Super Strong Senpai of Team 8 (part-2)

(A month ago) (10 p.m.)

Lee and Gai were returning from their usual training.

When they saw him.

One young teenager. who swings his wooden sword cleave it upside down.

*whoose*whoose

Kakashi was standing beside the boy, leaning on the tree and reading his Orange book.

Perverted giggling from time to time.

"You should rest, you are doing it for a while now"

"NOT YET", the drenched Teenager Okami yelled as he swings his sword yet again.

"Ninety-six, Ninety-seven... one hundred"

"Stop", Kakashi said, as he seriously looked at Okami.

"Double the weight, and start from the beginning again"

"Yes", Okami said, as he put on the weights after weights on his body, especially his hands.

As he started swinging his sword yet again.

"One, Two, Three … Thirty-five, Thirty-six …"

His body was drenched with sweat as if it was raining over his head.

Soon, his body began to get more and more tired, Especially the ankles part, They were turning numb.

Even so, Okami still didn't stop, he grits his teeth and continued.

Lee looked at Gai sensei, and seriously said, "Gai sensei, I want to train even more"

Gai sensei grinned, "That's right Lee, We'll Never Be Young like This Again, So let's make full use of our Youth"

Lee can't practice Ninjutsu or Genjutsu but Gai sensei always believed Lee can be a splendid ninja.

But the appearance of a Rival, that works harder than him has pushed his hard-working student to an even higher level.

Huff! Huff..!!

Gradually, Okami started breathing violently, sweat-soaked his clothes, and was dripping on the ground.

Finally, when his legs were too numb for him to stand, he stopped.

"You sure you wanna continue? It's near Midnight", asked Kakashi seriously

"I am sure sensei... If anything, my friendship with Lee and his annoying attitude has taught me that If I don't work hard, I will be left behind by him"

"I don't want to lose against him sensei... ever"

Kakashi shut the book and look at Okami seriously, Isn't it the same case as that of him.

Gai was far worse than Kakashi, Now, he is someone of an equal level as that of him.

And Kakashi knew that Gai will eventually surpass him one day. Just through sheer Taijutsu.

But... Kakashi never really cared about their Rivalry, according to him, it does not matter. Gai can surpass Kakashi if he wants to. And he still wouldn't give a damn.

But Okami is different, he cares a lot. Kakashi never doubted Okami would become a splendid ninja in the near future. Maybe an S-rank Shinobi once he is old enough. But the arrival of Lee in his life just pushed Okami into something. And Kakashi was sure that he will be watching... whatever that something is.

"That's right, Hard work surpasses talent. when talent doesn't work hard"

"Take a break, then do five hundred stabs with double the added weight, then two hundred parries... And then, you will go back to sleep"

"Yes"

-------

(A few days ago)

Lee was feeling down as he sat on the log in some random place.

"Hey, what happened? you are not your usual annoying self", came the voice of Okami.

Lee didn't even lookup.

As Okami sat beside him.

"What's up buddy"

Lee hung his face even lower.

"Okami Kun... am I annoying?"

Okami smiled, "Yes, You are the most annoying person I have ever met, well, except Gai sensei, he is truly the master in annoying people"

Lee's face fell even more.

"But, isn't that because both you and Gai sensei are too Optimistic?"

Lee looked at Okami thoroughly confused.

Okami smiled and look up, "People who are too optimistic seem annoying. This is an unfortunate reality of what an optimist is. But, an optimist is neither naive, nor blind to the facts, nor in denial of grim reality. An optimist believes in the optimal usage of all options available, no matter how limited."

Lee still looking confused.

"You can not do anything like that of Genjutsu or Ninjutsu, but you still are strong. I heard from Kurenai sensei that Gai sensei was once like you. He was weak and was laughed at. But, Gai sensei of today is an A-rank threat. The same level as that of Kakashi sensei"

There were stars in his eyes after hearing these things about his idol Gai sensei.

Okami stood up, "Don't care about People Lee, they change their opinion on what they perceive, You just have to remember one single thing, Even though you are Annoying, you are my best friend, and I will want you to continue training hard and being optimistic... Understood?"

Thick tears fell from Lee's eyes. "Okami Kun..!!"

"Gaahh Get away from me you annoying person, you are snorting all over my clothes."

Behind them, Kakashi and Gai sensei were smiling.

Gai cried with thick tears, "Okami Kun... is such a wonderful friend"

Kakashi sighed and decided to turn away.

"Where are you going", Gai asked

"I think... I am going to start training again, I don't want to lose to my Rival"

!!!

Gai sensei eyes were wide opened, this was the first time, Kakashi has verbally agreed on being his rival.

In a nice guy pose, he grinned, "One day, I will defeat you Kakashi"

"..."

Kakashi didn't care and just went off.

"Damn you Kakashi, Being so hip and cool"

-------

In training ground 11, all three of the Newly graduated Genins were seated there on the floor. Huffing with exhaustion, without an explanation, Their newly appointed Sensei just made them run from academy to training ground 8 to training ground 11 back and forth.

Okami was standing and leaning on the tree with his eyes closed.

While Kurenai sensei was standing in front of them with a smirk.

"And you three made it here with exactly two seconds to spare, not a bad job considering you are all just genin less than a week fresh out of the Academy," Kurenai sensei said.

"Well, I guess some proper introductions are in order for all of us, and to show you how it's done in the shinobi world, I am Yuhi Kurenai, and a recently promoted Jonin, I'm a specialist with various types of Genjutsu. I like to study human psychology, sing karaoke, and work in my garden. I dislike perverts, drunks, and people who think I can't be an effective ninja because I'm a woman. My ambition is to make Genjutsus that will even trick Sharingan or Byakugan"

She pointed towards the teen, "That boy over there is team's second in command, and you all will listen to him once I am not around. Okami give your introduction"

All three focused their attention on the handsome looking Teen.

Okami opened his eyes. Looked at the three Genins, smiled a bit and points to himself "I am Okami"

"..."

"..."

"..."

Tick mark appeared on Kurenai sensei's head.

"Say something else"

He sighed, "uh... I work in a clothing store?"

Sweat dripped from three genins backheads.

The tick mark grew bigger on Kurenai sensei's head.

"Something else"

"I am bored"

*Bam

There was a heavy fist on Okami's head.

"..."

'Sensei is scary'

That was the thought of every genin.

-------

After ranting her anger, she giggled sweetly.

"Why don't you go next Hinata?"

*Gulp

Hinata visually gulped, She was afraid whether she will be hit like their Okami senpai over there, If she messed up.

Hinata bowed her head solemnly before she spoke, not raising it once as she talked. "My n-name is Hyuuga H-Hinata. I use the Jyuuken, the H-Hyuuga t-t-taijutsu form, but I'm not very good at it. I like c-cinnamon rolls, pressing flowers, spending t-time in my garden and the people I know I can trust. I dislike those who judge people before they know them, those who look down on others because they simply can and those who interfere where they shouldn't. My goal is to become str-stronger so I can ch-change the Hyuuga clan for the better, but I'm a long way from that happening. My dream is to...work up the c-courage to tell s-s-s-s-some-someone...something."

Kurenai inclined her head slightly. Hinata really was more of a wreck than she had thought. The Sandaime had informed her of the Hyuuga heiress's troubles with her immediate family and her father's ultra-demanding attitude, but the genjutsu mistress didn't expect Hinata to be so submissive and self-doubting.

The self-doubt was changeable with time, but the stuttering and overly passive manner would be harder to deal with, not to mention the girl's sole training in Jyuuken would make it difficult to teach her otherwise from what Kurenai knew of the strict and deliberate teaching methods of the Hyuuga masters.

"Alright, you're next, dog boy."

Kiba looked annoyed for a second before launching into a tirade of half-assed bragging. "My name is Inuzuka Kiba, and you're all looking at the best shinobi on this team! I use my clan's taijutsu techniques with my partner Akamaru and I'm going to prove I'm the best tracker here. I like my trusted partner and best friend, Akamaru, beef jerky, and anything chewy! I dislike anyone who thinks they're better than me just because they can point out a few flaws in my character and anyone who dislikes dogs. My goal is to be the best shinobi my clan and this village has seen, and my dream is to lead this village in whatever way I can, as the Hokage or the Jounin commander!

The red-eyed genjutsu mistress just sighed. She could already see exactly what Kiba needed to change: his entire attitude. That kind of alpha mentality straight from the Inuzuka clan never worked well for a team, especially when Kiba wasn't the top dog by a long way.

'I'm the sensei, Kiba, not you', Kurenai rebuked mentally.

"So, how about you, shades?"

The quiet Aburame boy adjusted his glasses before speaking quietly. "I am Aburame Shino, and by extension, a user of the insect-based techniques developed solely by the clan of my birth. I am able to use the insects bonded with my body to track targets, drain chakra, and a variety of other specialized tasks depending on the scenario. I favor entomology and the collection of rare species of insects as pursuits of leisure. I dislike those who act rashly without examining a situation objectively and logically. My goal is to become a stronger shinobi using the means currently at my disposal while my dream remains to lead my clan to the best of my abilities."

There wasn't much Kurenai could say about the Aburame other than he seemed to have a decent grasp of his own abilities, but like the others needed to improve.

"Alright, Since we are all done with the introduction part, Let's move on to the test"

"Test?", Kiba asked

"Yes Test", Kurenai answered sharply

"This test will determine, whether you are capable of becoming Genin or should be sent back to Academy and as your senior I should tell you that this test has a 66 percent chance of failure"

"w-w-w-what", Hinata face was crumbling, If her father knows that she failed the Genin test, he will literally throw her away.

"What's the test sensei", Shino asked

"That will be done and explained to by your senpai over there", she pointed to Okami.

"I don't want to", Okami said

"Do it", she said in an irritating voice

"I won't do it, You can't use your authority to make me do some--

*Bam

Sweat dripped from the back head of all three Genins.

-------

All three Genins watched their Senpai standing in front of them.

"Alright, since you are three, I will give you three chances, Your test is simple, Defeat me in three tries, but here is the catch, If even one of you is down, that will be counted as a failure", Okami said

Kiba grinned, "That will be as simple as taming a dog", as Kiba charged towards Okami

Woof

Akamaru; the puppy over Kiba's head, barked.

Okami smiled at the charging Kiba. As he kept standing there.

RAAAGGGHHHH

Kiba slashed the smiling and standing Okami.

Who casually side-stepped to dodge the charge.

!!!!

Kiba who wanted to spin and continue attacking, just dropped.

*Huff*Huff

While huffing Kiba was laying on the ground. Totally exhausted after that one charge.

The puppy whimpered and licked Kiba's face with its tiny tongue.

"What is... going on", Kiba asked while laying.

Okami smiled, "My acupuncture needle has reversed your chakra flow, making you burn your chakra in an extremely fast manner"

!!!

Hinata's Bakugan was activated, and even Shino was concentrating.

'When did he throw the senbon', That were the thoughts of every Genin there.

Okami looked at Hinata side and said, "That was the first Chance for you guys... two more chances left"

Okami never said anything or even look at the fallen Kiba, as he went back and leaned on the tree again.

"Inazuka Kiba, Reckless aggression in the dark will bring you nothing", Okami declared

Kiba grit his teeth, "Are you looking down on me"

Okami sighed and closed his eyes once more.

"Why you bastard, Stop Looking down on me, Come, Akamaru" Kiba yelled as he stood up and began to charge again.

"Kiba, No, don't", Shino yelled

Kurenai sensei sighed and shook her head.

Okami sighed as well, This Kiba boy is definitely tired, his chakra was in reverse a moments ago. Yet, he actually charges at him in these conditions.

Okami took casually some steps away from the tree.

"Passing Fang", Kiba yelled

Kiba spins at a ferocious speed and tries to deliver a powerful beast-like attack which if contacted with anyone would shred them to pieces.

"Soul Synch"

The Faces of the Genins turned into shock when Kiba actually managed to contact Okami senpai.

But the rotating Kiba went past and through him.

!!!!

The Genins were shocked again.

The impacted area becomes gaseous, causing the attack to pass through him while leaving him Completely unharmed before solidifying back into his original form.

Okami looked back at the near unconscious Kiba.

"How?"

Okami smiled, "Oh, My Clones suck Chakra from whatever passes through them"

Kiba passed out from Chakra exhaustion.

Okami looked at Shino, "That was two chances, One more remaining"

"W-w-what should w-we do, s-should we take him o-on", Hinata asked Shino

Shino shook his head, "That won't do anything. Let's wait for Kiba to recover fully, We don't have a time limit in this test"

Hinata nodded.

"..."

'That Shino is better than I thought', Kurenai sensei thought.

"I have 10 Chakra pills, I will use them, Do you have the pills"

Hinata shook her head, she didn't really need Chakra pills till now.

Shino without complaining nodded his head and put Chakra pills in the mouth of Kiba.

Okami smiled, and sit crossed legs to meditate. While waiting for Kiba to recover.

'The sage of the sacred Kekkai Genkai has four paths', The voice inside his head, that repeats the same sentence again and again, whenever he goes to meditate.

Okami has been doing it for 3 Months.

But today, something changed.

The skeleton appeared again.

"..."

He was seeing the same skeleton after 3 months.

And he begins to see it, Kan Korimachi. Using the sacred Bloodline Ability.

"The first path, the elemental path", Kan said as if demonstrating it to Okami who was in front of him

"Sacred Jinpinkotsugara Hengenjizai"

Kan used this ability to completely break down anything that is complete chakra based within his surroundings turning it into pure Natural energy before absorbing it, completely healing his Chakra and injury.

"..."

"..."

'what the heck, it breaks everything complete chakra based? Doesn't that mean every Jutsu is useless against it? What is this cheat, well I guess there is a reason this is called elemental path'

[And yes, it can break any Biju as well, including ten tails and it's god-damn ball, Premise the is that, it must be fully chakra based, not mixed, like that of Jinchiruki... Genjutsu can not be broken, because it's not chakra based, it's an Illusion, going inside opponent's head]

Soon, he saw the training method of the Sacred ability Jinpinkotsugara Hengenjizai.

*Huff*Huff

He opened his eyes and gulped, his shirt sticking to his perspired body.

"That bastard took advantage that I was low on chakra earlier, This time, I will deal with him"

Kurenai saw Kiba's Attitude and frown. She gave Okami the 'look'.

Okami shook his head.

She glared at him.

Okami stood up.

"You think, you can beat me because you are full-on chakra now?"

"Yes, what do you think you ar--

Okami just walks very slowly and casually.

"Well then, you are right, who do I think I am", Okami laughed idiotically and pointed at himself.

Kurenai sensei facepalmed.

Kiba smirked at finally satisfying his Alpha Ego.

Okami smirked and took a subtle look at Kurenai sensei who was fuming, 'Ha, take that sensei, that's for hitting me earlier'

"I am disappointed in you three", Kurenai declared as she jumped from the tree branch.

All three Genins looked at her.

"I will give you three one more chance, One final chance"

"..."

"Team 8 is a reconnaissance team, It means we gather Information and run without alerting our enemy."

"We steal things that give us the information and get out. We kidnap the ones who can give us information and get out."

"..."

"This stone that I marked is your target. This stone will be with either me or Okami all the time, all you have to do is ask..."

"Basically, we're going to play a game of hide-and-seek. Okami and I will be hiding; you three will be seeking."

Kiba immediately scoffed. "That's easy! Akamaru can find anyone!"

Okami shrugged easily.

"We will be using the shadow clones. The time limit is the rest of the day. You can use your dog," He looked at Kiba before switching his gaze to Shino. "Or your bugs," And then turned to look at Hinata. "Or your eyes."

"Use whatever means you can. Understand?"

Kiba nodded determinedly while Akamaru yipped above him. It didn't matter that there would be Kage Bunshins. He would disperse them and, if they didn't, they would be the real ones. This would be easy.

Kurenai frowned even more. This guy lost in a fight way too badly. and still refuses to work in a team. Maybe he really isn't suitable to work in a team.

Shino inclined his head, silently directing one of his female bugs to land on Okami's shoulder.

His kikaichuu would only stay on the real one.

Hinata nodded meekly, glancing up briefly.

Okami glanced at Hinata, She would be able to tell the difference between the Kage Bunshins and their real ones.

"Alright then. When I say..." she glanced meaningfully at Okami, who was preparing to close his eyes and do whatever rather than being a part of this.

Okami took a subtle glance at Kurenai sensei.

*Gulp

She gave the stone to Okami in front of the kids.

nodding slightly in return. "Begin."

Kiba blinked when neither of them moved, Okami still holding onto the stone. "Well?" He asked impatiently. "Aren't you going to hide?"

Okami shrugged, Kurenai tilted her head at them, frowning a little.

She needs to do a lot of work with them.

From his right, Shino suddenly spoke up. "These are clones. They are already gone."

Kiba glared sullenly at his teammate. "How would you know that?"

"The kikaichuu I placed on Okami-senpai's shoulder is no longer there. Thus, this is a Kage Bunshin."

Kiba huffed in irritation when the two in front of them smiled and dispersed, leaving only small puffs of smoke. "Fine then. Akamaru!" His partner leaped to the ground, nose already twitching. "Let's find them, boy! Which way do we go first?"

Shino frowned, irritation tilting his mouth down behind his collar. Why didn't Kiba ever listen? He should at least hear him out fully. After all, Shino had already noticed the clones. Feeling disgruntled, he headed off on his own, a male kikaichuu flying ahead of him. If Kiba didn't want to listen, then Shino would find the Jounin on his own.

Hinata glanced uneasily between the two boys. Now, what was she supposed to do? Kiba had shot a nasty glare at Shino as the bug-user walked off before ignoring him entirely. Should she follow Kiba? Or maybe Shino?

"C'mon, Hinata!" Kiba suddenly called out, waving at her. "They're this way!"

Well, Kiba seemed to want her along. Nodding timidly, Hinata hurried after him. Maybe they could meet up with Shino later.

-------

"Really sensei, you are going to give them another chance, they lost all 3 chances and still refuses to work together"

Kurenai leaned against a tree as they watched several pairs of Kage Bunshins walk off in different directions.

"Their skills really are a great fit for our team. and Kiba's attitude, aren't you good at it"

Okami sighed.

"Besides, what the hell was that stunt you pulled earlier."

*Gulp

"Brat, you really are getting comfortable with me aren't you"

She pulled his cheeks.

"sowwy"

-------

Kurenai sensei blinked when Okami created another Bunshin before removing a kikaichuu from his shoulder and placing it on the clone instead.

"You're not going to kill it?"

"It's a 'her', I think, and no, Shino-kun would be very angry with me." With a nod, he sent the Bunshin off and they took to the roofs again.

"I couldn't agree more", she said.

"Alright Okami, do your magic with the kids, Charm them, and bring them together"

"I don't want to"

"Kid, aren't you saying 'no' a lot now?"

"I- I will do it"

-------

"Damn it! Is this the real one or the fake?"

Kiba glared furiously at the teenager in front of him. Okami had dodged all his kunai, looking more and more amused as time passed, and he still couldn't tell if this was the real one or another clone. He frowned in thought, absently scratching behind one of Akamaru's ears. And then he brightened.

"Hinata!" Kiba whirled on her excitedly, ignoring the way she flinched. "Use your Byakugan! You can tell, can't you?"

Hinata shifted nervously in place. "Y-Yes. D-do you want m-me to check?"

Kiba nodded vigorously. "That'd be great!"

Hinata took a deep breath and then activated her kekkei genkai. Kiba wanted her help! She had to be able to do this. "No, he's just a Kage Bunshin..." She trailed off and looked around. What...

"Thanks, Hinata! Hah! We can totally do this! I'll find all of them and you can check if they're clones or not!"

"W-Wait, Kiba-kun," Hinata stuttered out, almost forgetting herself as she spun in a circle, bewildered.

Kiba frowned, taking a step towards her. "Hinata? Are you alright?"

Hinata squinted. What was going on? Why wasn't her Byakugan working? But it worked fine a moment ago. She could tell the clone apart from the real one.

"Kurenai sensei did say that there would be obstacles," The Kage Bunshin spoke up suddenly.

Hinata whirled around again. "P-Pardon?"

The Clone smiled a little. "Find the correct route, Hinata. That's the only way you'll be able to find us." Abruptly, the clone dispersed, leaving only a cloud of smoke behind.

"Hinata? What's he talking about?"

Hinata blinked at Kiba's confused voice before deactivating her Byakugan. "M-My Byakugan," She murmured. "It-It doesn't work when I l-look in s-some directions." Her face crumpled miserably. "I-I'm sorry."

The hand on her shoulder made her jump.

"Don't worry!" Kiba grinned at her. "You heard that bastard; you just have to find the correct route..!! That's a hint! Once you find it, we can go straight to him instead of just wasting time on every Kage Bunshin!"

Hinata stared before managing a tremulous smile. "Th-Thanks, Kiba-kun."

Maybe she wouldn't be too much of a burden after all.

-------

Shino stared at his senpai standing in front of him, eyeing his Kikaichuu. This was the real one; he was sure. Holding out a hand, he waited for Okami to hand him the ribbons.

"Oi, Shino! That ain't him!"

Instinctively, Shino jerked his hand back and turned to look irritably at his teammate. "My kikaichuu is still attached to him. He is the real one."

Kiba rolled his eyes as he raced up to his teammate.

"Look," He explained impatiently, gesturing at Hinata behind him. "Hinata says that's a Kage Bunshin and she can't be wrong. He probably found your bug and moved it."

Shino stiffened, glancing at his female teammate. Hinata had her Byakugan activated and was glancing between them anxiously. He pressed his lips together and turned back to the clone. He silently summoned the kikaichuu back to him and the Kage Bunshin smiled before dispersing in a cloud of smoke.

"Alright then, Akamaru can catch the scent of the next Bunshin until Hinata can find her way through the village!" Kiba looked at both of them expectantly. "C'mon then!"

"Why should I listen to the one who cost us three chances in a fair and equal battle"

Kiba growled, "What do you say; you bastard"

"If it wasn't for Kurenai sensei mercy we three would have been sent to Academy back again. Just because you wanted to be a hero"

Kiba growled more and more.

"S-shino K-kun"

Shino frowned at the Hinata. "I will find my own way," He announced firmly as he sent out his kikaichuu.

Hinata watched, wide-eyed as Kiba predictably exploded, yelling at the stoic bug-user. At the rate they were going, they would definitely fail this mission. But what could she do? They weren't going to listen to her. She could barely hold her own.

"Won't you at least try, Hinata?"

Hinata jumped and spun around, eyes widening when she caught sight of their temporary sensei. Quickly scanning him and noticing the chakra building rather than just fading like a Kage Bunshin. "Y-you're-"

Okami chuckled, leaning against a tree on the side, he put a finger on his mouth,

"Shhhhh"

Hinata nodded reluctantly as she deactivated her Byakugan. She quickly ducked her head when she caught a glimpse of steady eyes studying her.

"Well? Won't you at least try?"

Hinata flushed, ashamed. Kami, Senpai must think so little of her. "I-I'm not good e-enough," She trailed off, floundering for more words...

A thoughtful silence.

"How do you know?"

Hinata froze, not sure how to answer. She just knew. She wasn't good enough. Her sister never looked at her with anything but subtle contempt. Her father was always disappointed in her. And her cousin, her cousin whom she had played with as a child didn't even bother hiding his dislike and scorn for her.

"Hinata"

She jerked up at the stern voice, not quite sure what to expect. Her gaze caught Okami's again and she found herself unable to drop her eyes this time.

"Hinata, how do you know you can't, if you don't at least try?"

Wide-eyed and nervous, Hinata opened and closed her mouth several times before whispering, "B-Because Otou-sama, Neji-niisama, and Hanabi all th-think so. A-And my entire Clan th-thinks so too."

She was on the verge of crying.

"First of all," Okami smiled at her. "No looking down. You've got nothing to be ashamed of. And you're beautiful. Why would you want to hide your face all the time?"

Hinata turned beet red, flushing violently at the Senpai's words. She automatically tried to lower her head again but was immediately met with a poke to the forehead. Hesitantly, she raised her head a little instead, shifting nervously when Okami arched an eyebrow.

"Now," Okami continued once the timid girl met his gaze again. "You said that your family all think you can't do anything?" At Hinata's nod, Okami frowned again, leaning forward a little to peer more closely at her. "And what if they're all wrong?"

Hinata jerked, staring wide-eyed at him. "Th-They c-can't be wrong!" She stammered out, twisting the hem of her jacket. "I-I'm-"

"Hinata" Okami interrupted, choosing his next words carefully.

"The only way they can be right is if you believe they are."

Hinata fell silent, hands froze in motion as his words replayed themselves in her head.

Okami smiled at the Kind Hinata.

"There's only one thing you have to decide; do you want them to be right?"

Hinata instantly shook her head before she could stop herself. Flushing again, she just managed to remember not to look down and felt a stir of warmth in her chest as Okami smiled his approval.

"Well then," Okami reached out to gently untangle her fingers from her jacket. "Find the right path Hinata, That's the only way, you can find us"

Hinata deflated. "I-I can't-"

"Try," Okami cut in again. "You never know until you try. And you just keep trying until you get it right. Failure is fatal only to those you don't try"

With a poof..!! He is gone.

"Try Hinata, Try", the voice resounded all around her.

Hinata looked around nervously before activating her Byakugan and scanning their surroundings again. She had caught a glimpse of something that looked like a path and she concentrated in that direction now. Yes, she could still see it! There was nothing blocking her Byakugan this time and she could see right through the buildings blocking her way.

Hinata kept staring ahead, as Okami's last words form a mixture of hope and disbelief creating a hard lump in her throat.

That was the first time anyone had ever told her she could do something. She turned back to stare at her teammates, one still shouting, the other doing his best to ignore him.

Hinata pressed her lips together before straightening her shoulders. She didn't want to stay like this forever. She wanted to get stronger. And if she already had the potential to do that, then the only thing stopping her right now was herself.

Taking a deep breath, Hinata marched forward, coming to a stop just a few steps behind her two teammates. "K-Kiba-kun…"

She frowned when her voice came out barely above a murmur. That wouldn't do. If she wanted them to listen to her, then she'd have to speak up. She winced when Kiba reached out to grab Shino. That probably wouldn't be a good idea.

"Kiba-kun! Shino-kun! Stop fighting!" Her voice almost cracked at the end, but Hinata determinedly held the volume until the very last word. To her shock, both boys froze, heads snapping in her direction with shock evident on even Shino's face. She flushed but kept her head up defiantly when she remembered Okami's words.

"I found the path Okami senpai left f-for us," Hinata forced the stammer out of her words as much as she could. "Shino-kun, Kurenai sensei gave us th-this mission as a team. I think it would be best to stick t-together. Kiba-kun, don't try to do everything alone. That's why you lost the previous fight. You b-both specialize in tracking. You have your way and Shino-kun has his. W-Wouldn't we finish th-this mission even faster if y-you two work together?"

Hinata felt her clenched hands tremble just a little by the end of her monologue. She had never spoken so much at one time. Actually, she was pretty sure she had never spoken so much in a day. Both her teammates were staring at her as if she had suddenly grown a second head and Hinata fought the urge to shrink away and look down, staring resolutely back at the boys.

Surprisingly, Shino was the first to capitulate, shoulders suddenly losing their tensed slant and his entire countenance regaining their previous stoicism. "If you have found the path Okami senpai designated for us," Shino muttered. "Then it is logical to stay together."

Kiba couldn't quite tear his eyes off his female teammate. What the heck had happened to Hinata? Where was the shy, timid girl he knew as his teammate? At the moment, all he could see was a subtle ferocity in Hinata's face, almost daring him to argue with her.

"A-Aa," He managed, rubbing the back of his neck as his expression turned sheepish. "Well if you know which way to go, then staying together sounds good."

Hinata brightened visibly. They listened to her! Was this all she had to do? Give them something important enough that they would see the value of sticking together as a team?

"O-Okay then," She stammered out when she noticed that both boys' attentions were still glued on her. "L-Let's go this way. I think w-we're heading towards the v-village's gates."

Hinata turned and began walking, stamping down the urge to check if they would follow. She found herself smiling when she heard the shuffle of footsteps fall into step behind her.

Maybe she could do something if she tried.

-------

"How are you so good with the kids?", Kurenai sensei asked

"Try living with the Pariah of the village, and run a clothing store, you will learn how to talk to all kinds of people"

"I am so glad that you actually volunteer for this thing"

Okami growled, "You are forcing me"

Kurenai giggled, "And you are doing such a wonderful job"

Okami smiled, "All thanks to my dear sensei who draw out my potential as a babysitter"

She giggled yet again, "I am so glad"

Grrrr

"How do you plan to deal with Kiba and Shino then?", after she is done teasing her dear student, she is finally serious again

Okami sighed, "Kiba Alpha mentality comes from his mother and the fact that he's the next de-facto clan leader, I can't really change Alpha mentality, it will back-fire, Shino, on the other hand, is the next clan head and with some pride hidden in him as well"

"Then I guess, we just have to fail them"

"Pass them sensei, I know what to do with people like Kiba and Shino, who thinks they are the next biggest thing"

-------

"Th-The trail ends here," Hinata stopped to look around. The main gates loomed in front of them but there wasn't anything eye-catching within sight.

-------

"WE FOUND YOU!"

Okami and Kurenai turned from their spots on the Hokage Monument, legs dangling over the edge. They both held back smiles as Kiba stormed up to them, expression thunderous and looking dusty and exhausted. Akamaru was resting on top of Kiba's head, obviously dozing, and Shino and Hinata didn't look to be fairing much better. The Aburame heir was as stoic as ever but there was a tired air around him as he came up to them. The Hyuga heiress was panting, her Byakugan deactivated as she half-stumbled towards them as well.

Kiba scowled and glared suspiciously at the clones, sniffing at them. "Alright, they're the right ones. Now I can rest." He flopped to the ground, reclining back on his hands.

Kurenai chuckled and rose to her feet as well, smiling at her students. Hinata had somehow managed to pull them together, though she suspected that there was still something unresolved between Kiba and Shino. "Good job," She said instead. "I didn't expect you to get here so quickly"

Despite his fatigue, Kiba grinned up at her. "Akamaru's the best. He can find anyone quickly once he gets a lead."

A near-invisible frown marred Shino's brow as his irritation from the long mission and Kiba's usual antics came to a breaking point, and he remarked sharply, "My kikaichuu helped as well. If it were not for them, your dog would not have been as fast."

Kiba was immediately on his feet, almost dislodging Akamaru. "Hey, don't insult Akamaru!" His temper flared as Kurenai tried to calm him down. "He's an Inuzuka dog! We're the best trackers in the world!"

Shino's voice was tight with tension as he retorted flatly, "Kikaichuu are less noticeable. They are obviously better trackers. Akamaru got confused when two chakra threads crossed each other. If you were older, perhaps you two would have been able to tell the diff-"

Kiba cut in, eyes glaring as he snarled, "We're getting better every day! And Akamaru's the best partner anyone could have, and I'm not weak so just shut up!"

And then, without a backward glance, the Inuzuka rushed off, shoving roughly past both of them as he descended the Hokage Monument again.

Kurenai stared at her team, wondering how things had gone downhill so quickly. Why would Kiba snap like that? Granted, he was more tired than usual but Shino's first remark hadn't been very out-of-character. It was along with the same things the bug-user always said.

Hinata stared between Shino and Kiba, unsure of how to proceed.

"Could you go after him, Hinata?" Okami hadn't moved from his spot and he waited for Hinata to nod and, throwing one last worried glance at the motionless Aburame, hurry after Kiba.

He winked at Kurenai sensei and tilted his head at Shino. The kunoichi seemed to understand because she nodded after a moment and, reaching out to pat Shino's shoulder as she passed, took off after her other two students.

Okami waited until the others were out of sight before letting his gaze slide over to Shino. For once, the bug-user looked almost unsettled, shifting subtly on the spot as his kikaichuu, sensing his anxiety, stirred beneath his coat.

"Shino-kun," Okami finally called out softly as he dropped back down to sit at the edge. "Indulge me and come sit with me for a bit, please?"

A long moment of silence resounded around them, broken only by the soft whistle of the wind. And then there was a shuffle of footsteps and the Aburame heir carefully sat down on the ledge as well, leaving a good two feet between them.

"I did not mean it that way," Shino finally said, hands stuffed deep in his coat as sat stiffly beside Okami.

He wasn't quite sure why he was even sitting there really, but his feet had brought him over to Okami so there he was. "Kiba is..."

He trailed off, not knowing how to describe his teammate without insulting him too badly.

"Touchy?" You could say that he has reason to be."

Shino glanced over at Okami out of the corner of his eye. What did that mean?

But the boy didn't expand any further, instead, continuing with a completely different line of conversation. "What did you think of the exercise today?"

Shino frowned, absently tapping a heel against the Yondaime's hair. An amused snicker made him glance to the side again, only to find Okami staring at his foot with a private smile glinting in his eyes.

Abruptly, he stilled his foot even as Okami turned his gaze back to the village again.

"It was different," Shino revealed. "Iruka-sensei has never done something like that with us at the Academy. Why? Because Aburames and Inuzukas and even Hyuga are natural trackers. Our skills are honed with age." He paused for a moment, considering the difficulty he had had. "It was... easier with Hinata and Kiba," He admitted at last. "It would have taken much longer if I had had to do it alone."

Okami smiled. "That's what teammates are for. So you don't have to carry your burdens alone, they pull together when it really counts"

Okami glanced at Shino. "Who doesn't really mess up? we are not perfect Shino"

Shino's frown deepened but he remained silent. He still wasn't sure he understood.

"Was it hard?" Okami asked, going off on another tangent again. "Sending out your bugs to retrieve information and all"

Shino glanced suspiciously at the Boy before inclining his head cautiously. "It was time-consuming, especially in places where my bugs have not been yet." He hesitated for some time and said something.

"I have been working on a new jutsu but it is not going well."

"Oh?" Okami looked over. "Maybe I could help. What's the jutsu?"

Shino silently pressed a hand against the ground, muttering, "Hijutsu: Mushiyose."

A faint web of chakra extended from his hand but it stuttered to a stop about a meter away. Lips pressed together in frustration, Shino withdrew his chakra and turned back to the village.

Okami hmm'd thoughtfully before extending his own hand. "Well, why don't you try making chakra threads?"

Shino blinked as blue threads shot from the Okami's fingers and attached itself to a nearby rock. With a subtle twitch, the string yanked the rock off the ground and Okami caught it neatly as it flew through the air.

"How did you-" He leaned forward before catching himself. But Okami only grinned, dropping the rock and reaching for his own hand. Shino hesitated.

He usually didn't like anyone touching him. His kikaichuu sometimes didn't move fast enough and would get crushed in the few times someone did. But with Okami; he didn't care.

"First of all, concentrate a controlled point of chakra to your fingers. Try your index to begin. And then just imagine pushing your chakra out in a controlled way, only through that finger. Try it."

Shino silently did as he was told, eyes narrowing in concentration as he released the chakra. To his alarm, a burst of chakra poured out of his hand, jerking him backward and shaking a few kikaichuu loose from where they were resting under his coat. The kikaichuu instinctively flew towards the small explosion of chakra and Shino instinctively opened his mouth to cry out a warning.

Two hands suddenly shot out and caught the three kikaichuu in cupped hands, drawing them away from the fading burst of energy and returning them to his coat. Wide-eyed, Shino stared at the very-much-alive bugs fluttering lazily on his sleeve.

"Shino?" Shino jerked up to stare at the Boy. "Are they alright? Sorry, I guess I should have warned you that that might happen." Okami said as Shino caught the reddened skin on the back of one hand.

"You are hurt," He stated somewhat stupidly, he thought. Of course, the Senpai knew he was hurt. Chakra burns stung.

Okami glanced down at his hand. He had barely noticed. "Don't worry," He reassured the Genin. "I've had much worse. This will go away soon enough. Are your bugs alright?"

Shino nodded, letting the kikaichuu crawl back under his coat. "You did not have to save them," He said after a moment, not really sure where he was going with this; only knowing that the brief flare of panic in his stomach had faded when Okami had saved his bugs. "They would have died in a few hours."

Okami only smiled warmly down at him. "Yes, but they're important to you, aren't they? No matter how unimportant something may seem to others, if it's important to you, then you have to protect it at all costs. Besides, I know how important kikaichuu are. Konoha's lucky to have them."

Shino stared some more, finding himself completely out of his depth. He wanted to say 'thank you', or do something to show his gratitude for doing something so seemingly insignificant, but he couldn't quite get the words out and, in the end, simply extended a hand again.

"Senpai?", Shino naively asked

"Yes?", Okami smiled

Okami smirked, 'Success'

Kurenai sensei's mission is finally completed

After all the hassle and tassel, including burning his hand with chakra sting.

He finally did it.

The wild Shino is finally caught.

"Show me again, please?" Shino found himself unsurprised when Okami simply nodded and took his hand again.

Naive Shino never understood that he got played.

-------

Five minutes later, Shino stood in the shadows of an alleyway, staring with a strange mix of consternation and anger at the altercation playing out before him.

"-runt of the litter is a bit far from home, isn't he?" One Chunin jeered.

Kiba glared furiously back at them, fists clenched as Akamaru growled on top of his head. Behind him, Hinata stood frozen to the spot, looking shocked and uncertain, but a rising flush of anger colored her cheeks. "Shut the hell up! I'm going to be Clan Head one day! I'll be the strongest shinobi in Konoha!"

The trio of Chunin scoffed. "That's what you always say, but how are you gonna do that if you never get stronger? Besides, everyone knows Hana's going to be the next Inuzuka Head. At least she's strong. All you ever do is fail at school and skip out on training to play with that pathetic excuse of a dog. Little boys shouldn't play at being shinobi"

"Don't insult Akamaru!" Kiba yelled, and Shino inwardly winced at the familiar words. "He's gonna become the greatest Inuzuka dog in the Clan!"

The Chunin near the front laughed, loud, and mocking. "Yeah? What's he gonna do? Woof someone to death?"

The teen took a step forward and Akamaru immediately leaped to the ground, young voice yipping madly as his hackles raised. This only made the Chuunin laugh harder even as one aimed a kick at the dog.

Kiba lunged forward and managed to drag his partner back just in time.

"Do you understand now, Shino-kun?" Okami's voice sounded above Shino and he nodded woodenly, a funny ringing in his ears when the Chunin made for his teammate again.

"Well?" A gentle push to his shoulder propelled him forward. "He's your teammate, isn't he? Perhaps even a rival and maybe a friend one day. What are you waiting for?"

That was all the prompting Shino needed and a silent command to his kikaichuu had them shooting towards the jeering teens with single-minded intensity.

Kiba pulled back, still clinging onto a growling Akamaru when a cloud of bugs swarmed the Chunin in front of him, dissolving their laughter to shrieks of alarm. Seconds later, they were scrambling away, chased down the streets by the Aburame Clan's signature partners.

Slowly, Kiba rose to his feet, blinking bewilderedly as his other teammate stepped from the shadows of an alleyway. They stared at each other for a long moment, but surprisingly, it was Shino who spoke first.

"I apologize," The Aburame heir said clearly. "I did not mean what I said on the Hokage Monument. I was only tired and took it out on you."

Kiba stared wide-eyed at the bug-user, opening his mouth to say something back only to find himself gaping. "I- That's alright," He finally spluttered, surprised to find that he meant it. "I'm, er, I'm sorry too. I said some pretty bad things as well. Not just today."

A stilted silence fell between them and Kiba concentrated on patting Akamaru. This was really weird. Usually, he and Shino just didn't get along, but, well, this side of Shino he could live with. And he had defended him.

"Thanks," He said awkwardly, gesturing in the direction that the Chuunin had run off in. "I 'ppreciate it."

Shino nodded once and the silence this time wasn't as bad. They both glanced at Hinata when a soft giggle was heard.

"S-Sorry," She stammered out, hands clasped together. "But y-you two can actually get along pretty w-well when you both try."

Kiba turned back to Shino, a little bemused at the change in team dynamics. They were completely different this morning.

A throat clearing drew their attention to their sensei and they all straightened when Kurenai approached them, a broad smile that spoke of pride directed at them.

"From today onwards, you are the Genins of Team 8, We will start our missions tomorrow morning"

Feeling suddenly embarrassed, Kiba glanced down again, crouching to pick up Akamaru. "Sheesh," He grumbled half-heartedly. "You're always jumping out at people way bigger than you. Why are you always doing that? Can't you use your head first before you go rushing in?"

Soft laughter snapped his gaze back up and he frowned at the Black hair teenager who said the same thing as that to Kiba. Okami quirked an eyebrow at him, mouth curved in a gentle smile. "You should know, Kiba. Dogs aren't like humans, no matter how intelligent they are. They don't need a reason to protect their important people." He glanced down at the white puppy. "Right, Akamaru?"

Akamaru yipped in agreement, tail wagging. Kiba stared in shock at Okami before blinking down at his partner. Not many people talked directly to his dog as if Akamaru couldn't understand. A rustle drew his attention back to the Okami and his jaw dropped when Okami pulled out a bag of Inuzuka dog treats.

"Where did you-!"

Okami grinned a little as he withdrew a treat. Akamaru's ears suddenly perked up. "Your sister sold it to me earlier this morning. May I?"

"Oh, yeah, sure," Akamaru was already wagging like crazy and he snapped up the two treats that were offered at once, yipping a 'thank-you' and a 'they're delicious' afterward before jumping towards Okami, settling into the arms that automatically came out to catch him.

Kiba watched, astonished when Okami chuckled and replied, "You're welcome. And I wouldn't know but I'm glad you like them."

"You can understand him?"

Okami shrugged, shaking his head as he put away the treats before passing Akamaru back. "No, but Everyone and everything that has a heart, have feelings... Love is how we can talk to anyone"

"Thanks, b- Okami senpai" Kiba openly beamed up at Okami, grinning happily as he played with Akamaru.

-------

"You did well", Kurenai said when they are finally alone

Okami shrugged, "I am going to train my Genjutsus, Later, I have to meet Kakashi sensei to train my Kenjtsu"

She yawned after a long hard day, "Sure, I am going to sleep"

"Goodbye Sensei", He bowed a little.