Final Falling Out
I don't own Naruto, there that's my disclaimer.
To those that celebrate Easter, I wish you the best this coming weekend. For anyone else, please stay safe in this crazy world and treat yourself well. This is going up early as I'll be busy the rest of this week and didn't want to miss out on the regularly scheduled time. Enjoy!
Sleep didn't come easy that night for the Kunoichi. Not only was it being in a new place, but thoughts of Neji never relinquished. Focusing on the fact she hugged him, he also reciprocated it by pulling her back to him. Mind blown! There were just some emotions that were taunting her, scared, excited, and nervous, to name a few. Not only did they taunt her, but they were plaguing her thoughts keeping it on replay. After getting ready for the day, time was closing in on breakfast. Stepping out her door, she couldn't remember the route she'd taken the night before.
"Lost already?" Turning to the voice that was teasing her, spotting the culprit
Smiling to him before she could stop herself, "Yeah, I thought you weren't going to be here this morning?"
"I was just getting ready to leave. I'll show you to the dining room." Neji spoke starting to lead the way
"Thank you. I'll try to remember, that way I'm not a bother to you." Sakura expressed in step with Neji, trying to memorize the way
"That's why I'm here, to help you and get you around. I don't mind at all." Loving the reaction, he got out of Sakura, the conversation ceased. Not taking any time to get there. Neji went to open the door "I'll see you later."
Sakura smiled, heading in. Proceeding to her seat, Hinata watched the blush disappear from her friend's face. Before Hinata could announce it to her friend, breakfast was served. The lack of noise was deafening compared to the night before. Naruto brought out the most in everyone.
"Sakura, would you like a tour of the compound?" Hinata asked
"Yes, that would be lovely," Sakura replied, she'd never seen such a beautiful compound.
"Hanabi shall join you," Hiashi spoke, his eyes never leaving the scrolls
"Of course, father." Agreeing with her father's statement, if his mind was made up it went that way
Hiashi was the first done and the first to leave, clearly something running amuck in his mind. He appeared normal the night before now, he was acting strange. Not wanting to make assumptions, Sakura barely knew the man. She'd only heard what Tsunade said in her late-night drunken stupors. Which was far from pleasant. After finishing their meals, Hinata started the tour by leading the two girls around. Giving Hanabi some time to acclimate to Sakura. Knowing that Sakura had not meant to scare the girl the previous night, gave her a new perspective.
Sakura loved the gardens the most; they were so peaceful. Something she wanted whenever the time was right. Hinata was patient with all the odd questions Sakura had relating to the compound. Hinata would turn around and ask questions back. Some about how the medical training at the academy was going, and so forth with Sakura answering the best she could.
The medical training at the academy was something that took a lot of time, a lot of arguing, and finally finding the people to do it. Hinata took the opportunity by stepping up and doing some of the teachings, a lot of the other medics took turns. Allowing for the new procedures to function adequately. They even got new genin teams to allow one person from each team to be trained in basic healing, with some wanting more! Tsunade was proud of how her student pushed and did what she had to get it approved.
By the time it was ten-thirty, the entire compound had been shown to Sakura. During their tour, Sakura got to meet and see many of the Hyuga family. Finding their way to the courtyard, they sat on the deck talking more while having tea.
"Sakura-sensei?" Hanabi finally spoke up
"Hai?" Sakura looked over at the young girl
"Is it true you've surpassed Lady Hokage?"
"That's what they say, there is still more to learn."
"Don't be biased Sakura, boast about yourself." Turning to the door to see Neji standing there
"Thank you, Neji-san." Blushing at him, "I suppose I am that good."
Hinata heard a sound that she hadn't heard in a while, Neji chuckling. "I am to see Uncle; may I join you after?"
"Yes, of course." Sakura smiled, watching him nod then leaving.
After he was gone, Sakura smiled into her tea ignoring the looks she was receiving.
"Alright Sakura, spill," Hinata spoke for both of them
Sakura moved her head to face her company. "What?"
"What- the- that interaction?" Hinata spoke hurriedly, she knew the meetings never lasted long. "I haven't seen you smile like that in years! You even had a blush to go with it!"
"I don't know," Sakura spoke truthfully. "He's been tremendously helpful. He was even nice enough to get me a new pair of charka gloves."
"He got you a new pair?" Hanabi spoke astonished
"Yeah, I was surprised," Sakura answered
"Neji never gets anyone anything," Hinata stated, looking to Hanabi whose face was just as confused. If not more.
"What?" Sakura was baffled now
"He never gets anyone anything, only uncle."
"Then why me?"
Before Sakura could ask more questions, the shoji door opened revealing Neji. He'd changed into his training clothes, out of his ANBU outfit. Sakura preferred the ANBU outfit; it was tight in all the right spots. Walking over, he came to sit beside Sakura closer than Hinata thought he would.
"Uncle would like to speak to us tomorrow. In the afternoon preferably." Neji spoke
"Okay, do you know what about?" Sakura asked
"No. I try not to guess anymore."
Laughing, "I don't blame you!" She could barely get a read on the man! She was supposed to be good at it
"What did you do this morning?" Neji asked, moving the conversation along
"Hinata and Hanabi gave me a tour of the compound. We finally sat down for some tea. How did your morning go?"
"We learned some from the Uchiha, he is still holding back," Neji spoke, there was a hint of boredom
"At least he's being useful for this once," Sakura spoke, hoping that statement would end the conversation about the Uchiha
"Let's spar after lunch."
"What?" Sakura asked surprised
"We should spar. With my missions, I haven't been able to spar with anyone besides my teammates."
"Okay. I haven't sparred with anyone in a while either, that is beside Tsunade." Smiling to the boy in front of her, "Want to come to watch?" Sakura asked the two girls eyeing the duo before them
"Sure." Hinata smiled, curious to see how the two faired against each other. Plus, the interaction they were having there was more to their relationship than either of them was willing to admit. That is if they realized it.
"Oh yeah! Sensei versus cousin, I wouldn't miss this!" Hanabi spoke
Continuing to converse with one another passed the time quickly. Hanabi had several more questions for Sakura, allowing adequate time between them to not bombard her. Slowly heading in the direction of the dining room, Neji occupied the spot beside Sakura. Entering the dining room, making time to announce themselves and greet Hiashi who had already taken his place. Taking their places and with food served they resumed their conversation. Hiashi looked on, internally smiling. Sakura was adjusting well, fitting into their family nicely.
"What are the plans for this afternoon?" Hiashi asked, intersecting his way into the conversation
"We're going to training ground seven, Neji-san and Sensei are going to spar!" Hanabi answered before anyone else, clearly more excited than everyone else
"Ah. That is a wonderful idea. I will join you in watching, it has been some time that there's been a good spar."
"If we're going to do this, we should get going. I want to put some much-needed training time on my new gloves! They take some time to break in." Sakura explained
"I'll take you to get them," Neji announced, waiting for his uncle to allow them to get up
"Very well. We will meet you at the training grounds." Hiashi spoke
With everyone up, they each went in their respective directions. Hanabi bounced behind her father, with Hinata trying to keep her composed. Sakura had taken the lead, pumped for this spar. She'd always wondered how a spar would go between her and the Hyuga. Being as the Hyuga tended to injure himself when he spared with his teammates. It didn't take long for Neji to catch up to the excited girl, directing her in the correct direction.
Reaching their destination soon after, Sakura ran into her room. Watching as she went to her bedside table, grabbing them out. Showing them off as she walked out, they hurried to the training grounds. Even if he didn't show the excitement like his counterpart, he was intrigued to see what she was capable of. That is without a traitor agitating her.
Arriving at the spot, Sakura noticed that Hinata and Hanabi were sitting in a tree. Hiashi was resting against the base, arms crossed giving them a nod once they were before them.
"Are the two of you ready?" Hiashi asked the duo. Looking at each other, both holding a smirk spoke a yes. Hiashi couldn't help his anticipation for this spar. "Keep it clean." With that, they both vanished
The spar had been going for an hour, drawing in a crowd. The crowd seemed to keep acquiring new faces along with familiar faces. Naruto, Lee, Tenten, Kiba, and Tsunade were among those that were spectators.
"Look at Sakura go! She has improved so much!" Naruto praised his sister, seated beside his girlfriend.
"Yes, she has." Tsunade watched on, looking for any signs of fatigue or even a mental break
"You have outdone yourself with her Tsunade. Her healing abilities are astounding." Hiashi spoke
"What do you mean?" Tsunade spoke, paying closer attention to Sakura
"Her wounds seem to heal immediately." The annoyance pouring from Hiashi's statement
Tsunade watched; Neji had thrown a kunai that brushed Sakura's shoulder. It was almost as if the cut disappeared. "Not even I can heal myself in battle. That requires too much chakra, no matter how much you build up to it." Tsunade explained, barely holding the anger
"Neji-oniisan just blocked off one of her chakra points, then it reopened!" Hanabi spoke amazed at her new sensei. Maybe she wasn't as bad as she initially thought!
"That's impossible." Hiashi and Tsunade spoke, only a member of the Hyuga family could reopen the closed chakra points.
Watching the battle turn over to Neji, Sakura was fighting just as hard. It was clear they were evenly matched. Hiashi wondered why Sakura hadn't gone for ANBU yet. Sakura missed that Neji was leaving himself open, leaving room for Neji a final blow for this spar. Sakura landed on her back, smiling. Out of breath, she watched Neji come join her. He was panting, he took a seat beside her head.
"That was exhilarating!" Sakura smiled up at the boy beside her. "Thank you for the spar, it was fun."
"My pleasure, I enjoyed it as well." Neji spoke, looking around he noticed the crowd that had accumulated "We acquired a crowd." The said crowd began their way over
"Sakura-chan! That was amazing!" Naruto yelled, plopping beside Neji. Sakura sat up smiling at her friend. Looking further up, she saw Tsunade's face. It was her pissed-off face, not something she liked to see directed at her.
"Do you have any idea how reckless that is? I thought I trained you better than that!" Tsunade barked
"Baa-chan! It was-." Naruto tried to stand up for Sakura
Sakura bent her head, proceeding to stand. Pain from each wound finally hit, but she stood at full height holding her head high. "You did. That's why I created that gen-jutsu."
"It's a gen-jutsu?" Hiashi remarked, he should have been able to detect that
"Yes, I worked closely with Kurenai-sensei. It has taken some time to refine it to how I want it." Sakura didn't want to give out all the details in front of all the people standing watching her. She made sure to speak with pride. Proud of what she'd accomplished, it could be shown to those closest to her. Watching her mentor smirk, she was no longer angry.
"I should not have doubted your training. I believe that our training is finished."
"Of course." Sakura nodded
Patting her on the head, she announced her departure. Watching her mentor stalk off, Sakura wasn't sure how to feel. Proud? Grown? Before she could think more about it, Hiashi moved into her view.
"Miss Hurano, you have yet again surprised me. The byakugan didn't even detect it. I look forward to learning more from you about this new gen-jutsu. I have business to attend, good day." Hiashi spoke, leaving in the direction of Tsunade
Once he was out of hearing distance, Sakura turned to her friends. Sitting back down, it had been some time since all her stress was nonexistent. Hanabi and Hinata left soon after, Hanabi wanting to read up on gen-jutsu. After that, everyone also took their leave. Sakura lay beside the Hyuga, most of her wounds healed. It felt nice to relax, feeling the boy next to her relaxing too. After some time, the throbbing in her arms was becoming annoying.
"Will these stop hurting at some point?" Sakura lifted her pained arm, not bothering to open her eyes
"I can reopen them," Neji answered, looking to the girl beside him. Eyes still closed, taking the arm that was close to his face.
"Please, can you open them?" Sakura asked sweetly
"Sit up," Neji smirked
Smirking back at the demand, she moved to sit up. Neji let her arm slide through his hand, watching her move to be at a better angle. Taking her arm, he began opening the ones that seemed to be causing the most pain. The first ones he did made her arm feel immensely better, sighing in peace.
"Already bored?" Neji picked on her
"No, they are already starting to feel better," Sakura answered, turning her attention to Neji. His face was full of concentration. His features were a mix of soft and pointed. She never thought that was possible yet looking at Neji it clearly was. She'd seen more of his playful side lately, it was odd, but she enjoyed seeing that side.
Neji could feel her eyes on him, she was blatantly obvious about observing him. He couldn't fault her for her forwardness. He moved onto her other hand, moving her closer to him. Hiding his smirk at seeing her blush at the added contact. Enjoying making her blush, if he'd known half of what he knew now he would have started doing this during his hospital visits.
"All finished, are you done ogling my face?" Neji called her out, wanting to see her reaction
Sakura blanched at being called out, "I was just trying to understand your eyes of yours."
Smirking at her quick response, "Of course. I was mistaken." Watching her eyes become fiery, "If we hurry, we can shower before dinner." Neji pointed out as he stood, helping Sakura up
"A shower sounds amazing." Sakura smiled, turned, and ran with Neji behind her
-XX-
Sunday was finally there, the week seemed to fly by. Tomorrow would start her student's training, Sakura wanted everything to be perfect. The mission that landed her in this position was nearly two weeks in her memory. Hiashi gave her some time to adjust to her new surroundings, which allowed her to really focus on setting up a basic schedule. Volunteering Neji to help her, he was her cross-reference.
Hiashi gave her scrolls to go over, some things were basic knowledge. Other stuff she read; she ran it by Neji who would clarify the information. She absorbed the information like a sponge, learning some things she wanted to try for her own training.
Leaving the compound after the quiet breakfast. Everyone had other plans for the day, so they left hurriedly. Hiashi was even in a rush. Making the decision to leave on her own, she explored the village. Slowly making her way in a particular direction, in no hurry. She'd made sure to talk to most of the rookie nine, all those that were not on missions. However, there was one that acted like she was avoiding her.
Stopping several times on her way either to help someone or for someone to stop her to talk to. Finally arriving at her destination, she looked through the window to see that the one she wanted to talk to was there. Entering the shop, she went in with hesitation. With the bell announcing her entrance, she watched how she was welcomed.
"Welcome, how may I-." Ino stopped what she was doing, looking at the guest that entered the shop
"Hi, Ino. I haven't talked to you in a while." Sakura spoke, they spoke at the hospital. Ino was only working here part-time, the rest of the time she was in the hospital. She was an added benefit, being able to read into the minds of those unconscious. They had gotten along fairly well, there was still the random banter. That was to be expected, a relationship built then broken to be rebuilt. That was a lot of rebuilding.
Watching the blond take a deep breath, "How may I help you?"
"Ino? What is wrong, I came to talk." Sakura spoke, what did she do wrong now?
"I don't help those that attempt to kill our people."
Being taken back at that statement, "What are you going on about?"
"You know what Sakura. The head medic that brought back a tattered Uchiha Sasuke."
Rolling her eyes, "He was far from tattered, plus I was more injured than him."
"You were the one to almost kill him because you lost control." Ino sneered
"Seriously? You're going there?"
"I'm joining you; you were already there when you lost it." Ino spoke, "Maybe if you'd spent less time at the hospital, you'd be different. Then you wouldn't have almost killed Sasuke."
"How dare you. I can't believe that you're starting this again! I thought that we were passed this."
"He was your teammate that you almost killed." Looking at the girl before her, she was making no sense. It was like she wasn't even listening to her. "You're not fighting my words. How could you? You are a cold-hearted bitch, you're despicable."
"So what if I am a cold-hearted, I am more of a Kunoichi than you could ever be. I made my choices; I was the one that was there and made a call."
"Get-out. I don't want you near me or my family. I don't want to be associated with a cold-hearted bitch."
Shaking her head, this was unbelievable. Hell, she was still in disbelief that Ino was acting this way. Turning to leave the shop, she stopped before she left. "I did what any ninja would have done. If I had to, I would do everything just the same."
"Get out!" Ino yelled at Sakura's retreating form
Not going to deal with that, especially when that bridge was passed. They were practically adults! Many of them were 18 or 19, then Guy's team was in their 20s. The game Ino was playing wasn't worth playing, Sakura had no time for them now. Thinking back to everything she said, she would say it all over again. Taking her time to head back to the compound, taking a detour to the hill she used to go to. The one that she'd met Neji on, not knowing who he was. Learning that he was a part of Guy's team at the Chūnin Exams. She wondered if Neji came here after her parents kicked her out if he wondered if they'd meet there again. It was like a secret meeting place.
Making her way back to the compound, she was the only one there for lunch. Eating quick, she headed back to her room. Making last-minute changes to the training for Hanabi, Sakura decided to meditate. Her mind was racing, being as there was no one to keep her company. It was the best alternative. At some point, her meditation was interrupted. With someone knocking on her door. Saying coming in, she hoped they heard her.
"You understand the point of a door right, you're supposed to get up to answer them. Rather than yell to the person." It was Neji
"There are only a handful of people that know I'm staying here. Why bother when it may be one of them? Sakura countered
Neji smirked; she had a point. "Uncle wishes to see us finally. This is the make-up meeting for when he canceled on us."
"Okay." Sakura stood, fixing her clothes. Neji took in her appearance she wasn't in any of her shinobi gear. She was in pants and a flowing shirt, it looked good on her. Neji led the way, expecting conversation. He'd come to expect it, enjoying their moment together. It was clear that something was bothering her, he didn't have time to talk about it. The only way he knew that was the way she held herself, her shoulders were tense, and her walk was determined. Halting his thoughts, he knocked on his uncle's door. Waiting to be called in, hearing him they entered the room.
"Come, sit. We have much to discuss." Hiashi stood, motioning to the chairs in front of his desk. Coming to sit, they both watched the man before them. "After watching the two of you spar, I realize you have much to learn from one another. I have spoken with Tsunade, you have completed your mission correct?" Hiashi waited for the nod, "While you do not have any missions as of now, you both will be learning new skills." Hiashi explained
"New skills?" Sakura asked
"Yes. I have made the time to train you for politics. However, the best way to learn how the byakugan works are to learn from someone. Neji is one of our best, he can teach you to understand how to use it to your advantage."
"And I?" Neji asked confused
"Miss Hurano fooled us all with her gen-jutsu, I believe that she can help you with detecting gen-jutsu. Especially ones that are as strong as hers." Neji nodded to his uncle in understanding, not fully accepting his uncle's spiel.
"Lord Hiashi, may I ask something?" Sakura began
"Of course."
"You wished to speak to us the day after we spared then moved it. I feel as if the conversation has changed, has it?"
Hiashi chuckled, "Yes, indeed it has. For now, you can train and spar with one another. I will speak to the two of you later, as I will have more to speak with you about."
"Hai." Came from the other occupants in the room
"We are finished for now; I will see you both shortly at dinner." Hiashi released them
Bowing to him, they left his office deep in thought. Walking back to their rooms, it was another silent journey. Back to their rooms, Neji stopped Sakura before she could retreat into her room. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I guess." Sakura sighed, she wasn't sure
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"I- I don't know."
"Why don't we go sit and have some tea. If you want to talk, I'm there." Neji offered, hoping that she agreed
Sakura nodded accepting his offer. Neji placed a hand on the small of her back, leading her in a new direction. Finding themselves in a new part of the house she hadn't been in, she heard Neji call for tea. Taking a seat, she was surprised when Neji sat beside her.
"No one comes to this sitting room anymore. In a way, I've claimed it as my own." Neji began, hoping to start a conversation
"Oh, it's quiet in here." Sakura gave a small smile
Neji watched her, noticing that she was troubled about something. In a way, he'd hoped that she wasn't reverting on herself, after all her progress. "What happened today?"
"I visited someone today and well, she wasn't happy with me."
"Why?" Neji watched her
"I'm the head medic and yet I'm a cold-hearted bitch. I don't apparently care for my job, because I almost killed Uchiha."
Waiting for the servant to leave the tea with them before he responded. Watching them leave, "Who said that to you?"
"Ino."
Scuffing, he didn't mean to but it just came out. "I thought that you were getting along with her. I also thought that the rivalry thing was a thing of the past?"
"I don't even think it's rivalry anymore. She used to be the one I looked up to and asked questions to, now it's the other way around. I don't know. I wanted to talk to someone about that day. Someone that wouldn't baby me, tell me what I did was the right thing. Maybe I am what she said."
"You are not a cold-hearted bitch. You did what anyone would have done, something many of us failed at. I'm proud, you caught and brought home someone that went rouge."
"Thank you. It's good to hear that, I mean after everything I want someone that understands what I went through." Sakura explained, "I've fallen out of touch with so many people, I feel that I've just dealt with my thoughts but never let them out."
"You have people around you that do care," Neji spoke. Was he willing to say he was one of them? "Ino seems to always find the bad in everyone, especially you. After your rivalry began, she's always done it. You're better off without her, you don't need that negativity in your life."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Sakura sat there thinking about what Neji said
Neji watched her take in what he said to her. Not sure why he was attempting to make Sakura feel better, he barely could stand by with people crying. Yet, he'd always felt a connection with the girl beside him. Thinking about the moment he met her until now. Hell, he even gave the Uchiha a black eye for the girl he barely knew. Having to hold back the smirk from the memory, proud of that moment.
"Has your uncle mentioned or elaborated on the sort of training he'd like us to do? That caught me off guard."
"Not necessarily. This is all new to me, we've never thought of training an outsider in the ways of the byakugan. Some members don't have full knowledge of the uses either. So, to train you, it will be difficult for you without it." Neji spoke
"If I could modify it to me. I may not be able to see chakra points, but I do know every muscle and tendon. Instead of cutting them altogether, I could stop the blood flow. Compared to chakra scapples, it would disable them but not kill them. Then with time, you could show me where the chakra points are. That way I have a better chance of stopping the chakra flow and slowing the blood flow. It might not be as effective." Sakura thought out loud, "It would be about five percent less effective, which with training could improve the effectiveness."
"That would work. After you train Hanabi, maybe we can work together. Try for two or three times a week. That way, you can have some time to learn some of the motions, and you can help me with gen-jutsu."
"I don't know how well me teaching you will go! I can learn gen-jutsu, I don't know if I can teach the ways."
"You'll be fine." Sakura smiled at his optimism.
Naruto joined them that night for dinner, he was able to brighten the mood. He, Hanabi, and Sakura held the conversation. Like always Hanabi wanted to know about previous missions they'd been on, wanting to know more about her sensei. However, Naruto was on a roll about talking about missions he went on with Jiraiya. Catching Sakura up on some of the missions she didn't hear about.
"Master Jiraiya was so mad at me! It was as if baa-chan was mad! He'd gotten mad a couple times; this one was the worst! Giving me a good hit in the stomach, I went flying! I ended up landing in a tree by my underwear, losing all my weapons. I wasn't sure I was going to get down! I finally did my shadow clone jutsu and they helped me to get down." This story even had Hiashi chuckling, whether it be that he got stuck or Jiraiya punched him. She'd never seen him so delighted before, he tended to keep a stoic face. This would be one of the many things to ask Neji or Hinata.
"This was an entertaining night; I must leave you, young folks. I am meeting with the Hokage, have a good rest of your evening." Hiashi excused himself, leaving the group alone
"Why meet on a Sunday? This is normally Tsunade's day off to drink to her heart's pleasure." Sakura stated after he left them
"Maybe it is about the clan meetings. It is coming within the next couple of weeks." Neji spoke
"I have a mission starting tomorrow, good night everyone." Naruto gave a kiss to Hinata's cheek before patting his sister's head then left quickly
Sakura sent a look at Hinata who was laughing at Naruto's action, of course, she thought it was funny. "I too have to be at the academy early tomorrow, there are more that want medic training."
"That's great! Good luck with them!"
"Thanks!" Wishing the others good night, she left. Hanabi was hot on her tail saying goodnights to the remaining occupants.
"We too should head to our rooms and relax," Neji announced standing
Sakura nodded agreeing with Neji, that way she could look over the plans for the upcoming days. Neji led them to their rooms. Stopping outside of Sakura's room, "Good night. Good luck with Hanabi, she can be a right pain."
"Just like the rest of her family?" Sakura smiled at the face Neji made
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Yeah, sure you don't!" Sakura laughed
"We should train a bit tomorrow, around three?" Neji asked, changing the topic as quickly as possible
Smiling at him, "Yeah, that's fine. I'll keep you updated when I make changes. I'm going to see where she needs the most work and then focus on those areas. Especially changing the time frame in which we work. That can be the most difficult, one has to build up a tolerance for it."
Approving her outlook, "Just let me know."
"I will." Sakura smiled, "See you tomorrow, good night."
Speaking a swift goodnight, Neji watched Sakura head into her room. Moving into their rooms, both preparing for the next day.
(Happy Birthday to me, so you get an extra chapter this month! Please enjoy and leave it with lots of love! ~DQ)