A/N: Wow I got this out fast XD It's too hot to do revision. I guess I write faster when it's original :) Geez, I re-read the first twenty or so chapters and cringed, they're in such bad need of editing, but if I did, the plot will probably change a little. Should i edit the beginning or go on to the sequel once this is finished? I'll ask closer to the time :) By the way, I can't believe I forgot this D:, but Imouto-chan has done ANOTHER fanart! Check it out it's awesome, I seriously have to put the link up. Thank you so much for your reviews, they make me happy! I'll write up the first movie for you soon, but I'll put it under a different 'story' which will be for this story (and it's sequels) extras. I'll probably write up the OVA's soon too :) Happy birthday to my best friend (who will never read this) I love you platonically my twinny!
Claimer: It's pretty obvious which is mine.
Discalimer: THE Kishimoto-sempai owns Naruto.
Hiiringu
Healing
It wasn't until they opened their eyes,
That her pain truly began to fade,
Her strength returning with theirs
-----x-----
"Using hints I just gave you, think of the fastest method to the destination," Iruka explained to his class. "Begin!" They had barely started when a Chuunin walked in and whispered something to Iruka. He sighed and nodded. "Minna, I'm really sorry about this again but class is over for today." There were cries of 'Yatta!' and complaints of 'Again? Why?' but all were ignored as Iruka left the room. "The worksheet will be your homework," he added before disappearing out the door. A chorus of groans and complaints was his reply.
-----x-----
"I'm so glad the Taijutsu lesson was cancelled," Moegi said happily as they left the academy.
"Demo… Lately we've had a lot of early dismissals and cancellations," Udon said worriedly. "I wonder if this is okay…"
"Why are you being so serious? Ne, Konohamaru-chan!" Moegi asked but was surprised when she noticed Konohamaru had stopped. "Konohamaru-chan?" Noticing Kotetsu and Izumo carrying his grandfather's belongings he rushed towards the Hokage tower. "Konohamaru-kun!!" He ignored her and kept running.
"Where are you going with Ojiijii's stuff!" he demanded, stopping in front of them.
"Young master…" Kotetsu said.
"That's Ojiijii's stuff, where are you planning to take it?!"
"This? It's not going to be used anymore so we plan to store it somewhere else," Kotetsu explained.
"It's not going to be used anymore?" Konohamaru repeated. "You think you have the right to clean up Gramps stuff like that?!"
"The Godaime plans to use his office."
"Godaime?"
"Y-yeah. The next Hokage-sama has finally been chosen," Izumo explained. "The village is in safe hands now. The person doesn't like tobacco so…" he couldn't continue because he was pushed out the way, Konohamaru running past them.
"Godaime my ass! It's too early!" Konohamaru cried turning round to face them. "You've been depending on Gramps this whole time!" With that he turned and ran into the building, only to crash into something soft. "Ehhhh these smell good…" he rubbed his face against the softness, only to realise what he was doing. He promptly jumped off and began shouting accusingly at her. "W-what do you think your doing?!"
"That's my line you ero-gaki! "Tsunade shouted back. The kid had crashed into her and rubbed his face between her breasts yet has the nerve to blame her!
"Try saying that again!" Konohamaru cried angrily, a deep blush on his cheeks.
"Oh? Do you want me to say it? E-ro ga-ki!"
"Don't call me a perverted brat!!"
"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune called.
"Hm?"
"The elders are waiting. You must hurry," Shizune scolded, holding Tonton in her arms.
"Aa, I know," Tsunade said straightening up. She poked Konohamaru in the forehead. "Be careful little boy."
"Please be more considerate, since I'll be the one who gets scolded if you're late."
"Fine, fine," Tsunade sighed as they walked to the meeting.
"Eh… I'm not a little boy!!" Konohamaru hollered but was caught off guard when Naruto crashed into him, the knucklehead ninja falling flat on his nose while Konohamaru landed on his head. Kita trotted in and stared at them oddly."Who the hell?!"
"And you!"
"Naruto-niichan?"
"Konohamaru?"
"Long time no see!" Konohamaru cried jumping to his feet while Naruto rose to his.
"Aa. By the way, did you see a big-breasted scary Obaachan, I mean young lady?" Naruto asked looking around.
"I sure did!" Konohamaru cried.
"Where did she go?!"
"Who the hell is she?!"
"Who?" Naruto repeated and then screamed with frustration. "AAAAAH! K'so she needs to get to the hospital now!" Naruto cried hopping from foot to foot. Kita sighed and watched Naruto begin to impatiently pace back and forth.
"The hospital?" Konohamaru repeated.
"The lady doesn't look like it but she's an amazing medical ninja," Naruto said. He turned and began to pace the other way. "She finally returned to the village after agreeing to become Hokage. So why is she taking it so easy dattebayou?!"
"Hokage?"
"She's the Godaime Hokage. She needs to do what she said she'd do or it'll be troublesome," Naruto said looking around, expecting her to pop out of nowhere.
"No way…" Konohamaru said. "I won't believe that! No way!!" with that he ran out.
-----x-----
Neji closed his eyes preparing himself. He then activated his Byakugan, straining his sight.
"There are seven birds within 50 metres in direction 2," Neji said to himself. He heard a rustle behind him. "Is that you TenTen?"
"Neji! The Tsunade-sama came back! It's for real, she's really back!" TenTen cried excitedly. "Do you want to go see her?"
"Gomen, not interested," Neji said simply, looking to the sky. There was only one kunoichi he was interested in seeing, and Gai had told him she had left on the mission to bring Tsunade back and that was a fair while ago. He hadn't been happy, she was still heavily injured from the Chuunin exam and he'd wanted to go and track down her opponent and slaughter him when he heard what had happened in her fight. He felt even worse when his sensei tearfully explained to them about her 'youthful' fight, with some supposedly strong criminals which all but killed her. She was just too stubborn for her own good. At least she was back now, he would go and see her when she'd rested, if she didn't come and find him first.
He felt surprised, not disappointed, but surprised when he realised something.
"Hachi tori. There were eight birds."
-----x-----
"Listen carefully Tsunade, we must quickly call the feudal lords and announce the inauguration of the Godaime Hokage. Then the village can start preparing for the ceremony," the advisor explained.
"Feudal lords, ceremony, it's all troublesome…" Tsunade sighed.
"Tsunade!"
"Hai, hai, I know," she said airily. "This is part of the Hokage's duty right?"
"Genma, Aoba," the elder called and two Jounin immediately appeared behind her, bowing with respect. "Send out an official notice and inform the village over the next few days, we must announce the Godaime Hokage."
"Hai!" they quickly disappeared.
-----x-----
"Man, my shoulders are stiff now," Tsunade complained. "I want to take a shot of hot sake and relax."
"Tsunade-sama…"
"Chotto matte!" Naruto cried, having been waiting at the door of the Hokage tower for absolutely ages (in his opinion).
"Konnichiwa Tsunade-sama, Shizune-san and Tonton!" Kita greeted, wagging her tail.
"Before you do that, there's something you must do first dattebayou," Naruto said sternly.
"What was it?" Tsunade asked puzzled.
"I told you! It's about Kari-chan, Sasuke, Kakashi-sensei and Gejimayu dattebayou!" Naruto shrieked. "Kari-chan's already waiting at the hospital!"
"Aa, hai, hai," Tsunade said simply.
"Oh it's you, Naruto and Kita."
"Are? Shikamaru?" Naruto said surprised.
"Shika-kun!" Kita cried in delight.
"Why are you here?" Shikamaru asked following what could only be his father.
"And you, why are you here dattebayou?" Naruto asked.
"I don't know, but my dad told me to come," Shikamaru said.
"What's going on?" Naruto asked, seeing Shikamaru's father bow to Tsunade.
"Long time no see, Tsunade-sama."
"Oh, the Nara family's kid eh?" Tsunade said. "Have you been taking care of the deer? The deer antlers from that area make good medicine."
"Yes, somewhat."
"Oi Naruto," Shikamaru whispered. "Who's that young cocky woman?"
"The new Hokage, she may not look like it, but she's actually an old lady in her fifties," Naruto whispered back.
"Ja, I'll talk to you later," Tsunade said, continuing down the steps.
"Yosh! Time to go to the hospital dattebayou!" Naruto cried as he and Kita rushed after them. "I'll talk to you later Shikamaru and me and Kari-chan will show you our new super move!"
"Ja mata Shika-kun!" Kita cried.
"T-that's the Godaime?" Shikamaru said surprised.
"Oi, Shikamaru," Shikamaru's father said, walking up to his son. "She's the strongest and most beautiful person here."
"Aa?"
"Since she is one of the legendary Sannin."
"A woman being a Hokage?" Shikamaru sighed. "I really don't like women. They say whatever they want, they're always together and I can't tell whether they like or hate each other." Images of Sakura and Ino floated around in his head making him scowl. "Besides they think they can control men however they want. Anyway, they're troublesome."
"Shikamaru," his father placed an arm around his shoulder. "Without women, men cannot be born. Without women, men will become useless. No matter what kind of woman she may be, she will show her nice side to the man she loves."
'You never speak up when you're in front of mom. Whatever dad…'
"Hm, when you are older you will understand. Oh, oops! Let's hurry up and finish our business here. If we're late your mom will scold me again. Hurry up Shikamaru."
"And then there are men who become useless even with women around…"
-----x-----
"Kari-chan!" Sakura gasped running to embrace her friend as she entered. Kari returned the hug and looked sadly at her worried, tired face. No doubt she'd been at Sasuke's bedside everyday.
"Sakura-chan, arigatou," Kari said softly. "I couldn't be here for him, but I knew I could count on you."
"Kari-chan…" They both sat by Sasuke's bedside quietly. Kari watched his pale face, trying to ignore the guilt picking at her soul. She should have been here. She never should have let this happen…
"I'm coming in." Kari looked up at the familiar voice and smiled as Tsunade walked in.
"Anata wa?" Sakura asked. 'What a beautiful woman.'
"Sakura-chan! Sakura-chan! Everything will be fine dattebayou!" Naruto cried, following Tsunade and Shizune in. "We brought an amazing person here! Sasuke will be perfectly fine, and then so will Kari-chan dattebayou."
"Naruto…" Sakura turned to Tsunade. "Gai-sensei told me about it, please help Sasuke-kun."
"Aa, leave it to me," Tsunade said, placing a hand on Sasuke's forehead. Her hand glowed green with healing Chakra. The light faded and Sasuke slowly opened his eyes.
"Sasuke!" Naruto cried happily and Kita's tail wagged happily.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura gasped. She watched, tears in her eyes as he slowly sat up. "Sasuke-kun!!" she cried throwing her arms around his neck.
"Sasuke, you…" but Naruto stopped when he realised Sakura was sobbing onto his shoulder. He felt… as though he didn't belong, that he had been cast aside. His feelings were thrown aside however, when he noticed tears in Kari's eyes that she was struggling to hide. He immediately went to her side and sat himself on her lap, pulling her face into his chest. Her arms wrapped around him, her hands gripping the back of his jacket. She had been sitting down and he knew she needed someone close to her. Kita sat beside the chair, looking up sadly.
"Next," Naruto said looking round at Tsunade. Kari had started to shake, but she was still trying to force back her tears. Naruto wanted her out of the room so she could calm down, and if she needed to, break down and cry. He stood up and pulled her with him, wrapping a comforting arm around her and leading her out.
-----x-----
"How pathetic…" Tsunade sighed as Kakashi sat up groggily. "I heard you got beaten by two thugs, and I thought you were a genius."
"Sumimasen," Kakashi said quietly. "Kari, doushita?" he asked, looking around at her. He extended an arm to her and Naruto grudgingly let go. She allowed him to pull her into a one armed hug, but surprised him when she crawled onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck burying her face into his shoulder. "Kari, what's the matter?"
"I couldn't protect you… I couldn't protect Sasuke…" she whispered and he felt her first tear sink through his clothes. "I tried… I really did, but I wasn't strong enough… you still got hurt." She was shaking now, and the tears were breaking free. "I c-couldn't protect Naruto either h-he alm-most died and I couldn't do anything!"
"Kari-chan…" Naruto said sadly. Now he knew why, she was depressed because she felt guilty over things that were beyond her control.
"I'm meant to be so strong with my demons y-yet I can't do anything," her tears were coming faster now, her whole body trembling. How long had she held this in? "I could've lost all three of you and th-there was nothing I could do!"
"Kari it wasn't your fault…" Kakashi said stroking her back as she broke down.
"If I was stronger… If I was faster… If I'd come sooner…"
"Nothing would have changed," Kakashi said gently while Naruto sniffled slightly. He hated seeing her like this.
"Hold her still Kakashi, I need to heal her," Tsunade said, placing her hand gently against Kari's feverish forehead. No wonder she'd been so stressed if she'd been blaming herself this whole time. It took a while, but Tsunade managed to heal the majority of her injuries, closing her wounds, repairing muscle, fixing bones and doing her best with the damage to her mind. Kumouri's Chakra was simmering, yet didn't lash out. Kari silently cried the whole time with a couple hiccoughs here and there. Naruto had held tight to her hand the whole way through, talking softly to her to comfort her.
"Well I've done what I can, she just needs to rest so she can relieve some stress, she needs to sleep, from what Jiraiya told me she hasn't slept hardly at all the whole time away from the village and she's lost weight, again due to stress. Be gentle with her, after letting her feelings out she should feel better soon, but she'll be fragile for a little while," Tsunade said placing a hand on Kari's head. "She's a strong kid, but even the strong sometimes need to be weak."
"Onegai!" Gai cried, appearing around the curtain. "Please hurry up and take care of my Lee!"
"Fine, Kakashi, look after her for a while," Tsunade said, following an anxious Gai.
"Kari-chan," Naruto said letting go of her hand. "We'll go out and get some ramen and you can stay round mine, that should cheer you up dattebayou."
"Arigatou," she said softly managing a weak smile. He kissed her forehead then followed Tsunade out.
"Baka," Kakashi said softly, shifting her so she was sitting sideways. "You can't protect everyone." Tears slid silently down her face again and Kakashi leant back, wrapping his arms around her. "Don't worry, things will be better now."
"Kashi…"
"Mm?"
"Gomen…"
"I'm sorry too Kari, I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me."
-----x-----
"Lee! Tsunade-sama is here!" Gai cried gesturing to the woman just in case Lee had missed her. Tsunade's eyes narrowed.
"Is that your pupil?" she asked, wondering if he'd had a son instead, or maybe some sort of clone?
"That's right! He is my very dear and favourite pupil!!" Gai cried enthusiastically.
"Sou ka. Naruto, are you sure you can be here wasting time?"
"That's right! I promised to go see Iruka-sensei, but I was going to take Kari-chan with me," Naruto said.
"Let her rest a while, then you can take her on a date," Tsunade said.
"Who said anything about a date?!" Naruto cried, his cheeks dusted pink.
"Your face said it all."
"Aa! I'll leave the rest to you dattebayou! But I'm asking Kari-chan if she wants to go!" Tsunade knew when to admit defeat and nodded allowing Naruto to shoot back towards Kakashi's room.
-----x-----
"Kakashi-sensei! I'm gonna take Kari-chan out for ramen with me and Iruka-sensei!" Naruto announced.
"Oh?" Kakashi said surprised. "Do you feel alright to go Kari?"
"Tsunade no Obaachan said she needs to put on weight dattebayou!"
"I'll go Kashi, I'll come back afterwards," Kari said softly. After her cry she felt a lot better, and she felt really hungry anyway.
"Alright," Kakashi agreed, letting her down. She kissed him on the temple and then was half dragged out by an impatient Naruto. He'd forgotten just how fragile she was…
-----x-----
"Naruto!"
"Iruka-sensei you're late dattebayou!" Naruto cried annoyed. Kita had caught up to them and Kari had managed to wash her face and pretty much remove any signs of crying.
"Sorry, you know everyone is busy with preparations for the Godaime Hokage's inauguration," Iruka apologised. "Konnichiwa Kari-chan and Kita," he added, seeing Naruto companions.
"Konnichiwa Iruka-sensei," both replied.
"Whatever you say," Naruto sighed.
"Here you go!" Teuchi cried, finishing the ramen quickly and expertly.
"Ittadekimasu!" Naruto cried before quickly digging in.
"Naruto, you've grown so much and come so far from your old self who just wanted this," Iruka said, pointing to his own hitai-ate.
"Right? You think so too right?" Naruto said happily, finishing half his bowl. "The hitai-ate you gave me looks good on me, doesn't it? You think so too, right Kari-chan?"
"Hai Naru," Kari said smiling and taking another bite of ramen. Kita had mastered the art of a wolf with manners, and had learnt how to eat without getting ramen everywhere.
"Don't let it get to your head; you're still not that great," Iruka reminded. "You need to do better." Naruto huffed and Kari giggled. "Listen Naruto, Konoha is in a difficult situation right now. First the loss of Sandaime, then the loss of many excellent shinobi, Konoha's power is less than half of what it was now. Even so, we must complete our missions."
"Nande, nande? If we don't have enough people we should just reject them," Naruto said.
"That won't do. If we reject missions, then that sends a message to other countries that we are weakened. Even the recovering Kakashi-sensei will be given missions too."
"So that's how it is, must be tough," Naruto said, inhaling some more ramen.
"Hey! This isn't to be taken lightly! You must help Tsunade-sama and carry out missions for the village," Iruka said.
"Mm! But before that I need to satisfy my stomach dattebayou!" Naruto said making Kari smile and shake her head.
"Eh, that's just like you…" Iruka said chuckling. He placed a hand on Naruto's head. "Work hard."
"Seconds!" Naruto cried happily.
"Oi! Oi! Already?!"
-----x-----
"I'm not trying to be rude. You should quit being a ninja."
"Ts-Tsunade-sama," Gai said. "He doesn't need any of theses jokes."
"There are numerous bone fragments along the spinal canal; on top of that, they're deeply embedded. You're in no shape to carry out missions as a ninja."
"Therefore, Tsunade-sama, please stop the joke," Gai asked.
"Even if you do go through with surgery…"
"Don't be fooled by her Lee! That's a fake Tsunade-sama! You must have transformed into her using Henge no jutsu! You impostor, who the hell are you?!" Shizune placed a hand on his shoulder and shook her head.
"Are there no other options?" Lee asked.
"Not only is this surgery only something I can perform, but it will take a very long time and there is a very big risk involved," Tsunade replied.
"Risk?" Gai asked.
"The possibility of this surgery succeeding is at best fifty percent, if it fails… you'll die. You should quit being a ninja and pursue a new path."
"Lee…" Gai said, but was ignored as lee picked up his crutch and limped silently out of the room. "If I had known this would be his prognosis, I never would have shown him to you."
"How could you…?!" Shizune began but Tsunade held up her hand, silencing her.
"I understand very well how you feel, but it should be out in the open. Sooner or later, he will find out. The longer it takes the more suffering he'll go through."
-----x-----
Naruto had walked her back to the hospital and then left her at the reception. He had offered to come with her but she had refused saying that he had helped cheer her up and now she needed some time alone to sort out her thoughts. He had pulled her into his arms, kissed her on the cheek and reminded her to come see him as soon as possible. He then left with Kita.
She stood outside his door, unsure whether to go in. She wanted to see him, make sure he was alright, apologise for not being there. But she didn't know if she could cope with a rejection. Her spirit was too weak right now, and Naruto was her main source of strength and protection. She didn't want to run to him or Kakashi in tears again.
After ten minutes or so of standing outside his door she pushed it open, walking inside.
"Kari," Sasuke murmured looking up at her. She looked awful, she'd lost weight, she clearly hadn't slept and she was pale as a ghost. Her eyes were dulled, the spark still present, but faded. She walked to his bedside slowly, her footsteps leaving no sound. When she was close enough, he pulled her too him forcing her onto the bed, her legs were either side of his as she sat kneeling in front of him. His hands cupped her face and an internal conflict raged his mind. What his brother had done to her… "I… I need…" he began, but didn't know how to explain it. He had felt as though that kiss had claimed her as his brothers, and he couldn't stand the very thought. But the only way he could think of getting rid of it was to kiss her like he did, yet not get pushed away. But what if she saw his brother when he did? Would she think it was Itachi kissing her again? To his surprise however, she nodded.
"I understand," she replied. With that he crashed his lips against hers. He didn't have a clue what to do, but she was patient and opened her mouth slightly allowing him to push his tongue between her lips. It was an odd sensation, hot, wet and soft, then there was her teeth, her canines in particular which were sharp. Her tongue brushed against his and sent shivers down his spine. It was strange, yet… it felt so intimate and at the same time, he liked it. They pulled away for air and he noticed how red her cheeks were, and how her eyes were looking to the side in shy embarrassment.
"Kari…" Sasuke whispered. She didn't have time to look up completely before his arms locked around her waist, his face pushed into her neck. "I thought I was going to lose you…" She wrapped her arms around him and closed her eyes as tears tickled her lashes.
"I thought I was going to lose you too…" her breathing hitched and a tear escaped sliding down her cheek. "I'm sorry Sasuke, I'm sorry I wasn't stronger…" She never realised that a tear had escaped him, yet was thankful he didn't mention her tears, which had painted thin red patterns across her cheeks.
-----x-----
Night had fallen and Lee had hidden at a roof.
"Even if I can't use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, I want to prove that I can still become an excellent ninja! It means everything to me!"
He remembered saying those words when he'd had to introduce himself to his team. His dream… it felt as though it was slipping away…
-----x-----
"Yosh! We're going to work hard today Kita-chan dattebayou!" Naruto cried as he ran through the streets, Kita at his heels. In his excitement, he nearly ran over Lee. "Oh? Gejimayu!"
"Lee-kun!"
"Ohayou gozaimasu, Naruto-kun and Kita-chan," Lee greeted politely.
"Ne, ne, did you have Tsunade no Obaachan look at your injury? How'd it go? How'd it go?" Naruto asked. He didn't realise Lee's depressed expression. "Konohagakure is in a crisis right now, so we have to work hard. Gejimayu, recover soon and we'll go on missions together with Kari-chan and Kita-chan!"
"Naruto-niichan!" Moegi and Udon cried running towards them.
-----x-----
"Ah, I thought I'd find you in here."
"Kakashi?" Sasuke asked, looking round as the Jounin sat beside him.
"Naruto got her to eat and you got her to sleep huh? That's good," Kakashi said as Kari slowly opened her eyes. "Ohayou sleepyhead."
"Mm? Kashi? What time is it?" Kari asked sitting up and rubbing her eyes.
"Mid morning, did you sleep here all night?" Kakashi asked, smiling behind his mask. Kari smiled awkwardly and the Jounin placed a hand on her head. Sasuke didn't seem too bothered that he'd had to share his bad and have her laying on him, it probably felt comforting and familiar.
"Do I have a mission today?" Kari asked.
"Of course not, you've just got back and you had some pretty heavy injuries, you need to rest. Go out and have fun, I'm sure Naruto and the others want to see you," Kakashi said flicking open his book.
"When am I getting out of here?" Sasuke asked.
"Tomorrow I suppose, another guy fighting for your attention ne Kari-chan?" Kakashi teased. Of course, it got the desired blush and scowl.
"What are you trying to say?" Kari huffed.
"Nothing, nothing," Kakashi said with a chuckle. "I think Sakura said something about wanting to take you shopping because you'd grown a little."
"Eh? I don't wanna go shopping," Kari said folding her arms stubbornly. Sasuke sighed and leant back, knowing Kakashi was going to tease her until she got annoyed and probably trick her into doing something stupid. Hey… Wasn't that how he got interested in teasing Kari too in the first place? That sneaky Jounin…
"It's summer Kari, she's probably going to try to get you into skirts and other girly things," Kakashi said.
"I don't like wearing skirts," Kari said stubbornly.
"No wonder you never get any dates, you don't dress girly enough," Kakashi said. Ah yes, the blow to Kari's pride in the climax of the tease. She was going to get annoyed now.
"Eh?! I could too get a date! And if I had to I could dress girly even though I don't like it!" Kari cried.
"Prove it," Kakashi said, eye twinkling. Sasuke rolled his eyes, after the tease usually came the bet and Kakashi would usually lose.
"Fine!" Kari huffed jumping off the bed and walking out.
"Baka, she's going to attack everyone that looks at her the wrong way."
"Most probably," Kakashi said with a chuckle. Maybe this would get Sasuke's attention a little more. Nothing like some good old fashioned jealousy.
-----x-----
"Oh Lee-san, so this is where you were," Sakura said, approaching the bushy-browed boy.
"S-Sakura-san!"
"These are for you," Sakura said, holding out a bouquet of flowers.
"For me? Arigatou gozaimasu!" Lee cried. But in his excitement he tripped his crutch falling to the ground. Sakura supported him, his arm around her shoulders. "Sumimasen, Sakura-san."
"No it's okay, about Sasuke-kun, he'll be out of hospital tomorrow, all thanks to Tsunade-sama," Sakura said, moving him so he could lean against the railing. "By the looks of him he'll soon be able to carry out missions again."
"Is that so? That's good to hear," Lee said smiling as she picked up his crutch.
"Tsunade-sama is indeed amazing. Lee-san, if you let Tsunade-sama take a look at you, I'm sure you'll get better," Sakura said, handing the wooden support to him.
"Hai."
"But if there's anything I can do to help, just let ask," she said smiling.
"Arigatou gozaimasu, Sakura-san," Lee said smiling, a blush fixed on his cheeks.
-----x-----
The door slammed open rather forcefully. They could sense her annoyance before she even walked in, making Kakashi chuckle and then choke when she had actually walked in.
"I can't believe you tricked me into shopping with Sakura," Kari mumbled. She had even made the huge mistake of saying it was for a date and Sakura had gone into shopping overdrive. She had turned Kari into (in Kari's opinion) a wannabe prostitute.
"What the hell are you wearing?" Sasuke said confused and shocked. What she was wearing was a form hugging red tanktop, that Kari believed was cut too low, and a short white skirt (which Kari had refused to wear without black shorts underneath which unluckily, Sakura insisted should be beyond short). To add to her mission, she even wore make up and had made Sakura so happy it actually hurt. What's more, she was wearing a bra instead of her usual bandages and it felt odd to wear one again. She'd managed to keep her stomach wrapped but Sakura had scolded her and said she needed a bra.
"Girly stuff," Kari replied irritated sending Kakashi a dirty look.
"You actually look like a girl…" Sasuke said surprised.
"I'm gonna find a date and get his over with…" Kari said untwisting her bra strap. She had a feeling this would be a long day. She walked out, closing the door behind her.
"That was strange," Sasuke said.
"Sasuke, we have a mission," Kakashi announced.
"We do?"
"We're going to follow Kari and make sure she doesn't get into trouble."
"We're going to spy on her to see if you can find a loophole in the bet?"
"And that…"
-----x-----
"How does he talk me into these things…" Kari sighed. Now, all she had to do was find a friend that was a guy and explain her situation. Naruto and Kita were busy trying to get Konohamaru out of the Hokage's office so he was out. "Why is nobody that I need here?" As luck would have it, she spotted a familiar figure walking in the opposite direction. "Matte!!"
"Kari?" Neji asked, turning around. His eyes widened and a light blush dusted his cheeks. "What in the world are you wearing?"
"Neji-kun, I made a bet with Kashi. He said that I don't dress girly enough and that I can't get a date because of it, so I'm trying to prove him wrong!" Kari explained.
"Wouldn't it have made more sense to wear your usual clothes and get a date?" Neji asked.
"Don't say things that make me feel stupid Neji," Kari said with a sigh. "Besides, Sakura wanted to take me shopping so it was easier this way."
"Sou ka."
"So could you help me out?" Kari asked. He raised an eyebrow and she blushed. "By taking me out on a date?"
"I wouldn't know what to do," Neji admitted.
"Anything, we could train?" Kari asked. He sighed and nodded.
"I thought you would've wanted ice-cream," Neji said slightly surprised.
"You really are a genius, let's get ice-cream afterwards."
"Very well, let's go on a date," Neji said giving in. She smiled happily and hooked her arm with his.
"Hyuuga Neji?" Kakashi said surprised. Sasuke made an annoyed incomprehensible mumble. "This should be interesting." He knew he should've made it so the guy had to ask her, he'd pretty much lost the bet already.
"Tch," Sasuke huffed. Why did it have to be the Hyuuga of all people?
"Let's follow them, think of it as training, Kari has heightened senses and Neji has the Byakugan," Kakashi said stealthily beginning to follow.
"Hn."
-----x-----
"Ne, Neji-kun can you wait a moment? I'm going to make myself more suitable for training," Kari said simply as they headed to a forest clearing. Kari liked to choose the more secluded areas so that her training was less likely to be interrupted. She preferred forest clearings with a source of water, be it a lake, river or waterfall.
"Aa," he replied closing his eyes and resting against a tree while he waited. Once she was a safe distance away, she removed her bra and used the extra bandages she had wrapped around her stomach to wrap her chest. The last thing she needed was to bounce about as she moved. She then removed the skirt leaving only the shorts, the skirt would irritate her as she ran and would distract her. She called Kita, who agreed to take them back home and put them in her bag where Sasuke wouldn't find them.
"Done," Kari said, returning to him. He nodded and moved to the middle of the small clearing, Kari following to stand a few feet in front of him.
"I've thought of some ways to improve your defence," he said and she gave him her full attention. "As Lee said, you have a very weak block and should concentrate on dodging or countering. When you don't think about it, you do a lot better. I've noticed how your movements are light and fluid, even more so after the training for the Chuunin finals, so I'm going to get you to think of that, while also using your natural flexibility."
"So I'm going to be dancing about trying to avoid you?" Kari asked. "But you're too fast, and like you say, I think too much."
"That's why we're going to take it slowly," Neji said.
"Slowly?"
"In slow motion," he explained. She looked puzzled, so he continued. "That way you'll be able to get used to dodging, and be able to build up speed. Also, your thinking time should be faster. But for the most part, try and keep your thoughts clear."
"Alright then," Kari said starting to stretch. She hadn't done decent Taijutsu training in a while, and she'd realised against Kabuto. She'd been working so hard on Rasengan she'd forgotten the need to stretch her muscles. No wonder she'd been feeling stiff. She reached down and placed her hands on the floor and then sat down and pulled her legs apart into a horizontal splits. She then bent her body to her left, her body lying against her leg, and then to her right. She leant forwards, her torso against the floor; she then drew her legs together, and stretched forward again. She got up and then did the splits the other way, one leg in front of her, the other stretching behind her. She stretched forward and then switched legs doing the same. Finished, she used her hands to push her up into a handstand and flipped up, ready to face Neji.
"Let's begin," he said and extended his arm in a thrust, it was slow compared to usual, and she bent to the left, avoiding his hit. He then went to kick, and she went to move to the side, but was caught in the side of her ribs. "Bending back would have been a better option," Neji said. "How far can you bend?"
"Anou?" She squeaked slightly when she was pulled to him.
"Bend back as far as you can, I'll support you so you won't fall," he instructed, placing his hand on her torso and pushing her to bend. She blushed at the contact and felt her back strain; it clicked a few times, unused to this strange movement. "Quite far," Neji said surprised. Another forty five degrees or so and she'd be bent in half.
"Stuck…" Kari mumbled.
"Try bending your legs and straightening your back, concentrate on your feet and balancing your weight." She did so, and felt her back relax slightly, but she was still stuck. He pulled her upright, and they continued their slow motion training.
"He's a good teacher for her," Kakashi said from their point in the trees. They were close enough to have a decent view, but daren't go too close.
"Hn."
"She's picked up a lot from him, her style can be quite like the Hyuuga style at times," Kakashi said. As expected, Sasuke was grumpy, but Kakashi was impressed at the training she was doing in her spare time. No wonder she improved so quickly.
Neji had slowly begun speeding up, but for the most part, Kari was still dodging quite well. She had told him to use Chakra, as they always did, but he tried not to aim directly for anything critical.
"Oomph!" Kari cried when she fell back, reacting a little too late.
"It was better than usual," Neji said with a slight smirk making her spit her tongue out at him. It was hard moving slow when she was made to be fast. "How's your Taijutsu offence been?"
"Pretty neglected to be honest, I've been taught a Ninjutsu that was pretty hard to learn. But I've learnt how to control my Chakra better in my hands so I might get to the point where I can pay you back for Jyuuken-ing my ass all the time."
"If anyone non-Hyuuga will be able to do it, it will most probably be you," Neji said with a slight sigh. "But you'd be better off learning Kaiten so you can defend yourself."
"I can't spin that fast I'll fall over," Kari said with a slight giggle.
"Most probably, try it," Neji said moving back to give her room. She had a habit of going overboard and destroying things. With a sigh she spread her legs slightly and gathered her Chakra. She started to spin trying to pick up speed. Everything went blurred, her head span, and she fell on her behind with an ungraceful flop. "Well, you made a band of Chakra, but not a dome, try again." She promptly fell back.
"When the world stops spinning ne…?" Kari asked, watching the clouds and the tops of trees swirl. She was so dizzy… "I'm not trying that again for a while…"
"Try your dodging techniques on the water then, that requires far more concentration," Neji said walking over to the lake.
"Hai, hai," Kari agreed, getting up off the ground. Kicking off her sandals she walked barefoot onto the water. She knew he would send her flying into the water, but she'd find a way to get revenge. They slid into stance, and began there slow spar, Kari didn't like the slow movements, but was glad it was less painful. His moves steadily started getting faster though which made it more difficult. He went to aim a kick at her and she hastily bent back, only too bend too far. "Wah! I'm gonna fall!" Kari squeaked waving her arms trying to stay balanced, Neji went to pull her back up and she saw her chance, grabbing hold of the front of his shirt, she leant even further back, sending them both crashing into the cool water.
"Oh?" Kakashi said surprised as his favourite student disappeared with a splash. Why did he have a feeling she did that on purpose? So full of mischief…
Sure enough, when they surfaced, Neji was coughing and Kari was in hysterics laughing. He climbed onto the surface of the water and scowled at her, which made her laugh even more.
"You can be so immature…" Sadly, he only succeeded in adding to her mirth. Being the gentlemen he is, he pulled her out and ushered her to the bank. He pulled off his shirt and wrung it out, making a nice big puddle. He was completely soaked, and she was thoroughly pleased about it. He removed the soggy linen from his right arm and leg. He then loosened his hair so it wouldn't have a wave at the bottom, and make him look girly. He threw his shirt at her and it landed on her head.
"You enjoyed it really," Kari said trying to contain her giggles. Her shirt stuck to her like an extra layer of skin much to her dismay, and her bangs kept dripping cold water onto her face. He gave her an odd look; they both then blushed and looked away. They didn't realise wet looked sexy…
"You really don't like that Hyuuga do you?" Kakashi asked, trying to keep in his own laughter. Sasuke looked prepare to kill the boy and his eye was twitching in annoyance. Teenagers…
"Ne, you still owe me ice-cream," Kari said smiling at him.
"You pulled me in the lake, you don't deserve it," Neji said with a smirk. He blushed when she threw her arms around his neck.
"Gomenasai, gomenasai, gomenasai!" Kari cried desperately.
"Fine. You can have ice-cream," Neji sighed, placing a hand on her head, making her ears twitch. She grinned, her tail wagging in delight. She wasted no time grabbing his hand and pulling him in the direction of the nearest ice-cream selling place.
"Kawaii," Kakashi chuckled.
"They are not cute," Sasuke grumbled.
"Kari is the definition of cuteness, especially when she wants something," Kakashi said, remembering those big innocent eyes that made a chunk of his salary disappear to the delights of ice-cream, pocky and various other sweets. "Should we follow?"
"Hn." Sasuke all but abandoned his sensei to follow, Kakashi chuckling and chasing after the jealous teen.
-----x-----
"You're getting stronger all the time Kari," Neji commented as he watched her happily lick her cold creamy treat.
"Shows I have a good sempai ne?" Kari said with a smile. Neji blushed slightly but smirked.
"Aa, how did I know I would find you here?"
"Kashi?" Kari asked looking up, having finally finished her ice-cream. Seeing that Sasuke was getting restless and was not prepared to sit still, Kakashi decided it was time they showed themselves to Kari. "And you would know because you've most probably been following me to try and find a way out of paying up for the bet."
"Would I?"
"Hai, you would," Kari replied.
"You're not wearing the skirt so I shouldn't have to pay up," Kakashi said deciding to try and get out of it.
"I wore it to begin with," Kari said stubbornly.
"Fine, fine, I just hoped you behaved well," Kakashi said, giving a pointed look to her wet clothes and the fact Neji wasn't wearing a shirt, it was in fact slung over his shoulder as he waited for it to dry. Sasuke was shooting glares at him, while the Hyuuga returned them puzzled. "Did you have a good time?"
"Hai!" Kari replied happily, her tail wagging lazily.
"Tch," Sasuke scoffed folding his arms.
"You know, it's not a proper date unless you kiss," Kakashi said simply, turning a page of his book.
"Stop making up extra rules," Kari said irritated. He was such a cheat sometimes. "Fine, but not while you two are looking."
"Nani?!" Sasuke cried and Kakashi forcibly turned him round, deeming his attempt of getting Sasuke jealous a success. Maybe now he'd realise that he liked her.
"Anou…" Kari said blushing and smiling nervously. "Gomen, I didn't mean to make it awkward for you."
"Gai-sensei would have been undoubtedly worse," Neji said, trying to keep his own blush under control.
"We don't have all day Kari-chan!" Kakashi called, smirking under his mask when he felt her glare on his back. Already embarrassed, she decided to just go for it and placed a light kiss on his lips. Their eyes closed in the innocent show of affection, but they were rudely brought down to earth when Kakashi called again. "Are you done yet?"
"Anou, today was fun, we should do it again sometime," Kari said, her cheeks radiating heat. He smiled fully aware of his own blush. She stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Arigatou Neji-kun," with that she placed a kiss on his cheek and then jumped on Kakashi's back shouting things about ' baka ero-sensei'.
"That was different," Neji mused as he decided to head home, he didn't realise Tenten come up and speak to him, he was too busy blissfully floating on air.
-----x-----
"I found you Tsunade-sama!" Shizune cried. Tsunade looked up and Shizune looked down to see a book open in front of her master. "AIYEE! Tsunade-sama is studying?!!"
"OINK?!"
"Urusai ne, I can't concentrate," Tsunade said, turning the page.
"AIYEE?! CONCENTRATE?!!" Shizune squealed in horror. "This is the first time outside your gambling that I've heard you say that!"
"Shizune…" Tsunade sighed. "Do you remember that medical ninja Kabuto?"
"What about him?" Shizune asked, calming down.
"His method to make new cells… I was searching for a way to use that on my patients.
"Is that for Lee-kun?"
"If the percentage increases from fifty to fifty one percent I think it's worth it don't you?" Tsunade asked.
"But not many ninja can do that technique..." Shizune said.
"I'll just have to learn," Tsunade said surely, taking another sip of drink.
-----x-----
"Baka, now he's going to beat me up in training for embarrassing him," Kari said with a sigh.
"You had fun though?" Kakashi asked, not bothering to look up from his book.
"Hai," Kari agreed, trying to get the book from him, but was easily held back.
"You shouldn't win the bet," Sasuke grumbled. Both kunoichi and sensei looked round puzzled. "You didn't wear you girl clothes." He looked at her with an evil glint his eye. "You're not wearing that girl underwear."
"EH?!" Kari cried quickly folding her arms. "What were you doing looking?!"
"It was obvious," Sasuke said simply. Kakashi silently wondered if he'd made things worse.
"HATAKE!" a stout, angry looking woman in hospital uniform stomped towards him. "You and that boy are meant to be in bed! To the hospital. NOW."
"At home we—"
"No arguments or you're staying in for a week!"
"Kari-chan!" Naruto cried, rushing towards her with Kita at his side. Tsunade had easily walked into the room and easy deflected Konohamaru's traps to get a book on how to help Lee. Konohamaru had relented and come out after that and Naruto had visited the memorial stone and promised that no one would forget Sandaime. He stopped and took in her different look. "You look great, dattebayou!" he cried grinning and giving her a thumbs up.
"Baka," Sasuke scoffed.
"Sasuke," Kakashi said, eyeing the glowering nurse. "Let's go to hospital so we don't upset the medic."
"Usuratonkachi."
"Look after her Naruto," Kakashi said, pulling her into a lazy hug which she happily returned. She then hugged Sasuke farewell, only to punch him in the jaw a second later. She then grabbed Naruto and stormed off.
"What did you do?" Kakashi asked surprised while Sasuke rubbed his jaw.
"Nothing," Sasuke huffed, a smirk sliding onto his face.
"If you don't get your asses to hospital, I will drug you and drag you myself" the nurse cried, pulling out a syringe. They both reluctantly headed to hospital.
-----x-----
"Ne, Kari-chan what did Sasuke-teme do?" Naruto asked.
"Nothing," she said having gotten her bag from Sasuke's apartment. She flexed her fingers, while trying to calm down. She could still feel his hand squeezing her ass. "Sasu-usuratonkachi."
"How about ramen, that'll cheer you up," Naruto said with a grin. "Then we'll head to mine dattebayou."
"Hai, thanks Naru," Kari said with a smile. He was so sweet, unlike some people.