Love and Death
Disclaimer: Still don't own Naruto...
A/N: Minna-san, Konnichiwa! This chapter is divided up into Neji/Kisa and Miharu/Sasuke travelling toward the Village of the Hidden Mist in the final day. So far, the days have gone as follows:
First day: From beginning of story to arrival of Konoha Village
Second day: From their arrival at Konoha Village to receiving their assignment.
Third day: From leaving Konoha village to splitting up. *It's night when they split up.*
Fourth day: From splitting up to the end of the last chapter.
I'm not sure if this really coincides with the story all that well, but that is how it was originally planned. It only takes them five days to return Kisa (In chapter 6, I think, Sasuke says he's staying with Miharu for three days.) therefore, this chapter takes place three days after the last chapter. If you guys want me to put in a chapter to be like a interval, or whatever, let me know, and I'll do that. But anyway, now they are heading toward the village. Therefore, half of this chapter will be Neji and Kisa heading toward the village, and the other half will be Miharu and Sasuke. Then, in the final part, they will all meet back up again. So yeah, now that that's done, please enjoy! Chapter 8
Final Hours Together
~*~ Miharu and Sasuke ~*~
"Ne, Sasuke-kun...it's been so long since we've last seen Neji. Do you think he's alright?" Miharu asked Sasuke uncertainly, debating whether or not she wanted to hear his answer. She had a pretty good feeling that Neji was all right, but she needed assurance from someone else. Someone she could trust.
Sasuke flinched unwillingly as he heard his rival's name. Although they were team members, there still wasn't a very high level of trust between the two. And they would always be rivals...as long as they both had the ability of doujutsu, their advanced bloodlines would be their only reason to compete.
Just hearing her say Neji's name was enough to make him angry. Why think about that asshole when they had this whole time to themselves? Sasuke made sure that Miharu couldn't read his emotions, however. He definitely didn't want her upset of some stupid rivalry she already knew existed. "You know Neji." He answered. "Of course he's ok. Don't worry."
Miharu was happy. She did know Neji. She knew he wouldn't allow himself to die, and she knew it very well. But she was glad that Sasuke had also acknowledged this. It made her feel more secure. "Uh huh. You're probably right. Sorry I asked such a stupid question." She looked up quickly and flashed a strained smile, then directed her gaze toward the trees which lined the road.
Sasuke grinned slightly. Miharu was a very weird person indeed. First you think you know everything about her. She's a loudmouth, almost as bad as the dobe...ahem...Hokage, who lives to piss people off. She's not afraid to speak her mind, and will do whatever she pleases, hardly ever thinking about the consequences, unless she's in battle. Then, all of a sudden, she becomes a shy, sensitive, caring person who doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Talk about a complex personality!
Sasuke, much like Neji (don't let him hear you say that, though. Sasuke( Too late...), was having a hard time figuring out the minds of women.
Meanwhile, Miharu, back to her old, obnoxious personality, wanted to know when they would be arriving at the stupid village. She began to complain to her man. "SASUKE-KUN!!! This is becoming extremely tiring! How much longer do we have to walk? I'm going to run out of energy soon..." she seemed to deflate as she trailed off, practically dropping onto the floor.
By the time Sasuke had turned around, Miharu was asleep. (Sasuke : **Sweatdrop**)
~*~ Neji and Kisa ~*~
Neji and Kisa walked side by side through the forest. Neji's hands were behind his head, and he seemed content. Kisa's, on the other hand, were clasped in front of her, and her head was bent down. Clearly she had gone back to her I'm-so-innocent personality.
Neji looked at her curiously. "You know what I've just realized?" he asked her, knowing that after he said this it would pretty well change everything that had happened in the past three days.
Kisa was intrigued. Neji's troubled eyes contrasted sharply with the calm look on his face. However, Kisa had learned that if there was one feature about a person that you should trust the most, it was their eyes. "What is it?" She asked softly.
"Well..." His eyes focussed on the clear blue sky, birds swimming in its brightness. "It's just that...as you are now, you're...well...boring. Just boring." He looked over at her quickly, the same look in his eyes, and saw that what he had said had hurt her. He hadn't wanted to say it, but they would be going different ways in little over half a day, and she had to know the truth.
"If I'm to be truthful with you, then that is what I have to say. I really can't believe I'm going to say this, but I liked you more when you were outspoken and fun. Quiet and uncertain is not what I want." He had surprised himself saying this, considering that he had been telling himself his whole life that that was exactly what he did want.
"That's the thing with..." He gulped. It was going to kill him to say this. For the first time in his life...he was going to die from words... "well, with Miharu."
Kisa looked at him uncertainly. What the hell was wrong with this guy? Was it really that hard to make up your mind? First he had said that he didn't like Miharu at all, and now he was comparing them? Couldn't he just make up his mind and be over with it. Kisa actually felt sympathy directed to her distant bodyguard. What it must have been like to travel with this guy for eight years. Kisa had only been with him for five days, and already she felt like killing him. "Nani?" she asked him calmly.
"Ok, I know this is going to sound very weird. And I know I just told you that Miharu pisses me off. But there is something I've always like about her. The weird thing is, that's the very same thing about her that pisses me off...
"She is who she wants to be."
Kisa's eyes widened further (if that's even possible) and her mouth gaped silently. What?
"Miharu doesn't pretend around others. She doesn't soften the words that she says, to suit other's needs. She says what she wants, how she wants. She's true to herself...to others. And she doesn't care what others think of her, no matter who they are.
"Kisa...you need to learn how to do this. You're always hiding your true self from others, because you're afraid of what they'll think of you. But you shouldn't be. Once again, take Miharu for example. Because she is who she is, almost, ALMOST, everyone likes her. The village, for sure, loves that in her. That's all I wanted to tell you, Kisa." Neji continued onward, ignoring the questioning stare Kisa was giving him.
~*~ Miharu and Sasuke ~*~
Miharu was gently shaken awake by Sasuke. She cracked one eye open, saw him, and smiled. "Ohayo, Sasuke-kun." Reaching up, she held him in her arms.
Bending low, so that she lay once more on the ground, while still in her arms, Sasuke leant over so that his lips were only an inch from her ear. Slowly, softly, quietly, he whispered into her ear. "Act normal. There is a group of ninja hiding in those trees of to your left. Don't let them realize that we know they are there." Turning her head slightly, she brushed her lips against his. Now she whispered in his ear.
"Wakatta."
Getting into a sitting position, with the help of Sasuke who was still in her grasp, she yawned widely. "AHHH! That was a really good nap! I needed that. Now I feel refreshed!" Embracing Sasuke tightly, she finally let go. Getting up hesitantly, she began to stretch, winking at him as she did so. Sasuke caught her signal and understood what it meant.
"Ne, Sasuke-kun..." She began, grinning.
"Hmmm?"
"You still owe me that fight."
Getting up also, he faced her. She had her back turned to where the three ninja lay in wait; Sasuke stood directly opposite her. "You first." She taunted.
His eyes turned their signature red. No way was he going to fight without his Sharingan. "Prepare yourself!" He called out to her. Doing the hand seals, he called out, "Fuuton Renkudan!" (Wind Element: Steroid Blanks) Large, chakra infused balls of wind escaped from his mouth and raced to where Miharu was standing. Grinning widely, she stood there still.
--------------------------------------C-c-c-c-c-c-craaaaaaaack-------------- ------------------
The tree in which the three hidden ninja had been just a few seconds ago cracked at the base and toppled into the pathway. Miharu was nowhere to be seen. The ninja had finally revealed themselves. However, they were ninja from the Sand. (I'm too lazy to write outfits today. But anyway, what they're wearing looks much like what Gaara and Temari wear) All three of them landed in front of Sasuke, grinning.
"So, you knew we were there all along, did you?" asked the tallest man there. "Where's the girl? We want the vile!" He raced toward Sasuke while saying this, doing hand seals as he ran. "Suna Shurikan!" (Sand Shuriken) He yelled. Large blades, made entirely of sand, flew toward Sasuke. He didn't move.
The force of them hitting his body was intense. He crashed into the ground and with a 'POOF' a log lay in his place. He had used Kawarimi no Jutsu.
"Shit!" The man hissed under his breath. He began the hand seals for-
"No time for that." Came the whisper in his ear. A Kunai suspended in mid air pressed itself against his throat. Before the Sand ninja had time to draw breath, the kunai had pierced his throat. He lay bleeding on the ground.
"He's using genjutsu! That damn kid!" another Sand ninja yelled over to his partner. "Two can play that game." He muttered to himself. He drew out a scroll.
Before he had time to open it, he was kicked into mid air. A figure followed him as the Sand sped upward. For a moment he seemed to hang in the sky. Looking across from him, he saw black, ruthless eyes. "It's not me." He said spitefully. Pointing downward he said, "It's her."
The Sand ninja was stupid enough to look down. As he did this, Sasuke came at him with a series of punches and kicks, beginning with a punch in his gut, and ending with a powerful leg sweep which sent the Sand hurtling downward, to his death. Dropping down also, Sasuke decided that he would leave the last one to his companion.
Miharu grinned evilly. Two down, one to go...and by the looks of it, this last one was hers. The Sand didn't see her grin. All he saw was the black-haired boy leaning up against a tree, carelessly. "That bastard..." He thought to himself, gritting his teeth angrily. Creeping up behind the man, she had an idea that would blow him away. Literally.
Doing the hand seals, she leant over and whispered softly into his ear, "There was this woman I killed a couple of days ago. She used a really cool attack. Here, I'll show you...Kaze no Yaiba!" (Wind Blade) Ruthlessly, the blade of wind sliced through the body of the man before her. Using her own skill, she transported herself to where Sasuke stood. Releasing her chakra, she appeared in front of him, smiling.
Ruffling her hair, he grinned. "That's my girl!" he whispered to her.
She glared at him, hissing back, "I'm not a girl! I'm a woman now! Why won't anyone even bother to get it straight?" Laughing, he hugged her quickly and began to walk.
A few hours later...
Miharu stepped through the entrance leading into the Village of the Hidden Mist. She hadn't been here for a while. However, what made her happier was that she would finally see Neji again. What made her happier than that was that they would finally be getting rid of Kisa.
Suddenly, a voice in her ear made her scream and jump. "WHAT THE HELL?" She screamed. "NEJI!! DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN!"
Neji, on the other hand grinned. He was right. Miharu's personality both made him happy and pissed him off at the same time. Who would have ever thought that possible?
Sasuke watched the exchange between the two with cold eyes. What the hell was Neji doing? Hadn't he just practically said that he hated her? Kisa looked from Sasuke to both Neji and Miharu. She had a feeling that after she left, things would become chaotic between the three.
Neji cleared some space between Miharu and himself. Miharu, however, decided that now was the time to pull her charm. She ran toward him with outstretched arms, in slow motion. Stars and hearts danced around her. (Classic anime style!) "Neji...!" she called as she ran. Just as she was about to grab onto him, he sidestepped, sending her crashing... .
.
.
.
.
.
.
Into a tree...
End of Chapter 8!
A/N: ok, this chapter ended up really crappy but it's late and I'm really tired. Plus, I've got school tomorrow! And a test I forgot to study for! SHIT!!!! Oh well...anyway, sorry about the horrible ending and everything. I'll make it up to you in the next chapter, where you find out why Kisa's being chased! Yeah! Go me! Anyway, please review! Ja ne!
A/N: Minna-san, Konnichiwa! This chapter is divided up into Neji/Kisa and Miharu/Sasuke travelling toward the Village of the Hidden Mist in the final day. So far, the days have gone as follows:
First day: From beginning of story to arrival of Konoha Village
Second day: From their arrival at Konoha Village to receiving their assignment.
Third day: From leaving Konoha village to splitting up. *It's night when they split up.*
Fourth day: From splitting up to the end of the last chapter.
I'm not sure if this really coincides with the story all that well, but that is how it was originally planned. It only takes them five days to return Kisa (In chapter 6, I think, Sasuke says he's staying with Miharu for three days.) therefore, this chapter takes place three days after the last chapter. If you guys want me to put in a chapter to be like a interval, or whatever, let me know, and I'll do that. But anyway, now they are heading toward the village. Therefore, half of this chapter will be Neji and Kisa heading toward the village, and the other half will be Miharu and Sasuke. Then, in the final part, they will all meet back up again. So yeah, now that that's done, please enjoy! Chapter 8
Final Hours Together
~*~ Miharu and Sasuke ~*~
"Ne, Sasuke-kun...it's been so long since we've last seen Neji. Do you think he's alright?" Miharu asked Sasuke uncertainly, debating whether or not she wanted to hear his answer. She had a pretty good feeling that Neji was all right, but she needed assurance from someone else. Someone she could trust.
Sasuke flinched unwillingly as he heard his rival's name. Although they were team members, there still wasn't a very high level of trust between the two. And they would always be rivals...as long as they both had the ability of doujutsu, their advanced bloodlines would be their only reason to compete.
Just hearing her say Neji's name was enough to make him angry. Why think about that asshole when they had this whole time to themselves? Sasuke made sure that Miharu couldn't read his emotions, however. He definitely didn't want her upset of some stupid rivalry she already knew existed. "You know Neji." He answered. "Of course he's ok. Don't worry."
Miharu was happy. She did know Neji. She knew he wouldn't allow himself to die, and she knew it very well. But she was glad that Sasuke had also acknowledged this. It made her feel more secure. "Uh huh. You're probably right. Sorry I asked such a stupid question." She looked up quickly and flashed a strained smile, then directed her gaze toward the trees which lined the road.
Sasuke grinned slightly. Miharu was a very weird person indeed. First you think you know everything about her. She's a loudmouth, almost as bad as the dobe...ahem...Hokage, who lives to piss people off. She's not afraid to speak her mind, and will do whatever she pleases, hardly ever thinking about the consequences, unless she's in battle. Then, all of a sudden, she becomes a shy, sensitive, caring person who doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Talk about a complex personality!
Sasuke, much like Neji (don't let him hear you say that, though. Sasuke( Too late...), was having a hard time figuring out the minds of women.
Meanwhile, Miharu, back to her old, obnoxious personality, wanted to know when they would be arriving at the stupid village. She began to complain to her man. "SASUKE-KUN!!! This is becoming extremely tiring! How much longer do we have to walk? I'm going to run out of energy soon..." she seemed to deflate as she trailed off, practically dropping onto the floor.
By the time Sasuke had turned around, Miharu was asleep. (Sasuke : **Sweatdrop**)
~*~ Neji and Kisa ~*~
Neji and Kisa walked side by side through the forest. Neji's hands were behind his head, and he seemed content. Kisa's, on the other hand, were clasped in front of her, and her head was bent down. Clearly she had gone back to her I'm-so-innocent personality.
Neji looked at her curiously. "You know what I've just realized?" he asked her, knowing that after he said this it would pretty well change everything that had happened in the past three days.
Kisa was intrigued. Neji's troubled eyes contrasted sharply with the calm look on his face. However, Kisa had learned that if there was one feature about a person that you should trust the most, it was their eyes. "What is it?" She asked softly.
"Well..." His eyes focussed on the clear blue sky, birds swimming in its brightness. "It's just that...as you are now, you're...well...boring. Just boring." He looked over at her quickly, the same look in his eyes, and saw that what he had said had hurt her. He hadn't wanted to say it, but they would be going different ways in little over half a day, and she had to know the truth.
"If I'm to be truthful with you, then that is what I have to say. I really can't believe I'm going to say this, but I liked you more when you were outspoken and fun. Quiet and uncertain is not what I want." He had surprised himself saying this, considering that he had been telling himself his whole life that that was exactly what he did want.
"That's the thing with..." He gulped. It was going to kill him to say this. For the first time in his life...he was going to die from words... "well, with Miharu."
Kisa looked at him uncertainly. What the hell was wrong with this guy? Was it really that hard to make up your mind? First he had said that he didn't like Miharu at all, and now he was comparing them? Couldn't he just make up his mind and be over with it. Kisa actually felt sympathy directed to her distant bodyguard. What it must have been like to travel with this guy for eight years. Kisa had only been with him for five days, and already she felt like killing him. "Nani?" she asked him calmly.
"Ok, I know this is going to sound very weird. And I know I just told you that Miharu pisses me off. But there is something I've always like about her. The weird thing is, that's the very same thing about her that pisses me off...
"She is who she wants to be."
Kisa's eyes widened further (if that's even possible) and her mouth gaped silently. What?
"Miharu doesn't pretend around others. She doesn't soften the words that she says, to suit other's needs. She says what she wants, how she wants. She's true to herself...to others. And she doesn't care what others think of her, no matter who they are.
"Kisa...you need to learn how to do this. You're always hiding your true self from others, because you're afraid of what they'll think of you. But you shouldn't be. Once again, take Miharu for example. Because she is who she is, almost, ALMOST, everyone likes her. The village, for sure, loves that in her. That's all I wanted to tell you, Kisa." Neji continued onward, ignoring the questioning stare Kisa was giving him.
~*~ Miharu and Sasuke ~*~
Miharu was gently shaken awake by Sasuke. She cracked one eye open, saw him, and smiled. "Ohayo, Sasuke-kun." Reaching up, she held him in her arms.
Bending low, so that she lay once more on the ground, while still in her arms, Sasuke leant over so that his lips were only an inch from her ear. Slowly, softly, quietly, he whispered into her ear. "Act normal. There is a group of ninja hiding in those trees of to your left. Don't let them realize that we know they are there." Turning her head slightly, she brushed her lips against his. Now she whispered in his ear.
"Wakatta."
Getting into a sitting position, with the help of Sasuke who was still in her grasp, she yawned widely. "AHHH! That was a really good nap! I needed that. Now I feel refreshed!" Embracing Sasuke tightly, she finally let go. Getting up hesitantly, she began to stretch, winking at him as she did so. Sasuke caught her signal and understood what it meant.
"Ne, Sasuke-kun..." She began, grinning.
"Hmmm?"
"You still owe me that fight."
Getting up also, he faced her. She had her back turned to where the three ninja lay in wait; Sasuke stood directly opposite her. "You first." She taunted.
His eyes turned their signature red. No way was he going to fight without his Sharingan. "Prepare yourself!" He called out to her. Doing the hand seals, he called out, "Fuuton Renkudan!" (Wind Element: Steroid Blanks) Large, chakra infused balls of wind escaped from his mouth and raced to where Miharu was standing. Grinning widely, she stood there still.
--------------------------------------C-c-c-c-c-c-craaaaaaaack-------------- ------------------
The tree in which the three hidden ninja had been just a few seconds ago cracked at the base and toppled into the pathway. Miharu was nowhere to be seen. The ninja had finally revealed themselves. However, they were ninja from the Sand. (I'm too lazy to write outfits today. But anyway, what they're wearing looks much like what Gaara and Temari wear) All three of them landed in front of Sasuke, grinning.
"So, you knew we were there all along, did you?" asked the tallest man there. "Where's the girl? We want the vile!" He raced toward Sasuke while saying this, doing hand seals as he ran. "Suna Shurikan!" (Sand Shuriken) He yelled. Large blades, made entirely of sand, flew toward Sasuke. He didn't move.
The force of them hitting his body was intense. He crashed into the ground and with a 'POOF' a log lay in his place. He had used Kawarimi no Jutsu.
"Shit!" The man hissed under his breath. He began the hand seals for-
"No time for that." Came the whisper in his ear. A Kunai suspended in mid air pressed itself against his throat. Before the Sand ninja had time to draw breath, the kunai had pierced his throat. He lay bleeding on the ground.
"He's using genjutsu! That damn kid!" another Sand ninja yelled over to his partner. "Two can play that game." He muttered to himself. He drew out a scroll.
Before he had time to open it, he was kicked into mid air. A figure followed him as the Sand sped upward. For a moment he seemed to hang in the sky. Looking across from him, he saw black, ruthless eyes. "It's not me." He said spitefully. Pointing downward he said, "It's her."
The Sand ninja was stupid enough to look down. As he did this, Sasuke came at him with a series of punches and kicks, beginning with a punch in his gut, and ending with a powerful leg sweep which sent the Sand hurtling downward, to his death. Dropping down also, Sasuke decided that he would leave the last one to his companion.
Miharu grinned evilly. Two down, one to go...and by the looks of it, this last one was hers. The Sand didn't see her grin. All he saw was the black-haired boy leaning up against a tree, carelessly. "That bastard..." He thought to himself, gritting his teeth angrily. Creeping up behind the man, she had an idea that would blow him away. Literally.
Doing the hand seals, she leant over and whispered softly into his ear, "There was this woman I killed a couple of days ago. She used a really cool attack. Here, I'll show you...Kaze no Yaiba!" (Wind Blade) Ruthlessly, the blade of wind sliced through the body of the man before her. Using her own skill, she transported herself to where Sasuke stood. Releasing her chakra, she appeared in front of him, smiling.
Ruffling her hair, he grinned. "That's my girl!" he whispered to her.
She glared at him, hissing back, "I'm not a girl! I'm a woman now! Why won't anyone even bother to get it straight?" Laughing, he hugged her quickly and began to walk.
A few hours later...
Miharu stepped through the entrance leading into the Village of the Hidden Mist. She hadn't been here for a while. However, what made her happier was that she would finally see Neji again. What made her happier than that was that they would finally be getting rid of Kisa.
Suddenly, a voice in her ear made her scream and jump. "WHAT THE HELL?" She screamed. "NEJI!! DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN!"
Neji, on the other hand grinned. He was right. Miharu's personality both made him happy and pissed him off at the same time. Who would have ever thought that possible?
Sasuke watched the exchange between the two with cold eyes. What the hell was Neji doing? Hadn't he just practically said that he hated her? Kisa looked from Sasuke to both Neji and Miharu. She had a feeling that after she left, things would become chaotic between the three.
Neji cleared some space between Miharu and himself. Miharu, however, decided that now was the time to pull her charm. She ran toward him with outstretched arms, in slow motion. Stars and hearts danced around her. (Classic anime style!) "Neji...!" she called as she ran. Just as she was about to grab onto him, he sidestepped, sending her crashing... .
.
.
.
.
.
.
Into a tree...
End of Chapter 8!
A/N: ok, this chapter ended up really crappy but it's late and I'm really tired. Plus, I've got school tomorrow! And a test I forgot to study for! SHIT!!!! Oh well...anyway, sorry about the horrible ending and everything. I'll make it up to you in the next chapter, where you find out why Kisa's being chased! Yeah! Go me! Anyway, please review! Ja ne!