So it's the same disclaimer I think you guys already know that by this point.
"This match is as good as over," Hiashi commented getting up from his seat.
"Hinata, Neji, Sakura, and Sasuke are the last four standing," One of the clan elders. The other Hyuuga clan elders nodded in agreement as they watched the other three shinobis falling into Sakura's genjutsu.
"No, Sakura lost this match," Tsunade said.
"So, Sakura-chan I can't believe you took out Shikamaru's plan," Hinata commented, her byakugan activated. The pink haired girl, who was standing across from them after she created a crater on the ground, stayed silent.
"Actually, Sakura already lost," Shikamaru's voice said from behind them.
"What do you mean?" Neji growled looking at the genius.
"She fell for my trap. You see, that "trap" earlier was a set up to bring her into her own genjutsu. The four ice pillars that her wolf, set up a genjutsu. You, Hinata and Sasuke didn't notice the difference because your blood limit blocked any genjutsu. I made Sakura think I fell for her trap and my clone casted a genjutsu on her." Shikamaru explained lazily. Neji growled, touching Sakura to disrupt her chakra flow, dispelling the genjutsu. She fell into his arms with a tired look.
"Wh-at happened?" she muttered holding onto him securely. Neji kissed her forehead and looked at Shikamaru.
"I forfeit this match. I'm going to take care of Sakura," Neji said, jumping up on the stands, out of the arena.
"What! You can't do that!" Sakura argued thrashing around in her boyfriend's arms.
"Sakura, you're more important to me than making it to chuunin I can take the exam again next year," -Neji explained. Tears fell down Sakura's face, "Bu-t I can't let you do th-at. This is important to you. I'm so weak. I didn't even see Shikamaru's clone." The pinkette sobbed into his chest, Neji kissed her cheeks trying to stop her from crying.
"You're not weak. It's okay we can take the exam again next year," he whispered walking toward, where Kakashi, the Hyuuga clan and Tsunade were.
"Sorry, dad, Shishou. I fail-ed you guys. All that training for nothing," Sakura cried. Kakashi scooped up his seventeen year old daughter from the Hyuuga prodigy.
"Shh, you did great." Kakashi said brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"Yes, Sakura-san, you did very well for a genin. Your skills are tremendous. Welcome to the Hyuuga clan," the oldest member of the clan praised her, shaking her hand. Sakura threw him a confused look, "What?"
"You see Sakura," another member started but Neji's look stopped him.
"Sakura-chan why don't you enjoy a cup of tea with me, while we finish watching the rest of the match?" Hiashi offered smiling at her. Sakura got out of her father's grasp and took the hand that the clan lord was offering. About another hour later, the exam ended with Sasuke as the winner. Soon after it, Tsunade was already on top of her podium ready to announce the new chuunins.
"Citizens of Konoha, I would like to announce our new Chuunins! They were chosen based on their abilities and their teamwork. Sakura Hatake, Neji Hyuuga, Hinata Hyuuga, Tenten, Sasuke Uchiha, Rock Lee and Naruto Uzumaki congratulations! Now as for the new Chuunin leader, we have decided to give Shikamaru Nara this position. Please rise up and honor our new chuunins!" Tsunade's voice boomed through the arena. Cheers erupted around the stadium, Sakura could on only gape.
"Wh-at? How?" Sakura asked looking at Hiashi.
"We told you. You are not weak. Your skills triumph over many of the other genins that competed. You would have won, but Shikamaru is a genius. His plans always work," Hiashi explained patting the girl's back.
"Uncle, can I borrow Sakura-chan?" Neji said entering the room only reserved to the Hyuuga clan leader and his family.
"Yes, you may. I will be heading home and celebrating Hinata's victory," his uncle commented getting up. Neji nodded, taking Sakura's hand to lead her out of the room. Kakashi gave her a kiss on the cheek and nodded approvingly to the prodigy.
"You have my blessing," the silver jonin muttered, patting the boy's back a little harder than normal.
"Thank you Kakashi-san," Neji stated politely, bowing to the older man. Sakura blinked a couple of times, confused, "What are you guys talking about?" Kakashi laughed and shook his head.
"Nothing sweetheart. Go celebrate with you friends."
Sakura smiled kissing her dad on the cheek then running off to go meet her friends, leaving Neji with Kakashi.
"Don't hurt her," he muttered before leaving in a swirl of leaves.
"I wouldn't dream of if," Neji muttered watching the pink haired beauty, hugging her friends, who congratulated her.
"Pop the damn question already!" Inner Neji yelled.
Well there you go! Chapter twenty-six. Please review and no flames please.
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