Chapter 3
I woke up with aching coming from everywhere. I tried to stretch out my arms, but I just felt the pain becoming greater. I looked down at myself and saw that my shirt had blood stains on it. I saw another shirt on a chair beside my bed. I began taking off my shirt. I heard someone clearing their throat and assumed it was coming from outside.
"I'm changing, could you come in later?"
I reached behind my back to take off my bra, but felt a hand land on top of mine. I looked up to see Neji. I now noticed that he held the Byakugan. I stared up at his eyes until he looked away uncomfortably. I finally realized that I was only in a bra and pants.
"Sorry about that..." I said averting my eyes.
"It's okay Kyoto."
"My name's Kyoko."
I reached back down for my shirt when the door opened.
"Neji are you still-" It was the girl with two buns... Tenten.
"Hey, What are you doing with Neji?!?" She came in and I could tell that she was angry. I stayed quiet and just looked up at her.
"Answer me!" I still stayed silent.
"You whor-"
Neji placed a hand on her shoulder.
"That won't be necessary Tenten. It was a misunderstanding. She never knew I was in the room."
Tenten gave an exasperated huff and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Well we're outside as soon as you're... finished here."
She turned on her heel and left. He turned back to me after she had closed the door behind her. BY now I had my shirt
back on and was making my way out of the bed.
"Sorry about that. She's not usually like that."
"Hmm."
There was a silence. I didn't know what he was waiting for...
"So... you're okay?"
"Yeah."
"You really... uh...-"
I turned to him with a bored expression.
"Do you usually stutter so much?"
He looked surprised and looked to the left.
"No."
"Well, your... friends... are waiting for you outside. You should go and catch up with them."
He nodded his head and walked to the door with me.
"By the way, do you know where Gaara is?"
His body stiffened and he opened the door with a lot more force then was necessary.
"Down the hall."
He slammed the door shut. Wow, those Konoha Shinobi sure were rude. I walked down the hall to see Gaara sitting on
the edge of his bed looking out the window. I stayed in the doorway for a bit.
Neji P.O.V.
I waited by her bed. Why was I always the one who got stuck doing these things? Oh who was I kidding? I enjoyed being here. I sighed. I looked at her sleeping form. She did look peaceful. Why was I so attracted to her? I always thought I would end up with a strong girl, someone who could defend themselves, but would allow me to be a man and defend her. I didn't like the nagging type who screamed for your help whenever anything bad happened... Mainly Sakura and Ino... I thought for a while that I'd just end up with Tenten, but so far I haven't felt an attraction towards her. Tenten was the tomboy and she always wanted to do things herself... But she could be annoying and stubborn, even when it was obvious that she couldn't do it alone. I'd never seen Tenten so sure about something... But, she had never really put her life up like I saw Kyoko do today. She had only known Gaara for what 1-2 months? maybe not even a full month! It had taken about a year for Tenten to even do something close to this. Sure we were special and close to her, but not that close. I remember the determination in her eyes as she almost gave up her life for Gaara. If Naruto had not interfered and gave her some of his chakra, she probably would've died today. But her red chakra had been interesting as well. What was it? Was it just the jutsu? No, she was sending chakra to Granny Chiyo... I had been wasting my time staring into her eyes... Those beautiful eyes that held so much determination... So much beauty, they were truly beautiful... Man I was falling for a girls' eyes, I had to get over myself. I had always told Hinata to only fall for those whom she knew, not anyone new, they could have hundreds of secrets and a past that had a bunch of enemies. That would most likely put you in danger. Now I was being the stupid hypocrite falling in love with a girl I had just met, and for what? The reason, she was showing how much she cared for another guy. Sigh, I was lonely. Suddenly I saw her wake up. She sat up slowly, I saw the pain in her face as she tried to spread out her arms. I wanted to go over to her, but I decided against it and just stood there. She looked down at herself and sighed. I guess the blood bothered her so she took off her shirt... OHMYGOSH SHE TOOK OFF HER SHIRT. STOP. BREATHE. BREATHE. OMFG. BREATHE. OHMYGOSH SHE TOOK IT OFF. OH MY GOSH! I looked down at her. STOP NEJI. Since when have I been a pervert? I cleared my throat. Wanting to get her attention.
"I'm changing!"
She must think that I was outside. Dang it. She couldn't take off her shirt because if someone walked in, I would look like the pervert I was a pervert. I walked over to her just as she was about to take off her bra. My hand rested on her hand, her soft... gentle...
"Sorry about that."
"No problem Kyoto." Oh shiz... Did I just say Kyoto? Dang it... Maybe she didn't hear m-
"My name is Kyoko."
Yep, she heard.
Suddenly the door opened and in walked Tenten. Dang it...
"Neji, are you still here?" Tenten took one look at Kyoko and I knew that this wasn't going to end well.
"Hey, what are you doing with Neji!?!" Another thing I didn't like about Tenten, she's possessive, Lee's hinted to me
that she might already like me, because of that on missions I didn't even bother talking to other girls. If I did Tenten would start freaking. Kyoko didn't answer her but stayed silent. She was acting as if Tenten hadn't said anything at all. She had put back on her shirt.
"Answer me you whore!"
Tenten advanced towards her viciously.
"That won't be necessary Tenten. It was a misunderstanding. She never knew I was in the room." My hand was on Tenten's shoulder. She gave an exasperated sigh and crossed her arms.
"Sorry about that. She's not usually like that."
"Hmm." Was all she said.
There was a silence. I didn't know why I was having trouble talking with her... Was I intimidated?
"So... you're okay?" I managed to choke out.
"Yeah."
"Y-You really... uh...-"
She turned to me with a bored expression.
"Do you usually stutter so much?" Why was I acting like such a fool?
I was surprised that she had talked so suddenly. I looked to the left, suddenly feeling shy. Was my hair gonna go purple and my name gonna change to Hinata next?
"No." Was all I could say without stuttering.
"Well, your... friends... are waiting for you outside. You should go and catch up with them." She told me that with acid dripping from her voice... So she wanted time alone...
I nodded my head and walked beside her to the door.
"By the way, do you know where Gaara is?"
I felt anger coming. Why was Gaara so important? I had never had anything against Gaara before, but now I kinda hated him. Why was he so close to her, yet she couldn't put up the effort to try and become friends. Why was I so attached to her? Why wasn't she attached to me? Was it because I wasn't a Kage? Damn Gaara.
"Down the hall." I slammed the door closed and left. Damn that Gaara, couldn't he chose someone from his own village? There were plenty of pretty girls here... Not that they were prettier than her. They definitely weren't.
Kyoko's P.O.V.
"You're fine?"
"Yeah..."
I moved into the room and sat down beside him. I didn't say anything, I just sat there.
"Thanks a lot. You saved my life."
I looked up at him but his eyes remained on the window.
"No I didn't, Granny Chiyo did..."
"She's dead. Did you know?"
I leaned back on the bed.
"Yeah. I knew what jutsu she was trying to do, I wanted to help so that she wouldn't spend all of her energy but... I guess that didn't work out that well."
"Hn."
"What's wrong?" He was a quiet person, but not this quiet.
"Nothing, I have to go and say bye to those Konoha Shinobi... You should come with me."
Gaara stood up and turned, his back to the window now.
"I'd rather not. I have nothing to thank them for so..."
"C'mon."
I sighed and followed Gaara. As soon as we left the hospital, Kankuro and Temari were walking with us.
"Hey Kyoko."
I gave them a nod.
"Thanks for saving my brother."
"Please stop. I've gotten so many thank you's that I think I might explode."
Kankuro and Temari gave a slight chuckle.
"Never knew you had a sense of humor." Temari said.
"Hn."
"And she's back." Kankuro said.
We made it to the village gates. I saw the whole group of ninja's there. They avoided my gaze as they smiled at Gaara,
Kankuro, and Temari. We slowly came closer to the people. Yep, they were specifically trying to avoid my gaze. Everyone except for Neji. He was looking straight at me with anger. I didn't mind. I stayed silent as Gaara and Naruto stepped forward.
"I guess this would usually be the moment when everyone gets all teary eyed... But as male ninja's we don't do that...
Well I guess I'll be seeing you later Gaara..."
"Wait a second Naruto. First off, male ninja's can get teary eyed as well. Second, there's no need to get teary eyed, we're going to see each other very soon. And third, Kyoko is coming with you."
"What?" All the Konoha shinobi, except Kakashi and Guy, and I said it simultaneously. I looked at Gaara.
"When did I agree to that again?"
He didn't bother looking at me.
"This is the best for you Kyoko... You have to go with them."
"Why?"
"Yeah what for?" Tenten said.
Gaara sighed.
"Look, I've already spoken with Tsunade-Sama, Kakashi, and Guy. It's been settled and there's no turning back."
I looked up with anger at Gaara. He hadn't told me this? Why? Maybe I could just run away now, then I wouldn't have to go with them. It was clear that I couldn't trust Gaara. I turned a bit to the left, about to start running.
"Before you try to run away, maybe you should think about the fact that you have no where to go."
I froze. Gaara really wanted me to go huh?
"Please don't make this difficult Kyoko."
"Well maybe if you told me about this, I wouldn't have to act difficult."
"If I had told you, you would have already ran away."
I sighed. He was right.
"I'll get you back Gaara..." I said it with much acid in my voice, but both he and I knew that I would do nothing like
that. I just couldn't hurt Gaara. I turned and took a step towards the Shinobi in front of me. I grimaced a bit. They were visibly afraid of. I could tell that they didn't like me. Gaara grabbed my arm and pulled me into his chest. It was a hug. I'd never really had a hug before... What was I supposed to do?
"You know you're supposed to hug back, right?" Kankuro's mocking voice said. I shot him daggers and he shut up.
I wrapped my arms around Gaara.
"Bye Kyoko."
"B-Bye..."
He let go and I dropped my head. I followed behind the Shinobi and sighed again. Why did Gaara do this? After about 2 hours the village completely disappeared in the distance. I wouldn't be seeing Gaara for a while.
"So... Kyoko, what's your relationship with Gaara?"
I choked on my spit as Tenten looked up at me expectantly.
"I don't know..."
"Well, Gaara and Temari are siblings and I don't recall him ever hugging her in public."
"Well, that's how Gaara is. You can ask him the next time you see him."
"But I wasn't asking Gaara, I was asking y-"
"Drop the topic Tenten. Let's just focus on getting to the village."
I'm thankful that Tenten regards Neji with so much respect. If she didn't, I would have to answer her question... I wasn't even sure about how I felt.
"Why can't we go faster?" Lee's whiny voice sounded.
"Well, we have a damsel in our presence Lee. We have to go at a pace in which she is comfortable with."
Were they talking about me? Me? A damsel? They almost made me laugh. Almost.
"OI, Guy Sensei! You're right! And here she is on the hot sand walking!"
Lee ran backwards until he stopped in front of me. He bent over with his arms on his side. I stopped walking and stood there staring at his back.
"This is the perfect thing Guy Sensei! I can now stop our damsel from becoming tired, and train!"
"EXCELLENT LEE!" Guy Sensei bent over Kakashi and put him on his back. I noticed for the first time how exhausted
Kakashi looked. He couldn't even argue against being lifted up like this. I noticed the look on everyone's face and wondered what they were thinking. I entered each person's mind.
"Gay..." Was what Sakura was thinking.
"Two grown men on each other like that?" Was what Tenten was thinking.
"Kakashi Sensei... Guy Sensei... Ugh." Naruto thought. Everyone except Neji, Guy, and I had an anime sweat drop.
"Um... Lee, you can get back up. I don't intend on climbing on your back."
"Very well..." Lee looked a bit disappointed. I heard Neji and Naruto chuckle in the background.
"I guess I'll just..." Lee looked so sad... I wanted to at least try to help! Ugh... but I really didn't want to go on his
back...
I put a hand on his shoulder.
"Lee," This got his attention. "I'll... I guess... I'll get... on your back..." I choked out the words. I couldn't believe I was
doing something so stupid. Everyone other than Guy and Kakashi gave a huge gasp. Lee's hands shot up in triumph.
"OI VERY WELL!"
He picked me up and I had just noticed that the slits on each side of my dress were kinda big... And now that my legs were raised, you could clearly see my legs. Lee's hands held me by my thighs. I saw Naruto's and Neji's eyes travel down... Perverts.
"Um Lee...?"
"Hmm?"
"C-Could you carry me... in a different way?"
It seemed he had just realized that my legs were bare. I entered Tenten's and Sakura's mind... What were they thinking?
"Whore." Tenten thought... My eyes dropped.
"At least now Lee might leave me alone!" Sakura thought.
I sighed and Lee carried me in his arms.
"Get on Neji!" Lee shouted.
"Not a chance."
I saw one of his eyes twitching and he looked especially irritated.
"You shouldn't carry her Lee. You should carry everyone's bags. You know how you like to shout out to Guy Sensei...
You wouldn't want to hurt her ears."
Lee stood up straight.
"Very well. Here you go Neji."
Lee threw me in the air. Gosh, what was I to him, A rag doll? Neji caught me none the less. He gave me a small smile.
"If Lee doesn't need to pick me up, I'd rather run on the ground with you all."
Neji's smile disappeared. He nodded and put me on the ground.
"Whatever you want."
I began running to catch up with with Guy. I pulled up in front of him effortlessly. Sasuke and I had trained like this
almost every day. I was used to this speed. I heard Lee call from behind me.
"I NEVER KNEW YOU COULD RUN SO FAST!"
"Idiot. There's a reason Orochimaru valued her!" Neji called out.
I ignored them and sped up. It felt nice to run.... Just run. Not worry about anything. The wind racing through my hair and the bits of sand hitting my skin hard. It all reminded me of the most important people to me. Gaara and Sasuke. I wondered, when would I see Sasuke again? When would I see Gaara? I didn't like them. It's probably just a passing friendship... They probably thought of it the same way. I sighed. Why was I so sad? It wasn't like I loved them... I didn't really even know any signs to look for to tell me if I was in love. I let all of that leave my mind. I was already going somewhere I didn't want to go to. I didn't want to make myself more grumpy by thinking of things that confused me. I tried to let my mind empty... But all that flashed in front of me were pictures of Sasuke, Gaara, and Neji... What? Neji? I could expect Gaara and Sasuke, but Neji? Where did he even come from? I looked over my shoulder to see Neji's eyes on me. He looked away as soon as he realized I was looking at him. Weird... I looked back in front of me to see the village gates open before me. I stop and look up at the village. It was pretty. Maybe more than Suna? Nope, the buildings were too plain.
"WATCH OUT DAMSEL!" Guy shouted at me.
I had an anime anger thingie appear on the side of my head. But I moved out of the way before they hit me. I waited as the rest of them continued walking to the village. Neji waited for me.
"You can go ahead."
"No."
I raised my eyebrow. Dang it... I walked in with him.
"Excuse, what are you-"
"She's with us. Don't worry." Was all Neji said. I walked a few feet behind keeping my head up. I wanted to see all the things in this new village. I walked through the crowds of people. There were a lot more people in Konoha then Suna. There were also a lot more Shinobi. I noticed the way people moved aside to try and avoid having to touch me. The men's eyes grew wide as they looked at me, but when they met my eyes, they looked away quickly. The women were whispering while I walked by. So this is what it's like to be shunned. So Gaara forced me to come here just to live this life? I would never understand why he would chose to do this, but I trusted Gaara. I would obey him. I walk behind Neji silently. I'm reminded from that day when Gaara first found me in the forest. Neji tried to start a conversation with me several times, but I either ended it with a one word answer, a sound, or just completely ignored him. I didn't want to ignore him, but this was a new village and I couldn't just talk freely of my past to everyone.
"What is your relationship with Gaara?" I heard jealousy in Neji's voice.
"I don't know... Friends?"
Neji gave a grunt.
"You sound very unsure."
I looked up at him.
"That's because I am!"
"Why is that?"
"I don't have to tell you anything right now."
There was silence. I didn't mean to say that. It was kinda mean... wait what? I was with Orochimaru for years
experimenting on others and being experimented on, and now I was thinking about others' feelings? I was loosing it.
"Well first you have to go to the Hokage."
"Hn."
We walked in more silence as we made our way to the Hokage's building.
"Hey Neji!" I heard Naruto's voice ahead. He had on a smile. I saw Sakura and 4 others that I didn't know. They were
all smiling but Sakura's smile disappeared after she saw me.
"Oh, hey Kyoko, I never knew you'd be with Neji!" He put his arm around me casually. I inwardly grimaced at his
touch. It wasn't that I didn't like Naruto (I didn't know him..) It was just that I preferred not to be touched.
"Hey guys, this is Kyoko!"
There was a black spiky haired guy. His hair was in a pony tail. There was a girl who looked rather scared if you ask me... But then again you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, people used to think that I was fragile and couldn't fight, I could kick Ace. There was a blonde, but her hair was way lighter than Naruto's. Her clothes were rather... revealing. Her clothes were purple and she had blue eyes. There was another boy with spiky hair that resembled Naruto's but his hair was brown. I gave them a nod and looked down at the floor.
"Name is Shikamaru."
"Ino."
"H-Hinata."
"Kiba, you fine young lady."
I didn't need want to look up. I didn't want to see the look of disapproval that was probably written on all of their faces. Against my better judgement I looked up and saw the blonde was looking at me like that. But the 2 boys and purple haired girl were either giving me a nervous, uncaring, or turned on look.
"Can we go now?" I said to Neji.
"Where ya going Kyoko! You have to come and meet the rest of the gang!"
Naruto's arm was on my shoulder again."No Naruto it's-"
"OH C'MON!" I was thankful that Naruto hadn't given up on me and accepted me, but I didn't want to be around the others right now.
"Naruto-"
"Naruto she said she doesn't want to. She'll meet the rest of us later, when she's ready." Neji removed Naruto's arm
from around my shoulder and replaced it with his. It was funny... I kinda liked the warmth from his arm. Had Gaara ever done that with me? Yes he had. Had I liked it better? I don't know. What was the warmth supposed to signify anyways? That the person was sweaty? That their blood got hot? I looked up at Neji. What was happening?
-----------------------------
I had already talked with the Hokage. She was a girl... I know... I wasn't expecting it either. She told me that lately the village's population has grown very much and I would have to stay in a house from the Uchiha's estate. So I would be staying where Itachi and Sasuke had grown up? This wasn't that bad. Maybe I could even summon Sasuke and talk to him...
"Watch out Kyoko," Naruto yelled out to me. "What's wrong anyways, you don't look like you're paying attention!"
I looked up at him and moved out of the way just as I was about to bump into the wall of a house.
"Nothing... just thinking."
"About what he prodded."
"..."
"Oh c'mon, you can tell me!"
"I'd rather not."
Naruto's hands came around my sides and... and they started... moving? What was this feeling? It made my body convulse in awkward movements. I then heard myself start to laugh. I fell to the ground. What type of torture was this? I laughed louder as Naruto crouched down beside me and continued moving his fingers against my sides.
"S-Stop!" I said, it was starting to hurt.
He continued and I brought my knee up to my stomach then kicked up hard. Naruto went flying into a tree. I sat on the ground trying to catch my breath. I looked at Naruto darkly. He was rubbing his chin and I could see a red mark were my knee had come in contact with his skin.
"What… was... that?" I said, still trying to catch my breath.
"You've never been tickled before?"
"T-Tickled?" I said.... What was this form of torture being taught at Konoha? Naruto burst out laughing and I turned
around to see Neji's amused face looking back at me.
"What? I don't understand what's so funny."
"It's something friends do to each other." Naruto breathed out. I shook my head. How could 'friends' hurt each like this? I heard from Gaara that friends cared for each other... Guess he was wrong.
"Never, and I mean ever, do that to me again. I will kill you." Naruto had an anime sweat drop.
"Be patient with her Naruto, she'll learn soon enough." It was Neji who said that. He place one hand on my side and
the other grabbing my hand helping me off the ground. The place we were walking was very forested. There weren't
any people, but I saw that we were coming up to a place that was more populated. I walked out and again the villagers
looked at me weirdly. I was unfamiliar with all the looks... Then again there wasn't really anyone to look at me back at Orochimaru's hideout now was there. I saw their eyes traverse my whole body and then they turned away with a look of disgust. I held up my arms in front of me. What was wrong with them? I thought they looked fine. I looked down at the rest of my body.... You could tell a difference. There was a difference between Sakura's body and mine... Was that it? I wouldn't think that was a bad thing. Maybe it was my clothes... Were they too dark or too long? I wore a long black dress with two slits on the sides... Was this bad. I continued studying my body as Naruto went on about a 'funny' story. Neji had remained quiet. I remembered Gaara's words... He said he felt lonely, that people would look at him differently. He said that he felt uncomfortable and guilty of something, even though he hadn't done anything. I felt like that now. I missed Gaara. He would know what to do. He would either make the people stop or comfort me... probably he'd do both. I hung my head down in shame. What was wrong with me? Gaara had told me before that Naruto was the nine tails jinchuriki...
"Naruto...?" I started, but how could I ask him something so personal without him asking me something personal?
"Then I- hmm?" He was in the middle of one of his stories and I had interrupted him.
"N-Never mind..."
I continued walking down the street. I didn’t bother looking up again. We walked for about 20 more minutes before a small child, about 7-8 years old, bumped into me.
“S-Sorry Misses.”
I smiled at him but my smile vanished as I heard the boy’s mother whispering things in his ear. She hurriedly pulled him away from me.
“Stay away from her, you hear me?”
“But why Mommy?”
“Just make sure you don’t ever go near her.”
I stopped walking and stared in shock at the two. Neji placed a hand on my shoulder. I found it comforting, but earlier
I had also seen him studying… He was just like the villagers. I shook off his hand and froze in the crowd. She looked over her shoulder to me and when she saw my shocked face she turned a corner and disappeared in the crowd.
“Hmm, what’s wrong Kyoko?” I shook my head. The next time I saw Gaara, I would tell him that I knew the feeling.
The feeling when your heart is being ripped out of your chest, but not physically. He said it was hard to explain in words, but once you felt it, you’d never forget. I understood now. Being shunned by people who don’t even know you, they make you think that you’re guilty of something, even though you didn’t do anything.
“Hey Naruto, I think I heard that Tsunade-Sama was calling you, you better go find out what she wants.” Neji said quietly.
“What- oh… Okay, see ya later Kyoko!” I was still to hurt to return his wave, but he didn’t notice. Neji’s hand came
onto my forearm.
“Come. I know another path to get to the Uchiha compound.” I nodded and followed behind him. We followed a path in the forest were no one else was. I was grateful, no one else. It was silent as we made our way to the Uchiha compound where I would be staying.
“I’m sorry.” Neji said it suddenly. I didn’t answer but instead looked at him curiously.
Neji’s P.O.V.
I had been jumping for joy… on the inside when Tsunade had said that I would be bringing Kyoko to the Uchiha compound. But my happiness vanished as she said that Naruto would also be joining us. Why did he have to get along with everyone? The three of us were now walking down an unpopular street. We were mainly the only people walking here. I hadn’t said anything due to my grumpiness. She hadn’t said anything either, she looked as if she was in deep thought. Naruto was stupidly telling her stories I doubted she cared about. He was oblivious to the fact that her mind was elsewhere.
“Watch out Kyoko! What's wrong anyways, you don't look like you're paying attention!" Naruto said. Stupid idiot, true she was about to bump into a wall, but did he have to be so harsh?
"Nothing... just thinking." She said in a daze.
"About what?” he prodded.
"..."
"Oh c'mon, you can tell me!" He continued.
"I'd rather not," She looked off again and Naruto had an evil grin on his face and got closer to her. What was he planning? Naruto's hands came around Kyoko’s sides and I was about to hit him when I realized… He was tickling her. She immediately started laughing loudly and Naruto smiled amused. He continued tickling her and a tear fell out of her eye.
"S-Stop,” She called out. She was actually hurting. I took a step forward to stop Naruto when Kyoko dropped to the floor. Naruto crouched down and I assumed he was about to help her. Boy was I wrong; Naruto started tickling her harder.
“Naruto maybe you should-“ I didn’t have to continue as I saw her knee come in contact with his chin. I saw him go flying and couldn’t help but smirk. That’s what he got for treating her like that! He hit a tree and I saw Kyoko look at him darkly while trying to catch her breath. Naruto had a mark on his chin… Man, that was harder than Sakura’s usual punches. I’m sure that’s gonna leave a bruise for a lot longer.
"What… was... that?" She said weakly.
"You've never been tickled before?" Naruto said rubbing his sore chin.
"T-Tickled?” I anime sweat dropped at how little she knew… She continued to stare darkly at Naruto. With the daggers he was sending, you’d think he had killed her mother. Naruto was now laughing, but I stayed quiet.
"What? I don't understand what's so funny."
"It's something friends do to each other." She looked even more confused.
"Never, and I mean ever, do that to me again. I will kill you. What form of torture is that classified as?" Naruto had an anime sweat drop as he realized that she was being serious. Then again did she ever joke around?
"Be patient with her Naruto, she'll learn soon enough." I said wanting to continue so that I might be able to talk to her when she got to her new home. We were taking Naruto’s ‘short cut’ through the forest. There weren’t many people here, but we were coming up to place that was more populated by villagers. I came out and saw the horror and disgust on the villagers’ faces as we came into sight. Were they looking at Naruto? I thought that it had become clear that he wasn’t just a vessel for the nine tails… I followed where their eyes were going and realized that they were looking at Kyoko. How dare they? They didn’t know her, or her story. What was wrong about her? I studied her along with the villagers and understood. Her body, though beautiful, screamed dangerous. At a first glance you might not want to cross paths with her out of fear. But when you really saw her, you saw the same thing I did: An innocent, beautiful, strong girl. I watched as she raised her arms in front of herself. She began examining herself. I felt pity. She had no idea why these people were being so cruel to her; she thought it was her fault. She continued to look at her body and I saw her face become more and disappointed as she looked at her body. I wanted to put an arm around her and tell her that the people in the village were ignorant idiots. I wanted to tell her that they didn’t see the part of her that I did. That she was perfect the way she was and that she should just ignore them. But I just stayed silent; I mentally punched myself in the gut for acting so cowardly. I saw her hand rise up and clutch her chest. She must be feeling pain. She looked over to Naruto.
“Naruto…?” She called weakly.
“Then I- hmm?” He was in the middle of one of his stupid stories. He looked up at her.
“N-Never mind…” She shook her head and we all continued walking. She kept her head down. No one deserved to be treated like this… no one at all. Suddenly an 8 year old boy bumped into her. She smiled sweetly at her- my heart melted, her smile was amazingly, awesomely- I was getting too soft…
“S-Sorry Misses.” He said quietly. She smiled again at him. Then I saw his mother come and urgently pulled him away from her and she sent Kyoko a glare. What had she done? She began whispering things into the boys ear, she hadn’t yet stopped glaring at Kyoko.
“Stay away from her, you hear me son?” She said into his ear. I knew Kyoko had heard her. I put a hand on her shoulder, which she shook off. She froze in the crowd looking at the Mother and her son.
“But why, Mommy?” The boy asked.
“Just make sure you never go near her again.” ‘
Kyoko looked incredulously after them. She looked heartbroken. The crazy thing is, I felt it too. I almost felt all of the hurt she was bearing at the moment. Naruto, the idiot, had finally realized that the two of us were way behind him. He turned around to us.
“Hmm, what’s wrong Kyoko?” She shook her head and looked down at her black ninja shoes. I noticed that they resembled Hinata’s. I wanted to talk with Kyoko; I would have to get rid of him.
“Hey Naruto, I think I heard that Tsunade-Sama was calling you, you better go find out what she wants.” I said quietly. Naruto left quickly and I had Kyoko to myself. I looked to my right and saw a forest. Kyoko took a step forward and I caught her by her forearm.
“C’mon. I know another path to get to the Uchiha compound.” She nodded and I let go of her arm. She followed behind. We followed a path in the forest were no one else was. I was grateful, no one else. It was silent as we made our way to the Uchiha compound where she would be staying. No was my chance, I felt so bad for not saying anything. It wasn’t like anyone would talk back to a member of the Hyuga clan.
“I’m really sorry Kyoko.” I said. Phew, I had managed to get that much out. That was good.
“What do you mean?” She looked up at me with those eyes, those eyes that I desperately loved. Now all I had to do was tell her why. Just humble myself and tell her. Sadly, ‘humble’ wasn’t a part of the Hyuga vocabulary. I couldn’t do it, what a coward. I shook my head and we continued in silence to her new house. She had that distant look on her face again, she wasn’t paying attention. I saw a tree root in the ground and readied myself to catch her. Surely she fell and I caught her. She gasped and I brought her closer to me. I saw her soft pink lips almost begging for me to kiss them. I wonder if she’d ever been kissed. Had she been around over guys? I snapped out of it and realized that I was still holding her to my chest. I let her down to the floor and we came to her house. She was still thinking hard about something.
“This is where you’ll be staying. The Hokage has already put clothes and food in there. Bye Kyoko.” I turned around before I did something stupid, when she did something weird.
“Neji,” I turned back to her. “Looks like you’ve learnt my name…” She said smugly with a smile. I couldn’t help but smile with her.
“Yeah, I tried my best.” I was about to walk away again, when I felt the urge… I had to say something more. I turned back to face Kyoko and took a step towards her.
“The villagers… they don’t know anything. They’re all ignorant, ignore them. If you ever need to talk to anyone, just go to either me or Naruto. He’s a jinchuriki and he knows what you’re feeling. Me on the other hand, well I’ll always be here to listen and give advice.” I said all of that in one breath before turning around again. I felt heat in my cheeks, had I been blushing the whole time?
“Neji,” She wrapped her arms around my stomach. “Thank you.” I was shocked and tried to react and hug her back,
but she had already removed her arms and was now walking into her new house. See you later Kyoko.
------------------
I looked around my new home. It looked clean, yet dirty, as if there was some hidden secret under the surface. The house was very comforting, and warm. It was as if this was the home I grew up in. I laughed a bit, I didn't remember anything about my past other than the necessary stuff. People tortured me, I killed them, I lived alone, then got kidnapped by Orochimaru. It wasn't that big of a deal really. I made a note to myself that I would try not to hurt anyone unnecessarily, but when you're under Orochimaru's care you're usually forced to kill for survival. That's where I developed most of my skills. I came into the kitchen and surely there was food in all the cupboards. I looked more closely around the kitchen. The table had 5 chairs. 4 chairs that would never be filled. I would have gotten depressed... if I had cared. I was used to being alone, although spending time with Gaara wasn't so bad... Neither was it with Sasuke... I sighed and continued looking through cupboards before finding the stairs leading up to the second floor. I had counted 5 rooms, I found one that I felt drawn to, but decided against it. I was told that if you feel drawn to it by feelings, it's best not to chose to go there at all. I chose the room beside it and sat on the bed. I looked in the closet and saw new clothes. I sighed, I wouldn't be wearing any of that. I sat on the bed and pulled out a scroll, I would talk to Sasuke. After the three hand signs, Sasuke appeared in front of me.
"Kyoko," He smiled softly. "I missed you-"
I could see him open his mouth, but quickly close it again as he looked around the room. He had an angry look on his face and it seemed to be growing by the second. I waited at least 5 minutes while Sasuke continued looking around the room. His fists were clenched and his breathing had gotten faster and becoming harder.
"Hello Sasuke." What was his problem? He looked down at me and I saw his eyes held the Sharingan. I jumped
inwardly but didn't move.
"Is this some type of joke?" He said through clenched teeth. I raised my eyebrow at him.
"What do you mean?"
"THIS!" He motioned around the room with his arm. Did it remind him of the leaf village?
"'This' isn't very descriptive." He was irritating me with his sudden temper tantrum. He took a step towards me with eyes that held so much anger, I wouldn't believe he was the same quiet Sasuke that I had previously known.
"You create some jutsu, make me appear, just to show me my old house? What were you trying to do?" His old house?
It was the Uchiha compound, but surely it couldn't have been Sasuke's house...
"S-Sorry..."
"You're in the leaf village, what happened to joining the Akatsuki? Did you betray us?"
"What- NO! Your brother was the one who came to me, then Gaara, the Kazekage of the Sand, took me and after a bit I found myself heading over to the leaf."
He was silent and I could see him trembling, but I knew it was from anger.
"How long have you been staying here?"
"Just got here. Come sit down Sasuke, we'll sort this out."
"Maybe I can just leave instead."
"Sasuke don't-" I didn't get to finish my sentence before I was left alone in my Sasuke's old room. Why would he get so worked up anyways? When I was with Sasuke, I always felt at ease, and I could tell he felt the same way. We were almost never mad when we were around each other. I knew Sasuke had turned tried turning himself into a heartless killer so he could finish off his brother, the know important Itachi, but he had never actually directed anger or coldness to me. Even the first time I met him he wasn't so bad. Had his relationship with his brother been so strong that he would get worked up over something as simple as this? Well, I knew one thing for sure; I wouldn't be talking to Sasuke for a while. I got up from my bed and looked up at the window. I hadn't noticed it before, but the size was that of one of the huge walls of the big room. I quickly closed the curtains and turned slowly around the room. What would I do now? Maybe take a walk around the vi- nope. Maybe through the forest... I did notice that it was peaceful and quiet... just like how I liked it. I rolled up the scroll that still sat on my bed and put it somewhere in the closet of my new room. I walked down the stairs and out the door. It was the first time I noticed the white silhouette of a body on the floor in front of the door. [ddd] * not like this, but kinda...
The lines were faded. My senses had grown dull. I needed to go hunting, I needed to fight. I might be able to find an animal in the woods.
TIME SKIP
I was deep in the woods, but I had to be deeper if I didn't want anyone to get hurt when I gave myself over to my instincts... like an animal... Here would be good. I was about to let my senses take control when I heard something not too far off. I looked to the left, but didn't see anything. I still heard the sound, like a girl in pain, I went nearer. I leaped onto a tree quietly and peered through some bushes to see the girl with purple hair and lavender eyes training. By the look of how much sweat she had built up, she was working pretty hard.
"Neji Nii-San! I'm ready, come at me again!" She shouted, I couldn't believe this girl. She wasn't even finished catching
her breath yet she was asking for more. Even more surprising, the high and mighty Neji Hyuga was helping someone.
"You don't look like-"
"Please Neji Nii-San." He nodded gravely.
"Very well Lady Hinata." Ah, there it was. He only acted this way because she was of the main branch. I heard of how the Hyuga clan worked. I wouldn't think of Neji as the type to obey, more of a leader... an arrogant one at that. I leaned back on the branch I was on. Maybe they could interest me. I really didn't have anything that much better to do, how bad could it be?
"Ah!"
"Ugh."
"Oomph."
"Ow."
All of those were heard coming from the mouth of the young girl Hinata. She couldn't be older than me... probably the same age. I looked on as she was hurt over and over again by Neji. He did seem to care a bit, but that was probably because he would die if she was ever hurt.
"Lady Hinata, I think we might want to stop now."
"No, Neji Nii-San, just one more time."
"Very well."
Hmm, the girl did have spunk. I would try talking with her some time later. I saw as she ran at Neji. Suddenly chakra started forming around her hands and took the shape of tigers. She screamed out the name of the jutsu, but I was too interested in the form of the chakra to actually care. She took her right fist and pulled it back, ready to hit Neji. He was also surprised at her sudden strength. She threw her punch, but Neji dodged it and aimed to hit Hinata's rib cage with his gentle fist technique. Hinata moved out of the way with amazing speed, which left Neji falling forward into thin air. Hinata took this chance to bring her fist down on Neji. It hit him square in the back. Wow... Neji was sure easy to beat... But then again, that was a pretty impressive jutsu. Neji's body turned into a poof of smoke and all that was left was a log. Neji appeared again a bit farther away from Hinata. She had her hands on her knees and she was breathing deeply and heavily. It must have taken a lot of her chakra. But she was still standing, she must be the strongest Kunoichi in all of the Hidden Leaf. Sakura, Ino, or Tenten would surely lose if they were ever asked to go up against Hinata. That was sure.
"I have to go back now, but I'm sure Soto will take you back after a bit."
"Thank you Nii-San, I promise next time I'll be stronger!" Neji nodded and started walking away.
I noticed the spiky haired Hyuga sitting off not too far from where the two were battling. He was in his late twenties and I could tell he held a good relationship with Hinata and Neji. Neji left and Soto and Hinata began fighting again.
"Let's get back now, Lady Hinata."
"S-Sure Soto-San." Hmm... she seemed to stutter less when she was in a fight. Soto took a step forward and I realized his Byakugan wasn't activated. He walked up to her placed a gentle hand on her back. That was weird, the branch members were supposed to hate those of the main branch... Soto leaned closer to Hinata and whispered something in her ear. I just made out:
"4 o'clock, about our age, girl, full chakra level." I looked around and noticed that I was their 4 o'clock. I took out a kunai, prepared to deal with them. Apparently, Soto didn't know I heard what he had said. He pretended to be helping Hinata up, but I saw his hand slip to her thigh and take out a kunai knife. He threw it at me in my direction quickly. I blocked it with my kunai. I saw his Byakugan already activated. Hinata was too weak to activate hers.
"Wait here Lady Hinata." She nodded and sat down on the ground cross legged.
"Come out now, before I have to fight you." I laughed silently. Did he know who he was going up against? He didn't because if he did, he would running in the opposite direction. I did a few hand signs.
"Bring it on." I said in a disguised voice. Soto jumped from the ground and to the tree. A poof of smoke came up and filled up the place in which we both stood. I wanted to see what the Hyuga was made of. I put on a mask and prepared for the fun.
"This smoke will do nothing, I have-"
"The Byakugan? I know, that's why the smoke can't be seen through with Byakugan." He took a gasp as he probably just realized that. "Good luck." I ran at him and felt the air move around where his left arm should move. That's how I fought, I could sense the different in air when people moved and could get prepared to defend myself against almost every attack. I moved a bit lower so he would miss my head and I sent a strong kick to his chest. He went flying into a tree.
"C'mon, this isn't all the Hyuga have, is it?" I shouldn't be mocking him... but... I don't know. I always told myself that I wanted a guy that was strong enough to defend my family, but not enough that he was stronger than me. I had only fought with Sasuke for that reason. He was the only guy I met that was my age and it was obvious that if I wanted a family, he would be the Father of my family. I had fought him relentlessly, I had done the same for Gaara, more out of fun. But when I thought about it... was it for fun? Now I was doing it with Soto... Was I pregnant or something? I was having so many mood swings... if that is what they're called. Soto was up in a second with a kunai knife in his hand. I had trained my eyes to be able to see through the smoke and could see Soto's and his form. He was huffing a bit and I could see anger in his eyes. Hinata was important to him? That couldn't be it...
"State your business. Were you aiming for Lady Hinata?"
"No."
"You must have been."
"No, I wasn't actually. She did catch my attention though."
"Then what were you doing?"
I ran at him and we had a clash with our kunai's. He was good, but I could always foretell where he was going to try and hit next. He was too predictable.
"Soto Nii-San!"
"Lady Hinata!"
He looked over to her direction and I took advantage of that. I bent my arm and pushed my forearm against his chest. He went back into a tree and I held my kunai to his throat.
"You're kinda weak for a Hyuga... you can calm down now."
He growled. I dropped my kunai and took a step back.
"Good-Bye S-"
The wind was hit out of me as Soto pushed me down and lay on top of me. He held a kunai to my face.
"I'm not your enemy."
He didn't say anything.
"Really, I'm not."
"Remove the smoke so I can see your face."
I did as I was asked. There was no point in hiding it for any longer. The smoke resided and I saw the short spiky haired
Hyuga look at me with surprise. He gasped and I felt something stab my arm. I looked down to see something like a needle being shot into my arm. I ground my teeth together and I felt my senses start to dull. He brought me down in front of Hinata and she gasped.
"Th-There must b-be a mistake Soto-San! Sh-She w-wouldn't do th-that!"
"S-Sorry H-Hinata... I-I th-think I-I would h-have liked you m-most..." I hit the floor and fell unconscious. What would happen next?