A/N: Hi everyone! Sorry I took long for the update! (Again) Please just bare with me 'kay? I will try to write more frecuently, really! Today it snowed in almost the whole state so there was no school and I took about an hour or so to write this chapter; nothing really much happens and it's kinda boring, butit's going to get better! Enjoy! Oh, and sorry about my grammar mistakes.., I'll try to not make that many!
Disclaimer: Naruto and all the characters belong to Kishimoto Masashi!
Chapter 18: Arriving
"Ouch…I bet that hurts!"- Chouji leaned closer to his friends' seat and curiously stared at his friend's huge scratch.
"Yeah…and all thanks to someone behind me, but I'm not saying names…"-Shikamaru looked at Chouji accusingly as helet Ino try to fix his arm. -" Itai…"
"Don't move!"- She scolded while angrily wrapping the bandage. -"Can't you see I'm trying to finish over here?!"
"…Yeah, yeah……"- Shikamaru sighed while glancing out the window. - (…I feel so damn tired…)
"This sucks, why do I have to take care of your injures?!You guys could've been more careful……Falling into that stupid hole, ugh, have you ever though of acting like real chuunins? …Just imagine, if I would've been one millimeter closer to you, I would've fallen into that trap too; oh! But if Sasuke-kun would've been there, nothing like that would've happened! Because…"- Ino started talking and talking without stop; the two boys sighed and rolled their eyes.
"It's late Ino, why don't you get some rest?"-Chouji said from the back.
"Are you nuts? I gotta go check on Sasuke-kun!"
Ino jumped off her seat and ran off to the back of the bus where the adults did their best to treat the injuries of the unconscious chuunins.
"………"- Chouji scratched his head.-( Poor Shika, I bet he feels bad when Ino acts like that...)
"Anyways…"- Shikamaru sighed.
"…Shikamaru, don't you think is time for you to spit it out?"- Chouji reached for the bag next to him, and desperately searched for some chips. -"Now, where did I put those…?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."- Shikamaru folded his arms.
"……Oh yeah you do."
"No I don't, now, how about I get some sleep?!"
"……Shikamaru, the number one coward in Konoha.........I never thought that was true, but from what I see now, Iguess I'm starting to believe it…"- Chouji found his chips and started stuffing his mouth. -"I mean, you look really mad every time Ino pays all her attention to Sasuke; but still you don't say or do nothing…"
"What the…!?!"- Shikamaru angrily turned around; a vein popped out this head.
"Want some?"- Chouji put the chips' bag in front of Shikamaru's face.
"No!"- Shikamaru pushed them away.
"What is it then?"- Chouji smiled. -"Are you mad 'cause I'm saying what I think?"
"………"
"…..….."
"……Tsk…you sure are a troublesome guy Chouji…"-Shikamaru sat back again.
"No Shika, I just want you to tell the truth about your feelings, because I know that you are hurting yourself by keeping them shut."
"………"- Shikamaru stared at Chouji, kinda surprised of how much friends can get to know each other.
"…But it's up to you…"- Chouji finished his chips, -"Sorry if my comment bothered you; but I just want the best for my friends-" …Good night." -Then he reached for the light above him and turned it off. - "Oh and if you need some help; just call me, we can figure out some kind of plan or something."
"............"-Shikamaru's mouth stayed dropped for some seconds; then he turned around and stared at the sky……-( A plan huh? ...I don't think that's going to work.....Why waste time dreaming of something that will never happen.....I might as well just forget about it, I have no hope....)
...:O:...
"Is he okay Kakashi-sensei?!"- Ino squealed as she worriedly stared at the raven haired.
"Yes, don't worry Ino, he will be fine."- Kakashi glanced at his student.
"Good…"- Ino sighed. -"…......"- She glanced at Sakura with worry…
"She is alright too…, now go and get some sleep, tomorrow is also going to be long…"- Kakashi smiled while getting up and walking back to his seat. Ino nodded with a smile, and also went back to her seat.
"Damn, damn, damn!"- Kiba cursed under his breath while furiously punching the seat in front of him. Akamaru glanced at him uneasily.
"Do you mind?!"- Shino, who was in that seat, angrily turned around.
"Sorry…"- Kiba groaned.
"……."- Shino went back to his thinking position.
"Kiba…"- Kurenai suddenly appeared next to him, Akamaru pushed over.
"Huh?!"- Kiba got caught by surprise and almost startles.
"I thought you were sleeping…"- She continued.-"Is something wrong?"
"No, I'm fine…"- He mumbled.
(...I know, he's feeling responsable for what happened to Hinata...)- Kurenai thought.- (I guess I'll cheer him up, I don't like seeing him like this.) -"……You want to know something Kiba? I think you fought very well today…"-She smiled.
"….Huh?"- Kibafrowned.- "What do you mean sensei?! I couldn't do anything; Hinata is hurt and is all my damn fault…"
"You're wrong…"- Kurenai interrupted.
"I didn't do shit……, I couldn't…it's my fault…"
"…Then tell me, because I want to know…"
"………"
"…Who was that guy that impressively dashed across that huge forest, even surpassing my own speed; searching for his friends? … Who was that guy who bravely stood with us in battle without the minimum hesitation? ...Who was that guy that didn't care about the dangers ahead, but went down that cliff, took Hinata out, and carried her all the way down here? ……Tell me Kiba…Tell me who you think that was; because I think it was someone that did his best in the arena, someone that didn't give up for anything, someone that has grown up a lot……I think that someone is you…"
"…Uh…I…."
"Everyone fought well, don't discourage yourself." - Kurenai took a last glance at his shocked student; then she stood up and walked up to her seat with a proud smile on her face.
"Nice job Kurenai…"-Asuma greeted. –"I've never heard you talking like that."
"I felt like I had to do it, my mission here is to be sure that my students are safe, physically AND mentally."
"You're right, congratulations; I think you've also grown up."
"Ahem!"
"No, no, I didn'tmean to say you're old! What I…"
"Anyways Asuma, go to sleep, I think you would use some rest."
"…Are you saying that I look terrible?!"
"Oh god…" - - '
Half an hour later...
"I hope they get well soon…"- Tenten sighed. -"Gee, I bet they really went through a lot…; what a long day…"
"Yes, and I'm glad Sakura-san is alright."- Lee smiled. -"But…Tenten…Tell me, why did you attack Tomoko-san all of a sudden back there?"
"Well…I……"
"Do you really think she was responsible for this?"-Lee whispered while glancing at the woman by the front of the bus.
"…I don't know Lee…I don't know…, but I promise, that once we get to that city, I will not keep my eyes off of her, and as soon as I catch her doing something weird; I will challenge her to a fight, but this time I will be dead serious; no more little games."- Tenten shot her a glare.
"………"- Lee nodded in agreement. –"Count me in."
"…Let's not be so hasty."- Neji suddenly spoke; he looked very uneasy.
"But Neji, you were the first one who suspected of her."- Tenten said.
"Let's just stay in our place, and do what we have to do, our mission here is to fight and follow our senseis' orders, that's it."-He answeredwith a serious tone. -"And like I said before, let's just watch on what we step on, but that's it, do not provoke people; it just leads nowhere."
"Hai."- Lee and Tenten just nodded and turned around.
(That dream……It was so real, the pain could almost be felt……Yes Tenten, something's wrong with that woman, but for our own good, let's just stay out of it…I don't want nothing bad to happen to none of you………Ugh…Wait a second, what am I thinking?!)
Neji turned around and took a last glance at his cousin Hinata and also at Naruto on the other side.
(You fought well Hinata nee-san, you too Naruto…, and I have to thank you for protecting my cousin with your own life…I own you one…)
Fourty minutes later...
"So, it seems like everyone is sleeping." – Tomoko broke the uncomfortable silence that surrounded the adults. Apparentaly none of them could sleep.
"Obviously."- Kurenai answered. –"They've all suffered multiple injures, and are extremely worn-out."
(Ugh, why does she sound mad?)- "Ahem…" - Tomoko nervously glanced around; the three senseis seemed to be glaring at her. –"Hey I know, how about we give them some free time once we get to the city? Um…you know, just let them have a walk, go to the beach or something? There are some great places over there!"
"But I thought you said that we must expect a mission as soon as we get there."- Asuma pointed out.
"Yes, but don't worry about that, I'll take care of everything, you just go ahead and have some fun, what do you say?"
"Sounds good to me."- Kakashi smiled. –"It would be perfect for all of us."
Asuma and Kurenai went through it for some minutes.
"Fine…"- Kurenai sighed. –"As soon as none of us get in trouble, everything sounds fine…"
" I agree."- Asuma shrugged.
"That's the spirit!"- Tomoko exclaimed. –"I'm sure everyone will absolutely enjoy it; and they will enormously thank you."
"Hm…"
(One or two days will be enough to carry on my next plan; shit, I never thought any of them were going to make it this long! But I guess I was wrong, they are very strong and my next move has to be perfect; in this change of strategy I only need to figure out their weak spots, and then…BOOM! Hahahahaha! I will kill them all!)
"Um…Tomoko-san, are you okay?"- The three senseis saw that the woman had suddenly started laughing to herself.
"Huh?! Oh yes, I'm fine, I was just thinking of how much fun we're going to have…, I just can't wait…"
Later on...
(The city...we are finally here...)
Kakashi: "Guys…wake up"
"…………"
Kurenai: "…Look out the window; we are finally here."
"……….."
Ino: "Ugh, why are you waking us up so……OH –MY- GOSH…"
Tenten: "Wow! It's…IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!! Neji, Lee, wake up! You have to look at this!"(Shakes both)
Lee: "Huh?" (Rubs eyes) "What is it Tenten?"
Tenten: "Look out the window!"
Lee: (Turns around) "Jesus Christ!"
Neji: (Looks out window) "…………"
Kurenai: (Shakes Kiba and Shino) "Guys wake up, take a look at the city."
Kiba: "…I'm sleepy…" (Rubs eyes)
Shino: (Opens eyes and glances out window) "…Hm…"
Kiba: "WTF!!!"
Temari: (Wakes up) "What's going on?" (Looks out the window) "Goodness!"
Gaara: (Opens right eye) "………"
Kankurou: "What's with the noise?! Are we there yet?"
Temari: "Yes!"
Kankurou: "It was about time…" (Sigh)
Ino: (Shakes Shikamaru) "Wake up you lazy ass; look out the window!!!"
Shikamaru: (Doesn't bother on opening eyes) "Mmmm…"
Chouji: (Suddenly wakes up by all the commotion) "Hm….....Wow!!!! What the hell?!!!!"
Kakashi: (Stares out window) "I didn't expect something as big as this…"
Asuma: (Scratches head) "Me neither…"
Kurenai: "This city is huge…"
Tomoko: "Yes, and I'm glad we made it here, please welcome."
Skyscrapers and buildings fully decorated with all types of beautiful neon lights and signs filled the whole surroundings with a stunning and splendid atmosphere.
It was night, and the skies were dark blue with a huge half-moon and brimming stars, which made the scene even more beautiful and remarkable. Everyone stared out their windows with their eyes wide open; they couldn't believe such an amazing city existed; it was so big and different…
Tenten: "It's wonderful!" (Leans on window and stares)
Lee: "YEAH!" (Gai-sensei, I wish you were here!)
Neji: (…Hm…It's huge…that means it will bring us more trouble during mission…)
Ino: "COOL!" (Shakes Shikamaru with excitement) "Shika look! Imagine all the things that we will find in there; we're going to have so much fun!!!"
Shikamaru: (Glances out window) "…It looks soooo troublesome…"
Chouji: "…Yum, I already smell the delicious food waiting for me over there…" (Closes eyes and smells air)
Tomoko: "You're right; tomorrow morning you will have a delicious breakfast at the hotel that we're staying."
Chouji: "Really?! Yes!"
Kiba: "Gee, Shino would you look at that!" (Chuckles) "Ain't it awesome!?"
Shino: "……Yeah…I guess so…" (Serious stance again)
Kiba: "I can't wait to get the heck off this bus!"
Shino: (Glances at Hinata) "I bet she would've loved to see this…) (Sighs)
Asuma: "Ok guys, sit back now, remember the bus is still moving…" (Smiles)
All: "Hai…" (Sit but keep staring out windows)
Tomoko: "I'm glad they like it."
Asuma: "Yeah, me too."
Kakashi: "Yeah, but now that we're about to arrive, we have to explain them the rules Hokage-sama told us about."
Asuma: "Kurenai, why don't you take care of that?"
Kurenai: "Sure. Everybody listen up!" (Raises hand)
All: (Look at her)
Kurenai: "I will explain some of the rules that we have to follow from now on, so listen carefully."
All: "……."
Ino: (Whispers) "Why does she sound so serious?"
Shikamaru: "You heard her; she's about to give us a bunch of new rules..."
Ino: "How boring."
Kurenai: "As you all already know, nobody from this city except the police, are supposed to know nothing about our staying; konoha's troops are here to carry on special and top secret missions and we are part of them."
All: "……."
Kurenai: "…Ahem! On to the rules: Number one; remove your country's head band…"
All: (!) "WHAAAAT????!!!!!"
Ino: "But our leaf head band represents our honor and respect to Konoha!"
Lee: "She's right! And also equality and strength among us!"
Asuma: "Yes guys, we know that, and we understand how you feel, but rules are rules, Hokage-sama agreed with them, and they'll be the best for your security."
Kakashi: "So don't protest, just do it if you don't want to die." (Chuckles)
All: "Hai…"
Kurenai: (Sighs) "Rule number two; not only during missions; you are to follow your sensei's orders at all time, do not leave the designated area, neither attack or ambush without our prime order."
All: 'Hai…"
Kiba: "Does that mean we can't kill unless you say so?"
Kurenai: "…….."
Asuma: "…….."
Tomoko: "………."
Kakashi: "Yes"
All: "………"
Kurenai: "Next; rule number three: You are not to leave your comrades or team mates alone in battle no matter what."
Ino: "We know that."
All: "Yeah."
Kurenai: "Ok, then it was just a reminder…., number four; I think this is a very important one: The order of withdraw takes priority. Doesn't matter if a troop zombies appear right in front of you; if you are told to withdraw, you withdraw at the very instant."
All: "Hai."
Asuma: "The ones that don't follow this rule will have to face the consequences."
All: "Hai."
Kurenai: "Rule number five; do not cause mischief or trouble anywhere. Remember this is not our city and any suspicious activity from us, can cause an alarm."
All: "Hai."
Kakashi: (Thanks God Naruto will be sleeping during the guards' inspection.)
Kurenai: "Rule number six: "You are to stick to the team that you are assigned to, in missions and on rooms; no complains."
All: "……."
Kurenai: "Got that clear?"
All: "….Hai…."
Kurenai: "Well, I guess that's it for now; the only thing that I must say is that you have to stay focused on the missions, the faster we accomplish them, the faster we're out of here. So do not get distracted and do your best."
Lee: "This is so exciting! I can't wait until we get a mission tomorrow!"
Kakashi: "Oops, sorry to ruin your plans Lee, but we had something else planned for tomorrow."
Lee: "Oh yeah? What is it?"
Kakashi: "Listen everyone, tomorrow we are taking the day off."
Ino: "Yes!"
Temari: "Phew…"
Gaara: "……."
Kankurou: "Sounds good."
Kiba: "Oh yeah!"
Shino: "……"
Chouji: "Yes, I will have a lot of food!"
Shikamaru: "…Man, this sounds even more troublesome…"
Tenten: "Yay! We'll have a lot of fun!"
Neji: "I don't think is a good idea."
Lee: "Oh come on! It's going to be great!"
Kurenai: "Yeah, so start thinking what would you like to do."
All: "Alright!"
Tomoko: "We will now be arriving to a well known hotel so we can rest comfortably, we will stay there until everything's done."
Lee: "You mean until we accomplish the big mission?"
Tomoko: "Yes."
Ino: "Sounds fine, as soon as it's filled with luxury and all that stuff!"
Chouji and Shikamaru: (Sweat drop) --'
Tomoko: "Don't worry about that, I'm pretty sure you'll find a lot…" (Smiles)
Ino: "Awesome!"
Tomoko: (Looks out window) "Guards, they will inspect the bus before we pass by."
(Bus stops)
Kurenai: "Remove your head bands."
All: (Take off bands)
Tenten: "But what about all our weapons?"
Kakashi: "They're very well hidden, so don't worry."
Tenten: "Oh, ok."
Tomoko: "Here they come, after this inspection; we can go ahead and rest."
(Guards enter bus)
Guard 1: "Gee, we've sure received a lot of tourists today."
Guard 2: "Look, isn't that Sakaino-san?"
Guard 1: "Yes, I wonder what she's doing here."
Tomoko: "Good evening."
Guard 3: "Good evening; so what do we have here Tomoko-san?"
Kurenai: (Whispers) "It looks like she's very well known around here."
Asuma: "Yeah, how weird…"
Tomoko: "It's just a group of high school students and teachers on a field trip."
Guard 1: "So, they don't come from far?"
Tomoko: "No, not really."
Guard 2: (Walks around bus with metal detector.)
Kiba: "Stay still Akamaru…"
Akamaru: (Inside hoodie) "Rrr…."
Guard 2: (Finishes inspection) "Alright, everything's clean!"
Guard 1: "Perfect, you can now proceed, please have a good time."
Senseis: "Thank you."
Guard 1: (Gets off bus)
Guard 2: "See ya around." (Gets off bus)
Guard 3: (What a bunch of weird guys, I hope they don't cause any trouble....Hm…, they come with Tomoko-san so I don't think they will…….Oh well…) (Gets off bus)
Kurenai: "Phew."
Tomoko: "It was nothing to worry about."
Kakashi: "………"
Asuma: "Well, let's get going."
Tomoko: "Hai."
(Bus starts engine)
Already at the hotel……
A big room was assigned to each of the regular teams; so everyone went off to shower and get some sleep.
Kakashi and Asuma...
Kakashi sat down on the large couch by the window and glanced outside. He had just come from his students' room, and made sure they were ok.
"So what are your plans for tomorrow?"- Asuma got out the bathroom.
"I don't know maybe I'll just walk around the place."- Kakashi said simply.
"Are you sure? Me and Kurenai were planning on going to some hot springs Tomoko-san told us about."
"Oh no please, I don't want to ruin your opportunity to be alone." – Kakashi smiled.
"It's not that!"- Asuma shouted nervously. –"You got it all wrong Kakashi!"
"Sure…"- Kakashi shook his head from side to side and then headed to the bathroom.
Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji...
"My, this place is beautiful."- Ino got out the bathroom with her pajamas on and a rolled a towel on her head.
"I think you already said that." – Chouji stuffed a piece of cake on his mouth.
"I know!"- Ino laughed. –"I just can't stop saying it! It's beautiful!"
"I'm glad you're happy."- Chouji stood up and grabbed his luggage.
"Of course I am!" – Ino giggled with excitement as she jumped into her bed.
"Do you guys mind? I'm trying to get some sleep over here…"- Shikamaru said annoyed as he rolled on his bed.
"Sorry!"- Ino said sarcastically. –"We didn't mean to bother you Mr. Bored; we are just exited about the new place you know."
"And the new food too!"- Chouji added.
"Whatever, just be quiet."- Shikamaru covered his head with the blue sheets and went back to dreaming world. Chouji shook his head, Ino let out a small sigh.
Kiba, Shino and Hinata....
"What are you looking at?"- Kiba asked Shino with an annoyed tone.
"Nothing, why do you care?"- Shino answered dully.
"For a minute I thought you were staring at Hinata." – Kiba grabbed Akamaru and put him on his bed.
"And what if I was?" – Shino turned around and faced him.
"That's not very of you Shino." – Kiba made a questioning gesture.
"I'm just worried about the wellbeing of our friend…"
"Yeah, and I was born yesterday…"- Kiba said sarcastically.
"Whatever…"- Shino turned around and tried to get some sleep. –"Turn that light off."
"Yeah, yeah…"
Neji, Lee and Tenten....
"Okay, I think you can stop jumping now Lee."- Tenten's eyes went up and down as she watched her friend jumping on his bed with excitement.
"I'm sorry, but I think I can't!"- He shouted while still jumping.
"That's fine…"- Tenten smiled, while turning around and glancing at Neji.
"………"- Neji just stood by the window and watched the city.
(…Yes, I have and idea!)- Tenten suddenly jumped off her bed. – (I will ask him if we can go out tomorrow! I don't think he has nothing to do, so I might just as well ask!) – She quickly walked to where the quiet boy was.
"Um…Hi Neji…"- She greeted nervously.
"………"- Neji didn't bother on looking at her.
"……Um…I was wondering something you know……"- She continued while playing with her hands. – (Poor Hinata! I know how she feels now! This is so hard!!!)
"Just get to the point…-"Neji said coldly; his voice would've scared Orochimaru's snake away in a second.
"Um…okay…"- Tenten fell like desperately jumping back into her bed.
"………"- Neji stared at her with a weird look; Tenten could've swore it was a deathful glare.
(Just talk!)- She yelled to herself while trying to get rid of her nervousness. – "Alright, before I actually tell you what I want, please Neji, don't get mad okay? It's just something that I was wondering and I'm a little nervous to ask you but………Anyway; the question is; would you please go out with me tomorrow?" (Say yes!!!)
"…I…"- Neji was about to say something but Tenten suddenly started talking again.
"Please; let's just go somewhere, have a walk or something, is not going to be that bad, please, I'm not going to mess up or anything like that, we can go wherever you want, do nothing whatever!"- Tenten said nervous with her eyes shut; Lee who had stopped jumping felt like laughing his ass off, but he just held it in.
(Oh man! I've never seen the 'so-confident' Tenten be that nervous in all the time I've known her!)- He thought amused. – (Well, I guess she has and excuse though, nobody would ask Neji out with that serious face he always keeps…)
"So what do you say?"- Tenten opened her eyes; and noticed that Neji's cold expression was gone.
(Huh? He's not serious anymore…)
"Fine…We'll go somewhere…"- Neji answered.
"Really?!!! Thanks!" (OH MY GOD!)- Tenten happily headed back to her bed; and she felt like jumping on it.
"But Tenten…"- Neji's voicesuddenly stopped her.
"What is it?"- She quickly turned around.
"…Next time; give me some seconds and letme be the one who asks you out…"
Neji finished and walked up to his bed leaving a shocked Tenten with tears of happiness slipping down her eyes.
Lee raised his both thumbs up and grinned to her;she sighed deeply and got into her bed with a big smile on her face.
Gaara, Temari and Kankurou...
Temari peacefully rested on her bed while reading a magazine. – "So what are you guys going to do tomorrow?" – She asked.
"I don't know"- Kankurou answered annoyed. –"We'll see, maybe I'll go bother somebody."
"How about you Gaara?" – Temari glanced at her brother who was seated in the window sill with a meditation stance.
"………."
"Never mind." – She turned around and kept reading.
"And YOU Temari?"- Kankurou asked. –"Don't tell me you're going to go look for that lazy guy next door?"
"WHAT?! HE'S NEXT DOOR?!"- Temari jumped off the bed. –"Yes! Why didn't you tell me before?! Of course I'm going to look for him tomorrow! We'll go out to the city and have some fun!"
"Temari, that guy doesn't know how to have fun…He just knows how to be bored."
"Shut up Kankurou! You don't know how to have fun either! But anyway, I don't care; I'll teach him how to!"
"Yeah, whatever, he'll probably go out with that other girl Ino…"- Kankurou got into his bed. A huge vein popped out Temari's head.
"AND WHAT THE FUCK MAKES YOU THINK THAT?!!!"-She yelled with all her might.
"I don't know, I guess he likes her or something, you cansimplytellby the way he looks at her…"-Kankurou chuckled evilly; he knew this would make his sister piss off.
"NO!!!! DON'T YOU EVER SAY THAT! HE DOESN'T LIKE THAT SLUT! HE LIKES ME!!!!!!!"- Temari furiously jumped and whack Kankurou on the head.
"OUCH!!!!"
TBC