Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Girl Named Yama ❯ Chapter 6 - Attacks ( Chapter 6 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

A Girl Named Yama

Author: XoXSilverDragonXoX

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from `Naruto'. The only thing I own is my main character, Umari Yama, and maybe some unrecognizable characters that you may see.

Brief Summary: A girl finds herself dumped into Hatake's bed one day in a different world to deal with an emotional Sasuke, a hyperactive Naruto, a flirty Genma and lazy Kakashi. And of course, to deal with all the glory of life in Konoha to boot.

Last Chapter:

After seeing how a training day with Yama goes, it turns out that Yama's finally sent on her first mission with Team 7— to the Water country! And it turns out it wasn't a regular `c' mission at all! Tazuna-san has more than just thieves and bandits after him…

Warnings: Seeing as this story is rated `M' be expecting a bit of language now and then.

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

Chapter 6 - Attacks

"Can I have my book back?"

"No," I grumbled.

"..."

2 seconds later…

"Can I have my book now?"

"No,"

"... How about now?"

"No,"

And thus, this continued on for quite some time.

"Now?"

Finally I snapped and I whipped around, ceasing my steps and smacking him with the book, "Fine! Have your stupid perverted little book! 'Kuso!" I snarled. Kakashi didn't even seem to mind that I had smacked him with the book. He only gathered it preciously into his hand and gleefully opened it again, eyes once again scanning the pages.

I sweat dropped and turned around, finding the others staring at us. "What." I grumbled. Naruto only shrugged and turned around, walking down the path once again. Sasuke smirked slightly, before sauntering off after Naruto; with Sakura tagging along after him. And Tazuna, of course, led the group up front.

I sighed softly, before following forlornly after the rest of them.

"Hey, Kakashi-sensei?"

"Hai?" Kakashi murmured, raising his eyes briefly from his book before lowering them again.

"Um... Do... do you think that we will meet any other kind... of enemy... ninjas?" Sakura asked tentatively. Kakashi paused, before shrugging indifferently.

"Possibly, but none that I couldn't possibly handle." he offered a small grin, eye crinkling up. I rolled my eyes. Just watch, some high ranked ninja will come and kick his ass. Literally.

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

Later that night...

I leaned against a tree trunk, watching the stars that had decided to show up this night. It was my shift to watch and the others were all asleep. My gaze slid towards the sleeping twelve year olds and Tazuna.

Naruto was sprawled on top of a blanket, and another blanket was dragged to his side, even though it was on him a few moments ago. I winced as he murmured something about `Sa' and ramen. Mmm... what did the Sa stand for? Sakura? Or...

I snickered. Sasuke? My grin widened, maybe my suspicions were correct! Ha! In your face, Sasuke! (Insert big mischievous grin here)

Sakura was sleeping soundly on her own blanket (she was the one closest to me), her own face serene and void of expression.

And Sasuke lay silent, back facing me. No movement came from him and I had the implied impression that he wasn't even sleeping. And even if he was, he was a quiet sleeper. Even though I had ended up living with him, it didn't mean that I knew how he slept. I don't want my head decapitated trying to find out.

Tazuna was sleeping, snoring ever so loudly, much like Naruto. I rolled my eyes at his form as my eyes drifted up the tree I was leaning against, landing on the silver-haired jounin whose head was tilted upwards. I don't think he was asleep either. Why? I wasn't sure why. Maybe he didn't trust me with the watch. Heck, I wouldn't trust me to keep watch. And that prettttty much says it all.

"Am I that handsome to stare at?"

I jerked a little at his voice and I snorted in amusement, "Right, and a fly won the beauty contest in Hong Kong… Although you are easy on the eyes."

"..." he deadpanned, "Hong... Kong...?"

".. Never mind." I grumbled. Hong Kong. Home. I let out a quiet sigh and rested my forehead against my knees. It was not a very good position to keep watch, I know, but since Kakashi was already up I could slack off a little couldn't I? Man, what I wouldn't give to just go home.

This place just wasn't the same. And it wasn't the technology problem. They did have telephones, just not cell phones. And if you're wondering, yes, they did have television. They had actors, didn't they? And movies, right? So of course they would have a TV to watch all the goodies!

They did however, have computers. Which kind of was and wasn't a surprise at the same time. I should've expected the computer thing, seeing as they were pretty well advanced with the medical procedures, etc. But I think the scenery threw me off a bit. You don't exactly see well-preserved nature coupled with pretty far along technology.

I think it was more of the problem with the fact I felt very alone; it kind of felt like moving to another city. No one really knows you and you don't really know others. Although I'm kind of getting used to being around Iruka, seeing as I'm with him everyday for at least two or three hours.

It had been a while since I had thought about home. Why? I really don't know. Maybe it was because of the excitement that filled me when I got here. Maybe I didn't want to be reminded of it... Maybe I didn't miss home at all? Not likely.

I missed it terribly... Not all of it, but most of it. Like waking up in my own room and hearing the songbirds outside my window. And hearing my mother call my name and tell me to get my butt out of bed. I missed her a lot. I only wondered how she was doing... I knew it was hard for us to get through life with so little money… and half of that was from what I could make doing odd jobs here and there. What would she do now?

I closed my eyes. I wondered how she was doing...

"... Oi.” A voice sounded really close to my ear.

My eyes snapped open and I glanced to my left, and nearly leapt about a meter into the air. There, was Kakashi, looking at me. “Don't slack off now!” He said humorously.

"I'm not slacking.” I snapped, huffily staring into another direction. He shrugged, settling down beside me and whipping out his book - as usual. I was surprised that he could see the words with just moonlight. My eyes slid back towards his form but I didn't turn my head.

That was when I noticed how the moon cast a pale light upon his face, defining the contours of his face complementing the lines that the skin tight mask covered. I think the thing that fascinated me the most was how his silver hair glowed in the moonlight. I wish I had a camera…

I was so entranced with his figure that I didn't notice that he had said something.

Snap.

Huh? I blinked slowly, falling out of my daze. Kakashi had snapped his fingers in front of my face.

"What?" I mumbled, burrowing my face into my knees, wrapping my arms around them as well.

"... What's wrong?"

".. Betsuni..." (Nothing)

"Something has to be wrong." he insisted, eye studying me carefully.

"Nothing's. Wrong," I hissed through clenched teeth. Why couldn't he mind his own business? Geez... "You know you're going to get bad eyesight if you read at night. Moonlight's not enough." I said quietly. It was quite obvious that I was trying to change the subject and draw his attention away. Like I said, I was uncomfortable around many people I've met so far. It didn't help that I was never really a people person.

"…" He didn't answer but stayed where he was, staring up at the stars.

A few moments of silence passed before my voice broke it again.

"Do you… ever get homesick?" I asked finally, my voice barely audible.

Kakashi glanced at me sideways and managed an eye smile. “Don't we all?”

I didn't reply. He's got a point though.

"Do you think you'll get a chance to go back to your time?"

"..." I paused, "I don't know," I sighed softly, turning my head slightly so that I could see Kakashi. To my surprise, he was looking right at me.

"I wouldn't want you to go." Kakashi quipped suddenly. I almost toppled over in shock. Wouldn't want me to go? This, coming from the guy who tried to kill me over a book? What was he on? And whatever it was, I wanted some too! Kidding, kidding.

My eyebrows hit my hairline in surprise. "Why?”

His eyebrow rose. "Why not?”

“…” I hesitated. “Well, I figured that I haven't even been here that long yet. I think me leaving won't leave any lasting impressions or anything.” My eyes lowered to the grassy floor.

A hand landing on my head startled me and I barely had time to shake it off before Kakashi was messing up my hair. “Hey!”

His hand left and I glared up at him. “Any presence, no matter how small, will always leave an impression.” Kakashi commented.

I kind of stared at him. He glanced at me. “What?” he asked curiously.

Laughing, I shrugged. “Nothing. It's just… for a second there, you kind of sounded wise.” He snapped his book shut and mock-scowled at me.

“Like I said,” He continued. “Any presence makes an impression… even one as childish as yours.” I managed a low growl. “Get some sleep.” He added. “It's about 4 hours until dawn.”

As I settled down to sleep, I couldn't help but wonder about his earlier remark about not wanting me to leave. Sometimes he knows the right things to say at the right time. It shows that he can read people pretty damn well. And I wasn't teasing him earlier either; sometimes he sounded so wise… it makes him so… reliable.

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

The next morning...

I yawned and stood, stretching my arms up, only to see that everyone was still asleep. Uh... wasn't someone supposed to keep watch? Well... I think it was Sasuke's shift. Plus, I know it was him, because I distinctively remember waking up when Kakashi was waking him up. Wow, Sasuke falling asleep on his shift? What was this world coming to?

I frowned. Maybe he wasn't asleep last night and was listening in on the conversation that took place between Kakashi and I. Sneaky little bastard. That would explain why he didn't get enough sleep.

I glanced briefly at the boy, but he was sound asleep, curled up against the tree. Heh. At least nothing happened. He's lucky no ninja came in to try and kill us all.

I managed a grimace when I surveyed my clothes; maybe I could fit a bath into my time... There was a river nearby. I haven't had one for nearly 3 days because all we'd been doing was traveling. I felt absolutely filthy. I stifled a childish giggle at the thought of a bath and paused. Sakura might want one too... Great minds think alike.

Tiptoeing over towards Sakura's prone body, I nudged her lightly with my toe.

"Mm... katsudon…” she murmured, rolling over. I rolled my eyes and nudged her again. That'll teach you to go on diet sprees.

"Sakura!" I hissed, "Wake up!"

Sleepily, her eyes fluttered open, took one look at me and went back to sleep. My eyes widened. Don't tell me she was going to pull a Naruto stunt! Growling in annoyance, I tried every which way for the next few minutes trying to wake her up, keeping in mind not to wake anyone else.

Finally, I leaned closer: drastic time's calls for drastic measures.

"Sakura…” Sorry about this, Sakura. I pinched her nose shut. A few seconds later she started flailing. “Can't b-!” I clamped my hand over her mouth.

"Shush! You're going to wake everyone up!"

Sakura's gaze landed on me, staring steadily at her. Her gaze slid over towards the slowly smoking, put-out fire and she sighed. I waved a hand in front of her face, catching her attention. She blinked and I lowered my hand. "I'm going to wash up in the river, you coming?" She brightened. Yeah, you're happy now. Just wait until you get into the icy cold water.

"Of course!"

I nodded. "Then come on!"

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

"Mmmm... " I dipped my feet into the cool water. "Want to go for a swim?" I glanced backwards to Sakura. It wasn't a river— my bad. It was actually a river running into a small lake. That only made it all the better! The sun was just rising and cast pale strips of orange, yellow and pink across the surface. The rays even ran through the water, lighting up certain patches. This was better than a waterfall!

"Ano... I don't know. What if...?" she hesitated?

"Aw, don't be a scaredy cat. Come on!" I removed my outer clothing, so that I was now left in a white tank top with boxer shorts and dove in, relishing in the calm and soothing water.

"But... but what if they wake up and find us missing...?"

"Eh, don't worry so much."

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

"Ahhh! Sakura-chan! Yama-chan! Doko nii?!"

"Where's Yama?" a calmer voice inquired.

"Maybe they left us..." a slightly slurred voice commented.

"Ma," (Well) another voice interrupted in slyly. "We might as well go look for them then."

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

Seconds later...

"Sakura-chaaan?"

I glanced up, startled, as two boys and two men tumbled into the clearing. Everything seemed to freeze. Naruto went bright red and was staring pointedly to the left. Tazuna and Sasuke were tinged a light red and were looking anywhere but at us. Kakashi looked like he didn't have a care in the world, whistling innocently.

Three things happened at once.

One, Sakura yelped out loudly and threw her brush straight at Naruto, yelling out, "Quit your perverted staring, Naruto!" He made a hasty retreat back to the tree line.

"But I wasn't staring!" came his quick protest.

Two; following Naruto's example, Sasuke and Tazuna ran back into the woods, nearly falling flat on their faces from tripping on the slippery and muddy stones.

Three; I let out a low growl and snatched one of Sakura's soap bars and threw it as hard as I could at Kakashi. Get the hell of out here, ya jerk! At least the others had the politeness to look away!

I blanched, noticing that Sakura had gotten dressed already, and was emerging from behind some bushes. Quickly, I made a grab for mine. My hand touched air. My eyes rolled upwards and I lowered my hands. They touched cold stone.

I drew my hand back, took a deep breath, and reached out again.

Nothing.

I drew my hand back again. "This is not happening," I tried again. Nothing. I turned around to face the flat rock where I had placed my clothing.

"Oi." My eye twitched. Only one person could've done that...

I whipped back around, and saw that Kakashi was holding my clothes. "Give me those back!"

Kakashi pretended to think. "Hmmm... how about... no." He managed an eye smile at me. “That'll be your lesson for being careless when on a mission.” Aiyaaaa! This was not happening! How worse could my day get? I had a distinct feeling that this was probably revenge for ruining his book and then stealing his book a second time. But then again, what he just made sense. I had carelessly dropped my guard. I had even for a second forgotten that I was even on a mission!

Ignoring the strange tinge of guilt that was welling up inside, I crossed my arms. Yes, I am aware I am wearing white (which was wet from my little swim). “Okay, I'm sorry all right? It wasn't a very smart thing to do.” I looked away sheepishly. “Now can I have my clothes back?”

Silence. When I glanced back over at him, he merely waved.

"Bastard!" I shouted as he disappeared with a poof. Desperately, I turned back to talk to Sakura, but found her gone.

"Sakura?" I called out hesitantly.

Crap! Cursing Kakashi back to the eighteen hells, I huffed, slapping the water and glaring at nothing whatsoever.

How was I going to get out of this problem this time?

Mmm... Wait! I know! I smirked to myself.

"Henge no jutsu!" (Transforming Technique)

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

Third person POV

Kakashi smirked to himself, tossing Yama's clothing by Sasuke's bag.

"Let's see how she gets herself out of this one..."

Sakura was struggling furiously against Naruto's grip, who was desperately trying to calm her down. Why, oh, why did he have to hold her? Inside, he was furiously berating Kakashi for handing Sakura over to him a few moments ago.

"Naruto no baka! Let me go or I'll pound your head in!" She threatened. Naruto flinched. Well folks; looks like Inner Sakura has spoken!

Naruto promptly dropped Sakura's arm and braced himself for a smack from Sakura. Sasuke only looked on calmly without a single hint of emotion. It seems like his earlier emotions were either covered very nicely or had faded. Tazuna only looked on indifferently, looking uninterested, but it was obvious he was listening as well.

When no hit came, Naruto peeked out from under his arms and saw Sakura dive for Yama's clothes but was stopped by Kakashi.

"Kakashi-sensei!" she protested.

"Hush, Sakura." Kakashi scolded, peering back into his book and grinning. "Don't ruin your sensei's fun."

Sakura stared at him strangely, "Uh... opps... " Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck cautiously. "I... mean... Yama-san deserves to be punished because she deserted the Team without an earlier notice!" he tried sternly.

"I went with her, Sensei."

"..."

"..." Naruto deadpanned, looking between the two in confusion.

"Go talk to Sasuke." Kakashi suggested, desperately trying to get Sakura off his back. "Just wait and see."

"What? Wait and see what, Kakashi-baka?" a familiar voice grumbled behind him.

Kakashi jerked around, confused that someone had snuck up on him. Maybe he should really stop reading those books... they really do distract him.

He stared at the person in front of him. He had spiked up silver hair with a head protector covering his left eye, but with no mask on.

It was his double. Wait… did he really look like that? He blanched; on the other hand, how on earth had Yama do the Henge jutsu right? Usually the jutsu had never worked for whoever had tried to transform into him. The face was usually wrong! But how…?

Well. It's not like his students knew it was the right face anyway, right?

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

Yama's POV

I frowned irritably as Team 7 and Tazuna just stared at me stupidly.

"Uh... Kaka-sensei? Is that... what your face looks like?" Naruto questioned, "With no mask on?"

“Nope.” Kakashi answered cheerfully. Naruto was promptly knocked out by the Copy Ninja.

"Let's hope he doesn't remember anything." Kakashi continued. His eyes rose to meet mine.

"What?" I asked, smirking.

Sakura and Sasuke had wisely chosen to remain silent, and for that, the Jounin seemed to have forgotten about them seeing his face as well. Tazuna didn't even move from his spot, only chewed on the edge of a piece of grass thoughtfully. Most likely because he believed that Kakashi would not hurt clients.

"What-"

"Used Henge," I answered, knowing his question already. I casually walked over towards my clothes, but suddenly found Kakashi in my way.

"What?" I asked in irritation. What the hell did he want now?

No answer.

"Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura started tentatively. "Why do you wear a mask? I don't see anything wrong with your face..." Kakashi whirled around. “But that isn't my face. The henge jutsu has never worked for those trying to impersonate me. Genma and Kurenai have tried it thousands of times.”

I paused, and then brightened. Even if he said it wasn't his face… It could give me an idea, right? My eye's darted left, where the river was. Think I could make it? Why didn't I think of it before I came here looking for him? Why didn't I just look down into the river after I had changed into him? Bah! Stupid me.

Just when I was about to dart off, Kakashi caught my wrist. "I don't think so,"

"And why not?!" I retorted, trying to shake his grip off. His grip only tightened.

"Because it's my face." Well it serves you right! And it was my body that you were looking at you pervert!

"So you're telling me that I actually did the Henge thing right this time?"

No answer.

"I take that as a yes," I said, heaving triumphantly. "Anyway..."

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

"Will you let me go change now?" I grumbled. I tapped my foot impatiently, earning another hard-earned glare. Whoopie! Glare number 10.

We were walking again. This time however; Sasuke was carrying his bag, Sakura was carrying her bag with my clothes in it and Naruto (who had finally awakened again), with yet another lump on his head was walking near the back instead up by the front. I could tell he was purposely trying to avoid Sakura at all costs.

And the only down thing was that Kakashi wasn't letting me get dressed, partially because he didn't trust me to be alone and run off somewhere, thus, getting the chance to see his face. I was still in his form of course, dressed in black slacks and a black long sleeved shirt.

I refused to release the jutsu because number one; it would put me back into my other clothes, and two; Kakashi had expressed that he thought I wouldn't be able to hold the jutsu very long. So here I am, trying to prove him wrong!

I also had a mask on now… courtesy of Mr. I-will-wear-a-mask-until-my-funeral-and-then-you-still-won't-see-my-face-'c ause-I'll-have-a-mask-on! I really don't know how he could stand it, wearing a mask 24/7, I know I would die - I already was. I let out a dry cough. At least the material was soft, and not scratchy. Now that I think about it… at one time or another Kakashi had worn this same mask. So… an indirect kiss?

Do not finish that line of thought!

"Will you let me change now?!" I cried finally, shaking my arm wildly, causing him to glare at me yet again and turn his attention away from his book. I only gave him a triumphant look. I had gotten his attention, at least.

He sighed. "Fine."

"Finally!"

“Have you learnt your lesson then?”

“…yes I have.” I've definitely learnt my lesson— I'm too weak, so I need to train to try to be stronger so I can best the asshole one day.

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

A few minutes later...

I shook my hair out, running my hand through my hair, okay, Kakashi's hair, well my hair in Kakashi's form. I would've been using a brush, but someone had thrown it away... Ahem... Sakura. She did throw it away, she just threw it at Naruto and it got lost in the woods.

I glanced down at myself, and released the jutsu. I was myself again in my white tank and boxer shorts. I yanked the mask off, taking a deep breath of fresh air.

'I'll never ever diss the air again!!' Then I glanced down at myself, very glad that I had not gone skinny dipping.

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

Third person POV

"Why is Sasuke-bastard's face all red?" Naruto asked suddenly, prancing up to the Uchiha and peering closely at his face.

Sasuke, on the other hand, was not impressed at all and scowled at his teammate and turned away with a huff.

That was when Yama just emerged from the trees, fully dressed and in her regular form. Naruto glanced back and forth between the two, and his simple minded mind put two and two together. He put the wrong two and two together.

"Ha! I know! Sasuke-chan has a crush on Yama-chan!" he cried gleefully, "That means Sakura is all mine!"

BONK!

"First of all, I am not yours, baka," Sakura seethed, eyes flaming, "And secondly, don't call Sasuke-kun that!" She calmed down a bit. `Although Sasuke-chan sounds kind of cute…' She thought in amusement. "Besides, I'm sure Sasuke-kun doesn't go for older girls, ne, Sasuke-kun?" Sasuke didn't answer, turning away with a, "Hn."

"Itai, itai, itai!" Naruto whined, rubbing his poor abused head. "Itai..."

Sakura's once good terms with the older teenager faded and was replaced with anger. She was glaring furiously at Yama.

'Why that! &@^!@$' Inner Sakura cursed loudly and growled at the form of the other teen.

Sasuke scowled and promptly gave Naruto, who was still on the ground, another smack, emitting another cry from the boy. "Of course not! Why the hell would I have a crush on my own o-," Sasuke cut himself off as Naruto glared at him from his position on the ground.

"Asshole!"

"…Your what, Sasuke?" Kakashi spoke up, glancing at him, eye glittering with curiosity.

"... Nothing..." Sasuke grunted and turned around, walking off.

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

Yama's POV

I sighed contentedly, since I was back in my own clothes. I smirked inwardly when I rejoined the group. Once I was alone... I could change into Kakashi again and see his face! Ha! Let's see what he would do about THAT!

Lucky me!

"Don't even think about it." a low growl cut in.

Huh?

I tuned into what was in front of me and there, in all his high and glory, was Kakashi. "Gah!" I leapt back several feet, "Err... I mean... ah... what was that?" I tried to pull what was left of my dignity together.

He only glared at me, but said nothing. It was like he could read minds! He glanced over at the back of Sasuke, who was still strolling further ahead. "Let's keep going. We shouldn't waste any more time."

I tipped my head in apology. “Gomen nasai. It won't happen again taichou!” I added in mock salute. Kakashi rolled his eye at me but said nothing in reply.

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

A few hours later...

I peeked out along the side of the boat, watching, mesmerized by the glimmering sheen of the water's surface. I cautiously slipped a hand under the surface, letting it run along the water as the boat continued to move slowly and steadily through the water. The person steering wasn't using the motor. Instead he was using a paddle to row us through.

The fog was very thick and Team 7 sat silently, as did the bridge expert. Kakashi was reading his 'book' and Naruto looked like he was sleeping, drooling against the wooden planks. Sasuke sat silently, staring out into the thick mist and Sakura was staring dreamily off into the distance, now and then glancing at the raven-haired boy. I think I need to talk to that girl sooner or later. Her crush on Sasuke… is getting to be too obsessive. Well, maybe not obsessive, but it's starting to interfere with the mission now and then. If she wanted to be a ninja she shouldn't be acting like such.

"Tazuna-san," Kakashi spoke up, setting his book down. "Before we reach land, I need to ask you something." He paused, "I need to know the identity of the people who are hunting you."

Tazuna paused and I reached forwards, drying my hand on my pants and nudging Naruto. He stirred but did not wake.

Frowning, I shoved him harder. Nothing.

I heard Sasuke snicker. "Hn... dobe."

This time, I snatched Kakashi's book and ignoring Kakashi's yelp of protest, whapped Naruto across the top of his head, none too softly. He jerked awake and rubbed his head and whined in protest.

"What the hell was that for?!"

"You brat! Shut up! Do you want us to be discovered!?" the rowing man scolded, "There is a reason I didn't turn on the motor you know."

At that, Sakura, Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi all looked at the man in surprise.

The same word was probably echoing throughout our head; 'discovered?'

"Heh, heh... heh," Naruto rubbed his head sheepishly, before throwing me another glare and turning around and a bridge came into view. It was a magnificent bridge. It wasn't finished, of course, but it looked magnificent as it was. There was a large boat by the side, and piles of scrap metal and bricks atop the bridge. There was no one working at the moment, probably because of the thick fog.

"Tazuna-san? You never answered my question." Kakashi reminded him. Tazuna sighed.

"I suppose it would be fair if I could warn you about what you're up against..." Tazuna murmured, "You have probably heard of his name; he is a well known person, and is probably one of the fewest richest people in the world."

"Richest?" Kakashi echoed.

"His name is Gatou."

Kakashi's eye widened. I frowned. The name sounded really familiar... Suddenly a face popped in my head. An older man; with dark sunglasses and was sort of short and chubby. He wore a gray suit and had grey hair that fell down to his shoulders.

I blinked and the image was gone. Was that him? Was that... that 'Gatou' person?

"Mmm... what if we decide to not escort you?"

At that, Tazuna's head lowered and we suddenly found him looking sideways at us. If I knew any better, I would've said that he was giving us the infamous 'kicked puppy' look. "Well, if I get killed on land, then I'll just have my only grandson at home, crying uncontrollably for ages...." he paused, "And my daughter will only hate Leaf nins for the rest of her life, but don't worry. It's not your fault or anything!" He covered his face with his hand and a second later, peeked out. Subtle; very subtle old man.

I rolled my eyes. He was such an idiot.

Everyone else sweat dropped.

"Ma," Kakashi said wryly. "I guess we'll have to keep protecting you then…"

Tazuna smirked. "Thank you very much!" He turned around, facing the other direction. I could have sworn that he had muttered, `I win' or at least something of the like under his breath.

"Hey, Kakashi." I said suddenly.

"That's Kakashi-sensei to you." he corrected, eye rising briefly from his book to look at me. I raised an eyebrow.

"You're not my sensei though... it would make more sense to call you Kakashi-san,"

He shrugged.

"How did you get your eye?" I asked curiously. I was speaking in a low tone, as to ensure that the others didn't hear us talking. I'd even scooted closer towards him.

He started, and frowned at me. "I thought you don't remember too much."

I shrugged. "..." I didn't really want to explain this. To tell you the truth, I had recorded some of the better episodes and watched them over and over. Especially fight scenes that contained the used of Sharingan in them. Mainly because... uh... I found Uchiha Itachi cute in an odd kind of way and Hatake Kakashi was too mysterious for his own good. Very, very interesting. "Um... Yes... But something comes back now and then."

That was true too. I could remember flashes of the fight that went on between him Zabuza, and what happened with Itachi later on. But the images were really fuzzy and hard to interpret. I could only guess and state at what I thought I could remember. Besides, memories tend to be biased when recalled later on. They get changed and warped according to how I want them to be… just a little.

However, I did remember now that he had a Sharingan eye. I had seen it earlier on too, but I guess I wasn't exactly focused on details at that time. Now that I think about it, I should've recognized it instantly! Why didn't I?

"That should be none of your business." Kakashi said tartly, turning back to his book. My left eyebrow rose amazing high, and for all I knew, it wasn't planning on coming down any time soon. Perhaps I had hit another sore topic. I sighed. Why did I always do that unintentionally? Besides, I was so bored. Why couldn't something -

CRASH!!

- I spoke too soon. Naruto slammed into the side of the boat and went tumbling over the side of it; even Tazuna looked a little freaked out, looking about wildly. I would be if I were him too, if ninjas were after my own life. Wait; there could be ninjas after my life! Eeee... it was a big world; someone could've heard of me already and was plotting to take my life. Plus, even though I don't intentionally make enemies, I'm rather... stupid and rash sometimes.

I saw Sakura eye the water fearfully, edging closer to the middle of the small boat. Sasuke was watching the water closely, staring at the spot where Naruto had disappeared into.

"..."

Silence.

"Naruto?" my voice sounded empty and hollow as it drifted over the motionless water edges. Kakashi frowned and peered over the side.

"Naruto, no more jokes."

Nothing.

Grunting softly, I whistled lightly and suddenly Sasuke dove into the water. I jumped in surprise, upsetting the boat. "Careful!" the boat rower warned, "You don't want to capsize us! These waters aren't exactly shark free either." he added. I stared at him in horror. Weren't exactly 'shark' free? Now I was officially terrified!

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura yelped and latched onto the side of the boat as Sasuke's form disappeared under the misty looking water. Sasuke's quick retreat had added to my nervous state and I unintentionally upset the boat again, causing it to tip wildly. "Don't move!" Kakashi snapped. We all froze. After a few seconds, the boat managed to gain its ground against the waters and everything seemed to calm down.

Well, looks like it's just us four left.

Silence.

"Well..." I started, "Isn't this perfect."

Splash!

A gasping Naruto and an annoyed Sasuke appeared, bobbing on the surface a few meters away a second later.

Kakashi sighed and put his book away. "Looks like we need to get to shore as soon as possible.” He paused. “We also need to find out how Naruto got into the water.”

I reached over and pulled Naruto in. But as I reached over to help Sasuke, I could've sworn he learned closer. In fact... his eyes were closed and he was leaning slightly on me when I finally pulled him out. What was this about?

Abruptly his eyes snapped open and he pushed away from me. I blinked at him. What was that?

He avoided my gaze as Kakashi waited for Naruto to catch his breath, "Naruto? What happened?"

"... I... (pant) don't really... know..." Naruto choked out. "One minute I was... on the boat and the next moment... something... pulled me in... into the water." He coughed up some more water and I thumped him on the back, attempting to help, "I saw... something..." He finished, staring over the side of the boat fearfully.

I peered over the side of the boat and stared impassively at the dim water. Suddenly I saw something float to the surface. Curiously I slipped a hand in, forgetting momentarily of the 'sharks,' and lightly touched the surface of something that looked rather shiny.

Then…

Whatever it was grasped my hand tightly and I found myself pulled into the water. Shit!

"Arhh—!?" I was cut off as soon as I hit the water, swallowing what seemed to be gallons of water.

"Grggggg," I sputtered against the water, struggling furiously against whatever it was that held me. I could see the air bubbles escaping me and the water seemed to close in all around me. The one kind of death I hated the most was drowning to death. I could die any other death except drowning. But I liked swimming, I just hated drowning. ?

'Calm down.'

'… Taka?!'

'Calm down.' he repeated.

'Calm down?! CALM DOWN?! I'm drowning and you're saying CALM DOWN?!'

'Shush,' Taka commanded gently, 'If you don't already know... the jutsu's that you have been taught are all about water. Right now, you should probably try to use something to help you.'

I gurgled against the water. I was running out of air.

'But-!'

But he was gone.

Crap! How was I supposed to use a stupid jutsu if one of my hands were being held? How the hell was I suppose to make seals, mmmmm? And plus, what jutsu could I use? What could possible help me now except another person to drag me out of here? Another- I froze.

That's it! Another person... Another clone!! But that only solves one of my problems. At the moment something had a pretty damn firm grip on my right hand. And seals require two hands.

Wait... I remembered Iruka saying something about one hand seals, but I didn't know if I could make it work, since I had only started studying two hands seals. Iruka had briefly mentioned one hand seals, but hadn't really said much about them.

…Something about using a lot more concentration and chakra to make it work. The seals for the one hand were slightly altered as well.

Worth a try. I was low on air. It was either that or death. And death wasn't exactly looking very welcoming. Does it ever look welcoming? You tell me! I don't want to be the one to find out!

I held one arm up, and tried to form the seals that I had read from the textbook. One hand seals had different positions than two hand seals.

One seal... two seal... three seal... I lose my concentration and I let out another precious bubble of air.

Try again... One seal... two seal... three... I could feel my strength fading and my hand started to fall apart from the seals. Suddenly a hand grasped my hand, forcing me to form one last seal. I bit back a startled gasp and let out soundless scream, taking in mouthfuls of salty water.

Just then a hand grasped my elbow and I was pulled up. Whatever had grasped my hand from before released me and I was pulled back towards the surface.

Breaking the surface, I took a big gulp of air, gasping and choking on excess water.

"..."

The three twelve year olds were staring at me in astonishment. I turned to see a sopping wet Kakashi beside me, leaning against the side of the boat.

"What?" I gasped out in irritation.

That was when I realized just how good looking Kakashi was with his hair wet and leaning over his face.

His hair was kind of flopped over, instead of how it usually was- all spiked up. Water was dripping down the visible part of his face and since the cloth was wet, we could pretty much see the outline of his face clearly. Sure, you couldn't see the color, but the outline was enough to let your imagination go wild. In fact, it didn't leave much to the imagination at all!

I didn't notice that I was staring until someone grasped my arm and pulled me onto the boat. I blinked. It was Sasuke. Behind me, Kakashi pulled himself into the boat as well, squeezing water out of his hair.

I snapped out of my daze and forlornly gathered my dark hair to lean over the side; this time being more cautious, and squeezed water out of my hair as well. I ran my fingers hastily through the aftermath of my hair. Oh well.

"What happened?" Kakashi asked urgently, eyeing the side of the boat in alarm.

"... Saw something..." I murmured, "I saw some... something shiny and then I was pulled in... like a hand..." I answered in a haze.

I saw him frown and we all tensed as we all felt something climb into the boat. And there, was an exact replica of me.

We all stared.

I stared. It worked?! The one handed seal actually worked!? Oh wait... something had helped me… Someone... I bit my lip. Should I tell them? Who helped me?

I decided not to tell them. It would only worry them more.

"Opps." I dropped the jutsu and the clone disappeared with a splash, causing Sasuke and Naruto to be soaked once again.

"..." they both glared at me.

"... sorry…" I mumbled, shivering slightly. I glanced down at my outfit. I really gave 'soaked to the bon' a whole new meaning. My black tank top was completely soaked and my capris were still dripping water. I glanced down curiously at my feet, dimly noting that I had somehow lost a sandal.

I slipped my other left foot sandal off, lifting it into the air perpendicular to my face, "The hell?" I was stupefied. I tossed it into the river. I suppose I would have to go barefoot for a while.

"Mizu Bunshin?" Kakashi stated, "You were actually able to learn that?" I glared at him. There was a tone of sarcasm in his voice.

"And what's wrong with that?" I demanded, glowering at him. He shrugged indifferently and turned to the other two men, who were very freaked out by now, "We need to get to shore as soon as possible,"

The younger man nodded and Tazuna took a deep breath as we started moving again, this time a bit faster.

I frowned as something caught my eye again. More quickly this time, I flicked my hand through the water and brought it up. I was holding something now...

.... A Konoha Leaf forehead protector... that had a horizontal scratch going through the symbol....

"What are you holding?"

In a flash, I turned around, the forehead protector still in my hand. I plastered a smile on my face, "What? Oh, this?" I held a forehead protector up innocently. It was the one from the water, "Just my forehead protector." I had faced the front away from him— so he wouldn't be able to see the slit through the middle.

Kakashi frowned as I answered Sakura's question, but said nothing of it.

I felt the hair on the back of my neck tingle. I knew I was being watched. I glanced back slightly.

Sasuke.

He was sitting somewhere behind me, so he probably saw the other forehead protector that was tied looped around the back of my belt. But if he noticed, he said nothing.

"We stay silent until we reach land." Kakashi ordered. "We cannot risk being discovered again.”

'They already know we're here.' I thought grimly. I turned around, facing the water, eyeing the forehead protector in my hand. I didn't care if Sasuke saw me or not. I already knew he probably had seen the other forehead protector. Why he didn't say anything was beyond me.

But the question was; who was the `they?'

I drew in a sharp breath, before flicking the forehead protector back into the water. I didn't want whoever owned that forehead protector to come after me now, did I?

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

On land...

"Where are we headed now? Tazuna-san?" Kakashi mumbled softly. Naruto let out a big cat-like yawn and stretched his arms high up above his head.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh..." he let out, eyes snapping shut as he walked a few steps forward, dropping his bag to the floor.

"We will be heading through the old forest path for a few hours, before we reach my house, my one rendezvous!" Tazuna let out a big sigh. I knew it was probably a sigh of relief.

"Naruto! Get your lazy ass off the floor! We still need to keep moving!" Sakura snapped, eyes blazing. Her temper was starting to act up. She turned to Sasuke, and her expression immediately changed, anger gone, "Right, Sasuke-kun?"

"Aa," Sasuke mumbled in reply, sticking his hands into his pockets and staring off into the forest.

"Iie, Sakura-chaaan! I want to rest for a bit!" he huffed, crossing his arms and staying in his cross-legged position on the dirt floor.

"Proves how weak you are." Sasuke grumbled.

Naruto leapt to his feet. I smirked; the raven haired boy knew how to push the blonde's buttons well. Too well. At least it got the blonde moving.

"I am not! I'm going to become Hokage some day! And obviously I'm not weak! You gotta be strong to be Hokage, you know! You wanna fight?!"

"Che... you're never going to become Hokage, because you are weak."

"Teme! Say that again Sasuke-bastard!" the blonde yelped, lifting a fist and shaking it uncontrollably in Sasuke's direction.

"Hn," the Uchiha grumbled, "You're weak,"

"GAHHH!!!" Naruto took a step forwards but was stopped when a hand grasped the back of his shirt.

"You're supposed to fight your enemy, not your teammate," Kakashi said in amusement. Still holding a struggling Naruto, Kakashi turned to Tazuna, "Shall we head out?"

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

A few hours later...

"Gah, weren't we suppose to there by now?" Naruto whined, pouting and crossing his arms.

"Shut up Naruto," Sakura mumbled, fanning herself with her hand. It was getting rather hot out. Trust me, I know. I was wearing all freaking black! I was stupid for wearing it too.

"You're supposed to be protecting someone so keep quiet. Don't go around, announcing your presence to every single living thing out here," I grumbled in annoyance.

At the word protect, Naruto quirked up and went on high alert, holding out a kunai, "I will protect Tazuna-san!" he announced. Before we knew it, we had a very hyper-active little ninja, skulking around, as if we were on a spying mission. Mission impossible, anyone?

Glad one of us found something to do.

"Coast is clear!" he announced. I sweat dropped. I had only made it worse.

"Stop acting like you're so cool!" Sakura shrieked, raising a fist and stomping forwards, bopping him on the head. Naruto really had it coming to him. So far, he seems to be where we all vent out our anger on. But then again, he has most it coming to him. And plus, what can't kill you will make you stronger! Naruto wants to be strong, ne?

Naruto fell to the ground, rubbing his head in pain, "ITAI! Itai, itai, ita...." he broke off when his gaze jerked to the right and he suddenly threw his kunai that was in hand.

I jumped back as it zipped right by me, "Hey!" I yelped. Sasuke merely eyed the trees to our right cautiously along with Kakashi. Tazuna only rolled his eyes at the blonde's stupidity and Sakura was busy bombarding Naruto with punches, "Why did you go and do that?!" she exploded.

I watched as Kakashi made his way through the bushes. Sakura stopped, confused. We all followed him, Tazuna close behind.

That's when we all saw a white rabbit, its eyes swirling. It looked unconscious. Above his head, embedded into the soft bark of a young sapling, was a kunai. The kunai Naruto threw, in fact.

"Naruto! Look what you did!" Sakura cried. Sasuke rolled his eyes and turned around, facing the other direction. Tazuna mumbled, “Brat, what kind of ninja are you?" under his breath and Naruto leapt forwards, eyes wide in horror.

"Aww! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Naruto gathered the rabbit into his arms, stroking its head soothingly and trying to calm the frightened poor thing.

I glanced back. "Good going, Naruto."

That's when I noticed the troubled look on Kakashi's face, "What's wrong?"

His eyes met mine briefly, "He's here.”

To be continued…

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

XoXSilverDragonXoX

Revised August 06, 2008