I'll warn you now that this is not the best or most exciting chapter in this Fic. Not much happens, other than a whole lot of talking, but I had to put it here to support the furthering of plot.
Bear with me? :)
Chrisaa Tomoko: Yes, it was. :) Yeah, he was wearing a helmet, but the arrow still grazed that thick head of his. Luckily he was all right. :D
Shubhs: Yeah. . . Not me! :D
Neguru Sucashi: Thank you. :)
neji's goddess: Thanks.
Afictionado: Yeah, but I really don't see Neji as the type to sit back and deal with things from a distance. So he's going to be doing more battle. . . Yeah. :) I probably should have given the messenger a bit more background. He's not an official messenger, he's a civilian who managed to get away undetected. He came to Neji on his own accord. Because of that, he's unprepared and unskilled to "ride all night" so-to-speak. Besides, if Neji had let him go that night, the messenger would have had to camp by the side of the road til morning anyway. :) Mulan? Me too. :D
Disclaimer: M. Kishimoto owns this. I do not.
Visitors.
Neji finished things with Kakashi and left with his reduced unit the following day.
Their two week ride was, at the most, leisurely, even though the slow pace was chafing Neji. He was ready to be back at a defended fort, not riding on open ground where they could easily be taken by surprise.
When they finally crested the small hill that revealed Fort Minato, Neji couldn't be more relieved. They began trotting towards the gate.
Neji skimmed the ground, his eyes narrowing as he noticed upturned ground. His eyes flitted up to scan the rest of the perimeter, anxious. Had there been an attack?
Shino greeted them as they filed tiredly into the gate, Yamato standing next to him.
Neji dismounted and sternly gazed at them.
"There was a fight, wasn't there?"
Shino nodded wordlessly.
"What are the losses?" Neji continued, weary of losing anyone else when they were already so low on number.
"Two and three horses. Nothing major." Shino read Neji's exhausted expression. "What happened at Fort Kikyo?"
Neji shook his head darkly; a small gesture to inform him they'd discuss it later.
Moegi appeared at his side to take Neji's mare, but Neji dismissed her, taking his own horse to the stables.
TenTen was there, unsaddling her grey gelding. She treated him to a small smile and placed her tack on a small shelf in her horse's stable.
"Glad to be back, Commander? I could see you fidgeting the whole ride."
"I wasn't fidgeting, but yes, I'm glad to be back." He paused, retrieving a brush for his horse. "At least we'll have a week or so before Wind's royal family gets here."
TenTen was quiet for a moment, feeding the gelding a sugar cube from her breeches pocket.
"Have you met them before? The royal family?"
Neji blinked, staring at the straw that covered the stable floor.
"Once or twice. Naruto is on fairly good terms with the king."
TenTen's eyebrows raised in surprise.
"How so?"
Neji shrugged, combing through the nits of the mare's mane.
"He's an easy person to become friends with, if you haven't noticed. He'd have been perfect use for the queen as an ambassador, but Naruto chose knighthood instead. . . His father was the old king, before he died."
"Why didn't Naruto get handed the crown? If he's Minato Namikaze's son. . ."
Neji hesitated; the information was not something Naruto readily shared. But Neji doubted the blonde would mind if he told TenTen. He trusted her, after all.
"Naruto was born illegitimate. He took his mother's name—his father died before Naruto even knew him, and with Naruto being born out of wedlock his mother was shamed into leaving him on his own. Though, she left him with everything Minato earned during his reign. A house in Queen's City, money for expenses, everything."
TenTen slowly shook her head, her brown eyes trained on Neji's face.
"It's a pity, isn't it? Growing up all alone?"
Neji was sure she didn't mean to train this question on him, but nonetheless, he felt targeted.
He did not answer, and soon after, TenTen left the stables, leaving Neji to himself.
-
Neji spent the remaining week and a half vexing over numbers.
There was no way he could travel to Queen's City for recruits and get back before the Wind's royal family arrived.
All Neji could do was hope Itachi didn't attack while they were here. It would be enough stress getting everything ready enough for the royal family along with worrying over if Itachi would show up.
It was all Neji could take to be cordial, with all of his duties on his mind.
Neji cleared his head with walks outside the walls and the fort ramparts.
On one night, TenTen decided to join him.
He hadn't spoken with her since their return to Fort Minato, though he'd seen her walking around and in the mess.
TenTen careened into him as she left the mess, accompanying him to the western rampart.
She rambled for a little while before falling silent.
TenTen easily set herself on the rampart wall, facing Neji.
She considered him quietly, eventually saying, "Are you feeling any better? Kiba said you got a spear in your side that was fairly deep."
Absentmindedly, Neji touched his side, wincing at the pain his injury still provided.
"Yes. It's healing, but slowly. Sakura just removed the infection and took out the worst parts. She's letting the skin knit back together."
TenTen showed him a clumsy smile.
"That's good. It'd be awful to have you confined to bed when the royal family is here."
"It'd be much easier. I wouldn't have to bother with being on my best behavior."
TenTen snorted.
"Best behavior? Are you saying there's a time when you're not polite? You always seem like a gentleman to me."
Neji was not going to disprove her, so all he said was, "Looks can sometimes be deceiving."
TenTen grinned.
"That they are, Commander. What do you find deceiving about me?"
Her question made Neji nervous, for some inexplicable reason. Nevertheless, he answered after looking her over.
"You're deadlier than you look."
This pleased her; her smile broadened to show teeth, her eyes bright.
"I take that as a compliment, actually."
Neji shook his head.
"Somehow, I'm not surprised. Kiba said you were different."
The skin around TenTen's eyes crinkled, confused.
"You've been asking Kiba about me?" she inquired.
Neji pursed his mouth.
"Not exactly. He just mentioned you were . . . different than other women."
"In a negative way?" TenTen posed, heels kicking the rampart wall.
"No. In a different way."
TenTen rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Fine. I'll permit that, I suppose. Do you want to know what they said about you?"
Neji smiled at the dark, starry sky.
"You've been asking about me?" he repeated, borrowing her words from before.
TenTen aimed a kick to his legs, but Neji easily moved out of her range.
"Yes," TenTen muttered, disgruntled. "I like to know who I'm taking orders from."
Neji didn't think this was her only excuse, but he didn't say so.
"What have you learned about me then?" Neji invited, noting the winter constellations.
TenTen drew her knees into her chest, carefully balancing her body on the rampart wall.
"From what Kiba said, you're infamous for your philanthropy."
Neji rolled his eyes.
"Kiba was probably being an ass, as is his nature."
TenTen grinned wickedly.
"Funny, he said the same thing about you," she retorted, good-natured. After a pause, she continued, "He also said you are undoubtedly fair in all matters, domestic or otherwise."
TenTen thoughtfully bit her lip, studying him.
"I've already seen this last trait. The way you handled those soldiers in the mess, and the way you treat Itachi's dead soldiers. You're honorable."
Neji was not surprised by the revelation.
He stated, "All knights are expected to be honorable."
"Yes, but how many knights are you aware of that actually are? That would do that for Itachi's soldiers?"
Neji did not reply on this point, but he asked, "And you, Lieutenant? I don't know much about you, other than your parentage."
"Please call me TenTen. 'Lieutenant' is too formal. As for the other, ask me anything."
Neji raised his eyebrows, but hid it from her view.
"You're sure you want to give me that freedom? I might take advantage," he offered.
"I don't think you will," TenTen murmured, sounding optimistic. "From what I can grasp, you're too much of a gentleman."
This again, Neji thought, quietly amused.
"Fine. Goodnight."
"Wait, Commander," TenTen said.
Neji heeded her, watching as she unfolded her legs and nimbly jumped to the ground beside him.
Neji shook his head at her as they traveled down the ramparts.
"You're so strange, you know that?"
"Yes. But that's why you're so intrigued by me, isn't it?"
Neji didn't answer.
-
The royal family of the Wind Country was composed of three siblings, the youngest child being the present king.
The Wind Country's history was as extensive as Fire's, and their past was littered with bloody battles and ill-meant alliances.
However, since the change in authority, things had improved between the Wind and countries surrounding it. The Fire Country, the Wind's chief ally, was at the top of the list.
With the Fire's war, Wind had offered its assistance and troops as a peace offering.
Tsunade would have been stupid to decline.
Gaara glanced at his sister out of the corner of his eye. She was wearing an irritated expression. Gaara tried not to smile; she had been irritable for over half the journey, and Kankuro hadn't been much better.
"Gaara?" called out the king's older brother.
Gaara turned his flaming head to acknowledge his brother.
Kankuro pointed with his forefinger.
"Is that it?"
Gaara looked.
Yes, it was their location. Fort Minato.
"Yes, Kankuro. That is our objective."
Kankuro grinned wolfishly.
"Perfect."
Gaara knew the look well and easily maneuvered his horse away from Kankuro.
A second later, the king's brother thundered down the small hill, laughing.
-
Neji was slightly startled to see a man come riding up to their gate, dressed in a loose shirt, jerkin, and breeches.
With hesitation, a soldier from the ramparts called down to him.
"State your name and purpose, sir!"
The man smiled, not a little roughishly.
"Prince Kankuro Sabaku, brother to King Gaara of the Land of Wind!" the man called up loudly.
The soldier glanced at Neji, who was focused on a group of twelve at the crest of a hill. King Gaara's vivid red hair was all Neji needed to see.
He nodded to the soldier, who gestured for the gate to open.
Kankuro rode past the large doors and dismounted from his horse, patting the gelding's neck as Neji walked up to him.
Neji bowed shortly.
"Prince Kankuro, welcome to Fort Minato. I am Commander Neji Hyuga. I'm in charge here."
Kankuro gruffly reached out and shook Neji's hand, analyzing him with small, dark eyes.
"Yeah, my brother's mentioned you before. He holds you in high esteem."
Neji briefly inclined his head in thanks, and searched around for Moegi. She came forward, clearly getting Neji's drift.
"My squire, Moegi," Neji introduced as Moegi bowed, taking the reins from Kankuro's hands. Moegi fed the gelding a sugar cube and goaded it to the stables.
Kankuro shoved his hands into his pockets, gazing around swiftly.
"Your journey was sufficient?" Neji prompted politely.
"Boring as hell, actually. But, hey, I can't really complain. Gaara's got all this business with the queen, and Temari and I get to see Konohagakure finally."
Neji nodded evenly, flicking his eyes to see the individual who had arrived at his side.
"Kankuro," Naruto greeted with a wry smile.
The other man's mouth broadened into a grin.
"Well, if it isn't the blonde idiot. How ya doing?"
Naruto clapped Kankuro agreeably on the shoulder.
"Alright, I guess. I can't really complain with all of these exemplary people around."
Kankuro snorted, undignified.
"Since when did your knucklehead brain get smart?"
"It didn't," came Shikamaru's bland voice.
Kankuro smirked briefly at the younger man, whom he was also on fair good terms with.
A moment later, Gaara and his remaining counterparts rode into the fort, dismounting and looking around.
Gaara was more finely dressed than his brother, his ever-somber face remaining impassive as he glanced over the men before him. Gaara's strange pistachio eyes found Neji. The flicker of a smile played on his mouth for a second before it disappeared.
"Commander," Gaara murmured in his low, gravelly tone.
Neji bowed.
"Your Highness. Welcome to Fort Minato."
"Thank you. It is refreshing to be in a new place after such long travel."
"Would you like to retire to your room, Highness?"
Gaara considered it, then said, "Yes, please. I am very tired."
Neji nodded swiftly, glancing briefly at Kankuro and their sister, Temari, whom he had never met before.
"Would the prince and princess like to be shown their rooms as well?"
Temari nodded, Kankuro shook his head.
Neji set off, leaving the king and the princess's horses to the guards that had come with them, silently directing Naruto to show them where the stables were.
Gaara walked next to Neji as they advanced across the fort, Neji leading them to the guest barracks.
"Neji, it has been a while since I've last conversed with you," Gaara began mannerly.
Neji nodded.
"Yes, it has. Have you been well?"
"Very. Traveling just makes me weary. Tell me—how are things here at Fort Minato?"
Neji hesitated. If he were honest, Gaara would realize he wasn't exactly in a safe place. Not that he would mind, but it would be ill fate to tell him so. Neji pushed these thoughts away. Gaara wouldn't have asked if he hadn't wanted the truth.
"Itachi Uchiha likes to attack regularly. A few weeks ago we attended the aid of Captain Hatake at Fort Kikyo. Uchiha had him under siege."
Gaara pursed his mouth at this news, thinking.
"I assume you restored Fort Kikyo to its former order?"
"Yes, but not without heavy loss."
Gaara frowned deeply.
"That is . . . disappointing to hear. My condolences."
Neji did not speak as he opened the doors to Gaara and Temari's rooms.
With a few gracious words, Neji was permitted to leave.
Tiredly, he exited the barracks, pinching the bridge of his nose to relieve some of the pressure.
A hand touched his arm.
Neji looked down, meeting his squire's eyes.
"The horses are all right?" he asked.
Moegi nodded dutifully.
"Yes, sir. They have some ticks though from the journey. . . Should I—?"
"If the owners don't do it, then yes. But wait a few hours. They're tired from their journey."
Moegi turned to leave but then looked back at her knight, squinting at him analytically.
"Maybe they're not the only ones tired, Commander. You should rest before tonight. I'll wake you if the king or his siblings request your presence."
Neji considered it and finally smiled at his young apprentice.
"Thank you, Moegi. I'd appreciate it."
The orange-haired girl grinned and trotted off to gods-know-where.
-
When Moegi woke him, it was early evening.
"Suppertime, Commander," she imparted before leaving his room, closing the door behind her.
Neji sighed and stared up at the ceiling. He forced himself up and over to his wash basin, wiping a wet cloth over his face.
Neji redressed in fresher clothes and left the officer's barracks, moving towards the mess hall.
He was surprised to see the three nobility sitting among his eight captains and lieutenants; he had assumed they would take supper in their rooms.
The eleven were lounging around a long table, friendly chattering spilling around them.
Neji accepted his food from the cooks and took a seat by Lee, near the head of the table. Chewing his roll, Neji studied the table.
Gaara was in what appeared to be deep conversation with Naruto, who was gingerly shaking his head. Kankuro was guffawing with Kiba, clenching cups that were no doubt filled with alcohol. Shikamaru and Shino entertained the king's sister with a game of chess, Shikamaru's lieutenant, Choji Akimichi, enthralled as well. Naruto's lieutenant, Sai, sat next to TenTen, talking. When Neji glanced her over, TenTen met his eyes and smiled. Neji broke the gaze, locating the remaining lieutenant of Squad Three, Torune.
"Commander?" called Gaara's strong voice.
Neji looked at him.
"I think now would be an ample time to tell my siblings and I just how murderous this Itachi Uchiha is."
Neji swallowed, carefully forming his words.
"The siege I told you of earlier?"
Gaara inclined his head, remembering.
"More than half of our number were lost in battle."
Gaara remained silent, obviously wishing more information.
Shikamaru contributed, not looking up from his chess game, "There's some suspicion on where he's getting all of his soldiers. A town near here was burned to the ground a month ago. Apparently, there were no survivors."
"There were tracks, though," TenTen interrupted, eyes focused on the redheaded ruler. "If they took hostages, they could be using them for his armies."
Gaara did not respond, but his disturbed expression left little to the imagination.
"Are your women so loose with their tongues, Commander?" directed Kankuro a second later, drinking from his cup as he glanced sideways at TenTen.
TenTen's cheeks flushed, her brown eyes bright with indignation.
She looked at Neji curiously, asking a question with her defiant eyes.
Neji shifted his gaze to Kankuro.
"That woman is the lieutenant of Squad Two. She can say whatever she wishes."
Kankuro's expression quickly turned sour, though Neji thought he saw Gaara smirk a little.
The conversation turned to different matters concerning the queen and the battles taking place.
Neji stayed out of it other than mediating arguments and offering opinions when asked.
After long, everyone started drifting out of the mess hall, including Sunagakure's king. His brother and sister remained, as did Neji, TenTen, Naruto, and Shikamaru with a spattering of soldiers.
With a small smile at Neji, TenTen stood, passing the table to reach the door. Before she could even surpass the table though, Kankuro did something discreet, his hand behind his back.
The next thing Neji knew, TenTen had whirled around and smacked Kankuro hard across the face.
"Don't ever touch me again, you bastard," she hissed before striding quickly out of the mess.
Kankuro nursed his cheek and shot Neji a hard look.
Finding himself irrevocably in the middle, Neji stood and started after TenTen.
She was a few feet from the mess door, walking fast for the soldier's barracks.
"You can't do that," Neji found himself calling, stopping short.
He heard her sigh roughly and tread back to him. Neji could see her face now, crimson with lividity.
"I already did, Commander. And you can't retract facial injuries."
Neji shook his head.
"He's the brother of the king, TenTen. You can't just take your frustration out on him. There's protocol."
"I don't care about protocol," she murmured. "He overstepped his boundaries."
Neji exhaled and ran a hand over his face.
When he looked back up, TenTen was glaring up at him, gaze harsh.
"If you're not aware, Commander," she spat, "women have rights in this country. And one of those rights is to refuse men who wish to pursue me. I will not allow some over-arrogant foreigner to bed me like a whore, understand?"
Neji stood still, taking in her inflicting words.
TenTen blinked, and then the anger slipped from her face, though it never left her eyes. She was tired.
With a small gesture to the mess, TenTen said quietly, "Look after Captain Nara this evening. The sister will jump his bones if no one's looking."
And then she turned and strode to the soldier's barracks.
Neji forced himself to return to the mess, even though his energy had left him.
He gave Kiba an apology, though the man hardly deserved one.
Following TenTen's assault on the brother of the king, the mess emptied.
Neji rubbed his head, easing the pain.
"You can't blame her, Neji. Kankuro was out of line."
"I know," Neji released. "But he's nobility, and she is not."
Naruto let out a harsh laugh. Neji glanced up to see Naruto shake his head.
"Since when are you one of those guys who thinks nobility has more right than others? You didn't used to be so concerned with class. And if I'm not mistaken, your uncle hardly considered you nobility, despite your last name."
Neji knew he was right, but he couldn't stop himself from saying, "It's a serious crime, assaulting nobility like Kankuro."
Naruto angrily glared at Neji.
"That might be true, but you forget, Commander, it's your job to look out for the squads and the soldiers in it. That means watching TenTen's back, no matter if she's in the wrong or not."
Neji allowed the words to soak in.
"Think about that the next time you decide to admit aloud who you'll protect. Next time, it probably won't be someone as lenient as Gaara's family."
-
The Wind's royal family left only two days later, needing to be on their way before snow started to fall.
Neji was relieved.
Since Naruto's talk with him, Neji had ventured to keep his mouth shut for the duration of the family's stay.
It was clear to Neji that TenTen was angry with him for reprimanding her. She avoided him in the mess and didn't join him on his nightly walks on the ramparts.
This was fine by Neji.
He needed time to craft an apology.
Gaara and his group left at midday.
After finishing his goodbyes to the other captains, Gaara turned to Neji, addressing him last.
"Thank you for making our stay comfortable, and the information you provided us with. It will help us when we cultivate the treaty."
Neji nodded and bowed.
"Safe travel to you and your companions, Your Highness."
Gaara briefly grasped Neji's shoulder, seeming as if he wanted to say something more. He didn't though, and a second later they were riding out the fort's gate, headed for Queen's City and the treaty that would hopefully bring this war to an end.
:/
I'm really not pleased with it, to be honest.
But I hope next chapter will be better, considering all the things I have in store.
:D
Review, if you please.