**Authors Note: 

So this is kind of the hint towards and soft start  to the Pein attack arc and next chapter we will be heading in full force! I will post the episode we will be starting it with the next authors note as well! :) 

I will also be getting the poll for who Rin will end up with, up and running soon! So look forward to that. :D 

Now please comment, vote and of course enjoy!

**

Kakashi

Rin was usually on time, and I was usually late which is probably why she was actually late for once because I decided to be on time. I glanced up from my book as an ANBU appeared on the field. I raised an eyebrow as I looked her over, already knowing it was Rin under that mask.

"Your arm guards aren't fastened right" I pointed out and she sighed pushing her mask to the side.

"I slept in" She admitted.

"You're managing to sleep again, that's good. Living with the Nara's has benefited you" I noted as I walked towards her.

"A lot of things have" She replied as I slipped my book into my back pocket.

"Here" I offered and she held out her arms allowing me to fix the straps.

"Other than this small mistake you look great, the uniform really suits you" I complimented and I was relieved when she smiled. It's been a long time since I've seen that smile.

"Thanks Kakashi" I smiled in return and stepped back giving her space. I haven't seen her since she left my apartment, but she was looking better. Her skin was getting it's glow back, even her eyes looked less dull.

"So what are we starting with?" She asked. Lady Tsunade requested that I aid Rin in getting back on her feet. To train her again, but it's been years. I didn't really know what I had left to teach her.

"First, I actually wanted to give you something" I started and offered her a package wrapped in cloth. She opened it carefully and let the cloth drop leaving her with her katana.

"How did you....?"

"Where the final battle took place" I replied and she nodded slightly.

"Thank you Kakashi, really, th-this blade means a lot to me." She said slowly and pressed her lips together.

"Itachi gave it to you, didn't he?" I realized and she nodded slightly. I expected her to cry, to shut down all over again but instead she released a slow breath and slid the katana into her belt. I smiled slightly, that was the Rin I knew.

"I thought we would start with some warm-ups, get your muscles working again and get you used to the weight of your new uniform. It's a few pieces more than what your used to and fighting in a mask can make quite the difference" I explained, pausing only when I noticed her gaze cast to the ground.

"Before we start I need to tell you something, at least that way you'll hear it from me." She said quickly and I nodded.

"Is everything alright?" I asked and she shrugged.

"I-I guess, it's just..." She paused before releasing another slow breath.

"Shikamaru and I have started dating" She said cautiously and it fell silent between us. I stared at her but she stared at the ground.

"I-Is this because of what happened with the ANBU?" I asked and she shook her head.

"No, no Kakashi it's not that I swear. I know you couldn't have stopped anything; it was just the wrong time for me to hear that. I don't blame you" She promised.

"Then why him?" I asked and she shrugged again. I sighed, and this time I walked towards her as silence fell between us. I felt her tense when I put a hand on her shoulder.

"Forget I asked" I said reassuringly.

"I don't need a reason, just know that I'm here for you too." She smiled slightly.

"Thanks Kakashi" I smiled back and let my hand fall off her shoulder.

"Let's start training"

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Rin

Bit by bit the compound was coming together again, life was being brought back to this place even if it was just one life. The main house was nearly fully restored, and by nearly I meant I still couldn't bring myself to enter the bedrooms and I didn't want the others going in. Now between training with Kakashi, maintaining a relationship with Shikamaru, restoring the compound and what you could call ANBU orientation, I was kept pretty busy.

"How was your first day back on the job?" I glanced up from my blueprints as Shikamaru walked towards me.

"As good as It could go I guess" I replied pushing my mask to the side. Shikamaru took this as invitation for a kiss which I gladly returned before he sat beside me on the porch.

"Blueprints?" He questioned.

"Yeah for the rest of the compound" I replied as he looked them over.

"So, what happened?" He asked and I sighed as I crossed my legs.

"The ANBU are less than thrilled that Lady Tsunade put me in their ranks." I explained.

"I don't get a platoon or anything which is kind of a bonus but it also makes me an easy target." He laughed then and I raised an eyebrow.

"What's so funny?" I questioned.

"You, an easy target. I highly doubt any of them can get the jump on you" He replied and I shrugged.

"You're right, but they have been trying. Plus being called a murderer and scum isn't exactly the best welcome to the team" I pointed out and he nodded slightly.

"True, but they need time Rin. To adjust. I mean most of them have spent the past few years being told that you're the enemy and to not approach alone. Now you've comeback, managed to get off scot free and join an elite rank. They're suspicious, that's all" He tried to explain. 

"I never asked to be part of the ANBU it was offered to me by the Hokage, they need to get over themselves." I replied scoffing slightly.

"They've trained all their lives for this and..."

"And I haven't? Just because my training wasn't under the Leaf doesn't mean it's invalid or non-existent. I'm just as powerful if not more powerful than half of those entitled assholes" I argued.

"Still the same foul language, some things never change" I recognized the new voice immediately and smirked slightly.

"Spend enough time with Hidan and you'd have the same problem." I replied and he chuckled as I stood, stepping back from the porch. Shikamaru followed and looked up when I did.

"Brat" Kisame greeted, he stood on the roof looking down at us and I put out my hand stopping Shikamaru from attacking.

"Rin" He objected but I lightly shoved him back.

"It's fine, he's an old comrade" I replied and heard Kisame snicker as he jumped down from the roof. I noticed his eyes looking me over, studying the uniform and a smirk came to his face.

"ANBU eh?" He asked and I nodded.

"How else can I hide from him in plain sight?" I countered and he nodded, understanding who "him" was.

"The uniform suits you" He agreed and I smiled slightly.

"So, not that I don't mind the visit but why are you here?" I asked and he withdrew a scroll from his cloak.

"I told you I'd bring you Itachi's body" He replied and offered the scroll. I stared at it and back at him.

"H-How?" I asked.

"A summoning, it's the best I could do and I suggest you utilize it before he notices" He explained and I carefully took the scroll.

"Thank you Kisame" I finally replied and he shrugged.

"You need the closure, to move on. Otherwise you won't be ready for Sasuke"

"Sasuke" I repeated and he nodded.

"His first mission was to capture the eight tales, he supposedly succeeded and I can only assume the Leaf will be his next stop. So be ready" He advised.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked and he shrugged.

"I told you, Itachi and I were friends once. At least as much as two criminals can be, and other than him you were the only other person I could stand." He explained and I rolled my eyes.

"Right, anything else?" I asked and he fell silent before glancing at Shikamaru. I followed his gaze and nodded.

"Shikamaru can you give us a minute?" I asked and could see his reluctance as he eyed Kisame.

"Fine, make it quick" He agreed and kissed my temple before walking off. I waited till he was out of earshot then turned to Kisame.

"So that's your new squeeze? I would've though you'd be back with the copy-ninja" He mused and I sighed.

"Things between Kakashi and I are complicated right now and that's not the point. What did you want to tell me?" I demanded and tensed when he stepped a little closer.

"You need to be prepared" He said, his voice lowering.

"Madara is hellbent on getting you back, and he'll destroy this village to do it. Coming back may have benefited you Rin but you've put your village in danger."

"I can take on Madara" I objected.

"But how many casualties will go down with him?" He responded and I sighed.

"Madara doesn't want me dead. Not until he can figure out how to take my dark chakra" I replied and he nodded.

"That's true but he's planning something Rin, something big and you and the nine-tails are right in the middle of it." He explained.

"The nine-tails, so he's coming for Naruto?" I asked and he nodded.

"Soon, I don't know much he's kept it pretty quiet but I thought I'd warn you."

"Who's he sending?" I asked already knowing he wouldn't come personally and I noticed Kisame's eyes flicker to the side.

"Who is he sending?" I repeated, my voice more demanding and Kisame sighed.

"My best guess is that he'll send Pein" He finally replied and I felt the blood in veins turn to ice.

"If he wants you and the nine-tails it makes the most sense" He suggested and slowly nodded.

"Y-Yeah but I can't fight Pein" I reminded and he sighed.

"You're going to have to get over this fear. For your sake and the nine-tails." He advised and I nodded slightly.

"Easier said than done" I replied and glanced behind me when he looked up, Shikamaru was now walking back.

"Just be ready Rin" He said firmly.

"Right" I replied somewhat sarcastically.

"Good luck brat" I glanced at him just as he took off and sighed as I gripped the scroll in my hand.

"What was that about?" Shikamaru asked, and I put on a smile as he put his arms around my shoulders.

"Nothing important"

=============================================================================================

Shikamaru

Rin spent the evening digging a new plot next to her father and mother's graves. The headstone would have to be worked on but Rin insisted that she burry Itachi in his rightful place today. That and Kisame had also advised that she do this as soon as possible. Rin had long discarded her mask and was breathing hard as she finished digging. She wiped the sweat of her brow before jumping out of the hole.

"The coffin?" Rin asked and as if on cue Jazmine and Sakura walked in, a large wooden coffin on their shoulders.

"Hand made by yours truly" Jazmine stated as they carefully placed it on the ground. Rin was silent as she looked over, engraved of the front was Itachi uchiha with the Uchiha symbol beneath his name. Rin traced the engraving and I noticed a tear roll down her cheek and splash on the wood.

"Thank you Jazmine" She replied and Jazmine smiled softly as she put a hand on Rin's shoulder.

"Did anyone notice you guys?" She asked and Sakura shook her head.

"No, Jazmine made it out of trees near the compound, the rest of this place is deserted so it was easy" She explained and Rin nodded.

"Okay, let's get in the ground. Lid off" Rin ordered and we followed her instructions, placing the lid next to the open grave. Rin stared down in the hole and slowly unravelled the scroll. She bit into her thumb and wiped her blood across the symbols on the scroll. She released a slow breath and let the scroll fall into the casket, it took her a moment but finally she made the hand-sign and the scroll vanished. In it's place was Itachi's body, lifeless and greying but he looked at peace. Rin stared down at him and none of us moved. I noticed her clench her fists, her knuckles turning white.

"I'm not giving up on you" She said softly, her voice quivering.

"We will meet again, in this life or the next" She continued gently and her head lowered into a small bow.

"Thank you for everything." She whispered and I felt the tears welling in my own eyes. I stepped forward helping her lift the lid to the coffin, stopping only when did as she took one last look at Itachi.

"I love you" She breathed and I was surprised to see the small smile on her lips. We carefully lowered the lid and Rin stood taking the shovel. Jazmine formed a hand-sign and wood broke through the ground forming into a headstone.

"At least for now, so his grave is marked" Jazmine said quickly and Rin nodded, the smile still on her lips as she stared down at the coffin. She released a slow breath before scooping up a shovel of dirt.

"Rest well big brother"