Good Girl: Rewrite

She was an heiress, the height of clan. He was a criminal of the highest caliber. She was looked down upon, handicapped and scorn. He was injured and in need of shelter. She should have said no, called for help or even attack. But...he had called her a good girl...

Epilogue:

Eight Years Later...

"C'mon Ookami, stop taking all freakin' day," huffed Nora, leaning back as her hands laced behind her neck. Brown eyes watched her teammate turn in their report, idly making his way back, sword strapped across his back. The Cloud shinobi eyed the Suna native. Nora was ever the same with her stubborn attitude. She still reflected her younger self with her short kept blonde hair and blue kerchief tied around her neck. The years in Cloud village had been good to her, allowing her to flourish in the mountain terrain. She was taller for certain, though Ookami finally had her beat by only a few inches. Her form was lean, athletic, very fitting for a kunoichi, especially for one of her caliber. They had just finished their most recent ANBU mission successfully, as it was expected of them.

"What's your rush?" teased Ookami, shouldering her as they began to leave the Raikage's tower. "Got a hot date tonight?" She gave an unladylike snort at his attempt at humor.

"You wish," she snarked. "I promised to be at Taki-sensei's for dinner tonight." He raised a brow at his companion and gave a shrug, hands finding his pockets.

"Everyone gonna be there?" he asked. Blonde hair swayed as she nodded.

"Yep. Ryu and Momi just finished up their mission a few days ago so they'll be there for sure." She moved her hands to her pocket as well, after adjusting the Cloud Jounin vest. "I hate wearing this thing. Seriously, what's the point of a vest if it doesn't completely conceal your chest at least? At least Suna's flak jackets make sense."

Ookami leaned toward her to examine the vest identical to his and he shrugged again. "Don't see why you're so bothered. Not like you have anything to cover."

Nora's cheeks flushed pink at the jab and she dealt a mean hit to his jaw, sorely tempted to ignite some kind of fire technique on his person.

"Fuck you, Ookami!" she swore, face red.

Sure, she wasn't exactly overly gifted in the bust department like Momi (which Ookami harassed her for whenever Ryu wasn't listening), and yes, her dark shinobi clothing did nothing to enhance the feminine features she did possess, as well as her short kept hair. It wasn't that short, she had bangs and some layers that touched her chin which was girl like in her opinion. Her attitude was rough, brash and she had a way with foul language that made some men fear her. All right, so she wasn't overly girly. Whatever.

Ookami had bounced back to his feet and returned to his place beside her, although out of arm reach. "So sensitive. Just stop wearing your hair like a boy."

"Maybe when you stop fighting like a girl. I saved your ass twice on that mission," she snapped back at him. Again, he shrugged.

"Want to do lunch tomorrow?"

"You're paying."

"Deal."

Yusuke was waiting impatiently at the window, his nose almost touching the glass. He huffed as he was forced to continue to wait. He hated waiting. Waiting was dumb.

"Ma, when are they gonna be here?" he asked, trying to keep the whine from his voice. He looked over to the kitchen where his mother was working. She sent him a knowing look and he sighed again, waiting to hear the same words she already told him a dozen times since that morning.

"They'll get here when they can. They're very busy, love," she repeated. Taki watched her son grumble under his breath, about something being "dumb" and he resumed his waiting game. She laughed quietly to herself at the sight as she continued to prepare dinner.

They were having a large family meal since her once-Genins were all going to be in town at the same time for once. They had all moved out of the compound a few years ago and stopped by as often as they could so they could check on her, Zetsu, Kisame, and the kids. It was strange to think of them as adults instead of the three spunky kids from Suna that followed her during the war. Now they were more than capable of taking care of themselves and those around them.

All three had achieved the rank of Jounin in the Cloud village and had been admitted into the ANBU Black Ops after the years of intense training. They worked diligently to improve themselves, to make sure that they stood out for their talents, not for the fact that they were a part of the Iwasura clan. They didn't want to ride Taki's coat tails of her well earned prowess. They wanted to work for their own credit.

Ryu had grown up over the years, in size and in ability. He was very tall and solidly built, which worked hand in hand with his earth techniques. Over the years he learned how to become the leader of their team, to take control of the responsibilities and he worked very hard to make certain that he could protect his teammates. He now was ranked as a captain in the Black Ops, the leader of the unit that was sent out on missions. It was funny to think of him as the young boy who shouted in order to seem tough, who wasn't strong enough to protect those close to him. He still had the same messy orange hair and outgoing personality, as well as the tendency to argue relentlessly with his sister. It was nice to know that some things didn't change.

Momi had changed drastically over the years as well. She continued to wear her bandanna hitai-ate and she kept her bangs and blue hair pushed back, never letting them hide her gold eyes again. Her confidence had risen wonderfully. Her natural affinity for water led her to try out, and receive, the rank as a Special Jounin due to her talent and surprisingly substantial chakra reserves. She was still soft spoken and mild mannered, acting as referee between her teammates. In fact, one of the aces she hid up her sleeve was the small summoning scroll she kept at her hip, a weapon no one ever suspected a nice girl of carrying. If a battle called for it, she could use her blood to trigger the technique and summon the sword, Samehada, to her side. Kisame took it upon himself to teach her how to use the broadsword, even though the task seemed impossible at first as she was so much smaller than the weapon itself. Over time and hours of intense practicing, the young girl steadily began to wield the monster sword.

And finally, there was Nora. The hard headed girl who refused to trust Taki as far as she could throw the "Akatsuki baddie". Ever the stubborn shinobi who refused to back down from anything, definitely fear nothing, and more than determined to never cry. She had earned her rightful place beside her teammates in the Cloud village's ANBU, the highest rank that handled the most dangerous missions. She made the fire her element, pounding the techniques into her body so that she could call upon them without any of the panic that had overwhelmed her when she couldn't light the fire in Konoha's winter, or when she almost didn't send the signal for help to Cloud. She vowed to never be that weak again; that girl who couldn't rely on herself. There were more days than anyone could count when Lady Iwasura had to go out to the training grounds and carry the exhausted girl back home.

"We wanted to train to become g-guards of the Kazekage," added Momi, softly. "Strong enough to protect our country's leader. It was our dream."

Taki smiled to herself, so very proud of her team.

Zetsu was out in the courtyard, tending to his plants. The weather was getting colder now and the garden was beginning to suffer the repercussions of the chill. Every now and again he would receive a chill of his own, the double V scars throbbing at the faint memory. Back in the war when his own technique had turned on him, wanting nothing more than to swallow him whole, ripping the skin from his very body. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and he removed another weed that tried to choke his plants. There was the sound of the backdoor sliding open and he lifted his head to see who was wandering outside.

"Sayuri," he called. The young girl perked up at the sound of her name and smiled at the two toned man, making her way over.

Sayuri.

She was the child he and Kisame had collected from Konoha, as per their truce the Hokage agreed to. It was even safe for them to enter Konoha as the Madara take-down had gone according to plan. It was still a vicious battle but the Akatsuki mastermind was taken down, as logged in the Hokage's official report. They had received the summons and were encouraged to hurry. Lady Hyuuga, the eldest daughter named Hinata, was induced so to give birth earlier than expected. Zetsu and Kisame both found that odd, but their guide, Kiba Inuzuka, was quick to explain the situation. Her father, Hiashi, was out of the village along with the Hyuuga council on an urgent call. The timing was incredibly rare for both powers of the clan to be so preoccupied. Hinata had called on her friends and for the medical kunoichi, Sakura, to somehow force her to give birth early, to the point of begging. As soon as Sakura agreed, after explaining all of the medical protocol, Kiba and Akamaru were sent to retrieve the plant nin.

"Why all of the secrecy?" asked Zetsu. "Why is this so important to her?"

Kiba kept his glare focused on the path as they ran, chakra enhancing their speed. "If the baby has the Hyuuga eyes, their kekkei genkai, the Byakugan, she'll be branded with Branch House seal even though she's a Main House descendant."

"And if she doesn't?" added Kisame. "Wouldn't it be okay if she didn't have the Hyuuga eyes?" Kiba bared his teeth and Akamaru growled in response.

"They'll go against Hinata's wishes and find some way to kill the baby." His words were slurred by his animalistic growl, the anger radiating. "Hinata loves her child, despite all of the drama that's been surrounding her pregnancy, and that should be enough for the council, but it isn't. They don't even consider her to be a Hyuuga due to the indecency of the affair."

They had reached Konoha under the cover of night and the Inuzuka lead them quietly into the room. Lady Hinata was a lovely young woman with long indigo hair and the trademark Hyuuga eyes. She was clearly exhausted but she smiled anyway, completely enthralled by the little pink bundle in her arms. The criminals hung back while Kiba made his way to stand beside his other male teammate, an Aburame, and he congratulated his friend.

"She's beautiful, Hinata," he said quietly.

There was a moment of silence, in order to allow Hinata to enjoy the time left with her daughter. Not one of the men spoke up, not daring to break the peace. There was a small sigh from Hinata as she looked up to the men by the doorway.

"Her name is Sayuri," she informed them. Her lower lip quivered and she bit down, trying to stop her trembling. "And I...I love her. No matter wh-what the council says. She is n-not a mistake or an insult to our clan!" Her voice tremored and cracked with her outburst, her determination and love wanting to be acknowledged.

"Buisura has told me only good things about Lady Iwasura and I am fully aware of her history as well as your own. I am well informed of your truce," she stated, taking another breath to try and calm her nerves. "As I am soon to be Head of the Hyuuga clan, I understand that difficult decisions are ahead of me...this being one of them...but I know that I am making the right choice. Sayuri has a chance to be happy, away from all of this uncalled for prejudice and scandal I caused." Her shaking did not subside. Her gaze held Zetsu's firmly, not allowing him to glance away.

"Please...please love her..."

It was only when there was word of her father and the council returning to the village did Hinata finally hand over the child. Again, the weight of such a fragile creature was disarming to the plant nin, even though he was growing accustom to his own children at home, a few months older than little Sayuri. A winter baby. The child was sleeping in his arms, her eyes closed so to keep him from seeing if she had the Hyuuga family trait. He looked back to Hinata, question evident.

"Her eyes?-And if we may ask, who is the father?" asked Zetsu. "It seems unlikely that this is some sort of rape case as you claim-something doesn't sit right." Her teammates visibly tensed, indicating that his hunch was correct. They were aware of the father. Hinata gave a soft smile.

"She has my eyes. I was hoping they would have been blue like Naruto's."

Zetsu snapped out of his revere when her felt the small hands on his arms, requesting his attention.

"What is it Sayuri?-And where is your coat? It's cold out here," the black side chided lightly. Her cheeks pinked at being guilty without her coat, quickly dropping her lavender gaze.

"I just had a quick question, I didn't think I needed my coat," she explained. He gave a sigh, smile daring to tug at his mouth.

"And just what is your question?" Her expression brightened as she leaned against his arm again.

"Do you know when everyone will be here? They should close by now, right?" she asked, hopeful. He had to keep from rolling his eyes at the most frequently asked question of the day.

"Like your mother said, they'll get here when they get here. They're very busy shinobi, Sayuri," he explained, yet again. Toshiro had asked first thing this morning, then Yusuke asked repeatedly, hoping that each time could change the outcome, and now little Sayuri was asking him.

She sighed in disappointment. "They didn't say what time they were going to be here either? A hint, maybe?"

Zetsu pulled her from his arm and turned her about, encouraging her toward the door.

"That was your one, coatless question. So you can either put on your coat and come back out or ask your mother."

The wind tousled her blonde hair as she contemplated, mildly shivering from the breeze. "I'll ask mom," she agreed in defeat.

"Good girl."

Yusuke could feel his eyelids growing heavy from staring out the window all afternoon. Plus it was starting to get warm and cozy from mom's cooking in the kitchen. He glanced over to see Toshiro still sitting in his chair, reading some book. His twin in every aspect except personality. They had the matching dark black skin like their dad, the white Iwasura hair that Toshiro wore nicely kept while Yusuke would rather run his hands through it so make it stand up away from his face. The same gold eyes that reflected different attitudes. Toshiro's watched with careful examination while Yusuke's sparked with energy.

Toshiro looked over at him, turning the page in his book.

"Don't ask again, it's becoming annoying," he warned.

"Like you knew what I was gonna ask!" Yusuke protested. The elder twin raised an eyebrow to challenge his statement.

"You were going to ask about what time everyone was going to get here, for the millionth time," he clarified. Yusuke's mouth formed a pout as he returned to his window, chin resting on his folded arms.

"Lucky guess..." he grumbled.

There was the sound of footsteps as Sayuri entered the room, followed by the large figure of Kisame Hoshigaki. Sayuri stood on her tiptoes, offering to help while Kisame reached for the higher shelves so to put the stack of plates where the young girl could reach them. Their mom whispered something to the girl and the blonde made her way over to the boys, happy to have a job to perform.

"Mom says to help set the table. Food's almost done!" she chirped, hands behind her back. Toshiro agreed and marked his place in his book before setting it aside.

"Come on, Yusuke," he added when his twin wasn't moving from his window spot.

"Alright, alright," he agreed, slowly getting to his feet. He took another quick glance and his heart jumped when he saw a shock of blonde hair.

"Nora's here!" he announced as he bolted for the doorway. He could have sworn his mom said something about a coat but he wasn't listening.

The cold air hit his face in a blast but he didn't care as he ran to greet the kunoichi. She was wearing her simple black shinobi gear without her flak jacket and a grey coat, hands tucked into her pockets. He put on an extra burst of speed and didn't bother to slow down as he plowed into her, arms wrapped around her waist.

"Nora!" he cheered. "You're here!"

She lost her breath, winded by his impact but she hugged him back just as tightly and ruffled his white hair anyway. The energetic twin was always enthralled by the blonde young woman. She was strong, tough, and nobody could ever beat her. She was so cool to the young Academy student. Plus she was the younger twin, just like him.

"Geez, have you been waiting long?" she asked. He nodded.

"Only all day!" he declared. "You took forever!" She laughed, giving a wide grin to the boy.

"Give me a break, I just got back today!"

There was the flicker of ever familiar chakra and she looked over her shoulder, Yusuke's arms still wrapped around her. She smiled at the final two members who appeared.

"Sorry for taking so long," apologized Momi. "We would've been here earlier if Ryu hadn't lost his key-"

"I misplaced it," Ryu protested, hands lifted up in defense. "It wasn't where I left it!"

"Ryu, I told you exactly where you left it, you just weren't listening," sighed Momi.

Bored with the conversation, Yusuke took Nora's hand leading her inside. "C'mon guys, dinner's almost ready!"

The chatter grew when the team entered the home. Each shinobi was sure to give Taki a hug, arms wrapped tight in the embrace, so to prove that they were still all right, even without their teacher supervising. Safe and sound. There were the usual comments, Taki's observations on how tall they were, making the clan leader the shortest, a few hairs shorter than Momi. Her attempt at trying to tame Ryu's rebellious orange hair that never succeeded. Momi made her way over to Kisame so to give his cheek a kiss in greeting, arms wrapping around him in a hug. Toshiro and Sayuri were sure to greet the team, the blonde becoming attached to the blue haired girl's hip, excitedly talking about how she helped with dinner. The elder twin helped his mother set the table with the steaming dishes, hot food to set off the chilling weather.

Taki smiled down at her oldest son, his own shyness becoming evident. He was quiet by nature and it gave him something of a standoff demeanor. He was self conscious and tried very hard to give nothing away. He still had his heart condition that plagued him since birth. Sometimes it would bother him when he and Yusuke would be rough housing outside, or other extended strenuous activity of the sort. Taki's own healing ability could help alleviate the pain but she couldn't banish it entirely. It was an irreparable damage, much like her blind eye. It wouldn't stand in his way of becoming a shinobi, if he played his cards correctly.

She ran her fingers through his white hair, earning a smile from the boy. She gave an encouraging nudge forward and he sighed, embarrassed. He cleared his throat and raised his voice so to be heard over the chatter.

"Dinner's ready!"

The shinobi stilled at the mention of food and everyone rushed to take their places at the table. The talk picked up again as the dishes were passed about so to be filled with the piping hot food. Zetsu and Taki took their places at the ends of the table, the rest of the clan filling the spaces in between. Nora and Ryu sat across from each other so to better debate about whatever topic they could think of off the top of their heads. Next, Yusuke and Sayuri were across from another, the next set being Toshiro and Momi, and finally Kisame. The empty seat across from the Mist nin was the previous seat of Taki's father, who had just recently passed away earlier in the year.

"-Y'know they're always looking for Genin team leaders," offered Ryu in between mouthfuls of food.

"Please, like they want me for a team leader," scoffed Nora. "You're just trying to keep me off your captain trail!"

Taki smiled softly as she took in everyone at the table, warmth filling her chest. It took a moment like this when they were all together to remind her of how far they've traveled in life. From her days as the meek heiress, her adventures with the Akatsuki, evolving into the true Iwasura leader, and now here she was, helping out the generation of shinobi. Her little Genin team from Suna were adults, and high ranking ones as well. Her own children were in the Academy, only beginning to learn of the outside shinobi world.

Dicolored eyes met gold and each knew what the other was thinking.

This was their family. With their odds and ends, quirky personalities and strange appearances, they were an odd compilation of a clan. But it was theirs. And they loved every one in it. Loved every single moment.

After all, clans were about love.

The End

REVIEW!

Oh my goodness...It's the end...Can it be...?

It is! My readers, my wonderfully patient, totally awesome readers! We made it!

Taki and Zetsu's story has now come to a close. It's been a long journey, from April '09 to January 1, 2013. What a way to kick off the New Year, huh?

I'd like to thank everyone again for their fantastic feedback and ungodly patience with me and this story. I'm so happy that all of you gave this story, and me, a chance. I seriously would not have gotten this far without you guys, for real. Give yourself credit here!

Now for the fun stuff:

I do have the beginning of a fun, big Naruto project featuring this crew of Toshiro, Yusuke, and Sayuri. A Next Generation story. I still have a lot of kinks to work out before it's gets properly started and debuted here. Though I can give some hints! Because I may be posting pictures/sketches on deviantart.

: / / eternal-explosionist. deviantart #/ d5pv3eb (image of Epilogue Team Taki)

Two primary Teams to focus on:

Team Cloud: Toshiro, Yusuke, and Sayuri.

Team Leaf: Hizashi Hyuuga, Mikoto Uchiha, and Karu Inuzuka

Some name fun!

*Zetsu: reed or reed flute

*Kisame: demon shark

*Taki: waterfall

*Reija: vigilant

*Buisura: frustrate happiness (mostly a made up name, though the definition is what I could find on the "Bui-" of his name)

*Momi: pearl (origin: Hawaiian)

*Ryu: dragon

*Nora: honor (origin: Arabic)

*Sayuri: small lily (born: December 3)

*Toshiro: clever son (born: August 15)

*Yusuke: effortless support (born: August 15)

Thanks again everyone! I had a blast and I hope you did too! Merry (belated) Christmas and Happy New Year!

See you next time!