I want you guys to know that I tried really hard to keep away from the knight aspect of things in this Fic. That's such an interesting period of history to me, and I've read a lot on the subject. And they always say, write what you know. ;)

This chapter seems a bit stiff to me. Though maybe I'm overthinking it. :/

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JaJa-Princess: That last bit of section you read was a dream. :) Yeah, I'm trying to incorporate different bits and pieces from my influences. You'll find out, as we go along. :)

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Disclaimer: Masashi Kishimoto owns the rights to these characters. Ideas and words are my own.


Her unusual circumstances had all been brought on by the conscription.

The war had been in its early stages; hostilities had been exchanged and skirmishes were fresh. The damage, however, had been done, and the queen had sent out conscription notices to every household in the kingdom. One male was required from every family to serve in the war as soldiers.

TenTen was the only child to a set of merchant parents. Her mother died of a fever when she was still a toddler. Her father maintained the household, covering both roles for the majority of TenTen's young adult life.

The conscription notice arrived on her father's fifty-ninth birthday.

TenTen's father had served in previous wars, and had even held the honored title of a captain. But he was old now. His hands had arthritis and were knobby and gnarled. His eyesight was no longer the clearest. There was no way he would survive the engagements of battle.

Since she was the only offspring and she couldn't allow her father to become a soldier again, TenTen had made the sacrificing decision to go in her father's place.

She had been nineteen.

-o-

TenTen was unable to go back to sleep after her nightmare, so she grudgingly got ready for the day, dressing comfortably in pants, shirt, and jerkin.

In the mood for an early morning ride, TenTen headed out to the stables, where she found a sleepy-looking stable hand was pitching hay into stables.

He looked at her clothes and raised his eyebrows, but was quick to obey when she requested a horse.(1)

Through her service in the army, TenTen had learned a good deal about horses. The stable hand retrieved her a droopy-eyed mare with a genial demeanor.

The mare lipped TenTen's shirt as she settled the saddle on her, seeming to be searching for breakfast.

"No food on me, I'm afraid," TenTen apologized, patting the mare's flank as she mounted up.

Riding was something TenTen had learned on the road to battle, though it quickly became one of her favorite past-times.

TenTen nudged the mare forward into the pre-dawn morning.

The mare was pleased enough to trot around the dark enclosed field.

Lightly gripping the reins, TenTen sighed, remembering her recent troubles.

She was not an attention-seeking person, and the whole business of the queen wanting to honor her was simply ridiculous. TenTen didn't want that kind of acknowledgement. It would probably only give Neji more reason to hate her.

The mare whinnied under her, aware of her rider's sudden change of mood.

TenTen patted her neck to keep her calm, her countenance still sour.

The sad thing was that she understood why Neji was so angry. She had deceived him—consciously, even—for her own cause. Deceit was something Neji found unforgivably disgraceful.

TenTen frowned, turning the horse back towards the stables.

Dawn was cresting over the horizon, brightening the world to grey.

TenTen smiled bitterly.

The light revealed the secrets.

-o-

"I can't allow you to bear a grudge against her for what she did."

Neji glanced at the queen, choosing to remain silent.

Tsunade went on sternly, "She will be the instructor to girls wanting to become soldiers. And you will not stand in the way of that. Do you understand?"

Neji was quiet, mulling his options over.

Finally, he said, "Since you've decided to disregard the law by pardoning and honoring her, I don't see how I can graciously remain in your service. She lied about who she was to everyone. She deceived me, her commanding officer, and most of all, put others at risk. She is a danger, and that's why I arrested her in the first place. You undermined my decision, which in itself is something I disagree with. So, respectfully, I resign."

Tsunade's amber eyes were on fire with anger.

With measured control, she responded, "I dismiss your resignation. You will fulfill your contract with me until I decide to release you from it. You pledged your life's service to me, and there's no way I'm letting you bow out because one of your soldiers lied about who she was." Tsunade leaned forward in her chair, commanding attention. "Neji, I warn you—do not let hate and prejudice rule you.

"You will remain the overseer of soldiers and soldiers-in-training. You will master your anger against TenTen and not let it interfere with your work."

Neji sat back in his chair, silently fuming.

"Now, do you understand, Neji Hyuga?"

Resentfully, Neji met the queen's eyes and nodded his assent.

-o-

Your application to train as an armed soldier has been received and reviewed. You have been accepted as a soldier-in-training, under my instruction. Understand that this undertaking is not to be taken lightly. Soldiers undergo difficult trials to become fit enough to be deemed ready to fight in combat. Know that you will be demanded to perform any task your instructor deems permissible and complete any task given. The life of a soldier is not an easy one. If you have not been deterred from your venture, your presence is requested in the capital city by the first of August. Until then, may peace be on you and your household.

TenTen reviewed the letter to be sent out to the eight applying girls, thoughtful.

She wasn't used to writing so formally, but Tsunade had bid her to write the letters herself, intending to make it more personal.

TenTen was sure the girls would hardly notice the difference.

From her review of the applications, TenTen better knew what she was dealing with. All of the girls were between the ripe ages of nine and eleven, and they all seemed eager to learn and train. TenTen was still puzzled as to why. All girls that she had met had only seemed interested in dresses and court romances and silly frivolities compared to the rough, precarious life of a soldier.

Well, you'll soon find out, TenTen thought, sealing the envelope.

-o-

Later, after dinner, TenTen was again summoned to Tsunade's quarters.

"Hello," Tsunade greeted amiably.

"Did you need something, Lady Tsunade?" TenTen asked, staying in the door's entryway.

"Yes. Tomorrow is your ceremony."

In the back of her mind, TenTen's attitude sank a little.

"Really, Lady Tsunade, this . . . ceremony isn't necessary. It'll just bring on more attention that I don't need."

"Nonsense," Tsunade dismissed curtly. "You single-handedly led troops into battle and won. Such leadership should be commended."

TenTen sighed.

"The ceremony will be late afternoon tomorrow, and a state dinner will follow."

TenTen almost blanched.

"You're kidding," she blurted instead.

Tsunade smiled, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course not. State dinners almost always follow particular ceremonies."

TenTen inhaled deeply to keep calm.

"I hope you'll be properly attired. . ." Tsunade hinted, analyzing TenTen's pants with a dismayed visage.

"You want me to wear a dress," TenTen deciphered flatly.

"They'll respect you more that way."

Slightly touchy, TenTen responded, "On the battlefield, you earn respect by your capability to adjust to different situations."

"Then this should be no problem for you," Tsunade replied primly.

TenTen nodded once in submission.

"I'll wear a dress. Anything else?"

Tsunade seemed to pause before murmuring, "Naturally, your arch-nemesis will be present. . ."

TenTen shifted her footing.

"Are you worried we'll start dueling between courses, Lady?" TenTen posed.

Tsunade chuckled.

"No. I've already spoken to Neji and he's promised to be cordial."

TenTen raised her eyebrows, disbelief written across her features.

"I promise I'll be pleasant, Lady Tsunade. Ignoring a person's existence goes a long way."

Tsunade nodded, satisfied.

"Thank you, TenTen. Now go get some rest. Being nice to nobles is not an exhaustion you're accustomed to."

-o-

The next day was lively with the preparations for the afternoon's ceremony and the night's state dinner.

TenTen avoided all of it as best she could, retreating to the deserted armory.

It had been so long since she'd handled a weapon. . .

TenTen ran a finger down the curved blade of a scimitar sword.(2) Tentatively, she withdrew it from its holding place.

The weapon felt comfortable in her hand, as if a month and a half had never passed where she hadn't been fighting.

Smoothly, TenTen slid her foot forward, arcing the sword to catch an imaginary attacker in the chest. She spun, decapitating another fake foe.

"TenTen?" spoke a voice suddenly.

TenTen dropped the sword in surprise, a loud clang resounding in the armory. TenTen winced at her foolishness and picked up the sword, setting it back in its place.

"Is that . . . Are you TenTen?"

TenTen looked towards the speaker, bemused.

The man stared back, his dark, bushy eyebrows framing his black eyes.

His expression foretold shock.

"I heard. . . Weren't you in prison?"

He stared at her, as if to ensure he was speaking to whom he thought.

TenTen treated him to a lopsided smile.

"Yes, I was," she replied.

Lee hadn't changed at all since the last time she saw him—nearly two months ago on the field of battle. He had been a fellow soldier, and an enthusiastic one at that.

Lee shook his head slightly.

"What—How?"

TenTen appraised him.

"I'm sure you've heard the story," she said, walking towards him.

Lee's cheeks flamed.

"I heard you were arrested. . . All the rumors said that you were a woman."

"The rumors were true this time around," TenTen confirmed tonelessly.

Lee nodded, staring at her.

"Everyone said that Neji was the one who arrested you."

"He did," TenTen answered. She hesitated then continued, "He was the prosecutor in my case, before Tsunade had me pardoned."

Lee raised his furry eyebrows, thoughtful.

TenTen cocked her head at him, curious.

"What are you doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be at home, relaxing from the lack of duty?"

Lee shook his head, smiling slightly.

"I wish. Lady Tsunade recruited me to run the armory. She said something about my enthusiasm for the heat of battle would be well-used in an armory position."

TenTen glanced longingly at the weapons along the walls.

"I'd trade with you any day. She made me the instructor of girls training to become soldiers."

Lee laughed.

"I would, but currently, you're the only person in the country qualified to take that job."

Grumpily, TenTen crossed her arms.

"I tried to refuse her, but she wouldn't hear of it."

Lee considered her, his dark eyes attentive.

"Think of the things you could teach them, though! So many possibilities. . . Right now, you're making history. The girls you'll be teaching, they'll be the first squad comprised of women to ever exist in our country. How can you not be more excited?" Lee exclaimed incredulously.

TenTen shrugged, meeting her comrade's gaze.

"I never asked to be a topic of history, Lee. I don't want that kind of recognition."

Lee clapped her on the shoulder, shaking his head.

"I would get used to it, if I were you. The first woman warrior? People will be talking about you for ages."

TenTen snorted, but her heart sank, because she knew he was right.

-o-

TenTen stood in front of the monumental doors to the ceremony hall, feeling as insignificant as a fly.

The doors had to be hundreds of years old; the antique cedar wood probably dated back to the days of the old capital city.

TenTen ran one hand over the ornamented door that painted pictures of battle, holiday celebrations, civilians working, lovers, and so much more. Feeling it beneath her fingers, TenTen felt she was touching history itself.

On the other side of the thick door, attendants pulled the large ringed handles, admitting TenTen.

She kept her face stoic and emerged.

The ceremony hall was filled completely, and everyone attending was focused on her.

TenTen felt her throat dry and close off, nervousness seeping into her brow.

Don't look at them, she advised herself, strictly keeping her eyes straightforward.

She began walking down the long aisle, trying to keep her pace normal.

Everyone was silent. TenTen could only hear her muffled footsteps.

Don't show any fear.

Tsunade was waiting on the dais at the front of the hall, holding something that shined.

Mentally, TenTen sighed, falling into a bow at Tsunade's feet when she reached the dais.

"TenTen Ito is being honored today for her exemplary show of leadership during the war, despite being disguised as a man."

TenTen blushed furiously, embarrassed.

Tsunade went on, "TenTen will single-handedly train the first women-comprised team of soldiers in this country. It is an honor and a blessing to have her among us. She is most certainly a jewel in this country's crown."

Tsunade tapped TenTen on the shoulder, gesturing for her to rise.

Tsunade held up a gold merit, from which was attached a red ribbon, and a silver signet ring. The country's symbol blazed in the ring's center: a single burning flame.

"I ornament you with these artifacts of honor, TenTen Ito, that people may know what you have done for this country, at the risk of your own life. I thank you, and the Fire Country thanks you."

TenTen bowed her head as Tsunade pinned the medal to her chest and slid the ring onto her right hand.

The flame seemed to dance in its silver circle.

-o-

At the state dinner, TenTen was seated to Tsunade's right, the seat that denotes extreme favor. Such a place of honor was usually reserved for the next person to ascend the throne, but tonight, it displayed TenTen in a positive light.

TenTen glanced at Tsunade, realizing just how much thought she'd put into promoting her.

Across the table, however, sat the one person that probably hated her most. Neji.

His pale eyes stared at her straight on, unforgiving.

"Good evening," TenTen murmured to him.

Neji inclined his head.

Next to him sat a vivacious blonde. She grinned at TenTen's address.

"Miss Ito, I am Ino Yamanaka. You are an inspiration to women across the country, and my personal hero." The blonde shook her head. "I don't know how you accomplished such a feat—masquerading as a man. You even fooled Neji, here, and he sees everything."

TenTen glanced at Neji's face, which was as flat as ever.

"Thank you for your patronage. Not many see my service in so positive a light," TenTen responded, deciding to ignore the latter statement.

"Really," Ino pressed, "how did you manage to fool so many intelligent men? Didn't your family protest? Did you fear being discovered—?"

"Ino," Neji interjected, his voice clear and sharp.

Ino looked at Neji, blue eyes wide and innocent.

Ino smiled apologetically at TenTen.

"Forgive me, Miss Ito. Neji says I can be a little . . . forthright."

TenTen nodded at her, pardoning her words with ease.

Ino ate for several minutes, but eventually, her questions had yet to be quelled.

In-between courses, Ino again struck up a conversation with the woman soldier.

"How did you learn to handle weapons, Miss Ito?"

"Call me TenTen, please, Miss Yamanaka. I learned in the camp and on the road to battle."

"You must have had a knack for it, to ascend so high in the ranks."

TenTen gave a noncommittal jerk of the head.

"Neji, how did she do it?"

Neji's mouth diminished, clenched tightly in defiance.

"As I recall," he replied coolly, "she was fluid in archery and sword work."

Neji sharply met TenTen's eyes, holding them.

"Isn't that right?" he asked, offensively abrasive.

TenTen stilled, her limbs quieting.

"Yes," she muttered breathlessly.

Tsunade glanced between the two and distracted Ino to alleviate tenseness.

"Ino, have you begun planning your wedding?"

Ino brightened immediately, her eyes shining.

"Oh, yes. I want to get all the preparations finished before winter. I so want to have flowers at my wedding. . ."

Confidently but surreptitiously, Ino covered Neji's closed fist that rested on the table and gave it a squeeze.

TenTen almost choked on her food.

Neji . . . engaged?

TenTen felt mirth bubble to her mouth, but she refused to laugh.

Neji caught her struggle and glared.

"Is something funny?" he inquired softly.

TenTen bit back a smile.

"No, I just wanted to say congratulations to you both. Marriage is such a happy celebration. I wish you both the happiness that comes with it."

Ino grinned, delighted. Neji glowered, eyes hard.

-o-

"General?" TenTen called, nervously waiting at the entrance to Neji's tent.

"Enter, please," Neji responded after a pause.

His tone foretold distraction. TenTen knew it would not be enough to divert him from the news she had come to share.

TenTen took a breath and entered the tent, wary.

Neji looked up and smiled lightly.

"Ready to go home, Captain?" he asked pleasantly, rolling up maps.

"Yes," TenTen admitted, a rush of breath escaping her.

Neji nodded.

"Yes, it's been a while since we've been home. We'll finally get to relax, for once."

Neji looked back at her, studying her expression with his analytical gaze.

"Is something on your mind? You like you have something to say," Neji murmured, focusing his attention on her.

TenTen felt her burden.

"I have something to tell you," she murmured.

"Go ahead," Neji released easily.

TenTen swallowed. She could see curiousness in his pale eyes.

TenTen exhaled, feeling she was at the brink. And she was.

She took a second to gather her words, and the truth came spilling out.

"From the moment you met me, I've been pretending to be a man. I'm a woman. I disguised myself as a man so I could take my father's place in the army."

TenTen paused for Neji to speak.

He said nothing. He only stared.

TenTen wordlessly unpinned her hair from its previous men's style, returning it to twin buns. She shrugged off her cloak that disguised her figure. Her unbound breasts pressed against the fabric of her shirt.

Neji's eyes widened a fraction.

TenTen stared back at him, her nerves a livewire.

His jaw clenched, and then he said, "You're under arrest for deceit against the country."

He walked over to her measuredly and forced her to her knees.

He tied her wrists, draped her cloak over her shoulders, and led her outside to her surely doomed fate.


That bit at the end was a flashback, just in case you didn't catch it.

(1) I'd like to point out that women in this Fic are expected to dress, act, etc. like women (for example, women in this Fic are expected to always wear dresses/skirts). Obviously, with TenTen's disguise as a man in the army, she is considered a little bit vulgar. However, when she freely dresses in pants, it's like she's proclaiming: "Look at me, I'm as crude as a prostitute." So, just wanted to point that out.

(2) A scimitar is a sword with a curved blade. It originated in Southwest Asia. It is similar to the Indian pulwar sword.

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