I might as well explain myself. Sigh.
This was going to be a one-shot for Vicissitude. . . And then it turned into a raving monster of eleven pages. Yeah, no thank you.
So, here it is. Much to my displeasure.
Though, I'm really happy to write this.
For those of you have read Chevalier, this is somewhat similar. Except that both Neji and TenTen are knights. . . and that's all I say. You'll find out the rest as you go.
This is also another AU. I hope you all realize I like these a lot more than canon-ness now. ;)
This story is heavily influenced by a few books, specifically those of Tamora Pierce and Kristin Cashore (AKA, the Protector of the Small series and Fire). If you haven't read those books, I really wish you would. Both authors are extremely talented and worthy enough for your eyes, I promise. :)
Anyway, I'm still not sure how many chapters, where I'll end it, etc. You regular readers know the drill with me. I'll end it once I have my fun. ;D
For any new readers, welcome to the madness. I am your authoress, KNO, the runner of this show. Bear with my extremely long A/Ns. I include small hints and tidbits for chapters. You might get a cookie if I'm in a good mood. We'll see. ;)
And now, without further ado . . .
My disclaimer. XD
Disclaimer: You know those annoying seagulls on Finding Nemo? Yeah, apply that to this and think the opposite. ;) Please and thank you.
Love and War.
When Neji first accepted the position of Commander of the first five squads of the Empire, he couldn't be more green.
He had finished the required eight years for pages and squires, and upon his graduation to knighthood, Neji had received an offer he had been unable to refuse.
It had surprised him, though Neji had realized everyone had been watching him, considering him the best knight out of his year.
Still, upon the untimely death of Asuma Sarutobi, the former commander of the Five Squads, most had speculated the position to go to a more experienced knight, not some fresh graduate.
Desperate to prove himself, Neji had taken sure measures to make a name for himself. He reappointed captains of the five squads to knights he knew personally—ones he trusted with his life. He kept the democracy Asuma had created; the five captains were allowed to dismiss and hire knights as they pleased, charging second-in-commands in case of accidents and deaths. Neji was in command of the first squad, an assemblage of thirty men. The other squads varied in number, though they were all larger than Neji's first.
It was a continuous life. Neji couldn't recall the last time he'd had a holiday by himself.
When their services weren't being requested, the squads were on tours throughout the country, seeing to the populace and settling city conflicts.
Neji had been on a tour in Sunagakure, the capital of a neighboring country, when he had received news of the outbreak of war.
That had been months ago, and Neji was finding himself shipped all over the country to defend and protect.
He was growing weary of it.
-
The Five Squads were traveling out to Fort Minato, a week's ride from the Queen's City of Konohagakure.
It was day three, and already Neji was sick of riding, though the fresh air was the only thing that kept him sane.
During long processions like this, Neji did not enforce formations. The five squads mingled among each other, conversing easily while they still could.
Neji rode by himself, several feet in front of the large crowd.
Neji was slowly considering the sky when a figure entered his peripheral vision.
Neji looked over.
It was a woman riding a dappled grey horse, her chestnut brown hair drawn into buns on the top of her head.
She was smiling at him, something Neji was unaccustomed to.
"I must say, it's nice to finally meet you, Commander. It's been a personal wish of mine ever since I got knighted."
Neji was studying her face, trying to place her. She was not in his squad, certainly; he would have remembered.
"I'm sorry," Neji murmured, "I don't think we've been acquainted."
"Oh, of course."
The woman rose in her saddle and held her hand out for Neji to grasp, leaning out over her horse to reach him. Puzzled and concerned for her grip on the horse, Neji quickly shook her extended hand. He exhaled smoothly when the woman sat back in her saddle.
"I'm TenTen. I'm second-in-command of squad two."
Squad two was under the leadership of Kiba Inuzuka. In the past few months since the war, Neji had favored taking Kiba's squad along with him on journeys and battles. Neji was surprised he hadn't met her before.
He stated it aloud, "I don't recall seeing you in the past few months on tours."
"Kiba appointed me as his second-in-command back in June, but I've been called away the past few months. . . My father passed."
Neji glanced at her.
"My condolences."
TenTen dismissed it with a shake of her head.
"No need. He'd been sick for a while. Anyway, I returned just in time—I would've hated to miss this grand trek across the country."
Neji did not feel obligated to respond.
However, the woman carried on speaking.
"I know there have been more tussles in the past few weeks," she murmured, voice turning serious. "Are there many fights expected at Fort Minato, Commander?"
Neji considered the road before him, thoughtful.
"The reports I've received have been grim. Their defense at Fort Minato is lacking in both number and strength. There have been at least fifteen attacks alone in the past two weeks. There will be more, if Itachi can have his way."
TenTen hesitated before asking a further question.
"Have you fought him? Uchiha? I hear he's ruthless."
"I have, but briefly. He retreated before it got too heated."
"What a shame," TenTen commented. "It would be fulfilling to wring his blasted little neck."
Neji had heard talk like this before, and its amusement was wasted on him. Itachi Uchiha was no pushover, as some soldiers and nobles preferred to think. Neji knew for a fact his power and strength overrode Neji's any day.
"TenTen!" called a voice from behind them.
TenTen treated Neji to an apologetic look before turning her horse.
"Nice talking with you, Commander. Excuse me."
She left Neji's sight, guiding her horse back to the group a few feet behind.
Neji reflected on the woman that had just left.
She seemed brash and talkative, reminding Neji of the healer from Shikamaru's squad, Ino Yamanaka. But she seemed to desire battle.
Only time would tell if she would be able to stomach the vehemence of war.
-
Fort Minato was an impressive stone structure that covered two acres of green field.
Battlements were inserted around the perimeter of the top wall's parapet. Soldiers were stationed at each gap of the battlement. When they caught sight of the Five Squads, horns signaled their arrival, echoing across the plain.
This was useful. If there was an attack, people outside of the fort's walls would hear the call and could return.
Fort Minato was named after an impressive king that was the father of squad five's own captain, Naruto Uzumaki. Minato had died in battle during a war a decade before; his valor earned him an unforgettable place in the Fire Country's history.
Neji allowed the five squads to ride ahead of him into the fort; he was surveying the grounds for potential traps and advantages for surprises from enemies.
Thick woods provided cover for enemies, shielding them from the north and west walls. To the south, the land sloped down, stretching into a long field that led to a glittering sea on the horizon. In the east, the way they'd entered, was the main road, leading back to the Queen's City.
Resolving to view the remaining grounds in the morning, Neji nudged his horse to the front gate, dismounting when he was past the threshold.
Moegi, his squire, stood waiting, orange hair tied back from her face.
With a small smile she retrieved his horse's reins and led the mare away to the fort's stables.
"Commander," murmured a deep voice.
Neji turned to a brown haired, stocky man with dark almond-shaped eyes.
"I am Captain Yamato, the current commander of Fort Minato. Welcome, Commander Hyuga."
Neji briefly accepted Yamato's broad hand to shake.
"Thank you for accepting my troops. Are you aware of how our system works, Captain Yamato?"
"Vaguely. It has been a long time since we've been near court."
"I will refresh your memory, then. I came to the position of Commander of the Five Squads two years ago, upon my knighting. There are many who consider me inexperienced. I disagree. I have spent these past two years endlessly traveling the country. I have seen war and death and I warrant these experiences could top even the oldest soldier. In the Five Squads there are five distinct captains. I am in charge of the first. You will meet the other captains later, when time allows. In the meantime, I'd like a tour of Fort Minato. I have visited here shortly in my squire service, but that was when Kakashi Hatake was in charge. Since then, I'm sure things have changed."
"Kakashi was my mentor and teacher for several years. His protege," Yamato added. "He passed the reins to me when the war called him away."
A part of Neji's brain settled. If Yamato was a student of Kakashi, there was no doubt the fort was in top form.
Neji voiced his opinion aloud.
"Captain Hatake made a good choice then, if you are his protege. I can tell this has been a difficult structure to defend with so little soldiers you have. I commend you for your bravery and temerity."
Yamato bowed his head in thanks.
"It has been difficult. Our number has diminished severely with all of these relentless attacks from Uchiha. We do as much damage as they do, but every time they show, there are new soldiers. I don't know how many he has in his control, but there are enough to spare if he sends us new ones every scuffle. It's like he's testing us."
Neji concealed his nervous swallow.
New soldiers with every attack? If the damage was as Yamato said, there was hardly any soldiers left by the end of the battles. Where was Itachi getting all these troops?
"This is disturbing news," Neji muttered lowly, eyes trained on the ground as he thought.
"Yes, but my men are relieved you've come with reinforcements. It will take considerable stress off our shoulders."
Neji clapped the older man's shoulder in reassurance.
"We go where we're needed, Captain Yamato, that's all. Thank you for your hospitality for my squads. If there's any trouble with them, report it to me and I shall personally take care of it. Now, would you be kind enough to show me to my quarters? I need to review some letters from the Queen."
"Of course, Commander."
Yamato led him to the officer's barracks, a wide set stone building located on the west wall.
Neji's room was the last of ten separate rooms, all connected by a dimly lit and winding hallway. It was of modest size, a desk set into the corner and a small bookshelf next to the single window.
Moegi had already set out Neji's things on his bed.
Yamato left Neji by himself, bowing quickly as he shut the door behind him.
Neji slowly sat down at his desk chair, turning to the window.
The sun had started to dim, casting gold rays on everything in sight. Neji could see squad members dallying to the mess hall on the other side of camp, joking and laughing.
Neji let them be.
War would come soon enough, and then there would be no time for amusement and light-heartedness.
Neji let them enjoy it while they could.
Yes, it's slightly depressing at the end.
But never fear!
I'll keep this ride interesting for your sakes. ;)
Do me a favor and review, please.