Chapter 43

"Eyes that reflect the soul...", his voice was calm as the peaceful stream. "...that phenomenon is what we call the Seiryuugan."

The child in his arms blinked her eyes innocently before stuffing her small head inside his robe.

He gave a gentle smile, his fingers combing through the girl's hair. "Are you listening Asuna?"

The child playfully nodded her head even though she didn't really understood anything he've said. "Yup!"

A long sigh escaped his lips before staring at the brown-haired child's gold eyes. He raised an eyebrow when Asuna tilted her head to the side in confusion.

"Chichiue...when will I awaken the clan's dojutsu?"

His eyes snapped wide open, his grip tightening.

"My dear child, I would cry tears of joy if that day will never come."

"Why?"

The smile on his face disappeared and was replaced with a wretching anxiety.

"Because Seiryuugan can only be awakened...", he started as the pattern in his eyes shapeshifts into three blue circles. Each one slowly vanishing and when the three seals completely faded, his blue pupils began to glow red in the middle of his gold eyes, his sclera that used to be white became black.

"...through vanquished love and severed hope...in other words...betrayal..."

Asuna pursed her lips as she puff her cheeks, not one word entering her innocent mind. She flinched slightly when his glowing red-golden eyes bore through her orbs.

"Listen Asuna...", how he wished his child would stay happy forever. "If they broke your trust first, that is their mistake. But, if they broke it twice, its your mistake for trusting them again."

A silent atnosphere lingered in between them before it was broken.

"I get it! Chichiue!"

He stood up, holding the girl by his right arm. "Shall we go for a walk? It's a good weather today."

"Sure! Hehe!"

He began taking small strides outside the chambers, admiring the green field, filled with velvety flowers together with his daughter.

He pluck a flower along the way, attaching it on the girl's hair, complimenting her small face. His youngest child grinned ear to ear as red tints adorn her cheeks.

By the wrinkles on his face, one would say he had aged a decade from the stress building up inside him. His pale complexion and the dark bags hiding underneath his eyes that he covered with a smile wasn't left unnoticeable by his child.

She outstretched her small hands and place them upon her father's cheeks. "Chichiue, you must rest or you will age faster!"

An amused chuckle escaped his lips. "Hai, hai, hime-sama."

Asuna laughed heartedly at what her father called her. No matter how many years she haven't heard his voice, she could still remember it exactly engraved on her blood.

And yet for some reason, she couldn't recall his face. All she sees were his golden bloody eyes that were hiding something beneath his smile.

Naruto clenched his fists in worry as Tsunade placed her glowing hand on top of the unconcious girl, healing her in the process. She's been out for a whole week and haven't shown any signs of waking up.

Her eyelashes fluttered lightly, her brows creasing in the process before she slowly opened her eyes, moving her gaze towards the gambler. "Chichiue...?"

Tsunade placed her hands on her hips before giving a tired sigh. "I'm not your father brat."

Lhexi's clouded sight slowly became clear before she immediately recognized the woman who just treated her.

"Looks like my job here is done. For Kami's sake, you brats are all troublesome.", she turned to Naruto who indiscreetly jumped towards the girl quickly wrapping his arms for an embrace.

"What were you doing konoyaro?! You almost died, ttebayo!"

Her eyes quivered at the warm scent of the sun on her cold body. She lightly squeezed her hand on his clothes, the familiar sensation overflowing inside her.

"Naruto, give her some space atleast. She just woke up."

Lhexi's ears perked up the low voice of none other than Sasuke who couldn't seem to face her. He was standing on the doorway, his back leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, glaring outside the door.

"Shut up. I know.", Naruto begrudgingly let go of Lhexi and Tsunade smirked on the other side of the room.

'So it's that girl, huh? Not bad. Naruto really scored a pretty one here.'

"Let's go have some ramen later!", he excitedly pumped his fist only to be hand chopped by Tsunade. "Ouch! What was that for, obaa-chan?!"

"I hate to say it but, she can't eat unhealthy food when she just woke up, brat."

Naruto pouted his lips, annoyed and devastated.

The funny sight infront of Lhexi, brought a smile to her face that didn't go unnoticed by the raven haired boy who side glanced at her.

He gritted his teeth as he clench his fists once he looked away from her. He couldn't face her, he couldn't show up infront of her acting mighty and cocky after failing to protect her.

He hated to admit it but, the current him was weak. And more than that, Naruto out of all people was getting ahead of him at a terrifying speed. It won't be long before he would be completely outclassed by the blonde.

"Oi, Naruto...! Follow me.", he ordered before he stormed off outside the room.

"What's wrong with him?", Naruto whispered as he scratch the back of his hair. "Follow him? That teme is really getting on my nerves lately."

He moved back to Lhexi's side, a grin appearing on his face. "Gomen Lhexi-chan. I'll treat you to ramen once you get discharged. I'll teach that teme first."

She nodded her head, a soundless laugh escaping her mouth as she watch the yellow blob of happiness ran outside almost forgetting about the other woman inside the room.

"Hey brat."

She moved her violet eyes towards the blonde and busty woman, her gaze locked on her breasts that are considerably bigger than anything she've seen.

"I've heard from Kakashi that you partially healed him a week ago. Thanks to you, I didn't have to do much."

She blinked her eyes curtly nodding her head, unintentionally.

"Seems like that guy almost crushed your throat. I already healed your vocal chords but, refrain from talking. Don't worry, that would be only until tomorrow."

Lhexi stared at the white ceiling above her, blinking her eyes as she recalls the events the past week. She was weak against Itachi, she couldn't even put up a decent fight.

"My job here is done. I'll get going now. Jane, gaki."

She gave the older woman a silent response as Tsunade left the room. As soon as the door swiveled close, she was all alone once again. She sat up, quickly and harshly removing the needles attached to her in one swift motion.

She combed through her locks before stretching her arms out releasing an audible groan after hearing her bones popping. She caressed her neck, letting out small sounds.

"Ah. Ah..."

She rested her arm on her knee as she plans things carefully.

Given the current circumstances, she needs to leave the village as quickly as possible before she gets entangled up with the Akatsuki. And judging by her abilities, she was still far from completely obliterating the whole village. Her job here is done and it's time for her to leave.

Well, it's not like Asuna and her made a promise. She doesn't even know if they even became friends at some point, they were partners in crime and that's it. Although, the lingering emotion throbbing in her heart every time she remembers the girl was painful for reasons unknown.

She looked outside the window, before standing up on the cold floor walking towards it. She slid the window open, letting the cool wind brash against her skin before sitting on the sill.

She leaned her head against the wooden plank, her lips curling up in satisfaction at what was transpiring. Her vision had always been clear, that she could witness the fight of the two boys like a movie from across several buildings.

She clicked her tongue, wishing she was eating some popcorn right now, while watching her friends kill each other. She narrowed her eyes at the intuition of someone silently breaking into her room before leaving at the same moment.

She looked back on the table beside her bed, a letter lying on top. She grabbed ahold of it, reading the contents.

Headquarters

480.

Her eyes left the paper as it burns into ashes. She held her shoulder where a red spiral tattoo that resembled the emblem of the will of fire was present.

She heard two sets of explosions, her expression unreadable as she glances outside the window one last time before leaving the hospital unannounced.

The sky was already dark when the girl retired from her training, she was in full gear when she attached the boar mask on her face ready for the meeting that was commencing in twenty minutes.

She run on top of the rooftops, jumping from one to another, her arms flinging back in the process. Her eyes moved side to side before she jumped into an empty building that was being renovated at the moment.

She walked towards a clear area that are only filled with rubbish and piles of debris. She turned her heels around facing the other side of the vast empty space.

"Do I have to call your names before you reveal yourselves?"

Her voice was ugly, like claws scratching a metal plate. It was horrible to the ears even for herself.

"Man, your voice sounds creepy...!", her eyes darted from the long-haired teen making his way from the dark. His hair was tied up like Iruka's.

"Is it really this woman, Orochimaru-sama wants?", another person talked, the light barely letting her red hair get revealed. "Kimimaro has much potential than this one."

"Shut up Tayuya. Do not question Orochimaru-sama's decision.", this time a two headed male walked out from behind the long haired one. "And Kidomaru, do not agitate this person. No matter what she looks like, she is a valuable vessel to Orochimaru-sama."

"I hope you already understood what we meant. If not, I will gladly enlighten you. Orochimaru-sama instructed us to take you to him. You only have one option and that is gladly accept out offer.", he spread his arms out as his lips quivered to a smirk.

"If I refuse, will you force me?", she asked unmoving.

"That goes out of the question, of course."

Her half-lidded eyes glanced to the three people in front of her.

"Oi, woman. Don't stand there diddling! Just hurry up and move your ass already!", Tayuya hissed as she grits her teeth in annoyance at the girl who just stood still.

"Oh? Was I supposed to follow you? And its bad manners not to introduce yourself first.", she taunted tilting her head to the side. "But, there's no need for that. Sakkon-kun, that person attached to you must be Ukkon-san. It must be great for twins to be in the same body. I can understand what you feel, hm."

The three tensed up, their hands an inch away from grabbing their weapons.

"There should be four of you excluding Ukkon-san, correct?", her voice was raspy that it was unbearable for Lhexi herself. "That way, the whole Sound Four would be complete.", she smiled underneath her mask at the chakra signature that was above her.

The largely build orange-haired man suddenly jumped from high above, before he pulled his right arm slamming his fist on top of the girl, cracking a small crater underneath. The whole room was covered in dust.

"Oi! Don't just appear out of nowhere, you bastard!", Tayuya yelled pointing her finger on the taller male.

"Are you talking about me?", the male asked, the dust slowly clearing away revealing only a crater, the girl who was supposed to be there was gone.

"You must be Jirobo-san, desu yo ne?"

He flinched as he noticed the blade right underneath his jaw, beside his neck. The girl was standing on his back, her katana unsheathed.

'What is the meaning of this? I didn't even feel her presence!'

Lhexi eye smiled, her sword reflecting the light of the moon.

"It would be devastating for you if I slash your head right now. But, that's for the best for me, right?", she twisted the handle of her katana, a bid of sweat dripping down the male's chin. "Then sayonara, Jirobo-san, it was nice meeting you."

Jirobo, despite his huge form was able to twist his body and jumped away letting himself be freed from her clutches.

Lhexi blinked her eyes at the Sound Four simultaneously attacking her.

"It's getting late. Might as well finish this quickly."

Four of them surrounded her as she backflip into the air, her hands casting hand signs.

"Too late!", Tayuya yelled as she flips out her flute, blowing music.

"Hidden Art: Sacred Moon Claws."

A strange light enveloped the whole room, blinding everyone's eyes except for Lhexi who landed gracefully on her foot, slowly letting her other foot down. She stood on top of a destroyed statue, her cloak flowing like waterfalls.

Dust were lying still in the air, not moving, frozen in place, the walls and the floor covered with frost. The Sound Four were trapped in their own place, like they were floating above the ground. Their bodies were wrapped with a transparent cold solid where it was impossible to move a single muscle and they could feel their strength being sucked away with each second that pass.

"Oh my, look at the time. It's almost past curfew, make sure you get home before you get caught, alright?", she giggled with her own jokes as she walks away.

'That bitch!'

Lhexi calmly trek the dark halls, her purple eyes catching the form of another who was also wearing the same black cloak with a different mask.

"It's been a while. Lhexi-chan.", the man appeared behind Lhexi to her annoyance.

Grey eyes were underneath the fox mask as he leans beside her ear.

"It's you again. Sorry but, I don't have time for you right now.", she continued on her march not looking back.

"You're so cruel, Lhexi-chan.", he placed one of his hand on his hips as he watches her form. "Mah. A Ryuugaime is a kunoichi of the Hidden Leaf. How do you think will these people react? Especially Kyuuji, the man who slaughtered your clan."

Lhexi stopped on her tracks, much to the man's pleasure. She turned around, an ominous aura surrounding her small stature. She tilted her head to the side.

"I was wondering who the hell you are but, now I'm sure."

The man raised an eyebrow. "Oh, that's interesting. Let's hear it."

"Just tell Orochimaru, there's no need to rush things. I'll go to him myself.", she turned around before stopping. "And Kabuto..."

The grey-haired man flinched, his eyes widening before he grinned.

"Your henchmen might need a little help."

"Thanks for the worry...Lhexi-chan."

"And...", she stopped midway. "A warning for you.", she moved her head over her shoulder, her eyes flashing gold. "Don't ever call me by that name."

A surge of fear blast through his spine, he couldn't move an inch. His eyes were wide awake, sweat dribbling down his forehead. He was unable to breathe from the pressure alone.

The girl blinked her eyes bored, getting out of the building in an instant. She clutched her chest, the stress finally coming down on her.

She doesn't even know if she could fight the Sound Four in their cursed state toe to toe. She was only able to get away because, she was fast enough to cast that ninjutsu.

But, sadly she doesn't have time to act scared.

She arrived on her one knee, beside the numerous ANBU who were present. She was probably the youngest among them.

She felt the imminent stare behind her, a familiar ruckus surging through her skin.

Tenzo watched the movements of the girl in front of her. Despite her cloak and mask, he was able to distinguish her among the rest because there was only one particular talented 13-year-old who is selected.

He moved his gaze down to prevent suspicion as Lhexi held her breath. Danzo's presence set the already cold atmosphere darker.

"Find the traitor Fukunaga Mabushi and bring his head to me."

Everyone in the room gave a silent nod before disappearing into the wind and all was left was the Boar masked child.

"I have another mission for you. Gather intel about Uchiha Itachi and send me reports on his whereabouts.", he tapped his cane on the tile below him. "That treacherous man...we don't know what he is up to, revealing himself after five years. All the men I have sent after him have already been killed. Be careful not to end up like them."

"Understood."

Lhexi arrived back on her hospital bed, wearing clean t-shirt and black trousers.

"Uchiha Itachi...huh?"

She fiddled with her fingers playing with the strands of her jet-black hair. She rested on her side, placing her hand on her throat as her eyes slowly close, sleep overtaking her consciousness.

The sun was up when she found Kakashi in her room together with the two boys glaring at each other.

"Sorry for the intrusion, Lhexi.", Kakashi raised his hand as he held back Naruto from attacking Sasuke. "These two recently fought so, I was wondering if you could help them get along."

Lhexi pointed at herself and Kakashi nodded in return.

"I will never get along with this bastard!", Naruto yelled. "He started the whole fight ttebayo!"

"Humph. Come to me if you want another round, dobe."

"What'd you say??!"

Kakashi got in between them. "Mah mah. Calm down, you two."

The two continuously bicker among each other as Kakashi sweat dropped. Lhexi's hand covered her mouth as her shoulders tingle a little. A small giggle escaped from her lips catching the three's attention.

They watched with wide eyes as Lhexi wipe the tears welling up on the corner of her eyes as she let out giggles. Naruto and Sasuke stopped bickering as red tints dust their cheeks.

"Ah- Gomen, g-gomen. Pfft...!"

'Cute...'

The two boys were all silent as they blush in embarrassment watching the only girl in the room laugh at their childishness.

She placed her hands on the sheets behind he back before shrugging her shoulders after letting out a content sigh. "It's alright to fight sometimes, you know."

Sasuke and Naruto stared at her, eyebrows raised.

"We're ninjas but, it doesn't changes the fact that we're still kids. I believe it's better if we let out our sentiment sometimes. And there are problems that could only be solved by exchanging fists.", she looked at the raven-haired Uchiha exhibiting a smile. "Sasuke, you must be frustrated, right?"

Kakashi observed Sasuke who suddenly looked away.

"Being beaten doesn't really mean you're weak. It just states that you have more room to grow and don't rush things. There's a specific time and place for everything. If things get tough, shouldn't you be asking for advice?", his shoulders tensed up a little, clenching his jaw. "But, for you it must be a matter of pride if you ask for help. However, that's the bravest thing you can do right now. That's what adults are for, to help out the younger generation."

"Right, sensei?"

Kakashi directed his single eye at Lhexi. Inwardly bewildered. She was too mature for her age. To be truthful, putting his two students in the same room together with Lhexi was the first plan. If things don't go well, he would have to initiate things with his own hands.

He already expected that it wouldn't go smoothly but, the fact that she was able to easily calm the two dorks with simple words was relieving. Isn't she acting more like the real sensei here?

'Sasuke is not someone who is easily moved by words despite how flowery it sounds. Most probably, its because of the respect and trust he has for Lhexi that he doesn't refute her the slightest. Naruto on the other hand, is a little different. Being best friends with Lhexi was probably the main reason he's listening silently and not talking back. It's all great and I'm grateful for that but...'

He narrowed his single eye at Lhexi.

'...sadly, to my disappointment, she's not someone I can trust just yet. I need to find out, what she's hiding behind that innocent smile.'

A/N

AYO! SCHOOL SUCKS!

I'll try to finish the following chapters ASAP.

Bear with me peeps.