It was a beautiful day in Konoha. The sun was shining bright, with a light breeze running across the lush green grass that covered the training grounds. In the middle of the field sat Hinata and Kiba, two of the three members of team 8, a team that distinguished themselves as honorable fighters in the Fourth Shinobi War.

Hinata looked across the grass, reflecting on how things were finally starting to get back to normal in the village. The city was fully rebuilt and the streets were steadily blooming with the life it once had back in its golden age. The destruction of the war humbled the citizens, and made them cherish this newfound peace even more. Of course, the one thing she was not so glad about going back to normal was her relationship with Naruto. She felt like she was so close to walking by his side. She had grown, trained hard, and fought tooth and nail to stand next to him. To take his hand when he and the entire Allied Shinobi Force was on its knees, and do what he did for her countless times. He had been gone for a few weeks now, but the entire village still talked of him day in and day out. She couldn't blame them, she knew from the start what he was made of. She was happy that the rest of the village was giving him the recognition he deserved. But still, the pang of sadness grew within her as the days droned on since their last moments. She was deep in thought, not noticing how her friend and teammate was looking at her intently.

Oh great, I finally get her to go out with me, and yet its as if she cant even here me. Over the last year Kiba had grown attached to Hinata, and during the war he couldn't help but develop a crush on the Hyuga heiress, she was quite beautiful after all. As her friend, he knew of her affection for Naruto, but he saw Naruto's trip as an opportunity to try his hand. Maybe if she can get him out of her mind, even for just a little while, maybe she'll notice me as more than just a comrade. He didn't think his chances were particularly good, especially now that Naruto was the big hero he had always wanted to be. But hey, she agreed to go on a date with me, things can't be too bad.

It was about that time that Hinata turned to look at Kiba, she was slightly taken aback by the intensity of the stare he was giving her, but she paid it no mind. Shino sure is taking his time getting here, when Kiba asked me to accompany him to the training grounds, I assumed Shino would be waiting for us like usual. Finally, in a confused tone, she asked "Um KIba, this is very nice, but when is Shino getting here? I must start my training soon, my father needs me back at the compound for a formal dinner tonight."

Kiba's face grew pale, "Um y-yeah he should be h-here soon." His voice shaky. Training? Oh no, I guess I wasn't clear enough. He now had to concentrate on finding a way to get himself out of this situation without embarrassing himself. Luckily for him, like magic, Shino stoically approached them.

"Kiba, Hinata. I didn't you guys would be-

"HEY Shino, u-um, I'm so glad you made it! We've been waiting here a while for you!" KIba shouted at him, a wide grin on his face. A poor attempt at covering his embarassment.

Shino looked confused, "I'm not sur-

"It's true Shino we have been waiting for you, we are glad to see you." Hinata interrupted in a kind tone. She did not seem to sense Kiba's distress.

Being the odd one of the group most of the time, Shino couldn't help but get a little choked up at the moment. Though his face did not bretray it, he had never felt closer as a team than at that moment. To think that they had been waiting for him, for no reason, was truly touching for him. "I appreciate the warm welcome, however, I came to tell you that we have been assigned a mission by Lady Hokage."

"A mission? All right!" It was the first mission Team 8 would undertake since the war. And Kiba couldn't help but think of the opportunities to spend time with Hinata that a mission offered. Kiba looked at Hinata as she smiled at Shino. All right Hinata, my big chance, second attempt. He whistled loudly. "Akamaru! We got a mission!"

The large dog bounded across the grass excitedly, coming to a stop at Kiba's side. With the fourth addition to their group, Team 8 set out towards the gates of the city.

"Shino, what is our mission?" Hinata asked softly.

"It doesn't see to be too complicated, there lies a cave near the outskirts of the Land of Fire that houses a scroll that belonged to Madara Uchiha." Shino seemed to be more concerned with the beetle on his finger than Hinata's question.

Kiba, on the other hand, was understandably concerned. "You mean that guy who took on the entire Allied Shinobi Force by himself? And we are just planning on walking right into his hideout? That doesn't seem too bright."

Shino turned his head to look at his friend, "Naruto defeated him, remember? All of his traps should have died along with him. But I agree that we should still be cautious."

Kiba frowned, yet another feat of Naruto's. He had been working on getting stronger ever since he lost to him in the Chunin exams. He tried pushing himself to his limits each day, but instead of catching up to the young hero, he had fallen embarrassingly behind. Huh, I'd like to see him track a target that was covered in dog urine, no way he could do that. It didn't sound as impressive as he had imagined it, and he couldn't help but feel like turning into a tailed beast and levitating were slightly cooler abilities.

Upon hearing Naruto's name, Hinata perked her head up. I hope he returns soon, even if I'm not ready to approach him yet. For Hinata, his presence alone was soothing. She looked towards the open gate leading the way out of the city. I'll complete this mission, and by the time I'm back I'm sure Naruto will have come home. Hinata thought with a smile. As she looked out the gates, she thought she say a figure approaching the city at a run. Before she could recognize the figure, he was gone in a puff of smoke.

A shadow clone maybe? How curious.