Naruto RarePair Week

"It doesn't make sense!" Madara-sama complains, slapping the table in frustration. "Happiness is a thing we just are! Why does he have to be so determined to be happy?"

"Because he does?" Hikaku sticks his head though the door, completely sick of the argument that's been going on for months. Twin expressions of incomprehension stare back at him and he sighs. "Because you married the man he's in love with."

"I married the man he's in love with?!" Madara-sama's voice reaches a volume that Hikaku hasn't heard since the war, and he instantly knows this conversation is going to be all over the tower in a day.

Probably less.

"It doesn't make sense!" Goshujin-sama complains, slapping the table in frustration. "Happiness is a thing we just are, why does he have to be so determined to be happy?"

"I don't know, but he is." It's the same question they've been debating for months and Tobirama rubs his forehead, trying to make what feels like the permanent headache he's been carrying around go away. "His chakra doesn't match his face, he's hiding something all the time, I just can't figure out what."

"If I'd known where our paths would lead us," Hikaku slaps his palms on the ground and a sinkhole opens beneath their enemies. "I'd have run the other way when I met you."

"No, you wouldn't have." Tobirama-sama's blade is swift, fittingly for the fastest shinobi in Hi no Kuni, and two more of their opponents fall to the lightning it spits.

"… no. I wouldn't have." Hikaku puts his back to his mission partner's and draws two kunai from his own weapons pouch. "I did think about it though."

Kakashi looks up at his boss.

He might only have one eye left, but it's still enough to let him see the badly hidden regret on that usually impassive face. Even so, he doesn't regret what he's done, though he wishes his last sight were of something else.

He doesn't particularly care to see his own eyeball, especially when it's not in his head.

"No one can hold him, you know."

"I'm sorry?" Hikaku looks up, raising his eyebrow at the man leaning against the shoji frame.

"Your clan head." The Nara points at the gunbai resting prominently on the wall. "You're devoted to your clan and that's admirable, but he'll burn you down like wax if you let him."

"I'm an Uchiha," Hikaku stares at the interloper in his territory and lets his eyes spin into the Sharingan, a silent reminder of the power he holds… and how easily it could be turned against anyone who proves his enemy. "We don't burn easily."

"- and that's everything on the agenda, so thank you for coming and I'll see you all again next month." Madara picks up his notes, tapping them on the table as the rest of the board climbs out of their chairs and heads for the door.

"Hm, I'm still not sure about the BRAIN investment." Otousan is one of the only two men who don't rise, and his frown communicates his unhappiness. "Investing in a computer program that identifies pastry of all things… is there ever going to be a call for it?"

"You clearly don't do your market research, Tajima." Tobirama's father is smug as he taps on the prospectus. "A bakery offering a hundred items sells almost twice as much as one selling thirty, and unwrapped pastries, sitting in open baskets, sell three times as well as individually wrapped ones. This is an investment in efficiency… and the future."

"Hmph." Otousan grunts, obviously unconvinced, but disdaining to debate further with the former CEO of Senju Enterprises. "We'll see what kind of results they produce. I'll see you at my house for the new year of course, Madara."

"Excuse me?" Butsuma-san remains seated but raises an incredulous eyebrow. "They're coming to my house for new year, thank you."

Oh gods preserve him.

Madara winces as the two fathers glare at each other, both unwilling to give in. He's been subjected to more of these scenes than he'd like since his marriage to Tobirama united Senju Enterprises and the Uchiha conglomerate into the Konoha Corporation, but at least they were always about business decisions.

This though… this is personal.

Butsuma tosses his head on the pillow, hating the feel of sweat on his neck.

Damn those stupid hunters anyway! Killing for a meal is one thing, and to be expected, but to trap a fox? Those are sacred animals, the messengers of Inari!

Well, after he caught them this morning, they won't be bothering anyone ever again, that's a certainty.

Camaraderie

(Aburame Shino/Hyuuga Hinata)

Her chest heaved under the heavy breaths she was taking. She was sure that everyone around her was aware of her panting breaths. She tried to calm herself, get her breathing under control.

Hide her weakness.

Something warm pressed against her left leg. She glanced down, bracing herself in the back of her mind for another surprise attack.

“Akamaru!” Surprise coloured her voice.

The large ninja dog gave her an answering bark and got closer to her when she crouched down, welcoming her hands in his fur.

“W-what are you doing here? Are you okay?” Hands were moving through white fur, checking for wounds, eyes mustered the dog thoroughly.

“How on earth are you able to keep your fur spotless? Really? You must have some secret you are hiding from me.” She chuckled when she couldn’t feel nor see anything out of order. The white fur of her canine companion shining in the sun that peeked out from the clouds above them.

Akamaru gave her another approving bark, sitting down to give her more access to shower him with attention.

“Figures that you sneaked away from boring briefings to get your daily fill of petting from Hinata!”

“Huh?” A loud voice disrupted the relative silence that had spread around the camp around her.

When she looked up, Kiba was jogging in their direction, a bright grin on his face. She felt something loosen in her chest, as if someone released a tight rope that had been tied around it. Kiba’s left cheek sported a smudge of dirt and his black jacket was covered in dust and his trousers were covered with little flecks of dirt and dried blood, but his gait was as purposeful and secure as ever and judging from the power with which he waved his arm over his head, his upper body was also unscathed.

“You sneaked away from a briefing?” She repeated towards the dog who had moved to show her his belly, basically begging her to rub it.

“Jup, he left me completely alone too! You are some kind of comrade!”

Another hand joined hers, giving the whining animal a pat on the head.

“But really, can’t say I wouldn’t have tried the same.”

“Kiba!” Hinata chided her former team member.

“I know, I know, meetings and briefings are important! Just saying that sometimes I can understand the impulse to just – you know – sneak away.”

A heavy sigh escaped him at that, his eyes getting a far-away look.

“To go back to the village. Running around the forest, lying in the grass under the warm sun. Just forgetting everything else.”

“Kiba-“ Hinata whispered, her hand moving forwards, covering Kiba’s hand.

“Ah! Sorry! Don’t let me drag you down with my sentimental musings!” The young man rushed to say while rubbing his neck in embarrassment. A forced laugh followed his statement.

“No. Your feelings are important, and I am glad that you chose to share them with me!” Hinata’s hair flew around her with the force of her head shaking. Her eyes settling on the young shinobi in front of her, his hand now clasped between hers.

Kiba cleared his throat, before he laid his free hand on top of their clasped ones.

“Uhm, thank you. Really, thank you. Hinata-. I really, I mean I really can’t even imagine being here without you! Like, I know I can’t really complain with my sister and my mother also being in my division!” His eyes wandered off until they landed on the white mutt between them.

“And Akamaru, really. I mean, I probably would be dead already if not for Akamaru- “His voice faded, his eyes closing.

“But” he continued, his eyes open and staring directly into Hinata’s, “I am also really grateful for your continued presence and your continued friendship, Hinata!” He said and squeezed their clasped hands.

“Kiba- “

“Yeah, I know! I am not usually one for all this emotional blabla but, you know, with all that is happening every day,” He shrugged helplessly, “you never know if you get another chance, you know? And really, somethings are better said out loud at least once, right?” He gave her a very obviously forced smile.

Hinata opened her mouth to return the heartfelt words when they were suddenly interrupted.

“Ah, nobody told me we were having a heart-to-heart today.”

Hinata whirled around – her hair once again flying around and nearly hitting Kiba in the face.

“Shino!” She whispered in shock and surprise.

“Well, can’t do that if you are nowhere to be found, can I?” Kiba countered with a smug grin on his face.

Akamaru moved to greet Shino, lying down in front of him with a playful bark.

Shino gave the white ninken a rather unimpressed look, making Hinata chuckle slightly. She once again rubbed Akamaru’s belly showering him with compliments.

“I can’t really help it, Akamaru just has a way with words.” Hinata said teasingly giving Shino a happy smile.

“Aw, com’ on, Shino! As if you can resist Akamaru’s patented puppy eyes!” Kiba was now standing next to Shino and gave him a clap on his shoulder.

As if on cue, Akamaru sat up and focused all his channelled cuteness on the usually stoic shinobi.

“Argh!”

Kiba’s laughter, joined by Hinata’s light giggles echoed through the camp when Shino kneeled down to curl his fingers behind Akamaru’s ears. The triumphant look in Akamaru’s eyes seemed to make even Shino smile as the Aburame was sporting a slight smile.

“So?” Kiba started after some moments had passed.

“So, what?” Shino answered, his attention still on Akamaru.

“Where were you? Like I said, I was looking for you and you were nowhere to be found!” Kiba sighed annoyance written clear on his face.

“Ah, I had a mission.”

“And?”

“And what?”

Kiba groaned in frustration, throwing his hands in the air.

“And what kind of mission?”

“A secret mission.”

Hinata watched the exchange with a fond smile on her face, laughing quietly at Kiba’s growing frustration and Shino’s slight smirk that he hid from him.

“Shino don’t tease poor Kiba like that! You know that he is just worried about you missing. As am I.” She added the last part and gave his hand a small squeeze.

“Poor Kiba?!?” Kiba repeated questioningly.

“I was asked to join a small group of sensor shinobis to check the perimeter once again. The division leader got notice that one of Naruto’s doppelgangers is on his way to us. From what I understand, they should help identify clones made out of White Zetsu.”

“That makes sense, I think. I mean if not even Hinata or Neji can identify them, well…”

“Yes, I also think that it has something to do with the nine-tail.”

“Hm, maybe he is able to sense it because of his training with the toads? I mean back when he was fighting Pain, he was also able to channel nature chakra if I remember correctly.”

Shino and Kiba were watching Hinata now. She was looking down, her eyes following her hand as she caressed Akamaru.

“Do you, I mean, do you think you will be okay?” Kiba had lowered his voice and kneeled next to Shino, aware of the people around them.

Shino and Kiba shared a concerned look before they both focused on Hinata once again.

“With Naruto coming here.” Shino added when Hinata remained silent. Kiba gave him an irritated look and rolled his eyes.

“What we meant to ask is, do you need us to do anything? Because if so, just say the word!” Kiba said slowly watching Hinata closely.

“Really, you wouldn’t believe the range of tactics and skills in our arsenal! We are your guys!” Kiba tried when Hinata was still not answering.

They shared another alarmed look when they heard a sniff from Hinata. She moved her arm in front of her face, drying tears that had run down her cheeks, before she lifted her face.

“H-Hinata?

“A-are you okay?”

Kiba asked very carefully, his eyes moving around her face.

“Yes, I am perfectly fine, thank you both for caring.” She answered, a bright smile etched onto her face.

“You sure?” Kiba questioned with a disbelieving frown on his face.

“Yes. You see, I have realized something recently.” She said and grabbed both of their hand in each of her own.

“While I will probably never stop admiring Naruto, I think that I am finally ready to face the reality, so to say.”

“Which is?” Kiba asked as if he was afraid of the answer.

“Naruto Uzumaki is not reciprocating my feelings. And it looks as if he never will.”

“Uhm…”

“You don’t seem too sad about this.”

“Shino!” Kiba used his free hand to hit himself on the forehead.

“No, it’s okay Kiba. Shino is right with his observation. I am also a bit surprised about my lack of…”

“Devastation?” Kiba offered.

“Yes, that might be the fitting word. After my confession during the fight with Pain, well… I mean, I basically told Naruto that I loved him and he…

“He never approached me afterwards. He never tried to have a conversation about it. He simply continued as usual.

“And at first, I tried to rationalize it. That Naruto is a bit slow when it comes to stuff like that, that he is incredibly busy with all the new fame that he is now enjoying but… Well,”

She squeezed their hands.

“You two were also busy. Still-“

A loud Gong echoed through the whole camp interrupting their conversation and startling them back into the reality.

Akamaru and Kiba were the first on their feet – and paws. Akamaru barked and looked to Kiba as if looking for confirmation.

“Yes, I smell it too, buddy.” Kiba said and turned to the rest of Team 8.

“I think that Naruto will not arrive in time, unfortunately.”

A whistling sound caught their attention and the group looked towards the back of the camp.

“Kiba! Akamaru! Chop, chop!”

Kiba’s mother, Tsume Inazuka, still had her fingers to her lips when her commandeering voice echoed through the camp making the two young clan members snap to attention.

After giving his mother a nod, Kiba turned around to his team members once again.

“Looks like I am now also part of a secret mission.” He teased his chest puffed out in exaggerated pride.

“Good Luck!” Hinata said and her hand once again squeezed Kiba’s before she leaned forward and slung her arms around Akamaru giving him a big hug.

“Take care.” Shino said in his usual monotone manner.

~*~

Active combat situations are characterised by their dynamic and unpredictable nature. Even for strategic masterminds like Shikamaru or his father, it is difficult to maintain an overview. Depending on the position of the observer, the fighting can be perceived as one inter-linked action – or countless small fights. For the person on the ground, it is nearly impossible to focus on the grand scheme of things, as their attention is forced on the fight that is right in front of them – the attacker that is throwing their kunai right at them. Even though Hinata profits very much from her kekkei genkai, she simply lacks the strategic mastermind and intellectual prowess that her cousin Neji is showcasing again and again in this war. Thanks to Neji’s analytical capabilities, he can give precise orders and is able to quickly react when the enemy tries to distract or trap them, making him a valuable member of every team he is put in.

These thoughts run through Hinata’s mind when she watches how her cousin deflects attacks with an ease that reminds her of swatting away an annoying fly. Especially when put next to his former team members, Neji’s skills come to fruition. With practiced ease he gives orders – sometimes only a mere sign to the enemy is enough – and his former team members know exactly what they have to do.

“Hinata! Behind you!”

She swirls around, her eyes glowing with her activated Byakuugan. 

A shinobi that was about to pierce her back reverted back to a White Zetsu and lies on the floor, sliced in two, Akamaru chewing nearly leisurely on the lower half of the mysterious creature.

“Are you alright?!”

Hands are suddenly grasping her shoulders, shaking her body slightly. Wide eyes stare at her face, panic etched into the face of her long-time friend.

“Yes, thanks to you.” She says and Kiba’s panic fades as quickly as it came.

“Phew! You really got me there, Hinata. Really, phew!”

Kiba bent over and rested his hands on his knees catching his breath. Hinata, her kekkei genkai still activated, reached for a kunai and sliced the white clone that had come up behind Kiba in two.

“Yo, Kiba!”

Hinata and Kiba lifted their heads in surprise and saw an orange flash moving towards their location.

Before Kiba could react, a glowing Naruto landed directly in front of them.

“Naruto!” Hinata exclaimed before she could stop herself.

“You never shy away from a dramatic entrance, do you?” Kiba laughed mustering the bright flames that seemed to engulf their friend.

~*~

With Naruto’s help it was easy to identify the clones and they quickly decimating the imposters and pushed the attackers further from the camp. Hinata was glad to see Naruto, even though it was only a doppelganger. It meant that the original Naruto was alive somewhere and had enough chakra and stamina to produce all these copies of himself. She had long wondered how she might feel when she is once again face to face with her long-time crush. But now the only feeling in her chest is relief. She made the right decision when she decided to let go of her feelings for Naruto. Looking back, she could kick herself for all the time she spent yearning for the blonde young man. Her feelings had shielded her from the reality and made her look at it through rose-coloured glasses. The reality looked differently. While Naruto had played a crucial role in her childhood – his support during the Chuunin exams a shining example of that – she never had his undivided attention. Not like Sakura, for example – or Sasuke.

And this carried on until now. Naruto was fighting literally next to her, but he was not even really acknowledging her. It wasn’t as if he was actively avoiding her as if he were embarrassed or unsure how to act. No, he simply treated her like everyone else. And while she was glad that Naruto didn’t avoid her, she knew now that she will never be a top priority for him. And she finally gathered her courage to draw a line. She was finally ready to demand more than just the bare minimum of human decency. Naruto only looked at her when it was easy for him, but he never really moved out of his way for her. And she was happy for him. Happy that he was finally reaching his true potential and gained the recognition and admiration he had always yearned for. But she was also happy for herself, that she had the strength to let go of her fanciful dream of him choosing her.

It made her see the world clearer. Lifting a huge weight from her shoulders and helped her focus more on herself and the people in her life that were really there for her. Like Kiba and Shino, for example.

~*~

The pursuit of the scattered groups of remaining clones drew her further and further from the camp, deeper into the surrounding forest.

The sun was slipping behind the mountains and the blue of the sky above turned darker with each passing moment. Her eyes hurt from the continued use of her kekkei genkai, still she forced her way through the trees, watching closely for clues of any traps or surprise attacks. Her kunai flew through the air and hit one of the clones in the leg slowing him down, she pushed forward and with a well-placed punch the clone was quickly decimated.

Suddenly she was surrounded by White Zetsu clones. They seemed to grew all around her, pushing her into the defence. She was able to defend herself and deflect all their attacks, but she was forced to flee nevertheless, deeper into the forest. She doesn’t know how long the clones were after her, she had lost all sense of time what felt like ages ago. The temperature around her dropped with every meter she ventured deeper into the forest. She run as long as her legs were able to carry her. When even the last rays of sunshine left the world around her, she stopped and checked her surroundings. Only when she was sure that nobody and nothing was after her, she let herself relax.

But the relief was short-lived because now that her body was not pumping adrenaline through her veins, she became aware of her dire situation. She was alone in an unknown forest. It was dark and the sky was too cloudy to use the stars as orientation. And even if she were able to navigate her way back to the camp, she had overused the Byakuugan which meant that she was not only suffering from a terrible headache but also that her vision was restricted. Even without the Byakuugan, her eyes were not working properly.

Remembering how the White Zetsu clones grew out of any plant, she gathered her last strength and was able to find a stone cave that offered her some shelter. She didn’t dare to make a fire, so she simply huddled close to the wall and hugged her knees to her chest. She was lucky that she had the mind to stash some protein bars into her pockets in the morning. She also had to thank Neji for refilling her water bottle. She tried to look at the positive side – she had something to eat and drink. And if she remembered correctly, the temperature shouldn’t drop too low so she also wouldn’t freeze to death. All in all, she had most of the basic needs covered.

Still, she couldn’t help but feel panic rising in her chest. Every time she gave in and closed her aching eyes, her ears seemed to pick up any sounds of the forest and she ripped her eyes open in panic, scanning the entrance of the cave. A small voice in the back of her mind was reminding her that the reason why shinobi usually formed teams and avoided solo missions is because of situations like these. Warmth spread through her when she noted that this voice sounded very much like Neji. She could practically picture the disappointed frown that he would wear when he notices that she was not back in the camp by nightfall. The worry that he would try to hide from the others. Guilt washed over her, and she felt something squeezing her chest. As if her heart was squeezed by an invisible hand. She tried to distract herself, tried to convince herself that Neji was clever, he would know that she was probably stuck in the forest and would return the next day. She tried to force herself to believe that Neji would not think that something happened to her. She tried to resonate with herself that Kiba and Akamaru would be able to smell if she was hurt, that they would know that she was simply too exhausted to make it back safe. They would surely know that she was fine and would not worry too much about her. And even if Kiba would worry about her, Shino would surely step in and calm him down. Yes, she could always count on Shino’s rational mind. He would surely know that she was simply too exhausted, really, he would probably be disappointed if she didn’t try to rest and recover before trying to find a way back to the camp.

She was sure that her teammates would meet her half way tomorrow, using their skills to track her down and help her finding her way back. She had to smile imagining Kiba running around impatient and loud, demanding Neji letting him go and track her down right now. The smile developed into a chuckle when she thought about Shino’s reaction. Because while Kiba was always the most outspoken among them, Shino was probably the most determined. Which would probably surprise many, but not Hinata. She knew how much her quiet friend was trying, how much effort he put into everything he did. Whatever Shino did, he did it with all his being. Whatever decision he made; he stood behind it no matter what. Really, once he makes up his mind, nobody will convince him otherwise. Warmth spread through her thinking about the rare moments Shino had let her look behind his stoic mask. Moments when she saw the genuine care in his eyes, moments when she heard affection and warmth in his voice. While Kiba was easily distracted, Shino’s attention seemed unwavering. He seemed to always know when she was sad, appearing next to her with something sweet in his hand, sitting down next to her, offering a shoulder to lean onto. Really it was Shino’s determined care for her that made her realize that there was more to being friends, that while her feelings for Naruto were strong, they could not hide the lack of attention Naruto was giving her.

Reminded of the feeling of Shino sitting next to her, their shoulders touching, she was feeling especially cold. She yearned for the steady warmth of Shino next to her. She longed for the slight buzzing sounds that seemed to surround him when they weren’t on a mission. A sound she now always associated with warmth and safety. Safety – something she desperately lacked right now, as her eyes were burning with exhaustion, begging for them to be closed. But the fear and apprehension continued to make it impossible for her to rest or even really consider closing her eyes. Additionally, the forest around her seemed to come awake, animals moving around, rustling leaves and stepping on branches. Panic seized her heart as she realized that she was helpless right now. Her stamina was exhausted, and she only had a few kunai left in her pouch.

She pressed her face into her knees, trying her best not to cry. Despair and fear coursed through her, making her feel even more miserable. And incapable. After all, she was a kunoichi, she should have no problem with situations like these. She should be strong and resilient. Stressful situations like these shouldn’t bring her to her knees like that. After all, she is the only one to blame for her situation as well. A skilled kunoichi wouldn’t even be in a situation like that, Hinata thought, and a sob filled her chest. She refused to let it out, refused to capitulate fully, refused to give in to the overwhelming fear that washed over her. Still, here, alone, in this cave, in the middle of an unknown forest, she could admit to herself that she never missed Shino’s presence as much as now. A tear slipped down her cheek, leaving a hot trail behind.

Her head snapped up when she heard movement close to the entrance of the cave. She reached behind her to draw a kunai and forced herself to her feet, trying her best to be as silent as possible. Fear and panic spread through her, making it difficult to breath. She tightened her grip on the kunai and tried to force her attention through the dizzying headache and the burning of her eyes. She suddenly noticed several bugs flying close to her face, the buzzing sound triggering a familiar feeling in her heart. She lowered her kunai a bit, watching the bugs closely, trying to remember if she could identify them somehow.

“Hinata.”

Her head snapped to the direction of the voice.

“Shino.” Her voice sounded very breathless, even to herself.

“You came.”

She uttered, her bright eyes wide in shock. She felt her knees buckle and was mentally preparing herself for the hard ground. But she never felt it, she was suddenly engulfed in a familiar warmth.

"So." He sits down next to her, long legs in their elegant black suit pants crossing as he folds his body onto the grimy park bench. "You've won."

"That's one way of putting it, I suppose." She tosses a handful of bird seeds onto the ground and pigeons flutter down to peck at them. They're only programs, small ones at that, but they're alive just as she is and she doesn't begrudge them the right to their own lives, their own choices. "That was always your failing, you know? The way you always saw things as a binary set, as winning or losing."

*Madara Quote: "Man seeks peace, yet at the same time yearning for war. Those are the two realms belonging solely to man.

**Catherynne M. Valente Quote: He'll burn you down like wax if you let him.

***Dialogue prompt #2: "If I'd known where our paths would lead us, I'd have run the other way when I met you."