Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

Hellspam; Heh, it's all a part of my plan. Trust me, it will be working to a grander scheme later on. The dynamic duo alright are together, how are they gonna team up? Hehe, well he does get insanely strong later on, very strong indeed. But that's Naruto for you, he's a strong dude.

Naroku; Thanks! Maybe in the future he will teach him something like that. It probably would work well with him, though it would take a little bit for him to use it.

DocSlendy; Yeah, it is quite serious.

ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, it is picking up now, isn't it? It is going to be quite, something alright. Yeah, in the end, they are friends, no matter what happens. Even with the Nine Tails being known by him, Ryouta still sees Naruto for who he is, and doesn't care about it at all. Yup, Haku and Ryou keep having those little meetings, for how long, who knows? He'll pick it up eventually, with guidance.

Harem Master123; Thanks! Yeah, he's that type of person. He doesn't think any less of Naruto at all. He knows who Naruto is, and he wouldn't base him off that. Hmmm, who showed up, now that's a question. It will be revealed...eventually. You never know what's gonna happen, he might or he might not. Hehe, poor Naruto, he'll get it soon. And cool suggestions!

Cloud4012; Exactly, they do understand one another quite a lot. And I am glad!

War Sage; Thanks!

Anime PJ; It certainly was a good way to end it, huh. Shisui shows his serious side means that this is a very serious situation, though since he is still Shisui...you never know what's going to happen. Yeah, even if it is training, it is telling as well, with this chapter revealing something's about Ryouta as well. Hmm, that's a good question, will Haku reveal everything or not? Good question. Yeah, I have some ideas for it!

Ragna; I, haven't really thought much about it, honestly. It is a possibility, but I haven't decided one way or the other yet. Heh, that would be quite funny.

Neonlight01; Everything, nearly. There still are secrets after all. Yeah, Naruto and Ryouta are pretty much brothers without being related. They accept one another, they have one another in their thoughts often, and even have a small rivalry going on between them, but healthy. Well, they all besides Naruto had reasons to actually why they'd know about it. Hmm, how long can she keep the secret, if she's close to spilling it, it could be possible that she does. Maybe it was Zabuza, maybe it was someone else, who knows.

Skull Flame; Yup, they've called, at least a somewhat truce. They are holding off on it for now. Shisui's plans are going ahead, he's getting that harem for his little bro alright! Hmm, you'll have to wait and see who it is that has come to aid them. It could be that person, or it could be someone completely different, who knows, besides me of course~ Yup, he has, and yeah, thanks!

Lightwave; They've more than made up, they are great friends again, even knowing secrets. That is a true friend, accepts him unconditionally, no matter what. Since it is Hinata, I doubt she's gonna take it sourly. She loves Naruto, she's not gonna be freaked or anything. That truce surely is going to be interesting. Heh, well ya know, they all have reasons for knowing it, and all, so it was bound to happen that they'd say they knew it. Team Seven will eventually. Maybe it will have her rethink something's. It will show that she does know someone that has suffered like her.

AlphaOmega; Don't worry at all, I know the feeling. Yeah, he accepts Naruto without a worry, he and Naruto are true best friends. They might have falling outs, but they are friends for life. Hmm, that's a good point, what would the fox think about an Uchiha saying something like that? The alliance of Satsuki and Sakura, is gonna be quite interesting! It could be someone from that, and you never know who was listening to them, for the time being. It will be revealed soon enough~

sukondis; Don't worry, he isn't going to Root.

jugar38; Thanks! That certainly is a mystery! And thank you again!

Guest 1; That would be a pretty cool one to have, I might have it Fire related, it would fit his name and all. In the future, I will be bringing up how the fox feels about Ryouta.

Guest 2; Yeah, it should be interesting to find out to say the least. Well, each Mangekyo has different abilities, he might not even end up with the black flames at all. But I do promise that whatever he ends up having, is going to be awesome yet not OP, it is going to be good I can promise that. Yeah, that's pretty much my plan hehe~

Mango eater 24; Right now actually, hehe~ But seriously, the reason this was late is explained at the bottom of the chapter so if you're curious, check it out.

Kobic; Hehe, I'm just as confused~

f1uffy5prinkles; I know, Ryou has suffered quite a bit in his life, hasn't he? Poor dude.

cameron gully; Hehe, I am glad that it was~ I'm gonna try and keep Satsuki quite close to canon Sasuke, of course without the evil tendencies that he had.

Katelyunn Snow Fox; Mehehe, sorry for the wait, here's the update~

sketchywolf; Thank you, I am glad that you liked it~

Guest 3; Yeah, I can see Ryou doing that and trying to calm Naruto's mind, and even trying his best to find out about the fox.

With those lovely reviews out of the way, it is time to start the chapter!

The training part two

"E-Excuse me, Shisui-sensei, but what are you doing!?"

Satsuki couldn't believe it right now. What she saw was very shocking. She couldn't even think of what was happening. All she could see was Ryou, being captured by Shisui. The knife to his neck was real, the kunai getting closer and closer to his neck.

"Y-Yes Shi-nii, I would like to know this as well."

Even though he was in the situation he was in, Ryou kept a level head, like a Shinobi would do. Even Shisui was impressed by the coolness of Ryouta's demeanour. He couldn't believe how far his little brother had really come from being a shy child to a hardened Shinobi that didn't even seem to be worried about the danger of his situation. He wasn't sure if it was him being brave or foolish, but he was very cool right now, and he admired that his little bro could be like that.

Satsuki withdrew a kunai, and carefully eyed up Shisui, making sure he saw that she wasn't messing around. Targeting Ryou, wasn't okay in her books. It wasn't okay at all. that's how she felt about it. She wasn't going to allow Ryou to be hurt, especially by his own elder brother.

Shisui noticed the look, and furrowed his eyebrows at Satsuki, his Sharingan activated. For a brief second, Satsuki and Shisui met one another's eyes, Shisui's Sharingan flaring.

"What's wrong Satsuki-san? Got something to say?"

"Let him go Shisui-sensei, right now."

The tone was low, cold. She wasn't messing around right now, even Shisui could tell that.

"But you need to awaken the Sharingan, I'm sorry but that's how it is. We've got to have you awaken it."

"Even if that's the case, there's no need to hurt him." Satsuki wasn't sure if Shisui was actually going to do it, but she wasn't going to take the chance. "So let him go Shisui-sensei. It isn't even funny anymore."

Shisui showed a dirty smile on his face, holding his little brother closer and closer.

"This is how it has to be, you know? I can't let you not leave here without the Sharingan. Did you know that awakening it would mean that you have to suffer pain, and that pain awakens the Sharingan? It's the same as how Ryou unlocked it. He was attacked by our Otou-san, he was attacked by him and made him feel such fear that he unlocked it. It's the same with you. The fear of me killing Ryou here right now, that would be enough to make you unlock it, right? Don't you want to protect this boy here?"

"Of course I do! You don't even need to-"

"What? I don't need to what? If you can think of a better way to do it then I'm all ears. But either way, you aren't leaving here without awakening it. I won't allow you to go, you know? An Uchiha without the Sharingan, what kind of Uchiha is that?"

Satsuki scowled at the very idea of what she had heard just then. She found it not even amusing in the slightest. She always felt like she wasn't as good as the other Uchiha, as she hadn't awakened the Sharingan, and now hearing it from Shisui's mouth, hurt her.

She didn't want to admit it, but it did hurt her to hear that. And she felt her anger rising in her body, and she wanted to take it out on Shisui but she knew that if she tried to do anything, Ryou might get hurt, and she didn't want that to happen.

"Tch, even without Sharingan, I will still be the strongest Uchiha."

It was then and there that Shisui was impressed with Satsuki.

Under her usual attitude, he could see that she truly did want to become strong. She was strong already, he put her on the same level as Ryou was, and that wasn't easy due to him having the Sharingan, but without him using it, they'd be on the same level, though Ryouta was faster, and Satsuki had other talents that made up for her lack of speed.

"Well, strongest Uchiha, watch this."

Suddenly, and without provocation, Shisui slit Ryouta's throat mercilessly, killing Ryouta instantly. His blood splattered everywhere. It went on the trees, the ground, and even hitting Satsuki with the way Shisui did it, flicking his kunai at her so it would land on her face.

Shisui watched as Satsuki's eyes opened wide, as she watched the love of her life get his life taken away from her. She put a hand to her face, stroking the part that had been hit with the blood, her fingers delicately running over the part again and again, her eyes hollow.

Many dark emotions filled her as tears slipped out of her eyes. First was disbelief. She thought that this must be some kind of trick, she thought that this wasn't happening. But she couldn't escape the fact that she was witnessing it with her own eyes.

Denial was the next thing that came to her. She rubbed her eyes, closed them, opened them again and she wasn't able to make sense of it. Shisui seemed to be pleased with the fact that he had just slit Ryouta's throat, even revelling in that fact, and it filled her with her next emotion.

Hate. Hate was in her right now, for the elder Uchiha. It was powerful, and she wanted to unleash it on the person that took away the love of her life. The person that took away the light of her life, the person that she wanted to be with, was now dead.

Finally, the emotion that filled her heart, was pain. Indescribable pain, seeing the boy she loved being killed.

"R-Ryou!" She cried, running forward, her tears falling off her face. "Ryou! Ryou! This is a lie! You can't be dead! Shisui-san wouldn't kill you! This isn't real! This isn't real! This can't be real!"

When she made it to Shisui, he tossed Ryouta's body to the side, but Satsuki rushed and caught him in her arms, cradling him comfortingly. She put a hand to his face, her eyes leaking tears that fell onto his face.

She sobbed, and looked up at Shisui, her eyes changing from normal too red for a split second.

"Why….?"

It was the only question that came from her. She couldn't understand it. She wanted to understand what the hell was going on. She needed to know why Shisui did this, her eyes being stronger and stronger, tears continuously falling from her eyes. Each tear that fell from her eyes was very knowing to Shisui, looking at her with a sly smile.

"It's because, I hate him. I always have hated him, and I am glad that he's dead. Tch, always held me back, you know? It was dead annoying when you have someone like that always pinning after you, and making sure that you are always looking after him, ruined my life."

Those words penetrated Satsuki like daggers, and it made her weep even more. Her eyes couldn't stop leaking tears. Both sadness and rage at the same time, for Ryou and Shisui respectably. It was very powerful to even think about honestly, she couldn't do anything more than what she was doing right now, and that was weep for the boy that she loved.

"Y-You bastard! I really do-"

She stopped when she suddenly felt a pair of arms around her.

She flinched and cried at the same time, her head slowly going backwards to see who was hugging her.

What she saw was Ryouta, his eyes being teary as well.

"Ryou…but how…"

Confusion naturally settled into her, she thought it was a trick and she looked at the boy that was down on her lap…but his form was disappearing. His form shimmered and disappeared.

Her eyes then going back to Ryouta, and her deepest happiest desires came through to her, her tears becoming happy, and tremendously feeling love coming through to her, the relief and happiness she felt hadn't ever have been felt before, and then…something happened.

Her eyes changed from their normal ones, into the Sharingan ones. There was two tomoe's in each eye, something that surprised Shisui, not expecting her to have something like that, and recalled the words Ryouta spoke to him just the previous night.

"I guess Ryou had seen her awaken the Sharingan after all. I suppose that she's had it since the Uchiha Incident. However, because of panic and such, she didn't remember. All she needed was a little push for her to awaken it, sorry Satsuki-san but now you've got it, and you can use it to help you, like Ryou does."

Shisui deeply regretted doing it this way, but he couldn't think of anything else. To his knowledge, there weren't any other ways for her to awaken it. Telling her would only just cause her to say that he was lying. He knew what type of person Satsuki is, and how she wouldn't believe him, and he wasn't entirely sure either. Because even Ryou wasn't sure about it, he only thought he saw them but never actually knew, but Shisui knew now, that in fact she did awaken the Sharingan, as she didn't have to suffer through a very terrible incident, only having something like this happen to her.

She was very happy, hugging onto Ryouta as she hugged back. She didn't even care that Shisui appeared behind her, showing his usual face.

"Shhh, Satsuki-chan. I'm so sorry, it's okay. It's over now, I love you."

Ryou gently placed a kiss on her forehead, Satsuki sinking into him. She didn't care about it right now, all she could do was hug only Ryouta, never going to let him go.

For a few minutes, she wouldn't do anything else, other than hug onto him. He couldn't even move, because she had a tight hold of him. He didn't mind though, since he did what he did, and allowed it to happen. He knew that it was necessary, but it wasn't something he'd care to ever do to her ever again.

When she regained her senses, her eyes went towards Ryouta, and she saw the reflection in his eyes, her eyes, her Sharingan.

She couldn't believe it, she hadn't ever seen it before, and now she could see it in his eyes. She raised her fingers, touching the space below her eyes, pulling to see if they were her eyes, and they were in fact.

Her vision had changed, now. She could see things clearer. She was confused, and she couldn't work out what the hell was going on. She looked to Shisui for answers.

"Shisui-san…what the hell is going on…?"

Shisui chuckled sheepishly, unable to truly face Satsuki due to the guilt.

"Meheheh, I'm so sorry Satsuki-san, but this was the only way that we could get you to awaken the Sharingan. It isn't like I wanted to make you feel terrible or anything, but this is the most effective way to unlock it…or I thought it was, anyway."

More confusion came to Satsuki, she couldn't wrap her head around what was going on.

"What are you talking about? What the hell is going on Shisui-san? Why…what the fuck is going on!?"

She couldn't hold it back. She was quite angry right now, and she had a right to be. She had to see Ryouta being killed, and then him being alive again. It was getting a little much for her to comprehend, she felt like screaming at Shisui and even Ryouta right now, but she held herself back, somewhat, waiting for the explanation that she was well deserved.

Shisui scratched the back of his head, his sheepishness still being on display.

"I mean. I had discussed this with Ryou last night, knowing that we'd have to do something to get you to awaken the Sharingan because…you can truly shine with it, like Ryou can. However, Ryou brought up the fact that he thought he saw that you awakened it during the…well, when Uchiha were, you know."

He didn't want to stir up old feelings, especially when it was Satsuki.

Ryou gently stroked Satsuki's face, holding her close to him.

"I didn't know if I did or not. It was when I was stabbed, I thought that I caught a glimpse of it, but I was out of it at the time. So, I told Shi-nii about it, and he said that this would be the way to unlock the Sharingan, possibly again."

"But, in the end, it wasn't even the fact that you saw Ryouta's 'death' that caused you to awaken it again."

Satsuki furrowed her eyebrows in perplexity.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, while you did show signs of awakening it with seeing his untimely demise, it was when you saw him again, it was as if seeing him again made it awaken. I've heard of it before, where positive emotions allow the Sharingan to awaken, but I haven't seen it before. Like with myself and Ryou, it was dark times that caused it to awaken. But you saw him being alive, and he allowed you to awaken the Sharingan again. It was even surprising to me, but I guess that's the power of love~"

The singing Shisui didn't impress the annoyed Satsuki, but she looked towards Ryouta, hurt, feeling betrayed.

"You…actually let him do that to me?"

Sensing and hearing the hurt, he lowered his face, and tried to explain himself.

"I'm sorry, you always said that you wanted the Sharingan. And I wanted to help you. I didn't mean to cause you such distress, and pain. Shi-nii said that you awakened it because of your love for me…I never thought that…I'm sorry Satsuki-chan, you can hate me if you want."

Satsuki took a deep breath in, and sighed out the annoyance that she had.

"You are going to make it up to me, understand me?" He nodded his head so fast that it looked as if he was breaking his neck. Satsuki put her hand around his back, and then smirked, grabbing his butt. "Hmph, well this might make it up to me, at least a little bit."

Ryouta jumped at the sudden grab of Satsuki, moaning when she groped him again.

"Satsuki-chan…doesn't hate me, right?"

Satsuki rolled her eyes, drying her face, and gave him a small kiss.

"I couldn't hate you. But do anything like that to me again, and I will kick you in your…no, I need your penis so I can't kick that…hmmm, I love your ass so I can't kick that either…I will pull your nipples and make you scream, hear me?"

Ryou cried, bowing his head apologetically, while the dominating Satsuki smirked. Shisui watched on with the couple, finding it oddly amusing to see it happening before him, finding it quite entertaining actually.

"So, you've made-"

Shisui walked closer, only to get a swift punch to the privates by Satsuki, muttering "Asshole." while she glared at him.

Shisui turned the ghostly colour of white, falling down to the ground, holding his private area.

"Why…"

He cried, very, very quietly.

Satsuki glared harshly as Ryou hid his own private area, not wanting Satsuki to kick or punch him there.

"Because you made me see someone I love die you asshat! Seriously, you're a bastard to the highest degree! I don't care about the Sharingan if I have to see such things! I'm glad I have it and all, but using that was a cheap trick you fucking bastard! I'm seriously close to killing you! Just because you're the famous Shisui, don't think that you'll escape my wrath!"

Satsuki made her anger more than known. She showed her fist to Shisui, showing that she was deadly serious about doing it, she looked as if she was going to do it as well. And that was something that instilled fear into Shisui.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Shisui cried hard tears, as Ryou tried to calm Satsuki down. Satsuki though wasn't going to go down without a fight, a fight that wasn't going to be dropped anytime soon.

"Satsuki-chan…that was…." Satsuki shot Ryou a look so he relented with a smile. "Never mind, love you, please don't do it to me, and love you, very much. Did I mention that I love you? Very much so, love you."

The nervousness on his face made Satsuki melt on the spot. She couldn't deny that she did find this kind of reaction from Ryou to be adorable, and loved seeing him acting more and more shy like this. He might be tough, but she loved the shyness that he can display as well.

"I love you as well, my adorable idiot. Don't worry, I won't hit your penis or your butt." Her voice carried over her confidence, and her willingness to not do anything to Ryouta's body, and somehow it made him feel relieved, cuddling her even closer. "Good boy, you truly are the best when you're acting so cute like this."

Shisui continued to cry for a few moments, and then stopped, but felt the pain of a thousand punches to his special area, and didn't want Satsuki to ever do it again, keeping in mind her temper, and how it could make him feel, very afraid.

"N-Now, that Satsuki-san had unlocked the Sharingan, we can finally get to the real training."

"S-So, what's the real training?"

Even though he hadn't been punched, Ryouta felt the pain Shisui held in him right now, and could only match Shisui's nervousness. Even with Satsuki being kind and stroking his face, he was worried that he was going to get one punch to a certain place on his body, resolving himself to make sure that she was always happy and would never turn against him.

"The training that I'm going to give you, of course!" Satsuki sharpened her eyes, so Shisui went into himself, a shy face appearing. "I mean, it is important training, I can promise you this Satsuki-san, Ryou. It will help you better adapt to the Sharingan, and teach you how to use it, and also how to do other things as well. I've got some Jutsu's to teach you both, and with the Sharingan, it should be easier for you to learn. But also, I'm gonna teach you to learn on how to not rely on the Sharingan as well."

That made both Ryouta and Satsuki confused, the former being the one to actually question it.

"So…like, what's going on with that Shi-nii? We're Uchiha's, right? Why do you want us to do things without the Sharingan?"

Shisui looked between the two of them, seeing Satsuki and Ryou both looking confused, so explained the best he could.

"You see, it is because of the fact that you need to be able to fight while blind, you understand? The enemy has a Jutsu that makes the Sharingan not as effective as it should be. Besides your eyes, you need to learn how to use your ears, your sensations on your skin, and rely on your own instincts as well. It might seem crazy talk, but people tend to forget to rely on their own instincts when they think they don't need it. You two however will be able to rely on them, and of course I'm going to teach you how to work together with others, you more so than Ryou Satsuki-san."

"Huhh? What do you mean?"

Satsuki thought the idea of working together was a stupid one. As long as it was Ryou, Shisui himself or Hinata, she'd work with them. But this wasn't something that she wanted to understand right now. She didn't want to work with the others.

Shisui hummed a little bit, pondering the answer.

Eventually, he came to the conclusion of an idea, and explained it to Satsuki.

"Satsuki-san, you and Ryou are quite similar in aspects, but when it comes to other people, you tend to…let's say be less than cooperative."

"That's because I don't need to rely on them. I've got Ryou, what else would I need?"

Ryouta didn't say anything to Satsuki at that moment, but he could tell that the answer wasn't something that she should say. While he found it very sweet, he could see why teamwork was important, and hoped that Shisui would be able to tell her, he didn't want to make feel like he didn't want her or anything, knowing that she could act like that.

"That right there is why I need to teach you this above Ryou." Satsuki furrowed her eyebrows, Shisui carrying on with a small smile on his lips. "He knows that to work as a team, is to work with others without a worry. But you are kinda different. If the team is Ryou, or myself to an extent, then you'll be fine."

"I'd work with Hinata just fine."

Satsuki interrupted, which made Ryouta smile softly. Even though it was just Hinata, he was glad that she would work with her as well, as it made her open to work with others as well, maybe in the future.

"Oh, is that right?"

Shisui mused, Ryouta interjecting, nodding.

"Satsuki-chan is just particular with who she works with. I know it might not be something you'd want to hear Shisui-sensei, but that's how Satsuki-chan is. It must be difficult to teach her, huh."

Satsuki wasn't sure if he was being kind or not when he said that. Though she settled on kindness when she saw that he was offering her a reassuring smile. Shisui smiled as well at her willingness to work with someone else other than Ryouta, however there was still a fault that she could be willing to address.

"But if it is with, let's say Naruto-kun then it would be different. Hinata-san is fine and all, but what about your teammate Naruto-kun?"

"That's because it's Naruto. He's a hyperactive knucklehead."

Satsuki sounded disgusted for even speaking the name. Ryouta knew that Satsuki didn't really like Naruto, or anyone that wasn't Hinata, himself, or another member of the Uchiha. He'd call her being awkward as a joke, though there was some truth behind it as well.

"Well, that maybe so but he's also a part of your team Satsuki-san. You're gonna have to learn to work together with him, and the others as well. Obviously, I also have other things that I am going to teach you, so don't worry about such things."

Satsuki huffed, Ryou and Shisui sharing a look between them. In that little look, Shisui conveyed to Ryou that he should speak with her later on, which he agreed to do by giving him a nod of his head.

With Sakura, she was doing some basic training, push ups, pull ups, the basics.

Kakashi's clone was watching on, not really paying that much attention.

She was doing something basic, that she had found to have done already with Ryouta, when she was around ten years old, and she couldn't understand why she was doing it even more. She had been doing it for a while when she couldn't take it anymore, and looked towards Kakashi's clone.

"Hey, Kakashi-sensei, is it really necessary for me to do sit ups and pull ups like this?"

Sakura didn't quite understand. She never expected that she'd be doing something that she had already learned beforehand. If she was honest, she'd say that she was pretty bored. She was able to do this very easily, more so than the usual stuff that she could do.

Kakashi's clone briefly glanced at the pink haired girl, nodding his head.

"Because, it builds up stamina. With the tree climbing completed, you need to build up your body as well."

"But I've done these things already with Ryou-kun. Can't you, teach me something else Sensei?"

Sakura brought up her doubt, wanting to become stronger. Though that was partly because of the fact that she wanted to impress Ryouta, and even Kakashi could tell by that with the hint of her tone that told him as much.

"I see, so you want to learn more and more, am I right?"

"Y-Yes Sensei! I want to become strong!"

The clone of Kakashi gave a chortle, then stood up.

"Okay Sakura, let's teach you something's."

Sakura nodded strongly, and went back to training with Kakashi's clone.

Meanwhile with Hanabi, the girl herself was panting as a clone of Shisui regarded her with a small smile. Since he could see the sweat dropping from her like rain, he knew she was putting her all into what she was doing.

"Tired Hanabi-san?"

Hanabi panted again, shaking her head as her white eyes closed in on Shisui's clone.

"N-Not yet Sensei, I'm not tired."

Hanabi's conviction surprised the clone of Shisui, she seemed to have recovered her previous stature from before the terrified incident that she experienced.

"I see, so you aren't afraid anymore? Why is that?"

Hanabi paused at the question.

She wondered why herself. She had to question it again and again, on what she was thinking about it, and how she was able to overcome it.

"Sensei, the way you fought, and the way Ryou-kun and Sai also fought, yet I stayed back, made me hate myself. That's not who I am. I'm not going to just sit there and do nothing while my friends are fighting for their lives. I couldn't just sit there and do nothing, so I did what I had to do Sensei. Is that a good explanation?"

Shisui showed a half smile, nodding a single time.

"That's right, that's a good explanation. I'm quite similar, I don't like standing aside either, so we have something in common."

Hanabi couldn't agree more with what he was saying.

"Exactly Sensei…but like, why am I training with my Byakugan right now?"

Shisui flexed his hands, and explained.

"Because you're the only person here with that kind of power. You alone have the Byakugan, and you can see through the mist that they use, so that's why you have to increase your range. They know that you would be the one to look out for."

"Really Sensei?"

Hanabi was less than convinced by it all. Shisui however clarified for the white eyed girl.

"Essentially, you're our eyes Hanabi-san. My Sharingan cannot be used to its full effects, yet your eyes can, so they'll probably want to target you, so if you can see them coming, you can react to it as well. And like the Sharingan, you can see faster than normal things with those eyes. That's what gives you the edge, like Ryou, Satsuki-san and myself as well as Kakashi-kun. If you can use your eyes without worry, increasing the range and working on it until it is as natural as seeing straight forward, then you'll begin mastering your Byakugan."

Hearing that made Hanabi smile widely, and knew that Shisui was speaking the truth. Even if from a clone, it was still Shisui so she knew he was telling the truth. She'd like to believe this, that she could be able to become stronger and stronger, she wasn't going to let down the team.

With Naruto, he was trying, and failing to climb a tree. Shisui's clone watched on as he tried his best, admiring his determination.

"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Shisui-senseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeei! I can't do this!"

Naruto complained as he fell off the tree again. Shisui cringed when his body hit the ground, definitely he was going to be in pain.

"Ooh Naruto-kun you're not doing it right. You're just rushing at the tree, and trying to run up it. You need to use your Chakra to do this Naruto-kun. You need to concentrate it onto your feet, so you can stick to the tree. Remember, you need to apply just the right amount. Not too much, and not enough. You need to balance it out, and concentrate to your best Naruto-kun. I know that you can do it."

The confidence of Shisui made Naruto feel like Shisui believed in him, and it was true, that he was.

"Say, Shisui-sensei, after tree climbing, what are you gonna teach me?"

Naruto was more than enthusiastic about this. He couldn't wait to see what he was going to teach him.

Shisui allowed a small chuckle to escape his lips at the eager tone Naruto used.

"Whoa there Naruto-kun, hold your horses. You don't have to jump from one thing to the next. Remember, it takes patience to become a Ninja, which you have…okay, you don't have much of it." Naruto frowned, but Shisui then smiled. "However, you do have a strong resolution and unyielding determination, probably the most determined out of the group."

"Ya think so Sensei!?"

Shisui nodded while smiling.

"That's right, I think that you are. You are very determined, and that's a very good quality to have Naruto-kun. I've not seen such determination for a while now, you're very admirable Naruto-kun."

Naruto smiled his usual flashy smile, but then he adopted a frown.

"But I am gonna learn cool Jutsu's, right Sensei?"

The elder Uchiha chuckled deeply.

"Yes, yes, very cool Jutsu's Naruto-kun, very cool indeed."

Hearing that, Naruto couldn't help the smile that spread across his face, a smile that was knowing and telling of the young Genin Ninja, Shisui being able to see great potential in Naruto as time went on, only time being able to tell if something was going to happen in the future, he hoped that Naruto would be able to get the respect that Shisui thought he deserved, and he knew that Ryou felt the same way as well.

With Sai, she was doing some combat training with Kakashi. She had her tanto out, and was sweeping at Kakashi. Kakashi himself blocked the strike with his kunai, pushing the girl away, surprised that she seemed to be moving so fast.

"You seem to be quite good, Sai."

Kakashi praised, blocking another strike.

Sai pushed against Kakashi's kunai, jumping in the air, and went to strike Kakashi with her foot. Bringing up his arm, Kakashi directed the kick away from his body, sending a return punch towards her.

Sai manoeuvred her body very surprisingly well in the air, avoiding the punch and pushed away from Kakashi, landing on the ground, her tanto out in front of her, in a stance Kakashi recognized from the Anbu.

"So, you have been trained by the Anbu, haven't you?"

Kakashi showed his lone eye towards Sai, who looked into the eye with the same usual emotionless state that she usually has.

"Yes, Senpai." Sai spoke, greeting him as Senpai as Kakashi was a former member, and was out of respect as well. "I have been trained for many years."

Hearing that was complicated for Kakashi. He wasn't sure what to make of it. He hadn't seen her really in the Anbu before. He knew of her existence, only recently. That was the first thing that made alarm bells ring in his mind and the fact that she works closely with Danzo, that was also a worrying feeling.

At the end of the day, Ryouta was in the forest. The sun was slowly setting in the sky, showing that the end of the day was coming. It was a nice colour, the sun's rays beating down on the dense forest, going away for the evening.

After finishing the training for the day, he made an arrangement to meet a certain girl again, Haku.

He wanted to see Haku again, telling her about how much stronger he was getting day by day, he was excited to see her in the usual place he had seen her in…but when he made it, she wasn't there yet, so he sat down, awaiting the time she'd come again.

He continued to wait for a while, taking in the sights of the forest around him.

He then heard a footstep behind him, assuming that it was Haku, and became overjoyed.

"Haku-san, you've finally-"

"Arrived?"

At the sudden voice, Ryouta's eyes opened very wide.

He was frozen in place with the voice that he heard. He couldn't believe it after all of this time, he had heard that voice again. His eyes immediately shifted to the Sharingan, due to fear and worry, rage and pain mixed in there as well.

Willing himself to move, Ryouta turned around to see someone that he didn't want to see in such a long time…it was the person who called herself Ameyuri.

"A-Ameyuri…san."

Ameyuri gave a dark sneer, walking forward on surprisingly shaky legs. Ryouta noticed this, and took it into account on what he should do next.

Fight or flight.

It was going through his mind which one he should do. He knew that right now, he wouldn't be able to face off against someone so powerful on his own, and he knew that she could kill him with some special types of moves, with her twin swords, which he could see attached to her hips right now.

He carefully watched as she inched closer, resting a hand on his tanto. Ameyuri caught this, wagging a finger.

"Nahahaha, I'm not here for a fight sweetie." She spoke in a surprisingly sweet voice as opposed to the disgusted voice she used last time. "Now, why don't you relax your stance sweetheart? I only wanna have a small chat, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea, does it?"

Even though she said that, Ryouta didn't relax his stance at all, while Ameyuri sat down, her eyes opening and closing slowly. He couldn't figure out why she seemed to be so relaxed right now, but that could also be a rouse, he needed to keep on his guard.

"W-What do you want here?"

He demanded straight away, Ameyuri giving him a wink.

"What a cute look to your face, I really like it when men try such things with me. But, I'm not here for a fight, like I said. I was merely on a stroll, and happened to come across the little Uchiha-kun that has been, meeting with some people, a girl named Haku-chan?"

Ryouta's eyes focused on Ameyuri's instantly, his Sharingan flaring. Ameyuri avoided his eyes, knowing that he could place her under a Genjutsu, which she didn't want to happen to her.

Ryouta's face became mad, and he expressed it to Ameyuri, not wanting to show a weak side.

"Haku-san…if you've done anything then I will-"

"I haven't done anything." Ameyuri confirmed it with a light hearted face. "Geez, you're highly suspicious."

The girl noted, taking some leaves on the ground and throwing them into the air carefree. Ryouta watched as she twirled her fingers in the air, using her mouth to blow some leaves away, upwards, and downwards as well. Ryouta wasn't sure on what she was trying to do.

"Forgive me, but you've been attacking me, called me a murderer, and are even aiding people like Zabuza-san who is trying to stop a lovely work to make sure that Gato-san doesn't control these people anymore. So you'll have to forgive me for being suspicious of you."

Ameyuri smiled, licking her lips dangerously.

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna kill you this time. That's for the next time, but I would like to ask you something's, if ya would answer? It would really effect something's for me, so please be a good boy and cooperate with me."

"You must be out of your mind if you think I would ever agree to something like that."

Ryouta spat out, not holding his intentions back.

Ameyuri was impressed with what she was seeing, finding it a little funny if she was honest with herself.

"Well, I kind of was out of my mind naughty boy from a naughty pussy. Bad boy, sending dirty cat after me. So, since you got me stoned, I want to hear some truths from you, now I want to hear it from your mouth."

"What is it then?"

Ryouta was just trying his best to gauge her, knowing that she'd have to look for any hint of a weakness, knowing that he'd have to find something that could give him a one up on the opponent that was before him.

Ameyuri cleared her throat, giving a wink.

"Well, you know, I've been wondering about the Uchiha incident."

Ryouta became surprised that she was asking about that.

"W-Why do you want to know about that exactly? It is known through the world, don't you think?"

Ameyuri felt like he was trying to avoid the question, and she wasn't going to take any of that at all. Ameyuri wasn't going to do anything like that, and pressed forth with more and more questions, wanting to know for her own benefit.

"Well, I don't want the gory details, but I was told that you did it, was that true? Are you the person who murdered the Uchiha because you went insane after your Otou-san and your Onii-chan died, or killed by you?"

Ryouta became saddened by what the world truly thought of him, and how it seemed like he was a insane murderer.

"No…my Sensei is my Nii-chan. I've never killed anyone, my Otou-san tried to kill me, when I was younger. Then the Uchiha were killed, by…someone, that wasn't a good person at all, and someone that I looked up too as an Onii-chan as well. Even Nee-chan had to go as well, because of that thing…so don't say that I killed the Uchiha. I tried my best to save them, but I was only a child, and couldn't do it. I wouldn't hurt Uchiha, they are my clan, even if they didn't like me that much. I only wanted to make the best of it, and have a good life with Nii-chan, but he was also caught in a bad situation and he left for a little while…so, do you have your answer now? Do you understand me Ameyuri-san? I didn't kill anyone and I wouldn't do it unless I have too. People say kindness as a Ninja is a weakness, but it is a strength to me. My kindness could help people. I want to help this world, not kill people that don't need to be killed, and could be turned into good people."

Ameyuri took in everything that he said, and was surprised to find herself actually sympathizing with him. For the heartfelt words that he said, she felt as if he was speaking to her heart, and she…didn't dislike it. She didn't hate it or anything, she only felt like it touched her in a way that she wasn't expecting, and now she knew what she wanted to know…he couldn't be lying.

She didn't claim to be a lie detector or anything akin to that, but she could see in his face that he was passionate about it, and there wasn't anyone in the world that could fool her with such a passionate voice, even if it was her mission to kill him.

Ameyuri was somewhat satisfied but there was something that she wanted to say, and she spoke it without reservation.

"What about me huh? Would you kill me?"

That questioned stumped Ryouta, and he was troubled on how to respond, so he turned it back on her.

"You are going to kill me, aren't you?"

"Probably yes. Not today, but that is my mission."

Ameyuri's answer wasn't satisfying for Ryouta, and he took a chance, moving closer.

"But, do you want to kill me?"

That question made Ameyuri think a little bit. She thought if she wanted to truly kill him. And…she wasn't sure if she did or not. She didn't have anything against Ryouta, yet she had her mission to think about. Her heart and mind were at war with one another, and she wasn't even sure why that was. She wasn't even sure why this was effecting her this badly.

"What I want, doesn't matter."

Even Ameyuri knew that answer was a cop-out. She wouldn't say that out loud, but she wasn't giving the truth that she wanted to hold it back. She didn't believe that she wanted to talk to him about it anymore, and made it known on her face.

Ryouta wasn't going to allow it to accept it like that.

"Well, it does matter if you want to kill someone or not. You can't just be so passive about hurting and taking someone's life. It is a huge deal, Ameyuri-san. A life, anyone's life, is precious. How can you speak about it as if it is just something that you casually do? A human's life, any life is something you should take into consideration. Even if there's no hope left for that person, you cannot just speak as if it doesn't matter to you."

"Don't go all psychobabble on me, I don't need it kid. Your words don't bother me in the slightest, so don't analyse me."

Ameyuri's dismissive tone was easily caught by Ryouta, and the boy couldn't let it go.

"I am not trying too. But Ameyuri-san, you just said it doesn't matter. Why doesn't it matter?"

The pressure from Ryouta was making Ameyuri feel her anger become stronger. She couldn't will it away either. She needed to feel it, that's how Ameyuri survived in this life, that's how she needed to live, or she'd mentally lose herself.

"Because a mission is a mission. Ninja live for them. Even rouge ones like me live for them. You can't change shit like that. You do a mission, kill someone and then move on. That's how Ninja's live their lives, make their livings, and even how they die. Ninja's live for the mission, and not much else."

"Not much…else huh? Is that how you truly feel?"

Ryouta prodded from her, who shrugged her shoulders.

"That's all I know kid, and you need to learn that lesson soon enough as well. Sorry if that's not how you imagined life as a Ninja being, but the faster you learn it, the better it will be for you. Though you won't have much time because I am gonna kill you and all, sorry but that's how it is."

"If you're going to kill me, why aren't you doing it already?"

That very question was something Ameyuri hoped that Ryouta wouldn't ask. But here he was, asking it, and it made her feel shit.

"Because I'll do what I want, punk. I don't want to suddenly just do it. That's just stupid. Ninja's might be sneaky bastards, but I want to see the death of the person happen, and see it with their eyes, see how they would be able to perceive their own death. It is very, thrilling to see one life end, because of your own hands. It is amazing, squeezing the life out of someone."

Even though she seemed to be happy about her words, Ryouta felt like she wasn't saying all she wanted to say. It was as if she was holding many things back, even if it didn't seem like that at all. it was something Ryouta could see, her pain and sadness, however buried it was.

"Must be a lonely life, seeking enjoyment from seeing other's pain and deaths."

Ameyuri immediately became angry and shot to her feet, glaring at him.

"What do you even know about being lonely!?"

"Many things, Ameyuri-san."

Ryouta's straight answer made Ameyuri cock her eyebrows upwards.

"Hmph, you'll never know how it feels to be truly lonely. You'll never understand."

Ameyuri was sure on this, she was sure that Ryouta didn't understand the meaning of loneliness, but she was wrong.

"I do know what it is like Ameyuri-san. When my Nii-chan 'died' I was extremely lonely, I wanted to die along with him. But by some miracle, he came back to me, and I got better. But when he was gone, I wish I could've been with him. Suicide was in my mind often, because not many people wanted me around, and I got accused of murdering my own Nii-chan for his eyes, and then I was blamed for driving my Otou-san to the brink of insanity. So, I do know what it is like to be lonely. I don't know why you are, but whatever it is, can get better."

Ameyuri scoffs at his words, but secretly was touched.

She wouldn't outright state it, but she was touched by his words, smirking at him as she casually admitted something that even surprises Ryouta, and herself.

"Be aware boy, your precious bridge builder is going to be targeted in six days from now. Myself, Zabuza, Ice user chick, and finally, a little guest has appeared as well to help. But be careful, the guy isn't exactly trustworthy."

The admission made Ryouta furrow his eyebrows.

"W-Why are you telling me this?"

Ameyuri giggled ever so slightly, pointing at him as if her hand was a gun, ready to fire.

"Because, I kinda like your attitude kid." She 'fired' the gun and walked forward, her eyes turning upwards. "It's my mission to kill ya, but I get the feeling that you wouldn't even care that you died, as long as others survived, so I thought that I would do something nice for a change, and tell ya this little tid-bit."

"B-But…"

Ryouta went to protest, but Ameyuri closed in, getting right in his face, surprising him at the speed she used. She leaned down, so she was face to face with him, putting hands on her blades. Sparks zapped from her hips, dancing along the ground.

Ryouta looked down at the ground, feeling the sparks of her blades. He went to pull away, but Ameyuri wouldn't allow it, moving so he couldn't get away, surprisingly showing a dirty smile on her face, holding up a single finger.

"This is a onetime deal, punk. Next time, I will come at you at full force, that is my mission. Because of your little sob story, I decided that killing ya now would be something pathetic from me, but when that day comes, I will take your life and get my reward. Don't be mistaken boy, I'm doing this for my benefit than yours. I want a challenge from you, I live for the challenge of a fight. I want to see what the Otouto of Shisui Uchiha can do. I've heard through the grape vine that you're talented, show me what that entails. Show me your strengths, and I will show you mine as well. Don't you think that's a good idea? Death through the ecstasy of fighting, feeling each other's Chakra blending together as you and I fight one another, don't you find this entertaining little man?"

Ryouta smiled weakly, trying his best to not show his fear right now.

"Y-Yes…I guess. And…thank you."

Ameyuri's eyebrows rose curiously.

"What are you thanking me for boy?"

Ryouta tilted his head to the side, showing a smile that even Ameyuri found to be adorable.

"For being kind and not killing me."

His smile made Ameyuri retreat immediately, her eyes blinking in quick succession.

"B-Baka." Ameyuri spluttered, moving backwards with a tinge of pink on her cheeks, holding a hand to her cheek softly, her eyes forever on the boy's face, not his eyes so she didn't get trapped in Genjutsu. "That's not something you should be thanking me for, baka boy. You're such an idiot…say, how old are you anyway?"

Ryou gulped when he saw that she looked pissed off again, but couldn't work out why.

"T-Twelve, why?"

Ameyuri's attitude suddenly changed again, picking him up by his shirt, holding him off the ground, growling in his face.

"Why are you so fucking adorable boy!? Seriously, how can you be this fucking cute you bastard!? You're only twelve and you speak like an adult yet have such a cute face that even I find myself wanting to cuddle it! I'm seriously pissed off right now boy, so you start speaking about why you are so fucking cute! Answer me child!"

"I-I don't know! Please don't hurt me!"

The blazing look in Ameyuri's eyes were enough to frighten him. He wanted to run away right now, but she wasn't going to allow this.

"You little punk! You best apologize right now!"

"I'm sorry!"

He did it so fast that Ameyuri was caught by surprise, but pressed on anyway.

"What are you sorry for specifically!?"

"B-Because I'm adorable and I speak like an adult! I'm scared, and I don't know what's happening all of a sudden! Please don't hurt me anymore! Please don't shout at me, I'm frightened!"

Ameyuri growled in his face, then dropped him to the ground, holding her nose in the air, but instead of anger on her face, she found herself smiling, and giggling at the same time.

"You're a freaky ass kid alright." Ryou pouted at that, but suddenly felt a hand touch his head, so he looked up to see the smiling Ameyuri, petting his head. "But I like ya kid. Sorry I've gotta kill you and all, but take comfort in the fact that I am gonna be sad about it."

Ryouta was torn about this. He wasn't sure if he should be happy or sad about this right now. Though from what he heard, it sounded that Ameyuri would genuinely be displeased with his death, showing that she does have humanity inside of her, a different side to the one that Ryouta had seen the previous time.

However, Ameyuri began taking off, walking away from him before he could even say anything.

He watched as his strange experience sunk into his mind, and then came to a conclusion about why Ameyuri was there.

She doubted her mission.

He didn't have proof of this, but something inside him is telling him that she is doubting him and wanted to see what Ryouta was like. He hoped that this was the case at least, he wanted to be sure that this was the case. But he had no real way of knowing this at all.

As she was about to disappear, she paused and turned towards him, giving him a wink.

"My swords, use lightning attacks."

"Huh?"

Ryouta gave a perplexed look towards her, unsure of if he heard correctly or not.

Ameyuri shook her head, placing a hand on the tree beside her, and using her other hand to touch her blades, delicately running her fingers across the top of them.

"My Lightning Kiba blades, they can cut through anything, and have the ability to use lightning in a variety of different ways. Just something to think about, perhaps wind would be able to do something, who knows. Though you could turn it around on me with water or something, but I doubt that you are smart enough to do something like that."

Even though she sounded as if she was mocking him, Ryouta took something else from him completely.

"A-Are you telling me your…"

"I'm only stating a fact that you should know child. If you don't know the basics of Nature Transformation, then you're going to be lost here. Ninja's need to know these things, don't you know? A little life lesson from an enemy, think of it like that. But I'm only doing it because I want a challenge, do not disappoint me Shisui Uchiha's Otouto. You're becoming quite interesting to me, I find myself wanting to face off against you in a death match, don't disappoint me now."

With that, Ameyuri took off and walked away, leaving Ryouta alone.

Once she had left, many conflicting feelings were going through him. He wasn't sure what was going on now. She confused him. He thought that she might've killed him upon hearing her voice, but she just talked, and even gave him advice in her own weird way.

He looked around to see if Haku was going to show up.

He waited for over an hour for her to turn up, but in the end, it seemed that she wasn't going to come. Disheartened, he went back to the little house of Tazuna's, even if he really did want to wait for Haku more, he knew that Shisui would be worrying about him soon and didn't want that to happen.

Getting half way there, he saw something out of the corner of his eye…Naruto.

He was still training, to this time. He blinked a few times, and walked closer towards him, seeing the dejected look on his face, and that made him adopt a small frown on his face. He didn't want to see Naruto look sad, so he went to cheer him up.

"Naruto-kun, what's going on?"

Naruto jumped at Ryouta's voice, fully alert.

He dropped his guard when he saw Ryouta, his face brightening up slightly.

"Ryou, why are you here? Time for dinner dattebayo?"

Ryouta smiled at the fact that Naruto was thinking about having dinner again, expecting him to act like that honestly, finding it infectious that he did something like that.

"I dunno." Ryou shrugged, guessing that it was about that time. "I was just, coming back when I saw you. So, what are you doing anyway?"

"Training to climb a tree. I just can't seem to get it, urgh! Shisui-sensei has taught me well, I just can't seem to do it! He's gonna be disappointed in me and isn't going to teach me cool Jutsu's!"

Ryouta's face turned to understanding as he saw how Naruto looked to be saddened, disheartened, and knew that he didn't want to see his friend that way, offering his help, the only way that a good friend, even best friend, could.

"Oh Naruto-kun, don't become upset. Learning to climb a tree takes time. Do you want me to help you?"

"How can you help me?"

It wasn't meant to sound cold, but it came off like that. It was just because Naruto was frustrated that he was the only person who didn't know how to do it. Ryou even knew this, and didn't let him deter him from helping his friend.

"Well, I can do many things to help you." He casually strolled to Naruto, and then walked past him, using his chakra to walk up the tree, looking down at Naruto. "Look, you have to use the right amount of chakra. Too much will push you away, and too little and you'll slide right off. Think of it like magnets, like you're pulling yourself to the tree, and can use that to walk up the tree."

Naruto tried his best to be understanding, but he knew it already. Shisui had explained it before, and even though he understood it, Shisui tried his best to explain what was what, and Naruto couldn't understand what he was doing wrong, even if he tried his best.

"I know that, but I can't get it right!"

"Well, then allow me to help you with the Sharingan then."

Naruto's cerulean blue eyes furrowed as Ryouta activated his Sharingan.

"How are your eyes going to help me?"

Naruto couldn't help but wonder, so Ryouta explained it to him, his eyes spinning slightly.

"I can use these to see chakra, Naruto-kun. While not as great as the Byakugan, I can see the flow of chakra, and how much is used. So, why don't I see where you're going wrong, and give you tips on how to improve?"

Hope entered Naruto's eyes, as he peered at the boy before him.

"R-Really!?"

Ryouta chuckled, jumping off the tree, landing behind him.

"Yes, that's right. I can do that. Shi-nii clone wouldn't of been able to do it for long, as it would've drained chakra and he needed to save some from the fight he had with me and Satsuki-chan just before. But I can do it for as long as you want Naruto-kun, I've got some chakra left for it."

"Hahahaha! You're truly a good friend! Now watch me and be amazed dattebayo!"

"I'm sure that I will be amazed Naruto-kun."

Ryouta took a seat on the ground, and watched Naruto.

Naruto ran at the tree, and began running up it.

He got a few centimetres off the ground, on the tree, but he was then forcibly ejected from it, hitting the ground with a heavy thudding sound. Ryou winced, and nodded to himself.

"You're putting way too much chakra into it Naruto-kun. It's not your fault though. With your levels of chakra, it would be difficult to control it, I am surprised you are able to control it as well as you can with the Shadow Clones and all. Even I had a similar problem when I was younger and tried to learn it."

"R-Really?"

Naruto couldn't quite believe his ears right now, yet at the same time he was glad, so he could even say that he and Ryou have some of the same problems.

Ryouta inclined his head in agreement.

"Yeah, I might not be overstocked with chakra like you, but I had the same problem. I always put in too much and always ended up being pushed off the tree, landing on the ground with hitting my head. It really hurt. So don't worry Naruto-kun, it happens to the best of us, and the worst of us as well. So, just try your best to lower your chakra. I know it is difficult, but if you're able to do it, I know that you'll be able to do it."

That was enough for Naruto to become happy, and knew that if Ryouta had trouble, then he shouldn't have to be so depressed, so he charged forward with the intent to make it known that he will be able to do it if he tries his best, something that Ryouta admires him for.

Naruto trained for a long time, and Ryouta kept giving him encouragement. He tried his best to climb the tree, and each time he did, he got higher and higher. It was partly thanks to the Sharingan, but Naruto wouldn't admit to his face, it was because Ryouta was watching him, making him push himself to become stronger and stronger, skilled, and more skilled. It was thanks to the rivalry that they shared that allowed Naruto to push past his usual limits, and allowed him to become stronger and better than he would be without Ryouta being in his life.

Eventually, Naruto passed out from overexerting himself, and Ryouta smiled at his triumphant friend, seeing how he pushed himself, admiring that about the blonde.

Quickly, he walked over to Naruto, and picked him up, carrying him on his shoulders and walked towards the house of Tazuna's.

It was late when Ryouta returned, and only Shisui remained awake, when stepping in the house. Shisui looked like he was going to say something about it, but when seeing the smile on Ryouta's face, knowing that they had bonded again, and found himself unable to hold a little anger in his face.

"You're back, huh."

Shisui noted, as Ryouta passed Naruto to Shisui, quickly using his speed to place Naruto in his room, and then return within a second or two at the most.

"Y-Yes, sorry about the lateness. Naruto-kun insisted that he should train and train until he can't stand anymore, and that's what he did. He's really trying his best to improve."

"Yeah, and Naruto-kun is improving all the time, he's a good boy. But Ryou, what's wrong with you? You seem to be a little, different."

Only Shisui would be able to deduce the subtle differences in his younger brother's face.

"Hmmm, yeah…I was, confronted by, Ameyuri-san."

Alarm bells immediately rang in Shisui's head, checking over his younger brother for wounds.

"G-Geez, don't come out with something like that Ryou! Are you alright!? Did she do anything!?"

Ryouta shook his head, his eyes looking into Shisui's own ones.

"She…I got the feeling that she just came to talk. She didn't really do anything, other than talk about things. And the weird thing was, she told me that she would be attacking in six days from now, with her, Zabuza-san, the Ice user-san and another person as well, though she didn't say who that was. She even told me about…she said that it was her mission to kill me, and said that she would even be sad about it. I get the feeling that Ameyuri-san is quite lonely, and has…gone down a dark path. She finds it entertaining to battle to the death, and wants to…I think she just wants to find someone who can fight her and give her something amazing. I think she just wants to feel something other than loneliness…or I could be wrong and she was trying to play mind games with me. But I don't think that's the case."

As Ryouta was explaining, Shisui's eyes widened ever so slightly, turning his head to the side.

"It's as the info from Itachi and Izumi-san said. So, even the enemy is telling Ryou this now, why? Why did she tell him this? And why didn't she try and kill him when they were alone together? She could've done, yet she didn't, I don't understand at all…unless, she wants something from Ryou…but what could that be? Could she just want a challenge…if that's the case, then she can fight me…but Zabuza-san is going to go for me, I'm almost certain…this is going to be difficult to do, I have to get him ready to face Ameyuri, even if he is only a Genin, he has to do it as well."

Shisui concluded this in his mind, as Ryouta tipped his head to the side.

"Shi-nii, is it possible that Ameyuri-san is truly lonely, and doesn't want to do her Ninja duties or mission or whatever?"

Shisui was brought out of his own musing, facing his little brother with a shrugging shoulder movement.

"I don't truly know. But don't forget, she is the enemy. Maybe this might sound cold, but you can't be kind and do something like show pity. I know it isn't like you to not show pity, but she is a ruthless killer. Like you, I want to see the good intentions of people, but she is known to be a good liar. I don't know why she wanted to do what she did, maybe to make it more fun to give you a good old mind…blowing experience. She just wants to play with you, Ryou. See the good in people, that's okay. But don't allow that too blind you in becoming a fighting force against her. She's the type to lower her opponents guard to do something like this."

Ryouta bowed his head, knowing his elder brother was right, though he didn't want to believe that Ameyuri did all that to just play around with him, to play with him and make him lower his guard. If she wanted to do that…why didn't she just kill him? He wasn't sure on why she didn't just do something like that…

Meanwhile, at the hideout with Ameyuri, the woman walked in, to only find Haku sat there. She didn't see Zabuza or anyone else, surprised by it.

"So, where's your Master girl? I presume he's being with the other one, maybe after Shisui again for being a lover maybe?"

Haku casually looked up, holding a small amount of animosity of hate for Ameyuri.

"Zabuza-sama is currently bathing, attempted to get his strength back. As for you, where did you go?"

"Well, I went to visit a certain raven haired boy. It was quite the enjoyable experience."

The way she said it, Haku didn't like it at all.

From her perspective, it sounded as if Ameyuri had done something to Ryouta, and she couldn't allow that to happen. She hated the fact that Ameyuri had found out about her meeting with Ryouta, and if something happened to him, she'd never forgive herself.

"If you've done anything to Ryouta-kun then…"

Ameyuri smirked, sitting down.

"Don't you worry about anything sweetheart. I haven't done anything to that boy. I didn't tell your Master about your meeting with the Uchiha brat, did I? Besides, I found some interesting things out from the boy. Heh, so this is the boy that you've chosen to place your hopes in, is it?"

"I will follow Zabuza-sama till the day that I die. I will always be his tool."

Ameyuri rolled her eyes at this, crossing her legs.

"I never said anything about that. I merely said that you're going to place your hope in the Uchiha. Good luck with that, the kid is a bleeding pacifist. Showing mercy, what kind of person does that? Your enemy is your enemy, you don't show them compassion."

"Being a pacifist is a strength, not a weakness, Ameyuri-san. It shows that Ryouta-kun is willing to see goodness in people. You think it is weak to show mercy, but it is a strength and a good character trait to show compassion and mercy to your enemy."

Ameyuri didn't believe that it was true, showing a dark smile on her face.

"That's good for you sweetie. Being a Ninja, means you have to close off your heart."

"It is the exact opposite to that. To be a truly great Ninja, you need to find something to protect, and do so with all of your heart."

Ameyuri shook her head, not believing it for an instant. But Haku did believe it very deeply, and she believed that Ryouta was the embodiment of what she thought a truly good Ninja should be, as opposed to what Ameyuri was thinking about. Though Haku was unaware that the meeting with Ryouta changed Ameyuri, but even Ameyuri wasn't sure on how that was right now.

The next day, Sakura and Ryouta were tasked with guarding Tazuna on the bridge. While Ryouta had his information from Ameyuri, and Shisui had his sources, they weren't going to take any chances, and were going to do what they needed to do for this.

Shisui said that he'd need to have Satsuki train a little bit so he was freed up to watch Tazuna together with Sakura, and he said that Sakura was coming along in training as well, which he found to be a good thing, knowing Sakura would be cool and strong.

"Seems like everything is going to plan, huh Sakura-chan?" Sakura looked towards Ryouta, but then winced when she felt her finger ache with pain again, trying her best to keep it disclosed from him, but he saw through her façade instantly. "Sakura-chan? Is there something wrong with your finger?"

He could tell there was something wrong with her, by the way that she held it. But she waved him off in concern.

"Don't worry about me Ryou-kun, I'm okay. I just got a little hurt while training yesterday, it isn't anything to-" At that moment, he took her hand tenderly, cupping the finger as Sakura's face turned bright red. "R-Ryou-kun…"

She could barely manage to get that out, her face turning bright red, a shade of pink dancing across her cheeks, a shy look matching a certain white eyed girl getting to Sakura right now, filling her up with new and interesting feelings.

While that happened, inner Sakura got in on the fun as well.

"Shannaro! He's doing it! He's going to confess to us right here and now! He's going to be dating us right now! He's going to confess his love for us! He's gonna make us his bride right now! That's the best ever! We're gonna be the best couple ever! We're going to be dating! Yes! This is it! We can't stop now! We're going to be the best ever!"

Sakura really hoped that was the case, her face turning bright red at the thought of Sakura and him being a couple, temporary forgetting the little pack she made with Satsuki, though it was in the back of her mind.

"Poor Sakura-chan, it is okay, I can heal this pain."

He briefly took his hands away from her finger, the girl pouting.

He waved through some hand signs, his eyes on Sakura's finger.

"W-What are you doing Ryou-kun?"

Sakura didn't know the hand signs, having never seen them before.

Ryouta finished them, and his hands glowed green. Sakura's eyes fluttered as the calm green chakra came into contact with her finger, and instantly, the pain began to vanish. She was stunned that it was going so quickly, having to wonder what he was doing.

"Ryou-kun…what is this exactly?"

"Healing." Ryouta replied, running his hand up and down the finger, Sakura blushing immensely. "Medical Ninjutsu. Izumi-nee taught me about this, and I've been able to use some. I'm not an expert or anything, but I can heal things like this."

"Izumi-san…oh, that girl that you…oh, her."

Sakura recalled the girl from childhood, silencing herself as she knew what kind of connection that Ryouta and her had, not wanting to bring up sadness for him.

"Yeah, it's Onee-chan that taught me how to do it. So, how is your finger Sakura-chan? Does it feel better now?"

Ryouta finished with Sakura's finger, and she flexed it, finding it that it was better than before.

"Wow, that's amazing. You're good with it. I wonder what it is like to use Medical Ninjutsu?"

"It is quite good. I don't have much of a talent for it though, but I would teach you about it if you want too?"

That got Sakura thinking. She got to thinking about being a Medical Ninja, and she couldn't say that it sucked. Though it was just a fleeting thought, she didn't think she'd have a talent for it, though at the same time, the thought was implanted into her head.

"Medical Ninja…Sakura Haruno. I like the sound of it."

Ryouta smiled a little bit, seeing the happiness on Sakura's face.

As they were talking, a man came over to Tazuna, and hung his head down.

"Tazuna-san, I'm sorry but I'm gonna have to quit."

The news hit Tazuna like a train, shock being etched onto his face.

"You, are gonna quit? Why?"

Even though he knew, Tazuna tried to make it so he didn't leave. He couldn't do it alone, and people were dwindling each and every day. He could see the fact that there were less people than the previous day around.

"Gato, he's going to come and kill people who are working on this. I don't want to lose my life, and I don't want to hurt my family. I'm sorry Tazuna, but I'm getting out of it. You should do the same. You need to take care of that daughter and grandson of yours. Working on this was a good idea, but Gato will kill you."

Before Tazuna had a chance to reply, the man walked off, leaving Tazuna stood there alone, growling under his breath.

Sakura and Ryouta looked at one another, both sharing the sadness that Tazuna was right now.

"People are just being scared, by leaving this project."

Sakura correctly, if not bluntly, deduced, Ryouta being able to agree, though disagree at the same time.

"It's natural to become scared. You want to run away if you feel danger, it's the same for everyone that isn't the one causing the fear that is. It isn't like we can blame them, they are trying to do this for their families. Running away is a natural response to danger. And they aren't Ninja's like us, they can't see that we're here to protect them. They don't have the training we have in controlling our fears, and fighting for what's right."

Sakura nodded in agreement too what Ryouta said, tipping her head to the side.

"But if everyone leaves, there's going to be no one to build the bridge."

"Yeah, that's the only problem. But Tazuna-san is still going to do it whether he's alone or with people like these."

Tazuna at that moment walked over to the pair, sighing.

"Seems like you Ninja might not be needed soon. If someone else leaves, we'll be way behind, and knowing Gato and his gang, he's going to be coming here and finishing us off. Not that I doubt you Ninja, but from the looks of it, even if you protect us, there are going to be problems if there's no one to help."

"That's a dilemma, huh Tazuna-san."

Sakura spoke her sadness, though Ryou stepped forward.

"Well, can't we do something here Tazuna-san?"

"What are you talking about, kid?"

Tazuna didn't understand, so Ryouta quickly took his building hat and put it on his head…which was too big and covered his eyes, Tazuna adopting a small smile on his face, while Sakura laughed together with Ryouta.

"W-Well, we're Ninja's and all, we could help you out with this as well as protect you. It won't change our protection of you if we help out with this. I mean, as long as it is okay with you Sakura-chan?"

Turning to Sakura, said girl agreed instantly. Partly it was because of the fact that she wanted to impress Ryouta, but at the same time, she wanted to help out as well, wanting to make sure that the bridge was built as well.

"That's right Tazuna-san, if we can be of help, then please use us!"

Tazuna briefly looked between the two Genin, ultimately he chuckled at the pair of them, their eager looking faces reminding him of his own grandson.

"Alright then, I'm gonna put you two to work. I am paying for your mission after all, got to work you both to the bone!"

""Okay!""

With that, Sakura and Ryouta got to work for Tazuna, and even though Sakura wanted to use this as a chance to get closer to Ryouta, she actually found it to be enjoyable as well, renewing her with the chance of helping that she desperately wanted to achieve for a while now, even without realizing this fact at all.

A little while later, Tazuna and Sakura along with Ryouta were walking through the streets of the Lave village and it was…very telling.

All around Ryouta could see that people were starving, hungry. They were just sat out in the roads, doing nothing but looking down with hopelessness. And the shops looked like they had seen better days. Rotting fish and other stuff was around. It was more of a ghost village than a village like Konoha.

It was very powerful to Ryou, he could barely contain his sadness for the people around, Sakura was on the same boat.

Ryouta could see that his own life wasn't so bad compared to this, though he still remembered the fact that he did suffer as well, but he didn't suffer starvation, and had pity for the people that was around, determined to make sure that he did something about this, knowing that Naruto would be the same as him.

However, there are some people that are walking past Sakura, and Ryouta caught someone trying to steal her money, but before they could touch her, Ryouta grabbed their wrist, stopping them from stealing from her.

"I realize you're in poverty, but there's no reason to steal from a young girl, is there?"

Sakura only realized that this was happening as Ryouta spoke, turning to see him holding a grown mans wrist.

The grown man growled, and pushed away from Ryouta, walking away hastily.

"That man tried to steal from me huh…and Ryou-kun stopped him."

Sakura had an appreciative look in her eyes, but he merely smiled.

"I'm sorry about that, they are desperate. Please don't blame them for this."

In contrast to how he usually is, Tazuna seemed genuinely depressed right now, horrified by the actions of the man that tried to steal from Sakura.

"Ah, I see. Don't worry Tazuna-san, desperate times sometimes questions your own morals, don't they?"

"Yes, it is as you say, it does bring your morals into question."

At that, they continued walking together. Some people tried to steal from Sakura, but Ryouta stopped all of their advances, Sakura being somewhat fangirl about it and wanted to kiss Ryouta, but held herself back. Tazuna kept showing more and more disgust for what his people were doing, yet at the same time was glad that Ryou and Sakura were understanding people and didn't hold it against the Wave to do what they did.

As they walked, Sakura noticed a little girl walking up to them. She became wary of this girl and thought that she was going to try and steal from her, like others have been. But was surprised when she saw that she just stood beside her, allowing them to pass respectfully.

Seeing her like that, Sakura couldn't stand it, going towards her, and produced some candy that she had with her.

"Here you go. Don't worry, you can have this."

Ryouta watched on, impressed and amazed with Sakura's kindness as the little girl took the candy hesitantly, running off to share it with her friends, and family from the looks of things.

Sakura returned to Ryouta's side, seeing his eyes on her.

"I-Is something wrong Ryou-kun?"

"N-Not at all, you just took me by a pleasant surprise is all. That was kind, giving that girl your candy."

"W-Well, it's nothing really. It's only candy, I just wish that I could do more."

Sakura spoke modestly, then felt Ryouta overlapping a hand over her own, taking her hand softly. Sakura immediately felt like she was going to melt from the feeling of his fingers on her, wishing that he'd always hold her hand.

"And you are doing more. We're doing a good thing Sakura-chan, helping with the bridge. Together, we'll be able to do something amazing."

Sakura blushed brightly, merely able to nod her head in agreement.

"R-Right, yes…you're right Ryou-kun."

He allowed a soft chortle escaped his lips, and together, they walked with Tazuna to help him gather ingredients for dinner.

At dinner, everyone was eating peacefully. Tsunami and Shisui kept sharing looks, which Kakashi noticed, and found it quite funny, though he had to think about the fact that there was also the ramen shop worker back in Konoha, and knew that there could be a somewhat rivalry.

Naruto was eating a lot of food, while Ryouta was eating very little food. Satsuki and Sai kept staring at one another. It was more of a glare from Satsuki than it was from Sai, Sai being the type that didn't know how to really glare.

Hanabi was next to Ryouta, and quietly was eating her own food, contemplating her training, not bothering to engage in what she thought was childish between Sai and Satsuki, though she wasn't going to say anything vocally about this.

Sakura looked around and then noticed something looked wrong with Inari, deciding to voice her worries.

"So, why are you staring at that photo Inari-san? You've been staring at that for a while now. Are you okay?"

Sakura wondered as she looked to the wall at the family photo, which is torn so that a person's face and upper body are gone.

"S-Shut up! It isn't any of your business!"

Angered suddenly, Inari leaves the table, making Tsunami chase after him, shouting "Wait up!" but the boy didn't care, leaving without even answering. Sakura looked stunned, and thought that she had done something wrong, she only wanted to know.

"Ugh…I'm sorry, Tazuna-san, I didn't mean to make him upset."

Bowing her head towards the eldest man on the table, said man waved a hand at her, lifting her fears away from her heart.

"I'm sorry about my Grandson, he's been through a lot. Don't worry Sakura, it isn't your fault at all."

Tazuna reassured, Hanabi cocking her eyebrow upwards.

"So, what's going on with him then? Why did he get so angry then? Sakura didn't really ask that big of a question, did she?"

Even Hanabi couldn't deny the fact that Sakura didn't do anything this time. It was as if he was angry at Sakura even mentioning the photo, though she didn't seem to understand why. To her, and the others, it looked as if he was just overreacting.

Tazuna then explains about it, pointing to the picture that Inari was getting angry about.

"The man torn from the picture, is named Kaiza and he was once a hero in the Land of Waves and Inari's stepfather. A travelling fisherman, he initially met Inari after saving him from drowning, and Inari came to rely on him heavily to the point where he wouldn't stand up for himself. He became revered as a hero when he single-handedly saved a large portion of the village from a flood. However, when Gato arrived, he had Kaiza killed in an attempt to destroy the hope of the land, a strategy that sadly succeeded and traumatised Inari. It was sad for Inari, he couldn't ever get over it."

As he spoke his story, Shisui and Ryouta looked down, remembering a shared thing from their past.

Satsuki also recalled the fact that her clan was wiped out, and was deeply saddened by it, but then she remembered the boy next to her, and it made her smile.

Hanabi recalled her own family, and how her father spoke with her sister, and though wasn't as bad as how Kaiza was killed, she couldn't help but think of it.

Sai didn't seem to be really moved by the story though, as that was because she didn't have real emotions, besides ones for Ryouta, and this wasn't anything to do with Ryouta.

Kakashi didn't say anything, his mask hiding what he was really feeling at this moment in time.

Moved by the story, Naruto decided something in his mind, putting his fist in the air.

"Heh, heroes still exist here, because I'm gonna be the greatest Hokage! He will then have to know that heroes are real when he sees me becoming a strong Ninja dattebayo!"

Naruto declared it loudly, drawing a smile from Shisui and Ryouta, both of the brothers supporting the boy with his goal. The others weren't too convinced with Naruto, but the Uchiha brothers knew Naruto, and they knew that there was something about the look in Naruto's eyes, telling them that he is going to succeed.

At night, Ryouta was quietly walking through the corridors, ready to go to bed, rubbing his eyes softly. The darkness of the night was prevalent, the moon being high in the sky.

That's when he heard something, a sob escaping a room that belonged to Inari.

Cautiously, he looked to see the door was slightly open, so he looked in to see if the child was alright.

Inside of the room, he could see that Inari was sobbing over a picture of who he presumed to be Kaiza, and saw the pain that he had when he lost Shisui before the Uchiha incident, and could tell how much in pain the boy really was.

"Don't worry Inari-san, Naruto-kun said he's gonna show you that there are heroes in the world, I'm sure he'll succeed. Don't give up now, Inari-san."

With those thoughts, Ryouta was about to move, when he noticed that Sakura came out of the room she shared with Hanabi, and noticed Ryouta, giving him a small smile.

"Ryou-kun, what are you doing up this late?"

Possibly because she didn't expect him, she was baffled by why he was out so late.

Ryou gave a small smile, moving away from Inari's bedroom, getting closer to Sakura.

"Just thinking about things, is all. Just heading to bed now, actually."

"O-Oh, that's right?"

He nodded, then adopted a kind smile.

"Sakura-chan, whatever happens now, with the bridge and all, I will protect you."

Saying them strongly, Sakura's face turned many shades of red.

"R-Ryou-kun...t-to suddenly say that..."

Like a certain white eyed girl back in the Leaf, Sakura poked her fingers together shyly, unable to do anything else under the intense gaze of the raven haired boy.

"It will be dangerous, you know? It isn't like the Academy, it is a real fight, and there's a possibility of death."

He wasn't trying to scare her, he was only worried for her, he didn't want Sakura to die, he liked her quite a lot, and unlike Naruto, Sakura was the type that might give into her fears, like he was once upon a time, and the same when Hanabi was too frightened to move. He only wanted to make sure that Sakura didn't die.

"I-I know...don't worry, I am prepared."

She said it with a slight stutter, but a determined face, which caused Ryouta to smile.

"That's wonderful Sakura-chan, I am glad that you said it like that. Don't worry, we'll just have to do our best. That's all we can do now, right?"

"Hehe, yeah~ That's right~"

Her singsong voice relieved his heart, even if only a little, having to worry about her a little less.

He moved closer, and gently kissed her on the cheek, smiling softly at her, her face blushing up a mad storm.

"Y-You kissed my cheek..."

She was bewildered by the experience. She wished that it was on the lips, but on the cheek was more than she had received before, to her recollection at this moment in time. She could barely think straight right now, the feeling of his soft lips lingering on her cheek, and in her soul as well, her green eyes focused on the boy with onyx eyes.

"Ehehe, was it weird? I thought that you might've liked it. Sorry if I offended you."

"No, no, no, no, no!" She panicked and spluttered out a little and waved her hands around dramatically. "P-Please don't say that! I-It d-didn't offend me a-at all! I-I am r-relieved t-that you like me like that as well! I-I mean, o-of course S-Satsuki m-might be a-angry but I-I really liked it R-Ryou-kun!"

She hated that she was a spluttering mess right now, and didn't know what to even say right now.

Ryou found it cute that she was becoming so hyper all of a sudden, a character trait he found very endearing.

"Don't worry, I won't allow Satsuki-chan to do anything to you. Goodnight Sakura-chan, enjoy your night."

Sakura nodded, unable to say anything.

Ryouta went back to his room, and immediately saw Shisui passed out, and smiled, finding it nice how he could relax so easily. He even saw that Naruto was the same way, just relaxing himself like Shisui was, passed out and dead to the world, something that he could admire as right now, his heart did flips in his chest.

Laying down in his bed, he looked at the roof as a flash of determined to help the Wave now more than ever crossed his eyes, determined to help Wave anyway that he possibly could, readying himself to face Ameyuri again, though held out some hope that she does come to her senses, and doesn't want to kill him. Even if it was foolish and naive, Ryouta liked seeing the good in people, and just for a brief glimpse of it, he saw it inside of Ameyuri, and he was going to hope that it breaks through before it was too late.

End chapter! It has been a little while, hasn't it? Due to my computer breaking and losing quite a few files (including this chapter which I had to write all over again and it was a real pain to write due to previous stated problem) it has been quite hard to get the stories I have chapters waiting for up, but here we are with this chapter!

A little intermission type chapter between action, yet some bonding moments, even Ameyuri surprisingly. Just what is she thinking now? Satsuki has the Sharingan now, and together with Ryouta, they are learning things together as are others. How she reawakened it, I took a page from how Sarada Uchiha awakened her Sharingan, by overwhelming joy and such, since it has been shown with her that it can awaken that way from several sources I looked up, and I thought that it would be a nice way for her to awaken it again.

Ryouta; Satsuki, Haku (fem), Karin, Sakura, Hanabi, Tsunade, Anko, Mikoto, Ino, Gaara (fem), Kurotsuchi, Samui, Fu, Sai (fem), Tsume, Hana, Yukimaru (fem). (WIP).