All righty! I'm a bit late updating, but not by much. I have to say, I loved writing this chapter. Before you read, I would like to note that I stupidly forgot to put a disclaimer in the previous chapters. Please count the one contained below for chapters 1, 2, and 3.

Disclaimer: I do not in any way, shape, or form own Naruto. Nor do I take credit for the play "Taming the Shrew" or the movie "Ten Things I Hate about You".

Chapter 3

Neji Hyuga was difficult, or perhaps, unpredictable was a better word. Either way, his quiet tendencies made him appear harmless. Some didn't value the contradictory rumors heavily. Generally, it wasn't long before those doubters crossed him, and experienced firsthand the fiery outbursts he was reputed for. The infamous temper of the straight-laced, straight-A Hyuga was, in fact, the source of disturbance in an otherwise calm high school classroom. His morning had started unpleasantly; therefore, when the loud-mouth in front of him interrupted his literature class with the pathetic penis joke- the one where someone starts quietly coughing the word penis under his breath, but steadily gets louder- to see the teacher's reaction, he saw red. This is an advanced course! Neji didn't know the guys name, but he didn't need to.

"For the love of God! We know the word. It's NOT funny! Now, kindly shut up, so we can continue!" Several eyes looked at him like he'd jumped ship.

Still processing being yelled by another student, the offender foolishly turned to say, "Why don't you chill? It was a-". As soon as the retort began, it just as soon ended. The boy closed his mouth in fear. Neji Hyuga was scary. I've been here since the beginning of the semester. Who'd he think was behind him? Moron!

"Let's settle down everyone," shushed the teacher. Incompetent, no-brained buffoon. "Hyuga, the outburst is unnecessary. Please don't speak out of turn again." Neji's jaw dropped. The imbecile blames him! It was only mildly comforting to see the woman visibly nervous about reprimanding him (she was wringing her hands). The pea-brain smirked at him. Neji mentally noted his face.

The remainder of class droned on without incident. Neji looked forward to the relaxation and venting time next period, lunch, provided. Naruto was sitting with him today, and the blond always calmed him. Their friendship's mechanisms mirrored a certain aspect of Sakura's and Lee's relationship: someone triggered his rage, and Naruto, when able, intervened. The boy's unique gift made him Neji's best friend.

The bell finally released Neji, who hurried straight to his locker. Textbooks must be torture tools. There is no other explanation for their weight. Naruto was already waiting. Neji instantly noticed the strained smile. Silence reigned while the white-eyed teen replaced his morning textbooks and grabbed the afternoon ones.

"You know it's not actually a requirement to bring the book for every class, right? The teachers tell you when you need them," said Naruto.

"Stop evading. I know something is wrong."

"Always straight forward, Nej. No foreplay for you."

"My name is Neji, as you are well aware. I would appreciate it if you pronounced it correctly."

"Somebody had a bad class."

"Yes I did. How does a moron gain entrance into advanced literature? The word penis is not funny!"

"Yeah it is. Let me guess, the penis cough," laughed Naruto, shaking off Neji's glare. "It's a joke. Lighten up!"

"I'm glad you're amused. I certainly wasn't when that useless, mouse of a teacher scolded me. If she controlled her class, I wouldn't have gotten involved."

"You need to leave things be, or you're gonna get jumped one day."

"Let someone try," Neji huffed proudly. "Weren't we discussing your problems?"

Naruto bristled angrily. "What problem? Everything's peachy."

"Lying is not your forte. I'm going to guess you fought with Uchiha again."

"He started it! I was just asking Shikamaru about biology homework, and he started the 'idiot' shit. I'm fucking innocent!"

"Stop shouting. I'm right here. I doubt you are as innocent as you claim; however, you used self control, judging by your lack of bruises."

"Actually, I decked him in the face," said Naruto rather sheepishly, "His insults ticked me off, and Shikamaru got away while the bastard was distracting me. I needed those answers!"

"You and Uchiha need to find a different method for releasing sexual tension." Naruto began sputtering indignantly, but Neji ignored him. If he laughs at my misfortune, then I will push his buttons. "And might I remind you, homework is meant to be done before the day it's due. Lastly, who is Shikamaru?"

"What? You've never met Shikamaru Nara?"

"Is that a rhetorical question?"

"Uh, yeah. Cause you definitely don't ask random things." Naruto scratched his head in a nervous gesture. "Um have you ever seen a guy with long, black hair tied up in a ponytail; kinda looks like a pine tree, or a pineapple? Oh, he always looks asleep, and I mean really asleep. Not like the kids who walk around in a daze, but legit 'I'm going to pass out'. He's taller, but it's hard to tell because he slouches. Actually, I'm surprised he's not in any of your classes. He's a genius! On second thought, he's lazy like Kakashi. He stays at the regular level, so he doesn't have to work hard." Neji rubbed his temple; the winded description was giving him a headache. And I still don't know who the guy is.

"Enough. I've never seen him, fortunately. He sounds like a waste of time. Not doing work? Ridiculous."

"Not everyone is obsessed with grades."

"True, but even Inuzuka tries, when he's not staring at Hinata."

"Hey leave Kiba alone. He's a good friend, and you should be glad at least one decent guy is watching Hinata."

"Weren't we discussing your Uchiha infatuation?"

"Are you trying to make me puke? I am not in love with Sasuke!"

"Interesting. I didn't say love, and when did you two get on a first name basis?"

"Hyuga quit it, or you're finding a new lunch buddy."

"Fine."

Naruto moped until they reached the lunchroom. Packs of ramen were consistently available, and where there was ramen, there was a happy, loud blond. He walked off, listing his favorite flavors, and naming possibilities for today's meal. Neji brought nutritious food from home, there by designating him the seat finder. It was not an easy job. Ugh, why can't they clean these tables more often? Typical students, carrying bright trays full of chips and pizza and whatever the system called that greenish delicacy, surrounded him, and carelessly scattered their belongings about. Neji refused to present himself in such a messy way; he kept his appearance impeccable, and his personal space would be no different.

Thankfully ramen only took three minutes, because people were starting to stare. What am I? The plague? A grinning Naruto returned, skillfully balancing four cups of instant ramen. "I should eat with you more often! How'd you snag these seats?" The flying spit from Naruto's full mouth was highly distasteful.

"We walk on two legs, not four. Stop eating like pig." Naruto swallowed quickly.

"Better? What topic did you do for Pervert's essay?" Neji dislike the title, but Jiraiya Sannin earned his nickname; the man wrote porn for Christ's sake.

"I'm contrasting the mannerisms of several ancient societies that caused major warfare, and analyzing how those past influences are still prevalent in modern day conflict." Noodles fell from Naruto's open mouth. What? It's a history essay. The whole point of history is to learn from it, and apply those lessons to the present.

"Do you ever take it easy? Last I checked, we only had to compare two civilization's cultures. The future stuff is just extra. Maybe you should get a boyfriend or something."

"That's absurd. I don't have time for relationships. Senior year assures our place in university."

"Maybe just get laid."

"Uzamaki!"

"What! I bet your uncle would let you date, unlike Hinata. You're a guy, and it's up to you to produce little Hyuga babies. Man, your uncle would not be happy if he found out you're gay!"

"What makes you think I'm gay?" How does he know? I've only told Hinata.

"You screamed at me because I suggested fun, not because I suggested a boyfriend. Plus I'm your best friend. You don't need to say anything. I just know." When did Naruto get so perceptive? I can't be that obvious.

"Does everyone know," Neji asked, looking around anxiously.

Naruto smiled sympathetically: the Hyuga wanted to know if his demeanor cried homosexual. Neji was a private guy, and loathed when people meddled in his affairs. More importantly, if his family were to notice, the consequences would be severe. "Sorry, but your long hair makes people suspect."

"I'm not cutting my hair." Damn it!

"At this point, it wouldn't do anything," Naruto chuckled. It was hilarious to picture Neji with a buzz cut. "Hey we better go. You don't want to be late. Oh, and Neji, I won't tell anyone the truth." The white-eyed boy allowed a small, grateful smile to grace his lips.


Neji arrived home close to five in the evening, almost two hours after school ended. He had needed to use a website the school subscribed to for the last bit of history research; unfortunately, gaining access required his physical presence in the library. After his biggest secret was revealed to be not quite so secret, he had almost put the visit off; he just wanted to retreat to the solitude of his room.

He entered the foyer, and took off his shoes (his uncle would murder him if dirt showed up) before continuing further into the house. House was a misnomer, because the Hyuga dwelling was more a mansion than anything else. Some dreamed all their lives about owning such a home. Neji found it an inconvenience. The size lengthened searches for single family members, so in cases like now, where he wanted to quickly locate his uncle, a mansion was frustrating. For the first time today, though, luck was on his side. Hinata, Hanabi, and his Uncle, Hiashi, were easily found in the study. Of course, he should've known better; a rare family gathering in the study equaled a lecture.

His uncle swung his chair around to face the entrance at the exact moment Neji stepped into view. How does he do that? He wasn't even looking this way! "Good, you're here. You ought to be part of this," the older man said, pleased at his arrival time.

"Yes Uncle."

"As I was saying, the Hyuga family is a prestigious family. We have world class doctors, history changing lawyers, famous musicians, and many more noteworthy relatives. All dominate their chosen field." I'm aware of the family legacy. We've heard this speech many times. Why is he spouting it now? "The three of you are the next generation. You have various expectations to meet, and I intend to observe each of you until you succeed."

"I-I know Father, b-but if you could," Hinata mumbled. Hiashi promptly cut her off. She was obviously the root of the tirade.

"No! I will not allow you to date! Dating brings lapses in concentration; furthermore, such matters are approached with marriage in mind. A high school boy does not possess proper maturity levels! You mean one thing to them, and I will not allow it!" What? I'm standing here for this! Why can't uncle and Hinata find a solution by themselves? And is he talking about sex! Neji was appalled.

"I think it'd be cute if big sister brought a boy home," piped in Hanabi. She was bolder than Hinata. Winning this argument established a precedent for her in the future. Smart girl. Already thinking ahead. Too bad it's futile.

"Please F-father. He is very r-respectable." One pouting girl is bad enough, but two is downright hard. His Uncle's stress was starting to show. His temper is getting the better of him. Neji was unprepared for how perilous the situation was about to become for him.

"You want to date? Fine! You can date when Neji dates! Now get out all of you!" What the FUCK just happened! The two teens and the preteen scampered away. When at a safe distance, the girls pounced.

"Neji you have to take someone out! Hinata has the perfect guy waiting!" Hanabi begged. Two sets of pale eyes bore into his. How'd this get thrown to me?

"Stop. Uncle was frustrated, and he said something irrational. Even if I went on a date, which I won't, he still wouldn't let either of you see a boy."

"You're wrong. Father gets angry all the time, but he never makes rash decisions." Little witch has a point.

"Neji, pl-please just consider it." He glared at his older cousin. She knew his position.

"No! Listen to Uncle and focus on school. End of conversation." He stormed off to his room, not sparing a backward glance. It had been a long day. If one more person mentions relationships…

Hope everyone liked it. I couldn't resist adding the whole penis thing. When I was in high school, boys thought that was the funniest thing in the world. It pissed me off, and I'm much less uptight than Neji. Also, I had to go with Sannin for Jiraiya's last name like many other authors, because I couldn't think of anything else. This is the last background/introduction chapter. Next time will be the start of the main plot. I'm half way through it, and it's turning out beautifully. Till next time!