disCLAIMER: While I do not own Naruto nor any affiliated subjects therein, Kishimoto-sama does and therefore he owns my soul.

Chapter 5: Training Spaces

Her brother was evil; he killed everyone, again, right in front of her. He reenacted their deaths so precisely that she knew he wanted her to see exactly what he'd done. She felt so small, so helpless, as children, women, and the elderly fell to his violent swoops of the katana. Those who tried to run were met with a twisted smile and several shuriken. The blood splatter glowed florescently on the walls and ground. The redness around hurt her eyes. She collapsed in tears, screaming for him not to hurt her. He stood before her, laughing cruelly. He was saying something, but she couldn't hear past the pounding pulse in her ears. Her brother. He'd killed them all.

"No, not my brother," she managed between sobs. "Sasuke's brother..."

Kaori woke in a sweat, her sheets tangled around her legs, which were still trying to run. Damnit, now she had one of Sasuke's memories in her head. It was all weird like Kakashi's memory, with Itachi as the source of pain and terror. Who was this guy anyway? And why had she been crying so hard? She'd never cried before, and she honestly doubted Sasuke cried. Never mind. Kaori lay back on her pillow. She didn't care about Sasuke anymore. He was a fucked-up bastard. She knew she was fucked-up too, but there was nothing she could do about that.

"What does he know?" she groaned, rolling face-down on her pillow. So much for getting along with her teammate. She probably couldn't face him now. "You don't know anything about relationships!" He really was a bastard. She didn't expect him to know. But Hitanichi's death kept her from ever caring about another person again. And then Temujin came along. And then Konoha. She tried to keep them away, but they found a way inside anyway. Especially Naruto. Even Sakura was dear to her. And Hinata. And Iruka. Kotetsu. Izumo. Perhaps even Kakashi in a way. But Sasuke was more screwed up than she was. No way he was endearing. No way she cared about him. And he obviously didn't care about her. So the not-caring-ness...she wouldn't let it affect her role as a teammate. But she wouldn't try to be a friend. It was too difficult.

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Sasuke really hadn't expected Kaori to speak to him, but it was still surprising when she seemed to look right through him. He sat across from her at the table, but she acted like he hadn't even joined her. As the uncomfortable silence stretched into never, Kakashi showed up.

"Good morning, team!" When neither responded, he shrugged his shoulders. "Sasuke, I have a mission for you. No need to worry, because you don't leave Konoha." He drew Sasuke aside and spoke quietly to him. Kaori didn't care so long as Sasuke wouldn't be training with them. She couldn't stand him.

Sasuke had a look of shock as he pulled away from Kakashi, glancing at Kaori.

"Are you sure?" he questioned.

"Absolutely. Off you go." Kakashi waved him away, then stood next to Kaori. "Shall we?"

He led her to the training area, where he instructed her to warm up. As she stretched and jogged, Kakashi pulled out two kunai and two short swords. He gestured for her to join him.

"Today, you will fight me," he said seriously. "I'd like to test you myself before I let you develop your own techniques. This is a test of agility and speed. Also I will pry at your defenses. I won't use any techniques, so don't worry. You may start whenever."

Kaori picked up the short swords and swung both. "Okay." She struck an offensive stance and attacked. Kakashi blocked her every move, using just the kunai. It was frustrating in every possible way, but Kaori reminded herself that he was bigger and stronger. The kunai would do him just fine. She just needed to keep moving.

She lunged at him, but he stepped aside and brought the blunt end of the kunai down on her left wrist. It throbbed, still painful from yesterday, and she dropped the sword. Kakashi kicked it away, and now she faced him with the one weapon. A string of curse words ran through her head as she parried. Very, very bad. Kakashi forced her back, driving from the sides in his insanely quick speed. Kaori began to panic as his blows came closer and closer to breaching her defense. Shiiiiit.

He captured her sword between his kunai and yanked it away. And then he was behind her with a kunai in her side and one at her throat. She gulped as she was defenseless and caught.

"Do you know what your mistake was?" he said quietly, his mouth very near her ear. The situation brought another to mind, when he'd trapped her after finding out about her rumours. Except this time he had weapons trained on her vitals. He pulled the kunai closer, drawing her nearer to him. He pulled his body flush with hers, threatening with the kunai. Kaori swallowed her gasp as she felt him along her back. He was very firm and warm, even through the Jounin jacket.

"I suck?" she said in what she hoped was a strong voice. She couldn't even fool herself into thinking she was at ease.

"You lack..." his nose brushed her ear, and Kaori shivered. "...confidence," he continued, delighting in the shivers he was giving her.

I need to get out of this situation, Kaori thought desperately, feeling things she shouldn't with her sensei pressed against her back. There was a lot of heat between their sweating bodies, and Kaori was light-headed. And that damned heart wouldn't stop beating wildly.

"And skills?" she said breathily. Damn. That came out sounding way to sexual.

"I wouldn't say that," Kakashi whispered, breathing ever-so-slightly through his mask into her ear.

Ohhhh shit. Kaori acted before she thought; she threw her head back and clocked Kakashi's cheekbone. His trap loosened just enough for Kaori to jerk her elbow into his diaphragm. Both kunai left there vital areas and Kaori took the split second to drop and roll. She rolled and rolled, knowing the nearest knife was hardly a meter away. She rolled right over it and snatched it up as she stood. She still felt a rush from Kakashi's contact with her, but now that she'd recovered, she forced the heat to stop swirling. It was so damned unfair that the man was oozing with sexuality. And he was well aware of it.

Kakashi held his cheek as he watched her recover. He chuckled.

"Despite all that, you managed to get out of the situation? Maybe I'm losing my touch." He returned his kunai to his pouch.

"Hey! We're not done, are we?"

Kakashi walked to her. "I've seen enough. I think it's time to let you know of my plans for you."

Kaori lifted a brow, wondering if she really wanted to hear this. Kakashi held up a piece of paper.

"This is a special paper that reacts to Chakra. It determines your element, and thus your area of training. For Earth it turns to dust, Water it gets wet, Fire it burns, Lightning it crumples, and Wind it cuts in half. I don't think you're ready for nature manipulation, but I would like to know your element just the same." He held the paper out to her. "Here. Send some Chakra into it and see what happens."

Kaori took the paper, which looked very much like any paper. She sent a little bit of Chakra into it and gasped. She held her hand up as dust fell through her fingers.

"Earth. Hm, that's odd."

"Why is that?"

"It's just, with the Chakra swords, I honestly figured you'd be Wind element. Ah well." Kakashi smiled with his eye. "It's all good. Besides, I'm something of an Earth element user myself."

"Oh good. So what now?"

"Have you ever heard of the Chuunin exam?"

"Sure." Kaori stopped. "Oh my..."

"I've had Sasuke enter your name for the exam. Kaori, I honestly believe you're ready for this test. Well, almost. You have another month to prepare, during which I will have you develop techniques."

"Techniques..." Kaori's eyes glazed over, very excited at the thought. "I've already got one, but I don't think it'll do much good in battle."

"Really?" Kakashi was instantly curious. "Show me."

"Hah, are you sure?" Kaori asked in embarrassment.

"Of course."

"Okay. Kuwaii no Jutsu!" she turned into a bright-eyed little girl. Kakashi stared at her, dumbfounded.

"Please, Kakashi-sensei!" she begged. "Please teach me Earth element techniques!" Her eyes filled with tears. "I'll be a good little girl, I promise."

"Ohhhhhh, kami-sama," Kakashi breathed, feeling his own tears prick unbidden at his eyes. He couldn't even recall the last time he cried. He picked up the tiny girl and gave her a hug. She hugged him back, burying her wet face in the collar of his jacket.

"That can't be right," Sasuke commented, standing right in front of Kakashi.

The kuwaii Kaori turned to look at him, stuck her tongue out, and changed back into Kaori. She suddenly found herself clinging to Kakashi like she had in her dreams of his memories. He clung to her just as tightly, startled by her sudden change. She could see in his eye he was recalling the dream too. They both realized they felt very awkward like that in front of Sasuke, who smirked in amusement.

"Heh heh," Kaori laughed nervously. "Guess I should remember to climb down before I change."

"I suppose," Kakashi said quietly. He didn't seem to lessen his grip any. Kaori cleared her throat. He took the hint and let her slide down. He stifled a moan as she connected with...certain parts, and Kaori's face was very much red as she stepped away. She heard...and felt...everything. The three of them stood there in tense silence.

"Well, it's official: Kaori's been entered into the Chuunin exams," Sasuke said loudly. "It takes place next month in Sunagakure."

"The Land of Wind's ninja village," Kakashi said, recovered from his moment. "We held the exams last year, and now it's their turn."

"The Sand..." Kaori thought a moment. "It's probably really hot there, huh?"

"Oh, yes it's quite warm. It shouldn't be too bad this time of year." Kakashi scratched the back of his head. "So, um, what happened to you guys yesterday?"

"What?" Sasuke and Kaori said in unison. He glanced at her but she remained focused on Kakashi.

"I told you to meet me for ramen an hour after training. Neither of you showed up and I had to eat dinner all by myself."

"Don't expect me to feel sorry for you, Kakashi-sensei," Kaori snorted. "You could eat dinner with anyone you wanted to!"

"Why thank you," Kakashi smiled his eye-smile, "but I wanted to eat with my team. So what happened to you guys?"

"I took a bath and iced my arm. Sorta forgot. Sorry." Kaori rubbed her sore arm. "It still kinda hurts."

"You probably didn't take care of it properly," Kakashi insisted.

"Or it's because you whacked it just now with your kunai!" Kaori retorted.

Kakashi sighed and grabbed the arm. Kaori winced at the roughness. As his fingers gently felt the tissue, she bit back a sigh. His fingers knew exactly where to massage. As she closed her eyes, she heard a snort from Sasuke. Her lids flew open and she yanked her arm away.

"Did you enjoy that, Akumako?"

"Thanks Kakashi-sensei, but I'm fine now." Kaori refused to look at Sasuke. The smirk radiated off of him just the same.

"So, ramen today?" Kakashi offered. "After all, from now on we'll be working on grueling training as you develop techniques."

"Ramen is always good," Kaori admitted.

"I think I'll pass," Sasuke said dryly. "I have work to do. Haven't been able to keep my body in shape with real training these past couple of weeks."

Kaori ignored him completely. "It's still your treat, right?"

"Of course. Besides, I have a feeling you don't eat nearly as much as Naruto."

Kaori smiled evilly. "Watch me."

"Kami-sama save my pocketbook," Kakashi said to the sky. "So, um, see you later, eh, Sasuke?"

Sasuke nodded and watched them walk off. Then he shook his head in disbelief. Kaori was one hell of a bitch. So why did he feel so bad about her ignoring him? Especially after that display between her and Kakashi. He thought they were about to drop down and go at it right there. And those thoughts weren't very pleasant. They were sensei and student after all.

"Geez." Sasuke headed home, intent on crashing in front of the television rather than training. He'd think later. Right now his brain hurt.

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The freezing snows that had hit Konoha that winter were very unusual. The Land of Fire rarely got snow, especially in the ninja village; the climate just didn't call for it. Yet as the snow began melting and the skies warmed, Konoha inhabitants were grateful. The frozen ground set crops back and used resources almost as quickly as a ninja war.

Besides the excitement about the warming weather, civilians were buzzing about the upcoming Chuunin exams. Many were making vacation plans to visit the sands, which would be a pleasant reprieve from the weather back home.

Tsunade kept her ninja subordinates busy, giving herself time to prepare for the journey to Suna. Shizune and Jiraiya would tend to matters back home while she was gone. She also had to sort through the requests of time off to decided who was to go and who was to stay. Obviously those entering students would go, including Kurenai, Kiba, Chouji, and Tenten. Team Kakashi would go, mostly because ANBU didn't want Kakashi in another country with Sasuke still in Konoha. Neji would go to keep an eye on Kaori, giving the Hokage information that still puzzled her but she was determined to figure out. The Kazekage had arranged plenty of security and housing for those participating. Kotetsu and Izumo were begging her to let them go. She pretended to be in deep consideration, but she already knew she'd give them the time off. Aside from those people, she didn't feel a need to let anyone have leave. Naruto would love to watch his friend in the exams, but he still hadn't returned from his mission. She doubted he'd be back before the exams started anyway.

Kakashi taught Kaori basic earth element techniques, and with proper instruction gave her the head-way to prepare her own jutsu. He had her train with short swords every day, working on her Chakra control and flow as she used the swords to channel the Chakra. It was much more efficient than making solid Chakra swords.

Sasuke and Kaori had not spoken since that day she'd injured her arm. She busied herself with preparing for the exams, while Sasuke kept in shape and did odd missions around Konoha. He found the work to be demeaning, but ANBU and Tsunade refused to lift his probation just yet. He was actually looking forward to the journey to Suna, for it meant fresh sights and new people. Without Kaori hanging around, the fan club had gotten bold again. He even received random gifts outside his door daily. Apparently he was more eligible than ever.

Kaori felt jittery as the time drew closer, finding it too difficult to concentrate during training. It didn't help that she wasn't sleeping well. Sasuke's memories had faded weeks ago, but what kept her up was the fear of what could happen during the exams. She'd heard horror stories from people in Naruto's class. That had been when Sound and Sand ninja had joined forces to destroy Konoha. And the evil things done at that time...she really hoped the exams would go smoothly.

Kakashi sighed as Kaori half-heartedly blocked his attacks. He could see she was distracted and tired. He stepped back and held his hands up.

"You really aren't focused today, Kaori," he observed.

"S-sorry, Kakashi," she said, flustered. "I'm not really-"

"It's okay. Don't worry about it. We'll be leaving in a few days and it's understandable that you're nervous. Just let me say," Kakashi smiled warmly, "you're going to be just fine."

"Thanks." Kaori sheathed her swords. Kakashi had found her an ANBU belt that held two short swords, each situated at an angle under her arm so she could draw both simultaneously. The swords didn't fit too well inside the sheaths, but Kaori kept them lubricated so they slid in and out easily enough.

The training session hadn't been enough to make her break a sweat, and she wasn't up to sleeping the rest of the afternoon, so she headed into town to walk about aimlessly. She felt much more like she belonged here. Her attire was the outfit Ino, Sakura, and Hinata had given her, and with her sandals, pack, swords, and scarf, she looked like any ninja. She'd even gotten to know some of the owners of the shops she frequented. She always returned to Ichiraku, occasionally helping Teuchi and Ayame out on busy days. Her apartment was starting to look more like a home as well. And Kaori knew by now she definitely had a home. Of course things would be much better if she could see Naruto again. She had a feeling he was getting payback for skipping out on missions during her training with Iruka.

Kaori perked up. It was after three o'clock, which meant the Academy was out. Iruka could very possibly be free. She leapt upon the buildings to escape the crowds. She hadn't seen Iruka since she'd been in the hospital for trauma after Kakashi's Sharingan thing. The thought of seeing her old friend made her very happy indeed, and she quickened her pace.

She went directly to the Academy, figuring Iruka would still be there grading papers or putting students through detention. She strutted through the door and down the hall, adjusting Izumo and Kotetsu's chopsticks in her hair. She came to the door, which was slightly ajar, and froze as she heard a moan. Her first thought was someone was in pain, but when she heard another, deeper moan, she couldn't resist peeking. Iruka was at his desk all right; and perched atop his desk deep-throating him was a woman in business attire with long brown hair that was fresh from its bun. Iruka moaned again, and Kaori backed away and leaned against the wall. Guess he was busy after all.

She wandered outside, spying a swing tied onto a branch, and sat on it. She swayed back and forth, realizing she hadn't swung since she was a child. The thrill and joy of weightlessness for two seconds made her heart leap. Thankfully the swing was very sturdy and didn't mind her weight at all. Why there was only one swing was beyond her. Every child should have a swing. As a matter of fact, everybody should have a swing. It did a body good. Kaori allowed gravity to slow her down, watching as a woman left the Academy, struggling to return her wild brown hair to its bun. Kaori had to admit she was quite handsome. Handsome like a woman, handsome. Exactly the sort of woman she'd expect Iruka to have. Did he have her? There was only one way to find out.

Kaori returned to his classroom and threw the door open, demanding attention with her robust entrance.

"Who was that?" she asked loudly, causing Iruka to jump. His face was flushed and his hair out of his ponytail, a little kink lining all the way around.

"Wh-what?"

"You know. The lady who was sitting here," Kaori sat cross-legged on his messy desk, "and had her tongue down your throat."

Iruka's face went up in flames. "Ah. Oh. Ah. That would be Cho. Tanaka Cho. She's my...ah..."

"Girlfriend?" Kaori offered. "Well I kinda figured. Didn't take her to be your sister."

Iruka's face impossibly turned more red. "So...you saw...us...?"

"Ohhh yeah! And let me tell you Iruka-sensei, it was hot." Kaori leaned in, raising a brow curiously. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Well, uh, I figured...ah, with you being my s-student, and me being your teacher. Ah, well, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to...er, you know." Iruka was practically babbling.

Kaori stared at him a moment, then let out a guffaw. "Kami-sama, I didn't mean that. I meant why didn't you tell me you had a girlfriend?"

"Oh." Iruka looked relieved, but also shamed. "S-sorry. I wasn't thinking too clearly."

"Yeeeeaaahhh." Kaori glanced down at his crotch. "Not exactly thinking with the right head at the moment, eh?"

Iruka's face heated up again. "Do you, ah, need something?"

"Naw, not really," Kaori admitted, bringing her knees to her chin. "I couldn't focus today with the upcoming Chuunin exam and all, so Kakashi gave me the rest of the day off."

"So you decided to spy on me? I knew some of Kakashi's perverseness would rub off on you."

Kaori did her best to keep away the image of Kakashi rubbing off on her. She was really getting bad. "Heh, maybe but, uh, no. I came to see you and saw you and...her making out. It was honestly an accident. Then I played on the swing until she left." Kaori leaned in close again, as if ready to share a secret. "What a quicky!"

Iruka looked shocked. He reached up and bopped Kaori's head. "I never should have let him have you!"

"Hee hee," Kaori chortled. "Everyone's got a little pervy inside. They just need a little push to come...aw hell." Kaori shut her mouth before she buried herself in the hole she dug. Iruka was quite relieved that she didn't finish.

"So besides joining the forces of perversion, what else have you been up to?"

"New techniques. Kakashi's taught me a lot. Plus he's helping me develop my own technique. Like Kuwaii no Jutsu but something I can use in battle. By the way, it worked on him too," Kaori said smugly. She let her legs dangle off the edge of the desk.

Iruka groaned. "I hate to think how it 'worked' on him."

"Oh yuck, Iruka!" Kaori gasped. "Who's perverted now?"

"Sorry, sorry. You got me started you know."

"Like I said, all they need's a little push."

"Kaori..."

"Sorry." Kaori grinned widely. Iruka tried to look stern, but failed against her genuine happiness.

"C'mere," he said standing. He wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. Kaori was a bit surprised, but then she remembered Iruka's hugs and melted right into it. She sighed contentedly.

"What are you doing tonight?" Iruka asked as he pulled away.

"Well, I was hoping I could get to sleep, but since I haven't been able to do that the last couple of nights anyway, I figure I'm doing nothing."

"When I get off, would you like to go to Ichiraku's?"

"I'd love to, but..." Kaori tilted her head. "You sure your girlfriend won't mind?"

Iruka shook his head. "It's just dinner with a good friend. Plus she was on her way out of the country on the train. Business and all. She was just saying goodbye."

"It was a good goodbye."

"Yeah..." Iruka agreed, then blinked. "You've completely lost it, you know that?"

"It's been so long without a proper guide," Kaori whined. "Can you help me find it again?"

"Whatever you want, Kaori-haisha," Iruka used Izumo and Kotetsu's nickname with a sparkle in his eye and a hug.

"Oh great."