Hello everybody, and welcome to chapter twenty four of the Winds of Change! Well, we've hit over 170 reviews, which is pretty freaking awesome! We're gaining over ten or so reviews between chapters!

Quick note that I've forgot to mention, 'cause I'm forgetful. Please check out my beta Dosu2Dinner! He's one of my best friends, and he writes phenomenally well-written fanfictions, and is just a great person! I urge you to check him out.

Also, I really should have mentioned this much earlier... But, the poll on my profile is closed! So, we've come to a decision regarding whether it's going to be KakaAnko, or KakaKure.

KakaAnko won by two votes, with six, while KakaKure had four. So, there you go! The majority have voted!

Anyway, without further ado, I present to you chapter 24, of the Winds of Change.

Chapter 24:

Naruto was cold. Deathly cold. It was like, during his sleep, a thick veil of ice had overcome his body, encasing it thoroughly. His eyes snapped open. He was not in his bed in the inn that was for sure. Greenish walls made of stone were all he could see. He felt water on his back, damping his hair. He raised up groggily, rubbing the back of his head. Where was he? He felt like he had been here before, but at the same time...

"And so he awakens."

Naruto's head throbbed at the deep voice, and he turned his head to the side. And his cerulean eyes widened in fear and understanding. Across from him, stone bars stood strong and steadfast. And, behind them, the demonic glint of red eyes, and bared teeth. "Boy. I have summoned you, come here."

"No!" Naruto yelled bravely, leaping to his feet and pointing an accusing finger at the Kyuubi. "Why would I come near you, you stupid fox!? You've done everything to destroy me!"

The fox chuckled darkly, all nine of it's tails swishing in the darkness. "Destroy you? No, I've only helped you. Without me, you would be nothing!"

The roar from the beast sent shockwaves throughout the stone room, causing the water to ripple. Naruto stood his ground, his gaze defiant. "Without you… without you…"

"Without me what brat? You would be loved? Be respected, and not feared? You insolent fool. You would still be hated for what you are! An idiotic fool!"

Naruto grimaced. Would he? Would he still be hated by the populace of Konoha? Be hated with such anger that he was far too familiar with killing intent then he should be?

The Kyuubi continued tearing into the boy, "You think your teammates care about you in any way? I see with your eyes, hear with your ears. I know what you think, when you think it. As much as it pains me to say this, we are one. I, the great Kyuubi am one with an pathetic Dobe! Your teammates couldn't care less about you."

The Kyuubi moved closer to the cage, his breath causing ripples in the pool of water. "The Uchiha boy, he resents you. He feels you are dead-weight, weak and worthless. Pathetic and a downright fool. He would be better to kill you. And what about that girl you have a crush on. She is more pathetic than you, fawning constantly after that Uchiha. She is weak, but she knows that you are weak too. She beats you, and hits you, and loathes you. And then there is your teacher, the one who has taught you nothing. He spends time with the one who has true talent, the Uchiha. But, heh, I can make you strong."

"Shut up!" Naruto roared, taking a step forward, "You don't know anything, you're just a dumb fox!"

"Am I? Is that all, just a dumb fox? I AM THE KYUUBI! You are weak! I have the power to turn you into a god, and yet you reject me. With this power, you could save all your friends. With this power, you could have saved your beloved Hokage! YOU ARE WEAK! YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WEAK!"

Naruto was fighting back tears. What if the Kyuubi truly was right? What if he was a failure. What if he-

"I believe in you."

Hinata's words chimed through the stone wall, and the Kyuubi roared. "Ah, this is the Hyŭga brat! She seems present on your mind a lot, recently. Tell me then, Dobe, what would happen if she was slain?"

Naruto's confidence had returned with Hinata's soothing voice, but it wavered at the demon's words. "What?"

"If she were torn to pieces, ripped apart. Her blood soaking the floor, her guts displayed across the walls!" He laughed "And you couldn't do anything about it! But, you could. Take off the seal, let me have power!"

Naruto began to shake violently. "No… No. No! No! NO! I'm not some dumb brat, I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I'm going to be Hokage with the help of my friends! I do not need your help!"

The Kyuubi glowered, before it began its retreat back into it's cage. "You have strong emotions, brat. Emotions leads to pain, pain leads to suffering, suffering leads to anger. And anger leads to me."

Naruto left his landscape feeling resolved, and yet shaken all at once.

The landscape was still. There was no movement from anything. Not the trees, nor the plants, nor the wind. The world seemed to have stopped for the briefest of moments. Soundlessly, great overarching clouds drifted aimlessly, blotting out the darkened sky. Stars shone brightly, and yet their light never reached past the clouds. Slowly, a small gust of wind blew across the plain, causing the grass to sway to and fro. Crickets began to chirp within the blades of grass, content being hidden, and yet musical. The wind played a melodic tune, cutting through the former stillness with grace. The river that ran under the wooden bridge rippled slightly, a few stars just trickling through the clouds and catching the river's eye. It was a melodic and serene bliss. And, just like that, it was over. The song of wind ended, and was replaced by deafening silence. The crickets stopped their crackling tune, and lay still. The river stopped rippling, and flowed with silent curiosity.

The sound of bells jingled within the night.

Two people walked down the long road, coming from the steadfast row of trees. Their approach seemed marred by fear, like a piece of death itself was stalking the two travellers. The bell jingled within the night once more, startling the quiet.

Both travellers were adorned with the same gear. A cloak, black as coal and dark as night. Covered in red clouds. It was long and thick, and added to the fear that they both carried. Upon there heads lay conical straw hats, with small ornamental torques and tassels hanging down over their faces. One of these was the ever chiming bell, signifying their presence.

While both similar in attire, their stature and stance were very different. The first was most certainly a woman, with a somewhat curvaceous figure. However, her stance was one of royalty and power. But, most of all, confidence. She walked proudly, her head raised upwards, darkened by the night. Flowing hair billowed down her back, thick and smooth.

Her companion was vastly different. About a foot higher than herself, with a surly build. His body was taut and radiated danger. He paused every once in a while to sniff the air. His tanned skin matched perfectly with the dark, compared to the fair complexion of his female companion. He let out a low growl, inclining his head downwards to the woman. "This is…?"

His voice was gruff and crude, and held a bit of raw power. The woman nodded silently, and he could tell her eyes were forward. Watching.

"Yes." Her voice in comparison was softer, but still held authority. It sounded as though, at one point, it had been calm and gentle.

"Heh," the man chuckled as they crossed over the wooden bridge, his footsteps echoing, "I haven't been here in a while." He turned to his companion and grinned wolfishly, white sharp teeth glinting. The woman turned her white eyes upon him, and frowned.

"No, we have not." They held the smallest hint of lavender.

On the contrary, the man's eyes were a fierce brownish yellow, deep with masculinity and strength.

They continued on in silence, only their footsteps and the occasional chime of the bell to indicate movement and sound within the world.

The looming wooden walls of Orochiasu, lighted by torchlight was soon upon them. A lone guard stood posted at the gate, his eyes weary of the newcomers. Leaning off against the wall, he stepped in front of them as they attempted to move past. He couldn't make out there faces, but he felt a deep sense of unease. "Greetings. I would ask that you either show some ID, or please come back tomorrow morning at eight o'clock. We only allow merchant caravans in at night." His voice became lower and lower as he spoke. The tall man seemed to be glowering at him from behind his hat, his stature becoming exceedingly larger by the minute.

"Garou." The woman's voice was crystal clear, soft, and yet stern. "We're not here to pick fights with guards."

Garou laughed suddenly, his deep voice causing the guard to shudder. "You're right," he grinned, "I apologize."

"Hn." The guard is about to scream, call for aid, reaching for the short sword strapped for his belt, anything! However, the sound of a bell, jingling softly, stopped him. It was like all the tension evaporated from his body. All the fear, all the trepidation. All gone.

The woman's white eyes flickered onto the guards for the briefest of moments. The guard nodded without permission, turning his head upwards. He called out, "Let them in. They have ID." Two guards from the top of the wall peered down.

One of them looked at his friend strangely, before nodding, and disappeared from sight. The large gates swung open silently. "Have a pleasant night at Orochiasu," the guard greeting Garou and the woman smiled. Garou grinned, brushing past the man, and slipping something into his pocket. The woman followed, and soon they were in the village, the large doors closing behind them.

"You placed one of your pills in his pocket," the woman stated blandly. Garou flexed his shoulder muscles.

"Yep. This is one of my favourites In a few hours the pill will dissolve. And twenty four hours after that, the fumes will have entered his body, causing intense rabid symtoms and pure unadulterated rage!" A sadistic smile played on the Akatsuki's lips.

"Hn," the woman acknowledged. "Let us go. We need to find the container of the Nine Tailed Fox."

Garou cracked his knuckles, growling. "And steal us a Bijū! By the way, nice work on that guard, Hyouden."

Hyouden nodded briefly. "Your attempt at entering would have resulted in us slaughtering the entire guard. There will come a time for bloodshed, but not now. Let us press onward."

The two ninja leapt into the shadows of an alleyway.

Kurenai examined her group. They all looked relatively perky and refreshed, which was good. That would be needed.

"Okay everyone," she announced, earning their attention.

It seemed that Sasuke and Hinata were more comfortable with each other, standing closer than they ever had. Naruto was nursing a bruise on his right cheek. Kurenai heard the racket coming from the boy's room that night, and looking over to Kiba. It seemed as though they were both worse for wear. Eager though. Ino seemed bubbly, shooting the dark haired Jōnin a bright smile, which she returned. Ino was a good girl. A bit boy crazy and emotional, but a good girl.

"We're going to start moving out now."

Naruto grinned, pumping his tanned fist into the air. "Yeah!"

Kurenai rolled her wine red eyes, but couldn't keep the smirk that stole her lips at bay. "I admire your enthusiasm, Naruto, but keep it down. The others are looking at us."

They stood in a corner of the Inn, people nursing drinks and staring at them with narrowed eyes. Who drinks at nine in the morning!? Well, sometimes she indulged in some wine, but that's besides the point. The air was thick and heavy with smoke from cigars and cigarettes, but it held a homely feel, somewhat. Apart from all the burly smashed men, of course.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, a foxy grin lighting up the room. "Hehe, sorry about that sensei, I just got excited!"

She could tell, he was practically vibrating. Hinata watched him, smiling softly. Surprisingly, Sasuke was watching her watching Naruto. And Kurenai swore she noticed the corners of his mouth turning upwards. Kiba slapped Naruto on the back, earning a yelp from the blonde, and a scowl. Kiba chuckled.

Their team dynamic certainly was interesting, but they all seemed to get on well with each other. That was good.

"All right, settle down you lot."

The genin fell into a silence, waiting for Kurenai to speak. "I'll get this out of the way first. Ino."

Hearing her name, the platinum blonde turned and smiled. "Yes Kurenai-sensei?"

"I have an important job for you."

Reaching into her pocket, Kurenai pulled out a small scroll and outstretched her hand. Ino took it from her, and looked over it. "What's it for, sensei?"

"I need you to deliver it to Gai. His location is listed in the scroll. After that, you're to find out what is happening with Lee, and then report back to the Inn, understood?"

"Hai Kurenai-sensei."

"Good," Kurenai smiled softly. She did rather like Ino. She was certainly more brassy and confident than Hinata. Still, Hinata would always remain her 'little sister' as it were. "Stay safe. One more thing."

She tossed over a small pouch. "Explosive coloured powder," she explained. "It's very bright, so shield your eyes. Use it if you're in serious danger, okay?"

Ino nodded, flipping her pony-tail. "You've got it sensei!"

"Head on out then Ino. I expect you to report back here at thirteen hundred hours."

Ino and the others blinked, except for Kiba and Hinata. "What are you talking 'bout sensei!? There ain't no thirteen hundred hours!"

Kurenai sighed. What had those men been teaching these kids. "It means one in the afternoon, okay?"

The group chorused "Oh!" before nodding.

"See you guys later, try not to get killed without me!"

Kiba scoffed. "You wish Ino. Sorry I won't be to protect you."

Ino huffed, her blue eyes steeling. "As soon as this mission is over I'm going to kick your ass to high heaven, Kami help me Inuzuka!"

Kiba grinned wolfishly.

The Yamanka growled low, before turning on her heel, waving a goodbye, and briskly exiting out of the Inn.

Hinata watched her go, and noticed Kiba's eyes trailing after her. More specifically, her behind. She sighed. She would never be as cute as Ino was, and Naruto would never notice her…

"Hinata," Naruto whispered into her ear, causing her to have momentary heart failure. His face was so close to her cheek! She could feel the warmth of his breath, "I don't understand what Kurenai-sensei meant by 'thirteen hundred hours'. Could you explain to me, please? I don't want to sound like an idiot in front of the Teme."

"You've proved it before. Dobe." Sasuke snickered. Naruto ignored him, and Hinata could feel her cheeks go bright red as she stared into expectant cerulean eyes.

"We-well, it's j-just an-another way of counting th-the hours in the d-day. S-so, i-it goes from twelve a-at night to tw-twelve in the afternoon. S-so, some people just carry o-on instead of res-restarting the cl-clock, so it goes thirteen, fo-fourteen, fifteen, instead of o-one, tw-two, th-three…" She trailed off, her cheeks burning.

Naruto looked considerate for a few moments, his mouth contorted in concentration. It was replaced by an exuberant smile, as he reached over and squeezed Hinata's shoulder. "Thanks a bunch Hinata, you're the-"

He noticed the way his hand was held over her shoulder, and pulled it back as if he was burnt. "You stupid bastard!" He thought to himself, "She obviously doesn't like you! It's why she always blushes and stutters, she doesn't know what to say because she's scared!"

Sasuke watched Naruto's smile fade and be replaced with a sad frown. The Uchiha followed that up with a scowl of his own. Things had been going so well, too!

Hinata was dejected. He had touched her, and had been repulsed. Of course, she was repulsive…

Kiba was oblivious to the changing emotions of his teammates, struggling fiercly to block out the images of ravishing Ino on one of the wooden tables. The Heat was getting unbearable…

Kurenai noticed the change of emotions, and sighed internally. They were about to get ready for a mission.

"Right, listen up. I need all of you focused and alert, all right?"

Everyone nodded, albeit half-heartedly. They were far too focused on there own problems. Kurenai bit her lip, before continue, "We'll be scouting around the town for any clues on Sakura's whereabouts. Kiba, I need your nose, and Akamaru's trained on this scent." She reached into her pocket and handed him a small piece of pink fabric. A piece of Sakura's dress, most likely ripped from her clothed form.

Sasuke and Naruto stiffend.

Kiba took a deep whiff, before nodding. "Okay Kurenai-sensei, I'll try. I'm the best tracker in the Inuzuka."

"B-but Kiba," Hinata interrupted softly, her downturned lips lifting slightly, "Y-you cou-couldn't smell T-Tora…"

"We said we wouldn't talk about that!" Kiba snapped, crossing his arms. Hinata couldn't help but giggle.

Naruto turned away from the Hyŭga heir. Of course, she didn't like him at all. She would much rather spend time with Kiba and Akamaru. Which was fine, he didn't really care… even if Hinata was very nice to him.

"Hn, focus Naruto. Sakura, remember?" Sasuke's cold voice cut through his thoughts, and he nodded rapidly. No time to be worrying about Hinata, Sakura needed saving.

Content that Naruto was listening, Sasuke turned his attention back to Kurenai.

"Okay Kiba, settle down," She tried soothing Kiba as he muttered obscenities about Tora the cat. "Where is Akamaru?"

"Oh, well…" Kiba stopped muttering and frowned. Where was Akamaru, actually. His intense urges had been so, well, intense that he hadn't even noticed his best buddy disappearing.

Right on cue, Akamaru strode in, his head and tail held high, the equivalent of a shit-eating grin on his dog like face. Kiba sniffed the air, and gagged in revulsion. Akamaru had obviously met a female friend. His gagging, however, was a cover-up. The smell of hormones in the air was driving him crazy! He hoped this briefing would end soon, otherwise he might end up in jail, charged with sexual assault…

Kiba knelt down, and handed shoved the piece of cloth in Akamaru's face. He sniffed it, and barked. "Okay, he's got it."

Kurenai smiled. "Good. Tell Akamaru to keep his activities with females on the down low while we're on a mission."

Hinata almost fainted.

"Okay. So, we're going to be scouting around the main market area. Hinata, remember to pull your hood up while using the Byakugan," Kurenai whispered. "Sasuke, Naruto, keep your ears and eyes open. Look for any suspicious activity Sasuke especially, give me a signal when you're about to activate your Sharingan, and I'll perform a minor Genjutsu to shield your eyes."

Sasuke nodded. Naruto beamed, his momentary depression forgotten for now. "All right, let's go!"

This place was certainly bustling with life. All around people shuffled and dodged each other, trying fruitlessly to get to their destinations. The crowds were thick, parting only ever so slightly that people could just about squeeze through to get on there way. The noise was loud and uproarious with the occasional sound of music punctuating the air. Ino had always liked street performers. During many of Konoha's festivals jugglers and fire-breathers and dances would flock and perform for the crowds. It enchanted her. The soft melody of the flute was a nice break from the bustling masses of shoppers.

While the street performers were enchanting, they seemed almost obsolete compared to the amount of stalls that littered the streets. Merchants crooned about their wares, trying to attract passers by with persuasive language and utter nonsense. Jewellery shone brightly in the morning sun, the particular owners of those stalls dressed somewhat lavishly. Comparatively you had the craftsman selling beautiful wooden carvings and toys, dressed in workman's clothes, haggard and tired.

The platinum paused her trail, her eyes dancing over the seemingly hand crafted toys. She remembered playing with things like this. Wooden boats with masts long and thick, little toy cats and dogs, and..

Her face brightened as she noticed a set of wooden kunai. Oh, the memories of the academy. Kami, that seemed so long ago, now. Playing Ninja was a lot easier than actually being a Ninja, that was for sure. But, both were equally rewarding. Or, were they?

"I hand-crafted these myself, you know?" A voice cut through her thoughts. She turned her head upwards, and was greeted by a handsome young man with light dusty brown hair.

"They're very nice," Ino exclaimed, "Would you mind if I…" she gestured to the wooden kunai.

The man chuckled. "Not at all."

Ino smiled, then picked up one of the wooden kunai. It was so smooth! She remembered throwing these things, playing with them, laughing with them…

"They're really nice. I used to play with these all the time." She placed it back down.

The craftsman eyebrow raised, "You're a ninja, then?"

Ino realised her mistake, and let out a high laugh. "Me, a ninja?" She giggled coyly, "No, I'm far to… delicate to be one of them. I used to play with stuff like this when I was little, and wanted to be a ninja. Who didn't want to be a ninja at that age?"

The craftsman smiled. "True. And, it's good you're not a ninja. They're not generally welcomed around these parts, and a pretty little face like yours getting messed up would make the world a worse place then it already is."

Blushing at the compliment, the blonde decided to press, "What do you mean about ninja's not being welcomed around here? I thought they were supposed to protect people?"

He looked hesitant, but Ino knew how to draw people in. Specifically boys. They only generally thought with their dick. She fluttered her eyelashes, and coyly smiled. Hook, line and sinker.

The craftsman seemed more at ease, and leaned in towards her, "Well, the mayor of the town doesn't like anybody muscling on his turf."

"Who's the mayor?"

"A man named Kazai. He owns," he gestured all around, "All of this. It's common knowledge that he bought his way into power, but even that is just a title. He's owned his town far longer then anybody can remember."

"So, he's corrupt?"

The craftsman snorted, "Understatement. He controls the city guard, bullies independent merchants to join his company. I think it's something like… Uh… I can't remember right now, sorry…"

His face was strained in thought. He wasn't telling her the whole truth. "He has spies everywhere," he continued, "So be careful, okay?"

"Do you work for him, then? Because, someone who seems as brave and headstrong as you surely wouldn't work under such an evil man?" She flirted. The craftsman chuckled.

"No, no, not yet. But, his goons are putting pressure on me.. I don't know how much longer I can hold out."

He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "But never mind about that!"

It was obvious he was telling the truth… about somethings. However, he was also lying.

"Oh, okay. Thank you for the information."

"His spies are everywhere, so be on the lookout."

Ino nodded, smiling despite herself. Hey, there was a cute guy there! What was she supposed to do!? Shikamaru would be pissed… she giggled at the thought.

Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out some Ryō notes and handed them to the craftsman. He looked at her in confusion. "For the wooden kunai."

"Oh! Okay, thank you for your business! Come again soon!"

Slipping the the wooden kunai set into her pocket, she smiled once more at the handsome craftsman, before continuing on her way. She hummed thoughtfully as she continued through the bustling street. For some reason, the wooden kunai made her feel lighter and happier.

Kami the smells! Oh sweet mother… the smells!

Even Sasuke had to admit that the smells around the marketplace were, rather simply, divine. Baked bread, sweets, donuts, ramen…

Naruto was currently begging Kurenai for just one bowl, which would most likely turn into two, and then three, and then four. It was rather busy, with customers all vying for different foods. It was unfair that they had to walk down the street where vendors were selling food. Sweet, sweet food. Sasuke's eyes widened as he settled on some fresh succulent tomatoes. He almost started drooling. Uchiha don't drool, however.

Kiba and Akamaru were trying their hardest to stay focused, but the wonderful aroma of meat had filled their nostrils. A roasted pig was being cut into delicious slabs of warm meat. They could almost taste it.

Sasuke had, however, other motives, blocking out the large smells of food that punctuated the air. Subtely changing his directory from back of the group, off to the left, he moved up behind Hinata.

"What's going on with Naruto?"

Hinata squeaked loudly, her face red. "S-Sasuke! Do-don't d-do tha-that!"

Sasuke shrugged apologetically, before he black eyes regained there former confidence. "Well?"

"I-I don't know. He-he mu-must think I-I'm revolting…"

Sasuke scoffed loudly, crossing his arms. "Hn, as if. I highly doubt it's that."

He watched the blonde boy, finally having stopped his tirade of ramen love. He looked… crestfallen. Downtrodden.

The Uchiha's brows narrowed in thought. What had changed from last night till now? They were fine before they went to their respective rooms, but now…

"S-Sasuke… yo-you had a n-nightmare last night…"

Sasuke's gaze snapped to Hinata's lavender eyes. She turned her head away. "So-sorry…" she mumbled.

She had noticed his nightmares? Did he have nightmares last night? He didn't-

Flash of steel, blood pooling on the floor. Coal black eyes, lifeless. Hair drenched with blood. Three tomoe eyes glare, menacing and bloodthirsty. Screams of the dying, weeping of the fallen. Cold snake like eyes-

"Sa-Sasuke?" Hinata said in alarm, "A-Are you al-all right?"

The Uchiha was broken from his thoughts, and frowned. "Yes, I'm fine. Stay out of it."

Hinata shrunk. "S-sorr-sorry…"

Sasuke sighed. "No, it's fine. I'm… sorry." That word was so hard to swallow!

Hinata smiled softly, although still hesitant, she asked, "I-if you want, I-I could m-maybe help you wi-with you-your dreams?"

"How?"

"T-talking so-sometimes h-helps."

Sasuke paused. Would it? Would it really? No, it wouldn't. Talking wouldn't erase the pain, the suffering. Only action. Only Itachi's death.

"No. No… thank you." He offered the barest of smiles.

Hinata offered one in return.

Naruto's cerulean eyes were locked on the two as they walked and talked. He frowned. What was this feeling… this weird feeling coiling in his gut. It was like that feeling he got when he was younger. When he saw other kids go home with there parents… Jealousy? Of what!? Hinata and Sasuke were just talking… and getting on well… It didn't matter. Hinata didn't like him, she was scared of him, it was obvious. So, he really didn't care. Or, at least he tried not too.

Kiba's sense of smell was rather accurate. He could smell almost everything, to the finest detail. The smell of hormones? Easy. The smell of morning dew on the leaves? Even easier. This street was like a goldmine of smells, all congregated into one area. Separating them was proving challenging especially because everything smelled so damn good! Meat, fish, ramen, rice, donuts, bread… all of it smelt so good!

He had not detected anything to do with Sakura at all. But, at least his erection had subsided thanks to all the smells, and his concentration on them.

He had to stop for a moment and stare, however, as they exited the street.

A large white fountain stood like an obelisk. White marble, shining with the sun showed such craftsmanship. The pool of water was cool and clear, and the jets of it sprinkled the air with enough moisture to cool even the most dehydrated of people. It looked spectacular.

People sat on benches, just revelling in the droplets of water. The ground was paved with light coloured grey slabs, adding to the effect. What a beautiful sight.

"Wow…" Naruto said, jaw slackened and eyes widened, "That's so cool!"

Sasuke nodded in agreement, and Hinata just stared. Kiba couldn't help it, this was just too cool!

"Race you there, Naruto!" And, with that, he was off, his faithful companion in tow.

"Hey!" Naruto exclaimed, quickly running off to catch up with the Inuzuka.

Kurenai sighed. Such was having two loud boys on your squad.

"I'll go fetch the idiots," Sasuke sneered, although the smallest of smirks was playing on his lips.

The Uchiha walked forward calmly, and Hinata smiled apologetically to Kurenai, before following after him.

Kurenai couldn't help but chuckle. Youth were so playful these days. Good times… Well, she supposed they deserved a little break. With a small smile, she found herself a bench, and watched the genin mess around.

Kiba's scent was much clearer now, thanks to being out of that street. As he wrestled with Naruto jovially, Sasuke and Hinata watching on, he couldn't help but smile. As much as this was an important mission, and as much as The Heat kept wanting him to sleep with everything and anything, he found himself having all sorts of fun. Naruto was fun to be around with, and even prickish Sasuke wasn't so bad.

And then the smell hit his nose. He immediately stopped moving, and was tackled down by Naruto. He didn't care. It was that smell. Dried leaves, musky. It reverberated through his body, his soul.

Kiba shoved Naruto off of him roughly, leaping up. That scent was strong. His muscles and jaw clenched, his eyes turning feral. Akamaru whimpered at his master's change in demeanour.

"Hehe, good shove mutt! Let's try-Uh, hey, you okay dude?" Naruto asked, noticing Kiba's sudden stiffness and anger.

Without warning, Kiba bolted forward. "Kiba!" Kurenai cried helplessly as he continued speeding off, his eyes feral and rage-filled.

Hinata gasped at his change in emotion, and, weighing up her options, decided to do something extremely risky. Shooting Kurenai an apologetic look, she raced after Kiba and Akamaru.

Sasuke and Naruto were stunned. What the hell was going on!? Why was Kiba so angry!?

There thought processes didn't get very far, as Kurenai's yell reached there ears. "Run!"

Kiba didn't stop for anybody. If people got in his way, he knocked them down. He was too blinded by rage and fear to care at this point.

A cart was being pulled across the street. Kiba didn't stop, didn't care. He leapt forward, crashing through and destroying the wooden cart. Akamaru was hot on his heels, deeply worried about his master.

Hinata was not far behind that, absolutely mortified. She had never seen Kiba like this. So.. enraged. Angry at everything. What was going on!?

Kiba paused to sniff the air, letting out a feral growl, before darting into an alleyway. Hinata rounded the corner, eager to catch up to her teammate. Eventually, she did. She wished she hadn't.

The Inuzuka was shaking with raw rage, his body barely able to contain his anger. They stood in a clearing behind some buildings, overfilling with trash.

Two people stood on the opposite side to them.

"You!" Kiba spat, baring his teeth and growling like a rabid dog.

A tall burly man with brown hair, stopped what he was doing, turning his animal like slit eyes upon Kiba. His face was, at first, contorted in confusion. It then changed to amusement. The two people both wore black cloaks with red clouds on them. Hinata had sworn she had seen them before, somewhere…

It was then she noticed the other person. A woman, her long dark hair billowing down her back. Her eyes were focused on Kiba at first, but then swiftly turned to Hinata. They froze on her, steeling.

Hinata knew those eyes, had looked into them many times. They belonged to something she had known all her life. They belonged to the Hyŭga clan.

Her body was frozen with fear, paralysed by fright. It refused to move, refused to act.

The taller man wolfishly grinned. "Hehe, hello Kiba."

Hinata wasn't focused on that any more on the interactions between her teammate and the other man. On Naruto, on her fathers disappointment with her, or her general uselessness. No, it was focused on the pale skinned, dark haired, lavender eyed woman in front of her.

She let out a shaky breath. "M-Mother?"

Dun dun dun! :D.

Okay, so first off, these are two of some of the new Akatsuki OC's I have for this fic. Who was expecting this? Honestly, who was? Hinata's mother is a member of Akatsuki!? The hell!? :D.

Well, it's true. So, I can't wait to see your reactions.

I enjoyed writing this chapter. I've gotten some feedback saying that I need to focus more on descriptions of scenery and places, so I've hopefully done that. It was somewhat challenging, as description of places is not my strong point, but it was a good learning experience. Any constructive criticism would be helpful :).

I hope I'm portraying the relationship with Sasuke and Hinata as believable. They will never become a couple, at all. It's going to be NaruHina. But, I do enjoy writing these two. Honestly, though, my mind gets jumbled with the amount of stuff going on in this fic, so I may forget certain things. For example, Naruto's stupid reason for why Hinata doesn't like him. That may have been different than before, and if so, I'll go back and change it. I enjoyed writing the Ino segment with the craftsman as well. Kazai will come into play later on.

Too those wondering about Lee and Tenten, we'll get to see them in either the next chapter, or a couple of chapters.

Anyway, that's that! Have a great morning/afternoon/evening/night!