Disclaimer: See Prologue

Author's Note: See Profile for response to reviews…

"ABC" - Spoken

ABC - Thought

'ABC' -Bijū Spoken

'ABC' - Bijū Thought

ABC – Book Excerpts

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Stranger Than Fiction

Chapter Two: Connection

Sakura Haruno, Chunin-ranked Kunoichi of the Hidden Leaves, stands before her leader and mentor Tsunade surprised to have been called so suddenly along with so many other familiar faces.

The remaining members of the Rookie Nine, Team Gai and their Jounin senseis stand before the Hokage, all wondering why they've been summoned.

Looking around the room, Sakura notices several other familiar faces; standing in the corner is Temari, the Suna-Kono liaison, across from her is Iruka Umino, her academy sensei, standing next to him is Anko, that crazy Jounin from the Chunin Exam, and gathered in the corner are several Genin. Three of which she's quite familiar with, namely the "Konohamaru Corps" made up of Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi, but it's the fourth, leaning quietly against the wall, that catches her eye.

After scanning the room, Sakura quickly comes to the realization of what all these people share in common, namely a certain loud mouth ninja, but as far as she knows that fourth Genin has no connection to him whatsoever.

Hanabi Hyuuga looks up from her place in the corner to see a pink haired girl looking at her with a puzzled expression. Giving her a curt smirk, she goes back to wondering what in the world is she doing here with these people. She looks to where her cousin and sister are standing and sighs; They don't even realize I'm here…

Tsunade looks at all those gathered before her and smiles. Gathered before her are the best and brightest Konoha has to offer and they all have no idea of what a shock they're in for.

"Good morning, I assume you're all wondering why I have gathered you here this fine morning."

"Um… you could say that, Tsunade-sama." Sakura speaks up when no one else does.

"Well, I'll get to it then… Shizune!"

Everyone looks towards the entrance to the room where Shizune enters followed by Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki; they're each holding a large box that they place down before the Hokage's desk. Reaching into the box, they begin handing out its contents to those gathered around.

Tsunade sits with her hands bridged under her nose, as she judges everyone's reactions. They all seem a little unsure of what exactly is expected of them or what to expect from the item currently being passed around the room.

"Hokage-sama…" begins a confused Shikamaru Nara, something none of them are used to seeing.

"Yes, Shikamaru…" she replies trying to keep her tone from sounding too playful.

"Troublesome women…" he replies muttering it under his breath as he picks up on her jovial tone.

"The Kyu Ninja Chronicles… not my cup of tea." Kakashi Hatake announces, scanning the book in his hands with one uninterested eye.

"Trust me, Kakashi, this will hold your interest… if not consider it a mission." Tsunade says with a smirk.

"Is that an official mission…?" Kakashi asks his interest piqued.

"Considering your usual reading habits… yes, for you it is." Tsunade states, muffling a laugh as random mutters of "Pervert" sound from within the crowd.

"Ano… Hokage-sama, who is 9-T…?" Hinata Hyuuga asks drawing attention to herself.

"Honestly, I don't know…" Tsunade answers with a kind smile as she looks to the young Hyuuga.

"Hokage-sama, are we to read this… book? Is this a mission of some sort?" Neji Hyuuga, Hinata and Hanabi's cousin, asks wanting to know what this is all about.

"I guess I should explain… does everyone have a copy?" she looks around the room to see everyone signal to that effect. "Good, all right, no… this is not a mission for anyone but Kakashi. But, I would like for you all to read this book."

Everyone present again begins to look over the object in their hands with much curiosity; several notice how it states that the foreword is written by the Hokage herself, while others had heard of the book and are surprised to have received a free copy.

"I'm sure most of you have heard of this titles impending release, as I've… the publishers have spared no expense in its publicity."

Everyone present notices her near slip of the tongue but none dare speak upon it. Her slip only serves to increase their interest and curiosity further.

"It doesn't officially release until tomorrow but I wanted to make sure that everyone of you received a copy."

"If you don't mind me asking, Hokage-sama, why is it so important that this group reads it." Iruka asks, voicing the thought crossing most everyone's mind.

"Let's just say… it connects… concerns you all in an intimate fashion." she replies looking around the room to find that her words have had the desired effect. "Well, that'll be all… and please do read it. I ask this, not just as your Hokage and fellow ninja… but as a friend with a mutual connection."

Everyone present nods, understanding her request, before quietly making their way out of the room. When everyone's taken their leave, Tsunade is surprised to find one person remains. Looking at her young delicate frame, carrying an air of nobility about her that Tsunade figures is only appropriate for one such as her, one would not think it possible for her to be one of the most promising ninjas of the younger generation.

"Hanabi-chan, is there something I can do for you?" Tsunade asks, surprising the young girl with the sound of her name.

Looking around the room, Hanabi is surprised to find herself left only with a smiling Hokage. Stepping out of the corner, she makes her way in front of Tsunade's desk.

"Excuse me, Hokage-sama, I was…" she pauses trying to collect her thoughts.

"No, need to apologize, Hanabi-chan… and Tsunade is fine, we are alone."

"Um… Thank you, Tsunade-sama. I was just wondering… what possible connection could I have to this book… or to the others that were present?"

Tsunade looks the young girl over and gives her a knowing smile, "You maybe surprised by how much you have in common or for that matter how deep a connection you have to that book in your hands."

"I don't understand, Tsunade-sama."

"I don't expect you to, but do me a favor… read that book and then come back and tell me what you think of it. Will you do that for me, Hanabi-chan?"

"Of course, Tsunade-sama."

"Good, now, you better be off… you don't want to be the last one to finish it."

Hanabi nods and bows before heading to leave, but before she can exit Tsunade calls out to her.

"Yes, Tsunade-sama.?"

"One more thing… when you're finished with it, ask your father, sister, and cousin what they think of it; and tell your Father that I said… thanks again for understanding him."

"A-as, you wish, Tsunade-sama." Hanabi replies more than shocked for her family to be brought up.

"Oh… and, Hanabi-chan… Tsunade is good enough."

"Ye-yes, Tsunade-sa... Yes, Tsunade… Thank you."

Tsunade smiles as Hanabi vanishes from sight and wonders, How long till all the excitement starts…

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Sakura looks around surprised by where her wondering has lead her, it's their bridge, Team 7's meeting spot, where she now stands. Leaning against the tree there, she looks down at the book in her hand and sighs.

A connection we all share… an intimate one at that.

Sitting down against the tree, she opens the book and begins to read…

What does it mean to be a Ninja…

What does it mean to be a Man…

What makes one worthy of Love…

What makes one worthy of Hate…

While I don't have all the answers… within the pages of this book you'll find an example of a true ninja and a fine man worthy of our love not hate.

The Kyu Ninja Chronicles arrived, untitled, on my desk with a note attached to it. The note was from a Konoha Nin in need of my assistance. He had written an amazing piece of work but had no idea as to what his next course of action should be.

And, so, he turned to me… and I'm glad he did. This work should stand as a testament to what hard work and strength of character can accomplish. I refer not only to the author but to the characters within as well.

To you the reader, I say… enjoy. Read and enjoy this tale of love and pain, of joy and sorrow, of strength and weakness.

I've been asked many times what qualities must one exhibit to be Hokage, and let me say that if one person ever so perfectly captured the essence of a fine Hokage it's the character of Kyu.

Read, enjoy, learn, and accept… remember one must always see 'underneath the underneath'.

Tsunade, The Godaime Hokage

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So smart… so strong… my Cherry Blossom… stronger than she ever gives herself credit for… she used to be a quiet, shy girl… so unsure of herself… so scared… yet, she was cute, sweet, and smart.

I remember when she was quiet and withdrawn before she became friends with Yellow Flower. That's when she began to change but there was still a tough road ahead of her.

One day, when she was alone and being picked on by some of the other girls, I stepped in to defend her. The other girls began making fun of her for being friends with the outcast, the loser, the fool.

So, she did the only thing she could do in that situation… she pushed me out the way and made fun of me too. They cheered her on and left together laughing.

I saw her glance back at me as they left; she had a look of worry in her eyes. So, I flashed a big toothy grin, for it was my shield, as pranks where my sword.

Once, I was sure I was alone I dropped my shield, my mask removed, I became quiet and withdrawn. I was glad I could help her, it had gone as planned… but, it still hurt.

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Sakura pauses as she finishes reading those words, she's shocked beyond belief. There's simply no way this can be real. There's no way what she read can be real. Yet, it is and with that realization she jumps to her feet rushing off to find somebody who can help her understand what this is.

Little does Sakura know but on the other side of the village, someone is reading at the same pace; but they've continued and what they're reading is shocking them too.

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It was also on that day where I first noticed 'her'… I don't know how long she had been there but I became aware of her presence when I heard a muffled sob.

Looking up, I saw her peeking from behind a tree. I pretended not to see her and got up, looking as if I was leaving the park we were in. But, I had simply circled around and got up into the tree she was hiding behind.

Much to my surprise, she was crying and not cause she was hurt. No, she was shedding tears of compassion… compassion for me and my plight.

Sitting on a branch above her, I heard her mumbling to herself, she said, "Why… why where they so mean… he was just being nice… he was just trying… why…?"

I was shocked… could she really be crying for me, I wanted to say something, thank her, cry myself, but as I got a good look at her face I saw something that would stick with me forever.

Her eyes… those lovely pools of lavender that seemed to be pulling me in… but, even at that young an age I clearly understood something else – I could look but dare not touch…

I would later learn exactly why that was, but at the moment this did not concern nor occur to me. Yet, all I did was sit there watching her while she cried for me.

Never in my life had I felt so wonderful and horrible at the same time. Wonderful for knowing that there was at least someone who cared and horrible that I was causing her pain and couldn't do anything about it.

But, I could tell that those tears weren't for me alone. I don't know how I knew, maybe I saw a little bit of myself in her. Once she had finally composed herself and got to her feet. I followed her… I don't know why, but I was compelled to make sure she was all right.

I stuck to the alleyways and rooftops, as I had become skilled at running, leaping, climbing, and hiding over the years, for obvious reasons, so following her unseen was simple to say the least.

Looking back on it now, it would be the closest thing to a date I would ever experience. Watching her stop in the marketplace, looking over various things, stopping at the flower shop, she looked so happy smelling the various plants. She finally bought some and headed on her way. I would later find some of my own in the forest and try to grow them; it seemed to be a nice way to remember her.

Arriving safely at her home, I hopped down in front of the gates to her family's estate. It was then that I realized that I couldn't allow myself to feel the way I was. I didn't exactly know how that was at the time, but I knew it wasn't for someone like me to feel towards someone like her.

It would be about a week later that an event that would change my life forever would occur… it would also give me insight into a way a life I could never imagine.

I would come to know them… My Hime and Chibi-Hime… I would also take my first life in defense of one who would become precious to me…

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She can't believe what she's read. This can't be possible, this can't be happening, yet it is and it's shaken her to her very core.

Is this even possible… that he knew… and he… I was… untouchable…

Hinata wipes away the tears that threaten to fall, as she continues to read. What she reads next leaves her feeling something she has become used to feeling – Sad, Confused, and Unwanted.

Father, Hanabi, and… Naruto.

To Be Continued…