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Shou: A Reluctant Promise
Alden
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"Neji... You're going, aren't you? I mean, Lee mentioned..."
"Mhm... I came... to say goodbye. I will be gone for a number of days..."
"That's good of you, Neji. I was worried you might not come. Why are you going, though? Uchiha isn't anything special to you..."
"Nara Shikamaru chose me for the genin squad to be sent to recover him. Therefore, I must go."
"I see... Oh, Neji, I'm just really worried. I mean, first Lee might lose his chance as a shinobi, and now you're going off on a dangerous mission... Neji, you better come back to me, alright?"
"I will do what fate has decreed-"
"No, Neji! That's not good enough! Not anymore! I don't care anymore about fate, just you come back to us! Otherwise, we'll all fall apart...."
"Promise, or I swear I'll kill you myself. Promise you'll come back, alive."
"Alright, Tenten. I... I promise I will return to the village, alive."
"Thank you. Oh, darn... that kid, Chouji, he's calling you... You better go... Neji, I know I don't have to warn you about being careful, but... still... Don't die on me."
"Thank you, Tenten. I'll be careful to keep myself alive. Now... May I go?"
"Eugh, Neji, go already! Bring the kid back, alright?"
"Alright, Tenten. Say goodbye to Lee for me."
"Mhm..."
Tenten watched her partner walk off, and headed off to see Lee.
"Neji... You better keep that promise..."
Fin