Ahhhhhh! hey guys...im so sorry that i took forever to update! i was impossibly busy with finals! but get this, im done! im free for two weeks now for winter breaks so you know what that means right? more frequent updates! more then likely every day or everyother day :3 so anyways i hope you guys like this chapter enjoy!


1854 Fall- Tokyo, Japan

"Oi, Neji."

"Hn."

"Speak."

"Hn."

"Just talk."

"Hn."

"One word."

"Hn."

"Please?"

"Hn."The Dirty blonde haired girl sighed as she looked at her older brother,

"he's just as bad as Gaara." The brown haired boy responded,

"Temari, this is a guy thing you wouldn't understand." The girl named Temari huffed as her dark blue eyes shot back to Neji.

"Quit sulking already and talk, it's not that bad!" She received the same response as before. "Ugh!" She stood and brushed the imaginary dirt from the front of her navy blue kimono. "Kankuro, you talk to him. It's bad enough dealing with Gaara, but now him too?" The boy sighed and quietly made his way over to the seated Hyuuga and took the seat next to him. Temari turned around and marched away. "I'm going to find Hinata," She muttered. A moment of silence passed between them as they waited for the girls footsteps to completely fade away.

"You really know how to get her worked up.." He received no response. "Even though she is my sister I have to agree; it's not that big of a deal, I went through it, my dad went through it, Gaara's going through it, even that Uchiha brat is going through it! The poor bastard got it early." Kankuro raised an eyebrow as he looked to see if anything had changed with Neji, nothing. 'Kuso...he's not making this easy..' "Look," Kankuro placed a firm hand on his young shoulder, ignoring the way he stiffened at the sudden contact, "you don't talk much anyways, right? What are you so worried about? This'll only last a few years, if you're lucky a few months, and if you're really lucky a few weeks."

He watched with sudden satisfaction as his friends head turned to look at him in mild surprise. ' Only a few weeks? Really?' Neji blinked, ' maybe this wont be so bad then...?' At age fifteen he was well into puberty. Unfortunately, he was still very human no matter how much of a prodigy they said he was, and he was experiencing a dreadful part of becoming a man, voice changing. The constant 'cracking', as they called it, was much to embarrassing to even handle. At meals when he was forced to talk the insufferable 'cracking' would ensue, and with a blushing face and icy glare from him, and a stern look from Hiashi, Hinata and Hanabi would hold back their giggles.

"You.." Kankuro was startled as he suddenly heard the Hyuuga's familiar voice. He silently waited for him to continue, "you nor Temari have told anyone about.." He pointed to his neck. "This." It wasn't a question, more like an affirmation of what he was sure they hadn't done. The last thing he needed was for his friends loud mouthed sister going around telling everyone about how the great Hyuuga Neji was going through this absurd stage of puberty. He would be mortified if anyone knew. Kankuro blinked a few times before chuckling and shaking he head.

"Of course not, just think about it. You and Gaara are the same age, if people found out that your voice was changing then I'm pretty sure that they'd figure his was too."

"All for the family name."

"Heh, you could say that." Neji thought this over carefully in his mind.

The Sabaku family; all three children were adopted. Temari from France, Kankuro from Spain, and Gaara from the Soviet Union. Their parents were both From Japan, yet they could never have children because they were barren. All three children were raised from the times they were babies in Japan; they all acted like siblings and for the most part got along quite well. The only one that was a bit off appeared to be Gaara, at least at first. He was considered a scary looking child when he was younger; he was bullied a lot and in fear of his well being his father taught him a way too fight. No one knows really how it works just that it's a family secret, and if you ever get in a fight with a Sabaku you'll be lucky if you come out alive. This is what made Gaara dangerous, as years progressed he was picked on more and more. It appeared that he had also developed an anger problem making him extremely violent. He had no friends and soon made enemies with many of the other wealthy families children. Then their came along Naruto. He himself was an orphan, but was being raised by his uncle Jiraya. Naruto wanted to help Gaara but was always pushed away. One day he'd had enough and got in a fight with the Sabaku child. Everyone thought for sure he would be dead by the end of it, but to everyone's utmost surprise he lived through it, and to everyone's shock he beat Gaara. Ever since that day things had changed. He was a new person; he was kinder and much more calm, he rarely got angry, and only fought when it was necessary. It's been two years since then, and now along with himself and Sasuke, Gaara has become one of the most admired males in their town. Not just that, but the three of them actually became friends, and odd trio really. In such a short period of time so much had changed.

"Neji! You there?" Pearl eyes blinked as the young Hyuuga was brought out of his musings. He caught Kankuro's hand that waved in front of him.

"I'm fine."

"Alright just making sure."

"I was just lost in my—y" he abruptly closed his mouth in mortified horror at the sudden demon 'crack' in his voice. He tightly pressed his lips together as he bored burning holes into Kankuro who was biting his lip to keep from laughing. He gritted out, "not. A. Word."


1857 Fall- Chongqing, China

A sixteen year old Tenten stood happily in front of her bedroom mirror. She giggled as she admired the beautiful daisy yellow qipao that she would be wearing to the Zhōngqiū jié. It clung tightly to her curves and the red outline and buttons made the silk painted roses brighter. The Long qipaos slit ended just before mid thigh showing simple black flats. Her dark chocolate hair was out of it's customary buns, and now in a low bun with her bangs and a few loose hairs framing her face. She played with the yellow fan in her hand and continued to stare at herself, suddenly she heard a small noise come from her stomach 'I hope the moon cakes are fresh!' she hummed at the though of her favorite treat. She then quickly made her way out of her room and down to her Yéye's, she slid the door open and peeked her head in. Smiling, she watched the little old man gracefully writing with his brush and ink ' must be at his poetry again.' her smile grew as she quietly tip toed over to him. He stopped,

"making your leave already Tenten?" She huffed as she relaxed her body from her position, being ready to scare the living day lights out of the little man. She kneeled right next to him as she laughed,

"how can you always tell?" He chuckled as he continued to write,

"I can feel you, my little one." She rolled her eyes, but smiled. Her gaze was then brought to the paper in front of them. She read the words he had written.

"Oh Yéye" she whispered, "it's beautiful.."

"You like it?" She nodded her head in approval.

"Yes, very much!" He smiled,

"I'm glad, but you should get going," he looked to the clock. "The festival has already started, you don't want to miss those fresh moon cakes right?" She giggled as she stood,

"not at all!" She leaned down and pecked him on the head with a sweet kiss. "Goodbye Yéye. I'll be home after the fireworks."

"Take care of your self. Don't talk to strangers!"

"I wont!"

"And Tenten?"Just as she was about to close his bedroom door she stopped,

"yes?" He turned to look at her.

" Wŏái nĭ." She smiled a sweet smile as her eyes became as warm as melted chocolate,

"wŏ yĕài nĭ, Yéye."


People walked aimlessly in the festival, admiring the different colored lanterns as their light source and taking in the aromas of the different moon cakes in the large stands. Children giggled and laughed as they used little nets to capture koi fish in a small pool, while others attempted to knock down the empty bottles with their good throws to win a stuffed toy. Couples walked hand in hand enjoying the night and each others embrace. An older chubby woman suddenly stopped a familiar brunette in the crowd.

"TianTian!" The brunette looked over. "Come! Come!" She waved her over and the young girl all too eagerly came. The older woman hugged her tightly, "how are you my girl?"

"I'm doing fine Mrs. Du, how are you and your husband?"

"Oh were doing fine really, but here!" She handed a small box to her. Tiantian could feel a sudden warmth cover her palm as the bottom of the box rested there. "I packed some moon-cakes especially for all of you." She winked at her,

"Mrs. Du you're too kind."

"Nonsense!" she leaned in and whispered only so they could hear, "I know that those poor monks at the temple desire nothing more than to come to the festival, but due to their vows they can't." She looked up to the sky, "bless their souls." She then looked back to the girl in front of her, "don't tell them it's from me Tenten, tell them you found it on the front step. Understand?" Tenten's smile grew,

"of course."


Tenten made her way over to the town's bridge that was a ways off from the festival with the box of moon-cakes in hand. There were more lanterns lit, with some in the water. She looked over the ledge and smiled at the sight of the frogs and toads. She listened to their songs. Slowly she wandered off into her own thoughts. So far only Mrs. Du knew who she really was, not even her husband knew. No one else could know that she was Tenten Chu, and that she was living with the monks. No one knew what kind of problems it would cause. She felt bad giving people a different name to call her by, but she knew it was necessary, and at this point she didn't really care. No one really knew what happened to the Chu family, they claim it to be the town mystery now. They were seen as the family that just one day disappeared. She looked up and began to admire the fireflies that fluttered by. She preferred it stayed like that then if anyone knew the truth. She looked back down to the water below and starred at her reflection, she slowly brought a hand up and traced a finger delicately over the scar going across her plump bottom lip. She was quickly distracted though as a firefly suddenly moved right in front of her. Looking up once again she rested the box on the concrete ledge, she then reached out and captured one in her thin hands. She slowly began to open it's little man made prison, and watched with fascination as it began to glow in her palms. The warm light radiating onto her joyful face.

"Tiantian, where have you been? I haven't seen you since the spring festival!" Tenten huffed as she completely released the small insect into the warm air once again. 'play dumb.' "She slowly turned with a confused look on her face as she turned to see a familiar boy. Chang Hou, the village flirt. For some reason he had come to take extreme interest in her when ever he spotted her during one of her few outings. She just didn't understand why she always had to run into him no matter where she went'small towns, go figure.' She watched as his dark eyes glimmered with mischief. His short black hair wild and messy, and if she wasn't mistaken it was because he had just finished business with another young girl. The messy buttoning of his shirt was enough to prove that point to her.

"Um, I'm sorry.. do I know you?" He blinked a few times in confusion but then smirked. She felt her stomach tighten in nausea,

"aw you don't remember me?" He began to saunter over towards her as she backed to the ledge of the bridge. She reached behind her and brought the box of warm moon-cakes in front of her, he pressed into them then stopped. "How about a kiss to help you remember?" He raised an eyebrow suggestively, she continued to feign stupidity.

"My apologies, but I was taught to not talk to strangers. Excuse me." She slipped past him and tried her best to not laugh at his shocked expression 'I cant believe it it worked! Priceless!' Just as she was sure that she was making a full proof escape, she suddenly felt a painful grip on her elbow as she was yanked back to look at him. She was irked to see a smirk back on his thin dry lips.

"Heh, you had me going there for a minute Tian. Now stop being such a tease." His eyes suddenly slid down her body and then back up as she slowly turned to face him. "you may not have lotus feet, but yours are still small," he smirked. " I like that." She glared at him as she yanked her arm away.

"Don't touch me." She hissed. He sighed,

"always so cold, don't be difficult."

"I'll be as difficult as I want to be." He grabbed her arm again dragging her towards him and roughly pushed her front against his. She flinched at the pain of her full breasts being pressed to tightly to him. She then gasped as she suddenly felt his dirty hands grip her bottom painfully, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger. In fury she roughly shoved him away with her free hand. "I said don't touch me." He could hear the venom drip from her words, but he wouldn't give up.

"Or what? What can you do? Throw your shoe? Hit me? Please, you're nothing more than a weak little-" before he could finish that sentence her fist suddenly came and punched him right across the face. His head whipped to the side as he suddenly held his cheek, his eyes wide as he shook his head and stretched his jaw. He whipped his head back to look at her in fury, he brought his hand up to slap her. "You bi-" yet he was shocked as his wrist was suddenly caught and he was punched right in the solar plexus. The wind was knocked right out of him as he then watched one tan shapely leg come out, and knock his feet out right from under him. He landed on his back right on the concrete, the little air that he had left was officially gone and he was left on the ground to regain it.

Tenten ran down the roads desperate to get back home. She didn't care if she had left the box on the bridge, didn't get to see the fireworks, or enjoy the rest of the festival, she just didn't want to be around people. She just wanted to go home. The thought of Chang trying to take advantage of her like that made her skin crawl, all she wanted was to take a bath and to be rid of his touch. She cringed at the very thought. She ran through the temples open gates and made it up the dozens of steps. Once she reached the top she was shocked to see Yéye standing there, he appeared to be waiting for her? He looked at her with a sad smile before opening his arms to her, she was in slight shock as her eyes grew wide and tears fell. Without hesitating a moment longer she ran to his open arms, and cried.


"S-stop it Chang!" Tenten screamed as his disgusting hands continued to grope her in inappropriate ways. "Stop it! P-please!"

"What's wrong? You don't like being touched like this?" She choked on sobs,

"just..just stop..." She squeaked as she felt herself suddenly be pinned to the rough ground.

"Your such a liar you hoar." She continued to beg him to stop as she tried to get him off of her.

"I don't want this Chang! Let go of me!"

"Oh I know what you want." He suddenly grabbed her jaw and made her tear stained face look at him. Her eyes widened as she suddenly heard the sound of cloth tearing.

"No!" She screamed as more of her clothes were torn away from her body. Her hand were useless as she attempted to stop him from doing this. She sobbed and cried as he began to grope her naked body.' Somebody please help me..' at that moment an image of a young Neji flashed through her mind. 'Neji..' In that moment she felt a strange need to have him there with him, she didn't understand why. She was interrupted from her thoughts as she suddenly felt the man on top of her separate her legs as he positioned himself.

"Please.." She sobbed "Chang.. don't do this...please!" He grabbed her face once again as he hissed,

"no mercy.." Her eyes widened 'Neji...'He penetrated her.

Tenten shot up in bed screaming Neji's name in agony, a cry for help. The moment his name left her lips she immediately slapped her hands over mouth and looked around her still dark room. She sat silently waiting to hear footsteps rushing to her room, but they never came. When she was sure no one would come, she broke. She hunched over and gripped her chest as she sobbed, heavy tears fell from her face as she cried. The sweat from her brow joining in the small puddle they were forming. 'why do I need him so badly...' Once again in that moment an image of the seven year old Hyuuga appeared in her mind, she cried harder.


1858 Spring- Tokyo, Japan

Neji Hyuuga sat their silently in the middle of the Hyuuga compounds garden, the water trickling in the creek along with the soft hum of the humming birds helped ease him. The warm sun shone down on him giving him an ethereal glow. He sat in lotus position in the green grass with closed eyes as he deeply inhaled the floral scent that surrounded him. His mind was off in a calm haze as the minutes ticked by. The serene feeling that had washed over him was always appreciated, and he accepted it with open arms. As he sat there he suddenly felt the gentlest of caresses on his knee, slowly opening his eyes to reveal pearl orbs, he looked down. There he spotted a cerulean blue butterfly, he watched as its wings slowly opened and closed, he cocked his head to the side, some of the loose hair from his hair tie slipping onto his shoulder. Slowly he offered it his pale finger as a perch, it hesitated a moment before gratefully accepting the offer. He felt it's tiny feet tickle across his skin as it moved. Once it was settled and its movement ceased he gently lifted the butterfly back up to be eye level with him. He studied it, he traced the thin lines that spider webbed across its blue wings, the paper thinness of them, the was it's small tongue curled and uncurled as it met his skin.

"How come the butterflies always come to you?"

Neji's eyes widened as he blinked with shock, the words rang through his head as the same young voice echoed through his ears. He turned his head looking for the source of the voice. He knew that there was non, but he didn't want to feel completely insane. Seeing nothing he turned back to the butterfly before him. Yet he had no time to study it any longer as a sudden breeze blew from behind him taking the butterfly with it, and in the blink of an eye a flutter of butterflies emerged from over his head following the cerulean one into the crystal blue sky. He watched in amazement as his empty finger remained in the same position. Confusion was what overwhelmed him now as he attempted to understand what just occurred before his very own eyes. He wondered if what just happened was a dream, or maybe it was just his imagination? He once again looked around, yet only with his eyes. 'what's the meaning of all of this..?' He wondered silently as he attempted to go back into his meditative state, but was unable too. He sighed in frustration as he turned his face upwards and closed his eyes 'why the hell does she always get to me like this, I'm 18 soon to be 19, I haven't seen her in almost a decade...What are you trying to tell me..?' He slowly opened his eyes, but then squinted at the sun that beamed down on him.

"Neji!" At the call of his name he immediately looked forward, blinking furiously as he turned his head to the direction in which the voice came from. The spots that blinded his vision slowly began to fade away as he came to see a very familiar figure.

"Lee?"

"Yes my dear friend. I have some very interesting news to tell you." standing while raising an eyebrow Neji watched his bowl haired friends toothy smile grow. He turned around,

"come, we will speak of it over tea." With too much excitement to even respond Lee only silently nodded and followed.


"So, what is your interesting news?" He waited patiently as Lee sipped his tea with gratitude and then set it down.

"Well, my dear friend. It appears that my father will be heading to China in a week to associate with an old friend of his who also seems to be a martial arts master." Neji raised a brow showing his pique in interest at this sudden subject 'China?'

"And just where in China will he be going?" Lee's smile grew as his eyes twinkled,

"Chongqing." The bowl haired boy watched with satisfaction as his best friends usually stoic face turned into complete shock as his eyes widened and his eyebrows shot up, his jaw slackened slightly as his lips parted, yet in the short millisecond it took for all this too happen it was already gone. Neji gingerly grabbed his cup and brought it to his lips,

"that is interesting news." He took a sip, "but why are you telling me this?" He took another sip as Lee spoke,

"because I will be going with him." Neji froze at his words, he had to use all the self restraint that he possessed to not just spit out the green tea that sat heavily on his tongue. He swallowed thickly as he set the cup back down.

"You...are going with him?" Lee nodded vigorously,

"yes! Isn't it incredible? I-" he stopped immediately as he took notice of Neji's subtle distraught features. He narrowed his eyes in contemplation. "What is it? What troubles you?"

"Lee, you know that Chongqing is the place where.." He hesitated a moment "..Tenten lives." His friend nodded,

"of course" his smile widened, "it's the reason as to why I came here to tell you." Neji looked him in the eye. For once in his life he truly didn't understand what was going. "Neji.." Lee's voice became hushed. "I came here to tell you this so I could know if..." his large bug like eyes darted around, then focused back on him "..if you wanted me to find her." Neji's breath hitched in his throat. "To know whats become of her, even so she knows what's become of you..." The bushy browed boy watched in mild concern as his friends emotionless mask remained in his place, but his eyes read confusion. 'he..he could find her. He could help me solve this problem, I could know what became of her, we could, in a way, connect...but this is crazy, what if he can't find her? They were the only Chu's in the town...who wouldn't know them?' he discreetly bit the inside of his cheek. 'is...is this really happening..?'

"You.." Neji's deep baritone voice broke through the sudden silence. "You could find her?" The questioning tone was barely noticeable, but there it was. Lee's smile once again returned to his round face.

"Yes! I most definitely could! If you could just let me know a few things about her, then I really could!" The Hyuuga's gaze shot down as he studied the floor with racing thought's in his mind 'Tenten...maybe...just maybe..' He looked back up at his friends, a beaming smile set on his face.

"What do you need to know?"


1858 Spring- Chongqing, China

"Kurenai sensei?"

"Hm?"

"What's love?" Kurenai blinked and starred at her young 16 year old student.

"I...love?" Tenten leaned forward with her elbows resting on her knees while picking the petals of of a white rose.

"Yes" she picked a petal and examined it "love" she then let it twirl to the wooden gazebo floor.

"Where has such a question suddenly come from?" Tenten straightened up with the rose still in her hand as she looked at her teacher then back at the flower which she was twirling between her fingers.

"Well...i dont know..it's just that I see all these couples holding hands, and kissing, and hugging. Then you married Asuma and now you're with his child." Kurenai's cheeks dusted pink. "I mean...can't you only do that if you're in love..?" She looked at her teachers reddish brown eyes expectantly. Kurenais face had gone quite red now.

"It's just...well yes of course. You shouldn't do those type of things till you're in love."

"So what is it?" The older woman mentally sighed,

"well...it's a bit difficult to explain...i guess you could say that, it's a special bond or connection that you have with someone. It's not really something you can explain Tenten." The glimmer of hope that had been in her dark brown eyes was suddenly gone.

"Oh.." The guilt hit Kurenai like a wall, but she could do nothing more for the poor girl.

"I'm sorry," she rested a hand gently on her knee, "but you'll know you're in love when that special someone comes along." Tenten's eyes widened,

"I will? How?" Her teacher smiled,

"you just will, I promise." The young brunette looked at her for a moment before putting her elbows back on her knees, once again plucking at the defenseless flower.

'He loves me...he loves me not...he loves me...he loves me not...he loves me...he loves me not...he loves me...he loves me not...he lo-' She stopped as she had reached the last pedal. She only examined it in fascination.

' He loves me...'


Good? review please!

Side note:

Zhōngqiū jié: means mid autumn festival or also known as moon-cake festival in Chinese

Moon cakes: are a popular pastry in China that is most commonly filled with sweet bean paste, but depending on the moon cake you choose it could have a different filling

Du: (the surname of the woman that gave the box of moon-cakes to Tenten) means pear tree in Chinese

Chang: (the name of the asshole that like Tenten) means prosperous and flourishing in Chinese

Hou: (the assholes last name) means nobleman in Chinese