" I'm just worried about you Neji." said Hiashi. Neji felt a wave of chakra crash into him. He realized Hiashi had activated the seals on the room. As much as Neji was on better terms with his uncle since the chunin exams, he still felt uneasy about discussing any ninja related issues with him. Hiashi sighed as he realized Neji wasn't going to say anything more. Though he knew Neji was more tolerant of him, he knew Neji was reluctant to mention any injuries that occurred on missions or otherwise.
But one thing Hiashi knew, was that Neji and Shikamaru's recently formed bond was not a normal one. Though Hiashi loathed to admit it, he knew almost next to nothing about his nephew. But he did know Shikamaru knew things about Neji no one else did. He knew Shikamaru's supportive presence is what Neji needed. Even if Neji couldn't show his real self to anyone but Shikamaru, Hiashi was in no way jealous. Shikamaru's calmness gave Neji the chance to let himself come undone emotionally and physically as needed, without being judged or forced to withheld emotions. Hiashi vowed to support both in any way necessary.
Hiashi was Broken out is his musings when he heard a quiet voice. "May I be excused?" asked Neji. Hiashi nodded in his direction and disabled the chakra security seals. Neji nodded his thanks and walked out to calm his nerves. He pumped chakra to his feet and jumped to a tree to the right of the compound.
Meanwhile, Shikamaru had just walked on his team's training ground. Not two seconds later, did Ino, his teammate, start yelling. As the rest of the team had already been there, sensei included. " Where were you? You should have been here!" yelled Ino " I had something I needed to do" said Shikamaru.
" You should have been on time Shikamaru. It is your duty as a shinobi to be ready for anything when called."said Asuma. Shikamaru couldn't believe his ears. Was his sensei really agreeing with the loudmouthed buffoon? " And what would you have to do that was so important?" sneered Ino. Shikamaru looked towards Asuma for help. But as he saw Asuma's raised eyebrow, he knew he'd get none.
" I just needed to do something."said Shikamaru. " Why are you lying and what are you hiding?" asked Asuma. Bluntly. Shikamaru was a little annoyed. He understood that his sensei was curious, but Asuma should have understood he didn't want to talk about it. He understood where his team mate was coming from ,but she didn't have to be rude. Suddenly, Ino charged at Shikamaru. Shikamaru's body froze. He stood there stunned. He couldn't believe his team mate would go that far just to get the answer she wanted.
Shikamaru snapped out of his musings as he felt a fist connect with his cheek. He slammed into a tree with a bone shattering crack. He felt something in his lower back crack. But he didn't have time to think on it as she came at him again. This time, she hit his chest. It caused a chain reaction. She had aimed for his lungs. She hit with deadly force. But, along with his lungs she had nailed his ribs.
She nailed him continuously in the chest and ribs, blood welled up at an astonishing rate. As Shikamaru hit the ground right next to his sensei, Asuma looked down at him from where he was standing. He didn't move to stop Ino from hurting her team mate, he stood there and watched it. Instead of helping him up, he stared down with a thick hatred and did the last thing Shikamaru would've ever expected from his sensei, he kicked him. It was with such force, that he slammed into a tree.