Everyone stood in front of the academy and waited for the kids to come out.

"What's taking them so long!" Shikaru asked with her arms crossed. Chouza was sitting in front of the tree that had a swing in it. He had begun eating a bag of chocolate chip cookies when Shikaru stood beside him and expressed her thoughts openly.

"It's almost time for school to be let out. They'll be out in a little while." He then went back to eating his cookies.

"A little while was 15 minutes ago!" Kouga growled from up in the tree. He was tired of standing on the ground so he and Michi climbed into the tree and knelt down on a branch.

On a opposite branch, Tai was lying on his stomach, straddling a branch. Above him, Kenshin was sitting Indian style against the trunk with his eyes closed. He was obviously meditating from the concentration on his face.

Looking down, Hadoshi was sitting in the swing with his elbows on his knees and his hands in his face. He was absentmindedly-kicking dirt, clearly being bored.

Hachi was on his right sitting Indian style with his right hand on his chin. He too was clearly bored. Finally Nagi was sitting on the left side of the tree with her arms around her legs and her head touching her knees. She seemed to be lost in her thoughts. Probably trying to decide between Tamahoji and Inoiki. Tai thought with a small smile on his face.

"Good job everyone! I'll see you tomorrow!" Iruka said loudly.

"About time!" Kouga shouted as he, Michi, Tai, and Kenshin leapt out of the tree. About two dozen kids spilled out the front the door. Seven out of the group ran toward the genin and Tai.

"Tai-niisan [Big brother Tai]!" Two children ran toward him.

"Chen! Lily-chan! How was your trip?" He asked as he embraced the two.

"It was fun!" Lily bounced up and down with all the energy she could muster.

"Except when it started raining. We all had to hurry up and put our tents up before we got soaked." Chen grimly remembered.

"It's just a little water. It can't hurt you." He assured the kids.

"A bath is fine; rain is annoying." A little girl beside Kouga stated.

"Arf! Arf!" The yorkie in her arms barked.

"Serena why don't you put the little ankle-biter down? It's old enough to walk on its' own." Kouga asked his little sister.

"Fuuki is still young." The eight-year-old looked up to her brother with pleading eyes.

"But he's not a helpless puppy! Put him down and let him walk!" Kouga ordered. Reluctantly, she put him down and he ran toward Kouga. "The hell! Serena get him!" Too bad it was just to pee on his foot. Michi picked the smaller dog up by the back on his neck and took him over to his owner.

"Thank you Michi-chan!" She patted her on the head. Michi sniffed the air and walked over to where Nagi was still seated. Being an animal, she picked up something was wrong with the girl. She did the only thing she could think of. She raised on her back legs and touched her nose to Nagi's head.

Nagi lifted her head to get a good lick from Michi. Any other time she would have pushed the dog away and wiped the drool off, instead she patted the dog on her head. "Thank you for caring Michi-chan." Wagging her tail, she walked back over to her master.

"I thought you didn't like dogs." Hachi asked as he sat down on her right.

"I don't. But Michi is okay." She leaned back on the tree, still hugging her knees.

Hachi sighed with annoyance at her 'pre-teen' behavior. "Why don't you just choose one already?"

Nagi blinked for a moment to register what her brother had just asked. "It's not that simple."

"How?"

"Well…we just… Oh! How was your trip?" Nagi suddenly jumped up to face the 8-year-old who had just walked up to them. Hachi too stood up to acknowledge their younger brother.

"What's wrong?" Green orbs stared into the black orbs of Nagi and Hachi. The twins looked like Sasuke but Yuraji was a spitting image of Sakura. He even had her pink hair! His hair was cut close while their raven hair went past their shoulders. Hachi opted to keep it braided in one pony tail though.

"N-Nothing. Stop staring at me like that!" She told Yuraji.

"Whatever. You ready to go." He turned his back to them, hurt apparent in his eyes. Like Sakura, he also wore his emotions on his sleeves while they remained composed like their father. A pair of arms wrapped around his neck from behind him.

"Don't be so sensitive." Nagi told him as she clicked her tongue.

"It makes you act like a girl." Hachi said as he ruffled what was left of Yuraji's hair.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Nagi demanded as she rested her hands on Yuraji's shoulders.

"Nothing you need to worry about." He said before turning his back.

"Chauvinistic…" She began muttering curses under her breath. Yuraji just smiled at his siblings and followed beside them. He looked in front of the tree so see Chouza sharing his cookies with his sister Hotaru. She was sitting between his legs as she told him about their 'field trip'.

"That's great Hotaru-chan! You found an interesting plant you say?" He said as he passed the bag to Hotaru.

"Yeah! Tsunade-sama said it was used for food, medicine, and other mo…mini…minoti …"

"Municipal." He corrected the 6-year-old.

"Yeah that!" She said as she scarffed down another cookie. She then looked up at Shikaru who had an irritated look on her face. Her arms were still crossed as she drummed her left bicep with her right fingers. "What's wrong with Shikaru-oneesan?"

"Sora is taking his time." Chouza said as stuck his hand in the bag to retrieve another handful of cookies.

"Sora! Bring your lazy butt now!" Shikaru yelled at the 9-year-old boy lagging behind.

"Geez! You don't have to yell." He eyed his sister.

"Then hurry up then I won't have to yell!" She said louder.

Sora didn't feel like hearing what his sister had to say. Looking past her, he eyed the spot Nagi had just got up from. Before he would advance any farther, he was yanked back beside his sister by his collar. "What!"

"You know what! We're about to leave so don't get comfortable under the tree!" She released him as he tugged out of her grasp.

"Annoying onna [woman]…"

"What did you say twerp!" Shikaru jacked Sora up by his shirt.

"Nothing! Let so Shikaru!" Hard as he tried, he could not get out of Shikaru's grasp.

"Oh come on and let him go Shikaru." Chouza pleaded. "My mom will ask what happened to him, and I don't want to be the one to tell her that siblings were fighting."

Like I care. Shikaru thought in her mind. Reluctantly, she let go of the little boy. "Watch that 'onna' crap twerp".

Sora rolled his eyes at her before walking over to the tree. He sat down and made an attempt to take a nap, but Chouza and Hotaru were beside him eating their cookies rather loudly. "Chouza? Why would your mom ask what happened to me?" He asked as he thought about what the older boy had just said.

"Dad is on a mission and Mom went back to Suna, so we're going to stay with the Akimichi's." Shikaru explained as she walked toward them.

"Why? We normally go over to the Yamanaka's."

"Inoiki is staying too because his family are on missions." Chouza ate another cookie. He handed the bag to Sora and offered him some cookies. He took one cookie and nodded his head in thanks. His young mind went to his parents.

Mom normally says 'bye' before she leaves. They didn't even say how long she was going to be gone! His mind raced. He ate the cookie slowly until it was gone. By the time he was finished with the one cookie, Shikaru was sitting Indian style in front of him, eating a freshly opened bag of cookies with the Akimichi's. "How long are they going to be gone?"

"Don't know." Shikaru said as she looked at her brother. He had his eyes cast up toward the sky, oblivious that she was staring at him. Such a mama's boy. "I'm sure they'll be back soon." She reassured him. He looked at her and nodded his head.

"I knew you could do it Onii-san!" A 10-year-old girl yelled, causing everyone to stare at the swing Hadoshi was seated on a moment ago.

"Thanks Kiyoshi-chan, but do you think you can let me up now?" He asked as pain coursed his body (note* he is still hurt from his pass-or-fail test with Kimiko-sensei).

When everyone went to his or her brothers/sisters, Kiyoshi ran to where Hadoshi was sitting on the swing. The first thing she saw was his headband. She was so happy for him, she ran to give him a hug of congratulations, but she knocked them backwards instead.

"Oh, sorry!" She yelled loudly again. Hands on both sides on her arms caught her attention.

"Let me help you up." Homaru offered.

"Thanks! Homaru-chan? Are you still mad that you couldn't come with us?" She asked innocently.

"A little bit. I still think I was well enough to go though." He crossed his arms. "And stop calling me 'Homaru-chan'! We're the same age!"

"But I'm four months older than you." She gloated. "Besides, It's your own fault really. You were the one running outside in the rain and caught a cold." Hadoshi laughed as he raised on his elbows as his little sister and cousin went back and forth.

"It's not like I was alone. I remember you had a small cold too!" Homaru countered.

"But it wasn't enough for me to stay home and miss…"

Hadoshi looked at Kiyoshi as her mauve eyes followed Homaru. Kawaii! She's like a chibi version of Ka-san. He thought to himself. She even had Hinata's purple hair but it was pulled into a side ponytail; causing the ends to tickle her left shoulder. For a moment, he was reminded that he was the only person in his family who couldn't activate his bloodlimit. That feeling was replaced when he saw her flash a smile that reminded him of their father.

"You need to watch that." Kenshin said as he offered a hand to Hadoshi.

"I know." He said he Kenshin pulled him to his feet.

"Kenshin-niisan!" Kiyoshi yelled as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Hello Kiyoshi. I see your trip was fine."

"Yeah. And I see you all made it to genin. I'm so happy for you all!" She yelled as she squeezed him harder.

"T...Thanks." He almost gasps for air.

"Kiyoshi let him go so we can go!" Homaru began tugging her off.

"Are you coming to our house to stay?" Hadoshi asked him.

"Iie [No]. Iruka-oji-san [Uncle Iruka] told me and Kiyoshi to go to the Hyuuga Mansion." He finished as he completed getting Kiyoshi off Kenshin.

"What's wrong Tai?" Chen asked as he saw his older brother with wrinkles on his thick eyebrows.

"Guess I'm just tired. I'll walk you guys home."

"You're not staying with us Oniisan?" Lily almost whinned.

"I just have to finish running some errands then I'll be home later. A shinobi's word!" He put his right hand over his heart. Seeing they believed them, he crouched so Lily could climb on his back. This way, she got a piggy back ride and he got extra weight to train with. Chen did a quick stretch to ready himself for the heavy run home behind the chunnin.

"Alright everyone. Ja!" Tai started his sprint, Lily smiling widely and Chen trotting not long behind him.

"Chouza? Are you sure Tai is the only 'real' son?"

"What do you mean? He's got a brother and sister?" He asked the male Nara.

Sora shrugged his shoulders. "It's just hard to believe Chen and Lily were adopted by Rock Lee-sensei. They could pass for triplets with Tai." Sora mused as they quickly began to disappear in the distance.

"That's for damn sure." Shikaru agreed with her brother.

A thunderclap was heard in the distance that got everyone's attention. "The rain will be here soon. I'm taking Serena home now. I'll see you guys later. Come on Serena." Kouga announced as he led his 'team' home.

"Later." The three Uchihas said in unison as they also headed home.

"Alright lazy: get moving." Shikaru ordered her brother so he would pick up his pace.

Troublesome onna… He thought as she trailed closely behind. In front of him, Chouza was also giving his sister a piggy-back ride.

"I guess that leave us." Hadoshi said to his family.

"Let's head home." Kenshin said as they all made their way to the Hyuuga compound; all walking in a comfortable silence.­­

"Misson passed. Come by tomorrow for your next mission. Dismissed." Naruto announced to Team Konohamaru. The genin had a slightly annoyed look on their face but bowed anyway and left with their sensei.

"I wonder what that was about?" Iruka pondered as he saw the looks on their face. Naruto just smiled as he stamped the official mission papers.

"They don't like doing D-rank missions. With their skill level, they could do C or possibly even low-level B rank missions. But I would never allow them to take missions like that. They need more experience." Naruto paused before looking down at the paper Konohamaru had submitted. "Besides, who likes to pick up trash as a mission?" He laughed as Tsunade smiled with him.

"What kind of a mission was that?" Shikaru complained as they walked outside the tower.

"A D-rank mission. The type genin usually get assigned before they advance to a higher level." Inoiki said casually.

"Don't be such a smart-ass!" She yelled at him.

"Please calm down Shikaru. Try not to get mad at Inoiki because we had to pick up trash." Chouza pleaded with his female team member.

"But we stink. Even Hadoshi noticed how bad we smelt when we ran into his team earlier!" She emphasized by pulling her shirt out in front of her.

"So that's what I've been smelling for the past ten minutes." Kouga joked as the team got near them.

"Shut it dog-breath!" Shikaru threatened.

"Don't get mad at my nose because you stink!" He glared back at her.

"Why you…" She tried to make a move for him but Konohamaru grabbed hold of her elbow to stop her advance.

"Knock it off! Go home and take a bath! Trust me, you'll smell worse when you start taking on away missions." His eyes locked with hers as he released her.

Kouga looked as if he was about to taunt her for getting scolded when Misoa drummed his hand on his head. "Is that any way to talk to a lady?" He asked simply.

"That is no lady! Did you hear the way she talked to me!"

"I did. But remember, two wrongs don't make a right." He looked at him earnestly as he walked toward Konohamaru.

"How long you guys been done?" Konohamaru asked Misoa.

"A while now; just coming back now from getting something to eat. We also just passed Kimiko and her team. Hadoshi looks a bit torn up."

"Probably from that cat that keeps running away."

Misoa's eyes popped out. "Are you serious! How is that cat still alive?"

"Beats me! I guess it has more than nine lives. He got me pretty scratched up too when I had that mission. If I remember correctly, you had that mission too Misoa." Konohamaru grinned at him.

"Don't remind me. I almost lost my right arm from that cat biting on me. We didn't let Kimiko take him because she could have killed it."

"Oh the good ol' days. What was your mission today anyway?" Konohamaru asked.

"Just to pick some weeds on a farm."

Konohamaru raised an eyebrow. He remembered there were only a few farms around Konoha. "You mean the main farm on the hill just outside the village?"

"Yeah."

"That's about 6 acres! All we had to do was pick up trash and you guys finished before us!" Shikaru yelled in disbelief.

"Kouga and Michi did most of the work." Misoa stated.

"What can I say? We have a lot of energy!" Kouga cheered up. "Woof! Woof!" Michi agreed with him.

"Misoa-sensei? If we are done can I leave? I have to meet my father." Shiobi asked.

Misoa looked at the young Aburame for a moment before answering her. "Sure. Meet us at the training spot for our next mission." She nodded her head and left.

Again, Shikaru noticed Kenshin's eyes were on his female member. "Why don't you just say bye to her rather than staring at her in silence?" She asked bluntly, but quietly to him.

"Wouldn't do any good. She'd just nod her head as an good-bye." He also answered quietly. He looked at Shikaru for a moment that made her feel a little uncomfortable.

"What?" She asked.

"What did you say to Hadoshi to make him upset?" Kenshin asked her in an almost curious tone.

"Nothing…"

"She just almost clobbered him for saying we smell weird!" Inoiki blurted out.

"Shut it!"

"Well you did!" He yelled back at her, not liking to be yelled at by Shikaru. How does Sora put up with that?

"I see…" Kenshin folded his arms and closed his eyes-almost as if he were meditating. "Misoa-sensei? Are we done for today?"

Misoa couldn't help but rose an eyebrow at him also, seeing as Shiobi had just asked that question. "Yeah I guess I don't need you all to turn in the mission log. Same time tomorrow then. That goes to you too: Kouga and Michi."

"I know!" Kouga piped up with Michi barking beside him. They also began their way to another location.

Kenshin turned on his heels and walked away. Shikaru bald her fist up and stood straight. "Ohh that…" She mumbled to herself for Kenshin seemingly ignoring her. "Am I free to leave." She asked Konohamaru. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he thought he felt hurt in her voice.

"Sure. See you guys tomorrow."

"Yeah." She said quietly as she headed to the Akimichi compound to take a bath.

"Don't forget about later Shikaru." Kenshin spoke without turning around. She was about to retort but thought otherwise.

Konohamaru stood in the hall with Misoa until his male genin had left also. "Kids?" He sighed aloud. "Wonder how mine will be when he turns their age?" He pondered.

"Probably the same as you: a brat." Misoa laughed as Konohamaru playfully punched him in the arm. They walked out of the building together and out into the streets of Konoha. "I wonder what my mom is doing right now?" Misoa thought aloud.

"I passed her earlier. She said something about training with Anko."

"They have a strange friendship. But they do make a go- Ack!" Misoa stumbled forward from a foreign object landing on his back.

"What's up guys? Who we talking about?" Kimiko asked as she propped her elbows on his strong shoulders.

"Otenba [tomboy]! I told you not to do that!" He emphasized by attempting to shake her off.

"Oh? I'm sorry Saru-chan [Little monkey]." She attempted to sound cute.

"Don't call me that in public." He mumbled as a few girls laughed at the affection.

Konohamaru inwardly laughed at them. They were more like brother and sister than best friends. Besides, it was only natural since their parents were great friends. "You guys hungry?"

"Starved!" Kimiko portraiyed herself as weak as she rested her head on Misoa's head.

"How about ramen?" Misoa asked from under his friend.

"Last one there pays for the meals!" Kimiko shouted as she bounced off Misoa's back. Too bad for the guys though; she put enough chakra into her jump to throw Misoa off balance and fall into Konohamaru.

"CHEATER!" They both yelled from the ground.

"Ha ha! I can't hear you!" She laughed as they began running after her.