Rokudaime

Chapter Thirteen

You see what I see

"How come we're going back home now Jiraiya?" Naruto asked aggravated by the sudden change of plans to his training especially when he was just seeing improvements. This was his fifth month away from Konoha and all those months were devoted to his training and improving his techniques. He was also training with Jiraiya on achieving Sage mode. He still had a long way to go before he would be able to summon Jiraiya's main toad. The blonde frowned when he received no answer from his old mentor. He usually replied to his questions, but ever since he received that scroll from Granny he's been, well silent and serious. Something he was not used to seeing for long period of time. It was unsettling that whatever his mentor read could cause him to be in the state he was in right now.

"What did Grandma Tsunade say in the letter?" He asked suddenly his voice holding a curios tone to it. This time his question got some reaction from the white haired sage because his entire demeanor stiffened the slightest bit. He narrowed his eyes sensing that something wasn't right. "What's wrong?" Naruto asked seriously, his arms no longer relaxing against the back of his neck as he fastened his pace to walk beside Jiraiya. Jiraiya's lips were set in a grim frown and his eyes were hard with black brows furrowing deeply, upset. "An issue has come up and we need to get back home as soon as possible." He finally revealed. Naruto winced inwardly at the sound of his monotone voice. "What type of issue are we talking about here?" He asked with stern blue eyes.

"Is everything ok in Konoha? No one's hurt right?" The sound of his voice wavered slightly at the thought of either of his comrades being injured or worst killed. "Not that I know of, but we'll see once we get there." He murmured without moving his gaze from the direction they were heading towards. Konoha was a good four days from where they were training at, it was an area that was a day passed Suna, the village hidden in the Sand. He was lucky they hadn't been further than that. It would have made things unbearable if he had to wait weeks before he saw Tsunade again. He didn't want to alarm Naruto either since Tsunade wanted complete discretion.

When he had first read the letter she had sent him he had gone completely numb on the inside. He couldn't hear or feel anything, besides seeing the words written on the scroll. He had to put up a façade when Naruto looked at him strangely, sensing something wrong. He made an excuse of going on a short expedition to continue his research for his next book. That seemed to sedate the blonde for the time being and he was allowed the time and privacy to go over the new found information.

He hoped the results were negative.

He didn't want to lose another close friend and teammate.

Haishi's Office

"I promise you Uncle that there will be no heirs."

Haishi's eyes widen at Neji's declaration and nearly felt his entire body tense in outrage. His hold on his favorite tea cup began to crack under the pressure his hand was creating. His brows instantly furrowed as he took in Neji's serious expression. The look in Neji's eyes was stern, resolved and rebellious. When did Neji become so disobedient?

It was because of that woman! This woman that Neji 'loves' was becoming a pain in his neck. No, he must be bluffing. Neji saw the disbelieving look in his Uncle's eyes and harden his eyes more.

"I assure you Uncle I am not bluffing."

Haishi frown deepen and his hold on the tea cup increased as well.

Crack

The tea cup collapsed under the pressure of Haishi's hold and fell onto the wooden floors in his office in tiny fragments. Some fragments pierced into the flesh of his hand. He barely flinched at the pain and instead remained focused on Neji. "Neji do not test my patience!" The Clan Head grounded out in anger. "You will marry Ten-Ten and you will grace the Hyuuga Clan with heirs within the first year of your marriage." Neji's frowned openly and stood from his seat. He wasn't going to stand for this anymore. "Sit back down!" The elder Hyuuga demanded in building fury as he too went to stand.

Neji stared at him and felt his blood beginning to boil from underneath his skin. "I can't stand by and watch my future be decided by others. I'm sorry Uncle, but I refuse to marry Ten-Ten and that is my final word." Once he was done he turned around to leave. His hand was inches from the handle when he felt an excruciating pain fill his entire body. The surprise did come from the pain, but from the person who caused it. The pain was so great that Neji was unable to stand on his own and collapsed to the floor in a loud thud. He suppressed the scream that wanted to escape pass his lips, but he could not. His cry carried out, filling the office and halls of the mansion and startling the members residing in their room for the afternoon.

Neji's eye was shut tight and his body crumpling in within himself. The searing white pain suddenly ended as soon as it had begun. He was left panting and still gritting his teeth as his body suffered from the after effects of the Cursed Seal.

He heard footsteps approach him and stop right by his head. He managed to open his right eye and saw the white socks inches from his face. He furrowed his brows when he heard his Uncle tsk in disappointment. The door to his office was thrown open and the worry voices of Hinata and Hanabi was heard. It was clear to see from their view what had just occurred. Hinata gasped in shock while Hanabi ran to Neji's side, sliding to her knees and brushing his dishevel hair from his face. "Neji-niisan, are you ok!" She exclaimed with worry her pupil-less eyes wide with fear. Hinata glanced momentarily at her father while making her way over to her fallen cousin. Her father's face was beyond fury, his eyes as hard as steel, and his hair dishevel. She took note that his hand was covered in blood and fragments of glass. She soon kneeled down beside Neji and tenderly touched his shoulder. He winced at the light contact and her eyes began to water. 'What happened?' She thought silently to herself.

"Father, why did you use the Cursed Seal on Neji-niisan?" Hanabi exclaimed angrily, her gaze connecting with the older Hyuuga heatedly. Haishi disregarded her question and continued to stare down at his nephew. He had not meant to activate the Seal, but his anger got the best of him and when he had realized what he had done it was too late, the damage had been done already. If it had been any other branch member he would not feel as guilty as he was feeling now.

He needed to fix this situation, but before he could a messenger from the Ama Clan appeared. "Sorry If I am interrupting anything, but Ama-sama wishes to see you and Neji-san tonight." He proclaimed urgently. "What is this meeting about? Surely he hasn't changed his mind about the arrangement between our clans?" He asked with a raised brow. Neji lifted his head at the question and wished with all his might that the messenger would say yes. "No, it is about an altercation Ten-Ten had encountered with Haruno Sakura two hours ago. She had threatened the Ama heiress because of ties to Neji-san. Ama-sama is most upset and displeased about the altercation with his daughter." At the statement Haishi's brows rose and his expression became confused. He suddenly narrowed his eyes and turned them onto Neji, whose eyes were wide in shock and worry before the emotions suddenly died out. It was brief, but it was enough for Haishi to infer his suspicions.

"We will arrive later tonight. Thank you."

The messenger left and as soon as he did Haishi gave Neji a glare. "I will get to the bottom of this tonight and this foolish will end indefinitely." He declared and soon left without another word.

Neji lowered his head against Hinata's bosom and stared out into space as Hanabi continued brushing his hair soothingly. His muscles were still going through spasms and Hinata did her best to heal what she can in order to lessen the pain. "Neji what happened?" Hinata asked in a soft tone. Neji sighed as he forced himself to answer Hinata's question. It was hard considering what he just heard a few moments ago. Sakura had gotten into an altercation with Ten-Ten and knowing Sakura and her temper he knew there was physical contact of some kind. That fact alone worried him to the bone. How much contact, how strong of a hit did she received and for how long?

"I don't want to marry Ten-Ten and Uncle took it hard, especially when I told him I will not bear any heirs with her." He explained in a weary tone. Hinata's eyes shone with understanding and how things had escalated. "Hinata, you have to go and see how Sakura is doing." He pleaded while tensing as another spasm took hold of his body. Hanabi furrowed her brows at his order. "You should worry about yourself Neji-niisan and not Sakura-san. She's not the one hurt right now." She pointed out with a frown. Neji gave her a small smile before closing his eyes to rest a bit. It was good that Hanabi didn't understand, but luckily Hinata did. It felt good to confide in someone about his relationship to. It made it a bit easier on him.

"I will Neji-niisan as soon as you're able to stand on your own again." She agreed with a small frown. She was also worried about Sakura-chan and Ten-Ten. He wondered how bad the altercation was between the two kunoichi. She knew how Sakura fought and how devastating she could make the environment, much less a human body, but she wouldn't harm a fellow comrade right?

"I'm going to get some water for Neji-niisan I'll be right back." Hanabi proclaimed as she swiftly got to her feet and ran out the office. Now alone Neji opened his eyes and turned to Hinata. "I need you to go and check on Sakura right now. I need to know if she's alright and not hurt." He ordered with serious milky depths. Hinata furrowed her brows and was about to protest when he narrowed his gaze at her. "You will understand once you see with the Byakugan and see what I see." He informed her steadily. Hinata's frown remained as she stood and walked over to the balcony door. "I'll send Sakura your love for you." She said before disappearing from view.

Neji nodded and closed his eyes, reveling in the momentary peace the darkness granted him.

Sakura's Apartment

"Leave already, I'll be fine." Sakura exclaimed as she lay covered in her bed. She was in a fetal position with her arms wrapped around her aching stomach. A light coat of sweat glistened on her entire body due to a rising fever. Kin, Kiyoshi, and Toushiro all looked at her in disbelief. Her boys were getting on her nerves. All she wanted was to be alone and cry her heart out for her stupidity earlier this afternoon. She had been foolish when she had confronted Ten-Ten and no doubt caused trouble for Neji. "We'll leave the room, but not the apartment." Kiyoshi explained before leaving the room while dragging Toushiro with him by his collar shirt. The kid didn't want to leave Sakura's side and proclaimed that Sakura was hurt and bleeding when there was no blood in sight.

When they confronted Sakura about a bleeding wound she shook her head. She had said she was not hurt beside her swollen cheek and fever. When Toushiro had not given up Sakura was forced to explain to him that he maybe smelling her menstrual cycle on its way. She was not too happy about revealing that information in front of him and Kin, but the feeling was mutual. He didn't want to know anything about her female plumbing issues. Toushiro seemed to be pacified by the explanation and had calmed down until he began to rant on about the smell getting stronger. That in turned riled Sakura up more and caused her to yell at them to leave her alone.

Kin stood by the door and let out a smile, which showed his worry for his Captain. "If anything and you need us just yell." Sakura smiled wearily at him before nodding her and watching the door as it closed. Once she was sure he wasn't near her door she began to cry into her pillow, muffling her sobs. She messed up big time and there was no going back in time to change it. She should have stood in her office and finished up the paperwork. If she had then she wouldn't have bumped into Ten-Ten and got so angry. She was angrier than she had ever been in her life aside from Sasuke leaving the village. Several minutes passed before she sniffled and wiped at her tear soaked face. She took the time to relax when she suddenly scrunched up her face in annoyance. Her stomach was cramping slightly, but it was not as strong as it has been earlier. When was her last menstrual cycle? She began scanning her mind for a date when she felt a new chakra signature in her home.

She sat up in bed and strained her hearing for the sound of a new voice. It was soft and most defiantly feminine. It only took a few seconds before a knock was heard. "Come in." She ordered and in came Hinata. She looked trouble and that caused fear to fill her. "Is everything ok Hinata? How's Neji?" She asked worriedly. Hinata took a seat on the edge of the bed and frown with sorrow in her eyes. "Sakura, is it true? Did you and Ten-Ten get into an altercation earlier?" She asked and Sakura dropped her gaze to the bed sheets. "Yes, I was just so angry and my temper got the best of me. I'm usually good with my temper these past few years, but all the stress is starting to affect me." She began in a solemn tone. She wished she could tell Hinata everything and how she was so worried over her Shishou's health and taking care of the village. She didn't think it would have been so bad if she was able to confine in someone about it, but she couldn't.

Hinata nodded in understanding, thinking she was referring to the whole situation with Neji and his arrange marriage to Ten-Ten. "Did you hit Ten-Ten first?" The Hyuuga heiress asked suddenly. Sakura snapped her head up sharply with narrowed eyes. "NO!" She yelled out inwardly insulted at the question. Hinata flinched at the reply and blushed heavily. Sakura's eyes widen in embarrassment at yelling at Hinata and an heiress of a noble clan no less. Now she was starting to see how unfit she was in being accepted into a prestigious clan. "I'm sorry Hinata-chan." She murmured softly.

"It's alright, but can you tell me what happened?" She asked. She needed to know what happened exactly before her father and Neji arrive at the Ama compound. Sakura nodded and told her side of the story truthfully. Her pupil-less milky eyes widen in shock when she learned that Ten-Ten had slapped her first. "If it wasn't for my boys I would have crushed her face inside her skull." Hinata grimaced slightly at Sakura's serious tone while stating that statement. She didn't doubt the pink haired medic on that fact. "So tell me how is Neji doing? It's been so long since I've last heard from him." She asked and when she did her eyes lit up brightly. Hinata hesitated on replying. What was she supposed to say? She couldn't possibly tell Sakura that Neji had just been punished by her father. It would possibly cause more problems and cause Sakura's temper to snap. "He sends his love and wanted me to make sure you were ok." She told her instead. Sakura smiled and her eyes soften. "Tell him I send the same as well." She asked with a wistful smile on her lips. "Have the spies been removed?" She asked with hope. Hinata swallowed nervously. "S-sort of, but not entirely Neji-niisan is trying his best." She stated with a light stuttered. This stutter caused Sakura to furrow her brows in light suspicion.

However, instead of asking Hinata if she was telling the truth a moan escaped her lips as she placed a hand around her lower belly. Both kunoichi turned their gazes momentarily onto the flat smooth surface of Sakura's stomach. Due to her fever Sakura was only in her sports bra and spandex shorts. "Are you alright?" Hinata asked with worried eyes. Sakura let out a small weary smile before small droplets of sweat slid down the sides of her temples. Hinata brought her cool hand up to Sakura's forehead and hissed when her hand made contact with it. She brought it back and her expression was shock. "You're burning up Sakura!" She exclaimed loudly. Sakura chuckled lightly before lying back down. "Don't worry Hinata I took a pill earlier and my chakra will be working soon on bringing the fever down with the medicine once I fall asleep." She explained lightly.

"Can you do me a favor and tell Kin and Kiyoshi to babysit Toushiro tonight. I will be sedated for the next eight to ten hours while my body fights the fever." At Hinata's nod she closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Hinata waited several minutes before she called Sakura's name out. She didn't receive a response and proceeded to nudge her thigh lightly. Once again she didn't get a response or a reaction. Feeling confident that Sakura wouldn't wake up anytime soon she executed the proper hand signs to activate her Byakugan.

"Byakugan," She whispered out softly and saw the world differently now. She brought her powerful eyes onto Sakura's sleeping form and covered her mouth in horror.

Anbu Root Building

"Danzo, this search for us has gone on for too long." Ryo complained to himself while gazing out the tinted color windows with narrowed eyes. He hated staying in the old man's room in a building that was designed for Root Anbu for the past two weeks. It was torturous on him and he could only imagine how Sayu felt. He glanced over to her and his eyes soften slightly. She was laid out on the bed in the room they have been staying in. Her hazel eyes were cloudy and her expression one of sadness. He knew Sayu was an active creature by nature and was bored easily. She liked the open air and to be surrounded by nature she's been like that since they were kids.

Being locked up in this hell hole was starting to get to her and making her homesickness stronger. He walked over to the bed and sat beside her. "How are you?" He asked lightly. Sayu barely lifted her head up to him before she laid it back down to stare blankly at the wall. He sighed and lay beside her on the bed. The bed was small so their sides were touching inevitably. He kept his purple colored eyes on her face and took in the structure of it. For being twenty one Sayu sure didn't look her age. She still looked like the seventeen year old girl who annoyed the hell out of him. Her cheeks were beginning to lose its baby fat and her eyes were narrowing out more. Her hazel eyes were becoming more prominent and noticeable, especially with those dark eyelashes of hers. "Are you going to ignore my question." He stated more than asked, already knowing her answer. Sayu brought her gaze to him and stared at him with a blank stare.

"I want to go back home, Ryo." She murmured softly. Ryo's eyes soften lightly at her wish. "We have to finish our mission first." He told her evenly. "After that then we'll go home." Sayu frowned at him and boldly brought her head to rest underneath his chin, cuddling and molding her body in front of his. His eyes widen in surprise. Sayu was never bold enough to cuddle up with him. The last time they cuddle like this was on Sayu's thirteenth birthday and after that night it never happened again until now. He could smell the sweet scent of her shampoo and took it upon himself to bring his nose onto her dark locks of hair and inhale more of it.

Sayu smiled softly against Ryo's shirt and reveled at the warm feeling her heart was experiencing. She was glad she made the move she did instead of letting her fears and insecurities prevent her as it often did throughout the past few years. This mission was by far the most tedious and boring. Danzo was incompetent and she was on the verge of sending the Raikage a letter to persuade him to abandon Danzo and allow them to return home.

The morning after their late night meeting two weeks ago there was a swat of Anbu surveying the Hokage Tower and Konoha Hospital. She was not foolish enough to stay around and headed back to the rendezvous spot. There she saw Ryo angry and frustrated. He shared the same story that she had approach. There was a team of Anbu surrounding the Godaime's Condo meaning Ryo had been spotted leaving her Condo. Ryo was pissed at the luck of that civilian who saw him.

Danzo had been met with them and informed them to stay put, offering his room at his organization, Root Anbu. The old man often forgot to bring them food and water. He surely was on her hit list once this mission was done with. This mission also made her think about what she wanted in life. Did she still want to continue on being a kunoichi for her village? Yes and no. It bothered her that her mind was changing occupations. It was all Konoha's fault. During her spare time she would go to the Academy and watch the children learn. At first she was curios on how Konoha children learn to become Gennin. She wasn't impressed with their requirements since the Academy in her village was much higher, but what she was impressed with was the sense of friendship and bonding.

That bonding made a strong unit that could give any shinobi a long successful career if match with those comrades they've trained with since childhood. Soon her thoughts began to switch to becoming a sensei instead of an active kunoichi. She would still be serving her village actively and will maintain a happy life in her home. She was content with that idea until she saw a woman with her infant. He couldn't have been more than a month hold and her heart began to yearn for one of her own. She had been embarrassed by her sudden desire and pushed that thought to the far reaches of her mind, but since she was forced to be contained in this hell hole she's had a whole lot of free time to think.

Now she was certain of what she wanted. She wanted to become a sensei and help rise new generations of great cloud shinobi and become a wife and mother. The only obstacle she faced now was following her heart when it came to the man beside her. He's had her heart since she was twelve, but he had no idea. Maybe if she told him her plans and show more interest in him, just maybe she could figure out his feelings for her instead of camaraderie.

"Ryo, I'm thinking about teaching at the Academy back home." She revealed softly, her finger tracing small circles on his shirt. She felt him stiffen slightly before he inhaled deeply and released it. "What brought that up?" He asked curious. "You know I get homesick often, by doing that I'll be able to stay home and be productive at the same time." She explained to him. "Hmmm," he sounded out thoughtfully. "That means you will no longer be my partner on missions." He pointed out and his tone was tinge with certain sadness.

Sayu's heart fluttered at the emotion laced in his tone and brought her up to look at his face. She hadn't thought about that aspect of it. She would hardly see him anymore and her heart sank. Maybe she should rethink the whole occupation change. "It was only a thought." She covered up softly before bringing her head back down under his chin. Ryo narrowed his eyes slightly at her. "No it wasn't just a thought, it was a plan." He told her. "You're forgetting how well I know you Sayu." He accused with a raised a brow and in a teasing tone. It made her blush and she buried her face into his shirt to hide it.

She pulled back slightly, leaning her head against his chest. "Well, I would hope you would still come to visit me and I'll do the same too." Ryo chuckled at her before nudging her head with his chin. "I'll think about it but for now let's focus on the mission." He suggested while dropping the subject.

The Ama Compound

The stars were twinkling brightly in the night sky and the moon was full and shining brightly in all its glory. Their arrival to the Ama compound had Neji on edge. He did not wish to see Ten-Ten and hear her and her father discuss the upcoming wedding. They were escorted by a servant and shown to Ama-sama and Ten-Ten. Both were seated on and wearing scowls on their faces. Ten-Ten's eyes were misty with anger. Once they laid eyes on him they instantly brighten up before dropping and breaking eye contact. She felt guilty which she should be. Neji furrowed his brows and wore a stern scowl on.

Haishi took a seat and waited for Neji to take his. Neji followed suit reluctantly and waited on Ama-sama to start the meeting. "Thank you for coming tonight on such short notice Haishi-sama and Neji-san, but this matter was of most importance." He began all the while Ten-Ten remained silent with her gaze glancing towards his directions from time to time. "Yes, I've heard from your messenger that Haruno Sakura was involved in the altercation with Ten-Ten-san. Can you explain what exactly happened from the beginning to end?" Haishi asked his eyes narrowing dangerously as he said the pink haired medic's name.

Ama-sama nodded his head and turned his gaze over to his daughter. "Go ahead and tell them what had happened this afternoon Ten-Ten. Ten-Ten nodded and began to tell her story. Once she was done Neji was nearly losing his patience, but kept his façade composed. Sakura would never strike first without having reason to. "Haruno Sakura had stuck my daughter and threatened her because of her involvement with you Neji-san." Neji frowned and remained silent. He was not going to be a part of something he knew was a lie. "Where did Sakura strike you at again?" He asked as calmly as he was able to. Ten-Ten's eyes widen before she quickly touched her left cheek. "Here, but I-I had gone to the hospital to get it healed." She explained, her cheeks flushing a light red.

Neji glanced over to his Uncle and he could tell that his Uncle did not believe her as well, but was not pointing it out.

"I am sorry that happened Ten-Ten-san." Haishi said before turning over to Neji. "I'm sure if Neji had been with you that would have not occurred." He pointed out with a pointed look. "Yes, I haven't seen you around Neji-san, you are welcome to come and spend time with Ten-Ten here at the Ama compound. I do not like how Ten-Ten always go over to your home, but the courtesy is not reciprocal." Neji and Haishi both furrowed their brows in mild confusion. Ten-Ten averted her gaze to the floor and wanted to disappear. Why couldn't her father leave that out of the conversation?

Ever since that morning at the diner two weeks ago Neji has been avoiding her and thus they didn't spend any time together. So to make it seem that everything was going well with her and Neji to her father she had told him she had been spending time with him and his family. Now Neji and Haishi were looking at her with confuse looks and she hoped they wouldn't put her on the spot. Maybe she should have just kept her altercation with Sakura to herself.

"I agree with Ten-Ten." Ten-Ten and Neji both looked at him with wide eyes. 'You must be joking.' Ten-Ten thought. "I think it is best that Neji spends more time with Ten-Ten and her family. Matter of fact I believe the wedding should be moved up." Neji nearly stood up from his seat at his Uncle's declaration. Ten-Ten on the other hand was smiling brightly. "That's a great idea Hyuuga-sama." She exclaimed before turning to look at her father. "Ino and I have most of the wedding details planned out and it wouldn't take more than three months to have them all ready." She told him smoothly. Her father considered the idea and agreed. "Sounds good to me and what about you Neji-san are you comfortable with the wedding date being pushed up." He asked the younger Hyuuga. Neji felt as if he was going to lose his mind and he's never wanted to runaway so badly in his life as he did right now.

He was about to answer Ama-sama and convince him to annul the marriage instead of pushing the date closer. He was certain he would understand what his daughter and his Uncle did not. Certainly he would not allow his daughter to marry a man who did love her back fully. He would see it as the right thing to do and annul this marriage and save both of them from living miserable lives. But in the end his Uncle ended up answering for him. "We accept and if you need any help with the preparations please feel free to ask." Haishi stated before standing up and making his departure. "Now, I will settle things with Haruno Sakura and she will no longer bother you. Have a goodnight." With that he gave Neji a pointed look and waited for him to bid farewell as well.

With a clenched jaw and tighten fists Neji bid the Ama Clan Head and heiress goodnight. He would have to find time to speak with Ama-sama alone and soon.

A/N: Fast update, I know lol, but don't get use to it though this chapter will count towards the ending of November. Happy Thanksgiving everybody! Next update will be in December. Thank You for reviewing!

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Lady Manami