I couldn't recall when I had such peaceful sleep, not since I was little I bet. The sun poked its rays through the trees, shining almost heavenly on our camp. Despite everything I was concerned about, I somehow managed to knock myself out for a good nine, ten hours. Man was it refreshing though. The camp was bustling with all sorts of business. People were cleaning weapons, fixing up chow, washing and hanging clothes, playing board games or dice. Shino and Sai were having a rare and most likely deeply intellectual discussion about something I probably didn't have the time for. Sasuke and Sakura were resting underneath a tree together, sorting out Sakura's tools...fun times. Choji was chomping away on some more chow. Even sleep makes that boy hungry...it's inhuman. Neji was leading some people in some exercise, which surprisingly drew a large crowd. I figured on a day of rest that'd be the last thing people want...whatever. I didn't see Naruto though, which only meant he still hasn't recovered yet. This was starting to concern me. I thought when he was mumbling something to Hinata back during the battle that he was still ok, but the fact that he hasn't been awake for more than a day was troublesome to say the least. Jeez, if it was troubling for me, it must've been mental anguish for Hinata.
Outside of Choji I didn't catch anyone else from the squad, Ino, Toyama, not even Sarutobi. Oh well, better for me to wander around and not get stuck on some shitty detail. I rolled up my kit and left it next to the squad pile, then took it upon myself to meander around the camp.
"Have a good sleep there crybaby?" A voice came from behind.
"As a matter of fact...I did, like a baby. Hell without all the troublesome broads around, I could sleep like that even under mortar fire." I replied, turning around to face the blonde woman. "Et tu Temari?"
"You need not worry about me. I didn't have any 'troublesome' boys to hinder my rest."
"Well then we're in agreement...I'm glad."
"Indeed. Anyway, what's on tap for today Shikamaru?"
"Well, I reckon I'd show your brothers to their squads, get 'em acquainted with the boys. Afterwards I have no clue but it won't involve any serious work I can tell ya that much. Whaddaya say?"
"Lazy..."
"Bossy..."
"Ok let's not get into that again...it's too troublesome."
"Everything's troublesome for ya huh Shikamaru?" She asked with a smug grin on her face.
"Whatever...moving on. Let's go get your brothers."
As we walked to where Temari said she last saw them, I couldn't help but notice a couple looks from the platoon. They were no doubt saying something borderline retarded about us. A quick glare or two back at the snickering kids shut them up, even if it was only for a minute.
"Idiots..." Temari muttered under her breath.
"A rarity indeed but nonetheless we're both in agreement. Oh good, there they are."
"Good. Hey Gaara, Kankuro, let's go. Shikamaru here is gonna get you guys with your squads."
"Sounds good to me. I was tired of sittin' on my ass doing nothing eh Gaara?"
The redhead said nothing, just looking at Temari and Kankuro. I didn't get that kid. Last night he seemed normal but it seems he went back to his creepy mode again like when we first met. Finally he softly muttered, "Fine. Let's go." He then slung his assault rifle and got up.
"Something get to him today Temari?" I asked.
"I'll explain later."
We made our way to where 2nd squad was sitting around. Kiba was playing a dice game with three of the others in the squad. A couple cheers erupted after he rolled, meaning something just went well. Too bad I have no idea how to play.
"Hey Kiba." I said.
"Oh hey Shikamaru! What's up? How's the pinhead?" He asked referring to Naruto.
"No word yet..."
"Huh, well that sucks. So what can I do ya for? Come to introduce me to the dame? I hope the first look isn't too much for her."
"Say what?" Temari asked.
"Never mind him Temari...Kiba is one of the less sophisticated members of the platoon."
"Hey!"
"At ease Kiba...anyway I'm here to pass along your Sand partner. Kiba, this is Gaara."
"Um ok then...hey how ya doin' Gaara? Welcome to 2nd squad!" He reached out for a handshake, only to get a cold look from Gaara. "Ok then..." Kiba weakly said as he retracted his hand, doubtless reacting from the cold shoulder Temari's brother gave him.
"Gaara..." Temari said.
"Hello." He said firmly.
"Ya know, I think Shino would be better for him don't ya think Shikamaru?" Kiba asked as he approached me.
"Perhaps...just show him around and give him the ground rules as I drop off the other guy to 4th. Hopefully Shino will be done waxing eloquent with Sai and the engineers so he can take the reins."
"Hopefully..."
"Oh hey by the way, where's Hinata?"
"No idea. I haven't seen her since this morn'. She's probably with Ino."
"Maybe. Ok well have fun. Why don't ya show Gaara how to play dice."
"What and cramp my style? Then again a pro like me always needs a protégé." Kiba was an expert gambler and could embarrass Naruto, Choji, Shino, and I in poker and dice. I once heard a rumor he played against the officers and destroyed them, but that's dubious at best.
"Good then, I'll see you later Kiba."
"Take it easy. Oh hey! If you see Hinata, tell her to see Shino and me."
"You got it." And with that Temari, Kankuro, and I took off. I certainly hope Kiba could somehow thaw that icebox called Gaara. I seemed to be slightly better but I wanted a better explanation.
"Hey guys," I said to the two Sand siblings as we found a large log isolated from the throng of soldiers and sat down for a few minutes. "Pardon me if this is personal, but is everything ok with your brother Gaara? Also, what made you guys become resistance fighters anyway?" I asked them this because I wanted some clarity in their situation before I handed Kankuro off.
"Well it's not the most heartwarming story..."
"Kankuro..." Temari said sternly.
"Seriously though, the past couple of years have been rough for us, ever since this stupid conflict started. Well you already know the Sand Village signed a pact with the Soundies right?"
"Yeah who doesn't know?"
"Well...what most people didn't know, and not even us initially, was though we had an alliance with the Soundies, they had other intentions. In the beginning we offered men and materiel to them, seeing the advantage of allying with a powerful nation like the Land of Sound. We sat on our hands as they took over place after place while sending troops to the Sand Village as a protection force in case you guys or any other land attacked us. We welcomed it and relished in the goods they provided as they conquered. However, under our noses they were slowly occupying us. Yes we're a large nation but we're very spread out with little in between. The Soundies knew this and began creeping into our government, our municipalities, and even our own military. They soon 'enlisted' our own into their ranks."
"Yeah 'enlisted'...sure..." Temari added. "They took men and boys from their homes, abducted orphans and the poor, forced them into their ranks. Meanwhile our government sat idly by. They abused our rights and kept taking our money and food to fuel their war machine. Soon it was like they had conquered us from the inside, while claiming it was for the greater good of our precious alliance."
"By the time we had realized what was going on, it was too late to really do much. They had blocked off the main routes of travel and seized most of our arms. All in the period of a year since they arrived had they done these things and it only got worse when our father tried to fight back."
"Your father?" I asked.
Temari jumped in. "Yes. Our father, the former Kazekage, who led our people before the new Kazekage came in as the Soundies marched to war. He was in charge before the Soundies came and originally opposed letting the Soundies in, but his opposition was silenced by the majority of the government, most of who were probably on Orochimaru's payroll. He had not done more to protest for the safety of our mother and us, especially Gaara, who looked up to him dearly. It wasn't until we heard of the death of our uncle, Yashamaru that he snapped. Our uncle was an honorable military officer who saw it as his duty to serve our father and the Sand Nation. Our nation looked up to him. A year ago he was sent, we suspect unwillingly, on a mission to assault the Land of Snow. We protested but he assured us that he would come back. He never did..."
"I'm sorry."
"That wasn't the whole truth though..." Kankuro said, building up a silent rage. "When we heard of his death we were devastated. It hurt Gaara the most since our uncle was another idol to him as a child. As it turned out, a survivor from the attack and one of our own managed to get to our father without the Soundies knowing. He and hundreds others were sent to help the Soundies explained that the Sound command used our own men and women as sacrificial lambs in a suicide mission. When our uncle called for help from the Sound, they did nothing, and our uncle and his troops were slaughtered. They let hundreds of young Sand men and women die for no reason and simply rolled over their corpses. They had said he died a hero but instead he was stabbed in the back!" I noticed a small tear running down Kankuro's face, but he quickly wiped it pretending that he was simply wiping sweat off his face.
"Our father had enough. He quickly quit his government post and gathered whatever supporters he could. Amassing arms and explosives, he regretfully adopted the violent approach to the Sound. Initially our resistance caught them by surprise and we were even given small parcels of aid from the Water nation, but they were too strong. When we pushed them out of the cities, the people cheered, but then they came back in spades. Our people fled to wherever they could. Women who were caught were raped and beaten while the men were tortured or executed on the spot."
"Jesus Christ..." I muttered.
"Our family was holed up in a small city near the border between us and the Earth nation. The resistance was being crushed and my father, after months of fighting and hiding, was depleted of his resolve. We lost our mother to an artillery barrage as she ran Gaara, Kankuro, and I to safety. She had tried to run back to save some stragglers, but was killed. The Soundies had found us and were encircling us by the minute. Our father told us we had to flee despite our refusal and gave us to his trusted lieutenant Baki. Under the cover of night we along with dozens of others managed to slip by the Sound soldiers. We were told not to look back at all but we couldn't...and I wish we hadn't. In horror we witnessed the house that our father was in become obliterated by their tanks. We were beside ourselves, especially Gaara. Our parents were dead along with the rest of our family. We're all that's left."
"I'm so sorry. I never knew they were capable of this kind of inhumanity. The bastards..."
"You asked before about Gaara? Well that night of our father's death, he cried for hours on end, but since then, he became a different person. With the death and misery the Soundies caused all that was left was a shell of the boy he was, almost completely drained of humanity. Temari and I were able to still keep our composure, but it really took its toll on Gaara. Now all that brings him some remote satisfaction is the death of every Sound soldier he can get his sights on. He kills with almost inhuman pleasure. It frightens even me and Temari. It's as if his peace won't come until the Soundies are all dead or he's dies."
"Thank God he still maintains some sanity because of us and Baki. Baki has kept us alive so far and we've made strides since the dispersal of the resistance thanks to his perseverance. It was by chance we observed your army's movement in the Cloud Village. We had managed to sneak our way in upon hearing rumors of a liberation force, and lucky enough that you guys showed up. Though I say it was strange for Baki to hand the three of us off to aid you guys, but he has his reasons. So that's our story...orphans with nowhere to go except the lion's den, hoping to slay the beast of the Sound and rebuild our home."
It was certainly more than I needed for an explanation, but I'm glad they told me. To be honest I never knew people could go through so much and still keep fighting on. The human spirit is an amazing thing sometimes, and hearing what happened to them made me respect them all the more, yes including Temari. I really hoped that Kiba, Shino, and Hinata were ok with Gaara after hearing about why he is the way he is. An awkward silence filled the air as we just sat there, trying to take in what just transpired, me learning the horrible background of our Sand allies and Temari and Kankuro having to retell their horrid past, something I know I'd do anything to forget. I made an attempt to break the silence.
"So...methinks we should be off then huh? Kankuro, you still have your squad to meet and Temari, well we've got more things to discuss with Sergeant Sarutobi."
"Yep..." replied Kankuro, "We should get up now."
The pace was a little slower and the mood a little more somber than before. Nevertheless we got to 4th squad's area, where Ayako and a couple others were just sitting trading jokes. Given the lack of women around I could deduce the nature of the jokes they were telling. After a couple of raucous laughs, Ayako noticed me with the others.
"Hey Nara! What's goin' on man? Me and the guys were just talking about Mitarashi...I mean talk about a sassy broad huh? I'd love to show her my hidden village eh guys eh?" He got a few more laughs out of the men.
I covered my face in embarrassment after seeing Temari redden a little bit. Kankuro just snickered a little bit. So far outside of the officers, Sarutobi, and I, the other Leaf guys have been spoiling the image I've been trying to save. Friggin' Kiba and Ayako, jerks.
"Cute guys. Anyway, I'm here to introduce you to your Sand liaison. Guys, this is Kankuro. He's an anti-armor specialist so you can rely on him if a halftrack comes rolling your way."
"Hell I see no problem with a little extra firepower. Welcome aboard Kankuro! I think you'll like it with us."
Kankuro reached out to shake Ayako's hand with a smile. "The pleasure's all mine. Now...how's about ya tell me some of those jokes and about this sergeant of yours. I'd like to hear all about it."
"You're in for a treat then. Hey guys, our Sand buddy wants to know about the sarge!" Kankuro was then greeted with some cheers, laughs, and a flood of moving yaps as they brought him to the little social circle, almost enveloping him. I had a feeling he'd get along well with them, that is unless Sergeant Mitarashi got word of what they were gabbing about.
"Well Temari, I guess we should leave the kids be huh?"
"Yeah let's. I'm getting sick already with these boys."
"Sure. One more thing Ayako."
"Yeah what's up?"
"Anything on Naruto?"
"Nah haven't heard a word. Last time I checked he's still out like a light in the medic tents. That shy girl from 2nd has been around there non-stop...I dunno what her deal is."
"Ok. Thanks then...I'll check on him later."
Temari and I walked back to our squad's spot. I had no idea what to do today so maybe some good old-fashioned twiddling of the thumbs would kill some time.
"I think Kankuro will like being with those clowns from 4th."
"Yeah if you say so Shikamaru," Temari chuckled. "Kanky's always been the rowdy one of us, the prankster and instigator, so I pray that this sergeant you speak of in 4th doesn't catch wind of his antics otherwise it's nothing but bad news."
I laughed. "Yeah Mitarashi is definitely not a girly girl. I know she can kick my ass right quick but thank God I've got Sarutobi."
"Oh by the way, who's the shy girl that guy spoke of? Was that the same one who was carrying the blonde kid back in the Cloud Village battle?"
"Oh her, she's in the squad with Gaara. Private Hinata Hyuga's her name and yeah that was the same woman you saw before. She is pretty shy, so what you saw before was something even I didn't see before, what with that strength and bravery yesterday..."
"Well I gotta say I've rarely seen things like that under such heavy fire."
"Well funny thing is...you know that blonde guy she rescued?"
"Yeah."
"Well that's my friend Private Naruto Uzumaki."
"Ha. Brave son of a bitch he was charging a StuG like that, but foolish nonetheless."
"I totally agree, but about Hinata, she's normally meek and hesitant, but seeing Naruto like that possessed her with something even I didn't have to save him."
"She's in love with that Naruto friend of yours huh?" She hit the nail on the head without me having to go into any further detail.
"Yep. She's been watching him ever since. Hell they evacuated the both of them still together. I figured it was a little reward for her courageous action, but now she's gotta endure him in that almost comatose state, being at his side almost the whole day and praying he wakes up."
"That's terrible...I wish I'd never have to fret like that over anything."
"You're telling me. The worst part is Naruto might not even know that is was she who helped save him, and he's always after Private First Class Sakura Haruno, the pink-haired girl."
"Heh...well I'd call him an idiot if he's so oblivious to someone like this Hyuga girl."
"Temari, you're preaching to the choir. It's so troublesome dealing with him and that little 'quasi-love triangle' if that's what it even is which it probably isn't."
"Hmmmm...ya seem to have a bead on everyone here don't you?"
"It's a gift of mine. So anyway, I say we take the day to relax before the next big thing. There's a nice spot just outside the perimeter away from the cretins. Whaddaya say to some personal chat time?"
"Sounds ok to me Shikamaru, just don't get any ideas."
"Never crossed my mind. Too much effort with a gal like you anyway." I snickered.
It was already late in the afternoon when Temari and I just lounged by the trees. We chatted it up about all sorts of things: my roots, life back home, our weapons, sniper tricks of the trade, etc. The sun was already starting to set. I had to admit, it was rather relaxing getting to know her some more. I gave her credit for enduring the loss of her family and the burden of taking care of Kankuro and Gaara. I felt like she could be a good friend, but she still carried that aura of bossiness and special breed of female aggression only someone like my mother or Ino could have.
"Hey I'm gonna check up on my pal Naruto. You care to come with?"
"Sure why not? I'd like to see how the brave fool's doing."
The time was near 5:00 PM. The sky began to form a lovely orange hue as the sun began its descent down to the horizon. The medical area was surprisingly quiet but that's always a good thing. Seems most if not all of the walking wounded were stitched up and ready to go. I even saw Private Miyoshi leaving despite being shot in the shoulder yesterday. She looked much better. I lifted the cover of Naruto's tent to let Temari in, and then closed it as I entered.
"Looks like the shy girl's keeping vigil." Temari noted as I saw Hinata sleeping, her head rested on Naruto like I saw her last night.
"Hey...hey Hinata." I said nudging her.
"Uhhnnnn...huh?" She asked. She must've been asleep for a while since she couldn't even recognize me at first. "Oh...hi Shikamaru. Who-who's the friend?"
"Oh this is Temari of the Sand nation. She's part of the Sand resistance movement."
"Oh hi there. Sorry I, um, didn't uh see you before. I was, um just very exhausted." She apologized to Temari.
Temari laughed. "It's ok Hinata. You were out cold when I showed up. I admire what you did back in the Cloud Village. That took guts."
Hinata blushed. "Oh well, um, thank you."
"How's the numbskull doing?" I asked.
"S-Still not much improvement I'm sorry." Her stutter was returning, which wasn't good. "I, I though I s-saw him move a b-bit but I wasn't sure." Her face looked sullen and worn, but had a hidden beauty to it, something few saw but once they did they appreciated it.
I breathed a heavy sigh. "That sucks about him. Why don't you go get some coffee or water or something Hinata. You look parched."
"Ok...maybe I'll, I'll g-grab a fresh blanket um, for Naruto while I'm at it."
"Good. He'll appreciate it."
She slowly got up, stretched, and stumbled over to the cover. Wow she really must've been sleeping for a while. The mental stress must really be getting to her, but then again if I was her, infatuated with this pinhead Naruto, I'd be like that too.
"So buddy," I said to Naruto, "still don't feel like getting up huh?"
All I got was silence.
"Ok I hope you can hear this...I really fucking hope you can. Who the fuck do you think you are doing this to all of us? Do you have any idea how much stress you put on me, Choji, your squad, and especially Hinata?"
Silence again.
"I know why you ran out like that. You wanted to be the hero and impress Sakura again didn't you? You really are an idiot Naruto Uzumaki. You have no idea how lucky you are. You have no idea how blessed you are that there is someone you barely acknowledge who thinks the world of you. You shoulda seen her carry your dumbass from being that carnage. She had the strength of Choji and the bravery of the captain and you'll never know will you? That girl Hinata loves you more than she does herself and her family and you waste your time on someone else. Choji and I tried pointing that out to you so many times, but you wouldn't listen. Now you're comatose and breaking Hinata's heart." I yelled to Naruto, taking a step closer towards his face.
"Shikamaru he's your friend!" Temari protested.
"Yeah Temari he is my friend and this is what friends do...at least me and my friends! This idiot risks life and limb for someone who doesn't love him back and for years that girl Hinata has carried herself to new heights for him, and all the while he's totally oblivious!" I turned to Naruto, "Yeah Naruto, I hope you wake up and I hope you find out the truth. I hope you remember what Hinata said to you last night. Maybe that concussion knocked some sense into your thick skull." I then turned back to Temari. "As his friend I have to tell him what he's doing and what the truth is, even if he might not hear it now, but I certainly pray to God he can."
Temari had no idea what to say. She thought of me as a lazy crybaby, and though I can be one, this time I broke out of that mold. "Shikamaru..." she muttered.
"I'm sorry." I said as I took in a deep breath. "I'm just angry over this. Maybe I need some fresh air as well."
We both stepped outside to clear our lungs. A nice breeze swept through which made the mood a little lighter as I felt cooler thanks to the wind. We spent close to a half-hour just sitting there, taking the scenery in. My heart and head still pounded with frustration and anger though.
"Man now I know why Sarutobi smokes." I said. "I feel like I need one. Once again I apologize over my outburst. I just needed to vent and who better than someone who probably can't hear me and won't hit back." My comment got a slight chuckle out of Temari.
"Hey Shikamaru! Where have ya been?" Choji burst in from left field.
"Hey big guy. In answer to your question I've had to drop off her brothers to their squads...kinda like an orientation type thing."
"Ah I see...trying to score some alone time huh?" He winked.
An open palm emerged, slapping him upside the head. It was Ino who had walked in as well. "My apologies Temari...these boys don't know when to quit." Choji rubbed the back of his head in pain, and I laughed.
"I can relate. I have two brothers."
"I'm Ino Yamanaka, the squad medic, and I'm glad to see another sniper in the squad. We need someone to take Shikamaru here down a notch."
"Hey!" I yelled.
"Ha it's ok. I could use some friendly competition anyway." Temari winked at me. "I was the best shot out of my family and my group of fighters. I'd like to see what the best shots the Leaf Army can offer."
"You'll find it in spades lady." Choji replied. "With Sure Shot Shikamaru here, you'll be lucky to pick off anything!"
"Oh Choji, you're making me blush." I joked.
"We'll see Shikamaru, we'll see." Temari said.
My jocular mood turned slightly serious. "Meh it's too bothersome to worry about that. I'm concerned with getting out in one piece. Kill count means nothing to me."
We went about talking for about another hour or so, the sun going down even further but with a faint trace of light. From the corner of my eye I noticed Hinata coming back with some supplies, including Naruto's blanket. She was about sixty meters from the tent when suddenly I saw someone shove himself into her, knocking all her things down. It was Neji again. Our talking quickly stopped as we turned to see him and Hinata.
"What are you doing Hinata? Stop being so clumsy!" He barked.
"S-sorry Neji. I-I-I'll be more careful." She stuttered as she tried to pick up all her stuff. As she reached for the blanket, Neji kicked it a little farther.
"Oh I'm sorry, was this for that moron still knocked out? Honestly, I don't see what your deal is with that loser. I guess losers flock together like birds of a feather."
Hinata tried to move her lips but couldn't. I wanted to do something but didn't know what.
"Oh I forgot you're head over heels for that idiot. You know you really are pathetic. And what's the matter with you?" He yelled as he hoisted Hinata up and got in her face. "You ran off to save Naruto the clown and you nearly died. Wow you're stupid and pathetic. You shoulda died in the church. I ought to give Kiba and Shino a pounding for helping someone the likes of you."
"Don't...d-don't you say that about N-Naruto. He's n-not like that." She said, anger slowly building up.
"Oh you don't want me to say that?" He then shoved her. "You don't want me to insult Naruto? Why not huh? Why are you so steadfast to that kid? Tell me! Tell me!" He yelled getting in Hinata's face.
"BECAUSE I LOVE HIM!" She screamed so loud half the camp could hear, tears beginning to roll down her face. "Th-there are y-you happy now Neji?!? I love him with all my heart and I would die for him like I almost did back there, which is more than I can ever say about you!"
"What was that you little whore?" He flared with anger as he grabbed her collar.
"Stop it right now Neji!" I yelled. "You want trouble you're gonna find it!"
"Fuck you, you lazy piece of shit. This has nothing to do with you!" He replied.
"Neji, you're a horrible person!" Ino yelled.
"Shut up bimbo! Now I wanna hear what she said!" He yelled as he turned to Hinata.
"Y-you heard me...you've never treated nice and always put me down. Naruto did the opposite. He gave me hope and strength. Where you and the family failed he succeeded, and that's why I love him. Y-you N-Neji, you're a terrible human being, always condescending, you're the one that's hurting, not me. You're so mean...if you died no one would care, not even myself!"
That was the last straw for him as he slapped her and knocked her to the ground. "You little bitch! I'll kill you!"
"Choji!" I said.
"Let's do this..." He answered as we made our way to kick Neji's ass. "Come on you little shit...you wanna hit your own cousin...your own family?"
"Bring it on fat boy! I'll take you both down!" He sneered and he turned to face us. Soon a crowd was emerging around to watch the oncoming fight. As we charged towards him, suddenly an object flashed from the corner of my right eye and hit Neji square in the forehead.
"What the fuck? Who did that? WHO??" He screamed as he clasped his forehead in pain. From the looks of it a rock the size of a golf ball hit him.
"I DID!" A voice emerged from behind us. We stopped our charge and turned, our faced both aghast. Temari and Ino also turned and immediately frozen with surprise.
"No way..." I said.
"Holy shit..." Ino muttered.
It was Naruto, fucking Naruto Uzumaki. He was up all right, but looking like he just slept for six months. He rested against one of the tent poles, clutching another rock. "You wanna try hitting," he breathed heavily, "you wanna try hitting Hinata like that again?"
"You little snake!" Neji barked. "That really fucking hurt!"
"I, I hope it did Neji. Come on...you wanna fight someone your own size?" Naruto replied, walking slowly towards Neji while challenging him, something which Choji and I grimaced at.
"HA! Look at you! You look like you can barely swing a punch. You're pathetic!" He laughed as he turned to Hinata and kicked her down again, Hinata getting the wind knocked out of her.
Despite being bandaged up and woozy, seeing that must've blown a fuse in Naruto's brain, because at that moment, his eyes flared with hatred Choji and I have never seen. Suddenly he rushed past the both of us, his body obviously in great pain, as he blindsided Neji, bringing him to the ground. Naruto was immediately on top of him, slugging away at Neji. The blows were hard and one struck Neji in the eye.
"Don't you touch her! DON'T YOU EVER TOUCH HINATA LIKE THAT!!!" He screamed as he grabbed Neji by the neck and slammed his head on the dirt. Neji swung a right hook and knocked him off. We felt the urge to help, but somehow we knew that this was Naruto's fight, that this was for Hinata and only he could win it.
Neji landed a jab and then kicked Naruto's legs out from under him. Soon Neji was on top. "You fucker, I'll murder you!" Then he started wailing on Naruto, who was doing his best to dodge the blows. Neji had the advantage of being fully fit so Naruto had to act quickly to gain the upper hand again. "Given up yet twerp?" Neji asked while continuing to punch.
"NO!" He replied as he drove his fists into Neji's sides. A sharp cry of pain erupted from Neji who became even more furious, trying to choke Naruto. Hinata suddenly gathered her strength and attempted to shove Neji off Naruto.
"Get off of him!" She yelled as she was able to knock Neji off balance, giving Naruto the leg room to grab Neji's face and slam it down on the grass before he could strike Hinata. We could tell Naruto was already half-awake by his eyes, but the fight was still in him. He pinned Neji to the ground and held his arms as he lunged and head butted Neji. A gasp came from the crowd. Both were already bloodied and bruised, but Naruto wanted to return all the pain Neji had given to Hinata. Naruto was merciless, punching Neji everywhere from the sides to the gut to the throat, then choking him, not even caring if he killed him. Rage took over his emotions. "Don't ever...ever hurt Hinata again! Don't you touch her! I'll fucking kill you if you do!"
The crowd roared in excitement. Tenten tried to rush in and stop it but was stopped by Kiba. The animosity between Neji and Naruto/Hinata had already permeated into their friends. The two glared at each other while trading insults. It was looking like another fight was gonna erupt.
"OK THAT'S IT! THAT'S ENOUGH!" A loud roar came outside of the crowd. To our surprise it was Lee since we were expecting Sergeant Yamato. "What in the world is going on here?!?" He demanded as he strode through the crowd and tore Neji and Naruto off each other, Yamato following behind the LT. Neji was restrained by Sergeant Morino while Naruto was being held by Kiba and Hinata. Choji, Temari, and I rushed to Naruto's aid. "Can someone tell me?"
"Sir," Shino stepped forward. "It was a fight sir."
"Well no shit corporal. Can someone explain why this happened?"
"Well sir," Shino added.
"No corporal, you can't explain why, because there's no fucking excuse! Corporal Hyuga, Private Uzumaki, can you explain why you decided to make a mockery of our esprit de corps and fight like children?"
"He attacked me sir!" Neji complained.
"Sir..." Naruto gasped, desperate for a modicum of rest. "He was hurting Hinata. I won't let him hurt her."
"Naruto..." Hinata muttered.
"Corporal Hyuga is this true?" Lee asked.
All Neji could do is just look at Lee like a deer in headlights. He didn't know what to say. His abuse had caught up with him.
"I want to see you in one hour and if you're one second later I'll make sure it won't be the Soundies that'll be the death of you. Do you get me?"
"Yes sir."
"Private Uzumaki, I appreciate your chivalry but there is no excuse for fighting like that. And the rest of you, if something like this breaks out again you get the squad leaders. Standing here like a mob over a boxing ring is inexcusable for soldiers of the Leaf Army! You're all fucking lucky Captain Hatake isn't here right now! Get out of my sight now!" And with that last statement, everyone scrammed. He turned to Yamato and walked off, leaving Choji, Kiba, Temari, Ino, Hinata, Naruto, and I.
"Jesus Christ Naruto...you certainly know how to make a comeback appearance!" Kiba said.
He grinned. "Sorry to," he stopped as he coughed up a little blood, "sorry to keep you waiting like that. Got a little encouragement from Shikamaru."
I turned red for a second, almost embarrassed that my tirade on him was actually absorbed into his head.
"That was noble of you fighting that creep like that kid. Even I'm impressed." Temari added.
"Hinata..." He softly whispered.
"Y-yes, N-n-Naruto?" She replied.
"I...I...I heard what you said. I heard what you thought...every...single...word. I never knew...you thought...that way. I'm sorry."
"N-no it's ok Naruto. I'm sorry for making you do this."
"No, someone had to...teach that Neji bastard...a lesson. I was told you saved me from the Soundies...that you...that you carried me to safety, all because you love me. Hinata..." He said as he was getting choked up, the tears mixing with the drying blood on his face.
"Yes Naruto?" Hinata's lips began to quiver as joy but also fear forced tears from her eyes once more.
"I...I...love...I love...you...t..." He barely uttered before he faded out again.
"Naruto? Naruto!" Hinata said, shaking him, trying to get an answer out.
"Shit...he's out again!" Choji exclaimed.
"Get him back in the tent! He's almost completely drained of energy and damn it he's lost some blood too. We gotta get him back before he fades out even more." Ino yelled.
With that we all helped him however we could back into the tent. We laid him on the cot again and cleaned his cuts and Ino hooked an IV with blood. We could only hope he could hold on. As we tended to him, all we could do is wait for him to get up again. Pray he does...
