I don't own Naruto or get any profit from it.
Another chapter, a finished situation…isn't it great!! This is the chapter you've all have been waiting for!! I'll just say now there is an encounter between Ino and Neji!! Yays!! I'll tell you right now that I had fun writing this chapter and I hope you all enjoy and take pleasure in seeing how this couple shall progress from here on out!!
Enjoy this chapter and be aware that it is 'M' rated. Though there really isn't anything too 'M' rated in this one…Review once you're finished!! Hehehe…
P.S – I did not review over this for errors so if you see any…sorry I just wanted this out as soon as possible, but nothing should be too bad or horrible…hopefully T-T I will be so upset…
Everything you want
Chapter 14
Day 7: Mission Accomplished
Seichi Makisoma walked through the main entrance into the big ball room smirking all the while. Ino tried her best to not cringe at the thought of seducing such a man. The man had slicked back brown hair that shined in the light from the obvious gel he used to keep it pulled back. His eyes had a sinister feel to them, they were narrow and he had dark brown eyes so dark they seemed black almost. He also had a snake like grin on his face reminding Ino greatly of Orochimaru which was causing a shiver to go down her spine. The suit he wore could basically resemble a pimp's outfit. It was the color of maroon with brown mixing in with the collar flipped out making him look like a punk rather than a business man.
He stood out greatly among the others within the room.
Neji resisted the urge to narrow his own eyes at the creepy man as he made his way around smirking at women with a lustful gaze and making snappy comments towards a few men that seemed to be in his way. They really had this mission cut out for them. Though Seichi looked like an idiot (no doubt about that) his shoulders were hutched up and his eyes were completely narrowed as though he were searching for someone within the room.
Neji concluded that he was trying to weasel out some Shinobi; also he was keeping his guard up not letting people get too close to him as he moved like a snake through and around the crowding area. Ino lost her appetite rather quickly and was hoping that she wouldn't just let it all out right then and there. This guy was making her sick to her stomach, but they had to finish the mission regardless if she wanted to or not.
Turning around to look at her Neji could feel the sudden dread and tension in her body and could only guess why (which is rather easy really).
"Just say calm and try to not think about it. You do not have to do it right now but you should be prepared Miss Mori." Ino nodded hearing her codename for their mission. She needed to get her mind off of this mission for a second and so she walked smoothly passed Neji and towards the built in bar near the food tables. She got a simple alcoholic drink to help calm her.
Neji followed her with his eyes before turning and making his way back to his table. His eyes searched out Seichi once more and finding him at his own table with a few businessmen laughing away and a few women hanging off him as well. Neji withheld the roll of his eyes and took his seat and watching other people converse and dance around gracefully to the slow music surrounding the large room.
Ino took another deep sip of her drink and looked around trying to seem alluring to others.
As she was doing this Ino tried to think of a way to get Seichi's attention and make him come to her that way it wouldn't seem to strange for her to take a sudden interest in the man. She too could tell he was keeping his guard up while drinking some beer with the other men at his table. His eyes were constantly narrowed and glancing around the room as though expecting an attack out in the open. He knew his life was at danger.
This would probably make things harder on her part of the plan and maybe even worse for Neji's part if she wasn't able to distract him properly. There had to be a way to get him to look at her and want to get to know her.
Ino's eyes then traveled to the makeshift dance floor where a few couples were moving slowly around their partners.
That was it!
She could dance with another man to make him turn her way. Ino was already catching many eyes tonight so dancing with an equally eye catching man would definitely bring Seichi's sinister eyes upon them both. But the thing was she didn't want to dance with just anyone, really she didn't want to dance with any of the men here knowing they would try to get a feel of her butt or something.
Her blue eyes moved of their own accord towards Neji sitting there looking comfortable and looking around himself with his new brown eyes. Ino found she really missed his silver Hyuuga eyes more than his chocolate brown ones. He didn't seem all that special without them but he was still very good looking and eye catching too. A soft smile came to her lips at the thought.
Would Neji dance with her?
Ino knew they were not to be together too often through out the night as to not get people suspicious, but she would rather dance with him than anyone else. Her heart was even pounding loudly within her chest at the thought of being close to him once more after their kiss yesterday.
Having Neji so close to her holding her body, dancing gracefully through the crowds, feeling the muscles underneath his tux. A light flush came to her cheeks at the thought of it all. An adrenaline rush went through her body as she slowly made her way towards her target at the moment. Ino was going to ask him and she wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer either. She was Ino Yamanaka and she always gets what she wants and that was Neji Hyuuga at the moment…
Neji was busy watching people all around him. He would get up and talk to someone but he just didn't feel up to conversing with a bunch of upper class snobs. He had enough of those within the compound already. He knew he needed to blend in a bit more with Seichi looking around so often Neji was sure he would catch his attention quickly by not doing anything.
"How about a dance?" His head snapped up quickly looking right into the blue eyes of Ino who had a seductive smile on her lips. There was a sparkle in her eyes as she asked and Neji wasn't sure if he should respond or not.
"What makes you think your offer is more tempting than the other women in this room?" He shot back quickly remembering exactly what she had said to him. Ino tried her best to control her anger but his damn teasing was getting really under her skin. Even now during a mission of great importance and Mr. Smooth Neji Hyuuga is teasing and taunting her with her own words.
A thought came to her mind quickly though.
"Because I'm the only woman here that interests you…" Ino left it at that and turned to head to the dance floor knowing oddly enough that he would follow.
Neji was a bit dumbfounded when she replied back. He had not expected that answer, not at all. It annoyed him to death really too, he thought while standing up.
Because he knew that it was true…
Ino came to the dance floor swaying her hips side to side as if testing out her movements to the music. Her mind briefly brought up the fact that she wasn't exactly an expert on ball room dancing, no where near. But she had Neji here, and she was certain he would know how to dance and wasn't it the men that lead?
A hand dropped to the small of her back making her gasp lightly and another grabbing her left hand to spin her around. She turned to face Neji who was looking down at her admiring the dress no doubt.
"I…I don't know how to ball room dance so…" Ino hated to admit this especially to Neji of all people, but it was better he knew in the beginning rather than learn later by making complete fools of themselves. He blinked a bit surprised before leaning down and breathing into her ear.
"Good thing I'm leading then." He brought his body back up abruptly. Ino's heart raced in her chest and she could hear her blood pounding in her ears as the warmth of his breath left her.
Neji grabbed her left hand in his right and placed her right hand on his shoulder. He then dropped his left hand on her hip. From there it all started…
Ino blinked in excitement of dancing with him. He didn't step on her feet (she knew he probably wouldn't either way) and it felt as though they were both floating rather than spinning around on wooden floor with a few other couples. She noticed quickly that a lot of the chatter in the room died down and almost everyone was watching her and Neji moving gracefully to the slow, soothing music. Her heart was still going like a hamster on a wheel and her whole body seemed to be ultra sensitive as well.
Every brush of his fingers on her hip, every movement that brought him close for a second and back, and every rub of his thumb upon the back of her hand sent thrills through out her body. It almost seemed like a fairy tale for her, like Cinderella. And here she was dancing with her prince charming (not very charming mind you). It almost felt like they were the only people in the room, no one around watching them in awe or smiling at them as they moved.
She was literally on cloud nine right now. Ino was sure this might be the best moment in her entire life, even better than the kiss yesterday.
Neji too was finding this dance with Ino rather enjoyable. He liked the feel of her hip underneath his hand and couldn't help letting his fingers brush it a few times. He also liked the feel of her hand in his. His own almost covering hers completely. Neji was really starting to realize that Ino maybe a ninja, and she maybe very capable especially when she tries, but right now she just seemed like another woman in the ball room. Small, slim, and gorgeous.
She had to, no was the only female in his whole life that has made him feel this way. He felt like…he belonged. Like the seal on his forehead didn't describe who he was and who he would forever destine to be. Neji felt like he had the power to over come anything that decided to step in his path and it was all because of…
Ino.
Neji quickly spun her away from him holding her hand to keep them connected and pulled her back in his hand resting on the small of her back now and leaned her backwards. Her leg came out pointing straight as the song they danced to came to an end along with their own graceful dance.
Looking down at her lips he felt the greatest urge in the world to feel them on his own. It was like he was drowning and her lips was the breath of air he needed to live. Ino watched Neji stare intently at her his eyes directed on her lips.
'Is he going to kiss me?' The thought echoed around in her head and a light blush came across her cheeks.
His head was slowly leaning down closer to hers and everything around them was slowly melting away. But a flicker of movement stopped Neji from going any further and catching himself. It really wouldn't be good to start kissing Ino on their mission. He pulled them both upright hearing an applause surrounding the four corners of the room as everyone smiled at the two and clapped.
The flicker of movement Neji regarded before was from Seichi moving to get a better look at the couple in the center of the room. Ino pulled back a little smiling brightly at all the attention. Being a gentleman Neji turned back to Ino and bowed to her as thanks for the dance, she nodded and returned it with a courtesy. It was after that he was bombarded by other women and a few men who wanted to talk with him. He gave one glance back to her before talking with them and trying to ward off some women begging for a dance themselves.
Ino sighed softly trying to will her body to stop being happy and get with the program. She too while walking off the floor had men trying to get her attention and few women asking about Neji and among other things. She just replied that he was just a random man she chose to dance with.
She noticed Seichi though heading her way. His narrow eyes gleaming with lust and excitement. It almost made her heart stop, almost. Ino tried to pull herself together before she was approached by the target of her mission, smirking the whole while.
"Hello little lady, what a beautiful dance you had. I couldn't help but watch you practically float around." His voice really matched his personality and clothes. It really did sound like he was picking her up; Ino knew that but played innocent because she needed to keep his attention.
"Why thank you sir. It was really fun and I hope I get to dance with some other men…maybe you?" For added effect she puckered her bottom lip out and placed a finger on it. She knew it worked when Seichi grinned devilishly and his whole body relaxed greatly from the guarded tense shoulders he had when he first came in. Ino mentally patted herself on the back.
'Way to go girl! Hook, lined, and sinker!' Her own Inner Ino shouted out shaking her fist in excitement at her seduction skills.
"Why of course I would love to dance with a beautiful lady as you. What is your name, by the way?" Ino gave him her most innocent looking eyes.
"Koko Mori, but you can call me Koko…" She made her cheeks flush a little and batted her eye lashes at him. It seemed the fish she caught was just letting her reel him in. Seichi seemed to be patting himself on the back thinking he got a girl that he can screw later on tonight.
'Not if I can't help it!' Thundered Ino in her mind.
"Well Koko what a beautiful name, my name is Seichi Makisoma, but you of course can call me Seichi." He produced his hand to where Ino reluctantly placed hers on top as the man lead her back to the dance floor…
Neji with all his might tried to hold back the glare that was trying with the power of his Byakugan to worm its way on his face as his eyes followed Ino who was being led back to the dance floor by the target. A wave of jealousy, anger, and possessiveness came crashing down on his shoulders making it hard to respond back to the man who asked him a simple question. He didn't know why he felt this way at all, it wasn't like Ino was his girlfriend, or his girl period. So there should be no reason why he would feel like digging Seichi's eyes out with a spoon and castrating him with an old, rusted and dusty kunai, right?
He got himself together though and responded back to the young man before excusing himself from the group saying he had to go to the restroom. Neji was indeed heading that way, but his eyes didn't leave the dance floor that he could see Ino dancing with Seichi. Even though she looked like she was enjoying herself greatly, he knew different.
Behind her happy smile was a frown of utter disgust of this man. He wanted to go back over there and snatch her away from him but withheld from the desire and entered the restroom to plan out their next move…
Ino twirled around in Seichi's arms and moved with him in their dance. She was putting up a great front she knew that, but it wasn't exactly easy to do so. Every time he brushed his fingers across her butt or on the side of her breast was really starting to piss her off. She had to keep herself from knocking the guy into next week. Instead though Ino would just laugh lightly acting as though she didn't know his intentions of being this close to her. She was good at faking naivety, though at times she sometimes really is she knew better at the moment though.
"So what do you do for a living?" Seichi asked spinning her away from him and bringing her back to catch her. His breath wreaked of alcohol no surprise there. She only smiled in return though.
"I'm a hair stylist! It's so much fun, playing with hair and making everyone around me pretty!" Ino giggled at the end of her words trying not to throw up at her childishness she was playing up. On the paper she received from Tsunade it said he was fond of the childish type of women who were too innocent for their own good. It also stated to Ino that he liked blondes the most which is probably why she was chosen for this mission.
"My, my you seem very talented then. You must be very good with your 'hands'." She didn't miss the double meaning to 'hands', but again acted as if she was the stupidest person alive and giggled none-the-less.
"Oh yes, I'm very good with my hands! You should let me use my hands on you!" Seichi turned completely red and once again (much to Ino's very big annoyance) acted as though she didn't know what she said and smiled brightly up at her target.
"I…I think I would like that a lot…" He mumbled out still red in the face. Ino tried not to gasp when she felt the evidences that he really liked what she said. She only giggled lightly to him acting again as though she didn't notice anything different about him. He had a hard on, that was for sure.
Because of that certain situation Seichi quickly asked her to sit with him at his table, hoping to hide it from everyone else. She agreed knowing his reason why and Ino was glad she wouldn't have to dance with him any longer. As they walked back, him holding her hand, she tried searching out Neji. He was no where in sight as far as she could see. The frown that wanted to show kept in hiding for her own sake.
Seichi brought her to a sit where he sat beside her talking with a few men at the table. She didn't miss that he moved his hand from hers to her knee. She sadly had to decline about food though, she was very sure she would just throw it up later anyway.
"No, I'm watching my figure. I would hate to get fat!" Ino uttered loudly gaining some more attention.
'Thank God I will probably never be back here ever again after this…' She was brought of her thoughts by the man moving his hands up her thigh a bit more. Alarms went off loudly in her head and Ino gripped her left hand under the table trying her best to not pound on the guy. 'Relax! Soon enough Neji will be here to slip some poison in his drink, you make an excuse to get out of there and you're home free!' If only her words were that reassuring and if only she believed them that much.
Ino half heartedly listened to the people at her table talk but was mostly being aware of the hand on her leg that inched its way slowly up it, and vaguely looking out for Neji.
Her desperation to get out of this situation was going to start showing soon if something didn't happen. So quickly before his hand could get under her dress she clapped her own on top of his stopping him abruptly. Seichi gave her a 'huh' look.
"I really need to go pee, do you mind?" She once more did an innocent look. The other men at the table stopped to admire her face and wish she was the one attached to them. Seichi smiled gently (as gently as it could get anyway) and nodded his head.
"Don't be too long though, I'll be leaving soon and I want you to be with me." Ino nodded brightly bouncing up and walking lightly away. It took everything in her to not run to the restrooms. Just as she was about to enter the door the men's right beside the women's opened revealing Neji.
A soft intake of breath came through her mouth as she withheld his name from escaping her. He only looked her way nodded with a small smile and turned to walk back to his table. She was sure he saw the desperation, disgust, and sadness just rolling off her like steam. Ino entered the bathroom quickly though not wanting to attract any eyes her way.
The bathroom was brightly lit and the walls were covered in a caramel color which was soothing to Ino who glanced at in the mirror to assess her looks and body. She was a bit flushed in the face from dancing and the heat it created. There was a tab bit of sweat on her forehead and around her neck; she was quick to wipe it away with a paper towel though. She fluffed her long bangs trying to keep them from sticking to her forehead and fluffed out the rest of her hair as well.
During that time there were few women walking in and out of the bathroom. Some regarded her with a smile while others with an envious snare. She only smiled to all of them not giving a damn at the moment. It was pretty obvious if she didn't distract Seichi fast enough Neji will not be able to slip the poison in his drink. She shuddered to think about what she would have to do if she had to go with the disgusting target up to his room to finish him off. Ino had no doubt she could, but she would be in a world of groping. Not only that but her act was starting to grate her nerves and Ino even felt like knocking herself out because she found the act so annoying, but it was for Seichi and the only way to keep him distracted as well.
Sighing with her shoulders dropped she turned to leave.
By the time she exited the restroom though her happy go lucky demure was back on and she was all smiles once more.
'Probably why I would hate to be an actress…'
Ino walked back to Seichi who had his eyes glued to her legs as she made her way closer. It seemed he was a leg man rather than a breast one. Not that she was very much interested in what he was into, he would be dead soon enough anyway.
But just as she was going to sit down next to him again he stood up. He must have noticed the surprised look on her face for he smirked and responded with, "I thought we could continue talking back in my room. I'm staying here for the night before moving out early tomorrow. But I want to get to know you more before that happens…"
Dread entered her chest quickly weighing down her heart and shoulders. This was not happening. It was suppose to be like planned. She distracts him, Neji slips in the poison, and they walk away laughing at how stupid the guy was. But she knew that some things never go as planned and if it didn't she would have to improvise. She closed her eyes for a second before nodding her head happily.
"That sounds great! I would love to accompany you!" Ino giggled at the end hoping she wouldn't choke as she did. Seichi only grinned more and looped her arm with his and lead her out of there. She connected eyes with Neji quickly though and he seemed to get the message as well because a frown actually came to his face before he corrected himself.
'I can do this, all I have to do is kill him when he lest expects it…' Ino mentally patted herself on the back again when she remembered to stick some senbon in her hair to not only keep it up, but just in case. She could easily use them to immobilize Seichi and quickly kill him off.
'With what?' The question perplexed her. She hadn't thought she would have to kill him like this so she never thought to bring a kunai with her hidden on her person. She would use a jutsu, but she didn't want to waste any chakra that she would need for escaping. Ino was starting to get nervous now and not the good kind she got with Neji either.
They both entered the elevator. Still looped to his arm Ino glanced over to see what button he pushed.
5.
He was on the fifth floor. Hopefully no one was up there incase he gave a scream or something.
"So how long are you here for Koko?" Ino turned to him smiling and being innocent.
"Oh I'm here till tomorrow also. My mentor wanted me to relax and go on vacation for a few days, after here I'm heading to Suna! I can't wait; I've never been there before!" She squealed loudly catching the guy off guard. He blinked before smiling as well.
"I've been there a few times; if you like the heat then I guess you'll enjoy it. But if you really want to go somewhere exciting why don't you come with me. I'm heading towards the Land of Lighting. It would be fun and you would know someone there." Ino looked as though she was thinking it over.
"Maybe…you might have to convince me more…" Seichi looked as though he was about to do something before a bell went off telling them both that they were on the fifth floor now. Smirking at his luck he walked them both down the hall and stopping at room number 302. Once they entered Ino walked away from him looking around the room. It looked almost exactly like hers really.
Ino tried to not jump when she felt hands touching her shoulders rubbing them as if to soothe her, it only made her more nervous. His hands moved up and down her arms causing unwanted goosebumps to appear in their wake.
"Relax Koko, it'll be fun trust me." Ino shouted in her mind.
'As if!' But willed her body to relax. She needed to collect herself and attack when he was most vulnerable. Turning around and willing all the courage she could Ino pushed his jacket off his shoulders letting it drop from his body. Seichi gave a giant grin and allowed her to unbutton his shirt as well. Even though he was disgusting she had to admit the build that was hidden in his clothes was nice. It shocked her to know he was built, that probably meant he knew how to fight too.
Ino tried not to jump with Seichi bent down to kiss her forehead.
'Oh God here it comes!' She thought in mild pain.
His lips brushed hers before aggressively attacking her own. It really took all will power to not puke up on him. Ino had to sadly return the kiss much to her disgust. She turned side ways though when he attempted to push his tongue into her mouth. She noticed the disappointment on his face, but instead kissed his neck and started to move down.
She placed a hand on his collarbone and the other going into her hair as though to release it from its bonds. In reality she was going to pull out the five senbons in there and hopefully pin the guy to the wall or floor. Moving down with her lips as though she were heading to his erection that was trying to poke its way out of his pants Ino quickly pulled out the senbons and punched Seichi hard in the stomach sending him backwards a few steps. He coughed hard.
Being quick she stood up flinging the senbon at him. One sliced into his thigh, the second went into his shoulder, the third struck him in the wrist, the fourth in his abdomen, and the fifth Ino was still holding. Her target fell to his butt in the abruptness of her attack and seemed shocked for a moment.
"You…you're a…ninja!" Ino laughed lightly enjoying the shock on his face.
"Why yes, yes I am." She stated proudly before getting ready to throw the last one into his neck that would definitely kill him. But she had underestimated Seichi who in a sudden instant was up and slamming into her body.
Ino went back into the bed where Seichi got on top of her, settling over her hips. Though she was sure he was in mild pain he was able to grab her wrists making her throw her last senbon to the floor and keep her bond on the bed.
"You maybe a ninja but you're still a woman and as so are weaker than me." He spat out grinning evilly at her. It seemed to be true for the moment as she started to struggle with him. Ino did manage to roll them so she was on top but he just did the same which caused them both to fall off the bed.
Ino coughed as Seichi landed on top of her knocking the wind out of her body. Along with that he still had the senbons in his body only half way in meaning that the one in his thigh, the one in his shoulder, and the one in his abdomen pierced right into her own thigh, shoulder, and abdomen. She held back a scream of pain and tried to get the heavy man off of her.
Concentrating chakra into her arms Ino flung his body off of her and feeling the sudden leave of the senbons. She gave a glance at her body as her left hand gripped her abdomen as blood slowly seeped out. Her shoulder was just as bad, but her thigh was the best out of them all. He only had the senbon scraped the side of her inner thigh leaving a light trail of blood from the torn skin.
Seichi yelled out in pain from being thrown across the room.
Ino was ready for him though. She tried not to wince when she stood still holding her abdomen. He too was up quickly and ready to charge her again. She could easily beat him had she not just got two bad wounds from her own weapons. In a moment of reflection Ino realized that she truly did need Neji's help with her training, how the hell could she finish a mission gone bad if she couldn't fight properly? Frustration entered her body at the thought of her weaknesses.
Seichi was just about to hit her too before he stopped suddenly. Ino had heard the slice through the air and winced as the forgotten senbon sliced through the air and pierced right threw his neck and thumping right into the wall on their right. Turning her head slowly to her left she saw Neji standing there a glare on his face along with his Hyuuga eyes and the cage seal on his forehead. She also noticed he had activated his Byakugan as well.
"I had a feeling something bad might happen…" Neji stated quickly bringing the hand that had flung the senbon back down to his body and flicking his eyes to Ino's. She only frowned and looked back to her body. "We need to get out of here and fix your wounds." He then came over to pick Ino up. She didn't protest knowing walking would only aggravate the wound in her abdomen and it was much faster.
Neji forgo the elevator and went straight to the stairs and raced down them in blinding speed. Before getting out at the first floor and heading to her room. No one seemed to notice them at all which was good and after she unlocked the door also disengaging the small seal she placed on the door. Neji flung the door open and slamming it shut behind him before placing Ino on her bed.
"Where's your first aid?" He questioned. She pointed to the bathroom.
"I put it in the bathroom." Neji nodded before leaving there and returning with it. He pulled out various things before turning to her shoulder first.
"This is going to sting." He mumbled out before spraying her shoulder with an anesthetic to keep the wound clean. Ino cringed and bit her bottom lip to not cry out. After that he wiped away the blood before having her lift her arm and quickly wrap it up. He then frowned deeply.
"What?" She questioned noticing the frown on his face. Neji looked up to meet her eyes.
"Your…dress is in the way…you'll need to lift it up above your waist for me to clean the wound there…" Ino blushed deep red. She hadn't even thought of that. It was then she looked to see Neji with a flushed face as he waited for her to pull up her dress. Her hand was shaking but willed it to stop and carefully brought the dress up to just under her breasts.
Neji coughed into his fist before gently pushing her to lie down on the bed. Still blushing and nervous she closed her eyes to keep from looking at him as he attended the wound. Neji looked at her waist and tried to keep his eyes from staring at her underwear. Once more this was the first time he saw a girl like this in real life. He cleaned up the blood and quickly sprayed the wound. He noticed her flinch. He then started to wrap a long white bandage around her waist having her lift her body when he needed to go under her.
Ino tried not to enjoy him touching her over heated body. She was hurt and shouldn't be enjoying this, but it was the first time Neji ever took care of any of her wounds or injuries she had gotten, not even during their training would he do that. So having him doing it now made her happy on the inside. He allowed Ino to spray her thigh and wrap that up and as she did that he grabbed her things tossing it into her bag.
"I will be back soon Yamanaka. I need to search his room for the information he has and grab my things. I'll meet you at the front entrance of the village that you took." With that said Neji was gone out the door of her room. Ino sighed deeply to herself before grabbing her bag and filling in the rest of her belongings into it as Neji had started for her.
Though their mission was basically a success she still felt weak inside. She should have been able to defeat Seichi and have him dead waiting for Neji to come up there, not have him save her like that. Though Ino was sure if Neji had not shown up as her target was charging at her she could've dealt with him quickly. Still it had not come out that way and so she felt worse about it. After placing all her stuff back into her bag Ino walked into the bathroom.
She looked at her now ruined dress and sighed. She pulled it over her head and allowed the green glow of healing chakra to appear in her hand it was then she placed it on her shoulder soothing the pain and healing the wound. Ino repeated the process with both her inner thigh and abdomen, but she kept the bandages on for the fact that Neji placed them there and there was the possibility that they could rip out again since the skin is thin there. She quickly pulled on some other clothes stuffing the once beautiful dress that was now drenched in her blood and torn some into her bag. She took one more look at herself before leaving the bathroom.
Thoughts of what caused the ruined dress and wounds came to her mind.
"God, why am I so weak!?" Ino called out angrily flinging her bag over her shoulder and going to her balcony to leave. "Why can't I be strong like Neji?"…
Neji searched Seichi's room looking for the scrolls the man had managed to steal. It still eluded him as to how a weak man like Seichi had been able to get such top level information as he did. But it was obvious that both he and Ino had underestimated the man, he may be an idiot but a strong idiot. Neji grabbed a draw opening it to see inside. After searching the room thoroughly he had finally found them under his pillows on the bed (the last place he looked).
"Nice try Makisoma, nice try." Neji grumbled out placing the small scrolls within the pocket in his jacket. He glared down at the body of Seichi feeling great hatred towards the dead man. He barely made it in time to save Ino. His mind flashed back…
He watched as Ino started walking away with their target. It was when they were nearing the exit that she turned to look back over to him their eyes connecting for a moment. Neji could see the desperation and anxiety in her eyes at leaving the ceremony with Seichi. He couldn't help the frown coming to his face at the thought of what could happen up there. But he was quick to change back to a pleasant small smile for appearances.
A sudden feeling of anger and dread came sharply through his chest as he watched the two disappear from sight. Neji would have to be quick to and leave the ceremony soon to help Ino out he was pretty sure she would need him. Even if she didn't he had to be there. Neji didn't want to leave Ino alone with that man, hell he didn't want to leave her alone with any man really.
After a minute of chatting with the few people who came to his table Neji went to excuse himself.
"But why? You've only just got here!" One of the women asked grasping his arm and hoping to keep him put. Trying to keep a disgusted look off his face Neji slipped his arm out of her hands and easily with grace got out of the small group.
"I'm sorry, but there is some urgent business I must attend to. Goodbye." He turned away from the group hearing more whining from the insufferable woman before heading towards the exit. It took a lot of will strength to not just run out of there. Just as he had made it to the exit a feeling of dread once more hit him.
Neji acted quickly.
Forgetting to hide his outer look (not that he cared much) he activated his Byakugan. And quick with speed he was racing up the stairs in a vague blur heading up them till he caught sight of Ino's chakra flickering on the fifth floor. Bursting through the stairwell Neji raced down the hall before coming to the room he could sense and see Ino was in.
The door almost came off its hinges as he came through it. It seemed no one noticed him entering as he saw Ino fling Seichi off of her sending the man flying back away from her. As she got up he too took notice of her outer state. Seeing the bleeding caused an angry stir within his body. His eyes looked over to the floor and saw the forgotten senbon lying there.
Neji got to it in record time and just as Seichi was getting towards Ino in his charge he shot out the senbon with an automatic flick of his wrist watching as the thin little spear went flying through the air and right into the target's neck and straight through to the wall on his right. Neji vaguely remembered putting some chakra into his flick making the senbon go through the man's neck with ease.
It was when he felt eyes on him that he turned to Ino and let his hand drop.
In all his life Neji thought he would never feel so angry at an already dead man or fear for someone as he did for Ino. 'She really is starting to affect me.' He thought briefly before leaving the room through the window, jumping roof top to roof top heading back towards his own hotel room and gather his own belongings…
Ino waited patiently for her partner to show up by the front gate of the village. She had changed her clothes to that of blue jean shorts, sneakers, and an orange shirt with a smiley face on the back of it. She also pulled her hair back into a low ponytail to keep it out of her face. Her blue eyes shifted from the forest ahead of her and the busy village from behind her. After Neji had left the room Ino had been on edge and feeling quite inadequate as a ninja. She should have been able to take down Seichi easily, but instead she had to be saved just like almost every other time she was on a mission.
Seemingly always the damsel in distress.
Never the knight in shiny armor.
Sighing deeply Ino almost jumped out of her skin when Neji appeared out of no where by her side.
"Ready to head out." He said tightening the strap of his pack. He eyed his female partner for a second more than likely seeing the anxiety she was feeling. Ino could only nod in return and turn away from the village.
It was after leaving the village did she change her sneakers to ninja sandals as Neji quickly changed into some comfortable clothes that weren't his suit he wore at the ceremony. Coming out from behind a few crowded trees he was wearing a shirt similar to what he wore when he was younger and brown shorts. His hair was still the same though. Neji glanced at Ino who looked away quickly her eyes down cast as she berated herself again.
"Is something wrong Yamanaka?" He decided to ask as it started to feel awkward as they got ready to jump through the trees. Ino shook her head though. She didn't want to tell him, he just might say something along the lines of, 'suck it up' or anything like that. She really didn't need that.
Neji wanted to bother her about it, but then he was pretty sure why she was upset. He had to save her and she obviously didn't like it. He could see it in her eyes and the way her posture turned to that of self-loathing. Neji felt the need to comfort her, but then he didn't do a thing. He just didn't know what to do, pat her on the back? Say she did her best? Though they both knew Ino could have done so much better, which was why she was upset. She didn't fight to her fullest.
"Are you able to keep up with me?" Neji asked eyeing her body. Ino nodded her head.
"Yeah, I healed up the wounds after you left but I have to be careful otherwise they might open up again." She stated placing her hand against her abdomen briefly before dropping it. Neji nodded deciding that he should take a slower pace for her sake…
After a few more minutes of jumping from branch to branch and gaining some great distance from the village Neji felt it was okay for them to find a place to sleep before heading out before morning. He signaled Ino to stop and drop to the ground in which they both did.
"We should rest here for the night then continue on before dawn." Ino only nodded and pulled out a scroll. She then unrolled it and after doing a few hand seals a tent popped out fully made and everything. Neji raised an eyebrow towards her.
"I am not going sleep in the dirt. It's a three person tent so I think you should sleep in it as well." Ino commented not giving him much a choice in the matter. He did agree with her though he didn't feel up to sleeping in the dirt and it might rain tonight by the looks of the dark clouds looming near the full moon that lit their way.
"I agree. There is a possibility that it will rain." Neji pointed out gaining a nod from Ino as she glanced up to the sky as well. They both quickly set their sleeping bags in and bags to the side. They decided against a fire or anyone keeping a look out. Neji was a very light sleeper and would be instantly alerted either way if someone came close to the tent. Ino felt very safe with him around.
"Well then…night…" Ino whispered turning her back to him as she curled up in her sleeping bag that was of course the color of purple. He took notice of that as his was a cool grey color. He didn't reply back as he too got settled within his sleeping bag.
The night air was pretty cool so there was a chill within the tent as well. Ino shivered and rolled up even more in her sleeping bag trying to keep her warmth within it. Neji choose to sleep on his back and took notice of her constant shivering. He actually found the cool air nice, but then he was always such an oven when under a blanket of any sort. He watched her for a minute or so as she kept shuffling around trying to contain warmth. It was getting rather annoying in his opinion.
That was then he remembered what Ronin had said to Neji earlier that day…
"Don't let something you want get out of your reach because it won't always be there when you need it most especially if you don't fight for it."
Neji blinked slowly thinking over what he was going to do logically before realizing that it didn't really matter what way he looked at it.
Ino rubbed her hands up and down her arms hating that because she was so skinny that she couldn't keep in her own heat. Of course that was always the down fall about it. This brought even more reason for her to gain more weight. Ino heard some movement behind her knowing that Neji was probably getting annoyed with her constant movement, it would be typical of him.
An arm wrapped around her body in the sleeping bag pulling her back into a breathing chest. Ino's breath caught in her throat as Neji placed his arm more comfortably around her body and she instantly felt his heat seeping into her. His head was above her own pushing some hair around as he breathed in slowly. After telling herself to breath again Ino started to relax enjoying this moment. It was then that she started to know that maybe Neji was falling for her as much as she was for him.
The possibility was there.
As if what was happening now didn't prove it enough for her already, but Ino still had her doubts. Though they were slowly going away as sleep started to consume her in it's depths. Neji relaxed his tense body as he too started to fall asleep. It felt nice having her underneath his arm. He felt more secure as though he could protect her better now that she was in arms length. Either way he was enjoying it as much it seemed she was too…
What is to come from here on?...
Damn what a long chapter…told ya I had to split the last one and this one…they both came out rather long…too long…but still I hope you all enjoyed reading this…
I know the fight scene probably wasn't the greatest and I know lots of you will be like why did you make Ino suck, it wasn't that I wanted her to be a damsel in distress or anything I just wanted to have her realize how much she truly needed Neji's training…
I hope you all can understand and I hope you guys liked the ending with Neji putting his arm around Ino…I hope nothing sounded rushed or felt rushed I really would hate if it did…
Anywho there you go and in the next chapter we get to see Chouji!! And Tenten and Lee!!
Chapter 15 – Day 8: Reunion
Please review to let me know what you thought of the chapter and all, I'm out…
LostsoulofRegret ^_~