THREE MONTHS LATER

AKIRA POV

The kitsune watched her husband slurp down noodles with gusto, two rivals fighting for champion of ramen eating.

Glancing to the final Uchiha, her concern for the boy filled her chest. After a month of living in isolation, the effects of Yuki's jutsu had finally resolved itself. The man who had stepped out of it was kinder, yet more distant. There were times that he didn't seem to be all there. At the behest of Kazuyo Hazukashii, the Five Kage had pardoned the Uchiha's assaults, under the key condition that the man serve with Naruto and Akira's squad under the watchful eye of Tsunade. The squad had fulfilled rather small jobs for the village, as the world was now at a time of peace that decreased the need for ninja. Either way, the trio continued to train, should danger to the village approach again.

"ANOTHER!"

The pair yelled out holding their bowls up, asking for more. She had to admit that the new Sasuke, was someone she actually liked quite a bit. She had found herself wanting to try him out in bed with her current mate, but the two were like oil and water. She knew that it would never be. The counter was filled to the brim with ramen bowls, the eating contest one of personal pride for the two. The kitsune was the referee.

"Giving up yet, Sasuke? I knew you didn't have the stomach for this contest!" Naruto taunted, sticking his face into his rivals.

"In your dreams loser! Like I'd ever lose to you!" he retorted.

The demon sighed, and shook her head, recounting the bowls. 32 to 33. Surprisingly Naruto was behind, as Sasuke had kept up with him bowl for bowl.

"Why don't you just kiss him already, Naru-koi? Didn't you enjoy the first two times?" she asked, laughing lightly as the two faced her. Anger filled the air, before she received two swift bonks from both her husband and the Uchiha.

"OWOWOW!" she cried out, holding her head gently.

"N-never! Sasuke's too ugly to wanna kiss!"

"Shut it loser! You only got her cause she had no choice to but to be sealed in your body!"

"OH YEAH! You think your so cool, huh? How about we settle this on the battlefield?"

"YOU BET!" Sasuke retorted, before letting out a low groan. Naruto echoed his sound, as both of the men had reached their limits. Simultaneously the pair turned to the side, spewing still warm ramen, onto the ground.

Akira laughed joyously, as the two friends continued to vomit in public, disgusting the local population.

As they finished, they returned their gaze to the bar.

"Hey Akira-chan...are you...going to her grave yet again?" Naruto asked. Sasuke perked up at the question, which only made her face blush a brighter shade of red. It was no secret that the Kitsune hadn't given up on wanting Yuki in her life. In fact the fox was almost positive that her death was not real. Still, there was no evidence to support such a theory and she had just visited the grave daily to remind herself that the girl was truly gone.

Sighing, she nodded her affirmation, noticing Sasuke's gaze had become perturbed.

"You should probably stop. The more you visit, the more it will eat you up. You and I both know she's gone. So quit wasting precious time pining for her,"Sasuke stated his voice low, but sympathetic.

Akira shook her head, and sighed.

"I know I'm in denial, but I can't give up just yet. There has to be a jutsu or way I can bring her back to this world. I just can't bring myself to accept it," Akira replied, her face becoming downcast.

"Well...shall we? If you're determined to go, I might as well accompany you and the idiot there. I mean, I haven't visited the site of the woman who gave me a second chance."

Akira nodded, smiling as her husband became indignant at the Uchiha's jab.

"Who are you calling an idiot?" he shouted, raising his fist.

"You, moron."

"URGGHHH! SASUKE!" he shouted, slamming his fist on the table. His false bravado vanished, a moment later as he turned his head away. Vomit poured onto the floor eliciting a broad smile from the kunoichi. This is how things were meant to be and it made her happy.

YUKI POV

"ANOTHER!" the girl stated, the sake vanishing from the bottom of the bottle in record time. The bartender gave her a sympathetic sigh, and patted her shoulder, wincing as her glare sent him retreating.

"Look. I'll give you another, but you should stop," he replied in a gravelly voice.

"Roman. I appre..ziate the consern buts I need dis," she stated, grinding her teeth together. The younger woman held her head in her free hand wincing as pain blossomed in her heart again. Every time she stared into the bottom of the glass, she could not help but see the faces of Akira, Kakashi and Anko. A hot knife ripped the wounds anew,as the thought of her parent's death dug deeper into her. It was her fault, wasn't it? There was no denying that. Black Zetsu had been very accommodating, providing her with a fake bod y to assist with her escape. She had left, taking Madara's Rinnegan and Obito's Sharingan with her. Sighing, as the memories flooded her mind, she reached out and grabbed the fresh offered bottle with quick vigor. Opening it, she drained the first half in a matter of seconds. This had been a routine every week since after the fight. Luckily the alcohol was free, thanks to the bartender. The old man was the one who had found her passed out on the borders of the Village Hidden in the Mist. His solitude broken, he had nursed her back to health, even bandaging up her now useless right arm. The appendage hung pitifully at her side, the missing radial bone, making it painful to walk or even move, as every jostle caused the nerves in the arm to fire continously. At least the drinks helped dim the pain to a dull ache which permeated her body. Glancing at the old man, she smiled slightly very appreciative to him, as he had done so much for her. After she had woken up, he hadn't asked too many intrusive questions, even accepting the false name she had given him. When she asked how she could repay him, he simply stated that if she could assist with the fields, that would be payment enough. So that had been their arrangement. Yuki had been helpful in regards to the fields and taverns, going so far as to work daily from dawn until early the next morning. He owned the tavern and a small cottage only five miles south of it. There weren't many visitors but those who did, paid decent money for the amenities the small bar provided. She harvested the crops during the day, sleeping very little during the night. The two lived in harmony discussing life, and the many great mysteries, their mutual company beneficial to each other. Yuki found the old man to be insightful, understanding her better than even she did. His intuition was keen even able to pick up on the burdens she bore. When she had asked why he had helped her, his response had been simple.

"I need the help, but I think...the stronger reason is I'm lonely. I've always wanted a daughter, an here you are to answer those prayers."

Sighing, guilt swallowed her whole as she placed the bottle back on the bar, exhaustion finally settling in.

"Is all my fault, see?" she whispered, the images of her parents deaths tormenting the woman, even as she passed out at the bar.

ROMAN POV

The man stared at the girl, smiling softly as she finally succumbed to the effects of the alcohol. He was glad that she was such a lightweight or she might do severe damage to his reputation and his bar. He didn't know much about people, as he was rather simple himself, but he recognized the signs of someone who had given up on happiness. His friend approached the bar, his tall muscular build, a great deterrent to those who would cause trouble in his bar.

"Again? Man, she just doesn't stop. Why don't you just kick her out?" Tamotsu asked, pulling her into his arms.

"She's a great help, and is actually decent company. She smiles around me, and its nice to have someone around instead of staring at the four walls all day," Roman replied.

"Do be gentle with her this time! Last time, she complained you almost put her head through a wall."

His friend laughed at the joke, and took her upstairs to sleep off the effects of the alcohol.

FOUR HOURS LATER

As he cleaned yet another glass, the mindless task taking him away, he heard the jingle as more customers entered his bar. He listened carefully, years of experience allowing him to know how many people entered based on the number of rings.

Four.

Glancing up from the mug, he smiled, only for fear to strike his heart. Four shinobi stood in his bar, their menacing gaze forcing others to retreat away from the newcomers position.

"H-how may I help you gentlemen?" he asked, unable to help the small stutter which materialized in his voice.

"We are here for your gracious hospitality. A couple of beers and some food. Get to it, old timer," he stated.

Doing as was asked, he provided warm fresh bread from the oven, with several frothy beers, wincing as the food was yanked out of his hands.

"Thanks pops. So, this is all free for us right?" the younger man asked, taking a bite of the bread, their eyes meeting.

"No...it isn't," Roman replied, sweating as the man reached for his blade.

"Are you sure about that? Cause it'd be a shame to half to split you in half, after providing us such nice amenities," the threat was whispered, forcing him to step backwards, into the arms of the shinobi's comrades.

Tamotsu started to intervene, only for another one of the guys to grab him, and slam his face into the bricks. Fear gripped his chest, as two of the ruffians started to kick his friend repeatedly in the chest.

"So what will it be, man? You gonna serve us or we gonna serve ourselves?" he asked, pushing the blade deeper into his throat. The sharpness from the cold steel nicked his neck, and the old man, gave in.

"I'll...serve you. Just please. Stop hurting Tamotsu!" he stated, bowing his head in defeat.

"Good! GOOD!" the man replied taking a deep drag from the cold liquid. He stared at the man, bitter at him for manipulating him. He often had one or two hoodlums come in and request things, but never had he had a group of shinobi enforce themselves upon him like they did now.

"Stop it. Let the poor man go, for chrissake," the leader demanded, taking a bite from the bread,.

One final kick, and the trio of other shinobi walked back to the table, settling down with their food. Roman rushed to his friend's side, concerned for his life.

"I'm fine. Damn them to hell. Coming in here and taking what they want," his friend stating spitting out a copius amount of blood. Roman helped his friend stand, giving him a hug.

"You there. Leave now."

Cold words, shivered down his spine, the amount of venom in there palpable enough to taste. He glanced to the stairways, where the girl stood, her eyes focused on the group of people occupying the center space.

"Go away, little bitch, before you get hurt," the leader stated, shooing her away with a flick of his wrist.

"I will not ask again. Are you okay, Roman-san?" she asked, turning her gaze to him. He nodded an affirmation, watching as the leader stood in a single movement.

YUKI POV

Even though she had been out cold for the past three hours, the last hour she had spent recovering her strength and will. Her body had fought off the effects of the alcohol, valiantly and she now was fully functional. As she had been washing her face, her ears had picked up the trouble downstairs, making her stop mid action. Her eyes had stared into the mirror, wondering just who she was today. Green emerald eyes, were framed by white hair which fell to the middle of her back. All the emotions she had been withholding since the moment she had woken up in Roman's house now poured forth, as she glared at the four clueless men who threatened her friend's lives.

When they made no move to leave, she proceeded down the stairs, dodging the first kunai and catching the second, wincing as her right hand held the tool an inch from her face, the blade impaled into her palm. Shifting, she let her arm drop, and slammed a knee into the first guy who rushed her position. As he collapsed mid motion, her left hand pulled him up, and she blocked the sword, with his friend's body.

"YOU BITCH!" the second guy cried out, trying to pull the tool free, only for his eyes to widen, as her arm shot past his guard slamming into his throat. He collapsed forward, gasping for air, only to go flying out of the bar, as her right foot slammed into his face with all of her grief. She continued forward as both the leader and third shinobi stood up.
Glancing to the leader, she knew he would strike last, and focused on the other opponent, who raised his hands to form a hand seal.

"Big mistake," she stated, closing the distance in an instant. As her foot, came around slamming into young boy's face, she felt a biting sensation fill her right arm, where a blade hacked into the flesh, by the leader. Landing solidly, she disarmed him swiftly and sent him into the ground, pulling the weapon free of her appendage and slamming it into his shoulder, her weight pinning him to the ground.

"OH FUCK! SHIT! YOU BITCH! YOU KNOW HOW MUCH-OOOWWWWW!"

His screams grew louder as she twisted the blade deeper, pushing through his clavicle and tearing the muscles of his back.

Ignoring her own discomfort, she knelt closer, until they were face to face. A calm she hadn't known since the last fight she had been in, overcame her heart. Pulling the blade out, she slammed it into his manhood, his screams stifled, as she slammed a hand into his throat, cutting off his oxygen.

"This will be the last time I see you, for the next time I will end you. Now leave!" she hissed, pulling the weapon free, and pushing him towards the exit. Yuki watched the leader grab his friends, rushing for exit, with fear in their eyes. It satisfied her, and she didn't understand why. Rushing to Roman's side, it was apparent that he was in shock from what he had just witnessed.

"Th-thank you Hisako," he managed to choke out. Yuki smiled at the false name, and nodded, acknowledging his statement.

"You okay Tamutso?" she asked, admiring his physical appearance. A desire she hadn't known for a long time filled her lower body, and she gave into it. As he nodded his affirmation, Yuki winked, and glanced towards Roman.

"I'm sorry about the blood. Want me to clean it up?"

"Nonono. Don't be. I'll deal with it. You just go on home and take a shower. Grab something to eat, and then meet me up here."

She nodded her assent, and walked towards the door, before glancing to Tatmutso.

"See ya later, handsome. Sashaying her hips, she walked out the door and ran towards home.

Roman's friend turned to the older man, asking one simple question.

"Where the fuck did you find this girl again?"

Roman simply shook his head in disbelief, laughing heartily.

Walking to the cottage, gave her time to analyze and think upon the situation that had just been thrown itself upon her. The thrill of the fight soon faded from her mind, as she considered her skills back there. If the shinobi had been able to perform ninjutsu in that time, the fight might have ended poorly with her either dead, or close to it. The thought was enough that she had to stop for a minute to consider how ready she was to continue her existence as such. Opening the door, she kicked her sandals off, and ran a hand through her hair, and popping a peppermint into her mouth. At least that was one thing that remained constant with the kunoichi. She moved to the bathroom, her eyes searching into the mirror for answers. Black Zetsu had stated that she would lose all gifts, and he was very right. Yuki still felt no presence of chakra in her body, and her kekki genkai was far out of her reach. In fact, her life as a shinobi might have been over with if not for the fact she could still utilize Fotou. Either way, she might have remained out of the fight if she hadn't continued training even after losing the use of her right hand. She scooped a strand of her white hair out of her face, and sighed heavily. The look on Kakashi and Anko's face wouldn't disappear. Nor would the promise she made to kitsune.

Should I go back, and just announce I'm alive? If I do then, Kakashi-sama and Anko's death will be held over my head.I might never be forgiven. Mom and nii-chan will be angry with my deception and Akira will never forgive me. Perhaps, its time that I stop drinking, and figure out what I want...which is?

Her thoughts shifted to Sasuke Uchiha, which caused a ripple of happiness to flow through her. After the jutsu had been enacted upon him, she felt a connection to the man that ran deeper than anything she'd ever felt. Yuki understood him better than she thought possible as the jutsu had given her all of his memories; dreams and nightmares.

Ignoring her inner voice, she stripped, carefully unwinding the bandages on her arm. Ignoring her discomfort, she blasted the hot water, and laid down, letting the steam caress her skin and heal her wounds. As the blood poured out of her in small rivlets, the kunoichi considered changing her hair color, as soon as possible.

"Perhaps, it would be better if I wasn't identifiable by any who knew me," she stated, thinking aloud. Reaching under the sink, she pulled out the box he had bought last week. Choosing between the three most common colors, she settled on black her heart aching as she stared at red and blonde. A hand absentmindedly rose to her neck where Akira's mark had been pulled free.

She was sure she could almost hear the kitsune's thoughts concerning her. However it was for the best and with this ideology, the young girl proceeded to color her hair taking her time with the application. After letting it sit, and content with the colors, she proceeded to the kitchen, stopping mid step, as someone knocked on the door. Yuki shook her head, before approaching the entry, and opening it, smiling as she recognized the person standing before her.

"Hey. Thank you so much for the milk. It's always so fresh, and refreshing to drink," she spoke, paying the milkman with the vegetables she had sowed earlier this morning. His smile to her, made her feel cared for.

"It's good to see you too. The wife loves your radishes. What's your secret?" he asked, bantering with her playfully.

"I used a little love and care. Goes a long way to ensuring that the crops grow proper. See ya later."

Closing the door and taking the milk to the fridge, she stopped again, as footsteps echoed off the door mat.

More people? Who is this?

Reflexively, she drew a kunai from a side pouch, and moving to the door, peering through the eye hole. Her heart stopped in her chest, as she stared at two shinobi who she recognized immediately.

Why are they here? I left no trail so there was no way they could know I was here.

She stood silent for a minute, before Kazuyo spoke up loudly.

"We know you are there. How about you just open the door, so we can talk?" her sister demanded.

Shivering, the kunoichi opened the door, sliding the shirt's sleeve down to hide her disabled appendage.

"Hi. Is there something I may help you with?" she asked, disguising her voice to be far more cheery than she felt, and deepening the base in her voice.

"Hi. We are looking for the Roman residence? We were visiting the tavern, and were told a female had assisted with the four men who had attacked his place of work," Kazuyo spoke.

Yuki nodded slowly, acting confused by the words she spoke.

"I might have helped a little bit," she replied.

"Bull shit. We saw the blood. You fucked the guy up pretty bad, and the Mizukage wants to speak with the person who knocked out four of Anbu Jounin without reason or cause to," Nagisa stated.

"I'm sorry if I caused any harm. I don't remember much, as I was kind of intoxicated. I do remember hearing them demanding Roman's services without paying for them," Yuki stated, acting as flustered as possible.

"Mom...she doesn't look like she's from around here," Kazuyo stated, moving forward, her hand resting on the door.

"The Mizukage would be very upset if you decided to decline her invitation. She might even cut off the supplies to his tavern and inn."

Yuki stared at the two, confused by how nasty her family was being. Granted she did not appear to be who they knew, but she had hoped they were far more compassionate then this.

"So will you cooperate?" Kazuyo stated moving forward, pushing on the door. Yuki pulled away, allowing them access and assessing the situation. If she fought now the odds were, she would lose. But if she visited the Mizukage, she knew without a doubt that her identity would be brought into question. Considering her options, she dropped to her knees, hoping to appeal to their human sides.

"I didn't know what to do. They wouldn't stop attacking Tamutso. So I fought. I don't remember how I did it. All I know is that it was an accident. They wouldn't stop hurting those around me. Was I supposed to just sit there and let it happen? Watch them kill my caretaker, for no reason outside of him standing up for himself?" she fake cried out, keeping her face lowered.

This outburst shocked her family, and they retreated a little.

"Look. I don't want any trouble. I just want to remember who or what I am. "

Kazuyo stared at her momentarily, stunned, before Nagisa spoke up.

"Hmmm. The Mizukage asked us to get answers and we have. Granted the circumstances are far from regular, but I believe she's telling the truth. Granted she would want a personal statement from ...what's your name?"

"Hisako, I believe. I am not even entirely sure, but it's the one I remember," she replied keeping her head bowed out of respect.

"Very well. Hisako, we will take care of things from here. I suggest you lie low for a little bit."

Yuki lifted her head and nodded an affirmative, only for Kazuyo's gaze to turn curioius.

Shifting her hair into her face, Yuki faced her sister slightly.

"What is it Kazuyo?" she asked, staring at her daughter.

"I...It must be a trick of the light. For a moment she almost looked just like sister."

Yuki kept her breathing steady as the two stared at her intensely.

"A little bit, I agree, but you and I both know she's six feet under. You helped lower her corpse in."

Kazuyo sighed, and turned away, bending their knees.

"I know. Either way, I hope you find whatever your looking for, Hisako. Have a good day."

The two vanished and Yuki slammed the door shut, her heart rate skyrocketing and tears pouring down her face. To be so close to family, without being able to tell them the truth, was too much for her. Tears poured down her face, as she whispered the question that had haunted her since Kakashi's death.

"What have I done?"

THIS WILL HAVE TO DO FOR THE ENDING PART 1. IF THIS ENDING IS NOT TO YOUR TASTE, THEN GO AHEAD TO PART 2. OTHERWISE THIS ENDING WILL BE THE BASIS FOR THE FINAL SAGA OF CHI NIKUYOKU! THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT AND IF YOU ENJOYED GIVE IT A GOOD REVIEW.