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

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

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


The air was stifling in the meeting room. No one wanted to be the one to speak up. It had only been a few hours since the fiasco at the front gate. And everyone now gathered did not want to aggravate their 'guest.'

"I see your ability to be our bearing has not changed, Lord Fluffy."

The jovial quip from the tiny woman that had been 'staying' in Konoha for the past few months had the air feeling more oppressive. They couldn't believe she was mocking this Demon, for it had been confirmed he was.

"Miko, I never left. In the three hundred years since the fight. It is not unprecedented that humans have not evolved. But it intrigues me that after you all vanished, you each appeared at different times and locations through the years."

Each word spoken was carefully measured as if to be discussed later(if they dared to try).

"I see. So have you found any of the others? Or did you decide to sequester yourself away from the world like a hermit and observe?"

All the woman got in response to her question was a soft 'hnn.' Allowing them to observe her openly rolling her eyes at the Demon.

"Lord Sesshomaru, Lady Kagome. Please, we have a lot to discuss, and you two can continue to tease each other later," Miroku said. His words were spoken in a solemn tone.

Everyone shared a glance that spoke of their shock and disbelief. It did not seem that the two were playing with each other. Then again, having a real demon in their midst was still very unsettling since the last time one appeared was the Kyuubi, which had caused havoc and death.

000000

Tsunade frowned as she shook her head no. This man, no demon, insisted he needed to remove Kagome from their village. She could see the damage that would happen should another village get wind of Kagome and what she was. However, Tsunade knew that Lord Sesshomaru could take care of Kagome no matter what came up. Since he openly admitted he was toying with her Anbu class ninja. Hell, Tsunade was sure if she went all out, he'd still kill her with no problem or effort.

"Why do you keep trying to remove Lady Kagome from the safety of the village to put her in danger by following you?"

Groaning inwardly, Tsunade shot a look at the head of the Hyuuga clan. While she'd admit, the question was valid. It could provoke a being that was on par with all the Bijuu.

"Lord Sesshomaru, I think it'd be best just to tell them," Sango finally spoke up.

Tsunade gave a side glance to the Demon Lord sitting beside her. She saw his face shift subtly. It was apparent he did not like divulging any information to those he deemed lesser than him. And it was clear all humans(besides Kagome, the monk, and his wife) were categorized as such.

"Sesshomaru, if you do not, I will," Kagome said flatly.

Tsunade felt a chill roll down her spine. She knew that tone. Sarutobi used it and her Grandfather Hashirama when they were not being nice. It had Tsunade recalling that Kagome was not as simple as she appeared. And the epic tale she had told them previously was proof.

Upon recalling that bit of information, Tsunade sighed and spoke up, "Does it tie into the events you told us about previously, Miko Kagome?"

"Yes, Hokage," Kagome replied instantly.

"Then please explain so I can make the correct decision for those in this village. They are my responsibility to protect. Since only a fool blindly does what another wants with no thought."

Tsunade tensed when the Demon next to her visibly shifted and spoke calmly.

"Good, you're not an idiot. Kagome, it's your choice. You know the effects your presence will have the best."

Tsunade did her best to keep her face blank. This ass had been testing her leadership skills.

000000

Kagome felt a headache in both temples. She understood Sesshomaru's reasons. But to make it difficult and leave it on her, she wanted to strangle him with either his long hair or his damn furry boa(mokomoko).

The soft grunt she heard had Kagome flashing a sheepish smile. She still had no idea how he always knew when she was plotting to 'attempt' to harm him. It was creepy and uncanny.

"You all were here when I told you my... no, our story," Kagome said.

She cast her eyes over everyone in the room. When each person nodded their head in affirmation, Kagome sighed. A part of her wondered if this was how a teacher felt while instructing a class.

"Good, then we are mostly on the same page. So let me make this as clear as possible very bluntly," She said. She stood slowly, leaning forward and bracing herself with her hands on the table.

"My previous tale shows I am a trouble magnate. And Konoha is just starting to put itself back together after the attack you all suffered. Magatshui is no joke; if he comes here, you will have no Konoha to rebuild."

Kagome stayed silent as she watched her words sink into their thick skulls. The shock and horror on a few faces gave her hope. At the same time, disbelief in others had Kagome's heart sinking in her chest.

"What makes you think we cannot handle this Magatsuhi person?"

Kagome arched an eyebrow at Homura. This elderly man disgusted her greatly. In the last meeting, it came out that he, Kiharu, and Danzo had tried to force the previous Hokage to participate in a coup d'etat against the Uchiha Clan. They found that Danze had Uchiha eyes embedded all over his body.

Opening her mouth to speak, she was silent when Sesshomaru stood up and said.

"Because he is a demon like me. And you'd be nothing in his eyes but flies to be swatted."

Several low hisses of displeasure erupted from around the room.

"Well, a few of you can recount what happened at the gate of your great village to help those who don't understand to comprehend what I am saying," Sango grunted. "Because I can tell you, Lord Sesshomaru wasn't even playing with them, the Shinobi of this village. He even admitted it to you all earlier."

Silence fell once more as Kagome bit the inside of her mouth. She was glad Sango had seen what was on her mind. It was the truth, and Magatshui had fought almost evenly with Sesshomaru before he created Bakusaiga.

"Now, if you understand that Magashui is a full demon and has fought equally with Lord Sesshomaru, you all would have no Konoha and cease to live. I'm not omnipotent, just a human with unwanted abilities that happen to be strong. Thus a walking magnate for disaster-level trouble. So if you want me to stay here..." Kagome said, purposefully trailing off and giving a cold smile.

000000

Kakashi looked at his 'temporary' house companion. He'd been taken back by Tsunade without consulting anyone. But it had been the correct choice. Kagome and her group were to leave. However, a stipulation had been placed. The group had to take a few shinobi from Konoha.

He'd been surprised when his house guest had agreed and then had volunteered Kakashi to be one. When questioned why, he stated, 'because he smells like pack and is not offensive to the demon's senses.'

Of course, he asked the Demon Lord to explain. The history lesson on their summons was enlightening. His ninken were descendants of the last demon dogs from three hundred years ago. And they all knew who Lord Sesshomaru, aka Gobi, was in great detail. Thus securing Kakashi's place for this trip.

"You do not need to worry; Lord Sesshomaru will ensure you and the four others assigned will be protected. He is a Lord of great honor," Pakun said as his tiny, chubby body snuggled into Kakashi's side.

Kakashi rubbed his ninken's head. Pakun's words were reassuring, and since Naruto was with Jiraiya, the Toad Sanin and Sakura were being taught by Tsunade. Kakashi didn't feel too worried about his team. Though Sasuke was a loose cannon, having tried twice to run for Orochimaru while they were all in the meeting.

000000

Itachi looked at his younger brother with a mix of sadness and disdain. Sasuke had tried to run to the snake sanin while they were in the meeting. And if Shisui hadn't been doing patrol Sasuke would have succeeded.

Though the boost of power was significant, Itachi and Shisui had struggled. The Lord Sesshomaru, with Lady Kagome in tow, had subdued his little brother. It was terrifying to see the difference between how he'd reacted to them upon arriving and how vicious and uncaring he was while beating down Sasuke(while he was under the influence of Orochimaru's cursed seal).

Only to be compounded by Kagome. He recalled seeing her skill the day she arrived. But to see her, Horiki formed into a bow and arrow. Nailing Sasukes' quick movements as if he wasn't moving was ruthless in its own way. Itachi knew then that Kagome was as battle-hardened as she claimed. And the cold, calculating look on her face and in her eyes did not fit what he knew of her.

"Itachi, my office now."

The sharp command from his father had Itachi instantly reacting without thought. If his father was home, it meant that the council had decided on the other four that were to go with Kagome's group when they left.

When he stepped into his father's office and shut the door, Itachi noted Shisui was in attendance—staying silent as he waited for his father to speak.

"You and Shisui are to go with the group. The other two will be Inuzuka Hanna and Hyuuga Neji. And you'll leave tomorrow after Lady Kagome seals the curse placed on Sasuke."

His father's last words left Itachi in shock. Kagome had previously refused to remove the curse seal. Then proceeded to shred his father like paper. Afterward, she shut down everyone in the Uchiha clan but his mother, him, and Shisui.

"Tsunade selected you two based on Sarutobi's private journal notes. And the loyalty you have shown to Konoha."

Sharing a brief look with Shisui, Itachi nodded his head. A wave of his father's hand dismissed them both from the office.

Once they were out, Itachi almost stumbled when Shisui spoke softly beside him, "So, you think you'll stay sane with Hanna Inuzuka provoking you?"

Shisui's 'innocent' question had Itachi tilting his head to look at his cousin indirectly. Who paled as Itachi smiled wide enough to show teeth.

TBC!