Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Forgiveness is for Naught ❯ Illusions are the Dreams we Seek ( Chapter 2 )

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

Naruto wakes up only to realize his dream wasn't real, and the POV switches to that of Kottashi, but in the end, things still don't seem right. Is it just another dream, or could it be... something else?

Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.16.2007 | Pages: 20 | Words: 21.1K | Visits: 168 | Status: Work In Progress

K-Kottashi G-Gaara

N-Naruto H-Hinata

M-Meru SU-Sasuke

S-Sakura RL-Rock Lee

NJ-Neji TT-TenTen

T-Tsunade KK-Kakashi

TM-Temari SN-Shikamaru

I-Ino C-Chouji

KI-Kiba SI-Shino

D.K.Chan here! And the second chapter is here!

S: It's about time! Do I get more air time in this chapter?

DK: God Sakura, this isn't a T.V. show.

K: Technically, it is a T.V. show, well to be more exact, an anime.

DK: I created you and I can easily kill you, you know. -glares-

K: I'm merely stating a fact.

SS: you're just as much an idiots as Naruto.

K: Grrr!!!!! SASUKE!!!!!!! -goes on an evil rant-

N: On with the story, I can't stand this any more! I gotta know what's really going on!

S: You heard the demon vessel! On with the chapter!

N: SakuraChan, that was so cruel! -sobs-

Forgiveness is for Naught

Chapter Two: Illusions are the Dreams we Seek

Diabolical Kitsutora

Naruto fell sideways onto the ground, waking up with a shock. Frantically he looked around, hoping the events he had witnessed had not been a dream. But alas, it was just that, a dream. The blond haired kitsune sat on his legs and pounded the ground. It just wasn't fair, he wanted so badly just to be with Kottashi again. Extremely vexed, Naruto fell backwards onto the ground. His whole body was tired, absolutely exhausted.

There was just no way he could go on much longer, living the way he did. Yes, his dream had depicted how he lived everyday, though when he had a mission, his personality would return, or if he met up with Hinata, his curiousness would peak, but he wished that his whole entire dream would come true. Closing his eyes, he left his mind to wander, carrying his thoughts far from anything that might grab his attention. Deciding that he had watched Naruto long enough, he thought to try and get his attention. A brown haired man walked over to Naruto. Standing beside the blond haired kitsune, he stared at him. His first idea was to just nudge him in the side with his foot.

But he decided to crouch down and stare at the boy for a moment. Blinking a couple times, he began to poke Naruto's arm. Yeah, it wasn't something he ever had done before, but he thought it best Naruto woke up to a small annoyance, then to getting kicked half way out into the ocean. He tried for at least five minutes, but the boy wouldn't wake up. The mans eyebrow twitched, this was annoying. He now knew how Sasuke felt when he tried for at least an hour to wake him.

The young blond felt someone poking his arm. Only one person did that, but he knew it wasn't her. The chakra signature was much different. In an instant, he knew it was IrukaSensei, his teacher and master. Iruka was even like a friend or a father to Naruto, outside of class at least. Inside class, he always got yelled at by Iruka. But that was only to be expected. Figuring he should be respectful of his sensei, Naruto let his mind wander back to the real world.

Slowly he sat up, hunching over so Iruka couldn't see his face. Inwardly, he laughed, he knew this would worry his sensei, but he felt like he could use a laugh. Besides, he knew that if he was up to make a laugh, it would relieve some of the worry his friends had. Iruka saw his student, no, his adoptive son, sit up, but hunch over. Knowing he was actually listening was good, but it worried him that he wasn't even talking. It crossed his mind that maybe Naruto was finally beginning to become depressed.

"Hey, Naruto are you ok?" Iruka called to him.

No answer.

"Naruto? Please, talk to me." He called again, still worried.

Still no answer, but a faint chuckle.

"Naruto?" He questioned.

At that instant, Naruto fell over in a fit of laughter. Rolling on the ground, laughing his ass off, Iruka stared at him that was not funny, the boy had seriously worried him. A vein popped on the sensei's forehead, he sharply hit Naruto upside the head. This only caused to intense his laughter, which in turn, got Iruka to lightly chuckle. It made him glad, to see Naruto up to pull a gag.

But then again, it really pissed him off that he pulled his little gag on him. The blond's laughter died down, and then both of them stopped laughing. Naruto was about to say something, when the two of them sensed two powerful chakra signatures. Their heads turned towards the West, something was up. Only minutes later, Sasuke and Sakura came running over to them, worried looks on their faces.

"IrukaSensei! Naruto! Both of you have to come with us, it's bad!" Sakura yelled, clearly frightened.

"What is that thing? Its chakra is different from one's I've sensed before." Stated Naruto.

"Naruto... It's a youkai, an ookami youkai." Sasuke said hesitantly.

Shocked, Naruto stared at Sasuke, he just couldn't get away from this demon stuff. Everywhere he turned, something new was said about the youkai that resided in Naruto. Why couldn't people just believe that he had the spirit of the youkai contained, and that the power of his chakra was actually beginning to quell the evil in the spirit? And then a third chakra signature joined the other two. This one was even stronger, for a second Naruto thought, this was none of his business. But the first signature...

"Could it be...?" His eyes widened further.

Naruto broke out into a sprint, this definitely was not good. The others were in close pursuit of the blond, but he was still a good 17 yards in front of them all. The boys' heart raced, the situation, though he had seen nothing of it yet, looked very bad.

"Naruto! They're at the training grounds! We have to hurry before anything happens to the forest!" Yelled Sakura, failing in getting to Naruto.

There were only two things on his mind: Kottashi, and what the hell was going on? They all had not been on the path to the training grounds long, when they all felt a huge shock wave. Whatever kind of powers the demon used, the ninjas were able to narrow it down to earth or lightning elements, possibly wind, but most likely sound. All of them were slightly thrown back, but a nano second later they shot back, running even faster. Naruto burst through a patch of tall bushes, which led him from the maze of the forest, into the training grounds.

There stood three figures. Two very large ones and one small figure barely visible to them through the other figures. The other's had slowed their pace, and quietly entered through the tall bushes. Some dust cleared, and small features were more visible. The largest figure, from what Iruka could see, had pitch black eyes, with of all things, blood red pupils. Its chakra reeked of destruction, and sharp razor like teeth could be seen through the dust.

The other huge figure, equally large, did not look as menacing. Large, lavender eyes filled with determination, strength, and protectiveness, were visible, along with kitsune ears lying against its head, baring razor sharp fangs. Finally, most all the dust was cleared, and the third figure was more visible. Sea foam green hair, held up in a high pony tail, with a headband was also seen. The figure was turned, so there was no way to see the eyes.

"Kyuuten! Stop!" Yelled the smallest figure.

"No, I shall not be subdued, if I am, you will be sure to lose your life!" Yelled the lavender eyed youkai.

"Please, forgive me Kyuuten, but I must force this, I can not allow you to fight. I have my reasons." From the voice, everyone could tell it was a woman, but her chakra signature was too weak to tell who the woman was. And with her last bit of strength, the woman pulled the kind demon into her body, becoming one with it.

Naruto and the others watched with interest. They all had no clue what was going on. There was no way, as of yet, to tell who the smaller figure was, and so far, all of them were too stunned to make a move to fight the evil demon. Iruka heard a small gasp, the others also picked up on it. The woman must've noticed their presence. Hesitantly, she turned her head towards the four ninjas. One look at her eyes and one name escaped their lips.

"Kottashi..." All four said under their breathes at the same time.

The woman now named Kottashi looked at the four near the bushes. Her vision was becoming blurry, and she couldn't stand up. Beginning to sway on her feet, she kept her eyes on the four ninjas she knew so well. And as she fell to the ground, she recited one name...

"Na-ru-to...?" As soon as the last syllable left her mouth, she fell unconscious to the ground.

All four immediately ran towards Kottashi, yelling her name but once. The other demon quickly moved in to try and kill the woman, but was stopped by the four ninjas. If the ookami wanted to get to Kottashi, he'd have to go through Naruto, Iruka, Sakura, and Sasuke. The ookami growled in frustration. Yet another annoyance for him to deal with. All he wanted was the kitsune spirit the girl possessed. That was all, he had no use for the girl, well, she would make a nice meal for him, but if it was too much trouble he could go without her. But the four idiots standing in front of him prevented him from easily getting to his target. After all, his goal was to devour the spirit of the kitsune demon, inside of the girl.

"If you want her, you'll have to kill me first. Believe it, no matter what, you won't win." Snarled Naruto.

"This will be difficult, we'll have to use teamwork." Yelled Iruka, "Remember the training you've received over the years!"

"I believe this won't take long." Sasuke stated coolly.

"Uh, we've never faced a youkai this big before. But we can win, I know we can!" Sakura said sketchily, but confidently.

The ookami merely laughed, "Not even a thousand of you humans could ever hope to defeat me. Beings such as you are clearly inferior to one such as myself."

"Err.... That's the kind of thing that really ticks me off. You're so confident of yourself, but you have no clue what I'm capable of. You don't even know what they're capable of." Naruto growled, acknowledging his friends.

He merely chuckled, "There's only four of you, no matter how strong you are--"

"Hey you can't forget me! I'm here too." Yelled a laid back voice.

Iruka sweat dropped, "What took ya Kakashi?"

"It seems that thing had sent a few smaller demons to attack our village. Minor annoyance, but still very powerful. I had to help the others until Lord Hokage arrived." Stated the silver haired man.

Another chuckle, "So now there are fi--"

"Holy nuts! Is that Kottashi!?" Yelled Kakashi.

"Insolent human, you will regret not ackno--" Started the demon, yet again.

"My god, it is Kottashi! The hell happened to her?" He questioned.

"Fool! Pay attention or you're liable to get killed!" The ookami swiped at Kakashi, who easily dodged.

"But of course, why do you think I am paying attention?" Argued Kakashi.

Naruto blankly looked at his three-man cell sensei. He really knew how to piss people off. His eyes then turned back towards Kottashi. Bad idea on his part, seeing this, the ookami took a swipe at Naruto, barely missing his head. It didn't seem to faze him though, Naruto continued to stare at the girl lying on the ground. Analyzing her, he saw her face was pale, and she was sweating abnormally. She had a fever, and he knew she needed medicine, and fast.

"Naruto you baka, watch out!" Sakura bellowed, bringing Naruto from his thoughts.

Blinking, the boy easily dodged the attack, "I told you already, you won't win." He put his hands together, and made a symbol. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!!!" Smoke clouds appeared, then flesh and blood copies of Naruto appeared, "Aisushi no Jutsu!!" All the copies of Naruto created a storm of ice, throwing it towards the demon.

Its eyes widened, he knew this wouldn't be fatal to him, but it would subdue him for a while. Thousands of storms of ice came crashing down on the demon, slashing and cutting him, freezing him alive. But before he could be completely frozen over...

"Don't believe for a second, that this will kill me." And then he was gone.

The four ninjas looked at the spot where the demon had disappeared, while Naruto continued to glance at the girl passed out on the ground. None of them had a clue what was going on. Kottashi had never said anything about this Kyuuten person, or whoever it was. Iruka looked at Naruto, and then to Kottashi. Both were pale white, Sakura noticed the diverted attentions and gasped when her eyes lay upon the ghost pale skin of her two best friends.

This was really bad, both of them looked as if though they were on the brink of death. This for Kottashi, unfortunately, was pretty possible. Kneeling down next to Kottashi, Naruto picked her up. Sasuke and Kakashi looked at him, as did Iruka and Sakura. Nodding, they all decided, their best course of action would be to find Lord Hokage.

Before they began to walk, Iruka stated quietly, "Naruto, take Kottashi, Sasuke, and Sakura back to Kottashi's house. Kakashi and I will go get Lord Hokage and meet you there ok?"

All they did was nod, and begin to walk away silently. Iruka and Kakashi, both quickly disappeared to go find Lord Hokage. Being jounin, finding the Hokage wasn't hard a task to accomplish. Especially since this time of day, he was always in his personal home office type place. At the same time, Iruka and Kakashi entered the office, finding the Hokage turned in his chair and snoring. Wanting to fall over, (come on, who falls asleep upright in a chair after defeating demons?) Iruka stepped forward, and went behind the desk to face the Lord Hokage. Just as he thought, a snot bubble, the Lord was asleep. Sighing, Iruka gently shook him awake.

"What is the meaning of your intrudence of my office Iruka?" He asked groggily.

"Lord Hokage, we have a situation." Started Iruka.

"Eh...?" The old man lifted his brow in interest.

"It's Kottashi, she's back, but terribly ill." Iruka stated barely keeping control of his voice.

"I see we must hurry then." With that, the three disappeared out of the office, and were on their way towards Kottashi's house.

-------------------------------------------

Even though the three were walking at a relatively slow pace, they reached the girls house within minutes. Her house was built within the forest of their hangout, which was in forest #44. A forbidden forest, yet they got past the rules and built her home, and their hangout training field. How they came to be in this place is actually astonishing. They came there knowing it was off limits, but went in and made their hangout anyways when they were 6. At the time, they weren't friends, but they all agreed to help each other train.

Once they were all 7, they became friends, and 5 years later Kottashi left. She had asked her friends to take care of her house, and to make sure Naruto didn't get his ass killed. At that statement, Naruto growled and mumbled that he wouldn't get himself killed. Yeah, at that time, they had all been best friends, and they were all really close. No one could get in, between, under, over, or through their bond of trust. Absolutely no one could destroy it, and through that, their bond only grew, but when the time came for Kottashi to leave the village, a huge hole formed in their bond.

But still, no one penetrated their bonds of trust, and the three always knew an imposter when there was one. This thought had crossed all their minds as they walked the short distance to the girl's house. As promised, every other week, one of them would check on her house. If need be, they would dust the house, cleanout the fridge of rotten food if there even was rotten food there. Since after training they would use her house as a resting spot, they'd eat the food stored there.

They'd also sleep on the bed, and the couch, they'd use the bath and shower. And after using all her stuff, they'd clean it, make it spotless like it was brand new. That's just how much they honored her wishes, plus they did make sure Naruto didn't get himself killed. Sakura stepped ahead, and opened the door and turned on a light. Sasuke, who stepped in after her, made a mental note to change the light bulbs. After opening the door, Sakura ran to another door, and opened that one also. It was the door that led to the bedroom. Naruto slowly walked in, and slowly towards the bedroom.

For some reason, he felt if he moved to suddenly, he'd lose the chance to help her get rid of whatever illness she had. As if she were a porcelain doll, he gently as he could, laid her down on her bed, and covered her up with the covers that had been washed only yesterday. He knelt down next to her and prayed something he had picked up since she had left. Sakura gazed worriedly at Naruto, Sasuke also stared at Naruto, nothing had ever made him lose the color in his skin. Then again, he'd never seen someone so close to him, someone that he loved with all his heart, in a condition where they were alive, but just barely. It pained them both, to see Naruto hurting so much, and Kottashi in such a condition.

-Inner Sakura-

'Where the hell is her sensei? Shouldn't he have traveled here with her? Grr, if I ever meet him he is so going down!'

-Regular Sakura-

"Kottashi, please be ok." She whispered under her breath.

Inhuman kitsune ears heard her quiet plead, Naruto also pleaded for her health to return. He was no expert in the field of medicine, and it wasn't like he would pretend he did know anything about it. Hope upon useless hope, Naruto just wanted Lord Hokage to quickly make it to the house and find out what was wrong with Kottashi. All he knew was that she had a high fever, and that her breathing was labored. Aside from that, that was all that he knew of.

Naruto grabbed the girls hand, curled into a tight a ball as his body would allow him, and brought her hand into the safety of the ball. Sakura saw this and tried to get the disconsolate boy to let go of the girl's hand, but Sasuke stopped her.

What seemed like forever, the Lord Hokage entered the small house, along with Iruka and Kakashi. Lord Hokage looked at the spiky blonde haired boy, he was in much pain. Emotional pain, not physical, but none the less, if the pain he felt never resides, then he'd be worse off then Kottashi was now. The great Hokage walked over to Naruto and placed his old wrinkled hand upon his shoulder. Unraveling from his little ball, Naruto looked at the man. Old, wise, powerful, and helpful, just the person he was waiting for to come. The great Lord Hokage, seeing him relieved Naruto.

With tearstained eyes, the boy nodded, without even being asked, or told, Naruto let go of Kottashi's hand, and backed off to the side. Acting as if though he was the lowest of an inu clan, Naruto backed into the corner. Learning the hard way, Naruto learned to back away when someone important was going to do or say something. But doing so made him feel like he really was inferior. Then again, he did this only because he had great respect for the village Hokage.

Lord Hokage noticed this change in the boy, and motioned for him to stay by Kottashi's other side. Instantly, Naruto did as he was told, and went to the other side of the bed. Again, he grabbed her hand in his, his silent tears pleading that she'd become healthy again. Lord Hokage looked at the boy, he had come a long way from when he was younger. He now had respect, maybe a little too much, but he was sure, once the girl was better, he'd be mischievous once again.

Sasuke and Sakura had noticed this change in the Naruto also, and prayed to the Gods that would reside once Kottashi was better. The 3rd Hokage kneeled next to the bed, made hand signals, and chanted. The others supposed it was a chant to find illnesses in someone's body. Naruto watched with interest, since he wished to become the 5th Hokage, he supposed he'd have to learn how to heal people. Or at least find illnesses in people.

It then crossed Naruto's mind, "Lord Hokage, shouldn't we find Konohamaru? He knows about healing and medicine."

The Hokage stopped, "Quite right Naruto, Kakashi, tell my Grandson Konohamaru it's an acid apple poisoning. Quickly go get him and tell him that. He'll know what to get to help."

"Yes Lord Hokage, I shall find him right away. Sasuke, Sakura, come with me." The two nodded and left with Kakashi.

"Now that they're out trying to find Konohamaru, the only thing we can do is wait. Possibly make sure Kottashi is comfortable." The old man got up, and looked at Iruka, who instantly knew that he was now allowed to approach the girl.

"You know, we're the only two she thinks of as true family, Naruto." Iruka said, trying to get Naruto's attention.

"I know, but Sasuke and Sakura are her family too. You know IrukaSensei? Since I met you, I thought of you as a father. I'm sure Kottashi has thought of you as such also." Naruto looked at his sensei, it was true, Naruto felt like his adoptive son.

"Naruto... Heh, well then, no one ever said I couldn't be your father. So how about from this day forward, I become your father Naruto. To tell you the truth, I've always thought of you as a son." The young master smiled at the younger man.

"Y-you seriously mean it IrukaSensei?! You've always thought of me as your son?" So excited, Naruto almost jumped acrost the bed and tackled Iruka.

"Yes, I always thought of Kottashi as a daughter too. Naruto, I know you love Kottashi, and want to be with her." Iruka smiled, Naruto blushed. That wasn't all he wanted to say, he knew there was another girl, one with cloud blue eyes, and short bluish black hair who had feelings for Naruto.

"I uh...” He had no clue how to say anything to that.

Iruka laughed, "I believe it fate, and love that brought you two together Naruto." Again he laughed, Naruto's face was so red. However, that love was sibling love.

"..." Naruto still had nothing to say, well, "Y-yes I love Kottashi, and I-I want to be with her."

Once again he laughed, "It`s nice to have a family again. I`m sure Kottashi would love that too."

"Yeah, but if I'm your son now, and I'm with Kottashi, then we'll have a family, maybe not a big family, but a good one none the less." Naruto said, smiling, and slightly blushing.

"So it seems that I have just disappeared to these too. How loved I feel." Sarcastically said Lord Hokage from the corner.

"So... IrukaSensei, do you think... She really loves me back?" Naruto asked, ignoring the comment the Hokage stated.

"Of course, she's told me so at least fifty thousand times before she left, and worried constantly that you might not feel the same." Iruka said smiling, then again, he knew that somehow, things weren't going to end up like they thought.

"Really? Huh..." Naruto looked at Kottashi, he wondered, could it really be true?

"Once she's better Naruto...” Started Iruka.

"Yeah Sensei?"

"You should really tell her how you fell." Naruto only nodded.

His eyes traveled to the closed ones of Kottashi. He'd have to tell her sooner or later, but, the chance of him saying it right was slim to none. He was no klutz when it came to speaking, he always spoke his mind. But the only time he ever stumbled with his words, was around Kottashi. At the moment that really didn't matter, what did matter was making sure she got better. Naruto sighed, he really didn't like this situation, it just seemed hopeless.

Silently laughing, he mentally kicked himself, he knew Kottashi would say something like no situation is hopeless as long as you believe. But thinking about that seemed to make his heart feel heavy, like he was guilty for her being in this situation in the first place.

"So you two are still ignoring me? There is so much disrespect towards me from you two, I don't know how you ever became Ninja's." Yes the Hokage was speaking to himself, since no one was listening.

Naruto and Iruka continued to talk quietly, while the Hokage pretended to sulk in the corner. While two and a half hours later, Kakashi, Sasuke, and Sakura came in through the door with Konohamaru. Naruto jumped out of his skin, talking with Iruka took his mind off things, though he never let go of Kottashi's hand. He didn't know how much time had passed since Kakashi and the others had left, but he was relieved that Konohamaru was there. Since he decided to become a doctor, the blonde haired boy knew he could always count on him.

It was obvious that Sakura, a doctor in training, must have told him about what had happened, since he immediately began to check on the sleeping girl without even popping a question of what happened. It took Konohamaru pretty much the rest of the day and night to isolate and treat Kottashi. During that time, he asked more questions about what had happened. And then...

"Naruto...” He finally said, after countless hours hovering over the girl and his medical supplies.

"She's alright now?" He asked, worried as hell.

"Yes, but... This... Wasn't a normal poisoning..." He stated, looking down.

"What do you mean, not normal?" Asked Sakura, sitting up straight on her legs.

"I mean, she wasn't poisoned through a stinger, cut, or anything like that. It... It was a ninjutsu that cast the poison into her somehow." Everyone stared at the boy in shock.

"But how?!" Everyone questioned.

"I don't know how, but I almost couldn't find a way to treat it. Naruto, she's going to be week for a really long time, I'm not quite sure she'll ever be the same..." Konohamaru was still looking down at his knees, his hands gripping the clothing upon his knees tightly.

"I'm sure, recovering for her won't be a problem." Naruto said, trying to sound confident. "Remember, healing for her is faster then most. Believe it!"

"Yes, but, I'm guessing, it has to do with that spirit she pulled inside of her. I'm pretty sure that demon wasn't the only one to have attacked her on her way back here. That spirit, it's been weakened, and its part of what keeps her alive. That's why... Why I'm sure she'll never be exactly the same..." After his statement, he couldn't bare it any longer, a few tears slid down his cheek, he knew what the spirit was. Kottashi had told him herself, saying that he was the only one she could trust with those kinds of secrets.

"Part of what keeps her alive?" Naruto repeated, starting to get the picture, that was no ordinary spirit.

"Yes, Kyuuten is just like Kyuubi Naruto. She's a fox spirit that was sealed inside of her. But, over the years, you're chakra has purified his chakra, as did Kottashi's chakra purify Kyuuten's. In doing so, you've quelled the evil inside of the spirits. I'm not sure if you knew this, but it's what Kottashi told me, and what I know." He stated.

"I see, but how come she told you and not me?" He asked, a bit of a pout in his expression.

"She told me that she was afraid you wouldn't see her the same way if you knew she had a kitsune spirit that was sealed in her. Go figure, woman can be so insecure sometimes." He said shrugging.

"You shouldn't say that. You know how she is Grandson." Said the Hokage, finally speaking up.

"Yeah, even when she's asleep she can sense if someone insulted her." Agreed Sasuke and Iruka.

"Hey! We're not insecure!" Sakura yelled at him, hitting the poor kid upside the head, with a fist from Kottashi hitting his chin hard.

"Ow! Hey! Sorry, I didn't mean it that way, it's just... She has doubts, that's all!" Anime tears poured down his eyes, they made him bite his tongue.

"Know what? That never ceases to amaze me." Naruto said laughing.

"What that she can kick all of our asses without even trying?" Konohamaru asked, grinning a slanted grin.

"Well that, and the fact you still cry like a baby when you bite your tongue." Replied the blonde haired boy, laughing hysterically.

"What the heck Naruto! They made me bite my tongue really hard!" He whined, as if he were a kid again.

"Grandson, you are a grown man, men don't whine." Stated the old man.

"Who cares, it's been a while since things seemed normal." Said Kakashi's laid back voice.

"I agree, things are starting to become normal." Iruka said, nodding his head.

"Besides, you can't just stop whining. I mean c'mon, he's been whining his whole life." Stated the pink haired girl, laughing inwardly, knowing this would piss off the young man.

"Don't you think that was a little too hard a blow to his ego Sakura?" Asked the blacked haired boy, Sasuke.

"Not a chance, c'mon, you can't tell me you don't think acting like you were 12 again isn't fun!" Laughed Sakura, holding onto the emotionless boys arm.

"That's you, I have not changed so much." He stated with his normal calm voice.

"That's your problem Sasuke, you never have any fun." Naruto stated, allowing his leg to twitch up and down rapidly.

"It's true Sasuke, you should enjoy life a little more." Agreed Kakashi.

"Yes, being that you were so serious, even when young, you have yet to really enjoy life." Laughed the brown haired teacher.

"Aye, it is true Sasuke." The Hokage agreed, most likely just to piss him off.

"Hahaha, that's just nuts." Naruto laughed, nuts meaning it was crazy that even their elders were saying Sasuke needed to enjoy life.

Sasuke sulked in the corner, while Sakura tried to console him. The others had to snicker at the sight. Konohamaru, the youngest man there, especially thought this funny. As the boy with stripped cheeks stopped laughing, he looked at the girl lying in bed. She looked as though she was about to laugh, like she knew what was going on outside of her unconscious mind. Her eyes were relaxed, but her mouth was in a huge grin from ear to ear. Everyone seemed to notice this once Naruto stopped laughing and looked over at the girl.

Though the expression on her face puzzled them, it really was a funny look. Doctor KonoKun, loomed over the girl to check out her vital signs, to make sure she didn't die grinning. Once his face was directly over her body, a small fist shot up and nailed him in the gut.

"That was for calling me... insecure..." She mumbled sloppily.

"I... Itai...." He toppled over backwards, and everyone burst out in a huge fit of laughter, even Sasuke did.

Which caused a chain reaction of 'what the hell' expressions. This set off Sasuke's `what?' expression, which made everyone else look on in awe. Making Sasuke feel very stupid and confused which surprised the gumi even more. Their surprised state confused the hell out of him, and when he went to ask them what was going on, they fell over in another fit of laughter.

And here, poor Sasuke was still confused as hell. Still receiving no answers, he sulked again, and everyone just laughed harder, except for Sakura who again, tried to console him.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Everyone looked around, they didn't know who said that.

"SASUKE WAS LAUGHING?!!?!?.... WHO THE HELL ARE YOU PEOPLE!?!?!? SASUKE NEVER LAUGHS!!!!" It was Kottashi, she jumped up onto her bed, pointing a finger at her friends, her eyes wide.

"KottashiChan you're ok!" Sakura jumped up and tackled her friend.

"SakuraChan? Is that you? Why was Sasuke laughing?" She was more then confused.

"Of course it's me. And don't ask me about Sasuke, I'm not even sure what happened." She giggled.

"Oh I see... Eh? Naruto?" She looked around, and saw that the boy named Naruto was somewhat behind her.

"Glad to see ya again... Kottashi." He stated, with a small grin.

She smiled warmly at him, "It's good to see you too." She crawled over to him, and gave him a tight hug. He couldn't help but wrap his arms around her.

Being that everyone was behind the Kitsune, they decided to give them an 'aww how cute' type look. It wasn't like Kottashi cared, but for some reason it made Naruto mad that they were intruding. In the corner while Sakura was trying to console Sasuke, he began to laugh. Kottashi immediately shot up after letting go of Naruto.

"WHERE THE HELL IS THE REAL SASUKE?!!?!" She yelled, and as she jumped up, she made herself dizzy and overexerted herself, which made her pass out.

In a split second, Naruto caught her, and gently laid her back under the covers of her bed. "She is the only one who could be so close to death, and come back within a couple hours, and accuse her friend of being an imposter because he laughed." Sakura said with a sweat drop.

"Yeah..." Every said in agreeance also sweat dropping, as they looked at the now sleeping kitsune.

Iruka looked around at everyone in the bedroom. Then specifically at Naruto, who was sitting next to Kottashi, a warm smile on his face as he gazed at the young girl. Again Iruka let his eyes wander around the room, Sasuke and Sakura were in the corner, Sakura resting her head on Sasuke's shoulder. Konohamaru sitting next to his grandfather, who were both sitting with their eyes closed. Kakashi was lying on the floor, his book, "Icha Icha Paradise" covering his face.

Sweat dropping, the teacher decided that everyone should probably go home, or at least get somewhere more comfortable to sleep. "Maybe you should all go home and get some rest. It's been a long day."

Sakura picked up her head from Sasuke's shoulder, "But this is the first time in five years we've been able to be with our friend. I don't know about you guys, but I want to stay. Besides, there are three extra beds for me, Sasuke and Naruto in this house."

"Ok, well then maybe we should leave then." Konohamaru said, standing up, and brushing off his bottom. "Right Grandfather?"

The Hokage nodded and got up, Iruka looked at Kakashi, who had heard Kono's words, and lazily slipped the book somewhat off of his face. He looked totally drunk, as he got up, and stumbled out of the house.

-----------------------------

"I'm going to make a prediction HinataChan."

"Huh? A prediction? About what KottashiChan?"

"When we become genin, I'll have to go find my own sensei. I'll leave, and I won't come back for five years. But when I do come back... Would you take care of my home while I'm gone?"

"But why KottashiChan? What do you mean, 'find your own sensei?'"

"HinataChan, you're my best friend, and the only one who talked to me when we were kids. However, NarutoKun didn't have that until we all began training together. No one talked to him, everyone picked on him, beat him, called him names, and mistreated him. Every time I walked towards him he'd run, probably thinking I was going to hurt him. Now that we're older, we're friends, but he'll become well known one day, and I know you'll help him to that known and respected status one day HinataChan. When I come back after my finding my sensei, I won't live much longer."

"KottashiChan, why are you telling me all this? I know none of your predictions have been wrong thus so far, but, how can you say you'll die after coming back home after five years?"

"HinataChan, we graduate in a couple months, I'll find my sensei a month after everyone has already started their missions. HinataChan when I come back... Just... Promise me, promise that you'll take care of Naruto."

"O-of course, but--"

"One more thing HinataChan, when I'm gone, I want you to have my house that's in Forest #44. Under a loose floorboard you should find something's that could help in a couple different situations. But don't look until I'm gone ok?"

Hinata breathed out a long sigh, KakashiSensei had come to her a few hours ago and told of her Kottashi's arrival back home. Her cloud blue eyes filled with sadness and a quivering frown, happy her best friend was back, but dreading the prediction made what seemed so long ago. KakashiSensei had told her of Kottashi's condition, or at least that she could be better. Rolling over in her bed, she saw her cousin Neji's back turned towards her.

-Asleep, if only sleep could consume me if only just for a little while. I don't want to think that I may never get to see my best friend again. -

Her eyes in front of her, clearly looking at Neji's back, stared at nothing, there was no way this prediction could be true. Sure she came back after five years, but she could have planned that.

"Some sacrifices are not made intentionally HinataChan, however, to ensure everyone's happiness, I must sacrifice myself."

Those last words as her friend walked away that day burned in her mind. How could it be that her dying could ensure everyone's happiness? Kyuuten wouldn't be happy, she'd be dead along with Kottashi. Hinata sure as hell wouldn't be happy, she'd be losing her best friend!

"You love NarutoKun, I know you do HinataChan, but I love him too. And because I love him, he loves me too, but what he believes is love, is just a false feeling, something that is telling him that I'm more then what I am to him. Hopefully I'll be able to help him see that."

Tears brimmed Hinata's eyes, she didn't want to think about that! Yes she loved Naruto, yes Naruto loved Kottashi, and yes Kottashi loved Naruto, but more as a brother. But she didn't want to lose her best friend, she didn't want to see Naruto fall into such a depressed state for another five years or so.

Hinata's chest began to throb, a burning lump formed in her throat, and she choked out tiny sobs, trying not to wake her cousin. But the pain she felt was becoming too much, she needed something to hold onto. Sitting up, Hinata held her knees to her chest, the lump in her throat burning more, her chest feeling like someone was stabbing her with a kunai. And then she felt a pair of arms around her.

"HinataSan, calm down. You knew this day was going to come sooner or later. But you're not going through it alone, we're all feeling it, we all know. Whatever happens, happens. We can't control fate or destiny, all we can do is respect her wishes." Hinata looked up at her cousin, who was holding her so tightly, as if trying to protect her from every harm in the world.

Sure Neji and Hinata had their differences, and Neji did almost kill her during the 3rd chuunin exam, but they were still close. "NejiNiiSan, there has to be something I can do." Hinata sobbed. "I'm not ready to say goodbye to her. She just can't die after coming back home after five years. Our village isn't ready to suffer a loss like that!"

"I know, but there's not much we can do, look, we don't know much about the situation yet, tomorrow in the morning, we'll both go to her house. We'll check up on her, assess the situation, and if she's acting like normal, maybe she was wrong for once. It's bound to happen at least once, and she hasn't been wrong yet." Neji said, forcing a smile.

-But we don't know if she's been wrong while with her sensei. - Thought Hinata, as the lump in her throat began to dissipate, and her chest began to feel normal again. She clutched at a woven necklace that was around her neck. There was still an immense pain in her heart.

"Here HinataChan, I don't have much talent, but I am good at making these necklaces."

"Oh wow! This is beautiful KottashiChan!! Arigatou!"

"Wear it always, it's my gift to you, a friendship necklace if you will. Hehehe."

"Friendship necklace... I'll cherish it always KottashiChan. Oh! I want you to have this."

"The eye of the hawk? But isn't this a priceless family heirloom HinataChan?"

"Hai, it's been passed down in our family, but it doesn't have any real meaning to it. I had to remake the necklace part, but it's still pretty."

"Thank you HinataChan."

Kottashi had given Hinata a beautiful blue, green, red, and orange woven necklace. And in return, Hinata gave Kottashi a jeweled necklace, the main jewel, a yellowish amber color, the edges of it tinted blue. The necklace itself having tiny white and purple beads spread out, as if it were a prayer necklace. Something she knew, both of them would treasure forever. Their gifts of friendship that would last, no matter the distance. With those lasting thoughts, Hinata rolled over facing the wall, and fell asleep.

-----The next morning----

Hinata and Neji walked up to the door of the house. Taking in a small breath, she knocked on the door.

"You idiot!" Boom!

"Huh?" Came Hinata and Neji's confused voices.

"What the hell did you do that for?!!?" Crash!

"It's not my fault!" Shatter!

"Why the hell did you let a raccoon in my house?!" Slam!

"What the bathroom smelled, at least I aired it out!" Clatter!

"What?!!?!" Shuffle!

"It smelled!" Thud!

"The hell did you stink up my bathroom for KakashiSensei!?!?!" Crash!

"At least I aired out the bathroom." Thump!

"Yeah, but I don't want little critters running around in my home!"

"But you let Naruto in your house."

"I'm not a woodland creature!"

"I wouldn't be so sure."

A small struggle could be heard inside the house, with many crashes, thuds, thumps, slams, shatters, clatters and booms to be heard. Blinking wildly, and after standing there for at least ten minutes, Naruto had caught the raccoon, and went to the door to let it out, but when he opened the door, he didn't expect to see two very scared (well weirded out) Hyuuga clan people standing on the door step, blinking like hell.

"Uh..." Naruto set the raccoon down, it quickly scampered off, "Uh, hi, didn't expect to see you two here. Um, come on in." Naruto said, getting out of the door way.

"I can't believe you stunk up my bathroom KakashiSensei, how gross." Kottashi said, glaring at Kakashi.

"Don't blame me it's not my fault Sasuke can't cook." He said, pinning the blame on him.

"Well, since when did it become necessary for chuunin to become experts in culinary arts? I can catch food, and cook it in the wilderness, but I told you I'm not good with ingredients!" Sasuke yelled at him.

"It didn't taste bad Sasuke, just had a nasty after effect." Kakashi said with his laid back expression.

"Still, WHY IN MY BATHROOM!?!?!?!" Anime tears poured down the girls' cheek.

"Um, KottashiChan?" Hinata said uncertainly, as Naruto led the two Hyuuga into the bedroom, where everyone else was.

"HINATACHAN!!!!" Kottashi launched herself at Hinata, glomping her happily, "Omg I missed you so much, you don't even know!!!" The two girls giggled, and soon Sakura joined their conversation.

"Naruto, do you remember the prediction Kottashi made?" Neji asked, after all the guys gathered in a group.

"Unfortunately. But she seems really healthy and happy, she doesn't look weak, and seems to have gotten over that apple poisoning." Replied Naruto, trying to look only at the positives.

"But you forget to mention the fact about her chakra. It's really depleted, she's pale, she doesn't have the same light in her eyes, she's hiding the fact that she's breathless and it looks like she could collapse at any moment." Sasuke stated.

Naruto looked over at the chatting girls and frowned, "For the time being, the least we can do is act like everything's ok, even if it is a mask, it's one that's needed right now." It was the truth, anything to hide the fact they all knew what was to really come.

"My sensei hit on every woman we came across. It was so annoying, but when it came to teaching me new techniques, helping me practice, training exercise, ECT... Man, was he on top of everything." Laughed the sea foam green haired girl.

"Omg, he didn't hit on you did he?" Sakura exclaimed.

"No, but he did joke around with me, pointing to every guy in the town saying, 'Huh how about him, you like him?'" Again they laughed.

"Um, KottashiChan, when you said 'not long after I return,' how long is not long?" Hinata asked, very uncertain and nervous of the answer.

"I'm guessing a couple months to a year and a half or two." -I have yet to tell them why I'm going to die...- "In any case, I'm not going anywhere, I'm going to stay in Konoha, I'll train with you guys, show you some stuff I learned. I'd love to hear what you guys learned and experienced too!" Yelled the girl happily.

"By the way, I heard what you guys were muttering. I just need some sleep and I'll be as good as new. Maybe some food too... Water... Anyone for lunch?" She asked out of nowhere.

Everyone fell over, except for Naruto, "Lunch sounds good." He laughed.

"Of course, always thinking on their stomachs..." Sakura stated.

"You know what though... I really don't feel like making anything." Everyone fell over at this, "Let's go to the Ichiraku Ramen." Suggested Kottashi.

"Alright! Ramen!!!" Yelled the blond kitsune boy jumping up grabbing Kottashi and Hinata's hands and running out the door leaving bewildered people behind.

"Um, guess we should follow now?" Suggested Kakashi, everyone nodded and walked out of the house, Sakura locking the door, and pocketing the key.

----At Ichiraku's Ramen Shop----

"Wow, I haven't been here forever!!!" Yelled the sea foam haired girl, jumping onto one of the stools.

"Uh...." Hinata was a little wary of the man Kottashi was sitting next to.

He had red hair, with a huge gored on his back. "Hi Gaara." Naruto said happily, sitting down next to Gaara.

"..." He didn't say anything, just looked at Naruto, and then presumed starring at nothing.

Quietly, Hinata sat next to Kottashi, not looking at Gaara, but starring apprehensively all the same.

"Say, what's with red haired guy over there? He a druggie or something? Or is he depressed?" Kottashi asked, Naruto and Hinata both raised a brow, was that so wise to say?

"You have a death wish girl?" Asked Gaara.

"No, not particularly, but I mean, you're just weird, who comes to Ichiraku's and not buy ramen? You on crack?" She asked, looking directly into his eyes.

"You... You're not afraid of me?" He asked, still showing no emotion.

"Should I be? Anyways, even if I was supposed to be, I wouldn't. I'm too cocky that way." She laughed, patting Gaara on the back, but being immediately stop by a sand shield.

-Now she probably knows who I am, she'll be afraid now, just like the others. -

"So you must be Gaara of the Sand huh? Neato, but you still don't scare me. I see no reason to fear you." She said, receiving the ramen she ordered, and instantly beginning to woof it down.

Naruto and Hinata just looked on in awe, as did the others as they arrived.

Gaara stood up, annoyed that this girl wasn't afraid of him, everyone was afraid of him! "You're going to wish you never said that. People who look at me, or say anything wrong to me dies." He growled, a malice rising in his eyes.

"Oh sit down hotshot, eat some ramen!" She handed him a bowl. "I don't see why you think people have to be afraid of you. A lot of people are considered monsters." She chuckled at the look in his eye, "Yeah, yeah, how would I know about your past? Lucky guess on my part, but we're not so different so I'm guessing that's how I guessed right. Well guys, I'm done here, I'm going to give myself a tour around the village. I'll be back at my house later on this afternoon. Jaa ne!" Gaara fell back onto his stool, could she really be so different then every other person?

"Now I've seen everything..." Naruto said, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.

"..." Without saying a word, Gaara left the stand, after quickly gulping down the ramen Kottashi had given him. He set out a different direction from Kottashi, but aimed to follow her.

----With Kottashi----

"Wow, this place hasn't changed much." Smiled the girl as she walked along the streets, the villagers giving her nasty looks.

Gaara jumped from roof to roof (to get his friends… free cable), watching the girl as she ignored stares, nasty remarks, things being thrown at her, people trying to trip her and people actually attempting to attack her. He took much interest in this girl, but wondered, could she really be like him? -She acts as if they're telling her hello, with that stupid smile on her face. - Gaara was quick to question her abilities, she had a Konoha headband, yet she seemed oblivious to everything. She couldn't be a very good ninja.

Being that he knew he was very precise, he picked up a loose tile, and chucked it at the girl. Just as it was about to make contact, she disappeared. -So she does have skills. - He chuckled in his mind, as she appeared next to him.

"Having fun trying to hit me with random objects? GaaraKun?" She chuckled.

"Heh, just testing your abilities as a ninja." He chuckled.

"Why not find out my skills by fighting me? Only rule there would be is no killing your opponent." She grinned a wide grin, she could tell Gaara liked the idea of a fight.

"Find then, I may have been here for a while, but I still don't know this village, you choose the place." An insane grin appeared on Gaara's face, like he had literally gone insane.

"By the way, what's a sand ninja doing staying in this village anyways?" Questioned the girl, as she motioned for him to follow her, as they both jumped from roof to roof, not making a sound at all.

"After the chuunin exams, my team decided to stay here and help Konoha after someone betrayed us. We've been here since." Ok, so it was the truth, but it wasn't like he was going to give details.

"Ok, well, here we are. I'm anxious to see what you can do GaaraKun." Grinned the girl, as they landed in the clearing in forest #44.

"I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed." He grinned, a fire igniting in his eyes, but it wasn't like before, there was no intention of killing, just interest.

With a wide grin on her face, Kottashi jumped back from Gaara, clasped her hands together in rapid succession symbols and disappeared. Arms crossed, Gaara made no move, whatever move she did, his sand shield would protect him. She reappeared behind the red headed guy, again in rapid succession, made symbols with her hands.

"Kitsune mizu no jutsu! (water fox jutsu)" From her hands, a stream of water in the shape of a fox shot towards Gaara, he looked on in surprise, she was dampening his sand so it'd take more time to react to his chakra to protect him. He grinned, -Smartest one I've fought yet. -

Just as she had, Gaara made a series of symbols in rapid succession, making the sand around him, fly at her in spikes. But he didn't expect her to start giggling at this. "What's so funny girl?"

"Please, Kottashi is the name. But... I really don't know." Again she giggled, this was actually getting to be fun, but her body was getting tired. -Damn poison, damn that ookami, if it wasn't for that piece of shit, I wouldn't be tired already. -

However, Gaara didn't seem to notice the girl was already wearing down, and kept pelting her with his sand jutsu's. It wasn't until she stopped, with her head hanging low, shoulders rising up and down, signaling she was breathing hard, that he realized she was tired. It was bad, he had already performed his sand spike jutsu, and it was heading for her. There was no way she'd dodge it in time.

Still breathing harshly, Kottashi looked up, "Ku... Kuso... I have no energy." She looked up into the sky. There were spears of sand shooting down towards her.

Gaara's eyes widened with panic, she wasn't going to move in time. His body froze, he willed it to let him move, so he could redirect his attack somehow. At the last moment, Kottashi threw her tired body to the side, and landed on the ground on her back, gasping for air. Gaara quickly made his way over to her, and knelt down, only to see her laughing again.

"Hehehe, guess I'm still weak from that damned ookami. Don't worry, I'll be fine after I rest for a while GaaraKun." -Wait, is that really worry I see in his eyes. Hm, I didn't expect any look except hate, crazed, insane, evil looks in his eyes. Goes to show you how much I know. - She laughed again, wincing at a pain in here side.

"I didn't see you fighting any of the wolves in the village." Gaara stated, picking the girl up, one arm cupped under the shin of her legs, the other around her shoulder, propping up her head.

"I was here in the forest, fighting a really big ookami." Explained Kottashi, a slight blush crossing her face, she wasn't expecting this from the sand ninja.

"... What happened?" Question Gaara, as he began to walk out of the forest. He was going to go find Konohamaru, but she motioned for him to just rest under a tree.

"I was careless. Let my curiosity get the better of me, and went looking for a chakra I sensed, although I was really tired. Please, let's just stay here for a bit, there's no need to worry anyone." She turned her head towards Gaara's chest and laughed again, how pathetic she felt in this state, having to be held up by some guy she barely knew.

Blinking slightly, Gaara look at her, someone that was like him, the thought made a weird feeling boil in his stomach. He looked down upon her laughing face, how she laughed at pain, he didn't know. Gaara himself had been barely hurt ever in his life. Besides emotional pain, physical pain was something he didn't really know much about.

"So GaaraKun, you wanna tell me why everyone seems to be so afraid of you?" Questioned the girl in his arms, whom was now looking up into his pastel green eyes.

"I don't really know why people were so afraid of me. I guess perhaps when my emotions got out of control, my sand shield frightened everyone." He looked to a nearby tree in disgust, why wasn't he allowed to let his emotions run rampid once in a while? Wasn't he after all, human as well?

"Bakas." That's exactly what they were, idiots.

"Hm?" Her response interested Gaara, he wanted to know what evoked that word out of all things.

"It's not like you could control your emotions any better then they could. I bet you were alone huh? No one wanted to talk to you, or be friends with you. That was probably the emotion that always went out of control right? The emotion of not wanting to be alone. I know how you feel, Naruto and myself went through that same exact thing." She laughed at the irony of it all. "Those bastards, next thing you know, they'll find themselves all alone, and no one to protect them. That's when they'll come crying to the very people they outcasted." Again she laughed bitterly.

"Both of you were alone as kids? But you have friends now, I find that hard to believe you were alone. I don't like liars." Gaara said, his mood darkening.

"Well after a while, Hinata became my friend, but for the most part of my childhood, I was alone. And it wasn't until Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and myself came together to help each other train that we became friends. But it didn't change everyone else's feelings, they still outcasted Naruto and myself. I'm sure there was at least one person who looked after you? Or was as something of a friend." She smiled up at him, confusing him slightly.

"No. I had no one as a friend, I never have. I'm only with my 3 man cell because I had skill. But they aren't friends, they're afraid of me, just like everyone else." His mood dropped from dark, to depressed.

"GaaraKun," Kottashi began, as she touched his cheek with her hand lightly, "I'm sure they aren't really afraid of you. Maybe, because you were feared when you were younger, maybe they thought seemingly being afraid of you would somehow help you. Albeit, maybe sometimes they were afraid. But they probably still think of themselves as your friend." Again she smiled.

Gaara touched her hand, it was the same as his, yet it was so different. All her life, it seemed she looked at the more positive side of life, and enjoyed what she could, while Gaara himself survived on the notion that everyone he knew feared him and everyone that looked or spoke to him in the wrong way died. "You're too different, what could you possibly know?" However offensive he meant this statement to be, it didn't seem to affect the girl. Wait, was she touching his face without his sand shield reacting to it?

She merely laughed, "So I may be different. I'm not like anyone else, and neither are you, Naruto, Hinata, Sakura, Sasuke, anyone! We're all different, no matter how similar we appear on one side, we're all different, whether we admit it or not. So actually, I know quite a bit." She removed her hand from his cheek, Gaara wondered if his sand shield not reacting to her touch was a good thing, or a bad thing.

"Whatever, even if you do understand, it's not like you could help me in any way. You're the type that would just tell me to forgive and forget." Scoffed the sand ninja.

"Iie, forgiveness is for naught GaaraKun. No matter how many times someone is forgiven, what they did still remains. The only way one can change is if they change something in themselves. To forgive and forget, that's something for children to do. If a little boy steals another's ball, once he gets it back all he can do is forgive and forget. When one man takes another's life, and another, and soon takes hundreds of lives, he has to change his views to repent for everything he's done. I may not know much about you GaaraKun, but I can sense, something deep inside you wants to change. Or is that just me going on and on about stuff that no one will care about again?" She smiled, the look on Gaara's face was just priceless.

His eyes were wide, and a little unearthed at how much she understood about this world. But he quickly replaced his shock with an emotionless gaze. "It's just you, I really don't care about that sentimental crap."

"Well then, it seems as though I've just wasted your time. And for that, I'm sorry GaaraKun, but what is said has been said. I think I've rested enough, I should get home. If you'd like GaaraKun, you could join me." She flashed him a smile, there was just something about this sand ninja that made her want to smile, even if he didn't smile.

"..." Gaara didn't say anything, hell he didn't trust his voice at the moment, so he bore his emotionless face. Though under that face, his real face was burning red, it just occurred to him, he was still holding her. He vaguely wondered how she would react to this, would she wait for him to help her stand up, or would she just get up on her own.

----With the others----

"I don't think he'd be following her Naruto. You're being paranoid. Gaara isn't one to follow people, and you know that." Sakura stated, as she and the others walked down one of the many streets of the Konoha village.

"I don't know Sakura, he did seem a little rattled when he found that Kottashi wasn't afraid of him. Do you think she's the only one?" Naruto questioned.

"Naruto... I don't think she's the only one that's not afraid of him. I mean, his parents must have loved him, right? And besides, you`re not afraid of him." Hinata spoke up in her shy voice.

"I wonder what happened to him when he was younger, that would make him so bitter and emotionless now-a-days." Sakura wondered out loud.

"So, who really cares, his past is his problem. It's not our place to get involved with it." Stated Sasuke, who like his 'badass' emo self saw fit to order people not to do stuff.

"Not true Sasuke, sometimes all a person may want is for someone else to care." Laughed a kind voice from behind the group.

"IrukaSensei!!!" Naruto yelled, as he tackle hugged his sensei/father.

The young brown haired man laughed, “Hi Naruto. Are all of you heading back to Kottashi's home?” He asked, his arm around Naruto's shoulder.

“Yeah, we were just on our way back.” Sakura answered for everyone.

Then appears Kakashi behind Sasuke, scaring the hell outta him, “Well then I guess I'll accompany you.” He laughed.

“Hey don't forget me! I am a doctor, and as such, I have to check up on Kottashi's wellbeing!” Called Konohamaru. It amazed Naruto, only 13 and he was already considered a doctor among the people in the village.

Once Kono was caught up, the small group started walking towards forest #44 as if they hadn't been stopped at least three times.

-----With Gaara and Kottashi-----

“Um…” Kottashi looked down by Gaara's right arm, he was still holding her. Though how nice it was to be held, right now was slightly embarrassing. Slowly easing her way out of Gaara's lap, she stood up.

Mentally, Gaara breathed a long sigh of relief. So she did get up on her own, it certainly saved him some conflict. He didn't know how, but he knew if he had to help her up, nothing good could have come out of it. But she did something he wasn't expecting, she held out her hand to him. Looking at her hand like it repulsed him, he let his gaze fall upon her closed, smiling eyes. They told him she didn't care what he thought, she just wanted to help him.

Well, why couldn't he be the one to be helped once in a while? Why shouldn't people help him, he was human, wasn't he? He took her hand, and allowed her to help him to his feet. With a smile she began walking, “If you're going to follow, I suggest you don't lag too far behind. This forest can be dangerous if you don't know where you're going.”

Not needing to be told twice, he followed, though he knew nothing in this forest could harm him. But he thought about it, if he followed her to her home, something interesting may occur. Killing was the only thing that interested him, but she seemed to think otherwise. For a reason Gaara didn't understand, her views intrigued him. So now he was following her, to her own home, to where she lived as a child perhaps? Maybe she grew up there.

It wasn't like he knew, he had only known this girl for a matter of hours. There wasn't much he could have found out, besides the fact that even when sick, she can still kick ass. Both of them stayed silent on the walk to the house. For some reason, Kottashi just couldn't think of anything to say to Gaara. She felt so flustered, and her mind was a jumble. Sure she acted cool, like being in his arms hadn't phased her, but really, her heart was pounding, and her face wanted to turn midnight crimson red.

At that moment, Kottashi really wanted to kick her own ass. Why was she acting so weird around some guy she hardly knew? It was just pointless, and furthermore unnerving and frustrating. Inwardly she sighed, there would be more time to think over this after Gaara wasn't within ear shot. At least she'd have Hinata and Sakura to talk to later on that night. Naruto and Sasuke would just have to get it through their thick skulls that they needed some time for girl talk, and only girl talk.

It didn't take them long to come upon Kottashi's home. Once they reached the house, Kottashi looked at the door. “Aren't you going to open it, or just stand there stupidly looking at your own door?” Gaara asked.

The green haired girl blinked a few times, and then looked under the welcome mat for something, “Um…” This was bad, she didn't have a key to her own house. She looked around to see if any of her spare keys were still in their hiding place. To no avail, the key under the mat was gone, the one stuck in the window sill was gone, none of the extra keys were there. “Say GaaraKun, you know how to pick locks?” She asked nervously.

Gaara gave a questionable look, “You got locked out of your own house?” Kottashi nodded, “How stupid are you?”

“Obviously very.” She laughed nervously, Gaara mentally winced he really didn't think she was at all dumb.

“Whatever, I don't know how to pick locks.” Though you'd think as a ninja that would be one thing they knew how to do.

“Oh well, guess we'll just have to wait for Sakura to get here. After that, I'm going to have to ask where my spare keys went.” She laughed, she'd put everything she owned on the notion that Kakashi lost them all.

While they waited, Kottashi began small talk with Gaara, even though he protested that he hated it. To her, it seemed like he actually enjoyed it, so she kept throwing questions at him. Reluctantly, Gaara actually seemed to be really open to her. No matter how much he wanted to lie, or say it wasn't her business, she was able to pry it out of him with little to no resistance. He hated the fact that she was destroying his barrier around his emotions so easily. Didn't like how she seemed to know just what to ask and how to ask.

Kottashi had to laugh, it was funny how she could talk so easily with Gaara, yet still feel like she was being weird. She could feel her face wanting to radiate heat, and she could feel her heart pounding, yet it didn't show in her expression. The expressions itself, was the same as always, childish, yet mature. Mentally she shook her head, there was no way this guy could tell whether she was acting different or not.

Gaara continued to talk to the weird kitsutora girl, this was definitely the longest conversation he ever had. There was much to know about this girl, yet she hid most everything about her being so well. Albeit for the stuff she willingly let him know. Like the fact that she has no clue about her family history. She doesn't know her mother, father or if she had siblings. He himself, had told her that Konkuro and Temari weren't friends, but his brother and sister.

Kottashi thought on the fact that he lied about his connections to his two team mates. She could have almost said the thought of him lying hurt her. Then again, they had only met, a ninja can't be too trusting. Even if he didn't care for them, he should do everything in his power to protect them, right?

“Geez Naruto, do you have to be such a pig?” Came Sakura's voice a little ways away.

“It's not my fault Sakura, KakashiSensei stole half my ramen.” He whined.

“Don't bring me into this Naruto.” Kakashi stated calmly.

Hinata giggled, “Whatever, both of you are idiots.” Sasuke said.

BAM! “Shut up Sasuke! Don't talk to KakashiSensei like that!” Sakura yelled, hitting Sasuke upside the head.

“And I'm going out with her, why?” He asked himself.

“Oh, uh ShiChan… GaaraKun. Konnichiwa.” Hinata stated in her quiet voice.

“Gaara?” Naruto shot Gaara an odd look once he spotted him sitting next to Kottashi on the door step.

Gaara's pastel green eyes looked quickly at Naruto, and then shot back forward. He said nothing, there was no need to. Naruto obviously didn't like him being there, but there wasn't much he could do. As long as the weird girl didn't care, he'd stay. -Might as well not fight it. - Thought Naruto in his mind, -it'll be much easier to just keep on Gaara's good side. I don't want to see that damned tanuki again. -

“Heh didn't expect to see you here Gaara.” Grinned Naruto, “How long have you two been out here, and why?”

“Ehehehe, I kinda forgot that I didn't have a key, we haven't been waiting too long, but it's still troublesome.” Kottashi gave them a grin, and laughed nervously.

Sakura fell over, “Why do you sound like Shikamaru? Saying troublesome…” She sulked to herself.

“Perhaps because being lazy is fun.” Kottashi frowned, “Something… Doesn't seem right…” -that's right… I'm not feeling any pain, although, I really should be. - Thought the kitsune girl.

-----Conversation with Kyuuten-----

-Ne KottashiSama, daijoubu? -

“Kyuuten, there's something not right about this situation… Have I been…? Deceived?”

-I'm afraid I don't follow you KottashiSama. -

“I should still be in immense pain from that poison. Even if I did rest, I should still be feeling it.”

-Perhaps your body has gotten rid of most of it. -

“Iie, I may not know that poison very well, or how it got into my systems, demo… I know my own body, even if I do have your chakra healing me, I wouldn't have healed that fast. Something is definitely wrong here.”

-----End conversation-----

“Something isn't right…” The frown on her face deepened, and she heard….

“Voices? Echoing?”

-Ne, she won't wake up. -

-We've tried everything HokageSama. -

-Kuso… I really need to get to know this girl. Anyone who can be an ally will help greatly. -

“Nani… But the Hokage knows me, he knows me we-…. That sounded like a woman…. Wha-what's going on?”

Lavender eyes widened with fear, pain and confusion. She let out a roar of pain, it felt like someone had bashed her upside the head with a sledge hammer. Then realization came over her. The figures stood there, laughing at her. This wasn't real, it was all a trick. An illusion. In other words, genjutsu. And the one who must be controlling that jutsu must be the only one she doesn't know…

“Gaara… This is your genjutsu!” A grin replaced the frown, and placed her hands into a jutsu seal. “Kai!” With that, the genjutsu dispersed, leaving her free of the illusion, free to fall to the ground and pass out, at least, that's what it felt like. “Hehehe, guess I wasn't even moving.” With that, darkness overtook her.

DK: Wow that was a long chapter.

G: Why did I come in like that?

S: Oo Gaara spoke!

N: Gaara!

K: Ah uh… GaaraKun!!! Um… I'm sorry about what I do in the next chapter! -bows and apologizes-

G: She said sorry. Oo

DK: Whoa… didn't know Gaara could show an emotion on his face. (J/k)

H: Um… on to the next chapter, please R n R MinnaSan! -bows-

DK: -jumps into the crowd- see you there!

SU: Stop being an idiot.

H: -sweat drops and bows again- Kottashi wakes up but what happens next? How will the new Hokage react to her, find out in the next chapter. Jaa ne! -turns the camera off-

A few words you may have encountered:

Sensei-Teacher

Otome-Daughter

Chan-used for girls, someone younger, and also pets

Kun-used for boys

Sama-an honorific

San-equivalent to Ms. Mrs. or Mr.

Naruto-a round fish cake thing

Kottashi-name made from the combination of the words “artistic” and “pride”

Arashi-name of fourth Hokage, also means storm

Baka-stupid, moron, idiot…

If you find any words you're not sure about, tell me in a review.