Hello! Thank you all for the lovely reviews. I appreciate them very much. I'll make this short: Neji and Naruto are good friends, as I believe they will be in the future. Remember, Neji is a changed man. Also, I hope I wrote Tenten's name correctly. If not, please tell me. Alright, here we go! Please review and I will update as soon as possible. Ciao!

Neji looked at the flowers, calmly. Naruto blinked profoundly, his blue eyes shining brightly.

"Oh, theeeese?" He asked, lifting his hand up and showing them, proudly. As the pure roses were bathed in the sun, the water drops slid gently off the silky petals.

"These are for Sakura-chan." He stated, happily. Neji smiled warmly.

"How kind of you." He said, clearly. Naruto grinned widely.

"Hey, what are you going to do now?" Naruto asked, curiously. Neji suddenly looked serious.

"Tenten is injured. I was on my way to the hospital to see her." He said as his milky eyes narrowed. Naruto noticed that Neji radiated discomfort.

"That's on the way to Sakura's house. Do you want to walk together?" Naruto asked, brightly. Neji did not answer at once. Naruto was hoping that his suggestion would ease his mind.

"Naruto, I.." Neji whispered, lowly. Naruto's cerulean eyes glowed with concern as he realized that something was bothering him. Usually, Neji's face was hard, like the strongest stone, hiding his emotions cunningly. Now, his face was soft and his eyes were filled with despair.

"Neji, what is it?" He asked, seriously.

"I do not think I can bear seeing her in such a vulnerable conditon. All I can do is watch her and do nothing." He admitted, slowly. "It is too painful." Neji added. Naruto found it quite difficult understanding him, although there was some sense to his sincere words. Unlike Neji, Naruto would go to Sakura at once if she was hurt. It is of course painful and difficult. However, maybe, just maybe, he would be able to give her some strength and support. He believed Neji had the power to do this for Tenten as well. He would do anything to convince him. Hope always remained in his heart.

"I know it is painful to see the one you care for suffer, but I believe she needs you, more than anyone." Naruto told him, clearly. Neji felt his words touch his heart deeply.

"You can't just let her lie there alone." He added, seriously. Neji exchanged glances with Naruto, his distant and Naruto's hard and stern. Neji had realized long ago that Naruto had blossomed immensely in all areas, but he would still often surprise him. As he digested his words, he felt courage grow within him. A hand touched his shoulder softly.

"Don't worry, I'll accompany you there." Naruto said, grinning widely. Neji could not resist smiling back. A weak but true smile crept upon his lips.

"Sure." Neji said, gratefully. Naruto was slightly surprised over the fact that he had given him advice, when he yearned for it from Neji. Things had reversed.

"Come on." Naruto encouraged him, happily.

They walked together, closely. Neji seemed distant, but was grateful for Naruto's presence. They unexpectedly came to a lonely street filled with silence.

'Neji still looks uneasy. Oh, It's difficult calming such a serious guy. I want to ask him too..' Naruto thought as his hands twitched vigorously. He had a pensive and determined look on his face.

"You look deep in thought, Naruto. What is it?" He asked, smiling at the comidical expression on Naruto's boyish face.

"I really wanted to calm you down, but.." He managed to say, bluntly. To his surprise, he had effortlessly calmed Neji, which pleased him.

"What is it?" Neji asked with interest. Naruto looked at him reluctantly.

"I've been meaning to ask you something." He said, gathering courage. "Neji.."

"If you were forced to wait for a girl you loved, what would you do?" He asked, seriously. His blue eyes were warm though. Neji let the question sink deeply in his mind.

"If she is worth waiting for, I would wait." He answered, sincerely. His strands of hair fluttered in the undying wind.

"But if she did not come, what would you do?" Naruto questioned, more eagerly this time. Neji slowly understood who he was referring to. He knew of Naruto's strong feelings for Sakura. They had shared many nights during mild missions where they spoke of many things, including girls.

"I am sure she will come to you, in the end. She is not blind." He explained. Naruto could hear the softness in his voice. He was speechless. Although Naruto did not show it, he had been in doubt. Sakura's heart had always belonged to Sasuke. How could he possibly have a chance of taking his place? Neji had just convinced him that he indeed did have some possibility of winning her heart. Reassurance filled his body calmly.

"Thank you, Neji." He whispered, gratefully. Neji shook his head slowly.

"You owe my no thanks, Naruto. It is I who should be thanking you.." Neji would never forget the way Naruto unknowingly saved him. He was released from his cold cage. A deep kindness that was hidden within him had been awakened. He viewed the world in a new perspective.

'For everthing..'

He smiled.

'The one who opened the cage was you, Naruto.'

"Let's go." Naruto said, fondly. Together, they walked towards their treasured ones. When they arrived at the hospital, they parted ways with smiles on their faces.

He stood in front of her door.. He had followed the directions of the friendly nurses. All he had to do was open it.

'Open the door.'

He thought of Naruto's words and gently touched the door. Hesitantly, he carefully opened it.

"I am here." He said, warmly. Tenten lay safely covered in warmth. Her long hair was like a halo, framing her face wonderfully. Her soft eyes were peacefully closed. She resembled an angel.

"Tenten.." He whispered as he approached the bed slowly. He reached for her frail hand and held it lovingly. He placed his other hand on top of hers and began to stroke it tenderly.

"I will see you through this." He said, lowly.

Naruto was in an alike situation. He was standing in front of a door, ready to knock softly. That was all he had to do to see her lovely face. He inhaled a deep breath, before confidently knocking on the wooden door. He slyly hid the flowers behind his back. The door slowly opened and a flash of pink was to be seen, before a surprised face.

"Oh, Naruto." She greeted and her face brightened considerably. She led him in by placing a hand on his back.

"Sorry if I am interrupting." He said, bashfully. He scratched his golden locks. She let him go.

"Don't worry. How are you feeling?" She asked, smiling warmly.

"I'm fine." He said with a strong tone. He slowly revealed the flowers. Her emerald eyes widened, before shining with gratitude.

"Naruto.." She whispered.

"I had to give you something." He admitted, placing them softly in her hands. "These are to show you that I am willing to wait." Naruto continued, warmly. His eyes were sharp though.

"Thank you." She uttered, warmly. He approached her and he gently placed his fingers under her meek chin.

"Just come to me, when you have figured things out." He exclaimed.

"I will." She muttered, smiling weakly. Her eyes were shining with indescribable emotions. Her heart pounded incredibly and she felt a sense of wild fluttering in her stomach.

'am I?'

"I'll be going now." He said, lowly. He smiled cooly before slowly turning around.

'Damn, I really want to kiss her!" His face was twisted with lust. He pictured it in his mind.

"Thank you, Naruto.. I appreciate your understanding and patience." She said, sincerely. He gave her a true "Naruto" smile. A smile only he could wear.

"See you." He said, happily. He walked out.. He took one final glance at her before leaving. The mighty sun welcomed him fondly.

As a dark, sparkling veil quickly covered the intense, blue sky, Naruto was lying in his bed. The precious stars above him twinkled amazingly. He felt content and soon fell in to a deep slumber.

The next morning, heavy clouds gathered, like confused angels. The sky darkened tremendously, but no rain fell. Yet.

In the mean time, Naruto was appointed to guard the gates of Konoha. He disliked guard duty. The company was important though and at the moment, Shino was his partner. He was incredibly silent, which Naruto found annoying. He had respect for him though. During some time in the day, a message was delivered to him by Shizune.

"What's this?" He asked, with a quizzical expression painted on his face.

"A message from Tsunade. You must see her at once." She ordered, precisely. Naruto nodded affirmatively.

'Yes, this might mean I am going on an exciting mission for a change. No more stupid guard duty.' He thought, happily. His fists were clenched with excitement. He raised one in the air triumphantly.

"I'll be on my way. See you, Shino!" He said, loudly. He immediately began to run, jumping up and down energetically now and then.

"What energy." She giggled. Shino just stared at the running teenager.

He quickly arrived outside the Hokage's office. He was taken by surprise when he registered more familiar faces waiting patiently. Lee, Neji and Kiba were present and so was..

"Sakura." He greeted with mild surprise.

"Hi. Have you received a message too?" She asked, curious. He approached her and they calmly leaned against the wall.

"Yeah. You too?" He questioned, smiling. She nodded weakly. In his eyes, she looked rather nervous. Her hands were trembling and she was playing distantly with her wispy hair. Her emerald eyes were sparkling.

"Hey, what's the matter?" He inquired with concern.

"I don't know. I have a weird feeling in my stomach." She admitted, her eyes glued to the floor. He softly took her hand. She shifted her worried gaze to his comforting face.

"It will be alright. I'll protect you." He whispered, gently. She smiled gratefully and squeezed his hand, affectionately. His warm aura, his words, his smile, they calmed her greatly.

"Thank you." She said. The door opened discreetly and Tsunade's unaturally young face appeared.

"You may come in now." She announced, sternly.

"Come on." Naruto urged. Together they walked in confidently.

Please tell me how I did on this chapter. I am really stuck on the mission part. If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to suggest them to me. Thank you for reading! Don't forget to review.