Yuki glared at the watch for the fiftieth time, hoping that it was incorrect. They had been scheduled to leave at 3:00 am. Her watch blinked 4:27...no 4:28 am. at the moment. She shook her head, and paced more, Naruto watching his friend.

Where are you Anko-sama? You usually aren't THIS late.

"She'll be here, dattebayo," Naruto spoke up. Yuki sighed, and nodded her head in agreement, sitting on the fence. She kept her eyes off Kyuubi, who was sleeping on Naruto's chest.

"Yuki-chan...there is something I needed to speak with you about," Naruto said, a strangled look on his face.

She glanced at him, and noticed the shift in his mood, turning to face him. She pulled her Anbu blade out, and sharpening stone, her eyes on him.

"What is it, Naruto-kun?"

"Did you turn her down?" he asked, his gaze sad.

She responded with a simple nod.

"Hmmmmm."

She rubbed the stone up the blade's length and down it, the grinding sound soothing to her ears.

There was silence for a moment before he spoke up again.

"So...do you love her?" he asked.

Yuki contemplated the question, chewing her lip gently.

"I-I care very deeply for Akira. She has made clear, that you are the one she desires mroe than anything. You're very lucky to have her. She's got a good heart, and though, I'm a little envious, I know that we cannot be together," she finished, resheathing the blade.

"You didn't answer the question," Naruto said,a hint of anger in his voice.

Yuki nodded in acknowledgement.

"I can't, Naruto-kun. That is one question, I don't have the answer for, ri-"

Fear shot through her body, as Naruto placed a knife to the demon's throat.

"Don't!" she almost yelled, keeping her voice low and intense.

"You do," Naruto stated, returning the kunai to his pouch. Yuki felt her face flush red, and looked away, ashamed.

"Three days, Yuki-chan. I've had to deal with the thrashing. The screams, and sobbing," he said, his eyes locked on her.

"She loves you as much as me, if not more. I've listened to her in the night, in her sleep, begging you to stay. Begging you to love her back. She's shown me how much she cares, time and time again. I can say that of all the women I would have dated, she fulfills me the most. You're tearing her apart," Naruto said.

Yuki looked away, surprised at how perceptive her friend was.

"I don't lo-"

"I hate it when people lie to themselves," Naruto said, his gaze angry now. Yuki looked away, tears in her eyes.

Their discussion ended, as the fox woke up stretching.

"*YAAWWWWWN* Morning, my Naru-kun. Did Yuki get here yet?" she asked, kissing his lips. Yuki waited patiently to be noticed, checking the pockets of her vest and body. She had more than enough blood pills and the two jutsu scrolls she needed. She was fully prepared.

"Oh...morning, Yuki-chan," the fox said, her eyes fearful. Yuki returned the greeting, albeit reluctantly. She glanced up the street to see her mother, balancing several different size plates and dishes, steam rising up in a cloud.

Five minutes later, she was in front of them, putting the plates down.

"Good morning, you guys. So, I figured, I'd treat you guys to some dango and ramen, to celebrate our first mission as a squad. What'd ya say?" she said, handing Naruto a bowl of Ichiraku ramen, and sliding several dango skewers to Yuki and Kyuubi.

A GOOD THIRTY MINUTES LATER.

Everyone finished preparing before the order was given.

"Let's go!" Anko said.

"Hai!"

THE FIGHT WILL BE UPLOADED THIS WEDNESDAY! SORRY FOR THE WAIT YOU GUYS! I WILL BE DOING REGULAR UPDATES AGAIN VERY SOON! UNTIL THEN ENJOY!