Hey everyone! thank you for reading my story. I just feel terrible about poor Neji's death! :(I know they weren't together but I know how Tenten felt about him and l I would want Tenten to move on with someone, and if I had it my way, Sasuke would be the one. Sasuke would want to change his ways once he found out about Itachi :) Even though I know Sasuke probably will never come around, wanting to destroy Konoha and what not... So I'm gonna give you a brief description of what has taken place thus far :) This is MY rendition of things, so please don't flame me if things aren't right, they're the way I want them to be! (Wishful thinking!) Fair warning, Sasuke is a little OOC (Duh haha) And Tenten is a little bit rough and bitter after Neji's death.

I do not own Naruto! And I never will

The Fourth Shinobi World War has finally ended. Sasuke and Itachi defeated Kabuto managing not to kill him, but forcing him to break the Impure World Resurrection Jutsu. Madara has been freed and his whereabouts are unknown. The Nations are returning to their homes and villages many grieving and mourning over their losses. Comrades and friends lost in the great war. The young shinobi, now aged with trauma and devastation that cannot be erased now, heading home fort much needed rest and recovery.

Itachi Leaves Sasuke with some advice before he leaves for good. The advice is hard for Sasuke to swallow, but it gets Sasuke thinking and ultimately now, Sasuke is at a crossroads. His team is no more and he is on his own, contemplating the words Itachi left him with. (What is said between the two will be revealed! please read on:) He is struggling on whether or not to go back to Konoha for revenge, or something more. To fulfill Itachi's wishes. When he stumbles across a certain Konoichi, he begins to rethink his Entire life.

Tenten returns from war broken and dismayed. The loss of Neji is taking a bigger toll on her than she lets on. Knowing everyone around her is grieving, she does her best to cope alone and be strong the way Neji would have wanted Her to. She decides to grow stronger than ever and fulfill Neji's dream of becoming an Anbu black ops. While she trains, she feels as though someone is watching her, feeling as though it is Neji's ghost to keep an eye on her, she continues her harsh training until the ghost reveals itself to be none other than a sharingan wielding missing nin.

And so... It begins...

Chapter one* Realization

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"Will you be alright to walk home, my dear flower of youth?" Gai Sensei asked slightly wearily, as he looked over at his exhausted female student. The night was cool and brisk, the moon was shining full and bright as they stood at the gates of the village hidden in the leaves. Most of the other nin were running about, hugging loved ones they had left behind during war, thankful they made it home alive. others went straight home to sleep and mourn their fallen comrades. Tenten wanted to do the later. She inhaled deeply, as to keep her composure, and choke back tears that so desperately wanted to fall. Finally, clasping her hands together she looked up at Gai sensei and spoke.

"Thank you, Sensei. I'll be fine. Please notify me if you hear word on a date for Neji's funeral." She spoke quietly, and slowly, keeping focus on annunciating every word, the more she focused on little details, the less she focused on the fact that their victory had come at a great and steep price. Gai sensei gave her a knowing nod, and he walked the hysterical Rock Lee home

Tenten fussed with her vest, as she dragged her feet through the busy streets of Konoha. Rather than hearing joyous celebrations, she only heard white noise. Eyes tired, weary and stinging with tears that she quickly blinked away. What a vast and courageous battle they had fought. She was thankful she didn't witness Neji's last moments. She did catch a glimpse of his battered, lifeless boy. Those images stained her mind, she could at least be slightly at ease with the fact his curse was no more, and his inner turmoil had been vanquished. His spirit was at peace, having fulfilled his destiny and saving his own flesh and blood and what could be the future Hokage of Konoha. why Neji? Why did he have to be the one? Tenten wrestled with her emotions knew this was part of life, part of war and part of being a Shinobi. Neji would tell her those very words had he been here, and survived the war.

Finally reaching her apartment, Tenten stumbled through her door and closed the door behind her. Pressing her back against the cool frame, she heaved a heavy sigh followed by a loud cry. The tears finally fell from her big chocolate eyes, streaming down her pale and worn face. Salty liquid graced the corners of her round lips that curved into a sorrowful frown. Her trembling hands reached up and wiped away the streams of pain that flowed down and wouldn't seem to stop. She gasped for air again and again trying to regain composure. She hasn't had time to grieve on the battle field. She was surprised she managed to hold it all inside until now, and the fact that he was gone really set in. Never coming back, never to scold her about focus and strategy, keeping up on her stamina and so on. Sure, Neji could be a bit cold, but no matter the situation, if Tenten needed him, he would be there. Whether it was comforting her after the devastating loss against Temari, catching her as she fell after escaping the "Water Prison" Kisame had trapped the three in. Encouraging her to defeat her clone. "Stronger today than you were yesterday." A slight smile spread across her face as she remembered the good times she had with him. But she couldn't help but feel their time together was brutally cut short by the hands of fate and war.

Tenten kicked off her shoes, tore off her vest and threw it sloppily on the couch. She managed to gather herself once more and walked passed her living room. She stopped at the threshold of her kitchen entrance, contemplating whether or not to eat, drink, or just go to sleep. She heaved a heavy sigh remembering the night before they departed. Neji had come over for dinner and to help her on some finishing touches on a new scroll technique.

* Flashback *

"So, Neji, What do you want to do now that you're a Jonnin? I mean, after the War, of course?" Tenten asked, as she placed a steaming bowl of Wonton soup in front of her comrade. She watched his white eyes blink a few times as he stared down at his soup, contemplating her question. He finally lifted his gaze and locked eyes with her.

"Tenten," He paused for a moment. "You must realize that our whole team may not make it back, this is a war we're talking about." He watched as her facial expression changed from content to dismay. Her eyebrows narrowed and her arms folded under her chest, raising her breasts and perking them out. Neji smiled faintly and spoke again in order to bring comfort to his teammate. "But, if I do make it back from this, I'd like to join the Anbu Black Ops, and become a Captain. That's my ultimate goal." He spoke. Tenten, now satisfied, sat down across from Neji and sipped a bit of her soup.

"That sounds like a great plan!" Tenten smiled over at Neji. She looked at him with admiration as he ate the soup she prepared for them. She wondered if this may be the last time they really get to be together like this. "H..hey Neji..." She started. "You really think that we may not make it through this war?" She asked with deep concern in her voice. Neji knew that he shouldn't have high hopes for the outcome of the war, he had to focus on reality, but he also didn't want to see Tenten in such disarray.

"To fight for Konoha is a great honor. If we do die, it won't be in vain, it will be for glory, honor and the protection of our village and ultimately our world as we know it. We will be heroes for a great cause, our destiny lies on the battlefield now. Just remember, Tenten, your comrades are always in your heart, no matter what happens to them." He reached across the table and placed his hand atop hers and squeezed it gently, seeing a softened expression grace her face. Tenten smiled over at him and was comforted by his words. She wanted more than anything, to come back home with her entire village unscathed, but she knew that was just wishful thinking.

"Neji, I know you're gonna do great! You're so smart and strong! You'll make it home, I know it!" She said with a sweet tone, and a bright smile spread across her face. Tenten swore she saw a hint of pink surface on his cheeks, but she knew he would be the last to admit that. She looked down at their hands, which were now entwined together and she then looked back up and locked onto his gaze, which was deep and intense.

"I know often times, I've been cold, and I haven't been open or obvious with my emotion," Neji started. He inhaled deeply, followed by a heavy sigh before speaking once more. "But let it be said, Tenten, that you are the woman that I..." He paused, "That I love. And if we do both make it back here, I'd like to make you a Hyuga." He finished, relieved that what he had kept inside for so long had finally been spoken. Tenten's face alighted with joy and she stood quickly letting out a squeal. Normally she would never act like a giddy girly girl, but the love of her life, just proposed to her. Neji stood in response to her standing and the two came into a tight embrace. Tenten nuzzled her face against his neck, his long thick locks tickling her face. She inhaled deeply, taking in his familiar clean scent. She held onto him tightly.

"I would love that more than anything, Neji!" She squeezed him tightly. "I. Love. You."

* End Flashback *

She wanted to be anywhere but that kitchen. The very place that sweet, and cherished moment took place. She knew she would never experience what it was to be part of that, or to see her dream of being with Neji for the rest of her life, fulfilled. Overwhelmed with sorrow, she ran down the hall, threw the door to her room open and dove onto her bed. She sobbed hysterically remembering their last night and last moments together. Bitter tears stained her pillow and she cried until she finally lost consciousness.

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Sasuke sat at the edge of the ocean and glared into the angry waters that were beating upon the shoreline rocks. The sun was setting, illuminating red and orange hues that streaked across Sasuke's pale and weary face. He had so much going on in his mind. What was true and what was not? Oh Ni san... Please come back. Sasuke gasped when he felt a warm liquid sliding from his tear duct down his cheek. He was alone, no more team mates, not that he cared, but all he had now was himself. No longer did he have to fight for vengeance, rather than hatred, his heart was filled with guilt. His own brother's innocent blood on his hands, all for nothing. He could be alive at this very moment. How could he not have seen all the signs Itachi left him? It was so clear now that Itachi had been looking out for him all this time. When they fought, he never killed him, but pushed him to be the best he could no matter what. Why couldn't Sasuke have figured it out? There he was again, Itachi always one step ahead of Sasuke. His only question now was; What do I do? He wondered whether or not to go back to Konoha for his ultimate revenge on them for forcing Itachi to kill the clan and leave as a traitor rather than the true hero he was. He slammed his face into his hands and let out an angry growl. Why would Konoha be so dirty and sneaky to do that to someone? Itachi didn't deserve all that he went through, yet he did it all for Sasuke. Sasuke stood and placed his hands at his sides, clenching his fists. He decided to head toward Konoha as he made his ultimate choice. Whether or not to get revenge for his brother, or to fulfill his brother's last wishes. He didn't know what he needed to do.

He buried his hands deep in his pockets of his new black pants. No longer did he wear a purple rope around his waist. His white shirt, open and adorned with the Uchiha fan. Now he was unsure if he should be proud or ashamed of that symbol. He was damn proud of Itachi. He took on the ultimate mission, to kill his own flesh and blood, and leave his very own village as a hero but known as a criminal and traitor. Itachi wanted for Sasuke to be a hero, to live on giving the Uchiha name some good grace and reputation that had been so spoiled and tarnished. Sasuke walked into the forest slowly. One foot in front of the other. Rather than using chakra enhanced feet to leap from branch to branch at high speed, he walked at a steady pace. So much ran through his mind as he thought back to he and his brother's final moments together.

* Flashback *

"Ni San! Don't go! I need you! I need to know what to do!" Sasuke plead as they stood in the safety of the forest after defeating Kabuto. He looked at his "Brother" With deep concern in his black eyes.

"Sasuke," Itachi started as he placed both his hands firmly onto his younger brother's broad shoulders. My, my how you've grown. "You've been freed from Orochimaru's curse mark, You are free from Madara's clutches, you are free from your vengeance on me. My hope for you is that you are free from your evil ways. I want you to restore our clan, Sasuke. I want you to live the life of a hero of Konoha."

"But look at what they've done to you!" Sasuke screamed, hinting at the fact that Itachi's body was merely a vessel and for all Sasuke knew, he was just a figment of Sasuke's imagination.

"Sasuke!" Itachi shouted. He bent down and locked eyes with the younger. "That makes no sense! You want to exert revenge on the people who saved the world from an inevitable war full of destruction, most likely ending in the death of all shinobi!? Had the Uchiha's executed their plan, the Nations would not be allies now, and you and I would not be standing here! Realize that there is more to life than hatred, fighting and war. My brother." He paused. Sasuke's eyes widened. "Now that you look around at this destruction, and sorrow, I hope that you too will strive for peace. Go back to Konoha. I have asked them not to harm you, regardless of your status as a missing nin, I want you to return and start over."

"But brother... They'll..." Sasuke started, before Itachi cut in.

"They will not harm you. You tell them you were acting out because Orochimaru threatened you, and once you defeated him, Madara kidnapped you and you had no choice, but you are free now. Here." Itachi dug in his pocket of his cloak and took out a scroll. He opened Sasuke's clenched fist and placed the scroll in his hand. "You give them this. They will welcome you home." He smiled and raised his hand slowly, he poked Sasuke's forehead. His frigid fingers lingered in that spot for a moment. "Good bye, brother." He said with a smile.

"Itachi! Don't go!" Sasuke plead desperately. His black eyes blinked away tears, and when he opened them again, Itachi was gone.

* End Flashback *

Sasuke walked a few hours in the direction of Konoha before stopping to rest for the night

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A/N

Hey! Thanks for reading! The story will not be as depressing in the next chapters to come, I promise. Please just read on! Thanks!