Caged Birds Lullaby

chapter 29

Chapter 29

The computer was flashing with names again. Everyone's attention focused on it. Naruto walked to the railing and placed her hands on it, looking down at the destruction. She had finally made Ino back off her. The platinum blonde kept staring at her like she was some kind of idol, and telling that she wanted to be cool and strong like that. It was a bit annoying, but at the same time, she liked it. It meant she helped someone again.

Unknown to her, Hinata's confidence was boosted by her fight, and Sakura had given a silent vow to herself to become a better kunoichi, one that will excel in her own areas.

"Sugoi..did me and Temari really do all this?", she waved her hand around at 'this'. The broken, shredded walls, the floor, everything was in a mess, like a tornado had been through. She sweatdropped at that, feeling foolish. Didn't they make an actual tornado here?

Beside her, Neji chuckled.

"Well, it was an impressive fight. Everyone was speechless. I think I heard Shikamaru-san saying something like 'I told you she was the most dangerous in team 7'", he supplied. Naruto's eyes bulged out and stared at him crossly.

"It's true. The proctors where amazed as well, especially when you created a seal in the battle. Morino Ibiki looked smug, and the Anko woman, she looked like she had swallowed a lemon."

Naruto looked over at the duo, they where arguing. And indeed, the man looked extremely smug. She felt like she was going to be interrogated once this was over. The snake woman scared her a bit though. She really didn't want getting the end of HER kunai!

"I like it when you start using your sense of humor, no matter how dulled it is", Naruto smirked playfully, watching him roll his eyes at her.

"Naruto!", Tenten called. The blonde turned around to face the brunette, who had detached herself from Lee and Gai..

"Great fight! I was so surprised when you pulled out those swords. Grandpa was making them all these weeks, and he never told me for who they where!"

Naruto laughed, rubbing the back of her head.

"Well, I will have to come to your shop again, to thank Higarashi jiji!"

"He loves that. And if he has a liking to the customer, he even gives them something additional, like sweets! The idea is ingenious, really, made me want to learn kenjutsu more thoroughly", Tenten grinned.

Naruto returned it fully, chest blossoming with pride.

Both turned back to watching the computer after the small exchange.

"So you are feeling better now?", asked Neji, eyeing her up and down with a critical eye. She squirmed under the gaze and nodded.

"Hai, ttebayo!"

Feeling eyes on her, she turned around. Gaara was glaring at her again. She glared right back. It was an exam. Was he doing this because he was protective of his sister? She wasn't sure, but the killing intent was potent, making her shiver again. Why the hell was it so familiar to her?

"Sabaku no Gaara..there is something strange about him.", stated Neji, eyes also on the redhead.

"I don't want you to fight him….", she whispered, much to his confusion and surprise.

"Now, now lovebirds, you will have time for chat later", said Kakashi, eye-smiling at the gennin who blushed and coughed. Naruto glared at the jounin, one eye twitching. The blush on her face not quite willing to leave yet.

"Neji!", boomed Gai, running over to them and giving the boy a one armed hug. "Let the flames of youth be with you!"

After prying the green arms from him with a slightly disgusted look, Neji, along with a chortling Naruto turned to look at the screen.