V7 ch 9

Yanagi's Gift

Part II

Idai sat by himself as he watched everyone enjoy themselves at Daiya's surprise party. He had tricked Gai and left him in the earth country. What he had done was unforgivable. He had used a mind erasure against the man who had taken him in so he could get away. He hated himself. Idai closed his eyes. He had betrayed the one person who had spent countless effort to help him.

Everyone was so shocked to see him. His trainer had hugged him tightly when he saw Idai. Masaru had run to him and tackled him to the ground as he asked all sorts of questions. His stomach knotted at remembering how everyone had reacted to him. They all assumed he was cured, but the moment his happiness came back, he felt the nagging presence at the back of his mind. Idai had to escape to the other side of the garden to avoid a dilemma. As he sat sulking, he heard footsteps come across the bridge. Idai looked up slowly. His eyes stared at the person watching him.

Gin blushed as she stopped in her tracks. She was late arriving to the party. Her long brown hair was flowing behind her while two Chinese buns rested on top of her head. She was wearing a green kimono with white cranes on it. Idai was so handsome to her. His hair was unusually red and shoulder length. He had grown six inches in the past two years. Gin smiled at him with her blue eyes softening. "Hello again, Idai."

Idai swallowed as he straightened his posture. Was that Gin? He felt light headed. Normally, she was shy and hid behind Areku, or Kandai when he came around. She was kindly looking him over as she stayed where she was. "Plant girl," he asked a little unsure. Gin walked closer to where she stood in front of him. "Why aren't you over there with your friends?"

Gin blushed as she took a small box out of her kimono. She put it in her hands and held it out to Idai. Gin's heart was racing nervously as Idai tried to figure out what she was doing. "I-I got this for you," she managed to say.

Idai's expression started to change. He gently lifted the box out of her hands. She was nervous being around him. He supposed Gin had heard about the demon inside of him. Idai started to open the box slowly. As he did, Gin turned on her heels. She ran across the bridge in a hurry.

Idai felt somewhat disappointed that she had left so quickly. He looked down at the box's contents. Idai's heart flopped in his chest. It was a pair of green earrings that were long and slanted at the end. He picked them up to look at them. She… got these for me…? Just because I came back?

Idai's eyes drifted to a folded note in the bottom of the box. He lifted it out. As he unfolded it, he read. I like you, Idai. I'm glad you're back. I've been worried about you. Love, Gin. Idai's fingers moved over the kanji. She likes me. His eyes searched for her on the other side of the bridge. Gin really likes me.

Gin moved through the crowd until she found Areku. He was sitting on a rock not paying attention to anyone. He didn't seem to be enjoying himself. She came up to his side blushing madly. Areku seemed to be catching on to her body gestures as she played with her kimono.

Areku turned his body fully around. "You didn't," he said in disbelief. "You actually gave it to him?" Gin nodded. "What did he say?" Gin looked down embarrassed. Areku sulked. "You ran, didn't you?" He pinched his nose. "Ah, Gin, you won't know how he reacts unless you stick around long enough."

Areku's gaze lifted. He saw Idai moving through the crowd searching for something. His eyes watched a few people move out of the way. Idai's head straightened once he singled Gin out. "Here's your opportunity," he said.

Gin wasn't sure what he was talking about. She sensed someone standing behind her. Gin turned around to see Idai looking at her. She suddenly blushed on contact.

"Can I talk to you," Idai asked as he stood awkwardly. Areku smiled as he turned his head away. The Inuzuka boy pushed Gin towards him as he looked back at Idai.

"She would love to," Areku said answering for her as he stood. He bent down to her ear. "Go. This is your chance," he whispered trying to encourage her.

Gin walked with Idai away from the crowd. She followed him shyly as he turned around to check on her. They exited the garden and went inside the Uchiha house. Gin wondered what he wanted to talk to her about. He suddenly stopped. Gin bumped into his back. She apologized quickly bowing her head.

Idai turned around to smile at her. "Why are you apologizing? Did you mean what you said on the paper," he asked as he searched her for an answer. Gin was avoiding his gaze and she appeared more nervous as he questioned her. He saw her adjust her feet a few times, as she tried to handle him approaching her. Idai finally saw her look up.

Gin's knees felt weak as he matched his gaze. She stared into his orange eyes. "Yes, I meant every word," she said as she gained the confidence she needed. Gin thought back to all of her pre-training with Areku and Masaru. It had call come to this moment. "I… like you a lot, Idai. I've worried about you every day," she said softly.

That was when Idai blushed. His heart was flip-flopping all over the place. In his mind, he saw himself trying to catch it and put it back in his chest. "Every day," he asked repeating her words. She had kept her mind on him for two years. Idai reached for her head. As he lowered his head, he brought her hand towards his lips. Idai kissed her hand sweetly.

Gin almost fainted. Idai was a gentleman. He wasn't the type of person everyone made him out to be. She felt her knees give out as he lowered her hand.

Idai caught her quickly. He looked at her with concern as she kept staring at him dreamily. Idai leaned towards her. Was it all right for him to be this close to her? He didn't feel like he was being torn between two places. Ryokuzu was staying away. There wasn't a voice nagging him in the background. His mind felt eased. Idai only saw and felt Gin.

Gin wanted to stay with him in this dream world. He was kind and caring with her. She tensed a little as he came closer. Idai kissed her cheek so gently that when he parted from her, it lingered on her skin.

Idai let his bangs touch her face as he kept watching her. He didn't want to make any demands upon her for her confession. His future was uncertain right now. "I don't know what to say. I've never had anyone like me as you do. Don't you know I'm cursed, plant girl?" His eyes looked at her sadly. "Hasn't Areku told you I have a demon inside of me?"

Gin reached her hands up to hold onto his face. She touched her forehead to his. "I've prayed to Buddha that no harm would befall you. He hasn't let me down. As long as the lotus blooms, there is hope, Idai."

Idai didn't understand. "Hope? I've forgotten what that is." He relaxed as Gin put her arms around him. Idai laid his head on her shoulder. Was it possible for him to open himself to her? Idai closed his eyes as he searched himself for the answer. He wanted to be happy.

Idai soon heard the laughter inside of his head protesting against his actions. He furrowed his brows. Idai whimpered slightly. Ryokuzu was alert. He felt a hand under his chin. Idai opened his eyes to see Gin looking him over.

Gin felt at peace with him in the hall of the Uchiha house. She wasn't nervous anymore around him. She saw something lingering in the back of Idai's eyes. To her, it appeared as a glint. She figured his mind was constantly on his problem. Gin quickly kissed the space beside his eye. "We're missing Daiya's party," she said softly. "Let's go get some cake," she said as she kept holding his hand.

Idai let Gin help him rise. He kept his hand holding hers as they walked outside. Everyone was standing around a large cake. Daiya was averting his eyes at the attention he was getting.

Izumi smiled as she brought out dishes and chopsticks for the crowd. She set them on the table. "Okay, Daiya, any last words before we embarrass you," she asked as everyone started to laugh.

Daiya tensed as he looked up to see everyone staring at him. "Th-Thank you for coming," he said softly. He felt Sasuke mess up his hair. Daiya blushed when everyone started to sing 'Happy Birthday'. Once it was over, the crowd gathered to get cake.

Yanagi singled him out of the crowd. She smiled at him tenderly as she interlaced her fingers with his. "How is your birthday going so far?" She kissed him gently.

"It'd be better if you'd marry me," Daiya said with a small smile.

"One day, I will, Daiya Uchiha," Yanagi said as she leaned into him. "What do you think about being a father?" She smiled as he put his arms around her.

"If it's with you, I'd be honored," Daiya admitted truthfully. He wanted to be a good role model if he had children. I want to make it that far with her. Please let me stay here long enough to experience that with Yanagi. He hoped her mother would be able to find out what was wrong with him. His attacks had become so strong as of late, that Sasuke had started giving him fewer missions.

Takeru ate cake with Ryu, Onari, and Saori. He sung his legs off the wooden railing around the house. "Well, what do you know? Hey, heck out Gin and Idai."

Ryu turned his gaze towards the couple. "I'll be damned. She must have told him how she felt. And it looks as if he was receptive to it."

Saori leaned on the rail. "Do you believe Gin can help Idai? I know she's liked him for such a long time. I'd hate to see her get hurt."

"She shouldn't be deterred from getting to know him. Love is never wrong – in any form," Onari said as she glanced at Takeru. He put his plate on the rail. He leaned back to rub his nose on her cheek.

Ryu raised his facemask. "It seems Onari has ways of helping everyone," he said as an afterthought. "I'd say she's wiser than her years." As he thought that, a poof happened next to him. He groaned. "Turtles don't eat cake, Shogai." The turtle looked at him with a goofy grin and stare.

Saori leaned back to watch Ryu's celestial move past him. The turtle went down the steps off the back porch. "What is he interested in, Ryu?"

"No idea. Let's try to enjoy ourselves before he gets in trouble," Ryu said as he cleaned up. He glanced at Shogai. The turtle was moving through the crowd looking for something.

Shogai sensed something heavy trying to hide. He craned is head looking around the people for the cause of the disturbance. His gaze finally saw it standing near a boy with long red hair. A shadowy figure stood behind the boy trying to blend in with the shadows of the trees. Shogai came closer. He started to move as fast as he was able for a turtle.

Ryokuzu snarled at the turtle that seemed to be aiming for him. Somehow, it knew he was there. Could it seem him? As the creature got closer, he saw the star lines lingering over it. He had to stop eavesdropping on Idai. There was something about the girl with long brown hair that made him uneasy. He shrunk away into the shadows.

Shogai stopped short of the boy and girl. The demon had vanished. He figured it was residing in the boy. Demons didn't go far from their host, if they had one. Shogai frowned. He needed to learn more about this certain type of demon. The boy held something it was after.

Idai turned his head to see a turtle watching him and Gin. "Where'd he come from?" He crouched to the turtle. It only stared back at him. Idai placed his hand upon its head. "Who's pet are you?"

Shogai sweat dropped. (I'm not a pet. Gods should be treated more decently.)

"Shogai belongs to Ryu. He was injured a while back and Onari gave him a link to a celestial," Gin said. She looked around. "I wonder why he popped up. He only comes when Ryu needs him."

Masaru had managed to find Idai. He ran towards him. "Hey, Kiba sensei wants us to spend time together as a team. We have a lot to talk about. Can you come?" He noticed Idai was hanging around Gin Akimichi.

Idai stood. He looked back at Gin. "I… don't know. I want to stay here," he said softly.

Gin blushed. "You can go, Idai. We can talk later," she said.

Masaru tugged him along. "Come on, we need to discuss if you can come back." He led Idai away from Gin.

Kiba stood outside the Uchiha compound as Masaru and Idai approached. Yanagi had to breakaway from the celebration to meet up with them. They stood for a moment before Kiba got to the point. "I'd like to have you back on the team, Idai, but we've run into several problems. As a team, we have to discuss everything. We have to touch base with you and you us. It's been two years."

Idai averted his eyes. "I guess you want to know why I showed up alone." Idai looked up at Kiba. He owed the man a lot. "I left my dad in the earth country. He told me I wouldn't return to Konoha for the rest of my life. The demon inside of me is… feeding off of me," he said. "It sees everything I see and when I can't control it, he gets loose. He… injures, or kills people."

"How were you able to get past Gai," Kiba asked as he crossed his arms. "He's kept you safe and helped you to live, Idai. You showing up here alone lead me to believe you've hurt him, or tricked him in some way."

Yanagi stood next to Masaru. She put her hand on his arm. The Hokage's son wanted to defend Idai. "We have to let him answer, Masaru."

"I slipped a mind erasure potion into his water," Idai said. He closed his eyes. "I wanted to get away. We were living in seclusion. I didn't want to die alone, Kiba! Gai has sought help for me repeatedly, but I can't be around others. I hurt other people It- It-"

"It knows everything. Therefore, you've shown up in a vast area of people, Idai, to chance it coming out – to kill everyone. It's waiting for you to lose the ability to stop it. How long can you focus keeping it at bay? The chakra and concentration it takes to ward it off, is what it's feeding on. Everyone around you is vulnerable," Kiba said seriously.

Idai wanted to bail. Just being here was a feast for Ryokuzu. He didn't want it to kill his friends.

"I… missed my home. I can't fight it alone. I want to be happy," Idai said as he crouched to the ground. He covered his head, ashamed. He felt so ignorant about his actions. Idai had led Ryokuzu straight to his friends – the best feast of all.

"What are we supposed to do," Masaru asked. "We can't turn him out. He's our friend – regardless of his problems."

"Yet, we can't let him back on the team. Oh, Idai," Yanagi said sadly. "I want you back as much as anyone, but you aren't able to predict when it will get loose."

Idai gritted his teeth. He wanted to remain here. It was his home, wasn't it? On the other hand, was he destined to be a lone? He hated the demon inside of him. He wanted everyone to be safe. Especially… Gin.

Gin had been so kind to him, even though, she knew about the demon inside of him. Her eyes and touch were soft and gentle. She had feelings for him. Idai wanted to be near her – she liked him for the real person he was. Idai stiffened his shoulders. He couldn't do it to them. Idai stood. He saw the concern in their eyes as he moved. He ran.

"No, Masaru, don't go after him," Kiba said as he stopped the blond haired boy. "He needs to think hard about his life. What he did to Gai is unforgivable. I'll keep an eye on him." Kiba started to track Idai.

Gin waited a long time for Idai to come back. The crowed had started to disperse. She saw fireflies moving through the garden. Izumi had already started to clean up. Gin leaned against the tree sadly. She had surely through Idai would have come back by now. She sighed.

Izumi folded the sheet on the table nicely. She noticed Gin was still hanging around. Takeru and Onari were taking down the festivities. Sasuke was treating Daiya at a new restaurant for his birthday; strangely, it was at Gin's cousin's restaurant. Takeru walked over to lay streamers on the table. "Takeru, is Gin waiting for someone? She's been here a long time."

Takeru turned his gaze. "I saw her earlier with Idai, but that was hours ago. You don't suppose she's waiting for him, do you?"

Izumi saw the hurt expression on the girl's face. "That's exactly who she's waiting for. He never came back to the party. Something must have happened. Try to talk to her," she said.

Takeru walked over to Gin. She was sadly looking at the ground. "Gin? The party's been over for some time. Are you waiting for Idai?"

"I thought he was going to come back when he left with Masaru. He must be tied up with Kiba sensei," she said softly. Gin wanted to believe that's what had happened.

Takeru looked away as he frowned a little. "That's partially true. Kiba, um, confronted Idai about a few thins. Idai took off. That's what he didn't return."

Gin nodded her head slowly. "Did he leave the village," she asked. She wanted to think Idai had stayed in Konoha.

"Not that I know of. Kiba said he was going to keep an eye on him. Everything will be better tomorrow," Takeru said hopefully. "It's been an eventful day."

"Yeah, I guess I'll go home. If something happens, my plant will let me know," Gin said under her breath. She left Takeru in her wake.

Kiba leaned against the tree as he peeked out to keep an eye on Idai. The boy had taken refuge at the river where he was sure to be secluded from everyone.

Idai stared at himself in the water. Ryokuzu was not being reflected. He wanted to remember who he was – what he looked like. I don't want to forget my own face. This is who I am – or was. Everything has changed. I hurt the man who took me in. I've hurt everyone around me. No one can be near me. Ryokuzu might kill them. If it ends, isn't it for the better? Idai rubbed his arms. He closed his eyes. Gin doesn't understand how I am capable of hurting her. She knows something is wrong and she still approached me back there. Idai looked at his reflection again. "I can't anymore. You won't be able to touch them," Idai said as he reached over his shoulder to grab one of his swords.

Kiba was on top of him in seconds. He wrapped his arms around Idai chest, pinning his arms to his sides. Kiba fought to keep his hand tightly gripped around the boy's wrist. "Let go of it! Let go, Idai!" Kiba grunted as he pulled Idai's hand away from the sword.

He struggled to keep Idai from succeeding in his attempt. "Idai, I swear, if you were my kid, I'd string you up by your toes for even thinking about it!" Kiba felt Idai loosen up. The boy's head fell forward. Kiba kept his arms around Idai's chest. He stood with his body tense, in case, he got out of hand again. The scent of tears drifted to his nose. He let go of the boy. Kiba turned him around. "Idai."

Idai kept his head lowered, his long bangs covering his view. He shook his head, letting his tears fall. Idai was running out of options.

"Dammit," Kiba swore. He hooked his arms around the back of Idai's neck to bring him towards him. He shielded Idai. Kiba was unsure how to solve this major problem. His mind started to think about Areku. They're both the same age. I don't know why I didn't pay attention to this before. Both of them are also single kids, without any siblings. Areku wanted Idai's attention before. I wonder if he'd be willing to help him.

"You want me to spend time with Idai," Areku asked as he looked at his father. He was lying on his bed with Ichigo, his gray puppy.

"He's having a lot of problems, Areku. His mind is focused on all of the negativity surrounding him. It's starting to reflect what the demon wants. Idai is spiraling down from where he once stood," Kiba stated. "You two are the same age. I don't know why I didn't pick up on it sooner."

Areku sat up. "Your age is against you," he said. Ichigo wagged her tail as she barked. "Idai might be more receptive to you, Ich. I remember how attached he was to Akamaru."

Idai lay on the bed in the spare room. He stared at the wall. He had followed Kiba home. His trainer didn't want him to go back to the apartment he and Gai used to reside in.

Idai clutched the sheets of the bed. His body didn't have any energy to fight anyone. He was sure life for him was slipping away. Idai looked sadly at the wall.

Areku opened the door slowly. He saw Idai's back. The boy had given up all hope of getting rid of the demon inside of him. Areku pushed Ichigo into the room. "Go cheer him up, Ich."

Ichigo looked up at the boy wagging her tail. Areku pointed forward. She padded into the room. Ichigo stood on her back paws as her head poked over the side. She growl-talked to Idai. The boy with long red hair didn't move. Ichigo jumped onto the bed.

Idai felt something licking his foot. He slowly sat up. His eyes stared ahead not aware of the puppy for a moment.

Ichigo pulled on the boy's pants with her teeth. She wanted him to respond. Ichigo let go. She sat down and whined at him.

Areku was afraid it was worse than this father had imagined. He stepped into the room. Idai didn't notice him. Areku walked next to the bed. "Idai?" Areku had to sit on the bed to get him to look at him.

Areku's eyes softened. Idai's eyes were red. He lowered his head to look up at him. "Idai, nothing is truly over. There are so many people worried about you. Gin has worried about you as much as Daiya. She's loved you for so long. Yanagi has been training more to make you proud of her. It's the same with Masaru. He really looks up to you – it's somewhat frightening. My father was so excited to see you at the party that he couldn't contain himself. He's never given up on you. Don't' let him down by giving up on yourself."

Idai saw Areku then. "Areku, do… you think K-Kiba would let me… stay here," he asked. He knew returning to Gai wouldn't be appropriate.

"You want to stay here? But what about your dad?" Areku saw the sadness in his eyes. "Idai, isn't he going to look for you? You're afraid for him to find you," he said realizing it.

Idai put his face in his hands. His shoulders began to shake. He didn't expect Gai to forgive him for what he had done.

Areku didn't know how to react to Idai. He thought Idai was struggling to hold onto a crumbling part of his life. He felt sad for him. Areku didn't like to see anyone this way. He rubbed Idai's back.

Kiba sat with his elbows on his knees. He was outside on a bench near his home. His hands were clasped against his face. He closed his eyes as he reflected on what Areku had told him. Idai wanted to stay with them. Kashira's scent drifted to his nose.

"Kiba, you care for that boy in there," she said as she sat next to him. "Are you afraid to realize it? You were the main one around him when he was on your team. He has a connection to you."

"I know. I don't want to cause trouble with Gai," he answered. "Gai cares for Idai as if he were his own son. It's wrong to rob a man of that." He sighed heavily.

"Idai seems like a sweet and caring boy. Gai may not be enough for him. He needs a family. Gai is gone most of the time on missions. Wasn't he originally only supposed to watch over him?" Kashira sought Kiba's face for concerns and solutions.

"He found something special in Idai and adopted him. It'd be wrong for me to interfere, Kashira. No matter how much I want to," Kiba said with difficulty.

Kashira put her arm over her husband's back. He had tried hard to get Idai to open up. Gai had originally worked with him and made minimal progress. Kashira believed Gai approached Idai as a trainer, not a father. Kiba, on the other hand, had approached the boy just as that without realizing it.

Idai peered over the small cliff. There was a large lake below. A waterfall ran off as birds made noises in the woods around them. He swallowed hard. "I'm supposed to jump in from here?"

"How else are you supposed to get down? The cliff is too steep. We're all jumping. Even my grandfather," Areku said as he stood wearing nothing more than a loincloth. They were all dressed in tribal wear.

Kashira walked to the boys. She wore a loincloth skirt and top to keep herself covered. She saw Idai's hesitation over the drop. "Are you afraid to go into the water?"

Idai turned his head to blush as he saw Kashira, Kiba's wife, watching him. The woman wore a short bob cut and she was as toned as her husband was. "I'm not afraid of the water, per se. I've never jumped from this height before."

"When you jump, don't hold your breath. You must keep your eyes open until you get near the water. Then you hold your breath. Any sooner than that, and you'll drown," Kashira said. She seemed to have alarmed him. "I'll jump with you, okay?" She turned around to shout at her husband. "Kiba, I'm jumping with Idai." Just as she said it, her father ran past her.

They blinked as Matozo ran straight past them. "I'm not too old to jump a cliff, you hardheaded woman! I'm too old to walk three kilometers to the nearest safe slope!" He jumped off the cliff with a yell of, "Yahoo!"

Areku saw his grandfather's rear as the loincloth flapped up. "That's plain embarrassing," he said. Ichigo mumbled her opinion.

"Alright, we're next," Kashira said as she grabbed Idai's hand. She tugged him to get closer. "Any last words," she asked with a joke. Once he turned his head to look at her, Kashira winked as she jumped pulling him along.

Idai couldn't muster a yell. The shock of it hit him. Kashira yelled at him to hold his breath as the surface of the water came closer. They hit.

Kashira kept her grip on him as she pulled him to the surface, kicking her legs. They popped up shaking their heads free of the water. "Not so bad, huh! We better get out of the way. Kiba tends to challenge others about who can make the biggest splash."

Areku jumped off the cliff with Ichigo. Ichigo poofed

into a clone of her partner. He smiled slyly. "Alright, Ich! Let's beat Dad!"

Ichigo started to spin her body as the same time Areku did. They went towards the water twirling around each other. As they hit the water, it erupted straight up.

Idai flew back as Areku and Ichigo hit the water. The water exploded up and out. It rained down on him and Kashira. Idai shook his head free of the water as he coughed. He looked out at the lake to see if they had popped up yet. Kiba was standing on the edge of the cliff with his hands on his hips.

"That's cheating, Areku! You're supposed to do it yourself," Kiba yelled through his hands. He shook his head.

Areku rung out his wet hair once he made it to the water's edge. "He's just mad because I made a bigger splash than he can pull off. Isn't that right, Ich?" Ichigo confirmed her agreement.

Kiba jumped off the cliff with a yell. He grinned as he started to twirl. As he came towards the water, three clones poofed next to him. They started to spin away from him. As he neared the water, all three of them hit causing the water to shoot forty feet high.

Kashira turned on her heels as she put her arms around the boys. She forced them to move. "Go!" She was right behind them as the water came soaring down on the embankment. It hit all of them. Kashira coughed hard as the water dripped off her hair. "Are you boys okay?"

Idai rolled over as he sat up, coughing. He shook his head several times. As he watched Kiba swim over, he yelled to his trainer, "Can we do that again?"

Areku popped him upside the head. "No, we are not doing that again." Ichigo walked by Idai muttering.

Areku walked with Idai through the woods. They were gathering sticks for a large bonfire they were building. He bent to take a stick from Ichigo. He kept his eyes on Idai. "Why do you want to live with us?"

Idai jumped slightly at the question. His fingers ran over the sticks in his arms. He stared at the ground. "K-Kiba acts just like.. Orushin," he said softly.

Areku stepped closer to the tall boy. "Who is Orushin? Idai?" He crouched to look up into Idai's face. Idai was remembering something.

"My… dad," he answered. He clutched to the sticks in his arms. Kiba and Orushin didn't look anything alike, but their personalities were similar.

He's trying to belong somewhere. Gai is a single adult who adopted him out of nobility. Idai, on the other hand, feels lost. He's trying to get back to the part of his life that is being allusive. Areku tugged on his arm. "Let's head back."

Gai stood facing Sasuke as he stood in the opening area of the Uchiha house. He had returned that morning to the Hidden Leaf Village. So far, he had not found Idai. He looked the man over. "Where is Idai," Sasuke? I know he came back to see Daiya." He stared straight head, his eyes unwavering. He wanted an answer.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. He didn't appreciate being accused of harboring Gai's son. "He isn't here if you're assuming I'm hiding him from you. Idai left with Kiba a few days ago."

"Idai shouldn't be here. He's dangerous in crowds. The only way to keep everyone safe is for him to be away from civilization," Gai said trying to make Sasuke understand. "He cannot stay here."

Sasuke didn't like where this was going. Would Gai try to physically remove Idai? He hard the sound of foot steps coming from behind him. Yanagi and Izumi were trying to get Daiya to stay out of the confrontation. His son rounded the corner with tense shoulders. "Instead of telling us how Idai is capable of hurting someone else, why don't you listen to what they have to say?"

"He got away from you for a reason, didn't he," Daiya said angrily. "You've kept him in a glass cage for years!" He gritted his teeth.

"I have kept him safe from the demon inside of him," Gai stated. "If he is alone, he cannot hurt anyone. Has he told you he's killed a man before? An innocent person who tried to help contain the demon in a temple was slaughtered."

"The demon was unleashed because it was forced," Daiya said straight back. He clenched his fists. "That's what it was. Your eyes say it. He did the same thing at Ryu's when Kurenai sensei had him under hypnosis!" He heard his mother asking Sasuke if he knew anything about that. "When you lure, taunt, or mock a demon, it gets angry. And as with anything, it's going to prove itself to you – it's the same with ninjas in a fight."

Yanagi touched Daiya's hand to steady him. He was getting so angry that his hair was spiking out. She turned to face Gai. "Idai hasn't had an incident where he's harmed anyone. He's been surrounded by someone at all times while being in the village. If it's not a crowd, it's a few people he does know. He didn't hurt Ryu when he was left alone with him. I don't believe secluding him is the answer to helping him. In fact, the negative energy he's feeling is feeding the demon. To be able to fight something horrible that is living inside of Idai, one can't push him away. One has to open his arms to him."

All of them were staring at her. "Idai is my friend first and my team mate second. He is someone I've laughed with and shared responsibility. I look up to him because he has great leadership abilities. He's never been concerned with himself. He's always wanted the best for Masaru and I. I've been training harder every day so that one day, Idai would be proud of me – of how far I've come. I want Idai to give me the respect I deserve. As my father says, it has to be earned. I'm fighting hard to build upon the friendship I have with everyone around me. At the same time, I'm aware Idai loses the energy to fight for himself. I want the opportunity to fight for his place in the world. I will fight in his place."

Yanagi stood in silence as she let her body language hold true to her decision. "My determination is not my own anymore. Idai's been a huge part of my driving force, as of late. If you take Idai away, everything Kiba's taught us will break away from our routine. Every part of us depends on the other to survive. We're loyal to each other. I'm loyal to my team and my friends, Gai sense. I'm loyal to your son," Yanagi countered before he could say anything to oppose her.

Sasuke had to admit he was proud of Sakura's daughter. Yanagi had a powerful voice. He glanced at Gai. "Not all wars are started with fists. However, if you can't beat her by words, you can try to get her in the training ring."

"Can't the Hokage help that boy," Izumi asked. She looked from Gai to Sasuke and back. "Haven't you asked him for guidance regarding the matter?" Izumi watched Gai look away. "The Hokage has the nine tails fox inside of him. Isn't that true? Maybe once who has a demon can instruct another how to handle it."

"Idai doesn't have the confidence to face it, much less, over come it," Gai said as his mind shifted to past dealings with the boy. "There have been hardships along the way for him, yes; he has endured the toughest training I've bestowed upon him to make him stronger physically, so he could live, in some form. The demon manages to overtake his mind now. It can choose to eat him alive – it has grown strong despite my efforts to stop it."

"His mind is still weak," Yanagi said softly. She went back to seeing Idai's facial expressions when he had been forced by his friends and his trainer to inform them what had been happening to him. "He wasn't able to hold eye contact with anyone for more than a few seconds before he looked away. When Kiba called him out, Idai was nervous. He didn't want to admit to what he'd done to get away from you. He's never gone against an authority figure before."

Sasuke looked at all of them seriously. "What is the decision? Does Idai stay here to let others help him, or does he remain in solitude to eventually let the demon overtake him for good? It's your call, Gai. The last point I'm going to make is this: one individual doesn't complete Missions. It takes an entire team."

Gai understood at that moment that he'd been going about everything the wrong way. "All I ever wanted, was what was best for him. I learn now that a parent has to let go – to seek help from others- in order, to help himself." He closed his eyes.

"It's not easy being a parent to a child you've taken in, or who is still trying to figure out your true intentions regarding him," Izumi said as she glanced at Daiya. "It's full of obstacles, but there are also a lot of rewards to be gained. I wouldn't change the obstacles we've dealt with concerning Daiya. The only regret I, personally, have is to not have known him sooner."

Sasuke saw Daiya blush and avert his eyes to avoid their gaze. "I think the feeling is mutual for everyone in the room. You've helped Idai more than you realize, Daiya. In turn, that eases Gai's worry."

"I'm not trying to push aside your concerns for Idai, Daiya. I would like nothing more than for you to help him. However, I also have to think about him hurting you. He's not in full control of his actions."

Daiya gritted his teeth as his emotions clashed. "How are we supposed to help him? Idai's running out of time!"

Idai stared into the bonfire as the Inuzuka clan interacted with each other. He sat by himself trying to ignore listening to Kiba and Areku. Idai's mind started to drift to his past – the place where he often resided.

"Daddy, you're home!" Idai ran to his father happily, as he jumped over a small branch near his home. His father immediately lifted him into the air.

Orushin smiled up at his son, his tender gaze watching him. "I see you've been playing outside all day. You're completely filthy, Cricket." He went inside to find his wife. He noticed the moment Yukihara was found, Idai started to cling to him.

Yukihara crossed her arms as she stared at her husband. "In a few years, he's going to face the trails of our clan's council. Stop babying him, Orushin. If he embarrasses the clan, I'll never forgive either of you." She wanted Idai to make her family proud. Her parents had not been too happy about placing her with Orushin. It had been an arranged marriage. Back then, Orushin's clan was one of the top clans in the Sound Village. However, Orushin didn't act anything like his predecessors. His views were not welcomed because he thought differently.

Orushin put his hand on Idai's head to comfort him. "I don't care what the clan thinks. I refuse to turn our son into a mindless drone who follows any orders he's given. He deserves more than that, Yukihara. Our son is talented – that alone is rare."

Yukihara wasn't having any of it. She was tired of her husband's defiance over the matter. "Are you referring to that blasted flute you gave him?" She threw her hands up to give up. "He spends most of his time trying to play it and chasing birds. He's a dreamer! He has to be able to make it as a ninja!" She left her husband alone before she exploded any further.

Orushin sat his son down as he kneeled. "There's nothing wrong with being a dreamer, Idai. It means you still have the freedom of a bird – even if you don't have wings. Maybe one day, you can play your flute for me," he said, as he looked upon him kindly.

"Daddy, what if you're not here when I get really good at it?"

Orushin cupped his son's face in his hands. He kissed Idai on the forehead. "I'll always be able to hear your beautiful music, Cricket – no matter where I am."

Idai reached into his kimono, his fingers moving across the flute his father had given him. Idai took it out slowly. It glowed with the intense flicker of the flames. Before he knew what he was doing, he started to play a sad melody for Orushin.

Kiba's head turned to the sudden sound of a flute being played. As he saw Idai playing the flute with emotion, it got to him. The sixteen-year-old boy became lost within himself as the bonfire continued to flicker above the trees. Pieces of debris drifted off with the wind as Idai's melody echoed throughout the forest. Kiba was determined to find the truth in Idai's mysterious past. He had to know what caused Idai's flashbacks, as well as, what attracted the demon to Idai. He felt Kashira touch his back. His wife's keen vision noticed his moods. "I'm going to get to the bottom of this, Kashira. I owe it to Idai. I will find out what's causing him to remain an open invitation for that foul thing inside of him."