LEGACY

Dua puluh

Chapter 20

By the time Fumiko got back in the village, one of the Hyuuga clan was waiting for her in front of the gate. Fumiko tilted her head as the Hyuuga greeted her.

"Fumiko-sama," He said urgently, "the genins that were supposed to retrieve Uchiha Sasuke had come home. The mission failed, but they are in critical conditions. Especially Neji."

Fumiko could feel blood running down from her face. "Where is he?"

"In the hospital. He's currently under surgery."

Fumiko nodded as a thank and body flickered away to the hospital. She was about to ask the receptionist where Neji was being operated when Nara Shikaku stumbled upon her.

"Fumiko-san."

"Shikaku-san."

Shikaku did an overall check on the girl's appearance, noting how a mess she was right now. "You're here for Hyuuga Neji?"

"As perspective as ever, I see."

"I've heard of your engagement. Congratulations."

"Thanks."

As they walked to a waiting room, Shikamaru was there with a blonde haired girl. Noticing how Fumiko was there, Shikamaru stood up and bowed down on her. The blonde was watching intently.

"F-Fumiko-san, I'm sorry!" He yelled. His eyes were shut and hands clenched. "I really am sorry! Not only I failed the mission of retrieving your brother, because of my plan, Neji also gets hurt. I'm so sorry!"

Both Fumiko and Shikaku made an eye contact before Fumiko sighed. "Raise your head, Shikamaru."

"B-but,"

"Shikamaru."

Shikamaru immediately raised his head. Fumiko's face always stoic, but he could see the stress marks on her face. "Ha'i?"

"Stop being stupid. This is your first mission. You're also a genin." She said bluntly. "If you were under my ROOT, I'd definitely punish you for it, but you're not my ROOT. And that's exactly why you're not my ROOT. Because you're not trained yet, Shikamaru. Don't push yourself too hard."

When Shikamaru about to answer, the door behind him suddenly opened. Tsunade walked with a book. "Akimichi Choji's stable now. Maa, thanks to the scrolls Nara family had."

"Iie." Shikaku smiled humbly.

Footsteps sound were heard when Tsunade's apprentice came in view. "T-the surgery of Hyuuga Neji is a success! He's in a stable condition now."

Shikamaru looked visibly relaxed. His shoulders slumped on the wall next to him. Fumiko on the other hand was heaving a relief sigh. Too bad though Shikaku noticed it. He nudged the young girl's left side and smirked.

"You do have feelings, huh?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about."

"Stop talking in that tone, you're an old man." Fumiko deadpan before looking at the short black haired woman. "Can you show me Neji-kun's room?"

"O-of course, Fumiko-sama." The woman nodded. "Follow me."

"Is something going on between Neji and Fumiko-san?" Shikamaru asked. "It's weird how Neji has the key to Fumiko-san's house and he knows which one is her room. And now Fumiko-san even bothers to come visiting him."

"Oh, you don't know?" Shikaku asked amusedly, definitely knowing that both Fumiko and Shizune could hear them. "Neji-kun is betrothed to Fumiko-san."

"Eh?!"

Fumiko just sighed while Shizune giggled at that. Soon, they arrived in an operation room. Neji laid there unmoving. Medical cords were all over him and he had a breathing mask on him. His usually pale skin was even paler than before.

"Is he—?"

"Don't worry too much. He's passed the critical condition. All we need to do is waiting for his recovery." Shizune said kindly.

"....Thank you."

Shizune smiled, then left the couple alone. Fumiko came closer to Neji and took his hand in hers. It took hours for Neji to wake up from his medication. When he saw Fumiko sat beside him with scrools on her lap, memories hit him like Guy's punch.

"F-Fumiko-sama,"

"Here, drink this." Fumiko helped Neji to drink water before tidying up her scrolls. "How are you feeling, Neji-kun?"

"I... I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry for?" Fumiko sighed. "This is not your fault, especially when Sasuke decided to leave on his own terms."

"But I couldn't stop him."

"Then don't." Fumiko said, then faced away. "Ne, Neji-kun, should we stop this engagement?"

"W-what, why?"

"I'm now the only Uchiha." Fumiko answered bitterly. "Even though I have an agreement with Hiashi-sama, I won't be much help either."

"Fumiko-sama," Neji took her hand and held it firmly. "no matter what, I'd stay by your side as long as you allow me to."

Fumiko was silent for a while before looking back at Neji. "Ne, there's something I want to tell you."

And so Fumiko told Neji everything. About her father. About Shisui. About Itachi. About Danzo. And about Sasuke. Not even once Neji interrupted her. When she finished talking, Neji pulled Fumiko's hand, making the girl fell on him with an 'oomph'. Fumiko looked up, their faces were just inches away.

"Fumiko-sama," Neji started slowly, "I'm sorry you went through that. But you have me now. We're going to be a family soon with our own children. We'll revive the Uchiha together. I give you my word."

Fumiko looked at Neji for the longest time before letting a genuine smile graced her face. "Thank you, Neji-kun."

"I'd always be here." He whispered on her hair. "You're safe with me."

And then they fell asleep.