Naruto Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Returning Legacy ❯ 'Gasp!' You're back?!? ( Chapter 2 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Hi again!! Hmm ok well this is like a filler chapter, mostly some information packed in, you pretty much just get to see the relationships and bonds Kagome made during her time before she left Konoha. There is some action, just a little I guess. It depends on what you call action, eh. Well nough talkie(or typie)… read, enjoy, and review please!!

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Disclaimer: Inuyasha and Naruto equals not mine `tear'

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--Returning Legacy of a Hidden Village--

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Warnings: Cussing and Sakura bashing, click the top `x' button right at the top right corner if you don't like it.

Timeframe: After the Third was killed and Tsunade was made Hokage. I don't know how the graduation system in the academy worked, but lets say Team 7, 8, and 10 graduated at twelve. Kagome left for three years and came back when she was fifteen and it was after everything happened with the chuunin exams. Chuunin exams are every year, but let's say they skipped taking them for like two years cause they were busy on a mission… or something.

Oh and I'm not going to go along with the plotline of Naruto… I'm just gonna go my own direction because what I have planned doesn't fit in with the timeline.

Sorry for the confusion this will cause, but hey I'm not a pro at this so just give me a break. :)

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--Kagome's Thoughts—

#Naruto's Thoughts#

/Sasuke's Thoughts/

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--Ages--

Kagome: 15

Naruto: 15

Sasuke: 15

Sakura: 15

Kakashi: 26

Jiraiya: 43

Tsunade: 41

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--`Gasp' You're back!?!--

Last time:

Kagome's smirk grew. “I missed eating ramen with you and playing pranks on the unsuspecting residents of Konoha. Oh but I bet Kakashi was at least happy about one thing when I went away… me and you paired up on the same team would have been a nightmare for him.” Kagome started to snicker when she thought of the silver jonin she was familiar with.

Naruto laughed and shook his head at her, but agreed.

A voice sounded out throughout the roof, breaking up their little reunion.

“Awhhh, what about us Kagi-chan? I thought you loved us too… don't tell me you forgot everyone else you left behind? I'm pretty sure we all missed you too and want a hug.”

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This time:

All heads whipped toward the voice.

Kakashi and Jiraiya walked up together to the four teenagers. Kakashi was the one who spoke.

“Kakashi-kun!! Jiraiya-sensei!!” Kagome exclaimed excitedly. She gently slipped out of Naruto's embrace and ran towards the two adults.

Naruto grinned softly at her excitement, but couldn't help feel a tad empty when she pulled out of their hug.

When Kagome reached them she jumped on Kakashi and gave him a big hug. He wrapped his arms around her and propped her up.

“Wow Kakashi-kun!!...” she trailed off

Kakashi smiled at her, the creases showing from under his mask and his only evident eye crinkling, and gestured for her to continue.

Kagome smirked at him. “You've gotten kinda old since the last time I've seen ya! The silver hair isn't helping either; people probably think you're an old man when they see you.” She commented, the amusement in her tone proving she was just playing around.

Kakashi sweatdropped at what she said, not expecting that to be the first thing she said when they met again, but chuckling nervously anyways.

Jiraiya laughed heartily at Kakashi, Naruto joining in.

Sasuke just smirked and Sakura just looked bored and jealous at Kagome.

Kagome turned to look at Jiraiya when he started laughing, and her smirk grew. “And what are you laughing at pervy sage? The same goes for ya too… ya look like you could be my gramps.”

Jiraiya stopped his laughter the second she said `pervy sage' and mock glared at her.

Kagome just gave him an innocent smile with wide puppy dog eyes. The spitting image of the perfect angel. “Oh ya know I love yah Jiraiya-kun.” She teased, leaning over to him and giving a one-armed hug, while still being held up by Kakashi.

“It's nice seeing you guys again, and yes I missed you and no I didn't forget ya guys either, I mean how could I seriously forget you two? I've been mentally scarred for the rest of my life with your perversion; I just hope it doesn't rub off on me or anything.” She shuddered

Jiraiya grinned at her as Kakashi started chuckling softly himself, along with Sasuke. Naruto's laughter just increased in intensity and volume, he even had tears coming out because it was too much.

Kagome turned to Naruto and snickered at what she saw. “Geeze Naru-kun, tone it down a bit and breathe… you're gonna die of laughter. I can see it now, `Konoha's Number One Hyperactive Knucklehead Ninja Dies of Laugh Attack'.” She shook her head. “So not the way to go.”

That didn't help one bit, it only caused Naruto to go into another bout of hysterics.

Sasuke rolled his eyes at Naruto's antics. He walked towards Kagome, Kakashi, and Jiraiya, passing Naruto on the way. When he walked past him he `accidentally' bumped into him, muttering “Dobe...” on the way.

Naruto stopped his laughing in a split second, his good mood vanishing. “Teme…” he muttered back, glaring.

Sasuke paused and looked back over his shoulder to give a glare of his on

Kagome climbed off of Kakashi and narrowed her eyes at them. “Oi! I heard that! We don't want a repeat of what happened the last time you did that, do we?” she reprimanded, setting her hands on her hips in an intimidating manner.

Naruto looked at Kagome, a little sheepish. He grinned nervously at her and shook his head quickly, his mind imagining a chibi Kagome using her Seishigan to make them do some pretty… disturbing… things that had the whole village wonder about their sexuality…

Sasuke just turned to stare at Kagome with calculating eyes. “You wouldn't…” he dared.

Kagome just smirked at him. “Try me…” she dared back.

Sasuke just stared at her moment longer before backing off. “Hn… fine”

Kagome gave him a wry smile before she closed the distance the distance between them and gave Sasuke a hug as well.

Sasuke smirked down at her, and returned the hug. “It's good to see you're back.”

Kagome just smiled. “Good to be back… though it would have been nicer to see you and Naruto on better graces instead of me coming in and breaking up a fight… you two have some explaining to do.” She got an annoyed look on her face.

Sasuke's gaze slid from hers to Naruto's as he turned his head back, and they both grimaced.

Sasuke's fidgeted a little nervously and opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a voice we all know and love…

…Yea right…

“Eekkk!! Get your hands of my Sasuke-kun right now! Can't you tell he doesn't want your filthy presence anywhere near him?!” Sakura screamed loudly.

She couldn't believe that Higurashi bitch! Who does she think she is?!? What makes her think that she can just walk on in and even touch her Sasuke-kun?!

With a wince, Sasuke couldn't help but think never was a time like this he was actually grateful that the pink-haired kunoichi interrupted him when he was going to speak. But she didn't have to be so loud.

And it didn't stop the cold, disgusted glare he gave her, and it certainly didn't stop it from getting deadly when the pink-haired hag stomped her way over to him and Kagome and rip the girl he was currently holding out of his arms.

Naruto and Sasuke were about to tell Sakura to release their friend but were beat to it by the person herself.

Kagome's hand shot out gripped the wrist of the arm that held her and twisted it at an excruciatingly painful angle before shoving her away.

Sakura shrieked as she felt the sharp pain in her wrist, and fell to the ground on her ass with an `oomph',

“Back up ya pink bobble head and don't ever touch me again. Get your eyes checked, Sasuke-kun is the one who hugged me back, and he's the one giving you the disgusted glare. And for the record he's not yours and never will be. Get a freakin' clue.” Kagome glared at her coldly, mimicking Sasuke; the intensity of it making Sakura shiver a bit, but it didn't stop her from insulting Kagome back.

“You bitch!” Sakura screamed, jumping up and trying to give a glare of her own back, but it was nothing compared to the one Kagome was previously sporting.

Ever since she met Kagome in the academy she kept her distance as long as she wasn't near Sasuke. She couldn't stand the little conniving bitch!! She acted modest and sweet back then but she knew better!!

After she became best friends with Naruto she almost always participated in his stupid pranks! She knew underneath that whole `I'm Kagome Higurashi, aren't I the sweetest?' act was some plotting, vindictive slut! She was sure that it was all just a ploy to get her claws on Sasuke, and it worked!

She was already his `best friend'! What's to stop her from being more?!

Sasuke glared at his teammate; he sometimes respected Sakura as his teammate and thought she could be tolerable at times, but moments like these made him dislike Sakura and her annoyingly loud and obsessive nature, and the fact that she just insulted his best friend didn't sit well with him either.

Naruto glared as well even though he used to have a small thing for Sakura, which he mentally shuddered as he remembered the phase which was thankfully long gone and quick to pass.

But this was Kagome we're talking about, and he'd jumped to her defense no matter what just like she would do for him… she's the first friend he'd ever made after all, and maybe even something more, thinking back to the embrace they shared earlier with a faint blush.

He shook his head to get rid of these thoughts for now, before realizing someone was watching him.

Sasuke was staring at Naruto, an obsidian eyebrow raised at him. He stole a glance at Kagome before looking back at him; a knowing and smug smirk now playing on his lips, and his chest shaking in a silent laughter. `You're still head over heels about her, huh?' was the silent message that was translated between the two.

Naruto glaring at him was all that Sasuke needed. Sasuke rolled his eyes in not so hidden amusement, before pinning him with a stare that said `Don't wait too long or you might lose her'

As if he actually understood, the faint blush rose on his cheeks and focused his glare back on pinky. But out of the corner of his eyes he noticed that his only male teammate had his hand over his mouth… he was snickering.

Naruto's eye twitched. #...Teme…# he mentally growled out.

Going back to the Sakura situation, while the guys glared, Kagome only smirked. “Why thank you, I am a bitch and very proud of it too… at least I'm not some overly obsessive, stalking, twit of a fan-girl like someone else here is. Personally I think I'm pretty better off.”

Sakura just looked at her stupidly. “Who are you talking about?”

Sasuke snorted, along with Naruto and Jiraiya. Kakashi shook his head in blatant disappointment.

Kagome gave her a blank look, before rolling her eyes in disgust. “Here I'll dumb it up for yah and give you a nice little hint. I'm talking about this kunoichi that has pink hair that looks like it's been cut by the butcher, green eyes, and has the initials `S''H'. “

Sasuke and Kakashi choked, struggling to keep their laughter silent.

Naruto and Jiraiya on the other went for the opposite choice; they didn't even bother to try and hide their laughs, they just straight up out loud let out huge guffaws of laughter, gasping for breath at various moments when they ran out of breathe.

Realization flooded Sakura's eyes, and her cheeks flushed in embarrassment and anger. “Shut up!” she screamed at them.

They all ignored her protest and waited until their laughter finally ran out.

When it was down to just some light chuckles, Sakura glared heatedly at Kagome. “Look, just stay out of my way and don't get near my Sasuke-kun and we'll get along fine.”

Kagome cocked an eyebrow up at her, amused. “You're kidding right? It should be me telling ya to stay outta my way, not you. And please, get serious… no matter what, we will never get along, not with that attitude of yours.” Kagome scoffed. “And don't worry; I'm not interested in getting together with `your man'.” Sarcasm played at her tone.

Sakura rolled her eyes before responding with a bit of sarcasm of her own. “Yeaa right… sure you're not.” That was what she was talking about! That little liar!!

Kagome just rolled her eyes back at her, mocking her. “Don't worry I don't swing that way, ok?”

The second she ended that sentence everybody on that roof stared at her, appalled, stunned and a bit horrified.

Well most of them, Jiraiya had a peculiar look on his face, his eyes giddy and yet knowing.

Sakura stared at her. “Are you saying…you l-like women instead of guys?!”

Naruto was gaping at Kagome, feeling stunned, horrified, and very, very disappointed. “K-Kami… N-no, please say no.” he breathed out in a shaky whisper.

Kagome's eyes widened in disbelief now realizing how she sounded. Quickly, a horrified look of her own crossed her face, before she swiftly composed herself and smiled innocently at them; a devious spark her eyes. “Do you have a problem with that..?” she asked, trailing off as she walked up closer to Sakura. “'Cause I was wondering if maybe… you and me... later tonight or something, can hang out, if you know what I mean.” She smiled at her, giving a flirty wink.

Sakura stood stock still and petrified. “N-no thank you... I-I have to st-stay home with m-my parents t-t-tonight, s-sorry… uhhh I g-gotta g-go now… b-b-bye” she stuttered out before running away whimpering

Once Sakura was out of hearing distance, Kagome couldn't hold it in any longer; she busted out laughing.

But it was soon cut short when she felt the four incredulous stares burning at her skin.

Kagome halted and stared back at them, confused. ”What..?” She trailed off when realization took over and she started to snicker uncontrollably “Hahah y-you guys, hah, actually…hahah… thought I was, ahaha, serious?!? Ahahaha!!” She collapsed on the ground, rolling around and beating the ground and kicking the air in a fit of snickers.

They still stared. Kakashi spoke up, an amused but curious glint in his eyes “You…aren't?”

Kagome stopped in her tracks, arms and legs frozen in the air, and glared at Kakashi. “Oh hells no!!”

Jiraiya looked amused; he knew full well from the start she didn't mean it … he had a knack for knowing these things…

But the rest of them looked immensely relieved.

Naruto let out a huge sigh of relief, looking up to the sky and whispered something like `Thank you Kami!' before he got a curious look on him as well. He stared at Kagome. “Then why did you say `I don't swing that way'?”

Kagome gave him a smirk. “Hahahahh I was talking about how I don't swing into incest… cause I think of Sasuke as a brother.” she emphasized and shook her head. “I'm as straight as you guys are…” she trailed off, eying them warily. “…Well maybe that isn't such a good example… ya know lets just say I like guys and leave at that.” She grinned cheekily at them.

They gave her heated glares.

Jiraiya voiced out his protest. “Oi! I resent that! I think it's obviously clear that I like woman! Take it back! I don't know about them,” he pointed at the other three males. “But I'm one hundred percent positive that I am definitely straight, I write porn novels for Kami's sake!”

The heated glares now turned to Jiraiya, who rubbed his neck sheepishly and gave a nervous laugh.

Kagome rolled her eyes at them. “Relax, I was just kidding… anyways did you see the look on her face?! It was precious! And there was no way I could have passed up on the opportunity for that!” She started to snicker again but not as hard as before.

Naruto and Jiraiya laughed with her, Sasuke only giving a few soft chuckles. Kakashi shook his head at her amusedly.

Once they all calmed down Kagome sighed. The guys stared at her.

“Well it was nice seeing you guys again after so long and talking but I gotta take off-“ she was cut off.

“What?! You're leaving already!! You just got here!” Naruto exclaimed, a worried look on his face.

Kagome looked at him confusingly. “Naruto-kun, I just need go to the Hokage tower to say I'm finally back and staying. I wanted to see how the Third is doing anyways… you can come with if you…want…” she trailed off at the weird, somber looks she was getting. Her eyebrows furrowed. “What's with the looks?” she asked. She looked around at the four faces staring back at her, wondering what was wrong.

When her eyes scanned over to Sasuke he just stared in her eyes, before turning his and looking away. She noticed Naruto biting his lip, and shifting nervously, and kept on giving glances at her before looking away as well. Seeing as they wouldn't give her any answers she turned to the adults.

Pinning her questioning stare at them she watched Jiraiya rub his neck and sigh sadly. Kakashi had a pained look in his eyes, before he too sighed sadly.

Kakashi stepped towards Kagome and put a hand on her shoulder, and related the bad news to her softly. “Kagome… the Third died…” he trailed off softly and watched the shocked and hurt look cross her face and heard the strangled gasp escape her lips.

Kagome stared at him wide eyed with disbelief. “Wh-what? W-w-when?!” she choked out as she tried to grasp the thought of her grandfather like figure gone.

Kakashi gazed at her, sorrow and regret filling his only revealed eye. He hated telling her this shocking piece of information but knew that it'll be easier for her to hear it from himself other than finding out when she walked in the Hokage's office.

Kakashi nodded slowly. “I'm sorry,” he spoke softly, “It was just a couple of months ago… during the chuunin exams…” he trailed off, not too sure of revealing the `how' part.

Kagome noticed and composed her face to a look of fury. “How Kakashi…? Better yet, who?” she growled out.

With his mouth set at a tight line Kakashi answered, albeit reluctantly. “It was Orochimaru; he ambushed the exams with Sound-nins helping him. It was intricately planned, he was probably waiting years to carry it out, save for some mistakes on his half… the Third died taking Orochimaru's arms in the process…” He paused, studying Kagome's reaction.

Kagome had her head bowed and her stance was stiff. Her fists were clenched and if you looked closely you could tell she was barely shaking with conflicting emotions: rage and grief.

“I can't believe it…” she whispered out hoarsely. “… that freakin' bastard….” She looked up to her close friends with eyes containing her un-spelt tears.

Shaking her head she let out a shaky breath. Whipping the tears from her eyes with an arm she pinned Kakashi with a piercing stare. “How bad was the damage?” she demanded.

Sasuke answered for him. Taking a step forward he answered truthfully. “We were lucky; it could have been worse and they didn't finish what they came to do: to completely destroy the entire village. After losing his arms Orochimaru and his lackeys fled. There were some casualties of course, and a good part of the village had been damaged or destroyed but we're recovering very nicely.” Sasuke glanced at Naruto with a meaningful look to take it from there.

And that he did. “It was decided that Tsunade-baa-chan was going to be Hokage, we just had to find her. The snake,” Naruto spat out the word with venom. “didn't expect her to actually accept the role of Hokage, he tried bribing her even. But she refused, deciding not to betray her village.” His tone took a cocky turn in the conversation. “Orochimaru didn't take the news all too well and tried fighting us. That didn't go on too well for us either, Tsunade-baa-chan drugged Ero-sennin before the fight and she had a problem with blood but she got over it after I almost died protecting her; she said I was pretty banged up, almost didn't make it or something.” His voice was now amused and he said the last part lazily, as if it was nothing new or anything. “She pretty much kicked his ass after that and woulda killed him if it wasn't for that student of his, Kabuto.” Naruto said the name with a hint of bitterness.

Kagome watched him as he explained, her eyes getting wider and wider with every piece of information that was told. “Let me get this straight… you almost… died?” she asked, her voice void of any emotion.

Naruto cocked his head at her tone, but nodded eagerly.

Kagome narrowed her eyes at him dangerously, stalking over to him. She reached over to slap him non-too-gently across the back of his head. “Baka!” she yelled at him reprimanding.

Naruto reeled back, shocked. “What was that for Kagome-chaaan!?” he whined out.

Her eye twitched. “You say you almost died like it happens everyday! Almost dying is a big deal you know!”

Naruto just shrugged at her. “Eh, not really… I can't die too easily ya know… I'm just that hard to kill, believe it!” he told her smugly, pounding his chest for emphasize.

Kagome blinked at him, before groaning out in frustration. She shook her head. “It must be that fox inside of ya that keeps you alive…” she muttered out.

The four males stared at her in shock. She noticed, and gave them a questioning glance.

“You knew?!” Naruto exclaimed.

Kagome tilted her head at him. “Wait you know about him too?”

He nodded at her. “When… how did you find out?” he demanded.

Kagome scratched the back of her head nervously. “Uhh back before we knew each other… pretty much the first time I saw you in the academy…” she confessed to them.

All of their eyes bulged out of their sockets.

“How?” Kakashi prodded.

Kagome bit her lip. “Uhm well back then I just knew something was different about Naru-kun, with my miko abilities I could sense he was hosting something demonic, and it was a fox. Later I heard rumors about Kyuubi and that it occurred when Naruto was born and saw how he was ignored by the village… I put two and two together and voila… I kept it to myself cause I heard it was forbidden to mention anything of it”

Jiraiya and Kakashi stared at her, impressed. Sasuke was still surprised.

Naruto just stared, wide eyed. “Ya knew that before we became friends, and ya still wanted to be near me?”

Kagome nodded. “Yea, I didn't care… you weren't exactly dangerous or anything. You're not Kyuubi, and we were just eight, nothing to be scared about… plus I felt drawn to you and seem seemed like a really good person then… still are now from what I can tell.”

Naruto gaped at her, before quickly looking to ground and scuffed his feet in the dirt, a little embarrassed… his ears were tinted a little red.

Sasuke and Jiraiya didn't miss it, and snickered silently.

“Well,” Kagome announced. “I really do need to get going and tell the Hokage I'm back…” she trailed of shaking her head. “Hah Tsunade as the Hokage… I woulda never guessed it…”

She looked to the guys. “You're welcome to come of you want, then we can go and eat, it's past noon and I'm starving.”

At the mention of food Naruto perked up. “Food?! I'm in… we're getting ramen... right?” he gave her a pout.

Kagome laughed. “Sure why not? I haven't had ramen from Ichiraku Ramen Stand in so long, I actually missed.”

Sasuke, Kakashi, and Jiraiya groaned quietly at the thought of ramen again.

Naruto stared at them unbelievingly. “What?! Don't tell me ya guys are sick of ramen, it's just not possible... I won't believe it.” He shook his head vigorously.

Kagome rolled her eyes at his antics. “Okay, okay c'mon lets get going.” She turned to leave, the others following her example, before pausing and turning back to face her two best friends. She grinned. “Wanna race?” she asked, excited.

Naruto grinned back. “Ya know it!”

Sasuke smirked. “Sure, but you know I'll beat both of you.

Naruto scoffed. “No way! I'll win!”

Kagome snickered at them. “Yeaa suree, we'll see. First one to the office door wins, no transportation jutsu or anything, just running.”

They nodded.

Kagome looked over to the adults. “Care to join us?” she offered.

Kakashi and Jiraiya looked at each other. They shook their heads. “You guys go, we'll be in the office waiting… don't kill each other or anything.” Kakashi warned them.

They rolled their eyes, but nodded. They walked to the edge of the roof as the adult's left in a `poof' of smoke.

“Okay on the count of three.” Kagome told the two.

“One…” Sasuke started.

They crouched into a better stance to take off.

“Two…” Naruto continued.

They leaned forward.

Kagome remembered something. “Oh, don't you two dare think I forgot about the little talk we're gonna have for ya guys fighting… three!” she shouted off and took off, her long hair whipping in the air…

... leaving the two guys stiff and grimacing, until they took off as well, shouting in protest once realizing what she did.

You could hear her snickers echoing through the wind.

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--Hokage Tower: In Front of the Hokage Office Doors--

Jiraiya and Kakashi leaned next to the doors, waiting for the three teenagers to arrive.

They didn't have to wait long for down the hall they could faintly hear something akin to a stampede coming towards them.

Soon two figures could be seen stomping their way towards the office, dirt was kicked up in the air to make it look like a huge cloud of dust was following them.

You could hear yelling and insults were being thrown.

Naruto and Sasuke were running up the hall, neck to neck with each other, pushing and shoving to make the other slow down and trip.

Kakashi and Jiraiya sweatdropped at them. They then noticed that a certain someone wasn't with the two. They looked at each other for a moment and shrugged before turning back to the scene coming towards them.

“Outta the way Teme, yah not gonna beat me!” Naruto shouted at him.

Sasuke snorted. “Fat chance Dobe, you're going down!” he retorted.

They both glared at each other while still running.

Naruto grinned and suddenly paused in his running, sticking his leg out in front of Sasuke and successfully tripping him.

`Ka-thud'

Laughing out loudly Naruto turned to start running again…

`Ka-thud'

… until Sasuke shot his hand out and grabbed his leg, tripping him as well.

They glared at each other heatedly and pushed themselves up. They started running again, still pushing and shoving as they made their way to the door.

Jiraiya and Kakashi just chuckled at them, shaking their heads.

“They're such idiots aren't they…? I feel bad that ya were stuck training them for three years Kakashi-kun.”

Kakashi and Jiraiya stiffened and their heads whipped to a figure that was leaning against the doors, arms crossed and facial features smug.

“Kagome?!” they exclaimed.

Kagome smirked at them. “Why so surprised?”

“How?” was all the asked.

Pushing herself off the doors she walked towards them, glancing at her two incoming friends. She looked over at the two older males and grinned. “I know them all too well to try shoving and push each other and doing all that junk while they raced here. So instead of following them through this hallway I went for the alternative; this hallway. I ran up the other stairs while they took the opposite.” Kagome shrugged. “Took a little bit longer but oh well, I knew they would delay each other and there is no way I'm getting into that”. She snickered while pointing to the two male teens glaring as they closed the distance; you could practically see the lighting clashing from each others eyes.

Soo enough they came close to the door. As a last resort Sasuke tried tripping Naruto.

Naruto tripped but not before pulling Sasuke down with him. As they hit the ground they rolled over in front of the door, a cloud of dust covering them from Kagome, Kakashi and Jiraiya.

The dust settled, revealing a tangled mess known as Sasuke and Naruto. They were still glaring.

“I win! I got here first!” Naruto shouted.

“No way, I did!” Sasuke shouted back.

“No, I did!” Naruto insisted.

They continued to argue back and forth.

Kagome, Kakashi, and Jiraiya sweatdropped at them.

Kagome rolled her eyes and walked over to them. She cleared her throat, crouching to their level. “Guys?”

They guys instantaneously stopped, and slowly looked up to see Kagome. They chuckled nervously.

Kagome snorted in amusement. “Neither of ya guys won, I did.”

They started to protest.

She held up her hand to stop them “I`ve been here for a good few minutes. Even ask them.” She pointed to Jiraiya and Kakashi, who nodded.

The two boys gawked at her, confused and surprised. “How?” Sasuke demanded.

Kagome smirked. “Well if ya guys weren't too busy pushing and tripping each other ya might have actually beat me here.”

Naruto groaned out. “Awhhh maan.” He slapped his forehead.

Sasuke just rolled his eyes at Naruto.

They were silent for roughly around half a minute, before the sound of smothered snickers could be heard. Chuckles that were attempted to be contained were also heard in the back ground.

Naruto and Sasuke were confused. They stared at Kagome who had an eyebrow raised questioningly and her mouth covering her mouth to hide her snickers.

She shook her head in mock disappointment when she saw the stares and gestured to them. “Ya see,” she begun, eyeing them. “This is exactly why I said I didn't think me being as straight as you guys was such a good example.”

They were still in a mess of tangled limbs.

They quickly scrambled away from each other as soon as they realized what Kagome meant.

Kagome offered hands to them and they took it. Kagome pulled them up and as soon as they were straightened up they glared at each other, light blushes of embarrassment on their cheeks.

Kagome started snickering again. “Okay, let's go see Tsunade-chan now.”

They walked over to the adults who were staring at them with amused eyes. With the two teenaged males grumbling they walked up to the door. Kagome knocked three times and they waited.

No answer.

Kagome looked over at Kakashi and Jiraiya. “Is she even in there?” she asked.

Jiraiya nodded, his eyes hinted at his confusion. “Yeaa, Shizune said she'd be in her office.”

Kagome furrowed her eyebrows and shrugged. Turning back to the doors she knocked again, a little louder.

“Uggghhhhhhh”

The three teens shared a look, all thinking `What in the world was that?'

“Should we open it?” Naruto asked.

Kagome shrugged. “I dunno, would she be mad?”

Sasuke looked thoughtful. “Probably.”

Naruto grinned. “Well that decides it then, let's go!”

With that he turned the handle and pushed in the two office doors. Naruto walked into the office, Kagome, Sasuke, Kakashi, and Jiraiya. Once in, the three teens walked up to the desk while the two adults went into one of the two corners in front of the Hokage's desk, shrouded by the shadows. As soon as they leaned against the corner their eyes lazily shut.

The three teens stopped in front of the desk, and just stared. Sprawled across the desk was a blond hair and green jacketed woman. Her arms were positioned at an odd angle and one hand held a bottle of sake, opened and half empty.

It seemed that Tsunade had passed out drinking.

Naruto had an evil look on his face. Creeping up quietly to the desk he gingerly slipped the bottle of sake out of Tsunade's hand before setting it down on the ground by the corner of the desk.

He turned to Kagome and smirked at her. “You wanna do the honor of waking her up?” he asked, motioning to the knocked out Hokage.

Kagome smirked back at him, a just as evil look crossing her features. She tip toed over to the front of the desk and motioned for Naruto to step back. She looked at the other occupants of the room. “Watch this…” she whispered out, and she pulled her hood over her head.

The male adults peeked out from under their lids to watch inconspicuously.

Naruto grinned excitedly and Sasuke an eyebrow, amused.

Turning back to the desk she bent down by Tsunade's ear and took a deep breathe before shouting. “Wakey, wakey! Eggs and bakey!” and then straightening up quickly and with a `bang' she kicked against the desk

A shocked yelp sounded and a `thud' resonated throughout the office.

Sprawled across the ground was the Hokage and she groaned, hung-over. “Ughh what the hell was that…?”

Snickers and chuckles were heard along with guffaws of laughter.

Peering under sleepy lids Tsunade spotted three average sized figures by her desk, one of them right in front of it. Blinking rapidly she pushed herself off the ground and gripped the edge of the desk for support.

Still blinking, she tried to clear the fuzzy images. Then she gawked at the hooded figure in front of her.

Kagome tilted her head; letting the light shine upon the bottom of her face to show Tsunade the sinister smirk it adorned.

Tsunade gasped and took a step back, the effects of the sake clouding her mind.

The smirk grew and a raspy, low voice sounded out. “Prepare to meet your doom… Tsunade-hime.”

And at that moment everything happened like all too fast.

Tsunade quickly narrowed her eyes dangerously and with a chakra induced fist she stuck the Kagome in the gut; the force of it propelling her across the room and causing her to slam against the door.

Kagome slid to the ground groaning and holding her stomach.

Sasuke and Naruto gaped at Kagome, shock paralyzing them. Only five seconds passed until they finally reacted.

“Holy crap! Kagome!” Naruto shouted in horror, eyes wide. He ran over to her side.

Sasuke followed, worry lining his features.

As soon as Naruto reached Kagome, she 'poof'd away, leaving only the cloak.

Naruto skidded to a stop and stared in confusion. Sasuke stopped as well, a look of understanding clouding his eyes.

“Replacement Jutsu…” Sasuke muttered.

Naruto turned to him in shock. “That quickly?”

Sasuke just gave him a shrug.

Light laughter sounded from across the room. They all turned to face the direction it came from.

Stepping out of the shadows was Kagome without her cloak on, and a grin on her face.

As soon as she stepped into the light everyone stared at her, especially Naruto…

Actually scratch that, he didn't just stare; he ogled her… and for once a certain perverted sannin didn't.

Kagome was claded in her ninja uniform. She wore a forestry green cargo shorts that covered down to just a few inches above her knees. Her shirt was made of a spandex like but undeniably tough material. It was purple and was cut along her midriff, just below her belly button and showing her flat tummy. It hugged around her bust before flowing loosely towards the end, lining along with her slim but slightly curvy figure.

It had a not too deep v-neck, only showing a small amount of her still developing bust. The sleeves were a little longer than normal. The shirt was slit in various places. Two were on her collarbone, one on the right and left curving along the v-neck cut. There were four on her midsection, two of each side of her waist, positioned diagonally and in the shape of diamonds..

The clan symbol was situated right under her bust. Two light blue diamonds crossed diagonally like an `X'. Much smaller, blood red diamonds were positioned around the `X', one each at the top, bottom, and sides.

Underneath everything, she wore silver body armor with mesh over it. It covered a good portion of her body, covering under her shirt and shorts; the armor ending about an inch beneath the shorts with the mesh ending a inch more. The armor was sleeveless but the mesh ended half an inch past the sleeves of her shirt.

The black material contrasted against her slightly tanned creamy skin. She wore silver gloves that went past her wrists by two inches. White strips of cloth was wrapped around her right leg around her thigh and left arm around the elbow. A small blue weapon pouch was tied to her right thigh on the cloth, and a tan one clipped to the back of her shorts.

Her standard issued blue hitai-ate was loosely tied around her neck. She wore the standard blue ninja sandals as well.

Naruto practically drooled over Kagome as he stared.

Sasuke was just shaking his head, a little exasperated.

Kakashi was staring at her choice of clothing, mentally going over the ways to torture guys who tried something with his daughter-like student.

Jiraiya was actually staring at Naruto with watchful eyes.

Why was he staring at Naruto and not Kagome?

Well Jiraiya thought of Kagome as a granddaughter of sorts ever since her father died and Kakashi started to care for her. That was the whole reason why he hasn't leered at Kagome like a piece of meat; it would be sick and disturbing even for him. So seeing her dressing like Anko's little sister, he was sure that it was going to draw some eyes…it already caught one pair…

Naruto was still staring, but grinning as well. He shook himself out of his daydream. “Wow Gome-chan, you look awesome.”

Kagome had the decency to blush faintly, but luckily the lighting was so bad no one caught it. “Heh thanks Naru-kun.” She gave him a small smile. “This is my old uniform so it's kinda small on me… I guess I grew taller after all.” She added, commenting about her height of now 5'2, instead of her previous 4'8.

Naruto laughed. “Hahah you'll always be Shortie-chaaaan to me-ee!” he teased her in a sing-sung voice.

Kagome pinned a glare at him as the guys in the room snickered. “Naruto-no-baka! You said you'd never call me that again! It's not my fault you and every other guy is freakishly tall!” she whined at him, pouting.

Everyone else there was either 5'5 or higher and that just fueled the laughter.

Kagome then turned her head with a `humph' only to see Tsunade gaping at her.

Kagome's mouth curved into a smile. “Ya know you look like a fish when you do that, Auntie Tsunade.” She was grinning now.

All the laughing stopped short now at the statement.

“Auntie?!” Naruto, Sasuke, and Jiraiya exclaimed. Kakashi just looked over, curious.

Kagome nodded sheepishly. “Yeaa I guess you didn't know. It's kinda complicated… I'm like the great, great grand daughter of the second Hokage, so I just call Tsunade-chan `auntie'

They nodded, thinking about that new piece of information.

Tsunade's gaping mouth automatically switched to an annoyed scowl. “You're back?” she questioned warily and there was a hidden question there. `Are you staying now?'

Kagome nodded enthusiastically.

Tsunade gave her a happy grin before she strode over and glomped her. “Kagome-chan!!”

Before she knew it Kagome was suddenly picked up and crushed between two soft something's, and two strong arms. Kagome closed her eyes tightly at the contact and muttered something.

A voice called out to her “Oh, did you say something sweetie?”

She muttered something but it couldn't be understood for she currently smothered.

Naruto snickered at her predicament, along with Sasuke.

Jiraiya was gazing at her with envy.

Sasuke spoke. “Hokage-sama, I don't think Kagome is able speak until she is released.” His tone sounded amused.

Tsunade looked down at the girl, and realization flooded her eyes. “Oh! I'm sorry Kagome-chan!” She released her grip on her. “What were you saying?”

Kagome, who was taking deep breaths, glared at Tsunade. “I was saying I couldn't breathe.”

Tsunade just laughed it off. “Soo how have you been kiddo? It's been a long three years since you've been back here.”

Kagome nodded solemnly. “Yea, so I've heard…”

Tsunade got a serious look on her face. She walked back to her desk, and picked up the chair before sitting in it. She gestured to the three chairs in front of her desk.

The three teens sat in them, Kagome in the middle, Naruto to her right, and Sasuke to her left.

Tsunade studied Kagome, before asking her some questions. “Soo..?” she coaxed.

Kagome gave her a curious look. “Did you find out why I left? I only told the Third.”

Tsunade nodded. “Yes…” but she paused, scanning over the rest of the occupants,

Kagome noticed and shook her head. “No, it's okay…they can hear what I'm going to say, I'm not going into detail… not just yet…” Sadness leaked into her eyes.

Tsunade nodded again, understanding and compassion filling her eyes. “I understand, you are only required to say if you were successful or not.”

Kagome stared at her for a moment, before looking down at her hand. “Yes, I was… but not without a cost.” She sighed.

Naruto stared at her, worried but yet confused and curious. “Kagome-chan…?” he prodded.

Kagome looked up at him, the sadness was stronger. “Yes?”

Now Naruto was stuck staring into the depths of those sad blue eyes. “So that was why you left? You were on a mission?” he asked her gently.

Kagome nodded, before looking down again. “Yes, I was required to since I was the only one able to even complete it. It wasn't known how long it was really going to take… coulda been longer, years longer. I was actually lucky...” Kagome trailed off, not really wanting to talk about it.

Naruto nodded, not wanting to push her.

Tsunade studied Kagome for a moment before clapping her hands, surprising the teens “Well, that's that I guess. You guys better get going, especially you Kag-chan… you probably need to get settled now and all.”

`Grrrowwlll'

Everyone stared at Kagome, who flushed in embarrassment. “Heheh actually we were going to go eat, wanna come?” Kagome offered, patting her stomach.

Tsunade shook her head, amused. “No but thank you…. I'm not hungry and I need to fill out some paperwork saying you're back and all… now that you have officially returned you're back being the fourth team member of Team 7.”

“Sweet!” Naruto cheered.

Kagome grinned at him and Sasuke, and held up her hands in a high five. “Hahah this is gonna be fun!”

`smack' `smack'

Naruto grinned with her. “Believe it!”

A light groan was heard from a certain silver spiky haired jonin/sensei, while the long unruly haired sannin laughed at the jonin's predicament.

Kagome and Naruto snickered as Sasuke smirked at him, mock pity entering his eyes.

Jiraiya spoke up at that moment. “Hey, you brats go, I'm going to stay here and have a talk with Tsunade about something.”

The newly reunited Team 7 nodded and with that they stood up, and walked to the doors, and walked out.

“Oh, Kagome!” Tsunade called out before she left.

Kagome looked over her shoulder. “Yea?”

Tsunade smirked. “Don't forget to visit you're favorite auntie.” She warned, teasingly.

Kagome smirked too. “Wouldn't dream of it.” With a wave of her hand she disappeared through the doors, shutting them behind her with a `click'.

Tsunade turned to look at Jiraiya with a serious look. “So what do you need to speak to me about, Jiraiya?”

Jiraiya stared back at her with an equally look. “It's about the Akatsuki… I've heard from my informant to expect a couple of unwanted visitors coming to Konoha soon…”

Tsunade immediately became rigid. “Who?”

Apprehension flooded his eyes. “Itachi Uchiha and his partner, Kisame.”

Tsunade, for some strange reason, relaxed a little. “Do you know what for?”

Jiraiya studied Tsunade with suspicious eyes. “They said something about finding a miko and a Jinchuuriki.”

Tsunade became rigid again. “They're after Kagome now too?” she gritted out.

Jiraiya just gave her a curt nod.

Tsunade jumped up and slammed her desk with a glowing fist resulting it to snap in half, and she cursed. She called out for Shizune before turning back to Jiraiya, “What the hell do they want take both of them for now?”

Jiraiya had taken two steps back from her when she pummeled her desk, his eyes wary as he stared at the destruction. He looked up; the apprehension and curiosity replacing the wariness. “That's the thing, I don't think they want to come here and fight… I think they want to... talk.” he explained.

Tsunade stared at him thoughtfully. “You think huh...? Well I'll post ANBU around Naruto's apartment and the Higurashi compound. I want you to keep an eye on Naruto, and to inform Kakashi about this and tell him to keep an eye out for Kagome too, just to make sure nothing happens. Both of you and the ANBU will report if any of the Akatsuki is seen but you are not allowed to interfere until you absolutely have to… if Itachi and his partner want to talk, then they can, if not, then capture them, got it?”

Jiraiya mock saluted her. “Yes ma'm, Hokage ma'm!”

Tsunade glowered at him, before rolling her eyes at him and plopping back into her chair. It was at that moment Shizune walked in and took in the scene before her, and sighed, rolling her eyes as well at the situation.

“I'll find a new desk for you Tsunade-sama” Shizune told her before exiting the room, shaking her head.

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Words: 7,420

Okie dokie that's it for now :(. I wanted to add more but I know I wouldn't have it finished by the end of today. I have some really really good ideas for the next chappy, this chapter was just for setting everything in place and stuff. I hope it wasn't toobad lol.

Uhm the Sakura bashing… yea that was probably a little harsh and overboard… `shrugs' eh oh well, it's already done.

But Ohhh the Akatsuki!! Hehehe I wonder what they want? `Grins evilly' Kami I just know I'm gonna love writing this story. Nar/Kag ROCKS! Such great, action-filled things I have planned for this mwuhahahaha!! XD

Aaaanywhoo! Review please!! ME lovey them!! I'll try to get the next chappy up as soon as I can, sorry if this seems a little boring right now, it'll pick up I swear!! Well Ja ne for now everyone!!

-RainLily