Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or it's characters; that right belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Nor do I own Inuyasha or its characters; thar right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

Author's Note: This little short is done with 10 word prompts. The word is listed before the section so that no one can say they are confuzzled by it.

Number 01: Idiot

He stood there, starting a bit dumbfounded at the raven-haired girl. His mind was refusing to believe what he was told. It was something that no one, not even his father or family members, had told him. So as his black eyes stared at the now retreating back of the raven-haired girl, he felt the first tinges of anger building in his chest. All while his mind began to rant about how that girl had the right to call him a prodigy genius, an idiot of all things. With a soft growl, he promised himself that he would get out of her, her reason for calling him that.

Turning on the ball of one foot, he strode through the group of girls and a few male students at the academy that followed him everywhere — ignoring the hushed angered whispering from them. They had no right to be offended by what the girl said when it was directed at himself. Besides, he did not once ask for his fellow students to fawn over him. Even if he was the heir to the Uchiha clan, Itachi wanted to find any information on the girl that he could. Information that could help him get the girl to spill when he interrogated her.

Number 02: Break

Standing there, Itachi stared wide-eyed in disbelief as the hair on the back of his neck stood on end, his skin rose into subtle bumps as pain seared through him. Watching as a group of people dressed in orange and purple robes rushed out of the academy's yard. Everything seemed to be going in slow motion. It had been four months since his first interaction with the raven-haired girl in his class, and he had learned she was named Kagome Higurashi. And she was a very complex and stubborn female. To boot, he was unable to get the reasoning out of her, even after his 'fan club' asked her if she even knew who he was. Her response left him speechless as he had just watched her get up and walk away.

How the hell could a person not care who he was or what he stood for and give the response, "Yes, and Idiot." When others started in, he had just narrowed his eyes and walked away from the girl. Since then, any and every encounter had been, well borderline explosive with a mix of words and tempers. And at some point, he had started to search her out. No longer angry with her, but slightly perplexed and confused. For she didn't give a damn about who he was, or which clan he came from. Hell at one point, the girl, Kagome, had bluntly stood up and told him to his face, that he was human and to get over himself.

But earlier today, things had come to ahead. Coming in and seeing the results of the exams posted and Itachi ranked second once more and leaving a bitter taste in his mouth, as outraged comments and cries from those behind him. He had gone out to enjoy some quiet for lunch, or as best he could with his fellow students following him, only to find Kagome sitting on the tree branch that he usually sat in. A book in her hands as she read, seemingly oblivious to him below her staring up her. Deciding that being petulant about her being there was a waste of his time and effort, he sat down on the soft grass under the tree.

It had been only minutes when the others gathered around, and the situation blew out of proportion. They began to speak rudely to her, to which she had only replied that 'his name was not on the branch, so first come first served.' And she was right. Before he could say or even react, Itachi caught in his peripherals a small elongated object flying towards Kagome. Only to hear a startled shriek after a sickening squelch as the object had hit her. Looking up, things seemed to go in slow motion as he stood up, to see her tilt to the side as a strange lilac-colored chakra burst from her body as something broke inside her as she fell. Though it didn't explain why his body was reacting the way it was.

Number 03: Vanished

Three months have come and gone since that day, and there was no sign of Kagome. At first, Itachi relished in the stubborn woman being gone and not having all the drama that came with her being around. But after a while, he found that life at the academy was turning monotonous. The teachers never said anything about the incident, and his fellow students seemed to act as if she was never there. And in all honesty, he found it rather dull. Leaving Itachi to feel as if something was not right.

Though he didn't bother to ask anyone around about it since they all seemed to be hush-hush on it, it didn't mean that he left it alone. No, in fact, he used his ability to be stealthy and gather information to his benefit. Because there was no way that a person could vanish as if they never existed. And he had been right. The thought brought a small, dark smirk to his normally stoic face. He was having overheard some talking of the teachers about the curious raven-haired girl the day before. Already he was placing the Intel into the mystery to help form a better picture.

He knew her name was Kagome Higurashi, Age still unknown. She had been attending the academy learning the history and such subjects; on top of the basics, all who would become Ninja did. That she was the second daughter to the head monk of the local shrine. Making Kagome a Shrine Maiden, something he was not too familiar with. Hell, Itachi wasn't even aware that Konoha had a Shrine to the gods, to begin with. But what he had overheard yesterday was that she would not become back to the academy to be a Ninja. Not after what had happened, that they felt it was a shame to lose someone with such potential, but her talents now lay in another area. Though nothing much more was said except that she would still receive a bit of training to help her learn some control at one of the training grounds.

And that was what was important since he was now feeling curious about why she was no longer allowed to be at the academy and why she needed to learn more control.

Number 04: borborygmus

Noun - a rumbling or gurgling noise made by the movement of fluid and gas in the intestines.

Two years had come and gone leaving him nine years of age as he sat there hidden up in the tree — a small break from his missions. Black eyes trained on the person down in the training field. Practicing archery of all things archaic. But there was no denying the perfect form and grace that was displayed each time they pulled an arrow, notched it, and drew the bow back. Their aim was precise as they sighted along the arrow and released it. Each one flew true and hit the center of the target.

Ever since finding out which training ground and watching the girl, Itachi started to realize that she was like him in a way. That she held herself apart from others, but unlike him didn't have a clan name to make her stand out. No instead, she just liked her solitude. The first time he had seen her practicing, he almost got caught by her as he choked on his laughter when she snapped the bowstring on her leather-clad wrist. The arrow fell to the ground, only to have Kagome stomps her foot and curse like some of his elders after a particularly long patrol day. She had a very colorful language that he was sure she was not supposed to have as a shrine maiden. More-so when she was taken to task for it by her instructor who was wearing the orange and purple robes.

Since then, he had seen her progress. But it was what he saw at that moment that made it worth it. That strange lilac-colored chakra surrounded her body as she pulled the empty bowstring back. She was focusing so entirely that it flowed down her arms and formed into an arrow itself. Sucking in a breath as he saw her breath as she raised the bow a bit, drawing the string back. Each time he had seen her do this, it took his breath and set his nerves on edge. He couldn't help it; she seemed so ethereal — the sheer look of focused concentration as she stayed centered so she would hit her mark. The color of the chakra she used was not standard either. Itachi had done a lot of research on chakra, which he could see clearly with his Sharingan. But as he looked at her for the flow of her chakra and what type of Jutsu she was using, nothing ever was revealed. In fact, even with the information, he found absolutely nothing.

Just as she was readying herself, by shifting her feet to exhale and release the chakra based arrow, Itachi felt his eyes go wide. His stomach decided right then and there to rumble loudly, reminding him that he had not eaten since last night, having opted to skip breakfast. Wanting to see her practice early this morning, after overhearing the conversation the last time she was on the training field with her instructor. Flushing a bit red as he pulled his body to the side, feeling a bead of sweat trickle down the back of his neck as the arrow buried itself into tree right where his head had been just a second before. Only to drag his gaze back to Kagome as laughter filled the air.

Frowning as she stared at his hiding spot, blue eyes sparkling with mirth. Figuring since she shot at him, he should climb down and be visible to him. Glancing to the side to get one more look at the arrow, Itachi blinked a bit when he saw it was not there — shaking his head as he jumped down and looked as if he didn't care as he continued to watch as she tried to reign in her laughter at him — and failing spectacularly from what he was seeing. As he just arched an eyebrow at her. This could prove to be either disastrous or beneficial for him.

Number 05: Nevermore

Standing next to his parents, holding his younger brother Sasuke's hand as they mounted the stairs leading up to the shrine. It was not the first time he had been there in the last two years. But it was the first time coming with his family and for a New Years Celebration. There had been a bit of a fuss being made about receiving an invitation, along with the other clan heads of Konoha. A rare showing for all of them to be in one place at the same time since he knew that the relations between them were not the best.

Shoving all thoughts out of his head as they crested the top step and let his eyes roam around. He was looking for Kagome. To see if he could get more information about what was happening from her. As well as finally introduce Sasuke to her, since she had her own younger brother around the same age. After the initial scan, he didn't see her. He was deciding to wait, instead of asking one of the monks rushing around with the final preparations. Since his interactions and if he had to label it, friendship was not known to anyone. Something she had asked him politely while using him as target practice for fun, not to mention.

He was staying close to his parents as the man politely to talk with the other clan heads. He was trying to keep Sasuke from falling asleep since the moon was rising higher into the sky. As the thing would start at the stroke of midnight to help usher in the new year. He was breathing out, watching his breath turn into a small cloud of condensation. Only to pause when Tasugi Higurashi, the head monk, and father to Kagome came out and announced that it would be starting. Leaning down, he picked up Sasuke, who was barely staying awake, which was impressive since he was only five years of age.

The moment a poignant chord was struck on the Japanese harp, some of the monks had before them. Itachi felt as if his eyes about popped out of his head. From the shadows of the prayer, shrine stepped Kagome. Dressed head to toe in a layered white kimono with what looked to be a stylized sakura flower in red on the left sleeve and bottom left corner of the garment. Her hair elaborately pulled up in a bun, with pale white and red chopsticks holding her raven locks in place. Her eyes outlined in black coal with vivid red eyeshadow drawn across her eyelids and under them, while her lips glistened a deep pink of Rogue.

Her steps were measured and full of confidence and grace.

The moment she came to a stop, Itachi saw a small smile twitched at the edge of her lips as her eyes met his for a brief second. Then the Monks began to play an odd tune, to which she began to move, her arms moving out only to stop as her hand flicked open folded fans that he had not noticed that she had been holding as the sleeves of the kimono effectively hid them. From there, she danced to the tune, her body wasting no movement or energy. The muscle control she showed was beyond anything he could believe she was capable of since she was usually very klutzy.

When the last note echoed in the air and faded away, Itachi narrowed his eyes as he saw the pale lilac nimbus surrounding her. The faint whispers of those gathered at what they saw as he watched Kagome bow at the waist and excused herself. Unsure why it caused such a reaction from the color of her chakra. He was looking over to his father as he talked to the twin of the head of the Hyuga clan about it. He was barely catching what was being said, before deciding that he should go and find Kagome herself. It was time for him to get his answers.

Making his way towards where he saw her disappear, Itachi was stopped by none other than his clan member Shisui. Seeing the look of wonder in his eyes as he stared at him. He was shrugging his shoulders before they both silently agreed with a look to find her. Though, if he was, to be honest, he didn't want Shisui to be near her.

Number 06: Destiny

Pausing briefly to look back at the place he had called home for all of his thirteen years of life. Now he was a criminal of the worst kind. Having made his choice to stop the potential outbreak of another Ninja War, he chose to slaughter his whole clan under secret orders of the Sandime and the Elders, with the exception of his brother. Who they had given their word would be protected. Turning and darting forward to meet up with a person he had met a few days prior. An ancestor, he thought long dead. To start on his new mission from the Sandime. He was infiltrating an organization as a member.

Not having gone much further than when he stopped for one last look at his village, Itachi became wary. There, in the middle of the road, was someone standing still and looking at the sky. He did not get a feeling of malice from them. But no one should be traveling the road at this hour of the night. Slowing down, to creep up on them, using the forest alongside the way, he became very still and getting close enough to make out just who it was standing there — a pack on their back, with an unstrung bow on top of it.

He was feeling his gut bottom out as he stepped from the safety of the woods, just as they turned to look directly at him. Blue eyes were shining brightly in humor as they pinned him to the ground where he stopped — causing Itachi to frown. There was no explanation for why she was there. No one but the Sandime, Village Elders, and that obnoxious Danzo knew what had gone down. Narrowing his eyes as he stepped closer, Itachi wanted to know just what she was doing there, packed like she was leaving the village.

He paused when he was but a foot from her, seeing in the depths of her eyes, a pained sadness, wisdom, and resolution he knew would mean no good. As her lips pressed into a thin line, showing, she was about to be stubborn. Six years of knowing her, he had a good grasp on just what she could be like when an idea got into her head — giving a shake of his head before turning and continuing. Mouth moving to ask her what was going on — groaning mentally as his frown deepened as he heard her reply.

Though something told him that she wasn't telling him the whole truth, but decided to leave it. He is already deciding to ditch her at the first chance. There was no way he'd draw her down the path of darkness and blood he chose to walk. Even if she claimed she was going to forge her path of destiny. She was the light to his bleak darkness. And like with his brother, he would not taint her. Protecting her and the warmth she had shed in his life was necessary. Besides, having her with him when he met up with Madara would be wrong. More-so if Madara knew she was a holy person.

Number 07: Ebon (a poetic version of Ebony)

Pain seared through his body, leaving him awash in a black abyss and floating as it wracked his body. There had been no other choice, but to use that particular Jutsu. It was something he had been learning from his ancestor Madara. The strain it puts on his body was nothing to sneer at. Mostly because his body was already in a weakened state, and he had just gotten over having a viscous chest cold that had left him very weak. But the mission came first and foremost. He was trusting Juzu to do what was needed.

Though nothing in the world was perfect, something always had to go wrong at the last second. So had he lay there, drifting in and out of consciousness, Itachi tried to remain aware of his surroundings. It was tough when he felt the ebon fires of Amaterasu swam through his veins — making him feel as if he was burning in the fires of hell from the inside out. Time was no longer of consequence as he mentally wished he was dead. The damn jutsu also seemed to affect his eyesight directly. As the last thing, he recalled before blacking out was his vision fading as the feel of something thick spilling down his cheeks, and he knew for a fact it was not torn.

He was groaning softly as he tried to pry his eyes open, hating that they felt glued shut as voice filtered in. He recognized the deep one as his partner. But the softer toned one he couldn't place as words danced across his mind. Trying to place why it sounded so familiar as he slipped back under, letting the pain and blackness envelop him.

Time seemed ephemeral; each time he seemed to gain consciousness, Itachi heard those two voices talking. The words spoken started to stand out as they continued in hushed whispers as if to not disturb. As he finally recognized the second voice and felt confused. There was no way that person could be there. It was impossible; they were supposed to be at the base, safe, and sound under the watchful eye of Pein. Staying still, eyes still refusing to open as he listened in on the conversation, hoping to learn something.

"I know what you are. Help him."

"...I can't."

"Bullshit, Kagome. With … the talent you have, you can."

"I...Juzu... I am unable too."

The soft tone, mixed with sadness, made him cringe internally. He hated to hear the usually bright, cheery, and bubbly girl like this. Juzu knew it too. So it made him curious as to why Juzu was stressing her out so bad. Feeling his body tense as he continued to listen, he tried his best to let his body relax.

"Why not? Are your feelings so shallow? You're his friend, do something."

"If I did Juzu... it'd be purification... you should know what that means...to him and any with a Kekkei Genkai."

At her words, Itachi wanted to ask what she meant as a low hiss from Juzu was heard before the man mumbled something less than pleasant. Only to have the room go quiet once more. At that, he let himself be carried back into the black abyss of sleep. Unaware of the bed dip down next to him as someone crawled next to him. He is not hearing the soft, smothered sob that came from the person as a small hand came up to brush the damp hair from his face while the room's only other occupant watched on in silence.

Number 08: Fearless

He mentally groaned as he listened to Pein and Konan, telling him he had a new partner. Since the loss of Juzu, he'd been fine on his own. Even though he knew that he would be getting another one since they always worked in pairs. But what was getting his goat right now was the fact that they did not have the forethought to keep this man here to meet him. No, they let him go into the base with everyone here for once. But most importantly, he didn't want an incident to occur with one person that resided in the base at all times.

Tossing the photo of the man back at his leader, he just looked blankly at him and showing nothing, which seemed to make Pein amused as Madara stepped out from the shadows. A smirk pulling at the corners of Madara's lips as a sinking feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. So without a word, he spun on the ball of one foot and did his best to not run from the room.

As he made his way down towards the common area, he heard the voices of everyone else. Just as he heard Hidan's shouting at the top of his lungs. The words made Itachi clench his teeth and grind them. Not having to look behind him, knowing that Pein, Konan, and Madara were already following him as he darted around the corner just in time to go still and wide-eyed at what was before him. It was like watching two cars crashing into each other, as time seemed to slow down.

As he saw Kagome blinked wide blue eyes up at his new partner, Kisame, before looking behind her to Hidan, who looked pissed as he started to catch up. Only to see her mouth move as she mouthed 'sorry' to a shocked Kisame as he looked down at the small, petite female just as she gave a wicked smile of pure deviance. One hand sliding up the shark-man's chest while the other curled into the waist of his belted pants as she dipped and thrust her shoulder into the man's abs. Grimacing as he watched her shoulder hit hard into the man's abs as he showed shock on his face as Kagome judo flipped over her shoulder with her momentum and surprise.

The flash of triumph in her eyes as she looked at him, letting him know that she was fully aware of him and the three behind him. As her hands let go of Kisame, sending the man sailing over her, feet first into a horrified Hidan. Who went down under Kisame's sandal feet to the ground with the said man now partially on top of him. Both men groaning from the contact with the floor as Itachi let his wide-eyed gaze follow Kagome, who half skipped and half danced to Kakuzu. A single hand out to the man, who seemed to glare down at her.

He was shaking his head when the man handed her a huge wad of cash. Of which she rapidly counted through as a soft feminine chuckle came from behind him. All while Kagome took a third of her 'winning's' handed them back to Kakuzu before standing on her tippy toes and gave the man a brief kiss on the cheek. The blush that appeared on the cold man's face would forever be burned into his memory. As Kagome walked over to Kisame, knelt, apologized once more, handing him a few bills and telling Hidan he had to eat whatever dessert she decided to make for dinner.

That sinking feeling he had had earlier came back with a vengeance. Kagome had a severe sweet tooth that left many of the Akatsuki with a tummy ache. Soon she was skipping down the hall, singing at the top of her lungs as if nothing in the world had just happened.

"Who the hell was that!?"

Walking over to a now righted Kisame, Itachi knelt as a chorus of voices spoke up and giving her name before she could, as Hidan spat out the word 'Fearless.' His voice laced with disdain and mortification. While Itachi began to calmly explain that she was someone you didn't mess with if he didn't want to be killed. To which everyone chimed in agreement, speaking volumes to just how much influence that little raven-haired woman had with her random effect on those around her.

Number 09: Ameliorate

Verb - make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better.

Horror filled him. That was what could be said as he stood there staring down into full, glassy blue eyes — the complete and utter horror. There was no right way to fight this and make it go away. This situation was already bad to begin with. He had to go on an extended mission, back to both of their homes of Konoha. He had figured like with any mission he went on; she would be fine. Not the fact that she would have flat out hysterics over it. That and the fact the fine hairs on the back of his neck and arms were standing up again. He knew what it was now. And it did not bode well.

But what was taking him and nailing his feet to the floor was the stuff falling from her lips. The admissions she just gave him. A lot of it cold hard facts, facts that she was well aware of what was going on with him. Had been for a long time. But it was what came after all that left him staring down at her face as the first tears began to fall.

He was now eighteen years old, having known the girl, no woman before him for the better part of eleven years now. And she had been right when she threw all of that in his face just now. Glancing to the side to see Kisame just standing there looking like this was common knowledge. Turning his head slightly to look at the others gathered, Sasori and Deidara, Pein, and Konan. None of them seemed as shocked as he was about the confession he got from Kagome.

Letting his gaze go down again to Kagome, he saw the tears still falling down her flushed pale face. But the look on it had morphed from anger to mortification. Her own words were dawning in her mind as he watched her step back from him — panic filling those blue eyes as she turned to bolt. Itachi reached out and grasped a wrist as it flung back towards him. Catching it, he gave a soft tug that had her turning to face him.

At that moment, he realized there was no band-aid to fix this as pain swept through him in a light wave. Her eyes shifted from blue to lilac as whatever power she had kept hidden swept through her. A nimbus was encompassing her body in a halo that made her look ethereal, as her body began to lift from the floor. The gasp of shock and pain from those around him spurred him into motion as he felt his body scream from the burst of her power.

Gathering her now stiff body into his arms as his nerves flared up like they had when he had first used Amaterasu. All he knew was that he needed to get her away from everyone there because staying there would expose precisely what she was. And that would only cause more problems since he had learned she was a priestess and had this power. Madara and the others would want to use her to help gather the jinchuuriki and bijuu.

Number 10: Flood

It had been days. He had taken her to the one place in the base that was safe, where no one but him and Kisame could enter. All thanks to the still sleeping Kagome. She had created fuda that worked as a barrier in the small room that Sasori had used his sand to dig out. There were no windows or vents. And it was connected to his bedroom via the bathroom. A haven for his little friend when he was gone if she needed to release the power of reiki she held within her tiny body.

Feeling worried, flood his mind and body, leaving him drained as he looked up from where he lay on the bed, holding his child friend against him. There stood Kisame, who looked agitated and suspicious. There had been a few flare-ups. Which were harmful to the man. Burning his flesh and peeling it away while his sword Samehada seemed to love to feed off of it, which was odd since it was not chakra in the usual sense. Each day was a waiting game they had to play for her to wake up and look at them with that same sweet smile on her lips.

And when she did, he had a lot of things he had to tell her. A lot of things to make up for, because he would go out and complete this mission. And the one he set in motion all those years ago, when he slaughtered his clan and let his brother live — making him into the weapon that would eventually end him and hopefully stop Madara's ultimate plan in the long run. It was a long shot, one that was being taken in the dark. But with his body weak and him dying. But now he had a chance to go out knowing that the feelings he had always secretly harbored were not only reciprocated, but she'd be aware of how he felt for better or worse.

THE END!