"Now, don't jump, This will probably scare you"

"Hey wait just a minute, what exactly do you plan on- woah!" The blonde was already getting on my nerves. When I rose the sand from the earth with naruto, kiba, Akamaru, and myself on it, he did exactly the opposite of what I told him to. While panicking, he almost pushed Akamaru to the ground. To which kiba responded by promptly growling and biting Naruto. I just hope the little runt starts listening to me soon, or kiba will kill him before the substancial wounds do.

Though he has earned a bit of my respect from our last encounter at the exams... it will take effort to maintain it. Never again will I blindly trust. I would be long dead of it weren't for the sand because of my inability to sense liars. But I'm stronger now. And no one will ever see me as weak again.

"Hey, what'd you do that for!"

"If you continue to whine about me getting you back to the infirmity so you don't bleed to death then I'd be happy to let nature take you into her cruel, unforgiving hands. Thank you kiba, for not questioning my every action." I knew it was an empty threat but Naruto apparently didn't. He lay back down and mouthed off to himself.

"That bedside manner was quick to disappear." He was obviously pouting, crossing his arms. Now, as tempted as I am to scare him, I think kiba needs my attention, he's been a bit too quiet.

"Kiba, are you still concous? We're half way back to kohona. You must stay awake until we get back to the infirmary."

Kiba quivered as he spoke "Y-yea I'm okay. I'll be fine so long as Akamaru keeps me awake." The little dog yapped. I noticed kiba has bite marks on his hand. Apparently the dog had been biting him when he started to doze off.

I've always admired the clans of ninja that function with other aspects of nature such as insects and dogs to assist them. Not only is it intriguing, it's also admirable that species can learn to work together and protect one another. I suppose I have the damned thing that keeps me from the release that is sleep, but it's not a comradery so much as it is a constant struggle for dominance and control.

As we reached the gate to kohona, still in the air with the sand, the guards looked ready to attack me. Kiba and naruto really looked on their death beds and I had a choice to make. Rather than taking the time to explain to the guards, I rose another layer of sand around the three of us (and the dog) and used all the rest of my fading Chakra to get the boys to the hospital immediately. Once in the building, the sand dispersed and nurses came rushing over to care for kiba and naruto.

The fact that Naruto wasn't talking really bothered me. He always has something to yell, so the fact that he wasn't really got to me. After pulling all the sand back into my gourd I decided to find my siblings.

"Where is Shikamaru?" I didn't have the patience for spewing niceties at the nurse working the desk. I knew temari would be with him, probably worrying and bawling relentlessly.

"Follow me." While trailing the receptionist, I saw many familiar faces in the rooms we walked past, they were predominantly containing the leaf village ninja we'd just returned. But one caught my eye. Through a wall of nurses, I saw gleaming blue eyes. A few minutes ago naruto was on the verge of death, and now he looked ready to cause trouble all over again. The nurses were all gasping, half looking disgusted and the other half looking amazed.

"Appologies for interrupting, but what is so fascinating and or disturbing about Naruto?"

"Hey gaara, watch your back." Naruto smirked up from the cot, looking over my shoulder

"And why exactly would I need to do tha-" I heard his unmistakable laughter behind me. What is this? A genjutsu maybe or- my thoughts were interrupted. When I turned around, a sexy shadow clone smirked and tried to hug me. I'm sure it was just to be annoying. Thank whatever gods that my sand protects me. I can't imagine being touched by another person. And frankly, the thought gives me nightmares... or I'm sure it would.. if I ever slept.

I shook my head while walking away. 'Why would he do something like that?' I looked back down the hall and over my shoulder. The shadow clone winked and blew me a kiss "So you know, they're aweing at how the nine tail heals my injuries so quickly." Girls aweing at naruto?

How entertaining a thought.