No, I'm not dead. I've just been having some MAJOR writer's block. Like, the kind I get before I put a Fic on hiatus. Luckily, I won't have to do that with this and I'm glad, 'cause I really didn't want to.

Wow. One month and a day from updating. That's like, a record. At least for Fics that HAVEN'T been put on hiatus. I'm glad that didn't happen to this Fic. :D

And I'm so sorry, guys, but as I was typing out all of the replies my computer screwed up and erased all of them. And I have the worst memory ever and I'm just really, really tired today, so I don't wanna do them over again. If you really do have a question email or PM me. I promise I'll answer. But to all of you who were complimenting, etc, THANK YOU! I would not be writing this Fic if it weren't for you! :D

Also, on another note, a HUGE thank you to Gemina who helped me get back on my feet with this Fic and finish the chapter. She is awesome. So, IMMENSE thanks to Gemina. I'm sure I'll be calling on you again when I get stuck with something, dear.

Warning: This chapter contains some violent and gory imagery. So, if you're squeamish about that kind of stuff, I'm really sorry. I found it a little necessary.

Disclaimer: Masashi Kishimoto owns this. But he will go down one day. . . and I'll miraculously claim I'm his long lost daughter and then I'll inherit everything and then FINALLY Neji and TenTen will be a canon couple! Muahahahaha!

26.

Before I knew it, the examiner in the arena was shouting, "TenTen vs. Ryu Haitogami!"(1)

Nervous, I swallowed down some bile.

Lee and Neji glanced at me, their eyes betraying their thoughts.

Thanks for the support, guys, I thought sarcastically.

I absently checked my ninja gear as I started down the steps towards the arena.

My opponent walked behind me, breathing hard.

If he tried to intimidate me, we would settle it in the arena. Preferably where he was on the ground, passed out.

I tested the ground and sky as I stepped out, measuring the ground's levelness and the sun's height in the sky.

If I could, the sun would be useful. The glare off my metal weaponry could cause a diversion by blinding on my opponent.

Interesting. . .

I reached the instructor, only glancing him over.

He nodded at me in acknowledgment.

My opponent lazily waltzed over to us, taking his time.

I think I started to really despise him then.

The instructor glanced at us, an unspoken statement in his eyes.

"You know the rules. Anything goes. Start!" he shouted.

I jumped back some, putting distance between Haitogami and I.

He just stared.

Damn.

He probably thought I was an idiot.

But, it was beneficial to me. He didn't know about my weaponry, and by putting distance between he and I, he wouldn't find out without me attacking.

However . . . he might've figured from my retreating that I used long-distance attacks.

Damn.

I searched his eyes, looking for a betraying of smugness.

Ryu smirked.

Time to earn that title, I told myself.

Stealthily (at least, I was trying to be), I pulled out a kunai and slung it.

Ryu's body shimmered as he disappeared.

Crap.

I scanned around me, using the heel of my foot as a pivot.(2)

Nothing.

I imagined Neji and Lee watching up above and my face flushed.

They probably thought I was being stupid.

Concerned for my safety, I jumped and scaled one of the surrounding walls, sending Chakra to my feet to keep balance.

There. . .

Haitogami appeared on the far side of the arena, looking annoyed.

I saw his mouth move, but could not decipher if he was cursing me or not.

Focus! my head hissed at me. Strategy. Didn't you have a strategy?!

I shook my head unconsciously.

No. . . I responded.

Damn.

A plan, a plan. Any plan!

Wait. . . my head trailed. Check the sun.

I looked up to examine the blinding sun, making sure that I was careful not to tilt my head upward so Ryu wouldn't know what I was looking at.

It was almost overhead, noon. This could take some meditation, but I didn't have time for it right now.

I would have to drop it from above. But how?

The wind wasn't blowing. Huh. Ironic.(3)

If I get it just right. . . I trailed, thinking out my steps carefully. I can summon a few at the same time and place them at different points in the arena. Then, when needed, I can set them off in according to the sun's exposure so Hatiogami won't see it coming. Hm.

But first, a diversion would be needed so I could place a weapon on the opposite side, behind him.

Good, my head encouraged. Now go.

I released the Chakra from my feet to fall, wanting to feel the rush of adrenaline.

It would catalyze me into action and fighting mode.

My body shook as my feet hit the ground.

Steadily, I glanced toward Ryu.

My feet picked up pace as I charged; I saw a curious change in the air in front of Ryu, water was being formed.

Carefully, I slid a paper bomb from my pack and checked the seal, just in case.

It was okay to detonate, the expiration a year away.

One in front, one in the back.

Taking a jumping leap over the weird air/water thingy, I did a back-handspring in front of Ryu and sneakily placed the paper bomb in front. And the fall. . . I accidentally kicked him in the shoulder as I was landing, so we both fell. Quickly, I smacked another bomb beside him. I didn't have time to get behind him.

Get away, get away.

I did another handspring and then ran the length up the wall by sending Chakra to my feet once more.

This probably wasn't the safest option with the bombs right there, but I didn't have another choice.

Swiftly, I scanned my summoning scroll for something big and metal.

Aha!

I couldn't hide my smile as I hastily placed a seal on the wall so it would time right. I felt the string attachments on my left hand and I resisted the tight pull. I traced my steps the opposite way, moving south of the seal, farther down the arena.

And now the bombs. . .

BOOM!

Rock and sand and chunks of rubble exploded.

I tried to peer through the shadows of sandy dust but it was impossible.

I desperately wished that Neji could somehow tell me Haitogami's position.

Too bad.

The dust finally began to disperse, leaving me with a better view to where Ryu was.

And he was no where to be seen.

Dammit.

My fingers twitched; I was getting antsy.

And with that came a creeping and uncomfortable notion.

I was an open target presently. The arena held no visible protection like Konoha's arena where there were trees.

It was just sand and rocks and more sand.

Craptastic.

Dang, why couldn't I use Neji's Byakugan when I truly needed it?!

I was cursing myself again when a tsunami like wave formed in front of me, easily descending yards above my bowed head.(4)

I didn't have time to think of a curse word that was an equivalent to how much trouble I was in.

I ran, using some Chakra to speed away.

Now is the time to use it.

Of course!

I located my previously placed three foot axes.(5)

I reeled my fingers back coaxingly, easing them from their former places.

They swung lightly, hugging the wall.

Haitogami still had his attention on me.

He had released his previous wall of water and now most of the arena was covered in about a foot of it. Ryu was working on building up more water.

I had to be quicker.

The axes moved smoothly, eventually about two feet from Ryu. He hadn't noticed yet.

A moment of indecision struck me.

How to do this?

I didn't want to be barbaric and behead him; that was disgusting and not something I would be able to accomplish even if I wanted to. But I couldn't leave uninjured.

Couldn't limbs be repaired if they are reunited with their previous places soon after the accident?

Yes.(6)

Okay.

I moved the axes, raising them high above Ryu's head and angled them just right.

Ryu's hands were still moving, forming a high water wall once more. He still hadn't noticed.

Wincing as I did so, I released the strings and let the axes fall of their own will.

Haitogami looked up, a shocked look on his face.

But it was too late; the axes crashed down, heavy and gleaming.

I could see Ryu's arms were cut off cleanly at the wrist, white and red and pink shining in the sunlight.

The remainder of Haitogami's hands were lying down in the dirt, bloody and deformed looking.

The screams were the most terrible.

I shut my eyes, trying to maintain my composure. I felt hot pricks at the corners of my eyes.

"WINNER, TENTEN!" announced the instructor quickly. "Medics! Hurry!"

The wall of water that had been forming had released and added another foot to the water already there.

There was some applause, but not much. I figured people were too repulsed.

A medic called me down from the ground, insisting I be overlooked for injuries.

I nodded but started over to where my axes lay in front of Ryu.

The medics beat me there, shooting me some nervous looks. I didn't blame them. They carried Haitogami on a stretcher, his hands being cared for by other medics hurrying behind.

I stored my axes back in their catalogue, planning to clean them later.

My medic waited patiently enough, though I could see that he was itching to go and help his friends with Haitogami.

I followed him out of the arena and to the infirmary, a building that was conveniently set up across the street.

"Alright, you seem to be just fine. Stay here and rest for about ten minutes before you go and watch the other matches though," said the medic, sternly glaring at me before leaving.

I nodded in acknowledgment and rested my head against the cool wall.

I had just about settled enough to sleep when the door opened and closed.

I heard footsteps and debated on if I should see who it was.

No, sleep, my head encouraged.

"You looked afraid."

I sighed but still didn't open my eyes.

"It's because I was," I replied.

"It showed, I assure you," Neji continued.

I sighed again, wishing I could just sleep for the rest of forever.

"Are you done already?" I inquired.

My fight had maybe been fifteen minutes ago. He couldn't be done this quick.

"Yes, actually. She was scared so she didn't really try . . . but I admire her spirit."

Confused by his tone, I finally peered at him.

He had a black eye and a scratch on his cheek.

I allowed a small smile and sat up.

"Well, that's a shame. And here I was, hoping someone would actually try and hurt you."

Neji rolled his eyes at me.

"Yes. But it seems you forget that you try and accomplish that everyday we train."

I chewed on my bottom lip, keeping a smile under control.

"But . . . you did well," he said, resuming our previous conversation.

"It didn't feel like it."

He raised an eyebrow but dismissed these last five words.

"However, you had a chance to kill him. Why didn't you?" asked Neji, his forehead creased.

I mulled over my answer, knowing that Neji would want not only the truth but also a piece of my mind as well.(7)

"I don't think I can bring myself to kill someone. Especially when it isn't necessary."

"And when it is?"

I frowned.

"I'd try and avoid it but if I couldn't, well, I'd carry out the deed."

Neji slowly nodded, deciphering my answer into his own terms.

"You look like you need some sleep," he ultimately remarked.

"I second that emotion," I said, cradling my head and closing my eyes.

Neji stepped closer and his hand clutched my shoulder.

"Thank you," I spoke, my voice muffled against my hands.

"Your welcome. Now let's go."

I stood to my feet and followed Neji back to the arena.

"You know, I was a little worried when you were going down to the level ground," he revealed as we climbed steps.

"Really?" I queried, glancing back at him.

"Yes. His look. . . He didn't look like a fair fighter. I was worried he would—well, never mind."

"What?"

Neji shook his head, noncommittal.

"Forget it," he advised.

"No," I said, stopping to block his path. "Answer me."

Neji stared at me for a few minutes, measuring my firm tone.

"Fine. I was worried that he would . . . assault you."

Against the seriousness of the words, I found myself laughing.

Neji squeezed my wrist, hard.

"It's not funny," he hissed, his teeth grinding.

I looked down, my laughter disappearing in a heartbeat.(8)

"I'm sorry."

"I hope you realize that it's a serious situation," he whispered coldly. "And that you, of all people, should recognize it as such."

"I'm sure I could handle it myself if someone tried to rape me, Neji," I responded softly.(9)

"Still," he murmured and stepped around me to continue upstairs.

I reluctantly moved to follow.

Lee was faring well from what I could determine.

Guy-sensei was yelping and screaming encouragements, mapping out Lee's movements himself.

I snickered.

Lee's opponent was a Sand shinobi.

Lee wasn't using his Taijutsu excessively, just blocking the shinobi's hits with his strong legs. However, the shinobi did not look any worse for wear.

Lee didn't seem concerned and his loud fighting sounds carried all the way up to our seats.

I was watching determinedly beside Guy-sensei, who was just as enthralled.

I didn't glance at Neji to see if he was interested.

The Sand shinobi jumped back, looking annoyed.

Lee did not let up, a roundhouse thingy that nailed his opponent in the face and neck.

"Go, Lee!" I shouted loudly, newfound excitement engulfing me.

I don't know where the energy came from. I was so tired I could barely keep my eyelids open.(10)

The shinobi took advantage of Lee in midair and chose to grab his heel and sling it the opposite way.

Lee sailed into the gritty dirt.

I gripped the rail; he could seriously damage Lee's leg by tearing muscle and ligaments. Didn't this guy know anything?

Oh, wait. That's right. People don't care if they hurt others in this competition.

How foolish of me.

The Sand shinobi suddenly waved his arms in a simple motion and then everything was unseeable; we were surrounded by volumes of air and sand.

I shut my eyes tight, avoiding the burn that could inevitably come.

Through all the whooshing of the air and sand in my ears, I felt someone grip my hand, steadying my head.

I could not see who it was.

This sand storm continued for several moments, me keeping my mouth and eyes clenched tight.

I hope Lee's alright. . .

But since I couldn't see, I'm sure Lee could not either.

A trump card.

However, seconds later, the air ceased being so weighted and the wind died down, settling the sand whirling.

I reluctantly opened my eyes.

Lee was standing around the back wall, the Sand shinobi under his foot.

Both of their faces were bloody, thought the Sand shinobi looked a lot worse.

I pitied him slightly.

"Winner, Rock Lee!" shouted the instructor.

Everyone applauded, still dumbfounded, and I could see Lee's grin even from the stands.

When he returned from the infirmary and came back to sit with us, Guy-sensei and I begged him for details.

He just smiled and did not answer.

Guy-sensei boasted all the way back to the inn, praising his favored student.

"And tomorrow, when the Chunin are revealed, it will be the happiest day of my life to see all three of my Youthful students pass with flying colors!" exclaimed Guy-sensei.

I smiled in spite of myself.

Hopefully, his prediction would be true.

I slept soundly that night, not even having to lull myself into sleep like usual.

Lee was more restless, turning in his sleep and mumbling incoherent things before I'd even gone to bed.

Neji woke me up the next morning, appearing anxious.

"Are you actually worried?" I murmured to him, half asleep and half awake.

"No," was his brief answer.

I stared at him for a few minutes before finally getting up.

We were called back to the arena around noon and the winners were assembled in a row in front of hundreds of people.

I took a deep breath.

"And the winners that will be promoted to Chunin are . . ."

I felt a weight drop in the pit of my stomach.

"Kenta Raitachi from the Rain. Hayato Yamaguki from the Sand. Rock Lee from the Leaf. Neji Hyuga from the Leaf."(11)

I waited for my name to come, but it did not.

I looked at the leftover Sand who had not been called. He looked upset.

And I felt ashamed.

A half second before the applause began, Neji and Lee glanced at me.

Reluctantly, I returned their gaze.

Lee's face was confused and outraged. Neji's was blank in puzzlement.

He made to say something, but I turned my head away before he could utter it.

I was biting my tongue hard to hold back the hot, burning tears.

I had lost.

Lost.

(1) Hey. I don't want to hear ANY lip about this. I'm SORRY!!!! I had to jump into it or then I'd end up doing something equally crappy and stray from the storyline. GAH. Just GET OFF MY BACK ABOUT IT ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! . . . . . . . Hehe. Sorry.

(2) As in, she's using her heel to turn around and get a 360 degrees view.

(3) You know, since she's in the Wind Country? Just some dry humor for ya.

(4) Waves? Rain Country? It fits. . . sorta.

(5) I got this idea from Sketcher7 off deviantart. It looks like Kishimoto drew it! Anywho, Sakura is the one with the axes, but I thought it only appropriate to give them to TenTen in this case. :D

(6) I'm pretty sure this is right. Especially in Narutoworld where they have Chakra and other awesome things that can do stuff.

(7) Let me lay it out for you. Neji is trying right now to figure TenTen out. It's like she's a big puzzle and Neji's the one trying to get all the pieces to fit. You know, if that makes sense and all.

(8) Did you know your heart beats about 100,000 times a day? Yep. And it pumps 8000 liters of blood.

(9) This is a very serious subject. I just thought it appropriate to bring it up somewhere in this Fic. I've been thinking and reading about it a lot lately, so that's where this came from.

(10) This was happening to me at school yesterday AND today, so I just wrote it in. Gah, I'm so exhausted. XP

(11) I made up the last names. The first names aren't important.

Okay, before you all kill me for not making TenTen Chunin, just take a deep breath.

There.

If you're still mad, take like, five more.

I promise that whatever happened will be revealed next chapter. And then you can hate me some more.

But now, you have to review.