Chapter 21: The Tournament: Shikamaru
A.N.: To all who guessed – you got it! Fujiko is indeed Fuji Syuuske from PoT (the battle is based on his match with Shiraishi of Shitenhouji).
Demoninmysoul, good question about the relationship and how it will be resolved. One of those scenarios may indeed happen…which one, I'm not telling (mwuahaha!)
###
When Neji awoke the next morning, he felt as stiff and sore as if a team of horses had been walking over his body while he slept. He sat up and stretched, wincing.
"Overdid it a bit, huh?" Shikamaru said lazily from the futon beside him. "Had to be a hero and do both events."
"You were awesome, Neji," Chouji said.
"He almost had you there at the end," Asuma-sensei said.
The memory of his victories the previous day washed away the minor inconvenience of bodily aches and pains. Neji gave a little smile as he got up and began rolling up the futon. "Your turn," he told Shikamaru.
Shikamaru scowled. "Don't remind me," he sighed grumpily. "How many rounds do I have to do?"
Neji swung around to look at him. "Get serious, please."
###
Shikamaru was serious, although he found the looks he got from both Neji and Asuma quite comical. He was only doing this to please the two of them – he had no chance of winning the whole thing, and nothing to prove – so he saw no reason to over-exert and possibly injure himself.
Outside, they met up with Ino and found a place to have breakfast. As the others excitedly discussed Neji's battles of the day before, Shikamaru sleepily sipped coffee and wished he were still in bed.
The first matches began promptly at 8:30. Only Asuma-sensei was allowed to be down in the fighting area with Shikamaru, so Neji and his teammates left to find seats, Neji promising to scout out the competition for them.
"I hope you're going to be more alert during the actual battles," Asuma said, as Shikamaru slowly got changed into his match outfit.
"I just don't see the point of this."
"It's good practice. Same as training."
Shikamaru sighed. He had never been overly fond of training, either.
The ready bell rang and they made their way out to the arena. Shikamaru took his place and bowed to his first opponent, a large, rough looking man. He had no expectation – and indeed, no intention – of going further than this first, obligatory bout. But somewhat to his surprise, he found that his skills had improved considerably since he started training with Neji. In their training spars, Neji's skills were so superior that Shikamaru always felt as if he hardly knew anything at all. But now he was feinting and parrying, he was racking up points, the crowd was cheering him on. He won the match, 5 to 3, and found he was actually looking forward to the next one.
"Well done," Asuma-sensei said approvingly. "I knew you had it in you."
He won the next round as well, though it was closer, 5-4. His opponent this time was smaller, and quicker, but predictable in his sequence of moves. Once Shikamaru realized this, he was able to block and score the winning point.
Neji came down from his seat to wait by the rail with them while the other matches finished up. Seeing Neji's expression, his little smile and nod, gave Shikamaru a warm feeling inside. He knew he probably wouldn't make it past this next round, but he hadn't disappointed Neji or disgraced his village; that was the important thing.
They watched the board as the pairings for the next round went up.
TSUCHI KIN, Otogakure
vs.
NARA SHIKAMARU, Suna
He didn't know who Tsuchi Kin was. But the fact that she came from Sound made him want to defeat her.
"This Sound one," Neji said, "she tends to fight high. She doesn't like anything near her face. Go in low and you'll be able to get some points in. Watch out, though. She's very low-class, like all those Sound –" Neji broke off. Shikamaru could hear, under Neji's seemingly businesslike tone, the ripple of hate in his voice every time he said Sound. "She likes to talk trash and try to make you look like a fool."
When his opponent stepped up to face him, Shikamaru saw that he did know who she was after all. His team had encountered her during the Chuunin exams a year ago. She had been bullying Sakura, who had somehow gotten separated from the rest of her team. Ino and Sakura had been fighting over some boy at the time, not speaking to each other. But Shikamaru had known Ino wasn't someone to turn her back on a friend just because they weren't getting along. He had convinced her that they had to step in, that she would always regret it if she didn't. He hadn't liked Kin then, and he liked her even less now, because of what had happened to Neji at the hands of her countrymen. Glancing up, he saw Neji still there, gripping the rail, staring down at them intently. Beat her, Neji's eyes said.
Kin's expression as she faced him was like a hyena looking at a rabbit carcass. He could see that she didn't remember him; he meant nothing to her at all. As soon as the whistle blew, she came at him aggressively, holding her sword high and slamming it against his so hard it left his ears ringing. He did manage to get in a few jabs and score a point, but mostly he was defending, parrying and retreating as she attacked. She would toy with him for a few minutes, taunting him and pretending to leave an opening, then striking swiftly as he moved in. When the whistle blew, it was 3-1 in Kin's favor.
"Go low, remember," Asuma-sensei said, handing him a bottle of water. "Or go for the face."
The problem was, Shikamaru thought, Kin was too fast. He wasn't getting any chances to make a point because he was busy blocking her attacks. He would have to come up with a plan.
Looking around, he sized up his surroundings. Because it was an outdoor arena, the matches took place on a raised platform about six inches off the ground. It was ringed with spectators except in one corner, where the equipment cabinets and trunks were kept.
He remembered how Kin had grabbed Sakura by the hair. He thought of the look in Neji's eyes. As the second round began Shikamaru moved fast, sweeping his sword down and scoring a point. But Kin came back like a rattlesnake, dealing him a decisive whack. It was now 4-2.
Shikamaru retreated, feinting with a few low jabs but mostly just trying not to let her land a point. He backed toward the corner of the platform where the equipment cabinets were. Kin advanced, an exultant smirk on her face. As she moved in for the kill, he pretended to stumble and let a momentary expression of panic cross his face. He edged out of the corner, staying low. Now Kin was in the corner, facing him.
"Looks like you're done for," she said scornfully. She lowered her sword a bit, mocking him. He was counting on her arrogance, betting that she would not come after him but would stay where she was and try to goad him into attacking her so she could score the winning point. He turned clumsily, as if fleeing.
Now.
Shikamaru quickly whirled back around, bringing his blade sharply upward. It was not a full kaiten; more like a half-assed kaiten. Neji probably groaned as he watched it. But it was enough to startle and panic Tsuchi Kin, who leaped backward as his blade came up, directly at her face. She stumbled off the edge of the raised platform, lost her balance, and collided with the equipment cabinet, hitting her head. She went down, looking dazed.
Shikamaru stepped back. He had intended to make her lose a point by stepping off the platform, and rattle her, not necessarily injure her. But he had no regrets. Kin was sitting with her head between her knees, looking woozy. If she was too injured to finish the battle, so much the better. He was certainly not too proud to get a win that way.
"Unable to continue!" the referee announced. "The winner, Nara Shikamaru!"
Asuma-sensei slapped him on the back. "Knew you could do it! Was that a Hyuuga move there at the end?"
"Kind of."
"You made it to the quarterfinals," Asuma said, his eyes gleaming. "You're playing in the big kids' sandbox now."
Looking up at the board as his name was placed with the other quarterfinalists, Shikamaru felt a little dazed. Tayuya was up there, as was Killer Bee, the younger brother of the Lightning Village's Raikage, and a heavy favorite to win.
"That's Hozuki Suigetsu," Asuma said, indicating a slender young man with shoulder-length white hair, another quarterfinalist. "Word is he was a captive of Orochimaru who got away. He's very good." Hearing his name, Suigetsu flashed them a mocking grin, revealing sharp-looking teeth. Strapped to his back was a formidable-looking sword.
"He brings his own sword," Asuma said, noticing Shikamaru staring at it. "Most of the really top ones do."
Shikamaru certainly hadn't. He didn't even have a special sword of his own, unless you counted that old one that had been his great-grandfather's. But that sword, like most of his opponents today, was way out of his league. He sipped from his water bottle slowly, wondering just how embarrassing this next round would be.
"Come on," Asuma said. "Let's see if the matchups are up yet."
On the big board, the matchups were being posted. Tayuya's name was at the top, against an opponent Shikamaru didn't know. Underneath that was his own name. His heart sank as he saw the name of his opponent, and he felt hot all over. They had paired him with the last person in the world he wanted to fight.
NARA SHIKAMARU, Suna
vs.
SABAKU TEMARI, Suna
Sabaku Temari – the Kazekage's beautiful, fierce daughter who might…maybe…like him…a little.
"Ironic, huh?" Asuma-sensei said, lighting up a cigarette.
They watched the first match – Tayuya and some young guy from one of the neighboring villages, who looked shocked at her filthy mouth. Despite getting docked a point for unsportsmanlike conduct, Tayuya won handily. Shikamaru watched with mixed emotions. He disliked Tayuya and wanted to root against her, but he could not help admiring her controlled, strategic battle style.
"Paying attention?" Asuma whispered. "If you win your match, she'll be your next opponent."
"Great," Shikamaru muttered unenthusiastically.
The referee raised Tayuya's hand in victory. She made the required perfunctory bow to her opponent, following it with a rude gesture at his back as he walked away. Several people in the crowd tittered.
"Come on," Asuma said, "you're up next." They headed out to stand on the sidelines of the battle area. Shikamaru walked slowly. He could see no good outcome from this match with Temari. If he lost to her, she would think he was weak. If he beat her, he would have another troublesome battle with Tayuya to look forward to.
Maybe he should just forfeit now. Technically, he had fulfilled his promise to Asuma by competing in the tournament at all. Maybe he could just claim an injury, withdraw, and enjoy watching Temari from the stands. Asuma and Ino would be disappointed, sure…but Chouji would understand, he knew.
But then he caught sight of Neji, standing by the rail, waving him over. Neji's eyes were alight; he looked so proud of Shikamaru for winning the match, so excited for the next one and eager to give him pointers. He knew he could not let Neji down.
Slowly, he followed Asuma up the stairs.
"Sabaku Temari," Neji said, "she has a very... slash and burn style. All big sweeping motions, very aggressive. She completely annihilated her last opponent, knocked the girl out. But if you can get in close you can finesse her with quickness."
"You could finesse her with quickness, maybe. I'll probably get my head handed to me."
"Please don't be so defeatist," Neji said coolly. "I've taught you some moves; use them."
"Or do what you do best," Asuma-sensei said, taking a drag on his cigarette. "Strategize your way out of it."
The referee appeared below, signaling to them. "Sabaku-sama has requested that the match be conducted with real swords... safety capped, of course."
"Like I told you," Asuma said, "the good ones bring their own."
"Thanks a lot," Shikamaru muttered. He turned to look at Sabaku Temari, standing below in the arena with her heavy looking iron and steel sword held before her like a dare.
Real swords... what the hell is she trying to prove?
But even as he thought this, he knew. As a member of the ruling family of Suna, she had to appear formidable. This was not directed at him. She had probably given him no thought at all except as an obstacle she had to overcome. She meant to win this.
He should probably just forfeit, he thought, and let her get on with it. Aloud, he said, "Well, that's that then... I only have bamboo swords. I guess I'll have to –"
"We can provide you with one," the referee assured him. "Come on, the match is about to start."
"Well, all right then!" Asuma-sensei said, giving Shikamaru a hearty whack on the back, so that Shikamaru, standing at the top of the steps, lost his balance and half-vaulted, half-tumbled down them, landing flat on his back on the edge of the battle area.
"What are you doing?" Sabaku Temari called sharply. "Stand up and fight like a man!"
Grumbling to himself, Shikamaru rose. He took his time picking out a sword, to give himself a bit of time to think. He really wished it could be Neji here instead of him. Neji would enjoy this battle; he would not be hopelessly overmatched.
###
Neji wished he could be the one fighting. He was fed up with Temari's disparaging looks and comments about the North Country and would have loved to take her down a peg.
As it was, he could only take his seat in the stands beside Ino and Chouji, and hope that Shikamaru remembered all he had taught him.
"Get her with a high-low combo, Shikamaru!" Ino shrieked, making Neji wince. "Bust her UP!"
"It's so weird to see Shikamaru in the quarterfinals," Chouji remarked, placidly munching his ever-present bag of chips. "And fighting the Kazekage's daughter... he seems kind of out of place."
"Don't say that," Ino chided him. "I mean, sure he doesn't have any special techniques or anything, but Shikamaru's really good at thinking things up. Remember when we were taking the Chuunin exam last year? I bet we wouldn't have made it to the end without him."
"Yeah, he's super smart," Chouji agreed. "But I have a feeling he's gonna find a way to get out of it. He might even just give up. He just feels things like this are such a hassle."
"Give up? No way!" Ino retorted. "Did you see the way he jumped down into the arena just now? He's unusually pumped up today! And they put him against Temari-sama! I think he's going to show us his passionate side," she said with a wink.
Neji gritted his teeth.
The referee signaled the two fighters to step forward and face each other. Temari had a determined glare on her face; Neji personally thought she looked demented.
"You'll see," Chouji said, grabbing a large handful of chips. "You don't know Shikamaru like I know him."
Ino leaned forward in her seat, letting out another earsplitting yell. "GO, SHIKAMARU!"
Shikamaru looked upward. Neji couldn't tell if he had heard them or not. The expression on his face was somewhere between bored and hopeless.
###
Shikamaru looked upward, to where the clouds drifted across a clear blue sky. Clouds were so lucky, he thought, just floating in the sky, carefree, with no expectations and no battles to fight.
He hadn't really expected, or wanted, to get this far in the tournament. He had thought he'd be knocked out in the first or second round, and get to relax for the rest of the time.
Guess it's not going to be as simple as that, he thought with a wry smile.
"What's with that look on your face?" Temari asked sharply. "Are you mocking me?"
"No."
"Don't think you're going to trick me into falling on my head like the last one. You're more of a strategist than a swordsman, aren't you?"
"Haha, yeah."
As soon as the whistle blew she sprang into action, wielding her heavy sword as if it weighed no more than a kitchen knife. She was fast, she was strong, she was bold. Shikamaru saw what Neji had meant by slash and burn. He felt completely overwhelmed, unable to do much more than retreat and try to block the worst of it. She scored a point, then another.
Shikamaru glanced over at the rails, then upward into the stands, trying to spot Neji. Not that there was anything Neji could do, but seeing him always made Shikamaru feel like a better fighter. Seeing him look around, Temari also shot a look over her shoulder, as if she expected to see a trap there. Finding nothing, she faced him with a determined glare, her heavy blade flashing down like a guillotine. Shikamaru stumbled back.
The whistle blew. The referee was signaling to Shikamaru, touching his own face. "You're bleeding," he called. Shikamaru put a hand to his cheek and felt wetness. He hadn't even noticed.
Temari planted the tip of her iron sword in the ground, staring at him impatiently. She did not appear to care that she had drawn blood, which didn't surprise Shikamaru. He remembered her words about injury and death being part of the shinobi life. This cut on his face was no big deal, but he had a feeling she would just as easily sever one of his limbs if necessary. She was tough.
As his face was being bandaged, Shikamaru pressed his fingers together and closed his eyes, trying to think of a plan. He recalled how Temari had reacted earlier, as if she expected him to be setting a trap for her as he had for Kin. He could not use that plan again, he knew; she would be expecting it. But perhaps he could use her wariness and expectation of the trap to keep her on edge.
###
Shikamaru's injury was minor, but since it was bleeding they had stopped the fight momentarily. No one wanted blood on the floors. He was getting patched up now, sitting with his eyes closed and his fingertips pressed together. Neji had seen him do this at times when they played shogi, if things looked bad for his side. He always came back to beat Neji after that.
Shikamaru opened his eyes. Neji could see something different in his expression. He felt a little thrill of anticipation; Shikamaru had a plan.
As the two fighters faced each other, Neji saw Shikamaru sneak a quick look along the sidelines, as if trying to gauge the length of the platform. It looked like Temari saw that too, as she frowned and shot a sidelong glance in that direction as well.
The whistle blew. Immediately, Shikamaru pivoted so he was facing that side, and went on the attack, aggressively coming after Temari. Temari, however, stood her ground, raising her sword to block his. The rasp of metal on metal sounded.
Shikamaru stepped back, maneuvered a bit, and tried again. Again Temari pushed back, and they grappled briefly. He came at her from another angle, going high this time and drawing his sword across hers. Temari's eyes narrowed and she went on the offensive, attacking with a lightning-fast series of feints and jabs. Shikamaru parried a bit, faking her out, and shot another split-second glance to the side. Looking furious, Temari brought her blade down hard; Shikamaru dodged, and miraculously scored a point.
Neji was very pleased to see some actual swordwork, although it was clear even to him that Temari's skills were far superior. He was also gratified to observe that Shikamaru had evidently gotten under Temari's skin. She was angry now, but also cautious, wondering what kind of trap he was planning to spring.
As Temari advanced, Shikamaru backed off a bit, holding his sword almost horizontal in front of him and pushing against hers, before letting it slide along the length of her blade. He repeated this move several times, each time moving a fraction to the left. Then he tried another kaiten-like move, more clumsy this time, so that he actually stumbled and went down on one knee. Temari moved in for the kill, but he managed to block her, his sword scraping along hers. It was not enough, however, and she scored another point.
"What is he doing?" Ino fretted, on the edge of her seat. Chouji ripped open another bag of chips.
Neji could not guess. That strange way of holding the sword, pushing up along the length of hers – was he trying to tire her out? Throw her off balance with his unorthodox style? And why did he keep looking around, now glancing directly overhead, now to the left? Each time he did it, Temari also flicked her eyes in that direction, but so far Shikamaru had been unable to capitalize on her momentary distraction. She was just too strong.
Temari scored another point, bringing her within one point of winning. Neji's heart sank a little. He had watched her previous battle, against a female opponent who reminded him of Tenten. The other girl had never had a chance; Temari had dominated the match from start to finish.
At least Shikamaru was holding his own…sort of…
Scoring seemed to give Temari a jolt of adrenaline and confidence. Her eyes flashing, she bore down on Shikamaru, ready to finish him off. Shikamaru backed up, then half-turned, holding his sword out before him, straight up this time, as she came at him.
What happened next made everyone gasp. Temari's sword seemed to jump toward Shikamaru's and cling to his blade. Temari's eyes opened wide in shock; Shikamaru took advantage of that to sweep the sword from her hand, grabbing it with his left and stepping back.
"YES! He has her!" Ino exulted, jumping to her feet. Chouji frantically shoveled chips into his mouth. Neji's thoughts were racing. What the hell had just happened? He found himself holding his breath, waiting for Shikamaru to administer the "killing blow." Temari had her teeth clenched, staring at him as if she was about to be tortured.
But instead of tapping Temari's head and chest with his sword, Shikamaru made a small bow to her, then held out her sword. Temari looked stunned. As she reached for the sword, Shikamaru raised his hand and signaled to the referee, saying something. There was too much excited buzz around them to hear Shikamaru's words, but Neji could read his lips clearly.
I concede.
"The winner, and moving on to the semifinal rounds," the referee announced, "Sabaku Temari!"
"Whaaaat?" Ino screeched.
Chouji sat back in his chair. "I told you," he said placidly. "You don't know Shikamaru like I do."
"It's because he likes her," Ino said, sounding disgusted.
Neji kept his face expressionless, but inside his emotions were churning. He got to his feet, feeling like he couldn't stay there a moment longer. "Excuse me, please," he said, and hurried down the steps.
In the corridor, away from the crowds, he took a few deep breaths, trying to make sense of what he had just seen. The way Temari's sword had stuck to Shikamaru's, like a…
….magnet.
Now he understood what Shikamaru had been doing. Temari's sword was made of iron; as Shikamaru rasped his sword across its length, over and over, it had become magnetized. Probably not strongly, but enough to startle Temari when it happened and make her lose her grip. And all the rest – the looking around, the botched kaiten – had just been a diversion, to distract Temari from what he was doing to her sword. Every move, everything he did, had been carefully planned out. Neji smiled a little. He understood now what Shikamaru had done.
All except that last part. The part where Shikamaru just handed Temari back her sword and let her win.
Why? Was Ino right; was it because he felt something for Temari? Neji felt his fist clench involuntarily. No, he couldn't believe that; Shikamaru was better than that. He wouldn't lose a battle simply for some foolish romantic notion.
He had to see Shikamaru, to see if he was all right. To ask him why. The medic/recuperation tent was around the back, past the concession stands and various hawkers. Neji headed that way. Passing a tea stall, he remembered Shikamaru bringing him green tea after his match, and how good it had tasted. He stopped to buy some, glad again that he now had some money in his pocket.
He would bring the tea to Shikamaru, and Shikamaru would explain what had happened. Maybe he was injured. Neji recalled how Shikamaru had rubbed his sore muscles and sat with him while he slept. He could do that for Shikamaru; he would not mind at all. Maybe they could have a bath later and get dinner together, like last night. Whatever Shikamaru told him, Neji thought, he would try to understand.
At the door of the tent, he was barred from coming in by the bored-looking guards. "Only contestants, coaches, and medics."
"I am one of Nara-san's coaches," Neji said in a tone of haughty authority.
"Hey," one of them said, "you're that Pet that won everything yesterday, aren't you?"
"Are you Nara-san's Pet?" the other one asked. "Pets are allowed in, yeah?"
Through the open tent flap Neji could see Shikamaru. He was standing next to Temari, talking to her. Temari was smiling a little; Neji got the definite feeling she liked Shikamaru more than she was willing to show.
Temari looked up at that moment, and caught sight of Neji. Her expression changed, hardening. "Your White-Eyes is at the door," she told Shikamaru.
Shikamaru looked over, frowning. "Don't call him that." He waved to Neji, inviting him in. The guards moved aside to let him pass, but Neji stepped back a few paces instead. No way was he going in that tent with her there. Shikamaru seemed to understand, and came out to him.
"Hey," Shikamaru said, "I'm sorry about that. I should have just told them to let you in."
"It doesn't matter," Neji said stiffly. Realizing he was still holding the tea, he held it out to Shikamaru.
Shikamaru took a sip, then another. "Thanks, Neji," he said. "You're a good friend."
Neji was silent.
"You're angry."
"I'm fine."
"Because I conceded." Shikamaru was gazing at him intently, making it harder for Neji to maintain his aloof demeanor. "The thing is," Shikamaru said, "I really want to see Tayuya defeated. Temari has a much better chance of doing that than I do. Also, the reason she's in the tournament, was that her sensei wanted her to represent Suna and show how strong we are."
"You are from Suna also. And you could beat Tayuya."
"I doubt it." Shikamaru took another long drink of tea. "Anyway, I'm not going to win this thing, so why expend the energy?"
Neji turned from him sharply in frustration.
"Neji." Shikamaru's tone, uncharacteristically serious, stopped him from walking away. "I'm sorry. I have to put the good of my village ahead of myself."
Neji stared at him, feeling like one of Shikamaru's dumbfounded opponents must feel when Shikamaru unexpectedly scored the winning point. Did Shikamaru know?
It was the most basic tenet of being a shinobi. The village came first; then your clan and your teammates, and last your own personal ambitions. It was exactly, Neji thought with a sharp pang, what he had never done. He had flouted the rules and traditions of his clan, deserted his village, and abandoned his teammates. All in the quest for something he should have known would never be his.
"No…I understand, Shikamaru," he said, bowing his head. "You're right."
Shikamaru looked relieved. They stood without speaking for a moment.
Neji decided to swallow his pride and ask. "Are you going to watch the rest of the matches, or do you want to get some dinner?"
"Oh yeah…I'm going to watch the rest of the matches," Shikamaru said. "I'm getting a front-row seat," he added with a little smile. "The Sabaku clan invited me to sit with them in their box."
Any of Shikamaru's other friends would have grinned in return, Neji thought, would have said You lucky dog! or Moving up in the world, huh? He could only nod.
"But hey, you guys should go eat if you're hungry," Shikamaru said. It took Neji a minute to realize who he meant: Ino and Chouji and Asuma-sensei. He had completely forgotten them.
"Right. Well, have a good time," Neji said. He walked away quickly, not looking back, through the narrow corridors, brushing past people without caring if he bumped them or not. All the good feeling and triumph of the night before had disappeared. He had proven himself on the battleground, and that was what he had set out to do. He had won, and paid back almost a quarter of the money he owed the Naras.
So why did he feel so...dark, so low?
Right now, all he felt was a seething hatred for Sabaku Temari. He told himself it was because of her bigoted attitude toward the North Country, her ignorant use of the term "White-Eyes." He was sick of being reduced to the color of his eyes.
He almost wished someone would start something with him, so that he would have an excuse to unleash some of the pent-up emotions that were building within him.
But no one did. He might as well have been invisible.
A clearer, more rational part of his mind told him that he was still recovering from yesterday's battles, and that it might be interesting to see the other matches. He went back up into the stands. Not really wanting to be around Ino and Chouji, he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and watched. The white-haired Suigetsu won his match and moved on to the semi-finals. He had an interesting style, both flashy and fluid. After that it was the favorite, Killer Bee, a huge muscular, tattooed man in sunglasses, who rapped in rhyming couplets as he effortlessly won his match in under five minutes. The crowd roared.
Neji felt a black coal of resentment hardening in his heart. He should have been there, matching his skills against theirs, fighting as their equal. Instead he had to take the lesser prize and practically beg for admission to see Shikamaru. Across the arena he could see Shikamaru and Temari sitting together with her idiotic cat-eared brother and sour-looking sensei. Temari said something and Shikamaru raised an eyebrow and smiled, gesturing toward the arena.
The semifinal matchups went up: Temari vs. Tayuya; Suigetsu vs. Killer Bee. The women were up first. Neji stayed to watch, even though he didn't care who won. He loathed them both fiercely. Tayuya was favored, but Temari came out strong and took control from the start. Tayuya's cursing and precision moves didn't seem to faze her; she was like a whirlwind. The crowd applauded wildly and then almost instantly moved on to discussing the next match.
"I hear that kid Suigetsu is pretty good."
"He won't beat Bee, though. No one can."
As predicted, Suigetsu was very good, but Killer Bee was spectacular. It was a very entertaining match, with both of them showboating and talking endless trash to each other. Killer Bee took it, 5-3, and bumped fists good-naturedly with his opponent. It was disloyal to Suna, Neji knew, and probably a violation of the Pet oath he had taken or some such garbage, but he fervently hoped Killer Bee thrashed Temari in as humiliating a manner as possible.
He got his wish only partly, as Temari did indeed lose, and fairly quickly. Still, she put up a respectable showing, scoring two points on Bee. They stood for awhile talking afterward, as photographers snapped pictures of the two of them. Perversely, Neji now felt a little bad for Shikamaru, even though he knew that, rationally, there was nothing between Temari and Killer Bee, who was probably old enough to be her father.
His stomach growled, reminding him he still hadn't eaten. Leaving the arena, he made his way outside, through the garish, crowded streets, walking with no clear destination in mind. At the end of the street, a blinking sign advertised Rice is Nice, with a pair of smiling pink cats with crescent-moon eyes. What cats had to do with rice was anybody's guess, but he wasn't picky, as long as it didn't sound too horribly spicy. He found a table in the corner and ordered a bowl of tonkatsu, rice with pork cutlet. It was one of those establishments that offered more than food, as he soon found out when his table was approached by a scantily-clad young hostess.
"Good evening! Are you lonely?"
"No, I am not," Neji said shortly. But the words sounded hollow even to him.
The beaming hostess was undeterred. "You like girls?"
"No."
"You like boys?"
"No."
"Ahh… you are a monk?"
"I just want to eat my food in peace." But he did not even have much of an appetite any more. He paid for the meal and left.
He decided again that he hated the South Country for being like this – although realistically, he knew there were such places in Konoha. He felt an irrational anger toward Shikamaru as well; if Shikamaru had been there with him, he could have steered them away from that place. At the very least they could have joked about it.
He took a deep breath, willing himself to calm down. It was not such a big deal. She had not done anything other than smile flirtatiously – and ask uncomfortable questions. He knew he should find the others; it was not a good idea for a Pet, even the strongest Pet, to be wandering around out here alone. But he did not feel like facing anyone just yet. Instead, he made his way back to the room where they were spending the night. Nobody else was there yet, so he unrolled his futon, tried to meditate a bit, and lay down. He was dozing, but not fully asleep when he heard their voices coming in the room.
"Oh, Neji's here," he heard Shikamaru say. "He's sleeping already."
Neji couldn't tell from his tone whether Shikamaru sounded disappointed, or relieved, or remorseful. Or indifferent. He could hear them moving around carefully and talking in whispers, trying not to disturb him. He stayed very still and quiet, keeping his back turned and his eyes closed. Chouji burped loudly, and Asuma shushed him, saying something under his breath about too much barbeque. Then Neji heard the soft rustling sounds of Shikamaru setting down his futon next to Neji's. Shikamaru's closeness stirred feelings in him he wished he didn't have.
Are you a monk?
No, no he was not. He remembered Shikamaru's touch, rubbing the soreness from his muscles the day before. He thought of Shikamaru stroking his hair during the sandstorm. He was wide awake now, but he didn't say anything. What was there to say?
He could hide it from the others; he could even hide it from Shikamaru, but he could no longer hide it from himself. He had wanted to be the one in there with Shikamaru, sitting beside him, maybe rubbing his back. He wanted to be the one Shikamaru looked at in that way.
He wanted Shikamaru.
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A.N.: Thanks for reading, everyone! Please don't forget to leave a review! Whatever you thought, I'd love to hear it!
Oh, and for my fellow Naru-nerds who may be wondering – yes, I know Bee is from the Cloud Village (located in the Land of Lightning; there is no "Lightning Village" in canon). But since in this story the Cloud Village is in the North – they are the ones who killed Neji's father – it made more sense to do it this way.