Chapter 9

"Yaaaaaa!"

Naruto flung three fish out from the river, this was his job. Sasuke's job was to throw kunai at them and make sure they were dead. Sakura on the other hand was making a fire while I.. sat back and relaxed, there was nothing better for me to do really. "Your being really lazy today Alexis" I nodded and pat Dante's head. "That's kinda rich coming from you Dante" He chuckled and lay his head down to rest.

"We need to have food for later. 3 fish isn't enough. Do it three more times, moron" Sasuke ordered, like the leader he is. "This is really tiring. Why don't you do it?" I chuckled at there, once again, usless argueing. 

Once the fire was set up, we pierced the fish with sharp sticks and placed them down to cook. "This is the 4th afternoon since the start of the second test, we only have about 25-26 hours left" Sasuke informed. It was silent, excluding Naruto as he muttered about the food, until Sakura began speaking of her thoughts about the test.

Sasuke decided to go get some water and began walking off. Me, not wanting to stay behind to witness the two idiots unscrolling the scroll, followed after him. "Why are you following me?" I shrugged "I didn't want to stay behind with those two. Your the only near normal one in this group.. except for Dante and I" "Hn.. Where is your wolf?" I smirked slightly. "Lets just say he's..gone hunting" I saw confusion pass his eyes, but he let it go with a "Hn"

The rest of the way towards the river was spent being silent. When we actually got there, I was about to fill the bottle when, I felt Kabuto's presence. I quickly filled our containers with water. Just as I was about to turn around and leave, my foot slipped on a loose rock and I fell backwards into the river.

I let out a small cry as the cold water soaked through my clothes. "Baka" I glared at Sasuke, who was standing over me with a smirk plastered over his face. "Stop smirking at me. It's not even funny" He rose an eyebrow. "Really.." It was silent between us for a moment before he placed his hand in front of me. I just stared at it, unsure of what to do.

"Are you going to take it, or what?" Placing my hands in his, I got an awesome idea. Just as he was lifting me up, I pulled on his arm instead, sending him into the water beside me. I smirked as he sat up and glared at me.

"What?" "..That was unnecessary" I shrugged "Not my problem. Deal with it" His glare hardened and he shoved me down so that my head went under. I took a breath when I surfaced again and scowled. "What the hell Sasuke!" He smirked and stood up without another word. I was angry.

Before he could walk away, I grabbed it ankle and he fell forward, hitting his head on the bank of the river. I chuckled inwardly before standing up myself. "Hey!" Sasuke went and grabbed for my arm, but missed seeing as he reached for the wrong one. His glare dropped and I chuckled "..Sorry, I forgot" I faked surprise "Did the emo boy just apologise. What is the world coming to?" I looked at the sky, as though waiting for it's almighty answer.

"Your such a dobe" I scoffed "And your not?" He shook his head and reached for my other arm, taking a hold of my wrist. "I can walk without you holding my hand, ya know" He shrugged "I don't want you pushing me into the water again" "..Who are you?" He just stared at me as though I gained an extra head. "Seriously. Who are you? Sasuke's supposed to be more Sasuke like. This Sasuke is showing to much emotion. Your going to ruin everything" Slapping my hand over my mouth, I scolded myself mentally.

"..What do you mean.. 'ruin everything'?" I shrugged "What are you talking about? I never said anything like that" He stopped dragging me and pushed me against a large rock, just up ahead was our camp. 

I scowled "What was that for?" I moved away from the rock, just to be pushed back again. My scowl deepened. "Stop it!" "Who are you?" I rose an eyebrow at his sudden question. "Alexis. Who else would I be?" He came closer. "I mean: why are you here? where do you come from? how do you know Orochimaru?" "..I don't need to answer any of your questions. Besides, why do you think I know Oro-chan?" He smirked and I cursed at my stupidity.

"That's my proof. You called Orochimaru, Oro-chan. That must mean you know him" I didn't notice the distance between us closing, he kept his stare the whole time. I gulped but then realised something. I'm stronger than Sasuke so why am I becoming scared of him? This is so out of character, for me and him both.

I sighed "I really don't know Orochimaru. Now can you move?" He didn't answer. I hung my head in frustration. "Why are you acting like this? Your being way out of character and it's not right" Still nothing.

Time for plan B. I gave him my worst glare. "Fine! How about this: If you don't move on, on the count of three you can say goodbye to your manhood" The color slightly drained from his face and I smirked, knowing I had won.

He stepped back and I ruffled his hair "Good boy!" He swatted my hand away and stated "I will find out what your hiding soon or later" He then walked around the large rock towards our camp site. When we were close enough, Kabuto was in sight. He was holding the scroll and talking to Naruto and Sakura. I chuckled inwardly.

Kabuto explained to Sasuke and I, what Naruto was going to do and Sasuke looked more than pissed. "S-sorry.." Sakura hung her head, ashamed that she had even thought about doing it. Kabuto told us that those who open the scroll before reaching the tower are put into a condition which forces retirement.

"Kabuto right?" Sasuke began "What are you doing all alone out here?" "It's not like i'm after your scroll or anything" Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Yeah.. if you were, you could have just taken it form Naruto back there. So.. you after the heaven scroll?" Kabuto shook his head and took out his scrolls "No, I have both. Something happened and I'm on my way to meet up with my teammates"

I knew what happened next so I turned away and stared at the forest with narrowed eyes. Dante should be back soon, I'm beginning to worry. Maybe I shouldn't have sent him. I shook my head to get the thoughts away.

"Hey Alexis! Were going!" I turned to see my team with the addition of Kabuto, walking away. Naruto was waving me over and I nodded jumping after them.

After they had their little talk, I sped up and ran besides Kabuto. He glanced at me through the corner of his eyes and smiled. "Lets talk" I told him with a serious face. He just kept that fake smile on his face and pushed up his glasses. "What about?" "..About what you and your master are up to" He looked surprised for a moment. "What do you know?" "Everything"

He was about to speak, when I cut him off. "Don't worry. I'm not going to interferre. It would ruin everything If I did" He narrowed his eyes slightly "Ruin what?" I smirked and tapped my nose "That's a secret. Anyway, I need you to not drop out of what's coming next" "Why?" Giving him a dark smirk I said "Because.. I want to fight you" He let out a chuckled after a second and nodded. "You really are interesting. Even more so with who you might be"

My eyes widened. "What do you mean?" This time it was Kabuto's time to smirk. "Orochimaru told me that you reminded him of an ancient myth. I thought it was impossible" He said with a shake of his head. I let out a small breath of relief. "But, if I could see it for myself.." I bonked him on the head. "Nothing he told you is true. Just ignore my presence as best as you can. It's best that way" He touched the growing bump on his head and chuckled. "You know.. If you are 'her', then Orochimaru will come back for you. Not only him, if anyone else found out, you'd be in danger"

I let a smile form, but It was probably so small that no one would even be able to see it. "Are you worried about me Kabuto?" He smirked "It's only natural, Yasuko" I sighed and hung my head "That's 'her' name, not mine" "It's a lovely name, why don't you ever use it?" I sighed once again "Because, that's not my name!" He simply shrugged "We'll find out soon or later, won't we"

With another bonk to the head, we slowed down. The tower was now in sight. "We can finally see the tower. We must be careful from here on out" Naruto cheered "Alright! Let's go!" Then, we all felt it. "An enemy?" Sakura asked, seeming scared. "There!" Naruto turned on the spot and threw a kunai.

The kunai embedded itself into a large centipede. We all, except myself, spoke our thoughts of the large insect. It didn't so much bother me more than the thought of those ninja attacking us later on. "From this point, lets move slowly and safely" They nodded and we began walking.

Ages later, everyone was sweating, exluding myself (again), and were all tired. "How long have we been walking? We aren't getting close to the tower at all" I began chuckling, which surprised my team. "What's so funny Alexis?" Kabuto asked.

I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing like a maniac. "It's just.. I can't believe you haven't noticed it yet. I've been waiting ever since we first saw the tower, for you to see what's going on" "..I see" Kabuto looked towards a nearby tree. "We've already arrived at our welcoming party" The others gasped at the sight of the large insect stuck to the large tree.

"Genjutsu?" Sasuke asked. I nodded "The made us walk in circles" Naruto turned to me with an irk mark "Why didn't you tell us?" I shrugged. "It's what had to happen. I'm not going to risk ruining everything" Sakura looked as though she wanted to ask me what I meant, but many ninja came out from the trees.

I sighed and jumped high up into a tree. I couldn't be bothered to fight anymore.

Minutes passed and many clones were destroyed, but that all. They were clones, not the real deal. I could tell Naruto was getting pissed off and they were all becoming exhausted.

All of a sudden, a howl rang throughout the forest. My eyes widened. Dante was calling for me. I jumped down and began walking away. "Hey Alexis! Where are you going?" I waved without turning around. "I'll have to leave this to you, Dante's calling for me. I'll see you in a bit" I then left, not waiting for their reply.

The forest was mostly quiet as I leaped from tree to tree. Dante kept howling every now and then, telling me of his location. I jumped down to the ground, only to find Dante caught in an trap. I raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Don't laugh and help me out"

Rolling my eyes, I took out a kunai and slashed the metal nets holding the large wold on the ground. "How'd you end up like this?" He sighed. "Well, after checking that specific area and finding the ingrediants you wanted, I was about to leave when I accidentally fell from the trees and landed in this unused trap" I let out a laugh. "S-sorry, anyway. Did you find what I wanted?" He nodded and gestured to the pouch, I always make him carry around, on his leg.

I peeked inside and a grin almost immediatly made it's way onto my face. I hugged Dante and grinned "Thanks and I'm sorry I made you go alone. You didn't come across anyone did you?" "I actaully did, but I..killed them" I rose an eyebrow and chuckled "That's good. Better than you being the one killed. Now lets go. The others should be near the tower by now"

I hopped onto his back and we made our way back to the team. For some reason, I've become more comfortable around them. I leaned forward and lay on Dante's back. "I'm confused Dante" He didn't turn around to look at me, but nodded for me to continue. "I'm getting more comfortable around them and I don't understand why" "..Maybe your starting to trust them" I shook my head "That's not possible. I havn't trusted anyone since.. Alessandro"

Dante growled under his breath at his name. "Don't say that name around me Alexis" I sighed "Sorry.."

After that we stayed quiet. I couldn't help by remember back to the day when Alessandro first found us. His gentle smile and touch, the way his eyes shone with true concern even though he didn't know me.

It was raining, as it always was. We lived in a rough part of the city. Everywhere you turn there is someone or other pulling out a knife or gun. You had to sleep, always, with one eye open, worried that someone would come and kill you in the middle of the night.

That's what it was like on the street.

**Flashback**

"Drip..Drip..Drip"

The constant sound of the rain dripping from the rain had woken me up. I glanced around the alleyway, taking in our surroundings. Dante was still fast asleep. Yesterday, he'd caught a cold from running around looking for food. I told him not to, but he'd insisted. I shook him slightly, but he didn't wake up. I began to worry.

I was still in thought, that I hadn't noticed someone sneaking up from behind. "Hehe.. i've finally found you" My eyes widened and I turned around into a defensive stance. The man before me was in raggy clothes, seemingly in his 30's. A sinister smile had stretched across his face.

I looked at his hand, only to find a knife. I was scared. Dante would normally take them out, but he's sick and asleep. "Who are you?" I demanded trying to make sure my worry didn't show in my voice. He began laughing darkly. "No one you need to know the name of, seeing as your just going to die soon anyway" I flinched.

"Who would've thought I would be able to get to you. Is the mutt finally dead? That's a relief. Now no one can get in my way!" I growled under my breath and took out a knife of my own. "Leave!" I ordered, tone strong. He scoffed and slapped me across the face. My cheek burned and tears stuck my eyes. "Don't order me around. Little bitch"

With a kick to the gut, I was sent into the wall. I fell to the ground, clutching my stomach. Blood dripped from my mouth and I gasped, trying to mind my breath. He laughed at me as I crawled over to my beloved Dante.

"Don't worry girl" He sneered "When I'm done with you, I'll send you precious mutt to the other side as well. That way you won't be alone. ~Hehe~ Aren't I nice" I growled and tears slipped down my cheeks. He lifted his arm that held the knife and smiled evilly.

"This is goodbye!" With one swift movement, he brought his arm down towards my heart. I shut my eyes, awaiting my death. But.. it never came. My eyes were still shut when I heard another voice. However, although this one was firm, it sounded gentle and kind "What do you think your doing?"

I opened my eyes, they were slightly blurred but, I could still see the second person clearly. He was young, probably in his later teens. He had black long-ish hair which fell over his clouded grey eyes. I took in his attire next. He was wearing a black suit and long coat. It was raining, so in his gloved hands was an umbrella. (A/N Alessandro on the side.. closest picture to him I could find)

"W-Who the hell are you?" The first man demanded. Man number two shook his head "Alessandro the third" The first guy instantly dropped the knife and coward. "I-I apologise.. B-but, I-I was j-just going to k-kill the nuisance and h-her mutt" The younger man - Alessandro's eyes narrowed and he looked over to me.

I moved back and hugged Dante closely. They scared me. I'm young, only the age of 7, of course they would scare me. Normally, Dante would protect me by killing my enemies, but he was out cold, so I would protect him instead.

Alessandro looked back to the older man and glared. "She is just a child. Why would you even think of killing her?" "B-because.. t-there's a b-bounty on her and h-her m-mutts head" Alessandro looked confused and I coward, as well, under his gaze. "She's merely a child, what can she do?" "W-well.. her and h-her mutt have a-already k-killed many.. s-she also has t-these weird a-abilities.."

I growled loud enough for them to hear. I hated it when people talked about those abilities. Not even I know how I got them, I don't remember anything before the age of six. "Hmm.." Alessandro looked to be in thought. That's when the older guy snatched his hand away and ran. With a snap of his fingers, two guys in black suits and sunglasses ran after the him.

Now, it was just me and him.. Dante as well, but he's still unconscious.

Alessandro walked over and I shook out of fright. I crawled further into Dante and shook my head. "S-stay a-away" Ignoring my demand, he came closer and squatted down before me. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion when he smiled. "What's your name?" "..W-what?" "Don't you have a name?" I slowly nodded my head. "Dante calls me Alexis" He tilted his head in what seemed to be confusion. "Who's Dante?"

I pointed to my sick wolf and he began laughing. "Wolves can't talk" I nodded "Yes they can. I can talk to all animals" He looked shocked before smiling. "Really? That's amazing" I stared at him and shook my head. "No it isn't. I'm a freak. I can talk to animals and I have these weird abilities" He chuckled and I felt him ruffling my hair. "Your no freak"

I stared at him and he kept on smiling. "Alexis, come and live with me" I was in total shock. "W-what?" He shook his head and chuckled. "Come live with me. I'll protect you. I can make you stronger. You won't have to live in the streets anymore and no more stealing. Dante can come as well" He stood up and stretched out an arm.

I looked at the outstretched hand and thought. Do I want this? I pondered on the thought and after a moment came to a conclusion. I shakily lifted my hand and placed it in his. Smiling he picked me up and hugged me, which made me stiffen up. Slowly, I placed my arms around his necks and hugged back tightly.

Placing my head in the crook of his neck I said his name "Alessandro.." "Hm?" "Alessandro, Alessandro, Alessandro" He chuckled and began walking away from the ally. I looked back to see someone carrying my best friend.

Smiling a pecked Alessandro's cheek. "Thank you Alessandro" He kissed my forehead "No problem Alexis"

I glanced at the sky, only to see it clear up. The sun shone through and I smiled. It was as though the sky was happy for me.

**Flashback End**

I sighed.

I was too young to know what I was getting myself into. Alessandro knew that and had taken advantage of it. From the second I first saw him, I could feel something off about him, his smile, the way he looked at me.

I let a tear slip from my eyes. It rolled down my cheek and onto Dante's furr. "Alexis? What's wrong?" He asked, voice filled with concern. I shook my head. "I was just.. remembering" He sighed "You'll have to forget him sooner or later. Don't keep doing this to yourself" "I'm trying Dante. It's just.." He let out a breath "I understand. But, lets just concentrate on the exams now. When the time comes, we'll sort everything out" I nodded and 'Hn'd'

"Alexis!"

Sitting up, I noticed we were almost there and my team was standing before the tower. I gave them a short wave.

Dante jumped from the high trees and landed before them. I sighed in relief that we made it. "What took you so long?" Sakura questioned, an irk mark on her head. I shrugged and patted Dante's head. I couldn't get close to anyone. I'm going to leave soon anyway and If we get to close, I'm afraid I'll open up myself to them.

I glanced over to Kabuto and waved shortly. "Nice of you to make it" He smirked at me directly. Nodding I said "Remember what I said Kabuto" He rolled his eyes and left with his two teammates into the tower.

"Where did you go?" Naruto asked. I hung my head. Didn't I tell them I was going to search for Dante? "It doesn't matter. Let's just go inside already. Did you get the scroll?" They all nodded "Yeh, we beat those guys up pretty bad" On the inside I chuckled, but on the out I sighed with a short nod.

With one last glance at the large forest behind us, we opened the doors. "Ready Dante?" He nodded "More than I'll ever be Alexis" He grinned. We then walked inside, anticipating what was awaiting us.

(Elsewhere.. (Third Person POV))

"How was the harvest?"

Kabuto chuckled "It was above expectations. I've written down all of his Data from the second test" He took out a card and handed it to his master.. "Your that interested, are you Orochimaru-sama?"

Orochimaru chuckled and glanced at the card with a dark smirk. "I want to know your opinion.. as our spy.." Kabuto chuckled "That's unnecessay.. since everything will be decided by you... but, that girl your looking into.." Orochimaru looked back from the card, towards Kabuto again.

"Do you really think it's Yasuko?" The snake man nodded "Her eyes, that necklace, the staff, her chakra and jutsu's.. it all connect with the old myth. I'm certain.. she is 'his' daughter" Kabuto smirked and began laughing. "Do you still not believe me Kabuto?"

Kabuto shook his head. "I need to see it, to believe it. It still seems impossible to me. Yasuko should be dead" "But, there are possibilities" "..Do you need her Lord Orochimaru?" He nodded and licked his lips "Her eyes.. are the most powerful type of Dojutsu. Much stronger than Sasuke's. Hers is mixed between the Sharingan and the Rinnegan. She has both Dojutsu's abilities"

Kabuto thought about it "Then why not just take her instead of Sasuke?" Orochimaru laughed and shook his head "Sasuke, if I give him power will someday get rid of Itachi. He can be put to good use. But, I still want Yasuko. Who know's what other powers she hasn't shown yet"

Kabuto was surprised. His master had been obsessed with someone before but not this much. "Kabuto, I want you to fight her and bring out her powers" Kabuto nodded. He, as well, was interested with the young kunoichi.

With a single goodbye from Kabuto, Orochimaru left to take care of some other business, leaving the young medical ninja to his own thoughts...