Hot 'N' Dangerous

Chapter 40: Fire Versus Lightning

"What's going on?! Hurry up and start the next match! How long are you gonna keep us waiting?!" the crowd shouted angrily.

"They're really excited for Sasuke and Gaara's match, aren't they?" Liz noted.

"Seems so," I replied looking around.

"What the heck is that guy doing? Is he planning not to come?" Shikamaru asked with a whining edge to his voice.

I turned my head sharply towards him, "He'll come," I promised.

"Well, someone's getting defensive of their not boyfriend," Liz said, smirking.

"That didn't even make sense," I noted.

"Whatever," she said dismissively.

"Confucious said, 'The wise do not approach the dangerous'... a wise decision, perhaps?" Shino cut in.

"Wow, thank you, Shino, for that juicy piece of information," Liz said sarcastically.

He nodded, "No problem."

Liz sighed and had to suppress a laugh. I raised my eyebrows at her, questioning her meanness towards Shino. She shrugged. Naruto had come up to join us and I immediately wrapped my arms around him.

"Congratulations, Naruto! You did well," I praised.

He blushed and laughed sheepishly, "Ah, it was a piece of cake."

We headed back to the railing and looked down at the examiner who was talking to someone else. I couldn't tell their rank from my distance.

Suddenly, the examiner turned around and spoke to the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen! The contestant for the next match hasn't arrived yet, therefore we will push this match back and begin the next one!" he announced.

"What?" Liz exclaimed, "Hm, what a lucky duck," she grumbled.

I sighed inwardly, relieved that he wasn't going to get disqualified.

"Hey! This means that my match just got one closer!" Shikamaru jumped, horrified.

Liz giggled, "Take it easy, you'll do fine when it comes," she patted him gently on the back.

"And now, the next match! Kankuro and Aburame Shino! Come down!" called the Jounin.

Kankuro hesitated and then shouted back, "I forfeit!"

"What?!" Naruto exclaimed.

I could sense that Shino was surprised but he did not show it on his face.

"Hmph," Temari uttered something under her breath and whipped out her fan.

She floated down to the arena and landed neatly on her feet, "Heh, looks like you're eager. Shikamaru! Get down here!" the examiner cried.

Shikamaru tensed and stood rooted to the spot, contemplating his decisions.

"Alright, Shikamaru! Go for it!" Naruto cheered and gave Shikamaru a rather strong push.

"Eh?!" he squeaked as he fell over the railing and plummeted to the ground.

Shikamaru lay there, dazed, "Naruto!" Liz screeched angrily.

Naruto shrugged apologetically and siddled away from the enraged Liz.

"Hey, hurry up and get this fight over with! How long are you just gonna lie there?!" the crowd jeered.

I sighed and sat down in front of the stairs, uninterested in seeing Shikamaru and Temari's battle.

Where's Sasuke?, I wondered.