A/N: If you reviewed for the last chapter and since I deleted the authors note, I believe you won't be able to review for this chapter. Unless you decide to place an anonymous review. Sorry. I didn't mention in the last chapter but Akamaru is with Kiba.

Chapter 11

"Akamaru, see if you can catch Hinata's scent," Kiba told his friendly companion, who barked in return.

A few minutes after they had been searching, Akamaru found a faint smell which belonged to Hinata. Barking at his owner, he caught Kiba's attention within a few seconds.

"Great job, Akamaru! Let's go before we lose the trail."

It didn't take long to find the Hyuuga heiress, and with her, was a certain blonde haired Jounin.

"Oi, Hinata, Naruto, wake up!" Kiba called to them, the two stirred a little before slowly heaving themselves up, off the earth.

"K…kiba-kun, what are you doing here? Nar…uto-kun?" Hinata stuttered, when she realized where she was and who were around her.

"Neji told me to go look for you, but you're safe at least," Kiba replied then turning to the Kyuubi container, "Oi, Naruto what were doing here?"

"Um, I was running away from Sasuke so we could fight elsewhere, but I think he went after Sakura instead," Naruto replied.

"Ki…ba-kun, Nar…uto-kun, maybe we should go find, Neji-ni-san before he starts wondering where you we are, "Hinata asked them timidly, when she felt a small tug at the bottom of her pants. Looking down she saw her team-mate's companion, Akamaru.

"Akamaru"

The dog barked happily at the sight of her, running around her legs.

"Stop it, Akamaru," Kiba commanded and before anyone else could say anything he turned to leave, calling back to them, "Let's go."

The other two followed behind him, since Naruto had long forgotten where camp was. His stomach was complaining since he hadn't had much food the day before.

"Kiba, are we there yet? I'm hungry!" he called the dog lover. When Naruto is hungry, he sure can forget how to act. Just then, he had almost sounded like a five year old child. A small smile crept its way to Hinata's face, how cute, she thought about Naruto.

"Soon," Kiba called back to him.

"Grh!" Naruto called back, but decided to keep quiet.

"Lee-san, Sasuke-kun, lets head back. I'm sure the others are wondering where we are," Sakura announced to the others.

Sakura-san said my name before Sasuke's. Yay! She defiantly is starting to like me. I must tell Gai-sensei of my accomplishment.

"Yes, Sakura-san! I'm sure the others are worried!" Lee exclaimed, before doing his good guy pose.

Sakura and Sasuke were thinking along the same lines, weird.

Then they headed off, in total silence with Lee taking the lead, then Sakura and following up, Sasuke.

Neji, who was carrying Tenten and had Hanabi following behind him, was the first to arrive back at the camp. Everything was still there, where they had left it. Placing Tenten down on one of the sleeping bags, he let her rest, while going outside to check on his younger cousin.

"Hanabi-sama, you should drink some water," Neji said while handing a cup of water to her, who rudely snatched the cup from his hands.

"Stay here, while I check on Tenten," he ordered her, but the young Hyuuga protested.

"Why do I have to listen to you! You're not in charge!" she yelled at him.

Neji turned to her, giving her a small glare, "At home I am not, but on this mission, I am." After saying that, Neji left, going back to the tent, where he had placed Tenten.

Taking a look at her, he noted that she was slightly shivering and muttering that she was cold. Placing his hand on her forehead, he felt the heat against his palm, burning like fire.

Acting quickly, he took a small towel and water bottle from his backpack. Wetting the towel with the water, he placed it gently against her head. Her body tightened at the contrast of temperature, but slowly her body loosened again, becoming more relaxed.

Sighing in relief, all he wanted was for her to get better, quickly. He never expected she would get a fever, just because of chakra usage, but maybe she had used a lot, too much in her case. Taking one last look at her form, he slipped back out and into the daylights. His body was growing tired, since he hadn't slept for a while. The last time he had, had a full nights sleep was a long time ago, since he always trained so much.

Outside he found, Hanabi staring off into space while fiddling with her fingers, then a wide grin, spread across her face. Neji would have wondered what she was thinking about but soon Kiba, Akamaru, Naruto and Hinata came into view.

"Neji-ni-san," Hinata greeted her cousin, who in return didn't show much effort in returning a reply.

"Hn"

Hinata ignored the reply when she saw her sister, situated a few feets away.

"Hanabi!" she called out happily, while her face lightened up.

"Nee-san, you're back, as I see," Hanabi replied, hinting a bit of sarcasm in her voice, "Though you seem a bit messed up."

"Um…this, yeah…i did get into some sort of trouble," Hinata answered, with her nervousness returning.

Then silence filled the air, no one seemed to have anything else to say until a certain blonde headed boy decided to ask out loud.

"Neji, where's Sakura-chan?"

Neji muttered something under his breath which sounded like, stupid, annoying brat, why did I even decided to bring him along?

"What did you say?" Naruto asked, cupping his hands over his ears.

"...never mind..."

"Has anyone seen Sakura-chan?" Naruto yelled out, sending birds flying out of their homes, in the trees.

Back with Sakura and co.

"Did you hear something?" Sakura asked her two companions, coming to a halt while turning around to face them

"No..." the two replied in unison.

"Um...okay, then I guess I was just imagining it."

With nothing else to say, the group continued their journey back to the camp.

Back with Naruto and co.

Naruto was constantly asking aloud, where Sakura was but no one answered him. It was beginning to get on Neji's and Kiba's nerves, and the two were about to beat the living hell out of him, if Sakura hadn't come to the rescue.

Lee, Sakura and Sasuke revealed themselves from the bushes, heading over to the group. At the sight of the pink headed kunoichi, Naruto rushed straight for her，leaving the rest sweat dropping, anime style.

"Sakura-chan, are you alright? Sasuke-teme, didn't hurt you did he? If he did, I swear I'd get revenge for you," he asked, saying question after question right into her face.

By the look on Sakura's face, anyone could tell that she found him quite bothering and was almost about to let all her anger out, when Sasuke quickly placed his hand around Naruto's throat, shutting the loud mouth up.

Naruto's hands flew towards the hand surrounding his throat, and struggled to get free. But Sasuke's hold was tight, even if he was only using one hand. Naruto's face was becoming a bit blue, and that grew by the second.

"Sasuke-kun, please let go of Naruto, I'm sure he has learnt his lesson," Sakura spoke up after a few awkward moments.

Nodding slightly, Sasuke sent a death glare at the blonde before releasing his hold. With his throat free, Naruto rapidly took in deep breaths of air, saying to himself, I can't believe Sasuke has become so strong. What has he done over the past five years?

Lee was watching the whole thing but from a distance away, when he noticed Neji standing a couple of feets away; walking over to his captain, he left the reformed, Team 7 by themselves.

"We're back," Lee informed his friend.

"Fine but I'm not happy at all," Neji replied.

Lee wondered why but he couldn't come up with any answer so he decided to ask, "Why?"

"...you were supposed to be with Kiba and Hanabi but you went after Sakura and Sasuke, instead. That is objecting to my orders, and I shall have to inform the Hokage about this, once we get back."

"WHAT! But Sakura-san was in trouble, I couldn't have just let Sasuke go after her and let her get hurt," Lee replied with his eyes, widening.

Neji turned his head slightly around to catch a glimpse of Sakura, one look and that was enough to tell him more than he needed to know.

Then turning around to speak to Lee, "She doesn't look injured in anyway, so I believe next time you should follow my orders instead of running off to do something else."

Without letting Lee reply, the Hyuuga prodigy headed over to Sakura, hoping she could take a look at Tenten. But once getting near her, his eyes darted over to the missing-nin instead.

"Uchiha," Neji spoke in a low and calm voice.

Replying in the same tone, Sasuke merely acknowledged the captain's presence, "Hyuuga."

Forgetting all about Tenten and Sakura, he starting questioning the S-ranked missing-nin, "Are you planning to return to Konoha, after how many years you betrayed our village?"

Sasuke glared menacingly at the Hyuuga genius and replied in a rather disgusted tone, "What if I am? That is none of your business."

The rest of the group remained silent, all watching, wanting to know what would happen next. Nothing was heard, except for the occasional chirping of birds in the forest, until Neji broke the silence.

"In fact, it is. As a Konoha ninja, it is also my duty."

"Well, I'll have you know, that I will be returning to Konoha. I shall give no further information," Sasuke replied, while grabbing Sakura's hand, and dragging her and himself away from the emotionless captain.

The rest of the group had nothing else to do, so each went off to do their own thing. Hanabi wanted to look around in the forest but Neji wouldn't allow her to go by herself and ordered Kiba to go with her.

Why is it always me stuck with the baby-sitting job, Kiba thought to himself.

They had only walked a few metres, when Neji's voice came again, "Sakura, I need you to take a look at Tenten."

The pink-headed kunoichi turned around and wondered over, back to Neji asking him where she was. Neji pointed over at the tent, and Sakura, rushed straight there, hoping the situation wasn't serious.

Once inside, she saw Tenten lying on a sleeping bag, but slightly relaxed. Taking away the towel, she placed her palm against her forehead and concentrated on her chakra; a green glow surrounded her hand and she left it there on the older girl's forehead for a few minutes.

When she believed that everything was fine, she stepped back outside, where Neji seemed to be waiting anxiously though it didn't show on his face. Walking up to him, she told him of his team-mate's situation, "Her fever is down; all she needs is a good rest."

Neji nodded and mumbled a thanks that was almost incoherent; then dragging himself back to the tent.

But Sakura didn't mind, she headed over to Sasuke who was siting by a log, staring into space.

"Sasuke-kun, do you mind if I join you?" she asked him, even though she knew that she probably wouldn't be given an answer in return. But instead, she felt an arm around her waist, which dragged her down besides him.

"…Stay here with me…" Sasuke muttered while looking straight into her emerald, coloured eyes.

Sakura could see the thing she wanted most through his eyes, his love. She nodded in return and rested her head on Sasuke's shoulder. Sasuke bent forward and gave her a small kiss on her forehead. Sakura whispered a few words into the missing-nin's ear which made a soft smile appear on his almost emotionless face.

Inside his mind, those three words (I love you…) could make him happy forever; laying his head on Sakura's, he too started to drift off but a sudden force took Sakura away but not from view. .

Naruto saw Sasuke kissing Sakura and wasn't very happy with the sight, it made Sakura look helpless which angered the blonde even more.

"Sasuke-teme, what are you doing with Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked rather rudely yet loudly.

Sasuke's eyes changed from the lovingness he had shown to Sakura, to ones that were burning red.

"Are you daring for a fight?" Sasuke asked mockingly.

"Even if I was, I could beat you any day. I'm much stronger than I was before!" Naruto replied, showing full confidence in himself.

"Na…ruto-kun, Neji-ni-san wa-," a soft female voice started but stopped when she saw the situation in front of her.

Not knowing what else to do, she ran back over to her cousin and informed him of the situation happening.

"Neji-ni-san, Naruto-kun seems…to be having…a…a fight with Sasuke," she told him, who in return looked up slightly; sighing to himself while getting up, walking over to the bickering, two.

"Uchiha! Naruto! What are you two doing?" Neji yelled angrily at the two.

"Arguing," Sasuke simply replied using an, I don't care tone.

"There shall be no fighting here and onwards, if I hear of another fight, then it will not go unpunished," Neji spoke in a frightening tone, which no one seemed to want to reply to. The blonde was about to open his mouth, but suddenly a series of kunais and shuriken flew passed the prodigy's face, only millimetres away from his skin, aimed at Naruto and Sasuke.

One shuriken gave a small cut to Naruto on his neck, while another cut a piece of Sasuke's raven-coloured hair. Neji smirked, already knowing who it was, without having to take a look. The weapons were thrown at such high speeds that one could hardly see them, let alone dodge them. Coming into view, Tenten stood herself next to Neji, looking pissed.

"I see that you're better," Neji spoke in a smooth tone.

"I would be even better if I had gotten more rest, my body still aches a little and my aim seemed a little off," she replied and the tone of her voice didn't sound a bit happy at all. "I was wondering who caused all those loud noises, I could perfectly work out your voice and Naruto's but I still believe that I missed one."

"Tenten-san…are…you fee…ling better?" Hinata timidly asked the older girl.

"Tenten, feeling better?" Sakura asked.

The weapon mistress nodded but kept her eyes glaring at Sasuke and Naruto, while a dangerous aura starting coming from her.

"I believe I know who the last voice belongs to," she started in a soft manner, but suddenly her voice went loud and angry, "You two talk too loud and you as so dead!"

If males knew one important thing about women, then it was, NEVER ever mess with an angered female, especially if she is pissed.

Both Sasuke and Naruto had their experiences back I their genin years, one could never forget those times. The two were going to run for it, but luckily the weapon mistress was brought to a hold. Neji had placed both of his hands around her waist, preventing her from charging at the two.

Then bending slightly forward he whispered a few words into her ear, "Tenten...calm down..."

To the two shinobi's luck, the weapon mistress indeed, calmed down and the anger in her eyes faded away. Before turning around to leave, she muttered a few words under her breath which no one could quite get what she had said.

Looking back at the group in front of him, Neji announced, "We'll head back to Konoha, early tomorrow morning. For now, get some rest, as there is going to be quite a long journey."

That night, nothing major happened, only slight quarrels which Neji, once again had to deal with them all with the help of Hinata. Everyone was going to head off to bed except for Sasuke and Neji, who both volunteered to be on guard by themselves, without the company of another. In the end, Sasuke ended up with guard duty while Neji got some rest.

Sasuke placed himself on a fallen log and many thoughts started coming to his mind, most were mainly about Itachi. He was paying so much attention on his thoughts, that he didn't realise a certain pink-headed kunoichi coming his way. When he had realised, Sakura had placed herself next to him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Sakura, what are you doing here?" he asked her.

"Keeping you company," she muttered sleepily.

Before Sasuke could say anything more, Sakura had already fallen asleep, and her chest rising and falling to each intake of air.

Everyone was up early the next morning, and was all ready to set off. Tents and sleeping bags were packed up. But before they headed off, Neji told Sasuke to use henge for the whole journey. Sasuke turned himself into a replica Shino, since it was the first thing that came to his mind. After that, they headed out, setting their destination to Konoha.

The entire journey, took three days and nothing of interest happened. Only everyone seemed to realise the change Sakura was having. She was no longer as anti social as before, but was beginning to act like how she was, in her genin years, though not as annoying. Her smiles for once, were actually true, not the fake ones that she had been showing. They could all see the glint of happiness shining in her eyes, unlike before, when they were dull and not a single sign of anything.

Since nothing dramatic happened, besides for Lee's occasional outburst, the group continued their journey in silence.

Konoha Gates

The guards saw them coming and seeing Neji in front, they allowed them to pass without stopping them. They quickly headed for the Hyuuga Manor, in which they found Hiashi already waiting for them at the front, to their surprise.

Hiashi scanned the group and from the three white eyed people, he saw his two daughters. Slightly afraid that they would be punished due to their weakness, and getting kidnapped, but none less, they walked up to their father, who acknowledged their presence.

Seeing her father in a happy mood, Hanabi took the chance to whisper something into his ears, which caused the Hyuuga head to smile faintly. Hinata stood behind Hanabi, and spoke, "I'm sorry, father, please forgive me….for the trouble I've caused everyone."

Hiashi looked up to see his eldest daughter, who had a saddened expression on her face. He merely nodded in her direction, and that was enough to make Hinata happy. Turning back to Neji and his group he thanked them and allowed them to be dismissed.

Kiba muttered something about going home and Akamaru. Naruto and Sakura were walking with Sasuke, who had an annoyed face. (Sasuke is still in henge). Lee ran off to find Gai-sensei, yelling something about accomplishments. The rest were all going to go home except for Neji and Tenten who were planning to report to the Hokage.

"Neji, Tenten, Hanabi and Hinata, stay here, I need to have a talk with you," Hiashi called to them, stopping the four people in their tracks.

Turning around, Neji faced his uncle before speaking up, "Hiashi-sama, I need to inform the Hokage."

Hiashi seemed to ignore Neji but after a few seconds, replied, "Get someone else to go."

Neji knew that Sasuke was going to see the Hokage, so he ran quickly in order to catch up to the Uchiha. Luckily for him, Sasuke was outside the Hyuuga Manor talking to Sakura and Naruto. Both of them wanted to go with him to see what happens but Sasuke wouldn't allow them.

Sasuke or Sakura? Sakura seems more dependable and she is the Hokage's apprentice. Okay, Sakura should go inform the Hokage that we have completed our mission.

Walking up to the pink headed kunoichi, Neji informed her of his order and sent her to go see the Hokage. In the end, Sasuke found it bothersome to continue arguing with the two and allowed them to follow. He thought maybe, Tsunade would be more convinced if Naruto and Sakura were with him.

Taking himself back into the Hyuuga manor, Neji saw the other three still outside as if they were waiting for him. One maid came forward and asked them all to follow her into a meeting room, where they found Hiashi seated at the head of the table. (Low tables were you sit on cushions. Zabuton is the Japanese name for them)

He motioned for Neji, Hinata and Tenten to sit, but asked Hanabi to stand besides him.

Turning his eyes over to Tenten, Hiashi looked at her for a moment before speaking, "My daughter has informed me of something quite interesting, you wouldn't mind coming out with me to have a quick talk about something?"

Tenten nodded and got up off her 'zabuton', following Hiashi out of the room and back outside.

Once they were gone from view, Neji sent a glare at his younger cousin and whispered angrily, "What did you tell him?"

Hanabi just sent back a glare and replied, "you'll know later.'

Hinata just look at her sister and cousin glare and arguing softly, and she too was curious as to what her father had to say to Tenten.

Outside, there was silence before Hiashi spoke, "How many years have you known, Neji?"

Tenten wasn't expecting this question, and she had known the Hyuuga prodigy for so many years that she had almost lost count of.

"About six to seven years," she replied.

Hiashi just nodded at her reply before asking her again, "Hanabi informed me that Neji seemed to be keeping an eye a certain female, who she told me was you. What do you have to say about that?"

Tenten was shocked hearing this, inside she was wondering how Hanabi knew and also trying to figure out how to answer. Is he telling me that I can't love Neji because it has something to do with the Hyuuga family? I hope not. It can't be, after all these years I've been waiting for him.

"Yes, what Hanabi said was true. Neji told me of his feelings one night during the mission and I'm over joyed by it. I've loved your nephew for so long, please Hiashi-sama, please let it stay that way," she replied saying a few things, which showed that she had jumped to conclusions.

Hiashi just laughed upon hearing her say those things, causing Tenten to become quite shocked. She had never seen the Hyuuga head, laugh like this before. After a few awkward moments, Hiashi took himself back into the room, motioning for Tenten to come back as well.

Things seem to be going quite well, just as I planned it. Hizashi, I know you would want your son to live a happy life.

Back into the room, Neji saw Tenten's face covered in confusion, he was about to ask her if she was okay, when Hiashi interrupted him, "Neji, I'll like to see you and Hinata outside for a moment. Hanabi you can go back to your room, your job here is over."

The two Hyuugas got off their 'zabuton' and followed the head outside, leaving Tenten alone in the room. She found herself so bored that she took out a kunai from her weapon holster, and began planning with it in her hands.

A/N: What will Hiashi say to Neji and Hinata? What will happen with Sasuke along with Naruto and Sakura? Why has Tenten been called to this meeting? Sorry, but you'll have to wait for the next chapter to find out what happens. Sorry I took so long to update. Anyhow, thanks for reading, please review.

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