21

Neji strained to keep his focus on their direction. Leaping from the branch he was on, he landed next to where the squad leader, Kakashi, was. The said jounin raised his right hand to signal stop. Behind them, the two remaining members of the team ceased.

"Why are we stopping?" Naruto asked. "It's still early, the sun's still up, -ttebayo."

"It won't be for long, Naruto," Kakashi replied. Glancing at the blonde, he appraised the other members of his team.

"Neji, how's our location?" the silver-haired jounin asked.

Neji zoomed in to his surroundings, channeling chakra to his Byakuugan. Instantly, meters upon meters of the forest became visible.

"No enemies as far as I can see," Neji said. "We're still a half-day away from our destination though."

Kakashi nodded at the information. He then turned to the last member of the squad, the red-haired kunoichi. "Akira?"

The said kunoichi looked up the sky then appraised the moist branch she's perched on. "We better find a suitable place to camp." She stood up. "It's going to rain."

Naruto looked up at the afternoon sky then to Akira. "How can you tell? There's not a cloud in the sky!"

Akira placed a hand on Yuudai's head and stroked the wolf's fur. "Animals can sense things we humans can't."

Naruto frowned. "Kakashi-sensei, we can still go on! Come on, let's finish the mission already!"

"Don't be too hasty Naruto," said Kakashi. "Akira is right, besides it will be dark soon. We must use the remaining daylight to search for a place to camp." He looked ahead. "Let's go!"

At his signal, the team moved in unison, leaping from trees to trees. After an hour of travelling, the group came upon a clearing near a small brook. The shinobi landed on the soft earth.

"Akira-chan I don't really feel like it's going to rain," Naruto said once more. "Are you sure?"

"Why don't you ask Yuudai," Akira said, teasing. Naruto looked at the huge wolf beside the kunoichi. The wolf snarled at Naruto and the blonde turned pale.

"Ehehe...Akira-chan... I believe you," he said, hiding behind Akira's tall form.

"We'll camp here," Kakashi said, disturbing the exchange between the two. "Naruto, Neji, set up the tents. Akira you're in charge of the traps and filling our canteens with water."

The three shinobi nodded and set to work. Akira whistled for Yuudai and the pair disappeared into the thick bushes to set up traps and fill up their water containers. Meanwhile, Neji, Naruto and Kakashi drew up the tents in preparation for the night.

"I wonder where Akira-chan's tent is?" Naruto mused aloud. "I'll set it up for her." He walked towards where Akira's day pack was. 'I don't feel right opening her things...hmm...'

"The rolled up green bundle."

Naruto looked up and saw Neji hoisting up the poles. "Oh, thanks Neji." Naruto took the said bundle and began unraveling the contents. "How did you know?"

Neji merely gave the blonde shinobi a look and continued putting up his tent. Naruto sighed. "Yeah, yeah be like that, dattebayo."

Moments later, four tents have been set up around a growing fire which Kakashi stroked with a dry branch. Akira returned with Yuudai and four canteens full of cool water. She handed one to each shinobi.

"Thank you, Akira-chan!" Naruto said, making space for the kunoichi. "So, what did you bring along for dinner, huh?"

Akira could not help but chuckle at her friend. In the few times they've been together on missions, Naruto always asks the same thing. The first time, Akira brought along a pack of instant ramen which happened to be Naruto's favorite. He ended up eating hers and Akira had to hunt impromptu. Naruto apologized but Akira didn't mind. She reminded herself to bring extra packs in the future.

"Instant ramen," the kunoichi replied, grinning. "And don't worry, I brought enough for the two of us."

"Alright! Thanks Akira-chan. You're the best, -ttebayo!"

"You're welcome. And thanks for setting up my tent."

Setting a small makeshift pot with water on the fire, the two friends opened their instant ramen and waited for the water to boil. Naruto was grumbling, impatient to start eating. Meanwhile Akira was chuckling and was snacking on a pack of dried beef jerkies. Kakashi was leaning against a tree and reading his favorite novel while Neji was sitting near the fire, silently watching the exchange between the two jinchuriki.

"Hey Kakashi-sensei! You want some?" Naruto said, waving a pack of instant noodles towards his sensei.

Kakashi glanced at his student and smiled. "Thank you for the offer, Naruto, but I'm fine."

"How about you Neji?"

Neji looked up and shook his head. "No, thank you."

Naruto shrugged. "Okay. I'll eat it then."

"You're such a glutton, Naruto," Akira remarked, smiling. "Hey, I think the water's hot enough. Put the noodles in already."

"Oh yeah. Wait..."

"Careful! I don't want mine overcooked!"

Neji watched as Naruto and Akira prepared their meal. He found it surprisingly strange how the kunoichi acts around Naruto. 'As if she's a different person.' he thought. She's more relaxed, smiling often and generous with her laughs. The bonfire illuminated her fair features and Neji noticed how radiant she seemed, her green eyes dancing in the firelight. Her laughter sounded strangely pleasant to Neji-it was rare to hear the kunoichi laugh, much less smile.

At the back of his mind, Neji envied Naruto for being able to bring out that side of Akira.

When everyone's meal was ready, the four shinobi sat around the fire. Kakashi outlined their plan once more as they ate.

"Our expected time of arrival tomorrow at the small town of Shintotsukawa is at noon. If we travel at the same pace as we did, we might arrive earlier," Kakashi said. "That is, if we don't encounter enemies on the way."

"But you said that's unlikely with the route we chose," Akira commented.

"True, but we mustn't let our guards down," replied Kakashi. "An escort mission is always prone to kidnapping and even assassinations. So, we must be prepared for the worst that could happen. Fortunately, our team is gifted with two trackers." He paused to look at Neji and Akira. "In the case that we get separated, we'll divide into two teams, with Akira and Neji in each."

"Alright! I get to team up with Akira-chan dattebayo!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Who said we'll be teamed up together?" Akira said, frowning. "Besides if we separate, who gets to carry Fujiwara-san? Where is our meeting place?"

As the night deepened, Team Kakashi discussed their contingency plans for tomorrow's mission. Akira was impressed by Kakashi-sensei's intelligence-he truly was as smart as the rumors said him to be. After all, this is Hatake Kakashi, former ANBU Captain, son of Hatake Sakumo, and famed weilder of the Sharingan. He's no ordinary man, and Akira was slowly beginning to respect the said jounin.

"Don't get too starry-eyed on him," Naruto said though, as they were tidying up and preparing for respite. "He's a huge pervert, always reading that perverted book of his and has annoying habits. He's lazy too."

Akira untied her katana from her waist and turned a skeptical eye on Naruto. "Anybody can read whatever they want. I don't care if he reads perverted books as long as he's proficient in battle. And from what I've heard he knows over a hundred jutsu."

"That's because he's got the sharingan," Naruto replied while putting away the mat he sat on awhile ago.

"So you mean without it, he's useless? Anyway, why are you so bent on discrediting him?" Akira said. "He's your sensei, aren't you impressed or even proud of him? My sensei might be long dead now but I sure am proud of Hayate-sensei."

Naruto scoffed. "Of course I'm proud of Kakashi-sensei! He's the greatest, -ttebayo! It's just that I'm telling you not to get too impressed."

"And why is that? He's smart, he's skilled and I bet he's good-looking behind that silly mask."

At this, Naruto cringed and looked incredulously at Akira. "Whaaat?! Akira-chan are you serious? You sound as if-as if-" Naruto looked around to make sure the said sensei is nowhere in sight before he leaned closer and roughly whispered, "-as if you've got a crush on Kakashi-sensei!"

Akira was unaffected. "I do not! And even if I do, I see nothing wrong with it."

"But Akira-chan! He's old!"

"Not that old, I assume."

"Who's old?"

At this both Naruto and Akira stiffened and exchanged horrified looks. The lazy drawl could certainly belong to only one person, and it's none other than the topic of their conversation, Hatake Kakashi.

Akira could only clench her fists and pray that the jounin heard nothing as she and Naruto turned to look at Kakashi who was conveniently standing just behind them. Naruto grinned.

"N-Nothing, errmm...uhh... Akira-chan and I were just ummm... W-we..."

Akira resisted the urge to face-palm as she watched Naruto stutter. Shaking her head, she said, "We were just saying good night. Good night, Naruto-kun. Kakashi-sensei."

Kakashi nodded. "Okay. Good night too, Akira. Naruto, head to your tent now."

"Uh..o-okay," Naruto said, sending Akira a grateful look. "Good night Akira-chan!"

Akira waved at him in reply. As she was entering her tent, she heard Kakashi approach. She looked at the jounin in anticipation.

"You're on third watch, after Neji. 0100H," Kakashi said. "At 0600, we head out."

"Yes sir."

"Still with the 'sir'," Kakashi noted, slightly chuckling. Akira ignored it and lifted the flap of her tent. Before she could enter though, Kakashi caught her attention once again.

"And Akira?"

She turned, brows furrowed. "Yes?"

It was a while before the tall jounin spoke. When he did, his voice was laced with humor. "I'm 28 and yes, I don't think I'm that old. Thank you for the compliments."

A warm blush crept to her cheeks and Akira averted her stare. 'So he did hear us!' she thought, mortified. She distinctly heard him chuckle as he walked away, and the kunoichi swore to kill Naruto in the morning for engaging her in such a useless and embarrassing topic.

The next day.

Woosh!

Leaves fell as four pairs of feet landed on tree trunks and branches before speeding away. Due to the rain last night, the trees are moist and somewhat slippery. Akira looked behind her, smirking at the three figures she had left behind.

'Nice one, Hime.'

Still smirking, Akira glanced at the wolf at her side. 'Thanks Yuudai. I'm glad I haven't slowed down, in spite of being buried at that crummy school.'

Yuudai grinned, sharp teeth glinting. "I think you did a little. The Naruto kid's catching up a bit."

At this Akira turned and her eyes widened slightly. The blonde shinobi was indeed catching up. She wasn't alarmed though, she knew Naruto could be as reckless as she is.

She maintained her pace until Naruto was right beside her.

"Heh! You lose Akira-chan!" the blonde declared.

"No, I don't," Akira replied. "I lose when you get ahead of me." She glanced at him. "We're of the same level, so it's a draw."

"Then I'll just speed up!" said Naruto. "Eat my dust, dattebayo!"

Before Naruto could expend chakra from his feet however, the rest of the team caught up with Akira and Naruto. Kakashi grabbed Naruto by his jacket.

"Enough showing off," the jounin said sternly. "Get back in formation."

"Aww! But Kakashi-sensei!"

Kakashi was silent but there was a commanding look in his eyes. Akira slowed her pace and paused at a nearby tree, watching amusedly as Naruto was getting reprimanded.

"Don't be too reckless, Naruto," said Kakashi. "Pausing like this in our travel exposes us to potential enemies. Get back in line."

Naruto pouted and pointed at the kunoichi. "But Akira-chan started it!"

Akira shot him a smug grin. True, it was her idea to race. The pace of their travel was kind of slow for her taste and so she decided to spice things up a bit. Due to her abilities as both tracker and bukijutsu specialist, she was placed at the rear. Her job primarily is to look out for enemies aiming to strike from behind. In front of her was Naruto, then Neji and finally, heading the team was Kakashi. Their formation was linear and was bound to change once their target was acquired. They have been travelling for a good 3 hours and Akira and Yuudai had exhausted all topics they could talk about, including Akira's plan of abandoning the village.

Last night, during her night watch following Neji, Akira had wanted to bolt and abandon her team. It would've been perfect since the rain was strong enough to wash away her lingering scent and the possible trails she could leave. But it was a difficult decision. Yuudai had warned her that the more she stalls her defection, the more conflict would arise. And the wolf was correct. Akira hated to admit it to herself, but it seems her resolve is waning. Initially, the possibility of facing the ANBU Black Ops was what hindered Akira to leave, for she did not want to have them so close to her tail, and so she lied low for a few weeks, even going on a mission as far as Nadeshiko and accepting her promotion as senior instructor in the Academy. But with the Kageboshi intruding in her daily existence, it had prompted her to think of re-evaluating her plans.

Her present situation made it all the more difficult to flee. First was because of Kakashi. A jounin of his caliber would surely be able to intercept her plans if he got wind of anything suspicious. Even if he could not catch her, he would be able to alert Tsunade and subsequently a recon team. Not to mention, Akira would be at a great disadvantage in case a confrontation ensues. His skills are far more advanced than hers in all aspects.

Next is Naruto. He's Akira's closest friend, the only person who shared her pain and at a certain level, Akira knew he would understand her reasons for defecting. But Naruto loves the village with all his heart-even dreaming of becoming its Hokage and he's willing to risk his life for Konoha. His determination to bring Sasuke back is almost too painful for Akira to witness. She knew he'll pursue her with the same fervor he does to the Uchiha, and thinking about it is almost enough to make Akira waver. Naruto… the first person to ever care for her...it would break her heart to hurt him. But if it meant having some semblance of normalcy away from discriminating words and a bitter past...then she's willing to trade Naruto.

And lastly...although Akira hates to admit it...Neji.

They have not spoken since they left Konoha but Akira is acutely aware of his presence. Last night when they exchanged shifts, she watched him under the moonlight, pale lilac eyes trained at the dark forest, shoulders tense, lips in a straight line. And she wondered how it would feel to lean against him, rest her weary bones and just be in the same breathing space. Because in her dreams-and oh how often she gets them-she'd feel safe, as if just having him near was enough.

But they were just it. Dreams, and the harsh reality is that she's this broken person and he'll never want her, for he's this perfect prodigy, and what good is she compared to him? He came from a well-respected clan and she's a nobody. Just a low-grade jinchuriki.

'I believe in personal space. And you're well into mine, Hyuuga.'

'As you're into mine, Satsuna.'

'I don't really mind.'

But maybe... Akira shook her head. No. It's just impossible. 'He's a Hyuuga and I'm...no one. I still don't understand his intentions but I can't let him get close. I can't let him know.'

"Kakashi-sensei-"

"We're wasting time. Get in line Naruto."

His deep baritone disturbed her thoughts and she looked up, to find him staring at her. Akira averted her stare and straightened up.

"Sorry it was my fault," she said, trying not to meet his eyes. "I'm sorry Kakashi-sensei. Naruto, c'mon."

She leapt down from the branch and placed herself at her designated post. Kakashi sighed.

"Change in formation," he drawled. "Naruto and Neji, switch places. This will be our last stop."

Naruto grumbled but obeyed otherwise. He sent Akira a playful wink and a thumbs-up. Though reluctant, Akira smiled at him and winked back. She crouched beside Yuudai and got ready to depart. In front of her, Neji stood quietly. The two exchanged glances before Neji turned and leapt away. Akira sighed before she followed in his wake.

'I can't let you know...'

That deep down, even the Kageboshi is aware, that she needs him like fish needs water, like man needs air.

It was late afternoon when they reached the village of Shintotsukawa. Like any civilian village, it was filled with people of all sorts: merchants, peddlers, entertainers, street performers. There were many shops that sold varied wares, hotels and entertainment buildings. Unlike Konoha where majority of the crowd were either shinobi or affiliated to them, it seemed that only Akira and her companions were the only shinobi around and people gave them queer looks. Especially Akira who was armed with a katana and Yuudai who was a huge wolf.

"We finally get to see the princess! I'm sooo fired up!" Naruto exclaimed, blue eyes bright with excitement. Beside him Neji and Akira merely shook their heads in exasperation. The blonde shinobi had been bouncing up and down with anticipation since they crossed the river that separated the town from the forest. "This makes me a bit nostalgic, when Team Kakashi had our first A-ranked mission! Remember, Kakashi-sensei?"

At this, Kakashi smiled beneath his mask, remembering the mission Naruto was referring to. "In the Land of Snow. Yes Naruto, I remember."

"Fujiwara-san isn't a real princess," Yuudai said. Beside him, Akira nodded in assent.

"Even so," Naruto replied. "She's an important person and I will guard her with my life! Hmp!"

Akira sighed and pulled Yuudai's ear gently. "Yuudai...'" she said warningly at the wolf. "Don't get Naruto riled up. We got him into trouble earlier with Kakashi-sensei. Save some for tomorrow."

The wolf growled. "Hai Hime. Sorry. But it's funny to see the Naruto kid. He's kinda...grown on me now..."

"Me too, Yuudai."

"Is that why you find it hard to leave?"

"Among other reasons... Yes."

"-and enter the backstage. Fujiwara-san's manager, Wakushi-san, is expecting us." Kakashi was saying. Despite not hearing all of what he said, Akira nodded. What could be difficult in an escort mission, right?

The four shinobi made their way towards the makeshift set where Fujiwara Keiko was said to be shooting her latest film. The makeshift set was a large tent with a broad billboard featuring Fujiwara's latest movie. Akira looked at it, unimpressed at the cheaply made weapons and the actress' cheeky smile. The kunoichi was still in denial that she resembled the said actress. Frowning slightly, she tossed her scarlet hair and followed Kakashi and the rest inside.

They were ushered inside the main set by the crew upon recognizing them as shinobi from Konoha. Once inside, Akira hid her surprise at seeing the varied costumes and stage props, especially the elaborate swords and armors. Some members of the cast walked by her, including famous actors and actresses (which Akira based on the promotional poster she saw), clad in costumes. Beside her was Naruto who was exclaiming in delight every five seconds. At least she wasn't as obvious as the knucklehead. Soon enough, a thin man with a goatee and black rimmed glasses approached them.

"Konbanwa minna. I am Wakushi Hiro, Fujiwara-san's manager. I take it you're the bodyguards from Konoha?"

Before Kakashi could speak, Naruto butted in. "That's shinobi old man and I'm Uzumaki Naruto! At the princess' service!"

Akira and Yuudai shared an exasperated look before shaking their heads. Whatever credibility they possessed at face value all went down the drain, thanks to Naruto. Sighing, the kunoichi leaned against the nearby wall and studied Wakushi. He is of average height and build with balding gray hair. His eyes are gray, wrinkles and age spots dotting his slightly tanned skin. He was clad in a maroon hakama and a white kimono with matching maroon haori. A messenger bag was slung across his shoulder. Wakushi looked about 55 years old or even older, Akira couldn't be sure. His voice however denies his age for he spoke with certainty.

"As Naruto said, we are the shinobi team from Konoha tasked to assist Fujiwara-san in her travel, " said Kakashi. "I am Hatake Kakashi, team captain."

"Hyuuga Neji," Neji said curtly, bowing slightly at Wakushi. The old man returned the gesture.

Lastly, "Satsuna Akira and my wolf, Yuudai," said the kunoichi, green orbs merely glancing at the old man. Wakushi smiled and bowed in courtesy.

"I am pleased to meet all of you," Wakushi said, smiling. "Shall we get to the specifics of this trip? Fujiwara-san has some, uh, expectations and I would like to discuss them with you."

"Of course," Kakashi replied. Together he and Wakushi led the way while Akira followed quietly behind Neji and Naruto.

The old man led them to a quiet corner, separated from the rest of the set by rows of costumes. A small round table was in the middle, surrounded by foldable stools and boxes. A dim paper lantern hung at one corner where ornamental masks of different designs were piled up. Naruto, in a streak of mischievousness, took one that looked like a shinigami and wore it. Akira watched in amusement as the blonde jinchuriki made weird hand movements. Meanwhile Neji, Kakashi and Wakushi had sat around the table and began discussing the terms of their mission. Akira only half-listened, eyes still strained at Naruto's odd mask. Even Yuudai had difficulty hiding his chuckle at Naruto's silly antic.

"I will take your soul, dattebayoooo..." Naruto whispered roughly, imitating a shinigami's hoarse whisper.

Akira chuckled and with a forefinger, pushed the mask slightly. "I'm sure shinigami don't say 'dattebayo'," she whispered in return.

"That's because only awesome shinobi-I mean shinigami-are able to say that! It's a magic word, -ttebay-"

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Akira and Naruto paused midway of their teasing only to see Neji glaring at them, lavender eyes hard like steel. Kakashi was emotionless as usual while Wakushi eyed the two peculiarly, as if questioning Tsunade's sanity for sending two idiots instead of capable shinobi.

Naruto hurriedly removed the mask. He grinned. "Ehehe...just checking things out, Neji. Wanna try?"

Akira snorted, the image of the Hyuuga wearing the mask and making weird hand movements instantly clear in her mind. 'As if he'd indulge in childish antics,' she thought.

"No," Neji replied tersely, frowning. He shifted his gaze from Naruto then to Akira before curtly turning away. Akira sighed and told Naruto quietly to return the mask to where he found it. The blonde nodded but grumbled, "This is too dragging. Let's get on with the mission, dattebayo..."

Wakushi looked at Naruto with a smile before clearing his throat. "As I was saying, Fujiwara-san insists that aside from me, we bring along her personal assistants which on the whole would amount to 30 people, me and Keiko-san included."

The four shinobi exchanged glances. That would mean thinning out their abilities. Protecting thirty civilians, with one of them a valuable asset, is a challenge. Not to mention, it wasn't part of the official mission request sent to them. Akira was quick to point it out.

"That wasn't part of the mission request," she said. Her features were in her usual scowl. "What's the need for personal assistants, she won't be in a party or something?"

"They are Fujiwara-san's trusted people," Wakushi replied. "And personal bodyguards too."

"Then what was the point of dragging us here?" the redhead said, the mockery in her voice very much evident. Neji shot her a glance and smirked. Trust the Satsuna to forget propriety in front of a valued client. Another proof of her unending complexities: she's polite to Kakashi, agreeable to Iruka, sarcastic to Tsunade and distant and civil to most, and right now, outright rude. But as what he had observed, she can be affectionate to those she's close to: Naruto and her wolves.

But to him? Neji decided to think of it at a later time, when he's back home, safe in the sanctuary of his meditation spot in the forest of Konoha. And honestly, he agrees with her. If Fujiwara has her own bodyguards, what was the point of hiring Konoha shinobi?

"Trust me, I didn't want to. Especially now that I've seen what kind of people the Hokage had sent me."

Everyone in the room turned to the direction of the newcomer. At the doorway, Fujiwara Keiko stood garbed in her full Sayuri-hime costume.

Wakushi stood and bowed. "Ah, Keiko-san. We didn't hear you approaching. Are you done with the final scenes of the movie?"

"Yes, finally," Keiko replied, shrugging. She stepped closer and in the soft glow of the fluorescent lamp, everyone had a view of the woman who could twist the most powerful daimyo around her finger.

Fujiwara Keiko was smaller than she looked in her pictures. She was buxom with a slim waist and full hips that was silhouetted even in her overlapping robes. Her long hair was of ginger hue, a few shades lighter than Akira's scarlet and her eyes were dark brown. At closer inspection, she seemed older, faint lines at her brows all carefully concealed by a layer of make-up. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties and has a demanding aura about her, as if she lived her life getting her every whim. Her cherry-tinted lips were curved in a conceited smirk as she appraised the ninjas and Akira just then decided that she disliked the older woman.

"Uzumaki Naruto, at your service Sayuri-hime!" Naruto exclaimed, hyperactive as ever. "And I'm gonna be Hokage, dattebayo!"

Keiko's smirk widened. "Oh, so this is what Tsunade sends the Fire daimyo," she drawled. "Daimyo-sama asked for the best and she gives him," she points at Naruto whose bright grin dissolves, "a blabbering idiot," she points at Neji and Kakashi "two shady and unimpressive guys and finally..." she appraised Akira who was glaring defiantly, "what are you supposed to be Ginger, a wannabe?"

If it wasn't for Kakashi's warning glance and Neji's firm grip on her hand Akira would've already lashed out at the actress. It surprised her that Kakashi could maintain such calm even after being insulted. Akira never bore insults calmly, when the wrong buttons are pushed she goes full rage on the person. Kakashi and Neji however appeared to be experts on spoiled VIPs who demand not only protection but psychological treatments as well.

Naruto however went ahead of her and exclaimed, "Hey! Don't you go insulting Akira-chan! You asked for the best and we're the best Konoha has, datteba-"

"Yeah, yeah I get it and, really, there isn't anything I can do anymore right?" Keiko said dismissively. She leaned against a cabinet and crossed her arms. "I am due to attend a party tonight, do you think you can fit that in your schedule?" she asked Kakashi.

"Unfortunately, we cannot," Kakashi promptly answered. "We received the daimyo's message that his guards are expecting you 2 days from now at Shiraoi. If we leave tonight, then we'll make it on time."

The actress sighed. "Fine. Wakushi, tell Yoh that I won't attend the party, send my apologies. Tell the men to get ready too." Wakushi stood to grant the actress' request. "Now, I need someone to assist me." She looked at Akira who was scowling.

Akira growled and cursed Tsunade in her mind. Being the only kunoichi of the team she became the de facto personal assistant of the actress, which happened to be a royal bitch in the redhead's mind.

Begrudgingly, she started to approach the actress but Keiko raised a hand. "No," she said. Her eyes moved from Akira's to Neji's pale lilacs. "You," she said to the Hyuuga. "Come with me."

There was a minute pause as Neji stood up wordlessly and approached Keiko. Akira took a step forward instinctively, about to protest, and this small act went unmissed by the actress.

"What's the matter, Ginger?" Keiko said, her voice taunting.

Akira bit her lower lip, suddenly aware of her action. Avoiding the Hyuuga's eyes she rearranged her expression into a passive mask and went back to a neutral stance. She remained silent, bottle green eyes fixed at Keiko's hand on Neji's-the same one that stopped her from hitting Keiko just a few minutes ago. When she didn't reply, Keiko turned back to Neji.

"Let's go," she said to the shinobi, smiling. Neji nodded and followed, but not before glancing back at the redhead who now stood passive.

Deep in her thoughts, Akira did not notice Kakashi's curious gaze on her.

Akira narrowed her eyes, still glaring at the pale-yellow carriage. She clenched her fists, gritting her teeth as she glared daggers at the people inside the accursed vehicle-as if her glare alone can burn it to smithereens.

"Hime, my fur..."

Akira looked down at the wolf she was atop on and gasped. "Oh, I'm sorry Yuudai!" she exclaimed. In her anger, she forgot to control herself and thus grabbed the poor wolf's fur too hard, she actually pulled some off. Akira rubbed Yuudai's neck. "I'm sorry," she said again. "Here, let me soothe it a bit." Her hands glowed a soft green. It was a small trick she learned from Tsunade. It was a pain-relieving technique, good enough for minor injuries and simple exhaustion. It was one of the simple medical tricks that Akira bothered to learn for it came handy. She sighed afterwards.

"I really hate that bitch," she grumbled. "Make sure we're far from her Yuudai. Don't let her get into my killing radius."

Yuudai chuckled as he looked ahead, keeping the pace. "But that's quite impossible Akira-hime," he replied. "Hatake-san assigned you specifically to guard Fujiwara. As I remember it right he said, 'Just guard her. Me, Naruto and Neji will handle the rest. All you have to do-"

"-is make sure nothing and no one touches her', yeah, yeah I remember," Akira said, rolling her eyes. "Tch. Why is she so important anyway? Just because she's sleeping around with the daimyo? Bullshit."

"More importantly Hime, why are you so mad at her?"

Akira frowned and leaned a little as Yuudai ran across the rocky soil. They have left the village of Shintotsukawa an hour ago and was travelling along with Fujiwara's crew. They were mostly stuntmen and women who doubled as her bodyguards. Their envoy was made up of one carriage for Fujiwara and Wakushi, two smaller wagons for her crew and one small wagon for the actress' belongings. Akira thought everything was troublesome but this is a VIP they're escorting and really, Akira just wants everything to be over with.

Their formation was the usual diamond-shaped one, specifically designed for escort missions. Kakashi was in front being the team leader, Neji at the rear, Naruto and Akira flanking the carriage that contains Fujiwara. So far everything's going smoothly-it was quiet on Akira's end and there was no signal coming from Kakashi to switch formation or to the next phase of their plan.

Yuudai is in his Alpha form, and Akira traced the silver line of fur on his back as she mulled oved his question.

"I don't know. I just don't like her."

"Hmm. You don't usually judge people on face value."

"Oh, but I do. I categorize them. Friends, sensei, strangers. I like my friends, I respect my sensei and I generally don't like strangers. Fujiwara is a stranger so..."Akira flipped back her long hair. "She irks me. And please tell me you don't agree with Tsunade-sama and Kakashi-san that I look like her. I'm way too young to look mid-twenties."

Yuudai chuckled and glanced at Akira. "On that one, yes you do not look like her Hime. I guess just a slight resemblance though. You're both redheads. But...as for the other topic...I think you're jealous."

Akira's eyes widened like saucers. She leaned forward and turned to meet the wolf's stare. "Me?! Jealous?!"

"Yes. Of the way the she shows preference towards the Hyuuga kid."

The kunoichi frowned and Fujiwara's taunting smirk as she led Neji away crossed Akira's mind. Her eyes narrowed in irritation.

"That doesn't mean anything," she mumbled but loud enough for Yuudai to hear. "I'm not jealous. Why should I be?"

"A good question, Akira-hime," said Yuudai. The wolf continued its leisurely pace as they kept abreast of the convoy. "But first of all, are you?"

"I'm not," Akira scoffed although deep down, a strange tug at her chest ached at the memory of the said shinobi being too close to the actress. "She's too old for him and besides this is a mission and it can't be helped that he gets close to her."

"I know, Hime-chan. But I can see that you are affected by it."

Akira frowned. Again, Yuudai is correct. While she tries to rationalize that Hyuuga and Fujiwara's "closeness" is just because of a mission, Akira could not help but be irked at the actress' action towards the lilac-eyed shinobi. First was when Fujiwara asked Neji to assist her to change into travel clothes. Although on the outside Akira looked calm as a cucumber, deep down she was fuming like a steam engine. It surprised her, that she actually was capable of feeling possessive over the Hyuuga, as if she had claimed him for herself. She could not help but imagine the shinobi's hands over the actress' alabaster skin-smooth and unblemished unlike her calloused and bruised one-and although Fujiwara was a good 7 years or so older than Neji, Akira could not help but feel insecure that the older woman is more beautiful and desirable than her. And when Neji had lifted Keiko when the carriage got stuck on a muddy side road, Akira wanted to tear away the actress so bad not even Naruto's stupid remarks can sway her.

So, yes. She's affected by the whole thing. And yes. She's jealous.

'Damn Yuudai,' Akira thought. She hates appearing vulnerable even in front of her wolves and for Akira, having tender feelings are signs of weakness. "You're so chatty today, Yuudai," she said rather rudely. "Have you and Sachiko switched minds? You're supposed to be the brooding one and hate Hyuuga."

"I don't really hate him, Hime. I just don't trust him," the wolf replied, ignoring his master's irritation. "But I can see very well that you like him deeply and that he's good for you." Yuudai paused from walking and turned to meet Akira's stare. "When you dream of him, you are free from the Kageboshi. That means that whatever you feel for the kid, it could only be positive, for only a positive force can counter the bijuu. Please Akira-hime, all of us can tell when you dream of him, for it is the only time you are truly able to sleep." The wolf's gray eyes were serious as it pierced through Akira's baffled look.

"How could he be good for me?" Akira asked, voice dropping to a whisper as she glanced back at the lilac-eyed shinobi who was walking quite a distance from them. Their eyes met briefly and Akira quickly averted her stare. She sighed. "More importantly, what good am I to him?"

Yuudai resumed walking and lengthened his stride. "You wouldn't know, Hime, if you won't try," he growled softly.

Akira sighed once more, eyes sobering. "Then...what...what should I do?"

There was a pause as Yuudai looked up at the darkening skies. As a crescent moon came into view, the wolf turned again to his master. "Maybe you shouldn't push him away too much."

"Stop! Stop the carriage!"

Kakashi frowned under his mask. He signaled for his team to stop and the front wagon ceased, followed by the main carriage then the rear wagon. Amidst the neighing of the horses and the murmur from the rest of the convoy, Wakushi emerged and approached Kakashi.

"Hatake-san!" the old man called as he walked towards the shinobi. Panting slightly, he said, "We've been travelling for a while now, shinobi-san. Fujiwara-san is tired, don't you think we should stop for the night?"

Kakashi glanced at the darkening sky then to his pocket watch as he considered the old man's suggestion. They still have 30 kilometers to cover, and with their slow pace it would take them another day to reach Shiraoi where the daimyo's convoy is waiting. Then, another half day to reach the small village where the daimyo is waiting for Fujiwara. But Kakashi considered the weather, and seeing dark clouds starting to converge, the team leader figured that it might be better to rest for the night.

Sighing, he turned back to Wakushi. "Alright, Wakushi-san, we'll stop for the night. Please give me a minute to consider the best place to camp, and then we'll rest."

Wakushi bowed. "Thank you, Hatake-san." He went back to the carriage and Kakashi saw the actress peek out the window. Wakushi tiptoed and whispered to Fujiwara's ear and Kakashi saw her frown before getting back inside the vehicle. Shaking his head, he stepped over the wagon and catching Naruto's eye, he waved over and gave the signal to converge.

Naruto nodded and climbing over the carriage-where Fujiwara gave a startled shriek at the sudden movement-he waved over to Akira who was on the opposite side, a few meters far from the rest of the convoy.

"Akira-chan! Oi! Kakashi-sensei said to come over!"

The kunoichi looked up at the sound of Naruto's voice and saw the blonde shinobi atop the carriage, waving. "Tell Neji to come too!"

True enough at the front of their formation was Kakashi, giving the signal for them to converge. Akira leapt from Yuudai's back and turned to see Neji from behind the line, looking curiously over at her and Naruto.

"Shall I call him, Hime?" Yuudai asked.

"Don't bother," replied Akira. "Naruto's howling can be heard across three countries. That'll be enough. Just stay near the carriage."

"Hai, Hime."

Moments later she and the rest of the team met.

"What's the hold up?" Neji asked.

"Well, Fujiwara-san wanted to stop for now," Kakashi started. "I considered the factors and figured it may be time to give these people rest. We've been travelling for quite a while now after all."

"But we're still far from our destination!" Naruto protested. "It'll take us another day of travelling and this is boring as hell, dattebayo!"

The three men looked at Akira, as if asking for her input and she sighed. "You don't have to ask me. You know I agree with Naruto."

Naruto sniggered. "I knew it, Akira-chan!"

Akira smirked and bumped fists with the blonde. "Damn right," she drawled.

But Kakashi was firm. "If it was just us shinobi then I don't mind going at it for a few more kilometers. But we've got to take in to consideration the horses and these civilians who aren't built like us. And of course," he turned to Akira. "You yourself said rain is just around the corner." And as if on cue, thunder rumbled in the sky.

The four shinobi looked up to see dark rain clouds forming and the first few drops of rain fell on their upturned faces. Akira wiped the stray rain drop from her cheek.

"Fine," she said. "We stop." Neji and Naruto both nodded.

"Good. Neji, find us a place to camp," Kakashi directed. Neji activated his Byakuugan and scouted the area.

"There's a small clearing just 50 meters from us," Neji said, looking ahead. "A small brook is nearby too."

"Okay then we head there," said Kakashi. He pointed at Neji. "Neji, you're first watch. Then you, Naruto. I go next and at first light tomorrow, we head out."

The shinobi started to move but Akira stopped them. "Wait, you didn't tell me my watch schedule," she said to Kakashi.

"You're not going on patrol tonight," Kakashi replied. He gave her a stern look. "You have to be at your best for the next part of the plan."

Akira growled. "I am not some fragile china doll! I can handle it."

"I know," said Kakashi. "Which is why we'll do it tonight."

Akira, Neji and Naruto looked at each other in surprise. They have discussed this plan since they left Konoha but didn't actually think that they would execute it now. But still, they are shinobi and must adapt to the ever-changing events.

"I thought until we reach Shiraoi..." Neji remarked.

Kakashi shook his head. "No. Shiraoi might be risky, it's an open civilian town and anyone can get in. With these much people with us, it will be a little difficult to track which are which." He turned back to Akira. "You've done what I told you, right?"

She nodded. "The pack had latched on to their scents."

"Good. Then we'll commence."

"Hai!" Naruto, Neji and Akira said in unison.

"You there!"

The four shinobi turned towards the voice who rudely interrupted their short meeting. Fujiwara Keiko stood outside her carriage with Wakushi beside her, holding up an umbrella to shield them both from the starting drizzle of rain. Keiko placed her hands in akimbo.

"Are we gonna stay here all night?" Keiko asked, irritated. "In case you didn't notice, it's starting to rain and I am not in the mood to get wet."

Kakashi, Akira, Naruto and Neji all shared glances before they began to move.

"Of course," Kakashi was saying as the rest of his team assumed their previous posts. "We were merely discussing possible places to camp. If you could..."

Akira tuned out his voice as she walked back to Yuudai. "I don't know what's wrong with that bitch," she muttered to herself. "One moment she wants to stop, the next she wants to move. She's a huge pain in the ass!"

"I couldn't agree more."

Startled, she turned around to see Neji behind her. It's the first time they were alone after they left Shintotsukawa and for a split second, Akira was speechless as his lavender eyes met her greens. She quickly composed herself.

"Really?" she said, raising a fine eyebrow. "But you seemed not to think she's a nuisance when you were with her. All cozy in that dressing room and the moments after."

It was the Hyuuga's turn to be speechless and Akira watched in grim satisfaction as he frowned in confusion. Rain had started to fall in a light drizzle but inside, Akira was feeling warm. 'There, I finally said it!' she thought smugly. 'Serves you right, Hyuuga.' Although she wondered why she was feeling catty and possessive towards the said man all of a sudden.

Realization slowly dawned on Neji and his lips curled in that smirk that turned Akira's heartbeat up a notch. Eyes lit up in amusement, the Hyuuga stepped closer.

"I'm not really an expert on reading people like Yamanaka," he said, his voice filled with controlled laughter. "But for a moment there, I was damn sure you were jealous."

Akira blushed up to her hairline and looked anywhere but at the shinobi. She caught Yuudai's grey eyes and remembered their conversation.

'Maybe you shouldn't push him away too much.'

But-

"W-what are-I-I'm not, I mean, I c-can't-I..." the kunoichi stammered. She willed herself to meet his eyes.

Neji shrugged and adjusted the strap of his knapsack. He walked on and as he passed by Akira and Yuudai, he paused. "For what it's worth, I'm...relieved...that it's not purely from my end."

Her emerald orbs met his lilac ones briefly before Neji walked back to his post. Akira followed his retreating figure with her eyes shortly before she turned back to Yuudai. Seeing the question in her eyes, the grey wolf only shook his head. Yuudai could see clearly what was happening between his mistress and the object of her affections, but as much as he wanted to help the Satsuna, the wolf ultimately decided to have the humans deal with their own emotions. After all, he's a wolf, and no human would believe him if he said that emotions are better expressed with actions than with words.

And with what he just witnessed, he realized both his mistress and the Hyuuga kid both fail in that department-words.

EDITED: 3/5/17- mainly grammar errors as well as some descriptions on Fujiwara and Wakushi.