Hikari woke up and realized she had fallen asleep in Shino's room again.
"That makes two nights in a row…" she muttered. Shino walked in and both of them looked at each other; their faces going red.
"Gah! Warn a girl next time!" Hikari shouted, hiding under his blankets.
"It's my room, I shouldn't have to warn you!" he shouted back. Shibi chuckled from downstairs as he sipped coffee with his wife.
"Sounds like things are going to get better. He stopped wearing his glasses with her around," Shibi said. She laughed.
"You're right; but do you really think letting them stay in the others rooms is a good idea now?" Kohan asked. (I saw it somewhere, and I have NO CLUE what her real name is so just work with me. If you know; let me know and I'll fix it. Thanks.)
Shibi nodded, "She has been sleeping better these past three days; and Shino says she didn't wake up screaming like she had a couple of days ago. Now; Shino has to take the exams today, I don't want him being late."
"Yeah, yeah. He'll get there on time, don't worry," Kohan said with a smile.
"You can get out from under the covers now. I'm dressed," Shino said, his voice calmer than before. Hikari poked her head out from the blanket and sat there.
"You should get dressed. The final exams are today," Shino said.
"But your bed is so comfortable…" Hikari sighed, laying back on her side. Shino shook his head and pulled the blanket off of her; pulling her off the bed. She hit the ground with a thud and she glared up at him.
"You don't have to be so mean. I'll get dressed, jeez," Hikari said, getting up and walking across the hall. Shino made his bed and Hikari put on her clothes. She looked at the picture they all decided to have taken yesterday. Kimiko and Hikari were hugging Hinata from the sides and Kiba had his arms around Kimiko's shoulder and Shino's shoulder. Shino had his hand on Hikari's shoulder. Even though four of them were smiling, you couldn't even see a trace of emotion on Shino's face. Hikari smiled.
'I want to get a picture with Lee and Naruto… Especially Naruto. I wonder if he even realizes we're a lot alike?' Hikari thought. She walked out and headed down the stairs, where she was met by Shino and his parents. She grabbed a piece of toast and walked into the kitchen for her glass of orange juice.
"How can you guys not drink it? This stuff is good for you," Hikari said.
"So is milk; but you don't drink it unless it's with cereal or cookies," Kohan said.
"So I'm a strange girl. Sue me," Hikari joked with a smile.
"Shino, do well in your match today," Shibi said. Shino nodded.
"You shouldn't put so much pressure on your son before his big exam," Hikari said.
"You shouldn't be telling me how to raise my kid since you're still a child yourself," Shibi said. Hikari raised up her shirt and pointed at the scar on her hip.
"See that? I had to grow up quickly. Forgive me if I like to act like a child at times; just remember I'm your best friends' daughter," Hikari said, eating another piece of toast. Hikari realized she had made Shibi feel a little bad and smiled.
"But again, I'm fourteen; what do I know? I'm just glad you took me in. You've been acting like a dad to me, thanks," Hikari said, giving him a hug. He patted her arm and she let go. Shino sighed.
'She's so strange at times…' he thought. Hikari grabbed his arm and pulled him out the door.
"See you guys later!" Hikari shouted over her shoulder. Shino's parents waved as they walked out the door.
"Hikari, let go," Shino said. Hikari let go and smiled.
"Why are you in a good mood today?" Shino asked her.
"Because. I didn't have a nightmare; nor did I have a scary part of anything in my dream. It's been a long time since I've been able to have one of those. Let's go see if Kimi and Kiba are up yet," Hikari said, walking along. She took the longer route because she wanted to avoid the large crowed of people coming to watch the matches. She was about to knock on the door when Kiba came running out laughing.
"Kiba it isn't funny! Get back here!" Kimiko shouted, running out.
"I think we missed something…" Hikari said. Shino nodded. Kiba came running back up and hid behind Hikari.
"What did you do?" Hikari asked.
"I might have taken her towel again this morning and Akamaru got in the shower with her pretending to be me," Kiba said. Hikari sighed and threw him over her shoulder. Kimiko walked up with a smile.
"Thank you Kari," Kimiko said. Hikari nodded.
"No problem."
"You guys heading to the stadium? We're going to go find Hinata, so if you want go ahead of us," Kiba said, still laying on the floor.
"Alright. I want to talk to Naruto and Sasuke for a minute if I can… Sasuke's match worries me," Hikari told them.
"I wouldn't doubt it. His opponent is scary," Kiba said getting up.
"It's his strong suit… Trying to get him to even say a word is difficult enough. Imagine trying to hit him?" Kimiko said. Hikari nodded.
"Well, see you guys later," Hikari said, following Shino as he walked away.
"She actually slept well," Kimiko said once they were out of earshot.
"How do you know?" Kiba asked.
"She didn't yell at you for one. Her eyes weren't tired looking like normal either," Kimiko said with a smile.
"Do you think they're?"
"No, they're not dating. Moron; it takes Hikari months to warm up to someone to do that. Kankuro didn't because he asked her day after day, practically stalking her; but at least she's doing good at his house," Kimiko said. Kiba nodded. Kimiko walked back inside to get a ribbon to tie her hair up and pick up Akamaru before they left.
Hikari seemed distant the rest of the walk there. Shino noticed and decided to ask.
"You're quiet. Why? Is there something bothering you?"
"Hm? Oh, I'm just thinking… Don't worry about it," Hikari said with a smile. Usually Shino would just nod and agree; but she had gotten a full nights rest and not one thing bothered her. If something was on her mind now; there had to be something wrong.
"Too late."
"Can you butt out of my personal thoughts for one night please?" Hikari asked.
"I could; but normally you don't sleep well. You did last night. For you to act this way peaks my curiosity. Why you ask? Because, for you to start thinking about something when you actually slept well is worrying."
"Worry about your match with Kankuro. Not about what's going on in my head. I'll see you after the exam is over," Hikari said, walking into another door than him when they reached the stadium. She walked and found a few seats, but ended up sitting over near the end of the seats. She saw Kiba and Hinata sit a few rows away and Kimiko was walking toward her.
"Why are you sitting away from everyone?" Kimiko asked.
"I want to keep my eye out for everyone. If I move, then follow. You can go back and sit with Kiba and Hinata; they look a little lost without you over there," Hikari told her.
"Keep your eye on everyone?"
"Corners are the best place to do that. There was no spots at the top though. I like the outside left side," Hikari said. Kimiko looked up and saw an ANBU black ops ninja and kept looking around, spotting a few more.
"I always knew you did. I'll let them know," Kimiko said, walking back over.
"Why is she over there?" Kiba asked.
"The keep her eyes out. ANBU is here, she knows there's something wrong," Kimiko whispered. Kiba nodded.
"Akamaru sniffed them out too. Looks like the match has started," Kiba said, looking back at the match. Hinata was coughing, and later on she started coughing up blood.
"Hinata? Are you going to be okay?" Kiba asked. An ANBU walked up, picking her up and Kiba and Kimiko followed him. He set Hinata down and started to heal her.
"Th-Thanks," Kimiko said. She had a bad feeling about this one though. She saw Hikari was watching from the corner of her eye and looked back at the match. They stayed with Hinata, when another one walked over saying she should be at the hospital. Kiba started following them; but Kimiko wanted to tell Hikari.
"She'll figure it out. Come on," Kiba said, pulling her with. Kimiko nodded.
Naruto won the match, and Hikari smiled.
'Surprising he can channel his fox's chakra! I can't even channel the demon inside me yet… I bet Jiraiya did this. Maybe I should take him up on his offer? No, I don't want to be alone with him… Sasuke's match is next; but he hasn't shown yet. Sasuke, where are you?' Hikari thought.
"Come on! Start the next match already!" some guy shouted behind her. She sighed. They skipped over, and it was Kankuro and Shino's turn. Hikari's breath caught in her throat; but Kankuro forfeited.
'What? Why? What is he thinking? Wait… What are they planning?' Hikari thought. Shikamaru was pushed down by Naruto, and their matched started because Temari was impatient. It took a while, and Hikari wondered what Shikamaru was doing. She realized she was near Asuma and heard him explain how Shikamaru has an I.Q. of over two hundred.
'Jeez, this kid is smart… I wonder how he'll, wait… that's it! I know what he's doing!' Hikari thought. Hikari felt something on her arm and looked down to see a lady bug. She got it to crawl on her finger and looked at it carefully.
'Odd. This isn't the type of place you'd have a lady bug land on you,' Hikari thought as it flew away back to where the contestants where standing.
'Shino… What are you thinking right now?'
"Excuse me, are these two seats by you taken?" someone asked.
"No they're open. You can sit," Hikari said, still looking where Shino was standing. The person sat down and dropped their crutch on her foot. Hikari picked it up and handed it back and was shocked to see Gai and Lee sitting there.
"L-Lee! You're your of the hospital!" Hikari said, hugging him. Lee laughed.
"You seem happy to see me out," he laughed.
"I knew you'd be better! I told Neji! Speaking of Neji, he got beat by Naruto. Can you believe it?" Hikari asked.
"It's hard, but it's something that I thought would be impossible."
"Yeah… I'm afraid to actually fight him, not just help him find a better defence…" Hikari admitted. Lee nodded. Sasuke showed up, on time. Hikari could tell Lee was frustrated by it. She felt bad for him. She linked her arm carefully with his and helped him up.
"Come on, let's go find Sakura. You can go sit with her," Hikari told him.
"Huh? Why?" he asked, blushing lightly.
"It's obvious you like her Lee. Don't argue with me, now come on," she said, carefully pulling him along. He leaned on her for support and they reached Sakura, Ino, and Chouji. Lee went and sat next to Sakura, who was also glad to see he was doing better. Hikari smiled.
"You want to sit with us to?" Ino asked. Hikari looked at her a little surprised.
"Huh? Oh, no; I should go get Lee's crutch. I need to talk to Gai-sensei anyways. I'll be back," Hikari said, walking back to her seat. She sat back down next to Gai, who smiled.
"That was nice of you to do for him," he told her.
"It was an idea, turned out to be a good one. I have to ask you about somethings though," Hikari said. Gai nodded.
"How much does Shibi know about my family?"
"He went to the academy with your father. They were in the same class. Your father was also friends with the fourth. You were supposed to be left in the hands of the fourth; but since he passed, it was Shibi who was to look after you. The Hokage and Shibi had explained your family situation to me personally. Shibi wishes for me to make sure you don't end up hurt like Lee had. Maybe you should ask him about it sometime. Is there anything else?"
"Jiraiya… He asked me if I wanted his help in training. A kind of special training… I don't know whether I want to go with him or not. He asked me to think about it and to give him my answer the next time I see him. I'd have to be pulled from your team for a while for it, but I don't want to leave the team as soon as I got on it."
"Why is that? If you feel you need the training; then go when you have the chance. If you don't then stay."
"I made a promise."
"I see… Your promise with Lee. He won't want you going easy on him."
"If I don't he could get hurt… Against, he's way faster than me. I want to train and get better in Taijutsu with him. Do you think it'd be a good idea?"
"Well, what exactly is the training for?"
"Strength and chakra control," Hikari said, fingering her necklace. Gai then knew what she meant.
"Like I said, if you feel like it. If it's something you're worried about then go. I'm sure the others would understand if you were to explain it to them."
"That's the thing… If I explain, then others may find out… Only Kimi, Shino, Iruka, and Shino's parents know. Kankuro has seen what might happen; but I told him I was having a really bad day."
"Right. Think about it more and let me know. I support your decision no matter what."
"Thank you sensei," Hikari said, getting up to take Lee his crutch. Gai stopped her.
"Just one last thing. How are things going at the Aburames'? Are you comfortable there?" he asked, he sounded concerned. Hikari nodded with a bright smile.
"Very. They treat me like I'm family; not like some stranger or guest. Shino may be quiet and not fun most the time; but sneaking up on him and scaring him in his own home is fun too," Hikari said. Gai got up and followed Hikari over to Lee, where they met Kakashi. Lee got up and took the crutch, standing back over by Hikari and Gai. Kakashi and Gai spoke for a moment, but Hikari was too busy watching the match. Soon, Naruto showed up; talking about how Gaara's point of life is to kill people. Hikari looked back at Naruto. She knew he was right; but she was to afraid to speak up. She looked back at the match, but her eyes hit the floor and she bit her lip.
"You have to believe me!" Naruto shouted. Lee nudged Hikari.
"You knew him once… Is he right?" Lee asked quietly.
"If we're not careful, we'll all die…" Hikari muttered. Kakashi and Gai kept talking, and Hikari saw that Sasuke had used Chidori. As Gai explained it, Hikari hoped he'd leave out the part where Hikari had used it once. He did, and Hikari was glad.
"I've also heard someone else has used my jutsu. She must've picked it up while I was on a mission a few years back," Kakashi said, putting his hand on Hikari's shoulder. She froze up and looked back at him. It was hard to tell; but he was smiling, and she could see the crease in his mask.
"Such a young age for a girl to learn so many jutsus," Kakashi told her. She heard Gaara scream and looked, shivers running down her spine.
"He… He hit him. He actually did it," Hikari whispered. Then she had a bad feeling. An arm came out and tried to attack Sasuke. Hikari gasped. She knew what it was. His shell broke and fell down, revealing that Gaara was bleeding. Hikari was shaking, she couldn't believe Sasuke was able to hurt Gaara. Soon, Hikari started to feel sleepy. She knew what is was and released the jutsu along with Kakashi, Gai, and Sakura. There was a loud boom and smoke from where the Hokage and Kazakage were sitting. Hikari gasped, realizing what Kankuro was talking about the other day.
"This isn't good…Not good at all!" Hikari shouted, running up the stairs.
"What are you talking about Hikari?" Gai asked when Kakashi grabbed Hikari's arm.
"K-Kankuro… The other day, he said he couldn't talk to me anymore. He wouldn't explain why; but that he would when it all blew over… They're behind this. I know it… I just don't know why-" Hikari said, then cut her sentence short when she had a huge pang of pain in her head, like she had just walked into a concrete wall. More like ran head first into it. She grabbed her head and kneeled down in pain. Images of her parents, that night, the forest she ran away with Kimiko in, raced through her head. Sound ninja and an ANBU blocked their path, but Hikari wasn't paying attention. Gaara and his siblings ran off, and Sasuke followed. Hikari looked up where the Hokage was, a barrier around them for no one to get through. She tried to stand up; but the ANBU mumbled something and the pain in her head got worse, and her scar opened up again. She screamed and Sakura ran over to her.
"Hikari! What's wrong? What is it?" Sakura asked, trying to shake Hikari to get her attention.
"It's… It's him… He's here, in the village," Hikari said through gritted teeth.
"Who?" Sakura asked her.
"Kakashi, look inside the barrier," Gai said.
"Orochimaru," Kakashi muttered. Sakura stood up with a gasp. Sound ninja went to attack Sakura, but Kakashi stopped them. Him and Gai, and a few others that showed up, started fighting them off. One of the sound ninja had picked Hikari up.
"You're also coming with me," he hissed.
"Put me down!" Hikari shouted, as he tried to run off. Gai tried to grab her, but the ninja kicked Gai away.
"I said… Put. Me. Down!" Hikari shouted, as her leg was covered in fire and kneed the ninja in the gut. He grunted in pain and fell over on top of Hikari. She scrambled out from underneath him, a little scared of what she just did. A blood puddle started to form from underneath him, and Hikari stared with wide eyes.
'Wh-What did I just do?' Hikari thought. Another one jumped at her, and she screamed. Gai appeared and blocked him.
"Go! Get out of here! Now!" Gai shouted at her.
"Bu-But Gai-sensei," Hikari started, but Gai cut her off, "Go now Hikari!"
Hikari nodded and got up, running out of the watching area into an empty hallway. She slid down the wall, holding her head in fear; thinking of what just happened.
"B-But I… I've never… H-How… Kimi!" Hikari shouted, getting up. She ran down the hall further and found Kiba on the ground. She gasped and got on her knees, waking him up.
"K-Kiba! Get up! H-Hurry! Come on!" She shouted. Kiba mumbled and sat up, looking at Hikari.
"That ANBU! It's Kabuto!" Kiba shouted.
"I know… Look, the village is under attack… It's the sand and sound, Orochimaru has the Hokage… W-we need to get out of here right now," Hikari told him. Kiba nodded.
"I'll head back to the hospital and find Hinata and Kimiko, you go find Shino," Kiba said getting up. Hikari nodded and they separated ways. Hikari ran to where Shino was supposed to be; but he wasn't there.
"Dammit!" Hikari cursed, not caring anymore. She performed her crystal ball jutsu stage two to look for Shino. She found him, and he had found Kankuro and Sasuke. He let Sasuke go after Gaara as he decided to fight Kankuro. Hikari released her jutsu and gasped.
"Oh no," she muttered. She started to run out of the stadium, but decided to take the necklace off and kicked through a wall. She took off in the direction of where Shino was. A sand ninja tried to stop her; but she jumped over him and kicked him from behind as a leaf ninja came in.
"You need to get to safety!" he shouted at her. A group of sound ninja jumped both of them. She backed into him, realizing it was Ibiki.
"You're that Maki girl," he said with shock.
"Who'd you think I was? Watch out!" she shouted, bouncing off his back and making him step forward to dodge a group of kunai being thrown. Ibiki started fighting them off.
"Run! Get out of here!" he shouted at her. She shook her head and took a deep breath. She started making hand signs as he defended them away from her.
"What are you doing?" he shouted.
"Trust me!" she screamed at him. Ox, rabbit, dragon, tiger, rat, ram, snake, horse, tiger. She put her hands out, feeling a burning sensation from her palms to her finger tips as she started to spin.
"Ibiki, get out of here!" she screamed. He jumped up and soon a sphere of fire started whirling around her, burning all the ninja inside of the sphere with Hikari. The sphere got closer to Hikari, and Ibiki was afraid she might get burned; then it turned to water a foot before Hikari then was dropped. Hikari was breathing heavily but smiled. Ibiki jumped back down to her.
"I won't ask how you did that right now; but you will be questioned later. Go," he demanded. She nodded and took off running again. She kept the necklace in her pocket incase she ran into more enemies. She used her Kakke Gen Kai to see Shino had almost caught up to them. She quickened her pace and jumped into the trees. Hikari noticed a bunch of sound ninja on the ground, all of them were dead. She stopped to count to see if she should be worried ahead of herself, when a kunai came at her. It nicked her shoulder and she looked around. She couldn't see anyone, then she couldn't move. She sighed in relief, knowing Shikamaru didn't know it was her.
"It's pointless, you're going to have to show yourself now- Hikari?" Shikamaru asked when he made her walk out of the tree.
"Yeah, you nicked my shoulder you jerk. Let go of me!" she shouted.
"How do I know you're not an imposer?" he asked, watching her carefully. She sighed.
"Because I beat Chouji and Kiba in the eating contest a few days ago. Both of them wouldn't believe it and you laughed. Surprising, because usually you're bored by everything unless it's strategic."
"You're right, and the way you were able to eat more was to let them get full by eating faster."
"Exactly. For a lazy guy, you're pretty smart."
"Yeah, whatever. Why are you out here?"
"You mean Shino slipped by you and you didn't realize?"
"Wait Shino's out here too? Man what a drag…"
"Shikamaru! Keep your guard up next time, stop staring at the clouds."
"Well you stopping to count the enemy isn't very smart either," he criticized. She sighed and rubber her head.
"Is there anymore ahead of us besides the sand siblings?"
"They're all related?" Shikamaru asked shocked.
"Don't be so surprised. I'll take that as a no too," Hikari said. He nodded.
"Why would Shino follow them?"
"Kankuro… He was supposed to fight with him; but Kankuro withdrew."
"Not to mention that kiss he gave you," Shikamaru added. She glared.
"Don't bring it up!"
"Touchy, jeez. Calm down why don't you?"
"I am calm."
"Doesn't seem like it," Shikamaru said with a yawn.
"Well, I am. Just be glad," Hikari said, looking down at her leg. She thought of what had happened. She had the necklace on too.
'How could I have done that?' she thought. Shikamaru cleared his throat to get her attention. She looked up.
"Something on your mind?"
"You wouldn't listen."
"You're probably right; but you look a little scared of something," Shikamaru told her, pointing out the obvious. She nodded.
"So, you going to tell me or what?"
"Back at the stadium; while you were out, my leg… I have no clue what happened; but all I know is I was picked up by a sound ninja and-"
"That fire kick. How did you do that?"
"You were awake? Idiot!"
"Forget it and answer me!"
"Impatient much? I have no clue how I did it honestly… I mean I had the necklace on and everything…"
"Necklace?"
"Yeah it restrains me. Ninety percent of my strength and seventy-five of my chakra is being held back with it on. Well about, I'm not honestly sure I just know I'm not supposed to take it off," Hikari told him. He looked at her with wide eyes.
"Why?" he poked further. Hikari swallowed.
"It's… Complicated."
"I like complicated," Shikamaru said, raising his brows. He sounded flirtatious. Hikari looked at him puzzled.
"Are you… Trying to flirt with me?"
"Huh? Wha- No!" Shikamaru tried to defend himself. Hikari smirked.
"Sorry Shika. You're cute an all, but you're way to lazy for my taste," Hikari joked. His face went slightly red and he looked away. Hikari tilted her head and stepped closer.
"You… Kimiko was right! You and Chouji? Or just you?"
"Just me. You're smarter than you look," he said, looking at her.
"Thanks… I don't have time to worry about relationships right now. I have to train and all that," Hikari said, about to go continue to follow Shino. Shikamaru caught her arm real quick though. She looked back at him, and he had a slight smile.
"Maybe after everything calms down, we can go on a date," Shikamaru suggested. Hikari blinked. She didn't know what to say.
"I guess one date won't hurt any…" she said.
"Not one of those dates that end up being a relationship; just a date to hang out and get to know the other better. You've been here over a month and I still don't know much about you."
"That's what I do. Leave everyone mysterious without acting mysterious," Hikari said with a smile. He smiled kindly back and let go of her arm.
"Be careful," he said.
"I will be. See yu later Shikamaru," Hikari said, jumping up into the trees. She went looking after Shino, and then there was a crash. It threw Hikari's balance off and she fell, hitting a few branches down and felt horrible pain in her left arm. She grabbed onto a tree branch with her right hand using chakra to strengthen her grip. She groaned as she pulled herself up, but another shake just pushed her out of the tree. She hit the ground with a loud thud.
"Augh! Dammit!" she screamed again. She was able to kick start her Kakke Gen Kai without the hand signal. Shino and Kankuro were both out. She sighed and hit her head on the hard ground. She felt her left arm and looked at it. It was broken. She used her Kakke Gen Kai to look for Shikamaru, who was walking in direction carefully.
'He's close enough if I yell. This better work and not get us killed,' Hikari thought sitting up. Her back had pain shoot up it. She looked down to see her right ankle was twisted.
"Dammit… Shikamaru!" Hikari shouted. She shut off her Kakke Gen Kai when she saw Shikamaru running her direction. She tried to stand up, but wobbled a bit. She knew Shibi was not going to be happy with her for trying to go after Shino.
"Hikari! What happened?" Shikamaru asked when he got to her.
"Something shook the whole forest and I fell out of the tree. Well, first I hit a branch and almost got up on it, then another shake sent me off," she told him. He sighed.
"Troublesome… I said be careful and you get hurt. Of course," he said lazily. She wanted to hit him, but she decided not to. He put her right arm over his shoulder.
"Just put your weight on me," he told her.
"Won't work, my ankle," she said. He looked down and it was bruising and swelling. He sighed and picked her up bridal style.
"This will work, right?" he asked annoyed.
"I guess. I'm not happy about it, but I can't complain right now," Hikari said. Shikamaru started walking back to the village.
"Well, we have time on our hands; I wasn't supposed to move from where I was, so we'll have to wait for Asuma to get us."
"Great," Hikari muttered.
"You healed others, can't you heal yourself?"
"No. I'm not that good at medical jutsus yet. I only figured out how to heal others because of Kimiko when she had gotten really hurt once," she told him rudely. He sighed and put her down against a tree and sat in front of her.
"How do you even know where Shino is anyways?"
"I just know."
"You can't just know. Did you use some kind of tracking jutsu on him or something?"
"What made you think you could go up against nine sound ninja and not get killed?"
"Shadow possession jutsu. It's used to slow the opponents down."
"You're very good at it. I see everyone here as their own jutsu they use."
"Everyone specializes in something."
"You're a tad bit too smart for your own good."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You'll overestimate the enemy you don't know then by their appearance, attitude, and what they have done so far; and guess they have more they can do."
"It's better to overestimate than underestimate."
"That may be true; but is it really worth risking when you have no clue what you may be getting into?"
"What are you getting to?"
"The reason I knew where Shino was is because of a Kakke Gen Kai I have… I still don't know what it is really called; but it works like the Hokage's crystal ball, being able to see who he wants and where. I have three stages of it I can use."
"So you used it to see where he had gone and found out he was following Kankuro."
"Yeah…"
"What does each stage do?"
"Stage one, I can see the opponent that I am fighting. If he was to run off or attack from behind; I can still see what he is doing. Stage two, I can picture someone and see what is going on like the crystal ball. Stage three, I can see what someone else sees. That's how I passed the exam."
"Interesting… I remember seeing something about a Kakke Gen Kai like that somewhere when I was younger… I just don't remember where…" Shikamaru looked up at the clouds, "I'm taking it Kimiko can't use it huh?"
"She's not my blood sister, no."
"Hikari! What are you doing out here? I looked for you at the stadium and Gai said he made you leave. I'm sure he didn't mean out here," Shibi shouted, appearing from the trees. Hikari jumped a little and looked over. Shibi did not look happy; but Hikari didn't care, he had Shino with him. Hikari tried to get up but fell back down.
"I-I was going after him! That idiot followed Kankuro! I was just trying to get to him before things got bad; but I ended up getting hurt myself…"
"Did someone do that to you?" Shibi asked.
"No… I fell out of a tree. Can we stop worrying about me for a minute? Your son was hit with a poison smoke bomb!" Hikari shouted.
"You're not supposed to be out here!" Shibi yelled back.
"Be glad I Shikamaru was here," Hikari said.
"I'm just waiting here for Asuma," Shikamaru defended himself. Shibi sighed angrily and got Hikari to get up.
"Ow! My ankle Shibi!" she shouted. He let go of her arm and looked down. Asuma walked up.
"Is something wrong here?" he asked.
"Hikari and my son are both injured. Shikamaru was waiting for you," Shibi said. Hikari exhaled loudly to show she was annoyed. Shibi glared at her from the side of his eyes. Hikari bit her tongue.
"I'll take Hikari to the hospital, we'll meet you there. Come on Shikamaru," Asuma said as he picked up Hikari. Shikamaru nodded, following Asuma. Shibi was already gone with Shino.
"Man he can be harsh," Shikamaru said.
"Tell me about it…" Hikari mumbled.
"Shibi is that way toward you for your own well being. He cares about you don't forget that. He took you in," Asuma told her.
"Because he made a promise to my father. He knows my family history better than I do, yet he keeps it from me," Hikari told him.
"I know I shouldn't be the one to say this; but your father did have many friends. Almost everyone was. Even Kakashi, Gai and I. If Shibi won't tell you, try asking the next person you think will. It's not safe for him to keep it from you," Asuma said. Hikari gasped and looked at Asuma with a little shock. He smiled down at her.
"We're here. I'll take her in Asuma," Shikamaru said. Asuma nodded and handed Hikari to Shikamaru carefully. Shikamaru walked inside and Hikari was taken to a room immediately. Shikamaru followed and they wrapped Hikari's arm up and her ankle.
"You'll be better in a few weeks, just try to stay off your ankle," the woman said and walked out. Hikari sighed and looked out the window. Shikamaru walked out with the woman to speak for a few minutes. He walked back in and rubbed the back of his neck.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news; but you're going to be stuck here for a few days," he said. She sighed.
"Great… Just great…"
"That's not all…" Shikamaru sat down.
"What is it?" Hikari asked. Shikamaru's tone had changed and he looked at her, eyes full of sadness.
"Orochimaru… The Third…He's," Shikamaru couldn't exactly finish his sentence; but Hikari knew what he was trying to say. The one man who helped her. The man who kept everyone feeling safe… Was dead. Hikari covered her mouth in shock, keeping the tears back; but she failed. She didn't know the man for very long; but he was kind to her. Shikamaru hugged her and she cried into his shoulder. He tried keeping in tears of his own, and had trouble with it. After a while, Hikari puled back from Shikamaru and wiped her eyes with her hand.
"H-Hand me that crutch over there," she told him.
"Why? You should just rest, your ankle isn't in any condition to walk on either," he told her. She was going to get out of the bed, and then he grabbed it for her and handed it to her.
"I want to go see Shino," she said. He nodded.
"You're worried about him aren't you?" Shikamaru asked.
"Yeah…"
"Is he why-"
"Relationships complicate the life of a Shinobi. Emotions make things more difficult. You may want the simple life; but my life is always going to be far from simple."
"I see. You don't want to choose someone to care more about than others," Shikamaru pointed out.
"I also don't want you to get your hopes up in something that may never happen," she said as she limped out. Shikamaru sighed.
'She's not my type anyways. She's way to energetic and is probably difficult to live with is Asuma told me right,' he thought, sitting back down in the chair to wait for her.
"You should be resting," Shibi said walking out of a room.
"I'll be fine. The nurse took my necklace and refuses to give it back, get it from her please? I want to see Shino," Hikari told him. Shibi snickered with a smirk and nodded, holding the door open for her.
"Go right on, he's sleeping though. I'll get your necklace for you," Shibi told her. She nodded and walked in. He closed the door and left.
'Damn nurse… Said she'd be better in a few weeks; she doesn't even know that she heals a hell of a lot better without that necklace. By the time she's supposed to be out, she'll be healed,' Shibi thought as he walked down the hall. Hikari limped over. Shino was just in his mesh shirt and pants on the bed.
'Looks like they took his sunglasses too…' Hikari thought. She sat in the chair next to the bed and looked at him.
'I still haven't seen him without those glasses… Maybe if I'm lucky…' she thought, but her hopes were left down when Shino started speaking.
"If you were hoping to see my eyes, you are out of luck. Who are you?" he asked.
"You really can't tell it's me? Usually you can tell who it is. Don't I feel special…" Hikari pretended to pout. She seen a flicker of a smile on his face, but it was gone after she blinked.
"Where are my glasses?" he asked.
"Probably with my necklace… Stupid nurse."
"Kankuro is a promise opponent."
"Why do you think I was so worried?"
"Is that why you followed?"
"How did you know?"
"I felt a sort of… Presence. I figured it might have been you; but you weren't anywhere near."
"I must be slipping with it then… Dang."
"Slipping?"
"Oh nothing. Feeling alright?"
"I don't understand why I am here; the poison was already taken out." Hikari realized the only reason Shibi left Shino here was because she was stuck here too. She grunted.
"I'm going to hurt your dad," she groaned.
"What did he do this time?" he asked, sitting up; but still not opening his eyes.
"You'd understand why you're here if you opened your eyes nitwit. I've been living with you for a month, I think it's safe to say I won't tell anyone."
"Still not taking any chances," he said. She sighed.
"How about if I covered my eyes?" she asked. He nodded. She covered her eyes with her headband and was going to use her Kakke Gen Kai, but he grabbed her hands.
"I know that trick. That's how I found out you were following; I felt it. Yes, you are slipping."
"Or I've been spending too much time with you… Kimi knows how to block it out."
"Why exactly are you stuck here to? You only have a few bruises," he said.
"What?" Hikari shouted, lifting her headband up to look at her arm and ankle.
"Th-they were broken… How are they fine now?" she asked aloud moving her arm around and standing on her ankle.
"Broken?"
"I fell out of a tree three kilometers up. My arm was broken and so was my ankle, and my back hurt too. How the… What? I don't get it," Hikari said, looking at her arm. Shino had closed his eyes again. Hikari looked at him and sighed. She grabbed his headband of the table and tied it around his eyes.
"Trying to keep your eyes closed is hard to do for long periods of time. That's why I tie a ribbon over mine when I use my Kakke Gen Kai. There, now you don't have to worry about it," she said. He nodded.
"A thank you will suffice," she told him. He got up and grabbed her shoulder and pulled him to her, giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you," he whispered in her ear. Her face went red, and she was glad he couldn't see her. He let go of her shoulder and sat back down on the bed.
"I left Shikamaru in my room; I came to check on you. I'll see if he'll go get out things cause I think your dad just left," Hikari said, walking out. Shino just nodded and took his headband off in time to catch a glimpse of her red face as she walked out and closed the door.
Hikari walked down the hall and Shikamaru had fallen asleep in her bed. She sighed and walked over.
"Hey idiot. Get up, I need you to do me a favor," she said. He yawned and looked at her.
"What?" he asked tiredly.
"Go get my necklace and Shino's glasses from the nurse? Tell her my broken bones are healed too. I have no clue how either," Hikari said. Shikamaru looked at her completely confused and got up.
"What do you mean their healed?"
"I mean I can walk and hit you if I wanted to like there was nothing wrong. Now just go get our stuff," Hikari told him.
"So bossy… I'll go get them," Shikamaru said getting up.
"Thank you," Hikari said. He nodded then smirked.
"You're face is red. What happened?" Shikamaru asked like a nosy brat. Hikari lifted up her hand and he ran out.
"I'll be in Shino's room!" she called after him.
"Got it!" he shouted back. 'Man she can be scary…' he thought on his way down.
Hikari walked back to Shino's room and he was just sitting on the bed like he was waiting for her. She stepped over; but stopped when she realized she had a free feeling that she didn't realize before. Shino noticed this and decided to question it.
"What is it?" he asked, eyes still closed.
"I-I don't know… I just… Feel kind of… Free. Like my mind has been stuck in a cage and now it's out. My whole body feels lose instead of tensed up like it used to."
"My father told me about what happened to the Hokage and Orochimaru. He sealed his arms." Hikari nodded. Shikamaru walked in.
"Shino's sunglasses and your necklace. Is that all?" he asked.
"Yeah. Thanks again Shikamaru," Hikari said. Shikamaru nodded, still curious to how her fractures were healed. Hikari handed Shino his sunglasses and he put them on. Shikamaru left without a word, he just wanted to go watch the clouds.
"Has he always been so lazy?" Hikari asked. Shino nodded.
"We should leave now," Shino said. Hikari nodded ad followed him as he walked out. The nurse tried to stop Hikari, but was puzzled when her injuries were healed.
"Did you heal yourself?" she asked.
"No… I was hurt, and then I was fine," Hikari told her. She nodded.
"Alright… I'll have to report it; but you can go," the nurse said, letting them leave. Hikari stopped and asked if Hinata was there.
"Mhm, she's right down the hall," the nurse said. Hikari nodded and walked to Hinata's room. Shino followed; but when they walked in only Kiba was in there with Hinata, who was sleeping.
"Shino, Hikari! I heard you guys might have been hurt. Good to see you're fine," Kiba said. Shino nodded.
"Where's Kimiko?" Hikari asked.
"She went to go find your room after Asuma and Kurenai came in here. She wanted to go find you when you went looking for Shino; but I wouldn't let her," Kiba said. Hikari nodded and Kimiko walked back in. Kimiko sighed in relief when she saw Hikari standing there.
"I was worried about you! Asuma said your arm and ankle were broken!" she said.
"They were… Let's take this in the hall so Hinata can sleep," Hikari said, pulling Kimiko out.
"The nurse took my necklace, I think that's what did it. I had Shikamaru go get my necklace for me; and I'm just covered in bruises," Hikari said.
"What happened?"
"I fell out of a tree when the forest shook," Hikari said rubbing the back of her neck with a cheeky smile. Kimiko sighed and shook her head.
"They say it was that Orochimaru guy that invaded with the sand. Isn't that the same guy Sakura was talking about during the second part of the exam to you?" Kimiko asked her. Hikari sighed and looked down.
"With Orochimaru knowing where we're at now… Kimi, Orochimaru's the man that killed our parents," Hikari said looking up at her. Kimiko's eyes widened a little.
"Now I see why you kept it hidden and why we left the sound. It wasn't cause you knew I'd end up getting hurt alone… Is he after you too?" she asked.
"I don't know… I think because one of the sound ninja that were at the stadium tried to take off with me. We need to be careful now," Hikari told her. She nodded. Kiba and Shino stepped out.
"We all ready to go?" Hikari asked. The boys nodded as they left the hospital.
"We'll see you guys later. Hana and Tsume are probably worried about us," Kimiko said, walking toward Kiba's house.
"Bye Kimi!" Hikari shouted with a smile. Kimiko knew it was just to make things seem better than they really were; but it didn't help like it used to. Hikari kept walking with Shino; and once they reached his house and walked inside, Ibiki was sitting with Shibi. Hikari sighed and knew he was waiting for her.
"I did some asking and found that you live here. I want to ask you about that jutsu you used earlier, and then you kept running. How could you even still be standing after using a jutsu that contained three elements?" Ibiki asked, standing up and looking down at Hikari.
"I well… I did fall out of a tree later on. Does that make you feel better?" she asked. He shook his head.
"I heard the Maki's were strong like the Uchiha's and Hyuuga's. I just didn't think they could perform something like that so young. I've never seen something like it," he continued. Shibi cleared his throat.
"Ibiki, she's Hikari Maki. Straight from the top bloodline Maki's. Daughter of Hikarou Maki and Reiko Maki."
"Hikarou Maki eh? He was always a strong kid; but was also a handful," Ibiki said, "Did you know your father had beaten the fourth Hokage in a training battle a month before he was given the title?"
"No. Did you know Orochimaru killed them seven years ago?" Hikari said back, a bit harshly.
"Orochimaru? No one had told us that, we were all told it was an assassination ninja that was hired. Shibi? Did you know?" Ibiki asked, looking back at him. He nodded and Ibiki grunted.
"This won't settle well with Kakashi… Do you have any pictures of your parents kid?" Ibiki asked, looking back at her.
"The only thing I have to remind me of them is this necklace, same with Kimiko," Hikari answered.
"The adopted one. Alright, I'll be back next week to see if Shibi has told you anything else. Good day to you both," Ibiki said, walking out.
"If it's possible to make better," Hikari muttered. She looked at Shibi. Once Ibiki was out the door and it was closed, she spoke up.
"You knew and yet you kept it from everyone else?" she shouted.
"The Hokage knew and said to keep quiet about it. It was out of my hands when he was notified," Shibi said, but something in his voice hinted that he was lying about something. Hikari sighed.
"Kohan is on another mission this week. You two go along now," Shibi said. Hikari ran up the stairs and closed the door to her room, locking it.
"She's upset," Shino said, "You shouldn't keep things from her like this."
"If you tell her, you'll get hurt yourself. We have to wait until it's time to tell her. Don't go after an enemy like you did like that again without someone for backup."
Shino just nodded and walked upstairs. He went in his room to change into something more comfortable, not planning on leaving the house later. He laid on his bed.
'It still smells like her. I wonder if she's okay in there…' Shino thought as he stared at the ceiling.
Hikari was sitting on her bed looking into a mirror she had in her hand.
"I need to dye my hair again… Maybe I'll go over and have Kimi do it again. They won't care if I left for a few hours. Plus Shino's being extra quiet now," Hikari said, getting up. She walked out and went downstairs, passing Shibi as she walked out the door. Shibi just shrugged. Hikari walked down the road and found herself at Kiba's sooner than she expected. She knocked, Akamaru barked, and Kiba yelled for her to come in. Hikari walked in and Kiba was talking to his mother and sister.
"Kimi's in the room," Tsume told her.
"Thanks Tsume. I think the red lipstick goes better than the purple one, goes with the fang markings," Hikari said, walking to Hana and Kimiko's room.
"Thank you! Kiba why can't you be nice like your friends?" she asked her son.
"Hey Hikari, you spill something on your head? You've got purple in your hair," Kiba asked.
"Uh yeah… I just need Kimiko's help, don't worry about it," Hikari said walking in. Kimiko was reading and Hikari closed the door.
"You have the hair dye…" Hikari said.
"I noticed that earlier. Come on, let's get to work then," Kimiko said with a smile. Kiba was curious; but both girls barked and shouted at him to leave them alone. It was 'girl' stuff. Tsume laughed at him when he whined. Once they were done, Hikari's hair was wet, but the purple was gone.
"What'd you do take a shower or something?" Kiba asked.
"She needed me to wash poison out of her hair idiot," Kimiko lied. Hikari nodded.
"Ohh, okay. What's Shino doing?"
"Last I saw he was sleeping. So I came over just to annoy you," Hikari laughed. Kiba sighed.
"See what I have to put up with Mom? You think Kimiko is mean to me, Hikari's three times worse!" he complained.
"Have you hit him?" Tsume asked, towering over Hikari. Hikari hid behind Kimiko when she nodded.
"He deserves it. She means it with love Kiba," Kimiko giggled.
"Yeah cause I totally think of this dog boy like a brother," Hikari said sarcastically. Kiba growled and tackled Hikari over. The two ended up wrestling on the floor. Kiba bit her hand when she smack him and Hikari kicked him over her and got up.
"You bit me!" she yelled as he laughed. She looked at her hand; she wasn't bleeding, but there were teeth marks.
"That's what you get for starting it!" he shouted back.
"Take it outside!" Tsume shouted. Kiba lunged at Hikari again; but she was out the door with a laugh. He followed and jumped at her. She stepped out of the way and elbowed his back so he stayed down. She grabbed a hand and a foot and started spinning in circles. Kiba was getting dizzy, and then Hikari let go. He grabbed the tree and bounced off of it. He ran at her and picked her up over his shoulder.
"Hey! Put me down!" she shouted.
"Alright," he said with a smirk, and let her go over his shoulder. She landed on her back and grabbed his ankle, making him fall on his face. Kimiko giggled.
"Ow," Kiba groaned.
"Truce?" Hikari asked.
"Truce."
Hikari took a deep breath and sat up. Ibiki was walking toward them.
"Not you again. What do you want now?" she shouted getting up.
"To ask you what I couldn't in front of Shibi. That necklace, I know what it does. That jutsu is a sealing jutsu; which means you have something inside of you," Ibiki said.
"I have the same one too," Kimiko cut in.
"Her too?" Ibiki asked.
"What's going on?" Kiba asked.
"No. Mine locks it away; but hers has a different jutsu on it. Hers is the release and if it touches mine, it breaks out. Mine takes decreases my strength, speed, and chakra; hers helps her," Hikari said. Kimiko tried to pull Kiba away, assuring him it was nothing; but he didn't buy it.
"Then it's true. The elements; why you were able to do that jutsu. I've only seen one other person do that and it was your father. It's why Orochimaru is also after you," Ibiki said.
"I can take care of myself. Just worry about the other kid okay? Leave me out of this! I came here because I wanted to get away from all this! Not be reminded!" she shouted at him. Ibiki glared.
"Hey now, Ibiki; no need to make her get angry with you now. Let someone else talk to her," Kakashi said walking up.
"Kakashi? Well, fine. It may as well be you then right?" Ibiki asked. Hikari sighed.
'More people who know what I don't… Great. Just what I need!' Hikari thought, glaring at them both. Kakashi told Ibiki to leave, and waited for Ibiki to be out of ear shot. Kimiko stepped back over with Kiba.
"What did he mean? What's inside Kari?" Kiba asked.
"Hikari? Would you like to explain?" Kakashi asked. Hikari took a breath.
"There's a demon that was able to control all the elements. Wind, fire, earth, water, light, dark, and electricity. It was called Tishibi. We used to live just outside of Konoha, not far from the Uchiha's compound. I was told that the house we stayed in was a Maki home passed down from generations… Tishibi took the form of a normal person; but was killing people in other villages and had made her way to Konoha. With my Kakke Gen Kai that my dad had, he was able to find her quicker than the Hyuuga's and Uchiha's… Only because she tried to attack my house first. Now she her soul and chakra are sealed in me… That's why I took off the other night. Shibi was visiting the night it happened… I was about six months old."
"Jeez, Kari. Why didn't you guys just tell me earlier? Does Shino know?"
"Yeah. I figured his Dad already told him.."
"Hikari isn't the only one though. Hikari, would you mind to come with me so I could talk to you alone?" Kakashi asked with a hidden smile. Hikari nodded and followed him.
"Now I see why she acts like she does… She tries to be happy so those around her don't worry," Kiba said.
"Well that and she hates seeing others upset. Her happiness seems to rub off on others," Kimiko said with a smile. He smiled back and nodded.
"Do you know what sets it off?" Kiba asked seriously.
"I have no clue… I've never seen her freak out. Shino must have done something to make her run out that night, which means Kankuro might have done something last time," Kimiko said. Kiba nodded.