[Chapter 17: I don't Know What to Call this Transitioning Chapter lol]

"Gah..." I groaned when I finally awoke from my slumber. I winced when I tried pulling myself at the bed I somehow got into, receiving nothing else but a headache. I blinked. Huh. I'm alive. I glance at my surroundings, finding myself in a comfortable hotel-like room, not like the hospital one that I expected.

There was an unexpected loud creaking noise, my reflexes forcing me to crane my head at the source of it (owwie!). It was a door, Hiro pushing the door out to be exact. "Hiro...!" I called out to him groaningly, my head was still very fuzzy. The said Hyuuga whipped his head at me with widened eyes and, in speed, I only saw when he was on older brother mode, dashed to the right side of my bed.

"You..!" He let out, furrowed brows tucked together with his mouth clenched.

"Me!" I giggled at the sight of him, though I'm pretty sure it sounded like a grumbling monster. "Sorry... I should've prepared more." Well, not like we could ever escape him even with years of preparing.

"Shut it," He stated, gently pushing me down to the bed. My teammate took a nearby chair and sat on it, the back on his chest. "I thought you were gonna..." He trailer off after that. Taking the opportunity, I noticed how he actually looked.

Hiro's hair was actually ruffled (rare to see as he is obsessed with his hair) and his bandages were dirty. His face looked strained for once and his clenched mouth told me that he was... Damn.

"Sorry for making you worry," I stated. He was clearly blaming himself for what happened, even though he didn't know just how powerful a Sannin could be. Tiredly, I patted his head, causing him to blink from his depressed daze and glance up at me. I giggled. "It's not your fault, so let go of it. 'Kay?"

My reincarnation buddy looked like he wanted to object but he nonetheless followed my suggestion. He leaned back a little, holding onto the chaise longue (I really had to search up the name of the back of the chair lolol) so that he wouldn't fall over and get a concussion. He let out a frustrated groan.

I giggled at him before groaning myself. "Guahhhh... I feel like if I went to a birthday party and ate all the balloons."

"... why was I even worried in the first place?"

"I actually don't know."

It was only a small pause before we started softly laughing at each other. We fucking lived against Orochimaru. And- checking my neck- I got no chakra hickies! Yay!

"Hahaha... but how did we get here?" I asked. I know I remember Hiro carrying me but...

"I booked it after you passed out from chakra exhaustion," Hiro explained. I formed an 'o' with my mouth. "...Also, I wanted to ask," Closing it, I hummed quietly as a way of telling him to continue, sinking further to my covers. "What was that black flame thing you used on Orochimaru? It looked like the amount of chakra used strained your eyes."

I straightened, shifting my position up to lean against the bed frame. I darted my eyes at him. "...There's no one here right?"

In an instant, he activated his Byakugan, "No." I relaxed slightly, clearing my throat.

"Okay then... what you saw back there was Amaterasu: a black, indestructible flame created by the Mangekyou— the upgrade of the Sharingan," I stated in a somewhat hushed manner.

The dark-haired individual rose a brow, leaning closer. "I thought the Sharingan doesn't have that."

I smiled at him. "Of course you wouldn't know, it's a clan secret after all! Also because the authors needed something to keep Sasuke up to Naruto's level," I added at the end. "If people did know, they would distrust the Uchiha even more, especially since you need to have one of your loved ones die."

"What?!" He questioned astonishment and mostly likely anger laced in his tone. It makes sense in his case, as he would probably kill himself before even thinking of hurting his sisters.

"Well, to be more specific, the amount of trauma equivalent to losing a loved one," I explained. I placed my hand under my chin and thought in confusion. "Which is weird because I don't think it ever happened to me..."

How I get the mangekyou Sharingan? Itachi's alive and I haven't physically seen Sasuke in any real dangerous positions. Shisui's was the one who made me activate the Sharingan and I don't think you can skip stages unless you're the sage himself. Also, I was never really close to most of the clan so-

Ah.

I couldn't help but laugh, a pitiful one. Despite my weakened state, I could clearly feel the loud pounding of my chest, why is that? I didn't even notice that something had slipped when I weakly tugged the ends of my lips up and slightly furrowed my brows together, clasping my hands together in a knot. I lowered my neck.

"I... I guess I really did love them..."

"Okaa-san," The woman hummed as she chopped up garlic on a cutting board, wearing a purple apron. She turned her head at little old me who was just behind the entrance, peeking in like the innocent and curious child I was. I noted how she didn't even slow down the speed of her cuts. Damn she really is a Jonin...

"What are you doing?" I questioned the warmly smiling woman before, even though I knew just exactly what she was doing.

"I'm making dinner, Megumi." She responded, turning away. "Hey, why don't you help as well?"

"Ehhh?" I let out, feeling a little bit of uneasiness. Oh god, the last time I ever cooked... I mentally shivered at the mere memory of it. They never let me into the kitchen. It's not my fault: I didn't know that you could burn water! "I-I don't think it's a good idea!"

"Why not?" She let down her knife, seemingly satisfied with the chunk size of the garlic. Mikoto turned back on me again. "It's been a while since we talked just the two of us since you started the academy."

I hesitated just a little but agreed in the end. Besides, that was an old life! I'm sure I can cook now! Going in and moving the stool under the cabinets so that I can be high enough to see the counter, Mom told me to wash my hands before placing another cutting board and tomatoes, along with a knife. "Now, this is very dangerous, so watch carefully..."

After watching her show me how to dice tomatoes, I followed her instructions, making sure to be careful. This was surprisingly a nice experience, I couldn't help but smile as she brought a pot and turned the stove on, pouring olive oil and garlic into it and then later meat.

"Megumi..." Mikoto started as she added in multiple spices into the food. I answered with a curious and childlike 'Yes, Okaa-san'. She smiled and, even though the pot was hot, the room suddenly felt like Antarctica. I stilled like in a cartoon-like manner, goosebumps coursing through my body. I mustered the courage to crane my head at mom.

She was smiling.

Oh

"I heard you were failing your Kunoichi classes," I gulped in utter horror. "Care to tell me why?"

"We-well..." I couldn't help but stammer, paying little attention to the food. "I... I don't like it!"

She cocked her head slightly. "What do you mean?" The coldness lessened but it was still there.

"I mean... I don't see the use of it. And why is it only girls who have to do it?"

Mother blinked, the chill air finally dissipating. I heaved a sigh of relief as she dumped the diced tomatoes in. "I can see why you would think that," As if remembering something, she let out a laugh too. "My best friend certainly thought so too." Kushina...? I thought.

I gasped. "I have something in common with Okaa-san's best friend?!" I gushed in childish excitement. Kyaaaaaaa~ I wish Kushina was alive so I can huggle her!

She let out another laugh whilst stirring the pot. "Yes, yes..." The beautiful woman hummed, smiling as she then stated, "Well, even though it may seem useless, kunoichi are just as important as shinobi. Did you know that the way one holds a fan gives codes?" I blinked, really?

She must have read my thoughts as she continued. "Also, by learning the ways as to how a lady performs, they are able to successfully blend in and carry out their mission."

"But, but," I interrupted her, my fists up to my chest and I slightly bounced on my stool in curiosity. "Why don't the boys also do it?"

"Well, it's most likely because most people are attracted to women."

"Does that mean that others are not?"

"Of course, everyone has their own preferences. Yes, it is more convenient for a male and a female to be together for offspring but it is not a major taboo of any sort."

I let out a 'whoaaaaaa...' sound. That makes sense... Too many people are too busy wanting to survive than worry about that. I snapped out of my thoughts as Mikoto then let me pour in water and carmelized onions into our food, making a splash and then a sizzle.

"There's a cafe that's been becoming more popular lately. So," She stated, changing the topic as we let it simmer. "How about if you improve in your kunoichi classes, then we'll go there?"

"Really?!"

"Yes."

After adding the curry roux and coffee granules in to mix just to simmer it more, we chatted more as just mother and daughter.

Sasuke was ecstatic that dinner.

💨

"Hi~ na~ ta~ TAN~!!!" I glomped my unsuspecting baby with glee, merely hours later.

She screamed.

"Hehehe..." I giggled at her flushed expression. I turned to her teammates. "Heya, Shino! Akamaru! Kiba!"

"He-hey! Megumi-chan!" Kiba stuttered as a hello, Akamaru on his head barking as well. From my position, I smiled at raised a hand to pet Akamaru, the said dog whining in happiness and rubbing his head against it. "Nice to see you got here early- not that I thought otherwise!" He complimented with a toothy-grin.

"Greetings," Shino stated, inclining his head a little. I waved at him. I let go of the steaming red kunoichi, tilting my head at the adorable team.

"I don't really see any other team... did 'ja obliterate everybody?" I questioned even though I knew damn well that my cute red panda was the first. And possibly the first to kill.

"No. Why? Because that would be impossible. Also, another team had completed the test before us." Shino answered nonchalantly like he wasn't traumatized. I hummed as Hiro, the ever-loving over-protective person he was, strutted over with a furious expression.

"You're supposed to be in bed!" He fumed, gritting his teeth at me. Awwww he looks like a rabid dog~! Uh... I don't know how to feel about that actually. Pretty OOC Hyuuga, am I right? 👀👀

"But I don't wanna~ I wanted to see my baby~!" I whined, gesturing to the said baby.

"Not me...?" Kiba trailed off in the distance, slouching just a bit in dismay. I only giggled. But I am still somewhat tired...

A certain team popped up in my version, making my whole entire world brighten. I stepped back and skipped towards the sand siblings who were just walking out the hallway, Temari and Kankuro timidly trailing behind.

"Gaara-chan!" I exclaimed, rushing to a halt as I stood close to them. The older siblings stilled at my sudden appearance as their younger brother just looked up at me with a deadpan-expression with a hint of dissatisfaction. Hehe... that'll change soon.

"You." He greeted. I giggled, opening my mouth with a sharp intake. "I will not give you a hug." I closed it with a pout, turning away with a 'hmph' and hands behind my back. I faintly heard a sigh behind me.

Sasuke-? Nope, it was Hiro. Damn, sometimes they're really like. Except for Hiro's more chill and less of an asshole. God imagine if he was actually like a Hyuuga- ugh. (No offense)

"Me-Megumi-chan...!" Dog boy loudly whispered, tugging my shoulder to pull me closer to them. He inches closer to my ear. "That guy's bad news! He almost killed a team in cold blood!"

So he didn't kill them this time... I noted. Damn, Sasori's relative sure is doing a lot. I smiled to cover any clues relating to my thoughts. "Whaaaat? But he's so cute!!!" I countered childishly to them, pointing at said red-head.

Kiba furrowed his brows in confusion with his mouth hanging, stepping back in disbelief. He stopped and turned his body away from me, muttering something so quiet I couldn't hear. Which is weird cuz it's Kiba. I giggled, is he jealous? Well, I didn't want to have my Uchiha genetics— the author did! I mean what?

The truth is harsh, huh?

Kankuro and Temari were silent, eyes wide as if they've never seen someone talk to Gaara in such a positive way even the exact same scenario happened mere days ago. "Princess, just stop. You need to go back to bed. You have chakra-exhaustion." Hiro demanded in a low yet threatening voice, walking next to me, still in his over-protective mode. I flinched, just a little bit. Never had I thought he'd use that on me. And it's a little weird, the last time someone did that was years ago, aka when Itachi wasn't considered a family murderer.

And so I said no. Ya know, like a liar.

"You- you should rest Megumi-chan," Hinata softly pipped whilst shyly playing with her fingers. "Your system needs to replenish your chakra..." Tch. Don't worsen the situation. But your cute so I'll let it pass.

"But I'm hungry." I persisted, even though I knew damn well I can't win against a sibling type like him.

"You ate just minutes ago."

"I needed to go pee!"

"There's a bathroom in the hotel room."

"I wanted to spend time with Gaara and you guys!"

"And you did. Also, the sand Genin is gone."

"Wha-" I turned around and turns out they really are gone. I slumped, arching my back in a depressed manner. "Awwwww... I wanted to dote on him..."

"You may do that later, why? Because you need to recover." Bug boi stayed his hands in his pockets like always. I let out a whine before swaying slightly, suddenly feeling weaker than I already was.

I hit Hiro's body, causing the dark/haired individual to flinch but then sigh in resignation. "Let's go, Megumi." My reincarnation buddy then pulled my hand with his gently but firmly, forcefully dragging me along to our hotel room. I could only pout and wave tiredly at team Kurenai as we headed back.

"Hey, Hiro..."

"What?"

"Let's have a bet!"

"Uhh... sure?"

I let out a giggle, "Ok! If... then...!"

"The hell?! You know I'm gonna get yelled at!"

"Didn't you want to go to that 'rebellious' phase cuz of how shitty your clan was?"

"... Why is this a bet then?"

"Well, if you win, I won't try to get Naruto and dye your hair again."

"...Deal."

"Naruto!!!" I exclaimed as I jumped to curl my arms around the bright hellion tightly yet gently. The said blond just laughed as he returned the hugs. Unlike certain people, he eventually stopped tensing at my touches (now if only my brothers would do that too).

"Megumi-chan!" Naruto responded back with his usual foxy grin, setting me down and letting me go. Looking behind him, I unlooped my arms and reunited them with a certain Pinkette.

"He-hey!" Sakura looked ready to object but looked way too tired to bother. I only giggled before whipping out a water bottle out of nowhere, pushing it gleefully to her hands. She didn't even have the chance to object as I moved away to meet with the final member of team seven.

"Hello, dear foolish brother." Was all I simply greeted as I stared at his own eyes with hands behind my back. He stared back. I guess he was prepared for a hug but judging at his state, I felt like I would only harm him more. My eyes subtly darted to his collar bone where a familiar chakra hickey resided. I couldn't help but feel that pang in my chest that became more frequent. Why do I keep on getting these recently? I brushed those thoughts off as I decided on a smile and patted his right shoulder. "Don't succumb to that power," I whispered at him close to his ear.

Pulling away, I saw his eyes flicker with surprise and opened his mouth. He didn't get to utter a single word though as we were then called to crowd around the stage. Standing next to my team, I didn't bother listening to the Hokage's speech, only zoning back in to help Sasuke with his curse mark pulsing and calming Sakura down. And when all the shit ended, I faced up to see a screen that showed "Sasuke Uchiha vs Yoroi Akado". I smiled.

Let the preliminaries begin.

Extra:

"Hah!" Megumi suddenly exclaimed in her seat on the bed. She raised a finger at her male Hyuuga friend. "I'm stronger than you!"

"Huh?"

"Usually the Byakugan overpowers the Sharingan but I'm stronger cuz of the Mangekyou!"

"...ok?"

The female Uchiha pouts in a childish manner, as if in disappointment. "I thought you were gonna get all jealous and stuff like a Shounen rival or something."

Hiro furrowed his brows in confusion, "You want us to be rivals?"

"... Honestly no but, have you seen everyone?! They all have a rival!"

"True."