Neji.. Part 1
--Ino's POV--
I was completely caught off guard. Of all the ninjas out there, I got assigned on a mission with him. Hyuga Neji. I’m not complaining though, it was just very unexpected... very... out of the blue. So, when curiosity got to me, I asked Tsunade-sama why we’re partnered and why it’ll only be the two of us on the mission.
She answered, “Others are on their missions and some are busy.”
And when she said that, my teammates flashed through my mind and I started screaming inwardly. Apparently, they left me to go on a mission because I caught a fever, this is the second time they’d done it now. They’ll see what’s waiting for them when they return, and when I return.
After taking in the details, Neji and I parted ways and will be meeting up in four hours. The heat of the sun burned my skin as I walked around the streets, it is really an unpleasant feeling. The civilians’ stares were directed at me, probably because of the scowl on my face.
I halted to a stop as I stared at the familiar shop in front of me, “One more bowl please!” someone shouted inside. ‘Of course, he’d be here’
Grumbling because of the heat, I decided to eat my lunch at the place.
Entering, my eyes twitched in disgust at the sight that greeted me.
There sat Naruto, eating his bowl of ramen aggressively, while bowls of finished ramen piled beside him. What a mess.
The blonde finally noticed me as he turned around and gave me one of his usual goofy grins, “Ino-chan! You’re here!”
I nodded and proceeded to sit, one seat apart from the messy guy. My eyes found a napkin and I quickly grabbed the item, “Clean yourself up” I mumbled and handed him the napkin. “Thank you!”
“So, what brings you here?”
“To eat, Naruto”
The owner then came out and I told him my order while Naruto also requested for another bowl. ‘How can he eat this much?’
“Soo.. do you have anything to do later?” he asked and I nodded. “I’m going on a mission with Neji.”
his eyes widened for a bit.
“Really!? Who else is going with you?”
‘Thank you for reminding, Naruto’ I sarcastically thought.
“No one, just the two of us” I grumbled.
“Just the two of you!? That’s crazy, ‘ttebayo. So, what’s the rank of your mission? I’m guessing that it’s C or D!”
“You’re really energetic... But you’re wrong, it’s an A rank”
“Ohh”
“How about you? Got anything to do?”
“Well, yeah! I’m going to train!” he grinned. ‘Oh, I was hoping that you’d tag along.’
I wasn’t able to register anything from Naruto’s rambles as I immediately zoned out.
~~
Our orders were then placed in front of us, after a silent thanks, I dug in.
5 minutes later, the idiot started choking on his ramen. Almost making me lose my appetite. “That’s why you shouldn’t talk while you’re eating. Do you want to choke to death before even becoming a Chunin?”
I scolded without bothering to look at him.
I could feel him staring at me in disbelief. “No! How can I become Hokage if I die!?”
“Then stop talking and eat your ramen slowly” he complied.
2 minutes later, the idiot choked once again and I almost wanted to do him the favor of ending his suffering and just choke him to death. Glad I was able to restrain myself.
My ramen’s finally empty, I paid for the food and bid the blonde goodbye. I proceeded to walk home.
~~
Entering the house, I was greeted by the sound of running water. “I’m home!” I announced.
The running water was quickly turned off and mom came running towards me, hands wet and soapy. “Ino, where have you been? Did you eat lunch?” she asked in concern.
“Yes Mom, I ate ramen for lunch. Did you already eat?” she nodded.
“Then, I’ll go pack my stuff. I’m going on a mission today mom.” I spoke while I walked my way upstairs.
“You’re leaving today?”
“Yes”
“Get packing then, young lady”
~~~~
After half an hour of packing, I took a bath, dressed up and checked my appearance on the mirror. Satisfied, I grabbed my backpack and exited my room.
Mom smiled and ushered me to the table.
She placed two lunchboxes in front of me. “What’s inside?”
“Your dinner of course. And snacks for you and your friend!” she exclaimed. I smiled at her thoughtfulness. After giving her a kiss on the cheek and bidding her goodbye, I left.
Arriving at the gates, I wasn’t surprised at all to see the Hyuga there, already waiting. I nervously approached him. He nodded in greeting while I gave him an awkward smile in return.
“All set?”
“Y-yup!”
~~~
Neji and I have been running for an hour now, earlier, he filled me in on other details of the mission. Apparently, we’re going to look for a certain Jonin ninja. And retrieve the scroll from him.
After the explanation, the Hyuga went completely silent. Not uttering a single word at all. It honestly pisses me off, since I am a very talkative person. And talkative people, loves to talk.
But this is a mission, an A rank one. And I have to take it seriously and ignore my childish desires.
~~~
Night had fallen and we decided to camp. After setting up our tents and creating a fireplace, we ate our dinner in complete silence. I would occasionally steal a glance from the Hyuga to see his reaction on our current situation.
His calm features made me want to bury myself six feet underground. Tons of questions filled my mind about the Hyuga’s cool demeanor. I couldn’t help but envy him.
After eating my dinner, I suddenly remembered the other lunchbox mom gave and quickly got up to get it.
I now stood beside the Hyuga. “Ne, Neji-san, Mom made these for us” I spoke and showed him the homemade cookies. He shook his head, “I’m fine, Yamanaka”
Frowning, I brought the box closer to his face. “I won’t accept no as an answer; besides I can’t finish them all”
I smiled as he reluctantly took a piece, “Thank you”
“No problem!”
We ate the rest of the cookies in a comfortable silence. I slept that night, contented.
~~
After 2 days of traveling, Neji and I finally made it.
“He’s entering the forest in the other side” I informed the Hyuga. He nodded, “Let’s go”
We cautiously followed our target.
Neji and I hid behind some bushes, the enemy only a few meters away. “I’ll go, you stay behind. Don’t jump in until anything worse happens” he instructed then left. I watched the fight intently.
.
.
.
A shiver suddenly ran down my spine. My eyes widened in fear as I sensed the terrifying chakra. Turning back to the fight, I noticed something weird about the enemy. His appearance, was slightly changing. He looked familiar. He looked....
Quickly jumping out of my hiding spot, I sprinted towards the Hyuga with a rush of adrenaline. He was surprised as he noticed me, “YAMANA-“
“NEJI!”