The Crunchie Corner

Just as the sun started to set, I reached the gates of Konhagakure, my new home. In the distance of the small shops and houses, I saw two figures approaching.

“A welcome party already?” I smirked to myself. They eventually stopped, leaving a few meters between us. When they were close enough I seen that they were both men. One was tall, and had silvery hair, though I didn’t think he was much older than of his face was covered by am mask and one eye was covered by his ninja headband, but I had a feeling that he was very attractive. The other man had brown hair, and was shorter. He also had a scar trailing across his face, from one cheek the other.

I stood there, observing them. Finally the shorter one spoke.

“Hello, I’m Iruka Umino, and this is Kakashi Hatake.” He pointed to the masked man. “You’re Haley Kanaro, right?”

“Yes that’s right. I’m guessing Lady Tsunade sent you to escort me?” I looked at them both again. Every thing looked relaxed and happy. ‘This will be a much better place to live’. I thought to my self.

This time it was Kakashi that spoke.

“Yes, but since your moving here and taking up a job in our ANBU ranks we need to swap your grass headband for a leaf headband.” I untied my grass head band from my leg and placed it in his hand and he stowed it away in his jounin vest. When he withdrew his hand from inside his jacket he had a different head band. I took it from him slowly.

“Thank you Kakashi” I said to him. He nodded his head in reply. Looking at my future on the shining metal plate, I traced my finger around the engraved leaf symbol with my finger.

I heard one of them cough. I came out of my reverie and looked up.

“Oh right, Lady Tsunade” I tied the lead band around my left thigh and waited for them to show me the way.

Eventually we came to some huge wooden doors and Kakashi went forward and knocked. They opened and in the door way was a pretty pink hair kunoichi.

“Oooohhh. Is this Haley Kanaro?” she asked. I went to answer but Kakashi cut in.

“Yes it is Sakura, and she’s here to see lady TSUNADE at the moment.” She looked sheepish and then replied, “yes Kakashi – sensei. Please come in” She moved out of the door way and motioned for us to come in. I went first and stood in the center of the room. Sitting at the desk in front of me was a blonde haired woman who had her head resting on one of her hands.
“Hello Haley. We spoke before about a job transfer. First we have to wait for one more person to arrive before I give you details.

Walking slowly up to the Hokage’s office door he thought ‘I wonder who she is. Does Lady Tsunade want me to look after the new transfer?’ He put up his hand and knocked.

Lady Tsunade kept looking at me and it made me nervous. There was a knock on the door. Iruka jumped slightly at the sudden noise.
“Come in” said Tsunade. I turned around to see. A young man came in, but I couldn’t see his face. He had an extremely long coat and the collar came up around his face.

“Shino. Come up next to Haley please.” Said Tsunade.

‘Shino… hmm … what’s Tsunade doing?.’ I thought to myself.

‘Haley. So this is the girl that I have to show around’

As I was saying to Haley, about her job transfer, I approved, as she are one of the best from the Grass village, but could rival people in my own village, even, Kakashi and with more training, myself.

Everybody looked at me OO except Shino. Who stood there looking at Tsunade like she had just said that the sky was blue.

“Ok settle down. Shino you probably already know, but I want you to make Haley comfortable and show her around. You have spare bedrooms don’t you?” He nodded, only slightly but Tsunade noticed “Good, now, every body out, I have work to do.”

Shino’s House was a fair distance from the Hokage’s office, nearing the out side of the city. He unlocked the front door and stepped in, leaving the door open for me. Inside smelled new, like fresh paint.

“I had to redo the walls and floors because the thousands of bugs that take refuge under the floorboards of my house had worn down the timber plating until it was just a network of cracks and crevasses.”

Amazed, I listened to him explain. It’s like he knew what I was thinking. He walked into a joining room and I followed. I looked around, there was a sink, fridge and stove among other things.

“Are you hungry?” Shino asked.

“Only a little” I replied.

“Ok. There is food in the fridge. I need to get ready for a mission.” He said the last bit as he was walking up the hallway. I opened the fridge and looked. Nothing really caught my eye so closed the door and walked back out into the main room and eyed a note on the coffee table.

Here is a spare key for the house. Your room is down the hall, the second door on the left. There is spare sheets in the cupboard and the bathroom is the first door on the right. I should be back in about 2 days.

Kakashi should be able to show you around the village while I’m away.

Shino

“Kakashi?…. Oh that tall silver hair ninja, that’s right. I picked up the little silver key and walked out the front door, locking it behind me. Taking a deep breath I walked slowly down the road, taking in the sights and sounds of the village. I was so far into my own world that I bumped into someone. He had spiky blonde hair and a full body black and orange jumpsuit.
“Gomen, I wasn’t watching where I was going” I said to the boy. He put his hand on the back of his head and wave my apology away.
“It’s ok I wasn’t watching either. I was going to get something for breakfast”. Breakfast.. I was feeling a little hungry now.

“Did ya wanna come with me?” He asked. I didn’t know what to say. He must have noticed.
“It’s ok if you don’t wanna.”
“No no. I’ll come. I don’t really know anyone so I’d like a friend”. He gave me a friendly laugh which made me feel more comfortable.

“Well come on” he said “ The ramen’s gonna get cold”. He started to run so I ran after him. We reached a ramen shop and I read the sign.

“Ichiraku Ramen” I took a seat and noticed the boy already had a bowl in front of him. Oo.
“This .. Is the …. Best .. ramen .. shop .. in .. Konoha” He said in between mouthfuls.

“I’ll take your word for it” I looked at the menu on the back wall and decide on the pork ramen. The boy finished his bowl and ordered another. As they were cooking he focused on me.
“So. Who are you anyway” He squinted at me a little.

“I’m Haley Kanaro. I’m transferring to Konoha from my home village, Kusa.” I looked at him. He was thinking for a minute and then asked,

“Kusa?” . I laughed at the boy.

“The village hidden in the grass. Kusagakure”
“Oh” he said “So Haley, you’re a ninja like me?” He gave a wide smile and pointed to his chest. “You’re sitting with the future Hokage. Naruto Uzamaki. BELIEVE IT!” This took me by surprise, and I laughed.
“The Future Hokage hmm.” He nodded but before he could say anything our ramen was placed on the bench.

“Enjoy” Said one of the staff members.

“Thanks Matsu” Said Naruto. He turned away and Naruto leaned towards me.
“These two are new. The old man and Ayame used to run the shop, but Ayame is away from the village.” He went back to eating his ramen. As we finished, and got up to leave (after I paid) I heard someone call my name. It was Kakashi.

“HI Kakashi – sensei” said Naruto, but Kakashi only nodded in acknowledgement.

“The Hokage wants to see you” Said the tall man

“Again!” I said “But I just seen her before!” ‘What does she want now?’ I thought.

“She said she a has a mission for you”

“A mission!” said Naruto. “Why don’t I get any missions?” he paused and looked around. ”Haley? … Kakashi – sensei?”

But he was too late to ask because we had already left.

After we went a few streets he motions to slow down to a walk.
“What are we doing? Don’t we have to go to Lady Tsunade?” we stopped and Kakashi looked at me.

“not really ”. That’s what so I could get you away from Naruto without cause ing a great fuss. He is ... slightly, pig headed about his importance.” I smirked.
“Well, I have to show you around, so we should start before it gets too late.”

We started along the road, and gradually more and more people were filling the streets. We went thought the business district, and he showed me the better places to eat and also the different clan’s areas. The Uchiha district looked so lonely, I could only imagine why the trees felt so much sorrow there.

I had had no time to dwell on the answer because Kakashi was still walking. I jogged up to him and we walked around some more.

I was sitting under a sakura tree some time later, meditating with my natural energy, when I heard a slightly family voice.

“Haley-chan, what are you doing? Your almost glowing or something.”

I looked up to see Naruto, rubbing the back of his head.
“I’m meditating with my natural energy. Although you’d probably know it as ‘Sage Chakra’.”

“Oh you mean like pervy-sage. Does he have the natural stuff to?”

I laughed as I nodded and patted the ground next to me. He sat down.

“So what have you been going today?” I asked.

“I was about to go train but I can’t find that pervy-sage anywhere.” He frowned.
“Well I’m not doing anything, would you like me to train with you?” He jumped up and swung his fist in the air.

“Would you really Haley-chan. You’re awesome. DATTEBAYO!” I got up and he led me to his training place. I was a large clearing, I was really confused when there was a waterfall there. Naruto said that it was previous training, which only confused me more.

“Well what are you going to get me to do Naruto?” He seemed deep in thought after this, and I stood there patiently for a minute or so. Finally, I suggested something, as it looked painful for him to think of anything.

“Why don’t we just have a quick match and then we can think of something after?”

“Oooh that’s a great idea Haley-chan.” So we got our selves ready and then, we began.

Naruto started yelling “Kage bunshin no Jutsu” he rushed at me and threw some kunai. I dodged them easily. Unknown to Naruto, one tree started to move, and then without warning, crushed all his shadow clones with ease.

“WHAT” he said but I was still on the move and kicked him in the ribs. There was a sound of impact and then Naruto went across the clearing in a cloud of dirt.

“ugh.” He mumbled as he got up. He wiped some blood off his face and said to me

“Your pretty good.” With that he rushed at me again making the sign for a shadow clone, but i seen none. When I realized where it was it was too late then a shadow clone appeared up from under me and punched me under my chin. I went up into the air and seen Naruto above me. ‘how’d he get there?’ i said to myself. But I had no time to think about that. He lifted his leg up and brought it down.

“U – ZA – MA- KI,” he yelled giving a powerful kick down with each syllable. I crashed into the ground and dust entered the air. When it cleared, he was a puff off whit smoke and a log appeared in my place.

Naruto growled. He turned around and seen me standing there, scratch less. I had my legs shoulder width apart and roots coming out of the palms of my hands and going into the soil. He charged towards me again and then I pulled my hands up. Connected to my roots were those of other plants. I brought my right hand down and the roots came down and smashed into the earth. Naruto only just escaped. I swung my left hand around in a sweeping motion and knocked him over. I retracted the root back to their place and watched again. Naruto got up shakily and turned to me.

“KAGE BUNSHIN no JUTSU” and he brought up one shadow clone. Only one? I thought.. I noticed the clone moving its hands over the real Naruto’s hand. Huh, what’s he doing? Suddenly he came at me. I made a quick hand sign, but Naruto said “It’s too late for that!”

“RASENGAN” he screamed and hit me fair in the chest. At first I had a look of complete shock on my face, then it was Naruto who took it over when I started to fly away in the wind in a burst of leaves.

“Whaa...” I didn’t let him finish as I came up from the ground as pair of root spears.

“Kyuukon Yari no Jutsu” I said, stabbing myself though the clone and then forming together into my usual self.

“That’s was a interesting jutsu Naruto” I said to him.

“I learned it from pervy-sage” he said, coming down from his hiding place and getting ready for another attack.

Before either of us could charge again there was a voice behind me.

“Ok you two, that will be enough.” I looked around to see Kakashi. He was standing there with a book in his hand. I squinted at it, and noticed it was the IchaIcha makeout series. I mentally smiled.

“Aww but Kakashi-sensei –“ Kakashi cut him off.

“Naruto, you could have killed Haley with that Jutsu. Lucky she is skilled enough to act quickly.”

I tried to wave it away as if it was nothing, but Naruto had to have a say.

“I guess you’re right. Gomen Haley. Hey, just how strong are you anyway” he furrowed his eyes at me, like I was a interesting specimen of some sort.

“Naruto!” Kakashi said

“Well .. I .. um” I didn’t know what to say. The Hokage had said it before, when I had arrived, but it might get Naruto worked up. Luckily Kakashi cut in and said,

“I think I’ll take over his training now. Beside I think Shino will be arriving home soon. So he’ll give you a better look around than I did.”

“Ok. Bya Naruto, train hard ” I said.

“I’ll train harder than anyone you’ve ever seen. Dattebayo!” I smiled and turned to Kakashi.

“Arigatoo Gozaimasu” I bowed thanking him. He just waved it away.

“No problem. ”. I walked off hearing the sounds of Naruto yelling his shadow clone jutsu. I had a strange feeling towards Kakashi. I shook my head. It’s silly to think that’d be interested in me. But then again …

I unlocked the front door and walked inside. It was refreshingly cool compared to the busy streets. Making my way over to the kitchen I looked in the fridge.

“Hmm ... How about I make Shino dinner. It’ll have to be started soon but I really need a rest.” Laying down on the couch I closed my eyes.
It felt good to just relax. Sleep soon flooded my thoughts and a dream stated to take form.

“So what is it that you wanted to tell me Haley?” He asked. I stood there, amazed at his mysteriousness.

“I ...” I wanted to tell him so badly, but the words were stuck in my throat.

“Kakashi ... I really like you.” I had said it. The blood seemed to be rushing to my head. I could feel my face getting hot. For a moment he stood there, not changing his expression.

“Haley, I ..”

“AHH!” I yelped. Someone was watching me sleep from the other lounge. They had gone to get up but the floor had creaked. Loudly.

Looking at the figure more closely I breathed a sigh of relief.

“Oh my god! Shino you scared me.” Sitting up I looked for the time.

“It’s 6 o’clock. You’ve been like that since I arrived home.” Shino told me.

”6 o’clock! WAA. I was going to make you dinner as thanks for letting me stay here.”

“We can just go out and eat” He offered seeing how awful I felt for sleeping so late.

After 30 minutes of Haley rushing around finding something to wear and other little rituals girls do, I walked out the front to wait until she was ready.

‘If she would ever be ready.’ I thought to myself. The breeze rustled in the evergreens and I could hear the trickling water, from the pond in the garden.

“Shino-kun. I’m sorry I took so long.” Slowly I turned around. Haley was wearing black, skinny leg jeans, and a black, dress-like shirt. Even though it was simple, she looked really cute. She smiled at me. Even though my expression did not change, I felt my heart miss a beat.

“So Shino-kun, what do you want?” I asked as we walked. He looked ahead for a second.
“I do not mind.” He said. I pouted a little.

“But Shino-kun, I want to buy you dinner as thanks and I don’t want to have something you don’t like.”

He remained silent. I looked down disappointedly. I really wanted to get to know Shino since we’re living together now.

We finally reached a small restaurant that I thought looked nice.

“Do you want to eat here Shino-kun?” I asked. He nodded . That lifted my spirit a little so I rushed inside to find a table, while Shino walked slowly behind me. Weaving my way through to a table I turned around and ushered to Shino, who was still only half way there. This peeved me a little so I glared at him until he was sitting opposite me.

We sat staring at each other. It was so weird I couldn’t take it anymore and asked,

“What do you want to eat Shino-kun?” I waited. Shino picked up a menu and looked at it briefly.

“Grilled Fish” He answered, placing the menu down. “We can share it.”
This made me blush briefly, so I quickly repeated the order to a pretty, brown-haired waitress.

I looked at Haley, nervously waiting for the meal. Maybe now was a good time to ask her questions, to get rid of the awkwardness. Musing on this idea for a moment I decided that I would.

“Haley” She looked at me “Are you scared of bugs?” She seemed surprised by my question, but her smile is what surprised me.

“No. Some bugs help plants to grow, where others make them die. They are intelligent beings who get along with nature as do all animals.” Haley had changed her aura completely. She did not seem like the flighty girl she was before, but more serious, gentle and relaxed. Why she talked about nature, as if it were a fragile baby in her arms, completely stumped me, but it made me feel as if I could trust her.

“What about you Shino-kun?” She asked me, her eyes seemingly looking past my glasses.
“No. I am not scared of bugs.” I said hurriedly. A plate was placed down in front of us, the smell of fish filled the air.

“Itadakimasu.” Haley and I said in unison, but before we got in one bite, we were interrupted.

“Oi Haley-chan What are you doing here?” It was Naruto, behind him was the legendary sennin, Jiraiya.

“Hello Naruto-Kun. I’m here with Shino” She pointed to the me sitting across the table. This made me painfully aware of how the situation seemed.

“Eh, bug boy. Why are you here with him, he’s creepy” Haley started to defend me.

“He’s not cree..” but Naruto’s eyes widened with his own conclusion and didn’t let her finish.

“ARE YOU ON A DATE WITH BUG B...” The older man hit Naruto on the head.

“Naruto, that’s no way to speak to a pretty lady.”Jiraiya grinned at Haley while Naruto glared at the old man.

“Is everything about pretty ladies to you, you pervy old man”

“IM NOT PERVY ... Its research” Jiraiya defended. Naruto muttered something profane under his breath. Jiraiya ignored him.

“We’ll leave you two to your date.” Jiraiya said turning away, smiling and grabbed Naruto, who was adamantly yelling that Haley should go on a date with him instead. Haley waved goodbye to them and I picked up my chopsticks again, wanting to get home as fast as possible.

It was now October and I had made quite a few friends in the village. Coming back from a mission in the rock country I was surprised to see decorations. Carved pumpkins and all sorts of monsters made with genjutsu were around the village.

“Oh, that means its Halloween!” I felt excited. When I got home I noticed some letters hanging out of the mail box. Grabbing them hastily, I went inside and put them on the table.

“I’m exhausted” Taking off my weapon pouches I headed for the bathroom. At first all I saw was steam, but then there was a faint figure. Before I realised what was actually happening, Shino came into full view. He had a towel wrapped around his waist and was about to reach for the door. I looked at him. He looked at me. I saw his eyes for only a second. But I could not forget them.

“o-oh. OH MY GOD! Shino I’m so sorry” I apologised profusely as I closed the door then I turned and walked slowly, and rather dazedly to my room.

After a few (very long) hours, I came out of hiding. I couldn’t see Shino, so I felt a little better. I remember he letters from earlier and went to look. There was only one on the table,

“The other one must have been for Shino.” I concluded. Eagerly, I picked up mine and opened it.

Haley Kanaro,

Konoha’s Halloween masquerade dance will be held next Friday on the 31st starting at 6:00pm. You are required to dress as Cleopatra for your costume as this year historical couples is the theme. You should keep a look out at the party for Antony.

Regards,

Tsunade.

“That’s tonight. She doesn’t give us a lot of notice does she -_-?” I was still looking at the letter when there was a knock at the door. Opening it I saw it was Sakura.

“Hello Sakura” I motioned for her to come inside. She sat down on the couch angrily.

“What’s the matter Sakura?” I sat down next to her.

“I’m Juliet for the masquerade.” This didn’t seem so bad, but she looked rather annoyed.

“Isn’t that good?” I asked. She looked at me as if I was stupid.

“Not when my Romeo is meant to be Rock lee!” She looked distant this time. She did like him, just not in ‘that’ way.
“I’m sure that he won’t be that bad Sakura. I’m Cleopatra, but I don’t even know who my Antony is.”

“Ooo. A mystery man.” We laughed.

“How about we go shopping for our costumes?” I asked

“Oh that’ll be fun.” She replied and stood up. We were now on a ‘mission’.

We headed out, armed with a bag and money.

“So Sakura-chan. Does this Halloween thing happen every year?” I looked at her as we stopped.

“Yeah, it’s a big event here. It’s really fun. You’ll love it Haley-chan.” She declared to me.

“Oh really” I joked. I turned around to see the shop we had stopped at, and my jaw dropped and my eyes became glued to the window. There, in this shop, was the most beautiful dress that I had ever seen. It was cream in colour and had a golden lapis lazuli belt.

“OH. MY. GOD! Sakura-chan look!” She followed my frantic request and when she seen the dress, she became as amazed as I.

“Haley-chan, its perfect for the masquerade!” I started looking for the price. As fate would have it, it was just affordable, as I scanned the dress information, I saw the design name.

“Look! Look! Sakura-chan. It even says on the poster that the design is “Queen of the desert”.

We both stared at it in awe. I made the decision that I was going to buy it, so I dragged Sakura away from the window and into the store.

After buying my dress, we went scouting for Sakura’s costume and a wig for me. A few hours later our task had been completed, leaving our purses quite empty. We noticed that it was getting late and rushed to Sakura’s to get ready, as I didn’t want to see Shino just yet. I was still embarrassed about earlier.

“Oh. Wish my costume was as nice as your dress Haley-chan.”She moaned. I finished doing her hair, and proceeded to zip her dress.

“Sakura you look great, and I’m sure Lee will clean up a bit.” We laughed and then almost screamed when we seen the time. Rushing out of the house we knocked into Jen, who looked very sweet as, who I guessed to be Marie Antoinette.

“Oh sorry Eri-chan, we were rushing. Are you ok?” I asked her.
“Yes, fine. I’m just waiting for Yamato.” We spoke for a little longer then said goodbye so we weren’t going to be late.

The village square was bathed in light, and there was music coming from all around. Everyone was dressed as their specified characters, and were dancing with friends in and out of beat with the music. No children were here, so it must have been an ‘adults only’ celebration. We was lost amid a sea of coloured dresses, suits and robes, although I held on tight to Sakura’s arm, so we would not be separated. Soon enough I saw rivers of sake, this was probably how so many people could dance and not be self conscious.

"Sakura-chan, do you want to dance?" Rock lee had found her, but he had discarded his usual green attire and had donned, puffed pants and tights. She seemed a bit hesitant, so I pulled her and Lee into the middle of the crowd, and started moving with the beat.

“I have to leave now ok. I should be back in less than a week” She said while packing for the mission. Haley had strapped her Amarante Katana onto her back, then slid her Anbu mask down over her face, then with a quick wave, she left.

“Good luck.” I stated to her quickly vanishing figure. She was going to Suna to go relay village information with Gaara, the Kazekage. I had asked to accompany her but Tsunade had declined, saying that Haley was capable by herself. I still think she was shaken by the incident with Kiba, and I wanted to make sure she was ok, even though she said she forgave him. I was worried about her, after all I am,

“Her boyfriend ..” I said, not really believing it. The first time she kissed me at the Halloween Party was all a haze, it was like it was a dream. I looked at my hand as a stray ladybeetle crawled over my fingers.

“Heh” I grunted. She had also found out my clan’s secret, but she didn’t look at me with disgust like other people. No, even I could tell that the look in the eyes was one of love and compassion. The ladybeetle opened its wings began to fly, I lifted my head to watch it drift off, that’s when I seen his figure.

Kiba was standing at the front of my house, compared to the last time I seen him, he was clean and could stand steadily.

“Hello Shino”. He said, Akamaru standing beside him.

“Hello” I said, hardly opening my mouth. He waited at the road, so I went down to see what he wanted, controlling whatever feelings I had. I wanted to forgive him, but not quite yet.

“Shino, I’m sorry. I knew how you felt about her, but I was a jerk, and almost hurt her in the process. I hope it won’t affect our friendship, cause that would suck.” He rubbed the back of his head, while holding his free hand out to me. Despite what he did, I shook his hand.

“HEY SHINO!” I heard that all too familiar voice. I turned around to see Naruto. His jumpsuit was still the same bright orange, with the black upper chest. He waved frantically at me.

“What a clown” I heard Kiba mutter under his breath.

“SHINO!” He called again.

“Gah, screw him. Im gonna to go. Bye Shino.” Kiba waved then jogged off with Akamaru

“What do you want Naruto?” I asked him. He had to think about this for a second, squinting off into the distance.

“What did I want? … OH that’s right! Where is Haley-chan?” He looked around, possibly hoping she would jump out of the many bushes surrounding my home.

“She’s gone on a mission to Suna. Why?” I watched him walk over from a tree he had been investigating for her presence.

‘He really is a fool’ I thought

“Well I wanted to see if she would train with me again. But I was also gonna ask her how she made the tree move last time.” I stared at him.

“Naruto trees cannot move.”

“OH YEAH. WELL YOU WERNT THERE. I SEEN IT! IT ATTACKED ME!” He flailed his arms and pointed in no particular direction. I must admit I was intrigued, not by his antic but his persistence in making me agree that trees can move.

“What exactly did the tree do?” I asked this question half sarcastically. He seemed to calm down, thinking that I now believed him.

“Well, I was starting off with my Kage bunshin’s but the tree’s root swiped across and cut them down” He imitated the action with his arm.

“So it was the root that moved, not the tree?.” Naruto seemed to re-think his earlier statements.

“I .. Suppose. SHUT UP YOU THINK YOUR SO GOOD!” He tried to throw his mistake off on me. He continued to yell weak insults while I thought about the tree and Haley’s unknown jutsu.

‘It’s possible”.

“SHINO! SHINO!” ARE YOU ALIVE THERE!” Naruto was basically yelling in my ear trying to get my attention.

“What?” I said, again in my deathly silent voice.

“When is Haley-chan coming back?” He asked, obviously ready to run if I moved suddenly.

“In about a week.” Great, now I reminded myself that she won’t be here.

“Oh. Well can you tell her I want to train with her when she comes back.” He didn’t even wait for an answer as he started running off.

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“Thank you for bringing all this paperwork Amarante” Said Gaara calling me by my ANBU name, flicking through it once more before he laid it on his desk.

“Tomorrow we can go through it. You must be tired from your two day trek.” I was still standing in front of the Kazekage.

“I am fine really Kazekage-sama.” I was actually tired but I always strived to get missions done efficiently.

“I can tell you are exhausted. Kankuro will show you to your room.” Kankuro, was wearing his usual attire. A black body suit and purple face markings. Temari wasn’t around, so I let Kankuro take me without complaint.

We walked for about five minutes until we reached a room with large wooden doors.

“There you are.” He said opening it for me.

“Thank you Kankuro-kun” I said stepping into the large room. It was plainly decorated but I could tell it wasn’t for commoners.

“If Gaara wants me to check on you i’ll come back kay. If you need help I’m the door down the end of the hall.” He pointed and then waved.

“Thank you” I replied shutting the door.

“Wow. This is really nice.” I stated, sitting on the bed taking off my mask.

“I wonder what Shino is doing?...” I got up, wanting to occupy myself. I opened a door on the other side of the room. It was a bathroom, I remembered I hadn’t showered for two days. I started the hot water, taking of the rest of my ANBU uniform. When I hoped in the shower I sighed. It felt great.

The next day I was in and out of the Kazekage's office, going over the state of affairs with Konoha.

“It is good to see that all is well there, Haley-san” Gaara said to me on my third visit that day.

“Same here, Kazekage-sama” I did not need to wear my mask while meeting with I was absent-mindedly looking around I noticed Gaara's hair was almost the same colour as mine. It made me smile.

“Something wrong?” He asked.

“No not at all.” I smiled at him.

He looked out of the small window on his left, for a moment or so.

“Tell me, Haley-san. Are you friends with Uzamaki Naruto?” He asked, still keeping his head turned.

“Yes I am, he's a energetic kid.” I replied, not really knowing the relationship behind the two.

“It's good he has many friends. If he trusts you, then I trust you to.” Gaara looked at me. Even though he did not smile I knew he was being kind. Kankuro snickered in the corner, while Temari glared at him, I did to.

Seeing that we had covered all the information I had been sent to deliver, I stood up, excusing myself.

“Since we are finished I'll return to my room now and get ready for my trip home in the morning.” I bowed to the siblings. Gaara nodded in reply and the other two bowed back, so I left.

The sun had yet to open her eyes when I departed from Suna. No birds chirped and no leaves rustled. The only sound I heard was that of the sand, crunching beneath my feet.

“It'll only take me today till I reach the forests.” I sighed, I couldn't wait. I didn't feel at home in this kind of dry desert environment, probly because I had little contol over the nature here. This wasn't my domain, and I didn't seek to make it so.

“Oh god. It's so hot.” I wiped sweat from beneith my mask. I reached for my canteen but it was empty.

“No not now. Kuso!” I looked around to see if anything was in the distance. Nothing.

I didn't want to try this in this sort of place but I had no choice. I closed my eyes, and sent out my chakra to search for a sign. Finding what I was looking for I walked 20 paces to the left. Leaning over I started to dig a small hole, placing my hand into the centre. This was only a new little trick I had been working on for a month of so, so I had to concentrate, blocking out outside influences.

Gradually, I blocked the heat, the wind, even the sound of my heart beat. After a minute or so in my deep pit of concentration a cold feeling came onto my palm, then over the back of my hand. Lifting my hand, water dripped off my finger tips.

“It worked!” I exclaimed, now filtering it into my canteen with my chakra. I took a swig and felt a relief in my throat.

“Oh wasted a bit of time with that.” So I packed up what I had laid about, and headed off again, now seeing a slight, greenish blur on the horizon.

----------

“Enter.” Said a husky voice. I entered, bowing to the elderly speaker, and the two other, younger adults, then took my place on the ground in front of them. I stared at the three from behing my round glasses, waiting for my grandfather to speak again

“I hear from your parents … That you have a girl.. Hm!?” He coughed, then cleared his throat.

“They don't seem to have a problem with her” My grandfather squinted at me, though I only sat still, listening.

“But she's a foriener, eh? And a filthy out side clan to-boot” He spat. My parents looked at the me apologetically, but he knew it was not their fault. Grandfather succumbed to another bout of coughing.

“Ojiisan, she may be from a foreign country, but her clan is not 'filthy' …” He cut me off.

“Hush boy. She's no good for you. You'd do well to choose a pretty girl from our clan.”

“I cannot do that. I am very sorry but this girl means a lot to me.” This made the old man angry.

“You will listen to me Shino! I have arranged some things for her on her way back to Konoha.”

“Father .. “ My Mother cut in, but I could not contain myself after hearing what was just said.

“What do you mean 'arranged for her'?” I asked. He only laughed at me.

“It's too late boy. Run along and forget about her.” He stood up, clutching his cane.

“I can't forget her, because ..”

“Because why eh? You love her. HA don't screech your little whims to me” He started walking to the door.

“Yes .. I think I do love her.” With that I fled from the room, and head towards Tsunades office.

“Father, I think you were too harsh on him.” Shibi nodded in complience with his wife.

“No, it's only abit of fun. Miki will keep .. Haley was it? Entertained. It's only a little test to see how much our little Shino and been swayed by her.” The old man chuckled.

“Ahh young love. Remember I did the same thing to you Shibi.” He smiled at the pair.

--------

The small blur became bigger and bigger, until I seen the forest that was the last half of my journey. Only a few more steps until the cool shade of the forest envelopes me. Three. Two. One.

“Ahh, finally.” I sighed. I breathed deeply, feeling the energy of the fauna fill me, but there was something strange. I looked up to the trees branches, but there was nothing there.

“Hmm.” I hummed, letting my hand stray down to my weapon pouch as I walked.

--------

“And he told you that she was in danger?” Tsunade said to me.

“That is what he implied.” I stood before the hokage, in her round office, explaining the story.

“You want me to grant you permission to look for her?” She asked. I simply nooded in reply.

“ Hmm … Fine. Go collect Hinata and Kiba. You leave in half and hour.” I bowed to her, and left quickly.

Luckily they were both talking together at our training place. I repeated the mission to them and they left to get ready. I waited for them at the gates, already having packed my necessities.

[HALEY'S POV]

After walking another hour throught the trees, I came to a thinned out clearing. Being abit tired and hungry so I sat down undernieth a tall tree. Digging around in my rucksack I dragged out something to eat. I leant on the trunk, watching as some tall grass swayed slightly. I smirked ad took a bite of the cold meat I had packed earlier at Suna. When I had finished I closed my eyes ans smiled slightly.
“When will you come out to play?” I whispered.

[MIKI'S POV]

I watched her eating, luckily she hadn't noticed me yet.

'Good' I thought. I reached down into my weapons pouch, grabbing thre or so shurikan. Otoosan wanted to know how good a ninja our little Shino had gotten himself involved with. Silently I threw them at the red-haired girl. When they peirced her skin she lked utterly surprised, and then after a moment, she looked at to where I was hiding and grinned, then dissipated into a pile of leaves. Shocked I jumped down, walking cautiously over to the replacment foliage.

“When did you do that eh?” I asked my self.

“When I was getting the food from my bag.” I turned around , barly dodging a swipe fro her kunai. Jumping back I called on my destruction bugs. When the girl seen them she gasped.

“What? Don't like bugs girlie?” From her confused expression I guessed Shino had told her about our clan's Jutsu.

“Heh, so he likes her that much. So Otoosan was right when he said Shino will come today.” I thought to myself. I quickly got hold of my thoughts when I seen the girl make a quick hand sign

“Iron Grass Bind no Jutsu: Body Bind” She said. Suddenly I was being pulled back, and was slammed into a tree behind me. I looked down to see what was binding me.

“Grass! But it feels so hard.” I exclaimed. I stared at the pretty girl. She was atleast ten years my junior, and yet I was the one caught off guard. I scowled at myself. She started walking over pulling a Kakatna off her back, and holding it towards my throat.

“Didn't you notice ther was no wind here, to make the grass sway?” She had known I was here all along. This girl was something else.

[HALEY'S POV]

“Who are you.?” I asked, holding my Katana to her throat, while the grass I was controlling tightened.

“Woah there girlie, I wasn't gonna hurt you and it's polite to say your own name first” The lady said.

“You must know who I am if you were following me.”

“I suppose you have a point. Well I am Aburame Miki. Shino's aunty.” She said, then I had a number of different expressions come over my face. I decided to put my Kakatana away, but i'll keep the binds there, just for now.

“Heh, I see you don't entirly trust me. Well at least your not bent on killing me” She smiled. Somehow, I knew she was okay. After a brief battle against myself about letting her go, I decided that I would. I made another hand

“Iron Grass no Jutsu: Release” The binds fell away and Miki rubbed her arms where it had been too tight. We both sat down, and I asked her about why she was following me in the first place.

“Well you see. Otoosan wants to see if Shino really like you. So this is his test. He's told Shino that I going to 'take care of you' but really, He just wants me to get to know you better for him” She smiled, and I felt a strange relief, but then I wondered aloud,

“What if he doesn't come?” I looked down at the gound, and then I felt a hand on my shoulder, and a hand lift my face up.

“He told you about our clan's jutsu didn't he. I could tell by your surprise before.” I nodded and Miki laughed.

“He'll come love, don't worry.” I don't know why she felt so sure, but I believed her. She stated talking about Shino as a baby, and I couldn't help but laugh at her stories.

“Hey Haley-chan, how about you say we spare properly this time eh? Miki said. It sounded like fun so I nodded.

“After three. One. Two. Three” And we were off. She wasnt likhit.e Shino in the way she fought. Miki went straight in for the first hit. I swerved out of the way, going to round kick her from behind, but she was gone. I listened to the energy around me. She was,
“Above” I blocked her attack with my Kunai and rolled forward. Niehter of us had laned a single hit on each other, till the branch she was standing on, attacked her.

“What the hell!?” She looked at me.

“My Kekkei Genkai” I said simply.

[SHINO'S POV]

We stopped around lunch even though I wanted to keep going. I knew she was close.

“Shi – Shino Kun .. Come eat something.” Hinata said to me.

“I will be fine, thank you Hinata.” Kiba was digging into his food.

“Come on man, Haley will be fine. Some of the rumors i've heard about her make her out to one tough chick.” Akamau wagged his tail at the scraps Kiba gave him.

“It doesn't mean i'm not worried about her.” Kiba and Hinata both looked surprised.

“Sounds like you really like her” Kiba snickered while Hinata remained silent. I ignored his stament and turned around.

“Hinata, after you are finished can you try to find her?” The girl nodded annd finished quickly.

Veins appeared on her haid and there as a slight impresion of a pupil in her violet eyes.

“I see her. She is fighting someone. They just jumped on a branch, .. wait .. The branch just attack the woman!” Hinata stopped her jutsu and Kiba was babbling to her.

“Huh? are sure sure it attacked her? It didn't just move?” She seemed hesitant but was adamant to say it had attacked her.

“How far away are they?” I asked her. She thouht for a moment.

“Not even a couple of minutes away, North east.”

“Lets go then.” We headed off with me in the lead.

“Kimikou - sama? Are you awake?” Hiro opened the door and steeped inside, careful not to drop the =-tray of food while closing it again.

“Kimikou - sama you really shouldn’t stay up all night it’s not god for you.” Hiro placed the tray down on a side table and went to stir the older man. After a few futile attempts, Hiro became increasingly worried. Hand shaking, he placed two fingers on Kimikou’s neck.

“N .. No pulse” Hiro choked out. The Feudal Lord… his closest friend … was dead.

After speaking painfully to the advisors, Hiro was sent to arrange the funeral and to contact … her.

_____________ 

Haley placed her hand on her face gently and looked out the window. For some reason, she felt a distant pain. It was probably nothing, but she couldn’t help feel that today, something was going to happen, and with the feeling she had, it didn’t seem like something good.

Haley decided to sneak out for a walk to clear her head. Side stepping the floorboards that creaked; she placed a note on the table then quietly closed the front door.

It was early morning so she had grabbed a jacket before she left. She was right to do so, it was cold. The air was still, but its touch still cut at her face. She thought about the afternoon a few weeks ago. Would it have really happened if Kiba hadn’t fallen when he did? Will another chance come again?

“Maybe there will be another time. I mean I hope there will be, I really … Love him. “

She said out loud, her voice scaring the few birds that were perched on nearby rooftops. She then kept to thinking instead.

“I don’t think I’ve ever loved someone before. What is it?

Is it that warm feeling in my cheeks when he speaks?

Or the way my stomach flutters with his touch?

Or … Is it that I realised I would give myself to save him from any pain, just so I can see him smile?”

Haley was now half way around the village, so decided to head back. When she did arrive home, the sun was fully up in the sky and the aroma of food, came from inside.

“Shino...?” She said, rushing up to the door. She was actually pretty hungry now, and the food did smell good.

She crept up to the kitchen to have a peek. Shino was there serving up breakfast and without turning to face her, he said,
“So your back. How was your walk?” She pulled a face at him, surprised he knew she was there.

“It was good. I like it in the morning. It’s so quiet.” He said nothing in reply, so she went over and sat down.

“I see. Shizune, can you get her … Shino to. I don’t think she will want to go alone.” Tsunade was at her usual place, staring out over the village.

“Tsunade – sama don’t you think we should send …”
“No. This isn’t a mission, she doesn’t need a squad. She needs support.”
“I know, but under the circumstance … shouldn’t we send a squad to protect her on the way.”

“She can look after herself. She’s a very talented kunoichi. ”

“But she won’t be thinking properly!”

Tsunade sighed.

“Fine. If it makes you feel better send …. Naruto, Kiba and Shino.”

“Why them?” Shizune asked.

“Naruto looks up to her, Kiba is also close to her … and Shino… well, don’t you think he’s the one person who could make her happy through this. Although none of them will let her feel hurt for long.” Tsunade explained.

“I .. I guess you’re right.

Standing in Tsunade’s office alone, I finally asked her why the others were waiting outside. She rested her head on her hands and ushered Shizune to open another door. A man came through into the round room. He was average height, brown hair, and eyes, and fair skin. Haley recognised hi immediately.

“Hiro!?” She rushed over and enveloped him in a hug.

“What are you doing here? How are you? How’s dad?” She asked, smiling. Hiro however, did not smile.

“What’s wrong?” Haley asked. Hiro placed a hand on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry Katty.” Katty was a nickname that Hiro and her father had used since she was a child; because she used to slink around ask for attention when she was little. Just like a cat.

“Sorry for what Hiro?”

“I found Kimikou .. this morning .. he had no pulse.” He started to sob, and Haley just stood there dumbfounded. He was dead? Her father … was dead? Even though they hadn’t been on the best terms when she left, she loved him dearly.

“Who ... who is the new feudal lord?” She was trying not to think of the answer she didn’t want to hear.

“Don’t worry Katty. Your father had already chosen the successor. It’s not you love. He knew you wanted a life here, so he chose Nowa, your brother.”

Haley breathed a sigh of relief, and then began to cry.

“So the old man finally let me follow my dream of being a better ninja.” She thought in her head. Hiro held her, and kissed her head.

“Shizune, bring the others in please” Tsunade requested.

As soon as Shino arrived into the circular room Haley rushed to him and sobbed into his jacket. He looked at the foreign man. Who was he? Why was Haley crying?

“Kiba, Shino, Naruto. I have a mission for you.”
“A mission! Alright!” Naruto cheered. Then he noticed Haley’s choked cries and asked

“What’s wrong with Haley-san?” Tsunade just looked at them. Kiba had noticed how upset she was to, but kept his distance.

“It’s an escort mission.” Tsunade kept going.

“Who are we protecting?” Kiba asked.

“Haley.” She said, a slight remorse in her voice.

“Eh? Haley-san? Why?” Naruto questioned. Hiro then stepped in and started to explain.

“The feudal lord of Kusa, died this morning. The funeral will be in two days. I would have gone with her as well, but neither of us is fit to travel alone.” Shino noticed that this, ‘Hiro’ man was on the verge of tears also.

“Eh? Why are you two so upset about some feudal lord anyway?” Naruto asked, quite abruptly. Haley straitened up, wiped her hers and started to explain.

“The feudal lord, is … was my father. Kimikou Kanaro, Hiro and my dad have been best friends since childhood ….”

“EEHH! I’m so sorry Haley-san.” He crawled up to her but she just smiled at him.

“It’s ok Naruto, you didn’t know.”

“Sorry about your dad, Haley.” Kiba hesitantly told her.

“Thanks Kiba.” She replied.

“Well .. you leave in an hour. Go get ready everyone. Hiro you go with Haley and Shino… and Haley, my apologies.” Haley bowed and left with Shino’s arm protectively around her shoulders, and left Hiro wondering what kind of boy had finally opened the steel cage around her heart.

“Well I hope everything goes well at Kusa.” Tsunade said, Sakura saying the same. Sai was there as well. Recently He and Sakura had gotten closer, it was making Naruto a bit jealous.

“Hey hey don’t stand so close to Sakura –chan!” He yelled at the pale skinned boy.

“Why?” He asked.

“WHY!? BECAUSE YOU MIGHT DO PERVERTED THINGS TO HER.”

“NAURTO. The only pervert around here is you.” Sakura said. Naruto bowed his head, gushing tears splashing onto the ground.

“Sa .. kura –chan .. that was mean.”

“I guess she likes bigger..” He was cut off by Sakura punching him in the gut, causing him to crash into a nearby building.

“YOU’RE A PERVERT TO…” Shino couldn’t take any more of these antics so he ushered every one out the gates and started their journey to Kusa.

On the road Haley and Hiro were catching up on news, Naruto and Kiba were bickering over trivial matters, making bets and seeing who would win them. Shino tagged along behind the group, listening and watching the surroundings. Everything was fine and around seven they decided to stop since they were making good time.

Later that night Shino was sitting next to Haley’s sleeping figure. At first her father’s death had shook her to the bone, but now she was becoming a little more like her usual self. Hiro was sitting across from him, on the other side of their fire. The two were just staring at each other, which was probably what put Kiba and Naruto on edge.

“Shino, is it?” Hiro asked. Shino nodded and seen Hiro usher to him. Gently getting up from next to Haley, he went around and sat next to Hiro.

“So err … Are you and Katty ..?” He tried to ask if they were a couple, but it didn’t come out quite right. She had just grown up so fast.

“A couple… I mean are you dating.”

“Yes. .. almost since she came to Konoha.” Hiro looked surprised. He then turned to Shino and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“You’re a lucky kid. Haley has rejected every guy that ever laid their eyes on her. Sure she had crushes as much as the next girl, but she would never do anything to take it further. I asked her about it once and she said “When they look at me, they only see the outside. A member of the Kanaro clan, the feudal lords daughter. I need to know he likes me, for me.” When I told kimikou he told me that he was proud he was of how she had grown up.”

“Rejected every one… What does she see in me then?” Shino thought.

“Hey ah .. Hiro … why do you call Haley, Katty? Kiba interjected, stopping Shino’s train of thought.

“Ha-ha, when she was a little girl, cute little thing she was, she used to sneak around the house, pouncing on people for hugs and such. I was at her house often enough for her to call me uncle…” Hiro told Shino. He didn’t say anything but hearing about Haley’s childhood was rather interesting.

“Although not everything went all rose coloured for the family.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well … Haley’s mother brought home random men from clubs, sometimes in the middle of the night they would try to get into her room, but she was a tough girl, she knew enough about her kekkei genkai to protect herself, but one day it was to late for her to use any hand signs and he started abusing her. I was in the next room and heard her screams, so I was able to stop him before it got too far. Kimikou didn’t love her mother, so he didn’t mind about the men, but when he found out about Haley being abused, he kicked her out of Kusa.”

“If he didn’t love her, why did they marry?” Shino asked, trying to control a lot of anger towards whom ever did that to her, It was disgusting, she had only been a child. Hiro shook his head and laughed.

“Ever since we were kids, kimikou and I were close, and when we became older, we realised what our feelings meant. But his family wouldn’t have any of it, so forced him to marry. Haley knows of course, and she doesn’t mind.” Shino remained silent. He didn’t have anything against it, but he now realised why this man was as upset as Haley.

“Well like the saying goes, it’s better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all.” Shino told him. Hiro was surprised, but then smiled.

“I hope these kids don’t lose.” He thought.

“Hey Hiro-san … why did Haley come to Konoha”

“Well … I don’t really know. She told me once that she wanted to become a ninja, and she did that in Kusa, because of that thing with her mother, so I suppose she just wanted to leave those memories behind. Although it took her 4 years to get the courage to tell her father she was leaving.

“FOURS YEARS!?” Naruto exclaimed.

“Naruto, you idiot. Haley’s asleep you know.” Kiba hit him over the head.

“OW! Oh yeah, sorry.” He glared at Kiba for a moment then looked back at Hiro.

“The incident happened when she was around six and when she was nine she told me she wanted to leave. Of course I tried to talk her out of it and it work for a while … but last year she finally asked him. He wasn’t happy about it to be sure, he wanted her to be the next ruler of Kusa. But he gave in, due to my reasoning, and she left. After that he stayed up almost every night thinking about her. Before Haley left, Kimikou was diagnosed with an illness which didn’t leave him long to live. He chose not to pursue a cure. I suppose he thought it was his time.” Every ones face looked down. Hey were attending the funeral in a more than a day.

Sensing the dampening mood Naruto broke the silence.

“Well I’m off to bed.” Naruto stretched and yawned loudly, earning him another smack around the head from Kiba. Hiro laughed as the two of them fought some more and got into his sleeping bag. Shino lay down next to Haley and soon Naruto and Kiba’s swearing had died off and Shino was the only one left awake, still listening and watching the surroundings.

After an early start, the party reached Kusa around twelve, and everyone agreed it was time to eat. They were shown into the overly large house of Kanaro. The gardens were the best The Konoha Ninja’s had ever seen. The grass was thick, and some of the flowers were bigger than Naruto’s head, as Kiba pointed out. Hiro ushered them through the long hallways, though Haley knew where they were going.

Nowa was standing in the dining room waiting to greet them. Nowa was only a year younger than Haley, and had the same trademark blood red hair of all the Kanaro’s, but unlike his sisters deep green eyes, he had almost electric blue eyes.

“Welcome home Oneesan.” He hugged her, and then turned to the rest of the group and bowed. “Pleased to meet you. I am Nowa, Haley’s younger brother”. Naruto wasn’t paying attention however, he was too busy looking around, his mouth agape.

“Some big place you have Haley-san. Bigger than Shino’s” Naruto stated. Kiba took the liberty of conking him on the head. Haley thought he was like Sakura’s replacement.

“Are you all hungry. I have lunch ready.” Nowa said, leading them to the large table, except Naruto who was still crouched on the floor nursing a large bump on his head. When he finally stopped sulking he hurried over to the table.

“Hungry! Man I’m starving!” He exclaimed. Haley slapped her head softly.

‘Same as always’ She thought.

Nowa sat at the end, with Haley to his right, then Shino next to her. Kiba sat to Nowa’s left, then Naruto, with Hiro at the other end.

“You know Nowa, you don’t have to be so formal.” Haley pointed out.

“Ha-ha just trying to make a good impression sis.” He replied.

“Besides, Naruto wouldn’t be able to understand manners if it hit him in the face.” Kiba joked.

“Oh yeah!? I would so recognise them…. Haley-san, what do they look like.” She laughed and told him not to worry, so everyone turned to their plates. They could all feel their stomachs growling.

“Itadakimasu” they said in unison, and as Haley predicted, Naruto was already going for seconds.

Nowa looked slightly scared and Haley laughed at him.

“It’s ok, he is human.” She said. Naruto almost choked at that comment, but was still too hungry to fight back, so he left it.

“So how have you been?” Nowa asked Haley.

“Good. Konoha is really big, and everyone is nice there. And I’m even an ANBU captain! Can you believe it?” She exclaimed, putting down her chopsticks so she could talk some more.

Shino loved it when she smiled.

“Wow, your doing well. I better stop stealing your chocolates or you’ll hurt me.” Every one at the table laughed, except Shino. Nowa looked at him puzzled.

“Don’t worry about him Nowa-san, bug boy over there doesn’t know how to laugh.” Naruto said sarcastically.

“Naruto!” Kiba threatened, fist held up to his face while Haley glared at him. Hiro was glad that looks couldn’t kill.

“Why such an evil look Haley?” Her blue eyed brother questioned.

“This Idiot Naruto just insulted lover boy.” Kiba said before Haley could get a word in.

“Lover .. boy. So you finally found a guy. Must be quite the man if he can put up with you.” He went on, laughing.

“Oh really. So tell me, are you on your fifth girlfriend this month Nowa?” Haley smiled sweetly at him, and he bitterly ate the rest of his lunch.

“Just like old times.” Hiro thought.

After lunch they were shown to the rooms. There was only 2 spare. Hiro already had his own so that wasn’t a problem. Naruto and Kiba begrudgingly agreed to share a room, but to their dismay, there was only a double bed. Shino and Haley had no complaints though.

“Just keep your dog off the bed.” Naruto warned.

“Why, you’re more of an animal than Akamaru.” Kiba retorted.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?! IM GONNA BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF YOU!” Naruto scream, pointing at Kiba.

Great, those two had started again. Haley shut the door, but the sound was only muffled slightly.

“I’D LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY!” That time it was Kiba. Haley wondered if those two were secretly married.

“Did you want a shower first?” Shino asked her.

“Nah it’s fine you can go first.”

The water was so relaxing. Shino thought of all the things Hiro had told them that night about Haley. It must have been horrible for her. He couldn’t fathom how her mother could just let that happen though. Her own daughter. Although, they had been forcefully married only to have children … But Kimikou seemed to love them with all his heart, was Haley’s mother just that cold hearted? He snapped back to reality and hopped out of the shower. He must’ve been in there for a while.

When he went back into the room, Haley was curled up on the bed. He went over and stroked her face. Part of her cheek was wet.

“Has she kept in the tears so I wouldn’t worry?” Shino thought. Realising he was still only in a towel he dressed then left the room so she could sleep some more.

--------

“Father I need to speak to you.” I walked into the room, hands in my pockets

“What is it Haley” Father asked, Hiro sitting near him.

“Well. I’ve been thinking and I’ve decided I want to go to Konoha to further my skills as a ninja.” I waited for his reaction.

“What? No! You have to stay here.” He said firmly. Just as I thought.

“Why?” I pushed.

“Because I want you to take over my place one day.” I didn’t know what to say. I looked at Hiro for help…

“Kimikou-sama. Surely you do not need to be replaced anytime soon. Father had a knowing look in his eyes. What was he thinking?

“Hiro, you know why. I need her here.” Father told him.

“What about Nowa father?” I asked, desperate.

“I do not want to put him down, but you are more talented katty.” He said.

“But Kimikou, they are almost the same age, and surely he will be a god ruler. He is honest and smart.”

Father thought for a moment. You may leave for you travels, but I have not made up my mind about my succession. You will know soon enough.”

I ran up to him and gave him a hug. I was so happy …

-------

I woke up panting. That dream … It was when I had asked father to leave. He seemed to know he would die soon.

“You will know soon enough”  gently I shook it out of my head. Thanks to Hiro he finally gave in and let her leave. I looked around for the time.

“Oh it’s just about time for dinner.” I sat up, it was already starting to get dark out.

---------

There was not much chatter at the table this time; they all knew that when they were finished Hiro would tell them something they didn’t really want to know. Sure enough, when they finished, he stood up.

“The funeral … Starts at nine in the morning, So get a good night’s sleep everyone.” When he finished his whispered announcement he left, then everyone else followed.

Shino had stayed up all night, watching Haley toss and turn in her sleep. He eventually got up to get a drink, it was quite warm at this time of year in Kusa, even at night, and it didn’t agree with Shino that well. Hiro had shown him where most of the rooms were so finding the kitchen wasn’t that difficult. He searched for a cup then filled it with water.

"Woa. Easy it’s me. Nowa." Shino said nothing, but put the weapon away.

"Couldn’t sleep?" He asked. Shino took a sip of his water before he answered Nowa.

"No. It’s uncomfortably warm." Shino replied.

"Yeah I don’t like the heat myself." Nowa went and got himself a drink as well. There was a long awkward silence.

"So … you and Nee-chan are together." Nowa was curious at what kind of guy she had finally chosen.

"Mmm." Shino hummed.

"When did you start going out with her?" He asked.

"A few months after she came to Konoha." He replied

"Oh" Nowa scratched his head. Shino wasn’t telling him anything that he had already got from Hiro, so he decided to change the subject.

"Why did Naruto call you bug boy that time?" That’s something that had confused him, so it was a good starting point.

"Because of my jutsu."

"Oh? Do you have a bloodline limit to?"

"Not quite. My clan has made a pact with a certain type of insect, destruction bugs. They allow us to use them in battle, in exchange for our bodies as a home and our chakra as food."

Nowa was creeped out. Having someone in front of him who was a living home for the bugs was kind of weird.

"Haley is the only one, who is not from my clan, that has accepted it without question." Shino was answering all Nowa’s questions patiently.

"Haley is great like that."Nowa commented.

"Yeah." The other boy agreed. Both of them finished the rest of their water so decided to get back to bed.

" Well, I’ll let you go. You should try and get some sleep" Nowa left the room and left Shino alone. He slowly made his way back to the room, despite the heat he was starting to feel rather sleepy. He crawled back into bed, and no sooner had he laid his head on the pillow, a hand hit him in the head. He looked over at Haley but she was still fast asleep.

" Great. She’s one of those sleepers." Shino said grudgingly.

________

Haley was the first to wake up. She was usually an early riser so she began putting on her black kimono for the funeral, while Shino, stile half asleep, discarded his usual long coat for a black suit and white shirt. Naruto, who was rudely woken up my Akamaru, looked very different without his usual orange attire, but it somehow it suited Kiba and he blushed when Haley said so.

When everyone was ready they headed over to the temple and stood at the doors. Soon some of Kimikou’s friends and the villagers began to arrive. Each of them handed Haley or Nowa a silver and black envelope.

"Condolence money" Haley told Naruto when he asked her about it. When the last of them had arrived, Haley lead her group to the front. It was customary for next of kin to be seated at the front. Every one turned their heads to watch as the priest walked down to the casket and proceeded to chant a part of a sutra. Haley was first to stand and offer the incense to her father. She repeated it three times to the incense urn and then took her place next to Nowa. Nowa then took his turn, then Hiro and then the rest of the guests. A while later the priest finished his chant which signalled the end of the ceremony. The guest at the back were let out first, and given a small gift as they left.

"That was boring" Naruto sighed. Nobody paid attention to him though. Haley’s attention was on a woman. She had medium length blonde hair, and was staring at Haley in return.

"Haley what are you looking at?" Shino asked. Haley only nodded in the direction and when Hiro noticed, walked rather hurriedly to the woman.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, rather angry.

"Well it is my ex – husband’s funeral, even though I missed some of it. I’ll only be here until tomorrow, so don’t worry." She said rather casually.

"No. You will leave now Rutia. You are not welcome here." He firmly, but gently, pushed her out of the temple.

"I wont be staying forever. I just want to pay my respects." She defended, putting on a hurt face. It was disgustingly fake.

"Then pay them somewhere else." Hiro stated, then he closed the doors and walked back over to Haley and her friends.

"Who was that?" Kiba asked Hiro.

"Rutia. She is.."

"Was our mother" Haley interjected and Nowa nodded.

"Why is she here?" Nowa asked.

"To pay her respects" He said acidly. Haley scoffed

"Hey ah … can we get out of here. It’s giving me the creeps having some dead guy over there with the door closed" Naruto said, looking around for an escape.

"Scared of ghosts?" Kiba teased. Naruto’s eyes widened.

"G-G-G-G-Ghosts .. of .. course I’m not" he chattered. Akamaru barked and Naruto jumped onto Hiro’s shoulders.

"He-he just took me by surprise!" Naruto defended.

"Good because we will be spending the night in here. You know, to keep vigil." Nowa said, smirking at the blonde boys obvious fear.

Later on everyone had been leeched onto by Naruto who, for some reason, didn’t sleep very well that night.

_________

The next day Naruto couldn’t wait to leave Kusa. Sleeping in the temple must have really shook him up because he almost ran out of the gate.

Shino held Haley’s hand as Nowa and Hiro bid them fare well, and followed the hysteric and baggy eyed Naruto home.