Hope you enjoy! This chapter is crucial in revealing Yuka's personality flaws as well as her jutsu. It isn't all revealed but it is hinted. :) Hope you enjoy. Not as juicy as the last chapter but no worries. The excitement is still brewing! Also, I will be on hiatus for a few days. Probably until September 25-26. R&R! Enjoy.

~Kat~

After pacifying an angry Shizune, Yuka was free to do as she pleased. Her morning was frustrating to say the least and she couldn't leave the Inuzuka compound fast enough. After dropping off Hinata's dress after her exam she took off toward the Hokage tower. If he was available she needed to speak with him. She wanted more than anything to have a place of her own in the village, to set up a safe zone so to speak but she also wanted in on the mission Ino had mentioned.

As she walked up the staircase she heard a familiar voice and turned around. It was Shikamaru. He was walking up the stairs not far behind her. "Hello Yuka-chan," he greeted, coming up to her. "Here to see Hokage-sama?" It sounded more like a statement than a question and Yuka just nodded, plastering a smile on her face.

"Yes. I wanted to ask him about a few things," she stated, starting to walk up the steps. He kept pace, his hands in his pockets.

"You made it back last night in once piece, right?" he asked, looking her over.

"Oh," she said, nodding quickly. "Kiba-kun helped." She didn't want to tell him she stayed the night at his home. Those kinds of thoughts in the lazy ass's head would cause problems of a whole other kind.

"Good. You still coming to dinner tonight? I know a place you might like; serves some of the best sushi in the village."

"Of course," she assured, opening the door into the long hallway. "Wouldn't miss it."

At this Shikamaru grimaced, his hand going to the back of his neck. Just then there was a loud slam and a set of voices came drifting down the hall.

"Moegi! Come on it was just one little Icha Icha book," Konohamaru whined, Moegi coming into view as she strolled down the hall. Konohamaru was closely following her, a dramatic look on his face.

"The Hokage of the Hidden Leaf should not be reading such lecherous literature!" she protested, waving the small book in her hand.

"Would you rather I harass you then, Moegi-chan?" he said, a smirk coming over his face. She furrowed her brow in annoyance and kept walking, noticing Shikamaru and Yuka instantly.

"Ah! Yuka-chan, Shikamaru-san… what are you two doing here?" She asked, batting away Konohamaru's hand from her waist.

"Apparently we're both here to see Hokage-sama," Shikamaru said, grinning at her. "Have some time?"

Konohamaru stepped around Moegi and grinned, wrapping an arm around both Shikamaru and Yuka's shoulders. "Of course I do!" He said, steering them toward his office. Moegi just rolled her eyes, disappearing down the staircase.

After entering his office and shutting the door, Konohamaru sat at his desk staring up at his visitors. "So, what can I do for you?"

"My visit concerns a private matter, Hokage-sama. I'll wait until Yuka-chan leaves to discuss it with you," Shikamaru said, taking a seat across from the large desk. Yuka sat down in the other seat, her eyes on Konohamaru.

"And what about Yuka-chan? What is her business?" he asked.

"Well, it concerns a few things," Yuka said, looking back at Shikamaru and then Konohamaru. "First I wanted to know when I'd receive my test to become a Konoha nin. And as a Konoha nin I also wanted to ask about when I'd be able to move into my new home. My things are littered all over my hospital room and I fear Shizune-sama is getting irritated."

"Ah! Yes, Moegi has found a place for you," Konohamaru said, opening a drawer and sifting through it. He pulled a scroll out and read it. "As soon as you pass the test from ANBU you'll be placed in a squad. The test is with a good friend of mine so you should learn a very valuable lesson. If you can pass his test then you'll be a leaf shinobi."

"Wait, I thought I had to submit to tests with Ibiki-san, Inoichi-san, and Shizune-sama?" Yuka asked, a bit confused. "You said that it's standard procedure, you know?"

"Yes, well after having the council review you're fighting abilities and jutsu we've decided to do things differently," Konohamaru said, placing the scroll on the desk. "You've got power though I think you may be using it the wrong way." He paused watching her closely. He then grabbed something out of the drawer and set it on the desk. It was a bottle of sake. He took a sip and grinned, putting it back. "Have to hide it from Moegi," he explained when Shikamaru looked at him. "Now, Yuka-chan when I was fighting you I saw something that bothered me. You don't judge your enemy's strength correctly and this could be a big problem on a squad. Not being able to do this leads me to believe you're arrogant."

"Excuse me?" she asked, her eyes narrowing at him. "I kept up with Kage level battle and suddenly I'm arrogant? Where do you get the nerve?" Now she was fuming. Sure, she knew she could have won that fight if it hadn't been for her arm. This kid was just a sore loser.

"Listen, Yuka-chan," Konohamaru stated, shaking his head. "This is what the ANBU test is for. My friend will teach you what I mean. If you submit to the test and pass you will get placed in a squad. Unfortunately, since you are new and inexperienced with missions, you'll start out at gennin level."

Yuka groaned at his words, shaking her head in annoyance. Konohamaru just grinned, looking back down at the scroll on the desk. "Was there anything else you needed, Yuka-chan?"

"Yes, one more thing that I think Shikamaru-kun may be interested in hearing," she said, glancing over at the lazy nin. "I know about the mission and I know who you're seeking out."

At this Konohamaru froze, staring at her thoughtfully. Shikamaru just looked back at Yuka, a confused look on his face. "Ino?" he asked and she shook her head. "Ah, she is so troublesome. So, what about it? Why is it any interest to you, Yuka-chan?"

"I want in on it," she stated, making Konohamaru's eyes widen.

"Why?" Shikamaru asked, his eyes narrowing at her. "What do you know?"

"A lot more than you think," she stated coolly, her eyes roaming the desk. "The man you seek is Orochimaru. He's a former member of the leaf and an S-class criminal. He used to use the Hidden Sound as a base but is now missing, assumed to be dead during the war."

"What interest is this mission to you?" Shikamaru asked again, unsure what conclusion to draw from her sudden demand.

"Before the war broke out, when I was thirteen, I was forced to watch an entire village of my friends, people I had considered the only family I had left, burn to the ground while he gathered his specimens," she lied, her eyes steady, keeping her chakra flow even. She knew lying created a flux in chakra; it served as a natural lie detector to the trained eye. "He slaughtered dozens right in front of me, claiming to be interested in what secrets their bodies could offer. It was sickening."

"And what do you seek to gain by going with Shikamaru's team?" Konohamaru asked, watching her closely. "Orochimaru has been rumored dead for almost five years. There is no proof he even exists anymore. We are just following up on some rumors."

"Don't treat me like I'm a moron," she stated, grinning at him. "I know that Konoha doesn't send a team of jonin rank shinobi on a mission based on rumors. You know something more than that."

"But what do you seek to gain out of going? If he is alive are you seriously suggesting you can defeat him and exact revenge?" Konohamaru asked, leaning back in his chair. "This mission is going to be ranked A at the lowest. There are strict orders not to engage unless forced and capture if possible. If I were to send an untested probationary shinobi into the field, do you know what I'd look like? A complete fool."

"Then test me, you already know I can handle myself in battle," she stated, looking between him and Shikamaru. "Give me the ANBU test today! I'm ready for whatever you throw at me."

At this Konohamaru looked up, a slight grin on his face. "You're ready huh?" he asked, his eyes lazily scanning the ceiling. "Your interest in this mission leads me to believe that you could be following a dangerous path, Yuka-chan. I could enable your revenge, or prevent it… the question is which would be the smartest move?"

"You think I'm doing this for my own selfish reasons?" she asked, her eyes narrowing. This charade would bring them right in, make them feel for her situation and pain. Sometimes she felt too proud of her acting. "Those people died because of that slippery bastard. I can't let that happen again to someone else."

"Hmm…" Konohamaru pondered, turning to stare out the window. He sighed softly, his hands going to his temple to gently massage it. He must have been thinking about this deeply because his brow furrowed in concentration, his eyes drifting off into thought. "Alright," he said, turning back around. "Here's what we'll do. You'll take the ANBU test tomorrow. That'll give you time to get ready and since you've been given a clean bill of health, it will give you time to train. If you pass, you can go. If not then you'll have serve as a student under the tutelage of one of my close friends."

"What?" she asked, her eyes narrowing at him. "You're going to make me train with a master? I'm a Hokage-level fighter. I don't have to prostrate myself for you."

"No one said you were Hokage level," Konohamaru said, a smirk playing on his lips. "Do you accept or not?"

"Oh, I accept," she said, her eye's rolling in disgust. "You just better hope your ANBU friend is ready."

"I'm sure he is," Konohamaru smirked and Shikamaru couldn't help but grin. "Now, for the ANBU test there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, you'll have two teammates with you. They'll be chosen randomly by the ANBU tester so you won't know who it is until the test. Secondly, the test will be explained to you when you get there. It will be on training field number seven; make sure you meet there at 6 A.M. Tardiness won't be tolerated."

"Anything else I need to know?" She asked, standing up to leave.

"Yeah," he replied, picking up the scroll and glancing at it. He then looked up at her over the edge, an evident smile in his eyes. "I wouldn't eat before you go out there. It won't be easy and we wouldn't want you getting sick and jeopardizing your shot at this mission."

She just rolled her eyes, turning toward the door. Just then Shikamaru called out, a grin on his face. "Don't forget Yuka-chan. I'll meet you outside the shrine at seven o'clock."

"No problem, Shikamaru-kun. See you tonight," she responded, bowing before leaving the room.

Yuka left the building fuming. That moronic kid had called her arrogant and accused her of being a less than gennin level shinobi. Yuka growled at this though, making her way down the stairs and onto the street. She had until tomorrow morning to prepare herself and she didn't want to miss the opportunity to test her skills. She needed to work further on her seal and she also needed to build her arm back up to its full potential. She'd train until it was time to go to meet Shikamaru and hope that during their dinner she could get some more information about the mission from him.

During her training Yuka had lost track of time so by the time she had went back to the hospital, gotten ready, and got to the shrine it was twenty minutes past seven. She hoped he didn't decide to leave but as she approached the shrine she noticed him standing there under a tree playing with something in his hand. He wasn't wearing his shinobi gear but a casual pair of pants and a plain black shirt. As she got closer he turned toward her a slight grin on his face.

"I thought you weren't going to show," he stated, putting a zippo lighter back under his shirt. She eyed him curiously before smiling, shaking her head.

"I wouldn't just ditch you," she assured. "I just lost track of time training."

"I figured that was it, you seemed pretty intent on passing that test," he stated, turning to look at the tree he had been standing under. "Either way, I think you could be a great asset to our team."

"Thank you Shika-kun," she said, smiling sweetly at him. He just nodded back, turning to face her.

"Well, let's get going. I think you're going to like this sushi place. It's always fresh and the food is delicious," he stated, offering her his arm. She hesitated a moment but then looped hers through his, a small grin on her lips. They walked like that for a while, Shikamaru casually nodding at people he knew before turning to look down at Yuka. "This may be a weird question but I have to ask…"

"What is it, Shika-kun?" she asked, looking across the street at a shop window. In it she noticed their reflection and grinned. He towered over her, his lean form contrasting with her more curvaceous body.

"Well," he hesitated, looking over at the window she was starting at and then back at the ground. "I was just wondering if you were pretending when you're around all of us?"

At this she looked up at him, her eyes wide. She was sure he hadn't figured her out; she didn't know how he could have. She hadn't slipped up once this entire time. "What do you mean, Shika-kun?" she asked, her eyes scanning his face.

"I mean, last night at the club you seemed to really let yourself go. I mean, sure we knew you had a colorful language ever since the fight with Hokage-sama but when you're around others you seem more tame, less like that girl who was swearing up a storm after the Hokage fight," Shikamaru remarked, shrugging his shoulders. "It just seems like your putting on a face for everyone."

At this she bit her lip. She wasn't sure how to respond to that. She didn't want him to get suspicious of her and the fact that he had observed her so closely made her a tad nervous. "It's just how I am," she admitted, her eyes drifting to the ground in front of her as they walked. "It's just what I am used to doing. I guess I just adapt my personality to the surroundings. Like last night we were all out for a fun time so I made sure I was having fun."

"But you don't have to fake it, especially around your friends," he said, glancing up at the sky. "That is what we all are now; friends. It's okay to accommodate your friends, Yuka-chan but you don't have to put on a face."

She just nodded, her eyes still glued to the ground. She knew she had to come up with something fast, something to convince the observant shinobi that she wasn't putting on an act. "I'll try not to," she admitted, looking up at him now. "It's just new to me. I'm so used to being on my own, worrying about myself, that I don't realize the face I'm putting on for people. If I seem like I'm masking my true feelings it may just be something I have to deal with."

"Now that you have comrades, friends, you don't have to deal with things alone," he assured, looking down at her intently. "Whatever it is you can go to your friends for help. After all, that is what we are here for."

Yuka just smiled up at him, nodding enthusiastically. "Alright, Shika-kun," she said. "I'll do my best to just be myself with friends. I've made so many in such a short time that I guess I just don't understand how to handle it."

"It's no problem," he said, leading her down a side street. "It will take you some time to get used to it but when you do you can be sure that your comrades will be there to help."

She just nodded, a grin spreading over her lips. He couldn't help but grin back at her as they walked down the street, passing groups of people wandering the shops and restaurants. When they finally approached a building Yuka couldn't help but stare. It was a beautiful three story building with classic Japanese design, the sign outside reading AKA. There were delicious smells coming from inside and Yuka couldn't help but notice that it was a classier place than the barbeque restaurant they had went to before. She couldn't tell it wasn't a fancy place from the groups of shinobi walking out drunkenly talking and laughing at one another. Shikamaru just shrugged at them, leading Yuka inside. The young woman at the podium greeted them, offering to show them to a table. She led them through the entry and into a wide open space, stairs going up each side to the upper levels where there were balcony seats and party tables.

Yuka followed as she found them a table across from a large fish tank full of tropical fish and fauna. She watched it for a moment before turning her gaze back to Shikamaru. He just chuckled shaking his head and looking down at the menu in front of him. She did the same, noting all the different kinds of sushi, her eyes roaming the different cuts and combinations. Just then a waiter came over to their table, pen and pad in hand.

"Good evening," he greeted. "Welcome to AKA, I'm Tekko and will be your waiter this evening. Can I start you off with some drinks?"

"Yes," Shikamaru said, glancing at the menu. "Do you want anything specific?" he asked, looking over at Yuka. She shook her head and he nodded, glancing down at the menu again. "We'll take a bottle of sake and a pot of tea when the meal comes."

"Very well, I'll be right back with your sake," the waiter said, disappearing to the bar.

"So, Yuka-chan, I'm guessing you're wondering why I asked you to go out with me tonight," Shikamaru commented, setting the menu aside.

She paused a moment, looking up at him with interest. She then grinned, looking back down at her menu. "Well, I had assumed it was to speak to me about my seals and jutsu," she stated, looking up at him again. "Am I wrong?"

"Well, it is true that I did intend on asking you about them but I also had an ulterior motive," Shikamaru said, waiting for the waiter to set their drinks down before handing him both his and Yuka's menu. "Give us a few minutes to think about our order," Shikamaru said, looking up at the waiter. He nodded in understanding and disappeared again.

"Ulterior motive, huh?" she asked, watching him grab the two round saucers from the table and place them in front of himself. He grabbed the bottle of sake and poured them each a shot. He handed hers to her and she took it, nodding at him as they drank. She set the cup down, licking her lips slowly. "And what would that be?"

"Well, it may be weird for you to hear but it's been troublesome to me ever since I met you," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Correct me if I'm wrong but I have to ask. Are you and Kiba-kun together?"

At this her eyes went wide from true shock. She didn't expect this at all. She immediately shook her head, her eyes closing in exasperation. "No, goodness no…" she sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her fingers. "Listen, I don't know what's up with you leaf men thinking that the new chick is just a new piece of meat but I'm not exactly thrilled about the concept. Kiba-kun has already made it clear about how he feels about me," she groaned, grabbing the sake glass and pouring them both another drink. "But I'm not ready for anything like that."

"But he does like you, right?" Shikamaru asked, grabbing the now full saucer. She nodded, raising her own cup in a salute to him before downing it. He did the same, a grin playing over his lips. "Then this is interesting indeed. You may not understand it yet, Yuka-chan, but you have an alluring appeal that draws men in."

"Believe me, I've noticed," she said, motioning to her breasts. He just shook his head, a laugh on his lips.

"No, not just that… those are nice, there is no doubt," he agreed, a seductive smirk coming across his face. She blushed slightly, looking down at her cup. "But that isn't what I mean. You have a strong will and an even stronger personality. Guy's like that and right now you've attracted a lot of attention with it."

"A lot?" she asked, her eyes going wide. Before Shikamaru could respond the waiter showed back up, a smile on his face.

"Ready to order?" he asked, looking between them.

"Yes, I think we'll just take the combination platter. Please, no squid. I'm not a fan," Shikamaru answered, looking over at him. The waiter nodded, leaving them a bottle of soy sauce and some chopsticks.

"What do you mean a lot?" Yuka asked, her eyes narrowing. "I don't consider Kiba-kun to be a lot," she stated, raising an eyebrow.

"Not just Kiba-kun," Shikamaru stated, his eyes roaming her face. "You see, apart from Kiba feeling puppy love you also have Shino-kun quite enamored." At this Yuka brought her palm to her forehead, her eyes closing in frustration. She had totally forgotten Shino-kun's hoodie at Kiba's. Now she had to go back over there or else have to deal with Shino's questions.

"I didn't mean to," Yuka admitted, the realization that she now had two admirers playing to her advantage. "I really didn't. I even told Kiba I wanted to make friends, to be friends and get used to Konoha before I dedicated myself to something else."

"And that is understandable," Shikamaru said, nodding. "However, you also have another admirer that you should be aware of."

"What? Three? I haven't even done anything to deserve this attention," she contested, shaking her head.

"On the contrary," he shook his head. "That habit of yours, of masking yourself to better suit the situation, has gained you the reputation of being a strong but still vulnerable; someone in need of protecting so to speak."

"That is not the case," she retorted, her eyes narrowing. "And any guy that thinks I need protection wouldn't even register on my radar."

"And that's what attracts me to you, Yuka-chan," Shikamaru admitted, his eyes watching her reaction. At first she just sat there, staring at him for a second before dropping her gaze to the table top. They sat there in silence for a second, Yuka trying to spin the situation the best possible way. She couldn't just throw him aside and deny his feelings. He could prove extremely useful however she couldn't just change her words and admit she liked him. That would be too obvious and fake.

After a few more seconds she looked back up at him, her eyes soft and a smile had graced her lips. Shikamaru must have been taken aback because he leaned back, his eyes widening slightly as he watched her face. "Shika-kun," she said softly, almost too softly. "One day I will be able to have the opportunity to feel those types of emotions. It may not be anytime soon but that doesn't mean you should give up. Like I said, I can't just fall for someone so easily. I'm here to prove myself, to become a leaf shinobi and form bonds. That is my first priority."

He just smiled, nodding his understanding. "That is fine, Yuka-chan. I just wanted you to know so that it wasn't such a bother. To be honest it had been bothering me since I first watched you in battle. You're a lot like me, analyzing and strategizing your every move. Maybe that is what drew me in."

"That is fine, Shika-kun," she assured, her eyes drifting over his face. "I don't want you to think I'm turning you down. On the contrary; I may not be promising you my heart but I can promise that when I can afford to feel such emotions I will take yours, Shino-kun's, and Kiba-kun's feelings into consideration."

"That sounds fair enough," he said, a smile spreading over his lips. "But just so you know, I don't think you'll find dog-man or bug-boy to be as good as I am in Shogi."

At this she let out a chuckle, shaking her head at his statement. "I'm not even that good at Shogi," she said, turning her attention to the waiter who had come over with their food. He set the tray of different sushi on the table before setting down the steaming pot of coffee and two cups for them.

"If there is anything else you require, please let me know," he said before disappearing to another table.

Yuka stared at the different types of sushi, the colors amazing. She had never seen so much sushi at once. Shikamaru noticed her surprise and grinned, shaking his head. "Dig in," he said, grabbing a few pieces to set on his plate before grabbing the soy sauce. They ate hungrily, chatting absentmindedly about their friends and the missions they've been on. Shikamaru told her tales of his fellow nin and their quirks laughing along with Yuka when he told her about his first mission with Rock Lee and his exuberant sensei.

"They really are like family," Yuka said, finishing a piece of sushi before setting down her chop sticks. She had eaten enough sushi to last her for a while. The truth was that she rarely ever had it before. She never had the time to prepare it or the money to buy it.

"Yeah, they are, it's almost uncanny," Shikamaru commented, grabbing his drink, sipping on it quietly. "But I do have to ask you, Yuka-chan, do you think you're ready for the test tomorrow?"

At this she quirked an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly to look at him. "What do you mean? I definitely think I'm ready to pass this test and move to the next step."

"I'm glad you're confident about yourself," he said, setting his cup down. "But I'd like to get a look at those seals of yours when you have the time. My father is fascinated with your ability to heal. It's well above average."

"Thank you," she said, placing her hand on the table, upturned. "If you want, take a look. I have nothing to hide."

At this Shikamaru grinned, pushing the tray to the side so she could lay her hand on the table in front of him. He gently grabbed her wrist, pulling her hand a bit closer to him so he could observe it closer. It looked like the lines on her hand were formed into symbols and a seal, the circle around it roughly etched to fit her palm. It looked like an old seal, something from the history books.

As he observed it, Yuka couldn't help but notice how gentle he was being. He had run a finger over her seal, feeling his chakra enter it. It started to glow slightly and they both watched as it surged a couple of times and then faded. Shikamaru then looked up at her, his eyes portraying his curiosity.

"Did you feel anything just now?" he asked, running his finger over the seal again.

"No, nothing except your chakra," she admitted, flexing her fingers. He chuckled when she did so, setting her hand back on the table gently.

"Well, it is obvious how you infuse your chakra into this seal but what really makes me wonder is how you concentrate your chakra to such intense density. You create a vapor right?"

"Yes," she responded. "I concentrate it to the point of vapor so that way when I do strike, even if I miss, there is a chance for the chakra to still be absorbed."

"So when you do this you don't know for sure if it's hitting?" He asked, his eyes alight with wonder.

"Well, I'm a close range fighter; taijutsu being my main form of combat. When I get within range it doesn't really matter if I know for sure. What matters is that they don't know they are inhaling it until it starts to break them down."

"Great strategy except it doesn't work on everyone. For example it wouldn't work on my jutsu. I'm a mid range fighter, depending on the situation," he said, taking another drink of his tea. He set the empty cup on the table and she quickly grabbed up the tea pot, pouring him another cup. He nodded in appreciation and sighed, glancing back down at her hand. "So how do you not know when it strikes or misses? Don't you target your opponent's weaknesses when your chakra is in their system?"

She shook her head, her eyes narrowing. "I won't tell you everything, Shika-kun but I will tell you that the attack that uses vapor isn't meant to be a direct attack. The longer the battle lasts with me the weaker my opponent gets because of the chakra they take in. It is simply a precursor to the real technique I use."

"The blast of chakra from your other hand?" he asked, glancing down at it. She nodded, lifting it onto the table and allowing him to observe it. "So it doesn't work the same as the other one? You have to use a different form of chakra control?"

"Basically," she responded. "With this hand I concentrate my chakra to penetrate an opponent to use it either to heal, wear down, or, when I can concentrate it, to read thoughts. The last one is useful for gathering intelligence but it isn't a battle jutsu."

"Indeed," he said, grabbing the wrist of her injured hand and looking at it. It still had a few slight marks from the injury and some fading bruises but it was basically back to normal. He ran his finger over that seal, the glow a little stronger as it grew and faded. "So this one is just a huge burst of chakra that provides an overpowered taijutsu attack?"

"That is the effects of it but it also penetrates the body like a sound wave, targeting the body at the cellular level," she stated, leaning back in her chair. "It's much more precise. I can use my healing jutsu in the same way, targeting the injury at the cellular level like a med nin. It's really not that much different. It's just more concentrated because of the effects of the seal."

"So you target the body's weak points at the cellular level… then what?" Shikamaru asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Well, it works like an acid. It literally eats away at the body from the inside out. It's a fast acting jutsu. The only reason that huge toad withstood it was because of his mass."

"That is good to know," Shikamaru stated, letting go of her hand. "And you're still not going to tell me how you target the injured or weak areas?"

"Nope, not unless you force me," she said, a playful smirk coming over her lips. He just chuckled, taking a sip of his tea before setting it down.

"Well then, it looks like I have all the information I need," he stated, stretching slightly. "I am quite interested in how you can concentrate your chakra levels to such an extent. It's amazing especially for healing. It has the potential to do some great things."

"And I intend to," she affirmed, her eyes watching him. He just smiled nodding as the waiter came back over to their table.

"How was everything?" he asked, setting the check down on the table.

"Amazing," Yuka said, a smile on her face. Shikamaru grabbed the folder with the bill in it, slipping in some money before handing it to the waiter and thanking him. He then looked at Yuka.

"So, are you ready to go? You have a busy day tomorrow and I can't imagine you want to be up late tonight."

"Yes, I am quite tired. I finally perfected a new seal that I had been working on. I'm anxious to try it in battle," she commented, pushing her chair back. Shikamaru followed suit, offering her his hand as he led her around the table toward the exit. She looped her arm with his again, a smile playing over his lips as she did. She knew she had to play to his desires or else she'd get nowhere with him.

As they left the restaurant Yuka noticed that the temperature had dropped, making her shiver slightly. Shikamaru noticed immediately and took his jacket off, throwing it over her shoulders. She smiled up at him, hugging it around her neck snuggly. He wrapped an arm around her now, allowing her to walk next to him as he navigated through the line of people outside the restaurant. It was easier to push through the crowd when she was encased in Shikamaru's long arms. When they broke away from the crowd Shikamaru led her up the street toward the market. He was obviously planning on walking her back to the hospital. She didn't mind. It'd give her some time to ask him about the mission.

"Shika-kun," she murmured, looking up at him. He looked down, his eyes giving her a questioning look. "Do you really intend on going to The Hidden Sound just for intelligence, or is there more to it than that?"

At this Shikamaru bit his lip, sighing softly. "I don't think I should tell you the details of the mission, Yuka-chan," he said, glancing down at the ground. He then looked over at her, maneuvering her around a group of rude tourists. "All I can tell you is that if we do find the man that was once Orochimaru we are under strict orders to infiltrate and gather intel. Nothing more unless it becomes absolutely critical to do so."

"Oh, I see," she whispered, looking down at the ground. His arm tightened around her slightly and she couldn't help but grin. He was playing right into her hands and the softer she pushed him, the harder he fell. "I was just wondering. I kind of figured you couldn't tell me much."

"If you pass tomorrow's test I'll make sure to tell you everything, Yuka-chan," he admitted, nodding at her.

"That sounds like you don't think I will," she said, poking him in the side. "That's not very nice Shika-kun."

"I have confidence you'll do great," he said, moving his free hand from his pocket to the back of his neck. He rubbed it slowly before putting it back down at his side. "Besides, I know you're strong and smart. I don't see there being a problem."

"Thank you," she chuckled, noticing that they were approaching the hospital gates. When they reached them Shikamaru stopped, turning to face Yuka.

"I had a lot of fun tonight, Yuka-chan," he said, his hand leaving her side. "I don't usually get to enjoy such interesting company."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Shika-kun. I had a lot of fun too!" she said, tugging at the jacket around her neck. "I always have fun with you though. We never run out of things to talk about and that is something truly awesome."

"This is true. You'll have to come over more often to play shogi with me, I could use a worthy opponent," he said, a smile coming over his face. She laughed and nodded, placing a hand on his arm.

"If I ever beat you at that damned game then I'll buy a chicken suit and go strutting around Konoha," she laughed, shaking her head. "That'll be the day, I'm sure."

"You're so silly," he said, poking her in the side. She bit her lip now, blushing slightly. She knew this would tip him off that she was interested. It always worked; she'd blush a little, look all cute and innocent, and then she could get whatever she wanted.

What she wasn't expecting was Shikamaru putting his arms around her, one hand resting on the small of her back the other near her shoulder blade. She gasped slightly when he had done it causing him to chuckle. "I hope you don't mind," he said, gently moving his hand to the side of her face, moving a strand of hair between his fingers and gently curling it. "But I can't resist the urge to at least give you a good night kiss. Will you accept it?"

She blushed furiously, her eyes staring up at him in wonder. She'd noticed he was attractive before but it was different than Kiba. Kiba was rough, unrefined, and oozed sex. Shikamaru wasn't these things. No he was intelligent, almost frighteningly so. He also wasn't oozing sex; he was a sophisticated sexy. He wasn't just putting it out there for all to see but when he did turn it on it almost floored you with its intensity. He watched her face closely, his eyes intently watching her reaction. She just nodded, her lips quivering slightly as he came closer.

She felt his warm breath on her skin and was almost floored by the soft scent of his breath. It smelled like chocolate. She wondered if it tasted like it too. Then it happened; his lips were gently pressed to hers and his mouth was skillfully molding his own lips to coax hers open. She couldn't believe it as he gently ran his tongue over her bottom lip, her mouth opening slowly. He darted his tongue against hers a couple times, his arms holding her against him firmly. Then he let go, pulling back to look at her face. He grinned down at her and she couldn't help but grin back. Had she known at that time they were being observed she would have pulled away sooner but for the moment she just stood there comfortably encased in his arms.