Chapter 1

Tsunade stared at the two of them long and hard. "Let me get this straight, you wish to stay here? Who is chasing you?"

"A lot of people," Naomi fidgeted with her fingers. "The Akatsuki, Orichimaru, and much more I am sure…"

"How are you so sure?"

"I know lost jutsu…"

Neji raised an eyebrow. Lost jutsu…of course. But from where? Any forbidden jutsu has been locked up in our village so are there more powerful jutsu beyond the ones that are far too dangerous for any of us to use? Surely, she must know.

Tsunade looked her in the eye. "I do not know what you mean by lost jutsu but if you are truly powerful and have knowledge that our enemies want, it is imperative that you stay under careful watch. I do need to ask though. What village are you from? I do not want any surprises."

Naomi took out her headband with the plate on it. The front bore a long mark that crossed out the sky village sign. Tsunade's eyes widened and she grabbed the headband.

"But all the ninjas were killed," Tsunade was in shock. "We just finished the repairs from that assault!"

"I left before they attacked the leaf village. I was the one who invented the technology to make them fly to make myself useful. Before I got involved with Shinno, I watched my father die. Before he died, he bestowed upon me the knowledge that he carried of jutsu that was lost centuries ago when war broke out over who could have the scrolls. All the villages wanted to share the knowledge equally but the sky hokage was very greedy and wanted to keep the knowledge for himself. When he saw how dangerous they could be, he thought it was best to get rid of them. His own son was much more reckless so he bestowed the knowledge to his adopted son. That son decided the best way to hide it most was to not be a ninja. He became a farmer. My father got the information when he died because that was his father and then I got it," Naomi explains, "but I believe the jutsu will die with me. I was foolish enough to break what we had and become a ninja. As my power grew, Shinno's interest did and he was on to us immediately. I joined his forces so he would leave my family alone but in the end, I could not take it and disappeared before he attacked. I haven't been heard of ever since."

Tsunade nodded. "We will need to keep an eye on you definetly." Her eyes went to Naomi's belly. Is there something she's not telling me? Maybe I should wait. I need her to trust me. Who knows what they told her about us? I hope she's being sincere. "I will assaign some living quarters for you."

"Huh?"

"An apartment," Tsunade clarifies. "Don't worry we will take care of everything."

"Thank you so much," Naomi smiled and bowed. "You do not know how much this means to me Lady Hokage."

Naomi POV

Neji walked me to my assigned apartment. He did not say one word since we left the Hokage's office.

"Neji?" I looked back at him before opening the door. "You ok?"

"I'm fine."

"Did you get the answers you were looking for?"

"Not even close."

"Well what did you want to hear?" I questioned.

"I'm not sure. How early can you be awake for sparring?"

"How about 8?" I smirked. He is going to study me. I just know it.

"AM of course," Neji's icy cold eyes found mine. "The field. Do not be late."

He left without further word. I smiled to myself with my cheeks burning. Somehow I could not wait for 8 o clock to come even after I hit the sheets.

Neji POV

I started to walk back to my home with thoughts of tommorrow's sparring session buzzing around in my mind. If I am going to reveal the abilities she's hiding, I am going to have to push her and give her everything I got.

Suddenly, a large shadow covered mine. I turned around to find Kiba and Akamaru behind me. Kiba jumped off of Akamaru's back and wrapped his arm around his shoulder.

"Yo man, I saw you workin it." He was grinning as always.

"Workin what?"

"The new girl? Naylee I think it is."

"Her name's Naomi dimwit."

"Awww you even know her name," He laughed. "Of course I know her name. I was just seeing if you'd defend her against a mispronunciation."

"Foolishness."

Kiba continued to laugh. "Oh, c'mon man. Lighten up! She must have been bored being escorted by you. You're such a stick in the mud."

I started to walk away. Kiba followed me regardless.

"Well, at least tell me this much Neji. Do you like the girl? Like…what do you think? I think she's pretty hot."

I did not actually think of her appearance. I was escaping the thought of things like her long legs, her sweet smile, her curvy waist, and…and… I'm thinking of it. "She's not hideous."

"Not your type huh?"

"I have high standards unlike you Kiba."

"Hey! I have standards. All I ask for is a girl with good looks, an amazing smile, and a sense of humor but she is just so much more than that. She's a fighter. She's perfect for me. I can feel it."

Something clicked inside of me. A little flame of anger. Why should I be angry? If this idiot wants to run after a girl who could be a liar, that's his problem. "If you say so."

"So you won't be mad if I ask her out?"

"Why would you need my permission?" My anger was rising but I tried to keep a calm composition on my face.

"Well, I thought you kinda liked her too." Kiba walked in front of me. "I mean you practically yanked her away from all of us today."

"She came with me willingly."

"Alright, but don't be mad when I take her out for some ramen and she digs me more okay?"

"Whatever. Do what you like. I don't care." And I didn't, I assured myself. I walked the rest of the way home unoccupied and went to bed. I laid on top of the sheets and stared at the ceiling. 8 o clock. Come soon.