Neji wanted nothing more than to slowly strangle Shikamaru's parents. To blame a group of peoples injuries on someone was low. Lower than even Neji's uncle would go. Even he never blamed Neji for his fathers death. " He didn't even care I had broken my finger. A minor injury it may have been, but it would have been nice if he showed an ounce of sympathy. The worst of it, was when he said 'since I couldn't lead a team, I should have died on the battle field' and my mom agreed." said Shikamaru.
Neji snarled. He had half a mind to let Diamond have a crack at em. He was so angry. How dare they. He knew Shikamaru was deeply hurt by this betrayal. " Let go Shikamaru." said Neji. Shikamaru shook his head. " I can't I'm not suppose to show any other emotion but laziness." said Shikamaru. " Your human. You have more emotions than that. Around me, you don't have to hide. Stop holding back." said Neji.
After five minutes of sitting there, Shikamaru finally let go. Silent sobs wracked his body. Shikamaru buried his head into Neji's chest. Neji slowly rocked them back and forth. He felt Shikamaru's arms snake their way around his waist. Neji realized at that moment, that nobody had ever rocked Shikamaru. He also realized Shikamaru was afraid. Afraid to even ask for such a basic comfort. But then again, nobody had ever given him that comfort to begin with.
He also realized Shikamaru was a silent crier. He certainly didn't blame him, seeing as he lived with such heartless parents. " It's OK, breathe. You don't have to hide from me. I will be there for you when you need comfort and someone to lean on." ,said Neji. As he ran one hand through Shikamaru's hair.
" You aren't mad at me for showing you all this?" asked Shikamaru. " No I'm not. You've got your secrets and I've got mine. Let me help you." said Neji. Shikamaru finally relaxed in Neji's arms. Neji was happy Shikamaru felt safe enough to relax in his presence. " Why don't we train together. We need to learn how to work together as a three man team." said Shikamaru. " That's a good idea." said Neji. Neji let his arms drop.
Shikamaru suddenly disappeared. Neji was in shock that Shikamaru could move so fast. Shikamaru reappeared a good distance from him. Neji stood and walked over to Shikamaru. " So how do you want to do this?" asked Neji. " Your call." said Shikamaru. " Do you have any other secrets like a weapon or something?" asked Neji. " As a matter of fact I do." said Shikamaru. He then reached up and undid the many clasps that held his red inner cloak together. When he was done, he took off his outer cloak and set it on the ground.
That left him in in only his 2nd inner cloak that was held on by only a clasp. The very top clasp was navy blue and in the shape of a fawn . He reached down and grab at something Neji couldn't see. "What are you hiding that has chakra coating it?" asked Neji. " I thought you couldn't see." said Shikamaru. " I can't." said Neji. " But that doesn't mean I can't feel it." said Neji. " Oh. Can you use Byakugan blind?" asked Shikamaru. "No I can't."
" It's a katana." said Shikamaru. " You." Neji asked. With a raised eyebrow. " Know how to wield a katana?" " Yes as much as that would come as a shock to you." said Shikamaru. " You and I should start by running in a formation." said Neji. Neji beckoned Diamond forward. Diamond walked to Neji's side. " Which direction is forward?" asked Neji. Slightly embarrassed. Shikamaru sent out a chakra burst. It washed over Neji, showing him which way was which.