Chapter shout out! AtNightWeLieAwake (my very own sister XD), Kaykeigh236, haruko_nadeshiko, Loveryon, ItsMeSoulEvans33, and Minty1322.

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June 5th

Well, I guess you could say that my last nine days since I 'came back' to the Village have been eventful. Not the class, though. I tend to just doze off or stare off into space during it, and I know that Iruka understands why, but he should really stop throwing pieces of chalk at me when I do. It's getting a little annoying having to pick chalk out of my hair every day.

And I found out it's going to be a lot harder to try and watch over Naruto. He is alone like I thought he was, but what I didn't know was how much he was hated for what was in him. I've tried to play the 'naïve new girl' and befriend him, but the moment we get out of class he closes off, and the only time he doesn't is when he asks if I want to go and get some ramen, which I always have to turn him down because I don't want everyone in the village to see that I am back right now. I'm risking it enough by walking to class every day. And if I traveled by rooftop, that would cause even more unwanted attention.

Besides the two of them, Scarface and Naruto, I've come to dislike almost everyone else of my class. Well, besides the three boys who them to always get themselves in trouble with Naruto, like all sleeping during lectures, pulling off pranks, or ditching class. Oh and the guy with the huge collared jacket and round sunglasses. Can't really hate a guy who only keeps to himself as well as the shy Hyuuga girl. She doesn't say much, but when every I partner up with her she smiles softly and asked harmless questions. What I have noticed is that she goes extremely red whenever Naruto is around.

Besides them, I'm not really a fan of anyone else in the room. I don't understand what's wrong with the guys, had they not seen a girl with red hair and amber eyes before?? ... Okay, dumb question, but the stares are still not pleasant when you're trying to be as invisible as possible. The rest of the girls I guess you could alright but scary when agitated. After my first day a flock of them came up to me lead by a blonde and Pinkett (who I've notice constantly fight with each other) and them told me to 'stay away from their Sasuke-kun' the boy that I thought was Obito that morning by the K.I.A. stone and IS an Uchiha, though his sulking and cold eyes gave away what half of the clan he is from.

I've been talking with Gramps daily after school, catching up on everything I've missed and things that I need to know about, and slowly I'm getting used to the idea of being in this time. They seem to have a better protocol and training regime than before, plus there wasn't been a war since the last, tension yes, but no war. To stay hidden I've been staying that gramps own house, but only at night because the rest of the Sarutobi household stay there as well. Some nights I end up sleeping in a tree or at the K.I.A. stone if I was out too late training.

But Gramps has been really amazing, letting me stay at his home, giving me money to buy my food, and after he saw my old torn clan clothes. An identical set, which I have yet to wear because we both agreed to wasn't very smart to wear them yet. For now, I'm just wearing a blue top tank with a purple three-quarter shirt underneath that still showed my midriff, so I wear netting under it all to cover the rest and simple black pants. I laughed when grandpa showed them to me because they were still in my clan's colours. And grandpa insisted that I wear my hair in a braid, though it's a little annoying seeing I'm so used to having my hair down, he said something about 'letting people see my face'... Which kinda contradicts what we are doing, but it doesn't look that bad.

Oh, and what's with all these kids being around eleven years old?! I know I'm already two years older than all of them, but when I was originally at the academy most kids graduated at the age of nine!! But apparently you have to be a protege to graduate that young... Or that it was just because the war was going on when I was a child and they needed more shinobis... Yeah, probably that. Oh, and as well, apparently this 'Sasuke' guy is a protege BUT he still hasn't graduated! I get a small laugh out of that. That and how many times Naruto goes off yelling at him, saying how uncool the Uchiha is, which I have to agree with him.

I looked down at what I had written for the day, and I couldn't help by small a little at the ending. The kids nowadays are so weak!

'That and very arrogant,' I thought, resting my chin in my palm as Iruka droned on about something I already knew about. I winced slightly, not enough to notice when my hand accidently put pressure on a sore spot near my mouth. 'Seems that if they can't put their money where their mouth is, they go crying to their chunin big brother.' I scoffed internally, sending an undisguised death glare to a certain boy who sits two rows in front of me, still making a huge fuss about his 'wound' and 'assassin' who gave it to him, but at the same time trying to look as cool as possible with all his friends, who have mutually agreed on pretending I don't exist. No one asked why either.

Gah, could he make it any further than the truth? And it's a simple cut on his cheek! 'But at least he hasn't told anyone about what I said...'

---Three days ago---

"Gees, could class go by any slower?" I asked with a sigh after Iruka dismissed the kids after a lesson on the nature of chakra. I love Scarface and all, but if I had to sit through another lesson like that I would end up dropping like a rock instead of just occasionally dozing off like I did today. Luckily next was some close combat taijutsu training, so at least I found have to fight to keep my eyes open, even though I might as well. Hell, that would be better than having to hold back as much as I have too!

'I wonder what Naruto has for lunch today... Probably ramen,' laughing slightly, I began to pack my things into my shoulder bag and grabbed the food I had bought for lunch. When I caught Naruto's eye I gave him a smile and a small wave, which he returned before beginning to stuff his things into his bag, a job that will take at least five minutes before he will give up and bag a good kick.

Laughing again, I return to pack my things in a semi-caring fashion, intending to finish up quickly and then going over to help Naruto, and more so save his bag from its daily abuse. I have nearly done when I was interrupted by someone clearing their throat beside me, clearly wanting my attention for some reason, so I let my eyes roam over whoever it was before frowning, and going back to packing my things.

"What do you want Kimisewa?" annoyance seeped in my voice. I may have only been here for six days, but his jerk had found a way onto my 'top ten assholes' list.

"Ah, ah, ah Kakureta-chan. How many times have I asked for you to call me Ryoke-kun? It's what all my friends call me." and that is how he managed to get on my list so fast, adding '-chan' to the end of my name, and expecting me to not only call him by his first name but with '-kun' tacked on. No thanks.

"And how many times do I have to tell you not to talk so informally with me and that we are not friends," I replied back, making my question really a statement. I narrowed my eyes as Ryoke clicked his tongue and grabbed on of my few remaining notebooks off my desk., making me look at him to retrieve it. His whole look screamed 'annoying rich kid with his common black hair gelled up in the front, matching eyes always looking down his nose, a permanent smug smile and clothes that are probably never even worn twice!

'Remind me why this kid is trying to be a shinobi again?'

"Oh come one Kakureta-chan, I'm sure if you give me a chance the two of us can become great friends," when he tried to make his voice go lower at the end I couldn't help but roll my eyes and yanked my notebook from his hands.

"Thanks, but no thanks Kimisewa. Something tells me that a friendship between us just won't work. Now if you excuse me," after stuffing the notebook into my bag I tried to shove past to leave, but he and two of his minions stepped in the way. Seeing that I was trying to be corralled I looked around discreetly, seeing that the only people left in the class were Ryoke, minion #1 and #2, Naruto, and myself. Naruto had just finished packing and saw that I was surrounded at my desk, looking worried and a bit confused.

When I was trying to figure out why Naruto was looking confused, Mr. Prissy noticed and looked back at Naruto as well, scoffing. "Ah, you were planning on hanging out with the dead last bumbling idiot again," sitting back casually in the corner of my desk, Ryoke looked back at me as his minion chuckled. "I hear that he has no parents and doesn't even have two ryo to rub together, always running to the Hokage for money, ha!" Ryoke was now looking at his nails as he laughed, and my fingers were starting to itch, wanted so bad to shut his trap. I knew that Naruto could hear every word that this trash was saying.

'Dammit! If only I didn't have to act so weak! I could have punched his lights out no sweat!' instead, I took a deep breath and uncurled my fingers, which I didn't know I had clenched.

"Hey Harmony, ya coming?" Naruto suddenly asked. In his voice, I could already hear the betrayal he felt, but I still waved him off, knowing that Ryoke couldn't possibly be done, and I didn't want Naruto to be around any longer to hear it.

"Yeah, Naruto. I'll be there in a few minutes. You go on ahead." Naruto looked at me and then at Ryoke before sighing.

"Yeah, I get it. See ya," he gave me a wide smile, one that I knew was fake before exiting the room, leaving me alone with the two idiots and their leader.

'Sorry Naruto.' I apologize in my mind as he last, but snapped my attention back to Ryoke, who was looking very smug.

"Good riddance is what I say. He's bad luck, and a loser," he scoffed yet again, and I glared.

"Well, I think he's very sweet, misjudged, and a unique person. Is he loud and hyperactive, yes, but very unique. He also tries to make everyone smile and does his best, unlike someone I know."

Ryoke pulled a face when I said that about Naruto. "You actually think he's cool?! Well, here's something about your friend that you didn't know about," he jumped off my desk, leaning towards me." My father says that he's cursed, a monster, a demon. And that when he was little his curse drove his parents and anyone who was close to him to all kill themselves. Why else do you think he's alone? Honestly, I don't know why he's been allowed to live as long as he has. I think our old coot of a Hokage should just get the ANBU and get rid of that pest."

Ryoke went on and on, and this time, I didn't bother unclenching my fists, though I fought to keep my fists at my sides and keep my face as neutral as possible. Couldn't let him see my rage.

"Really, me holding my hand out to you is your only salvation. You never know when you'll end up dead because of Naruto," it seemed like Ryoke was finished, leaning on the back of my chair, but he tacked the final straw on. "Oh, and you can't tell anyone about what I told you. Apparently it's all hush-hush, a village secret, even though everyone knows it already."

My covered left eye was now twitching, and I couldn't help but feel sick to my stomach.

'That... That lil' bastard! Screw being weak! He needs a good dose of fear so he what lines not to ever cross!' I screamed internally but then started laughing maniacally when I thought of the perfect way to get his guard down AND wound his pride.

I looked down for a few seconds, letting the shadows of my bangs cover my face, looking as if I was taking all what Ryoke said in, before looking up and giving him my best fake smile, making sure to hide my shaking hands behind my back. If anything, the pose that had to strike to do so made the act all that more believable.

"Really? That's all true?" Ryoke nodded triumphantly, and I looked back to the ground, as if ashamed this time. "Oh... I didn't know. Well, no I guess I should have known something was up with him. No one could be that kind and caring and still have no friends, no matter how obnoxiously loud he is.

Ryoke smirked in agreement when I looked back up at him, and the I 'shyly' looked side-to-side, before leaning closer to him.

"Because you were so kind to warn me about Naruto, and told me some pretty secretive things, so I guess I should return the favour," one of Ryoke eyebrows rose, but he leaned in closer, but motioned for his minions to back off when they began to lean in too. When he got close enough I whispered into his ear.

"You should really stop telling such trashy lies to someone who could kill you, especially when they already know the truth," after that I pushed him away with a bored look and picked up the bag I had left on my chair, ready to leave. "And I can hang out with whoever I want to. And Naruto? He's as harmless as a newborn compared to me."

I threw a flirty wink over my shoulder just to annoy him as I began to walk away, enjoying how red his face had gotten.

"See you in class Kimisewa," flicking my braid over my left shoulder, I turned my back to him, only to have my exit stopped by minion #1 placing his hand on my shoulder, and guessing by his grip, it was supposed to be painful.

"Just who in the hell do you think you are, huh? I hold my hand out to you, and that's how you repay me?! By threatening me?! You ungrateful bitch!" Ryoke exclaimed, and I couldn't help by smile sadistically.

'Bingo.' I grabbed the hand on my right shoulder with my left hand, pulling minion #1 closer, then slammed my foot on one if his. After that I elbowed his nose with my right when he was bent forward, all while still holding on with my left, and then to finish him off I threw him over my shoulder onto the floor, knocking the wind out of his lungs and leaving him dazed with a bloody nose.

Turning back around I had just enough time to duck under minion #2's punch, and then returned the favor by introducing my own fist to his chin. As minion #2 was moving to the side from the force of my punch, I swiftly followed through with a roundhouse kick to se3nd him to where minion #1 was.

'Too easy,' I thought to myself, looking at the two-man-dog-pile, but then noticed some motion out of the side of my eye. 'Oh no, you don't. You the one who started all of this.'

As I watched Ryoke try to leave by sticking to the walls, I opened one of my weapon pouches grabbed some kunai and threw them at him. The first two stopped just in front of him, making him stop and look at me, and the third sliced right passed him, making a thin line on his cheek appear, bleeding slightly.

"Take this as a warning, a threat, or a declaration of war. Take it any way you want, just leave Naruto and me alone, got it?" I walked up to him and fist pulled out the kunai that had scratched him, holding it under his nose. I held it there until he grabbed and slowly nodded, not taking his eyes the point of the metal. I huffed and slowly put the kunai away, joined by the other two and the left, grabbing my bag and leaving the three there to sort themselves out themselves, not worrying if they were alright or not.

'They should be. I only used low-level hand-to-hand taijutsu on them, though it may have been a bit advanced for them still. So it will still leave a few bruises... And a bit of blood. Nothing too major.' even so, a mixture of guilt and fear was beginning to settle itself into the pit of my gut, ruining the satisfaction I had felt briefly.

To push the horrid feelings away from my mind I began to look for Naruto but didn't find him until I walked out the front doors, seeing in sitting on the tree swing, looking downcast. The feelings I had unsuccessfully pushed away made himself apparent again. 'Shit.'

"Naruto!" I called out, getting his attention as I trotted up to him. He looked almost shocked that I was walking right up to him, and with a genuine smile on my face. I noticed it took him a second or two to return it, but when he did his smile was real.

"Yo! What took ya so long Harmony?" he asked, standing up and grabbing his cooked instant ramen cup off the ground and chopsticks. I waved it off and leaned against the tree, motioning that he didn't have to stand.

"It was nothing. Kimisewa and his friends just wanted to ask a few questions about something they didn't understand from sensei's lecture. Also, I had a clear up a few things and rumors that he told me. I don't know why he thought they were so true when they were so trashy. Oh, and I didn't mean to be gone for some long. Sorry."

Naruto shook his head and opened the cup, shoving noodles in his mouth. "It'sh nwo problewm." I laughed when he tried to speak with his mouth full and decided to get my own lunch out of my bag, a BLT sandwich, and apple.

We talked, joked, and ate for the rest of the lunch break, but as the bell rang, telling everyone that they had to get back to class, I didn't move from my spot on the tree. Something told me that going back in there where Ryoke was a bad idea and ruin every I had just risked.

"Ya comin'? We got taijutsu training next!" Naruto exclaimed when he noticed that I wasn't moving when he was already halfway to the door. I ran a hand down my braid, feeling all the bumps.

"Na, think I'm going to skip the rest of the day."

"Want me to skip too? I know some pretty awesome places." he adjusted his goggles with a prideful smile, already walking back towards me. I looked out of the side of my eyes, making it look like I was debating on what he said, before turning him down.

"Sorry, how about next time? If we both skip Sensei will probably blame you, and say that 'you're a bad influence on me' or something," internally I chucked.

'Yeah right. Like Scarface would ever say that. Besides, I'm two years older than him!'

"Oh, I get it! See ya tomorrow then!" Naruto replied with enthusiasm before taking off, looking over his shoulder as he ran. I laughed a waved at him before walking away from the academy, my own personal hell. it surprised me how close I could get to Naruto without really opening myself to him.

I walked around aimlessly on less populated roads in the village until I reached a grassy hill by a large field and the forest. Having nothing better to do I undid my braid, letting my hair free, and laid down on my back. As I got comfortable in the grass I watched the clouds drift above, humming whatever song came to mind and thinking.

I played there for a few hours, mulling things over before my eyes grew heavy. it was just my luck that two shadows towered over me as I was beginning to drift off, and someone jabbed my ribs with their foot harshly.

"Hey. You the bitch that threatened and insulted my brother?" I opened my right eye to see a teenage version of Ryoke, and Ryoke himself, his smug smile back on his face. I sighed and closed my eye, knowing how this will turn out. I saw his brother's olive green vest and headband. A chunin. Not good for me, but better than having a clan elder standing before me.