Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Kishimoto-sama.

Warnings: Bi-seinen Ai

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Frustration

Iruka entered the clearing, ignoring the dark storm clouds overhead and the flashes of lightning not too far off in the distance. Thunder rumbled through the surrounding forest. The smell of rain was heavy in the cool air, a few drops blown from the neighboring mountains splattering on the chuunin's hitai-ate and across his scarred nose.

He stood still for countless minutes. Lightning streaked across the gray sky and the following crack of thunder witnessed a destructive light of another sort.

A chakra blast left Iruka's hands feverishly hot and burning. It left the targeted boulder formation near the meadow's edge as nothing more than a pile of gravel.

I left.

Iruka pivoted sharply on his toes and sent another wave of energy towards a copse of ancient pines. The splinters flew thick, slicing into his face and just barely missing his unprotected eyes, dark gaze hard and narrowed. His jaw tightened.

He left.

The wind picked up, carrying the rain with it. Iruka blinked the drops from his lashes and struck out at another massing of trees, mainly oaks, feeling his body tense and release. Lightning nearly blinded him, thunder deafening for several seconds.

I left him.

Iruka turned again, gathering chakra to his clasped fists. He swung through the stinging drops and gouged a deep furrow into the rocky cliff to his left. A spray of blood arced as he followed through.

He left me.

The storm blew in full force. The chuunin stood in the middle of the clearing, thoroughly drenched, dripping crimson, hands numb. Iruka slumped forward and hit his knees, the mud splashing up onto his uniform. A sob ripped itself from his throat.

It's over...