Scientist of Konoha

12

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

A/N: I'm surprised at how many reads and votes I have but even more surprised that most of my readers seem to understand what I'm saying in my psychotic ramblings, aka: Tai's thought process.

Tai's POV

I sat there with my head hanging low. My three teammates surrounded me, eating their lunches. There was an air of despair hanging around me. I felt so ashamed of myself. I hope he really does let us have another attempt at getting the bells because if not, we're screwed. Naruto shifted nervously where he was sitting but showed no signs of coming closer to me to offer me food or anything. Sakura looked uncomfortable in her seat and peered down at her food. She glanced over at me. I looked back at her, curious. Her face paled and she jerked her head back to the food. Her body was stiff. Sasuke showed no signs of caring at all. He went on eating like normal. Funny, he was the one who fed Naruto first when he was tied up. Maybe he just has a thing for Naruto... (Wink Wink).

Everyone was close to finishing their meals. I wish Akira was here... She would comfort me like always or tell me I'm being stupid and cheer me up. I was pulled out of my wallowing by Sakura who suddenly stood up. Her shoulders and knees were shaking but her face was determined. as she came closer to me I felt hope spread up through my body. Sakura took cautious steps towards me. Once she finally stood in front of me, her face was pale and she was shaking profusely. Her eyes were wide as she shoved the bento box towards me. I felt warmth creep up my cheeks. My eyes were sparkling and it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my chest. Naruto and Sasuke watched her, surprised, as she offered me food but nodded their head in approval at her, signifying that they approved of her choice.

"E-Eat it." She managed to stutter out. Seeing as my hands were tied to the post and there wasn't all that much left in the bento box, I made my tongue really long before scooping what was in the bento box into my mouth. I licked my lips with my extra-long tongue before letting it hang loose past my mouth. I smiled a small smile up at Sakura to which she shivered at. The moment was broken when we heard a menacing voice behind us.

"YOU!" I heard Kakashi shout. Everyone except me starts panicking. "You broke the rules. I hope you're ready for the punishment." Kakashi does some hand signals and thunderstorms appear out of nowhere. "Any last words?" Kakashi asked. Sakura started stuttering, as did Naruto.

"Y-You said w-we had to work as a t-team." Sakura stuttered out uncertainly. Naruto seemed to gain some confidence.

"Yeah! You said to work as a team to get the bells." Naruto pointed out.

"We are all on this squad and we are all in it together." Sasuke said. Kakashi looked at me and that was when I realized that I was the only one who hadn't spoken so far. I'm so used to watching this play out on a T.V. that I completely forgot to contribute to the discussion. I did a mental face palm. Their gazes seemed intense and all of a sudden I got really nervous. However, I somehow managed to mutter out my part.

"Y-Yeah, and if I don't eat, my body can't digest food and mix it with the acids and enzymes in my stomach causing me not produce enough adenosine triphosphate to keep me energized and as a result, becoming fatigued and maybe even collapsing, which could lead to more problems." I said, getting more confident towards the end. Everyone stared at me, eyes wide, mouth agape, obviously not expecting me to give them a minor science lesson. Eventually, Sakura shook her head, clearing her thoughts and gained a more determined look on her face.

"Yeah! I gave the food to her because the four of us are one!" Sakura piped up.

"Yeah yeah yeah! Believe it! That's right!" Naruto shouted in agreement. Kakashi stalked towards us, a menacing aura around him.