A/N

Don't read this chapter if you don't want to get spoiled on the winner from my Chunin Exams. That was last chapter! We're using this chapter to wrap up the exams and move forward in the plot.

Chapter 23: Revealing Insight

Yuuki awoke, stretching some of her aches away. "Man, is this what sore feels like?" She rubbed her eyes, still feeling pretty tired.

"You should get more rest." She looked over to Takeshi, who was leaning against the wall. He had one foot propped behind him and his arms crossed with a smile. Yuuki shook her head, chuckling.

"You know, I can still tell that you're really banged up. How long have we been out?" Takeshi rubbed his head.

"Ugh…thirty minutes, I think?" As he did so, Hitomi entered the room, unamused.

"What do you think you're doing?" Takeshi let out a nervous sweat.

"Oh, you know. Just stretching. A few scratches can't keep me down! Right?"

Her face grew even less amused. "Riiight." With a small poke to the side, Takeshi was sent to the ground in pain. Both girls felt their eyebrows twitch. "A few scratches, huh?" She crossed her arms. "You can't fool me; I heard the toilet flush. Small bladder?"

Takeshi shot up. "Alright, I get it. Jeez, you really need to learn to sense the atmosphere!" Takeshi pocketed his hands, beginning his retreat to his bed. However, Hitomi stopped.

"Hey, Isami needs to check up on you anyways. He's in the other room." Takeshi gave her a confused look before shrugging it off.

"Fine. I told you, I'm not in that bad of shape anyways." Both Hitomi and Yuuki watched as he casually left the room.

Hitomi sighed, sitting on the end of Yuuki's bed. Yuuki leaned back, crossing her arms. "So, what's on your mind?"

Hitomi looked at her sadly at first before smiling. "You're perceptive as always. Indeed, now is a pretty good time to talk." Hitomi placed her hands at her side, kicking her feet as she stared up at the ceiling. "It's not easy to just lead into the conversation...what do you think I want to talk about?"

Hitomi glanced out of the corner of her eye as Yuuki closed her eyes. "It's about you and Isami, right?"

Hitomi smiled faintly, continuing to kick her feet. "You don't miss a beat. Just as I suspected, Isami wasn't as good at hiding as he thought."

Yuuki nodded. "To be fair, I only just caught on. He was so insistent that he was involved with Kochi after Takeshi and I were…well, yeah." Yuuki opened her eyes, staring at Hitomi unamused.

Hitomi rubbed her head, now looking to the floor. "Well, that was the idea. We both cared a lot about you two. You and Takeshi had always been so close since childhood that we came to a decision: If you two started dating, we would cut ties with each other."

Yuuki's eyes widened slightly. "Wait, are you implying that you've been dating my brother for that long?" Hitomi smiled brightly, slightly reddened.

OoOo

Isami finished his assessment of Takeshi before nodding. "Looks like you'll make a full recovery. Your doctor must have been pretty amazing." He stroked his chin, nodding in thought.

Takeshi looked himself over, clenching and releasing his hands. "Wait, didn't you heal me?"

Isami's expression brightened, raising a finger. "Ah, you're right!" Takeshi couldn't help but laugh and shake his head. Isami joined him momentarily before it died into a pause of silence. Isami inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly. He looked Takeshi square in the eyes. "Listen, I'm not gonna butter things up or soften any blows. I've long been dating your sister." Isami and Takeshi stared intensely at each other.

Takeshi shifted his eyes away, rubbing his head. "Yeah. I know."

Isami put a hand on his shoulder, reestablishing eye contact. "I know the weight you're under already, but I'd like you to not pursue any romantic relationships with Yuuki anymore."

Takeshi scoffed, gritting his teeth. "Not like I had the intention. You've got a lot of nerve shoving this in my face and still making demands." Clenching his hand, Takeshi blasted Isami in the face. Isami remained in place before snapping his face back in place with a bloody smile. Takeshi pulled back, shocked. "Why? Why didn't you have a shadow clone their? You never let me hit you!"

Isami spit blood into a trash can before returning a grin. "It's because I deserve worse. Takeshi, you were always a younger brother to me. I should've told you about this long ago, but when I saw how close you and Yuuki were, I just couldn't bring up the courage." Takeshi regained his composure, listening. "Your sister and I were chaotic at best. Polar opposites, almost. To us, it was only a matter of time before the flame blew out and you two would hit it off." Isami pocketed his hands looking at the corner.

Takeshi mirrored the posture. "Well, it didn't pan out. Yuuki and I can see eye to eye again, but you don't have to worry about it getting any further than friends." Takeshi rubbed his head. "So, if memory serves me right, you've been dating since you were made genin, right?"

Isami widened his eyes, rubbing his head. He couldn't help but hold back a smile. "Here I thought Yuuki would eventually catch us first." Isami rubbed his chin. "Close, it was actually about three-weeks before that."

-Flashback-

"Hyaaa!" Hitomi pulled her fist back before brushing a hair back in place. With a crowd in awe, Hitomi smirked. "How's that? This is why I'm top of the class!"

Asumaru slouched up. "Whatever." He got up casually, patting himself off. "Not that I care, but aren't you tied with Isami?"

Hitomi let out a sweat. Her friend prodded her. "You know, he has a point."

Hitomi swung around, fist pumped with fire in her eyes. "Shut it, Kochi! There's no way that idiot could beat me in a real fight!"

"CHALLENGE!" As if on cue, a figure jumped out of the tree, landing promptly in front of her. Taking advantage of her shock, he got within inches of her face. There he casually stated, "Accepted."

Not more than a second later, his head was pounded in the ground. "You're too close, moron!"

A voice entered the scene. "Hey, the class finished its break five minutes ago! Isami, quit distracting everyone!"

Isami shot up in a salute. "Yes sir, Uncle Iruka sensei sir!" The said teacher gripped his head in anger before returning to class. The others proceeded to fall in until it was only Isami and Hitomi. Before she could go in, he stepped in front arms outstretched. "Wait."

Hitomi rolled her eyes. "You've been a thorn in my side since we were young. Speak up before I go through you."

Isami stared intently, uncommonly serious. "I was serious about that fight. Training field six after school. No crowd, no rules. We can settle things there."

Hitomi raised an eyebrow. "If this ends up being some stupid prank, I will kill you. Understood?"

Isami nodded his head, smirking.

-Training Field Six-

Hitomi made her way to a sitting boy. There she crossed her arms. "You can't jump-scare me. I've seen it a thousand times. "

Isami said nothing, rising to his feet and turning. "So, you came alone after all? You'll be pleased to know I did the same."

She smirked. "I'm starting to think I should have. I AM going to be rubbing your face in the dirt, after all." Hitomi prepared herself to attack. "Let's get this over with. I've got bigger fish to fry."

Isami raised a hand forward. "Sorry." She pulled back, confused. "I have a condition to set."

Hitomi crossed her arms. "You said no rules!"

Isami shook his head. "It's more like a prize for whoever wins. You name yours first."

Hitomi was taken aback at first, but smiled as an idea popped right out. "Fine. When I win, you have to leave me alone indefinitely. No ifs, ands, or buts about it." Isami winced slightly before nodding. "Leave Takeshi alone while you're at it. He doesn't need such a poor role-model either."

Isami shook his head. "Nope, only one condition. If I lose, I will hold true to my word. You won't hear a word from me unless it's strictly business."

Hitomi was shocked by his sincerity. "That's surprising. You know I've been training with my father. He even awakened my sharingan it was so intense." Isami said nothing and instead prepared for battle. She mimicked the motion herself. "Hey, wait a minute! What's your prize, then?"

Isami gave her a wide smirk. "I'll tell you as we're fighting. If you're that confident, it shouldn't make a difference, right?"

Hitomi regained her composure. "Whatever, moron. It's not like you can land a hit on me either way."

Isami grinned, throwing up a hand sign. "Kage bunshin no jutsu!" Her eyes grew wide as another Isami appeared next to him. She smirked. Well, that's new. Still, I know where the real one is, so he's just wasting chakra. Just as the clone began a haymaker, she moved into attack a defensive Isami. However, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that it held a shadow. Instinctively, she dodged it and disengaged. The clone regained its posture, cursing softly.

Hitomi reassessed the situation. It has footprints. No doubt, that is a physical copy of Isami. "Some trick you learned there. That alone isn't going to help you keep up, unfortunately."

Isami and the clone began to charge into a barrage of combos. Hitomi danced and parried off most of the attacks. "My prize for winning, want to hear it?"

Hitomi smirked arrogantly. "Knock yourself out. I'm not even done stretching here!"

As he continued the attack, he exclaimed, "You have to go on at least one date with me!" In shock, Hitomi completely dropped her guard and took a kick to the floor. Isami backed off, in shock himself. "Oh wow, I landed a kick. Are you alright?"

Hitomi struggled up flashing her sharingan. "A clever strategy, you ass hole. This is why you piss me off. I tell you to leave me alone, so you make a wager to intentionally get under my skin. You've always been there, every step of the way. Annoying, nagging, winning, and most of all, getting in the way! Quit trying to embarrass me everywhere you go!" Hitomi zipped forward, slamming Isami in the face with a strong three hit combo. She pulled back as he went to the ground. "Idiot, I know you can do better than that."

Isami got on his hands and knees, spitting out blood. "You've gotten faster, that's for sure." As he stood, he wobbled into a stance, still wearing a serious face. "I refuse to lose this fight!" Hitomi charged him again.

This time, he managed to knock a few strikes away from his face, but he quickly took a blow to his mid-section, opening up for a much extended combination of jabs and kicks all over. "Fight back, you idiot!" He clenched his fist, throwing it aimless past her face. She narrowed her eyes. "You might as well have just not ever talked to me again." She kicked him as hard as she could and shot him twenty feet out of the training field and into a tree. Seeing him crack against the tree made her wince.

Isami leaned forward pushing himself to his feet once more. He placed his hand on his chest, coughing up more blood as he started healing himself. She crossed her arms as he wiped his mouth. "Man, you really hate me, don't you?"

She tapped her foot, impatiently. "Is it fair to say we hate each other equally? I only put up with you because Yuuki is a good kid and Takeshi looks up to you."

Isami stood firmer as he crossed his arms. "That's why I refuse to lose here now. I shouldn't have to spell out what I've done over the years."

Hitomi walked to him as he flashed his byakugan. Sharply, she kicked him back to the ground. "It's too late for that. You've lost already, Isami." Isami struggled to get up suddenly throwing a punch. "What?"

Using the gap, Isami stepped down on a smoke bomb. "kage bunshin no jutsu!" As she braced herself, two Isami busted out, crossing paths. Before she could respond, kunai grazed her skin from above. What the! Suddenly, she began getting stung all around her body. Shit! With a quick reaction, she managed to deal a decisive blow with her right hand. To her shock, both of the foes dispersed in smoke. With a forceful tackle, Isami drove her to the ground, pinning her right arm down and remaining on top of her.

Hitomi's face remained emotionless. He caught me off guard enough to paralyze everything but my right arm. "Are you happy? Are you finished humiliating me yet?"

Isami remained silent, staring her in the eyes. Finally he closed them in shame. "If I hadn't been such a coward, maybe we could have been friends." Hitomi raised her eyebrow in confusion. "Hitomi, please forgive me for hurting your feelings all this time. I've used up a lot of chakra and I'm pretty beat up."

"Who cares? Why are you saying all this now?" Isami smiled, looking back down on her.

"I'm going to say what I've been trying to say all this time. I guess you just didn't realize it all this time. I guess this is the last chance I have to say it." Isami put his head down to her ear. Hitomi shivered nervously. There, he whispered. "I think I might love you." With a kiss on her cheek, Isami passed out.

Hitomi remained still with her eyes shot wide open. After some time, she finally closed her mouth. "He really wasn't joking around." She shifted her eyes over to his face as he remained out cold on top of her. Her body was still paralyzed, baring the arm. "What an idiot. He could've just told me like a normal human being." Hitomi saddened. "All you wanted was one date? And I asked him to stay away from both Takeshi and I forever." A few tears formed in her eyes. All this time, he's just been trying to get my attention by any means. He even took this beating just so he could continue to be near me. More tears came out as she wrapped her good arm around his head. "You idiot! How'd you manage to make me the bad guy!" She rubbed her eyes dry. "I lost this fight fair and square, so hurry up and wake up!"

"Woah! So you'll go on a date with me after all?" Hitomi's face froze in shock. She slowly listed her eyes over to him to see him winking with a grin ear to ear.

"Die!" She blasted him off with her right arm, sending him flying. With his weight off her, Hitomi felt her movement return. She leaned forward crossing her arms. Now, her face was beat red. "Besides. That was…a draw." She smiled. "Yeah, a draw!"

Isami rolled up, puffing his lip out and crossing his arms. "You just said it was my win, fair and square!"

Hitomi tensed her shoulders. "Well, th-that was a lie." Hitomi's bright red face had only just started to fade. She turned to him with a more serious face. "If we were to go on a date, I'd be the laughing stock of the ninja community. You have to learn to behave like a normal human before you ever date me."

Isami scratched his cheek looking up. "Ohh, I see. Is that all it takes?"

Hitomi grew shivers. "We-well no. But that's the most important step."

Isami scratched his head. "What if we just went on a private date, with no one around?" He began jotting down ideas on paper. "Then, if we get caught, we immediately jump into the middle of an argument." Hitomi's eyes began to beam up slightly. "Then, we break out in a fight."

She nodded her head. "Well, I guess that could work. I do feel a little sorry for you."

Isami blew on the ink and tossed the scroll to her. "All you have to do is act very hostile to me and everything I do in public. When were alone, you can even try to 'teach' me how to behave normal. If that's what you call it." She skimmed through the details. Everything was meticulously planned to the letter. "You know, it's also a good chance to vent frustration off on someone other than Kochi."

Hitomi jolted up. "Alright, fine. I get it. We'll try it out. For a couple days. Do you understand? If you pull anything funny, I'll replicate this beating tenfold!"

-End Flashback-

Yuuki facepalmed as she heard the story. "Yeah, that sounds just like him. Hell, I'm his sister and I can't figure him out."

Hitomi perked up, resting her legs. "I was a little hot-headed back in the academy days. That didn't help things start."

Yuuki relaxed her arms and looked away. "So, you really did hate his guts back in the day. I must say, it's kind of shocking you two have managed to make it for over five years."

Hitomi scrunched up slightly, rubbing her arm. "Thinking back on it, I was absolutely cold and horrible to him. Why he would even consider liking me was beyond me." Hitomi gave Yuuki a warm smile as they made eye-contact. "I know I always said I was super-popular when we were young, but that was a fabrication." Yuuki tilted her head back, as if to understand the feeling. "To be honest, Kochi was my only friend. So when you started calling me big sis, I was more than willing to play the role." She jumped up, stretching. "I was so sure that everyone hated me because I was an Uchiha, that I was obsessed with the idea that Isami had to have been tormenting me out of spite." She put her hands on her hips, giving her a wink. "He may be a perverted idiot, but he's my perverted idiot."

Yuuki smiled, relaxing a bit more. "You certainly have strange taste, that's for sure." She rubbed her eyes a bit more. "So, are you telling us now because you were about to get caught anyways, or because Takeshi and I didn't work out?"

Hitomi ruffed her hair up slightly. "It's a little of both. The biggest reason, however, is because we're tired of hiding it." Yuuki raised an eyebrow, trying to fix her hair. Hitomi walked to the door. "I care about you as much as Isami cares about Takeshi. It's good to see you feeling better, Yuuki." With that, she left the room. Yuuki closed her eyes, taking in a soothing breath.

OoOoOoOo

Takeshi crossed his arms. "For Hitomi to be that way to you for that long…How could you possibly still have liked her?"

Isami smirked. "One of the great mysteries of all time. No matter how she treated me, I could see just how fragile she was. I wanted to give her a way out of feeling trapped in isolation." Takeshi nodded, looking down. Isami gave Takeshi a good look over. "I can understand your anger completely. Frankly, I'd be concerned if you didn't hit me." Isami shrugged his arms in the air. "Love isn't something you're supposed to know until you're knee deep in it. You've grown into a fine ninja and I'm sure you'll be a great man one day to."

Takeshi looked up to Isami who had already been on his way out. "Hey, thanks for telling me." Isami turned around with a smirk. Takeshi clenched his fist pumping it out. "You only ever taught me one of your attacks. Show me some more soon, alright?" Isami pushed his fist against his now. "I've still got people to protect. Hitomi's getting a little too lax with me lately!" They shared a joined chuckle before Isami waved, vanishing in leaves.

Takeshi wobbled as he made his way back. Man, all said and done, I'm still completely wiped. Takeshi slid open the door, noticing Yuuki only half awake. As Takeshi settled back in his temporary bed, they shared eye contact. Takeshi crossed his arms behind his head. "So, are you surprised? I think I can gather what you and Hitomi discussed."

Yukki shifted her eyes away. "Likewise. I'm not really that shocked to be honest. I'm really just more annoyed at my brother for lying in the first place."

"Yeah." An awkward silence entered the room. Neither teen made direct line of sight with each other. Only the ticking of a clock broke through the quiet. That is, until a certain someone entered.

"See? I told you they'd be awake already." Naruto entered the room, shortly followed by Sasuke.

"Whatever. Takeshi, why aren't you resting? You know that's your job right now." Takeshi fidgeted around slightly before Naruto put a hand out.

"None of that. We came here to congratulate them." Yuuki rolled over, acting like she was sleeping. Naruto ran over, shaking her. "Hey! Don't be like that! I'm the Hokage, remember?"

Sasuke crossed his arms. "Enough clowning around." Sasuke looked between the two youths before leaning against the wall. "You two are strong. Stronger than most chunin at this point. No doubt your recent experiences have given you the edge in both training and combat. I already knew this just from a glance before the exams, but idiots like Naruto can't make that connection."

The teens looked at Sasuke with a hint of shock. It wasn't often he said more than two words to both of them, let alone a compliment. Naruto swung around, fist pumped. "Bastard! One of my best traits is sensing strength. If anything, I should be saying that to you!"

Naruto pointed his finger, only to drop it in sweat. "Me?" Isami pointed to himself, as he had only just walked in. Sasuke scoffed, looking away.

"Use your head!" A fist pounded Isami, cracking his head down. Hitomi brushed her hair to the side, calming down. She walked forward near Takeshi and sat down in the nearby chair. "Do you two really have to argue over everything?"

Naruto rubbed his head, grinning. "Old habits, you know?" Isami took a seat next to Yuuki and they awaited what was to come.

"I'm assuming this isn't just a 'congratulations on the results and promotion' kind of thing, is it?" Yuuki crossed her arms, shifting her eyes between those in the room.

Sasuke kicked himself off the wall. "Yeah, that's right. I'm not going to mince words here. You two are far above the other genin, but they all showed exceptional talent and ability in these exams. With the threat of Hell's Phoenix and possibly an added threat of rogue members, we're not ready to stand idly by. If things get bad enough, we're going to be faced with war."

The teens dropped their jaws in shock. Naruto ran over and covered his mouth. Naruto laughed nervously. "He's talking absolutely worse case scenarios." Naruto let go, shooting him a look. "We have to be prepared for anything. We still have very little information on what the members of Hell's phoenix can do, but at the moment, their abilities are completely bizarre." Naruto crossed his arms and closed his eyes.

Takeshi sat up. "What do you need us to do, Lord Hokage?" Eyes looked to Takeshi, shocked at the formality.

Sasuke smirked walking over to him. "Let's just say, you aren't exactly going on a picnic."

Naruto piped up. "Please, come in."

Entering the room was Lili, shying away when she saw Yuuki and Isami. Yuuki pointed. "You, eh? What's she have to do with anything?"

Naruto paused her with a hand, allowing Lili to speak. "It's not that I care or anything, but there might be someone in our village that can help you with that ice-release you have."

Yuuki's eyes shot open, feeling adrenaline burst. Naruto nodded his head, continuing. "We still have a lot of time left. We haven't decided the full details yet, but at least I can say that you better learn to get along with each other. You'll be going on an extended mission to the Village Hidden in the Cloud." Naruto sighed, rubbing his head. "It'll be a year or two if the lead proves true."

Both teens practically leaped out of their beds. Takeshi was first to refute. "I'm all for going there, but isn't that a bit much? I mean, is it really ok to do something like that?"

Yuuki was next to rebuttal. "You should really ask me about these things first, dad! What will mom think about this?"

Naruto stood firm. "Enough!" The two jolted back in line, sitting back on their beds. Naruto lifted his scowl slightly. "This is hard enough on everyone here. However, we have already seen that the true Hell's Phoenix has interest in you, Yuuki." Naruto looked back to her. "Leaving the village will not only make you harder to track, but help you grow strong enough to make a real difference in whatever is coming. On the way, Lili can help you learn how to best utilize jutsu with one hand." Naruto shifted his eyes over to Takeshi and Sasuke.

Sasuke looked down at Takeshi. "I know you have your complaints, but you won't be joining her to the Cloud." Takeshi gave him a shocked, confused look. Sasuke held a steady face. "You'll be escorting the Kazekage to the Sand. You have a high-level aptitude for earth jutsu and his son is quite skilled in the arts. I'd send you to the Earth Village, but…" Sasuke looked over at Naruto.

Naruto ruffled his hair even more. "I know this is a lot to hear, and not many know about this, but…" The teens stared intently on his words. Naruto looked up. "We haven't been able to establish contact with the Village Hidden in the Earth, nor the Hidden Mist." Silence swept through the room. Only Sasuke, Naruto, and Isami held their mouths shut.

Hitomi stood. "That doesn't necessarily mean anything bad, right? They aren't exactly the best at communication."

Sasuke shook his head. "Around a week ago, the seal allowing the flying thunder god technique access to outside of their village was destroyed. According to Isami, it was done at almost the same time." Hitomi sat back down, understanding the implication. Sasuke closed his eyes. "There's no practical reason this would be the villages doing it. They're on opposite sides of the world. Not only that, but neither village knew exactly where the seal was placed."

Yuuki bit her finger, thinking back to her last words with Luna. 'Just ask for Hell's Phoenix to help. Our guy's good. He has a way with words, you see…'. Her eyes widened. "A way with words…you don't suppose she was imply One for Words or something, do you?"

Isami rubbed his chin. "Interesting. That wouldn't be a stretch to include something like seals either."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "If what you're saying is true, we know exactly who could have found both locations."

Isami shook his head. "Those pathways have been the same for a long time. We can assume that Hell's Phoenix had them pegged at some point, but we don't know if it was the rogue members or the actual organization first."

Lili let sweat drop. "I'm totally lost here."

The room looked back at her, completely forgetting about her. Sasuke grunted. "Hitomi, stay here and make sure Takeshi gets his rest." His daughter nodded obediently.

Naruto crossed his arms with a grin. "Don't sweat it you two. You've already proven you can make it through worse. You two are some of our best already, and you've made those around you a lot stronger in this short time. We're proud beyond words." The teens nodded at the Hokage, understanding. Naruto looked over to Isami. "See to their health and rest, will ya?"

Isami rubbed his head. "Man, no freedom now-a-days." Naruto gave him a hard look. Isami shrugged. "Guess it can't be helped." He threw up his thumb with a nice guy smile. "Leave it to me!"

Naruto escorted Lili out as Sasuke gave Isami a glare. "Quit it. It's not that hard of a job." As the door slid close to shut, Sasuke lit up his Sharingan, staring at him. "I'm watching you." Isami felt shivers shut as the door slammed.

"Jesus dad! I can handle this without your creepy attitude." Now that they left, Hitomi and Isami made eye-contact with each other and shrugged.

Isami made hand seals. "They aren't too bright. It's not like you two can get a good night sleep getting all that dumped on you." Before they could argue, they were out cold. Isami crossed his arms. "That ought to do it."

Hitomi started between them. "That was pretty good, I didn't even see the trigger to that genjutsu!"

Isami smirked. "They shouldn't wake up until tomorrow-ish. It's one of my better ones, that's for sure." Hitomi looked back at Takeshi, slightly troubled. Before she spoke, she looked back at Isami as he plopped down into the seat next to her. His face was deeply saddened. "I know it's going to be alright, but I do worry about them. They haven't spent much of any time apart from their friends and family. Not to mention, there's always a chance Hell's Phoenix will catch onto them."

Isami jolted when Hitomi's hands draped over his shoulders. She tucked her head next to his. "It's hard for all of us. I'll watch over her with every fiber of my being, so do the same for Takeshi, kay?"

Isami narrowed his eyes, clenching his hands. "What if it's not enough to throw them off? We're not dealing with normal ninja here."

Hitomi swung around the chair, startling him. "Then you'll find a way. That's what you've always done." They locked eyes. Isami's jaw hung ajar as they held each other.

He smirked. "Yeah, you're right. I am the greatest after all!" Hitomi snickered shaking her head. Isami laughed nervously before settling down. "Ah, just come here already!" He hugged her close as they kissed.

OoOoOoOo

Yuuki jolted awake. "mphm". She rubbed her eyes, trying to discern her surroundings. She noted the time. Almost four, huh? She shifted to a seated position, now noticing Isami and Hitomi. She had her head laying on his left shoulder and her left arm curled around his waist. Isami had his hand left arm wrapped around her back and to her waist. His head lay against hers.

"Out cold, huh?" Takeshi already stood cross armed and smirking.

Yuuki just glanced at him. "Are you obsessed with saying something stupid as people wake up or something? How do you always do that?"

Takeshi deflated. "It's not like I plan on it. You don't have to be a jerk about it."

Yuuki scoffed it off. "Oh, dry your tears already." Yuuki walked over the sleeping couple and exaggeratedly cleared her throat. "Ehem!"

Hitomi and Isami jolted up in panic. Hitomi quickly reacted. "Isami, what are trying to pull!" She quickly punched him outta the chair. Both Yuuki and Takeshi twitched their eyebrows and left their jaws open. Hitomi looked at them and checked around. She smiled innocently. "Oops! Old habits die hard. Better safe than sorry, right Isami?" His leg twitched in response.

Yuuki put her hands on her hips. "You know, our parents are going to find out eventually."

Isami shot up. "Damn right they are! And I'm going to march right up to her father and tell him myself."

Hitomi double slapped him in the face. "You idiot! He really doesn't like you as it is. That's suicide!"

Isami made an annoying screech pumping his fist in the air. "Then I will be forced to beat the crap out of him until he accepts it!"

The trio simultaneously face-palmed. Yuuki shook her head. "Listen, there's bigger issues to discuss. What exactly is this plan we're caught up in?"

Isami blinked a couple times before crossing his arms. "Dad's not hiding much from you anymore. He just wanted you to get some rest before blindsiding you with a full mission briefing." Yuuki and Takeshi settled themselves slightly.

Hitomi piped up. "I know enough about it to know what's going to happen. I'll be joining Yuuki up to the Cloud and Isami will be joining Takeshi to the Sand." The teens looked between each other before staring back at her. Hitomi shrugged. "That's really all there is to it."

Yuuki tilted her head down in thought. The group shifted around slightly before she broke the silence with a smile. "It's only a temporary, right?" Takeshi and the others looked at her with a matching half smile. She crossed her arms behind her head and tilted her head back nonchalantly. "We'll be through this before we know it. If it's what's best for the village, who am I to argue?"

Isami stared in shock. "Yuuki…" He stiffened his posture, rubbing his nose in slight arrogance. "You're right. I can't afford to slack off myself." Isami leaned against Takeshi. "If this ends up being as long as it could be, Takeshi and I will be the toughest ninja around!"

Hitomi put a hand on Yuuki's shoulder, butting in. "Not if I have anything to say about that. I haven't had a good chance to train in a long time. I'll make sure everyone who leaves with me comes back stronger than you!"

Yuuki put a hand on her hip. "Make that stronger than my dad."

The group shared a laugh. She made eye-contact with her brother. "Whatd'ya say, can you round up the group and join us today? I would like to get a good meal and talk about this with the group, and I know they could probably use someone to put more reality into this."

Isami nodded, having a jolt. "Oh yeah, before I forget, here." Isami shuffled through his pocket and handed Takeshi a stat card and Yuuki two. "Be sure to get that to Tsumi. I'll run it by dad. Hitomi, you should get Kochi and Asumaru to join. My mother won't mind."

Before she could respond, he kicked up a swirl of leaves, swatting the group in the face. Hitomi gritted her teeth. "That idiot! Now we have to clean the room." A jolt appeared in her head as she noticed both Takeshi and Yuuki were already gone. She raised her fist in the air. "I'll remember this!"

-afternoon-

Yuuki sighed, looking at the door of the Nara residents. "Why are you dragging me along to this stupid lunch again?"

Yuuki spun around, glaring at her. "Just deal with it. We're going to be working together soon, so at least try to be normal."

Lili flipped her hair out in a superior pose. "Coming from the monster freak with weird eyes."

Yuuki felt a slight tear in her brain. Shikamira answered the door as Yuuki began shaking the girl vigorously. "You gotta problem with my eyes, punk? You want to throw down right here, right now?"

Shikamira's face dead-panned. "Oh good. More of this." The two froze, looking at her. The Nara just turned around, walking in. "Regardless, just do that in here so people don't talk again." Yuuki looked back to her, pushing off. Lili stepped forward and pushed Yuuki's face to walk in first. The fire between them rivaled Yuuki's hate for Noriko already. Shikamira interrupted the conversation. "Yuuki and the chick with the superiority complex are here."

Inora was quick to push Yuuki to her seat and squeal. The group collectively let out one big, "Congratulations!"

Yuuki looked around as they all swarmed around her and overwhelmed her with compliments. She couldn't help but rub her head with a big grin.

OoOoOoOo

"Man, eating at the steakhouse is definitely the best way to recover after a fight like that!" All the boys leaned back in their seats in agreement. Takeshi could just feel his strength returning.

Tegun punched his hand out with a wink. "Wow, I've never had food this great before! You leaf ninja really got it all!"

Datsu pumped his fist. "No doubt. They've even got the best women here, too!"

Nezero pumped his fist with him. "You got that right!"

Kobi stretched himself around. "Just be careful which ones you go after, man. They can be pretty vicious."

Chojiko looked up for a moment to point at Takeshi. "Case and point!"

Said teen rubbed his head in laughter. Nagi couldn't help but form a smile himself. "It's a shame the exams are all wrapped up. I would have liked to get to know everyone a bit more."

Akano and Kaito nodded in agreement as the group became a bit more somber. Tegun looked around, noting the atmosphere. "Aw, come on. That's no way to be!" Attention drew to him as he grinned. He continued with a hard slap to Takeshi's back. "That was an amazing fight to end on! Hands down the best I've witnessed!" The group raised a glass to agree. Tegun remembered what he was going to ask and smiled. "So, did you get a stat card finally?"

Takeshi jolted, having forgotten. "Oh yeah!" He pulled it out of his pockets. Just about the whole group were staring wantonly like a hungry pack of dogs about to get tossed a slab of meat. Takeshi narrowed his eyes, moving the card back and forth. To his amusement, they followed it religiously.

Kobi ruffled his hair with both hands. "Oh come on! Just put it down, man!" Ripper barked in response.

Takeshi shook his head. "Remember, it's just a card." He laid it down and everyone's eyes scanned it.

Datsu immediately pointed out the first stat. "Oh come on! I thought I was the toughest! Is thirteen even a valid score?"

Hoshido finally entered the scene. "I see. 8.18 average. That's an entire point above Nezero there. You're well rounded. A six in ninja tools and five in genjutsu are your only exploitable weaknesses."

Tegun scratched his nose in thought. "Come to think of it, looks like most the guys here need some serious work on genjutsu defense." He glanced over, seeing Vin sipping on a drink and keeping to himself. "Vin, right? What do you think?"

The target of the question flinched nervously, peeking over. "Uh, yeah. Seems tough." Tegun tilted his head in confusion.

Nagi leaned in closer to Takeshi. "So, did you get a peek at Tsumi and Yuuki's cards then?" The group closed in, awaiting the response.

Takeshi closed his eyes and crossed his arms. "We were pretty even across the board, all things considered. Yuuki and Tsumi both have chakra stats at thirteen." Datsu deflated even more as the group awed. "Overall, Yuuki landed an 8.55 average. The only stats she had a weak rating to were genjutsu and ninja tools. Even then, she had a six in both."

Nagi nodded. "I see. It was rather impressive how long you lasted against her, all things considered."

Now, Kobi leaned back. "I thought for sure some of those attacks would kill you, man. Yuuki didn't do any of that kind of stuff before."

Takeshi rubbed his head. "I thought for sure I was a goner. I'm lucky my eyes started catching up to her before she got serious." Takeshi held his left side, still feeling the soreness. "Yuuki fought me with all her aces. I've never seen half of those move before!"

Tegun rubbed his chin. Finally, he held a thought. "Hey Takeshi, activate your sharingan for me." The Uchiha shrugged, doing as he asked. Tegun punched his fist with a smile. "I knew it. During our fight, you had one totem and two totem eyes. Now, they're three totem, two totem."

The group gasped at the revelation. Takeshi himself relaxed his eyes. "Good catch. I had a feeling it might have evened out, but I guess my sharingan is just an odd ball."

Vin looked over the two. Finally, he spoke. "You seem to know a lot about the Uchiha and the leaf in general, Tegun."

The entire group looked back to the short haired blond. Takeshi was curious himself. The teen laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "Lightning ninjas are obsessed with the leaf. I guess that started after the war. Since then, we constantly get news, gossip, and rumors about the leaf ninja." He rolled his eyes. "Well, most of us guys can discern what is and isn't news." Hoshido seemed to lapse through all the gossip and rumors about the leaf and began mumbling to himself. Tegun shook his head. "Like I said; most guys. Hoshido here goes into in-depth analysis about everything he hears. He's a strange one alright." The group shared a fair laugh before winding down. Tegun then proceeded to notice something. "Hey, Shitto right? Why don't you ever say anything."

Everyone else grew chills as they noticed he was sitting right next to Tegun the whole time. Shitto glanced over. "Oh? I like this guy. Why? It's simply because he recog-" The group continued off on another subject, cutting the boy off. Forgivable. Why? Because this is one of the longest periods of time I've been included in the conversation.

OoOoOoOo

Tsumi puffed up her cheeks. "Enough with the stat card obsessing Shikamira!"

Said girl tried getting a few final glances at the cards before they ripped them away. Shikamira deflated. "I was just trying to get a little familiar with them. Not like I'm critiquing my father's work or anything." The girls couldn't help but feel a sweat drop.

Inora shifted her head around. "So, anyways…Those were some advanced techniques from you, Yuuki. Surprising, coming from someone who was so much weaker back in the academy."

Yuuki grinned, rubbing her head. "I could say the same for you. We've all really put in some serious training since then. My chakra levels have been the reason for my success. I'm able to train at light speed thanks to it."

Kankiri glanced up from a book. "Hacks."

Tsumi jumped up in defense. "It's not like we're being totally brainless with shadow clones anymore. We'd help everyone out if they had the chakra for it anyways."

Yuuki let out a sweat for a moment as the group leaned in. "Tsumi, we really can't go teaching forbidden jutsus to whoever we damn well please!"

Tsumi stuck a tongue out. "But isn't that what you really think deep inside?"

Yuuki crossed her arms. "It's forbidden for a reason." She shifted her head to the side. "Even if the reason is stupid."

The girls let out a gasp, closing in closer. Inora grabbed her. "Teach me, senpai!" Yuuki swatted her arms off and shook her head.

"Look, we're thinking about it. It's a pointless technique for most of you anyways." Inora backed off, shocked by her response.

Lili piped up. "Ugh…hey." Yuuki looked over to her in confusion with her tone. "That drill move you used. It looked a lot like the rasengan. Was that an incomplete version of it or something?" Lili pulled back, laughing. "I mean, none of us actually saw you use the rasengan in the first place, so it's not like you can."

Yuuki put her left hand to the side, making a rasengan within two seconds. "Oh, you mean this rasengan?" The group shot back at the sight of it. Yuuki reached out her right hand. She formed a rapidly spinning disc, finishing by pushing the chakra out into a drill shape. "Or did you want to see the rasenkiri again?"

Tsumi walked over and inspected it while the other girls recovered. "I was a little surprised you found a way to make that mistake useful." Tsumi replicated the process, creating a less polished drill shape. "It definitely would penetrate a jutsu better than the rasengan."

Shikamira and Inora both nodded. "So, what is the rasengan? And how did you know about this Lili?" Shikamira crossed her arms awaiting a good answer.

Lili flipped her hair with a puff. "Everyone in our village talks about it. Nerds battle over if the chidori or rasengan would win in a fight, but it's obvious: The rasengan is the ultimate form of chakra shape manipulation. According to the sources, the only likely known users of it are the Sixth Hokage, Kakashi Hatake, the Erupting Smoker, Uchiha Sasuke, and Uzumaki Isami." Lili took a good hard look at the ball of chakra before Yuuki let it dissipate. "The technique was created by the Yellow Flash, Sixth's father. It took him years to figure it out." Lili sat back down. "I suppose we'll have to add both Tsumi and Yuuki to the list."

Kankiri pointed at Lili in realization. "Jealousy."

Lili tapped her fingers, annoyed. Inora bit her finger slightly. Tsumi rubbed her arm. "I wouldn't get your hopes up. This technique is dangerous, and it's more of a family heirloom than shadow clones are."

Shikamira nodded her head after some thought. "If even Tsumi opposes it, then it's off limits for sure." Shikamira turned to Yuuki once more. "You had my attention with the other technique. Personae, right? When the tall strong one was defeated, you merged signatures with it and used a technique I've never heard of: Yuurei Houkou."

Yuuki rubbed her head. "Sorry, I don't know so much that I could tell you. When I first merged with Mari, we did the move by complete accident. It requires a whole lot of wind chakra and some tricky swordsmanship."

Shikamira dropped her composure slightly. "What do you mean you don't know? That's not like you."

Yuuki responded, trying to think deeply. "Mari was a part of me that I knew would be useful. When I get mad, I tend to lose my filter and think less. I created her not to be held back by thinking or ninjutsu knowledge. She's tailored for swordplay, and the trend continues when her personality melds with mine." Shikamira nodded, understanding the implications.

"Man, sounds troublesome." The group jumped up, noticing Shikamaru sitting down.

"Dad, why are you being creepy right now?" Shikamira showed embarrassment as he yawned.

"Sorry. I couldn't help but throw in my opinion." He looked at Yuuki, staring for a moment before closing his eyes. "That technique you have is as risky as it is unique. If I'm not mistaken, you created the black-haired one to help you regain your senses."

Yuuki nodded. "Indeed. If Ayano were to go down first, there's no telling how long it would take for me to return to normal."

Shikamaru scratched his chin, weighing the options. "I have a favor to ask. Could you use the technique, only summoning the wind user and Ayano?"

Yuuki shrugged, doing as he said. She closed her eyes for a moment. "Kage Ni Jinbutsu!" On command, the chipper girl and quiet fighter joined the group.

"Hey! I have a name, you know?" She pointed aggressively at Shikamaru, who raised his hands in defense. The group jolted back. "It's Hikari, 'kay? Hi-ka-ri!"

Shikamaru regained his lax. "My bad, we didn't exactly know that." He looked over to Yuuki. "Would you mind combining with this persona for me?"

Hikari crossed her arms and moped. "Jeez, I just get here and he sends me away. What a jerk." Hikari stuck her palm out as Yuuki stood, connecting her palm as well.

Hikari glowed, dissipating into chakra as it flowed into Yuuki. She dipped her head slightly. Yuuki's hair grew streaks of fuchsia and gained battle armor. Yuuki glanced up with a slight pout. "Are you satisfied?"

Inora rose, clenching her fist together. "Ah, it's so cute! The armor and personality are way more appealing."

Shikamaru rose, shifting his hands around in his pocket. "Here." He pulled out a blank stat card. "Channel your chakra in it while in this state." She shrugged, doing as he asked. As she let off, he turned to see what it showed. His eyes widened slightly. "Better than I expected."

Shikamira interjected. "Dad, are you done here?"

Shikamaru turned the card to her. "Yuuki's overall stat jumped from 8.55 to 9.36. That's up there with the jonin."

His daughter dropped her arms, leaving her jaw open. All the girls were shocked. Kankiri chipped in. "How?"

Shikamaru pocketed the card. "Space/time ninjutsu are pretty troublesome. A technique like this is incredibly complex. 'Mari', for example, was clearly taller and tougher than Yuuki. Things like this aren't that weird when you consider that a shadow clone is chakra molded into a physical being. With enough study, she can copy things like density and make improvements. However, this would take too long in battle, so she must keep it somehow intact with who she is for when it returns." Shikamaru nodded to Ayano, who returned to Yuuki, bringing her back to normal. "Long story short, time/space ninjutsu bend and break rules as we know them all the time. Don't underestimate what can and can't happen around them." The group took the lesson into account as he made his way out. "We're gonna be out for a while again. Important conference and all."

Shikamira nodded, watching her father leave. "That was informative and annoying."

Inora stretched around before jumping up. "Well, I guess we should be getting ready as well. Right Yuuki?"

Yuuki stretched her arm around. "Yup. This is going to be a comprehensive meeting, that's for sure."

-Somewhere dark-

"Are you certain?" A woman let her hood off, revealing silky white hair.

The shrouded figure nodded. Another woman's voice came from it. "I was there to witness the entire thing. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen." Luna crossed her arms in thought, occasionally making eye-contact with Osamu. The shrouded women continued. "I know well who you are, Hell's Phoenix. I've been watching you for some time." The silk-haired woman put a hand on her hip. The mysterious woman halted her. "If you're wondering how I found you…" She pointed to behind a tree, making a guy shout nervously and run behind a nearby rock.

Luna face-palmed. "Dammit Daisuke! How the hell did you blow your cover?"

The said man peeked from behind the rock. "They're far more perceptive and cunning than I could've known, honest! Even Yuuki had me pegged from the beginning!" Daisuke ran over, groveling at her knees. "Please senpai! Don't fire me!"

Luna pulled back in disgust. "Keep it up and we'll change your title to One for Failing!" Tears rolled out of his eyes as he rolled in an exaggerated back and forth. Luna's eyes drifted back to the woman who stood now. "So, what's your angle then? You know we can't just leave you like here after knowing this much."

The woman un-shrouded herself, showing long black hair and an eye-patch. "Take me to your leader. There's someone I'm looking for and I believe I can be of some use to you along the way."

Luna shifted around, smirking. "Hmm, I guess that might actually be a good reason not to kill you." Her eyes glinted on the woman. "But, forgive me if I want to see for myself."

Osamu jolted. "Luna, are you, ugh…doing that right now?"

Luna swatted at him. "It doesn't take much chakra for me to do and I'm not gonna stay that way. Just stand guard!"

OoOo

The woman's eyes widening, noticing everyone stand still. Luna stepped away from her body. She pointed behind her. "And you looked so confident when this started." Luna put a hand on her cheek. It was warmer than the woman expected.

"What's the point in this? I can tell you don't plan on interrogating me.

Luna chuckled, slapping her face a couple times. She walked over to where the woman's body was. "Oh, I'm sure you'll know soon enough. I am the One for Paradox, after all." Luna one hand on the woman's body and one hand in a seal. Release!"

OoOo

"Ugh, what did you-" The woman covered her mouth, noticing the voice as her vision cleared, she understood. She looked herself over. "So this was your plan?"

Luna scratched at the eye-patch, sitting in deep thought. With an odd laugh, she opened the one eye the body had and looked at herself. "You indeed have a lot of information on the leaf." She continued to dive deeper in.

The woman in Luna's body stepped forward. "Are you implying you can read my thoughts? Don't make me laugh."

Luna let out a purposely stupid laugh, making the woman back up in annoyance. "I just did, see?" She put her hands in a seal. "Mind lapse!"

The two hunched over slightly before Luna regained her senses. "So, how'd it feel?"

The woman crouched down, vomiting. "What's the point in answering a stupid question?"

Luna crossed her arms, turning away. "Whatever. Your brain told me everything from who you are, where you're from, and your true intentions." Luna glanced back over, smirking at the woman's shocked face. Luna turned around, walking away. "Follow us if you want. I won't try to stop you."

The woman clenched her fist. "Even after knowing who I am and my intentions, you'd still allow this?"

Osamu winced, catching up to Luna. "You serious? Sounds like she's bad news."

Luna shrugged her shoulders. "Keep an eye on her, if you want. I don't have any reason to intervene here." Osamu nodded, looking back on the shady woman. Luna twisted her head back. "Daisuke, follow us back like a normal person! You're slowing us down!" The said man jolted, running quickly by her side and apologizing profusely. The mysterious woman followed from a distance. What a strange bunch of people. Luna reminds me of someone…The woman's eyes jolted. That must be it!

-End-

-A/N-

And then there was plot! I've been moving through this tournament as methodically as possible. I'm not really aware if people see tournaments as dragged out fights with little insight or entertaining test of power. I love writing fight scenes, but it I understand how it can be a lot to deal with. Also, cliffhanger lol.