To say I got into trouble for introducing Obito to Naruto was an understatement. The Hokage was fuming. Like, there would be steam coming out of his ears if it was physically possible. His face went all red and blotchy and I was concerned he would have a heart attack (even if that was my trick at the moment).

And for the first time since I had met him, I didn't even try and argue. I was one hundred percent in the wrong and it was a super dangerous move. I didn't know Obito, and Kakashi was emotionally compromised...but I still did it. Things could have gone really wrong - I tried to convince myself that I had everything under control and every possibility was considered, but I was being reckless and I knew it. It wasn't like me at all, and I did feel a little bad...but I couldn't say I wouldn't do it again.

Thankfully, Kakashi was spared from the same treatment as me due to the fact I had not informed him of my plan beforehand. He was just as shocked by Narutos appearance as Obito...but I will admit this was more of a punishment for him. He had avoided Naruto, his beloved senseis son, out of guilt, for his whole life...and that didn't sit well in my book.

So guess what? Kakashi. There's no escape now, you emotionally constipated prick.

Naruto had immediately found the two of them super interesting, and decide to make it his mission to see what was going on under Kakashis mask. I fully supported his decision and wish him the best of luck...If looks could kill, I'm pretty sure Kakashi would have turned me into a pile of ash.

And then Obito laughed and it was like a spell had broken.

Kakashi asked for my help with Obito, and he got it. Even if he didn't approve of my methods, he couldn't deny it was effective.

There was also an unforeseen consequence of the plan, too. Obito not only found his joy in Naruto, but vowed to protect him until the end of his days. All of the guilt he had for his sensei, he redirected to try and protect his sensei's legacy...when I told his actions speak louder than words, this was exactly what I meant. I approved, and hoped he kept his promises.

Now, as punishment for my recklessness and endangering Naruto, I was sadly sent on a little trip to T and I for assessment, and confinement for a week. I cursed the Hokage for this - there was nothing else he could threaten me with, and he knew it. But solitary confinement? It was going to be brutal. I slipped up last time by telling him how much it bothered me.

Because of the nature of what I did, the only people that knew about it were Kakashi, the Hokage, Inoichi and whatever T and I goons were going to be in charge of me. As far as everyone else was concerned,I'd be away on a short term mission.

I was manhandled down to T and I and shoved in a little room until Inoichi came in. When he did, he had a look of severe disappointment on his face. "That was very stupid, Erena.," he said.

"I know...its done now though. You do the crime, you do the time," I shrugged.

"Before you do, you are aware I have been ordered to perform a mind walk on you? The Hokage would like to make sure there are no signs of interference and that you are not a traitor to Konoha. Do you consent?"

It was just a formality, but I appreciated it. "Sure, feel free. Just the same as the last time?" I was referring to when the Yamanaka tried during my last interrogation, and got no where.

"It is likely, yes. I may call upon your consciousness if there is...difficulty. Will I likely face resistance?"

"Nah, you're cool. I don't mind"

"Thank you. I hope I deserve your trust."

I gave him a small smile, then faded out.

I woke up feeling fuzzy, and lifted my head. I had to blink a few times before my eyes cleared.

Inoichi was still sitting across from me, looking concerned.

"What's up buttercup?" I said, then moved my neck. "Fuck that hurts...how long was I out?"

"About three hours," Inoichi replied, he sounded exhausted. "You have a very...interesting mindscape. It took a while to manoeuvre."

"Good interesting or bad interesting?"

"Just interesting. It is certainly different, but I was successful in my task."

"Sooooo...can you tell me? Or is it super secret? I'm on the edge of my seat here."

He sighed. "Your mind is unique. As discussed before, you have different levels of your consciousness...but it is more than that. You are capable of having multiple thoughts at once, and merge them...it made for a very confusing mind walk, as I was unable to concentrate on one alone. Your mind is incapable of being still, and it's a wonder you are able to concentrate and keep your attention on one thing for any period of time."

"So my brains hyperactive and is a pro at juggling? That sounds cool. I wonder if that's means I'd actually be good at real juggling - think I should try it?"

He looked at me before rolling his eyes. "You also have perfect recall with ease - it's like one of your thought streams will pause to retrieve the information while the others continue."

"That I knew," I nodded. "People seem to think I'm their personal library. It's annoying."

"There is more to it than that, but it would take me decades to catalogue. There was an area I could not decipher, but it was interesting...it was almost the origin of your personality, but different somehow. Anyway, I digress...From what I saw, it explains a lot of your character and skills. You could be capable of so much more, but you lack ambition...from what I saw, the Hokage has no reason to be concerned by you. You are loyal to the people, not the idea of Konoha. While that would normally be concerning, you also hold no ill will...in fact, quite the opposite."

"So...does that mean I'm free to go? Because that would be super!" I said hopefully.

He smiled softly. "That is not my decision, unfortunately. While you meant no ill will, you still made a mistake. Even if you understand and accept that, there are consquences."

I sighed. "Sure. Why not? But does it have to be solitary confinement? It's just the worst."

"That is not my decision, either. It does seem unusual, but I'm sure the Hokage has his reasons."

"Yeh, it's called being a power hungry prick. Seriously, I think this is just payback for will my previous cheek."

"You should not speak of the Hokage with such disrespect, Erena."

"Tell me why? Can you honestly think that the punishment fits? Anyone else would have their knuckles rapped, and I get a round of mental torture."

"Trust me, Erena, you do not understand mental torture," Inoichi said gravely.

"Trust me, Inoichi, you do not understand what this will do. You said I've got a hyperactive mind? What will that hyperactive mind do with no stimulation?"

"It won't be that bad, Erena. It's only a week."

"Uh huh, sure...listen...can we just crack on? The sooner I go in, the sooner I get out."

"Erena..."

"Look, are we done here, or do you need something else? I've got a very busy schedule and places to be." I crossed my arms.

Inoichi made a hand signal, then the doors opened. I stood up and followed the guard out without another word.

As I expected, it was awful. I was placed in a dark cell, no lighting, and the only interaction I had with anyone was when the meal tray that was delivered twice a day. I wasn't given any cutlery and was forced to eat with my hands.

There was a small sink and a toilet in the corner, so as least I had access to basic facilities- even if I couldn't see them. I'm not sure this was normal?

After three days I lost track of time, and could only tell how long it passed via the food deliveries. On day four my brain started to feel fuzzy and I didn't want to think anymore. Is it possible to have an itchy brain? Because I had it, if it was. It felt itchy and buzzing in my skull.

When the next food tray came, I tried to make contact.

"Um...hello? I know it's not time yet, but I feel really funny? I don't think I'm meant to feel funny? I'm not sure this is okay? Can I get someone to check me out? I'm not one to look for medical attention but I don't think this is normal. Hello?"

I never got a reply.

After that the buzzing got stronger, and unbearable. I started to concentrate inwards to remove myself from it, and became wrapped up in my own thoughts...not that I could actually tell you what I was thinking of, but it was everything but the itchy feeling. At some point, I didn't feel it at all...and didn't feel anything at all. It was peaceful.

"Erena? Erena, can you hear me?!"

I heard a sound, but that couldn't be right. It reminded me of the buzzing so I ignored it.

"Erena? Can you open your eyes?"

I was content in my swirl of thoughts, but voices came through every now and then. There was an influx of light and an unfocused face, as someone lifted my eyelids, but I only vaguely noticed it.

"Shit. I'm getting normal physical responses but it's like she's catatonic. We need to move her, and get Inoichi. He was the last one to speak with her. When did she start rejecting the meals? What? And you didn't report it?"

Everything went fuzzy and quiet again for a while. I heard shuffling and mumbled voices, but nothing breached any conscious thoughts. I knew they were there, but didn't see any need in replying.

"Explain what happened...When was this?...she said what?...Since when did we refuse medical attention to prisoners?...Any refusal of meals should have been marked and reported...this is gross negligence. You are dismissed immediately, and a formal investigation will be started...now get the fuck out!"

"Erena, if you can hear me I need you to let me know?"

"Get a medic. I want her checked. I need to do a mindwalk and need to know it it's safe."

Not long after, there was a pulling at my mind. Thoughts were pushed and pulled...almost like they were being unravelled, or knots being undone. I started to feel the itchy feeling return and tried to hide again. Suddenly, there was a feeling like a 'snap' and it felt like a fog had been lifted.

"Erena, can you open your eyes for me?" I heard a soft voice speak.

I opened my eyes and blinked, finding Inoichi right in front of me, his hands to the side of my face.

"Umm...not that you aren't pretty to look at and all, but why are you so close? It's a bit freaky."

He let out a laugh and pulled back. "Welcome back."

I frowned. "Where did I go? Was it somewhere nice?"

He rubbed his head and looked down. "It appears we owe you an apology. You had an intense reaction to your confinement, which resulted in dissociation. Your mind retreated into itself...you asked for help, but it was not answered. There is no excuse."

Huh, that's what that weird feeling was?

"Hey, it's cool...I'm fine, right? No harm, no foul."

"You should not be so casual about it. Had I not already been familiar with your mindscape, it may not have been possible to resolve."

"Well, good thing you are a nosey bastard then, isn't it? Look, it's fine. If it's all the same, I think I'd like to go, if I'm allowed? I think I'm over this whole T and I thing."

He sighed. "I understand. I will take you back to Shikaku, but I will need to check on you tomorrow. There will be an investigation into the incident and you will be required to give a statement."

"Sounds great...but can I go, like, now?" For some reason, I was starting to feel a little stressed out by still being here. It must have read on my face, because Inoichi's face went grim.

I was directed towards a change of clothes and he walked me home. I felt exhausted, but didn't understand why. At one point i felt a little faint, but didn't want to stop- I knew he'd end up hauling my ass to the hospital, and I had spent enough time there, thank you very much.

When I got home, I made myself known. Shikamaru came bounding to me (well, it counted as bounded as far as he was concerned...brisk walking would probably describe it in anyone else), and looked like he was about to hug me before he saw Inoichi.

"Dad! Erena got herself in trouble again!"

I groaned while Inoichi chuckled.

"Why are you so troublesome? It's not normal."

"I know, Shika, I know," I agreed.

When Shikaku came into the hallway, he raised an eyebrow at his friend.

"I'm not going to like this, am I?"

Inoichi gave a little mouth shrug. "Probably not," and we followed him to his office.

Inoichi explained everything - from my punishment, to the first mind walk at the aftermath of my solitary confinement. Shikaku be mad.

"Why was this allowed to happen in the first place? Why wasn't I informed?"

"I'm afraid I can't answer that, Shikaku. I tried my best to lower the sentence after the mindwalk, but the Hokage was determined than punishment be served."

"This isn't just about the incident with the Jinchuriki . It goes back to the Danzo situation...he's been unable to assert his power on her, and he's grasping at what he can."

"Told you," I said to Inoichi. He gave me a dry look. What? I had!

"Look, as your friend, this is dangerous ground to tread on. I would advise you to leave it. As your colleague, I can tell you a formal investigation it underway. But for now, we have to concentrate on Erena."

Shikaku frowned. "What do you mean? It's over with now."

"I'm concerned that the problem is not fulled resolved yet. There is still the risk she could dissociate again. I will reexamine her, but she will need constant supervision for the next few days, and constant stimulation."

"Err...what about sleep?" I asked.

"I want you to be checked on an hourly basis, not dissimilar to those with concussions. And even then, I still want input - whether it is music or talking."

"This sounds exhausting..." I was not going to enjoy this.

Sure enough, I hated it. Once it hit bedtime, Yoshino and Shikaku took turns to wake me every hour. When it hit early morning, I was so exhausted I forgot to reply, resulting in a forceful shake, and giving them a very impolite "fuck off!"

The morning wasn't any better. Considering Nara's aren't morning people at the best of times, a sleep deprived Nara is even less of one. Only Shikamaru seemed in good spirits - and considering he was grumpy if awake before lunchtime, that didn't bode well.

Shikaku still had work to go to, but took me with him. Inoichi agreed to meet us at the office. I sat in a comfortable seat in Shikaku's room while I waited for him. While there, I tuned out Shikaku's complaining about rosters and fell asleep. It was probably the most peaceful one I had managed for a week, except for a faint buzzing, until I felt a probing on my mind, and awoke to cold hands gripping my head.

"What the fuck? I was just having a nap!" I seethed.

Inoichi sighed. "No you weren't...did you not hear us?"

"It was a really good nap?"

He shook his head. "Unfortunately not...I didn't expect you to relapse quite like that, but it is concerning. I think we'll have to do a more in depth exam."

"What does that mean?" Shikaku asked.

"I think we should admit her for full monitoring."

"You're taking me to psyche?" I was baffled. "Nope, absolutely not. Try it and I'll set a Yumi on you. He's very protective."

Out of everything I had been through, I was not allowing this stupid incident to define me. I often joked about needing to go to psyche, but they were just jokes. And now I was being taken because I had a good nap?

"Erena, this could be serious," Shikaku said. He looked concerned. Goddammit. I hated it when he looked like that.

"Fine." I crossed my arms. "But if this gets found out, I'm holding you responsible.

Inoichi smiled at me. "If that's what it takes." I had a feeling he was placating me like a shrink, but whatever.

We headed straight there, and Shikaku told me he'd bring things over later. I tried not to think about it, because it meant I could be there for a while.

"Erena! You're back!" Itachi had terrible timing. He was walking with Fugaku when he saw me, and broke off and ran over.

I gave him a gentle wave, and tried to hide how embarrassed I felt.

"Oh, I'm sorry Yamanaka-sama!" Itachi said, after noticing I was walking with Inoichi. "I did not mean to interrupt."

"Don't worry, Itachi. We're just taking a stroll."

"Inoichi? Good morning." Fugaku greeted. "Surprising to see you out of your cave at this time of day." He raised an eyebrow in query.

"Fugaku, nice to see you. Ah, don't worry, I was just doing a little housecall."

"Housecall?"

"Mmmm...a more personal problem required my skills."

Inoichi was trying to be vague, but Fugaku was not chief of police for no reason. His eyes flashed to me briefly. "Should there be something we should worry about?"

Inoichi looked from Fugaku to me, then to Itachi and back. "Oh, no...probably nothing. More of a precaution, really."

"Hmmm?" Fugaku raised an eyebrow at him again. Itachi, just starting to realise the conversation had something to do with me, looked at me with concern.

"Erena, what's going on?"

I huffed, annoyed. I knew this would happen.

"Nothing to worry about. Just a little side effect from a particularly bad genjutsu. We just need to go in for a bit of monitoring," Inoichi replied.

At this the Uchiha looked concerned. Seriously, Inoichi - this was your cover story? To the Uchiha? I thought he was smart.

"A genjutsu? That requires monitoring from the head of the Yamanaka clan? That doesn't sound like nothing to worry about...do you require assistance in any way? I am happy to recommend our clans foremost genjutsu specialist." And coming from the clan of genjutsu specialists, that wasn't a small thing. It was sweet, really.

"I'm fine, really." I butted in. "The genjutsu is gone, but I'm just having trouble sleeping. Shikaku's just being a worrywart and recruited Inoichi. It's a massive overreaction and I'm just mad at Inoichi for feeding into Shikaku's paranoia."

They all gave me a sceptical glance before looking at Inoichi, at which he gave them a lopsided smile. "What she said. Now, if you'll excuse us. Itachi, perhaps you would like to visit later?"

Itachi gave a single curt nod before looking at me. Great, I was in for question time later.

"See ya!" I called out, as we turned around. I turned to Inoichi and hissed under my breath, "You know my threat earlier, about if this gets out? You're in for a world of pain."

He laughed whole heartedly. What about this was funny? I hated it when people didn't take my threats seriously.

When we entered the Psychiatric facility, I was surprised how unassuming it was. It looked homely...as far from a clinical environment as you could get. We walked past the small reception area and walked down a hall. The ground floor was clearly the more public and day patient area, as it looked like there were lots of offices and meeting rooms...no patient rooms in sight.

We weaved through a few areas, and headed downstairs. After two flights, we exited. Ah, now here was the money maker. The corridor was lined with solid steel doors, and there were guards and clinicians littered around.

"If you think you're putting me in one of those cells, you better think again," I whispered. I was not trading one cell in for another.

"Don't worry, Erena. I am simply collecting a few things."

He took me to an office area and greeted the people within. He approached a woman in the corner.

"Hello, Ria. I need a observation room for seventy two hours, is obs room three clear? And also, three personnel to assist in twenty four hour monitoring, with high security level. Voluntary inpatient Nakahara Erena, minimal threat, low security concern."

She looked at Inoichi, then looked at me and back again. "Sounds like a fun one, how do you always find them? Sure, obs room three is clear. I'll send your lackeys up for a debrief in an hour. Any visitors to be authorised?"

"Nara Shikaku, Nara Yoshino, Uchiha Itachi...anyone else?" He looked at me.

"Um...I guess you better add Shisui to the list, or I'd never hear the end of it. And Yumi? Once he finds out he'll have kittens. Other than that, I'd prefer to keep it on the down low." Not that anyone else would notice anyway.

"Got it. Uchiha Shisui, I take it? And Yumi got a family name."

"Nope. Just Yumi." Post-ROOT, some had taken up their old family names, or chosen new ones. Yumi and Kutsu were ones who opted without, as they didn't feel their names had any bearing on their identity. They knew who they were, and didn't need anything else to define them.

She handed me some forms for me to fill in, and then we headed back up stairs, this time to the fourth floor. This looked more like it - it looked like a hotel corridor, and the open rooms looked nice. You wouldn't think they were anything out of the ordinary, except there were bars on the windows, and the doors locked from the outside.

My room was a decent size, and had normal amenities like a dining table, desk, and even a filled bookcase. There were several pictures on the walls-which weren't pictures at all. They were clearly decoys to hide spying on the inside.

"Cosy." I muttered.

"That's the idea. There are many levels to what we do here, and often a softer approach is necessary. Now, first I will ask you a few questions, then I'd like to perform another mindwalk, if that is okay? Yesterday only allowed me to fix the immediate problem - I could not determine the cause."

After that, I then got introduced to Inoichi in shrink-mode. I was asked from everything from my childhood, to relationship with Danzo, ROOT training and beyond. Despite his trained poker face, it was clear he didn't like a few of my answers - whether it was sadness, worry or anger. When I described my time in solitary, I found it difficult to fully describe the sensation, but that the fuzzy and buzzing feeling was the most memorable.

"And that buzzing...you felt it in Shikaku's office, too?"

"Yes, the buzzy itchy brain feeling."

He frowned and leaned back on his chair. "If you start to notice that, I want you to try and signal - in anyway. It may be a precursor to your dissociation...now, after this, we will have a few more things to discuss. I am concerned, Erena, and not just about this. I am upset with myself that I haven't spoken to you sooner. Everyone from ROOT has been to see us here, but you managed to slip the net, even despite the fact I see you fairly regularly."

"But I got assessed at the beginning?"

"That was more of a threat assessment. You have been through a lot, and have been trained in hiding your emotions...there is more at stake than just your physical well-being. Your mental health is also important."

I shrugged. "I'm fine, really."

His face softened. "No, Erena, you are not. And it's okay to admit it."

After this, I changed the topic, and asked him if he would just get the mindwalk over any done with. As expected, he found nothing - but was still intrigued by the structure of my processes and thought they were to blame for my reaction, but couldn't explain why I had a relapse. There was a complicated section he still couldn't decode, but that was unchanged.

He had other work to do, and left me alone after my assessment. I was allowed to do whatever I wanted, as long as I stayed within the confinement's of the room, but was advised not to fall asleep.

I decided to start to read the books available, while waiting for Shikaku and Itachi. Considering...this was still like T and I, but with books and better company, I felt a little cheated.

I heard a knock on the door sometime in the early afternoon - a friendly looking chuunin came in and asked if I would receive a visitor from a Hatake Kakashi. Huh. That was unexpected but I accepted.

Soon after, Kakashi entered the room. His usual nonchalant posture was replaced by clear unease and he started to assess me as soon as he walked in. I could tell he was about to speak. I didn't know what he was going to say, so gave a quick subtle ANBU hand sign telling him we were being watched.

He cleared his throat. "So...I heard that you ran into a problem with a genjutsu while on your mission?" he asked. He sounded uninterested, but his question was clear.

"It's okay. You don't have to be that vague here. I had a slight issue due to my time in confinement...I'm just here to get it checked out. What you doing here, anyway? I'm surprised they didn't take the chance to lock you up as soon as you stepped through the doors." I attempted to kid.

"What do you mean 'slight issue'?" He wasn't letting it go. What was with the sudden concern?

"Umm...like a bit of a broken brain? I've been dissociating."

"Because of your punishment? But why? What happened?"

I gestured for him to sit down-his rigid stance was making me feel nervous. He ignored me.

"Solitary confinement was not for me," I shrugged. "Otherwise no clue. That's why I'm here."

"Erena, this is because of me-"

"What have I said about your self flagellating bullshit? Calm down. It's not your fault my mind is so screwy even Inoichi can't figure it out yet. This is more to do with me being a freak of nature than anything else. I'm here, it's my choice, the end."

He looked at me for a second before his shoulders drooped. "I always knew you were a freak. Guess it's now official?" He tried to lighten his tone, but it was clear he was still upset.

"Correct, I'm now certified. Now, Grumpy-san, are you going to stop feeling sorry for yourself and keep me entertained, or am I going to have to get you thrown out? I'm pretty sure I have that power, and I'm not afraid to abuse it." I grinned.

He didn't seem to want to stay, but I figured I'd play on his guilt a little more. Reading these crappy books can only last for so long, and I really enjoyed annoying Kakashi. He only stayed for half an hour, but it's more than I thought he would. We didn't actually talk about anything in particular, but insulting each other back and forth. He seemed lighter when he left, even if he did give me a concerned glance as he walked out the door.

"Oh, fuck off," I said. "I'll be fine. Now shoo, before they realise your still here and give you your own padded cell."

Not long after that Itachi arrived, and I had to put up with the same worried crap from him. Unfortunately, I couldn't get away with getting him to drop it. I hated the fact I was lying to him too, but I couldn't tell him about my time in T and I without explaining why, and that was a big no-no.

He immediately asked for details of my 'mission' and who and who put me under a genjutsu. Thankfully, 'classified' was a reasonable answer...and technically not incorrect. That seemed to frustrate him.

"Why is so much of your life classified?" He huffed, crossing his arms while sitting on my bed. "One day I'm going to make you tell me everything."

"Yeh, yeh," I waved him off. "Good luck with that."

Itachi was probably the one person I trusted most in the world - he had never let me down even once, and I suspected that he never would. I wished I could tell him everything, but between gag orders from the Hokage and my own self doubt, I couldn't.

I really wished his security clearance was higher, or even that he was more aware of the inner workings of the higher political circles. He had never shown an interest in things like that, except what his father had forced him to know in order to be clan leader one day. He understood people well, and had the type of insight into matters people could only dream of. Heck, he would probably be able to take over now and do a stellar job. In a few years time he'd probably have enough insight to run a small country.

Or a village.

Huh. Why didn't I think of this before?

I grinned at Itachi and his expression changed from concerned and annoyed to nervous in a second.

"What are you thinking, Erena? Nothing good comes of that look. That look only means bad things for me. Stop it."

I scooted over and hugged him. "Very, very bad things for you." I laughed under my breath. "But not right now."

He sighed. "I know you are trying to change the subject but it won't work. What can you tell me, if it's all classified?"

I thought for a second. "Not much. Basically, I'm not allowed to sleep at the moment. My mind has been dissociating and they don't know why. I was catatonic when Inoichi got to me, and he had to pull me out."

His brows furrowed, and he leaned away to get a better look at me. "But that doens't make sense, genjutsu don't work that way. They shouldn't leave an ongoing effect on your mind if they are truly broken."

"But what if it broke my mind?"

He looked startled. "There are very few genjutsu that can do it to that extreme. I only know of-" he broke what ever his train of thought was and clammed up. Oh, he was keeping something from me, was he? Interesting..."But that would be impossible."

I grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him back to lean against the wall. "Can we stop the hows and whys thing for a while? I'd prefer to talk about something more fun. Like, why were you and Fugaku having a friendly stroll in the morning? He's a workaholic, but spending time with you instead of work? That tells me something happened...something promotion-like happened?" I gave him side eye.

He relaxed into the wall and through his arms around him in a defensive action and sighed. "I received confirmation of my Jounin promotion this morning." He seemed embarrassed, bless him!

"That's amazing, congrats!" I bounced on the bed and went to hug him, which he grudgingly accepted. I flexed my neck and regarded him. "You don't look happy, what's the matter?"

He looked at me and gave me a gentle smile. "Nothing gets past you, does it?"

"Very little." I agreed.

"Now I'm jounin, my missions are going to be different. My father wants me to drop the team expeditions." He meant ANBU, but wasn't willing to say in a monitored environment. "And take high visibility solo missions. Something about how it'll be better for my reputation and the clan."

I scoffed. "Fugaku is clueless. Don't worry, leave him to me. In fact, leave everything to me, I got this."

"Erena, thank you but you don't have the ability to control my missions. Or my father." He gave me a defeated look but I just smiled in reply.

"You really don't have a clue what I do, do you?" He looked at me, confused. "I problem solve. And if my best friend has a problem, you're going to bet I'm gonna solve the shit out of it. I've already got a plan, hell...I had a plan before you even brought it up. So sit down, shut up, and let me work my magic."

He let out a soundless laugh. "I'm already sitting down." I smacked him on the head.

"None of that!" I nestled my head into the crook of his neck. He was taller than me, and it was uncomfortable - he must have known as he scooted down to lower himself. "Mmm...now, what else has been going on the last week? Shisui got himself a new flavour of the month yet?"

After that, we abandoned all serious chat, and he started talking about village gossip. He tried to play uninterested, but he picked up on so much. From Shisui's new chuunin girlfriend ("I give it two weeks before she gets fed up with his shit", "really? I gave it one."), to Naruto and Sasuke's new hobby in practicing fire jutsu ("To say my father regrets including Naruto in on that training session in an understatement. I doubt we'll have much garden left soon"), to random peoples home life news.

There was something calming about having him drone on about senseless topics, and I found myself relaxing. At the back of my mind, I started to feel the itchy feeling again, and the faint buzz. I was sure I was meant to do something and worry about it, but I was too relaxed to move.

"...don't you think, Erena?" I heard, but didn't move. "Erena?"

Suddenly I shifted, and hands gripped my shoulders. My eyes were still open but unfocused, and I only just registered a flash of red in Itachi's eyes.

"Erena, look at me?" I knew what he was asking, but I couldn't. I was hidden back somewhere, and the buzzing was getting stronger.

Itachi positioned his face in front of mine, and gripped my face. The red in his eyes changed slightly, and the black spots seemed to merge.

"Stop!" I heard from the doorway, before the buzzing suddenly intensified and I lost all awareness.

Interlude

Itachi had made many mistake's in his life, but befriending Erena was not one of them. Thanks to her, he realised that following his fathers path was not the only option - and that peace was not just a silly dream of a young disillusioned boy.

She was ridiculously smart and caring, even if she didn't see it. He trusted her judgement without any doubt...unless it was in regards to her own safety.

But his biggest mistakes did usually revolve around her. He would always regret not checking on her after the Kyuubi attack, leading to her procurement by ROOT, and he would regret not talking her out of her ridiculous plan in Mist. He knew she was stubborn, but he also knew that she would listen to him most of the time.

He worried about her mental state of late, but not enough to think she'd end up in the psychiatric facility. She seemed so strong and sure of herself, it never seemed like a possibility. He was more concerned about her withdrawing herself from people, but not enough to think there was more going on.

But then to see her zone out and become unresponsive? And because of a genjutsu?

While they said that the genjutsu was gone, it shouldn't have left this much of an impact on her. He suspected there were still traces left behind, but they just couldn't detect them.

Since gaining his Mangekyou after Erena's attack, Shisui and his father had been helping him develop it. He understood most of it's capabilities, and one of them was in infiltrating genjutsu, and allowed him to manipulate or break it.

Without any hesitation, he activated it on Erena. Unfortunately, he couldn't detect any trace of a genjutsu, or even any evidence of one being there. But her mind was a storm...everything whirling around, it made him dizzy. But there was one area blocked, almost separate from the rest. He was aware of some genjutsus a ability to alter the mind - was this it? With no other evidence of foul play, he plucked it.

He was immediately ejected from her mind, just as he was being pulled back by strong hands. When Erena fell to the side and started convulsing, Itachi's heart dropped. While a blond figure tried to move her into a safe position, he stilled and couldn't stop staring.

"What did you do?" Yamanaka Inoichi growled at him.

"There was a barrier on her mind...I removed it. I thought it was the genjutsu?" He lost any of his confidence int he face of the angry Yamanaka.

"You removed a barrier? Do not meddle with people minds unless you know what you are doing! You have no idea what you could have done!" Inoichi gave him a frustrated look before diving over to Erena. Itachi still didn't move.

Erena had stopped moving, but had completely stilled, and was staring upwards with wide eyes. He noticed Inoichi seemed to be attempting his clans mind technique before shaking his head.

"I can't get in."

"What do you mean?" Itachi asked.

"I can't get in. I can't tell if it's conscious or not. It's like there is a seal on her mind. This has never happened before." He sounded concerned.

"Performance issue, Inoichi? It's not uncommon, you know? No need to be embarrassed." Itachi snapped his head towards Erena as she spoke. She was still lying down, but seemed otherwise undisturbed by what had just happened.

"Erena, are you okay?" Itachi made to move towards her. Inoichi stood back to allow her to get up.

"Peachy..." she shook her head. "Did you know the moon has earthquakes? Or I guess it's moonquakes? How cool is that?"

"Erena, what happened? Can you tell me?" Inoichi still sounded concerned.

"Oh, you mean just then? Itachi fixed me. I'm good to go," she grinned. Everyone in the room went quiet.

"Erena, it's not that simple..."

"Sure it is! Turns out that my time in solitary confinement," What?! "Caused my mind to retreat into itself. It didn't have anything to do, and found a section that should have been inaccessible...So me being me, conscious or not, wanted access to it. The dissociation was just my brains way of trying to concentrate and focus on the task. But then Itachi came in and broke the wall. So boom! Instant fix. My brains now happy that there's no mystery."

None of that made any sense to Itachi. Solitary confinement?

"All the same, I need to check. Will you allow a mind walk?" Inoichi asked.

"Ah," she looked embarrassed. "No can do, I'm afraid. It's a bit much in there just now. It would probably fry you. I've put up a mental Seal until its all stacked away, then you can have at it."

"A mental seal? But thats not possible?"

"Why not? You can imagine images and constructs in your mind - I've just done the same with a seal. Ain't no one getting in here unless I want them to," she tapped her head.

"Erena, I cannot simply take your word for it."

She sighed. "Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you."

Inoichi went to enter her mind, and then almost fell back.

"What was that?"

"Welcome to the jungle, we've got fun and games!"

"I don't understand..."

"What's your thoughts on reincarnation? Because I think I'm about to blow your mind."