Shikamaru was on Shadow's right side. They were half way to the Hokage tower, when Shadow veered to the left, into a patch of trees. Shikamaru knew where Shadow was going. He made it to the Hokage's office door and knocked. The Hokage called " Enter." When Shikamaru walked in, his eyes widened as he took in the people standing in the office.
He walked over to stand at Neji's side. " Hokage sama." said Shikamaru. As he nodded in her direction. As he looked around the office, he saw Gai, Neji's sensei, Hiashi, Neji's uncle, and Hayate, the proctor. " I read the missive, Nara Kun. I completely agree, but on the condition that Gai handles your mission reports. That means after a mission, you do the report and then give it to Gai to give to me. After that at the end of your missions, you check in with Hiashi to tie up any loose ends. Also, what is it I've been hearing about a strange hound coming with the Anbu I sent to get you Nara Kun?" asked the Hokage.
"Hokage sama, if I may be so blunt, who gave you the information that a hound was with the Anbu?" asked Shikamaru. " Ino, Asuma's student did." said the Hokage. " Nara Kun, this means that neither of you are on teams anymore. You are officially a team of your own. Though you still have to check in with Gai and Hiashi. That is mandatory not an option." said the Hokage. " Hokage sama, what is he doing here?" asked Neji. With his blunt tone.
" Hayate is here because if it is required, he will accompany you on your missions, but only if you asked him to. Also, any discussions you have must be in the Hyuuga compound, seals activated." said the Hokage. Both Shikamaru and Neji nodded to the Hokage. They then turned around and left the office.
" He cares about you." said Neji. As they were walking. " I'm not ready for someone to betray me again." said Shikamaru. Neji grabbed Shikamaru's arm, making him stop. " I would die before I let anyone hurt you physically or emotionally. I will always be there for you. If that means I protect you from one of our own ninja, then fine, I'll do it. I've finally seen you show your true colors and I'll be cursed if someone will take that away from me. Your the first family member that hasn't used me for your own personal game. Or tried to kill me because I'm out of line. I will not let them hurt you." said Neji.
By the end of Neji's speech, Shikamaru had tears in his eyes. Suddenly, Neji stepped up to him and wrapped his arms around him. Shikamaru's control snapped. He sobbed silently. " I'm scared." whispered Shikamaru. It was barely a whisper, but it broke Neji's heart. " Let me help you. Keep in mind, that you can call me using the necklace or Shadow if needed." said Neji. Shikamaru wrapped his arms around Neji and clung to him desperately. Neji had no intention of letting go. They slowly sunk to their knees. They supported each other so they wouldn't topple. They fell asleep holding on to each other for dear life.
Gai was walking though the forest with Hiashi and Hayate with him. " Do you know if Neji hates me?" asked Hiashi. Quietly. " No, he doesn't hate you. He's tired of being used." said Gai. Hiashi and Hayate stopped in shock at hearing Gai's voice. Gai turned to face them. When they looked into those eyes, they saw the eyes of a father. Hiashi knew Gai was close to Neji, but these were the eyes of a man who would fight to the death for his son.
He was both a mother and father to Neji, in ways he could not be. Hayate was in shock. " You care for him." said Hayate. Both Gai and Hiashi arched an eye brow. "I guess father like son." said Hiashi. His voice was shaky. Gai walked up to him and wrapped his arms around him. Hiashi breathing sped up.
" Why are you doing this?" asked Hiashi. As a last ditch effort to make him let go.