A/N: Hey guys! I finally am updating! I had a blast at Anime Expo. And now that its over, I can devote my time to writing and other stuff. So I wanted to update as soon as possible. I've been thinking this chapter over carefully and I've decided to go with this version. Rise and Kaze will understand why they were being watched after some explanation. Those who have been following this story from the beginning will know that Rise is a very understanding, if hotheaded, young woman. That said, that's not all that's going to be happening here. I've rambled enough, so let's get right into the action.

Chapter Twenty-Two: Fire Cloud

Two days had passed since Rise had realized they were being watched everywhere they went. Rise had refused to speak to anyone in her household other than Kaze. Rise knew that Syao and Lyn were in on the secret. Rise had correctly guessed that she was being watched by her older siblings. Kaze had temporarily moved into the room with Rise. Rise refused to leave, even for meals. Hinata had left the hospital after Sakura had said she was ready. Now that Hinata was home, she refused to allow this behavior to continue. Hinata had almost knocked the door of the hinge to get Rise out.

Kaze awoke that morning to see Rise sleeping peacefully next to him, a smile set on her thin lips. Kaze pulled a blanket over her and he kissed her cheek. Kaze, unlike Rise, had forgiven them, but was still a little uneasy because he was certain that Naruto and Hinata knew that they had been active. Kaze opened the door and slipped out into the hallway silently. Kaze saw Naruto emerge from his room and he smiled when he saw Kaze.

"Does this mean you've forgiven us?"

Kaze avoided eye contact and he whispered.

"As long as you forgive me."

Naruto patted Kaze's head and he whispered.

"You've done nothing wrong, Kaze. Nor has Rise. We were just trying to make sure nothing happened to the both of you."

Kaze looked into Naruto's benevolent blue eyes and he smiled. Kaze hugged Naruto tightly, and Naruto returned the embrace. Kaze smiled and he pulled away.

"I'm hungry."

He said sheepishly as his stomach growled. Naruto grinned and he led Kaze into the kitchen and prepared them bowls of hot, instant ramen. Kaze sat and ate with Naruto and they talked for a long time.

Rise awoke to the scent of the ramen being cooked. Rise's stomach growled in protest. She hadn't eaten in two days. Rise looked around the room for Kaze, and couldn't find him in her bathroom either. Rise sighed heavily.

"I guess if Kaze can forgive them, I can too."

Rise put on her usual clothes and she opened the door to her room. Rise sat by Kaze and immediately took his hand in hers. Naruto sat a bowl of ramen down in front of his youngest daughter and Rise smiled weakly.

"I'm sorry Daddy."

Rise let tears fall from her face into her ramen. Naruto hugged Rise and Kaze both to him and he whispered.

"Dry your eyes, angel. If we were angry with you, we would have smashed the door off the hinge and forced you to speak to us. We're not that kind of family. We believe in letting everyone do things at their own pace. Rise, you're almost fourteen. You're not a baby anymore. You're a beautiful young woman with a good heart. You'll make a lot of friends and even less enemies. Rise, you've done nothing wrong. We expected you to act the way you did. But please, at least listen. Some of our best Shinobi have fallen to the new Akatsuki. They've attacked the village twice trying to capture you. We're doing it not just as Shinobi, but as parents."

Rise dried her eyes and she smiled.

"I can understand, but can you promise me that you won't spy on us unless you're away from the village?"

Naruto closed his eyes and opened his mouth to speak. Before he could, Hinata's voice spoke.

"That's understandable. But you two need to promise me that you won't do anything stupid."

Rise looked at Kaze, both of their faces burning red. They both nodded fervently and Hinata laughed.

"Trust me, I know how teenagers in love are. Naruto and I went through that. I just ask that you save yourselves until you're older. Rise, you were born when I was eighteen. I don't regret it one bit, but I'd rather you wait until you're married and older than twenty. I don't care what you do as long as you don't end up pregnant Rise."

Rise held Kaze's hand and they laced their fingers.

"We promise. But just don't use that as an excuse to spy on us."

Hinata laughed.

"Of course. Now go out and have some fun. Today's a nice day for exploring the woods."

Rise and Kaze nodded and ate their ramen hurriedly. As soon as they were out the door, Hinata spoke to her husband.

"Rather than having spies all around them, I developed something. Here."

Hinata handed Naruto a small earring that flashed red every five seconds.

"This is... Hina? How'd you make this?"

Hinata grinned.

"Kushina helped me. Basically, as long as Rise is inside the village, we can tell if someone not from the village has entered. The problem is, Rise has to wear it because it draws chakra from her in order to function."

Naruto looked up and he hugged Hinata tightly.

"As soon as she gets back, we'll give it to her."

Hinata nodded and she smiled happily

Rise and Kaze had ventured deep into the woods of Konohagakure. The trees were swaying in the gentle breeze. Rise's long raven hair swayed in the wind and she smiled as Kaze walked by her side through the beauty of nature. Rise and Kaze stopped once they reached a clearing in the so called Sea of Trees. Rise laid her head on Kaze's shoulder as they sat under the sun. Rise closed her eyes and she held his hand in hers. Kaze cast his eyes around the clearing and he stood up immediately.

"Someone's here. An intense power."

A cold voice rang out in the clearing.

"I'll be damned. The Shukaku brat could sense me. Might as well make my presence known."

Rise had already snapped to attention. A woman with long black hair and deep dark eyes dropped into the clearing. She wore a black kimono, tied by a long sash, with red geta on her feet. Rise stood by Kaze's side, holding his hand.

"Who the hell are you?"

Rise asked and the woman laughed.

"You've never heard of the great Meiling Okasa?"

Rise shook her head and she turned her back. Meiling laughed a cold laugh that chilled Rise to the bone.

"You're not going anywhere, Kyuubi. I'm here to capture you both."

The woman drew a sword from her back and she pointed it at Kaze. Kaze was already forming seals, but Meiling was faster. Meiling formed seven seals and she cried out.

"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Cage!"

Meiling pushed her palm to the ground and a ring of fire erupted from the ground.

"Just the three of us now. I won't kill you... yet. Surrender and I won't even hurt you."

Rise was shaking her head, smirking.

"You really are stupid, attacking us in our own village."

Meiling's smile faded. She moved fasted than Kaze could see, but in the next second, Rise was being held by the neck. Rise struggled and she kicked Meiling in the chest. The Akatsuki dropped the young girl and she wove seals. She screamed as she released her Jutsu.

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bomb!"

A column of fire erupted from Meiling's mouth and took on the shape of a crimson dragon. Rise was rooted to the spot in fear. The young girl closed her eyes preparing for the end. The end never came. A voice was heard in the clearing, one that filled the young girl with hope.

"Water Style: Giant Vortex Jutsu!"

The cage of fire dissipated and Meiling was caught in a whirlpool of water. She was slammed into a tree by the force of the blow. She slumped forward and was covered in mist that seemed to be eroding her body. Kakashi Hatake dropped into the clearing and he knelt beside Meiling's body.

"Shapeshifting Technique. Just like that time I fought Itachi."

Kakashi sighed and he cast a look back at Rise and Kaze. Kakashi smiled at them through his mask.

"Are you two ok?""

Rise nodded and she hugged Kakashi.

"Thank you Uncle Kakashi!"

Kakashi patted Rise on her head.

"Not to worry. I've been chasing Meiling for about a week now. Turns out that was a false clone. By the way, and don't tell anyone this, but once you graduate in October, its been decided that I'll be your Jonin instructor."

Kakashi smiled at Rise. Rise held Kaze's hand and he looked up at Kakashi. Kakashi said nothing further and he placed his hands on both their heads and he used a Teleportation Jutsu. Rise, Kaze and Kakashi were right outside the Uzumaki Manor.

"I'll see the two of you soon. Don't tell anyone about that incident with Meiling."

Rise nodded and they entered the house. Hinata smiled at them.

"Welcome home. Rise, we have something for you."

Hinata placed the earring in Rise's hand. Rise hugged her mother and she placed it in her ear. Rise had no idea as to its real function. Kaze kissed Rise's cheek and they sat and ate dinner in silence. The rest of the day passed quickly, until bedtime had arrived. Kaze entered his room and lay on his bed, falling asleep instantly.. Rise thought as she laid in her bed. She thought about the encounter in the forest, how Kakashi had saved them. Sleep overcame her and she smiled as she slept.

TO BE CONTNUED...

A/N: Next chapter will be the graduation as these children become Genin. Thanks to all who have read both this story and Lavender Love, and many thanks for all the support you've given me over the last four years.