Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. It is the property of Masashi Kishimoto, and as such not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.
Shadows of a Nightmare Future - Chapter 10
Gritting my teeth in exertion as my trusty trench knife catches the heavy blow of the axe like appendage; my arm shakes as I struggle to maintain the status quo."Why couldn't I get another small one?" I bemoan with an irritable scowl as I watch my arms inevitable decline under the monstrous strength of my assailant. "The beast-like ones are annoyingly fast, but at least I don't have to worry about being pulverized when they manage to get up close. What a drag."
The Jūbi`s clone`s were one of the many abilities that I found incredible troublesome with regards to the legendary beast. Not content to not only be a colossus capable of destroying entire divisions with a single shot of its `Tailed Beast Bomb`, it also had the ability to generate an army of clones. Thankfully they paled in comparison to the original, yet their sheer numbers, variety, and adaptability made them formidable foes all the same.
Take my opponent for example. Unlike the swifter beast or human like variants that I had handled earlier with greater ease, I was faced with a giant whose titanic arms dwarfs my entire body. What's worse is that like his smaller brethren the hulking brutes seem perfectly capable of conjuring a menagerie of weapons from its limbs with a troublesome degree of ease. Given that my area of expertise was most certainly not tests of strength or armed combat, I'm most displeased at having to continuously face such a foe.
"An irritating mismatch if ever there was one." I acknowledge with and edge of annoyance, peeved that the smaller ones were now giving me a wide birth after my swift and efficient dispatch of their predecessors. "Troublesome. I guess I'm a victim of my own success."I size up the monster before me, analysing how I might be able to take him down. "He's too strong to overpower but still fast enough to press the attack if i try to withdraw. It's a drag but I guess I have to go on the attack before my arm gives out."
Feeling my arm begin to do just that, I attempt to gut my towering assailant with one of the nearby kunai that litters the ground. To my vexation my opponent chooses that moment to intensify the pressure being exerted on my occupied arm, sending me off balance and knocking my aim off by a few crucial centimetres. The troublesome result being that instead of inflicting a deadly wound, I only manage to draw a slim cut across its stomach.
"Damn it, I might as well have given him a paper cut." I grind out in frustration as the foul beast lets out an enraged howl before its other hand morphs into a fierce morning star and plunges towards my exposed head. "Time to move."
Knowing that I would not be able to counter in time, I scan my surrounding and seal the fate of a nearby boulder with a timely substitution. Smashing into a million pieces under the powerful downward swipe of the monstrous entity, the unfortunate rock ceases to be. Shaking its head around in confusion, the Jūbi clone spots me far quicker than I hope and transforms both arms into two large serrated blades.
Realising in that that I'm running lower on Chakra that I really want to be, I ask with a sarcastic drawl, "I don't suppose you`d be interested in taking a Time-out?"
Letting out enraged bellow as way of reply, it charges towards me in a berserk frenzy. "I guess that was wishful thinking on my part." I concede with a resigned shrug as my hands flash through the familiar signs of my clans' signature `Shadow Stitching Jutsu`. However before I complete the sequence I stop mid-cast as a stern command from Temari reaches my ears.
"Shikamaru get clear!" She declares with calm professionalism, only the barest hint of her true concern managing to sneak through the façade. Not having to be told twice I jump backwards from my foe as a powerful blast of wind sails past me and envelops the infuriated creature. Flung into the air, the monster has only a moment to let out one last roar of frustrated anger before it is shredded to pieces by Temari`s deadly gale.
With the immediate danger passed I pop a soldier pill into my mouth and let out a relieved sigh as I feel my chakra reserves begin to replenish themselves. Turning my attention to Temari, whose visage was currently going through a series of conflicting emotion, I send her a grateful nod knowing the likely reason. "She's probable wondering if she should call me an idiot, acknowledge her relief, or brush it off as nothing." I ponder sagely, as her features seem to settle on the `brush it off` option. "I guess she's having as troublesome time as I am with how to treat each other now."
"Its fine." She begins curtly, her face blank as a mixed band of Shinobi run past to plug the gap, "We better get back to Yamanaka to get our defensive lines in order again." Temari concludes with a degree of weariness seeping through as she motions me to follow. "Come on."
Sighing wearily as I move to follow, I curse my in ability to support Temari in the way I wished. Truly, this was only the latest in a long line of defensive breaches that had taken its toll on everyone including Temari . What's worse is that the Jūbi`s clones had managed to force their way through to my position on multiple occasion. As such I had no choice but to engage them, hampering our divisions command communication and noticeable distressing Temari.
Naturally, it was something that I felt as keenly for her when a clone got closer to Temari than I would like. Sadly we had agreed to remain focused for the sake of our plan so I had no choice but to suppress my true desires and follow behind in her wake.
"Not that I have any right to complain when so much had gone right outside of that." I concede sanguinely as I catch up to Temari, having been almost shocked by how well things had gone compared to the last time, "Then again when you had a rough idea what was going to happen I suppose I really shouldn't be surprised. Sometimes you just have to count your blessing I guess"
The battle started about as well as I could realistically hope for as it happens. My father's stratagem was implemented immediately, with the various Shinobi concentrating on restraining, diverting, or simple hindering the legendary Jūbi by any means they could rather than directly assaulting it. Like before the Nara, Akimichi and Yamanaka clans excelled in this role. The Nara and Akimichi restraining the beast while the Yamanaka invaded Obito`s mind to distract him for the crucial seconds needed to avoid or re-direct the deadly `Tailed Beast Bomb`.
That's not to say the other Shinobi of the alliance were not equally effective in their own ways. The mist and Iwa Shinobi for example were able to disrupt the Jūbi`s footing, with a sudden bog or chasm respectively, appearing beneath its feet. Meanwhile the forces of Suna and Kumo were adept at blinding the beast and its master with a plethora of elemental storms.
Most significant to our success however, is that headquarters was coordinating the battlefield the entire time. Indeed, unlike in my past the burden of overall command was largely taken up by seasoned strategist like my father in headquarters rather than my exhausted self. To my further relief, Naruto`s clones had also managed to ferret out all the lurking Zetzu infiltrators within our forces meaning our headquarters new location remained safe. In fact so effective was Naruto`s sweep that Obito is unaware we had relocated at all.
At least that is what Ino jubilantly reported upon invading Obito`s mind after the Jūbi had pointlessly fired its apocalyptic `Tailed Beast Bomb` at headquarters old location. Apparently he was rather infuriated by our forces continued cohesion despite his belief that he had dealt a crippling blow. Regardless, all this combined prevented both a break down in overall command and moral which naturally prevented the catastrophic losses we suffered last time.
"And as an added bonus my suggestion to allow chakra depleted Shinobi to withdraw and recuperate was able to be implemented." I muse in satisfaction, thankful that our forces should be able to hold out longer than in my past if things should take longer.
Sadly the screaming form of an armless Kiri Kunoichi being stretchered past me and away from the battlefield was a grim reminder that no battle came without casualties. Indeed, despite our losses being but a fraction compared to my recollections of the past, the fact remained that many Shinobi had already perished or been severely injured this day.
Unfortunately, despite our forces forewarnings, the initial shock of seeing the Jūbi in all its terrifying glory rendered many Shinobi petrified in fearful awe. As such, we suffered an initial wave of casualties as many were simply too astonished by the titanic creature to head orders to avoid its opening salvo's.
"Not that I can really blame them."I concede grimy as we move through our lines, remembering how close I came to being rendered cationic upon first seeing the legendary creature. "As troublesome as it is, I almost found myself falling into that mental trap again when we reached the battlefield."
Honestly, anyone who said that the mere sight of the horrifying creature was not a blood-curdling affair would be committing a grave lie. The behemoth, with its sinister cycloptic crimson eye, ten budding tails and cavernous mouth filled with shark like rows of razor sharp teeth was truly horrifying. Yet what disturbs me most is its otherworldly quality afforded by its dark plant like veins that snake across its brownish skin. Combined with its long arms that dragged its legless body, topped with a shell like protrusion from its back, the beast was just so…...unnatural.
"Still my new command structure protocol and headquarters survival has helped prevent the complete chaotic breakdown of my past at least." I acknowledge with a sliver of pride before the sombre reality of the loses that still occurred re-asserts itself. Unfortunately once Obito realised that his machinations against out headquarters had failed, he stepped up the fierceness of the Jūbi clones assaults.
Combined with the unpredictable collateral of the `Tailed Beast Bomb`, as well as the regrettable moments when a blast broke through, large gaps in our defences began to form. As such despite my attempts to avoid direct confrontation I found myself forced to fight regularly as my position was assailed. Besides hampering communication along with the extra stress incurred both professionally and emotional, it also served to work against my plans.
It's unfortunate, but if I'm to pull off my stratagem I need to conserve as much chakra as I can given the danger of over using soldier pills. What's more the bitter truth of the situation is that if I die in some needless encounter the odds of stopping Sasuke drop dramatically. Still it doesn't change the fact that the group that just past me were only the latest in a long line to give their lives while I retreated to relative safety.
Naturally, it would be considered foolish for a commander to risk themselves recklessly under normal circumstances. However, these were dire times and given the actions of my peers I must appear craven as well as uncaring by some. Yet, regardless of how my actions left a bad taste in my mouth I know that it a necessity. "If people call me a coward then so be it." I affirm with steely resolve, resigned to what needed to be done, "A lose of reputation will be a small price to pay if I can prevent the nightmare that Sasuke inflicted upon the world."
Having rendezvoused with Ino, I'm relieved to see that she remaines unharmed since our latest separation. Still I can't help let out a frustrated groan as she wastes no time in running a glowing green hand over me after I re-established communication lines.
"I told you I'm fine Ino." I grind out irritable, annoyed how every medical Shinobi i meet seems to assume I'm as lying. Trying to infuse my voice with as much disappointment as I can muster, I press, "Don't you trust me?"
"No." she responds brusquely without a moment's thought, her brow rising in mock disbelief, "I can't believe you even had to ask." Blowing a stray lock of blonde hair away from her eye as she bends down to scan my legs she continues jovially, "Seriously though, given your history can you really blame me?"
"Great she must be channelling the future Hinata or something." I mentally groan, exasperated by the knowledge that I had no adequate response and more importantly much like Hinata, Ino would not budge on the matter. Looking to Temari for support, hoping that she would back me up given what a waste of time it is, I'm met with an impish smile instead.
"Well it only makes sense given your strategic value and your penchant for deceit in this matter." She responds with a mild shrug, making no attempt to conceal her obvious enjoyment as I fidget irritable under Ino`s waving hands. A part of me wants to bite back at their levity given the situation and in Temari`s case what we still needed to face. Yet, due to my years of constant fighting against Sasuke I realised that people responded to stress in different ways.
"Better to inject a little light heartiness when you could rather than mire yourself in gloom until you snap." I grant begrudgingly, knowing all too well the grim result of the latter approach. Unbidden the image of how I fell apart after Temari was taken from me tries to swallow my thoughts again before I suppress it savagely. The task a little easier than last time as my breathing exercises seem to have an positive effect again. "I know firsthand how damaging that can be so I really don't need another troublesome trip down memory lane when were in a middle of a warzone. I really need to stay on my guard for that, though at least it wasn't as hard to keep in check this time."
Letting out a final calming breath as my mind centres itself once more, I catch Temari`s eyes darting to the area Ino had paused at due to a bruise. One that must have occurred during my fight and not noticed causing a guilt filled realisation to dawn on me. "Her words were not as jovial as she made it seem." I mull over, regretting my stubbornness, "She's probable worried that I might have been concealing an injury."
Releasing the tension from my body I let out a grumbling yet resigned "Troublesome" and let Ino continue her scan unmolested. The brief flash of relief upon Temari`s face at my acceptance proving to be all the motivation I needed to endure the procedure. Thankfully not a moment later Ino stands up from her kneeling position and declared cheerfully, "Apart from a few minor bruises you're perfectly fine."
"Good. Now can…."
"INCOMING!" Comes the urgent shout of one of the divisional guards, stopping me mid sentence as I follow his pointing and trembling arm to the western horizon. My eyes widen in shock as I register the terrifying sight of a monstrous boulder hurtling close to our position, the unexpected collateral of a misfired `Tailed Beast Bomb`.
Before I have chance to react a large rock wall forms around us, shielding those in the immediate vicinity from the resulting cataclysmic shock wave. Bursting under the tremendous strain our haven shatters showering the area with bone crushing collateral, a shard striking my leg with a horrifying crunching sound. Letting out a hiss of pain, I tumble to the ground as an agonising pain shoots through my likely broken limb.
Fighting against the waves of agony, I rack my brain for the medical Jutsu Ino taught me to numb the pain. Biting my lip to stop my trembling hands, I run my hands through the signs and hover my glowing hand over the inflamed appendage. "Thank Kami." I gasp out as floods of comforting waves sweep through my wounded appendage and the haze of pain begins to fade. Taking a moment to regain my bearing I look round to assess my surroundings. "Damn its worse that I thought."
The groans of the dead and dying is the first thing that assaults me before my eyes are able to take in the devastation wrought. Mangled corpses litters the area outside were the protective rock shield had formed; the body's inflicted with a host of vomit inducing injuries. Indeed, if not for the other horrors that have engraved themselves upon me I suspect my stomach contents would be staining the earth right now."Not the worse site I've seen but it's still up there." I acknowledge wearily, watching the medical core arrive to administer care to those who could still be saved. "I'm lucky to be alive at all right now given how few seem to have made it."
Indeed, I can tell by how many resigned shakes of the head that the medical team are giving that few in our area had survived the attack. The realisation sending a pang of guilt to shoot through me despite knowing full well that there was nothing I could have done. The chance that my changes to the timeline had caused people do die that hadn't done so the past always a possibility. However that feeling is soon replaced by a terrifying thought that pushes its way to the forefront of my mind.
"Temari! Ino!"I call fearfully, panic stricken by the possibility that I had lost them again as my head scans frantically around for any sign of them.
"Were fine Shikamaru."Comes the grunting voice of Temari, sending a titanic surge of relief throughout my being as I zero in on her location. Supporting a limping Ino, the Yamanaka having apparently suffered a leg injury as well, Temari reassures, "Ino`s sprained her ankle and my fan was pulverized, but thanks to Jirobo`s quick thinking we managed to avoid…." She trails of sombrely as she takes in the surrounding horrors with sad eyes while motioning to a Iwa nin a few metres away with her free hand.
With my fears laid to rest I force myself up onto my uninjured leg with a grimace and turn my attention to the Iwa-nin who had apparently saved our lives. Taking in his appearance, I absentmindedly recognise him as the Shinobi who I nearly crashed into at the supply base. "Thank you Jirobo."I begin sincerely, grateful beyond belief. Yet expressing the full magnitude of that feeling would be neither suitable nor professional given the circumstances so I say instead. "You're a credit to your Village."
"It was only my duty sir." Jirobo begins gruffly as he places a box of medical supplies down and heads towards us, a small twinge of red staining his cheeks , "I only wish I could have s….."
He can't finish his sentence. To my dismayed shock instead of words, a spluttering of blood is all that utters forth as I take in the organic spear tip that now protrudes from his chest. In an instant the light fades from his eyes before he crumples to the ground dead, my gaze now seeing the dread inducing sight.
Running toward us is a legion of Jūbi clones, armed with spear like bio-weapons that they were in the process of hurling towards our position. Recovering from my momentary shock at the unjust fate of Jirobo, I run my hands through the hand signs for the low level `Mud Wall Jutsu` Kitsuchi taught our forces in the last war.
"Please Kami, don't let my negligence with this Jutsu doom us all." I plead desperately to the ethereal, having not used the Jutsu in many years due to my lack of elemental affinity for it. Indeed, given how ineffectual it had proven against the Jūbi`s assaults I had opted to save our forces Chakra rather than repeat my strategy from the past. As such I hadn't even received a refresher in the proper hand signs, something that could end up killing us now that Temari`s fan is damaged.
"I don't even know if I can use the Jutsu at all, let alone create a defence substantial enough to adequately protect everyone." I admit ruefully while taking a furtive glance at the surrounding wounded and medical core that I was forsaking, "As much as I hate myself right now I have to safeguard the ones closest to me along with the future I wish to secure."
With my resolve confirmed I push my lamentation to the side, and concentrate on forming the sequence with as much calm as I can muster. Slamming my palm forcefully upon the ground, I declare with all the will generated from my desire to save the ones I love, "Earth-style Mud Wall!"
Letting out a relieved sigh as the protective earth wall rises before us successfully, I wait with baited breath for my handy work to be tested. Yet, instead of the expected sound of multiple thuds impacting with my hastily cast defence, I hear the proclaiming of a Jutsu who could only belong to one person.
"Protective Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!" Comes the unmistakable shout of the Hinata Hyuga, followed shortly after by the appearance of a multitude of her clan members who waste no time in darting forward. Peaking outside the barrier warily, I witness Hinata`s clans-men utilise their Gentle fist Taijutsu to decimate our assailants with a series of frighteningly fast precise lethal strikes. Before I can even begin to think of aiding our allies in their endeavour, the brief skirmish is brought to an end. The last Jūbi`s clones impressively explosive death coming courtesy of Hinata`s `Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists`.
Scanning the horizon I release a relieved sigh as I take note of the Jūbi`s new location. "Naruto and Killer B must have hit him pretty hard. Or perhaps the previous Kage have already appeared to lend a hand." I acknowledge absently, seeing that the beast's titanic form was now many miles away, "That means my timetable should still be running within acceptable parameters despite what's happened. I just wish the cost wasn't so high." Suppressing my regret over the lives lost, having accepted the necessity of it despite how bad a taste it leaves in my mouth, I watch the Hyuga form back up. "Hopefully we`ll be relatively safe for the moment so we can recover."
Indeed not a moment later I received confirmation from Ino that the Jūbi had been forced back by the arrival of Konoha`s past leaders. Furthermore, all units were to advance and assist as soon as they were able. Placing a small amount of pressure upon my injured leg, I grit my teeth as a sharp pain punishes me for the attempt.
"Looks like I won't be advancing any time soon." I realize grimly, as I rest my body against a nearby boulder, "Still giving the way things are progressing I might have had no choice anyway since the Kages arrival means the next condition in my plan will soon be met." I let out a resigned sigh. "As troublesome as it is myself and Temari will need to leave soon to begin preparations for what's to come."
With that in mind and despite my lingering hesitation over the matter, I order the survivors of our division merge with Hinata`s own and advance when ready without us. "I just hope the command system we put in place manages to hold up should the worst happen."I muse guiltily, fearing that I just facilitated the deaths of many who`s time should not have come yet before purging those hindering thoughts. The threat of getting lost in their murky depths rearing its ugly head again. "Naruto, why did you have make up such a troublesome method of time travel? Having to be on guard from my own thoughts and emotions is a real drag."
Letting out a few deep breaths, I turn my attention back to Hinata and realise with satisfaction that our position would indeed be well protected in the meantime. Disengaging the ethereally blue lion-like shroud from her arms, Hinata says an appreciative "Well done." to each clans-men before asking them to form defensive positions. Instantly and without question the Hyuga Shinobi move to fulfil their orders, covering the wounded and medical core from any further attack should it appear. With that done she turns to us and asks with evident concern, "Are you all ok?"
Much like every time previously since my journey to the past, I have an unbelievable urge to embrace my newly encountered friend like the long separated comrade she is. Honestly, upon entering the battlefield it took everything I had not to do just that when Naruto gave one of his patented brimming with hope and confidence pep talks.
"Especially given how much I owe your older self." I acknowledge, thinking not only of Naruto`s efforts to send me through time but also his support invaluable support at my darkest moment. Feeling that memory begin to heinously pull at my thoughts in response I quickly focus on a more recent joyful memory, the recollection saving me from its call.
"Seeing everyone alive and unburdened is something I was only able to dream about until now." I picture all my loved ones, Temari front and centre, drawing strength from the feelings of almost overwhelming bliss that arise as a result. Now un-tempered by the conflicting stress and guilt from my mission that the original encounters were marred by. "Honestly there isn't much that could beat this feeling. Seeing their faces for the first time again after so long is something I'll never forget."
A feeling of contentment settles in me. One that almost proves a double edged sword as my mind begins to lose itself to those soothing recollections. "What a drag" I lament irritably while shaking away those troublesome thoughts, annoyed that I apparently need to stay on guard for all emotional extremes, "I really wish I could revel in those thoughts, reveal all and rely upon you guys in the same way as I used to." My eyes close in concentration as I hold back my conflicting emotions, knowing that the mere thought was inviting disaster. "But things are troublesome enough as it is without involving anymore people and given my current issues I'm not sure I can handle a repeat of my confession to Temari. I can only hope you guys will give me a pass on this one as I try to keep my troublesome emotions and memories from getting out of hand."
Taking a few steadying breaths, I decide like before that I have no choice but to hold back my true feeling from the concerned Kuniochi. My fear being that my demeanour, or worse an exuberant fuelled confession, would prove to be a burden for them as much as myself. My reasoning being that whether they believed me or not, my revelations could prove a potentially dangerous distraction upon their minds during the dire battles to come.
However, like with Naruto my restraint is being tested to the limits as every fibre of my being screams for me to thank her for delivering me safely back through time. "The chance to save everyone….. to save Temari is something I can never pay back."I admit with unending gratitude, knowing how true that statement is. Still, with great effort I withhold the true greeting that I wished to convey, knowing that she like Naruto could ill afford the distraction, "Not mention my own troublesome problems at the moment. Trying to keep my cool around Temari is troublesome enough without adding fuel to the fire right now."
As my mind centres itself I open my eyes and absently note that in my ruminations I missed the start of the conversation between the three Kunoichi. With creeping guilt at having accidentally ignored our saviour I motion to thank her as well as the gathered clans-men. However, my attempt is stalled by a sharp elbow to my right side. Turning to the source of the said attack I flinch a little at the deathly stare being levelled at me the troublesome blondes.
"Well don't you have something to say to Hinata you rude idiot?" Ino demands crossly, Temari shaking her head in disappointed agreement. To her credit, and in a typically Hinata-ish attempt at keeping the peace, the bashful Hyuga was waving her hands in embarrassed denial.
"No, no its alright." She insists with rosy cheeks, likely aghast at the prospect of getting me into trouble with my disgruntled companions, "With everything that's been happening it's easy to become overwhelmed by it all."
Peeved that my inattention had created an uncomfortable situation for her, especially since I was mere moments from correcting that, I almost let out a frustrated curse upon yet another interruption. Landing before us is Neji Hyuga, along with more of his clans Shinobi, thwarting my attempt to make amends for the second time.
"You mustn't act so recklessly Lady Hinata." Neji admonishes, his tone composed and respectful but accompanied with an underlining exasperation, "What if the enemy numbers proved more than you and your squad could handle? You know how Lord Hiashi worries for you."
Looking mildly vexed by his question, Hinata replies with a frustrated sigh, "I know you are only trying to look out for me but I do not need to be babied." Sparing a moment to run her lavender eyes fondle over the Hyuga who accompanied her she scolds gentle, though maintaining the same level of respectful calm as Neji afforded Hinata, "And besides my squad is highly capable, at no time was I in any more danger than the countless others who are fighting out there." Her eyes flick briefly towards me, a look of guilt passing across her fair face before directing a pointed look to Neji, "And honestly given how much Shikamaru`s division has helped us today I could not sit idly by waiting for my shadow to catch up."
Looking slightly chastened, Neji recovers his resolve quickly and replies determinately, "Be that as it may…."
Realising that I wouldn't be getting a word in any time soon, I drown out the oddly reserved, self controlled bickering between them and share an amused smirk with Temari. "I'm surprised she managed to get away from him at all." I whisper conspiratorially to Temari, who props me up as Ino runs her `Mystical Palm Jutsu` over my afflicted leg, earning me a snicker from both women. Indeed the man seemed to have a near suicidal need to protect her. Something I later learned from Hinata to be rooted in his guilt over his earlier mistreatment over her and the clans fanatical sense of duty.
I admit I was never close to Neji. The simple reason being that we ran in different circles and his death prevented the deepening bonds among the so called `Konoha Eleven` in the war's aftermath. Yet, I respected him as a Shinobi and what's more I know how hard his death hit Hinata and his team-mates. In light of that along with the debt I owed Tenten I admit I tried to keep an extra eye on Neji upon entering the battlefield.
Thankfully the strategic advantages we gained and maintained through the warning I gave to my father had prevented the need for a repeat of Neji`s heroic sacrifice from my past. However to my growing ire, I kept catching sight of the branch Hyuga needlessly throwing himself in front of attacks aimed at Hinata or Naruto. The annoying thing being that few of these assaults would have posed genuine threats to them and indeed his interference was almost creating self fulfilling prophecies.
Still without the extra burden of executing my father's strategy by myself, I was able to coordinate effective support for them without compromising my own division's safety. I'm pulled away from my thoughts as the warm feeling of Ino`s `Mystical Palm Jutsu` recedes and I turn my attention to the likely troublesome prognosis.
"Well it's partially broken I'm afraid." Ino declares clinically, her words becoming tinted with resigned self-disappointment, "I did the best I could, but I'll have to brace the leg." Pausing she gives me a threatening look, likely believing that I would protest, "I'm sorry Shikamaru but with bad as the wound is I have to insist on you leaving with the rest of the wounded."
Thankfully I would be able to defy her expectation in this case and avoid another troublesome argument with the stubborn blonde. The fact being that although a broken leg would prove bothersome, if all went to plan I wouldn't need to fight any further. Indeed, it provided the perfect pretext for leaving the field with the rest of the wounded.
"Wounded who would need an escort." I contemplate with growing satisfaction as I eye Temari, the solution one of my problems making itself plain. The troublesome truth being that with my injury, Temari`s support was no longer added insurance but also a necessity.
With that in mind I reply with mock frustration, "Well as troublesome as it is I guess there's no use arguing." Seeing her questioning brow in response, I instil my next words with a slight haunted edge to them, "Besides the last thing I want to be is a liability. I couldn't live with myself if someone got hurt trying to protect me."
"Thank you Shika."She begins with a sad understanding smile before unsealing a wooden brace and bandages from a storage scroll, "I'll get that leg braced now so you can join the rest of the walking wounded ok."
With a thankful nod I wince slightly as she applies the brace and first layer of dressing. Hearing a small "Sorry." in response I ignore the pain and leave her to it before turning my attention to the still arguing, though noticeable less composed, Hyuga. Scratching my head in wonderment I ask Temari with a lazy wave of the hand to the pair, "Their still at it?"
"Yes I'm afraid so." She replies with a slight air of amusement before continuing despondently, "I tried to interrupt them but it this seems like a problem that's been boiling over for a while."
"I guess my support was a bit more noticeable that I meant for it to be." I venture guiltily, suspecting that my interference had proven the final breaking point for her regarding Neji`s over-protectiveness, "As troublesome as it will likely be, I might as well try to interrupt them before things drag on any further."
"Be my guest." She prompts with a motioning hand, her mocking tone making it clear that she thought I would have as much luck as she did.
Just as I'm about to make my attempt however, both Hyuga suddenly stop their verbal spar as their Byakugan springs to life and focus on a point behind us. Turning on instinct, I strain to make out the approaching figure who appears to be riding a large bird summons of some kind that had garnered the Hyuga`s attention. As the rider closes the distance, I make out that the figure has dark hair and sported a black travelling cloak with a grey high-collared shirt underneath.
My heart stops as I realize with cold clarity the identity of the interloper. Currently passing over head is a man I despised like no other, the man whose ambition robed me and countless others of so much. A man whose dream of peace would one day plunge the world into an unending nightmare and who I came to kill.
"Sasuke…."