Disclaimer: Superman, Superman, fly away... do I own Naruto? Not today.
Author's note: So I think I've mastered the art of chapter extension, but still, something is not right. I'll try to write this chapter with more texture. Kudos to the reviewers; good looking out!
"Congratulations," praised Kakashi. "You've all cleared the air solidification jutsu. Nice work."
He pulled a shuriken from the weapons pouch attached to his leg and held it up for his students to see. He smiled under his mask as he turned it over in his hands, eliciting perplexed expressions from his three pupils.
"Sasuke."
No sooner than the second syllable of his name was uttered did Sasuke take a defensive stance. Tori, ryu, uma... a flurry of hand seals, and then Kakashi flung the throwing star.
The shuriken disappeared.
A jutsu...?
In the forty-eight milliseconds it took for Sasuke's mind to register what had happened, he activated his bloodline limit.
There! Half a centimeter from his face!
Sasuke whirled to the right, heart palpitating. The throwing star whizzed past, and became lodged in the trunk of a tree, now visible.
Four seconds.
"Good defense," smiled Kakashi. Sasuke smirked, having barely escaped the elite Copy Ninja's attack.
"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto began slowly. "That... that shuriken definitely disappeared!"
"Shrewd as ever, Naruto," replied the jounin.
"Haha, so funny," retorted the blond, annoyed. "What's a teacher's example worth if you don't break it down?"
"Point taken," agreed Kakashi. "Care to elaborate?"
Naruto's scowl melted into a look of deep thought. Eyebrows knitted, Naruto licked his lips. "It was masked by a jutsu, wasn't it?"
"Right again, Naruto. The weapon concealment jutsu. Shall we begin?"
Once they learned the seals, they began practicing. Every time Naruto looked over at Sakura to compare himself to her, he found her counter glances lasting a bit too long. Green eyes met blue ones and for the bluemillionth time, Naruto looked back at his own hands. He touched the pads of each fingertip to its corresponding twin on the other hand. He quickly curled down his to index fingers and touched his thumbs to his chest.
"Tori..."
He then laced together all his fingers with the exception of his pinkies, which were extended downward and touching at the tips, and his thumbs, curled over one another at the top."Ryu..."
Palms facing inward, he quickly intertwined his middle, ring, and pinky fingers. He created something of a roof with the tips of his two index fingers as they touched, and he tucked his thumbs down.
"Uma...!"
The shuriken flew forth and blinked into invisibility before becoming visible again.
He'd definitely have to do it faster next time.
And then Naruto looked up to find himself the object of Sakura's scrutiny...
Again.
Blushing, he scratched the back of his head.
Training continued until Kakashi called for them to stop. Before evaporating into a happy poof, the jounin informed them that training was to resume at fifteen hundred hours tomorrow. The three chuunin scraped up their discarded weaponry and began their trip home.
And it seemed like a really long trip, today.
Sakura felt like she was trekking back from some faraway place, like she had returned from a mission and not the training grounds.
She let out a sigh, and blew away a bothersome mosquito.
The air was cooling, now, and it left her feeling sticky, sweaty, filthy. The clean air was taunting her with its breezes.
Whatever, she thought defensively. I'll just take a shower. And then she'd sit outside, clean, and the wind would have no choice but to blow around her fresh scent.
And her guilt.
A shower couldn't wash away her regrets. To have discounted Naruto these past few years in favor of Sasuke... maybe she'd feel a little better about herself if she had devoted herself to training, like Sasuke. Then at least he would have a degree of respect for her.
But, to be honest, her progress as a kunoichi wasn't hurting. She had finally made it to chuunin, working toward jounin... she was fine.
Only, she was dissatisfied with herself.
It pained her to think herself a bitch. She was aggressive, yes, but she had really been hoping that she had mellowed out. She worked so hard, consciously pacing herself with Sasuke, and in a burst of impatience, had wrecked her hopes of ever winning him over.
Well, he wasn't so great. He was actually a little weird. Still, she couldn't say she wasn't weird, too. Those fantasies of hers... ah. She shuddered. Naruto looked over, concerned.
"Ah... it's just a little chilly."
"Want my jacket?" Naruto offered, unzipping the front of his orange and black jacket.
"Ano..."
Sakura considered taking the jacket. Could she possibly begin to repair all the damages she'd caused by accepting that jacket?
How selfish. It was pretty scandalous, how she had suddenly noticed Naruto-kun's face, his body, his voice. Stupid girl. She missed him like she really had gone somewhere. Even though she had gone numb, she should be properly ashamed of what had happened yesterday. Yesterday.. it was only yesterday.
"That's alright Naruto-kun, I'm f-"
Too late. The jacket was off, extended towrd her nonchalantly in the grip of Naruto's fist. Wordlessly, she accepted it. And Naruto fought back a powerful grin.
Sakura slipped the jacket over her shoulders effortlessly. It was too big, and it took every ounce of Naruto's will not to cheese at this image. She quickly zipped it up and rolled the sleeves up to her wrists.
"Arigato," she said quietly, stuffing her hands into the pockets.
"Dou itashimashite," Naruto replied, jamming his hands into the pockets of his pants.
She started to wonder what Sasuke had thought she was pathetic for accepting the jacket, or if he even cared, but then she decided she didn't care. She was done chasing him now, it was time to grow up.
If only she hadn't stupidly wasted all that time.
Out of the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at Naruto.
...The black wifebeater suited him.
Sakura closed her eyes tightly. It was only human, to be attracted to another, but dignity was what separated the sophisticated from the shameless. It was too soon, but Sakura could already see that this fascination would turn into an obsession if left unchecked.
This time she would pace herself properly, patiently, and give herself time to fall for Naruto, if that was what was going to happen. She resisted the urge to sniff the collar, holding her head up.
...Freak.
They reached the intersection, and it was time to turn.
Naruto hesitated.
"Naruto-kun?" called Sakura, and he turned around. She had stopped and was waiting for him to continue.
"Uh... Hinata-chan invited me out to dinner with her team, so I'm going home later."
"Oh..." Sakura said. "Demo, your jacket!"
"Daijoubu desu yo!" he called.
If Sakura-chan cared that Naruto was hanging out with another girl tonight, she didn't show it. He almost felt guilty, but he didn't look back, for fear of getting caught in one of those eye traps again.
"This is bullshit."
Shino looked to his right at the disgruntled boy next to him. Kiba was wearing a nasty scowl as he watched Naruto walk into the restaurant, underdressed in his wifebeater.
Hinata stood and beckoned to him. "Naruto-kun!" She called. "Over here!" A pale forearm waved frantically at an oblivious Naruto.
No wonder she had dressed up.
"Oi, Hinata," he barked. "What's that guy doing here?"
"I invited Naruto-kun to c-come out with us," she informed him softly. "You don't mind, do you?"
"Yeah," he answered bluntly. "I thought it was just you, me, and Shino going out tonight."
"It's... it's n-not like we're a c-club or something, Kiba-kun," she replied boldly. "This way, Naruto-kun!"
"That's not the point, Hinata."
"I thought you and Naruto-kun were f-friends. Did something happen between you guys?"
"No, but I-"
"Hey Kiba!" greeted Naruto. Hinata slid over to make room for him in the booth. "What's up Shino? Oh, hey, Hinata-chan, you look nice."
"O-oh," blushed the girl. "Th-thank you, Naruto-kun."
In a false indifference, Hinata slipped out of her white cardigan. Two pale, somewhat freckled shoulders debuted over a powder blue tube top.
Thump.
Naruto inattentively observed the menu in front of him. Shino's eyes widened behind his glasses.
And Kiba groaned.
"Konbanwa, welcome to Shiktang restaurant."
The group looked to see their waiter, equipped with a large pitcher of water.
"My name's Jaemin," he continued, filling each of the empty glasses on the table. "I'll be your server this evening. What can I get you?"
"Do you have any ramen?" blurted Naruto.
"Uh, no, but we do have some naengmyeon."
"Neingumiyon?"
"It's spicy noodles," explained the waiter.
"I'll have that, then,' Naruto decided aloud. "And some lemonade."
The waiter took out a pen and paper, and copied the order. "For you, miss?"
"Well... the... k-karubi looks good. M-may I have that, with s-some lemonade as well?"
"Of course," affirmed the waiter. "Sir?"
"I'll have the pulgogi," Kiba ordered through gritted teeth. "Water's good." The waiter nodded, and looked at Shino.
"...Kimu chi."
The waiter collected the menus and retreated to the kitchen to input their orders.
"So, what kind of restaurant is this, anyway?" Naruto auctioned, swirling his water with his straw. "I've never heard of any of that food before."
"I d-don't really know," offered Hinata quietly. "K-Kiba-kun, we came here on your suggestion... wh-what kind of restaurant is this?" She turned her eyes to his, and she raised an eyebrow.
Kiba looked strained, almost like he was in pain, and there was now a considerable distance between him and Shino.
"It's Korean," he answered, struggling to compose himself. He shot Shino a look, and received a blank stare in return. "It's actually pretty good, if you don't mind spicy things."
"I don't mind spicy food at all," boasted Naruto. "There's no food too spicy for me."
"Is that right?" Kiba queried challengingly, focusing on the developing face off and not Hinata's bare shoulders. Hinata's bare shoulders... and the graceful swoop of her collar bone... and the soft line of her clea-
"So da na," assured the blond, an eyebrow cocked. "What about you?"
"Oh, I love spicy food," parried Kiba. "I come here all the time and order peppers as an appetizer."
"Raw p-peppers?" sputtered Hinata.
"Of course," lied Kiba, resisting the urge to oggle her chest again. "They're the best kind."
"Here you are," alerted the waiter, setting drinks down on the table. "Your food will be ready shortly."
"Then why don't we order some?" proposed Naruto. "Waiter, do you have any peppers?"
"Yes, would you like some?"
"A bowlful, please."
"Sure thing," smiled the waiter.
"Here are the rules," Shino announced. "First one to clear his plate wins."
"Chotto matte yo," Kiba interrupted. "Let's make it a little more interesting." Naruto chuckled.
"What are you betting?"
"Winner... winner takes a kiss from Hinata-chan for dessert." Kiba glanced at a surprised Hinata. "You don't mind, do you, Hinata-chan?"
Hinata blushed powerfully, considering it, and settled on shaking her head timidly.
"And the loser?" Naruto queried obliviously.
"Loser is denied any refreshment for the whole dinner," Kiba decided. He extended a hand across the table. "Good?"
"...Good." They shook.
"Ok, " Shino said, "Ready?" Kiba lowered his head to his opponent, and received the same respect.
"Ikimasho!" ordered Shino, and-
Red peppers flew onto the table as hands swooped down onto the plates. Naruto's hand swept the circumference of his plate to collect as many peppers as his hand could hold. Some fell back onto the plate, and he wondered if he should go back for more, when Kiba retracted his hand, peppers piled into his his palm and impaled on his daggerous nails. Quickly, Naruto shoved the peppers into his mouth.
Hinata held her breath unknowingly, pleading mentally for Naruto to chew a little faster.
Kiba chewed hard, tolerating the heat that suddenly burst from the peppers. Hinata glanced over at him to check his progress. He braved a wink.
Naruto crushed the peppers in his mouth, stupidly caressing the mashed vegetable-bombs with his tongue. He expected them to be hot, and they were, but his tongue was slowly smoldering away. He swallowed hard and pressed the next fistful into his mouth.
Kiba launched the next set into his mouth, about four or five peppers, and chewed as fast as his mouth would allow. The sting was getting to him, but he ignored it. If he could kiss Hinata tonight, maybe he could spark an attraction. Maybe she'd even forget about Naruto...
Naruto's eyes were watering, but he knew better than to rub them with pepper all over his hands. He was hoping his tongue would go numb, but no such luck. Looking up, he saw Kiba reach toward his plate for another handful. Naruto's hand shot out and sprang back with more peppers. Kiba watched disbelievingly as Naruto bit down over the peppers.
Liquid fire seethed over his tongue. He opened his mouth and sucked in a big breath, but he only fanned the flames.
Crunch, crunch.
Shino scrutinized the plates for a hint. He wouldn't know who was closer to finishing unless he counted. Ichi, ni, san, yon-
Kiba's hand crashed down onto his plate as he scooped up another handful of peppers. Naruto followed suit, swallowing hard.
"Ack!" he gasped, hesitating to stuff his face. Hinata watched with baited breath and fingers crossed. He forced the chilies into his reluctant mouth.
Ichi, ni, san, yon, go, roku... Shino counted six peppers on each plate. Tears were streaming down the faces of both contestants, but they continued chewing miserably. Naruto couldn't imagine losing with his mouth ready to erupt into flames, and Kiba didn't want to miss out on dessert.
Gulp.
Both contestants eyed eachother warily as they swallowed. Hesitantly, they reached out toward their plates, and each grabbed anxiously for the last of the peppers.
Naruto's cheeks were burning on the inside, but he couldn't force himself to chew any faster. He was sure those peppers would burn a hole in his face...
Kiba was chewing with his mouth agape, sucking desperately for air. It was really hard to chew now, and he was certain his mouth would commit a mutiny and he'd get a cramp in his jaw...
Gulp.
Kiba collapsed forward onto the table.
"Winner!" announced Shino.
"Argh!" cried Naruto, despair muffled by mashed chillies.
Kiba drained his glass of water immediately.
Hinata froze as Kiba leaned in toward her. There was no backing away; she was pressed against the grating brick of the restaurant. Her thoughts turned to Naruto, who was beyond Kiba's face, watching in interest. What would he think of her after the kiss? Kiba's face was drawing closer... this really was humiliating. She wished he'd hurry up and do it.
He did.
Softly, carefully, his lips met hers. He breathed a sigh through his nose, eyes closed. Hinata's eyes snapped shut. A few seconds passed that way, and Hinata began to panic, wondering when he meant to pull away.
He didn't.
Kiba took cautious advantage of the moment. Opening his mouth a little, he lightly stabbed the horizon of her lips with his tongue.
Her eyes burst open, mouth opening in surprise.
Kiba was humble in his raid of her mouth, not daring to extend his tongue any further than the smoothness of her lips. He breathed lightly, restrained.
His breath was in her mouth.
She retracted her lips in a strained grin, stopping the kiss. Kiba opened his eyes, mildly surprised.
"K-Kiba..."
"Whoo!" hollered Naruto. Hinata blushed, humiliated, unhappy. Shino merely observed from behind his glasses. Kiba stepped back, not breaking their eye contact.
"Hinata-"
"Congratulations, Kiba!" she cheered most fakely, cutting him off. "Let's all hang out again, okay? See you tomorrow!" With that, she dashed away in the direction of her home.
"I'd better get going, too," Naruto said. "But next time, I'll definitely crush you."
"Dream on," Kiba argued. "Any table, any time."
"Next Thursday, same time, same place?" suggested Naruto.
"Loser pays," staked Kiba.
"Don't forget your wallet," jousted Naruto. He turned and started home.
When Kiba turned, Shino was gone, but he was distracted by a sweater, lying unrememebered on the pavement. He bent down to take it into his hands.
His plans to profess his love for Hinata had been foiled by her flighty escape after the kiss, but the sweater returned to him the hope he couldn't reveal losing before the audience of Naruto and Shino. Shino... where had that guy gotten to? Eh... probably went home.
Kiba didn't need to bury his nose into the fabric to smell Hinata's skin, but he did, and he reveled in it. He would tell her upon returning the sweater to her- tomorrow, actually.