Stellar

16. Chiriku (I)

This is Sora my dudes/dudettes/non-binary pals^^

"Okay." Kiba drew in a deep breath, then exhaled.

"Okay. Goodbye, Sasuke."

The Uchiha stood in front of him, close, but lingering as he was ready to leave. He smirked. "You'll be fine. This time, you've got your sensei and the Fire Temple's even closer. Also, there's no reason for bounty hunters to go after you." Sasuke added, feeling a tad bit proud as Kiba's tense shoulders relaxed slightly.

"Right." Kiba nodded, still feeling unsure.

They stood there, a bit awkwardly, before Sasuke rolled his eyes and ruffled the top of Kiba's hair in a familiar affectionate gesture. "Go on. Your teammates are waiting."

Kiba's worried face broke out into a grin. "Bye Sasuke!" He shouted, beginning to walk backwards towards the looming gates.

Sasuke returned the grin with a small smile. "Bye, Kiba. Besides, you'll be back before me. I'm leaving for a C-Rank today, remember? I'm going all the way to Wave."

The Inuzuka merely waved from his spot a good distance away, his teammates lingering behind him at the gates.

Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Sasuke began walking away. From the corner of his eye, he saw a familiar glow from beneath his bandage wrappings. He smiled.

::

"Does Sasuke-san always see you off like that?" Shino asked, a hint of amusement evident in his voice.

He turned to his team who looked at him, smirking. Hinata smiled sweetly, though in her eyes danced a teasing glint.

"Oh, shove off." Kiba rolled his eyes. Akamaru began running ahead, excitedly wagging his tail. "He's going all the way to Wave Country, I couldn't not say goodbye."

"Well, Team Eight, I suppose it's time to go." Kurenai gestured for them to begin walking down the dirt road, bidding goodbye to the guards stationed at the gate.

Kiba readjusted his storage scrolls before following.

"S-so, how's S-Sasuke-san?" Hinata appeared beside him. Shino joined them, falling into step with the other two.

Kiba returned the cheeky smile with a sharp grin. "I dunno, how's Naruto?"

Hinata flushed, causing Kiba to bark out a laugh. "Hey, don't worry about it! You're a sweet and strong girl, Hinata-chan. If Naruto doesn't end up noticing you, he's absolutely blind and you deserve better."

Shino seemed to agree, nodding. "He's a bit oblivious, so don't take it too personally. You shouldn't underestimate yourself." He spoke softly. Regret at his previous treatment was evident in his voice.

The heiress smiled with rosy cheeks.

::

"Wow." Kiba whistled, staring up at the temple before them with wide eyes, clearly impressed. "I didn't realize the Fire Temple was so massive."

Shino nodded. "It is expected of such a prestigious and powerful group."

"I-I'm a bit i-intimidated," Hinata admitted.

Her teammates nodded, silently agreeing. Kurenai only smiled. "The head monk's name is Chiriku." She informed. "While here, show respect, and you'll be taught many new skills. I'm afraid I don't know nearly as much as I'd like." Her gleaming red eyes focused back on the entrance where a bald man stood.

"That's Chiriku-sama?" Kiba asked. At Kurenai's nod, his eyes sharpened in determination. He needed to learn and get better here. Chiriku was renowned for his sealing abilities and strength, and Kiba's ticket to advancing his skills.