How could he know what this pendant means? I stood frozen as people passed me, overwhelmed by his revelation. Could he help me find those responsible for my family's death? If he knew, would he help me? Eventually I shook myself, realising I was getting too much attention. I headed in the general direction Kakashi and the three teens had gone, wandering around until I found them. My path led me to an open, grassy clearing. Trees surrounded the clearing, and I watched as the teens sparred with each other and practiced jutsu. They were shinobi.

I watched and waited until the teens had finished their training. After I was sure they'd gone, I leapt into a tree at the edge of the clearing. Settling down, I waited for sleep to take me. Sudden warmth beside me had me leaping away and readying myself for a fight before I knew what was happening. Kakashi chuckled, watching me with a strange expression. "Do you really know what this pendant means?" I asked bluntly. Kakashi nodded. "It's the symbol of an elite group of shinobi in this village. Tell me, who are you?"

I paused, unsure. "I have no name. I left it behind long ago." Kakashi glanced at me, before returning his gaze to the stars. "What was that name?" I shrugged, and hugged my knees to my chest. "Kairi." I waited for a response, but Kakashi said nothing. Soon, his presence vanished, and I knew he had left. I settled against the tree again, readying myself for sleep. I succumbed to the darkness and peace of slumber, eager to escape the day's events for a while.

Quiet voices woke me. Starting, I realised that people were staring at me. I glared at them, and dashed towards the village entrance. Before I could leave the village, I was stopped by the gatekeepers. "Hey, are Kairi?" I paused, and nodded slowly. The gatekeeper who had asked the question smiled. "Kakashi wants you to meet him at the old oak in the forest." I nodded my acknowledgment of the message, and headed for the forest. Where was the old oak I was supposed to meet him at? I paused to think, and realised it would be deeper in the forest, as all the trees at the edge of the forest were fairly young.

I moved deeper into the forest, and soon picked up tracks for all kinds of animals and one set of human tracks. I followed the signs until I reached a large oak tree standing proudly in the middle of a clearing. Staring up through the branches, I found Kakashi waiting for me. I thought he may have smiled at me, though it was hard to tell with his mask on. "So you found the tree. Well done." He leapt to the, landing lightly on his feet. "I can help you find the people responsible for your family's death. But there is one condition. You must come with me to ANBU headquarters."

AN- Hi! I hope y'all enjoying this story. I figured Akira didn't get appear enough in Asuka's story, so here's his.

Akira: Damn right I didn't get to appear enough.

Asuka: Hey, it was my story. You have your own!

Akira: You so like me.

Asuka: Do not!

Akira: Do too!

Asuka: Do not!

MaiaSakamoto: HUSH! This is my bit damnit!

Anyways, please review! Any and all help is appreciated. Except for flames. You can bugger off. Oh yea, and I do not own Naruto.