Yuka had gone into surgery almost immediately as Kiba showed up at the hospital, a bloodied and cursing girl waking the whole ward. She had passed out from the medicine the medics had given her and while they had Ino and Shizune working on her, it still took a while. Shizune had come out of what was assumed surgery after two hours, looking at him exhausted. She greeted the faces of Tsume, Kiba, Hinata, Kakashi, Neji, Konohamaru, Moegi, and Shikamaru. All were concerned and ready to know about her condition.
"Well, there are some interesting things to say but basically she is fine. A few days in post-op and some T.L.C. and she'll be back on track. However, what you may be interested to know is that her recovery will be an interesting one. While examining and poking around in her body I found that she has a massive chakra well, almost as big as Naruto's used to be. What is also fascinating," she said, looking down at her clipboard. "Her injuries are a lot like Naruto's were when Tsunade-sama examined him after his transformation."
"So she's also got strong chakra that can build and heal over time. Is that what the seals on her hands mean?" asked Shikamaru, his eyes watching Shizune.
"Well that could be it. I won't know until she gets well and I can give her a full exam," Shizune replied looking up at the Hokage. "In the meantime no excitements and no visitors past hours; the halls are crowded enough."
"Very well Shizune-sama. We will come back tomorrow around mid day. Hopefully she will be alert by then," Konohamaru said, nodding his understanding,
"Probably, she was healing well and the string of profanities coming from her mouth when she left surgery could only point to her attentiveness."
"Good, see you tomorrow Shizune-sama!" Konohamaru ushering the group toward the door.
Kiba was beyond frustrated. He was sent home to sit in his quiet bedroom, mulling over everything. He passed out a few times, Akumaru near him. When he finally woke up again he had glanced outside to see the sun beginning to rise. He couldn't just leave for the hospital. It wasn't even seven in the morning. There was no way to see her yet and the longer he waited, the worse he felt.
He couldn't help but sit there and mull. He had slept for maybe a total of four hours, drifting in and out. He wanted to make sure he didn't miss it when she woke up. He couldn't sense her moving so he waited, mulling over what his brain just wouldn't let go of. Kiba couldn't believe what she had done, what she did to prove herself to them all. She was an exceptional kunoichi. Powerful, fierce, beautiful; not a common combination. She may have even rivaled TenTen or Hinata. If she kept pace with the Hokage, who knows what she could do in the years to come. Kiba shook these thoughts from his head when he realized that he had put her in this situation, instigating her anger and readiness to fight.
He blamed himself for her getting hurt, for her feeling so angry toward him, and most of all he blamed himself for underestimating her. That must have hurt her the most. He didn't want their friendship to be weird and he really didn't want her to get the impression that he thought she was weak. It was nothing like that. He knew she was strong, fierce like a kunoichi should be but he wasn't willing to admit it, not to himself or her. Pride had gotten in his way.
He wasn't sure what to think of any of this. He'd never been this way, he never fawned or worried over a girl like this. Sure, Hinata but that is strictly brother sister. He worried for the fragile mess that was Hinata after the war. He helped her through her pregnancy, helped her run errands, and does anything he could to make the burden lighter. This though, this was different. He didn't feel like he was obligated to help out. With Hinata he didn't care either way, he wanted to but with Yuka it was different. She was different to him now. Just the thought of her being in pain at the hospital made his stomach turn.
He sighed now, running his hands through his hair. How long the hours could take he never truly understood but after waiting two hours after sunrise to head to the hospital, he knew he'd go insane if he didn't do something soon. The sun was in the sky, shining bright that day. It was a perfect day, or at least it would have been if he didn't feel so horrible.
When he walked into the hospital the smell of the room he was looking for called to him and he quickly walked up the flight of stairs and down the corridor. When he reached the door he paused, looking about. Shizune was nowhere to be seen and he couldn't smell her. Oh well, like she'd care if he sat there.
Just then there was a loud growl followed by an angry slew of profanities. Kiba just smirked as he slid the door to the side, stepping into the room. Her eyes spotted him and widened, then her eyes looked down at her covers, her arm still covered in a cast.
"I told her I didn't need this bullshit, you know? But she still put it on, said to leave it on over night; well its morning damn it! Where is that nurse?"
Yet another way the kunoichi surprised him. Just like Naruto she didn't sit well in hospitals. "She'll be here soon. It's too early for her to be in anyway," Kiba commented, rolling up the stool next to her bed. He sat down on it, leaning forward to rest on his elbows. "So, how does it feel?"
"Itchy," she snapped, grabbing for a kunai from her pack. She quickly grabbed it, slicing the cast off in one motion. Her arm was still burned, red marks all over her forearm, but the holes were sealed, leaving red and pink dots and marks. "Ah," she moaned, grabbing the long tube like instrument. She itched her arm with it, making sure to be gentle. "Better, much better."
"Impatient as ever, looks like you're recovering," Kiba commented, watching her face closely. She just shrugged, leaning back in her bed. He bit his lip. He didn't know what to say to her and looked away, out the window.
She noticed him bite his lip and couldn't help but do the same, looking away from him now. His face in the morning sun was a bit much for her eyes to take in just yet. She then sighed, shaking her head. Kiba heard her immediately and looked over at her, a curious twinkle in his eyes. "What? What's so funny Yuka-chan?"
She just blushed shaking her head. "Nothing, just tired still. Damn drugs. When can I get out of this place? I feel so," she paused unable to think of the word. "caged."
"I know what you mean, I hate hospitals," he murmured, looking around the room. "You'll be out soon. Shizune said you were healing great and your chakra was helping. I mean, you should-." Kiba stopped talking now, watching her face first turn soft and then harden again. What was this girl thinking? "What is it Yuka?"
"Your medics, they examined me then? So they know what my technique is?" She asked, a bitter tint in her voice. "I don't like that."
"Why? You were amazing. Being able to keep up with Hokage level battle is impressive. What is the problem with people knowing how you can do that?" he asked, confused by her reaction.
At this she looked at him, a surprised look in her eyes. "You thought I was amazing?" she asked, watching closely.
"Well yeah, even I couldn't go blow for blow and then come out almost on top."
"Yeah, almost…" she whispered, looking down at her hands. Her arm made her shake her head, a grin coming across her face. "Guess I'll have to try harder next time."
Kiba couldn't help but laugh at her, shaking his head. Her eyes were alight with playfulness. It was a sudden but welcomed change. Just as soon as their moment started, it ended. Shizune had come into the room, her eyes narrowing at Kiba.
"Inuzuka-san, I told you to come back-."
"Today and here I am. It's after nine now so that means it's visiting hours, right?" Kiba asked, a smug grin on his face. "She's ready to go anyway. Look at her."
"Yeah, thank you Shizune-sama but it's not necessary. I'm fine, see…" she said, raising and lowering her injured arm, flexing her elbow and wrist.
"I've heard that before Yuka-chan! You're not going anywhere without a proper exam and another look at that arm. Now, either Inuzuka-san leaves like a gentleman, or I'll kick him out. Either way, you need to undress and get checked for any irregularities." Shizune made her way over to her side, quickly grabbing at the back of her gown, pulling it forward.
"S-shizune-sama!" Yuka said, gasping loudly. "K-Kiba! Get out, please!" she said, glaring at him. He took that as his cue and left the room quickly, shutting the door behind him. He decided he could wait on the bench outside. What was meant to take a few minutes turned into an hour long exam. By the end Kiba was restless to say the least.
When he reentered the room, after Shizune took off for her rounds, he noticed Yuka was in bathroom, pulling her skirt over hips. Kiba froze. She had just pulled her skirt down to cover her and he groaned when he realized he was staring again. He was about to walk out when her voice drifted from the bathroom.
"You know, you really aren't a very good tracker if you can't even suppress your presence from me," she chided, an evident tone of playfulness in her voice.
"Well, if you were any kind of proper woman you wouldn't let me steel peeks," he countered, a satisfied grin on his face. At this her head popped out from the bathroom, her shoulders bare. She stepped out wearing the short orange skirt and skimpy matching top. Not much else. She had to know what she was doing to him but she just looked at him oddly, as if he were crazy.
"What? Are you insinuating that I'm not proper, Kiba-kun?" she asked, a slight blush coming to her face. She then stole away back into the bathroom, putting on the rest of her outfit with a giggle in her throat.
Kiba couldn't help but physically sigh. She was driving him nuts and he actually started to believe she didn't know what she was doing. That wasn't possible though. A street tough girl like her had to know about her feminine charms. It's probably kept her alive a few times.
She came back out of the bathroom wearing her normal attire now, her headband secured safely around her thigh. Kiba couldn't help but linger there. They were full thighs, luscious and long. He caught himself staring and quickly looked away, spotting Hinata out the window. She was walking up to the building with a small yellow haired boy in tow.
"You have a visitor coming. Just so you know, there is a child with her," Kiba warned, looking over at the sexy kunoichi. "Watch your mouth and your temper." She just looked at him like he was crazy again. She then sauntered over to him and placed a hand on his upper arm, her hip pressing to his side.
"You watch yours Kiba-kun. Also, make sure you don't stare as much. The kid will probably notice," she then pulled away, her hand gently brushing over his. Before he could protest there was a knock at the door.
"Yuka-san, are you up? May we come in?" asked a quiet and gentle voice.
"Ba! Ma, you know she won't be able to hear you, let me do it!" Then there was a loud banging on the door followed by a commanding voice. "Yuka-chan! The respected daughter of Grandpa Hiashi Hyuuga, my mom, Hinata Hyuuga wants to speak with you. Please, open your door!"
Kiba just sighed, walking to the door, throwing it open. Hinata's eyes got big and she smiled genuinely. Before she could wrap her teammate in a hug, Jiraiya was inside the room, latched firmly onto Kiba's long leg.
"Uncle Ki-Ki!" he said, a gasp escaping his little lips. "Ma never said you'd be here. She said we were going to go meet a really powerful kunoichi. You better not have scared her off don'cha know!"
"Jiraiya, settle down. We are in a hospital. We show our respects. Now leave uncle Ki-Ki alone. You haven't even acknowledged the person we are truly here to see," Hinata chimed, grabbing her sons small hand and leading the blonde haired blue eyed boy over to where Yuka was standing.
Yuka looked at the dark haired woman in front of her, hesitant. "Uh, hello…" she said, looking from mother to child. "Hello Jiraiya-bo. You're a feisty one."
"It's Jiraiya Uzumaki, not bo!" he explained, standing beside his mother. He looked up at his mother and she nodded for him to introduce her. "And this is my mummy, Hinata Hyuuga. She's a pretty and polite lady unlike you!" He then stuck his tongue out at her and grinned.
Hinata gasped, grabbing her boy's shoulders and looking him straight in the eyes. "Jiraiya! You listen to me; you don't ever speak to your elders like that. Do you understand?"
The boy bit his lip and looked away before nodding. He then looked back at her, pressing his forehead to hers. "Yes ma, I got it. Be nice."
"Thank you," she said, motioning for him to go with Kiba. "Go on son, go play with uncle Kiba and Akumaru. I have to talk to Yuka-chan."
Kiba nodded, scooping up the boy and grinning at him. "C'mon Jiraiya-kun, let's go visit the pups. By the time we get back your mommy will be done and it'll be lunch time. You can have ramen and dango for lunch on me!"
"Uncle Ki-Ki!" he said, laughing hysterically. "Ramen!" He then yelled. At this the girl in front of Yuka bit her lip. Yuka could tell she was holding back tears. She then turned her eyes to Yuka and they were strong, determined.
"Yuka-chan," she said, moving to sit on the bench in front of the window, patting the seat next to her. "This will take a while, so I'll start from the beginning. It was time you heard the tale of Naruto Uzumaki, the Super-Active-Knuckleheaded Hokage of the Hidden Leaf."
Kiba could smell the tears coming from Hinata's cheeks the second they reached the Inuzuka compound. Of course young Jiraiya just laughed and played with his favorite dog and puppies. They were all happy to see the boy and Kiba. They sat around all morning, Jiraiya listing off his favorite ramen, his favorite toys, his favorite stories, and finally his favorite ninja.
"Of course Uncle Ki-Ki and Akumaru are part of the top list, for sure, I can't forget my mommy, uncle Neji, grandpa Hiashi, and aunt TenTen. Of all time though, my favorite ninja would have to be my dad. Naruto Uzumaki, Sixth Hokage of the hidden leaf and master of the tailed beasts!"
"Yeah, you really love your dad, huh?" Kiba asked, pulling him close as the boy yawned.
"Yeah I do, mommy told me about all his old fights, his nin'do, and his determination to never give up. That's my daddy! And mommy said when I get older I'll be just as strong as he was with mommy's kekkai…kekkai… oh darn it," he yawned, shaking his head. "Byakugan!" he said, shaking his head. "I can't wait. Then, I can fulfill my dream of becoming Konoha's greatest Hokage."
Kiba just grinned happily, looking down at the young boy drifting into his nap at his hip. What a kid. Naruto-kun, I wish it were you hearing him now instead of me.
When Kiba woke from his nap young Jiraiya was in his chest, looking down at his sleeping companion. "Uncle Ki-Ki," he moaned, watching him. "I'm hungry… and I have to potty."
Kiba sat up, grabbing the kid by the waist and carrying him to the bathroom. When he was done they washed their hands and headed for the hospital. It was barely past noon. Lunch time had called. When he rounded the corner, Jiraiya on his shoulders, he spotted a familiar red head. He paused, looking about before approaching her. It was Yuka. She was standing outside Ichiraku, her eyes searching the crowd excitedly. When he came to stand before her she looked up in awe.
"Oh, there you are Kiba-kun… Hinata-chan said you'd be coming."She looked up at Jiraiya softly, her eyes hinting at the story behind her eyes. She knew everything, the entire story of the war and Naruto's struggle. She reached up, pulling Jiraiya to her and hugged him, eliciting a soft giggle from his lips.
"Yuka-chan!" he said, looking up at her. "Yours are bigger than mommies! I can't breathe." She gasped, quickly pulling him away from her chest.
"Oh! Sorry Jiraiya-bo! Here, I'll buy you some ramen and some dango and we can talk all afternoon, how does that sound?" she said, looking at the little boy like she broke him.
He just grinned a toothy, triumphant grin and allowed her to carry him into the ramen shop. They sat there for almost two hours talking, listening to Jiraiya's funny tales of his future adventures and how much he liked his new friend "Yu-Yu" as he became fond of calling her.
She didn't care. She was just ecstatic to know that she had family and that her family had done something so amazingly beautiful. She couldn't believe the tale Hinata had to tell about the man she loved, about Jiraiya's father. It was tragic, beautiful, but more importantly it showed just how strong and amazing these bonds could be. She had started to figure out what these bonds could really mean and what Konohamaru was talking about.
After chatting and eventually parting with the young child and Hinata, it was well past three. Shizune had informed her earlier that day that she would be escorted, when needed, until her recovery was complete and she could begin the process of becoming a ranked member of the Konoha elite. However, for the next week Shizune had expressed that she do no activities, nothing strenuous letting her arm heal fully.
Kiba had now looked down at her, watching her cautiously. It seemed she was mulling something over in her mind. No doubt her own feelings. Kiba then looked away, unsure what to say. After standing there in silence for a few seconds he turned and decided to try and say something, anything.
"So, tell me Yuka. What do you want to do now? We ate a pretty hefty lunch so dinner won't be a concern. Want to go explore Konoha? I know all the good places."
She looked up at him, a smile on her face. "Sure Kiba-kun. I'd love to see your village."
Kiba grinned triumphantly, nodding. "Okay, c'mon. There is a beautiful view that I think you'd like to see. If we get there by sunset it'll be even better." He then nodded, motioning for her to follow him. She did, watching him the whole way as they made their way through the village, Kiba happily picking out his favorite shops.
"This one has the best ninja tools, and this one up here… my friend Choji relies on them for his armor. They are amazing at it. There are also some shops you can go buy anime, manga, pocky, and other things like books and magazines. They are all along this alley. Not to mention there is an awesome shop at the end of the alley that sells homemade ninja bands and jewelry."
"Oh! Really!?" she asked, looking down the alley. He just nodded, pointing down the alley.
"Yup, would you like to check it out?" he asked, watching the excitement in her face. If simple jewelry can make this girl smile like that, he'd buy her something new every day.
"Could we? I promise, we don't have to buy anything at all… I don't have money yet anyway," she said, looking up at him. "But when I do we have to come back here."
"Nonsense, if you want something just say it, it's yours," he said shaking his head at her. Her eyebrows quirked and then a grin spread across her face.
"Thank you, Kiba-kun," she said, hugging him to her quickly before pulling away. "Sorry," she said, looking just as excited. "I don't hug but seemed like an appropriate occasion. Was I wrong?" she asked quickly, looking up at his reaction.
Kiba just grinned, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her back into his arms. They held her there a second, only a little while and then he pulled away, looking down at her. "Now, that is a hug," he said, moving his hand from around her shoulders. She blushed slightly and he couldn't help but let a smug grin come to his face. Ha, I made this kunoichi blush.
She couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Kiba was being extremely nice to her and she wasn't used to guys genuinely hitting on her. Sure there were the jerks and the street riff-raff from the Hidden Rain but nothing like this. It was different, confusing, and somewhat overwhelming. But she had to pull herself together. You're not this weak and desperate. Just smile back and try your damndest to remember your anger for this village, for its people, for Kiba Inuzuka.
She knew deep down she could never really hate Kiba, nor could she hate the people of this village. Their ways had shown her an all new light; a different way to live. She was with Kiba all afternoon, looking through every book shop, spying out all the newest manga and anime. She even got a couple of gifts from Kiba. Well, one she picked out at the jewelry shop. It was a simple black band and on it was the kanji of kunoichi. It had two simple moon stones lain in the material of the bracelet. She saw it and automatically loved it. Kiba just couldn't resist buying it for her.
She protested three times, saying next time they were there she would buy it. Kiba however, was so excited to get her something that she wanted that he practically dragged her back to the shop to buy it with him. It was sweet, even when Kiba cussed out the swindler of a clerk at the fortune telling booth. She knew she should have avoided it. Then, when they were about to leave the market, the sun starting to sink in the sky, he popped up with another present.
"Yuka-chan, I found something for you," he teased, coming up behind her. She gasped when she felt something soft on her back. She turned around quickly revealing Kiba standing behind her quite close. He held his hands behind his back so she knew he was hiding it.
"Show me," she whined, grinning up at him. "C'mon Kiba-kun," she begged, a twinkle in her eyes. He just chuckled, shaking his head.
"It is a surprise, close your eyes," he said, stepping back from her.
"Kiiiiba!" she said, biting her bottom lip. She then sighed and shut her eyes, making sure to watch the ground for his feet. When they came into view she snatched at him, grabbing the soft fluffy present from his hand. She giggled with joy when she saw it. It was a stuffed wolf plush, with fluffy perky ears and a lopsided tongue, making him look like he was grinning. "Awe," she breathed, looking at it and then clutching it to her. No sooner had she realized what she was doing that she bit her lip, not looking at him now. "Thank you, Kiba-kun," she said avoiding his gaze. "For both my presents."
Kiba watched her curiously, unsure what had happened. She was really excited and now she was shy, almost uninterested. "Come on Yuka, let's go check out that view. It's going to be really pretty soon." He watched as she nodded, her nose buried in the soft foax fur of the wolf plush. She sniffed it gently, the scent like fresh linen and musk. It was Kiba's scent. She could tell from here and after spending almost two days straight with him, she would know it anywhere.
As they walked up the street and out the front gates, Yuka couldn't help but feel worried. Where was this place? Was this his plan to get me alone? That pervy mutt. Her fears all but disappeared when they started walking up a large hill with trees littered about it. Some were emerald, others olive, and even some of the leaves overhead looked yellow. Yuka couldn't believe there was someplace this beautiful. She'd never seen a forest so lush with leaves and vegetation.
She was so intent on paying attention to the leaves and flowers blooming all over that she didn't realize Kiba had stopped at the top of a hill, overlooking the village. Yuka was stunned. It truly was beautiful. The sun was setting in the west, the golden and orange rays from the sun sparkling over the view. It was the village, light reflecting off windows, lamps being lit simultaneously throughout, and a sparkle of orange light streaked across the sky to rest on the faces of the six former Hokage. It was beautiful and the colors that spread throughout the sky helped to add a backdrop to this beautifully unfolding view.
"Wow," she whispered, looking out over the view, not noticing Kiba standing just in front of her. She had bumped into him, not even paying attention to anything but the stunning view. She didn't bother even looking up at him until she noticed his eyes were watching her. Her face turned red and she bit her lip before turning to Kiba and apologizing. "Sorry about that. It was just so beautiful."
"Fan of sunsets, I take it?" Kiba asked her, moving to sit down in the soft grass. Yuka did the same thing, her legs crossed in front of her.
"Fan of beauty, really…" she admitted, turning her head slightly at the setting sun. "It's more beautiful than I imagined."
"You've never watched a sunset either?" he asked, looking at her with smoldering eyes. He had a brilliant idea.
"No, not like this," she said, inhaling the scent of the hilltop. "The sunsets I saw were sometimes just faded yellows in the far off sky or oranges shining through the clouds every once in a while."
"Then you must not know sunset etiquette," he said, grinning at her. "You see," he began, trying to formulate his words carefully. "It is tradition in Konohagakure, while watching a sunset, to kiss the one you're watching it with in order bring good luck and promote friendship." He blushed at that last part. Friendship had not fully left his mind but he couldn't help but feel like those long legs and that feisty attitude had won away friendship.
"Wow, it is?" she asked, looking over at him. He just nodded at her, a serious look on his face. She bit her lip, looking down at the ground. "Well, I guess if its tradition… but I'm no good at it, you know? I feel so inexperienced compared to other girls my age."
"Don't worry about that. I mean, no one wants someone that sleeps around," he said, shaking his head. She nodded biting her lip again.
"Well, then you should also know that this is my official first kiss. I've never really kissed anyone before unless it had to do with my jutsu," she whispered, still not looking at him.
"Yuka, its fine. If you don't want to kiss me you don't have to. I was just letting you know. No obligations or-." At this Yuka's hand went to his lips, covering them so he would stop speaking. She just grinned up at him before grabbing his collar roughly and pressing her lips firmly to his. It wasn't a fast, get it over with kind of kiss, nor a slow sensual love making kiss. On the contrary this was a primal kiss, something animalistic yet gentle about it. Her fingertips gently grazed the side of his cheek before moving to hold his face to hers, just a brief second longer to linger her hungry suckles and nibbles on his lower lip.
When she pulled away Kiba's eyes were wide, watching her both lustfully and protectively. "Yuka," he whispered but before he could say anymore she stood up, her eyes seeming troubled, and thanked him again for his gifts before she made her way back down the hill. Getting to the hospital was her top priority right now.
I can't believe I did that, I kissed him. Oh, he tasted good. Like raw sex. NO! No, stop it. You can't play with him like that. You're here to make friends and claim this village as your own. That should be your only concern; not this… this… She couldn't even insult him. Damn it, at least the kiss was worth it. He was good for a first kiss at the very least.