Fallen Snow, Crimson Thread, and Golden Spiral

by Yami-Tsukiyomi

It's been 7 years since his mother disappeared, now Haruno Katsuyuki with his teammates Kurochi Ito and Uzumaki Jin must fight in a war that involves them more then they think. And who is the enemy anyways? Why no other then Uchiha Sasuke himself.

13. Week In and Week Out

Okay! This is officially the longest chapter ever! I mean..32 pages? Yea long... hope you guys enjoyed it and yes it just a collection of random stuff that leads up to the jounin exam...reason why it took so long. I can't do random stuff so I was on writer's block on most of them. So hope you enjoy! This chapter better be worth it since I took so long writing it... ugg never again!

Oh yea, there are probably some grammer and spelling mistakes here so tell me please and I'll edit it as soon as I can!

---

Hokage Mountain-Bonds

"So…you guys got any ideas?"

"Nope."

"You Ito?"

"Don't ask me."

"But you usually have ideas that will make this easier!!!"

"I wasn't the one who piss of your dad."

"Well I wasn't the one who ran off during the battle announcements."

"Enough you two!"

Yuki sigh as he stared at the Hokage statues where they have to wash it.

"Let's get this over with. I have no idea why you would throw that to your dad." Yuki said. "It WASN'T my fault!!!" Jin cried out as he glared at Yuki. Yuki ignored it as he jump up and placing chakra into his feet started climbing the walls.

"Hand me a towel!" he yelled down before he got smack in the face with a bucket. "I SAID TOWEL!!!" he yelled catching the bucket and threw it back down towards Jin. "Well I'm sorry!!!" Jin yelled holding his head before they sense a new presence with them.

Turning they saw a boy with dark red hair and obsidian eyes, almost like Sasuke's. He seem to be about the same age as them maybe younger. "Hey! Mind if I help out?" he question waving at them. Ito narrow his eyes before feeling Yuki jumping back down with them.

"Who are you?" ask Jin pointing at him. "Me? I'm Keitaro, you can just call me Kei." he said "and you are?" he question. "Uh um…Uzumaki Jin." "Oh so you're the Hokage's kid." Kei said standing up from his kneeling position. "How 'bout your friends there?" question Kei. "The one there glaring is Kurochi Ito. Teme over there is Haruno Katsuyuki but he goes by Yuki."

"So… you are Kei? Are you also with the Tenpi ninjas?" question Ito. "Ah yes. I just came to watch the exams though. I'm not participating or anything." "Why's that?" "I'm only a chuunin, I won't be taking the exam until next time." Kei said lying though his skill level could be of a jounin.

"Why do you want to help us out?" Yuki ask suspiciously crossing his arms. "Well, I got nothing better to do and besides, two extra pair of hands will get this chore quicker so you guys can train right? The 4th exam is only a few days away." Kei said. "Sure…whatever." Yuki said sighing then grabbing a bucket with water, he picked up a towel squeezing the extra water off before throwing it at Kei. "You can wash the first Hokage's statue. I'll take the second, Ito you get the third and Jin get the fourth. We'll decide on the fifth's and sixth's statue later." Yuki explain.

"Hai!"

"Sure."

"…"

"Okay let's go." Yuki stated as the four separated.

Yuki was just at the bottom of the second hokage's statue when he heard Kei's voice.

"Hey, Haruno-san."

"What is it?"

"What will you do if someone important to you dies?"

"I already have someone important to me whose dead." Yuki answered darkly.

"Ah I see. Considering your tone, that person was murder right?"

"…why are you asking me this?"

"No reason…"

"There is a reason." Yuki retorted. "Maybe I was just curious. Because in this world, everyone has someone close to them that disappear." Kei whispered. "Why did you?"

"…yes…" Kei answered looking away.

"Must be hard for you." Yuki said, Kei made a pfft sound before answering to Yuki's statement. "Considering the circumstance, yes it was hard." "Wasn't your parents with you?"

"They were, or use to. My mother was the one I lost. My father doesn't give a damn."

"So…basically you were alone for most of your life."

"Yea you can say that. My mother was like my father at first when I was born, but she slowly started paying attention to me. We left my father when I was five. Then five years ago my mother was killed."

"How old are you?"

"15, I'm not turning 16 until next year."

"I see,"

"You Haruno-san?"

"I recently turn 16. Before the exam started."

"So, how about your parents?"

"Well…you can say that my mother isn't here right now…my father…I don't have a father." Yuki stated before going down some more to finish the last bit. Kei followed slowly washing as he went along.

"Then…? How were you born?" Kei stated. Yuki blink at his stupid question and sweat drop.

"I do have a father. I just mean that he wasn't there when I was born. He doesn't know about me." Yuki explain. "He knows alright…" Kei whispered before Yuki look at him. "You say something?" "Ah nothing. Ah look I'm done! Are you done?" Kei question. "Ah no, not yet. Can you do the fifth hokage?" ask Yuki. "Yea sure!" Kei said before transferring over to the fifth hokage's statue.

"You shouldn't get too attach to that brat." Ito stated from Yuki's right. "Huh why?"

"He's with Tenpi right? Meaning he's with Uchiha Sasuke." Ito explain before Yuki nodded. "I won't, but he doesn't seem that bad. I don't sense anything malicious from him."

"Yea but you did sense his chakra right?" Ito stated. "Yea…" "He's not a chuunin it would seem. His chakra is a lot stronger then a regular chuunin ninja much less a jounin."

"I understand Ito, but he could probably being blackmail like the Tenpi shinobis are."

"No, it doesn't look like it. But there is something about him." Ito stated. "What about?"

"His face, it's almost the same shape as yours,"

"So what? A lot of people have the same shape face as someone else."

"Yes but you two's are almost identical and though you have different eye color then he does, your eyes are the same." Ito said.

"Now that you mention it…" a new voice came in and the two turn to see Jin standing on top of the them. "He does look like you Yuki, also like the Uchiha as well." Jin stated.

"Shut up, both of you. Are you done Jin?" question Yuki changing the topic. "Yea, I'll get to my father's face later…"

"No now," Yuki warn before Jin pouted and went over to his father's statue.

It was almost sunset when they were done with the chore as they all sat panting on top of the hokage statues.

"Looks like we finish later then we thought." Kei said. "Yea if Jin hadn't dirtying up the last statue we wouldn't have finish much earlier!" Yuki said accusingly. "It was your fault for throwing the bucket of water at me!" Jin retorted.

Here's what happen. Jin was making sarcastic and annoying comments to Kei about Yuki. Yuki with his keen hearing heard it all and threw the bucket of water at him thus hitting it on Jin's head who fell grabbing constantly at the statue rubbing dirt and mud all over since he was already dirty before the washing from morning training.

The dirt on him mix with the water does not go well as Jin place mud all over the statue while Kei caught him before he can fall.

"You should have change before we even started washing the hokages!" Yuki said. "Don't lecture me!" Jin retorted crossing his arms. "See what did I tell you Kei? Yuki thinks he's all mature and the boss acting all cool and bastardly right?!" Jin said looking at Kei who laugh and seem amuse about their arguments.

"What are you laughing about?" Yuki ask narrowing his eyes. "N-Nothing." Kei said trying to hold back his laughter. "It just that you guys look like bickering old married couple." he earn a slap on the head which Kei grabbed onto and muttered an ow.

"I told them that once," Ito muttered. "Yea and Asako-chan was there. Guess what she said?" Jin stated when Kei was down rubbing his injury. "What?"

"She said that we're like a family or something! Ito's the dad, Yuki's the mom, and I'm the kid! If Akito-sensei still hangs around, she said that he would have been the older brother!" Kei started laughing once again.

"I could actually imagine that." he said after he was done laughing and earning Yuki and Ito's glares.

"Kei." a voice stated near them as the four turn. They immediately narrow their eyes and their guard was up. Yuki look over at Kei and he question his sad and guarded look.

"What is it tou-san?" he accidentally said and Kei quickly cover his mouth falling backwards. Jin, Ito and Yuki widen their eyes and stared at Kei while Sasuke growl. Yea Kei may act like an idiot sometimes, slow, and point out the obvious but he could be smart in some important situations. This was not one of them.

When Kei stood back up he notice all the looks they were giving him. "So Saaaeiji-sensei is your father?" question Jin almost saying Sasuke. Kei immediately came up with a lie, besides he was good at lying. "No, I just call him that since he's the closest person I can get as a father. He raise me when my own father won't." Kei said smiling and looking at all of them.

Ito and Yuki sense something off with that but of course Jin didn't. "Oh really? That's cool Kei!" Jin said as Kei stood up. "Yea well, I guess I'll be going now." Kei said as he walk away. "Hey we should hang out sometimes later right Ito, Yuki?" Jin question looking at his teammates. Ito didn't say anything while Yuki nodded and smile a small smile. "Yea sure."

Kei merely smile back nodding his head before turning around and staring at his father's glares. He flinch before following him down the mountainside and into the village.

"Why were you with them?" Sasuke question before Kei cross his arms and look away.

"I don't have to answer you." Kei said. It was the truth that he was bored and came across them and just decided to help. He wanted to know more about Yuki and about this village anyways.

"Answer me Kei."

"I thought you didn't care what I do." 'Or me for that matter…' Kei said in his head looking at his father once again.

"…" Sasuke was quiet as he just continued walking. "Don't get attach to them. Especially your half-brother."

"I won't." 'Or at least I hope.' Kei thought again as he sigh. He probably would end up attach to them like Suigetsu said. Besides that was the first time someone said something like that to him. Asking him to hang out later and he'll admit he was happy but as usual he hides it behind his idiotic façade.

"So…what do you need me for?" question Kei. Sasuke stop and Kei nearly bump him and wondered what happen. Looking around Sasuke he stared at the man in front of him. It was the sliver haired man, Hatake Kakashi.

"Ah Seiji-sensei, it's rare to see you wandering around. Hmm? And who may that be?" question Kakashi staring at Kei. Kakashi also notice the similarities between Kei, Sasuke, and Yuki and a theory started rolling in his head as he observe Kei.

"He's only a guest, he isn't part of this exam. Simply visiting." Sasuke said. As Kei stayed motionless behind him like a scared child. Kei wasn't scared at all from Kakashi, he notice how Kakashi was staring at him and he knew that this man will connect the puzzle pretty soon.

Nobody knows about him anyways, his birth was a secret with only Juugo, Suigetsu, Karin and Sasuke knowing. Yuki's birth wasn't much of a secret at all, almost the whole village knew about him, they just didn't know he has Uchiha's blood flowing inside of him.

"Ah well, I think we should go…Seiji-sensei?" Kei whispered the last part as he stared at Sasuke.

"Fine since your not answering, how about it kid? What's your name?" question Kakashi. "Uh…Keitaro…but you can just call me Kei." Kei said hesitantly as he step out of Sasuke's shadow.

"So Kei-kun, you having fun around Konoha?" question Kakashi. "Um…yes actually."

"I heard you met Team7."

"Team 7?"

"Yuki-chan, Ito-chan, and Jin-chan."

"Ah yes…just today. How'd you know?" question Kei. "I have my sources." Kakashi said as he pulled out his infamous now green book of Ichi Ichi tactics.

"Hatake Kakashi, hajimemashite."

"Huh oh hajimemashite." Kei said bowing back at Kakashi who seem to be smiling behind his face.

"Kawaii, you look much cuter then Ito-chan is, and when I mean cuter I mean girlier." "W-what?!" Kei stutter out blushing. Sasuke knew that Kakashi was teasing Kei but he's not going to say anything, he was busy wondering why Kakashi was talking to them, especially paying attention to Kei. Way too much attention…

"Ne Seiji-sensei may I borrow him?" question Kakashi. "No."

"Oh why not?" Kakashi ask before he heard familiar footsteps.

"Oi old man!" someone shouted and the three turn to see Yuki once again. "I just finish washing…what are you doing?" he question looking back and fourth from Sasuke to Kakashi. Kei was just standing there with barely a blush on his face.

"Did Kakashi-sensei say something or am I just imagining things?" Yuki ask towards Kei who turn. "Ah nothing!!! Nothing at all!" "That's just makes me more curious." Yuki muttered as Kei laugh nervously.

"Oh Yuki-chan (Yuki glared) what brings you here?" question Kakashi. "I need you to train me. That jutsu…I haven't perfected it yet." Yuki stated looking at Sasuke who was looking at him.

"Let's do it some other time Yuki-chan. It's getting late and you need some rest." Kakashi stated in a more serious tone. Yuki understand before nodded. "Fine…" he said before he made a move to leave. "Hold up Yuki-chan! I have a question for you!" Kakashi stated and Yuki turned around. Kakashi ran up to Kei grabbing holding of him and casually slung his arm around Kei. "Doesn't he look like you? Only more girly?" Kakashi ask. Yuki glared and Kei once again tried hiding his blush. Sasuke clench his fist in irritation.

"You call all of use girly." Yuki mustered out. "Yes but Kei's on top of the list now! Ito is second, you're third, Eiji is fourth, and Shiro is fifth. Jin of course is last." "Well good for him, he's looks more manlier then us. Too bad he doesn't act like it." Yuki retorted sarcastically.

"Aw don't be sad Yuki-chan!" Kakashi said letting go of Kei. "Whatever…oh hey Kei…Jin was looking for you, he obviously wanted to know if you wanted to hang out with us for ramen." Yuki said. "Ah s-…sorry but I…" "Go ahead…" Sasuke said sighing before Kei stared at him. "Just go, don't stay out too late." Sasuke said as he saw Kei's smile before walking over to Yuki. "Alright, I guess I could go." Kei said while Yuki nodded his lip lifting up a bit.

Sasuke almost smack his forehead as he rub his temple shaking his head. This isn't going as plan. It seems like everyone is being comfortable around here when war is only a few days away.

"I know who he is…" a voice interrupted him and he look up to see Kakashi. "What?"

"I know who he is, I obviously know who you are as well." Kakashi stated. "Of course."

"Then why are you still hiding behind that disguise?"

"It's much easier to walk like this then in my previous form don't you think?" Sasuke stated crossing his arms.

"So, Kei's Yuki's brother, younger brother I should say."

"How did you…?" then he saw Kakashi's eyes and immediately knew that Kakashi trick him. "I didn't. But you just confirm it. He seems innocent enough though."

"You have no idea." Sasuke muttered. "Why aren't you guys arresting me since you know who I am?" "Well Naruto said that you may know where Sakura is."

"Sakura? But I…"

"Do you?"

"I don't, what did happen to her?" Sasuke ask. Kakashi could see the look in Sasuke's eyes and shook his head.

"You know, you should stop keeping everyone in the dark, it would be much easier if you just ask for help. We all have a common enemy you know."

"Do we? And who may that be." silence befalls them before Kakashi narrow his eyes and Sasuke followed his gaze. He saw the Ankoku group and he also narrow his eyes

"They are just waiting for us to make our move so they can get what they want during the chaos. Let's go talk to Naruto, he'll explain everything and you have to explain everything as well." Kakashi stated. Sasuke sigh before glaring at Kakashi. "Fine. But why are you coming along?" question Sasuke. "So the both of you won't kill each other most likely you would."

---

"Hey! So you're Kei!" Asako said shaking the said boy's hand. "Ah yes."

"I'm Kurochi Asako Ito's imouto!" Asako stated. "Ah I see…"

"Eiji's not here?" question Yuki. "What do you think? He's not coming with the idiot around. You know how much they hate each other." Shiro stated yawning. "By the way, I'm Nara Shiro. Nice to meet you Kei." Shiro said nodding his head. "Ah, nice to meet you."

"Sup Kei!" Jin started saying and grabbed hold of Kei in a headlock. "Ah konbanwa! I'm Kane, this is Ki and Kumo." Kane said introducing his cousins and shaking his hand with Kei.

"Your father is the kazekage right?"

"Yes." Kane said nodding his head before yelling at Jin.

Everybody was laughing and yelling that Kei couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry you'll get use to this." he heard a voice and turn to see Yuki. "I already have seeing my mother and uncle like this." he said shaking his head at that thought. "Oh really? Must be unbearable." Yuki said then looking at Kei's face he grabbed both of his cheeks stretching. "Itte!" Kei said before Yuki let go. "That old man is right, you do look like a girl." Yuki said "are you sure you're not one?" he question folding his arms. "I'm not!" Kei said almost pouting. "You act like a kid, more then Jin does," "What about me? I heard my name!" Jin shouted before getting hit on the head by Asako. "Everybody keep saying that I look like a girl, it's not fair at all." "Well you do, that's for sure." Yuki said casually before getting hit in the head. "Hey!" he yelled out before glaring at Kei who glared back.

"Oh so this is where you guys were!" a voice sounded out and everybody turned to see Taiyou and Hikari. " Ah! Hikari-chan! Taiyou-chan join us!"

"Aren't you guys supposed to be training?" Taiyou question. "We were but that idiot ended us up with washing the Hokage's faces." Yuki muttered. "It took us almost the entire day but Kei came to help us!" Jin exclaim. "Kei?" Taiyou stated and look over to the said boy and widen his eyes. "I didn't expect you to be here, I thought you'll be with Seiji-sensei." Taiyou stated.

"Looks like he had a change of heart." Kei muttered before motioning them to sit. "By the way, sorry for what my father did." Kei whispered to Hikari and Taiyou. "No it's completely alright!" Hikari said. "How is taking our village hostage and threatening to destroy it okay?!" Taiyou whispered angrily. "Unless you could do something about it Kei, I'm not going to accept your apology yet." Taiyou said. "Taiyou-chan…" Hikari said whispering. "I wonder what got you so work up," Yuki said barely hearing the conversation. He heard "…sorry…my father…our village…it okay?" before he cut in. Kei must of done something to piss them off or more likely Taiyou.

"It's nothing." Taiyou said crossing her arms turning away. "Sure it is," Yuki muttered throwing something at her making it hit her head. "Why you!!!" she shouted grabbing the back of her head standing up and glaring at Yuki. Yuki merely smirk and open his mouth to speak. "Don't worry about whatever you're worrying about. We'll be there to help." Yuki stated before continuing to eat his ramen. "Did the great Haruno Katsuyuki just offer help?" Jin question and saw the look on Yuki's face. "Hah! He did! You never offered help much less ask for it!" Jin said clapping his hand. "Cheers everybody! The teme does have a heart!" Jin stated while Yuki immediately glared at Jin. "Jin shut up." Ito stated rubbing his head.

"Humph, at least Yuki doesn't have a cold heart unlike someone." Jin muttered and was only answered with Ito's glared. Jin stuck out his tongue before Asako lifted a cup to his face. "Cheers right? For Yuki?" Asako said before Jin laugh and nodded his head. Everybody just started laughing with Ito shaking his head and Yuki grumbling. "You guys are all bunch of idiots." he said before he was force to join in.

---

Bakemonos of Konoha

The next day seem so early for the three as they trudge towards their usual training ground. "Damn, that was one party…" "Why did that old man offered sake? Doesn't he know that we were underage?" Yuki muttered shaking his head. Fortunately he didn't get drunk last night, it was only Kumo, Kane, Jin, Shiro slightly, Kei slightly, and Taiyou. Asako would have drunk some too but Ito was there and he would kill her if she did.

"Damn! I hate hangovers!"

"Yuki heal him so we don't have to hear him complain!" Ito yelled out frustrated as Yuki sigh. "Fine." Yuki stated placing his hand on top of Jin's head and let flowing chakra into Jin's head. Jin started to feel better and he sigh as he then trip and fell.

"Nice idiot," Yuki said smirking as he left the blond in the ground. As the two reach the clearing, they turned back not seeing Jin. "Are you sure he didn't pass out?"

"Are you sure you didn't overdose him?" Ito said back. "You can't overdose healing chakra Ito."

"I was just saying." Ito shrug his shoulders as he jump up, back flipped and landed by a nearby rock. "Let's spar then, I'm sure the noise will wake him up if he pass out." "Fine." and without warning Yuki charge.

Jin lifted up his head as soon as the two disappeared from his senses. It was an act that he played as he laid there on the ground thinking. He didn't understand it, the two seem to be getting stronger each day while it seems like he was the same.

Team 7 was famous and known as the bakemonos at other villages. Here they were expected to take after their parents footsteps and reach the top. He sigh as he stood up when he suddenly felt a presence behind him. Turning around he saw Saki in her Sakura form. "Ah Uzumaki-san." she said bowing low while Jin blink. "Sakura-chan right?" he question and Saki nodded. "What are you doing here?" he question. "Oh I was just wandering around." 'Pfft, yea right…' Jin said incredulously.

"How about you Uzumaki-san?"

"Jin."

"Huh?"

"Just call me Jin." Jin said standing up and look down at the girl. "How old are you again 10?" Jin question.

"I'm 12! Do I look ten to you?!" she question and Jin flinch. She is Sasuke's "adopted" daughter so Jin wondered why she didn't act like him being around him for so long. "Ah sorry." she muttered rubbing the back of her head. "Ah it's nothing! I'm use to it!" Jin said sweat dropping and then stated his question once again.

"Oh I was looking for Yuki nii-chan! I heard his birthday pass before the exam started so I wanted to give him a present!" "Nii-chan?" Jin question. "Yep!" Saki said happily her face lighting up. "Ah I see." 'Heh, I wondered how the Uchiha will react to this…' he wondered before hearing a huge boom. "What was that?" Saki question and Jin sigh. "That was Yuki. I think he'll destroy everything again." Jin stated looking behind him.

"Aren't you supposed to be training?" Saki ask while Jin nodded his head. "Yea but I don't feel like it." Jin muttered placing his arms behind his head. "Why is that?" she question. "Because I just don't." and Saki glared at his rudeness. "Fine don't tell me." Saki stated before she walk towards the training grounds.

"I wouldn't disturb them if I was you." Jin stated catching up to her.

"I won't, I'll stand by the sidelines."

"No way, like I would let someone like you watch them train."

"And why is that?"

"Because you're our next opponents that's why!" Jin stated.

"Then go train, I can give nii-chan's present later."

"Why do you want me to train so bad?"

"So I can have a worthy opponent to fight with." Saki stated while crossing her arms.

"Worthy? You can go ahead and fight Yuki or Ito."

"I heard a rumor going around that you guys are the so called Monsters of the hidden leaf. Is that true?"

"No…just Ito and Yuki." Jin said unsurely. Saki raise a brow at this as she sigh. "The rumor also includes you you know that? The child of a demon, a cursed blood, and an unforgivable bloodline." Saki said restating what she heard from the tea shop earlier. Jin narrow his eyes before Saki put her arms up in defense. "That's what they say. I don't think your father is a demon, he seems pretty nice." Saki stated before Jin sigh and look away. "The child of a demon eh? I'm not like them, I'm the weakest one in the group so I wonder why they dub me as a monster."

"It's rare to see you be put down by yourself." Saki matter. "What?"

"From what I see, you're as strong as them! They've been your teammates for a long time right? They probably wouldn't have made it this far without you." Saki stated scolding Jin before Jin nervously laugh. "Heh, you're right. I guess I should go train now." Jin stated. "Yea, and if you need someone to cheer you up I'll be there!" Saki stated. "Though you're my opponent."

"For now, just wait after we fight then we'll see." Saki stated grinning and Jin couldn't help grinning back. "Man, I didn't know that I'll get lecture by a 10 year old." "I'm 12!"

---

His Duty

"OI MIRU!!!" Jun shouted out as Miru sigh opening her room door. "What do you want Jun?" ask Miru. "Have you seen Koden-chan?" he question while Miru shook her head. "No, he's always disappearing so don't get involve with him that much." Miru stated. "You seem grumpier then usual." Jun stated. "You think? With you shouting all the time I hardly have enough to sleep! Not to mention that Fuchi-sama will be here soon!" Miru stated before closing the door on Jun. Jun wince muttering an ouch before continuing his search for the blue haired man. "KODEN-CHAN! WHERE ARE YOU?!"

Koden wasn't in Konoha, nor wasn't he ever near it. He had gone to see Akira after telling the said person's daughter about Shinwa. Nobody realizes that he was in the room as he took a small blood sample from Akira and then healing the cut running off. He had place the blood in a vial and knew that will be very useful for his secret mission. He soon near a cave covered with vines before walking over and lifting up his hand touching the invisible barrier. "I thought so." he muttered before opening the vial and smearing the barrier with Akira's blood. "Finally."

---

Team 7

Yuki and Ito stop as they heard rustling and Jin emerged from the trees waving at them. "Hey? How's training?" he question. "You've been out for almost an hour, what have you been doing?" question Yuki suspiciously as Jin look away trying not to give anything away. "Oh nothing. Come on, let's start training!" Jin stated happily before the two sigh but smirk anyways.

---

Team 10-Asako's bad day

Asako slam down her giant sword on another rock breaking it into pieces as her teammates flinch. She was angry they knew but they don't know what. They would never understand girls, especially Asako. Eiji thought it was because of what that Koden guy said so when he ask about it Asako shook it away and said it wasn't that. Shiro didn't even bother trying to figure it out as he stared at Asako's angry face and fighting form. "Should we go calm her down before she destroys everything?" Shiro whispered. They flinch again as Asako broke a tree. "I don't think so, unless you want to end up like that tree." Eiji stated. "Ah…"

Asako herself doesn't know why she was mad. She just felt this rage rising inside of her and she needed to destroy something or else she would explode. She's been having a bad day since the time she found out that the Koden guy was a Tsubasa. Not only was her father coming back soon, but he's coming back to finish what he started years back. She had also woke up with a bad hair day so she currently had her hair up in a ponytail, trip and scrap her knee, was push around by the crowded streets, and they sold out her favorite snack onigiris. She couldn't help it if she liked onigiris; Ito doesn't like onigiris he oddly like chocolates…a lot of them.

Asako kept hitting everything in her way as she saw that the other two were just watching her. She turned to them and they all of a sudden tense up. "What's wrong with you guys?" she question. "Ah nothing! Nothing at all!" Eiji said waving his hands in front of him. "You're not going to kill us right?" Shiro stated bluntly and Asako raise a brow. "Why would I kill you guys?" she question. "Because you're mad." Shiro stated. "You saying I'm crazy?" "N-No!" Shiro immediately denied it seeing the look on her face. "He means that you look angry." Eiji said carefully starting to back away. "Oh you think?!" she yelled out before she slams her broad sword onto the ground making an indent. "Why are you suddenly shouting?" Shiro ask also backing away. "It's nothing!"

"Ah Asako, your hair it's…"Eiji didn't get to finish as his mouth was covered by Shiro. "Don't say anything about that…" he whispered before removing his hand. "Why's that?" Eiji whispered back. "I have an older sister remember? So I just know these things…" Shiro shuddered as he shook his mind and look up at Asako. She seems to be directing her attention somewhere else and Shiro sigh. "So you're saying?" Eiji ask "don't say anything about their hair when they're having a bad hair day." Shiro whispered back before Eiji blink and look up at Asako. "By the way…why are we whispering?" he question before standing up and look down at Shiro who sigh and also stood up.

"Don't know why…should we start training?" "Yea…I think we should…far away from Asako," "Good enough for me," and the two set off to a nearby training area staying away from the fuming girl.

---

Friendships

"Oi, tou-san."

"What is it?"

"How long have you've been friends with the Hokage?" Kane ask sitting up and catching the ball that he was previously playing with. "What kind of question is that?" Gaara ask not turning to look at him. "Well, just answer the question, I mean you guys must have met somewhere. Like me and Jin for example."

"Jin and I." he corrected Kane and Kane shook his head. "Jin and I for example, we known each other since we were three right? We only met because you two, the Hokage and you, were friends."

"That's true."

"Then how did you guys became friends? I ask Temari oba-san and Kankorou oji-san but they simply shook their heads."

"You really want to know?" Gaara ask and Kane nodded eagerly. "Yea!"

"Hmm…We almost killed each other." he stated before turning back to his paperwork. Kane raise a brow at that. "Almost killed each other?" he question. "Yes, back then when we teamed up with sound and planned to take over Konoha. We almost killed each other during the invasion." "Oh…what happen after that?"

"Don't know we just became friends I guess." Kane look deflated and grumble. "Whatever." before lying back down onto his futon and turning his back on his father. "You're boring tou-san!" he muttered. "Hmm."

---

Their situation-Memories

"Naruto-kun…" a soft whisper was heard before Naruto turned towards the door. In walk his wife Uzumaki Hinata. "What is it Hinata-chan?" Naruto question standing up ignoring the paper work.

"You seem stress out lately; here I made a cup of noodles for you." Hinata stated handing him the noodles. Naruto's face immediately brightens up before taking the cup and kissing her. He soon started eating and mumbled "amrigamo!" Hinata blush but giggle as she went to sit next to him putting her head on his shoulders before sighing.

"Something wrong?" Naruto ask and stop eating. "No nothing really, it's just that…everything had become much harder these days." Hinata muttered. "True…Sakura-chan's missing, Akira-chan's in a coma, Shinwa ran away, teme's our enemy, Yuki-chan has bad guys going after him, Jin-chan is still recovering from Shin's death…Ito-chan is getting weaker…not to mention that I might go to war with my best friend…wait my former best friend…Oh! And Kakashi-sensei's getting old!" Naruto stated and Hinata giggled at the last part before another silence befalls them.

"Do you really think that Shinwa-san will come back to kill Akira-san?" Hinata ask. "Hah! That's highly unlikely. Shinwa will never harm Akira-chan. He loves getting her mad though…" Naruto stated. "But what happen…"

"He's just like teme, he doesn't tell anyone anything." Naruto muttered. "Ah…I heard what happen in the first exam."

"With Jin-chan?" Naruto question and Hinata nodded. "Hai, the genjutsu that was put on him showed Shin-kun dying once again in his arms. I'm not sure if he's really stable to take on the exams…you know how much I worry about him." Hinata said clenching Naruto's arm. "Don't worry! Jin-chan is a strong boy! Besides, he got his nakama with him." Naruto whispered. Hinata notice the sound of his voice and her grip on him got tighter before Naruto look down. He smiled sadly and Hinata smiled back with the same look. 'Team 7 is no more…I hope that the same thing doesn't happen to them…'

---

Guarding the Generations

The sun was slowly setting before Kakashi stretch once again and stared at the village from the rooftop. He would admit he was getting old but he won't show it. 'I need to retire soon…' he stated before sighing. 'I'm amaze that I survive this long in this dangerous world…' he stood up before reminiscing the old days when both Sakura and Sasuke was still here and Naruto was the usual knuckleheaded ninja. Nowadays, it seems Naruto has gotten even older then himself, he look so stress out and Kakashi won't blame him. He did lose two of his best friends but he was lucky to have a family that'll keep him company while Kakashi is by his lonesome as usual. His duty now is to watch this generation and hope that everything doesn't repeat itself this time for a completely different reasons. Something big will happen, but by then, he'll probably be in the hospital before it begins.

---

A Father's Burden-A Mother's Pain

Neji sigh deeply before leaning back into his chair. It's been almost 18 years since Hinata handed him the title of the Hyuga clan. Like Naruto said before in the chuunin exams when they were younger that he abolish the system of the head branch and the lower branch. He was surprise when it work and the elders had agreed with some arguments but it worked out.

He could feel war coming soon but he feels it won't be with Uchiha but with those guys that were after Yuki. He knew that they must have many more companions then those three and the guy name Fuchi…the man who killed his son. His fist clench at the thought as he remembered Jin's body over Shin's. Jin was crying almost bawling and never stop until he fell unconscious. The truth is, he didn't really know if Fuchi had killed Shin, he had doubts and kept wondering if Jin had really did it.

But the looks on Jin's face that night three years ago told him otherwise, not to mention how hard his teammates defended him in court as well. He never seen Ito and Yuki that angry and confident and they really stuck by him. Unfortunately, what they said didn't convince the rest of the clan.

Eiji, his youngest son hates Jin to point of wanting to kill him; Eiji was very close to Shin. Hoshi hardly remember the event but she knows about it, not to mention she was confuse before she understood. Then his oldest son Yasuo also hated Jin but not as much as Eiji. He should have told them the truth when the Yamanka's went into Jin's mind for his memories of that night. Yasuo knows a little bit but not enough to convince him to stop hating Jin. "Neji?" he heard a voice said. He recognize the voice as he turned to see Tenten coming in.

"Ah, what is it?" he question standing up. Tenten smiled briefly before looking back. "Eiji wants you to train him, you haven't done that for a while you know?" Tenten stated. "Ah, you're right…who is his team fighting?" Neji question. "Team Retsu from the rock village." Tenten stated before seeing Neji's stress out face. "Are you okay? Is it the clan or…?" Tenten question before walking towards him and wrapping her arms around him. "I'm fine…where is Eiji?" he asks before Tenten pointed to the door. "Out in the back waiting." Tenten stated before Neji nodded and left her there.

Tenten sigh before scratching her head. She turned towards the paper that was one Neji's desk and picks it up. It was the case about Shin's death and she look down sadly. She can feel tears coming to her eyes as she shook her head. "Everything will be alright, it has to be." she whispered to no one in particular as she put it away and left the room.

---

Bitter Chocolate

"Ah Ito-san!" Hikari said hesitantly holding the grocery bag close to her. "Oh, hey Hikari-san." Ito said before grabbing a chocolate bar. "You…like chocolates?" she question slowly before Ito turned to her with a piece in his mouth. He simply nodded his head as he paid for the sweet. "That's surprising." she said before paying for her stuff. "Oh? How so?" he question placing another piece in his mouth. "Uh, it's just that…you seem really cold…and distant…and scary…?"

"I'm scary?" he question raising a brow. "I don't mean it in a bad way!" she yelled out blushing "I mean…you're nice and you care for your friends…not to mention you're very strong!" she said nervously fidgeting. "Heh, that's the first." Ito muttered before breaking a piece of chocolate and handing it to her. "Uh arigatou." she said eating the piece.

She suddenly stops walking when she felt his stares on her. She looks up and cocks her head at his look. "You got some chocolate on your face." he said gesturing to his lips as Hikari blush once again. "Uh r-right!" she stated wiping the right side of her lip. "Wrong side." he said before reaching out with his hand and wiping the chocolate off with his thumb. Hikari blush deepen before she turned away and starting wiping the rest of it off.

"Thank you…" she whispered. When she look up again she saw Ito smirking before he made a laughing sound and turned away. Hikari confuse went after him before coming to his side. "What is it Ito-san?" "Nothing." he muttered having his emotionless face back on again. "A-Are you sure? I mean…" "Don't worry it's nothing." Ito said before lightly tapping her forehead with the back of his hand. "A-alright…" she whispered before placing a hand on her forehead.

"U-Um so…I guess I'll be going, I need to drop these off to Taiyou-chan…" Hikari said making a move to walk away before she was stop. "It's this way isn't it?" Ito question and Hikari blush in embarrassment. "R-Right…" "I'll walk you so that you won't get lost," Ito stated before Hikari nodded her head and followed him.

As they near the inn, Ito narrows his eyes and scowl when he saw Takashi standing there on the balcony. Takashi notices him as well and glared at him before noticing Hikari. Takashi jump down from the balcony and came in front of them before grabbing Hikari's hand pulling her towards him. "I thought your mother told you to stay away from him?" he stated before he let go of her hand. "I'm fine, nothing happen." Hikari said looking away. "Tch, whatever." he stated before pushing her inside the inn.

He look back glaring at him and then cross his arms. "You stay away from her as well vile blood, I don't care if you were born in Konoha but you are still a Kurochi."

"It shouldn't matter to you Kurakara, I don't have to listen to you…nor does she." Ito said gesturing towards Hikari who was watching them through the window. "When did you start caring for someone?" Takashi stated more then a question before Ito tch and started to walk away.

Takashi narrow his eyes before an idea pop into his head. He stared at Ito's retreating back and smirk before saying "don't tell me you're in love with her?" he stated before Ito stop.

Ito turned back around staring at Takashi before a smirk slowly appeared on his face. It wasn't the reaction that he wanted. "Hah you must be joking." before he walked away.

Takashi smirk disappeared and tch before walking back inside the inn. He saw Hikari standing there fidgeting before looking up. "Takashi-kun…" she whispered. "Did you hear anything?" he question. "Uh no, not really why?" she question. "Forget it, its nothing." he muttered as he walks past her. "Go after him if you want, I don't really care anymore." he stated before Hikari turned around looking at his back. "I won't tell your mother, that's a promise." he said disappearing into his room. Hikari briefly smiled before shouting out "arigatou Takashi-kun!" and ran to meet up with Ito.

"Hikari-san?" Ito asks surprise. "Uh um…did you two get into an argument again?" she question. "No…barely."

"Oh…alright."

"…"

"Uh you know Takashi-kun's not that bad of a guy!" she stated nervously before Ito simply nodded. "That's hard to believe…" he stated before looking at Hikari. She looks sad but was briefly smiling to cover it up.

"Ah well…I want you guys to get along so…please don't fight no more…" she stated as she stop walking. "I must be bothering you Ito-san, I'll leave then…" she muttered looking down onto the ground. She wouldn't tell Takashi but she did hear the conversation and she didn't know why but her chest hurt…a lot. Taiyou did point out that she may like Ito a lot but she shook it away and said that it was something else.

When she was about to turn around and walk away she heard Ito's voice. "Hold up, I have something to show you." and Hikari stared at him confused. "W-What?" "Just hurry." he said before he started to walk away. Hikari hesitantly follow and stayed close to him. Besides, night was falling and the sun was almost out. She has to admit that Konoha is scary during the night.

"Here," Ito stated pushing some branches away and Hikari walk through. She widens her eyes and a smile reaches her face as she stared at the scenery. "It's beautiful…"she said before turning to him. It was a gigantic lake shimmering in the moonlight. There were also some fireflies flying around lighting up the lake. The Hokage Mountains was viewable and when Hikari look off to the side she could see some of Konoha but most of it was block by trees.

"My team found this place by accident. Now we use to come out here whenever we feel like it." Ito stated. Hikari look at him and smiled and look up towards the moon. "No one else found this place?" she question before noticing Ito's head shake. "Someone else found it as well…Hokage-sama and his wife. But they hardly come here anymore." "I see, this place must be sad and lonely don't you think?" she question stepping back. "Ah Hikari!" Ito cried out but it was too late as Hikari slip and fell into the lake but she felt Ito grabbed her arm and both of them fell in.

"Ah Ito-san, I'm sorry! You alright?" she question slowly opening her eyes. The lakeside wasn't that deep as she has her arms out to support her weight the water only going to her elbows. When she opens her eyes she gasps and blushes.

Ito was on top of her with his arms out to hold his weight and she couldn't see his eyes as it was covered with his bangs, not to mention his hair was wet. "I-Ito-san?" she question hesitantly.

She could feel his breathing and her breathe seem to stop as he got closer to her. "I-Ito…" she didn't finish as she felt a slight pressure on her lips. It disappeared as soon as it came and she looks up at Ito who was standing but his back was to her. "We should go." he muttered before Hikari nodded. "Y-Yea…" as she stood up.

Both of them were quiet as Hikari headed towards the inn. "Sayonara…" she whispered not looking back before walking towards her room that she shared with Taiyou. "Aa." Ito said not looking at her as she disappeared. He walks slowly home as he clench his fist place his hand on his face covering his mouth. 'Damn…'

"Hikari! Where were you?" Taiyou question while Hikari simply shook her head almost on the verge of tears. "What's wrong?" Taiyou question walking towards her as Hikari slide down to the floor. "I-its n-nothing…" as her shoulder shook. "It's not nothing!" Taiyou yelled out as she grabbed her shoulders. When Hikari look up she was crying and she grabbed hold onto Taiyou as one sentence ran through her head. "Don't come near me anymore…I don't want to see you."

Asako heard the door open and then footsteps going up the stairs. "Ito nii-san?" She question as she look around the corner. She then heard his door slam and she flinches wondering what had gotten into him. "Ito? What's wrong?" she question and she stood up and went towards his room.

Ito clench his head as he recall the scene and glared angrily at nothing it particular, he was mostly mad at himself. He could hear Asako pounding on his door before opening it harshly. "What?" she blinks in surprise at the tone of his voice before recovering. "What's wrong with you? Did something happen?" she question before Ito sigh and shook his head. "No, nothing." before he made a motion to close the door. Asako quickly place her foot in between the door stopping it from closing. "Tell me Ito, I'm your sister…" "It's…complicated…" "Fine…tell me later then. You want chocolate?" "No, not now." Asako stumbled in surprise as Ito close his door and she gape. Ito never refuses chocolate, not ever. Something must've happen to him as Asako scratched her head as she rock back and forth trying to figure it out. In the end nothing came into mind.

---

Brothers

"Why are you here again?" Yuki question as he grunted as Kei look through his refrigerator. "Aren't going to give me a tour or something?" Kei question grabbing a tomatoes from Yuki's kitchen. "Man, you eat as much as Jin. Did you just come here to eat my food?" he question. "No, not really. Besides, I'm hungry." "Did you eat anything this morning?" Yuki question. "Um…cereal, toast, drink some milk, a couple of dangos, oh and some chicken with rice." Yuki sweat dropped and sighs. "How long ago since you ate that?" "An hour ago." Kei answered watching the ramen cup spinning in the microwave. "And you…AND YOU ARE STILL HUNGRY?!" he shouted out as Kei flinch cowering away from him. "It's not my fault I have a BIG stomach!" Kei retorted pouting and crossing his arms.

Yuki sigh as place two fingers on the bridge of his nose before looking at Kei who stared at him innocently. "Come on, it's time to give you the tour." Yuki stated and Kei grin. "Alrighty then! Right after I eat my ramen!" Kei stated but Yuki grabbed him and drag him out the door.

"So…where do you want to go?" question Yuki as Kei was looking around the area. "I don't know, maybe the hospital?" Kei question. Yuki sigh before nodding his head. "Fine, this way then!" Yuki stated pulling him over to the direction of the hospital.

"Whoa…this is the first time I've seen a hospital." Kei said as he happily walks inside. "You serious?" Yuki question already tired of Kei's antics. He followed after him anyways hoping that Kei's not getting into trouble.

"Ah Yuki-san ohayou!"

"Ohayou."

"Sup Yuki!"

"Hey Yuki!"

"Wow, everyone knows you here." Kei stated walking behind him and looking around the building. "My mother was a doctor here, she always takes me and I usually play around the hospital." "Really? That's cool!" Kei stated as he then peek into a room.

"Kei what are you doing?" Yuki question as he stop and look back at Kei. "Can we visit the patients?" Kei ask as Yuki nodded. "Sure, but be quiet." Yuki stated as Kei nodded his head and walk inside. Yuki simply stood by the door leaning on the frame watching the scene played out.

"Hello!" Kei stated as the old man who was looking out the window turned to look at him. "Oh hello to you too." "How are you doing?" Kei ask as he grabbed a chair and sat on it staring at the man. "I am fine, you young man?"

"I'm fine as well."

"Ah, I see. You here visiting someone?" the old man question. "No, I'm here with my…friend. He's giving me a tour and I've never been in a hospital before." Kei stated. "Really? Where are you from?"

"Um…around."

"Won't say eh? Well that's okay, everyone have secrets that they have to keep. By the way my name is Arata Daisuke." he reaches out a hand for a hand shake which Kei accepted. "My name is Keitaro." "No family name?"

"I don't really consider a family name."

"Oh really? Why is that?"

"My mother didn't have a family name and my father…" Kei simply shook his head as he also stared out the window. "Konoha is beautiful."

"I agree…I will be sad to see this gone soon."

"What do you mean?" Kei question cocking his head. Daisuke simply shook his head as a voice cut through their conversation. "Come on Kei, you want to see the rest of the hospital don't you?" It was Yuki as he walk up to them and stood besides Kei. "Yea but…" "It's time for his check up anyways, the nurse is already here." Yuki stated pointing behind him and indeed the nurse was already there awaiting their leave.

"Alright, I'll come back to visit Arata-san." "Ah…that'll be nice." he said before Kei left with Yuki and then they walk around some more.

"Hey, do you know what Arata-san mean by it'll be sad to see this gone?" Kei question cocking his head towards Yuki's direction. Yuki was silent for awhile before he answered.

"This is a hospital Kei. You should know that people die here." Yuki stated before Kei stop and turned around. "What? Aren't hospital suppose to save people?" question Kei. "Yea but we're only human…just like them. We have to do what we have to do to save them. Passing our limits to save a life but you soon realize we're just human just like them."

"Did…you try saving someone?"

"…Ah…a friend of mines. But I was too late." Yuki stated before they once again continued walking. "It's sad…death I mean." "Yes…for those who are living."

"Have you ever seen death?"

"Are you really that naïve? Of course I have. Why have you?"

"My…mother…" Kei hesitantly said. "Let me ask you something…have you ever killed before?"

"No…" Kei stated shaking his head. "No wonder. Have you ever been outside in the real world?"

"No…not really."

"And you call yourself a shinobi?" Yuki scoff as he shook his head.

"It's not my fault! My mother…she kept me in a confine room for most of my life. The only time I could go out is either I'm training or eating." Kei stated while looking away. "Training?"

"Yea…she trains me. So does my uncle. Though…I don't know what I'm fighting for…I don't even know why I'm alive." Yuki stop and suddenly hit Kei's forehead with the back of his hand.

"W-What?!" Kei ask holding his forehead and glaring at Yuki. Yuki simply shook his head as he grabbed his ear and shake his head. "No one is alive for no reason Kei." Yuki stated before they heard a ball bouncing. They each look up and saw a child about 10 year's old running after a ball.

It landed near Yuki's feet as he pick it up and kneel down to the kid's height. "Ah Yuki nii-chan!" the kid cried out as he ran to get the ball. "Kyo-kun, long time no see."

"You haven't been here for awhile now! Where have you been the whole time?" the kid name Kyo ask. "Gomen, I was training for the exams." "The jounin exams? I want to see you fight!" Kyo stated. He then notice Kei who nervously wave at him as Kyo blink. "Whose he?"

"Oh, your new playmate." Yuki stated before Kei blink and he took in Yuki's words. "Playmate? What?!" Kei ask. "Come Kei. Let's go see all the other children." Yuki stated before he grabbed his ear once again and the followed Kyo to the children section.

Soon when they entered, a huge group of children came running to Yuki jumping on him and hugging him. "Alright alright!" Yuki stated before a smile grace his face. He let go of Kei's to his relief as Yuki kneel down to face them all. "Who is he Yuki nii-chan?" a girl ask pointing to Kei. "Nii-chan said that he's our new playmate!" Kyo stated before the kids crowded around him staring in awe.

"Wow! Come play with us then!" a little boy stated grabbing Kei's hand. "Ah…demo…!" Kei stated. "What? You're not good with kids?" Yuki question. "No…I'm not!" Kei replied. "It's okay! Let's play!" Kyo stated as he also grabbed onto Kei's hand. The kids lead him away as Kei hesitantly followed.

Yuki watch as the kids plays with Kei. A smile reach his face as he watch as the kids paint on Kei which Kei laugh at and as they dance around. He stood up suddenly and walk towards the exit when Kei's voice called out to him. "Are we going?" Kei question. "No, I'm just getting a drink. I'll be back." Yuki said before leaving. "Oh alright!" Kei yelled out.

Yuki stared at the cup of water before turning to see Kei playing with the kids and spinning them around. He seem to fit the scenery perfectly and Yuki shook his head sighing. He should be training but he did promise to take Kei around the village since Jin was busy helping his father.

Yuki stood up to throw away the cup when he felt a presence near. It was a strong presence, stronger then the medics here or any other patients besides the shinobis. Turning, he was surprise to see Sasuke leaning on the walls staring at Kei.

"Are you just going to stand there or what?" Yuki question breaking him out of his trance. Sasuke finally notice his presence before shaking his head. "He seems happy." Sasuke whispered but of course Yuki caught it before raising a brow. "Huh?" "Tell him to be back before it gets too late." and with that Sasuke simply left. Yuki merely stared at his back as he left before turning around and headed back to Kei and the kids. 'Those two…' Yuki started before shaking his head.

"You ready to go Kei? We need to see the rest of Konoha." "Oh right." Kei stated before the kids whine. "Don't worry, I'll be back." Kei stated lying…almost. "If he doesn't I'll drag him here. Maybe the idiot as well." Yuki promise them as they nodded their heads and wave good-bye to the two.

"Where to now?" question Kei as they walk out of the hospital. "Let's go to the academy." Yuki stated as they walk on. "Really?!"

"You excited?"

"Uh, I guess."

"Pfft, let's go then."

"Uh yea. Thanks anyway for taking me around the village."

"No prob. I want to anyways since Jin was being lazy.

" "Haha…yea…"

"Let's get going then."

"Hai!"

---

Wavering Hope

"It's rare to see you out and about." a voice said before Taiyou turned around and saw Yuki. "Oh, its you." "What? Not happy to see me?" Yuki question crossing his arms staring at Taiyou.

"I thought you were with Kei."

"He went home a few minutes ago, not to mention the sun's almost out. What are you doing out here anyways."

"Your dumb teammate did something to Hikari, I want to find her something to cheer her up."

"Who? Jin?"

"No, the other one."

"Ito?"

"Yea,"

"Why don't you get her chocolates?"

"No way!"

"Why not?"

"Ito-san likes chocolates."

"Ito…likes chocolates? How come I never heard of it?"

"How should I know, you're his teammate."

"Yea but not his mother." Yuki stated before joining her in her search. "So, what does Hikari likes? Oh and by the way, what did Ito do to her?" "Telling her off."

"That's it? Ito always tell people off."

"You don't understand! (Sigh) why am I not surprise?"

"Hey!" Yuki started glaring at her.

"Let's see, does Konoha have a gift shop?"

"Yea, near the Hokage's tower."

"More details then that please!"

"Fine, follow me."

"Huh?"

"Follow me! Besides my house is over there anyways."

"Whatever." she stated before following him.

"You ready for the jounin exams?" Taiyou question hoping to destroy the awkward silence on her part. "Aa." Taiyou narrow her eyes at his answer before crossing her arms.

"Jin's right, it's kind of hard to start a conversation with you."

"What? I'm not that hard to talk to."

"Yea, unless you're the one starting the conversation."

"Did Jin say that as well?"

"Uh huh, he also says that you're an ass, selfish, a bastard, a sore loser…"

"I get it I get it!" Yuki stated. Taiyou giggle at that before shaking her head. "Who listens to that loser anyways." "Well, most the things he says about you is true."

"And I don't need to know about them."

"Fine fine." Silence then befalls them once again but it wasn't so awkward no more as Yuki pointed to the shop.

"The Jounin exams isn't until three days away, you should be training you know!" Taiyou stated. "How about you?"

"I have to cheer up Hikari before the exams begins again! And I need to find your bastard-ass teammate and beat him up!"

"Hah good luck with that.

" "Why's that?!" Taiyou question glaring at him before looking at the objects on the shelves. "Ito hasn't been coming to train with us. Maybe Hikari not the only one upset." Yuki stated. "Hmm? Did he go hide or something?" "He usually does that when he's upset or angry. We can never find him so we wait for him to return." Yuki stated. "Hey this looks good!"

Taiyou turned to look at Yuki and sweat drop. "A chicken?" "Yea, it reminds me of that Uchiha's hair don't you think?" Yuki question before Taiyou blink and laugh trying to hold it in. "He'll probably kill you if he heard that." Taiyou stated before lifting another object. Yuki merely shrug before placing the chicken back and walk over to Taiyou's side.

"Ah Yuki-kun!!!" a voice stated before the two turned to see a girl blushing. "Ah…hi…?" Yuki said questionably. Taiyou gave him a glance and raise an eyebrow Yuki shrug his shoulders before putting their attention back on the girl.

"Um, please accept this!" she said bowing and in front of her was a letter. Yuki unwillingly accept it due to Taiyou's glaring noticing how he's going to insult. "Um…thanks…" the girl quickly disappear before being rejoin with two others of her friends.

Taiyou stared surprise as the girls gave her a glared as she stared at Yuki who was staring at the letter in his hands.

"Seems like you're really popular. Do you receive them everyday?" "Mostly. Especially in my academy days…ugg…" Yuki mumble before crumbling the letter. "Oi! That's mean! She probably work hard on that!" Taiyou stated. "Does it look like I care? Girls are annoying…and I'm nice enough already."

"Nice? Pfft, don't make me laugh."

"You weren't there during my academy days. How would you know?"

"Then pray tell me how you were so nice!?"

"One word…my mother."

"That's two."

"Whatever!" Yuki stated before picking up another object.

"I suggest we hurry, it's going to be dark soon."

"Yea yea…hmm, this looks nice." Taiyou stated picking up a necklace.

At the end of the chain, it had a metal ring with a sphere in the middle where you can put things in it although it is small. "This'll work!" "How so?"

"Remember the bead that Ito gave Hikari?"

"Yea…"

"Well, Hikari doesn't have anywhere to put it and since she can't place it in her hair since her mother will see."

"What's up with the Akatsuka and Kurochi at war?"

"Not war…they have a…violent rivalry."

"More like enemies."

"Not the point! Well, they've been fighting long before any can remember that it was simply forgot why we were fighting in the first place."

"You guys have a sucky history then."

"Like yours is any better." Taiyou retorted before something slam and she tense up immediately. Yuki has his arms on both side of Taiyou and he was standing closely behind her. "Don't relate me to him." he merely growl out before leaving and head outside. "I'll wait outside so you better hurry!" he said over his shoulders. As soon as he was gone Taiyou immediately relax. "I-I didn't mention anybody." she muttered before looking behind her. 'That aura just then…it's like Uchiha-san's…'

Yuki glared at nothing in particular before slapping himself in the face. "I'm so stupid…I shouldn't have done that." he muttered out before hearing the door open. He saw Taiyou step out as she smile at him hesitantly. "Uh Taiyou…" "Let's go! It's getting dark right?" Taiyou stated not facing him.

He can see how tense she was and almost slap himself again. 'I really need to control my temper like my mother…'

They soon reach the inn as Taiyou turned to say good-bye to Yuki. "Um…I'll see you later…and about earlier…I'm sorry for what I said." "No…I was out of hand…they did say I have a bad temper." Yuki stated. They both sigh before Taiyou lifted up her head and saw Yuki's expression, she laugh. "What?"

"Oh nothing, let's just forget about it okay?" Taiyou stated before Yuki smiled a bit and nodded his head. "Yea, let's forget about it. I'll see you later Taiyou, oh and tell Hikari that I'll beat Ito for her whatever he did." Yuki stated over his shoulders. "Yea…" Taiyou stated staring at his back before turning to retreat inside. Yuki stop a few moments before taking a quick glance behind him as Taiyou went inside.

He then look up and stared at the window and blink as he saw the figure looking back at him. "Uchiha…Sasuke." he muttered before he turned his back on him and walk off to his house.

---

A Twin's Bond

"I knew I'll find you here." Asako stated when she saw Ito's back as he faced the village. "What do you want?" Ito question with a tense voice. "Nothing much, I haven't seen you since two days ago. Do you even come home?" she question sitting besides him. "I do." "Yea, probably really late then." Asako muttered before looking at his face.

"Why don't you say anything?" Asako question. "Am I supposed to say something?" Asako tch turning her head away before pulling something out of her pocket. "Here, chocolate. And trust me, it's not dark chocolate." she stated after seeing his face. He took it before slowly opening it and taking a bite. "Like it? It's your faaaavorite!" Ito didn't show any signs of liking the candy before he turned to her.

"Aren't you supposed to be training?" Ito question staring at her.

"You're supposed to be as well!" she said before pinching his cheeks. Ito pulled away scowling at her before rubbing his cheek. "So…you still mad about what happen with Hikari-san?" she question not looking at him before Ito turned to her. "No." Ito immediately answered then stuff a piece of chocolate in his mouth.

Asako merely narrowed her eyes before crossing her arms. "Don't try to avoid the question, nor don't try to avoid her!" she yelled out pinching his cheeks again. He scowl once again but deeper as he tried to get away from her pinching.

Silence befalls them as Asako calmed down and stared towards the village.

"Asako-"

"Be quiet nii-chan. I know what you're going to say…" Asako stated before putting her head on his shoulder.

"It's been a long time since we last hung out with each other."

"Aa…"

"I miss the old days…everything was so easy…" she whispered. "Ne Ito…" "Nani?"

"Do you think…if we weren't ninjas…everything would have been easier?"

"Why do you say that? We have ninja blood in our veins, we can't run away from it." "More or less…" she whispered "I'm just saying…I bet it will be easier, I mean. The citizens of Konoha are always shopping and laughing. Hanging out with their friends…"

"Everyone have a darkness inside them Asako…they must overcome it if they want to reach the light…some…are longer then others…" Ito whispered before he shifted.

"Let's go home…"

"So you're actually going home early today?"

"Shut up Asako."

"I love you too onii-chan," Asako stated while jumping on him. "Asako…"

"Yes?" Asako question with a sing song voice grinning. "Forget it…" Ito muttered knowing that tone as Asako laugh. Ito piggyback Asako all the way home much to his dismay and Asako's amusement.

---

Heart of Konoha

"Ne tou-san." "Nani?" Naruto question as he look up from his paperwork that surrounded him.

Right now he was outside on the porch watching Jin train but he wasn't doing much watching since Hinata threaten him to finish his work or else no ramen tonight.

"Is our friendship similar to your guys?" he question. "Whose?"

"Ah never mind…forget that question…"Jin stated continuing his training. "What is it Jin?" Naruto said pushing him to answer, he really want to know what Jin was going to ask anyways. "Um it's nothing…I was just wondering…"

"Wondering…?"

"How did you guys meet? I mean team 7. Your team 7." Jin question. Naruto was quiet for awhile before asking "you really want to know?" and Jin nodded his head.

He ask this question many times and Naruto shake it off and keeps telling him another time.

"Fine, I'll tell you. Come sit." Naruto stated as Jin walk over to him. "Well you could say we meet in the academy days. Sakura-chan was the shy girl until she met Ino, Sasuke as usual was a bastard and I was the dead-last."

"I hated Sasuke because he was popular and smart though I will never admit that to him. Even back then we were always trying to out shine each other. Then we became a team and things seem to get better from there…or worst…" Naruto mumble and Jin raise a brow at this.

Naruto continued anyways as he stared up at the sky.

"I don't really remember what had happen in the chuunin exams when we were 12. I was knocked out but I found out later that it was Orochimaru who attack us and was after Sasuke. I heard it a bit too late since Sasuke left the village. I made a promise to Sakura-chan to bring her back. We fought at the valley of end but I lost…I couldn't keep my promise to Sakura-chan and I still haven't fulfill it yet. Then many things happen after that. I left to go train for 3 years, Sakura-chan was also training, it was kind of evident of how she breaks things. We encounter Sasuke once at Orochimaru's hideout but he left before we could do anything. Then I found out that Orochimaru's dead and we head out to go find him again. We came close to finding him but this guy name Tobi or we now know Uchiha Madara stop us before we could reach him. We then found out that Itachi died and we had no other leads so we had to go back to the village."

"Then after that? How did this cold war began?" Jin question.

"You should know about that already Jin." Naruto said in a almost whining voice. "I only know what happens in the book, I want to know what happens for real." Jin stated staring intently at Naruto before he sigh and nodded his head.

"Not now Jin." Naruto stated as he push him off. "You still need to train and I need to finish this." Naruto stated as he grabbed a pile of paper. "But you're hardly doing anything!" Jin stated. "…go!" Naruto stated shooing him as Jin pouted and glared at his father before obeying.

He walk onto the yard before grabbing a kunai that was on the ground before twirling it. "Eh...tou-san."

"Nani?"

"Do you think I can combine jyuuken with rasengan?"

"Eh…?"

Girl Talk

The sun was setting and Hinata was getting worried. Her two boys haven't come back home yet since leaving for the training grounds hours earlier. She had pick up all of Naruto's papers and separated them to the one he finish and the one he didn't finish.

The unfinished ones almost reach the ceiling and she sigh. She decide to make dinner as she waited. She can trust Naruto and Jin, but the two of them together is a bad combination and who knows what they will do. "Mama!" she heard her little daughter cried out as she turned around. "Ah Rika-chan!" Hinata stated before she saw her daughter pulled up a chair and stood on top of it. "What are you making?" she question cocking her head.

Currently she isn't wearing the neko hat that Jin had given her as she just got back from changing. She told her mother about the time at the academy days and an unexpected question came up.

"Ne kaa-san,"

"Hai?"

"Where do babies come from?" she question innocently and Hinata blush tenfold. "W-What? What made you bring that up?" Hinata question nervously feeling her stuttering habit coming back.

"Well Sumi-chan's mommy has a big tummy and Sumi-chan said she's getting a brother. I ask her how she's getting a brother and she told me from her mommy's tummy." Rika stated innocently trying hard to recall the events not noticing her mother's discomfort.

"Well…honey, we can talk about that when you're older." Hinata stated trying so hard to compose herself until she heard the front door open. She look out from the kitchen door and saw her two boys stumbling in. "What happen?" she question worriedly. "Onii-chan! Otou-san!" Rika cried out worriedly as she jump down and ran to them.

"Ah it's nothing, just training incidents…" Jin stated as they both collapse onto the couch. "Stay here I'll get the first aid kit." she stated as she ran to the bathroom. Rika sat between them as she sat there quietly before opening her mouth.

"Ne onii-chan, otou-san."

"Nani?"

"Hai?"

"Where do babies come from?" she question innocently as usual. The two almost choke as they look at each other. "Um…ask your onii-chan, I'm sure he knows!"

"Na uh! You're the father! Aren't you supposed to be teaching these things to her?"

"You're supposed to be the model older brother!"

"Oh shut up!" Jin stated who quickly stood up. "Last one up is the one to tell Rika!" Jin stated as he instantly disappeared.

"O-Oi Jin!!! You can't do this to me! Come back here!!!" Naruto shouted out. Silence filled the house as Naruto look down at Rika. Rika simply stared back up at him with innocent big puppy eyes. She knows her father will do anything she wants if she gives him the puppy eyes, the same goes for her brother. But it disappoint her to see her mother unaffected. "Well? Are you going to tell me?" she question cocking her head for emphasis.

"W-Well…babies are like ramen…Yea! Like Ramen!" Naruto said as he thought about what to do next. "Um, like… you add the water, then the heat, wait for a few minutes (or months…) then out pops the baby! Or the now cook ramen!" Naruto said unsurely before feeling a disturb aura behind him.

"Naruto-kun…did you use another of your ramen explanations?" Hinata stated in a dangerous voice and Naruto laugh nervously. "Yes…? But if for a good cause!!!" Naruto stated raising his hand in defense."Naruto-kun please…! Rika-chan is only 6, do not be going around explaining how that works." Hinata stated as Naruto nodded his head understand.

Jin sat on the stairs staring at the scene. He hadn't really left but wanted to stay behind and watch his father's torture. Revenge for what he did to him during the training session. Come on his butt still hurts and he would love to see his father squirm…oh great he's starting to think like Ito.

He left his parents and his younger sister to go find something to eat. Grabbing a ramen packet that was just laying there on the table, he started to set up the cooking sequence before he heard a cry. "Wahh! Tou-san tou-san!!! Onii-chan's going to eat the baby!" Rika cried out.

Jin sweat drop when he heard his mother say "…and that's why we never explain everything with ramen, or food for that matter." Thus after that Rika kept crying and it was really hard for them to make her understand. They decided, or Hinata decided to not eat ramen until Rika gets over it. The two of course complain but she stated it will be a good experience. "Good how…!?" Naruto question almost crying. "I'm not saying to completely stop eating it, just don't eat it in front of Rika-chan." Hinata stated sighing a bit before arms wrap around her.

"Love you Hina-chan!" Naruto stated as he peck her on the cheek and ran out. "I'll be back before it gets darker!" Naruto said as Hinata shook her head. "I'll be going as well, I need to eat." Jin stated as he followed his father out.

"Let's go get ready to sleep." "Okay okaa-san." they held hand as they walk up the stairs. But the question that Rika brought up made Hinata almost fall. "Kaa-san…what's a period…?"

Fading Fire

"Arata-san!" a voice cried out and the old man turned to see Kei once again. Ever since Yuki brought Kei around the hospital, he's been coming everyday to visit the patients. "Ah Kei-kun, ohayou," Arata stated as he slowly nodded his head. The old age is getting to him, and fast too.

"You alright? You look kind of pale." Kei stated as he went over to Arata's side. "I'm fine. I'm just tired." "You should rest then, here I'll help you." Arata oblige as Kei lifted him up from the wheelchair and gently place him on the bed. Kei tuck him in as Arata stared outside the window.

"Do you want to play Shogi?" Arata asks as Kei turned in question. "Um…sure…but…what's Shogi?" Kei question as Arata motion him to come sit at the chair. Kei did as Arata grabbed a board and a box of chess pieces. "It's a strategy game, all you have to do is grabbed your opponents king."

"Oh I see."

"But certain pieces can only move in their unique way. Like the pawns can only move once forward…" Arata got into explaining the game shogi to Kei as Kei nodded his head once in awhile in understanding.

It was almost an hour before Kei finally beat Arata as shogi. "You're a fast learner and pretty smart as well."

"Haha…" Kei smiled at the compliment as he turned his face away embarrass. "Thanks…you're the first to say that."

"Am I?"

"Yea…"

"Kei." A voice entered before the two turned to see Sasuke standing in the doorway.

"Tou-san…" Kei muttered but Arata heard it perfectly clear. "So this is your father?" he question and Kei blink realizing he spoke aloud…again.

When Kei hesitated Sasuke step in coming over to them. "Yes…I am." he said looking at the shogi board on the bed. "You were playing shogi?" Sasuke question with Kei giving a meek reply. "Y-yes…" Arata notice the tense relationship between the two before he handed the board to Kei. "Go ahead, show your father what you learn." Arata stated as Kei blink in surprise. "Uh um…I'm not sure…" "Sure I would like to see how you play." Sasuke interrupted as he grabbed the board from the old man and set it down on the table. "You can beat him Kei!" Arata cheered softly as Kei nervously smiled and sat across from his father.

'Crap crap crap…why am I playing shogi with dad? Not to mention he's THE Uchiha Sasuke…wish onii-chan was here…' Kei thought as he was stiff and tense. Sasuke notice it and shook his head. "Relax." he said more like a command and oddly Kei did.

They set up their pieces as Kei stared on trying to figure out what to do. "You can go first." Sasuke said as Kei look up. "Uh y-yea…um…" Kei moved the second piece from the right forward before Sasuke did the opposite matching him. The game went on for awhile and Kei immediately knew that he was losing.

A few more minutes past before Kei stared at the board. He lost badly and he can feel Sasuke's gaze on him as he kept on staring at the board. "You did a good job Kei-kun!"Arata stated. Sasuke nodded his head as he got up and gave back the board to Arata.

"Come Kei." Sasuke simply said before he walk out the door. Kei confuse followed saying his farewells to Arata. "Go have a talk with your father. I do not want you to have a bad relationship with him." Arata stated as Kei look up. He open his mouth to say something but stop before nodded. "Yes, I will." and with that he followed Sasuke out.

"Tou~"

"Don't call me that," Sasuke stated almost harshly as Kei stop himself.

"Uh right…Seiji-sensei…so…"

"The man you want to kill, Fuchi correct?" Kei stopped himself immediately as his composure got serious. "Hai." "Are you sure you're able to kill him?"

Sasuke question before staring down at Kei who almost slam into him. It was silent for awhile before Kei look at him in the eye.

"To tell you the truth, I'm not sure if I'm capable of winning. I never fought anyone in a life or death situation but I will kill him even if it cost me my life." Kei stated before Sasuke turned away and narrow his eyes at the similarities. With that statement, Kei just prove he really is Sasuke's son but Sasuke swore he is way too innocent no matter how many times Kei tried to tease him.

"Um…Seiji-sensei…?" Kei started first before he continued knowing Sasuke was paying attention. He was going to talk anyways rather or not he was listening.

"What is your will of fire?" Kei question and Sasuke stopped immediately and for the second time that day, Kei almost bump into him. "That's a stupid question." he said before he started walking again. Kei was going to make a move to stop him but notice Sasuke stiff form and let it go.

"So, you've been visiting Arata-san?" Sasuke question. Kei blink but muttered a yea. It was rare for Sasuke to start a conversation so Kei didn't let it go to waste.

"Uh yes, he seems really nice, so I thought I should visit him for awhile." "I see." Sasuke muttered before shouts reach his ears and he turned back around to stare at the hospital. Kei also turned around hearing the shouts and confusion fill his face before he ran back inside. "Kei!" Sasuke shouted before he huff and followed him.

Kei grabbed one of the nurses as she ran pass him. "What's happening?" Kei question before she stop to comprehend what he just said. "Ah Kei-kun! Arata-san is in critical condition, I suggest you don't see him for a while." the nurse stated but Kei ran off before she can stop. "Ah Kei-kun!!!"

"Please let me see Arata-san!" Kei cried out as he tried rushing in but was stop by the nurses and doctors. "You can't rush in, please wait in the hall," one told him calmly. "But…!" "Kei." he heard Sasuke said as Sasuke place a hand on Kei. "Let them do their job." Sasuke stated before pulling him back and making him sit on a chair.

"But…Arata-san…" "He is someone you just met, yet you already…" Sasuke didn't finish his sentence as Kei look up to him. His eyes were almost glassy but they hold a strong resemblance to his younger self. "Is it wrong to cry for someone who might die?"

"No it isn't…but to shinobis we cannot show emotions, it shows weakness."

"Haha why does that sound strangely familiar?" Kei question quietly before looking up at Sasuke then turning back to look at the door.

"Are you Arata-san's relatives?" a doctor question as soon as he got out of the emergency room, Sasuke shook his head. "Oh, do you know if he has any relatives?" at this Kei perk up and shook his head no.

"He said…his family died during the great ninja war..." Kei mumbled as he look away.

"Oh? So then, you guys must be friends to Arata- san?"

"You could say that." Sasuke mumbled. "We are! Well…I am." Kei immediately said as he stood up. "Is…is there anything wrong with Arata-san?" question Kei quietly.

"Well, you should already know that he's old and is at the age limit of most humans. He also has cancer for awhile now." the doctor stated before seeing Kei's face.

"Is he going to die?" Kei question after awhile. Another silence pass before seeing the doctor's nodded head and Kei slumply (Does this even make sense?) sat down. Sasuke didn't know what to do at this point. He hadn't realize how close the two were even though they just meet and he sigh scratching the back of his head.

"Can I go see him?" Kei question as the doctor nodded his head. "Yes, you may." and thus Kei stood up and walk towards the door before turning around. "Can you come with…?" Kei question turning away before Sasuke thought about it for awhile in surprise. "Aa," he stated as he followed Kei in.

As Kei walk in he held back a gasp. There were wires sticking out of Arata and a memory flash through Kei that made him suddenly very afraid. He took a step back but Sasuke's hand on his shoulders made him snap out of it.

"Kei?" Sasuke question after seeing Kei's face. He then wondered 'Does he remember?' before Kei's face immediately pass and Kei started walking forward.

"Arata-san?" Kei question hesitantly as he look on trying hard to ignore the wires. Kei saw Arata open one eye before he smiled. "Ah…Kei-kun, how are you?" Kei chuckle a bitter one before clenching his fist. "You're the one with wires sticking out of you and you're asking if I'm okay?" Arata then laugh before coughing and Kei reach out worried. "Well, I'm fine."

"You don't look too fine." Sasuke grumbled. This seems to dampened Kei's mood even more and Sasuke blink. He decided not to say anything else as he watch the two interact.

"Don't you feel sad at all Arata-san?" question Kei as Arata shook his head. "I've been waiting for this day anyways. I've been alive too long." Arata stated as he look out the window. "But…!" "Someone's death is only sad for the living." Kei heard Sasuke said and Kei turned to him. "Aniki...says that as well." before Arata turned to Sasuke. "That is true, have you ever lost people close to you?" he question and Sasuke nodded stiffly. "Of course you would understand," Arata soon close his eyes and Kei quickly grabbed hold of him.

"Arata-san!" "Sorry Kei…kun…you gotta move forward for those who care about you alright? And…"

Arata took one last breath before turning to look at Sasuke.

Sasuke all of a sudden froze and he immediately knew Arata knew who he is. "Uchiha-san…please don't dwell on the past…I'm sure you got people who really care for you…like your son here. Don't throw them away, I'm sure they are hurt more then you bargain for…and Yuki-kun…" Arata stop and took a breathe before continuing "and Kei-kun for sure both need a father."

At this Arata close his eyes for the last time and took his last breathe before the heart monitor broke into that irritating long beep.

"A-Arata-san…Arata-san!!!" Kei cried out as he stares at the motionless body. He was soon ushered out by the doctors and nurses with some help by Sasuke

"T-tou-san…" Sasuke heard Kei said as soon as they got out of the hospital and Sasuke

turned to him. "Aa…" Sasuke muttered letting it pass for once. "Just…say something…anything…" Kei mumbled and Sasuke silently nodded.

"When I was younger…" Sasuke started before going through his brain to try and find something fitting to say to Kei. "my father never seems to acknowledge me. But, my brother was always there. He'll fill in both the fatherly figure and brother figure. I was just happy being with him."

"Then…the massacre right?" Kei interrupted before Sasuke could say anything else. "Ah, the massacre."

"If this story is going to lead where people dying then I'm not going to listen to it."

"Fine, you did told me to tell you something,"

"But not something this depressing!" Kei stated before Sasuke turned around and saw Kei's teary eyed

face.

"Alright alright, geez…um…"

"I always wondered…mind telling me about you and Haruno- san?" "Haruno-san? You mean Sakura?" Sasuke question quietly before Kei

nodded. "Aa, Sakura-san." Kei mumbled before another silence filled them.

"Met her when I was younger. She was shy and is always by herself. I heard that the girls make fun of her because of her forehead." "Her forehead?"

"Apparently it looks big."

"Did it to you?"

"I thought it was fine,"

"Did you like her?" Kei question but his only answer was silence before Kei ran up to catch up to him. "Tou-san?" "Let's talk about this another time." Sasuke said and Kei nodded. The two simply walk to the inn not saying a word to each other.

Kei felt better after hearing his dad talk instead of just scolding him. The funeral was the next day and not a lot of people came. Some doctors who became friends with Arata, the hokage, Kei himself, Sasuke was a ways off keeping his distance, even Yuki came who stood silently next to Kei.

As the session end, Kei walk towards Sasuke before standing next to him. "I think I know what you and aniki mean now…" Kei answered and Sasuke knew what he was talking about. "I lost kaa-san, Arata-san could be consider a grandfather figure to me…and…" Kei shook his head after that. "I'll see you at the inn…Seiji-sensei." Kei stated before he disappeared and Sasuke nodded. He has no idea what Kei was going to say but he let it go not wanting to bother him with it.

He stood there at the same spot for a few more minutes before he heard footsteps, looking up he saw Yuki staring at him before Yuki turned away. "Mind if we talk?"

A Uchiha's Bindings

"So tell me, what do you know of my mother?" question Yuki as the two walk down the village square. "What do you want to know?" Sasuke question putting his guard up instantly.

"Nothing much, I know that you guys were teammates, then you betrayed them, almost killed Naruto ji-san twice, or was it three times? But anyways, and that you are the last Uchiha…until now."

"You do talk a lot don't you?"

"Why? Do I remind you of my mother?" Yuki ask challenging him as Sasuke didn't say anything. "I thought so. What did happen 16 years ago? When you guys…slept together…" Yuki ask almost hesitantly.

"First…you should know that I never meant to hurt your mother…or you for that matter."

"Oh really? Save that later I don't want to hear it. Why didn't you come back with my mother anyways?" "Please lets not get into that right now…"

Sasuke stated as Yuki shrug his shoulders. "Fine, but you're still have to answer my question."

"Well, you do know that Akira was the one who told me to save your mother correct?"

"Yea." Yuki stated nodding his head.

"So…like she said, I found her then save her. She was knock out that time so I took her back with me…after that…well." "I see, you kidnap my mother on the account of Akira, for what a month? You know you didn't have to keep her that long." "I know…it was…hard you could say."

"Forget it; you don't have to say anything else. I could see I'm making it difficult for you." "Aa…"

"Then you don't mind telling me more about…my other half?"

"Your other half? I guess so though I doubt you might not like it." Sasuke said. "Who said that I like it?" Yuki retort crossing his arms as Sasuke glared at him. "We are really famous for our glares ne? Though I'm not a legal Uchiha anyways." Yuki said smirking as he glared back.

"You're worst then Kei." "Of course…I'm not as innocent." Sasuke ignore that as he walk towards a secluded area, the park. The children there was laughing and playing on the playground as their guardians watch on.

"You probably heard it before but the Uchiha and the Senju clan were rivals in many battles. There was a man by the name of Madara of the Uchiha clan. He had a younger brother who died because Madara took his eyes."

"The Sharingun right?"

"Ah…then Madara became leader but soon after that, everyone was tired of the fighting and both clans made a deal with each other. Thus that's how Konoha became to be. After that, they couldn't decided who is to become Hokage but they voted and Senju Hashirama was the first Hokage. Madara left the village and his clan and soon after the two, Hashirama and Madara, fought in the valley of end. Many thought he had died there, but then 35 years ago, the nine tails fox accident."

"The demon inside Naruto ji-san right?" Yuki question quietly. Sasuke nodded as he continued.

"Because of it, the Uchiha clan was suspected of the attack and was soon isolated in the furthest most part of the village. That's also when they created the police force. Then…"

"I know what happen after that, you don't have to tell me." Yuki stated as he stood up.

"So, our history is pretty mess up isn't it?" he question before Sasuke stood up.

"How would you know?" "Why? Is there more to it?" Yuki ask staring him down.

Sasuke hesitated before turning away. "No, it's not necessary." "Your brother…you know the reason why he killed the clan, the REAL reason. That's why you became an enemy of Konoha." Yuki stated and Sasuke blink. "I'm right am I?"

"You…" "Whatever the hell your brother did, it does not change that it happened. Do not go punishing people who hold no fault on what he did or the Uchiha clan."

"…No…it's…" "Hum?" Yuki turned to him with a questioning gaze before turning away. "Or are you going to punish us for what Konoha did?" Sasuke widen his eyes at this and Yuki saw it. "I thought so; I don't know what Konoha did to you, but you'll be doing the same thing to us as your brother did to you if you destroy Konoha." Yuki said. (I'm not sure if the made sense, I read it a couple times and I'm still wondering about it. Tell me if I should change it a little.)

"I'm going to train, I'm going to leave you now, but I swear I'll come after you if you do anything to Konoha." Yuki said in a warning voice as he casually walks away.

Sasuke turned away as he looks at the lake. He should have known but…he shook his head as he turned away. Unnoticed by him, Yuki was watching his back as he disappeared. "He doesn't want to destroy Konoha." he said out loud and a form drop down from the tree he was leaning on.

"Are you sure?" question the voice and out came Ito who leans on the other side of the tree. "Why would I lie? I'm sure…" Yuki stated as he look away.

"But still keep a watch on him." another voice join in as another figure jump down. It was Jin as he stood besides them. "Are you sure about this Yuki?" question Jin and Yuki was quiet before he shook his head. "No, I'm not sure. Let's go, we really need to get some training in." "True dat!" Jin stated before he ran off. Ito followed behind as Yuki hesitated but still followed.

Remorse

Sasuke was walking through the street and unknowingly had reached the bridge. This bridge is where team 7 usually meets.

"Sasuke-kun!"

He turned around and of course she isn't there. He curse himself for being so stupid as he lean on the railings of the bridge. Soon memories overcame him as he sigh tiredly. Why now of all times? Everything was moving too quickly for his liking and now he's not sure if he can pull this plan off. He simply stared at his reflection and soon he daze off as everything around him was silent.

16 years ago

Sasuke stared at the sleeping figure before looking outside the window again. It's been 6 days since he had taken Sakura here. He growled at himself and wondered why he wants to keep her here, the other three questions him about it as well.

Even Sakura did as she tried a few times to escape which led to Sasuke always stopping her.

He heard a shift of movements and he turned his attention back to Sakura. Sakura was awake and staring at him before she quickly turned around so her back was facing him. Sasuke sigh before he stared at her then said "Sakura…" "Don't talk to me." Sakura stated as she still refuse to look at him or talk to him for that matter.

Sasuke sigh frustrated as he stood up. Sakura hearing this turned back around to see him uncomfortably close to her. "Sakura." "What?" she said a bit harsh. "Eat."

"No way, unless you let me go then I'll eat!" Sakura stated. "Why should I?" "Why are you keeping me here anyways?" Sasuke pause searching for an excuse, he will not tell her the real reason, hell will freeze over before that ever happen. So he came up with the best excuse he can.

"Akira sent me to find you, now all she have to do is pick you up." Sasuke stated as he walk away but soon Sakura grabbed him on the arm. "That's a sucky excuse! Sure Akira may have told you to find me and save me but I'm strong enough to make my way back home."

"Fine, would you believe me that I don't trust you? Who knows, you may tell the hokage where this place is." Sasuke said before staring at her angry eyes. "Besides, are you sure being angry so early in the morning is good for you?" he question as he grabbed her wrist and got his face close to hers. He smirk seeing Sakura blushing face as he let go and walk out of the room. "BASTARD!!!" was the last thing he heard before he headed to the kitchen.

It was getting dark and Sakura been stuck inside her room for hours already. Sasuke had lock her in and now she can't get out. She guess it make sense that Sasuke is keeping her here but still she want to get out. She heard the door open and saw the sharp teeth man walking in. She remembers that his name was Suigetsu.

"Hiya!" "Um…hi…" Sakura said slowly before Suigetsu went to sit on a chair and grinned at her. A few minutes past before Sakura got unnerve and glared at him. "What do you want?!"

"Well, I'm trying to figure out why Sasuke is so protective of you."

"What? Protective? Yea right."

"Oh he is…if he finds out I'm here he'll kill me for sure, but I guess it's worth it right pinky?" at this Sakura glared but it wavered as Suigetsu stood up and walk towards her.

She inch back but Suigetsu was already close as he grabbed her hair. It wasn't hard, but it wasn't really gently either. "Hum…it's weird, are you sure your hair is natural? Man I feel sorry for your kids." Suigetsu muttered before something flash in Sakura's eyes and she made a punch towards him. "Whoa!" Suigetsu yelled out as they both fell.

This is the position where Sasuke saw them when he entered. Sakura onto of Suigetsu since he obviously dodge the punch and Sakura clumsy as she is ended on top of him. "Holy shit Sasuke is not what it looks like!" Suigetsu stated as he push her off and got in a defending position. "Well it's your fault for dodging," Sakura stated. "It ain't my fault pinky, you really think I want to get a headache from your monstrous punch?"

"Suigetsu…" they both heard Sasuke and stop momentarily. 'Crap…he's mad…I'm dead…I am so dead…' Suigetsu said chanting in his head as he inch further and further away from the fuming Uchiha.

"GET OUT NOW!!!"

"Leaving!" Suigetsu stated before running out and close the door.

Sasuke grabbed his head as a migraine came plunging in. Today wasn't his day and seeing those two in that position made him snap. Karin has to be her annoying self and Juugo just have to go berserk, and during that time Suigetsu was in here. He didn't like that idea. Another man in Sakura's room alone will already set him off.

"Sasuke?" she question and he notice she didn't add the kun; it was also the first time she said his name after 6 days of being captured. "Yea?" he mumbled before sighing, he was glad that she finally said his name but it wasn't all there.

Disappointment filled him as he thought maybe she really is over him. 'Why should it bother me? I should be glad…' he mumbled but not an inch of happiness filled him.

He then felt something warm on his head and he realizes it was Sakura's hands. Right now he thought that Sakura can knock him out with her medical jutsu but she didn't, instead she made the migraine disappeared as he lean in closer to her.

He didn't care if Sakura did knock him out and ran off, he actually liked this moment.

Without actually thinking, he gently press his lips to hers. Sakura couldn't believe it as she widen her eyes in surprise before the feeling went away as quickly as it came. She was now staring at the back of Sasuke as she stared in shock.

"Sasu~" "Go to sleep, it's getting late." he said and disappeared through the door locking it. Sakura touch her lips as confusion filled her head.

"What…what was that about?" she whispered and she shakily sat on the bed.

Sasuke lean against the door and glared at the ceiling. He couldn't believe he had done that. His body moved on his own and when he realize it, he was already kissing her. He curse at himself before sighing and grabbing his head. This day couldn't get any worst but he wondered maybe the kiss made his day lighter. He shook his head and slap his forehead. What is he thinking? He shook away the thought as he walk down the hall. One thing for sure, he didn't regret it.

Sasuke was brought back to reality when he heard a thump. Turning around he saw Saki waving at him and standing on the railings. "Careful Saki." Sasuke said almost tiredly as Saki raise a brow. "You need to work on your scolding voice, so what are you doing here?" "Nothing." "Just thinking again?" Saki question as she jump down and came next to Sasuke. "You could say that."

"Sure, so what are you thinking about then?" question Saki as she studied his face.

"The things I should've done." Sasuke whispered but Saki caught it. "Aa, I see. Do you regret whatever you didn't do?" "Yes, I do. And I wish to change it all." "Really? Do you regret taking me in?" "Hm? No, of course not." "I see, I don't regret living with you either!" Saki stated as she grin before silence befalls on them again.

"She's really pretty you know." "Hm?" "The woman you're in love with. Sakura right? Is

that why you were unnerve when I choose that name?" "How'd…?" "Suigetsu."

"Suigetsu…" Sasuke growled out before Saki giggle. "I would like to meet her!" Saki stated happily before Sasuke shook his head. "Why not? She must be pretty nice if she has tou-san's heart!" "Heh, I guess so but…Sakura…she disappeared 8 years ago." Sasuke stated before Saki blink in surprise. "Wait what? How!?" Sasuke stared at her and saw the frantic look in her eyes. "Why are you getting so work up for?" "Because you really really like her right tou-san? It's sad that she's gone don't you miss her?" she question. "Hm maybe, but even if she was here, her son wouldn't let me go near her." "Huh? Her son? She has a son?" Saki question confuse.

"You don't know?" At this Saki shook her head as she stare at Sasuke. "Her son…who is

he?" "He's…Katsuyuki, or you could say your onii-chan." Sasuke stated plainly.

He swear the secret of Yuki being his son isn't much of a secret anymore but this was a surprise. He thought at least Saki would know but he guess she doesn't. "OH SHIT REALLY?! THEN THAT MEANS…!" she yelled out and Sasuke had to plug his ears. "Language Saki!" Sasuke scolded he'll have to kill Suigetsu later for this but right now he had to deal with Saki.

"T-That means…Yuki's your…" "My son yes…" "Why did you leave her!?" she suddenly said which made Sasuke confuse. "What?" "Why did you leave Sakura-san? I mean you guys could have stayed a family!" "Well, I didn't know Sakura was pregnant~" "I doesn't matter! You should stay with her regardless!" she said as she pulled on his arm. "No wonder Yuki nii-chan doesn't like you, this time I will make you guys reconcile!"

"Wait what? Saki hold up!" Sasuke yelled out and stop her from dragging him. "But tou-san…he has to see what a great father you are! Even if you are an ass."

"You…"

"Blame Suigetsu for my language later now come on!"

"I don't think he wants to see me."

"Why not?"

"Well…"

"Okay okay, you don't have to tell me, but I swear one day I will make you and nii-chan reconcile. Now you ready to go home? The exams start tomorrow." "Aa."

So the two walk off the bridge as they headed to their inn.

Naruto stared at the two's back before smiling and headed to his own home. He was actually surprise that Sasuke didn't sense his presence but he guess Sasuke has to much on his mind right now anyways. He stretch as he took his time home. Tomorrow will be very interesting.

---

Complete!

Oh yeah, and the conversation between Sasuke and Yuki, I'm not sure if I got all the information right, I completely base it on my memory. I'll check it later since I'm too lazy too. And I seriously need a beta like gorgous moth said. Sorry if I spell your name wrong...I got confuse while writing this so sorry if some things doesn't make sense...I think I repeated some things as well...and I realize that I'm changing Kei's personality way too much...I think? I should make him go back to annoy Sasuke again. So yea, await the next chapter, finally some fighting scenes and hope you guys like the Sasusaku scene (It's about time right?) even though its' just a flashback. Review please! Much apperciated ja ne minna-san.

And I'm out!