EDITED: 3/24/2017

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27

Akira drummed her fingers against her lap as she waited patiently for her turn. She was fourth in line but the line kept on being interrupted by teams coming back from their mission and waiting to have an audience with Tsunade. Akira felt like a commoner waiting to speak to the queen.

When the shinobi three seats from her was finally called, Akira sighed in relief. Two more and it will be her turn.

Just this morning, after a dreamless sleep and satisfying breakfast of rice, soup and fried fish, Akira received a summons from the Hokage. The genin recited the message like a parrot—"Hokage-sama wishes to speak to you at 0830H at her office. Please be there."—and after a polite bow, said genin left hurriedly, as if not wanting to stay longer within the premises of the jinchuriki's home.

Akira then finished her meal and morning routine, before going to the Hokage tower. On the way, she met Shikamaru and Chouji. Akira thanked them once more for their assistance during her failed mission and the pair acknowledged with awkward bows and smiles.

When Akira arrived, she was told by Shizune to wait, and now it's 0930H. On a regular day Akira would be impatient by now but something must've glitched in her usual self that she found herself waiting patiently for her turn. Maybe because she has a lot in her mind to occupy her.

She expected nightmares from the Kageboshi but she got none. She expected to dream of him but she got none too. All she had was a deep, dreamless sleep and Akira wondered if that was normal. It had been a long time since she had such a peaceful slumber.

She also thought of the genjutsu she was under and what it meant. Initially all Akira could remember was the darkness and thick fog. Now that she thought about it, it was pathetic of her to be scared of such stupid things. But then it wasn't exactly the fog nor the darkness that scared her. It was the images of those she treasured leaving her: Naruto, Iruka, her wolves and...

Her train of thought was disturbed when her name was called. Akira looked at the older Chuunin beside her who was supposed to go first.

"Umm... shouldn't you be—" she started.

"What, do I look like I care? Just get on with it," the Chuunin said grumpily.

Something definitely must've changed in her when Akira just sighed instead of punching the man straight like she would've done in the past. Akira stood up and nodded at Shizune. She was ushered inside and Akira bowed at Tsunade.

"Good morning, Hokage-sama."

"Good morning," Tsunade replied carelessly. She shifted some documents on her table before looking at Akira. "You look well," the blonde woman remarked. "No nightmares?"

"Uh, no," Akira answered. "How did you—"

"Your medical examination shows that you had suffered from a genjutsu," Tsunade replied hurriedly. "I summoned you because of a couple of things. First, you are temporarily off missions." Tsunade paused to wait for a violent reaction and when there was none from the red-haired kunoichi, the Hokage continued, "Second you will be proctoring in the graduation ceremony. No complaints, that's an order. Third, you will not be allowed outside the village gates while investigations about Fujiwara is ongoing."

Akira nodded. "Okay. But how about my wolves? Can they hunt?"

"Only within a 10-mile radius."

'Yuudai will have to settle for that,' Akira thought wryly. She gave the Hokage a nod.

Tsunade was pleased with Akira's cooperative behavior. "That's all. Do you have any questions?"

"Quite a lot, actually," Akira said, relieved to be finally able to ask the things that have been plaguing her. She heaved a deep breath. "First, I want to know how—how everyone is. Kakashi-sensei, Naruto, Neji...even Fujiwara."

"I'm sure you know Naruto is okay," Tsunade replied. "He recuperates fast, almost as if nothing serious ever happened to him. Next, Kakashi is still confined in the hospital but is now stable and undergoing mission debriefing. And before you react to that, no, he does not suffer from any mental trauma, I just want to juice out every detail of your mission from him to aid us in the investigation." Seeing the question in her eyes Tsunade nodded. "Yes, you can visit him anytime, so long as he's awake. As for Hyuuga," and at this Tsunade fought a knowing smirk, "he's doing good, already discharged almost the same time as you. The rest of your rescue team is doing well."

Akira released a relieved sigh. "I'm glad. Thank you Hokage-sama. But you have not told me about Fujiwara."

Tsunade raised a brow in suspicion. "Why do you want to know about her? She's the one behind your demise."

Akira was careful with her reply. "I want to know if she's alive and what her motives are. Naruto told me she's after me—or the Kageboshi rather. I want to know why."

"She's alive and already conscious but still a little weak. She had suffered severe damage on her chakra pathways which will take a long time to heal. Other than that, she's cleared medically and can withstand interrogation. So far she has revealed nothing useful though."

"And—and Minamoto Shinji...is dead?"

"Yes, he is. We have yet to know his affiliation and his motives."

"What did the daimyo say about this whole thing?"

Tsunade paused, pondering if the information about that will be safe to share with the Satsuna. She finally decided that it will probably help if she did share the truth behind the said mission.

"Apparently, the mission request was a fluke," Tsunade replied. "At least partially. We have gleaned that Fujiwara is indeed an actress and the daimyo's mistress but she is not due to meet the daimyo anywhere. In other words, the daimyo knows nothing about this mission. What he knows is that Fujiwara is filming and is not due to meet him until the negotiations with other nations are finished. Also, the bodyguards present with Fujiwara at the time of your mission were also fakes. The interrogation team was able to pry into a portion of Fujiwara's memories and they saw that she and Shinji had disposed of the original bodyguards commissioned by the daimyo and replaced them with their own people." At this Tsunade sighed wearily. "Unfortunately, that's just what we have learned so far."

Akira was disappointed at the few facts she got. She was hoping to know why Fujiwara and Shinji wanted the Kageboshi. She also wanted to know what exactly the genjutsu meant, when a man's voice whispered in her ear.

"I don't want to be alone... Please don't leave me alone..."

"You won't be... never again after this..."

'Come home with me, Akira, and you will never have to live in darkness... the Kageboshi won't have to exist. Just come home with me... and I will bring the Kageboshi back where it belongs.'

And the darkness which she so desperately wanted to run away from fully engulfed her.

Akira clenched her fists, feeling dread slowly seep into her heart. She took slow deep breaths. The man's voice was chillingly familiar and just hearing it reminded her of the darkness that was just lurking to consume her. Akira forced herself to focus instead on Tsunade.

The Hokage noticed the change in Akira's demeanor. "What is it, Satsuna?"

"Nothing, Hokage-sama," the kunoichi replied promptly but Tsunade wasn't convinced. Maybe she wasn't being completely honest during her initial mission debriefing. Tsunade narrowed her eyes, her medic sense tingling.

"I'd like to schedule you to a follow up check tomorrow," said Tsunade. "Also, another round of mission debriefing."

"Why?"

Tsunade noted the mild surprise in the redhead's voice. 'Just to make sure your mind does not hide anything,' she wanted to say. Instead, Tsunade replied, "Just to make sure the genjutsu did not leave lasting damage. And to completely heal your chakra pathway. You're still not allowed to use any jutsu for a week, understood?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"

Tsunade rearranged the papers on her desk. "Well that is all for today, you are dismissed."

Akira gave a polite bow before turning her back and leaving the Hokage's office. She paused however and turned back. "Umm, one last thing, Hokage-sama."

"What is it?" Tsunade asked, not bothering to hide her impatience.

Akira was unaffected. "About the festival—"

"You are on patrol duty 2200H- 0600H just as we have previously agreed on. Unless—"

"Ah n-no, that—that's okay."

"Good."

Tsunade watched as Akira left the office, silently closing the door behind her. The blonde woman rested her chin on her hands and released a sigh she didn't realize she was holding.

She opened her drawer and took out the manila envelope stamped 'CONFIDENTIAL'. As she read his report, Tsunade fervently prayed that Danzo hasn't made a move yet.

~~~~~~~~~

Akira submitted her swords to the ANBU guards manning the doors. The one in a rabbit mask turned over the blade in his hands.

"This one looks genuine," his voice came out a little muffled due to the mask. "Not store-bought, am I right?"

Akira shrugged. "I think so. It's a hand-me-down."

"Very few shinobi like to use katana," Rabbit-ANBU said. "Anyway, surrender all other weapons please. You'll get them back after your visit."

Akira unstrapped the kunai holster on her thigh and the shuriken pouch around her waist and handed them to the guards. The two ANBU guards gave her one last look over before allowing her to enter Kakashi's room.

She found the jounin seated on his bed, reading an orange book. His hitaite was placed on the bedside table and he was garbed in the white hospital gown though his face remained hidden by his mask. Akira cleared her throat to indicate her presence.

Kakashi looked up from his book and saw the red-haired kunoichi standing tentatively a foot away from his bed.

"O-Ohayo gozaimasu, Hatake-san," Akira said, suddenly feeling uneasy at the presence of the jounin. How does she thank the person who saved her life without a minute's hesitation and risked their own?

Kakashi chuckled. "Back to 'sir' I see," he drawled. "Good morning to you too, Akira."

Akira blushed at the jest. She bowed to hide her embarrassment. "I want to thank you for...for saving my life back there. I know you were the one who broke the genjutsu and I know that... that you risked your life for me. I apologize for the inconvenience. I can't thank you enough, Sir." 'There. That sounded cheesy but I think I did okay,' Akira thought. It's the least she can do to thank the jounin. Akira felt like the guilt will never go away unless she thanks each and every one who helped her in the mission.

"Akira, stop blaming yourself."

Akira straightened up, surprised to hear the tenderness in the esteemed jounin's voice. She could not fathom Kakashi's reaction, for his face was hidden by his mask, but she was sure she heard something else in his tone. How did he know she was being plagued by guilt all this time?

"But... but you were almost in a coma... Tsunade-sama told me you were unconscious for 2 days..."

"It wasn't your fault," Kakashi replied. "So stop blaming yourself for what happened."

Kakashi saw the surprise in the kunoichi's face. The truth is while he was in the genjutsu with her, he saw some of her fears. He had been in enough illusions to recognize the symbolisms behind each object. The people in the genjutsu were obviously those dear to her: Naruto, Iruka who probably was the nearest person she could identify to as an older sibling or possibly a parent, Hayate, her wolves... The fog following her probably represented guilt or fear or any other negative emotions the girl had stored deep in her heart. Kakashi presumed the darkness consuming her in the illusion was the beast she harbored.

That was why it was easy for Kakashi to figure out that the girl would come to him, feeling guilty for his injuries. It was—as Shikamaru put it—troublesome, but he knew it wasn't right for Akira to put the blame on herself.

The kunoichi still looked unsure and Kakashi sighed. "Look, I would do it for any comrade. I'd do it to someone else and I'm sure you would too, if our roles were reversed."

Akira seemed to doubt him but she looked relieved that he wasn't mad at her or harbored any ill feelings. "I just want to know why," she said afterwards. "You don't know me. Why risk your life?"

Why indeed? Kakashi had asked himself the same question millions of times whenever he would put his neck on the line for someone else. The answer always eludes him though.

"I don't know. But I lost enough people to know that a person who disobeys the rules are scum but those who neglects their friends are lower than scum."

Akira clenched her fists at her sides. That was what Naruto always told her that she never truly grasped. Because really, there are not a lot of people willing to risk their lives for the sake of some jinchuriki they don't even know.

'But now, I think I understand,' Akira thought.

She cleared her throat, swallowing the lump of tears and tried to keep her expression neutral. "Still, thank you Sir."

"Just call me Sensei and we'll call it even, how about that?"

"Fair enough, Sir—I mean, Sensei."

Akira spent the next few minutes watching Kakashi and asking questions occasionally about their mission. Kakashi told him how they got separated. Akira's memory was only up to the time they were running from the enemy and then when she finally gained consciousness in the hospital. He filled in the missing gaps and she told him of what he missed during his long confinement.

"The device they placed on you sucked your chakra," Kakashi said. "It was a small metallic device, just about half of my palm." He raised his hand. "It glowed red."

"I can't remember it much," Akira said, brows furrowing. "I remember the sensation the most though. It was as if I was very, very tired. My body refused to move." The kunoichi frowned deeper. "Last I remember seeing you was when you were fighting the enemies in the tunnel."

Kakashi nodded. "We were both low on chakra. It was surprising how we both lasted that long. I saw you being carted away by one of Shinji's men, they bound you in some jutsu and you were unconscious. I tried to get you back but I was overpowered."

Akira clenched her fists. Once again, she felt helpless. She had never been in such a situation before. In the past, when shinobi from Iwagakure tried to abduct her, Akira was able to use the Kageboshi and she had killed the enemy nins and also injured her team mates. That was why the Third Hokage had given her a teaching post. The incident had never happened again until now, and Akira was new to feeling helpless and dependent on other people. It made her guilty and at the same time, angry at herself for being pathetic.

She knew this isn't the time and place to wallow into self-loathing so she tried to keep her expression neutral. They talked briefly about other mission details. Apparently, Naruto had already told Kakashi most of the missing parts. Just then a nurse came in to check Kakashi's vital signs. Akira took this as her cue to say goodbye.

"You need to rest more, Kakashi-sensei," Akira said. She mustered a smile. "And I know you're itching to go back to reading your book, so I'll go now." She bowed. "I hope to see you around soon."

"Thank you for your visit," Kakashi said, returning the polite gesture. Really, how many other kids are still this courteous? "And yeah, see you around Akira."

She left the jounin after that, and as she walked away from the hospital she realized the tangled mess her life had become since she agreed on that mission.

It was easy when she decided to leave Konoha. Akira was tired of her mundane existence and the difficult time the village was giving her. She felt unappreciated, ostracized and unwanted. Tsunade obviously does not know what to do with her, her co-instructors in the Academy obviously wanted her out if not only for the Hokage's orders—save for Iruka, and the people generally does not give a damn about her. Her missions profile is as pitiable as that of a lowly genin because she isn't sent out to missions as much. It was a pathetic life.

And then the nightmares. The constant fear of accidentally releasing the Kageboshi. Akira had surmised that maybe the seal on her is weakening, but how to strengthen it? More importantly, what is the seal used on her? Who cast it? Even Inoue-baachan didn't tell her. Who are her parents? And why does she always get the feeling that there's more to her than what her grandmother had told her. Who is Satsuna Akira, really?

She wanted a way out. That has been the plan, Akira was only buying herself time to fully prepare and shaken the ever paranoid ANBU off her back. But now this mission happened and she's once more trapped in the village. Furthermore, her doubts and questions only intensified with the genjutsu that was cast on her. Akira could only remember bits and pieces but there's one thing about the genjutsu that bothered her and that she didn't tell Tsunade about.

There was a part of the illusion where she was convinced she would die of fear and cold. In the midst of that she heard a whisper: 'Come home with me, Akira, and you will never have to live in darkness... the Kageboshi won't have to exist. Just come home with me... and I will bring the Kageboshi back where it belongs.'

A place where the Kageboshi belongs. Then that must mean it lived somewhere, before it was sealed into Akira. 'But Baa-chan told me it was sealed to me when I was born, before my mother died. My mother was it's previous vessel,' Akira thought. 'Even if it was passed down to every Satsuna...where did it really originate from?' The kunoichi had done her share of research but no book nor scroll in Konoha mentioned the Kageboshi. The Sandaime himself told her he knew little about it and the Godaime had the same reply when Akira tried to ask.

Akira realized she knew very little of herself.

"What a pathetic way to live," she muttered to herself dejectedly.

She wandered along the shopping district, trying to be as inconspicuous as she could. She passed by different shops and she noticed the banners people were putting up in preparation for the coming Gion Matsuri. It will be held for a full week and people, both shinobi and civilians alike, will be busy. It is a yearly event but Akira had only participated in it once, when she was little. Since then, she had never seen a float up close, or visited any shrine. She was content to watch the parade from afar.

She passed by a flower shop and she decided to visit her grandmother and Hayate. Also, she feels like she has to thank Ino again for saving her life.

'It really does feel weird owing other people,' Akira thought to herself.

~~~~~~~

Akira looked down on the flowers in her hand. They were pretty and fragrant. Maybe she should consider planting flowers in her yard. They were small things but they managed to lift Akira's spirits up a bit. She had to thank the older Yamanaka (maybe he was Ino's father? The resemblance is too much to be just coincidence).

Along the way, she met Sakura and Ino. Akira once again thanked them for their help during the failed mission.

"Again, Akira, we were just doing our job," Ino said with a bright smile.

"You've thanked us many times now," Sakura said. "You're welcome."

Akira shrugged. "Still, I feel like I owe you a lot."

"It's nothing!" Ino insisted. "Anyway, where are you off to?"

"The cemetery," Akira replied. "Just gonna give this to my grandmother and sensei."

"We're sorry to hear that," Sakura said, sympathetic.

"It was a long time ago," Akira said.

"Who's your sensei?" Ino asked. They knew Akira was one year their senior.

"Hayate-sensei."

Ino and Sakura nodded. "We don't know him much but he was our examiner during the Chuunin exams."

"Yeah," said Akira, who was already at loss on what to say. "Anyway, thanks again for your help. And Ino-san, please thank your father for these flowers." Akira raised the small bouquet.

Ino grinned. "Oh, so now it's Ino-san. What happened to 'Flower girl'?"

Akira smirked at her. "I didn't know you were fond of nicknames."

"Ugh. Please don't start," Sakura said, rolling her eyes at Ino. "Ever since Sai gave her one and you called her 'Flower girl', she had been giving everyone nicknames too! As if Sai and Naruto aren't enough."

"You should be thankful to me," Ino scoffed at Sakura. "I'm giving other people an option since all they know what to call you is Forehead!"

"Calling me Flat-chest in front of cute Chuunin guys isn't funny, Ino!"

"It was you who scared off the guy, not me! Anyway," Ino turned to Akira who was watching them amusedly. "Do you already have a date for the festival?"

A blank look replaced Akira's amused stare. "A...date?"

"Yeah," Sakura said. "Someone to go with." The pinkette then looked sad. "I guess I'd be going alone, or probably with Naruto since, you know..."

"I was gonna ask if Sai wants to go with me," Ino was saying. "But I guess I could always go with Shika and Chouji, like every year. So," the blonde turned her blue eyes to Akira. "Who are you going with?"

"No one." Akira said. "I'm on patrol."

Sakura and Ino looked at each other. "Eh?"

"Yeah. I always sign up for patrol duty during the festival," replied Akira, shrugging. "Anyway, I'll go now. Thanks, Sakura. Flower girl." Akira turned her back to them after a short wave.

Sakura and Ino watched as the redhead walked away. "She's not serious, is she?" Ino said. "To be on patrol during festivals..."

"And she said she volunteered for it?" Sakura said this time. "Why would someone—that's sad, now that I think about it."

The pair began to walk towards the village's shopping district. Sakura figured that maybe, that's just how Akira preferred to spend her days—alone. She remembered Sasuke. The man was a loner, always pushing those who dared come close to him. Sakura knew it was painful to be pushed away and she often wondered why people did that. However, as years passed, she realized that maybe these people who push others away just need time to be on their own and sort themselves. It was difficult to accept—because the pinkette truly believed that nobody wants to be alone—but she was beginning to understand. 'And maybe that's how Akira is,' Sakura told herself.

Ino's curiosity about the Satsuna was piqued. She thought that spending the happy festival running patrols in dark, deserted forests is truly depressing and to learn that someone would volunteer for such a thing bewildered her. Her father once told her that people are as varied as blades of grass. Not one blade is similar, and there are really just those who prefer to introspect rather than mingle. But Ino was also highly perceptive and she could sense that Akira's social withdrawal is more of a call for companionship. It made Ino wonder why the redhead would rather work on a special holiday than spend it with friends. Then Ino realized that maybe, she doesn't have many friends to begin with, after all, she's a jinchuriki and even Ino was guilty of judging the girl at face value.

Then she remembered what she saw in the forest when they rescued Akira. The redhead was lying unconscious but she was not alone. Beside her, holding her hand, was—

Ino turned back to where the redhead walked off. She wondered if Akira is aware of that moment. Perhaps if she knew, she would reconsider and join in the festivities instead of prowling in the dark, depressing forests.

~~~~~~~~

Her visit to the cemetery was short. Akira mostly sat in front of Inoue's grave, offered a short prayer and poured out all the questions she longed to ask her grandmother, not expecting any response. When all words have been said, Akira sighed and just looked blankly at the carved characters on the gravestone. Later, Kishi joined her. It was rare that the blue wolf summons himself.

"Kishi," Akira said, surprised at his sudden appearance. "What brings you here?"

The usually lazy wolf just yawned and settled beside Akira, resting his head on her lap. "They're going nuts over there in the mountain," he drawled. "I want to escape from the noise."

Akira grew concerned. "What do you mean? Is everything alright?" After a tiring but happy dinner and story-telling with the pack last night, Akira told her wolves to go rest up and enjoy their day in the mountain. After all, they need to unwind after the stressful events recently. Sachiko and Yuudai were a bit reluctant at first but Akira told them she'll be okay. The five wolves then went to Shizukana Yama and Akira was glad for the peace. So it surprised her that Kishi summoned himself out of the mountain.

"They're okay, but Yuudai and Akai are now bickering," Kishi replied. He yawned. "Started with Sachiko."

Akira shook her head. "What did that furball do now?"

Kishi opened one eye to look at Akira. "She said the Hyuuga kid loves you."

Akira choked on her own spit. "Fuck, what?!"

"And that you love him back."

Akira did a double take as she choked on her own spit, the second time. Coughing, she blurted out, "What did--!?" She coughed as remnants of her breakfast rose up her throat. Talk about dishonouring her grandmother's grave by puking on it. She stood up and clapped her own back.

Kishi only yawned. "It was really noisy and I can tell Kuroi was enjoying it."

Akira shook her head. Sometimes she wonders what really goes on in her wolves' minds. "How did Sachiko come up with that?" she asked. She walked straight ahead towards Hayate's grave, making sure to hide her blush from Kishi. Kishi might be lazy but he's observant.

Kishi trotted dutifully beside Akira. "You know how Sachiko is, Hime," was all the blue wolf said.

The pair reached Hayate's grave and she laid down the flowers and brushed off a few leaves that littered the gravestone. Akira bowed respectfully and said a short prayer for her departed sensei. She prayed for his happiness, told him that she missed his company and her old genin team, and then asked for his guidance. She finished the prayer with a wistful, "I wish you were here, sensei."

"Seems like I'm not the only one missing the asthmatic guy."

Akira spun around to see a plum-haired kunoichi standing a few feet from her. She noted the katana strapped on the older kunoichi's back, the familiar shade of red lipstick and the cat mask on her hip. Akira mirrored the woman's pleased smile.

"Yuugao-san!" Akira stepped forward to meet the older kunoichi.

"My, my, Akira," Yuugao said, meeting Akira with a delighted grin. "You've certainly grown." She ran her eyes over the redhead's tall form. "Wow, puberty did you good."

Akira blushed self-consciously. "Umm, thank you."

Yuugao then turned to Kishi. "You're Kishi, the water one, right?" She reached over to ruffle Kishi's fur. "And you've become gigantic. Where're the others?"

"Mountain," Akira replied. She sighed. "It's been a while, Yuugao. I haven't seen you around."

"You're not supposed to," Yuugao replied. Akira understood what she meant—Yuugao worked as ANBU. She walked over to Hayate's grave, closed her eyes briefly and then placed her bouquet next to Akira's. She glanced back at the redhead. "I see you a lot though. Heard you were in a mission?"

Akira stood next to Yuugao. "Yeah. We failed. I was with Kakashi-sensei. He saved my life." She shrugged. "That was what I was telling him about."

"He'd hate it that he owes Kakashi one now," Yuugao said, a smile playing in her lips. "Hayate's always been proud to have never owed Kakashi anything."

"Well I'm sorry for breaking his record."

The two women were silent for a while. Both were looking at the white gravestone where Hayate's name was engraved. Akira was remembering the days she used to train with the jounin, all those tiring exercises and limb-numbing kenjutsu styles he made her practice repeatedly until it became second-nature. And the simple pieces of advice that truly saved her skin multiple times.

"You know," Yuugao said, her voice soft and tender. "I never really gotten used to waking up without him."

Akira sighed and rested her hand on Kishi's head. "What you had was... I understand, Yuugao-san. It would probably never be easy."

Yuugao's brown eyes were warm as she looked fondly at Akira. "Is there someone in your heart now, Akira?"

Akira's green eyes widened. Beside her, Kishi suddenly stood more alert. "W-what do you mean?"

"I meant, is there someone particular you love at the moment. You know."

Akira could not answer, as an image of a shinobi with pearlescent eyes came into mind. Kishi coughed. "You have to pardon, Akira-hime," said the wolf. "She's a little dumb when it comes to such things. You have to elaborate, Yuugao-san."

"Oi!"

Yuugao laughed. "You're at that age now, Akira. You know, Hayate and I once surmised what would happen to the three of you. It was easy to guess what would happen with Daichi and Saburou, but you were always the strange one. I always thought you'd set your sights on ANBU but, Hayate would have none of it."

Akira blinked in surprise. This was the first time she heard of that bit about her sensei. Yuugao smiled wider at Akira's expression.

"You know what Hayate wanted your future to be? He wanted you to find someone who accepts you and is willing to put up with your stubbornness and temper. And eventually, he wants you to leave the bitter life behind. I always told him that what he wanted was boring and I was rooting for you to join ANBU but Hayate was persistent." At this point Yuugao's smile dimmed a little. "He didn't want you to be in ANBU because he knows constant killing corrupts a person. Years later, I'd realize he was correct."

There was a heavy pause. Akira moved closer and leaned her head on the older woman's shoulder. They stood like that for a few moments, silently consoling each other over the loss of the person important to them both. It had been years now, but their lives had never been the same. Akira lost one of the first people to truly understand her worth, and Yuugao lost half of her heart. Over the years, they have found healing, but every now and then, old wounds reopen.

Yuugao turned to look at Akira and smiled. "You haven't answered my question," she said.

Akira shook her head lightly. "I don't think that matters."

"It does. Tell me, is there someone?"

When Akira remained silent, Yuugao let out a chuckle. "If you're afraid Hayate might disapprove, well let me tell you he won't be able to do anything about it anymore."

Akira smiled despite the ill-meaning behind Yuugao's joke. Making fun of a dead person is truly something to be indignant about, but in this case, it means that Yuugao's on the way to acceptance, if she's able to make light of her lover's death.

"There isn't anyone," Akira finally said. Beside her Kishi bristled. "Really."

"Alright. But just so you know, we at ANBU are trained to pick out lies from truths."

Akira rolled her eyes. "And you're playing the seniority card now, huh." She shook her head. "Pathetic."

"No, just concerned. I know Hayate wanted me to check on you from time to time, make sure his favorite pupil's finding the happiness she deserves."

Akira looked at Yuugao and found her smiling back at her fondly. In a different time, it would've been great to have a friend or older sibling like Yuugao. But they lived in a shinobi world where the unknowns outweighed the constants.

Yuugao placed a hand on the younger kunoichi's shoulder. "You might not understand this now, but no matter what this shinobi world say, one can never be truly alone. At some point, you'll need someone to share your heart with." She sighed after a pause. "I guess I'll be going. You take care, alright? Oh, and I'm still rooting for you to join ANBU."

Akira nodded, smiling. "Thank you for everything, Yuugao-san. Always take care of yourself too. I'll give ANBU a thought." She left out the fact that it would be great to spend more time with the plum-haired kunoichi since Akira knew it will be ages again before they see each other. Yuugao's work takes her all over the shinobi nations.

The two women parted ways. Akira passed by the memorial stone. She briefly paused to look at Hayate's name before walking on. Beside her, Kishi followed silently.

"Would you like to do some training?" she asked the blue wolf. Akira wanted to briefly clear her mind from the day's activities. The morning had been quite loaded and the kunoichi wanted to let off some steam. That conversation with Yuugao sort of drained her and she wanted to forget about it for the meantime.

"But I thought you're not allowed to use chakra for a while?" asked Kishi.

"Since when did I conform with what people tell me?" Akira replied, smirking. She then turned around, feet at the ready. "I'll race you to the edge, near the lake. Now!" And without another word, Akira dashed off, leaving Kishi shaking his head.

"You're unfair, Hime-chan," Kishi grumbled, gathering chakra in his legs. Nevertheless, he poised and bolted after Akira.

Just a few meters from them, another figure followed.

~~~~~~~~~

Akira did not dare turn around, instead she felt for Kishi's chakra. The blue wolf was not far from her, somewhere to her distant left. She knew that if only Kishi wasn't too lazy, he'd be able to outrun her especially now that she's barely using any chakra to increase her speed. She leapt from the branches skilfully, leaving a trail of leaves and twigs.

She could see the clear lake, the midday sun reflected brightly against its blue waters. Akira smiled to herself before leaping down. She walked nearer the edge. The sun was hot against her pale skin, but the cool air from the water eased the temperature to something bearable. The atmosphere was pleasant.

Barely a minute later, Akira sensed Kishi walking towards her but along with Kishi's chakra signature, Akira detected something else. It was faint, and she frowned as she tried to recognize whose it was. But the faint and strange chakra disappeared even before Akira could analyze it.

"You win, Akira-hime," Kishi drawled, padding closer to the redhead. "You know I'm not as fast as Sachiko."

"You're just too lazy," Akira remarked, laughing lightly. She decided to shrug off the strange sensation of being watched. After all, if anybody attempted to hurt her, she has Kishi to help fend herself against them.

Kishi wasted no time in dipping into the cool water. "Aaahhh..." he sighed in contentment. "The water's cool, Hime. Hmmm..."

Akira decided to go for a little dip. She took off her sandals. "Really? Any creepy slimy underwater creatures?" she asked as she made sure there was no one else around before she dipped her feet into the lake.

"Nah." Kishi waded into the deeper part of the lake.

Akira waded a little farther from the bank, feeling the mud get between her toes. The water got cooler as she waded further. She stopped when the level reached her calves.

"How about a little spar, Kishi?" she said.

Kishi paused in his frolicking. "Are you sure, Hime?" It was no secret among the pack that Akira's weakness was water-natured jutsu and add that to her indifference to the element, resulted to her below average skill in Suiton moves.

Akira nodded. "Yup. It has been a while. I figured you might be getting jealous of Akai," she teased. If her weakness was water, then her strength was fire. She cupped her hands to catch a small amount of water in her palms. Using minute chakra, the water did not spill. Slowly, she molded it into a small ball.

"Heads up!" she exclaimed and threw the ball of water at Kishi. Kishi did not bother to evade and the ball hit him on the side.

Kishi merely let out a bored growl. "Hime-chan..." In retaliation, he got into a stance and gathered chakra. Water swirled around him slowly then increasing in speed. Akira saw his eyes gleam and she knew he was getting quite serious.

Akria got off the water and returned to the muddy bank to gain leverage. She leapt off just in time when Kishi aimed a water bullet at her. It missed her by a few centimeters.

"Let's make it interesting, Hime," Kishi said. "Why don't we use water jutsus only? That way you can improve your skill. I can help you."

Akira smiled. "What's the point of sparring if you'll give me pointers? But alright," she waded back to the water but this time used chakra to keep herself afloat, as if treading solid ground, "Only water jutsus. Anything goes."

Kishi nodded and got into his alpha form. In response Akira assumed her fighting stance—one hand at the hilt of her katana, the other in front, one foot behind the other. The pair eyed each other for a few seconds before Kishi attacked first.

"Suiton: Shizuku Yari!" A ball of water formed in his mouth and he aimed it at Akira. The ball of water morphed into multiple spears. Akira leapt and forming seals, summoned a huge Bashosen.

"Basoshen: Mizu no maki!" Akira swung the huge fan and unleashed a torrent of water that easily dispelled Kishi's water spears. The water spears dissolved, drenching both Akira and Kishi. She did not mind her wet clothes. Instead she gave the fan another heave and the torrent of water chased after Kishi who was skillfully evading her attacks.

Kishi roared and from his mouth a stream of water emerged. Akira stepped to the side and used the bashosen as shield. She was thrown away by the impact of Kishi's attack though. The kunoichi stumbled backwards and fell into the water. She immediately swam to the surface. Kishi had managed to bring her to the deepest part of the lake.

She had barely got her bearings when Kishi rushed to her, fangs bared in a growl. Akira hastily made seals and formed a water barrier around herself. Kishi attempted to break the barrier but Akira focused more chakra. She sensed Kishi perform a water-based Gatsuga in an attempt to break her barrier. She almost won but then she felt the muscles in her right arm twitch uncontrollably and she lost her concentration. Her water barrier fell and she almost came into contact with Kishi's high speed spinning. Akira's reflexes kicked in and she dispelled the chakra on her feet. Kishi's attack missed Akira as she fell into the water.

She kept her eyes open and looked up the surface. Her sudden use of chakra seemed to take its toll on her. She was unable to sustain that amount and intensity of chakra at her current state. Akira cursed. She could make out Kishi's shadow. She knew the wolf would be able to sense she's just underneath the water's surface quickly and she knew she needed to formulate a plan. She knew she's nearing her limit.

She waded slowly and positioned herself just beneath Kishi. Gathering chakra, she unsheathed her katana and slashed upward as she propelled herself out of the water. Her blade hit Kishi's hind legs and the wolf was thrown up in the air. Akira sprung to action.

"Suiton: Suichu Hogeki!"

Four pillars of water rose and hit Kishi—one! Two! Three! The fourth pillar however barely grazed the wolf but the combination of the attack was enough to elicit a pained howl from it. Kishi fell into the lake, causing a wave to crash over Akira. With the jutsu completed, Akira fell on her knees, breathing heavily. She barely did 3 B-ranked jutsus and yet her body's already complaining. She leaned against her katana. At this state, even a newly-graduated chuunin can defeat her. Akira cursed.

'So, this is what Tsunade-sama meant when she said no using of chakra for a week.' Although Akira knew her jinchuriki abilities will heal her in no time, her chakra pathways will still need to adjust to high intensity of chakra flow that her jutsus require. She shook her head and stood up shakily. Kishi approached her.

"How are you, Hime?" the wolf asked. It had morphed into its smaller form.

"I'm fine. Thank you." Akira shook off the excess water from her blade and returned it to its scabbard. "So, what is it?"

"Given your condition, it's a draw."

Akira agreed. "Fair enough." She tested the muscles in her right arm. She winced when she hit a sore spot. "Ow..."

Together she and Kishi walked back to the bank. Akira took off her soaked haori and squeezed off the excess water before hanging it to dry. She then trudged towards the tree, sat under its shade and leaned against it. She tested the strength in her shoulder. She let out a hiss when she tried to do a full range of motion with it.

Kishi watched her. "You shouldn't have used chakra yet, Hime. That's what Hokage-sama said."

Akira made a face. "Yeah but I don't want to just lie around doing nothing. Iruka-sensei had endorsed the remaining classes to me, I already took care of the final lecture prior to the graduation, we cleaned up the house...there's nothing else for me to do." Akira stood up once more and stretched her limbs a little. "Besides, I can feel my strength returning. I've never been sick for a long time."

"Still, you shouldn't overexert yourself," said the blue wolf. "Though it was fun training with you. I enjoyed winning."

"Hey it was a draw!"

Kishi just chuckled and returned to the lake. He playfully aimed a small water bullet at Akira. Akira retorted by drawing her katana and slashing the bullet in half.

"No chakra, Hime-chan," Kishi reminded the kunoichi. Akira just rolled her eyes and motioned for another ball made of water. Kishi created a bigger one this time and threw it faster at Akira who slashed it effortlessly.

They continued for a few minutes, Kishi varying the sizes and speed of his projectiles. The kunoichi evaded and slashed at the jutsu, each movement as fluid as the water. She made use of her katana and when the bullets came at her faster, she switched to kunai, then shuriken. Kishi upped the challenge a bit by coming at her and adding taijutsu. Akira narrowly escaped a swipe of his huge paw. She retaliated by rushing at him and switching back into her katana, executing well-practiced moves. Kishi placed distance between them and spit out multiple balls of water at amazing speed. Akira smirked.

She shifted her grip on her katana, held the blade back-handedly and made a full turn, swinging her blade. The jutsu dispelled as if it was never there.

Kishi growled appreciatively. "Perfect." He then rushed at Akira and leapt, aiming for her neck. Akira blocked the attack with her scabbard. Kishi's huge bulk made Akira skid towards the lake and she almost fell into the water if she wasn't able to push enough chakra on her feet.

She pushed back Kishi and got into a stance, different from her usual. The stance she assumed this time allowed for freer movements and did not restrict her to Iaido or kenjutsu. She placed her hands at her sides.

As she predicted, Kishi settled for a water technique instead of attacking her with mere taijutsu. When Akira saw what kind of water attack the wolf would use, she readied her summoning scroll.

Kishi spit out a huge ball of water which multiplied into wolf clones made of water. Akira took out a bow and arrow and aimed at the wolf clones. The clones circled her like predators. When one leapt, she aimed and then let her arrow fly.

"One down," Akira muttered. In a split second, all five clones leapt for her. She barely had time to react.

Arrows flew everywhere followed by loud splashes of water clones disintegrating. Akira fired her arrows almost absent-mindedly, allowing her body to move on its own accord rather than consciously make the decision herself. All water clones fell at her feet in just seconds.

She smirked at Kishi. "Any more, Kishi?"

Kishi did not approach her and Akira noticed a strange gleam in the wolf's eyes. "Actually Hime-chan..."

Akira narrowed her eyes at the obvious tensing of the wolf's body, the fur on its back standing on end, ears up, eyes alert. There was a brief exchange of looks between them before Akira turned her aim at the edge of trees where the afternoon sun had formed shadows.

"Come out," Akira commanded, her voice firm and loud. She sensed the presence move closer and she began to make out the tall image. The kunoichi's fingers tensed around the taut string of her bow. Should the stranger make one wrong move, an arrow will find its place deep into his heart.

Slowly the stranger emerged. Akira caught her breath when she saw who it was. She held the bow taut as her emerald eyes met his lavender.

"What are you doing here?" she asked. Kishi moved towards the Hyuuga, snarling. Neji stopped and remained calm.

Kishi barked ferociously. "Just say the word, Hime."

Akira angled the bow minutely to her right and did not speak. For a while the two shinobi stared at each other tensely, both calculating the other's movements. After a few minutes, Akira's eyebrow twitched and she sighed.

"Bullshit, Hyuuga," Akira whispered. She relaxed her stance and lowered her bow. In turn, Neji quirked his head slightly to the side, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Stand down, Kishi," Akira commanded her wolf as her bow and arrows disappeared from her hand. Reluctantly, Kishi slinked back to the water.

"What are you doing here?" Akira asked Neji once more. "You were the one following us earlier. Why?"

"Hokage's orders," Neji replied.

Akira raised an eyebrow. "Hokage-sama asked you to spy on me?"

Neji flinched inwardly at the astute way the kunoichi had described the situation but he remained calm. "She wanted to make sure you don't overexert yourself. If you don't believe me, here's my mission order."

"You sound defensive there, Hyuuga," Akira said, now smirking. Her stance relaxed and she walked towards him. Neji meanwhile tried to keep his irritation in control. He almost forgot that the sarcasm that often laces the Satsuna's speech.

It was partially true—Tsunade had asked him to see how the kunoichi was doing and to his assessment, the girl seemed to be doing fine. Her activity for the day so far was uneventful, except for that brief visit to the cemetery, which Neji thought made Akira a little moody. He had been watching that interaction with the older, violet-haired kunoichi and the sudden emotional strain it brought Akira. Though he did not want to eavesdrop, he did.

He watched as she walked back to the grassy lakeside and prop her katana against the tree where her haori hung. His eyes travelled through her red hair, soaked clothes and slim form. Neji knew Tsunade forbid her to use any chakra for a week but knowing the kunoichi, of course she went on to train with the element that would cause her to use more chakra. He had been watching her manipulate the volatile element and Neji was impressed that in spite of her limitations, she was able to create high-class jutsu. Her aim is, as always, comparable with Tenten.

Neji took the liberty of gazing at Akira longer than what he intended—because for some reason he could not tear his eyes off how her clothes stuck to her skin, her red hair though unruly was like a red halo against her moist skin, and that her skirt hitched higher when she kneels like—

'Damn it Hyuuga you're beginning to sound like a pervert,' he scolded himself. He took care to be as objective as possible during missions like these, and he was brought up to be a proper gentleman but still, puberty hit him like it did to everyone and he's still a man, no less.

He walked to where Akira sat, under the shade of a tree, her back leaned against the trunk, hands busy with the kunai holster on her thigh. Neji sat next to her and watched the kunoichi. They were silent for a couple of minutes with only the sound of water and Kishi's occasional splashing echoing in the forest.

"Thank you."

Neji turned to look at Akira. Their eyes met and the kunoichi lowered hers shyly. Akira suddenly found the grass at her feet interesting as she mumbled her gratitude at the Hyuuga. "I... I haven't thanked you for what you did back there...with Fujiwara and Shinji." She paused to glance at him and she couldn't help the heat that crept to her cheeks. "Naruto said you killed Shinji. Thank you."

Neji studied her face, eyes trailing over the emerald eyes that avoided his, pink lips that had called out to him in her vulnerable moment, and he felt something in him stir. "You're welcome."

"I, uh, intended to thank you sooner, but there wasn't any opportunity."

"Hn."

"...I just want to know why."

Neji turned slightly to look at the kunoichi. "What do you mean?"

"Why you did...that..." Akira sighed and Neji noticed the nervous way she picked at the edges of her skirt, avoiding his eyes. "Why you...didn't leave me. I know Naruto's reason: he and I are like siblings. Kakashi-sensei had told me of his own code of being a shinobi, but you..." she looked at him this time and Neji was caught in the strong current of deep green pools that were her eyes. "Why didn't you leave me?"

A heartbeat passed. The sounds of the forest were like dull lullabies that mixed with Akira's tense anticipation for Neji's answer. Neji found himself sinking deeper into her stare. And then...

"Because."

Before either shinobi could even think, Neji leaned in and closed the distance between them. He pressed his lips against hers.

Time stood still. There was a single, suspended second of nothingness. Just him. Just her. Their lips colliding. It was brief, with only their lips touching, but it was enough to send a pleasurable jolt of electricity through them.

Akira could hear her heart pounding in her ears, her limbs growing heavy like lead. She felt cold and warm at the same time. Her mind was a blank slate. Instinct kicked in. Run. Hide. Leave. Stay.

Neji felt a trembling hand push him back. He pulled away from Akira, his face inches from her flushed one. Akira's eyes were wide, a myriad of emotions in them: fear, shame, surprise. He caught her hand in his.

"Akira—"

"No, Neji!" She pulled her hand from his grasp and stood up hurriedly. He followed her, matching her long strides.

"Akira, wait."

She paused but kept her back at him. Neji approached her slowly, not wanting to drive her away. He knew she was scared—he was too. And he berated himself for not thinking before acting, for giving in to the very thing he had been wanting to do since she began to plague his dreams. He used to be in control of his emotions, but since he met her, he wasn't so sure anymore. It usually took more than a red-haired kunoichi to move the stoic Hyuuga from passiveness to intensity. But Akira had managed to change all that. It frustrated Neji. He had never been in such a position before, where his mind greatly contradicted his heart.

In front of him, the kunoichi was trembling. Akira tried to calm her nerves by breathing deeply. It didn't help—it only increased her awareness that he is just inches from her. She could still feel his lips on hers, and she cursed herself for wanting to feel more. Ever since that mission in Nadeshiko, she had been drawn to him. Many times, she tried to avoid him and keep him at bay but fate has always been cruel to her. The more she pushes him away, the more she's attracted to him. Instinct, deeply ingrained in Akira's every cell, was flashing its red lights, furiously warning her of the unknown dangers that being with Neji would mean. Akira wanted to heed those lights. But she also wanted to be with him.

"Please don't do this, Neji," she said, voice quivering. Even to her ears, she knew she sounded weak.

"Akira..."

She turned to face him and her eyes were wide with a flurry of emotions Neji knew well. Fear. "You know this is wrong on so many levels, Hyuuga. Please don't do this."

He was overcome with a strong urge to press her close but he reeled himself back this time. Neji stepped closer instead, his body suddenly having a mind of its own. He towered over her. Akira instinctively looks away.

"Look at me."

Akira does so reluctantly and Neji leans closer, meets her gaze and tilts her chin up. "You asked why I didn't leave you? Because I can't. I still don't understand why but I do know one thing. I can't leave you, Satsuna."

They held each other's eyes and Akira felt like melting at the intensity of his gaze. She should've known that his eyes could see anything. She averted her stare. "Stop." Her plea was now no more than a whisper. "Please stop before you regret having known me."

"I don't do things I regret."

She was this close, this close, to giving in to the safety of his arms but the remaining rational part of her knew that she'll hurt them both if she did and so she pushed him away for the last time.

"You will if you don't keep your distance from me," Akira said, trying her best to keep her voice steady. Her heart was beating at a furious pace, she was afraid he could hear it. "I am nothing but a jinchuriki, Neji. I am different. You haven't seen what I can do—what the Kageboshi can do. Leave me alone. I don't want to hurt you."

"Why?"

Akira frowned in confusion. "What?"

"Why fear for me? Why care for my well-being?"

Akira let out an exasperated sigh and buried her face in her hands, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze. Those eyes of his seem to see her very soul. And it scared her to the core. It scared her that she cares for him so much. If he knew who she truly is, what she's capable of doing, would he still want to be with her? She couldn't live with the truth herself and she was certain he would be too.

Neji saw the kunoichi shaken. It was both a constant tug-of-war between them. He was tired of her pushing him away, of him chasing her and then pulling back. Neji knew he was treading on dangerous territory where his next action could fatally wound them both. In part, Akira was right. He should leave her alone. Keep his distance. Every rational part of him was screaming the repercussions of getting involved with the kunoichi, and if Akira's constant avoidance of him means anything, he knew she's also thinking of the same things he does. It's evident that the kunoichi feels for him as strongly as he does for her, but something pulls her back.

'Leave me alone. I don't want to hurt you.' But he knew he can't.

He stepped closer to her and with awkward resolve closed the space that kept them apart. He wrapped his arms around the trembling woman. He felt her stiffen but he continued to hold her. Neji knew what's going on in her mind. It's what led them into each other's universe in the first place: Akira's perpetual struggle of staying or leaving.

Stay.

He wanted to hold her like this, absorb her pain, protect her from whatever fear that had gnawed its way into her very core.

"Akira," he whispered.

She responded by melting into his arms, burying her head against his chest. Akira wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, giving in to the safety of his embrace. She knew this was wrong. She knew it felt right. She was unsure of him but she was sure of one thing.

As she basked in Neji's warmth, Akira knew. She just made her best mistake by falling in love with him. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Author's Notes:

Finally. After 27 chapters. Please leave a comment or a vote if you cheered for our favorite Hyuuga and our heroine. :)

~Akira