A/N: Heeeey... I'm uploading again after finding motivation to write!
This chapter continues off from the end of the last one, incase you forgot what happened since it's been awhile since I've updated hehe. So sorry about that. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or its characters. I only own my OCs.
"Nayuma!" Came the cries of her teammates as her ninken came into view with her trembling body. Red lowered her onto the ground, stepping back as Inoishi immediately checked on her wound, frown pursed and Hideki was rapidly asking questions.
"How did this happen?" Hideki growled, looking into the dark forest. "Maybe if I go now, I can still pursue the enemy—"
"Don't worry about that right now!" The blonde snapped, pulling out a roll of gauze from his pouch. "This is all I have on me as I didn't think we'd be in serious danger."
"It's fine," the girl gritted out, inhaling sharply as Hideki pulled her up from behind and pushed the fabric of her top clothing down. "There was… this man. A masked man. But I don't think he has anything to do with the Chunin exams."
"What makes you say that?" Inoishi questioned, steadily wrapping the bandages around her torso.
"He specifically only talked about my father," she frowned. "Perhaps an old enemy? I'm not sure, but he was a dangerous ninja. I'd never want to face him again."
Sighing, the blonde finished with the wrappings of her torso before starting on the knee she had scraped against a rock in her chase. "Who knew being the daughter of Kakashi Hatake would bring so much trouble," he mused.
Hide scoffed behind them in amusement. "Nothing but trouble, it seems. Also, you're off scouting duty." When he saw her about to protest, he raised a hand. "We're not medic-nin, and I don't know how long that wound can go without proper treatment before an infection occurs. It's better to play it safe than by chance. You can scout around the camp area, but I'm not letting you go off on your own again."
When both of his teammates just stared at him wide-eyed, his cheeks grew warm as he asked, "What?"
"That might be the most responsible response I've ever heard you give."
"I-I can be responsible!"
"Not for long," Nayuma muttered under her breath, as her teammate sputtered in protest. "But fine, you're right. I'll do my job from here while you two scout around. However, if I feel like I can move just fine despite the injuries, I will do so. Understood?"
The two boys murmured in agreement before Hideki's stomach growled. "… Inoishi insisted we wait for you to come back before we ate—"
"As I recall, that was you who wanted to wait." The blonde remarked.
"Whatever," she said, sitting up and dusting herself off. "Doesn't matter. Let's make a quick meal, head to bed and start fresh in the morning. I want to get this mission over with as soon as possible. I hate being out here," she grumbled, shrugging her top on carefully to avoid any pain.
The three worked diligently over the fire, making small conversation while Nayuma's ninken rested by her tent. The three agreed to watch over the team just for the night incase the masked man came back while they were sleeping.
"Hey, Nayuma," Hideki started as he stirred into his stew. "Are you sure you're okay? You didn't seem as shaken as I thought you'd be."
She shrugged, sipping the broth from her bowl. "I can't have a meltdown anytime an enemy goes after me. Otherwise I'd be an incompetent ninja."
"But it's okay for ninjas to feel scared from unknown territory," Inoishi said. "You shouldn't hold back your emotions for the sake of being strong," he frowned. "It's not healthy."
"Mom does that all the time when she thinks I don't notice," Hide commented, a frown marring his face. "It sucks, and I never once asked her to be strong for me or whatever… The only thing I can ask of her is that she takes care of herself."
"As much as I would love to release whatever emotions you guys think I have, I'm completely fine." She tsked, standing from her spot from a wince. "I'm heading to bed now. Try not to attract a powerful enemy like I did," she playfully called out, slipping into tent as her ninken stayed outside, on guard for the night.
"Good night!" The boys called out, before turning to each other in worry.
"Did you see the slight tremor in her hand when she was eating?" The blonde asked.
"Yeah, and the way her eyes kept darting side to side, like she was waiting for someone to come out from the trees," Hide murmured, concerned gaze trained on her tent.
"If not us, I hope Kakashi-sensei can have a talk with her."
"For her sake, I hope so."
What they didn't know, was her constant thrashing around in her sleep, tiny whimpers escaping her lips from the vivid nightmares of the masked man.
The week went by quick for Team Ishida, with no more lingering threats aside from the stray ninjas here and there that they were quick to send away. Inoishi had kept a close eye on Nayuma's injury, and he was happy to know that there was no lingering infection from the looks of it. It did, however, leave a nasty scab across her chest that will inevitably become a scar.
Nayuma hated it. It was physical evidence in her moment of weakness; of genuine fear of the masked man. She hated that she couldn't land a single harmful attack on him, let alone discover his identify for the Hokage to know of. Because of this, she had her teammates that not a word of this man be mentioned to the Hokage.
Although they protested, for valid reasons of course; one being that he could be an enemy to the village, but she denied the two. The masked man had specifically knew her and of her father. Usually, only her father was the most recognizable because of his years of a ninja. No one should have been able to identify her so quickly, and she concluded he was a personal enemy.
And although her teammates were reluctant, they agreed not to mention of her encounter with the masked man to the Hokage. She, in return, promised them she would mention it to her father to get an idea of who it is and leave it at that; for him to take care of.
Immediately as they entered the village, the blonde announced, "I'll take our reports back to the Hokage. Hide, take Nayuma to the hospital so they can look her over. No arguments." He firmly stated when he saw the crinkle in the girl's brows. Satisfied at her exasperated nod, he flitted across the rooftops and set his path towards the Hokage tower.
Hideki grinned, offering his arm out to her. "For you, my queen."
The girl rolled her eyes, smacking his arm away as she trudged towards the hospital. "Don't pull your chivalrous act on me. Shouldn't you be flirting with the pink-haired girl from Team 7?"
The boy scoffed, arms behind his head as he kept his sight on the sky. "Nah. She straight up told me she wanted the Uchiha boy instead. Her loss," he shrugged, a pout on his lips.
"Sasuke?" She raised a brow. "That's who she set her eyes on? He's nothing but a hard-headed moron."
"Seems like you know more about him than anyone else in class," Hide commented.
"I practically grew up with him. His brother and my father knew each other," she said. "So I would see the two often whenever we were around town or my father had mission business in the Uchiha compound. Although, we never really got along. Then the whole…" She cleared her throat uncomfortably, "accident happened, and he's been more withdrawn than ever. Despite my views on him, I don't hate him."
"What? Think he's misunderstood or something?" The boy muttered, picking at his ear in annoyance.
"No, just has an unhealthy outlet on life." She pointed out, walking a little faster now that the hospital was in view. "Now hurry up. I want to get this over with so I can go home and shower. Ugh, these clothes are still stained in blood."
"Yeah, you smell like a skunk sprayed you," Hide teased, and he yelped and dodged the incoming kunai aimed at his head. "I was joking!"
The two walked in, immediately heading towards the receptionist. "Hello," Nayuma spoke. "If there's someone disposable, I would like to be checked by a medical ninja. We just came back from a mission and I suffered an injury from it."
"Of course," the receptionist smiled as she called in for any available medic-nin on duty. Immediately, someone flitted next to the desk. "You have a patient, Dr. Mira."
"Oh, Nayuma!" The elderly doctor greeted. "How nice to see you… well, not so much."
"Dr. Mira," Nayuma nodded at her. "This is my teammate, Hideki. He escorted me here."
"How nice of him," the woman cooed, as Hideki sported a smug grin. "Well, thank you, young man. I'll take care of her."
Dr. Mira had been Nayuma's doctor since the day her father took her in as a toddler to check her birthmarks. She had been the only one she was comfortable with, and so, she'd been assigned as the Hatake family's doctor.
"Alright." Hideki said, dipping his head. "See you later, Nayuma. Update Inoishi and I later on how it went!" With that, he headed towards the exit with his hands in his pockets, flitting away as soon as he was out the building.
"My, my," the woman started as she walked her patient back to a room. "I believe that boy may have a crush on you, dear."
Nayuma tsked, casting the woman a glare. "As if." She muttered quietly to herself, "It's not me that moron is after…"
Dr. Mira led the young girl onto a bed, closing the privacy screen for the two. "Okay, so what's the damage?" The woman turned serious.
"An enemy attacked me from behind," she started, removing her top kimono. "He slashed a weapon across me, and although my teammate wrapped gauze around the injury, he's worried about infection."
Dr. Mira hummed, using a few hand seals before her hands turned green and placing them on the area of injury. She took account into how the girl winced, and observed the injury.
It was still red and irritated around the scabbing, and with her medical jutsu, the pain had started soothing the girl until her pain was only a dull feeling, unlike the throbbing pain she felt every time the deep scratch was touched.
"Well, lucky for you, there is no infection," the woman commented, moving her hands around for any sign of ruptured vessels. Finding none, she finally lifted her hands away. "The scabbing will go away on its own and it's painless if you don't pick at it. Although… it's going to leave a scar, I predict."
Sighing, Nayuma shrugged her top on. "Inoishi said so too. Atleast it can be hidden." Hopping off the bed, the girl turned towards the exit. "Well, thank you for the service, Dr—"
"Hold it right there, missy." She froze, eyes watching warily as the older woman stood in front of her with a concerned gaze. "Are you alright?"
"Just fine, Dr. Mira."
She shook her head. "Do remember that I work with ninjas, dear. I know how much a taxing and difficult mission can cause major mental damage." The doctor crouched in front of the girl, gentle eyes trying to coax an honest answer. "Nayuma, if there is anything bothering you that I should know about, please let me know."
Nayuma sighed, shrugging her shoulders slightly. "I'm fine. Had some trouble sleeping the first night then got over it. No big deal," she murmured, gently passing by the woman. "Please don't press whatever issue you may think I have, Dr. Mira. I was a little shaken up, and it's over now. I'll be on my way now."
With that, she opened the window and hopped off from the window to the lower roof of the building and ran off, wandering around aimlessly until she reached the front of her home. Using the key in her pouch, she unlocked the door and walked inside, breathing out a sigh of relief at the familiar scent of pinecones and burnt wood. She closed the door behind her, slipping her tanto blade from her belt and leaning it near the coat rack.
"I'm home," she announced, kicking off her shoes off and placing them in their destined place. Hearing no response back, she assumed her father and his team were still participating in the Chunin exams. She thought they would be done by the time she got back from her mission, but didn't bother to think too much of it.
After showering and dressing in loose clothing to not irritate her wound, she noticed how dark it was outside, and looked at her clock as it read 9:56 PM.
She really didn't want to sleep alone, but knew she needed her rest incase another mission was handed to her tomorrow. Or worse, throughout the night.
Shuddering at the thought of more incoming nightmares for the night, she headed towards her bed and climbed onto the sheets, burrowing herself in the blankets and closing her eyes tightly. If she erased the image of the masked man from her mind, then perhaps sleep will come to her.
Hard as she tried, the same image kept playing in her nightmare…
It was dark as it always was when it started. Her small form tried to call out to someone, anyone, to come out. Nayuma never liked the dark.
Just as she called out once more, wandering around the darkness, a low and gravelling voice grated her ears. "No one is here to save you, little Hatake."
She shuddered, hair flowing wildly as she tried to locate the voice, but all she saw was black. "W-Who are you? What do you want from me?!"
The same voice chuckled, and she spun around again, seeing nothing. "The time will come soon. Soon, I'll have my revenge."
"R-Revenge?" She didn't understand. As far as she knew, she didn't have any sworn enemies in her short time as a ninja. "I don't—"
"You'll learn one day," the voice gruffed out, and her eyes widened when a bright red circle appeared above her. Her heart was racing in fear, watching black tomoes spinning in the red circle. "You will die by my hands, Nayuma Hatake." Her face paled more than it already was as a hand reached out from the middle of the red eye, reaching for her.
She couldn't do nothing but watch, her body screaming to run away from the hand going after her, but she only stood. Wide eyes watching the appendage come closer and closer to her, until—
… "—ma.
Na… ma.
Yu…
NAYUMA!"
The girl gasped, immediately lurching from her bed and sitting up. Breathes coming in heavy pants, as her eyes wildly looked across her room with unshed tears.
It took her a moment to realize someone was holding her, and she struggled to get out of the heavy arms but they resisted, holding her tighter. "Nayuma, it's me. Please calm down."
Her body sagged with relief and exhaustion after registering the voice and the familiar scent of her father, turning in his arms and digging her face into his shirt. "Papa…"
"Hey," Kakashi hummed softly, running his bare hands through her untamed hair. "It's okay, I'm here. You're safe, okay?"
The words finally broke the dam that was building for the past week, and the first few tears soaked through Kakashi's fabric. "Papa…" She hiccuped, pressing her face closer to him. "I-I saw something, and I-I'm scared!"
Kakashi scooped her small body up, carrying her in his arms as he brought her into his room. He settled on the headboard, cradling her shaking form as he gently asked, "And what did you see, Nayu-chan?"
"It was…" She sniffled, red eyes boring into his own dark ones. "It was this m-masked man. And he talked about how he knew you and about some vision and how he wouldn't kill me then but eventually he'll come and finish the job—"
"Whoa, whoa. Calm down," he soothed, although his mind was racing for any potential enemies he's made in the past. Masked man? He can't recall anyone of the sort. "What did this man look like? And did you include this in your reports to the Hokage?"
"I didn't." Seeing the glare, she looked off to the side. "I didn't want to stress out Hokage-sama with my own personal issue. And anyways, the man mainly rattled off about you. As for what he looked like, I couldn't tell you." She took a deep breath, steadying her breathing. "He was in some dark colored robe—"
"Did this robe happen to have any red clouds on it?" He asked, eyes wide.
"No, nothing like that. It was plain. And his mask… it was a white spiral, with an eye hole. His whole face and body was covered, so there's nothing I can give for information."
Kakashi sighed, bringing her closer to him. "Okay… let's not worry about that right now. He's not here, or anywhere near Konoha. Right now, I'm worried about you." He pressed his chin to the top of her head, rubbing circles on her back. "How long have these nightmares been occurring?"
"Since the night I saw him," she whispered, closing her eyes and soaking into his comfort. "I've tried to repress them, but it's not doing me any favors."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "And yet, you were the one always telling me to express my feelings more to shake off some of the burden I carry." Pulling away, he looked down at his daughter, pressing his thumb to her cheek to wipe off the remaining tears. "Don't do that yourself. If you need to cry, do so. If you need to scream, do so. Do not keep anything bottled in. I do that often enough for the both of us." She giggled at him, and he gave her a smile. "Now, let's go to sleep. It's late and I have to make plans—"
"Oh!" She gasped. "How was the Chunin exams? Who won? Did Shikamaru and Ino go forward—?"
"Slow down there," he laughed. "Well, first the students went through a written exam. Then, they had to bring back the Heaven and Earth scrolls from the Forest of Death within 5 days. Luckily, both Team 7 and 10 were able to come back with just a few scrapes." He won't tell her that Sasuke had gotten a curse mark from Orochimaru. "Unfortunately, your friend Ino won't be moving forward in the final part of the Chunin exams coming in a month. Neither will my student, Sakura."
"Pity," she frowned. "I was hoping Ino would make it, but atleast Shikamaru made it through."
"A smart boy he is," he chuckled. "Lazy, but smart."
She hummed, cuddling closer to her father's chest and smiling softly with her eyes closed. "Anything else?"
Kakashi sighed, sinking into the bed with a groan as he held her close. "I will be training Sasuke starting in a couple of days."
"Sasuke?" She frowned. "Why him? What's going on?"
"He needs my guidance, and after his hospital release, I will be training him near the Hokage mountains."
"Hospital?" She murmured. "Must've gotten roughed up."
"Speaking of which, feel free to stop by there and visit Rock Lee." Concerned eyes turned to his. "There was this… ninja from the Sand Village, and he really messed the boy up. I know you two don't talk much, but I thought it would be nice of you to stop by with some… condolences. He might not be able to fight as a ninja again." He winced. "They're doing their best to repair the damage, but who knows when or if he'll ever recover."
Nayuma gaped at him, stunned at the news. While she and Lee were not close, he did try to proclaim her as rival years ago when her father's best friend, Gai, introduced them to his genin team. Seeing that Kakashi was Might Gai's rival, Lee tried to do the same with the Hatake girl but she instantly shot him down. She was not one to deal with eccentric people, and Gai was enough of an enigma in her life as it is.
She didn't really speak to Team Gai as it was, so she didn't see the green spandex-clad boy often, but when she did, he was usually doing something way odd and called it training. A carbon copy of his teacher, really.
It was a bit sad to hear of the news of his injuries, she swore to herself that she'd stop by with some flowers from the Yamanaka flower shop.
"I can't imagine hearing that kind of news as soon as waking up. I hope he recovers well," she said. "I'll be making rounds on my friends tomorrow, anyways."
He hummed, running his fingers through her hair again as he slowly lulled her to slumber. "Good. Now sleep. It's late and you have a day ahead of you… and don't think I don't know of that wound of yours. Dr. Mira told me about it."
She gave a non-committal murmur as she dozed off, nightmares at bay for now, and encased in her father's warmth.
"Nayuuuu~!" The blonde girl wailed, coming around the counter and bringing her into a tight hug, earning a grunt from the girl and a pat to the back. "Can you believe I lost?! Well, so did Billboard Brow, but I was really confident! I wanted you to come back to my win! Ugh, stupid Shikamaru won though," Ino grumbled.
"So I've heard," Nayuma hummed, giving the girl a curved-eye smile. "Still, you made it through the Forest of Death. You're very lucky. And besides, there's always next time." The blonde giggled and nodded at her. "Anyways, I'm here to buy some flowers."
"Oh?" Ino turned, leading her to the catalogue next to the counter. "What kind of flowers? And for whooo~?" She wiggled her brows.
Nayuma perked one of her own. "First, for Rock Lee." The other girl's shoulders drooped at the name. "My father said he was in some sort of unconscious state, and while I don't know him well, it's the least I can do for him. Next, I need a few for some congradulations."
"Hmmm…" Ino put a hand to her chin, mulling over the best flowers for the occasion. "Well, for Lee, I would recommend some peonies. They signify healing and a good, healthy life. As for celebration…" She looked around the shop, humming softly before stopping on a purple flower. "Irises would be wonderful! How many bundles would you like?"
"Just six of the peonies, and a dozen of the irises. Separate the irises by half, please." Nayuma said.
Nodding, the blonde wrapped the peonies in a green ribbon, typing it in a neat knot before doing the same to the others. After telling Nayuma the amount owed, the girl handed her the bills and more, and told the blonde to the keep the change despite her protest. "Trust me, Ino. I make a good living for a Chunin," she huffed.
"Show off," Ino grumbled as she stowed the money away. "Now who are those—" She abruptly stopped as Nayuma flashed one of the small bouquets of irises at her face. "Wha… but, I didn't—"
"Doesn't matter." Nayuma firmly stated. "It may have been a tie or whatever, but you still advanced that far and I'm proud of you."
Tears instantly welled in the blonde's eyes, and she came running across the counter to throw herself at the other girl, who was ready this time and caught her. "N-Nayu-chan! You're so nice to meee!"
"You would do the same," she mumbled, turning her head away and being glad for her mask to hide her pink cheeks. "Just make sure you become Chunin next time, otherwise you'll never be able to come on missions with me," she smiled.
Ino gasped, standing up straight and grabbing a hold of her shoulders. "You're right! You have my annoying cousin on your team instead. I'll replace him in no team, just you watch!" She winked as the other girl chuckled.
"I'll hold you to that. Now then, I'll be on my way." Nayuma nodded her head at her, before turning away and headed towards the exit. She was just about to make her exit when Ino cooed from the inside.
"Does that mean those other irises are for Shikamaruuu~? Look at you, being so bold to give him flowers!"
Glaring at her from over her shoulder, Nayuma gritted out, "Atleast I'm doing more for him than you ever have for Sasuke." Satisfied with her scandalized gasp, she immediately flitted away, heading towards the hospital.
After arriving at the reception desk and being told to where Lee's room was, she walked in that direction to the top floor, humming softly. Arriving to the door, she knocked softly before sliding the door open, peeking her head inside.
"Oh. I apologize. I didn't know he'd have visitors right now," she spoke, seeing Might Gai occupying a chair in the room.
"Oh, Nayuma!" Gai said, standing from his seat. "It's okay, come on in. I was just checking on my student."
Humming, she closed the door behind her and walked up the boy in the bed, seeing his legs wrapped up, along with a bandage around his head. She placed the peonies on the bedside drawer. "I only came to drop these off. My father told me the news and it was the least I could do."
Gai gave her a bright grin. "A heart of gold is what you have, my rival's daughter." She cringed at the title. "Lee may not be in the best of shape right now, but I know he'll be right as rain soon! After all, he is my student!" He gave a hearty laugh.
Nayuma gave the man a curved-eye smile, nodding along. "I don't doubt you, Gai-sensei. I'm sure he will recover soon. Now then, I have more errands to run, take care."
After a youthful goodbye to the man, she immediately set direction to the Nara compound, where she hoped her dear friend was at by the time she got there.
Seeing the entrance, she flitted down and opened the gate and closed it behind her, walking up to the main house. Some of the deer were wandering around the area, and she smiled as some heads turned in her direction and tilted their heads in curiosity.
Finally arriving at the house, she knocked and heard a gruff voice telling her the door was unlocked. She entered, kicking her shoes off by the door and walking into the living room to see Shikaku on the couch, reading a novel while Shikamaru was dozing off on the loveseat.
"Oh, mini-Hatake," Shikaku drawled without looking up. "Stopping by to visit our son?" He grinned.
She answered yes as Shikamaru yawned, scratching his head. "What's that you got in your hands?" He mumbled, squinting his eyes at the purple.
Nayuma cleared her throat, walking towards him and presenting him the irises. "I… got you flowers. As a gift for advancing in the Chunin exams."
Shikaku raised a brow in amusement as he watched his son's face turn red from embarrassment, slowly taking the flowers from the girl as he avoided her eyes.
If only Yoshino were here. She would have field day with the way those two are acting right now, Shikaku thought smugly to himself, turning back towards his novel.
"O-Oh, uh… Thanks." He cleared his throat, using one hand to rub the back of his neck. "Thank you, Nayuma. It's… really thoughtful of you." He grinned.
Nayuma smiled, nodding her head. "I'm glad you like them. I had full confidence you were going to do great."
Face red from the praise, he groaned as he ran his palm over his face, muttering to him as he stood. "Come on. I'll make us a small lunch while I put these in some water. Wouldn't want them to wilt so early," he muttered, leading her to the kitchen.
The older man couldn't help himself as he loudly announced, "Will you make me lunch too, son? I'm famished!" For emphasize, he rubbed at his stomach.
"Ugh, no!" Shikamaru shouted.
"Don't worry, Nara-san. I'll make you something quick and filling. I feed my father constantly—"
"Do not encourage him! The old man can make himself something."
Guffawing, Shikaku smiled at the two kids going back and forth, with Nayuma insisting she can make him something while Shikamaru shut her down, stating his dad did not deserve it.
A month flies by, and the final day of the Chunin exams had arrived. Building up towards the day, things had been a bit hectic for Nayuma.
Her father, just a three weeks ago, did just as promised and took Sasuke to the Hokage mountains to train him. She didn't know much about how their training was going, and she never asked. He was teaching the boy the technique he was most known for; Chidori.
Nayuma wasn't envious of the fact that her father never taught her. It was a dangerous technique and she wasn't sure how she'd be able to handle it, no matter if lightning release was her clan's main affinity.
Aside from that, she heard that Rock Lee had awakened from his coma, and apparently the news of his unfixable legs didn't deter the boy whatsoever as she caught him once training outside the hospital.
An odd, but determined boy, that one was.
And according to her father, Naruto had run off with one of the Legendary Sannin to train under. Now that was unexpected, but nothing the blonde did was ever normal.
She had met up with Shikamaru almost every day, encouraging him to train with her to sharpen his skills for his own match the Sand Village ninja, Temari. He had whined about it being too much of a hassle, but still managed to drag him out of his home and into a barren training ground, where he was learning on how to extend his shadow technique. Half of the time, the training was serious and the two would spend hours outside, with the rest of team 10 joining in sometimes and receiving Asuma's commentary. The other half, he would get tired and just lay on the ground, staring up at the clouds, and so she joined him. Other times they would even nap when the weather was particularly nice and breezy.
Ino had teased that the girl had a crush on the Nara boy, while Nayuma only rolled her eyes and told her ninjas don't have time for petty things.
She luckily hadn't received any major missions over the month, and she had luckily received the day off to watch the finals. Seated by to left was Ino, while Hideki and Inoishi were seated behind her. The crowd was large, with people talking amongst themselves as they waited for the first fight.
Hideki yawned loudly, placing his elbow on Nayuma's head and resting his palm on his cheek. "When is this damn thing gonna start? My hype died down after the first ten minutes!"
"And it's only been ten minutes, you idiot," Inoishi chided, smacking his arm away from the girl's head. "Quit your whining."
"Hey! It was your idea to be here and you two dragged me along!"
"I most certainly did not," Nayuma drawled. "As I recall, it was you who invited us to come in the first place. I was already going to be here for Shikamaru's fight."
"And I had plans today," Inoishi grumbled.
"Pssh, with you? You're a loner—!"
"Say it to my face, Ishida—!"
The two boys behind started arguing, and Nayuma was glad that the loud chattering of others didn't draw attention to the two.
"Jeez, do they always fight like this?" Ino muttered. "I've never seen 'Shi so worked up. He's usually so quiet in the compound."
"Unfortunately. I deal with those two all the time, and they're even worse when they don't agree on something," Nayuma groaned. "It's like I'm on a team with toddlers."
"We heard that!" The two boys sounded indignant.
"Good. You were meant to hear."
Before they can say anything, a loud commotion from below the stadium drew their attention to the fighters, and an orange-clad boy was rushed across the field of dirt and near the feet of Shikamaru.
Ino snorted while Sakura grumbled from her place next to her, "That moron. Showing up late to the final exam. He's taken after Kakashi-sensei!"
Inoishi hummed as he examined the fighters below, noticing one detail. "Hey, isn't Uchiha supposed to be down there? Where is he?"
"Wasn't he training with your dad, Nayuma?" Hideki asked.
"Yes," she answered. "He told me they would be late… though, I'm not sure how late, knowing him."
Sakura frowned at that, concern in her eyes. "I hope they show up on time… I wouldn't want him to be disqualified."
"He'll be fine," the Hatake girl soothed. "My father may not be punctual, but he is a man of his word."
At that, Genma announced from below that the first match would be between Neji Hyuga and Naruto Uzumaki, so the other fighters flitted to their destined area of rest.
"Let the match… begin!"