The Forgotten Uchiha

Gato was gone…

His hired men had either run or were arrested by the town for their part or attempted part in trying to sabotage their work along with Haku being kept under both medical watch and detainment.

Though Team 7's efforts helped them in prevailing and earning their chance to expand; Sasuke was placed under the closest thing to hospitalised care and Ryōga was bedridden from the accumulated strain from both his body being pushed by the Total Concentration Breathing and his Chakra exhaustion from awakening the Sharingan.

Suffice to say that the only people who were better off from the outcome was Sakura who did her best to keep watch on Tazuna during the skirmish and Kakashi who had ventured back to the Leaf for the quickest of moments to explain the situation. "So not only did we successfully push back the attempted assassination of Tazuna and the rest of the town but we also-" Kakashi explained but he was quickly cut off by one of the Konoha Council slamming their hand down on the desk.

"You also put Sasuke Uchiha directly in the firing line and allowed his critical injuries!" Homura snapped as he looked positively fuming and Koharu was equally incensed at the news that the Uchiha Heir was now stuck in bed trying to heal from what was seen as a near-death experience. "And the fact that you so willingly allowed this to happen is unbelievably negligent on your part, Kakashi!"

Danzo watched the "Discussion" with a concealed look of satisfaction; "In all honesty, Kakashi…The fact that Sasuke Uchiha was placed in such a blatantly perilous state is one thing but you've actively enabled the other boy's frivolous whims instead of training Sasuke up as a future Clan Head." He stated, referring to Kakashi's statement about Ryōga's budding growth in Kenjutsu.

"I understand you have worries for Sasuke but you don't need to worry, both of them are resting nicely and should be back in the Village when the Chunin Exams roll around...Whenever that will be." Kakashi explained with his carefree attitude and felt relieved when he saw The Third Hokage's nod of approval.

"Considering what you told us; The fact that this Mission was a falsified as a C-Rank Mission will have us screen clients more stringently so that we can avoid anything like this in future…" Hiruzen explained as he puffed on his pipe and looked to the Council; "But the fact that all of them, not just Sasuke…ALL OF THEM…Have demonstrated great capabilities in the face of such a dangerous task has me more than convinced that Team 7 is more than ready to participate."

Koharu was the one to speak up on this, "Lord Hokage, I must object…While I agree that completing an A-Rank Mission as Genin is impressive, that should be expected of Sasuke Uchiha, which is why the Council have agreed that to expedite the process of leading the Clan….We allow Sasuke to obtain the Rank of Chunin without the requirement of an exam, seeing as he proved himself and is more than deserving after getting so critically wounded."

"And what do you propose about Ryōga? He too got injured in the battle AND he demonstrated equal levels of skill…Perhaps even moreso than Sasuke has right about now." Hiruzen fired back as he gave the two Council Members a rather piercing side eye. "Not to mention Ms Haruno as well, from what Kakashi explained to me; She's demonstrating good judgment and a keen mind that we sorely need in this village."

"They can still take the Exam as required but we do not permit that other boy to bypass the system purely because he has a modicum of Uchiha in his body…No matter his bloodline or his genetics, we refuse to allow him to take shortcuts." Himura detailed and further lay down the law as despite the relations between Sasuke and Ryōga, no one was going to admit that their fabled Uchiha would stand on the same ground.

"So then let them both join to take the exams…You want to demonstrate just how much the Uchiha have grown throughout their training so why not use that chance to show it?" Kakashi chimed in; "Unless you WANT people to suspect that you think Sasuke is unable by trying to sneak him along this path." He added with an almost cheeky grin from under his mask as he saw the gears turning at Koharu and Himura to follow the reverse psychology.

Hiruzen allowed himself to smirk a little though hid it behind a cloud of his pipe smoke when he saw Koharu and Himura trying to argue the mental gymnastics to keep Sasuke on top. "Then I say all three members of Team 7 are eligible to sign up, but you need to tell them first." He explained to Kakashi before changing the topic for what the Jonin had requested of them; "So now explain to us about this amnesty case that you requested to talk about."

—Meanwhile, Back in the Town—

Ryōga groaned as he sat upright and felt like someone was staring at him, it was only when he turned to his left that he saw Sakura's eyes staring right through him.

"Teach him." was all that Sakura said as she acted like there was no other choice but yes for whatever her request was.

"Morning to you too, Sakura…What exactly am I teaching?" Ryōga asked groggily as he noticed the look on her face and knew that it was something to do with either Sasuke or….No, just Sasuke.

"Those sword moves that you've been working on, I want you to tell him how you did it." Sakura demanded as she leaned in closer. "If Sasuke had those moves then he wouldn't have been in danger….He is more than capable of excelling you at anything so show him your loyalty and do it."

"If Sasuke wants to learn, then he can ask me…Not that he'd bother with me anyway, there are teachers and Scrolls that he can learn from so all he needs to do is ask nicely." Ryōga pointed out for a couple of reasons; The first was that he was still learning himself and he didn't think that he could teach in a way that would satisfy Sasuke, the second was that Ryōga finally had something that he excelled over Sasuke in and he personally didn't want the cousin that antagonised him constantly to push in on him and his progress.

"HE is your cousin and superior to you, what you practice and learn is something he can always perform better so do your duty and teach your better how to wield a sword." Sakura poked his chest with a rather nasty turn in her voice.

"Look, just because you want to get Sasuke to like you doesn't mean that I have to do what you say… Just like he won't bother with me unless he wants something. Adding on that, you have skills you can teach him too like how to control Chakra better so why not use that to train together?" Ryōga pushed her hand away as this aggressive approach was starting to bug him and he was trying to break the habit of taking the crap everyone threw at him.

"You…I can't believe you have the audacity to refuse to help your teammate and your own family! You're just using that attitude because you're scared that Sasuke will surpass you and leave you stuck alone with nothing to show…Because above everything else, you're nothing more than a pitiful co-" Sakura was about to grab Ryōga by the collar but another pale hand grabbed Sakura's wrist with a quiet but equally ferocious grip.

"I would suggest that you keep your hands off of him and take your leave." A calm but equally dangerous voice warned her as Haku was now between them; They had been wearing a greyish gown to cover up from being treated but their entire left shoulder was bandaged up under the top, their long black hair remained out of it's hair bind as it cascaded past their shoulders and to their back.

Sakura retracted her hand as Haku let go of her; "You're th-Fine…If you don't wish to help your own flesh and blood then I'll just leave you in here…." She remarked frostily and left both Haku and Ryōga alone to go check on Sasuke.

Once the door slammed and they knew they were alone, Haku knelt by Ryōga's bedside, their face changed into a more calm and serenely pleasant like she hadn't been five seconds from breaking Sakura's wrist. "Are you alright, Master Ryōga?" They asked with an oddly caring voice.

Ryōga blinked as he had a lot to take in; First there was seeing Haku not just okay but awake, followed by being intimidating enough to make Sakura shrink out of her harpy mode and on top of that…Their new name for him. "H-Hold on a second, did you just call me Master?" He asked as he wasn't sure if he was still under any anaesthesia.

"Yes…Because you had given me a chance at another life when you could have easily abandoned me." Haku said with a peaceful tone; "I heard you trying to convince Mr. Kakashi to spare me when you realised I was alive…So now I consider myself indebted and bound in service to you as your faithful weapon or as your tool." They said like they were happy at being made into a servant once more.

"Wait, hold on! I just wanted you to have a chance at a better life….It was what Zabuza asked me to promise him if you were able to survive…So I thought that getting far away from the Mist Village and from the Land of Waves would've been a good start." Ryōga tried to explain and convince them that servitude wasn't their only option anymore. "So you don't need to worry about being a Tool or a weapon for anyone after what happened."

"If that is the case then if you do not want me as your weapon or as your tool." Haku mused on this before climbing onto the bed and straddled Ryōga's hips in a fluid like motion; "Then perhaps you would like me in a different way~" They remarked and undid the tie around their waist to open up their gown, letting their painted nails trace along his chest

If Ryōga still had any questions on whether his guest was a girl or a boy then there wasn't anymore; He felt his face flush red as he saw the wrappings around Haku's chest had been holding back a rather slender frame and a rather noticeable chest, both his and her pulses began to raise with each new inch of snow white skin exposed on Haku's body. "I….N-No! I didn't mean like that either!" Ryōga protested as he covered his eyes both out of nerves and to preserve her decency. "Just…Please sit down and let's talk this out! I have questions for you anyway!"

Haku quickly retied her waistband and felt a rather confusing mix of relief and sadness at the fact that Ryōga didn't take initiative but winced in pain as she felt the sudden movement of her spontaneity jab at her injured shoulder. "Very well, Master…" She said softly and sat back down in the chair next to him with his soft groan at his name. "What is it that you wanted to ask of me?"

Ryōga took a few deep breaths to calm himself and looked to Haku; "I'm sorry…I just…I'm not really used to someone showing that kind of thing towards me…I do have to ask…Kunoichi are everywhere, you even told me that you were a boy….So why did you lie about this when we met."

Haku felt her body tense as she knew this question was bound to come up at some point but for some reason, she felt like it was okay to talk about with him seeing as they understood each other a little more than others. "Do you remember when I said that my father killed my mother…Because she had the same abilities as myself? There was another reason why I chose to run after what happened." She started to explain and hesitated for a brief moment before continuing. "When people realised that I held the Kekkei Genkai; Their minds went to one place when they heard that this man's daughter held that same power….I was to be breeding stock at their hands for a new line of pedigree…"

Ryōga didn't need to know the full story to understand what it was that they intended to do; "Those bastards...I can't blame you for wanting to run…I would have too if it happened to me."

"It's why I chose to walk with Zabuza when he found me….HE didn't care if I was a girl or a boy…As long as I could prove useful to him then he didn't care who I was…" Haku finished as she gently dabbed at her eye with her sleeve. "And it is why I am kind of glad you didn't…take a chance earlier when I was on top of you...Because now I know that you aren't lying about yourself."

"You got all of that from me not trying to grope you?" Ryōga asked in confusion; "I just didn't want to be a creep and take advantage of you while you're still recovering."

Haku nodded; "That's why I hid my true nature and why I kept as far a distance away from Gato and his men when I was with Zabuza…Now it is my turn to ask a question of you." She added as she leaned in with a blank yet curious look on her face. "Why did you try to help spare my life back on the bridge?"

Ryōga nodded and thought on an answer for her; "You remember when I said I understood how you felt? Years ago back when the Uchiha Massacre happened; Everyone in the Clan died…My parents, my brothers…Sasuke's own family all died at the hands of one man…I kept getting told that I wasn't worth anything of the muddied blood in my veins…That I was just some biological pity prize and Sasuke was the only one that mattered."

Haku felt her body stiffen as she realised that there was a lot more to Ryōga than just a boy who wanted to prove he was strong for people. "I…I can't believe that someone could say something so cruel….and to a child too…" She said and looked to him with a sympathetic gaze but what made her sadder was seeing the expression of long lingering pain and acceptance before he changed up for a slightly forced smile.

"It's nothing to concern about, they're just words…I've gotten used to them by now. With some luck, myself and Kakashi came up with an idea to help you on this new life, so when we are recovered; We can go back to the Lead and you can stay in our compound while you decide on what you wanted to do." Ryōga explained though nearly jumped in surprise when he saw Kakashi appear in their room.

"Ah, good…You're both here, this will make things a lot easier to explain." Kakashi mentioned as he looked around; "Sasuke and Sakura not around?"

Haku felt a grimace slightly purse her lips but shrugged it off to her usual expression. "The pink haired girl barged in here earlier with demands while Master was resting, she was getting rather assertive so I had to…request her to leave."

"Oh jeez…I really hope you guys can get it together for when we get back to the village…." Kakashi sighed as he realised that the lingering thoughts on the Konoha council lingered in his head.

"What do you mean? Get it together for what exactly?" Ryōga asked before shaking his head, "Actually, what did Lord Hokage say about our suggestions?"

Haku looked at Ryōga in confusion when he brought up suggestions. "Is this about my transferral to your village?"

"Actually, it is…I have to be honest, I had to do a LOT of convincing with the Council to accept not just the fact that you and Sasuke were placed in the line of fire for what was an A-Rank Mission." Kakashi started which earned a look of guilt from Haku and a serious look from Ryōga. "But Lord Hokage does seem to think that this Village rehabilitation idea might be able to help."

"Rehabilitation?"

Ryōga then decided to explain it since Haku had been out while he suggested the idea to his sensei. "When you told me about how your life was when you met and before you met Zabuza, I asked if there was a possibility that we could take you into the Village for a trial run to see if you would feel better if you have someplace solid and safe for you to stay in."

Kakashi nodded and then finished with the rest; "Since the Mist Village would most likely either put you in prison or worse, Konoha can at least help to keep you safe until you have a better idea on what you'd like to do going forward."

Haku nodded; "I see…But is there something that I need to do in return? I know some Villages don't accept outsiders and even less would be willing to just leave someone be, especially after hearing that you have a Kekkei Genkai."

Kakashi nodded; "It's…on the condition that you stay in the Uchiha compound where security will be well maintained for these two." He explained though saw that Haku was about to object so he decided to clarify; "Seeing as you two are amiable with each other, I made the request to the Hokage that Haku stays on your side of the Uchiha compound for this time...I just need to speak to Ryōga for a moment about the logistics."

Haku breathed a sigh of relief as Ryōga left the room and then found a small smile on her cheeks; "Master…I promise I won't be trouble."

"Ryōga, I suppose congratulations are in order for your completion of the mission and helping out with an unexpected benefit." Kakashi said amicably as he saw Ryōga shut the door behind him.

"I'm surprised that the Hokage said yes to the whole thing." Ryōga admitted as he looked up at the Jonin; "But I feel like there's more to it than just what you said in there, isn't there?"

"There's that Uchiha intuition…Though I guess it's not too far fetched that Ryōga's this observant." Kakashi thought before trying to find the right words. "I told the truth when the Hokage said that Haku staying was fine if she stayed in the compound, however the Konoha council kicked up a stink when they heard about what happened with you and Sasuke; They said that I was negligent to Sasuke and enabling you on this whole Kenjutsu thing." He said and prepared for another rant from Ryōga.

However, despite the Uchiha looking annoyed, he ultimately backed off from getting too upset. "You taught all three of us how to use Chakra to climb trees, the most you did exclusively with me was advice and one spar." He stated and tried to assure Kakashi that their complaints were mostly bull. "So what happens with Haku?"

"Well…The compromise was that Haku stayed in the compound with you and Sasuke, though the Konoha Council also figured out that she can use a Kekkei Genkai and as a result…They wanted to try enacting the Shinobi Clan Restoration Act and have her stay with Sasuke."

Now was the time for Ryōga to get angry as he protested; "Haku's already been through enough as someone's tool! There's no way tha-"

"I know…I brought that whole argument with the Hokage who felt similarly about Haku's story, I'm all for making sure a Clan can stay alive but using an outdated law to force this isn't something I can sit with, thankfully the Third Hokage agreed with this method and suggest that she stay with you…Since you two get along better and knowing Sasuke…He can get petty so I'll keep that whole argument about the SCRA away from his ears."

Ryoōga nodded; "And will she get Ninja registration too?" He asked as he peeked in the door to see Haku contemplatively looking at herself.

"That's up to her, since I've let the Hokage know that she's experienced; We can forgo the Academy and she'll be given the same rank as you guys…Though we should get ready, we do still have a timeline to get back to the Village." Kakashi explained and ushered Ryōga back into the room so he could prepare. "Better make sure those three can get settled, once the Exams start; it's gonna make this look like a cakewalk…I guess a few lower ranked missions might help improve the teamwork a little…"

—Roughly 2-3 Weeks Later—

"Mission after mission…And those two are worse off then before…" Kakashi mentally bemoaned as the two boys got into another vicious bout of arguing once again, though Sasuke was at least making the effort to pose his demands of Ryōga as requests rather then trying to shake him down, while the other Uchiha was now biting back and standing up for himself more.

"I won't ask you again, teach me your fighting style!" Sasuke snapped as he grimaced at looking to his cousin; "I deserve to know your skills and put them to better use."

"And I told you that they're just breathing exercises…You can learn that in any scroll you can find." Ryōga retorted with more of an annoyed tone at being pushed on this; "Besides, I thought you would want to stand out with your own skills."

"You show me how you fight and I'll show you how I can stand out…I can make them better then you ever will." Sasuke snobbishly drawled as he narrowed his eyes at his cousin.

"Ryōga, stop being so bullheaded and just do what your cousin says!" Sakura decided to argue for Sasuke and got just as angry. "He almost died for you so you can at least show your appreciation by giving him your skills and that sword of your's!"

"Don't you dare pull tha-"

"Alright, alright you three…It's been a long set of missions so let's call it a day." Kakashi broke the tension by cutting into the conversation, he was about to comment on their work but he saw a bird used for summoning all the Jonin fly overhead which meant one thing. "Alright, I have to see to some business, make sure you practice and try using this time to build as a team." He said before vanishing into smoke and leaving the three to their devices.

"Getting your Kenjutsu is one thing but now you get that frigid ice bitch in your side of the compound…both of which are far too good for you!" Sasuke sneered as he glared at Ryōga, despite all of Kakashi and the Hokage's best efforts to avoid letting Sasuke know about the Council's plans regarding Haku; He ended up finding out and practically demanded for his cousin to hand Haku over on two separate occasions, the first ended with Haku bluntly telling him "Not even if she was ordered to." and the second was no better: He was forcefully separated by both Ryōga and Kakashi when Haku was about to break his nose.

"Maybe if you ditched the attitude, Sasuke…People will actively help you because they want to, not because you order them to….You can't just demand things, you have to earn them." Ryōga pointed out as he was finding himself more and more aggravated by Sasuke's behaviour, the only difference between before and now was that the Uchiha was less willing to be the punching bag anymore.

"Tch…Stop acting like you're better than me…You never were and you never will be…Once we get old enough, I'll be the Clan Head and you'll return to what you used to be…Nothing." Sasuke spat out at Ryōga before storming off with Sakura trying to join him. "Stupid Dud…I could be out there fighting stronger and stronger opponents but instead I'm stuck in the baby pool…I should be the one going out there and proving I'm a badass!"

"L-Look, just forget about that idiot, Sasuke…We can always train together! Or maybe we can just…" Sakura called out to him as she ran toward him, deciding this was her chance to amp up the charm as she moved some hair from her face. "We can spend some time together alone~"

"If you have the time to goof off like this, then spend it training…" Sasuke remarked coldly as he didn't bother turning back to look at her.

Hearing that put a weight on her ego enough to knock her out of her reverie. "C-Come on, Sasuke…We don't have to train all the time, I've already shown that I'm good at my Earth and Water Jutsu plus I can help you with Chakra control…But I gotta charge you a date first~" Sakura chirped as she tried to recover though the look on Sasuke's face when he got sick of the saccharine talk.

"But you still don't practice as much. If you dedicated this much time to training as much as you flirt, then you'd actually be good." Sasuke kept layering the hardness on as that made the weight get worse on her as her Inner Self felt like it was carrying a boulder.

"But…We can work well as a team…We don't necessarily need to include that sword wielding waste of space that you call a cousin but we can make things easier between ourselves." Sakura weakly said to try fighting back since she wasn't going to give up her chances.

Sasuke was not amused however as he gave her a hard glare. "You can call the Dud a weakling, a braindead idiot or a waste as much as you want….But despite all that, at least HE puts in the effort to training and the has the drive to improve…As far as anyone on this "Team" is concerned, Dud is leagues above you in terms of skill." He decided to hammer in that final nail before walking off without another word.

Sakura could hardly understand, she pulled out as much confidence, grace and charm that she thought she had, Sasuke had managed to knock all of that down with the force of a cannon and the dexterity of a scalpel. "I…Alright…" She said with a depressed sigh and started to walk off to be on her own.

Ryōga on the other hand was still a witness to a blazing that hit worse than any Fire Jutsu he saw to date and felt conflicted; Sure, on one hand Sakura was loud, obnoxious and abrasive to anyone who wasn't Sasuke but he also understood how it felt to be viciously put down by someone that you were trying to make proud. "Hey, Sakura…If you want, I can train with you. It may not be aligned to your Elemental affinities but at least it's a start to getting better at using your Jutsu in a-" He asked to try and at least offer to help.

"Don't…I refuse to accept help from someone as pitiable as you….And on top of that; I don't need pity from a Clan rejected mongrel like you!" Sakura snapped at him before storming off in a combination of depression and frustration.

Ryōga could have done a lot of things in that instance; He could have yelled at her for using such a foul tongue with her equally foul temper, he could've rubbed it in that Sasuke wanted less to do with her then with his own cousin but he also knew that fighting back while she was like this wouldn't go anywhere. "Haku, I know you're there." He simply said as he could feel a killing intent radiating from an alley nearby with the chill straight from the icy pits of Hell. "Come on out before you freeze up the street."

"I can freeze her mouth shut, you just need to say the word, Master." Haku said with a voice that did nothing to hide the anger and contempt she felt towards Sakura after hearing the bile that she spewed.

"Just leave her be, her mood's bad enough as it is…And I told you to stop calling me that! We're friends now so no more talk of Masters and tools…It's just gonna make the wrong impression if someone hears you." Ryōga pointed out as he saw Haku emerge with a brown bag, since she opted to stay in the village and out of the Ninja scene for a while; She took to wearing a dark blue kimono with white cuffs and dark grey hakama to go with her sandals. "So what's with the bag?"

"I was running low on food in the apartment that we're staying in…I wanted to try making something from the Land of Fire rather than what I've been used to for a while." Haku explained and smiled a little, save for a few rare times with Sasuke and Sakura plus the occasional guy trying his luck with her, the former Hidden Mist Ninja had thawed out her personality and became warmer around people though it was primarily with Ryōga around.

"You don't have to do that, you could have just asked me…I've got food left…Over…" Ryōga trailed off as the two walked together and he started to notice something odd from behind him.

"I couldn't ask that of you…You've taken me into your home and you've given me a place to be…To start taking food from my master's plate would be a problematic habit." Haku remarked with an almost embarrassed expression at both explaining why along with the gossip around them.

"Wait, who's that?"

"That's that new girl who got taken in after Team 7's mission…"

"She's so cute~"

"I'm surprised she's not sticking close to Sasuke…Maybe she feels bad for the other one…"

"It boggles the mind…It's like picking a dog turd over gold…"

Ryōga was barely phased by the talks as he grew up with it but Haku had to quickly learn that people in the Hidden Leaf talk and the word spreads fast, "Just leave it…People love to gossip…." Ryōga assured Haku as he started walking with her again.

"I still don't understand WHY they openly talk about you like that, I thought they knew you were Uchiha." Haku tried to question the whole thing; About how people could be so openly rude to someone who was barely a kid, or the fact that they were from one of the most prestigious clans around…And how they figured out she was a girl.

"They know…They just don't care much for me." Ryōga mentioned before finally turning back; "Okay, whoever's under that box; Come on out!"

"Wh-How did you…"

"See through your disguise? Come on, no rock is perfectly shaped like a box or waddles in the middle of the road like a confused turtle…" Ryōga pointed out as he crossed his arms, seeing the "rock" flinch under his gaze before lifting up.

Under it was a group of kids who looked like they were still in the academy; One was a little boy with short brown hair and goggles sat on his brow along with a scarf that was far too long for him, the other boy was a bespectacled lad with a permanent snot dribble from his nostril and the third member was a girl with short ginger pigtails that stuck out from either side of her head like horns. "Trust one of the Uchiha Clan to see through my expertly made illusions!" The scarfed kid proclaimed as he pointed at Ryōga; "Truly a man that I can learn from to become Hokage next! Now how did you see through my hand crafted tools?"

"Whoa whoa whoa, hold on….You're going to be the next Hokage?" Ryōga asked with a raised eyebrow and a confused look; This kid was far younger than anyone he knew and he was already loud enough to mouth off about dreams. "You kinda need a growth spurt first, kid." Ryōga mentioned before moving on to the next questions. "As for why I saw through it is because I'm not an idiot…If you wanna fool people then you have to make it look believable….Not like you're wearing a crate."

"Well, My name is Konohamaru Sarutobi! Remember it well because my tutor has me on the perfect shortcut to becoming the leader of the whole village." Konohamaru explained as he marched alongside the Uchiha boy and Haku who seemed to let off a rather dignified giggle at how these kids changed their opinions on Ryōga.

"Sarutobi…Wait…" Ryōga blinked and had to do a double take since he noticed something familiar about the young boy; "You're the Third Hokage's kid?"

"Yeah, I'm his grandson! So if you wanna start apologising for calling me "Kid" then go for it now." Konohamaru said as he gazed up, expecting for Ryōga to handle this like anyone else would by prostrating on their hands and knees.

"Why? i wasn't wrong, besides looking for shortcuts isn't going to do much except stunt your growth." Ryōga pointed out as he knelt down to Konohamaru's level. "Shortcuts might seem easier but if you want to earn respect…There's no shortcut for that."

Konohamaru thought on it but then nodded; "I guess so…I can talk to Ebisu Sensei and see if he has any advice." He remarked as he turned around only to run face first into a teen wearing all black and a headband of what looked like an hourglass plus carrying what looked like a mummy on his back.

"Hey, watch it you little turd!" The teen growled as he dusted himself off; "Use those goggles if you're that blind!"

The girl next to him sighed; "Kankuro, stop being a dick…" She grumbled as she crossed her arms, she contrasted the other boy known as Kankuro by wearing consists of a single light purple-coloured, robe like garment that stopped at her thighs, with a scarlet sash tied around her waist and finished with fishnets along her calf.

"Why am I the bad guy? This little shrimp just bumped right into me." Kankuro growled as he grabbed Konohamaru up by his collar and lifted him up to his face. "And I just happen to be allergic to shrimp."

Ryōga narrowed his eyes and was ready to jump in when another voice perked up.

"Hey ugly." Sasuke said with a look of seriousness and pointed at Kankuro; "You don't get to act like a big shot here…So back off or I'll embarrass you in front of the girls." He threatened as he marched over, wanting to try showing off as a badass though that earned Ryōga and Haku's indifference at his worsening attitude, Temari's eye roll and Sakura's fervent cheering when she heard Sasuke trying to square off.

"Funny…I never would have expected a bigger shrimp to start yapping at me…How about you do something about that hair…you look like a duck's ass poking out of a lake!" Kankuro decided to snipe at Sasuke who seemed to feel his own anger grow.

"Say that again when I knocked all your teeth out of your mouth!" Sasuke yelled as he was ready to jump in and start a fight, not quite realising that something was up with the group.

"Sasuke, don't! Something's up with that guy!" Ryōga warned as he could notice the dimmest glimmer of Chakra in Kankuro's fingertips but then noticed that his cousin quickly figured it out as he ended up falling over nothing.

"What's wrong pretty boy? You can't beat me up if you're knocked on your ass…Or maybe you're just all talk." Kankuro taunted and then looked to the terse looking Haku; "But I could use a little company, how about it? Ditch the kids here and come hang out with a real s-" He said with an oily tone but stopped when he heard a rather audible TCHAK! of a sword ready to leave it's scabbard. "You got something to say? Plain-Face?"

"Alright, I'm getting sick of this…Kankuro or whatever your name is, leave the kid alone and Sasuke…Just get up…" Ryōga warned the two as he kept his thumb under the tsuba of his sheathed sword; "Insults I can handle, but I've started making too much progress in standing up for myself to just let you bully my friends here…Now back off and leave my cousin alone!" Ryōga warned Kankuro but stopped briefly as he saw Haku looking rather stiff.

"And what about your friend in the tree?" Haku asked as she saw a puff of sand vanish from the nearby branch.

in the middle of both Temari and Kankuro stood a shorter boy with red hair and a tattoo above his eye. "So you managed to see me before those others did…"

Ryōga't couldn't explain it but he could feel goosebumps prickling his skin just by looking at this new kid, though he wasn't planning on backing down regardless. "So what are you three doing here…I don't think I saw you in the village before."

"Oh, you didn't know? We're visiting from the Hidden Sand Village as applicants for the upcoming Chunin Exams…" Kankuro sneered as he managed to get his nerve back after getting spooked by the redhead. "I'd have thought such big talking kids would've been well aware."

"Those are coming up? Huh, I didn't think they were being held yet." Sakura mentioned as she helped Sasuke up from the ground. "Maybe that's why Kakashi left like he did…"

"Well…If they are handing out invites, I'm more than enough to ace that test regardless of rank." Sasuke snarked with a more confident tone; "How about you tell us your name, spooky?" He demanded and pointed at the redhead who kept his unblinking eyes squarely on the two Uchiha.

"…Gaara…" The redhead muttered before vanishing with Kankuro soon going after him, leaving the four plus Temari alone.

"So…You want to earn favour of the esteemed Uchiha Clan?" Sasuke asked with a smirk as he decided to try his chances with the out of village girl.

Temari blinked; "Ew…You might look handsome, but you just had to pick some of the most messed up things to say…" She said with very audible disgust at not just being treated like meat but also the fact that she was amazed that the kid got knocked down and still had the confidence to try flirting.

Sakura however was both burning with jealousy and thankful that she had an excuse to hold on to him. "Come on Sasuke, leave her and let's go find Kakashi…." She grumbled as she helped walk Sasuke off, "Hey Frosty, have some courtesy and help!"

Haku glowered at Sakura but decided to at least be civil enough to help get Sasuke moving. "I shall see you at the compound once I have escorted your cousin, Ma-Ryōga." She said and nearly flubbed herself while leaving.

Temari looked confused but then looked to Ryōga who seemed to relax a little now that the tension was lifted. "So…That kid's your cousin?"

"He might be mouthy…Well…mouthier than usual but he is really talented with Ninja skills…Sorry about the weird stuff he said." Ryōga mentioned and decided to try apologising on his behalf.

"Hey, I try not to sweat it, I'm just surprised that he had the…I'm not even sure what you'd call it but whatever he had to say that while knocked over." Temari shrugged it off; "Besides, I'm no stranger to weird siblings, myself."

"That Gaara kid or the face paint guy?" Ryōga asked as he leaned against a nearby fencepost.

"Both technically…They're my little brothers but you wouldn't think it with the makeup and the hair…" Temari chuckled a little and found herself somewhat surprised that she was this open with someone, normally she'd be to the point or just plain ignoring people. "I should probably get going…Kankuro's pretty good about it but I think even he's has trouble when it comes to keeping an eye on Gaara."

"Okay, well…Enjoy Konoha…It's real nice once you look past the gossips and the glances." Ryōga said as he decided to take his leave, giving Temari some alone time to consider his words.

"Huh…So chalk up one cool brooder wannabe with good looks but the personality of a cheese grater and one cute, somewhat cool and nice…I think I'll let Baki know to keep an eye on them." Temari mused but felt her cheeks heat a little when she realised that she put cute in Ryōga's category and decided to focus on finding Gaara before something happened.

However unaware to either Sand or Leaf Ninja, a Third group was watching them from a further away tree, clad in violet and with headbands that had a music note on them.

"So we have our targets now?"

"Looks like it…The two boys from the Leaf and the creepy kid from the Sand…"

"And they're Uchiha to boot…Definitely something to watch out for…"