Chapter 14: End of Part I
Standard Disclaimer Apply
A/N: I noticed the link to Hinata's kimono doesn't seem to work…
Here you go:
http/img208.imageshack.us/img208/6318/hinatakimono0id.jpg
DUM DUM DUM….!
The winner is of course, the main character, NARUTO! Who could beat him in RAMEN-eating contest! Naruto has commenced training in eating ramen since he's old enough to chew solid food! Sooo.. there you go!
Although the leaf ninjas were enjoying their stay in Hidden Sand, they have to bid farewell to their allied friends on the first blush of the third day.
They gathered at the high stonewalls, outside.
What followed afterwards was a gentle hand shake which symbolizes the seal between two countries and a mutual understanding between two friends; one, a future leader and the other, already a notable Godaime. The brotherly hand shake lingered for a while, before both boys cast a smile at each other.
A cloud of dust rose as the group set off home
Naruto kept asking Hinata to recount the scene when Itachi was defeated by pee on the way home. He could never get tired to hearing Hinata illustrating the scene over and over again. And every time, he would double over and laugh.
Hinata was rather please of her ability to make Naruto laugh. And so, she superimposed her own interpretation when she retold the story.
The others were grimacing as Naruto asked Hinata for the 24th time.
Sasaki's blood was boiling. He was going to explode any moment!
27… Three more to go until it reaches 30, Sasaki thought bitterly. He clenched his fist and a thick vein showed on his temple. He was grinding his teeth at the 28th recount. He kept telling himself to focus on Hinata's sweet, melodious voice. However, when they reached the 29th, Sasaki was beyond rage.
He was peeved!
"STOP TALKI---" The whole group stopped on their tracks.
"Ah. Sasaki's right. It's time for us to part," Sanate said sweetly.
Sasaki's threat hung in the air, unfinished and quickly forgotten. Sajou, being the taller one slapped Sasaki on the head and said, "Sasaki is anxious to go home."
"I wasn't even---" But, Sasaki shut up when Hinata enveloped him and Sajou in a tight hug.
There were hugs, handshakes and gratitude shown. At departure point, it was where pain of separation was felt the most.
A water garden lay right below Hanabi's window. The tranquil sounds of flowing water and the abundance of fragrant flowers lined up. It was calm, fulfilling and also attracting an abundance of wildlife. Hanabi had requested the garden to be landscaped just by her window and also large enough to share with Hinata. The garden was also placed just beyond her window.
The construction had begun after Hinata left and completed just in time when Hinata dropped by to visit after 7 months under the tutelage of Sanate. Just in time for her birthday.
Hanabi smiled as she remembered clearly Hinata's reaction. Interestingly, a wide smile had taken Hanabi aback. She was so sued to her sweet, small, thoughtful smile.
Hanabi noticed a slight change in Hinata's smile. Her smile depicted less subtlety and it had highlighted her expressive eyes; the rare twinkle that wrung Hanabi's heart as she remembered how her fate might turn out.
The Cursed Seal was 2 weeks away. Father had made his choice, but Hinata's return made all the difference. Hinata had argued passionately on Hanabi's behalf, according to Neji, who dully re-enacted the scene (He has no skill in story-telling). Hanabi noticed somehow Hinata's argument had struck a strange cord to his moods.
She could see he was hiding his true emotions, suppressing his feelings so as not to show on his features, but behind his eyes hid distemper and wounded pride. Hanabi knew and did not questioned him further, too overwhelmed by feelings.
Hinata had stood on her side. Always.
Hanabi never did receive her Cursed Seal and she proudly showed off her clear forehead, the mark of her sister's victory.
Hanabi sighed at the memory while hoisting herself up to sit on the windowsill. At a distance, her eyes picked up numerous figures. Without the Byakugan activated, Hanabi knew it was Hinata.
And then, she heard a bark, laughter and galloping.
Hinata was home, and very soon, Hanabi raced to the doorway to receive the welcoming presence of sister and friends.
finite
A/N:
What was Neji's fury all about?
Find out in the sequel of SoulSearching.
(Boy, I like this advertising gig. )