Author's Note: Hora!!!!!! FINALLY!!!!!! Actually, I add this one to tell you all about Tenten's sword! Hahaha... nothing more! (although in the end maybe there is) I really design that sword in my mind and I really hate it if no one read about it. Hahahaha... More about Neji's emotion here! ENJOY!!!
Disclaimer: DON'T OWN A THING!!! Except Tenten's sword, perhaps. Hehehehehehehehehe... ACTION!
Chapter 15
"Inform the Godaime! Now!!" Sasuke Uchiha jumped from tree limb to tree limb. His five subordinate nodded and quickly disappeared. He himself stopped on his track, his Sharingan wiped the area around him. "Tch! In this kind of time…"
"ELIMINATE!"
Kashash!!! Dozens of Ame-nin jumped from the trees towards Sasuke. The man coldly looked at them, smirked.
"All of you…" He unsheathed his Kusanagi on his back slowly; his Sharingan didn't miss a single enemy. "Just don't know with whom you're dealing with."
X
"Reveal yourself! SHANNAROOO!!!"
BOOM!! The earth split when Sakura punched the ground. Trees collapsed instantly, revealing hundreds of Kumo's invading army. They seemed surprised from the sudden attack but didn't halt their movement. Sakura's team members all went pale when they saw it—unlike their leader who instead of shrieking in fear, grinning. She raised her fist to the invading army.
"Come. Konoha won't fall, no matter how many you are!"
X
The flooding army of Kiri jumped to the air, frighten Neji's five subordinates. Neji examined all enemies, standing still with his stance. Four of his assistants disappeared to fulfill their task while Shin still stood on his spot, lingered.
"What are you doing here?!" shouted the prodigy without looking back. "Go and evacuate!"
"But, Hyuuga-sama! You…"
"It's an order, get it?!"
"There's so many of them! How could you…"
"Shin!"
The boy closed his mouth when Neji scold him hard. The man glanced back for a brief second.
"To walk in the line of a nindo is a shinobi's life. Now go forth and fulfill yours. Evacuate all villagers and don't come back here. It's too dangerous. I'll protect all of you."
Shin clenched his jaw tightly. He then looked at the invading forces.
"Even so, Hyuuga-sama… They're… so many. I can't leave you."
A smirk quickly crept up his face. He lowered his stance when the army spotted him and beginning to attack.
"Shin… who do you think I am?"
X
Rock Lee crouched in front of the incapacitated body in front of him. His thick eyebrow furrowed.
"Shino-kun, don't you think this is too simple?" he said to the man behind him. Aburame Shino slowly nodded and glanced back to the direction of Fire Country. He tightened his fist. "We're supposed to halt the invading army, eh? But… this army is not as big as the Intel told us. It's too easy for our youth to beat."
"It's a trap," said Shino monotonously. Uzumaki Naruto glanced at him, raised his eyebrow. He said dumbly, "A… what?"
"A trap, a decoy," Shino quickly turned when he realized his own mind. "Konoha's in danger… darn it."
X
"ATTACK HIM!!!!"
All shinobi in front of him jumped with their jutsu ready. Neji lowered his stance, smirking. An image of his divination appeared.
"Jyuukenhou… Hakke Rokujyuuyon Shou!"
Smack!!! A big number of attackers were thrown far away with their tenketsu closed. Another wave coming, shouting, "Not enough!!!!"
Neji's feet grazed the ground in circling movement; his smirk didn't leave his face.
"Hakke… Hyaku Nijyuuha Shou1!"
THWAAACKKK!!! More shinobis were thrown. The big riot in front brought other attackers to a halt. Neji calmly stood there in front of the west wall, or more specifically, the gate. All of his fallen enemies lied around him; unconscious with their tenketsus closed. He smirked.
"Is that all? Not even fun."
X
"Suiton: Suiryuudan!!"
SPLASH!! Sasuke jumped to the top of the wall just in time. He tsked when a shinobi jumped from his side. He swung his sword, slashed the man right on the chest. Before that body fallen, Sasuke sent a kick to his other side—sending the other enemy far away. He hadn't any time to take a single breath when eleven Shinobi jumped to him, all with kunai raised…
"Chidori Nagashi2!"
Chichichichichi…
"GYAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!"
All eleven of them were sent flying to their invading comrade, unconscious. Sasuke's Sharingan narrowed when he saw another wave came at him. Finally he jumped back, leaving the south wall. He couldn't defend that place anymore, he had to draw back for a while although it means… endangered the life of the villagers. He had no choice.
"Tch!!" He jumped back, landing on top of random villager's house. His mind reeled for way out, when he realized that there's only one: Defending till the others Jounin came… And that's what he was uncapable to do.
X
"Hinata-sama!"
Chiro ran in panic across the Hyuuga Hall. Hinata held Hyouji tighter when she saw the fright on his servant's face.
"Hinata-sama!" He stopped right in front of Hinata, panting. "You better run! As fast as you can by the secret passage! The invading army's penetrating from the south and north wall! Quick, Hinata-sama! You…"
Stomp! Chiro froze when three enemies landed on their yard. Hinata was just about to use her Byakugan when a sudden chakra burst exploded from her servant.
"You… are not allowed…" Chiro's Byakugan was fully activated. Hinata sweatdropped. The one that always trained other Bunke their Byakugan was Neji. So, of course, even their servants were… "To step on the Hyuuga mansion!! JYUUKEN!!!!"
And that time, Hinata knew Chiro'll be perfectly well. After a little rampage, he quickly ran towards Hinata again. His face was solemn.
"Hinata-sama! Leave the rest to us! Please value your own life!" he said quickly. Hinata was just about to protest when he said, "I know how you want to fight too but… in your current condition, I cannot allow you to, Hinata-sama. Anyway, it's your duty, isn't it? To be the Hyuuga heiress. The Hyuuga Clan was on your shoulder, Hinata-sama. So please… run. Save yourself! Please do, Hinata-sama."
X
"Bastard!!"
SMACK!!! The guy flew a few meters away, landed harshly on the ground. Neji stood back on his Jyuuken stance, watched all of his enemies impassively. Although dozens of them already lied knocked out on the ground, they keep coming like there's no end. Neji knew his chakra was very limited in his current state… but he also knew he couldn't step back, no matter what the cause. Behind him was Konoha, and no way he would let them in. All nins in front of him looked frustrated. They can't barged in just like what the plan told them to, stopped only by A man.
"BOX HIM!!!"
And they surrounded him like a pack of hungry dogs. Neji only stood coolly in the middle, completely silent.
"ATTAAAACCCCKKKK!!!"
And the first thing he said was, "Fool."
So he spun, his chakra burst out like an explosion, and the well-known jutsu was heard.
"Hakkeshou… DAIKAITEN3!!!"
BOOOMM!!! All attackers thrown to all direction. Neji stopped in his crater; his Byakugan caught other attack from the sky… with Katana…
CRACK!!!! The Katana was split in two. The Shinobi's eyes widen in horror. How could…
And there it was, The Blue Heaven Dragon Sword-unsheathed and unleashed…
"Too bad you forced me to use this…" Neji's eyes were impassive but the deadly aura emanated from him and from the sword. His chakra infused to the blade, made it glowed in bluish light. "And now… I won't hold back anymore."
BLAST! A shot of a dragon head blasted through the shinobi's body. He screamed in pain and a second later dropped dead to the ground. All invaders halted their movement at the sight. Neji flicked his sword, letting his dragon-figure chakra slowly rose to the air.
"Come. I'll show you where hell is."
X
"Head back! Quick!!"
Kiba jumped from the tree limb, Akamaru ran below him. A massive army behind him followed behind, concern filled their eyess. The Dog Lad gritted his teeth in dismay.
"It's a decoy, dammit! I'll get y'all for this! KONOHAAAA!!! WAIT FOR USSSSS!!!!!!"
X
Direction number 1: My seal will forcibly took your chakra and transfer it to the sword. It will make the sword sharper and stronger than any other sword.
You're always so precise… so skillful…
CRASSSHH!!! Blood spilled to the ground when Neji waved his sword. He spun it in the air, and the aura grew stronger and stronger… A loud roar echoed through the wall of Konoha. A dragon roar.
Direction number 2: The sword will change your chakra into a dragon shaped chakra beast. You can control its movement, don't worry. It will sucks out the victim's chakra till they die. Use it well.
Watch me use it, Tenten… Am I do it right?
"ATTACK HIM, DAMMIT!!!" shouted one of the nins, running like mad towards Neji. "He's alone!!! Why can't we lay a scratch on him?! AT…"
"Senryuu4."
BOOOOMMM!!! Hundreds of dragonic chakra blasted from the sword, leaving no chance to live for those who get caught. Neji gritted his teeth when the seal grew to his upper arm in rapid speed. He could feel his power weakened but with his Byakugan he also saw the massive invading army behind the first wave. If he let them in… then Konoha would be…
I want to fulfill my promise to you. Don't worry, I'll protect our family. They're important, right? For you… for me… for both of us… Konoha is our home…
"Suiton: Suiryuudan!!!!"
Neji pointed his sword towards the roaring current and a blast of dragonic chakra ricocheted towards it…
SPLASH!! It blasted past it. The Rain-nin laughed and shouted, "Ha!!! DIE!!!!!!!"
"No," Neji's eyes as impassive as ever. "You will."
"AAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!"
A large number of people dropped dead to the ground. Neji swished his sword to the side, letting the dragon figure circled around him like a guardian. His Byakugan saw more mave of attacker for the second phase of the assault. He gritted his teeth. Can… he make it? The seal slowly grew to his shoulder, aching and burning. He could feel his blood spurred on his throat. His chakra had been sucked out when he had none left… and the seal still grew on his body. Meanwhile, the enemies attacked once again.
Direction Number 3: Don't use your seal until it reached your heart, Neji. If you do, you'll get power but you will definitely die. Please don't.
I… I wish I don't have too, Tenten… But Konoha will…
His move was precise and agile, like a dance. The dragon wiped all of his enemies dead, circling and dancing around him gracefully. No one can touch him, not without being touched first by the killing dragon. They flowed gently inside the raging battle, performing such a wonderful deadly dance between all the killers.
You… you went first, ahead of me… I always asked myself why this should happen… Why you couldn't be here with me… Why I couldn't be there with you… why you should leave so soon…
"Attack! ATTACK!!! GET HIM DOWN!!!"
And I… I always think… fate… is so cruel to me… Fate always messed me up like a toy. Fate always hurts me when I supposed to be happy… Fate… Always fate…
The seal slowly grew to his right chest. A drip of blood fell from his lips.
And is it fate too… that cure me? Heh. Fate is so playful, isn't it, Tenten? It makes me lose Father… but also makes me met you… It makes me feel so lonely yet so loved… I… I don't understand… I don't understand at all…
"Why can't we touch him?!" shouted the nins frustratingly. "Why can't we lay a finger in him?!"
"The dragon… is protecting him! Dammit! All jutsu is useless!!"
There's a lot of things that I want to ask you, Tenten… so many things… From how could you love me… how could you make me smile… how could you… you… even… even about all kinds of weaponry that I hate so much yet you love… and… ah, I… I just want to hear your voice again. I… I miss you…
"HE'S TOO POWERFUL!! It's futile! He's too powerful!!!"
"STOP THE DRAGON!!! JUST STOP THAT DAMN DRAGON!!!"
Is it wrong for me… if I wish like that, Tenten? Is it wrong for me… to have this feeling? Please tell me, Tenten… Please… May I… meet you once again? I know… how you always with me… just like what you already said… but…
Neji gripped the sword tightly. The seal grew and grew… until his Byakugan realized… it was going too far already…
PS: Neji, I make this sword with my own chakra. It's a high-level jutsu. This sword will take your chakra and my chakra inside it will mold it to become a dragon. So Neji, whenever you use this sword…
Please show me, Tenten… Tell me what to do…
Neji…
Somehow… he could almost feel her beside him. He could almost feel her holding him… guiding him…
The sword was raised high to the air. A powerful bluish aura burst out of his body. And the seal finally reached his heart…
I'm with you.
BOOOM!!!!!!
X
"Sakura!!"
Sasuke jumped to her side, stopping right in front of his son. The boy reached out and said, "Daddy! May I fight with you? May I…"
"Any information from the other Jounins?" Sasuke silenced his son by lifting him from the ground. Sakura shook her head. She looked concerned.
"That's the problem…" she said softly, held her daughter gently. "I don't know how long we could…"
BOOOM!!!
A loud explosion was heard from the west wall. Sasuke and Sakura quickly turned their gaze. And what they saw was unbelievable. A huge blue dragon blasted to the dark sky, sending a loud roar throughout Konoha. Sasuke narrowed his eyes and said, "What is that?"
"It's…" Sakura's eyes softened and filled with unexplainable tears. "… unmistakably her."
X
Hinata gasped when she finally could step out of the human corpses around her. She held Hyouji tightly, her Byakugan scanned for any enemy. She had encountered eleven so far and what made her worried was her pregnancy, that's all. When she was about to step forward, twenty Rock-nins boxed her.
"Found you!" One of them grinned mischievously. "DIE!!"
"Tajuu Kagebunshin no Jutsu5!"
THWAAAAAACCCKKKK!!! Multiple men clad in orange kicked all the Rock-nins away from Hinata. Hinata's eyes softened when she realized that everything will be alright now… Everything will be alright, because now Naruto-kun has come…
"Are you Ok, Hinata?" Naruto ran to Hinata immediately. Hyouji lifted his small fingers and cooed, "DADDY!!!"
"Hyouji! You're alright, aren't you?" Naruto took Hyouji to his arm. But he quickly turned his gaze when dozens of Rock-nins appeared on the roof of the house beside them. "All of you…"
"YAHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!"
SMAAAACCCCKKKK!!! Two large spinning claws hit all enemies like a bowling ball. Kiba stopped spinning in the air, grinning towards Naruto and Hinata.
"Yo! Miss me? Y'all OK, rite? I'm always in time!"
"K-Kiba-kun!"
Kiba landed on the roof, crouching like a dog. Akamaru stood beside him. The Dog Lad grinned widely and shouted, "Yo, Shino! Ya've eliminated all the south wall invader, rite? If not, what a snail!"
"It's an insult," a black figure stepped on the roof of a house across Kiba. Aburame Shino stood there coldly. "I'm not used to non-bugs being."
"Heh! As usual, eh?"
"All of you…" Hinata's eyes widen. "Are back…"
"Well, of course!" Kiba shrugged. He gave the shy woman his famous Inuzuka grin. "Konoha's our home. We'll come back when it's in trouble. It's natural, ne?"
"Yes," Hinata nodded. She looked at Naruto, serenity came to her. Now everything will be alright… She knew it. "You're right."
X
Tsunade gave a deep sigh. She looked at Shikamaru and said, "Hai, hai… it's my fault."
"Mine too," Shikamaru shook his head. "I should've know earlier."
"But thankfully, everything is alright now," Ino grinned. "Isn't it? Nothing is the matter. Konoha's save once again!"
"But the cost of the reparation will be huge," said Shizune, her mind started to count once again. "Our infrastucture were damaged badly. Thankfully, no casualties. The reaction of our newly graduated Chuunins was wonderful."
Shin and his comrades beamed. They smiled proudly. When the Jounins ordered them to go, they informed all villagers and sent them to the secret passage by the Hokage statues and guarded them. They did just like what the Jounins said and thankfully, no Konohan villagers died.
"But… don't you think our number off a little?" asked Chouji, raised his eyebrow. "I guess we're off one person…"
"Ah, yeah, I remember," Sakura raised her hand. "Neji-san! Neji-san's not here. He probably still at the west wall."
"The gate?" Kiba turned his head. "Now thatcha mention it, we haven't go there yet. Let's surprise him, 'kay?"
And off they went, jumping from roof to roof. Chiro—joined the group—furrowed his eyebrow and said, "Ah… I remember… When the invaders leaked through our wall, they came from south and north… but not from the west. Perhaps Neji-sama held them that time."
"Ah! Neji-kun always a hard-head!" Rock Lee beamed. He showed everyone his Nice Guy Pose. "He always lost control of his youth in the middle of the fight! He will glow with his youthful spirit and shine in a beautiful youthful light. Even when he's training, he pushed too hard that Tenten must…"
Lee stopped abruptly when he said that name. His eyes showed a painful look.
"Tenten must…"
"Ah…" Naruto cut off his sentence. "We understand. You don't have to say it."
Silence fell down upon them. Nobody said anything until they reached the west wall—or more, the remnants of the west wall. Hundreds of human bodies lied liveless on the ground, scattered here and there. Their body maybe still intact and nothing wass gruesome, but the amout of the corpses surprised even Tsunade. Hinata gulped and mumbled, "Neji-nii-san… did this?"
"It must be a hell of a fight," Shikamaru said. He looked at Hinata. "He probably sat somewhere around here, exhausted. Not surprising, actually. Let's go to the gate. He most likely be there if he wants to guard. Huh… Troublesome guy… but nice job. Perfect, as usual."
Hinata ran before everyone else did. She wanted to see Neji right away. She knew her cousin never hold back and how he like to force himself to the limit. She also remembered that he just get back from the mission and hadn't taken any rest. He was always like that… Neji-nii-san, a lone eagle that guard everyone from afar. Silent and strong…
"Neji-nii… san?"
Hinata's step stopped at the corner. Her eyes widen and she clutched her hands to her chest. Naruto and the others quickly came after her, shouting, "Hei! What's wrong? Hinata? What's…"
And there they saw it. Nobody could say anything. It was probably the most beautiful thing they ever see… but also the most… ironic. Under the light of the newly rising sun, Hyuuga Neji sat on the rock bench—the same rock bench where Sakura lied when Sasuke left Konoha years ago. His body leaned forward—with his elbows on his knees. His left hand gripped his head protector and his right hand grazed the blade of the sword that was leaned to his shoulder. His hair was disheveled, dropping to his cheek. He sat there, motionless. Hinata stepped forward but he didn't budge even a little. With a hoarse voice Hinata slowly called, "Neji… nii… san?"
No answer. Everyone just stood on his or her place as Hinata walked closer towards the silent figure. She leaned forward and said, "Neji-nii-san? You're exhausted? I've told you not to push yourself…"
Still no answer. Hinata's arms trembled when she kneeled before her cousin's figure. They shook even more she gently gripped his shoulder. It was cold… and… and…
Tears started to gather on her eyelashes. No… It can't be… It…
And… when she moved her eyes to his forehead, she knew her premonition was true… His seal was gone…
"NEJI-NII-SAAAAAANNN!!!!!"
The loud cry echoed to the sky of Konoha. That time, eight birds flapped their wings and flew to the sky, slowly leaving Konoha behind. Hinata buried her face on her cousin's Hyuuga robes, sobbed painfully. Her grips tighten when she couldn't hear any heartbeat, when she couldn't feel any pulse… when she realized he really was… dead.
"No… NO!!!!" She screamed until her throat hurt. Her tears streamed down her face, dripping to the ground. She pushed herself to his cousin's body, trying to feel him, trying to find him… to no avail. "Neji-nii-san… NEJI-NII-SAN!!!! This can't be true! This can't be true!!! Answer me, Nii-san!! ANSWER ME!!! Please… Please, Nii-san… Please… answer me… Don't just stay… don't… just... stay... Nii-san… Nii… san…"
Her body lost all power. She sobbed, leaning to Neji's lifeless body. Everyone else gathered behind her, drowning in a silent grief. The only sound that everyone could hear was Hinata's cry. Another soul was gone… to fulfill his destiny…
"Hinata…"
Naruto's gentle touch on her shoulder slightly reduced her sob. His voice was soft and tranquil.
"Hinata… look at his face…"
"My nindo is to protect Konoha with everything I have, even my life."
Hinata slowly opened her eyes. She lifted her colourless orbs… and she saw it…
"There's nothing more honourable than to die protecting your nindo."
"Neji… Nii… san…"
I'll protect your family, Tenten… No, OUR family. With my strength and your sword… In the name of your grave and my life, I'll protect Konoha. I promise.
And there it was, gracefully carved on his serene face… an honest smile.
When the dragon ascend to the heaven
The bird will finally flapped its wings
And they will fly together once again
Far away towards the cerulean sky
X
"Why is it there, anyway?!"
The ten years old Genin raised his eyebrow. His teammate glanced to the same direction and nodded his head.
"Yeah! I see it too… why?" he said the same. "It seems useless!"
"Carved in gold… what is the Rokudaime thinking?!"
"That man always does something weird, isn't he?"
"Now, now… what are you two talking about?"
The two genins jumped on their feet. They quickly turned around to face the Jounins that was the leader of their team.
"S-Sh-Shin-Sensei!" Shouted one of them. "It's… It's nothing, Sir!!"
"Is it?" The nineteen years old Jounin Shin raised his eyebrow. "Somehow your face didn't show it like that. Hm… let me guess… you two were commenting about that golden plate on the gate, right?"
"Aaaaaaaa…" The two genins gaped for words. Shin's eyes softened.
"Ma, it's alright," He said softly. "Anyway… we're here isn't for quarelling about it. We're here for the mission, right? Are you ready?"
"YEAH!!!" His two subordinates shouted vigorously. Shin grinned. He nodded and said, "Soo… let's go already!"
"RIGHT!!" said the first genin, walking energetically. "Our first mission! Hell, I don't know why the Rokudaime would use gold plate there… but that word does sound nice, ne?"
"Uh-huh," his friend nodded. "Anyway… LET'S DO OUR MISSION!!!!"
The two Genins ran down the lane happily, almost forgetting about their sensei that was left behind. Shin sighed. He remembered that he was like that too in his first mission. But that time was wartime… and now that peace finally came to Konoha again, the situation differed greatly. Shin smiled. He gazed at the golden plate his students fussed about. His eyes softened. The Rokudaime insisted on placing the golden plate by the gate when he was promoted, right after the Fourth Great Ninja Wars ended. He didn't say why, but Shin knew the reason already. It was for all the people that sacrifice themselves for the sake of the village… and for all people that still alive to pass on the Spirit. It was for the heroes that died under the name of Konoha… and for the heroes that lived to hold the name on their shoulder.
Shin closed his eyes. He slowly turned on his heel, turned his back. Now he will do his D-Rank Mission with his students. The two maybe still don't understand the meaning that was carved on the golden plate but he will teach them someday… just like someone already did to him years ago. And so he walked on, away from the gate… away from the golden plate…
What written on the golden plate was simple, but it always touches the heart of everyone who has the Spirit of Fire inside his or her heart. It was one simple word, a very simple word…
Home
X
The End
1 Eight Trigrams, One Hundred Twenty Eight Palms
2 One Thousand Bird Current
3 Great Heavenly Spin
4 Hundreds of Dragon
5 Multiple Shadow Clone Technique
Author's Note: So... it's the end. I think it's a fitting end for everyone there, so what do you think?
Thanks to Matahari, TsukiNezumi, Tara-Chan00, lovealwaysneji, aeisha 465445, .Rainmoon., KratosWielder, and Cyberwolf for ur reviews!!! Hahahahahahahaha... Wait for my next fic, alright? Ah, you can always review me even though it's days after this fic is complete. I only have a few fics... so there's a BIG possibility that I'll answer your review! Hahahahahahaha... JANE!