Here's the next chapter! Sorry it took so long.
I do not own any of the characters
Summary: The question still remains, how will Hinata choose between Kiba and Naruto? Shikamaru has an idea, but how will it turn out?
Chapter 4: Friendly Help
Knock Knock
"Hinata!" yelled Neji. "It's time to get up! Did you forget your training with me this morning? Get up now."
Hinata's door opened and Neji looked inside. What he saw nearly made him jump out of his skin. A girl stood there at the door with her clothes put on in a very sloppy way, with really bad bed head and red eyes. She didn't look very awake either. And the strange thing was she looked an awful like…
"H-Hinata?"
"Good morning Neji" mumbled Hinata. "She really isn't awake today. She got home exceptionally late last night. I wonder what happened. She's usually a bit excited about sparing with me now." Neji just stood there for a while staring at the mess before him. Then he sighed.
"Hinata, I'll get Hanabi to make you some tea. In the mean time, please get yourself ready for training." She looked up at Neji with confused eyes. She knew Neji didn't like waiting on others. He was always picky about attendance. He must be in a good mood this morning; otherwise he would have gone and trained without her.
"Okay, t-thank you." He turned and walked down the hall in search for Hanabi.
Hinata looked at herself in the mirror. "Wow, I really did look like a mess." When she got up this morning she hardly knew what she was dressing herself in. She wasn't able to sleep last night. She was worried stiff about how to handle the dating situation she would have to do.
"I don't have to start on it today, but if I keep delaying it I won't have the nerve to do it at all." She knew sooner was better than later, but she didn't know how to do it. "Maybe I can ask Neji for some help." She looked at herself in the mirror again and then dramatically dropped her head. "How desperate can I get? Ask Neji? How could he help?" She sighed and then grabbed her brush and started to make herself look more decent.
After Hinata was just about ready, there was knock on her door. "Come in." Hanabi stood at the door carrying a tray with a cup of steaming black tea. "Neji tolled me to make this for you." "Oh, um thank you." She took the tea and sat down on her bed. She drank the warm liquid and it made her wake up just a bit.
Hanabi looked at her older sister and gave her a questioning stare. "So, why are you so tired?" Hinata answered without looking up. "I just couldn't sleep last night. I had a lot on my mind." "Hmm, well Neji is waiting for you outside so you better hurry." "Okay, thank you." She took one last gulp and gave the cup back to her sister and walked down the hall and outside.
Neji was standing at the entrance of the house and looked up when he heard her footsteps. She looked much better than when he first saw her, but she still looked tired. "Shall we get going then?" "S-sure." She's stuttering. Thought Neji, She stopped doing that a long time ago, so that must mean something is upsetting her.
They walked to a certain training ground that only Hyuuga's were allowed to go into. As they were walking, Hinata kept on thinking of a way to date the two boys without causing them to fight with one another. Whether she found a way to avoid the fighting or night, she would still have to choose who she would rather be with. I have to concentrate on my training with Neji now. I can't be thinking of this with him fighting me. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop thinking about it.
They started sparing after they got into their positions. But all the while Hinata was distracted, not really putting her all into the fight. In just fifteen minutes, Hinata had taken about seven hits from Neji, and she had only landed about two on him. She just couldn't focus.
Neji about had enough of Hinata's troubled attention span. He charged her and raised his right hand and aimed his index and fore finger right for her solar plexus. Hinata bent backwards just in time to miss Neji's attack to the chest. She did a back flip and twirled in the air so that she could miss another fury of chakra fly past her. She made a dive for Neji's calf. She made contact, but because of her lack of concentration, she put too much force and chakra on his leg. His leg gave way from him and he fell right on top of her.
"Neji! Neji are you alright? I'm so sorry!" "It's because you weren't paying attention." He said through gritted teeth. His leg was shaking from the overdose of chakra Hinata had pushed into him. He was trying his hardest not to show how much it hurt. Hinata looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry." She said quietly. Neji looked at her. She had gotten so strong in the past four to five years. Her ninja skills were one hundred percent, her Byakugan technique was almost perfect, and she was half way to becoming a Jonin. Not only that, but she had also become quite attractive. She had become a young woman. But whenever she got upset or confused, she would turn back into her old fidgety, stuttering, weak self. But she hardly ever did that anymore. So for her to be having this kind of behavior worried him. And it pained him (obviously).
Hinata kept apologizing and bowing her head, while Neji just kept rubbing his calf. After the sixteenth apology, Neji sighed and lifted his hand to her mouth to make her quiet. He was getting a little irritated. She stared at him, surprised by his gesture. Neji stared at Hinata and decided to ask her the question. "Hinata, what's wrong with you today?" "W-what do you mean?" "You're stuttering again and you're not focused on your training. You've been improving wonderfully till now. Something's bothering you, and I want to know what, now."
Hinata looked away from him. She should have known that Neji would notice something like this. But she didn't want to trouble him in her own problems. "I-it's nothing for you to worry about." Neji looked at her skeptically, "I think it does if you keep injuring me like this." "I-I'm really sorry!" she bowed her head again. Neji sighed, and asked again, "Hinata, just tell me, what's wrong?"
Hinata looked at the ground, debating how Neji would react if she tolled him. Would he scold her for brooding over something so trivial? Or would he comfort her? No way, Neji comfort someone? The only person I've ever seen him comfort is Tenten, but even then he wasn't very nice about it. Suddenly Hinata realized that Neji and Tenten had been going out for a while now. Maybe he could help somehow!
...Wow, I really must be desperate, thinking NEJI could or would help me. Well, it seemed like she would have to take the scolding. She glanced up at him. He was still looking at her, waiting for her to answer. She looked down again and started talking
"W-well, you see, a few months after Naruto came back to Konoha he told me that he…that he, uh, l-loved, me. And then Kiba also tolled me that he loved me. They almost got into a fight about it. It made me upset because it was so sudden, you know? Then Shikamaru and Temari suggested that I go on one date with them separately, but I don't know how to approach them about it, let alone figure how I'm going to do it. I mean I like them both, but I have just gotten over Naruto, and Kiba has always been my best friend. What's more, father has been pestering me about marriage. I just don't know what to think." Hinata paused and slowly looked up at Neji, expecting to see an annoyed look on his face. Sure enough, there was the scowl she had been expecting. He was defiantly annoyed. She closed her eyes, waiting for the scolding to start.
Neji turned his head away angrily. "Those idiots, they couldn't have picked a worse enough timing." Hinata looked at him shocked. He wasn't mad at her? "Doesn't Kiba know about what your father is pressuring you about? He should know better than to throw this at you. Naruto I can understand, but why does he choose to act now after all this time. What fools." Hinata was still shocked that Neji wasn't angry with her. She stared at him, watching him glare in the direction of the Konoha city. She finally spoke. "N-Neji, why aren't you yelling at me?" Neji looked at her with a now confused look. "Why would I be yelling at you?" "Well whenever I'm thinking of unnecessary things, you usually get angry with me." Neji looked at her looking thoughtful. "I suppose I do do that don't I? But I've noticed how hard your father is on you about the whole marriage thing and I've seen how upsetting and frustrating it is to you. I know you don't need it but I feel a little sorry for you."
Hinata looked away. As always, nothing ever got past Neji. It felt good to get it all off of her chest but it still didn't change anything. How was she going to approach Kiba and Naruto with the dating idea? How were they going to take it? And how was she going to organize it?
Neji looked at Hinata. She seemed lost in thought. She also looked pretty stressed. He felt really bad for her. He wanted to help her in someway, but how? He thought for a moment. She said that she didn't know how to tell them about the dating idea. How hard was that? All she needed to do was flat out tell them the plan and that they had to stick with it whether they like it or not. Oh yeah, Hinata's not the kind of person that would say that. He thought. I guess I'll help her out with that part. It would save her the trouble of stuttering it to them. Neji turned to Hinata, who was still lost in thought. He touched her shoulder to get her attention. When she looked up he spoke. "Hinata, I'm going to help you out a little bit. But if I do you have to try your hardest to do better on your training." "Y-you don't need to help me Neji. Don't trouble yourself." Neji shook his head. "I want you to keep getting better in your training, and in order to do that, you need to get rid of this problem. So I will help." Hinata was now completely shocked. It seemed Tenten's harsh "be kind to others" training was really paying off. Neji never offered to help unless it involved a mission. "O-okay, but how are you going to help me?" Neji looked at his leg and tested it out. His calf was turning into a nice shade of purple and blue, but it was only a little sore. "Help me up and lead me to your two idiots. Leave it to me."
Hinata felt a little nervous about "leaving it up" it Neji. Regardless, she helped him up and they both started walking towards the city to look for the two "idiots".
Somewhere in the streets of Konoha…
Kiba, Akamaru, and Shino walked down the street looking for a place to eat. It was Saturday so almost every restaurant in Konoha had a wait list for seats. And Kiba was too hungry to wait seven minutes to eat, so they kept looking…for a good twenty minutes. Kiba's stomach growled loudly. "Aw man! Come on! Isn't there any place around here that doesn't include us having to wait?" Shino turned his head ever so slightly towards Kiba. "You know, we could have eaten a long time ago if you had just chosen to wait patiently." "Yeah, but if we went inside it would be too crowded for Akamaru to fit." "True." was all Shino said. They turned a corner and saw that even the ramen shop had a long line. Akamaru whined, Kiba groaned. "All because almost everyone in the city has the day off they all come hog the places to eat. Jeez!" "None of these eating places have your name on it Kiba; it's not just for you. Though I must admit this is getting rather ridiculous." Kiba sighed, "Well, I guess we're gonna have to wait in line." "We're going to eat at the ramen shop?" asked Shino. "Yeah, it should go by quick. The old man that works there is pretty quick so it should go by quick."
They walked to the back of the line and waited. "Have you told her yet?" asked Shino. "Huh?" "I asked if you have told her yet." Kiba looked away. "You mean Hinata." "Who else would I be talking about?" Kiba's face looked a little grumpy now. "Yeah, I told her, and so did that little blonde bastard." Shino turned his head to look at Kiba fully. "Uzamaki?" "Who else would I be talking about?" Kiba mimicked. Shino turned his head to front again. "I see. So Naruto Uzamaki is also in love with Hinata." Kiba fists were shaking with anger. He still didn't think that Naruto could know what love meant.
"Hey Shino, can I ask you something?" Again, Shino turned his head fully to Kiba. "By any chance are you in love with anyone?" Shino stared at him for a while, and turned his head to the front. "No I am not." Kiba's head lowered, "Right." As the line moved up, Kiba kept his head down, thinking. For a while they were silent, all the while moving inch by inch towards the ramen stand. Two people were in front of them when Shino spoke up. "I don't see why you are so depressed." Kiba looked at him confused. "Are you afraid of a little competition? Or do you think Uzamaki can beat you to winning her heart?" Kiba's eyes widened, and then narrowed. He got right into Shino's face and yelled, "Are you saying you don't think I'm good enough to beat Naruto?" "I just asked two simple questions. All you have to do is defeat the enemy right?" Kiba blinked. Is this like a battle?, he thought. "I-I suppose your right." Kiba grinned. "Yeah! Your right Shino, all I have to do is beat him. I can defiantly beat Naruto! Piece a cake!"
Shino turned and walked towards the ramen stand and paid for two bowls of ramen and one bowl of Naruto's (for Akamaru). The stood behind the shop and ate from their bowls. As Kiba shoved his ramen down his throat, he began thinking of different plans to show Hinata just how much he loved her.
Kakashi's house…
Naruto sat on a dark blue couch staring at his feet. He was feeling depressed. He didn't know what to do. Geez, he thought, An A-rank mission is easier than dealing with this. He heard footsteps coming towards him from the kitchen, but he didn't have to look up. He already knew who it was.
Sakura came out holding a mug of hot, steamy tea. She set the tea in front of Naruto and sat next to him and stared at him. "So you confessed at the same time Kiba did?" Naruto inclined his head. Sakura out the window, thinking. "That's gotta be pretty tough." "You're telling me." Naruto grumbled. She shook her head. "Not just you. I meant Hinata. It's gotta be pretty tough for her to choose; her best friend or her ex-crush." Naruto sighed. "Sounds like Kiba has more of a chance at winning huh?"
Sakura lightly smacked the back of his head. "This isn't like you Naruto. You're usually so confident about beating everyone and everything. I mean, getting what you want is what you do best. Look at Sasuke for crying out loud. He's back in Konoha and is in charge of the new and improved Konoha Military Police. Sure he still power driven but he's here. And the only reason of that is because of you. You wanted him back and you got him back." Sakura paused for a moment, and waited to see if Naruto would say anything. When he didn't, she put on a serious face. "However, you have to realize that this isn't a mission or test. If you're serious about her, then you won't compare this with a challenge. Competition, yes, but you have to really want to have her. Am I making any sense?" Naruto looked up and gave her a small smile. "Sort of."
"Let me clear it up for you Naruto." said a deep voice behind him. Naruto and Sakura jumped at the intrusion. It was Kakashi. He was standing directly behind them, bent down so that he was just above their heads. The only thing he was wearing was black flannel pajama pants and his mask. His Sharingan eye was closed and he was looking at Naruto with his usual bored face, but when he spoke his voice was sincere. "Look Naruto, Sakura is trying to say it nicely, but here's what she really wants to say: 'Stop, being such a cry baby and get out there and beat the crap out of Kiba so you can win her over!'"
Sakura smacked Kakashi's arm. "You idiot I was trying to be easy on him!" Kakashi looked over at her with a confused look. "Why? It's easier to just flat out tell them what to do than try to explain it calmly. You do it so well." Smoke came out of her ears and she raised her hand to smack him again, but he caught her hand before she could make contact. He pulled her closer to him so that her face was just inches from his. He held her there while she fumed. He glanced at Naruto. "Anyways, I thought you didn't really like Hinata like that." Naruto blushed and turned his head. "Things change." He mumbled. "Hmm." was all Kakashi said. He turned his attention back to his angry girlfriend. "And you do realize that it's both of our days off right Sakura?" "Of course I do. What of it?" She growled. Kakashi's eye narrowed and he grinned behind his mask. "That means that no one is going to disturb us all day. And I have some plans for us. And those plans include you in a skin-tight nurse outfit and blonde over there gone." Sakura stopped, and stared at Kakashi, and then blushed.
"HEY!" shouted Naruto. Kakashi looked annoyed, and Sakura surprised by the outburst. Naruto was blushing as he saw the two acting all lovey-dovey. "Would you please not do that in front of me? It's embarrassing." Kakashi smirked "You mean you wish you could do this with Hinata right?" Naruto turned an even deeper shade of red. "Of course I do… but Kiba might take her from me before I get to do that." He bent his head down, going back into depression mode. Kakashi sighed, and moved to sit down beside Sakura. He put his arm around her shoulders and looked at Naruto. "Listen Naruto, you're never going to beat Kiba if you don't have confidence. You both have your different ways of life, so it all just depends on Hinata. In other words the pressure is more on her than you and Kiba."
Naruto looked up at Kakashi with a pitiful face. "But what can I do to make her like me again?" "She already likes you Naruto." replied Sakura. "You just need her to love you again." "But how?" Both Kakashi and Sakura both shrugged and said "Be yourself I guess." Naruto stared at the couple in front him. They had been together for a while now, and they seemed really happy together. Of course they had their disagreements, but they got through. Naruto wanted to be like that with Hinata, and he wanted to make her the happiest woman in the world. She deserved it. So I'm gonna have to prove it to her. He thought. I'll prove to her that I'm better than any guy out there. I'll prove to her that I can be the best ninja and boyfriend to her. Naruto could feel his adrenaline skyrocket. He smiled his famous smile and jumped up from the couch. "Thanks guys. Well I'm off!" "Good luck Naruto!" Sakura waved as Naruto dashed out the door and headed towards his house. "I gotta start thinking about ideas." He said out loud. "I can't wait to take her in my arms and hold her forever. Believe it!" And grinning like and idiot, he made a mad dash for his house.
Well that's it for this chapter. Pease review and tell me what you think. Sorry it took a while. Again, please, please, please review and suggest this story to others if you think it's good enough to be read. Thanx!!