Hi, because we managed to arrive at 211+ reviews, I will update not only because of that reason because the Mid-QT exams are again coming, so I might as well update for everyone to smile.
This chapter is approximately 8,945 words. xD I love you guys! Yay!
SHIKAMARU and HINATA are our MAIN GUY AND GAL HERE FOR TODAY, basically you're gonna here more from them. Just so you don't get confused as to why I always mention them in this CHAPTER! XD LOVE YAH GUYS!
To readers and reviewers:
Thank you for reviewing all the way, you make me smile all the time whenever I read you're comments. Some say they want me to update soon and I will... because you asked and you stuck with my story for so long, so here! xD thank you everyone, I love you guys!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, except for the plot and the reviews and my readers, my reviewer... my dog... I own them... lol, okay so I don't own the people but I own my dog. XD
(streets of Konoha)
Ino was grunting in annoyance while she was walking through the streets with her body hunched forward. She didn't like where this was going. First Shikamaru and Chouji had come to help her in the shop, now she was walking down the streets looking for her friends. It was all too sudden for them, Shikamaru just had to bring them along, no, actually it was Naruto that caught them in that mess.
"Naruto." She thought. "And the meeting. Could it be what I think it is?"
It wasn't everyday that they were going to an important meeting of the Kage's and they would certainly present themselves as worthy Konoha Ninja's. Ino hated how this was playing, she didn't know the reason to why they were being summoned. They weren't summoned before, so why now?
It was suspicious.
What made it more suspicious is that Shikamaru wouldn't tell her anything until she finds the the girls in team 7,8, and team Gai. Shikamaru and Chouji would go find the rest.
"Stupid mission he gave me." She grumbled. "It's not fair... it's his job!"
She could see the villagers happy, hanging some decorations in the streets, putting out stands. They were all getting prepared especially the ninja's. You could see different kinds of ninja's, some genin's helping the villagers hang street lamps and posters.
"At least everyone's happy." Ino smiled and kept it to herself. She was glad there was peace at last and the children would be safe and families happy.
The chunin's helping with other constructions and help clean up the meeting place in the underground of the Hokage tower and the jounin's and ANBU were supervising and protecting the village. Everyone is at peace and all because of Naruto.
"That idiot." Ino giggled as she walked. "Who knew the dead last was going to be the greatest Hokage, and the one to bring peace to the hidden villages. Because of him, an alliance was brought up."
Her thoughts wondered about Naruto as to why it was important for all his friends to attend. There were less crimes involving them all. The only one that would lead them to come together as witness is... No... She brushed the thought of it.
"It's not possible..." She looked at the sky, wondering if her friends could be looking at it differently. "Could it be him? It's possible... isn't it?"
When she turned to a corner in the streets towards an open field to a small forest that lead to the training grounds. She saw Tenten and Neji sparring with each other while Lee and Gai were doing warm-ups. Tenten was throwing bombs, swords and kunai's towards Neji who was swiftly dodging.
"That's amazing." Ino stopped walking to watch them spar.
Neji ran towards Tenten and tried to jab her to block her tenketsu with jyuuken. She quickly reacted and placed a wall of weapons around her. He was about to hit it but reacted seconds later, he slid towards tenten and applied chakra on his feet to flip backwards and assume the pose of the jyuuken again.
"Neji! You need more time to react." Gai shouted not too far away while he was dodging Lee's moves. "You have to be more Youthful and rise to standards above all others, The strength is there as well as the mind but you are in deep thought..."
"Gai-sensei, thinks that is unyouthful..." Lee spoke in-between punches and kicks. "Neji-san, you're mind seems clouded the way you fight Tenten. The lack of passion, the sweat, the struggle and the gutsiness... it is not there! YOSH!"
Neji shook his head in annoyance.
"Great, Shikamaru would want me to get everyone I can find." Ino smiled, as she slowly walked towards them. "I wonder if they know what's happening around them."
"Yeah, Neji what's on your mind." Tenten asked as she rummaged through her scrolls. "And ignore Lee's comments about your passion, and whatever.
"I intend to forget what he said." Lee scowled at Neji but returned to fighting Gai.
"So what is it?" Tenten wondered.
"I'm worried about Hinata-san." Neji looked at them and bowed his head. His fists shaking. "She did not come home last night and Hiashi-sama told me that she was with Naruto all night. I completely understand that but... I'm just worried. She shouldn't mingle with the wrong people."
"Who? Naruto?" Tenten scowled at him. "He's the Hokage, show him some respect."
"It's not Naruto-kun I'm worried about!" Neji muttered as Gai went behind him.
"Oh, He is very YOUTHFUL!" Gai shouted at the top of his lungs. "To think he is already for such PHYSICAL CHALLENGE with a woman such as Hinata! He is the Hokage, he deserves women!"
Tenten and Neji sweat dropped and shuddered at the words while Lee backed him up with more horrible descriptions. Neji moved away from the two and stared back in annoyance. Surely they were kidding, but he had no time to joke around.
"You idiots! I do not think Hinata-san would so such a think without getting married yet!" Neji glared and crossed his arms. "You are all assuming too much of her. Besides, it's not Naruto-kun that I'm worried about it's his friend!"
"Who Sakura? You think she's going to butt in?" Neji twitched, what are they all assuming? "Beats me, I'm only guessing here... you could save us the trouble by telling us.
"Oh! Overflowing Youth! With an ultra- SWING!" Gai posed as he grabbed Lee and threw him in the air. "Power of Youth will bring forth Happiness... Wahaha!"
Tenten threw her weapons towards Gai, who quickly dodged the attack. Neji was fuming on the inside while Tenten was beyond outraged by the words.
"This is going to be harder than I thought it would be." Ino slouched her body, she knew what would happen if she were to go there so soon. She carefully walked towards them trying to avoid unnecessary movements.
Tenten resumed training and threw her weapons again towards the unguarded Neji. Who reacted fast as he dodged the first few weapons.
"Hinata could be wherever she wants to be. The girl can get caught in anything with Naruto. Who's to say they're with each other now?" Tenten said as she brought out her stick and started swinging violently.
"That's what worries me." Neji sighed as he used his Jyuuken style against her.
"Hinata? Odd, I haven't seen her too." She squealed inside thinking she might be with Naruto as she headed towards the group. "Hey, Hey guys... guess what? Guess what? Do you guys know already? Hey!"
Tenten stopped throwing her weapons and sealed them back inside a scroll while she dodged the remaining weapons that were repelled back by Neji, using the Rotation technique. Neji stopped as well and stood up straight and eyed her.
"Ino-san! You are awfully Youthful today!" Lee stopped attacking Gai and brought his fists up as his teammates just stared at him with disagreement. "Don't you think so too Gai-sensei?"
"Yes my student, Lee."
Gai gave a striking pose as his teeth glistened in the sunlight, while his two other students sweat dropped at the way the two reacted, Neji was pissed that his morning was being ruined by the youthful guys in green spandex. Tenten could no longer comment.
"She is very lovely today, what is it that you are making us guess? Ino? Surely it's about a special mission that would bring forth our Youthful strengths. A boulder itself is no match for TEAM GAI! Right Lee?"
"Yes, Gai-sensei!" Lee shouted and joined him but Ino interrupted them before they go into that sunset genjutsu everyone sees. Ino rushed forward to stop them.
"No Gai-sensei..." Ino giggled at them as she took a breath and looked serious.
"What is it Ino?"
"Listen and listen carefully, I was given orders from Shikamaru to only say this once and you can ask me the questions later. I'm not sure if you guys know already but... well here goes nothing..."
They all nodded as they waited for her patiently. Ino was trembling deep inside, she wasn't sure how she was going to break the news to them. She took one last breath and eyed them.
"Shikamaru told me to tell you guys that you have been summoned to appear as witnesses to the Kage's meeting this afternoon. Reasons will be coming from Shikamaru because he hasn't told me anything yet until we gather the rookie 9 and team Gai... You're the first to hear it from me."
"Wait Ino..." Tenten placed her hand on her hips. "The Kage's meeting right? So, why are we being summoned as witness and why us?"
"Beats me Tenten." Ino just shrugged. "I'm just following orders."
"I think I have a suspicion." Neji glared at nothing, he was deep in thought. "It wasn't Shikamaru's orders as the counselor, it was Naruto's. He was the one that asked us to be a witness to him, isn't it Ino?"
"Yeah, he sent ANBU at my flower shop not long ago." Ino pointed to the direction of the shop. "5 ANBU's told Shikamaru to gather Konoha 11. Said it was urgent and it was up to him to discuss it with us! The Hokage's words are absolute so we should attend, our parents would be there as well. Clan members too."
"Something must really be wrong then." Lee wondered. "For Naruto-kun to ask for all of us at once and have Shikamaru be the one to tell it. Especially if it involves the council, the Kage's, us and the Clan members. It must really be important."
"Then my suspicions must be correct." Neji sighed as he looked at his friends confused faces. Someone was about to ask when he shook his head. "I'll tell you later, Shikamaru asked for us right? Where are we going to meet?"
"He said at training grounds 55, it's not far from here. So will you come?"
Ino looked at her friends as they each looked at each other. Ino was regretting even finding this team to take along with her. She was worried she couldn't convince them. Desperate times call for desperate measures. She raised both her hands and slammed them together.
"Please whatever it is you got to come, you too Gai-sensei! Shikamaru said it's really important and that he needs to discuss it immediately!"
"Ino, you shouldn't worry." Gai placed both his hands on his hips. "I will make sure my team is present!"
"Don't worry Ino-san!" Lee raised a fist up and his eyes began to sparkle. "I will come to training grounds 51 with you for Naruto-kun! He has brought back my spirit of Youth numerous times now."
"And you guys?" Ino looked at the remaining team members of team Gai.
"Me too." Neji grumbled. "I might be able to contribute on the information that Shikamaru has. I don't think he has all of it thought out."
"If they are coming then so am I." Tenten smiled at Ino and Ino returned it. "So, what time do you need us there? Is it rushed?"
"It's definitely rushed." Ino tensed as she realize what time it is. "Guys, come on let's head to the training grounds. I'm sure Shikamaru and Chouji have found team 8 already!"
Ino turned around and ran to the streets with Tenten following behind her carrying her giant scrolls. She screamed for the girl to stop, Gai and Lee made a bet to get there first as they ran past Ino and Tenten, with Ino shouting at them to wait up.
Neji shook his head as he made a clone to find Shikamaru. How careless can some of his friends be... he smiled as he ran after them all. Leaving the clone to do his work.
(in the other streets of Konoha)
They were walking down the streets of Konoha. It was a busy day as ever, children running with masks and party hats, decorations hanging all over the place, people running to stores to buy foods and set up stands. Cleaning the streets, genin, chunin, jounin and even ANBU are making an appearance all over the place.
"Troublesome." Shikamaru yawned as he walked. "To think their all getting so worked up on this..."
"Shikamaru..." He turned to look at Chouji.
"What is it Chouji?" Chouji looked at him but returned to looking at the ground. "I know you're bothered about this meeting, it's obvious in your face and your tone. You want to talk about it?"
"You clearly don't want to." Chouji chuckled and continued to eat his chips. "I know it's serious."
"What a drag." Shikamaru grinned and looked at the sky. "I'll tell you about it later when we gather Konoha 11. This is going to be one hell of a meeting. The villagers don't even know it."
"Are you certain everyone is needed?" Shikamaru flinched and continued to look at the sky, with reflexes he was walking along side Chouji without having to look at where he was going.
"Yes, Chouji. As much as I hate it, we have to. Orders are orders."
"Think Ino... had any luck..." Chouji munched. "...at finding... them?"
"I hope so, it would save us the trouble." He sighed.
Shikamaru was rubbing the back of his head while Chouji was eating beside him. He looked from side to side to look for his friends. He wondered if Ino had any luck locating them. To look in a whole village was troublesome enough but having to find his friends and tell them about the reason of the meeting was something else.
Shikamaru stopped as he heard a familiar voice in one of the village road in an alley way towards the civilian and clan houses. He turned to a corner as Chouji followed him silently munching on his chips. He stopped when the voice grew louder.
He could see them clearly and just grinned at what he saw.
"Guess we don't have to look anymore Chouji." Shikamaru kept grinning as he slowly walked over towards them. He could see one rambling while the other stayed calm.
"Are you insane?" The voice shouted, it was loud, annoying and a bit hoarse. "It was freaking amazing that he survived! He practically ate about 50 of these things, how is he not suppose to get sick? Tell me?"
"If you look after him more closely he wouldn't have to get checked up on." The second voice was cool, calm and serious. Someone whimpered at the sidelines, there was a third one.
"What? You are insane! Their you're damn bugs!" Another whimper can be heard. "Akamaru is going to get sick! Shino this is your fault! If you just kept your bugs in your body then..."
"They are edible bugs which..." The second person pointed out. "...means that they are suppose to be eaten, but I would prefer they should not be, because they are living creatures. It's obvious Kiba, a normal person can differentiate between edible bugs and dangerous ones."
"STUPID! How was I suppose to know they were edible?" The first one got even more angrier. "For all I know he ate your bugs! Which can mean a whole lot of things on my part! He thought it was just some kind of chocolate or some kind of beans or something!"
"This conversation is not going anywhere!" He sternly spoke. "Since you own dogs and have a pack you should know better that chocolates are dangerous for dogs, Kiba."
"GAH! You're hopeless SHINO!"
Shikamaru smiled, he knew those voices very much. They were Kiba, Shino and Akamaru, all fighting about something Akamaru ate.
Bugs probably.
Shikamaru laughed at the conversation, it was pointless. Shikamaru walked over to them, they were in a small alleyway of the houses and they were under a huge tree.
(A/N: picture the place when Naruto first met them again in Shippuden, where Hinata passed out when Naruto was looking for a replacement teammate)
Shino was leaning against the tree facing Kiba who was still shouting at him while Akamaru was lying on the ground on his back. Shikamaru frowned when he saw Hinata wasn't there. He knew Hinata probably left when she was told about the Kage's meeting. They have to look for her too, since she had to help.
"Hey Kiba, Shino, Akamaru." Shikamaru smiled and waved at them. "It's been a while since we got together!"
"Ruff!" Akamaru barked.
Kiba turned to see who it was and smiled at him. Kiba placed his hands behind his head and grinned while Shino made no motion to them. Akamaru was on the ground whimpering about the bugs he ate. Clearly trying to get some attention.
"Hey Shikamaru! Tell Shino here he's at fault for feeding Akamaru bugs!" Kiba pointed while Akamaru pretended to look in pain, Shikamaru sighed at the lack of intelligence Kiba's trying to show.
"I did not feed him any." He said stoically. "He ate it on his own."
"I'd rather not deal with you're issues, I have issues on my own that needs you to participate in it." He looked at them seriously. Kiba flinched while Shino stayed emotionless. Akamaru sat straight and looked as if there was a mission.
"Hey Shikamaru if you're trying to scare us, don't!" Kiba laughed managing to hide his concerned face. "Did you managed to get out of the office doing paperwork?"
"Actually I'm on the job as of now." Shikamaru sighed and shook his head. "Look, I'm here because of orders from Naruto. We need to talk about the meeting of the Kage's and the reason behind it. He wants me to talk to you guys so you could be witnesses."
"Kage's meeting." Kiba lowered his head and muttered something only he understood.
"Why? You know something about it?" Shikamaru placed both his hands in his pocket and stared awkwardly at his friend who was still looking at the ground.
"Guess you know too then. It's about him." Kiba glared and Shikamaru only flinched.
"How much do you know Kiba?" He glared back.
"About time!" Kiba grunted and crossed his arms. Shikamaru, Chouji and Shino were shocked. "What? Why are you all staring? Don't tell me you don't know? Shikamaru clearly knows."
"You... know?" Shikamaru wondered. "How did you know about him? Nobody told you, did Hinata?"
"Do you think my nose lie? I can smell him a mile away." He frowned and glanced at Shino. "We both know, his bugs don't lie and neither does our sense of smell. Hinata was part of it? Oh, I guess it's because of Naruto then, I get it."
"To think you already know." Shikamaru grabbed the bridge of his nose as he started to think."Damn it."
Shino must have talked Kiba into keeping it a secret. If word got out Sasuke was in the village, the villagers will start their own little war. Why didn't he think about Kiba and Shino in the first place. Shino's bugs, and Kiba's nose.
"Damn you two." Shikamaru surrendered.
"It's not hard to notice." Kiba shuddered. "It was all a coincidence, the kazekage, him leaving the village and sending back his backup. Seriously, and you're desperately trying to hide it! You're the idiots here, the guys should be executed."
"What are you guys talking about?" Chouji asked as he kept stuffing himself with the bag of chips. Nobody payed much attention to him as Kiba spoke answering his questions.
"Don't worry, only we know." Kiba started as Chouji was confused.
"Are you sure about that Kiba?"
"He's telling the truth." Shino reassured Shikamaru. Kiba took a deep breath and told Shikamaru what he knew leaving details for Chouji to find out.
"We didn't tell any of you because we think there's a lot in your minds already. Found out when he first walked into the village. Shino found out when I asked him to track the scent using his bugs. I also did some snooping when you were gathering in Naruto's house. It all lead there."
"Seriously..."
"Were trackers, what do you expect."
"Come on, we need to head to training grounds 55." Shikamaru looked at the direction where the training ground was. "We really need to find the others... Let's just hope Ino managed to find the rest."
Suddenly Neji jumped down on them coming from one of the roofs. It startled them as they noticed it was just a clone. Shino eyed the clone but chose to let it go when it spoke.
"Damn Neji, you didn't have to just pop out of nowhere." Kiba grunted and looked away.
"Where's your team Neji?" Chouji asked.
"They are at the training grounds." The clone responded.
"You're a clone." Shino crossed his arms as the others realized it.
"Ino sent you?" Shikamaru asked.
"Yes, she managed to get team Gai, I see you've managed to get team 8." Neji clone looked at them and back to Shikamaru. "Please find Hinata-san next. I suggest you hurry, we are already at the training grounds and are waiting for your arrival."
The clone poofed and disappeared, while the rest remained to stare at each other.
"There's no use staying here anymore. Let's go."
"I agree."
An awkward silence reigned over them as Shino started walking away towards the training grounds. Kiba followed after while as Shikamaru told Chouji to follow after them. There was no use just standing there waiting, they needed to regroup for the better of the village.
Troublesome.
Chouji obliged and headed straight for them, while Shikamaru had volunteered himself to find Hinata. He started walking to where he thinks she might be at or so he hopes. He started walking towards a street that headed for Naruto's favorite restaurant.
"What a drag."
(Ichiraku Ramen)
Hinata sat at the Ramen shop eating Miso soup while she went back to thinking about Naruto. He was busy with the village, busy with Sasuke, busy with the council, with the Kage's... heck, he's busy with everyone. She gripped her chopsticks hard trying not to let out a scream.
It was hard to realize what Naruto meant to her and what she meant to him. They were feeling like it's one-sided, when both of them know the other loves the other. Why was it so hard to show them how they really feel?
They couldn't understand what the other wants and is afraid they won't be what the other expects them to be. They were afraid to be judged, but Why is that so complicated when you two know each other so much?
"I love you Naruto-kun, I'm just worried you won't like what you see in me." Hinata closed her eyes, fighting the tears. "You fell in love with Sakura-san before, I'm worried that you might not love me as much as you did her."
She mentally slapped herself.
"No! Naruto-kun's in love with me, not Sakura-san. He's given up on her... he told me he loved me.. he's not going to get back with her... she has Sasuke-kun, and she loves him. Sakura-san won't take Naruto-kun away... will she?"
"Are you alright?" Hinata looked up to see who it was. "You seem like you're worried about something."
"Ayame-chan..." Hinata spoke softly and looked down at her half-eaten soup. "I-it's... I'm... fine." She smiled at her trying to make her sound a bit normal.
"You shouldn't lie to me, sweetie." Ayame smiled at her as she placed both elbows on the table and her palms under her chin. "You're troubled, you've been here before with Naruto. Why are you alone now? I remember you two were dating."
"W-we are... umm.. were... I mean..." Hinata began pressing her fingers towards each other and blushing furiously. She took a deep breath and looked at Ayame who was frowning at her.
"Something happened between you two." Ayame leaned forward and whispered. "You can tell me, I might be able to help you. Is it because he's always busy?"
"How did you... ?" Hinata bit her lips, she wasn't going to cry.
Not now. Not ever. Not for him. Not like that.
"Sweetie, being the Hokage's girlfriend takes responsibility." Ayame smiled at her. "He will always be busy and when he's done, he will always look for you."
"What do you mean?" Hinata's head shot upward. "If Naruto-kun's always busy then..."
"Shh!" Ayame placed a finger on her lips. "Think about it... Naruto's been busy with work, when he's finished with everything, he'll be looking for you. Get it? He's tired, he wants to be relaxed, he'll be looking forward to see you."
"Y-you really think so?" Hinata was now having second thoughts. "Are you sure, because Naruto-kun is...?"
"What did he tell you before you came here and before he did his job?" Ayame eyed her and waited for her to respond. Hinata blinked a few times and tried to stop herself from trembling. She took a deep breath and shut her eyes.
I plan on visiting Hiashi-sama to ask him something first. Then we can get together later. Is that okay with you? Naruto's voice was soothing, she felt the urge to drool at the thought but quickly brushed it off.
"He told me that..." A smile creeping on her face. "He planned on talking to my father and that... we were going to get together later."
"What are you so worried about then?" Ayame smiled and gave her a thumbs up. "If it makes you feel better, I think he's going to speak about your hand in marriage or something..."
"Ah!" Hinata blushed and started fidgeting. "That's... isn't that... it's too soon. I mean... no..."
"How long have you been waiting for Naruto?" Ayame crossed her arms and glanced at her father looking at the sidelines attending to the other customers. "Let me rephrase that..."
Hinata looked at her patiently.
"How long have you loved him and how long have you waited for him to notice you?" Ayame seriously looked at her when deep inside she was grinning like an idiot with victory plastered all over her face.
"Well... ever... s-since..." She blinked and stared at her soup. "Since we were kids... when we were 5, he saved me from a group of kids that were bullying me. I then began to... notice him and his constant failure and admired him for getting back up."
She took her chopsticks and moved the noodles around her bowl.
"I guess, I've loved him for as long as I can remember. And up til now, I've waited for the day he would touch me and treat me as someone that he loves and cherishes. To be... to be... his.. w-wife... I guess... I wanted to be that person that will be by his side forever."
She glanced at Ayame who was staring at her in disbelief.
"I've been waiting for him, I'm glad he started dating me and I just wish... well... were on our.. 20's age and... I was thinking about... well... I guess with all the waiting... I'm excited to... sort of... be with him and just take him in. I know it's selfish for me to do so, but with the wait, I need to at least get something in return."
Ayame blinked and grabbed her hands and smiled.
"That's it!" She shouted startling the customers. "You got the answer all by yourself. You can't wait and you want him to take your hand in marriage but your afraid that it's too soon and he wouldn't like the idea. Your afraid that if you wait any longer someone else will take him, is that right?"
Hinata only nodded.
"Then you should stick next to him." Ayame pondered for a moment and got an idea. "Listen, just be yourself and stick with him in the end. Don't you dare doubt yourself, you're pretty and feminine in all shapes."
Hinata blushed at her comment. "T-thank you."
"Not only that but your a talented Kunoichi." She smiled. "You give every woman here a bit of strength that they too can be strong. People envy you because you have a special place in Naruto's heart something no other girl can compare with."
"You should listen to her..." Teuchi tapped the table and placed a hand on her daughters shoulder. "She's experienced this and mostly because we know Naruto since he was just a kid because he always comes here."
"Naruto was an energetic child and he places his precious people above others. You are one of them that he cherishes the most. He probably thinks that he's a bit harsh on you for leaving you hanging when you two want more..."
"Ayame..." Teuchi grunted as her daughters perverted side is showing. "She doesn't need info on that kind of subject. She doesn't want to hear about what you do in life either. Your life is like a bowl of Ramen..."
"Dad!" Ayame blushed, crossed her arms and returned to speaking with Hinata. "Don't take it, my dad is exaggerating."
"Am not."
"Listen, you two are avoiding each other because both of you are worried that the other is not yet ready." Hinata's heart skipped a beat.
"T-that's true!"
"See... Hinata... you're ready but Naruto thinks that you might not be with the feelings of shyness you show him. He's worried he might hurt you if you ever end up that way. Your just starting your relationship and both of you are beginners. You are ready but you close yourself off because you think Naruto's not ready. See what I mean."
"I completely understand." Hinata smiled as she seems to be getting her confidence back. "Thank you so much Ayame-chan. You've brought a new light in me, I understand what I have to do now."
"That's the spirit." Teuchi grinned as his other customers were also cheering on her. "Thank goodness Ayame knows love so well..."
"Oh, shut up Dad." Ayame fought a blush. "Good luck Hinata, remember were cheering for you. You don't know how much Naruto talks about you when he comes here... oopss... keep that between us."
She winked at Hinata, who giggled in response.
"Ayame-chan... I want to ask you something else... about... what if... Naruto-kun... had some other gir-"
Suddenly Hinata's voice became dry and she tensed when she heard a familiar voice behind her. She knew that voice anywhere, the girl Naruto once loved. The person he promised to, the girl that fought along side him in the war.
"Oh dear." Ayame face palmed. "What can I get you?"
"Can I have some Miso soup please?" Hinata turned to see her.
"Sure... I'll leave you two alone." Ayame crept up to Hinata and whispered. "You can do it, find the courage to set things straight. Nothing should be the same as it was before. You're not weak..."
Hinata's eyes widened. Those words were encouraging her to confront her fears. She smiled she knew she would never get some closure until she dealt with the situation.
Pink hair, green eyes wearing her normal outfit sleevless red shirt with a matching skirt. Sakura. She looked terrible in Hinata's opinion. She had been crying and avoiding everyone she met. Now, they were facing each other.
"Oh, I didn't see you there Hinata." Sakura faked a smile. She wasn't in the mood. "F-funny meeting you here... of a-all p-places..."
"Funny? I don't think it's funny..." Hinata frowned. "I think it hurts us both... seeing each other like this. Were both hurting aren't we, Sakura-san?"
Hinata lowered her head. She did not want to confront Sakura like this, after she got her confidence back. She wanted to confirm something, she was worried... heck any girl would be worried if you were dating someone and find the girl your boyfriend once loved.
It was frustrating.
"Umm.. Sakura-san..." Hinata bit her lips, finding the right words.
"Don't... Hinata..." Sakura looked away from her as Hinata's head shot towards her. "Don't start... Please..."
So both of them were in turmoil. Hinata could see Sakura's features, she wasn't eating properly for the last few days, she was pale, her lips were dry and her eyes were red from crying. It must be that fight she had with Sasuke. It still wasn't resolved.
Sasuke was also hiding the fact he was worried about Sakura, if he could see the condition Sakura was in right now he'd be on a rampage demanding to know her status.
"Hinata." Sakura began as Hinata faced her but not looking at her eyes. "I'm sorry for ever thinking you were lying to me. I was mad... because Naruto kept it secret from me. I was his friend, I was confused as to why he chose you to help him."
"Sakura-san..."
"We were suppose to help each other get Sasuke-kun back in the village." Sakura wiped a tear forcing out of her eyes. "We promised each other we were going to get him back together."
Hinata touched her on the shoulders and she flinched. Hinata sadly smiled at her as she kept wiping her tears. Hinata fiddled with her fingers and tried to speak.
"The only reason that Naruto-kun trusted me... is because the two of us... are together. He must... trust me because he knows that you are... somewhat broken... at some point and he doesn't want you to worry. He wanted you... to be safe."
"I know Naruto knows what's best for me." Sakura gave a smile to Hinata."You know... If only I realized sooner that Naruto was really kind and sweet, I would have given him a chance to date me. Instead of Sasuke-kun, who always breaks my heart. You've been witness to it first hand.
Hinata's head lowered even more her bangs hiding her eyes. Naruto knows what's best. Hinata's hands were clenched tightly on her lap. She wanted to hit Sakura but she knew it would get her in trouble. I would have given him a chance to date me.
Tough luck. Hinata snarled. You've had your chance at Naruto-kun, it's my turn now. I've waited for so long, I think I deserve more... You... always hurt him... he always helps you... at least I return the favor... I show Naruto-kun that he means so much to me!
"Hey, Hinata." Sakura placed her hand on Hinata's. Hinata flinched and her fists relaxed. "Thank you for helping Naruto, for getting Sasuke-kun back... For helping team 7, I'm sorry I pushed you back... told you that it wasn't any of your business."
"Quit faking it." Sakura's inner spoke to her startling her.
"I'm not faking it."
"You're jealous of her. The way she looks, the way she's so kind and caring. You envy her, every part of her. Especially the way Naruto looks at her. You hate her."
"I don't hate her... I don't envy her."
"Lying to her won't make a difference. Lying to yourself will cause conflict."
"Were already in conflict. So leave me alone!"
"Sakura-san, you should know that not everyone is your enemy." Hinata eyed her, Sakura started to sweat. "Everyone can help you, you don't have to bear it alone. You blame others at times when your confused yourself and you do not think clearly. Let it go."
"What are you talking about?" Sakura glared at her and removed her hand from hers. "What are you getting at?"
"She's telling the truth. She wants to help. LET HER HELP US!"
"Leave me alone, this is my business!"
"I'm only saying that you shouldn't bottle up your anger." Hinata glared at Sakura, she wasn't going to be defeated easily. "Naruto-kun understands you, he knows you're a danger to yourself, he is also worried about you! You cannot bottle all your anger for Sasuke-kun!"
"Let her help us!" Her inner begged. "We can't go on like this, were on the verge of breaking! What more do you want! Sasuke-kun will come back, he will love us. We can't force Naruto to make Sasuke jealous. Stop acting recklessly."
"It's the only way for Sasuke to notice us. If were with Naruto, he would see I'm happy... then he'd know what he missed. What he could no longer get."
"Sakura-san... I want to help yo-"
"What do you know about me?" Sakura stood up and shouted startling the other customers. "You don't know anything! And quit talking about Sasuke-kun and Naruto in front of me! Especially not about my feelings!"
"Your confused Sakura-san!"
Hinata stood up as well and raised her voice as well but not as loud as Sakura's.
"You're in conflict with your emotions. You love Sasuke-kun but you won't admit it and your confusing yourself into loving Naruto-kun as well. You're mixing yourself so you won't get hurt! Knowing Naruto-kun would never hurt you, you associate yourself with him!"
"She's right about everything! Why can't you understand that? Sasuke broke our heart, there's no need to ruin her relationship with Naruto! We can fix this... just talk to Sasuke!"
"Shut up this is my life I'm living! You're not in control I am... I do what I want... and what I want I get... Naruto's my only chance at being happy again."
"You're completely wrong about this, you're going the wrong way!" Sakura's inner shouted. "You can't force Naruto to love you! You can't force Sasuke to get jealous. If you continue this you're going to end up like SASUKE!"
"How dare you?" Sakura slapped Hinata across the face, she didn't realize what she did. It sort of happen, she was in conflict with herself. She needed to admit that, but why couldn't she. She's been making the wrong decisions.
"Hinata... I'm.. I didn't... I'm sorry... I... it was an accident... I..."
"You're confused... you're in conflict..." Hinata mouthed. "You need help... Sasuke-kun loves you... can't you get that inside your head! I'm also trying to help you!"
"You're assuming too much, you damn liar. How dare you say that in front of my face? He will never respect me, only Naruto respects me... he doesn't love me only Naruto loves me."
"Why are you lying to yourself?" Her inner was crying. "Why are you making this confusing? You're hurting me... you're hurting her.. you're going to hurt Naruto and Sasuke too... but you're mostly hurting yourself..."
"Just shut up! SHUT UP!" Sakura grabbed her head. "SHUT UP! I DON'T CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY!"
Ayame came back a dropped the bowl Sakura ordered, the other customers walked away knowing this wasn't theirs to meddle with. Teuchi tried to stop them. Ayame ran over to Hinata jumping from the table and outside, grabbing her and touching her red face.
"Are you insane?" Ayame shielded Hinata. "You are confused, you look like you've been crying and you always come here when you know this is where Naruto eats and you expect him to come here all the time. I can see it in your eyes!"
"Stop talking, please Sakura... stop it!"
"How dare that all of you treat me as if I don't care about myself?" Sakura shouted as tears fell. "You think I can't handle myself! I'm not emotionally stable at the moment and yes that's true but why do you think that is! The only reason is because yo-"
She was cut off when Hinata pushed Ayame out of the way and her hand slammed across Sakura's face. It was twice as hard than the hit she took from her. Hinata glared at Sakura while Sakura stood there dumbfounded at the revelation occurring.
"You are breaking down Sakura-san!" Hinata shouted. "You're no longer thinking straight. You think Sasuke-kun is still out to kill you, you think you don't have friends... you think you can handle it on your own but you can't! You need to face it!"
"You're all the same, Naruto should never have picked you!" Sakura venomously spoke. "He deserves someone better than you, I've known Naruto ever since, we've been close to each other since team 7 was built and you just came into the picture and ruined it all!"
"You're on your own, Sakura." Her inner glared at her, her hair covering her eyes. "You don't understand the mess you've made."
"You're leaving?"
"You're on your own."
"Wait I don't... wait..."
"Sakura-san!" Hinata tried to make it clear as Sakura snapped from her conversation with her inner.
"Naruto-kun doesn't love you that way, your only saying that because you got hurt by Sasuke-kun, you don't know how much Sasuke-kun loves you. You keep denying that and securing yourself by claiming you love Naruto-kun! You don't!"
"If I'm on my own, I'll figure out a way out of this!" Sakura glared and gritted her teeth. "He's not yours! He will never be yours. Stop claiming Naruto's yours, he not!"
"Then stop claiming he's yours! Naruto-kun has been with me from life and death situations as well, he brought me the courage to stand up for myself and if you can't find that courage to be honest then your nothing! You can't force people to love you, I've waited my whole life just for Naruto-kun to notice me. I can't pass up this opportunity and If I have to fight to get what I want I will!"
Sakura glared. "You're pathetic."
"ENOUGH!" Teuchi shouted. "YOUR CHASING MY CUSTOMERS AWAY! IF YOU WANT TO FIGHT, FIGHT OUTSIDE! IF YOUR FIGHTING ABOUT NARUTO THEN TAKE IT FAR FROM HERE. DON'T YOU SEE WHAT YOUR PUTTING YOURSELVES INTO. TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SEE WHAT YOU TWO HAVE BECOME!"
"Dad, don't provoke them!" Ayame shouted and whispered to his ear. "Naruto won't like it if Hinata and Sakura fight, it will be a mess. Hinata is Naruto's current girlfriend, Sakura's confused... we need to get her help. She's going to break down Dad."
"They'll find the answer if they fight. Talking won't resolve anything. You've seen what they've done already." Teuchi glared at the two. Hinata bowed her head regretting of getting physical and emotionally unstable. while Sakura's face was stern.
"Fight me!" Sakura glared and clenched her fists. "FIGHT ME! Winner takes ALL!"
"You're out of line..." Sakura could hear what her inner would have said. "You don't love Naruto you love Sasuke! You're making the biggest mistake of your career, you could even lose your title as a Kunoichi and your going to take her down with you!"
"I... Naruto cares for me... Sasuke doesn't!" She thought.
"This isn't the time to think irrationally Sakura-san!" Hinata breathed deeply. "If Naruto were to see us like this, he's not going to like it... Let's talk about this like normal p-"
"I don't care... if he see's us then fine! He gets to choose who he loves and who is truly right for him. If I win, Naruto is mine and you will have to stay away from us. Naruto will be with me and you can take Sasuke."
"I cannot accept that Sakura-san... this isn't right! That can't be a price.. I won't accept that! "
"If you win..." Sakura bit her lips. "I'll talk with Sasuke-kun..." Her voice was softer. "I'll apologize to you and to everyone about the way I behaved... I'll confess my true emotions, I won't bother you and Naruto and I'll be honest about what I truly feel... and I'll also talk with Sasuke-kun... about my feelings for him... so.. Fight me! Please... just fight me..."
She sounds so desperate.
"Sakura-san... I can't... I... it's too much at stake here!" Hinata trembled, if she were to accept and looses, she loses Naruto forever, but if she were to win, she could help Sakura.
Wrong timing.
"Hey, glad I found you two." Shikamaru was standing in-between them, hands in his pocket. "There's a small meeting at training ground 55. We need you two there. You're the only ones missing."
"We'll be there alright." Sakura shoved Hinata out of the way and walked pass Shikamaru, who simply stared at the retreating Sakura.
"Do I want to know what happened?"
"She..." Hinata bit her lips. "She gave me a bet that I cannot refuse, she's not going to stop until... until I stop her. She needs my help, she wants my help, she can't bring herself to say so."
"Let's go, you can tell me on the way to the training grounds." Hinata nodded, turned to Ayame and tried to pay for the damages that she and Sakura might have caused.
"Don't worry!" Ayame smiled. "Just talk some sense into her, I'm sure you'll win. Naruto might be watching so do your best!"
"You want me to fight her?"
"It's the only choice for her to stop messing with you, it's your best shot to see who really gets Naruto. You won't give him up for someone like her would you. You know she likes Sasuke, why give her Naruto?"
"You're right!" Hinata smiled and hugged Ayame. "Thank you so much!"
Hinata ran after Shikamaru who was halfway near the training grounds. Hinata told him about what happened between them and Shikamaru was all wide eyes about it. He couldn't believe Sakura would stoop so low.
Nobody can blame her.
She was corrupted and broken, meeting Sasuke and talking with him only broke her even more. To repair the damage is to talk some sense into her. She was confused on how to act but she knew what she was doing, she knew it was wrong.
She just couldn't stop herself from commiting those mistakes to punish herself. Shikamaru walked along side Hinata and eyed her for a few moments until he spoke.
"You're serious about fighting her."
"Yes, it's the only way to get back the Sakura-san we know." Hinata was determined. She wasn't going to give up, not for anything, not for anyone.
"I hope I'm making the right decision. Kaa-san... guide me.. Kami.. guide me... Naruto-kun... please understand what I'm doing is to help her... I cannot see her this way. It hurts too much."
YAY! I'm finished... that was a long chapter... I guess I was in the mood... and oh! A FIGHT IS BREWING with the TWO KUNOICHI's...
Umm.. this wasn't made to bash Sakura.. No... I just did this because she was a bit confused and still unstable, I hope you understand her feelings when I wrote it. As for the KONOHA 11 meeting, you will witness it in the next CHAPTER...
I did this chapter to settle a few loose "bolts" if you know what I mean. There have been some misunderstanding and I want to clear some of those in this chapter. The fight in the next chapter will conclude what happens with Hinata and Sakura.. and who ends up getting NARUTO...
It was on purpose... don't worry I'm not holding the Kage meeting, I'm only filling up the spots that were unstable in the other chapters. Hopefully we can get a conclusion with Sakura and Hinata's feelings. That's where NaruSaku VS. NaruHina end up with a conclusion!
Okay...
TOPAZ PRINCESS and all my readers and reviewer:
I know you're pissed and wondering as to why Sakura was like this but I can explain myself to you! You see when I was writing this I was LIKE what the hell? Why is she so bitchy..? Why did I write her like this... Why am I so mean? But it only explains that because I can somewhat understand why Sakura is confused and wouldn't you too if that were to happen. She's punishing herself without realizing she's also hurting others. She's making herself feel good by claiming Naruto, when she knows it's wrong. So... now you know what I'm trying to portray or if you don't... umm..
QUestion mE~! If you want answers... just LEAVE A REVIEW FOR THE CHAPTER! YAY!
To all Sakura fans: I'm TOTALLY SORRY... xDD I didn't mean to make her sound mean, but that's her personality...
Thank you for reading and reviewing. Please comment and tell me what you think!
Next chapter: Sakura and Hinata's fight. Konoha 11's meeting!