The Lotus and The Deer (Shikamaru x OC)

Chapter 31 - Eye for an Eye

Hasu POV

I stand next to Naru-chan as we look down at Tsudanes covered figure. In her coma-like state, I worry not only for her but the village as well. Naru-chan and Sakura leave, Kakashi and I stay behind for a moment, watching the two walk away.

The dark sky clears up, allowing me to go for a walk on my own. Ever since I've woken up Shika has never been too far, always trying to push me back to his house to rest.

Since today he was slammed with work, I took the time to visit my now destroyed apartment; luckily, I had safety measures placed in the event my place did get destroyed. Walking into the rubbish, I move the stuff around to find my seal still in tack with a piece of my hardwood floor attached to it. Rubbing my blood on it, all my stuff poured out the side with a handful of bags. Packing everything away, I take it to Shika's house. Afterwards I return to the streets to help where I can.

I still feel a bit weak, and some are still wary around me, but they can't deny that I did play my own part in protecting the people, the village, and Naru-chan. Due to the certain shinobi, my surname was leaked, leading everyone to know that I am an Uzumaki.

Some have called us the Uzumaki siblings or the Fox Twins due to Naru-chan's sealed beast and my summoning abilities. While at first, it was a bit embarrassing to me, I let it go, it only can bring us closer in the end. Seeing the tan tent ahead, I place the box with others.

Seeing a familiar bunch from the corner of my eye, I walk over to Sakura and Naru-chan talking with friends. Walking closer, I smile, picking up the pace, "Well, look who it is! Inari and Tazuna-san!"

They turn, giving me a wide smile; I pull the two in a hug, "You two look great! I see you're helping the village out."

Talking with them, I can't help but admire their growth, especially Inari's. He stops, "Oh, before I forget."

He rushes behind the large stack of wood, pulling out a basket full of goodies and fresh produce. Handing it to me, I tilt my head a bit, "What's all this."

Tazuna-sna smiles, "Believe it or not, the people you helped in the village have gotten back on their feet. When they heard we were coming to help, they got a gift together for you. Saying that if it wasn't for your kindness, they might have starved that day."

Feeling my eyes water, "I'll treasure each gift; I'm so glad they're safe and healthy. When you return, can you tell them that?" He nods, making me smile. As we continue talking, we reflect on the past, a mission in our youth that reunited us in their small home. After declaring his want to fight Sasuke one on one so that he will come back, so that we can be a team again, I smile.

Leaving them be the hours pass, from me dropping off the basket and helping Yoshino-san with lunch we chat a before I leave with Shika's bento in hand. Walking through the streets, I lug some supplies around on my way, wanting to contribute even if it's a little bit.

Finally making it to his station I sneak up on him, planting a surprise kiss on his cheek. Jumping down from the trees, he smiles at me as I hand him his lunch. Thanking me, I sit with him during his break, catching him up on the heart-warming meeting with Inari and Tazuna-san. I even used some of the veggies for his lunch with the hope to use some for dinner and breakfest too. Keeping a couple sweets in my pocket I think about the smiling faces of those I helped over the years.

Leaving him be, I help around before Naru-chan drags me away, claiming that if Shika saw me, he would end him for sure. Walking with him, Sakura and Kakashi, we hear a voice; turning around Kiba gives us a concerned look.

Sakura speaks up first, "Kiba? What's wrong?"

"Listen up, and just stay calm, Lady Tsunade has been released of her title."