FFN hates me. I am absolutely convinced. I've tried to upload this document so many time! Third day in a row, and it finally works. Hallelujah.

Shame that this chapter is pure crap.

NAME: INUZUKA KIBA

BIRTHDAY: NINTH

Kiba was alone on his birthday.

His parents were away on a mission, saddened that they couldn't celebrate their son's birthday (yet again), but unable to refuse the job. Hana was working at the vet, and had left early that morning after kissing her brother on the forehead and offering him an apologetic smile.

A ninja's work was never done, and not even family milestones could interfere.

Before, when he didn"t realize what day it was, he hadn't really cared. But he did understand now.

And it did matter.

So, he huddled with his dog-themed paraphenilia and listened to the low rumble of snores coming from the family guard dogs. The summer heat made him lethargic and the hours seemed to drag on. Eventually, faced with little else to do, he fell asleep.

He awoke to the sound of his doorbell ringing. Rubbing sleepy eyes, he rose from the couch he had been napping upon and answered the door.

"Hello?"

The boy was annoyed to find nobody there, but a sharp sound brought his attention to the small cage sitting on his doorstep. On the door was a note.

Dear Kiba,

We're sorry for not being there today. We
hope this present makes up for it. Treat
him well! We've decided to leave naming him
to you.

Love,
Mom and Dad

P.S. Happy Birthday.

Kiba stared. He stared at the letter. He stared at the cage. He stared at the sky.

Wow.

With trepidation, he reached towards the door of the cage. Trembling fingers opened the lock-

-And a ball of white fluff came shooting out.

With a giggle, the birthday boy carefully removed the animal from his chest, where it"s claws had latched on. The dog was no bigger than the size of both his fists, which were, at the time, rather small. Around its neck was a red ribbon.

It yipped happily and licked his face.

"A name, huh?" Kiba grinned, staring at the red bow. "A red collar. Hmm. Aki? Akira? Akiha?" He clucked his tongue, frowning at the not-quite-right names, before the theoretical light bulb appeared over his head. "I got it! I'll call you Akamaru!"

Akamaru barked in agreement.

Aki/aka means red in Japanese.

Please review!

-Insidiae-