Tamiri's Notes: Oooooh scary title. What does it imply ooooh.
CatCutthroat: Here's your update! Sorry I didn't get you on my last update!
Anthropomorphichybrid: Boy your username is a mouthful! Don't worry about procrastination because its our destination lol. I mastered procrastination at the tender age of 14 lol. And soon more and more will be revealed on the children right now we will be focusing on Shiro our rich little boy who lost his family. And no Shino and Tenten action in this update but soon. (And there should be more perverted Shino/Tenten! I demand it!) Sorry I didn't get you on my last update!
Fanwoman:
* Thanks for all your advice on the PM's I will be sure to get those titles you recommended.
* I read your story too I was squealing like crazy. Love it love it! Write more I beg of you!
* Those photographs will come back to bite Shino heh heh heh.
* Remember Tenten made Shiro promise not to tell anything to Tsubaki. So Tsubaki was never aware of that creep's intentions.
* Oh Shino doesn't know a woman's heart.
* Yup it's from the movie had to bring them in. The moon country was one of my favorite movies.
* It's hard to figure out technologically where the Naruto world stands. We have wooden ships, and motorboats. We see telephone poles but no one makes a call. There are basic computers but no one uses them. No cars or planes you fly if you have the jutsu to do so. Where in the timeline are we? I am thinking computer, phone and television wise the 70's or 80's maybe. I played the ultimate ninja series and I am basing my assumptions of the video games. If you have any ideas do share. Back then trains were the fastest things on land I saw a documentary where young engineers would actually race lol.
Everyone seems to agree Tenten did act unprofessionally but could you blame her. Someone calling you mommy all the time is bound to get under your skin. My baby cousin used to call me mommy too (well she called everyone mommy) but it was too adorable.
Chibi Tenshi Sama: Thank you! I am not giving up though I will be a pain in NYU's side! And Columbia and Rutgers! I am bound to be taken somewhere right!
Urube: Me is happy you happy lol! Thanks for your encouragement.
Dreaming 101: Thank you I will keep at it. I will annoy the hell out of those schools! Shino is being a butt but he is right. They are ninja and there are rules! Curse you rules! I live by my own rules!
Chapter rating: PG-13 for some language and violence.
Disclaimer: Naruto is copyrighted by its respected owners I don't own anything.
Chapter Seven: Unexpected Welcome
"Your puppies are very cute Aoi," Tenten petted the dog as the carriage rocked and she could see her village just over the horizon. Yukiko found the two wolf pups when they were walking through the forest. The mother was clinging to life and the litter in the den had only two surviving puppies that just opened their eyes. Aoi tried to coax her into standing but to no use the mother wolf died. Aoi attempted to sniff for wolves in her pack but they had moved on in what looked like a clash between them and humans. The two gray bundles of fur whined as Aoi licked and cuddle with them. Tenten was beginning to think she was on a traveling zoo as each of her children had a different exotic pet.
"What are we going to name them?" Shiro asked, rubbing Midori's head.
"Remmie and Rommie," Yukiko provided.
"Wonderful names Yukiko-chan, our two little girls will love those names," Tenten kissed her daughter's forehead.
"Wait, who is Remmie and who is Rommie?" Shiro scratch his head at the two pups that looked identical.
"Remmie and Rommie!" Yukiko pointed at each wolf. Shiro rolled his eyes and Tsubaki smiled.
They saw four people walking in front, they instantly recognize one of those figures as being Shino and the others two men and a woman from his clan. All were wearing glasses and coats a stable of the family. Tsubaki instantly put her finger on her lips to quiet Yukiko from saying anything out of place. The man driving the carriage greeted them with a friendly wave, which they replied with a nod.
"Shino-sama will it be appropriate to report before inspecting your injury," one of the men asked.
"It will be fine, why? It has healed considerably," Shino answered, he then heard the phrases 'suck up' and 'ouch what did I do?' from Shiro just as the carriage carrying them pass them by. He could see the longing and sad look of Tsubaki as she stared at the people behind her.
"Those children Shino-sama, do you know them?" the woman asked.
"Yes," Shino answered, though he knew they wanted an explanation he will not delve any further into his personal affairs. They knew better than to ask additional questions. He had met his fellow clansmen a few miles from Konoha and had informed him that his father was awaiting his return. He had some catching up to do since he had missed the last clan meeting. His nights alone were plague with dreams of Tenten. She would come to him kiss him and touch him in ways that he would make him loss control. And then just as he was to reach ultimate bliss he will awaken alone and irritated. When he reached the Hokage's tower the children were sitting on the floor just outside the Hokage's office. Yukiko and Tsubaki were holding two small puppies and when they looked up at him they shifted their gazes. Shiro glare and Aoi whined at the tension. Shino knocked and proceeded to go inside. Tenten was already standing there and Naruto had a friendly smile.
"Hi Shino just in time," Naruto grinned. His hair had grown a bit and was looking more like the 4th hokage every time he saw him. "How are Hikaru and his dad?"
"The king and his son are well Hokage-sama," Shino answered.
"Great! Everything was taken care of right?" Naruto said, there was a pile of papers and a half eaten instant ramen on the desk. The office wasn't any more of a mess due to the cleaning of the staff.
"Yes, Daichi was taken care of as was his business," Shino said and could sense that Tenten was anticipating what was going to happen next.
"So what happened?" Naruto's eyes squinted at the two with suspicion. "You guys each came back your own ways."
"I disobeyed an order from my team leader," Tenten explained and Naruto looked up in surprise.
"Eh? Really?" Naruto scratch his spiky blond hair.
"I refuse to leave four orphan children behind and decided to care for them as my own," Tenten admitted, though her voice was calm Shino knew the anger that was inside of her.
"What? Tenten is a mama now!" Naruto all but almost shouted. Naruto blushed and straighten himself taking on the 'hokage tone,' "You know I cannot have this go unpunished."
"I understand Hokage-sama," Tenten said.
"Sorry Tenten you are one of my friends and I can't play favorites. One month suspension," Naruto gave a sympathetic look to Tenten.
"Of course, now if you would excuse me," Tenten was about to explode. One month suspension because she wanted to do the right thing! She bet that he was very satisfied with himself right now. She wished she could ensure that the Aburame clan could not have another heir that would be very satisfying.
"Oi, Tenten I want to see the little kids," Naruto said enthusiastically.
"Hokage-sama I am very exhausted as are the children. I don't think I can indulge in your request," Tenten fisted her hands.
"Another time then?" Naruto backed down and the door slammed close. Tenten looked down at the children and sighed.
"What's the damage?" Shiro asked.
"One month suspension," she answered.
"Sorry mommy," Yukiko said.
"This is not your fault okay. Don't think that it ever was. I will take this time to have you settle in," she gave them a reassuring smile. She had them go into her apartment, it was a bit dusty from being uninhabited for so long but until she can get herself settle, it would do. She had to get a bigger place and now she had to be on the market for a house. Other than that she had to go to the hospital to check their health, take their pets to the vet, sign up Tsubaki for school, Yukiko and Jiro needed a day care and Shiro needed to take the genin test. Just the thought of all that she had to do was making her head spin.
"Mom isn't there anything to eat here?" Shiro asked.
"Oh I have to go shopping-hey Yukiko don't touch that!" Tenten quickly took the deadly spiked ball and chain away from the child. There was no use dwelling what must be done she had to childproof her home in the mean time. With the help of the older children she managed to gather all her weapons and categorize them in scrolls. Though now much of her walls were bare at least her weapons wouldn't be falling into inquisitive hands. That night they decided to have some quick takeout and have their temporary living arrangements made. Tenten was sleeping with the youngest children on her bed while Shiro and Tsubaki shared a futon in the living room. She did not sense the door opening the next morning as she serenely lay in her bed.
Many things could be said about Maito Gai and one of them was he didn't choose to follow personal boundaries. When he first met his only female student he had insisted access to her home, as she was a girl and needed to be watched over. His other students followed the idea as well and Tenten was beyond angry that she was being treated like some damsel. When she had moved in to another place in order not to deal with Gai's insistent badgering again, she quickly gave him copies of her key. Gai was now using his right of entry to his full advantage. He had heard an unsettling rumor about Tenten when he arrived late last night and he had to confirm it. As he peeked in the room he saw a large black dog looking at him strangely.
"That is odd Tenten never mention getting a dog," Gai thought and saw that said dog had two puppies with her. On the floor there were two children sleeping one beautiful little girl with deep red hair and another boy who oddly look like Neji.
"Sensei!" Lee said loudly which Gai immediately hushed him.
"Shhhhh-Lee," he said covering his pupil's mouth. However the sound had awakened the boy, he looked groggily up at the strangers.
"Neji! What are you doing here?" Lee again shouted.
"Huh? Too loud, and who is Neji?" Shiro rubbed his eyes and the girl woke up covering her mouth as she yawned.
"Neji has shrunk sensei," Lee said with a hint of panic.
"I am Shiro," Shiro gave the men an annoyed look.
"Gai-sensei! Lee! Do you have to be so loud you woke up the baby," Tenten said coming from her bedroom Yukiko was holding on to her leg while she carried Jiro.
"Baby?" Gai was beginning to panic the rumors were true.
"Tenten is it true? You are carrying Shino-san's child," Lee asked and Tenten raised an eyebrow.
"My dear little girl in her womb she carried a child," Gai started to cry. "Aburame Shino must take responsibility!"
"Wait a minute! You two think I am either pregnant or had Shino's baby?" Tenten wanted to smack each of them. How did they hear such a farfetched thing?
"You're not pregnant?" Lee asked with hesitation.
"No and how in the world would I have a baby I been gone for a month," Tenten came into the living room and sat on the couch.
"Now that you mention it the baby looks too old to be a newborn," Gai came closer to Jiro.
"Why do you jump to such stupid conclusions?" Tenten said gritting her teeth.
"But everyone saying that you had a baby," Gai defended.
"And I heard you were expecting," Lee said.
"No and no! Nothing happened between that man and I," Tenten was holding her head.
"You guys are really slow," Shiro laughed, both men focused their attention on the boy.
"Who is this tiny Neji?" Gai asked, he had too many questions.
"I am Shiro, who the heck is Neji?" Shiro looked agitated.
"Sensei, Lee these are my children Shiro, Tsubaki, Yukiko and Jiro," Tenten introduced.
"Your children?" Gai said in disbelief.
"Yes my children," Tenten said in exasperation. Tenten began to explain how they came to meet each other and the circumstances that lead them to this point. Not going into greater detail because of mission sensibility.
Tenten began to scoot back as Gai began to cry, "Sensei?" Tenten knew where this was going.
"I am a father!" Gai cried.
"Sensei!" Lee cried.
"Who says you're their father?" Tenten asked as she watched Gai take Yukiko and carried her.
"My daughter," Gai held her up tears pouring down. "Two precious little girls and two strong boys that will grow to be fine shinobi," he sniffled.
"Are they always like this?" Shiro asked.
"You haven't seen the worst of it yet," Tenten said.
"This is the happiest day of my life. Imagine me, a daddy. Lee! You as their uncle must be there to guide these new seeds!" Gai looked at his student who now had tears streaming down his face.
"Yes Gai-sensei!" it was Lee's enthusiastic reply.
"Good god no," Tenten sighed.
"Mommy is he my new daddy?" Yukiko was petting Gai's head confused as to why these adults were crying so much.
"He is your papa Gai," Tenten said.
"Papa Gai don't cry," Yukiko said which made him tear up even more.
"Humor him okay he won't shut up until you do," Tenten told the older children.
"Eww…no…I am not calling him dad it's embarrassing," Shiro commented which earn him a slow head tilt to his direction by Gai.
"Hmmm…" he grunted with a glare.
"No," Shiro shook his head.
"Hmmm…" Gai grunted even louder.
"Mom?" Shiro stepped back.
"Hmmmmmm…." Gai stepped forward.
"Dad," Shiro finally relented. Gai had a satisfied look in his face.
"The similarity of Shiro and Neji is uncanny," Gai put down Yukiko and inspected Shiro. "Could it be…that you are…" Gai gave a dramatic pause.
"That I am?" Shiro looked at the older man.
"…Neji's son!" Gai gasped and Tenten threw him a cushion.
"How could he be Neji's son? Don't say such stupid things!" Tenten wondered why her sensei couldn't be a normal human.
"Perhaps he could be a Hyuuga's child," Lee provided, Tenten frowned. She knew Shiro's origin would become a problem but she hoped against all hope he was just a genetic fluke.
"No clue who the Hyuugas are but I am no one's bastard kid okay," Shiro looked offended.
"Sorry Shiro-kun we meant nothing by it," Lee apologized. "It's just you look very much like our teammate,"
"I am not related to those Hyuuga people. I know where I came from," Shiro said in a serious manner.
"Don't fret Shiro, I know you don't have your parents anymore but you're my son now okay," Tenten comforted.
"That is right I am your father now!" Gai proudly proclaimed.
"Let's get ready everyone we have many things to do today," Tenten announced. They went to get the paperwork figure out at the civic center and Gai and Lee had decided of course to follow. It didn't pass Tenten that the clerk at the office raised a doubtful eyebrow. Whether he believed that she was adopting and that the man proudly proclaiming he was the father, was not her lover she didn't care. It was beginning to get annoying however his dirty looks.
"Just do your job," Shiro spoke out loud the clerk cleared his throat.
Tenten looked at Shiro and the air suddenly became very hostile. "That's was what I am attempting to do," the man answered.
"Then do it right and stop meddling in our affairs. Show your competency isn't that what you were hire for," his voice was cold and calculating. He had the look Neji will give to anyone who he deemed an enemy or unworthy. The man quickly went back to concentrating. Tenten looked back at her teacher and teammate who did not seemed to notice the tension in the room. They were too preoccupied making funny faces to Yukiko and Jiro. Though that episode had left a bitter taste in her mouth Tenten was now legally their mother. Without being her husband Gai could not be called the father thus the children couldn't be given his last name. Gai was very disappointed but Tenten appointed him guardian. Whenever she was out he could make any decision regarding their health and education. And if she ever passed away he could become their father.
Tenten didn't like the arrangement at all. Gai was unmarried and with no children of his own. He didn't have to take the responsibility of her decision. "Gai sensei you really didn't have to do that," Tenten voiced.
"If you think I am taking on a burden you are mistaking. Tenten you along with Lee and Neji are very dear to me. I think of you as my younger siblings and as family we must help each other," Gai explained.
"Thank you sensei," she smiled.
"Plus ever since you grew up I missed having a little girl. You grew up too fast," he said sniffling.
"Sensei please," Tenten wanted to avoid a public embarrassment. Lee had Yukiko on his shoulders and Tsubaki and Shiro had taken to chasing one another as they walked to their next destination. "You'll upset Jiro-chan," Tenten lied.
"That's right don't want to upset little Jiro," Gai started babbling in baby language which left her infant son not the least bit amused. Jiro had instead grabbed Gai's hair and pulled it.
"Jiro-chan naughty baby let go of papa Gai," Tenten pulled the child who left Gai's hair a mess. "Well here's the hospital, hopefully they'll have a spot for us," Tenten pointed out.
"Then tonight let's celebrate my treat," Gai announced and bid farewell to them along with Lee. Tenten was sitting in the waiting area as they expected to be called. She could see the nurses murmuring and looking her way. Rumors spread fast in Konoha and sometimes the truth can be greatly distorted.
"Mom those ladies are whispering really stupid lies," Shiro frowned. He had gotten up briefly to use the restroom and now was returning with a sour look on his face.
"Don't let it get to you Shiro," Tenten said.
"But they are saying you're a gold digger and you got close to Shino-san for money and power," Shiro said frowning.
This was getting out of hand, not one day she arrived and she was already a gold digger. Several people saw them yesterday coming at separate times and there was the matter of the children. However she didn't think the reason for their obvious fight will be filled with her being some harlot. "Don't let it bother you. It doesn't matter what they say okay," she gave him a encouraging smile.
"Tenten," Sakura called with a smile on her face. She was wearing a white lab coat her pink hair up on a ponytail. Sakura had grown into the top medic in the country and surpass her master. Because of this she was a very important medic in the hospital and sometimes her schedule could be hectic.
"Sakura you're seeing us?" Tenten asked.
"Yes," green eyes twinkle in curiosity and mischief. She already knew what was going on and that was the only reason she was seeing them instead of another medic. "Tenten don't look at me like that I had some time and decided to see an old friend," Sakura said in a rather pathetic excuse to hide her true intentions. Tenten was glad it wasn't Ino or she wouldn't hear the end of it. They followed Sakura to a private room and Sakura immediately mentioned her suppose pregnancy, "So how many weeks along are you?"
"Not this again," Tenten groaned.
"Tenten you are pregnant and must take care of yourself. That means no harsh training, vitamins-" Sakura immediately went into medic mode.
"Sakura! I am not pregnant," Tenten sighed, and glared at Shiro who was snickering.
"You're not? Then what is all this I have been hearing," Sakura but her hands on her hips.
"No I didn't try to seduce Shino, no I don't want his money, and I have not been pregnant nor given birth," Tenten held her head.
"I am very confuse and who are these children?" Sakura looked at the four.
"They are my children and I came to have a health check. I can't sign them up to anything unless they get a physical and are up to date in vaccinations," Tenten explained.
"Wait your children, since when?" Sakura sat down.
"This morning officially," Tenten sat down on another chair.
"We are adopted," Shiro pitched in.
"My god Hyuuga love child!" Sakura opened her mouth.
"That's exactly what I thought," Tenten said, trying to hold her laughter as Sakura checked the boy by pinching his cheeks. "You know what this means?" Sakura faced her.
"Look I don't want any tests to find out his lineage. He is my son now and don't bring this up to anyone else please," Tenten pleaded.
"I am no one's love child okay!" Shiro protested.
"Of course you're not but we will still do tests," Sakura humored him. The standard applied in their health exam heights, weights, reflex, and blood was drawn. Tenten was very proud when Yukiko did not shed a tear when her vaccinations were administered but Jiro was another story crying his tiny eyes out as the needle pierced his skin. Tenten kissed and rocked him to calm him down. "He's too cute Tenten," Sakura commented, and apologized to the child.
"So how are they?" Tenten asked.
"Healthy like any children their ages except…" Sakura ushered Tenten away from the other three children. Tsubaki was showing Shiro her height and how they have both grown a couple centimeters since their last measurement.
"Is Tsubaki isn't it," Tenten whispered.
"Yes, Tenten there is nothing physically wrong with her," Sakura sighed. "I don't believe she was born mute. Her vocal cords are fine," she pointed out.
"So there is no damage?" Tenten asked, if she was born with the ability to speak then what could have caused it.
"It could be a psychological trauma," Sakura concluded. "They are orphans right?"
"Yes, do you think the lost of her parents could be the cause?" Tenten asked in concern.
"Most likely. Do you know how they died?" Sakura inquired.
"From what they mention they died in an accident shortly after Jiro was born," Tenten provided.
"Yes this is definitely a conversion disorder. Tenten I will be honest there may not be a chance she can recover from this," Sakura started. "She knows sign language and that tells me that psychological treatment was attempted. These specialists probably saw no progress in her and opted to teach her to at least communicate."
"She'll never surpass this," Tenten heart dropped. It was so much different than thinking she was sick or born that way. Here was a child who at one point could speak normally and then suddenly it was taken away.
"Sometimes children do and sometimes they don't," she reached to touch Tenten's shoulder. "I can recommend a really good medic who deals with post traumatic stress."
"To see a medic for this…I don't know, Tsubaki may feel bad," Tenten said.
"We have to be practical here Tenten. Tsubaki wants to become a shinobi and her disability may seriously set her back," Sakura looked at Tenten sympathetically.
"You're right. She should be able to communicate freely," Tenten agreed knowing it would be worst for Tsubaki's self-esteem if she could not speak with her peers freely. As the women planned a therapy session the person Tenten dreaded most in her return burst into the room.
"Tenten! Where's the baby?" Ino looked like she had run to her destination. Was she that desperate to know what was going on or was she still bitter she couldn't trade missions with her?
"Ino! Aren't you supposed to be with a patient?" Sakura looked at Ino in disbelief.
"I need to see this baby. I missed my chance to go on a vacation with Sai! And what do I hear? Tenten gets saddle with a kid," Ino angrily accused.
"I didn't get saddle with anything," Tenten said gritting her teeth.
"They just keep coming don't they?" Shiro commented.
"Thanks Sakura I'll see you soon," Tenten waved goodbye to Sakura who smiled in returned. Both women ignored Ino who was now red with anger.
"Stop ignoring me! I need to know what's going on!" Ino demanded.
"Shut it pig! Tenten has a lot on her plate right now," Sakura scolded.
As Tenten and the children exited the hospital they once again saw Shino. Tenten quickly looked away, it was too soon to see him again. It did not go unnoticed to Shino that Tenten was avoiding him. Tsubaki once again was the one who looked at him with longing and regret. Her blue eyes were glistening with unshed tears and her plump lips were quivering. He could tell the girl wanted to tell him something but he could see her fight to remain strong. Shino was very aware of the rumors that were flying around his village. He just hoped his father would not bring the topic up. His shoulder now healed he saw them leave and he headed to his own home. He noticed that everything was considerably quiet now that he was in the confines of his clan. There were no more giggles and barks to greet him. He almost expected Tenten to round the corner and welcome him a smile. He felt oddly empty now that he thought about it. He took off his sandals and one of the servants bowed in greeting.
"Young master, Shibi-sama wishes to speak to you," she said and he nodded in affirmation. He had talk to his father the night before it was mostly on what had happened during his absence. He walked the halls and lightly knocked on the door. There was a 'come in' and he slid the shoji door opened. His father was sitting on a cushion holding up a scroll as his son bowed and sat across from the low table.
"You wish to speak to me father?" Shino asked.
"How are you healing?" Shibi looked from his scroll and set it slowly down.
"I am well father," Shino was tensed.
Shibi let out a sigh, "I have been hearing some unsettling things about you son."
"This regards Tenten correct?" Shino looked at his father.
Shibi shook his head slowly, his son never had given him any troubles. He was proud in fact that he was compose and has grown up to be a man worthy to lead his clan. Now he was hearing that his son was broken hearted and that this young woman was the cause. He had noticed that Shino was a bit lethargic but he figured it must have been his wound and the trip back home. Now he thinks there is something more. "What did she attempt to do?"
"Nothing," Shino was angry at this comment.
"Nothing? I seemed to have upset you," Shibi observed.
Shino knew nothing could escape his father, "Tenten never made any inappropriate advances."
"You are very familiar with her seeing as you refer to her with just her name,"
"We had to act with a certain level of familiarity to make our mission succeed," Shino explained.
"I know that you cannot tell me any details but photographs tell volumes," Shibi took a notebook out. It was one of the notebooks Tsubaki wrote on when observing the insects they had collected. "Little Tsubaki is very meticulous," he commented flipping through the book slowly that showed diagrams and neat lettering all on what the child had observed the insects' behavior. Shibi then took photographs from the very end of the book and showed them to Shino.
It was the photos they took at the beach and at the social. Tenten was smiling holding his hand as they sat under the umbrella at the beach. There was a group picture of the children in front of the ocean. Tsubaki sat on the sand holding her sleeping brother and Shiro had Yukiko on his lap. They grinned and laughed at the camera. He remembered that day clearly and the feel of Tenten's hand on his. There were two more photographs one was there group picture at the party and another of his dance with Tenten. Her face held a pretty pink tinged as she looked up at him. "You have concluded already that we acted as we were married," Shino said.
"Yes those children got very close to you did they not?" Shibi this time had an amber gem held by a necklace.
"This is?" Shino took the gem from his father. Inside the amber were two ants in the verge of mating. The queen was still virgin as her wings had yet of fall off and act from a prehistoric time persevered in amber. He had seen these precious stones before his father possesses a handful of his own. Insects preserved from thousands of years ago rare to find and even rarer to possess.
"I believe it is a gift for you," Shibi commented.
"Tsubaki…" his voice drifted off. Tsubaki must have given this to him while on his stay at the apartment. They probably managed to get a hold of the photographer from the event. It was a very valued object that he no doubt was left to her by her father.
"She probably thought it would be in better hands with you," Shibi explained.
He could tell his father had questions about the little girl with extensive knowledge of insects. "She was the child of an entomologist unfortunately he and his wife passed away."
"That certainly explains it. I do suggest though Shino for those children's sake that you clear this with Tenten-san," Shibi advised.
"I did not know our altercation would be misunderstood to this extent," Shino admitted looking down at the jewel. A sudden abrupt sliding of the door interrupted their time.
Shibi narrowed his eyes, "What is the meaning of this?"
"Shibi-sama my sincerest apologies," the young man bowed. "Kato-san was just attacked."
"Speak," Shino commanded. Kato had accompanied the day before on his way back to Konoha. He was a young chunin just shy of eighteen and extremely talented.
"He was attacked by a dog," The boy explained.
"Has one of the Inuzuka's dogs gone rogue?" Shibi stood up and both he and his son followed the young man. Kato was being brought into the main house bleeding badly from his right arm. "Kato what happened?" Shibi asked.
"I was heading back to the compound when this feral dog attacked," Kato explained.
"Describe it," Shino said, he was concerned, there was no way that the Inuzuka will let such a thing happen. He needed to contact Kiba immediately.
"It was a large black dog," Kato began to shake uncontrollably and carried off to be stabilized.
"Shino is it an animal you're familiar with?" Shibi asked.
"Aoi but she wouldn't attack anyone," Shino said more to himself when he was once again informed that they had caught the dog by a shinobi. Shino and his father followed the man to a crowd that was gathering not far from his home. His suspicions were confirmed when Aoi muzzled was being taken away by two shinobi with catchpoles.
"No! Aoi didn't do it!" Shiro tried to stop the men from taking away the dog. Aoi gave no resistance she whimpered. Shiro had tears in his eyes as one of the shinobi pushed him aside to the ground.
"Look kid this dog fits the description the victim gave and she was with you in the vicinity of the attack," the man explained.
The crowd was whispering and shaking their heads. "You know I heard the dog belongs to that kunoichi," a woman whispered.
"Really! Well is no wondered the dog attacked one of the Aburame," the man whispered back.
"That poor creature getting killed just because she was obeying her master," the woman said.
"No! Don't take her away!" Shiro again struggle anew.
"Boy, relax," Shibi came up to Shiro placing his hand on his shoulder.
"Why are you doing this? Aoi was with me damn it!" Shiro shouted. He glared at Shino, "You're doing this on purpose. You just want to make mom suffer eh? Hasn't she been punished enough?"
"Shiro, calm down," Shino said. He looked at the shinobi who had Aoi, "Do not harm her until we find the true culprit."
"As you say Shino-sama," he answered and took the dog away. Shiro was led to the Aburame household away from the gawking crowd. Once safely behind the walls the boy continue to glare at Shino.
"Shiro explain to us what happened," Shibi said calmly. The boy reminded him of Hiashi Hyuuga and there was no doubt in his mind this child was his son. It was common knowledge that Hiashi only had two daughters and that his wife departed short years after his youngest child was born. Shiro was the product of an affair with another woman and it amuse Shibi to no end that such a traditional man had an illegitimate child. When he becomes aware of this it will cause a great stir but also it will harm the boy to no end. He felt pity for the boy who in a short time will be in the middle of a great controversy.
"Mom send me to get milk for Jiro and the puppies," He started.
"You took the wrong way, why? The stores for what you needed are in the other direction," Shino pointed.
"I know! But I wanted to know where you live," he admitted with a blush.
"Why?" Shino asked.
"Because I was planning stuff…" Shiro pouted.
"You were going to pull a prank on my son," Shibi provided.
"Yes since he was a total jerk and made mom sad. So I had Aoi track him down and then we heard a snarl and a loud bark. Aoi and I saw this huge black dog I mean someone could ride on that beast!" Shiro had his arms wide.
"Shino have Kiba find this animal it may attack again," Shibi ordered his son who nodded. "As for you return to your mother," He looked at Shiro.
"No I can't go Yukiko will cry and Rommie and Remmie will miss their mama! This is my fault so I am going with Shino-san to catch this dog. I need to prove Aoi's innocence," Shiro said with determination holding back his tears.
Shibi was surprised how easily this child let his emotions show and if he was recognized by Hiashi as his son it was something he knew the Hyuuga will beat out of him. "Shino?"
"Why is it you need things repeated? We already had this conversation in Moon country," Shino said. The determination on his face defeated his decision to send him to Tenten, "Let us hurry." Shino took Shiro and carried him on his back. The boy held tightly as they quickly ran through streets and up walls to his teammate's home.
"Shino!" Kiba was riding on Akamaru when they met half through their way. "What this about a dog attacking one of your relatives?"
"I was hoping you would provide me with some answers," Shino said.
"It's not one of ours that's for sure. She doesn't seem like the type to do that though I mean she is just a pet. She was even wearing a bandana," Akamaru whimpered. "Akamaru you like her! She's a pet!"
"Her name is Aoi and she is more than a pet she is like our second mom okay," Shiro said to Kiba from Shino's back.
"Woah who this Hyuuga kid?" Kiba asked.
"I will explain at a later time, do you have any idea where this dog came from?" Shino asked.
"No probably a wild dog, I will sniff it out," Kiba pointed to his nose and Shino have him torn clothing taken from Kato. Shiro was riding on Akamaru as Kiba followed the trail as they searched the village they could see the destruction it had cause and the frighten victims it had left behind. They were left in disbelief as they repeated over and over that they thought it was caught. When they finally caught up with it, the dog was tearing apart a garbage can at the edge of the village. "Man how they get Aoi and this thing mixed up," Kiba said.
The dog snarled and barked. Saliva dripping from it's mouth and its pupils dilated and eyes a red color. Shino quickly put his insects into action forming a chain around the dog's body and the creature struggled against its bindings. Shino felt the dog weakening as his insects robbed the animal of its' charka it fell limp to the ground.
"Is it dead?" Shiro asked leaning his head forward while still on Akamaru.
"No it will be put down humanely," Shino answered.
Shiro's reunion with Aoi was heart felt as the dog happily licked the boy for gaining her freedom. The shinobi at the pound were hesitant to let her go but a good growl from Akamaru and Kiba were enough to release her. It was nightfall by the time they had resolved the issue and Kiba and Shino were walking Shiro and Aoi back to Tenten. The dogs were walking side by side as Shiro rode on Akamaru once again. In their own dog language they were communicating and Kiba will pitch in by snorting by whatever his partner was saying.
Kiba finally spoke up to Shino, "Now you gotta tell me what is going on?"
"Shiro along with three other children were adopted by Tenten," Shino said.
"No way! Wait this kid looks like he could be Hinata's little brother or something," Kiba commented.
"Is he a Hyuuga child? I do not know however he claims he had family until recently," Shino explained.
"Man when Hinata get's a load of this all hell's gonna break lose. Hey, I heard Tenten and you had a little something going on," Kiba teased.
"There was nothing," Shino glared.
"Right, Tenten doesn't seem like the gold digging sort though or manipulative," Kiba scratched his head.
"The only one seducing was Shino-san if he didn't butt in mom could have fallen for Tadao-san," Shiro stared and Shino.
"Hold it! Hold it! Shino was making moves on Tenten!" Kiba stopped in his tracks.
"I did no such thing," Shino glared at the boy.
"Yea you did, in the kitchen and when you were dancing! Now mom is the bad guy just cause you didn't want to take us with you!" Shiro pointed an accusing finger.
"Kitchen I didn't know you were into the kinky stuff Shino," Kiba laughed.
"I really hate you! But thanks for saving Aoi," Shiro admitted.
"You have to go into details later," Kiba said.
"Shiro!" Tenten ran down the stairs of her apartment building. She picked up Shiro and hugged him. "I was so worried. I had Gai and Lee look for you."
"Mom I'm okay we were just trying to free Aoi," Shiro explained.
"What happened?" Tenten looked at Kiba and then Shino.
"Your dog was mistaken for some feral dog. Right now they are running some tests on it and will later put it down," Kiba explained.
Tenten nodded in understanding, "Thank you Kiba-san and Shino-san."
"No need to be so stiff Tenten we are comrades right?" Kiba grinned.
"Tenten may I speak to you for a moment," Shino offered, Kiba and Shiro looked at each other sensing the tension between them.
"Shino-san please don't speak my name so informally and I believe everything between us was said back in Moon country," Tenten said in a cold almost mechanical tone.
"Ouch," Shino heard Kiba whispered and Shiro cringed.
"Tenten-san," Shino corrected himself. "I believe it is in ours and the children's best interest that we speak."
"You don't seem to understand I do not wish to speak to you and I prefer it if you stay away from my children," she narrowed her eyes and turned around to climb the stairs to her apartment.
"Dude what did you do?" Kiba looked at Shino who was looking at Tenten's retreating form his hands in his pockets.
"I followed all protocols involving our mission and with the knowledge and materials given I managed to succeed in my task," Shino started walking away with Kiba and Akamaru following him.
"You and Tenten acted like you had a family and in the end you decided to cut your attachments to those kids," Kiba sighed.
Shino did not reply and heard Akamaru whimper in discomfort.
"Not saying that you weren't wrong because you weren't technically. I am sure you had a plan to leave those kids in a stable home but you could've bended the rules this once," Kiba commented. Shino knew his friend was sensitive over the topic of abandonment. His father walked out on his mother when he was still a child. "Man, Shino you messed up big time," Kiba looked at his friend with pity.
Shino knew Kiba was right he had 'messed up' and it was because twisted pride and jealousy, "I know and there is nothing I can do to make amends."
"No! You can't let it end like this! You like Tenten don't you?" Kiba was now in front on Shino.
Shino closed his eyes in defeat though his friend could not see it behind his glasses, "Yes I am very much drawn to her but she does not feel the same."
"Yes she does! If she didn't she would have left with that Tadao guy! Look Shino she chose you! Now you need to get your ass in gear and win her back!" Kiba was speaking rather loudly his excitement showing through.
"How do you suppose I do that? As you saw she wants nothing to do with me," Shino side step Kiba and walked onward.
"So you are just going to throw in the towel? Going to marry some dainty chick your clan choses for you and live out the rest of your life with the 'what if'?" Kiba was frowning, "Tenten feels the same way. Shiro admitted it didn't he? You two can't let this go."
Shino could see Kiba's genuine concern, "Then what do you suggest I do?"
"Don't worry I have this in the bag," Kiba grinned.
Tamiri's Notes: This chapter was not as exciting as I anticipated. Shino is regretting and admitting that he likes Tenten (Shino naughty boy have dirty dreams lol). What will he do? And Tenten's life is going to get a lot more difficult from here on. My dogs wear bandanas and they are so cute. That's why Aoi wears one. They also wear bows even though they are both boys lol. Any kinks in grammar tell me I will correct them. Not much else to say, I have a major headache right now with a really bad cold so my head is kinda fuzzy. Don't hang around 3 year olds they were full of germs lol. See you next chapter, which will be next month!
