Thank you, Huggles26 (deviantART) for this cheerful fanart. 

It took some time—nearly all afternoon—for me to calm down enough that I didn't need Sasuke and Naruto to ground me. During that time, I shook with absolute fury, and all while I screeched and ranted inside my head to Kurama. He, at first, didn't reply to anything and actually listened, but he (unsurprisingly) got bored of my ranting and proceeded to give a rant of his own, completely different from mine and at the same time as mine (which I only vaguely listened to as I was too furious to really think straight). So after I had originally settled down I had to calm him down or else I would have been riled right back up.

It didn't surprise me that Kakashi was teaching Sasuke the Chidori. In all honesty, I really couldn't picture Sasuke without the Chidori. I suppose I was just hoping that he would teach it to me, as well.

When I released Naruto and Sasuke, I let out a slow breath.

Then my stomach rumbled and I couldn't help but blush—causing Naruto to laugh and Sasuke to do this sort of half-smile-half-smirk-part-sneer thing.

"I'll get us food," Sasuke said, standing up rather quickly.

"Something for Jiraiya-sensei as well. G-Garlic pickled, if you can. You remember what Naruto and I like?"

"Mm-hmm. This won't take long." Sasuke flickered away.

"Someone mind telling me what that was about?" Jiraiya asked in a slow drawl.

Naruto and I exchanged glances and I gave a tired nod. I wasn't really in the mood for explaining. Instead, I laid back on the grass, staring up at the blue sky and the white fluffy clouds. It didn't take long for Naruto to explain everything to Jiraiya—from my relationship with Ka... Ka... That Man to Sasuke learning the Chidori. Just hearing about him brought bile up in my throat and made my stomach churn with so much bitterness, it physically pained me.

"I see," Jiraiya said softly when Naruto finished. "Mn. Nothing you can really do about it now."

"No, there really isn't," I agreed quietly.

Naruto, however, scowled down at the grass. "I'll kick his ass."

"No, you won't," Jiraiya disagreed. "He outmatches you."

"Then I'll train and then I'll kick his ass!"

"Aniki," I whispered, "please. Not now. I just want to put this behind me and focus on the exams. If I dwell too much on it, I might do something regrettable."

Naruto glowered, scuffing his shoes.

With amazing timing, Sasuke appeared, carrying our lunches and with that, talk of That Man was over and we moved on to safer, happier topics.

('･ω･')

"I told Kakashi that I would meet him at the teahouse soon," Sasuke muttered after the four of us finished eating. "I... I should probably get going."

"Be safe," I murmured.

Sasuke's black eyes looked up towards mine and he gave a small nod. "... We will need to talk more about this, but now... The Exams are priority."

"Annoy the fuck outta him for me," Naruto instructed.

Sasuke's lips twitched into his smirk/smile/sneer again. "Don't worry. He's not getting of that lightly, but now we have one priority."

"Whatever," Naruto scoffed.

Sasuke gave a small snort before he left us.

"Well now, what an interesting morning this has been," Jiraiya muttered.

I gave Jiraiya a small smile. "I'm sorry for pulling you into this drama, sensei."

Jiraiya waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "It's fine. However, the Uchiha brat was right. Let's focus on the exams for now, eh?"

"Hai!"

('･ω･')

"Hmm... Such a pretty little girl; tell me, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

"Besides my brother's right hand woman?" I guessed, smiling in amusement at Jiraiya's flushed face. It was a late training day and Jiraiya had actually brought sake with him. He was mildly drunk, just enough to reach tipsy, but not enough to not be able to kick someone's ass.

"Well, of course."

"A mom," I said softly, smiling and looking away.

"... Really?"

I gave a murmur of affirmation, my mind already slipping off into warm memories. My time at the hospital had never been... well. It had rarely been very bright, but one of the things I loved the most were the pregnant and expecting women.

One of my leading doctors had been pregnant at a point, and she was the first one to tell me about pregnancy and childbirth. At first the idea of it horrified me, but then when her tummy got so round and big... and I touched it... and I felt the baby kick...

She got so soft and nice around me, too, she used to act indifferent towards me, but then her baby was on the way and she let me feel the kicks and I watched and listened as she cooed to her baby and I could feel the absolute love radiating from her.

My own mommy loved me, true, but I caused Mommy pain whenever she looked at me. It made me feel really, really bad. I didn't like it. I wanted Mommy to look at me and love me for me and hold me and comfort me and tell me how pretty I was or how smart I was, or how... or how much she loved me despite the fact I was hurting her. I wanted that bond that my doctor and her unborn baby shared with each other.

And then she showed me her baby when it was born and I felt that love again. Only this time it wasn't so one-sided. That baby loved her mommy and her mommy loved her baby and I wanted that love. I wanted to be loved unconditionally and I wanted to love someone unconditionally, as well.

A lot more nice women came into the hospital, and when I confessed to my doctor the want to have one of my own, and of the comfort and love I felt when I had first touched her tummy, she started to introduce me to more and more really nice ladies. They all let me touch their tummy and I got to meet a whole bunch of more babies and all of them seemed so sweet and loving and I just...

I just wanted to have one of my own. I wanted that more than anything.

"To each her own, I guess," Jiraiya mused before chuckling. "I'm sure you'll be a wonderful mother, Miwako."

When Naruto returned to training, he gave me a confused look. "Imouto? Why are you smiling so big?"

"No reason, Aniki. No reason, at all."

('･ω･')

"It's been a while since I've had to carry you home," I hummed softly. Naruto gave a sort of grumbled reply, but I couldn't really hear it as he mumbled it into my neck.

"That's what you get for overworking yourself, though," I continued. Naruto gave another reply, just as muffled as the last.

With one hand, I opened the door to our apartment, kicking it open before stepping in and kicking it shut. Naruto lifted his head long enough to give a jaw-breaking yawn. I carried him over to our bed—we really needed to invest in a second bed for one of us, now that I thought about it; we were too old to still share a bed—and set him down. I then grabbed his pajamas and tossed them to him. While he was getting dressed, I went towards the fridge and inspected its contents.

"Mn. I'm going to head out and grab some groceries for breakfast tomorrow. Do you want anything special?" I inquired.

"Mm... n'thanks," Naruto yawned again.

"Sweet dreams, Aniki," I murmured.

"Be back soon," Naruto replied, snuggling underneath the covers.

"I will," I assured him.

Heading out the small apartment, I turned and locked it before continuing on my way down the street.

So... you've mastered the lightning ninjutsu now, Kurama commented.

Mm-hmm. The genjutsu is actually fairly easy and I expect to have it done by tomorrow. Jiraiya-sensei and I have already discussed the next course of action. In the mornings I will continue my taijutsu and evasion practice—Naruto will have multiple clones sent out to do everything in their power to tag me, either through direct contact or projectiles—and in the afternoons Jiraiya-sensei agreed to look over my fūinjutsu.

Indeed. I was wondering... perhaps... when you are well enough, if you could take another look at our seal?

What do you have in mind?

You can't be a Sage.

I know. I'm already have a contract with the dogs and besides, I can't really imagine sharing the toad contract with Naruto.

Exactly. But, you will be fighting the Akatsuki many times.

Yes...?

You need an edge. While your genjutsu will certainly be helpful, especially against Pein, you need something to make sure of our safety.

What do you have in mind?

I believe it is getting closer to the time where you need to practice with my chakra.

I faltered in my footsteps at that. Wh-What?

You can reach up to three-tails with the current seal. However, if you want to control more than that, you will need to tweak the seal enough to allow more of my chakra to flow through.

Kurama... I don't know about this.

What's the worst that could happen?

You did not just seriously ask that. No. No. That is just begging Murphy's law and Fate to come slap us upside the head. A lot can go wrong. While I have built up a resistance towards your chakra, it's not superb. In canon, anytime Naruto used your chakra past the three-tails, his life span shortened considerably. Not to mention he lost complete control of himself, went berserker, and oh yes, had his skin peeled off.

The reason his life-span shortened was not because of my chakra. At least not in the way you think. It was because he lacked the built up immunity against it. Look at Killer Bee and Gyūki. Bee pops out Gyūki's chakra more often that Naruto will pop out the Rasengan and his life span isn't shortened.

It's because Bee's seal allowed a more constant flow of Gyūki's chakra throughout his system so he could gradually adjust to it. Naruto only lost control because, well you know why. Because demonic chakra is a volatile and dangerous chakra, I won't deny that, and requires an absolutely clear mind. Naruto's mind stayed conflicted every time he brought out my chakra. As for the whole skin thing... yeah, I can't really do anything about that.

Hmm... You're right, but I'm still a little apprehensive about it. I suppose I can examine the seal when I'm more comfortable with fūinjutsu and allow a larger portion of your chakra to flow through. However, I should do that when I'll have plenty of time on my hands afterwards and when I won't be going on any missions because my control will be shot after that. As for a clearer mind... We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

Hmph. You will need my power to survive the Akatsuki.

I know. I'm just a little tentative about it.

For now.

For now.

After henging into a random lady, buying the necessary supplies, dispelling the henge, I started my way home.

"Miwako-san?"

I blinked, feeling a sense of déjà vu wash over me before I turned around and found Shikamaru—he also carried a small bag of groceries—staring at me incredulously.

"Hello, Shikamaru-san," I replied evenly.

"What are you doing out this late?" Shikamaru drawled.

"Same thing you are, I imagine. Aniki and I were in need of more groceries," I answered.

"I see. Troublesome... girls aren't meant to stay out this late by themselves. Come on, I'll walk you home," Shikamaru muttered.

I blinked in mild surprise at that. It wouldn't have been the first time. Shikamaru was never a bully, and he even defended Naruto and myself on multiple occasions. The only reason I never pursued his and Chōji's friendship was because too many attempts beforehand had left me sour and hesitant to attempt anything more.

However, every now and then when Naruto stayed behind for detention, Shikamaru and Chōji would occasionally walk me home. It was thoughtful, and it touched me every time they did so. However recent events with Ka—That Man...

"Do you mind waiting for Chōji, though? He'll be coming back soon," Shikamaru added.

I hesitated. "I am fine on my own, Shikamaru-san. There is no need—"

"Oi, Shikamaru, I've got the chips... oh, hello, Miwako-san," Chōji said, smiling at me.

"Good evening Chōji-san," I began, "but as I was saying, Shikamaru-san, I will be fine on my own."

"We walking her home?" Chōji asked, turning to Shikamaru. Shikamaru nodded and Chōji beamed at me, smiling again. "Alright. Hey, I'm sorry you have to go up against that Gaara-guy. That's gotta be scary."

"I-I-I... yes," I answered quietly.

"I don't blame you," Shikamaru replied, sighing. "How troublesome."

I shrugged, turning on my heel and making my way home. I couldn't stop them from following me anyway, so I might as well get it over with.

"Do you have a plan?" Chōji inquired.

"Yes," I admitted.

"Good. If you didn't, then I'm sure Shikamaru would help you," Chōji added.

My nose crinkled at that. I doubted that.

"'Course I would," Shikamaru muttered.

Confusion washed over me and my brow furrowed. "What—?"

Shikamaru gave me an incredulous look. "Why do you look so surprised? We're Konoha Genin and we're from the same graduating class. Us Rookies have to stick together, yeah?"

I opened my mouth to reply, but found no words.

"Ino talked to us," Shikamaru went on, ignoring my flabbergasted look. "I know the academy was hard and all, but I think I can speak for all the Rookies, when we say that we're sorry. I don't suppose you could reconsider your perspectives on us?"

My mind was blanking, whiting out. What? What? What? What?

Sorry? They were sorry? Truly and sincerely?

No. No. That couldn't be right—but, but, but.

Ino and Sakura, that day. They were. They were sorry, sincerely and truly. They wanted to be friends, they really, truly did, but I turned them away because I couldn't trust them. Because I thought I had enough, because I painted my view of them before I sincerely got to know them. And look what happened to me because of that. That Man happened.

It was wrong, wasn't it? It was unfair of me, wasn't it? It was silly, wasn't it?

But it hurt.

But would it hurt more if I continued to resent them? Or would it hurt more if I opened up? Gave them the second chance that they did deserve, at the very least?

What if they hurt me again?

They will. You don't need them.

I know I don't need them. But, would I feel... better... if I had them? Would I be... happier? I always wanted to be their friends, but...

You don't need them.

I know!

"I'm sorry," I said quietly, subdued. "I honestly don't know. I... Can I at least... think about it before I reply?"

Shikamaru gave a nod, just as we reached the apartment.

I turned to Chōji, then Shikamaru.

"... Thank you," I whispered, before turning on my heel and entering the apartment without another word.

I hesitated a moment, before I glanced back.

('･ω･')

Another week and a half of training passed, and I was growing more confident in my ability to survive a fight against Gaara without getting maimed.

That was an amazing feat in of itself, if you asked me.

I hadn't put much thought into the Rookies or Kaka—That Man—or even Kurama's blatant want at a more flexible seal. I focused solely on training, which seemed to finally pay off. It was near the tournament day, that something happened.

I didn't mean for it to happen. Kurama was a bit grouchy that day (for no reason in particular—he even admitted it himself, he just wanted to be an ass) and was practically forcing so much energy into my body that I couldn't even lay down for a minute. It was late in the night and the moon had risen already and I was attempting to burn off the energy by sprinting all about Konoha.

My body is going to hate me in the morning.

Only if I feel like it to, Kurama muttered

Which you will, you vindictive bastard.

Maybe. I can't help it. I'm bored. Do something entertaining for me, damn it!

Like what?!

I don't know! Just do it!

I bit back a snarky retort, hopping across another roof when a familiar scent entered my nostrils.

Blood.

Go to it! Go to it! I bet it'll be interesting! Hurry, brat!

I'm going, I'm going! Damn it, you old fox. You better allow me to sleep after this or I swear I will cut off our communication seal and you can grouch in silence!

Whatever! Go, go, go!

I bit back another snarky retort, as I was already at the scene to find—

Hayate, kneeling down before Baki, barely alive.

Oh. Fuck. My. Life.

For reasons I couldn't compute, I found myself hurtling down in between Baki and Hayate, my face twisting into a ferocious snarl.

"The fuck is going on?" I snarled, glaring furiously.

Baki blanched at seeing me. "... He attacked me. I think you'll find that I was only defending myself. If you don't take him to the hospital soon, he'll die."

He's right.

"I will be reporting this to Hokage-jiji," I growled. "When Hayate-san wakes up, he can give his report."

"... Of course," Baki hissed through clenched teeth.

I gave him one last glower before scooping down and grabbing Hayate.

The only reason Baki didn't attack was more than likely because a.) Temari must have told him I was the jinchūriki so he must have concluded that if I died, then that would draw way too much attention... or he was able to tell from my insane reserves b.) I was a significant participant of the exams and if I went missing—again, way too much attention and c.) Gaara called dibs on me and Baki knew that if he killed me, then Gaara would kill him.

So I safely escaped and made it to the hospital with an unconscious and bleeding Hayate. I then left him there, went home and showered, and because Kurama felt entertained enough, I was able to slip off into sleep without breaking off the communication seal.

('･ω･')

The day before the exams, I decided to try something new. Kurama was against it, and as such he was sulking (sorry, contemplating in a very mature and sophisticated manner that befits the greatness that is he). But, I wanted to try it. I had spent much time pondering on it, and thought that I should at the very least give it a chance. If I didn't like it, at least I could say I tried.

I knocked softly at the door.

A few moments passed before it opened, and Sakura presented herself. She blinked in surprise at me.

"Do-Doyouwanttomaybegetice-creamwithme?" I asked in a rush.

Sakura blinked. "Come again?"

"D-Do you want to get ice-cream with me?" I repeated, my face feeling a flamed as I struggled with the urge to flee.

"Now?"

"Y-Yes, please."

"Alright," Sakura replied, giving me a warm smile. "Let me grab my shoes, alright?"

"Okay."

Sakura closed the door for a moment or two before she opened it again and stepped out. She gave me another bright and warm smile. "Do you have anywhere you want to go in particular?"

"No," I confessed.

Sakura laughed at my sheepish expression. "That's alright. I know a place. Come on! Oh, we should probably invite Ino, is that okay?"

"Uh-huh."

"Good! Let's go!"

Taking my hand, she tugged me along and amazingly enough, I found myself quite content with that.

And the ice cream? The best I ever had. (In ever).