A/N: Huge thanks to weaponsmistress (follow them on Instagram and Tumblr)! I was approached with a collaboration idea for NejiTen month this year. We're not sure how long this fic will go (it could last longer than NejiTen month), but we're really hoping you enjoy the story.

The initial idea belongs to weaponsmistress, a talented artist, and there is a ton of artwork to go with this story. You can find both fic and art together on my Tumblr and AO3. (Yahboobeh)

If you enjoy this, please leave a review! We'd love to hear your feedback.

Metanoia
[meh-ta-noy-ah] | Greek
(n.) the journey of changing one's mind, heart, self, or way of life; spiritual conversation.

The beach was Tenten's favorite place. It was where she went to think, to escape. For as far back as she could recall, whenever things went wrong, she ran to her secret spot on the beach.

Not that it was much of a secret anymore — Gai had found it quickly enough. Tenten never hid from him, but the ability it gave her to walk away, to disappear from the stress of life, made it her secret sanctuary.

Gai and Lee had learned early on not to bother her here. Lee had found her adamant stubbornness and refusal to talk through her issues frustrating. He wanted their family to be one without discourse, but Tenten did not let go of things as quickly as Lee and Gai.

Today was a special day, a day that came once a month. Today was inspection day.

Tenten detested many things about living under colonial rule, but the monthly inspections we're the worst.

The inspection schedule rotated, but someone was always able to determine who's turn it was for inspection, and on what date. The time of day was a bit more complicated. The inspectors showed up whenever they wanted. Tenten found the process humiliating. She had complied with them initially until their little family had proven to be no threat. Once they were well known, she'd been conveniently absent each month.

Lee had been upset, hurt, that she chose not to stand by Gai's side after all he'd done for them. Gai did not offer much of his opinion, and while Tenten could see the disappointment in his eyes, he never stopped her from leaving.

Even after fifty years, long before even Gai had been born, the loss of their independence left a deep, festering wound, and everytime it started to heal, it would be ripped open again. Tenten was still gently nursing and coddling the deep cut nearly ten years old that had taken her parents from her. Lee had been left an orphan too, many of the children found themselves without parents.

Lee and Tenten loved Gai dearly and saw him as a father. Lee, always so cheerful and optimistic, had thrown himself at the man and embraced every aspect of their new lives. Tenten tried, but inspection day always poked at the raw pain that slept dormant in the back of her chest.

So she left for the beach.

The first steps onto the sand always sent a jolt through her. Shoes in one hand and a fist-full of skirt in the other, Tenten began her trek across the sand. She loved the feel of the sand between her toes as she made her way over the bumpy dry surface peppered with rocks and pieces of shells until the dry sand turned wet and clung to her feet.

Tenten left little footprints as she picked her way across the shoreline towards the large rock that hid a small cove behind it.

Tenten rounded the corner and headed to her favorite spot; a group of rocks at the shoreline that made a natural seat where she could let the waves wash over her feet when the tide rolled in. She liked to pull up her skirts and let the waves rush over her feet, pulling them down into the sand, beckoning her with the promise of a life that was her own, not owed to an invading nation and their condescending inspectors.

Sometimes the day passed quickly, especially when she let the even crash of waves lull her to sleep. Sometimes the hours dragged by slowly, and she debated going back home early. She never did, waiting until the sun began to sink into the sea before moving from her perch.

Today felt like a long day. The temperature was just a bit too cold for her liking, but the icy water was refreshing.

Tenten stuck her toes in the water and pulled a book out of her bag. Gai had insisted that she learn how to read, and for that, Tenten would be eternally grateful.

A couple of hours slid by slowly when Tenten heard her name echo across the cove. The wind had practically slapped her across the face with it.

Lee.

He'd learned not to bother her on inspection day unless it was necessary.

"Tenten!"

He was running. Tenten grit her teeth. Running on the beach was for escaping, not for dragging her back to the town, back to hell.

He stopped abruptly in front of her and straightened his shirt, opening his mouth to speak.

Tenten held her hand up to him.

"No."

"But Tenten—"

"I won't, Lee."

"You don't even know what I'm going to ask you!" He gasped, exasperated from both his sprint and her attitude.

"You want me to come home."

"There's a new inspector though, he insists on meeting you."

"They all insist on meeting me. You think these inspectors would all share notes."

"This one is different, though."

"How?"

"It's the general's nephew."

Tenten rolled her eyes.

"Is that supposed to impress or intimidate me?"

"Please, Tenten. He's not taking 'no' for an answer."

She clenched her skirt in her fists, biting back her anger for the stuck up boy she'd occasionally seen in the market. Lee didn't deserve it. She clenched her jaw. If she spoke, she would erupt.

Lee knew this, and he also knew just what to say to make her give in.

"What about baba? What if they arrest him?"

Tenten looked up at Lee.

"Did he threaten that?"

"It… it was heavily implied." Tenten stood up and snatched her shoes and bag with a flash of anger and stomped back towards town. She heard Lee behind her but didn't slow down. He would catch up. And then he would remind her to check her temper, but she would still throw her shoes on the ground when she got home.

The only thing worse than an inspector was an arrogant inspector.

Neji dragged his fingernail over the chip in his cup. The thin porcelain teacup had been well-loved over the years but had still chipped at the rim. Back home, someone would have fixed it, repaired it with gold, making it its own unique piece.

No one did that here. They either lacked the resources or the desire. At least the tea was good. His teacher sat beside him along with another chipped cup of tea. And across from them sat the owner of the home they'd entered.

Maito Gai's hair was oddly cropped, as if he'd placed a bowl over his head and used it as a guide. His eyebrows were bold and weighted down his expression, deepening every emotion that flashed across his face. His Zhifu was rough spun silk dyed deep emerald green.

Gai had insisted on preparing them his favorite blend of oolong.

Neji had declined, insisting only on seeing his daughter.

"Her presence is required for the inspection."

"She causes no trouble, and—" Neji cut off his instructor.

"And her presence is required for the inspection. You have been too lenient, Hoheto, it's no wonder my uncle has requested I step in."

Hoheto was quiet after that. Neji tried not to feel guilty for dressing down the older man, but if he was to be overseeing inspections, then he needed command of the situation. And if that meant having Maito Gai's daughter dragged back from wherever she'd hidden on this godforsaken island, he would demand it—and he had.

So now they waited with chipped cups and awkward, patchy conversation.

Neji cleared his throat.

"Your tea is excellent, but there is no need to try and flatter me. As long as things are in order, we will have no issues."

"I offer nothing more than my hospitality," Gai replied with a smile, "isn't that right, Hoheto?"

"It's true, Neji, Gai is always welcoming. You will come to enjoy his company."

"With all due respect," said Neji, imparting none, "this is an official inspection, not a social call."

Hoheto opened his mouth but had no reply. Gai spoke for him.

"Ah, but there are times when it can be each. You'll learn."

Neji frowned.

"Are you implying I do not know how to do my job?"

"Not at all," Gai smiled, unafraid of Neji's tone or power, "just that there are many interesting people to meet. Forgive me, but you are still young."

Before Neji could argue, the massive ornate door to the receiving hall in the next room slammed. Neji winced, ears ringing.

"Ah! Speaking of which! It seems Lee has returned with my daughter."

Tenten came into the room like a raging storm. Wisps of windswept hair escaped her buns, the hem of her hanfu was wet, and she had tracked damp sand into the sitting room.

Neji sat up straight, arms crossed.

"So kind of you to join us, Maito Tenten."

She glared at him, but said nothing, dropping gracelessly into the armchair across from him.

"Tenten," Gai said carefully, as Lee took a seat at her side, "you know the general's nephew, Hyuuga Neji?"

"Of course. Everyone knows the general and his family," she adjusted in her seat, eyes never breaking contact, "I suppose that makes you think you're important, doesn't it?"

Neji grit his teeth.

"Tenten!" said Gai, "I know I taught you to respect guests."

"He is not a guest; he is an invader."

Neji suspected he knew why no previous inspectors pressured Gai to present Tenten.

"Regardless of what pathetic insults you choose to cast my way, I am here to inspect your home, and you are here to be inspected."

"And if I refuse?"

"There is no refusal; you know that."

Neji caught himself before he said more. He didn't like his new role, but he would comply. Just as the villagers would have to report to him, so he would report to his uncle.

And there was no refusal. Noncompliance meant there was something to hide, and anyone who refused inspection was arrested, at which point, their property would be searched. Inspections were guaranteed.

Neji changed the subject.

"Where were you?"

"None of your business."

Neji pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to quell the flames of anger that she prodded at.

"It is my business. Besides, where you were is obvious, you were down at the beach. Your father and brother seemed to know that. My question is, why?"

"My answer remains the same."

"Stubbornness is suspicious, Maito Gai."

Tenten cut Gai off before he could respond, standing up.

"I'd rather be stubborn and stand for something than be an unsuffering ass like you."

Neji stood up too, setting his cup on the table with more force than necessary.

"What's your problem?" he asked, coolly, anger barely masked.

"Your family invaded my island, slaughtered my people, and claimed what is ours for yourselves, threatened to arrest my family and me, and you have the gall to ask me what my problem is?"

She turned on her heel and left the room, just as much a storm as when she had entered.

When he was confident, she was out of earshot Neji snapped.

"I want her at every future inspection."

Lee spoke up.

"But they're rando—"

"—I know you can figure out the schedule, she certainly has. It's not complicated. I want her here. End of discussion."

Neji turned to leave but paused to offer a stiff bow towards Gai.

"I thank you for the tea."

And then he left, Hoheto scrambling to follow him.

Untamed emotions swirled through Tenten. She walked with purpose and frustration through the overgrown courtyard towards her room.

It was times like this that she would have left for the beach. But he had tainted it, at least for today. Instead, she closed herself in her room and threw herself on her bed.

The bed was ornate, the frame built with rosewood. It hardly felt like hers, not yet at least. She hated it and what it represented.

The whole house had been a gift from the Hyuuga to reward Gai's loyalty. Tenten hadn't known the family who'd lived here before, and no one had to tell her why the property had been abandoned. The people before them, the owner of this bed, they had not been loyal.

Alone, with her face buried in her pillow, Tenten allowed her frustration to overflow. Gai would check on her soon. She wouldn't let him see her cry, not let him see how much Hyuuga Neji had gotten to her.

She cried herself into a restless sleep, waking only when the bed dipped under Gai's weight. His hand was on her shoulder. She shifted a little, her back still to him.

"Tenten, my sweet lotus-"

She closed her eyes; she was going to cry.

"Please don't make me," she whispered.

"Many men have been lenient with you, including me, but you have to face this reality eventually."

"But-"

"Tenten, there is only so much tea I can pour before someone starts asking questions."

Tears slipped out, and she tried to quell the tremble in her body. The way he covered for her, protected her, facing reality so that Tenten could avoid it overwhelmed her with tenderness and guilt.

"Why him, though? Who does he think he is?"

"A much more powerful member of the Hyuuga than Hoheto."

"So that gives him the reason to be such a jerk?"

"He has just as many eyes on him as we do, Tenten. You are all so young, too young for any of this. But we all have our roles to play."

"You always talk about how nice Hoheto is. Why can't he be nice?"

Gai was quiet, taking his time to respond.

"I'm not sure. Perhaps he thinks too highly of himself," Tenten tried to hold back a small satisfied grin, but then Gai continued, "Perhaps he too is hurting."

Tenten scoffed.

"How could any Hyuuga be hurting?"

"Suffering does not discriminate. It permeates through the lives of the rich and the poor, the sick and the healthy, the hero and the villain." He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Remind us both, Tenten, what is the first noble truth?"

Tenten pushed up onto her elbows and turned over to sit, pulling her knees to her chest.

"The truth of suffering," she mumbled.

"What about suffering?"

Tenten didn't want to discuss philosophy and religion, but she couldn't argue.

"All life is suffering."

Gai nodded, happy with her answer.

"Yes," he said, "all life. Even that of your enemy."

Tenten frowned. The embers of her anger still glowed. Even if everyone was suffering, surely someone like Hyuuga Neji wouldn't be suffering nearly as much as someone like her.

"I know what you're thinking. Don't try and quantify your problems over his. You don't know what they are and this isn't a competition. You will meditate on this during your prayers."

"Yes, father." She looked down, no longer able to meet his gaze. She hated disappointing him.

"But that is neither here nor now. Let's find Lee and have something to eat. Perhaps dumplings?"

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

Neji sank in his chair and sighed. He pushed his hair back with his fingers, glaring at the notebook in front of him. For the most part, his first round of inspections had gone well. At least until they visited the Maito residence.

Hiashi would expect his report soon. Neji flipped open the notebook to the page marked with Gai's name.

In his initial anger, Neji had littered the page with words like "difficult" and "uncomplying" but now his writing seemed too harsh. Gai had been kind and gentle. Should he have to face the very real and serious consequences of the words of two moody teenagers?

No.

Not this time, at least.

If Tenten failed to appear for the next inspection, then Neji would have to rethink. He opened a drawer, pulled out a small knife, and carefully cut out the page on Maito Gai. When he was done, it was as if the page was never there. Neji picked up his brush and started over.