Uchiha Avenger

Chapter 32

Ayame walked beside Jiraiya as they approached the gate of the Hidden Leaf Village slowly. Even though this was their home, Ayame'a stomach still churned nervously and her feet dragged against the ground. Naruto, on the other hand, walked casually but she could see his excitement, hidden behind the grin plastered on his face.

They walked through the gates slowly, nodding a greeting to the guarding Anbu who recognized Jiraiya. As expected, the three weren't welcomed with a crowd, sadly to Naruto's realization. The villagers calmly moved around without even acknowledging the three.

"Well, I suppose we should see Tsunade first." Jiraiya spoke up as Naruto nodded.

"I almost forgot about the old lady." He chuckled as Ayame and him trailed Jiraiya. They walked up the stairs to the Hokage's building and stepped inside, walking the familiar path to her room.

They turned inside, Naruto and Ayame greeted with the sight of Shikamaru and Gaara's sister, Temari.

"Shikamaru." Ayame smirked and walked past him as he grinned.

As he conversed with Naruto, she waved to Temari calmly, getting a smile in return.

Naruto leaned out the window, still curious of who his opponent was, from his conversation with Tsunade, when a familiar voice hit the air.

"Naruto. So I see you've gone and grown all up." Kakashi waved calmly as Ayame pushed past Naruto and flew out the window, nearly slipping from the roof as she bowled him over in a hug.

"Kakashi!" She nuzzled into his neck as he chuckled, peering down at her.

"It's good to see you, Ayame." He smiled as Ayame moved from off of him, looking back at Naruto. He pulled out the present he got for Kakashi after joining them on the roof, Sakura and Tsunade watching intently.

"The first new issue of the Make-out series in three years." He presented as Kakashi quivered in complete shock.

"It's the first one ever sold too." Ayame whispered teasingly as he opened the book slowly.

"Calm down! This is no time to be fooling around, Kakashi." Tsunade snapped. He closed the book quickly and stood, taking Ayame's hand.

"So, does this mean...are you my opponent?" Naruto questioned.

"Well, you're half right." He shrugged, leading her away. Her hands began to sweat out of nervousness as she looked up at Kakashi.

He let her hand go to Ayame's relief and squatted in the windowsill.

"As to who my opponent will be, it's Naruto and Sakura." He looked at the two.

Tsunade spoke to Sakura for a moment as Kakashi shot Ayame a quick glance.

"Let's get started. Oh, excuse me, who am I to determine such things. Naruto, you just got back you must be tired."

"I'm not tired! I'm ready to go!"

"No, no, you must get some rest. Meet me at the training grounds later today." He grabbed her hand behind his back and waved. "See ya."

They disappeared to an area in the village seperated by gates.

"Really?" Ayame scoffed as Kakashi took out the book. She sat down beside him, crossing her arms.

"I see you're still short." He mused as she blushed nervously, glaring up at him.

"Shut up! I'll still kick you're ass!" She snapped as he chuckled.

"I wouldn't underestimate Naruto." She turned away in a serious tone as he raised an eyebrow.