Ali: Here's the renewed version of Rough Journey! I hope you enjoy!

Kiba: Great... I haven't read the original.

Ali: And you never will.

Akamaru: *barks*

Kiba: That's right. You're supposed to say the disclaimer.

Ali: I don't know what you're talking about.

Kiba: Alice.

Ali: Don't go spouting out my name like that.

Kiba: Say it.

Ali: I own absolutely nothing but the plot and the Shadow (for those of you that haven't read the first one, you'll find out later).

Kiba: Enjoy everyone!

Ali: So what's with Shikamaru's pillow? I mean, I used it once and he bugged out.

Kiba: Alright, here's how it is...

*fades out*

The sun was shining and the birds were singing. A young man traveled with one much older, both on their way to the Hidden Leaf Village. One was tall with broad shoulders that had long white hair that was completely unmanageable, their eyes dark as coals and their face having two red lines that traveled from under his eyes to just below his jaw. His companion was shorter with blond hair that was equally unmanageable, his eyes blue like the sky, three whisker marks on each cheek, and he had a grin that made the sun look dim. The young man wore black and orange, his feet stepping lightly, his pace picking up with each passing second while his older companion strolled, an amused smile on his face as he watched the young man.

"Slow down Naruto, the village isn't going anywhere any time soon," the older man said.

"But Pervy Sage, it's just over there, I can see it," Naruto complained.

"I really wish you'd stop calling me that," the perverted sage groaned.

"You want me to lie and just call you Jiraiya?" Naruto asked.

"It wouldn't be a lie."

"It's a hard habit to break," Naruto said.

They were just finished with their three year long training and and they were going home. Naruto was excited to be home even though he had many reason to hate the place of his birth. As soon as he walked through the gates he noticed Kotetsu and Izumo gaping, asking if it was really him. Naruto gave a small smile, his amusement clear. He really had changed, but he honestly didn't think he changed that much. He climbed up a nearby pole and looked about his village. He smiled, glad to be finally home.

After a long first day back he trudged his way back home, feeling the familiar glare of the villagers. He had forgotten about it, and he was away for a long time so he forgot the feeling. As soon as he came back he took notice of the glares. He walked into his apartment and saw not one thing changed from the morning. He collapsed on the bed and looked at the team picture. He swore he would bring Sasuke back, and he was determined, but he didn't know if he could set out right away. He closed his eyes when he heard something. He shot up straight and looked around, kunai in hand. While on the road he developed a complete awareness of his surroundings what with bandits and other ninja trying to kill them. He knew something was off in his room, but he couldn't sense what. He moved quietly closer to the disturbance and suddenly a loud piercing noise made him drop the kunai and cover his sensitive ears. As suddenly as it started, it stopped. He dug around for the source of the noise, but to no avail. He growled and went to bed, wondering what it was.

Ali: So that's why he clings to his pillow?

Kiba: Yep. *nods*

Ali: *laughs* That's priceless.

Kiba: And it'll never be said again.

Ali: I won't say a word. I'm so glad you guys were around to hear it.

Kiba: Yeah, now you all know about Shikamaru's pillow thing.

Ali: Short chapter? Yes. There's a reason. Next chapter'll be posted soon enough.