I hugged Seiko goodbye as she left with her friends and Gui-Sensei.

"Shall we see what Tsume-Sensei wants?" I asked.

Toku nodded and we took off, heading for the kennel that our captain ran.

As we neared the kennel, we heard the familiar sounds of the ninja hounds that Tsume Inuzaka bred and worked with.

"Tsume-Sensei!" I yelled, waving.

She strolled outside and waited for us on the steps. "Bout time you two showed up."

We were then greeted by several of the dogs she was housing. I couldn't help but smile. I loved animals.

"Sorry we were late." Toku apologized quickly.

Tsume gave us a rare smile. "No need for apologies. I take it you two were sparring?"

She chuckled at our shocked faces. "Tama I can tell you broke your wrist and used medical ninjutsu to fix it, right?"

I blushed then nodded.

"And you Toku, it looks like you got sliced up pretty good."

This time my friend blushed.

"I'm glad to see you're both still training." Our Sensei approved. "Now enough chit chat. I have a job for you two."

Toku and I looked at each other before following Tsume inside.

"I hate cleaning these freaking cages!" I grumbled angrily.

I was filthy, I stunk, and my back hurt.

Toku sighed as she sat down on one of the cages we had just cleaned. It was easy to tell she felt the same way.

I flopped down on the ground and stared up at the sky. The sun was just beginning to set. I could see a few stars glimmering like fractured pieces of glass.

I closed my eyes in peace and felt myself falling asleep.

"Ick! Where the hell's that smell coming from?!" Someone exclaimed loudly, succeeding in waking me.

I sat up and saw a group of people come in through the front gate.

"You tell me dog boy." I teased Kiba.

"Your mother asked us to clean the cages for her." Toku added.

I then looked at Hinata. "You feeling alright? You look like you saw a ghost."

She gave me a faint smile and blushed bright red.

"Nah, she's just like this because she saw Naruto." Kiba smirked, throwing a arm around his teammate.

Toku and I balked. "NARUTO'S BACK?! WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?"

"Yes he is. He got into the village sometime this week." Shino offered.

"And he hasn't even come by to see us? That prick!" I blurted out.

"Calm down, Tama. I'm sure he's just been busy." Hinata covered for the guy she liked.

"You're right. He probably is." I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. "But still, I wanna see that goofball!"

"What if we, what if we threw him a party?" Hinata wondered allowed, not meeting any of our eyes.

"Like a welcome home party?" Toku asked?

"Yes, exactly!" Hinata smiled.

"That sounds awesome!" I exclaimed. I

"Alright, count me in!" Kiba grinned.

Shino even liked the idea.

We all decided that at sundown we would meet at Ichiraku's ramen shop. Hinata would help Ichiraku with their preparations while Kiba and Shino sent word to the rest of Naruto's friends about this party. Toku would help Sakura keep Naruto distracted until we were ready for him. My job, was to bake a cake that would feed...oh probably half the village. Was that even possible?!

I guess we'll find out.

Once I returned to my house, I gathered all the ingredients and went to work making the cake.

After placing the batter in the oven, I went upstairs to get ready. I showered, brushed my hair out, and found a cute purple summer dress my aunt had gotten me a few months ago. I smirked when I realized it hadn't even been worn.

As I slipped it on, I noticed it was almost two sizes too large on me. Had I really lost that much weight since...?

I sighed to foget my train of thought and tied a sash around the waist to keep the dress on my body.

Next, I put on some rarely used make up. Honestly, I couldn't see how Sakura and Ino could perform their ninja duties while wearing this goop.

I blacked out my eyes with black eye shadow and lined them heavily with eye liner. It was go big or go home right? Besides, black was one of my favorite colors.

The clock on my desk beeped frantically, signalling that the cake should be done. I smudged on some lipstick and ran downstairs to grab the dessert before it burnt.

I smiled as the aroma of warm cake hit my face. Naruto was sure to love it!

I arrived at the party just before sundown. As I made my way through the crowd of people, I noticed several gawking at me, which weirded me out. Was there something wrong with what I was wearing, or my make up?

I felt myself blush furriously at their stares.

I chewed on my lip and glanced at the ground as I searched for any of my friends. I felt too awkward by myself.

Thank goodness, I ran into Hinata at that exact moment!

"Tama! You're here!" She smiled, but then...gawked at me?!

"W-wow Tama, you look really pretty!" She stuttered.

I blushed and looked at the stupid dress I was wearing. "Th-thanks. You look great too!"

This time she blushed, which was adorable.

Just then, several of our friends joined us.

"Everyone, Naruto's coming this way!" Someone yelled.

I frowned as I wasn't able to see the ninja's entrance. I was too short to see over the rest of the crowd...

"WELCOME BACK NARUTO!" The welcome commitie screamed when Naruto showed up.

I smiled, even though I couldn't see him. The village's number one knuckleheaded ninja was home!