Hey guys :)

Just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who was involved in the little 'incident' that happened yesterday lol.

 It's very encouraging to know that so many of you support me and are willing to jump to my defence when my work is insulted, and when my fans are called 'idiotic'.

 A special thank you to MidnightWolfForLife, Curlygirl15, Wolfiegirl1 and NarutoFanfics for the absolutely hilarious comments you made. They just about killed me, and I'm so sorry to see that the person they were aimed at has deleted them :(

 Thanks guys and I hope you enjoy the chapter!!! :D

 Pic of the Pack :D  --->

(I want plushies of them all T_T)

Ashley’s POV

 “Hey!” Naruto calls irritatedly. “Would you to stop staring at each other for five seconds and listen to me?!”

Kiba and I both blink, not even realising we’d been staring at each other.

Kiba looks up, glancing at Naruto over my head, as I turn around and glare at him.

“What do you want Naruto?” I growl, narrowing my eyes at the blonde boy and making Kiba chuckle softly.

“We still need a new member for our team!” Naruto cries, throwing his hands in the air. “I’m kinda struggling to find someone here!”

I place a hand on my hip and sigh.

“Naruto” I begin, stepping towards my teammate. “I’m back. I’m sure we can manage with four people on our cell, like any other team. We technically won’t be a man down, we’re just used to functioning with an extra member.”

Naruto gives me a dead pan look.

“Don’t you think I asked Grandma Tsunade about that?” he asks me dryly. “That crazy old hag said she’s not sure if you’re gonna be placed on Team Kakashi or not.”

My eyes widen.

“What?!” I cry, throwing my arms in the air and waving them around. “Why the hell not?! I’ve been on that Team since it began!”

“I know, I know” Naruto whines, pulling a sulky face. “It’s not fair…..”

I cross my arms and huff.

“She’s probably been drinking again” I grumble, making Kiba laugh.

“Why don’t you go and ask Choji or Shikamaru or something?” he suggests, making Naruto’s face brighten.

“Yeah!” he cries, grinning broadly. “Shikamaru wouldn’t let me down! He’s a pretty good guy, when he’s not being totally lazy anyway.”

I shake my head.

“I don’t think asking Shika-kun is a good idea” I say carefully, not wanting to bring Naruto back down again. “He told me he’s in charge of the Chunin Exams this year, so he’s pretty busy.”

Naruto shrugs, already running down the road.

“It’ll be fine Ashley!” he calls, before disappearing around a corner.

I sigh, my shoulders drooping.

“He never listens” I mutter.

“Idiots never do” Kiba says wisely, reaching down and patting Akamaru’s head.

“You sometimes do” I tease, earning a playful glare from my Inuzuka.

“Ha ha” Kiba says sarcastically. “You’re just so funny.”

“Thanks!” I say brightly, bumping him out of the way with my hip. “I try. And now…..”

I suddenly drop to my knees next to Akamaru and fling my arms around his neck.

“Hiya Akamaru!” I cry happily, cuddling his big, furry head delightedly. “I missed you!”

“Ruff!” he replies, just as delighted to see me. “Ruff ruff!”

I laugh, as Akamaru begins licking my face, tail wagging a million miles a second.

“Akamaru!” I giggle, as he knocks me over and crawls on top of me, still trying to lick me as I defend my face with my hands. “You’re too big to sit on me now!”

Kiba rolls his eyes good naturedly.

 "As happy as I am that you like her so much boy” he says dryly. “That’s my Angel, so you better stop licking her and get off!”

"Ruff…..” Akamaru sighs, getting to his feet and then helping me to mine.

I rough up the fur on his head affectionately, still giggling.

“I can’t believe how big he’s gotten” I say to Kiba, as Akamaru sits down beside him. “He’d almost be as big as Ace now.”

Kiba sends me a side long glance, his signature cheeky smirk on his face.

“What?” I ask, suddenly feeling self conscious.

Kiba shrugs, turning to face me.

“Nothing major” he laughs, winking at me. “I’m just glad to see that you haven’t really changed.”

“Uhh, thank you?” I say unsurely. “Neither have you.”

“Oh I know” Kiba boasts, puffing out his chest and grinning at me proudly. “I’m still as awesome as ever.”

I roll my eyes.

“And just as humble as ever too” I mutter, before raising an eyebrow at Kiba. “Looks like I need to bring that giant ego right back down again huh?”

Kiba stares at me intently, making me sigh.

“What now?” I ask warily, as Kiba’s eyes narrow at me.

“How did you get even more beautiful?” he demands to know. “I didn’t think it was possible!”

I blink, my cheeks heating up immediately.

“H-Huh?” I ask, embarrassed by his sudden compliment. “Don’t just throw stuff like that in my face all the sudden Mutt! I don’t-”

I shut my mouth, as Kiba backs me up against the tall wooden fence.

He places his hands on either side of my head, tilting his head down to look at me.

“Don’t get all feisty with me now Angel” he warns me lowly, eyes shining. “I have to leave on a mission very soon.”

I stare back at him incredulously, my heart pounding against my chest.

“Wh-What are you doing?” I ask carefully, narrowing my eyes and trying my best to sound annoyed. Preeeetty sure I’m failing though…..

Kiba laughs quietly, before resting his dark eyes back on me.

“I haven’t seen you for awhile Angel” he says thoughtfully, a mischievous look in his eyes. “I’m just having a bit of fun. Don’t pretend you don’t enjoy it.”

I glower at Kiba’s smug face, wishing my stupid blush would go away.

“Well don’t” I growl stubbornly, crossing my arms. “I’m not enjoying it, so move.”

Kiba smirks, obviously happy to take on my challenge.

“Why don’t you move me?” he shoots back, leaning in closer and making me suck in a breath. “We both know you could.”

I freeze, as Kiba’s lips graze my neck.

“That is…….if you wanted to” he mutters against my skin.

“H-Hey…” I say faintly, my fingers digging into my arms as the brown haired moron begins kissing my neck lightly, working his way up to my jaw line.

“Mmmm?” he asks, sounding like he’s trying not to laugh. Jerk. “You say something Angel?”

Before I can reply, I feel Kiba place a hand under my chin and gently tilt my head up.

My heart pounds against my ribcage as he gazes down at me, eyes hooded.

Placing his other hand on my cheek, Kiba leans down, staring into my eyes.

I find myself uncrossing my arms and grabbing onto the front of his leather jacket, leaning up towards him.

I hear someone land on the ground behind us, but neither Kiba or I look away from each other.

I may be stubborn, but hell. I’d missed kissing this boy.

My eyes slowly close, our lips only centimetres apart.

Kiba suddenly chuckles, his warm breath tickling my face.

“Yeah, you don’t enjoy this at all” he whispers teasingly, making my eyes shoot open.

He sends me a playful smirk, before leaning back and shoving one of his hands in his pocket.

“Hey Kurenai Sensei” he says casually, nodding his head towards the dark haired woman.

I stand there staring at Kiba, frozen.

I feel my eye suddenly twitch, as my cheeks burn even hotter.

‘He played me!’ I think with irritation. ‘That jerk!’

“Look whose back” Kiba continues, waving his other hand towards me.

Kurenai’s red eyes widen, surprised to see me no doubt.

“Ashley, I see that you’re-”

“YOU DIRTY BASTARD!” I shout accusingly, jabbing a hand at an innocent looking Kiba. “THAT WASN’T FAIR!”

He smirks down at me, shrugging a shoulder.

“You left me for over two years Angel” he says with a cheeky wink. “Payback.”

I pause, the words I’d been about to shout at him dying in my mouth.

“Dammit” I growl, crossing my arms and letting out an indignant huff. “I guess I can’t really say that’s not fair then…….You’re a jerk Kiba, I hope you know that.”

“-Just as lovely as ever” Kurenai finishes her sentence dryly, shaking her head at Kiba and I. “Come on guys, we’ve got a mission to do.”

“We can continue this later if you like Angel” Kiba whispers to me, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

 I roll my eyes and scrunch my nose up at him.

"You’re too full of lust for your own good” I growl, making him laugh.

“You’re the reason for my lust, and you could very easily fix that Angel” he informs me innocently, before poking his tongue out and jogging after his team. “See ya later!”

I blink, staring after Kiba in shock.

“I’ve only just gotten back” I sigh, fanning my face with my hands. “And he’s already like that. I hope he doesn’t get any worse……”

My head suddenly snaps up, as I feel Naruto, Shikamaru and someone quite heavy about one kilometre away from me.

The only reason they’ve suddenly caught my interest, is because they seem to be…….fighting.

What they’re fighting against, I’m not so sure…….But they feel very strange indeed.

“I’d better go check this out” I mutter, leaping onto a nearby roof and pulling a scroll out of my weapons pouch.

Third Person’s POV

“Where are they coming from?!” Naruto exclaims, watching as Choji catches one of the huge, weird looking Lions and crushes it in his enlarged hand.

It bursts into a mess of black liquid, splattering across the ground.

Shikamaru and Choji smirk at each other, before Shikamaru turns around and quickly scans the area, looking for the person sending the strange creatures that are attacking them.

Spotting someone sitting up on a roof, watching them, Shikamaru narrows his eyes.

“Up there” he warns, as Naruto squints up at the stranger.

He takes in the stranger’s black hair, dark eyes and incredibly pale skin.

“I don’t recognise him” Naruto admits. “But he’s got a Leaf headband on.”

“So it’s a sneak attack then huh?” Shikamaru asks rhetorically, placing his hands together in a hand sign. “I dunno what this guy’s up to, but one good way to find out, is to capture him.”

Shikamaru’s shadow begins extending forwards.

“And hand him over to the Interrogation Unit!” he shouts. “Go Naruto! I’ve got your back!”

“Gotcha!” Naruto replies, racing forwards.

The stranger quickly scrawls something down on a special scroll with black ink.

“Ninja Art: Super Beast Scroll” he murmurs, before the drawings suddenly come to life.

They leap from the page, rapidly growing in size.

“What?!” Naruto cries, watching as eight huge, roaring Lions launch themselves down from the roof towards him.

“Summoning Jutsu!” he hears someone else shout, making his head turn to the left.

Naruto skids to a halt, hearing a cacophony of different howls.

Suddenly, something blue flashes past him, before something white, followed by five other creatures.

“Wretched beast!” Ace snarls, launching himself at the Lion closest to him, clamping his powerful jaws around its neck.

 At the same time, Rei leaps up the side of a building, her body lighting up with white electricity.

Wordlessly, she slams herself into another one of the Lions, electrocuting it.

Jet barrels straight into another Lion, using his massive weight to his advantage, sending the Lion rocketing into a nearby wall.

“Liian helppo” he sneers, peering back over his shoulder. (Too easy)

Chi growls at one of the huge Lions threateningly, before ducking under its massive paw and clamping his strong jaws down on its leg, pulling with everything he has.

Much to his delight, the leg tears away from the Lion’s body.

“Arf!” he barks, his voice muffled by the leg in his mouth.

Tiez snarls at the Lion in front of her, ducking as it swipes its sharp claws at her.

“Frozen Mist Technique!” she growls, blowing out a cloud of yellow poison.

The beast immediately freezes in place, before Tiez launches herself at its throat gleefully.

Kai lowers his head, readying himself for an attack.

The Lion before him roars menacingly, making the bloodthirsty Wolf smirk.

“Bring it on Kitty Cat” he snarls, before throwing himself forwards, jaws agape.

Kai collides with the Lion head on, also clamping his jaws around its neck and swiping at its face with his large claws.

Aki sighs, easily evading a Lion as it swipes its paw at his head.

“I have no interest in fighting with such a beast” he announces, turning his back on the Lion and sitting down, nose in the air.

“Fine by me pretty boy!” Kai snarls, tackling the Lion into a wall as it leaps for Aki’s back.

“Brute” Aki mutters, rolling his eyes.

“Go for him Naruto!” a voice calls, making Naruto look up. “We’ve got your back as well!”

He sees a smirking Ashley racing towards the remaining Lion, arms crossed over her chest.

Nodding, Naruto leaps up onto the building, charging towards the silent stranger.

Ashley flings her arms at the Lion, an x shaped scythe made of wind slicing it into pieces.

“Way too easy” she sighs, having heard Jet speaking Susikiel before.

Turning around, Ashley sees the stranger counter Naruto’s kunai with his Tanto.

“EEEEP!” Chi suddenly cries, making Ashley whirl back around to face him.

“Chi!” she calls. “What’s wro- Arrgh!”

Ashley interrupts herself, throwing her hands up as the Lion she attacked suddenly bursts, spraying black ink all over her.

“Blaaarrgghh!” Kai bellows, shaking his head and letting his tongue hang out of his mouth. “It’s in my mouth!”

“I…….cannot see……” Ace sighs, ears drooping.

He has a huge, black ink splat covering his visible eye, causing him to have to keep it closed.

“Nooo!” Rei cries, running around in a frantic circle. “Please tell me that black will not stain my white fur! Ace dear! Will it?!”

“I cannot see you my mate” Ace replies dully. “I cannot see anything.”

“Good thing I’ve already black fur” Jet smirks. “Luuserit.” (Suckers)

“Jet-chan!” Chi cries, his voice deeper than it used to be. “Jet-chan! My eye! My ear! My nose! Oh wait, my nose is fine…….My tail! Jet-chaaaaan!”

 Aki stays sitting down, his body trembling.

“M-My….my f-f-fur” he stutters, ears laid down flat, his sapphire eyes wide. “M-My b-b-beautiful f-fur…….”

Aki howls miserably, a tiny spot of ink having landed on his front left paw.

“I’m hideous!” he cries, hanging his head in shame. “Nobody look at me!”

“All of you just shut up!” Ashley shouts in irritation.

Her pack of Wolves look up, seeing her absolutely covered in ink.

She glowers up at the stranger Naruto is arguing with, ink dripping down her face and staining her white clothes.

“This better come out” she growls through clenched teeth, running a hand through her ink stained hair. “Or he loses his head.”

Tiez laugh delightedly, rolling around in a puddle of the ink.

“Whoooo!” she cries, leaping to her feet and shaking herself vigorously, spraying flecks of ink everywhere. “That was fun!”

Aki rolls his eyes and sweeps his tail across the ground, tripping small Tiez over.

“I’ll never understand you or your barbarian ways Tiez darling” Aki sighs, as Tiez grows an anime vein.

“I’ll hug you Aki” she warns, making the black and white Wolf’s eyes widen.

“No, please!” he whimpers, backing away from the ink covered Tiez. “Please forgive me…..”

“Well, you’re pretty weak” the stranger says to Naruto, giving him a closed eye smile.

Ashley watches the boy carefully, trying to figure out who he could possibly be.

“With the way you fight” the stranger boy continues. “I’m not sure whether you’re a boy or a girl.”

Naruto blushes with embarrassment, before gritting his teeth and glaring at the dark haired boy.

Naruto suddenly shoves the boy backwards.

“Who are you?!” he demands to know, as a shadow sneakily travels across the roof of the building.

The boy opens his eyes, only to notice the shadow heading straight for him.

He leaps up high from the roof, to avoid the shadow.

“All in due time Naruto” he says mysteriously, as black ink begins to swirl around him. “All in due time…..”

With that, the boy disappears, leaving everyone confused.

Shikamaru sighs, letting his shadow retract back from the roof.

“Who was that guy?” he asks lowly, making Choji shrug.

“What I’m wondering” the brown haired boy says. “Is when did Ashley get back?”

“Just today actually” Ashley informs Choji, appearing beside him and making both boys jump.

Shikamaru shakes his head, smiling.

“As fast as ever I see” he muses, making Ashley grin wryly.

“And looking as good as ever too” Jet teases, walking up behind his Pack Leader and sitting beside her.

“Don’t mock me Jet” Ashley says, poking her tongue out and pushing the huge Wolf.

He laughs, her feeble push not affecting him in the least.

“Milady…..” Chi whimpers, trudging up to her with his ears and tail drooping. “I’m covered in gross stuff.”

“Me too buddy” she sighs, reaching down and patting Chi’s ink covered head.

Chi had grown a lot during the last two and a half years, as had Tiez.

Ashley guessed that Chi was now around the same size as Akamaru, while Tiez would still be quite a bit smaller.

She wasn’t a very big Wolf, but that fiery personality of hers sure made up for her small stature.

“Come on Ace dear” Rei says tenderly, leading a depressed looking Ace over to Ashley. “He can’t see Milady.”

“Yeah I gathered” Ashley responds dully, before turning to look at Kai. “Kai! Get your ass over here! You too Aki and Tiez. I’ll try and remove the ink.”

“Oh thank the heavens!” Aki cries, leaping to his feet and bounding over to Ashley.

He holds his paw out, giving Ashley a closed eye smile.

“Make me beautiful again!” he commands happily, earning an eye roll from his Pack Leader.

“I like being messy” Tiez grumbles, dumping herself down on the ground and sulking.

“It’s in my mouth” Kai growls, spitting on the ground and wrinkling his nose.

“Ew!” Chi cries, leaping away from Kai’s spit. “Kai-chan! Grooooossss!”

Kai sends Chi a nasty look.

“Shut it brat” he snaps. “Or I’ll spit on you!”

Jet steps forwards, shielding a scared looking Chi behind one of his pillar like legs.

“Spit on the kid” Jet growls warningly, narrowing his golden eyes at Kai. “And I’ll spit flames on you Kai-chan.”

“Call me chan one more time Gigantor” Kai snarls, lowering himself to the ground, ready to leap. “I’ll knock your head clean off!”

“Alright, alright!” Ashley shouts, jumping between the two Wolves and shoving them away from each other. “Everyone shut the hell up! You’re really starting to piss me off!”

Shikamaru and Choji blink, wondering how Ashley had the guts to boss around Wolves so much bigger than her.

They both wanted nothing to do with those crazy animals while they were in bad moods.

“Sit down, shut your mouths and let me concentrate” Ashley growls, mostly addressing Jet and Kai. “Honestly Jet. I expect this from Ace and Kai, but not you.”

“He can’t threaten the kid like that” Jet mutters, looking away.

“Oh Jet-chan” Chi just about purrs, rubbing his cheek against Jet’s leg.

Jet sweat drops, subtly trying to pull his leg from Chi’s grip.

Ashley sighs raggedly, before raising her arms up.

She takes a deep breath, having to focus, since she’d never had to deal with controlling ink before.

As Ashley moves her hands, the ink slowly begins separating from her Wolves’ fur, her clothes and her hair.

Everyone watches as it floats in a wobbly black ball above their heads, Ashley not quite sure where to drop it.

“Yaaaaaayyyy!” Chi cheers, bouncing around in a circle, his tail wagging happily. “I’m all clean and fresh again!”

“Now my mouth tastes all clean……” Kai sighs, making Tiez raise an eyebrow.

“What did you want it to taste like Boss?” she inquires, tilting her head and flicking her purple fringe from her face.

Kai’s red eyes flick up to her.

“Blood” he says lowly, making Tiez pause.

Her face slowly cracks into a devious smirk.

“Blood” she repeats, ruffling her fur and turning to look at Choji and Shikamaru. “Take your pick Boss.”

Shikamaru and Choji freeze, their eyes wide as the two Wolves crouch down and stare at them.

“I pick the fat one” Kai sneers, licking his lips.

“Excellent” Tiez chuckles, narrowing her eyes at Choji, who glares right back.

“What did you just call me?” he asks lowly.

“Oh brother….” Ashley sighs.

“What a drag” Shikamaru mutters, running a hand down his face.

“I’M NOT FAT!” Choji shouts, enraged. “I’M JUST BIG BONED!”

Kai smirks.

“Even better” he drawls, making Choji flinch.

“Can you see now Ace dear?” Rei questions the large navy blue Wolf gently, placing her paw on top of one of his.

“Yes” Ace responds robotically, nodding his head and blinking his visible eye a few times. “It would appear to be ink free now. My sincerest gratitude Milady.”

Rei rubs Ace’s shoulder lovingly, as he characteristically ignores her.

“You can just say thanks Ace” Ashley says dryly, trying to hold Kai and Tiez back from eating a freaked out Choji.

“Ahhhh!” Aki breathes out dramatically, before ruffling up his fur prettily. “I’m back to my former glory. Be jealous my darlings, and bow, before the beauty that is……Aki!”

All of my Wolves pause and wrench their necks around to glare at Aki.

“Pretty boys die young in a pack of tough guys” Kai growls warningly, his attention no longer on Choji.

“You’re seriously askin for it Aki” Tiez hisses, not wanting her best friend to get beat up. “You’re gonna get your ass kicked by the Boss.”

Aki laughs mockingly.

“Let him try my dear” he sniffs, winking at Kai. “He secretly just wants an excuse to touch my body.”

Kai’s eyes widen.

Jet chuckles lowly, the sound travelling through the air.

“I like him” he muses. “He’s an amusing Wolf.”

“I think Aki’s weird Jet-chan” Chi whispers loudly, giving Aki a strange look. “He thinks he’s pretty. Aren’t only girls pretty? Has he been pretending to be a boy this whole time? Wait, is Aki really a girl? If he is a girl, then I change my mind. I like him! Um, I mean her. I like Aki as a girl, but not a boy, coz if he’s a boy he can’t be pret-”

“Shut up kid” Jet sighs, closing his eyes momentarily. “You’re gonna hurt yourself.”

“I used to be a Butterfly Jet-chan” Chi barks brightly, tail wagging as he gives Jet a closed eye smile.

Jet merely sighs again, deeper this time.

“No one is more beautiful than my Rei” Ace says monotonously, making Rei’s head snap up. “You delude yourself Aki.”

“Ace dear?” Rei asks quietly, lavender eyes wide.

Ashley tilts her head, not used to hearing Ace compliment…..well…..anyone!

Aki glares over at Ace, a stubborn look on his face.

“I am certainly not deluded Ace my friend” he drawls in his silky voice, smiling a dazzling smile. “The truth is what it is.”

Ace shakes his head, looking bored out of his mind.

“There is no creature lovelier than my mate” he sighs. “It concerns me that a male like yourself wishes to be more beautiful than my Rei. Not that you will succeed of course.”

Rei blinks a few times, before tackling Ace to the ground, making him grunt.

“Oh Ace dear!” she gushes, snuggling up to him cutely. “You’re making me blush! You do say the kindest things about me! I didn’t know you thought such things about me!”

Ace pushes Rei off of him, pulling himself up with an irritated sigh.

“I have always thought those things Rei” he grumbles, shaking himself. “I would not have wanted you as my mate if I thought otherwise. Milady, please let us change the subject……”

Ashley sends him a wicked grin.

“Aren’t you just the cutest Wolf ever” she teases in a cute voice. “Who knew big, tough Ace had a soft spot for his wittle Rei Rei.”

The other Wolves burst out laughing, as Ace glowers at the ground, too filled with respect for Ashley to glare at her.

“We shall never speak of this again….” Ace growls at the others, baring his teeth.

“On the contrary Ace-chan” Kai sneers. “We’ll be bringin this up as much as possible.”

Chi looks up at Jet hopefully, tilting his head and letting his ears flop cutely.

“Do you ever say lovely things like that about me Jet-chan?” Chi inquires, making Jet’s eyes widen.

“Kid, you’re not my mate” he growls. “So, no. I don’t.”

“But if I was” Chi insists. “Would you?”

Jet pauses, shaking his head.

“Kid, I’m not even gonna respond to that” he sighs, making Chi’s ears droop.

“Awwww……” he says softly, looking miserable.

Ashley suddenly steps forwards.

“Guys?” she calls sweetly, sending all of her Wolves a smile. “It’s time for you all to get lost!”

Chi and Jet are the first to disappear, feeling too sad and awkward to argue.

“Fine, fine” Kai growls, rolling his eyes. “At least I can get some blood back at home…..”

“Blood!” Tiez cries, immediately disappearing in a puff of smoke, followed closely by Kai.

Aki flicks his tail, gazing at Ashley through stunning, hooded eyes.

“Good bye for now my Darling” he drawls lowly, before disappearing as well.

“Farewell Milady” Ace grunts, nodding to his beloved partner.

“See ya Ace” Ashley responds, sending him a loving smile. “Thanks for the help.”

“Anything for you” he says wryly, looking down at Rei.

She is cuddled up to his leg, little hearts floating above her head.

Ace rolls his eyes, the two of them disappearing as well.

Shikamaru and Choji exchange a look.

“I don’t know how you do it” Shikamaru says dryly, making Ashley tilt her head at him.

“What do you mean?” she asks, still holding the wavering ball of ink above her head.

“I don’t know how you can put up with those Wolves all the time” he explains, before releasing a sigh. “It’s a drag just watching them……”

“They seem like very high maintenance” Choji agrees, grinning sheepishly.

“Oh they are” Ashley agrees bluntly. “They’re all idiots.”

Shikamaru raises an eyebrow as Ashley sends the two boys a closed eye smile.

“But they’re my idiots” she says with a chuckle. “And I love them all.”

Ashley then sighs, sending an annoyed look up to the ink ball above her head.

“Now where the hell am I meant to drop thi-”

“CHOJI!” an obnoxious voice screeches, making Choji, Shikamaru and Ashley jump.

“Huh?” Choji asks, turning around. “Oh, hey Ino.”

The blonde girl frowns at Choji, hand on her hip.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere Choji” she says sternly. “Asuma Sensei sent me off to find you, and let me just say, he’s getting pretty mad with having to wait for you to show up.”

Choji rubs the back of his head sheepishly.

“Sorry Ino” he apologises. “I was on my way, but then this strange person attacked us and-”

“Strange person?” Ino interrupts, turning her head and glancing around.

Her teal eyes suddenly widen, and she points at something behind Choji and Shikamaru.

“Do you mean that?” she asks rudely, pointing at an unimpressed looking Ashley.

Shikamaru and Choji both turn around, eyes widening as they see the situation Ashley is in.

“A-Ashley?” Shikamaru asks, trying hard to keep his laughter in.

Ashley sends him a warning look, visible eye flashing dangerously.

Ino’s voice had given her a fright, and she’d lost her concentration for a split second.

The result of her broken concentration; the ink ball falling down on top of her and covering her head to toe in the black liquid.

“It’s not funny Shikamaru” Ashley growls, hands clenched into fists.

“Of course it’s not” Shikamaru hurriedly agrees, averting his gaze from the blonde so as to not burst out laughing.

Ino blinks, staring at the short figure with ink dripping from its hair and clothes.

“Ashley?” she asks slowly, making the other blonde girl look over at her and smile wryly.

“Hey Ino” Ashley sighs, making Ino squeal and clap her hands.

“Oh, it really is you!” she cries delightedly. “I can’t believe you’re back again! This is so exciting!”

 Ino takes a few steps towards Ashley, before suddenly pausing and wrinkling her nose.

"What?” Ashley asks carefully, as Ino sweat drops and backs up.

“Oh, well, I was going to hug you” she laughs. “But you’re looking a bit…….gross at the moment.”

Ashley rolls her eyes.

“Gee, thanks” she mumbles sarcastically.

 Ashley’s POV

Knock, knock, knock.

“……Yeah, come in!” a rude voice calls.

With a sigh, I push the door open and step into the room.

Lady Tsunade continues writing on a piece of paper, not bothering to look up and greet me properly.

“Make it quick Ashley” she says sharply. “I’m expecting someone very soon.”

I step in front of Lady Tsunade’s desk and cross my arms, glaring down at her.

“That’s not really any way to talk to someone who just spent a year and a half following the Akatsuki” I inform her rudely. “On the Hokage’s orders too.”

Lady Tsunade sighs irritably, pausing in her writing and flicking her caramel eyes up to me.

“And that’s no way to talk to your Hokage” she retorts lowly, making me narrow my eyes.

I like Lady Tsunade, but she really tries my patience sometimes.

“I risked my life for your stupid mission” I growl, an anime vein appearing on my head. “The least you could do is listen to me.”

Lady Tsunade taps her pen against the desk thoughtfully, before releasing another sigh and placing the pen down.

“Fine” she says begrudgingly, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms. “What do you want?”

“Naruto tells me I might not be a part of Team Kakashi anymore” I say, deciding to just cut to the chase right away. “Why?”

Lady Tsunade rolls her eyes.

“That kid….” she mutters to herself. “Can’t keep his mouth shut…..”

“And for once, I’m glad” I say lowly, regarding Lady Tsunade seriously. “How could you even consider not letting me be a part of my old team? I’ve been with Kakashi Sensei, Sakura and Naruto since Team Seven came into being.”

“I know” Lady Tsunade says simply, looking at me thoughtfully. “You were the only five man cell created.”

I tilt my head, wondering just what the Hokage’s getting at.

“We’ve already lost Sasuke” I say softly, before setting my hard gaze back on Lady Tsunade. “Why would you want them to lose another teammate?”

“I have a plan” Lady Tsunade says in a hushed voice, before pausing.

I give her a confused look, before realising that someone else is in the room.

‘I really need to pay more attention……’ I think to myself, looking over at the person.

My face remains impassive, seeing the tall ANBU Black Op standing behind Lady Tsunade.

“Well, that was fast” she muses.

“I heard it was a matter of great urgency” the ANBU replies casually.

“You were fast to respond” Lady Tsunade smirks, before glancing at me. “But your timing couldn’t be worse. I’ve already got a visitor.”

“Forgive me Milady” the ANBU apologises in a calm voice. “Would you like me to return later?”

I narrow my eyes at the ANBU, as Lady Tsunade shakes her head.

“No, it’s fine” she decides, as the ANBU suddenly appears in front of her desk, beside me.

“I assume you know why you’re here?” Lady Tsunade asks, eyes drifting to the brown haired ANBU.

“I have a general idea” he responds, as Lady Tsunade folds her hands in front of her mouth.

“Kakashi’s injured and is going to be in the hospital for awhile” she explains, staring hard at the ANBU.

Is she trying not to look at me?

“I need you to take over his team for now” she continues, my eyes widening.

This guy was going to be the Leader of Team Kakashi?

“It would be an honour to take Kakashi’s place” the ANBU says humbly, making me roll my eyes.

“Nobody can replace Kakashi Sensei” I say loudly, earning a warning glare from Lady Tsunade. “There’s no way this guy’s better than Kakashi. Even if he is an ANBU.”

“Ashley, for once in your life” Lady Tsunade growls lowly, “Shut your mouth!”

I ignore her, crossing my arms and giving the ANBU a side long look.

“I may not be better than Kakashi” he replies evenly, not looking at me. “But I’ll try my best to fill the void his absence brings to the team.”

I smirk to myself.

‘He won’t last long’ I think gleefully.

Lady Tsunade raises an eyebrow at the ANBU.

“Now, you know this isn’t an ANBU Black Ops mission” she states dryly. “It’s a regular assignment. So you don’t need to wear the mask.”

The ANBU nods his head once, before reaching up and pulling the mask from his face.

“Your codename for this mission will be Yamato” Lady Tsunade continues, as I subtly peek up at the ANBU’s face.

He’s got really big eyes…..

“Oh, and one more thing” Lady Tsunade says, looking serious. “Team Kakashi will be gaining a new member. He’s from the Foundation, the ANBU Black Ops Training Division.”

My eyes widen in realisation.

I’m being replaced as well?! How could she?!

“Keep a very close eye on him” Lady Tsunade says lowly, brows knitted. “Study every move he makes.”

“Is there a reason for this Milady?” Yamato asks.

“This addition to Team Kakashi was recommended to me by a man named Danzo” she explains. “Not only is Danzo a member of a group that once opposed the Third Hokage, he was the one behind a separate training division of the ANBU Black Ops, known only as the Foundation. I’m sure you’ve at least heard of him before.”

Yamato nods, as I furiously try to bite my tongue and keep my mouth closed for the moment.

I don’t think I’ll be able to for much longer though. I’m pissed.

“Although the Foundation is no longer functioning, and Danzo has been removed from power…..” Lady Tsunade lets out a ragged sigh. “I can’t help being suspicious of his motives.”

“Maybe you’re worrying too much Milady?” Yamato suggests, as Lady Tsunade looks down at the papers on her desk.

“Never mind” she mutters, before glancing back up at Yamato. “Go and meet up with your new team immediately.”

“Yes Milady” Yamato nods his head, before leaping up and disappearing out of the window.

I watch him through narrowed eyes, before glaring down at Lady Tsunade, who is staring off into space.

“You can ignore me and pretend I’m not here all you like” I growl, fists clenched tightly. “But I’m not going anywhere.”

Lady Tsunade blinks, looking over at me before releasing a soft sigh and picking up her pen.

“I forgot you were here” she mumbles. “Probably because you were so abnormally quiet.”

“How could you?” I growl lowly, making the Hokage look up at me.

“How could I what?” she asks curiously, making me shake my head and smirk nastily.

“How could you replace me?!” I shout, unable to contain my anger any longer. “First you replace Kakashi Sensei, and now you’re replacing me as well?! Do you really think Sakura and Naruto are gonna stand for that?!”

I throw my hands in the air, as Lady Tsunade watches me carefully.

“And to top it off, you’re replacing me with someone you don’t even know let alone trust!” I snap, glaring at the blonde woman angrily. “Why can’t you just let me go back to my team?! What’s so wrong with putting us all back together?!”

“I haven’t replaced you” Lady Tsunade suddenly says, making me pause.

“Excuse me?” I ask incredulously, staring at her with wide eyes. “I’m not being replaced? Oh, I guess I just imagined that whole thing then did I?”

Lady Tsunade rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

“I haven’t replaced you” she repeats pointedly. “I’ve requested that someone fill in for Sasuke. You, I don’t think I could replace if I tried. I’m not getting anyone to fill in for you. Understand?”

I blink, processing this new information.

“That still doesn’t explain why I can’t rejoin Team Kakashi” I eventually say, feeling a bit calmer. “If it’s just going to be a four man squad now, why can’t I be the fourth person instead of this new guy?”

Lady Tsunade picks up her pen and begins writing again.

“I already told you” she says mysteriously. “I have a plan-”

“I wish you’d just let me in on this plan of yours already” I interrupt, sick of not knowing just what it is the Hokage is planning for me.

“If you’ll just shut up” she says lowly, eyes flicking up to my face. “I’ll tell you.”