Being back in the Leaf Village was definitely a great feeling. Personally, I don't mind the Moon Village at all. The problem was, word had gotten out that I was around and every time I walked around during the festival someone would say "All Hail Kurayami!" Then as we left people begged, "Please don't leave Dark Ruler!" If it were any normal person (like Naruto) I guess they would like the praise, but I simply found it annoying.

I sighed as we walked to report to Tsunade. Evidently, I didn't want to go anywhere near the woman because I most likely had a nice hot mission waiting for me as soon as I entered the office. Sasuke kept looking at me because he could tell something was up, but I ignored him. He'd get the point eventually.

"Well, I see the mission was a success," Tsunade said smirking at us.

Naruto scoffed. "Next time, can you give us royalty that's NOT a complete brat, granny?"

"Or a fan girl," Sasuke piped up.

"Or downright rude," Sakura responded.

She raised an eyebrow and her gaze fell on Kakashi and I. "Is this true?"

"Oh just a bit."

Kakashi chuckled nervously. "We all had certain…negative feelings towards her."

"Well at least none of you killed her. You can all get out of my sight now."

We nodded and headed out the room feeling a bit relieved until she called out, "Except for Kurayami and Sasuke."

Shit, I was hoping to be off the hook.

I stared and stared blankly at her while Sasuke looked confused. I was a bit surprised myself, but I didn't dare let that show because I'd never hear the end of it from her.

"I have a mission for you and your team, Kurayami, and this one might take quite awhile."

I sighed for the umpteenth time. "Why must you do this to me? I just came back from a mission, too."

"That was a measly mission that's not a big deal compared to this one. The Mizukage requested help with a certain situation they're having in the Land of Waves, but I can't discuss all the details to you because she didn't want the word of the situation getting to the wrong people."

Sasuke stepped up. "So why am I here?"

She smiled. "I think this would be a nice opportunity for you two to work together on her turf. Plus, view this as sort of a promotion test for you."

"Aw, aren't you the sweet one Tsunade?" I said mockingly.

"Yeah yeah whatever. You leave in three days. Get out."

Sasuke's POV

"Sasuke, come here for a second."

I looked at Yami and she nodded, signaling she'd wait outside while I approached Lady Tsunade. "What is it?"

"Another reason I'm putting you on this mission with her is to test how she is with someone close to her on this type of mission. I'm sure she'll pass with flying colors, because she never lets anything distract her, but I want to make sure for your sake too."

I nodded. "That's fine."

"Plus," she said continuing with a sigh. "She'd have my head for giving her a back to back mission making her work away from you longer."

I chuckled a bit and left to meet up with Yami. She was leaning on the wall right outside the door with her eyes closed. She opened them when she felt my gaze on her and I couldn't help but smile. She always looked at me with care.

"Sorry you gotta be dragged along with me and my team," she said shaking her head.

I shrugged. "It's all right. Better than staying here and simply training."

"Hey, training is fun…"

I smirked. "Can't say that with a straight face can you?"

She stuck her tongue out at me and continued walking. "At least you're on a mission with my team. We're pretty awesome if I do say so myself."

"What are all their names?"

"Ronnie, Sonya, and Mika. My last mission with them was that one when I was away before and on my birthday. They actually finished for me so I could head back and party."

"Are you guys close?"

She smiled, but never answered me.

As we walked towards my house, I decided to do something out of the ordinary just to see how she'd react. I grabbed her arm and teleported us before she could ask where we were going. When she stopped glaring at me, she viewed our surroundings and her eyes widened.

"You're not serious," she said barely above a whisper.

"Dead serious."

"I call dibs on the swings!" she said before racing off towards the swings.

I brought us to the park we use to play in when her sister, Nia, would take us on weekends. When I looked to see Yami's expression, all I could picture was the little girl with big brown eyes and pigtails that would smile every day. It's not often I see that side of her now.

"Come on Sasuke! I don't wanna look like an idiot by myself on here!"

I shook my head. "I'd rather play in the sandbox."

I started walking towards it when I heard the sound of feet hitting the dirt. When I turned around Yami was no longer on the swings, and I turned back to see she was already working on something in the sandbox.

I sat next to her. "Did you really have to beat me here?"

"Yes, now help me build this damn thing."

"What do you have in mind?"

"The Uchiha compound of course."

My eyes softened as I looked at her concentrating. From what it seemed, she was starting from my house and working her way from there.

"I'm pretty sure I know whole thing by memory, but some places might be a little sketchy. I practically lived at your house, but others? Not so much."

"You know, you're pretty amazing," I said as if I was dreaming. When did I get so soft?

She looked at me and gave me one of her rare big smiles. "Only you would think that Sasuke."