It was few hours past dinnertime and Hyuga Neji was out in the fields practicing a new jutsu that Master Guy had taught him that morning. It was a fairly difficult one but neji thought he almost had it down. Suddenly neji thought he heard his' name being called. He turned and saw one of his' friends running towards him.

"Hey Huramo! What's going on?"

Hyuga Huramo paused to catch his' breath, and then he replied, "Hi Neji, you're uncle, Lord Hiyashi, he wants to see you in his office at once!"

Neji reached for his jacket. "Did he say what he wanted?"

Huramo shook his head. "No, but I do know he's with some guest of his, and from the way the household staff is working, I would guess it's a pretty important one."

Neji glanced down at his' mud splattered clothes and said, "Then I had better change first."

"Okay, but hurry!" Huramo warned.

Neji nodded and took off towards the house.

After Changing into a clean robe neji hastened to his uncle's office.

He softly opened the door, hoping to slip in unnoticed, but such was not to be.

"Ah, there you are, Neji."

Lord Hiyashi studied him for a moment noting the boy's clean clothes and polite air. He nodded in approval. This was the closest neji's uncle ever came to showing him any affection. Years ago the Hyuga clan had been at war with another clan. In order to put an end to the war, neji's father, the twin brother of Lord Hiyashi had been sacrificed to this clan as a peace offering. Ever since then Neji had lived with his uncle. But Neji's father had been part of the side branch of Hyuga and both he and Neji had been branded with its' mark, the mark of the caged bird. Lord Hiyashi, on the other hand, was of the main branch of Hyuga, which was the more powerful of the two. As a matter of fact, most of the people of the main branch believed that the people of the side branch's sole purpose were to serve those of the main branch. So Lord Hiyashi considered Neji as someone quite lowly.

But he was also quite proud that Neji was his' nephew. Neji was considered the genius of Hyuga. He was strong and smart, calm and in complete control of himself. He was one of the most talented Chunin level shinobi in the land.

"Come and sit over here." Hiyashi gestured to a cushion next to him.

Neji did so without a word, keeping his eyes lowered as a sign of respect.

Hiyashi turned to his' guest. "Lord Kasono, allow me to introduce my nephew, Hyuga Neji. Neji, this is Lord Kasono, Leader of the Clan of Osara."

Lord Kasono inclined his' head towards Neji. "It is good to meet you Hyuga Neji."

"The honor is mine Lord Kosono." Neji replied respectfully. He was still confused as to why he was even here.

Lord Hiyashi spoke up. "Neji, Lord Kasono has come to Konoah from his' village to arrange-

He was cut off as the door opened and a servant poked his head in. "Please forgive the interruption my lord." The servant apologized. "The Lord of Osara's daughter is waiting outside."

"Oh, well then, send her in." Lord Hiyashi directed.

"As you wish my' lord." Then the servant disappeared from sight.

A moment later the door opened again. This time a tall, young girl, in a midnight blue kimono, stepped in to the room. She appeared to be about fifteen years of age- or at least close to it, with a finely chissled face a shapely figure and long, dark brown hair that came a little below her' waste. Her sharp black eyes focused first on her' father, then on Lord Hiyashi and finally rested on Neji. With his Hyuga eyes, Neji had always been able to intimidate almost anyone just by staring at them. But as she watched him with her' hooded, icy black eyes, it was he who felt that shewas slightly intimidating, though of course he did not let it show. She was quite beautiful, and she commanded an air of strength and power. But there was an air of sadness about her as well. Her' face seemed strained and, though her eyes remained hooded, Neji still thought he detected pain within them. Finally her gaze left his and she turned back to her' father.

"You wished to see me father?" she inquired.

"I did indeed my dear." Lord Kasono replied. "Lord Hiyashi, allow me to introduce my daughter, Lady Nasari, Heiress of the Clan of Osara. Nasari, this is Lord Hiyashi, Leader of the Clan of Hyuga. And this is his nephew, Hyuga Neji."

Lord Hiyashi rose and, behind him, Neji did the same. "It is an honor Lady Nasari." Lord Hiyashi said as he bowed, and neji echoed him.

Lady Nasari bowed and replied, "The honor is mine Lord Hiyashi. The same to you Hyuga Neji."

They chatted politely for a few moments. Neji noticed that Nasari sat stiffly, speaking only when she was spoken to. Then Lord Hiyashi cleared his throat and said, " Well, since everyone is here, perhaps now we can get on with what we were discussing?"

Neji shot his uncle a puzzled look.Why does uncle Hiyashi sound so…so nervous? He wondered.

Lord Kasono looked up abruptly. "Oh, yes, of course."

Neji noted that Lady Nasari had also noticed that the men seemed rather uncomfortable, but that she did not look at all puzzled.

Am I the only one who doesn't have a clue what's going on here? Neji wondered in annoyance.

Lord Hiyashi cleared his throat again. "Uh, so, as I was saying earlier- uh…" he glanced at Lord Kasono who gave him a nod of encouragement. Lord Hiyashi took a deep breath and looked at neji. "Lord Kasono has come to Konoah in order to form an alliance with the clan of Hyuga."

Neji nodded, but he was still confused. Alliances are made all the time. So what does it have to do with me? He wondered.

Lord Hiyashi sighed and said, "This is a special alliance; one that is to last for generations.

Okay, sooooo…?

Neji's uncle looked him directly in the eye. "Neji, according to custom this type this type of alliance is sealed between the two clans by a marriage."

Neji stared at his uncle in shock for a long time. A marriage?? Now he understood perfectly. His uncle and Lord Kasono had arranged for him to marry Lady Nasari!

He looked her to see how she felt about it but her expression was carefully masked. She had known he realized. She had known that she was to wed someone of the Hyuga clan.

Doubtless, judging from her guarded expression and tense jaw line, she was as unhappy about it as he was. Though his' face was blank, his' mind was in a whirl of panic. Why me? Why now? How could this happen?

"Neji?" at the sound of his' uncles voice Neji surfaced from his confused state. His uncle was looking at him expectantly, waiting for him to say something; But what? What could he say to this?

Neji looked back at the girl, and was surprised to see that she was watching him closely. His' eyes narrowed and he glared at her as if to say, what do you want? She raised her head, and defiantly returned his' glare. They gazed into each other's eyes; a battle of the wills, and it was apparent that neither of them intended on losing to the other one.

"Um, Neji? Do you have anything to say? His' uncle's voice broke the tension.

She smirked and her black eyes held a challenge as she stared at him.

Well, if she can do it, then so can I! Am I not stronger than a girl? He turned to his' uncle and said, "I am honored that I should be chosen above the entire Hyuga clan to play a part in this great cause."

Lord Hiyashi breathed a sigh of relief. He had worried how his' nephew would react. Neji was known for being cool, calm, and in complete control of himself at all times. But there was no telling how he would react when faced with the prospect of an arranged marriage. "Then you except the arrangement?" he asked.

As if I had any choice in the matter. Neji thought. "I except it." He replied, shooting her a look.

Lord Kasosno smiled with satisfaction, quite pleased that everything was working out.

"Excellent!" Lord Hiyashi exclaimed. "The engagement will be formally announced at a banquet the day after tomorrow, and the wedding will take place in five days."

"That will be perfect." Lord Kasono replied. He turned to his daughter. "You may go if you wish."

She nodded and turned to leave.

"Neji, you are dismissed as well." Said Lord Hiyashi.

Neji bowed and left the room.

About an hour later Nasari was exploring the Hyuga compound. As she turned a corner into the private Hyuga trainig grounds, a surprising sight met her' eyes. Hinata was in the center sparring with Hyuga Neji.

It was obvious to her that Neji would win. That in it's self was not surprising; what was surprising was that as Hinata fell for what must have been the hundredth time and did not seem able to get up again, Neji did not stop as one should after winning, but instead, continued to attack her. Some of the other Hyugas watching the fight began to whisper nervously among themselves, but no one made a move to stop it.

She shouldn't be fighting him! She thought. He's much too strong for her to have a fair chance. Nasari gasped as Neji knocked Hinata down again as she struggled to stand. Why doesn't anyone stop him? This is getting to be too dangerous… the idiot…I'd better stop him before this goes any farther.

Neji charged towards Hinata, his fist flew out to strike her.

BAM!Something rammed into the side of his head and sent him sprawling to the ground. He jumped up and whirled around coming face to face with Osara Nasari!

How was she able to attack me without my noticing? I had my byukan activated. She must have used some sort of jutsu to block my vision.

"What do you think you're doing interfering in a fight that wasn't your' own?!" He thundered.

She looked him calmly in the face and said, " You had won. The match was over. Why did you continue fighting?"

Neji glared at her. "I don't have to tell you anything. It's none of your' business why I do what I do."

She was silent for a moment. Then she remarked, "You are very strong."

"Of course I am." He replied. "I'm one of the best Chunin ninja in Konoha."

"That isn't saying much for the Konaoh ninja." She remarked.

There was a gasp from the people standing around. Neji glared at her angrily. "What is that supposed to mean?" He demanded. "You yourself' just said that I am very strong."

"So you are." She replied. "But physical strength in its' self is never enough to make a great ninja. You must be able to control your' anger and your' hate towards others. You must let go of it. If you do not, then your' anger will grow and take over your' mind." Nasari looked at Neji pointedly. "There is much more to being a ninja than strength." Nasari turned and helped Hinata up.

"Hn! A lot you know about what it means to be a real ninja. Your' own clan can't even tae care of it's self! Your' ninjas have to come running to Hyuga for help whenever they have a problem!"

Nasari gasped as if she had been struck in the stomach. Her eyes were on fire as she said in a very low voice, "If I ever hear you talk about my clan that way again, I'll make you suffer so much you'll wish you were dead!"

With that she spun on her heel and walked back towards the main house.

Nasari went directly to her' room.

She walked staring strait ahead, as if in a slight daze.

Upon reaching her room, Nasari did not bother to turn on the lights she sat on the bed and hugged her' knees to her' chest.

She didn't cry. She hadn't cried a single tear since her had told her about Kusame's death.

Though everyone had seemed to believe her' calm act at the meeting; She was any thing but.

She kept telling herself' that she could do this, that it was her duty. But although she was able to make part of her' mind believe that she could handle leaving her' family, marrying a seemingly arrogant boy whom she didn't know, and forever giving up her place as a ninja.

Deep in her heart she wondered how she could possibly live like that.

Nasari pushed these doubts out of her mind. It doesn't matter how I feel about it. The clan is depending on me and I won't let them down. I have to be strong; for them, if not for myself. I won't break down, and I won't cry!She closed her' eyes, and an image of Kusame floated in front of her' eyes. Stop it Nasari! He isn't coming back. No matter how much you wish for it, he's not coming back!!

With that, she jumped down off the bed and walked over to the window. I need to be alone for a while, She thought, away from this place. Looking down and estimated that it was about a ten-foot drop to the ground.

Grasping the handle of the windowpane she grunted and pulled at it. Finally it slid up far enough for her to fit through. Nasari sighed in relief.

She quickly changed from her blue kimono to a tight fitting, short sleeved, black jumpsuit and some fingerless gloves. She strapped on a dark blue belt that held shuriken, scrolls, a fan, and some needles and daggers of various sizes. Then she pulled on her' black training boots and tied her head band with the Taikovara symbol loosely around her' neck.

She sighed and put her' hand over the middle of her' chest and felt the object under her' shirt. It was a ruby pendant Kusame had given her on her fourteenth birthday; the day he had asked her to marry him. She sighed again.

Her fifteenth birthday was in less than a month and her sensei, Master Masaake Tekeo, had said that he would begin sending her on "A" rated missions when she turned fifteen. But now things had changed, by time her birthday came around she would be married and no longer aloud to be a ninja.

Nasari had harbored a small hope that whoever was chosen to be her husband might request that she be able to remain a ninja. But now, having met Hyuga Neji, that hope was completely gone.

Nasari was certain there was no way that such an arrogant boy would do her any favors.

Not wishing to be recognized by anyone- for though it was past midnight, there was still plenty of guards about- Nasari put on a facemask. Then as quietly as possible, she slipped through the window. For a few moments she balanced on the thin ledge outside of the window and glanced around. Deciding the coast was clear she flipped gracefully off the ledge and landed softly on the ground below. She stole across the yard without making a sound.

Master Tekeo had spent many hours teaching her many ways to sneak around without being seen or heard and all that work had paid off. She got around the guards and dogs easily, and headed towards the forest.

But there was one pair of eyes that had noticed the silent figure sneaking across the compound.

After trying unsuccessfully to fall asleep, Neji had risen from his bed, dressed, and come out to the covered porch to try to sort out his thoughts. Now, about an hour later he had been surprised to see a slender figure jumping down from the window of the upstairs guest room, the room that lady Nasari was now staying in.

What on earth is she doing? What reason could she possibly have for sneaking out at this time of night?He wondered as he watchedher sneak quietly towards the woods. She had skill he admitted to himself. She was so quiet that not even the dogs noticed her. Actually gliding across the compound with only a sliver of the moon to illuminate the dark night, she of appeared to be more of a phantom than a real person.

What- where is she going? He wondered as she moved swiftly towards the forest instead of towards the village as he'd expected her to.

On a whim he decided to follow and see what she was up to. He knew both the guards and the dogs well and they let him pass by without any questions.

He jogged towards the trees trying to Keep as quiet as possible. When he reached the forest he paused and looked around trying to spot her. For a moment it seemed as though she had disappeared then he caught a glimpse of her up ahead, and hurried forward so as not to lose sight of her again. He marveled that she made absolutely no sound as she ran through the forest; he fervently hoped that she could not here him following her.

Nasari had been running for about five minutes when suddenly she became aware of someone behind her. She did not stop, but she did slow her pace slightly and strained her ears for a sound. Yes, she had been right there was someone trailing her.

Nasari considered what she should do. Should I try to lose the person? Or should I turn and see if I can spot whoever it is? I know! She smiled as an idea struck her. There's a bend up ahead. I'll go hide behind it and wait for whoever it is come around then I'll jump him or her.

She quickly rounded the bend and looked around searching for a hiding place. The foot steps were growing louder, whoever it was, was getting extremely close. Suddenly Nasari spotted a tree growing up from behind a rather large out cropping of rocks. "That'll do." She whispered.

Grasping one of the lower branches, she swung herself up into the tree and balanced herself on a branch just as whoever it was rounded the bend. Her pursuer paused and looked around. She could see that it was a young man but it was to dark for her to make out his face. She pulled a dagger from her' belt and carefully cut a branch off the tree and threw it opposite her. It landed with a thud.

The young man whirled towards the sound and Nasari leaped from the tree and landed on his back catching him off guard. He fell to the ground with a bang. She landed on top of him and held the dagger less than a centimeter away from his' throat.

"All right!" she growled. "Who are you and why are you following me?"

"And I might ask what you are doing sneaking around out here at this time of night and why?" Said a familiar voice.

"Hyuga Neji!" Nasari gasped angrily. She stood up. " Why are you following me?"

Neji picked himself up off the ground and smirked. "To see where the Heiress of the Osara clan was sneaking off to." He replied.

"You had absolutely no right to poke into my' business!" she exclaimed.

"Well, as you are to be my wife soon I consider it my' business too." He replied coldly.

"Well I don't, you arrogant jerk!" she retorted acidly. "And I don't want you or anyone else meddling in my' affairs."

He laughed. "It seems to me that you're not really in the position to be giving orders."

"What are you talking about?" she asked exasperatedly.

"Well from what I hear, you're clan needs this alliance." He replied. "If I should refuse to marry you, the alliance can not be made. What will you do if that happens?"

"Hah! You think that my' clan needs yours'? There are many clans that would love to create an alliance with Osara." She said haughtily. "My father selected Hyuga because of his longstanding friendship with Lord Hiyashi. If you should refuse the offer, there are many other clans who would be honored to receive an offer to wed the Heiress of Osara!"

She smirked and added slyly, "But I dare say that your' clan would not be very pleased should you refuse Osara's offer."

Neji colored slightly, embarrassed by her acute observation. She knew that although Hiyashi had asked him whether or not he would accept Lord Kasono's offer? He really had no choice in the matter. If he had refused, Lord Hiyashi would have made him do it, using force if necessary.

"What is it to you if my clan is pleased with me or not?"

"Oh it's nothing to me." She said airily. "It was just a thought."

For a while neither of them said a thing. Then Neji spoke, his' voice was quiet. "There is just one thing I want to ask you?"

She arched an eyebrow and looked at him expectantly. "Oh really? And what might that be?"

"You don't really want an arranged marriage, do you?" he asked.

That was not a question she had expected him to ask. She looked away and was silent for a moment. When she turned her' face back to his' it was set in determination "It matters not what I want, I have a my duty to my clan." she looked him strait in the eye and said firmly, "I will not let them down!"

With that she turned and headed back towards the Hyuga compound.

Neji stood watching her until she disappeared in the foliage. Nasari was an unusual girl; she puzzled him. He stood there for a few minutes, and then he turned and headed back.

He arrived back at the compound just in time to see Nasari slip back into her room and lower the window.