*I hope you enjoyed part one of the special Halloween adventure because here's part two! I'm assuming that, since you're reading this, it's because you did enjoy it! In that case- *cheers and dances* However, if you're here because you thought part one was a train wreck and you want to see it as it crashes in slow motion, then... *quiet cheering and awkward dancing* I'm still glad you're here, either way! :3 (Although I do like the first option better.*

**As I said before, this Halloween Special is non-canon to this story and is situated in the timeline as taking place right after the Forest of Death portion of the Chunin Exams. HOWEVER, there are a few things contained within this special (such as references) that are... referencing things that, are in fact, canon to this fanfiction's storyline, but have not been revealed in the main storyline yet. I shan't spoil the fun of you having to guess which parts are only relevant to this arc and which are canon. (And, if you find guessing games to be unpleasant, I apologize. So... thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy this part two!**

Kakashi followed the four Genin as they walked toward the archives, passing by laughing children as they played in full costumes. As she walked, Natsumi continued to hold up the book as if reading.

"She's really in the holiday spirit." Kakashi walked with his hands in his pockets and watched her, chuckling in amusement. "She did put quite a bit of effort into imitating me. Even going so far as to create a fake Make-Out Paradise..."

He blinked and squinted as he examined the book in her hand, then his eyes widened broadly and his face flushed. "T-That's no prop! That's... a legitimate copy!" Kakashi's paced slowed in stunned silence. "How did she get a copy?! Minors aren't allowed to purchase such books... and... she's actually reading it!"

He watched as her thumb moved to turn the page. "Oh no! She's going to see...!" She turned the page, reading without her expression shifting at all. "T-That scene!" Kakashi's eye twitched as his eyes wandered down the page. "T-That's too indecent for someone her age! And... it doesn't seem to be bothering her at all!"

He gulped and took in a breath, releasing it slowly as a bead of sweat formed on his brow. "I-It's almost as if... she's read it before?!" The realization forced him to avert his attention. "Who knew that Naruto's sister... was secretly so lewd?!"

"OI, KAKASHI!"

The group turned to see Team Guy. Team Seven's jaws dropped at their costumes, with Kakashi's face losing some color.

Lee stood in the foreground, standing in a ready stance with his eyes locked on Natsumi, who looked up at him briefly, then glanced down at the novel. He looked no different than usual, with the exception of the heavy makeup that added lines to his face, aging him.

"Is... he supposed to be..." Sakura blinked, and Naruto's eye twitched as he looked over the green-clad Genin.

"Guy-sensei?" Naruto finished her sentence, and the trio watched as Lee called out to Natsumi again.

"Oi, Kakashi! Let's have a match!"

Natsumi smiled faintly under the mask and scratched the side of her head as she imitated Kakashi and looked upward. "Strange... I thought I heard something."

Lee chuckled and put his hands on his hips. "As expected, Kakashi! You're too afraid of losing to me, after all."

Natsumi looked lazily at him and lowered the book. "Well, actually, I was just getting to a good part. But, if you insist on being beaten again..."

Natsumi returned the book to her back pouch and stood with her hands in her pockets.

"Beaten?!" Lee grimaced and laughed. "That will be you! Prepare yourself, Kakashi! Let me show you the majesty of my youth!"

"This guy..." Natsumi sighed as Lee rushed at her, dodging his mild strikes easily, keeping her hands in her pockets as she did.

Lee met her eye and winked and the corner of her mouth twitched in a faint smile, and he increased the speed and strength of his strikes. Natsumi leapt back to avoid a sweeping kick, performing a perfect backflip with her hands still secured neatly into her pockets as she landed gracefully.

"Wow!" Naruto stared at his twin. "So cool!"

Sakura watched the mock battle, crossing her arms. "It seems like they... choreographed this beforehand? Either way... Natsumi's imitation of Kakashi-sensei is spot on... and her skill is impressive, as usual... no one else could have managed to copy him so successfully."

"Don't underestimate me, Kakashi!" Lee took a stance and narrowed his eyes. "I will defeat you and make you admit that you can't compete with the power of youth!"

"You're so persistent." Natsumi bit her thumb and pressed her hand to the ground. A small burst of smoke appeared and a small shadowy creature emerged, leaping at Lee and pretending to bite at his neck.

"That's...!" Kakashi recognized the dog and blinked in surprise. "So, Pakkun was in on this, too?"

"I guess I'll have to end this quickly so I can get back to my novel." Natsumi revealed her left eye and locked onto Lee's gaze. "Sharingan!"

Lee froze in place, then fell over slowly, pretending to be immobilized. After a moment, he burst up, sitting cross-legged, and laughed loudly.

Natsumi laughed as well, then held out a hand to help him up.

"Natsumi-chan, excellent form! We should fight sometime!"

Natsumi giggled. "Sure! That would be fun."

"Next time, I won't go easy on you!" Lee held up a thumbs-up. "Even if you aren't my rival... I will always fight you seriously."

"I look forward to it." Natsumi smiled and recovered her left eye.

"Lee!" Guy hugged his student suddenly with his eyes wet. "What a wonderful performance! The creativity! The spontaneity! It's overwhelming with the spark of youth!"

Guy turned his eyes on her and he gripped her shoulders. "And you, Natsumi! The beacon of youth shines brightly in you as well! How worthy you are to portray my eternal rival!"

Natsumi blinked and laughed under her breath, leaning back from him slightly. "O-Oh, thank you."

Kakashi held up a hand to his mouth, clearing his throat. Guy released Natsumi and turned to the Jonin, putting his hands on his hips.

"Uh... Guy?" He looked over the man's strange attire. "What are you supposed to be?"

"Me?" He glanced down at himself, then clenched his fist and struck a pose. "Why, I am the embodiment of youth!"

Guy had dressed in shorts and a polo shirt, both several sizes too small for his physique, along with a pair of brightly colored suspenders and a ballcap.

"That's... youth?" Kakashi examined the costume.

"Of course!" Guy grinned. "You should remember; you challenged me to dress more youthfully than you!" He looked Kakashi over and then crossed his arms, frowning. "And you didn't even bother changing your appearance at all, so it seems I win this challenge."

Kakashi chuckled and smiled, his eye crinkling. "Actually, I was planning on going without my mask for the holiday."

All eyes turned to him, wide.

"WHAAT?!" Team Seven exclaimed and watched eagerly as Kakashi reached up to slowly slip the mask down to reveal...

"Bandages?!" Their mouths hung open as Kakashi revealed the lower half of his face, which was covered in costume bandages.

"That's right!" Kakashi smiled at Guy and pointed to the bandages. "To be immortal as a mummy... isn't that the true embodiment of youth?"

Guy's mouth gaped and he stared at the Jonin. "Eternal life! Eternal youth!" He closed his eyes, then exhaled and clutched his fist. "I must admit that you win this time... but make no mistake, Kakashi! There's no way I will lose to you next year!"

Natsumi giggled at Kakashi's 'costume' and looked down at Pakkun, and carefully scooped him up into her arms. "Thank you, Pakkun, for going along with this. It was fun." She kissed the top of his head and retrieved a treat from a pocket in the flak jacket to offer it to him.

"Oh, uh... You're welcome." The dog smiled, then nibbled the treat out of her hand and she scratched under his chin. She walked over to Kakashi, where Pakkun hopped out of her arms and onto his shoulder.

"So, you're a part of this, too?" Kakashi chuckled and Pakkun licked the crumbs from his lips.

"I asked him weeks ago if I could summon him just once for authenticity." Natsumi's cheeks warmed slightly as he watched her explain. She held out a few more treats, which Pakkun gratefully took. "I'm thankful that he agreed to play along."

"I see." Kakashi patted her head and then scratched Pakkun's head. "Be careful; too many treats and you'll get fat."

Pakkun licked his lips again and looked at Natsumi, who passed him the last treat with a smile. "Sorry, I'm all out now."

"That's alright." The dog nodded. "Even though they are delicious."

"I'm glad you like them." Natsumi giggled. "Sena made them herself. I'll be sure to tell her that they were a hit. Maybe she'll make another batch, then."

"Natsumi, that was so cool!" Naruto tugged at her arm.

"Did you two plan this beforehand?" Sakura looked between the redhead and Lee.

"Nope!" Natsumi smiled and shook her head. "But it was a fun coincidence."

"Wait!" Naruto blinked. "That entire scene... was unplanned?"

Lee nodded and held up another thumbs-up, which Natsumi returned.

"Natsumi, your costume is really good." TenTen smiled as the rest of her team approached. "And Sakura, yours is really cute."

"Thank you!" Natsumi smiled and looked over her elegant red and yellow Longpao, with its elaborate designs and gold embroidery. Her hair was brought up in a formal style and adorned with a large headpiece. "You look great, too!"

"Thanks." Sakura smiled at her. "What are you?"

"An ancient princess." TenTen twirled in the gown, then smoothed its long skirts and pointed at Neji, who remained quiet. "And he's my Samurai bodyguard."

Neji stood back, wearing traditional armor.

"Huh. It suits you." Naruto nodded in approval.

"It seems Natsumi makes a better Kakashi than even Kakashi himself." Asuma approached with his team, accompanied by Kurenai and hers.

Natsumi blushed at the compliment. "I wouldn't say that, but thank you."

"Oh?" Guy turned his attention to the new Jonin. "You look nice."

Natsumi and Sakura nodded in agreement at Kurenai, who was dressed in a red Victorian gown, complete with a matching scarlet parasol and bustled skirt. Asuma was dressed in the same period, with a formal vintage tailcoat, double-breasted vest, neatly-pressed pants, and a top hat.

"Wow. I guess you weren't the only one who went all out." Naruto nudged his twin with a laugh.

"And you look..." Asuma and Kurenai looked over Guy and struggled to maintain even expressions. "...Youthful?"

Guy grinned and glanced at Kakashi. "They appreciate and understand the true essence of youth."

Kakashi shrugged and let out a small sigh.

"Oh, Natsumi-chan." Hinata looked at her, though had trouble keeping eye contact. "Your costume is very nice."

Natsumi smiled. "Thank you! I love yours, too!" She stepped closer to the Hyuga, examining her dress and the small set of white wings on her back. "Is this handmade?"

Hinata nodded slowly and Natsumi's smile broadened. "Really? It's beautiful! You're really talented, Hinata! And you look really pretty as an angel, too."

Hinata blushed shyly and averted her eyes. "T-Thank you, Natsumi..."

"H-huh?" Kiba blinked and narrowed his eyes, then widened them. "T-That's Natsumi?" He blushed faintly and scratched his cheek. "What a good costume. I didn't even recognize you."

"I recognized her." A tall boy dressed as a vampire spoke in a low tone.

"Who're you?" Naruto looked up at him, and most of his face was covered by the high collar of the vampiric cape.

"It's obviously Shino." Sakura crossed her arms at him.

"I knew that!" Naruto snapped and turned to Kiba. "What are you supposed to be? A monkey?"

Kiba glared and Akamaru barked. "I'm a werewolf! Isn't it obvious?!"

Naruto scratched his head and shrugged. "It just looks like you're hairier than usual."

"Why, you!" Kiba snarled and clutched his collar, prompting Naruto to do the same.

"You're always so noisy." Shikamaru muttered and put his hands into his pockets.

Ino smirked and looked over Sakura. Her own costume consisted of a pair of black cat ears, a black, ruffled skirt, a black tail, and a black furred top with long sleeves, a low neckline, and cut to expose her midriff.

"Hey, Sakura." Ino crossed her arms. "I thought you were going to outdo me?" She held her hand up to her mouth to whisper. "Your costume is cute, but I doubt Sasuke is impressed by such a childish dress."

Sakura's face flushed and she looked between their costumes. "She's right! Her costume is much more mature..." She made a face and crossed her arms over her chest. "And it only emphasizes how much more of a woman she looks."

"You know what?" Natsumi leaned in, interrupting as she looked between the two girls in a whisper, putting her arms around their shoulders. "Sasuke doesn't care about you, or your costumes, or about Halloween. Stop wasting valuable time worrying about his opinion already and just enjoy life."

The girls both flushed furiously and pulled away from her.

"W-What do you know about romance?" Ino hissed in a quiet voice.

"S-She startled me!" Sakura blushed and sighed softly. "But maybe she's right. What if I am wasting my time? What if Sasuke never notices me, no matter what I do?"

Natsumi smirked faintly and pulled out the book from her pouch, holding it up for them.

"This isn't a prop, you know." She whispered and giggled, then flipped some of the pages so they could skim some of the writing, their faces growing hotter. She returned the book to her pouch. "I've read the entire series three times, and one of my best friends is a mature woman with a lot of dating experience. I think I probably know more about romance than the both of you combined."

Their eyes widened and they stared at her. "N-No way! S-She's... a pervert?!"

Natsumi giggled again at their expressions still whispering. "If you want my advice, I think you need to stop trying so hard to get a certain person's attention. It seems desperate and clingy, and his personality is more thoughtful and introverted. While opposites can attract, if you try to force your affection on him, he'll only pull further away."

She shrugged. "But, what do I know?"

Ino opened her mouth to protest, then shut it and pressed her lips tightly together. "Hmph."

A steady crunching came from Choji, who was eating handfuls of chips, dressed in a white chef's costume, minding his own business.

"So," Kiba turned to Natsumi, his cheeks warming as she met his eyes. "What'cha doing? You're not gonna get any candy?"

Natsumi smiled and shook her head. "We're going to solve a centuries-old mystery."

"Whaaat?!" Lee's eyes widened and he clenched his fists in excitement. "That sounds exciting!"

"Hm?" Shikamaru tilted his head in slight interest. "What kind of mystery?"

Naruto chuckled and crossed his arms, holding them over his head. "The unsolved murder of a princess, ya know!"

The other's eyes widened slightly and Shikamaru crossed his arms. "Is that so?"

Naruto nodded quickly. "Mhm, mhm!"

"A murdered princess?" Kurenai's gaze scanned the Genin, then rested on Kakashi.

"Oh, yes." He put his hands in his pockets. "You may have heard of the legend of the Princess Akahime's ghost."

Kurenai shook her head. "I haven't."

Guy froze at the name and the color slowly drained from his face. "P-Princess A-Akahime?"

Asuma turned to Kurenai. "It's an old story about a princess who was murdered for her mystical pendant. Supposedly, her ghost wanders the forests, looking for her it."

"Is that so?" Kurenai mused, then saw Guy from the corner of her eye. "Are you alright?"

"Guy saw the ghost firsthand before." Kakashi smiled, crinkling his eyes, thumbing at his rival. "He was utterly terrified when he told me about it."

Guy cleared his throat and crossed his arms. "It seems you've misremembered. I was, of course, a bit startled, but youth overpowers fears."

Lee turned to his teacher with wide eyes. "Guy-sensei, you've seen the ghost?!"

"I have." He placed a hand on Lee's shoulder, though it was trembling slightly. "I remember it well; I was hard at work training in the forests east of Kohona, the same age as you."

"Nine-hundred and one. Nine-hundred and two." A young Guy counted each push up in the forests' clearing. "Nine-hundred and three. Nine-hundred and—"

He stopped as the wind carried the soft sound of crying through the trees. He pushed himself up to a stand using only his thumb and forefingers, then looked around.

"Hello? Who's there?"

The crying grew louder and he moved through the trees, drawing nearer until he saw a beautiful girl in an elegant kimono weeping under a tall maple tree, whose brilliant red leaves closely matched her long hair that fell to the ground around her.

He blinked in surprise and stepped closer.

"Hello, miss! Are you alright?"

She looked up at him, her crying quieted, and she wiped her eyes.

"Who are you? Have you come to hurt me, as well?"

Guy shook his head quickly. "No, of course not!" He looked around. "Are you in danger? Was someone else here?"

She wiped her cheeks with the long, billowy sleeves and nodded. "An assassin tried to kill me, but I got away and ran until I found this place and now I'm lost."

"Oh, that's terrible!" He held out his hand for her to take. "I'll protect you!"

The girl smiled faintly and took his hand, standing. He blinked at the unusual coldness of her hand.

"You're so cold! Have you been out here long?"

She nodded. "I think so. I can't remember exactly." Her expression fell. "For some reason, I can't remember very much at all."

Guy grinned and pointed to himself. "You don't have to worry about being alone anymore! Might Guy is here to help you!"

She giggled and he blushed faintly at the delicate and pleasant sound.

"Might Guy? Is that your name?"

He nodded. "What's yours?"

"I am Princess Akahime, daughter of Lady Kuri and Lord Ichiro. From Uzushiogakure."

"P-Princess?!" Guy's eyes widened broadly and he dropped to his knees and bowed his head. "Your Highness!"

Akahime giggled and tugged on his hand. "You don't have to bow. It's a little embarrassing."

"O-Oh." His blush deepened and he looked at their hands, then stood.

She saw his headband and smiled faintly. "Are you from the Village Hidden the Leaves? That's where I was headed, before—" Her eyes fell and her voice quieted to a whisper. "before the assassin struck."

He watched her expression fall, then she forced a dignified smile as she caught his eye.

"Where is your family? I can help you get back to them."

"No!" She covered her mouth quickly and looked away, letting go of his hand. "I'm sorry. My parents and my brother are at your village right now, but I can't go back just yet. My amulet is missing."

"Your amulet?" Guy scratched his head, and she nodded.

"Yes. My pendant is a powerful and ancient Shinobi artifact. Mother and Father entrusted it to me. They'll be upset if they learn that it's gone missing, and it's important that I find it before it falls into the wrong hands."

"Then, I'll help you to find it!" He clutched her hands and gave her a dazzling smile.

Her eyes widened and she smiled. "Really? You'd do that?"

He nodded quickly. "Of course! Let's get started right away!"

"But..." She bit her lip. "What if we run into the assassin?"

"You'll have the amazing Might Guy to protect you! So, don't worry!"

She giggled and nodded. "Alright. Thank you."

"Where should we look first?" Guy scanned the area, holding his hand up as he did. "When did you last have it?"

"Um..." The Princess thought. "I know for certain that I had it in the carriage. I was holding it as I napped. Traveling always makes me sleepy." She bit her lip again. "And then... I was awoken when the assassin pulled me out of the carriage. My guards were all dead by then."

She paused, then continued slowly. "I ran as quickly as I could once I got away from him. Then, I became lost, and it was only once I reached this tree that I realized that my pendant was missing. I'm not sure where it could be."

"Then I'll just have to search the entire forest for it!" Guy clenched his fist confidently. "I won't let you down, Princess!"

They searched for many hours, under fallen trees, in thickets, and even in the rivers and streams. Once the set was low on the horizon, Guy and the Princess returned to the maple tree and sat underneath.

"I'm sure the assassin took it and that it's long gone by now." She sighed deeply, wiping away a tear. "What am I going to tell mother and father?"

Guy blushed and touched her hand, and it was still ice cold. "We'll find it! Don't give up!"

"But, it's getting late now, and soon it will be dark. It will be impossible to find it."

He thought for a moment, then leapt to his feet. "I know! I'm sure there would be plenty of people that would help us look! Let's go back to the village and form a search party!"

Her eyes filled with panic and she shook her head quickly. "No, I can't!" She balled her hands into fists on her lap. "I... I can't face my parents without the amulet."

"But..."

"Please, you go on ahead." The Princess smiled sweetly. "I'll wait here for you, I promise. I just... I can't face Mother and Father yet. I hope you understand."

He nodded slowly. "Yes, of course." He bowed his head. "Don't worry, fair princess. I promise that I'll return soon! Then, we'll find your amulet and your honor will be restored!"

Akahime leaned forward to kiss his forehead, and he blushed deeply.

"Thank you, Might Guy. Hurry back."

Guy sighed with his arms crossed and closed his eyes briefly as he finished recalling the memory.

"What happened next?!" Lee leaned in closer, his eyes wide.

Guy opened his eyes and sighed again. "I returned to the village, eager to help the Princess. I found my father and explained it all to him, and then he explained to me that she was a poor, lost soul whose youth had been stolen from her. What a terrible, cruel fate."

Tears flowed from his eyes and he shook his head. "Of course, I didn't want to believe him at first, so he accompanied me back to the maple tree where the Princess had promised to wait. She wasn't there, but my father showed me the memorial the village founders had erected behind the tree in her honor. I never saw the Princess again, but I'm sure that she's still out in those woods, lonely as she diligently searches."

Lee's eyes overflowed with tears. "Guy-sensei! I must finish what you started and help her soul find peace!"

"Lee!" Guy's lip quivered and he hugged his pupil, while the others watched in unsure silence. "You are truly a shining star of hot-blooded youth, with a passionate heart! I believe in you!"

"Guy-sensei!"

Natsumi laughed quietly under her breath, and scratched her cheek awkwardly, unknowingly doing exactly the same as her twin.

"This is... weird." Naruto muttered and Natsumi nodded.

"In a sweet way, I suppose?"

They shared a look and then shrugged, and Natsumi took a step forward.

"Lee, why don't we begin our investigation now?"

He turned to her, still emotional, but held up a high five. "Yes, of course! Let's save the Princess!"