The Burning Leaves

by ajd09

Naruto has saved his friend and lead to the destruction of Madara. The nations have prospered. However, twenty peaceful years pass and still someone lurks, waiting to take his mark. Will this new generation get caught in the middle of a rising threat? A long fic, recommended for readers who like the focus on future generation OC . Mostly from canon predictions. Now is Alternate TL.

7. Taking Chances

Chapter 7: Taking Chances

"No, no, no, no, no! Absolutely not happening!" The Hokage stared her down with a dead-paned face. These outbursts from Yuuki were getting more and more aggressive recently. "We've done eleven D ranked missions already! Give us a real one." Her cheeks were puffed and her arms crossed. Konohamaru put a hand on her shoulder.

"There are others more qualified for those missions, Yuuki. While you guys have made a great deal of progress, the way you're behaving is proving otherwise." She paused for a moment before pushing his arm of her shoulder. After a period of frustration filled the room, Naruto let out an elongated sigh.

"I know you're aware of the ranking system and assignments that come accordingly, Team Seven." Takeshi nudged Yuuki and gave her a concerned face that came of a little silly. Natural reaction forced a chuckle as she pushed his face away, rolling her eyes. She faced her father with a reduced hostility as he continued. "Just because your team is unique doesn't mean you'll get favoritism from me." A thunderhead of frustration began to gather in the room. Konohamaru shifted his eyes to his 'brother' with a face that called bullshit. The Hokage shuffled through his mission request and slid one out onto the table. He looked away and began scratching his cheek. "With that said, you've proven more than capable of performing on a higher level. I do have this one C-ranked mission you could do."

"Really?" Yuuki was clearly the most excited, but even Noriko showed more life in her eyes. "Finally! We get to shove sensei's 'qualified' theory up his-" A tightening hand on her shoulder cut her off.

"Yes, this is a big step for you three. However, we don't even have the mission details yet. Let the Hokage finish, damn it!" She opted to comply with her uncle this time, curious as to what was in store. Konohamaru laughed nervously, realizing his outburst was probably more uncalled for. Naruto cleared his throat and continued.

"This is essentially just a delivery and assessment mission." He held up an envelope and continued. "You will report to the Village Hidden in the Rivers and deliver this to the leader. Then you will observe the condition of the village itself and assist in any work they need assistance with." Konohamaru accepted the envelope and tucked it away. "Don't spend longer than a week out there, as there are many things here you must prepare for." A jittery Yuuki neglected the last sentence and waited impatiently.

Konohamaru turned and smiled to his team. "You heard the Hokage, go pack lightly for a week's supply. Meet at the front gate in thirty minutes."

"Thank you for the cool, lame mission dad!" With that, she turned to Takeshi and smiled heartily. He returned the smile and she was out the door in seconds.

"I thank you for this opportunity, lord Hokage. You will not be disappointed." Noriko bowed in respect, making Naruto feel uncomfortable. "I will be ready to leave in ten minutes, sensei." Despite her serious demeanor, it was clear she was just as excited as Yuuki. She left swiftly and without another word.

"Takeshi, you should go tell your family you're heading out for the week." He nodded but seemed to be contemplating something.

"Sensei, are you sure we should be doing C-ranked missions?" Takeshi's attitude both shocked and confused him.

"You are quite the responsible one, Takeshi. Let me ask you the same thing. Do you feel like your team is ready for C-missions? I have faith in our squad, but you're opinion does matter." Naruto listened in on the conversation just as intently as Konohamaru. Takeshi's face relaxed and even shed a confident smile.

"We've been ready for a month at least. We've put a lot of work in our first two months as genin. I just wanted to be sure that you believed we were. You are our sensei, and you did turn down the idea for a while." He put his hands in his pockets and looked away. "I just thought it was odd that your opinion changed so easily, that's all."

"Alright, you're getting annoying. Go away." Takeshi smiled at Konohamaru's sarcasm and he left in no rush. Both men watched as the door shut and knew they were alone. He leaned against Naruto's desk. "It really is amazing how much the Uchiha have turned around in this generation. The hate is practically non-existent." Naruto's mind wondered for a moment on memories of the past. He attempted to mask his inner concern for the young boy with a smirk.

"They are a pretty impressive rookie team, aren't they?" Konohamaru nodded casually. "If things weren't so uncertain, I would have had them on a C mission much earlier." This prompted his brother to break his daydreaming and focus back on the Hokage.

"So what's the catch with this mission?" Naruto sat back and looked out to the southwest.

"We've been helping these countries for years, and making a lot of progress towards peace. It's no mystery that the recent attack has likely reached the ears of most villages. Knowing this, any mission to another country could be a potential disaster. While threats were mostly eliminated with the fourth ninja war, the small villages are starting impressive ninja programs themselves. " Konohamaru walked next to the window, already well aware of this fact. "I'm sending genin teams to the villages that are more likely to remain our allies. I need your team especially for this village, as it's no secret they have grown phenomenally. That is the purpose of this observation mission."

"But the land of rivers is still relatively important for another reason, isn't it? There hasn't been any hostile action from them in ten years; not since the attempted revival of Akatsuki." He looked back to Naruto who acknowledged his assumptions.

"Yes, there is a side mission for you. It's an A-ranked mission that you will collaborate with your ANBU ghost agent on. Before you bother asking, I know the risk it imposes. You will leave in the late hours of the night, search for anything strange in the ruins of Akatsuki's hideouts, and return to the village within one hour. We are mostly attempting to find connections to Guden of Hell's Phoenix." Konohamaru agreed with his Hokage's logic and concern. It was likely to be a typical C mission, but there was that chance for something to go terribly wrong.

"Alright, I understand. I'll keep them safe without them suspecting a single thing." He opened the door and gave his brother one more look. "I look forward to working with this ANBU ghost agent of yours."

Naruto smiled and leaned back in his chair once more. "You've been working with him since the team was formed." Konohamaru grinned and closed the door. After another brief moment, his eyes shifted forward once more. "Alright, is the mission clear?" Isami appeared before him crouching. In one hand he held his mask; in the other was a half-eaten apple. Naruto grunted. "Would it kill you to take these things seriously?" His son took a exaggeratingly big bite out of the apple and set it on the desk.

"I take a lot of things seriously! I just make sure no one realizes I do, that's all." Muffled by the apple chunk, it was difficult to discern what exactly he had said. Isami attempted to swallow the chunk, but it soundly lodged itself in his throat.

Naruto began rubbing his eyes. "It really is a miracle you've made it this far. You're a bigger fool than I ever was." His son cleared his throat and continued.

"Basically, I watch over any dangers, carefully observe the village behavior, and scout out the abandon Akatsuki hideouts. Anything to watch for particularly? Oh, and how much time until I need to be there? Mission priorities aren't a good excuse for the work I need to do."

Naruto regained his composure. "Keep a particular eye out for the village's behavior. DO NOT let on that you are there unless there's a dire emergency. Besides that, keep a close eye on the kids. As for how much time, I can give you twenty-five minutes. What's the occasion?"

He put the wolf mask on and cleared his throat. "Well…there's no good timing or way to put this. Let's see…when in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the philosophical bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the world, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's Gods entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. Those said causes shall be declared some other time." Naruto's jaw dropped in utter confusion as his son cleared his throat. "Basically, if I don't help with some heavy lifting and moving said items, I'll probably be out on the streets. She can be difficult sometimes." An awkward pause in conversation ensued as they stared at each other. "Well…good day." He dispersed in a deliberate swarm of leaves. His father stood without a word and leaned on the front of his desk.

"Did he just declare his independence and move in with a girl? Hinata won't like this at all." His hand rubbed against the eaten apple. He narrowed his eyes and slid it a few inches into the trash can. "How did he get that serious with a girl? She must be used to dealing with his annoying habits."

OoOoOoOo

"I'm leaving for a week father. Is mother working today?" Sai appeared before her with a genuine smile.

"A C-ranked mission, huh? I never expected this day to come so soon." He saw his daughter's lack of shared enthusiasm. "Make sure to watch over your team and remain vigilant."

"So mother isn't here again?" Sai's expression took on a more somber tone. "I see. I guess I just thought that today of all days…" Noriko silenced herself and put on a fake smile. "Never mind, it's irrelevant."

Sai put his hands on her shoulders and knelt down. "She works hard in an unforgiving field. Your mother is proud of who you've become and what you're doing. It's just hard for us to get a chance to tell you." Noriko nodded and turned to leave.

"Thanks father. However, you are the only one who encourages me. After all the years I've assisted mother at the hospital, not once has she complemented me. But I see why. It's because I was soft. Emotions get in the way of work and causes critical mistakes." Sai's heart sank hearing his daughter say this. "I will earn her respect one way or another."

As she began to leave, Sai stopped her one more time and hugged her. Her eyes widened at the affection she rarely ever saw. "Noriko, you're dead wrong. Killing your emotions will kill your sanity. Give it a try: I wouldn't be here today if I didn't. It's exactly the thing I never wanted you to experience." With that said, he let go and stood up. She nodded and kept her eyes down, leaving without another word. Sai locked his eyes on the hospital with an anger filled body. "Is this what you wanted your daughter to feel Karin?" Sai left his house and stormed to the hospital. "I'm fed up with this emotional detatchment. This ends now!"

OoOoOoOo

He stood tall as she gave him a thorough inspection. Sakura slipped her custom soldier pills in and sighed. Suddenly, the boy found himself in a death grip hug. "Takeshi! Make sure you're careful out there! I'll kill that bonehead myself if you're even scratched!"

"Help…" Sakura released him and his color returned. After regaining his breath, Takeshi gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry so much, it's just a C-ranked mission. We've been prepared for it." She looked back to Sasuke who gestured 'no' to her. "Besides, when Yuuki and I are on, nothing can turn us off. AND we have the greatest jonin sensei out there. Nothing can go wrong."

"Whew, you two really do move fast for a couple kids." Hitomi walked out in her casual clothes and smiled.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sakura narrowed her eyes at Takeshi. He began breaking out in sweat for a moment.

"She means how fast they're progressing through missions, right?" Sasuke gave a supporting glare to her as she laughed nervously, nodding in agreement. "Where are you going, anyways? You've been packing for a while." Hitomi slowly retreated.

Sakura stood up and became interested. "Are you moving out?" Takeshi's eyes shot open. Hitomi smiled as she rubbed her head. "Finally decided to stop free-loading, did ya?"

"You caught me. I'm just moving essentials today, since I see Takeshi's team is headed out for a week. I was going to tell you eventually." Sasuke and Sakura were practically shooting lasers with their eyes. She began sweating a little. "Don't worry; I'm moving in with Kochi. We're splitting the rent. That gives you two some privacy as well, eh?" That was enough to break the intimidation stares. "Anyways, I can't be late. Good luck on your mission Takeshi!" Hitomi bolted to her room.

Sasuke put his hand on his son's head. "I'm sure it'll be boring, but work hard and stay vigilant. We've got training to do when you get back." Takeshi gained chills when he heard that. It wasn't often that either him or Hitomi got to train with their father, but he remembered how much stronger it made Hitomi.

Sakura gave him one more death squeeze before he went. "I'll be sure to whip you into shape as well. You need to start bulking up." The excitement for training went out the window. A tag-team regime with his parents was described to him by his sister in one word: Hell. He let out a sigh as he proceeded to open the door. "Good luck out there, Takeshi! We're proud of you."

OoOoOoOo

"Oh…I see." Hinata just received news that Isami was moving out. She tried to remain relaxed. Isami was surprised at her calm demeanor, but he knew it wouldn't last. "Give me a hug before you go, Isami." He rolled his eyes. Obvious trap. She rushed over and locked her arms around him. After a few long moments, it was clear he wasn't getting out of it anytime soon. "Isami!" She broke down in a few tears. "I knew this day would come, but not so suddenly!"

He grunted as he patted her on the back. He made eye contact with an angry Yuuki. "Help me out a little, would ya?"

She huffed and turned away. "You dug that hole yourself, jerk. Don't bother asking me for help anymore. You're on your own now." She walked back to her room before turning back. "Idiot!" What's with that reaction? The slamming door was enough to scare Hinata out of her hug.

Isami slowly grabbed his things and worked towards the door. "Don't worry yourself too much mom, I'll come visit all the time. It's just like me being on a lot of missions for a while." She wiped her eyes and smiled back.

"Really? Okay...just let me know ahead of time so I can give you a good dinner." She gave him a gentler hug this time. "At least I still have your sister to keep me company." He laughed nervously.

"Y-Yeah, of course! She can help you out today. I'll be back before you know it." He opened the door. "I better go before it's too late. See ya!" She held the door for him and waved him off as he left. Then Isami noticed Takeshi headed his way. "Yo, excited about that C mission today?"

Takeshi returned the greeting. "I guess so." He noticed the boxes Isami was holding. "Are you moving out today as well?" Isami showed a bit of alarm.

"You caught me. Who else is moving out?" He asked in a rhetorical tone.

"My sister, apparently. She's going to go live with Kochi or something." Takeshi sensed an awkward atmosphere. "Just moving the essentials today?"

Isami laughed as he continued on his way. "Yup, I figure I'll take it slow sense team seven heads out on a mission today." Takeshi narrowed his eyes. His sister basically said the same thing. Isami realized he may start asking questions soon. "Damn, look at the time! I've got deadlines to meet. See ya around man. Keep Yuuki in line, will ya?" Takeshi could say nothing in response. Why is everyone assuming we're dating? His thoughts were interrupted with the door slamming open and Yuuki yelling at him.

"RUN!" She was practically dragging her mother out the door with her. Once Hinata noticed Takeshi, she shot up and attempted to compose herself. Yuuki ran to the street and turned to her. "It's only one week, mom. I'll be back before you know it!"

Hinata nodded tearfully. "Take care of her, Takeshi. I'm counting on you!" Yuuki grabbed his arm before he could rub his head and they took off. Hinata watched as her daughter now left her alone. She sniveled and broke into more tears. "Why is everyone leaving me today?" As they made their way down the road, a hand was placed on her shoulder.

"Wanna go grab a drink? I'm having a rough day to." She looked up to see Sakura. Hinata wiped away her tears and nodded.

"I suppose it would be rude to say no…"

OoOoOoOo

"That's funny; Hitomi did the same thing today. She said she was going to split rent with Kochi though." The two youths pondered over the situation for a little while. "It's weird how both of them are just moving the essentials today and both remarked the reason being this mission."

"Well, maybe they're moving in together. That makes the most sense, doesn't it?" Noriko jumped into the conversation and scared them.

"How long have you been here?" Yuuki naturally questioned.

"Ten minutes before you two were…you didn't notice?" Takeshi and Yuuki shrugged.

"They can't be moving in together. Isami isn't the kind of guy a girl would move in with unless they had a high tolerance for the things he does." Yuuki reasoned as Takeshi agreed.

"Besides, Hitomi has always been on the spontaneous side. I used to be spontaneous myself until she fixed that. She seems to like things creating chaos and turning it orderly." The more they tried to discard the theory, the more it became likely. "Besides, your brother is a pervert. They've been feuding for longer than I remember."

Noriko sighed at their desperate attempts. "From an outside perspective, I'm telling you they are probably living together. He likes good looking women and being spontaneous, and she probably likes him for the same reasons. There's really nothing wrong with your brother that can't be fixed." Yuuki and Takeshi both stared wide eyed at her, attempting to deny it.

Yuuki scoffed at her. "What kind of quality does my brother have that's even semi-appealing? Do you even know him?"

Noriko smirked at her. "Oh, do I know him. I hate to break it to you, but your brother is hot." Yuuki's jaw dropped. "He's also funny, has a way with words, and obviously very powerful. He has the Byakugan and his father is the Sixth Hokage. Like I said, not much that can't be fixed. He's the best thing to come from your family in generations...probably." Yuuki's head sank, seeing even her rival fluttering over her brother.

"Hey, that's not true. He's not the best thing to happen. I look up to him, but he has his flaws. Besides, there's too much assumption being bounced around. We won't know anything until we get back. Let's just try to focus on the mission." Hearing reason helped Yuuki shake it off.

Noriko sighed. "Very well." They paused for a bit in silence, knowing Konohamaru was running behind. Noriko thought about what her father had said, and wondered what emotions were capable of doing. She gave a devious smirk back to the other two. "I wouldn't worry about Isami so much Yuuki." She raised an eyebrow. "A lot of the girls have several men they drool over. I think you were secretly part of one of those groups as well." Yuuki panicked once more before Takeshi caught on.

"Really? And who would that have been, Yuuki?" Noriko's mouth was muzzled before he could get an answer. She smiled as she pulled Noriko to the side.

"You know her, full of nonsense. Just a second." Yuuki released Noriko's mouth and began a whisper fight. "If you tell him, I swear to you that tongue will be gone."

Noriko spit Yuuki's fingers out. "What's the big deal? Is he really that clueless? By the way, you taste strange."

Yuuki slapped Noriko and then rubbed the cheek she slapped. "Sorry, that was excessive. Right now, we're both feeling strange about our siblings' behavior. Oh, and the slap was for tasting me. You're weird."

"What's weird is how pathetic you are. You haven't even told him how you feel, and you two nearly died protecting each other. Maybe I'll take a shot at him for old time sake. I've been backing off, but you can't seem to do it." Noriko slapped Yuuki back. "And don't you ever slap me again. By the way, the taste was lavender, you strange, strange individual."

"Am I going to need to step in here?" Konohamaru stood smoking his cigarette. Yuuki slapped Noriko as they shot up.

"We're fine, really. Oh, and you're late Uncle-Sensei!" He grunted.

"Are we going to have an episode with you two? I saw those slaps." Yuuki laughed while rubbing her head, eying Takeshi.

"Not really, we were just talking about how she taste." All eyes snapped and jaws dropped at Noriko, who didn't understand the shock. "What? It was pretty distinct." Konohamaru's cigarette fell out of his mouth and Takeshi's nose bled ever so slightly.

Coughs came from their sensei as he immediately changed the subject. "Anyways, we need to get moving as soon as possible. I see you all packed well, so no need for idle chat…in the slightest…meaning I don't want to know, nor do I care. To the Land of Rivers!" Takeshi wiped his nose and the team was off.

Isami watched over them, rubbing his temples. Man, they have it all wrong…sort of…

OoOoOoOo

After a long day's travel, the team set up camp for the night. With only a few hours travel ahead of them, the trip had proven to be as boring as their parents suggested. As they started a fire for the cold night, Konohamaru sat down and explained the situation.

"It's important to practice vigilance at times like this." The genins focused on the man's face barley lit by the flicker of the flames. He took a bite from his ration. "Although we have yet to find danger, night time is the most dangerous. The fire is not the safest choice out there, but it's a tad cooler than I expected. This is a good chance to introduce the joys of watches." The group looked over each other and shrugged. "So, getting to the point, two of us will stand watch now." His eyes shifted to the trees as if to signal someone. "And two will take the remainder of the night. I'll take one spot on this shift, so who'll fill the other?"

Yuuki and Takeshi looked around as they both finally stared down Noriko. She looked over both of them before grunting. "Screw you guys to." They both smiled as if to thank her in advance. She sighed and stood up. "Fine, I don't need much sleep anyways." Konohamaru flicked his cigarette away as he exhaled. Noriko shot him a stern look. "You won't be polluting my lungs with that junk either, sensei."

He rubbed his head and laughed. "That's what I used to say." Among the three, no one seemed to understand his humor. "Regardless, this is an important duty. Yuuki and Takeshi bear responsibility for our safety as we sleep. Don't let your guard down." The teens agreed formally, but Yuuki's eyes drifted towards the direction her uncle's just were. Noticing her suspicion, Konohamaru quickly concluded his point to sidetrack them. "It's safe for the time being, so try to get some rest you two."

OoOoOoOo

The wind grew cold as it drifted through the woods. A few dull hours had passed as Konohamaru and Noriko stared into the dark abyss. The moon was full, but the clouds scarcely let it light the forest.

"How are parents supposed to act?" Noriko interrupted the long silence with a question shocking her sensei.

He fixed his eyes forward and pondered. It wasn't the easiest question to answer, after all. "There's no one set method to it. Often times the parents come together and figure out what's best for the kid." He looked back to her and observed a hint of distress in her posture. "Why do you ask? Are you doing alright at home?" The questions led into an extended sigh.

"It's none of my business, but I'm concerned about my mother. My father takes good care of us, but I rarely see them doing anything together. There seems to be more arguments than conversations between us. The only advice she's ever given me is to set my fear and petty feelings aside. And whenever I thought I hit a benchmark, all she told me was how I could have done it more efficiently." Noriko's hands began to tighten. "It just seems unfair because everyone else gets to have both parents encouraging them every day." She slowly moved her eyes into contact with her sensei's. "What were your parents like?"

Konohamaru chuckled as he lit another cigarette. "Can't say I remember much about 'em. My mother died giving birth to me, and my father died on a mission when I was four." Even Noriko showed her empathy of the news. However, she figured he at least knew the details on his father's death by now. "I was lucky enough to have my grandfather, the Third Hokage, take me in. While it was hard for me to not curse my past misfortune, I decided to just keep moving forward as best I could." As he braked for a smoke, Noriko pictured what kind of void that may have created. He looked back to her and smiled. "Hell, I really can't complain. You know, Yuuki's father didn't ever meet his parents. In fact, he was hated, and sometimes attacked, by everyone in the village until he was just a bit younger than you." The revelation seemed to inoculate into her faster than any shot could. Noriko looked over her rival as her sensei could only speculate how many questions raced through her mind. Konohamaru continued on. "Yet the Sixth Hokage was the funny goof that he is today, and that attitude instilled in me the drive to get out of my grandfather's legacy. I began to demand the acknowledgment of the name my parents gave me. All you need is that one person who cares. It's easy to expect great things from yourself or your kids, but what really matters in life is honesty and guts."

It wasn't a conversation she'd ever had with anyone, yet it was as if he knew exactly what she was going through. A smile came across her face and her nerves soothed. However, her eyes were still hued a melancholic glaze. "I see. So life can be much worse for me, but it all comes down to how much I let it affect me." He stared at his young pupil, knowing his answer came off bittersweet. "I think my parents are going to split soon." Konohamaru sighed. What can you say to a young teenager at this point? An awkward silence built before she concluded the conversation. "Thank you, Konohamaru-Sensei. It was more helpful than you think."

Their thoughts drifted back into the windy night. The only difference this time was Noriko. The smoke didn't seem to bother her as much.

OoOoOoOo

"YUUKI!" A booming voice shot her awake and threw her into an attack stance. Once she realized her uncle laughing hysterically, the adrenaline shifted into rage.

"What the hell? A simple 'wake up' is more than enough!" Takeshi relaxed himself as well and calmly sighed.

Konohamaru stopped laughing long enough to wipe his eyes. "Consider that payback for hiding my things when you were young. If you hadn't guessed, it's your shift." Her weariness reminded her of the meal she craved. "Just making sure I woke up everyone. The area has been completely desolate of activity. Remember to utilize that byakugan when you're in doubt and what not." Konohamaru yawned and passed out. "Welcome to watch."

Still cursing under her breath, Yuuki pulled out a ration of food and indulged in it. Takeshi tapped into his own meal and they began the start of what promised to be a long day. The moon managed to catch a decent break through the clouds as the recently rekindled fire flickered a dance.

"What do you think he meant by waking 'everyone'?" She finished her last bite and waited for Takeshi's input, despite the confused look he gave her. "Did you notice that? For one; his eyes shifted to the tree line earlier when he assigned us to this watch. And for two; he normally says 'both' or 'you two' when he's talking to two people. Think someone's out there that he doesn't want us to notice?"

Takeshi scratched his head for a moment before dismissing her paranoia. "I think you're just over thinking things. We would probably know if there was someone watching, thanks to your byakugan." Yuuki shrugged, abandoning her concerns of it. "Your curiosity always did lead you into trouble though. Well…that and your overwhelming free spirit of course."

She laughed as she mocked his word selection. "Really? 'Overwhelming'?"

"Come on! You've been giving me trouble since I first met you. You do remember how the day we were properly introduced went, right?" Yuuki put her finger on her chin as if to call forth a forgotten memory. She could think of any number of memories, but they all blurred together time-wise. Takeshi rubbed his head. "Jeez, you're hopeless. It was nine years ago…"

-Flashback-

"Go ahead, Takeshi. Introduce yourself." The timid young boy reluctantly did as his mother asked.

"Good afternoon. My name is Uchiha Takeshi. Nice to meet you." His eyes found it hard to maintain eye contact with the little girl he was meeting. Why does mother make me do these stupid things? She's just staring at me.

The young girl's mother smiled gently, but the girl herself grinned ear-to-ear. "I'm Yuuki! You look weak, but that's ok."

Hinata tugged her daughter's sleeve. "That was very rude, Yuuki! You should apologize."

"Takeshi, stay here and play. She won't bite." Sakura invited Hinata into the house once more and the two were left alone. Takeshi stared at the young girl who immediately began exploring the vast yard. His fists were clenched, thinking of what to say.

"I'm an Uchiha. We aren't weak, so you're wrong." She seemed to blow him off completely before turning to him and smiling.

"Let's race. First one up a tree wins, ok?" His eye twitched at her neglect. What an annoying person.

"Fine. If I win, you have to take back what you said. I happen to be a very good tree climber by the way." He opened his eyes to see her already going at it. "Hey, that's cheating!"

OoOo

"See? You cheated and I still won! Now you HAVE to take it back!" The girl was upset before snorting back at him.

"AGAIN!" Takeshi shrugged off her whining. What a sore loser… "First one down is a rotten egg!" He almost expected such a childish game. Takeshi maneuvered swiftly to the ground before she had even moved.

"Looks like you're the rotten egg!" He pointed out proudly. Yet she remained there laughing. "Why are you laughing when you lost?"

She grinned before explaining. "I said FIRST one down is the rotten egg! I WIN, I WIN…" Takeshi's jaw dropped as he realized how easily he had been fooled.

"Whatever, I'm going to do something else. You're mean." The girls chanting stopped.

"Wait! Don't leave me up here!" He stuck his tongue out this time.

"I know you're trying to trick me. Stay up there for all I care!" As he went to walk away, he heard a whimpering breaking out. When he turned around, she was even crying. "What now?"

"It's too far down! I'm scared!" After a long stare, he realized that her tears were real: This girl was afraid of heights, yet she challenged him to tree climbing. He ran over to the tree.

"Just jump down. You'll be fine!" The girl sobbed a few times before crying once more.

"I'LL DIE!" Takeshi began to panic. He climbed the tree and stretched out his hand.

"Grab on, I'll take you down!" Yuuki slipped reaching for his hand. She desperately caught it and attempted to hold on. However, he could only slow her fall before the weight pulled him down from the tree. Although Yuuki landed softly to the ground, Takeshi took the full force of the fall. "Ow!" The young boy began cringing in pain and rubbing his scraped leg. I really am weak. Stupid girl, I know her for ten minutes and I get hurt because of it.

"Wow, that was cool!" Takeshi gave her a glare, but she put on her usual grin. "Hey, you're name is Takeshi, right? I don't know what an Uchiblah is, but you really are strong. My full name is Uzumaki Yuuki. Nice to meet ya!" His confidence was restored. A realization made his eyes shoot open.

"NO WAY! You're Isami's sister? He's the one who taught me how to climb trees! My sister is Hitomi!"

"NO WAY! She taught me how to annoy boys!"

As they say, the rest is history.

-End flashback-

Takeshi finished rehashing the memory and both of them were quite amused. Yuuki rubbed her head and grinned. "Yeah, I guess I have always been a burden on you." She crossed her arms. "And it took you nine years to get rid of that arrogance. You really have been doing better since that night." Takeshi nodded, knowing it was mostly due to that night that he changed. Yuuki activated her byakugan and searched the area. As she finished she leaned in closer to Takeshi. "So…do you think Isami and Hitomi are moving in together?"

Takeshi pocketed his hands and stared into the fire. "I don't want to believe that. My sister still bashes him behind his back, and I think they just like playing mind games anyways."

Yuuki squinted slightly. "You don't 'want' to believe it?" She stared into the fire herself and smiled. "I don't either. I think if he could, he would tell us we had it all wrong. There are just too many reasons why I can't accept it." They both locked eyes, ready to say something. Both failed, trying to let one another speak. Her heart pounded, knowing what she was so close to confessing. She slid a little closer to him.

Takeshi couldn't keep his nerves down. Maybe he was over-analyzing the atmosphere, but he swore the smell of lavender was intoxicating him. It was relaxing: Maybe he should have said it. "Yuuki…" A finger was placed over his lips.

"Shh…" Takeshi's adrenaline pumped as she placed the other hand on his. She blushed and moved in closer. "There's no need for words." As she moved in, her finger slowly slid off his mouth as his arm lifted itself. The only thought that could cross his mind was something he wondered the entire day. What does she taste like?

"SHI-" A voice cut through the atmosphere followed by a few crashing branch sounds. Takeshi instantly guarded Yuuki with his sharingan active. Yuuki prepared to make clones, scanning for the source of the sounds. Utter silence followed and no trace could be detected what so ever.

"Konohamaru-Sensei, wake up!" Within a flash, he was up and in fighting position. "There was a voice and tree branches snapped over there, but no trace of the culprit!" Konohamaru knew if there was no trace after a disturbance, it would be ANBU.

Noriko was up at this point. "It's possible we're being watched by a skilled stealth operative. I've been getting the feeling someone is out there." Konohamaru grunted, seeing as even Noriko may have been catching on to the ANBU 'ghost'.

They looked to him for a command. He rubbed his eyes. "Well, whoever this guy is, he's doing a TERRIBLE job. We need to keep moving now. We'll be in the village by dawn." The team showed concern as to what this guy was. "Don't worry, he doesn't seem hostile anyways." They smothered the fire and swiftly vacated the area. Destination: Village Hidden in the Rivers.

OoOoOoOo

Isami clung to the tree doing his best to remain undetected. Oh man, I totally blew it just now. I know it's none of my business, but it is my sister we're talking about. He glanced up at the tree branches. None were snapped, but at the extreme he was leaning in to watch, he was lucky to have not fallen all the way down. A blunder like that certainly had never happened to the elite ANBU captain before.

-Authors Note-

Where do I start? Obviously a lot of things are revealed, and some of them are addressed. It was tempted to throw in a little scuffle somewhere, but it's all in the not so distant future. If you find grammatical errors or off putting spelling checks I managed to miss (On my usual one hour revision [which usual is immediately after the five straight hours of draft {And usually in the hours of 2000-0200 Which is after a working day of 0700-1700}]) then send me a virtual slap on the wrist.