"Kiba! He's slobbering all over my head!"

Kiba cracks up laughing, ignoring my shouts of disgust. Don't get me wrong, I love Akamaru. But he's recently taking a liking to sitting on my head instead of Kiba's, and whenever we pass a restauraunt he drools. A lot.

"I see why you wear the hood," I mutter, pulling Akamaru down into my arms. He barks happily, sniffing the air for the source of the good smells.

It's been a few weeks since our training as a team began. We've done quite a few D rank missions, much to my chagrin. D rank basically includes carrying groceries for little old ladies and trimming yards and walking dogs.

Though Kiba did seem to enjoy that one.

Anyway, I'm not complaining... out loud. But I wish Kurenai Sensei would trust us with a more difficult task. Even Hinata's been getting better, her Gentle Fist technique improving all the time.

Oh well, at least we get treated to food after each mission.

"I hate moving boxes," I mutter, handing Akamaru off to Kiba, who zips him into his jacket. He says, "What are you complaining about? That old guy made me and Shino do most of the work."

"Yes, and he was sexist so I complained and helped you two, didn't I?"

"Ah well, I guess I should say thanks then."

"You think?" I say, smirking at him. He grins back, dashing ahead of me to reach to restauraunt. I think Shino picked ramen this time. I don't know where we're going, but it already smells good. I rush after Kiba, leaving Shino, Hinata and Kurenai Sensei in the dust.

I duck under the hanging signs displaying the ramen stand's name, not bothering to read them. It's a small place, with only a few stools and a small kitchen in the back. Kiba's already sitting down, tapping his fingers impatiently on the counter. I sit next to him, swiveling in my stool like a five-year-old, laughing while doing it.

The others arrive soon, settling down in their own stools. Hinata slides in next to me while Shino sits beside Kiba. Kurenai Sensei sits on Hinata's other side. She orders for all of us, already knowing our preferences and soon we have steaming ramen in front of us. Kiba licks his lips in delight before grabbing his chopsticks and digging in. Hinata eats slower and with more care and Shino eats like a normal person, though somehow doing it without letting me see his mouth behind his collar. I grin at Kurenai Sensei. "Thanks, Sensei!" I chirp before going after my ramen as wildly as Kiba. He pauses to smirk at me before attacking his bowl again.

"Hey Hinata," I say, wiping my mouth with the back on my hand. "I was thinking we could do some training later. Just you and me. I want to practice countering your Gentle Fist, in case I ever have to fight another Hyuga, like, in the Chunin Exams or something."

She freezes, her chopsticks halfway to her mouth. I'm shocked to see the sudden pain in her eyes, threatening to spill over as tears. I choke, having already taken another mouthful of ramen and unable to swallow properly.

What's gotten into her?

Kiba and Shino are oblivious to Hinata's change in attitude, but Kurenai isn't. She looks at me sadly before placing a hand on Hinata's back comfortingly. "Are you alright, Hinata?" she asks softly while I watch on in confusion. Hinata nods slightly, staring at her hands clasped firmly in her lap.

"Hinata," I say, my voice as soft as Sensei's, "I'm so sorry. Did I say something to upset you?" She shakes her head, her blue hair falling into her eyes. What have I done?

"Hey Kakashi Sensei! You're treating today!"

"Uh, but I never--"

"Yeah, Sensei! Naruto's right for once! It's your turn to pay!"

"Oh but you see, I've left my wallet at home and--"

"Excuses, Kakashi? Really? A Ninja must see through deception, right?"

I hear a soft sight as four pairs of feet come to a halt outside the ramen stand. A high-pitched male voice huffs in annoyance. "Why are all the seats taken?" he whines. "Ichiraku is never this busy! Hey, Old Man! What's the big idea?!"

A yellow-haired head pushes its way into the ramen stand, a look of childish anger on its face.

Of course, it has to be Naruto at this exact moment.

Hinata looks up sharply, her cheeks coloring just at the sound of Naruto's voice. I pity her, having a crush on such an idiot. He obviously doesn't even notice her feelings for him, which are seriously easy to spot. Hinata hides her feelings as well as Kiba hides his anger issues.

"Hey, you guys--"

Naruto breaks off, squinting at us. "Oh it's you," he says unenthusiastically. I sigh, pushing my ramen away from me. "Kurenai Sensei, thank you again, but I think I should get going," I say politely. I stand and glare at Naruto. He glares back, a pout on his face. And to think I tried to be nice to this kid.I grab him by the collar and shove him into my now empty seat. Kiba and Shino look up, with Kiba having ramen hanging from his mouth. I resist the urge to giggle at the sight of him and instead exit the stand, arms folded across my chest.

"Akari!"

I look up, my face red with my sudden anger. Stupid Naruto, ruining my mood. Then again, it shattered after seeing Hinata's mood change so suddenly. I really hope she's ok.

"Akari!"

I blink, trying to take in the pale green eyes in front of my face. Directly in front of my face. I back up a step and realize it's Sakura. She smiles at me, hands behind her back. "I didn't know your team would be here," she says. I shrug. "Neither did I. Shino picked the place today."

She blinks. "Shino? Isn't he kind of... creepy?"

You have no idea.

"Nah," I say, waving my hand dismissively. "He's fine. I love my teammates," I add a bit louder, hoping they hear me. "I'd love you more if you bought me more ramen!" Kiba shouts back. I smirk, ignoring him.

"How's your team?" I ask, gesturing behind her to a very conspicuous Kakashi and Sasuke. She glances at her team, blushing when Sasuke looks up. "Oh they're great," she tells me. I raise an eyebrow. "Even Naruto?" I ask. Her expression suddenly sours. "Well," she says, a vein popping out on her forehead. "He can be really annoying sometimes. But I just love Sasuke!

"...and Kakashi Sensei."

I smile at her Sensei, waving at him. He nods, smiling himself. I think so, at least. It's hard to tell when I can't see his freaking face.

Ah well, he probably has his reasons. Maybe he has a horrible scar or a girl's mouth or something. Doesn't really matter, I suppose. I'm not the one living with the mystery.

I excuse myself from Sakura and walk over to Kakashi and Sasuke. He eyes me warily, probably expecting me to starting fawning over him. I do feel sorry for him that he has to live with that, but it's his fault for being born "gorgeous". I'm quoting Sakura.

And Ino.

And about every other girl in our year.

Just not me and Hinata, basically.

Because Hinata only has eyes for Naruto and I... Well, I just don't like arrogant show-offs. There! I said it! Let lightning strike me as I insult the Great Sasuke Uchiha!

...No? Okay then.

"Hi, Kakashi Sensei," I greet him. I feel Saukura and Sasuke's eyes on me, probably wondering why I know their Sensei. "Hey, Akari," he says. "I see you're arm is better. How did that fight turn out anyway?"

I grin sheepishly.

"Kiba beat me to a pulp, along with Akamaru. That puppy has some serious claws."

"I'm sure it wasn't that bad."

"Really? He kicked me clear across the training grounds!"

"Oh..."

"Yeah," I say, smirking. "Oh."

"What fight?" Sakura chimes in. I turn around, fingering the scar I left on my arm from digging my kunai in too deep. "Just some team stuff we did on our first day," I say casually, not wanting to go into detail about my loss. I'm not ashamed; Kiba was too nice about it for that. I just don't want the other Genin thinking I'm weak, is all.

Her eyes widen. "Oh, you wouldn't have believed what we went through on our first day!" she exclaims. I nod slowly, not really that interested. I saw Naruto hanging from a rope and Kakashi yelling. I think that about sums it up.

"Hey Akari!"

Oh, saved by the Kiba!

Both he and Shino are walking out from the ramen stand--what did Naruto call it? Ichiraku? But where's Hinata?

I say a quick farewell to Team Seven before running up to meet my team. "Where'd Hinata go?" I ask worriedly. Kiba points down the street. "Kurenai Sensei walked her home, " he informs me. "Something about stomach pains. She'll be ok."

Stomach pains? Was that really all it was? No, that can't be it. Something else was bothering her. And I'll find out, one way or the other.

I shake my head. I'll leave that for another time.

"Are you two heading home?" I ask the boys as Team Seven joins Naruto in Ichiraku. Kiba shakes his head. "No way, my mom will kill me if I'm too early." I raise an eyebrow but don't comment. His mom is pretty harsh. I turn to Shino. "How about you?" I ask.

"No. I'll stay with you two."

I blink. I swear, that is the most I've heard Shino say... ever.

"Okay," I say, grinning slightly. "Come on then, there's someone I want to see."

***

I knock on the Naras' door, rocking back on my heels as I wait for someone to answer.

"Uh, Akari," Kiba says from behind me. "Why are we at Shikamaru's place?"

"Because we're friends and I haven't seen him for a while."

"Friends?"

"Yes, Kiba, I do have friends apart from you, Shino, and Hinata."

"Ah, right. Sorry."

I roll my eyes as the door swings open, revealing Shikamaru's mother. I gulp. She scares me almost as much as Kiba's mom does.

"Akari?" she says, as if she doesn't recognize me. "Hello Mrs. Nara," I say politely. "Is Shikamaru home?" She sighs. "Of course he is," she says sourly. "He's as lazy as his father."

She turns and, cupping her mouth for added effect, shouts, "SHIKAMARU! GET DOWN HERE!"

I cover my ears as Kiba visibly winces, clawing at his hood to keep it over his ears. As soon as Mrs. Nara turns around, we both drop our hands conspicuously. I really don't want to get her mad.

Shikamaru appears behind his mom, cleaning something from his ear. "Yeah, mom? What is it?" he asks, peering past her. A lazy smile crosses his face as he notices me. "Akari," he says good-naturedly. I smile back. "Hey, Shikamaru, long time no see, huh?"

He agrees, slipping past his mom and out the door. "I'll be back for dinner, mom," he promises, shutting the door behind him.

"YOU BETTER BE!" she shouts from behind the door. Kiba drops to his knees in pain, with Akamaru not much better off. I frown sympathetically at him before turning back to Shikamaru. "How's the Ninja life been treating you?" I ask as all four of us begin walking down the street.

"It's such a drag," he sighs, linking his arms behind his head. "Why am I not surprised to hear you say that?" I ask, making him roll his eyes. "What about you?" he asks.

"Er, I don't want to say it's been a drag, but yeah, it has."

He raises an eyebrow at me. "Surprising, coming from you," he says. I shrug. "D rank missions aren't really my thing," I say. I grin at him mischievously. "I'm sure you absolutely love D rank missions, though, huh?"

He shakes his head. "Even they require too much effort," he says, making me laugh.

Kiba coughs uncomfortably behind me, making me blush. Crap. I've been hogging the conversation.

"Sorry, guys," I mumble, spinning to walk backways so that I can face the three of them. I watch Kiba raise a suspicious eyebrow at Shikamaru. "I thought you were afraid of girls," he says pointedly, glancing at me. Shikamaru runs a hand down his face. "What a drag," he mutters, making Kiba glare at him. "I'm not afraid of women," he says, watching the clouds above us. "I just don't like getting on their bad side. And Akari hasn't shown me her bad side yet," he adds, his eyes tracking a swiftly moving cloud. Hm. I don't like his frown.

"Akari," Kiba whines, sounding like Naruto. "You showed me your bad side. What gives?"

I smirk at him. "Shikamaru didn't nearly kill me," I tell him, poking him in the chest for emphasis. He turns red, his cheeks matching the fang marks under his eyes, the symbol of the Inuzuka Clan. "Aw, I forgave you, didn't I?" I say, swiping at his shoulder. He grins, his features lighting up.

"Bipolar, much--?"

I'm cut off as Shikamaru sticks his arm out. I crash into it and am thrown into Shino, accidentally knocking him to the ground. Crap.

"Sorry, Shino," I mutter, rolling off his chest. He stands, dust himself off, and offers me a hand, which I take gratefully. "It's not a problem, Akari," he says in his semi-creepy Shino way. I smile anyway, glad he's actually speaking instead of staring, like he normally does.

I turn back to Shikamaru, frowning at him. "What's up, Nara?" I ask seriously, knowing he always has his reasons. He doesn't turn to look at me, just jerks his head in the direction of a fruit stand. "That guy over there," he says. "He looks a little... off to me."

I narrow my eyes at the guy he's indicating. At first, I'm relieved. Then I realize what's wrong. "That's not Kakashi Sensei," I say warily as Kiba crowds behind me, trying to see what we're talking about. "Kakashi?" he repeats, sounding baffled. "Yeah," I mutter. "But it's not him. Look, his mask is on the wrong side of his face."

And his hair isn't as cool. But that's besides the point.

The man, who I now see is clearly not Kakashi, turns, and catches sight of us. Everyone but Shino freezes, unsure of what to do. Then Kiba shakes his head, starting towards the man. Grant it, he can't seem to pull off a simple Transformation Jutsu, but still, we don't know how strong he is! I pull back on Kiba's hood, stopping him in his tracks. "Not yet, Kiba," I say softly in his ear. He growls but says nothing.

As a group, we continue walking down the street, doing our best to ignore the man pretending to be Kakashi Hatake. What could he be doing here, and so poorly desguised too? Anyone who knows Kakashi would be able to see he's a fake. Well, maybe not Naruto. He doesn't tend to notice the obvious, but still!

Once we're a good distance down the street, I signal for everyone to stop. "Do you think we should tell someone? Like Kurenai Sensei? Or Asuma Sensei?" I add, glancing at Shikamaru.

"It'll be such a drag to have to find them, but yeah, we probably should," Shikamaru says.

He turns to Kiba. "Okay Dog-Boy, I guess you're up. Keep track of the fake Kakashi while Akari and I search for our Sensei--"

He breaks off, looking towards the sky again. I glance up as well, my eyes widening when I spot the massive storm clouds now hovering above us. "Where did those come from?" I ask, my voice dropping to an unintentional whisper. Shikamaru sighs as rain begins to pound down, soaking us all. "Hidden Rain technique, I think," he mutters, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"Why would Rain Village Ninja be here?" I ask.

"It's not like we're allies at the moment. They probably want some of our Jutsu."

"So that guy back there..."

"Yeah, enemy Ninja for sure. My guess is he's never actually seen Kakashi before."

"Why transform into him then?"

"He wanted somebody respectable, somebody no one in the Village would question, probably."

"So," Kiba says, frowning at the torrent of rain. "Looks like I won't be able to track anything now. What's with this rain anyway? Why summon it?"

"The most logical guess would be that they don't want Ninja Hounds on their trail," says Shikamaru. "But there could always be another reason..."

I look back through the crowded streets, spotting the silver-haired fake after a moment of panic. "He's moving," I mutter, watching as he pushes through the crowd, heading for... Oh no.

"Whatever this rain is meant for," I say, "it must also be a signal. We've got to move or we'll lose him in this downpour." I take a step forward only to be dragged back by Shino. He shakes his head at me. "But Shino--" I start, only to be cut off by Shikamaru. "Listen, Akari, as much as I dislike this, we'll need reinforcements if we want to take on enemy Ninja. Just wait a minute." He pauses, looking around the streets while I turn back to the intruder, keeping my eye on him as he moves.

He's no where near as sure of himself as Kakashi. How can no one else notice? Even the other Ninja milling around?

"Hey, Shikamaru! Where're you going?" Kiba shouts, as Shikamaru dashes into a nearby store. He returns a moment later, dragging a reluctant Ino. "Choji's off training with Asuma Sensei, so we're not getting either of them back for a while," he says, dropping Ino's arm. "But Ino should do."

She glares at him before taking in the rest of us. Her eyes widen in disgust. "Flea-bag, Buggy, and Slacker Girl?" she says, sounding more annoyed than she should. I've never liked Ino; she's too vain for my taste. Another reason I like Shikamaru. He tends to not care about what a person looks like, as long as they don't get on his nerves.

"Buggy?" I hear Shino mumble under his breath.

"What'd you call me?" Kiba shouts, getting in her face. Akamaru barks loudly before settling into a threatening growl, his teeth bared. Ino pushes Kiba away. "Ew, ew, ew, ew!" she cries, waving her hands in front of her face with her eyes closed. "Get dog-breath away from me!"

I pat Kiba's shoulder reassuringly, ignoring Ino for now. "I know you don't have fleas," I tell him. "And your breath smells fantastic!" His face slowly melts into a grin as he turns away from the pouting Ino. "Of course it does!" he agrees, making me smile at him. I really do love this team, and Kiba's definitely grown on me.

Shikamaru's sigh cuts through the roaring of the rain, and I turn to face him. He's squinting through the rain, in the direction of the fake Kakashi. Oh crap! I haven't been watching him! "He's picked up a few friends," Shikamaru informs me. "What a drag..."

The silver-haired enemy is almost too far away to see, especially in this rain, but I can make out two others beside him. "Kurenai Sensei?" I say, raising an eyebrow.

"And Asuma too," Shikamaru adds.

"Asuma Sensei?" Ino repeats, her interest piqued. "Yeah," I mutter. "Rain Village Ninja have infiltrated the Leaf Village." She squeaks in fright and I see Kiba roll his eyes. Not that I blame him. "And now that we're out of time, we've got to go." I leap up onto a nearby roof, Kiba and Shino following my lead. Shikamaru looks up at me, heands behind his head. "We'll take the streets," he calls up. "Make sure we keep them in our sights." And with that, he takes off, disappearing in the rain, Ino right behind him.

"Who knew lazy Shikamaru could be so decisive," Kiba says, and I nod my agreement.

"Are you guys ready?" I ask, slightly unnerved myself. We've never dealt with enemy Ninja before, and I can't keep my heartrate from increasing. But I push down my fear as my teammates nod. If only Hinata were here. Sure she doesn't love conflict, but I could use her gentle encouragement right now.

"Let's go then."

We jump from roof to roof, catching up to the enemy after a few minutes. They're not running or even hurrying, trying to appear natural. I hear fake Kakashi laugh and roll my eyes. He sounds nothing like the real Kakashi. Too high-pitched, and too... excited. Kurenair Sensei doesn't walk like that either. There's way too much hip movement in her step. How on earth does a woman walk like that comfortably? I don't know much about Asuma, so I'm not sure what's different about him, but I'm sure there's something. These people aren't very adept at blending in if four Genin could pick them out in a crowd for standing out.

"Akari, where do you think they're headed?" Kiba asks from behind me. I close my eyes momentarily, thinking about possible motives. "I don't know," I say, blinking open my eyes. "But before, when that fake Kakashi first started walking away, I thought he was heading for the Hokage's building."

"Why would they head there?"

"That's what I'm worried about."

"There's no way someone as badly Transformed as these people could get in to see the Hokage, right?"

"Normally, yes, but what if they don't plan on asking?"

"....We better hurry up and rat them out, then."

Silently, we continue following the three imposters. I wonder if they have backup. It would be smarter if they did, but also more dangerous. The more people they have, the more likely one of them gets caught. A three man squad makes sense if this is only recon, too. But I don't know. Why bother taking on the appearance of three Jonin if they're only here for a little recon, to see what the Village is up to? I would've have chosen three Chunin, or even Genin. They're less likely to be noticed or called on, as they bear less responsibility. However, if you were looking to gain access to certain areas of the Village, like where we keep our secret documents...

Or were planning on getting to close to the Hokage to...

I won't think about that possibility. Besides, Third Hokage is strong, not some feeble old man, like Naruto seems to think.

I land on the next roof, only to have my feet skid out from under me as they hit the slippery surface. I cry out, finding myself falling towards the ground. We've only just covered chakra control; I won't be able to catch myself.

A hand grabs onto the collar of my shirt, stopping me suddenly. I look up gratefully at Shino, his expressionless face the same as ever. I want to say thanks and that I'm sorry, but the damage has already been done.

As Shino pulls me back onto the roof, I watch the three enemy Ninja pause, looking around for the source of my cry. "Kurenai Sensei" is the one to spot me, a dark outline against the pale backdrop of rain, her eyes widening. She says something to the men beside her, something I can't catch, and they split up in three different directions, moving so fast I can barely see them. "Great," I mutter, shaking my head.

"I'm sorry guys," I add, looking up at the two of them. Kiba smiles. "It's all good," he says. "You made a mistake."

Now why do I get the feeling that he wouldn't be so forgiving with Ino...?

Shino inclines his head, agreeing with Kiba. I blush, glad of their acceptance. "Let's hurry. I think we'll have the best chance if we just keep heading for the Hokage's mansion. If I'm right, and that's where they're heading, we can just deal with them there. What do you guys think?"

"Sounds good."

"Yes. A very good plan, Akari."

With that, we set off again, only to be interrupted by Shikamaru and Ino.

"They split up," he says pointedly, joining us on the roof. I shrug. "There may have been a bit of a mishap," I say, not elaborating further. He sighs dramatically, running a hand down his face. "Who fell?" he asks.

Both Shino and Kiba point to me, causing me to blush furiously.

Sold out by my own teammates.

How humiliating.

"Anyway," I say, starting to move again. Everyone follows, even Ino, who does so reluctantly. "We're moving towards the Hokage's mansion. I figure that's there goal, since they were going in this direction. There isn't much else in that area, so it's likely that it's the mansion."

Shikamaru nods. "I was thinking the same thing."

I manage to keep my footing this time as we race above the Village, desperate to head off the unwanted visitors. Oh, I wish Kurenai Sensei would show up. I'm not even sure where she is. Kiba said she was walking Hinata home, but where is that? I've never been to the part of the Village where the Hyuga Clan lives. I don't know much about them, admittedly. Maybe I said something earlier than offended Hyugas altogether. Like, maybe they aren't allowed to show a person how to counter the Gentle Fist technique. If that's what it is, I'll happily apologize and never ask her again. If I do happen to fight another Hyuga in the Chunin Exams, whenever that is, I'll just have to deal with it. Nothing is more important than keeping Hinata as my friend and teammate.

Shikamaru calls us to a halt as we come up on Hokage Tower. No one else is here, besides an annoyed looking Ninja standing guard outside. He looks up at us as we approach but says nothing, only gritting his teeth in the bitter-cold rain.

Either he's not a very good guard, or he doesn't think five Genin are worth fretting over. If only we weren't just five Genin.

All five of us pause on the roof overlooking Hokage Tower. I almost wish I was wrong in guessing they'd come here. But no, I'm almost positive they'll be here, and soon, too.

"Akari," Shikamaru whispers, pointing at something off to my left. I narrow my eyes against the rain, straining to make out whatever he's seeing. Silver hair, turned gray with the rain, appears from behind a corner, casually strolling up to the guard. His headband is covering the wrong eye. Gotcha, Faker.

"We were right," I say bitterly, gripping the edge of the roof tightly to control my anxiety. It seems they're here sooner rather than later.

Fake Kakashi exchanges a few words with the guard before they both smile and laugh at something probably very ridiculous. Then the Rain Ninja lifts his hand in a half-assed wave before walking towards the entrance to Hokage Tower.

No...

"We've got to do something now," Kiba growls, and I nod my agreement. Taking this as a signal to move, he leaps from the roof and smashes into the fake Kakashi's back, sending them both to the ground.

Shikamaru sighs. "That's one way of doing it," he mutters, jumping down after Kiba. We all follow his lead, just as Kiba is kicked back towards us. He collides with me, squishing me between him and the building behind me. Ugh. I'm going to feel that in the morning.

Kiba shakes his head, apparently in a daze, and gets to his feet. I shakily get to mine, feeling a knot on the back of my head from slamming it against the wall. Oh well. Not like he hasn't given me head trauma before.

"Sorry, Akari," he growls softly, sending me a sympathetic smile. I roll my eyes, turning him back around to face the enemy.

His jutsu's broken, thanks to Kiba's surprise attack. He's dressed strangely in a one-piece outfit, which happens to be a very unnatractive pale yellow. A breathing mask sits over his mouth and goggles over his eyes. His Rain Village headband is clearly visible on his forehead.

The guard at the Tower gasps in surprise. That is, before the Ninja grabs his neck, choking him into unconsciousness. Ino squeaks, hiding behind Shikamaru, who mutters, "What a drag..."

Yeah, we look real frightening.

The Ninja glares at the five of us. "What are a buncha Ninja wannabes doing out here?" he demands, his voice strangely electronic-sounding due to his mask. "The better question," I say, "is, what is a Rain Village Ninja doing in the Hidden Leaf Village." He sneers at me. "I don't have time for squirts like you. I've got a mission to complete."

His performs a handsign, one that I don't recognize. "Hidden Rain Technique: Rain Flash!"

Crap, I must be seeing things.

"Did he just... turn into rain?" I ask cautiously. earning a few nods from the others. "Oh, so I'm not going crazy. That's good."

"Where the hell is he?!" Kiba growls, turning this way and that, trying to spot the MIA Ninja. I can't see him anywhere. "Is this like the Body Flicker Technique?" Ino asks quietly from behind Shikamaru. I narrow my eyes. "I don't think so," I say slowly. "He said it's a Hidden Rain Village jutsu, so I guess that's why we've never heard of it. But I don't think this is like our Body Flicker. He didn't sprint away or anything, he just... dissolved into rain."

Not that that's any better.

"It's a special jutsu," a mechanical voice says in my ear, as a kunai is pressed to my throat.

Everyone snaps their head around to stare at me, while I swallow nervously.

"Akari!" Kiba and Shikamaru both shout.

Shino says nothing, but I can see his hands slowly clench into fists. He's actually angry for once.

Ino, her eyes wide, stares at me with a silent scream.

And I'm left here, trying not to freak out too much. I mean, this is the life of a Ninja, right? Danger around every corner, life and death going hand in hand. I just didn't think I'd come this close to death so soon after becoming a Genin.

My mistake.

"This jutsu," the Ninja continues, "is unique to our Village. It allows those who master it to literally become rain, moving through the droplets at lightning-quick speeds. It's much more deadly than your Body Flicker Technique," he adds, pressing the kunai closer to my throat. "Speed means nothing when you don't have a clue where your enemy is."

I feel him look over my shoulder at the others. "Try anything, and I slit this girl's throat," he threatens, causing everyone to pale considerably. And still, Shikamaru decides to make a handsign. "I warned you!" the Ninja shouts, his grip on the kunai tightening. He draws back his arm slightly to deliver the killing blow.

Oh, goodbye cruel world! Fare thee well!

The tip of the kunai connects to my throat, drawing blood... and stops.

I blink open my eyes, which I shut when I thought he was going to kill me, to see Shikamaru smirking.

"Shadow Possession, success."

He tilts his head down, causing both myself and the Ninja to do the same. A darkened version of Shikamaru's shadow stretches between us, capturing the enemy Ninja along with me. I should have guessed he's do this. It is his signature move. But still, I didn't think it'd work, seeing as how there's no sunlight. The jutsu must be really weak right now. No need to tell the Ninja that though.

Shikamaru mimes holding a kunai, his hand in front of his throat, and slowly moves his arm out. My hand goes up as well and follows his movement, as does the enemy's. Shikamaru opens his closed fingers, and the Ninja drops his kunai. Quick as a flash, Kiba dives forward, snatches up and kunai, and jumps back.

Gotta love his speed.

"Kiba," Shikamaru grunts. Beads of sweat stand out on his forehead, despite the rain. "Knock this guy out would ya? I'm running out of steam here." He starts forward, and my captor and I do the same. I don't like the feeling of not being in control of my movements, but I'm eternally grateful to Shikamaru for saving my life, so I'll forgive him for this.

When Shikamaru and I are standing face to face, he nods at Kiba, before releasing his justu and tugging me back a few steps. Before the Ninja can react, Kiba launches himself at him, Akamaru at his heels. In a moment, the Ninja is out cold, slumped against the side of a building.

"Screw your jutsu," Kiba growls, kicking the Ninja's unconscious body. Hard. "What good is it when you can't move yourself?" Akamaru barks, confirming Kiba's point.

I turn to Shikamaru, but he holds up a hand. "Don't thank me," he says, surprising me. "You're a friend, and a fellow Ninja of the Hidden Leaf. It's my duty to help you." I smile at him, but don't say thank you, even though I really want to. Instead, I wrap my arms around his neck briefly, before jumping away and hugging Kiba as well. "You'll accept my thanks, won't you?" I ask, looking up into his eyes. He grins in his canine fashion. "I'd be insulted if you didn't thank me!" he states happily. I roll my eyes, hugging my teammate tighter before backing off and letting him breathe.

"One down," I say, rubbing my neck. The rain's already washed away whatever blood there was, thankfully, but I won't forget the feeling of the cold kunai pressed to my throat in a hurry. I don't ever want to end up in that situation again, let alone let it happen to my friends.

"The rain," Shino says. We all swivel to look at him. Hands in his pockets, he says, "That's why they summoned the rain. They need it to move around." I nod. "You're right Shino," I tell him, looking thoughtfully at the Ninja who nearly killed me. Would it be un-Ninja-like to smash his face in with my foot?

"If this rain hasn't disappeared yet," Shikamaru says, "then he can't have been the one who cast the jutsu. Meaning, if we want to take away their trump card, we need to find the Ninja that did and knock them out."

"But where are the others? I thought they'd be here, too."

"Maybe they are."

"Don't sound so creepy, Shino," Kiba mutters, scanning the rooftops. "You don't have to say it like that. A simple, 'Be careful', would work just fine, you know."

"Should we split up?" I suggest.

"Akari! Don't say that!" Ino whines.

"No, she's right," Shikamaru says, causing Ino to glare at him. "We have two enemies to track down, so two seperate teams makes sense. And sense Ino and I work as a combo, we'll go together."

"Shino, could you go with them, too?" I ask him. He lifts an eyebrow. "It's just, maybe you could manage to send one of your kikaicu to me and Kiba if you guys get into trouble?"

"Kikaichu?" Ino echoes.

"The chakra-eating bugs that live inside Shino's body," I inform her, enjoying the look of horror that appears on her face. Yeah, I'd been pretty freaked out when I first learned about Shino's abilities. But now I see them as just another part of Shino, a tool he uses to his advantage. Of course, he cares deeply about his bugs, and doesn't consider them tools. All the Aburame are like that, at least, I'm guessing they are.

Kiba smirks at me, shaking his head at poor petrified Ino as Shino walks over to her. She squeals again; at this Kiba covers his ears, wincing.

Shikamaru sighs. "Good idea, Akari," he says, grabbing onto Ino's arm and dragging her away. "And horrible at the same time," he adds under his breath as Shino follows him down the street.

"That never gets old," Kiba says, recovering from Ino's high-pitched assault on his ears. "I totally agree," I say with an evil smile that I don't use all that often. Well, I've been using it more and more since joining Team Eight. Kiba somehow manages to bring it out of me all the time. I think he's a bad influence on me.

He's still awesome, as he's told me several hundred times.

"Now," I say, rubbing my hands together. "We've got a Village to search."

***

"Damn, how long is this rain gonna last?" Kiba complains, wiping water from his eyes. We've been searching for a half an hour now, and the rain hasn't let up at all. I wonder how much chakra it takes to mantain this type of jutsu for so long. It must take an exceptional Ninja to perform such a task. Should be fun fighting them.

No one is out in the streets anymore, driven inside by the rain. Not even other Ninja are out and about. "Are they all afraid of a little water?" I mutter, glancing around, trying to hear anything past the pattering of rain.

Nothing.

"Why are we the only Ninja out right now?" I ask Kiba as we run past another empty alley. He shrugs. "I know a lot of them are out on missions right now," he says, then groans. "I bet they planned their attack when they knew most of us weren't going to be here," he growls.

Ugh. He's right. It would be perfect for these Rain Village scum if most of our Ninja were out on missions. It would work even better if Kurenai, Kakashi and Asuma were all out too, but they're here. Hm.

I jump, as I suddenly hear a noise from behind me. I tap Kiba's arm and he turns to watch me as I peer into the alley I just passed.

A trash bin is shaking violently.

It suddenly tips over, spilling... a cat onto the ground.

I sigh, just when I hear the unmistakable sound of feet hitting the ground. I swing around, just able to block the attacker's kunai with my own, hastily pulled from my weapon's pouch.

"Oh, look, Kiba," I say in a false-suprised voice. "It's Kurenai Sensei. Something's wrong though, Sensei."

She only glares at me, her red eyes flashing with hate. That's a new expression for Sensei. She's never been that angry with us before. Hope I never see it again.

"Enemy Ninja have infiltrated the Village, and we have to take them out. Care to help?" I ask smartly, bringing up my foot and smashing it into her side. She grunts in pain before attempting to clock me in the side of the head. I throw up my arm, blocking her, and slash my kunai at her stomach. She backs up, holding her wound which is now gushing blood.

I back handspring over to Kiba, panting slightly. She has some wicked strength; I barely kept her fist from connecting with my skull.

"You ok, Akari?" Kiba asks me. Akamaru whimpers slightly, staring up at me. I nod, keeping my eyes on the Rain Village Ninja.

"Maybe you could take over the Taijutsu stuff," I suggest to Kiba. "You know I don't like it. I'll take it from a distance."

I flip backwards, making the handsign in mid-air. As my feet hit the ground, I shout, "Water Style: Liquid Bullets!" The water projectiles slice through the rain, aimed at "Kurenai's" legs. She jumps straight up, avoiding my attack, but walking right into my trap.

"Fang over Fang!"

Kiba and Akamaru, spinning like drills, barrel into the unsuspecting Ninja. I made sure she was unable to dodge Kiba's attack, and I'm damn proud of it.

The Ninja crashes to the ground, helped along by another attack from Kiba and his best friend. She lies in a crater when the rain washes the dust from the air, a grinning Kiba standing over her. "Now I've taken down two of em," he says wickedly, his canine eyes glinting with satisfaction.

"I'm so happy for you, buddy," I mutter, frowning at the amount of chakra I've already used up. Kurenai Sensei said it'll get easier the longer I train, the jutsu taking less and less from me after a while. I hope she's right. It sucks knowing all three of my teammates seem to have more chakra than I do. Even shy Hinata.

The sight of a kikaichu suddenly in front of my face makes me jump, slipping on the rain-soaked streets and toppling onto my butt.

I groan, a hand to my forehead. How embarassing can one person be?

"Does this mean they need help, or just that they've found the other Ninja?" Kiba asks thoughtfully, watching the bug crawl pitifully along the back of his hand. It tries to shake out its wings but the rain keeps the little bug grounded, stuck to Kiba's hand. I kinda feel sorry for it, and I'm glad Shino isn't here right now. If he saw his bug like this...

Ah well, he wouldn't be very focused on the situation, and that could get him killed.

"I don't know, Kiba," I say, getting to my feet. "But it means they want us over there now, so let's get a move on, shall we?" He grins, rubbing the top of Akamaru's head. The little Ninja Dog yips in excitement, obviously happy about the prospect of our upcoming fight.

Like Ninja, like Dog...

We take to the roofs again, finding it easier than the muddy streets. We are silent as we move, Kiba's excitement outweighted by the knowledge that there is still an enemy Ninja hiding in out Village. And that our friends have already come across them.

I don't like the idea of them fighting without us. I'm not jeaous, just worried. This is the Ninja who's supposedly casting this rain jutsu, so they have to be strong. And honestly, Ino's jutsu only works in juncture with Shikamaru's Shadow Possession Jutsu, which he can't use effectively in this weather. And Shino... his bugs are useless in the rain.

My eyes widen.

What the hell have we done?

"Kiba!" I whisper frantically, too afraid to even yell. "We've made a huge mistake!" He narrows his eyes at me, confusion plain on his face. "What do you mean?" he asks.

"Those three are in danger with it pouring like this!"

His eyes slowly widen as he catches on to my meaning. "Shikamaru can't use his shadow, Ino can't use Shikamaru, and Shino can't use his bugs..." he says slowly.

An uneasy look crosses his face.

"And without Shikamaru's Shadow Possession Justu, that Rain Flash Technique will catch them all off guard," I add, as his frown deepens.

"How could we have been so stupid?"

"How could Shikamaru have been this stupid?" I mutter under my breath. So much for being a genius.

A scream cuts through the pounding of the rain.

Kiba and I freeze on the next roof.

"That sounded like Ino," I say softly, and Kiba, whose hearing is much better than mine, nods silently.

What have we gotten ourselves into?