Edited 09/04/2018

Naruto's POV

Sunlight pours in through the window, causing me to groan and throw one arm over my face to try and block it out. I sigh loudly, before slowly sitting up and blinking a few times, trying to focus my eyes. How long have I been asleep for?

I glance down at my hands, turning them over to see how the burns on my palms are going. I blink again, not overly surprised to see that they have completely healed. The skin looks perfect, as if nothing had happened.

I'm not sure how my body can heal injuries like that so quickly, but it's probably something to do with the Nine Tailed Fox. I had burned my hands pretty badly by training. I'd been trying to master the new jutsu Pervy Sage had taught me and I guess the large amount of chakra ended up burning my skin.

I clench and unclench my hands a few times, scowling to myself. I'd bet with Grandma Tsunade that I could master the jutsu in just three days. I was going to make that old lady eat her words!

I look up at the sound of a quiet snore, only to sigh again, when I see Shizune lying on the floor near my bed. Had she meant to sleep there?

I throw back my blanket and jump down to the floor, before crouching beside the sleeping woman and poking her in the shoulder.

"Hey" I grunt, ignoring an indignant huff from the small pig sitting on the window sill. "Hey, wake up!"

Shizune's eyes flutter open, a look of confusion on the woman's face as she focuses on me.

"Where the hell am I?" I ask flatly.

"Naruto?....." Shizune murmurs sleepily, before her eyes suddenly widen and she sits up in a hurry, head turning as she wildly looks around the room. "Naruto! Wh-What time is it?! Wait, what day is it?! What day?! What time?!"

A deadpan expression on my face, I look over at a nearby clock, before turning back to the panicking woman before me.

"It's Monday morning" I reply slowly, as if Shizune is really stupid. Well seriously, how do you fall asleep and then wake up not remembering what day it is?

"Why?" I then ask. "What's wrong?"

"Oh...." Shizune sighs, sounding relieved, before she looks back at me. "Well, it's just amazing. I mean, you should've been out of it for at least two whole days. Are you feeling alright?"

"Heh" I scoff, smirking. "I'm fine! No matter how beat up I am, if I get a good night's sleep, I'm right back at the top of my game!......And besides, I've gotta find that old witch Tsunade and scrub that smug smirk off of her face today!"

"So you've mastered the jutsu then?" Shizune inquires eagerly, only for me to sweat drop.

"Well uh....no, not completely" I admit sheepishly, before jumping to my feet and clenching my hand into a fist. "But I can just wing it! It's far enough along now, so I'll be fine!"

Shizune lets out a laugh, when the pig on the window sill suddenly lets out a shrill squeal.

"What is it Tonton?!" Shizune asks, immediately scrambling to her feet. The pig points at the window as he drops down onto the bed and backs away from it.

"Oink oink oink!" he cries frantically, with Shizune scooping him up into her arms and jumping out of the way, just as a kunai slices in through the window and sticks into the floor.

I give a yell of fright and also leap out of the way, when a familiar voice catches my attention.

"Naruto!" the voice shouts, sounding more relieved than anything else.

I turn my head, only to see a troubled looking Ashley crouched on the window sill, though she seems to be watching something outside.

"A-Ashley...." I greet quietly, dropping my gaze to the floor as she looks back over at me.

I don't know why she's here, or how she managed to find me so far from the Village, but I can't bring myself to look her in the eyes. Not after what I said to her. She had seemed so hurt by it, and I hadn't meant to do that....What kind of friend says such a horrible thing?

"...Naruto...." Ashley says again, gentler this time, as she slides down into the room

"Ashley, I'm sorry!" I can't help exclaiming, my eyes wavering as I meet her gaze. My teammate's eyes widen in surprise, clearly not having expected my reaction.

"I didn't mean that stuff that I said to you the other day!" I continue, hoping she'll understand. "I was just mad and confused and... and.... frustrated! And I'm sorry okay? I'm really, really, really sor-"

I abruptly cut myself off, as Ashley jumps forwards and wraps her arms around me in a fierce hug. I freeze for a second, not at all having expected her to do that. In all honesty, I was expecting something like a punch in the face, or to be thrown at a tree, but not this...

"It's okay Naruto" Ashley tells me softly. "I know you didn't mean what you said. I took it way too personally.....I'm um.....I'm sorry too..."

A small smile spreads across my face as I hug Ashley back, relieved that she isn't mad at me anymore. It had really been bothering me ever since she ran away, and I thought she might never forgive me!

"Um...." Shizune speaks up, looking somewhat bewildered. "Does anybody want to tell me what exactly is going on? Who's this girl Naruto?"

"I could ask the same thing" Ashley responds, releasing me and crossing her arms. "Why do you have a girl in your room Naruto?"

I pout at my teammate and shake my head, while Shizune looks absolutely appalled by what Ashley is inferring.

"She's like fifty years old Ashley" I grumble, embarrassed.

"Ew" Ashley teases me, wrinkling her nose.

"Naruto!" Shizune thunders, her face dark. "I'm only twenty eight!"

I sweat drop and laugh nervously, as small spouts of steam puff around Shizune's face. She looks mad. Ashley barks out a laugh and pats me on the back, shaking her head.

"Well, whatever" she dismisses the situation, pointing to Shizune with her thumb. "So, who is this anyway?"

"This is Shizune" I introduce. "She's a friend of Grandma Tsunade's. Shizune, this is my friend and teammate, Ashley Minami."

"Nice to meet you" the dark haired woman responds pleasantly, having calmed down.

"Ditto" Ashley replies with a cheeky grin, her sharp teeth making Shizune pause for a second, before the girl raises an eyebrow at me. "So, Grandma Tsunade huh? As in, Legendary Sannin Tsunade?"

I nod my head, though I can't help pursing my lips and crossing my arms.

"Yeah, but don't get too excited" I huff. "She's just a nasty, drunk, old witch!"

"Hey!" Shizune objects, as Ashley chuckles.

"Yeah" Ashley agrees wisely, nodding her head. "I heard a lot about her from Oro-"

I tilt my head as Ashley suddenly stops, her eyes widening. She nervously glances between a now suspicious looking Shizune and I, before vigorously shaking her head from side to side.

"Never mind that" she says urgently, whirling around and running over to the window "When I was trying to find you, I saw Ka- Huh?!"

Shizune and I run over to the window as well and peer around a concerned Ashley, only to see a very shaky Pervy Sage outside.

"That is not what I saw before" Ashley informs us, a bead of sweat on the side of her face as she narrows her eyes and glances around.

"Pervy Sage!" I call, wondering what's wrong with him. Had he been attacked?!

"Sh-she spiked my drink" Pervy Sage explains roughly, leaning against the wall for support. "That wily little vixen.......I can't build up my chakra or anything. I'm so weak, I don't think I could even throw a kunai straight...."

"Well that's just awesome Pervy Sage!" I shout sarcastically, jabbing a finger at the man as he lowers himself into a sitting position just outside the window. "You're always going on about what a great Ninja you are, and then something like this happens! What, were you distracted by her pretty face?!"

"Ah shaddap!" Pervy Sage calls back, waving his hand dismissively at me. "She possesses a healer's knowledge of herbs and elixirs. Only Tsunade could whip up a knock out drug that even a trained Ninja couldn't detect......But still, I must be losing my touch if I can be caught off guard so easily...."

Shizune abruptly disappears from the window, only to reappear with a glass of water.

"Here Master Jiraiya" the woman offers. "This will help."

"Thanks" Pervy Sage accepts the glass, immediately chugging down the water. "Ahhh, I feel a little better already...."

I look down at the sound of a soft growl, only to see Ashley glaring at something off to our left, her teeth bared.

"Ashley, what's-"

I pause, when my teammate suddenly throws a kunai in the direction of her stare, sending it shooting straight past a building and out of my sight. While a question mark appears above my head, I see Pervy Sage merely watching Ashley, looking somewhat thoughtful.

"What was that about?" I ask Ashley, as she turns around and leans against the wall, arms crossed.

"I told you I saw him when I was coming here" she growls quietly, now directing her glare at the floor. "Kabuto is keeping tabs on you guys for some reason."

"Kabuto?" I ask, shocked. What on earth would Kabuto be here for. "Are you sure Ashley? It wasn't someone who looks like him?"

"Oh wake up Naruto" Ashley scoffs, shaking her head. Before I can protest any further, Pervy Sage speaks up again.

"Shizune" he addresses seriously. "I think you need to tell me what sort of deal your Mistress and Orochimaru have agreed to."

"O-Orochimaru?" Ashley asks anxiously, the scowl completely disappearing from her face as she looks over at Shizune. If I didn't know any better, I'd think she was scared or something....

"I.....I didn't think she'd actually go through with it" Shizune sighs deeply, her head dropping. "That's why I never said anything about it earlier. But now....We have to go after her! We have to find Lady Tsunade and stop her. I can explain everything on the way!"

Not exactly sure what's going on, I notice Ashley biting her bottom lip, eyes trained on the floor again.

"I wouldn't have come here if I knew Orochimaru was......" she trails off, before closing her eyes and heaving a sigh. "But since I'm already here..........Summoning Jutsu!"

As Ashley performs a hand sign and presses her palm to the floor, she is enveloped in a large cloud of smoke. It swiftly clears, revealing that blue Wolf that Ashley always hangs around.

"Milady" the Wolf greets in an unimpressed tone, his ears laid back. "I hope I am not being summoned to scare waiters too now....."

"No, unfortunately" Ashley murmurs, rubbing the back of her neck. "I need you to find a scent for me. Either Kabuto Yakushi's or uh......or Orochimaru's....."

The Wolf's ears prick up at that, his visible eye widening slightly.

"What?" he asks in disbelief. "Milady why are you.........I do not know what you are planning, but I do not like this..."

Third Person's POV

Tsunade sucks in a sharp breath as she places her glowing hand over the slash wound across her chest, courtesy of Kabuto's nasty Chakra Scalpel. The woman narrows her eyes and looks up as Kabuto rises from his crouched position, chuckling to himself.

The silver haired man brandishes a kunai knife and smiles wickedly at the injured blonde woman before him. He wasn't done with her yet. Not by a long shot.

"Now then, time to finish this!" Kabuto shouts, breaking into a run and charging straight for the now shocked woman.

'Impossible!" she thinks in alarm, staring at the incoming Medical Nin. 'I rerouted all of the electrical signals from his brain with the Nervous System Rupture! He shouldn't be able to move!'

"You fear the sight of blood?" Kabuto taunts. "Let's put that to the test!"

"Fang Over Fang!" a voice calls from behind Tsunade.

The woman's eyes widen, when something rockets past her head and slams into Kabuto, ripping his smug face from the Sannin's view.

Kabuto is hurled into a boulder, before the strange attacker leaps away from him and lands on the ground before Tsunade. The woman blinks, staring up at the back of an unfamiliar blonde girl and what she can only assume is a blue Wolf.

"I'm not gonna lie" the girl sneers, looking to her animal partner, "That felt good."

"Indeed" the Wolf agrees monotonously. "However, we would be in a much better position if he had died."

"We can fix that" the girl laughs meanly.

"Who....Who are you two?" Tsunade asks, wide eyed. "Fang Over Fang........You're an Inuzuka?"

"Ew, gross" Ashley responds flatly, pulling a face as she glances back over her shoulder. "No way! I'm-"

"Ashley....." Kabuto growls lowly, pushing himself to his feet, a scowl on his face as he glares at the blonde girl.

"Minami" Ashley adds, turning back to face Kabuto with a serious expression. Ace stands in front of Ashley, his head lowered and his teeth bared, ready to attack should Kabuto charge.

"Minami?" Tsunade repeats to herself, surprised to hear that name. "But I thought.....I thought they were all dead..."

"I'll admit, I didn't expect to see you here" Kabuto says, a smirk appearing on his face. "But I'm glad. I'll finally get rid of you right here."

"You will do no such thing boy" Ace snaps fiercely. "Take one step closer and I shall tear you apart myself. Lady Ashley will have no need to waste her time on you."

"Heh, I forgot" Kabuto laughs mockingly. "You have your dogs do all of your fighting for you."

Ashley can't help growling at that, her pride welling up within her. She didn't like Kabuto calling her Wolves dogs.

"I don't need anyone to fight for me!" Ashley shouts, moving to run forwards, only to abruptly freeze at the sound of another voice.

"Ashley....." Orochimaru hisses, his voice sending a chill up the girl's spine. Her eyes wide, Ashley slowly turns her head, only to see a grinning Orochimaru standing beside her.

"O-Orochimaru" she whispers fearfully, legs immediately beginning to shake. How had he gotten so close? How had she not noticed sooner?!

Before Ashley can think to move, Ace suddenly whirls around and launches himself at Orochimaru with a roar, a furious look in his eye. The Wolf's jaws lock around Orochimaru's hand, blood spurting from his skin as Ace's fangs sink into it.

Ace then rears backwards, growling madly as he tugs a still smiling Orochimaru away from Ashley. Ace shakes his head violently from side to side, as he easily pulls Orochimaru away, his anger fuelling his strength.

Wincing slightly, Orochimaru drags his gaze from Ashley and lowers it to Ace, when a barrage of Pythons suddenly tears from inside the man's sleeve. The reptiles collide heavily with Ace, causing him to release Orochimaru as he is thrown backwards. The Wolf swiftly jumps to his feet however, snapping at the Pythons as they lung for him.

"A-Ace...." Ashley says quietly, her eyes darting between the Wolf and Orochimaru, unsure of what to do.

"You'd better learn to pay attention!" Kabuto shouts, suddenly looming right in front of Ashley, his hands glowing with chakra.

Her neck wrenching around, Ashley manages to duck under Kabuto's arm as he tries to slice her with his Chakra Scalpel attack. Placing her palms on the ground, Ashley then rises up and throws her arms in the air, a thick wall of rock stretching up between her and Kabuto. The girl then spins around and kicks the wall, sending it crashing straight into Kabuto.

He grunts as the rock collides with his chest and shoves him backwards, his feet scraping along the dirt and sending up a small cloud of dust. Quickly regaining his composure however, Kabuto pulls his arm back and then smashes the small wall of rock with his fist. As the rock crumbles and Kabuto comes to a halt, he sees Ashley running straight for him.

Pulling out two kunai knives, one in each hand, Ashley slashes at Kabuto multiple times, with the Medical Ninja managing to evade each attack.

"For someone who used to brag about their speed all the time" Kabuto taunts, smirking again, "You sure are slow!"

Dodging another jab, Kabuto throws his hand forwards, aiming to hit Ashley with his Chakra Scalpel. She quickly throws up her own hand however, managing to counter the hit with her kunai.

"I'm going to enjoy cutting you down" Ashley utters menacingly, lashing out at Kabuto with her free hand. He jumps backwards, narrowly avoiding a slice across his throat.

"I was about to say the same thing" Kabuto answers smartly, unperturbed. He'd never liked Ashley much, despite Orochimaru choosing her. He was going to make her death slow and painful.

"Ashley!" a voice suddenly calls out, causing the girl to automatically look away from Kabuto.

She sees Naruto racing towards her, with Shizune behind him, the woman helping a still wobbly Jiraiya along.

"Don't just run off like that!" Naruto scolds, before noticing Tsunade and pausing beside her. "Granny, are you okay?!"

"What did I say before Ashley?" Kabuto asks hauntingly, his expression dark.

As Ashley turns to look back at the man, he jabs his hand down towards her calf and presses his palm against the skin. Immediately, Ashley feels a searing pain run up and down her leg, before she collapses to the ground with a loud cry.

"Ashley!" Naruto calls out, more panicked this time. "Kabuto, what are you doing?!"

Ashley grits her teeth tightly as she lurches forwards onto her hands, scowling at the ground. A bead of sweat runs down the side of Ashley's face as she tries, in vain, to move her leg.

No use. Kabuto's attack had severed the tendons in her calf. She wouldn't be going anywhere any time soon.

Kabuto begins to laugh, to which Ashley raises her head and glares up at him.

"Time to wake up Naruto" the girl hisses. "He's not on our side."

"I think I'm going to let you bleed out" Kabuto sneers, picking up one of the kunai knives Ashley had dropped when she'd fallen. "Then you can watch as I kill your friends too."

"Ha" Ashley scoffs, pushing herself back into a sitting position and placing her palms together. "You think you've won already?....Earth Style: Stone Column Spear!"

Kabuto's smirk fades as Ashley slams her hands down on the ground, before thick columns of sharp rock begin to tear up from underneath the dirt. Kabuto immediately turns and sprints away, dodging around the earth spears as they try to run him through.

"Milady!" Ace shouts, catching his partner's attention. As she turns to look, she sees the injured Wolf lying on his side, his fur covered in blood.

Her eyes slowly widen and heart rate suddenly increases, as the Pythons wriggle back up into Orochimaru's sleeve, the man slowly walking towards her. He smiles evilly, his green eyes narrowed and gleaming.

Unable to hide her immense fear of Orochimaru, Ashley tries to shuffle backwards, all rational thought disappearing as she wildly tries to think of a way to keep him away from her.

As she raises her shaking hands to perform another jutsu, Orochimaru lifts one arm and aims it towards Ashley. The girl pauses, only for two Pythons to shoot out of Orochimaru's sleeve, their jaws wide.

"Ahh!" Ashley cries out in pain, as the reptiles bite into her wrists and pin them down towards the ground.

Ashley struggles against their grip, but finds herself unable to overpower the strong animals.

"Those hands of yours are a problem" Orochimaru hisses quietly, drawing closer and closer. "We don't need you using that Kekkei Genkai of yours."

"Get away from me!" Ashley demands furiously, her teeth bared.

Orochimaru merely grins down at the blonde girl, stopping right in front of her, before bending over. Staring straight into the man's face, Ashley is suddenly rendered unable to move, her heart thudding loudly in her ears.

The first time Ashley had run into Orochimaru since running away, somehow she had been able to face him for a brief moment, despite her fear. Something had fuelled her with the strength to face him. Had it been her friends? Perhaps.......

And last time, Kakashi had been there to protect her from her fear, but now......Here he was, right in front of her, and Ashley couldn't do a thing about it.

"It's such a pity" Orochimaru murmurs tauntingly. "So young, so much potential, and this is what you chose."

Staring into Orochimaru's eyes, Ashley, still internally panicking, begins to hear a quiet voice in the back of her head.

'Release me......I will destroy this creature of darkness.'

'No' Ashley replies immediately, though there is no certainty behind her words. 'I....I can't....'

'I will kill him. He will no longer be a burden.'

'But......But I can't trust you.'

'......I'm not asking you to brat. Now, release me!'

"Those eyes of yours" Orochimaru continues. "So valuable.....Perhaps I'll just take them and let Kabuto do whatever he pleases."

Appearing behind Orochimaru, Kabuto narrows his eyes at Ashley and smiles, chakra reappearing around his hands.

Ashley's breathing quickens, her whole body trembling, eyes still locked onto Orochimaru's. She didn't want to die here. Not like this. Not to him!

'Release the seal..........Release the seal!'

'......But Hakuba, you're-'

'Release me! I will end his miserable life......'

'But, Naruto.....'

'The Kyuubi will be dealt with.'

'No!' Ashley protests. 'Leave him alone!'

'Release me or perish at the hands of this creature!' Hakuba roars in frustration, desperate to be released. 'Your own nightmare will be the death of you, you pathetic brat! His power is no match for mine.......'

Ashley's eyes cloud over and she hangs her head, as Orochimaru lets out a laugh and rises to his feet, though the Pythons remain in place.

"Will you let me go Pervy Sage!" Naruto orders irately, flailing around. "Ashley needs my help!"

"You're no match for the likes of him Naruto" Jiraiya argues, sweat dripping down the side of his face as he watches Ashley intently. Any minute now, and his full strength would be restored. That girl just had to hold out for a little longer, then Jiraiya would be able to save her and Tsunade.

"Yessssss....." Orochimaru hisses, delighted with his plan. "We'll take her eyes, and then we will deal with Tsunade..."

"Whatever you say Lord Orochimar- Argh!"

Orochimaru and Kabuto are suddenly battered by a powerful blast of wind, that sends them sprawling through the air and away from Ashley. The girl slumps forwards a little, the Pythons being torn from her arms.

"Milady!" Ace calls out, panting slightly, before running over to his partner. "Milady?....Can you hear me? Please, respond. What did that man say to you? I will kill him!"

As Ace turns to Orochimaru, teeth bared, a strong hand reaches out and grips his leg.

"Milady?" Ace questions, confused as to why she would be stopping him. His visible eye widens as the girl slowly raises her head.

Ace's POV

I stare at Milady in alarm, taking in her appearance. While fighting with that wretched demon man, I had seen Milady collapse. It seems as though one of her legs does not work. Blood drips down her wrists, where the Pythons had bitten her. She is breathing heavily and her entire body is trembling, with what I imagine is fear.

Milady has always been afraid of Orochimaru, with that fear increasing over the years and causing her to refrain from trying to leave. Ever since she had run away, that terror has only seemed to intensify.

What concerns me most of all however, is the look in Milady's eyes right now. I have not seen that look before. I have seen her eyes when they are cold, I have seen them when they are void of emotion and I have seen them when she is angry, but this....This is something far different. A strange darkness that fills me with unease. What is going on?

I look back to Orochimaru and his accomplice, only to see that they now seem to be arguing with the other Ninja that Milady had been with before. I do not know what they are speaking of, but at this moment, I do not care. Lady Ashley is my only concern.

I feel my fur beginning to stand on end, as small flickers of chakra start to flare around Milady's body. The ominous black colour of the chakra fills me with dread, as I suddenly realise what is happening.

"No Milady!" I shout urgently. "You must not! Whatever it is saying, do not listen! We will do this another way! Please, do not-"

I cut myself off, seeing that Milady's pupils have become thin slits and her sharp teeth have begun to extend.

"A-Ace" she stammers, her face contorting, as if she is in pain.

"Yes Milady" I respond immediately, stepping even closer to her. "I am here, I am here...."

"Get.....Get away from me" she warns, now pushing against my leg. "M-Move!"

My ears lying back, I take one hesitant step away, watching as Milady's eyes swiftly change from their usual colour, to a bright red.

It is as I feared. She is releasing that vile demon in a bid to save herself.

I turn my head and glower at Orochimaru, growling to myself. This is all his fault. My precious partner has been driven to such an extreme measure, and he is to blame. I had sworn to protect her, but it seems as though I will be able to do nothing under these circumstances...

This is the first time I have wished that Milady would not try to do the right thing. If she did not want to help that Naruto boy save his friend, she would not have been put in this situation. She is too headstrong sometimes and does not consider the consequences.

Upon hearing the name of the demon man, I wish she had gone back to the Leaf Village.

Hearing a grunt of pain, I look back to Milady, only to see that the black chakra is beginning to build around her. She stares at me despite her pain, eyes narrowed and teeth gritted.

Feeling a pain in my heart, I reluctantly turn and walk away, over towards the other Leaf Ninja, my head low.

Mistress Aeri would be so disappointed in me...

"Do you think we should bring him in now?" the beautiful blonde woman asks her husband, the man cradling a sleeping baby in his arms.

"Yeah, I think he'll be itching to meet her" the man responds, nodding towards the other baby in his wife's arms.

The woman chuckles and shifts carefully in her chair, as the sleek, midnight blue Wolf at her feet rises.

"Shall I bring him in then Mistress Aeri?" the Wolf asks, standing almost as tall as the woman. "He is trying to behave, but he has been quite excited these last few days."

"I'm sure he has" Aeri laughs. "Thank you Kiyuna, please get him."

"Very well" the Wolf replies, glancing down at the baby through affectionate eyes, before turning and walking towards the door. "I will be back shortly."

"I've always looked forward to having children and introducing them to their Guardians" Aeri sighs happily, looking to her husband. "The Wolf pups get so excited Shigeshi, it's adorable."

"This one should be fine" Shigeshi responds, shaking his head and laughing. "But the other one.....You might have to hang onto Kiyumi for that, or he'll jump all over her."

"It'll be fine" Aeri reassures the man, reaching out to stroke his arm. "The pups know how important this is."

"So, she is in there now Mother?" a small voice asks from behind the door, causing Aeri and Shigeshi to look over.

"Yes dear" Kiyuna answers softly. "She is sleeping however, so we must be quiet."

"I understand."

The door reopens, as a small pup, almost a mirror image of Kiyuna, steps into the room, his Mother right behind.

"Hello Ace" Aeri greets gently. "How are you feeling?"

"Good morning Mistress" Ace replies politely. "I am well, although, I am very nervous."

"That is to be expected my dear" Kiyuna answers, settling back down beside Aeri's chair.

"Would you like to meet your new best friend?" Aeri asks the tiny pup, her eyes sparkling.

"Oh, yes please" Ace barks, his ears pricking up, though he tries to control his excitement.

Smiling, Aeri rises out of her chair and kneels in front of Ace, holding out the small bundle in her arms.

"Ace" the woman says quietly, "This is Ashley. Ashley, this your new Guardian and best friend, Ace."

Ace's eyes grow large and round, his nose twitching as he steps forwards to look at the tiny baby. She gurgles in her sleep, smiling to herself, to which Ace lays his ears back.

"She is beautiful Mistress" he says shyly.

"Thank you" Aeri laughs, delighted that Ace likes her daughter. "I only wish that she was awake so that she could meet you."

"It is alright" Ace answers, shaking his head. "I am happy just to be near her for now."

Aeri smiles up at her husband, her heart just about melting, as Ace stares at the tiny, blonde child before him.

Suddenly, the girl's eyes flicker open, causing Ace's ears to prick back up, his tail wagging slightly.

The girl stares at Ace for a few moments, before she begins to giggle and reaches out for him. She wriggles in her Mother's arms, until Aeri reaches out and holds the girl closer to Ace, who is now frozen in place.

He doesn't move a muscle, as the baby pats his fur, clearly overjoyed by how soft his fur is. She then tries to snuggle into Ace's fur, and closes her eyes once again.

"How cute" Aeri coos, much to her husband's amusement.

"....I am definitely her Guardian?" Ace asks, tilting his head down to look at the baby. "I will be able to protect her?"

"Yes Ace" Aeri confirms, smiling at the small Wolf. "Don't worry, we're not going to change our minds about that."

Ace settles down and closes his eyes, satisfied with that answer.

He barely knew this child and yet he already felt a strange bond with her, as if it was meant to be. He would protect this child with his very life if he had to!

His new partner and very best friend.

"....Ashley....." Ace mutters, already beginning to fall asleep.

Ace's POV

As the memory of my first meeting with Lady Ashley flows through my mind, my wrath is kindled towards Orochimaru.

How dare he inflict so much pain on her. A kind soul, stolen by a demon and tortured for his own gain. He has caused her so much grief. I will not stand for it any longer! However, it is Milady's wish for me to stay away from her, as she will soon be in a very unstable frame of mind.

While I do not agree with Milady's choice to release the demon, there is absolutely nothing I can do to deter it. The demon possesses far more power than I do and I know it would kill Milady is she knew she had hurt me.

I do not know how we will stop the demon if it kills Orochimaru and Kabuto however. I will just have to trust in Milady.....

I pause in my walking, as Kabuto suddenly lunges forwards and slashes at the Sannin woman, causing her to freeze. I see the fear in her eyes, even from here.

"Your jutsu has worn off" the boy sneers, making me growl. Though I harbour a deep hatred for Orochimaru, I also detest Kabuto. He has also put Milady through much sorrow and grief.

"I'm at one hundred percent now" Kabuto adds, blood dripping from his kunai knife.

The Sannin woman, Tsunade I believe, takes a shaky step backwards, staring down at the blood now covering her hands.

"B-Blood....." she whispers, her voice quivering.

"I knew I'd never be able to take on two of the Legendary Sannin at the same time" Kabuto continues, suddenly jabbing his fist at Tsunade and hitting her in the chin, "But at least I've got one down now!"

The woman stumbles backwards from the hit, only to be caught and stabilised by her apprentice. She murmurs in Tsunade's ear, trying to snap the woman out of her shock.

"Why did Granny stop her attack?" the Kyuubi boy asks, clearly not understanding the situation.

"The woman is afraid of blood" I deduce, sending a worried glance behind me, at the sound of a low growl.

I see Milady, now on all fours, chakra flaring around her, almost like a cloak. I have never seen the demon take over my partner before, though I know it happened once in the past.

I am worried what will happen if Orochimaru realises that Milady possesses a Tailed Demon....

Ahead of me, the Kyuubi boy finally seems to realise that Kabuto is not our ally, as he explains that he had been a spy for the Hidden Sound this while time.

"But....But you helped us during the Chunin Exams!" Naruto reasons, to which Kabuto smirks.

"That was to gather information on all of you" the vile boy explains. "That was just a mission for me. I did find out something interesting about you though Naruto. I discovered that you have absolutely no skill as a Ninja whatsoever. You're nothing like Sasuke."

I feel myself beginning to growl again, but it seems as though Kabuto is not done with trying to humiliate Naruto. I may not care much for people other than Milady, but the Kyuubi boy is one of the people who helped Milady become who she is now, and I do not wish to see him hurt by the likes of Kabuto.

"I'll admit that I was worried about that demon of yours for awhile" Kabuto laughs mockingly, "But being here, surrounded by the Three Legendary Sannin......I can see just how insignificant you really are. Stay out of this Naruto, or die!"

"Oh yeah?!" Naruto challenges, immediately charging towards Kabuto.

"Naruto!" the perverted Sage calls, arm outstretched.

It seems as though he is still suffering from the effects of the drugs that Tsunade had given to him earlier. He must not be able to run yet.

Perhaps I should take it upon myself to help the boy? My injuries are not so significant that I cannot fight, though they do sting somewhat.

Ahead of us all, Naruto creates a large number of Shadow Clones, an impressive feat for such a low ranking Ninja. Kabuto is able to beat all of the clones down however, knocking Naruto straight back into Tsunade's assistant woman.

In return she places her hand to her mouth and spits out a stream of poisoned needles, the boy's eyes widening in surprise.

He barely manages to avoid the swift attack, panting slightly. It seems as though he is not as agile as he pretends, as he is beginning to tire. I assume his fighting with Tsunade had done it. If the woman hadn't frozen at the sight of her own blood, I'm sure that she could have ended him.

Deciding against another attack, Kabuto leaps back over to Orochimaru and ingests a Plasma Pill to replace any lost blood.

"Lord Orochimaru" Kabuto addresses. "Isn't it time to take those bandages off of your arms?"

My fur begins to stand on end, as the bandages fall from Orochimaru's arms. I know what his means. He is planning to perform a Summoning Jutsu, and knowing what he can summon, I am very concerned.

At the sound of a rather guttural growl, myself and the other Ninja all look over to Lady Ashley, only to see that she is now standing, despite her leg injury. She glares over at Orochimaru through narrowed eyes, chakra flaring around her.

"What's wrong with Ashley?" Naruto asks, wiping some blood from his face. "Did that Orochimaru guy do something to her?!"

"I do not know what will transpire here" I say lowly, warning Naruto, "But do not interfere boy. Milady would not be happy if you got injured."

I see Milady bare her teeth, as Kabuto swipes some of his blood down the tattoo etched into Orochimaru's arm. They both immediately disappear in a huge cloud of smoke.

I once again feel a sense of dread as the smoke clears, revealing two gargantuan Pythons, with Kabuto and Orochimaru standing on top of their heads.

"....Orochimaru!" Lady Ashley growls furiously, finally recapturing the man's attention.

She briefly closes her eyes and grips at her hair with both hands, trembling, before she seems to recover and suddenly charges forwards.

Just for those people who comment on how Ashley is around Orochimaru, please try to understand that he is her greatest fear. Irrational or not, we all have things we fear and Ashley is no different. Confronting that sort of thing is very difficult, especially when it wants to kill you.