-
Shikamaru's plan to disguise himself as Jiroubou failed. Neji fought against the webbing that incased him in a cocoon. He could hear what was happening outside. He didn't like what he heard, either. It sounded like the spider guy was playing target practice with Naruto. He needed to get out – and soon. Neji activated his Byakugan. The entire webbing turned out to be made completely out of chakra. He closed his eyes and activated his jyuuken. He broke the webbing and hid nearby. He found Naruto Shadow Clones sitting on a spider web while the real Naruto stood on a branch of the Sound ninja, waiting to strike. Neji crouched down and waited. He had a bad feeling about this.
The last shadow clone was destroyed and Naruto came crashing down on Kidoumaru. His attack failed. Neji jumped out from his hiding place, caught Naruto, and landed where Kiba and Shikamaru were.
"Th-thanks, Neji," Naruto said, his cheeks a slight pink.
Neji turned a bright red.
"What do we do now?" Kiba asked. "If we stay here and fight, they're going to get away with Sasuke."
"But we can't just turn around and pretend we never ran into this guy. He'd follow us," Shikamaru added.
"You guys go ahead, I'll deal with him," Neji said as Kidoumaru readied another web trap.
"But, what about you?" Naruto asked.
"Naruto, you have better eyes than me. You're needed with Kiba and Shikamaru. I'll catch up. Hurry!" Neji replied, his hands glowing blue as Kidoumaru spit web at them.
Kiba, Shikamaru, and Naruto leaped away and followed Tayuya and Sakon. Naruto looked back; Neji saw it. The blond looked worried. Neji hoped he was right about the meeting back up with them part.
-
Neji leaned against the tree, panting. His body ached. He retched blood. He was in trouble, if not definitely dead. There was no way he could beat this guy. There just wasn't. Kidoumaru's voice echoed in his head.
"Trash characters like you always end up losing!"
Suddenly, Naruto's voice echoed louder.
"Quit assuming stuff about people! We'll never know unless we try!"
Neji gasped as more blood escaped through his mouth.
"When I become Hokage, I will change the Hyuuga clan!"
Naruto . . . cute little Naruto . . . .
Determination returned to Neji's eyes. He couldn't dodge the arrow any longer. But he had an idea.
-
Kidoumaru fell to the ground. Neji stumbled slightly as he slowed down. Not good, Neji thought. Kidoumaru's monster appearance subsided, as did the markings of the curse seal.
"Why have you gone so far? You're going to die, anyway," Kidoumaru said.
"I have a reason not to lose," Neji replied faintly; an image of Naruto intruded into his thoughts. He didn't bother to rid himself of it.
Kidoumaru smirked, despite the blood protruding from his mouth.
"It doesn't matter. Sasuke-sama is Orochimaru-sama's now. There's nothing you and your comrades can do."
"Yes there is. There's one person who can save Sasuke."
"Whoever he is, he can't – ."
"He will! He will because - ," Neji coughed more blood and collapsed to the ground. Kidoumaru chuckled, then spewed out blood of his own. "Naruto . . . Naruto will because he . . . he saved me from the darkness. He can save Sasuke, and he will."
Neji wasn't sure if Kidoumaru was still alive to hear him. The Hyuuga tried to get up, but he couldn't manage it. I'm too weak, Neji thought, I'm sorry. You three will have to go on without me.
And Naruto . . . I think I love you.
-
Red Roses2: Short and maybe a bit crappy. Tell me what you think and if you have any suggestions, style-wise, I'll be happy to consider them. Review, please! I'll give everyone who reviews a cookie!