Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto only my characters.

As always a big thank you to my Beta cheekylips.

Chapter 22 Realization

Driven by the allure of the possible pairing between her former sensei and one of her closest friends, whom already had a strong connection between themselves, Sakura diligently analyzed all past events leading up to present time. She knew it wouldn't be long before Maiha awoke so she took the chance to review in order to formulate her line of questioning to get the answers she sought to piece the puzzle together.

While Sakura further evaluated her assumptions, Kakashi sat under their tree at the training field, his head resting against it's trunk, visible eye directed upward. The sky was clear and the stars illuminated the night but his mind had never been more cloudy.

Once Maiha woke Sakura thought she would pry a little playing oblivious to her well supported hunches. "Maiha you and Kakashi have known each other for a while haven't you?"

"Oh yes pretty much my whole life."

"So you are close then."

"Yes we are. We trained together when I was young; he taught me a lot about being a shinobi. Kakashi was there for me after Ai died. That was probably the lowest part of my life. I think it was then that our relationship changed. We became closer, I just chalked it up to him knowing what loss was like and I had never experienced it before so he became my confidant. He always knew when to be there for me, sometimes even before I knew. It was always so nice to have a shoulder to lean on when I needed comfort or a small hug to get me by." Maiha blushed and looked away slightly. "I left Konoha not knowing who I was." She looked down. "I thought a lot about home while I was away." She paused, "Why I left, who I left behind… Humph," she huffed lightly as a quick thought of Kakashi and Madori flashed through her mind. She quickly shook it off, and a smile returned to her face, "I can say that upon my return I found my individuality, inner strength and have come to terms with my reasoning for leaving."

Though Maiha never directly told Sakura about her feelings for Kakashi, Sakura realized that her assumptions were most likely true, when she took everything in. Now to get Kakashi's side of the story. She discharged Maiha from the hospital on the agreement that she would go directly home and rest.

After not hearing anything from Sakura about Maiha, Kakashi decided to stop by the medical building. He found Sakura standing at a tiny medical desk, someone's chart in front of her. "No Kakashi I discharged her a bit ago. Our agreement was that she go directly home to rest, and no visitors," she said giving him a stern look. She noticed his disoriented expression. "Everything is okay Kakashi, she just needs to rest. That was quite an ordeal," she tried to reassure him.

"Oh, okay…uh… thank you." He seemed to come back around.

Sakura took advantage of them being alone and decided to ask him a few questions to fill in the gaps purposely left by Maiha. She broke the ice beginning with a supportive memory. "Kakashi, do you remember when you took us along to inform Maiha about Ai's death?"

"Yes?" he answered inquisitively.

"Although the occasion was not an ideal one, I did learn something from it and it helps me today as a medic."

"Humph," he exhaled lightly. "I had hoped you three would learn something from it." He paused, "I learned a few things as well."

"You really? I would have thought after everything that you have been through… but then again, you were worried about Maiha weren't you."

"Yes, she was my main concern. I didn't know how she would react and considering how strong the connection she had with Ai, I was a bit worried."

"I remember. It was very sad Kakashi, I could see how hurt she was and how concerned you were for her."

"The day of Ai's funeral was an emotional day for her, as it would be for anyone in her situation. "That day," he paused and exhaled lightly. "That day Maiha not only showed me her inner strength but the power of the human spirit."

Sakura could tell from the tone of his voice that this was a cheerful memory considering the event in which it transpired.

Kakashi continued, "She reminded me that though I had become callous over time and had created a shell to protect myself, I was still human underneath. I was very appreciative of that. We became closer. Ai had asked me to watch over her; however, I have to admit that I got a little carried away and stunted her growth into an individual."

He paused again and Sakura urged him with caring eyes to continue.

"Then there was the mission that resulted in her first stay at the hospital. She was close to her mission completion date and I was sort of in the area," he exhaled as he slouched a little, "Okay well not really, but I took it upon myself to check in on her to see how things were going."

"Kakashi, really!" Sakura scolded him.

"Yes I know, the Hokage already lectured me on that." He took a breath again about to divulge some of the information that he kept from her. "We ended up in a situation and in order to keep her cover we had to act like a couple to throw off the village ninja. So… we…kissed. But only for her mission," he followed up quickly.

"Oh well I'm sure a little sweet talk, close contact maybe a little peck was enough to divert them." She poked fun at the situation, "You probably had your mask on anyway, after all you never take that thing off." She chuckled but quickly stopped when she realized he wasn't laughing.

"Umm… well not exactly."

"Oh?"

"No mask, on the mouth, all out."

Sakura's eyes went wide, "What?"

"Like I said to keep her cover, it was a little intense but it had to be believable. Things were a little different after that. She became subtly more flirtatious with her words and touch. It wasn't awkward, and I have to admit I didn't dislike it and I didn't exactly want her to stop. She just became a little more affectionate than she used to be."

"Well that was a long time ago. She has grown since then. Her long journey did wonders for self-confidence and her individuality Kakashi. I always wondered why she left since she fit in so well here at the hospital but in the end I guess she realized the trade just wasn't for her."

Kakashi moved to redirect the discussion, he thought this was a good time to come clean from the information he kept from her. "Then there was the night at the dock, the night that she first went out with you to the bar."

Sakura was a little confused since it seemed like he pulled the conversation backward. She thought about his words and then remembered, he was referencing the last night she had been seen before leaving the village. She let him continue.

"Every night of a full moon, if we are in the village, we go down to the dock in remembrance of Ai. She was acting like her old self again, the way she spoke, the words she said. She was truly happy again. I always really enjoyed that about our friendship. It's almost like she would radiate warmth and share it with those around her. I felt it was a privilege to be in her company. There really aren't many people like that in this world," he smiled slightly beneath his mask.

The wheels started turning in Sakura's head. She was still a little unsure about where the conversation was leading so she continued her questioning. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I always enjoyed Maiha's company too she always had a way of expressing her feelings and explaining things through a philosophical approach."

"She did," he agreed. "She has such a positive way of thinking and would take joy in the simplest of things. Things that I had long overlooked and lost sight of, it's something else I enjoyed about our relationship."

He paused again and exhaled continuing his confession. "That last day she was in Konoha, before her journey began, she handed me one of those realizations."

Sakura looked at him with a slightly confused expression, "May I ask what it was?"

"It was a simple statement that she had said but I never really understood it until after she had left. 'If you lose appreciation for the simple things, like the ones that you see every day, than how can you truly realize how special the once in a life time moments are when they come along.'"

"Oh?" Sakura responded. "Umm… that seems odd just to say what was going on at the moment, if you don't mind me asking."

"We went down to the dock after we left the bar. She was trying to make me see through her eyes and how she thought about the village's beauty. Something happened that night and until now Sakura, I just couldn't bring myself to share it with you. Things got a little out of hand, a little heated and a little more intimate. I stopped it before it got to far and I think we were both a little shocked that it happened. She must have been embarrassed that she had pursued it. We spoke about it briefly when she came back. It was all just a misunderstanding. Though I never did understand why it was the incident that may have pushed her to leave."

"Oh Kakashi," Sakura gasped as she put her hand to her chest.

"I know," he replied bowing his head. It should have never got that far. We were pretty intoxicated."

"It doesn't matter Kakashi you still… wait … you didn't understand what she meant did you?"

"Meant by what?"

"What she said."

Kakashi thought about the whole incident within the context of her wording. He exhaled realizing the depth of symbolism Maiha's statement had. "Why didn't she just tell me that was how she felt?"

"Would you have listened? Would you have understood?"

"Possibly, well, I really can't say." He exhaled, "She was so beautiful that night, it's like I couldn't restrain the want and need to be with her. It was the first time that I thought about her that way. But I stopped anything else from happening, blocked it out, I had made a promise to Ai to…"

"To what Kakashi, shelter her her whole life?" Sakura started in on him but quickly softened her tone, "Kakashi, open your eyes, just like back then you are missing so much. That is all I can say, I have to leave the rest up to you." Sakura was confused on how the genius Copy Ninja could be so… ignorant.

"Kakashi," Shizune stepped in the room abruptly interrupting their conversation. "Lady Hokage wanted me to directly inform you that there will be a jounin meeting tomorrow at 10:00am. She also mentioned that if you were not on time she will come and get you herself."

"Uh…okay thanks Shizune," Kakashi replied a little thrown off by her sudden entrance and tone. She nodded and then left as quickly as she came.

"Wow Shizune seemed pretty nervous, you better be on time tomorrow it must be important," Sakura warned him.

"I'll keep that in mind." He got up and walked toward the door stopping just before his exit. He put his hands in his pockets and turned toward her again, "Thanks for the chat Sakura."

"You're welcome," she sent him off with a smile and a nod.

Shizune made a visit to Maiha's apartment as well but this meeting was a little more relaxed. "Maiha, Lady Hokage would like to see you in her office at noon tomorrow."

"Oh, okay thank you for letting me know I will see you tomorrow."

The next morning, Ino greeted Maiha at her door. "Good morning Maiha, I thought I'd make a house call," The blonde said as she handed Maiha a sunflower for the memorial.

"Oh thank you Ino."

"You're welcome." Ino gave a mischievous smile, "and I wanted to tell you that this Friday is a bar night party till we drop! We are gonna do the usual you in for some fun?"

"After the mission I just had I could use a little fun. Sure I'm in!"

"Great, I already have your outfit planned out."

Maiha smiled, "Ok Ino I'll see you Friday at 7:00." Maiha closed the door after Ino left and laughed to herself. Sakura was right, she does think of us like life sized dolls. Maiha headed out the door and walked to the memorial to see Ai before heading to her meeting at the Hokage's office.

"Nice of you to join us on time this morning Kakashi," Tsunade spoke contently pleased that he had done as she asked.

"Well, Shizune did mention that if I wasn't on time you were going to make a house call so I thought it must be important." Kakashi replied with a shrug.

"It is Kakashi, it is. First we will discuss village security and mission briefings, then we will move on to current topics, let's get started."

Maiha stood at the memorial for quite some time that morning thinking about Ai and their brief time together. "I hope you are proud at who I have become. I know that I feel confident with whom I am but I am not willing to settle, as long as I keep my mind sharp and my heart open I will continue to grow and improve myself every day for my village as well as myself." Just before Maiha left the memorial, it began to rain. There were few clouds in the sky and the sun shone brightly producing a rainbow and bringing a smile to Maiha's face. She loved the rain it always gave her comfort. It was how the world would purify itself. As the people of the village scurried around trying to avoid getting wet Maiha leisurely strolled through it with a smile to the Hokage's office.

"To conclude our meeting today," Tsunade set her hand down on top of a stack of folders, "I would like to discuss the promotion of one of our chuunin to jounin status. I have given it some serious thought and I believe that this individual is more than capable as well as deserving of this honor. Shizune will distribute the file so that you may voice concerns or opinions," Tsunade instructed them.

A shinobi's file included everything pertinent to their trade, birth, academy record, exam information, skills, missions as well as their rank and injuries sustained. Kakashi was the last to receive the chuunin's file. Though the name was not present on the file copy the information within it was quite familiar to him. The last thing that seemed to resonate with all the present jounin was the cutting that the nominee had allowed to be carved into her back in order to protect the welfare of others and to complete the mission.

Tsunade closely watched Kakashi's reaction to the information handed to him and enjoyed his response after realizing to whom the file belonged.

Maiha arrived in the waiting area just as the jounin meeting was ending. "Shizune please collect the files from everyone. At this time we shall hold a discussion. If there is any reason for you to believe that this chuunin is not capable of performing at this rank please speak now." There was no disagreement with the Hokage's decision. "Then we shall welcome our new jounin if the position is accepted. Shizune, has she arrived?"

"Yes Ma' Lady, it is my understanding that she has."

"Please show her in."

Shizune stepped out briefly, "Maiha, Lady Hokage is ready to see you now."

"Thank You Shizune." Maiha entered the Hokage's office and walked up to her desk. She was unable to see the jounin standing behind her.

"Maiha," Tsunade began shocked, "why are you all wet?"

"Oh," she began in a chipper voice, "it's raining outside Lady Hokage."

"But it is bright and sunny?" Tsunade replied confused.

"Yes, that is what makes it the most pure type of rain."

"Oh? Explain this concept to me."

Maiha smiled widely, "Ai use to tell me when I was young that when the rain fell with a shining sun it was the happy tears of those that we have loved and lost looking down upon us. The purity of this rain gives me the feeling that it is cleansing my soul as it does so for the world around us. It's just a silly thing that Ai told me as a child but it is one of the memories that I hold dear to my heart," and she touched her necklace. "Oh! Forgive me Lady Hokage, please excuse my appearance." Maiha quickly performed a wind jutsu to dry her clothing and her hair making her more presentable. "Now you asked to see me Lady Hokage," she quickly smoothed her hair down and straightened her posture.

"Yes," Tsunade said in a more firm voice, "I wish to go over your file."

"My file?" Maiha slipped out softly. "Yes Lady Hokage," she spoke more intently with a nod.

Tsunade briefly reviewed Maiha's shinobi career highlighting pertinent information leading up to the present time. She began with the academy, on to her mission records, her cultivated skills including her healing, and then continued on to her travels to the wind country and the Land of Iron before giving praise for her latest mission.

"Your most recent mission was very challenging but yet the one in which I am most impressed with. As I briefed you with the information of the mission that you were assigned, you did voice that you thought you may have been the wrong kunoichi for the job. Upon your arrival to leave for your mission you had pushed that aside and were able to see the importance of the task at hand, what it meant to the client and understood your role as the shinobi assigned to the mission. This had solidified my decision. However, I will admit when you were recovered and were admitted to the medical building with that cutting which you allowed to be engraved into your back in order to protect those you were sent to find knowing full well that you may carry it forever, if there was any doubt in my mind that you were not ready that annulled it."

Maiha gave Tsunade a confused look and then Tsunade smiled at her. "Maiha, I and the military would like to appoint you to join the rank of jounin."

Maiha stood there for a minute and stared at Tsunade. "I'm sorry Lady Hokage, I don't mean to stare I am just, uh, I didn't expect to, uh... I'm just in shock, I don't know how to react."

"Well for starters you could tell me if you accept the invitation," Tsunade smiled.

Maiha snapped back into reality. "Lady Hokage, It would be my honor, to further devote my life to Konoha as a jounin of the village."

Tsunade smiled, "Then I hereby instate you as a jounin of the Hidden Leaf Village."

"Maybe Ai was right about the rain during a shining sun," a familiar voice spoke from behind her. "I'm sure she is looking down upon you right now brimming with pride." Maiha spun around quickly to see Kakashi standing behind her. She sent him a smile and then noticed a row of jounin along the back wall.

"When did all of you get here?" she asked confused drawing a chuckle from the group.

"Oh, before I forget Maiha, I thought you may want this back." Tsunade pulled Maiha's flute out of her desk. "It was recovered while investigating the tea house."

"Oh thank you Lady Hokage, I thought I would never see this again."

"You're welcome. Congratulations Maiha, you are all dismissed."

Once out of the Hokage's office and out onto the street everyone congratulated her on her promotion.

Guy shed a tear, "The youth of the village makes us proud once again!"

Maiha's head was still spinning from the official invitation. "This is just so surreal, I am still in shock."

Kakashi just stood there watching her reaction and reveled in her excitement. She looked over at him with a big grin once again and he sent her a nod as his visible eye crinkled up signaling a smile.

"Hey, celebration at the bar this weekend in Maiha's honor!" Genma shouted, "Spread the word!"

Friday night came and Ino was even more excited since the situation was more of a unique occasion for Maiha. "Maiha this is your night, you get to steal the show I'm pullin' out all the stops."

"Whatever you say Ino I leave it all up to you," Maiha chuckled lightly.

Ino had chosen a black silk dress that lay close to her figure, the length reaching a little lower than mid-thigh. The neck was a halter style with a keyhole cut out reaching from the band that circled the neck to just below her chest showing off the inner curvature of her breasts. The skirt was split up the side almost hip height revealing much of her long legs.

"Now, hair pulled up with a large section of bangs pulled to one side loosely and we will just tuck that behind your ear, more sultry makeup defining your eyes and… you're done!" Ino stood back and admired her work.

"I don't know how you do it Ino but you always make us look amazing," Tenten, Hinata and Sakura agreed with a big smile and a nod.

"Aw, thanks ladies," Ino smiled "Now let's get you to the party."

As the girls walked toward the bar Maiha had an overwhelming feeling surface. "You know ladies, I think I want to stop by and visit Ai before I go into the bar. I want to share a moment with her first."

"Sure we understand," Sakura nodded.

"The guest of honor gets to be fashionably late anyway. But don't be too long, "Ino said with a wink and a smile.

"I won't, I promise." The girls parted and the foursome headed to the bar while Maiha headed to the lake. It was the first time that she had visited since seeing Kakashi and Madori there together. It seemed that with time the tainted feeling had finally faded away.

"Hey girls!" Genma blurted out waving them over. "Where's Maiha, shouldn't she be with you?"

"She wanted to make a quick stop first to see someone, she'll be along shortly," Sakura smiled.

"See who? It's like everyone in town is here. She must know a lot of people." Madori spoke up irritated.

"She stopped to see someone special to her," Kakashi defended Maiha for her tardiness.

"Well this bar is pretty packed for just getting promoted there must be something else going on," Madori exhaled bothered by the event as she smoothed out her skirt.

"What! Becoming jounin is a pretty big deal Madori," Tenten hissed. "It is a great honor for a shinobi to be appointed that rank, so you just need to keep you opinion out of something you know nothing about!" With that Madori's mouth snapped shut and she leaned back in her chair and started to pout. Tenten of course did not feel one bit of remorse for putting Madori in her place and the rest of the table pretty much felt the same way.

Maiha stood at the lake and stared up at the sky. "Ai I wish you could be here tonight. I just wanted to come out and share a moment with you first. I owe you so much and I never got to tell you before you left this world. I miss you Ai, I love you and I know you will always be with me." A breeze rustled the leaves in the trees mimicking the sound of a whisper and Maiha couldn't help but smile. With that Maiha turned and walked to the bar where everyone was waiting for her.

"There she is! The lady of the hour," Genma yelled as she entered the bar. It took some time for her to reach the table as she was stopped and congratulated the along the way.

When Maiha finally joined the group she looked around seeing all the familiar smiling faces congratulating her on her achievement. "Wow thanks everyone, this is amazing, it still hasn't set in yet." She noticed Kakashi at the end of the table accompanied by his baggage in the adjacent seat. At that point Maiha didn't care, this was a night for her to be a little selfish and enjoy the attention and Madori wasn't going to spoil it for her.

The night was full of stories, memories, drinks and visits from any shinobi that could attend. Maiha was almost overwhelmed with the turnout and the show of support for her achievement. This was the first promotional type of outing she had been to considering her recluse type of behavior before to leaving the village two years prior. She felt warm and her cheeks were flushed from the alcohol but she was enjoying herself.

Sakura got up and walked to the end of the table and leaned in, "Do you want to come to the restroom with me Maiha looks like you could use a bit of air."

Maiha nodded. "Please excuse us she said to the people closest to her."

"How are you doing Maiha?" Sakura asked.

"Oh I am getting a little foggy, it's hard to keep up when everyone wants to buy you a drink. I have a high tolerance but I think I've had my fair share."

Sakura smiled, "There is a way that we can get out back so you can get some air follow me."

"Thanks Sakura" Maiha followed.

"It looks like the crowd is dying down. I'm sure if you were ready to retire for the evening no one would mind."

"I think that may be a good idea. Thanks for watching out for me Sakura I just want to sit here for a bit."

"Okay just let me know when you are ready to go back in."

When Maiha was ready they made their way back into the bar. She stood at the end of the table and cleared her throat, "I just wanted to thank all of you for coming out to celebrate this occasion with me but I think it's time for me to bid all of you adieu. I had a wonderful evening; please have a safe walk home." She smiled, gave a small wave and made her way to the door.

"Maiha wait I'll walk you home," Kakashi stood and shouted after her but the bar was still a bit crowded and loud so she continued out the door not hearing him.

Madori's head snapped to the side and she fixed a hardened glare on him. "Why do you shower her with so much affection? She shows up after two years and boom she gets your undivided attention."

Kakashi rolled his eye, "There is history between us that you know nothing about Madori. You're drunk and I do not feel like having an argument over something so childish here."

Of course the attendants at the table were just eating the drama up as Kakashi was such a private person.

"No, you are gonna tell me why she gets so much more of your attention than I do!" she whined.

Everyone at the table saw the eyebrow of his visible eye slant downward as it closed. His patience with the situation was waning and they knew it was only a matter of time before it had been completely depleted.

"Kakashi, it's either her or me!" Madori blurted out.

He stood for a moment and everyone at the table held their breath waiting for his answer. Kakashi pushed by Madori's chair and made his way out of the bar.

"Ugh, he didn't say anything! Why didn't he answer me?" Madori pouted slumping down in her chair.

Sakura stood up to leave along with the rest of the group, "Madori, he did."

"Maiha wait up," Kakashi shouted as he quickened his pace toward her.

Maiha had been walking slowly taking in the beauty of the night so she wasn't far ahead of him. She stopped and turned upon hearing his voice. She waited, looking up at him with a smile as he reached her.

"May I walk you home?" He asked pleasantly.

"Won't Madori be upset? I'm okay by myself."

"Oh she'll be fine," he said as he stuck out his arm.

Maiha smiled as she wrapped her arm around his and leaned her head on his shoulder as they began walking, "I had a wonderful time tonight Kakashi."

"It was a great accomplishment to celebrate Maiha."

"I am still just so amazed at the number of people that came out."

"Shinobi of the village know what a prestigious honor it is to be promoted to jounin so we always make it a point to celebrate."

Maiha smiled and exhaled heavily "I still can't believe that I am a jounin." He chuckled and they continued on to her apartment enjoying the splendor of the evening, small talk and each other's company.

When they reached her door she unlocked it and then turned to face him. "Kakashi, I can never in my lifetime express the amount of gratitude that I have for what you have done for me. I know just saying thank you isn't enough but it is all that I can really do." She reached down took his hand and placed it over her heart. "Kakashi you will always have a special place in my heart just like Ai. If you ever need me, for anything, please do not hesitate to ask," and she gave him a warm smile.

Kakashi moved the hand that she placed over her heart to her face and she tilted her head into it slightly. "You have such a beautiful soul Maiha, you are a very special woman."

Her heart skipped a beat. At that moment she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted to taste the sweetness of his lips. She wanted him to caress her skin and explore her body with his strong hands. She wanted to show the desire that she had for him and wanted him to return that same desire. She wanted to tell him that she cared for him more so than what their relationship was currently, and it saddened her that she could never ask him for that. He had expressed before she had left on her journey that he had restrictions to their relationship not to mention that he was with Madori, and she would respect that.

In order to end her inner torment she stepped forward and gave him a big hug so he wouldn't see the tears coming to her eyes. He pulled her in to his chest and there they stood for what seemed like hours but only minutes had transpired. Though she didn't want to, she thought it would be best to end the embrace and gently pulled away from him. He noticed the tears in her eyes as she stepped back and gave her a concerned and confused look. "Happy tears Kakashi" she said as she forced a smile and wiped them away.

He took a step forward, his close proximity, the heat of his breath and the sound of his voice sent chills through her body. "You look beautiful tonight Maiha." He fought the desire to say it out loud but as soon as he set eyes on her when she entered the bar that night they rarely left her. He would get lost every time she smiled and her voice and laugh were like music to his ears. He noticed and loved her quirky little actions like when she spiraled her hair around her finger when she was thinking or reading or how the skin between her eyebrows furrowed when she was angry or frustrated and how she found enjoyment in the simplest of things. He checked himself back into reality. "I am so happy for you. Maiha, you have worked so hard and devoted your life to the village in such an honorable way, you deserve this."

"Thank you Kakashi," she responded to his praise with a smile.

He looked at her for a moment enjoying the warmth of her smile and brushed a section of her hair that had fallen down behind her ear. "I should let you get some sleep. You had an exciting evening you must be tired. I'll see you tomorrow?"

Her body shuddered ever so slightly, and she softly spoke as she gazed up at him. "Okay Kakashi, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Sleep well, little jounin kunoichi." She smiled and gave a chuckle as he modified his pet name for her yet again and they parted ways.

Maiha closed her door and sighed. "Oh Kakashi will I ever be able to move on, you never leave my mind."

Kakashi slid his hands into his pockets and traveled home in thought. He was no longer weighed down by Madori, he was free of her oppressive hold. How in the hell did I let that happen anyway? He shook his head at the sour taste their relationship had left in his mouth.

And then there was Maiha, a corner of his mouth drew up, each footstep became lighter, his posture softened. Just the thought of her made him feel warm and well… happy. Her sense of humor, her engaging personality, her strong values and ethics in combination with her non-judgemental empathetic nature and humility made her real, human, but almost to good… for him. Finding happiness couldn't be as simple as being with someone, could it? I want... She… I… He exhaled and shook his head. He had defeated himself once again pushing away from the truth in his heart mtsked by the confusion in his mind.

The following day Maiha made her normal rounds, the flower shop, the memorial and then training. She stood in the middle of the field letting the wind touch her skin and blow through her hair. Since training in Suna it had become just as soothing to her as the rain. No training today, I need a day off.

"Hey Maiha!" Genma called out, "I thought I'd find you here."

"Oh hi Genma, how are you?"

"Very well thank you. Umm… Lady Hokage needs to see you."

"Oh okay, I'll head right over."

My goodness, that was a long one sorry about that, I got a little over zealous. Hope I didn't lose anyone over it. Anyway, as always thank you very much for reading, following and once again for the review, glad you enjoyed the chapter. Let me know what you thought about this one.

Up next… An unexpected visit and Kakashi turns green… as if the poor guy wasn't already hard enough on himself.