The Rise of Uchiha Clan

Chapter XVI

As Naruto, accompanied by Team 8 comprising Kiba, Shino, and Sakura, approached the finish line, their pace quickened with a sense of urgency. The familiar sight of Team Gai waiting ahead brought a mixture of relief and readiness to their expressions.

Tenten, ever playful, couldn't resist a teasing remark. "You're late," she said, twirling a kunai effortlessly despite wearing a blindfold.

Sakura chuckled lightly, her eyes glinting with determination. "Better late than never," she replied, her tone reflecting their determination to complete the task despite the challenges they faced.

Neji's stoic demeanor didn't waver as he glanced at Naruto, his expression unreadable. "Who would have thought you'd make it..." Neji's voice trailed off, a hint of skepticism underlying his words "and my weakling cous—"

Naruto, sensing the unspoken criticism towards his comrades, felt his patience wearing thin. With a swift movement, he grabbed Neji's shirt collar, his grip firm but controlled. The air around them seemed to crackle with tension as Naruto's eyes subtly shifted, a crimson glint hinting at the Kyuubi's influence.

"Never," Naruto's voice held a quiet intensity as he locked eyes with Neji, his gaze unwavering. "Speak ill of her."

"Don't be too cocky," Neji retorted, his tone laced with subtle disdain as he pushed Naruto back, testing his resolve.

"Eh, Neji, ease up," Kiba interjected, stepping forward with a hint of caution in his voice. "Let's not escalate things here."

As the tension between Naruto and Neji simmered, Shikamaru's voice cut through the charged atmosphere, drawing everyone's attention.

"NARUTO!" he called out, gesturing from afar, his tone commanding yet composed.

Naruto, still bristling from the confrontation, turned his attention towards Shikamaru's direction, his expression shifting from defiance to curiosity. "What's up, Shikamaru?" he called back, his voice tempered but still tinged with the remnants of their earlier clash.

Sakura and the rest of Team 8 exchanged glances, silently hoping for a de-escalation of the situation as they awaited Shikamaru's instructions. The tension hung in the air, a fragile balance waiting to tip one way or the other.

Shikamaru paused to catch his breath, his expression reflecting a mix of relief and concern as he addressed Naruto. "Glad to see you, Naruto," he began, his voice slightly strained from their previous exertions. "Hinata and Sasuke are in the hospital right now."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock as he knelt down, his heart clenching with worry for his teammates. "Hinata is in critical condition," Shikamaru continued, his tone grave. "Her chakra is completely depleted, and no one can say for certain if she'll survive."

Tears welled up in Naruto's eyes, a mixture of guilt and helplessness washing over him. "I... failed," he choked out, his voice breaking with emotion. "I wasn't strong enough to protect them."

Sakura stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Naruto's shoulder. "It's not your fault, Naruto," she said softly, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We all did our best. Sometimes, circumstances are beyond our control."

Shikamaru nodded in agreement, his expression somber. "We'll do everything we can to support Hinata and Sasuke," he assured Naruto, his voice firm with determination. "And we won't give up until they're both back on their feet."