Disclaimer: I own nothing

Ugh..just, no. I've had such a hard time with even trying... don't get me started on not being able to go back to college because of Financial crap and other factors...

Pairing: Minato x Kushina

Note: Yes, I'm dragging out this whole young age crap... I've noticed that, but hell, it's kind of hard to just jump years when simple actions do change things.

Thank you for reviews, favs and so on.

Filler: sort of. But I mean, I'm just having a blah time. I mean, who manages to slit their thumb on a can? That hurt...and it still does. Most definitely needed stitches, but seeing that hospital bills cost like, idk, I just said fudge it.

Drifting Blossom Chapter Eight

They had been taught the theory of the Bunshin and the makings of it and as much as they talked about it, they hadn't been told to try it yet. That is, until this class session. Kushina could only stare at their sensei as he informed the class that they would each take turns with making a bunshin. If it wasn't the pressure of making one in front of the class that got to her, it would be her ocean of chakra.

It was the simple fact that she could not make a single bunshin without overloading it, no matter how much she tried. It was impossible.

Having prided herself at one point in time at having perfect chakra control, she really couldn't help but find herself missing it.

"Mikoto-chan!" Kushina hissed, finally finding words than internally panicking.

Mikoto turned her attention towards Kushina, her eyebrow raising at the worried red head gnawing on her own lip.

"I can't make a bunshin…" she whispered and Mikoto found doubt instantly welling in her stomach. She had seen Kushina's skills quickly rising and to find that a mere bunshin was giving her trouble had her baffled.

"A bunshin Kushina-chan? Really?" she finally whispered back, eyebrows furrowed as she watched as one by one students were motioned to the front and told to perform the required task.

"I've already mentioned having large chakra supplies weeks ago! What part of 'too much chakra' don't you get?" she huffed quietly and Mikoto couldn't help but slap a hand over her mouth to stop herself from laughing.

Mikoto had asked Kushina why she had so much chakra a while ago, and seeing that she couldn't say anything about the Kyuubi, she had stated that it was a Clan thing. It was partially the truth, so she didn't feel so bad.

"Mikoto Uchiha!"

Mikoto sent one last look at Kushina and Kushina couldn't help but stick her tongue out at the girl, who was sending her a pitying look. Kushina knew that Mikoto didn't mean anything by it, but she was feeling sorry that Kushina would be harped on by the teachers if she couldn't do a Bunshin.

Doing the necessary hand seals, Mikoto had an exact copy of herself appear next to her. She was quickly waved off and when Kushina was called next, she didn't budge from her seat, hands clammy and unable to understand why she was freaking out over a technique that wouldn't help her in any of her own skills.

How did Naruto feel, when he had to do this in front of the class, already knowing that he could probably never create a clone without it looking dead?

With a heavy sigh and her name being called once again, Kushina stood up, a frown marring her face as she walked down the stairs.

Minato had already completed a perfect bunshin.

Mikoto had successfully made one as well.

Did Naruto feel this way, left behind and angry at everyone that completed the jutsu without a hitch?

Kushina berated herself. She shouldn't be jealous. There was absolutely no reason to be. She was already surpassing everyone and finding her skill set years before they would think of what they wanted to major in.

Her hands shifted through the correct signs and Kushina could already feel the over whelming chakra surging into that jutsu. Even though she controlled it as best as possible, Kushina already knew the outcome.

Smoke filled the air and what appeared out of it had her wanting to burst out laughing at the hilarity of how much Naruto took after his own mother.

It was a shame and quite a bit disheartening that he never truly got to know her.

The silence ensued before the civilian children started laughing, the boys that usually bothered Kushina on and off, even after she had retaliated, started howling, clutching their sides as laughter and insults spilled from them.

"Tomato-chan can't even do a bunshin! How pathetic!"

"Maybe she really is a vegetable, can't do anything but a rotten job!"

Kushina could feel it, the anger bubbling up, a temper rising inside of her that she hadn't felt in a long, long time. It was a mixture of her pervious self and this new one. Sure, she had let anger take over her when she first retaliated against them, but this was her temper getting the best of her.

Face flaring red, she reacted faster than the sensei expected, hand lashing out.

A fist slammed down on top of the boys head, Kushina scowling the entire time as she let her temper finally get loose. The boy howled in pain and exaggeration, sneering at Kushina as he held his throbbing head.

"Kushina!" their sensei admonished, worried for the boy and at the same time, not surprised that the red head had finally lashed out at the boy that always taunted her.

Mikoto could be found laughing in the background as Minato stayed silent, watching the girl with amusement and a spark within his eyes.

"You'll need to write a ten page essay as to why you shouldn't attack your own classmates… please don't let this happen again…" her sensei sighed in exasperation.

Kushina frowned, her arms crossing over her chest as she silently cursed having gained more homework than she wanted.

If it was one thing Kushina didn't like, it was homework.

She had done most of it before, minor changes, but she already knew a good portion of the answers. A lengthy essay? It was something that she found troublesome these days, with focusing on her training that is.

She would have to try and avoid being assigned these essays after this one.

Oooo

Mikoto bounced in her step, eyes bright and smile tugging at her lips. "I can't believe you actually hit him! I know you have a temper, but it's still surprising."

"Mikoto-chan, it runs in the family." Kushina laughed, nudging her friend and causing the Uchiha to laugh.

It was odd, having realized that her entire Clan's Women all held tempers. It had to be the red hair.

Mikoto just smiled at Kushina's response and continued on her way.

They were headed to the Uchiha Compound after Mikoto had invited her over for dinner. It was unusual for them to eat dinner at the compound, but Kushina enjoyed it.

Entering the large compound, Kushina couldn't help but feel a bit odd, sticking out like a sore thumb in a sea of black eyed and black haired people.

They were used to her appearing every now and then, but they still gave her curious glances.

Mikoto opened her house door and toed off her shoes. "I'm home!" she called, a smile crossing her face when her mother appeared in the doorway, drying her hands on a cloth.

"I've made a snack for the two of you, please come in Kushina-chan. I'm glad that you're able to stay for dinner." Mikoto's mother, Usagi, stated.

The two girls quickly made their way to the kitchen, Kushina's stomach growling already. Having such a large chakra supply, she had learned early on that it made her hungry more often than not. She was always wanting more food than any normal person.

It reminded her of how much ramen Naruto would eat.

They set about getting their homework done before quickly heading for the back yard, determined to get more training done. It wasn't a surprise that Usagi had happily stated that they could use it whenever they wanted, just to inform her if they were doing anything that needed supervising.

"It's easier to be guided through something than injuring yourself by experimenting. All you have to do is ask. There is nothing to be afraid of when you need answers." She had stated and Kushina found herself missing her own mother.

Mikoto was already out the door when another knock came from the front door. Voices were heard and as Kushina pulled her Shinobi sandals on, footsteps behind her had the girl tilting her head towards that direction.

Her foot caught the sandal wrong when her mind picked up on who had joined them and she stumbled forward, slamming into Mikoto, who had come back to see what was taking so long.

"Oof, Kushina-chan!" she blurted before she blinked owlishly at the other occupant in the room.

"Minato-san?" Mikoto questioned while steadying Kushina, who was flushed red and mumbling underneath her breath. Minato smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"I thought today would be a good day to start training, if you'll have me?" he questioned. Mikoto pursed her lips before a sly smile suddenly came across her face.

"Of course! You can help Kushina-chan with that horrid Bunshin!"

Kushina flushed head to toe before rounding on Mikoto and tackling her.

"Mikoto-chan! That's not right!"

The day went on with a lot of Kata training and focusing on other aspects when Mikoto collapsed next to Kushina, watching Minato struggle with throwing Kunai in the air and trying to land dead-center on the target.

"So… I see you glancing at him in class all the time." She mused, a smile coming across her face. "You have a crush on him, how cute!"

Kushina, who had been drinking water, sputtered and found herself staring at Mikoto with her mouth hanging open.

"I…I do not!" she protested. Kushina truthfully was finding it hard to not crush on the blonde haired boy. He was sweet, and noticed her. She didn't have to struggle to grab his attention. She didn't have to act like a lovesick puppy.

It was something that Kushina had never experienced before; being more herself than a fawning girl.

Mikoto only poked at her even more now that she found her friend denying it.

Kushina was never going to get a break.

Oooo

Ink ran smoothly across a small piece of paper, drying just as quickly as it was applied. Sealing Ink was a specialty in the Uzumaki Clan. With a mixture of their chakra and blood placed into any kind of Ink, it created a small, but powerful effect. Their vitality that ran through their blood was what helped create this kind of ink, making it more effective when used in Seals.

It also helped that Kushina began to find it second nature on how to draw certain seals and how to piece them together. They reminded her of puzzles and riddles. They were something that intrigued her. If she had been introduced to them in her other life, she would have probably taken to them just as quickly. Mito might not like it, but Kushina was determined to make sure Sealing was never lost.

Already the academy year was half way over and their next task in her Sabotage classes was their survival week. It made her nervous, because she didn't know what to think about it. None of them knew what was going to happen.

It wasn't until her door slid open, that Kushina found herself looking at Mito, who had a pleasant expression on her face.

Quickly bowing, Kushina swept the papers off the floor and covered the ink well. Mito obviously wanted to talk to her if she searched the girl out herself.

Mito sat at the table in the room, sighing as she eased her sore body into the chair.

"I'm not as young as I used to be…" she mused, rubbing her limbs and frowning as she messaged her fingers.

Finally reaching within her robes, she pulled out a small piece of paper and held it before her, surprising Kushina she as gestured for the girl to stand before her.

"I went through everything I've thought necessary and finally I have this to show you." She said, grabbing Kushina's hand and placing the paper into it. The small seal was simple. A Double Layered seal.

It was a small seal, shaped like a triangle, but with looping sections leading towards a spiral in the middle.

"This one works like a clock." She finally said, drawing Kushina's gaze towards her. "I know you've been having trouble with your chakra control, and instead of worrying too much, I've found that this seal with work clockwise on the first layer and on the second, counterclockwise."

Kushina's brows furrowed as she looked down at the small seal that was drawn on paper.

Mito smiled, lifting the paper out of her small hand at that point. "What I'm telling you Kushina-chan, is that this seal will take in unused chakra and reverse its course and place it back into your chakra coils."

No wasted chakra. That was what the seal was for.

Kushina's heart filled with wonder and a warmth that seemed to spread to her eyes, causing them to tear up. Where had this woman been in her life? Why had Mito-san refused to give her knowledge to Jiraiya, or someone else that was in Konoha and not just blood related? All of these seals would have been a wonderful addition to the Shinobi ranks.

"Thank you…" Kushina breathed, watching as Mito placed the paper on her shoulder and focus chakra into it. The design glowed blue before sinking through and into her skin. A rush went through her body and left her tingling at the odd sensation.

"It's a gift, because I feel that my time is nearing and I know…I won't be around forever." Mito murmured, ruffling Kushina's hair and leaving the girl teary eyed at how accepting Mito was to her time nearing its end.

"Though, I don't suppose you'd like to meet Nawaki-kun and Tsunade-chan, would you?" she questioned and Kushina couldn't help but frown. Nawaki had died at some point, pretty young. He was still alive? And why hadn't Kushina been introduced to him? They were relatives somewhat by blood and marriage.

"I…yes, I'd like to meet them." Kushina finally agreed, wondering where they lived, if not the Senju Compound.

"Those two moved in with Dan, Tsunade's intended. He adores the both of them. It had left this house empty without their presence. I am glad that these halls have seen another blood related relative before it is finally of no use...and empty."

Mito was probably assuming that Kushina would move out when she passed away. No one would want to stay in a large Compound by themselves.

"Go and get some rest Kushina dear, you have your survival week and then we'll have tea with my dear grandchildren."

Mito had really taken up a large place in Kushina's life.

Oooo

Rei Fukui stood before her class, a proud look upon her face as she gazed across the nine students that had made it this far. They did plenty of theory and actual training, and thus far, had been quite pleased with those that had chosen this path.

"Today, I am officially assigning you your teams." She bluntly stated, a grin taking over. "Kushina-chan, you'll be with this team when you graduate."

Kushina felt something in her deflate, but she accepted her Sensei's decision. She was, after all, a Jounin, probably Anbu at some point, to be teaching this class. Experience firsthand helped teach their subject even better and Kushina knew that this woman had plenty of experience.

She listened to the names being called and finally, when it got to team Eleven, Kushina found herself looking up at her name being the first called.

"Kushina Uzumaki."

"Shibi Aburame."

"And Hizashi Hyūga."

She recognized those two. She knew it, but hadn't really spoken to any of her classmates during half the year. It was mostly just them focusing on their lessons and then Rei-sensei helping them through the practical separately. Now, they would be teaming up and having to learn how to work together as Teammates and on the other side, Saboteurs.

When not on those kinds of missions, they would be a normal Genin team.

When Rei was done placing teammates together, she finally placed down the scroll she was reading from and looked at each and every one of her students before pulling out another scroll and holding it up.

"Survival week starts tomorrow. I've already taken the liberty on informing some Sensei's that one of you will be missing a week's worth of information. I need signatures from both Student and Parents. If not, then a Guardians. Make sure you're packed, because you're not seeing Konoha for a week!"

Dread filled Kushina as she stared at her Sensei. What could this woman possibly have planned for them? She was crazy, and if they weren't coming back for a week, then it was bound to be something nerve wracking.

Glancing at her new teammates, Kushina couldn't help but feel like they were staring at her. In a good way or bad, she didn't know, but she would not be one to drag down this team.

When Rei finally told them to get with their teammates, Kushina stood from her seat and gathered her notebooks before heading for the desk that they were seated at.

She was shorter than both of them, seeing that they were already in their early teenage years. Hizashi smiled kindly at her, his headband wrapped around his head like Neji's was, with his long hair tied at the end.

Shibi had a high collar on with sunglasses over his eyes. He was stoic, but she knew personally that Shibi and Shino were almost exactly alike.

At least her teammates wouldn't be fighting like Sasuke and Naruto had all the time.

Sitting down, Kushina finally greeted them.

"So, it would seem that we are to work together from now on." Shibi finally murmured. Soft spoken, but held high confidence in himself. He didn't falter nor look self conscious.

Hizashi inclined his head and eyed his two new teammates. "I can see this team going quite far."

Kushina held back a snort. The man was definitely Neji's father, just a bit different. Her eyes lingered on his concealed head though, a frown slightly making its way onto her face. She knew about cursed seals, but now that she was actually learning Fūinjutsu in depth, she found her hands itching to get the full explanation and design of the seal.

"Shall we talk about our abilities?" Hizashi finally suggested, his eyes flickering towards Rei-sensei. "We'll be spending a week doing some sort of task than just Surviving."

Kushina agreed whole heartedly with that statement.

"I'll go first." Shibi murmured. "I'm from the Aburame clan, so I specialize in using Kikaichū. I'm a ranged fighter because of this, but I can switch to melee if needed."

There was more to a person than that. Kushina knew that personally, but there was only so much people could say about themselves. It was easier for a team to learn your fighting style when they have personally seen your growth in abilities alongside them.

Hizashi crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his seat slightly. "I am from the Hyūga clan. As a Clan member, I have the Byakugan. I am a close combat type because of our fighting style."

They were so brief. It made Kushina feel like she was the extremely emotional one in her group.

Kushina shifted awkwardly when both looked towards her small frame. Her cheeks turned a pink shade before she finally shoved her shy feelings away.

"I am from the Uzumaki clan, which had been located in Uzushiogakure. I specialize in the use of Fūinjutsu and Chakra Chains. I've been working on Touch Seals and a couple of Doton Jutsu's. I have also learned basic Medical ninjutsu. So mid-range to close combat is fine for me."

Kushina could feel the stares she was receiving from the two. She had told them more about her abilities than they did. Even if they didn't go in detail about their abilities, she personally knew that both Clans were formidable foes.

Hyūga's and Aburame's could track opponents. You did not want to go against them, especially as they gained more and more skills as they grew.

"Chakra Chains?" Hizashi murmured, the obvious wonder written upon his face. Kushina could only smile, not saying anything to reveal what they were exactly.

Class was dismissed after another couple of minutes and Kushina found herself pondering the outcome of this team. How well would they do together?

Oooo

Double checking her scrolls that contained needed items, she made sure all her weapons were restocked as well as other supplies. The bag that she had packed was filled with different colored scrolls, which Kushina had already mentally filed them as camping supplies, personal supplies, medical ones, rations, and weapons.

She found packing a lot easier than ever this way. Instead of having a bulky pack at all, a small bag with enough space for a good armful of scrolls was needed.

Mito was at the door with the scroll that was already signed and a small smile on her face. Handing it over, she then reached forward, drawing Kushina's hair into a low pony tail and making sure it was out of the way.

"When you come back, I'll introduce you to our last remaining family members. Good luck, Kushina-chan." She murmured. Kushina smiled and finally left.

Her class was already making its way towards the main gates one at a time.

It still surprised Kushina that Rei-sensei was able to get an approval from the Hokage that she could leave the village. She knew though, that she would have at least two Anbu with Rei-sensei so they could watch over her.

Hizashi and Shibi were waiting for her, standing a couple of feet from one another but close enough to indicate that they had been somewhat having a conversation.

"Good morning, ttebane!" she greeted, an excited feeling finally taking over her mood. She couldn't wait to actually do something than sit in a class room and just train. It was getting redundant.

Shibi shifted and nodded in her direction. Hizashi's lip twitched upwards when he greeted Kushina as well.

Once they were all set and signed scrolls handed in, they followed Rei-sensei for quite a while before she finally stopped, three hours walking time from Konoha. Behind her, was a steep, rocky incline and beyond that, Kushina couldn't see.

"Alright, listen up!" she called out, looking at everyone before grinning widely. "Beyond this here, is a village. One set up for this kind of exercise."

Everyone remained silent, watching Rei-sensei with wide eyes, some looking excited.

"From here on out, I will be testing your skills. You are required to infiltrate this Village filled with Chuunin and Genin that have agreed to this exercise. They, though, do not know the entire situation. Each team is to gather information on the town and find out what they are plotting against Konoha. From gathered information, you are to Sabotage any battle plans laid out and supplies. Each team will be assigned a target so they do not compromise the other groups."

"If you're seen, your best bet is to take out any enemy that has seen you. Because these are our own people, I'll be replacing those that have spotted you with Doton Bunshin. So you are allowed to kill."

"Team Twelve, your mission is to infiltrate the main building and gather information on the leader. The documents on his suppliers are your main focus."

"Team four, you are to gather information on the number of their force. Destruction of the main weapons hold is your mission."

"Team Eleven, you're to gather the layouts of the entire village and, once the other teams have finished with their mission, yours is to destroy the inner, most important buildings. That is up to you to figure out which are important."

Kushina frowned, already trying to figure out where they would start. It was necessary to infiltrate buildings to find out information. As much as Hizashi's Byakugan could help them, they would still need the map to determine which ones were important.

"You have a week. A week to complete your mission. I will not make your mission easy though. You'll come to find out why soon."

Rei-sensei then finally placed her hands on her hips, the smile on her face was one that sent shivers down everyone's spine.

"Welcome, Saboteurs, to Survival week!" she sang, before disappearing in a smoke cloud.

Silence permeated the area after she disappeared, the entire group processing what they had just been told.

This was going to be one hell of a week.

Question: Does anybody have a comment on possible sensei's for this group? I mean, Sakumo was a possibility..but I feel like he's just too well known to be helping a team of Saboteurs.

Tonegawa Rie- Elements, it doesn't tell you what Kushina's is and possibly not Minato's (not that I really did look...) but I took in the whole fact that Naruto has Wind, so I just thought Minato would be best with wind. As for Kushina, she is an open book... really... you can just work with her. The reason for earth instead of water? (lives in Uzushiogakure surrounded by water) I just thought it fits a stubborn girl like her...

Treavellergirl- Oh, there will be very grumpy old people and wanting to keep the Kyuubi Jailor under their paws as best as possible. If it's anything to keep the girl from attaching herself to someone else emotionally and intimately, then they will try. (can at the most)

Should I mention that this isn't going to follow lots of things in Naruto? AU is it called? I mean, obvious stuff will be spotted, but a ripple has already been created...