Well there's not much to say in this Authors note, so I will be brief. I hate writing fight scenes, so the one planned for this chapter was ommitted after the first attempt. However, this chapter is more serious, and a bit sad when compared the others. So if you dislike reading more serious chapters, I apologize. No worries though, chapter 10 will be the same as others.
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Her hands quietly turned the knobs of the shower off, sending the water to a halt in the pipes. Her eyes blinking automatically as she flicked her wet blonde hair, grasping the towel off the rack of the hotel bathroom. She stepped out and over the bathtub, onto the floor barefoot. Wrapping said towel along her body, carefully covering everything on her slender figure.
It wasn't too long before Temari stepped outside the bathroom holding her dirty clothes with her free hand, and quickly placing them where they belonged. Her eyes looking around the Konoha Hotel room she'd been stationed at for weeks. It had begun to grow a tad stale. She glanced at the mail from Suna atop the counter not too far from her, slowly grabbing it with her right hand.
Temari moved to the couch, taking a deep sigh to herself as she glanced oncemore. The window in the middle of the room, despite having the blinds closed, one could still catch glimpses of the moon rising into the sky. In an instant memories of home filled her mind. Gripping the firm piece of Suna stationary in her hand. It has been awhile since I went home, hasn't it? She asked rhetorically, hearing the lonely breeze of the hotel AC flow about. She put the piece of stationary down, looking around the room with a frown oncemore Before closing her eyes in thought... Perhaps it really is time I go?, Not like it would be a stretch for them or anything. Any idiot should be able to do this job when given directions. And they should be here in only a couple of days. She added, thinking of home.Besides, being the sister of the Kazekage, if she really wanted to go home... All she had to do was ask for it.
Her eyes opened, slowly, and almost randomly. Meeting the moon oncemore, however, this time she noticed the clouds that hovered by the moon. Were suprisingly numerous in number despite the absence of the sun..They drifted over the moon, slowly, freely and calmly. Each retaining it's own nonchalant way. Upon seeing this, Temari allowed a low grin to sit on the side of her lips, as if she was pleased. I suppose a few more days wouldn't hurt... Afterall it is alot of work.
Asuma and Chouji grappled from tree to tree. Trying to cross the distance between themselves and their teamates without any unesscary slowdowns. It was bad luck that the scouts had been incorrect in pointing out where the Rock duo would pop up. Not to mention they were responding to a signal that came from Shikamaru and Ino. If that wasn't bad enough, there was something else that bugged Asuma's largest pupil.
" We should be there soon..." he called out to him while taking a backward glance. Chouji's face was seemingly overwrought with worry. "What's wrong? It isn't like you to look so worried." Chouji wearily glanced at him before speaking. The frown still present on his face. "There's something that's making me get a really bad feeling... Although I hope I'm wrong."
Asuma looked at him wearily, remembering that Kurenai had told him before he had left this morning, that today would be a bad day. In just a few seconds his face too was riddled with both curiosity and worry. "It's not us though." Chouji said assuredly, "But moreso Ino and Shikamaru."
"I'm sure you know by now that he's only half as strong as he usually is when it's dark out. Seeing as there can't be shadows in the absence of light,so when the light is dim like this, his shadow maniuplations are weakened."
Asuma replied with a smile before hearing what else Chouji would have had to say "Yeah I know, but Shikamaru's one of the best strategist's around. He'll find a way to pull through. Besides, he's got Ino with him remember? Those two work great as a team."
Chouji shook his head, his frown becoming more serious. "That's just it. The problem isn't really Shikamaru, but Ino..."
"Ino?..." Asuma asked puzzedly, "What for? She's a fine ninja too."
"Yeah, she is. She's been working harder then ever to become equal to everyone else, especially him. I've tried my best to train with her as much as possible. But that doesn't change the fact that when he wants to be, Shikamaru is still way above the both of us. So a few months ago when the three of us had that escort mission. Despite that we all took care of our own business, Shikamaru was still the one who saved us with his plan."
He shrugged alittle. "Of course, that's how things always are. We eventually become useful when he makes up a plan, or a burden when he solves it on his own. He's a hero when we truly need him to be. Otherwise, he's just a lazy hedonistic kind of guy. and for me this is fine, But I know Ino want's more then that. She doesn't want to be a burden ever, but instead the one who is able to help him."
"You make it sound as if she's focusing on just him in general. Ino's always been like that ever since he became a Chuunin. What's wrong with her wanting to be a better Ninja?"
Chouji frowned stilly.Allowing his eyes to drift to the side before retuning to Asuma. "She'd kill me if I told you... But the other day when we talked about Shikamaru, I realised something big." He struggled alittle, still trying to keep his eyes from looking straight at Asuma. "And well... In truth. She feels different towards Shikamaru then she would me or you. You know?"
Asuma paused for a moment, replaying the words slowly in the back of his head. His eyes soon widened as years of wisdom began to fill in the blanks left in Chouji's statement. On impulse he slapped his forhead with his palm, slowly dragging it off his face in annoyance. "Ugh..." he replied annoyedly
"I see what you mean now. Why didn't you tell me something like this before!?"
Chouji looked as if he were about to apologize before cutting the words short before they reached his toungue. His eyebrow rose in curiosity after contemplating for just a second. "Wait... How does knowing about Ino's crush on Shikamaru have anything to do with us being paired up. I mean wouldn't it have something more to do with her being on a dangerous situation within reach of him?" Asuma paused for a moment, taking a second to realise that Chouji had no knowledge of the book nor the conversation between himself and Shikaku. He'd have to improvise. His selfish thoughts of watching the interaction between the too on hold...
"Well... knowing Ino's normal determination. She would rather give an arm then become worthless. She's the type of person who's stubborness is a blessing as much as it is a curse. Causing her to take things upon herself and try to change them. This situation's probably the latter, because even though Shikamaru's a brilliant strategist, he would never use a stragtegy that would or could put her in harms way. As lazy as he is, Shikamaru is like you said, a hero when he needs to be."
He scratched his chin. "If either of was in substantial danger, then odds are they would have tried to save eachother selflessly. Leaving one of three possible things to happen. Either he'll have saved her and got hurt. She'll have saved him and got hurt, or they both suceeded." he nodded looking back to Chouji. "No matter what it is, we really need to hurry." he said. Watching as he nodded in response.
They both sped up heading towards where the signal had come from, allowing a silence to overcome them both. Asuma sighing deeply to himself spoke. "Although this could just be a signal for the fact that they'd caught them."
Chouji nodded. "I really hope it is." Another odd pause between the two. Asuma allowing his mind to wander alittle too far again. "I thought she still had a thing for Sai" he asked quietly. Chouji nodded, "I thought the same thing at first too."
It wasn't too long before they had reached their destination under the guidance of the moon, and a few pieces of technologly. The scene was not one to brag about, as either of the rock Nin's were anywhere in sight. Immediately both Chouji and Asuma felt a tension flow around and about them. Almost being carried throughout the entire forest through the wind. It weight heavily on either of them. Causing their eyes to sink low when they caught glimpse of Ino kneeling on the ground.
She sat with her hands on the middle of his jacket. Held tightly against his ribcage. Her eyes puffy and watery, like she'd been crying and was still about too.. But a will like fire glowing in the middle of her eyes. Within a few steps it was painfully clear that Shikamaru was pretty badly injured. And her hands were trying there best to nurse him.
His shape was pretty horrible. It looked as if he'd been hit with a heavy object. Much like a rock or something. He was bleeding pretty bad, though from what either Chouji or Asuma could tell, it was not fatal. But serious nonetheless. As he glanced over, he could tell Chouji was ready to pounce forward, ready to spring at Ino and ask her several questions about the situation. Almost instinctively as they got closer, Asuma's arm rested in front of him holding him back, as well as keeping him quieted.
"Ino..." he asked softly. "What happened here?"
He too wanted to act like Chouji would have. But that would solve nothing. If they didn't stay calm and collected then they would more then likely cause needless concern and worry. Her voice trembled alittle, but she replied despite how shaky she sounded.
"I failed again... That's what happened."
"Shadow Neck Bind Technique... Successful."
He said with a grin. Holding the the smaller of the two rock village Chuunin in his trap. Using the brillaint combination of Kunai, Emergency lights, And both fake and real exploding tags. He had found a way to capture the first missing ninja. Though his shadows were weaker during the night time, had he gotten a chance to get in close enough for taijutsu, with the help of the smaller light, and clever planning he was still remarkable.
Shikamaru pulled out another emergency light placing it on the ground and looking at the ninja annoyedly. "Bastard..." she cursed at him. Trying to catch a glimpse at the powerful shadow that had gripped under her neck so easily. Holding her in place and ready to kill her at any moment. No matter how much she struggled, it was the same result.
Shikamaru turned to Ino and the large Genin not too far away. He had told her to try and evade his attacks until he took care of the Chuunin, though she'd been struck a few times. He didn't like thinking about it, though he knew she wasn't too badly hurt. It was dire that he took out the Chuunin first anyways.. Afterall if the leader is captured then those who served under him are more susceptable to be captured. Besides, the guy over there was simple minded, and his only real talent seemed to be throwing rocks and boulders at those who annoyed him. Displacing his chakra throughout the ground and his own muscle strength to rip up chunks of the earth. He grabbed another chunk of rock.
"Oi..."
He shouted sternly, "If you don't want your friend to die, then cut that out." he said to the other. Trying to keep his confidence apparent. Though Shikamaru had hated to admit it, this idea had one obvious disadvantage as long as he avoided killing the Chuunin. And if the Genin picked up on it he'd been in serious trouble Of course, there was an alternative to this weakness. But it involved having Ino trying a direct takedown of some sort.Which could've ended horribly because just looking at the physical strength needed to get the rock out the ground, it could rival that of Ino's punches. One false move against him and she'd get seriously injured. And that was a risk that he wasn't willing to take.
The genin stopped short... putting the boulder down by the ground raising his hands upward in defeat. "I understand..." he said without a second thought, not that he really thought too much to begin with. "We did it!" said Ino with a smile, raising her fist upward. Shikamaru sighed for a moment, glad that it was seemingly over. He glanced back at the infuriated Rock Chuunin. "Whether you like it or not, they're going to drag you back to the Hidden Rock. It's troublesome but these are one of the rules of becoming a shinobi." he said in his normal tone. His captive biting her lip out of anger.
"Baka!" she barked loudly. "What the hell do you think your doing, don't you realize that if he was going to kill me he would have." she shouted. The genin glanced back. Shikamaru's eyes widened as did Ino's in shock. The enraged woman continued. "Pick that rock up and throw it you dumbass! He can't move around as long as he's holding me captive."
"Shit..." he said, glancing over in shock as the rock was quickly grasped by the large genin. She'd seen through it afterall. Ino jumped into action slapping her hands together "I'll take care of it!" she shouted, forming her usual technique without a second thought. In less then a second, he watched her mind transfer technique flash, all before he could say anything to stop her. The large Genin quickly dodged out of the way, holding the rock in his hands with a angry look on his face. She'd missed her target.
The situation had turned from bad to worse, in almost no time flat. If Ino happens to miss on that technique then her mind can't move her body for a fixed amount of time. Though it wasn't minutes like it used to be, she'd still be unable to do anything but watch. Fuck... He cursed at himself, upset that he'd been put in such a situation. The Genin got ready to throw the rock at him, and at that moment everything seemed to pause.
If I let go of this Chuunin... Then no doubt she'll move to Ino, and kill her. Or, get to her and hold her captive...
She's banking on the thought that I'll save my own life and move, and when I do the technique will break the second she's free she'll use that chance to evade the rock and take control of the situation.
My Chakra isn't high enough to fight them both... And no matter how much I want too I won't be able to save Ino after a bit. Some way or another she'll get hurt even more if I try to defend myself or flee for that matter. However... There was a pause in his thoughts, thousands of impossible plans forming. Before he quickly glanced at Ino. I don't think this woman can withstand a hit from the rock... It's a foolhardly possibility for only the worse kind of sitaution. But if I get hurt, this woman will get hurt too... More then likely she'll order the big one to take her as far away as possible if the wound is serious enough. A few more thoughts passed into his head, those of the clouds, the book, his family, and other things and people he enjoyed dealing with sometimes. Of course in the very back there was both Temari, and Ino. He could hear what they would tell him already.
He heard the grunt of the Genin as he chucked the rock upward. It soaring through the air with a high velocity. It all boiled down to a split second decision for the lazy Nara. Either save his own skin and risk Ino getting killed in the process, or take the hit and risk dying himself... "The hell do you think your doing? Aren't you going to save youself?" she barked at him. Shikamaru glanced once at the woman, before sighing deeply to himself. "What kind of man would I be if I abandoned her like that?" His mind and lips said in agreeance as he grinned hopelessly. Closing his eyes shut to brace himself for impact as the Chuunin behind him screamed in fright..
The rock crashed both Shikamaru and the woman. Causing them both to skid violently in seperate directions on impact. It wasn't more then a second of the pain he felt in every corner in and joint of his body before he blacked out. Rolling across the ground and stopping at the center of the plain they'd been fighting on. His body rolliing around like a ragdoll.
Asuma crossed his arms.. staring at the way Shikamaru was laid out. Ino had definately taken alot of care not to injure him further. She'd even taken the eyepatch he had on before, placing it on the ground. Upon futher notice his black eye was healed up. "Where did they go Ino?" he asked quietly. She looked back him "The woman was damaged pretty badly. She ordered the big guy to pick her up and take her away. When I was able to move again, I moved to Shikamaru instead of the mission and treated his wounds the best I could." she paused for a moment, the look on her face was an anxious one though. It seemed as if she expected Asuma to scold her for choosing to help Shikamaru instead of defeating the rock ninja's instead. Medical ninja or not, she still was to have priorities.
"And... is there any mortal damage?" he asked very calmly. Speaking as if she'd done nothing wrong in her decision. Ino immediately jumped at this staement A few tears flowing down her face as she looked to Shikamaru again. "No... he has alot of broken ribs, but he'll live. But it will be awhile till he gets back to normal." she said quietly, a slight hint of gratitude and sadness in her tone. "Good... That's the most important thing." he replied.
This time, she looked back at him. "But It's my fault! If I hadn't have missed then he'd never have taken the hit to begin with. He wouldn't have been hurt!" Chouji moved closer to her, putting his hand on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. Asuma shook his head. "For all you know, you both would have died regarless of what happened."
She looked at him with a bit of hurt in her eyes. He took his arms away from one another, reaching into his weapon pouch and grasping a cigarette and a lighter. Lighting it ritualistically, he put the lighter back where it belongs before grasping both his trench knives. "If you still feel sorry for what happened, then make it up to him when he's recouperating. And next mission you two are on, just be more careful."
Ino looked back to Shikamaru, his eyes still closed. He slept with a more peaceful look on his face. Her eyes stayed focused on him as she nodded quietly in compliance. "I understand..." she said lowly. Asuma motioned to Chouji for him to move. "I'm going to alert ANBU of this position. When they arrive, go with them to the hospital. Chouji and I are going to follow after the Rock ninja's." He turned his back and prepared to leave. Taking a few steps away she heard a quiet and grateful "Yes, sir." Asuma couldn't help but keep a quiet smirk on his face as he moved away. Thinking about what happened as he took a drag of his cig.
I'm not supised you put yourslef in harms way, just goes to remind me just what kind of person you really are. First Temari, and now Ino is going to be chasing after you Shikamaru. Injured or not, that's pretty lucky. Of course, a lazy guy like you will probably always think your unluckly and curse and complain the whole way through. But one of these days when you truly grow up. Your going to see just what is in front of you. Hell you might even use that book your dad gave you.
There was a brief silence now,he sound of Asuma moving away was no more then a distant ringing. Chouji lifted his hand off Ino's shoulder knowing he had to follow after his sensei. She stopped him, by calling his name. Instinctively turning around, knowing better then to respond. She looked at him wearily for a long moment before speaking. "Why do you think he did something like this? I mean he could have dodged."
Chouji frowned, trying to look away for a second. Hoping that he wouldn't have to answer such a difficult question. "You know how Shikamaru can be. A lazy, and cowardly boy one moment. And then a man the next." He smiled alittle, it was the best he could do. "I know he could have dodged and tried to abandon you, but that's not something my friend would ever do." Ino and Chouji's eyes met one another in the moonlight. Quietly meeting his smile afterward before he slowly turned away and follwed after Asuma.
All alone, Ino sat next to Shikamaru. She'd done all she could to treat him at the moment, Her hands tired from constantly using medical ninjutsu. She allowed them to rest on him quietly. Wiping her eyes on her shoulders before trying her best to smirk.
If I'd have known something like this was going to happen. I really would have told you...
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There isn't much to I'm going to say about that
last chapter. The spelling and gramatically errors are moreso because of my lack of Microsoft Word, which I'm trying to adress. And I do still apologize for how sad and serious it was but I think it's understandable. As usual,
Chapter 10 will be up around next week or so.
