Hey guys, thank you for responding so positively to my little rant about voting!! ^-^ It's very, very much appreciated!

Something I forgot to mention at the end of the last chapter.......Anyone notice that the things Shigeshi, Minato and Aeri were fighting were mutants? Remember what it was that Orochimaru used to destroy the Land of Ambience? ;P Seems he was scouting around the Land of Ambience even back then ;)

Pic of Atsui and Tsumetai  --->

Ashley’s POV

I take a sip of my tea, which has cooled to a much more pleasant temperature.

“So Mother hated Father when she first met him then?” I ask in amusement, raising an eyebrow as Kiyu giggles.

“Yep” she confirms with a quick head nod. “In her own words, she said he seemed like one of those ‘arrogant, douchebag types’ that always seemed to hit on her.”

“Sounds familiar” I mutter with a small grin, thinking of the way Kiba used to hit on me all the time back when we first met. His arrogant attitude used to drive me up the wall, hence the amount of times he’d end up injured in some way after majority of our encounters.

“Speaking of which” Kiyumi says, setting another empty Dango stick down on her plate and leaning her arms across the table. “Didn’t you say you used to hate that Kiba guy?”

“Yes, I did used to hate that Kiba guy” I reply teasingly, copying her tone of voice. She rolls her eyes at my childishness, before giving me a thoughtful look.

“Well, why did you used to hate him?” she asks uncertainly, making me narrow my eyes at her.

“I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before” I begin, smirking as I remember all the reasons the Inuzuka used to irritate me. “He was loud, annoying, arrogant, persistent, always coming up with some corny line, I thought he was weak, liked Dogs, constantly hitting on me, he gets angry quickly-”

“I think I get the point” Kiyumi says dryly, holding up her hand for me to stop talking. I give her a wry smile, leaning my chin on my hand.

“Trust me Kiyu” I chuckle. “I could go on all day about why I used to hate him.”

Kiyumi fidgets uncomfortably while staring down into her tea, seemingly finding the green liquid suddenly fascinating.

“Well…..What made you change your mind about him if he was so annoying?” she asks slowly, piquing my interest even further. What was her angle here?

Releasing a sigh, I brush my long fringe back from my eye, only to have it fall back in place again.

“Honestly Kiyu, a lot of things made me change my mind” I tell her honestly, seeing Kiba’s cheeky, grinning face in my mind and suddenly smiling. “It definitely didn’t happen over night or anything. It took me a long time to get to the point where I realised I actually loved him.”

“Right” Kiyumi agrees, nodding and listening to me earnestly. Her beautiful dark eyes are completely focused on me, soaking up my every word as if her life depended on it.

“Umm….well Kiba has always been very thoughtful towards me” I continue awkwardly, not exactly sure what my sister wants to hear. “If he knows something will make me uncomfortable, he won’t do it. Unless he’s teasing me of course, then he loves to make me feel uncomfortable……He’s very loyal and kind, and would do anything for his friends. I find that a very admirable quality, especially since I was never like that after I lived with Orochimaru. Um, he has a good sense of humour too, which is good, considering he’s dating me………I don’t know what you want me to say Kiyu! It’s very hard for me to explain why I feel the way I do about him. All I know is that I love him, period.”

Kiyumi gives me a tiny smile, making me look down, my cheeks burning. As much as I love Kiba, I still find it very hard expressing that to other people. I can’t help it. I’m not the most emotional person in the world……

“It’s okay Ashley” she sighs, leaning back slightly and tilting her head. “All the stuff you said is actually really nice. You make him seem sort of decent.”

“He is sort of decent!” I bark, sweat dropping as Kiyumi starts laughing at me. “I mean….He’s more than decent.”

“As long as he makes you happy Ashley-chan” my sister says, giving me a closed eye smile. “Even if you live all the way out here, as long as I know you’re happy, that makes me happy too.”

Blinking in surprise at her words, I smile and lean across the table, grabbing her hands in mine.

“Thank you Kiyu-chan” I say softly, making her cheeks flush. “I appreciate the thought, but what about you? I want you to be happy as well.”

Kiyumi bites her lip, looking like she wants to tell me something, but is hesitating for some reason.

“Alright, out with it baby sister” I command cheekily. “I know there’s something you want to tell me. Now’s your chance!”

Kiyumi releases a sigh and gives me a sheepish grin, nervously brushing her bangs out of her onyx eyes.

“Well…..I’ll admit it Ashley, I do like someone…..” she mumbles, making my eyes shoot wide open.

“Who?!” I exclaim, leaping up and throwing my arms in the air. I suddenly pause, eyes flicking around the small restaurant and seeing that everyone is now staring at me curiously.

“Oh, take a picture!” I bark flatly, dropping back down onto my cushion and glaring out of the window beside me, as Kiyumi laughs behind her hand. Pursing my lips, I glance over at my giggling sister, crossing my arms and smirking.

“So Kiyu” I say teasingly, shutting her up instantly. “Who’s the boy that I’m going to have to beat up? Assuming it’s a boy of course.”

Kiyumi’s face flushes bright red, as she gives me a look of wide eyed horror.

“Of course it’s a boy Ashley!” she admonishes, looking around to see if anyone heard me. “And a very attractive boy at that! He’s just…..well, one of those arrogant, douchebag types sometimes……”

I freeze, staring hard at my sister as she sweat drops, looking uncomfortable under my gaze. A broad grin slowly creeps onto my face, as realisation dawns on me.

“It’s Atsui, isn’t it” I decide, making it sound like a statement, not a question. Kiyumi ducks her head, hiding her face behind her hair.

“Isn’t it Kiyu?” I repeat, eventually getting a slight nod in reply. I can’t stop myself from bursting out laughing, making Kiyumi’s head snap up, an embarrassed glare on her face.

“It’s not funny!” she complains. “At least I don’t like an idiot!”

I pause at that, quickly looking at Kiyu and returning her glare.

“I don’t like an idiot either!” I snap. “I happen to love one!” Kiyumi and I continue glaring at each other for a few seconds, when I see her mouth twitching as she tries to fight off a smile. We both begin giggling like crazy, until one of the other customers sends us a dirty look.

Kiyu sends him a charming smile, before flipping him off as he turns back around. She rolls her eyes at me and begins fiddling absentmindedly with the ends of her long hair.

“Why Atsui?” I ask, genuinely curious. “He’s such a miserable asshole all the time.”

“Oh I know” she laughs, staring down at the table thoughtfully. “But I dunno, he’s just changed over the past few years. Sure, he always seems angry and frustrated, but he can be really sweet and thoughtful when he wants to be. And he’s been training like crazy since you began teaching him how to control his chakra and stuff. He’s gotten really good at that Fang Over Fang Jutsu too!”

I sweat drop, hoping Kiba never sees Atsui using the Fang Over Fang. He probably wouldn’t be too impressed to see that I’d taught him an Inuzuka Clan Jutsu. He doesn’t particularly like Atsui either, if their constant bickering is anything to go by.

“He was pretty interesting to watch” Kiyumi continues, glancing out of the window. “He had a lot of trouble with chakra control for the first five months or so, but he was so determined to get it right. He said, and it was so cute Ashley, he didn’t want to let you down.”

I smile at that. Though he’s a hot head, no one could ever fault Atsui on his determination. He wasn’t one for giving up easily. A lot like Naruto in that regard, although Naruto is actually quite likeable.

“I’m just not sure how he feels” Kiyumi sighs, closing her eyes momentarily, before glancing up at me sheepishly. “He doesn’t really seem like the type to pay attention to girls. Especially one like me…..”

I roll my eyes at that and lean forwards, eyeing Kiyumi dryly.

“Yeah” I scoff sarcastically. “I bet he just hates girls as beautiful, smart and strong as you Kiyumi.”

Kiyumi blushes slightly, her eyes looking wide and innocent as she blinks in surprise.

“You just called me beautiful” she informs me quietly, making me blanch.

“Yes, I did” I say mockingly.

“But we look the same” she tells me, looking slightly confused for some reason. I shake my head.

“You’re much prettier than me Kiyu” I sigh, earning a deadpan look from her.

“We’re twins” she says flatly, making me grin. As I open my mouth to reply, someone walks past the window, catching my attention. I scoot over to it and lean my arms on the window sill, poking my head outside.

“Kakashi Sensei!” I call brightly, making the silver haired Jonin pause and turn around. He gives me a closed eye smile when he spots me waving at him eagerly.

“Well hello Ashley” my Sensei greets me warmly, before spying my sister as well. “Ah, I heard that your family was here. Good morning Kiyumi.”

“Hello Kakashi-san” she replies shyly, looking away.

“You must be feeling better Kakashi Sensei” I point out, tilting my head, “If they’ve finally let you out of the hospital.” Kakashi nods at this, placing his hands in his pockets.

“Yeah, I’m feeling good” he informs me, looking relieved. “I’m actually on my way for some training with Naruto. He’s been a bit worried ever, since he saw Sasuke on his last mission, that he’s not strong enou-”

“Wait” I interrupt, not sure if I heard right. “Did you just say that Naruto saw Sasuke on his last mission?”

Kakashi blinks in surprise.

“Oh, I guess you haven’t seen Sakura or Naruto yet then” he sighs, running a hand down the back of his neck awkwardly. “Yamato, Sakura, Naruto and Sai invaded one of Orochimaru’s hideouts and came across Sasuke on their latest mission. Apparently Naruto was no match for him.”

My gaze drops down to the ground, a frown etched onto my face.

“Of course he wasn’t” I mutter, more to myself than anyone else. “Knowing Orochimaru and Kabuto, they’ve been using some sort of medical enhancement or Forbidden Jutsu or something……Poor Naruto, he’ll be devastated…..”

Kakashi nods, looking surprised that I came to a conclusion like that so soon. He shouldn’t be surprised. I did live with Orochimaru for around six years.

“Yes, Sakura and Yamato said the same thing about Sasuke as you did” Kakashi informs me, crossing his arms. “Naruto was quite upset about being so much weaker than Sasuke. He believes he needs to be stronger than Sasuke so he can bring him home.”

I smile sadly at that. Naruto, even after meeting with Sasuke again, was still determined to bring the tainted boy home.

“No one, not even Naruto, will be able to convince Sasuke to come back” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “We’ve all tried, and to no avail. But there’s no crushing that determination of Naruto’s.”

“Which can sometimes be a blessing in disguise” Kakashi says wisely, making me nod in agreement. “Anyway Ashley, I’m already late for training-”

“Big surprise” I interject, rolling my eyes good naturedly.

“-So I’d best be on my way” Kakashi sighs, shoulders drooping slightly. “You should stop by a little later, check up on his progress. I know he’d appreciate it.”

My face brightens.

“I’d love to!” I cry, pulling my head back inside the window, as Kakashi waves goodbye and disappears in a puff of smoke.

“Seems like you’re gonna be busy” Kiyumi muses as I sit back down on my cushion.

“It would seem so” I chirp, excited at the prospect of maybe having a sparring match with Naruto. I don’t think I’ve ever fought with him before, and I’d love to!

“Heyyyyy!” a familiar voice calls from outside of the small restaurant, catching both mine and Kiyumi’s attentions. Exchanging questioning looks with each other, we both poke our heads out of the window, only to see a pouting Saffire standing in the street with her arms crossed, an annoyed Fang sitting beside her.

“Hey Saff” I greet suspiciously, as Kiyumi deadpans at the sight of the black and white haired girl. She can be such high maintenance sometimes….

“What’s your problem now Saffire?” Kiyu asks dryly, making Saffire sigh.

“Well, I was hanging out with Blue Eyes” she informs us, her eyes turning dreamy for a moment. “We were just getting Ramen from this place called Ichiraku, which was amazing by the way. Kiyu, you’ve gotta try Ramen before we go home, you won’t regret it!”

I smirk to myself. Of course Naruto would take her there. As soon as she said that she’s never had Ramen and didn’t even know what it was, he probably whisked her over there to experience the famous Ichiraku Ramen.

“Anyway, then that girl with the pink hair appeared” Saffire growls, ears and tail suddenly appearing at the thought of Sakura. “She completely ignored me and stomped over to Naruto, barking something about your Sensei wanting to train him. So he rushed off, all excited, and then that little witch turns to me with a big, smug smirk on her ugly face. She told me that Naruto finds punching people more fun than hanging out with me!”

Kiyumi and I stare at the irritated Saffire with wide eyes. I hope she didn’t hurt Sakura too much.

“What did you do?” Kiyumi asks lowly, making Saffire grin evilly, her eyes shining.

“Punched her in the mouth and then froze her to a pole” Saffire brags, as Fang lets out a loud huff.

“And what’s wrong with Fang today?” I ask teasingly, earning a dry look from her.

“Saffire dragged me away from Kai to find you guys” she informs me bluntly, rolling her eyes as Saffire punches the air in front of her, demonstrating how she socked Sakura in the mouth.

“Uh, I hope you don’t mind Kiyu” I begin, pulling my head back in the window and smiling sheepishly. “But I’m gonna take off and head over to Kakashi Sensei and Naruto. Can I leave these two nutjobs to you?”

Kiyumi hugs me quickly.

“Have fun with your training” she smiles, waving as I turn and head for the door. I slyly sneak out of the exit and leap onto a building, wanting to get away as fast as I can.

As much as I love my Minami family, I can really only take so much of them before I just want to hit them. Well, only Saffire and Atsui make me feel that way actually.

Third Person’s POV

Kakashi leans on a tree, alternating between reading his Make Out Paradise book and watching the hundreds of Naruto before him.

Yamato is seated on the ground, a few metres away from Kakashi, focusing on keeping up his Jutsu to stop the Nine Tailed Fox from making an appearance. On Kakashi’s orders, and the promise of cutting his training time by a land slide, Naruto had created hundreds of Shadow Clones. Kakashi, wanting to make sure that none of the Nine Tails’ chakra would leak out due to the amount of normal chakra Naruto would be using up, had earlier requested that Yamato aid Naruto in his training.

The last thing any of them wanted was for the Nine Tails to take hold of the opportunity and try to take over Naruto’s body.

The hundreds of Naruto each hold a leaf between their palms, trying to tear it in half using only their chakra. Having just discovered that he has Wind Nature chakra, Naruto was feeling very optimistic about the whole exercise. Well, he had been in the beginning.

Now he was starting to release just how hard it is to not only focus your chakra into an object, but to change its nature as well.

“Alright!” one of the clones suddenly shouts, making all of the others look over. “Mine’s got a tear in it already!”

He holds up the leaf, showing off the tiny tear, making some of the other Naruto sigh with disappointment.

“No fair….” one of them mumbles, looking down at his own tear free leaf. “Mine hasn’t done anything yet.”

“Heheh, I guess that just means I’m better than you” the first clone brags, grinning smugly.

“Better than me?” the other clone growls in annoyance. “You are me genius!”

As the first clone sweat drops, another clone gives a whoop of excitement, holding his leaf high into the air.

“Oh yeah!” he cries, waving it around and showing the others the long tear running across the length of the leaf. “Almost all the way!”

“Awww” the original Naruto complains, folding his arms across his chest. “How did he get to be so good? I think I need a change of plan……”

Suddenly coming up with an idea, Naruto breaks away from the crowd and runs up to Kakashi, who lowers his book.

“Hey Kakashi Sensei?” Naruto asks, looking unsure. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah, what’s up?” the silver haired Jonin replies.

“Well, I was wondering….” Naruto begins, pulling a face. “Is there anyone else in the Leaf Village who has a Wind nature chakra like mine?”

Kakashi lowers his book further, raising an eyebrow at his blonde student.

“You want to ask them for advice or something?” he inquires, making Naruto nod in confirmation. “Well, there are two people that come to mind. One is Asuma Sarutobi, and the other-”

“Heeyyyyy!” a familiar voice calls from somewhere behind the crowd of Naruto, making everyone turn around.

“And the other person is here now” Kakashi says with a closed eye smile, waving as Ashley barrels through the crowd of Naruto clones, making a few of them disappear in puffs of smoke.

“Hey guys!” Ashley greets brightly, saluting and giving them a closed eye grin.

“Ashley!” Naruto cries, stomping his foot and waving his arms. “We’re training here! And you just got rid of some of my clones!”

Ashley tilts her head and gives Naruto a sheepish grin.

“Oh, sorry Naruto” she apologises. “I wasn’t really thinking I guess.”

“Careful Naruto” Kakashi teases, placing a hand in his pocket. “I wouldn’t be giving Ashley any attitude, considering she’s about to give you some training.”

“I’m gonna what?” Ashley asks incredulously, at the same time as Naruto cries, “She’s gonna do what?!”

Kakashi gives his two students a closed eye smile.

“That’s right” he confirms. “Naruto, you know that Ashley here has all five basic Chakra Natures, and is able to perform them all with skill and precision. Who better to learn from than her?”

Ashley narrows her eyes slightly at Kakashi, unsure of what kind of training she’s going to be providing Naruto with.

“You have all of the Chakra Natures?!” Naruto cries, staring at Ashley with wide eyes, making her smile wryly.

“You’ve never noticed that your own teammate can perform Jutsu of every element?” Kakashi questions, sweat dropping at Naruto’s obliviousness.

“Of course I have” Naruto retorts, crossing his arms and glaring at Kakashi. “It just never really occurred to me that she was using all different Chakra Natures is all.”

Kakashi sighs, as Ashley casts Yamato a wary glance. He was the Jonin that had been in Lady Tsunade’s office when she was given that ridiculous mission she was yet to embark on.

Yamato catches her eye, and sends her a friendly smile.

“You must be the Ashley Minami I’ve been hearing a lot about recently” he says with a laugh. “I’m Captain Yamato, the temporary Squad Leader of Team Kakashi.”

Ashley gives a nod of greeting, feeling more at ease with the man, knowing that Sakura, Naruto and Kakashi know him.

“Nice to meet you Captain Yamato” the blonde replies, glancing at the large cliff and huge waterfall a short distance behind Yamato and Kakashi. The cliff, which never used to be there, is dotted with large trees, making Ashley narrow her eyes.

“Where’d that cliff come from?” she suddenly asks, surprising Kakashi and Yamato with her perceptiveness. “And that waterfall? And those trees?......”

“Captain Yamato made em!” Naruto says loudly, making said man fidget uncomfortably. “He’s got Earth and Water Chakra Natures, which make up the Wood Style Jutsu that he uses! Pretty cool huh?”

Ashley’s eyes widen in surprise as Kakashi gives Naruto a deadpan look.

“That’s basically what I just told you five minutes ago” he complains as Naruto crosses his arms and expertly ignores the silver haired man.

“Wood Style huh?” Ashley smiles wryly, giving Yamato a suspicious look. “Only people with the First Hokage’s DNA can do that.”

“How did you know that?” Yamato asks, looking at the young girl with wide eyes. She was obviously sharper than any of her other teammates. Kakashi snaps his fingers, nodding his head.

“That’s right” he remembers. “Ashley here can use Wood Style Jutsu as well.”

Yamato and Naruto gasp, as Ashley crosses her arms and smirks uncomfortably. She most certainly could use it, thanks to Orochimaru implanting the First’s DNA into her when she was a child. She didn’t like using it however. It felt wrong using Jutsu that shouldn’t have been hers in the first place.

“H-How?” Yamato asks incredulously, making Ashley shrug.

“I lived with Orochimaru as a kid” she explains cautiously, not knowing how the man will react. “He injected the First Hokage’s DNA into when I was really young. Wait a second……….Now that I think about it……He always used to say he conducted the same test on a group of babies quite a while ago. I wonder…….”

Ashley gives the uncomfortable Yamato a critical look, wondering if he could possibly be one of those babies. Yamato however, remains silent, not wanting to admit to anything in front of Naruto.

“We’re getting way off subject here” Kakashi sighs, catching Naruto and Ashley’s attentions, much to Yamato’s relief. “Ashley, we just found out that Naruto has the Chakra Nature of Wind, and he’s currently trying to tear a leaf in half by conducting his Wind Nature chakra into it.”

Ashley blinks in surprise, before elbowing Naruto playfully.

“That’s pretty cool Naruto” she smiles brightly. “Wind is quite a rare Chakra Nature. The rarest out of all the Natures actually.”

“Really?” Naruto asks, eyes shining with excitement. “That’s awesome!”

“Naruto was just saying that he wants some tips on how to properly use his new found power” Kakashi explains to the young Jonin, making her grin.

“I’d love to help if I can” she agrees eagerly, making Naruto jump for joy.

“We’re going to make an Ultimate Jutsu, just for me” he brags to Ashley, making her smile at him.

“Oh really?” she asks with a laugh. “Don’t get ahead of yourself Naruto, learning how to change your Chakra Nature isn’t easy. Let’s just get the basics down first.”

“I’ll leave him in your capable hands then Ashley” Kakashi says, leaning back against the tree and continuing to read his book.

“Alright Naruto, before we begin, there’s a few things you need to know about the element of Wind” Ashley begins, grinning as Naruto drops to the ground, crossing his legs and paying close attention to Ashley.

“First off, Wind is a very powerful thing” the blonde explains seriously. “It is mainly used for short to mid ranged offensive techniques, but, depending on your experience and the amount of chakra you possess, it can be used for defence and long range attacks as well. Got it?”

Naruto nods vigorously, seeming to understand his teammate so far.

“Excellent” Ashley smiles slyly. “How about I give you a quick demonstration, just to show you what I mean as well. I know you learn better when you can actually see something for yourself after all.”

Naruto nods again, eager to see one of Ashley’s Wind Style Jutsu. Ashley turns around, facing the cliff that Yamato had created, performing a quick set of hand signs.

“Wind Style: Gale Palm!” Ashley cries, throwing her hand out in front of her and releasing a large amount of concentrated Wind Nature chakra from her palm, causing a powerful whirlwind to rocket away from her hand. The powerful blast reaches all the way to the cliff, creating a large dent in the rock, making some of it crumble away and fall into the water below. Naruto’s eyes widen in wonder.

“Wow!” he cries, leaping to his feet. “That was awesome Ashley-chan!”

Ashley laughs, turning around and placing her hands on her hips.

“Thank you” she says appreciatively. “My Wind Style Jutsu are actually able to reach further and have more destructive power than a lot of other people’s because I have such a large chakra reserve……I’m sure Kakashi Sensei has at least touched on the fact that you have a lot more chakra than him?”

Naruto nods, still amazed by how powerful Ashley’s Jutsu was, even from such a distance.

“Yeah, he said I’ve got at least four times as much as him” Naruto informs Ashley, making her nod, a serious look on her face.

“Right, well I’ve got at least four times as much as you Naruto” she admits lowly, making the blonde’s eyes widen.

“What?” he asks softly. “How is that even possible?” Ashley smiles mysteriously and shakes her head.

“In regards to the Jutsu I just performed” she continues, ignoring Naruto’s question and the way Kakashi’s visible eye narrows at her. “I could also conceal some weapons into my attack, increasing its destructive power even further.”

Kakashi listens to Ashley explaining about concealing weapons, sighing internally. She’d have to tell Naruto at some point, and he was hoping it’d be soon. Naruto wouldn’t judge her for being a Jinchuuriki. He’d understand. In fact, it’d probably bring him even closer to the blonde girl, seeing as they both share the same problem.

“Now for my second point on Wind Nature” Ashley continues wisely. “Wind style techniques usually focus on combining brute force with keen precision, both of which I know you possess Naruto. They are used to deal terrific slashing and cutting damage, even being able to slice through solid rock.”

Ashley places her hand together in a hand sign, seeing the confused look on Naruto’s face.

“Seeing as you seem confused by my explanation” Ashley laughs, perform a complicated set of hand signs in rapid succession, “I’ll give you another example. This one is a Jutsu I made for myself during my training in the Land of Ambience, so it’s a bit more complicated than my other Jutsu.”

Naruto watches as Ashley holds her hands slightly apart, a ball of chakra beginning to spin between them.

“Hey…..” he murmurs, eyes widening slightly. “That looks sort of like my Rasengan!” Kakashi looks up from his book, intrigued as to what Ashley’s original Jutsu could look like.

“Right” the blonde girl agrees, slowly pulling her arms apart, stretching the chakra into a flat, vertical disc of spinning chakra. “In fact, I sort of based the first step on your Rasengan, but as you’ll begin to see……”

Focusing her Wind Nature Chakra into her hands, the large disc suddenly turns into a spinning disc of powerful wind, almost resembling a buzz saw.

“…This is quite different” Ashley grins at the Jutsu in her hands, the whizzing of the rapidly circulating wind sounding like miniature tornado.

Ashley pulls her arm back, bringing the large disc back with it, floating just above her palm.

“Wind Style: Typhoon Divide!” Ashley shouts, throwing her arm forwards with all her might, sending the vertical disc zooming towards the cliff again.

Everyone watches, intrigued, as the treacherous disc easily slices through the cliff face, disappearing into the rock and causing a large part of the cliff to be chopped cleanly away, before tumbling to the ground.

Ashley turns to Naruto with a smug look, quite proud of how well her Jutsu had worked. He stares at the damage with wide eyes, amazing at how easily the cliff side had been separated in two.

“Quite impressive Ashley” Kakashi compliments, making Ashley grin proudly. Nothing made her feel better than to have her Sensei’s approval, especially for a Jutsu she had created herself.

“Seems like it takes a lot of chakra though” Yamato speaks up, making Ashley nod in agreement.

“It does” she confirms seriously. “Not a problem for me, but even I wouldn’t like to use it multiple times in one battle.”

“That was so cool!” Naruto cries, clenching his fists and gazing at Ashley with new admiration. He never would’ve guessed that she knew so much about Wind Style Jutsu!

Ashley blushes slightly, not used to all the admiration from her Sensei and teammate.

“Thanks Naruto” she says softly, before tapping her chin. “There is something else you should know about the Wind Chakra Nature, although I don’t think I’ll be able to help you much with this one.”

“Tell me anyway!” Naruto begs, clapping his hands together desperately, the adorable look on his face making Ashley give in immediately.

“Okay, okay” she laughs, pulling a kunai out of the weapons pouch on her leg. “I’m no expert on this, but my third point was going to relate to merging your Chakra Nature into a weapon. Wind Nature Chakra is perfect for this, as it increases a blade’s sharpness and cutting power, not to mention the overall range of a thrown weapon.”

As Ashley continues explaining this to Naruto, trying to keep it as simple as possible for the thick headed boy, Yamato leans a bit closer to Kakashi.

“She’s very knowledgeable for someone so young” he comments, watching Ashley with interest. “She really seems to know her stuff.”

Kakashi nods, proud of his student and the progress she’s made since he first met her.

“Yeah, she’s got a very sharp mind that girl” Kakashi agrees, lowering his book slightly, and watching as Ashley throws her kunai at a tree. The chakra filled blade easily slices right through it and sticks into a large boulder.

“She’s already had a lot of experience in fighting and survival at her young age” he sighs. “Although I have the feeling that there’s a lot more she knows about that she’s not telling us.”

“What do you mean?” Yamato asks curiously. Kakashi shrugs.

“I don’t know” he mumbles, thoughts of the Ten Tailed Wolf in his mind. “I just think that a lot goes on in that mind of hers that she doesn’t let on. You’ve seen for yourself already, she’s very perceptive and has an unnatural amount of chakra. She’s a special kid.”

“Lady Tsunade told me that she was sent on a two year mission to tail the Akatsuki and gather as much information on them as she could” Yamato says lowly, watching as Naruto pulls out a kunai and tries to follow Ashley’s instructions.

“Yeah, Ashley mentioned that to me too” he mutters, eyes drifting back to his book. “I can only imagine the things she saw and heard, not to mention the things she had to do to come out of that mission alive….”

“There’s no way I would’ve accepted a mission like that” Yamato says sheepishly. “It’d be suicide.” Kakashi shrugs.

“I guess that’s why Lady Tsunade chose Ashley” he concludes, smiling as Ashley punches Naruto over the head for almost hitting her with his kunai. “She’s quite fearless, to the point of stupidity sometimes……”

“Stupidity?” Yamato repeats, raising an eyebrow at Ashley. “How so? Like, Naruto stupid or?....”

Kakashi chuckles at that, before shaking his head.

“No no, not that stupid” he assures Yamato. “She picks up on things easily and it’s hard to get anything by her, but do you really think going after the Akatsuki, time and time again, by herself was a smart thing to do?”

‘Especially since she’s a Jinchuuriki’ Kakashi adds in his mind, sending his two blonde students a concerned look. ‘She’d have to know they’re after Jinchuuriki…’

“Alright!” Naruto cries, clenching his fist in determination. “I think I’ve got the hang of it now! Thanks Ashley-chan!”

Ashley sends her excited friend a closed eye smile and waves her hand dismissively.

“It’s no problem Naruto” she replies kindly. “I was happy to help, and hopefully the things I’ve told you will help.”

Ashley pauses for a second, before turning to Kakashi.

“Hey Kakashi Sensei?” she addresses, making the silver haired man look up. “Just in case Naruto needs some help with his training, and I’m not around, is there anyone else in the Village who could-”

“Kakashi Sensei told me that Asuma Sensei has a Wind Chakra Nature as well” Naruto interjects. “I can always ask him if you’re not here.”

“Oh! Well that’s good” Ashley chuckles, before suddenly pouting and crossing her arms over her chest.

Naruto sweat drops at her sudden mood change.

“What’s wrong?” he inquires, making Ashley sigh, her shoulders drooping.

“Well” she begins sheepishly. “When Kakashi Sensei told me to come here and check up on your training, I was really hoping we’d get the chance to um….spar a little bit….”

Naruto’s eyes widen as Ashley gives him an awkward smile. Kakashi smiles to himself, seeing the shock on Naruto’s face. He obviously had never realised that Ashley saw him as a worthy opponent.

“Y-You wanted to fight me?” Naruto asks in surprise, making Ashley blink. She straightens up and pokes her tongue out, rubbing the back of her head nervously.

“Well…..yeah” she laughs. “We’ve never fought before, and I really want to!”

“Why?” Naruto questions incredulously, shaking his head. He couldn’t believe that someone like Ashley would want to fight him so badly. She was so much stronger than him!

“Because” Ashley says seriously, looking Naruto in the eye. “You’re one of the strongest people I know, and I want to see if I can actually beat you in a fight.”

Naruto stares at Ashley with wide, blue eyes, her words echoing in his mind. She thought he was that strong that she wouldn’t be able to beat him?

Now that he thought about it, Naruto wouldn’t mind sparring with Ashley. She was smart and had incredible strength, not to mention her lightning fast speed. Fighting her would give him some valuable experience, and would make for excellent training!

“Let’s do it then!” Naruto grins determinedly, making Ashley pause. She grins back at Naruto, immediately taking up a fighting stance.

“Excellent” she growls, narrowing her eyes as Naruto also takes up a fighting stance. Kakashi and Yamato sweat drop. Weren’t they in the middle of a training exercise already?

As much as Kakashi would like to see the results of a fight between Ashley and Naruto, the blonde boy really needed to concentrate on perfecting the use of his Wind Chakra Nature, and fighting Ashley right now wasn’t going to help.

“Hold it” Kakashi instructs, making the two blondes glare at him.

“Kakashi Sensei-” Naruto complains, before Kakashi suddenly appears beside him and places a hand over Naruto’s mouth.

“Ashley, we really need to keep going with this training” Kakashi explains, sweat dropping as Naruto struggles wildly against his grip. “You guys can put off your fight for now right?”

Ashley sighs, leaning back and placing her hands on her hips. Before she can reply however, a hawk screeches, making everyone look up.

The large bird circles above Ashley a few times, before flapping its wings and soaring back in the direction of the Hokage’s Tower.

Ashley grins down at her Sensei and teammate, giving them a playful salute.

“Looks like Lady Tsunade has finished her meeting with the Council” she explains, already jogging away. “We’ll finish this another time Naruto! Good luck with your training!”

Naruto and Kakashi watch as Ashley crouches down, before leaping up and quickly disappearing into the distance.

Naruto sighs as Kakashi releases him to continue his training. He really wanted to fight Ashley now!

Ashley’s POV

“Do I even want to know? I ask dryly, standing in the doorway, my eyebrow twitching.

Shimei sends me a closed eye smile and waves a hand at me, shiny red apple secured in the other. He’s sitting quite comfortable on top of a pile that consists of Saffire, Fang and Atsui.

Atsui has small puffs of steam shooting from his head, as he glares up at Shimei in frustration. Fang is squashed between him and Saffire, looking bewildered as to how she had gotten involved in the mess. She sends me a pleading look, almost making me laugh. She’d no doubt rather be with my Kai right now.

Second from the top is Saffire, who looks pretty damn pleased with herself.

“Ha ha!” she teases, looking down and poking her tongue out at Atsui. “Atsui’s on the bottom! Like usual!”

Atsui growls up at Saffire, eyes wide with annoyance.

“I’ll kill you Saffire!” he barks, clawing at the floor to try and pull himself free. “You cheated anyway!”

Kiyumi sighs wearily, as Kurai stares at her precious Shimei with hearts in her eyes. Stepping inside, I walk over to Tamashi as Saffire and Atsui continue their squabble, poor Fang caught between them as insult are hurled around her.

“What happened?” I ask the large grey and black Wolf wryly, making him look up at me. He tilts his head, before shrugging a shoulder.

“No, en usko se alkoi kädenvääntö ottelu Kuuma ja Safiiri” he chuckles, shaking his head as I blanch. (Well, I do believe it started as an arm wrestling match between Atsui and Saffire)

Keilor strolls over to us, leaving Kiyumi to try and calm the fuming Atsui down when he threatens to electrocute Saffire.

“And then, you know how like, Saffire takes things too far?” the grey Wolf asks, making me nod wisely. I certainly did.

“That’s what she did man” Keilor finishes, blinking slowly and staring at the pile of Minami’s through hooded eyes. “Took it like, a step too far.”

“Darling” a familiar voice greets, making me look up. “How good to see you!”

I smile when I see Aki gliding across the floor towards us, his fluffy tail sweeping through the air elegantly.

“Aki” I reply with a chuckle as he rubs his head against my hip. “It’s only been about a day since I last saw you, but hi anyway.”

“Ah but Darling” he croons, closing his eyes as I stroke his soft head. “It has been a day too long! I merely live to serve you, and twenty four hours is such a long time to be apart….”

I can’t help laughing at that, pushing the cheeky Wolf away from me.

“Aren’t you just a little charmer?” I tease, causing the beautiful Wolf to roll his sapphire eyes and send a pointed look over at Keilor.

“While I am incredibly charming” he sighs. “Some seem rather oblivious to my charms Darling.”

Wondering what he means, I suddenly remember why I even came to visit my strange friends.

“Guy!” I call, making everyone look over at me. “Lady Tsunade has summoned us! She must be finished with her meeting.”

Saffire blinks, her hands wrapped around Atsui’s neck. Shimei, who must have slid down from the pile while I was talking to Tamashi, wraps one arm around Kurai’s shoulders, throwing his apple up and down casually. Kiyumi sends me a thankful look, having paused in the middle of trying to pull Atsui and Saffire apart.

“Great!” my best friend suddenly cries, releasing Atsui and dropping him to the floor with a thud. “We should probably get going then!”

“Come on Tamashi” Kurai coos, running from Shimei and placing her hands on either side of her Guardian’s face. “We’re going to go and play with the crazy Hokage again.”

“P…Puh..lay?” Tamashi asks slowly, making everyone’s eyes widen.

“What was that Tamashi?” Kurai asks softly, the Wolf’s tail beginning to wag back and forth.

“Pl-Play!” he barks, looking pleased with himself. “Play play!” Kurai lets out an excited shriek, before throwing her arms around Tamashi’s neck and hugging him tightly.

“Oh Tamashi!” she gushes. “You’re so smart! That’s the first time you haven’t spoken in Susikiel!”

“Play” Tamashi replies, chuckling when he earns another squeal from Kurai.

“As adorable as this is” Atsui mutters, dusting himself off as Kiyumi helps him to his feet, “We should probably get going.”

“You’re right” I agree, turning and pulling the door open again, when something occurs to me. “Atsui? Where’s Tsumetai?”

The green haired Minami rolls his eyes.

“Still off playing with those two Wolves of yours” he replies with a deadpan look. “The brown one that thinks he’s a Butterfly, and the tall one that stalks him.”

I smile wryly. So he’s with Chi and Jet then.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine” I say, not really believing my own words. “Anyway, we’d better get to the Tower before Lady Tsunade has another one of her fits.”