6

"OH IT SURE FEELS GOOD TO BE BACK TO THE YOUTHFUL VILLAGE OF KONOHA!"

Tenten bopped the spandex-clad shinobi to the head. "Zip it, Lee! I've had enough of your youthful ramblings." She rubbed the muscles on her nape. "Oh, I'm so wiped out from that mission. I'll go ahead, you guys. I think I'll have a massage" She turned to the stoic ninja beside her. "You coming, Neji?"

The usually silent Hyuuga shook his head. "I'm going home." And without another word, he turned to his back to his teammates and went on his way.

The team's sensei, Gai, shook his head. "Ah, that student of mine, Neji. He needs to tap into his power of youth more. Right Lee?"

Lee beamed, his teeth practically glinting in the sun. "Hai! Gai-sensei!" And together, the two spandex-clad shinobi marched into the sunset, chanting about the power of youth and how to unravel the secret power of...youth.

Tenten shook her head. Oh, her dysfunctional team. It was during times like these that she wished she belonged to some other team instead.

Lee and their sensei Gai are basically the same. They have the same haircut, the same beaming smile, the same green spandex, the same orange warmers and... wait for it...the same fascination with the power of youth. One would think that Lee is Gai's biological son, but believe it, he's not. Although he might as well be, seeing that he very much idolized Gai to the point of being his mirror image. Lee is a very skilled taijutsu user, compensating for the fact that he is unable to use genjutsu and ninjutsu. He had acquired his skill through sheer hard work and determination. He has a cheerful disposition, though sometimes bordering on the extreme.

Tenten is the only female in Team Gai. Lee often refers to her as his "lovely youthful flower" which always earns him a scoff, slap or punch in the head depending on Tenten's mood. Dubbed by many as a "weapons mistress", Tenten has the natural affinity to anything bladed. She is a very skilled Chuunin, having been in many missions of different ranks. Appearance-wise, many would be attracted to Tenten's charm, as she possesses a cheerful face. She has chocolate-brown eyes, her dark brown hair tied in two buns at the sides of her head. She dons a long-sleeved white top with a chinese-collar, maroon pants and ninja sandals. Black gloves protect her hands from the elements and she carries a big scroll on her back, which during battles, she uses to summon her armada of weapons.

The third member of Team Gai is Hyuuga Neji. A member of the elite Hyuuga clan, he possesses the Hyuuga clan's Kekkei Genkai, the Byakuugan. It's an ocular ability that allows him to see a person's chakra channels and with the Hyuuga clan's special techniques, they can block their opponent's chakra. Armed with a powerful Kekkei Genkai, superior skills and intellect, it is no surprise that among his peers, only Neji has been promoted to Jounin level. It is because of his sharp mind and multitude of abilities that he is hailed as a genius, a prodigy. He is a strange character though, because he is stoic, unusually quiet and guarded. He has long, dark brown hair tied in a loose ponytail, pale lavender eyes-a trademark of all Hyuuga-and well-defined features. He wears the traditional Hyuuga robes, his Konoha hitaite on his forehead and a pair of black pants. His mysterious aura and his naturally good looks made him quite popular with the girls.

Tenten watched as Lee and Gai disappeared into the distance, while Neji walked away towards the Hyuuga estate. She sighed. 'Well, it's too late to request for a change in teams now, she thought. After all we've been through...' she smiled fondly. 'Oh, what am I thinking? I love these guys to bits!'

And her eyes wandered over once more to the Hyuuga's retreating figure.

~~~~~~~

Akira exhaled slowly, aiming carefully at her target. She adjusted her aim fractionally to the left. Then, smooth as silk, she released the bow, sending a well-aimed arrow through the woods.

A faint thud sounded from the distance, indicating that she had hit her target. Yuudai barked and ran towards it. Akira followed suit. They reached the target board which she placed earlier, 20 meters away from where she previously stood. Akira smirked when she saw her arrow pierce the bull's eye...

...and went through the tree behind it.

"Guess I'm not rusty with the arrows after all," she said. She made a couple of hand signs and the bow on her hand along with her quiver of arrows disappeared. She and Yuudai started to make their way back to the clearing, and Akira noted the time. They had been training since the crack of dawn which was their routine. At around 8 in the morning, Akira finishes training and heads back home to prepare for her morning class at the Academy which starts at 9. From 9am onwards, she holds class at the crummy space she calls the Ninja Academy.

Akira picked up her gear and slung them on her back.

"You want a lift, Hime-chan?" Yuudai growled softly.

"Thank you Yuudai, but I can manage." As they dashed back to Akira's house, she thought of her decision to leave Konoha. Although she had made her mind to leave the village for good, she had decided to lay low for a while and wait for the right time to act. She doesn't want to attract the Hokage's attention and have the Black Ops after her tail. She's confident that she can look after herself, but messing with Konoha's elite shinobi isn't really fun. So, in the meantime, she's back to her routine.

When she reached her house, she made herself a quick breakfast, showered and prepared for her class. Before she left she took one last look at her reflection in the mirror.

"One more day", she muttered to herself.

~~~~~~~~

Hyuuga Neji opened the gates of the huge Hyuuga compound, noting the sounds that enveloped his surroundings.

Sounds of running feet, utensils, voices and the swishing that could only come from the Hyuuga's signature jutsu. All these marked the early morning activities of one of the prestigious clans of Konoha.

He stepped in the compound and made his way to his own room. He came face to face with his uncle, Hiashi. Neji bowed. "Good morning, Uncle," he greeted.

Hiashi regarded his nephew and gave a curt bow. "Good morning. I see you're back from your mission."

"Yes uncle."

"I assume it went well."

"Hai."

Hyuuga Hiashi gazed for a while at his nephew, noting how much he resembled his late twin brother, before speaking. "Hanabi is to attend the Academy in a while, I want you to accompany her."

Neji nodded, vaguely remembering that his cousin is now an Academy student. He went on to his room while his uncle went the opposite direction.

Such is how conversations are carried out in the Hyuuga household. Brief and concise. With Neji's personality though, it isn't really that difficult.

He finally reached his room, which was at the furthest part of Branch family's compound. The distance from the Main House and the rest of the compound was what attracted Neji to claim this space as his own. Aside from that, it's nearness to the south gate of the Hyuuga residence made it possible for Neji to sneak out whenever he wants to.

He entered the simply furnished room and started unpacking quickly, wanting to have a bit of a shut-eye before going with Hanabi for his class. Neji frowned, remembering that he just came from a mission and had not slept for the past 24 hours. The last thing on his mind right now is to walk around the village with his young cousin, be ogled at and be knee-deep with kids once at the Academy. The Hyuugas have many servants but for some obscure reason, Hyuuga Hiashi has decided to make Neji, who was battle-worn, act as Hanabi's nanny.

"Great," Neji muttered under his breath. "Just what I needed."

That is how things worked in the Hyuuga clan: The Main House tells the Branch what to do. And the Branch House obeys, regardless. Or else the curse activates.

Finally undressed and done with unpacking, Neji lied down on his futon mattress and closed his eyes. Even if he had tried to repair his relations with the Main House, it is still a fact that he is a Branch House member and would forever be in service of the Main House, despite of his potential and unmatched skills. And though he had tried to rethink his previous belief about one's fate being unchangeable after he fought Naruto in the Chuunin Exams, Neji sometimes falls back to his old mindset. Especially in times like this.

He rose from the mattress, realizing that getting sleep would be impossible now. He glanced the clock on his cabinet.

"I guess sleep is not meant for shinobi," he muttered.

~~~~~~~~

Akira glanced at her watch. She only has fifteen minutes left to reach the Academy.

"The kids will be ecstatic when they see I'm late," she said to Yuudai. "I can't have that. My life's goal is to make every kid's life a misery. So, c'mon Yuudai."

Yuudai barked and wagged his tail, encouraging Akira to hop on his back. Akira shook her head.

"No need. Let's just hit the main road."

Yuudai growled in wonder before walking along with his master.

"I know we don't do this but it's the fastest way to the Academy," Akira explained. "It'll save us fifteen minutes."

Yuudai knew Akira hated walking along the main streets of Konohagakure but given their situation, the wolf knew Akira would risk it.

As they walked, people who saw them gaped and whispered among themselves. Akira's sharp ears caught most of what they're saying,

"She's still here? Why can't she just get lost?"

"Hey son, don't look at her. The wolf might eat you."

"I don't know why the Hokage allows some wild animals around. They're dangerous! And allow that freak to teach in the Academy? I won't let my daughter-"

"That jinchuuriki. She should just get lost with that Naruto kid!"

Akira felt anger rise in her chest. 'These people...they have no idea I can kill them in one swipe.' She clenched her fist, the desire to unleash the demon wolf within her slowly rising.

"Look nii-san! That's my sensei! And her wolf!"

Akira turned to see a young girl pointing excitedly at her. Her eyes noted the famous pale lavender ones of the girl. She remembered her as the Hyuuga. The quiet kid in the back.

"It's rude to point, Hanabi-sama."

Akira frowned slightly at the cool, quiet voice that spoke and looked at the man accompanying Hanabi. Same Hyuuga eyes. Same pale skin. Familiar face and tone of voice. She recognized him as Hyuuga Neji.

For a while Akira stared at him, noting how he has changed during the years. She knew him to be the Hyuuga prodigy, and had heard some of the girls gush over him. She took in his tall form, pale lavender eyes, and calm expression. His eyes bore through her, and Akira gave a curt nod, motioned for Yuudai, and walked away.

Neji followed her with his eyes. He only knows her by name and by the few stories he heard from Naruto, who apparently was a close friend of hers. He knew she was in his batch during their Academy days but he couldn't really remember her. After all, they weren't even acquaintances.

Just then he heard Hanabi gasp and tug at his sleeve. "Neji-niisan! We must hurry! If Akira-sensei gets to class before me, I'm doomed!"

Neji followed his cousin who was starting to walk fast. "Why?"

"She hates late students! Have you heard what she did to Takeo-kun?" Hanabi began to run and Neji lengthened his strides to keep up with her.

He saw her in his mind again. Those clear, green orbs. Tall slim form with a katana slung on her back. And her strangely huge wolf, standing proudly at her side. Neji smirked. 'No wonder Hanabi is scared of her.'

"C'mon Hanabi-sama. Let's get you to class." Neji took his cousin's hand and performed a seal. A cloud of smoke surrounded them, and they were gone.

~~~~~~~

Thanks to Neji's jutsu, Hanabi arrived at the Academy with 5 minutes to spare.

"T-Thank you Neji-niisan!" the young girl beamed up at her cousin. "Would you be fetching me later?"

Neji sighed tiredly. "I don't think so, Hanabi-sama. But we'll see."

"Okay! Thanks again, Neji-niisan!"

Neji watched as Hanabi bounded off the steps towards the Academy. He silently prayed she gets to class on time. If Satsuna Akira punishes her for being late, he knew he'll never hear the end of it from Hiashi.

The image of the red-haired girl with green eyes and her wolf flashed again in his mind.

~~~~~~

The bell rang, indicating the end of classes for the Academy students. Swarms of pupils bounded down the Academy steps, all eager to get home. Akira sat down behind her desk after dismissing her class and watched them as they file out of the classroom. Her eyes caught the silent Hyuuga kid slowly putting her stuff in her bag.

"You gotta move faster kid," she called to her.

The kid turned to her, accidentally knocking her bag down the floor. "S-sorry Sensei!" she said in surprise and bowed at her. Flustered, she knelt to pick up her scattered belongings.

Akira sighed. She makes sure that all her students are gone before she and Yuudai heads out to the training ground. Since she decided to have an examination for her students tomorrow, that would mean her time to train would be cut shorter, so she's quite in a hurry to leave the classroom.

She went over to the Hyuuga kid and helped her. "You know kid, you're small." The Hyuuga looked up at her, looking frightened. She handed her bag with all her things in. "You're small and lacks grit. You gotta have some leverage, or else you won't make it." She looked at her thoughtfully. "Try working on speed, uhh..."

"H-Hanabi," the girl said, a shy smile on her lips. "Thank you, Sensei. I'll be faster n-next time."

Akira smirked. "Go for it."

Just then Yuudai barked and Akira turned to the window to see her wolf peering inside. She looked at Hanabi.

"Go home now, Hanabi."

Hanabi nodded. "Yes Sensei!" She watched her run out of the classroom. Yuudai gave an impatient bark.

Akira rolled her eyes. "Shut it Yuudai. I'm coming." She slung her katana on her back and went out the window to meet Yuudai. She and Yuudai was about to head towards the forest when she saw Hanabi standing alone at the Academy's doorway. Akira looked around. The Academy's quite deserted now. She shook her head and walked over to her.

"Hey, aren't you going home yet?" she asked Hanabi.

The girl looked around him uncertainly. "Umm...I-I'm waiting for...ummm-"

Akira remembered that the girl always has someone fetching her. "None of your nannies around?" she asked with a smirk. 'Seriously, how old's the kid that she needs a nanny for? Oh well, she's rich so...'

Hanabi blushed as she looked at her sensei. She finds her beautiful but she's scary. "I-I think Neji-niisan would fetch m-me. I'm not sure though." She looked down. "I-I'll just go home then."

Akira rolled her eyes. The kid looks pathetic as she watched her walk away. And not to mention vulnerable. Like she'll die by just tripping.

"Yuudai c'mon. Let's walk the poor thing home."

"But Akira-hime. How about our training?"

"We'll get to that. If this kid dies while going home, I'll have a bunch of Hyuugas after my ass screaming vengeance. Just look at her, a stray stone can kill her. Poor thing..."

"Alright. Want me to carry her on my back?"

"Yes please, Yuudai."

Akira placed a hand on her hips. "We'll walk you home Hanabi. Let's go."

Hanabi's eyes widened. "S-sensei?"

"You heard me. This is a one-time offer. You're my responsibility, no matter how that sucks." She growled softly. "Now c'mon kid. You ride his back."

Yuudai lowered himself down as Akira lifted the young Hyuuga girl and placed her on the wolf's back. Hanabi looked both surprised and scared.

"Hold on to his fur," she said to the kid. "Your cousin being late threw us off schedule so this won't be a walk in the park thing."

Akira adjusted her ponytail and gave Yuudai a thumbs-up. In a second they were off, with Hanabi holding on the wolf tightly.

They reached the Hyuuga compound in less than ten minutes. Yuudai looked expectantly at Akira as she walked towards the gates.

"Impressive," she muttered to herself. She knocked three times. The gate opened fractionally as a man peered out.

"Yes, what do you-" the man gasped. "Hanabi-sama! What are you doing on that-"

"We came to bring her home," Akira interrupted the man. "Hanabi was the only kid left at the Academy." She frowned a bit. "I can't leave her there obviously."

The man looked at Akira more carefully, taking in her tall built, red hair and green eyes. His gaze then fell on the wolf and Akira saw recognition flash across his features.

"You're that Satsuna girl..."

Akira's hand automatically went to her katana. She did not like the way this man said her last name. She had half a mind to cut off his tongue right here, right now.

Hanabi sensed the tension building between her sensei and Toru. "T-Toru-san, she is my s-sensei. She helped me get home."

Toru looked away from Akira and bowed respectfully at Hanabi. "I apologize Hanabi-sama." Then turning to Akira, he bowed too although grudgingly. "I'm sorry too, Satsuna-san."

Akira merely smirked as Yuudai lowered himself to allow Hanabi to alight. The young Hyuuga looked up at Akira with bright eyes and a smile.

"Thank you, Akira-sensei! And to your wolf too." Hanabi looked around. "Hey Toru-san! I-is Neji-niisan here?"

Toru shook his head. "I don't think so, Hanabi-sama."

The young Hyuuga frowned. "Oh. I-I wanted him to meet..." she looked up at Akira, slightly blushing before turning to Toru again. "I-I wanted him to meet Akira-sensei. But I guess not. T-thank you again, A-Akira-sensei."

She shrugged. "Don't mention it." Akira pat Yuudai's back. "C'mon Yuudai-kun."

And without another word, the pair dashed off to the forest.

~~~~~~~~~

"Let's try that combination again, Yuudai," Akira said, inspecting the damage they had done to the tree. They had been training for 3 hours now. Akira had decided to focus on their combination attacks. It's been a while since she last used it.

Yuudai got into position beside Akira as she mustered enough chakra on her feet.

"Ready?"

"Yes, Hime-chan."

"One, two...Garuga!"

Akira and Yuudai drilled through the trees surrounding their training ground. This combination jutsu is the same jutsu the Inuzuka clan specializes in, except Akira tweaked it for her own use.

Instead of just drilling in one direction, Akira and Yuudai can go into different directions and infuse the attack with any chakra nature. Akira can now combine wind and fire into her Garuga. Since Akira and Yuudai can communicate with their minds, they can change directions while maintaining the momentum of their attack.

"Go left Yuudai!" Akira ordered her wolf while she maneuvered to the right. When they met in the middle, both Akira and her wolf were panting. She surveyed the damage they done and grinned. The perimeter of the clearing they call their training ground was filled with debris, broken tree trunks, leaves. The ground had deep indentations, remnants of their jutsu.

Akira smirked and placed a hand on Yuudai's head. "Great job! We'll try something new next time."

"A new jutsu?" Yuudai asked in his deep voice.

"More like another modification," Akira replied with a smirk. "Remember my previous attempt to incorporate lighting in Fang Over Fang? Yeah, I want to work on that. And a couple of Taijutsu-based combinations too."

Yuudai barked gleefully. "That's more like it." Yuudai prefers Taijutsu than Ninjutsu. He likes being able to decapitate his enemies with his bare paws and fangs than have the elements do it for him.

Akira smirked at her loyal wolf. "Okay, but for now, we grab something to eat then get home." She ruffled his fur playfully as they walked home. "Care for some ramen?" When Yuudai growled in protest, Akira can't help but laugh. "Okay, okay. I eat ramen, while you hunt. Just meet me at home, alright?"

When they reached the main road, Akira gave her wolf a pat. "Alright Yuudai. I'll see you."

"Be careful, Akira-hime."

"Don't worry about me. Meet me at home after you hunt. See you!"

Akira watched as Yuudai disappeared in a puff of smoke. Being a carnivore, he prefers uncooked meat and the thrill of hunting, that's why Akira allows him to hunt outside the village at times. She had secured permission from the Third Hokage and he had given Konoha shinobi orders not to harm the wolf if ever they encounter it outside the village perimeters.

After she was sure that Yuudai's doing okay, Akira started walking towards her favorite ramen stand.

"Hey Teuchi-san!" she greeted.

"Akira!" the old man beamed at her. "It's been a while. How you doin'?"

"Fine," she replied while settling down on a stool. "I'm kinda starving though. I'll order the usual, but make it large."

"With extra beef?"

Akira chuckled at the old cook. "Yes please. And pronto."

"Heh. You got it!"

As Teuchi prepared Akira's ramen, she heard someone yell her name in the distance.

"Akira-chan! Akira-chan oi!"

She shook her head. Only one person can make such a racket. She peered and waved towards the loud, orange-clad ninja running towards her.

"Naruto!" She smiled at him. She suddenly felt nostalgic towards her blond friend. It has been a while since she hung out with him.

Akira and Naruto became friends way back before Akira was given a teaching post at the Academy. She smiled as she remembered how a bowl of ramen, insulting words and a back alley helped in getting her to know Naruto, who she considers as her closest friend.

Akira nodded as she received her payment for her latest mission. She was tasked to assist an old landlady with the latest apartment that she wished to repair. It was an easy task, and that also means the pay is low. Akira wanted to tear her hair out of frustration, but since she can't, Akira settled for the measly "reward". On her way after the stupid mission, Akira and Yuudai decided to celebrate in one of the restaurants in the village.

"Hey, you can't eat here!"'

Akira squared her shoulders defiantly. "And why?"

The waiter smirked and pointed to Yuudai. "We don't serve dog food." He then glared at Akira. "And no beasts allowed!"

Akira felt her anger boil. She grabbed the man by the collar. "Say it again," she growled to the man's face. She can take the insults, but drag Yuudai into it and be ready to pay like hell.

The man trembled in fear as Akira's grip on his neck tightened. This is the first time he came face to face with the rumored jinchuriki, and the anger in her eyes made him believe the creature in her is actually staring at him back.

"I-I said...y-you can't e-eat h-h-here"

With an anry growl Akira threw him on the ground. On her signal, Yuudai approached the man slowly, snapping his jaw and looking more vicious than usual. The man began to crawl backwards.

"Help me! Help!" he screamed in fright. "Please stop her!"

This caught the other villagers attention and they began to converge towards Akira, Yuudai and the man. Akira knew this meant danger. Sure, she wanted nothing but to retaliate to the insult the man did to her and her wolf, but killing innocent people isn't really what she wants. When she saw that a small crowd has begun to form and some villagers were running to chase her, Akira decided it was time to disappear for the time being.

"Yuudai, c'mon!" She and the wolf bounded away.

"Quick! They're getting away!"

"Catch her and that stupid wolf!"

Akira and Yuudai ran, their speed unmatched. They turned left and accidentally crashed into someone.

"Hey that hurts!"

Akira barely had time to apologize. "Sorry."

She was about to run again when the boy grabbed her arm. "Wait I know you!"

Irritated, she wrenched her arm away from him. "Let go!" Just then she heard the villagers closing on her. She gave the blond boy a seething look and pushed him aside. "Get out of my way!"

The boy grabbed her arm again. "Wait, I can help-"

She tried to break free again but the boy held her arm tighter. "Let me go, you dumbass!" she snarled at him, slightly panicking as the sound of the angry mob closing in on her. Yuudai growled at the boy too.

The blond boy only held her arm tighter, it actually hurt. "Look, I know they're after you! C'mon!" He then dragged her along and Akira had no choice but to follow the blond boy as they ran on the alleys of Konoha. She wasn't sure how long they ran through mazes and back streets, but when they finally stopped, Akira's ribs were hurting and she was panting heavily, and so was the boy.

"Wh-here are we?" she asked when she was able to catch her breath.

The boy leaned against the wall. "B-back alley." He looked up at her. "I used to hide here a lot."

Akira frowned and stared at the blond boy carefully. He had blue eyes, bright blond hair and cat-like markings on his face. He was clad in an orange jacket and pants.

"Who are you?" she demanded. "And why did you help me?"

"Uzumaki Naruto," he replied. "And I'm gonna be Hokage so don't underestimate me! Believe it!"

Akira smirked. At one glance the kid looked normal. But when he opened his mouth like that... "You're a complete retard." she said which made Naruto wince a bit.

"Hey! I saved your life back there!" Naruto exclaimed indignantly.

Akira rubbed Yuudai's head absentmindedly. "Err...not really, but thanks." She peered out of the alley. When she sensed that it's safe to come out, she and Yuudai walked out from the dark alley, with Naruto close behind them.

"Why were you running from people anyway?" Naruto asked.

"None of your business," she snapped at him. She was tired, hungry, and definitely not in the mood to chat.

"You're Satsuna Akira,right?"

She suddenly turned to face him, and Naruto fell back, hitting the ground.

"Ow! Why did you stop all of a-"

Akira glared at him. "How did you know my name? Who are you really?!"

Naruto stood up. "I told you already I'm Uzumaki N-"

"Don't give me that crap. Did the Hokage send you to tail after me?!"

"No! I'm not tailing after you or what! Geez...your wolf's scaring me, would you keep him away?"

"I'll have him pounce on you if you don't start telling me why you know me. I never told you my name and I swear I've never met you before. Now spill, idiot."

Naruto looked at Yuudai and her before sighing. "Okay, okay. I know you because..." he paused, as if suddenly unsure how to go on. Akira growled in impatience and started to walk away.

'Stupid blond!' she thought. She was a few paces away when Naruto spoke.

"You're a jinchuriki too."

Akira froze in her tracks. Slowly, she turned to Naruto, and saw him staring back at her, all humor from his blue eyes gone.

"I know how it feels to be a jinchuriki." He continued. "Because I am too. And...I...I know you're lonely."

Akira clenched her fists at her sides. Uzumaki Naruto...suddenly, a wave of recognition hit her. The Kyuubi boy! He's the 'Nine-tails kid' those people are talking about.

'He-he's a jinchuriki like me.' Finally meeting someone like her was overwhelming.

Naruto approached her. " I know it's not much, but I know you feel alone. I do too. That's why...that's why I want to be your friend."

Akira's eyes widened in shock. "Friend?" The thought seemed alien to her. Why would someone want to befriend a monster? "Why do you want to be my friend?"

Naruto looked at her with determination and kindness in his bright blue eyes. "Because even jinchuriki like us deserve to be accepted and recognized."

Akira stared at amazement at Naruto. Somehow, something in him made her want to believe him. Could it be true? That even a jinchuriki like her has a chance at a normal existence?

She saw the honesty in his bright blue orbs and in his genuine smile. His aura was bright and warm, and it was infectious. Before Akira knew it, she was smiling at him, wanting to give the friendship he offered a shot.

She took his outstretched hand, and in that gesture, she made her very first friend.

"Oi! Earth to Akira!"

Akira snapped back from her thoughts and saw Naruto waving his arms in front of her face. She laughed. "Alright, alright! Sorry!"

Naruto grinned and sat on the stool next to her. "Heh. You were obviously struck by my good looks!"

"Pompous brat," Akira smirked at him. "Though I must say, you're looking good since I last saw you."

Naruto grinned, a faint blush on his cheeks. "Really?"

Akira rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself, you're still the snotty kid I knew. Just taller."

"Oh yeah? Well you're still...uhh...still..."

Akira turned to Naruto, watching him think of an insult for her. His eyes skimmed over her from head to toe and his blush deepened.

"You're still...ummm... Argh! Forget it!" He crossed his hands on his chest. "I'll think of something, you just wait!"

Akira giggled. "Sure thing." The blond shinobi just stuck his tongue out at her which made Akira grin. "Real mature."

Just then Teuchi brought them their food: Akira's miso ramen with extra beef strips and Naruto's miso ramen, extra-large and without menma. They shared a conniving grin before digging into their bowls. Ramen, obviously, is just one of the many things the close friends have in common.

"So," Akira said when her initial hunger pangs have disappeared, "What have you been up to? I haven't seen you around for a while."

"I've been out on missions," Naruto replied, his mouth full of noodles. Akira found it strange that the boy could still speak. "And guess what! I've got this super cool jutsu now, dattebayo!"

"Great for you Naruto!" Akira said. "You've improved a lot, I can tell."

Naruto preened, a slight blush on his cheeks. "Gee, thanks Akira-chan!" He smiled at his red-haired friend. That's one thing he likes about her. She just knows what to say. "How about you?" It was his turn to ask. "Everything cool at the Academy?"

Akira made a face. "C'mon, don't pretend you don't know, Naruto."

The blond just looked at Akira, obviously clueless as he stuffed his face with ramen. Akira sighed and rolled her eyes. Naruto may have improved in Ninja skills but he's still as dumb as ever.

"It's the same old stuff, okay?" Akira said, jabbing one stray menma in her bowl with her chopsticks. "I teach the kids, I get bored, some stupid git defies my house rules, I spice things up a bit, I get complaints, I plead my case to the Hokage, the old woman refuses and traps me in the village...repeat until fade."

Naruto chuckled. "I heard that thing about the wolf." He gave a mischievous grin at his best friend. "Totally badass."

Akira smirked. "Damn right."

The two shinobi were silent for a while as they savored their food. Naruto could not help but look at his redhead friend. Sure, he had always known that she's pretty-he'd heard some of the boys at their batch talk about her-but she looked even prettier than the last time he saw her. Her red hair was up to her waist now, she was fairer and...

"Naruto?"

Naruto looked up to see Akira smiling sweetly at him.

"If you don't stop gawking at me, Yuudai would be more than happy to snap your head off."

Naruto blushed at having been caught staring and then turned pale at the thought of the huge wolf beheading him with its jaws. He may be Akira's close friend but he never got used to the huge wolf at her side. And that sweet smile of hers...no wonder Konohamaru always yaps about her being scary.

"Ahehehe...sorry Akira-chan..." he rubbed the back of his head, grinning.

Akira merely shook her head. "It's okay. And you're lucky Yuudai's out hunting." Then an evil glint crossed her features. "Although I don't mind doing the dirty work myself." And she turned to Naruto, her katana barely unsheathed, with a mischievous smirk on her face.

Naruto raised his hand in defense. "Ehehe...Akira-chan... ummm..."

"Nah I was just kidding." Akira sat back on her stool and grinned at him, all malice gone. "I was just messing with you, Naruto. Relax!" She laughed when he sighed in relief. "Besides, I know you'd go all Kyuubi on me."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "As if. Pervy Sage made some sort of jutsu that strengthened my seal so... " Naruto shrugged and continued with his third bowl of ramen.

Akira watched him fondly as he rapidly finished his bowl of ramen and ordered for a refill. Naruto was more than a friend to her, he was already like a brother. Something in that talkative, blond shinobi made her put her trust in him and believe. 'Must be what they call charisma,' she thought. Come to think of it, he has gone a long way.

Somewhere in the distance they heard a howl. Akira turned to the direction of the sound, recognizing it as Yuudai.

'He must be done hunting.' Akira looked at Naruto who was still stuffing his face full of ramen. "Hey Naruto. As much as I'd like to stay and chat, I gotta go."

The blond hurriedly swallowed. "What? Why?"

Akira shrugged apologetically. "Well, I still have a class tomorrow. And Konohamaru's class will be having their exams and I'm one of the proctors."

Naruto pouted. "Just five more minutes?" He looked at her with puppy-dog eyes. "Please?"

Akira laughed. "Ha! As if your puppy eyes work on me. No, Naruto, I'm sorry."

The blond slumped his shoulders in defeat. "Fine. Sucks, though. It's been like, forever, since we hung out."

"Don't exaggerate." She placed some money on the table and stood up. "Next time I'm free, we can go out." She ruffled Naruto's hair playfully. "Bye Naruto-baka!"

Naruto scowled as he fixed his hair. "No fair. You always get to mess up my hair but I can't mess up yours."

Akira smirked. "Try it blondie and I'll scream rape." She gave him a playful wink when she saw his horrified expression. "Bye! I'll see you!"

She was halfway down the street when Naruto caught up with her.

"Hey Akira-chan!" he said. "I'll walk you home." He grinned. "And I'll help you with that exam you're talking about."

"And spill all the answers to Konohamaru? No thanks."

Naruto feigned offense at her answer. "Aww. But I won't tell, dattebayo!"

Akira casually slung an arm around his shoulders. "Sorry mate. I can oblige with you walking me home, but the exam thing? Sorry but no can do. Besides, Iruka-sensei will kill me if he finds out you've been helping Konohamaru cheat."

"I told you already. I wont-"

"Yeah, yeah. And I told you already-NO!"

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Fine. But I'll walk you home."

~~~~~~~~

The walk back home seemed shorter to Akira as she and Naruto talked about trivial things. They joked around, laughed and just acted plain silly. Akira admitted that the only time she can laugh like mad is when Naruto is around. Seriously, the guy's a walking joke!

Then, Naruto began sharing his missions and Akira could not help but feel all the fonder of the blond. She loved listening to his stories, especially the missions he went to. Since Akira had never ventured so far away from the village, hearing the blond's adventures (though she's sure he stretches some stuff a bit) makes her feel as if she's on those missions too.

But afterwards, she'll feel envious of him. And then she'll hate herself for harboring ill feelings towards her best friend who had done nothing but care for her.

'I really should just leave the village altogether', she thought.

They were quiet for a while as they walked through the back streets of Konoha. Naruto knew of his friend's predicament, and as much as he wanted to change the villager's view of her, he knew that it won't happen overnight. Strangely, Naruto feels protective of Akira, like she's a sister of his. And he'll do anything for her, the same way he'll do anything for any of his friends.

As Akira's house loomed near, they saw a big white and gray wolf standing at a distance, it's gray eyes sharp and alert. Akira whistled softly and the wolf bounded towards them.

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he stared at the wolf running towards them. What's that in his mouth? He paled when Yuudai was near enough for him to see that it was a piece of bloody meat that the wolf carried.

"Aaack! Akira-chan, he killed somebody!"

Akira rolled her eyes at the blond shinobi quivering and looking pale beside her. Yuudai growled at Naruto and barked ferociously, which only made Naruto freak out more.

"Aaaahhh! Akira-chan we must do something! He-he-someone could be dead! Aaahh-OW!"

Akira smacked the blond's head with the butt of her katana. "Dumbass! Someone would definitely die if you don't keep your trap shut!" She slung her katana on her back and grabbed Naruto by the collar. "And that someone is a certain blond. And dumb."

Naruto's eyes travelled from Akira's red hair, to Yuudai's white and grey fur before finally gulping. "Hehe. S-sorry A-akira..."

Akira released Naruto and sighed exasperatedly. She turned to Yuudai and gave him a weary smile, to which the wolf only shook his head.

"Your friend sure is stupid, Hime-chan."

"I know Yuudai. But I love him like a brother so please don't kill him."

"I will try my very best, Hime."

Akira glanced at Naruto who was still pale and could not tear his eyes off the huge chunk of meat in Yuudai's mouth.

"Yuudai, please go on ahead. He's still creeped out by that meat in your mouth."

Yuudai rolled his eyes and growled softly at Naruto. "And he calls himself shinobi," The wolf sighed. "Very well then, Hime-chan. I'll go ahead."

"Thank you Yuudai."

When Yuudai had turned around and ran towards the house, Naruto sighed deeply in relief, the color coming back to his face.

"What was that about?" he asked, rubbing his head.

Akira gave a snort. "You tell me. You were the one freaking out." With a huff, she walked towards her house, shaking her head lightly. "I can't believe you're still not used to Yuudai by now."

Naruto caught up with her. "Akira-chan, I will never get used to something as huge as Yuudai-san. I've never seen a wolf grow that big! Besides he was only up to your leg when I last saw him!" He pointed an accusing finger at the redhead. "What are you feeding him anyway? Growth enhancers?! Human meat?!"

Akira smacked the blond the second time. "Baka! Yuudai's not on special diet! He's naturally big! You should've seen the other Satsuna wolves, Yuudai's a midget compared to them. And seriously, growth enhancers?! HUMAN MEAT?! I could kill you...ugh...never mind."

"Okay, okay. But still, he's way bigger than Akamaru. I'm not even used to seeing Akamaru that large either."

"That's because he's a Ninken," Akira snapped at him. "They're different from wolves!"

Naruto made a face. "Fine. But that thing with the meat earlier. That was creepy, dattebayo...what was that meat anyway? Was it human-"

Akira whirled and glared at the talkative blond before her. "Yuudai doesnt eat humans! That was deer in his mouth! I told you a while back that he went hunting, didn't I?"

Naruto frowned before a wave of realization hits him. "Oohh...riiigghhtt...I remember." he grinned apologetically at Akira. "Sorry, must've slipped my mind, ahehehe..."

Akira shook her head. "And you call yourself shinobi," she muttered. "You're lucky you're my best pal."

When they finally reached Akira's house, Yuudai was not in sight, to which Naruto was grateful. The huge wolf really scared him.

"Well, we're here. In one piece. No thanks to you." Akira faced her blond friend who she noticed was smiling in an odd way. "Hey, what's with you Naruto?"

Naruto remained smiling. "Nothing. I'm just glad."

Akira eyed her friend suspiciously. "About what?"

"About...this. And...ummm..." Naruto started blushing. "I'm just happy to hang out with you, Akira-chan."

The redhead's features softened. "Me too, Naruto."

There was a short pause before the blond's eyes widened. "Hey, I've got an idea. Let's train together! I'll show you the new jutsu I'm talking about!"

Akira grinned. "Sure. I'll love that."

"Tomorrow morning?"

"Eh? Not so soon. I have class, remember?"

"Afternoon then?" Naruto stared at her with his puppy eyes. "Please?"

Akira giggled. "Fine. Geez, you're so eager. It's not as if I'm going away."

"Okay! Tomorrow afternoon, then! I'll fetch you from the Academy. Hah, I am so gonna kick your butt!" Naruto grinned at her, excitement in his eyes. "Bye Akira-chan!"

She waved at him. "Bye Naruto!" As she watched him walk away, a strange wave of emotions she can't fathom washed over her.

Yuudai watched his partner stare at the blond's retreating figure.

"Akira-hime..."

"I...I just..." she opened her eyes and Yuudai saw that there are tears in them. "It would be hard not to see him again." Akira bowed her head. "Naruto's like a brother to me."

Yuudai nudged Akira's s hand with his muzzle. "I know it is difficult, Hime-chan. Despite being quite stupid, I know that boy cares so much about you. But I trust in your decision, Hime."

Akira ruffled his fur. "Thank you Yuudai-kun."

"When do we leave?"

"When the opportunity comes. Don't worry, it won't be long."

~~~~~~~~

Author's Notes:

EDITED: 2/15/17- I wanted to make this chapter shorter, but I still want to illustrate Naruto's and Akira's brother-sister relationship. The end result? I did not slash anything, haha. I fixed some grammar and spelling errors though.

Cheers!

~Akira