Hey hey. Hope you liked the last chapter. As you can see, things are starting to work their way up. The only question is... when will everything get out of control? I don't even know, and I'm writing it! =P
Chapter 10
"Haha! And it was funny because every time he got ready to attack, he always did these wacky poses. Like they were supposed to pump him up or something." Goku laughed across the table from Kiba's long dead father.
"Was he at least strong?" he asked.
"Oh, yeah, he was really good. But when I actually got serious he sort of freaked out. He even used a body changing technique and took control of me. I'm telling you, I've been through some crazy stuff, but that had to have been the weirdest one of all."
The late Kiyosato glanced down at his deceased companion, shrugging his shoulders as he continued eating.
"So tell me again what happened?" Goku asked.
"About what?"
"You know, how you died."
"Long story short, my sensei was murdered. We thought it was a suicide, turns out, he was attacked and it made it seem like it was suicide, when in fact, the autopsy proved otherwise. Anyway, I stole documents that gave me a lead, went after him, thought I killed him, but I ended up dying that day."
A wave of awkwardness lingered over the table in otherworld as Kiyosato stared down into his ramen bowl.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"It's no big deal. I made peace with everyone I needed to." Kiyosato smiled, happy he could at least move on from purgatory. "What about you? Did you make peace with everyone?"
"Well, sort of. I mean, I didn't really get the chance to do that. See, I only had enough time to say goodbye to my friends and my son before Cell blew himself up. I never really got a chance to say goodbye to my wife... and from what King Kai told me, she just had another boy."
"That's never easy." he replied. "Hana was only three, Kiba couldn't even walk when I died."
"Aye ya both sound like a couple'a jackasses! Sobbin' over what happened when ya died. 'S not that bad, y'know. We all did a lot of good, we did. Nothin' ta be ashamed of." Tomomaru spoke up from underneath the table.
"Yeah, I guess not." Goku replied, leaning back in his chair. "Still, it would be nice to-"
The door opened from the outside, and in stepped King Kai. "I see you boys have cleaned your plates." he started, mountains of plates and bowls and trays scattered across the table. "That's good, because I've got some not so good news for the both of you."
"What's wrong?" Kiyosato asked.
King Kai shook his head. "Come on. We better go outside for this."
The shinobi and the Saiyan looked at each other before getting up and following the short man outside.
Outside, King Kai stepped a good distance and finally ended under a tree. "Alright, then. I've got good news, bad news, and really bad news. What do you want to hear first?"
"Doesn't matter to me." said Kiyosato. "The mood's gonna run pretty sour once we start hearing bad stuff. Might as well start with the good."
"Yeah." Goku replied. "Start with the good, King Kai."
King Kai cleared his throat. "I see. Okay. The good news is that, Goku, Trunks is safe. He's doing fairly well for himself, and the Dragon Balls are fine, too, and operational."
"That's good." Goku said with a straight face. "So what's the bad and badder news?"
"The bad news," King Kai turned to Kiyosato. "The wish used with the Dragon Balls was to revive a criminal organization. The name Akatsuki familiar to you?"
"!" Kiyosato choked. "What? They're all back? How?"
"Yeah that doesn't sit well with me, King Kai." Goku said. "Weren't those guys dead for a really long time? Shenron can't wish people back who have been dead for more than a year."
"That's true, Goku. But because the Dragon Balls broke universal law and crossed into another realm of time, the rules changed at random. We have no control over it, not even the Kais can stop that from happening."
"And that's not even the worst news." Kiyosato gritted his teeth. "What's the worst of it?"
King Kai sighed, he knew both of them weren't going to like this. "Cell, is also there in that time with Trunks."
"WHAT?" Goku shouted. "That's impossible! Cell?"
"How?" Kiyosato asked. "I thought you said your son killed him?"
"It's complicated, Goku, but that's not the same Cell Gohan defeated. This is the one from Trunks' actual time. Apparently after Trunks had defeated the androids he went and confronted Cell, yet he somehow survived and hitched a ride in his time machine and ended up here."
"But then that means he's still in his first form, right?" Goku asked.
King Kai nodded his head. "Right. And that's probably the worst part. That time is completely unprepared. Only a small amount of people even have a chance against someone like Cell, and most of them are with the Akatsuki."
"Wait, but what about Trunks? Cell would be no match for him at this point if he's in his first form!"
"Yes, Goku, I know, and they did fight. However, Cell got away when he knew he was going to lose. Trunks hasn't been able to track him down; he keeps his energy suppressed."
Goku clenched his fists together in frustration. Another Cell, in the past. It was like a buffet to the monster, and the only person who could stop him can't find him.
"Hey, can someone tell me what's going on?" Kiyosato asked. "Like for example who this Cell guy is? You've only mentioned him to me a few times, Goku, but never really gave me any details."
"Well, he's obviously bad news." King Kai started. "But the best way is if I show you." he turned around. "Go ahead."
The late father nodded his head and stepped up behind the Kai's back. He placed his hand on his back and closed his eyes, opening his mind to what he was about to see.
The scene immediately turned to the main streets of Suna. Open, intact, and deserted. Hundreds of piles of clothes were laid across the roads, then a flash to when they were still populated. People fleeing for their lives, shinobi attacking what looked like a giant green bug-man, doing little to no damage at all as the creature pierced them with its tail, sucking them right from their clothes. Slowly each person went from skin, to paste, to nothing.
That's when everything disappeared. A black screen was all that was seen. Then, eyes. Glowing, evil red eyes stared into him as Cell's body formed with its insidious laugh following. The murderous tail shooting directly for him.
"Gah!" Kiyosato backed up, opening his eyes, relieved he was back in reality. "King Kai, I know it's been a while, but that village seemed so familiar. Like I've been there."
"Yes, that's right. That's Sunagakure, modern days it has become known as West City, but that is where Cell made his first major mark."
"Dammit... those people."
"I know how you feel, Kiyosato." Goku said. "We went through the exact same thing in our time. Cell's bent on doing nothing but absorbing people and becoming complete."
"But because Trunks destroyed 17 and 18, and since they're thousands of years before Dr. Gero even existed, there's no possibility of that happening. For all we know, he might end up killing Dr. Gero's ancestor, and making the possibility of his existence impossible." King Kai added in. "Therefore, Cell will continue to consume until the entire world is empty."
"But that would completely destroy the present, and the future, and... I don't really get this." Kiyosato rubbed his head. "I mean, wouldn't it?"
"I'm not sure." King Kai said. "It would without a doubt cease any movement from that time. But because the present and future already occurred, taking those generations out would completely destroy the balance of time itself. Not even the Grand Kai could stop that."
"Ugh!" Goku groaned. "Cell doesn't even realize that if he keeps this up, there won't be anything left period! Even he won't survive if he collapses everything!"
"Hey, wait a second." Kiyosato started. "Didn't you say those Dragon Balls or whatever only used one wish? Why can't Trunks just use the other wish to bring everyone back?"
"That would appear to be the logical decision." King Kai interrupted. "However, bringing those people back would still give Cell the chance to re-absorb them. Using the Dragon Balls now would be almost a complete waste unless Cell is stopped. And, let's not forget, the Dragon Balls are foreign to this realm of time. If the last wish is used, there's no telling if they would be spread across the world, or if they would be destroyed, or if they would go back to their original time. There are too many x-factors to consider at the moment."
There was a brief pause in conversation. Each person thought, until Goku finally spoke up. "Hey, King Kai! Why not let me talk to Trunks?"
"Oh. Right, you could, but I don't think it would change much; he already knows what's going on."
"Hm." he thought. "Well... What can we do?"
"You mean us dead guys? Nothing really, sad to say. All we can really do is watch and- Hey, Kiyosato what are you doing?" he yelped as the late father put his hand on his back again.
"Making a collect call, excuse me." he said, closing his eyes as he focused. "Kiba!"
X X X
The hot water ran through Kiba's hair as he let himself relax. Nothing happened, and it all felt too slow for him today. He had the entire house to himself, which normally doesn't happen very often. More times than not, one of the kids stays home on an off day, and Sakura is rarely home during the week. He felt bad, knowing she was buried under a mess of work. He didn't really hold anything against her when she came home tired and often times more crankier than usual.
Finally finishing, he stepped out and grabbed a towel off the rack. He rubbed his hair down, following the rest of his body, then wrapped the towel around his waist. He stretched and yawned as he stepped into the bedroom from which the bathroom was connected. It was a really nice day out.
"Kiba!"
Kiba jumped and put his back to the wall, raising his hands up. He heard something, someone, calling his name.
"Who's there?" he asked, working his nose around his house. Nothing was different, everything smelt the same and he couldn't even smell anyone on the outside. "Come on out, whoever you are. You picked the wrong house to break into!"
"Kiba." saidthe voice again. "Don't worry, it's me."
"Me?" he asked. "Me who?" he thought about it for a second. The voice... it was so familiar to him, but it was somewhat filtered. Like there was a small echo.
"Wait a second!" it hit him. "Dad? Is that you?"
"Yes, son, it's me. I'm talking to you from otherworld right now."
"Other what? Dad, what's going on?"
"I'll tell you later. Listen, I've been hearing about what's going on down there, and I've been hearing some bad stuff."
"Yeah, the Akatsuki, and that new guy they've got with them are bad news."
"No, son. That's not even the problem. The problem with Suna all of a sudden taking refuge in your village, it's-"
"Some sort of illness that hit the village, right? That's what everyone's been saying."
"No... not even close, although if it's to keep the peace I can see why they did that. Listen, it's not a disease, it's a person. A "thing" that has literally eaten away everything it comes across."
"What? What do you mean it eats away everything?"
"It has a tail, and it uses that tail to suck people out of their clothes. Anyone who has encountered him and survived are forbidden to speak of it, I imagine. Listen, there's someone who knows this thing better than I do. I'm going to let him talk, okay?"
"Huh? Wait, Dad!"
"Hello? Helloooo anyone there? King Kai, do you have enough reception out here?"
"Be quiet, Goku, you're online!" King Kai shot back.
"Dad? Who's this?"
"Hey there! My name's Goku. Boy, you and your dad sure sound a lot a like."
"Thanks... I guess." he cleared his throat. "So something's going on, you said. That thing that's been killing people isn't a disease, but it's a person?"
"That's right." Goku said. "His name's Cell. I can't get dragged into giving you the whole story right now, but he's from the future. He traveled back in time with one of my friends. His name's Trunks, and if you see-"
"Wait, Trunks? As in, the guy who's working with the Akatsuki?"
"I don't know what's going on down there, Kiba, and I wish I could do something myself, but I can't. But please take my word that Trunks is not a bad person, and he's the only one who can take down Cell. So if you can, please, try and find him. He's the only one who can stop Cell."
"Wait, where would I even find him? The Akatsuki don't exactly have a map or a clue where their hang out is!"
"That's all I really know. Just try and find Trunks."
"Okay, okay. Can I talk to my dad?"
Silence.
"Hello? Anyone?"
"Dad?"
Kiba turned to see his daughter staring at him from the outside of his door with an odd look about her face.
"Oh, hey Salayna." he glanced down, realizing he was only wearing a towel around his waist. "Did you uh... Did you just get home?"
"Yep... just now." she replied, twirling an end of her red hair. "Dad what were you doing?"
"Oh, that. Look, I know it sounds weird, but I'm not crazy. I was just talking to your grandfather and-"
"Yeah, Dad, you're crazy."
"No, I'm not! Listen-" he stopped as he took a step forward, realizing he was virtually naked in front of his thirteen year old daughter. "Hang on a second."
He closed the door and fumbled around the closet for some spare clothes. He opened the door again, wearing a simple brown shirt with jeans. "Okay." he placed his hands on her shoulders. "This is gonna be kind of hard to explain, so I'll just up and say it. You know your grandfather, my father, passed away a long time ago. He just now talked to me, and I'm not making that up."
"Can we sit down?" she asked.
"Yeah, let's go downstairs."
They took a few steps downstairs and sat on the couch of the living room.
"Okay, go ahead." she said.
"You know that disease that killed almost all of Suna?"
"Yeah, that's why Mom is always at the hospital, right?"
"She's always at the hospital, but it's not because of that." he started. "It wasn't a disease. It was an attack. Someone killed all those people."
"What?" she asked, shocked. "Are you sure? How does he know that?"
"He just does, I can't explain how or why." he cleared his throat. "Something was able to get in there, defeat almost all of the shinobi, and it was able to absorb them."
Yesterday's mission came back to his daughter all of a sudden. The clothes of the bandits with the holes in the back of their shirts. There's no way... could it be the same person?
"Dad."
"What?"
"There's... something I need to tell you."
"What's wrong?"
"On my last mission, some bandits stole an important file from the Hokage's office. My squad went after them, and we got them back. But... there was something really wrong about it."
"Wrong how?" he asked, curious now.
"The bandits were dead. All of them. The weirdest part was that all of their clothes just laid about, like they left them there." she sighed. "But each of them had holes in their backs. Like something stabbed them."
"What? Salayna, are you sure that's what you saw?"
"Yeah, Dad. I'm positive. The Hokage told us not to speak of it... she's trying to keep it under control so the rest of the village doesn't get scared. But when you started talking about it, it made me think... so that's why."
"How many people know about this?"
"Me, Shinta, Natsuko... and I think Mom knows. I think maybe a few others might know, too? I don't know."
"Does your brother know?"
"No, I don't think so."
Kiba sighed and stood up. "Good. Don't tell him, not right now. His birthday's in two days, let's try and make sure everything's calm."
"Where are you going?"
"I'm gonna go see your grandma. I'll be home later, tell your mom I'll be back and not to wait up for me."
"But-"
"I love you." he whistled, calling Akamaru to his side as he exited his home, closing the door behind him and locking it.
"Is she home?" he asked his companion.
"Yes." he replied.
"Alright, let's go." he said as they took off into a sprint towards his mother's house.
X X X
Knock Knock
A moment later, the door opened to reveal Tsume. Her face had gained some wrinkling, though slight, was still noticeable. She had aged well, considering she was still active in missions due to her skills in tracking.
"Hey, Mom."
"Well, look who it is." she folded her arms.
"Aw, come on, Ma, don't be like that."
Her somewhat serious look went away as a smile came across her face. It's true, Kiba didn't visit very often, but she knew he was busy. She knew all too well, raising kids was a joy in itself, but it left little time for... anything. She hugged him and let him in.
"You've been cleaning?" he asked, noticing a big change in the house. It was always really big, but it seemed bigger this time. Less things around the house.
"Somewhat." she replied. "Where are Sakura and the pups?"
"Sakura's at the hospital still. Salayna's at home... and Kiyosato is out, I think." he raised an eyebrow. He really wasn't sure where his son was, it had been a few days since they had talked.
"I see." she chuckled. "Your son seems to always be the one you know the least about."
"What? Hey, that's not true! He's just like me, hates being at home. He probably went to go hang out with his friends since he's off today and tomorrow."
"Maybe." she sighed. "Anyway, what brings you here back home?"
"I need help finding someone." he said, sitting down at the kitchen table.
"Someone in the village? That should be no problem for you."
"No, Mom, not that. I'm looking for an Akatsuki member... but I have zero lead, and my cold tracking isn't anywhere near as good as yours."
"An Akatsuki? What's this about, son?" she joined him at the table, placing her chin on her folded hands.
"Okay, let me explain. See what happened was..."
X X X
Okay, it should be done now
Opening the oven door, Aki grabbed an oven mitt as she pulled out a freshly baked cake. She shut the oven and placed the hot metal pan on top of the counter by the sink. "Okay, the rest should be pretty easy." she said to herself as she tied her hair back into a ponytail.
"Something smells good!" said a voice from behind her at the entrance to the kitchen.
"Hey Uncle Kankuro." she smiled sweetly to him. "I just got it out of the oven."
"Ah, I see. That was nice of you, you shouldn't have." he joked as he walked up to her.
"Heh. Next time, I promise. This cake's for a friend."
"A friend, huh?" he walked up next to her, peering down at the steaming cake. "Yeah, I remember your mom telling me this was a big deal for you."
Her face instantly layered in red as she tried to hide it, but obviously couldn't in her failed attempt. "Oh, well, kind of. See him and I have been friends for a really long time, and..."
"Oh, I gotcha now." he replied. "Smart move. Yeah, it'll definitely win him over."
"No! No, no, no!" she waved her hands in front of her uncle, her face even redder now. "That's not what I'm trying to do! You see, my friends and I are going to surprise him, and I'm doing the job of baking the cake, and-"
"Mmhm." he replied, a large smile on his face. "Well, I hope it works out with whoever it is."
"Ugh, uncle, you're being ridiculous!" she whined. "There's no one!"
"Listen." he calmly said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "If you really don't have anyone in mind, I believe you. But if it ever pops up in your head, you can tell me if you don't want to tell your parents."
She smiled. That was the one thing she loved about him, he was so willing and wanting to help. "Okay, I promise."
X X X
"I appreciate you letting us stay here." said Gaara, sitting across the living room table from Shikamaru and Temari. "As soon as we can clear this mess up we will be on our way."
"Oh stop it, Gaara. You're not even close to becoming a burden for us." Temari said. "It's been a long time since Aki's seen either of you."
"Yes. That's true. I'm happy to see how much she has grown." he sighed. "I am sorry things ended up the way they did."
"There wasn't anything you could do about Cell." Shikamaru said. "You, Kakashi, Neji, and Kankuro are the only sane ones who have actually fought him and survived. What little you think you know could be a huge advantage to us in finding out how to fight him."
"Yes, I agree. I've told Tsunade about what happened when I fought Cell. I'll be stopping by her office tomorrow to discuss a plan, hopefully we can get in touch with the other Kages and nothing has happened with them."
"Don't think on it too much, Gaara." Temari spoke up. "Tomorrow we'll worry about it. For now, you need to get some rest."
Gaara calmly stood up and pushed his chair in. "It's hard to rest when almost all of your people who have depended on you died with little done to stop it."
The couple said nothing as the Kazekage slowly walked away and proceeded upstairs into the guest room. Temari stood up to follow him, but Shikamaru held her arm, stopping her.
"Shikamaru."
"Let him go. He needs to be alone right now."
"But I can't just-"
"He had the world on his shoulders. He needs time to grieve so he can be himself again... Trust me, Temari, please. He needs this."
She sat back down, her body limped back into the chair and into the arms of her husband as he held her, her quiet sniffling was a yell in the silent room.
"What are we going to do, Shikamaru?"
"We'll figure it out."
"But what if we don't? What if that thing comes here?" she leaned over her chair, leaving his grasp as she placed her hands over her face. "What if we can't do anything?"
Shikamaru put a hand on her back, gently rubbing it to calm her down. "I know we'll figure something out. Having someone to protect has got to be the biggest increase of strength I've ever gotten. It's something that won't bother me if I ever see that thing face to face."
She sighed. He was right, the stress was just getting to her. She picked her head up and smiled at him. "I don't know how you always put up with me."
Shikamaru smirked. "I don't either. Between you and Aki, I have more on my plate at home than when I'm out."
Temari playfully rolled her eyes, happy to see her husband's lame sense of humor was always a spirit lifter for her. "Oh please..."
X X X
Ugh, it's so BORING today! Kiyosato whined while strolling down the center of town, his companion right at his heel. "Everyone's busy, I mean come on, it's my first day off in a while. Hopefully it's not like this for my birthday."
"Arf!"
"Yeah, I know they planned to have it off. Still, you never know."
They walked for a few more minutes and took a flight of stairs up to a park, catching an open bench in sight and sat down under a tree extending over the top of them.
"Man this SUCKS!" he complained again.
"What sucks?"
Quirking his head to the left, his eyes landed on Natsuko, who had his hands behind his back, most likely carrying something.
"Natsuko? I thought you were on a mission?"
"Nah, we already finished!" he cheered. "We actually just got back about an hour ago. I'm heading back, my dad's been on me a lot about training lately."
"Hah, yeah. My dad always tells me Naruto did nothing but train when he was our age, and even younger, too."
"Yep! It's no wonder why my dad kicked your dad's ass at the Chunin Exams!"
"Oh yeah?" Kiyosato growled. "Well who won at our Chunin Exams, huh?"
"Not you!" he spat back.
"Yeah, well I didn't see you walking away with a victory under your belt, either!"
"That's because the judge called the match!"
"Becaue I was winning!" the Inuzuka groaned. "I had that fight at the end, and the judge called it cause he didn't want me to hurt you!"
"Oh please! You weren't going to hurt me. My dad taught me a super strong A-rank technique that I was saving for a moment like that- AND IF THAT JUDGE didn't interfere," Natsuko brought his hand forward, pointing directly in Kiyosato's face, unintentionally showing him a clear plastic bag with party goods inside. "I would have used it and won the match!"
"Hey, what's that?" Kiba's son asked.
"!" Natsuko quickly placed the bag behind his back. "What's what? I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Natsuko, I just saw you with that bag-"
"You know, Kiyosato, you've been acting really weird lately. Now you're seeing stuff. I think you should go get it checked out, yep."
"... Okay, I don't even have to use my nose to tell you've got something behind you, why can't you just tell me?-"
"Gotta go!" and with that, Naruto's boy took off running, keeping the obvious plastic bag hidden behind him, now in front as his back faced his friend.
"Hey, wait a second!" he called to him, but he didn't stop. Damn, he can really run when he wants to. What was that all about, anyway?
He shrugged his shoulders and set off in the opposite direction. "My friends aren't very good at keeping stuff from me. Guess that's not a bad thing though, right, boy?"
"Arf!" wagged the dog's tail.
"Come on, let's head back." he finally admitted nothing was going to happen, placing his hands in his pockets. Suddenly, he raised his hands to his mouth as he sneezed into it.
"Woof."
"Come on, you actually believe that stuff? You don't sneeze just because someone's talking about you."
Takamaru tilted his head to the side. He knew it was just a myth, but he found amusement in seeing his master mentally debate it, as he knew he always did.
X X X
"He doesn't." she admitted. "I know he doesn't."
Outside, in that very same house she was raised in, sat a calm but somewhat saddened Aki, accompanied by her more outgoing uncle as they sat together in the rocking bench of the backyard.
"But, you know what?" she turned to him, a peaceful smile on her face. "I'm okay with that. Like I said, he's like a brother to me. Nothing could ever change that."
Kankuro shrugged his shoulders. "And what makes you so sure?"
"About what?"
"You said you know he doesn't like you, how'd you find out? Did he tell you? Did he tell his friends, and did they tell you?"
"Well, um, not exactly..."
(Flashback)
3 years ago...
It took her a little while longer to graduate than she thought, but at the ripe age of thirteen, Shikamaru and Temari's daughter had finally graduated from the academy. Even on a day during the week, Gaara and Kankuro made a visit to congratulate her on her graduation.
"I still can't believe I'm a ninja!" she said.
"You did good." her father congratulated.
"Yes." Temari nodded. "Your father and I are very proud of you. Won't be long now until your first mission."
Aki glanced around the crowds. Families and friends, all the sorts, but something, someone, was missing.
X X X
"Crap, crap, crap! Why didn't Salayna wake me up?"
Kiyosato rushed through the rather empty streets of Konoha, desperately trying to make it to the academy before Aki left, or got mad at him.
Who am I kidding? She's gonna be mad that I'm late. Wait a second! Where's my present? he ruffled through his pockets as he stopped, slapping his forehead for not remembering it. Damn it! How did I forget that?
Glancing to his left, his eyes had set on the flower shop Natsuko's mother owned. It was last minute, but it would have to do.
Quickly stepping through the door, his attention was caught by an irritated Natsuko.
"Natsuko?"
"Kiyosato?"
"Why are you working at the flower shop?"
"My mom's family owns this place! Why are you here?"
"I uh..." he quickly scanned the store until he set his eyes on a wide assortment of flowers. Roses, more specifically, in a variety of colors. "I'm looking for one of those." he pointed.
"You mean a rose?" the Uzumaki quirked an eyebrow.
"Yeah, that. I need to get one really quick, how much for one?"
"Hang on, which one do you want? There's like, five different colors here."
"Well gee, princess, which flower should I get?" he mocked back to his friend. It was hilarious seeing him give him direction, especially in a flower shop, with an apron.
"Don't give me that, jackass! Look," he cleared his throat, walking over to the beds of roses. "My mom was telling me different colors of roses mean different things."
"I don't mean to rush you, flower power, but I need to-"
"SHUT UP ALREADY!" Natsuko roared back to his friend. "Okay, I'll wrap this up." once again, clearing his throat to signify his beginning to explain. "Basically, depending on who you're buying a rose for decides the color. Like, if you look at the yellow rose, you're saying-"
"I'll take it."
"Huh? You don't even want to hear what I was about to say?"
"No, I can't. Sorry, man, here's the money for it. Thanks!"
"Hold on! You didn't let me cut it!"
"It's okay, I got it, I'll just use a kunai. Thanks!"
"Arf!"
He quickly took a kunai out and cut the rose down to a medium length. He remembered his father getting his mother a bunch of red roses before, they looked about the same length.
"What's the color got to do with it, anyway?"
"Arf?"
"Maybe. But I figure roses are pretty romantic flowers, anyway. When I give this to Aki, even if her family is there, I'm gonna tell her how I feel!"
"Arf!"
Kiyosato face planted into the concrete at his companion's response. To translate: "That's if she even accepts it."
"Aren't you supposed to be on my side?" he got up, resuming his sprint down the road, making a sharp turn to the right, the academy just in sight.
"Arf!"
"I guess. Look, now is not the time to be the voice of reason. I'm a man on a mission and-"
"Kiyosato!"
Just stepping over the bridge, he caught a glance, and a whiff of her scent. She was standing there, her parents talking to her uncles, with her hand waving as she ran to him.
"I didn't think you were coming." she smiled.
"Hey, I may not always be on time, but I still make it." he scratched his head.
She giggled, her face warm. His hair was messy, he was clearly sweaty from running. He must have just woken up and ran over. The fact that he did that was in some cases sweeter than waking up on time and dressing up. She had always admired that about him.
"So. Looks like we're both shinobi, pretty excited about your first mission?"
"Maybe. But I'm not expecting anything above maybe finding a lost cat or doing lame chores. My dad said a lot of his friends had to do that in the beginning, but it works up eventually."
"Yeah, tell me about it. My mom and dad went through their series of A-rank missions, even when they were genin."
"Guess our parents were just that good?" she smirked.
"Guess we gotta be better than them!" he winked, putting his thumb up.
She laughed, sticking her thumb up also, but not before noticing the bright rose in his other hand. "Hey, Kiyo?"
"Yeah?"
"What's that?"
"Oh! This thing. I picked it up on the way over here. It's a rose... here. Congratulations."
Their hands met as he exchanged the rose to her.
Friendship. Joy, and new beginnings. That's what yellow means... right?
A frown wanted to escape her face, but she didn't let it. The day was far too accomplished to let it be ruined by a flower.
But, then... I always thought he did like me? she was without a doubt puzzled. The signs were so clear to her. Or was he like that with all the girls? ... No, she knew that wasn't true. Should I tell him? ... Or...
"Hey, Aki. You alright?"
She hadn't realized how she dazed off. It without a doubt put a damper on her mood, but she wasn't going to let that show. How bad was this, anyway? She knew how men could be, and Inuzukas were especially stubborn. If he made a decision, she had to accept it. I guess I should just let this go, then. Still... it's not a loss. I still have my friend.
"Yeah. Come on, my family's over there. We're probably going back to my house to celebrate. Isn't your family coming?"
"Yeah, yeah I think my mom and my sister are coming. My dad's on a mission."
Nodding, she held the rose close to her as she walked back over the small bridge to her family, dog, and friend, at her side.
(End Flashback)
"So I just never went for it anymore."
"Until now, huh?"
She sighed. "Okay, I never really gave up... I guess I was just scared."
"Psh." Kankuro replied. "Inuzukas are nothing to be afraid of. I actually had to save poor Kiyosato's father one time. You should've seen him, Kiba was about to buy the farm from these really messed up Oto shinobi, and-"
His niece was interested, but he could see in her eyes that wasn't what she was expecting to hear. "Sorry, got a little carried away." he cleared his throat. "Listen, if you think you still have a chance, I say you should take it. Why not? You've been his friend for years, you've clearly had feelings for him, you made him a freaking cake. I mean, look, I don't know him too well, but if he's anything like his father-"
"He is."
"Right. If he's anything like his father, he's probably not going to be able to pick up obvious hints. Not saying he's dumb, but you're going to need to be pretty forward with him."
"Can't he just smell it on me?"
"Oh, yeah, guess I forgot about that." he chuckled, scratching his head. "But if emotions get in the way of your judgement, you can only imagine how it gets in the way of people with heightened senses like that. I would still try the direct approach, cause it always works. Trust me."
She nodded, a final smile of relief came upon her face. "Okay. I'll try it."
X X X
"Achoo!"
"Arf!"
"Thank you. Geez, that's like the twelfth time I've sneezed in the past five minutes."
"Arf!"
"No, Takamaru, it's not because someone is talking about me. I told you, I don't buy that stuff. It's all just a bunch of superstition."
Finally getting home, the night sky blanketed the village as Kiyosato unlocked the door and stepped inside, the low humming of the television could be heard in the living room. He locked the door behind him to find his mother asleep on the side.
He took a seat next to her and looked at her. She was exhausted. She without a doubt worked more than everyone else in the house combined. Ever since the remnants of Suna came to Konoha, she was most of the time gone before he woke up, and sometimes still out when he went to bed, even worrying his father. The pay was great, and the bonuses from the overtime she put in was being put away and covering their expenses with ease and plenty left over. But that wasn't much to brag about when your mother had no time to spend with anyone when she was home except the nearest place she could sleep.
"Hey." he rubbed her shoulder. "Mom."
She groaned. "Hm? Not now, Kiba." she yawned, tucking her head into the arm of the couch further. "Not while the kids are here."
"What the hell?" he shook her shoulder further. "Mom, get up."
"Huh?" her eyes opened, vision blurry from falling asleep, and the sticky feeling of sweat on the neck of her neck. "Oh. Kiyosato. I'm sorry, I guess I fell asleep when I got home."
"You've done that a lot this week. Why don't you just go to bed?"
"Well I do, but," she sat up, stretching her arms as she yawned again. "I just come out to watch a little bit of TV, then I just doze off and your father usually ends up waking me up to go to bed."
"Apparently he's done more than that."
"You say something?" she glared at him.
"N-No, Mom!" he batted his hands in front of him for fear of his mother. "Look, it's getting late. Do you have to work tomorrow?"
"Mm-mm. I'm finally off of that, the last person was registered today. That's why I worked a lot later today. At least now I'll be able to spend more time with everyone."
"Yeah, I'm glad."
She smiled at her son, running her fingers through his hair. "You look so much like your father, you know that?"
"Ugh. This again, Mom? Come on." he rolled his eyes, an obvious and embarrassed blush coming across his face.
"I know. Still, it only feels like yesterday when we first had you." her hand returned to cover her mouth as she exhaled another yawn. "You don't have any plans for your big birthday coming up, do you?"
"Not really. I figured we'd just do the same thing as last year."
His mother rolled her eyes. "You certainly didn't get your father's sense of adventure."
"Hey, I like having fun. I just, eh..."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Mom. Don't worry about it."
"Now I'm going to worry about it." her attention now fully at her son as she turned to him, crossing her legs on the couch and folding her arms. "Go ahead, tell me."
"Ugh. Okay." he leaned his head back, rolling his head over to the side to make eye contact with his mom. He wouldn't believe for a minute that Sakura hadn't aged a day, nor did his father, and that the only thing that had changed in their lives was their height, slightly, and the addition of their family. Aside from that, nothing was different about them.
"So? What is it?"
"Man, Mom, you're really nosy, you know that?"
"I'm your mother, I have to be." Sakura smiled. Even though I'm PRETTY sure I know what you're going to say... Thanks for ruining the surprise, Kiba.
"Okay, well see, there's this friend I have, right?"
"Mhm."
"And he REALLY likes this girl, right? Well, he's been trying to get her to like him this whole time and, well, nothing's really worked. She only likes him as a brother... or something like that."
"And just who is your friend?"
"Oh, he wants to be anonymous."
Sakura grinned. "I see. Okay, then what?"
"That's it. I don't know what to tell her- I MEAN MY FRIEND. I don't know what to tell my friend!"
"Right. Well, the only thing you can ever really be is honest. But, don't just say it, prove it. Act it, and let that person know you really care."
"Is that what my dad did with you?"
Sakura smiled, thinking back all those years, how it all happened. "Something like that. Your father may not look it, but he does have a way with words, even though he'll never admit it. But he always showed me he loves me, and I have no doubt he does, and I do the same for him."
"Speaking of that, where is he?"
"He went to your grandmother's house. Your sister let me know when I got home. I guess he's staying the night."
X X X
"That's why we need a tracking team every few miles along the border." said Tsunade, Kiba and his mother facing her desk. After speaking with Tsume about what his father had told him, they had decided to bring this up with the Hokage, who had heard it all before.
"What about Trunks? We need to find him." Kiba said.
"You're right. But Trunks is also an Akatsuki, and a very dangerous one at that, being able to hold all of you off like how he did. I would normally send the ANBU after him, but I know it would be a suicide mission."
"Lady Tsunade." Tsume spoke up. "If what my husband said was true, that may be our only chance at stopping Cell from killing anyone else."
"That's true, and Kakashi did say he handled Cell with ease when he saw them fight on his last mission." she pondered, rubbing a temple. "Okay. But first, I need something checked out, and I can't have anyone else take the mission aside from one of you."
Kiba nodded. "What is it?"
"One of my sources has confirmed the Akatsuki is going to attempt to take Naruto again. Apparently this same team is the same team that captured B."
"The Akatsuki got the eight-tails?" he panicked. That was not a good sign, since B was considered by several people one of the best jinchurikis for the mere fact he had complete control over his beast. Not to say Naruto hadn't gained more control over the fox, but B was on a whole different level.
"That's what the Raikage has reported. Because of this, we've had to set up teams along the borders and tighten security. Kiba, I need you, Sakura, and Kiyosato here tomorrow. It's a strange set up, but I can't spare anyone else, and you three are the best I can gather on such short notice."
"Yes ma'am."
"Tsume, I need you to meet up with the last group of ANBU I had sent off to the northwestern border two days ago who have not reported back. Find out if they're alive, if not, report back, and I'll send another unit."
"Yes ma'am."
"You are dismissed."
X X X
"Hey! We're out of rice!"
Trunks rubbed his head as he left his room, walking into the living room to see for once in a long while, the entire Akatsuki sitting at the table in the dining room, very much acting out the dining as he watched Hidan make a pig out of himself, Deidara watch Tobi for when he picked his mask up to see him eat, Kakuzu's different appearance that always surprised him every time he saw him with his mask off, and the rest of the members eating at a slow and steady pace.
"We're out of rice because you ate half of the bowl in record breaking time." Kakuzu said.
"Hey! I'm fucking hungry, we did a lot of shit the other day!"
"No. Trunks did a lot. I did some. You did none."
"THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS, KAKUZU!"
"Calm down, you two. It's so hard to have a meal with you both arguing." Kisame said, placing a few rolls of sushi on his plate. "Look, you woke up the baby."
The rest of the members turned to see Trunks, still half awake, in a pair of loose black shorts and a blue shirt.
"Get enough beauty sleep?" Kisame teased. "Come eat, but be warned, Hidan is still eating and will likely continue."
Ding!
"Next round is ready!" Hidan cheered as he got up and ran into the kitchen, then back, shouting in a barrage of obscenities ranging from English to Latin in an incoherent combination as he forgot to grab the oven mitt, dropping the dishes onto the table and running back to the kitchen to repeat the process four times through.
"DONE!" he announced.
"I'm actually full." said Sasori.
"I don't like soy in my rice." Kakuzu said.
"I'm allergic to shrimp." Itachi said in the back.
"I actually can't eat pork. Bad experience, yeah."
"Tobi doesn't like crabs!"
"ALRIGHT FINE, FUCK!"
Hidan's eyes pierced at Trunks, who hadn't said anything since he came into the room. "Well? What's your excuse?"
"I don't have a plate?" he chuckled awkwardly.
"Damn it." Hidan picked up a plate from the middle and tossed it over to Trunks, who sat in between Itachi and Kakuzu. The Saiyan caught the plate, and began shuffling an unholy amount of food to his plate. Entire plates were moved over, and then devoured equally fast. The sight was, to say the least, disgusting, as no one ate that much, that quickly, and didn't stop for any breaks.
"Do you even taste your food?" Deidara asked a few seats down.
"I don't think it even hits his mouth. I think it just goes straight from the bowl to his throat." Kisame added on while Trunks engulfed another entire tray of egg rolls. "That's not an appetite, that's a disease."
"I agree." Kakuzu replied, being pelted by small pieces of rice that escaped Trunks' bowl, Itachi also being rained on by small pieces of food.
Finally, Trunks patted his stomach, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied smile on his face. "Man, that was great!"
Itachi picked a piece of rice out of his hair. "You're disgusting."
X X X
"Don't worry too much about B getting away. It is in his character to take advantage of appearing to be captured, when in fact he simply wants to take a vacation. Several years ago, Itachi's younger brother, Sasuke Uchiha, led a team to capture B. That also, was a fake."
"I guess it doesn't really matter, then. They think we have him." the Saiyan responded.
"And that is exactly why with that mindset, they are in panic, and in fear. This opportunity is very lucrative if we are going to get a hold of Naruto Uzumaki."
"Wait. You want me to go back to Konoha and capture... Naruto... Uzumaku, or whatever his name is?"
"Uzumaki. Not important, but I already sent a team after him. I believe Kakuzu and Hidan have a very big grudge against some of the individuals amongst the village, so I told Zetsu to give them the opportunity."
"But what if they fail?"
"Then they fail, and I will send you."
"But why not send me now? And what about Cell? Did you forget about him already?"
The Illusive Man shook his head, taking a sip of brandy before speaking. "Cell is in a rural region at the moment, crossing into the Land of Earth. It will take him some time, even if he flies, to reach any large pockets of civilization."
"What? If you know where he is why the hell don't you go find him?" he asked, agitated that he had the knowledge but was unwilling to make a move.
The Illusive Man sighed. "Trunks. Please, try to understand, we will be able to bring back all of these people. With the Dragon Balls-"
"The Dragon Balls you USED behind my back! How can I trust anything you say anymore, when you went behind me like that?"
"I was in a desperate situation. I apologize, but I think you can agree, without the Akatsuki working in the field, it would make finding the last two jinchuriki, and Cell, very tedious."
"I guess." he folded his arms. "Anyway, what were you saying?"
"With the Dragon Balls, we will be able to restore everyone Cell has killed back to life. We will have all of the tailed beasts sealed, and we will stop Dr. Gero's creation, and save humanity within the process by preserving it into a brighter future than now."
"But Cell will still be strong from all the people he absorbed! Why not let me fight him now when I know I can take care of him without a problem?"
The Illusive Man took a hit of his cigarette, biding a few seconds to collect this thoughts before speaking once more. "Because it keeps them divided. Several hundreds of years ago from your time, an ingenious man named Adolf Hitler conquered all of Europe, and created an empire worthy of song. However, Hitler was a politician, not a strategist. Because of this, he tried to take on two very strong opponents- opponents, he would have beaten had he used his full force on one, then onto the other- by dividing his forces in half in separate directions. This inevitably cost him the war, his legacy, and his life."
"I see." he looked down at the floor. It didn't make that much sense to him. Back then, there weren't any Saiyans or crazy inventions or killer androids to change the tide. The more he thought about it, the more concerned he was that the Illusive Man was even out for "human dominance," rather it be just a glorified reason to take power and control the future.
"You are strong, strong enough to the point that I know I can depend on you for results, answers. I just need you to hold out, just for a small amount of time, and I will see to Cell's destruction."
"Okay." he looked back up. "What now, then?"
"For now, nothing. I will send Zetsu for you if anything comes up. Be patient, Trunks, our time will come."
Trunks said nothing as he stepped off the projector and out of Zetsu's office.
Why do I get the feeling something is going to happen soon?
X X X
"I unfortunately have to disagree with you." Madara said. "Very little good will come to conquer a planet and rule a people when no one is left."
"I already explained this to Trunks. When the time comes, we'll use the Dragon Balls again to wish everyone back, just before we initiate the Eye of the Moon."
"I could kill Cell now, with ease." he spat.
"I am aware. But don't fear, I have a plan. One that will completely keep the cover, and ensure no loose ends are held."
"I... suppose."
The Uchiha stepped off the projector, Zetsu right by the door of the office. "Madara."
"I can't waste time any longer. We're going for it, now."
"Alright! This will be cool. Is she expecting us?"
He sighed. "Most likely. But don't worry, I won't need any help. Just make sure she doesn't leave once I find her."
"Okay!"
X X X
Finally home, Kiba stepped inside to a quiet house, seeing his son at the kitchen table with his feet up, eating an apple.
"Hey, Dad."
"Hey. Not tired?"
"Not really. I guess I'm just anxious."
His father scoffed. "What, about your birthday?"
"Kind of. But not really."
After taking a whiff of the air, Akamaru's ears perked up. "I see. That's what it is, then."
Kiyosato shot up from the chair. "AKAMARU! DON'T SAY ANYTHING!"
"What? I can smell it on you too, you forget my nose is almost as good as his?"
He sat back down in his chair. "Fine, you got me. I can't help it, okay? It just... came over me when I was taking a shower."
He sat down on the other chair across from him. "I know. It happened with me, too, but I was a little bit younger. Trust me, growing up without a father and a bunch of girls isn't a lot of help." he chuckled.
"Dad, what do I do?"
"Hold on." he stopped him, taking a moment to examine the scent around him. "Oh, it's her."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN it's her?"
"Hey. Shut up. Don't wake your mother or your sister up just because you can't control your heat."
Kiyosato growled. It was driving him nuts. Not only that, but he had somehow marked his mate at the same time. Even worse! It HAS to be Aki? Why? Why now? This is so fucking stupid! Now she's gonna think I'm some kind of deranged animal and I'll probably get my ass kicked by her parents!
"Uh, son? Your face is turning red."
He exhaled a loud breath, like he had been underwater past his limit. "Sorry. Ugh, I don't know what I'm gonna do."
Kiba stood up, placing a supportive hand on his son's shoulder. "Look, this isn't gonna get any easier. But I've been through the same thing, and you can control it. The temptation is gonna get worse, though, especially when you get right next to her... which will be in, what, two days?"
"AHHH I'M FUCKED!"
"Shut up!" he clamped his mouth. "You should be lucky they sleep like rocks, you know what your mom's like when she's cranky."
He let go, and his son finally spoke again. "Okay, sorry. This time, no more outbursts. But right now I just... I just want to go over there. I need to-"
"Go to bed."
"Dad! Come on! You know exactly what I'm going through!"
"Yeah, I know what you're going through. But I didn't go creeping into your mother's room whenever my hormones shot up to the next level. Come on, it'll do you some good. Oh, by the way, the Hokage needs to see us tomorrow."
"Huh? Just us?"
"No, your mother, too. We'll need to be there at about nine, so get to bed, you're already gonna miss your eight hours."
"Yeah, all right. Night, Dad."
"Goodnight, son."
"Arf!"
"Goodnight, pup."
They said their goodbyes as Kiyosato headed back to his room on the ground floor, Kiba flicked off the kitchen light and headed upstairs, Akamaru right at his side as they stepped inside. He sighed in relief to see Sakura laying on her side, her back facing him as he slid out of his clothes and found his way into bed.
"How's he doing?"
The suddenness shocked Kiba to the point where he literally shouted and jumped off of the bed, landing on his back with his feet facing up. "Jesus, will you give me some warning next time?"
"Sorry. I'm just tired... but I couldn't sleep with Kiyosato being so restless downstairs."
Getting back up, he slid back in bed, a smile creeping its way across Sakura's face as his arms wrapped around her waist. "He's okay. He's going through the same thing I went through."
"I figured. Seems like he's not taking it as well as you were."
"Yeah, well... I don't know." he let the silence cover them. She leaned back into him, her head resting under his chin. "You need to shave, lumberjack."
"Yeah, yeah." then, before it escaped his mind, he remembered. "Hey, Sakura. The Hokage said she has a mission for us tomorrow. Us two and Kiyosato."
"I know."
"Oh. Okay, nevermind." he closed his eyes, resting his head on top of his wife's silk-like hair. "Wait, how'd you know?"
"She was my sensei, we still keep in touch. All she did was send me a message at the office."
"Right... okay, let's get to bed, then."
"Mhm... goodnight."
"Goodnight."
END!
Well, there you go. Chapter 10. Wonder what's gonna happen next chapter? It's gonna be a fun next chapter, and I can't wait to get started on it. Please review, and I'll see you next time!