Here's the next edited chapter! Hopefully i'll get more writing time this weekend, but no guarantees...makes me sad knowing i don't have to time to do something that i love :(
Sakura was rummaging through the paperwork on her master's desk before retrieving the paper Tsunade indicated for her. She left the office with the gang, Naruto and team Guy. Kakashi, Guy-sensei, and Inoichi stayed with Tsunade.
"Ok, here we go the place we have ready for you," Sakura waved the paper.
"First things first Sakura-chan…ramen!" Naruto announced, "Everyone follow me!"
Naruto led the way out of the Hokage's tower with everyone in tow. Appa grunted causing Momo to stir when he saw them leave the building.
Aang walked over to him, "Hey there buddy, you and Momo go ahead and do some exploring near the village. Just try not to get into trouble alright. Appa groaned. "I know you're tired I'll call you when I know where we're staying."
Momo decided to stay with Aang much to Appa's displeasure but he took off to find a nice meadow for a snack.
They continued walking through the streets of Konoha and many people who noticed the group stopped and stared. The entire group walked unfazed by the attention until they reached Ichiraku's.
"Oi, Teuchi! We've got a big party for you today!" Naruto announced walking into the small shop.
"Hello Naruto," he paused seeing the unknown faces, "And who might your friends be?"
"Oh this is Aang and his friends, they're here to help us fight off the Akatsuki," he took his usual seat rubbing his hands together.
"Well welcome to my shop fellow ninjas today's first meal is on me," he announced.
"Does that go for me?" Naruto asked excited.
"No Naruto it's not your first time," Teuchi laughed at the scowl he received.
"Thank you for the free meal…but we're not ninja's, just warriors," Aang responded.
"Technically we're benders," Toph clarified feeling around the table then grabbing chopsticks.
"Hey not all of us are benders," Sokka told her.
"True some of us are crybabies," she teased back at him.
Naruto, Sakura, Lee, and Tenten all laughed, while Neji grinned.
Sokka narrowed his eyes, "Even after all these years, I saved your life and I still get no respect."
"Look at it this way Sokka, if I was ever to stop teasing you, you would know instantly that I hated you or didn't want to talk to or be around you. Consider my teasing a substitute for being hit," Toph told him slugging him in the arm.
Sokka smiled rubbing his arm, "Alright, the moment you stop teasing me is the day I should find out what I did to literally tick you off correct?"
"That's right," she answered.
Teuchi served up Naruto's favorite to all the seated guests, "Miso ramen with pork slices, enjoy!"
"And here is tea for everyone," Ayame put down small cups in front of everyone.
Naruto recited his traditional line then began digging into his ramen finishing is at a record pace.
"Naruto," Katara said between bites, "You were right…this place is amazing."
He laughed, "If you're ever hungry for good food, this is the place to go."
After they finished at Ichiraku's Sakura led them to the home that they would live in for the duration of their time here. It was located one block away from the Hokage tower. It was a moderate sixed house with a large flat roof that Appa could sleep on that was reinforced with seals to guarantee its durability. It had three bedrooms and one bath, a kitchen and gathering area.
"Well this is it," Sakura announced opening the door, "We have a hotel but obviously Tsunade felt you would be here longer than a few days."
The group of young adults entered the house.
"It'll be perfect for us," Katara told her walking into the kitchen area.
"You'll find it fully stocked with non-perishables, anything like fresh fruits or vegetables you will have to buy," Sakura told her, "Looks like Tsunade-sama left you some money here on the table."
Katara walked up opening the bag eyes wide, "She really…"
"She can…despite what you may think about being paid to assist people, it's a good living all the way around. The taxes here also help fund the general circulation of money. And typically a shinobi's life span, well, sometimes it isn't very long."
"I see where you're going with this Sakura," Katara stopped her before she felt uncomfortable, "And thank you for your hospitality. This kindness will not go over looked."
Sakura bowed slightly, "Well from what I've seen and know of you guys…it's the least we can do for you. I mean you left your home…your world to come here into the unknown…that's a great sacrifice. Please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. If I'm in town you can find me either at the hospital working, Hokage Tower, or at my own apartment."
They entered the sitting area to see everyone lounging around. Aang and Neji were talking.
"So you can still bend even when your body is exhausted?" Neji asked intrigued.
"Yes, technically we don't have to mold chakra like you do, bending the elements of just a part of who we are. Which is why when I did that to the Fire Lord, his body had to adjust to the physical toll that it had on him," Aang answered. Neji noticed his careful wording.
"That's interesting," he commented, "Why can't you two bend then?"
"We weren't born with it," Suki answered, "It's a genetic thing to be a bender."
"Yeah, when the Fire Nation used to raid our Tribe in the south, they took all the benders away thereby eliminating the ability to reproduce another bender that could potentially be a threat. But of course anomalies do happen," Sokka smiled at his sister.
"So I'm an anomaly?" she asked quirking an eyebrow.
"You bet you are," he responded chuckling.
"You're lucky I love you," she mumbled sitting by Aang. He drew a comforting arm around her.
"Alright I have another question," Neji said.
"Sure," Aang replied.
"Actually it's for Katara," he clarified, "Earlier when you guys were fighting the village you used water to fight then you used ice. In this world that's two different types of chakra being fused together…how is this possible for you?"
Katara smiled, "Well in our world ice and water is the same thing. Since I'm a Master Water Bender I can naturally control water in all of its forms, including ice."
"So for you it's not something different, ice and water are the same?" he queried.
"Yep, the more I practice the more disciplined I can be. Like these bags here," she indicated to the ones she set on the floor, "I keep them filled with water for bending. But if I run out I've practiced taking water from my surroundings and using it," She swirled her hand around in the air drawing the moisture from the air to her fingers. "There is another form of advanced water bending…that I don't practice anymore. I haven't even taught it to Aang."
"What is it?" Tenten asked.
"Bloodbending," she replied in a slight whisper, "It's where I can take control of another person's bodily fluids and literally bend them to my will; physically only, not psychologically."
"Impressive," Neji whispered over the silence.
"I didn't even mean to learn it; I was tricked into it by a corrupted water bender. Right now I can only control or use it during the full moon but if I were to practice it religiously like my other bending then I would be able to utilize it without the help from the full moon," she clarified not wanting them to think ill of her.
"Why with the full moon?" Lee asked curious.
"Well that's because the first water benders with the ocean and moon spirits. Their relationship was in such harmony it made the tribes want to learn. So the full moon means I can push and pull the water easier than on any other night because of the power radiating from the moon's full exposure," Katara explained as she leaned into Aang's comforting embrace.
"Aang you can also bend all of the elements? Do you feel the same?" Sakura asked.
"I do. I can feel the freedom of the air, pull of the moon, the whisperings of the earth, and the passion of fire inside of me," he answered.
Naruto pouted, "Do you always answer so mystically?"
"Yes he does…you get used to it or just ignore it," Sokka said making Naruto smile.
"So do all your elements have specializations like bloodbending?" Neji asked getting back on track.
Aang laughed, "Sure they do. Toph invented metal bending since metal is just a purified expression of earth. That one is particularly tough to master since only someone who can master Toph's style of earth bending can accomplish it."
"Damn straight," she agreed.
"Fire's purest form of expression is Lightening. The catch with lightening though is you can't control it. The only thing you can do is create it then aim it at your opponent, but if you're struck with it and can't properly redirect it…you die," Aang answered.
"What about for air?" Naruto asked.
"Nothing that I know of. It's my natural element and since I'm considered a master I think I would have either been told or I would have discovered something by now," he answered thinking.
"Have you really tried finding something like that though?" Sokka asked him.
"Now that I think about it…no I haven't but…"
Just then a knock sounded on the door. Sakura got up to answer it.
"A message from the Hokage for the guests," Izumo handed Sakura the scroll peering around her into the room.
"Thank you Izumo," Sakura closed the door, "Who wants to open it…it's not addressed to me."
Katara held her hand out, "I will," she paused as she scanned the scroll.
"Well what does it say?" Naruto asked impatient.
"It seems you and Sakura are to meet her in her office in an hour and the rest of us are welcome to tour the city until we are needed," Katara summarized the letter.
"Do you guys get to come on missions?" Naruto asked excited.
"It doesn't say…my guess is no," Katara rolled it back up.
"Either way, we're not just going to stick our noses into your business unless we need to. We're here to help…not take over," Aang said.
"Well then to fill your time we can train with you mighty heroes. Whenever you feel like sparing we can meet at the training grounds," Lee said excitedly fist pumping into the air.
"Lee, they don't know where the training grounds are," Tenten reminded him smiling.
"I wouldn't mind getting a decent map of this city, that way we don't have to rely on someone showing us around," Sokka said casually.
"Shall we take a trip to the library then?" Sakura offered innocently.
Toph groaned.
"Oh…did you not want to go?" Sakura was a little sheepish.
"Unless there's something to listen to I really could destroy an entire library and not feel bad at all," Toph waved her hands in front of her eyes.
"Oh…I'm so sorry I totally forgot," Sakura quickly apologized.
Toph snickered then, "Don't worry about it…I'm used to people forgetting."
"I have to admit, it's amazing that you can see as well as you do…almost eerie like," Tenten commented.
"Yeah I know…trust me sometimes I wish I didn't have this ability," she muttered blowing her bangs away from her face.
The two married couples giggled. Sakura blushed as the hidden message as well as Tenten. Neji avoided eye contact while Lee and Naruto remained slightly confused.
"Uh…what did I miss?" Naruto asked.
"Nothing," everyone answered in unison.
He scowled, "Sakura-chan, tell me…" he whined.
"You had Jiraiya as a master, surely you know a perverted joke when you hear one," she firmly whispered.
His face turned red then looking at Aang and Katara who were both smiling at his innocence.
"We are married, we're entitled," Aang responded, "Although I'll admit I was just as shy when I was younger. It goes away with age and…meaningful relationships."
"Nicely worded," Sokka nodded.
"Right…" Naruto said cheeks slightly pink.
"I think we were going to the library remember…to get a map," Sakura interjected before things got more awkward.
"Yes, a map of the village would be great," Sokka stood up with Suki and the others.
"If you guys aren't busy tonight perhaps we can meet up later and continue our discussion. I'm still very interested in knowing more about your abilities and of course about you," Neji offered a friendly smile.
"Dude, we're visitors in a foreign world and we don't even know our way around…we have nothing better to do than to sit around and twiddle our thumbs," Sokka jested sticking his hand out to Neji.
He looked at him for a second before taking his hand shaking it, "This evening then I'll be by again."
"We looked forward to it," Sokka said as he left.
"Wow…" Tenten commented.
"What?" Katara asked.
"Neji…he's so different from before. Two or three years ago he wouldn't have even acknowledged you. And here he is shaking hands with complete strangers and smiling," she told them a grin spreading wider across her face.
"I don't get it?" Sokka said eyebrows creasing.
"Neji is a genius according to our people. His Byakugan and natural instinct made him a prodigy," Lee explained, "He knew he had these skills and he never let people forget how good he was."
"Until his battle with me Neji was a very cold person inside and out," Naruto said a small warm smile gracing his face, "He believed destiny was something given to you not something you can change. He was branded as a child and it affected his outlook on life. But," his mood turned cheerful, "I set him straight and now he's a decent guy."
"Yes he is," Tenten agreed.
"In more ways than one," Katara whispered to Suki and Sakura. Tenten looked over at the three women her cheeks a slight pink.
"Uh huh…thought so," Katara laughed walking over to her, "Does he know?"
She shook her head vigorously, "Don't please…he's still…it's just…"
"Don't worry your secret is safe with us," Katara glanced at the others.
"Well if you ever want to know the truth Tenten, just ask me. I can always pinpoint it during conversation," Toph told her folding her arms smirking, "Even if Katara or someone were to say it in jest bodily reactions never lie."
"Ummm…thanks," she said a little shy of all the eyes on her.
Lee smiled at his teammate, "Alright, to the library!"
Sokka was excited to moment he got a free copy of a map. He spread it out on the table and immediately wanted to mark down locations like where their house was. Naruto was insistent that they mark down where Ichiraku's ramen restaurant. Sakura marked the Hokage's tower, the hospital and her apartment. Naruto took her idea and marked down where he lived as well. Lee pointed out where he liked to train should anyone wish to spar with him. Tenten pointed out the typical training grounds and another good restaurant for dango's. While they were all walking back to their house a giant white dog pounced on Naruto.
"Akamaru!" he yelled as the dog barked and licked his face.
Sakura started laughing and saw Kiba walking up with Shino. "Hey Akamaru lick him good," Kiba called laughing.
"Kiba!" Naruto yelled, "I'll get you once your damn dog gets off me!"
"Ha! Whatever…Oi, Akamaru leave him be for now," Kiba called him off and the dog sat on his haunches.
Naruto smiled while he wiped his face clean of the dog drool, "Is that any way to greet an old friend you haven't seen in two years?"
Kida laughed, "You've certainly grown Naruto, filled out a little. You don't look like an idiot anymore."
"Speak for yourself, you looked as idiotic as I did and acted like it too," Naruto shot back smiling.
"Bah, quit your lying I was better than you and you know it," Kida scowled.
"Says the guy who got beaten by me in the Chunin Exams," Naruto teased.
Before things could get heated Sakura cut in, "Naruto that's enough there are others present."
"Oh that's right you guys have to meet our new friends," he said standing between Katara and Aang arms around their shoulders, "This is Aang, Katara, Sokka, Suki and Toph. They're here to help us fight the Akatsuki. Guys this is Kiba and his dog Akamaru and…" Naruto stared at Shino narrowing his eyes.
"Do you not remember my name Naruto…we've known each other for more than three years," Shino said sulking.
Kiba rolled his eyes and muttered, "What do you expect Shino…you cover up ninety percent of your body."
"Shino?" Naruto said eyes widening, "Shino! Sorry about that…" he scratched his head, "Well guys this is Shino."
They all laughed. "Gee Naruto how can you forget your own friend's name?" Toph asked snickering.
"Well I forgot, I just got back from a training mission that took two years," he glared at Toph.
"Really? You forgot to mention that," Aang told him.
"Oh haha," he put both hands behind his head, "Well I guess I have been asking you guys more questions so I haven't had a chance to tell you more about me."
"For once Naruto isn't hogging the spot light," Sakura teased.
"Sakura-chan what's that supposed to mean?" he frowned at her making the others laugh.
"Well at least you haven't changed too much," Kiba commented.
Aang and Toph felt another presence and they could both tell the person was extremely nervous. Aang glanced at the corner of the wooden wall where the visitor was trembling, Naruto noticed his preoccupation.
"Aang, what are you looking at?" he asked following his line of sight.
"Oh nothing really, there's someone really nervous on the other side of that wall there, at the corner," he answered pointing.
Kiba's eyes narrowed, "How can you know that?"
"He's not the only one who can feel her trembling smart one," Toph said.
"I doubt there's anyone there," he scoffed.
"Oh Kiba I would reserve your judgment, they do have an uncanny sense to feel things through the earth," Sakura told him smirking.
"Well the only way to find out who's right is to look," Naruto jumped up away from the group and landing softly on the other side of the wall. A small shriek was heard.
"Hey Hinata, your face is red…are you alright?" they heard him ask her, "Whoa Hinata…Hinata!"
Kiba and Shino rushed over while Sakura choked back a laugh.
"What's so funny?" Suki asked her.
"Hinata has had a huge crush on Naruto since our Academy days. He doesn't realize it and every time he speaks to her she gets all red in the face and faints," Sakura explained, "Although before he left for two years Hinata could actually talk to him without fainting, but it seems she's back to square one again."
They all smiled and laughed as Kiba and Shino carried Hinata under a tree.
Sakura walked up to her pulling a small vial out of her pocket. She held it up to Hinata's nose and the girl blinked awake. She saw everyone standing over her and became instantly embarrassed.
"Oi Hinata…you ok?" her eyes shot up to Naruto who asked her the question. Her face got red again.
"N-Naruto…I d-didn't know you were home," she whispered to him trying to not faint.
"Yeah I had my first mission and everything already," he smiled at her making her smile in return.
"Could it be more obvious?" Suki whispered to Katara.
"Yeah…I can't believe he doesn't see it," Katara whispered back.
"That's because he's preoccupied with someone else," Suki nodded towards Sakura.
Katara stared at Naruto then at Sakura, "I dunno…"
"Watch and see, she may see him as a regular teammate or brother but he sees her as more than that," Suki commented.
Katara nodded as she heard her name called by Naruto who was introducing Hinata to their group.
"So Kiba, do you believe them now?" Naruto asked smug.
"Believe what?" he asked eyes narrow.
"That they can feel things with the earth…" he prodded.
"You saw it Kiba, just admit it," Tenten said.
"I think they just got lucky. We're meeting Kurenai-sensei here for a mission, Hinata was on her way here," Kiba clarified.
"Would you like more proof?" Toph asked slightly annoyed.
"Like what?" he asked quirking an eyebrow.
"If you haven't noticed already I'm different than the rest of you here," she stated, "I'm blind. To prove that I can see through the earth I can tell you exactly what you look like."
He snorted, "You're kidding…right?"
"I'm not, or are you too chicken to get felt up by a woman?" she challenged hands on her hips.
Kiba straightened, "Fine!"
Toph cracked her knuckles while the rest of the group waited. Naruto was shifting his feet excited while Sakura smirked. Tenten started giggling while Lee's eyes were wide in attention. Shino and Hinata both just watched patiently.
Toph stood directly in front of him he head tilted downward, "You're taller than me by about a whole head when I stand up straight. Lean but strong," her hands accurately gripped his wrists, "Kinda boney…but, little to no body fat."
Kiba's cheeks grew slightly pink; her hands were firm, tough, and commanding, but also soft like she hadn't ever cut herself. Suddenly her hands were on his face, he was in shock.
"Angular cheek bones with…paint or a tattoo on your face. Both sides too, they're triangular I guess," her fingers moved to his lips as her head lifted up so he could see her grayed out green eyes, "Slightly longer canine teeth…hmmm."
Kida held his breath, never had anyone ever broken his bubble the way she was and she was feeling him up, and driving him crazy.
"Calm down little puppy, I'm not making you that nervous am I?" she smirked at him. She knew the way she intentionally fluttered her eyes and her soft pants were driving him crazy…his rapidly increasing heart rate told her so.
Kida was speechless as she stared into her eyes. Her lips were slightly parted and her breath could be felt ever so slightly on his lips…he wanted to kiss her. The group around him laughed as she moved her hands lower down his chest.
"Nice, you stay in good shape, six pack?" she asked innocently.
"Y-yeah…" he answered.
"What about…" she drifted off as she slowly slid her hands lower.
"That's enough!" he yelled jumping away from her.
Everyone was rolling on the floor because of Kiba's embarrassment.
"Well would you say I gave you an accurate description of yourself? I think you got a good look at my eyes if you heartbeat was anything to tell by. Every time I looked up at you, it got faster," she continued unashamed with her hands on her hips.
Kiba could only swallow when he was saved by his sensei.
"Shino, Hinata where's Kiba?" Kurenai asked seeing Akamaru but not his owner.
"I'm here Kurenai-sensei," he called from up in the tree.
She nodded to him, "Are you all ready?" she asked before glancing around at the large group of people, "I didn't know who guys had visitors?" she asked smiling.
"Hey Kurenai-sensei, we met them on our last mission," Sakura said gesturing to their group.
"Not to mention Toph just made Kiba one embarrassed guy," Tenten smirked.
Kurenai's eyes widen, "I never knew Kiba could get embarrassed that easily."
"You should've seen it," Naruto was still giggling from the experience.
"Well my team has to get moving, we have a scouting mission. Kiba get down from there. I'm sure I'll be seeing these visitors around?" she asked.
"We are staying here for a while," Aang answered.
She nodded and began walking towards the entrance followed by her team. Kiba spared Toph another glance before Akamaru barked to refocus his attention.
"Well, well, Kiba has met his match," Sakura tsked smiling.
"I don't believe I've ever seen Kiba that…taken aback," Lee commented staring at Toph.
"Well…that's Toph, no regards for personal space and always speaks what's on her mind," Sokka said stretching, "Gotta love her for it."
"Agreed," Suki smiled kissing him on the cheek.
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