AN: I have been inspired by many TemarixTenten stories to right this, since; there are really not a lot out there to read. Hopefully by writing this, some other authors will get encouraged to write for this adorable yet fearless couple. It was a challenge to write, since, well…you don't see that much of Tenten in the whole series, even though she is definitely one of my favorites. She may seem out of character but I tried to display her in an irritated fashion since she's mostly pissed off in this prologue.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoy this and review it…I'm gonna need your critiques. Otherwise onward with the story!

Tenten's POV

Prologue

Fall, one of the most beautiful times of the year in Konoha. With the leaves elegantly dancing as they forcibly were plucked from their perches of the seemingly endless amount of tress that hid the Hidden Leaf village it almost seemed as if Mother Nature had created a show for its onlookers. So, why shouldn't I be celebrating and enjoying this nice autumn scenery and peacefulness? Oh simple…because I'm fucking on my way to watch the final rounds of the Chunin Exam. I mean, hell I'm proud of Neji, he's been training forever and is beyond strong and capable enough to win but I…I should have at least proved myself not to be a 'worthless weakling' to have, in any case, showed some of the talent that Gai-sensei keeps saying I possess deep within.

I sighed, a puff of air escaping from my parted lips, yup. I fought just downright pathetically. Not a single scratch had even hit, let alone grazed my opponent's healthy tan summer skin. She was, well, unbelievably strong. She…she cheated…yeah that's right Tenten. Find something else to blame and not yourself. Way to show you're in control of this bothersome situation.

I continued to trudge down the streets of my home, on my way to the stadium to watch the action packed fights I knew would be observed this day. It was only common sense that the shinobi and kunoichi who did make it to this final round are meant be tough and powerful, but still…there was indeed something wrong with the ones from the Hidden Sand, Suna. They were, to say the least, abnormal and from the way I had witnessed the red haired one's fighting style, downright vicious and unyielding when it came to hostility and humanity. Hell, the blond had freaking pissed and smashed my dignity without even showing a hint of remorse or pride. She just fucking stepped, pounded and grinded my honor until it was nothing but rubble into the earth beneath her foot. Worthless rubble.

Upon my arrival, I could see the hundreds of thousands of spectators, enemies, allies, from all over flooding in. Another sigh, cheer up Tenten, I thought to myself hopping from foot to foot nervously scanning through the many people, at least you've got Lee and Gai-sensei here…somewhere that is.

With how things were going recently I was expecting to walk around for hours on end, searching for someone I knew. But… it appeared I still contained some small hint of luck. Pushing my way vehemently through the immense number of populace and being shoved back in return, I came to a familiar sight. Two men wearing the most repugnant, horrendous colored green spandex suits were shouting up and down about how "Neji-san is gonna win for sure, yosh!" and a "Listen up everyone! If it wasn't due to my powerful and effective training Hyuuga Neji would never have experienced the bliss and the supreme power of youth!"

"Please stop embarrassing this team," I stated taking my place next to Lee, face flushed from the strange looks that were sent our way.

"Ah Tenten!" Gai quickly reached over wrapping his arm tightly around my shoulders, pulling me towards him, a big shiny smile plastered onto his sometimes loathsome face, "Aren't you excited?! Neji has made it to the finals because of his undying youth!"

I rolled my brown eyes in irritation, why couldn't he and Lee damper their moods, oh I don't know, a tiny pinch when out in public? Giving Gai-sensei a questionable glance, I simply declared, "I don't think that's what got him in. What did get him in were his amazing strength and skills."

"Nonsense!" Lee stepped forward, posturing in one of his famous nice guy poses, "He won because of Gai-sensei's amazing revelation of youth!" He as well wrapped his arms around my shoulders, so that I was stuck in a green outdated spandex sandwich.

I struggled, trying to pry myself away from the two, but with all their muscle and taijutsu training, it was meant to be an absolute fail, or in the words of Neji, 'It was destiny that has placed you in this dilemma.' Fuck you Neji in my head!

Gai was the first to notice my discomfort and resistance. Loosening his grip a tad bit, he shot me a worried glimpse, "Tenten, one of my dear sweet lovely remarkable pupils, what is the matter? You've been acting…"

"Bitter!"

"That's right Lee! Bitter! Tenten, stop being bitter!" A few passersby snickered at my predicament.

I huffed and folded my arms, cheeks turning a solid crimson color out of awkwardness, "I-I'm not bitter!"

"You are!" Lee poked me in the side, causing me to flinch and giggle a bit, "Ever since the fight between you and that scary blond sand kunoichi you've been acting so…snappy."

I looked to the ground, they were right. I have been acting rather 'snappy' towards them and everyone else lately…I was just greatly disappointed in myself, "I'm sorry," I had to think fast. What would liven up the mood…Oh right, "Maybe I need some youth to cheer me up?" Way to go dumbass.

Gai-sensei and Lee's faces seemed to light up like the lights glowing on a Christmas tree, a youthful Christmas tree. Lee, however, was the first to speak and start the, I believe, thousandth no, millionth rant about 'youth', "Don't worry Tenten, Neji's battle will be filled with the natural power of youth!" Just as I said 'youth this, youth that', "It is only a matter of time before you begin to feel its strong aura flowing into your mind and soul!"

"That's it Lee!" Letting me go, Gai pulled Lee into a hug, a normal action for these two even in the public's eye, "Spread the loveliness of youth forever!"

This was getting nowhere. Turning I began to quickly walk away from my team and their humiliating actions. While looking over my shoulder as I hurriedly left, I half-heartedly laughed and calle dback, "Well…you guys can think whatever you want! Cause knowing Neji it's prob-!" I couldn't finish, I had ran absentmindedly into someone's strong back.

"Oh! Sorry about that!" I rubbed my head and sent them a feigned smile in apology, "I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going."

"I could've told you that one dumbass." No, not that voice! I slowly opened my eyes and glared up at her; her dirty blond pigtails in their usual four poms, fan slung casually onto her back, eyes boring into mine, hatred and annoyance contorting her features. Smirking, acknowledgment sparked eagerly in her teal orbs as she met my gaze in a silent battle, "Well looky here!" Her eyes scanning briefly over my body, as she sneered and laughed darkly at the sight of me, as if I was a walking circus or the funniest goddamn thing in the world, "I didn't think you were able to move! Seems you got some backbone in you after all!"

My glare deepened, how dare she! "You know what I take back that apology! I hope you fucking lose. You know what? I know you'll lose!"

"Is that so?" She leaned in closer, her lips forming into an even wider cat grin at my somewhat feeble comment, "Well, let's hope so then!"

"Wha-?" I shook my head and gaped at her. Was she serious? Did she even realize what she had just admitted? She wanted to lose? "What the hell are you talking about?!"

She shrugged as she replied with a swift, "You'll see," before pushing past me, knocking me off balance and onto the dusty ground. She laughed and mockingly waved a straightforward, "See ya!" until she disappeared into the crowd.

"Tenten! You okay?" Lee jogged over and bent down helping me to my feet, eyes full of pure concern as he fretfully searched me making sure none of my wounds had reopened.

"I'm fine," I sent him a little reassuring smile, while holding up a hand to stop his fussing, "Don't worry about me, let's just get our seats and cheer for Neji."

His face brightened at the thought, "You're absolutely right!" Grabbing my hand he began dragging me eagerly towards the entrance doors, "We will show all the power of our youthful voices!" I swear I could hear the birds chirping as I picture Snow White dancing around with her innocent forest creatures.

God, kill me now.

~~~~~~~~~~~Complications~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I impatiently and nervously watched Neji and his opponent Naruto slam into each other again, and again and yet again. It didn't seem so good on the long brunette haired Hyuuga's part. "Come on Neji!" I yelled standing up from my seat, grasping the railing in front of me with as much force as I could muster, "You can do this!"

And before I knew it…Neji had fallen, like a sparrow falling helplessly from its nest, its pride plummeting into the depths of the earth.

Collapsing onto my seat, I folded my hands into my lap, my head hunched over and breathed gradually forcing myself to relax and not over do the anxiety I had previously felt. I could not believe it, I could not utter a sound, I could not move…Neji had just lost.

I anxiously sent a fleeting look over to where I had caught a glimpse of Hiashi before the battle had commenced. His lips were set in a straight line as he glared down at his nephew's unconscious form, disappointment apparent in his steel gaze. Hinata's younger sister, Hanabi just covered her mouth in amazement while glancing apprehensively over at her father, pearl colored eyes wide with wonder and hesitation.

Applause sounded throughout the arena, some good some bad, but that did not matter. What mattered was that my teammate who had been known as a prodigy with unimaginable power all his life, had been beaten by the blond prankster, Uzumaki Naruto. Wow Neji…what happened? Was Naruto really that potent? Slowly the medical nin gently carried him out, healing him as they exited the fervent arena.

Meanwhile, Genma had stepped forward and announced the next battle to the now energized and enthusiastic audience, "Will Nara Shikamaru of Konohagakure and Temari of Sunagakure step forward to begin their battle?"

A small growl escaped my lips as my hands curled into fist, my nails puncturing my skin creating small indents, some breaking through the skin. I watched with such intensity as she elegantly and smoothly withdrew her fan and floated down, feet tapping onto the battle field, a smile placed smoothly on her pink lips. She was ready for this. The mêlée began.

I watched her fight, her powerful wind based moves slicing rapidly and potently through the air, wishing I was down there instead of the lazy smartass Shikamaru. I didn't have a problem with him. I mean hell; I have never really talked to the guy. He's just always snoozing around, watching the clouds or with his sensei and team, not caring what happens to him or the world around.

Boom! I snapped out of my trancelike state, and observed Shikamaru's Shadow technique finally capture Temari. Her greenish-blue eyes widened in fear and awareness, he was going to win.

The lazy guy groaned in annoyance as he began walking towards her, causing her to only walk towards him. Her eyes were tightly shut, teeth clench in anticipation of his attack that would surely end this battle and possibly her life. It never came.

Shikamaru sluggishly lifted up his hand and announced his defeat, stating he had lost too much chakra to continue. Consequently, the spectators snapped and became in an uproar. Temari stared at him in disbelief; I stared at him in disbelief, as he merely released her imprisonment and walked lethargically away.

"What the hell, Shikamaru?!" Ino screamed as she stood from her seat shrieking a stream of curses at her teammate, Choji shaking his head and trying to calm her down, while stuffing chips into his mouth as if it was his last meal.

"Tenten, d-did you just see that?!" Rock Lee's mouth had dropped to the ground bewilderment twisting his features, "He just gave up! He had her!"

"Calm down, my star pupil!" Gai-sensei leaned over in his seat analyzing the battle field, "We can't just fault him after this amazing clash and display of youth!"

"You're right Gai-sensei!" Lee stood up, "We must congratulate him later for his fine efforts!"

"That's my boy!" Gai reached over and pulled him into a hug, "Lee!"

"Gai-sensei!"

"Stop!" I as well stood up shaking my head at the two, while pointing a finger at them. I was not in the mood for this right this very second, "Not now!"

Meanwhile, the next battle had been announced, "Will Aburame Shino of Konohagakure and Kankuro of Sunagakure please come to the battle field."

Everyone held their breath, as a voice sounded from the contestants stands, "I forfeit from this match." The arena ruptured into an outburst yet again, as Kankuro of Suna withdrew from the tournament. What was going on?!

Genma sent him a curious glance, while swishing his senbon around in his mouth, "Very well. Gaara of Sunagakure and Uchiha Sasuke of Konohagakure please step forward."

Gaara calmly appeared next to Genma, a bloodlust seeping from his aura. His eyes scanned the audience causing a shiver to run down my spine. He was waiting.

"Uchiha Sasuke please step forward," Genma repeated, searching for the team seven's missing member. He shook he head, gnawing on his senbon, "If he does not show up in a matter of minutes, Gaara will obtain immediate victory."

I glanced over towards Sakura's direction. She was chewing her bottom lip and twirling a piece of her bright pink locks, obviously nervous for her teammate's sake. I would be too if one of my partners didn't show up for something important such as this. So where the hell was he?

Suddenly the doors opened showing the stubborn Sasuke, Kakashi following. The stadium applauded and scrutinized him, watching the last known Uchiha as if he were some foreign animal about to go extinct. But if you think about it, he kind of was.

Sasuke smirked at his opponent and took a stance preparing to begin. His onyx eyes gleamed and surged with an unseen force. What was he thinking about?

Gaara, on the other hand, continued to stand as if nothing was about to happen. His icy blue eyes remained emotionless on the Uchiha, just watching but yet not seeing, until a sneer formed on his pale face, longing for something…most likely for the Uchiha's blood.

Sasuke made the first move of throwing two steel shuriken then lunging toward the patiently waiting Suna ninja. Gaara didn't even have to blink before he too, began to brawl.

It was startling; they fought with such vigor, with such bloodlust, that I thought they would indeed kill each other in the end. I cast a sharp look over to where Temari and her brother Kakuro were watching. She seemed shocked and anxious, perhaps at the thought of Gaara losing to Sasuke. She gazed with such intensity at the battle. Blinking in question she sensed someone inspecting and watching her. She scanned the crowd, before her teal eyes latched onto mine. Curling her lips, she sent me a lovely leer, licking her lips as if she were an animal and I her prey.

Breaking the wicked eye contact, I returned my gaze onto the battle. Gaara had just formed a sphere of sand around him, probably defending himself from Sasuke's previous and effective attacks. Of course the Uchiha simply ran forward hand pounding into the large orb. Abruptly spikes made of sand shot out barely missing Team seven's member. The points continued to shoot out, attempting to pierce through him as he dodged, eyes glowing red with an indescribable power. He avoided and evaded the attack breathlessly not once getting wounded.

All became silent. He panted, sweat dripping down his brow as he devised a quick plan. Smirking Sasuke ran up one of the side walls of the stadium. He performed a few hand signs before an electric ball appeared in his left hand. A "tweeting" noise sounded.

Gai-sensei, exchanged a look with Kakashi, "The Chidori?" I didn't hear the rest of their conversation. I was too busy watching the ninjutsu attack grow and become even more dangerous.

Sasuke took a deep calming breath before bolting, rushing down the side gaining more momentum as he neared Gaara. He yelled before slamming into the defensive mechanism while avoiding the ambush of spears that sprang from the orb of sand. All was still, Sasuke gasping and grinning proving his attack had worked and he landed a blow. But not for long.

His eyes widened as the sand caved in, capturing his arm inside. The Uchiha's breathed harshly and raggedly as he again tried to summon another electric attack, what did Gai-sensei just call it? Oh right, the Chidori. It seemed to work as he began to loosen himself from an unseen grip. He pulled and pulled until finally he was released, but…something was not right…not right at all.

I gasped as I covered my mouth with my hand, what the hell is that thing?! A large arm had gripped onto Sasuke's as he pulled out. It let go and thumped to the ground before slowly being dragged back inside of the ball. Silence. Sasuke gently cradled his arm with his hand, red eyes watching attentively on the orb and the small hole that was burrowed in the middle of the sand. Suddenly he slowly backed away as a large rumbling roar sounded from within Gaara's defense.

What was going on?! I blinked in total mystification this…was this even the Chunin Exam anymore? The sand around Gaara gave way as it rained softly down his gasping form, hand clutched to his new wound on his shoulder, eyes gazing inhumanly on the gasping Uchiha.

Before anything could've been said, white soft feathers began to fall swiftly from the sky, I didn't even notice until it hit me. The last thing I saw before everything went black was that fucking bitch Temari and her brother Kankuro in the middle of the battle field clutching Gaara and discussing a plan of some sorts…The Hidden Sand had betrayed the Hidden Leaf.

~~~~~~~~~~~Complications~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I came to it, the devastation around me was unspeakable. Bodies, some still alive, wounded and dead, were scattered around me. Pushing a drooling Choji off of me, I crawled over to where Lee laid; I could hear my sensei fighting not too far away from us. "Come on Lee," I whispered harshly, shaking him, smacking his face a bit, "This is no time for sleep!"

"Ten *yawn* ten?" Lee blinked a couple of times, as he came to it and slowly sat up, "Where are w-?" He stopped, his eyes fell upon Gai-sensei's fighting form, "Wh-what happened?!"

I shrugged, "Seems like a betrayal on Konoha." I knew she was up to no good!

"Tenten," Lee got up and pulled me to my feet, "We have to go help the civilians!"

"Yeah, I know," My brown eyes fell upon Ino, Choji, Hinata, and Kiba's still and snoring forms, "Why don't you wake them up? I'm gonna go see if I can assist Gai-sensei." I ran forward and leapt up, side kicking a sand nin square in the face, with enough force to knock him unconscious.

"Hey Tenten! Glad you could join! Nice hit by the way," Might Gai bellowed, a large smile plastered onto his smudged face. He caught a fist aimed towards his side, while punching the nin sending him flying and screaming over the railing and to his death.

"Need help, sensei?"

"Sure!" He jumped up, while flipping backwards dodging a shuriken.

Turning I saw the thrower withdraw another before sending it flying in my direction. I grinned, "Piece of cake!" I caught it swiftly before sending it back, ten times faster, right into the guy's right arm. He screamed in pain before retreating, holding the wounded ligament pitifully.

Giggling I swung around and sent my left leg up, kicking another in the groin. He fell over gasping as I brought my foot down onto his head. A sickening "crack!" sounded, his skull smacking hard off the pavement underneath.

"Be careful," my teacher instructed knocking out two more in a couple of hits, "these guys don't like to play nice it appears."

I nodded. Evading yet another assault I did not detect it to be a substitute jutsu and found myself being hit in the side, flying harshly into a nearby pillar. Pain scorched throughout my body, I could feel the wounds slowly reopen and cried out in anguish.

The nin smirked and ran towards my now vulnerable form but he didn't have a chance. I large ball of, well I hate to say it, but fat came slamming into him, sending him screaming into a wall, knocking him out him out for the count.

Choji laughed heartedly as he landed, grinning like a fool and withdrawing a bag of stashed chips from his weapons case, "Mmmm! Still tasty!"

"Choji! Stop!" Ino ran and attacked a nin headed straight for Choji, "This is not the time to be eating you large buffoon!"

"What?! Of course it's the time for eating!" He slammed his large fist into another's stomach, "I mean when isn't it?!"

"Now, glutton!"

"Akamaru!" Kiba called tapping the small white dog on his little nose, trying to wake him up, "Come on boy! Get up!"

"K-kiba!" Hinata sprinted towards him, "H-here let m-me help!" She formed a few hand signs before yelling "Hai!" Akamaru lifted his head, yawned then giddily wagged his tail.

Kiba laughed as he hugged the small pup, "Good boy!" Turning he smiled at the shy innocent Hyuuga, "Thanks Hinata."

I groaned in pain, this just wasn't my day! Pushing myself up, I leaned supportively against the walk checking my left arm, "Shit!" Blood slowly oozed from the wound.

Hinata lifted her head up, hearing my cry of distress, "T-Tenten-s-san!" She quickly dashed over and gently took my arm in her cool grasp examining the wound. Reaching into her pack she withdrew some gauze and ointment, "Okay please roll up your sleeve."

I nodded, and quickly shoved the dark blue cloth up causing a sharp sting to ride up my arm, "Fuck…" She silently yet swiftly placed cool crème and messaged it into the skin ignoring my complaints.

Wrapping my arm she ingenuously stated, "Please T-Tenten, d-don't overdo i-it."

"Fine," I grumbled. I cast a look over to where the others were fighting, "what are you gonna do?"

She shrugged, "I-I should go with m-my t-team and h-help the o-others."

"Yeah, good idea," God, Tenten get into the game! Hinata gave a curt nod before calling to Kiba as they ran over to where Shino was currently fighting some shinobi.

"Gai-sensei!" I yelled earning his attention as he checked over an opponent's unconscious form, "What should we do?"

He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair black gleaming hair, "We fight."

Hours and hours we fought. Blood was shed, injuries were taken, and lives were killed. Today had to be one of the most terrible in the history of Konoha. I ran on knocking out yet another ninja who dare attacked me. My body throbbed with pain and bitterness as I looked at a few bodies that lay before me. They were in on this, the Sand village, Orochimaru, Temari. My hands scrunched up into fist as I socked someone right in the jaw, Temari. It was her fault, all this was her fault!

"Tenten!" Lee yelled, throwing another enemy off of him, whilst defending from a few more attacks, "Keep going!"

We were searching for any of the antagonists, me myself hoping we would run into the three sand nin on Team Baku. Even so, all we found were more nins and more fighting. My chakra and energy levels were depleting and I could tell that Lee was facing the same exact problem.

But we kept going, kept fighting until finally, the enemies retreated and the mournful news came out…the Hokage had been killed.

~~~~~~~~~~~Complications~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Days later more news was received that the Hokage had been killed by a gruesome power hungry ninja known as Orochimaru. The man had devised this ambush on the Hidden Leaf and had caught Suna with false accusations of peace. I learned that the real Kazekage had been found in a pit, decaying, worms and scorpions crawling all over his body.

The funeral for our dear Sarutobi Hiruzen, our beloved third Hokage, was sorrowful. Tears were shed, hearts were broken and even the heavens above cried in mournful silence. It was a bleak day, it was a distressed day, yet all I could think about was the bitch. It wasn't her fault, Lee had told me, it was only her duty as a kunoichi of her village to fight and serve under it no matter what. But still…

Tears softly poured from my brown eyes as I gently lay a white flower by the picture of the dear old man Sarutobi. I cried as a memory came up when he had helped me with my accuracy and aim. He had laughed on a summer's morning saying, "You can do it Tenten! Just imagine it in your mind and fire!" And I did. He had chuckled and high fived me saying how proud he was and how powerful of a kunoichi I would soon become.

Taking my place next to a crying Lee and a sad, somber Neji, I glanced up at the dreary sky and smiled, thanking him with everything I had. I would protect this village just as Temari had protected hers.

~~~~~~~~~~~Complications~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What?!" I stopped twirling the kunai and stared disbelieving at Lee, "Are you sure?!"

"Yup!" Rock Lee chuckled as he jokingly poked my forehead, "Naruto is on his way back as we speak!"

I couldn't believe it, "You're not lying to me I hope!" I would kill him if this was some stupid childish prank.

He just continued to laugh and smile, "Nope Tsunade-sama is on her way right this second! The next Hokage!"

Tsunade, the woman I admired with all my being was going to become our new Hokage, our first female Hokage. I smiled back, before standing up and stretching, "Did you tell Neji?"

"He was the one who told me," the taijutsu master replied.

"Why didn't he say anything to me?!" Neji, that jerk!

Lee shrugged, "He said to 'not to disturb Tenten when she is in one of her moods'."

I gawked at him, "I am not in a mood!" Turning I took off running, where was he?!

I could hear Lee running behind me shouting, "That's the spirit! Show him your power of youth!"

"Lee shut your mouth!" I continued to run, feet hitting the ground, the wind pounding in my ears. Neji was just causing trouble like always. He loved to screw with us. When I saw the perpetrator, he was at our usual meeting spot leaning casually against a tree, eyes close in serene silence. "Neji!" I yelled running full speed toward his cool self, with Lee close in tow, "Why didn't you tell me?!"

"Because," he started opening one of his pearly eyes giving me an amused look, "I didn't think I should bother you with this type of information."

"You know I respect her!"

"Do you? I simply forgot."

"Neji…"I growled, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt.

"There are my students! And look Neji and Tenten seem to be demonstrating their youth this morning!" he laughed as he watched me let go, flushing in humiliation, "well since your so energetic ten laps around Konoha!"

"What?!" Neji and I gawked.

"You heard me, move! Or do you want to make it twenty?!"

I groaned as me and Neji began a light jog, "Look what you did!"

"I did?" He casted me an irritated look, beautiful pale face twisting into absolute ridicule, "You're the one who had to get all high and mighty with me."

"Oh really? And what moods do you think I am in right now?!"

He paused in thought. Placing a finger on his lip, he replied in a serious voice, "You're having your period aren't you?" He smirked as my cheeks turned a deep crimson.

"Bastard!"

Might Gai stopped his sprinting and waited till we caught up yelling, "Enough chatting more running!"

I hate my life.

~~~~~~~~~~~Complications~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tsunade is a very eccentric and maniacal woman. I should have realized that right when I laid eyes on her, right when I uttered my first words to her. Her decisions were discreet and every now and then spontaneous. But this time…she had her reasons. Uchiha Sasuke had run off abandoning Konoha. Naruto, of course, chased after him, in hopes to drag him back.

So here I was minding my own business when Neji announced that he and a few others were going to pursue and bring back Uchiha Sasuke, under Tsunade's orders.

"So let me get this straight, you, Shikamaru, Naruto, Kiba and Choji are going to go after very powerful ninjas for a mission? How come I can't go?" I whined, folding my arms in stubbornness. Yeah, I know…how childish!

"Tsunade has formulated this plan, because she believes we will be capable enough to succeed. Besides you need to stay here and make sure nothing happens to Lee. He just had surgery Tenten, he needs you for support."

I sighed in defeat he was right. Lee needs us right now, he needs a shoulder for support, "Yeah I know."

He nodded and said a small, "farewell," before running off.

I took his advice and visited Lee, who I am pleased to say, was looking very well after his vital operation. In fact he was up walking around and talking about the joys of going on a ten mile run. Obviously I had to threaten him to sit back down before he killed himself.

"So…Neji left?"

I nodded, "Yep, an hour or so ago."

"That's good that he took my suggestion for once," Lee gave a heartfelt smile, but a small frown soon replaced it, "I wish I could have gone with them...."

"You're healing." Come on Lee, cheer up! "Don't worry you'll be back up and kicking ass in no time!" I patted his shoulders giving him a thumbs up, one of his traditional nice guy poses.

He laughed and smiled, "You're right, Tenten! I can already feel my body getting better!"

We were interrupted as the door opened showing Tsunade's first apprentice, Shizune, smiling in the doorway, "I'm here to check up and see how you're feeling Lee." She nodded for me too leave.

"I'll see you later Lee," I grinned hugging him gently before walking swiftly from the small white room.

Once outside I gave a small yawn and headed down the street in search for some entertainment of sorts, maybe even grab a bite. Nevertheless, it wasn't until long before a distraction found me. I ran right into someone roughly. Can you guess who? "Ugh, sorry," I rubbed my head, as my ass met the ground.

"Do you do this a lot?"

"You have got to be kidding me!" I yelled, brown eyes meeting her teal ones.

"Good to see you too," she chuckled holding out a hand to help me up.

I refused her offer and pushed off the ground, "What are you doing here?"

"Is that anyway to talk to your ally?" She smirked as she placed her hands on her hips, cocking her head to the side acting all innocent and naive.

"A-ally?!" What was she talking about?

Temari laughed, her voice loud and distinct, "Haven't you heard? The Hidden Leaf and Hidden Sand are allies now." She smirked as she bent down and whispered, "That means you and I are associates little girl."

I rolled my eyes and looked away, she had some nerve alright, "Our villages may be acquaintances but you and I will remain enemies in my books."

Her teal eyes blazed with curiosity as she took a step towards me, "Be truthful, Tenten. How much do you loathe me?"

"A lot," I replied flatly staring into her eyes refusing to give in to our unseen fight within.

She frowned, blond brows creased in confusion. Placing a hand on her hip, long fingers curling around it she calmly asked, "What have I ever done to you?"

"You beat me mercilessly and had no sense of human sympathy one so ever," I began to storm off; I didn't want to speak or see her ever again.

As I was about to turn the corner of the vigorous street, I heard Gaara calmly say, "Come Temari. Naruto needs are help."

I stopped and turned my head to face her, they were going to assist the guys? Her eyes met mine for the second or third, sending me a small impish smile, "Yeah, you're right. Let's go." She turned and walked towards the gates, not before giving a wink.

I could still hear her, melodic, yet almost teasing laughter ringing through my ears, as she left the Hidden Leaf.

~~~~~~~~~~~Complications~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lee had seemingly taken off after Neji and them, while I was left behind, grumbling about how I should've gone with them. Nonetheless, they came back with great sustained injuries. Although after seeing the regret on my teammates' faces, I knew Sasuke was not with them.

Life went on. Naruto had left with Jiraiyra-sama for training and Lee, well, he was back to normal to say the least. I continued to train and train, hoping my body would regain more and more power. I was not about to lose again, I still had some pride to muster and protect.

It appeared Tsunade had made a very close pact with Sunagakure, the Hidden Sand, and I've heard around the lively streets of the Hidden Leaf, that Gaara was next up to becoming the Fifth Kazekage. It was surprise at first, but after hearing Lee say how Gaara has simply changed his ways, I couldn't help but think that maybe the Sand Siblings weren't that bad after all. Well, the brothers at least.

AN: Let the story commence! Please review!