Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Wild Days ❯ Move 'em on out ( Chapter 3 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Winged_Drak 
Fun at the barbeque, Neji's birthday, and the skulking on rooves(roofs?), done by a troublesome trio.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Adventure / Action | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.29.2006 | Updated On: 10.02.2006 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 241 | Status: Work In Progress
Fun at the barbeque, Neji's birthday, and the skulking on rooves(roofs?), done by a troublesome trio.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Adventure / Action | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.29.2006 | Updated On: 10.02.2006 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 241 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Chapter 3: Move 'em on out
"Hey, Shino, you made it." Kiba grinned at Shino.
"I said I would be here, Kiba."
"I know, I know, but what with yesterday and all, I was afraid we were gonna get missions and miss out on all the fun." He steered Shino in towards one of the barbeques. "Grab a plate, Shino."
They wandered around for a bit, Kiba introducing Shino to a few people and not noticing that some rather pointed stares were being shot at him and Shino, as well as some suggestive giggles hidden quickly behind hands.
"Kiba."
"Yeah Shino?"
"Why are so many of them staring and giggling?"
"Whadya mean?"
Shino pointed discreetly at a small group of people. "Like them."
Kiba watched them, taking another bite of his hamburger. "Oh." Then he suddenly flushed a bright red and choked on his burger.
"Kiba!" Alarmed, Shino pounded his back.
"I'm--" hack "--fine." Hack, cough, still red in the face. "But they," He pointed blatantly, "Think that we," Indicating the two of them, "Are together."
"Together?" He said the word as if he'd never heard it before.
"As in a date, Shino. I've never bothered bringing a girl before, and now I bring you in, and, well, you get the picture, right?"
Shino's red nearly matched Kiba's. "What I wouldn't give for my coat right now." He muttered, having left it in Kiba's room at the main house.
"For once, I agree with you." Kiba muttered back. Though I can see where they're coming from. "Anyway, ignore them, lets have fun. I need to get back for my match soon anyway, and Akamaru's probably trying to make himself sick on steak. He did that last year, and man it wasn't pretty."
Both of them walked on, now studiously ignoring the many looks sent their way. Neither of them questioned why they'd been so embarrassed at the thought of being a couple.
Some one else did it for them. "Hey Kiba! Watcha all red in the face for?" A loud, burly man twice as wide as Kiba and ten times as drunk hung off his shoulders.
"Hello cousin Benji. Do you have to get drunk so early in the day?" Kiba wrinkled his nose at the smell that came off of his cousin.
"Best time of the day for it!" His voice dropped to a whisper in Kiba's ear. "So who's your boyfriend? I heard about him from Nana."
Kiba turned redder than before and shoved his cousin away from him. "Leave it alone will ya?"
Benji cocked his head in confusion. "But I thought--"
"Leave it, Benji, alright?"
"Kiba."
"Yeah Shino?" Kiba looked away from his cousin.
"There are more of them."
Kiba glared. "Damn. C'mon, let's go watch the matches. We hang around here it'll only get worse. See you Benji!"
"See you."
"What did he want?" Shino asked, curiosity clearly, to Kiba, shadowing his voice.
"You're becoming very well known today, Shino." He felt the urge to turn red again, but he fought it back.
The gears turned visibly in Shino's head, then his ears tinged slightly pink. "I see."
"They... Like to talk. A lot. About anything, right Akamaru?" He sounded like he'd been the subject of talk more than once. Shino could think of a number of times when he'd done something embarrassing, like when he lost to Naruto the first time he took the chuunin exams.
"You must be a prime target."
"Err... Yeah. Every year they've got something to rag me about. Lately it's been about my lack of relationships."
"They actually tease you about that?" Shino couldn't believe it. Beyond a few suggestions that he should find a nice girl, his family left him alone about his life.
"Yeah. It really sucks when they try to shove people at me. I have to tell them I'm not interested in them." Kiba rolled his eyes. "There was this one guy last year that just wouldn't listen, no matter how many times I told him no."
"If you aren't inte-- Wait. This guy?"
"They've tried everything, from girls to old ladies to butchers. When they found I responded 'favorably' to other young men, they used them as their main 'throw them at Kiba' staple."
"Throw at Kiba staple?" Shino sounded amused.
"You know what I mean!" It came out in a growl.
They walked in silence for all of thirty seconds before Shino asked another question. "So if you're not interested in any of the ones they suggest, who are you interested in?"
"None of your business." Kiba mumbled.
"So it's someone I know?"
"You're worse than my sister." Kiba bit back.
"Sorry."
Shino was definitely too loose today. He was grinning like an idiot. "When did you get so relaxed?"
"What do you mean?"
"You're grinning like an idiot."
"Oh, that's--"
"KIIIIBAAAA!!!!"
Both boys froze for an instant. Then Kiba yelped. "Oh shit! My match!" They took off running, Shino and Akamaru both on Kiba's heels. "Oh crap! Shino, what time is it?"
"I believe it is exactly ten o'clock now."
"Shit! I have to be on time! I have to go ahead Shino." Kiba looked at his friend like he was asking for permission, and took off with the four legs technique when he received Shino's nod.
Shino followed at a slower pace. If he really pushed himself, he could keep up with Kiba, but he wouldn't be good for much else for a little while, and it wasn't like Kiba was going to go anywhere he wouldn't be able to follow. The only thing he wondered at for more than a few seconds was Kiba's wanting his permission to go ahead. It was out of character for the wolfish boy to ask anybody for anything, even if he respected them. He heard a loud howl come from the crowd in front of him, but wasn't too alarmed. There had been howls coming from the area all morning, what was one more? Then there was a roar from the mob of people surrounding the fight. Shino's eyes narrowed. That was either very good, or somewhat bad. He had confidence in Kiba, and believed he would win, especially as the man had been eating all morning, something Shino knew energized him in short order. Shino slipped through the crowd, avoiding shoving people when he could, and doing his best to slip through without being too obvious.
It didn't work, and before long a few of the people who recognized him as being "Kiba's friend" had a semi-cleared path to the front. He said thank you softly and ignored their looks and appraising glances. He was Kiba's friend, nothing more than a close comrade who went on walks nearly every day for six years. Now that he thought about it, he could definitely see where they were coming from. Even worse though, he was fairly sure that he and Kiba pretty much thought the same thing, only without ever confirming it with each other. After the few dates Shino's father had arranged for him, Kiba always refused to speak with him for a week, claiming he smelled terrible. Considering his friend's sensitive nose, and the fact that even he could smell the perfume lingering in the air, it was true. Except sometimes he said it when there was no perfume. It was usually after one of those occasions that he let Kiba surprise him, or took him for hamburgers instead of something like curry or actual sandwiches.
Shino watched the progressing match. The man Kiba was fighting was older than him, looking to be in his mid-twenties, but scarred enough to say his experience in these fights either far exceeded Kiba's, or he was just a sucky fighter. Within seconds, Shino chose the former. He was using his height well, frequently forcing Kiba to duck low, something Shino could see was usually avoided in these fights, because he seemed to lose a cheer every time he went low to dodge the high kicks that came out at every opening.
Akamaru and the opponent's partner were facing off as well. Akamaru, enough smaller than his opponent to look outclassed, wasn't doing badly. The leggy grey hound circling with him was bleeding from numerous cuts and scratches, which, while not serious, showed that he was not as good at this as his human partner. Shino watched their moves, eyes narrowing. The man had certainly practiced, but it looked like he'd been practicing without his canine partner, thus the difference in scars and skills. Kiba's combination with Akamaru was much better, and their abilities complimented each other.
The subtle communication between Akamaru and Kiba made it evident to Shino that they were planning something. What they were doing became clear when they pulled a move Shino had seen many times before. Their halfbeast clones could only be made if both members held trust in the other, which was why it wasn't a very common technique. When combined with some of Kiba's other moves, it was deadly. And he employed them here expertly, the four legs technique gliding smoothly into a double fanged destroyer focused cleanly on the human.
Kiba stepped away from his fallen opponent. Even if he got up again, he wouldn't be in any condition to fight. His and Akamaru's strikes had been solid, and even Naruto, who Kiba, under pressure, admitted was his equal, would have problems standing.
The grey hound stood by its partner, ears low, as it watched the victors. Kiba's win was marked down on a scroll and he grinned at the cheers, raising a fist in the air. He saw Shino and grinned wider. "Hey Akamaru," He whispered into his dog's ear. "Go get him for me."
Akamaru whuffed, then launched himself at Shino, who went down in the dust with a thud and a loud "OW! KIBA! WHA--! KIIBAA!" When Akamaru decided Shino's face needed a wash, Kiba stuck his tongue out at his friend. Then he took off in the opposite direction.
"Hold him as long as you can Akamaru!" He howled with laughter as he bounded away.
--------------------
"He's on a mission?" Neji hadn't heard anything about any mission.
"Yeah--" yawn, "he got the notice sometime in the middle of the night for some reason, and took off." Shikamaru's father was half-asleep as he greeted his son's daily guest. "Oh, yeah." He yawned again and stepped back into the house to a small table. "He left this, said you'd like it." He held out a small package, dropping it when Neji's hand was under it. "Come on, I wanna see what my son got you. It's your birthday isn't it?"
Neji looked up sharply. "How do you know?"
"I live with my son. I know what goes on."
Silence. He reached for the string on the gift, then changed his mind. "I'll open it later, when he returns." He looked back at Shikaku and saw surprise flicker before the man shrugged.
"Ahh, I already know what it is anyway." He muttered before leaving Neji standing there. A shadow stretched back and kicked the door shut.
--------------------
"What a drag. Why'd I have to be sent on a mission with you guys?" It's Neji's birthday.
"I don't get why I have to be on a mission with you either!"
"That makes three of us, now shut up. We don't want to get caught remember?" The three comrades in arms moved through the rocks a bit quieter, though Naruto kept uttering to himself. The mission? Gather as much information on Hidden Rock as possible in three days maximum stay time. The reason Naruto was there? The dear Hokage was feeling a bit sadistic. With Naruto, they couldn't just disguise themselves and sneak in. He was way too loud, way too noticeable. Next idea? Stick to the rooftops and hope Naruto didn't pull one of his infamous surprise blunders by falling into the streets or through the scattered skylights/chimneys. "Naruto! Say another word and I'll tell Tsunade you were jeopardizing this mission!" Sasuke growled.
Naruto's mouth froze mid-word, and his breath wheezed out, but he didn't fall over like Shikamaru, their third member, half-feared. He glared at the pair ahead of him. Always, they were always bickering. It was like they did it on purpose to annoy anyone near them. Maybe they actually did. But it was getting tiresome. He put on some speed to catch up to them, tapping their shoulders to get their attention. One of the nearby buildings was built in what he recognized as a barracks-style. It either held a number of normal ninja, of four times as many real soldiers.
Padding silently over the roof to the hole every building contained, they crouched down to listen.
"Hey, somebody get our new friend a drink! C'mon kid, it's tradition. A long game of poker and drinks as the bet. You get the first drink."
"Oi, Taichi, go get more of that stuff from last time, that you got from the twelfth squad!"
Sasuke looked over as Shikamaru, "sounds like they just got back, and are setting up for the night." He whispered.
The other nodded, though Naruto was still listening intently to the sounds from inside. After a while passed, it grew quieter inside, and low murmuring reached the roof.
"They created another squad today."
"That makes it the twenty-ninth doesn't it?"
"Where have you been? It's the thirty-third. And who knows how many ninja they've got hidden out. I heard that a few years ago, this guy came through and cleaned out every orphanage in town, then took them off for 'ninja training'. Friend of mine said he was awful dodgy, but no one dared say no to him, he had Tsuchikage-sama's support."
"I heard it was the other way around, that Tsuchikage had his support. Plus, all those ninja trainees you mentioned? I heard just last week that they're being filtered in all over the place like they belonged there. That guy from before put them on the fast track or something, I tell ya."
"I just hope we can make it out of this alive."
"I know what you mean. If they'd decided to wait just a few more months I could have taken my pay and gotten out of this damned military."
"They're moving the first and third squads out next week, and the fifth and eighth moved out an entire month ago. I'm just waiting for someone to came and say 'Seventh squad, you're posted at such-and-such city with these orders.'"
"Nothing we can do about it I suppose, unless we wanted to desert."
"Hell no!"
In unspoken agreement, the three-man team backed off from the peephole, and crossed a few more buildings before stopping to talk.
"We're gonna stick around a couple days." Sasuke said without preamble. "We'll find two more points to stick out, and we'll keep track of everything that goes on. Shikamaru, if you see something, let me know. And Naruto, keep your mouth shut, okay?" By making it into a question, and giving Naruto a choice, the chance of cooperation was far greater.
Naruto stared in what for him was deep thought, then nodded.
"Good, let's go then."
--------------------
Missions like this leave a bad taste in my mouth. Kakashi thought. It all just... Don't go there. Wonder how Iruka's doing with the book? Kakashi chuckled at the thought. I wonder if he's reached page fifty-six yet. I had fun drawing that one. His smile grew a bit more upbeat, and a touch of the tension left his shoulders. At least I'm on my way home. Maybe I'll stop by and see him blush at me before he loses his temper and throws things at me.
He could see him doing that. First he'd smile, then he'd start to stutter, then he'd realize just who was in his rooms, and then he'd turn a nice bright red. Then he may yell and throw everything loose within arms reach. Kakashi went to run a hand through his hair, then stopped in disgust, staring at the grime covering it.
I should... probably take a shower first though.
--------------------
"Things are going according to plan, my lord. It shouldn't take more than a week or two to finish the setup process, then we simply wait for your initiative."
"Good, Komori. Tell Akakura to wait for my signal. Any premature moves and she will pay the penalty."
"Yes, lord." Komori began to bow out.
"Komori."
"Yes, my lord?"
"How many prisoners are in the vaults tonight?"
"T-twenty-seven, my lord." Sweat trickled down the man's back.
"Good." His lord all but purred. "Tell them I wish for one to be sent here. Merely one." Komori turned to leave again. "Oh, and Komori?"
"Yes, lord?"
"Make sure it is not an ugly one, will you? I had to make do with the deliverymen last time."
Komori gulped with a sick look on his face. "Yes, my lord."
He did not relish listening to the sounds coming from his lord's chambers this night.
--------------------
A/N: So, what do you think? Is the evil lord suitable so far, with just that little bit known about him? I appreciate any and all feedback, from criticism to praise, even of the storyline. If I don't get it, I have very little idea of how I'm doing as a writer. Anyway, I'll be back. I plan to be anyway.
Chapter 3: Move 'em on out
"Hey, Shino, you made it." Kiba grinned at Shino.
"I said I would be here, Kiba."
"I know, I know, but what with yesterday and all, I was afraid we were gonna get missions and miss out on all the fun." He steered Shino in towards one of the barbeques. "Grab a plate, Shino."
They wandered around for a bit, Kiba introducing Shino to a few people and not noticing that some rather pointed stares were being shot at him and Shino, as well as some suggestive giggles hidden quickly behind hands.
"Kiba."
"Yeah Shino?"
"Why are so many of them staring and giggling?"
"Whadya mean?"
Shino pointed discreetly at a small group of people. "Like them."
Kiba watched them, taking another bite of his hamburger. "Oh." Then he suddenly flushed a bright red and choked on his burger.
"Kiba!" Alarmed, Shino pounded his back.
"I'm--" hack "--fine." Hack, cough, still red in the face. "But they," He pointed blatantly, "Think that we," Indicating the two of them, "Are together."
"Together?" He said the word as if he'd never heard it before.
"As in a date, Shino. I've never bothered bringing a girl before, and now I bring you in, and, well, you get the picture, right?"
Shino's red nearly matched Kiba's. "What I wouldn't give for my coat right now." He muttered, having left it in Kiba's room at the main house.
"For once, I agree with you." Kiba muttered back. Though I can see where they're coming from. "Anyway, ignore them, lets have fun. I need to get back for my match soon anyway, and Akamaru's probably trying to make himself sick on steak. He did that last year, and man it wasn't pretty."
Both of them walked on, now studiously ignoring the many looks sent their way. Neither of them questioned why they'd been so embarrassed at the thought of being a couple.
Some one else did it for them. "Hey Kiba! Watcha all red in the face for?" A loud, burly man twice as wide as Kiba and ten times as drunk hung off his shoulders.
"Hello cousin Benji. Do you have to get drunk so early in the day?" Kiba wrinkled his nose at the smell that came off of his cousin.
"Best time of the day for it!" His voice dropped to a whisper in Kiba's ear. "So who's your boyfriend? I heard about him from Nana."
Kiba turned redder than before and shoved his cousin away from him. "Leave it alone will ya?"
Benji cocked his head in confusion. "But I thought--"
"Leave it, Benji, alright?"
"Kiba."
"Yeah Shino?" Kiba looked away from his cousin.
"There are more of them."
Kiba glared. "Damn. C'mon, let's go watch the matches. We hang around here it'll only get worse. See you Benji!"
"See you."
"What did he want?" Shino asked, curiosity clearly, to Kiba, shadowing his voice.
"You're becoming very well known today, Shino." He felt the urge to turn red again, but he fought it back.
The gears turned visibly in Shino's head, then his ears tinged slightly pink. "I see."
"They... Like to talk. A lot. About anything, right Akamaru?" He sounded like he'd been the subject of talk more than once. Shino could think of a number of times when he'd done something embarrassing, like when he lost to Naruto the first time he took the chuunin exams.
"You must be a prime target."
"Err... Yeah. Every year they've got something to rag me about. Lately it's been about my lack of relationships."
"They actually tease you about that?" Shino couldn't believe it. Beyond a few suggestions that he should find a nice girl, his family left him alone about his life.
"Yeah. It really sucks when they try to shove people at me. I have to tell them I'm not interested in them." Kiba rolled his eyes. "There was this one guy last year that just wouldn't listen, no matter how many times I told him no."
"If you aren't inte-- Wait. This guy?"
"They've tried everything, from girls to old ladies to butchers. When they found I responded 'favorably' to other young men, they used them as their main 'throw them at Kiba' staple."
"Throw at Kiba staple?" Shino sounded amused.
"You know what I mean!" It came out in a growl.
They walked in silence for all of thirty seconds before Shino asked another question. "So if you're not interested in any of the ones they suggest, who are you interested in?"
"None of your business." Kiba mumbled.
"So it's someone I know?"
"You're worse than my sister." Kiba bit back.
"Sorry."
Shino was definitely too loose today. He was grinning like an idiot. "When did you get so relaxed?"
"What do you mean?"
"You're grinning like an idiot."
"Oh, that's--"
"KIIIIBAAAA!!!!"
Both boys froze for an instant. Then Kiba yelped. "Oh shit! My match!" They took off running, Shino and Akamaru both on Kiba's heels. "Oh crap! Shino, what time is it?"
"I believe it is exactly ten o'clock now."
"Shit! I have to be on time! I have to go ahead Shino." Kiba looked at his friend like he was asking for permission, and took off with the four legs technique when he received Shino's nod.
Shino followed at a slower pace. If he really pushed himself, he could keep up with Kiba, but he wouldn't be good for much else for a little while, and it wasn't like Kiba was going to go anywhere he wouldn't be able to follow. The only thing he wondered at for more than a few seconds was Kiba's wanting his permission to go ahead. It was out of character for the wolfish boy to ask anybody for anything, even if he respected them. He heard a loud howl come from the crowd in front of him, but wasn't too alarmed. There had been howls coming from the area all morning, what was one more? Then there was a roar from the mob of people surrounding the fight. Shino's eyes narrowed. That was either very good, or somewhat bad. He had confidence in Kiba, and believed he would win, especially as the man had been eating all morning, something Shino knew energized him in short order. Shino slipped through the crowd, avoiding shoving people when he could, and doing his best to slip through without being too obvious.
It didn't work, and before long a few of the people who recognized him as being "Kiba's friend" had a semi-cleared path to the front. He said thank you softly and ignored their looks and appraising glances. He was Kiba's friend, nothing more than a close comrade who went on walks nearly every day for six years. Now that he thought about it, he could definitely see where they were coming from. Even worse though, he was fairly sure that he and Kiba pretty much thought the same thing, only without ever confirming it with each other. After the few dates Shino's father had arranged for him, Kiba always refused to speak with him for a week, claiming he smelled terrible. Considering his friend's sensitive nose, and the fact that even he could smell the perfume lingering in the air, it was true. Except sometimes he said it when there was no perfume. It was usually after one of those occasions that he let Kiba surprise him, or took him for hamburgers instead of something like curry or actual sandwiches.
Shino watched the progressing match. The man Kiba was fighting was older than him, looking to be in his mid-twenties, but scarred enough to say his experience in these fights either far exceeded Kiba's, or he was just a sucky fighter. Within seconds, Shino chose the former. He was using his height well, frequently forcing Kiba to duck low, something Shino could see was usually avoided in these fights, because he seemed to lose a cheer every time he went low to dodge the high kicks that came out at every opening.
Akamaru and the opponent's partner were facing off as well. Akamaru, enough smaller than his opponent to look outclassed, wasn't doing badly. The leggy grey hound circling with him was bleeding from numerous cuts and scratches, which, while not serious, showed that he was not as good at this as his human partner. Shino watched their moves, eyes narrowing. The man had certainly practiced, but it looked like he'd been practicing without his canine partner, thus the difference in scars and skills. Kiba's combination with Akamaru was much better, and their abilities complimented each other.
The subtle communication between Akamaru and Kiba made it evident to Shino that they were planning something. What they were doing became clear when they pulled a move Shino had seen many times before. Their halfbeast clones could only be made if both members held trust in the other, which was why it wasn't a very common technique. When combined with some of Kiba's other moves, it was deadly. And he employed them here expertly, the four legs technique gliding smoothly into a double fanged destroyer focused cleanly on the human.
Kiba stepped away from his fallen opponent. Even if he got up again, he wouldn't be in any condition to fight. His and Akamaru's strikes had been solid, and even Naruto, who Kiba, under pressure, admitted was his equal, would have problems standing.
The grey hound stood by its partner, ears low, as it watched the victors. Kiba's win was marked down on a scroll and he grinned at the cheers, raising a fist in the air. He saw Shino and grinned wider. "Hey Akamaru," He whispered into his dog's ear. "Go get him for me."
Akamaru whuffed, then launched himself at Shino, who went down in the dust with a thud and a loud "OW! KIBA! WHA--! KIIBAA!" When Akamaru decided Shino's face needed a wash, Kiba stuck his tongue out at his friend. Then he took off in the opposite direction.
"Hold him as long as you can Akamaru!" He howled with laughter as he bounded away.
--------------------
"He's on a mission?" Neji hadn't heard anything about any mission.
"Yeah--" yawn, "he got the notice sometime in the middle of the night for some reason, and took off." Shikamaru's father was half-asleep as he greeted his son's daily guest. "Oh, yeah." He yawned again and stepped back into the house to a small table. "He left this, said you'd like it." He held out a small package, dropping it when Neji's hand was under it. "Come on, I wanna see what my son got you. It's your birthday isn't it?"
Neji looked up sharply. "How do you know?"
"I live with my son. I know what goes on."
Silence. He reached for the string on the gift, then changed his mind. "I'll open it later, when he returns." He looked back at Shikaku and saw surprise flicker before the man shrugged.
"Ahh, I already know what it is anyway." He muttered before leaving Neji standing there. A shadow stretched back and kicked the door shut.
--------------------
"What a drag. Why'd I have to be sent on a mission with you guys?" It's Neji's birthday.
"I don't get why I have to be on a mission with you either!"
"That makes three of us, now shut up. We don't want to get caught remember?" The three comrades in arms moved through the rocks a bit quieter, though Naruto kept uttering to himself. The mission? Gather as much information on Hidden Rock as possible in three days maximum stay time. The reason Naruto was there? The dear Hokage was feeling a bit sadistic. With Naruto, they couldn't just disguise themselves and sneak in. He was way too loud, way too noticeable. Next idea? Stick to the rooftops and hope Naruto didn't pull one of his infamous surprise blunders by falling into the streets or through the scattered skylights/chimneys. "Naruto! Say another word and I'll tell Tsunade you were jeopardizing this mission!" Sasuke growled.
Naruto's mouth froze mid-word, and his breath wheezed out, but he didn't fall over like Shikamaru, their third member, half-feared. He glared at the pair ahead of him. Always, they were always bickering. It was like they did it on purpose to annoy anyone near them. Maybe they actually did. But it was getting tiresome. He put on some speed to catch up to them, tapping their shoulders to get their attention. One of the nearby buildings was built in what he recognized as a barracks-style. It either held a number of normal ninja, of four times as many real soldiers.
Padding silently over the roof to the hole every building contained, they crouched down to listen.
"Hey, somebody get our new friend a drink! C'mon kid, it's tradition. A long game of poker and drinks as the bet. You get the first drink."
"Oi, Taichi, go get more of that stuff from last time, that you got from the twelfth squad!"
Sasuke looked over as Shikamaru, "sounds like they just got back, and are setting up for the night." He whispered.
The other nodded, though Naruto was still listening intently to the sounds from inside. After a while passed, it grew quieter inside, and low murmuring reached the roof.
"They created another squad today."
"That makes it the twenty-ninth doesn't it?"
"Where have you been? It's the thirty-third. And who knows how many ninja they've got hidden out. I heard that a few years ago, this guy came through and cleaned out every orphanage in town, then took them off for 'ninja training'. Friend of mine said he was awful dodgy, but no one dared say no to him, he had Tsuchikage-sama's support."
"I heard it was the other way around, that Tsuchikage had his support. Plus, all those ninja trainees you mentioned? I heard just last week that they're being filtered in all over the place like they belonged there. That guy from before put them on the fast track or something, I tell ya."
"I just hope we can make it out of this alive."
"I know what you mean. If they'd decided to wait just a few more months I could have taken my pay and gotten out of this damned military."
"They're moving the first and third squads out next week, and the fifth and eighth moved out an entire month ago. I'm just waiting for someone to came and say 'Seventh squad, you're posted at such-and-such city with these orders.'"
"Nothing we can do about it I suppose, unless we wanted to desert."
"Hell no!"
In unspoken agreement, the three-man team backed off from the peephole, and crossed a few more buildings before stopping to talk.
"We're gonna stick around a couple days." Sasuke said without preamble. "We'll find two more points to stick out, and we'll keep track of everything that goes on. Shikamaru, if you see something, let me know. And Naruto, keep your mouth shut, okay?" By making it into a question, and giving Naruto a choice, the chance of cooperation was far greater.
Naruto stared in what for him was deep thought, then nodded.
"Good, let's go then."
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Missions like this leave a bad taste in my mouth. Kakashi thought. It all just... Don't go there. Wonder how Iruka's doing with the book? Kakashi chuckled at the thought. I wonder if he's reached page fifty-six yet. I had fun drawing that one. His smile grew a bit more upbeat, and a touch of the tension left his shoulders. At least I'm on my way home. Maybe I'll stop by and see him blush at me before he loses his temper and throws things at me.
He could see him doing that. First he'd smile, then he'd start to stutter, then he'd realize just who was in his rooms, and then he'd turn a nice bright red. Then he may yell and throw everything loose within arms reach. Kakashi went to run a hand through his hair, then stopped in disgust, staring at the grime covering it.
I should... probably take a shower first though.
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"Things are going according to plan, my lord. It shouldn't take more than a week or two to finish the setup process, then we simply wait for your initiative."
"Good, Komori. Tell Akakura to wait for my signal. Any premature moves and she will pay the penalty."
"Yes, lord." Komori began to bow out.
"Komori."
"Yes, my lord?"
"How many prisoners are in the vaults tonight?"
"T-twenty-seven, my lord." Sweat trickled down the man's back.
"Good." His lord all but purred. "Tell them I wish for one to be sent here. Merely one." Komori turned to leave again. "Oh, and Komori?"
"Yes, lord?"
"Make sure it is not an ugly one, will you? I had to make do with the deliverymen last time."
Komori gulped with a sick look on his face. "Yes, my lord."
He did not relish listening to the sounds coming from his lord's chambers this night.
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A/N: So, what do you think? Is the evil lord suitable so far, with just that little bit known about him? I appreciate any and all feedback, from criticism to praise, even of the storyline. If I don't get it, I have very little idea of how I'm doing as a writer. Anyway, I'll be back. I plan to be anyway.