A/N: I apologize everyone for my lack of updates. College has been holding me back, and I started my term as a club president. I hope this chapter makes up for it. This is where everything really does begin for Rise and the others. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. That said, let's begin.

Chapter Eleven: Children's Dreams

Three months had passed since Rise and Kaze had fought in the arena. Kaze had developed very strong dreams of what he wanted to be as a Shinobi. Rise and Kaze were never apart, not since that day they had spent huddled in each others arms. Naruto knew his daughter well enough to understand how she felt. He wasn't unhappy about it at all, because he knew Kaze very well, and that they would be a perfect match, considering what they both were.

Rise opened her eyes and she looked out her window. The sun was shining in the sky, causing the young girl to smile. She loved warm sunny days. She rose from her bed and she made it, with her rabbit doll in front. She then entered her bathroom and she closed the door. She stripped off her clothes and she examined herself in the full length mirror. She sighed and she cupped her chest.

"Small. But they've grown since my last birthday."

She said and she turned on the hot water in her shower. She added bath salts and she slid into the water, closing her lavender eyes. Rise thought back to the night she spent in the hospital with Kaze. She remembered how his arms had wrapped around her and encircled her. A smile spread across her thin lips. He really is different. Its really no wonder I love him. I know Serah loves him too, but Kaze is my best friend. I just wish he wouldn't leave. Rise thought silently. Her eyes opened and she washed her body until her skin shone and her hair was silky. Rise drained the bath water and she dressed quickly. She opened her door to see Kaze coming out of his room, fully dressed.

"Morning Rise."

He said with a soft smile. Rise smiled back and she whispered to him.

"Morning, Kaze. Are you ready to leave?"

Kaze nodded and they stopped in the hallway.

"Rise, there's something I need to tell you later tonight. Can we go up on the roof after night fall?"

Rise nodded with her usual grin. She hugged him gently and they exited the house. They made their way through to the Academy, where they had another new task waiting for them. Hanabi came into the room after everyone had been seated.

"As you all know, we've been practicing basic Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. For the rest of your training here in the Academy, we're going to be doing more grueling things. You've all mastered water walking, tree climbing and the most fundamental of Shinobi tasks. Today, we're going to be practicing special techniques that Lady Tsunade asked us to teach you. We're going to be teaching you the Mystical Palm Technique. I tell you this now: This technique is a very difficult to use, and not all of you can learn to use it effectively. It is only intended to be used properly, as other uses could lead to the death of the one being healed. Lastly, it is not a requirement to graduate the Academy. However, those who wish to be a Medical Shinobi like Sakura or Lady Tsunade will receive special training from them both upon graduation. Now, since I can't use this technique myself, we have a special guest instructor."

Hanabi then bowed to the doorway. Serah grinned widely as her mother entered the classroom. Sakura Uchiha walked gracefully down the steps and down into the front and center of the class. She had a natural elegance to her. Serah was on the edge of her seat, watching her mother. It was well known that Serah admired her parents to the degree of fanaticism. Sakura laid several dead fish on the table and she turned to the class.

"The Mystical Palm Technique is not easy to learn. It is an A-Rank Ninjutsu that requires the very best of Chakra control. I highly doubt any of you will perfect it before you graduate. That said, I want each of you to come down, one at a time, and follow my instructions. Rise, would you come down first, please?"

Rise felt the class's eyes on her. She felt the heat rising to her face as she walked down the center aisle and down to Sakura.

"Rise, your mother and father both tell me you have excellent Chakra control. It's no doubt your Hyuga blood. You need it for the Gentle Fist. Rise, listen to me carefully. Make the following seals and focus your Chakra to your hands, like this."

Sakura made a small string of very slow seals and she held her hands out, palm down. Rise followed along with Sakura and she felt a faint pulsation in her hands.

"Very good. Now, press your hands on the fish's body. Then, you just have to push the Chakra in, just like Gentle Fist. Focus Rise."

Rise reluctantly placed her hand on the dead fish. She hated all forms of seafood, especially fish, but she did as she was told. She let her Chakra flow into the fish, but nothing happened. Rise chuckled. She didn't expect to perform an A Rank Ninjutsu on her first try. However, Sakura was beaming at her.

"You did very well for a first time. You managed to get life flowing in your hands. That in itself is a hard task. Thank you Rise. Would Serah come down next, please?"

Rise received a loud round of applause from the class as she took her seat. Serah made her way down and she smiled at her mother. Sakura grinned at her daughter and she repeated her directions.

"Just like you practiced Serah. I want to see how much you've progressed."

Serah pressed her hands onto the fish and she focused. The fish's eyes opened and spun in their sockets. Then it lay still once more. Those in the stands could not see, but Serah was grinning. Sakura smiled inwardly. She's a natural. Too bad Sasuke wants her to be a combat Shinobi. She thought to herself. Serah smiled at her mother who nodded. The class applauded the progress and Serah bowed to her mother. When Serah had taken her seat next to Rise, the two girls whispered while Sakura continued.

"You're good. I saw the fish's eyes."

Rise whispered to her best friend. Serah grinned and nodded.

"You're not bad either Rise. You've got Hyuga blood. It took me weeks to even get the Chakra flowing into the fish. My mom's been training me to be a Medical Shinobi like her. My dad wants me to train to be like you and Kaze. You know, combat types. I want to do both. That's my dream. To be a strong Kunoichi that will make my parents proud. I want to be number one in this class."

Rise felt her body reacting the way it did when she became excited. Her heart was pumping.

"You'll have to beat me and Kaze then. I'm not just going to hand you the number one spot, Serah."

Rise said in a serious yet friendly manner. Serah chuckled.

"Same to you, Rise. But the way its been happening, Kaze has us both beat in everything except for water walking. He is the Kazekage's son after all. By the way, what happened that day, when you both went into the hospital?"

Serah asked the question is a sly demeanor. Rise could feel the heat rising into her face. She remember being close to Kaze as he held her. She remembered his strong arms encircling her. She grinned as she blushed, and she poked her best friend on the shoulder with his right index finger.

"That's a secret."

Rise said and she winked, holding up one finger. Serah knew what that sign meant. It meant that something had happened. She knew that whenever Rise did that, she was happy. Serah pouted playfully and the two girls embraced as Kaze came back to join them in their row. After Kaze had come back, Sakura left the room. Hanabi then spoke one last time.

"You all performed admirably. I was especially impressed with Kaze. He managed to make the fish breathe for a few seconds. Everyone, please give him a round of applause."

Rise felt a pang of sharp guilt. She hadn't seen his attempt because she had been talking to Serah. Her happy face melted as Kaze smiled at her. Hanabi then dismissed them. Kaze stood up with Rise following him. He was happy, and he was talking to Rise excitedly.

"Did you see that? I made that fish breathe! Maybe I should become a Medical Shinobi!"

Rise nodded vehemently. She was feeling very angry at herself. She pushed that aside and she stopped walking.

"Kaze, why do you spend so much time with me? I'm nothing special. Truthfully, I'm not even strong without this thing's power."

Rise said as she patted her Steel Seal. Kaze's happy face fell, and he whispered to Rise.

"Let's talk about that tonight after the sun sets."

Rise suddenly remembered that Kaze wanted to talk with her under that stars.

"Ok. Let's go home then."

Rise said. They returned home and ate the dinner that Kushina had made. Rise and Kaze each showered and returned to their rooms for the last few hours of sunlight. When night had fallen, Kaze and Rise made their way to the roof. They laid back on the blanket Rise had brought and Kaze smiled over at Rise.

"Beautiful, isn't it? I love the stars."

Rise smiled and she nodded.

"They're gorgeous. I can't see them very often. Mom hates me coming up here most of the time."

Kaze chuckled and he sat up, pointing into the sky.

"There's a meteor shower tonight."

He said as several meteors dashed across the night sky. Rise gasped in awe and she moved closer to Kaze, taking his hand without even realizing it. Kaze smiled and he turned to look into Rise's lavender eyes. When emerald met lavender, the two young Shinobi to be smiled.

"Rise, I have something to tell you."

Rise felt her heart racing in her chest and her face was a burning red. Is he about to say what I think he is? Rise leaned her head onto his shoulder and she whispered.

"Tell me Kaze."

Kaze slid his arm around her waist and he whispered.

"A few things. One, I'm staying here in Konoha, even after I graduate. I need to stay here."

Rise felt her heart leap in her chest. Rise hated saying goodbye. Now she wouldn't have to watch him leave. She smiled inwardly, knowing she was going to be able to see him every day. Kaze continued.

"Two, I've come to a decision, between you and Serah."

Rise felt her heart beat faster. She was prepared for the worst, but was secretly hoping for the best.

"I chose you Rise. That night, in the hospital, something bloomed inside of me. It just feels so right like this. I can't describe it. However, my father wants me to wait until I'm a Genin before we commit. The good news is, we still have a little over a year, so it won't be too much longer."

Rise couldn't hold back her tears. She looked down at the ground, sobbing happily. Between sobs, she gasped out a sentence.

"Kaze, you really are like I imagined. Different from the other boys."

Kaze hugged her and she dried her eyes.

"I'm not really. I can't guarantee I'll make you happy, but I'll do my best. The day we graduate from the Academy, I'll ask you again to make sure, ok? Until then, keep this between us, ok?"

Rise nodded and she pointed up at the sky as one last shooting star lit the night sky.

"I will Kaze. Its getting cold out. Why don't we go back inside?"

Kaze nodded and stood up. He felt as if he had been rejuvenated. The two young Shinobi went to their rooms for the night. The last thing Rise thought before falling asleep was that mornings would be better from now on.

TO BE CONTINUED...