A/N: Just so you know, if something is written like this 'insert word here' then that means the person is thinking it. Example: "Wow." Bob said. 'That was cool!' He thought, his face glowing with admiration. O.k., it k now it was a stupid example, but I'm sure it helped somebody out there….
The Love That Brought War
Chapter 3
Finally, after several hours of walking, the shinobi trio found themselves in a forest. This forest was different then any other forest they had ever seen. It wasn't because the grass was a really dark shade of green or because the nearby river was so clear it had a silver tint to its surface. No, the biggest difference was the ravishing flowers were as tall and wide as trees.
"N-Neji, where are we?" Asked Lee, amazed by the beauty of the flower trees.
"Sakura, the map please." Neji said curtly. Sakura quickly pulled out a map. This map showed, in detail, Konoha and its surrounding neighbors. While Neji studied the map Sakura turned and spoke to Lee.
"Aren't those flower's beautiful?" A smiling Lee answered "Yes you are- I mean, yes they are." Lee blushed and stared at the ground. Sakura pretended not to notice. Just then, a small voice was heard giggling nearby.
"What was that?" Sakura looked around and to her dismay, the voice laughed even harder. "Byakugan!" said Neji in a suspicious voice. Neji stared into the flower trees and gasped.
"Neji?" Lee didn't like the sound that.
Suddenly a doorway appeared on the nearest flower tree. Standing there was a little man not higher then 4 feet. He had long light green hair and dark purple eyes. He wore pants and a shirt that were made of leaves. Beside the flower he had come out of a pair of eyes were observing Neji, Sakura, and Lee. It giggled and approached them.
"Daddy, look at that! Look daddy look!" If the man was considered small, then this one was midget. It was a little girl who was only 2 ½ feet tall. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail and it was platinum blonde. All of her clothes were made of leaves as well but her eyes were a lighter shade of purple then her father's.
"What are they daddy?" The girl was squealing with delight.
"We are ninja from Konoha." Lee answered. The little girl didn't seem to hear him, as she was now climbing onto her father's head.
"Emiko, where are your manners?" A high pitched voice scolded. Out came a woman. She too was 4 feet and had shoulder length red hair. Her eyes matched it perfectly. (I'll give you one guess as to what her clothes are made of )
"I'm sorry for Emiko's behavior, but she gets excited when we have visitors. My name is Chika and it is wonderful to meet you." Chika smiled at them before turning to her husband.
"And this is Kei." Neji bowed politely and said,
"I am Neji. This is Lee and Sakura." Sakura and Lee bowed when Neji said their names.
Chika invited the ninja into her home. So inside the flower they went. And what they saw surprised them. Everything in the house was made of some kind of plant or tree. The kitchen table was a tree stump as were the chairs; the carpet looked like it was made of bamboo; and the stairs were rocks covered in moss. All in all the house was nice. Emiko flew to the table and yelled
"Mommy I want to eat now!" Chika sighed and started to set the table.
"Would you care to stay for lunch?" Kei asked.
"Yes, that would be great." Lee agreed. Sakura quickly walked over and helped Chika.
"Oh what thoughtful young people you are." Chika muttered with a smile. After the table was set (Twigs for chopsticks, rocks for plates, you get the picture) Chika brought out a large roasted pig. Chika sat down next to Kei, Emiko sat down next to Neji, and Sakura sat next to Lee. While they were eating Emiko kept bumping Neji which made Neji bump Lee which in made Lee bump into Sakura. A very embarrassed Lee was muttering sorry every 2 minutes.
"Kei, is this the Land of Flowers then?" Sakura asked.
"Yes, that is correct. Why?" Kei spoke more to Neji then anyone else.
"We have a scroll to deliver." Lee said before Neji opened his mouth. "Oh, so you're the ninja I was expecting!" Kei exclaimed.
While Neji talked about the scroll with Chika and Kei, Emiko offered to show Lee and Sakura around. It was fun following the little girl. She ran 15 feet ahead of them, so this allowed Sakura and Lee to talk freely. After a few hours of walking Emiko ran so far ahead of Lee and Sakura that they couldn't even see her. This worried them. There was a lake some 12 feet to the right and the two sat down by it.
"Lee, I hope Emiko will be alright. It's getting late." Sakura stared at the water. The setting sun's reflection glistened like a diamond.
"Don't worry Sakura, everything will be fine. I promise." Lee said in a comforting voice. Absent-mindedly Lee put his arm around Sakura's shoulders and pulled her close to him. Sakura felt her face burn. 'I could stay like this for awhile…. Hey, wait, why am I thinking that? I don't like Lee!' Sakura was feeling a bit confused. But luckily Emiko suddenly ran over to them.
"Sorry to interrupt your date, but it's time to go home!" and before Sakura or Lee could do anything, Emiko dragged them home. After being scolded by Chika for being home so late, Kei suggested that they stay with them until morning. Neji, Sakura, and Lee accepted. They slept a nice, peaceful sleep. Unfortunately the same thing can not be said for the citizens back in Konoha….
A/N: I like the element of suspense! What's happening in Konoha you wonder? Keep on reading! Oh, I thought you guys might want to know, the names used in this chapter are real Japanese names. Here are the meanings: Emiko Smiling Child Chika Wisdom Kei Respectful
Cool, huh?
