.--.

I woke at the same time as the day before. I dressed quickly and grabbed Akago. I had an apple this morning and grabbed water. I clipped on my weapon pouches and slid my swords in my waist. Then I skip out the door. I made my way to the training grounds where I was to meet Kakashi. I was early so I set Akago in some shade and started to do some warm up exercises. By the time I finished Kakashi was walking up. I smiled at him and he looked at me suspiciously.

"I want you to train me." I said.

"You could do that alone."

"I'm rusty and I only know a certain amount. I haven't learned anything new in nine years."

He nodded slowly.

"Fine. But get ready for some rigorous training."

I grinned and nodded.

"It may be best if you started the day training with Gai and Lee. They are up early and do Taijutsu training. I could do the other things."

"And you can sleep in." I laughed.

He nodded. Then he glanced at Akago.

"What will you do with him?"

"Well he watches me train. He doesn't complain."

"What about when you are running?"

I thought a moment.

"Do you know anyone who could watch him? I could leave him to watch on a bench but most people will think he is an ordinary child and you can't do that."

Kakashi nodded.

"You could ask Hinata. If she just has to watch him in the morning. She always trains after lunch and at night. She doesn't like to train in the morning and is often lonely and she loves kids." He said.

I grinned.

"I'll talk to her later."

He nodded.

"So he'll just watch as we train?"

"Yes. But let's go to a clearing I found yesterday."

He nodded and I grabbed Akago as we walked to the clearing. When we reached it I set Akago in a different place. I gave him a shuriken and a kunai. Kakashi starred a moment.

"Why did you give him a knife?"

"So he has something to play with."

"Can't he play with a rattle like a normal child?"

"They are boring. Besides knives are good for defence." Akago said.

"I will never get used to him speaking."

I grinned.

"Well be careful." Kakashi said to Akago.

"Kagome told me that yesterday."

"He is quite good with that knife." I said.

"He can use it?"

The kunai whizzed by his head and hit a tree. He blinked and looked at the knife. He slowly pulled it over and put it back by Akago who was smirking.

"I'm just going to pretend that didn't happen." Kakashi mumbled.

Akago snorted and continued to inspect the knife. I rolled my eyes. For most of the day Kakashi and I trained. We switched between jutsus, taijutsu, and genjutsu. We also practiced with our knives. It was quite a fulfilling day. When the sun was setting I picked up Akago. I walked off towards the Hyuuga compound again. Before I was even fully out of the training grounds I met Gai and Lee again.

"Hello Kagome!" Lee waved.

"Hey I wanted to talk to you to."

They were beside me in an instant.

"Yeeeeees?" Gai asked.

"I was wondering if I could train with you in the mornings."

"Of course you may join us in our training of youth! In the morning we do laps around Kohona and exercises of youth!" Gai said.

"So I may join you?"

"Yes!" They both grinned.

"Meet us here at seven!" Lee said as they ran off.

"I wonder if they ever run out of cheerful-attitude and energy."

"Unlikely." Akago said.

I grinned and continued on my way. When I reached the Hyuuga compound I found Neji again. Except instead of training he was sitting drinking tea. He looked up at me.

"Hinata is here."

I smiled. He stood and slowly walked doff. He returned a minute later with Hinata following. She grinned at me.

"Hello Kagome."

"Hey Hinata. I was wondering if you could do me a large favour."

"What is it?"

"I am going to start training with Gai and Lee in the morning and I won't be able to watch Akago. I was wondering if you could watch him in the mornings."

"Of course!"

"Thank you Hinata. Is there any way I can repay you."

"No, it's okay. I will be glad to watch the cutie."

I smiled and Akago gurgled happily. He also liked Hinata. She motioned me over and said she was going to get more tea. I sat down a ways from Neji who had returned to drinking his tea. When Hinata had returned she gave me some tea and sat down beside me.

"I heard you came over yesterday." She said.

"Yes I did. I was wondering if you could explain the chakara points to me."

Neji seemed to listen closer now.

"Why?" Hinata asked curiously.

"Well I can sense the chakara points. I can't see them but I know where most of them are."

"Really?" She asked.

I nodded.

"Show me." She said.

I started to pint to the points on her body. When I was finished the two were starring.

"What?" I asked.

"Only the Hyuuga should be able to even know where they are, but you can see all of them. You aren't Hyuuga are you?"

"No. I'm a Hatake."

The two nodded.

"How about when you come to pick up Akago tomorrow we will talk more. It is getting late now." Hinata said.

I nodded as I noticed the sun had almost set. She smiled and waved as I walked off. I noticed Neji watched me curiously. I walked from the compound towards the Uchiha one. When I reached Sasuke's house I had a quick shower and at quickly. Sasuke was also in the kitchen when I ate. We were a bit silent. I didn't think he hated me but we were just two people who knew one another; new roommates. When I had finished I returned to my room. I tucked Akago, who was already asleep, in. I changed and pulled out one of the books my father had left me. Most of the books were information about the strong clans who had a strong kekkai Genkai. I read once again for a while before I slipped off to sleep.

.--.

When I woke I quickly got ready for more training. I quickly rushed out the door as I told Akago the rules for at Hinata's which included no talking, no showing off, no showing un-normal like abilities, and to behave. I found Hinata waiting for me as I jogged up. I explained that he wouldn't need a nap, and he had been fed already. I also told her he was very quiet and could sit with a toy for hours. She nodded and I thanked her again jogging off. I found Gai and Lee waiting for me. We quickly got started in our training. The morning was a very filled on. Till noon we jogged almost five hundred laps which I actually kept up on, and then we did exercises, like push-ups, sit-ups, and such.

When it was finally noon I left the two and headed back to Hinata's. She told me it was one of the easiest jobs she had ever done, and that the little 'angel' was a load of fun. Then we sat down and started to talk about chakara points. Neji showed up at one point and also listened throwing in his own comments. When we had finished our conversation I waved goodbye and headed towards the training grounds again. I met Kakashi and we headed off to the clearing. I set Akago down who was happy to be left alone. Then Kakashi and I trained the rest of the day away.

When I finally dragged myself into my room I was tired. 'At least I'm spending my time well.' I yawned. 'If you ever need my strength or energy feel free to have any.' Naraku said. 'I always have my miko powers to strengthen me.' I said. He nodded in my head. 'You know I haven't heard from you in a while.' I said. He grinned. I sighed. I closed my eyes and appeared in his place. He was once again on his couch. He patted the seat beside him. I walked over and sat down.

'So anything on your mind?'

'I feel as if something is going to happen.' I said thoughtfully.

'Then something probably is. Always trust your gut feelings.'

I nodded.

'So is that it?'

'Well I'm kind of getting bored.'

'What do you mean bored?'

'Well I'm only training. I hope Tsunade sends me on a mission soon.'

'Mh.'

He lay down putting his head in my lap and grinning up at me. I sighed thoughtfully. I barely noticed as his fingers twirled a piece of my hair. After a minute I sighed again.

'Well I better go sleep.'

'Why not sleep in here with me?'

'I have to watch Akago.'

I blinked. I realized I hadn't told him I didn't want to. It actually was tempting to stay in here with him. He was quite an intelligent person to talk with. And he listened. No one had listened to me before. Not like this. Only my real mother had. I shook my head and stood. He lifted his head so I could get up.

'Come visit soon.' He grinned.

I nodded and returned to the real world. I sighed and slid into my bed with Akago.

.--.

For a little over a week I did the same thing each day. I trained with Gai and Lee. Then I visited or trained for an hour with Hinata and sometimes Neji. Then I would run off to meet Kakashi. We would train till the sun was setting. Then I would return to my house and read some of the books Dad had left me. Finally I would curl into bed with Akago. Then one day I was training with Gai when Sakura found me.

"Kagome!"

She waved. I stopped and waited.

"Yes?" I asked.

"We are wanted in the Hokage's tower."

"Okay. I'll be there in a minute."

She nodded and left. I apologized to Gai and lee and headed for Hinata's. I grabbed Akago quickly and headed for the Hokage's tower. I reached her office at the same time as Kakashi. He glanced at me as we walked in. We found Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto already there. Tsunade sat at her desk looking serious.

"I have a mission for you."

Naruto's face lit up, Sakura smiled softly and the rest of us remained calm.

"It is an s-class."

We all perked up at this.

"It is to spy on Kisame and Itachi of Akatsuki. They were spotted nearby. If capture is possible we recommend it."

Sasuke had tensed and everyone glanced at him.

"Try not to kill them. They have information we want."

Everyone nodded.

"You will leave immediately.

We all nodded.

"You are dismissed." She said as she tossed Kakashi the scroll with the details of the mission.

"Meet by the gate in fifteen minutes." Kakashi said.

We all nodded. I didn't want to waste time so I did the hand signs for the transportation jutsu. We appeared in my room. I grabbed my bag and stuffed a change of clothes, my weapon scrolls, and soldier pills in. Then I strapped my weapon pouches and my swords on. I stuffed a black forest cloak in my bag, my father's old ANBU mask, and a book I was reading from my father. I grabbed my sash and hung it on and gently set Akago in it. I pulled my pack on. Then I hurried out the door. I grabbed my canteen and filled it and grabbed a quick missed breakfast. I finally walked briskly towards Kohona's gates. When I reached it I saw Naruto already waiting. I smiled at him. He looked excited. Sakura showed up a minute later followed by Sasuke. Finally Kakashi arrived. He glanced at Akago.

"Couldn't he have stayed with Hinata?"

"No." Akago said.

Kakashi sighed and motioned us to follow as he walked out of the gates. We were happy to follow. We walked in silence for a while each wrapped up in our own thoughts. Finally I cleared my throat. Everyone looked at me as we continued to watch.

"Would you tell me about Itachi and Kisame? I know nothing of either of them."

I actually knew a little on Itachi but not much.

"Well Itachi murdered his entire clan and left for Akatsuki an infamous group of the strongest criminals." Kakashi said.

"The criminals live together? From my experiences criminals who stay together end up killing the others in days."

"Well they lasted. Actually I think they formed, a little before you left. Well Itachi is probably one of the strongest but they are all strong. Itachi is the best in genjutsus but his taijutsu is also flawless. I doubt he makes a mistake in any ninja art. He has the Mangekyou too so don't look into his eyes. Now Kisame is a ninja from the Village Hidden in the Mist. He looks almost a bit like a shark. He is best with water jutsus and his sword. His sword is Samehade. It absorbs chakara so don't let it touch you."

I nodded as I processed this info. Naraku did the same. Akago listened too. I saw Sasuke was clenching and unclenching his hands.

"So Sasuke why did he leave you alive?"

Sasuke tensed and the others said with their eyes to drop it. I ignored it.

"I don't know." Sasuke hissed.

I rolled my eyes.

"If he is as bad as you say it is obvious why he left you alive."

They all looked at me.

"I once knew a woman. Her name was Sango. She was part of a demon slayer clan. One day her, her brother, her father, and a few others were called to kill a demon. They were tricked and her brother ended up killing them all. Then demons led by this one demon whipped out her village. This was all set up by a demon named Naraku. Sango lived for revenge. Naraku had plenty of time to kill her but he always let her live, torturing her. Then when she had finally accepted the fact her family was gone Naraku killed her."

'I was bored. And it is so fun to tease people who are dense and see how far you can push them.' Naraku smiled happily. I ignored him. The others watched me.

"Did she kill Naraku in the end?" Sakura asked

I laughed.

"Of course not! She was too consumed by hatred and revenge. That is idiotic. If you let those emotions rule you make mistakes. You become blind to the obvious. Naraku taunted her telling her to hate him so that she would be more sport. If she had perhaps thrown the rage away, she would still be alive. She had accepted it in the end and tried to move on. That was stupid. The person toying with her wouldn't let her walk away. She gave up revenge which was smart, but then ignored everything else including caution and common sense."

There was silence.

"Didn't you say Sango was one of your companions?" Naruto asked.

"Yes."

"Then why do you sound as if she got what she deserved?" Sakura asked.

"She kind of did. I'm not saying I wished for her death but it was a bit stupid."

"So how did Naraku kill her?" Sasuke interrupted.

"You know her brother who killed them that I mentioned?"

They nodded.

"Naraku used him as a puppet. Sango believed he could be saved and wouldn't kill him. But it was pointless. Her brother was dead. Naraku was just using his body. He killed her in the end. Then Naraku disposed of him."

They watched me a minute. I just ignored their stares and starred straight ahead.

"So did Naraku die in the end?" Sakura asked.

"No. No one killed him. He is still alive."

"But then he will be destroying the lives of others." She said.

"It is not my problem. I had no quarrel with Naraku other then to get my jewel."

They all looked away thoughtfully. 'Not true. You really hated me for a while when you couldn't think straight.' Naraku grinned. 'I know but by the time I hunted you down it wasn't because I hated you. It was because I felt as if I had to, to make my friends be at peace. To fulfil what I had spent my last few years trying to do.' I said. I felt as if he nodded. 'Well it doesn't mater since I didn't kill you I just sealed you.' 'Yes. Now you have to deal with me for the rest of your life.' I faked a groan. Before when I had first sealed him it had almost felt like a curse but now it meant I would always have some one there for me. And Naraku and I seemed to bond a lot. He seemed to understand me. He actually did since he knew everything about me. I saw him grin and grinned back.

Everyone was quiet once again. I didn't care much. We walked for a while longer then jumped to the tree tops and started to run. After a while conversation started but it was a bit distant. I stayed silent a lot. When the sun was finally set we all dropped from the trees to the ground. I went to get food while the other got the rest of the stuff taken care of. I returned to camp with a bunch of fish. I stuck them over the fire and sat down. I pulled my cloak from my pack and wrapped it around Akago and me. Naruto handed me my canteen which he had filled. I thanked him. We ate quickly and organized watches. I was almost last so I lay on a bed of moss and let Akago curl up to me under my cloak. I easily drifted off. It was nice to be outdoors again.

.--.

I woke as if an alarm clock had gone off in my head. I saw Sasuke sitting on a log by the dim fire. I left Akago under my cloak and slipped up behind Sasuke. I rested a hand on his shoulder. He spun to me in surprise weapon out. When he saw it was me he lowered his knife and stood. I nodded to him and he just walked to his cloak. He was asleep in minutes. I sat by the fire. I took a deep breath and let a small amount of spiritual power flow over the camp. It set up like an alarm and would alert me if anyone came with in ten feet of the clearing.

Then I closed my eyes. I felt myself slip into Naraku's 'room'. He was sleeping on a black bed. I had noticed that he slept at least as much as me. I walked silently to his bed. I stood looking down at his face. He seemed so handsome and peaceful when sleeping. I smiled. I loved his wavy hair. I reached down to brush some from his face. I squeaked as he grabbed my wrist and pulled my over him. I felt him roll with me. When I opened my eyes he was over top of me grinning. I scowled slightly as I realized he had me pinned.

'What do I owe for this visit?'

'I have watch duty.'

'Shouldn't you be keeping watch then?'

'It's simple enough to keep a barrier type watch thing around camp.'

He grinned. I sniffed. I tied to move but he grinned more. I pouted.

'Can you let me up?'

'Why?'

'Because….'

I though for a moment.

'Because this is a very awkward position we are in.'

He grinned again. But he slowly sat up. I propped myself up and we sat on the black bed.

'Can't you color the place up a bit?'

'But I like black.'

'Even red or purple would be better.'

The bed suddenly turned a deep purple.

'Better?'

'It's a start.'

I grinned as he rolled his eyes. We sat in silence a second. After a minute he started to talk and we soon fell into a deep conversation of everything. We didn't focus on a complete subject only jumped from topic to topic. I had to cut off as I knew the sun was rising. I opened my eyes and looked to the others. Kakashi was just sitting up. The sun was just poking over the horizon. I slipped off when Kakashi was up. I got more fish and returned to camp to find the others up. We quickly cooked and ate the fish then leapt into the trees again. This day was very much like the last. We had quiet conversations which I for the most part didn't participate in. That night it was the same as the last. Except when it was my watch and I joined Naraku we sparred.

.--.

The day was quieter then the last. Everyone was tense because we were getting closer to our destination. I had that feeling in my gut again. Even Naraku was serious and alert. At noon we slowed and Kakashi gather us together.

"They should be around here. Stay together. If it comes to a fight stay back to back. If you are being overpowered retreat." Kakashi said.

"Hai." We all said.

We went to move again and I grabbed Kakashi by the arm. He looked at me. I kissed him on the cheek. I had a feeling I wouldn't see him for a while.

"Just in case I want to say goodbye."

"Don't be so negative. We'll all be fine." He said.

We leapt off.

"I hope so." I muttered.

Everyone slipped on their ANBU masks too. We ran at a slower pace going more for stealth now then speed. After about an hour we all stopped dead in our tracks. I scowled as I sensed about six people surrounding us. We all tensed and dropped from the trees. We stood back to back each facing a different direction.

"What are four Kohona ANBU doing way out here?" Some one asked.

Six shadows emerged from the trees. Each wore a black cloak with red clouds. One I recognized as Itachi. Then there was a shark man who I guessed was Kisame. A little ways off stood a blonde who looked like Ino and a red head. Then there was a man with an orange swirl mask and a large man who had half a black and half a white face and who looked to be being eaten by a large plant. They all watched us as we watched them.

"What are four ANBU doing here? And one has a child no less." The shark said.

Akago was silent in my sash regarding all the men.

"Retreat if we can?" I whispered only loud enough for Kakashi to hear.

"We probably won't be able to." He said.

I heard a hint of frustration and worry. I nodded curtly.

"Could you use a transportation Jutsu?" I asked.

"Yes but they would strike before we could." Kakashi said.

"What are you chatting about, un?" The blonde asked smirking.

None of us answered.

"If I put up a barrier can you escape?" I asked.

Kakashi gave a curt nod. I grinned behind my mask as I called my miko powers forwards.

Itachi's POV:

I watched the woman with the long black hair and the infant. She wore a wolf mask. I had never seen an ANBU like her from Kohona. She must have been new. But I wondered about the child. Who would bring an infant on a mission unless there mission was to protect him. The black haired woman was talking to the copy ninja. Suddenly she took a step forwards. All our eyes widened as a pink barrier sprang up around them. None of them had done any hand signs. My sharingan also showed me this was not made of chakara. It was some other form of energy.

"This is not chakara." I said.

Everyone glanced at me in slight surprise. We all cursed mentally as we saw the copy ninja, the one with blonde hair, the one with pink hair, and the one I assumed was my brother, do transportation jutsus. I saw the woman was still standing there. I heard her curse.

"Why do you not follow your friends little ANBU?" Zetsu's white side asked.

"Well as you see this barrier is taking my attention at the moment. I can't use my chakara and keep this up at the same time."

She seemed ticked off. Deidara grinned, Tobi clapped, Zetsu scowled/smiled, Kisame chuckled, and Sasori and I remained blank.

"And I am not an ANBU."

We all looked at her.

"Just thought I'd give the facts straight." She mumbled.

I thought a moment. She seemed different from most ninja.

"Then why do you wear one of their masks?" Sasori asked.

"To hide my identity and because it was my fathers."

"Sweet, un." Deidara chuckled.

I heard her sigh. Then she pulled the mask off. We all looked at her face. It was pretty with large brown eyes and luscious lips. She stuffed the mask into the sash with the child.

"I thought you were trying to hide your identity." Kisame said.

"Well this mask restricts my vision and it is uncomfortable."

I mentally agreed. I had worn one before. She looked us all over and pulled out a sword.

"Going to take us all on?" Zetsu's white side asked.

"Foolish." His black side said.

"Well maybe it is a foolish for a normal ninja. But I'm not normal. Besides what am I to do? I can't use chakara while making a barrier and you cut off all escape routes. I could keep this barrier up for days but I doubt I would last that long without food and water."

The pink suddenly rippled and disintegrated. We all stood ready. The woman got into an offensive position. I couldn't recognize it as any taijutsu stance. She raised her sword. I looked over it. It looked ordinary but the hilt looked like it had two dragons winding around it.

"Hold on Akago." She said.

The baby gurgled like it understood. I looked at the unusual child. The purple hair was odd enough but his light purple eyes were unreal. It watched me closely. She seemed to watch us all. Kisame grinned.

"Can I try her first?"

We all glanced at one another and shrugged. He pulled the bandages off of Samehade and stepped forwards.

"Nice sword. But I have been bigger." The woman said.

"Really?"

"Yes. Bankotsu and Banryuu could out class all off you. And size doesn't matter. I know Sesshomaru and his Tokijin would wipe you all from existence."

None of the names were familiar so I stored them in my memory. I saw the woman's eyes look for an escape route. Kisame lunged in almost a blur his sword hacking. We expected to see the girl with a sword through her but her sword blocked his. Our eyes widened. I had never seen a sword survive a direct hit from Samehade.

"Totosi does his work well." The woman said to Kisame who was starring.

I was guessing Totosi was the sword smith who had made her sword. Kisame grinned.

"This may be some fun after all."

He jumped back and spun. In a blur the girl leapt out of the way. She dived in low slashing up. Kisame stepped back as her sword nicked his cloak. She was good if she had even nicked Kisame. She jumped back getting ready. I scowled as I looked at the infant. He was gripping her shirt and didn't seem even uncomfortable as the woman fought. Most infants would be crying from fright. He was not a normal child. He saw me looking and smirked. I blinked and the woman was getting ready. Kisame lunged in again.

They exchanged blow after blow. I noticed Kisame kept getting nicks and cuts while the woman wasn't even letting his sword close to her. Suddenly they locked blades. Kisame grinned and used his size and weight to push the woman to her knees. I had noticed that as she fought she got on an emotionless mask. She didn't do anything now but look Kisame in the eyes. Then suddenly Kisame was blown back into a tree. We saw a wave of the pink energy had hit him. He slid down the tree and stood wobbly. He looked badly shaken and his breathing was laboured suggesting a broken rib or so. He was also smoking a bit.

"My turn, un!" Deidara said diving in.

The woman let a small scowl grace her face. I almost smirked. She seemed to realize we were going to battle her one on one till she died. Deidara immediately whipped out his clay making his clay birds. Kagome looked at the first on in confusion. As soon as it touched her shoulder it exploded. She was thrown back into a tree cradling the child. She had dropped her sword but Deidara ignore it as he grinned at the woman.

"Bombs." The woman whispered as she stood.

The whole shoulder of her shirt was gone but her skin looked untouched. We saw a thin layer of the pink energy on her skin and guessed she had defended just in time. The child appeared unhurt too. She looked at Deidara with squinted eyes. She glanced to her sword. I stepped forwards and reached for the hilt. Before I even touched the handle she smirked. As soon as my skin touched the handle it burned me. I pulled my hand back hissing slightly and looked at the burn marks. I scowled slightly. Sasori walked up and grabbed the handle.

"No fair using people who aren't really alive." She muttered.

Sasori's eyes widened slightly. Few knew he was almost a puppet himself. Deidara was beside her in a second his kunai going for her throat. Before it even touched her the pink light threw him back. He did a flip and landed better then Kisame. He scowled and threw more bombs. The woman jumped up and seemed to almost glide between each bomb to her target. I barely saw her arm move as a dagger came out of her sleeve and aimed at Deidara. Sasori threw a kunai at her and she had to jump back before she hit Deidara. She seemed to be tiring. I guessed anyone would. And the blasts of pink seemed to wear her out more. She dodged more bombs. Suddenly one exploded. She gasped as it hit her back. She almost rolled as she flew back on the ground. She winced as she lifted a bleeding arm.

Deidara went in but stopped as the pink surrounded her. Then the woman sat down. She grabbed the infant and laid him in front of her. Suddenly her hand glowed pink. She drew the kanji for protection of the child. Pink surrounded him then sunk into his skin. Then she slowly pulled her bag off her back. She ripped through the contents and pulled two scrolls out. She drew the kanji for seal over them. They lit up pink and then turned normal in a second. She stuffed the scrolls in her bag. Then she grabbed the child again.

"Behave. You are safe; I protected you with the spell."

The child seemed to nod. The woman rose shakily to her feet. The pink barrier disappeared and Deidara lunged in but her foot lashed out and he flew back hard into Sasori who caught him. The woman's eyes seemed to flash red a minute. She snarled like a wolf. I could swear I saw small fangs. I stepped forwards ready to end this. She seemed to snarl again as she barred her teeth at us. It surprised not just me but the others. She seemed different. Before she had acted blank but in control. Now she acted like a cornered wolf. She pulled five senbon from a pouch and got ready. I leaped in a blur. She lashed out with the needles like they were claws. I saw the infant was back in the sash. She flew back as I kicked her in the stomach. She crouched as she hit the ground. I saw small fangs again.

She scanned the area for an escape route again. The others blocked her though. Suddenly we all heard the howl of wolves. They sounded close. Then the woman lifted her hands to her mouth. She let out a long wolf like howl startling us all. We stood waiting as she looked in one direction. Suddenly six large brown wolves leapt from the tree snarling. Kisame, Tobi, and Deidara leapt to the side avoiding their snapping jaws. Then the wolves leapt to the woman. The whimpered slightly and licked her wound. We all just watched in surprise and curiosity. Suddenly the woman let out a bark. She started to make barks, whimpers, and growls. Then she pointed in the direction they had come as if ordering them to leave. The wolves perked up and snarled at us.

"She's talking to them." Sasori said in interest

The wolves lined up in front of her. She snarled and they all leapt at us; one for each of the others. I dodged and went for the wolf's throat with my kunai but the wolf jumped back. It was faster then normal wolves. I saw the woman jumping to save the one that was going to get nailed by Deidara's bomb. She jumped in front of the bomb. Everything froze as she screamed. She was thrown back with a huge wound on her stomach. We all wondered why she had saved a pitiful wolf. The wolves all backed to her. She shook her head as they whimpered. She snarled and motioned for them to leave again. They shook their heads.

"I said leave!"

Her tone was harsh and still half a snarl. The wolves wilted back a bit.

"Leave." She hissed to them.

They cast her one more look. Then they turned and lunged at us. She cried out and tried to stop them. All of us were ready now. I lunged in and slashed the first one's throat. Kisame killed two at once and Deidara killed two too. Sasori poisoned the last one. We turned to look at the woman. We blinked as we saw her crying. She hadn't cried when almost dieing but now she was.

"YOU BASTARDS! I'LL KILL YOU ALL!"

Her anger surprised us all. Her eyes suddenly turned red.

"How dare you kill my kin?"

Her tone was deeper and darker. Suddenly she took a deep breath and her eyes changed back.

"Deep breathes. They aren't worth it." She mumbled to her self.

I stepped forwards quickly. She slowly backed away. As she did faint pink covered her and her wounds healed. When her back hit a tree I smirked and stepped forwards. Then in another step I was gone. I reappeared less then a foot in front of her. I hit the pressure point on her neck and she collapsed as I grabbed her.

"Why not kill her?" Sasori asked.

"I'm sure you are as curious as I am about the pink powers, the sword, the wolves, the red eyes, and the child. Besides we could get information out of her."

They all nodded. I took the child from the sash. The child seemed to glare at me. Tobi skipped to me. He took the child in his arms. The child looked at him and tilted his head in interest. Tobi laughed and started to hum. I ignored him and swung the girl over my shoulder. I blinked as I realized she was quite light. I shrugged and turned to the others.

"Let's go."

We all did the hand signs and disappeared from the clearing.

Kakashi's POV:

"She didn't come back with you?" Tsunade frowned.

"She set up a barrier around us while we escaped." Naruto said.

"Why didn't she follow?"

There was silence a minute.

"She told me the other day that she can not use her chakara and miko powers at the same time. They are to complex to use at the same time and when she tries she can't control both of them. I forgot." I whispered.

The others winced.

"So she is alone with six members of Akatsuki." Sakura said.

"We'll send out a squad immediately." Tsunade said. "Shizune! Get Gai, Lee, Neji, Hinata, and Shikamaru, for me."

We heard a 'hai' from outside the door.

"Kakashi, there is a high chance she is dead."

I winced. It was hard to think that my only family, my niece was dead for saving us. I took a deep breath. My last family member; gone.

"You may go on the rescue mission if you want."

I nodded. If she wasn't dead I would rescue her. If she was dead I would kill them all. I had my emotions behind my emotionless mask and waited for the others.

Kagome's POV:

The first thing I felt was the metal shackles around my arms and legs. I slowly opened my eyes. I remember red eyes before I had seen darkness. Naraku said Itachi had knocked me out. I wasn't too worried. I now had all my miko powers back and I hadn't used much chakara. I had been tired because of the blasts of miko powers I had used but felt much better now. I knew Akago would be okay. I had cast a miko spell on him that would protect him from harm. And I had cast spells on my weapon scrolls. They would not be able to be opened. My sword would also burn those who touched it with out my permission. It was almost lucky that they had the puppet man. Without him my sword would have been left behind.

I sighed as I looked up. I was in a dark cell. I was dangling from two metal cuffs around my wrists. They were connected to the wall by a chain. they held me up slightly. I had shackles around my ankles holding me to the wall too. I slowly stood and winced. My wrists were cut from where I had been hanging. I let my miko powers heal the cuts. I looked around. I realized I was in a cell of sorts. The door across from me was a strong metal one and the walls and floor were stone. I looked around for a minute. 'Are you going to get out now?' Naraku asked. 'No. I want to find out why they caught me. Besides just melting the metal with my miko powers and walking out would be boring.' I grinned.

He sighed and I closed my eyes. I saw him reclining in a chair with a book I had once read. He must have pulled the memory from my mind and put it in book form. I sat down beside him on the couch.

'You were so made over a few wolves being killed. Why?'

'Well before I left the wolf clan they adopted me as their sister. I had to drink some of the leader's blood. It changed me. I can now talk to wolves and they are like my family. I also have the senses the same as the wolves, like sight, hearing, taste, and smelling. And since the leader adopted me I am high enough in rank to command them. And they will obey me. But I still love them all so their deaths hurt me.'

'You almost combined with me.'

'What does that mean?'

'You can use my energy but when you get really made we merge a bit. We become like one. You would have my powers and think more like me.'

'Is that bad?'

'No. But it's a useful trick we should save for emergencies because it's exhausting to do and a good surprise.'

'Would we stay merged?'

'No, we would separate becoming two different souls when our body was to tired to continue or we had finished what we had wanted to do.'

I nodded then I opened my eyes again as the door to the cell opened. Itachi and the red head walked in. Itachi walked up to me. He unlocked my chains. I stepped forwards watching them as I rubbed my wrists. Itachi glanced at me and walked out. I followed as was expected. The red head walked behind me. They led me down some winding halls. I realized we were at their base. It was like a maze.

Suddenly they stopped and opened a door. The red head pushed me in after Itachi. We were in what looked like a large meeting room. There was a large table and a lot of chairs. I looked over the people sitting in them. There was the swirly mask man, the shark, the bomber dude, a silver haired man, a masked man, a man with orange hair and piercings, and a woman with blue hair and a paper flower. Itachi pushed me forwards and stood beside me at the end of the table. The red head sat beside the blonde bomber. Everyone looked at me. I starred at the woman a moment. Then I looked to the orange haired guy. He seemed to be the leader. I noticed that my sword was in front of him along with my scrolls, still sealed, and bag. The swirly mask man held Akago, who just watched him curiously.

"Tobi, go get Zetsu. He is late." The orange haired man.

"Okay!" The swirly mask man, Tobi said.

He handed Akago to Kisame who scowled slightly as he held Akago on his lap awkwardly. Then Tobi skipped from the room.

"Why haven't we killed the kid yet?" Kisame asked.

"Because we can't, un." The blonde said.

"She put a jutsu of some sort on him." The red head said.

Kisame scowled and pulled a kunai out. He went to kill Akago put my spell activated and a barrier sprang up. Everyone glanced at it.

"So what am I doing here? I thought I would be dead by now." I said.

Everyone snapped their attention to me.

"We want some answers." The leader said.

There was silence a moment.

"What is your name?" The blue haired woman asked.

I smirked.

"Not telling. Anyways you should know." I said.

They all scowled and the blue haired woman blinked.

"You know I'm bored of this I think I want to go home." I yawned.

"You wouldn't make it two feet." Itachi said.

"Want to bet?" I asked.

They all scowled. I glanced at Akago who smirked and gripped Kisame's shirt. I saw Kisame's eyes dull immediately as he sagged a bit. I smirked. Itachi scowled at me and narrowed his eyes, as if trying to read my mind.

"Well this may be some fun." I grinned.

Everyone blinked. The blonde and the silver haired man who were beside Kisame ducked as his sword lashed out almost decapitating them.

"WHAT THE FUCK!?" The silver haired man yelled.

Everyone looked to Kisame who stood feet spread, in half a crouch. He held Akago in one arm and his sword in the other. His face looked empty. His eyes were dull and almost fogged over by Akago. He lunged at the Leader. The leader disappeared and reappeared out of harms way in the blink of an eye. Kisame grabbed my sword. It didn't hurt him since I didn't mind him touching it. He grabbed it and in a blur was by me. I took the sword.

"Keep them busy. Let's see how long they can last." I said.

Akago smirked darkly. The masked man and silver haired man dived at me. Kisame slid in front of me and attempted to hit them. They jumped back to the others but not before Kisame's sword nicked the silver haired man's cloak.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU SHARK-FACE?!" The silver haired man asked.

"Nothing." Kisame said as directed by Akago.

Few noticed me as I grabbed my bag and scrolls from the table. I whistled. Kisame and Akago jumped back to me and I let a pink barrier spring up around us and the two end chairs. I sat and Kisame stood behind me. Everyone watched closely. I crossed my legs and intertwined my fingers. I looked everyone over.

"No need to stand. I am not going to attack without warning again."

No one moved a moment. Then suddenly the door opened and Zetsu and Tobi walked in. They stiffened as they saw everyone with weapons drawn. They spotted us and scowled.

"What-" The plant started.

"Kisame is under a spell or something." The red head said.

The plant looked at me and nodded slightly. Leader suddenly sat back in his chair. The woman and the red head also did. Slowly everyone did the same. I just watched them. 'You are thinking of asking to join?' Naraku asked. 'Yes.' 'Interesting. I would say it is almost a smart choice. The people in Konoha are weak and soft.' I silently agreed. They seemed to all be watching me and wondering what I was thinking.

"So do you want your shark back?" I asked.

They all nodded.

"Whose partner is he?"

"Itachi's." Pein said.

"Why not kill him now while he tries to kill you? It would be much easier." I said.

"We do not want to have to replace him. And he is a good…. asset." Itachi said.

Everyone glanced at him.

"So you are friends."

"As close as friends as you can be with a murderer." Pein said.

"So you aren't a bunch of criminals who are always at one another's throats."

They all shook their heads.

"There may be a lot of arguing but we get along on some level." Pein said.

I scowled slightly.

"My experience with criminals is no mater how strong or weak they are they never tolerate others for too long."

"We still have some humanity in us. At least most of us do." Pein said.

They all nodded. They all stayed focused on me and I stayed focused on them, though. Suddenly an idea popped into my head. I reached into my back pack and pulled out my silver mirror. Everyone looked at it. It wasn't an ordinary mirror. I had taken it from Kanna. I had mastered it too. It hadn't been that hard. Now I could locate people and spy on them by focusing on their energy. I took a deep breath and my reflection in the mirror swirled changing to that of a man with silver hair and an ANBU mask. It was my uncle. He was surrounded by others. They were easily leaping through the trees.

"Nine Konoha ninja are headed for us."

They all blinked.

"How do you know?" Zetsu asked in a dark voice.

I looked up.

"My mirror tells all."

They all blinked then scowled. I looked at Itachi and motioned him forwards. He slowly stepped towards me. When he reached my barrier the pink lifted and he stepped in keeping an eye on the still Kisame. He walked up to me and looked down at the mirror. He blinked and leaned in closer. I pointed to a few of the figures.

"Gai, Lee, Neji, Hinata, the shadow boy, Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi."

He looked at me from the corner of his eye then stepped back. My barrier let him back out.

"They are coming." He confirmed to the others.

"How?" Pein asked.

"This is a special mirror. It once belonged to a woman with unique powers."

"If someone else owned it how did you get it?" The red head asked.

"I killed the woman."

There was silence. 'Kanna was one of my best reincarnations. Her mirror was so useful. But you use it better then her.' Naraku said. 'I know.' I smirked.

"Any reason for killing her?" Pein asked.

"I guess I just killed her cause I wanted to."

There was more silence. I looked over them as I put my mirror back in my bag.

"Can I join Akatsuki?" I asked.

They all blinked. Then they just starred. I rolled my eye sand leaned back in my chair. There was silence.

"You want to join?" Pein asked.

I nodded.

"Well you are certainly strong enough." He said. "But how do we know we can trust?"

"Want me to swear in blood or something?"

There was more silence.

"What skills do you have, first?"

"I am a bit rusty in my ninja a skills but I know hand to hand combat, how to wield a sword, bow, and any kind of knife. Then I can also use the mirror some wind jutsus. And I have my miko powers."

"Miko…. You're a miko?" The woman asked in surprise.

"They died out hundreds of years ago." The red head said.

I rolled my eyes.

"Well I'm a miko. The barrier and powers I used before are proof."

They looked at me and slowly nodded.

"A miko with ninja powers." Pein mumbled.

I snorted softly. That was exactly what Tsunade had said.

"Well if you swear in blood we would love to have you." Pein said.

I smiled. He grabbed a scroll and rolled it to me. I unrolled it and bit my thumb. I smeared my name in blood; promising not to kill them without a very good reason and not to give info to other groups. And to abandon my village. 'Things will be getting interesting.' Naraku chuckled. 'Yes. They will.' I agreed. I tossed the scroll back to Pein. He grabbed it and held onto it. I let my pink barrier drop.

"So how are you controlling Kisame?" The masked man asked.

"I'm not."

They all blinked.

"Akago is."

"The kid, un?" The blonde asked in disbelief.

"Yes." I replied.

They all starred at Akago who smirked.

"Want me to release him from the spell?" I asked.

They all nodded. Kisame stepped forwards and held Akago out. I grabbed him. As soon as he was no longer touching Kisame, Kisame stumbled back. He blinked a moment and flexed his hands. Then he shot Akago a glare and snarled.

"You damn brat!"

He almost pulled his sword free.

"Kisame." Pein said.

Kisame stopped but still glared at Akago who seemed to smirk at him.

"So you couldn't break free from his control?" Zetsu asked almost childishly.

"No. I could only watch as the brat controlled me. It was like I was trapped in my own mind."

He almost glared at us. I nodded.

"So what do we do about the fucking Konoha nin?" The silver haired man asked.

"I could go meet them." I said.

They all looked at me.

"I could pretend I escaped, go back to Konoha, grab my things, and then come back."

Pein smirked.

"Good idea. I agree."

"Can I leave Akago here? It'll seem more real if I don't come back as I left."

"Tobi can watch him." Pein said.

"Hooray!" Tobi said.

Akago snorted softly. Tobi skipped forwards and grabbed Akago.

"How come Kisame was controlled and not Tobi, un?" The blonde asked.

"Akago can choose who he wants to control. He listens to me though."

They all nodded.

"Well I guess we should introduce ourselves." Pein said. "I'm Pein, the leader of Akatsuki. This is my partner Konan."

I smiled and nodded.

"I'm Deidara, un! I'm the bomb expert. Sasori is my partner, un!" The blonde grinned.

"I am Sasori a puppet master." Sasori said in a bored tone.

"I'm Hidan, Jashin's loyal follower." The silver haired man said.

"I'm his partner Kakuzu." The masked man said.

"I'm Kisame, Itachi's partner." Kisame sighed.

"Uchiha Itachi." Itachi said bluntly.

"Tobi is Tobi! Tobi is a good boy!" Tobi laughed.

"We're Zetsu." A dark voice said.

"We're Tobi's partner and Akatsuki's spy." A kinder voice said.

"He's bipolar." Pein explained.

I nodded.

"I'm Kagome."

"Well we hope you enjoy your stay here." Pein grinned.

"I'm already having fun sitting here." I said with sarcasm.

Most grinned or smirked.

"So I guess I should go meet my 'friends'."

"Itachi will show you the way." Pein said.

Itachi nodded. He motioned me and I stood. Tobi took my bag for me saying he would guard it. I left my sword too. Then I followed Itachi out the door.

"I like her." Hidan said.

Everyone blinked and then gaped at him. He blinked.

"What?" He asked.

"You rarely approve of anyone." I said.

"Pein's right. You rarely even feel a smidge of like for new people." Kakuzu said.

"You usually start planning how to sacrifice them from the moment they walk in." Konan said blankly.

"Well she … is nice. And I feel…. Calm, relaxed around her. Like there's nothing to worry about and everything will be alright." The god loving man muttered.

"I felt the same, un."

"Tobi too." Tobi squeaked.

"Same as us." Zetsu's white side chirped.

"She does have a calming air around her." Kisame admitted.

"I think she'll fit in nicely if you all like her already." I said.

"We didn't say we liked her. We just said she makes us relaxed. And she has a pure air about her." Kisame said.

"She is a miko. She has spiritual powers and is born pure. She can not contain real hate unless what she hates is pure evil. Hate and rage are against her nature. Not that she can't feel either." Sasori said.

His usually bored eyes were thoughtful.

"What about Akago?" Tobi asked.

"You are in charge of watching him. He still has the spell on him and Kagome would be mad at us if he was hurt. I don't want to feel the wrath of a miko. If she's as strong as you say and as strong as we saw, we would have a fight on our hands." I said.

"Okay Leader!" Tobi chirped. "What about her bag?"

"You will look after that too."

Tobi nodded and started to hum to the infant who watched him curiously.

"So Kisame any feelings of dislike to the two?" I asked.

If anyone would hate them it would be Kisame for being used.

"Well I'm a bit ticked that she used me but it's hard to stay mad at her. She seems too …innocent to be mad at."

I snorted softly but nodded. She had interrupted my meeting and hadn't given me very many answers but I almost couldn't help but forgive her.

"Well this meetings over." I said standing.

Everyone nodded and seemed to hurry from the room. I sighed and waited till the others were gone. When only Konan and I were left I looked at the Akatsuki female. She was looking thoughtful.

"She seems familiar." Konan muttered.

"Well you can ask her if you've met later."

"I guess you're right."

I sighed.

"Do you think we should keep an eye on her for a while?" I asked.

"She signed the scroll promising to be loyal to us."

"Yes but she is a miko. She may know spells that can get her out of that promise."

"She should stay with one of the others for a while till we can trust her."

"We'll talk when she returns."

Konan nodded. I remembered all the paper work waiting for me on my desk and sighed before walking off.

Itachi's POV:

I led the way out of the base soundlessly. I kept an eye on the woman though. She looked everywhere. I knew she was trying to memorize the base. As we walked I noticed she made no more noise then me and her moves were all graceful like a predator. When we emerged from the large house we walked out into a clearing. The base was a large house. The whole place had a genjutsu like barrier surrounding it for three kilometres in every direction.

The barrier made sure no one could enter the base with out being near another member or wearing one of the Akatsuki rings. If someone else came upon the barrier they wouldn't even notice it. That was the genjutsu part. It would turn the person around or make them go around without even letting them realize they had headed back or gone around. That's why the base had stayed hidden so long. I didn't bother to explain as I leapt to the branches of the trees. I sensed Kagome follow closely. She seemed a bit familiar, like I had met her before. I didn't want to ask though. I would remember in time. Suddenly she whipped out a kunai. I tensed slightly. She spun it around and sliced her arm. I blinked.

"What?" Was all I asked.

"I need to make it look like I was a prisoner." She said.

I nodded. She jabbed the kunai into her thigh, hissing slightly. My respect for her rose a notch as she continued to hurt herself without yelling or crying. Finally when she was bleeding well and had numerous cuts she threw the kunai into a tree. Then she half healed the cuts.

"Now when we reach them I will look exhausted and the medic Sakura won't suspect anything because my cuts will be a bit old."

I nodded at the logic. Then I turned and hurried on. We moved silently over the branches. When we reached the barrier we passed through like it wasn't there. Kagome looked at it a moment then shrugged and continued to follow me. We ran for over four hours. Then we sensed the ninja ahead of us camping for the night. By now it was a little after sunset. I looked at Kagome. She had masked her chakara and presence long ago like me.

"We'll see ya." She winked.

Then she dropped from the trees. I watched as she stumbled to the camp.

Kakashi's POV:

We sat arounda fire. We all were alert. I prayed Kagome was okay. Suddenly someone stumbled into the camp. Their hair was black and tangle. Their face was pale and looked exhausted. Their clothes were torn and bloodied and the person had numerous wounds.

"Kagome." I gasped jumping up.

I hurried to her and caught her as she sagged. She was panting. She gave me a weak smile.

"How did you escape?" I asked.

"After they caught me four of them left leaving only two. I stunned them with my miko powers and ran for it."

I nodded and helped her to the fire. Everyone else was up and watching. Sakura hurried forwards and started to heal the wounds.

"These were made a few hours ago." She said.

"I had been unconscious. When I woke I was with the two and they wanted information. I didn't give anything away since I knew nothing." Kagome panted.

"Save your breath." Sakura said softly.

Kagome gave another weak smile.

"We should leave now." I said.

Everyone nodded quick agreement.

"Oh and Kagome this is Shikamaru."

Kagome smiled weakly at him. Then she closed her eyes and sighed softly. She looked to fall asleep.

"So she's your niece?" The shadow boy asked.

I nodded. He sighed and shifted his weight.

"I'll carry her." Neji said.

I looked at him a moment. He was watching Kagome. I smirked. It seemed he liked her. I nodded and he crouched down. He scooped her up bridal style. Hinata had doused the fire and everyone was ready. We knew we needed to leave. The two she stunned would be coming. Suddenly we felt the presence of another. We all tensed and got ready. Itachi dropped from the shadows of a tree. He looked us over his sharingan flickering. Sasuke was glaring at him. Sakura and Naruto held onto one of his arms.

"Seems she made it too you. Too bad. She was very interesting." Itachi's cruel voice cut in.

I scowled. So he had been one of the ones she had been left in. I could only guess she had surprised him with her miko powers of she would still be with him. He smirked. Then in the blink of an eye he was gone. I signalled for us to leave. Naruto dragged Sasuke off and everyone else nodded before, leaping to the trees. I noticed Sakura stayed quite close to Shikamaru who in turn stayed close to her. I grinned. I had found out who Sakura had been dating. I just shrugged it off and kept an eye on Neji and Kagome. Kagome seemed asleep.

Kagome's POV:

It may have looked to the others like I was asleep but I had just gone into my mind to visit Naraku. I now sat beside him on the couch. He just sat behind me. His fingers raked through my hair as I leaned back into his chest.

'So did I do the right thing joining the criminal group Akatsuki?' I asked.

'I'm not sure, but I know you'll have a lot more reign in this group and you won't be held back.'

'You think?'

'They seem like those who want power. They want it to be strong for themselves. Konoha also wants power to be strong for others. Two different reasons. Akatsuki won't hold back. They will target what they want and go for it no mater who is in their way. Konoha will not do anything that will endanger the village or their friends. That will hold them back.'

'I agree. I think staying with Akatsuki will be much more beneficial.'

'You could benefit from staying in Konoha but in different lesser ways and you will be heart broken again. That Hyuuga boy likes you but I doubt you could live happily. You have changed and you can't go back to the carefree life with innocent friends.'

'I almost wish I could go back. Go back and travel with my friends.'

'You are a person who likes to have people there for her, but you like to be alone too. You want both and both need to be evened out. If you go to Konoha you will always be with others. They will always be around and after a while you not like it. Akatsuki will leave you alone but they will be there for you. And it will be much more interesting with them.'

I nodded. I leaned farther back and relaxed against Naraku. He continued to comb his fingers through my hair. It helped me relax. I sighed and looked at the black roof of his 'room'.

'This world is almost more interesting then the feudal era.'

'That's because it's new. After a while it may not seem so interesting.'

'You never know.'

I sighed slightly and turned onto my side. Naraku stopped combing my hair and let me lean the side of my head against his chest. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. I snuggled into his purple and black yukata. I felt safe in my mind with my former enemy. Odd but true. I just fell into thought as the two of sat there. After a while I stood and stretched. Naraku did the same. Since I had a few hours we decided to spar. It was a good way to excise and let time pass by.

After a few hours we were just doing training. Naraku had started to teach me how to use his abilities too. Since he was in me and almost part of me now I could use his power; his chakara, his strength. I could also use some of his abilities. He also taught me more about Kanna's mirror and Kagura's fan. I had grabbed both after killing the two. I really hadn't had any reason to kill the two. I had known the entire time they hadn't wanted to serve Naraku but I hadn't much cared. Hate was against the nature of a miko. So was death but I learned to stifle the part of me that hated killing and bury it deep. When we had trained enough we returned to the couch. Naraku sat and I sat between his legs with my back against his chest.

'So do you think we will fit in with Akatsuki?' I asked.

'Most likely. You know they will find out about Akago being a demon and you having me inside of you.'

'I don't really care. They're all weird to so it's not like we'll be the only different on their. Like look at Zetsu; bipolar and almost a plant. Sasori is almost a puppet himself. Kisame looks like a shark. Deidara has mouths on his hands. The others all have secrets too.'

'I wonder how long it will take for them to realize that you have me in you. And I wonder how long Akago can keep his mouth shut.'

'Well if I have to use your energy they'll know about you and if Akago feels like he will talk.'

'Hmm. So what do you think of them?'

'Well Itachi seems polite enough for murdering his clan, Kisame seems okay, Tobi is a bit weird, the silver haired man swears quite a bit, Zetsu is very odd, the masked man, Kakuzu seems quite calm, Sasori is intelligent and calm, Deidara seems nice, Konan seems quiet, and Pein seems serious but has a sense of humour.'

He nodded.

'Oh! And I could swear the plant man smells like blood and flesh.'

'He does. I suspect he is a cannibal.'

'But how could I smell that? I could only smell blood when there was a lot of it and I couldn't smell flesh.'

'I suspect your senses are being enhanced by me. Your sense of smell will increase along with your sight, hearing, and maybe even touch and taste. And sharing blood with the wolf clan and being adopted will also have helped.'

'Oh. I have noticed I can see, better.'

'Your sense won't be as good as a demons or as good as a half demons but they'll be better then a humans.'

I smiled softly. That would be helpful. I perked up suddenly.

'I think they have stopped for a break. You should wake up. I also think they stopped for a time last night to sleep.'

I nodded. I opened my eyes to see leaves on the trees swaying in the breeze. Suddenly I saw pink. Sakura smiled down at me.

"Good to see you awake Kagome. Do you feel better?"

"Yes, I do. Thank you."

She nodded and I slowly propped myself up on my elbows. I saw everyone was sitting, eating quickly, or relaxing. I slowly sat up. Kakashi saw and was beside me immediately.

"Kagome." He said.

I looked at him.

"Where is Akago?"

I immediately fell. My eyes got watery with fake tears and my vision started to blur.

"They killed him," I sobbed, "After they caught us."

I covered my face with my hands. Hinata and Sakura shoved Kakashi away and started to try and comfort me. I saw Hinata sniff too. I didn't listen to any of the comforting as I pretended to cry. 'Good acting.' 'Thanks.' Naraku was chuckling and I made my laughter sound like sobs. I liked acting. It was fun to see how easily others were fooled. After a while Sakura coaxed me up. I pretended to have a hard time swallowing my tears.

They gave me some water and food. Then we once again ran off. This time Hinata stayed beside me with Naruto on my other side. We ran in mostly silence. Naruto and Hinata chatted with me softly trying to cheer me up. I kept my act on, though, but was inwardly laughing at their foolishness. We ran for most of the day. At night when we stopped they organized watches. I drifted off beside Naruto who was cuddled up to Hinata. I saw Sakura cuddled up to the shadow boy too.

.--.

I woke part way through the night. I blinked and looked around. I spotted Neji who was on his watch. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. I stood silently and walked to Neji. As I sat down he flinched till he saw it was me.

"You are very quiet." He said.

I nodded.

"So why are you up?" He asked.

"I couldn't sleep. And you looked lonely."

'Going to play with his heart?' Naraku asked. 'Maybe a bit. It'll be fun. Besides I want to know how he really feels.' I heard Naraku started to laugh before he rolled over and slept again. It was kind of odd how he slept as much as me at least. Neji was watching me.

"So…." I started.

"Who were the ones who cut you?" He asked suddenly.

I gave him a fake flinch.

"Kisame and Itachi."

"How did you escape?"

"You know about my miko powers?"

He nodded.

"Well they didn't know about them. When I had been unconscious my powers had returned and I gave them a blast that knocked them out pretty well. It weakened me though and the only thing I could do was run."

"Why didn't you kill them?"

I flinched again.

"I wasn't thinking perfectly straight and I hate death. As a miko death is horrible." I whispered.

"You may not be cut out for the life of a ninja then." He said.

"I was thinking about a different career when I get back. I could still be a ninja but maybe work at the hospital instead since I'm a good medic. Or even teach at the academy."

He nodded. Then he started to fidget slightly.

"I was wondering…." He started.

I just watched him and waited.

"I was wondering if you would go out with me."

I blinked. Then I made myself seem embarrassed.

"I would like that." I whispered.

He smiled slightly.

"How about the day we get back we go for dinner?"

I smiled back and nodded. I yawned.

"Excuse me but I think I'm going to fall asleep."

He nodded and I stood. I walked back to my cloak and lay down. 'His heart is in my hand now.' I almost giggled. Broken hearts weren't so bad when it wasn't yours being broken. Then I sighed softly and curled up.

.--.

I woke when everyone else did. We had some quick breakfast then shot into the trees. Neji stayed by me and talked with me softly. I pretended to slowly feel better but when everyone mentioned something I could relate Akago to I would summon fake tears. I had fooled them very well. They were all in the palm of my hands. By dinner we entered the gates of Kohona. The guards greeted us as we shot to the Hokage's tower. We entered to find Tsunade stamping some papers. She saw us and let out a soft smile. She gave me a smile. I sniffed.

"So you got her back." She stated.

"She escaped by surprising them with her miko powers." Kakashi said.

"Where is Akago?"

I burst into tears. Tsunade sighed.

"Kakashi will give me your report, the rest of you are dismissed."

Everyone nodded. Neji walked up to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder leading me from the place. I saw the others blink then smirk. Kakashi grinned but turned to Tsunade. As soon as we left her office everyone split up.

"So is dinner still on?" He asked.

I nodded and gave him a soft smile.

"I'll pick you up in half an hour."

I nodded. He had walked me to the Uchiha compound. Then he shot off and I walked towards Sasuke's house. When I walked in Sasuke gave me a glance then walked off to his room. I had a quick shower then got dressed. I had a few extra minutes so I packed my things; like my weapons, books, clothes, and some of my photos and jewellery. Then I walked back to the entrance. I found Neji waiting. I grabbed his hand in mine and he led me down the street to a restaurant. I followed smiling at him the whole way. We had a long dinner talking the entire time. When we had finished he paid and we walked down the dark and empty streets. When we reached the Uchiha compound He scratched the back of his head.

"Thank you for going out with me. If you're free would you like to go again sometime?" He asked.

"I would like to." I smiled.

"Well I'll talk to you later. Bye."

He bowed his head. I smiled at him.

"You may kiss me if you want."

He blinked then blushed, deep red. He leaned over and planted his lips on mine gently. I kissed him back and he rested a hand on the back of my neck. He nudged my bottom lip and I complied letting his tongue in. When we ran out of air he was red. He bowed his head quickly and walked off. I smirked and tapped my chin. This was more fun then I had thought it would be. I turned and headed for the house.