Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Girl Named Yama ❯ Chapter 11 - Christmas Lessons ( Chapter 11 )

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:

 

So, everything has been cleared up now! Kind of. There are still many things that haven't been answered. Let's just add that to Yama's long list of questions, shall we? After hearing Sasuke's childhood story and then after they've finally convinced Yama that she is indeed a Uchiha, what happens next?

 

Warnings:

 

Hints of Shounen Ai. So small you need to squint to see it. 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 11 - Christmas Lessons

 

Walking.

 

Step. Step. Step. Step. Step.

 

I looked up and heaved my backpack higher up my back and saw Naruto's bobbing head further up. Ever since we had left the water country, he had been bouncing up in front, only walking back once in a while to bicker with Sasuke, before bouncing up top the front once again.

 

That kid was so full of energy. It must be the ramen. Or maybe it was the msg in the ramen...

 

Kakashi was walking to my left, every so often glancing curiously in my direction, which I returned with a bland look. Why the hell did he keep looking over here for? Did I grow another head or something? But... this was not possible, for when I looked left and right... voila! No other head.

 

Thus, I have now deemed Kakashi as insane. Or maybe he was trying to figure out what kind of anomaly I was, since I had produced the impossible with the sharingan.

 

Sasuke and Sakura trailed along behind us. Sometimes I could feel Sasuke's gaze on my back and I would glance back, meeting his dark eyes. I still needed to talk to him sooner or later. I haven't really had a chance to do so properly yet. It was basically rest, rest, rest, okay, we're leaving now! Kakashi wanted us to get back as soon as possible to give a report. We had already taken waaay too long. But I'm not looking forward to the report. Simply because I have not thought of any excuse for as to why I lied about where I'm from. How was I going to explain that one?! I do not wish to tell them that I'm from another world. The less people who knew, the better. If people like Orochimaru (yes, I do remember that snake-face) got a whiff of that news… what could happen? The fact that I was here meant that inter-dimension travelling was perfectly possible. Would the bad guys from this world want to take over a whole new world? A whole new world that would be totally unprepared for something like ninjas? We may have guns and nuclear bombs but these guys over here can breathe fire and throw water and play with the elements. They would wreak havoc.

 

At least I felt better than I had in days. Being in bed for four days is not something that is very pleasant. Not at all. It is rather irritating to the very bone. Plus, my companions had decided while I was bedridden, I wouldn't be able to do anything for myself - so they treated me like I was an invalid. I will never, ever ask them to do something for me again. You don't know the joys of doing something by yourself until it's taken away from you.

 

"So... Yama..." Kakashi stated slyly. “Have you talked to Sasuke yet?” I flinched and pretended I hadn't heard what he had just said. No, I have not, Kakashi-sensei.

 

"We are about to take a break soon. We've been traveling for quite a while now. And it is about lunch time." Kakashi said finally, snapping his book shut and slipping it into his pocket. “Take this chance to talk to him.” I gaped at him in horror. No way! I was going to do it on my own time! Not now! Not here! He gave me a look and I shied away. Fine.

 

Bossy.

 

I eyed him warily. "Fine."

 

Kakashi's eye curled up, giving me a grin, "Naruto! We're going to take a break!” He turned back to me. “Plus, maybe we can experiment with your Sharingan as well. We might as well try to figure what is different about it, in terms of abilities.” I rolled my eyes. He sounded way too eager. Kakashi's character hadn't hit me as someone who was so eager to learn.

 

Naruto's head bobbed around, "Aww! Now? Why now? I can see Konoha in the distance!" the blonde shaded his eyes, peering further down.

 

Sasuke snorted, "Konoha's a day away, dobe."

 

Naruto narrowed his eyes at the Uchiha, "Teme!” He grumbled, crossing his arms in a small pout, before plopping down on a rock and not moving. Temper tantrums. Those are always nice to have too.

 

Sakura bounded up to Sasuke, "Ne... ano sa... Sasuke-kun... are you hungry?" She hesitantly held out the box of rice balls that Tazuna had given us before we left. I was actually surprised that they lasted this long already.

 

Sasuke only nodded once before taking one silently. Sakura beamed, watching Sasuke with bright eyes.

 

I shook my head softly. If Sakura knew what was going on between her two teammates... Naruto would have hell to pay. Of course... Sakura wouldn't hurt Sasuke, so he had nothing to worry about. I really didn't even know if they were together or not. They didn't act like it or anything. Same sex relationships weren't all that rare anymore, but perhaps they weren't ready to reveal it to us yet? Or maybe it was just a misunderstanding cooked up by my head. Besides, if they were together I could only hope that Sakura would be accepting.

 

Thinking about those two has got me thinking about boys. I did remember this one cute boy back in my world. I'd had a crush on him for about two years. But that didn't work out. I think I was too naïve with that one. The guy was a complete basket-case! We did end up going out for a few months before we had to split. He had Tokyo University while I had my own future to decide on.

 

I hummed softly. To tell you the truth, I don't think I'll even have time for relationships here in this world. I've decided firmly what I wanted to do. I wanted to travel and figure out this inter-dimension thing. If I ended up here, there's bound to be information lying around right? I needed to go out and find that information. Even if I wouldn't find a way to get home, perhaps the gathered information would help the next poor kid who wound up here. I think it was safe to assume that I wasn't alone.

 

'You know, that's actually not a bad idea!' I jumped. Taka! Thanks for scaring the crap out of me again! Can't you like, ever give me a nudge before you come out or something?

 

`Where were you before, Taka?' I thought. I hadn't heard from him in a long time now. He wasn't there when I was fighting that ninja kid—Haku... was it? And he wasn't helping me when I was against Itachi... and then now when there was no danger, he comes out!

 

'I don't just come out when you're in danger, you know.' Taka grumbled, 'I'm not like a guardian or anything,'

 

'Then what are you.' I pressed, sitting down by a tree. The rest of the group had sat by the river; opening the bento Tazuna's family had packed for us. Kakashi was sitting in a tree, his book opened again. I suppose he thought that I would eat lunch before talking to Sasuke or something.

 

`Actually you might never found out what I am. The stuff's classified.' Taka started, 'I couldn't tell you even if I wanted to.'

 

'Yeah, yeah, I understand. But just so you know, you didn't even help me all that much or anything.' I pointed out. It was true, he didn't. The only time he had actually been a help, was during the first few days. It was back when I had first met Team 7. But that was it.

 

'Pfft, you chase me away half the time.'

 

'Whatever.'

 

Leaning against the tree, I stared up at the sky. Then I reached for my pack and whipped out a notebook and a pen. Yes, pens do exist here. But they're mainly used for their convenience more than anything. Who wants to carry an ink bottle and a felt brush pen all the time? I opened the book, and began writing.

 

About 20 minutes later, I felt something hit my head. “Ow!” And apple rolled down my left side.

 

“Oiya. I thought that the apple would stay on your head. Hmmm.” I glanced up to see Kakashi—who else— sitting on a branch in my tree. “What are you writing?” He leaned forwards. I rolled my eyes. “It's just a bunch of stuff that I need answers for.” I answered.

 

Kakashi made a noise at the back of his throat and relaxed against the tree again. “There's something else you need to answer us for us later.” I winced. I knew perfectly what he was talking about. “Anyway, anything I could answer?” he questioned. I glanced up at him. Now there was a good point. Maybe he could shorten my list a little. It was worth a try.

 

“All right then.” I started. “I'm going to start from the top then, all right? Maybe you can answer some of them, at least. It would make my life a hell of a lot easier. First question; what other information can I get about the fusing shuriken that would benefit me?” Okay, so I had reworded the question a bit. The question I had written was `what is the fusing shuriken,' but I figured that since Kakashi had been there when the Hokage had kind of explained it to me.

 

“Hmmmm.” Kakashi flipped a page in his book. “Well, you've learnt what it does, yes?” I nodded. “Unfortunately for you, there's not much else known about it. All we know is that the fused pair gains access to each other's chakra. We don't know how to break the bond, what consequences it may contain and so on and so forth. And we don't know a way to stop the bond process once it has started either.” His eye glanced at me. “So at the moment, all Hokage-sama can do is try and keep that shuriken safe and hopefully you will have no need to bond with another.”

 

I rolled my eyes. Great.

 

“Akatsuki has the knowledge you need.” I perked up and frowned.

 

“What?”

 

“Akatsuki developed it, as far as we know. They should have the method to stop the process.” Kakashi said simply. He snapped his book shut. “But you probably won't be able to obtain that information by any other means except force.” I raised my hand in surrender. “I don't have a death wish quite yet, thank you very much. Okay, next question!”

 

I glanced down at my notebook and quickly jotted down what Kakashi had just said about it. I might as well keep track of what I do know. Once I finished, I scanned my second question. “What do the two dressed in red and black capes want with me?” Kakashi frowned. “Yeah, I know that even you don't have the answer to that one, Kakashi.” Hey… wait a minute. “Wait. What if they were to attack us right now?”

 

Kakashi shrugged. “Highly unlikely. Since Uchiha Itachi even left you intact, I doubt they're going to try it again any time soon. Akatsuki work in pairs and each pair is assigned a task. It is likely that only Uchiha Itachi and his partner are after you.” I let out a sigh of relief. Well at least that reassures me a little. Despite how safe I feel by being around Kakashi, I don't even think that Kakashi could handle both those members of the Akatsuki.

 

“Wait.” I frowned. “What is Akatsuki?” Kakashi stared at me. “I thought that you knew.”

 

I motioned for Kakashi to come down and he frowned. “Why?”

 

“Because I'm getting a crick in the neck from having to look up to talk to you all the time.”

Kakashi laughed. “You don't need to look at me when we're talking. Just talk.” Well then, fine. You suggested it— just don't accuse me of being rude late on.

 

“Anyway— Akatsuki?” Kakashi gave me a sideways look. “This is neither the place nor time to discuss it. We'll talk about it when we get back to Konoha.” Just then, Naruto decided to plop down beside me and Kakashi gave me a look that said `see?'

 

I glanced at the blonde beside me. “Naruto,” I started. He grinned at me. “What?”

 

He shrugged. “Dunno. Just felt like sitting here.”

 

“Ah.” I said, “Well, sit all you want. Okay Kakashi, third question.” The Copy-nin gave me an answer hum. “Well, I definitely know you don't know this one. You even asked me it yourself. How did I get into Uchiha Itachi's sharingan jutsu?” Naruto gaped at me. “Uchiha Itachi? Is he related to Sasuke?” I nodded at him.

 

“That one has me curious as well.” Kakashi commented from above. “We'll have to dig up the old Uchiha files when we get back to hope we can find that answer. What's the next question?”

 

“One that you don't know the answer to either. What's wrong with my sharingan?”

 

Kakashi snorted. “Same answer as the above question—digging up old files.”

 

“Now, how did I get here?”

 

“Good question. How did you get here, Yama?” Kakashi's eye glittered at me. I managed a sheepish look. Crap.

 

It was a very vague question, but I had worded it as such in case someone ever managed to read this notebook. Like I said before, I didn't want the news of my inter-dimension to travel. What would happen if the bad guys managed to get word of it? Wouldn't that only put my previous world in danger?

 

`Yes it would.' Ahh. Taka appears!

 

`That's mean!'

 

`How so?' I snorted and managed to give Taka a mental pat on the head. `I'm never mean to you!' Don't ask me how I managed to figure out how to do that. After a few more encounters with Taka, I managed to scope out where he appeared in my brain. He was a little ball of… golden energy. That was it. Just a little ball sitting on the side inside my head. He was like a little pet!

 

`Oi.' I don't suppose you knew the answer to any of those questions?

 

`Possibly the second question.'

 

`And?' I prodded him.

 

`Stop that! Geez.' Taka grumbled. `They may have gotten word of your travel between dimensions.' I froze. You're kidding. That's not even funny! They even sound like a bad guy group, since Kakashi talked about them that way!

 

`You can deal.' I felt his presence disintegrate. That was just so like Taka; to disappear after giving me all the bad news. He has no sympathy whatsoever!

 

“If you don't know it yourself, no one's going to have that answer, Yama.” Kakashi said in amusement. I sighed, “Yeah, I know that. I'm going to do some research though. Maybe I'll find something.”

 

Kakashi shrugged but his eye told me that I would be having fun explaining my situation to the Hokage and him later on.

 

“Find? Find what Yama-chan?” Naruto piped in cheerfully. I almost jumped. I had forgotten he had been sitting there. I quickly I made up an excuse. “Just some information on some jutsus I need to find.” He let out a pout and I laughed nervously. Something told me he knew I was lying to him. “So why are you here, Naruto? Weren't you with Sasuke like five minutes ago?”

 

Naruto gave me a frown. “Sasuke's sulking.”

 

Kakashi chuckled. I gave Naruto a look. “He's what?”

 

“… Sulking.”

 

“I do not sulk.” We all glanced up to see Sasuke standing there with his arms crossed. Sakura stood timidly behind him, giving us a sheepish look.

 

“You were too sulking!” Naruto accused. “You were all moody and depressed so I decided to give you a moment!” I fought off a laugh and managed to smother it into a cough. I closed my notebook.

 

“But isn't he also moody and depressive?” I wondered out loud. I earned a glare for that, before Sasuke stomped away. I rolled my eyes. He was so dramatic sometimes. But… I stood up. I suppose I needed to talk to him now anyway. I think Kakashi had somehow given the other two orders to stay put because no one followed me when I trailed after Sasuke's stomping footsteps.

 

Well okay—he wasn't stomping, but it seemed like he was. For Uchiha Sasuke, anyway.

 

I stopped. Okay, where did that idiot go now? I glanced left and right, before pushing through the pushes in front of me. Ah, there he is. He was sitting in front of the river. After a moment's hesitation, I finally threw up my arms. `Screw it.'

 

I plopped down beside him. He merely gave me a side glance at my motion.

 

Having no idea what to say, I decided to start something. “Erm… So I'm not good at this sister-brother talk thing…” Sasuke gave me a wry look. “Well it's not like I really had any siblings to talk to!” He looked back out towards the river.

 

“Oh, don't give me that Sasuke.” I said, rolling my eyes. “You've never really had a sister and I've never really had a brother. Does that make us even? Besides, you can't expect me to try and completely accept the whole thing in a blink of an eye. I know you're probably not happy with my previous denial, but did you ever try to think about how I would feel?” I demanded. Had he even tried? I mean, think about it. I've been dropped into another world, knocked on death's door, and now they're telling me I have relatives here? Did they think I'd be all like, `Wow! Relatives!'

 

No. I don't think so. Whoever the hell was ruling way up there had a wicked sense of humor. I have to say that even if I'm not fully unhappy about being here (I mean, come on, ninjas!), I'm not exactly happy to be paint-balled for death here. Because seeing as I have the sharingan… and seeing as how the entire clan is dead except for Sasuke, me and… Ita…chi…

 

I blinked. Itachi. Itachi!

 

Had he recognized me? I opened my notebook and jotted another question down. Does Itachi know about me?

 

I felt a presence over my shoulder and I glanced to my left. Sasuke was leaning over my shoulder, staring at my book curiously. “What's that?”

 

“Just a list of questions I need answers for.” I discreetly covered up the last question I had written down. No need to Sasuke to go on another one of his depressive silent moods. Sasuke shook his head. “No, I meant the next page.” I glanced at him curiously. Trust him to catch interest in a page that was barely visible.

 

I flipped the page, “Just a list of techniques I've learned so far. I figured I might end up forgetting the few that I rarely use.” At that, Sasuke's eyes seem to glitter, but he said nothing. I knew what he was thinking though. I rolled my eyes and allowed him to look. Nosy little bugger.

 

Ninjutsu:

 

Suiton

Mizu bunshin no Jutsu (Water clone)

Koorimizu Bakuha (Ice blast)

Ryuusui Suraisu (Water slice)

 

Katon

Houka Boruto (Fire bolt)

 

Doton

None

 

Raiton

Rensa Tokkan (Chain Lightning)

 

Futon

None

 

Ninpo

Kawarimi no Jutsu

 

 

Genjutsu:

 

Bunshin no Jutsu

Henge no Jutsu

 

Sasuke poked at one jutsu. “Where did you learn that one?” I blinked at him and zeroed in on the jutsu his finger was sitting on. Rensa Tokkan. Oh.

 

I laughed nervously. “Well actually there's a funny story behind that one… but not for your ears to hear.” He glared at me. “Plus, it's not a jutsu I can use very often. You could call it a double-edged sword, if you must.” I paused, “It doesn't differentiate between enemies and allies.”

 

“Hmmm.” He mumbled, before settling back down on his patch of grass. I nervously scratched the back of my head. “So… uh… I'll accept the fact that I'm related to you…” Sasuke's head whipped in my direction, eyes widening slowly. I tried to avoid his gaze. Don't look at me like that! “But just for now! Because there's no point in trying to deny it— Oi!”

 

Knocked back when Sasuke decided that now would be a good time to jump on me, I tried to push him off. “You're going to dump us into the river!” Nevertheless, the stupid brat didn't loosen his hold, and I signed in resignation. I was half-tempted to tease him about his behavior, but decided to let him have his time. It's not everyday you go on with having one day your entire family has been destroyed and another where you find a missing relative and figure out that hey! You're not so alone after all.

 

And even though I didn't want to admit it, I was a little happy too. Seeing as my only other living relative was back in my world, and I didn't have any possible means of getting back there; it was nice to see that maybe I wasn't so alone here too.

 

“Yatta! Group hug!” I blinked and barely had time to turn around before something hit us from behind.

 

“What the-?!” Went me.

 

“Gah-!” Went Sasuke.

 

Spash! And that was all of us falling into the river.

 

Bobbing on the surface a few seconds later, I spotted the blonde head beside me and immediately knew what had happened. Then Sasuke growled.

 

Naruto sheepishly rubbed his left arm. “Eh heh?”

 

“Don't you `eh heh' me!”

 

“Waha!”

 

I turned to see Sakura laughing from the shore, and Kakashi standing underneath the trees.

 

Sighing, I decided oh what the heck and merely floating on my back in the water. I was already wet anyway.

 

And even though others have probably said this a thousand times before I have, but I've never seen a sky so blue.

 

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

 

A day later...

 

Grumpily, I trailed behind Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto while rubbing my sore arm. I had woken up this morning and discovered that Naruto's back attack had resulted in another elbow shaped bruise on my back. I had recovered from the conflicts in the Wave Country, but I still had the scars to show it. Two crisscrossing on my right arm and the one on my left forearm.

 

Kakashi was walking along beside me, head currently burrowed in a copy of Come Come Paradise; the one I had given him. The one that I 'had given' him. The one that I had found in Sasuke's closet and then 'given him.' Sneaky little guy.

 

Now I understood all those times when Sasuke had stayed by my side; not showing 'entirely' all of his emotion, but helping me with this and than - very discretely, of course.

 

But now...

 

He was walking in front of me, acting like nothing had happened between us. Psh. Brothers.

 

As if he had heard me, his head turned casually back, eyes meeting mine. He flushed and glanced back to the front immediately. My eyebrows were raised. Who knew?

 

Anyway... back to the present...

 

"Ma, ma, we have entirely forgotten about our training!" a voice beside suddenly mused. I inwardly groaned. No... Horrible... lessons... I bet he was just like Iruka... maybe even worse. Actually, I'd rather have Iruka-sensei than have him as an instructor! Besides, I wanted to go home, have a nice warm bath and then hit the hay. Screw food, I needed sleep! And rest! And a massage!

 

"I see Konoha!" an excited voice cried out in front of us. Guess who? Naruto. Heh.

 

"Hrmp," Kakashi grumped, "Guess we'll have to wait until later today, ne, Yama-chan?"

 

"Hai," I answered distractedly, rolling my eyes and watching as the big Konoha doors rose before us. Immediately, two Anbu guards appeared on the ground in front of us.

 

"Kakashi-senpai." the taller of the two that wore a raccoon mask stated, "We have been expecting you. The Hokage expects you in his office for your report." Senpai huh? Would that mean that Kakashi used to be a part of the Anbu?

 

Kakashi nodded, raising an eyebrow lazily, "Hai, hai, hai,"

 

As the doors opened; three other figures greeted us. Three very familiar people.

 

Genma, Kurenai, and Asuma stood there, casually, as if they had been there for hours.

 

"Kakashi, you're late," Asuma said, puffing a few smoke rings out. Kakashi shrugged indifferently.

 

"I was distracted," he answered, casting a glance at me. I almost fell over. What the hell was that suppose to mean!? We weren't `distracted,' we were delayed by horrible enemy ninjas you idiot! Why doesn't Kakashi actually tell the truth once in a while?

 

"Ah, I suppose then, that Yama-hime is now taken?" Genma's voice held a tinge of disappointment. I opened my mouth to reply, but quickly shut it again. I don't know how he got the idea that I was taken from Kakashi's statement, but maybe that would keep Genma off my tail now. He had been trying to get me out on a date for a while now.

 

"Is that all you think about, Genma?" Kurenai scolded. She turned to us, a grin on her face, "The Hokage wishes to speak with you, Kakashi,"

 

"So I've heard." the Copy Ninja said wryly, slipping his book into his pocket and patting it reassuringly, "Ma, I guess you four are dismissed for a bit of a rest! Yama, talk to Iruka if you wish to have entrance to the Academy library.” He frowned. “I don't think you'll find what you're looking for in there, but give it a try. If nothing comes up we'll have to get permission to the Hokage library.”

 

I sighed, but nodded. I wanted to go sleep. But seeing as I had a lot of unanswered questions, the sooner the better I suppose.

 

Kurenai cocked her head. "There's no need for you guys to split up now. The Hokage wishes to speak with you as well, Umari-san. You too, Sasuke-kun."

 

"Aa," Sasuke muttered distractedly. I glanced at him curiously. His eyes had a far off look to them.

 

"I wanna come too!" Naruto pouted, a silly grin on his face.

 

Kakashi chuckled, ruffling his head a bit, "Naruto. You run along. This time the Hokage is only talking to us three for now."

 

"Blah! I wanna go too!" Naruto wailed, his arms wrapped possessively around Sasuke's left leg. We all sweat dropped. What a guy.

 

"Naruto..." Sasuke muttered, trying to shake the blonde off. This only resulted in Naruto tightening his grip, and causing Sasuke to sigh in frustration and throw his hands up in the air, growling.

 

"Get off me, dobe."

 

"No," Came the muffled reply.

 

"Get. Off. Right. Now," Sasuke said through gritted teeth. I saw Sakura glaring at Naruto.

 

"Naruto! He said get off!” she snapped. She took a step forwards.

 

"Gah! Sakura-chan!" Naruto whined. He bolted upright and glared as Sasuke shrugged him off.

 

Kakashi, without a moment's hesitation, took a hold of Sasuke's arm, my arm and muttered something, before we all disappeared in a puff of smoke.

 

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

 

"WAhhh!" Naruto pouted, crossing his arms in a childish manner, "I wanted to go too." he mumbled, glaring at the rest of the Jounin that were there.

 

"Oh grow up," Sakura muttered. She turned, half-disappointed that she was not able to go as well. All people were curious, no matter how much self-control they had. When she glanced over at Naruto, she saw the frown he sported and she sighed. “I'll treat you to some ramen, so cheer up, baka.” He brightened immediately. “Really?”

 

Sakura rolled her eyes, “Yes, really. Come on.”

 

The three adults that were left all looked simultaneously at each other, before Asuma addressed Naruto casually.

 

"Eh, Naruto... I heard Shikamaru has been looking for you lately..."

 

Naruto perked up, "Really?"

 

“He's by the ramen stand I believe." Asuma answered.

 

Sakura shrugged. “Well I guess we can head on over as well. Thank you, Sarutobi-san.” She commented. Naruto let out a whoop and grabbed Sakura's arm and began to drag her away. A few minutes later, a fuming Sakura was stomping down the road and Naruto (who now sported a new bump on the head) followed her.

 

Genma shook his head, a senbon hanging from his lips, "Peh, I wonder why Kakashi was going to nominate his team for the Chuunin exam - especially with that guy on the team."

 

Kurenai shook her head slowly, chuckling, "You look at things too quickly, Genma. Naruto-kun can be quite strong - you just haven't seen him yet."

 

And this was true. From what Kurenai had heard from Hyuuga Hinata and seen - by herself.

 

The girl was quite shy and quiet, but had a kind heart. Sometimes, Kurenai would catch her watching Naruto, as he trained. Kurenai had even watched him herself - at times. It was hard not to— watch the kid, that is. He was an anomaly, completely different from the other kids his age.

 

The kid wasn't so bad and he trained hard. He trained and worked hard for something. He was determined - although childish at times. But this childish only seemed to be a cover up. Kurenai thought grimly, 'I can only imagine that this childish image of him is only a cover up - he's probably tired of all the name calling and harsh treatment that the villagers give him. He's probably tired of crying. From what I've heard, he wants to be Hokage...'

 

Kurenai glanced up at the sky.

 

'… Perhaps the future will be something we should all look forward to.'

 

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

 

Leaning against the window sill, I stared out across the village and yawned. Kakashi was talking to the Hokage alone at the moment, giving his report as well. Sasuke was sitting in one of the chairs down the hall. I stared enviously at the Academy rooftop. I wanted to be there and not here. And they were taking so damn long in there, too.

 

I glared accusingly at the closed door. If they would just hurry up just a little, we could get this over with so I could hit the books. Yes, I was impatient. But only because Sasuke had said he would take me to the Uchiha compound to hunt down those scrolls Kakashi had talked about. It seems like he was fairly curious about my demented sharingan as well. Kakashi as too; he said he wanted to take me to the training grounds to lay out the perimeter for what my sharingan was actually capable of.

 

Creak.

 

I whirled around, eyes glimmering when I saw that the door was opened. A hand stuck out, and made a `come hither' motion. Sasuke was already on his way and I jumped at the door. I was half tempted to shriek out a `what took you guys so long' but I figured I needed to be polite. The Hokage was in there, you know.

 

“Yama-san,” The hokage nodded at me when I finally entered. I paused. He had called me by my first name rather than my last… What was up? Sasuke ambled in behind me and I watch curiously as two Jounin I didn't recognize left the room.

 

“Now. Sasuke, wait outside for a moment.” Sasuke glowered but retraced his footsteps and closed the door behind him.

 

The third turns expectant eyes towards me. “You have answers for us, Yama-san.”

 

I avoided his gaze. “Um…” Sarutobi's eyes narrowed. “You cannot be from another time period if you were born in the same generation as Uchiha Sasuke.” I winced. Damn. I knew this day was going to come. “Well, Yama-san?” Oh. Maybe that's why he stopped calling me Umari.

 

“Um…” I started. “I don't want to say it.”

 

Sarutobi's eyebrows rose. “You realize you are giving us very little reason to trust you?” I nodded grimly. “I know. But I'd rather have the less people who knew, the better.”

 

I could feel myself cowering under his gaze. He wasn't the Hokage for nothing, you know. After what felt like hours, Sarutobi sighed heavily. “I suppose you have a good reason for lying to us. Perhaps we were a little too forward in finding out as well. We old people are suckers for knowledge.” He winked at me and then frowned. “But you realize that the elders will not be happy about this situation. They are a little… on disagreeable terms with me. Perhaps we shall keep this from them.” I sighed in relief. I think it was the elders that had worried me the most. Those old creeps were always so nosy.

 

“Hokage-sama!” Kakashi protested. “You don't plan to just leave it at that, do you?!” I glowered at him. I said I didn't want to tell you guys and it's for your own good!

 

“Kakashi.” Sarutobi chastised. “Knowledge may be powerful, but you know from personal experience that it is dangerous as well, do you now?” I saw Kakashi wince. “Good. Now, at the moment the only people who you've told you are from another `time period' are the ones in the room, yes?” I nodded. “That means that everyone else still thinks you are a foreign traveler…” The Hokage hummed. “Ma, I suppose letting people know that you are a Uchiha will not hurt.” I started in surprise. Was he serious?

 

He gave me a look. “But don't go around telling me. Right now it does not matter because they do not know that you said you were from another time period. Therefore it will come to as no surprise that a foreign traveler can turn up as a long lost Uchiha.”

 

I bowed, and found that I was holding back a few tears. I don't think I could ever thank this old guy enough. He had accepted the fact that I couldn't tell him the truth even though I gave him no reason to trust me. “Thank you, Hokage-sama.” I managed to rub my eyes with side of my hands before I lowered them. No more crying now!

 

“You may call your younger brother in now. I'm sure he's quite impatient already.” I nodded.

 

Kakashi sighed. “Ma iiya. I suppose my protests mean nothing. The Hokage has decided after all… On that note, we have other things to discuss. Oi! Sasuke! Time for your debut.”

 

Opening the door, I found Sasuke staring irritably at me. I shield back. Waaa! What now? He brushed passed me and into the room.

 

The Third leaned forwards. “I've heard about most of it from Kakashi. How was your first mission, Yama-san?” I fought to control my expression. Already he was acting as if nothing had happened in the first place. I suppose I should follow his lead then.

 

Eh heh… I scratched the side of my cheek nervously. “Well…” The old man laughed, “That good, hey?” I shrugged and his eyes grew serious. “I've also heard that you've had a close shave with death.”

 

I lowered my eyes slightly. “Just a little, Hokage-sama.”

 

“And has that… changed anything?” I think he meant my decision to enter this field. And by god damn yes, it has. I nodded. “Hmmm, so I see. Let me ask you this, Yama-san. Why did you wish to become a ninja for my village?”

 

Oooh. Now that is the question of the century. Even if he would've asked me ten years from now, I would not have an answer. “Well, about that, Hokage-sama…” I started slowly, fidgeting. It was a little awkward, asking for so much right after that little session we had. “I don't think… I was actually thinking ahead when I made that selfish request.” Sarutobi nodded. “And… I don't quite know how to put this but… is there anyway I could ask that I be allowed to have a private mission of my own?” I saw Kakashi raise an eyebrow at me.

 

“Hmmm… Well that actually depends on what your mission is, Yama-san. Do not forget now, that you are a ninja of Konoha. When there is indeed a time of need, we will need to call upon you.” I laughed nervously. Well, of course. I should've expected that. “In return, I will allow you your mission. What is your request?”

 

“Well, I just need resources, really. I wish to research the uh…” I broke off, glancing sideways at Sasuke. He stared defiantly in return. “…The means about which I arrived here.” I ended wryly, earning a glare from him. When the Hokage frowned, I raised my hands and waved them frantically, “Well, that isn't to say that I'll be sharing this information with anyone! I just figured… that I wouldn't be the first one…” I trailed off.

 

The Hokage suddenly laughed, startling all of us. “That, Yama-san, is probably a good idea. I will not stop you from your research. Is it safe to assume that you will be traveling every so often in order to investigate?” I nodded. “Very well. However, I must advise you that your topic is no easy task. If the wrong sort were to get wind of what it is you are researching…”

 

I gulped. I understood his implications. “I understand.”

 

“On another note, the teams that have agreed to allow you to shadow them have given me their answers.” I couldn't help but brighten. Which other teams would allow me to shadow them? “Team Gai has given their blessings.” I frowned. Gai? Ahh, I remember who that was. The guy who `saved' me from Kakashi so long ago. “Team 10 has also agreed.” The Hokage gave me a wry look. “Team 8 did not.” I stared blankly at him. Did he think I did something to make that team reject me or something? I haven't even met any of the members of those teams yet. Not officially anyway. I might've passed them by seeing as we do live in the same village.

 

“Well, you'll meet them sooner or later. If there are any quests that take them out of the village, I will contact you. You will want to go on those, preferably, am I right?” Sarutobi asked.

 

“Yes. I hope to gather more information.”

 

“Well, that takes care of that matter.” The old man sighed. “There just seems to be an innumerable number of things to discuss, right?” Kakashi shrugged. “Well we do have a troublesome person present.” Kakashi rolled his eyes in my direction. I retaliated by sticking out my tongue. I think I surprise him because for some reason his eye widened before he started to laugh.

 

Sasuke merely stared blankly at him and exchanged a look with me. `What was so funny?'

 

“Now, I believe there are two topics which coincide? The topic of Yama-san's sharingan and how she ended up in Uchiha Itachi's sharingan jutsu.” I felt Sasuke tense beside me. Little kid, you need to chill. I raised my left hand and dropped it on his head. He didn't shake it off.

 

“Unfortunately, I have no answer for that.” Sarutobi continued. He nodded at Kakashi. “Kakashi, with your supervision I allow Yama-san to use the library located here at her own discretion. And I suppose the only one who can give permission to use the one on the Uchiha compound is Sasuke-kun here.”

 

Sasuke managed a huff, “Hai, Hokage-sama.”

 

“While we're on this topic, Uchiha Itachi seems to be back.” This time Sasuke did clench his fists. Since my hand was still on his head, I decided to give it a ruffle. I think it calmed him a bit, but it didn't stop that murderous look in his eyes.

 

"What do you mean he's back?" Kakashi growled lowly. I backed up, startled. Hum. Okay, so he's pissed too. Maybe he wants revenge because Itachi almost kicked his ass last time?

 

"He's been sighted by Uchiha Sasuke's home; as well as by the Uchiha Estate a few times." Sarutobi sighed softly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Woo. Fast. He got from the water country all the way to Konoha pretty damn quickly, if I do say so myself.

 

I stayed silent as I watched Kakashi literally glare, out the window. Sasuke stayed silent, his eyes hard. It was obvious that the mention of Itachi wasn't what Sasuke had been looking forward to.

 

The Hokage met my eyes, "Sasuke, Yama-san... what do you think his reason would be for returning this time?" I bit my lip cautiously. I think he asked us to see what our replies would be. If I'm not mistaken, he would already know about Uchiha Itachi's attack on us during our mission. Kakashi must have already told him. Maybe the Hokage only wanted to gauge out Sasuke's reaction.

 

"Um... Well I think you already heard from Kakashi…” I said cautiously. “But I have no idea why he would be snooping around the Uchiha compound, much less Sasuke's home.”

 

"Ahem..." Kakashi coughed lightly as the Hokage went off into his own little world. The Hokage nodded slightly and asked the bomb dropping question.

 

"Does... does Itachi know? That you're his sister, I mean?" That was the question I had thought of earlier. “I've thought about that too.” I replied, “And… I think he does. He stopped the attack when he found out my name, and when I met him again the next day—”

 

“What?!” Sasuke growled.

 

“When did you meet him again?” Kakashi demanded.

 

“—by accident…” I glared at the two, stressing the word. “He said that he remembered me.”

 

"You're just how I remember..."

 

“So... he probably knows."

 

The Hokage nodded firmly, "You two may leave. I have a few things to discuss about your mission with Kakashi still. Remember, do not mention anything, Yama-san.” I nodded. He was talking about my arrival here.

 

Sasuke and I bowed and had just walked out the door when a lazy voice stopped me, "Oi, Meet me by the bridge in a few minutes. We can start your training, Yama-hime," I blinked. What was with him now? What? Was he still pissed off because I refused to tell him the truth or something? Fighting the urge to turn around, I only nodded slightly, before leaving the room.

 

Wait. I paused. Was it just me, or did the tone in his voice sound like Genma just now?

 

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

 

I stood bored at the bridge, glaring down at the rushing water. I was waiting for Kakashi. And I had got here immediately after Sasuke and I had left the meeting. Sasuke had gone home - or to train, either or. But now... it was two hours later. I glanced to my left.

 

And there, sauntering slowly in my direction, a book in front of his face, was none other than the object of our discussion.

 

"Ma, ma, hope I haven't kept you waiting," Kakashi curved his eye up, snapping his book shut. I didn't say anything. Haven't kept me waiting, eh?

 

I saw him eye me carefully, "... Something wrong?" Oh... oh! He's talking to me! Damn, I should've been paying attention.

 

“Nope.” I paused. “Except for the fact that you're only about 2 hours late!”

 

Kakashi shrugged, before nodding, "Well the Hokage and I had a lot to talk about." He turned around after casting a concerned look at me, before strolling off. I started to follow him, my eyes trailing the ground. Oh man… I just wanted to go home and sleep.

 

As we started walking towards… whatever training ground Kakashi had in mind, Kakashi suddenly piped up. “Do you trust us?”

 

I blinked, taken aback by the stray comment. I don't know why he even asked that. He saved my life! More than once, in fact! How could he think that I didn't trust him? “'Course I do.” I answer. “Why wouldn't I? You've done nothing but try and help me gain my grounds here, after all.”

 

Kakashi was quiet.

 

“Then why can't you tell us the truth?”

 

I blanched. I'd thought the Hokage had already pounded that into his head. I sighed. “Kakashi… you know it's not that I don't trust you guys. It's more like I don't trust the guys who are after the kind of information I know. It's more like…” I hesitated. “… I'd rather not have someone get hurt because of me.”

 

Kakashi threw me a wry look and rolled his eyes at me. “Well. I suppose that's true. But you know…” He whirled around, standing amazing close to me. That's when I noticed that he was about half a ruler taller than me (approximately 15 cm or so). Therefore I had to look up to catch his eyes. I blinked. His eye was black. Funny how I never noticed that before.

 

“You know…” He said quietly. “You can trust me.” With that said he turned around and whipped out his book.

 

I frowned. What was that about?

 

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

 

Four weeks later...

 

"Very good," Kakashi commented, watching me copy the movements that he had just done, "Almost perfect,"

 

I took in a deep breath, breathing hard from the last few hours of training we had just done. The sun was starting to set now.

 

These past few weeks were... okay... I guess. The team hadn't really gone on any 'real' missions, so I just stayed and trained with Iruka when they went out. The other teams I was allowed to shadow hadn't really done anything else either. My sharingan had certainly improved and so did my endurance and speed. My left eye now contained two commas but the fact still remained the same for my right eye. No commas at all.

 

And from what we had found out, my sharingan didn't seem to have any determining factor as to why it was different from regular sharingan. There was absolutely nothing different about it so far. It still read jutsus' just as fast. I could copy them just fine. And now that I had just recently (a few days ago actually) gained the second comma, I could see through Genjutsu and track fast moving objects. There was absolutely no difference.

 

Well, that's not absolutely true actually. One time I had tried to use my sharingan when Kakashi had his active. Something happened -I think I suddenly saw an image of Kakashi standing beside a blue stone with another girl before I blacked out. I woke up in the hospital 2 days later. So… we're definitely not trying that again any time soon. On that note, Kakashi's forbidden to use my sharingan when Sasuke had his active and vice versa.

 

And while we're still explaining what's been going on… something's up with Kakashi. He's been acting strange every since that meeting with the Hokage four weeks ago. And if anything, all this training time has resulted in us spending a lot more time than we usually did together. It's kind of like what happened with Iruka (who had started to view me as a little sister after all our training).

 

Besides, spending more time with Kakashi only resulted in me learning more about him. Like how he his favorite fruit was ichigo and his least favorite was pineapple. Or like how he didn't like sushi. Surprising, ne? That's okay though, I didn't really like sushi either. However, pineapple was something I liked - not my favorite, but something I liked.

 

And you wouldn't believe how fun it was to pack pineapple in my bento and watch Kakashi shy away from me when it was time for lunch. Geez, no one would believe that he was so scared of pineapples - not just 'not like' them. Anyway, learning more and more about him made me realize just how great of a guy he was.

 

I've never actually noticed it before, but for a guy with such an unreliable front (being tardy, lazy, etc) he was a really reliable guy. Strange, I know. But I think that after I've been by his so long, it's hard to imagine life without the guy. Every morning I'd wake up to hear his voice downstairs, commenting on Sasuke's cooking. And then every evening while I was sitting in on one of Team 7's training sessions, it was hard to imagine him not there.

 

Although he was never the center of attention, he was always there in the background. It just wasn't the same without him. Even the smallest things he seemed to take notice of. He actually paid a lot more attention to things than I gave him credit for and I found that he always seemed to be somewhere nearby. At the ramen stand... at the bookstore... even at Sasuke's house - our house - sometimes.

 

Sure, he didn't tell me anything about his past but I didn't expect him to do so. He still hadn't pried about my past yet, and I was still debating whether or not I wanted him to know. It would only put him in danger… but then again it would be taking one big load off of my shoulders. Carrying such a secret alone is no small task. But I learned that he was extremely loyal to comrades and he had a really caring personality.

 

I could tell he had suffered a lot too. I could always tell by his aura when he approached in the morning to train me. It was... detached and sad... melancholic.

 

But... he also had a tendency to not let people get too attached to him... I could see that. Why? Maybe it was because he no longer trusted people, maybe because he didn't want to lose someone, who knew. But you know what? The guy would make for a good husband. Or boyfriend. Or lover, whatever. He had the patience and passion for it. But despite that, he remained alone.

 

So how did the local gossips catch onto the fact that he was taken if he didn't like getting close to anyone? Oh yea, I forget to tell you. I heard a whiff of the local gossips saying that Kakashi was already taken. That would definitely explain why Kakashi wasn't showing any signs of wanting to be in a relationship. I don't know why though. The guy was tall, dark and handsome.

 

And in case you haven't notices, yes he's damn attractive.

 

Who knows...?

 

I let out a puff of air, seeing my breath float in the air around me. The temperature had been dropping lately and some people said that it might even snow. I grinned. I really... hadn't seen snow in a while. You didn't seem to get much snow in Konoha, and I kind of missed it.

 

"I'll walk you home," Kakashi murmured softly. I tried not to stare at him. The sun was already almost down and I could see the moon up ahead, starting to show.

 

"No." I muttered, "It's okay..." Even though Sakura had said that Kakashi had lived near Sasuke's place, I found out that it was not so close after all. It was in the same area, sure, but the two places were nearly 40 minutes apart, if you walked. Sounds pretty farfetched, eh?

 

"I insist," his breath made puffs of smoke in the air; "You never know what might happen." I rolled my eyes. Yes, someone's going to attack me in the dead of night.

 

There was silence. Actually, I hadn't noticed it before but we've actually taken to walking in silence a lot. It had been like this for a couple of days now. It wasn't an awkward silence though. It was a comfortable one.

 

I jerked in surprise when something wet landed on my nose. Cross-eyed I peered at my nose curiously. What the...

 

I wiped my nose. Mm... wet.

 

I looked up, only to see little white fluffs starting to float down. Slowly.

 

I felt myself brighten. Snow! I watched it come down, entranced. I had always like snow. It was so fluffy... cold to the touch, but still, it was so... soothing…

 

Mmm... I felt like closing my eyes and twirling around the snow, but, I didn't. I continued to watch it fall; unaware that Kakashi was watching me intently.

 

I stopped. We were in front of my house, "Heh. Guess we're here..."

 

Kakashi let out a small chuckle, "Guess we are. Guess good times always go by fast, ne?"

 

I nodded indifferently, before gesturing to the dark house, "Want to come in for a while?" I blew off another snowflake.

 

"Sure," His simple answer brought me to fish out my keys and open the door.

 

"Tadaima!"

 

No answer.

 

"Mmm... guess Sasuke's not home..." I muttered as I toss my keys onto counter and slipped my shoes off, hearing Kakashi do the same behind me. I walked into the living room, slipping off my black coat and laying it across the back of a chair.

 

"So, you want -" I turned around, breaking off as Kakashi was right there. I had nearly bumped into him, "Uh... sorry... do you want..." I trailed off again when I noticed the intense gaze Kakashi was watching me with. I took an unintended step backwards.

 

I stepped back nervously. "..." I swallowed thickly and felt his eyes scan me.

 

Why... was my heart beating this fast? Okay… Kakashi? What's up?

 

"I don't get you…” Kakashi whispered. I felt the wall behind me. I was trapped - dead end. Kakashi was now inches from me. Holy shit! What the hell was going on? Okay, get what, Kakashi? You need to talk or I don't know what's going on in that head of yours!

 

Before I knew it I could feel his breath on my chin. When had he taken off his mask? I swallowed hard, feeling his close proximity stir emotions deep inside of me. I was staring right into his eyes, but in the dark I couldn't see his face.

 

“Do you know what the past few weeks have done to me?” He whispered softly. Uh… no? No I haven't.

 

I felt my breath go uneven, and I felt my lips go dry. Just his musky scent alone was sending tingles up and down my spine and making my brain not think properly. I blinked and shook my head yet again. “Um… Kakashi?”

 

His lips were just centimeters from mine.

 

"Ka... Kakashi?" I choked out. Before I could utter another word, he pulled back slightly and I saw his smirk. Umm… “Kakashi. What's going on?” His smirk turned into a grin. “I want to see how fast you go red.”

 

I gave my head a quick shake and blinked at him. “What?”

 

Before I could utter another word his lips were on mine, and he was pressing me up against the wall. I let out a muffled groan. My arms came up to push against his chest, but he didn't budge. His arms rested on either side of the wall, trapping me within.

 

My eyes were probably wide open as his lips moved against mine softly and I jumped when I felt his tongue brushing lightly against my lips, asking for permission. I managed to push him away for a second as I gasped for air. When my breath had calmed down enough, all I could do was stare blankly at him. For a second there, I wondered if my face really was all red. Don't ask me; because obviously I couldn't freaking tell!

 

Kakashi's eye indicated he was waiting for my answer. When I did answer, he managed to roll his eye at me. “Well?”

 

“I think you just fried my brain.” I said blankly. He gaped at me, before he started to chuckle. “That is so like you…” He closed in again and this time dropped light kisses along the side of my chin. I managed a sharp intake of breath before I tried to push him off slightly.

 

“Wait, Sasuke's going to be—”

 

Slam!

 

"What the hell is going on here!?" I blinked.

 

“—home any minute.” I finished dryly.

 

Kakashi broke from me abruptly and turned his head slightly.

 

The lights flash on and I found that Kakashi's mask was already in place.

 

We both glanced over in time to see a furious face.

 

The furious face of my younger brother.

 

Uchiha Sasuke.

 

I glared at Kakashi.

 

You're explaining this one buddy.

 

To be continued…

 

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

 

XoXSilverDragonXoX

 

Revised August 12, 2008