Runaway

Sorry for the delay. Will try to update sooner!

Chapter 1 – The Decision Review

I turned to walk away, stopping only to wait for his answer. And just like I thought, there wasn't a sound coming from him. He stared at me in shock.

"Goodbye…" My voice cut. I quietly, discreetly faded into the trees. 'Till we meet in battle…Chouji…'

Chapter 2 – A Helpful Stranger

I've been walking for days now! Not to mention the fact that I had ran into Leaf Ninjas twice! I don't look so good. But, then again, who would be if they were filthy and covered in quickly wrapped bandages?

Currently, I was leaning against a fence outside a poor village. I never noticed the young woman walk toward me.

"Um…excuse me?" The woman was unsure. I looked up at her kind face. "You are on the run?" she questioned, running her thin fingers through her long brown hair.

Warily, I looked up at her. "Yes…" I spoke the word slow, not knowing how to reply to that unnerving question.

She smiled at me. "From Leaf ninjas?" When I nodded, she continued. "I've heard about you. Come…I want to help you. I know you didn't do anything too drastic." She started walking down a path leading away from the village.

I followed her. I don't know why or how, but I knew I could trust this young woman. "Why?" I questioned. "Why would you want to help me?"

She turned and smiled. "Because I want to help those I know are innocent." Her violet eyes had met my brown ones. The way she stared into mine, I knew she was staring into my soul. She sort of paralyzed me with her gaze, you could say. "You are a ninja?" she questioned, finally freeing me from her spell.

I looked down, not wanting to meet her eyes again. "Ex," I muttered. I let her lead me to her small hut in the woods just outside the village.

Letting her dress my wounds, I listened to what she had to say. "My name is Kaharu Tomoya. May I ask what your is?"

I looked down at my lap. "My name is Shikamaru Nara. I'm an ex-ninja of Konoha." I told her that bit of information slowly, thinking of a way to tell her, but keep it secret as well.

She kept bandaging my wounds. "What rank? And why did you leave?" She never once lifted her eyes from her work.

I decided I could tell her. "I just became a chuunin 2 months ago. I left because everyone I know has been treating me like a stranger. My very best friend said he was jealous and distant with me," I explained softly, feeling the pain of loss rise to the surface again.

She sighed sadly. "That's so…"

"Troublesome?" I supplied, feeling my old attitude again.

"Yes…troublesome…and very sad…" I could feel that sorrow in her voice. "How old are you?"

"I'm…13…you?"

"Twenty-six. You know…you can trust me when I say you are safe here," she murmured, moving to bandage the cuts and wounds on my legs.

I smiled soflty at her kindness. "Even still…"I murmured. "I have to leave. I must get away from here. I don't want this village to be attacked!"

"Yes…I know. Your worry is understandable, Shikamaru. You can stay here for a night or two for well-needed rest."

Well…that's it. Until next chapter…I guess…

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