Quiet as you are, perplexing as well. What do you hide from me and what words become your lies? What persona is your own and why do I feel so exposed?

"Ahh there you are Tenten-san." Sakura was wearing a white lab coat with a maroon colored skirt and a lighter colored shirt. Tenten took a deep breath to calm her nerves and instantly the warm smile fell from Sakura's face.

"Are you all right Tenten?" Tenten all ways knew the medic was scrutinizing her when the suffix was dropped from her name like that. "Hai, all though I am a bit stressed." Sakura nodded once before looking beyond Tenten at the stranger standing there.

"I don't think we met." She bowed before him and Kinmotsu with a kind smile, did the same. "Kinmotsu, newly hired tree trimmer."

Sakura laughed her serious work attitude falling off of her like water. "Sakura Haruno, head medic at the hospital. Second apprentice to the fifth Hokage."

He whistled before straightening, rubbing the back of his head and sheepishly smiling. "Now that's an impressive resume, wish mine was that interesting." Tenten instantly grew weary again of this man. She squinted her eyes as she detached herself from the situation.

He could change personality, shift expressions whenever needed. Was he a ninja? If so why would he come here? For the secret to the Byakugan? She would remain weary when he was near too her, besides the ways of the ninja are difficult to suppress.

Sakura focused her attention back on Tenten. "Shall we do the check-up now?" Tenten shook her head to the question, years of being a Hyuga forcing her too be a good hostess.

"No, we shall do it later. I was showing Kinmotsu here to the gardens but will you stay and have breakfast with me?" Sakura smiled, put her hands up and waved Tenten off.

"No, no I wouldn't want to impose anything on you. I've all ready eaten anyway." A loud gurgling sound resonated in the empty hallway and Sakura's cheeks burned as pink as her hair.

"You will stay and eat breakfast here Sakura-san. I do believe I will enjoy your company." Relenting Sakura nodded her head her cheeks still a flame. Tenten spiked her chakra and a maid poked her head into the hallway.

"What can I do for you Hyuga-san?" Tenten took in another of her female servants, this one has a shy demeanor and a fear to look upon the one she serves.

"Sakura-san will be staying for breakfast. Inform the cook and make sure enough food is laid out." Speaking to Sakura, "would you like anything in particular?"

She shook her head, "no, all though I would like coffee to keep me going."

Tenten smiled and nodded to the maid, "Take her too the dining area I will be there shortly." The maid nodded and opened the door wider.

"Right this way Haruno-san." Sakura followed silently and when the door closed Kinmotsu and her were once again alone.

"Come the gardens are this way." She began walking but stopped when she didn't hear him follow.

"So is this the part where we pretend nothing happens and go on our merry way?" She turned and examined his expression, which was carefully blank, guarded as if he was hiding something. She faced him fully and spoke with a bluntness she hadn't in years.

"We're strangers, there are no bonds of friendship here. I don't trust you, plain and simple, the way you act, the way you can change your persona." She stepped up to him but carefully stayed out of his reach. "Speaks only of training in the arts of stealth, spying and killing. I don't know why you're here but until you give me reason to trust you I will not."

She began walking again but stopped and turned agitated. "If your not coming I will leave you to find your own way." He began walking, avoiding her prying eyes with precision. The sound of her sandals over powered the sound of his own as she walked angrily in thought wondering how much trouble this man will truly be.

The rest of the walk was done in silence and Tenten shifted uncomfortably as she held the door open for him. He walked past her, far enough so she couldn't see his eyes or expression when he said. "Forgive me Tenten-san, but whenever I see a woman in as much pain as you..I can't help but want to help her, in an effort to atone for my sins."

With those cryptic words he left. She watched his retreating form for a little while longer before heading back inside. Never once noticing his eyes that watched her go.