Pic of Ashley in her casual outfit  --->

Not to brag, but I really like her hoody/shirt thing lol. Yes, I drew the picture myself ;)

Third Person’s POV

Kakashi shoves his hands further into his pockets, a slight shiver going up his spine as a cold breeze blows through the night air. It usually wasn’t so cold at night this time of year but of course, the one night Kakashi decides to stay out is the coldest one in a long time.

Ever since Kakashi had seen Ashley with that little girl, Kohana if he remembered correctly, in the hospital quite awhile ago, he’d been very suspicious of the two of them. How could such a little girl know one of Kakashi’s original Jutsu? The only person he’d taught a Lightning Style Jutsu to was Sasuke, and that was only the Chidori. Kohana was using the more powerful and complex version, Lightning Blade.

Not to mention the young girl’s strange attitude when Kakashi was around. Unless Kohana was just like that all the time, but Kakashi found the silvery haired girl’s nervous demeanour a little strange, especially seeing as she’d just been fighting and acting rather normal with Ashley.

And speaking of the blonde, why had she suddenly taken off with Kohana earlier? Kakashi had seen that the young girl was upset, and then she and Ashley had disappeared. What was going on with them? Was Ashley hiding something from him?

Kakashi sighs as another cold breeze blows; the man’s back resting against the chimney rising up from the roof he’s standing on. His student certainly did act strange whenever Kohana was around…

Hearing the soft click of a door opening, Kakashi’s head snaps up, before he abruptly drops down into a crouched position. Normally he would have picked a better hiding spot than being on top of a roof, but it was a cloudy night and he was very well concealed in the darkness.

Watching the door carefully from his high vantage point, Kakashi sees Ashley poke her head out, slowly glancing in all directions. He thinks he sees the blonde frown for a moment, before she quickly ducks back inside her house, closing the door behind her.

“What are you doing up so late Ashley?” Kakashi murmurs to himself, his voice a little hoarse from the cold wind. “Can’t sleep perhaps?....”

Kakashi trails off, as the front door of Ashley’s house slowly opens once again and Kohana steps out into the street, looking around cautiously. She is followed out by a large white Wolf, which Kakashi recognises as one of Ashley’s partners, Rei.

The silver haired Jonin’s eyes narrow slightly as Ashley also steps out of the house, closing the door behind her quietly and gazing around, before taking hold of Kohana’s hand and walking right, or, Kakashi’s left. Noting Ashley’s brisk pace and the suspicious way she keeps looking around, Kakashi decides to push up his headband and reveal his usually hidden Sharingan eye.

While he had no trouble seeing in the dark, Kakashi had no doubt that Ashley’s Katsuryoku was activated, and he didn’t want to move quickly and alert the girl that he was following her. Using his Sharingan to keep track of her chakra signature would be very helpful if he actually ended up losing sight of her.

“Let’s see where the three of you are heading….” the Jonin mutters, waiting until Ashley and the others disappear around a corner, before flipping down from the roof and landing silently on the ground.

As silent as a shadow, Kakashi glides over the ground easily, reaching the corner Ashley had turned at and pressing his back against the wall. He slowly peeks around the corner, only to see Ashley tugging Kohana down the road, Rei trotting quickly behind them.

Focusing chakra into his feet, Kakashi leaps up onto the roof of a close by building, landing in a crouched position. He immediately rises to his feet and races sneakily across the tiles, making sure to keep out of the light of the bright street lamps. The last thing he needed was to be caught following his female student and her young friend in the middle of the night…

“C’mon” Kakashi hears Ashley whisper encouragingly, pulling on Kohana’s arm and leading her around another corner. “We’ve gotta get you home.”

Kohana merely nods her head, stumbling as she tries to keep up with Ashley’s brisk pace. While Ashley seems to just be walking very fast, young Kohana is struggling in an awkward walk, sort of stuck half way between jogging and running.

Kakashi perches on the edge of the rooftop, only his head moving as his eyes follow the two girls and white Wolf, waiting for them to get a little distance away from him.

‘Why would she be taking Kohana home in the middle of the night?...’ Kakashi wonders, slowly rising to his feet again and running across the roof. After a few moments, Kakashi sees Ashley turn yet another corner, causing the silver haired Jonin to bend his knees and leap across the street, easily landing on another roof top.

Kakashi suddenly skids to a halt, spotting Ashley, Kohana and Rei stopping in the middle of the street, all exchanging looks with each other.

Kakashi crouches down again, hands resting on his bent knees and brows slowly beginning to furrow. What were they doing?

The silver haired Jonin narrows his eyes however, when Ashley suddenly glances up at him and flashes a dazzling smile. Kohana abruptly whirls around, giving Kakashi a closed eye smile as she begins bouncing in place, while Rei merely sits down and looks at Kakashi over her shoulder, lavender eyes hooded.

‘Dammit….’ Kakashi sighs internally. ‘She knew I was following her….’

“Good game Kakashi!” Ashley calls, catching the man’s attention. Why hadn’t she called him Sensei like she usually did?

“However” Ashley continues, using one hand to fluff up her hair, “I think we are the victors!”

“You totally had no idea it was us Kaka-baka!” Kohana laughs giddily, spinning in a circle. “Haha! Kaka-baka! That rhymes! Kaka-baka! Kaka-baka! Kaka-baka!”

Kakashi gives the two girls a completely bewildered look as he pulls his headband back down, having no use for his Sharingan now that he’s been discovered.

“I’m sorry we had to do this to you Kakashi” Rei says apologetically, looking up at the confused man through her lashes. “However, you should really give Milady more credit….”

Before Kakashi can ask what Rei is talking about, Ashley and Kohana are suddenly enveloped in a cloud of smoke, with the white Wolf now giving him a closed eye smile.

As the smoke quickly clears, Kakashi’s eyes widen with disbelief, staring incredulously at the three Wolves now down below.

“Perhaps you won’t spend your nights spying on young girls anymore Kakashi” Aki teases, winking a sapphire eye up at the Jonin. “At least, not without me next time. Farewell!”

“Bye bye Kaka-baka-chaaaaan!” Chi cries, waving one paw cutely and tilting his head to the side. “Let’s play again some time! Except next time, Jet-chan can come too!”

As Aki rolls his eyes and ruffles up his beautiful fur, red and gold leaves suddenly appear and begin spinning around the three Wolves. They are soon engulfed in a spinning typhoon of Autumn leaves, before they abruptly disappear, the Wolves no longer in sight.

Kakashi stares at the spot Aki, Chi and Rei had just been standing, before hanging his head and sighing deeply.

“But how?” the confused Jonin wonders out loud, sweat dropping. “When did she…..When did she do that?......Hm……Good job Ashley. Well played…..”

Ashley’s POV

I sit at my table boredly, leaning forwards in my chair and folding my arms across the table top. My chin rests on my arms, my hooded eyes staring sleepily out of the kitchen window.

It was about two thirty in the morning, and I’d been awake this whole time, not entirely sure where I stand with Hakuba, and if he’d even let me sleep. Speaking of the Ten Tails, I haven’t heard from him in awhile, and while I’d tried to talk with him a little earlier, he hadn’t responded once.

Maybe he’s sick? Or in a mood? Or maybe he’s hibernating?.....Does it get cold in my psyche sometimes?

Before I can think too much about it however, movement behind me catches my attention and causes me to turn around, only to come face to face with a sleepy looking Kohana.

“I have to get home” she whispers, rubbing her eye. “I want to go home before it gets too light….”

I stare at the now yawning child for a few moments, before sighing and nodding my head. It seems that she still didn’t want to be out during the day, despite our short sparring session yesterday. Well, for all I know, she does want to be outside during the day, but she’s being obedient to her Mother by doing what she’s been asked.

“Alright” I reply quietly, pushing my chair back as I rise to my feet, the scraping noise causing Aki’s ears to prick up and his eyes to flash open. “I’ll take you home.”

“I think I shall accompany you Darling” the black and white Wolf announces, pushing himself up from the floor and shaking out his fur. “The early morning street is no place for two young ladies.”

“That’s very gentlemanly of you Aki” I chuckles tickling my Wolf under the chin and laughing again as he rolls his eyes dreamily. “I’m sure we’ll need your protection.”

“As a true gentleman” Aki states dryly, raising an eyebrow at me, “I am going to overlook that sarcasm of yours Darling.”

That said, Aki strides from the room, his fluffy tail raised in the air in what I’m assuming is an attempt to look fancy.

Turning around, I give Kohana a smile and place a hand on her shoulder, gently steering her back into the living room, where a bleary eyed Chi has just woken up. Rei places a paw in front of her mouth as she yawns, before recrossing her paws and glancing over at us.

“What’s everyone awake for?” Chi asks, slurring his words a little due to having just awoken. “Are we having a party?”

“No Chi darling” Rei replies gently, nuzzling the younger Wolf affectionately. “Lady Ashley and Aki are taking Kohana home now.”

“Awwww…..” Chi whimpers, his ears drooping a little. Seeming to feel a little bad for the now sad Chi, Kohana carefully approaches him and stretches out her hand. After a brief pause, the girl places her hand down on Chi’s head, to which his ears immediately flick up, his tail beginning to wag. As Chi’s tongue lolls out of his mouth, apparently enjoying getting a pat, Kohana’s mouth flickers up into a tiny smile.

“Are you feeling better now Koha-chan?” Chi asks when the girl retracts her hand. “Did we take away your sad and make you happy again?”

Kohana nods shyly, dropping her gaze to the floor as she pokes at the carpet with her toes.

“Yes….I feel better” she replies in a soft voice. “Th-Thank you.”

“We were happy to help dear” Rei says cheerfully, tilting her head to the side. “Any friend of Lady Ashley’s is a friend of ours.”

“As touching as this is” I speak up, trying not to ruin the moment by being sarcastic, “We might as well get going Kohana.”

With another nod of her head, Kohana waves to my Wolves and runs over to the door, sitting down to pull on her shoes, a cute look of concentration on her face. Stepping around the young girl, I pull my door open, only to pause.

Feeling a little suspicious for some reason, I glance around the street, activating my Katsuryoku as I do so. I immediately sense the presence across the road from us, causing me to frown a little, though I try to keep my reaction to a minimum.

“Honestly….” I mutter under my breath, before reclosing the door and turning to Kohana and my three Wolves. “Alright guys, we’re gonna have to be a little sneaky here. Kakashi Sensei is watching us from the roof of the house across the road.”

“What?” Rei asks, as Kohana’s deep blue eyes widen, panic creeping on to her face.

“He can’t see me going back to my Mom’s house!” the little girl informs me urgently, to which I nod and place a hand on her head, smirking at my Wolves.

“That sneaky bastard must have followed us here” I chuckle. “He’s obviously suspicious of something. Well, we’re just going to have to be a little sneaky as well.”

“Let us help Milady!” Chi barks, jumping down from the couch and bouncing around my legs in circles, tail wagging a mile a minute. “I wanna be a sneaky bastard too!”

“Don’t say that Chi darling” Rei scolds, before giving me a disapproving look, “It’s not a nice word. And you shouldn’t be saying such things either Milady.”

“Sorry Rei” I mutter sheepishly, my Wolf somehow managing to make me feel bad for saying a word I use quite often. “Anyway, I’ve got a good idea. Aki, Chi. Come here for a second.”

I perform a short sequence of hand signs as my curious Wolves approach, a faint smirk on my lips.

“Transformation Jutsu” I say, placing one hand on my hip as Aki and Chi are enveloped in a cloud of smoke. As the smoke clears, I find myself staring at a perfect replica of myself, and one of Kohana.

“Whooaaaa!” Chi breathes, dark eyes wide as he raises his arms and glances down at himself. “I’m Koha-chan! It feels weird walking on two legs! Watch me Aki-chan, watch me!”

We all glance at Chi as he begins running around the room, sweat dropping when he trips over his own feet and face plants the ground, groaning softly.

“Pray tell Darling” Aki begins, though his voice is the same as my own, “Why am I you?”

“You, Chi and Rei are going to distract Kakashi Sensei” I explain, waving my hand. “Take him in the opposite direction, so Kohana and I can sneak away. I don’t want him following us and seeing that I’m dropping Kohana off at Kyoku’s house. He’s already suspicious after all.”

“Ah, so we must act” Aki grins, flipping my fringe back and giving me a seductive look, making me cringe a little. “I am a wonderful actor Darling. You will be amazed by my glorious talent!”

“I’m amazed by your glorious ego” I state dryly, to which Aki dead pans and glares at me. “Now get going you two, and make it convincing!”

“It hurts that you doubt us Darling” Aki chuckles, before taking a deep breath and closing his eyes. After a moment, Aki reopens his eyes, a flat expression, much like the one I usually wear, sitting on his face.

“Perfect” I whisper, rolling my eyes as a humming Chi flounces past me, arms waving back and forth. “Chi! Kohana doesn’t act like that!.....Please keep an eye on them Rei.”

“Of course Milady” Rei whisper back, as I pull Kohana into the kitchen. Giving Aki a thumbs up around the corner, I hear him pull open the door, making me hold my breath.

Would Kakashi Sensei fall for it? If only Chi and Aki could keep up their act, they’d look very realistic. Hopefully Kakashi Sensei believes that it’s them…

After a short moment, I hear the front door close again, signalling that everyone is outside and, using my Katsuryoku, I feel the three of them run off down the street.

“Is he following?” Kohana asks in a hushed tone, her eyes still wide. I don’t respond for a moment, brows furrowed as I concentrate on sensing Kakashi’s presence.

To my relief, he does follow Rei, Aki and Chi, dropping down from the roof and tailing them down the road.

“Yep” I chuckle softly, looking down and scruffing up Kohana’s hair. “Looks like I can trick even your old man.”

Kohana gives me a wry look and pushes my hand away, before we walk back into the living room and approach the front door.

“Alright” I say, glancing back at Kohana, “Kakashi Sensei is gone, but just be as quiet as possible anyway. He’s got great hearing and will be able to sense us if we make too much of a commotion.”

Kohana nods her head, and as I open the door, she follows me out into the street, eyes peeled for any sign of her Father.

I stare at the Wolf-like mask through slightly narrowed eyes, my lips pursed. I had been searching for some purple shorts I knew were in one of my drawers, and I hadn’t expected to find this in here. I guess I’d forgotten that I’d put it in there.

“Why don’t you wear it any more Milady?” Chi inquires, having stayed behind when Aki and Rei had gone back to Inu Zoku Mountain. The caramel Wolf sits down beside me and tilts his head, sniffing the mask as I lift it out of the drawer and hold it up.

“I like it” Chi chirps happily, leaning back and giving the mask a closed eye smile, “It’s very pretty. You used to wear it on your belt all the time, I remember.”

“I think it’s pretty too Chi” I eventually reply, staring at the intricate, swirling black patterns my Father had painted on the white surface. “But I can’t wear it anymore. I wore it the entire time I was tailing Akatsuki members, so what happens if I’m wearing it on my hip one day and run into one of them?....They’d recognise it for sure.”

“Ohhhh…..” Chi says sadly, his ears drooping. “Those mean old bad guys ruin everything….. Oh! I have an idea Milady! We should get Jet-chan to kill them all! He’s bigger and meaner than all those bad guys! He’s not even afraid of Kai-chan!”

“No one is Chi” I chuckle, tapping the Wolf’s shiny nose, which causes him to blink. “Now get out so I can get changed.”

“Awww!” Chi whimpers, glancing around my room, before grinning and bounding over to the corner. “I don’t have to leave Milady! I can just face the wall! Then we can keep talking! See? Look! I won’t peek, I promise!”

That said, Chi lowers his front half to the floor and covers his eyes with his paws, his butt still in the air and tail wagging lazily. I think I can hear him giggling as well…

Rolling my eyes and deciding not to argue with the chatty Wolf, I place my mask on my bed carefully and locate my shorts at the very back of the drawer I’d been looking in. Taking one last look at Chi to make sure he’s not peeking, I quickly strip out of my usual Ninja outfit and throw on a more casual one. Seeing as I’ve got no training with Captain Yamato today, since he’s away on a mission, and I’ve got no mission of my own to go on, I guess I can afford to dress down a bit for once.

“Done” I inform Chi, scooping up my dirty clothes and tugging my door open, wanting to throw my clothes in the laundry to wash later. “You can look now kiddo.”

“Already?” Chi asks disbelievingly, his head shooting up. “Wow Milady! That was super quick! You’re amaaaaazing!”

“All I did was get changed Chi” I state dryly, to which Chi giggles.

“Yeah” he agrees, tongue lolling out the side of his mouth, “But you did it amaaaazingly!”

“Wow!” Chi barks, pausing ahead of me and staring with wide eyes. “Look at that!....Heyyyyyy! Look at that!.......Ohhhh! Look at this Milady! Look!....Look….Looklooklooklooklooklookloo-”

Chi is cut off as I appear before him in a crouched position, one hand on top of his mouth and the other underneath his chin, holding his mouth closed. Clearly surprised, Chi blinks his wide eyes at me, taking in the stony expression on my face.

“Chi” I whisper darkly, “I live here. I’ve seen it all a million times, okay?”

“Mm hmm..” is the muffled reply, to which I release Chi’s mouth and rise to my feet. He gives a sigh of relief and shakes his head, before going back to trotting merrily ahead of me, head turning from side to side so fast, I’m slightly worried that Chi’s going to hurt his neck.

In all honesty, I’m not sure why he’s so excited about walking through the Leaf Village, considering he’s been through here hundreds of times, but then, this is Chi I’m talking about. The most ridiculous things excite him.

“H-Hello Ashley-chan….” a soft voice greets from behind me, snapping me out of my thoughts as I whirl around.

“Oh, hey Hinata!” I reply cheerfully, giving the pretty girl a brief closed eye smile. “How are you?”

Hinata ducks her head, a faint blush of embarrassment on her cheeks as her pale eyes struggle to make contact with my own eyes. I wonder why she’s still nervous around me. It’s not like I snap at people anymore….Well, not as much as I used to anyway….

“I-I’m well thank you” the blue haired Hyuga begins. “And h-how are y-”

“Hey!” Chi barks excitedly, bouncing over to us and grinning at Hinata. “You’re real pretty Pretty Lady-chan! Who are you? Are you a friend of Lady Ashley’s? I’m Lady Ashley’s friend and my name is Chi! My name means blood, but I don’t mind, even thought I don’t really like blood. Kai-chan loves blood, but Aki-kun hates it because he’s got beautiful fur and blood is hard to get out! My best friend, his name is Jet-chan, thinks that Aki-kun is annoying and I think Aki-kun is actually a girl but-”

“Chi” I hiss, interrupting the young Wolf and catching his attention. “You’re freaking Hinata out! Shhhhhh!”

“Huh?” Chi asks cutely, a question mark appearing over his head as he glances back at Hinata. Sure enough, the girl is staring at him through incredibly wide eyes, her hands clasped close to her chest. She takes a tiny step back, apparently not used to communicating with talking Wolves, especially ones as loud and social as Chi….

“Oh, I’m so sorry Hinahina-chan!” Chi barks apologetically, stepping back from Hinata and actually giving her a little bit of space. “Sometimes I get really excited when I meet new people and Jet-chan is always telling me that some people don’t like how much I talk, and I always say, but I can’t help it Jet-chan! Then Kai-chan always says that no one likes it when I talk to them, and then Jet-chan gets really mad and starts acting all cool by yelling at Kai-chan. Seriously Hinahina-chan, my best friend isn’t scared of big, nasty Kai-chan at all! He’s always just like- Hey! Look Milady! It’s Uncle Cousin Keiji-chan!”

Feeling a little overwhelmed by Chi’s speedily spoken words, I barely manage to catch the last thing he’s said to me. As Chi skips to the right, eyes sparkling, I turn my head to see what he’s talking about, only to spot Keiji flitting towards us.

“Uncle Cousin Keiji-chan!” Chi barks happily, ears flopping up and down as he skips towards the incoming insect. “I haven’t seen you in forever!”

Upon hearing and spotting Chi, Keiji immediately comes to a halt, sweat dropping as he flits in place. Apparently decided that coming to see me isn’t worth being hassled by Chi, Keiji abruptly spins around and begins flapping his wings hard, darting off in the opposite direction.

“Uncle Cousin Keiji-chan!” Chi calls again, pausing in place and tilting his head. “Uncle Cousin Keiji-chan!”

I raise an eyebrow as Chi turns his head to look at me, tail wagging happily and pale eyes sparkling.

“I don’t think he can hear me Milady” the caramel Wolf says seriously, almost making me anime fall. “I better go and catch up to him.”

“Chi, I don’t think that’s a good ide-”

“Uncle Cousin Keiji-chan!” Chi bellows as loudly as he can, racing off after my clearly panicking Butterfly. “Come baaaack! It’s me, Chi! Waaaiiiiit!”

I stare after Chi with a deadpan look, sweat dropping as my shoulders droop quite considerably. Though I feel sorry for Keiji, who clearly doesn’t like Chi, I suddenly don’t have the energy to chase after the two of them. Hopefully by the time Keiji gets away from Chi and the Wolf realises he’s lost, he’ll just go back home to Inu Zoku Mountain. I’m a little afraid to imagine all of the people he’d anno if he stayed in the Village by himself…….Oh well….

Turning back to face Hinata, I see a perplexed look on the girl’s face, her hands clasped underneath her chin. She’s blinking rather rapidly, and I can only hope that Chi’s excessive talking hasn’t overloaded her brain.

“Sorry about that Hinata” I apologise with a sigh. “He’s a handful sometimes.”

“O-Oh!” Hinata cries, eyes now focusing on me. “I-It’s alright Ashley-chan. I just h-haven’t been around any of y-our Wolves for awhile, s-so it took me by s-surprise…..He was v-very cute though…”

I give the pretty Hyuga a wry smile. Sure, Chi is totally adorable, but that personality of his could drive even the calmest person insane. I’m not sure how Jet can put up with Chi day in and day out, without exploding or at least banging his head against a wall. Don’t get me wrong, I love Chi just as I love all of my Wolves, he’s just…..A lot to handle sometimes….

“I-I like your outfit Ashley-chan” Hinata tells me shyly, gesturing towards me with a dainty wave of her hand. “I’ve n-never seen you wear it b-before. It’s very pretty….”

My eyes widen slightly, as I tilt my head down and look at my outfit. It’s quite simple really, just a plain white skirt with some tiny purple shorts underneath. I like my top though, which is also just plain white. It’s sleeveless and shows my stomach, like my usual outfit, though this top has a big hood attached to the back of it. I almost feel a little strange, seeing as I’m not wearing my usual fingerless gloves today.

“Thanks!” I eventually reply, giving Hinata a closed eye smile. “I felt like dressing casual today, seeing as I don’t have any missions and Captain Yamato isn’t here to train with me.”

“Well…..” Hinata replies slowly, tucking some of her midnight blue hair behind her ear, “That’s a-actually why I came to f-find you Ashley-chan. Lady Tsunade w-wants to see you.”

“Lady Tsunade?” I repeat, before throwing my head back and groaning. “What could I possibly have done now?.....Do you know what she wants Hinata?”

Tilting her head down to try and hide the smile on her face, Hinata nods her head and flicks her pale eyes up to my face.

“Yes” is the girl’s soft reply. “Lady Tsunade h-has a mission f-for you. For u-us I mean.”

“Hmm?” I ask, a question mark appearing above my head as my eyes widen a little. “She wants me to go on a mission?.....That’s odd…..”

“Why is th-that strange?” Hinata questions, head tilting to the side. “You’re a N-Ninja, and Ninja g-go on missions.”

“I know that” I say wryly, before crossing my arms. “It’s just that, ever since Lady Tsunade found out that I’m a Jinchuuriki, she’s been purposely not sending me on missions…..So I’m a little suspicious.”

“You can a-ask her when we go and see her I s-suppose” Hinata suggests, turning around and motioning for me to follow. “I’m s-sure she’ll have a g-good reason.”

“Huh, we’ll see” I scoff, rolling my eyes and following after Hinata.

Third Person’s POV

Lady Tsunade leans back in her chair, arms crossing over her chest as she momentarily closes her eyes.

“Just sit tight boys” the Hokage advises calmly, “I’ve already sent Hinata to go and find Ashley. With her Byakugan, I can’t imagine it will take her long.”

“That’s some good intuition you’ve got there Lady Hokage” Kiba chuckles, tilting his head to the side and gesturing towards the door. “Me and Akamaru can smell them both approaching right now!”

“Ruff!” Akamaru barks in agreement, his tail wagging slowly as he sits down beside Kiba.

“I have to admit” Kakashi speaks up, standing a short distance away from Kiba, his back against the wall, “I’m a little surprised that you’re allowing Ashley to go on a mission Lady Tsunade. I thought you wanted to keep her here, away from danger.”

Kiba’s brows furrow a little at this, wondering why Tsunade would want to keep such a useful Ninja here in the Village. Ashley would be a lot more use to the Village on missions, not stuck here.

“I’ll explain when she and Hinata arrive” Lady Tsunade assures Kakashi, eyes still closed, “But I feel a little better knowing that you’ll be there to keep an eye on her at least.”

Kakashi merely nods his head, falling silent again as the four of them wait for Hinata and Ashley. The silver haired man had the feeling that Ashley was going to be suspicious about being summoned to the Hokage’s office for a mission, seeing as she’d specifically been told she wouldn’t be going on missions for a long while.

A minute or two later, there is a knock on Lady Tsunade’s door, making Kiba’s head snap up. Finally, they wouldn’t have to just stand around any longer!

“Come in” Tsunade calls, opening her eyes as the door is opened, and Hinata quietly walks in, with Ashley traipsing along behind her. As the female Hyuga closes the door softly, Ashley throws her hands on her hips and glances around the room, swiftly spotting Kiba, Akamaru and Kakashi.

“Yo” Kakashi greets coolly, though he is unable to stop his eyebrow from twitching when Ashley shoots him a knowing smirk, her sharp teeth showing. Kakashi rolls his visible eye good naturedly, not bothering to respond to his cheeky student’s expression. She knew she’d outwitted him last night, just that once, and he just didn’t feel the need to acknowledge that fact out loud.

“Hey Angel” Kiba barks happily, winking at Ashley. “Lookin good, as usual!”

Ashley’s smirk drops, her face instead lighting up with a sunny smile as she glances over at Kiba. She remains silent, though gives Kiba her typical two fingered salute as thanks, to which the brunette chuckles.

“That didn’t take you too long at all Hinata” Lady Tsunade speaks up, causing Ashley to turn around. “Good work finding Ashley so quickly.”

“Y-You’re welcome Lady Tsunade” Hinata replies shyly, nodding her head, as Ashley purses her lips and raises an eyebrow at the Hokage.

“Speaking of which Granny Tsunade” the blonde begins loudly, to which the Hokage hoods her eyes and gives Ashley a warning look, “Why am I here? You told me I couldn’t go on missions anymore. Are you just messing with me because you need a break from working?”

Kiba can’t help laughing at the way Ashley does air quotes as she says the word working, though he tries to cover it up by placing his hand in front of his mouth and coughing. Judging by the wry look on Ashley’s face, Kiba can just imagine her thinking ‘Smooth Kiba.’

Staring at Ashley for a moment, to keep herself from snapping back, Lady Tsunade eventually lets out a low breath and leans forward in her chair, arms folded over the edge of her desk.

“If you be quiet and let me explain” Tsunade begins flatly, “Instead of just barging in like that, you’ll understand the situation. Now, can I tell you why you’re all here?”

“Knock yourself out” Ashley mutters, though Tsunade can’t tell if the girl means it literally or not. Sometimes it was hard to tell with Ashley….

“Alright” Tsunade sighs, her caramel eyes flicking between the four Ninja and the Ninken before her, “I’ll try to keep this as short as possible. Three days ago, I sent a team of four Leaf Jonin southwest to the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers. We had received reports of an Akatsuki sighting there, and seeing as they’d reportedly been sighted so close to the Land of Fire, I wanted some of our Jonin to investigate. I would’ve sent a team of ANBU, but majority of them are already out on different missions….”

“What exactly did you want them to investigate?” Kiba asks, his brows furrowed.

“They were instructed to investigate the entire southwest border” Tsunade replies in an authoritative voice. “If they were to spot any Akatsuki members, they were to remain hidden and immediately send a report to me. I would have sent another squad or two to back them up, so we could dispose of some Akatsuki members. Even if they didn’t find any Akatsuki members, I still ordered the Jonin to send me a report as soon as they arrived at the border, just so I would be aware of what was going on down there……However, I’ve heard nothing at all from them.”

“It only takes half a day at the very most to get to the nearest part of the southwest border…..” Kakashi speaks up softly, a thoughtful look on his face. “Three days is a long time to not hear from a squad that’s been deployed so close to home.”

“Exactly” Lady Tsunade agrees, nodding her head, “And that’s why I’m sending the four, well, five of you after them. You’re all exceptional at tracking in our own different ways, and I want to find our Jonin.”

“You think something has happened to them” Ashley says simply, earning a grim look from her Hokage.

“I’m merely taking precautions” Tsunade replies lowly. “You’re all well able to protect yourselves in a fight, and seeing as this is the Akatsuki we could be dealing with, I’m not going to send just anyone to the border……You’re right though. There is a strong possibility that something has happened to those four Jonin….”

“P-Perhaps they have f-found the A-Akatsuki members” Hinata speaks up in her quiet voice, a light blush on her cheeks, “But are unable to s-send a report or return h-home without catching their a-attention?....”

“That’s also a possibility Hinata” Tsunade agrees, nodding again, “In which case, you will double as back up. Seeing as the Akatsuki seem to travel in pairs, there’s no way two of them could take on eight Leaf Ninja and a Ninken.”

“Despite all that” Ashley says, a confused look on her face, “I still don’t see why you’ve asked me to go on this mission….Especially since it could involve the Akatsuki. Not that I’m complaining, but hey…..Just saying.”

“Ordinarily I wouldn’t send you” Lady Tsunade sighs, folding her hands in front of her mouth, “But your tracking skills are highly impressive. While Kiba, Akamaru and Kakashi’s Ninken all track through their senses of smell, it’s quite easy for a skilled Ninja to distort and even completely mask their scent. Hinata’s Byakugan can see most things, but it has a limited area of vision and it cannot be kept up for extensive amounts of time. Your Katsuryoku doesn’t require chakra however, and you’re able to sense even the tiniest vibrations through not only the ground, but through distortions in air currents as well.”

“….You’ve done your homework I see” Ashley muses, a slightly impressed look on her face. “But I just have one thing to add. While my Katsuryoku doesn’t require chakra, it does require a lot of mental focus, so if I get really, really distracted by something, it can be hard to keep it up. It’s not a perfect way of tracking either. Oh, and also, I’m still working on the whole sensing vibrations through the air thing……Okay, so I added two things.”

“With all of you working together to make up for what each other lacks” Tsunade says seriously, “I have no doubt you’ll be able to locate our Jonin with ease and assist them in whatever ways you can. Kakashi, no surprise here, but you’re in charge of this mission. If there are no further questions, you’ll all meet at the entrance gates in an hour. I want to know what’s going on as soon as possible…..”

“No worries Lady Tsunade!” Kiba barks, teeth flashing as he grins determinedly. “We’ll not only find them, but we’ll kick some Akatsuki ass and put them to shame! Right Akamaru?”

“Ruff ruff!” Akamaru replies, just as determined as his master.

“I’m sure you will” Tsunade replies, though no one is sure if she’s being sarcastic or not. “Ashley, if you do come across the Akatsuki-”

“Yeah, yeah” Ashley interrupts, already heading for the door, “Don’t do anything stupid or risky. Don’t worry Lady Tsunade, I’ve faced the Akatsuki by myself more times than everyone in this room put together, so I’ll be fine! See you guys soon!”

That said, Ashley disappears out of Tsunade’s office, with Kiba and Akamaru soon following suit. Pausing to bow respectfully to Lady Tsunade, Hinata hurries from the room, heading home to get her weapons pouch and anything else she may need.

“Good luck Kakashi” Tsunade says, before dismissing the silver haired man with a wave of her hand. Nodding in silent response, Kakashi then brings one hand up to his face and does a hand sign, before disappearing from the room in a puff of smoke.

As he vanishes, Tsunade leans back in her chair and spins it around, looking out of her window at the Village below. Her fingers drum against the arm of her chair, caramel eyes flicking aimlessly between the buildings.

“Surely this is a straight forward mission” the blonde woman mutters, frowning a little. “The Akatsuki wouldn’t venture this close to the Leaf Village….”

Ashley’s POV

“Well, I’m all set!” I say brightly, rising to my feet and looking at myself in a mirror. I’d ditched my casual outfit and put on my usual attire, including a black backpack with a white paw print on it and my weapons pouch, though I’ve clipped it to the waistband of my skirt. I’ve decided to go with a kunai holster on my right thigh today.

Turning to leave, I spot the Wolf mask I’d discovered earlier this morning, still lying on my bed. I stare at it for a few moments, wondering whether it would really be smart to bring it, especially considering we could possibly be dealing with the Akatsuki later on.

I used to like carrying my mask around, back before I’d left for the Land of Ambience. As stupid as it may sound, it felt like I had a little piece of my Father with me. I’d long since taken the photo of my family out of my mask though. It now sits in a picture frame on an end table beside my bed instead.

“Well, it doesn’t hurt to bring it” I eventually decide, strolling over to my bed and gingerly lifting the mask up, “As long as they can’t see it!”

Grinning down at my mask, I open my weapons pouch and move some stuff around, making room to slide the Wolf mask inside comfortably. As soon as I clip my weapons pouch closed, I whirl around and dart through the house, eager to get on with this mission. It’s been awhile since I’ve been on an official mission, so I can’t help being a little enthusiastic.

Swiftly locking my door and burying my key, I turn and take off down the road at what I think is a pleasant pace, though most untrained people would probably beg to differ.

“Hey Ashley!” someone suddenly calls, causing me to look up and skid to a halt. Blinking a few times, I see a grinning Naruto jogging over to me, Sakura following right behind.

“Oh, hey guys” I greet my friends warmly, almost falling over when Naruto slaps me on the back, a wide, closed eye smile on his face.

“Are you heading somewhere Ashley?” Sakura questions, her green eyes falling from my backpack, to my kunai holster and weapons pouch. “You look a little kitted up.”

“Yeah” I confirm, as Sakura takes a drink from the can she’s holding, “I’m just about to leave on a mission with Kakashi Sensei, Kiba and Hinata. It shouldn’t take too long though, considering we’re just heading to the southwest border.”

“The southwest border?...” Sakura repeats slowly, her brows furrowing. “Lady Tsunade mentioned something about that to Shizune and myself a few days ago……Something about the Akatsuki.”

“The Akatsuki!” Naruto cries, blue eyes widening as he releases me and stands in front of me instead. “You’re going to fight the Akatsuki?! Don’t be stupid Ashley, what if they find out about your Ten Tails? Then they’ll be after you as well as me!”

“Yes, why is Lady Tsunade letting you go?” Sakura inquires, sincere concern in her voice and eyes. “You could be in danger Ashley….”

“Don’t worry you guys” I chuckle, waving my hands back and forth. “We’re just going to meet up with a squad that Lady Tsunade sent down there a couple of days ago. We’re not gonna be fighting any Akatsuki members. There was a possible, unconfirmed sighting a few days ago. That’s all. Thank you for your concern guys, but this is gonna be a super easy mission.”

Sakura and Naruto exchange a look with each other and I can’t help internally sweat dropping. Okay, so I may have sugar coated things a little bit, but I really can’t see this mission being anything too dangerous.

“Okay….” Sakura eventually says, though she still looks a little worried. “Just be careful though, alright?”

“Yeah, I will” I assure my pink haired friend as I grab onto the straps of my backpack and begin walking again, my two teammates not bothering to come with me “It’s not like I can get into too much trouble anyway, considering Kakashi Sensei’s in charge.”

“Well, good luck on your mission Ashley!” Naruto calls cheerfully, his blue eyes sparkling as he waves. “Go and kick some serious butt!”

“I will!” I promise with a laugh, waving over my shoulder as I break into a run. “I’ll catch you guys when I get back!”

I swiftly make my way through the Village, bounding over roof tops and fences instead of running through the streets, to save myself a little bit of time. Navigating the streets on a seemingly busy day like today can be a pain in the neck. It’s not like we’re allowed to just run over normal Villagers after all….

I soon reach the entrance gates and leap down to the ground, landing in a crouched position.

“Wow, you actually brought a backpack for once” a familiar voice says teasingly, causing me to roll my eyes as I rise to my feet.

“Well Sensei, you never know what could happen while we’re away” I reply smartly, before suddenly pausing. “Wait……You’re here already? On time?!”

“Not only that my loving student” Kakashi Sensei replies, sounding a little sarcastic, “But I was also the first one here.”

“That ain’t true!” Kiba barks indignantly, stepping forwards and frowning at my Sensei. I didn’t even notice him over there. Oops.

“You know that Akamaru and I were-”

“Like I said” Kakashi interrupts pleasantly, a closed eye smile on his face, “I was here first.”

Before our conversation can go any further, Hinata runs up to us, hands gripping the straps of her backpack. She gives us an apologetic smile, her cheeks flushed a cute pink colour.

“S-Sorry for taking so long” she tells Kakashi Sensei apologetically. “Neji w-was a little upset that he d-didn’t get chosen to come as well.”

“Yeah well” Kiba sniffs, not hiding the fact that he’s not overly fond of the male Hyuga, “We don’t need two Byakugans. And besides, you’re way less annoying than your prick of a cousin Hinata…..Uhh….No offense to you of course….”

“Take your foot out of your mouth Mutt” I advise sweetly, patting Kiba’s cheek.

“Alright crew” Kakashi Sensei speaks up, as Kiba gives me a deadpan look. “We all know the story and what we’ve got to do, so…..Keep your senses on high alert I guess, and let’s head out.”

Thank you for all the really long comments a lot of you left! I love reading the long ones haha xD

Regarding the Road To Ninja thing, I've decided that I WILL do it, but it won't be for quite awhile. It has to fit in with the story, and no one has even met Tobi yet or anything....But it will eventually happen! xD