Saturday, December 8th, 2012
I know I said I probably wasn't going to update. That's because I didn't think I'd have time.
Yesterday was me and my sister's last day of school for the semester, since we're leaving on Monday for Kenya and the semester's last day is the 19th.
It was an okay day, til 8th period, when I was to present my sculpture.
I always worry a lot before I present something or when I'm going to perform in front of people.
Usually, things turn out better than I had originally thought, but this was the worst possible outcome.
I have a fear of being in front of people, but I usually hid it okay when I'm in front of people.
But when I was presenting...when it came to be my turn after my 2 partners, I was beyond terrified. My heart was beating REALLY hard; I was shaking; almost yelling when I spoke, which happens when I'm scared sometimes; and I was choking on my words, nearly crying with no tears. We had a time limit, and y other partners used to much so I had very little time and tried to hurry, but my fear was no help. I wanted so much to run out of the classroom, but I couldn't. Then, the bell rang and my teacher said anyone who had to go home (8th was the last period) to do so quietly.
Then, our timer rang, and one of my partners had to wrap things up, so I stopped and let her finish. I got out of the classroom as fast as I could, then went to take my math final, which my teacher was able to finish in time for us to take.
I hadn't been that scared since I saw that spider crawl up my torso. But I don't even know if I was hallucinating or not. And that was probably the most cared I'd been in front of a crowd ever. Now I'm scared I'll never be able to be in front of my class ever again. And there were only 18 people in that room! Including me, my teacher, and partners!
Then, this morning, I realized I forgot to turn in my history final to the teacher. I talked to my dad about it, and he was angry, but eventually, we decided to drop it off at school on Monday before we left.
Not a great day. Or days.
Anyway, enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. But I will own Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations ASAP, to play on the XBox I was saving up for that my dad got for sis and I for an early b-day and Christmas present. Now, I can use the money I saved up for games, books, and candy.
Oh, and the beginning of NEJITEN that we see! Enjoy!
Chapter 18: The Finals
Matsuri POV *Day of the Finals*
"Huff huff… Gotta …huff...hurry…"
Inside I was cursing myself for leaving my alarm in Suna, and cursing Ittetsu(1) and Sari(2) for leaving me and not waking me up in time.
I was also cursing myself for engorging in some of the cookies I made for the Sibs this morning at the hotel.(3) Chocolate chip for Gaara, Oatmeal for Kankuro, and M&M's for Temari.
At this rate, we're going to be late for the Finals! We hoped to be early to say hi to everyone, but unfortunately, that might not happen!
For once, you're talking sense Inner!
I'm ALWAYS talking sense, Outer! You just don't understand it! Anyway, you know what the worst thing is? WE, as in the US transferred from the future, haven't seen Gaara since he started fighting his father in the War!~ I miss him! I need my beloved Gaara! We haven't had a chance to kiss him again!
…Forget what I said about you and sense. Those words don't belong in a sentence together.
You know you want to kiss him again, seeing how much we LOVE him! I'm so glad we got over our fangirlism before the War…(4)
I did, I don't know about you.
Oh, shut u- OMG! There's the stadium! We're here!
YES!
In front of the front entrance of the stadium where the Final Exam was going to be held, was a group of people.
Suddenly, an orange and blue and gray blur shot through the wooden fence across the street from the stadium.(5)
When the group yelled, "Naruto! Konohamaru?!", I knew they were just who I was looking for.
Huh…Naruto-san must have grown by the time he helped me get Gaara back. I have to say- he's pretty short. Well, Gaara is/was too, so…
I searched for heads, and found a maroon red one, which was just what I was looking for.
"Gaara-sens- Gaara-kun! Tema! Kankuro!" I waved my hand in the air and ran over to the group, specifically the Sand Sibs.
They all looked surprised to see me, as I practically jumped into Temari's arms. (We're best buds, by the way. We help each other and tell each other just about everything. *winkwink*)
"How're your books going?" Temari asked, referring to my auto-bio and fantasy novel. "Well, though re-writing the old stuff is a serious pain in a certain place."
In the other time, I had started writing an auto-biography shortly after I became Gaara's student, starting the story as early as I remembered, continuing from then on.
However, I kept all of it on paper and on my laptop, refusing to let it out to the public quite yet.
When I was brought back to the past, I had to re-write everything over, fully intending to continue it like this, including the time-travel. Yes, I had asked Itachi if I can include it in the auto-bio, and he consented as long as I published it when the land was peaceful and I was at least 40. I agreed full-heartedly.
For my novel, (6) it was a romance and action story, with a mix ninja, medieval, and modern themes. It was sort of based of my life, and my friends' lives, as well as inspiration from multiple media sources (music; manga; other novels) and my own imagination.
It was quite the story, popular among both genders for "the perfect blend of romance, action and adventure", according to many reviews. I called it the Awoken series, the first being Awoken: Birth, the second, Living. I was in the middle of writing the 3rd, though I haven't thought of a title yet. I had only published Awoken: Birth and the 2nd was postponed for the war.
All my friends had read it, loved it and congratulated me for my work and accomplishment as a best-seller in 2 years.
Anyway, I turned to Gaara, my arms out, while his eyes were slightly widened. For Gaara, that's as surprised as you get.
I remembered that Gaara doesn't do hugs and I placed my arms beside me instead.
"Gaara-kun! Surprise!" I'll settle with jazz hands.
"W-whoa, whoa, whoa! Who's she? Your girlfriend, Gaara?" asked an astonished, gray-hooded boy, who I distinctly remembered as Inuzuka Kiba. His white puppy came up to me, and I learned down to let him sniff my hand. I recalled him as Kiba's partner, Akamaru.
Apparently, he must have liked the way I smelled since he nuzzled into it a bit, and I pet him. Then, he went back to the top Kiba's head.
I flashed them both a smile.
Back to Gaara.
"Well, she's a girl, and I guess my friend. Not sure."
Kankuro face-palmed himself after hugging me. If you've noticed, I've grown close the Sand Sibs. "No, not that! Remember what Temari and I told you about romantic relationships?"
Gaara thought for a minute. "Oh, now I remember. No, she is not my girlfriend."
I realized I should introduce myself. "Oh, right! I'm-"
"-Sorry we're late! Ms. High-Maintenance here decided to flirt up a storm with these guys we ran into. It's all her fault."
Ittetsu and Sari came running up to the group.
"I'm not high-maintenance! And they're the ones that flirted with me! It's not my fault guys find me hot." At this, she flipped her long, dark brown hair. "And you were the one who got us late heading to Suna in the first place! First, you wake up when we should've been leaving, and then you decide to forget all your ninja tools and then-"
Temari interrupted them. "But I thought you should've been here a couple days ago?"
I shook my head. "Nah. It was delayed because Baki was too busy with Kazekage-sama to finish my exam earlier. But I passed!"
I pointed to the Suna headband on my neck, the plate attached to my signature yellow scarf, instead of the normal blue or black cloth.
"I'm a Suna Genin now! I joined Ittetsu and Sari, since they were alone!"
Kankuro smiled. "Good for you! Who's your teach?"
"Baki. You guys normally don't need one, so he's ours, too."
I turned to the Konoha Genin.
"As I was saying before I was interrupted, my name is Matsuri, these two are Sari and Ittetsu, and we're all from Suna and friends of the Sand Sibs."
"I have a question." That was Shikamaru. I remember that he looked bored often when he and the others helped me get Gaara back. I guess that's just the way he is.
"Shoot."
"How'd you just become a Genin? I mean, I'm sure that Suna's system is different, but I highly doubt that students become Genin at random times in the year –there's gotta be some organization. And you seem old than us, too. Also, why did you almost call Gaara 'sensei'?"
…Geez, man.
"Well, that's actually 2 questions, but whatever.
I never went into the Sand's ninja training system when I was younger. Only after my parents died when I was nine, did I have an interest. When I was eleven, I met the Sand Sibs and got a chance to train to be a ninja. After some…time, Gaara-kun accepted being my teacher, as well as Baki (well, so did Temari and Kankuro but not as much) and trained me in basic ninja arts. Gaara-kun taught me most of the time. In return for that and letting me live with them permanently, I usually cook and do some chores around the house, as well as pay some of the bills if I can make money somehow. I passed my Genin Exams 4 days ago, and immediately came here to cheer Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara-kun on in the Finals, and surprise them. Oh, and I'm 14(7)."
Shikamaru nodded.
"Oh!" I just remembered something, pulling something from my mini-backpack.
"I made you guys some cookies!" I said, presenting the SS (Sand Sibs) a box of cookies, and they each took on of their respective flavor. (TemariM&M, KankuroOatmeal, GaaraChocolate Chip.) I took a sugar one for myself.
"I'd pick this any day over Temari's cooking. Mm..." Kankuro sighed, as he finished this.
"Then maybe you should learn to cook, dumbass! And my food isn't that bad! It's mediocre! Right Gaara?" Temari turned to her bother, wiping crumbs off her lips.
"Hn," was all that came from Gaara.
"Well, then." Karin broke the silence, her face deadpan. Now that I think about it, this is the first time we've met in person. "Don't you guys have some Finals to participate in? Genma's(8) waiting for you." She pointed to the entrance of the arena, where the said adult was waiting.
"Ahh! Shit! Thanks, Karin! I'm gonna kick your ass, Teme!" And with that, Naruto ran to the arena, the others following him.
"He'll have to get through me first," I heard Neji mutter under his breath as he followed the rest of the participants.
"Let's go find some seats, eh?" Ino said, dragging Chouji behind her.
All who was left followed.
Sakura POV
I saw Hana flagging me down, sitting next to her mother, who had Kiba on the other side of her–with a seat in-between the two- and I sat on the other side of her, the others finding places to sit around us.
"Hi Sakura." She smiled in greeting. I greeted her the same way. "Hello, Hana."
Hinata walked down the row to get to the older girl, hugging her. "Hello, Hana-nee, Tsume-kaa." At first, I was surprised at such familiar honorifics, then I remembered that Hinata's mother died shortly after Hanabi was born and she was very close to Kiba, therefore, the two were close to his family, too.
"Hi, Hina! How are you? I heard you were injured from your preliminary battle? Who did it?" Tsume Inuzuka spoke with a strong, rough, stern, but motherly tone to Hinata.
"I'm fine now," the girl replied. "I was fighting my cousin, but I think our problems will be resolved soon enough."
"Hinata! Sit here – we'll have an excellent view of your cousin and Naruto fighting. To be honest, I think Neji will win but I want Naruto to."
Kiba pulled Hinata to the empty seat to his right and the left of his mother and started talking animatedly with her.
I took my own seat to the right of Hana (her mother was to her left), anxious for the events about to pass.
"Hello there! Girl with the pink hair?" "Hey, Pinkie!" I turned to find the source of the unfamiliar voices calling obviously for me. I turned to my left and found 4 people, 3 with black hair, fair, almost pale, skin, and dark eyes. The fourth, a girl with very, very dark purple hair, almost black, slightly tanned skin, and vivid blue eyes, a few shades darker than Naruto's. A woman, a man, a boy probably around 17-20, and the girl who I presume to be his girlfriend around the same age. Uchihas for sure. Must be Sasuke's parents and that Shisui guy.
The woman –Sasuke's mother- took a seat next to me, her family following. She smiled brightly and hugged me, then pulled away and took my hands.
"You are Haruno Sakura, right? Sasu-chan's teammate?" Sasu, the kitten mewed from my lap, hearing his name, even though the woman wasn't referring to him. "He's told us all about you!"
She squealed. Man, Sasuke's mom looks so young! If I didn't know better, I'd think she was in her mid-late 20s, but she has to be older than that to be Itachi's mother, too!
I guess I must have looked surprised or confused, because Shisui –I'm sure now- poked his head around his aunt to see me, saying, "Correction. He's said some things about you, knowing him. But I'd admit –it's quite a bit for Sasuke. He must be very fond of you." He winked.
I blushed. And here we go again with the blushing thing.
Sasuke's mother gasped. "I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Uchiha Mikoto, dear." She gave me another warm smile. No wonder Sasuke loves his mother so much. She points to the 3 others sitting next to her. "This is my nephew, Shisui, his girlfriend, Arakawa Murasaki(9), and my husband, Fugaku."
The all waved respectively, Fugaku was more stoic, however. Now I know where Sasuke gets it from.
I bowed slightly, as I was still sitting with a kitten on my lap. "Hello, nice to meet you all. I'm Haruno Sakura, as you all know." Sasu mewed. "And this is…well this is Sasuke. I call him Sasu, though." I flushed, embarrassed that they now know that my pet kitten is named after their family.
Shisui snickered. "And why do you call him that?"
"He well…he acts like Sasuke-kun, and his fur is the exact same shade as his hair, so…"
Shisui, Mikoto, and Murasaki shrugged, taking my word for it.
Then Mikoto looked over my shoulder, brightening and saying, "Hana-chan! I haven't seen you for so long!"
The two stood up and hugged, then Mikoto sat back down next to me, a mischievous grin suddenly making its way across her lips. "So…just how close are you and Sasuke? He speaks of you pretty often. And, you're a very pretty girl, so who knows…Naruto as also very attached to you, and a girl called Hinata Hyuga."
My face burst into flames of embarrassment. "U-Uchiha-san! It's not like that! We're just v-very good friends, is all! Like family! I'm not that pretty either! Oh – wait! What about Hinata?"
My hands were flying in all directions, trying to make some kind of point. But I was able to sneak a glance at Hinata, who was flushing. Obviously, she heard Mikoto's comment.
Mikoto simply waved my comment off. "Oh, shush, hun. You're not fooling me. And call me Mikoto. A family of Sasuke is a family of mine!"
Shisui smirked again. So it's an Uchiha thing. "So if you're Sakura, who's this 'Sai' guy?"
"I am." We turned our heads to the row behind us, consisting of Sai, Ino, Chouji, Sari, and Ittetsu. (if you're looking at them head-on, left to right)
"You are from the Foundation, correct?" Fugaku spoke.
The pale boy nodded. "Yes, sir. I have been on Team Kakashi for about 2 and a half weeks now."
"Well, looks like Naruto wasn't exaggerating when he said you were as pale as paste." Shisui commenting dryly.
Sai simply gave another fake smile. "So Dic-" Ino nudged his side, nodding her head over to the Uchiha family. Remembering his language, he started again. "So Naruto-kun speaks of us, does he? Speaking of him, isn't he up first, against Gir-(10) I mean, Neji-san?"
I nodded. "Yeah. I can't wait to see the fight."
We all sat back in our seats, turning away from the row above us, as we can hear them and we don't want to miss the fight.
Just then, it seemed Genma had finished introducing all the participants, and was now beginning the first fight.
"…Begin!" And the fight began.
"Who do you think is going to win?" Mikoto asked out loud, speaking to those who could hear her.
"I think it's Neji. According to Sasuke, Naruto is stronger than he seems, but I doubt he'll be able to beat a Hyuuga prodigy." Shisui said, his father nodding in agreement.
"Actually," started Murasaki. "I think Naruto-kun's going to win. With his determination, who knows what's going to happen?"
I agreed with the girl, petting Sasu who just can't seem to sleep. "I think Naruto's going to win, too. In addition, he swore to defeat Neji for Hinata and he isn't one to break a promise."
"It's official! I must meet this Hinata!"
Hinata rose her hand meekly. "I'm r-right here."
Mikoto immediately hurried to her and hugged her, too. "You're so beautiful! And adorable! Why couldn't you be my daughter?!"
Hinata, caught off guard, was only able to hug the woman back.
When she pulled away, Mikoto turned to the figure sitting on Tsume's lap. "Now who's this? Your little sister, Hinata?"
Said "little sister" pouted. "My name is Hanabi. And I'm almost 10 (11) so I'm not little."
Before attacking the young girl in a hug, Mikoto looked toward Tsume as if asking permission to hug Hanabi, who was on her lap. The other woman merely shrugged. Mikoto took that as a yes.
"Oohh! You're both beautiful! Man, I'd almost trade you guys for Shisui and Sasuke anyday!" Hanabi blushed, hugging her back. I think someone enjoys the attention.
Shisui feigned offense. Well, maybe it wasn't fake. "Love you too, Auntie!"
Seemingly finished with the Hyuga sisters for now (Hinata of which who said she believed Naruto would win, and Hanabi believed he'd lose), turned back to me.
"So?" Mikoto asked.
"So…what?" I replied in turn. I was totally confused. What is she talking about?
"Are you and my Sasuke-chan," she looked around, making it look like she was seeing if anyone was spying. Then she whispered loudly –ruining the looking around effect- "in a secret relationship?"
Instantly, my face was as hot as the sun. "W-w-wha-what?! NO! No-no-nooo! Not at all!" My hands were waving in the air in a panic, trying to make a point that I'm sure made no sense. HUH?! That's-...that's-...insane!
Mikoto pouted. Sasuke-kun's mom is officially totally epic. I love her! "No? Do you secretly like each other, then?"
More no's, blushes, and frantic hand dances from me. "No? Oh…I see…"
Seeing my absolutely confuzzled (made it up, isn't it awesome?) expression, Mikoto leaned over to whisper in my ear. "You have a crush on Sasuke, I see. Don't worry –I won't tell."
Pulling back, she winked.
I heard someone whisper, "Good luck", and turned to the source, only to find an also winking Shisui and Murasaki.
To save whatever I had left of my dignity, I turned to the fight and tried to concentrate of keeping little Sasu-tan satisfied and loved and Naruto kicking Neji's ass.
This is so embarrassing…
Tenten POV *Meanwhile Sakura and Mikoto*
"Woo! Go Naruto! Kick his ass! Show him what he's got comin'! Woo!" At this rate, I'll lose my voice by the second match.
I didn't stop cheering for Naruto, though. Neji really deserved this.
"Tenten-chan? Why are you cheering so adamantly for Naruto-kun?" Lee asked me, after tapping my shoulder to get my attention. "I mean, I am too, but I'm not booing Neji-kun. I mean, after what happened last week I thought that you two would've gotten clos-"
Catching on to what he was saying, I quickly covered his mouth before he could finish and the others could hear. Karin, who was sitting to the right of Lee raised a brow, but didn't say anything. I looked at Matsuri, who was to my left (Lee was to my right) but she wasn't paying attention. She was adamantly watching Naruto and Neji-kun's fight, sucked in, but silent. (We were all in the front row, Sakura's row behind us)
Knowing no one else was close enough to have heard and Karin wouldn't say anything, I released Lee. "T-that was nothing, Lee-kun. It was for the mission. You know that." I was barely able to conceal my blush.
"But don't you have feelings for him? You've liked him ever since we were kids, Ten." I shook my head. Don't say that, Lee!
"I gave up on that crush when we were eleven and you know that!"
"Did you really?" I looked back up from the ground and back at my might-as-well-be little brother in the face. He looked…so serious. It's like he's looking into my soul!
I froze, and after a moment's pass, Lee turned back to the fight. It took me a little longer to relax in my seat again.
Sometimes, I hate how perceptive he can be.
FLASHBACK NO JUTSU: ACTIVATE!
Team Gai was sent on an emergency mission just days before the Finals. Neji was irritable at the beginning, but then calmed when he learned it was C-Rank.
It was a sort of espionage-undercover mission in the Land of Hot Water, infiltrating a high-class ball that was being thrown by an enemy rouge ninja, who was posing as a well-liked aristocrat that was throwing a birthday party for another woman(who was an actual aristocrat) but was using the party to find a place to hide a secret scroll he stole from Konoha. He'd apparently been living in this village for a couple years, building a facade. He was recently discovered as someone else by a friend of Gai's. Thus, we were sent on this mission.
Neji and I would pose as a 3-month newlywed couple, using a simple genjutsu to make us look older to anyone but the team. Basically, an older version of ourselves but Neji would have black eyes, no curse mark, and shoulder-blade-length hair, instead of his usual almost-waist length.
Lee would be our mutual friend who we were taking a trip with and would dance with a random woman at the ball. He's look like a typical, black haired, black eyed man. Not super handsome, but not ugly either. Average. Gai would be the date of his friend, the one who discovered the rouge nin. He'd look the same except with straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes.
Like I said, when we looked at each other, we saw our normal selves. We got descriptions of what we looked like to others from Gai's date. Gai's…date…wow. I never thought I'd use those words in the same context.
Our part of the mission was to keep up our personas while acquiring as much information about this ball and the enemy rouge nin, whom is named Karanuki Sousuke. (last-first name)
I think we were doing pretty well, until one of the richer couples (it was a couple's ball) came up to us –well, the woman did- and demanded proof of our relationship, as we were too, "stiff". She introduced herself as Tarana Minako, the niece of the leader of the village. Her husband was Tarana Kenta.
"Plenty of thieves sneak in here for money, gold, and women. What makes me believe that you're not one of them? I've never seen either of you before, and I've lived in this area my whole life – no one gets past me." She said. She's pretty sharp, I thought. But then I realized that wasn't quite the problem here.
"3-month newlyweds? Where's the love? Where's the passion?! Why would you two marry each other if you aren't lovey-dovey?! This couldn't have been arranged. And even if it was a case where you two fell for each other, I'm not seeing the sparks! I'm a human version of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty! I know these things!"
I take that back. She's just romance-obssessed.
"It wasn't arranged." Neji, or as he is to be known, Hiro Arakawa, stated.
"Oh, really? Prove it."
"And how do you suppose we do that?" I had spoken up. I didn't like where this was going.
"With a kiss, of course. What kind of lovers wouldn't kiss each other?"
I snuck a glance at Lee and Neji. Both had trouble keeping their expressions calm and not pink. I however, couldn't control my blush, but I didn't despair over it. It's fine for the woman to blush.
"U-um," I stuttered. "Hiro-kun is…well, he's a quiet man. He doesn't favor PDA, much."
"If you don't do it, I'll call security on you."
"What!? What did we do?!" I was scared and pissed at the same time. Why this…this bitch!
"You didn't show enough love to prove to me you were an actual couple." As if we weren't important enough for her to continue gazing at, she started looking at her nails. "For all I know, you could be thieves, or assassins sent to kill me. Or my aunt, for whom this party was for, for that matter. I have power and I will use it."
Her grin was snide, and I wanted to slap her across the face. However, I felt a tug at my arm and turned to my supposed "husband".
I didn't see the black eyed, brown haired man everyone else did. I saw my best friend. And the person whom I have had a "crush" on since I was seven. I thought I had gotten rid of it by the time I was 11, only for it to resurface at 12, when we graduated the Academy and became a team. (in the other time-line, at least -not sure about this one) Ever since, I hadn't been able to shake it off, and I was afraid of the feelings getting stronger.
Neji nodded slightly. My eyes widened out of surprise. What? He wants to…kiss…me?
He directed his eyes to Minako and back at me. Of course he doesn't want to kiss me! Mission, duh!
"Well? Are you going to show me your love or not?"
"We will." That was Neji.
We turned back to each other, his eyes searching mine for something akin to…permission? I nodded.
He started leaning closer to me, and I did the same.
But, instead of going straight for my lips, he whispered, "For the mission" in my ear first, then headed back to my lips, only to stop less than a centimeter away.
What's he doing?
Then it dawned on me. He's never kissed a girl before.
Of course he hasn't! Then I guess I'll take the lead, then.
I tried not to think of an event similar to this one in the other timeline, and instead focused on meeting lips with my-…I don't know...
But I do know, the moment we connected, all I felt was Neji; all I heard was his breathing; I smelled was his [coconut] cologne; and tasted was his lips. All I could see his own eyes, as both of ours closed.
Bringing me closer to him, Neji wrapped his arms around me, pushing me against his chest and resting his right hand behind my neck and his left on the small of my back, never breaking the movement of our lips.
I wrapped my arms around his neck in response, tangling my hands in his long, loose hair.
The kiss was sweet, and chaste; a perfect not-so-first kiss. I refuse to think of that for now. Just focus on Neji…
The kiss also had a hint of something I'm not so sure about, and scared to name: passion; love. Maybe it was the fact that we were posing as a couple, but I couldn't help but feel there was just a pinch of it in there, at the least. It may have been coming from me alone, however.
Finally, we broke apart, catching our breathing, unable to break away our eyes from each other.
Until we heard a clap.
"Bravo! That's more like it! I believe you now – you're even still in that puppy, sweet, love faze." Minako had a smile so bright, it almost challenging Naruto's.
I'd know that –we were friends in the orphanage, remember?
Unable to do anything but nod, Neji just barely held in his pink flush while mine remained the shade of Sakura's hair.
"I wish you a good marriage and continuously great experiences, if you know what I mean." With a suggestive wink and a wave, the woman and her husband was gone.
My face had leveled up to the shade of Karin's hair at Minako's comment.
Soon, Lee came up to us, grinning. His partner was apparently in the restroom. "Again, huh? You two didn't get enough when we were kids, did you?"
I smacked him. "Shut up! I-I'm going outside for some air!" Who has he been hanging out with lately? Kiba? There's no way Lee would be able to make such a comment otherwise!
For the rest of the night and the next morning, though the mission was successful, Neji and I couldn't look at the other without flushing. Again.
The jokes and teasing from both Gai-sensei –who'd apparently seen everything- and Lee were no help.
But it was a night I'd never forget.
FLASHBACK NO JUTSU: RELEASE!
And that's what happened those days ago. I'm even acting like a love-sick little girl. I remembered the date.
November 3rd, 2012. My first, real kiss, in this timeline.
I'm sure you're wondering what all these references to other kisses are about.
Just over a month after I turned seven, I had overheard some adults talking about kissing. With all the kiddie romance manga, picture books, and movies (such as Disney Classics) I had been absorbing at the time, I concluded that a kiss was one of the ultimate and most sacred expressions of love that had ever existed.
FLASHBACK NO JUTSU: RE-ACTIVATE!
"Two people who love each other very much kiss each other on the lips!" I told Neji, who was still a bit sensitive from his father's death at 5, and also Rock Lee. "If they do it, they might be together forever!"
"Why bother if it's a maybe? What if it doesn't work?" Neji asked. We had a pretty good relationship. Back then, it wasn't uncommon for me to glomp him in the middle of the street when the other Hyugas weren't around. (He was effing adorable!) It wasn't uncommon for us to say, "Love you" to each other, either, because we really did, as friends.
So I thought the same rule would apply in the kiss. I didn't know a kiss was done between romantic lovers.
I answered him. "It's still a sign of ave-…affet-..affafe-…"
"Affection?"
"Yeah, that!"
"So you still want us to do it?"
"Mm-hm!"
"What about me? Are you going to kiss me? I don't want to kiss Neji-kun. Ever!" Lee interjected.
"You won't have to. But kissing on the lips isn't for brothers and sisters. I can kiss you on the cheek, though!" Lee and I have always been close –thinking of each other as brother and sister.
"Okay!"
"So, Neji! Ready?" I made him stand up, and I stood in front of him.
"How do I do it?" He asked.
I pursed my lips a bit. "Like this!"
He imitated me. "Now what?"
"Now this!" And I pushed my lips against his. I didn't move them, though. I didn't know to do that.
So, essentially, it was just a pressing of lips.
I pulled back, and said, blushing, "There! Now we'll be friends forever!"
Neji was blushing so hard, he could only nod.
Then, I turned to Lee and gave him his rightful kiss on the cheek. Even though I did that to both of them often, even now, it was still special because of my "discovery".
FLASHBACK NO JUTSU: RELEASE
I felt we all, especially Neji and I, bonded even more that day.
I also think that was the day I started to develop romantic feelings for Neji, though I didn't know it yet.
Oh, and I remember that date, too. May 8th, 2005. I'm 14 now, if you didn't know.
As for that other one, it was when I was 17, just before the Invasion, in the other time.
I'm not going into a flashback for that one now. Let's just say it involved chasing, hiding, certain missing clothing articles and accessories – specifically shirts; tongues; an acorn; and a rotten, possessed, evil squirrel. And as I later found out, a witness. Well, technically multiple, but one neither of us were specifically aware of.
Oh, and a big tree.
It was HOT and steamy, too!
Shut up, you!
I stuffed the being in my head into a random safe that I found in my mind, locking it.
Yeah. I have an Inner. She isn't strong, though, like Sakura's or Ino's. They've had theirs longer. I've had mine since I was 15 in the other timeframe. She's quite annoying.
Back to the fight.
It had ended, with Naruto's infamous/famous (for the time travelers minus Sai, Karin, and Matsuri) underground uppercut punch to Neji's jaw, causing an uproar of both amazement and shock at Neji's consequential incapacitation.
Karin, with the $5, cheap, portable, Kodak camera she had bought somehow caught the punch almost perfectly.
The girl had revealed a long-hidden love for photography, -and talent- carrying the camera everywhere she went.
I had many times seen her gaze at the high-quality, top-notch, Nikon Camera, the Nikon D700 with unmistakable longing in her eyes.
So, the other girls and I decided to give that to her as a Christmas present. Along with a Mac so she can edit the pictures. Oh, and perfume. She loves perfume; not to mention it's her namesake. (12) Sakura got her birthday out of her, and we decided it was WAY too far away.
I mean, she is one of us now, despite what else has happened. She is changing and for the better. Not to mention, she's on a budget with the credit card given to her by Lord Hokage, since she hasn't been doing enough missions to take care of herself. She's also got Shira now, to feed.
Speaking of which, Shira and all the other pets are with Jenti, Kiba's cousin who did not wish to come to the Finals. She will be taking care of them whenever we cannot. Of course, Sasu-tan is almost always with Sakura, so Jenti will be having one less mouth to feed and take care of majority of the time.
As you may know, I was given a kitten, also. It was chestnut colored, with brown eyes. Like me. (the eyes)
However, I have a dilemma.
I'm stuck between three names: Chairo ("brown"), Kuri ("chestnut"), and Ryuga ("the dragon"). He's a boy by the way.
The first two are for obvious reasons, and the third is my obsession with eastern dragons. Ever notice that my attacks are dragon-themed?
Yeah. So, I'm stuck. (13) I just address my little one with all 3, and luckily he responds to all of them, but won't let me know which one he likes best. So I hope I'll choose one eventually.
Similarly to Sasu, my little one (I'll say that for now) is also arrogant and possessive. However, he also likes to "catwalk", flaunting his beautiful fur, his head up. Haha…I made a funny.
When he met Neji for the first time, the two just stared at each other, (possibly glaring) and then nodded respectfully at each other. Guys…I'll never understand them.
When he met Lee and Gai, he turned back to me with an expression similar to, "Are you freaking kidding me?" I shook my head.
He turned back to them, and with a nod and a nuzzle to Lee's hand, scurried back to my lap.
Now, to focus on Temari vs. Shikamaru, as Shino vs. Kankuro –he didn't forfeit this time- went by during my…transfer-of-information-to-you?
It wasn't a very long fight, though. Shino won, if you wanted to know.
Oh, and just like last time, Naruto slapped Shikamaru's back, making him fall into the arena. I laughed joyously.
Ahh…just as funny as I remembered.
Ino POV
I'm so nervous…soon…we'll have to strike.
At least try to enjoy Shika and Temari's match. Their banter is hilarious.
Nah. Still nervous.
I snapped out of my thoughts when I felt someone touch my hand.
I turned to my right, to see Sai's worried face and hand on top of mine on the armrest. "What are you thinking about?"
Resisting the blood that was trying to find its way up my face, I whispered my answer back to him, not wanting Chouji, who was to my left to hear, regardless of the fact that he was completely absorbed by his best friend's fight.
"I'm worried about…you know." I nodded my head over to where the Hokage and "Kazekage" were sitting, referring to our plan of attack.
"We'll be fine, Beautiful. It won't be like it was last time." I was shocked by Sai's genuine words and…odd ability of comforting me so easily.
It's hard to think with his thumb rubbing circles on the back of our hand like that…
But still, I'm worried. I thought back to Sai. Remember my ability? Yeah, I haven't used it too much.
You told me Ted(14) was in critical condition last time, right? Sai thought back.
Yes! The extent of his condition brought even Shika to tears…
But he didn't have you last time. You're going to be fighting with Chouji, and the others will all have a partner so what happened before won't happen again.
I just…I just have a really bad feeling Sai-kun.
Try relaxing. My books say stress doesn't do any favors for the skin.
I gave a look to Sai-kun that said, "Seriously?"
He merely chuckled in response. Lightly and shortly though- we're still working on the whole laughing thing.
Beautiful is beautiful. You need to take care of yourself properly. I though you knew that?
I blushed. So he really does think I'm pretty…
Fine. I do, but-
But nothing. Just have faith. You can't do anything about it now except be prepared and have faith that we'll succeed, right? Isn't that what you told me?
I really hate it when people use my own words against me. But, this time, Sai makes me feel better.
You're right. I shouldn't worry so much. I should just enjoy Temari trying her best to last a long time against Shika. And see her lose. Again.
I felt Sai squeeze my hand once. That's the Ino I know.
Being in love with him…sometimes, it's bliss.
Oh, so you admit it!
I only denied it for a little while!
Whatever…
Half paying attention to my friends' battle, I relayed our attack plan to the others in this area in the stadium.
Ten, don't forget to get your arrows ready when Sasuke vs. Gaara starts.
I'll be prepared in time. Don't worry.
Karin, have you locked on to the location of the Sound 4?
Yeah, but I think the best time to strike would be when we originally planned.
Okay, then I won't have to tell Ten. Saku, what are you going to do about Shisui?
I assume that when we spring into action, so will Hana and Shisui, since he knows about the whole future stuff, and I told Hana last night.
…Hana? As in, Inuzuka Hana? Where does she fit into all this? I only knew about Shisui…
Oh! Hana, Shisui, and Itachi were all teammates. Hana loved Itachi. Itachi sent her a letter last night, telling her to get me to tell her everything, since Shisui had hypnotized her a long time ago to make her have dreams of future events.
Oh… Hina? You ready? Are you going to go fight with Kiba and Akamaru?
I'm going to try to get Kankuro to help Kiba, as that is how it was before. It might happen on it's own, though I'm not sure. I'm still kinda weak now, so I might come back to the stands to help spectators evacuate.
Good, I don't want you to strain yourself. Matsuri? What are you planning on doing exactly?
When Gaara-kun loses control, I'm going to go after him with Sakura and Naruto-san, who will be chasing Sasuke-san, no doubt. Maybe I can do something to calm him a bit.
Alright, but be careful. Who knows how much control he may have.
I know.
They're all I can message right now, since Temari was fighting and I don't want to distract her. That'd be-…she'd kill me. I don't want to die!
I'm sure you're wondering, but we have an attack plan that involves the Sound Ninja 4.
Have you figured it out yet?
If you guessed the time we strike is when the "Kazekage" revealed himself to be Orochimaru in disguise and the SN4 put up a chakra barrier to leave Orochimaru and Lord Hokage alone when they fought, then you are correct.
Hopefully, the moment the SN4 set foot on the roof of the spectator building Lord Hokage and Orochimaru will fight on, Tenten will use her 100% accuracy to shoot arrows at each of the SN4's hands, stopping them from putting up the barrier, and the separate all the members, engaging them in a fight.
I will drag Chouji with me to fight Jirobou again. Hinata will take Kiba to Sakon and Ukon, Temari drags Shikamaru to Tayuya, and Tenten and Neji to Kidomaru. I'm not sure what Shisui's doing. Helping the villagers out of the arena? Helping Sai? Don't know, don't care as long as it helps us.
They will be fighting together to minimize the damage taken upon each of our fighters. Neji and Chouji were in critical condition last time, and we don't want that to happen again.
With the barrier gone, Lord Hokage and Orochimaru will have an open battle, and therefore, a chance for someone to interfere. We know we can't stop Lord Hokage from dying, like Itachi said, but we at least want to try to bring Orochimaru down, or make him extremely weak when he flees.
Meanwhile, Matsuri and Team 7 (minus Sai and Kakashi) will go after Gaara into the woods, to calm him and battle Sound and Sand ninja long the way.
Sai, however, will be using the commotion and absence of Danzo in ROOT to snoop for any files and proof he can find about the Uchiha Massacre and the surgeries Orochimaru performed on Danzo to implant the eyes of the Uchiha clan on his arm. (Obviously, since Shisui has both of his eyes, Danzo, instead of 2 eyes, has on and an eye patch because he thought Shisui would die and he'd take an eye)
Hinata, as she told me, will likely come back to help the civilians evacuate the stadium.
If all goes well, Shisui might assist Lord Hokage, but might not, since this is isn't his fight and Lord Hokage will die anyway, for sure. No more casualties are needed.
And that's the plan.
"…since Nara Shikamaru has forfeited, Temari of the Sand will proceed to the next round!" He still forfeited huh? Should've known. Temari's so pissed at him…
I giggled.
I felt something squeeze my hand and looked down to find Sai's hand again, remembering that Sai had never let go.
We're in this together, aren't we Ino?
I nodded, letting a sweet smile come to my lips and nodded, thinking back to my love, Yes, we are in this together.
I didn't notice Chouji looking at me from the corner of his eye, as well as Sakura. However, unlike Sakura who smiled softly, Chouji's eye narrowed.
(1): An actual Sand ninja from the series but he's very minor. I'm changing his age to 14, since he was older, I believe.
(2): Another Sand nin from the series, but minor, but a little less than Ittetsu. Instead of making her a fangirl like she was, she's going to be Matsuri's friend and teammate. She and Ittetsu are slowly becoming friends w/ the SS, though they're still afraid of Gaara. The two will be minor in the story, I just wanted to introduce them so when they were mentioned, you weren't confused.
(3): My sister and I, when we talked about anime and made up little fanfics we could write about them, Matsuri always had cooked the SS delicious cookies that they'd kill for. Well, Gaara probably would. And if you remember from the scroll, she lives with them now. She usually cooks rather than Temari since she doesn't like to. Matsuri has a close relationship, but Gaara's just a little less to kill her than Temari and Kankuro, not understand close bonds yet. Yes, they kissed in the future. This is a GaaMatsu, too people.
(4): I hated that she was a fangirl during the Gaara Rescue Arc. Not a bad one, but she was nonetheless. Her outfit's the one from part one. For those of you who don't know her very well, see the her filler arc when she become Gaara's student around the end of Naruto Part 1.
(5): Remember Konohamaru tried to show Naruto a shortcut to the stadium, but the two ended up being chased by bulls? That happened here.
(6): In my sister and I's little made up stories (we call it "plot" for obvious reasons), Matsuri was also a writer. She wrote a novel series, and an auto-bio. Karin's a secret photographer by the way.
(7): Despite popular belief, Matsuri's actually OLDER than Gaara. Her actual birth date was never revealed, however. I don't think I'll need it for th story, but I think I'll make one up.
(8): No worries - Gekko Hayate IS alive, just hospitalized from Baki's attempt at killing him, though Hayate doesn't know it was him. You'll later find out who saved him. Therefore, Genma is the proctor for the Finals. I didn't Hayate to die, and I didn't want him to leave his fiancee, the ANBU Uzuki Yugao, thirsting for revenge like in the series.
(9): A random character I made up. Mikoto, Fugaku, and Shisui are all alive as you can see, if you don't remember. I'm not sure if I'll keep Garuto, Shisui's made up father and team captain, alive though. You know what? Let's pretend he died in the Massacre. I know I said he survived it, but I don't know what to do with him and I don't like him, so he's dead now.
(10): Sai's nickname for Neji - "Girly Boy". Yes, it was inspired by Nagi from Shugo Chara. (Love you Nagi! But I love Ikuto more!) I swear, if I owned SC, Nadeshiko would exist, since Tadase's lonely and they'd make a cute couple. And just for freaking convenience.
(11): Hanabi's actually like 7, but I want her to be older. Same for Konohamaru Corps. They're all about 9, and when Hanabi graduates, she'll be an added member of Team Ebisu. So they'll be a quartet now, and if I ever write it, it'll be MoegixUdon, HanabixKonohamaru.
(12): Karin = perfume.
(13): See next chapter.
(14): Sai's nickname for Chouji = Teddy Bear, since he knows not to call him fat and Chouji's sweet. Ted for short.
CHECK NEXT CHAPTER!
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Bye! Love you all! See you when I get back!
Happy early birthday to me and my sis!
And Merry early Christmas!
And happy early New Year!
