Lotus Of The Leaf ~Book One~

Chapter 37! The Final Exams Begin

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Thirty grueling days, I spent day in and day out running around the village, punching and kicking trees, and walking on my hands until they bled. I got three hours of sleep a night, two hour naps in the middle of training after we collapse of exhaustion, and even got some practice with my Kekkei Genkai. All the while, Guy kept making my weights heavier and heavier until they were as heavy as Lee's. This was the last day that Guy will be able to train me, and I was glad that I didn't need to see that bowl cut ever again. Well, until the next time he decided to surprise attack me.

"Ren! Since this is our last day together, I thought we could spend it in style!" He grinned that mega watt smile, and I felt sick now.

"And by spending it in style, do you mean were going to be walking around on our hands again? My blisters still haven't healed, you sadistic-"

"Nonsense! We're going to relax today! Leaf Style!"

I raised an eyebrow, but that dissolved into fear as he grasped my arm and hauled me off. I still can't get over how fast this guy is. I let out a harsh grunt as I move my legs to keep up with him and start trying to push myself ahead.

"You're getting much faster! But you are not faster than I, Might Guy!" He shouts, speeding down the road as I quickly made a right turn and try to have a day to myself and basically sleep the entire time. I slam into a body as I exit the alleyway, and tumble backwards with a shrill yelp.

"Ren?" I flinch and gaze upwards, smiling after I see who it is. "Are you okay?" Shikamaru asked, holding his hand out with a coy smirk.

I slip my hand into his and start to laugh. "I'm fine. Spending a month with Guy really prepares you for anything." I start dusting off my butt, glad that I lost that lunatic. "I actually just ditched him. I didn't want another training session of walking around the village on my hands..." I mutter, holding my hands up and gazing at the white bandages covering them.

"You're covered in injuries, Ren." Shikamaru mentioned, looking over my body. I suddenly felt self conscious. Guy demanded that I wear the stupid spandex suit he and Lee wore, and since Kakashi was no where to be found, I couldn't exactly pull him into the debate and got forced into one. "Why are you wearing that?"

"It wasn't my idea!" I yelp, grasping his shirt and tugging him along. "Come on, I can't stay in one spot too long, Guy might find me!"

"Then lets go to our secret place and take a nap." Shikamaru yawned, making me grin.

"Oh, yeah! He'll never find me there!"

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Just like I predicted, Guy never once came to our cloud gazing grove. The subtle wind caressed my skin as I gazed upwards at the sky as it morphed into beautiful shades of orange and gold. "Are you ready for tomorrow?" I hum, looking over at my lazy friend.

He flinched, and his cheeks started to turn pink as I stare intently. I never noticed just how long Shikamaru's hair was. I smiled fondly and laid on my side. I reached out and started playing with his hair. "H-Hey, what're you doing?" He hummed, his cheeks turning dark red.

"Playing with your hair. And you never answered my question." I push my lower lip out. Shikamaru just groans and turns on his side, facing me and leaning on his elbow.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." He grunted. "Even if I'm going to lose."

"Oh hush, you're a genius! And even if I over power you, there's no guarantee I'd win. Your brains always overpower my brawn." I giggle.

"Jeez, it sounds so uncool to know that a girl is stronger than I am." He rolls his eyes and rolls onto his front, his shoulder brushing up against my chest. I don't think he realizes, considering he's already asleep. I smile and run my fingers through his hair once more before getting up.