Grey Label Chapter 7: Label 7: Foreshadowing, a naruto fanfic

Grey/Label

Label 7: Foreshadowing

Hinata was falling, or at least she thought she was. She was surrounded by pitch black darkness and the girl couldn't even see in front of her. There was no wind and yet her hair was whipping around her face. Despite feeling as if she was standing in place.

She blinked, trying her best to focus, because otherwise she felt as if this might continue on forever. She took a slow, deep breath inwards and breathed out evenly. She did this enough times until her heart rate calmed down and she could think properly. Next she tried to feel her feet on the ground but it was to no avail.

Trying to look around herself again she noticed a white light, a speck really, for all the distance that was between her and it. She stared at the dim pulsating light, focused on it. And that was when it became a large pulsating mass before her in the manner of a black hole. Hinata could feel herself hovering, floating before it as nothing immediately happened. The next thing she knew images were being thrown her way, hundreds at a time. She was just barely able to get a quick look at some of them and was shocked by what she found in them.

Dreary paintings of running ink, each one featured her and recognizable events in her life. A few showed things that had never happened to her, and others featured an older looking version of herself in what looked like a possible future. All of them snapshots in time.

She looked again and was too late to catch a painting that smacked into her. She blinked and she suddenly found herself standing off to the side of a Konoha street. Hinata looked on as her younger self was being bullied by some neighborhood boys and she was too scared to fight back.

"That means, Naruto…" Hinata muttered to herself as she turned her head and spotted the blonde boy, but he was just standing there watching…and laughing from a distance.

"This isn't…" Hinata started.

"That would be too easy." Ideal Hinata said, suddenly standing next to her. "Which ain't saying much. This is just the warmup. They'll get harder as you go."

"Ano…maybe I just noticed, but why do you sound…"

Ideal Hinata finished for her again. "Like Kori-sensei? You didn't notice those images, but let's just say he rubs off on you just as much as you do him." Hinata's better version winked and grinned a Kori-like grin and Hinata thought it was the oddest thing she'd ever seen in her life.

"Anyway, princess. All I can tell you is that if you want to make it through this, it's time you relied on yourself." Ideal Hinata smiled brightly as she began fading away. "Or as sensei would say…"

"You can only rely on yourself." Hinata finished. Beginning to understand what she needed to do. But how? Could she physically interact with this memory?

She stared at her former self and felt a small flicker of annoyance. Looking at the crying and cowering little girl, bullied by a group…a group of peasants if you asked her. Complete nobodies, incapable of moving the needle on humanity. Having no real effectual purpose on life. She didn't know them at the time, but Kori had been able to provide names to the faces. Basically they'd all entered the academy and were sorted out one by one.

'Failures,' she thought.

The longer she watched and the more she thought about how weak she'd allowed herself to be, she also felt disgust. She gave one last glance to the laughing Naruto and something clicked. Hinata began laughing, just a little chuckle at first, here and there. It didn't take long for those chuckles to turn into a fit of giggles that next evolved into full blown laughter.

"It's so ridiculous and hilarious at the same time!" Hinata peeled out through uplifting laughter. "Oh my, I know I was so young, but I believe I understand how my father felt. Feels. I'm a Hyuga and I allowed nobodies to step on that." Slowly Hinata's uncontrollable laughter faded until she was left wiping away the tears from her eyes.

"Um, w-why are you laughing?" An inquiry was made with a familiar refrain.

Hinata opened her eyes as she deflected the last few tears from her eyes as she finally looked up again. As she did she realized how silent everything had become. She noticed the bullies were gone, as was the misrepresentation of Naruto. What was left was a familiar and barren Konoha park with the exception of herself and her past self, the little wide eyed version who she'd once been.

She crouched down to the little girl. "Because we knew to fight back, not to allow them to trespass against us, but we didn't because while it was happening we weren't crying for ourselves. We were crying because we felt great pity for them. And now we know they didn't deserve our pity. Instead we should've defended ourselves and put pity in them, rather than feeling pity for them."

Little Hinata smiled and nodded. "I see." The little Hinata thought about it, then nodded and smiled. "You're right." As they agreed, Hinata watched the younger version of herself fade away along with their surroundings. As everything became a white void again, Hinata's mirror reappeared.

"That was well done and very well said." Hinata's ideal self said thoughtfully.

"It was too easy, if I'm being honest." Hinata stared at the mirror of herself.

"Well then, perhaps I underestimated you. Being able to laugh at yourself isn't something most people can embrace. This is going to go by much quicker." As the mental image of Hinata spoke, the doors returned to surround them.

Hinata looked around. "There's less of them now. That would mean there's more than one solution to solve them."

Ideal Hinata smiled. "You got it. Of course I couldn't tell you that, but you immediately realized and accepted your situation. And doing that closed the chapters on some unresolved trauma. Look and count, they've been cut down by more than half."

"Let's get this over with then. I do not wish to keep wasting precious time. The longer I'm here, the more time passes that I could be training myself." Hinata pulled open another door.

The scenery immediately changed to one she was all too familiar with. "I'm home." Hinata said to herself as she took in the familiar trappings of her home.

"Daughter, where have you been all this time? Besides not working to get better."

Hinata calmly turned at the strict, commanding tone of her father's voice. She looked at her father who looked down upon her with sheer disgust. An angry sneer curling his lips.

Hinata breathed out slowly and held her ground, her father had never looked at her with such unrestrained contempt. "Of course, I have been training my father." She bowed deeply, speaking respectfully."

"I do not believe you!" Hiashi scoffed in a harsh tone. Beside him, Hanabi giggled into the sleeve of her robe, unrestrained and finding amusement in Hinata's predicament.

Hinata was taken aback by his confrontational stance. It wasn't like him to express his anger so openly. "I do not lie, that would be dishonorable. Would you like to see what I've learned?" She asked, ignoring Hanabi and keeping her attention on Hiashi.

Hiashi frowned, scoffing again. "Hmph, everything you do dishonors me…very well. Hanabi needs more practice, but should you lose I will take it that you've been lying to me. And you will be forfeit to punishment."

"Yes, father." Hinata bowed her head.

"You don't understand. I won't simply have you branded, I'll have you tortured. You will die. I won't entertain your childish ways any longer and I will not stand to have you further embarrass this clan."

Hanabi smiled. "I'm the heir of the clan. There's no longer any purpose for you being here if you can't keep up, sister." The younger girl teased.

Hinata looked surprised for a moment, then she remembered what this was and why she was here. "I will surprise you father." Despite everything, she was shocked to see such hostility from her family.

"Hmph, we shall see. Everyone outside now. I'll alert the clan members. This will need to be witnessed, Hinata's failure will be used as an example to the others not to fail this clan." Hiashi announced.

"Finally, the end of you." Hinata felt herself pushed aside.

Hinata lost her footing for a moment and looked up to see Neji, a cruel grin on full display.

Hinata felt a spark of anger. "I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. Better idea, why don't you go ahead and try." Hinata released a giggle to see the boy's expression falter as she strides past him easily. "Close your mouth before the others see. You'll embarrass yourself." She laughed again.

Neji turned and stared daggers at Hinata's back. "Bitch. I'll put you in your place right soon." Neji grinned devilishly, his Byakugan activated causing his white pupils to turn blood red.

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Kori checked his watch, pulling back the sleeve of his coat. "Hinata will be fine with Songbird and the others until tomorrow." Speaking to himself he continued making his way down the street.

He sighed. He'd been feeling the presence of another following him since he left Half-Life. Curious. He only recognized the aura as one he'd encountered scarcely. "I don't have time for this. I just wanna go home, strip to my boxers, play some music, and fall asleep eating.

Kori started walking again as he noticed a few stares were aimed his way after speaking out loud to himself. As he arrived at the housing complex, he stopped before climbing the stairs. "May as well come on. You got something you wanna say? Let's get on with it, cause I'm tired and I'm going inside."

"Damn." Kori frowned at hearing a voice that he hadn't expected.

"Hanabi?" He sighed in relief. "I thought you were that guy. What's his name…" Kori tried to remember.

Hanabi laughed. "You thought I was Kō? Good for you, he'd be pretty mad about getting called out and even more so for you forgetting his name." Hanabi grinned.

"Blunt ain't you, kid?" Kori raised an eyebrow. "You take after your sister more than I thought. You're a little stalker just like her."

Hanabi didn't like being compared to Hinata and her deep frown said as much. "Hinata, please…I'm nothing like her. I would never chase after some boy." She huffed, crossing her arms.

"Sure, kid." Kori answered expressionless. "So you followed Hinata around as well. You are a little stalker child."

"I…" Hanabi immediately tried to refute those words but when she realized the truth in them she just turned red. "I'm nothing like Hinata!"

"Whatever." The medic shrugged and started upstairs to his condo. "You try too hard. It's obvious really. So, let's hear it."

"What?" Hanabi asked, caught off guard. She stared blankly as she watched him open the door to his place.

"Hanabi," a long, painful sigh left Kori's mouth. "Out with it, girl. You followed after me for a reason." Kori said as he stepped inside, the door left open.

"Asshole," Hanabi muttered and moved quickly to catch up. The door slammed closed behind her.

When she entered she saw Kori removing his shoes. "No footwear on my carpet." He told her as he took the sneakers he chose to wear over to the coffee table by the coach and a few chairs. "You can put your sandals on that shoe rack there."

Hanabi was confused as she looked at the rack, the worn out socks on his feet, and the shoes placed on the table. She thought that was weird.

"I gotta clean these bad boys later. Custom and not cheap. The maintenance helps them last a little longer." Kori explained as if that were common knowledge.

"Oh." That answered her question. As she removed her sandals she watched as he went into the kitchen and ran the water hot, water filled the pan already placed under the faucet.

Hanabi felt a bit odd as she sat on the couch. Being in a man's house by herself wasn't something she'd expect to experience at her age.

Kori stepped back into the small sitting area to see Hanabi sitting stiffly on his couch. He chuckled to himself and shook his head as he decided to sit on a separate furniture piece. Clans and their old, outdated traditions and teachings were amusing to witness at times. Rather than comment on it he decided to say something else.

"You really are too much like Hinata. She often calls me an asshole behind my back thinking I don't hear." He chuckled as he placed the small tub of water down then knelt on the carpet and crawled over to the couch.

Hanabi immediately stood up, red faced. "W-what are you…" She trailed off when she realized he was reaching underneath the couch. As she watched, he pulled a small wooden box out and moved to sit back in his seat.

"Hm?" Kori looked at her, blinked, and then laughed. "Damn, I'm sorry! Just that quick I forgot about your personal space. The box is for my shoes. Please, sit back down. I'm harmless to you." He opened the box and pulled out a toothbrush worn and stained from use. He pulled out a tube and squeezed something with a strong clinical scent around the lower side of one of the shoes.

Hanabi slowly sat back down, watching with cautious eyes. "I'm not like my sister, I'm much braver, more fierce than her." She said softly as she placed her hands in her lap.

Kori smoothed the lubricant around the lower of his shoe, his other hand inside it so he could hold it up. "I believe you, it shows." He said placing the shoe down and picking up the other to do the same as before. "You probably get tired of hearing people call you a tomboy, huh?" He asked, focus entirely on the shoe.

Hanabi, seeing how focused on the odd ritual of his, finally relaxed a little. "Not really, it doesn't bother me." She shook her head. "I'm stronger than most boys, if being a tomboy is what that means. I don't care."

"That matters a lot to you, huh? Being strong." Kori asked, completely at ease and watching the girl from the corner of his eye as he placed the second shoe down, picked up the toothbrush and began swirling it around in the water calmly.

Hanabi's expression became serious at his question. "Of course. For the Hyuga, we have to be…"

"As immovable as a mountain. Subtle like a breeze, as swift as the wind. Like water, be malleable. But do not be moved, and should you move, move only in turn, as a season's change." Kori finished for her. Taking the toothbrush to the lower sides of a shoe until the paste turned foamy and lifted the dirt and grime.

Hanabi was surprised. "How did you know that?"

"Don't be surprised. In the war times, ninja clans were more united than they are today. It was only natural that clans shared and inherited beliefs between one another to evoke the impression of a single united family. Ninja clans were formed by those things. Also, not surprising that as the villages were founded, the clans split, and a lot of knowledge was scattered. My family learned the phrase from another clan, but we never used it as a foundational teaching to adhere to. Mainly because we don't have a clan martial art per se. Your clan though, and the Uchiha. Two clans, both possessing two of the holy trinity of doujutsu. You never questioned that rivalry? I hear mentions of cousin clans, but that's all…"

"I can't speak about that." Hanabi shook her head.

"I know. It's because you don't know. No one does. Anyway, I have a question. You've already been through kunoichi training, yes?" Kori put down the shoe and lifted the other.

Hanabi just nodded. "Yes. I have." She answered, not thinking about why he asked.

"Right. Then why are you so stiff? You've been through that already. Sitting here with me is nothing compared to that." He added. "Your father, right? You want to honor his words and he warned you about me, Half-Life, and other things."

"You're right, he did, but he also told me not to judge harshly. Try to see things from a different perspective. Unlike Hinata, I will not dishonor him." Hanabi said easily.

That was when Kori finally set his shoe down and for the first time focused his attention on the younger girl. "And now here you are. Figured I wouldn't get that out of you without getting you to lower your guard first. Now, why did you follow after me? Just be honest." He leaned back in his chair, turning his eyes onto Hanabi at ease.

Hanabi was still at a loss for words. She wasn't entirely sure why. She guessed she was curious. "My father, no one that I've met has ever talked to him like you did that night in the hospital. And unlike others, especially the council, I think he respects you. I can tell he's also wary of you, that's also different. He always brings me with him to show me how easy it is to wield influence and he talks down on them because they never stand up to him. Only the Hokage is an exception…and now you." Hanabi said, still looking down at her hands. "Then with my big sister."

"I get it, but I'm not special. I'm just being me. I don't have to tell you what a privileged position you're in. It's like you're cheating the test of life with that father of yours. There's just one thing you haven't realized. What's obvious is always hiding in plain sight, like looking beneath the underneath." He answered the girl, talking easily.

Hanabi looked up at him again. "How do you mean exactly?"

"Your father? He can be rough around the edges, but I don't judge. You don't ask for or demand respect. Respect is given or earned. Hiashi is the most respectful person I've met. However, he doesn't give respect to those who only do so because they feel they have to. Why give respect to one who can't respect themselves? It's conceited and Hiashi would be conceited to allow it. If they don't realize that, it's much easier to wield influence. I approached your father while he was angry, but my intervention was respectful." He frowned thinking about it before continuing.

"Hinata needed time, healing, and understanding that, she wasn't failing intentionally. She struggles because, despite wanting to make Hiashi proud she only disappoints him more. Hiashi couldn't see that. So, on her behalf I intervened. I felt he was wrong, but I understood his position...respectfully. Hanabi, if you take nothing from me today, take this, don't always take words at their face value. Like being told a lie, read between the lines. You heard one thing, but your father and I were having a different conversation. And you didn't understand."

"Like hiding in plain sight?" Hanabi asked.

"Exactly. I'm not telling you nothing I haven't already told Hinata. That's why she's improving. I'm just mediating for two people who can't understand one another, although both want the same thing. I asked Hiashi for a chance just as much as I asked Hinata for one." Kori smiled. "Get it?"

Hanabi nodded, her eyes bright and clear with understanding. Well, will you give me a chance too? If Hinata can do better, I could too." Hanabi asked quietly, looking hopeful.

"I can't, or rather. It's not my place. I already told you, you're more like your sister than you want to admit. You might have got your father and Hinata snowed, but you don't fool me. Don't give up on her, Hanabi. I know you care about her like she does you. Hinata will do for you what I did for her. Simply ask her." Kori narrowed his eyes at the girl. "You're the special one, you know." Kori shook his head as the girl looked displeased.

"I don't mean because you're the little sister, but because between Hiashi and Hinata, you can't go wrong." He chuckled.

"Oh..." Hanabi mumbled. She wanted to refute what he'd been saying the entire time, but she didn't, she couldn't. "I do still love my big sister. I don't want to lose her and if she doesn't get strong, I fear what'll happen." The young girl said honestly, revealing a conflict within herself that she'd long been struggling with.

"Ah, geez." Kori stood up from his chair, he could tell the girl was feeling a little desperate, a little lost by her family and wanted to cry at the frustration of it all.

"God, I really have gone soft. Even got the little ones pouring their hearts out." He sighed. "Come on, stand up, you're fine. Give your sister some credit, girl. She's been letting you best her for years, so don't feel too bad." He chuckled, helping Hanabi up to her feet.

"Wait, what? She has?" Hanabi asked looking shocked.

"Hanabi, you know your sister better than anyone. You really thought she practiced so hard, even before i came around, and was still that bad a ninja? Think, why would she lose knowing it'd incur the wrath of her father? Tell me, I know you know the answer." Kori said sternly as he lowered himself to her height to look her in the eyes. "Why would she do such a stupid thing?"

Hanabi thought about it, but she was surprised to find she truly did know why. "Because she didn't want to hurt me. But then, father…" She started with wide eyes.

"It is a big sister's job to look out for her little sister. If it keeps you safe, unharmed, carefree, or whatever. It doesn't matter, it's on her to keep you protected. Even at harm and risk to herself. Trust me, Hinata would die for you if you asked her to." Kori explained.

"No," Hanabi denied that statement and shook her head. "The seal, being disowned. It's too much, she wouldn't go that far..."

Kori put his hands on either side of Hanabi's face suddenly, causing the girl to stop speaking and blush brightly.

He forced her to look at him. "Any-thing. No…Matter…What. So, you do not worry about Hinata, she's fine. She has always been fine, it's you she worries about, it's you that drives her. Believe me. Now, you keep this shit to yourself, but think on it, and go home having learned something new. Meditate on it and if nothing else, continue to believe in Hinata because she has always believed in you." Kori lowered his hands and stood up. "Okay? Good talk, I'll see you to the door."

Hanabi stared for a moment but then blinked and nodded. She followed Kori as he lightly guided her to the door with his hand at her back.

"For real, go home and think about it. Meditate on it. Be happy that you have a great big sister looking out for you. But don't get confused, next time you two face each other it'll be for real. Both of you will need to do your best and not hold back." Kori whispered to her as he opened the door while she slipped her sandals on.

"Hasn't she just been losing on purpose? Letting me win."

"She didn't do it for your ego. You're a genius Hanabi, you don't need hand holding. And yes, today was for real, but I told her to lose. So, next time, she will not be taking a fall. Time to grow up. Cool, now go on home and be safe."

Hanabi looked at Kori deeply for a moment. Which made him frown in question. Before he could say anything the girl bowed and he breathed a sigh of relief. He thought she was gonna hug him. "Thank you, Kori-san. For helping my big sister."

"Just your friendly neighborhood asshole. Think nothing of it." Kori waved his hand nonchalantly.

"You're funny," Hanabi smiled and turned to go. Kori closed the door after her, sighing.

"I try, that's all I can do." He said to himself as he watched Hanabi leave.

"I see someone's back on his bullshit."

Kori sighed, throwing his head back as he closed the door. He started stomping the floor and making a whining sound before turning around. "How good to see you again, Kurenai. Oh, would you like to come in? You would? Then, please, by all means…I don't at all mind you eavesdropping and sneaking into my shit!" He spoke loudly to himself with gritted teeth as he turned to face the woman who now occupied where Hanabi had been sitting.

Kori dropped to his knees and put his hands together. "Please, please can we do this later? Like tomorrow? I'm dog tired." Kori begged.

Kurenai smirked at Kori's disposition. She'd never seen this before. She'd heard about these silly, little breakdowns of his and she'd seen him go through it once, but not nearly this close up. She found it delicious. She decided to stick around.

"Spare me, this isn't about you. Besides, you're cleaning your shoes so you can't be too tired. I could go, of course. It's your home…" Kurenai trailed off.

Kori perked up and got back to his feet. "Great! I knew you had some kindness left in you."

"But," she interrupted him. Kori tilted his head questioningly. "Then I might start going around asking about why the Hyuga sisters are so obsessed with you."

"Pft, what? I'm just."

"Corrupting these two young girls so far as anyone knows. I saw it with my own eyes, you touching them, getting too close, being too friendly. I mean, I know you were just being kind, but the villagers might misunderstand." Kurenai said it all without insinuation, or exaggerating any words. She sounded completely normal and that's just how she'd say it to. Because innocent statements tend to mislead more often than not.

"Shit, for you? I got time. Did I say I was tired? Ah, that's on me. I misspoke." Kori laughed, one eye twitching in aggravation at the woman's audacity to blackmail him without any black, just mail.

"Good boy," Kurenai giggled, unable to hold it in. 'Thank you, Anko. I owe you. This is actually fun.' Kurenai patted the sofa cushioning next to her. "We need to talk."

"About Hinata, I know. Kurenai, please." Kori frowned, stopped talking and blinked as the woman put a finger to his lips and shushed him.

'Did she just shush me? She did!' He frowned deeply at Kurenai, not liking this at all. Despite the displeasure, he still didn't say anything and waited for the kunoichi to continue.

'Oh…that actually worked?' Kurenai thought meanwhile. 'He really isn't going to say anything. Okay, don't get distracted.' Kurenai lowered her hand, smoothing out her dress as she sighed. "We'll get to Hinata, but…"

"I'm sorry that I, no. For everything, I apologize. You got your reasons, but I was never trying to…frustrate you and shit." Kori shrugged and looked away from the woman as her mouth dropped and he eyes widened.

"I was on that bullshit. I mean, being real about it. I know I got no one to blame for it, but me, and I own that shit. For real, between you and Anko…the folks at Half-Life…Haze, everyone." Kori shook his head. "I knew you all for years coming up and y'all did right by me and when it counted most, I just gave the middle finger to all of it and everyone else."

'No, no, no. Why is he apologizing to me? I didn't come here for this.' Kurenai thought, breathing deeply as her heart beat harder in her chest. 'Why does he look hurt and…'

"I thought I had to be alone to find peace, because of Orochi…because he turned me into something ugly like him, just for a laugh. Hinata was right, to be alone isn't really what I wanted, otherwise how could I help her? And still I…perpetuating that lie pulled you and Hinata into my personal damage." He looked at Kurenai again, his eyes appearing wounded.

'He looks so hurt and he didn't even blame me for throwing rocks at him.' Kurenai's heart thrummed vibrantly within her chest. She felt breathless to see him like this. "I-I shouldn't have come here." She balked, immediately standing to her feet. "I forgot, there's something else I have you do. Right." She started past him.

"Wait, what?" Kori blinked, not understanding. He was just trying to apologize to his old friend. He didn't want to keep butting heads with her. "Kurenai? Did I say something wrong, why are you suddenly upset?" He stood up and grabbed her by the wrist. When she stopped so easily he looked surprised as he felt the heat on her skin.

Kurenai lowered her head, mumbling. "I'm, I'm not mad…"

"What?" He hadn't quite heard her.

"I said," Kurenai turned around to face him and swung, striking him hard across the face. "You asshole! Who do you think you are?" She snapped, huffing out a breath of anger while watching him fall.

Kori started getting up slowly after falling to the floor without catching himself. He was a bit unsteady from the sudden slap as he slowly got up. "I don't understand. Fuck, that really hurt." He finally got up to stand again, hand holding his burning cheek.

"I fucking hope it did!" She yelled, not caring.

"I just said it hurt, bitch! The fuck is wrong with you?" Kori winced back when Kurenai raised her hand again. "Don't…"

"Then you shut the hell up and listen, for once." Kurenai moved forward and stepped into his personal space causing him to lean back slightly as she moved forward. "I said, who do you think you are? You…" She poked her finger hard against his chest. "You were the one that helped Orochimaru escape, fighting, and putting the third's life in danger because of your so-called master."

"Kurenai, I know I."

"No, shut up and listen. You risked your life for that…freak of nature. And what did you do after that. I want to hear you say it…" She waited a few seconds. "You're so cool, right? Greatness in the making!" She threw her hands up in frustration. "After all that arrogance I want you to say it, you pathetic excuse for a man."

Kori shook his head, refusing. "I can't. That ain't me, not anymore. Reckless, no foresight, a flawed inability to come to terms with self. My life record…" He looked at the floor briefly before forcing himself to look her in the eyes again. "I was weak, alright? You know it, I know it…hell, Hinata knows it. She just ain't realized what it is yet. Sandaime-sama knows better than anyone, I'm a self-destructive liability. Not a redeemer, not redeemable."

"Fuck your pity party, I'm sick of it." Kurenai punched him dead in the chest, making Kori stumble back. She planted her finger to his chest again, then raised it to his chin and forced his head up. "Look at me and know this." She started in on him again.

"You can do what you want, but I will not let you make a fool of me again. You know what you did you complete bastard. Turned traitor and defended that…thing, and then what? Gives himself up and shatters into pieces like fragile glass! You dissociated for a year, and left me to pick up the pieces. But when you recovered, it was for Rin. But fuck me and all I did for you, right? Then she put you back together and I don't even recognize you anymore, and you never followed through. What's more? You pretended it never happened."

Kori looked regretful as he closed his eyes and nodded slightly to concede she was right. But he also looked disappointed.

As Kurenai finished, breathing slow and hard with anger after whispering through her teeth. She reveled in the poor look of Kori. She lowered her hand, unable to say more.

Kori chuckled. "You're right, I can stand on that. Just don't bring Rin into it. She's helped save my life, I owe a blood debt that I can't repay. Leave it at that." He looked at her intensely and Kurenai saw he didn't look all that down anymore, even as the tears fell from his eyes.

"Damn, give me some credit." He frowned, tilting his head, and looking incredulous. Kurenai felt her heart skip a beat before throbbing that much harder. Before she could say anything, Kori wrapped his arms about her and pulled the woman to him. "I know I hurt you, you don't want an apology, but I'm only me. I can't make you whole, maybe with time. There's a lot you deserve to know." He stopped and thought about it, then nodded once to himself.

"I remained with Rin because I wasn't and I'm still not where I need to be. More control, less control? I try, but I can't get right either way so I just let it go. One truth, I never stopped thinking about you. I'm haunted by many things…it's like I'm trapped behind the gate with the ghosts, trying to fence me in. Even your beauty haunts me." He whispered, holding Kurenai close.

He leaned back to look at those vibrant red eyes, searching for something.

Kurenai felt bare before his gaze. 'What was he looking for, why was he looking at her like that?' As if looking for answers. She closed her eyes, she didn't have any answers for him. She came here seeking answers from him!

When she closed her eyes, she could feel Kori running his hand through the end of her hair. She opened her eyes to see his hand lifting her lush black locks and smelling her hair. He released a deep sigh between his throat and nose that added a animalistic sound that struck her nerves raw and sent a shiver through her body to her core, warming her body. She groaned weakly.

"I wasn't honest with you and for that I felt you deserved to be able to hate me, because your accusations weren't wrong. Everything I did was contrary to how I really wanted things to be, how I wanted to be seen. Defending my former master, that wasn't me. Not even Anko saw it coming and she was with him twice as long. He built us up to break us down and I just could not handle my identity being questioned as fraud. I couldn't face you honestly because of it, and now…"

Kurenai was frozen in place as Kori smelled her, smelled her hair. God, he was turning her on with his honest whispers, and touch and…it was all so familiar. She started to lean in against him and when this man she thought she'd lost, had turned against her, forgotten her, and forgotten this, and kissed her on the neck; it was as if she'd been struck alive by lightning.

"Kori, no…w-wait." She whimpered, tilting her head as he kissed her neck with a tenderness that scorched her flesh.

"N-no. That's done between us. We have to stop. I need you to stop." She said, weakly trying to push him away but he wouldn't budge. "Kori…" she gasped.

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"What the hell did you do!" Hinata raged at Neji. Blood trickled down the corner of either side of her lips and spattering blood on Neji's cheeks.

Neji with the red eyed Byakugan grinned savagely in Hinata's face. Two of his fingers pierced into her chest. That was as far as he got after shoving his arm through Hanabi's body up to his elbow in an attempt to get to her.

Hiashi lay slain behind the boy. Hinata tried not to look at her father's shredded body, but she couldn't help herself. She'd anticipated an attack of some form from the start, but she hadn't expected him to target Hiashi first. Or at all.

But as she reflected on it after the split second it took for her father's body to hit the ground. It was the logical choice. A cold hard truth. This version of Hiashi had been especially cruel with his wordplay, but as she began overwhelming Hanabi, a brief smile told her done semblance of the man was still there.

That was when it happened.

She hadn't been quick enough in her response, she was taken aback and she hesitated. How ever many tenths of a second she had to designate Neji the enemy and respond was tenths of a second too long. Giving Neji the time he needed to strike her down.

He would've succeeded, but not for Hanabi. Hinata's eyes filled with tears. "You hateful, delusional, son of a bitch!" Hinata yelled desperately, biting her lip to keep from breaking into sobs right there.

"Arrogant fool, I told you. Now look at you." Neji grinned as he looked around to all of the members that had gathered around. "Someone take her and lock her up while I decide what to do with her and someone dispose of this waste stuck on my arm." Neji commanded.

Hinata couldn't believe this illusion. What the hell was this? She looked around, wild eyed and silently mortified. Hiashi's body or what was left of it, Hanabi dead…protecting her. The clan turned against them almost unanimously, those that didn't go along were immediately struck down.

Hinata wanted nothing more than to turn him into a bloody smear in the dirt. And she could…

She could feel the hands of many clinging and grabbing her, pulling her away as Neji didn't look twice. Vindicated, he pulled his arm out of Hanabi's body and as the young girl's body slammed to the ground without care, Hinata felt something give away.

She didn't question why a dam within her had broken. Why question it? When it felt so good to just not worry about it.

"Ugh…" a deep, rhythmic pulse thrummed within her, producing a visual wave of audible vibrations that reverberated throughout the environment. It didn't look like much more than harmless ambient light rippling through the atmosphere like vibrations after dropping a rock in water.

Hinata opened her eyes, flooded with a calm pleasure she'd never experienced. Even the hairs on her arms tingled. She looked around to find her surroundings and the people within them frozen in place. A sheen of white light passed through her vision, catching her attention. "Oh my…" she gasped.

Looking around herself Hinata found she was overlaid with a bright, white light. It wasn't…energy, not chakra, manna, or anything like them. Realizing that was when she felt a calm rhythmic thrumming sensation flowing throughout her lower core. It was…pleasant yet intense, if she had to call it anything. This aura of vibration surrounded her causing her hair to waft up and down, side to side freely. She tilted her head to notice that her deep blue hair was now pure white as natural snow.

Hinata turned sharply to hearing the sound of clapping approach. "You…"

"You're really tracking, princess. I believe you are now ready for pre-indoctrination. You're accepting the technique." Hinata's mirror image whistled, impressed. "Look at that glow."

That pricked at Hinata and she showed it, ignoring most of what was said. "You're not certain?" She asked, thinking that was odd.

"I'm only here as a guide to maintain this…falsehood within your mind. That's where my control and knowledge ends. Little chance that I'm wrong though." Hinata's guide shrugged and stepped closer when her explanation didn't seem to be taken as adequate.

Hinata watched her alternate self closely. "Why did everything stop. Are you the endgame here? I won't hesitate if you are." She said with an edge to her soft voice.

Hinata laughed softly, melodically as if to further illustrate the point to this endeavor. "Dear girl, no! This is it. There's no point in fighting your ideal manifestation anyway, it's not even a contest. The fact I exist is an admission that you know you're not who you know you can be. I have to ask. What was your first thought after Neji killed your family and turned the clan against you?" Subconscious Hinata tilted her head, curious and smiling in a manner that made Hinata annoyed.

"To do what I was meant to do, honor my family and myself, lead the clan. First order would be having Neji locked away and investigating the cause and reason. Then I would go from there." Hinata answered really.

"And why not kill him, or any of these traitors?" Hinata's copy asked.

Hinata shook her head. "Doing that, acting like a tyrant would only further damage the standing I believe my clan capable of. And I'd only be proving Kori-sensei right when he's not. More than that it wouldn't make me any better than them. I have to make him see the light again."

As she answered, Hinata shed a few tears to see the false environment fade away. "That could've been real," Hinata cried, soft weeps coming from her, her shoulders shaking in response. Hinata's mirror self watched silently, expressionlessly, blinking slowly as her true self adjusted to the truth of the falsehood that she'd just witnessed.

"O-okay," Hinata breathed in deeply to even out her breathing, her tears beginning to subside. "I'm fine. Yes, just fine." She repeated as she gathered herself, fixed her hair, and dried her face quickly. "I don't see anymore doors." She turned to her subconscious self looking for answers.

"Right," she giggled a bit.

"It was never about the doors or events, that was to trip you up. It was a means to an end. Finding a resolve. A childhood trauma revisited using hindsight. A worse case scenario that continued to get worse. It was to help widen your perspective to activate the necessary synapses and certain cerebral tendencies. A few events or one-hundred, only the adjustments for pre-indoctrination are required. Anything else is up to you, but the requirements seem satisfied, so we're done here." Hinata's subconscious self smiled.

"Oh," Hinata voiced. She had been expecting more. A lot more.

"Do us a favor, hm? Stop underestimating yourself." The mirror of Hinata smiled. "We'll see you soon." She winked, sending a two finger salute the girl's way.

Hinata watched herself disappear into nothing as the strength of the genjutsu began to ease of. She sighed hard as she felt the intense pressure she'd been under backed off. As she closed her eyes she could feel the air passing over her.

"Hm, Hinata? Come awake, dear child." Songbird gently pat the girl's cheek until she inhaled a breath of air and came to, eyes blinking open slowly. "Good, there you are. How do you feel?" He asked while taking a step back and folding his arms over his chest. "Slowly, slowly." He warned as Hinata sleepily got to her feet, making a misstep.

"Ano. How long has it been- Ah!" Hinata slapped her hands over her mouth, shocked by the sound of her voice. Songbird chuckled a little.

"I was surprised myself when my voice changed for the first time back in the day. If you don't wish to sound as two speaking as one, I'll tell you. You sound very melodious to me though, if not a little melancholy." Bird tilted his head. "To answer your question. A couple hours passed, it's early evening now."

"I see, um tell me how?" Hinata asked looking up at the sunset over Konoha filled with oranges, yellows, and reds.

"Concentrate on your chakra and focus it here, where your vocal chords are." Songbird put his hand to his throat to signify where he meant. "Then release it." He sighed out a breath. "And it's that easy." He smiled, his voice no longer double layered.

As she was shown, Hinata did as Songbird explained. Releasing her breath. "That was easy, thank you." Hinata smiled.

"Well then, let's go inside. You need to eat before we can continue and we've a long night ahead. The quicker I get you prepared to accept the change to your voicemail chords, the better off you'll be too learn and train the Rhythm Release. Especially in the long run." The singer said as he began leading Hinata back to the house.

"Sounds good." Hinata said, realizing she indeed felt weak of chakra and a little tired as she began walking after him. 'This is a little exciting though, I admit.' She quietly giggled to herself, eager to see what would come next.

"Wonder if sensei is taking some time for himself?" Hinata questioned to the air, smiling and throwing her arms up to stretch them as she looked up at the slowly fading colors in the sky. "Mm, feels different."

Songbird tuned his head to look back at Hinata while grinning knowingly. "True, wait til' you find out just how much, Hinata-sama. Oh and my bad for my crudeness before, but old boy thought it was best to go the direct route."

"Hinata-sama?" For some reason she found the sound of that wasn't so bad, but considering who it was coming from… "Why?" She inquired stepping forward and leaning forward ahead of him to catch his eyes.

Looking down at the young girl, heir to Konoha's strongest clan, Songbird looked thoughtful before smiling freely. "Pre-indoctrination, that's my only purpose now. Believe me, you're gonna be overwhelmed and underwhelmed by what I show you in the art of the word, sound, and befriending the environment to elicit illusion in minds like a mental tuning fork. Hinata-sama, because you need to be ready to ascend to greatness, to ideal-hood at a moments notice. This begins now. The vibrations of life, of time wait for no one."

Hinata straightened herself and said nothing else as she followed Songbird from the backyard and into the kitchen.

Hinata paused thinking that was the second time she heard that word. 'Pre-indoctrination,' Ideal Hinata smirked in her mind. It sounded dubious at best, but she was prepared and Songbird said she was ready, not in the manner of a student, but that of someone already striving ever forward.

As they entered, Hinata stopped as the boisterous sounds from everyone in the kitchen hit her in the face. It seemed the entire house had gathered for supper. There were more children and teenagers, some her age. Several adults, and the matron of the house Miss Jamie was working the stove.

"Oh, goodness everyone, calm down!" Miss Jamie called out with a smile before laughing at the antics of since of the others as she prepared the food to be handed out. She looked over as the backdoor closed, immediately spotting Songbird and Hinata. "Oh good, you two come over and help pass around this soup, bread, and water for the others. And Bird, the guys sent word. Hokage-sama agreed to let them investigate that situation in that Fire Country village out east."

"I knew he'd give them the shot on that. That's great." Songbird stepped over to hug Jamie from behind. Being more than a head taller, he rested his chin on her shoulder causing her to pause as her cheeks to lit up.

"Oh Bird, not in front of the kids!" Jamie whispered harshly, nuzzling her cheek against his when she was squeezed warmly from behind.

Hinata giggled uncontrollably, hiding her laughter behind a hand as the kitchen burst out loud in unison, "ooohhh!" before breaking into raucous laughter.

"Apologies, my sweet." Bird kissed the older woman's cheek and released her to fill his hands with stone bowls. "Hinata, you carry the pot and I'll pour." He said after turning to her. "After, we'll help with the dishes and get back to it."

Hinata smiled pleasantly and nodded, stepping over. "Hai. Yes, I will."

"Polite young woman. Thank you, Hinata-chan. Don't let him and Kori corrupt you now." Miss Jamie whispered conspiratorially to Hinata as she watched the young girl grab the pot with her bare hands.

"Goodness, that's awfully hot, use the mitts!" Miss Jamie nearly panicked before realizing Hinata's hands weren't getting burned.

"Chakra." Hinata smiled, going to join Songbird to get everyone's food doled out.

"Right, kunoichi. I forgot." Jamie sighed in relief while shaking her head. "Someone go and fetch Mina from up stairs and tell her to turn that mess down!"

"You wound me my love! And you know Wakana pouts when you down our songs!" Songbird pretended to cry.

Jamie shrugged. "There's no accounting for taste. Now get that food out and stop stalling!"

"Bon-apatite, everyone!" Songbird announced to calls of cheer and celebration. There were a few 'about time!' mixed within as well.

Hinata bit the inside of her cheek, she was finding it difficult to stop smiling. She'd never experienced dinner time being such a lively event. Her clanmates always ate in silence with little to no conversation. That was just how the Hyuga were. She laughed as everyone laughed, made jokes, and talked amongst themselves.

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"Mmm," Kurenai practically purred, feeling awfully comfortable. Everything had settled down into a soothing calm.

After Kori released her, the dialogue continued. Some of it was heated, eventually turning a point to where they spoke amicably, and the two calmed down.

Eventually she found herself on the couch sitting with Kori after realizing the sun had fallen, introducing the night. Rather than to turn on the lights, Kori lit a few candles that sat around parts of the area, introducing a relaxing atmosphere as the shadows created by the candles bounced off the walls.

As they aired out their grievances, they eventually came to an understanding of forgiveness without forgetting. Choosing to learn from their experiences. After everything, Kurenai felt a little subdued and leaned herself against Kori, eventually resting her head against his broad shoulder.

That was when she felt the young man shift against her to make himself comfortable and she found her head placed in his lap. Kori began stroking and petting his hand through her full, thick black hair causing Kurenai to give in to the pleasure that filled her body, curling he legs up into the couch.

This time, Kori didn't say anything about her sandals, far too focused looking down at the woman who had her head resting on his thighs. He placed his free hand to her hip, resting it there as they both fell into a calm silence for some time.

"Not to ruin the moment, but there's still a few details that I feel you should know. I never held any animosity towards you for judging me harshly. I deserved it, but you only know the general stuff." Kori said quietly. "If you knew the full story, I believe you'd have a better protective."

Kurenai kept her eyes closed, humming in peacefulness as Kori's hand made another pass through her hair. "Mm…is it about Hinata-chan?" She asked, not all that concerned right now.

"Not as of yet, but we'll get to that later." Kori answered.

"Can't it wait a bit?" She asked, really not wanting to disturb her peace. Kori was being rather sweet and affectionate and she couldn't remember a time he'd ever been so open with her, perhaps that's why he wished to discuss it now. She was reveling in the undivided attention of another. She felt protected. He was being so…affectionate towards her and all she could remember was having friend-zoned him in the past the first time he tried.

She was shocked that Anko had been right all along. That Kori, truly, never held any animosity or contempt towards her although she gave him so many reasons too. Most other men certainly would have and Asuma certainly did, despite the fact she'd foolishly given him repeated tries to make up for it. At the moment that wasn't on her mind.

Instead, she wanted to treat Kori's friendly affection as being loving.

"Won't you need to go after awhile? Don't get me wrong, I can stay like this as long as you wish. I was just thinking maybe…Asuma could be waiting for you or something?" He said, sounding unsure.

'How naïve.' Kurenai thought. It was sweet. The question and its phrasing revealed his youth, for once. It seemed he was bad with women when it came to intimacy and romantic tendencies. He didn't seem to realize how romantic he was now, though it was seemingly natural.

She wondered how that could be while not realizing? Earlier, she swore he was making a move on her, but when she told him to stop; he apologized and said he just wanted to show her that he cared. It was quite odd, unless he were lying and she couldn't tell.

She wondered if she should make a move on him? He was certainly giving her reason to. Despite their broken friendship, she knew well that he wouldn't. Being friends with Haze, the younger woman vented to her more than once about her attempts. Kori didn't pick up the signs she gave him and when he did, he would ignore her.

"Mm, he won't be expecting me, not tonight or any other." Kurenai answered, revealing a painful truth.

"I-I see. I'm sorry to hear that, are you alright?" Kori inquired, concern lacing his tone.

Kurenai shrugged against him. "It's fine, I'm a lot better than he likely is, but its been a long time coming. And the truth has lifted a weight from my shoulders. I don't know why I thought anything would be different trying again, especially after our marriage didn't last."

Her eyes filled with moisture, but she didn't shed any tears. "Honestly Kori, the writing was on the wall long ago, I just painted over them, and lied to myself." She told him.

Kurenai's heart did weep, she felt vulnerable, but this time there was a cushion to the realization of the truth. And Kori wasn't doing too bad at providing a soothing balm to her wounded heart. She was glad to have him back on her side, glad to be back on his side. However, she wondered what now? Only open friends, were they anything, nothing?

Could she give herself to him? Did she want to, or was she mistaking today for something else? And what did Kori think? How would he feel? Would he see her that way? Would he want to..? What would he think? She was older than him, did he care about such things?

She was certain he could have his pick. Haze certainly wanted him. She had foolishly thought Rin, before he said that was a misconception. Theirs was a sister/brother bond and both certainly acted like siblings towards one another. They were constantly together because she was the only one capable of seeing to his mental state and enhanced physiology.

Kurenai had to give herself a mental scolding. Her feelings were raw as butchered meat, she shouldn't be thinking about such things. At the same time she realized something in her was crying out for something more.

"Kurenai…"

"Y-yes?!" She jumped slightly at hearing her name. Her mind having been completely distracted.

"I said, are you good? You were quiet for a long time." Kori said, again concerned.

"Sorry, sorry. I dozed off for a bit there." She forced a soft laugh.

"If you're sure. So, no rush, you know?" Kori offered.

Kurenai slowly sat herself up, planting her hands on his legs as she leaned on him with a smile I'll "Oh, I'm fine. How about what you wanted to tell me?" Kori tilted his head as she eyed him awhile. That was when she leaned forward more and kissed his cheek. "I want to hear what you have to say if it's about…you know."

The medic's eyebrows arose with some surprise. "Yeah, mostly, it is." He said softly, looking anywhere but at her. 'Looking at me that way…' Kori thought, flustered.

Kurenai accepted that and moved to lay down again, giggling softly, having enjoyed the look on his face. "Explain, because I've only ever been told vague descriptions and rumors." She said, moving herself to sit beside him.

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At the same time… Hinata and Songbird were in the basement of Half-life. The area converted into a small but impressive modern dojo, the walls and ceiling were covered entirely in sealing scripture and some archaic symbols.

At level 2, she was considered a novice, what was officially known as a Seal Apprentice. The sound proofing was obvious, there were a few containment seals, as well as reinforcement. The rest was too advanced.

Songbird brought Hinata here for her training, all of which would be fine through meditation. He was right that this was underwhelming to what she had in mind. The overwhelming part would be on her because those that inherited the Rhythm Release always differed from one to the other. There were only 3 techniques and 1 kata that every inheritor must know. Beyond that, it was on her.

Songbird explained that users could know the same technique, but because no two minds were alike. What worked for one, wouldn't work the same way for another. Rhythm Release was an ancient Genjutsu based in the mental like any other Genjutsu. She would have to learn her own techniques. Songbird could only provide guidance tips, which he wrote in a notebook he promised to give her later.

"So, the first meditation is the most difficult. It has to encompass all the senses now that your mind has gone through 'pre-indoctrination'. I asked my mate for advice and he suggested he'd gave you the abridged version of his past." Here, the singer paused for a moment, taking a breath.

Hinata looked at the man oddly as the shadows of candlelight bounced off the walls around them.

"Would you like to know the details? He's let me pick his mind some time ago. I can give you the experience to see it all for yourself." Songbird breathed. "You'll be a passenger, but you'll feel everything he feels. Think about it carefully, we can always choose something else."

"Sensei..?" Hinata was about to question him, but she didn't. She was honestly surprised. She knew his past effected him plenty now because it showed, he only gave her a version very, very short of details. She wanted to know, her heart beat a little harder to see the serious, grim expression on Songbird's face. "No, I mean yes. Show me sensei's past."

"Admirable and understandable. Close your eyes, take a moment to prepare yourself." Songbird stated as he lifted a small stone bowl that Hinata had seen and wondered what it was.

As Hinata prepared her mind, opening her third eye as she'd been taught, she watched the starry eyed former Konoha-nin lick his thumb and traced out a triangle of saliva outside where her third eye would be.

He dipped his thumb into the bowl and Hinata smelled something earthy, spices, something else with a strong mineral and metallic scent, and something sooty. A bit pungent, he traced out and smeared the stuff in the same triangle.

Hinata looked as he passed the bowl to her. "Now you, just the same way. Ah, no. Save your questions for now."

Hinata sighed and repeated the process exactly as he had. No questions, though she didn't exactly relish the saliva part.

"Aright." He breathed. "Usually we wouldn't need to do this, but just to be safe. This is so that if it becomes too much, I'll be able to pull you out. Rather than your having to. Intense and long memories that relies on all five senses can be difficult to withdraw from if you have a negative experience. Now, we meditate.

Both closed their eyes, focusing as Hinata placed her fingers over Songbird's open hands.

'Breath deep 3 times, slow and even.' The thought came as she was able to feel Songbird's presence with her.

Awareness faded. When she opened her eyes she was facing the sound illusionist and he facing her. 'Breath...' The blank white surroundings seemed to tell them, but there was no sound.

Breathe…1.

Breathe…2.

Breathe…3

SNAP!

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Beneath fire's leaves, shadows creep,

One snake whispers, misguidance centered.

Comrades betrayed, bonds are frayed,

A traitor weeps, a leader's defeat

A serpent's grin, a fall from grace,

Darkness sown, a wicked show.

One soul spoiled, all trust foiled,

A world shatters, a mind is tattered

•

…After that day, something just gave away. I entered a self-sustained coma and was locked away. Meanwhile, the worst of the scandal was covered up. I don't catch as much slack as Anko because of that. I willingly made myself guilty. And not just by association to those that didn't know better. That was pretty much everyone except the Shinobi and Elder Council. I'm amazed Danzo didn't leak it, but I guess he knew what could happen…

Hinata looked up as sunlight brightly filled the area. It was Konoha, but she was upside down, standing on the literal sky.

"Um…" She began, but when she looked for her instructor, she noticed Songbird was gone. She blinked and when she opened her eyes, her perspective wasn't her own. She was no longer upside down, now standing in what looked to be a small, private training area. There was a house in the distance.

Also, she couldn't move. She could tell her body wasn't her own. This was Kori's, a much younger him. Thoughts that weren't her own pervaded her mind and she relaxed. This was simply a joyride.

After Orochimaru's labs were invaded and shut down, he ran to escape knowing the plan, but Anko did well and had discovered the place a week before the op went down. Only one survivor, the rest were corpses, many rotting.

Anko was barely twelve, already a T operator. Myself newly nine, naïve and all too willing to sacrifice it all for just the "possibility" of tasting greatness.

Even without hindsight, I knew I should've listened to Itachi.

Hell, even I knew better…but the damn snake's poisoned honey whispers clouded my mind with promises of great heights climbed to the star filled land of legends.

Still…I was obstinate.

Itachi had been leading ANBU and though he couldn't tell me directly, I understood. Itachi and I always had an understanding, and his cryptic way with words always sounded clear to me. It wasn't hard to know that he was warning me to cut my losses with Orochimaru, warn Anko she'd been deceived, to come in and debrief, so they could verify how much I knew or didn't know. To illuminate me with the truth.

And even then…I basically spit on him, those I cared about, and the village and its leader whom I claimed to love. I refused to face the truth…that I had long since realized something wasn't right, even worse, I'd witnessed what his experiments amounted to and chose to ignore it. Believe the lie that Konoha was onboard with it all. So I pretended it never happened. And to think, I was given a second chance and later a team, instead of severe and proper punishment and I blew that too.'

"Kori Genya-kun," his voice soft and flat, emotionless. A little dubious and seemingly carrying the weight of the world. A cold, hard understanding to see the truth of the world beyond the capabilities of most. His ANBU kit mostly hidden by the maroon and gold cloak of his station.

Kori grinned, turning to face Itachi. He was wearing a deep purple and gold sleeveless, gi-style top. Loose black pants styled after the sarong, which wrapped around his waist and legs. Black mesh sleeves on both arms went from wrists to biceps. Tan hide boots and the hitai-ite bandana he wore was worn tilted, off angle around his head and twisted spike locks.

"Long time no see, Itachi-kun. How's living the life?" He said coolly, slipping his hands in his pockets.

"Give it up, Genya." Itachi stated emotionlessly.

Kori looked confused at the red eyed boy Uchiha and the unfamiliar way he addressed him by his family name.

Ever since he'd unlocked those eyes, the Sharingan was nearly always activated. Hard to know when he could weave a Genjutsu. "Say again, my boy?"

And yes, I was beholden to thuggish tendencies. Don't judge me. Not long ago, Anko was a sweet girl. Nothing like she turned out to be.

"We are…I consider you a friend. Out of respect for that friendship. Give it up and no Genjutsu." Itachi said emotionless and plain.

"…" Kori's heart had begun beating anxiously since sensing Itachi coming his way, now adrenaline was flowing heavily. "No Genjutsu, but you're fucking trying influence my mind." Kori shifted funnily, feeling his body wanting to raise his arms up and peacefully approach Itachi to give up.

"Fuck around and find out."

Itachi spoke Kori's words in tune with him.

Kori frowned and struggled but he managed to break free and punched himself in the jaw, his jaw now cracked. Feeling the influence fade, he kept his mouth shut biting down on the pain.

"How is he able to do that? I'm not that suggestible."

Kori sneered.

"That is what you were thinking, yes?" Itachi asked, facial expression unchanged. "Must hurt, I'm sorry. I let you do that."

"I know!" Itachi leapt back as Kori tried stabbing him from behind with a kunai. Their positions now switched.

"Heh," Kori snarled as he adjusted the sleeve on his arm with his free hand.

Itachi looked down at the ground to see he was standing over a ruined seal inscription. He looked up.

"Yeah I know. Clone disguised by my chakra and enhanced with illusion puppetry. Pretty good." Kori rolled his shoulder and cut his palm, ejecting himself from the Genjutsu Itachi slipped him into.

He sidestepped in time, back to reality, and without looking kicked one leg out behind him only to have his foot grabbed, twisted, and thrown off balance.

Itachi swiftly drew his blade as he immediately followed up while Kori caught his balance. Kori hopped up and turning his hips out as he swung his leg around and downward as Itachi avoided and moved passed him.

"Fuck! That hurt!" Kori yelled after getting his calf slashed. He limped forward, sensing the follow up, and let himself fall to the ground on his stomach as a large fireball passed closely over him.

"Itachi! Damn you!" Was Kori's response as his back got scorched.

The Uchiha ghosted a smirk for a split second before frowning. He stepped over and raised his foot. He stomped down on Kori and his foot went through his body. "Mud, clone." Itachi muttered, searching the area, and frowning.

That was when an ANBU agent fell to the ground from a nearby tree, alarming him although he didn't show it. Fearing the worst, he stepped over.

A snake slithered out from beneath the body before puffing into smoke.

Still frowning, Itachi used his foot to kick the agent over into their back. He then stepped on their chest and applied a little pressure downward in one quick foot movement.

The agent gagged and sat up beginning coughing up spit. They opened their eyes, eventually catching their breath. "Sorry, Captain." The agent said, eyes a little cloudy behind the mask from being choked unconscious.

Itachi sighed. "When?"

The masked agent only looked at the ground as they got to their feet, looked at Itachi, and down again. "Right as you got here, I think."

Itachi just closed his eyes in silence for a few seconds.

He then reached inside his cloak and pulled out an oversized hand radio, turned the knob, and clicked a button. "This is Red One, come in, over…"

Static.

"Reading, Red One. This is Conductor…Report, over."

Static.

"Report. Preemptive strike at Snake Tail…Failure. Over."

"Heading? Over…"

"North heading, over."

"Hold please…" This time there was static for an extended period before the channel came back in.

"Transition, assist with destruction of Underground Railroad from the southeast. Over.

Static.

Itachi stood in place for a moment. Never showing his feelings, he was upset with himself for letting Kori escape. That he knew the Mud Clone technique wasn't in his briefing file. Meaning that Intelligence missed it.

"Uh, sir?" The agent that failed to assist him prodded hesitantly.

"Am still able to follow and counter Snake Tail, over."

Static.

"Negative. Snake Body and Venerable One is up to the task. Will intercept and herd Snake Tail and Snake Head towards an open area. Copy, over."

Itachi felt surprise at being told that Anko Mitarashi and the Hokage were together to trap Kori and Orochimaru. If he ever considered going against protocol it would've been to see how the Hokage ended two rogue ninja at one time.

"Copy, over and out." Itachi sighed and put the radio away. He turned to leave, "we're collapsing the rest of the underground tunnels, let's go." He disappeared into the trees and by the time the agent followed, Itachi was gone.

"Damnit."

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Note: Orochimaru and Kabuto show their faces and Chunin Exams. Next chapter.

One scene or many short scenes?