Chapter 7


Ino walked in the Intelligent Division prison, nodding to the ANBUs bowing at her as she passed by approaching a certain cell. She looked down at the human-like bird growling inside. Those eyes were glaring angrily at her, but it didn't seem to talk. She sighed, resting a hand on her hip.

"Sasuke-kun really sent me an ugly souvenir. Does he not know that I love beautiful things?" she joked, lips curling into a smirk as she glared back down at the creature.

It scowled at her. And Ino could feel that it somehow knew that she insulted it.

"Does it understand us?" Ino asked.

"It seems to, but it never responded," answered the guard. "But it obeyed simple gestures we asked."

Ino bit her lower lip in her thought. "It either speaks different language than us, or it was thinking we are too low and not worth responding."

"Not worth responding? What do you mean?"

Ino waved her hand dismissively. "Yamanaka's logic. Don't mind me," she turned to leave. "We'll be starting in two or three days. Prepare its strains. And feed it well," she paused, glancing back slightly. "It'll vomit them all soon."

"Yes, sir!"


Tamaki sat up when she heard the door slid open, dabbing her hands clean with a cloth. She immediately smiled when she saw her boyfriend walking in. "Welcome home, Kiba."

Kiba looked up, taking off his jacket as he smiled. "Thanks. I'm back."

"You were gone for almost two weeks. And the puppies were summoned a week ago," Tamaki quickly approached him, taking his jacket to hang it later. "Did something happen?"

"Yeah, well, my teammates went out to search for troubles and I ended up needing to save them," Kiba said, approaching his backyard before crouching in front of Akamaru and his three pups. "Thank you, guys. I owe you one," he grinned, rubbing their heads lovingly.

"That aside, aren't you supposed to name that jutsu differently? It's not exactly the normal Kuchiyose no jutsu, isn't it?" Tamaki wrung his jacket a bit before hanging it up by the wall.

"The hand seals are the same," Kiba sat down, pulling one pup into his lap. "The only difference is the chakra pouring. If you ask me, I'd rather say it's the same jutsu but Inuzuka style. Should I call it Inuzuka-ryu; Kuchiyose then?"

Tamaki chuckled. "Well, go and take a shower. I already prepared some dinner. You're back quite late today."

"Yeah, well, I'll be going out of Konoha again in two days."

"Again?" Tamaki looked surprised. "Aren't you being a bit too busy?"

"I guess so," Kiba shrugged. "The world might probably never remain in peace. I'll be going to Suna again. There're things we need to investigate."

Tamaki watched how some of their cats climbed on Kiba's lap as well, and Kiba patted them gently. Kiba wasn't the type to tell her about his missions in details. She didn't mind either way. It wasn't her business after all. But his statement sure sounded trouble. "Tell me if I can help anything," she finally said.

Kiba grinned at her playfully. "Take good care of my dogs. You have no idea how much that helps."


Shikadai sighed, resting his arms behind his head as he stared up his bedroom ceiling. He messed up big time in this mission. He wasn't able to protect his comrades and that fact somehow irked him. He needed to step up. But how? Raising his hand up, he stared at his palm. If only he could possess some kind of technique that can save his friends, he wouldn't mind even if it actually takes up his life.

"Shikadai."

Shikadai immediately turned his head towards his bedroom door. It was closed, but he knew the voice behind it. "Yes, mom?"

"Come out for a second. You and us need to talk."

Shikadai blinked, sitting up lazily. "Okay."

By the time Shikadai reached the living area, he saw Temari and Shikamaru already sitting at one side of the table. He sighed. It was such a bothersome thing to do, but he needed to face his parents somehow. Slowly, he sat opposite of them, looking down impassively.

"Kiba told us about what happened," Temari began. "Do you have anything to say about that?"

"Sorry," Shikadai mumbled. Temari gripped the fabric of her skirt, desperately holding back a yell at her only son.

Shikamaru sighed, glancing at his wife's fisted hands before looking back at his son. "Did Kiba scold you properly?"

Shikadai looked down in silence for a few seconds before answering, "He brought us to Konoha Memorial and lectured us."

"I believe that's good enough," Shikamaru nodded.

"Oi, Shikamaru," Temari shot him a warning glare.

"Temari, life is not just all about doing the right things," Shikamaru shook his head. "It's also about doing the wrong thing but learn from it," he stared back at the child. "And I believe he had properly reflected on his actions."

Shikadai nodded slightly, still looking down on the floor. "Mom, Dad, I want to train more; in techniques and intelligence. I want to be wiser... stronger... so that I can protect those important to me. I don't care about the ranks and reputations. I just want people to be safe."

Temari raised her brows at her son's hearty confession. She didn't know what Kiba had told the kids at the memorial, but whatever it was, it clearly touched her son. She glanced at Shikamaru who flashed her a soft smile.

"Your mom is going to Suna in two days. Why don't you follow her there then?" Shikamaru suggested.

"Eh?" Temari and Shikadai choired, both turning to look at Shikamaru in surprise.

"I'm going for a mission. Why must he come with me?" Temari argued.

"I'm not asking him to follow your mission. I'm just asking you to take him there," Shikamaru reasoned.

"But why?"

"There's more in you, Shikadai. You've spent a massive amount of time in Konoha, so now go and search for yourself in Suna. It's part of you that you need to learn to be whole," Shikamaru explained.

Shikadai and Temari was left speechless, but both finally agreed.


"What was that all about?"

"Huh?" Shikamaru tied his robe before slipping under his blanket.

"Why the sudden interest at sending him to Suna?" Temari reiterated.

"Oh, that," Shikamaru shifted a bit to make himself comfortable. "Kiba came to me and talked about his Magnet Release talent."

"Magnet Release? He has that?" Temari propped her body up on her elbow, peeking into her husband's face.

"Apparently it was such a brief moment. And well, if you talk about Magnet Release, honestly I don't know how I should go about it," Shikamaru shrugged.

"So you want him to meet Gaara and Kankurou?"

Shikamaru looked at his wife. "Don't be offended. If it was purely Magnet Release, I would have just let you handle it."

Temari puffed her cheeks, sulking. "I'm not offended."

Shikamaru chuckled at her reaction. "I want him to experience Magnet Release in Suna. Because that's the origin of the jutsu. I think the fact that he only showed the technique in Suna is probably a sign that he was affected by the surroundings. And coincidentally you are going there so it was a perfect chance."

"What do you want us to do?"

"Train him everything to know at Suna, and I'll train him everything he needs to know about Konoha. He has my blood, and he has your blood as well. If played well, he can surpass us at anytime he wanted," Shikamaru smiled encouragingly.

And Temari grinned. "Of course. Leave it to me."


Inojin wasn't sure what to expect from these regular visits. He was still sitting there doing nothing with his palm being stared at like a fortune telling rituals and it had been that way since the past two days. Inojin started to yawn.

"Ano," he started hesitantly. "Are you just going to stare at my hand?"

Tenten who had been concentrating in observing his palm finally looked up to the child. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"It had been two days and all you've been doing is staring at my hand. How is that relevant?" Inojin complained with a straight face, which somehow reminded Tenten of someone.

She laughed. "Staring at your hand is important, Inojin-kun. The size of your hand, the flexion of your fingers, the curve of your palm, your chakra points; everything contribute to how the sword fit in your grip. Of course, I'm no Hyuuga. I wouldn't be able to see your chakra points literally. But I can see through the other features of your hand."

Inojin scratched the back of his head with his free left hand. "I don't understand."

"You don't have to," Tenten giggled. "All you have to do is stay quiet and let me do my job," her voice sounded playful as her eyes went back to his palm.

"Tenten-sama!" a chuunin-clad kunoichi barged in the weapon shop.

"What?" Tenten looked up, slightly annoyed at the intrusion.

"The two Special Jounin teams are departing now at Konoha main gate!"

"Eh" Tenten blinked as the information dawned on her. "Oh shit! I forgot!" she scrambled up.


"Then, I leave everything to you guys," Naruto nodded towards his friends.

"Shikadai-san! We're going to reach Suna in a day! Give it your all!" Lee cheered in excitement.

"It would take three days to reach Suna, Lee. Stop giving the kid ideas," Kiba scolded.

"Ah, it's fine. I'm not that stupid to believe that," Shikadai quickly waved his hand dismissively.

Kiba laughed. "As expected from my subordinate!"

"Is it really fine to bring Shikadai-san along?" Hinata looked a bit worried.

"He'll be fine," Temari pulled up her hoodie, ready to leave. "He's with me after all."

Hinata smiled knowingly. "Well, we'll leave the village to you."

"Don't worry about us," Ino nodded. "Seventh, Shikamaru and I can manage this much. Tenten is late, but I'm sure she's in."

Sakura turned to her friend. "Ino, if you get anything from Sasuke-kun's souvenir—"

"I'll be sure the information wouldn't go to waste, Sakura. Count on me. I don't waste a nakama's effort," Ino reassured her.

And Sakura smiled, nodding before pulling up her own hoodie. "Thank you. And take care of the hospital."

"Well, then. Shino, you're the team leader for the team leading to Kumo. And Sakura will be the team leader for the one to Suna. You can dispatch now," Shikamaru ordered.

"Yes, sir!"

"Wait!"

They immediately turned their heads towards the new voice.

"Sorry, I'm late," Tenten trotted towards them breathlessly with Inojin in tow.

"It's okay. You're not that important anyway," Kiba teased.

"What the hell's that supposed to mean?" Tenten yelled in annoyance.

"We're leaving already, anyway. Take care if Inojin for me," Sai said.

"I would want more information relay to me regarding the black ball. Can you guys do it?" Tenten quickly said before the leave.

"What kind of information?"

"Anything," Tenten steeled herself. "There is a possibility that this ball might be harmful even without a user. It's definitely not an ordinary weapon."

"Got it."

And then the nine ninjas disappeared. And Tenten finally caught her breath.

"Shikadai went with them too?" Inojin looked up at the four remaining adults.

"He's going to meet the Kazekage and Kankurou for training," Shikamaru nodded. "He wanted to improve himself to protect his friends."

Inojin gaped, looking forward to where Shikadai had disappeared. Shikadai had been thinking about it thoroughly. And here he was, doing nothing. He needed to step up too. But he didn't even know his strong point. How can he move forward with that?

"Inojin."

He looked up to see Ino smiling at him. "You'll be fine. You and Shikadai are different. You can go at it at your own pace."

"All you need to do is let me see your hand," Tenten nodded in confidence.

Naruto laughed. "Brings back old memories to when we were young, don't it?"

"Eww, no," Ino scrunched her face in disgust. "You were the only crazy one those days."


"Sarada!"

"Chouchou!" Sarada cheered at the appearance of her best friend, standing up from her sitting spot on a rooftop. "I haven't seen you for a long time."

"Yeah. I've been reflecting," Chouchou smiled apologetically.

"Reflecting?"

"She made a mistake in her previous mission," Mitsuki said, looking up from his video game.

"Ah! Mitsuki, you suck! You're worse than Shikadai and Inojin!" Boruto slapped his forehead, putting down his video game when they finally lost.

"Well, obviously because I never played this before," Mitsuki shrugged. "Where're they anyway?"

"Shikadai went to Suna. Inojin is here though, but he seemed busy," Chouchou answered with a frown.

"Our parents had been busy somehow too. Your team is put in a temporary hiatus at the moment right?" Sarada glanced at the Akimichi heir.

"Seventh said he might appoint us a new leader while Kiba-sensei is away," Chouchou nodded. "But we don't know who yet."

"That sounds serious."

"Anyway, I'm leaving now," Mitsuki stood up. "Your parents are busy, but our team had been rather free the past two days, don't you think?"

"Konohamaru-sensei might just be perverting around," Sarada rolled her eyes.

"Too bad. And here I thought we could go out for some mission," Mitsuki sighed.

"Why? Are you up to something outside?" Boruto perked up in anticipation.

"Nah, the things I search for is not anywhere near. Well, I'll see you guys later then," Mitsuki waved before leaving down the street.

Chouchou watched the guy disappearing between people before turning back to Sarada and Boruto. "Is Mitsuki doing good?"

"He's annoying as always," Sarada nodded.

"Only to you. We're good buddies," Boruto snorted.

"I see," Chouchou pursed her lips. Surely, Mitsuki wouldn't show his internal struggles to other people, no?


The night was rather quiet. Konoha was always dead after 10 at night. The only ones left were some ninja patrols lingering around the border for safety. Mitsuki hid behind a tree as he stared at the guards near the main gate. They were resting somehow, and he waited until they snoozed off before sneaking out stealthily. Speeding ahead a few more meters, Mitsuki looked back just in case if he was followed.

"I'm safe," he sighed in relief when he thought no one was following.

"From what?"

Mitsuki whipped around at the voice, just to meet the eyes of his own jounin leader. "K-Konohamaru-sensei."

"Why are you crouching around? Do you expect the Jounin wouldn't find you? Did you seriously think you passed through the guards unnoticed?" Konohamaru stared at him pointedly.

"I was just planning to walk around."

"At ten during the night?"

"It's not a faraway place."

"Where is that?"

Mitsuki chewed his lower lip at the last question. "It's my childhood playground."

Konohamaru raised his brows. "You're being strangely sentimental."

"When I heard Shikadai had left, I wanted to confirm something."

"Childhood memories?" Konohamaru guessed, and Mitsuki simply nodded. "Well then, fine. Do you want me to go with you?"

Mitsuki shook his head. "It's not a dangerous place."

"Hmm," Konohamaru hummed. "Unfortunately, we can't let you go by your own," he shook his head. "Someone must go with you to make sure you don't go too far beyond the Nukenin border."

Mitsuki's eyes widened slightly, looking down in silence.

"You can choose your companion. Any ranks will do as long as that person can immediately inform us if something shady happen. You want me? Or someone else?" Konohamaru grinned slightly, almost confident that Mitsuki would have picked him.

"Am I not trusted that much?" Mitsuki mumbled lowly. Was it because of his parent? Or was it Konoha's rule in general?

"That's not the point—"

"Then I'll go with him."

Konohamaru and Mitsuki blinked, turning back a few feet behind them.

"Chouchou—"

"You only need someone to report back, right, sensei?" Chouchou grinned.

"Are you trying to cause trouble again? Have you forgotten what Kiba-senpai told you?" Konohamaru protested.

"What did Kiba-sensei tell me?" Chouchou played innocent.

"Don't act stupid. The rumor had go around the village already—"

"Ah, so it was a rumor," Chouchou chuckled. "I was wondering how the hell did you know. Jounins who are not Special Jounins really are a few notch lower."

"What?!"

"It's fine, right, sensei? I'll go with Mitsuki, and report back to Seventh about everything," Chouchou repeated. "After all, I am a loyal fan of the Seventh. I'm the best candidate who wouldn't betray him."

Konohamaru gritted his teeth, holding back his own anger at how intimidating this kid had been. Somehow, she didn't seem to be so stupid for a Genin level. "Very well," he relented. "I'll let the Seventh know."

Chouchou smirked, looking at Mitsuki in approval.

"But with one condition."

"Eh?" Chouchou whined.

"Don't complain. I just want to send a more senior Genin with you, just in case," Konohamaru said reproachfully.

"But that's not what you promised!" Chouchou frowned.

"I'm kind enough to pick a Genin, so be grateful. I'll call him now," Konohamaru took out his phone and started to dial some numbers.

Mitsuki would have been grateful with the help, but he really wished he could go alone. He wasn't the anti-social type, but this is the kind of trip he wouldn't want to reveal to anyone.


A/N: Sorry about the late update. But I finally able to write this. Hopefully I still get the flow of writing this story. Thank you for those who reviewed, favorited and followed the story, esp: Lock on Lockon, fanofthisfiction, Friendshipper and the unnamed Guest.