Chapter 7

Akari sighed contently as a small breeze blew across her face. Her hair brushed against her cheek as she stared up at the clouds. They were especially large and fluffy today. She smiled up at them from where she lay on the soft grass. Her arms crossed behind her head for support. It had been days since she had free time like this. The Akatsuki have certainly kept her busy.

She grimaced at the thought of them. Closing her eyes she thought of the last couple of "missions" they sent her on. Most of them were recon. Spying on enemies and gathering information. Others…well let's just say that if she had to wash another pair of Obitos undergarments she'd kill them all right then and there! The only upside was that she hadn't run into Hidan or Kazuto in a while. Apparently the Two-tails was a wily one. Still…she felt bad not sending the Jinchuriki some help. Itachi warned her that saying anything could give her away. Even Lady Tsunade seemed to agree with him!

Shaking her head she tried to turn her thoughts elsewhere. She was supposed to be relaxing! But as soon as that problem went away she thought of her other one. It seemed like lately her whole life was full of problems! Sasuke was still out there doing who knows what! She wondered if he had killed Orochimaru yet. Would he keep his promise and come for her? Would she go with him?

Groaning she sat up and glared at the clouds as if they had something to do with her distress.

"Akari? Are you okay?"

A boy not much older than her crouched down beside her. His long hair swaying with the breeze and lavender eyes staring at her with concern. His cousin stood behind him watching her as well with a curious tilt of her head.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just tired is all." She chuckled lightly at the Hyuga's.

"Hmmm. Well alright. If you're sure." Neji rose an eyebrow.

"I'm sure. What are you two up too?" She asked.

"Well this is the training grounds silly. Were here to train." Hinata smiled at her.

"That is of course what people do at a training ground." Neji smirked.

Akari gazed around her and remembered where she was. Laughing she stood up and wiped away the small blades of grass that had attached themselves to her.

"This is true. Guess I forgot where I was for a moment."

"Where have you been anyways? I feel like I haven't see you in months!" Neji asked.

"Oh you know…a mission here and there." She smiled nervously.

"Missions? Im a Jonin and even I don't spend so much time away from the village." He shook his head.

"It seems like you're always gone. It's rare to even catch a glimpse of you." Hinata said sadly.

Feeling guilty, Akari frowned. It had been a while since she had spent time with her friends. She had been planning to go out with the girls as soon as Sakura came back from her mission on Tenchi Bridge. But by the time she finally made it back to the village, the Akatsuki called for her and Sakura had been sent off on another mission at the Fire Temple. She had managed a few tea dates with Hinata but they were always brief. She was even beginning to miss Ino!

"You know what? You're right! Today is my first free day in a while so why don't we all go out to Yakiniku Q tonight? My treat!" She offered.

"Are you sure you can pay for all twelve of us?" Neji smirked.

Akari's eyebrow twitched in irritation. His tone of voice sure hadn't change over the years.

"Yes. Yes Neji I can. My many missions have paid well, thank you very much." She glared.

The Hyuga laughed at her expense. He certainly enjoyed ruffling her feathers.

"Really Akari? That would be great! We should get the word out seeing as how everyone happens to be in the village today for the first time in ages!" Hinata's faced brightened.

Akari and Neji shared a smile. It was rare to see the Hyuga girl with such a broad grin. Though she was more certain of herself she was still more reserved than the rest of the group. Smiles like the one she wore now were usually only reserved for when Naruto was around.

"Alright then. I'll go let everyone know. Um…have you seen Team 7? I'm not sure where to find them?" Akari asked.

"The last I saw him, Naruto was um…showing some guy around the village." Hinata told her.

"Hmmm. Alright. I'll see if I run into him. Or at least Sakura."

With that she took her leave and made her way into the village streets. It wasn't long before she ran into someone she knew. Shikamaru stood outside Yamanaka Flowers with his Sensei Asuma. The older man seemed to be blushing as he held a bouquet of flowers in his hand.

"Shikamaru hey!" She waved running up to him.

The boy blinked in surprised at the sight of her. Hinata had been right…she had been away from village a lot lately. Her friends were becoming used to never seeing her around.

"Akari. It's been a while." He stated.

"Yeah. So I've heard. Hello Asuma Sensei." She nodded politely at man with the flowers.

"Hello Akari. You seem well." He smiled at her kindly with a cigarette firmly in his lips.

"I'm going to see about these flowers now Shikamaru, see you later." He told his student who nodded.

The two of them watched him go for a moment. Then, Ino stuck her head out of her family's shop.

"Akari! I thought that was you!" She blinked.

"Yeah I know! It's been a while! But I'm making up for it! I'm treating everyone to dinner tonight. So what do you say?" She grinned at them.

"Everyone?" Shikamaru rose an eyebrow.

"Why does everyone assume I can't pay? I have money people!" She rolled her eyes.

"Okay! Alright! Don't get offended! I was planning on taking a long nap later but I guess I can go." The boy sighed.

"Yay! And don't worry, I promise it won't be a drag!" She winked at him.

"Yeah, yeah." Shikamaru smiled.

"Well Ino?" She stared at the blonde girl.

"Hell yeah I'm in! We have so much gossip to catch up on! Starting with Asuma sensei and his flowers." She smirked.

Shikamaru shook his head at his teammate in annoyance.

"What? She doesn't know yet and I think its super cute!" She glared at him.

At that moment another familiar face passed them by. Akari hesitated, but only for a moment.

"I'm glad you both can make it. I'll see you later okay?"

After waving goodbye she chased after the boy. It wasn't long before she caught up to him. He was about to make another turn before she grabbed his arm. He turned around and stared blankly at her. He held a painting easel along with many art supplies in his arms.

"Um…hey." She muttered.

Sai gave her his creepy smile like usual. She knew he was trying to be normal but it still wasn't quite right yet.

"Hello Akari. How may I help you?"

A few weeks ago she would've never thought that she'd be inviting the guy out to eat, let alone consider him a friend. But things were different now. He wanted to change. Being on Team 7 gave him a new view on life. One that Danzo never did. She will admit that she was suspicious at first, but Sakura assured her he was trustworthy now. He wanted to help save Sasuke instead of hurt him like before. Akari had accepted this so here she was.

"Well, I'm kind of inviting my friends out to eat later tonight." She said.

"Oh? So then why are you talking to me?" He asked curiously.

"Sai! I told you already! We're friends now." She sighed.

The boy blinked in surprise.

"You did say this, but I thought it was only because Naruto and Sakura were around. You don't have to pretend to like me Akari. I tried to kill your loved one remember?"

He started to walk away. Akari placed herself firmly in front of him.

"I'm not pretending! And quit bringing that up will you? I'm trying to give you a chance just like Team 7 did. So do you want to go or not?"

"You're truly inviting me?" He seemed hesitant.

She gave him a shy smile and nodded.

"Ok. I shall be there then."

Her smile widened. She was surprised to find that she truly did want him there. She was about to say something when she noticed him staring at something behind her. She gave him a curious look and then turned around. What she saw was...well…it was odd that's for sure.

A boy dressed in white monk attire was glaring fiercely Akamaru, Kiba's dog and partner. The large dog was glaring just as fiercely with a growl on his lips.

"Are…are they having a staring contest?" She asked incredulously.

"It seems like it. Sora is a strange one." Sai answered with no expression on his face.

"You know him?" Akari rose an eyebrow at the boy beside her.

If Sai thought this kid was strange then what did he consider himself?

"Oh come on! Where did he go? How could I have lost him?"

Akari and Sai turned to see Naruto making his way towards them. He took a double take once he spotted Akari causing her to roll her eyes. She knew she had been busy lately but that didn't mean they had to be so surprised to see her around.

"Akari? When did you…"

He stopped and stared at the scene before them. His face in complete disbelief.

"Now he's in a stare down with Akamaru? Oh brother!" Naruto groaned.

So he knew the boy too. He must be the one who they brought back from the Fire Temple. The monk in training.

"This could be trouble. Let's just hope Kiba doesn't show up."

As soon as the words left his mouth, the ninja in question appeared behind him. Naruto flinched as Kiba noticed the boy monk and his dog. He didn't seem pleased.

"Hey. Hey you! What are you doing messing with Akamaru huh?" He asked clearly irritated.

"Does this mutt belong to you? Why don't you keep this mangy beast on a leash and teach him not to bark at strangers." The boy named Sora spoke.

Akari stared back and forth between the two. This was not going to be good. She turned to ask
Sai what they should do but he was gone! She caught a glimpse of him as he turned a corner and disappeared. It didn't seem like he wasn't interested in the outcome of this predicament.

"How rude." She muttered.

Turning back to the three boys and large dog she saw things were getting riled up. And very quickly! Naruto was trying to keep things civil but Sora wasn't helping the situation. As this was going on, Choji and Shikamaru were making their way towards them. Akari let out a sigh of relief. Surely Shikamaru could handle this.

"No fighting guys. Let's all stop getting worked up and try…" Choji began.

"Beat it fatty."

Choji dropped his food. Naruto stared at Sora in complete and utter disbelief. Even Akari could help but take a few steps back. Things just got from bad to worse.

"Um…guys…" She muttered.

"You just called me fatty…didn't you?" Choji said menacingly.

"So what?" Sora chided.

"Oh crap." Everyone seemed to say simultaneously.

"Okay! Time for a Battle Royal!" Sora yelled.

Kiba didn't hesitate. Alongside Akumaru he charged at Sora calling for backup from Choji. Sora jumped up and out of the way while once again calling Choji a fatty. This was a mistake for as soon as he felt safe, Sora was grabbed from behind from Choji!

"Im not fat! Im Husky!" The large boy yelled.

A full on brawl began among the trees stirring up dirt and grass all over the place. No boy was letting up. It wasn't long before Naruto jumped in trying to resolve the situation. It didn't help at all. He ended up fighting among them. Fits flew and feet kicked in every direction! Akari eased her way towards them carefully.

"Guys…I'm sure we can…um…talk this out." She said nervously.

There was no way she was jumping in there. Someone else would have to do it. And that someone else was Shikamaru! He was the only one who hadn't joined in. She stared at him until he noticed her. Again he blinked in surprise.

"Shikamaru! Don't just stand there! Stop them for God's sake!"

"Oh no. That's not happening."

With that he turned his back on the fight with a look of complete boredom! That was when Asuma made his appearance.

"You're not going to ask me why I didn't join." Shikamaru asked.

"It's not your thing right?" Asuma smirked.

"Guys! We need to stop this like now! If "you know who" shows up it will be even harder to end this!" Akari pleaded.

"It's too late." Shikamaru stated.

The three of them turned to the village rooftops as a very familiar silhouette was quickly approaching. Akari smacked her forehead with the palm of her hand.

"And thus…Rock Lee joins the fight." She muttered.

It was no surprised that the boy in green tights was already on his way. He was clearly upset for being left out and didn't hesitate to leap over them to join the fight. Akari ran after him to try and stop everyone from killing each other! She looked for an opening but there was no way she could break them up without getting hit herself. So instead…she ran around them frantically yelling for them to quit!

"Guys! Stop it! Akamaru! Get Naruto's foot out of your mouth! Choji! Quit slapping Rock Lee! And Kiba please quit attacking Sora! This is going nowhere!"

She squeaked in surprise as soon as the boys broke apart. Each of them preparing what was obviously a strong attack. Why! Why were boys so stupid? Luckily, Asuma Sensei chose this moment to get involved. As soon as the boys charged he blocked all there moves with the help of Shikamura. Nearly all the boys had been stopped.

"Whoa. That was awesome Asuma! But…um…what about Choji?" She asked.

"IM NOT FAT!"

Staring up, they saw the boy in question hurtling towards Shikamaru with his expansion Justsu! Akari leaped out of range as soon as he hit! A large explosion caused a huge cloud of dirt and smoke where everyone stood. As soon as it all cleared, she couldn't help but laugh! All of them were lined up as Asuma struck them on the head each in turn. All except for Shikamaru who was trying to fix the bent railing in annoyance.

"Alright that's enough fist-fighting!" Asuma chuckled.

He then turned to stare at Akari who couldn't stop laughing at all the boys who clearly looked as if they needed a medic.

"Akari! I here you have plans for tonight? Why not let these guys know so that they can get some of the strength back that they just wasted!" He smiled at her.

"Oh! Sure thing Asuma Sensei!" She grinned back.

Once the older man was gone she explained her plan to the boys.

"Dinner tonight! That sounds amazing Akari! Especially seeing as how we haven't seen you in so long!" Naruto grinned broadly.

He lifted her up and swung her around in delight. As soon as she was put down, Choji picked her right back up and hugged her fiercly!

"Yakiniku Q! Yummy! The meat there is so juicy and tender."

"Okay Choji! You're crushing my ribs." She chuckled. He let her go gently.

"After all that fighting, I could certainly go for some food!" Kiba put his arm around her shoulders. Akamaru barked in agreement.

"Yes! We must acquire more energy so that we can once more join in friendly battle!" Rock Lee fist pumped the air.

"Now, now, Rock Lee. Maybe you guys should lay off the fighting for a while huh?" She chuckled lightly.

"I agree. Stopping you idiots was such a drag!" Shikamaru complained.

Akari smiled at all of them, but then noticed that Sora was turning to leave.

"Hey!"

The boy turned around startled by her voice. The others all stared at him.

"Didn't you hear? We're going out to eat!" She told him.

"Yeah. So?" He stared at his feet.

"That includes you! In the middle of all the fighting, Naruto said you were his companion. Which means you're invited along with him."

"But I'm not…"

Akari glared at him, daring him to decline her offer. This guy needed friends. He needed friends big time! Sora stared at her until his stomach growled very loudly. Everyone burst out in laughter causing him to blush.

"Okay. Okay! I guess I could eat something." He muttered.

"Well then. Now that that's settled, why don't we meet up in an hour? That gives all of you time to clean up huh?" She smiled.

With all of them in agreement, they went their separate ways. Akari headed for home to change into something else besides her mission gear. It felt good to get out of those clothes. It felt as if they were beginning to merge with her body! She let her parents know where she was going before leaving the house. She had invited Riko but he already had plans with Ayame form Ramen Ichiraku. Those two were becoming quite close.

As she walked the streets of the village she had a somewhat ominous feeling. When she looked up she thought she saw four figures staring down at the village. She took a double take but there was nothing there. Chalking it up to her imagination she continued on her way.