Chapter 293: Tractable
adj. easily managed or controlled; docile; yielding.
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Shikamaru made his way to her side, careful to keep himself between Gaara and the girl. Shikamaru sighed, troublesome. He wasn't trying to be a hero, but Ino would kill him if he didn't at least try to protect the civilian girl. Shikamaru could already hear Ino's rant.
"You're a ninja, Shikamaru! Do you know what we even do, you moron! We protect civilians! We keep them safe! Not allow other ninja's to abuse their talents to torment the innocent!"
Shikamaru would never mention that the girl in question was a Sand civilian because that would just start another lecture about the importance of diplomacy and blah, blah, blah.
"Thank you…" the girl was saying to Naruto, pausing as though searching for something. Naruto just grinned and blushed, his hand running through his hair in pleased embarrassment. Shikamaru sighed again.
"Naruto," Shikamaru answered. Naruto started and blinked up at Shikamaru in confusion while the girl smiled, Shikamaru held in another sigh as he clarified for Naruto, "His name is Naruto."
"Thank you Naruto, I hope that I didn't harm you," said the girl and Shikamaru's eyes narrowed, her tone implied more inquiry and contrition than seemed necessary for the situation.
Words: 200
AN: I am so so sorry to say this, its breaking my heart, but it's time for the biannual event of my hiatus. I really hate to do this to everyone especially since I've got so many exciting events left to happen for this story! But I've got to focus on my schooling while I can, ya know? I should be back with updates either in late July or early August, so look forward to that day!
Other than that, thank you, everyone for sticking with me this far. I cannot believe I've gotten other 1,000 reviews!