looking down she watched his hand, his thumb was rubbing the back of her hand.

"No kidding, you can't anyways. Besides you're too stubborn...no one can break you, it's really kind of funny."

(FLASHBACK)

Akane snuck through an ally, she had to remain hidden. There was no way she could be seen if she was then it would mean the end for her. She would have to either kill them or kill herself. Once she had established a disguise and alibi she's be fine and able to move around more comfortably.

It was sad really. She was finally back home in her village and just starting to see how much it has changed from the stories she as told.

This place was war torn now. The buildings showed damage and many were homeless or without families. However, the people of Konohoa still managed to remain strong, and laughter still filled the air as children played and people worked. It was as though the war was left outside the gates.

How do they do it? She herself felt the sorrow of war and the effects on her were not as nice as others but not the worst.

Dashing into another ally-way she suddenly flew into someone. A young man with a strange scar. She couldn't help but wonder how he had gotten one across his nose.

"HEY watch it; you shouldn't be sneaking around like that." He snapped. He wore a chuunin flack jacket. She guessed he was around her age, making him either sixteen or seventeen.

"S...sorry I didn't mean to..."

"What does it matter, you're okay and that's all that counts right?" He beamed a smiled at her.

"Eh?" She wasn't to sure what to do...he seemed so nice.

"I've never seen you here before."

"Umm...I'm new here I just transferred from a smaller village."

The young man looked at her suspiciously and then changed his mind about something.

"Well then, my name is Umino Iruka. Why don't I show you around? But can I ask, what's your name?"

"Akane."

"Akane...Akane what?"

"Um I dunno I don't know my last name."

"You don't, that's odd."

She had to be careful. He probably thought she was suspicious already. She knew he was far smarter than he looked. He had a glint in his eyes she couldn't ignore...he could either be a problem or an asset...she had to play her cards right.

"I lost my parents when I was really little and I don't remember anything from then. I was adopted but they soon died too so I just believe I don't belong to anyone." What she had just said made next to no sense to her but hopefully he wouldn't notice anything.

"Um okay then." He laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess we're not that different."

"HEY UMINO!" A man suddenly yelled down the ally. His silver hair gleamed in the light as if blew past his face. Something about him set her off. He had an odd crooked smile, and it made her uneasy. He seemed to be some kind of pretty boy.

"GO AWAY!" Akane yelled at the other man.

"Eh Akane-san!"

She stopped sending glares at the intruder and stared at Iruka with wide eyes. He had grabbed her by the arm for some reason and to her it registered as though he had figured her out.

With quick reflexes she brought her foot down hard on his and took off.

"ARRGGGHH" she heard him cry out as she ran off.

Hours later she saw the same young man sitting under a large cherry blossom tree. The scene before her almost made her laugh.

There sitting under a pink tree was a young chuunin trying desperately to memorize a jutsu and getting rather flustered at the scroll in front of him

"Stupid thing. I swear who ever made this is lying to me. They did this on purpose...maybe it's a joke."

Glancing around he seemed satisfied that indeed no one was watching him.

Was he ever wrong?

Jumping down from the tree she was hiding in, which just so happened to be next to the chunnin, she smiled as he jumped shielding his face.

"Something wrong? Umino?" She laughed.

"Did you do this to me?"

"Do what?"

"Make a bogus scroll."

"Eh noooo..." she smiled as she sat next to him. A little to close for him since he seemed to lean away from her. He was obviously shy around girls.

"Let me see it."

"Well unless you're jounin I doubt you could tell me what I'm doing wrong. I've been over it forwards and backwards."

Glancing t it she had to laugh. He thought he was so good, but in reality she really was at least at jounin level and able to decipher it with ease.

"Here this is your mistake that's not Tori the bird it's Uma the horse. See here."

Quickly she activated all the seals and with a lot of control shot water at Iruka's face without hurting him.

'Hey! That wasn't fair."

"Sorry I just had to wipe the bewilderment off your face. It was making me nervous."

"Oh was it now?" He growled. She was surprised, at this rate he'd start lecturing her on the proper use of jutsu.

"What you just did was careless. If you weren't able to control that you could have seriously hurt me. You shouldn't abuse jutsu." Yep she was right.

"Look I have a lot of practice with jutsu so there's no need to worry."

"Well a chuunin is expected to know that yes but that much control?"

"Who said I was chuunin?"

"WHAT!" Iruka stood suddenly.

"Well it's nothing to yell about." She rubbed the ear closest to him just to drive home her point.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I just met you, and you never asked." Funny thing was she had no status as a shinobi, she never had exams but she was at about jounin level so she just left it at that.

Sighing Iruka sat next to her and spared a guilty glance her way.

"I'm sorry I wasn't supposed to get help with that one."

"Well it's off the record there!"

"Heh you can't do that! I'm sure someone saw you help me."

"So?"

"You really aren't one to follow rules are you?"

"Nope, you?"

"Sometimes. I used to get into a lot of trouble as a kid."

"Really you look too much like a goody goody."

"OH really!" With quick reflexes that surprised her, he activated the same jutsu and shot her with a squirt of water.

"HEY!"

"Well it's nothing to yell about." He was using her own words, the nerve.

"You should take your own advice!" She spat.

"Well sorry for playing a joke, at least I don't have a stick up my ass and stomp on people's feet."

"WELL MAYBE YOU SHOULDN"T HAVE GRABBED MY ARM!" She was now yelling at him.

Both now were standing and glaring daggers at each other.

"MAYBE YOU SHOULD LEARN TO RELAX A BIT"

"OHH YOU THINK YOU"RE SO GOOD." She growled.

"BETTER THAN YOU." He was sneering.

"OI you two are making my ears ring." A sandy haired man came walking over rubbing his head with a groggy look on his face. "There I was enjoying some free time and suddenly there's a lover's spat two feet away. Please just keep it down."

"Lovers?" Iruka glanced at the girl next to him and burst out laughing but he was still blushing. Of course Akane wasn't stupid she saw it written all over his face.

"What was I missing something?" The man looked confused.

"She's not my girlfriend! Ha I just met her. She's annoying."

"WHAT...TAKE THAT BACK! IS THAT WHAT YOU SAY AFTER I HELP YOU?"

"Oh like I'm afraid of you." He laughed. She was not impressed.

Akane took one step and had Iruka pinned to a tree. "Why don't we see whose better?" Grinning she brought her hand up and...

"Not that jutsu little missy." Genma sneered as he held her hand in mid air stopping her original plan... "I'm surprised a chuunin like you would now that, only elites know jutsu like those."

"Well I guess you got me all figured out...I'm no chuunin."

"Hmm but no jounin, where's the uniform?"

"At home. I don't like wearing it, it's too bulky."

Both men stared at her with confusion across their faces.

"Women" both sighed and laughed.

"Okay I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that. Can you stop trying to kill me with your eyes now?"

She smiled and decided he wasn't worth getting mad at. How could he have this way odd disarming her? Which wasn't a good thing but she could use him to get information. The other man on the other hand was looking at her with more suspicion than Iruka had.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" He smiled the senbon on his mouth bobbing.

"Okay." She was being careful now; any slip up could cause trouble. Her stories had to be straight and clear.

He always had such a temper but was quick to apologize. That was what made her like him so much.

He was gazing intently at her again. It wasn't anything new; he always did that.

"What something on my face?"

"Ha ha ha no" He smiled but slowly it faded. "You worried me."

"Oh geezz I always worry you...you even worry about you."

"Do not!" He pouted for a moment coaxing a laugh out of her. He was good at that too. Every emotion was written on his face for all to read.

"Look I'm okay now, so stop dotting on me okay." She smiled trying to get him to pay attention to her rather than how well he was maintaining the pout.

She watched him closely as he glanced at her before relaxing and sighing.

"I'm not dotting!"

"Oh you so are." She laughed. He still had her hand and she squeezed his to make her point.

Quickly he pulled it away and blushed once again. She really had to get him to stop that.

"Am not." He was going to pout again she just knew it.

"Are too."

"NO!"

"YES YOU ARE!" She spat. "I want to sleep." She sighed.

Ha ha ha that stopped you.

For a moment concern creased his face. There was no fooling her when she was reading him

"It's okay I'm not going to die in my sleep."

"I'm just..."

"I know worried about me and my rash behavior...yes you've told me that too many times. Go get some rest too you need it. I'll be around to wake you in a bit how's that? Then you can see that I'm okay."

"Alright. Night." He smiled and got up glancing back still making sure she was okay.

TBC...