Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, just Takara and her family (not Anko(obviously, lol))

Trigger warning: Swearing

34~ Montage

I stared at the note my Dad had left for me on the kitchen table.

Curly Top

I have an emergency mission and will be gone for a week. Make sure to practice your summons- you have a meeting with boar mask at our training field starting today at noon. Refer to boar-mask as Mitsuko-san.

-Your Dad

I was kinda peeved. Dad just ran off on a week-long mission while he's supposed to be training me in our signature moves, but I guess it can't be helped.

Since I woke up later than usual, I had to rush Usa through breakfast and speed us to his daycare, with me suited up in my training gear.

As I tossed him at the daycare woman, I turned around and came face to face with Tenten.

She looked startled for a second, but after she gave me a once over, she grins, "Off to training?"

I smirked back at her and tossed her the peace sign, "You know it! Tell Neji I'm gonna kick his ass!" Before I turned on my heels and sprinted off to the training ground.

I got there just in time, hyped up on adrenaline.

I stood alone and waited for Mitsuko-san to show his, for the first time, maskless face.

Once a couple minutes had passed, making my new Sensei late, I started to suspect this was a part of the training. Sort of how Kakashi was purposefully late on our test- Man, that feels like it was so long ago.

I slowly turned around, taking in my surroundings. I am standing in the middle of a grassless field, with a couple wood poles sticking out for weapons training. Trees are surrounding the border of the training field, so essentially, it looks very ordinary.

Since my chakra sucks, I can't sense this guy if I wanted to. But… wait… Oh shit, I have a new skill!

I took a deep breath in through my nose and focused.

Yes, I smell him! But it's faint. Like he's… below me?

Shit

I jumped up just as a hand flew out of the dirt and tried to grasp my leg.

Seeing his attempt to snatch me failed, a guy pulled himself from the dirt and stood in front of me. The dirt crumbled off him as his chakra repelled it.

He has brown hair tied into a short ponytail and is relatively tall. His face is sort of passive, his brown eyes are hooded, and he has a small hooked nose.

He gave me a lazy smile and nodded, "I see, so you're not completely defenseless."

I gave him a half-smile and nodded a bit. "Yea, you could say that. It's nice to meet you, you can call me Takara."

He left out a soft short laugh, "Ah, so informal, you're nothing like your Dad. My name is Kinnosuke Mitsuko, you can call me Mitsuko Sensei. So I hear from your Dad you need to tighten your Earth Style."

I give him a slight nod, "Yea, according to Dad, he cannot help me as well as you can."

Mitsuko gave another laugh, "Perhaps. So what can you do?" He questioned before sitting down on the ground. I followed suit and sat down.

"I can do Earth Release: Mud Spit and Hidden Mole Jutsu, I learned them both for the Forest of Death," I said mildly proud, but given Mitsuko's frown, maybe it's not that cool.

"You know… two Jutsu? That's it? Oh my Kami, how have you lived this long?"

"Pure determination," I deadpanned.

"Okay, then we have a lot of work to do. You're facing a Hyūga to start, right?" He asked while pulling out a small notebook and beginning to write.

"Yup, Neji Hyūga, he's from a side branch, but he beat the main branch Hinata during preliminaries," I responded, curling my fingers into the hard dirt around me.

Mitsuko nodded, "Yea, I've heard of that kid from Gai, he's wicked strong." He continued to write for a couple seconds. "Okay, before you step into the ring, you need to learn at LEAST three more jutsu."

I blink.

"Three! What!? Which ones?" My mouth dropped open.

That's so much work! Am I really that far behind Neji?

Mitsuko nodded, "Hiding in Rock technique and Rock Armor for your Earth Release. Rock Armor is the important one, but you need to know how to hide in rock before you can become rock. It could be useful to teach you my signature move, Sticky Earth Drop, but we will consider that an extra move. If you can't learn that move, then the Temporary Paralysis Technique will suffice, of which I'm also a master of. The further we can keep you from Hyūga, the better."

Mitsuko seemed to pause in his explanation before writing more down, "If you could learn shadow clone, that would be great, but that depends on how much chakra you can waste, which I understand is not a lot."

I nod sullen, "Yea, the less chakra, the better."

Mitsuko nodded back, focused on his book. "Okay, let's start with Hiding in Rock Technique. It's a camouflaging technique that allows you to disappear into a rock background. I've personally used it quite a bit, and it is an important stepping stone."

I frown a little and tilt my head to the side, "So why didn't I learn the Hiding in Rock technique before I learned the Hidden Mole Jutsu?"

He paused and crossed his arms in thought, "I imagine that your Dad did not want to give you too many options because you are limited. Realistically though, the mole jutsu and the Hiding in Rock are very different techniques. For the mole, you just need to learn how to surrender yourself to the dirt and swim through it- allowing your chakra to fill in the gaps. But the Hiding in Rock technique is different since you have to physically change your form to match your surroundings- becoming one with the rock. So I guess the mole technique is only visiting the rock."

My head swam with all of his words, and I still felt confused, but I nodded anyway.

And thus started my training with Mitsuko. He summoned a giant rock onto the field and turned into Sensei mode.

Our katana's were set aside while he taught me the hand symbols and tried to get me to become one with the Earth.

I quite like training with Mitsuko. He uses a lot more positive reinforcement than Dad, who mostly threatens. By the end of our training day, a full six hours later, my grasp on the Hiding in Rock technique was almost there. I could almost disappear, but you could still me a little bit. But my chakra was heavily depleted, so Mitsuko decided we would meet up tomorrow morning and start from the top.

I was quite ragged as I strolled to the daycare, the sun just starting to set. To my surprise again, I saw Tenten.

We noticed each other immediately. But this time, no pleasantries were exchanged. Training had officially started.

The next morning I carried Usa to the daycare while he was half asleep. My training started at 9am, and it was time to get serious.

Mitsuko greeted me kindly, but once again, we went straight into training. It only took a few more tries before I finally perfected the Hiding in Rock Technique. I could stand against the rock, effectively invisible. But I was already tired and huffing.

Mitsuko congratulated me but, at the same time, told me that my lack of chakra ain't great.

"Didn't your Dad tell me you can siphon chakra from others due to your Kekki Genkai?"

I huff, "Yea, I can, but I also have to show someone their nightmare."

Mitsuko just stared at me for a moment before shrugging, "Why? Just don't create a hallucination."

I stared back at him before rubbing the back of my head, "Is it really that simple?"

He shrugged, "Try it on me."

I frowned, "You sure?"

He nodded and crossed his arm.

With his permission, I activated Akumagen and focused on just taking his chakra, and I tried to erase any thoughts of hallucinations out of my mind.

After a moment, Mitsuko grinned at me, "Is it working?"

I could see the blue line connecting us, and I could feel my strength coming back. "See anything scary?"

He shook his head, and I smiled, "Then yes, it's working."

With a newfound ability and energy, I got to work learning Rock Armor.

"This jutsu will allow you to absorb the Earth to form a skin-deep armor. Just like the Hiding in Rock technique you will be camouflaged, but this time the rock will camouflage to your skin- which makes it appear invisible except for when sunlight reflects off of it. It will protect you from blunt attacks, and hopefully, the Hyūga style. Thankfully, after you use chakra to start the jutsu, it will continue to absorb the material and will require no more chakra." He word vomited at me.

Man, this guy only talks in large chunks.

I nodded, absorbing the information, "So this sounds like a big jump from the Hiding in Rock Technique."

He nodded back, "It is, and it's not going to be as easy to learn either."

So I learned the hand signs and put my hands on the giant rock before me.

My first attempts at absorbing the rock didn't work.

In fact, after an hour of no progress, Mitsuko told me I'm not connected to the Earth enough and made me lay on the dirt for another hour. I focused on the feeling of the Earth, the solidity of the world, and yet its ability to crumble.

Very philosophical, I know.

But it worked.

Once I tried again, the rock crept up my arms but stopped at the elbows.

It was significant progress, but it still needed a lot of work.

The next day could be described as hugging a rock over and over- only for the rock to slowly creep up my body after a couple of hours.

On my third day of trying to learn Rock Armor, I learned how to give myself to the Earth entirely and allow the rock to take over my skin.

I became one with the rock.

"I feel very enlightened," I said as spin-round, the light glinting off my rocky geometric camo.

Mitsuko laughed but nodded, "You've done really well. But given how long it took for you to learn that, and we are on a limited time frame, I think we should focus on the Temporary Paralysis Technique. Having you learn how to open an interdimensional hole above someone to spill mud on them seems like too much right now. I'll have to show you after the exam."

I smile, weirdly excited that Mitsuko seems to still want to be my teacher after the exams.

"The Temporary Paralysis Technique is quite simple, so it shouldn't take you long to master. To put it simply, you can make it feel as though your opponent has been tied down with a steel rope." He proceeded to show me the hand signs for it.

After practicing a bit, I looked at Mitsuko and tried the move.

He smiled at me, but after a moment of flexing, the invisible rope snapped- freeing him.

I frowned, "Wait, I did it right, that seemed more like you breaking out of floss."

He chuckled at me, "Given our skill difference, a Genin could not hope to stop an Anbu member. But that's sort of the point of training with me."

I cross my arms, "What?"

"I'm gonna make you so good at this move that the Hyūga will have no chance of breaking it."

I nod, "Yessir."

Two days later, I had practiced that stupid move over 500 times. And I could restrain Mitsuko for 15 seconds.

I sat on the ground, huffing, my body aching.

Mitsuko nodded, satisfied, "If you can hold me, that puny Hyūga has no chance." He also sat down on the ground. IDK maybe he's tired of lightly flexing.

"So, what do you want to focus on tomorrow? Your Dad will be back the day after and will pick up your training."

I suddenly felt a little melancholy. I really like Mitsuko, he's super nice and smart.

"Hrmmm, I don't know," I said before looking over to our katanas. "Are you any good with that thing?"

Mitsuko laughed and nodded, "Quite good, actually. Alright, tomorrow we will brush up on your kenjutsu skills."

True to his word the next day, we showed up with our katanas strapped on and ready.

We got into position to attack when Mitsuko paused and held up a hand.

"Wait, your Dad has his Katanas on his hips. Why do you have yours on your back?"

I froze, "I don't know… why is yours on your back?"

He frowned, "What technique do you use?"

"Ono-ha Itto-ryu. When I inherit my Dad's Katanas, I'll change to Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu." I answer.

Mitsuko blinked, "Yeah, okay… then your katana should be on your hip." He sheathed his katana and walked over to me. He made quick work of moving the sheath from my back and securing it on my hip.

"But won't it feel awkward when I'm running or jumping?" I complained.

He only chuckled at me, "And how easy is it to pull it out in one go from your back?"

That shut me up, it has been hard to pull Balance out quickly.

Mitsuko stepped back and nodded, "Okay, so put your left hand on the sheath and pull it out with your right."

I did as he said, and after a couple tries, it started to feel very natural.

"Oh, shit, this is way easier."

He laughed, and we got into position to train again.

We worked hard for a couple hours, but in the end, Mitsuko told me that my Katana skills are quite impressive for my age. We ended our training season by getting ramen and going our separate ways. He promised me that after the chunin exams, he would teach me to use interdimensional moves, and Oh Kami, I am excited.

I went to sleep exhausted and with Usa curled up on my side, as he felt neglected by how busy I have been.

The next morning I woke up to my Dad pounding on my door. I got up quickly, and he yelled that I needed to be ready to leave in 30, so I got to work.

After dressing, I ran downstairs, where my Dad sat alone, mildly burnt eggs ready for me to eat. "Eat quickly, we have a lot to go over today. You officially have 21 days until the chunin exams."

Once the gross food was inside me, my Dad dragged me to the training field, explaining he had dropped Usa off at daycare earlier while I got ready.

"Today, you summon again, and you learn our clan's signature move," Dad commanded.

I nodded, and once he motioned for me to begin, I summoned. Yamane appeared, a little confused but happy to be there.

"Haha, my bro is gonna be angry again! He says you better get stronger!" Yamane giggled as he sat down and chuffed.

Dad nodded, "To summon a bigger bear, you're gonna have to let yourself use more chakra. It seems like your body might be capping itself off."

I hum in thought as I pet Yamane, "Maybe, but it's kinda a good thing I'm not exhausting myself."

My Dad shrugged, "It's only good if you don't need a summon to survive."

He scratched his head and motioned for me to stand up. When I did, he set his hands on his hips and stared at me for a moment. "You moved your katana."

"Yeah, Mitsuko-sensei taught me that it's easier to pull out this way." I demonstrated for my Dad, and after a moment, he grinned.

"That's fantastic, you're partway to learning our family move then." He motioned for Yamane and me to move behind him. "Our family is not very creative and are more technical skill-based, but our founder did have one special move that has passed down from generation to generation. That move is called "The Slice."" He paused to take in my horrified expression. "Ya, I know, it's a horrible name. But no one in our family has ever come up with a better one. This information is only taught orally so that no one else can learn it as easily."

Dad set his left hand on his sheath and gripped the handle with his right, "See, the real issue is the move is not all that special and any swordsman could learn it." He shrugged, "But it's devastatingly effective. I have heard of one other man who uses the move, but our clan would swear we created it."

Dad let out a breath, and after a moment pulled Yin out in one fluid motion, the speed was so intense a burst of wind was created. But more notably, the blue aura of chakra extended off the katana, making it appear even longer than it was.

"If used correctly, then you can take out multiple enemies in one hit." Dad smiled softly and motioned for me to come over and try it myself.

'Your Dad is gonna be pissed when he finds out that this move is not uncommon in the Land of Iron. His family probably just feels unique cuz they've never seen a Samurai in action,' Conscience laughed loudly in my ears.

I frowned softly, I know where the Land of Iron is on the map, but it's very isolated from the nations that use ninja.

"Hey, Dad," I begin, fidgeting with the handle of Balance. "Where did our family come from?"

My Dad seemed to pause at the question, "What do you mean- we've always been here."

I nod, "Yea, but there was a time before Konoha existed, where were we then?"

Dad frowned and crossed his arms, "You do realize that Konoha was one of the first founded villages, right?"

Rolling my eyes, I scoff, "Yea, of course, Dad, but what? You're telling me that our family lived in the forest?"

My Dad stared at me, and with a monotone voice said, "I don't know for sure." That piqued my interest.

"You don't know for sure? But you have a guess?" I pushed.

Dad frowned more, and suddenly the air around us was feeling quite cold.

"North"

And that's all I could get from him. He felt a bit colder as he readjusted my position and finally let me try the sign-less move.

I breathed, I whipped my sword out, and it was slightly aglow blue.

Dad squinted, "Again." He commanded.

And again

again

n

I woke up lying on the ground, a starry night sky above me. Oof, I'm tired. I haven't passed out on the training field in months. I sort of forgot how bad Dad really is at compassionate training.

I sat up, a little startled to find myself alone. Bending from side to side, my back cracked loudly, and I let out a deep sigh.

Concentrating on my hands, I could feel that I had a low tank of chakra and I should probably go home. But the night air was warm, so I sat back on the dirt ground and felt the tough soil filter between my fingers. The sky is much too pretty to leave alone.

"Again." My Dad thundered, his voice booming over the training field.

"HA," I yelled, swinging my katana, a stream of blue following the blade. It was much bigger than when I started five days ago, but my chakra size was not the level Dad wanted. The chakra extended off the blade by about three inches and was not impressive compared to how Dad can make his shoot off to an extra three feet. He hadn't been here every day to train me due to work, but he certainly put me down when he was here.

I let out a deep breath and sank to the ground, exhausted. Little Yamane waddled over to me and sniffed my face. Yup still can't push past that mental barrier and summon the big bear. Or extend my chakra sword apparently.

"Ugh! Why can't I push myself!? I don't understand!" I yelled angrily and pounded the ground.

Dad stared at me, still in Sensei mode, and crossed his arms. "Stand up, Takara."

I leveled myself, red in the face from frustration. I also crossed my arms and stared at my Dad.

"Go for a walk. Go visit your Mom. We are done today, especially if you're gonna act like a child." He grumbled. "I'm going to check in with the Hokage. When you're ready to act like a ninja, then find me."

I puff out my cheeks, they were once red with frustration, but now it's only embarrassment. "You're not fair," I grumbled back.

He paused and looked at me, "How so?"

I shook my head wildly, "I don't know, but you are!"

He sighed and turned, continuing to walk away from me.

I stuck my tongue out, pissed. I want Mitsuko-sensei back.

I glance down at the brown bear, sitting like an eager dog watching me.

"Wanna see the village?" I asked, and Yamane jumped up excitedly.

"Ah, ah, wait… sorry little one, people might get scared of a bear…" I squint my eyes, "Erm, how about…" I rub my head, trying to figure out how I hide a bear in plain sight. "If only I could use the transformation technique on you. Eh, but I don't think I can…"

"Oh, I know that jutsu!" Yamane chirped.

I blink slowly, "I'm sorry what?"

Yamane tilted his head, "Well, yea, I have chakra just like you, and I can use ninjutsu too. But bears are supposed to be focused on taijutsu."

"I'M SORRY WHAT?!" I shout as I instantly sit down in front of the cub. "What exactly can a summon do?!"

Yamane giggled, "Lots of stuff! Did you know I can summon you too?"

My mouth dropped open, "You can take me to the Bear dimension? Oh my Kami, please do that someday."

"Well, there's a lot of rules for it! But I can also use chakra just like you." The bear scratched behind its ear, "And also not all bears are aligned with your family, there are other summoners that have a bond with the bears."

I shake my head slowly, "This is insane. Wait, so when did our families form a contract?"

"I don't know. Grandpa talks like we've always been connected."

I reach over and cup the bear's face, "Yamane, I NEED to meet your Grandpa."

The tiny bear seemed to enjoy the attention and nodded, "Sure! I'll tell him. In the meantime, what do you think I should transform into?"

I nod, thinking. Well, a human would be cool but, "A dog is probably best."

After a second, a puff of smoke covered Yamane from view, and suddenly, a little brown puppy was in his place. He let out a yip before wagging his stubby tail. "Oh, I guess I should tell you, any other bear would probably be offended if you asked them to change, but I don't care much."

I nod and grin, "Noted, let's go."

We walk from the training ground and start on the path to the cemetery; in the meantime, I explain to Yamane the concept of burying the dead for humans.

"I never thought of it before," stated the puppy, "We just sort of leave our dead in the forest. Some bears will eat the dead."

I gagged and looked down, "What?"

"Yup!" The baby chirped, totally unaware of how strange that is for a human.

Once we arrived, I introduced Yamane to my Mom's gravesite.

"So, what now?" He asks.

"Um, well, I usually just tell her what's going on, and then I leave. Nothing special… So, Mom, this is Yamane, my summon. I'm trying to learn the slice, but it's hard, and Dad's getting frustrated. Well, I am too. I just can't seem to let my body use as much chakra at one time as I'd like." I push gravel around with my shoe. "And yea, that's it. Usa is good. Naruto is good. Sasuke will be good. Kakashi thinks I'm odd. I'm fighting a Hyūga in a couple weeks. That's kinda it." I sigh and then smile at Yamane. "They're all done."

The bear hummed at me, probably confused at my actions.

"Okay, now where to?" I asked, and Yamane hummed louder.

"Somewhere, fun!" He chirped excitedly.

I racked my brain, and eventually, we walked over to the park, where I let Yamane play on the relatively empty play equipment.

"AH, Gushikan-san!" A voice called, and I was suddenly tackled, well, my legs were tackled. I looked down, surprised, only to find Usagi's friend Amara. I crouched to her level and smiled at her.

"Hello, little Suzuki-san, what are you doing here?" I asked the active child.

"Momma and Daddy like me to play at the park to get strong! I get to go to the academy next year!" She smiled and twirled.

My mouth dropped open, "Suzuki-san, how old are you?"

She giggled again, "I'm five!" She held up five fingers, strangely using two fingers on one hand and three on the other.

"Pardon me, but you are tiny! I thought you were the same age as my brother! I guess you're a little more articulate than him, though." I mutter and think about how my brother can pronounce many words well despite his age.

She giggled, "My Momma says I should be thankful people think I'm young." I laugh at her answer.

I glance over to Yamane, who's watching us intently from the play structure. "Hey Suzuki-san, do you see that doggy over there?"

She looked over and then nodded enthusiastically.

"Well, that doggy is actually my summon and is a bear in disguise. But that's a secret." I held a finger to my lips. "Wanna go play with him? His name is Yamane."

Her eyes shined brightly and nodded hard, "DO I!" She yelled before running straight at the startled bear and dragging him into a game.

I smile and sit down on the bench, I notice Amara's Mom taking a seat on the other side of the bench. She was undoubtedly watching me and her daughter talk from a distance. But surprisingly, she had no comment.

We continued to watch her daughter play for a couple minutes before she broke the silence.

"I hate the Hyūga clan."

I looked up, startled.

"They think they are so much better than us because they have more money and a fancy eye jutsu." Her words were bitter.

I looked down at my rough hands. "They certainly are proud."

"Their head told my husband that he is a subpar ninja who will never accomplish anything for the village."

My blood felt cold as I could feel her blood-lust. For a civilian, this woman is terrifying.

She turned to look at me, a fan in hand that covered her mouth, but her eyes were dark and intense. "Show the Hyūga clan that us minor clans can take them down."

I blink slowly before a grin begins to creep on my face, "For once, I think we agree."

I have never been so shocked to hear a Suzuki admit that they are a minor clan, so she must really be pissed.

We didn't speak for the rest of the hour before the Suzukis' had to head home. Yamane seemed to have a blast with Amara, so all is good with the world.

But I still haven't figured out how to push past my block. I toyed with the idea of seeing my doctor, but that feels dramatic.

I wandered with Yamane to the KIA stone and pointed out my family to the baby bear.

I set my hand on the stone and frowned. "How do I push past this?"

As I stared at my reflection in the shiny rock, it came to me. It hit me right in the face. (not the rock, an idea)

I rushed to the market and bought a bag of apples before sprinting to the training field.

I eagerly picked a short wooden pole and set an apple on top of it.

"What are you doing?" The bear asked, now poofing into its natural form.

"Earlier, I didn't have a goal other than to just get better, but maybe if I have a target, I can use my chakra more effectively," I said with a broad grin.

I took many steps away and closed my eyes to focus on my breathing before staring at nothing but the apple.

1, 2, 3

I slash my katana in one fluid motion but never removing my eyes from the apple.

Once my arm was fully extended, I sheathed the katana at once.

The apple appeared unharmed, but when I walked over and tapped it, it split diagonally.

"YES! YES! HOLY KAMI YES!" I shout, and I spin around.

I had been standing at least a foot and a half with my katana extended normally from the apple. I created a chakra sword that was a foot and a half long!

Of course, my Dad appeared from the shadows like the Anbu he is and clapped.

"Good job, I knew you could do it." He said with a nod. Then he froze, before stepping over to examine the apple further. "Takara… do you realize what you did?"

Fear gripped me, "Uh… I sliced the apple? And you seemed really happy a second ago, so no?"

He turned around to look at me, mouth agape. "Takara… you didn't slice the pole. Only the apple."

I blink and look at the perfectly intact pole. "Yea, that was the goal."

Dad shook his head, "No, you don't get it. Takara, that means that you did not have the chakra blade extended from the moment you pulled it out of the sheath- because if you did, you would have sliced the pole in half. That means that you subconsciously turned your chakra on ONLY when it would connect the apple. To conserve chakra."

I look back at the apple, "Huh, that's neat."

Dad groaned and leaned against the pole, "No Takara that is not "neat" that's insane. That is INSANE chakra control." He angrily grumbled, "Taka, if you didn't have your disability and you had this control all the time, you would literally… I don't know, become a folk tale. I've never seen anyone do that before. How..." He looked exhausted and a little pissed.

I shrugged, "I had a goal, and so I did it."

Dad let out a loud sigh, "Yeah, okay. You only have about two weeks until the chunin exams now. What's next?" His tired voice became way too serious.

The excitement of my hardworking drained out of me, and I began feeling frustrated again.

"I guess Ibiki. Wait! This means I can summon Yamamoto now!" I turn and look at the visibly excited baby bear.

"Not tonight," my Dad cut me off. "You've lost too much chakra. I'll let Ibiki know that your training will begin in a couple days. You have your doctor's appointment to check your hearing tomorrow."

"Nice!" I shout excited to finally have my full hearing again. No more will people surprise me!

I can hear!

The block was finally taken off my ear, and now having my full range of hearing, I couldn't help but appreciate it. No more getting startled when someone walks up on my left!

I sat on my porch after arriving home from the hospital, enjoying the bird noises when I saw a small brown dog trotting up to me.

"You look familiar," I comment to the dog, noticing the thin scroll in its mouth.

"I should hope so!" His voice was surprisingly deep and it shocked me before he dropped the scroll at my feet.

I stare at him a moment before snapping my finger, "OH, you're one of Kakashi's summons." I glance at the scroll and motion to it, "That for me?"

The dog nodded, so I leaned down and picked up the scroll. I unrolled it with ease and started reading. A grin spread across my face.

"A welfare check!" I chirped, "I'll be right back, and then we can leave!" I told the dog before running inside to put on my training clothes and pack some food. I paused while the rice cooked and set some water outside for the dog, which made his tiny tail wag.

After telling Dad I was gonna see Kakashi and Sasuke, he warned me against showing them any of my new moves, and I grumbly agreed.

"Well, I'm probably gonna show them, Yamane… it's not like Naruto hasn't already seen him." I justified to myself before walking out so Dad couldn't argue. With my backpack filled with food containers I felt ready to go.

"Okay, Sir, how long is the run?" I asked the dog as I walked behind him.

"About an hour and a half." He responded as he picked up the pace.

I groaned. Kakashi is insane, that's way too far.

After the long trench through the trees, following the surprisingly fast dog, we came upon a hilly area where a campsite was set up. Sasuke was sitting on a log reading a book but looked up in my direction when I landed.

"Heyo!" I said with a grin and saluted him.

Sasuke let a small grin graced his face, "Hey."

I walked over and sat down next to him after thanking the dog. I began to empty the contents of my backpack and handed him a container with rice balls and cherry tomatoes.

He pulled to top off and started to eat right away, which caused me to falter. "You've been eating, right?"

He shrugged, "Yea, but all we've been eating is miso and Daichi stock with soaked rice."

I froze, "You've been eating miso this whole time? Why?"

Sasuke let out a long, loud sigh, "Apparently miso is Kakashi's favorite too."

My mouth dropped open, "Kakashi!" I shouted, and a second later, our sensei body flicked across from us.

"Yo. Oh, Takara, you're here."

I whip around and look at him, "You like miso too!"

Kakashi faltered, not expecting this conversation. "Uh, yea."

"I love you, sensei!" I yelled as I pulled out my spare thermos of miso soup and handed it to him.

He stared at it for a moment before sighing, "Please stop saying weird things." He popped open the top and looked at the soup, "Thank you, but also why?"

We all sat down for lunch, and after eating to our hearts' desire, Sasuke told me that training had been going really well, although he was careful not to say what he had learned. I told them that I could finally hear again and I've been studying under a variety of people, although I didn't say who.

"Oh, that reminds me! Wanna see one of my new moves?" I said excitedly, standing up.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea." Kakashi sighed, but I waved him off.

"Naruto already saw it, so this just makes it even. Besides, I'm not sure I'll even use it in the exam."

I move to a more open space and use the summon jutsu, just for Yamane to poof to existence as usual.

The little bear looked up at me and chuffed excitedly.

I turn to my silent team and motion to Yamane, "So this is my new friend. His name is Yamane."

Kakashi let out a long chuckle, "Well, I certainly didn't expect that."

Sasuke looked surprised, but there was something darker in his gaze that startled me. After a second, it faded, and he nodded, impressed as well.

"So yea, I made a contract with my Dad's summon. But Yamane is not quite ready for combat. I have to keep working on getting his older brother someday." I looked down at the bear who was curiously looking at my team, "Oh Yamane, this is Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke."

The bear sat down and greeted the two before sniffing and walking over to poke at my bag.

I sigh and pull out some slices of ham for the baby.

"So, I still got a couple of weeks to practice." I sit down with my team again and pat Yamane on the head. "I'm so excited about the exam. Wait till you see everything I really learned!" I enthused loudly.

Kakashi chuckled nervously, "Yea, we will certainly try to be on time. Although Sasuke is the last to go on."

I pause before I look at Kakashi, an angry aura coming over me as I glared at him.

"Sensei…"

Kakashi rubbed the back of his head, "Well, I am usually late."

"Sensei!" I shout, getting uncharacteristically angry. Sasuke just stared down at his food, trying to stay out of this.

I didn't give him a chance to make another excuse, "Sensei, I realize Sasuke is your favorite, trust me is exhaustingly obvious, but you need to support me too!" I was heated.

Kakashi looked a little guilty, and he laughed a little but didn't deny my accusation.

I squint my eyes at the man, "Sensei, if you don't come and see my fight, I'll never forgive you." I said seriously.

Am I serious?

Mmmm, yea, I'm probably serious.

Kakashi sighed, "Yea alright, we will be on time." He looked disappointed like I just took a dramatic entrance from him.

I huffed, "Good! I learned quite a bit, and I wanna show off. You have other students, Sensei." I might have gone too far, but I was feeling really worn out with Kakashi.

I relaxed again, noticing the staring Yamane again. I pet him for a second, and then he poofed away, obviously bored/uncomfortable. "I suppose that any sparing is out of the question, but that makes sense."

Kakashi nodded, and Sasuke finally looked up from his empty plate.

"How many new moves do you have?" Sasuke asked, his tone was strange.

"Hmm, counting Yamane... five, I think." I counted on my fingers.

Sasuke looked stiff as he looked down. I frown at his reaction.

A silence fell over us all, and I knew something felt wrong, but I'm not sure what.

"Well, thanks for lunch Takara, but you should get home and continue your training," Kakashi noted, checking the time.

I frown, I traveled for over an hour just for lunch?

I let out a long sigh and packed up all the containers. "Okay, okay, I get it. Just be prepared because I'm really gonna show you guys up during the exam." I look straight at Sasuke and smirk before holding out a hand. "The next time we see each other, we will be competitors!"

He stared at it for a second before he grabbed it and smirked back.

Then I traveled over an hour back home, annoyed, and also worried.

I'm not scared.

No Gushikan can't feel fear. I know that. But why do I feel so… uncomfortable.

The prison loomed over me. I hadn't been back since, well, since three years ago.

This is so stupid. Why do we have to meet here? The Torture and Interrogation Unit has its own sector in the Intelligence division. A lovely building with air conditioning and zero trauma on my part.

After clenching and unclenching my fists over and over, I finally walk into the prison.

After speaking to the desk lady, I was directed to an office on the same floor. I found it fairly quickly, and when I knocked on the door, it swung open to reveal no one.

Startled, I entered the room and still saw no one, so I sat in the chair across from the desk.

I fumbled with a notebook in my pocket for a minute before I noticed the folder on Ibiki's desk.

Ume Gushikan was printed on it.

I tensed and stared at the folder.

My hand twitches on my thigh.

I lifted my hand a hair but clenched my fist again and hit myself lightly on the thigh.

15 minutes later, and that folder was looking pretty good.

I now had my arms crossed and stared at the folder. Weighing the pros and cons of opening it. Could I make sure he didn't know I looked? Why is it even there? What info could they have that I possibly don't already know anyway?

Another five minutes rolled around, and I had my head in my hands as I had horrible flashbacks to that day. The whining noise in my ears after the explosion. The pool of blood around us. The empty look in her eyes as I-

I couldn't even hear all of her last words! Shit.

I withered in my seat.

They had cameras, didn't they? Do they know what her last words were? IS IT IN THAT FILE?

My head sprung up, and my hand was wavering right above the file, I'm shaking.

I pull my arm back and slap myself across the face hard. Finally crossing my arms and closing my eyes.

I let out a long sigh.

Finally, I heard footsteps as Ibiki entered the room. We looked at each other, and he grinned at me.

"So, how was it?"

I blink tiredly, "What?"

He walks over and sits down in his large chair, before opening the file and pouring blank papers across his desk. "You were quite animated to watch, and I'm impressed by your resolve."

I groan loudly, "Of course it was a test, of course, it was."

He let out a hearty chuckle. "So Takara, what is it that you want to learn from me?"

My body was exhausted from being tense for 20 minutes, "Can you just teach me how to… like psychologically abuse someone, like you just did to me?"

He grinned at me, "Yes, yes, I can."

I left Ibiki's office hours later with a mountain of studying and an understanding of reading one's body language

Working with Ibiki is 100% different from Dad or Mitsuko, just based on the fact that Ibiki never once made me do a jutsu. Instead, we focused entirely on psychology, leading the witness, and reading a person.

And yes, I learned how to pick a person's fear/insecurity/guilt apart and slowly destroy them with it.

"For example, you're fighting a lessor branch Hyūga, so he's probably resentful, angry, and insecure about his position. Maybe he wants to prove to everyone that he is more than a lesser branch." Ibiki said, flipping through a textbook.

"You have no idea how correct you are." I mumble, "Although Neji seems to have narcissistic tendencies."

Ibiki looked up with a grin, "Ah, then there you go. Go after his failures and destroy his confidence to throw him off. Prove to him that he is not a special snowflake, and he'll crumble under stress."

I frown, "How so?"

Ibiki walked over to a whiteboard, "If he is a narcissist, then he will be the one to bring up how hard he's worked and describe how you are under him."

I laugh a little, "I can almost guarantee that will happen."

He grinned at me, "Then start with playing into his troubles, relate to him."

I nod, trying to figure out how I'll relate to Neji of all people.

"Then, after relating with him, hit him with the fact you're better than him. Shatter his insecurities by showing that he is not the only human in the world. In a society of ninja's, he is not the main character. That will throw him, and if you're lucky, it will take him off his game. If possible, remind him of his failures, and his bad actions." Ibiki wrote all of that on the board.

I chew my lip, "This feels kinda mean."

I've never heard that man laugh so much.

"Oh Takara, if this guy is as strong as you say, then mentally ruining him could be your shot. Don't be afraid to use your Kekki Genkai against him, either. Besides, I thought you want this position someday?"

I flush, "Yea okay, I see your point.

I studied with Ibiki for days on end until a week had passed. I had continued to practice my new moves before and after my meetings with Ibiki, but suddenly only a week was left before the tournament.

My Dad stood in front of me, arms crossed, looming over me, "Today is the day, curly top."

I grin at him and take a couple steps back and do the hand symbols, my mind focused on bringing a large bear into the world.

"Summon!" I shouted as I pressed my hands to the ground, a giant poof of smoke appeared. Much larger than usual.

As the smoke disappeared, a giant bear stood on its hind legs staring down at me. It was about five feet tall, Its fur was reddish-brown, and its eyes were like obsidian.

"Yamamoto?" I asked, a broad smile on my face.

The bear scoffed and landed on all fours, "Took long enough, Gushikan."

My final week was spent reviewing my new moves and making sure I had perfected them. It's safe to say I was feeling quite cocky.

I found myself training late into the nights, and that's where I was three days before the exam, and face to face with Gaara.

I had just dismissed Yamamoto when I heard branches cracking underfoot. Purposely, of course, no ninja would make the mistake of walking on branches.

Turning slowly, I see the preteen just standing there, less than 10 feet away.

We stared at each other for what felt like minutes before I tilted my head and smiled at him.

"Hey," I said but didn't bother to move any closer.

'This could be bad. Wait shit, this could be really bad. Gaara is supposed to kill someone before the exams.' Conscience mutters worriedly in my ear, but I just ignored them as per usual.

I know what is supposed to happen at the exam, and that Gaara is a part of it, although he is tricked. Conscience and I had that long talk a while back about just this.

He seemed to give me a small nod in response.

We remained silent for what felt like several minutes before the awkward silence started to get to me.

I let out a loud sigh and walked to the side to sit on top of one of the short poles. My back had been turned to him for a few seconds, and truthfully it had been a long time since my heart pounded that loud.

Gaara didn't bother to sit down but took a couple steps closer.

"Have you trained much these days?" I asked, but he shook his head. Makes sense, the sand ninja way out of league for us leaf ninja.

I close my eyes for a moment, enjoying the warm wind. When I opened my eyes, Gaara had moved to the pole next to me and was leaning against it.

"You okay?" I said softly.

"I don't know. I'm confused." Gaara said in his raspy voice, almost as though he never gets to talk.

I hum, "How so?"

"So, it was my Father?" He said, his voice was becoming strained and angry.

I nodded, "That's the theory Kankuro has."

The silence wafted over us again.

"You missed a lot." I joked lightly

He nodded, "You didn't miss much."

I frown at his words, but I couldn't help but be a little on guard.

I ran a hand through my matted sweaty hair, "I have a baby brother."

Gaara moved to sit on the pole, "You mentioned that when we ran into each other at the start."

I let out a chuckle, "My Mom was murdered too." I don't use the "m" word often, and I'm not sure why I'm using it here. It just felt right in the heart of this moment.

I heard a clattering sound, and I see that Gaara had lost his balance for a second but righted himself.

"You okay?" I question with a smile, and he nods, a loss for words. "It happened three years ago when my brother was born. I'll leave the gory details out, but my brother and I have the same birthday."

"I'm sorry for your loss." He said quietly.

I thanked him. And after another moment of silence, I burst into laughter, startling Gaara.

"Oh, my Kami, this is insane. We were fairly close for a few months when we were like eight, and now it just feels so weird. I'm so sorry Gaara I really don't know anything about you. And I was so pushy when I was a kid, forcing you to talk to me." I let out a long breath and smiled at him.

Gaara looks at the ground and shakes his head, "You were the first person to ever help me that wasn't a sibling. You are the only person. We were young, but your dumb honesty made me… happy? I think that's why I was so able to tell you about my uncle."

I fell silent, yea, his crazy uncle. Forgot about that.

"I'm not sure this is the time for us to be becoming friends again, we will probably end up fighting in a couple days." I chirped, but I judged his reaction, and as I thought, he looked disturbed before seemingly remembering the exams.

I lean back, "Gaara is there something you're hiding?"

He didn't look at me.

"I think you're right, we should save this for after." Gaara said before he stood up, facing away from me.

I stood up too but didn't move to stop him. "Gaara, when it's over, let's get Miso Soup! Don't worry, I'll forgive you no matter what." I grinned, but he was still facing away from me.

He seemed frozen in his steps, "Don't say you'll forgive me. Goodbye, Takara Gushikan."

And he left in a sprinkle of sand.

I stared at his spot for a moment before sighing. My fears have only been confirmed.

The Konoha Crush is real.

I woke up with urgency on the day of the chunin exams. My small brother was clinging to my shirt as he sobbed loudly.

I instantly wrapped my arms around him and brought him close, underneath my warm blankets. I didn't say anything, I was still reeling from my own nightmare.

Suddenly my door creaked open, and Dad, still in his own pjs, glanced at us. He looked tired.

Today is the day we have been worried about. Hopefully, in the end, we will feel silly, but the worst-case scenario is Orochimaru is here.

Dad came into the room and sat on the edge of the bed until Usa, and I both drifted off to sleep again.

I woke up again four hours later and pried myself from my brother to make breakfast. I dressed- careful to make sure there were no stains on my clothes. I ironed my family bandana before securing it on my arm. Today is the day to show that our clan is still in this race.

When I finished making breakfast, I peered in the living room to see Dad polishing Balance. Usagi sat next to him, watching him intently.

"Taka-onee is gonna fight today." My baby brother told our Dad.

Dad nodded at his words as he raised the katana up to check for knicks.

Usagi frowned as he stared at the split blade, "Taka-onee is gonna win!" he exclaimed, only causing Dad to chuckle.

"Dad, are you gonna fight too?" Usa asked, tilting his head and stared at our Dad.

Dad seemed to hesitate in his motions, "I hope not to." He answered simply, but it still hurt my chest. He promised he wouldn't.

The breakfast might've tasted good, but I can't taste anything for the life of me.

When the time came, the three of us walked over to the arena, Dad wearing his civilian clothes to prove to me that he's not gonna do anything.

The three of us paused outside of the gated doors that lead to the arena. I set a hand on Balance to remind myself that I have everything I need. I have a full stock of kunai and shuriken. I know all of my hand signs forwards and backward. I have a plan for almost anything that could happen today, including the Konoha Crush. In terms of battle preparedness, I am fully ready to kick some ass.

The only thing hanging me up is… well, is if the terrorist attack really is going to happen today. While my baby brother is in the arena. I know Dad will protect Usagi with his life, and he swore to me that he will put our family over the Hokage for the first time ever. But I'm still uneasy for some reason. Hell, Dad doesn't even have his katana's on him! I mean, he could still summon them but whatever.

I bite my lip. Is the Hokage really going to die today? Dad warned him so many times. Could this really… be it?

I have to stop thinking about it, or I'll go insane. I need to live in the now, and right now, my Dad and brother are watching me have a silent internal battle.

I sigh and relax my tense muscles. "Be careful today, you two." I smiled a little bit.

Dad nodded and set a hand on my shoulder, "I expect you to make our clan proud today. But also remember, I'd rather you come home a failure than in a casket."

I nod, as I understand my place in this scenario. I must bring the public's attention back to our clan, pushing us into the light, not the darkness where we currently reside.

Usagi jumps forward and hugs my knees, he's lungs are acting up today, so he's wearing a face mask- but he is still cute.

"Good luck, Taka-oneechan!"

I bend over and pick him up to give him a big hug, before twirling around to make him giggle. After a minute of that, I toss his smiling form into Dad's capable hands.

"I'll do my very best!" I salute my family and wave goodbye as I walk through the gate.

Usagi is waving with both of his hands, and Dad is standing there with a small smile on his face.

He sure put me through Hell with all that training, but it paid off.

As I entered the arena, I could feel my breath leave me. There are a lot of people here.

I got in line with everyone, only for Shikamaru to ask me where my dumb team is.

"That's a great question!" I said, sweating in worry for them and anger at sensei.

Just as the gate was closing, Naruto slipped through, seemingly having had a whole adventure this morning.

When I tell you I am fuming that Sasuke and Kakashi aren't here yet, I am steamed in anger.

We stood in line as the opening lines were addressed. Blah blah blah, ninja strong, fight right.

And then finally, It was just Neji and me, alone in the arena. I don't even remember everyone else leaving. I was just suddenly making intense eye contact with this boy.

He looks cocky.

That's too bad, I am too.

Author's Note:

Happy quarantine! Hope you're excited for the next chapter. Place your bets in the comments of who will win!

Thank you and have a nice day!

-ToL