Rokudaime

Chapter Twelve

Hardships


Glancing toward the windows of her condo the Godaime knew that a pair of Anbu was dutifully keeping guard outside. It was discovered about two weeks ago that a shinobi dressed in civilian clothing had been seen leaving her balcony late in the night. It was by chance that a civilian was even able to notice such a move, but she was grateful all the same. That revelation both shocked and frightened her. So ever since then she has had a team of Anbu keeping watch and station at her home. For precaution Tsunade had decided to have Sakura lean off with the Henge and has been working directly from her home. The Council was made aware of the situation and found it best if she remained protected until the spy was caught. The only one who seemed upset was Danzo, which rose Tsunade's suspicion of him. He was involved in some way but she didn't know how and had no way of proving so without proof. For now she would have to keep a close eye on him.

Grimacing slightly at the pain enveloping her body the busty blonde stood from her desk and stretched her body out as much as she could. Once she was done she felt weary and headed to the kitchen for some sake. The Suna Medical Scroll was lying innocently on her desk, untouched since she realized what her illness could be. It's been four days since she discovered the probability of what it could potentially be and had an immediate blood test ran. She was currently waiting on the results. Shizune was the only one who knew what her illness could be and the surprise look on her apprentice's face nearly broke her heart. It was hard to even comprehend it, but it was something that could not be ignored.

Once she got the results back from the lab she will then know whether or not she was right. Then from there she would have to research how it had gone unnoticed by her all these years. Her chakra control and knowledge in medical Ninjustu was so advanced that it automatically took care of any antigens that threaten her body. After so many decades of not being sick she had disregarded regular routine physicals. She had been too arrogant with her mortality. Now she was paying the price. Well, she would find out soon enough once she hand those results in her hands.

She will need to set up preparations for the legal documents if her assumption about her illness were to be correct. She will need to ensure the future of Konoha and ensure it will be in good, capable hands until Naruto was ready. Her ordinary plan for the loud mouthed brat was to retire nine years from now. During that course of time Naruto would be in his thirties and more than experienced as a shinobi. Now those plans were about to change and she could only imagine how the brat will feel once he learned of it.

Solemn amber eyes stare thoughtfully into the sake cup.

She had a lot to consider and worry about now. From what Sakura had told her two weeks ago about the young boy who was found in the outskirts of the forest he could possibly be a Jinchurikin. One who was not of the original Nine-Tailed beasts that exhibit monstrous strength and massive amounts of chakras. It worried her that there could be more tailed beasts in the world for the Akatsuki to capture and control in order to gain power. It was only a rumor, but rumors tend to hold some truth to them. The Akatsuki were already succeeding in the labor force and keeping villages like Konoha out of clients due to their cheap set price of service. It would be a matter of time before the Akatsuki gained more power and finance for their cause.

For now the boy was placed to live with Sakura until he regained his memories. Being with Sakura also ensured his safety if the Akatsuki were to ever come back for him, which they will. They left him alive for a reason. What that reason is they did not know, but Sakura has been given orders to terminate the threat whenever necessary or if something is up to report to her immediately. Sakura had told her about the boy, who they have decided to call Toushiro, has been fitting in well into his new living arrangement and nothing suspicious has turned up as of yet. She just hoped Sakura didn't become too attached to the boy. It would make things harder on her in the end.

Taking deep and calming breathes Tsunade smiles wistfully when a sudden image of Dan appears in her mind's eye. His handsome smile so inviting and full of warmth that it made her heart race as it always did when he was alive. She missed him so much and with great hesitation she shook her mind of his image before tears filled her eyes. Those mental images of him always assaulted her when she least it expected it, but it was a sweet surprise, one that she did not mind in the least bit.

"Enough about Dan for now I wonder if Jiraiya received my letter by now." She mused to herself while finishing her sake in one smooth gulp. The letter she had written to him was sent out yesterday night and it brief the Toad Sage about her condition and what was going on in the village. She didn't write him to return to the village, but deep down inside she knew she wanted her comrade since her Gennin years here with her right now in her time of need. Even though she had not asked him to return she knew he would come as soon as he finished reading the letter. She wager Naruto would throw a fit because his training would be interrupted. The blonde brat has grown up and matured over the years, but he has yet to show her the respect she deserved.

He still had the infuriating tendency to call her Granny!

Scowling at the memories of the blonde idiot Tsunade's face turned serious as she ponders to prepare her village for the near future.


Hyuuga Compound


Bang

Clank

Thud, Thud, Thud

"Neji-niisan if you keep that up you will exhaust yourself and ruin your hands." Hanabi chided lightly as she watch her cousin hit at the wooden post continuously with rapid strikes. His hands struck with such speed that his hands were pale white blurs. Hanabi continued to watch her older cousin and grew increasingly bored. Neji was suppose to be training her at the moment, but for the past two weeks he has been distracted, moody, more quieter than usual, and very aggressive in both mannerism and verbal communication. She didn't know what was bothering him, but she hope he got over it soon because it was affecting her progress in becoming a great kunoichi. Now she will be behind in her training.

With a grunt Hanabi glared at Neji before walking away and into the mansion.

Neji sighed in relief as soon as Hanabi left the court yard to be inside the mansion. He was simply not in the mood to train her. As guilty as he felt for delaying her training for the past two weeks he just couldn't take his mind off of Sakura. It wouldn't be fair to her if he didn't give her his all in training her. He hasn't seen Sakura since Hinata told him about the spy his Uncle had assigned to watch over him like a mindless child. During the course of the past two weeks he had to fight the constant urged to go and see her. The need to make sure she was doing fine and was in good health was constantly running through his mind.

Sakura has become so much more important to him than ever before and it made him angry that they were being force apart due to the situation that they were in, especially now. It only seemed to be getting more complicated now that his Uncle was being involved more actively than before. He needed to see her and with that final thought he wiped the sweat that glisten from his face with his sleeve and headed towards his room to shower and change clothing. From what news Hinata has told him about Sakura, there was a young boy who was found in the outskirts of Konoha's forest was now living with her and placed under her protection. He did not like the idea and will have to see the boy for himself. The boy could possibly pose a threat to Sakura and not know it.

He didn't know all the details concerning the discovery of the boy, but he did know that there was something off about the boy. Why was he found unconscious outside the forest? Who was he and what village did he belong to? All these questions were still left unanswered and to Neji it all seemed like a trap. He knew the Godaime realized this as well which is why she placed him with Sakura. He wager the Godaime and Sakura didn't feel comfortable placing him in a holding because of his tender young age.

They didn't know much about the boy and it seemed the boy didn't know much about himself either since he couldn't remember who he was. Hinata had told him that there was something off about his chakra. The chakra that circulated throughout his body was an electric blue, but behind his eyes was a dark mass. She didn't know what it was or could be, but it wasn't natural to his body. He would have to see this for himself with his own Byakugan. He decided after showering and lunch he will go see Sakura, but before that he will go see his Uncle.

Glancing over his right shoulder as he entered into the mansion the Anbu Captain narrowed his eyes at the spot where the spy was currently station in, watching his every move like a hawk.

This has gone on far enough and his patience was severally running thin.


Konoha Hospital: Haruno Sakura Office


The throbbing pain that kept hitting at her temples was persistent and annoying. These headaches seem formidable since they always came back after she would heal them with her chakra. It would be two to three hours later that it would return again before it left altogether on its own time.

Slamming her pen against her desk with a loud frustrating grunt Sakura massaged her temples with healing chakra that glowed from her fingertips. It slowly numbed the pain away soon after and she was able to continue her work in moderate peace. She was instructed by her Shishou to return to her normal duties at the hospital until further notice, but in the meanwhile she will continue to conduct and assign missions and continue the paperwork from her office in the hospital. The discovery of a spy leaving her Shishou's private balcony was terrifying.

Someone could have assassinated her in those crucial moments that she was asleep, but they hadn't. That alone stirred possible reasons of what they truly wanted. If they had not assassinated her when they obviously had the chance meant that they were keeping tabs on the Godaime that alone meant they knew of her weaken state. Someone from the inside was conducting this mission and just the thought of a traitor amongst them pissed Sakura off. If it wasn't for the Anbu that was currently protecting her Shishou the pink haired medic would have been right besides her mentor until the traitor and their spy was caught.

Tsunade didn't want to risk and endanger Sakura's life by having her pose as her so she had order her back to her primary job.

The change of scenery from the Hokage's Office to her main office in the hospital was welcoming since Sakura didn't have to make much of a trip between both buildings. Letting out a yawn and rubbing the sleep out of her left eye, the medic stretched her body out. She frowned lightly when the urge to take a nap assaulted her. It was the middle of the afternoon and she wanted to nap, the urge came every once in a while. There was no time to nap and it made it all the more alluring, especially since her yellow reclining chair was right across from her. It had a small red pillow and a folded blanket placed neatly on top of it. Her misty emerald colored eyes become moist as she debated with herself mentally if she should take a short nap or not.

'It will only be for an hour or two and then I will finish for the night and go home.' The idea appealed to her, but that would mean that she would be going home late and besides that idea she had Toushiro to care for. He was currently getting lunch downstairs in the café.

'No, I should just finish my work now and then go home as soon as I'm done.' She still felt conflicted even though she knew she needed to get her work done. Sighing, Sakura went back to work. It was only half an hour later when her office door open and Toushiro entered with a tray full of food. The smell made her salivate and her stomach clenched in anticipation that it was slightly painful. "Sakura-chan I brought back lunch for us to eat!" He exclaimed with a smile that revealed his abnormally sharp canine teeth. Sakura smiled at him before closing the file she was working on and getting up to sit beside him on the couch.

Toushiro watched her with his silvery blue eyes as she took a seat across from him. He lightly inhaled her scent and reveled in it inwardly. Her scent always calmed him and made him feel safe. It was getting stronger with each day that passed that he spent with her. He had no memory of who he was, but what he did know was that he wanted to stay with Sakura for as long as possible. He didn't feel alone when he was with her. When he first met her he thought he had met her before because her scent was so familiar, but he dismissed the thought since he had woken up from an induced coma. He was told the day after he woke up that he will be staying with the pink haired kunoichi until further notice.

In the past few weeks that he has stood with Sakura he learned that she was devoted and dedicated to her work as a medic-nin and Captain. Kiyoshi and Kin were nice to him. Well Kin was much nicer than Kiyoshi was. The purple eyed shinobi was too intimidating for his liking. He watched them train together on the weekends and some early mornings, and wanted to train with them too. He asked Sakura if he could start training too and the pink haired kunoichi was hesitant at first, but agreed in the end. She had him train with Kiyoshi, who rarely went easy on him. His favorite quote whenever he cried out in pain was, "No pain, no gain." Each time Kiyoshi would recite that to Toushiro he would suck it up and get back up. He couldn't wait until tomorrow to train with Kin and Kiyoshi again. They were teaching him the basics that were taught in Konoha Academy to become a Gennin, but they often switched it up a bit and taught him a few of the easier Chunnin Jutsu since he had more chakra than ordinary children.

"Toushiro your food will get cold if you keep staring at me." Sakura teased lightly causing his cheeks to turn a light red. Trying to keep his blush hidden from Sakura's sight Toushiro quickly hides his face with his bowl of food.

Toushiro…

That was the name they had decided to call him once he was released from the hospital. The Godaime was a fierce woman much like Sakura, but the blonde woman smell like illness and not the attractive scent he smelt when he had first met her at the hospital. The smell of illness that radiated off the Godaime made his nose sting in discomfort. He had made sure to stick close to Sakura and her sweet smelling scent.

"So, Toushiro have you had any dreams or memories lately?" At the question directed towards him Toushiro ponders on it for several seconds before shaking his head. "I don't remember Sakura-chan. All I remember is darkness and sometimes I see r-…" He replies in a solemn tone when a soft thudding began to pound on his temples and he frowned in displeasure. "I don't remember, I'm sorry." He replied instead.

Sakura's brows furrow slightly in disappointment. "I'm sure it will come sooner or later." She commented lightly while inwardly hoping it will come sooner rather than later. Toushiro nods his head before going back to his meal and Sakura did the same. It was twenty minutes after their meal that Sakura's headache returned in full force. It made her dizzy and she had to lie down on the recliner for several minutes with her eyes close. "Sakura-chan are you alright?" Toushiro asked with brows furrow in concern. "Is it another headache?" He added soon after when he saw her hands go to her temples with healing chakra. "Yeah, it's really persistent. I don't think the Chinese food made it any better either." She commented with a deep frown. "I've been doing paperwork none stop these past weeks and this is the consequence for trying to do it all on time. No wonder Shishou is behind all the time it's a lot of work." Sakura mused out loud in wonder.

"Can I do anything?" The brunette exclaimed eagerly, his loud voice causing Sakura to grimace in pain at the loudness. Sakura smiled lightly at him while opening one eye to peer at him. "How about you make us some tea, and add the herbs I use to ease my stomach into mine." Toushiro hurriedly went to her desk and grabbed the herbs she told him about. "I'll be back with the tea soon Sakura-chan just rest while I'm gone okay!" He proclaimed before disappearing from her office and down the hall to the Nurse's lounge.

Sakura moaned lightly at the pain throbbing in her temples. She couldn't wait to drink the tea with the herbs Neji had given to her a few weeks ago. It did wonders for her headaches and stomachaches. Unfortunately she was beginning to run out of the herbs. The package Toushiro just took was her last one. "Neji," She whispered out sadly. She hasn't seen him in two weeks and she missed him so much. She had written him a letter two weeks ago and had Hinata deliver it to him. She basically told him that she will not risk his life. She couldn't live with herself if she was the cause of Neji's death or the cause of his suffering. Turning over onto her side Sakura gazed out the window while draping the blanket over her. It was a sunny day with clear skies and Konoha was busy going about its day. She wondered what Neji was doing right now and whether or not he was out training or if he was just thinking about her like she was thinking about him. It seemed everything about them was so complicated.

Was this a sign?

Was their relationship meant to end?

Lost in her musing she winced when she heard the door to her office open and in came Toushiro with two cups of steaming tea. The smell of the tea alone made her headache begin to subside. Sitting upright Sakura took the steaming hot cup of tea into her hands and blew lightly at it before taking a small sip. She closed her eyes as the warm liquid slid down her esophagus. "Thanks Toushiro I think we're going to head home early today. I'm not feeling well." Sakura proclaimed in a wary tone and Toushiro nodded his head in agreement.

After finishing their teas and placing the files she was working on away to be completed for tomorrow Sakura and Toushiro leave the hospital together. The fresh air and sun on her skin made her feel better and the tea had alleviated her headache.

All Sakura wanted to do was to go home and take a nap. She was content on that one thought, her comfortable bed, warm blankets and fluffy pillows. She didn't expect when they turned the next corner to the direction of her apartment that she would be left stiff and full of rage. Toushiro stopped walking when he felt Sakura behind him instead of beside him. He rose a confuse brow as he stared back at her. "Sakura, why did you stop walking?" He asked and froze when he saw the look in her eyes. Her usually soft emerald eyes were hard and full of uncontained anger and hate. He's never seen that look in her eyes before and he has seen her upset before, but never like this. He could feel the tension surrounding Sakura and he wondered what was causing her sudden mood change.

Just a few minutes ago she was smiling wistfully and calm.

He turned around to the direction of Sakura's gaze and saw a young woman with brown hair in two buns on the sides of her head. She carried a weapon pouch so he knew she was a comrade of Sakura. Toushiro furrowed his brow when he noticed the woman had the same look in her eyes as well, but it was not as intense as Sakura's. Her chocolate brown eyes seemed full of suspicion, jealousy and safe guarded.

What was going on between them?

Were they rivals or enemies?

It wasn't long until Sakura began to walk ahead of him and straight towards the brunette kunoichi.

It seemed he would find out soon enough.


'Great, it's just my look that I run into her.' The brunette groaned inwardly as she eyed Sakura with displeasure.

Ten-Ten was not expecting to run into Sakura in the middle of the afternoon. She knew the pink haired medic worked in the hospital during this time of day, which was why she decided to take this route to the Yamanaka Flower shop. She was heading over there to pick Ino up so they can have lunch and discuss her wedding plans. She was just thinking about Neji and the predicament that happened at the diner a few weeks ago when Sakura suddenly appeared from around the corner with a young boy. The air around them seemed to tense and radiate anger and hate. She didn't understand why Sakura was acting so hostile towards her, but she was not about to let Sakura push her around. 'Whatever her problem is I'm not going to be an outlet for it.' Ten-Ten thought firmly as she increased her glare. She was not going to have another repeat of the last time when they met in the street.

She faltered slightly when she saw Sakura approach her in swift strides before composing herself again and broadening her shoulders along with her feet. She doubt Sakura would actually hurt her physically, but the pink haired kunoichi would definitely confront her in an aggressive verbal fight. That thought calmed her nerves down and brought up her courage. She can fight with words just as hard as Sakura can. She did not flinch or wince when Sakura stopped right in front of her with barely any space between them. They were slightly eye to eye with Sakura gazing slightly down to Ten-Ten.

The air surrounding Sakura made Ten-Ten's spine shiver as a cold chill washed down its length. Her instincts were screaming danger and her body wanted to either flight or fight. She was most definitely not going to flee.

"You're a bitch." Sakura gritted out as her fists tighten suddenly, fidgeting every few seconds as she tried to contained her fists from connecting to the brunette's face.

Ten-Ten's brows furrowed deeply as she let out a humorless laugh, her face scrunching up in disbelief. "You're one to talk, Sakura. You've been a bitch since we were Gennin and nothing has changed since then." She fired back in a firm tone. Sakura narrowed her eyes and her expression became a cruel scowl. "At least I'm not a selfish bitch who only thinks of herself and completely disregards other people, especially supposed loved ones." Sakura emphasized with deep meaning. She was not going to let Ten-Ten get away with ruining Neji's life, especially since she knew he would be miserable.

Ten-Ten automatically erected her spine at the commented and her expression became angry. "Just what are you implying?" Ten-Ten yelled out no longer bemused with the bitter banter argument between. Sakura folded her arms across her chest and raised a brow at her. "Exactly what I said," she replied in monotone. "You don't care about anyone, but yourself that's why you won't consider Neji's feelings about the betrothal or marriage." Everyone around them stopped at Sakura's comment from whatever they were doing to watch them. Sakura's voice had carried out loud and clear, catching those who were near attentions.

Ten-Ten's cheeks were stained red as she became flustered with embarrassment at the bold statement. She hadn't thought Neji would actually talk to Sakura about what happened at the diner two weeks ago. Jealousy filled her body at the thought of them talking together. Neji didn't open up to just anyone, not even his own family so why was Sakura any different? She didn't realize how close they had gotten over the years. "You don't know what you're talking about Sakura so mind your damn business!" The brunette exclaimed while going to side step Sakura to leave. Sakura unfolded her arms and stepped in front of her, blocking her from leaving. She wasn't done with her just yet. "No, I won't mind my business Ten-Ten. You're the one who needs to bud out of Neji's life and leave him alone because things will get ugly." Ten-Ten stared at Sakura in shock.

Did she really just threaten her just now?

What the hell was wrong with Sakura!

"Sakura move." Ten-Ten demanded as she glanced around her and saw civilians gathering to watch them intently, trying to hear what she and Sakura were saying only catching a word or two. She noticed the boy that was with Sakura was nowhere to be seen he must have probably run off to get help. She wanted to leave before things got out of hand and a scene was made. She knew she could hold her own against Sakura, but she could only hold her own for so long. Sakura outrank her in many ways than one and she didn't want to be suspended for fighting a fellow comrade, especially while civilians were present. She knew who the winner will be if they were to fight, but that didn't mean she wouldn't give it her all if Sakura were to strike her first. She knew the pink haired medic had a short, nasty temper.

Sakura stood her ground. "No, not until you annul the marriage." Sakura demanded heatedly in all seriousness of the world and her life.

She knew she was letting her anger and temper get the best of her, but she didn't care at the moment. She didn't want to feel helpless anymore, not with her Shishou and especially not with Neji. She felt her stomach beginning to cramp up on the sides and her headache slowly, but surely was returning. She was feeling sick and her entire body was warming up, but she ignored it all. This was more important right now. She needed to fix this so she can see Neji again and go back to the way things were. She didn't realize her eyes were beginning to tear up.

"Besides Ten-Ten we both know that Neji doesn't love you."

As soon as those words left her lips Ten-Ten's mouth dropped open in shock and disbelief with wide eyes. It wasn't long before a loud resounding slap was heard followed by gasps from the crowd gathered around them. They were just as shocked and surprised as Sakura was when she felt Ten-Ten's hand connect to her soft cheek.

Sakura stumbled backwards not expecting the slap Ten-Ten just gave her.

Her cheek was beginning to swell and was getting hotter than her whole body was. The tears that had been filling her eyes earlier were now falling freely down her cheeks as her anger began to bubble up once again. She tightened her right fist and tensed her arms as her chakra automatically surrounded it like second nature.

Ten-Ten couldn't believe what she had just done. She had stuck Sakura and thus made it fair for her to strike her back. She didn't realize she had slapped Sakura until she felt the soft flesh of her cheek against her palm. She saw Sakura preparing to punch her and responded instantly by bringing her leg up in a roundhouse kick to her unguarded abdomen.

Just as they were about to make contact with their desired targets two blurs appeared between.

"Captain, what the hell?" Kiyoshi bit out upset as he tightened his grip around her arms, holding her back from going after Ten-Ten in a fit of rage. She was gathering chakra to throw him off but he quickly kick the back of her knees, disrupting her concentration and disability her for the time being until she calmed down. He turned his gaze over to Kin and saw that his teammate was doing the same to the brunette with much more ease. He looked around him and shook his head at the amount of civilians gathering to watch the scene.

Toushiro was smart to get him and Kin. They had been eating lunch when the little brunette found them and revealed that Sakura was going up against another kunoichi. If they had been a moment late there would have been a full blown fight. "I'm taking you home and you're not going to say a word about it you hear me!" He declared while scolding her with a scowl as he took control of the situation. "For the rest of you, get the hell out of here!" He shouted towards the crowd, who quickly dispersed.

Sakura stopped resisting and began to tremble in his arms. Concern began to surface causing Kiyoshi to glance down at his pink haired Captain.

She was crying.

His expression was one of surprise. He's never seen her cry before and it made his chest tightened in discomfort. This wasn't the strong, big hearted Captain he knew. He scooped her up into his arms and headed to her apartment. He gave a nod towards Toushiro to depart and he quickly followed with worry reflecting in his eyes.

Something was wrong with her.

He could smell the lightest traces of her blood.

Kin released Ten-Ten once he saw Kiyoshi and Toushiro leave with Sakura. "Finally!" Ten-Ten exclaimed as she glared at Kin while creating distance between them. She didn't want anything to do with Sakura that crazy bitch. "Wait until my father and Hokage hear about this! Sakura's gone insane!" She raged, her face flushed red and her clothes disheveled. Kin narrowed his eyes at her. "Sakura's been under a lot of stress I'm sure she didn't mean for any of this to happen." Once he was done Ten-Ten laughed at his excuse to cover up for Sakura. "Yeah right I think I know why Sakura has been acting so hostile towards me." Kin raised a brow in mock interest. "She's jealous of me because I'm getting married to her best friend." She pointed out hotly. "That's why she threatened me to leave him alone!" Kin was surprise to hear that. Why would Sakura tell Ten-Ten to stay away from the Hyuuga who was currently engaged?

"Tell Sakura to get some counseling. She really needs the help and she seriously needs to stay out of my business and that includes Neji!" She proclaimed before stalking away.

Kin signed before heading back to Sakura's apartment to meet up with others.

He needed to get to the bottom of this.

None of this made any sense to him at all.


Haishi's Office


Drinking hot tea while going over paperwork Haishi had expected for his office door to slide open to reveal his cranky nephew. It took two weeks, but he expected for his nephew to realize sooner or later that he had planted a spies to watch his every move. He wanted to know who this woman was that had rapture his nephew's attention so much. He gave his nephew credit for acting nonchalant around him when they both knew the truth. He just needed proof.

"Uncle, we need to talk."

Haishi sipped his tea and sigh in contentment of the hot liquid traveling down his esophagus. He glanced over to his nephew and blinked lazily at him with hooded eyelids. "What is it that we need to talk about nephew?" He replied smoothly while setting his tea down. Neji took a seat across from him, his hand placed upon his knees. "I want the spies removed immediately." He demanded with his eyes hard and his face stern. "I also would like to know why you ordered them in the first place don't you trust me, Uncle?" Neji asked and received a glare from the Head of his Clan. "I do trust you, but I don't trust you in this crucial time. You are engaged Neji to the Ama heiress and I cannot have you wondering around in the late hours of the night with another woman. It will sully our Clan's reputation if anyone were to find out." He began with a deep set frown.

"Do not dare to deny what I have just said. I want to know who this woman is and despite your claim of there not being a woman that has your interest. I know the look in your eyes when you think about her." He accused knowingly. "I know that look far too well." He added wistfully. "There is something else that you are hiding other than this mysterious woman, but I cannot phantom the slightest idea of what it is or could be." He revealed with furrow brows. "So, Nephew will you tell me now?" He asked stoically.

Neji's entire being became as still as a stone, no expression evident in his eyes or body language. This caused Haishi to narrow his eyes in suspicion. He knew he hit the nail on the head, but now he will give his nephew the chance to reveal the truth. "I'm giving you this opportunity Neji so be wise and use it now." He stated once more.

"Who is she?"

"It wouldn't matter if I told you the truth. I will still be tied to Ten-Ten in a loveless marriage that I do not want. We both will be miserable and I promise you this Uncle if I am forced to go through with this marriage…" He began his tone becoming angrier as he tightened his fists around the material of his pants.

"I promise you Uncle that there will be no heirs."


A/N: Chapter is up and I hope you all enjoy. The grammar in this chapter may not be the best, but I currently don't have a Beta Reader so I tried my best. Thank you all who reviewed and came by to read my story. I hope you all continue to do so despite having to wait a long time for the chapters to be put up. In December the updates should be much quicker.

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Lady Manami