A lost blonde (Shikanaru)

-9-

I walked though the familiar town, passing all the places I used to avoid.

Like the mask shop, in which I got by with no problem. I winced a bit, remembering the masks that would fly at me from time to time when I was younger.

I quickened my pace, eventually getting to the training grounds where I should meet up with my teams. 

"How are they coming along?" I asked Kisame, whom was the Jonin of Team 6.

He jumped a bit, probably not expecting me.

"Naruto! You scared me, you were supposed to come by earlier." He said, "Either way Team 6 is getting along just fine!"

"Good, the Chunin exams are coming up." I replied. 

I didn't tell him about dozing off, some things are better kept secret. 

"Where are the other teams?" I questioned, finding his team to be the only ones in the traiing grounds. 

"The Uchiha took his team to the forest, and I believe Sasori took his team on a quick 'mission'" Kisame informed me.

"Ok, I'll see if I can find them." I told Kisame.

I jumped off before he could reply, I would look for Itachi's team first as I had somewhat of an idea of where they ran off too.

After I had found both teams, on which both were doing quite well, I went back to the village. 

I wondered around for a bit, not really having anything to do, eventually deciding to go to the field where me and Shikamaru used to hang out. 

I mean, if all my old supplies are still there then I could use some touch up on seal making...

Of course my seal making supplies had been left untouched, put into a pocket that I carved out of a tree. 

Once I had gotten everything laid out, and was about to begin, someone hugged me from behind.

"Long time no see Shika."