Orange, Spirals and Everything Nice

Twenty-Seven: Piggyback Ride

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters or the setting of the story. They all exclusively belong to Mr. Masashi Kishimoto in all its rights.

As the morning sun continued to shine into the flower field, Hinata started to squint her aching eyes at the brightness. With everything that happened in the last dreadful hours, she knew she had been neglecting the strain her pale eyes had been telling her. 

When Team Eight finally stepped out of the field to join Team Seven at the edge of the clearing, they knew they still had stuff to do.

And first, they need to inform the remaining Komorebi clan members of what happened. 

"Neh, Hinata." Kiba called and teasingly lifted the oversized sleeves of Naruto's jacket that she was still wearing. "Are you considering Shino's fashion sense now?" he asked and laughed.

Hinata's eyes widened as a blush tinted her cheeks while the brunette playfully tugged at the loose fabric of Naruto's jacket in her arms. Well, she had just been so pre-occupied since she was given the piece of clothing that she hasn't even considered how she looked in it. 

Although a part of her knew that Kiba was only trying to lift the mood because they're all exhausted and mourning at the loss of their friends. To go back to the compound without any breathing Komorebi member with them felt utterly heartbreaking.   

And Hinata felt the same unforgiving regrets that her teammates were carrying now. Because they should've done better. They should've been more responsible... and stronger. 

"But doesn't Hinata-chan look good in Naruto's jacket?" Sai interrupted her thoughts and flashed one of his creepy smiles, earning a few chuckles from the group.

"Yeah, better than your burnt clothes, Kiba." Naruto pointed, starting a rather loud argument with the equally brash ninja.

"Ha!" Kiba scoffed. "Do you know what I've been through to look like this?" he challenged.

The rest of them sighed as they started to trek up towards the cave where the Komorebis were sealed. Although they were thankful for the resounding nonsense between the knucklehead and the hound user. At least, it brightened up their morning... even a little.

_______________________________

"Please, stop blaming yourselves for what happened. We are eternally grateful for everything you've done for our clan, and I know that Yuuri-sama and Chiha-nee-san were just as proud of your victory." The sixteen-year-old, new clan leader spoke calmly and reassuringly at the Konoha ninjas after they were back at the compound. 

Sure enough, the whole clan mourned at their great loss. 

And Team Eight has no words to offer. 

They were just as lost and broken as all of them. 

The only good thing that happened throughout this ordeal is the hope that their success had bestowed upon the sect. 

And the chance to move forward in peace.