A/N: I'd like to thank two of my fans, Seth and MissNaye, for reviewing every chappie so far. I wuv you guys! Mwah!

Chapter 4: Trust or Obedience

Shino and Yuki had been together for about nine months now. Being with him was the most fun she had in her whole life. After meeting with Yuki's grandmother, Tsubaki gave him one of her readings. It was like she could see right into his soul. She hit the nail on the head when it came to describing his very nature. Tsubaki could see he had a dominant nature that complimented Yuki's submissive nature. Shino was happiest when he was in control and Yuki enjoyed being told what to do. Shino always knew he had sadistic tendencies that he kept in check. Tsubaki then asked him why he suppressed them when he could express them.

"All you need is a little guidance from a more experienced dom to learn how to express yourself without going too far. I'll offer you all the training you need. I'm sure Yuki wouldn't mind. Isn't that right, granddaughter?" Yuki was beaming at the thought of Shino expressing his dominant nature to the fullest extent. Because of his girlfriend's obvious excitement Shino accepted Tsubaki's offer. In return for Tsubaki's training, Shino became the official DJ in her secret dungeon under her cottage. Once he had joined the dominatrix's circle he discovered that his good friend, Kiba, was already part of it. What was even more surprising was that Gai was an alpha-submissive to Kiba's beta position. Their mistress was Anko, who had the two men very much under her control. It was Yuki's turn to be surprised when she saw her bratty twin sister sitting quiet and meek at the feet of Jiraiya. Suki still had her loud moments, especially when she got very excited. But if she got carried away Jiraiya would reign her in to get her to calm down.

Both Yuki and Suki were the youngest submissives there, and it didn't take them long to realize that they had much to learn about living the BDSM life. They held the most respect for one submissive in particular. They both aspired to be like the elegant Megumi some day. Suki especially strived to be like her because Jiraiya constantly praised his former submissive and told Suki to watch her closely. Both twins noticed how she was totally devoted to her master, Kakashi, and how she never complained. They also noticed how Kakashi showered her with attention and openly praised her. He never said a negative thing about her and treated her like she was very special. Both twins admired Megumi very much, but for different reasons. Yuki liked how Hatake-san would gush over Megumi, but Suki couldn't help but notice those awesome gifts he would shower her with. Yuki was a hopeless romantic while Suki was a bit of a gold digger.

After being with Yuki for nine months, Shino started giving much thought to where their relationship was headed. He adored Yuki with all his heart and had much respect for Tsubaki. Her twin sister was ok, but he didn't have to live with her so she wasn't much of an issue. He asked himself an important question. Could he see himself living the rest of his life without Yuki? When the answer was clear to him he decided to speak to someone about it whom he regarded highly. Yuki's grandmother.

It was one of the circle's off nights when Shino stopped by to pay Tsubaki a visit. She quickly figured out that if Shino showed up at her place unannounced he wanted to talk about something very important. Tsubaki always held her private talks in her private chambers on her huge, round bed surrounded by semi-sheer organza curtains. Shino thought nothing of snuggling up to her and laying his head on her soft bosom. After all, Tsubaki was close to all of her masters and submissives in training and often took on a comforting, motherly attitude towards them. She regarded them all as her children and cared for each and every one of them.

"What's on your mind, Shino-kun?" Tsubaki cooed as she stroked his short, dark-brown hair.

"Yuki," Shino answered simply, causing the dominatrix to smile.

"If Yuki is the one on your mind, why are you here with me?"

"I'm here out of respect for you and your family. You are the matriarch, so I felt it appropriate to let you know I plan to ask Yuki to marry me."

"Oh really?" Tsubaki replied in an almost teasing tone.

"Hai, Tsubaki-sama. I couldn't hope for a better wife." The grandmother grinned even more as her heart swelled with pride.

"Well, looks like someone raised her right," Tsubaki chuckled as she hugged the young man close. "I would be honored to have you as part of our family, Shino-sama," she stated as she kissed him on the forehead.

"Domo arigatou gozaimasu, Tsubaki-sama." He got up from her bed, paused briefly with a thoughtful expression, then kissed her on the cheek before leaving. Tsubaki chuckled as she imagined Yuki's reaction to Shino's proposal.

To say Yuki was thrilled about the proposal was an understatement. Her excitement was short lived when she realized something.

"Shino-kun...I...I can't accept your proposal yet." Shino feelings of shock and hurt didn't register on his face, but that didn't stop him from feeling them. "Before we take such a big step there's someone I want you to meet first. Once you meet this person then you can truly decide if you want to marry me or not." Yuki hung her head down as if she was ashamed.

"Yuki-chan, does this have anything to do with the oni (ogre) hanging out around your grandmother's house?" Yuki's head shot up at hearing Shino's words, her crystalline eyes wide with shock.

"How...how did you know?"

"My insects are not only useful in battle, you know. I also use them to gather information."

"How much have they told you?"

"Only that it doesn't seem to be a threat." Yuki was somewhat relieved that was all he knew.

"Ok, come with me to Obaa-chan's house."

The couple took the familiar path to Tsubaki's home, but before they made it all the way to the house, Yuki stopped and dropped down from the treetops. Shino landed on the forest floor beside her. He watched in amazement as Yuki began to make guttural sounds that almost sounded like belching. Once she was finished she was quiet. Moments later an answer came in the form of a low, rumbling noise not unlike a growl. The sound was followed by movement to their left. Shino sensed that strange chakra again and did his best to keep his bugs calm as the thick brush parted before them. The Aburame's jaw dropped when he saw a seven and a half foot tall creature step out in front of them. The creature had a tan complexion, multicolored hair and eyes that shimmered like crystals. It paused it's loping gate to glance at Yuki then Shino. It then walked in front of Yuki and knelt down on one knee. It then brushed a huge finger against the young woman's cheek and spoke.

"Yuuuukkiiii." It's rumbling voice had a touch of tenderness to it and it's face bore a smile to match.

"Ohayo gozaimasu...Papa." Yuki was barely able to choke out that last word before tears streamed down her face. The oni poked out his bottom lip as he stroked Yuki's cheek with a monstrous thumb. Yuki then turned to her dumbstruck boyfriend to offer an explanation for the astounding sight before him. "Shino-kun, this is Miyamoto Yukashii, my father. He's actually only part oni. He didn't always look like this, but a couple years after Suki and I were born he started to change. When the change was starting to become too obvious Papa left Konoha. Mama left soon after to find him and never returned. After Papa had fully transformed he came back looking for Obaa-chan. Unfortunately the villagers who spotted him were frightened by the sight of him. That's when Obaa-chan decided to move outside the village and become a recluse. So Papa could have a safe place to come see his family." Yuki was now overcome with choking sobs as she hugged her father about the neck. His guttural sounds seemed like words of comfort to Yuki as she tried to compose herself. "Shino-kun, I will understand if you don't want to marry me because I have demon blood flowing through my veins. After all, the demon blood could take over in our children like it did my father."

Shino was speechless as he watched Yuki practically collapse with heartbreak, sobbing against her father's immense chest. In spite of what he knew now he loved Yuki more than anything. And yet he knew he had to consider what this revelation meant for their future. He knew his choice should not be made in haste, but it had to be made. Shino took in a deep breath and walked over to the still weeping Yuki and her father, who was stroking her back. Yukashii gave the shinobi a questioning look as Shino reached out towards him.

"Miyamoto-san...I believe we have much to discuss." The ogre-like buyou (part demon) simply blinked and nodded graciously towards the Aburame.

Later that day the Godaime Hokage could be seen walking through the streets of Konoha. She was in high spirits after a very important meeting she had earlier went very well. She was bubbling over with excitement about the great news she was dying to share with a long time friend of hers. A smiling Tsunade knocked on the door to her former teammate's penthouse apartment. She heard a familiar grumble of "Who the hell is it?" come from within.

"Come on and answer the door, you horny toad!" Tsunade shouted back with a chuckle. Moments later Jiraiya, who was donned in only a kimono, answered the door.

"Oh, it's you. What do you want?"

"How dare you address your Hokage in such a disrespectful manner!" the feisty blonde growled as she punched the Toad Sage on the arm. He winced in pain as he backed away from the door.

"Geez, sorry! You know how grumpy I get when my playtime is interrupted. So what can I do for you, Hokage-sama?" Jiraiya asked with a sneer.

"Invite me in, first of all!" Tsunade snapped.

"Oh, very well. Come on in, why dontcha?" Tsunade decided to ignore his attitude as she walked in the door to take a seat on his couch. Jiraiya sat down next to her and rested his chin on his fist. He gave her a look that stated, 'what could possibly be more important than me fucking right now?'

"I guess you're wondering why I'm here," Tsunade started.

"You think?" The Fifth Hokage sighed and rolled her eyes.

"This is important, so listen up, Jiraiya!"

"Would you just spill it already?"

"I have chosen my successor," Tsunade stated in a stern tone.

"Oh really?" Jiraiya sat up straight. Now he was truly intrigued.

"Uzumaki Naruto will officially be sworn in as Rokudaime in a matter of weeks," she said with a broad grin. "But don't tell anyone yet. We still have some official business to take care of before everything is in place."

"Well this is reason to celebrate! I'll have to congratulate him next time I see him."

"Heh, he'll be glad you know you approve."

"I approve because I know he'll do just great. He's got a lot of heart, and he's grown stronger and wiser over the years. And with people like you and me to support him he'll do just fine."

Just then a deep and clearly feminine voice could be heard coming from another part of the penthouse.

"Jiraiya, where are you? Being bored and lonely wasn't part of my plans for today." Tsunade looked on as a very tall woman came around the corner wearing nothing but one of Jiraiya's kimonos. She didn't even bother tying the sash all the way causing her ample bosom to practically spill out the front. Jiraiya smiled inwardly when he noticed Tsunade trying to be discreet as she looked Tsubaki up and down. He nearly laughed out loud when he could see she was trying so hard not to look pissed.

"I'll be done in a minute, baby. Just wait for me and hold that pose you were in before we were interrupted, ok?"

"Mmm...all right. Just don't keep me waiting too long."

"Whatever you say, baby. Whatever you say." Tsubaki regarded Tsunade with a wink as she sashayed back to the bedroom. Jiraiya turned back to Tsunade with a lecherous grin. "Now, where were we?"

"I have nothing else to say to you," Tsunade huffed with pursed lips. "You're obviously busy, so I'll let you get back to your company."

"Oh, how very kind of you," the white haired sennin purred. Tsunade let herself out and closed the door rather loudly behind her. "She's so cute when she's jealous," Jiraiya mumbled to himself with a chuckle as he went to his ready and willing lover.

Next Chapter: One of Shino's former teammates shares very happy news with him. Also Aburame-san decides how to work things out with the Miyamotos.