Ruka Hiden : Tangled Paths, Love's Redemption

Twenty Seven.

The setting sun bathed Konoha in a warm, golden glow as the village prepared for the evening. Yet, amidst the vibrant hues of dusk, Kiba Inuzuka wandered through the streets like a ghost, his usual exuberance replaced by an air of melancholy. His usual swagger had diminished, replaced by a sense of weariness. The energy he once brought to every room seemed to have evaporated, leaving him withdrawn and distant. His interactions with friends and loved ones had become curt and disjointed, a stark contrast to his once outgoing and boisterous nature.

Kiba found solace in the quiet of the village park, where he sat alone on a bench, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The sound of his breathing was the only accompaniment to the chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves. He was lost in his thoughts, the remnants of his lost dreams and regrets swirling around him.

Shikamaru Nara appeared, his trademark lazy expression not quite masking the concern in his eyes. He had noticed Kiba's recent withdrawal and had decided to confront his friend. Without a word, Shikamaru sat down beside Kiba, the silence between them stretching as they both stared out into the distance.

"You know, you've been pretty hard to reach lately," Shikamaru said, breaking the silence. "Everyone's worried about you."

Kiba, usually quick with a witty retort or a playful jab, remained silent, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his coat. His usual bravado was nowhere to be found; instead, there was a raw vulnerability in his eyes that spoke volumes.

"I've been thinking a lot," Kiba said quietly. "About Ruka... and what could've been."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

Kiba reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box, opening it to reveal a beautiful engagement ring. The metal gleamed in the fading light, and the diamond sparkled with an almost cruel brilliance.

"This was meant for her," Kiba said, his voice breaking. "I had it ready right after the Fourth Shinobi War. I wanted to propose, but I hesitated. I was afraid that I'd hold her back. She's... she's stronger than me. I'm just from a normal clan. I thought I'd be a burden to her dreams."

Shikamaru listened attentively, his expression thoughtful. Kiba's self-doubt and regret were evident, and Shikamaru understood the depth of his friend's turmoil. The usually confident and boisterous Kiba now seemed like a shell of his former self.

"I shouldn't have taken it out on Ruka," Kiba continued, his eyes filled with remorse. "I was willing to fix things. Relationships aren't perfect, I know that. But by the time I tried, it was already too late. She decided to marry Gaara."

Shikamaru remained silent for a moment, letting Kiba's words hang in the air. He could see the weight of Kiba's regret and the burden of his unspoken feelings. Shikamaru sighed, knowing he needed to address the root of Kiba's turmoil.

"Kiba, there's something you need to know," Shikamaru said, his tone serious. "Ruka would have chosen you over anyone else. Even Sasuke and Lee had feelings for her. But despite their strengths, Ruka's heart was set on you. She's not someone who cares about who's the strongest. She cares about who's there for her, who understands her."

Kiba looked at Shikamaru, confusion and hope battling in his eyes. "But it's too late now. She's with Gaara. I can't just... waltz back into her life."

Shikamaru's expression softened with a mixture of empathy and determination. "It's never too late. If you really care about her, if you really want to make things right, then you need to fight for her. Stop hiding from the truth, stop running away. Face it head-on. You owe it to yourself and to her."

Kiba's shoulders slumped, and he ran a hand through his hair, his usual confidence replaced by a mix of desperation and frustration. "I don't even know if she'd want to see me again. What if I only make things worse?"

Shikamaru's gaze was steady and unwavering. "Ruka is a strong person, but she's also someone who values honesty and bravery. If you go to her and tell her how you truly feel, you might find a way to work things out. But if you continue to isolate yourself and dwell on regrets, you'll never know what could have been."

Kiba took a deep breath, the weight of Shikamaru's words settling on him. He realized that his fears and regrets had kept him from taking action, but perhaps it was time to confront them.

"Thanks, Shikamaru," Kiba said, his voice filled with a renewed sense of purpose. "I guess I needed a push. I'll... I'll talk to her. I need to."

Shikamaru nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Good. Don't let this chance slip away. You've got one last opportunity to make things right."