Sparks 8

"When is it too right but too wrong to be right?"
― Dominic Riccitello

It took two more months for me to be well grounded in Ninjutsu. The chakra thing was interesting enough, and I returned to the library to scour theory on the subject. Again - some were dry reads, but necessary. Between hanging out with the two little boys I befriended, as well as my duties at work and everything in between, the days flowed into each other. Friday felt like Monday, Tuesday seemed to be a Sunday afternoon.

I no longer went to train with Ibiki at the crack of dawn. He set a date for the Genin test for me, and told me from here on, I would be on my own. Inoichi would still tutor me, but Ibiki and Owl were out of the picture. I didn't question it - there was something serious about the way he told me that informed me it was time for me to step away.

And so I had.

I knew other skills had to be upped, so I started learning how to throw better. It was never a skill I ever really needed, but I wasn't horrible with it. It also meant I had to buy some weapons too. I purchased the standard issue kunai, and a pack of senbon. I think I prefered the senbon, simply because I could hide them far easier. Kunai were deadlier, but I wasn't interested in being deadly. I just wanted to get home. Being deadly wasn't something I needed to be. I never wanted to be deadly. Cheeky? Sure. Annoying? On occasion when it suited me. A killer? Methinks not. I had no interest in taking lives. For all I knew, my presence had an effect on the show. I wouldn't know until I returned. I grimaced, thinking about the mess if that were the case. Maya would get a kick out of it, though. I don't think I could watch the show if that were to happen. I couldn't bear it to see little Naruto and Sasuke be upset with me after I left. But, in the end, it didn't matter. My goal of reaching home was within reach. Finally. Over all, my speed was up, agility was not a problem - and I felt like I was finally gaining the ground I had been missing for so long. My basics? Good. I even figured out how the Ninja did the little poof disappearing trick. Trade secret, I'm afraid. I simply cannot share it.

All I had to do was train. And so I did. With the help of the books I had found, and some inspiration from Jiraiya I started my best to find my own way. The superheroes inspired the boys - and they were inspiring me too. With the use of Chakra, I could do all sorts of things. I was figuring out quite a few other things as well. Truly, I felt like Spiderman on some days. I could climb walls! Just by focusing chakra at my feet and a little experimentation. My, that skill would have been quite handy in my line of work back home. It was that wall crawling ability, as well as Jiraiya's Konoha Canary comment that got me to thinking.

I didn't need to be the standard ninja; I could do things a little bit differently, do them my way. And so I did. I had to work around that five second delay on my attacks. I found using anything straight from the source was easy as pie (IE using chakra to climb walls). Anything using hand seals - then the delay kicked in. I knew with that little delay it set me back, however maybe I could out think the problem.

First and foremost, this Konoha Canary would take after the Canary. More specifically, the Black Canary. I had the pipes for the high notes, with some focused chakra and a little ingenuity - I could replicate the Canary Call. It wasn't nearly as strong as the true Black Canary's move yet, but it would work for the time being. I just had to ensure I was taking care of my vocal chords. I started keeping a bag of pineapple slices and juice with me. Best way to keep those vocal chords well hydrated. It also meant my diet couldn't revolve around Naruto's love of junk food any longer (worry not, I've snuck him vegetables when he hasn't been noticing).

And my inspiration didn't stop there. Gambit had a special place in my heart and so I had to incorporate him somehow. Instead of attaching exploding tags to my kunai (which was a dreadful waste of kunai, by-the-by) I bought a deck of cards and adhered them to the back. My card throwing would need a hand up, but being that I did so enjoy the tricks it was an easy transition. I wasn't dropping cash on expensive kunai, and I could emulate my favored hero. Rather grand turn out, or so I thought.

And Spiderman himself - my, my. Sticking to walls was a feat in and of itself, but I knew with his brief spat of using that skill in an offensive manner I was sure I could as well. I only wished I could have his Spider-sense. Now, that would have been something.

And, finally, Daredevil. I needed to figure out a way to be able to tell if another ninja was trying to trick me. Every trick had its loophole and any trick, from the right perspective, was as clear as day. I just had to find it.

Daredevil could know just by ear what was and was not by vibration and sound. In addition to this, I had heard of the blind finding out a way to use echolocation to ride bicycles. I was able to pin down regular clones. They were easy to spot the difference with a clear ear and a quick whistle, they were similar to a hologram. Just a picture, nothing more. A trick of the eyes, not of the ears. Even substitutions were rather easy too (although they were often used as last second things. Figuring them out didn't have much of a practical use). However, the shadow clones….

Well.

They were much harder to spot the difference. They were rather solid, all in all. The only difference I could find is that they had no heartbeat. I was able to create one, and investigated it personally. It was a little strange seeing oneself in such a fashion. It was like looking at a living mirror that talked back. They moved, they seemed to breathe and (from what I read) they had their own bit of chakra taken from the users'. I could hear the lack of a heartbeat on a calm day with no battle raging, but I wasn't nearly as proficient as I wished to be. It took longer to tell than I cared to admit.

Since anything super advanced was probably more than I could take, with my arm being as it was - well, I did my hardest to work around it. I would use the simplest of jutsu and just razzle dazzle my way around. Guy wasn't gifted in it, near only in taijutsu. I was certain if he could pull it off, I could handle what cards I had been dealt.

Soon, I hoped I could pester Kurenai. See if perhaps I could figure out a way around Genjutsu as well. I heard that Genjutsu manipulated the victims' own chakra against them. Perhaps my blue scar was better than I first imagined. If I had a five second wait - my enemy would as well. With that, I hoped any illusion would be easier to tear it apart because of it (mostly because of the dumbfounded look on their face when the delay kicked in).

Over all, my time was spent in preparation. I was certain everything would be fine. Children passed the tests - I was sure I could as well. My only concern was that, because of my unique circumstances I may have higher expectations than the rest. In fact, I was sure of it. And I knew I had to be up to snuff to face other potential threats beyond this.

When I could I ensured I spent time with Naruto and Sasuke. I had to make sure that after I left the two would be able to be there for each other. I think Sasuke knew what I was doing, although he didn't protest when I started going by to pick them up from school on occasion (it helped Naruto's temperament).

That was around when I met Sasuke and Naruto's teacher, Umino Iruka. The man had kind eyes and an easy disposition - when not confronting Naruto's antics. His had been the photo that Naruto skipped over. Naruto just so happened to decide to bring the camera to school and accidentally took a photo while being lectured.

Iruka himself was younger than I by a couple years. He looked to be around Maya's age. He had a long scar across the center of his nose and wore the standard shinobi uniform. He was rather sweet, over all. Sort of like a little brother. Well, what I imagined one would be like that. I hadn't any siblings to know for sure.

I may have paid him a visit to ensure Naruto was being treated well in class after I saw the photo. I may have. Thankfully he was kind about the misunderstanding and explained that Naruto had acted out in class and he had been correcting the behavior. I couldn't fault that, as it was his class. I would have second guessed him had it not been for seeing how Naruto and Iruka interacted myself. Naruto may have a rough time with the people of Konoha, but those who truly knew him - well, he was well celebrated indeed. I would like to think Sasuke was in that bandwagon, even if he acted otherwise.

Speaking of celebration. It was only now that I learned I had missed little Naruto's birthday. He never told me the day - it had passed back in October of all months. When he told me I realized quickly when it was. Back in early to mid October he had come over to my apartment out of nowhere, in a sour mood. He had been needy but didn't request much save for attention. We had ended up settling on hot chocolate and a movie (Wreck-It Ralph with subtitles. He wasn't a fan of the reading, but it was good for him). He, however, wanted nothing more than to cuddle up and ask about what I remembered about my family. I confess, I was glad that the story was that I remembered nothing. My family life would have been a disappointment to Naruto, him having had none and always wanting one. Truly, in that way were the same (though I was lucky enough to have an Uncle).

Having missed his birthday, and Sasuke's as well as I later found out, I demanded a Very Merry Unbirthday for us all.

"That isn't a real thing. You just made it up." Sasuke grumbled. He really did enjoy calling me out on my nonsense.

"All things were made-up at some point. And it's not your birthday today, so therefore it must be your Unbirthday. I do apologize, but I simply do not make the rules." I informed him cheekily. He wasn't able to argue with my logic.

"Exactly, smarty-pants!" Naruto chimed in from behind me. He and I had a grand old time, while Sasuke humored us both. It was a nice reprieve from everything. Had it not been for that smile on Sasuke's face near the end of the UnBirthday party I would have thought he hated the idea. He was rather odd like that. He didn't seem like he wanted to be fussed over, but at the same time - he enjoyed it in a way.

When the day finally came for the test, I was antsy. Had winter not still been in the process of blowing through, I would have been sure a thunderstorm was rolling in the way my scar was acting up. I didn't know if it was just my nerves or the weather.

Ibiki was overseeing my test. I met him at the Capitol Building. There was a small room set aside for me to take the standardized test. I felt like I was in High School all over again. Me walking in with the teacher's aide who had better things to do than oversee a simple test. He scowled at me in greeting.

"You should laugh more, luv. It would be far scarier." I said to him in greeting. He smothered a smirk, trying to maintain the facade. I practically had him figured out. For all Ibiki's bluster, he had a soft spot. Mind, I never wanted to get much closer to him to find out more as the man was still terrifying, but I had a level of respect for him.

There was a desk there sitting, waiting for me. Ugh. I knew I would have missing homework nightmares after this. I slid into the seat and took part one of the test. It was simple, with all the reading I had done.

It covered the basic, fundamental rules and regulations adhered by all ninja. There was a section on the Seven Classic Maneuvers of War, which I had to describe each in as much detail afforded. I had to then go through some maths, and some theory on Chakra. The history section was ridiculously detailed, but I managed (I rather liked the Will of Fire, to be honest). It was all relatively simple, but Konoha didn't believe in multiple choice clearly. Everything was in paragraph form. I handed in my sheet and waited to take the practical exam. While my test was being graded by someone else, the Hokage walked in and both he and Ibiki oversaw the practical.

I could make two clones by this point, passing inspection. One of them may have mouthed off to Ibiki with a "Far too close, luv. I don't like you like that." I take no responsibility for that one. I haven't a clue where she gets that. She's just spicy.

I then had to prove I could handle both the transformation technique as well as the substitution. Those skills were blessedly simple compared to the clones. I couldn't tell from either the Hokage Hiruzen or Ibiki how I was doing at all. They remained impassive and unvocal the entire time. It nearly felt like an audition, to be truthful. I nearly felt like any moment they would say "next" and shoo me from the stage.

After all of that I had to wait in another room for them to get back to me with their verdict. It took nearly an hour for them to return.

Hiruzen walked in with Ibiki following him. He handed me a contract and a pen.

"You have passed. All you have to do is sign and you'll have earned your Hitai-ate." Hiruzen told me.

"Ah, well. IF that's all." I murmured. I picked up the contract and began reading it. I could feel the atmosphere turn awkward and I glanced up. Hiruzen was simply staring at me stunned.
"I sign nothing unless I read it first."

"You have fought to get to this moment, and you're reading a contract." Ibiki grumbled.

"I would rather like to know what law binding document I'm agreeing to." I muttered, continuing to skim the document. I came across a section that begged to be dug into. There was a clause in the contract that was worrying. Should any B rank mission and/or above go unfinished for reasons beyond death or specific circumstances, problems could happen. "May I sleep on it?"

Ibiki's jaw popped open, while Hiruzen's gaze narrowed.

"Yes. You may. " Hiruzen agreed. Ibiki glanced at him, but remained quiet.

"Thank you. Say, 1 pm?" I offered.

"10 am." Hiruzen said in a tone that said there was no room for argument. Less than 24 hours. I bowed my head.
"Right then. 10 am. My other choice." I said humorously. Hiruzen gave a small smile and left the room, Ibiki trailing after him in silence.

I watched them go, folding the contract up and hiding it in my clothes. I had some digging to do. I left the Capitol, heading straight toward the library - the underappreciated star in any place without internet. Public Records were even more undervalued. I went in deep through the library, finding the court cases. I was thankful that Konoha was a relatively new village (compared to the States history, or worse, British. Imagine trying to find specific court cases there with no internet to narrow it down). Their history was brief, even though they kept it thorough.

The first case of this ever happening was probably why the clause was created. Half of the document was blocked out, indicating sensitive and classified information. However, from the gist of it, a five man group disbanded as half felt it was pointless and caused internal conflict. Because they had no formal agreement to complete the mission there wasn't much that could be done. They were fired in the medieval sense - meaning their stuff was set ablaze and they were ran out from the village. They were probably the first missing nin of the village, as well.

The next was after the clause was created. Ahh… another ninja wasn't able to complete his mission- there were no specifics, clearly highly classified as well, from the sound of things he was a very bad ninja. He had been leaking personal intel to other villages and couldn't complete his mission as he read from the scrolls he swore he wouldn't - to pass on information to the enemy. The name even was blacked out. He was ceremoniously put to death for his failure and betrayal.

And then a name appeared that I never thought I'd see. That I never wished to see.

Hatake.

I snapped the file shut. No. I thought of Silver, knowing that was his family name. Was it him? It was clearly his clan. Who could it have been? A cousin? Brother? A grandfather? Perhaps someone deeper in Konoha's past. Chronologically speaking, that was unlikely. I remembered again what Maya had told me, how tragic Silver's past had been. Maybe it was him? Perhaps that was why he was so odd. Maybe he wasn't able to complete a mission and the Village took it out on him?

No.

That didn't mesh well with how he was, how I saw him. He didn't act like a man scorned by his village. From what I saw, the village seemed to adore him. No, he carried a burden but I didn't think it was that.

It was something else.

But - that didn't solve the problem at hand. I could ignore this file and leave this trail undiscovered. However, I needed to know what I was agreeing to. The clause was there, and I wanted to see what standard they were setting me to. If I didn't see, I would never know. I let out a deep sigh and hesitantly opened the file. I would have to make it up to the man somehow. I was poking around in his personal business, even if it was public records.

Konoha V. Hatake Sakumo

I breathed in deep to steady myself. At least it wasn't Kakashi. I pushed myself on, and continued to read.

The man in question had failed to complete his mission because he prioritized the lives of his teammates over that of the mission. This one - this was the kind of case I had been looking for. The odd one out. The one that didn't make sense. I dug in, looking for anything I could on the case.

They did the man dirty. From the records I found of the man, he was astonishing. He was everything a Shinobi should be. However, the moment he failed the mission, prioritizing the life of his teammate over the mission he lost everything. I even saw that they tried to take away his home, his finances to cover the loss of the mission and his Hitai-ate. Had it not been for the Hokage stepping in and absolving the case Sakumo would have lost it all. Hiruzen himself cited the Will of Fire, that Sakumo had tried to abide by that standard when looking out for the best interest of his fellow Shinobi, even though the mission was of grave importance. I knew from how the village treated both Sasuke and Naruto, that probably was the least of Sakumo's worries. He probably was an outcast from then on out.

I should have stopped my search there. I wish I had, but my curiosity wasn't sated. I had to find out what happened to the man. I had hoped that he was still around, kicking and breathing. Unfortunately, there was never a change of address under Sakumo's name, and the home no longer was owned by him nor any family member. This was never a good sign. In fact, it looked like the building was sold by Kakashi ten years later. His trail in public records went cold, and I would have to go elsewhere for the information.

My search may have led to the private records at the hospital. I may have had to sneak in and unlock a couple of doors. I may have accidentally taken my lockpicking tools with me. I may have. The trip there was uneventful and ordinary. The trick to getting into anywhere? Act like you belong. Pretend you know where you're going and quite bored of it all, even if you have no clue. If you're clever, well, you'll figure it out. The files were located deep within the basement of the hospital. The room was dark and a little damp, smelling of mildew. Instead of using the lights I used my phone flashlight. I didn't need passer-bys knowing I was here.

I found the certificate of his death, months after the case was absolved. He had taken his own life via seppuku and found - oh. Oh no.

He had been found by the sole survivor of his clan and only son; Kakashi. Said son was barely five when this happened. Suddenly, I felt like an absolute twat for giving Silver that earworm and ignoring him. How petty could I be?

I remembered Naruto's comment about wondering if I would throw things at him and my gut churned. Had Kakashi-? Suddenly I couldn't not look. I was at the hospital. The information was inches from my fingertips. I would be ashamed of myself but I had to know. My curiosity was peaked and I had to look into it.

Overall, the man's record was clear. Since he was 12 he was often in for chakra exhaustion, broken bones, deep cuts - all sorts of things. I ignored that portion. It wasn't relevant to what I wanted to know and he deserved that much. I already felt like a heel for digging this far into this. What I was looking for was before then. There really wasn't anything before this except for around the time his father went through his event: Kakashi had checked himself in with explicit instruction to not tell his father he was there. He said he had fallen, but the practitioner notes state they suspected it was a rock or stone (the cut was jagged) of some kind that struck him in the head. The theory was that a stone was thrown at him as there was no way Kakashi could have fallen onto a stone and hit the top of his head. He needed stitches. Seven, in fact.

None of it sat well with me. What happened to Sakumo, as well as what Kakashi went through at such a young age - and my nosiness. Mostly it was my nosiness that bothered me.

It was late by the time I left the hospital. I had maybe an hour before the flower shop closed. I raced in, seeing Inoichi at the register. I didn't explain myself when I bought a bouquet of Iris'. I picked it up, paid and left.

Courage, wisdom and admiration. I barely knew what I was doing. I couldn't understand why I was doing what I was doing.

It was a pity that I couldn't have met the man myself. He sounded like the good sort, even if I didn't get along with his son. It was too bad. I didn't know what brought me to the graveyard to place flowers at his gravesite. I could have done anything else but I couldn't stop myself. I found his grave, off to the side. He was buried beside his wife. It looked clean but clearly hadn't been visited for a time. There were no flowers, no markers besides the gravestone - it was as if he was some long forgotten family member lost to time. And yet he died a little more than fifteen years ago. I nearly bet it hadn't been visited for nearly as long as it stood there. There was just something so… quiet, so isolating there that made me wonder if Sil- if Kakashi had ever stepped foot there before his father's grave.

I set the flowers down, unsure of what to do. Should I say something? Perhaps - it was rude otherwise. I pushed my hair out of my face (it was getting longer, I would have to get it cut soon) and tried to think of anything to even say. 'Hello, Mr. Hatake - your son and I don't get along but I think you're quite grand?' That wouldn't work. How rude would it be to go to a mans' grave and complain about his son of all things? Especially a son that I was begrudgingly seeing in a new light. No - best to keep it kind.

"You don't know me. I don't know you. But I found out about what happened today. It was right garbage what was done to you. Sometimes you have to make the hard call. You had the courage to do it - it shouldn't have come down how it did. I'm sorry, for what it's worth." I paused for a moment, debating about leaving before I stopped. "I have it on good authority your son is a man among men. I don't know him well personally, but from what I hear you have every reason to be proud."

And that was enough soul baring for me. I turned right around and left the silent graveyard. I don't think I ever felt so uncomfortable and childish at the same time. My being rude to Kakashi was almost second nature at this point. Mind, he did start some of it - I continued it. I probably should have just let it go and moved on. Instead I let him get a rise out of me and I just had to get even. Truly, it wasn't as if he were the first person to threaten my life. And then I found out about that. I didn't know if I had it in me to look him in the eye after this.

Was it fair of me to be hard on myself now knowing what I knew? I did just go through his files and his father's because of curiosity. Because I needed to know what had happened, and because his file was so close I delved in anyway. I shouldn't have looked into his medical file. Or his father's. I wasn't too thrilled with myself after that.

As I was heading home, I passed him as he was going to the graveyard himself. I kept my head down and eyes forward. We were nothing but ships passing in the night.

Over all, Konoha didn't enforce that clause often. When it was used - it was fair. When it wasn't, the Hokage stepped in and mediated. However, from Sakumo's case, the village itself had seemed to treat him like I saw them treat Naruto. Probably worse, as the man chose to take his own life trying to gain back the honor he lost.

That was why Kakashi acted as he had when I mentioned Sasuke living in the very place his family was killed in. He knew very well what Sasuke was going through. And he knew very well what I was doing for the last Uchiha as well. I briefly wondered if Kakashi had anyone to step in for him. I idly recalled the chat with Kurenai, Asuma and Guy and I doubted it strongly. He lost more after that, I was sure of it. From the way the man held himself, the fake smiles - all of it. It spoke of a life of pain.

But, after all he had gone through? I wasn't going to be the one to step in for him. I couldn't. If I did - well, I didn't know. I just knew it wasn't an option. We didn't get along; end of. He had Guy and the contests. It wasn't my job to adopt all the orphans of Konoha, or anyone with a hard life. I had my hands full with two of them. And, he was clearly older than I - far more experienced in the profession I was stepping into. How could I even begin to help him? Why would I? How could I?

It was best if things were kept as they were. Meaning: nothing. We would be at best simply tolerant co-workers working on separate sides of Konoha. At worst? Distant.

I was planning on leaving. I couldn't befriend a man who had lost so much so young, and expect he would be okay with losing another ; even if it was only a friend. It was hard enough to expect Naruto and Sasuke to be okay with it. I couldn't do that to another person. It was best if I stayed away. It was best for him too. From the appearance of things, he wasn't a fan of mine either.

The night passed as slow as molasses sliding across ice. I barely slept, thinking about the mess I had found myself in. The Hatake case bled into the friendship with Sasuke and Naruto and the potential heartbreak I was leading them into. Those thoughts ran right to how my friends and family were handling life at home. By six am I had barely slept and I knew that I had already chosen my path far before now. I would continue to see it through. 10 am didn't come soon enough.

I arrived with the signed contract at 10 am on the dot. I had thought I would see only the Hokage but instead I was welcomed into a different room. The Hokage was there sitting at a long table with two other elders with him on either side. My signed contract was delivered to him from another unknown ninja. I glanced around and found Inoichi as well as Ibiki standing there on the other side. Interesting. I wondered what was going on. Did they know about…? Potentially. But it didn't matter. They were ninja. The information was there. It wasn't like they sealed it in a way I couldn't get at it.

I crossed my arms and waited for the proverbial firing squad.

"The precedence you are setting has made the council a little uncomfortable. Before announcing the team you have been assigned to, they wanted to meet with you and ensure this was best all around." Hokage Hiruzen said. His voice was firm, and hands were folded neatly before him. "Walker Tami, this is Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura."

"Uncomfortable is a strong word, Hiruzen. I only want to make sure that we haven't invited a spy among us. You say Jiraiya found her?" Homura said, his gaze flickering to me and back to Hiruzen. He was an older man who wore glasses. His hair was a spiky mess, while his beard was near perfect.

"She was a part of his network. She's helped Konoha in ways I cannot express." Hiruzen explained. It was fascinating, watching him dance around the truth.

"And how do we know she's not a spy?" Koharu asked.

"If she was a spy, I would have caught it by now. She's earnest - her only wish is to find her family. She's promised to help while she's here." Inoichi explained.

The council turned to Ibiki.
"And your estimation of her?" the man asked.

"She's mouthy and a handful." Ibiki said sharply.

Thanks. I thought with a frown. And here I thought Ibiki liked me. Ah well. It was then when he continued on.

"But she's trustworthy. Her loyalty runs deep and I have yet to see her give up on a task given. I have continued to see her be able to adapt to almost any situation given. Her memory, despite its failure on the obvious, is the best I've seen in a long time and she can deduce people in a way that few can. She's an asset."

The older woman leaned forward, watching me carefully.

"And what if her family turns out to be enemies of Konohagakure?" She asked. The room turned to look at me, and I could feel a chill in the air. Ah. Fair question. Only three in the room knew it was impossible. However, the two council members didn't. I could see the Hokage getting ready to say something, but I felt it was time to prove myself to them. It was time to step up to the plate, as it were.

"I couldn't even find my family on my own. I'm rather sure they're far away enough that there's little connection between Konohagakure and them. Potentially, should that be the case - perhaps this would be a connection to a new ally."

"And if they were enemies?"

"Konohagakure stepped in for me when they could have otherwise left me in the middle of nowhere. They could have taken an easier route and they didn't. I'm not about to forsake that." I answered honestly. The two council members appeared appeased.

Homura turned to Hiruzen and asked, "She worked with Jiraiya then? How good is she at retrieving information?"

"Well, you should ask her that. She put herself on a mission yesterday." Hiruzen smirked at me. I shifted nervously. That was not what I wanted to hear.

"Ah. Well." I cleared my throat and tried not to fidget.

"She visited both the Library and Hospital archives. Not a soul recalled her being there, besides the librarian who knows her. Nothing out of place after she left. She aroused no suspicion, surprisingly. None of the nurses could pick her out in a photo lineup. Had it not been for our eye on her, no one would have known she had been there." Ibiki offered with a predatory grin.

"And what were you looking for?" Homura asked, his gaze narrowing.

"I was investigating court cases regarding some clauses in the contract I signed. I sign nothing unless I fully understand what I'm agreeing to." I defended, standing at my full height. I didn't know how this would go down. Were they upset with me, or...?

"And what did you think about how we handle business?" Koharu asked, she stared down at me as if daring me to question her judgement.

"Fair." I said, and thought, among other things.

I was sure if I dug deeper I would find things I didn't like. Every country had their sordid tales. I was certain a ninja village had their fair share.

Hiruzen, Koharu and Homura traded looks. Koharu was the first to break.
"I see what you mean. To simply place her in a simple Genin team would be a waste of talent. None of the other Genin would be at her level. Her skills are already specialized. It would be a shame to leave them unused." She murmured.

"How close is she to Chunin level?" Homura asked Ibiki. I felt like I was under a microscope and scientists were talking about my potential to be the latest cure.

"From what I've witnessed, she's close. The only thing stopping her is experience in battle. Once she's seasoned she should pass with flying colors." Ibiki said.

What were they talking about? Why wouldn't I end up in a team? I did my best to keep my feet planted and ensured that I wouldn't fidget. I didn't need them knowing I was beginning to feel uneasy. Something felt wrong. I had a feeling I would be getting news I didn't like.

"I think you're right, Hiruzen. He would be the best choice to team her up with. It would be putting the best of both worlds together. His skill in battle and her ability to gather information on the enemy. He's shown exemplary loyalty and ability to and for the village. If she ever does become a threat to us, he would be able to deal with it as well." Homura said.

Please be talking about Guy. I mentally begged. I knew Guy didn't have a mean bone in his body, but I had hope he had something. Maybe it was Asuma? I hoped so. Perhaps another ninja who I didn't know? I really hoped so. Please be talking about another ninja who I didn't know.

"I agree." Koharu said with a nod.

Hiruzen nodded, and regarded both Inoichi and Ibiki. "You may go. Please notify Kakashi it's time to enter."

Shite.

Did it have to be him!? I did my best to keep my face impassive as the two men left, and the silver-haired man walked in and stood beside me. He stood on my right, so his covered eye was closest to me. His hands were firmly in his pockets like always. From the set of his shoulders and stance I could near bet he wasn't a fan of this situation either. Grand.

"I strongly believe that you both can learn a lot from each other." Hiruzen began, glancing between the both of us. His gaze leveled at me as if daring an outburst. "This isn't our normal procedure. However, Tami - your situation has been anything but normal. It would be a shame to end that pattern. Especially when you already are so skilled. I expect both of you to behave as the professionals you are. Tami, as soon as Kakashi sees that you are prepared you will be entering the Chunin exams. Kakashi, until a new team has passed your test or she has found her way home - Tami will be working with you."

"Of course." Came Kakashi's reply. I simply remained quiet. I didn't think I could talk without making a fool out of myself. Best to keep them guessing on that. I cleared my throat and bowed my head in response.

"We'll assign your mission tomorrow. Until then, I suggest you both get comfortable with the idea of working together." Hiruzen said. I felt that was when we were about to be dismissed but Kakashi seemed to have another idea.

"I do have a request. Since she's a Genin, it would be a shame for her to miss out on all the experience the others gained by completing D-ranked missions. I would hate for her to miss out." Kakashi said smoothly.

I nearly wanted to roll my eyes. A case was a case - what care had I of its contents?

"He is right. It wouldn't be fair." Koharu murmured. Hiruzen nodded solemnly.
"We'll take it under consideration."

With that we were dismissed and I was handed my headband with little ceremony. Kakashi and I walked out. I was so stiff and uncomfortable I didn't even know what to say. Kakashi quietly told me we would meet at a bridge at 7am to go and get the mission tomorrow. Other than that, he left all the while pulling a book from his back pocket to read as he went. It looked like it was Icha Icha Paradise.

Great.

AN: So I've been going through this part of the story over and over and over again. I'm kind of glad it's over. Every time I wanted to put her in a Genin team it just didn't seem to fit so I figured I would just go with my gut. If nothing else, this is a fanfic I'm writing for fun. If it doesn't work it's not the end of the world. Speaking of getting things wrong, I do have a couple things I need to change. Nothing major, just character ages. I'm aging them up a year because otherwise the story doesn't fit. :\ So Naruto will be 9 at the beginning of the story instead of 8, and Tami is 21 (I thought she should be 22, but that didn't fit and so I changed it to 20.. and now she's 21. Fun times you guys!). The timeline I had roughly plotted out wasn't working so I have to tweak it. D: It doesn't change anything except for make things make more sense to me. Oh well.

Thank you to everyone who is following this story and favorited it and left a review. You guys are amazing! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, even though it was mostly Tami chattering to you. She's interesting, at least :P

Next chapter we'll be jumping into Kakashi and Tami shenanigans. They aren't going to get along right away, even though Tami does pity him right now. It doesn't mean her anger has been sated in any way lol
Hope to see you all again soon!