Permission To Seek

Chapter 57 Shino Arrested!

“Haku, see how well you can utilize your technique to intensify Uchiha’s lighting Jutsu.” Shino had several scrolls open on the ground, everyone exhausted from their extended day training before reaching the village. Morino had discussed at length with Shino the probability that civil war would begin upon his return, and removal of his uncle from the Head Clan position. In an effort to assure some of the members are prepared for the onset of the storm Shino suggested they take a portion of one day to familiarize each other with their comrades fighting techniques and develop tactics that will aid them once they reach home.

Naruto stared at the other three he didn’t feel he was adding anything to the strategy, Shino had told him he would spar with the other however really he only made innumerable clones then stayed back while they got defeated one at a time by either Haku or Sasuke. Folding his hands behind his head he felt exhausted despite the fact that he hadn’t done any work at all, he resisted the urge to shout at Shino to allow him to fight, since the first time during training he’d done that the bug guy snapped menacingly he still felt a shiver just thinking about it. ‘That guy still got that dangerous temper.’ Naruto sucked his teeth again, heaving a loud sigh.

“We are ready Uzumaki.” Shino rose with the others, rolling up his scrolls as Sasuke and Haku got in position. “Uzumaki please come over here out of the way.” Naruto seemed to be more irritating than usual although Shino knew it was not only his blond that had his nerves on end, his Kikai should have returned hours ago; the delay made him uneasy. Naruto joined him out of the line of fire putting his hands together summoning up two dozen clones.

“Shino isn’t there something more I can do this is all really boring for me.” The huge blue eyes stared at the strong jaw line of his lover, the corner of his mouth suddenly curling up. Naruto flinched this time for pestering his short-tempered friend.

“So you want something more entertaining?” Shino did not look at Naruto. “Make four dozen more clones or can you make more?” The dark frames turned toward him with a raised eyebrow, he had a theory about the effort it would take Naruto to produce sustain and train with greater numbers of clones. His friend showed some signs of exertion just from assisting his teammates throughout the better portion of the day.

“Never under estimate Uzumaki Naruto!” He laughed darkly putting his hands together, he shouted. “Tajû Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!” (Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu) Suddenly the entire training area was littered in innumerable orange and black clad blondes all chatting among themselves, showing off their strength or just posing with their hands behind their heads. The original stood his ground next to Shino smirking “You asked if I could do more, how is this?” He snickered rubbing his nose feeling more impressed by the pleased look on his comrades’ face.

“I am impressed Naruto.” Shino step forward staring at his other comrades, preparing to address them.

“Naruto you idiot.” Sasuke stared around at the numerous copies, one of them asking his neighbor if that red-eyed kid is talking about him. Sasuke shook his head glancing in Haku’s direction.

“I have never seen so many shadow clones.” The almond eye ninja exclaimed staring directly in several clones’ faces.

“Hey nee-chan we are not shadow clones, we are real clones.” The clone walked up to him offering his hand, which Haku took carefully his eyes widened impressed, as another clone came behind him asking him to touch him, while snickering with a deviant glimmer in his eyes. “Hey she’s touching me baka! Back off!” Haku blushed and began to laugh at the simple-minded clones arguing over him.

“Shut-up.” Sasuke said several of the blondes stared in his direction, murmuring darkly. “He is not interested in any of you, so let’s get to work.”

Shino, shook his head as well only he cast an accusatory glare at the original first as more clones hovered over Haku asking him directly if she is a he. It seemed once he confirmed they were not nearly as interested although some still stood too close for training purposes.

The original Naruto did not like the look Shino just gave him; just as Shino opened his mouth, Naruto shouted over him directing his words as his clones. “HEY! GET YOU MIND OFF YOU DICKS WE NEED TO DO SOME SERIOUS TRAINING! People could die!” Everyone stared in his direction the only sounds were that of the wind brushing against the trees.

This time he did not look at the blond at his side, instead at the multitude with their bright blue eyes focused on him and Sasuke and Haku separated by several yards, they all waited for him to begin the training drill once again. “Uchiha you needed a challenge Uzumaki offered to help, Haku when you are ready.”

Haku put his hands together his wide eyes narrowed, ‘I am finally at home.’ “Dark sky.” He stated calmly and darker clouds gathered above “Dai Ori” (heavy rainstorm).
At his last word, thunder sounded from above and Naruto‘s clones divided attacking both sides.

The clones blue eyes narrowing on the swift hand movements he knew would create ice crystals from the now pounding rain. The instant the golden-haired ninja moved into action Haku leaped from the surrounded position grabbing rain converted into an ice sword as he hit the ground.

The sound of yells and exploding clones echoed throughout the clearing, while Shino watched and Naruto hovered now next to Kimimaro and Morino who stood silently observing the young ninjas skill. Sasuke utilized the natural storm Haku created to call and extend his body lightening, the white bolt jutting out in three different directions as he swept through the shadow clones at greater and greater speeds. His Sharingan eyes allowing him to avoid the swift moving clone attacks, it did not take Sasuke long to determine the longer he fought Naruto’s clones the faster they were adapting and countering his technique.

Morino called for a halt everyone stopped attacking, some of the clones rubbing their injuries and helping each other up. However, Sasuke wanted to clean up the excess orange bodies, subtly noting where the original had begun to walk back over to Shino. Sasuke deduced the bug guy was out of sorts without that blasted bug clone, smirking inwardly he called upon a new technique he had thought up not sure if it would work, but now seem as good a time as any to try it out.

“Kanden Tensen!” (Electrical shock fights numerous battles).

Naruto joined Shino at the edge of the clearing a wide grin on his happy face. He was preparing to cancel the remaining clones looking up into the dark frames. “I did pretty good they couldn’t get rid of this many copies so quickly.”

Shino wondered what it would be like facing his lover in a real battle, the stronger Naruto became it would be very dangerous indeed. “Well, Tenshi,” Shino began in a reduced voice he leaned in closer to the wide blue eyes. Naruto face flushed but he stood his ground almost as if frozen to the spot, now focused on the approaching mouth. Shino whispered lower, “I have always admired you.” A thin lip smile graced his slightly parted mouth as he moved closer, considering the best way to pose a more difficult question; although a kiss would be a good start, his smiled widened as he reached a large hand to caress the blushing tan face. However, an enormous white light erupted from above, the blinding light caused Naruto to jump back in surprise cringing, but Shino’s hand seized him by the collar of his jacket before he got out of reach.

“STAY DOWN!” He slammed Naruto face down to the ground beneath him shielding him from the flaring lightening blots. “Kikaich no Jutsu!” (Destruction Bug Host Technique).

Twenty feet above the pair a dark mass of Kikai pelted out from Shino wrist creating a canopy shield above. Lightening bolts fired down in rapid succession destroying the remaining clones and opening huge gashes in the earth. Naruto screams were lost in the chaos; each clones painful destruction blending into his consciousness and Shino’s weight crushing him to the earth. Through a red tinted glare, Naruto can see the tiny Kikai, raining from above some twitching while others are dead and motionless piling up on the wet grass and mud. Suddenly his body shield fell next to him, the hand that was on his back slammed into the earth so hard he could see several of Shino’s fingernails crack and bleed.

“Mushi Yose No Jutsu!” Shino roared as all sound began to fade from the blue-eyed ninja inside he heard that dark voice chuckling. Naruto screams mixed with Shino as the lightening cut through the Kikai canopy at last, blasting them with a fiery blur.

The sound of the exploding clones bodies ceased Shino was certain the lightening has ended, the sky above deep blue the storm clouds gone. Turning on his side, he could not hear very well, the shock must have done some damage, although from a great distance voices echoed as if listening to them under water. He reached for the tan and red-burned hand, Naruto still lying face down in the wet grass, light wisps of smoke rising from his hair and clothing. “Uzumaki, are you alright?” Shino felt his throat burning with the effort to speak, although not nearly as much as his temper burned.

Naruto spoke his voice sounded as gravely and forced as the bug lord, his body beginning to shake with the after shocks of the attack. “I am alright, Shino.” He forced although he could feel the specter rising, with the anger at the attack. “Sasssskeeee!” he growled, trying to prevent the dam within from unleashing its contents.

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?!” The sound of Morino’s raging voice finally filled Shino’s ears as he rose shakily to his feet staring through the steam-filled air toward his comrade.

Sasuke smirked he could see someone getting up and judging by the level of Chakra it was more than likely Naruto but the smoke dust obscured his vision for several moments then he saw who stood, with his hands in his pockets as if only mildly injured by the attack. “Oh Shino, glad you are ok. Sorry about that I slipped, it was completely unintentional.” The blood red eyes narrowed mischievously watching his every move wondering, when Shino developed that massive Chakra aura.

Shino not fooled, if anything the fact that the Raven denied the deliberate assault only increased his desire to obliterate the bastard. “Morino, you heard it was unintentional, so calm down.”

This time Kimimaro yelled across the clearing. “The hell it was! Fucking Sasuke! You could have killed us all!” This Shinobi intended to get even despite the fact that he, Morino or Haku were never close to danger. From their sideline position it could not have been more deliberate, and ferocious, Kimimaro had thought the killed the boys when the bug blockade failed.

“Uchiha despite the ‘unintentional’ event I will teach you a lesson, that accident was painful. Those that injure me do not get a reprieve.” Shino took his hands out of his pocket, throwing his coat behind him as he step toward the smirking Raven.

Several things happen a once, Haku leaped to join Sasuke. Morino swore heading to intervene before Shino reached the other teen. Kimimaro headed to check on Naruto, hoping Shino caused Sasuke serious pain. However before Shino took a second step toward his adversary Naruto hand shot out grabbing his right ankle, squeezing it painfully, causing the brown-hair ninja to stare at him ready to tell Naruto to stay out of this battle, it was the sight of Narutos’ eyes that caused him to reconsider his next move.

Naruto eyes burning red with the demons slits for pupils and his elongated teeth protruding over bottom lip growled deeply. “Shino help me!” Then Naruto screamed, just as quickly as he grabbed the Chuunin he tossed him away by the gripped ankle, releasing a split second before Shino’s combat knife sliced off his hand. Shino landed nearly thirty-feet away at his rear; Naruto rose up on hands and feet crouched like an animal. Roaring at the sight of Sasuke, his prey, then quickly launched himself toward him closing the distance in a blink.

Sasuke threw every weapon on his person at his approaching attacker, he thought the first Chakra flicker he saw was Naruto, but that had been Shino, and he could not believe the size of Naruto’s Chakra it blocked out the view of the forest behind him. At that moment, Haku landed at his side throwing an ice wall in Naruto’s path, that wrapped around the red-eyed blond. However, the wall melted nearly as quickly as Haku implemented the technique.

“UCHIHA MOVE!” Shino roared. Sasuke grab Haku leaping in the air at the last moment while Naruto, covered in a consuming red glowing Chakra threw a claw-hand punch in his direction.

Sasuke leaping his lover spun around behind him pulling at a greater speed away from the perusing fist. Sasuke noticed the ground around Naruto’s feet open in a huge sinkhole of multicolored beetles, the monstrosities regurgitated thickly out of the depths mixed with Shino’s insects pulling Naruto beneath the surface. The Chakra fist stopped short of making contact with Sasuke vainly scraping the air a couple feet away then falling back to the ground, Naruto growled in frustration.

Morino closed in on Naruto, currently trapped in the massive writhing hole with Shino’s critters using him for a snack. Kimimaro threw out a cage of bone to further bind the rampaging blond so Morino moved into action, jumping in quickly and placing a Chakra suppressing seal on his forehead, then diving back before the blond could launch an attack.

Shino moved in his hands together forcing the Kikai to drain greater amounts of Naruto red power. The ground beneath them stilled the beetles retreating at Shino’s command, as Naruto stop screaming his eyes shifted from bright red to violet and finally blue, his face slackened with exhaustion, blearily seeing Shino in front of him. “Shino are you o.k.?” His last words as he collapsed in the bone cage, Shino nodding to Kimimaro to release him, caught him in his embrace and lowered him to the ground.

Morino stood over Shino’s shoulder staring at the Chakra burns on Naruto’s skin, while Kimimaro opened his pouch in an effort to assist. “I can not believe how strong he’s gotten.” Morino said as Kimimaro dusted Naruto’s face with a grey powder. “Ki I know you want to help Naruto, but this brat is more than capable of taking care of himself. Treat Shino’s wound first.” He pointed to the four deep gashes in Shino’s right ankle, than jerking his head backward, he continued. “Then see to that boy, behind me, if I get near him, I don’t want to even imagine what I will do to him.”

Kimimaro nodded, he hadn’t noticed the bleeding wound, Shino didn’t appear as if he were suffering, but in retrospect over the years he never saw the kid show any sign of physical pain.

“I should take that kid with me to make sure he won’t cause anymore trouble.” Morino said eyeing Naruto suspiciously.

“No he will stay with me.” Shino held the golden-haired ninja on a raised knee, his hand clamped over top to his sleeping lovers. “He will no longer be a threat, it was the training combined with the attack, that set him off, he is safe now.”

This time Kimimaro spoke as he carefully cleaned the wound on Shino’s ankle. “Are you safe, or are you plotting Sasuke’s death?” He asked casually applying a thick substance from Shino’s pouch on the still bleeding injury.

Shino did not answer, that would complicate their mission, and he only wanted to concern himself with the young man in his arms. Morino filled the stretched silence. “I guess that speaks volumes Aburame.” Shino glanced in his direction; knowing the next words out of his mouth would be an order. “You are to do nothing to jeopardize the safety of your comrade.” He walked away, “I will get some water and start a fire, and we will need to make camp. Haku! Get over here your assistance is needed.” The Jonin barked not sparing a glance in his direction.

Haku stared at Sasuke, he did not want to leave him in his weaken state with the other two only feet away. “Haku, your going to become a member of the Leaf, always obey an order from a Jonin, I will be fine.” Sasuke Sharingan blazed still at Shino’s back, although he was more concern about Kimimaro attacking him, he glanced down at the cuts in his upper arm, he could hardly feel the pain. “Just come back when you are done.” Sasuke added.

Standing slowly the dark eyes nodded slightly then he walked over to check on Naruto, and speak with Kimimaro. Sasuke noticed the white-haired Shinobi glare hard at whatever words Haku shared, before he followed Morino toward the river. Kimimaro eyes clashed briefly with Sasuke they both exchanged the same distrustful glares before looking away.

“Do not blame him Kimi he needed to prove something to himself.” Shino wiped a dampened cloth across Naruto’s forehead the blond lay as if comatose breathing deeply. “I hope he discovered what he needed maybe this petty rivalry can end.” He took a deep breath trying to stay alert, the herbs Kimimaro used on his wound caused drossiness, and Shino did not want to sleep until he was certain Naruto would recover.

“You are trying to convince the wrong person.” Kimi stated blandly, still feeling the sting of Haku’s warning not to harm Sasuke, at the risk of him becoming a mortal enemy. “There is nothing that needs to be proven, he attacked you both unprovoked and without warning. It was cowardly and vicious I got something for that bastard.” He cut one eye at the Raven who still stared fixedly at them.

“Do nothing to him, and treat his would with as much care as you have shown me.” Shino head nodded forward, then glanced over his shoulder at Sasuke, his mind fading in his unique twilight sleep, usually reserved for when he was alone on missions with weaker comrades. However now the lightening attack gave him a new level of appreciation for Uchiha’s ability he would never underestimate his capacity again. Turning back to his grumbling friend, wrapping his ankle firmly Shino smiled. “Kimi, I am truly happy you have returned. What happen to you, and who is responsible?” He suspected his uncle; all the clues he and Morino discovered seemed to make it obvious that a close acquaintance had initially been involved.

“I did not tell the Jonin I certainly will not tell you.” Pushing his thick hair out of his face he sat up straighter now finished with the wound. The pale green eyes stared as Haku started a fire then set a pot over the flames for their meal. “I like him, but I wish he and Sasuke were not together, so much negative energy from that boy will taint my innocent friend Haku. As far as who was involved, you will find out soon enough, do not concern your self with my affairs.” Kimimaro rose, heading toward Sasuke, Haku appearing at his side before he reached his lover.

“Haku I will be fine do not concern your self, Kimimaro will not harm me.” Sasuke drawled as the older ninja crouched down in front of him.

“Well your injury is not deep but it will require some treatment.” Kimimaro smiled pleasantly, and then his light eyebrows knitted together. “Sasuke-kun you never cease to amaze me, I will be overjoyed when Shino ends your life.” He smirked ignoring the sly grin on Sasuke’s face.

“Well, he’s going to have a difficult time ending my life. I see my Kanden gave him reason not to underestimate me in the future. Beside I’ve owed that cockroach for a long time.” Sasuke glanced in Shino’s direction as he spoke.

“Sasuke you really did that intentionally?” Haku stared at his lover surprised.

Kimimaro reached forward taking the arm Sasuke cradled; the bicep had four razor edge slashes across it. “Well you are lucky that only the wind from the Chakra grazed you, otherwise I would be cauterizing your stump.” Kimimaro added joyfully.

The Raven could care less what the white haired Shinobi said at this point, his attention focused on his large eye lover, whose face and tone were non-accusatory but Haku stunned surprised unnerved Sasuke for some unknown reason. “Yes I did, but they both deserved it.”

Haku looked away from the red eyes his face flushing; he did not like the idea of attacking a comrade when they were not expecting it, or even when it was deserved. “I see Haku; you will need to learn about some of Uchiha’s less desirable habits.” Kimimaro informed in a soft but vicious tone. “Sasuke why not share how the two of us first met and why. I am sure your lover will enjoy that tell.” He smirked at the Raven’s death glare.

“I am not proud of my past mistakes I…” Sasuke began.

Haku interrupted his voice drop deeply the normal calm no longer detectable. “Kimimaro-san, Sasuke and I have a lot of things in common. Just as you and I found common ground. I have made a bond with this person, what happen in his past are things we will share in due time. Whatever happens in his future we will accept and confront. We all have things we want to forget and rather not share with anyone. Please do not try to force a wedge between us, it will be ineffective, I will gladly give my life to protect those who are precious to me. It doesn’t matter what has happen, Sasuke is my eternal path.” Haku glanced at the now black eyes, the lids fluttered dazedly, Sasuke head tilted forward, and then he scowled.

‘Why was he being so understanding and protective I do not need that from this man.’ Instead of attacking his lover, for the words making him feel uncomfortable he turned on the man wrapping his arm in a tight bandage. “What did you do why am I so tired suddenly?” He did not want to sleep now, especially with Shino glancing back at him every so often.

“Oh did I forget to mention?” Kimimaro responded in a conniving whisper. “Yes this herb mixture is very potent, it is specially designed for Shino, his body consumes such large quantities of Chakra on a daily basis, and injuries tend to take longer to heal. Well this will heal the wound, and force your body to rest so it can recover the lost resources.” He sat back admiring his work, smiling at the Raven.

“Shino doesn’t look likes he’s sleeping to me!” Sasuke growled his hand reached over reflectively grabbing Haku’s wrist. “Don’t leave my side, I don’t trust them.” He eyes dropped again as sleep began to pull him down; his last vivid sight is that of Shino turning once again to stare in his direction. “He’s waiting for me to sleep.” His head dipped down again.

“Oh so melodramatic, unlike you Shino would never attack a comrade without clearly stating his intention. Which he did give you a warning but he has too much pride to wait until you are unable to defend yourself before he strikes.” Kimimaro looked back at Shino catching the turning head. “His movements are completely instinctual he is sleeping now.”

Sasuke felt his body slumping back with all his remaining strength he gripped Haku’s wrist. His vision out of focus he could hear everything perfectly but when he tried to speak his words slurred. “Haku please stay at my side, please.” His voice trailed off finally as he slept.

Haku had caught Sasuke as he began to slump lowering him to the ground. “Kimimaro-san is it true, Shino is sleeping as well?” He was concerned for his Sasuke’s safety, even though he did not believe Aburame would attack Sasuke while he slept.

Kimimaro stood stretching his lean frame, then gazed down at the concerned brown eyes. “I spoke the truth, I hope he deserves the devotion you give it would be a shame for me to truly kill him for hurting you.” They both stared at one another Kimimaro retreating to the campfire after checking Naruto and Shino, both in a deep slumber. Shino face had lifted in his direction the second he walked with in five-feet, and shifted repeated between his hand movements while the Shinobi checked both their vitals.

Sighing relieved both were doing well he patted the large Chuunin on the shoulder, “Shino bring Naruto closer to the fire, and then you may lay down it will be much more comfortable.” The dark frames nodded then he stood slowly, lifting the blond ninja in his powerful arms. Kimimaro gazed back at the surprised Haku. “I can get him to do lots of things when he’s like this but we can talk about it later would you like help moving Sasuke closer t the fire?”

Haku shook his head standing then crouching to lift the Raven on his back; to him Sasuke hardly weighted a thing, so it was not difficult to move his lithe frame. He carefully placed Sasuke across his roll of bedding Kimimaro spread out for them.

“Thank you.” He said shortly staring at Shino and Naruto on the opposite side of the fire. Now Shino lay with his face toward Sasuke and Naruto in front of him, the fire light reflecting on his dark frames. Haku eased behind Sasuke his gaze on the dark frames, he would not rest until his lover woke, and he intended to keep watch for this man as Sasuke had asked. He stared at the peaceful countenance wondering could he help Sasuke truly find peace. His one desire to share as much of his heart his Raven needed and take as much as he is willing to share.

‘Sasuke will not know peace until he has settle things with his brother until then I can only be a distraction from what he desires.’ He allowed his fingertips to trace the full bottom lip, his thoughts troubled by his own admission as well as the dark secrets he has yet to share and learn. Leaning slowly down to place a gentle kiss on his lover, he pushed every doubt from his mind, holding his mouth against his most precious person for now at least they were both at peace.

*That morning…*

Shino crouched down they waiting for the others to catch up, Naruto offered him his water bottle, pushing off his forehead protector and wiping his face. “What is it Shino?”

“The Kikai are not far away I can feel them approaching, we should wait, they have an urgent message.” Shino stood the foreboding feeling had consumed him over the last four hours; he did not want to loose another day so he and Naruto moved ahead of their group, keeping a watch for enemies as well.

Naruto gazed ahead of them, Shino had decided they leave the cover of the trees and wait in a small clearing for their comrades, he had did not remember Sasuke’s attack or his subsequent mental break and violent rampage. The unspoken agreement was no one would mention the incident, Shino said he would inform Naruto later. Now they had been alone for some time Naruto suspected the bug guy wanted to talk to him about something he had not taken the opportunity, he was getting unnerved by the indirect treatment.

“Shino, if you have something to say just spit it out!” The dark frames leveled on him, causing Naruto to cringe inwardly, but rebound quickly. “Look I got this feeling everyone is hiding something from me. You told me once you would be straight forward and direct if you have to talk about something so talk.” He frowned wondering what had this guy tight lip lately.

The Chuunin gazed up at the treetops, there was still time before the Kikai arrived; this is the right moment, he turned to face Naruto taking off his dark frames and reaching in his coat pocket. “Tenshi, there is something I want to talk to you about, actually many things it is hard to decide which is more important than the others.” He stepped closer to his blond-lover staring in the bright blue eyes. “I fear I have been wrong about my uncle. I fear my future will not hold all the things I desire. I worry if you will over come the beast inside you.” Naruto gasped at his last words and Shino put an arm around his shoulder, pulling him in an embrace.

Blushing Naruto slipped one arm around Shino’s waist and grinned. “Well, I got you to help me control my beast, and you bet your ass I will always be there to help you defeat that old man and rebuild your clan.” His crooked grin spread over his face looking proud of himself. “I did kick his ass once, I’ll be too happy to do it again.” He stops grinning as cool fingers stroked his cheek and lifted his chin.

Leaning down kissing the full mouth Shino reflected on his decision no matter what he must move forward. Narutos’ free hand slid behind Shino’s neck, lifting his mouth more into a deeper kiss, they both parted their lips so soft tongues could meet each other, the intensity growing slowly. Shino pulled back, smiling as Naruto tried to maintain the connection. “I want to ask you something Naruto.”

Looking glassy eyed and sulking a bit, “That was a stingy kiss, if you give me another you can ask anything you want.” He snickered playfully, but his lover only looked more serious, as he took the hand Naruto had resting on his shoulder lacing their fingers together.

Shino face flushed deeply, something he had not done in years swallowing a dry lump in his throat. “I will give you an endless kiss if you will agree to marry me.” His heart drummed rapidly in his chest, waiting for his blondes answer.

Naruto’s walnut shaped eyes grew larger, unbelievably wider, the last thing he expected to hear from this man was such a question, remark, statement he did not know how to categorize what Shino was asking, how can two men, where could two men, when had two men? Suddenly he was blinking back a flood of emotions leaking out his eyes, not sure, why they had started. He opened his mouth but only gagged on his words. Shino had begun to chuckle, then he showed Naruto what was in the hand behind the blondes back.

“I had this made for you, so you know I am serious in my request.” Naruto gapped down at a white-gold band. Both edges embedded with chips of blue sapphires and with diamonds engraved around the center of the band in delicate script
*Aburame & Uzumaki*. “Will you marry me Tenshi?”

Before the words formed completely in his mouth, his head was bobbing up and down, both arms shot around the taller Ninja’s neck their mouths crushing together, more against teeth than lips because they both could not stop smiling long enough to maintain a softer connection. Shino eased Naruto away staring in the bright blue eyes. Naruto croaked out a shuddering “Yes, but I don’t know how we can.” That small bit of confusion did not matter to his future husband who with trembling fingers placed the ring on Narutos’ right hand. Then scooped him up for the endless kiss he promised.

Lowering Naruto slowly he just held him tightly against his body kissing the perfect mouth lightly his heart in danger of exploding he felt some measure of hope return, especially with this part of eternity by his side.

“Shino I need to get you one too right?” Naruto nuzzled his face in the Chuunin’s neck, then nip down and pushed his hips forward. “I don’t know about you but I sure am horny.”

Placing a large hand on the bright hair, Shino cupped the side of the Naruto’s face. “Yeah most of the times, especially if you are near me. Wait a moment Tenshi the Kikai have arrived.” Releasing him Shino turned as a black cloud of Kikai swooped in at top speed, “Move back Naruto!” he snapped suddenly, leaping forward to meet the swarm.

Naruto jumped back as the bugs covering him head to foot engulf Shino’s body, he had not realized how many insects the bug clone utilized but seeing Shino four times bigger with the blanket of bugs swarming to enter was a harsh pill to swallow. Landing just behind Naruto Morino, Kimimaro, Haku and Sasuke all peered with amazed looks on their faces.

Then the Jonin step toward Shino he had seen the bugs this agitated once collectively and individually attempting to give him information. Shino collapsed under the strain, the insects’ message making him as sick as their rapid consumption of his Chakra. Morino knelled next to him, Naruto running to join on the other side.

“That is disgusting.” Sasuke said with a deep scowl on his face. “What the fuck are they doing to him?”

Kimimaro did not look at him as he spoke, he had been careful to keep his distance. “They are telling him what they learned while in the village, from the level of agitation something is wrong.” He stepped toward the knelling group, pulling out a small vile of his special blend of tea, most of the Kikai had entered and Shino accepted his dark frames from Naruto.

“Drink this Shino it will help replace what they are consuming.” Offering the bottle to the Chuunin as he rose, he did not take it.

He handed his ninja pack to Kimimaro, “Guard this with your life, there is something precious within.” His voice was deeper, his face deeply shadowed. Next, he turned to Morino, who looked concerned but waited patiently for the kid to tell him what was going on. “Ibiki-sama, you are a great leader, you’re going to need to show them what it means to be strong.”

“You know that cryptic shit pisses me off Aburame!” he snapped. However, Shino did not listen he glanced back at Sasuke.

“I hope you learn what loyalty means Uchiha, there are many in the village that need your strength.” He turned away, staring at the approaching group.

Everyone looked mildly surprised as more than two-dozen ANBU members appeared, Morino stepping forward to meet Asuma as Genma walked pass the pair glanced quickly at Sasuke then glared at Shino.

Morino bellowed. “WHAT!”

Neji landed next to Morino handed him the scroll with the Fifth Hokage’s seal. He released it quickly, reading it while Neji approached Genma.

Looking a little too pleased Genma spoke flatly. “Aburame Shino you are under arrest, please resist so I will have a reason to kill you.”

“What!” Kimimaro shouted.

“Yeah what for!” Naruto growled.

“Uzumaki, stay out of this.” Shino said not looking at him; he was clenching his hands reflectively trying to calm the rage.

“Wow this is interesting. You are under arrest for treason.” Genma chided pleasantly, his hands in his pockets, and the Senbon twirling between his teeth.

“You’re full of shit!” The speaker drew more than a few glares, Sasuke step forward. “Who is accusing him of that?”

The one to respond however was an ANBU Shinobi with a cat mask, “Genma you did not mention the best part. Wanted dead or alive, I prefer dead, for the murder of Hatake Kakashi and Umino Iruka.” He began to laugh manically.

“IRUKA-SENSEI! NO WAY!” Naruto shouted.

The blondes voice quickly followed by the Raven. “Kakashi is dead!”

“Both of you stand aside, this is an order from Hokage-sama!” Neji snapped, glaring more at Sasuke than Naruto who lowered his head overcome with grief.

“I want to hear it from her myself before I believe that bull!” Sasuke shot back, his dark eyes flashing red his hand moving casually his sword.

Shino closed his eyes his friends were trying to protect him, ‘when did Uchiha become a friend?’

“You are going to need to go through me first.” Kimimaro hissed dangerously, as a gentle snow began to fall, from the spring sky.

“I suppose I will assist if I can.” Haku hand rested on his sword as well his other poised in his Jutsu.

The golden haired ninja began to laugh his shoulder hitching up his face still looking down. “Hey you!” Genma eyes cut over at him as Naruto raised blue eyes to stare at the Jonin, his face streaked with tears. “Yes the one trying to compensate for your mother’s tit by sucking on that long tooth pick, now that I think of it maybe you’re compensating for something else.”

“You want to die boy?” Genma’s face flashed darkly.

Shino tilted his face toward him slightly. “Uzumaki do not do anything unnecessary.”

Sasuke sucked his teeth staring at his former teacher. “You are the one doing something unnecessary, if you want to take our comrade. What is the saying?” Sasuke pulled his sword. “You arrest Aburame over my dead body!”

“That can be arranged! Enough talk!” Genma snapped. “Take him now!” Several ANBU members began to move but all froze suddenly.

“Tajû Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!” A thousand clones appeared out of thin air all with flaming red eyes, glaring at the ANBU members and Jonin surrounding everyone in the clearing. Shino glanced sideways at Naruto like his clones his eyes glowed red with the demon slit for pupils. Staring deliberately at Genma and the others prepared to arrest Shino, in unison; the clones all chanted the same threat.

“Yeah you and what army!”