Survival of the Fittest

Note: *sigh* me bored...XD neways...me admit me don't noe shit bout Naruto...especially bout the Hokage junk stuff *smiles* and da story is a bit weird since itz AU...and since me sux at depicting de characterz...

~*~

Shikamaru paced around his cell. The chains restrained his movements and prevented him from doing any of his shadow attacks. He frowned. It was weird feeling so defenseless...so weak...

He stared at the steel bars apprehensively. What were they planning to do to him? He rolled his eyes in disgust. It was so damn annoying! Why was he was the one that's always stuck in the difficult spots? First he had to fight a GIRL during the Chunnin exam. Then he had to be accused of assaulting Ino...

Now he understood a deeper meaning to the word, "Tough Luck." Shikamaru sighed depreciatively. It seemed as if it was his fate to have bad luck with women. His acerbic tastes and attitude were often a turn off, while the everything he did seemed to be used against him.

He made a face. It was absurd...the idea that he would actually force himself on Ino, of all people. They've known each other forever! And besides...he already had a girlfriend...he wouldn't dare sink that low. Shikamaru clenched his fingers together so hard his nails were biting painfully into his skin.

...Ino...

Shikamaru couldn't picture life without her. She'd always been so strong...so independent. He paused, all anger forgotten. What changed her? In the past, they'd all anonymously selected her as their team captain. She was born to be a leader.

All theses years, she's actually been hiding from herself. Shikamaru's eyes widened in realization. She's been pretending...that all the pain and humiliation didn't matter...that she could bury it inside of her. So that she would appear impenetrable...and strong.

And...it took only a few words to break her...to destroy her... Shikamaru ruthlessly buried the thought. Ino was going to be alright...she had to be...

He slouched uncomfortably against the hard steel walls of his prison, while he glared painfully at the ground. In a way it was his fault that Ino's in a comma. If he'd done something to stop Kin...if only...

...he had the guts to stand up to his girlfriend...if only he'd understood the risks...

Shikamaru closed his eyes, his face etched with pain. If only there was something he could do...so he could rectify and ease some of the guilt that flowed deeply in his veins.

A dark figure emerged quietly from the shadows. He was wearing a dark hooded cape and soft black leather boots. His eyes...were the color of blood...the color of death itself. The mysterious figure had a disheveled sweep of onyx hair, and his lips were twisted into a cruel smile.

Shikamaru turned around a stifled a gasp of fear and shock. The man looked like Sasuke...the resemblance was uncanny. The dark hair...the Sharingan eyes. The only difference would be his expression, Sasuke's was usually cold and emotionless. However this man's was sadistic and evil...like as if he enjoyed seeing other withering at his feet in pain...

He swallowed, while he studied the figure nervously. "Who are you..." he managed to choke out. "What do you want?" Shikamaru nervously, while he backed slowly away. There was something about this stranger that scared him...his aura was so powerful...

The Sasuke-look alike smirked cruelly. "My name is...Itachi..."

He felt something hard collide with his skull. wow...Shika sure getz hit in the back of da head alot XD The last thing Shikamaru remembered was seeing that sadistic smile before darkness enveloped him.

~*~

*Meanwhile*

Sakura sighed sadly, while she reached out and hooked her hair behind her ear. She stood up and turned to Hinata, who looked up cautiously. "I want some time alone..." she muttered before heading towards her room.

"Are you alright Sakura-chan?" asked Naruto. "You've been too quiet today..."

"Yea," Sakura forced a smile. "I'm fine...never been better."

Naruto accepted her reply and sat down next to Hinata, who instantly cuddled against him. "I think Sasuke and Neji should accompany you..."

"I don't know why...but something feels off..."

Sakura's eyes narrowed. "Are you implying that I'm too weak to take care of myself?" she snapped. "I seriously doubt there're any rapists on the ship that would be thick headed enough to attack me..."

Neji stood up and walked towards her. "I think that's a great idea," he said with forced cheerfulness. "Besides...I need to get something from my room," he added offhandedly, ignoring the death glare that Sakura sent him. Neji turned towards the group. "I think that it'd be best if we go in groups from now on..."

Sasuke nodded in agreement. "There's a safety in numbers..."

"But...but..."

Neji held up a hand and motioned for Sakura to be quiet. "Look...we're not implying that you're week," he said slowly. "As a matter of fact...you're one of the strongest people I've ever met," he said dryly. Especially when you're angry...

"The point is that it's better being safe then sorry," snapped Sasuke, rolling his eyes impatiently. "Whether you like it or not, we're comming with you," he said stiffly. "And that's final."

Sakura pursed her lips but didn't argue. "There...that's better," muttered Neji, luckily Sakura was too distracted to hear him. Sasuke snorted at the comment, and gently pushed Sakura out of the room.

Sasuke shot Neji a disgusted look before following a grumpy Sakura towards their room. The look clearly said, "Stay away from her...she's mine..."

Neji ignored him, while caused Sasuke to growl in fury. That baka's so annoying! He actually thinks that I"m interested in Sakura...what a joke! There's no way in heaven or hell I'd fall for her...

Or would I? Naw...it's impossible...I'm not capable of loving anyone...

Sakura had her arms crossed and was half stomping towards her room. She shot a glare at Neji and was surprised to see that he was deep in thought. What's he thinking about? He looks kinda cute...

OMG...did I just say that Neji was cute? Sakura shook off the thought. She was going crazy...and the current events weren't helping... Sakura shot a look at Sasuke and saw him staring at Neji, his eyes dark with anger. What was going on with them?

Things were so weird...so unpredictable lately...

Sakura sighed before reaching out to grasp the handle...and flung open the door.

~*~

Note: Sorry...this chapter is a bit on da short side...Me didn't have time ta write a long one *SMILES* newayz...skewl startz in less then a day *moanz* me so gonna die...

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