Bluebird (Naruto Fanfiction)

Part One: 18, kiyomi's path

*Neji's Perspective*

Today is the day we are all to meet up with Kiyomi at Hajakaku Bridge. We got the message a day or two after finding out Kiyomi was no longer in the akatsuki's hands. We are not sure of what is going to happen today, but we are all ready and prepared.

Aiko is still in the leaf, she is excited that we now have the opportunity to bring back Kiyomi. Aiko's been a mess since we came back unsuccessful 8 days ago. In a few days the cousins should be reunited again and there will be no problems.

"How much longer til we get there?" Naruto groaned anxiously.

"We're very close, but once we get a bit closer we are going to hide and wait somewhere, we don't know if this is an ambush" Kakashi announced.

Naruto didn't handle the news about Kiyomi being gone again very well. I think it's reminding him about the time we tried to get Sasuke back but failed. I knew that meeting Kiyomi at this bridge would end up in a battle or trade between us and the people keeping her hostage.

"Don't be taken aback by Kiyomi's appearance or mental state, we don't know how much she has gone through within the last week or so" Kakashi informed us.

"I swear to God, if she has one bruise on her body I will kill those bastards" Naruto grumbled. His face was serious as we ran through the trees. I support Naruto, even though he's usually just a loud mouth. Aiko isn't here to fight for Kiyomi, so I'll have to put in enough effort for both of us. I've seen Aiko cry more than I've wanted to, but because of the way I feel about her I stay by her and support her in anyway I can.

Aiko was devastated when she found out we had not retrieved Kiyomi on our last mission. I remember holding her in my arms as she cried to me, I held her tight knowing the pain she felt must have been unbearable. Not being able to leave her room in the leaf, let alone the village.

*Flashback*

I paced back and forth, how could all of this happen in just a matter of days. We had just entered the gate, and for the first time in awhile I felt nervous to see Aiko. I had disrespected her and failed in bringing back her cousin, how would she even be able to look at me the same way.

I took a few deep breaths and continued pacing. The rest of the group had moved on to report back to Lady Hokage. They made the decision without my approval, for me to tell Aiko the bad news again. I sighed and scratched the back of my head.

"Hey, Neji? Is that you?" a voice called. I turned around to see one of the village gate keepers, Kotetsu.

"Sorry, have I distracted you?" I apologized.

"You're the one that looks distracted, is everything okay?" He asked, leaning back so he could be shaded from the sun. Should I tell him whats wrong? I can't tell him I'm sort of but not dating Aiko, what if she doesn't want me leaking that information.

"Well, there's this person. This person is upset with me, and I have to break some bad new to them, once again. I just don't know how to approach the situation without something going wrong" I sighed, going up to the little hut and resting my elbow on it.

"This sounds a lot like girl problems. Who would have thought you would care about that kind of stuff" He laughed loudly. I rolled my eyes and took a step back.

"I didn't tell you so you could sit here and laugh at me. And so what if it's a girl? That part doesn't concern you" I said defensively, I could feel myself blushing lightly but I pretended as if it was nothing.