The only thing Katana heard was silence. The blindfold stripped her from her sight, but she'd learned how to rely on her other senses a long time ago. Some of the other girls at the okiya still struggled with the training, but not Katana. She excelled.
A sudden footstep behind her caught her attention. It was heavy. Too heavy and made with purpose. A distraction. Which meant... Katana spun around and parried the kunai attack with her sword. She dove and hit her opponent with her leg. He tumbled down and disappeared with a loud poof. Something hard fell to the ground — a block of wood. Substitution Jutsu. Another distraction.

Katana stayed down, her leg extended and perfectly aligned with her sword. She listened. Footsteps broke the silence again. Less heavy. A woman rushed toward her with amazing speed. And the same treads from before resonated on her left.
She planted the tip of her sword firmly on the ground and leaped over the blade, taking it with her in her spin. The shuriken hidden in her sleeve flew off, hitting the woman with a soft thud and drawing a gasp from her.

Katana landed right behind her second adversary, who was forced to a stop as she quickly pivoted on one foot. She moved her weapon overhead, intending to strike. That's when her opponent made a mistake. He raised his arms to block Katana's strike, but it never came. At least, not from above. 
The sword dropped from Katana's hand. She caught it nimbly with her other hand and cut right through her opponent's suit as she slashed the blade back with a flick of her wrist. She heard an outcry from pain and smelled a distinct rusty scent. First blood was spilled. The match was over.
Or it should have been.

The screeching crackle of a thousand birds flying toward her nearly deafened her. Katana knew what it was and what it would do if it hit her. Without ninjutsu-prowess and only her sword to defend herself with, Katana did the only thing she could. She ran.
The Jutsu had to hit something for it to vanish. So, Katana had to ensure that happened and that she wouldn't get caught in the crossfire. She made a quick calculation and threw her sword. It plunged itself into the wall she was speeding toward. The vibrations of the impact reached her. She was closer than she could have hoped for and instantly jumped on the hilt of her sword. It gave way, giving Katana the thrust she needed to leap backwards into the air.
The sound of the birds was just beneath her. She could feel the lightning's heat. So her third adversary had to be... There! Katana attached the paper bomb to the man's vest. A first blast propelled her away as the awesome Jutsu hit the wall, but Katana still landed on her feet. She dropped to one knee and prepared herself for a counter-attack in case her ploy failed. Then a second blast echoed through the room, filling it with smoke. The woman she fought before screamed. And then... 

"Nah, did you have to ruin the vest? It's my favorite one."

Katana grinned at the male voice. She removed her blindfold and looked at the masked man standing near the wrecked wall. His headband was slightly askew, covering the left side of his face and his ever-present Sharingan. Kakashi Hatake, the Copy Cat Ninja, stood with the ruined clothing piece in hand. Despite barely touching him, Kakashi must've still noticed the paper bomb Katana put on him and had quickly taken the vest off before it detonated. He came out of this training session unscathed, as Katana had expected. The others, however...

"Kurenai, Iruka, are you all right?" she asked.

The shuriken clattered to the ground as Kurenai pulled them out of her shoulder. 

"The force in the throw stung me a moment, but I'm good," said the red-eyed, black-haired kunoichi who had the sense of padding her vest, so the blades hadn't penetrated. "Can't say the same for Iruka."

The Academy teacher groaned as Kurenai kneeled beside him. Even though Katana only slashed across his chest with the tip of her sword, the blade still left a nasty gash. Luckily, it didn't appear to be too deep.

"Well done," said Kakashi as he came to stand beside Katana. "You're becoming faster and more graceful in your attacks."

"I would accept the praise if I actually deserved it. You were holding back again. I've asked you not to do that."

"I don't call using Chidori holding back. Half the Jōnin I know wouldn't have been able to dodge and counter so quickly. You did good, Katana. Really."

She rolled her eyes, knowing full well Kakashi was placating her. That could get her killed if she continued to allow it. It was the one good thing about her training with Kitiara. That bitch played it as dirty as she could, keeping Katana on edge.

"Kurenai, take Iruka to the medic. I'll clean up with Katana and escort her back."

Katana huffed at Kakashi's words. She hated being 'under escort' every time she left the okiya. Not that she had many places to go. Mameha only allowed Katana off the grounds for training with the Jōnin or when she had to go to the dressmaker for another fitting. If Kakashi or another shinobi weren't playing babysitter, Kitiara or Mameha were. And all to ensure Katana couldn't reach out to her friends.

Sasuke kept busy with his own training, but still tried to see her. Stolen glances in the street were the only thing Katana and he managed, though. It wasn't enough. But at least Sasuke kept a low profile and understood what was going on. Unlike a certain hyperactive knucklehead.
Naruto tried several times to get close to Katana. First, in the street, by walking up to her. The Jōnin and Mameha merely shielded Katana from him and waved him off, but Kitiara held such restraint. Katana had barely managed to step in to keep Naruto from winding up in the hospital after he'd been stupid enough to face the geisha. It was a good thing Iruka had been close by as well, otherwise, things would've really gotten out of hand. Yet, despite all of that, Naruto stubbornly continued his pursuit, going as far as attempting to climb over the okiya walls.
Training with their sensei was the only chance Katana had to ask how they were doing. He wouldn't tell her much, but at least he didn't keep quiet. Kakashi was okay. If only he stopped reading those silly Make-Out Paradise books. 

"All right, let's go."

Katana blinked and looked over at Kakashi. "I thought we were gonna clean up?"

"Yeah, no way we're fixing that wall by ourselves. I'll inform the Hokage. He can have someone else take a look at it."

Translation; I'm lazy and wanna finish re-reading my pervy book for the tenth time this year. 

Katana rolled her eyes again and went to retrieve her sword. It somehow survived the Chidori and the wall's destruction, and glistened among the rubble, begging Katana to be picked up. How she despised that thing. 

***

The walk through the village was pretty quiet. Kakashi eyed their surroundings carefully to see if his students stayed away. There had been several incidents — all involving Naruto, of course — and Kakashi didn't care for another. It seemed like a simple task, but the blond just made everything a challenge. Still, he couldn't blame Naruto's reaction.
It wasn't until now that the silver-haired sensei realized what a big influence the girl was on his students. Sasuke was quieter than usual, and he barely spoke three words to begin with. Naruto, on the other hand, was louder and definitely more out of control. It was like Katana balanced them. From what he knew about her, Kakashi wasn't surprised to learn this. Even before taking on Team Seven, he had monitored Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki to better understand their relationship with Katana.
She was friends with both boys; that much was clear. But there was something deeper than mere casual friendship. He knew why that was of course. Kakashi suspected he was the only one, aside from Lord Hokage, to know the full extend to the bond between Katana, Naruto and Sasuke.

It's a shame all the secrecy is required, thought Kakashi sadly. We promised Lord Fourth, but... I fear what may happen if they learn the truth too late.

A sudden brush against him made Kakashi look down. Walking calmly beside him was the Hokage's grandson. Where did he come from?

"Hiya," greeted the child. 

"Um... hi?" Kakashi scanned the area — still no Naruto or Sasuke in sight. But just because he couldn't see them didn't mean they weren't there.

"Watcha doin'?"

Kakashi's eye traveled back down. What was the kid's name again? Konahagame? Whatever it was, best not to pay him any attention.

"Out on a stroll, huh?" said the boy. "I feel ya. It's good to—ow!"

The sudden yelp stopped Kakashi. The child was on the ground, gripping his ankle tightly. Katana immediately moved toward him. Two other children ran up, loudly screaming and crying, when they saw their friend on the ground. 

"Udon, Moegi, stop crying. It's okay," shushed Katana. "Let me see, Konohamaru."

Right, that was it. 

Kakashi watched as Katana made slow movements with the boy's ankle. Part of her training comprised quickly assessing how bad an injury was. Mostly for her own well-being, since geisha worked alone, but it had a more sinister reason as well — to see if another blow had to be dealt. A cruel geisha like Kitiara would let her victim suffer. As of yet, Kakashi was hesitant to say what kind of geisha Katana would be.
Her actions in the training room told him very little. She had been more defensive than offensive, but blood was still spilled. Her moves were impeccable and swift. She even successfully evaded the Chidori, which was no easy feat to accomplish. Katana had the makings of a great geisha. Yet, right here and now, all Kakashi saw was kindness, care, and compassion. When he observed her with Naruto and Sasuke, he saw affection. And when he saw her with her little helper, Kagami, he saw a protector. All of these things could destroy a geisha. 

There was a reason geisha had no family, cast their old life away, and weren't allowed to form any emotional relations. There was a reason they trained day in and day out, honing every skill, from swordsmanship and archery to dance and embroidery. He remembered a promising maiko a few years ago who'd tried to be different and paid the ultimate price. Kakashi prayed Katana wouldn't make the same mistake. And he sincerely hoped neither Naruto nor Sasuke would ever try to be more than they could be with her. 

"I don't feel anything out of place," said Katana reassuringly. "Probably only a jolt. If you still feel pain in an hour, see a doctor, you hear me?"

Konohamaru nodded vehemently and let his friends help him up after thanking Katana. She turned back to Kakashi, letting him know she was ready to go on. He pretended not to see the folded piece of paper she tucked up her sleeve as they resumed their walk. He couldn't ignore the Hokage and Mameha's orders. But that didn't mean he agreed with them.

***

"Did it work? Did you give her the message?"

"Sure thing, boss!"

"Oh, awesome! Well done, Konohamaru!"

The grandson of the Third Hokage grinned broadly. Naruto had been hesitant to ask Konohamaru and his friends for help, but after getting his butt kicked out of the okiya again last night, he'd decided enough was enough. Everything had depended on the children's acting skills, but they brilliantly rose to their task. It worked, it really —

"He noticed."

Naruto stiffened at the sound of Sasuke's voice. He immediately threw his teammate a nasty scowl as the latter approached. 

"What are you talking about?" demanded Naruto. "My plan worked perfectly!"

"No, it didn't, you loser. Kakashi noticed her hiding that piece of paper. If he tells Mameha, Katana will be punished. And so will you for reaching out to her again."

Naruto's fist balled. He gritted his teeth, wanting to punch this guy so badly right now. The way Sasuke stood there, all belittling and condescending. How was Katana friends with him? Seriously, what did stupid Sasuke have that he didn't?

"Kakashi-sensei won't say anything," said Naruto boldly. "Even if he saw, he likes Katana. He won't do anything that'll get her hurt, believe it!"

Sasuke scoffed and turned his back on Naruto, only angering him further. Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi, silent witnesses to the entire scene, shuffled further away from the blond. Naruto forced himself to calm down for their sake. If it hadn't been for the kids being present, he would've shown Sasuke a thing or two. But people already considered him a pest. He'd be toast if he ever went for the Academy's golden boy. Sakura alone would punch him so hard, it would take a week to recover.

I don't care what he says. I know Katana will be okay. And she'll be happy with my letter. She'll get something back to me.

But Naruto knew that was easier said than done. People already disapproved of his closeness with Katana, but now they were deliberately keeping him away. He didn't understand. Why was everyone so against him being around her? Why couldn't they leave them alone and just let them be friends? 

Just... friends. Right.

***

The raven-haired boy hid amongst the branches and leaves of a tree opposite the maiko's window. He deduced she wouldn't be in the dorm with the other trainees anymore, but it was still a lucky coincidence she'd been allowed into Yuna's room. Sasuke hated he had to take a page out of his brother's book, but he had no choice. He had to make sure Katana was all right after that stunt Naruto pulled.
From here, he had a view of not only the room but most of the okiya's courtyard. He could keep an eye out and step in if needed. Though he was fully aware he'd be no match against Mameha or Kitiara, he couldn't allow a loser like Naruto Uzumaki to get his best and only friend in trouble.
Sasuke used a shortcut to get to the okiya before Kakashi and Katana did and had been waiting patiently ever since. When they finally arrived, his dark eyes focused on the room. His heart skipped a beat when Katana entered. Even in her dark green training gear, she still looked beautiful. 

After closing the door, Katana took out Naruto's letter. Sasuke frowned when he saw her smile. It vexed him Katana was friends with that loser as well. Of all people, why did it have to be him? How had Naruto convinced Katana to take pity on him? Because that's surely all it was; a friendship out of pity. What else could it be?
Sasuke couldn't help but feel joy when Katana then ripped apart the letter. She lit a candle and held the pieces in the flame, dropping them in a bowl when they caught fire. The only reason she did this was so no one would find the damn thing, but it still made him feel better she didn't keep what Naruto gave her.
Suddenly, Katana turned toward the window. Sasuke didn't dare to move. Did she see him? He was well hidden, but Katana had a sixth sense about these things. She always knew where he was and how he was doing. Sasuke waited with bated breath as Katana stepped up to the windowsill. Her hands came up. He narrowed his eyes to follow their movements — the signs for his clan's signature Fireball Jutsu. He grinned. 

Of course you know I'm here. 

He wanted to reply, but he couldn't risk anyone discovering him. And he absolutely refused to be as stupid and careless as Naruto. So Sasuke kept quiet and watched Katana move in and out of his view. Her training gear changed into a dress, and her sword was replaced with white fans. Her black braid became undone, and her hair flowed over her shoulders and back. In the place of a warrior now stood a dancer.
Katana glanced out the window one last time and then left the room. Sasuke pinched his lips. His body trembled. His fist hit the tree. It wasn't fair. He understood Mameha wanting to keep Katana away from Naruto, but why him? They had done nothing. They were just friends.

Just... friends. Right.