Disclaimer! I own nothing here 'xcept the plot.
A/N: Also, this is a one-shot that could get a prequel, so r&r!
It's in Tenten's Point of view.
Sorry it's short. -
As a child, I had this belief that if one dies, she dies to offer another life: same as my best friend's belief, whom you might know as Neji.
But a deadly virus killed my parents and threatened to kill me too. I was clearly clinging on to my dear life when I heard a shout outside. Then I fainted.
A little later on, I choked on my breath, as if I was receiving my first gulp of breath out from under the sea. Dear Tsunade was weeping in front of me. As she heard my little breath, she brightened up and hugged me. Miraculously, I felt well enough to sit up. I rubbed my eyes looking for my best friend. Tsunade looked away and sent me out, telling me to go straight home. It was later on that I know the truth. He killed himself as he offered his life for me.
Now, I'm older…Fourteen, truth to be told. And I'm great weapon mistress. I could almost see my parents holding each other, smiling. I could see Neji smiling at me too. I'm now a Genin, and I had a new friend, although it cannot replace Neji. His name is Rock Lee, and weirdly, he looks freakishly like sensei.
A week after, we were ambushed by someone; Sound-nin, most probably. I stood behind, protecting the children, watching as Gai-sensei and Rock did the best they could. Finally, the Sound-nin thought it best to leave, as he was loosing and he did not want to reveal the face behind his mask. I left the children and helped Rock to walk. His leg got paralyzed.
Both of us entered Tsunade's hut, and memories flashed back at me. Two tears fell as I remembered the cheery face of Neji. Tsunade smiled at both of us and asked Rock to sit down.
I didn't notice that he was coughing blood. I immediately knew what was wrong. So did Tsunade. She found a thin needle piercing the middle of his nape. I went out to get some fresh air.
I peered from the window; Tsunade was helping Rock in a bed. It was my same, near-death bed. Tears started rolling down my cheeks. A small kunai with poison rested on my hand and I turned my back on the hut.
Tsunade worked calmly, letting Rock drink some tea that she made. His pulse stopped and he was turning ghost white. Two tears fell to his chest.
Suddenly, Rock turned pinkish again. His breathing was gaining and he was fluttering his eyes. Tsunade was surprised and she immediately hugged the boy, forgetting her manners and his pervert-y personality. It was good that she saved her life.
It was a day after when they found my body near Tsunade's hut. I had a small smile on my face simply because I have repaid Neji.