I have to apologize. It has come to my attention that some of my readers want to see Lee and Master Gai. The problem is, I've already written the story, I just have yet to type it all. Unfortunately, our favorite, jumpsuit-wearing duo don't make an appearance in this fanfic. I'm so sorry! I love them too, but there's nothing I can do! Please don't hate me! (Cries uncontrollably).
Lee: Have no fear! I can still be here outside the story! Gai: I can as well! Lee: Gai-sensei! You're amazing! Gai: Lee, you incredible kid! (The two appear in front of a random beach backdrop crying and hugging) Me: (sweatdrop) Ok! Well, there you have it! Here goes chapter four!
Chapter 4 - Setting Out
Tenten leaned against the wall outside Neji's door where he had told her to wait. She sighed, blowing her bangs up for the tenth time in the last few minutes.
"Tenten-chan?" The kunoichi looked down the hall to see Neji's beloved cousin wave at her.
"Hinata." Tenten waved back and smiled at her friend.
"Are you here for Neji nii-kun?" The dark haired girl asked, preparing to knock on his door. The door opened before she could, revealing a surprised Neji.
"Hinata-sama." Neji bowed. Hinata smiled.
"Neji nii-kun, Tenten is here." She told him.
"Hai," he said, closing his door, " we have a mission."
"Oh, is it a long one?" His cousin asked.
"It should only be a few days." Tenten answered for him.
"Be careful." Hinata said, and hugged them both before they left.
"You're lucky." Tenten said as they exited the compound. "Hinata's so nice. You must enjoy being her cousin." Neji nodded.
"I used to think she was just a spoiled child of the main family. Then I saw caring she was. She focuses on the effect she has on others, always trying to improve herself to make the people around her happy. Hinata never gives up. Naruto is the cause of that. She worries a lot about everyone else- sometimes too much." Tenten laughed in agreement. "And," the boy continued, "I would give my life for her. Not only do I have to," he said, referring to his bird in the cage seal, "but I would." He turned around noticing that Tenten stopped walking. "What's wrong?" He asked as she stared.
"Hyuuga Neji," The girl started, smiling brightly, "That was a very sweet thing to say." The boy blushed and began walking again.
"Come on, we have to hurry. Haru and his guards are under constant attack." Tenten grinned at her friend's discomfort and fell into pace beside him.
"Oi! Tenten! Hyuuga!" Kiba ran up to the two of them. "You guys got a new mission, ne?"
"Hai," Tenten answered, "we did."
"Finally getting some time away from the spandex brothers?" He laughed. Tenten put a hand behind her head.
"Heh heh, they're not so bad." She said. "They work very hard. We have respect for Lee and Gai-sensei." Neji nodded in agreement.
"You won't have the green beast of Konoha around for once." Kiba mused. "Are you sure you can handle it?" Neji stiffened.
"Do you want me to prove it?" He threatened coldly.
"Woah, calm down! That wasn't a challenge." Kiba held up his hand.
"HEY! KIBA!" The teens squinted at the number one, hyperactive, knuckle-headed ninja down the street. "HURRY UP! I'M HUNGRY!" The blonde-haired boy called.
"Naruto and I are eating at Ichiraku's before we spar." He informed them. "I wanted a rematch of the chuunin exam prelims. He's not going to beat us with a fart this time, right Akamaru?"
"Arf!" The puppy popped his head out of Kiba's coat.
"Akamaru says good luck on your mission. See ya!" He ran in the direction of the Ichiraku ramen stand.
"Tenten."
"Hm?" She looked at her teammate.
"Let's go."
"Hai."
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Tenten wondered how far they'd gone as she jumped from branch to branch. Neither had spoken a word since they left Konoha.
"Neji?" The boy glanced at her to show he was listening. "How far do you think we've gone?" He unfolded the map.
"Actually, we should be very close. Judging by the distance from this river to Konoha and this village…" He paused to get his bearings, "We're only about a half of a mile away."
"Oh, good." Tenten breathed. She was extremely hungry, having not eaten since yesterday morning. She didn't ask to stop, not wanting to upset her teammate.
"Do you think we'll be attacked when we arrive at- CRACK- Ahhh!" Tenten yelled as the branch under her broke. She was falling. Fast.
"Tenten!" She heard Neji call her name. 'I can't look weak in front of him!' she thought anxiously. She had to be quick. Pulling a kunai from her pouch, she stabbed it hard into the bark of the tree. It held Tenten up just long enough for her to channel her chakra into her feet and stick to the trunk of the tree. (A/N: Haha, you all thought he was going to catch her, didn't you? Well, not yet. Be patient. Mwahahaha >:D ) Letting out a relieved sigh, she put her kunai knife back in the pouch at her waist.
"Are you alright?" Neji asked from a branch above her. Tenten blinked. There was something different in his voice…
'Concern? Yes…' He sounded concerned. It was odd hearing her teammate sound… well… like he actually cared.
"Tenten?" Neji asked again, looking more worried. Tenten snapped out of it.
"H-hai, Neji. I'm fine. Gomen." The Hyuuga didn't look convinced, but offered his hand to her anyway. She took it gratefully and he pulled her onto the same branch.
"That was strange." Neji appeared to be deep in thought. "The branches at this level of these trees don't just break that easily." Tenten's eyebrows furrowed.
"So are you saying that someone sabotaged the tree limb?" Neji didn't respond. "But why? Who would- Neji! Look out!" Tenten leapt onto another branch, pulling the confused teen with her. The tree behind them exploded. "It was an exploding note!" She quickly informed Neji, who activated his Byakugan. His eyes went wide.
"Tenten! Go! Hurry!" Tenten sprang ahead without a second thought, the boy right behind. "It's a minefield." He explained as they moved. As if on cue, a series of explosions rang out behind them, each one closer than the last. Tree after tree, the two jumped as fast as they could until the booms stopped chasing them. "I think we found our way out." Said Neji, peering around at the forest with his kekei genkai (bloodline trait). "I don't see anymore exploding notes. Someone set one big trap for anyone coming this way."
"Ah!" Tenten cried out in pain as one last explosion went off right behind her. The force of the blast sent her flying clear off the tree branch and down towards the ground far below. Tenten couldn't stop falling. All she could think about was the awful burning sensation on her back. It was like lying on hot coals. She closed her eyes, fearing the fast-approaching earth. Just before she hit the ground she found herself cradled in a pair of strong arms. Her savior landed softly on his feet.
"Are you okay? Tenten!" The kunoichi groaned and slowly opened her eyes. Her vision cleared, and Neji's worried face came into focus.
"Ne-ji…" Tenten's voice was hoarse. She swallowed. "I'm fine. We have to get to Haru." He placed her on her feet, holding her up as she wobbled to find her balance.
"You don't look fine." He stated, eyeing her red back where a small part of her shirt had burned off.
"I'm okay, really." She assured him with a noticeably fake smile. "Heh, you saved me." She punched his arm playfully. He gently touched her back, and she drew in a sharp breath at the pain. The other teenager raised an eyebrow at her. He wasn't convinced. Tenten's forehead creased. "We have to hurry, the Feudal Lord's son needs us! We can't stop! I'm fine!" Neji sighed.
"At least let me bandage you up first." The girl looked down in thought.
"Alright." Was her hesitant reply. Neji smiled.
"Good."
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Tenten gasped at the stinging on her back. Neji pressed a cloth soaked in cold water on the wound. He brought the bandages out from his own bag. His cheeks were tinted pink. He asked Tenten to lift up her shirt just an inch or two so he could wrap the white material around her waist. The girl blushed profusely every time he got close, practically hugging her. Neji found this adorable.
'His hands are strong, but I didn't expect them to be so gentle.' Tenten thought. 'He is a master of the gentle fist style, after all.' Neji brought his bandaged hand to her cheek. With his thumb he wiped away blood that dribbled from her lip. Tenten felt her face get hot. Neji brushed her bangs out of her eyes. With all the heat rising to her cheeks, Tenten began to believe it was her face that had been burned instead of her back. As if realizing what he was doing, Neji pulled away suddenly.
"The ninja who are after Haru must have set that trap." He stated, returning to tying her bandages. " There are bound to be more. We'll have to be careful." Tenten squeaked when Neji picked her up.
"Neji, I can walk, really!" She exclaimed.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, yes, I'm sure!" The girl kicked her legs a few times to prove her point. He set her on her feet carefully, then continued on with his situation analysis.
"I'm beginning to think they aren't just common thieves after money." His teammate looked confused. She put her hand behind her head.
"Could you elaborate, Einstein?"
"These ninja are harassing the Feudal Lord's son…" He confirmed, stroking his chin. "It can only be assumed that they want to kidnap the boy, then collect a ransom from his rich father." Tenten nodded to show that she understood. Neji went on. "But it doesn't make sense. They haven't made any attempts to capture Haru. Furthermore, what reason did they have for setting such an elaborate trap? It would be pointless- unless whatever they're after is of value to someone besides them." Tenten gasped.
"You mean that there's the distinct possibility of a third party? Someone we didn't know about?"
"Exactly."
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Me:Oooooooooh, go Neji! Puttin' the moves on Tenten! Lee: Oh no! What will become of my poor teammates? Gai: You'll have to find out in the next chapter! (Flashes a smile that pings) Me: And a big thank you to all my reviewers. Constructive critizism is always welcome!