Hey Wassup. I decided to change their names, Sasuke, Neji and Tenten alias. There not sitting to well with me as they are now. So just a heads up and Enjoy
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the cover art.
Chapter 8
Neji opened his eyes sun beaming in his face. He was leaning against a tree in the middle of grassy meadow. Wind blowing his hair wildly across his face. Where was he? Better yet, how did he get here? His train of thought interrupted by an odd whistle and small figure appeared before him. It was little girl who looked to be around 7 or 8 years old. Who was this kid? And more importantly, why was she staring at him so intensely? And why does she look so happy?
She continued walking across the grass until she reached Neji. After observing the kid more closely, there was something vaguely familiar about her; her smile, those piercing brown eyes and her airbrushed like tan complexion. Even the way she walked screamed out to him. So who was she?
"Uncle Neji" called the little girl
"Uncle Neji?" repeated Neji, hiding his confusion as he stood up
"Come on let's go" she grabbed his hand and started pulling him.
Neji obliged out of curiosity and allowed himself to be pulled by this mini. He matched her pace without breaking the illusion. He took in good glimpse of her side profile and bingo; that's when it hit him. She reminded him of Tenten. That smile and those big brown eyes; how did he not see it before? All those things screamed Tenten. But wait, as far as he knew Tenten has no siblings; had to be a caw inky dink. When they reached this mahogany colored door, she stopped pulling.
"Mommy we're back?" called the little girl, knocking on the door.
The door swung open slowly and Neji followed her inside.
"Mommy, look I found uncle Neji" the child shouted
Neji turned the corner and the young girl's mother was now in view. Tenten stared back at him.
"Yeah, I see that. Long time no see Neji"
So she was Tenten's daughter after all. Explains the resemblance he reasoned.
"Nana sweetie, Mommy needs to talk with uncle Neji in private. So can you go play in your room" asked Tenten, smiling at her mini.
"Okay mommy"
She smiled at her mother before turning her attention to Neji.
"Uncle Neji, I hope you stay longer this time. So momma won't be sad anymore" Nana added
Nana turned away from Neji and ran upstairs with a childlike excitement.
"She reminds me of you" said Neji, turned from
"She does kinda look like me. Doesn't she? "Shrugged Tenten.
Tenten looked….different. She looked tired; her hair lacked its normal luster and she seemed thinner then he remembered. Her eyes didn't shine the way he remembered either. Her smiled was off as well; robotic almost. It seemed to lack her normal charm.
To put it simply, she looked and was older but deep down he knew it was something far deeper. He followed her as she signaled for him to do so. She gestured for him to take a seat at her kitchen table; which was also Mahogany. His eyes followed Tenten has she collected a few things. She placed a tea cup in front of him and small bowl with pieces of Clementine's in it. She sat across from him and slouched a bit into the chair.
"How are you?" asked Neji
"Shouldn't I be the one asking that?" She pointed out.
"I'm fine, though I'm more concerned with you." asked a concerned Prodigy.
"I'm fine Neji, really I'm just tired. Nana is a handful" confessed. Tenten
He wasn't convinced.
"So where is your husband?" asked Neji
"Working as usual" admitted Tenten
"Ah, I see" replied Neji
"What is that supposed to mean?" she asked
"Are you happy?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" she questioned
"You left your entire life behind to move to Suna."
"It was rough at first but I adjusted" she admitted
"I'm sorry, for staying away for so long" revealed Neji
"No, I'm sorry" she confessed
"What for?" questioned Neji
"Look Neji, I have a secret I need to tell you" exclaim Ten
He gave her his undivided attention.
"It's fine. Your entitled to your privacy"
"No it's not Neji" pleaded Tenten
"Whatever it is? I forgive you" Added Neji
"Nana is…what I mean to say is …."
"It's fine"
"Nana… is …our daughter" she finally pushed out.
"I'm aware. She's particularly your twin" he said matter o factly
"No, she's our daughter. Meaning me and you" Tenten corrected
"Seriously, this is no joking matter" he responded after picking his jaw up off the floor.
"I'm not joking" she replied, with a confidence all Tenten
"She's mine?" asked Neji
Tenten nodded
"Then why am I only hearing about this now?" asked Neji
"I …." answered Tenten
"Tenten" responded Neji.
"I was confused okay. I had every intention in telling you. But you left on a long term mission. And before I knew it she was here"
"I would have stood by you" projected Neji
"I know but you were engaged and soon to be married. So were Kankuro and I" She answered truthfully.
He nodded so she would proceed
"She was born without your eyes. And that got me thinking. Not only would they shun you for having a child out of wedlock with someone who was not your wife. They would shun her for being that child. The fact that she lacked the family's kekkei genkai would have caused more issues. So I did what I though was best.
"So why now?"
"She needs her father in her life. Even if she thinks he's her uncle" finished Tenten
"Thank you, for telling me"
He walked around the table and pulled Tenten into a long embrace. Tenten's arms stayed limp at her side. Neji tightened his grip around her waist pulling her closer. Tenten tensed up in response. He left go putting some distance between. She sat back down watching him intently.
"Does he know?" asked Neji
"Yes, since before she was born. He really is a wonderful man and I owe him so much" Answered Tenten
"Why does it sound like you're trying to convince yourself rather than me?" asked Neji.
"Maybe it's a little bit of both" she admitted taking a sip of the tea she poured.
Neji took in her words never taking his eyes off her.
"Why do you keep looking at me like that?"
Neji smiled.
"I'm happy to see you is all" he admitted
"Me too. You know, for a while I was convinced you hated me." Finished Tenten
She patted his hand affectionately.
"I can't say I'm not bothered by all of this but you did what you felt was best. Regardless of what happen between; I could never hate you" finished Neji
"Thank you Neji." she said with relief washing over her.
"So should we tell her?"
"As happy as I am about this news; it's better if she doesn't know" he admitted
"Why not?" questioned Tenten
"Things could get messy. I'd rather not put you two through that" exclaimed Neji
"Very well then" she sunk back into her chair
"So tell me about her" asked Neji
"Neji, she's so smart. She's perceptive and independent. Respectful but sweet and then there are times when she acts just like you. She gets this look in her eyes; her face turns blank and unreadable. I've seen you do that more times than I can count"
Neji nods and listens to Tenten rave about Nana.
"She loves herring soba and hates pumpkin. But oddly enough, she claims she's in love with Lee. She says she wants to marry him one day. And Lee being the youthful person that he is plays along with her." Tenten chuckles
"We have a little princess on our hands"
"So who named her" asked Neji
"You did" clarified Tenten
"Excuse me?" asked Neji
"I don't quite remember when exactly. But you said if you ever had a daughter you would name her Nana." shared Tenten
"If I recall correctly; you weren't a fan" questioned Neji
"You're right. But it fits her pretty well. Don't you think?" finished Tenten
"Yes, thank you again" said Neji, brushing stray hairs out her face
"Stop staring. You're making me uncomfortable?"
"I've missed you" he admitted
"Me too but this is weird"
"How so" asked Neji
"Were both married, this is inappropriate. I mean are you trying to ruin our friendship" questioned Neji
"No, if being your friend is what it takes to be with you. I can do that"
"This again Neji, Really?" she stated, sighing in disbelief
"I can't believe I'm saying this but I'll humor you for a minute"
"I want you…and Nana" he answered
"Hypothetically speaking, Then what?" she curiously asked
"I'd do whatever it takes to make sure both of you are happy" he said
"Are you really willing to step on other people's happiness to get what you want? What about Nana? Are you really cold enough to take away everything she's come to know? What about your wife? What will happen to her? Kankuro, I know you've never been fond of him but he took in your daughter and raised her like his own. Can you really say fuck him that easily? What about me Neji? Does what I want matter at all?" she finished winded.
"Still I would" he said
"I guess I was wrong about you all the years. You really don't care about anybody but yourself" she said
"That's absurd" demanded Neji
"Is it really?"
"There was a time when that was true but I've changed"
"Enough, I think you better go" said Tenten
~ Fades to Black ~
ooOoo
Neji be lying if he said he wasn't still irritated about last night. Never would he have though there would ever be a day where Tenten chose Uchiha over him; that was true until yesterday. Sleep usually brought comfort but not his most recent dream added doubts. Did her relationships with
But what bothered him the most were her words; the way she looked at him when she said it. Did she honestly believe what she said? Tenten was one of the strongest kunoichi he knew and he trusted her without fail. Maybe he has gone a bit overboard; Gai Sensei was right after all. The green beast was right about most things. Maybe his actions were misplaced but he acted the way he did because he cared. He was worried and not because she was weak but because it was hard to see in any state other than being happy. And maybe just maybe guilt pinch of guilt caused him his overprotective streak.
Neji snapped out of his reverie when the office door opened. Shikahara slipped out providing a much needed distraction. Neji greeted her like the gentleman he was.
"So where to now my lady" asked Neji.
"To council office." she said, taking his arm
"I'll be taking over sooner than originally expected. I need to start preparing"
"I will accompany you wherever I am needed. How were things yesterday?" Asked Neji, as they exited central office
"I received another letter"
"Well, what did it say this time?"
"Same as the others; with the addition of you"
"I was under the impression that our engagement wasn't public knowledge"
"You're correct, what are you getting at?"
"Your stalker is most likely someone close to you" revealed Neji
"Aside from the council; have you discussed it with anyone else?"
"My parents but there not even in full disclosure about our arrangement. And Shun San my father's assistant"
"You don't think he has anything to do with it. Do you? He's taken care of me my entire life"
"I need to investigate more to be sure" Finished Neji
They continued their walk in silence for a while longer before Shikahara broke the silence.
"So how are you doing today?" she asked
"Good. Why do you ask?"
"You have bags under your eyes. Seems like you haven't been sleeping much"
"Nothing, to worry yourself over"
This was true. As a shinobi, you learn to function on little sleep due to necessity. But they weren't in hostile territory. No real threat; but throwing caution to the wind wasn't wise either. As a shinobi you also learn to adapt to your environment and this Neji was something he excelled in.
"My father is planning a dinner and hopes you and your family will attend"
"When?"
"Wednesday evening"
"I will let you know tomorrow"
ooOoo
Today was the big day; the day she awaited and dreaded at the same time. She felt honored to be able to pass along her experience but still she couldn't shake he nervousness. These students would possibly be the first wave of shinobi of this village. Did Lady Tsunade really think this through; sending someone who is unexperienced to instruct staff and or/ students at this capacity.
The room door slid open and a few of her students filed in talking amongst themselves. She mentality took a head count as a few more walked in. The alarm on her watch went off signaling it was time for class. She took another head account and only 10 students were accounted for. As if on cue, the classroom door swung open once again. Her newly assigned assistant Haru Izumi entered with what she would assume was her missing students in tow; one across the shoulder and the other being pulled by the his collar across the floor. So these must be the trouble makers, I was hearing about. She smirked once before wiping any signs of emotion off her face.
She watched as her small class lined up horizontally in front of the sitting area. She stood next to Haru and waited to be passed the reins.
"My name is Hanari Rado a Jounin from the Village Hidden in the Leaf. My job is to provide you with the tools to start your career as a shinobi. So don't be afraid to ask questions because they may be the difference between life and death while out on the field."
"Haru Sensei and I will alternate between lectures and combat training. First things first, I need to gauge where you guys and girls are. There are some words on the board behind you. I need each of you to explain these things to the best of your ability. This won't be graded nor will you be penalized for it. In order to teach you properly, I need to know where you are. I would prefer you write your names on the paper but that is optional"
"Are there any questions?"
Her students were shocked by her announcement and if the noises they mad weren't enough the looks on their faces would confirm what she already knew.
"After where done with the written portion. It's break time and then your combat test"
ooOoo
The class finished their written exam and took this break. And before they knew it, they were outside on the training grounds meeting with their new Sensei.
"What is a shinobi's greatest ally? And introduce yourself before answering." posed Tenten
She walked over to the first student on the far left. And pointed to one the trouble makers from this morning.
"The name is Naoki Saito and my answer is a Kunai" answered the eager blonde
"Strength, Junori Ikari" answered Nori.
"Daisuke Shikahara and Chakra is my guess" answered the village second in line.
"Jutsu and I'm Kage Yamada"
"Kuri Hinata….uhh Agility" answered the class runt
"Accuracy, Shuuichi Uneo"
"My name is Aoi Harada and I'd say Versatility" answered her first female student
"Stealth" the young man bowed "Nobu Misaki"
"Will power, Masao Misaki" she spoke after her cousin.
"…."
"…."
"No clue"
"Not sure?"
"All great answers but I was looking for was a sound mind; the ability to think on your feet and act accordingly. This will always be the difference between success and failure." Said Tenten
She watched as they grunted and chattered amongst themselves before nipping it in the butt.
"Listen up. I'm splitting you all into three groups of four. So show me your best."
Her students were set up in three groups of four as evenly matched as possible. She made two shadow clones so they could monitor the other fights. And they got down to business.
ooOoo
After dismissing her class, Tenten took her time packing up for the day. Haru left with the students and now she was on her way home. Hopefully to a peaceful house and that would only happen if her male counter parts were still out. Tenten opened the door and outside stood Sasuke and the academic director Yamamoto.
"Rado San, How was your first day?" asked Director Yamamoto
"Better than expected to be honest" admitted Tenten
"How rude of me? " she apologized and gestured toward Sasuke.
"This is Satoshi Arai, an inspector from Konoha." director Yamamoto
Tenten decided to play along until she heard "inspector". Sasuke smirked at her.
"Have you two met before?" asked Yamamoto once again.
"Yes, Actually he's my..."
"Fiancée" finished Sasuke
This surprised the older woman and not for the reasons you would think. They were young, so very young as far as she was concerned.
"He is quite the catch I take it then" suggested the older woman
"I believe...so" said Tenten, as she received an unexpected hug from the Uchiha.
"I was escorting him off the premises but seeing that your hear. That won't be necessary"
This woman was not leaving fast enough as far as Sasuke was concerned. He kissed Tenten gently on her cheek. This surprised Tenten to no avail but her mask was flawless.
"I'm sorry for any trouble he may have caused" Apologized Tenten generally
"Excuse me?" asked Sasuke, did she forget he was standing right there.
"I'll be going now. For future reference, I hope this won't become a thing"
"No Ma'am" said Tenten as the older women walked off.
"So uh, what part of surprised did you not understand?" asked Tenten
"It's better this way"
"Good luck explaining this to Lady Tsunade" she shook her head
The mere though was flinch worthy. But Sasuke Uchiha doesn't flinch dammit. Tenten walked away without any warning. He rushed, to catch up with her.
"Don't tell me your still angry" he asked, actually curious
"About what?" pondered Tenten
"About last night?" directed Sasuke
"I was a jerk, wasn't I?" asked Tenten
"Yeah you were"
"Hey… I guess I deserved that" she huffed
"Look whether you make up with him or not makes me no difference. Had things been reverse, I would have done the same"
She knew Sasuke was right. And Neji was always rational. He was just looking out for her.
"So how much for this session"
"Much more then you're willing to give" Teased Sasuke
"I hate you" snapped Tenten
What did you think? Let me know via comments or PM. Also, I finished editing all my old material so updates are going to take longer from now on. If I take too long, feel free to remind me. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to hear from you
S. Hollyhood 05/15/2015