Permission To Seek

The Stand Off Shino vs. Sasuke

Naruto's face collapsed into fit of rage and humiliation he looked on the verge of an explosion. His blue eyes darkened a few shades and he began to grind his teeth in frustration. He charged toward the tree in which Sasuke was currently residing with an arrogant smirk on his pale face eyeing Naruto with contempt.

"Donki-! Donki-! You are the Donki- Sasuke! Baka!" Naruto retorted yelling at the top of his voice, pointing at the person standing smugly in the tree. ‘Damn Sasuke, kuso, always making me look bad in front of everyone, kuso!’ Naruto was trembling from head to foot, taking deep shuddering breaths as if it were taking all his effort to contain the rage he was feeling at this moment.

Shino's face no longer showed signs of the momentary joy he had felt while talking with Naruto. The dark brows knitted behind his dark frames as his eyes traveled from the screaming Naruto to the smirking Uchiha. The Kikai hum ceased, as his heart rate dropped as his anger rose.

Sasuke's response to Naruto so swift Naruto did not have time to react. He swooped down from the tree and punched Naruto on top of the head with such force; Naruto knees buckled and he fell flat on his butt, grabbing the top of his head wincing from the pain.

"Ow...Ow…Ow!" Naruto moaned, his eyes tearing at the pain.

"Fusagu (Shut-up), donki-." Sasuke said in his calm voice, his fist hovering over the top of Naruto's head. He gave no attention to the ninja standing twenty yards away, glaring at him. He did not care, as long as he is stuck in the village he could not work on his own goals of tracking down that bastard Itachi. Sasuke acknowledged no one, except himself, and he thought very little of most of the higher-ranking ninja in Konoha. Now he had to fetch this idiot; he was going to make sure to hit him again as soon as he got the chance. "Hokage-sama is waiting for you, we have a mission; you knew about it two days ago. Don't keep people waiting, baka!" Sasuke, glared down at Naruto on the ground at his feet, mumbling something about being sorry and his head hurts. "Just get up we're going." Sasuke could not suppress a smirk at the idiots suffering.

"Uchiha Sasuke is it not." Shino asked pushing his glasses up his nose. The welling anger had spread throughout his body. The Kikai began to ‘Hiss’ menacingly however, since the tone could only be heard by persons from the Aburame Clan its sound was of no benefit to the intended victim. ‘This boy does not know his limitations,’ Shino thought.

Sasuke turned his smirking face from Naruto to look at the person standing in front of them. ‘That is the ninja this idiot was talking to; what does he want, if he does not stop gawking at me, I will rip his eyes out.’ he thought darkly. ‘He’s in that Aburame Clan, bug trainers or something; disgusting freaks, that bastard better have a good reason for interrupting my happy time.’

"What do you want Bug Boy?" Sasuke spat; "as you can see I’m a little pre-occupied at the moment." With that, he punched Naruto on top of the head again, as he was beginning to stand; a vicious gleam in his ink black eyes.

Naruto plopped back down on his butt wincing. "Knock it off, Sasuke, baka!" Naruto yelled, both eyes streaming from the pain, he fell on his back and began to roll back and forth, cursing Sasuke and holding his head.

Shino glared at Sasuke, his mind showing him images of Sasuke’s imminent death, while he crouched beside him thoroughly entertained.

"I will not allow you to do as you please, Uchiha Sasuke." Shino said in an even cold manner. "If you intend to continue, you will answer to me." A dark menace overshadowed the ninja the Kikai awaited his command.

Naruto stopped wincing to gaze at Shino he could feel something. 'Deadly; what’s going on, what’s this feeling danger, from that guy?' Naruto looked from Shino to Sasuke. "Sasuke what did you say to him?" Naruto stammered, not understanding why the two look like they were going to fight.

Sasuke now gave Shino his undivided attention. ‘Who does he think he's talking to? What is this feeling danger, from him? If that cockroach thinks he can take me on he's sadly mistaken.’ “Oh, really, cockroach!” His handsome face darkened. “What are you going to do about it?" ‘Let’s see what the bug has up his sleeve.’

"Sasuke…?” Naruto said from the ground beside him. "Come on Sasuke, Shino is alright," he added in a lighter tone, the last thing he wanted was for Sasuke to fight. ‘I never would have thought that guy could be this strong; or is it some other reason he’s giving off these vibes. If they fight now, what will happen?’ "Sasuke....” Naruto began, in a worried voice.

"FUSAGU!" (Shut-up) Sasuke said in a firm voice; he wanted to keep his mind on the person in front of him. With every passing moment, he was giving off more and more danger vibes then something occurred to him. "So you are Shino.” His derisive smile returned at the dawning memory. “I remember a time when you pissed your pants because I locked you in a closet with a few spiders.”

Shino stared angrily at Sasuke; the sharp hiss of the Kikai had entered a much higher frequency, as they crawled anxiously inside him. Shino thought, ‘I have not forgotten that incident, nor will I ever, it is one of the reasons I have become so much stronger.’ The dark look on his passive face spoke volumes as he continued to glower at the Uchiha.

Naruto got to his feet. “What are you talking about?” He said to Sasuke. He did not remember anything like that happening, and he thought he certainly would. He always believed Sasuke to be the serious type who did not pick fights or brake rules. A show-off, but only because he is so good at all the ninja stuff but, locking someone in a closet. He looked from Sasuke to Shino in disbelief.

Sasuke’s smirk turned in to a spiteful grin “So I’m right, thanks for sharing Naruto.” ‘After all, the idiot did just give me this nerd’s name. This could actually be interesting I wonder how much stronger he is gotten.’

“What!” Naruto face darkened red. “Sasuke knock it off you bastard! You don’t know anything about this guy!” he shouted pointing a finger at Shino.

Shino continued to stare at Sasuke the memory kept malice circulating in his dark heart. He had never expected people to be so cruel, until that day and a few spiders.

“Yes, well it must have happen before you truly got serious with school, Naruto.” Sasuke added in an amused tone. “You see this cockroach decided it would be amusing to let his bugs crawl on the desk, and of course I thought it was disgusting actually, everyone in the class thought it was disgusting.” He grinned at Naruto out the corner of his eye. “However, I decided to do something about it, and forced the nerd in a closet with a few choice spiders. It didn’t take long for some teacher to find him and let him out.” He ended looking back at Shino with smug satisfaction.

“….” Shino continued to stare angrily.

Naruto gawk at Sasuke, with growing humiliation inside. ‘How could he do something like that?’ Naruto looked back at Shino feeling empathy.

“Thirty-two hours; it took thirty-two hours Uchiha Sasuke.” Shino said. “You omitted a few things perhaps time has dulled your memory.” He continued. “That closet is located in an unused portion of the building and the few spiders were actually over a dozen.” Shino face remained expressionless, his deep voice controlled as a dark storm swirled inside him. ‘I will kill you,’ he thought.

“No Way!” Naruto shouted.

“Heh, heh, did it really take that long.” He said undaunted, smirking at Shino.

“Yes, it did.” Shino added, “thanks to you I had the benefit of receiving private lessons until time for graduation. It was not a complete waste,” His voice full of a malicious edge, although his face remained impassive. ‘He did not intend me to benefit from the wicked attack; I practically died but there is more to me than you could have ever realized. I was able to use that incident to my advantage.’

“Has it occurred to you, what trauma may be caused to a six year old child, placed under such conditions?” The storming anger transformed into a hurricane.

“Humm…” Sasuke said in mock consideration; “No.” ‘This cockroach thinks I give dam about something that happen back then!’ “You are as stupid as you look, insect.” He spat.

The months of recuperating from the venom of the spiders still gave him nightmares. His uncle often recited to him with a derisive laugh, ‘Your first words when we finally reverse some of the effects of that venom where, I’m going to kill Uchiha Sasuke; Ha! I bet that’s what kept you alive.’ Now he glared more intently at the person, who had caused him so many years of suffering. The Elders council had spoken, ‘Uchiha Sasuke, is the last of his Clan, you are to do nothing to interfere with his existence.’ Molten hatred grew inside him. ‘Perhaps, he could exist without a few body parts, it will be interesting, to make the determination.’ Shino dropped his hands to his sides stepping toward Sasuke, Naruto's voice caused him to pause and shift his eyes on the golden-hair ninja that caused a sharp stab at his heart.

“Sasuke you freaking idiot!” Naruto intervened, “Don’t keep agitating the guy, Shino’s alright!” he yelled, his face red with rage.

Sasuke ignored Naruto, ‘This guy has gotten strong,’ he thought lustfully. ‘Whipping his ass will be a good warm up before our mission.’ “Are you going to just stand there or fight?" Sasuke said taking a fighting stance, eyeing him pointedly. “Only, try not to wet your pants, after I kick you ass.” a contemptuous smile on his face.

The air vibrated with the teens combined chakra. Opening his long coat Shino pushed his glasses up and took a step towards the Uchiha; it was time to teach him some manners, permanently. A familiar hand appeared in front of him blocking his progress. "Kiba, this is my fight." Shino said. The coldness of his voice now a deadly freeze.

"Shino." Kiba said in a bored voice, he detested the conceited Uchiha. "I hate to interfere with a good fight, but we need to leave for our mission."

Sasuke began to smirk again, as Kiba stepped back to stand at Shino's side. "It’s a good thing your teammate came to stop you before you made the biggest mistake of your life." Sasuke spat, an evil grin spread across his handsome face. ‘I would never expect that mutt to stand between a slaughter and me.’

Kiba grinned snickering in his raspy voice. ‘Bastard thinks I let him off the hook; nothing stops Shino once he gets an idea in his head.’ “You got me all wrong, Sasuke-chan," he laughed, glaring at the Uchiha; "Shino, you can deal with this Gaki (brat) when we get back." He gave Sasuke a more evil grin, the sharp edges of his features pointing devilishly.

Sasuke raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "What was that Dog Breath?" He put a hand on his hip and raised the other in a come here gesture. “Your mom has been feeding you dog food too long, if you think this cockroach can deal with me, mutt." He stated in his overconfident tone. Clearly demonstrating he was not in the least intimidated.

The team eight males, glared at Sasuke darkly. Kiba began to growl in a low guttural sound, barring his teeth at the Uchiha. "You are talking about my mother!" Kiba said in an elevated voice, a menacing gleam in his eyes.

"Kiba" Shino said, stepping sideways to have a clear view of Sasuke. "His opponent is me." He said taking another step towards Sasuke.

Sasuke grinned at the look on Kiba's sharp face, ‘it is time for things to move, and it’s so boring when things are standing still’ he mused. "Yeah, Dog Breath that mesuinu (bitch) that brought your sorry ass into the world!" His grin spread wider. “Doushita (What’s wrong) you have something you want to do, besides making that scary face.” The amusement in his voice obvious; ‘how far will this mutt go, looks like that should get him going, I’ve heard he’s got some speed, wonder how he will stand against me? Weaklings like these losers entertain me so.’ Sasuke snickered as he eyed Shino and Kiba.

“What the hell are you doing, Sasuke!” Naruto roared; panic rising in him at how badly the situation had turned.

Sasuke ignored him, choosing to glare manically at Kiba, grinning.

Kiba’s face took on a more menacing gleam. Teeth bared, he bent his knees and spread his arms out on both sides as if he was getting ready to pounce on Sasuke. “Fuck You Uchiha!” He roared.

Kiba prepared to launch himself but stopped short as a pair of blue eyes topped with golden hair blocked the clear attack to his victim.

Naruto glared at both the team eight males. Kiba and he always got along well enough since he is one of a few who would join in on some of his pranks back in the Academy. Shino on the other hand, he did remember him as being one of the kids to graduate, but other than that had never spoke to him; strange that he would remember something like that now, he didn’t know why he had avoided him back then. I want to change that, no one should feel left out, I want to make as many friends as possible, but I cannot turn my back on my teammate even if he is a prick.

“Hey, Kiba, Shino!” Naruto said in a low voice, breathing heavy from the excitement of the impending battle. “You don’t really think I would let this baka fight alone against the both of you, do you?” Naruto stared dangerously at them both with no sign of hesitation.

Sasuke smirked at Naruto; peering over his shoulder to keep his eyes on Kiba. “I don’t need your assistance to fight anyone especially a cockroach and a mutt. Although,” he added eyeing Kiba pointedly, “I wonder if he’s got his shots, looks like he’s foaming at the mouth.” he finished in an amused tone. ‘Too easy, I can let this dropout fight my battles and sit back to watch the show.’ Behind Naruto’s back Sasuke grinned wider as he mouthed Dropout, silently, believing no one could see him.

“Oi, Oi Naruto!” Kiba growled louder. “This does not concern you, that bastard needs to be taught a lesson! If it will suit you I’ll kick his ass now, and Shino can kick his sorry ass later.” Kiba took a step to the left to get a clear line of attack.

Naruto matched his step, using his body as a shield between Sasuke. ‘What should I do? I do not want them to fight, but I cannot let Sasuke get hurt.’ “If you try Kiba, I will stop you!” Naruto growled. Naruto felt like he was running out of options; it appeared as though Kiba had no intention of backing down. “I don’t want to fight you Kiba, but if you don’t back down I will have no choice.” He raised his hands in preparation of his jutsu. ‘Baka Sasuke! What did he get us into, these people are our comrades and their not chumps! Why does he always treat people like shit; one day it is going to get him killed, baka, Sasuke!’ Naruto grit his teeth, glaring at Kiba, ready to stop him if he attacked.

Shino’s attention focused on Sasuke. He noticed that despite his claim that he did not need assistance, he did not attempt to prevent Naruto from doing just that. Furthermore, he had clearly seen the Uchiha mouth ‘dropout.’ Sasuke is enjoying this confrontation a little too much, with a lustful look in his dark eyes. Shino’s brow knitted together a little more, his dislike for Sasuke increased greatly, but his desire to befriend Naruto over shadows his anger. The Uchiha is not what he pretends to be, but risking a close relationship with Naruto was not worth an attack to his pride.

“Calm down Kiba.” Shino said flatly in his deep slow voice. “There may yet come a time when comrades do battle as a test of their individual strength but, that time is not now. We both have missions we must complete, let us take our leave.” He reached over to place a hand on Kiba’s shoulder.

“Fusagu!”(Shut up) Kiba roared, side stepping the hand, to which Naruto matched again, blocking the clear line to Sasuke. “He insulted my mother, there’s no way he’s getting away with that!” Kiba eyed Sasuke’s grinning face just behind Naruto’s shoulder. ‘Bastard letting that little prick protect him,’ he thought acidly.

The air tingled with the intensity of everyone’s intention to attack. Shino knew the time had come, turning his attention away from the two in front of him he stared dangerously at his teammate. “Kiba calm down or I will make you.” Shino’s, voice low and deadly. “I will not tell you again.”

Kiba blanched at Shino’s words, and glared fiercely over at him. He did not want to fight Shino. ‘Ochitsuita,’ he thought, biting down on his lip the pain clearing away some of the rage he felt.

“Very well Shino.” Kiba said. “We do have a mission.” He added, sneering at Naruto and Sasuke then turned and walked back to where Hinata stood horror struck at the sight of the four of them getting ready to fight.

“Oh, Shino-kun.” Said an Elderly voice. Shino did not bother to turn, he knew the man well. “I see you have yourself a potentially worthy opponent.”

Sasuke eyed him darkly. “You cockroaches just keep crawling out don’t you? I thought you guys preferred dark places.” He glared after Kiba and smirked “So he walks off with his tail between his legs after all that big talk.” His amused arrogant tone in full swing.

Shino, heard his Uncle, chuckle lightly. The situation not going the way he hoped unlike the council, his Uncle wanted to exterminate the Uchiha Clan, and made sure to keep it a constant reminder. He gazed at Naruto who had an anxious look on his flushed face. ‘I am sorry that I got you into this Naruto.’ Shino thought wishing he could change the course of things.

“Well, Shino-kun I think it would be good to eliminate the Uchiha Clan today this last one is particularly rotten.” He looked at Sasuke with a smug grin.

Shino adjusted in glasses, he knew exactly where his Uncle was leading. “Uncle, this is not the last, don’t you remember?” Shino added with a sneering frown.

The Elder chuckled again; “Oh I forgot, what that boy’s name is?”

Sasuke felt a dark heat rising up his face. ‘Who is this old man? I will cut his throat if he keeps laughing at me like that.’ Sasuke eyed them darkly.

“How can you forget a man that killed his own, mother?” Shino added, looking casually at his Uncle.

“Who?” Naruto said, not understanding what was happening. 'That old man, who is he and what is he talking about?'

The Elder looked a Naruto. ‘The Nine-Tail-Kid.’ His eyes widened slightly behind their dark frames. He replaced his smile, not the type to stop once he got started and if Shino took out this Gaki, the better for everyone. “Yes, it has come to me now I think it was Itachi, right?” He asked in fake enlightenment; though the corners of his mouth twitched in mirth.

“Yes, that is the name, he also killed his father?” Shino added. The game him and his Uncle rehearsed several times it brought him a twisted delight, Shino smirked.

Naruto looked in disbelief at Shino and the old man. “What kind of person would kill their parents?”

Dropping his humor the old man glared at Sasuke. “The worse kind.” He said darkly. “Uchiha Itachi, the person who not only killed his parents, but eliminated his entire clan, in a single night.” He looked disgustedly upon Sasuke, “Your older brother, right Sasuke-chan?”

Naruto felt a sickness begin to grow inside him. Now he understood why Sasuke had vowed to kill a certain person. He looked slowly at Sasuke with dawning understanding.

“Uncle you are being too modest, let’s not forget, all the Konoha visitors that were present at the time.” Shino included helpfully, enjoying the anger growing in Sasuke’s dark eyes.

He touched Shino’s shoulders as if he had just done a good deed for the day, the Elder smiled derisively. “Yes more that forty visitors, women, and children, elderly as well.” He turned his frown back to Sasuke; “Shino your aunt and mother were among them.” He replied acidly the air reverberated with chakra as their anger grew.

“I am well aware of this, Uncle” Shino eyes were fixedly on Sasuke. “What was it you wanted to do to that Uchiha Itachi, I can not seam to recall?” Although there was a knowing gleam on his face as he watched Sasuke scornfully.

The old man took a couple of steps forward chuckling in his deep voice; “I think the word I used Shino-kun is dissect. Yes D-I-S-S-E-C-T.” He spelled each letter eyeing Sasuke more darkly as he spoke. “Perhaps you can give this old man a demonstration, I would like to get an idea of their unique fighting style; although it has come to my attention the youngest remaining of that clan, is the worst; never again will they be considered elite.” He had a disturbed look on his face as if he bordered on insane.

Shino felt a thrill from his Uncle’s words. He is truly a funny person; “Uncle if I do that, how will he revive the clan, after all he is the last.” He added mockingly.

“Not at all, if that Clan needs to revive it would be better for the stronger, of the two remaining, take up that task. Itachi would be better placed to assume that responsibility, at least until I get to him.” An evil grin lifted one side of his face. ‘I just love the youth of today,’ he thought, chuckling low in his chest, feeling pride at how well Shino had performed.

“Shut up!” Sasuke said his voice full of hate.

Naruto looked at them; Shino had not moved, the old man was glaring at Sasuke like he wanted to eat him and Sasuke had bowed his head a dark shadow showed on his face. This was bad; it felt like the air was getting ready to explode. Now the old man was goading Shino. “Ojisan (male senior).” Naruto said in a small voice hoping to salvage the situation before it went any further.

The Elder who was fixedly watching the steaming Uchiha, delighted at how he was reacting; shifted his gaze to the Nine-Tails-Kid. “Yes.” he said, “I believe you are Uzumaki Naruto, it’s nice to meet you, but we can talk later.”

Naruto looked at him ‘he knows my name, how?’ He saw Shino shift behind the old man. “I don’t know how you know my name Ojisan (male senior), but please, I don’t want to fight, can you please stop, there is some misunderstanding.” He said breathless with the desire to have everyone calm down.

“Humm?” The Elder lifted his eyebrows at Naruto, ‘when did I say that kid was the target, and could Shino really beat him?’ “I apologize if I did not make myself clear; Shino will fight Sasuke, not you; and I know you because I knew your mother.” He could feel Shino shifting behind him. ‘Why is he so agitated, he could kill that kid in five minutes or less.’

“Be quiet, Naruto” Sasuke said in a clam, but deadly voice. However, Naruto was not listening.

“Well, you don’t know ME!” He shouted, his anger getting the better of him. “This idiot is my teammate and if Shino wants to fight him, he has to go through me first!” He took a defensive step towards the old man trying to block Sasuke further.

The Elder gazed at the small light haired ninja, who stood in front of him as if he could do something to prevent the eminent death of the boy behind him. The boys eyes were just like hers, shape color, other details were evident; especially the desire to protect everyone, promote peace and fearless. He smiled inwardly, not one ounce of fear or hesitation and it was not his fight. ‘I am impressed and I do not want to be, this boy is ruining my fiendish desire to kill.’ “Shino.” He said flatly.

“Uzumaki Naruto, this is not your fight; please step aside;” Shino stated. He did not want to continue the fight; knowing Naruto would never abandon his comrade his longing for him increased greatly. Shino felt torn between his desire to obey his Uncle and his love for the blonde ninja. Nausea rolled inside him wanting to cling to Naruto. “I have no desire to hurt you Uzumaki please do not interfere there is too much difference between your level and mine.”

His Uncle noted a subtle drop in Shino’s Kikai when he said that boys’ name taking a few steps backwards to stand at Shino’s shoulder. He gazed at his nephews’ profile, unreadable as usual.

Naruto glared at the two of them. ‘What can I do? I cannot let this person get to Sasuke he is... too.’ His mind would not let him form the words he felt. ‘What kind of family did he have to kill everyone?’ “I don’t care what you say a fight with him is a fight with me!” he raged, “Just stand down…”

“I said SHUT UP NARUTO!” Sasuke roared. He gazed at the two in front of Naruto his eyes revealing the Sharingan. He let out a yell as he charged towards the old man, ‘I will kill you before you kill my brother.’ “Itachi IS MINE!” He screamed at the old man as he launched himself in the air.

There was a loud bang, and a huge cloud of smoke. Neither the Elder or Shino moved; they knew what happened. Shino’s bugs retreated. A single gold Kikai buzzed in front of the old man’s face while they waited for the smoke to clear.

“Sasuke! Sasuke!” Naruto yelled, running into the dense cloud. He heard muffed curses and a voice saying something but not clear enough to understand. The smoke began to lift and he could see what happen.

“Yo.” Kakashi was sitting on top of Sasuke, with a foot on the back of his head as he twisted his right arm painfully behind his head to remove the kunai that was in his grip. Sasuke’s eyes were still red with the Sharingan. “Calm down Sasuke-kun.” He said mildly. He then turned his one eye on the Elder and Shino breathing an impatient sigh.

“Kakashi-san, you spoil my fun.” The Elder said with a slight laugh, “I’ve been looking forward to this match for a long time. Can’t we let the kids settle it?” He looked at Kakashi with false hope.

‘I hate that old man,’ Kakashi thought blandly. ‘That laugh is just not natural from the Aburame Clan, he sounds like an undertaker. But as an Elder, he’s not asking for something unreasonable, Sasuke did nearly kill that kid a long time ago although,’ he looked down at the struggling kid under his butt, ‘that was a very different kid. Sasuke did not understand what it was like to suffer back then; he understands it intimately now.’

“Kaka-sensei!” Naruto yelled in relief. “You got here just in time! This old man wanted to…”

Kakashi put up his hand to stop Naruto from giving him a full account he would get that later. He eyed the boy behind the old man, who appeared to be looking at Naruto. ‘Interesting, I wonder how this thing started. Sasuke was to fetch Naruto; this team is waiting, so Naruto must have had business with this team when Sasuke showed up. The rest is more than likely Sasuke’s fault he is a real ass.’ Kakashi breathed deeply. ‘Where is my happy place?’ He looked down a Sasuke who still had the devil in his eyes and decided he would need to threaten him a little more.

“Ochitsuita, (calm down) Sasuke-kun;” Kakashi said looking at him keenly. “This fight is over, if you continue to resist then I will do that thing again.” He eyed the Uchiha darkly.

Sasuke stopped resisting; a dark shadow came over his face. ‘Perverted son of a bitch, you just wait!’ He recalled his Sharingan and released a sigh of frustration, allowing his body to submit to the restraint. “Please get off me.” He said coldly although calm.

Shino glared at the Uchiha, then at Naruto who was shifting nervously back and forth, as he watched Sasuke and Kakashi. ‘Naruto, there is no way I would have harmed you; no one could make me do such a thing.’

“Shino we’re leaving.” Kiba called, snatching his bag out of Hinata’s trembling hands he walked through the main gate, with Hinata jogging to keep pace.

The Elder watched his nephew at an angle; he had not raised an offensive to the Uchiha when he attacked. Shino had sent his Kikai to shield Naruto. The Elder’s eyes shifted over to Naruto who was trying to convince Kakashi to get off Sasuke. ‘What power does he hold that, Shino would seek to protect him before me; it is irrelevant that my Kikai would not have allowed that Gaki within 5 feet but, Shino tried to protect him. Could it be he knows he is the Nine-Tails-Kid?’ “Kakashi-san, you do not think your boy is ready? After all they graduated at the same time the boys could put an end to their dispute.” He chucked, knowing the Jonin would not allow that brat to get hurt.

Kakashi eyed the Elder, ‘does he really think I would let Sasuke fight that kid. I have heard rumors about him that is not going to happen.’ “Well, I don’t know. My guys have a mission I don’t want him to waste any energy now.” He said wondering if he could weasel out of this without mentioning the differences in the two kids’ levels. He knew if he did that, Sasuke would make it his personal mission to prove he was stronger. Kakashi looked over at the kid again by the old man. ‘That boy is very strong. If half the rumors were true, Sasuke had better stay clear of him.’ “Oh by the way, Ossan (old man) how is Elsa-kun doing.” He grinned behind his dark mask, relishing the idea he had nailed the old man’s boy.

The Elder looked up as if considering the question. “Well, Kakashi-san he is dead.” He said flatly.

Kakashi eyed him interestedly. “Really that is too bad. I was unaware; he was a strong man can you please tell me what happen?” Thinking it was no accident.

“Let me see,” said the Elder; “he had an accident and disemboweled himself; clumsy kid.” He chuckled lightly. Then looking Kakashi in his one eye added, “silly of him to share that rendezvous.” He laughed heartedly.

'Bastard!’ Kakashi thought, ‘killed Elsa over that. After all, I could not touch him without transforming into the old buzzard first.’ “Oh, my little joke backfired, did it?” he looked at the old man; “I fooled him by looking like you, and you helped him have an accident such a shame.” He thought that might make the old buzzard feel sorry for killing the boy.

“Yeah I know.” He said plainly; “you know what they say, accidents happen.” He smiled pleasantly at the copy ninja. He knew Kakashi still wanted revenge and it amused him thoroughly, he chuckled. “Perhaps we can set up a real challenge for these two to fight in? That would make it interesting.” He looked at Kakashi thoughtfully.

“That’s just it Ojisan (male senior);” said Naruto. “If this were a tournament were they had to face each other, then I would get front row seats to watch Sasuke whip his ass.” He said hotly, not noticing how both Sasuke and Shino glared at him; Sasuke amused again at his stupid devotion and Shino tragically wounded by his lack of faith.

‘Naruto, you are so clueless.’ Thought Kakashi exhaustedly. Still enjoying his seat on Sasuke’s back.

The Elder walked up to Naruto, who stood his ground. The Gold Kikai buzzed over to Naruto’s face and circled his head. Naruto could not help but to follow it with his eyes as it made several revolutions, then flew into the Elder’s open palm. The Elder looked at the insect for several moments, then at Naruto who also gazed fixedly on the insect.

((“Smack!”))

The old man clapped his hands together swiftly, making Naruto jump in surprise.

“Hey, why did you do that!” he yelled, wondering what kind of bug it was and disappointed the old man had killed it his disapproval evident on his face.

Shino shifted as he noticed Kakashi had allowed Sasuke to get to his feet. Their eyes clashed. Shino ignored Sasuke. He walked over to stand next to his Uncle who had just showed Naruto a nice trick more to get closer to Naruto than to see his reactions.

The Elder kept his hands together dramatically watching Naruto’s face thinking ‘the boy actually cares.’ He looked at Shino who had just joined them. “What do you think, Naruto-kun? That bug was rather annoying while it buzzed around your head, and then landed on me; it should have died.” His Uncle eyed Naruto expectantly, he had an idea what he would say, but he wanted to hear it.

Naruto looked at the closed hands. ‘Did he really kill it? It is such a shame it was somewhat neat.’ “I did not think it was annoying. I was just about to ask if I could hold it, and what kind of insect it is.” Naruto looked at the old man’s face.

“Its just one there is bound to be more.” Shino said on cue, he could not take his eyes of Naruto.

“What if there are no others,” Naruto said sadly; “Everyone matters.” He felt an over whelming sadness fill his chest. Sasuke’s brother had killed everyone, now this old man wanted to kill both Sasuke and Itachi; they were the only ones left. “Its just wrong.” he said flatly.

The Elder nodded his head, thinking Naruto is just like his mother. “Well I am happy to inform you that;” he parted the two hands the insect was not there, nor was its body. “He has gone on a holiday and when you come over for tea; I will be happy to introduce you to all of his relatives.” He placed a large hand on Naruto head; “You are some kind of ninja Uzumaki, you spoiled my fiendish desire to kill. That can not go unnoticed.” He surveyed him fondly. “Humm, you are also stronger than that Uchiha.” He said finally.

Naruto blushed and then looked guilty.

Sasuke sucked his teeth and glared darkly at the group.

Kakashi breathed deeply “Let it go Sasuke-kun” he placed a firm hand on the Uchiha’s shoulder. He looked at the Elder and his kid. ‘What is up with that old man, why blow up Naruto’s head, its big enough. In addition, to that Shino, I think that is his name; will not take his eyes off Naruto this is going to get ugly.’ He thought wearily. “Ossan (old man), please do not do unnecessary things to my soldiers, and doesn’t Shino-kun have a mission, his team left some time ago. Shino-kun you should hurry to catch up.” He said in a falsely happy tone, which fooled no one.

Almost no one, Naruto turned to look at Kakashi, his face still blushing brightly, “Sorry Sensei.” Grinning widely at the compliment from the old man, as well as the trick, which amazed him thoroughly.

Shino gave a defiant stare at Kakashi as if his words were meaningless. He did not hate the Jonin he just resented the fact that Naruto is on his team, he is a pervert and spoke to him in a familiar manner. He did not respect him. “Hatake Kakashi,” Shino said his voice full of menace. “Please do not address me as if we are familiar, your reputation precedes you. I will leave on my mission when I have completed my business.”

A cold chill circulated between the men. Kakashi stared at the boy with disbelief in his one eye. Respect is hard to come by now a day, he thought as Shino looked in his face with none. What did I do now? He wondered.

“Heh, heh, heh” the Elder chuckled, “Shino how many times do we need to discuss you temper?” he laughed more, pleased that the kid had said something to the one eye bandit. “He will not let you have your fun but in time maybe in the Jonin selection tournament;” he looked up ward as if seeing the future. “We will savor that moment together.” He added darkly.

‘Oh, brother.’ Thought Kakashi, ‘what a pair.’ “Sasuke, Naruto let’s go.” With that, he vanished in a puff of smoke.

Sasuke eyed Shino, and then he made a fist and pointed it at him menacingly; a sign of a challenge. “Don’t think for one second this is over Cockroach!”

The Elder chuckled low and derisively; “You see Uzumaki Naruto, Sasuke-chan wants to challenge Shino to a fight, it would be wrong for you to interfere.” His only motive was to make sure Shino killed the Uchiha without hurting the Nine-Tails-Kid. “If you try to intervene it’s the same as saying you do not trust Sasuke-chan to win.” He chucked again; as Naruto‘s eyes widened with understanding, the Elder wondered if Naruto is always so gullible.

Shino looked into Naruto’s sad eyes and felt his own sadness increase ten-fold feeling Naruto is too pure for the game his Uncle wants to play. Preparing to say something to the blonde ninja however, Sasuke finally spoke.

“Go to Hell, old man, I’m going to personally cut your throat, don’t you ever go to sleep again.” He spat glaring at him with hate-filled eyes.

“Shut the fuck up Sasuke!” Naruto roared storming over to confront him. ‘We were very lucky to avoid a fight; the least the baka could do was just keep quiet,’ he thought, glaring into Sasuke’s sanctimonious face, breathing heavy.

“Doushita, baka?” Sasuke said eyeing him as if he was bored as well as amused. Crossing his arms over his chest and smirking at Naruto.

Naruto exploded in rage and yelled. “Doushita! Doushita! You come over here knocking me in the head and then you nearly get us both in a fight with our comrades, and then you insult Kiba’s mom! ARE YOU INSANE! Have you ever seen his mom!?” He fumed shuddering at the memory of the women. “You total baka!” He yelled at the top of his voice, his face purple with fury.

“Ochitsuita.” Sasuke said in his calm voice, and punched Naruto on top of the head for a third time, sending him back to the ground. Naruto rolled back and forth on his back holding his head, and whining about the pain. “Just watch what you say to me donki- (Jack ass).” Sasuke said glaring down at him.

Shino clenched his jaw reflectively but remained calm eyeing them while they continued to yell at each other. His Uncle placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Well,” the Elder spoke; “something you want to seek, is it?” He glanced at boy’s profile. He looked completely smitten.

“….”

“We have many things that you will discuss with me, if not why you are so taken with that boy.” He chuckled and eyed the Uchiha darkly, thinking about its dissection. “I’ll see you after the mission Shino-kun.” He walked away with his hands behind his back, thinking about the youth of today.

“Get up, we are leaving.” Sasuke said, as Naruto got to his feet looking at Shino his eyes were full of sadness and frustration.

Shino thought he understood, Naruto wanted to protect everyone especially those that were close to him, but when he had to take a side of all his important people, he had chose the Uchiha. That choice appeared to be difficult on him; the look in his sad eyes is heart wrenching. ‘There is so much more to you than meets the eye Naruto.’ Shino thought pushing his glasses up as Sasuke stared angrily at him.

“Naruto, we’ve made them wait long enough.” Sasuke said though his eyes were on Shino. “Bug Boy, your team is leaving, crawl along before I squash you.” He clipped, turning his back on Shino, a sign of disrespect to an opponent, he leaped to the nearest tree and off towards the Hokage tower.

Naruto eyed Shino then looked down at the ground as if too ashamed to face him. Naruto turned to follow Sasuke.

Shino watched Naruto preparing to leave wondering if the blonde ninja realizes what a friend represents. “Uzumaki Naruto.” Shino said in his low calm voice. Naruto glanced back.

“Nani (what)?”

Shino observed the sad look in those eyes and said, “You know what friendship truly means, and you understand that intuitively. I hope I can become, as good a friend to you, as you are to others.” He watched as Naruto eyes brightened a little and a small smile curled the corner of his mouth. “Also, sumimasen (sorry), I insulted you with my thoughtless joke, as a demonstration of my apology I will treat you to ramen as much as you can eat, when we are both in the Hidden Leaf again.” Shino offered, with a slight smile unsuccessfully; it ended up looking like a grimace.

Naruto’s eyes brightened several shades as his mood improved. He grinned widely at Shino with a guilty look. “I jumped to the wrong conclusion, sumimasen, sumimasen you don’t need to treat me.” His face blushing as his eyes jumped from the ground to the sky, off Shino then back upward. “Besides I was supposed to thank you for what you did after all, so it’s still on me ok?” Naruto ended looking in his face expecting his offer to be accepted.

Shino glared at him pointedly. “I insist.” He stated in a manner that implied the issue is closed.

Naruto cringed, ‘this person really does have a bad temper, and I had better leave it at that.’

“One more thing Uzumaki Naruto,” Shino said lowering his voice more than usual. “A man can be judged easily by his actions, as much as his lack there of; friends can also be judged in this manner.” He declared watching Naruto for his reaction. However, it was apparent that the golden haired ninja did not get it at all. “We can discuss it later over lunch.” He added.

Naruto beamed at him, “Sure thing, uhmm, I better go, have a safe mission. Obayo (goodbye)!” That said he turned and followed Sasuke’s trail towards the Hokage Tower.

Shino stared after him his heart heavy with the day’s events. 'I tried to get him to notice me however,' he sighed, watching Naruto until he was out of sight. They did make plans to train and enjoy lunch afterwards. 'He worked constantly to prevent a fight, and then said he would watch me be defeated, by that Uchiha. For all the effort Naruto put forth to keep us from fighting, I wonder if that is what he truly believes.’

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Thank you all for your comments and reading as prommised here is todays update. *deep thinking* If I do come up with a chapter that is short I will try to post 2 chapters on that day just so you guys do not feel cheated. O_O Next chapter very dark, and the ones following will be smut and angsty..hope its upto snuff.
*BIG KISS* Thanks for reading..