Author's Note: Wow, I'm on a roll with these updates XD

I know it's strange to post another chapter only a day later, but since I finally reached the goal of 200 reviews, I thought that putting up a new chapter would be a good way to celebrate :) I hope you all enjoy this, because this is sort of like my thank you gift for all of the lovely reviews some of you have posted on my last chapter. You have no idea how much it means to me to know that so many people like this story and actually want me to continue it, so thank you to everyone who wrote a review on my last update, it means the world to me :)

Love you all! *sends everyone internet hugs and kisses* X3

...

Arriving on the outskirts of Konoha, much as she had on her first arrival, she made a quick requip so that she was now donned in what other people dubbed her 'ninja clothes', seeing as she hadn't quite come up with an actual name for them as of yet. Though, since they were becoming more and more like one of her usual outfits, she didn't think she would need a name for them.

Over the months that they've been visiting each other, Kakashi had begun to teach her how to use various ninja tools, coming up with a new one every time they saw one another. This caused her to keep a ninja pouch on one hip, while her katana sat sheathed on the other, allowing her to almost adapt completely to the strange ninja world. Her ninja tool training had also led her to spend more time with Tenten of Team Guy, and Erza found her to be a kindred spirit of sorts. Had the girl been just a tad older, they might have been even greater friends.

Greeting the men at the gate, Erza made her way to the place where she usually went to find Kakashi, his apartment. That's typically where he waited for her unless something was going on, so it was always the first stop. Trying the door, she was surprised to find it locked. Using the key he had given her for times such as this, she entered the building warily, one hand reaching into her pouch to grab a kunai, just in case something was truly wrong.

Upon examining the apartment she found it to be empty, and if the thin coating of dust that had settled over everything was anything to go by, she'd he had been gone for at least a few days, if not the entire week that had passed between the last time they had seen each other. It seemed she would need to visit the Hokage to see when Kakashi was expected to be back, wondering if their week together would end up cancelled due to something that had occurred in the village. Whatever it was, she gave a silent prayer for her safety before making her way towards the Hokage's office.

When she arrived, she gave Sakura a smile as she spotted her standing at the Hokage's desk, probably discussing training before she had arrived. Even if the pink-haired ninja hadn't been training long with Tsunade, it was obvious how much she had already changed and improved. "Hello Sakura, how have you been?" She inquired, her smile warming a bit at the younger girls enthusiastic reply.

"Erza! I'm so happy to see you! How have I been? Well, besides all the exhaustion from Lady Tsunade's training, I've been really good!" She greeted, her own wide smile in place. Having been in Konoha after Sasuke's disappearance, Erza could also see the difference in her demeanor as she focused less on her missing teammate and more on making herself stronger. In a way, Sakura reminded her of herself, and because of that the kunoichi had become more and more like a daughter to her, as strange as that might sound.

Nodding in relief, the mage turned her attention to the Hokage. "Lady Tsunade, I'm glad to see that you are well. Though, I will admit I didn't come just to see you…. I was also wondering if you could tell me the whereabouts of Kakashi at the moment… I couldn't help but notice that he hasn't been home in quite some time."

The blonde ninja's face fell grim as she nodded in understanding, "Very observant, you would be correct in assuming he was on a mission. I've sent Kakashi on an important mission to a minor village within the Land of Fire after receiving reports on some strange activity in the area. He was sent to scout the area for any signs he can find before reporting back, so given how long he's been away, it shouldn't be long before he returns again…"

"Understood…. What do you mean by 'strange activity'? Have people been going missing from the area? Or has somebody just noticed a crime increase?" Erza inquired, eyebrows furrowed in concentration as she tried to decipher just was kind of mission the silver-haired ninja had gotten himself into.

The Hokage merely shook her head at the question, "I can't share that with you…. Not only because you're not technically a Leaf Ninja, but also because I don't know enough to share… With the information I have now, it would only cause unnecessary panic were it to get out. That's why I sent Kakashi. He's one of our strongest, not to mention one of the best scouts the village has to offer. There's nothing for you to worry about, he'll return in due time I can assure you."

Despite the woman's reassuring words, Erza found herself unable to truly accept them. It was obvious that something serious was going on in the Land of Fire, and that the Hokage was refusing any help that she might offer her. Why was that? Had they not decided to trust her just yet? While she agreed it was right to be wary of newcomers, she also thought you should give someone the chance to show their true colors. If you don't trust them at some point, you'll never learn who they truly are.

Straightening up as she locked her eyes with the Hokage's, Erza had a look of pure determination as she decided to make them trust her, a small part of her wondering if this could have anything to do with the 'fate' that Salgado had mentioned. "Lady Tsunade, while I understand that I am ranked as a mere villager among Konoha, I must mention to you that I am considered one of the strongest wizards of my guild, an S-Class Mage, or, as you call them, a Jonin. In my guild, we are taught to never back away from a challenge, and to make sure we always lend a helping hand to those who need it. I'm asking you to let me help your village, because in this time that I've known all of you I've come to view it as my village as well. I want to help protect it, and even if you tell me no, I can assure you that it won't stop me."

It seemed that both Tsunade and Sakura were taken back by the boldness that Erza displayed in her request, and for a moment the mage thought that she might have offended the Hokage in some way. The thought was fleeting though, for in the next moment the woman gave a small chuckle of amusement, as though she was almost used to people arguing with her orders. "I'm surprised you're not a member of our world, in all honesty. You are the perfect example of an Uzumaki… That aside, I can understand your heart, it's obvious that you care a lot about this village… And according to Kakashi you are very powerful, which I don't doubt, but I don't know if you have the skill set necessary for this kind of mission. You're a warrior, Erza, not a ninja. From what I've gathered about your abilities up to this point, you are best used as a fighter. I'm hoping to avoid fighting with this mission, so sending you would be wishing for something bad to happen. I'm sorry, but I cannot allow you to join Kakashi on this task."

It was logical, Erza had to admit that as the logical person she was, but that still didn't quell the urge she had to check this out for herself. It felt as though she were being pulled towards it by some invisible string, and no matter how hard she tried to ignore it it seemed to grow stronger.

Knowing she wasn't going to get anywhere with the Hokage, Erza gave a low bow before speaking again, "Very well…. I understand. Thank you for your time, Lady Tsunade." She stated before straightening once more, turning towards the door with a quick farewell to Sakura.

Even though she emanated an aura of defeat, Erza was actually the complete opposite. Already she was formulating her plan to get into building later that night, her sights set on finding all of the information she could on the 'top secret' mission Kakashi was currently on.

It obviously wasn't going to be easy, but she was also aware that the ninjas had misjudged her abilities. She would have to do her best to be stealthy, despite the fact that Fairy Tail wizards weren't exactly known for being 'silent'. It went against her usual approach to things, but that wasn't going to deter the wizard.

Erza wasn't the type to give up on something just because it might be tough, so she wasn't going to start today.