(whoDisclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Naruto or its characters; that right belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

Author's Notes: This story contains certain tropes - IE: Kagome in the role of Big sister/mother to Shippo, damsel in distress, etc. So if you do not like that, I politely ask you to turn around and leave now because I don't see the point in wasting your time and mine.

Author's Notes 2: Age Notices: Kagome: 16, Shippo: 5, Sango: 21, Miroku: 23, Kakashi 26, Ibiki: 27, Itachi: 18, Rookie 9: 12-13, Team Gai: 14, Gai: 27.


Laughter rang out over the small clearing. Hanna Inuzuka was beside herself. And the two recipients were both wearing blank masks, though it was apparent both were pissed at her reaction.

Kakashi and Shisui did their best not to fall off the log they shared as they 'attempted' to smother their laughter.

Kagome and Sango just busied themselves with meal prep.

Sesshomaru, Miroku, and Killa(who was in her large form) watched silently and patiently. Though it was clear from the sparkle in their eyes, they were amused by Shippos' question. Offensive as it was.

"What!?" Shippo exclaimed. His eyes were wide and confused as he looked utterly innocent.

Finally unable to help it, Shisui's laughter burst out as he held his stomach.

"I don't get it. What did I say wrong? Mr. Uchiha and Mr. Hyuuga fought almost as Inu Yasha and Koga did. So they must be good friends."

Soon Kakashi joined Hanna and Shisui, laughing loudly and causing Shippo to look more confused and flustered.

"Alright, Itachi-sama or Neji-sama, would either of you care to explain? Or shall I? And I'm not sure I'll be accurate, thus potentially giving wrong information."

Silence came crashing down at Kagomes soft and politely spoken words. A chill seemed to permeate the air when she looked from cooking and smiled coldly.

"Damn, even my mom didn't have that effect," Hanna muttered under her breath while the men present(including Sesshomaru and Miroku) silently agreed.

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Neji shifted uncomfortably as he listened to Itachi explain the differences and difficulties between their Clans. He only interjected occasionally to give his Clan's point of view or state a fact.

It was unnerving how much this Uchiha knew about his Clans history, even its politics.

"So Humans have similar issues as Demons. Except we do that and kill to prove our power. No wonder Kagome 'likes' demons more. There is less subterfuge."

Neji stared at the tiny Kyuubi boy. His Uncle had told him that Kagome was exceptional and to try and win her favor. Then again, Neji had been observing her since she arrived and was granted permission to roam the village.

But to hear that she preferred being around Bijuu, or demons, to humans?

"What do you mean, Shippo?"

At Itachi's question, Neji nodded his head. The smile Shippo flashed had a chill rolling down his spine.

"Kagome has been hurt badly by humans a lot. Miroku and Sango are but a few of those who care for and protect her. And Lord Sesshoumaru will have the final say."

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Shisui smiled as he took his turn on guard duty. Itachi had told him what Shippo had said or rather warned. And to see the determination in his cousin's normally stoic eyes.

Shaking his head, Shisui wondered if Itachi was aware of it. Probably not. Other than Izumi, Itachi was emotionally stunted in the romance department.

But it did disturb him that Kagome had been hurt enough that she preferred the company of demons over humans. Then again, Shisui recalled she claimed those from the Clans had weak demonic blood.

"You're overthinking, human."

Shisui looked over his shoulder at the Demon Lord, Sesshomaru. He'd not felt him approach. Nor could he sense his presence or demonic energy was masked perfectly.

"How so, Lord Sesshomaru?"

Shisui moved to the side in case he chose to stand next to him.

"Kagome had been hurt like what the Kits said."

Shisui smartly chose to stay silent, waiting for his companion to continue.

"She is pure of heart and soul, literally. And she is powerful, so many seek her. Both to use as a tool and to manipulate. My brother has, or had, her heart is not different."

Shisui frowned as he realized what was said. Kagome had indeed glossed over things in the group where this Inu Yasha was involved. But he also understood when one was in love(blind or not) would not make sound judgments either.

"She has broken wing syndrome, doesn't she?" Shisui asked.

The slight tilt of the Demon Lord's head told Shisui he didn't understand.

"Miss Kagome's personality is pure, as you stated. So there is no middle ground. She always gives all of herself, and when she sees someone who is hurt, or in your brother's case, damaged due to their situation, she feels compelled to help out of the goodness of her heart, even if it is futile. A repetitive cycle, if you will. And I got the impression he hurt her continuously."

"Hnn. You are correct in your astute assessment. But there is more, and it is not my place to speak about it."

"I agree. They should and shall figure it out on their own," Shisui snorted. "And I'm just going to enjoy the show. I like Miss Kagome, but I have my eyes on another."

The soft huff from Sesshomaru was similar to a light laugh in Shisui's ears. But Shisui did not think to ask to confirm.

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"Kabuto, prepare for tomorrow. It's the new moon."

Inu Yasha had a sinking feeling this lunatic was going to try a body swap. He'd been on a few deranged rants that sounded like lectures the past week or so.

Silently Inu Yasha wished Kikyo were here. She'd not tolerate this duo of insane freaks. And Kikyo wasn't as weak-willed as Kagome.

It was Kagomes fault they'd all failed to kill Magatshui. Rin could die; she was a weak child who followed his prick of an older brother, thus disposable.

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Several sharp hisses cut through the air. It was causing purple lips to curl into a pleased smile. However, all eyes were focused on the prone, naked body on the ground.

Dark brown eyes fluttered open and glared coldly.

"Welcome back, Lady Miko Kikyo," Magatshui said.

"Demon, what have you done?"

The softly spoken words echoed like thunder as those brown eyes bored into Magatshui.

"Why, brought you back to life. And I did it better than when the witch Urusi. Your body is flesh, and your powers are fully intact," he explained as he knelt by Kikyo's prone body. "And bound you and your powers to me in servitude, Kikyo. We are no longer in our time or world. But three hundred years in the future. The group failed to kill me and destroy the jewel. You'll be my weapon against them, whether willing or not."

The horror on Kikyo's face had Magatshui laughing.

"As you see, Pein, Leader of the Akatsuki, I have delivered on my word. No, you and yours will keep your end of our deal or die," Magatshui said as he looked at the phantom image of the pierced leader of the group.

"Yes, of course, Lord Magatshui," Pein said. "Tobi, you'll go to him and help. We will strike quicker and sooner to collect the Bijuu with a priestess's help."

TBC!