Silent Shinobi (Naruto Fanfic)

Chapter Twenty-Five

(hey everyone! i know it's been a month, probably more since i updated and the reason is: school HAHA i'm sure some of you guys understand, but i'm really grateful that you guys still read this story and support it! it motivates me a lot and i'll do my best to update real soon (:)

Zeri’s POV

“Lion’s Barrage!” Sasuke yelled, spiralling down with Yoroi and slamming his foot into Yoroi’s stomach. Yoroi begins falling at an alarming speed, screaming as he nears the ground. Sasuke lands a kick to his stomach, causing Yoroi to crash to the ground harshly. Yoroi coughs up blood, to which Sakura winces when she sees it. Sasuke slides across the ground, panting heavily, and Hayate walks over to Yoroi to check if he’s done for. “This fight is over,” he declares in a bored tone. “Sasuke Uchiha is the victor.”

Naruto lets out a whoop, and Sakura is beaming from ear to ear, a relieved expression on her face. “Yeah, Sasuke did it! Believe it!” He shrieks, and Kakashi smiles a small, closed-eye smile. “I’m so glad,” Sakura whispers, fiddling with her fingers. The other Genin begin to talk animatedly, while Kakashi goes down to check on Sasuke. I watch them silently, my gaze occasionally going to Gaara. He appears calm, but his aura oozes the slightest hint of bloodlust. I narrow my eyes as Temari and Kankuro exchange a wary glance. They were definitely hiding something.

I looked up at the screen, seeing Shino and Zaku’s names. Sakura looks slightly relieved, but her fingers are trembling slightly. “I wonder who will win...” she trails off, as the two of them get into position. “Shino,” I tell her firmly, not taking my eyes off Shino’s figure. Sakura glances at me in surprise, but doesn’t question my judgement. Naruto nods eagerly. “Yeah! Shino can take down that lame Sound ninja, believe it!” He cheers, and Sakura sweatdrops. “Aren’t you nervous, Naruto?” He shakes his head, clenching his fists instead. “I’m all fired up, beli-!”

I slap the back of his head in annoyance. “If you say that one more time, I will sew your mouth shut.” I growl, and he backs away, sweatdropping. “I thought you were starting to like us,” Naruto whines, pouting slightly, and I raise an eyebrow at him. “Since when did that start?” I ask, and Sakura giggles. “Come on Zeri, we know you sent the panther! Just admit it,” she nudges me, and I turn towards her. “I have no idea what you are talking about.” I say with a straight face before turning away, leaving both Sakura and Naruto stumped in confusion.

Shino wins (not very surprisingly) and afterwards its Kankuro against a girl called Misumi Tsurugi. “Yeah, about time!” He smirks, taking his time as he strolls past the other ninja towards us. He pauses when he reaches us, his smirk widening. “Aren’t you gonna wish me luck, Zeri?” Naruto crosses his arms and huffs, making his dislike known while Sakura falls silent. “I don’t need to wish you luck when you’re going to win,” I mutter dryly, still facing forward, but my mind is plagued with guilt. He doesn’t even remember that I nearly killed him, I think, scoffing.

I hear him chuckle. “I could use a bit of extra luck though,” he says casually. “And what’s that?” I ask curiously. He definitely would have a few tricks up his sleeve, with his puppet jutsu. I felt something brush my cheek and jumped slightly, yelping. Naruto and Sakura’s jaw drop, and I spin around to face Kankuro. He winks. “Now I’ll definitely win,” he boasts, laughing as he leaps off the gallery before I can land a hit on him. My expression darkens and a scowl appears on my lips as I glare at the front stonily. I will for the heat in my cheeks to fade, silently fuming.