Notes: This chapter isn't all that creative but I feel likeits important.
Disclaimer: Naruto is Kishimoto's creationbut iborrowed a little from his story. (Shhhhh)
CHAPTER 2: Relief and Return
"Well, after long, laborious hours, I am finally finished." Tsunade looked over at Shikamaru, who stood between his father and Temari. His back was turned, but she saw his body tense at the sound of her weary voice.
Temari eyed the elder woman, waiting anxiously to hear the news. After staying with Shikamaru for hours and hours, his nervousness had rubbed off on her somewhat. Tsunade watched him in silence for a good 30 seconds before speaking again.
"Choji will be fine. He won't be able to get out of bed for a few months, but he will live."
Shikamaru's shoulders relaxed a good deal but there was some reluctance. The opposite door opened, godaime's assistant coming through. She looked just as worn but there was a smile on her lips. "Hyuuga Neji is stable. He'll be just fine."
His shoulders fell completely. His father glanced over at him without turning his head. Temari's face brightened and she turned her head, looking at his back. It was trembling. She heard a sniff and a relieved sigh that quivered slightly. Her eyes lowered to the floor, two wet spots had fallen near his feet. She didn't look up again. She had no idea he had been that scared of loosing his friends.
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"I should go back now…my team might worry." Temari knew this not to be the case, but she needed some excuse to make herself go back. Hidden Leaf was much friendlier than Hidden Sand, but at the same time, she wasn't home. She smiled over at Shikamaru. "I'm glad your friends are alright."
Shikamaru nodded, faintly smiling in return. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, body in a slouched position, a typical lazy stance except he looked as if he would drop any moment from exhaustion. He needed as much rest as his injured teammates. "Thanks again. To the Sand…"
She grinned, unstrapping her fan from her back and pointed it at him. His eyes widened a little in question.
"Whenever you guys need someone to save your ass, send for us." With that, she strapped her fan back on and headed out past the large gate and sped off into the woods.
Shikamaru stared after her a long while, his face slowly sinking into a mixed frowning, annoyed and bored expression.
"Tch, girls are so troublesome..."
Thanks to all my reviewers so far! I couldn't resist to update ASAP. So there will be a nice surge of new chapters for a little while. Chapter 3 I will post in a day or two. Maybe sooner if I get enough reviewers saying they like this story XD. So! Thanks so much again, and I hope it doesn't get too uninteresting for you! Keep writing those reviews!