Chapter 35 Summary: A myriad of emotions are racing through many people within the Leaf village causing turmoil. Also time is becoming critical for one blonde Jinchuuriki who may be forced to make a choice about leaving the village when he doesn't want to. Or the choice may be made for him by the very reason he's chosen to stay.
Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath
Chapter 35: "Emotions"
It had been five days since the Council meeting where Hiashi Hyuga had given his impassioned speech with regards to the removal of the Uchiha clan from the Council and nobility status within the Leaf village. Tsunade had kept her word and openly praised the Hyuga clan leader in the Council chambers much to her revulsion and released the speech he had given to the general public. The mind numbingly simpleton villagers acted exactly as Tsunade had expected and had spent the last five days treating the Hyuga patriarch like royalty. Hiashi of course soaked up the acclaim and admiration he was getting from the villagers like a sponge. However, not everyone in the village was enraptured with Hiashi as most of the villagers were. As Shikamaru and Temari watched while casting disapproving glares at the Hyuga clan leader while he strutted through the village like a peacock, the Suna kunoichi commented with disgust.
"I still can't believe you helped write the speech that made that preening asshole into a celebrity Shika-kun."
"Damn it Mari, didn't we go through this already, it's not like I had much of choice."
(Flashback 5 Days)
Both Shikaku and Shikamaru Nara were currently sitting side by side on a couch in the Nara compound living room. Each one holding an ice pack to their head and trying desperately not to melt away from the withering glares of Temari and Yoshino.
"Well, care to explain yourselves!"
"Ohhhhh, explain what troublesome woman?" Shikaku said with a groan.
"Explain why Temari-chan and I find the two of you in the Hokage's office drunk off your asses and singing lewd songs with that perverted Sannin Jiraiya. When Shikamaru should have been taking this lovely girl to the movies like he promised and you should have been home with me like any decent husband would have been!"
"Oh that, well….um we were working on an important mission for the Hokage, that's all Yoshino."
"Yes, that's what the messenger from Lady Tsunade's office told me yesterday afternoon. But that didn't look like any damn mission to me Shikaku; it looked more like some sort of party!"
"It wasn't a party okaasan (mother) the mission was a troublesome and distasteful one we had to accomplish. The sake was needed to help us to complete our task, nothing more."
"That's right Yoshino-kun."
"Riiiiiiiight, Temari dear maybe things are different in Suna, but can you recall any mission you've been on or have heard of any that requires a Shinobi to get hammered to complete?"
"No I can't Yoshino-san. It sounds like a flimsy excuse from a lazy, lay about slacker of a boyfriend and his father!" Temari snarled in response, as she and Yoshino began cracking their knuckles and advancing while glaring at the two Nara men.
"Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute!" Shikaku stammered in a panic before desperately checking the pockets of his Jounin vest in search of something. A moment later, he exhaled a sigh of relief, as he pulled a document out of a pocket and held it up to the two fuming women before saying.
"Look, look, our official orders from the Hokage about this mission. Believe us when we tell you that were not lying or making up some excuse about us not being with either one of you two lovely ladies last night."
"Cut the crap Shikaku and give me that!" Yoshino growled, as she snatched the piece of paper out of her husband's hand before she and Temari examined it with scrutiny. A minute later the Nara matriarch looked over and asked with confusion.
"Shikaku, I don't understand? This isn't even an official mission but a personal one authorized by and for Lady Tsunade herself. Just what exactly did you and Shikamaru have to do for the Hokage?"
"I don't want to go into all the details Yoshino-koi, it's much too troublesome. All I can say is in about two hours at the Council session today; Hiashi Hyuga is going to make a motion for the removal of the Uchiha's noble clan status and their removal off the Council. At that time he is going to give an impassioned speech denouncing the Uchiha while also extolling the virtues of the Hyuga clan. The speech is going to be commended by Lady Tsunade and released to the general public. And knowing that the majority of the people in this village are simple-minded buffoons they will then blindly give their love, praise, and admiration to that white-eyed son of a bitch!"
"But what does that have to do with you and Shika-kun Shikaku-san?" Temari questioned.
"If I tell you, both you and my wife must swear never to reveal to anyone what I'm about to say. Do both of you agree to that?"
Both Yoshino and Temari nodded their heads in understanding to the Nara clan leader before he spoke once more and stated.
"Our involvement is both I and Shikamaru along with Master Jiraiya are the authors of the speech Hiashi will give today."
Both Yoshino and Temari shrank back wide-eyed in surprise at hearing this, before the Nara matriarch stammered out with confusion.
"But, but why would you do such a thing Shikaku, you hate that Hyuga asshole?"
"You think I don't know that, why else do you think we had to get drunk to write that piece of Hyuga propaganda bullshit!"
"We had to write the speech to save Naruto okaasan. Hiashi was going to go after him at the Council meeting today. And since he controls the majority of the Council, he could attempt to do whatever he wanted against Naruto." Shikamaru stated with regret.
Shikaku looked over to his son before saying with shock.
"You knew Sochi."
"I figured it out otousan when I observed how easily Hiashi seemed to hold sway over Danzo and the rest of the civilian council members at the session last month. I don't know how he gained control over all of them, but command of all of them he does possess. And that does not bode well for any of us in the future, especially Naruto."
"Indeed son, it is most troublesome."
"So you see okaasan, mari-chan yes we got drunk, but we had a damn good reason to do so!" Shikamaru defiantly proclaimed to the two women in front of him.
Both women nodded their heads sheepishly at one another before extending their arms to hug their respective men. Both Shikaku and Shikamaru exhaled a sigh of relief, as they rose to hug the women in their lives. After a minute they pulled back smiling before they noticed an evil glint in both women's eyes. One second later, both Nara men were flying across the living room and crashing into the far wall courtesy of two right hooks delivered by Yoshino and Temari. As both men held their jaw in pain and slid down the wall to the floor, Shikaku exclaimed.
"What in Kami's name did you do that for? I thought you understood about the mission and everything was forgiven!"
"I do understand about the mission and you are forgiven about it Shikaku. But that doesn't absolve you from the fact you let my precious underage Sochi drink and I do not forgive you for that!" Yoshino angrily replied before storming off into the kitchen.
"And what did I do to deserve such loving treatment Mari-chan?" Shikamaru sarcastically asked, as he rubbed his cheek.
"That is for calling me sweet-cheeks last night! And if you ever refer to me by that name again, I promise you will experience a lot more pain then what you're feeling right now!" Temari screeched in anger before following Yoshino into the kitchen.
As Shikamaru watched his girlfriend stomp out of the room, he turned to his father and asked.
"Otousan, why is it the women we care about are so…"
"….Troublesome?" Shikaku said finishing his son's thought before adding.
"I wish I knew Sochi, they just are."
(End of Flashback)
Shikamaru absently rubbed his jaw at the memory of that fateful morning and scowled at the Hyuga clan leader across the way. Temari saw this and lovingly kissed his cheek before saying with love.
"I'm sorry Shika-kun; I know you didn't have any other choice but to write that speech. You did it to save Naruto and there is nothing nobler then saving a comrade and a friend."
"Funny, I didn't feel so noble after I helped to write it, but thanks Mari for trying to cheer me up."
"Well, I don't want you moping around all day before our date this evening. Now, I have a meeting with Lady Tsunade I need to attend. What do you have planned for the rest of the afternoon?"
"Nothing much, Kurenai-Sensei gave her team the day off. So, I'm meeting Chouji and Ino for lunch to catch up with them. After that, probably cloud watching and a nap."
"Kami, you're such a lazy slacker Shika-kun. I can't believe I've fallen for a Shinobi as unmotivated as you. I'll see you later on tonight, don't be late!"
"Yeah, yeah, I'll be on time troublesome woman." The Nara heir replied, as he kissed Temari's cheek and they both went their separate ways.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Byakugan eyes flared as the Hyuga prodigy scanned the surrounding forest of the training area for his opponent. A wry grin spread across his face, as he stared directly at a certain spot within the forest and announced.
"Found you!"
A scant second later, a figure launched herself out of the canopy of the trees. Before she even touched the ground, a quick snap of her wrists and a swipe of her bloodied thumb, a scroll unfurled and sent dozens of kunai and shurikens streaking through the air towards the young Hyuga male. Who immediately fell into his trademark stance and yelled out.
"Hakkeshou Kaiten!" (Eight Divination Palms of the Hand, Heavenly Spin)
Instantly, he pushed his body into spin and began releasing a large of amount of chakra from his tenketsu points. Spinning like a top the Hyuga boy was creating a whirling vortex of chakra that can nullify almost any attack. The incoming weapons ricocheted off the shield of chakra that surrounded him and were sent flying back at his female adversary. Who quickly pulled out two more kunai one in each hand and skillfully deflected each inward weapon before they had a chance to injure her. After the last kunai was turned aside, the panting girl called with exhaustion.
"Hey, Neji, let's stop okay, we've been training for almost five hours without a break."
Neji nodded his head in approval and both young Shinobi walked wearily to a nearby tree and sat down under the shade of its branches and leaves. As the Hyuga boy leaned back against the tree, Tenten snuggled up next to him and rested her head upon his chest. Exhaling a pleasant sigh, the weapons mistress closed her eyes.
"The breeze feels so good." Tenten lazily commented, as she felt the wind on her face.
Neji looked down and gazed at the young girl in his arms and smiled. He was always amazed at how beautiful she could look even after hours of arduous and sweaty training. As Neji wondered how he had gotten so lucky to end up with this girl in his life, he found he couldn't stop staring at Tenten until she opened her eyes and caught him. Which caused the normally stoic Hyuga to suddenly look away while blushing. Tenten smiled brightly as he did this and reveled in the fact that she could affect her boyfriend like this before she asked.
"Are you hungry Neji-kun? I brought a picnic basket for just the two of us since Chouji was going to meet with his old team today."
"That was very wise of you to do Tenten; I could do with a bite to eat."
Tenten quickly retrieved her bag and pulled out a picnic basket and began the task of setting up their lunch in front of them.
"It looks and tastes wonderful Tenten thank you." Neji remarked, as he finished off an omusubi (rice ball).
The brunette kunoichi beamed with pride at Neji's compliment and laughed with glee as she too grabs a rice ball and takes a bite. Neji then reached into the basket and pulled out a medium sized bowl and lifted the cover while peeking inside before exclaiming.
"You made Chirashi-zushi with shrimp, that's my favorite!"
"I know it's your favorite Neji-kun, that's why I made it."
"I hope it wasn't too much trouble for you to make?"
Tenten merely shook her head, as she thought about how easy it was to prepare the dish which consisted of sweetly seasoned shiitake mushrooms along with briny shrimp, pea pods, green peas, and cucumbers strewn over sushi rice.
Tenten smiled as she saw the joy in her boyfriends face as he broke apart some chopsticks for each of them and they shared the sumptuous meal. After finishing off the Chirashi-zushi and downing it with some sweet green tea, the two Genin resumed their former positions under the tree. As Tenten snuggled up to Neji once more she asked with curiosity.
"Neji-kun, you've really taken your training up another level recently and have been beating yourself up because of it, how come?"
Neji's visage took on darker appearance and he scowled before saying one name laced with venom.
"Sasuke!"
Tenten shivered slightly at the sound of that name before she heard the Hyuga boy continue on.
"All of us in the Konoha 11 need to get stronger if we are to face that Uchiha scum in the future. Especially me since that twisted bastard has targeted Hinata for his perverse schemes. It is my sacred duty given to me by my father to protect her from any and all threats. And if I have to, I will give my life to perform that duty just to keep Hinata safe and out of harm's way!"
Tenten lifted her head and kissed her boyfriends cheek causing the Hyuga prodigy to blush slightly before saying.
"I'm glad you've let go of the anger you had of your clan and Hinata and now care for her as much as you do now."
"My anger is still there towards the main branch Ten-chan, but I never should have felt or directed it at my cousin all these years. She was innocent and I have much to atone for in how I treated her most of our lives."
"But Neji-kun, Hinata has already said she's forgiven you about all of that."
"Yes, Hinata has forgiven me, which only goes to show what a kind heart she has. But while she may have forgiven me of my past sins against her, I haven't forgiven myself."
"Well, its sweet you want to protect her, but you shouldn't work yourself to death while training. Besides, Hinata has Naruto to protect her now."
"That is a mistaken way to think about the situation Ten-chan. Yes, Hinata has Naruto now in her life and I've no doubt that he would without hesitation give up his own life to protect her, but what if Naruto isn't around to save her?"
Naruto's always going to be around to save Hinata or any of us, that's just who he is Neji-kun." Tenten flippantly says.
Neji glances down at his girlfriend and with slight irritation in his voice responds to her glib remark.
"I've noticed that since we learned of Naruto's true heritage and the power he possesses due to the burden he carries. You and the rest of our comrades are coming to expect Naruto to always arrive and save the day. But, we cannot continue to rely upon Naruto to always be the one who rescues any of us."
"But Neji-kun, Sasuke is way beyond our level now to fight against because of that curse mark he got from Orochimaru. Naruto is probably the only of our generation who can fight him and survive!"
"Ten-chan this isn't like you, I never would have expected the fiercest, bravest and most independent kunoichi of our generation to rely on someone else to face an opponent. Are you saying all of us should step aside and let the Uchiha be dealt with by only Naruto?"
"Yes...no …I don't know!" Tenten exclaimed in frustration, as she pulled away from Neji and sat up before continuing on.
"I don't know Neji-kun what we should do. It's just from listening to all of our Sensei's along with Master Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade talk about how powerful Sasuke is becoming and then learning what that Uchiha pig has planned for us, it all just seems futile and a little bit frightening. You heard from Master Jiraiya that because of Sasuke's curse seal, he's stronger than Naruto right now. Meanwhile, all of us were barely able to defeat Naruto at the hospital and he was holding back on us. So tell me Neji-kun what chance do any of us really have of surviving if we encounter Sasuke and have to fight him?"
"There will always be an opponent you may have to face who is stronger and more skilled than you are in the future. I learned that lesson on the Uchiha retrieval mission and my battle against Kidoumaru of the Sound Four. But you cannot let fear of dying rule your thinking Ten-chan."
"Baka, I'm not scared of my own death! I came to terms with the possibility of dying when I chose to become a Shinobi of the Leaf village. I'm not a coward, if I have to face Sasuke I will fight him and I will die one way or another and I accept that. Because I will kill myself before I let that Uchiha scum try to turn me into some sort of baby making machine to revive his evil clan. No, what scares me Neji-kun is the possibility of losing you or any of our friends to that psychotic freak!"
"You're being rather presumptuous Ten-chan."
The weapons mistress face became flushed with anger as she glared at her boyfriend before rising and storming off into the woods. After a few minutes, the Hyuga prodigy heaved a long sigh while activating his Byakugan to locate his wayward love. Fortunately, Tenten had not traveled very far and he spotted her standing by a nearby stream. As Neji approached Tenten, he spotted a Bird-foot Violet flower with stunning lavender and deep purple petals intermixed with one another. Reaching down Neji plucked the flower before continuing on to see Tenten. Approaching her silently from behind he reached around and presented the lovely blossom to the young kunoichi, who smiled slightly before turning around to face the Hyuga boy who then placed the flower in her hair. Tenten reached up to feel the flower tucked securely behind one of her trademark hair buns and said.
"You stole that move from Naruto."
"Perhaps, but in talking to Shikamaru we've discovered that Naruto can be quite adept when it comes to romancing Hinata not that it's necessary with my cousin. I think Naruto could belch the alphabet to her and Hinata would find it adorable."
Tenten giggled upon hearing that statement and playfully slapped Neji's arm before saying.
"That's not nice Neji-kun; give Hinata a little more credit than that."
"Perhaps."
After a minute of silence between the two Genin, Tenten finally spoke and asked.
"Well, don't you have something to say to me?"
"Like what Ten-chan?"
"Like an apology for what you said earlier."
"I've nothing to apologize for, I merely spoke the truth."
"Grrrrrrrr, you're such a jerk Neji!"
Before the brunette kunoichi could storm off once more, the Hyuga boy wrapped her in a hug and asked the girl to listen to him for one minute or he wouldn't let go. Tenten struggled but found she couldn't break out of his embrace and after a moment finally relented.
"Ten-chan, you said you've come to terms with the possibility of dying being a Shinobi. Well don't you think possible that I and the rest of our friends and comrades have also come to terms with that?"
"M, maybe." Tenten meekly replied
"So if that is possible, then don't you think it's possible that the rest of us are equally as worried about their friends as you are?"
"I suppose."
"Then Ten-chan, please don't be so rash and think you are the only one who is scared of losing your loved ones to that Uchiha bastard. In battle, all any of us can do is protect one another. This is why all of us should be striving right now to increase our strength and skills as much as we possibly can. Because, if that Uchiha scum has truly targeted us for death. I want to go down fighting him to the maximum of my ability. I've not reached that point yet, but I will and that is why I'm pushing myself so hard when it comes to training."
Tenten silently pondered everything Neji had just said before nodding her head in agreement. Neji smiled and embraced Tenten in a hug once more before declaring with sincerity.
"Please do not fear the Uchiha and what might happen? Because when I said it is my sacred duty to protect Hinata from any and all threats and that if I have to, I would give my life to perform that duty just to keep her safe and out of harm's way. I vow that same sacred duty to you as well Ten-chan, because I love you and I will always protect you."
Tenten looked up into the face of her love and tears started welling in her eyes before lowering her head and crying softly in his shoulder because she was so happy for his love. As Neji stroked her hair and held his girlfriend tightly he heard her gently say.
"I love you too Neji-kun."
The two Genin pulled away from the hug and stared at each other until Neji moved his hand to wipe some tears from her face. Tenten smiled brightly, as she gazed into his eyes before they both moved closer and kissed with a passion they only had for one another.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"Chouji, have you lost weight? You're starting to look pretty good!" Ino exclaimed, as she hugged her former teammate in the lobby of his family's barbeque restaurant. When another voice rang out behind her and addressed the blonde kunoichi.
"I see you're still as loud as ever Ino."
Ino turned to see her other ex-teammate standing in the entranceway of the restaurant with a smirk on his face.
"Shikamaru, I'm so glad you could make it! I didn't think Temari's leash would stretch far enough for you to join us today."
Chouji let out a boisterous laugh upon hearing that from Ino, while Shikamaru only grumbled something under his breath about "troublesome blonde females" as he hugged Ino before all three sat down at a table to catch up with one another. This had been the first time in almost six weeks that the former Genin Team #10 members had gotten together since Ino's resignation and Tsunade's reassignments. As all three former teammates sat and smiled at each other, it was Chouji who spoke up first and said.
"Well, to answer your earlier question Ino, yeah I have lost some weight. It's pretty much impossible not to do being on Gai-Sensei's team."
"Yeah, when I heard you got assigned to his squad I asked Anko-Sensei about him.
"So what did the psycho snake lady say?"
"Don't call my Sensei a psycho snake lady Chouji, she's not a psycho!" Ino snapped, as she punched the shoulder of the Akimichi heir.
"Really?" Shikamaru commented while cocking an eyebrow at Ino.
"Ok, maybe she's a little psycho, but Anko-Sensei is a really strong kunoichi and I'm learning a lot from her."
"I'm sorry I called her a psycho snake lady Ino. What did she have to say about Gai-Sensei?"
"Well, she said if you can overlook his peculiar views on life and his atrocious fashion sense he's actually one of the strongest Shinobi in the Leaf village."
"I have to say she's right, as the physical conditioning he's been putting me through to increase my stamina has been killer."
"No, what's been killer for you Chouji are his lectures on the flames of youth! Ha, ha, ha!" Shikamaru stated with a laugh.
"That's true Shikamaru, but fortunately Neji and Tenten have taught me some techniques which help to endure those speeches."
"So how do you like working with Neji and Tenten?"
"They're alright, and I get along with them well enough, but I would still rather be part of the second coming of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio."
Ino winced slightly upon hearing the saddened tone of Chouji's statement and felt guilty, as she was the one to facilitate the breakup of her former team. Wishing to change the subject, she quickly turned to her other ex-teammate and asked.
"So how's life on Kurenai-Sensei's team Shikamaru?"
"It hasn't been too troublesome. Shino is an excellent opponent at playing Shogi with and Kurenai-Sensei has helped to refine my chakra control and taught me some interesting Genjutsu techniques. But I have to agree with Chouji, I'd much rather be part of Ino-Shika-Cho then a member of Team #8."
Ino dropped her head a bit and stared down at the cloth covered table before her. Exhaling a soft sigh, she sat back up and said in a quivering voice.
"I'm sorry guys; I know it's all my fault that Ino-Shika-Cho isn't around anymore. I wish it still existed too. But I just didn't know what else to do?"
Both Shikamaru and Chouji looked to one another and nodded as they gazed at their former kunoichi teammate on the verge of tears.
"We're sorry Ino; we weren't trying to make you feel bad. You don't need to apologize about our team breaking apart, it wasn't your fault." Shikamaru stated with sincerity.
"Yeah Ino, don't feel bad, if it was anyone's fault it was Asuma-Sensei's!"
"You, you guys really don't hate me for our team being disbanded?"
"We could never hate you Ino." Chouji replied with earnest, as his hand covered hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"Thanks Chouji-kun, Shika-kun that means a lot to me. By the way, I heard he got beat-up pretty badly. You two didn't have anything to do with that did you?"
"Us, no way that would have been much too troublesome to do."
"I heard it was nothing more than just a simple mugging."
Ino stared at her two former teammates and knew both of them were hiding something and said with sarcasm.
"A simple mugging Chouji, riiiiiight. A high level Jounin is taken down by some muggers and is beaten so badly he ends up in the hospital for a couple of months, that's believable. You two know something don't you? Come on spill it, tell me what you guys know!"
"We, we really don't know anything Ino." Chouji stammered in defense.
"Please Chouji-kun."
"Ino stop being troublesome and drop it! Believe me when I tell you it's much better that you don't know anything."
"But Shika-kun!"
"I mean it Ino, if you don't drop it I'm going to tell Kiba tomorrow that you're secretly attracted to him and would like to go out on a date."
"You wouldn't dare do that to me Shikamaru!" Ino exclaimed with indignation.
"Try me troublesome woman."
After a two minute long glaring contest between the Nara and Yamanaka heirs, Ino finally blinked and flopped back into her seat while pouting and complaining.
"Fine, I won't ask anymore about it you lazy good for nothing jerk of a friend."
Chouji wishing to diffuse the situation and lighten the mood attempted to change the direction of the conversation by asking.
"So Shikamaru, has Kiba finally let up on you about joining Team #8 yet?"
"It's troublesome because he's still a little pissed off about it. But he's not nearly a bad as he was the first few days after I joined the team. I think it's finally sinking into that thick skull of his that it wasn't my choice or fault being added onto the team. Actually, he's not a bad guy to work with most of the time. He's hot-headed, but he just cares for Hinata, in a way he reminds me a lot of how Naruto used to be."
A pall of silence fell over the table like a shroud upon the mention of Naruto and Hinata's name. As all three people sat and thought with sadness about their blonde-haired friend and comrade and the girl he loved. After a couple minutes of silent contemplation Chouji spoke up and asked.
"Have any of you visited Naruto and Hinata lately?"
"I haven't Chouji, but that's mainly because of all the missions the Hokage assigned Team #8 to get done these past few weeks."
"It's the same for me on Gai-Sensei's team as well Shikamaru."
"I see Hinata and Naruto everyday." Ino softly stated in a desolate tone.
"So how are they doing Ino?"
"The same, Hinata just lays there unmoving with and Naruto seems to withdraw a little more with each passing day. I usually only stay few minutes because I can't stand seeing Hinata hooked up to all those damn machines, especially with that constant beeping of her heart monitor. It just drives me crazy listening to that relentless sound."
"I don't see how Naruto is able to endure it all day long?"
"I asked him about it a couple of weeks ago Chouji and he answered."
"I don't mind the sound at all because every time it beeps, I know that's a heartbeat from my hime and that she's still alive."
"I'll be glad when Hinata wakes up; I miss both her and Naruto." The Akimichi heir declared before hearing a choked sob from Ino and asked with concern.
"What's wrong Ino, you know Hinata is going to wake up don't you?"
"I'm glad you're so optimistic Chouji-kun, but you know my okaasan (mother) had to go to medical school to become a mental therapist."
"Yeah, I knew that."
"Well I spoke to her about Hinata's condition a couple of days ago and asked her to be truthful with me about it no matter how painful it might be for me."
"What did Keko-san have to say Ino?" Shikamaru inquired with interest.
"She said in past cases like this of complete chakra depletion most patients never wake up and that the body will begin breaking down and deteriorate within a few weeks. Well, Hinata has been in her coma for almost six weeks."
"What are you trying to say Ino?"
"What I'm saying Chouji-kun is that I don't think it's a question of when Hinata will wake up anymore, but now a question of when Hinata is going to………..die!"(Sob)
Both Shikamaru and Chouji grew wide-eyed upon hearing this heartbreaking revelation from their weeping friend. After a moment, the Nara boy pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to the blonde kunoichi sitting across from him and said with regret.
"All any of us can do is pray to Kami that it doesn't happen, because of Hinata dies, Naruto will die as well. If not physically, but mentally, spiritually, and emotionally he'll be done for."
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
As Tsunade gazed out of her office window at the hospital to view the late afternoon activities of the village below her, she exhaled a weary sigh. The blonde Hokage was waiting for the arrival of one of her most trusted Shinobi to help her complete a task she really didn't want to do, to try and convince Naruto to leave the village on a training mission for several years with Jiraiya and Kakashi. Officially, it would just be listed as Jiraiya taking his newly appointed apprentice away for training. Kakashi she would overtly be listing as having gone on a separate mission. Tsunade did not want word to leak out to Konoha's enemies that both a Sannin and one of her most skilled and powerful Jounin were no longer available for the village's protection. So she had purposely kept that information Hiashi and the rest of the Council. A knock on her door brought the Slug Sannin out of her thoughts.
"Come in."
"Iruka Umino reporting as ordered Hokage-sama."
"Yes Iruka, thank you for coming. I have a task that requires your assistance to complete."
"Of course Hokage-sama, how may I be of service?"
"Well first, enough of the Hokage-sama, Lady Tsunade will do just fine."
"Hai, Lady Tsunade."
"Iruka, please take a seat. What I'm about to tell you is an A ranked directive and you are not to discuss the matter with anyone until I tell you otherwise. Do you understand?"
"Hai, Lady Tsunade."
"Good, as you know Jiraiya the Toad Sannin has officially made Naruto Uzumaki his student and protégé. What you don't know is he wishes to take Naruto from the village and train the boy in all the Shinobi arts and more importantly to control the chakra he is able to receive from the Kyuubi no Youko."
"H, how long will Naruto be gone Lady Tsunade?"
"Jiraiya doesn't know for sure, but he estimates at least 5 years for Naruto to complete his training, possibly longer."
Needless to say Iruka was stunned that Naruto would be away from the village for such a longtime. However, the Chunin academy instructor also realized the honor of training under one of the Sannin as well as the importance of Naruto learning to control the awesome chakra power he has available to him. Looking towards Tsunade, he stated with sincerity.
"That's quite a longtime for Naruto to be gone, I'll miss him. But Lady Tsunade, I still don't understand why you called me here?"
"I called you here Iruka because you are essentially my last hope."
"Last hope Lady Tsunade?"
"Yes Iruka, my last hope in helping to convince Naruto to accept and leave on this journey with Master Jiraiya. Right now the gaki is stubbornly refusing to even entertain the idea of going until Hinata wakes up from her coma."
"So Lady Tsunade, can't we wait until Hinata wakes up before he leaves?"
"Iruka, I won't lie to you, after this long a time period I'm not sure if Hinata is ever going to wake up. In fact the chances of her outright dying are higher than her chances of simply breaking out of her coma. I don't want Naruto around to watch Hinata die. It would destroy him and I fear may illicit a much more powerful Kyuubi Event then what we experienced at the hospital several weeks ago."
"I see Lady Tsunade that saddens me greatly. Am I to understand you've already brought the matter of the training journey before to Naruto?"
"Hai Iruka, Jiraiya, Kakashi, and I have attempted to talk to Naruto several times about the subject and explain to him why it best for him to go on the journey. However, he is obstinate and simply refuses to listen to anything we have to say."
"I'm not surprised Lady Tsunade, Naruto is one of the most tenacious headstrong students I've ever had in a classroom and that hasn't diminished in all the years I've known him. Once he gets a thought planted in his head Naruto can be quite intractable to deal with and change his mind. I'll do my best to help Lady Tsunade, but I know how much he cares about Hinata. So I'm not sure we'll ever be able to convince him?"
"We have to try Iruka, not only for his sake but for everyone's if Hinata passes on while he's still here."
"We can't reveal that to him Lady Tsunade. If I know Naruto like I do and he finds out about Hinata's prognosis, he will most definitely never leave her."
"I agree with you Iruka. Well, let's hope you and I can get through to Naruto before it's too late."
With that said Tsunade rose from her chair as Iruka rose from his and followed the blonde Hokage out of the office walking towards the ICU of the hospital.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Meanwhile, as one Sannin was making her way to try and convince Naruto that he should begin his advanced training. Another Sannin was currently overseeing the advanced training of Naruto's former teammate and rival Sasuke Uchiha. Orochimaru licked his lips, as he watched with excited fascination how ruthless and vicious the Uchiha was in dispatching the latest group of prisoners the Snake Sannin had provided to the boy for training purposes. In particular of the prisoners Sasuke was slaughtering, Orochimaru took note of was of a young man with blonde hair. At the start Sasuke had attacked and incapacitated that man immediately, yet left him alive but in great agony while he went about killing the other prisoners. Periodically during the battle he would return to the blonde prisoner and torture the boy cruelly before returning to kill off some more of the other prisoners. Finally when only the blonde boy was left alive, Orochimaru watched in awe as Sasuke strung the boy's hands above his head before slicing open his stomach and began pulling out the blonde's intestines one at a time at a very slow rate. The screams coming from the prisoner was like a crescendo of beautiful music to the Snake Sannin ears.
"Quite sadistic isn't he Lord Orochimaru."
"He brings new meaning to the word Kabuto. Now, how goes the progress of Sssssssasuke's training?"
"Quite well Lord Orochimaru, through the use of his Sharingan, the Uchiha is able to learn several new jutsu's a day before the strain of over usage of the Kekkei Genkai forces him to cease. However my lord, I fear we may have a problem in regards to this practice for his training."
"How so Kabuto?"
"To be blunt sir, while Sasuke does learn the jutsu through the use of his Sharingan, he takes no time to master it afterwards and merely moves on to try and copy another jutsu for his arsenal. The Uchiha has no refinement or strategy when it comes to his attacks and only relies on brute force and power to overwhelm his opponents. Essentially, he is nothing more than a mad dog pumped up on steroids and he lets his emotions and bloodlust consume him in battle. I fear if we don't somehow break him of this habit, you will have nothing more than another Juugo on your hands."
"You make a valid point Kabuto, but in the end it doesn't matter. Remember, all we are doing is preparing the next vessel to contain my genius in the future. Just concern yourself with training the boy over the next five years to the utmost of his potential with jutsu, physically, and his lovely Kekkei Genkai."
"Five years Lord Orochimaru, I thought you would need the Uchiha's body in three years?"
"I've made some slight advances in my research of the Fushi Tensei (Living Corpse Reincarnation) jutsu and can now maintain my new body for up to five years before it deterioratessssssss."
"I see Lord Orochimaru that is wonderful news. Do you think you will be able to increase the time limit even further in the future and make it a permanent reincarnation?"
"Perhapsssssss, this is what I desire the most. If I am able achieve that Kabuto then Ssssssssasuke may end up being the final body I shall ever require."
"Please let me know if I may be of assistance to help you achieve that goal as always Lord Orochimaru."
"I shall my ever faithful apprentice. Now what word does my agent in Konoha bring?"
"Apparently a measure was introduced Hiashi Hyuga and passed in which the Uchiha seat on the Leaf village Council was removed and their noble clan status was also abolished. Our associate wanted to vote against the measure, but was persuaded otherwise."
"A problem when you serve two mastersssssssss, go on!"
"Another measure was also introduced and approved by the Council allowing your former Sannin teammate the Toad Sage Jiraiya to take his newly appointed apprentice Naruto Uzumaki away from the village for training purposes. According to our source, they won't be returning for several years."
"Sssssssso that fool Jiraiya thinks he will be able to teach the Kyuubi vessel and make him strong enough to defeat my new apprentice Sasuke-kun, how absurd! Well, at the very least I won't need to deal with him or that brat for awhile. Is their anything else?"
"Of minor note my lord apparently our associate did not confirm that Sasuke's former teammate the Haruno girl had actually been successful in her suicide attempt in his report several weeks ago. Which as you know the girl's death possibly precipitated the Uchiha gaining his Mangekyou Sharingan. Apparently my lord, your other former Sannin teammate and the current Hokage of Konohagakure Tsunade managed to save the girls life."
"It's of little consequence if she lived or died from her pathetic attempt, Sasuke already managed to unlock the Mangekyou because of it."
"Should we inform Sasuke of this or of his loss of his clan status in the Leaf village Lord Orochimaru?"
"I see no reason to, I doubt that the Mangekyou would disappear upon his learning that the sssssssslut is still alive. As for the loss of his noble clan statussssssss, we'll save that nugget of information for the right moment. Right now I want him focused solely on his training and nothing else!"
"As you wish my lord."
"Kabuto, after the losses we suffered from the failed Oto/Suna invasion of Konoha during the Chunin exams. How much time would we need to build up our Otogakure forces sufficient enough to mount another campaign against them?"
"I would estimate Lord Orochimaru we could possibly launch a successful campaign against them in 8 to 10 months."
"Excellent, let's start planning a return trip to my old homeland around that time then shall we. Because, if it's true that Jiraiya and the Kyuubi brat will really be gone from the Leaf village, then that will be a perfect opportunity for us to conquer them."
"As you wish my lord, I shall start the planning and preparations for the campaign at once." Kabuto contritely answered before bowing and leaving the room.
Orochimaru then turned his attention back to Sasuke, as the screaming from his lone remaining prisoner had ceased a couple of minutes ago. Calling out to his young protégé who was covered from head to toe in blood the Snake Sannin said with a devious and lustful smile.
"Come Ssssssssasuke-kun, you've been training hard and deserve a break and a reward."
Sasuke looked up from the training pit he was in and noticed that his master's vision darted towards the door that led his bedchamber. Returning his own leering grin and with a slight giggle, the Uchiha boy replied with glee.
"As you wish Orochimaru-sama, but I should go and get cleaned up first."
"Don't be silly Sasuke-kun, you know it's always much more fun when blood is involved."
Sasuke giggled once more before leaping out of the pit and taking Orochimaru's hand into his own, as they both walked towards the aforementioned doorway.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Both Tsunade and Iruka could hear a muffled voice behind the door that led into Hinata's room. Looking at one another quizzically, they tentatively opened the door a bit and heard Naruto say.
"Here's a good one Hinata, it kind of reflects the power you have over me.
"Thou art my life, my love, my heart,
The very eyes of me:
And hast command of every part
To live and die for thee."
"What's he doing Lady Tsunade?" Iruka asked in a whisper, as the blonde Hokage peered around the door to look into the room.
"It's so sweet Iruka; Naruto is sitting by the bed and reading romantic poetry to Hinata. I remember now. Kurenai told me Naruto had requested several weeks ago to borrow some of Hinata's favorite books so he could read to her. I'm guessing that poetry book was one of the book's he borrowed."
"Maybe we shouldn't intrude and come back another time Lady Tsunade?"
"We can't Iruka, I don't like doing this anymore than you do, but it has to be done."
"Hai, Lady Tsunade."
Both adults took a deep breath before they opened the door fully and entered the hospital room. The first thing Iruka noticed was all the machinery surrounding his former kunoichi student. Most of them were silent all except Hinata's heart monitor which droned out a monotonous beeping sound every few seconds. Iruka was interrupted from his observations when he heard Tsunade say.
"Hello Naruto-kun, I've brought someone who wants to see you."
Naruto who had been sitting with his back to the doorway slowly turned his head around to look at Tsunade and Iruka. The Chunin instructor withheld a gasp when he saw the gaunt and dreary visage Naruto bore upon his face. And his heart sank when he heard the blonde Genin greet him in the most morose tone of voice he had ever heard.
"Hey Iruka-Sensei, are here to visit Hinata-chan?"
"W, well yes Naruto, I do wish to visit with her. But I'm also here to see you because I want to talk to you."
"Talk to me Iruka-Sensei, what about?"
"I wanted to talk to you about this training mission the Hokage and Master Jiraiya want you to go on Naruto."
"Oh Kami not this crap again! How many times do I have to tell you baa-chan that I'm not going on any damn trip until I know Hinata is alright? What, did you think dragging Iruka-Sensei into this to talk to me was going to make me change my mind? You've been hitting the sake way too much if you thought that was going to work baa-chan!"
"Listen you little brat! You are going to listen to what Iruka and I have to say! Put that book away and get out into the hallway right now. I don't want your outbursts to disturb Hinata."
"Fine baa-chan, have it your way and you're right. I can yell at the both of you much louder out there than I can in here."
Upon that declaration, Naruto put the poetry book aside and defiantly marched right by both the exasperated Hokage and stunned academy instructor out the door and into the hall. Tsunade and Iruka glanced at one another and both rolled their eyes to follow the orange clad Genin into the hallway, as both of them knew they were in for one nasty argument. Focused solely on Naruto's stubborn attitude, both adults had failed to notice they had left the door ajar when they exited Hinata's room.
"Listen gaki, I'm getting sick and tired of your selfish attitude. You need to go on this training mission with Jiraiya and you need to leave at once!"
"Get bent baa-chan! I'm not going anywhere until I know Hinata is alright!"
"Why you little …….!" Tsunade began to say as she advanced upon Naruto before Iruka interrupted her by stepping in-between the two arguing blondes and said.
"Lady Tsunade please, let me talk to him."
"Fine Iruka, see if you can talk some sense to that thick-headed gaki!" Tsunade snapped, while glaring daggers at Naruto.
Iruka turned around from the fuming blonde to see the younger fuming blonde glaring just as deadly back at the older one, as Iruka thought to himself.
'Kami, you would think they were related to one another judging by the identical looks on their faces and quick tempers.'
"Naruto, could you calm down and listen to me for a moment, please."
Naruto didn't move and continued his glaring contest with Tsunade. After a minute, he finally turned away and stated.
"Alright Iruka-Sensei, I'll listen to you, but it's not going to work you know. There's nothing you can say to me that I haven't already heard from baa-chan, Pervy sage, and Kakashi-Sensei that will make me change my mind. Until I know Hinata-chan is safe, I'm not going to go anywhere."
"I understand how you feel Naruto and I know it hurts to see Hinata like this. But her safety is at risk if you stay Naruto."
"Huh, what are you talking about Iruka-Sensei."
"I mean Naruto that you already know that Sasuke has targeted Hinata to use to get to you. If they know you're here in the village, he and his master Orochimaru could launch another attack just to try and get at you again. So by staying, not only are you putting Hinata in danger but also your friends and the entire village at risk as well. But if they know you're no longer present in the village, then it lessens the chances of Sasuke and Orochimaru attacking the village and coming after you."
"Not to mention the Akatsuki too Naruto." Tsunade interjected, before slapping her hand to her mouth."
"The Akatsuki, what is the Akatsuki Lady Tsunade?"
"Damn, you weren't suppose to know about them yet Iruka. I'll have to brief you about the Akatsuki later. Now Naruto, Iruka makes a valid point, have you listened to him?"
"I've listened to him, but I don't agree with him. I don't think that three of the strongest Shinobi Konoha has leaving would lessen the chances of the teme and the snake bastard attacking the village. If anything, I'd say it increases the chances because three of your strongest Shinobi are no longer here to help protect the village baa-chan! So if anything, I should be staying even more now in case something like that happens to help protect Hinata-hime, my friends, and the Leaf village."
"Naruto, leave the strategic thinking to the adults!" Tsunade replied with derision, as she was irritated that Naruto had turned Iruka's argument around on the Chunin instructor.
"Naruto is there anything we can say to convince you to go on this training excursion?"
"I'm not opposed to the training trip Iruka-Sensei. But if I were to leave with Hinata in her present condition, it feels like I would be abandoning her, and I just can't do that. I promise, I'll go with Pervy sage and Kakashi-Sensei, but only after Hinata wakes up and is going to be ok."
"DAMN IT NARUTO, HINATA MAY NEVER WAKE UP!" Tsunade shouted in frustration before slapping her hand to her mouth for a second time.
Naruto's face turned ghostly white and he started to shake, as he stammered with fear ringing in his voice.
"What, what are you talking about baa-chan? Of course Hinata is going to wake up!"
"Naruto I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that. But you have to face the truth, there is a possibility she might not wake up ever again." Tsunade said while placing a hand on the quivering blondes shoulder. After a moment, Naruto knocked the hand away and shakily backed away from the two adults standing before him and shouted.
"YOU'RE WRONG BAA-CHAN! HINATA IS GOING TO WAKE UP! AND UNTIL SHE DOES I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE!"
"Naruto, I'm sorry, please calm down. I didn't mean to upset……" Tsunade began to say before a sound pierced the air around the trio causing all of them to grow rigid with terror.
The heart monitor in Hinata's room which had been droning on in intermittent beeps during their entire conversation in the hallway was now only sending out one long and shrilling continuous ……beep.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Author Notes: Ok, I'm sure many of you are asking why? Well I could say that I grew weary of people asking me when Hinata was going to wake up? Or that I wondered could I get away with Hinata dying a second time in the same story? I've never seen that done in a story before. But no, the real person to blame is Zombie Hefster for this possible tragedy occurring. Somehow that evil undead bastard found out where I live and sent a zombie agent out to deal with me. He might have gotten the information from Frozen Tundra88 whom I've suspected of being a Naruto/Sakura agent in this country for years and would have eliminated a long time ago, if she didn't leave such damn good reviews. Now many of you are saying, "C'mon Kingkakshi, you can handle one zombiefied agent?" Under normal circumstances I would agree with you, as I could handle several zombie agents at once. However, that devious zombie lord realized this and sent out his one agent that could do me in. Being that Zombie Hefster's home base is Germany, he apparently captured and zombiefied the German Supermodel Joanna Krupa.
Now if you don't know who that is, go check out my bio page and the link I have on it for some of her pictures and you will get the idea of the dilemma I am in. Page #2 alone is an absolute killer! Even with Ms. Krupa now sporting pink hair this woman is smoking hot! And she's making certain promises to do some very naughty things with me, if I were to join the dark-side that is the Naruto/Sakura lover's side of the universe. So the cliffhanger with Hinata is sort of an act of good faith she's putting me through. I've got to tell you all that my mind is willing to hold off her seductive charms and advances, but the body is weak and screaming at me to give in. Right now, the only thing holding her off from entering my home is some romantic imagery of Naruto with Hinata. What should I do? Please go to my new poll to help me resolve this issue. And please take into account how unbelievably cool it would be for me to hook up with Ms. Krupa, even zombiefied.
Well enough about that and onto other matters such as the mind-blowing responses I received about the last chapter. Needless to say I'm stunned, but I'm also most grateful that it set a new personal record for reviews of one of my chapters. 80 reviews for the chapter is just awesome and I want to thank all of you who reviewed. Some of you were annoyed with the way Tsunade dealt with the situation of Hiashi and how she essentially handed control of the Council over to him. In defense of her all I can say is first off, he already had the control. Plus, I don't find it so unbelievable that she would go to those extremes to save her only grandson. And secondly, when Hiashi gets off of the cloud he is currently riding on and starts to flex his muscle within the Council. Just trust that Tsunade will come up with a plan to deal with the Hyuga dictator. Also a lot of you freaked out about the training trip lasting 10 years, that's not the case. Remember Jiraiya just made an estimate of how long he thought it might take Naruto to learn everything, which was 5-10yrs. But Naruto being Naruto will learn at an even faster rate then the Toad Sage thought and all of them will be returning in 3yrs. Btw, kudos to all of you who picked up on my little homage to Mr. Spock
Now, I don't have a clue as to how this chapter will be received by you all? I hope you've enjoyed the chapter, albeit not the most exciting one and with the ending such as it is. I did receive a lot of nice responses with regards to the Shikamaru/Temari date fluff last chapter. So I thought I would take another crack at some more fluff with Neji/Tenten this chapter. I added a lot more seriousness to their interaction simply because of Neji's stoic personality. I didn't want their date to be a carbon copy of Shikamaru and Temari's date. Hopefully I succeeded in that endeavor? And it just added in some more candidates for the super awesome lemon that may be coming next chapter or no later than the one following it. Anyway, I do hope you all enjoyed this chapter. If you're curious, the poem was by Robert Herrick, a 17th century English poet.
I have very little positive to say about the last few issues of the Naruto manga!
#460 - Besides being two weeks late. It essentially was nothing more than Kishimoto showing off how powerful he's made his favorite character Sasuke. I mean come on he killed like 30 chakra enhanced Samurai in one felled swoop. Madara also shows up to begin a conversation with Naruto about Nagato and Sasuke. White Zetsu gets killed by the Raikage, who then storms off to find and kill Sasuke.
#461 - This chapter was more of Sasuke fighting the Raikage on an equal basis of course, thanks Kishi! Meanwhile the rest of the Kage's are trying to figure out what to do not only about Sasuke but also the current Hokage Danzo and his treachery. Juugo decides to jump into Sasuke's fight and take on the Raikage himself.
#462 – I did enjoy this issue. Juugo gets his butt handed to him by the Raikage and Sasuke steps in once more to fight. Meanwhile and the part I really did like was Madara telling Naruto about Sasuke's freewill to choose the path he did. But of course Naruto refuses to believe it and calls him a liar. Naruto just can't handle the truth about Sasuke, period. I also enjoyed the history lesson Madara gave of the Senju and Uchiha clans being descendants of the first true Shinobi the Rikudo Sage.
#463 – More of the fight between Sasuke and the Raikage who uses one of his best moves on the Uchiha who of course comes out of it without a scratch. Kishimoto does love his little Sasuke-kun. Back at the Inn with Madara and Naruto, the Akatsuki leader informs Naruto that it is his destiny to fight Sasuke. Madara then vanishes and escapes before Naruto and the others can learn about his plans for all the bijuu. Meanwhile Sasuke is using Amaterasu left and right to protect himself so much to the point that the Raikage sacrifices his left arm to the black flames just to get a shot in on Sasuke.
#464 – OMG! How much of a hard on does Kishimoto have for Sasuke. He gets hit with the combined power of Gaara and his siblings plus one high level Jounin guard of the Raikage, but comes out without a scratch by whipping out the "Double Mangekyou Sharingan" and activating it's Susanoo defensive shield. Great, another power-up given to Sasuke by Kishimoto. Before all of this happened, Gaara interfered in the Sasuke/Raikage fight and probably saved the Raikage's life. Gaara then went into "Dr. Phil" mode and attempted to talk the Uchiha out of the darkness. He failed, so the fight began anew.
Yes, I'm still thoroughly disgusted that Kishimoto hasn't done anything yet with the Hinata confession to Naruto now reaching 28 issues.
*News on the Zombie Hefster War*
It's looking pretty bleak actually. I mean with the whole Ms. Krupa camped outside my door. Besides that my #1 field General in Germany I'm Solo did not leave a review last chapter. So I fear he has been either killed, captured, or has gone over to the dark-side. My other field General in Germany Naruto the Highlander I'm thinking about bringing up on charges for treason, as he has been reading and reviewing several of Zombie Hefster's Naruto/Sakura stories lately. Now I too have left a review for his latest and best story "Gone" but I knew Zombie Hefster before he died so I'm allowed. In a way I probably should just give up on ZH, but I am Naruto to his Sasuke and I still hold out hope that he can be brought into the light that is Naruto/Hinata. So, while several of you readers made some very credible suggestions to help fight the Naruto/Sakura zombie hordes in the last chapter. It seems we no longer have any leadership to send them to in Europe. Also, while I do like the suggestions I don't want them to constitute the entire review sent in. Please in the future give me a little input on the chapter as well. It can be nothing more than "Great Chapter!" just so long as I know whether or not you enjoyed it?
*End of Zombie Hefster War News*
As always, if anyone wants to discuss my story in greater detail, just shoot me a PM. I enjoy talking about the story with any readers who really have an interest in it. I'll try to respond back to you as quickly as I can. Now I'd like to give a shout out to a story that I recommend and hope you all will check it out when you have the time. Actually, this story is one that I have recommended before. But it is so good, for the first time I'm giving a second shout-out recommendation for it.
"Naruto's True Nindo" by Kyuubi123: A creative tale where Naruto has failed the Genin exam for the second time, when he then meets a mysterious man who gives him some advice that will change the future of Naruto as we know it. Like my story, he does use the canon as the basis, but he also throws in enough twists and turns that it does make the story both interesting and enjoyable to read. The main pairing of this story is Naruto/Hinata, as any quality tale should be. (lol)
I hope that all of you can R & R these stories when you have a chance.
Take it easy and be good!
Kingkakashi
School time:
Intractable
Definition: Not easily governed, managed, or directed.
Etymology: Latin 1531
Part of Speech: Adjective