FYE: Words in bold font in this chapter represent Inuzuka dog-speak. I orginally tried using other characters to represent this but FFnet filtered all of them out so I was forced to just bold everything.

Note: Still looking for beta-readers for this story.


Second Kunai: Dog Eat Dog World

"You'd best be prepared. Once an Inuzuka sinks its teeth into you, the only way its letting go is when you are no longer breathing."

-Inuzuka Nekoi, to her third round opponent of her only Chunnin Examination.

So... tired... The thought raced through her mind as she wearily dragged herself home from the Hokage's tower. She yawned, unseen behind the mask covering her face. She idly ran one of her hands through her black hair, ruffling it a bit before lowering it as exhaustion set itself in her limbs.

Are you alright? She turned her head slightly to look down towards her partner, trailing alongside her, his own exhaustion matching, if not exceeding her own. She lowered her hand to scratch her behind his ear, causing him to shudder for a short moment before leaning into her hand as they walked, enjoying the euphoric experience.

"I'll be fine Shads... Just tired." She said quietly, as if speaking louder would drain more of her precious reserves which were quickly failing her. I wonder if we'll even make it back to the house before I pass out... She idly thought to herself. She then tossed a grin towards her lifelong friend before saying, "I pass out before we make it home, you drag me the rest of the way."

The dog merely laughed in his canine way that she had grown used to over the years. I'll come back in the morning.

"Traitor." She said with a smirk, continuing to rub the dog's ear without thinking about it much.

The dog shifted its head out from his previous position of receiving ear-rubs in order to lock eyes with her. I am surprised the bug-colony pushed your team as hard as he did.

She shrugged, removing her mask and latching it to her hip. Only those of her clan could decipher the growls and barks of their dogs, but it wasn't as if they even understood everything. One of those things was the fact that none of the Inuzuka dogs ever seemed to refer to anyone other than their human partner by their actual name. Nicknames and symbols were assigned to others that the pair interacted with. "Captain merely did what he thought was best. I wish we could've had another break or two though. My legs are killing me."

Her long-time friend merely let out a small sound that, to anyone outside the Inuzuka clan, would have sounded like a small bark. To her trained ears however, she could easily discern the scoff. At least you only have two. Do you have any idea how annoying it is to keep up in the trees with you humans?

She only let out a small smile before reaching down to her friend's ear again. As she scratched it he seemed to relax a bit, letting out a quiet growl in contentment. "I know Shads... I know." She let out a sigh as the Inuzuka compound came into view before saying, "Let's just get home and get some rest. We both could use some sleep." Shadow merely nodded in agreement as the two continued home.

The Inuzuka compound wasn't all that large. Nothing like the abandoned, and now re-allocated Uchiha district, or even the clan grounds of the Hyuuga, that contained two separate mansions that even the Hokage would stare at in a sense of disbelief. No, the Inuzuka were much more practical in that respect, or at least as far as Nekoi was concerned. She gazed upon the clan grounds with a tired expression, taking in the sight of the modestly larger than normal building, along with the fenced yard along the side of the building. The Inuzuka doubled as both ninja and village veterinarians. Contained within the fence were the animals that they were currently looking over, all of them sleeping contentedly. Of course, those were the normal dogs, as well as a few horses, smaller animals and even a few cats (Although Nekoi could tell none in her clan were too thrilled about the creatures.)

She never understood her clan's aversion for felines. She didn't have any problem with them.

The Inuzuka dogs were another matter. It was all fine and good to contain and cage normal animals, but when it came to nin-animals it was an entirely different subject, especially the dogs of the Inuzuka clan. There was another area towards the back of the clan grounds where the dogs rested, weather permitting. If it rained, the dogs were free to enter the clan house itself and sleep inside the storage areas.

Nekoi let out a sigh of relief as she pushed open the door to the front of the actual house. Despite what one may think, it was common for shinobi clans to leave their homes unlocked when they were there. Besides, no sane thief would try to steal from an entire household of ninja, unless they were looking to get caught. She cast a look down at her friend, debating whether or not she would send him to his own sleeping grounds with the rest of the dogs before merely saying, "Come on. Let's get to bed pup."

Shadow merely followed quietly, knowing that saying nothing would change his partner's mind. While he appreciated her concern, she put herself at risk whenever she did this. Having lost the argument before, and knowing that he would feel far more comfortable with her than with the rest of the pack he merely sent her a grateful look as the two entered the Inuzuka household. The two walked with the silence and grace of zephyrs. They took their steps carefully, even for them. Neither wished to wake anyone else up.

Nekoi sighed in defeat as she saw someone standing in front of the door to her room. So much for getting a break. I'm not in the mood for this. Nekoi merely walked until she was standing before the woman who was giving her a stern glare before bowing her head slightly. "Mother, I am home." She said quietly.

Inuzuka Tsume was by nature a commander. Whether this was due to the passive-aggressive genes of the Inuzuka running through her veins to be such or merely the after effects of being a ninja her whole life, Nekoi never knew. Her mother was a force in and of herself, and she didn't mean on the battlefield. All I wanted was to maybe take a quick shower and get some sleep... Her mother's gruff voice cut off her musings. "I can see that. Welcome home."

The greeting was voiced in the usual tone her mother took with her. She watched as her mother's eyes glanced at Shadow at her side before shooting back to Nekoi, anger clear in her face. Nekoi internally sighed before pushing her door open and nodding for Shadow to go inside. Her partner merely shot her a look before looking between her and her mother but Nekoi merely nodded once more. Shadow ducked his head and walked past the Inuzuka clan-head with what only could be described as massive discomfort. Shadow knew as well as Nekoi did that the next few moments would be... unpleasant to say the least. Nekoi finally turned her eyes back to her mother and said in a tired voice. "Mother, if it is alright I would like to shower and sleep now. My team just returned from running from the border with no rest."

Tsume merely gave her daughter a measured glare, a familiar argument about to leave her mouth. "What is Shadow doing in the upper levels?"

Nekoi merely sighed once more as her mother confirmed her suspicions. "Mother, is this really an issue right now? Either way I don't mind anyway."

Tsume scowled. "It doesn't matter if you don't, the rest of the pack will." It was Inuzuka clan policy that all dogs slept together. It helped foster familiarity between the pack members and allowed the human-half on the Inuzuka to have some private time.

"The rest of the pack has hated him since they laid eyes on him; nothing I do will change that."

Tsume scowled at this defense. "That doesn't mean he gets special treatment."

Nekoi bit her lip to keep herself from snapping at her mother. Nekoi knew she wasn't like the rest of her family, and could actually control her temper. She waited a moment before looking her mother in the eye and sighing. "I'm not. Why wake the rest of the dogs up at this hour? It'd cause more trouble than its worth."

Tsume merely frowned. "That's not your real reason."

Despite being somewhat different from the rest of her family, Nekoi patience held only for so long. She was tired, dirty, cranky, and in no mood to argue. "Of course not, but its the one I'm giving."

Nekoi watched her mother give a tired sigh but wasn't fooled for a moment. Guilt-tripping stopped working on me years ago mother... "Nekoi, why do you always try my patience so?"

"I'm not trying to." Nekoi said defensively. She finally began leaning against the wall, still facing her mother. Her exhaustion was really starting to get to her and she wanted nothing more than to just pass out. "Mother, can this wait until tomorrow? I'm tired, I'm hurting and I'm dirty. I just want to take a shower and go to sleep. You can scold me tomorrow on all my bad habits and how I'm disgrace to the clan then." She says tiredly, the last statement holding a slight edge.

Her mother merely scowls at her, "Don't take that tone with me." She says, starting to get angry with her headstrong daughter.

This is ridiculous... "You're being loud mother." Nekoi replies off-handedly before pushing past the older woman and heading into her room. "Goodnight." She didn't bother to look at her mother as she closed the door in the woman's face. She knew well enough that a frown or a stern glare would be present. She merely sighed as she once again found herself pushing back tears from their confrontation before heading to her adjoining bathroom in order to clean up before heading to sleep. She cast a glance towards her partner to see him curled up on the floor near her bed. This wasn't the first time Shadow had stayed with her in her room, nor was it the first time she had butted heads with her mother about it.

Finally she brushed those depressing thoughts from her mind as she started a running shower and quickly washed up. She dried herself off quickly before changing into her sleepwear and plunging beneath the covers of her bed, one arm hanging off the bed just enough to scratch behind the ear of her one true friend.

You didn't have to do that. I would've gone with the others. There was no need to fight with with the pack-leader over it.

Nekoi merely mumbled tiredly before passing out. "You're worth fighting for pup." Then exhaustion took its toll and she was out like a light.

-

Nekoi was awakened by a familiar wetness lapping at her face. She let out a small moan of disappointment, "You cruel, cruel bastard..." She tried to roll over, dragging what covers she had in a vain attempt at hiding but her old friend was having none of that. He merely hopped up on the bed itself and began nuzzling at her face, using his usual tactic of being incredibly annoying to make sure she got up. And it's still too damn effective! She thought harshly before giving up on returning to sleep and pounced on Shadow with a vengeance.

She ended up rolling off the bed, her legs tangled in the covers and she could hear the muted laughter of her faithful mutt, showing that he was desperately trying to not laugh and failing. She only frowned at him before muttering, "I hate you."

Sure you do. Now get up. You've been sleeping long enough. Shadow yawned lazily, his hind leg coming up to scratch behind his own ear. She watched as his fur changed color slightly from the motion before he finally walked over to her door and clumsily opened it and left. We told the odd one we would visit his little ones today.

Nekoi only frowned at that before mumbling a few choice curse words under her breath as she untangled herself from the sheets. She quickly dressed in her normal attire, knowing that Captain Aburame had given her the day off. And we've earned it too, considering we had to deal with that... massacre... She frowned at the though as she quickly brushed her hair back into a pony-tail. She then sighed as he stomach rumbled and let out a small chuckle before heading to her door. She grabbed a small book that was resting on top of a small dresser near the door before heading out, already opening to where she left off.

Books were uncommon in the shinobi society. Most information in these days were written down on scrolls, whether it was shinobi techniques, messages, or simply the business transactions of a merchant. Books were ill-equipped for the rugged life on a shinobi, looking ungainly when carried and short of setting one ablaze, much harder to destroy than scrolls. The latter was mostly for when acting as a top-secret courier from Hokage-sama.

Regardless, one of the other interesting things about the way books had penetrated shinobi society was the sheer fact that nothing written within was ever true. She had noticed after she had started reading leisurely when she was much younger but almost nothing, not even history that was taught in the general academy, was written in books if it was fact. Non-fiction books simply did not exist. She had always thought it odd, but then again she figured it didn't really matter that much after all. She preferred reading fantasy rather than reality anyway.

It was often far more enjoyable than what she dealt with on a daily basis while working.

She had fallen into the habit of reading when she was probably around eight-years old. She had stumbled on to an old romanticized version of a shinobi tale. Although her level of understanding wasn't high enough to grasp everything, she read it with a passion. And the rest, as they say, was history. (Which was sure to be written on one of her mother's old scrolls, she had no doubt.)

In this way, she often resembled the mysterious Copy-Ninja Kakashi,; the way she always had her nose in a book when not working (Although she had never even considered reading the man's choice of literature, even when Hatake-san had tried to convince her it really was a good book. She had not known that Jiraiya of the legendary three had been the one to write it, and was oddly considering it before Naruto had seemingly had enough and grabbed the book out of the man's hands and set it ablaze before the copy-nin's eyes.) She tended to go through her morning ritual of breakfast and errands with her nose buried in whatever book had caught her interest at the time.

Of course, there were many in the clan who were not entirely enthused about this. The members of the clan were anything but intellectuals. They would prefer a long bloody brawl over a good book any day. She ignored the harsh disbelieving glares from her clansmen as she prepared some rice and packeted miso soup for a late brunch. She had grown used to her kinsmen treatment towards her, and it had never really been about her books. She was an oddity within the Inuzuka and like with the dogs they raised, oddities were not taken well.

Growing up she originally though it had to do with her name. After all, they were a dog-using clan and about all of them despised the creatures. She had no problems with cats, and never bothered to hide this, much to the chagrin of her clan. Before she met Shadow she actually preferred the creatures over the pushy dogs of the Inuzuka.

She then thought it was perhaps that she lacked the birthmarks that covered the rest of her clansmen's faces. The red Inuzuka fangs were not tattoos as many within Konoha thought, but rather a symbol of the Inuzuka clan. Those of the clan were born with those marks, and they never faded. She was the only one who lacked these marks. She had a sneaking suspicion she was a bastard child but never dared bring it up with her mother. She wasn't really sure she even wanted to know the answer.

Whether it was because she was an outcast or merely just because of her personality, she was far from being your typical Inuzuka-ninja. Quiet, respectful and having far more control of her temper than anyone would imagine from being from her clan. She was far more balanced than any of her kinsmen, having equal skill with the three major aspects of being a shinobi. She also relied far less on her partner in combat than any other Inuzuka she knew, despite being able to use the secret arts of her clan. In fact, she mostly used Shadow for merely scouting and tracking purposes.

Shadow didn't mind. He understood her need to be able to stand on her own.

She finally sat down with her food and began to eat at a slow pace, taking care not to drop any of her rice while holding her book open with her free hand. She took a bite of rice and turned the page when a familiar voice. "I still find it amusing how you can go through your daily routine with your nose buried in those things."

She smiled before earmarking the page, closing the book and looked at her older brother Kiba. He had grown into quite a talented shinobi, and Akamaru was no slouch either. The two of them were one of the best teams of the Inuzuka and it showed whenever they went to work together. He ran his hand through his brown mane as he casually slumped into the chair across from her at the table, a wide grin on his face. "It's called reading ni-san. You should try it sometime, bring the literacy level of this clan up a notch."

He let out a bark of laughter at her comment. It actually resembled an actual bark to Nekoi's ears, causing her to chuckle as well. Their verbal sparring was nothing new between the two. It was preferable to Nekoi, rather than an actual confrontation. She took a moment to look over her brother, the only member of her family who didn't routinely drive her nuts (despite his attempts.) He wore a pair of black cargo shorts that went down to his knees, a larger version of the old wool-lined coat he wore as a kid and his Konoha protector around his neck. His brown hair was wild as usual and she once again found herself wondering if Kiba even knew what a comb was, let alone ever use one.

He was her elder by a few years but he never lorded over her much. In fact he was one of the few within the clan that she actually trusted and cared for greatly. While part of this was from growing up together, the biggest factor of that was that he never judged her; never looked down on her for her differences from the other Inuzuka; never gave her words of disdain or disrespect. Most importantly, he never tried to change her, and she would always be eternally grateful for that.

He snapped her out her musings as he reached over and grabbed her glass of water to take a sip before giving it back. "What time did you get back last night?"

She only shook her head at his nonchalance. "Real late. The Captain didn't want to break for the night when we were so close to Konoha." And after what we saw, I can't really blame him. The lie slipped out easily. She never meant any harm when she told such lies, but she really couldn't discuss what they did on their missions unless the information had been declassified by her Captain or the Hokage herself.

Kiba only chuckled, clearly amused at how his old genin teammate's mind still worked. "Sounds like him." He then lost the smile before turning a frown on her. She oddly wondered what was wrong before he growled out, "And tell that idiot to find people in advance when he needs someone to watch those brats! This is the forth time that I somehow got roped into it."

Nekoi only chuckles at that, knowing all about her brother's last escapades with Naruto's kids. "You know Naruto, he'll never change." She said as she took a few more bites of her rice.

Kiba merely scoffed, crossing his arms in a mock pout. "Some Hokage he'd make..."

Nekoi merely smiled, not bothering to mention to her brother that Naruto would never be Hokage. It wasn't that he didn't qualify, its just that the blond had decided it wasn't worth it after several years of raising kids. He said raising the kids he's got takes almost everything he's got, no way he'd be able the handle the entire village.

There was a comfortable silence as Nekoi finished her meal before Kiba spoke up again, his eyebrow raised slightly as if trying to figure something out. "Took Shadow to your room last night, didn't ya?"

She only rolled her eyes at his words, or rather the tone that they were said in. "Please ni-san, I got enough from mother last night about that.

He only shrugs before taking her water again and drinking it. "Whatever. I already know that nothing I say will change your behavior." He grinned slightly as he said this before slowly losing the grin. "Just watch what you do and say imouto. We aren't kids anymore. I'm not sure the pack will continue to let you get away with stuff like this."

Nekoi's eyebrow twitched in a manner that was all too familiar to her brother. "Family ni-san, not pack. Pack is for dogs, wolves and other animals. Despite what the majority of those who live here think, we aren't dogs." She paused for a moment before scowling as she stood, grabbing her book with her left hand. "Hell, even clan would work." Kiba said nothing to her rant, and she didn't expect him to. They had been over this many times over the years and she knew he meant no harm. "Thanks for the warning though. I'll try to be a 'good' little girl for the time being."

He openly laughed at that. "Can't be something you never were kid."

She only reached across and slapped him on the head lightly with her book. "Quiet you or I'll get Naruto's kids to come visit you." She openly laughed at how he paled at her threat before letting out a low whistle. She gave her brother a final look before saying, "Shads and I are heading over to Naruto's place. We promised we'd visit the kids today. Besides, it'll give me a chance to clear my head before mother hunts me down again."

Kiba gave her a dumbfounded look. "You can honestly relax over there?" He let out a low whistle at that, as if impressed.

She only shook her head as if amused at his words. "They're only children ni-san. Besides," she said as she watched Shadow come into the dining area to meet her, "Shadow likes them." She bent down slightly to scratch behind her friend's ear before adding, "For all the help he gives me, I can bear with it." She then turned to leave, gesturing for Shadow to follow her, ignoring the odd look from her older brother. So what if our relationship isn't typical of the clan? Its not like we care.

As the two walked down the streets of Konoha in the late morning air, Nekoi once again had her book opened up for her to read. She really wasn't reading it at the moment though, more focused on her relationship with the rest of her family. Her eyes trailed down to her color shifting partner beside her, her eyes blinking once before making out his familiar shape as he shifted to match the color of the road they walked on.

As much as she got crap from her kinsmen, she knew her partner had it worse from the pack. Shadow was born small and weak; something unforgivable in a group of animals with pack mentality. He barely survived after being picked on for the years before his talent... or perhaps curse, showed up. The dogs didn't know what to make of his camouflaging abilities, and thus treated him as an outsider. It even became worse when Shadow attracted the attention of the leaders of her clan. It was a rare ability, and its use in the shinobi profession could easily be seen. He was picked on, until he began to fight back and then the "gloves were off", so to speak. She knew there were many scars beneath that special fur of his, but she never asked to see them or question him on them. It was something that she knew he appreciated.

Perhaps thats why we partnered up together so well. We were both outcasts within family, so to speak. Me from the clan, him from the pack. She shook her head before turning her attention back to her book. Well screw them all. We've done well for ourselves and I'll never let anyone give him shit ever again. Shadow gazed upwards at his human partner with a small smile, or at least his version of one. She would never know that he was in complete agreement with her on that issue, and would die to protect her from her clan if it ever came to it.

The two walked together in comfortable silence, each lost within their own musings as they approached the Uzumaki compound.

-

The walk never took the two that long. Naruto's place actually wasn't too far from the Inuzuka compound, and actually quite near the Hokage's tower itself. She had heard that the place had one belonged to one of the old council members prior to the war with Sound, but the man had sold it to Konoha's most unpredictable ninja for a hefty price. She stopped at the gate to give the place a quick look over before entering.

It was large, apparently a well-kept mansion before Naruto had purchased it. It contained several floors, although most of the space was free itself. Each room on the second and third floors contained a small dresser and a bed. It seemed to work well with Naruto's kids anyway. A few of the rooms on the upper floors had windows, letting the sunlight come in. It was easy to see the place, despite being in good condition, was really old. Just the style of architecture that seemed far more traditional than anything she saw on a regular basis. The paint was beginning to fade, from the dark red it used to be to a more rust-like color in odd places.

She smiled as she saw a small group of the kids playing. She cast a look to her old friend and said from behind her book, "Play nice Shads. I'll be inside if something comes up." The dog didn't answer her, merely taking off towards the children, barking a few times to get their attention. It wasn't long before the dog was wrestling with the children playfully. Nekoi only laughed at the sight before heading inside.

She quickly stepped out of the way as she entered, avoiding a rush of small kids who must of heard Shadow from outside. She smiled slightly as she once again earmarked the page she had been reading and slipped the book into her pouch. She saw Naruto over the stove, mumbling something to himself as a few more kids were sitting at the table, chopsticks in their hands as if waiting for something. What they were waiting for was obvious as the blond quickly turned off the burners for the stove and scooped a skillet of scrambled eggs onto a large plate and placed it on the table before the kids. "Dig in guys, and be sure to share."

She only chuckled at the sight of Naruto in an old faded pink apron as he finally noticed her. "Very manly." She commented, her lip curled upwards into a grin.

He merely frowned at her before chuckling along with her. "Sakura said I need to get in touch with my feminine side."

She only shook her head lightly at that. "The world trembles."

"Aw shaddup! Don't undermine my authority around here; its bad enough as it is sometimes." He mumbled jokingly as he took off the apron and tossed in on a counter next to the stove. "Thanks for coming, Iruka's still sleeping upstairs; they must have really wore him out yesterday. Choji said he would be running late this morning and Lee is still training with Gai-sensei. It's always good to have an extra hand or two around here."

She only nodded in understanding. She honestly didn't know how the Anbu did it all. "Shadow likes your kids, so its never a problem. Never be afraid to ask." Her voice was quiet but it was easy to see that she was sincere. Despite the few times when the two of them would bicker, which was far less than her brother Kiba would with the blond, Nekoi highly respected Naruto. Not just from his accomplishments from the war with Sound, or even the man's shinobi ability in general. It was his strength of character itself that she respected.

Not that she would ever tell him. After all, it wouldn't be good to let him get a big head.

He let out a sigh of relief. "I know, I know. It's been tough though. Old lady Tsunade sent a few more my way before we went on that mission too." She once again nodded in understanding. She often wondered how the Anbu found the time to run his orphanage on top of his shinobi duties but it was easy to see that it really took a lot out of him sometimes.

The Uzumaki orphanage had come about in a rather odd way. After the chaos of the war with Sound had ended and Konoha had mostly returned to normal, it was learned that Jiraiya, the Legendary Toad Hermit, had left his entire wealth to his most recent pupil. Jiraiya had perished during the war, not even on the battlefield as a heart-condition finally caught up to him, shocking many and it was a devastating blow to Konoha's morale at the time. Despite the old man's antics, he was loved and respected by the Konohates. (Well, at least the shinobi and the male civilians. Saying the Kunoichi liked him would be pushing it...)

The blond haired shinobi had been stunned by his former-sensei's will and vowed that the vast fortune the man had made in his lifetime would not go to waste. It was this money, and his own savings that were used in order to purchase the building that would later become the Uzumaki orphanage. Naruto took in any orphan he found, never questioning them. He never forced them to stay either, telling all of them they were free to leave whenever they wanted. Most didn't though, as they latched onto the caring man like a life preserver. Some only showed up around meal times or to hang around, but many stayed on the second and third floors in the modest rooms that Naruto had prepared. Some of the kids got adopted; most didn't but Naruto didn't mind. Some had even been with him long enough to begin to enter the general education academy that was often a stepping stone to Konoha's ninja academy.

For some reason the Uzumaki orphanage had caused quite a commotion among the older generation. Many people demanded that the Godaime restrict the young man from taking in orphans but the protests soon died out. Rumors were that the last person to complain had been sent flying from one of the windows of the Hokage tower. Nekoi never really understood why people had such a problem with Naruto running an orphanage. It's not any of his kids ever complained, nor was he some kind of child molester. However, her inquiries on this matter had been shut down by everyone she asked, including the man himself. She took the hint after receiving a glare from the blond, the likes of which she never wanted to see again.

The shinobi took the burden best he could. He still had some remaining money from Jiraiya's final gift, but not enough to keep the place running indefinitely. Thus he remained working as a shinobi to increase his income. One would think it would be near impossible to run such a place by himself but the man's friends were never far from his side.

Nekoi wondered about that as the children that had been eating quickly finished up before rushing outside to play. She rubbed the shaggy brown locks of the one who was the last to finish before sending him on his way. Uzumaki Naruto seemed to exude a charisma that drew people to him. Nekoi knew many that would swing by and help him whenever they had free time. She knew Hinata tended to come over from time to time, but she suspected that was for another reason entirely. Shadow loved to play with the kids, and Nekoi always would smile when she saw him acting like a puppy again. Iruka-sensei tended to assist frequently during the months the academy was off. Some even made it a daily routine, such as Akimichi Choji and Rock Lee. She shivered a bit as she remembered the first time she met the hand to hand specialist, but the kids seemed to like him and they were always thrilled when he would train on the grounds. They would watch him like he was a one-man show.

This was never really all that far from the truth, knowing Lee.

Naruto's voice broke through her musings, causing her to snap her attention back to him. "Think you can watch the kids outside for a while? I need to get to cleaning some of the rooms upstairs."

"Sure thing." She said quietly, watching him head towards the stairs, a tired but content smile on his face. She merely shook her head before heading outside to babysit, already pulling out her book and opening to where she left off.

-

Nekoi once again found herself at the Uzumaki orphanage several days later, leaning against a tree with her newest book open. She had one eye on the passage, the other watching over the few children who were outside with her. She knew Shadow was somewhere close by, but she tended to lose track of him whenever they came over.

She found her thoughts drifting away from her novel as she recalled the massacre that her team had discovered. Hinata had scryed, much to Nekoi's continued fascination with the technique. She knew her fascination was not shared by her comrades however. Captain Aburame never showed anything when watching Hinata scry, but Naruto was clearly disturbed by the near-insane ravings that would usually follow. I was freaked out by that the first time I saw it too. It's pretty crazy what that bloodline limit of hers can do...

She was broken out of her musings by the sound of a clear bark. She looked up to see Shadow running towards her, a few children in tow. She immediately knew something was wrong by the way Shadow was running, standing up and earmarking her page before placing the book in her hand back in her pouch. Normally when surrounded by children, it was literally a fight sometimes to get Shadow to not... well, 'bounce' for the lack of a better word. The seemingly normal run he was using now and the fact that he didn't seem pleased at all set off warning signals in her mind.

She bent down to scratch his ear as he stopped in front of her. She gave a quick smile to the kids before speaking. Her words came out in a sort of gravelly growl, one that would only be understood by those of Inuzuka decent, or their companions. What's wrong?

Messenger from the pack leader. She wants you to return to the compound for something. Shadow replied back, leaning into his partner's hand motions.

I see. She replied in that same growl before smiling at the kids and speaking in a normal voice. "Hey guys, I need you to do me a favor. Tell Naruto that I had to take care of something. Behave now, or Shadow won't want to play with you guys anymore."

A few of the kids began pouting at her, which caused her to smirk slightly before she nodded to her partner. The two vanished from the children's view instantly, only small gusts of the wind to signify they were ever there. The two canceled the technique before breaking into a light run back towards the Inuzuka compound.

As they entered, Nekoi could feel a sort of tension in the air that was unusual for the overly brash family of shinobi. No one else was around, but Nekoi could clearly sense the familiar chakra signature of her mother upstairs. She sighed, gesturing for Shadow to follow before she headed up the stairs. She halted outside her mother's room, knocking once before her mother's voice echoed through the door, "Enter."

Nekoi opened the door, allowing Shadow in before stepping in herself. She saw that her mother was standing there with her two large dogs, all three watching them expectantly. Nekoi realized that this wasn't a simple talk; it was clan business. As such, she reacted in the mannerisms she had picked up over the years. She went down to one knee, bowing her head to her mother and leaving her eyes locked on the ground. Shadow sat back on his haunches, his body standing tall as he looked at the two dogs evenly, as if waiting for some sort of threat. "I have come as you have requested mother." Her voice was even, not allowing herself to betray her uneasiness. I suppose I have Captain Aburame to thank for this skill...

Tsume frowned slightly before sighing. "You could look a little more pleased to see your mother Nekoi." Nekoi said nothing to her words but looked up with a look that screamed, whatever, get on with it. "Don't freeze up on me; I'm not giving you a clan mission, so lighten up a bit here."

It was times like this that Nekoi was often thrown off by her clan's behavior at times. The Inuzuka were known for being brash, impulsive and having a bark worse than their bite. When her mother acted polite and... well, un-Inuzuka-like, it set off warning bells in Nekoi's mind. I've been here less than five minutes and I already don't like where this is heading. She exchanged a quick glance with Shadow, as if to convey her nervousness, but sighed as she saw her partner glaring down the larger dog of her mothers, a white hound simply called Shiro. Shiro seemed to ignore Shadow's glare but his ebony partner Kuro seemed more than willing to meet the glare in Shiro's place.

Her mother's voice broke her from her musings as she forced herself to look back at the Inuzuka clan leader. "I've just been concerned with you lately." Her mother wasn't actually looking at her, Tsume's back turned on her daughter as she idly traced a pattern in the surface of the wall near the window she was looking out.

Nekoi raised an eyebrow at that before saying calmly, her confusion evident. "I'm... I've been good, all things considered mom."

Tsume looked over her shoulder at her daughter with a look that once again Nekoi found herself thrown out of place with. It seemed like a mixture of maternal pride and worry. "Care to explain kitty-cat?"

Nekoi bristled at the pet name her mother had used when she was but a child. Her name was something that singled her out among her kinsmen, and her mother's lack of hesitation to bring it to the forefront had always bugged her. She shook her head once more to clear her thoughts before thinking of how to respond to her mother's question. Finally she scoffed out, "Anbu-stuff mom; can't talk about it."

That apparently had not been the answer her mother had been expecting, as the strange expression faded into one of minor annoyance. She finally let the even tone she had been using fade as she once again slipped into the familiar brash way of talking that Nekoi had grown up on. "The clan is having a gathering in several days. I expect you to attend."

Nekoi winced at the statement. I... loathe those things... "I can't make any promises mom."

Tsume snarled, her voice biting with anger. "And why not? Do you detest your pack that much?" Apparently she had noticed Nekoi's... lack of enthusiasm.

Nekoi's well-honed veil of patience and tolerance with her clan's ways nearly snapped at the word 'pack.' Every... single... god-damned time... I AM NOT A DOG! She didn't let her frustration show though, or at least tried. Instead her face slipped into a sneer and her voice dripped in annoyance. "I can do nothing if I have a mission. I am not often informed in advance when I am called to duty, or have you forgotten how the Anbu work mother?"

"Don't you raise your voice at me pup! Do you speak to your captain with such disrespect?" Tsume growled out, her anger with her daughter easy to see.

Nekoi flinched. It was an iron clad rule among the Anbu and former-members of the special assassination group that a member's professionalism was NEVER to be called into question. It was considered disrespectful on a level that one could not describe in words. The Anbu were the elite; the backbone of Konoha and its defense. Professionalism was valued highly among their order, as it was kept people sane. The masks were not mere decoration; they were to hide the expressions of disgust and horror that often were present on the faces of Konohates after seeing the group work.

The only difference was that while those within the normal ranks could allow themselves to feel a little disgust at the group's work. The Anbu held no such privileges, hence the masks. They were necessary to cover up a member's self-disgust and what they did.

Nekoi didn't fight her glare and actually felt herself angry enough to growl lightly at her mother. Inuzuka Tsume had been one of the best trackers to ever serve in the Anbu, according to her trainers. She should have known to NEVER question an active member's pledge of discipline. "Is that all you want 'mother'?" Tsume's title had an undertone laced with a mixture of annoyance, rage, and disbelief. She felt Shadow brush himself against her side; a warning. I know, I know...

Tsume scoffed, secretly enjoying the fact she was able to get a rise out of her 'oh so proper' daughter. 'Bout time she starts giving into her genes. "Hardly. I expect you to mingle with your cousins at the gathering."

Nekoi felt the urge to say something about how she could give less than a damn about her boisterous cousins before something finally clicked in her mind. The realization stunned her silent for quite sometime, but she could feel her hands clenching into fists and literally shaking with rage. When she spoke her voice was soft, but carried an edge that would have sent any sane person into frightened shudders. Her partner twisted his head at her tone, having only heard her use that tone of voice once in her life. It had been right before she had slaughtered a missing-nin that had dared to harm him in the most brutal way imaginable. She had been under the command of Special Jounin Mitarashi Anko on that mission, and even the sadistic kunochi had paled when she had seen the body.

"There's more to this gathering than you're telling me, isn't there?" It was a question, but the edge in her voice made it seem more like a statement of fact.

Tsume either didn't notice this or merely didn't care. "Yes. You will soon be reaching the proper age to bear pups. I expect you to take a mate at the gathering."

Nekoi lowered her head, biting her lip hard enough to draw blood, earning a growl from Shadow. Her fists had clenched together so hard that her knuckles had gone white and if her nails had been any longer they likely would have cut into her hand. "You... You can't be fucking serious." Her voice was deadly, and it was loud enough to even cause Tsume's dogs watch her.

That single statement caused Tsume to raise her eyebrow questioningly. In all the years since her daughter had learned to speak, Tsume had never heard her raise her voice or use profanity. Somewhat intrigued, she answered back, unafraid of the consequences. "Oh and why not? You've certainly not taken any initiative to find a mate."

Nekoi open glared at her mother before growling out, her rage starting to get the better of her. "First of all, the word is boyfriend or husband, not 'mate'. I know everyone in this clan likes to forget this most of the time, but we aren't fucking animals, no matter how much we like dogs." She continued one, stopping her mother from attempting a comeback. "Second of all, my love life, or lack of one, is not nor ever will be any of your concern." She cracked her neck to the side once, allowing her one last thing. The nerve of her... Calm down Nekoi, if you slip now its going to be hell to pay later.

Tsume only looked at her daughter's outburst with the manner one would reserve for a child who had just said something so incredibly naive that one doesn't have the heart to correct them. Finally she let out a sigh. "The pack needs more heirs kitty-cat. Please be reason-"

Nekoi cut her off with a full blown yell, no longer caring to hide her disgust with what her mother was suggesting. "FAMILY MOTHER. WE ARE NOT A PACK OF DOGS! WE ARE A SHINOBI CLAN, NOT A PACK OF FOUR-LEGGED MONGRELS!"

The room was dead silent after Nekoi's outburst. The Anbu had risen to her feet and was glaring at her mother in a way she had never before. Shadow was at her side, not taking his eyes off of Tsume's partners, somehow sensing that the situation had somehow spiraled out of control.

Tsume looked at her daughter in complete shock before her face settled into a blank expression. Without any sort of warning or grandstanding, Tsume walked forward and slapped her daughter across the face.

Nekoi's face tilted from the blow, a stinging flare of pain overriding her senses for a brief moment. Shadow had sunk into an attack stance almost immediately, growling loudly as his fur began to swiftly change colors, easily showing his anger at his partner being struck. Kuro and Shiro immediately fell into place beside Tsume, growling just as loudly at the color-shifted dog.

Shadow sunk a little lower, preparing to launch himself at Kuro to rip that mutt's face off when Nekoi's hand grabbed his collar. He looked back at her, demanding an explanation for stopping him. Her face said it all words being conveyed between the two without the use of sound, Don't do it. It's not worth it. This is not your fight.

Nekoi herself had easily recovered from the blow and was reeling more from the realization that her mother had struck her than the actual blow. Finally she said in a blank tone. "You hit me."

"Yes."

Nekoi nodded. Her mind was throwing up shields to keep herself from doing something stupid. A disagreement with her is one thing, disobeying her wishes is another but if I dare retaliate it will not end cleanly. "I see."

"Have you calmed yourself now?" Tsume asked evenly, her expression showing traces of her earlier anger with her willful daughter. And always about the wrong things! Where did I go wrong?

Nekoi looked her mother in the eye, resentment sweltering beneath the surface. "Actually no. I'm actually, to borrow a phrase from Uzumaki-san, pissed off beyond all fucking recognition. If you were anyone besides my kin, you would be lying in a pool of your own damn blood."

Tsume frowns at the disrespect and tries to slap her daughter again but this time Nekoi catches her wrist. Her voice this time was icy, no longer hiding the threat in her voice should her mother continue. "Don't test me mother. Familial Piety only goes so far." Nekoi released the surprised woman's wrist after giving it a nearly bone-shattering grip.

Tsume only scowls. "Regardless, you will follow the rules of this pack, or there will be consequences."

Nekoi only scoffs. "Are you finished?" She finally asks rudely. She no longer had the patience to deal with her mother anymore.

There was a long period of silence before Tsume finally asks coldly. "Will you, or will you not obey the pack?"

Nekoi bows her head. "I will obey the wishes of the clan, but I will find my own boyfriend and husband, thank you very much."

"Do not forget you are an Inuzuka, even if you are not heir. As one of the bitches of the pack, it is your duty to eventually bear pups."

Nekoi flinches at this, her entire body tensing. MUST SHE ALWAYS COMPARE US TO DOGS? "Mother, if you ever call me a bitch to my face ever again, I will show you just how much of one I can be."

Her mother only smirks at her anger, as if pleased to be able to get a rise out of her usually quiet and composed daughter. "How cute."

Nekoi found herself being cut off as the door to the room behind Nekoi slid itself open. Nekoi didn't bother to look behind her, still glaring at her mother as she picked up his scent. His voice was trying to stay calm, and Nekoi found herself wondering just how much her older brother had heard of this conversation. "Pardon me mother, but the Godaime has sent for Nekoi. I was asked to deliver the message asap."

Tsume merely gave a nod to Kiba before turning her gaze back to Nekoi. "Go."

Nekoi said nothing as she rose, snapping her fingers once to signal to Shadow to follow. She didn't meet her brother's concerned look, far too focused on her own musings. One day... Just one day She's finally going to push me over the edge...

-

She received her new mission after making her way to the Hokage tower, calming herself down so as not to make a fool of herself in front of her leader. She was take part in a B-rank mission, appropriate to her actual rank. Being Anbu only mattered for Anbu missions. She was technically still Chunnin, but she never really cared. She got enough challenge in the Anbu to really worry about such a frivolity.

The mission itself had turned out to be more time consuming than anything else. They were to play courier to Stone Country, taking a message from Tsunade to the Tsuchikage and returning the reply. She didn't really care what the actual message was about; after all it wasn't her place to really know it. However, despite the lack of possible enemies, the trip to Stone is not a short one. By the time they had returned, a week had already passed. By the time she actually finished reporting as ordered, the sun had fallen and the troublesome twosome of the Inuzuka clan found themselves once again making it back to the compound in the dead of night.

She took a glance at the compound before letting out a sigh. I really don't feel like dealing with any crap tonight. She cast her partner a tired but apologetic look. You mind staying with the others this time? I don't think we'll get away with it tonight. Shadow gave her a small nod, before trudging off to the kennel grounds. She could see that he was as tired as her and let out a sigh before she called after him, Sorry. I'll make it up to you. She then headed inside, letting out a large yawn.

Sleep... I just want to sleep... She thought to herself as if resigned when she once again saw her mother waiting outside her door. Does she do that every time I'm not in the village? Or did she sense me enter the village? Either concept was mildly disturbing to Nekoi, so she merely covered her mouth as she yawned again. "Good night mother."

"You missed the gathering." Her mother said, a harsh edge in her tone. Nekoi lowered her hand from her mouth, somehow sensing that the coming conversation would be incredibly uncomfortable. Her mother's two dogs looked up at her, sitting beside their owner as if sentinels. "You better have a damn good reason kitty-cat."

Nekoi leaned against the wall across from her door, meeting her mother's glare with one that showed that she could care less about the clan gathering. "I was on a mission."

Apparently that answer wasn't good enough for her mother, for Tsume began nearly snarling. "Was it an Anbu commission?"

Nekoi raised an eyebrow before sighing. "Would it have mattered either way? A mission is a mission; an order from Godaime-sama."

"Because a normal mission could've been turned down. You knew that the clan was gathering. You had no reason to miss it daughter!"

Nekoi finally gave her mother a measured look, the moment of silence dragging out before Nekoi finally spoke. "Fine, I'll be honest with you mom. I didn't give a shit about the clan gathering."

Her candor took her mother back apparently, as her face betrayed her shock at the words spoken. Finally Tsume shook her head, a disdainful look crossing her face. "So you finally admit that you have no respect for your kinsmen."

Nekoi didn't flinch away from the harsh accusation. Her mouth twisted into a sneer as she responded. "I respect those of the clan who have earned my respect. Treating me like shit isn't a way to earn my respect, hence why that is a very short list."

To Tsume's credit, she didn't look affronted by the statement in the slightest. "If you acted like a clan member than they would respect you daughter."

Nekoi only rolled her eyes, "So you're telling me to lose all my manners, give up my pastimes that I enjoy to embrace dog training and veterinarian medicine, and overall act like I have the brain of a mutt?" The two dogs narrowed their eyes at this before Kuro let out a small growl.

Tsume snarled at her daughter, her voice becoming a base growl. "Don't start acting all high and mighty with me kitten! Don't think for a moment that you are better than any of your kinsmen, because you're not."

Nekoi only looked at her mother as if bored. "Yet I am the only Inuzuka who's capable of keeping up as a combat specialist without the aid of her canine partner. We are one of the oldest and most well-known clans of Konoha and I find it pathetic that our members rely on our dogs in order to stay strong. Most of this clan would be annihilated if they ever went into a true battle without their mutts." She paused for a moment before adding, "No one in this clan besides myself could even begin to last five minutes in a true battle against a ninja of, let's say, Uzumaki-san's caliber. Not even you mother. It's a fucking disgrace that we've fallen so far!" She practically yelled that last statement at her mother.

And that was it, Nekoi finally realized. All her observations about the clan, he unwillingness to conform the the Inuzuka standards set by her kinsmen. She always thought that she was merely an oddity within the clan; an outsider merely given a place as if on a technicality. It wasn't until she finally said it that it finally clicked in her mind. By kami... we have fallen. We've become totally reliant on a single type of ninja tool... We're just like the damn Hyuuga and Uchiha clans. How pathetic.

Tsume growled openly at the insult, her hand already flying through the air at her daughter's face once more. This bitch...She was openly surprised when not only did her blow not connect, but doubled over when the retaliatory strike entered her unguarded stomach. She coughed a few times, the air rushing out of her from the blow. She glared up at her daughter as her two companions jumped towards the younger Inuzuka to attack. This girl...

Nekoi didn't even flinch after delivering the counter-blow to her mother as the two mutts pounced at her. She sent her right leg up into a roundhouse kick, connecting with the black mutt's jaw, sending him flying away from her, bouncing a few times before impacting against the wall. She followed through with the motion, bringing her left elbow back as she delivered the kick in order to slam in right into Shiro's snout, sending the mutt backwards and whimpering once her landed. Dogs have sensitive noses; he's not getting back up. She was broken out of her musings as she sensing danger and shifted backwards a step to avoid the clawing strike from her mother, who was already beginning to look rather feral. And she's already reaching into clan techniques. That's an insult to our clan. She waited for her mother to pounce again and this time brought her right hand up to grasp her mother's face. With a twist of her body, she ended up slamming her mother's head into the wall behind her. She heard her mother growling from the blow but before she could try to get away to attack Nekoi again, the younger Inuzuka already had a kunai at the back of her mother's neck. "There better be a damn good reason why you attacked me. I am tired, hungry and cranky. There was no reason for that."

Tsume merely snarled, wanting to wipe the smug look that must've been on her daughter's face off of said face. "Are you challenging me for leadership you mongrel?"

Nekoi merely sighed. "I'm merely defending myself mommy-dearest. I could care less about clan leadership. No one in this damn family would follow me anyway." There was a bit of sarcasm in her voice as she released her mother from capture.

Tsume turned around slowly, anger present in every fiber in her body. She finally looked at her two partners and growled at her daughter. "You struck my dogs!" It was an iron-clad rule between those of the clan that the dogs of another were never to be struck for the actions of the master. It was considered cowardly and disrespectful.

"They attacked me. I defended myself. Kuro's jaw will probably need to be set; Shiro may also have a broken nose." Nekoi said calmly, realization sinking into her mind. Aw crap... This is why I need Shadow around. He keeps me from reacting like this. Bloody hell...

Tsume merely growled, "And now I see your true character daughter."

"One's character grows from the parents, but then again I am a bastard child after all." Nekoi said with a smirk.

Tsume growled back in response. "That's it! You have been skirting the edges of the clan's acceptance for years but you have attacking not only your mother, but the leader of our clan and her dogs. You are a disgrace to our name."

"Coming from a bitch like you, I consider that a compliment."

Tsume merely bit her finger, drawing blood before sucking some in and spitting it out in front of her daughter. Nekoi's face paled at that action, realization setting in. She didn't... She wouldn't... "Inuzuka Nekoi, by the authority of clan head, I denounce you from this clan. Leave now, and never return."

Nekoi's eyes widened at the statement as she felt as if someone had stabbed her directly in the heart. She can't be serious... "Mom...?" She finally forced out, her tone showing her disbelief and worry. Tsume merely walked past her, towards where Shiro lay without a word. The brutal brush-off just seemed to cement what had just happened. But... what... She can't be serious... Fuck, she is... damn it Nekoi...

"Why are you still here?" Her mother's voice was harsh and feral sounding.

Those words just snapped the last bond she may have held with her mother. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to calm herself before opening her eyes again. I will not break down here, I will not cry! "So be it." Her voice came out softly, and despite her efforts she couldn't hide her sadness. She began walking down the hallway away from her mother, not even reacting when she saw several of the doors open to reveal the shocked visages of other Inuzuka clan members. She paused when she saw Kiba staring at her, a mixture of confusion, shock, and concern on his face. She loved her older brother, but such an expression was not suited to him, so she merely gave him a sad smile before saying, "I'll see you around ni-san."

She let out a incredibly low whistle as she exited the Inuzuka compound. She didn't bother waiting for her partner as she walked into town. Shadow was at her side in moments, his face knit with worry. What's wrong? What happened?

I don't feel like talking about it Shads. Fuck I need a drink, now. She merely growled back in dog-speak. Shadow said nothing but stayed by her side, his concern for his partner evident.

The two said nothing else as Nekoi found her way towards on of the few bars still open. She swung the doors open, only holding it open long enough for Shadow to enter. The dog immediately shifted his color to match his surroundings. Most bars didn't allow the Inuzuka partners so it was only to be safe. Most wouldn't notice her skillful partner with his coat as it was.

She took a quick look around before seeing her Anbu comrades, sans Captain Aburame, sitting at the bar apparently enjoying a bottle of sake together. Nekoi found herself walking over to them, calling out. "Oi, Naruto, Hinata." She forced her tone to remain happy, despite her urge to just lay down and cry somewhere.

She watched as the two looked towards her, smiles gracing their features when they saw her. "What's up bitch?" Naruto said teasingly, holding a sake bottle in his hand.

She must've flinched at that because Hinata gave her a concerned look. "Nekoi-chan, are you alright?"

Nekoi merely sat down next to Naruto, snatching the bottle from his hand and downing the entire contents in one gulp. She ignored the burning sensation as she guzzled the liquid fire and slammed the bottle down hard, almost shattering it. She didn't look at her comrades before finally covering her face with her hands, on the verge of finally cracking. The silence between the three was deafening. Finally after a long period of silence and another shot of sake, Nekoi finally choked out, tears starting to head down her eyes. "I just got disowned from my fucking clan..."

She didn't hear Hinata's gasp, nor did she see the look of worry on the blond's face as she ordered another bottle of sake and began guzzling it. She did take notice when he grabbed her shoulder firmly. She turned her tear-stricken eyes to him to see those sapphire blue eyes locked on her with a serious expression. "Nekoi, what happened?"

And for once, she didn't have the urge to tell the blond mind his own business.


Three more 'kunai tales' left in this story. Like I said before, still looking for beta readers.