AN: Hi everyone! Hope you liked the story so far! Please read and review!

This is the start of the next arc that is going to semi connect to the actual Naruto series. I won't be adding or connecting/using the movies, but both the manga and anime will be used if not referenced.

This chapter will also have multiple POV -just a heads up. Also sorry for all the extra line breaks I forgot how to do the small ones.

Also, I've given up trying to use -san and the like and name order. If that bothers you sorry, but I forget too easily.

Please R&R!

I do not own Naruto.

Break & Mission 2 start

Rin's POV:

It was a few days after I woke up that I was sitting in my room resting from sparring practice with Orochimaru. They had treated me the same as before my comment though I did see Kabuto ignoring Orochimaru about being too attached in a passing comment. I was laying on my bed when I put up a barrier to hide what I was doing. I then reached out with my awareness towards the Sand. I felt a connection and then I was in the scorpion puppet I had left there. There was dust around it, and I put up a barrier around the puppet before moving it outside the room that had been completely empty.

The bodies from the battle were long gone and there was no one down here. I crawled out of there and up the stairs to the Kage's office.

It was less packed with work and the tension in the room was a lot more relaxed than before. Baki was nowhere in sight and so I left the office. I crawled to the Kage's house hoping to catch the Sand Siblings, but they weren't there. I went to the living room and hid under the couch before separating myself from the scorpion puppet.

It seems that the dead priest didn't use the One-tails to rampage after my death. The village is quiet, but it is past midnight over there. I hope Gaara will not fall back into the darkness. I'll check again in soon or a few days.

I fell asleep after and it was a nice dreamless sleep.

A week later...

Kabuto has been annoyingly over protective and attentive ever since I woke up today. I was sparring again with Orochimaru when I gotten hit with a more heavy blow to my stomach, he called for me to come get healed. I made a noise but did as told after Orochimaru nodded. He laughed as Kabuto did a great impression of an older brother as he healed me as in, he was muttering about all the bruises and shallow wounds I had ignored.

It was decided that I would be given the day off tomorrow to recover since Kabuto is going to go do something for Orochimaru somewhere else. I rolled my eyes when Kabuto told me this in the Throne Room which had Orochimaru chuckling. I sighed at Kabuto's behavior but Orochimaru only found it amusing. Apparently, my lessons from Kabuto are to be put on hold until after my next mission. He had already shown me how to do the Chakra Scalpel as well as how to channel my chakra into healing chakra, so I didn't mind. It was only the basics though due to my bad chakra control.

It was during this day off that I thought to check on the Sand Siblings through my scorpion puppet. It took a while to put up the barrier since Orochimaru was still around.

I reached out to it and my consciousness shifted into the puppet. I woke up under the couch and slowly crawled my way out and looked around. The Sand Siblings were not around and so I searched for Gaara's chakra that was not far from the house. I went outside following his chakra and found him by the playground and crawled closer. There was a large crowd of people, including some kids glaring at Gaara and yelling at him. Apparently one of the kids were injured by Gaara.

The crowd was getting more and more heated and full of hate. They were going to come forward when a kid stepped in front of Gaara in a protective stance. It was Jun! He shouted, "Gaara didn't do it. He wasn't anywhere near here when the kid got hurt. I was here the whole time. Stop blaming Gaara for things he didn't do!" This surprised everyone until one adult said, "What are you doing Jun? If it weren't for this demon your parents wouldn't have been demoted and all your friends in trouble!"

Jun scowled at the crowd and said, "It wasn't Gaara's fault! My parents and friends were blinded by fear and hate. Kyou is proof that Gaara wasn't a bad person and brought us back to our senses. Gaara is Not a demon!" A Chuunin ninja shouted, "He is the reason Kyou is dead!" Gaara looked down silently agreeing with guilt. Jun glared and shouted back, "No! He is not!" Surprising everyone again and making Gaara look up at him.

Jun continued, "Kyou died due to the power hungry individuals in the council! She died because no one could accept Gaara is just a kid and not a demon! We are the ones that killed her, not him! You all treated her terribly for being his friend! You all don't have the right to talk about her as if she was important to you!" This stunned the crowd, and some looked away in guilt, especially the food merchants. Silence reigned for a while then Jun said in a more calmer and firm voice, "Leave Gaara alone and stop trying to blame him for everything. Now, go away!"

The crowd did and there were still some that glared as they left, but they all left. Gaara whispered, "why?" Jun looked at him and said, "Kyou believed in and fought for you. She was loyal and as much as I hate to admit it, was always right when it came to people. If she believed in, you to the point of not even death can change her then I believe in you too. I can't promise to be your friend, but I will always have your back like Kyou did. I will do my best to help and have your back as my way of remembering her." Gaara stared at Jun then nodded in 'Thanks." Jun smiled back and walked away.

I had crawled onto Gaara's sand gourd and we went back to the house. There Kankuro was fiddling with another puppet on part of the couch. He didn't look up but asked, "Good?" Gaara nodded and sat down. I crawled onto the couch away from them to Kankuro's room to leave this puppet to him. It has both a crystal and scroll hidden with barriers to keep hidden until necessary. I crawled onto his bed and then disconnected with it.

Gaara and the others will be ok. Gaara isn't alone and his siblings will be able keep an eye on him.

I carefully fixed myself and dropped the barriers. It was nearing dinner, so I left my room to eat.

(3rd person POV)

Kankuro had walked up to his room after dinner. He had dropped his new project in the corner and sat on his bed. Kankuro found the scorpion puppet and really liked it after opening it up and trying it out. He decided to always carry it with him, and it would be a good pairing with the snake puppet that was similarly crafted. He wondered who was the maker and why leave these puppets to him.

Rin's POV:

While Kabuto was away longer than originally thought, Orochimaru left me alone. I was summoned to the Throne Room by him to tell me of the extended time without training. He sent a redhead and glasses wearing girl who seemed to have a temper, but she likes me for some reason. Karin was her name and Orochimaru had noticed her interest, so she is my constant companion outside my room. It was nice to be with another kid. I didn't mind sitting in the library of scrolls or outside listening to her complaining about the creatures and co-workers that she had to deal with.

I usually would sit there staring at a torch or the sky as she talked. She seemed to always know that I was listening, and I could feel she was feeling better every time we hung out. I had a feeling she was lonely and was happy to have a friend though she knows that it won't last which is why she was telling me all these things.

I was surprised that Orochimaru would let her tell me about everything since I still haven't told them anything. I was still very cautious but still enjoyed the easy friendship.

We were among the scrolls that Orochimaru found us. He chuckled at a comment that Karin made about Kabuto being too strict. We looked at him and he smiled as he said, "It seemed that you two have become good friends during your vacation, Rin." We just stared at him and he continued, "Rin, come with me. It's about time for your next mission."

I nodded and stood up. Instead of following him immediately I waited a moment debating. Orochimaru stopped at the door and looked back at me. I turned my back to him surprising Karin and put up a barrier so he wouldn't see. Karin was surprised by the barrier and smiled as I gave her a gentle hug. She stiffened then hugged back tightly. I whispered, "No matter the future you are my friend and I will always hear you. Call for me and I will be listening always. If this is goodbye, remember that you are not weak and that you can be free." I pulled away and dropped the barrier. I walked over to him as he stared at me and I tilted my head with the well trained empty expression in place. He smiled as we walked out of the room.

We entered the Throne Room and he sat down. I waited and he said, "You will be going to spy in the Village Hidden in the Leaves or Hidden Leaf Village. Your background is up to you since your story at the Sand worked very well. I want you to survey the village and look for weaknesses. Also look into the children of the Academy and keep an eye on anyone that is strong, especially in bloodlines."

I nodded and asked, "When do I leave?" He replied, "At midnight tonight. Kabuto will not be able to see you off." I nodded again and went to leave the room. I stopped at the door and looked back at him over my shoulder. He noticed and I said, "You said to protect you is part of the cost of being your student. So, I'm warning you not to try to find out about me by other people or beings. It will only disappoint you and get you killed even if you are one of the strongest in the world. Snake Sannin."

Shock showed on his face as the snake from the Sand mission slithered down my leg back to him. I left closing the door gently with a sigh. It will be midnight in a few hours, so I went to my room to pack.

I probably won't be coming back regardless of how I do this mission. I have learned all I needed from them. Gaara, be careful.

I was ready to leave, and no one saw me off. I shrugged it off and started toward the Hidden Leaf. The stars were beautiful with the darkness of the night. It was not very long until I had reached the start of the trees. I took a break for I am still a full day away from the Leaf. I sat in the tree branches staring at the stars until the sky brightened with the sunrise. The colors that distracted from the stars and light energized the trees warmed the cold air. In the warmth of the sun I slowly fell asleep with a barrier of protection.

I woke after a few hours and started my travel though more to that of a citizen like pace. I was not in a hurry to get to the Leaf, because I only have heard stories about it. The Sand Village was home to the One-tails a friend since my birth who in previous lifetimes had me visit him. It also helped that people did not attack me on my way to the Leaf. I was not using any henge since I have heard there are people who can see through them in this village. I did not want to provoke anyone or start a fight immediately.

When I got to the border of the Leaf's I camped there with a small fire to see if anyone would notice me. Unfortunately, no one did, and I started my journey to the village once more. I was about halfway when a ninja crashed into me making both of us fall. He quickly got up to run again so I shifted to trip him since he did not wear the Leaf's headband. He didn't notice my movement though to anyone else it wouldn't look like I tripped him on purpose. I moved back when he glared at me but before he could do anything four ninja with masks surrounded us. One quickly grabbed him and knocked him out as the other two looked into the trees. The last one knelt down in front of me and stared at me.

I simply blinked at the mask that was shaped like a cat that this one wore. I glanced at the other three and their masks were shaped like animals too. I tilted my head when the cat nin just continued to stare at me. "Problem?" asked the one with the dog mask. Cat nin replied, "There is a child here. She has some scrapes from when the rogue crashed into her." The other two remained silent busying themselves with the rogue. Dog knelt down next to Cat to which I flinched away since I hadn't seen him do since I was watching the others doing… something to the rogue.

I looked at the Dog nin and he sighed. He asked, "Where are you from?" I blinked then replied, "I'm not sure… is there a village or town nearby? All I remember is that I don't have a home anymore." This was not a complete lie with what has happened and now the jumbled memories of my past lives starting to mix with my current one.

The Cat and Dog nin looked at each other than the trio behind them. Dog sighed and said, "we will take her with us and the Hokage will know what to do." Cat nodded as the Dog went to the others. Cat shifted closer and I turned to stare at him. I guessed he understood me for he said, "I'm going to carry you. You won't be able to keep up with us." I stiffened but nodded. Cat picked me up and put me on his back and we all started through the trees. I smiled at the wind in my hair and at how smoothly we were moving.

We went through the front gate surprising the two there which I chuckled at them falling out of their chairs before we took to the roofs to a building similar to the Sand's tower. I stared out at the village and saw so many colors mixing about. It has been a long time since I saw so many colors at once outside the sky. A feeling of light disappointment tugged at me when comparing this village to the Sand. It showed that unlike the Sand this village didn't live with fear or much sorrow.

It was not long until we got to the building but instead of going through the doors we went through the window. The rogue was put on his knees before the Hokage's desk where there were several stacks of paper that he was working on. He had looked up at us coming in and nodded when he saw the rogue with a frown. They took him away.

Cat and Dog remain and the Hokage noticed and Cat put me down in front of his desk. I stared at him. The Hokage was old with many wrinkles, but he had a kind grandfather like air to him. Dog said, "We found her when pursuing the rogue. He had crashed into her and she doesn't remember where she is from. She is not an ally to the rogue."

The Hokage raised an eyebrow which inched further towards the weird hat he wore. I stared at Dog with shock as well. Cat chuckled before stopping himself. The Hokage asked, "What makes you believe she is not that rogue's ally?" Dog replied, "She tripped him when she noticed he was rogue. There was also the fact she didn't know or fear us on sight of our masks." I blinked then looked to the Hokage hoping that these people were not that easily trusting.

The Hokage laughed and I blinked. Cat and Dog flinched at his laugh obviously not expecting it too. The Hokage smiled around his pipe that appeared out of nowhere. He said, "We are not that easy child. So, no need to worry about us that much. A moment please." I nodded and he motioned for Cat and Dog to put up the barrier seal making this room far more secure than the seals that the Sand used.

I waited and he nodded at me to talk. I took a breath and said, "My name is Crow. I am an orphan that lived in a poor town. I was sold off to some men passing through when the crop didn't grow enough. I had gotten away when a fight broke out among the men. I have been traveling on my own ever since. I grabbed some stuff with me when I ran. I was still traveling to find a town when the rogue ran into me."

The Third Hokage as I finally recalled just stared at me. His ANBU left but there were two spies still listening in. I glanced at their hiding places without moving and the Third smiled. He said, "Cat, Dog, please leave for I wish to speak with this child alone. Make sure no one is around." They hesitated but they nodded, and they left. The spies left immediately before they were discovered. Once I was sure they were gone I put a thick barrier up to which the Third smiled at.

"Now, what is the real story?" he asked. I sighed and said, "Orochimaru sent me here as a spy for him. He said to find weaknesses of the Leaf and report to him. He also wanted me to see if there were any strong kids at the Academy, especially if they have a special bloodline. I didn't originally know who he was until about a week ago." The Third frowned and asked, "Why tell me this?" I replied, "I don't want to help Orochimaru with his plans and I don't want anything to do with Danzo. I have a feeling you are someone to trust and believe in. There is also this weird feeling you know me or something considering you let me put up a barrier and be alone with you."

He smiled and said, "Your village helped us greatly during the last war. It would be bad of me not to recognize one from your village, especially since your mother had my back during the last battle. I am happy to finally meet you, Crow though I wish it was with different circumstances."

I stared in shock at this old man. Mom did tell me stories about the war, but I thought everyone she met died. It was part of the rules to seal our secrets, but this old man knows. No wonder she told us all those tales of the Leaf.

I smiled and relaxed as the images flash quickly of the man from the Leaf who she saved. Once my vision returned to the man in front of me my smile turned sad. I asked, "Did my mom save you?" He nodded and said, "She came at the last moment and killed my enemy." I chuckled and he smiled. "We became friends in and after battle. The village disappeared not long after the war and peace settled, but your village is a mysterious one that is basically nomadic. How is she, your mother?" he asked. I frowned and said, "I'm sorry to tell you this, but she has passed."

Silence was thick and it was difficult for me to say anything.

"How?" came his question. I clenched my fist and glared at the floor as I said, "during the takeover of the village. Some people came and took over. Most of our people were willing to follow them, but my mom wasn't. They were not good people so in the battle for the village and the massacre of those that opposed them, she died."

"I..I'm sorry," he replied. I took a breath and let it go for now. I looked back up at him and said, "My village isn't important since they are busy trying to fix themselves and are searching for me. They won't search here or do anything to this village even if they do find me. I actually was escaping when I met Orochimaru. I fell unconscious due to chakra exhaustion and woke up in his base. The important thing right now is that I help you stop him, especially since it would be what mom would have wanted."

He smiled sadly with a nod and asked, "What is your level of strength and abilities?" I replied, "Orochimaru was training me as Kabuto teaching medical knowledge along with ninjutsu. I think my strength is Chuunin or jounin? I have not been tested really…"

He stared at me and said, "There is more to it than you are telling me. Your identity is already a high level secret so this information will not be shared." Then he asked, "Orochimaru and his followers are teaching for what cost?"

I replied, "I made a contract that I would help them in exchange for knowledge, but with conditions I can "leave" at any time without them becoming my enemy and I get to keep the knowledge I acquired."

Third snorted and said, "Orochimaru must not of known much about you to accept that contract. So, what is the other secret that affects your strength?"

I hesitated and then said, "I want a contract and a promise before I spill my secrets beyond what I have told." Third stared at me before asking, "what are your conditions?"

I replied, "I want Danzo and his followers to not be able to touch me."

The Third nodded with easy acceptance gestured for me to continue.

I said, "I want my freedom no matter what happens in the future."

He frowned and folded his hand in front of his face.

I stared right back and said, "I am a nomad and my village maybe no more, but I will not give up the principles that they taught. I will not be chained to anyone nor will I swear loyalty."

His stare was strong, but I will not be broken. I stared right back, and this old man's stare is nothing compared to the dark one of the Sand Kage's.

He blew out some smoke from his pipe and said, "I will agree to these conditions if you agree to one of my own." I nodded for him to continue. He replied, "I want you to promise to not be an enemy of the Leaf."

I tiled my head then replied, "I would promise to that if you make the time frame be as long as you rule the Leaf. I may trust you but that doesn't mean I trust anyone else."

He sighed but nodded. I pulled out a scroll and wrote the conditions and that secret information and service is the exchange. I signed the bottom with both my signature and my bloody thumbprint print. I held it out to him, and he took it, read it and did the same. The scroll glowed and I made a one handed seal and the scroll became two. An identical copy was next to it.

I looked up at the Third and said, "I have chakra of a tailed beast seal within me making me similar to a Jinchuuriki. This is why they, the ones who took over won't do anything until they have me in their control again. I have control over the chakra, but it is limited."

The Third stared at me in shock. I shrugged and waited for him to decide.

He sighed and said, "I will make you a part of my ANBU secretly giving you a rank of jounin. I will assign you a teacher who is a prodigy and tell him you are one yourself though be careful he has the Sharingan. Someone is already the Crow ANBU, so I'll figure out which one to get made for you. As for everyone else, you will be an orphan we are taking in and will go to the Academy to graduate within the year."

I smiled and said, "This sounds like fun. What's next?" He sighed and looked out the window and said, "First drop the barrier." I did as asked and the Third took down the seals. The other two from earlier came back, but the spies stayed away. Cat and Dog saw that nothing was different except that there was no more tension between us.

The Third came around the desk and looked at them. He put his hand on my head ruffling my hair and said, "This Crow and she will be working with you in the future, probably. She really is an orphan and a prodigy. We just talked since I knew of her family before they died. She didn't know that and could not of known since I met her family during the war. Her mother saved my life though she obviously didn't talk much about it before passing." Dog seemed to relax, and I had enough of being treated like a child, so I ducked out from his hand. He chuckled as I muttered about people always messing with me and treating me like a child.

Dog approached me and glared at him. If he tries to do it, I'm so biting him. He backed off as if hearing my thoughts. Third chuckled and said, "Dog and Cat, both of you are dismissed. You have three days rest then report back here." They nodded and left. Third smiled and spiked his chakra and a different ANBU appeared by his desk. "Find and tell Anko to come here, immediately," Third said.

The nin nodded and disappeared with smoke left behind. It was not long later she came in through the window. She had purple hair up in a ponytail and was eating dango. She smelled of snakes though it wasn't a bad smell like Orochimaru's smell. Third smiled and said, "You said you wanted a more difficult mission." He is not…

He waved to me and said, "Here is your next mission. This is Crow and you will be taking care of her." My eyes widened as Anko glanced at me then glared at the Third. Obviously, she was not happy with this. Third said, "She is similar to you as a kid. Besides she has potential and is a girl so could use a good role model." Both of us reacted the same way with our faces saying he is so full of shit. Anko saw my face and smiled a bit. A snake came at me and I grabbed it before it bit my face. I tilted my head as I looked into its eyes and it calmed down. I then moved to look at Anko and raised an eyebrow.

Her smiled widened and I ignored her as I knelt, so I let the snake go. It hissed at me and I tilted my head again. I then smiled and it stopped and went back to Anko. I stood up and she stared at me. She looked at Third and sigh she said, "Fine but I can't promise she won't get poisoned by my snakes' venom." He hesitated and I said, "I'm immune to almost all poisons and venom. I'm not easy to kill either."

They both blinked at me and I shrugged their surprise off. She whistled and asked, "How did you get immune to poison and venom?" "Experience," I replied with a shrug. Anko snorted and she said, "Well come on. I'll show you where you will be living." She jumped out the window and I went to it. I looked at the Third and winked before he could stop me. I jumped out the window after her and landed near her below. She smiled and started jumping from roof to roof stopping a bit away to see if I was following. The building was too high but there was a pole close to it. I ran at the pole using it to get the right distance to jump up the building. She nodded at me once I landed on the roof and I followed her from there.

We landed nearby in a clearing leading to a gated forest. She looked at me and said, "Welcome to the Forest of Death! This is where I live." I smiled as I looked at the forest. She shook her head and we went in. She purposefully sped through so I would get lost. It wasn't long that I met some very fast and huge tigers. I blinked and they were there. I smiled as I duck the first swipe and it was on. I dodged all I could, but they did scratch me a lot. I had lost a lot of blood, but I was not going to give up.

I ran with my eyes closed and avoided several swipes. I pushed off a tree and landed on one of their heads. I opened my eyes and stared into theirs. They were having fun and I smiled because I was too. I jumped off and landed in front of them. They stared and I held out my hands palm up to them much like a child asking an adult to pick them up.

It took a moment before one lowered its head to sniff at my face. I gently rubbed its face and it liked it. The others came closer too and I petted them as well.

Anko chuckled and dropped near us. "Did you enjoy the show, miss Anko?" I asked while petting these cute tigers. She smiled and said, "Yes, I can see what the Third was talking about." I said, "There is the fact you were once a student of Orochimaru who happens to be the reason I am here. He hoped to use me as a spy, but probably didn't see it coming that I would go against him."

I made a barrier to block her kick, but the tigers left feeling her KI. She froze surprised by the barrier and I dropped it as I said, "I'm not loyal to him and at this moment betraying him. I lost a lot of blood already; I don't want to fight you. The Third knows this which is why he paired me with you, and he figured you would understand me better than the others. I already went through some of the training of Orochimaru's, but I didn't get a curse mark."

She glared at me and asked, "How do you know I have a curse mark? What do you know about it?" I replied calmly, "I can feel the energy of it though it seems that you have tamed it. I only know a small amount about it since they didn't like or trust me. They were not very good at hiding things from me and didn't know when I went snooping around. I didn't really have time to review the information I've found."

Anko stared at me obviously not believing me. I shrugged and said, "If you believe that I'm a danger to the Leaf I'll let you kill me, but if you think I can help instead let me wrap my wounds and rest. I'm not a fan of passing out due to blood loss unless I deserve it."

She stared at me and the KI disappeared. I sighed in relief and sat down, but she grabbed me. She lifted me easily and took me to her house. She actually helped me bandage up my wounds and whistled at how I was still conscious from how much blood I lost. She pushed me into a room as she said, "Go sleep. We will talk more in the morning. Old Third would be upset if you died the first day in this village."

She closed the door and I went to the bed to sit down. I sat down as I let out a long breath, and finally relaxing. I let my healing go to its real rate and stopped my paranoia. I laid down and went to sleep while putting up a thin barrier of protection.

I woke to an empty house and my bag by the door as if someone just dropped it there. There was a blanket on top of me when I woke. It was around noon judging by the sunlight. Crap. I slept too long. It has been a long time since I had slept so well and in a safe place.

I got up and grabbed some new clothes from my bag. I changed quickly with a thick barrier just in case of perverts. I came out and Anko was gone. I saw a paper on the table, and it was a note from Anko.

It read:

Brat,

You slept too long so I left. We'll talk tomorrow. Don't get into trouble while you stay with me. Feel free to eat anything in the house.

-Anko

I smiled and folded the note before putting it in my pocket. I looked around and surprisingly the house was well stocked up on food. It felt great to be fully healed which I doubled checked as I took a quick shower and to not have to worry about hiding anything physically anymore. I made a quick breakfast of toast and headed out into the forest. I explored around to see what the "Forest of Death" is like and agreed with the name. Most people, especially civilians, would die easily here and probably has a serious reputation. There are tons of poisonous plants and venomous animals along with how strong they all were is terrifying.

I went out of the forest before the sun set because I wanted to see this village. I slowly walked around and found many interesting things about this village. For example, the entire village had at least two colors all over an area and that the colors were of a large range. There were shops for almost anything here. Temari would have loved this place, especially the training areas.

They were actually very friendly to outsiders here or at least the children ones. I had some money with me that I converted with the Third to the currency they use here. I went around to buy what would be needed for going to the Academy: a backpack, pencils, notebooks, a bundle of new kunai, etc. I only bought a small amount but used a somewhat small portion of my money.

I was walking around when I heard people start whispering. It was the kind that had a negative feel like bad rumors. I looked around and saw several adults glaring at another kid bright gold-blond hair. He had 3 whisker like lines on each cheek and bright blue eyes. I blinked and looked back at the adults who continued to glare until the kid left.

I went over to the closest adult and asked, "Why was everyone glaring at that kid?" The shopkeeper said, "That kid is bad and dangerous. I suggest you stay away from him." "Thanks," I replied. I went into a different shop and bought a few ramen cups since they were cheap. I couldn't help my curiosity and slowly headed in the direction the kid went.

It took me a bit to find and when I did, he was sitting on the swing by the Academy. He was frowning as he stared at the ground. I slowly went up to him and waited for him to notice me. I squatted in front and the motion got him to see me. He flinched back and I stood up with an apologetic smile. He stared at me and I shrugged. I said, "My name is Crow. I'm new here. What's your name?" He stared at me and I shifted to my other foot uncomfortable with him staring. He noticed and said, "My name is Naruto Uzumaki." I smiled and held out my hand for a handshake. He looked at it and then took it. I smiled and said, "It's nice to meet you." I saw a spark appear in his eyes.

He was about to say something, but his stomach growled, and he blushed. I smiled and said, "I'm hungry too. Do you know any good places to eat?" He looked surprised and said, "Ichiraku Ramen." I nodded and waited for him to get up. When he didn't, I tilted my head and said, "Let's go." He blinked before he asked, "You want me to go with you?" I blinked and said, "I'm new so I don't know this village well yet. Besides, food always tastes better when you are eating with someone."

He got and I walked with him. He smiled and looked around a couple of times as we walked. He was being cautious with me. I guess he is treated awfully just like Gaara. Maybe, he is a Jinchuuriki too? I wonder… I shrugged off the thought as we stopped in front of a small shop. Naruto went ahead and sat down on the stool to the side and I sat next to him. It may have been a bit small, but it was a very comfortable and warm place. I glanced up at the menu and asked Naruto, "Which would you recommend?" He smiled and said, "Any of them. This place has the best Ramen ever!" I blinked at his excitement and smiled.

I looked at the man behind the counter and said, "um… can I have a large bowl of pork ramen, please?" He smiled and said, "One large pork ramen coming right up." I smiled and relaxed. When it was sat in front of me it smelled so good. I broke apart my chopsticks and took a bite. I hummed in happiness and looked at Naruto as I said, "You are right! It's delicious!" He smiled and it was almost blindingly bright.

We both dug into our bowls and asked for another after. Naruto ate a third bowl as I sat happy. It was getting dark and figured it was time to head back. I looked at Naruto and said, "I gotta go or I might get in trouble. Thanks for showing me this place!" He nodded since he had some ramen in his mouth. I put down the money on the counter that should cover both our bills.

I said as I got off the stool, "See you tomorrow, Naruto!" I left and got to the forest before it got too late at night.

I took a breath after getting inside since not all the animals accepted me yet. I put the cups of ramen away before moving deeper into the house. Anko was in her room sleeping or was until I came in. I said, "Good night Anko" as I went to my room and laid down. She relaxed and went back to sleep as I followed her example.

I got up extra early to make us breakfast. I made pancakes some plain and more mixed with chocolate chips I found. I was cooking some bacon when Anko came out. I smiled and put it all on plates before sitting down. I ate the plane ones and she ate the chocolate ones. She liked them by the way she was eating them so quickly. When we were finished, I cleaned up as she watched. I sat down for our talk and waited.

Anko ordered, "Tell me all that you can." I told her a summarized version of my story except the stuff of my identity and abilities. She looked like she didn't believe me at the beginning but as I went further into detail and my training during the months before the Sand mission, she seemed to acknowledge it all and accept it. She said, "That is crazy Crow, but it sounds like that old snake. Now what do you know about the curse mark of Orochimaru's?" I smiled and said, "If you have a lot of paper and pens, I can write it all out for you." She straightened and I smiled with a nod.

She got up and grabbed me paper, pens, and ink. I quickly started to write all the information I collected about the curse mark including the journals that Kabuto kept of not just the subjects experiences but other details he paid attention to like what they said or yelled at any time. It was quite a big pile when I finished. I rolled my wrist around and rubbed my hand as it cramped.

Neither Orochimaru nor Kabuto noticed when I snuck around during my down time. It was almost comically easy but then they never would expect me to betray them or that I would find the secret rooms. Several were full of the journals and other research related things. Few people would notice that I have photographic memory which was thanks to having to remember everything once I awaken in each lifetime. Some lives I would specialize in information gathering to help the skill and it helped organize my memories over time. I am able to erase my presence and traces to the point that even the obsessively paranoid wouldn't know or sense me. It is like breathing to disappear and become invisible, especially in a crowd.

Anko already started to read the information and was currently reading one of the journals when she glared at the pages as she read through them. When she stopped at one point and looked up at me, I gave her an apologetic grimace. She went back to the papers in her hand. I said, "They are awful people and I almost wished I never found any of it." "Almost?" Anko asked slightly distracted. I hummed and said, "If I didn't find it then I wouldn't be able to share or give it to those who need it."

She blinked at me and slowly smiled then went back to reading. I stood up with a yawn as I said, "Sorry, but I'm going to go sleep a bit. I may have used too much mental energy." She waved me off still reading the information and I went to my room. I closed my eyes and carefully let my awareness and chakra to softly venture out. I laid on my bed and fell asleep much like I did on the floor when I was at the Sand.

AN: Thank you for waiting for this chapter! Thank you for reading!

This is just the beginning of this new mission and connecting to the actual Naruto story.

I was able to write this quickly due to being sick for a few days and being stuck in my room.

Hope you all continue to follow and enjoy Crow's existence in the Naruto story.

Please review! Have a great day/night!

Naruto: Believe it!