Flames Of Recollection
Chapter 10
After eating Ramen, Sakura, Kaliya and Akiya walked toward the training area. As they turned onto the main street, they saw Naruto fly across the street and slam into a wall before Hinata's voice rang out over the noise of the street.
" I can't believe you just said that to me! Why would you say something like that?! " Hinata ran off with tears running down her face as Sakura sighed softly.
" Any wagers on what he said? I'm betting he mentioned something sensitive... Maybe her weight? " Sakura thought carefully as Kaliya spoke.
" Maybe he said something really mean? Like called her stupid or something? " Kaliya spoke with curiosity in her voice as Naruto stood up and rubbed his head.
" It wasn't that bad. And she was mad at Akiya for hitting me. Now Hinata is hitting me too. " Naruto groaned unhappily as Akiya spoke.
" What did you say Naruto? " Akiya looked at him with curiosity in her eyes before Naruto walked forward and whispered in her ear.
" You said WHAT?! NARUTO! " Akiya growled loudly before kicking Naruto in the head and sending him spiralling into the nearby wall. As he slid down the wall slowly, Kaliya and Sakura walked over to Akiya.
" Akiya what did he say? " Sakura leant forward as Akiya whispered in her ear. Sakura's face immediately flushed red as she ran forward and punched Naruto, Sending him crashing through the wall and sliding along the ground. " You inconsiderate moron! How could you say that to Hinata of all people?! "
" I didn't mean it... It just slipped out.. " Naruto groaned softly as Sakura whispered into Kaliya's ear.
" Oh that is going way too far. If you didn't have a death wish before you sure as hell do now. You will be lucky if Hinata speaks to you again. But if she doesn't, Let me know. She is so cute. Even when she is angry. " Kaliya had a cheeky look on her face as Sakura and Akiya glared at her.
Naruto stood up slowly and groaned in pain before walking away tenderly in the direction Hinata had run off in. After several minutes, Naruto found Hinata in the training area, As he approached and motioned to speak, Hinata slapped him and started to walk away. After rubbing his cheek gently, Naruto called to Hinata.
" Hinata wait! I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. " Naruto spoke calmly before Hinata spun around and spoke forcefully.
" Then why did you say it at all? To me of all people! How could you say something like that to me Naruto?! " Hinata trembled as tears formed in her eyes before Naruto spoke.
" I wasn't thinking Hinata. It just slipped out. " Naruto looked at the ground sheepishly as Hinata spoke again.
" Even if you hadn't said it you were thinking it. Why? " Hinata spoke shakily before Naruto responded.
" I just.. I felt left out when the four of you went out on a mission. I felt jealous that I wasn't allowed to go too. " Naruto sat down and rubbed his head slowly as Hinata spoke.
" Naruto you cannot expect to go on every single mission the village has. You are going to get left out sometimes and you need to stop acting like a child and accept it. And Akiya is right. You need to learn manners. Now I would like to be left alone for a while. I will come and see you when I have calmed down. " Hinata turned and left the training area without another word as Naruto sat in the middle of the area feeling like an idiot.
Three Hours Later
Akiya, Sakura and Kaliya had spent the last two hours in the training area sparring together. Naruto had not moved since Hinata left and refused to do anything but sit in the middle of the training area. As Akiya, Sakura and Kaliya finished training, Akiya spoke to Naruto.
" Naruto.. " Akiya was cut off as Naruto spoke.
" Don't. I know I screwed up. I know I shouldn't have said that to Hinata. Just don't. " Naruto closed his and had a look of frustration on his face as Akiya spoke.
" Actually I was going to tell you to stop being a fool and go find Hinata. She is so not going to speak to you. Even if she calms down. You seriously crossed the line Naruto. Like beyond imagining crossed the line. So get off your ass and show her that you regret it. "Akiya smacked Naruto over the head forcefully before walking away as Naruto stood up.
" I hate this. " Naruto growled softly before running off to find Hinata. After about thirty minutes, Naruto found Hinata near the monument to the fallen Shinobi. Hinata was sitting in the clearing near the monument meditating. As Naruto approached her, Hinata spoke slowly.
" Don't even think about it. " Hinata spoke forcefully but didn't move or open her eyes as Naruto sat down where he was standing.
" Hinata I.. " Naruto stopped as Hinata opened her eyes and spoke forcefully.
" I said don't Naruto. I don't want to hear it. " Hinata turned to face the opposite direction as Naruto sighed and spoke softly.
" I don't care whether or not you want to hear it, I am saying it anyway. I am sorry. I didn't mean to say what I did and I don't truly think that about you. Or anyone for that matter. I was being an idiot and I regret that this happened. All I can do is apologise Hinata. I don't know what else to do to make it up to you. " Naruto spoke forcefully before standing up and turning to leave.
" You can grow up. You have been like this since I first met you Naruto. Blind to those around you and ignorant of what your words can cause. " Hinata spoke with disappointment in her voice before Naruto sighed.
" I know that. But unlike all of you my life didnt come with a teacher or an instruction manual. I have had to learn everything on my own. So yes I am not so good with manners. Or diplomacy or any of that but I am who I am. I am trying Hinata. I really am and I am sorry if trying isn't good enough anymore. But I honestly don't know what else to do. " Naruto walked away calmly as Hinata turned to face him. After a moment, Hinata stood up and ran after Naruto.
After a few minutes, Hinata found Naruto sitting in Ichiraku Ramen. As she sat down, Naruto's stomach growled before Hinata kissed his cheek gently.
" You have a lot to learn Naruto. " Hinata giggled softly as Naruto sighed.
" I am a work in progress. The village wasn't built in a day. " Naruto spoke calmly but had a look of sadness on his face before Hinata spoke.
" I love you Naruto. I love you for who you are but I need you to realise that there are things that you just shouldn't say to anyone. Especially to the one that loves you. What you said hurt me more than anything I have ever experienced and it is going to take time for me to forgive you for that. But I won't stop loving you. That being said, If you ever say that to me again.. " Hinata stopped speaking as Naruto caressed her cheek gently.
" I may be an idiot but I don't make the same mistakes very often. This is one I will remember not to make again. I love you Hinata. I want to change. I want to be better. I just don't know how to do that. " Naruto kissed Hinata lovingly as a bowl of Ramen was placed in front of him.
" Start by buying me lu.. " Hinata stopped as a bowl of Ramen was placed in front of her and the owner spoke gruffly.
" He already did that. Told me to wait until you got here to cook it. I thought he was going to eat the walls if his stomach growled any louder. " The owner smiled as Hinata kissed Naruto's cheek again.
" See Naruto? Your changing already. You just need a bit of guidance here and there. " Hinata giggled softly as they started eating Ramen. After finishing her Ramen, Hinata left to find Kaliya.
Meanwhile
" Think she will forgive him? " Sakura spoke calmly as she walked down the main street with Akiya.
" Maybe. But he is going to have to work really hard to make it right. " Akiya smiled as Sakura turned and kissed her lovingly.
" You would never say that to me right? I mean.. I know you wouldn't but.. " Sakura stopped as Akiya placed a finger on her lips.
" I am many things Sakura but an idiot is not one of them. I wouldn't dare say that to you or anyone else. Even if I didn't mean it. That being said if we do have a problem I will let you know directly. " Akiya giggled as Sakura nudged her playfully.
As they continued walking, Akiya and Sakura saw Kaliya and Hinata walking toward them. After a moment, Kaliya stopped walking.
" Hinata I don't know... I am kinda nervous.. " Kaliya blushed softly as Hinata spoke.
" It is okay to be nervous Kaliya. Just go slow. Hanabi will know if your trying too hard or going too fast. " Hinata smiled as Kaliya sighed softly.
" I'll.. Try. I am not exactly the best at expressing my emotions. " Kaliya spoke calmly before noticing that Akiya and Sakura were walking toward her. " Akiya? Sakura? What are you two doing here? "
" Actually we are heading to the forest for a picnic. What are you two up to? " Akiya smiled happily as Kaliya spoke.
" Hinata is introducing me to Hanabi. I am so nervous. " Kaliya smiled nervously before Hinata placed a hand on her shoulder as Akiya spoke again softly.
" Kaliya you don't need to be nervous. You are a wonderful person and one of the bravest people I know. Just be yourself... Maybe a little less of the blatantly obvious flirting in this scenario but be yourself. " Akiya giggled happily as Kaliya sneered before continuing to walk with Hinata. As they arrived at Hinata's house, Hinata's father walked out of the house and saw the two of them.
" Good afternoon Hinata. What are the two of you up to? " Hiashi Hyuga smiled as Hinata spoke.
" Good afternoon father. I am introducing Kaliya to Hanabi. Kaliya is Akiya's sister. " Hinata smiled as Hiashi chuckled softly.
" I wish you luck Hinata. Hanabi is in quite a mood today. " Hiashi chuckled softly before walking past Hinata and Kaliya as they entered the house. The moment they walked into the courtyard, Hinata immediately stopped as Hanabi growled in frustration and sat down.
" This is so frustrating! Why can't I do this?! " Hanabi crossed her arms impatiently before sighing as Hinata spoke softly.
" Hanabi? Are you alright? " Hinata stepped out of the house cautiously as Hanabi spun around and a bright smile appeared on her face.
" Hinata! " Hanabi giggled happily as she tackled Hinata and hugged her tightly. " Did you come to visit me? "
" I came to introduce you to someone. And to say hello ofcourse. " Hinata smiled happily as Hanabi got up and looked at her curiously.
" Introduce me to someone? " Hanabi spoke calmly as Hinata turned to look toward the house.
" Kaliya? Can you come out here please? " Hinata spoke calmly as Kaliya peered around the doorway nervously before walking out of the house and standing beside Hinata.
" Hanabi this is Kaliya. She would like to be friends and get to know you. " Hinata smiled before walking back inside the house.
" It's... It's nice to meet you Hanabi. " Kaliya spoke nervously before bowing politely.
" It's nice to meet you to. I need to ask though.. Why do you want to be friends with me specifically? There are plenty of people in the village to be friends with. " Hanabi spoke calmly but bluntly before Kaliya responded.
" Hinata and I were recently grouped together for a mission and while we were on our mission, Hinata was telling me about you. " Kaliya blushed lightly before continuing. " You sounded really nice and... And wonderful so I wanted to get to know you.. "
" Hinata! " Hanabi looked toward the house as Hinata glanced outside slowly. " How many times have I told you to stop playing matchmaker! "
Hinata grinned mischievously before disappearing into the house again as Hanabi sighed and looked to Kaliya. " Look I don't mind becoming friends but I am not interested in romance right now. " Hanabi turned away as Kaliya spoke softly.
" Hanabi I want to be friends. Don't get me wrong you are amazingly cute and I honestly wouldn't complain if we developed feelings for each other but I honestly really do want to be friends. " Kaliya smiled warmly as Hanabi turned to face her.
" Your not going to hound me about a relationship? " Hanabi spoke calmly before Kaliya shook her head. " Or flirt with me endlessly? "
" Okay that I can't promise you. " Kaliya giggled nervously as Hanabi smiled and giggled softly.
" Well at least you are honest about it. Alright we can be friends and get to know each other. But don't try anything! Like I said I am.. " Hanabi stopped speaking as Kaliya finished her sentence.
" Not interested in romance. I won't promise that I won't try and change that eventually but right now friendship is all I want. Now are you going to stand there all day looking adorable or are we going to get to know each other? " Kaliya smiled cheekily as Hanabi giggled.
" Adorable? I'll give you adorable. Byakugan! " Hanabi entered her combat stance as her Byakugan activated.
" Sparring it is. Don't think I will go easy on you. " Kaliya smiled as her Rinnegan activated and Hanabi gasped softly before running forward and throwing a punch.
A Few Minutes Later
Hinata walked happily toward the training area with a mischievous smile on her face as she thought of what Hanabi and Kaliya would be talking about. As she arrived at the training area, She saw Naruto training with his Rasengan. After a few moments, Naruto sat down exhaustively. As he sighed softly, Hinata sat down beside him.
" You aren't overdoing it again are you Naruto? " Hinata smiled as Naruto looked at her sheepishly.
" Uh... Maybe? " Naruto chuckled happily as Hinata kissed his cheek lovingly.
" You know how I feel about that Naruto. You shouldn't exhaust yourself when you train. " Hinata smiled as Naruto grinned happily.
" I know but I need to get stronger. I have to get stronger. " Naruto stood up and looked toward a nearby sparring dummy. As he motioned to move, Hinata seized his arm and pulled him back to the ground gently.
" Oh no you don't. You are tired already. Just sit here with me for a while. Please? " Hinata looked at Naruto with longing in her eyes before he smiled and sighed softly.
" Yeah. Alright. " Naruto smiled before sitting down. Naruto leaned back slightly as Hinata leant her head against his chest gently.
A Few Hours Later
Naruto and Hinata had sat together until sunset. As they left the training area, They saw Kaliya walking home with a few bruises on her arms and face.
" Kaliya? What happened to you? " Hinata spoke with concern in her voice before Kaliya giggled softly and responded.
" Hanabi might be unimaginably cute but harmless she is not. " Kaliya smiled and giggled happily as a look of horror appeared on Hinata's face.
" Hanabi did this? When I get home.. " Hinata spoke with a tone of frustration in her voice but stopped speaking as Kaliya interrupted.
" Don't you dare get mad with her Hinata! It was wonderful to spar with her today. Don't you dare spoil it! " Kaliya looked at Hinata with ferocity in her eyes as she spoke.
" But.. " Hinata looked at Kaliya cautiously as Kaliya shook her head.
" No Hinata. It was a wonderful day and even though I am bruised, I would not trade today for anything. Do not spoil it. Am I clear? " Kaliya spoke forcefully before Hinata sighed softly.
" Hanabi should know better but alright. I won't scold her. But I will ask her how today went. " Hinata smiled mischievously as Kaliya smiled.
" Thank you. It truly was a wonderful time. We sparred and talked for ages. She really is wonderful. " Kaliya sighed happily as Hinata smiled and continued walking toward the village inn.
As she arrived, The inn manager noticed her and beckoned her over. " You Kaliya? "
" Yes I am. Why do you ask? " Kaliya looked at the owner curiously as he spoke again.
" Akiya booked a room for you. Three weeks paid in full. Here is your key. No funny business. " The owner handed Kaliya a key before leading her to the room she was staying in. After entering the room and closing the door, Kaliya got undressed and sighed softly as she stretched carefully.
The Next Day
Kaliya awoke slowly and gasped in surprise as she fell out of bed in shock. Sitting at the end of her bed was Hanabi.
" Good morning to you to Kaliya. I wanted to ask if you would like to train with me today? " Hanabi giggled in amusement as Kaliya got off of the floor and breathe heavily before speaking.
" Hanabi! You scared me half to death! But yes I would love to train with you today. " Kaliya sighed heavily as her heartbeat slowed and she calmed down. " Don't scare me like that.. "
" But that would be no fun! Surprising and scaring you was amusing. " Hanabi sneered at Kaliya playfully before running out of the room after Kaliya stood up and failed to tackle her.
" You adorable little menace! There will be repercussions for this! " Kaliya shouted after Hanabi playfully with a smile on her face before changing out of her pyjamas and leaving the inn.
Kaliya giggled happily as she thought of how to get Hanabi back for scaring her. As an idea crossed her mind, Kaliya giggled mischievously as a familiar voice came from behind her.
" What are you scheming about? " Akiya's soft voice caught Kaliya by surprise and she spun around quickly.
" Akiya! I.. I have no idea what you mean. " Kaliya smiled happily as Akiya gave her a look of disbelief.
" Really. You really think I am going to buy that? " Akiya pouted annoyingly as Kaliya grinned before sighing and speaking.
" Alright. Hanabi surprised me earlier and scared the life out of me when I woke up. I am thinking of how to get her back. " Kaliya smiled mischievously as Akiya sighed softly.
" I see. Just don't upset her will you?Some of your pranks can cross the line a bit. " Akiya spoke calmly before Kaliya spoke.
" I will do my best not to. I really don't want to upset her. I'll be careful I promise. " Kaliya smiled happily before walking past Akiya.
As Kaliya walked toward Hanabi's house thinking of the many ways to get her back for scaring her, Kaliya noticed Hinata walking towards her. After a moment, Hinata noticed Kaliya and waved happily before walking over and speaking calmly.
" Good morning Kaliya. How are you feeling? " Hinata smiled happily as Kaliya smiled.
" Quite good thank you. Hanabi scared the life out of me earlier but other than that quite good. " Kaliya smiled happily as Hinata sighed softly.
" So she did wake you up. She kept saying she wanted to surprise you today. " Hinata sighed softly as Kaliya spoke.
" Oh I'm not complaining! It was just a shock that's all. " Kaliya giggled before continuing. " Don't you worry I will get her back. "
" I am sure you will. Hanabi might be quiet, polite and respectful but deep down she adores fun, games and pranks. Just make sure you don't cross the line. " Hinata smiled as a look o shock appeared on Kaliya's face.
" Everyone keeps saying that! I don't cross lines! It's a conspiracy I tell you! " Kaliya laughed happily as Hinata giggled.
" Ofcourse it is Kaliya. Now run along. Hanabi is more than likely waiting for you. "
Hinata smiled as Kaliya bowed and ran past her.
After a few minutes, Kaliya arrived at the Hyuga estate. As she bowed before entering the house, Kaliya heard Hanabi yell in frustration.
" Why?! Why is this so hard? " Hanabi sat down and pouted impatiently as Kaliya stepped out of the house.
" Hanabi? Are you alright? " Kaliya spoke softly as she sat next to Hanabi.
" I just.. I can't get this Jutsu to work. It's so frustrating! " Hanabi pouted again as Kaliya giggled softly.
" Which Jutsu are you practising? " Kaliya watched as Hanabi stood up and turned to face her.
" I... I am not allowed to tell you. My father is very strict about our families techniques. " Hanabi turned away sadly.
" My family was similar. We guarded our clan's techniques very very carefully. No one outside our clan knows how our techniques work exactly. It's okay Hanabi. I understand. " Kaliya smiled as Hanabi looked at her with a smile.
" So... Are we going to spar or what? " Hanabi giggled softly before entering her combat stance. " Byakugan! "
" Yes. Let's see how you fair today Hanabi. " Kaliya smiled devilishly before entering her combat stance as her Rinnegan activated.
Meanwhile
" I thought I told you not to go easy on me Sakura. " Akiya spoke with disappointment in her voice as Sakura stood up tenderly.
" I'm not going easy! I am just... " Sakura sighed and turned away slowly.
" Just not here. Your mind is elsewhere. " Akiya sighed softly before hugging Sakura gently.
" I need a break Akiya. I am gonna go for a walk. I'll see you later. " Sakura hugged Akiya gently before walking away sadly.
As Sakura left the training area, Hinata walked past her and spoke to Akiya. " Is Sakura okay? "
" I am not sure. She has been really distracted lately. " Akiya spoke calmly as Hinata sighed softly.
" It seems to be going around. Shikamaru and Ino got in trouble earlier as well for being distracted. " Hinata sighed softly again as Akiya spoke.
" Not us though. Care to spar Hinata? " Akiya smiled as Hinata looked at her nervously.
" You aren't going to use your Genjutsu on me again are you? " Hinata trembled slightly before Akiya shook her head gently. "Good. It was terrifying. "
" It is supposed to be. But no I won't use it on you again Hinata. Now let's get started. " Akiya smiled as Hinata activated her Byakugan and entered her combat stance.
As Hinata and Akiya sparred, Matatabi sat nearby. As Matatabi watched, It pointed out mistakes and incorrect movement for both Hinata and Akiya. After a few hours, Hinata and Akiya stopped sparring and Akiya sat down before stroking Matatabi's fur gently.
As they sat in the training area, Akiya and Hinata spoke about Naruto.
" You know Hinata, Despite my dislike for what he said.. Naruto doesn't think that about you. " Akiya spoke calmly before Hinata sighed softly.
" I know.. But that doesn't make it hurt any less. " Hinata looked away sadly as Akiya spoke again.
" I know but holding it against him won't make things any easier will it? " Akiya spoke softly before Hinata once again sighed and looked toward her.
" I want to forgive him Akiya I really do. But it would have hurt less if he had tortured me. Saying that to me broke my heart. To make it worse, It sounded like he really meant it. Apologies are not going to fix this. " Hinata spoke sternly but had a look of sadness and pain on her ace before Akiya responded.
" I imagine not. But forcing him to prove himself won't fix it either Hinata. You need to remember that Naruto is the way he is because he never had anyone else there. Having you there now is a new experience for him. " Akiya spoke soothingly before Hinata spoke.
" Yeah.. But still... " Hinata spoke sadly before stroking Matatabi's fur gently.
" I know Hinata. Believe me I know. The night Kaliya and I fought was the worst night of my life. All I ever wanted was for Kaliya to be my partner. That night tore everything away from me. I really do understand how it feels to have your heart broken. But leaving it broken and making no effort to heal it will not help anyone. " Akiya spoke softly as Matatabi purred contently.
Nightfall
After sparring with Hinata for the majority of the afternoon, Akiya decided to get something to eat. As she walked down the main road, She saw Sakura sitting in Ichiraku Ramen. As she sat down, Sakura turned away sadly.
" Talk to me Sakura. Please don't shut me out. " Akiya spoke pleadingly to Sakura before she sighed and turned around.
" Akiya... Do you truly love me? " Sakura looked at Akiya with longing in her eyes before Akiya leaned forward and kissed Sakura deeply.
" With all my heart Sakura. What is on your mind? " Akiya spoke soothingly and smiled before Sakura spoke softly.
' Well... I was distracted today because... " Sakura looked into Akiya's eyes slowly before continuing. " Because today.. Before I met with you in the training area.. I... I... " Sakura struggled to speak as Akiya ordered a bowl of Ramen. " Akiya I am so sorry but I can't. I'll talk to you later. "
" Okay Sakura. We can talk later.. " Akiya watched Sakura leave with longing and sadness in her eyes as the owner of Ichiraku Ramen spoke.
" You definitely need to talk to her. Sakura has never been this distracted. Never once. Something is bothering her. " The owner turned away from Akiya and returned to his duties cooking Ramen for other customers as Akiya ate her Ramen.
After eating until she was full, Akiya walked back to Sakura's house slowly. When she arrived, Akiya was met by Sakura's mother at the door.
" What happened today Akiya? " Sakura's mother spoke with concern in her voice before Akiya answered.
" I.. I am actually not sure. Sakura seemed distracted and when I asked her about it... It was like she just couldn't tell me. I don't know what is going on. " Akiya spoke sadly as Sakura's mother spoke again.
" She came home about an hour ago and hasn't left her room since. I have heard crying coming from her room. Can you try and talk to her? " Sakura's mother spoke calmly but had deep concern in her voice as she spoke.
" I... I can try. " Akiya smiled slightly before walking up the stairs and walking toward Sakura's room. As she knocked on the door, Akiya heard Sakura speak sadly.
" I need to be alone mom. I don't want to talk about it. " Sakura spoke shakily as Akiya opened the door slowly.
" Not even to me Sakura? " Akiya smiled slightly as Sakura looked toward her.
" I.. I don't know.. " Sakura sat up and held her knees against her chest as Akiya walked into the room and closed the door.
" What is going on Sakura? Why are you so upset and distracted? " Akiya sat next to Sakura and put her arm around Sakura slowly as she spoke.
" I just... " Sakura looked toward Akiya slowly as tears flowed down her cheeks. " All I have been doing since we got back is training and sleeping. I feel like you and I aren't spending any time together and it feels like there is this huge space between us. I don't want this Akiya. I want to be with you but it feels like we are worlds apart right now. " Sakura cried heavily as Akiya pulled her into a hug gently.
" Sakura.. I love you with all my heart and I know we haven't spent a lot of time together lately. But we aren't worlds apart. I am right here. Right here with you and I always will be. I am sorry if I did anything to make you feel this way and I know I have been training a lot lately but I will always be right here. " Akiya smiled as Sakura looked into her eyes.
" You promise? " Sakura sobbed softly as Akiya held her lovingly.
" I promise. Always Sakura. No matter what happens. " Akiya smiled before kissing Sakura lovingly.
" I am sorry Akiya. It's stupid of me to think and behave this way. I was just so.. " Sakura stopped speaking as Akiya caressed her cheek lovingly.
" So adorable? " Akiya smiled as Sakura giggled before kissing her deeply. " Now let's get some sleep Sakura. We can spend all day tomorrow together. "
Sakura smiled and nodded before wiping her tears away and laying down next to Akiya before falling asleep.
Emotions running wild and new friendships forged.
Are the Shinobi ready for what comes next?
Read on to find out!
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