Inochi left Konoha at dawn, as she saw Naruto and Kakashi waving her goodbye from the village gates. She wasn't at all anxious as she knew she would be meeting them soon enough and that her "punishment" was more like a precaution.

- "I understand why Lord Kazekage didn't punish you harshly, but I would never realise why he asked you to train Gaara sama" Baki said. "Suna has way more skillful shinobi who can train Gaara sama better"

- "I don't think I would be the one training him solely though" Inochi replied. "I don't even know much about the wind style chakra. My brother has it but I haven't trained him either in wind specialised Jutsus. I am sure I will just have to look after his basics and over all development"

- "Baki, don't worry. Inochi here is actually a pretty good ninja" Sajin said. "Although not a very good spy. She couldn't even tell that I was in touch with Yura all this time"

- "Would you let go of that already" Inochi whined. "I am still just 14. What's embarrassing is that you got kidnapped by a shinobi 10 years younger than you"

- "Hey! I am not that old-" Sajin chuckled.

- "Well, atleast everything is sorted out now. I guess it will be difficult for you to stay away from your home but it seems Gaara sama is like your own brother now" Yura sympathised.

Inochi smiled as she heard Yura. It was true, she saw Gaara as her own brother. She nodded a bit in agreement and continued on the path just when a feather fell on her shoulders. Inochi suddenly stopped making the others confused.

-"Is something wrong?" Baki asked as he started to take out his Kunai.

Inochi stood with a black crow feathers between her fingers, smiling. It was the parting gift from her rival Itachi, who was now on a similar path of redemption.

-"Ah no. This feather suddenly fell on me so I got startled" Inochi joined the group while pocketing the feather in her clothes. "I hope I can meet you soon Itachi... Next time, we will surely take down the masked man" Inochi thought. "Next time.... I will surely find out if it is actually you.... Obito niisan"

---------------
(3 years later)
---------------

- "Neechan, are you sure you don't want any gifts?" A ten year old Gaara huffed as he looked after his garden. "You know I can make you the perfect bouquet"

- "Gaara you need to stop bullying me into taking care of plants" Inochi whined as she helped Gaara plant a few seeds in the greenhouse.

A lot of changes happened as Inochi became Gaara's governor. She was a mentor and an older sister to him instead of just being a babysitter.

- "How would you remember me if I don't give you plants to take care of? Everyday you water them, you will think of me" Gaara said plainly.

-"Gaara, those communication scrolls are famous for a reason. We could talk everyday. Plus I am already getting gifts from the Kazekage for my birthday. Why can't you give a normal gift, like a card or something"

-"..... Fine. I will give you a sketch" Gaara huffed and stomped out of the greenhouse. His demeanor changed a lot as he started demanding for things and not just being a passive person. Inochi herself helped Gaara learn his worth but sometimes, it made her regret her decisions. "That kid would be the end of me". Inochi breathed out in exhaustion and went out in her muddy shoes and gloves.

She walked down the lane as she saw faces she had become familiar with in the three years.

-"Kuro Ojisan! Don't forget about the feast today!" Inochi shouted from outside the shop which made Kuro run outside to greet her.

-"I cannot believe it's already time for you to leave Umi chan. The three years went by so quickly" Kuro laughed as he handed Inochi her vegetables. "Do ask Yashamaru to make the radish dish please, its my favourite"

Inochi chuckled and assured Kuro that there will be a hell lot of radish dish present just for him. As she was leaving she saw Shira, someone she had become good friends with over the span of three years.

-"So I heard you are getting a farewell party tonight" Shira said as he took the bags from Inochi. "The time passed by so quickly"

-"Will you be attending the party? Gaara would be delighted to see you"

Shira was appointed as Gaara's taijutsu teacher upon Inochi's request. He was just like Gai, someone who specialised in Taijutsu but the catch was that he couldn't use ninjutsu at all. Inochi knew that Shira was outcasted by the shinobi kids which was why she asked him to be personally acquainted with the Kazekage. In the following year, as Rasa saw Shira's potential, he helped him get admission in the ninja academy to help him get a legal shinobi certificate.

- "Hmm. I will be. There's no way I would miss your farewell party Kumimono san" He laughed. "I will always be indebted to you"

-"Ehh.. stop with this debt thing. And stop using formalities. Just call me Nagisa. We are of the same age you know" Inochi led Shira to the playground where they sat and waited for Gaara, who was currently playing with his friends.

- "Bring Yome chan with you too ok? She is scared of the Kazekage but I am sure she would love Gaara"

- "Oh I completely forgot why I was searching for you. Yome asked me to tell you that Chiyo sama is looking for you"

-"Granny Chiyo?" Inochi shuffled in her place. "I really don't want to meet her. She would probably punish me or something" Inochi huffed mentally.

Just after starting as Gaara's governor, Inochi begged Lady Chiyo to teach her some medical jutsu basics in case she or Gaara were hurt during training. Lady Chiyo at first completely ignored Inochi's wishes, but upon seeing how well she was training Gaara, atlast took her under her wing. Their rapport didn't improve much, and both just tolerated each other, but still Inochi grew a lot as a shinobi all thanks to Lady Chiyo's guidance.

- "Granny Chiyo did you call me?" Inochi knocked at the door before entering Chiyo's office.

- "Ah atlast you came. I thought I would have to personally go over to meet your majesty" Chiyo mocked as usual.

- "Ah come on, its my last day here. Can't you be a bit less rude" Inochi went inside and stood before Chiyo who was busy with the hospital paperworks. "So, Shira told me you had something important to discuss with me?"

- "I have nothing important to discuss with you Chiyo mocked. But I do have a homework for you" Chiyo stood up from her chair and went over to find something.

- "Granny Chiyo, I guess you didn't hear me" Inochi followed Chiyo. "I am leaving tonight... I won't be able to do homeworks anymore"

- "SHUT UP! You cannot just pack your bags and quit as my student. Plus your medical ninjutsu is terrible. You are probably the worst student I have ever had and I cannot let you just roam around freely and drag my name through the mud"

- "AW COME ON~" Inochi sucked at medical ninjutsu. She would always lose her control on the level of chakra and use more energy than required. Even though such mishaps worked brilliantly during battles, during medical ninjutsu it was a disaster.

Chiyo pulled out three scrolls and handed them to Inochi.

- "These two have methods written that would enable better chakra control. Don't stop practicing. This on the other hand.." Chiyo showed a bright red scroll "has information about the Byakugou seal. I asked Lady Tsunade on your behalf to lend you this seal so don't misuse it"

Inochi's eyes widened at the sight. Chiyo has possibly given her the best farewell present of all time.

- "GRANNY CHIYO YOU REMEMBERED!!" Inochi took the scroll and jumped in excitement. "I cannot believe you are actually letting me have this"

- "This is not a present. I am 100% sure that a shinobi with your level of chakra control cannot open the byakugou seal. So its rather a challenge" Lady Chiyo stated. "But before taking this, tell me, why the sudden interest in the byakugou"

- "I am not sure if it will work but... There are some jutsus that completely drain my chakra.. to dangerous levels. My cells get damaged and I faint. Its just a theory but if I do open the byakugou, I can actually use that jutsu without putting my life on the line"

Chiyo frowned. She had no idea of what kind of jutsu Inochi was talking about but refrained from asking further as she knew Inochi would not open up to her. Inochi on the other hand wanted to consult a medical shinobi's advise but couldn't as her mangekyo sharingan was still a secret. She took the three scrolls and left in hurry in order to not raise any more doubts.

The whole day Inochi was busy preparing for the feast which proved to be a blast. All the shinobi close to the Kazekage, Rasa himself and his whole family were not the party poopers as Inochi thought they would be. Everyone enjoyed themselves to the fullest as Inochi atlast blew the candles on her cake, celebrating her 17th birthday as well as her farewell from Suna.

The night went by as Inochi headed towards Suna's borders. A few tears could be seen but thankfully, only handful of people in Suna were emotional beings unlike Konoha. Everyone thus bid Inochi goodbye with big smiles while Gaara and Sajin volunteered to drop off Inochi at wind nation's borders.

The night was similar, cold and windy, just like when Inochi kidnapped Sajin and Gaara from Suna three years back. However this time, there was no distress or grief. Gaara and Sajin happily travelled side by side to Inochi and under two days, reached the border of fire nation.

- "So I guess this is it" Sajin smiled and pulled Inochi in a hug. A year ago she adopted a little girl of five years as her child and named her Sayu, incorporating her and Yura's name. Inochi had never seen Sajin more happy, now that she had a child in her family. Sayu got special treatment from the Kazekage family and Inochi, and became the most loved and protected person. Sajin too grew close to Inochi because of Sayu and even let her get trained by Inochi.

Gaara waited for his turn and as Sajin let go of Inochi from her embrace, he presented his sketch to Inochi.

- "Neechan, I hope you like it" Gaara held his sketch in which Inochi was hugged tightly by Naruto and Gaara from the sides, while Kakashi tousled with her hair from behind.

- "Wow..." Inochi took the sketch and inspected it more closely.

- "Its from that photo we took together at Suna. This was the picture you looked the most happy in so I chose it" Gaara shifted shyly at his place.

- "This is beautiful.." Inochi said as she hugged Gaara.

After a few moments of goodbyes, Inochi atlast saw Tenzo walking up to receive her. Seeing him, Gaara and Sajin bid their goodbyes and left for Suna.

- "Long time no see" Tenzo said as he didn't at all see Inochi for the three years.

- "Ahh senpai. I thought you would have forgotten about me in these three years" Inochi joked as she went in for a hug.

Tenzo freezed at his spot as he was unsure of what to do. Seeing his awkwardness, Inochi also stopped midway and tilted her head in confusion.

- "Did you forget how we used to be around each other and now its awkward?" Inochi pouted.

- "Ah no no... Its not that I don't want to hug you... but I think its inappropriate...." Tenzo blushed.

- "Huh?" Inochi was getting confused even more. "Why is it inappropriate?"

- "Umm...." Tenzo looked at Inochi "Because... we are not.. kids anymore..." Tenzo was now a complete shade of red. Even his headgear couldn't hide his embarrassment.

- "Wha-" Inochi realised what he meant and blushed too. "Oh come on... Don't tell me niisan transformed you into a pervert too!!" Inochi went in for a punch just when a change in the air happened.

Inochi and Tenzo's expression changed as they quickly braced up for any impact.

- "WHO'S THERE!" Tenzo shouted just as they heard a villainous chuckled.

- "AHH what a scene..... My two experiments out here alone... fighting like love birds. Makes me feel weird" A hoarse but vile voice came out of the bushes.

Inochi and Tenzo quickly shifted their gaze to that direction as they saw a man emerging out of the bushes wrapped in a big python, wearing the clothes of the Akatsuki.

- "Shit" Tenzo cursed under his breath as Inochi's gaze intensified.

- "Ah my darlings, how have you been? Seeing that both of you are healthy really makes my heart jump out in joy" The man said gleefully.

- "What are you doing here, Orochimaru" Tenzo spat in disgust as his hold on his katana tightened. Inochi gulped as she knew who she was facing, one of the sannins and a dangerous rouge ninja.

- "Oh not even formality? I am pretty sure I atleast deserve some respect from you two" Orochimaru's gaze shifted on Inochi ".. I mean in the end, I am the one who made you two special"

- "What is he talking about?" Inochi thought just when in a blink of an eye Orochimaru's neck elongated at approached straight at her which she dodged.

- "WHY ARE YOU ATTACKING US?" Inochi asked just as she managed to get some distance from him.

- "WHY? I am here to take back what's mine" Orochimaru smiled. "I cannot really sit back any longer and let that 'Pein' handle this mission any longer"

- "Wait, we don't have anything of yours!" Inochi said.

- "Inochi get out of here, he's after me!" Tenzo screamed and used his wood jutsu. Orochimaru however dodged all the wood release attacks and landed on a tree branch.

- "I have nothing to do with you.." Orochimaru looked at Tenzo. "That girl is what I want. She belongs to me either way"

- "Wait what??" Inochi was slowly losing her patience. "Why do I belong to you? What even is happening here?" Inochi looked at Tenzo who was just as confused.

- "You, Inochi Nohara, are my daughter" Orochimaru stated.

A moment passed as no one said or did anything. Suddenly Inochi burst into laughter.

- "This is hilarious. Sir, with all due respect, I am sure you have the wrong person. I completely look like my biological father so you are out of the equation"

- "This is so sad...." Orochimaru smirked and did a few handsigns.

- "Wait, what are you-" Inochi was again confused just when she felt a light tinge on her belly and doubled over to the ground.

- "INOCHI-" Tenzo rushed to her side and held her as she kept shaking in pain. "What are you doing?" He asked Orochimaru.

- "Taking off the seal that has kept her reality hidden from the villagers" He completed his handsigns and the pain in Inochi's body stopped. She slowly lifted her head and sat in daze.

Tenzo turned to take a look at her but was taken aback. He scurried back a few steps in horror as now in front of him a completely different Inochi was present.

- "Inochi... You- your face.." Tenzo pointed at her face, which was now snowy white in complexion and beared similar violet pattern as Orochimaru's. Her eyes, which were previously sea blue similar to Naruto, were now pitch black, similar to that of Uchihas. Her Golden fluffy hair turned into straight black hair, and she looked more like Orochimaru than a Namikaze.

- "Wha-" Inochi could feel her face change. She held her pony tail which was now completely black in colour. She quickly pulled a mirror out of her bag and took a look at her face, which left her completely in shock.

- "This is how you truly look, Inochi Nohara. You are my and Shiyon's child. That Namikaze was just a distraction. Poor soul, he could have lived if he didn't try to come between our family"

- "What do you mean.." Tenzo asked Orochimaru in Inochi's place, who was too horrified and in shock to register anything.

- "You Inochi Nohara, have been my property since Shiyon was conceived. But that girl just suddenly quit her position and refused to give you up for my experiment and ran back to Konoha, to that Namikaze. During that war, I found them. I didn't want to kill Shiyon, she was such a good assistant, but they were getting really obnoxious. Thankfully, I was able to use you for my experiment, and believe it or not, IT WAS A SUCCESS! I mean if it wasn't for Sensei, I wouldn't have to give you up to Konoha, but seeing that you were actually able to activate the mangekyo makes me excited. All I need now is those eyes. They are now all ready to be harvested"

-"HA HA-" Tenzo turned as he saw Inochi grasping her head and laughing.

- "HAHA HAHAH HAHAHAHHA" Inochi hysterically laughed and crouched over in pain. "AHH I AM SORRY BUT ..." She stood up slowly "THIS IS SO FUNNY. CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS SENPAI?"

Inochi went a bit forward and stood in the middle.

- "So according to this man, I am his child. SO if we trace back... I saw my parents getting killed, saw my siblings and the people close to me get slaughtered, almost killed niisan, had to get tortured by that masked man, get my titles snatched AND live as someone else for three years just to find out NOW, that I am not even who I thought I was. BRILLIANT!"

Inochi continued to laugh as she came closer to Orochimaru.

- "Not going to lie sir, but at this point, I don't think I care at all. The only thing bugging me is the way I look. I looked so pretty and now I look like a ghost. See, even senpai, who was a minute ago blushing over my appearance is now scared"

- "Inochi... Calm down" Tenzo slowly approached Inochi. He knew Inochi would start blabbering whenever she was super angry and on the edge of going beserk.

- "I am calm!" Inochi said while grinning and shifted her attention to Orochimaru. "However, I ain't giving my eyes to you. No one is going to put a single finger on them... and believe me, Ororchimaru, I will completely annihilate you before you can even take a step towards us"

- "HAHA.." Orochimaru laughed too. Tenzo could now sense similarities between Inochi and Orochimaru "I believe you. I have been observing you and I for a fact know that you are multiple times stronger than me"

Orochimaru jumped off the tree branch and dusted himself off.

- "I mean, this could have only went two ways, you refusing to give up your eyes or you agreeing to come to your father. But anyways, its not like this is the end" Orochimaru turned back and started leaving the spot.

- "But do remember" Orochimaru stopped "You and your little family from now on, are the primary targets of The Akatsuki"