At some point she became aware of the darkness surrounding her, pressing in hard on her. It threatened to push her back into the state of unawareness she had been in up until now. She tried to fight it but backed off when she felt the pain. Perhaps the numbness was best right now.

She struggled to remember why she would even be in this state but came up blank. Suddenly she realized something was touching her hand, maybe even holding it. It was difficult for her to tell.

She tried once again to push her way to where she perceived the surface to be. Everything came rushing back, sound, light and feeling. Her eyelids were heavy but she managed to open them.

"Suki" she heard a soft feminine voice breath.

Suki turned her head to see Sakura sitting next to her, her hand holding onto her own. She smiled at the younger kunoichi to signal that she was ok.

Sakura was relieved to see that Suki had finally awoken, her mind had taken quite a beating and everyone had been concerned.

"Good to see you awake." A voice came from beside the two women. Both turned their heads to the silver haired man who occupied the other bed in the hospital room.

"Kakashi, what are you doing here?" Suki inquired, interested in discovering what had happened.

"Same reason as you, although I must say you took a much harder hit." He replied, a confused look on his face. She should know this.

Now Suki was worried, she was obviously missing something. "Not to make anyone worry but…I don't remember."

Sakura was troubled as she examined Suki, asking her questions. "What is your full name?"

"Suki Sano" Suki replied, knowing enough not to use her most natural last name.

"Where are we?"

"Konoha hospital"

"What is your profession?"

"A leaf-shinobi"

"Eye color?"

"In which form?"

Sakura sighed

"Sorry, blue"

"Who is Hokage?"

"Tsunade-sama, granddaughter of the first Hokage."

"Ever lived anywhere other than Konoha?"

"Suna, for a period."

"What are your teammates names."

"Kakashi," Suki nodded toward where he lay. She then pointed at Sakura "Sakura, Naruto and Sai."

"What…"Sakura began

"Sakura, I clearly have no long term memory loss."

The younger woman blushed.

"What is the last thing you remember?" Kakashi questioned from his bed.

"Naruto, I and a small team were helping secure a civilian area."

Kakashi looked concerned, "You don't remember coming back?"

Suki shook her head sadly.

"Don't fret Suki, your mind has been through a lot and might just need some time." Sakura said.

"Why don't you fill me in?" Suki asked, looking expectantly at Kakashi

"You came back to help me deal with Itachi and he caught you in his jutsu." The silver haired man told her.

"Well, no wonder…"

Suki now speculated on what it was Itachi might have shown her. What could be so bad her mind would block it? She shuttered at the thought.

"Is everyone ok?" Suki asked, remembering all the people she cared for that were involved last night.

"Yeah, they're all just fine. I'm sure you'll see them. They haven't been in to visit yet today."

Suki looked out the window and judged it to be mid-morning. That reminded her. What day was it? How long had she been out.

Sakura and Kakashi were extremely worried about Suki. Both watched her face carefully. The fact that she could not remember attack was concerning. She had no clue how piercing and pained her scream had been before Kakashi had managed to break her free. Suki had passed out the moment her mind had been freed and had not woken up for nearly a week.

"How long was I out?" Suki inquired, breaking the silence. Two sets of eyes watched her carefully.

"6 days Suki-san." Sakura replied.

"6 d-" Suki began but was interrupted by the door flying open.

"Sakura-chan, Kakashi-sensei!" One very loud blonde cried out as he entered. His face broke into a grin upon seeing those he cared about.

"What am I? Chopped liver?" Suki asked from her bed.

"Suki-san!" Naruto said excitedly "You're awake!"

Suki pinched herself and grinned, "Yep" Somehow she always found the blondes antics contagious. It had been the same with Naruto's mother. Something about their personalities just did that.

The two of them hugged and spent some time talking, and catching Suki up on what had happened.

Suki exerted all her force into throwing the kunai into tree. The said weapon sliced clean through said tree and several others behind it. It was amazing what wind chakra could do when used to its full potential.

Her hand reached up and wiped the sweat she had been building up off her forehead. She had been released from the hospital a few days before and was already back to training.

"Sakura-chan and Tsunade-sama both said to take it easy." She heard Naruto call from behind her.

She felt a hand rest on her shoulder and turned to face the younger ninja. "Sorry, didn't mean to overdo myself. I feel fine, don't worry." Seeing his anxious eyes she smiled and offered to take a break.

The two of them sat down in the shade of a tree and relaxed. Suki could tell something was bothering Naruto. He fidgeted, which was unusual. Naruto was energetic and moved but not in this nervous manner. The older Nin placed her hand on the blondes shoulder.

"Why don't you tell me what's bothering you. It's better than making yourself uncomfortable over it."

Naruto bit his lip, how was he supposed to bring this up.

"It's really no big deal. It was just something Itachi said, doesn't hold much weight in my mind."

"What did he say?"

"He said there were things we didn't know about you. That I shouldn't trust you."

Suki punched Naruto in the shoulder, "And you believe him?"

Naruto's blue eyes met hers, begging for forgiveness before he even said his next sentence. "I don't believe that I can't trust you, but I think you are keeping things from me."

"And, how do you feel about that?"

Suki's heart began to pound, this wasn't good.

"A little hurt but mostly curious." Naruto replied with a grin.

To Suki's relief Naruto wasn't angry with her even though he knew she was keeping secrets. He went on to tell her it was ok, that everyone had to keep secrets sometimes. As long as she told him at some point, there was no reason for him to be upset. "Just promise me you'll trust me with your secret someday." He told her. Suki was surprised at how maturely Naruto was handling this. He did admit to being curious as to how Itachi Uchiha was involved in all this. If only he knew…

Kakashi wandered down the street with his typical little orange book held up to his face. He was so glad to be out of the hospital at last. The last few days had been even worse because, somehow, Suki had managed to be discharged before himself. This left him quite board. It wasn't as if he spent all of his time reading or even desired to.

He could still remember the scream Suki had let out as Itachi invaded her mind. It was full of fear and emotional pain. It made him wonder what could make such and strong kunoichi scream in terror like that. Itachi, of course, would know exactly how to get to her but still, she had shown such resilience to the Sharingan. Kakashi could not understand how she did it but she had shown an ability to resist that he had never seen before. What had been different that time, what had she seen?

What was worse was the look in her eyes just before she blacked out. Her eyes, usually so full of hope, looked dead. It was unnerving to say the least. Kakashi couldn't explain his odd connection with the kunoichi. Perhaps it was the things they shared in their past. Part of him hated it; he had no desire to get close to someone. No, he'd lost enough for one life time. Another part wanted to reach out this person who could understand him. It drove him crazy that he didn't really know her and yet, in a way, they did know each other.

He shook his head to clear it and realized that he had reached his apartment. Kakashi walked in and, as always after an extended stay in the hospital, was glad to be home. That was until he noticed a certain blonde haired woman sitting on his couch. She was asleep, in her lap lay an orange book. Wait….an orange book?

As if sensing his presence her eyes popped open. Seeing that it was Kakashi she visibly relaxed and reached her arms above her head to stretch. "Took you long enough to get here." She said, giving him one of her childish grins. Kami….how could she manage to smile like that with all the strife in her life?

"Ok…I concede that my house protection might be cracked by a shinobi of your skill but….how did you get passed the protection on my books? The Hokage herself couldn't get to them." Kakashi remembered an attempt to remove his books by Tsunade in an effort to get him to focus on his work.

That hadn't ended very well. He felt that is was unfair of her to punish him for what happened when she tried. Wasn't it her who had trespassed into his apartment? Tsunade did not see it that way and poor Kakashi had to deal with her temper.

"It wasn't that hard." Suki replied in a bored tone. Grinning again she held up the book. "These aren't half bad you know."

Kakashi smirked under his mask. "Ah…do we have a closet pervert?" he teased

SMACK! Suki's open palm connected with Kakashi's cheek. "I am not a pervert just because I got bored and read a book."

"Ah, but you said you enjoyed them."

"I did not; I said they weren't half bad…"

"I've been told only perverts liked icha icha…"he teased, seeing her cheeks turn a light pink.

Smack, another hit to his other cheek. "I'd stop while you're still ahead." Suki remarked.

Rubbing his cheek, Kakashi was surprised; kunoichi didn't usually slap, they punched. "I'm still ahead?"

"Saving my life twice still leaves you in my good graces." The blonde said, her hands on her hips.

Kakashi scratched the back of his head in his typical fashion. "Well….technically Sakura was the one who saved you on the mission…"

"You want to be in my bad graces?" Suki questioned, her own voice teasing now.

Kakashi sighed and flung himself down tiredly onto the couch. "Is there a reason you came here or are you just trying to give me a headache?"

Suki rolled her eyes "Always straight to the point with you huh?"

She sat next to him and sighed. "Well, first off I wanted to thank you."

He nodded his head acknowledge his acceptance and she continued. "It's about Naruto."

"What about Naruto?" Kakashi inquired.

Suki frowned and bit her lip, "He's one unique boy, no? I'm worried….after what happened last week. It could have gone so much worse."

Kakashi nodded, "It's true. What exactly are you proposing to solve this problem though."

She let out a chuckle "I don't have all the answers Kakashi." Her eyes went to the floor as she muttered, "In fact, I have very few of them."

"Come join the rest of us." Kakashi said, clearly smirking under his mask. She looked up and glared at him.

After a moment she stood. "I guess I ought to let you get some rest then."

Kakashi chuckled, "Sometimes, you're such a child." Seeing her turn, ice seeming to spread into the blues of her eyes, he added, "It's not a bad thing. In fact, it's… endearing. If only all of us could hold onto a little part of that."

"Does this mean you actually have something to say about Naruto?" she inquired

"You need to stop worrying so much or you will be covering up grey hairs much too early." He saw her eyebrow arch at him.

"He will be fine."

Her hands rested on her hips, "Yes I know, we both know how strong he really is. The boy has more potential than anyone could imagine."

"He doesn't want to use the fox's power." Kakashi replied firmly, a part of him needing to defend Naruto.

"I wasn't talking about that Kakashi." Her head tilted and she looked curious. He really hadn't guessed Naruto's parentage? "You already know. You just can't believe it so you tell yourself it's not true."

Kakashi's exposed eye bore into hers, trying to find her meaning. He heard her sigh and saw a visible lightening of her eyes before she shook her head and made a tsking sound.

"You're so logical, yet you can't see the logic that's right in front of you. That's not like you."

It was his turn to arch an eyebrow at her, "Then tell me."

There was a flash of her childish grin before she said, "I told you, you already know."

Knowing that answer was the best she'd get out of him Suki plucked the book she had been reading from the couch and headed for the door. Letting out a giggle she said, "Well, I really should let you rest. I think I'll borrow this. I wasn't finished when I dosed off. Bye Kakashi." With that, his door closed, leaving Kakashi alone and bit confused.

Sasuke sat in a dark room, a candle was his only light. On the desk before him was a scroll with some new techniques. Already he was planning ways to make t

hem useful. Before it was too late, he must learn all he could and gain all the power he could.

There was a taping at his door. "What do you want?" was his irritated greeting.

"Interesting news out of Konoha."Kabuto's voice came from the doorway as the door opened.

Sasuke kept his eyes on the scroll, trying not to look as interested as he was. What would be considered interesting by this group?

"The Akatsuki made another attempt at the Nine-Tails."

"Any particular reason this time is anymore special than the others?"

"There was new person defending the fox. Preliminary reports lead us to believe it was Suki Namikaze."

Sasuke's hands balled into fist. It could not be her…not after all this time. Didn't Konoha know what she had done? The only reason he wasn't after her too was because, although her acts were not better than Itachi, he knew it was Itachi who planned it all and he was blood. As for her; If his family had been foolish enough to let a snake in, it was no surprise that she bit them.

"What did this woman look like?" Sasuke inquired. Kabuto gave him a questioning look. "I once knew a woman by this name. It's possible I could confirm reports."

"Wavy blonde hair, down to her waist and bright blue eyes. Her looks and attitude are said to be quite striking."Kabuto supplied. This was surely the woman he had known. Apparently, she had some sense of shame, as she hadn't used the name Uchiha.

"Hn…I'd investigate more before saying it was her…" Sasuke replied and returned to his scroll. This wasn't Orochimaru's business anyway. He didn't need to know how well he had known the woman.

When the door closed behind Kabuto, Sasuke sighed. None of this made sense…

Kabuto approached his Master's chambers quickly and silently. Orochimaru was waiting for him, an expectant look on his face. "Well, what did he have to say?"

"Oh, he knows who I was talking about. Although I can't be sure he knows her heritage."

"What was his reaction."

"It was slight but he was definitely angry."

"So he believes she helped his brother? Interesting, perhaps I can use this to my advantage."

Kabuto hated to ask questions but he was curious now. "What use is the girl to us?"

Orochimaru gave a wicked grin. "Oh, she's got many hidden talents that can be of use to us. The niece of the Fourth has great potential but she lets her emotions make her weak."

This woman did indeed have talents that Orochimaru could make use of. Her knowledge of seals would benefit him and he could not allow those talents to go elsewhere. The Akatsuki would have a field day with her abilities. Besides, it would be fun destroying the last of the foolish fourth's family. Imagine, the girl raised by the precious Fourth Hokage, turning against all the man fought to preserve.

"Ouch!" A familiar blonde kunoichi cried, holding her head in her hands.

"Sorry Suki-san, I didn't mean to hurt you." A hand rested on the jonin's shoulder.

Suki looked up and smiled at the younger blonde kunoichi who was helping her. "It's ok Ino, it's not your fault. You're only trying to help."

Ino sat next to Suki. "You're mind doesn't want those memories opened. I think that's why it's hurting you."

Suki smiled and nodded. She hated not being able to remember but there wasn't anything she could do if her mind was blocking it. Sakura had suggested that she try having Ino look inside her head to see if she couldn't help unlock the memories.

"Wish I had some more ideas of what might help. Other than the basics all med-nin know." The girl got a faraway look in her eyes.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Suki inquired

"Oh….it's nothing. Sorry for spacing out like that." Ino apologized.

Suddenly Suki pulled the girl into a loose hug. Not holding it for long, just enough of a gesture to let Ino know she was there. "Look, I know you've recently been though some tough times. I promise it will get better." Ino gave her a disbelieving look. "It's always going to hurt but you'll learn to handle it. Let it make you stronger Ino."

Ino gave Suki a weak smile. "I was just thinking about how he always had a way of getting me to think outside the box."

"Ah, I see. My… father….he always helped me see the bright side of things." Suki grinned

"You don't seem to have any problem with that." Ino commented.

Suki laughed, "It took me a very long time but the more I thought about him and how he did it the more I learned how to do it myself."

"Find your inspiration. It'll be the same place he pulled it from. Thing is, you'll have to do the pulling yourself now." Suki said, standing.

A bell rang in the front room and Ino quickly stood as well. "Looks like I have customer." Suki nodded to Ino and the girl ran to the shop, shouting her thanks.

Suki simply shook her head. She wasn't sure she had given great advice but at least it seemed to help Ino. One thing Suki knew from personal experience was that it was nice to know you weren't alone.

That night several people lie awake thinking about the future of Suki Namikaze. She herself thought about the futures of the two boys that she had come to think of as brothers. All she wanted was to help them but she was only one person. In her heart, she knew she had played a part in bringing about both of their situations. Now, she do whatever it took to get them out of trouble.

Well, I hope it was better after my editing. Let me know in a review. Just to clear a few things up that my friends said might be confusing: I know it hasn't really been talked about in the story but Suki has taken after her Uncle and has a talent with sealing techniques and, yes, it's Minato she's talking about with Ino.