Hey readers! Thanks for taking the time to read this :) Anyhow I have some slightly bad news, remember at the end of last chapter, how I said that the next few chapters may not be as depressing? Well... This one is... But it's gotta be built up! Sasuke and Tenten will meet again soon, and Itachi may or may not appear at times throughout the story :3 I'm open to suggestions, and if you like Itaten, check out my other story Two Tales of Love :) please don't flame me, I know I'm kinda grazing past important details of the war, oh please bare with me! Lol thanks again!
I do not own Naruto and I never will
Chapter two * Neji's funeral and a strange presence
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A few days after their return, the time finally came for Neji's funeral. Tenten arose early to run a few miles around the training grounds in order to clear her mind and ease her pain before the event. It was still cold and dark and dew graced the grasses as her feet brushed through the blades. She ran faster and harder than she ever had before. Her brown hair was pulled into a single messy bun atop her head, her headband had been left home today and she wore black shorts with a pink half shirt, revealing her toned torso. as she ran, she wondered what to wear to the funeral, whether or not to openly cry in front of the rest of the village who would also be mourning the loss of the Great Genius Neji. Her lungs burned deeply and intensely as she quickened her pace In order to stop her frantic thinking. You gotta push yourself Tenten! she tried to cheer herself on, mentally but knowing physically she needed to stop or she was going to run out of stamina fast. How long had it been? The sun was up now, shining bright and full. I better get back. I gotta shower and change. tenten thought to herself. She stopped her brisk, aggressive running and took a moment to catch her breath. Suddenly, a warm wind came rushing through the trees, causing leaves to whisper and some even to escape their branches and fall to the ground. The wind blew the fringes around Tenten's face wildly and filled her lungs. Tenten's eyes looked around to see of she could spot anything out of the ordinary. She sensed a faint presence of someone or something lingering in the forest just meters in front of her.
"Alright, Baka! Come out or I'll be coming in there after you!" Tenten warned, clutching a Kunai knife in her right hand, and her other hand reaching for a scroll strapped to her thigh.
Sasuke had been on the outskirts of Konoha for a few hours now, after rising early to continue his journey. He had not looked at the scroll Itachi left him, although he wanted to, he decided to wait. When he saw the brunette Konoihi running, he realized he was a lot closer than he had imagined. Near the training grounds, as a matter of fact. He didn't remember entering through the gates of Konoha, somehow he must've slipped in, unaware. He had been watching her since he spotted her running and training, laying low in the thick foliage he studied her. He remembered her, the Konoichi who normally sported dual buns on either side of her head. The one with the creepy Sensei. She seemed to have grown a lot stronger since the chonin exams. Tenten, that's her name. He inched closer, as she rounded the track, slowly losing focus and emminating more chakra than he realized. His ebony eyes following her as she moved. Her muscles tensed as she ran, and her body shimmered with sweat as she sprinted with all of her ability. He found himself mezmarised by the creature before him. Sasuke still hadn't decided if he was even going to set foot into Konoha, but now, since obviously the girl had noticed him, he had to think on his feet. How could I have been so careless as to let her notice me? Must be off my game a bit. Quickly, Sasuke subdued his chakra and backed away slowly, as to not make any noises by making a hasty get away. He admired her courage and fearlessness, especially since everyone must've been extremely on edge after this war.
Tenten blinked her chocolate eyes a few times and scratched her head in confusion. The presence was gone as fast as it had come. I swore someone was there! She sighed and wondered if it was even a possibility the wind and presence being Neji's spirit, visiting her to comfort her. After all, it was warm and there was something oddly familiar about it. Suddenly, her thoughts were broken by a booming and very familar voice.
"Tenten, my flower, I admire your enthusiasm for training and I had a hunch you might be here, but it is time to go." He looked down, not at all looking forward to watching a beloved student be buried, and his other students weep about it. He knew exactly what Tenten was doing out here. Pushing away the sorrow and pain in training. She was starting to be a workout addict like Lee. Although happy about her training, he knew she needed a better outlet. He wondered if he should put her through some sort of grievance counseling.
Tenten decided she must've been imagining Neji's presence, she knew she missed him a lot, and she was tired and fatigued. She let it go and have Gai Sensei a nod. "I've got to run home first, then I'll meet you and Lee at the Hyuga complex. " Tenten said, wiping her brow with her forearm.
Sasuke wondered why they were headed to the Hyuga complex. That's right. he remembered, she was on a team with Neji Hyuga. Neji was one of the few nin he still respected in Konoha. Several ideas came to Sasuke's mind as he contemplated the reasoning behind it. Maybe they were getting married, they were on the same team after all. Then again, he was on the same team as Sakura and he only saw her as annoying. Maybe they were having a welcome home party, maybe Neji had became a Jonnin now? Sasuke's eyes widened in realization. Oh damn. Neji was dead. Sasuke shook his head and looked down at his feet. He was releived Tenten hadn't found him, but at the same time saddened that Konoha had lost such a great Shinobi. Someway, I want to pay my respects. He thought to himself. He made his decison and headed carefully to the Hyuga Complex.
"Don't be late, Tenten." Gai said, before making his way back from the training grounds.
Tenten took one last look toward the trees before turning and running quickly toward her home. Oh man, oh man, oh man, I'm late! Why did you lose track of time, ne? You baka! You know better! Now hurry! She scolded herself, feeling guilty for putting her own selfish emotions in front of paying respect to the one she cared so much for. She rushed inside her appartment and closed her door. Once the door was closed, she immediately threw off her clothes in a pile on the floor and yanked her hair tie out, letting her long, chocolate tresses fall to the small of her back. She rushed to her bathroom and pulled her navy blue shower curtain back. She reached in and turned the cool knob, and the water began to fall. She let out a sigh and kicked her legs a few times nervously as she waited for the water to heat up. Finally, she jumpped in and scrubbed her body quickly and rapidly. Scrub, rinse, shampoo, condition done! She rapidly twisted the knob, turning the water off, jumpped out of the shower and slipped, nearly falling and cracking her tail bone. Luckily she gripped the edge of the sink and steadied herself. Frantically, Tenten grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her dripping head. Once secured, she ran into her room and threw open the door to her closet. Oh dammit! I didn't wash my black dress... She dug further in and found a black pencil skirt, and a black button up blouse with sheer sleeves. That'll do. She fumbled about with her undergarmets and finally slipped on her skirt and zipped it up in the back. Once she had her shirt on, she looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair still a bit wet and curly. Do I have time to dry it? Tenten took a glimpse outside after hearing a 'tink' on her window. Rain. How fitting, Neji's even crying. She sighed heavily. No point in drying it, if it's gonna just get wet anyway. She turned back to her vanity and reached for a small white rose that Neji had given her. Of course it was silk, that way it would last forever. She tucked it behind her ear, and decided to leave her hair down, since that's how Neji liked it, and this day was about remembering and honoring him. No one will recognize you, ne? She shook her head and slipped on some heels. Oh Neji... she balled up a fist and brought it close to her chest, remembering her comrade. Time to go.
Tenten raced to the Hyuga Complex, making her way through a thick crowd that was also headed the same direction she was, for the same purpouse she was. No one knew of Neji's proposal, not even Lee. None of the other girls in Konoha had any idea. Tenten was sure if they did, they may pity her, but she didn't want pity, or sympathy. Everyone else had their own losses to deal with. "Excuse me." She muttered, pushing further through until finally she reached the threshold of the complex.
"Tenten Chan!" A meek, soft voice exclaimed.
Hinata... Tenten raised her eyes to see the purple haired Hyuga walking toward her, with tears in her eyes. Tenten walked toward her as well until they met in an unexpected embrace. "I'm so sorry, Hinata." Tenten managed to whisper as the girl clung to her. As soon as their bodies met, Tenten wanted to cry then and there. Knowing the pain that Hinata must be feeling was unbearable.
"Are you holding up alright, Tenten?" Hinata asked, pulling back just a bit to get a good look at Tenten's face. She could tell, Tenten was having a rough time. Her eyes were red, and her face very pale and flushed. Tenten gave her a nod, knowing if she even tried to speak, she would break. "Come, sit by me." Hinata broke away from the embrace and linked hands with her fellow Konoichi. Tenten was immediately intimidated and nervous. She wanted to be anywhere but up where the rest of the Hyuga family would be sitting. Tenten was merely a Shinobi she didn't have a kekegenki or anything special All she was was a weapons master. No special breed or family 'logo'. Just Tenten the orphan girl.
Hinata walked with Tenten through the complex into a large temple, where the service would take place. It was beautiful inside, with lots of seating. It looked like an expensive mansion. Tenten hadn't been in the complex more than once, and she had never been here. There was a crowd gathered around the front of the temple, admiring what Tenten assumed to be photos of the late Neji. She felt more at ease, now that many other villagers had arrived. She spotted Kiba ,Kakashi, Lee, Gai, Shino, Shikamaru and Ino. Now she didn't feel like such a minority, seeing so many sets of white eyes, she started to feel a little uneasy and judged. Naruto approached the two Konoichi with a sorrowful look upon his normaly bright face.
"Hey guys," He started. "So, you still wanna sit together, Hinata?" Naruto asked.
"O..oh." Hinata's cheeks pinked. Tenten could see her struggling so she decided to step in, but much to her surprise, Hinata finished her sentance. "Yes, I'd love that, Naruto-Kun. Tenten will be joining us, if that's alright?"
"Yeah, of course. Woah, Tenten. I didn't recognize you without your big buns." Naruto said, as he scratched the back of his head. Tenten's eyes widened and cheeks pinked. Did he have to put it THAT way?!
The crowd finally settled and everyone found their seats, Hinata sat in between Naruto and Tenten, clinging to both of their hands as the service began. Hiashi Hyuga began the service with a prayer and some encouraging words about his late nephew. Neji's casket sat gracefully upon an uprise, draped with a white cloth and red roses atop. Several pictures of Neji as a young boy, and his growing stages all the way up to the most recent photo of him, Lee and Tenten as they celebrated him becoming a Jonnin. The three Shinobi tried their best to hold back tears as Hiashi spoke. His words were elequant and sweet as he spoke of Neji, much to everyone's surprise. He told of how proud he was of Neji, and how he had found his eternal destiny, and how he had been a wonderful team mate to Tenten, and Lee. When Tenten heard her name, her eyes widened and a small tear slid down her cheek. She felt honored to have been a part of such a wonderful Ninja's life.
When the servive ended, the crowd walked outside in the pouring rain and gathered at the Hyuga Burial sight. Tenten was urged by family members and fellow villagers to stand up front. She gazed upon the marble casket in awe. He was in there. His frail and lifeless body was in there, and he was going into the ground forever. Is there not a jutsu we can do?! Can't we bring him back!? NEJI! She closed her eyes tightly and clenched her fists at her sides, and then a noble voice spoke in the distance.
"Neji was a great comrade. I can't express how thankful I am for him. He saved my life." Tenten turned her head toward the voice, she saw Naruto standing there, with tears staining his face. "He fought hard, with honor and bravery! He risked his life for me and Hinata, and for Konoha! And no matter what, we won't forget him!" Naruto pounded his chest and the crowd cheered for his small speech. Tenten's lips Neji was regarded as a hero, and that prided her.
After the funeral, most of the villagers left, to go back home. Before leaving they said their goodbyes to the Hyuga family, and the remnants of Team Gai. Now only Tenten, Lee, and Gai remained at his gravesite as they lowered him into the ground. Lee was a blabbering mess, tears falling without ceasing and he gasped for air. Gai also bawled, chocking and struggling to maintain any bit of composure, but failing. Tenten's heart sank as low as the coffin and she fell to her knees. The frigid rain beat down on her skin, leaving goosbumps and raised hairs all about her body. She covered her face with her hands and sobbed. She couldn't be brave anymore. She couldn't hold the pain in, even though she knew Neji would try to tell her not to. She could almost hear him saying; This is part of life, you must move on. But it just didn't seem fair. The whole war didn't seem fair, but that was the life of a Shinobi and eventually, she knew she absolutely had to come to terms with that. She remembered when she found out she was on the same team as the prodigy. She was so nervous and scared, but she was also excited, she had high hopes in becoming strong as she trained with him. It had paid off, she was now one of the strongest Konoichi in Konoha, aside from Lady Tsunade, and Hinata. Tenten knew she needed to cherish the memories of their training, missions, and bonding experiences together. She remembered how she had almost killed him when he was choking to death on spicy curry. She remembered how he hated it when she danced with Lee when they had down time, and he loved it when she sang. He appreciated her culture, asn she appreciated his. Tenten finally raised her eyes and realized she now, was the only one there. Lee and Gai had gone, even the funeral directors and the excavators. Gone. How long have I been sitting here? She stood up on numb legs, and wobbled about, to try and catch her balance. Finally, feeling stable, she walked to Neji's gravestone to read what was engraved. She knelt down and examined it.
Here lies Jonnin Hyuga, Neji.
A hero of Konoha, who aided in the Fourth Shinobi World War Victory.
A genius with natural strength and intelligence.
He finally achieved his destiny.
"Here lies Jonnin Hyuga, Neji, a hero of Konoha, who aided in the Fourth Shinobi World War Victory. A genius with natural strength and intelligence, he finally achieved his destiny." A voice said from behind Tenten. Tenten whipped around, and her brown eyes widened when she saw the face of the figure before her. Sasuke Uchiha.