"I'm not entering this team to the chūnin exam," Aiko repeated, "I'll be blunt here: The three of you don't deserve it."

The three genins froze in their seat, but Ara was the first one to recover from her shock. "If I may ask... why?"

Aiko sighed, looking at her students. Yes, they are orphans, they've been fighting in their life, but that doesn't mean she can go easy on them. They're survivors, messed-up survivors.

"Teamwork."

Ara frowned. Kakashi had talked about it so many times, about how important it is, but it seems like she never truly understands.

"What are you talking about?" Yuito asked, "This is our first real mission and nothing goes wrong so far. All of us still finishes our work together, I don't think there's any problem here."

"There's no problem, yet." Aiko let out a heavy breath, "All of you have potential. Yuito, you're a good sensor-type, you don't even need to try to detect any foreign chakra signature around you. Ryota, you want to be a medic, and I can tell that it suits you. I know you are willing to help strangers, and your chakra control only needs a little more improvement. And Ara, you are a jack-of-all-trades. You don't have any particular skill, but your large chakra reserves and your capability to adapt to every situation is very useful."

"You are a good team," the woman said, still wearing her frown, "If you can work with each other, you can be unstoppable. You all are fast learners with sharp instincts and great reflexes. You will grow up as amazing shinobi."

"But if you can't work as a team, it will be useless."

"But lots of ninja go on solo missions!"

Aiko shook her head. "That's not my point. Only the easiest and the hardest missions are finished solo. The others? A team is always needed. A shinobi will have to be able to work with others."

"Medics, interrogators, intel gatherers, the cops, even Anbus, they hardly ever go solo. You can't work alone, it usually leads to failure, if not death." Aiko glanced at Ara, who turned away from her teacher, "I know many shinobis who requested not to be put in any team, and only a few exceptional ones are allowed to do so."

As the 3 genins began to think over their sensei's words, Aiko called one of the waitresses and paid the bill. She waited until her students went back to look at her, before she said, "Listen. We'll return to Konoha in two days. I'm sorry I can't spend more time with you; my job isn't done yet, there's still a lot I have to do at the hospital. You can do whatever you want, and you can even ask Kazuo if you need anything."

The Morino rose from her seat, "Please think about what I told you, okay? Sorry if I hurt your feelings, but I promise I didn't mean anything bad. I'll see you all later."

Ara sent her a nod, "Thank you, Aiko-sensei."

Aiko flashed a smile and teleported away.

*/*\*/*\*

"Aiko told me everything," Kō commented, grinning as he patted Ara's back. The girl growled and pushed his hand away, crossing her arms and glared at him.

"I'm not in the mood, Kazuo-san."

After the team returned to the inn, Ryota announced that they all need to look for souvenirs. Yuito reluctantly agreed to come, saying that he's going to find something for his sister. Ara wanted to stay behind, but Kō forced her to tag along, going as far as to drag her out and followed the team, just to make sure she doesn't escape.

"How long have the two of you known each other?" Ryota asked, looking at the young man. Kō shrugged, grabbing Ara's wrist before he turned to look at the boy.

"Her brother is my captain in Anbu. I came over and met her often."

"Wow, you're so damn funny," Ara muttered under her breath, fortunately unheard by her teammates, but Kō tightened his grip on her wrist with a smile on his face.

"So, are you an Anbu or a medic?" Yuito asked.

'Congratulations,' Ara mouthed, and Kō dug his nails deeper into her skin.

"Both," Kō lied smoothly, "Like your sensei. Aiko-san was an Anbu, but she quit and went to work as a medic at the hospital. Then she got appointed as a jōnin sensei."

"You didn't quit Anbu, Kazuo?"

"Why would I? I'm just on a long break."

The conversation continued, they both bicker without caring about the remaining two. Ryota was busy looking around, trying to find something interesting enough to bring home, so Ara was left alone with Yūsha and Kurama in her mind.

'Can we talk?'

-Can't it wait? We just took care of my brother.-

'I barely use your chakra. I just need to talk for a little while, Kurama.'

-... Fine. What is it?-

'About what Shukaku said...'

-You shouldn't listen to him,- Kurama replied, -Forgot whatever he told you.-

'I'm not even human.' Ara clenched her fists, 'Do you think someone would make a lie as absurd as that?'

Kurama stayed silent.

'Answer me. Tell me what he meant.'

Still no answer.

'Kurama!'

-You're testing my patience, aren't you?!- the fox growled, -You really want to know? Fine! It's your damn clan!-

Ara was about to reply, but Kurama beat her to it. -You think how can you be a prodigy? Your brain? Well, I'll tell you this: everyone from your clan is born as a half-animal. Your body develops quicker, just like how animals age faster than humans. That's why you can learn everything your S-rank friends taught you, that's how you can survive all the way from Ame to Konoha.-

-For your clan's standard, you're normal. Maybe a little below average. It's just that you have me, you can control my chakra, that's what makes you powerful.-

'... I see...' Ara clenched her fists, 'But why did Shukaku bring this up?'

-Because he hates you, what else? He'd rather have you dead.-

'He said that he doesn't even need to kill me.' Ara inhaled deeply, 'What is it that he wants to imply? Am I going to die?'

-... You won't.-

'... But?'

-I'll have to keep an eye on you.-

'What are you talking about?'

-Enough questions, kid. I'm tired.-

*/*\*/*\*

The rest of their days were pretty much uneventful. Kō kept his eyes on the kids, Aiko was still nowhere to be seen, Ryota stopped caring about Yuito's sarcastic remarks, and Yuito himself was still as grumpy as ever. As for Ara, she spent her time mostly reading and talking with Gaara.

The five of them returned to Konoha without much trouble. Aiko disappeared for her work, again, Yuito and Ryota left as well, but Kō insisted on following her home (much to her dismay).

"Currently, the idea of killing you is in my consideration," Ara stated, "You're acting too damn strange for an Anbu."

Kō shrugged, entering the house before Ara closed the door, "Now that we're alone, you can ask whatever you want."

"I'll cut the chase: what the hell is up with you?"

"Pardon?"

"You hated my guts, Kō. The last you see me years ago, I remember the look on your face. You were itching to kill me because I killed your little sister."

"And?"

"Now look at you! If you truly had forgiven me, then I appreciate that, I really do. But you're acting strange; getting all friendly and trying to get close to me. If I were you, I would feel at least a little wary. Tell me the truth."

"Even if I tell you, it won't affect anything."

Ara glared at the male, "Well, I'd rather know what's up. Would you want me to find it out by myself instead?"

"... I'm here to keep an eye on you. To make sure that nothing happens to you."

"Whose orders? The Hokage?"

He shook his head. "Classified. It's my superior, someone close to you. He's worried that without his supervision, you might do something stupid."

"Define stupid."

"Anything dangerous, really." Kō sighed, "Look, I can't tell you anything. But it's not your brother or anyone related to Anbu. You don't have to think too much of it. Just focus on your current business."

"My... what?"

"Your team. The chūnin exam, being a proctor. Taking care of Sasuke and Naruto. Your friends. I'm sure you understand what I mean."

Ara's glare only sharpened.

*/*\*/*\*

"Ara-chan!!" Shisui cheered, running towards the girl as soon as he saw her. She failed to dodge his bone-crushing hug and could barely crack a smile as he continued to babble, "It has been a while! Did you bring me anything from Suna?"

"N-No..."

"But why?!?!?!" he whined, releasing her from his arms, "Well, you owe me, partner!"

She gave him a questioning look, which he replied with a grin. "We'll be watching over the chūnin exam! Since you missed the briefing, I'll sum it all up for you!"

"Please do."

"No fighting before the exam starts, stop when the proctor says so, yadda yadda yadda. We'll act as Anbus, don't forget your mask. Stay unseen, don't interfere until we have to, keep an eye out for anyone suspicious. Protect the villagers, prioritize women and children. Questions?"

"Any specific orders to follow?"

"Nope. Meet up at 6 in the HQ to see where you're gonna be stationed at. Don't bring any destructive weapons. Short-range are preferable. Easy enough, right, Ara-chan?"

Ara nodded, staring at the ravenette in concern. "Yeah. Are you sure you're okay, though?"

"I'm perfect! But I have to go now, we'll catch up during our shift, is that okay?"

"Sure. See you later, Shisui-kun."

Ara spent the next few days preparing everything: the arena, the proctors, and of course her own equipment. People came from all around the world; teams of genins, merchants, even civilians. Motels were packed, many Anbu stationed around every corner of the village. The higher ranking ones are even busier.

"Pass me the wire," Ara called, eyes focused on the large rock in front of her. It was annoying, alright, maybe even foolish. Why send outsiders into one of the most guarded territories in the village?

The young chunin did what he was told to. "Here you go, Hatake-san." Ara hummed in gratitude, continuing her work. "If I may ask, what are we doing?"

"What does it look like?"

"... Traps?"

Ara nodded and pulled out a stack of paper bombs out of her pocket.

"But what for?"

"The Forest of Death is one of the most important places in Konoha. It's why we always guard this place. Traps, jutsu, shinobi, even summonings are placed here. There's a lot to protect, and Chunin Exam is one of the few events that lets outsiders enter this place. We have to guard the secrets the village kept here."

"What kind of secrets?"

She rose to her feet. "I thought you already know? Didn't they tell you during the briefing?" Ara pulled out a senbon from the hem of her shirt and quickly turned around, just in time to block his attack. She jabbed the needle into his neck and grabbed his shoulder, "It's the kind you were planning to stole, we both know it. Now who sent you?"

The nin chuckled, spitting the blood out of his mouth, "... Fuck... you..."

Ara glared at him. "You want to do this the hard way? Fine by me." She kneed his gut, then slamming his body to the ground and pinned him down, punching his head one last time before cuffing his wrists. A few seconds later, her partner arrived.

"Woah, who's that?" Shisui asked, eyeing the Hatake with an amused smile on his face, "A spy?"

She huffed, "You know him?"

Shisui grabbed the man's hair and pulled it up, examining the face. "A chunin. 20 years old, I think? He's applying for a position in T&I about two months ago. Mitarashi already said yes, but Morino hasn't. I guess that man really lives up to his title, nothing can get past him." He snickered and picked up the body, "How did you find out, anyways?"

"I always work solo, no one dares to come near me. When they do, there's always direct orders from the Hokage. Jounin level, at least, mostly Anbu. This guy just came up to me and offered to help. How is that not suspicious?"

Shisui frowned, but he decided to shrug it off. "Let's just get back to the village. What should we do with this...?"

"Dump him to Ibiki-san? We still need to know who sent him here."

"Then we kill him?"

"No, no killing. Just wipe off his memory and return him to wherever he belongs. We can't afford to deal with more conflicts, at least not until the exam is over."

"After the exam, we need to take care of my clan," Shisui reminded, "You think this guy is involved?"

"It's possible but highly unlikely. One problem at a time, Shisui-kun."

"I know, I know."

***********************

So long inactive here. I'm really sorry, guys, things have been difficult here. Even now (just lost at least 500 words of this chapter), but I'm still alive, I guess. This chapter implies many incoming conflicts, clues on the plot of the future chapters. But those can wait, I'm sorry if this really feels like fillers. The writer's block is horrible.

Thank you for still reading. Vote, comment, anything? See you later, guys.

- Rae