A Flower's Shadow

Chapter 5: Tikari

 I wasn't sure who snored louder: Akamaru or Kiba. I had half a mind to wake them a few times but didn't. If I did, he would catch on that I wasn't planning to split the watch. I leaned against the trunk of the tree I had decided to use as my perch. Weaving the leaves together with my chakra, my mind started to wonder.

Why didn't I go home after the battle? Why had I decided to-

I stopped thinking and weaving as I smashed the mutated leaves in my fist. Asking myself these dumb questions was a waste of time, I knew why.

Because you didn't want to have to face all that death.

Sure I knew that we had casualties during the battle, it was war after all. But I didn't want to have to face what that number really was. I also didn't think I could hold it together for the others. I would be no use to anyone if I let myself stop moving now.

This is why I don't stop when I'm on my own.

I couldn't help growl in my head. I should be focusing on the mission I was on right now instead of playing with the thoughts and emotions in my head.

Pay attention.

As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I sensed the presence. Up ahead of me to the right there was at least one unidentified chakra. I swung my legs up and crouched on the branch, carefully dropping a twig below. Kiba grumbled as it hit its mark on his nose. Though he didn't sound happy to be woken, he didn't make another sound. Keeping my eyes toward the unknown individual, I signaled for Kiba to stay put before launching myself off the branch into the darkness.

Two leaps into the darkness beyond the remnants of our fire, I was greeted by a starkly white fist. Ducking to the ground, I swept my leg out, but it dodged easily. Repositioning myself, I squared off against the White Zetsu. It hesitated, trying to scope me out and I let it. Focusing my chakra into the tiny seed I had shifted into my palm, I waited for it to make the first move.

Time slowed as we both studied each other. Then it lunged and it was faster than I anticipated.

A growl left my throat as I slammed my palm into its chest before sliding under its legs. I winced a little as the warmth of my own blood slid down from the new gash in my shoulder. I ignored it as I quickly made my hand signs.

"Eternal Petal Seal."

It charged again, but its movements became sluggish as its body morphed faster than it could comprehend. I took a few steps back as it flailed its arms as its feet took root. Within seconds, I was standing in front of the largest chrysanthemum anyone else had ever seen. I pulled a chakra kunai from my pouch, quickly cutting down the flower with the infused blade.

Kiba and Akamaru were both at the ready when I stepped from the bushes. I gave a thumbs up with a smirk.

"What was it?"

"Just one Zetsu." I answered as I stopped next to the cinders of the campfire. "It's taken care of."

He raised an eyebrow as his stance relaxed, "Just like that? That fast?"

"My specialty." I shrugged as I was immediately reminded of the trail of blood that was oozing into my sleeve. I sat at the base of the tree and began healing myself with the first aid knowledge I had.

"You okay?" Kiba and Akamaru were both looking at me concerned.

I waved them off with my free hand, "It's just a graze."

"Then let me see it."

"Sorry Kiba, I'm not stripping for you that easily." I chuckled.

His face reddened as he started stumbling over his words, "I didn't-..I wasn't-...That wasn't what I meant."

I held in my laughter as Akamaru rubbed on Kiba's hand, probably sensing his master's nerves. "It's nothing really. I like to handle the little problems as I go to avoid bigger ones later."

He turned to focus his attention on petting Akamaru, "Fine."

A part of me enjoyed seeing him get all flustered. It seemed to suit him.

Wait?!

Kiba's gaze snapped to the sky as he noticed the shades of night beginning to lighten. "You watched all night, didn't you?"

I stood and stretched to see how my healing job was; it would make do. "Sorry. I lost track of time."

Kicking some dirt over the remnants of the fire, I kept my back to him as I waited for him to grab his things.

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I love nervous/flustered Kiba! Can't wait to get into the next few parts: more fights and more confused emotions.

See ya soon,

Kiki