Sitting on the rooftop of the Keep building, Neji's eyes watched as his clients got into their carriage and begin to pull away. He had to follow. Jumping from one roof to the next. His black cloak flapped behind him as he sprinted. They were headed to the Far West end of the high ring. A bunch of noble families had estates in the west side. His job was to observe a future in law of this client who was apparently trading away their funds to an unknown source. Once we collected enough evidence for his clients, he'd kill the target and empty out his belongings. A simple...disappearing act. His master had told him not to worry if he ended up killing the target earlier than expected; accidents happen. Just as long as it isn't sloppy, which the Hyuga is never.

The carriage stopped near the gates of a rather large estate. The brick fencing wasn't guarded as heavily as he thought it would be, so slipping in would be a piece of cake. The clients exited the carriage and briefly chatted with their guards. A friendly exchange, judging by their smiles. Neji dropped down from the roof top and slipped behind the now empty carriage. Once he heard the gates open, the assassin held onto the baring under the wooden frame and held on until the carriage was a good distance from the main gates.

Climbing the fence, he summoned his magic to his eyes and surveyed the area. There was a pile of crates leading to an empty bedroom, just as their clients had promised for him. He was to stay there as he observed. His keep master made it clear that he was not responsible for what would happen if he was found by the target. The clients were told to have a tale ready, as well as some noble attire in the closet in case he could no longer be "not existent". However, Neji wasn't one to be caught easily.

Waiting for a guard to pass the crates, the assassin jumped down from the fence and landed softly in the snow. Opening the chakras in his feet, he dashed to the crates and quickly hopped on them. Neji inspected the window frame. The latch had been left open so he could just push the glass windows open.

Perfect.

As he entered, he closed the window behind him and latched it shut. Looking around the room, he found that the bed was made and the door itself was locked...from the inside. This exactly what he needed. Taking off his cloak, Neji adjusted his blade belt and carefully unlocked the door. There was a light click sound and he pushed it open. The hallways were lit dimly which was perfect for sneaking around.

"Wow, they set everything up perfectly for me." He breathed.

Neji stepped into the hallway. The tiled floor was sturdy; no creaks or cracks. But his boots made a slight clicking noise whenever he took a step. Great, he thought. He didn't think to bring his cloth shoes that he could smoothly walk with no sound. He glanced behind him. There was another room way down the hall. Looking forward, there was a split in the hallway which created a nice corner.

"The dynamics are very...accommodating..."

Deciding to shuffle back into his room, he opened a small pack he had brought and took out some bandages he snagged from Lady Tsunade's medical room. Toeing off his boots, he wrapped his feet and and ankles, creating a thick layer of covering. He pointed and extended his feet. He needed to seal them. Hovering his hand over his foot, Neji tried to summon his magic to intertwine with the threads of the bandages. No avail...fuck. Shrugging, he figured he'd deal with it and if push comes to shove he'll ask Tsunade to treat his foot injuries when he returned to the palace.

Time to test it. Neji once again slipped from the room and stayed to the shadows of the hallway. It was quiet for a while until he reached the corner right before the main tea room. He heard giggling and moans. Pressing himself to the wall, he rolled his eyes. This bastard had a girl in there...at this time of night (no surprise). Peeking his head near the door, he saw his target's face. Blinking, he stiffened.

"Fuck..." He murmured.

The assassin snapped back to the shadows and crept back to his room where he stayed for the night.

OoooooOoooooOOOooooooooO

Tenten swung her sword. Shin-Ten blocked, the sound of steel clashing was refreshing. It's been two weeks since Neji was sent on his mission. The princess was staying at the Uchiha estate and her brother came to visit often. They put the Royal guards training yard to use. The women of the clan were very warming and welcoming; allowing her to take walks to the village with them (and Itachi...) and handling the gardens. Tenten enjoyed chasing around Sasuke's little cousins the most. What she appreciated the most was how they cooked. Yes, they had servants, but Sasuke's mother insisted on doing the cooking herself. The palace had great chefs, however they only cooked what the King liked.

"Darling, pass me the red thread please." Sasuke's grandmother asked.

Tenten looked into the sewing basket and pulled out a spool of red thread. She handed it to the old lady. Sasuke's grandmother loved having company. She was a sweet old lady that used to look after her and Sasuke when they were younger and Tsunade was running errands. Picking up a needle, the Uchiha began to sew.

"Have you heard from Sasuke yet?"

"Not for a while. I think he's alright though." Tenten replied looking out the window.

"I bet he is. He's pretty hard headed, that one. No way he'll give into anything that easily..."

Tenten chuckled. Leave it to grandma to put it out there so bluntly. Looking down at her tea cup, the princess couldn't help but wonder if Sasuke would come back as the same person she's known since she was a child. There was just something about Lord Orochimaru that gave her the creeps. Lady Tsunade had told her once that he'd always been odd, but that's because he is a shifter; a snake no less. His way of explaining and observing was rather...out of the ordinary. He always made you second guess yourself. The bun head hated that feeling.

"Sorry to disturb, granny," an Uchiha entered the room.

"What is it, Yukari?" Granny replied looking up.

A cat dashed between Yukari's legs and made its way over the the old lady.

"The desert Prince is here to see her majesty."

"Alright, send him in." Granny replied before Tenten could react.

The Uchiha nodded before disappearing.

"That's another one I haven't seen in a while. It's been years since I've seen Gaara." The old lady bent over to scratch the cat's chin.

"My future husband tends to keep me on my feet with surprise visits..." Tenten murmured recalling the ring that was given to her a year ago.

"Ah yes, you're are engaged. How wonderful."

Yukari returned with the Prince behind her. Bowing she left the room. Gaara offered a nod.

"Hello, Granny."

The Uchiha smiled at the Prince. Of course he remembered her. She used to chase them around her garden many years ago. The Uchiha estate had been a playground for Tenten, Sasuke, and Gaara. It was an escape from the palace; but not an escape from Granny.

"All grown up and getting married. My, I can't believe it's been that long." The old lady hummed as she continued her stitching.

"What is it?" Tenten looked at Gaara.

"I came to see you, tis all. I ask for your company."

Granny was grinning now. The princess resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but she stood and told the old lady that she's be back later.

OOoOOOOOOOoOOoOoOOOOoO

Neji gripped a wooden beam he was laying on above the dining room. His target was a member of the Keep. He's worked with this bastard before; only he couldn't remember for what. It was also odd to see him living with these people. These wasn't his usual scene...he didn't think. But by the looks of it, the clients want him gone. Maybe he needed to check the bastard's room to refresh his memory and wait for him there. Neji carefully squatted on the beam and stretched his way to the adjacent one. He was far up enough that he wasn't heard, however he knew the clients could see him. The target had his back to him, so the only way he'd get noticed was if the clients made it too obvious of his presence.

Exiting the hall through the back doors that led to the kitchen, Neji made his way to the room. He quickly scanned the door with his Magic. There was nothing magic binding that sealed it or caused a trap. Pushing it open, he crept inside.

"Fuck..." He breathed.

There was a young lady fast asleep on the bed. She was nearly naked and looked to be the client's daughter. Gears turned on his head as he looked around. There were baskets of herbs and bottles. Little bowls of liquids sat on a desk near the window. The assassin blinked. This bitch was the potion guy that he had to do trades with when Neji first began to work without a partner. The Hyuga pursed his lips together. Come to think of it...it wasn't too underground either...he had a teacher...

But he can't remember who it was.

Grabbing a tonic and a book, he slipped back out to his room.

OoOoOoOOoooOOoOooOoOo

The assassin had returned to the Keep with the tonic and book two weeks later. He showed his Master the finger of the target along with a ring that was on it. Master Jiraiya nodded in approval.

"I'm curious as to why you brought back objects that weren't required." The old man asked.

Neji blinked. It was a habit of his; he would always bring something back from a mission as a keepsake. It didn't cause too much trouble. He mostly picked up something that wouldn't be noticed.

"Well, the payment was sent to your account. The princess was shipped back to the palace this morning from Uchiha grounds...oh, and your uncle came looking for you."

The Hyuga grimaced.

"Don't worry, I shooed him off. He knows better than to meddle in your work." The white haired man leaned back.

"I will expect a full report by the end of next week." Jiraiya threw him a scroll with a gold wrapping. "It's nice to have you back, kid."

Neji made his way back to the palace on foot. His feet ached from the chase he had to endure; Apparently, the book did go unnoticed. When Neji had decided to strike, he hid in the wardrobe where the target stored more documents. He pounced. Being recognized was one thing he wasn't hoping for, but it seemed as though it wouldn't had mattered since he was as good as dead.

"His name was Maru. He stayed mostly in the lab of the keep and did trading." Neji said.

Tenten sat back in her chair with a cup of tea. The Hyuga had arrived limping a bit into the palace grounds. He went straight for the princess' mansion and decided to check in with the King and Prince after his feet were taken care of.

"And how did you get hurt so badly?" Tenten asked.

Neji looked at the bowl which held his bloodied bandages. The assassin chased him all through out the estate. Lunging and throwing needles at him; hell he even threw a glass vase for fucks sake. But this booger was quicker than he had anticipated. Maru had tried to slow him down by splashing acid at his feet. He didn't notice the pain at first, however after he had finally tackled him and stab him in the head with a glass shard, he began to feel the burning sensation on his skin. The clients weren't home; Neji had warned them to leave two days in advance. Tenten sighed in relief.

"If it wasn't his family, why was he there anyway?" The princess pressed.

"I don't know. My first thought was that he was working as their medic, since if one knows poisons-they know cures as well. He used to do experiments with prisoners we had or used his tonics as torture by burning their eyes or causing their wounds to ooze out...But then I noticed the ring on his finger before I-" he looked at the disgust in Tenten's face. "...removed it."

Neji looked down at his feet in the hot water Tsunade had laid for him.

"I believe he was to marry my client's daughter. At least, now that I think about it, that's what I was told by the clients...But the idea of an unwanted marriage by the parents is a common thought for nobles."

"An assassin marrying a noble? Is that possible for you to do such a thing?" Tenten blinked at him.

Neji nodded.

"Of course. Many of us are married with children. Although, the women in our keep are forced to stop working to take care of the baby and once they are of age, the child will begin training if the mother chooses to."

The princess hummed. The idea of female assassins was amazing to her.

"Anyway, there had to be something that the clients had found in order to ask for an assassination...what it was I don't know."

"Well, he's gone now, right?" The princess asked.

"Yes, he's dead. Even though that bastard put up a fight, I got him."

Tsunade walked in holding a basket of flower petals and oils. She poured the oils into the water and watched as the assassin winced at the sudden stinging of his wounds.

"It doesn't look bad. Nice work, kid. Your didn't ruin your nerves in your heel either." The nanny said as she dropped in the flower petals.

A sigh escaped the Hyuga's lips as his sling still crawled. Tsunade's magic spewed from the petals, causing his feet to go numb. The Nanny patted Tenten's head before leaving the room. The princess sipped her tea cup and watched as his feet began to return to their uncut state.

"I was worried about you." She said softly.

Neji half smiled.

"I know. I felt it." He tapped on the crystal still embedded in his forehead. "Your emotions tend to flow to me...but we discussed this already."

Tenten blinked and nodded. It was the bond.

"What else happen? Something is bothering you."

The princess played with a strand of hair. She told him about her transfer to the Desert Kingdom in two weeks. Neji listened as she voiced her concerns. It was obvious she was unhappy and scared. She hasn't travelled out of the kingdom since she was almost abducted years ago. Surely she didn't want to let go of her past; it was reason Neji was here in the first place.

"The girls are coming with me."

"Who specifically?" Neji asked.

"Sakura...Ino...Maybe Hinata..." She blinked. "Maybe Sasuke if he returned. There was talk in the Uchiha estate..."

The assassin sighed. There was no way his uncle will allow his younger cousin to travel outside the kingdom.

"Well, either way I am to go with you as per my contract." He held his hand out to her.

Tenten intertwined her fingers into his.

"It won't be too terrible. This just means we must be more...sneaky with our current..." He paused looking for the right word.

"Affairs...?"

"I was going to say 'affiliations' but yes." The assassin shrugged.

Tenten chuckled as he kissed her knuckles.

OOoOOOooOoOoOooOOoOooo

"Tunic master? Sounds familiar..." Shin-Ten blinked.

The Prince watched as the Hyuga scribbled down his report. He had requested to meet the Prince at his office for some privacy. With his feet raw, but healed, the assassin swiftly made his way into the palace with the items he snagged.

He had set the book and bottle in front of the older teen and waited for his evaluation.

"You know I'm no good at tunics and potions...that's more Tsunade and Orochimaru's operation." The Prince said.

"I'm hesitant to approach them...Lady Tsunade, although she means well, will try to get information that could be displeasing to my Master," the assassin murmured. "And that Shifter could've been his teacher. Informing him will cause an investigation."

"Isn't that your job?" Shin asked cocking an eyebrow.

"No, I am no law enforcer...that is Master Gai's job with the Trainees. My job is to stop a problem before it happens...or gets worse. I do not use my means of judgement to targets; I have been trained not to. The client has paid for a clean kill. That is what they will get. No investigation needed."

"But then why collect some evidence? Why bring this-" the Prince pointed to the book and tunic. "-back?"

"For records. We do not investigate, but we keep background on all our affairs. Just in case something pops up in the future. That is why we write reports. I just bring things out of habit. Whether they be useful or not."

Shin blinked. It didn't make any sense to him, but he decided not to push it with further questioning. They sat in silence. The assassin continued to write his report. It was interesting seeing the aftermath of a mission. Then again, the Prince never really saw an assassin inaction. The idea of an underground culture was exciting to him. He knew it was there but he never got the chance to explore it.

"Say, how about I come with you next time?"

The Hyuga stopped writing and looked at the Prince, his eyebrows shot up.

"You wouldn't last." He replied turning back to his scroll. "Besides, it would be troublesome to drag you back to the palace."

The Prince laughed. He probably thought the assassin took him seriously, which he supposed was in their nature. Then, another thought sprung on him.

"You leave to the Desert Kingdom in two weeks."

"Hn."

"Will you finally manage to stop fondling my sister?"

Just as the words left his lips, there was an aura that appeared in the center of the room. Neji pulled a dagger-from only goddess knows where- and without looking up, launched it at the aura.

"Your intent to kill will forever be respected, Hyuga...except try not to kill the messenger."

Minato stood in the middle of the office, the dagger between his fingers and a clean cut in his cheek.

The Hyuga turned to the Prince and smirked.

"Never."

The Prince rolled his eyes, knowing that he was answering his question. Minato looked between the two curiously.

"What news?" The Prince asked.

"Well, er..." The messenger pulled out a book. "Do you remember those peddlers that appeared a year ago?"

"Yes."

"They're back. I was coming back from the Mist Kingdom and spotted one in the lower ring. I was able to talk to a few people about the materials as well as snag one." He pointed to the book.

The Prince waved his hand over it. A symbol appeared on the cover in grey light. Shin handed the book off to Neji who took a look at it.

"Huh, I haven't seen one of these since I was a child." The Hyuga said his magical eyes scanning the cover.

"What do you me-"

"Hey! Don't open that until it's been properly examined." The blonde snapped.

But Neji already opened the front cover.

It was blank.

Scanning through the other pages, he concluded it was safe.

"What is it?" The Prince asked.

"There is no name for it. I can explain to you what it does." Neji looked at Shin.

Nodding, the older teen listened. This book was used in the Keep when he was younger. All he had to do was put his head by the cover and his dreams would be recorded into it. It was a tools used as reports when the young assassins were just beginning out. A coping tool, in other words.

"Can the dreams be viewed by people other than the dreamer?" Minato asked.

"To an extent, yes. However, such a tool is rarely used for public distribution due to the fact that anyone can view it. These would sell for multiple pounds of gold." The Hyuga explained.

"What do you suppose it's doing all the way over here?" Shin asked Minato.

"Perhaps a communication device? The peddlers are indeed from the Cloud kingdom. And there have been reports of the same products being distributed in the Mist and Snow kingdoms."

"And what of the Desert?" The Prince asked.

"The King refuses any foreign passage unless of permanent settlement. The Red King only trades with us. Since Tenten is to be married into the Desert line, extra precautions will be taken." The messenger said.

Nodding, the Prince looked at the Hyuga.

"You can stay here if you'd like. I'm going to head to the tea room."

Neji shrugged and went back to scribbling his report. Minato followed the Prince out of his office. When they were a good distance from the room, Shin-Ten asked about the little mission he had requested.

"She's there. It's definite." He said. "My source has spotted her within the lower ring of the Cloud Kingdom."

"So, she's alive?" Shin hummed. "And what of the money?"

"Rock Lee is still...accompanying the Hyuga post. I was going to touch base with him tomorrow." The blonde man stated.

The Prince squinted. Could the Hyuga's be trading with the Cloud kingdom? Is that why these books have appeared? But it's been over a year and nothing has been reported to be of damage or caused any disorder with the lower rings of the kingdom. These books, what were they meant to do here? The Hyuga didn't seem to show any alarm when he saw the one Minato had snagged.

"If I may, your highness."

Shin looked at Minato.

"While the assassin will be in the Desert for quite a long time, I feel as though we should inform the Desert Prince of our investigation."

The brunette thought for a moment.

"Involving him in the Hyuga business could be a bit troubling. Especially since the Hyugas are our problem to begin with." The Prince murmured.

"Well, to be honest, he will have to deal with one anyway...a branch member no less." Minato replied.

After a moment of pondering, the Prince nodded. Very well, he had stated before approaching the door to his tea room.

"But first, we talk to Fugaku. I need him on the same page. Before the Desert Prince leaves, give him one of your tags."

Minato sweat dropped but nodded as the Prince disappeared Ito his tea room. Turning on his heel, the messenger sighed and scratched the back of his head. He was earning his pay for sure...

OoOOoOOoOooOooOOooOOo

Two weeks passed and the princess was all packed. Her golden trunks were lined with rubies and crystals and hoisted onto the carriage. She waited in the palace's main tea room until she was escorted out to the gates. Sipping her tea, Tenten peaked out of a window and saw her ladies outside.

"This is exciting! I've never been outside the kingdom before." Sakura exclaimed as she watched her own bags being mounted onto a carriage.

"It's going to be hot and full of sand. Yes, exciting indeed..." Ino grumbled.

Hinata just smiled. As the two other girls chatted with each other, the Hyuga Lady spotted her cousin. She quickly shuffled over to him. Neji didn't acknowledge her at first. It was Rock Lee who gestured to her form standing behind him. At that point, the assassin turned around.

"What?" He asked.

"I know you are not happy that Father allowed me to accompany you-"

"You are nothing more then another obstacle for me to trip over." Neji looked her in the eye. "Just to be clear. My duty doesn't include making sure you or any of your so called 'ladies' are protected. My job is to solely protect the princess. What ever fate has in store for you is none of my business."

Hinata blinked as her older cousin shrugged her off and turned back to the bowl cut Trainee. She walked back to the carriage where the other girls were still chatting.

"A bit harsh, don't you think?" Lee said.

Neji rolled his eyes.

"I feel bad that she's being dragged into this...dealing with you specifically, Neji..."

"Oh please. It's not like I need to remind you that her being here can-"

"Jeopardize your standing with the royal court. Tis unfortunate...she's a very nice girl." Rock Lee hummed.

"You fancy her?" Neji cocked an eyebrow.

Rock Lee laughed and shook his head. His eyes landed on the pink haired noble who was still clustered with the other girls. The Hyuga met his gaze and snorted.

"What is so funny?" Rock Lee snapped.

"Lee, she is way out of your circle." Neji stated.

"Oh yeah? And how would you know about something like that?"

The assassin was about to boast about his relations with the Golden Princess...but thought the wiser of it and shut his mouth with a smirk. He himself was a lady charmer with his dashing looks and shrewd speech pattern. However, only one lady could drive him crazy. Tis a shame she is to be married. The trumpets sounded. The nobles and guards all looked to the palace doors. The Royal family emerged with servants and butlers carrying trunk after trunk. Shin-Ten held his sister by the arm and walked her down toward Neji. The assassin opened the carriage door and help the princess inside.

"Lady Tsunade is not coming?" Neji asked.

"No, not yet. She felt the princess needed to do this by herself first." The king's masked advisor replied handing him a scroll.

"This is a copy of your contract. See to it that the Desert King understands your presence. Any issues and he can send for me to explain."

Neji nodded and pocketed the scroll. The King and Queen approached the princess carriage. Everyone bowed as they walked past.

"Do us well, Tenten. You are the binding gift of these two kingdoms." Fei-Ten said.

"You will return once a date for marriage has been decided by both your Father and the Desert King. For now, make yourself aquatinted with you new holdings." Xiao-Lin looked at her daughter before walking away.

Shin-Ten held up a wrapped package to the window. Tenten pulled it through and looked at her brother questioningly.

"Think of it as an early marriage gift. I had I made a a few months ago. Full steel, golden handle with ruby decorations. Handles best when magic is infused." The prince's explained.

Tenten reached her hand out to her older brother. Shin took her hand and enlaced his fingers with hers. He looked into her face and saw that tears were threatening to escape from her eyes.

"It'll be okay, Ten. I promise." He smiled.

The princess nodded slowly, but didn't show any signs of contentment.

"Sorry to intrude," Neji patted the Prince's shoulder. "But the Desert Prince is ready to leave. He is traveling with the Princess."

The Prince nodded. He flashed one more smile at his sister before stepping away from the carriage. Upon that, the golden Prince grabbed the Hyuga by the arm.

"I wanted to tell you now. I feel as though I have a strong enough Lea that could give you some piece of mind of what I am looking into."

"Pray tell." Neji replied softly.

So, the Prince went over his findings of the Hyuga post, the theories of his mother's location and the stings he is pulling to try and get more information. Before the Prince continued his plan, the assassin stopped him.

"Why...are you so hell bent on helping me?"

The Prince blinked.

"Because, Hyuga Neji. You are now part of the Royal court. The duty of the Prince is to ensure the safety and unity of the court. That makes you Hyugas a prime topic of investigation. With what we found, we may be able to locate your mother, bring her back, and find some holes in the Cloud Kingdom's ground." The Prince explained.

"So, you're using my condition to further your digging of the Cloud Kingdom's game?" The Hyuga looked the Prince's in the face.

Shin-Ten just merely blinked. Leaning in, the assassin spoke deeply.

"When you find her, the only person who has a right to get her is me. She is my mother and I am not leaving her in Royal hands-especially Uchiha hands. It is my family, my problem. Got it?"

Shin nodded. Neji backed away and adjusted his black cloak. He walked back to the Royal carriage and climbed to the top. The horses began to move and the noble families waved off their daughters and the princess.

Three days...that's how long this trip would last to the Desert Kingdom.