Disclaimer. I do not own Naruto or Naruto Shippuden. No characters belong to me except Almas.

CHAPTER THREE: A SCHOOL TOUR AND ALMAS REVEALS SOME SECRETS

The entire group of school kids shuffled after Iruka, chattering excitedly. Hinata stuck near the back, watching the blonde boy jump around asking questions while Iruka seemed mildly amused. Almas studied her, intrigued by how absorbed Hinata was in the blonde individual.

Neji stalked her from behind, tense. The mystical feeling never left the white haired girl. Was she even human?

Almas turned to look at him, a smile in her eyes. "Is there something you need?"

Neji blinked and turned his head. "Hmph."

Almas smiled, unperturbed, and turned to look fowards again as Iruka was stationed by a room, many other adults by the door. He was in the midst of explaining that the adults were all teachers and that they looked fowards to teaching the next generation of Ninja.

Iruka coughed, catching the attention of everyone. "Alright. That concludes the tour. Does anyone have any questions?"

The blonde raised his hand.

"Yes Naruto? What is it?"

"When do classes start? I wanna know how to be the best ninja so I can become Hokage!"

Iruka chuckled. "It's not that easy. But. As the Third Hokage explained, classes will start tomorrow."

Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "Oh. Right!"

The black haired individual scoffed. "Did you forget? Loser?"

Naruto scowled at him. "What did you say Sasuke?"

Sasuke looked him straight in the eyes and reapeated what he said. "Loser."

Naruto threw himself at him, and they started scuffling. Iruka tried to separate them while keeping his attention on the other students. Almas stepped fowards, quietly walking past all the students to the front. Iruka narrowed his eyes at her.

Almas stared down at the two tussling on the floor with a look of stern sadness. Her emotions seemed to affect the whole room. Naruto got off of Sasuke, giving him room to stand up. Iruka walked up to Almas. "Who are you?"

Almas blinked up at him. "My name is Almas. My deepest apologies for making you suspect I was a threat." Iruka took a step back, flabbergasted at the young girl's excellent vocabulary.

"Uh...n-no...I didn't think you were a threat. It's just, I've never seen you before."

Almas stayed silent, looking into his eyes. Iruka looked out over the class who seemed to be holding their breath. "Well...that's it. You can talk to the teachers or leave. Have fun, I have an important issue to deal with." He gently took Almas's hand and tugged her along behind him. Almas did not resist.

Hinata stood back, nervously watching them go. "S-sorry, Almas. It's in adult hands now."

Almas didn't look at her as she replied. "There is no need to apologize. The people here are confused of my existence. To show that I am not a threat, I shall comply with Iruka's demands."

Hinata nodded, a bit unnerved by the answer. Students started whispering among themselves. One went so far as to call Almas an alien. Hinata stared at them, too shy to stick up for Almas. 'S-sorry...I c-can't stand up to stop them.'

But then, she realized.

Standing around doing nothing was not going to earn her any respect. Hinata ran up to them, opening her mouth to speak. "Don't c-call her that! She doesn't d-deserve to be treated like an alien."

One young girl pushed her to the ground. "Shut up wierd eyes. No one likes you." Neji did nothing to stop it. Naruto ran around the bully and stood in front of Hinata.

"No you shut up. Hinata was sticking up for a friend and you think you have the right to judge her?" The girl scoffed and walked away. The rest of the students followed, including Neji and Sasuke.

Naruto offered a hand to Hinata. "Here. Let me help you up!"

Hinata blushed, offering him a shaking hand. He pulled her up, waving goodbye and dashing off. Hinata stared after him in a daze.

Iruka continued to guide Almas through the village streets, heading towards the largest building. The third Hokage was standing by the door, talking with people. "Hey! Third! Important business!" He turned, seeing Iruka heading towards him with an unrecognizable girl in tow. He shooed the other visitors away, smiling at them both.

"Hello Iruka. And who is this you have with you?"

Almas tugged her hand away from Iruka, walking up to the Third. "Greetings, honourable Hokage. I am Almas, and I shall have you know that I am here on good terms."

The third frowned. "Interesting. So you are not from around here."

Almas shook her head. "No. In fact, I am not from anywhere near here."

The third looked her over. No forehead protector to signify which village she was from. He rubbed his scruffy beard, glancing at Iruka, a question in his eyes. Iruka shrugged. The third clasped his hands behind his back, turning to go into the building. "Almas. Follow me." He walked off, Almas obediently following.

Iruka blinked. "What am I? Chopped liver?" Sighing, he turned away, figuring the third knew what he was doing.

Sarutobi(Hokage's last name) opened the door to his office, letting Almas walk in first. She glanced around the office, letting out a hum. "Very orderly."

The sound of the door shutting caused her to look back. Sarutobi went and sat in the chair at the front of the room. He folded his hands, laying them on the desk. "Now. Almas. Have a seat. We need to talk."

She sat down, looking at him seriously with her pale eyes. "Speak. Third Hokage of Konohagakure. I shall answer any questions you have."

Narrowing his eyes, Sarutobi spoke. "My first question. Who. Are. You. Really?"

Almas smiled. "A savior. Sarutobi. A watcher. A seeker. A protector. A fighter. I am here to learn of this world's future. And without a doubt, I will finish what I was sent here to do. As long as the future remains unclear."