Chapter 28: The Chunin exams are postponed!

With everyone watching, Hiruzen knew he couldn't get away with letting Orochimaru out alive, especially now, with a barrier actively surrounding the village with no way in or out. No sane, strong, or wise leader would bend to the demands of a missing-nin, a terrorist. He had sent Kurenai and his son to retrieve Anko, and he would have to place his faith in their mission being a success. He wasn't claiming to be wise but he would not make the same mistake twice.

"Orochimaru, you're one of my biggest failures and regrets, today is the day you die," Upon saying those words, Hiruzen raised his hand, giving the command that instantly instigated the battle. Jiraya leaped the toad making quick hand signs to target Orochimaru with a Rasenga, while Shikaku, along with many others of his clansmen used shadow release to try and capture them.

Kabuto was the first to fall, unable to dodge the army of Shinobis fighting him with taijutsu, with Ibiki and Kakashi dealing the final blow. While Orochimaru's body seemingly disintegrated in the frontal assault, unable to jump out of the way due to the way his shadow was chained down by multiple Naras whose will seemed strong.

Even though they were successful in battle, nobody cheered. A silence fell over them as Shikaku walked past whatever remained of Orochimaru. He stopped before Jiraya and Hiruzen.

"If I remember correctly, this man is essentially immortal. This isn't over," He spoke, voicing everyone's thoughts. "Not until we find and destroy every lab he has out there, along with any infected Shinobi with his curse mark. Lord Hokage, what are your orders?"

Kakashi also stepped forward. "You can't possibly be including Anko,"

"Anko is one of us, I vouch for her that she won't let Orochimaru's will take over," Genma said.

"My son was recently marked as well and might not make it," Shibi Aburame stated. "If you're implying he too, is a liability, then I'll appeal this case in front of Danzo and the council,"

Hiruzen frowned, looking at the splattered pieces of the man who used to be his odd student.

"Shibi, there won't be any need for that. I promise your son will be protected," If he survives…

"Lord Hokage, you have to act fast, since I believe Danzo might've already heard of Orochimaru's death," Shikaku pressed.

"Give me an hour while I draw up the team pairings. No Leaf ninja is to be targeted,"

Jiraya sighed. "Choza, and a few genins are in critical conditions right now. Lord third, I think it's time for Lady Tsunade to return, she's our only hope at healing them properly,"

Shikaku and Inoichi felt so sad when they heard that their friends and several genin teams were in the hospital. Inoichi couldn't believe it. Choza was always so healthy, active, and strong. They didn't think that he'd ever bump into Orochimaru first. The two went to visit him as soon as they could.

The hospital room was small and cramped, with only enough space for a bed, a few chairs, and a small table. The walls were painted a dull green, and the only window was covered with heavy curtains. The only light came from a single lamp on the bedside table. Choza was lying in the bed, his face pale and his body thin. He was hooked up to an IV and a heart monitor, and his breathing was shallow. His wife was sitting next to him, holding his hand. Shikaku and Inoichi stood at the foot of the bed, looking down at their friend. They were all silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Yoshino walked over and placed a hand on her husband's shoulder.

After a few minutes, Shikaku spoke. "He doesn't look good," he said.

Inoichi nodded. "No, he doesn't," he agreed.

Chouji looked up at them, his eyes filled with tears. "He's going to be okay," he said, his voice trembling. "I know he is."

He reached out and hugged his closest friend, Ino.

Shikaku and Inoichi exchanged a look. They didn't want to say anything to upset them, but they didn't think Choza was going to be okay. His condition was worse than they thought. Not everyone survives Orochimaru's poison

They stood there for a few more minutes, just looking at Choza. Then, Shikaku turned to Inoichi. "We should go," he said. "There's nothing more we can do here."

Inoichi nodded. "Yeah," he said. "Let's go. Our Hokage is probably waiting,"

"Wait, Dad, what's the situation now that Orochimaru is dead?"

"There's a threat of reincarnation. We're going to be busy in the largest manhunt this village has ever organized. We plan to find Anko, and the rest of Orochimaru's students he left behind,"

"But how can I be of any help?" Shikamaru insisted.

"Asuma is out on the field, with Kurenai. All you can do is stand by, and help Choza's family any way you can,"

Shikaku kissed Yoshino's forehead, and ruffled Shikamaru's head, then turned to walk out of the room, passing Sasuke on their way out.

"Kid, I heard my best friend saved you," He just hoped his family taught him how to show gratitude. "Why don't you drop by and tell him hi,"

"I know. I was just on my way there," Sasuke said politely, addressing two village clan leaders.

Sasuke entered the hospital room, his eyes immediately landing on Choza.

"Sasuke, what are you doing here?" Ino asked.

"It's probably inappropriate to show up, considering your dad got hurt trying to save me," Sasuke says while looking away. "His last words before he lost consciousness, he was happy that I was alive and that he managed to save me. He was just glad I was okay...which I don't understand. I'm technically nothing to him."

Chouji smiled. "Yeah. That sounds like him. Dad used to be friends with some Uchihas back in the day. Knowing him, he thought he was paying forward some kind of favor."

Sasuke stayed a while longer, while Ino and Shikamaru made small talk, bringing him up to speed on what was going on in the village.

"So the Chunin exams got postponed? I'm not surprised," He said, and they could tell he felt displeased. He walked towards the door and then paused, "Later, I hope your dad gets better,"

"Mom, I'm going to head home," Shikamaru said while yawning.

"Alright, Shika, I'll meet you outside the hospital, just give me time to tell others goodbye," Yoshino said.

"I'll see you soon," Chouji said to the two. Sasuke walked out of the room, holding the door open for a moment until Shikamaru caught up.

Yoshino and Chouji looked at each other. "What do you think is wrong with him?" Yoshino asked.

"I don't know," Chouji said. "But I think we should keep an eye on him."

"Um, it's our friend, Hinata. Shikamaru is really worried about her." Ino clued them in.

Yoshino's eyes widened. "Shika is friends with Hiashi's daughter?"

"Did you visit Naruto yet?" Shikamaru asked.

"I'm on my way there," Sasuke replied, feeling conflicted over feeling grateful that his life was worth something to mere strangers, as he thought about all the people who put their lives on the line for him. Was this what they meant by the will of fire?

Why was Shikamaru still following him?

Shikamaru sighed. He knew he should have apologized to Sasuke sooner, but he had been too proud. Now, he was afraid that it was too late.

"Sasuke," Shikamaru called out, in the hallway.

Sasuke turned to look at him, his eyes no longer the same kind of cold he was used to.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"I want to apologize," Shikamaru said. "Ino and I shouldn't have accused you of abandoning your friends."

Sasuke's expression changed slightly as he smirked his way.

"Whatever," he said.

"I mean it,"

Sasuke was silent for a moment, then he said, "I accept your apology."

Shikamaru nodded, and Sasuke turned and walked away, leaving Shikamaru standing alone in the hallway. Shikamaru took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He was glad that he had apologized, and Sasuke seemed grateful that he at least tried.

After visiting Naruto, Kiba, and Sakura, Sasuke walked away, his mind racing. What happened in that fight to have left his friends and classmates like that? Now he understood and was not surprised that the Chunin exams had been postponed. But he was still disappointed. He had been training hard for the exams, and he was confident that he would have passed. But now, he would have to wait even longer to achieve his goal.

He walked through the village, his head down. He didn't want to talk to anyone. He just wanted to be alone. He walked for hours until he found himself at the edge of the village. He sat down on a rock and looked out at the forest.

He thought about his life. He thought about his legacy, and how he could continue his family's lineage. He thought about his friends. He thought about his goal of killing his brother. He thought about everything that had happened to him in the past few years.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He needed to clear his head. He needed to focus on his goal. He needed to forget about everything else.

He opened his eyes and looked at the forest. He knew what he had to do. He had to train harder than ever before. He had to become stronger than ever before. He had to become the avenger that everyone expected him to be.

He stood up and started walking back to the village. He had a lot of work to do.

The room was empty, save for the lone figure sitting on the bed. Shikamaru stared out the window, his eyes unfocused. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, but he didn't care to notice. All he could think about was Hinata.

He misses her smile, her laugh, and the way she makes him feel. He misses everything about her. Every time he visits the hospital he keeps hoping that one day, he'll be able to gain permission to walk through the door to her hospital room. But until then, he will just have to keep missing her since her father has her under strict visitation rules.

Her daughter was in a hospital bed recovering. Mebuki could do nothing but exit the room every now and then to frequent the hospital's cafeteria. People working day shifts knew her name by now. And they would ask if her daughter's condition got any better.

And it had. But that was only according to the medic's analysis. If Mebuki hadn't been told that her daughter was doing better, she wouldn't have known since Sakura had yet to wake up.

It had been a month now. And by then it had become a routine. Mebuki would visit her daughter during the day, and her husband, Kizashi Haruno would visit during the night when he had the chance.

Sakura could feel that she had flown a bit too far, to a place she wasn't ready to be. A little too out of range, closer to the other side. The string attached to her lifeline had almost snapped in half. But a glow and warm light surrounded the string and pulled her back to where they were meant to be. It was a fateful afternoon when both parents were present that Sakura's eyes fluttered open.

Her eyes glared at light due to her eyes not being used for the longest time. It took a long time to adjust to the brightness of the room, along with the loud cheers that only registered to her as noise. But nevertheless, she awakes to her loving parents waiting to see her emerald eyes again.

Shikamaru had exited Choza's room, wanting to investigate what the commotion was about. Nurses happily told one another that Sakura had woken up. Ino and Choji then joined him by the door.

"It's Sakura, she's finally awake!" Shikamaru said with relief.

"Oh my god, that's amazing!" Ino said while jumping, hugging the closest person to her. Chouji returned the hug before letting go.

"Then that means it won't be long before my father and Hinata wake up," Chouji said, feeling his hope renewing. It had been a week ago when Naruto and Kiba had woken up from their coma.

"I'll be back! I'm going to go find Naruto and Kiba to tell them!" The lack of Sasuke's name spoke volumes of her feelings, which seemed to have died when she had suspected Sasuke of leaving his team behind.

"Wait Ino, don't you want to see Sakura first?" Shikamaru asked.

"What kind of friend shows up without flowers and a goody basket," She said while running down the hall.

After Ino was out of sight, the two teens hurried over to Sakura's hospital room. Chouji knocked, before opening the door with a wide grin. Shikamaru stepped in, nodding respectfully at her parents, before lifting his hand and waving her way.

"Hey, I was just asking my parents about the others. I'm sorry that I involved them in my plan. It wasn't supposed to go this way," Sakura said.

"Oh shush, from what I heard from Naruto and Kiba, your plan was pretty badass,"

Her father nodded at Chouji's words.

"Daughter, keep your chin up. Lord Hokage was pleased with your judgment in keeping Sasuke Uchiha from Orochimaru's hands. It all worked out in the end, and now the snake is dead,"

"But your dad, Choza-" Sakura retorted.

"My dad also did his job and I'm proud of him. Once they find Lady Tsunade, I've been told she has the ability to heal him and make him feel better,"

"And how's Shino and Hinata…?"

Shikamaru frowned.

"We don't know. The last I heard, Shino got transferred to Danzo's care to get a special clan treatment. And when Hinata's dad found out there was nothing that could be done about her sight, he pulled her from this hospital care,"

"Wait, what's wrong with her sight?"

"Hinata was taught to protect the Byakugan. She thought she had fallen into the enemy's hands and well,"

Sakura plopped back into her bed and let out a sad sigh.

"I'm sorry," She said, realizing things won't ever be the same. "Have you visited her?"

"Her clan won't allow visitation,"

Sakura's mother shook her head, feeling sympathetic about Hinata's situation. "I don't understand why that girl's father is choosing to keep her isolated from her friends," she said. "It's not like she's in any danger anymore. She's a good kid, and she's always been so kind to her friends. I just don't see why he would want to keep her from her bonds."

Sakura nodded in agreement. "I know. It's really sad. I don't know what any of us can do to help her."

Sakura's mother sighed. "I wish I knew," she said. "But I guess all we can do is be there for her family to let them know that we care. Maybe eventually her father will come around and let her try at a normal life."

Sakura hoped that her mother was right. But she couldn't help but feel worried about Hinata. She knew that her friend was suffering, and she wanted to do anything she could to help. Not having the Byakugan must be like being stripped of her identity.

Neji watched as Hinata got pulled away from the public, and into forced isolation as she learned to maneuver around the space without use of her sight. A frown would spread when witnessing her failed attempts to get by, from tripping over her step, or missing the door. He should feel happy that his cousin's career has come to an end. She deserved everything bad the cruel world had to offer, and yet he could not stop frowning.

The smile that tugged at her lips at times, stapled, forced, faked when she sensed his presence, broke his heart. Neji could only imagine the suffering she felt inside, after being denied contact with her friends, when she heard Naruto, Kiba, and Sakura had finally awakened. His clan insists that if she wants freedom to go on a walk, she will have to first master not making a fool of herself in public. But if she were to ask for it, Neji would've helped guide her outside, sneak her outdoors. But Hinata won't, because she still fears him just the same.

Even if he doesn't love her the way he once did when they were young, why did this feeling of regret twist inside? His cousin was hurt because he had neglected his duties. Even though she feared him, Neji knew it would be easy to also hate him. Hate him for being a jerk. Sometimes he wonders why she doesn't subjugate him to his knees and deliver punishment. Sometimes he expected it, when he would willingly walk inside the same room to spend time with her. He almost wanted it, to feel her pain in any way that could be measured. There was definitely a sickness in him. Was it because he was constantly exposed to her vulnerable and broken soul?

"Who's there?" Smoky pearly eyes asked the room as she sat, fingers looped around a teacup. She slowly placed it down.

"It's me," Neji. "May I join you for tea?" Neji asked, knowing she'd always say yes. "Uncle said Lady Tsunade is back in the village. He's going to reach out to see if she can do anything about your eyes,"

"Um...Have you heard any word about Shino's condition?"

"No. Lord Danzo and the Aburame clan are keeping him low profile,"

"And what about my sensei…is she still on a mission?"

"Yes,"

"Thank you, for being my eyes,"

"You shouldn't thank me, since I failed to save you,"

"If you wish to save me, then you'll convince anyone who would listen to let me meet with my friends," An image of a lazy teen immediately popped into her mind.

Neji waited around for the footsteps to vanish before he spoke again.

"This isolation, don't you find it strange?"

She shook her head. "My father was very open with me…Um, Lord Danzo is willing to train me to use whatever remaining senses that's left of me. But he said he would only take me as a student if I distance myself from any classmate I made a connection with…"

"Why do you still want to be a Shinobi?!"

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "It's for my own sake and survival. I don't want to be a burden on anyone. Nor do I want anyone's pity. Brother Neji, I know the reason why you're suddenly being nice to me. But it doesn't erase all the things you have done… I didn't kill your father, but for so long, I had wished that it had been me that had died…"

Neji was furious. He couldn't believe that Hinata would even think about wishing that she had died instead of his father. "Lady Hinata, don't ever say something like that again!" he shouted. "You are not a burden to anyone, and you are certainly not to blame for my father's death!"

Her eyes instantly began to fill with tears. "Thank you, Neji," she said softly. "I needed to hear that."

Neji smiled, wishing that she could see his new resolve. He vowed to always be there for her, no matter what.

A/N: Sorry if I mispelled a bunch of names! I'm trying to get back to the grove of things!

LB cat, thanks for the review, and let's have a blast!