EDITED: 4/1/17- grammar and spelling issues.

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~~~~~~~

32

The sky was still dark with the remnants of night and the air was chilly. Akira stirred her cup of coffee before settling to eat her breakfast. Today marks the first day of Konoha's annual Matsuri and as part of the village's active shinobi force, she's required to attend the opening ceremony. The thought of standing exposed in the presence of all shinobi and civilian present made Akira a little nervous. Although she's already used to the motions of the Matsuri, the hostile stares are still unwelcome.

She stood up and washed her utensils before proceeding to take a warm bath. After a while she re-emerged from the bathroom and donned on her shinobi attire. The long-sleeved turtle neck and matching pants were a little bothersome to Akira, who was used to wearing breezy clothing. She wrapped her shuriken and kunai holster around her right thigh and attached her weapons pouch to her hip. She then took the standard Konoha flak jacket, shook it a little and then donned it over her top. The added weight felt foreign for a minute.

Akira sighed and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked different, more mature and serious. The green flak jacket barely complemented her own green eyes and it gave her a shapeless form, like that of an awkward 5-year old. The long sleeves and dark pants however, added to her height and the thicker material would surely keep her snug and warm in the coming nights. Akira styled her hair into a ponytail, adjusted the katana on her hip, donned her sandals and then whistled for the wolves. Soon she heard their barks at the porch and Akira stepped out.

"Ohayo Hime-chan!"

"Good morning, Ookami," Akira greeted back. She activated the protective seals in place before setting out for the opening ceremony. Dawn was breaking and Akira could already sense the village starting to awaken.

"Your uniform suits you, Hime," Sachiko said.

Akira smiled. "Thank you Sachiko."

"You don't wear it that often," remarked Kuroi.

Akira scratched her neck lightly. "Well, it's a little itchy. I'm just not comfortable with it. I prefer shorter clothes." She then took out the scroll she was given to check the details of the assembly. "We better hurry up a bit, the assembly starts at 7."

Kishi yawned. "Hime...it's just 6 o'clock..."

"So?"

The wolves looked at each other. Yuudai growled a little. "Kishi means we've got an allowance of one hour..."

Akira still couldn't get their point. "Yeah, so? Fifteen minutes clocking in to the Admin office, another ten minutes going up the Hokage Tower, another fifteen minutes of riff raff...we'll be there by 0645H."

The Ookami fought the urge to roll their eyes and groan. Akira takes punctuality very seriously and she hates being late. She'd rather wait than have others wait on her. Although the wolves had grown accustomed of their mistress' quirks, it doesn't mean they like waking up early. Especially Kishi. Ironic as it may be, while waking up before the crack of dawn is nothing to Akira, her wolves are not morning people—err, wolves.

The group soon reached the Administrative Building of the Hokage's office. Akira presented her scroll to the shinobi at the desk who wrote something on a logbook.

"Early bird eh, Satsuna?"

Akira shrugged and noted the sparse population inside the office. "I don't like crowded places," she muttered.

"Alright, up you go. Leave the scroll."

She nodded her thanks and proceeded to the designated meeting place of the shinobi. Since it's a general assembly, they are holding it in one of the largest spaces of the village, which is at the top of the Hokage building, across the Hokage Monument.

She and her wolves arrived in the venue thirty minutes early and Akira saw that there were already a few shinobi that had arrived in the said gathering. She positioned herself to the farthest corner and leaned at the railings. The kunoichi watched as the village slowly awoke from their slumber, the hum of their early morning activities slowly increasing. Shops had begun to open, women cleaned their front yards, children's laughter multiplied as the people welcomed the first day of the Matsuri. Like every year, it's expected to be a grand affair, something that a military village rarely indulges in.

The wolves settled around Akira with Kishi dozing off in a nap and Sachiko joining Akira's side in sightseeing. Kuroi, Akai and Yuudai merely looked around, occasionally exchanging barks at the few shinobi they recognized. The venue was beginning to fill with shinobi and ANBU. Soon, Tsunade herself, along with the Elders of the village and some of the representatives of the civilian population, joined the gathering.

Akira and the rest of the shinobi stood in formation at the presence of the village leader. She settled herself at the back row of Genma's squad. She saw Saito and his cronies nearby but gave them no heed. Genma had promised to deal with them so Akira was not worried about the sorry bunch. Besides, no one in their right mind would try to even breathe ill to Akira with the wolves around.

The assembly started with Tsunade greeting them all a pleasant morning and then thanking them for the extra effort of guarding the village instead of joining the festivities. At this, many rolled their eyes and stifled amused remarks since, as shinobi regardless of rank, they are obliged to guard and defend Konoha at all cost. It wasn't as if they had a choice.

Akira listened in to more reminders about protocols in village security and then the Elders of the village had spoken of extending hospitality towards the esteemed guests that were expected to arrive in Konoha today. Akira had tuned out as soon as the Elders had spoken. She harbors ill-feelings towards them, thinking about how they always seemed to favor Naruto in their decisions.

At the thought of the blonde jinchuriki, Akira was torn between guilt and fondness. She had not seen him for some time now and missed his noisy company. She felt guilty of being jealous of him. Naruto was all support and kindness towards her and Akira felt like she was betraying him for even thinking that he receives all the preferential treatment.

"But he does. Don't try to deny it."

A chill ran down her spine. "Not now..."

A sinister chuckle. "I am the master of my own time. I will speak to you whenever I want. And I'm telling you, that Naruto brat is not your friend. He's the reason you're a liability."

"Shut up!" Cold sweat had begun to trickle down the sides of her face.

"Hime?"

"Ah, I should've killed his meddling father when I had the chance... his stupid mother too!" Rattling chains echoed in her ears and Akira clenched her fists at her sides, shaking as she tried to gain control of the fear gnawing her. 'Think happiness...think!'

"Should've killed the brat as well...ahh but Inoue, that old hag, is truly the bane of my existence! This seal, this cage your family has put me in!" A deep growl. "But it's not too late...I can still finish you off...it's just a matter of time!"

"You will not get away!" Akira felt her chest tightening. She couldn't see her wolves anymore, or anything for that matter. All she saw was darkness and it was cold and harsh. She forced herself out of the dark abode. 'Come on, think of Naruto! He's like a brother right? He has always cared for you...'

"Hime-chan! What's going on?"

Naruto's bright smile had begun to surface and with his image Akira associated Iruka, then Hayate, then Neji. Slowly, her ears began to register the sounds around her. The wolves' tense growling, the shuffle of feet from the shinobi, and the curt orders from jounin squad leaders. The jumble of sounds had organized themselves and Akira grew aware of her surroundings. The assembly had finished and shinobi teams had started to gather for their briefings.

The Ookami had surrounded her, barking to get her attention. Around them, shinobi looked at her with disgust and disdain while they edged away from her. Akira didn't mind. She sagged weakly at the floor, knees shaking. She covered her face with her hands as she gulped deep breaths in an attempt to calm her erratic heartbeat.

"Are you alright, Hime-chan?" Yuudai asked worriedly.

"The-the Kageboshi," Akira whispered.

The wolves looked at each other, worried and fearful. "Was it trying to escape?" asked Kuroi.

Akira shook her head. She heaved deep breaths. Awareness of her surroundings came slowly to Akira, the sounds beginning to be magnified. She stood up and composed herself.

"Hime-chan?" Yuudai prompted.

She ruffled the wolf's head absent-mindedly. "I'm alright. It's just the Kageboshi. We'll talk about it later." She looked around. "Now where's Genma-san?"

Kuroi sniffed the air and barked. "He's down there with your squad. He's already giving orders."

Akira leaned down the railing and saw her squad meeting without her. "Damn it," she muttered. She leapt down and pushed chakra off her feet. So much for being punctual.

She landed quietly behind the huddle of shinobi and tried to mask her presence. Genma saw her however and he raised his brows.

"I was beginning to wonder whatever happened to you back there," he remarked good-naturedly, shifting his senbon to the other side of his mouth. Akira merely shrugged and avoided the unfriendly stares she got from the group.

Genma continued. "As I was saying, today marks the start of the festival and people will be flocking to the shrines and temples, so expect heavy civilian numbers around the vicinity of the shrines. We will act as back-up for Aoba's squad who is assigned to that perimeter. Standby for possible changes in rotation and assignment as more people come in to the village. Do not forget our passcode."

Akira nodded diligently, making mental notes.

"These are wireless radios," Genma said, holding the device in his hand. Akira took the one handed to her. "Set the frequency to 6.30gHz. We'll use this to communicate with each other. Test your devices now."

The group attached the radios to their persons, set them to the appropriate frequency. Akira heard Genma's voice through the earpiece.

"I want a smooth operation till the end of this festival. Any offenses committed during this mission will be accounted for in your personal records. Do not leave your posts unless instructed by me or the Hokage herself if you don't want multiple charges of insubordination and abandonment of duty. Any questions? None? Then head out!"

"Hai!"

The group of shinobi disappeared in a flash.

Akira leapt into the dense forest and soon disappeared from view. The wolves were not far behind her. She heard her teammates dash off and not long after, there was only the sound of wildlife as she entered her perimeter.

She leapt to the highest tree she could find and climbed to the topmost. She scanned the area quickly, looking for any signs of disturbance from the traps they have set. Seeing none, she climbed back down and met her wolves.

"Ookami, you know what to do."

"Hai Hime!"

Kuroi, Akai, Kishi and Sachiko exchanged barks before setting off to their assigned area. Yuudai meanwhile had joined Akira on the huge tree. He sat on his haunches and watched his mistress.

"What do we do now, Akira-hime?"

Akira adjusted her flak jacket, made herself comfortable on the crook of the tree and took out a battered paperback. She gave Yuudai a wink.

"Now, we wait."

~~~~~~~~~~

Konoha started the annual Matsuri with the unspoken promise of outdoing the celebrations last year. A steady influx of people, civilian and shinobi alike, flocked the streets for the first day of the festival. Merely hours into the Matsuri and already the village was abuzz with happy chatters and carefree laughter. Children dressed in colorful yukata ran along the streets, women dressed into their prettiest and the men exchanged hearty greetings. Stalls sold different colored beads, representing the prayers to be offered to the gods. Brightly colored paper were folded carefully into quaint origami, containing a shinobi's prayer for a successful mission, a couple's desire for a child, a genin's wish to graduate and other desires of the heart. Monks from the Fire Temple blessed prayer beads and offerings. Bells from the shrines echoed almost continuously as more people came to pray. One would think that the gods must be deaf by now and flooded with food, prayers and flowers.

Konoha no Sato was pulsing with festive vibe, a contrast with the stiff atmosphere among the shinobi on duty.

Four squads from the regular forces were assembled to assist the ANBU teams that perform patrol duties. Akira's squad is the smallest, with only ten members excluding the wolves. Genma, the squad leader, is a Tokubetsu Jounin and former ANBU. Five of the members are jounin while the rest are Chuunin like her and Saito's cronies. Team Genma collaborates with ANBU Team Han, and would function as their back up should anything happen in the Eastern side of the village. Other teams were placed in various strategic places with the most number concentrated at the Main Gates and at the Southern point where the village penitentiary is located.

The Eastern perimeter where Team Genma is assigned is further divided into 3 sub-perimeters. Because of Akira's Musha Ookami, Genma did not assign her to a subgroup unlike the other shinobi who were placed in 3 to 4-man teams. Akira was thankful for her unique assignment. She preferred working with animals instead of humans anyway.

From Akira's vantage point, she could see the peak of the Sandaime's hair and the red and black rooftop of the ANBU and Jounin headquarters. Her assigned perimeter was the area behind the Hokage Monument, and if she climbed the highest point of the tree she's on, she would have an almost perfect view of the village. It was a breath of fresh air from last year's rotation at the Main Gates. She pitied the squad that was assigned there.

Hours later since their deployment, Akira's radio crackled to life.

"Team, intel just arrived that the Fire Daimyo will be entering the East Perimeter. Two carriages, accompanied by ANBU Team Ro. ETA 30 minutes. Over."

Her teammates replied back and then the air was silent again. She shifted a little in her seat and glanced at Yuudai who had leapt down and was walking around the clump of bushes. She returned to her novel.

After a couple of minutes from the announcement, her radio crackled again.

"Daimyo's entourage had entered the East perimeter and will be passing through Area 3. Stay sharp."

Area 3 is where Saito and his stupid gang are stationed and Akira rolled her eyes at Saito's arrogant "Roger that, Taichou!". Akira scoffed. Saito's too much of an arrogant idiot that she wouldn't be surprised if the daimyo got assassinated right under his nose.

She opened her tattered paperback once more and resumed reading. Even in her location, the strains of laughter and chiming bells reached her ears. She smiled a little, imagining her students running around like little hellions unleashed. 'Brats,' she thought fondly.

"Area 3 secure, we have visual of Team Ro and the Daimyo's entourage."

Akira ignored the exchange of updates and adjusted the volume of her radio. Instead she stowed her novel in her pouch and scanned the chakra barrier that formed a protective dome around the village for any disturbance. Seeing none from her perimeter, she decided to check on her wolves.

"How are we doing Ookami?"

Yuudai who was just below her barked in reply. "Traps are all in place Hime. No intruders."

"Same here," quipped Sachiko. Being the fastest in the pack, she was stationed nearest the village, just a few hundred meters from the Hokage Monument. Should anything untoward happen, Akira could send her immediately to inform the ANBU or Jounin headquarters, even the Hokage herself, and request for backup. "Traps are secure, Hime-chan!"

"Thank you Sachiko. Akai, Kuroi, Kishi?"

Akai and Kuroi howled in response, indicating that everything is stable in their areas as well, with Kuroi even coming into contact with a clone of Genma who was checking to see if every inch of their perimeter is adequately guarded. Kishi echoed the same positive response. He was assigned furthest from the pack, almost at the edge of the village borders.

So far, everything was peaceful. Hours passed with minimal interruptions. Every two hours Akira sees the traps herself, reinforcing the chakra barriers and adding tags. She also rotated the wolves, making sure they get rest periods. In between, she substituted for a jounin that was pulled out to a different squad to assist with more dignitaries arriving, she oversaw the arrival of a performing troupe through her perimeter and even finished her paperback novel, all in one day.

Soon enough, nighttime had come.

People had begun to relax, enjoying the evening performances of foreign troupes, while lanterns joined the stars in brightening Konoha's night sky. The village continued its festive mood but for the shinobi tasked with the village's security, it was a different story.

Akira was perched atop the tree, eyes peeled for the tiniest of movement when her radio crackled and Genma's voice was clear in her ear.

"Stay alert everyone. Our job's just beginning."

As if on cue, the Ookami howled in unison, matching Akira and her teammates' response, "Roger, Taichou!"

~~~~~~~~

The festivities went on for the next four days, with no sign of letting up. The first day's energetic vibe only intensified for the next day, especially on the day of the parade.

From time to time Akira had a glimpse of the different floats that showcased Konoha's aesthetic side. It was as if they were reminding the other villages that not only is Konoha great in the military sense, but also in things like flowers and pomp.

'Well all that pruning of flowers seemed to have paid off, Flower-girl,' Akira thought as she watched a float adorned with exotic buds being ogled at. It already looked majestic this far, how much more when closer? Yamanaka Flower Shop must be thriving in business right now.

Briefly, Akira thought of Ino and the other kunoichi, how they must be having fun right now, admiring the different floats and watching the dance performances. She wondered if Ino had successfully asked Sai out, or if Sakura and Tenten had hatched a plan to get Hinata and Naruto together (because last time, Akira remembered Tenten talking about some sort of plan). Akira was too busy the past week with her Academy and patrol duties to be able to tune in to the latest village gossip. Not that she cared about gossips, really.

The kunoichi sighed. Come to think of it, she has not seen Naruto. How is that blonde brat doing? When Akira got the rare chance to go home for a change of clothing, she had not bothered to find him. She was too tired to even lift the soap and rub it on her body.

And aside from Naruto, she had not seen Neji either.

"2100. Yoiyama."

That's a few hours from now—exactly 8 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds--and even this early, Akira was on pins and needles. She had scolded herself multiple times today for being anxious over a stupid date—if it was really a date, because honestly, she has no idea what or where things stand with the Hyuuga.

'Focus on the job, Satsuna!' She told herself for the nth time as she gathered chakra to her feet. Silently she thanked her lucky stars for the Hyuuga. He was enough to distract her even from the Kageboshi.

~~~~~~~~

"Sakura-chaaaaaan! Inooooooo!"

Sakura and Ino sighed as they made their way to where Naruto was waving like the loudmouthed idiot that he is.

On a normal day, Sakura had already punched Naruto through the Hokage Monument, but the cheery atmosphere was enough to tone down the fierce pinkette. Instead, she and Ino waved back at the blonde and returned his bright smile.

"Hello, Naruto-baka! Oh, Kiba you're here too!"

The Inuzuka grinned. "You look lovely ladies, especially you Ino."

Ino rolled her eyes playfully at Kiba's flirting. "Nice try dog-boy but I have a date." She looped an arm around Sai's who was startled with the action. "Try Sakura instead."

Kiba laughed, eyes teasing as he turned to the pinkette. "Sorry Sakura but I like girls who are more...well-endowed."

As Ino and Kiba laughed and Sai smiled in earnest amusement, Sakura blushed a deep red and grabbed Naruto's collar. The blonde yelped in surprise as he was clueless to what was going on.

"Naruto you idiot! Why don't you defend me for once!"

"B-b-but Sakura-chan, I always defend you from the bad guys!" Naruto said, face contorted in mixed confusion and indignation. "I rescued you from Gaara during the Chuunin Exams, I kicked all those bastards' asses for you when they tried to kidnap you, I—"

"Shannaro!" Sakura punched Naruto on the head. Poor guy.

Then she punched Kiba too for good measure.

Before anything bloody could happen, their small group was joined by Hinata, Shino, Shikamaru and Choji. Like Ino and Sakura, Hinata was wearing a yukata in the color lavender, accentuating her indigo hair and pale eyes. The boys, except Sai, were in traditional yukata was well. After exchanging pleasantries—with Hinata mumbling a shy "H-hello N-naruto-kun"—the group all trooped out to watch the stage play happening in a few minutes.

"Someone's missing," Ino remarked, still hanging by Sai's arm. The quiet man seemed to not mind.

"Yeah," Sakura agreed while looking around. "Where's Team Gai?"

"Ano, I saw them by the curry place earlier," Hinata replied. "N-Neji-nii mentioned they were going to the fair after..."

Ino shrugged. "I heard the performers are the best from other towns and this is their last stage play before they go into hiatus for the next season." She sighed. "Too bad Tenten won't be able to see it."

"Troublesome."

"Everything's troublesome for you!" Ino snapped at the Nara. "Go sleep at home or something!"

Instead of retorting like he normally does, Shikamaru just let out a soft "Hmp" and turned his head away, as if intentionally avoiding Ino's eyes. The blonde would've settled for that if only Choji had clamped his mouth shut.

"He can't because he's meeting someone who wanted to watch the play too."

"Choji--!"

Too late, Yamanaka Ino was already upon his throat, and the rest of group (even Shino!) had tuned in.

"Meeting someone?" Fast as cat Ino grabbed Shikamaru by the robe before the shadow-user could dodge. "Spill, Nara!"

"Troublesome woman. Move it."

"Nara..."

"No. And you Chouji, you're not getting free barbecue from me."

"Don't make me use Shintenshin no jutsu on you. SPILL IT!"

Shikamaru didn't have to spill anything because the unidentified cause of the squabble came in the form of Temari no Sabaku.

The fan-wielding kunoichi from Sand raised a fine brow at Ino who was shaking Shikamaru.

Behind her, Kankuro and the Kazekage both smirked in amusement.

"I see the fun has started."

The group looked up at Temari and Ino promptly dropped Shikamaru, eyes wide. She looked at Shikamaru then at Temari and then back to Shikamaru.

It clicked. "You—it's Temari?!" exclaimed Ino. "You're dating the sister of the Kazekage?!"

Temari blushed and Shikamaru merely straightened his shirt. "Don't be foolish Yamanaka," he muttered. The Nara seemed calm enough but he rubbed his nape repeatedly, a nervous habit.

"We're not dating," Temari then said sternly, more to his brothers than to the Konoha shinobi.

Kankuro laughed. "Yeah, yeah. I'll just pretend I don't know about those 'inter-village conferences'."

"They were legitimate village matters!" Temari glared at Kankuro. She glanced at Gaara, and the Kazekage sighed.

"Thank you for inviting Suna to be a part of your celebration," Gaara said quietly.

"You're welcome," Sakura replied. "I hope you're enjoying your stay."

Before Gaara could reply, Naruto had barged through and approached him.

"Gaara! Glad you're here! Have you tried Ichiraku ramen yet?"

Everyone looked horrified when Naruto then grabbed the Kazekage by the arm, ushering him to the street while babbling how Gaara had wasted his life for not tasting the best ramen in the whole world.

"Oi you baka! How dare you just grab a village leader like that!" Sakura exclaimed as she pinched Naruto's ear in a vice-like grip and pulled him back. "Now let's go watch the performance! I am not gonna wait another year for it just because of your obsession with ramen!"

Amidst Naruto's shrieks of "Ow ow ow Sakura-chan!" the group engaged in lively chatter, making their way to the village square where the said famous play is to be shown.

~~~~~~~~

Tenten did not even bother objecting when Lee suggested to eat curry and then fervently pledge to win the biggest prize in this year's fair for "his dearest Sakura-chan". She could only sigh in resignation when Gai encouraged his favorite student.

As per tradition, Team Gai met at the koi pond near the shrine before celebrating their five years of camaraderie and teamwork in the curry place that they frequented.

Tenten wore her yellow yukata with blue wave patterns and tied her hair in one bun instead of the usual two. Gai and Lee came in paired green yukata. Neji wore a variant of his Hyuuga robes—dark kimono top and loose black pants. Tenten hid her admiration at how the ensemble looked good on him. Her blush was a telltale sign however.

It's been a couple of months since their team got together, they were after all Chuunin and Jounin and have their own missions. Tenten herself has been going on as team captain for missions with genin and fellow chuunin. The same could be said about Lee, and Gai-sensei and Neji have even been going on solo missions.

Today Tenten and Neji watched as Lee was unsuccessful in hitting the bull's eye for the nth time. Tenten shook her head.

"You know he'll never hit it," Neji remarked beside her. "And you know Sakura will never entertain his advances. So why are you encouraging him?"

"I'm not gonna ruin Lee's fun," Tenten replied while smiling, watching their teammate try again in winning the huge teddy bear. "Besides, I know how much Lee adores Sakura, I can't bear to break his heart."

"Hm."

The pair settled into an amicable silence. Neji looked away from Lee and stared off into the distance.

Tenten drew her eyes away from Lee and studied Neji for a while. The jounin lifestyle seemed to do good for him. His features had matured from boy to man—his broad shoulders having more strength in them, the regal Hyuuga features mixing well with that of a weathered ninja's stern outlook. And she heard that his mission success rates are one of the highest in the new batch of jounin, as expected from Hyuuga clan's genius. Everything seemed to be doing well for him, but Tenten couldn't shake off the feeling that there's something else. The way his eyes kept flicking to the clock at the restaurant, or how he cocked his head to some sound that she wasn't sure what.

"Neji?"

"Hn?"

"How are you?"

Neji turned to her, brows creased. "I'm fine Tenten. Why do you suddenly ask?"

Tenten smiled. "Nothing. It's just that we've been too busy with our own lives lately that...well, I just want to catch up."

Neji could see the worry hiding in her eyes and he could not help but smile. Typical Tenten, with her constant worry for others. He shook his head lightly.

"Well I'm fine. Thanks for worrying."

"Hinata once mentioned that you're mostly away for missions?" Tenten grinned. "Tsunade-sama's a slave driver, huh?"

Neji frowned a little at the mention of his cousin divulging such information about him. It's not a bad thing entirely but it made him a little uncomfortable.

"Hn. She is."

Silence.

Tenten bit her lip lightly. From the outside, the Hyuuga looked as cool as a cucumber but she knew that something's been bothering him all this time. He's distracted and Tenten decided to not prod him too much. And although she understands that he needs his distance, the selfish part of her—the part that has loved him since forever—is a little fearful that he might distance himself too far enough that she can't follow.

She sighed. 'Neji...'

~~~~~~~

"I'm on patrol duty."

"2100. Yoiyama."

When he learned that the red-haired kunoichi would be on duty during the festival, he deflated a bit. He wanted to take the opportunity the festival offered to further his mission, when she is at her most relaxed. It's not like he could always be with her—he still has to maintain a certain distance to make his intentions less obvious. Lately however, shadowing the kunoichi has been a little easier because the wolves have gotten used to his presence and he was able to glean a few things by observing her a little closer. Still, he hasn't made enough progress.

Neji felt like scum whenever he takes advantage of their situation, guilt always eating his heart whenever he holds her because truly, he wants her, truly care for her. But in spite of the intensity of his feelings for the kunoichi, he still couldn't define it. It went deeper than attraction, borders on obsession and possessiveness.

All the more reason for him to see her tonight.

He had not seen Akira for a week, and in that short period he had been quite out of sorts. He was very careful in hiding it though, but he knew he wasn't doing a very good job so maybe that's why Tenten has noticed.

From the red-haired kunoichi, he turned his thoughts to the Weapons Mistress. He hadn't told Tenten about Akira because honestly, developing feelings for the target of his mission is not part of the plan. And if everything up in his face, how the hell will he be able to face Tenten who's not only his teammate and close friend, but also Akira's? Both kunoichi occupied a special place in his life and that made it all the more complicated.

Yeah, Tsunade's a slave driver for subjecting him to this mess.

Neji fought his growing impatience. He had been counting the hours for their meeting, coming up with various alibis in his mind to see the woman that had turned his life upside down. He didn't want to be rude to his teammates, especially to Tenten who looked radiant today that they were finally complete and he didn't want to disappoint Lee and Gai-sensei, who he had also missed spending time with.

Lee finally came back, but with a defeated look. In his attempt to finally win the prize, he threw the dart a little too enthusiastically that caused it to destroy the boards. He was accused of cheating, because as per rules of the game, shinobi are not allowed to use ninja techniques.

"Sakura-san will never notice me now," he lamented.

Tenten sighed in exasperation and gave him a sympathetic nudge. "Oh cheer up Lee! Tonight's the last night of the festival, we should be happy and excited!"

"But I failed Sakura-san and Gai-sensei!" Lee exclaimed. "I am so ashamed of myself, I can't bear to look Sensei in the eye! I am no longer deserving to be called his disciple!"

Neji could not help snort at Lee's exaggeration. What is it with Sakura that Naruto and Lee are so smitten with her? Honestly, Neji couldn't see the charm the pinkette has. Excluding her credentials as a medic nin and being the student of Tsunade the Sannin and the Copy Ninja Kakashi, she holds no allure whatsoever to Neji.

But maybe that's just because Neji had already decided on his preferred woman and Haruno Sakura pales in contrast to her.

Neji knew he could not delay any longer. It's only a matter of a few hours before he could see Akira, but before that, there's something else he has to do.

Things were made easier for him when they caught sight of the noisy group Konoha 11 made. Naruto was the noisiest and when the blonde jinchuriki saw Team Gai, he wasted no time hollering for them.

"Hey it's Bushy-brows! Oooiii!"

Lee immediately brightened up at the sight of Naruto and of course, Sakura.

"Naruto-kun! Sakura-san!"

The three of them joined the group. Neji was quick to note the addition of the Kazekage and his siblings among them.

The girls had already grouped together, gushing over their yukata and other trivial things. Lee desperately tried to catch Sakura's attention but the pinkette only gave him a polite smile before rejoining the girls' gaggle.

The boys' conversation was a lot simpler.

"Neji," Shikamaru greeted, exchanging a handshake with the Hyuuga.

"Missions pile up lately, huh," the Nara remarked.

"Yeah," Neji replied. "More so after the festival."

"You couldn't be more right."

Neji bowed curtly and politely at Gaara. "Kazekage-sama."

"Hyuuga-san."

The same short and polite acknowledgements were exchanged with Kankuro, Temari and Shino. Sai smiled at Neji in that way everyone found creepy and for a second the Hyuuga wondered why again Ino hangs onto this freak's arm?

Not far from Neji, he could see Kiba looking at him. Their eyes met and the two men exchange rather stiff nods. If there was any hostility between them, the two were civil enough not to do anything about it now. Conversation flowed naturally between the group, and someone had suggested to try the food strip a couple of blocks away. There was unanimous agreement.

As they walked, Naruto said, "Hey, have you guys seen Akira-chan? I don't think I've seen her all week!"

Neji fought the urge to facepalm. He saw his reaction mirrored in Ino, Sakura, Tenten and Kiba's faces.

"She's on patrol tonight, baka!" Kiba answered. "Didn't she tell you?"

"Eh?! Patrol?! What's that?"

"Idiot! You really consider yourself a shinobi of this village? She's out on the border, securing the village and stuff. Geez, how the hell do you manage being in a same team with him, Sakura?"

"Ugh! Don't ask, please."

Hinata, who was walking just in front of Neji said softly, "It's sad though. She missed the celebration and the show."

"Hmmm, you're right about that Hinata," Ino remarked who was beside Tenten. "It's quite unfortunate she's not here with us to enjoy the Matsuri," She turned around to meet Neji's stare. "Don't you think so Neji?"

Neji, stoic as ever, only said. "Hn." His eyes met Tenten's briefly before he looked away.

"1 hour, 59 minutes and 59 seconds."

~~~~~~~~

"How's the barrier looking, Yuudai?"

The gray wolf barked loudly. "All clear, Hime."

Akira joined him on the ground. "Perfect! I'm leaving you in charge for now, Genma-san had asked me to meet him for a short briefing okay?"

"Okay, you be careful Hime."

The kunoichi ruffled the wolf's fur and addressed the rest of the pack. "Ookami, maintain your posts while I'm gone."

Their howls from the distance was enough assurance for Akira. She adjusted the katana at her hip and turned on her radio.

"Genma-taicho? Confirming rendezvous at 45 south higashi perimeter."

Static and then Genma's voice, "Confirmed."

Akira turned off her radio. "I'll be off now Ookami. Sachiko, you behave."

Akira heard Sachiko's distinct howl of protest as the kunoichi made her way to the assigned meeting place.

"I'm always behaved Hime-chan!" Sachiko said. "But wait, have you told Genma-san of your plans for later?"

Akira paused and bit her lip. She was supposed to meet Neji later and while she fretted about what to say to him or what to do, she hasn't thought of how to go to their meeting place without being charged with abandonment of duty. Genma made it clear that no one is to leave their posts unless upon official orders from their immediate supervisors or the Hokage herself. And Akira was sure leaving to meet the Hyuuga isn't an official mission.

"No I haven't, Sachiko," she said in reply to the white wolf.

"Akira-hime, please don't cry when you meet Genma-san later," Akai suddenly interjected in the conversation.

Akira leapt over a low branch with a frown. "Why the hell would I cry, Akai? I'm not going to be reprimanded am I?"

"Akai!" Yuudai suddenly growled threateningly.

Akira grew more puzzled at the sudden strange way her wolves have been acting. While sometimes mischievous, the wolves get along together most of the time, with only Yuudai and Sachiko engaging in a barking match due to the white wolf's playful nature. Right now though, they are unusually quiet and Akira sensed Kuroi's uneasiness. What could be going on?

Not long after she reached the small clearing where Genma had instructed her to go. She approached the area cautiously, hand ready to draw her katana and eyeing the shadows for any threat. She saw Genma emerge.

"Akira! You can relax, it's just me here." the jounin said.

The kunoichi remained tense however. "Beauty is everlasting."

"It is but one layer of skin."

Akira sighed in relief. "That's a crappy password, if I may say so Genma-san." She approached the man and bowed in courtesy.

"Well, Aoba and Anko had taken the better ones," Genma replied, senbon glinting in the moonlight. "And that's all the unique one I could come up with, besides you're the only kunoichi in our squad."

"I don't understand the reference but if you say so, Taicho."

Genma laughed. "Anyway, things going well in your perimeter? I met your wolf while I was doing my rounds."

"Hai, the barriers are intact. That's Kuroi and yes, he did mention it."

"Hmm."

Akira waited for whatever else Genma wished to discuss. She remembered what Akai said a while ago. Why did Genma summon her again? Surely, she did not do anything against the regulations. She didn't sleep while on duty (she only took power naps and during that time Yuudai and the wolves are covering for her), she didn't leave her post...so what is there for Genma to tell her?

"Saito and his gang are not bothering you?"

Akira shook her head. "No sir."

"Good."

Another pause.

"Uh, Genma-san, may I ask what it is you really called me for?" Akira then asked. She met Genma's brown eyes. "I didn't do anything wrong, did I?"

Genma's eyes widened a little. "No of course not. What gave you that idea?" He shifted the senbon to the other side of his mouth. He took something out of his pouch. "The reason I called you out here Akira is to give you this." He handed her a small brown parcel.

"Happy birthday, Akira."

Akira took the square object covered in brown paper, eyes unbelieving. "W-what?"

Genma frowned a little. "A present. Today's your birthday right? Unless I got the date wrong..." When Akira still didn't speak or even open the parcel, Genma sighed. "Hey," he said in a softer tone. The kunoichi then looked up. "Hayate will kill me if I didn't even make an effort. I hope that's enough to make up for the past years. I'm sorry if last year I didn't..."

He faltered when he saw tears starting to well up in the kunoichi's eyes. "Shit, Akira. Don't cry." He reached out to awkwardly pat her shoulder. He was never good at crying women. Genma groaned inwardly. Maybe he should've listened to Aoba and taken up his offer to give the younger kunoichi some racy underwear, instead of taking Yuugao's advice of giving the girl something sentimental...but then Raido opposed strongly to Aoba's idea, citing that Akira is almost half their age even if she turned eighteen, and that Hayate will haunt them in their dreams that night. None of them wanted to incur Hayate's wrath even from the other side.

Akira steeled herself and wiped away the tears. "I'm sorry, it's just...it's been a while since I received something for my birthday."

That tugged at something within Genma. He smiled warmly at the kunoichi. "We wouldn't have thought of it if not for your Ookami. Come on, open it."

The redhead nodded and with trembling fingers, tore open the small parcel. Her eyes widened and a small gasp escaped her lips. She stared at the object in her hands, as if seeing it for the first time.

Genma shifted the senbon in his mouth. "Yuugao told me that your own copy was lost when your house was ransacked years ago.... That, along with some of Hayate's stuff, is just collecting dust so Yuugao thought it might do more good if you kept it. Anyway, consider that as a gift from the four of us."

It was the picture of her old genin team. At the back was Hayate, standing proud with his hands on Daichi and Saburou's shoulders. Akira, being the only girl, was in the middle, scowling. Daichi was to her left, grinning widely, eyes bright with mischievousness while Saburou's expression was hidden by his high collar. Just looking at the picture and seeing her old team made Akira nostalgic.

She bit back her tears, not wanting Genma to see how the small gesture affected her. So that was why the wolves were acting strange! They were in cahoots with Genma! And for Yuugao, Aoba, Raido and Genma to just remember today...even she forgot her own birthday! How pathetic is that?

She looked up at the senbon-wielding jounin and smiled. "I appreciate this very much, Genma-san. Thank you." Akira bowed in earnest thanks which Genma returned a little stiffly, not used to being shown with such politeness.

"You're welcome," he said, giving her an amicable pat on the shoulder. "You know, I really wanted to give you sake instead but we're on duty and I don't want Hayate to think that I'm a bad influence on you."

Akira grinned. "I love this over sake, Genma-san. Thanks again. And please extend my thanks to Yuugao, Raido and Aoba-san."

"Will do."

He watched the kunoichi slip the photo carefully within the secret pocket of her flak jacket. The happiness in the kunoichi's eyes was so bright. It was rare to see her like this, like the word she was named after. * Genma sucked on his senbon. He still has another surprise for the girl.

"I'll head to my post now, Taicho," she said after a small pause.

The jounin raised a brow. "To your post. Are you sure?"

The jovial mood Akira was in diffused a little and concern dimmed her features. "Yes sir. But if you want me to be somewhere else..." She stood a bit tenser, apprehension in her eyes.

"Well, shouldn't you be at the Hokage Monument at 2100H?" Genma's hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.

Akira's eyes widened in surprise the second time that night. Is she hearing this right? Genma knew?

"Or maybe I heard it wrong, my source—they're just wolves after all—may have given me the wrong location." He stuffed his hands in his pockets, feigning nonchalance. "You're right Satsuna, you should be back in your post."

The kunoichi stifled her delight when it finally sunk in. 'Oh you silly wolves!' she thought fondly of her pack. Just a while ago she was thinking of how to ask Genma for permission, and had even thought of sending Sachiko to tell Neji she can't make it...

'I must've done something good in the past life for things to go my way!' she thought gleefully.

"Genma-san, I can't thank you enough!"

"Just tell whoever you're meeting that three Tokubetsu jounins and an ANBU operative will castrate him should he do something against your wishes."

Akira blushed in embarrassment and muttered "Yes sir, I will." She looked up at him with bright eyes. "Thank you so much."

Genma's smirk softened as he sucked on his senbon and the thin metal glinted in the moonlight. "Just be safe, Akira."

The kunoichi nodded and the jounin watched her disappear into the shadows, her hair flying wildly around her. Akira's chakra signature soon left his range. Genma released a sigh.

He wondered who the lucky guy was. Whoever he is, the jounin prayed that he does nothing idiotic because not only will he, Yuugao, Aoba and Raido castrate him, the mystery guy's idiocy could also cost Akira her future, because a red in any shinobi's ledger is one sure way to unemployment. Genma knew Akira is aware of the implications of her leaving her post (although with his permission), so her mystery guy must be someone special to the kunoichi.

The jounin flicked his senbon and dashed back into the forest. If the Hokage learned of what he had done, he'll surely be demoted to D-rank missions for the rest of his life. Genma shrugged. Well, it's not as if Tsunade had not gone through the passions of young love. Even he had been caught in cupid's stupid arrows when he was younger, although his escapades on love differed greatly than that of most people.

Genma groaned. Damn him and his soft spot for paying back his dues. 'Now we're even, you kenjutsu-freak.' He thought. 'I made your little genin happy, as you've always wanted. Now stay off my back, Gekko Hayate.'

When a cold wind blew, Genma knew Hayate heard him, some way or another.

~~~~~~~

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading this story. If you enjoyed this chapter, please don't forget to vote! Your feedback is welcome as well! :)