We'll See How it Goes

by Evil Wrapped in Sweetness

They had been seeing each other in secret for a reason. They wanted something that didn't involve their family. They already had to deal with expectations and the impending uncertainty of their graduation. Sadly good things have to come to an end.

14. Chapter 14

Summary: They had been seeing each other in secret for a reason. They wanted something that didn't involve their family. They already had to deal with expectations and the impending uncertainty of their graduation. Sadly good things have to come to an end.

Pairing: Kagome/Sasuke

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to it's respected owners. And oh, boy more than ever, all mistakes are my own, especially in this it's over 30 pages, and I can't catch everything. I wanted to finish this part of the story and get started on them being genin. Which I still don't have planned out yet on how teams will work but I'll think of something. But just know I have the chunin exams mostly planned out already and a few other things as thank you for sticking with me I hope you enjoy this monster I have written for you and made you wait for.

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Eight

Kagome flitted through the woods, barely making it onto the branch in front of her. She leaned against the trunk trying to get her bearings but it was too much. All the sounds were blending together and her grandfather was manipulating the trees around them so, their information wasn't any use. She gingerly toed along the surface, before hesitantly jumping off. But before she could make contact, she grunted in pain as a kunai hit her arm, focus lost her foot slipped. She plummeted to the ground below. She landed with a gasp. She laid there, her body pulsing in agony from the repeated falls. She heard the shift of the leaves and could feel her grandfather standing above her.

"You've improved." He said. Kagome lifted her head, eyes shining with happiness at the compliment. He frowned stomping his foot on her right shoulder blade. He ignored her scream in pain. "You're still a far cry from what I want." He pressed his foot down, suppressing all parental instincts at her pitiful whimpering. "I don't want to see you until tomorrow." He lifted his foot and walked away.

Kagome panted, gripping at the grass as vines wound around her. She hung her head as the gentle caresses reminded of her weakness. Her only indication for time was that absence of the day's ending light. When the moon was high, the vines receded. And while she felt better, she was exhausted. She hefted herself up, she didn't need sleep. She had to practice. She turned on her heel walking away from her home, her feet carried her to the familiar deserted training ground. Mid-step she pulled out a scroll from her back pocket, with a quick bite to her thumb she smudged the paper with the sanguine liquid. With a puff a look a like of her grandfather stood before her.

"Time to try again." She stated with little enthusiasm as she turned, running deep into the surrounding foliage. The creature gave chase. She dodged, out maneuvering most of the attacks it delivered. However, like earlier she couldn't counter the whip slashed at her. She gripped her oozing arm. She gasped as a punch connected to her face sending her off her perch. She tensed for the impact with the trunk behind her. For a moment she didn't feel right, before she connected with the ground behind the tree. She stared in shock. What just happened? Before she could dwell on it the creature was on her again. With a flip she was on her feet. She'd find out later, she had more pressing matters.

She fought that thing with everything in her arsenal. A silver haired jounin out for a nightly stroll was intrigued by the flashes of lighting coming from deep within. Normally he'd respect whoever's privacy this was but, he was bored. He turned course and walked through the trees, he paused in time to avoid being hit by a stray bolt. It was at this moment he put his infamous covered book in his pouch.

Kagome jumped over another branch leaving a smear of blood, it was set now all she had to do was capture it. Ignoring the throbbing in her wrist, she forced her chakra out. Just as her 'grandfather' was leaping for another attack, he was impaled from all sides by wooden spikes. She fell to knees with a cry of triumph as it puffed out of existence. As she laughed, it turned into hysterics as she knew if it had been the real thing, she would have been beaten no problem. She folded in on herself, slamming her fist into the ground. She let out another burst of small giggles, as she sensed a foreign presence. She sent out vines to make the person emerge. She stared up as a silver haired jounin casually walked into the clearing. They stared at each other.

"Yo." The male said with a raised hand. His only visible eye crinkled upwards. He couldn't help but recognize the girl. The same one who walked around at dawn with deadly flowers in her hair. Well his suspicion was confirmed. There was no doubt about it, this girl was not mentally well. But she could utilize lightning jutsu. He placed a hand on his chin. Was she a prodigy? An unstable prodigy, he shook his head. He again pitied any jounin that got her on their squad.

"Who are you and why are you here?" She asked sitting up to rest on her heels.

"I am just a person and I was just drifting through." He stated as a breeze of wind rustled the greenery around them.

"Kinda late for that don't you think?" She retorted.

"I could say the same for you."

"Fair enough."

"Well I'll see you around." The man said pulling out his book and turning on his heel. "Get home safe." He waved a hand over his shoulder. Kagome watched him leave as he had come, a mystery. Kagome tried not to dwell on the stranger as she walked home. She was too wrapped in exhaustion to noticed the rapid whispers buried deep in her mind.

"Boo!" She would have jumped out out her skin, if it weren't for the giant hands clapped on her shoulder. She blusehd in anger as she heard deep laughter behind her. Out of relation she lashed her let out in a roundhouse kick. She knew it wouldn't hit but hitting the illusion he left behind was close enough.

"Hi, Shisui." She said grumpily, though she had feeling was going to regret that. If that gleam was anything to go by.

"Hey, you're a dancer right?" He asked though his tone told her that he already knew the answer.

"No." She didn't like where this was going.

"Liar." He proclaimed pointing a finger in her face. He poked her forehead repealed. "I just asked you mother and she said you were." Her shoulders sagged.

"Okay, just get it over with." She let her gaze drop. Shisui recoiled at how much her stature screamed defeated. Why? He didn't think he was about to ask for too much from her. He almost ran to hug her when she looked up with her crestfallen eyes. What did he do? He opened his mouth only to close it again.

"Say what you were going to say!" She yelled exasperatedly at him, taking him further by surprise. He stepped back with his hands raised.

"I was going to ask to show me some stretches." He watched as she blinked in confusion. "What did you think I was going to say."

"Viciously mock me because of my background." She stated as if it was a well known fact and an expectation. "Why do you want me to show you stretches?"

"To spice up training and it'll give me further insight to the way you move. So today, every stretch you do I'll copy." He smirked.

"Are you sure?" She remembered when Sasuke tried a similar thing and complained about pain for a week, discreetly of course.

"You bet, I can copy any movement." He boasted.

The day had passed in a boring blur for Sasuke, but he tried not to show his excitement. As he followed after Itachi, because of the light rain they were using the inside training quarters. When they entered the smell of wood, metal and age old sweat wafted into his nose. He looked at the walls that held many weapons and panels that probably help more weapons and training dummies. He didn't get to come in here often, so he tried to get each detail burned in his memory. From the blues mats that had started to gray with age, to the scroll that hung on the wall, to Shisui who was red in the face as his hand rested on the mat with one leg planted the while other was extended in a pitiful excuse of a split. He rolled his eyes, Kagome would have it done perfectly.

Then he noticed the person beside his cousin. He blushed as he took in her state of undress. It wasn't indecent but she was only in a sports bra and shorts. And she had been alone with his cousin, who was a notorious womanizer. He fought the scowl that wanted to bloom on his face. He shouldn't feel this tightness in his chest, because she was his. But, he had accidentally found the other's porn stache, she fit the body type that was prominently featured. He balled his fist but before he could march over there Itachi called him. He tried to focus on training but every giggle and stray grunt, he got another bruise. Until he couldn't take it anymore and stormed over. As Kagome was opening her mouth to say hi, he grabbed her arm pulling her to him. As he descended for a kiss he was met by a hand. Her hand.

Kagome flinched as Sasuke glared at her. What did she do? Was she at fault because she didn't want to be kissed in front of his brother and cousin, well not the kind of kiss his fury suggested. She moved her hand for a fraction of second to explain that and he tried again. She didn't know how her reflexes were so quick but they were as both her hands separated their lips. Before she could say anything he released her with a small shove. It took a moment longer that it should have for her to gain her balance back. Itachi and Shisui shared a quick look before they went to their respective student.

"Hey let's get back to training, I think I almost have that weird back one down." Shisui said with strained glee, ignoring the heated glare he was receiving. He didn't get a verbal response, just her walking back to where they had been.

Seven

Naruto had noticed how withdrawn Kagome had been that morning. Her eyes help unshed tears that she tried to wipe away when he asked them. He had a feeling it had something to do with that teme she was engaged to. He would go kick his ass for making his sister like this. But he knew she wouldn't like that so he suggested that they train. It was going well so far. She looked better and, if that was at the expense of him being a funky ball of sweat. It was worth it.

Kagome let out huge sigh as she wiped sweat from her brow. After how late she returned this morning her grandfather was pleased and let her have the day to herself. Which she was using to help Naruto. They were going through scroll upon scroll of different elemental jutsu, to see if there was one he could master within the week so he could pass. So far they had gone through fire and earth, both immense failures. Out of curiosity she tried to teach him a simple lightning technique and he was able produce sparks. Which was interesting, that meant he had to chakra do to it but, something was in the way. Or that was what she hoped it was. She hoped her brother would be able to graduate. She wanted him to be able to realize his dream.

"I'm not going to get it." He said dejectedly into the dirt. Kagome pet his back as she picked up a scroll.

"Don't say that, we still have water and wind to get through." She tried to console him. "If you want we can practice clones again." His throaty groan was her answer. "How about we take a break and get some ramen, my treat." She giggled as he sprang up dragging her through the trees, but she stopped him short of the break in the tree line.

"Why? C'mon ramen." He begged with comical tears in his eyes.

"Oh I'm coming but after we eat, we're racing back to test your endurance." She smirked when Naruto's jaw dropped.

"How could you be so cruel?" He cried out as she began to drag him. "No, I'd rather train more." He paused, feeling his skin crawl at the smile she gave him.

"It's too late, now." She sang while skipping hauling him behind her, ignoring his many protests.

Though he felt dread when they arrived at his favorite place, he was able to bury it under well over six bowls of pork goodness. While Kagome ate a single bowl and sat there patiently for him to finish. She smiled at him, which unsettled him more. Before her attention was taken by some man but, the fan on the back of shirt told him all. He frowned, ever since Sasuke gave her that necklace every Uchiha in existence stopped to talk to her. It was unsettling to say the least. These people who ignored and sneered at her years prior, now acting like she was a long lost relative. He slurped his noodles extra loud in an effort to get them to leave.

"I'm ready." He stated followed by a loud rude burp, garning a look of disdain from the intruder.

"It was nice meeting you." Kagome said with a small smile before she placed the money on the counter and hopped off the seat. They walked a little way before pausing.

"So how do you wanna do this?" She asked hip cocked.

"Well, so that I can have a chance," He turned to her prodding her shoulder. "Your feet can't touch the ground." He declared. "If I win, I don't have to train for the rest of today and you'll help me with my greatest prank.

"You're on, but if I win. You're training with me until I decided it's time to stop." She smirked when Naruto shivered. She scaled the side of the building effortlessly. "Ready when you are!" She called.

She couldn't ignore the pure unadulterated glee, as she bound over the rooftops occasionally scaling phone polls to get access to run across the wires. Or twisting and winding around scaffolding. Though the joy was followed by a darkness that made her pause. Her chest felt tight. She put a hand to her chest as a wave of what she could only describe as longing. She blinked in confusion, what could she possibly be missing? Well there were a few but, she saw a flash of a crowd. On the alley across from the roof she was on she saw a poster. The name caused her heart to drop further. Hideaki Circus.

"Why'd you stop you want me to win?" Naruto huffed out while he ran past her. Kagome shook her head before sprinting off. She felt the pit in her chest again. She pushed herself to go faster. She smirked down at him as she took first place again. She never noticed that she left the blond in the dust as she flipped and leaped her way through the familiar trees. With the last push she propelled herself forward with a flip. With a laugh she landed on the post of the fence with a spin. Standing on the tip of her toes with her other foot propped on her inner thigh. In the distance, she could see Naruto panting with each sluggish step.

"Hurry up and face your punishment." She called, she heard him groan before he fell face first into the dirt. With a sigh she stepped off the post and walked towards him. Kneeling beside him she placed a hand on his back. "Better get moving, before I make you miss dinner." She whispered. She chuckled as he shot up and ran for the lake. Though something nagged at the back of her head.

Six

"Mikoto, you think she'll be as excited as I am?" Katsumi asked as she put the final stitches on the costume she was making.

"How can she not." The Uchiha patriarch stated with a smile.

"Just think for a moment it'll be like the old days." The mother paused forlornly caressing the fabric. Only to have her hand encased by the other woman's. Their eyes met and Katsumi arched an eyebrow at the odd gaze.

"Ja, the days were they were your little companions."Mikoto smiled whispy with a tilt of her head. "Though I can't sympathize with you more than that.

"Than what?"

"Well I've always know the path my children were going to take. So there was never this rush to preserve what might have been." Katsumi winced away from the statement. "I do not mean for my words come out so harsh."

"No, it's alright. You have a point." The woman's shoulders dropped. She had put her daughter at a disadvantage by doing what she did. "It was, is selfish of me really." The mother bit her lip, holding back her bubbling sob. She placed the cloth on the table. "I think, I need to clean something." And with that she walked away leaving behind an impassive kunoichi.

Mikoto finished her tea before rising from her seat. As she was opening the door Kagome almost ran into her. The girl apologized before stepping past her. The matriarch used the time that the girl was walking away to activate her Sharingan. In that moment she could see it, the girl's movements were that of a ninja. However, it wasn't completely right, her feet would arch too much and they never connected to the ground to establish a firm stance. Her form was too loose, but her step was still light and measured. When she disappeared around the corner, Mikoto walked out of the door. But she didn't leave the premises. She walked to where she sensed another chakra signature.

She felt the Sharingan fade, when she saw the familiar blond hair. She watched as he poured over a scroll, stringing together a colorful line of curses. She placed a hand on the trunk of the tree she was behind, only to gasp when a thorn pricked her skin. She pulled her hand away watching as the blood ooze out the small cut. How had she not noticed that? Even if she wasn't on active duty, she should have seen that little thing. Then she noticed the presence behind her, she looked over her shoulder to see Kagome. Who held a guarded stance.

"Is there something you need Uchiha-san?"

"No, I was just leaving." The woman walked passed the girl only pausing when she was directly in front of the other. "You're mother has a surprise for you." She said with a smile, leaving behind a confused girl. She walked home and felt a tinge of glee, no one besides Itachi ever managed to surprise her like that. As she made her way to the compound she thought about that girl. Kagome, who was on her mind as she helped Sasuke later that day with training. As she greeted Itachi from his recent mission. As she made dinner and set the table.

"Darling." She started. "How would you like to attend a little show, tomorrow?" She frowned when her husband didn't put down his newspaper. "Would you be interested because Kagome's in it?"

"What?" He demanded flipping the paper down.

"A few member of a traveling circus are in town and they asked Katsumi to perform" She watched as the gears churned in his head.

"Oh right, I forgot that, she did that. Why is Kagome involved? She drop out of the program?" He furrowed his brow in disgust. Which she wouldn't blame him for as the engagement between Sasuke and Kagome was all but set in stone.

"No, this is supposed to be their last performance together, before she finishes the program." She explained simply.

"I'll think about it." Mikoto smiled that was as close to 'yes' that she was going to get out of him.

Kagome tried not to dwell on the matriarch's parting words before she went back to training with Naruto. They seemed to stumble across something. He was able to do a basic water jutsu with some proper concentration.

"Water Release: Water Bullet Jutsu." He stated while going through the hand signs, stopping to inhale expanding his chest wide. But when he released he produced a small stream. His shoulders slumped. "I'm hopeless." Kagome sprang from her place on the ground and gripped his face.

"No, no, no, no." She let out excitedly, "You did it. It may not be the result you want but it's a good start." She gently butt their foreheads together. They smiled, before she squished his cheeks. "Now, do that again and again until it's what you want it to be."

"Words you need to live by." They heard behind them, they turned to see their grandfather standing tall. "Kagome come with me, there's something I think it's time you learned." With that he started to walk away. They looked at each other, both tense from the foreboding air that settled. "I will not wait all day." He called over his shoulder. She nodded her head before sending a small smile she could muster.

Hiroto help the smile that came to his lips and the pride that swelled in his chest. So much that, it overshadowed Kagome who was on the ground clutching her left wrist, letting out raspy screams of he hadn't removed her usual gloves and oversized sweater. He would have missed the marvel. Jagged dark lines that mimicked lighting stretched across the pale expanse of her forearm.

"Oh my, dear child." He praised hauling her up by her wrists making her release another roar in pain. "Quit your crying, you're unlocking your potential." He practically sang out. But when she didn't stop, he retracted his hand bringing it down across her cheek. The echoing sound was followed by deafening silence. "Don't ruin this." He hissed making her bewildered eyes widen, before he grabbed her throat lifting her off the ground. "You have accessed what I never could." He whispered out, ignoring her clawing at his wrist. "Don't make me regret any pride I feel for you beyond you having my blood in your veins." He dropped her and she landed in an undignified pile. Placing a foot on her shoulder. "Let's see the extent of your capabilities."

Five

Hiroto carried his limp granddaughter over his shoulder. He whistled to himself as he laid her down on the couch, he was sure she'd move herself when she woke up. He went into the kitchen only to be blinded by light. His brown eyes took a moment to adjust before he glared at the intruder.

"Woman are you trying to blind me?" He demanded squinting his eyes to the brightness.

"No, I needed to ask you something but you weren't here for dinner." She stated casually taking a sip of tea.

"Get to the point."

"I want Kagome for tomorrow, well later today."

"What for?"

"I have a performance and I want her in it." She asserted herself.

"No."

"I don't ask for much, she's not much use to you right now. Even to my untrained eye, I can see that she's experiencing chaka depletion" Hiroto avoided her accusatory eyes.

"So I'll let her rest for the day, I doubt gallivanting around will help her any."

"She won't be able to sit still once she's awake anyway. So just let me have this one thing and she can go back to training to your heart's content tomorrow." She bargained.

"Alright, but this is a one time thing. You know the path she needs to take." The preceding silence carried an air of understanding. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed. Don't move her." He said as he walked up the stairs. Katsumi crouched beside the couch running her hands through the other's hair.

When Hiroto returned with the sun of morning, his daughter-in-law was nowhere in sight. Kagome was still asleep on the couch, curled into a ball. He placed a hand on her head, pulling it away a moment later. She was warm. He scoped her into his arms, turning to head out the back door. He ignored Katsumi as she set up a low hanging tight rope. He stopped in front of a row of bushes. Letting his chakra out, he didn't acknowledge the pain in his wrist as vines wrapped around her lifting out of his arms. He watched as she was encased, pink buds sprouting.

'There's a person at the door, we'll take care of her now.' It had to Fugaku, there were very few people it could be. Opening to door confirmed his suspicions.

"Welcome Uchiha-san." The other nodded, walking before slipping off his shoes. They had fallen into a comfortable silent routine. Of sipping tea, while his grandchildren scrambled to get ready to go to the academy. He waved as Naruto and Sota left.

"Where's Kagome?" Fugaku inquired breaking the silence.

"She's not going today, we were training late last night."

"That's never stopped her before." The patriarch narrowed his eyes with suspicion.

"A new technique drained her chakra." The elder stated leaving a question to hang in the air.

"Don't dance around the subject Higurashi." The Uchiha demanded and Hiroto had to admit it was intimidating but he didn't lose his composure.

"She can now harness lightning."

"I thought she could already do that." He stated, he was ready to leave if this man was going to waste his time this morning.

"In the form of jutsu, yes. But she can harness the energy of lightning, just how she harnesses wood. Uchiha-san look at my wrist, it's time I fully explained our kekkei genkai." He pulled his sleeve up. Fugaku's eyebrow arched as dark vine like lines etched themselves around the other man's forearm. "With this I can manipulate all wood related objects around me."

"I already knew that Higurashi-san I've seen Kagome use it." He recalled that wood creature she had been able to summon to fight and how Shisui's fire wiped it out.

"Yes but, it goes beyond that." He paused thinking of the best wording. "Not everyone in our clan can harness the same element. While I may not be an expert from experience but I'm a scholar in these matters. But what element the user can utilize, is an extension of themselves. " He gestured to his wrist. "This allows me a deeper connection than just using jutsu without signs. I can get feedback from a thousand voices that divide my mind to listen, to command, and communicate with. I hold influence but they are their own entity." He covered his wrist once more. The patriarch finished his tea, he's process this more at work. He inclined his head as he left slipping his shoes on once more.

Kagome exhaled as she took an experimental step onto the tightrope. Her mom had just put it up and she'd been itching to get on. Anything to make her forget about the last couple of nights, her wrist and heart throbbed for a moment. She pointed her toes with her next step, stopping when they faced opposite directions. She breathed in before doing a pirouette. She let out a giggle when she stopped one foot in the front of the other both on pointe, her arms stretch over her head, back arched. With another step she brought her arms down, and did a quick spin. Stopping to balance with her other leg stretched to the sky, she let her arms come out as though they were wings. With the next internal beat, she did another spin too invested in her dance too hear the trees tell her about her audience. At the end of the next step, she let her legs travel along the rope, lowering her body. Bending her back to bring her hands over her head to touch her calf. Her moved one of her hands under her leg to brace herself as she let the leg she was leaning on drop. Curving her back more she brought down the other hand using only core strength to bring her legs up. She ceased all movement as her body swayed. With a couple deep breaths she bent her back bringing her feet to rest on her head. She walked cautiously on her hands for a few steps before pausing again, when she wobbled. When she was stable again she lowered her feet to the rope and with an exhale she brought her torso upright. And with a final leap, she landed on the other post with one foot the other extended behind her.

She smiled to herself as she relaxed her body. Only to tense not three seconds later when she heard applause. She looked down to see her mother. She gave a bow. She watched as her mother ambled up to stand on the opposite post. She couldn't contain herself when, her mother outstretched her arms in invitation. They met halfway, and they danced. Twirling around the other, stopping occasionally to pull of little stunts. Just like so long ago.

"Kagome, I have a question for you?" Katsumi asked while holding her in a dip. "How would you like to perform with me? Tonight?" She finished pulling her daughter up.

"Really? What about?" She didn't want to get her hopes up.

"We already talked about it." She laughed as Kagome nodded her head so much, she was scared her daughter's neck would snap. They giggled while tightly embracing each other. They spent the afternoon making a routine. It didn't take long as the younger remembered an old performance Katsumi did with a previous partner. They modified it and they deemed it passable as the sun was starting to set. And before Kagome could ask, her mother offered her a neatly wrapped box.

Sasuke resisted the urge to fidget. Why did his father bring them here? With a sweeping glance he could see it was packed with civilians and shinobi alike. He looked around the venue, they were seated on unforgivingly hard stands. The interior was more spacious than he would have given it credit for, but at the same time it felt intimately close as the stands hugged around center stage. No one,, except for those in the front rows would have to crane their necks to see the highest point that was the tightrope. He looked down at the people setting up, just little things little podiums and lights but, not a net he noticed. Could they do that? A fall from that height would be at least a broken bone, death at the worst. Before he could turn to ask Itachi, the lights dimmed in the audience. A plain brown haired man ran out with brightly colored clothing.

"Good afternoon, wow a packed house. Welcome to Hidekai Circus" He clapped his hands looking around the room. "I am Youta,your humble ring master for the night. Tonight you are in for a tremendous show. Which, I was able to put together with the help of a few of my dear performers. Who were amazing enough to be help make this possible with only a few days notice." The audience gave a polite applause. "Thank you." The man gave a quick bow. "They are truly dedicated to their craft. And this performance is meant to be a prelude to our show before we head out on tour in a couple weeks." He paused for a moment. "Now I hate that I have to state this, but there is always one person. Civilians and Shinobi alike, we are trained professionals. So please do not try what you see tonight. No matter how seamless it looks. It takes years, decades even of dedication and special supervision. Now with that please enjoy the show, you are in for a treat." Sasuke drowned out the part as the man introduced the first act. He was mildly amused with the first few acts, sword swallowing, fire eating, and animal taming though the animal tamer didn't have lions or tigers. He utilized bats that few in unison before breaking away into flying in rhythm to the music being played. His interest did pique when the trapeze artist were performing. When they moved to the lyra. He felt a familiar ache in his muscles when the acrobats performed. Though he felt his eyes trailing towards the tightrope.

Sasuke's breath caught in his throat because precariously balanced on one of the posts was Kagome. She had her up in a tight bun, her bangs falling to frame her face. He had to squint to see but she had on red lipstick and bold curved lines around and under her eyes. She was dressed in a dazzling detailed red top with a small opening in the front and black high neck collar, the back was just a couple strings holding it up, a small amount of her stomach was showing. There was also shorts that a small embellishing on the left hip, with a small red skirt falling in the back. And if she was wearing shoes he couldn't see from here. Everything around him faded as she started. She looked so elegant, each step was on air but she made it seem grounded. She could have been mistaken for water with how fluidly she maneuvered around her mother. For a brief second he swore their eyes met, and it felt like this was a show for him. He'd never seen her face so controlled, so calm. She was completely in her element, she knew it, the audience knew it, he most definitely knew it. And she had never radiated that more than she did right then. His heart raced as the music picked up pace and the stunts became more perilous. The beating stopped when on the last pulse of music both fell from the ropes. How does someone make falling look so effortless? And instead of them slamming into the stage below, they tucked and rolled last minute popping to their feet, each facing a different side of the audience. Everyone burst into applause more so than the previous acts, the stage was littered with flowers and they bowed and waved at the crowd.

"Alright, alright, alright." The ringmaster chanted as he pranced onto stage. "Wow that is some strong love. Happy I decided to put that act at the end. Now how about I bring out the performers for one last bow. C'mon guys." People cheered even louder than before as everyone walked along the stage all pausing to bow. Even Sasuke was compelled to forget years of etiquette and discipline to stand and cheer loudly as Kagome walked around the stage before standing near the ringmaster like everyone else. His father had to pull him done forcibly so he wouldn't make more of an ass for himself. "Now before I end this night, I'd like to make one more announcement, a goodbye if you will." Kagome's faces flushed as the man side hugged her close. "It has been an honor having you with us. We're sad to let you go but just know." He paused. "Whenever you feel that life has become will always have a place at Hideaki Circus." The crowd cheered as she wiped away a few tears before hugging the ringmaster. " "That was our show, have a good night." And with the people began to leave the stands and performers left the stage.

Kagome was on a high as she was congratulated and praised by the people she had known growing up. The ones that had started to shape her as a person. If there was any better feeling, she didn't want to know it. She had to blink away more tears as she walked, this was it. As she was about to wipe away the tears that escaped another had beat her to it. She looked up to see familiar black eyes. She froze. He was opening his mouth to say something but was cut off by the rambunctious people the burst backstage.

"You were amazing." Naruto beamed at her, shoving the Uchiha away to hug her.

"I was so jealous nee-san, you were so good." Sota stated with stars dazzling his eyes. "You have to teach me." She wasn't sure what he said after that as he words ran together.

"You are grace incarnate." Shisui praised clapping his hands, "I was so close to demanding an encore." Itachi's lip quirked as he placed a hand on her head. She felt overwhelmed as more people came up and congratulated her. The only thing anchoring her, was a hand that had discreetly intertwined with hers.

Four

Shisui stared at the little nin in training that walked beside him. They were heading to the Uchiha training grounds but something has been bothering him as of late. It was a simple thing really. Her sweater. That innocent garment ,that hung off her shoulder, was pisssing him off. It sent off warning bells in his trained mind. It was a hazard, something an enemy could grab.

"Can I help you?" She asked irritated. He had been staring since he picked her up from the academy.

"Take off your sweater." He said coldly.

"What?" She demanded hugging herself. She didn't know what kind of girl he thought she was.

"Take it off." He reached for her, only for her to duck under his arms. But he was faster basically hugging her close, ignoring her flailing limbs. Which only served to tangle herself in the sweater he was trying to remove.

"What is going on?" They stopped their struggle to see the stern face of the Uchiha patriarch.

"This might look bad but," He uses the awkward silence to rip the sweater with a audible tear. "Ha." He held it up her angered look, he turned to explain himself "It was a potential hazard, trying to get her out of the habit of wearing it." He stated, receiving a nod of approval and a kitten punch to his side.

"Take her glovers as well." Kagome tried to hide her shock, how did he know? But she figured that her grandfather had told him and she slid off her gloves. Offering them to Shisui, all the while trying to not feel over exposed as wind breezed across her arms. As they walked she, crossed her arms in an effort to cover them, only to feel a disapproving gaze. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see that the Police director was accompanying them. His eyes were trained on her forearms. They never strayed, even she and Shisui took up their sparring positions.

"You know the drill, come at me with all you got." He stated loudly, opening his arms cockily.

She took stance feeling the mild pain in her left wrist and for a brief moment she contemplated summoning the other. Though she decided against it she didn't want them to see any negative affects that happened to her. However, the clouds rolling in had a different plan for the little nin. Her hesitation would cease after this afternoon if it had anything to do with it.

Fugaku watched them as they trained, Sharingan activated. But, there was little he could observe from her kekkei genkai that he had not already witnessed. Though fascinatingly enough for brief moments she would meld with the trunks of trees using them a pseudo shishun. Without a thought his eyes returned to their cold darkness as he looked up. Looked like a storm was coming. Odd, it wasn't supposed to rain today. He trained his eyes on her, was this was that man meant?

Sasuke kneeled in the grass, panting. He glared up at his impassive brother with his single tomoe eyes. All he had to do was land one hit and he could leave. But from the feel of his sixth, no seventh bruise forming, his goal was drifting farther and farther away. Itachi stared down at his brother before turning his eyes to the sky. The dark cloud gliding through the sky didn't feel right. Activating his eyes, it didn't look right either it was full of unstable, volatile, unidentifiable chakra. He tensed. Was this a form of attack? He stood at the ready. But it stopped mid air. He took off to see what it was. Sasuke pouted before looking up. He looked at the direction his brother went. He stood ready to run but his knees gave out. He tried once more, he would see what took his brother's attention. And with that he hobbled through the woods.

Kagome almost bit a hole in her tongue as pain rippled through her left arm. She didn't activate it, what was happening? She had a moment of clarity to remember her sparring partner, Who was staring at her in confusion. She slammed her hand into the closest trunk, flooding it and the area with chakra. She needed to figure this out. She leap away from a stray kunai, not noticing the amount of tree like monsters she had created. She ignored the pull on her chakra as each one divided her attention begging for a command. She grabbed her head, stumbling back.

'Command Us.'

'Give us something to do.

'Mistress'

'Let me attack."

'Greeoqgh'

'Let me kill him.'

'I'm ready'

'Tell me something already.

'Mistress...attack...command...grregh…..kill.'

'Let me in.'

Kagome felt tears in her eyes. What are these? She winced as their words ran together. She swore she could feel her brain physically pulsing. She grit her teeth as they got worse.

"Go do what you want." She mumbled in the hopes that's that what the voices wanted to hear. And for a moment it was quiet her brain still felt divided but there was a gentle hum. Then there was sharp pain in her temple.

'Let me in, use me.'

"Fine, okay." She didn't know what she was agree with but her left wrist scorched to life. She let out a silent scream as she collapsed to knees.

'Don't resist I'm part of you.'

Shisui dodged and weaved through the creatures attacking him. He went through the hand signs quickly letting out a plume of flames, taking out a few but the surviving ones continued to charged. He didn't know she could make this many. He looked at her eyes widening as she was curled up in obviously pain. He tried to make his way to her but, they blocked off any path. So he focused on fighting them off.

Fugaku watched her closely, eyes activated. He wasn't going to intervene unless it became dire. He deemed that it was alright when she stood albeit shakily. Her eyes looked unfocused as she reached out her left arm. His eyes widened at the jagged lines that stretched across her forearm, a stark contrast to the smooth curved lines on the other forearm. He witnessed as a nearby bush unraveled branches weaving together before straightening to slither along the grass. It went up her leg, letting one end be grabbed while the rest wrapped loosely around her hips.

Itachi and Sasuke paused on the outskirts of the training field. Taking in the scene. Angry clouds hung low in the sky. Shisui took out the last of the tree monsters. Kagome charged at the other and they had to confirm with their Sharingan that lightning danced across her skin. She lashed out the mysterious whip she had. Their cousin dodged it but everything the object had touched sparked before exploding. Shisui tried to get out a snarky remark but once the whip was around her hips once more she ran forward doing a fury of punches and kicks. For a brief moment it looked like their were matched. Until the ANBU decided to stop holding back and upped the ante. Itachi had to grab his brother's shoulder to stop him from running to her side as she was flung like a ragdoll. They watched almost in slow motion as she sailed towards the tree. But instead of colliding painfully, her body melded into the bark. And for a moment it felt like she was everywhere.

Shisui looked around frantically trying to pinpoint her location. He noticed in time that the ground was shifting, he leaped away to avoid a pitiful spike attack. He let out a chuckle, he figured that with her earlier display she wouldn't be able to go any longer. But that, he shook his head in disappointment. Only to gasp when he felt hands grab his ankles, pulling him down. He struggled but vines sprouted behind him ensnaring his arms and neck pulling him down in his distracted moment. Once his back hit the grass more vines shot out of the ground this time binding his legs and blinding him. The other's watched in disbelief as Kagome emerged from the ground. She knelt on his chest, half heartedly holding a kunai to his throat.

"I win." She whispered so only he could hear. She felt both her painful marking recede, the sky cleared letting the sun's rays through and all the foliage she used slinked and slithered back to their rightful places. And with her body slumped she fell perpendicular to the other ninja. She let out a small smile, everything hurt. But, she felt a satisfying clarity as well so, it balanced out. She was brought out of her moment by a jarring laughter

"That was amazing." Shisui exclaimed popping up to his feet. "I never knew you had it in you." She stared up at the clouds, eyes heavy. How was he up already? Then it occurred to her, she never hit him. She poured everything she could, and experienced a new control but she never handed a single strike. Before she could lament she was swept up into a hug. He continued to talk and other voices joined, but her eyelids dipped as her world began to dim as comforting black welcomed her.

"Hey," He shook her only have her head loll back. He looked up, smiled sheepishly at the other Uchiha present. "I should take her home."

"No." Fugaku stated firmly much to the shock of everyone. "Take her to main house and put her in one of the guest rooms. Keep watch over her, let me know when she wakes up." And with that he left, leaving behind a feeling of unease. They sat around, dreading the moment she joined the conscious world once more. Sasuke was the one to walk her to the private training ground. And he had to leave her there, even though her eyes begged him not to.

"Activate both of them." He commanded gripping both of her wrist letting her know she had no other option. She looked at him eyes pleading. She winced as his grip tightened and his red glare intensified. It was then she decided, the pain and fatigue was worth more than whatever he might do if she denied him. She tried to hold back her screech in agony but it failed. As she cried out. He didn't have to activate his Sharingan, he could feel how unstable her chakra was. As wind picked up, whipping around them wildly. Clouds darkened the sky, trees began to morph angrily. And the final piece of the chaos began as lightning began to clash with the ground. He released her and she crumpled in on herself and just as it started, it ended. Everything was quiet, save for the low sobs. He looked down, she sat low on her knees, arms hugged to her chest which spasmed with every breath, and glossed over eyes staring off into the distance as tears ran down her cheeks. He observed as roots sprouted from the ground to weave and curl around her, more so wrapped around her arms binding them together.

"Whenever you're done, you're welcome to join us for dinner or you can head home." He went to place a hand on her shoulder but retracted when a root lashed out at him. He couldn't contain his smirk now, a perfect edition she would make. Especially once she gains control over it. When she didn't come to dinner, they ate as they normally would. He ignored the not so subtle glares his youngest threw his way. He had gone to check on her only to see that the spot she had been occupying was vacant.

Three

"Can you believe her?"

"Yeah, she looks like shit."

"How does Sasuke even stand her?"

"She didn't even put in effort to look nice."

The comments fell on deaf ears as the intended target's mind was gone. She hadn't been able to sleep last night. She couldn't get comfortable because her arms had been pulsing with in dull agony. So, she read through her grandfather's scrolls in an effort to find something, anything that could help her. And for once he didn't have the answer, from the page she had read in his journal the only way she'd be able to know is if she went to the Higurashi vault of information and found it herself. But that would be nigh impossible. So, she tried to think of ways to overcome her obstacle. And like an idiot activated it again, screamed for what felt like hours. It didn't' stop until she collapsed in an exhausted heap. There had to be something. Somewhere. She rested her head on the desk with a resigned sigh. She closed her eyes electing to sleep through class, than be bored or watch the Hokage. She woke with a start as she was shaken awake. She turned tired eyes to see Naruto hovering above her.

"Wow, you were out of it. Iruka threw a lot of chalk at you." He stated with his arms crossed. With a yawn she stretched her arms above her head, looking down to see said item. They varied in length and surprisingly were lined up side by side. "Teme caught most of them." That explained it. But where was he?

"You and Shikamaru slept through a training drill." She groaned, she was going to get an earful when she got home. "It's kinda awesome when you think about it. Too bad you didn't get the chance to wipe the floor with the people in our class." She gave a brief nod, that would have been nice. Therapeutic even, maybe it would have taken her mind off of...her eyes widened as it finally came to her.

"How did I not think of it sooner?" She asked shooting up in her seat, much to the confusion of the blonde.

"Think of what? The drill? I mean they're still out there if you want to join." He said scratching his head as she packed up her bag. Then his eyes shifted to mischievous. "You have a prank in plan?"

"What?" She looked at him with her head cocked. "No, I need to go the library."

"But school is still in session." He pointed out.

"I've already missed the important part of the day." She slung her bag over her shoulder. She started to walk towards the door, she turned to him as he followed. "No, you stay." He pouted. "What I have in mind would go more smoothly, with just myself to think about if it doesn't go right." She grabbed his chin when he hung his head down. "You need to stay here, absorb what you can and be here to take Sota home when classes are over."

"Try not to get caught." He gave her a quick hug. "You don't have just one person riding your ass anymore." She frowned, he was right. She didn't want to find out what Uchiha Fugaku would do if he found out.

"Then I'll be extra careful, I know the same ins and outs you do." She stated proudly over her shoulder as she jogged down the hall.

She had to resist grabbing her bag with the nerves coursing through her. For all the pranks she'd pulled with Naruto, none of them had been at the expense of skipping class. She felt so out of place. And she felt like people could tell, staring her down, gossiping about the nin in training that wasn't in class. She didn't hang her head and she tried to come off as casual as possible. She ducked down an alley way when she thought she saw the telltale sign, of the Uchiwa fan displayed proudly on someone's back. She didn't know them but, that didn't matter. Because they might know her and that's be a sure way of getting caught. After rounding a few more corners, she emerged from the alley across from her target. She tried not to draw attention to herself. She kept her eyes trained ahead. Too bad she didn't notice the person she passed on her way.

Neji couldn't believe his eyes. What was Kagome doing out here? Shouldn't she be in class? It wasn't hard to break away from his boisterous team to trail after her. He followed after her into the library, throwing a warning glance at the genin behind the counter. He leaned against one of the many shelves, activating the Byakugan. He watched as she scoured the aisles. He couldn't help the quirk of his head when her search became a bit more frantic. She stopped in the far back of the store and stared intently at the shelf there. His eyes widened when she wedged herself behind a shelf before disappearing from sight.

Kagome landed on her feet with a low grunt. She squinted in the dimly lit tunnel. She couldn't believe that worked, she had overheard Shisui talking about this passage. And how it was and she quoted "Made less of a pain in the ass to access the archives than by the door." To which Itachi rolled his eyes. She didn't know how to open it of course, so she was surprised that there was just enough space for her to squeeze through. She treaded lightly, keeping close to the wall. It was a stone tunnel with little lights embedded in the stone. The rock was smooth to touch but unbearably cold. Her fingers went numb not too long after her being down there. But she kept going she had to get there. Before she had to give herself a rousing speech, her hands bumped into a metal rod. Running her hands up and down, and with the minimal lighting. She concluded they were ladder rungs. She didn't hesitate before climbing up, keeping one arm out to see how close she was to the hatch. She held in her squeal of excitement when she felt the handle. She couldn't feel anyone and she doubted plants could help her here. With firm footing she pushed on the heavy door. She paused when she could peek out, deeming the coast clear she emerged, taking care to place the panel down without a sound.

Keeping low to the ground she couldn't help but admire the scale of this place. Every ninja and clan in existence had a file here. Surely they had information on the Higurashi that could help her. But her face dropped, she didn't' know where to start. She decided that ascending the stairs near her wouldn't hurt to start there. She walked a low crouch, she craned her head to see over the final step. Everything looked the same, she lamented but she continued to creep. She paused when she saw hiragana for Aburame. She perked as she continued down the line, turning another corner she saw a large stretch for the Hyuga clan. It had to be around here somewhere. She gasped when she saw the entire bookcase dedicated to her clan. She would have never thought, why is so large? Well her clan was much more expansive than what was in the Fire Country, so it made sense. Grabbing the first book labeled under technique she was shocked to see her father's name in the author's space. Flipping through she could see that it was personally kept journal. Unfortunately his notes didn't offer anything she didn't already know.

"Wish you could have been here in person to tell me this yourself."She sighed placing it back. She went through more seeing the remaining books were information given by father and grandfather equally. The last book she grabbed half halfheartedly, but upon flipping to the first page she saw that it was written by another person. Someone she had never heard of, Higurashi Toga. He was apparently the standing head of the clan, and respectively so, he could harness every element. In the journal was a letter that was too faded to read, but beside it were scrolls. She could only assume they were about techniques. She felt a chakra signature approaching. In a small hurry and panic she placed all of it in her bag. By the time she was down the hatch she heard steps and muffled voices.

Neji was about the leave the store when a small body bumped into him. Out of reflex he caught her. Opening his mouth to give a verbal lashing to the clumsy oaf, until his eyes met frenzied sapphires. They stared at each other with opposing emotions. He was tracing over her features, while her's stared in horror.

"I'm sorry, Hyuga-san. I need to get going." She tried to excuse herself but he didn't let her go. She winced away when his eyes hardened. She yelped as he pulled her through the exit. She tugged at her arm but he strong armed her down a nearby alley. She grunted when her back collided with the grimly wall.

"Why are you wearing that filth?" He spat at her.

"What are you talking about?" She asked trying not flinch away from the intense stare of Byakugan user.

"I never took you for one of them." He hissed gripping the pendant that innocently spilled out of her sweater.

"One of who?" She demanded, shoving his hands away.

"Those disgustingly prideful bastards." He slammed his hands against the wall near her head. His eyes closed. "I see the fates are intervening again." His arms fell to his side. "I must reevaluate the signs." Kagome started to tip away, uncertain as to what was occurring right now. She stopped dead in her tracks when he made their eyes connect. A creep when up her spine at the intensity. "The bird should be caged with care, rather than placed in a gilded one with little regard." With that he walked off with a smirk.

Kagome turned tail and ran. She let her feet lead the way as her mind raced. The hell was her talking about? The further she got the more, her steps slowed. She was lightly panting, she had to calm herself. With a composed sigh she walked back towards a main road. She just had to make it either to the training grounds or her home whichever was closest. However, luck was not on side as she collided into an unexpecting passerby.

"I'm sorry." She gave a polite bow, keeping her eyes cast down. Her shoulder was grabbed before she could walk past them. And for a moment she tensed for a fight. She turned and at that all hope of this ending in success and a mild scolding shattered. She stared at the eerie clan specific dark eyes. It took those eyes to recognize who she was and look down at her suspiciously.

"What are you doing so far from the academy?"

"I wanted to go for a walk during lunch and," She paused to look around. "I guess I went farther than I thought." He didn't even to use his Sharingan to see through that lie. Seeing as he hadn't grabbed her and hauled her off to the police station. She had two options and a small time span to decided and even smaller to execute. She could run and risk this man and a few others chasing her but there was minute chance of her escaping. Or she could be captured or face the music quietly. Both had to same possible outcome of her ending up in Fugaku's body was deciding for her, the moment he looked down the street for backup to see how to deal with her. She bolted. She didn't hear the thundering steps following behind or the yells for her to stop over the sound of her heart hammering into her ribs.

Later she found herself staring at her feet, contemplating why humans needs five toes. Anything to avoid looking at angry eyes boring down on her. She could have made it, she would have any other day. But she was weighted down by her newly acquired information. And she refused to ditch them, so here she was in Uchiha Fugaku's office where the even the clock was intimidating. Seriously, why did people need pinky toes?

"Look at me young lady." He practically barked and her head shot up. She was going to die now, if the intense dip in his frown lines was anything to go by. This look put her grandfather easily to shame. "Explain."

"I broke into the archives." She blurted out, before she could stop herself. Then his intense gaze make her continue. "I was looking for information on," She raised her arms hesitantly. She leaned away from his gaze, what was about this man? He made her feel like she was lying which she definitely was not. She had to contain her yelp when he placed a hand on her head.

"Hand me books. We'll go over them when my shift ends." Then he tightened his hold yanking her head back. "Never do this again, you represent my clan. Anything you do reflects on us now. Are we clear?" He relinquished his hold, when he was satisfied with the amount of fear and respect that shone in her eyes. He walked back over to sit behind his desk.

"What are you waiting for hand them over." He stuck out his hand. She lugged her bag onto the table. His eyes widened when he saw the contents inside. She had actually broken into the archives. How? He peered at her, she had gone back to staring at her feet. He smirked, he guessed her early graduation requests weren't flukes after all.

Two

"C'mon, please?" Naruto begged on his knees. Shivering away from the glare he was receiving. "How can you be so cruel?"

"Naruto, I'm not helping you." She hissed. "You aren't doing that."

"But it will be the ultimate prank." And for a moment a brief second, he saw a mischievous flash through her eyes.

"I'm not painting Hokage Mountain." She shut down, crossing her arms. Even though it would be funny to entertain the thought she wouldn't. She'd never. "And you shouldn't either."

"I guess the little Uchiha, can't get her hands dirty." His eyes widened. He hadn't meant to say that.

"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked taking a step back.

"It means that ever since you got that necklace, you never have time for me anymore." He got in her face.

"That's not true, I've been here training you almost every day. You know so you can pass." She didn't relent, shoving him away.

"Training isn't fun though, it's not bonding. It's not what we." He gestured wildly between them. "Do together. I'm surprised you don't' have their trademark stick up your ass but I'll just give it time."

"I'm sorry I don't want to put my engagement on the line for you!" She shouted.

"At the risk of you losing yourself." He grunted.

"At the risk of losing one of the few things that make me happy." She spouted without thought.

"You saying I don't make you happy." He asked pain clear in his voice, his stance, his eyes which she couldn't bring herself to look at.

"That's not what I meant." She reached out a hand.

"I'll do it without you, sorry I don't make you happy." He stormed off. Ignoring her call after him.

She debated chasing after him but decided against that. They were both still mad and it would only escalate more. So she turned on her heel. She had to go to the Uchiha training grounds anyway. What was the big dead if she got there early and blew off some steam.

Sasuke was leaning against a tree, one leg propped up to support his arm. His eyes looked over to where he heard feet crunching against the grass. He saw familiar thigh length socks, letting his eyes trail up to focus on the owner. She smiled at him before continuing to walk forward, her feet landing a little too firmly to the ground. He kept his face neutral as she crouched down in front of him. She looked at him, a blush forming over her cheeks.

"May I sit with you Sasuke-kun?"

"Go away, Yamanaka." He hissed, eyes that were a few hints too light widened in shock.

"I don't know what you're talking about Sasuke-kun." That voice wasn't right, it was too high and held too much smugness.

Kagome paused on the edge of the clearing she was supposed to meet Sasuke. Only to see him talking to her? She felt anger bubble in her chest. She'd wait, see how he handled this. Because if he fall for whoever this is' genjutsu, she going to shove her foot and necklace down his throat. She kept her face calm as he interacted with the imposter.

"I told you to go away."He growled, tackling the other person. Ino lost concentration on her jutsu when he wrapped his hand around her throat, and planted on of his knees in her chest.

"Sasuke," She coughed as his hold tightened to the point where she couldn't speak and could barely get in air.

"Stop saying my name, in that tone." Ino froze feeling fear course through her as Sasuke stared down at her with his Sharingan eyes. He wasn't going to hurt her right? Well no more than he already had. "You don't deserve to say it like that. And how dare you take her form and use it." He raised his hand balled in a fist. This had to get the message through. He was sick of them imposing themselves into his life.

Ino winced preparing for the strike. She knew this couldn't have ended well, she chastised herself. Now her real face was going to pay. The face she kept immaculate for him, that he was about to bruise without a second thought. Like he didn't even care. She peeked an eye open, because he was taking forever to land the hit. Had he changed his mind? Seen that in her vulnerability she was meant for him? But what she saw further broke her heart. It was the real Kagome. She held his wrist back, eyes pleading. They stared at each other. Her heart cracked into tinier pieces if that was even possible. As she saw the fury he held so intensely fade. His eyes went back to their cool darkness. He rose shifting her hold down to this hand to weave their fingers together. They were acting like she didn't exist. Kagome spared her a look and it the icier that any look the Uchiha had ever given her. She sat up slowly her head hanging low. She spared one look to their retreating backs. Then it fully sank in, she had no chance.

Kagome noticed the tense silence between them. His grip would tightened every so often and she knew he was staring at her out of the corner of his eyes. She guessed she couldn't blame him for his current state. How do you feel after having someone do that? To be honest she was surprised someone hadn't tried sooner. She felt her spine tingle at the thought of Neji trying it. Though she doubted he try because of his intense hatred of Uchiha. She let out a gasp when he suddenly pushed her away roughly.

For a moment she had flashback to yesterday. His face was an inch away from her's in an instant. One arm connecting to the bark near her head, the other gripping her chin tilting it up. Her eyes widened when he clashed their lips together. Her lids dropped as she followed his lead. The ferocity was a nice change of pace, how his hand slipped down to her waist pulling them closer. She wrapped her arms around his neck, as their tongues continued to mingle. How long had it been since they kissed? She couldn't think far enough,so she just concluded on, too long. They separated with a gasp. Their breathes mixed in hurried huffs, as if reading the desperation in each other's eyes, they pulled the other closer. They stayed like that, letting the birds and cicadas serenade them.

"Your brother's quite the little romantic isn't he?" Shisui asked from his perch besides Itachi. The other remained silent just observing them. "You wanna go interrupt them or should I?" Itachi grabbed his friend.

"Let them have a few more minutes." He knew that Sasuke had been down lately because he hasn't been able to spend time with her. He didn't want to cut it short. Sasuke needed this moment more than a few hours of last minute training. Shisui leaned against the tree inclined to agree but only because of the strain Kagome has been under all week. However, the peace didn't last as they heard gentle sobs. They watched as Sasuke wiped away tears, offering hushed comfort. They leapt from their perch, it didn't take them long to get the couple's attention.

"You're doing it again." Shisui chastised crossing his arms over his chest as vacant blue eyes continued to stare off into the distance.

"What are you talking about?" She blinked. Focusing one eye to look at him, while the other continued to follow an unseen object. When he lightly glared at her she realized her mistake. Covering the stray eye with her hand with a small laugh . "Hey when that happen?"

"He is fine, you don't need to keep watch over him." He felt bad at the hurt that flashed through both of eyes. He watched in mild shock as a small creature emerged from the bark from a tree. She held her hand out for it to land on. It was then he noticed that it was made of tightly woven sticks and vines. She crouched, extending her hand towards the ground. The small 'bird' fell apart reforming and rooting itself as little fern. And her other eye return to normal. Fugaku had explained that she could do that but, he had never seen it. He clasped his hand in front of his mouth, that was so cute. Kagome arched an eyebrow at his gesture and then didn't know what to do when he hugged her going on and on about something but all of his words were running together. She sighed, her brother rested on the back of her mind.

She managed to sneak away later. She paused looking at the mountain that towered over everyone, as she got closer she couldn't help but admire it. Naruto had done it. There was crude paintings scrawled on each face. Though even from where she was she could see the scaffolding propped against the first's face. Well that was too much for one person to clean.

Naruto grunted as dipped the rag he had in the bucket. He guessed he earned this punishment. No one else found this as funny as he did. Though he loved looked the police chief's face, for a moment he was convinced while he was getting yelled at. The vein in the older man's head was going to burst. But the chilling look he received when he was dealt his punishment had been less fun to look at. As he was about to scrub again a drop of water his hand. He looked up to see blue apologetic eyes.

"What are you doing here?" He asked trying to play it cool to cover up his surprise.

"I'm sorry I didn't help, and this is repayment." She paused mid swipe. "But you have to understand my position. I phrased it poorly earlier. You and Sota make me happy, I love spending time with you guys. But, there are expectations I'm expected to live up to. However, it's not just grandfather anymore. I'm under a lot of pressure, and I was already warned. If I do anything neither side likes," She paused. "I don't want to think of what would happen." Naruto sighed, but they continued to clean.

"Hey," Naruto called softly. "How about after we finish we go train some? I almost have the clone jutsu down."

"I'd like that." She let a smile tug at her lips.

One

It felt so heavy in her hands. It was official. She was a genin. Though she couldn't find the strength to put the seal of honor on. She looked around, she hadn't seen Naruto since everyone had been tested. Where did he go?

"Do you need help?" Sasuke asked reaching for head protector, which she pulled protectively to her chest.

"I don't know, where I want to wear it." She stated to fill the air, as she leaned against the wall. Reminding herself to keep her feet flat. When he reached for it again, she let him take it. She didn't wince as she pain crept up her left wrist. Did they know what was taking so long?

"How about here?" He asked as she tugged the band tightly around her left arm. He tapped her cheek when he noticed both of her eyes were glazed over and unfocused. She trained one eye on him, looking down at her arm.

"I like it but isn't this more of Nara thing?" She inquired in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"I think it suits you." He said with a shrug though his head protector was on like it was supposed to be. It was a nice fit. She went back to gathering the feedback of what was happening around the academy. She missed her fiance's pout as he leaned against the wall with her.

"I can still carry conversation if you want." She offered while her eyes stared off into the distance.

"Don't worry about it, find him. I know that I won't have your full attention until you do." The silence that followed confirmed his suspicion. He couldn't feel fully satisfied about graduating, until he found out what the teams were. Which wouldn't be available until tomorrow. He could only hope that Kagome was on the same squad as him. They had to be together but even with his father's influence it wasn't a guarantee. He could only mull over how it would work. Were they random or put together with strength and weakness in mind. If so they were perfect together. He excelled in taijutsu and, of course genjutsu. Not to say she wasn't good in those areas, she was better at ninjutsu. In his musing he almost didn't notice when she started to walk away.

Kagome walked with an urgency to her step. She had seen Naruto and Mizuki talking. That didn't bode well to her, the white haired teacher wasn't subtle about his disdain for the blonde. She couldn't hear what they were talking about. However, the hope that was present on her brother's face only occurred when he was talking about his dream. Which also the white haired male was never hesitant to shut down. But, he talked with a small smile that was crawling with spiders. Her eyes narrowed as she got closer. Her right hand twitched, with an internal burn along her wrist.

"Ah, Kagome," Mizuki called stretching that despective smile more. She felt the ire of the plants around her, all on guard ready for a command. He suppressed the shiver of disgust that wanted to run through him. While he knew she wasn't a tailed beast container, she always unsettled him. For all he knew her little clan was bunch of monsters. He had heard rumors of what they could do, no shinobi should be able to control an element without the aid of hand signs. In his eyes it earned her as much hatred and mistrust as the Kyuubi did. She had to be in some sort of witchcraft, and none was that more apparent than her engagement to the youngest Uchiha heir. There were too many variables for such an important clan to claim such a mysterious person.

"I do believe a congratulations are in order." He finished strained. He was pretty sure she knew it too. He tried not to cut her little head off, when all she did was nod her head in acceptance. Did she really think herself above him, hiding behind that damn pendant. He let his eyes trail to the blonde and inwardly sneered. While he might not be able to touch that damn witch, he could settle on getting the Kyuubi imprisoned. Since the Hokage refused to let anyone lay a finger on the child. Without much else than a wave he left, though he couldn't shake the feel of hateful eyes following him.

"You seem very chipper." Kagome pointed out once she tore her eyes away from that despicable man.

"Yeah because," He looked around trying to see if anyone was listening, before leaning in close. "Mizuki-sensei, told me of a way that I could still graduate with the class." He missed his sister's look of hate that passed over her features. "All I have to do is get the Hokage's scroll from the archive and learn one of the techniques from it."

"That won't work." She stated bluntly. She wasn't going to feed into this lie.

"And why not?" He demanded offended.

"You shouldn't steal the Hokage's scroll. Even you managed to get it and learn one of the jutsu inside. You'll have to explain where you learned it."

"I'll just say jii-san taught me."

"He doesn't know any of the techniques from there, no one does except for past Hokage's. Anyone else faces charges of treason." She hissed. "Just study and take the test when remakes come up in a month." She'd rather he graduate late than not at all because he was in prison.

"C'mon Kagome, don't' worry." He gave her the thumbs up. "One of the first risks I have to take in order to become the next Hokage." She had never wanted to hit him as much as she did right now. How could he not see it? Or if he did, how could he not care?

Before she could further protest, she was swept away literally by Shisui. He carried her away, going on about how proud he was and he knew it wouldn't be long until she was chuunin. Sasuke trailed behind trying to take longer strides to keep up. The young ANBU decided to take them to her favorite oden place, his treat. Sasuke gave a quick mumble but sat on the stool beside her. However, she couldn't find her appetite. She ate a couple pieces from her bowl but, she pushed them around not caring how rude it looked. Her mind was torn about Naruto, she had to do something but what? Every plan she had, put her career as a shinobi at risk. Could she really give that up before it even begins? If she did lose her newly gained position she could run away to circus. Never return to Konoha except for sparring stops during tours, be free. She'd be disowned and disgraced in the eyes of grandfather. He'd move his cruelties to Sota. She frowned, she couldn't allow that. But that was going to happen with or without her running off. And like her, her younger brother would have to build a tolerance to it. She looked at Sasuke, if she left, he'd be heartbroken. Though their relationship was so juvenile to begin with, that sentiment caused a pang in her heart. And he could always find new love, maybe whoever his teammate turns out to be. The nail just imbedded itself deeper, she figured that he would do that anyway. His interest would wane as they grow, eventually growing apart, engagment dissolved as a better match comes along. A tear escaped before she could stop it, landing dissipating into the broth below. She gave a small shriek as she was yanked out of her seat. She stared at the back of Sasuke's head that always reminded her of a bird, at the most inappropriate times.

"What's wrong?" He asked reaching his hand out to wipe away more tears, which only seemed cause them to multiply. Kagome flung herself into his arms, clinging on to him with all her might. Sasuke hugged back confused, what had gotten into her. He held her close when she pulled away. Right then, he remembered one of the reasons he loved her. Her eyes, they told him so much.

"What are you worried about?" He asked, it wouldn't be good, there was hurt mixed heavily in.

"I'm sorry." She stated rushed furiously wiping away her tears. She needed to go, now before she changed her mind. But if there was one thing about Sasuke was, how headstrong he was.

"About what? Just tell me what's wrong." His voice was strained, he was not delusional. He just saw resolve pass through.

"I just publicly started crying. I'm a horrible would be Uchiha." She stated her voice cracking. "I cry so easily, it's not attractive. How do I not grate your nerves all the time." She prodded

"You don't." He grabbed her chin forcing her to make eye contact and maintain it. "Stop avoiding my questions." His voice was beginning to take on more authority. He was restraining himself. He would like nothing more than to command her but, that wouldn't get the response he wanted. That would only make her close him out more.

"Is this about Naruto?" He snapped letting his voice drip with demand. Her eyes, those depths of sapphire screamed the answer. He grabbed her face more firmly. "Whatever it is, it's not worth whatever is swimming in your thoughts." He let his hands fall to grab her wrist. He'd take her home with him, maybe if he isolated her she wouldn't anything rash. What he was not counting on, was once his back turned for her to kick him in the back of the knee before running off. He gripped his leg with a hiss. He hoped his cousin had gone after her because he was going to tell his father. This had to be something big if it's gotten her this riled up.

Kagome crept low. She only had a couple second gap in the next ANBU shift. When she got the feedback that they were on the move. She bolted, slipping through the small gap in the window. She landed quietly. She kept low to the ground inching along. She has no idea where to find the records but her first guess would be the teacher's room. Which was by the Hokage's office, where the most ANBU were stationed. She entered at the area with the least amount of security, so messing up so soon would not do well. As she padded along, ducking into rooms whenever an ANBU came close. At one point she had to balance on top of one of the door frames, slinking out the opening while their back was turned. Another time she was almost caught she stumbled upon the room. But before she could explore, she had to jump to the rafters. The cat faced ANBU looked around. They could have sworn they had felt someone around here. They didn't hear the other person land silently. They left with a shrug of their shoulders. There was nothing here that any enemy wanted anyway.

Kagome snooped around until she found the drawer with class records. With gentle hands she extracted Naruto's file. Though, she would be lying if she didn't want to peak at the one labelled 'Team Assignment.' She scolded herself for even thinking of deviating from this already haphazard plan. She gave a small smile at his official ninja profile picture, she remembered helping him with the Kabuki style makeup.

'Focus, Kagome focus.' She chanted in her thoughts as she flipped through pages upon pages of disciplinary papers. She felt victorious when she extracted his test results. She felt proud that he done pretty average on his last written test. Though she knew it was only because of the last minute cram session she forced him through early this morning. She felt rage engulf her when she read over his other scores. There were notes from every instructor about vast improvements in practical application test. However, to pass each test had to be approved by both chuunin instructors. Which Mizuki's signature was missing from two exams. Even that one hardass Yamada-sensei had signed off. So, Naruto actually passed, barely but he did. She had to take this to Hokage, he could do something. She tucked the file under her sweater.

And that's where she ran into the next obstacle. How did she bring this up. Oh, hey Hokage-sama I broke into the academy because I thought my friend who had a history of failing finally passed. She cursed, she looked out the window. The sun was setting she didn't have much time as it was. She would just, get there and see how it goes from there.

Fugaku stared at his son who was in turn staring him down. He would have never guessed that Sasuke would barge into his office. Claiming that an issue needed his attention based solely on wild speculation. Especially if that issue was not specified.

"This is not in my jurisdiction Sasuke. I can't just send my officers out because Kagome was crying." He almost hissed that last part, it was unseemly that she had wept in public. He would have to scold her later, give her a real reason to cry for embarrassing the Uchiha name.

"Father you don't understand. She isn't the type to burst into tears like that, not publicly at least. Whatever it is, has something to do with Naruto and, the outcome will not be good. I just want to stop it before, she endangers her life or future." Sasuke in a rare moment pleaded bent at the waist. Fugaku tensed his jaw, anything she did would come back to him anyway. He could wait and punish her accordingly. But, his youngest was distressed enough to bow to him.

"I'll head to the Hokage's office and get his input. There's no guarantee I can do much without proof." He stood from his desk. "You know that if this is as severe as you've implied I will have to punish her. And it will not be gentle." Sasuke nodded solemnly. "Good, c'mon along.

You'll follow anyway." They fell into step with each other.

Kagome crouched low. She was right there but her only obstacle was the secretary. Who had to move any moment by her estimate, because of the numerous empty tea cups. She hoped it was soon, she didn't have any cover left besides this plant that was kind enough to disguise her. She would be screwed if anyone was to come right now. She peeked out when she heard the chair scratch along the floor.

"Hokage-sama, I'll be back in a moment." The nondescript man said as he opened the door to her goal. She crept around the small tree to keep out of sight as he passed by. She walked low only standing when she was right in front of the door, her fist frozen mid-air ready to knock.

"No need to be shy come on in." The wise voice made her imitate stone for a moment. How did he know she was here? Then she resisted the urge to hit herself. This was the Hokage most powerful man in the village of course he knew she was there. With small but quick steps she shuffled into the room. She kept her eyes trained on the floor as she leaned on the door to close it. For a moment she looked up, the stern grandfatherly face made her gaze plummet to the floor once more.

"Good afternoon, Hokage-sama." She greeted with a deep bow. That as all she could get out, her tongue felt heavy.

"Evening, I'm sure that's not all you have to say to me. It's not everyday I meet a genin that can evade my ANBU on two separate occasions." Kagome felt her face heat up, not sure what he was referring to. Hopefully not pertaining to her current predicament. "And the file you're hiding under your shirt is the reason you're here, I assume." He extended his weather aged hands. She felt silly taking removing the file before handing it to him. While he was flipping through she noticed the silence and how it gradually became worse. Should she speak to offer something other than the sound of papers being flipped? "Naruto, quite the unique case." He muttered more to himself before closing the file. She looked up ready to stand her ground and plead her case. "I see that a mistake has occurred, I'll see that it is remedied. Thank you for bringing it to my attention."

"Hokage-sama I believe there's more and that this student may be in danger." The look he gave her told her she had to floor. "I was told by the student," It felt weird saying but if she kept a neutral stance it shouldn't come off as crazed. "That Mizuki-sensei offered them a chance to graduate, if they steal the Hokage's scroll from the archive."

"You're quite familiar with the archive if I'm not mistake." She stared at him, was that a joke. "You're very skilled in the field of stealth. I've been keeping an eye on you since the second time you rejected graduating early." He gestured to the glass ball that sat in the middle of the table. Before they could continue conversation, one of the last people she wanted to see basically burst through the door.

"Uchiha-san what brings you here?" The old man asked taking a puff from his pipe. She kept her eyes trained on the Hokage.

"My son brought it to my attention that something was or is amiss. But, I see that's not needed seeing as she's right there." Sasuke walked from behind his father with bold steps to stand beside her. She wouldn't look, she had to get his over with. She almost let her facade slip when the Hokage smirked.

"Higurashi Kagome, I'm assigning you, your first mission. Bring me Mizuki." She blanched, what? He expected her to bring him a chuunin.

"Hokage-sama, I would like to go with to offer," Sasuke stopped when the Hokage raised his hand.

"Go, Higurashi-san. I expect you back within the hour. Bring Naruto as well, and I will have his side of this taken care of." Kagome bowed, before turning to leave. "Out the window." When she looked at him. "Go out the window, it's quicker than sneaking past all of them again." She nodded before padding across the office. Sliding one of the big windows open. She balanced on the ceil uncertain before just plunging off.

"Uchiha-san if you could take a seat. I feel that your services will be needed tonight." The patriarch sat in one of the chairs. At least he wasn't stuck in his office doing paperwork.

Naruto read through the scroll and his jaw ticked the first technique was Shadow Clone Jutsu. Only thing different about it was that, it wasn't an illusion the clones are functional. Naruto imagined for a moment just a bunch of himselves running around. Well it couldn't hurt to try it. He placed his hands in the tiger seal position.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu." He exclaimed, there was a puff of smoke. When that faded away there it was a perfect replica of himself.

"Hi boss." It said grinning at him offering it's hand in a high five. Which he took only to cough when the puffed away at the contact.

He didn't dwell on it long because something creeped up his spine. He felt like a million eyes were on him, he felt something approaching quickly. He looked around panicked trying to place it. He planted his back firmly on the bark of one of the trees. He nearly shit his pants, when hands emerged from either side of his head wrapping around him. Before he could find it in him to scream he met familiar blue eyes leaning on his shoulder. He lost it scrambling away from the tree, tumbling to the ground. He watched mystified as his sister materialized from the tree. She walked over , crouching in front of him. Before she could speak her head snapped up and he gulped he had never seen any as intense in her expression before.

"Well isn't this just a wonderful present I can eliminate two pests with one stone." The white haired chuunin boasted from high in the trees. Strapped to his back was a large shuriken. He reached behind him and with a maddened smile hurled it with all him might. Before it could get close, it's path was blocked by branches rapidly growing out to entangle the blade. He frowned, he'd have to do this up close and personal. He jumped down into the clearing. It was so disgustingly cute that the witch stood protectively in front of the demon. As if, a little green genin could harm him or stop his plans.

"Thanks for retrieving the scroll for me, demon." He reveled in the distress in his that monster's eyes.

"Don't talk to him like that." She hissed forcing out more chakra into the area.

"Oh but I think I have every right to he destroyed the village twelve years ago. Well the thing imprisoned in him did." He dodged the kunai thrown at him. "Oops I'm not supposed to talk about that no one is." Naruto crawled back away, what was he talking about? Against her better judgement Kagome charged forward jumping into a flying kick. She felt satisfied she caught him off guard. But that didn't last long as he lunged for her. Even with her evade he grabbed her by the throat. She didn't struggle, she kicked her legs out aiming for his chest. They connected and he released her with a grunt.

"The attack that killed so many people." He continued standing clutching his side. That feeling was back again the being watched, but by who? He looked around, why did the area feel hostile. The only dangerous one was that little demon vessel, and maybe the girl as well.

"That Nine- Tailed Fox," He gasped when he was forcibly grabbed from behind. He heard the crunching of his bones before he felt it and he howled in agony. He tried to writhe in agony but his constraint held him tight against the trunk of the tree.

"Fucking witch, it this what you can do. Turn nature against me." He hollered in a hoarse voice. "You creatures shouldn't be allowed to," He choked as the vine around his neck tightened. This was it, was he going to die at the hands of this bitch.

"Kagome, stop." Naruto called grabbing her arm. Her eyes were almost pitch black with amount of contempt they held. "He's not worth it." She balled her fist and he watch as thorns pierced through the captured chuunin. He had to stop this.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu." He poured all of himself into this. Making easily a hundred copies of himself to shield the chuunin from Kagome's eyes, while also piling on top of him adding to his misery. Kagome snapped out of her trance and looked at him. She nodded at him his clones made an opening. Then she remembered her orders from the Hokage. With another flick of her wrist he was bond tightly with thick vines and he collapsed forward.

"Think you can use them to carry him all the way to Hokage tower?" Naruto smiled before turning to his doppelgangers. "You heard her boys." They walked side by side as they made their way back to the Hokage's office. Fugaku was waiting outside for them, taking their prisoner from them. With heavy steps she jumped into the older man's room.

"I finished my mission Hokage-sama." She stated pulling Naruto through the window.

"I saw." She couldn't gage quite what that meant, but it didn't feel good. Kagome stood there at the scrutiny of the Hokage, she had brought him Mizuki. But she had also assaulted and almost killed a ninja of her village. She felt the pit in her stomach.

"Naruto,I believe this is yours." He stated offering a head protector to the hyperactive blonde. Naruto for once was silent as he accepted his headband. He didn't hesitate removing his goggles, placing the newly acquired item on.

"Do you know what this mean?" He asked turning his attention to Kagome. She solemnly reached for her head protector, she didn't deserve this. Before she could undo the tie he continued. "I'll have to reconsider team arrangements for tomorrow." Kagome started shocked as Naruto cheered in the background. "Have a good night." He bid them.

---

Well there you have it. I hope the wait was worth it, this is the second draft .I didn't know what to do so I just started typing and this is what happened. This will not be a commonplace thing, maybe just to wrap up future arcs if I think they are going on for too long. Again please let me know if there are any glaring problems, I am just one person editing. I know it's not perfect at 33 pages it's not going to be. If there's something you want expanded on or something was as emotional as you wanted. Let me know and maybe I'll write a huge omake of ideas that I just couldn't fit in here because it was already too long and you've guys have waited enough. Show your support. I love you guys. Have a nice day. The next chapter should not take month and half to get out. I'm still debating on what to with the teams and also what to call the Higurashi rekkai genkai. Leave me your thoughts that might help me. Ja~Ne~.