Pic of Kyoku Mizu  --->

Ashley’s POV

“So I trust that you all understand the way things will be happening” Lady Tsunade concludes, after explaining how the Tournament is going to work, “And that there will be no causing trouble with the other Villages.”

I raise an eyebrow.

“Why are you looking at me?” I ask indignantly, ignoring Shikamaru as he snickers beside me. Lady Tsunade just shakes her head and looks back at the others, a tiny smile gracing her lips.

“Make the Leaf Village proud” she says, eyeing us confidently. “I have the utmost faith that you will. You leave in three hours. Kakashi, you’re in charge alright?”

“Hai Milady” Kakashi replies, nodding once. “I’ll keep them all in line.”

“I sure hope so” is Lady Tsunade’s dry reply. “You’re all dismissed!”

“Kakashi Sensei!” Naruto whines, tugging on the Jonin’s sleeve. “Who’s gonna help me with my training while you’re gone?! I can’t just stop training after all!”

Kakashi shrugs, subtly tugging his arm free from Naruto’s grip.

“Ask Yamato to continue helping you” he suggests, pulling his little, orange book back out, Lady Tsunade having screamed at him to put it away while she was talking. “But Kakashi Sensei-”

“Look Naruto” Kakashi says with a sigh, heading for the door, “There’s not much more I can do to help you anyway. I can’t master the Jutsu for you. I’ve given you all the help I can. It’s up to you now.”

That said, Kakashi does a hand sign and disappears in a puff of smoke, obviously not up for holding an argument with Naruto. Not that I really blame him….Arguing with the determined blonde can be…..taxing.

Shikamaru suddenly stretches his arms in the air, before placing his hands in his pockets and cracking his neck from side to side. What, did he just get out of bed or something?

“Well, I better go and let my Mom know that I’m leaving the Village” he says, before sweat dropping and sighing. “It’s gonna be such a drag, because she wanted me to go and check on our Deer today. Oh well, if I can survive Lady Tsunade…..”

“What was that Shikamaru?” Lady Tsunade demands to know, eyelid twitching. Shikamaru takes a step back, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. I can’t help chuckling at the scared look on his face, as Neji crosses his arms and smirks. Shikamaru complains about women all the time, but he seems rather afraid of being on the receiving end of their wrath.

“Oh uhh…..I was just saying how much um….nicer you are than my Mother” Shikamaru lies, before turning and striding hurriedly towards the door. “Anyway, I’ll meet you guys at the gate!”

“Ruling by terror isn’t always a good thing Lady Tsunade” I say wryly, tilting my head and giving her a dry look. The Hokage glares at me.

“And you’d know all about that” she retorts, before waving towards her broken door. “Now get out!”

I hold up my hands in defence, turning and heading for the door, with Neji right behind me. Seriously, Lady Tsunade can be so moody sometimes….

“I think you need a new door Grandma Tsunade!” I shout from the hallway, ducking as she lobs a heavy paper weight at my head. It smashes against the wall, as a string of curse words float down the hallway, making me laugh.

“You’re going to kill her one day” Neji comments as we head down the stairs, walking towards the exit. “She seems to have high blood pressure whenever you or Naruto are around...”

“Nah” I reply, shaking my head and grinning cheekily. “She’s always like that. Her blood pressure is fine at the moment.”

I glance around as we exit on to the street, my brows furrowing. Where did Kyoku go? She must have slipped out of Lady Tsunade’s office earlier, because I never saw her leave….

“I’ll meet you at the gate in a few hours okay Neji?” I inform the tall brunette, who merely shrugs.

“See you then” he replies lowly, closing his eyes as I leap onto a nearby roof, disappearing from view.

Third Person’s POV

Kyoku sighs, taking in the sullen look on her daughter’s face. She’d been acting upset about something for the past few days, but Kohana didn’t seem to want to tell her what the problem was.

Kohana’s dark eyes fall to the floor, as she leans her elbow on the table and rests her cheek in her palm, resisting the urge to cry. Her Mother was always leaving her by herself. She loved her Mother; she just wished that things were different. Maybe she should have just let Ashley tell Kakashi about her…

Kyoku and Kohana look up, as someone suddenly knocks on their door. The blue haired Jonin glances down at her daughter, making Kohana sigh softly and jump down from her chair. She knew the drill. When people came over, she had to make herself scarce.

Kohana trudges into her room, closing the door with a soft click. Kyoku watches her sadly, before turning and walking over to the door, pulling it open.

She blinks her bright blue eyes in surprise, seeing the short blonde girl standing on her doorstep. The girl tilts her head, giving Kyoku a strange look as she continues to stare at her.

“Uhh, hello” Ashley says pointedly, waving her hand in front of Kyoku’s face, making the Jonin blink again.

“Oh, uh, hello Ashley” she greets, giving the girl a warm closed eye smile and stepping to the side, holding the door open and motioning for Ashley to come inside. “I’m sorry……I just didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Yeah, sorry about the surprise visit” Ashley says dryly, glancing around the room for Kohana. She couldn’t see the girl anywhere, but she could sense her presence in one of the nearby rooms. “I just wanted to talk to you quickly.”

“Alright” Kyoku says, sounding slightly suspicious. Why would Ashley need to talk to her so badly, that she’d come all the way to her house? “What’s going on?”

“Well….” Ashley begins, sitting down across the table from Kyoku and suddenly feeling a little awkward. It really wasn’t any of her business to speak with Kyoku about this but……But she felt strangely protective of Kohana. While the little girl was very strong compared to the average six year old, Ashley can’t help feeling that Kohana should be able to just be a kid. She needs friends to play with and she needs her Father. Being constantly cooped up like this isn’t good for her, and it’s no wonder she seems so lonely all the time. When her Mother isn’t around, Kohana really is all by herself. As far as the world knows, the silvery haired girl doesn’t even exist……That can’t feel good….

“Why did you agree to compete in this Tournament?’ Ashley asks, eyeing Kyoku seriously. Confusion seems to flash across Kyoku’s pretty face, as she tilts her head slightly.

“Why?” she repeats, “Because Lady Tsunade asked me to. I’m flattered that she thinks I’m worthy enough to be one of the five-”

“That’s not what I mean” Ashley interrupts, feeling somewhat angry. She really liked Kyoku, the Jonin was a really great person, but Ashley can’t help feeling frustrated with her decision to leave her daughter home alone. Again. “Why are you leaving to compete when you’ve got Kohana at home? She’ll be all alone!”

Kyoku’s face grows serious, as she watches Ashley rise to her feet, hands balled into fists.

“Don’t you think it’s unfair that she’s always alone?” Ashley growls. “You’re the only person she’s got, and when you’re away on missions or doing things with you Genin team, Kohana’s all by herself! It’s not fair on her!”

Kohana’s eyes widen slightly, as she presses her ear against the door, listening to the things Ashley is saying. Did she really come all the way here just to tell Kyoku that leaving her behind once again is a stupid idea?

“What else can I do?” Kyoku questions Ashley calmly, not one to lose her cool easily. “If they find out about Kohana, Kakashi and myself could be thrown in prison. Then Kohana really will be alone.”

“No one will care about what you did in the past!” Ashley shouts frustratedly, to which Kyoku smirks, eyes flashing.

“Just because it happened in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t be punished for it” she says lowly, making Ashley pause. Last time Kyoku had said that, the same things had run through Ashley’s mind. The horrible things she’d done when she was working for Orochimaru……Would she ever be punished for those terrible crimes?....

“And besides” Kyoku continues, rising to her feet, “Kohana is used to looking after herself. She’s a strong, independent child and I’m proud of her for that. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find my Genin and tell them I’m leaving.”

That said, Kyoku turns and strolls from the house, closing the door softly behind her and leaving an annoyed Ashley alone in the room. She glares after Kyoku for a few moments, before sighing irritably, shaking her head. She knew that Kyoku really loved Kohana, but either she couldn’t see how much she was hurting her daughter or she truly thought keeping Kohana a secret was the right thing to do…

A soft scraping sound behind Ashley makes her suddenly whirl around, coming face to face with said young girl, who looks highly unimpressed.

“Kohana!” Ashley cries, before pausing, taking in the way Kohana’s dark eyes are narrowed at her. “Still mad at me huh?”

“You had no right to try and tell my….to tell him about me” Kohana says lowly, glaring hard at Ashley, who sighs. “My Mother has worked really hard to keep it from him.”

“I know, and I’m sorry Kohana” Ashley apologises sincerely, crouching down to the little girl’s height and placing her hands on her shoulders. “You’re absolutely right. It isn’t my place to tell Kakashi that you’re his daughter, no matter how much I want to. I only did it to benefit you though Kohana……I can tell that you’re not happy like this. You must feel like you don’t even exist. I honestly think Kakashi would adore you and I only want the best for you. Forgive me?”

Kohana hesitantly looks Ashley in the eyes, able to see the sincerity in them. For some reason, she suddenly feels her eyes growing watery, something she’s not used to, seeing as she fancies herself as much too strong to cry.

Kohana suddenly wraps her arms around Ashley’s neck, surprising the blonde girl immensely. Kohana didn’t seem like the hugging type. Ashley hugs her back however, smiling to herself. Kohana would always have one friend at least.

“I forgive you” Kohana says, abruptly leaning back from Ashley and throwing her arms down by her sides, seeming a bit embarrassed about hugging the older girl. “Just don’t tell him. Or anyone!”

“I won’t, I won’t” Ashley promises begrudgingly, sighing.

‘Stubborn kid’ she thinks, crossing her arms and sitting back down in the seat she’d earlier jumped out of.

“Will you be okay while your Mom is gone?” Ashley questions the silvery haired little girl, who shrugs uncaringly.

“I’ll be fine” Kohana replies blandly. “I’m always here by myself, so I’ve learned to look after myself.”

“Aren’t you sad that you’ll be alone again though?” Ashley asks softly, watching as Kohana’s hard look drops from her face, shoulders drooping slightly. The blonde almost feels her heart break as Kohana’s dark eyes take on a saddened, vulnerable looks. The little girl shrugs and rubs her arm, as if she were cold.

“I know that Mom has to go” she tells Ashley quietly. “And she’ll be back soon so…..I’ll be fine.”

Ashley stares at Kohana for a few moments, before placing her hand on the girl’s head, giving Kohana a kind closed eye smile as she looks up in surprise.

“You’re a good kid” she chuckles, opening her eyes. “I’d let you stay with me, but I’m going to this Tournament as well.”

Kohana blinks, before brushing Ashley’s hand away from her head.

“You’re going too?” the young girl questions. “Mother has told me that you’re really strong before……And you’re already a Jonin I suppose….”

Kohana flicks her eyes up, glancing at Ashley seriously.

“Good luck” she says hesitantly, feeling somewhat shy. Ashley blinks in surprise, before she grins.

“Thanks!”

Ashley’s POV

I bound across the roof tops swiftly, having stayed at Kyoku’s house for too long. I’d managed to get home and stock up my weapons pouch, and I’ve still got half an hour left, but I’m not exactly close to the main gates right now. I’ve been looking for Kiba for the last fifteen minutes or so, wanting to say goodbye before I leave. I’m not exactly sure how long this Tournament is going to be, but I want to see him before I go nonetheless.

He wasn’t at his house, he wasn’t at either of his teammate’s houses and he wasn’t at any of the restaurants in the Village…….So that just leaves the training area Team Eight seem to use all the time.

Hurrying in the direction of the training area, I leap down from the rooftops, almost landing right on top of a surprised Asuma and Kurenai.

“Sorry guys!” I call, almost tripping over my own feet, before catching myself and darting away. Asuma and Kurenai both sweat drop, as I sigh with embarrassment. So much for being a graceful Ninja….

I suddenly duck, as a large chunk of wood goes flying over my head. What the hell?!

Turning around, I see Hinata throwing swift, skilful punches at Shino, who seems to be just managing to avoid them. He throws up an arm, blocking a punch from Hinata, before a cloud of black insects swarm from his sleeve, buzzing and hissing ominously.

Hinata’s eyes widen as the bugs suddenly dive for her, making her flips backwards to put some distance between them. She places her hands together and performs a hand sign, narrowing her pale eyes at the incoming insects.

“Protective Eight Trigrams!” she shouts. “Sixty Four Palms!”

Hinata, sending out a stream of finely tuned chakra from her palms, creates a visible dome of chakra around her, like a shield. Shino’s insects collide with the strong defence, some of them falling to the ground painfully.

“Good job Hinata…..” Shino praises his teammate softly, making her grin as she drops the Jutsu, Shino’s insects regrouping in front of him. “You’re getting much quicker with that Jutsu.”

“Thank you Shino-kun” Hinata replies, performing more hand signs. I watch Shino and Hinata fight with great interest, quite impressed with just how much better they’ve become since we were all just Genin. I’m thinking I’d actually kind of like to fight Hinata now. She’s quick and to be honest, I’ve wanted to fight against a Hyuga and their Gentle Fist style for quite awhile now.

“Target in sight….” a low voice says from behind me, making me pause. Suddenly, something heavy tackles me backwards, until my back hits a tree trunk.

“What the hell?!” I shout, throwing my hands out and feeling them hit what feels like a chest. I pause again, as someone begins chuckling in my ear, the voice sounding irritatingly familiar.

“Target apprehended” Kiba grins down at me, making me deadpan. Before I can respond however, he leans down and kisses me, placing one hand on the side of my face and the other on my waist.

My eyes widen with surprise, before they close, my hands finding their way to the collar of his leather jacket, pulling him closer to me.

“That’s not the kind of thing we’re meant to be practicing Kiba…..” a creepy voice says from behind the Inuzuka, making him lean back and turn his head, giving Shino a deathly glare.

“Shut up Shino!” Kiba barks, releasing me and raising a fist at his teammate. “And besides, I don’t need to practise kissing! I’m already awesome at it!”

“Ahh I just love how humble you are” I say dryly, earning an unimpressed look from Kiba. “What?”

“It’s not bragging if it’s true” Kiba informs me seriously, making me shrug.

“What makes you think it’s true though?” I ask just as seriously, making Kiba scowl at me, arms crossed. He suddenly pushes me backwards again, until my back hits the tree. He places one hand on my chin, and the other low down on my hip. I feel myself blushing as he leans closer to me, eyes hooded dangerously.

“I can prove it if you like” he whispers, mouth curving up into a cheeky, lop sided smirk. I blink my wide eyes, before glancing over at a blushing Hinata and a stoic Shino. I shake my head vigorously.

“No, no!” I laugh nervously, trying to push Kiba away from me. “Not when we have an audience.”

“I perform better under pressure anyway” Kiba smirks at me smugly as he steps back, letting me go. I scowl at him in embarrassment.

‘I just came here to talk to you about something” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Not to be attacked.”

“Not that you were exactly pushing me away Angel” Kiba sneers teasingly, sending me a wink and crossing his arms. My shoulders droop, as I mushroom sigh. Why must he make things so difficult?.....

“Anyway” I say pointedly, ignoring Kiba as I turn to face Hinata and Shino, “I just came to say that I’m going to be competing in that fighting Tournament in the Grass Village. I’m leaving in like……twenty minutes.”

Hinata and Kiba stare at me with wide eyes, thought I can’t tell if Shino’s eyes are wide as well, because of his dark sunglasses. Wait…..Does Shino even have eyes?!

“You mean…..You’re one of the five people who got chosen Ashley-chan?” Hinata asks me excitedly, clapping her hands when I nod. “Oh, congratulations! How exciting!”

“Good luck to you Ashley” Shino says in his quiet voice, sending me a nod of approval. Kiba suddenly steps forwards, grinning brightly.

“Way to go Angel!” he exclaims, sweeping me up into a congratulatory hug. “You’re gonna kick some serious ass!”

“Of course I am!” I laugh, wrapping my arms around Kiba’s neck and resting my cheek on top of his head. He carefully lowers me back to the ground, ruffling my hair playfully.

“Yeah, so” I mutter, swatting his hand away and hurriedly trying to fix my hair, “I just thought I’d come and say goodbye, seeing as I don’t know how long this thing goes for.”

Hinata quickly grabs onto Shino’s arm, seeming to catch onto my meaning.

“Come on Shino-kun” she urges, pulling him in the opposite direction, “Let’s keep training! Good bye Ashley-chan, and good luck!”

“……Good bye…” Shino adds, raising his free hand in a wave.

“Thanks Hinata!” I call, waving at her back. “See ya guys!”

Lowering my hand, I turn to Kiba, who is watching me through bright eyes, hands in his pockets.

“How long does this Tournament even go for anyway?” Kiba asks curiously, to which I shrug.

“I have no idea” I reply, making the brunette sigh. “But I’m hoping we won’t be gone for more than a week or two.”

Kiba nods in agreement, sending me an adorable, lop sided smile, his sharp teeth showing.

“Well, I know you have to go” he informs me, “So I won’t keep you for long. Have fun and kick some ass for me alright?”

“Okay” I chuckle, before leaning forwards and wrapping my arms around Kiba’s torso, hugging him tightly. “I love you….”

Kiba seems to pause with surprise, seeing as I’ve never said that to him first, before he hugs me back.

“I love you too Angel” he replies softly, leaning down and tilting my head back gently. He closes his eyes, giving me a gentle kiss and straightening up, as little butterflies flutter around in my stomach.

He’s not normally so gentle and soft, and it makes me nervous for some reason, but it’s really quite nice at the same time…..

I take a step back, placing two fingers against my forehead and giving Kiba a playful salute and a wink.

“Adios Mutt” I say cheekily, before flipping backwards up into a branch. Kiba rolls his eyes, placing one hand in his pocket and raising the other in a wave.

“I’ll be watching the fights on those giant TV things!” he calls as I bound back towards the gates. “And I’ll be cheering for you Angel! Good luck!”

I grin to myself as I reach the streets again, jumping up onto a rooftop and darting swiftly across it, wanting to get to the main gates on time.

This is going to be fun….

Third Person’s POV

“It’s my pen Kotetsu!”

“No you idiot, it’s my pen! See? I’m the one chewing on it!”

“So?!” is the outraged reply. “Just because you’re dumb enough to put it in your mouth doesn’t mean it’s yours!”

“Well, why the hell would I chew on it if it was yours?!” Kotetsu argues, to which Neji and Shikamaru sigh, their shoulders drooping.

They’d arrived at the main gates at the same time, and they were now wishing they’d been later like everyone else. The two Chunin were driving them crazy, arguing over the ownership of a stupid pen.

“Because you’re an idiot!” Izumo shouts angrily. “You stole that thing from my pocket! Look! It’s got my name on it!”

There’s a pause, as Kotetsu pulls the pen from his mouth and holds it up, inspecting the blue casing.

“Oh, so it has” Kotetsu muses, before grinning and pulling his arm back. “Here’s your pen back Izumo!”

Shikamaru’s eyes widen, before he suddenly ducks, the pen flying from Kotetsu and sailing over the Nara’s head.

“Why couldn’t you just give it to me?!” Izumo snaps, making Neji grow an anime vein. “Why would you throw it?!”

“It’s not my fault you can’t catch” Kotetsu sniffs. “I threw it to you.”

“You weren’t even aiming for me though!”

“Please boys….” a soft voice says, making everyone look up. “Calm down. It’s just a pen….”

Kyoku steps up from behind Neji and Shikamaru, holding the tip of Izumo’s pen in her fingers, eyes hooded calmly. She strolls over to the two Chunin and hands Izumo back the pen, before placing her hands on her hips.

“Thanks Kyoku” Izumo sighs wearily, before casting a glare over at an innocent looking Kotetsu. “You’re the worst best friend ever.”

“Well, you’re the best worst friend ever” Kotetsu retorts, making both Chunin pause with confusion. Shikamaru face palms, as Neji glances around, looking for a wall to slam his head against. Seriously, those two were worse than Naruto, and that was saying something.

“How long have you two been listening to this?” Kyoku asks coolly, amusement clear in her eyes, seeing the looks on both Neji and Shikamaru’s faces.

“Too long” Neji sighs irritably, crossing his arms and tilting his head down, closing his eyes. He couldn’t wait to just leave. Izumo and Kotetsu were driving him insane. “I wish the other two would hurry up.”

“I’m technically not late yet Neji” a teasing voice says, making Shikamaru and Kyoku look up. They see Ashley jump down from a roof top and land in a crouched position on the ground. She rises to her feet and strolls over to the other three, glancing from Neji, over to Izumo and Kotetsu, who are now wrestling each other for Izumo’s pen.

“Ahhhh” Ashley says, nodding her head and patting Neji on the back. “Now I understand why you’re acting even less pleasant that usual.”

“I’m actually always this unpleasant” Neji says seriously, opening his eyes and slowly looking up at Ashley. She stares back at him, confused as to whether he’s being serious or not. As Neji stares at her, Ashley sees the corner of his mouth twitch, as if he was holding in a smile. Or in Neji’s case, a smirk.

“Look at that” Ashley teases, crossing her arms and smirking at Neji, “The Hyuga’s got jokes.”

“Ughh….” Shikamaru sighs, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Where’s Kakashi Sensei? He’s late now.”

“Don’t hold your breath Shikamaru” Ashley says dryly, rolling her eyes. “Kakashi Sensei is always late. In fact, he’s notorious for it.”

“I’m notorious for what exactly Ashley?” a smooth, male voice suddenly asks from behind the blonde, who freezes. She sweat drops, before turning around, only to see Kakashi staring at her, one eyebrow raised and hands on his hips.

“For being devilishly handsome?” she suggests innocently, causing Shikamaru to choke and throw a hand over his mouth. He’d been about to laugh, but doesn’t fancy getting on Kakashi’s bad side…

Kakashi’s shoulders droop slightly, giving Ashley a weary look as she smiles brightly at him.

“I second that….” Kyoku says softly, giving Kakashi a subtle wink that causes him to abruptly straighten up, visible eye widening slightly.

“Yes….Well….It’s about time we got going I think” Kakashi says awkwardly, before pausing and glancing down at Ashley. “Actually, before we do go, I have something to say. If anything is to happen to me, Kyoku is in charge. At the Tournament, if anything happens to Kyoku, Neji you’re in charge-”

“And if anything happens to Neji” Shikamaru interrupts, trying to hurry Kakashi along, “Ashley’s in charge. Okay let’s g-”

“Actually no” Kakashi states, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ashley’s not allowed to be in charge at all; Lady Tsunade’s orders. She said if you put one foot out of line Ashley, you’re not leaving the Village again, sorry….”

“What?!” Shikamaru exclaims, scowling at Kakashi. “But that’s not fair!”

Kakashi shrugs, giving his student a troubled look, as her brows furrow with annoyance.

“Not much is fair in life I’m afraid Shikamaru” Kakashi says calmly, with Kyoku nodding wisely beside him in agreement.

Ashley glowers at the ground, clenching her hands into fists. She didn’t mind not being in charge, that part didn’t bother her at all. She’d prefer to follow Kakashi anyway. No, it was the fact that she’d been ordered not to be in charge that frustrated her. And to threaten to keep her prisoner here in the Village? That was just cruel. If she really needed to, Ashley wouldn’t hesitate to escape from the Village, even if she was told never to leave again by the Hokage.

“Ashley?” Kakashi asks carefully, hoping she isn’t too upset about the whole thing. The blonde looks up at him, visible eye calculating, before she closes her eyes and sighs.

“Let’s just get going” she says.

*Four Hours Later*

Kakashi, Shikamaru and Neji race speedily across the ground, dodging and weaving around the large trees of the forest, as Ashley and Kyoku bound swiftly and silently through the branches above. Kyoku, on the left of the group, leaps from branch to branch gracefully, easily keeping up with the running speed of the three males down on the ground. Ashley, to the right of the group, has her Katsuryoku activated, sensing the surrounding area for any unusual movements.

She flips down to a lower branch, appearing in Neji and Shikamaru’s views for a split second, before she leaps back up to another high branch, disappearing back into the leaves.

Ashley and Kyoku had been chosen as the two to remain hidden in case the group was attacked. They would serve as the surprise counter attack if necessary.

“Does anyone else find this Tournament a bit weird?” Shikamaru suddenly asks, the first person to speak in just over an hour.

“Weird how?” Neji asks lowly, his Byakugan activated and watching for any potentially hidden enemies.

Shikamaru shrugs as he runs, glancing up when he spies a brief flash of blue above him, as Kyoku leaps through a small gap in the cover of the leaves.

“I mean, don’t you think it’s kind of…..random to just announce that they want to hold a fighting Tournament?” Shikamaru asks, brows furrowing in thought. “And why do they want to invite Ninja from every Village? Don’t they realise that some of us aren’t Allies? We’re not Allies with every Village, so we’re likely to get attacked by at least one group of Ninja.”

“I agree completely Shika-kun!” Ashley calls from above, though she’s invisible to the males below. “It does sound weird, but it should be fun anyway!”

“Be quiet Ashley” Kakashi instructs calmly. “You’re meant to be hidden, so no talking…….And don’t you stick your middle finger up at me young lady.”

“You know me too well Sensei….” Ashley chuckles quietly, before once again falling silent, as if she weren’t there. Kakashi rolls his eyes good naturedly, before turning his head and glancing at Shikamaru over his shoulder.

“While I also agree with you that this Tournament seems a little……unorthodox” Kakashi decides, “I also agree with Lady Tsunade. The Grass Village is our Ally, and we can’t risk offending them by not turning up and completely brushing off their invitation. Besides, if we turn up and meet some of the Ninja who we aren’t Allied with, wouldn’t it be great if we became friendly with them and they took back a good report of the Leaf Ninja?”

“It could lead to becoming Allies….” Neji murmurs thoughtfully, as Shikamaru sighs.

“Well, I’m still a little suspicious” he announces dryly, to which Kakashi nods and turns his head to face forwards again.

“Good” he says seriously. “Being suspicious means you’ll be on your guard and be ready for anything.”

The Ninja fall silent again, lost in their own thoughts, watching and listening to everything around them as they get further and further away from the Leaf Village.

Two more hours pass, signs of fatigue beginning to show in each of the Leaf Ninja’s movements.

“Kakashi” Kyoku says, flipping down from the trees above and landing gently beside Kakashi, easily keeping up with his swift running pace. “We need to take a break. It’s starting to get dark, and everyone looks like they could use a bit of a breather.”

Kakashi looks at Kyoku for a moment, before nodding and skidding to an abrupt halt, almost causing Shikamaru to crash right into him.

“Alright, let’s stop for the night guys” Kakashi announces, pointing to a spot over his shoulder with his thumb. “We’ll camp just over there.”

Shikamaru sighs with relief, as Neji closes his eyes and deactivates his Byakugan, letting out a low breath.

He’d kept his Byakugan up for a few hours now, and although he could’ve kept it up for a lot longer, he was quite happy to take a rest.

Ashley suddenly jumps down from the trees, landing on all fours and glancing up at her silver haired Sensei.

“Can I talk now?” she asks smartly, making Kakashi roll his eyes again.

“Yes Ashley” he says dryly, taking his heavy backpack off and setting it down against a tree trunk. “You’re quite welcome to speak now that you’re not meant to be hiding.”

“Smart ass….” Ashley growls, rising to her feet and strolling over to Neji, before dumping her backpack on the ground and flinging herself backwards. She folds her hands behind her head, looking forward to taking a break, as she looks up through the trees and spies a couple of stars shining in the evening sky.

“Okay guys” Kakashi begins, “We’ll have something to eat, and then get some shut eye. We’ll need to take it in turns with sentry duty as well.”

Kakashi almost feels impressed, when the three youngest members of the team just nod.

‘They’ve grown up’ he thinks wryly. ‘None of them complained about doing sentry duty.’

Neji and Shikamaru quickly locate some dry pieces of wood, before placing them together in a small pile, causing a small fire to suddenly flicker to life on the wood, creating a comforting warmth.

Ashley unzips her backpack, pulling out a large, red apple, before leaning back against it, crunching the fruit contently. Shimei had gotten her onto the red apples, which were much sweeter than the green ones Ashley was used to eating.

Looking up lazily, Ashley sees Shikamaru already setting up his thick sleeping bag, no doubt ready to hop in a go to sleep. Neji unclips the weapons pouch from his thigh, placing it in front of him and having another look to see exactly what he’d brought with him. Kakashi and Kyoku are sitting a short distance away from the others, talking quietly to each other. Kyoku smiles softly, her blue eyes hooded as she looks down at the ground, while Kakashi continues talking, his visible eye locked on her face. Ashley raises an eyebrow, taking another bite of her apple.

What exactly were Kakashi and Kyoku? Were they actually together or?......Any blind person could see that they liked each other, though they’re both too cool guarded to admit it to anyone. They had history together, and even a child, though Kakashi didn’t know about her. So what were they?

After about twenty minutes, Kakashi and Kyoku get up and walk back over to the younger members of the team.

“So, who’s up for sentry duty first?” Kakashi asks brightly, making Neji and Ashley sweat drop. Shikamaru raises his hand and waves it lazily.

“Ungh…..Sleeping…..” he grunts wearily, eyes remaining closed as he rolls over in his sleeping bag, back now facing everyone else.

“Don’t everybody all jump up to volunteer” Ashley sighs irritably, rising to her feet and throwing her apple core away. “I’ll go first Kakashi Sensei, since you don’t seem to eager to volunteer yourself either.”

“I’m old Ashley” the silver haired man counters casually, shrugging a shoulder. “I need my sleep or my arthritis kicks in.”

“I thought you said you were only twenty eight….” Ashley mutters under her breath, rolling her eyes and placing her chakra into her feet, before leaping at a tree and running up the thick trunk easily.

The blonde sits herself down on a sturdy branch, leaning her back against the trunk and tilting her head backwards, so that she can see the sky through the leaves.

Ashley closes her eyes, listening as the others shuffle around below, muttering things to each other and climbing into their sleeping bags. It suddenly becomes quite dark, as Ashley waves her hand again, causing the fire to disappear.

Reopening her eyes, Ashley looks up at the stars, watching them twinkle and revelling in the peaceful silence of the night.

‘The stars as so pretty….’ Ashley thinks to herself, pulling up her knees and slinging an arm across the top of them.

‘They look a lot different from up there though’ Hakuba suddenly says, almost making Ashley jump. She hadn’t been expecting to hear from the Demon, considering he’d been very quiet recently.

‘What do you mean?” Ashley questions the Ten Tails, making him sigh and rolls his eyes, as if Ashley is really stupid.

‘I was imprisoned in the Moon silly brat’ Hakuba growls lowly. ‘Those stars are just giant balls of different gases. Bigger than you could ever imagine.’

‘Gases?” Ashley repeats, blinking. ‘Looks more like a ball of fire or something from down here….’

‘Well it’s not fire’ Hakuba replies indignantly. ‘It’s a ball of gas and it’s no where near as pretty as it looks when you see it from up close.’

Ashley stares at the stars curiously, a few of them twinkling.

‘It must have been so amazing up there Hakuba’ she eventually thinks, closing her eyes and speaking to the Demon sealed in her psyche. ‘You must have seen so much.’

Standing in front of the black Wolf like being, Ashley watches as he glances down at her through the ten thick, steel bars holding him prisoner. He slowly lies down, laying his head down on top of his large, clawed paws.

‘It was terrible up there’ Hakuba replies softly, his red eyes taking on a faraway sort of look. ‘It was black, cold and silent. Sound doesn’t travel up there, and the only light was the light of the Sun and stars. Nothing can compare to the earth I walked on generations ago. It was clean and beautiful, not like nowadays……’

Ashley’s shoulders slump slightly, watching as the gigantic Demon heaves a sigh and closes his eyes. Ashley can’t help feeling bad for Hakuba, never having seen him look quite like that, or speak like that. He looked more vulnerable than Ashley had ever seen him. For one thing, he never closed his eyes in Ashley’s presence, and he normally didn’t sit there and speak with her either.

Ashley suddenly reaches forwards, her arm passing between two of the steel bars in front of her, before she gently lays her hand down on Hakuba’s nose. His red eyes immediately fly open and narrow at Ashley suspiciously.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he growls, lips pulling up and revealing his sharp, white fangs. Ashley holds his gaze evenly, feeling strangely unafraid of the growling Ten Tails.

“I’m sorry Hakuba” she apologises sincerely, making Hakuba’s narrowed eyes widen slightly. He wasn’t expecting that. “I’m going to try and stop your suffering, I promise….”

Hakuba stares at Ashley curiously as she retracts her hand, closing her eyes and heaving a sigh. She suddenly disappears from his view, having been snapped back into reality by something.

Hakuba cocks his head to the side, frowning dubiously. How exactly did that brat expect to stop his suffering? Even if he somehow got free, he’d constantly have to run and hide so as to not get captured again or resealed into another human. That, or he could completely slaughter the human race, which sounded a lot more appealing to him. Hakuba snorts, rolling his eyes and shaking his head.

‘Stupid brat…..’ he mutters, laying his head back down on his paws and staring off into space. ‘Let’s see what you can come up with……’

Ashley looks to her right, just as Neji jumps up onto the same branch as her, landing in a crouched position.

“Your turn to get some sleep now” he informs Ashley quietly, rising to his feet and turning his head to the side, extending his hand down to Ashley, who blinks in surprise. Neji was being gentlemanly? Was that even possible?

“Thanks” Ashley eventually says, taking Neji’s hand and allowing the tall brunette to pull her to her feet. “And have fun.”

“What else could sentry duty be?” Neji asks dryly, causing Ashley to giggle, as she gives Neji a salute and drops down from the high branch.

Landing silently on the ground, Ashley tip toes over to her sleeping bag, pausing only to glance down at Shikamaru, who is lying on his back, one arm thrown across his face and the other played out to the side.

Ashley giggles again, before diving into her sleeping back and squirming around, trying to get comfortable. She feels her eyes immediately beginning to close, before they suddenly shoot wide open.

‘What am I doing?!’ she wonders incredulously. ‘I can’t sleep!’

‘……Hush you stupid brat’ Hakuba orders in a rough whisper. ‘I want to sleep, and I don’t need you and your ridiculous thoughts keeping me awake!’

Ashley pauses, her face contorting into a look of pure confusion. Was Hakuba saying that he would let her sleep? Why did he keep letting her do that?

‘Wait…..you’re going to let me…..sleep?’ Ashley asks the Demon hesitantly, wondering if he’s just messing with her.

‘No, I want to sleep’ Hakuba retorts defensively. ‘And I can’t do that with your thoughts echoing in my ears, so shut up and close your eyes!’

Ashley happily complies, closing her eyes and snuggling down into her now warm sleeping bag.

‘Hakuba?’ the blonde whispers in her mind.

‘What?!’ is the irritated response.

‘…….Thank you….’

‘……Whatever…………’

Please don't forget to vote and comment if you enjoyed! :D

Also, I kind of enjoyed reading your answers to my question the last time I uploaded, so I've decided to ask another one! Let's see who's been paying attention ;P

What does Ashley codename, given to her by Lady Tsunade in Setting The Wolf Free, mean?? First to get it right gets the next dedication! ^-^