I do not own Naruto
Thank you for your reviews shae, jayanx, Logophobia, Fairy of Anime, devoid69, kaotic312, Angels Falls8, twiggy-shino, Goatis, and YourAngelStandingBy. Not to mention all those who put me on alert and faves. Domo arigato! Muchas Gracias! Merci!
And um, sorry kaotic312, it's not THAT kind of fic.
A little late, but a lot longer. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter Six
It was a couple of hours before dawn when Kankuro respectfully knocked on the doors,"Time to wake up. I'll be back in twenty minutes then we all can leave."
Fifteen minutes later, the kunoichi had just finished getting dressed when they heard another soft knock at the door. Sakura opened it up to see Shino holding a tray of four small bowls with cut up mango.
"Breakfast," offered the young man.
Both women smiled at the sweet gesture and Sakura let him inside. She was about to close the door when they heard someone clear his throat.
"Coffee?"
Kurenai looked beyond the door to see Shibi bringing in another tray with four cups and a piping hot coffee kettle.
The women blinked as the men sat the trays on the small table and pulled out two chairs for their teammates to sit in. It was another peace offering to re-establish their camaraderie and it wasn't lost on the kunoichi.
Kurenai and Sakura shared a guilty glance for last night's behavior then sat down with the shinobi scooting the chairs underneath them.
For another five minutes, the four of them sat quietly and enjoyed a quick breakfast. Both Aburames were satisfied to see soft blushes glowing on their respective woman.
Shino looked over at his father and Shibi gave the young man a reminding nod. Last night they spent over an hour discussing how Shino would handle the interfering Puppet Master and now the younger Aburame had been armed with romantic subtleties that'll send Kankuro packing.
As the Leaf nin gathered up their belongings, the Sand Jounin and Jiraiya walked down the hall.
"Good morning, Aburame-sama," Kankuro gave Shibi a respectful nod, "Jiraiya-sama has requested to join our journey to the Bird-Sand borders. I hope there are no objections."
Noting the lack of stink in the air, Shibi just shrugged, "I have no problem with it, but you should really be asking Sarutobi-san."
Kurenai gave the Pervy Sage a sidelong glance, "No funny business, Jiraiya-sama?"
The Senin just laughed, "No, my dear. I got the message yesterday. There are some things I'm curious about the Rain country at the moment. I thought I'd just tag along is all."
The kunoichi sighed in relief, "Then I'm just fine with it as well."
Kankuro waved a hand towards the other end of the hall, "Alright. Shall we head out?"
The six shinobi walked through the tower and down the stairwell.
Kankuro waved to the canteen as they passed by it, "Before we leave, would you like some breakfast, Sakura-chan?"
Sakura shook her head, "No thank you. I usually eat light in the morning and I already ate."
Shino smiled under his hood as the group continued on to the front.
The Leaf nin and Sand Jounin were met with a couple of other Suna nin, including the Genin from last night. The gold digger gave Shino a last flutter of eyelashes that made the Leaf kunoichi rolling their eyes.
Kurenai narrowed her crimson eyes and decided the little hussy needed a real lesson in seduction. She walked up as the girl flirted with Shino and gave her a sultry smile.
Taking a page out of Mitarashi Anko's book, Kurenai stepped into the girl's personal space and lightly whispered into her ear, "Dinner last night was quite tasty, my dear. Perhaps when I pass back through here, I can return the favor." Then she gave the wide-eyed kunoichi a heated gaze and a soft grope from behind.
Sakura could barely hold back a snicker while the amused men nearby watched the brunette play mind games with the Sand Genin.
"I'm not that kind of girl," The Genin gasped as she grabbed her own ass. Turning bright red while backing away, the freaked out kunoichi ran off for the tower.
"I think she'll be leaving you alone from now on Shino-kun," chuckled Kurenai as she walked past the Aburames.
With Kankuro leading the way in the barely lit morning, the six shinobi traveled over the sand dunes and through the arid desert.
To help pass the time, Kankuro easily conversed with Sakura and threw the occasional compliment her way. Walking from behind, Shino kept a careful watch on the object of his affection as he waited for her to give off all the right signals.
"Oh Kankuro-san," giggled the young medic as he gave her another wink, "You're too much."
Inner Sakura sighed dreamily, 'It's just about right for me. As I figure it, it's about time we had a little more romance in our life.'
As if hearing Inner Sakura's wish, Shino came up to the girl's side and gave her hand a soft brush with his.
She quickly turned away from Kankuro to see Shino walk past her. Sakura's green eyes followed him and Kankuro had to wave a hand to get her attention back.
"Gomen, Kankuro-san. You were saying?"
The Puppet Master grinned, "You really should think about joining the Leaf-Sand exchange. Just to see if you'd like life in Suna. My sister told me that Shikamaru is seriously considering it and would like some familiar company."
"Wow, Shikamaru's thinking about the exchange! I had no idea." Sakura frowned that the lazy shinobi never said one word of it to her when she last saw him. She decided she would have a little talk with the Shadow Wielder when next they crossed paths.
She looked up and noticed something was different about the view. Her eyes grew wide when she realized that Shino's hood was down and large collar had been folded down. Mouth dropped open, she stretched herself to get a glimpse of the young man's face.
"Sakura-chan, are you okay?"
The young medic blinked and looked over at Kankuro as if noticing him there for the first time, "Oh, oh yes. I'm just fine, Kankuro-san."
Shino smirked as he felt Sakura's eyes turn back on him while dark clouds gathered above Kankuro's head.
As the sun rose over the mountain tops as the group noticed on their right the peaceful borders of River that eventually turned into the dangerous Rain Country.
Even the weather seemed to mark the strange and mysterious country of Rain. The sky had turned cloudy and obscured the sunlight that was so plentiful only a couple hours before. Soon the desert became less sand and more rocky with sparse vegetation eking out a meager existence.
As they came closer to the junction where Bird, Rain, and Wind came together, Sakura noticed the tiniest flicker of a rain puddle stretching out from under a bush.
"Kurenai-sensei," she whispered, "I think..."
The kunoichi quickly lifted a finger for silence, nodded, and motioned for the medic to fall behind. She knew already as did Jiraiya and the other Jounin. Sakura looked over at Shibi who had sent a message beetle over to Shino and was now nodding to his father.
Kankuro was joined in the lead by Shibi and Kurenai while Shino slowed his steps to stand beside Sakura.
Then there was a slight shimmer in the air caught by all six shinobi, but it wasn't so much of seeing it, as feeling the genjutsu put into place.
"Tch, that was sloppy," grumbled Kankuro.
Sakura had to agree. The last time she came across Rain genjutsu, one was expertly layered over another. It lead hot-headed Naruto and their ward, Morino Idate, right into a trap.
There was a silent exchange between the Aburames and they dispersed a few scouting Kikai.
"Don't dispel the jutsu yet. Just stay nearby me," whispered Shino to Sakura as Shibi did the same with Kurenai.
The Aburames led the rest through the illusion, much to the chagrin of the Rain nin following them across the borders. If they were going to capture the Leaf shinobi, the Ame nin would have to risk their own strict laws and hope they don't get caught.
"I take it this has happened before," murmured Jiraiya as he took the rear.
Shino nodded, "The last time we came through here, but they stayed on their side of the border. This time we might not be so lucky."
He was right. Sakura could still feel the enemy shadowing them and all the Jounin looked back to the Chuunin, indicating to be ready for an attack. Then Shibi stopped in his tracks and the others followed suit.
"We know you're here. So either go back to your country or get on with it."
Two grinning Rain Jounin appeared out of thin air, while three Rain Chuunin wearing air masks rose out of their puddles.
"Heh, I told you it wouldn't work," snickered one of the Jounin.
The other scowled as he reached around to his back, "Shut it! Just make yourself useful for once."
The first Jounin shrugged and ran through her hand signs as the second Jounin threw his umbrella in the air. The flying weapon spun, as it threw out hundreds of poison senbons.
The six shinobi tensed with their kunai drawn to deflect the senbons, but then the needles disappeared in a genjutsu haze.
Kurenai sneered and quickly dispelled the jutsu. A split second later, the senbons appeared and the allied nin were able to fend off the tiny weapons.
Frowning, the second Jounin waved for the others to close in.
The Rain Chuunin nodded, "Hai Sensei!" They ran at Sakura and Shino immediately as the two Rain Jounin attacked the three allied Jounin.
Gloved hands at the ready, Sakura dipped low, while the young Bug Master stepped in front of her and lifted his arms to release his Kikaichu.
Two of the Chuunin were engulfed in a cloud of beetles while the third jumped back and sent out several shuriken.
Sakura and Shino split as they jumped in the air. They landed next to Jiraiya, who was watching them with a calm manner.
"Any suggestions, Jiraiya-sama," asked Shino as his Kikaichu returned to his body.
The Senin shrugged, "You two seemed to be doing fine to me. These guys are push overs. Besides, I always say the best lessons are through experience."
He gave the two Leaf Chuunin a great big grin as he stepped back to watch the show, "Let's see what ya' kids got!"
Sakura sighed as she sized up the Rain Chuunin slowly closing in, "He's just being lazy again, huh."
"It's Jiraiya-sama. Did you expect anything else?" Shino ran through his hand signs.
Further off, Shibi and Kurenai were huddled inside Sanshouo's protective body along with Kankuro as they waited for the new shower of senbons to finish.
The Puppet Master sent out pieces of Karasu to encircle the two Rain nin then attack from underneath the sand.
Hearing the shouts of the surprised enemy, a few of Shibi's Kikaichu emerged from inside Sanshouo and snuck up from behind to leech the Rain nin's chakra.
Shibi turned to Kurenai, "It's clear."
Kankuro raised Sanshouo's shield and the three Jounin leaped out to see the tired enemy huffing as Karasu reattach itself together.
The Puppet Master sneered and wiggled his fingers, sending Karasu and Kuroari after the lead Jounin.
Kurenai brandished her double kunai and glanced at the Aburame, "Cover me."
He nodded he split his Kikai towards the lead Rain nin while the some floated beside the kunoichi.
The Leaf kunoichi feinted left before vanishing to attack the Rain kunoichi from behind. The Rain nin lifted her hand to block Kurenai's kunai, but found her arm crawling with beetles.
Gasping in surprise, the woman backed up, leaving herself open for Kurenai's sidekick to the head.
The world spun as the Rain nin was knocked to the ground. Quickly shaking her head, the enemy kunoichi's hands blurred as she activated a rain making jutsu.
The clouds gathered over their heads and showers poured out on the allied nin.
Shino was fine under his hooded coat, but Sakura was getting drenched as they dodged and blocked the Rain Chuunin's attacks. Every time the enemy came close to the young Bug Master another Kikai would attach itself to an arm or leg.
Soon there was a noticeable difference in the speed of the Rain Chuunin and they were obviously tired without really knowing why.
Conserving her chakra since the beginning, Sakura looked over to where Shino was hiding and got the signal that she can take the enemy down.
"Now Sakura-san," said the bug clone as it dispersed into a cloud of Kikaichu.
With droplets running down her face, the girl smirked as she raised her fist and brought it crashing down on the muddy ground. The top layer of soil rolled in a circular wave as it absorbed most of the force, but the rock underneath still angled up and out of the dirt.
The Rain Chuunin tried to jump away to safety, but found their chakra almost gone, leaving them practically helpless. They stumbled and tipped over before falling to the slippery ground. One of them disappeared in a splash of water and the real shinobi was shaken out of his rain puddle. Shino's Kikaichu then swarmed over all three enemy nin, knocking them unconscious from lack of chakra.
Right after emptying the clouds, the Rain Jounin ran through another set of hand signs and the ground underneath Kurenai's feet sunk in a mud genjutsu trap.
Kurenai narrowed her eyes and bit down on her lip to easily disrupt her network. Looking up, she crossed her kunai together and blocked the Rain nin's fist before it landed. Both kunoichi jumped back for more space and time to rethink their strategies.
As Kurenai observed the other woman, Shibi's Kikaichu surrounded her and hovered protectively.
"Go on, Sarutobi-san," The Aburame turned from Kankuro and the other Rain nin as he focused his attention on his teammate.
Taking a deep breath, Kurenai ran head on to slice and punch at the other kunoichi. Shibi's beetles created a living wall, blocking any attacks by the enemy while Kurenai's assaults were let through.
A forceful elbow jab to the face sent the Rain kunoichi reeling backwards and her head landed on a rock. She didn't get back up.
The lead Jounin wasn't faring any better with Kankuro and the Kikai. He swung his arms to get away from the bugs, but fell right into a gaping Kuroari, which swallowed him whole. The Puppet Master was about to send Karasu's blades inside, when Jiraiya's hand clasped Kankuro's shoulder.
"If you don't mind," The Toad Sage grinned merrily at the Sand Jounin, "I would like to have a little talk with your troublesome neighbors."
Kankuro nodded and pulled Karasu back together.
With an evil grin growing on his face, Jiraiya pulled out a feather, "I'm no Ibiki, but I've been dying to try out this interrogation technique."
Some meters away, the Leaf Chuunin took a moment to collected themselves after battle.
Shino walked out from behind a boulder and as he grew near to his pink-haired teammate, he removed his coat from his shoulders to hers, "Here you go, Sakura-san." His breath tickled the edge of her ear and she couldn't help, but blush.
Then he reached up to her head and picked a stray leaf out of her short locks. As his fingers pulled down Sakura's strands, they reached through to lightly graze her neck and lingered a bit on her shoulder.
There was a loud clearing of a throat and both Chuunin saw Kankuro walking up to them. He gave Shino a scowl before turning to Sakura.
"Jiraiya-sama and I will be taking the Rain nin back to Suna for questioning. The borders of Bird Country should be coming up soon and traveling should be just fine."
She nodded in understanding, "Thank you for escorting us this far, Kankuro-san. Be sure to say hello to Temari-san for me."
Kankuro smiled as he lifted Sakura's hand up and gave it a gentle kiss. He glanced up to see Sakura turn deep red and Shino frown.
The Puppet Master straightened up and gazed into her green eyes, "Don't forget about that exchange, Sakura-chan." He walked away with a growing smirk.
'Top that Bug Boy!'
Inner Sakura giggled like a silly fan girl as she waved farewell, 'We got to kick ass then get our hand kissed by Hottie Number Two. Can this day get any better?'
Pinching her nose shut, Kurenai watched Jiraiya throw the four unconscious shinobi into a humongous toad's mouth. She shook her head in pity. By the time they got to Suna, those Rain nin will be begging to give away information just for a hot shower.
The Toad Sage and Kankuro gave the two Leaf Jounin a last bow before disappearing in Jiraiya's transportation jutsu.
"We better get going," said Shibi as he took the lead, "The sooner we get to the capital the sooner we can check into a hotel."
As they continued their journey, Shino slowed down his steps and to his satisfaction, Sakura unknowingly mimicked the pace. Soon Kurenai and Shibi were several meters ahead of the Chuunin, giving Shino some much needed space.
He stopped in the middle of the path and turned to the girl, "Sakura-san."
She halted and looked up at him with curious eyes, "Hai?"
Shibi paused when his Kikaichu brought to his attention a sudden spike of pheromones in the air. He looked over his shoulder and chuckled, before tapping Kurenai on her shoulder.
Kurenai glanced behind her to see Sakura wrapped in Shino's arms, being thoroughly kissed by the boy.
Eager to show what he had learned, Shino's tongue entered her willing lips and gently massaged the girl's own tongue.
Inner Sakura lifted a finger and officially announced, 'Ladies and gentlemen! We have a winner!' Then promptly fell over in a happy daze with hearts in her eyes.
Needing air, Shino pulled away an equally gasping Sakura, who had a dazed expression on her face.
With half-lidded eyes, she gave him a lopsided smile, "Oh Shino-kun!"
"Come on you two," said Shibi, "We still have a ways to go."
The Chuunin blushed as they let go of each other, but Shino had to catch Sakura when she nearly dropped to her knees.
"Oops," she giggled as she attempted to walk away with wobbly legs. The poor girl tried to get her act together, but with Inner Sakura out of commission, Real Sakura kept bumping into nearby boulders before tripping on a bush.
Both Jounin watched with amusement as the pink-haired Chuunin stood back up to run into a tree.
Hearing Sakura's strange comments of, "Excuse me. Pardon me. So sorry," to inanimate objects, Kurenai sighed as she walked back to grab the girl's shoulder and steered her to safety.
"Careful with those lips, Shino-kun," Kurenai chuckled as she handed the medic over to his care, "You might kill the girl."
Shino smiled as he took Sakura by the hand and led her down the road.
As Kurenai kept one eye on the Chuunin, she mumbled to Shibi, "You Aburame should register those lips of yours in the Bingo Book! Your kisses have quite an affect on girls."
Shibi chuckled and turned to the brunette, "That's quite a compliment and I haven't even shown you what else my mouth can do."
Kurenai's eyes popped out and her head spun to look at Shibi. Unfortunately, she didn't see that tree coming.
THUD!
The Aburame smirked under his high collar as he continued walking and heard a muffled, "Damn you, Shibi!"
-----
The team soon reached to the Bird country and crossed over the hills to see the beautiful city capital by Wataridori Lake.
So as not to alert any spies for the Kamizuru Clan, the Leaf nin removed their hitai-ate and put them away in their packs. Kurenai followed Sakura's example and wore Shibi's cloak to hide their obviously kunoichi uniforms.
They made their way down the huge square and walked up to the gates of the Daimyou compound. The guards frowned to the visitors then stepped back when Shibi handed them a scroll with the Hokage's seal.
The guards nodded and waved the group inside the spacious courtyard.
The exquisite gardens surrounded the shinobi as Shibi led them through the courtyard and up to the receiving room.
At the door stood a cheerful bespectacled young man, who bowed respectfully, "Welcome back, Aburame-sama. We are glad you were able to get our message so soon. Arrangements for your accommodations have been made ahead of time. For the sake of Bird's neutral status among the shinobi nations, Toki-sama must not be seen in your company, but she does wish you good luck with your mission and a happy stay here in our fair city."
Shibi nodded in understanding, "You already have given more than enough help, Chashima-san. Thank you."
"Before I forget," Chashima patted his robe until he pulled out one hotel key, "We have reserved the suite in the hotel right across the Kamizuru Clan's. It is under the name of Watanabe."
Shibi hesitantly reached out to take the key and dangled it out in front of him as if it was going to bite him. The other three shinobi paled as they also realized what that meant.
"Is there something the matter, Aburame-sama?"
"N-No, Chashima-san," he reassured the young man, "This is just a surprise."
Chashima smiled, "If you need another key, you can pick up a copy at the front desk. Of course, we were not expecting you to bring more shinobi, but I'm sure there'll be enough room to squeeze in two more."
"Yes, of course," said Shibi. He and the others gave the Daimyou's spokesman a bow before heading back out the gates.
There was embarrassed silence among the Leaf nin as they walked down the streets to find one of the more affluent hotels rising above them. The doorman held the entrance open, waiting for the nervous shinobi to step inside.
"So...", whispered Shibi as he stared at the luxurious lobby, hoping that his Kikai would tell him it was just a genjutsu.
"So...", repeated Kurenai. She looked up the floors and noticed the intricate balconies for the suites, so as to take advantage of the romantic views of the mountains.
The Chuunin cleared their throats and raised questioning eyebrows.
The embarrassed Jounin jumped then forced their feet to move forward. After stopping by the front desk, the Leaf nin were pointed to the lift then given directions by the bellhop to their suite.
Shibi pushed open the huge door and three sets of eyes peeked over his shoulder.
There was a sitting area furnished with lush furniture, mini-bar, and a modest kitchenette. The windows had lovely views of the forest mountains along with the shorter hotel housing the three Kamizuru Clan members.
All four shinobi walked inside and noticed there was only one door to another room. Kurenai opened it up to reveal a fabulous canopy bed and an adjoining bathroom that interestingly enough had an open view in the wall of a jacuzzi tub for two.
"Right...", said a bright red Shino, who glanced over at the pink-haired teammate from under his shades.
"Right...," echoed a blushing Sakura as she caught Shino nervously adjusting his sunglasses.
Then Shibi pointed out their salvation. In the sitting area, there was a couple couches with a small sign showing how to pull one out to become a bed.
Both Kurenai and Sakura let out sighs of relief before grabbing their bags and rushing into the bedroom.
"DIBS," the kunoichi shouted before locking the door tight.
An hour later, the bedroom door opened up to let out the women who were fully refreshed from showers and wearing clean clothes.
Shino quickly grabbed his clothes and a towel before running for the bathroom. He accidentally bumped into an exiting Sakura, who actually kind of liked his sweaty scent. Shino had to double back to grab his errant Kikai as it tried to follow the pink kunoichi.
The older Aburame chuckled as he watched his son grumble about forgetting something, then snatch the Kikai before running back into the bathroom.
Kurenai walked out to the balcony to look down at the streets teaming with citizens and tourists. She noticed the crowd splitting apart to make way for three people in particular.
A woman with slicked-back chin length chestnut hair sporting a familiar haughty frown was flanked by two men, one blond with glasses and the other dark-haired, wearing a beard.
Looking at what caught the older woman's attention, Sakura winced as she recognized the Kamizuru from their files, "Ugh! He's still wearing a mullet? Achy Breaky anyone?"
Kurenai chuckled as Shibi walked out to join them.
"Jibachi fancies himself a ladies man," said the Aburame, "But insult the mullet and he'll go nuts. Kurubachi is a little less hotheaded and there's Suzumibachi. Likes to think herself Queen Bee," then he snarled out, "But she's more like Queen Bitch!"
Oblivious to the Leaf nin's scrutiny, Suzumibachi rolled her eyes as Jibachi nearly ran into a lamp post when he caught sight of a pretty girl. She looked over at her cousin, Kurubachi, and jerked her head towards the blond shinobi.
The bearded man walked over and beaned Jibachi, who was then dragged into their hotel as Suzumibachi led the way.
"I don't know how, but some how she found out that Shino and I were here. They quickly closed shop on their excursions and covered their tracks. We couldn't find any incriminating evidence. Then out of nowhere, huge swarms led by a gigantic bee chases us all the way out of Bird."
Kurenai backed away from the railing turned to Shibi, "So they know you were checking up on them and are now expecting something from Konoha."
The Aburame nodded.
"Well, they haven't seen us before," said Sakura, "So we can still move around freely around them. Should we do a little reconnaissance, Kurenai-sensei?"
The older woman picked up her shinobi pouch, "Good idea, Sakura. We'll pick up some dinner at the same time. We should be back in an hour or two."
After thirty minutes went by, Shino emerged from the bathroom to see only his father patiently waiting his turn, "Where did Kurenai-sensei and Sakura-chan go?"
Shibi raised an amused eyebrow, "Sakura-chan? They crossed the street to spy on the Kamizuru. They should be back soon."
Before Shibi could leave for his shower, the young man spoke up, "Dad, I've noticed that my Kikai was relatively easy to catch earlier and that lately, I haven't been having as much trouble with it."
"You've been spending more time with Sakura," reminded his father, "And your Kikai is definitely happy about that kiss. The closer you get to Sakura, the more your Kikai will behave."
Shino pointed towards his father, "So you haven't been having problems since you kissed Kurenai-sensei?"
"No, I haven't," confirmed Shibi, "But that usually doesn't last for very long. You see that Kikai is a part of you that's difficult to control. It represents your repressed desires... to express what you really want, but not have the guts to do."
Shino sighed as he sat down on the couch, "So the more we give in to their desires, the less the Kikaichu act out of the ordinary. No wonder you wanted Kurenai-sensei to back out of the mission. Dating is hard enough without having to complete a mission."
"You've dated?" Shibi chuckled as he dodged a pillow and walked into the bedroom.
An hour passed and the kunoichi came back with their arms full of take out and their heads still full of questions.
"Aside from what you told us Aburame-sama," sighed Kurenai as she dug into the sweet and sour pork, "We haven't found much. It's not so much that people fear the Kamizuru Clan as that they don't notice them."
Sakura nodded as she lifted up some broccoli beef with her chopsticks, "Yeah, the vendors that I talked to didn't really care about those three until they started asking everyone and their brother if they wanted to make quick money just by digging up some graves."
Fully clean and dressed, Shibi clicked his tongue and sipped his tea, "I can see how that would get attention."
Kurenai stretched out on the other couch and waved a hand towards the window, "We tried to follow Jibachi and Kurubachi, but all they did was head to the nearest hostess club."
"And we had enough of that, thank you very much," sneered Sakura.
They were still in the middle of dinner when Sakura turned to the older kunoichi, "Hey when we walked back, I noticed our hotel was hosting an exotic birds exhibition in their gardens. Wanna go check it out?"
Kurenai thought about it, but shook her head, "No thanks, I'm too tired for any sightseeing, but I'm sure Shino-kun wouldn't mind taking you."
The brunette smirked as the boy perked right up, "I wouldn't mind at all, Sakura-chan!"
"Alright then," Sakura grabbed his arm and they both practically ran out the door.
"You spoil him, Sarutobi-san. You know that, right," said Shibi as the heavy hotel door automatically closed.
Kurenai shrugged as she picked at the moo shoo, "Someone has to balance out all the crap you put him through."
The Aburame chuckled, "That's true, but you realize they left us to do all the cleaning up."
"Well, shit."
As they quietly sat finishing their dinner, Kurenai became lost in thought as she tried to piece together how the Kamizuru Clan figured out that the Aburames were in Bird. Sighing to herself, Kurenai didn't realize that she unwittingly fell into one of her bad habits. Her hand pulled up the left over plum sauce from the table and dipped a finger in it.
She wrapped her mouth around her finger and sucked the sweet sauce off without noticing Shibi's eyes stuck like glue to her movements.
"You know, what I don't understand," she dipped another digit, "Is that if no one cared about what the Kamizuru Clan was doing before they drove you and Shino out..."
She popped the finger in her mouth again and slowly slid it out before quickly flicking her tongue out at a knuckle, "And since you two are virtually undetectable..."
Shibi started to feel dizzy as Kurenai stirred the sauce with the first finger, "How did they find out you guys were here?"
Trying to block out the woman, Shibi closed his eyes and grit his teeth as he heard Kurenai taking an especially lingering suck off her index finger. He bit down on his fist and was praying for strength when he heard Kurenai stutter out.
"A-Aburame-sama?"
He looked up and found Kurenai's crimson eyes staring at a single Kikai hovering over her nose. Shibi's head snapped over to his gourd which was sitting next to the couch, shut tight with a cork.
"But how?" He thought back to the fight with the Rain nin and kicked himself for not making sure the little rebel was secured in the gourd.
Then the kunoichi's voice interrupted his cursing at himself, "Aburame-sama, why is the Kikai just flying there and what does it want?"
'It's not what IT wants,' thought Shibi and he sighed, "It's there because of what you were doing, Sarutobi-san."
"What," said Kurenai as she swung her head to the right to keep the Kikai in her sights, "It wants the plum sauce?"
Shibi couldn't believe she was that clueless and he groaned into his hands, "Yes, yes that's it exactly. It wants the plum sauce."
She lifted the take out container for the beetle to land on, but it thoroughly ignored the sweet treat and flew straight for her cleavage.
"What the hell," Kurenai dropped everything to stand up and dug under her top for the exploring Kikai.
Rushing up to the freaking kunoichi, Shibi quickly moved his hands to activate his Mushi Yose no Jutsu and reached out to lure the little rebel back into his body, but the little bugger refused the bait.
With eyes wide, Kurenai giggled and wiggled helplessly as the beetle made it's way down her stomach, "It's headed south, if you know what I mean!"
Shibi frowned and with renewed determination, he grasped the hem of Kurenai's red and white dress then lifted it up and over her head, effectively leaving the kunoichi in her shorts with mesh undershirt. He searched her waist until he found the beetle trying to hide in the small of her back.
"Gotcha," he scooped up the Kikai and ran for his gourd. Shibi tugged out the cork and flicked the bug inside.
He turned back around to see a shocked Kurenai standing in her shorts and blushing right through her mesh tank. Shibi could easily see her lush bosom held by a red silk bra underneath and he found himself fending off a nose bleed.
They both jumped when they heard Shibi's gourd ping all the louder, even rock to one side.
"Okay, Aburame-sama," growled Kurenai as she cautiously backed away from him, "Now would be a good time to explain what the fuck just happened!"
--------
Down in the lobby, Shino and Sakura walked down the roped off path, observing the cleverly designed stages that displayed each exotic specimen. The girl cooed at the darling parakeets and giggled as she fed a large black parrot that eagerly snatched the cracker.
There had been a couple times when a parrot gave Shino a hungry eye, but a chorused hiss from all the Kikai sent the birds fluttering back to their perches.
The Chuunin eventually finished exploring the exhibit, but continued to traverse the extensive hotel gardens. They walked out from the tents and looked up to see the stars glittering above.
As they slowly walked down the pebble path, Sakura turned to her teammate, "Do you think they're done cleaning up?"
"No, not yet," said Shino, who was in no hurry to return, "Besides, I'm enjoying our time alone together, Sakura-chan. Why don't we stay down here a little longer."
The girl blushed as Shino took her by the hand and led her towards a bench that had a beautiful view of the night sky. Leaning her head against his shoulder, their hands intertwined further as they looked up at the stars.
Shino removed his glasses with his free hand and pocketed them away then reached down to lift Sakura's chin up to face him.
Her big green eyes flittered about as she took in his handsome face and dark eyes then they closed as Shino leaned down to gently kiss her lips.
Inner Sakura sighed happily as she fluttered her eyelashes, 'Kissed twice in one day! This has got to be the most romantic night of our life and there's no one here to get in the way!'
Inside the hotel lobby, Jibachi and Kurubachi walked up to where a cleaning maid nervously skulked in a corner. Kurubachi turned around to block the view of anyone walking by, while Jibachi went to talk with the girl.
"So," asked the blond man, "Did anyone come in fitting the description?"
The girl nodded and whispered, "They weren't wearing loose coats, but a father and son wearing dark glasses came in under the name of Watanabe for suite number forty two."
"Are you sure," prodded Jibachi.
She nodded again, "Yes, both had dark hair with the son's hair being very bushy. And neither one was very talkative. In fact, I think I saw him go into the exhibit not to long ago. He might be in the gardens now."
The blond man smirked, "Well, well. I guess you're worth it after all." He handed the maid some yen, but held on when she tried to pull it from him.
"You know, I have a little extra money left over. Wanna go upstairs and check out the penthouse suite?"
Kurubachi heard a resounding slap from behind and watched the furious maid stomp around him then out the door.
The man sighed as his cousin walked up, rubbing the red mark on his face, "Keep that up and our informants will start feeding us the wrong info."
"Whatever," grumbled Jibachi, "We can check and see if she's on the up 'n up. She says she saw the boy in the exhibit and probably hanging out in the gardens."
"Let's go then."
Back upstairs, Kurenai waited for an explanation, "Well, Aburame-sama?"
Scratching the back of his head, Shibi floundered for a way to tell the angry kunoichi the truth, "Um mm, the Kikai was interested in how you were enjoying the plum sauce."
"What does plum sauce have to do with this," Kurenai narrowed her eyes as she thought back to the first time she was assaulted by the little hellion, "Hang on, I wasn't eating anything last time this happened. In fact, I wasn't doing much of anything at all."
"Yes, that's true," he said then tried to clarify, "A better way to say this is that it was reacting to how I was feeling at the time."
"Feeling? What do you mean fee-", Then she remembered her bad habit and how it had a tendency to drive even her late husband crazy.
She smacked her forehead, "Why didn't you tell me I was sucking my fingers?"
Blushing, Shibi crossed his arms and nervously tugged on an earlobe, "Then you would have stopped."
Kurenai shook her head in disbelief, "Don't tell me that Kikai goes nuts every time you feel horny?"
To the woman's shock, the Aburame gave her a small shrug.
"Holy shit, man," she held up a hand to keep him at arms length and tensed to run for the bedroom, "I was only kidding! What the hell will happen if we actually get it on? That's it. I don't care how expensive this place is. I'm reserving another room."
"Wait! You don't understand," Shibi lifted his hands to placate her, "R emember the night we kissed. After that, you weren't bothered by the Kikai."
Kurenai nodded then she started to get the gist of it, "Really? Just because of that, it stopped? So if we kissed again," she pointed back and forth between them, "It'll leave me alone."
Shibi took a moment to think where her logic was leading and nodded, "Yeah, sure let's go with that."
The brunette took a step closer towards him, "How do I know this isn't a load of bull?" She jumped when there came another loud ping from the gourd followed by more rocking.
Sighing, she walked over to Shibi, "Well, it certainly couldn't hurt."
The eager Aburame closed his eyes under his shades and held his breath. As his heart rate increased, he felt her soft body lean into him and her scent grow stronger in the air. The rate of the pings decreased as her mouth reached closer to his and then came the distinct smack of lips hitting skin.
"A peck," his eyes snapped open and he tore off his sunglasses, "You gave me a peck on the cheek?"
The gourd rocked all the harder with the other Kikaichu mirroring his sexual frustration.
Kurenai gasped and pointed across the room, "That's not just one beetle moving that thing!"
"That's right," Shibi nodded as he narrowed his dark eyes, "You think that a little peck on the cheek can calm down a horny bug!"
Confused, she backed away while shrugging her shoulders, "What am I supposed to think? A kiss is a kiss, right?"
Shibi sneered as he grabbed Kurenai by one hand and jerked her into his arms, "No, it's not."
Cupping both hands around her face, he pulled Kurenai in for a open mouth kiss that that sent her legs wobbling and stomach twisting into knots.
'Oh my god, that tongue is pure genius,' she whimpered excitedly, 'We better not be interrupted this time, because I don't know if I can stop myself from going on a killer frenzy.'
The forgotten gourd had stopped rocking and settled in a quiet recline.
Shibi finally let up for air and looked down at Kurenai's glazed eyes, "THAT... is a kiss!"
The brunette stammered as she held on to Shibi's arms for balance, "I-I beg to differ."
"What?"
She looked back up at him with a twinkle in her eye and curled a finger, "Yeah, you're gonna have to convince me again."
-------
Down several flights of stairs, the Kamizuru men were wandering the gardens when they came across a young couple in the midst of springtime love.
Jibachi pulled Kurubachi into the bushes and pulled out a set of binoculars, "That might be him!"
"Are you sure," His cousin looked out from the foliage and narrowed his eyes, "Because it looks like he's with a girl."
The blond man focused the scope, "He's definitely with a girl. Wow, they're mackin' like there's no tomorrow. Oooh, she's a real cutie too with pink hair!"
"Does he have black bushy hair?"
"It's really dark around there," Jibachi wiped his glasses then the binoculars, "I can't really tell without my night scope
Kurubachi pinched the bridge of his nose, "At the very least is he wearing sunglasses?"
"Uh no."
Kurubachi smacked Jibachi's head from behind, "Then it can't be him! Besides, no cute girl would make out with an Aburame boy!"
The blond man whined as he rubbed his sore head, "Hang on, maybe that's not him, but we can still check the room. The maid said they reserved suite number forty two."
"Alright," grumbled the other man, "The intel better be right or I'm going to be taking over your duties and you can kiss your share of the forbidden scroll good bye."
The Kamizuru walked out of the gardens and used their chakra to jump up the outer walls of the hotel. They soon hit the fourth floor and walked around the ledges. The men carefully slipped around the windows, quickly glancing into rooms.
There was one window that was fully lit and they looked in from either side. They found an amorous couple removing their clothes at a hectic pace.
The beautiful brunette was frantically pulling a dark-haired man's shirt off. With his back facing the Kamizuru's, the man did the same with her tank top, before they attacked one another with more passionate kisses. The Kamizuru ducked when the woman's bra along with shorts went flying and hit the window they were peeking through.
"Yeah, heh heh heh," cackled Jibachi as he peered back through the glass, "Free show!" He grinned as the kissing couple made their way to the bedroom.
Unfortunately, Kurubachi's frown was getting worse by the second, "Jibachi, you have got to be the biggest baka in Iwakagure!"
"What? The guy looks a lot like the Aburame Clan Leader!"
Kurubachi grabbed his cousin's shirt and pulled him close to growl in his face, "That can't possibly be the Aburame! No woman in her right mind would screw a walking bug nest like him without getting paid!"
Jibachi whimpered as Kurubachi dragged him down the wall, "And how would you know?"
"Because the Aburame's kyabakura in this city is on MY informant payroll!"