The Light Of Konoha

Trust Me

Hiruzen's P.O.V.

I watched the matches with a warm smile, amazed by the calibre of this year's crop.

Every so often I would look solemnly at my future opponent,
'It really is such a waste, but it's for his own good, he'll be targeted and I can't let that happen to one of my children... My big family... My village...'

When I announced that I would be fighting, at first I noticed the puzzled look on his face, not like the shock and anxiety on the faces of most of his peers.

He looked distant, his eyes unfocused, as if he were thinking heavily.

He still looked distracted now, but his facial expression grew more and more grave as the matches went on.

He's smart, he'll probably have sussed that this turn of events is highly suspicious.
He knows that there is special circumstances for this intervention.
But he can't fathom why or what I am planning.

I am sure the pieces will fall into place when his name is chosen as the remaining candidate.

The only time his distant look became more focused was when his friend from the village hidden in the wind stepped up to battle.

The fight between the red-head and Lee was brutal to say the least.

To see my child striving so hard and falling short to the unnatural power of his opponent caused me to grimace with heartfelt empathy.

I like to think I know each and everyone of my ninja children like they were my own, and I know how determined Lee is.
I can only hope that he does not lose that fire within him to the terrifying bully he stands against.

The White-haired ninja looked on with a complex of emotions showing in subtle facial expressions, it was clear he didn't want to witness this battle but simply couldn't tear his eyes away.

When things finally start looking up for Lee, it spiralled into misery within moments.

Not even the inner celestial gates could allow him to defeat his formidable foe.

After an attack that I was sure could only have been a finishing blow, the dust cloud cleared to reveal Gaara, saved by his gourd softening to protect him from the impact.

His hand was outstretched towards the now defenceless Lee and his eyes were full of bloodlust and insanity.

It was over, I knew that this attack would maim him and I couldn't bare to watch.

It was quick, barely a flicker, but I noticed it.

The form of the pale, lean figure leaning against the railing on the viewing platform blinked, disappearing and reappearing in an instant.

No one noticed but me, I remained quiet, curious.

All eyes were on the fiery-haired ninja laying on his bed of sand.
His eyes were wide as his outstretched hand moved to touch his lips instead of finishing his attack, a warm, red glow was visible on his cheeks where the sand armour had crumbled.

A moment later, Lee collapsed from the exhaustion of opening five inner gates and the match was declared over.

But everyone was watching the sand-wielder in curiosity as he hastily scanned the raised platform, his fingers still against his lips and eyes still wide.

When his gaze fell upon the white-haired shinobi, his blush intensified, but he hid it by turning his head to shadow his face.

Aki was looking anywhere but at him, hoping his nonchalant whistling could hide the fire in his cheeks.

I chuckled.