Arrow did in fact return to Sasuke's dorm only to find his owner to not be there. He wined sadly as he scratched the door lightly. No Sasuke. Why did he leave his friend? He lay down in front of the door with his head between his paws and waited for an idea of what to do to come along.
Team 7 entered the village right around noon. Naruto complained that the sun must be closer here because the air was humid and scorching hot. Sasuke had to admit it was very warn, but due to his lighter clothing it wasn't so bad. Kakashi finally convinced Naruto to unzip his jacket and the nagging finally ceased. The group was two men and a girl who felt insecure on the path. One was pregnant so the group moved slowly.
The village was abuzz with something, but the team didn't seem to notice. The group of people soon made it to their house and thanked the Ninja greatly. Sakura was amazed by the bustling street market that seemed to cover the entire main way. Everything from jewelry to food to pots was sold in this place. Kakashi collected the payment while the three ninja looked about. Sasuke caught the bit of a conversation between two men while he observed a stand full of unique kunai and Shurukin.
"I'm tellin ya, that dancer was somethin else. She was amazing," One said.
"Really? You gotta pay to see her?" The other asked.
"No, but I would to see her again. The music was perfect and she danced like she was fighting or something. And not to mention you don't ever see that kind here."
"Well, how old is she?"
"Not much older than twelve, I think. But her brother was like a freakin giant! Trust me, man, you've got to see her dance." They walked off. Sasuke caught himself staring. Could it be? No, why would Kali be here? And dancing? No. He shook his head and took a step. But... He turned and looked back.
A group huddled around a makeshift stage and a large, red curtain separated them from a lady's figure. A band sitting on the side struck up and played. Flutes drums and a shaker beat out a dancing tune. The curtain pulled back and she began to dance. The performance was only two minutes so when Sasuke got there the song had been going for a minute or so. He jumped onto a balcony to catch a glimpse. The girl swirled to the lively music and closed her eyes for most of the dance. She was so graceful and smooth. The music ceased dramatically and the curtain swung closed. Sasuke was impressed but his heart sank when he jumped from the top of the veranda. He remembered Kali having those wolf ears and tail that would have made her very recognizable. He returned to the group on ninja.
"Where did you go, Sasuke?" Sakura asked.
"For a walk," Sasuke answered. Kakashi didn't care and lead the ninja back home. Sasuke glanced back one more time toward the stage. The girl was standing in the crowd and smiling at the people who were complimenting on her dancing. She seemed to notice Sasuke's presence and looked at him. He froze when the gleaming golden eyes connected with his. A man walked between their gaze and when he passed the girl was gone.
"C'mon, Sasuke, let's go home," Kakashi called. Sasuke hesitated before following his sensei. The sun was going down when they reached the woods before the village. Sasuke's mind moved from the strange girl to Arrow, his loyal canine. How had he faired since Sasuke left? Hopefully, Kiba was taking good care of him.
Kiba let Akamaru follow Arrow's scent until they arrived at Sasuke's door. Arrow perked at the arrival of his playmate, and stood to his paws.
"There you are, Arrow," Kiba said in relief, "I thought you would have run off." Arrow looked nervous when he looked at Kiba and took a step back. His ears went back a ways. Kiba saw this. "What's wrong, boy?" Arrow recognized Kiba now as the guy who kept him from Sasuke. Akamaru barked a few times to Arrow, but the wolf wasn't budged. It took a few more steps back before turning to run. Akamaru barked after him, but he knew his short legs would do nothing against the long powerful legs of Arrow. He whimpered sadly as if apologizing to Kiba.
"It's okay, boy," Kiba said, "He misses his owner. There's nothing we can do." Kiba noticed the sun going down and hoped that mission was coming to a close.
Arrow sniffed the ground hard around the schoolyard until the faint scent of Sasuke was found. He walked to keep in track and went straight out of the village. His master had to be close.
Team seven was just outside the gate when they saw Arrow heading strait for them. The dog let out a happy bark and sped up. Sasuke stopped and Arrow tackled him head on and licked his owner's face. Naruto burst into laughter. Sasuke pushed Arrow off and sat up. The wolf leaned happily on him and thumped his tail.
"Are you ok, Sasuke?" Sakura asked worriedly. Sasuke patted Arrow on the head. For some reason he wasn't mad at all.
"I'm fine," He said, "Arrow, where is Kiba?" Arrow perked and led the way back to the village.
Kiba explained what had happened, and Sasuke was glad nothing serious had gone wrong. The next day Kakashi, Sakura and Naruto presented a gift to Arrow when Sasuke and the wolf got to the academy. Sasuke placed it in front of Arrow. The wolf sniffed it before looking at Sasuke expectantly.
"Tear into it, boy," Sasuke said. Arrow instantly had the box in shreds and stuffed his head inside. What he pulled out was unexpected- a headband! Sasuke took it and looked it over.
"I thought since you two are inseparable," Kakashi said, "I signed Arrow up for a Nin-ken Dog training course." Sasuke looked at Kakashi. "Of course, he would have to be well trained and pass before he could wear that." Arrow barked happily and took the headband from Sasuke to run around with.
"So how does it work?" Sasuke asked.
"You and Arrow would be tested on your ability to understand each other, and have to pass a rigorous exam. I think you two will do fine."
"When you two qualify, Arrow will be able to come on missions with us," Sakura added. Sasuke thought for a second.
"Alright, when do we start?" Sasuke asked.
"Today, as a matter of fact," Kakashi said with a hidden smile. "Let's get started." That day, Sasuke and Arrow passed all drills and worked like a well oiled machine. The first few tests were obedience- directing your dog to designated spots without alerting your opponent- and the others were mock missions. Some forced the owner and dog to separate and work with the knowledge of their teammate. By the end of the day Sasuke and Arrow were run down, and admired by others who had since failed. The teacher was so impressed by the teams perfect score, they were advance straight to the exam; it was much harder than the other drills. They had to defeat the teacher and his nin-ken dog.
Arrow stared angrily at his opponent's dog. It was large and black with brown paws. Arrow snarled as Sasuke stood ready. They focused and charged, side by side.