If you can believe it, this chapter is over 7000 words, at least one thousand more than Siege. :D
Also, I'm updating a little earlier than usual because I'm going to be very busy over the next few days. Look at it as an early Christmas gift, if you wish. ;D
neji's goddess: Thanks!
Afictionado: Thank you!
Shubhs: Hehe. I don't think I could survive without updating something. :D Hahahah.
Chirisaa Tomoko: This one's longer. ;D
Jalician: Ew. Kankuro/TenTen? Icky. ;) Yeah, I don't think I could paint her any other way.
Neguru Sucashi: You get plenty of fluff this chapter, my dear. Enjoy it. :D
Drea1284: Yeah, well, Kankuro's drunk, so you can't blame his pigness on just him. Blame it on the a-a-alcohol. Hahah. Thanks!
Disclaimer: Kishimoto-sensei owns this. He's teaching me his ways. . .
Home.
It was safe to say that Sasuke Uchiha was a restless soul. Since his brother's ruthless murder of their entire family, Sasuke had had to spend his life on the run.
It was no accident, his survival. His brother had a sick and twisted mind. Though Itachi had claimed Sasuke lived because of his own generosity, Sasuke himself doubted. Itachi always had a reason for his actions. And he was a good liar. Too good, for Sasuke's tastes.
On the night of his family's murder, Sasuke had fled. This action probably pointed guilty fingers to his person, but Sasuke hardly cared. Survival was an instinct he had grown to live with. And part of that instinct was to ignore accusations.
Spending nearly fourteen alone in the wilderness made Sasuke strong and dependent on himself. He was skilled at hunting, archery, and a number of other qualities that supported his lonesome lifestyle.
But now, after his fourteen years as a hermit, Sasuke had finally decided to return to society.
His reason was simple, and something he had been planning for so long, it was his only source of drive.
Sasuke Uchiha was going to kill his brother, and he'd be damned if he allowed anyone to interrupt his quest.
-
Several days after the Wind royal family left for Queen's City, Neji went into the northern woods to survey the grounds.
Shino had informed him that the attack that took place while they were absent had emerged from these woods. Apparently, it had not been a huge cavalry, around fifty soldiers altogether. They had retreated after a few hours, though. From what Shino had said, Itachi had not led them.
This was weary news, not knowing where the man was. Neji had at least expected a visit from him by now. The only reason he could come up with for the Uchiha's absence was that he was planning something else. Something important.
After seeing that nothing was out of order, Neji rode back to the fort.
Lee was waiting for him.
"A messenger came while you were out," he started as Neji dismounted.
Lee held out a piece of unraveled parchment. Neji took it, reins in his other hand.
It was addressed solely to Neji from the queen, requesting him to visit Queen's City as soon as physically possible.
The letter offered no explanation as to why Neji must go to Queen's City, so Neji had to assume it was important.
He looked up to Lee, gesturing to the paper.
"I have to leave."
Lee nodded, worry in his dark eyes.
"She didn't give a reason? That's unlike her."
Neji shrugged, his mind thinking ahead.
"Perhaps something with the royal family?" he proposed to Lee as they started towards the stables.
"Maybe. What would they need from you though?"
Neji shook his head. This was odd indeed.
Neji considered his friend and second-in-command.
"You'll be alright while I'm gone? I'm unsure how long she'll keep me."
Lee nodded surely.
"Yes. We will manage fine. . ." Lee looked Neji in the eyes, curiosity reading in his dark irises. "Will you visit your uncle while in Konoha? He'll be upset if he learns of your presence and don't venture to see him."
Neji bit his tongue. Truthfully, he had already started to plan his aversion to his family during his stay in Queen's City, but Lee presented a good point. He would be in exceptional trouble if his uncle learned why Neji did not visit while he was in town.
The dark-headed commander sighed grumpily.
"I suppose you're correct, Lee," Neji ultimately released. "Even though I'd rather not see him at all."
Comfortingly, Lee gripped Neji's shoulder.
"Look on the brightside of things. You get to see Hinata and Guy."
Neji nodded, feeling no better.
"Thank you," he murmured to Lee.
"When will you leave?" Lee inquired, walking slowly to the stable entrance.
"Tomorrow. I need time to pack and get things together."
"All right. I'll go inform the other captains for you."
Lee left the stable mouth, heading to the officer's barracks to locate the four other captains. Neji watched him go, thoughtful on his trip. He hadn't seen his hometown in many months, and it was no secret he missed it.
"When the war is over," Neji promised his mare, patting her neck. "When the war is over we'll go home."
The mare lipped his tunic sleeve in agreement.
-
At dinner, Neji made notes of what the four squads needed. This was a perfect trip to gather more supplies and hopefully some recruits from the newer graduated classes of knights.
By the time Neji returned to his room, he was thoroughly exhausted, though he did not permit himself to rest just yet.
After assuring Moegi was packing appropriately, Neji began his own packing.
He was nearly done when he saw someone at the corner of his eye, waiting in his open door.
It was TenTen, dressed in a loose tunic and breeches.
"I want to come with you to Queen's City," she said without preamble, her voice controlled.
Neji straightened, looking her in the face.
"What do you mean?" he asked, bewildered.
TenTen half-shrugged, crossing her arms.
"I want to come," TenTen repeated, face calm.
Neji shook his head at her.
"What reason do you have to go?"
"I don't have one, really. Other than I need to gather some recruits for Squad Two. You remember we had the most losses at the siege, Commander."
"You think my choices won't be sufficient?"
TenTen frowned slightly.
"No, it's just that it would be easier for me to pick out what we need better. I am the second-in-command of Squad Two, so I understand better what we need. Besides, you'll be way too busy with the queen to bother who you recruit. I'm relieving you of responsibility, Commander. I suggest you do yourself a favor and let me come along."
Neji blinked.
"What of the other lieutenants? They don't wish to come as well?" he muttered, turning back to his packing.
TenTen moved further into his room, once again entering his line of vision.
"They can come, but I doubt any have asked you or you wouldn't be trying to dissuade me."
Neji smirked, unable to hide it. He looked up, meeting her unbending brown eyes.
"You can come if Kiba says it's all right."
TenTen smiled, trying to keep the triumph from her grin.
"That won't be a problem. I'll see you in the morning, Commander," she called over her shoulder as she left his room, treading down the officer's barracks to rap on Kiba's door.
-
TenTen was already saddling her horse when Neji and Moegi meandered into the stables the next morning.
She grinned at them cheerily.
"Morning," she greeted.
"Good morning," Moegi replied, not a little shy as she walked to the stall that held her roan pony.
Neji ignored TenTen as he bridled his mare, not speaking until he began to tie his saddlebags to the ridged seat on his mare's back.
"I guess Kiba gave you permission, then?"
"Yes. He said I'm the only choice to keep you in line."
Neji grimaced.
"Kiba should know better that I don't need looking after," he finally responded.
Neji looked up. TenTen was grinning.
"That's what I told him."
Neji rolled his eyes at his mare. She whinnied commiseration.
-
They traveled all day with little stops.
Along the way, TenTen rode mostly with Moegi.
At one point during a stop, Neji saw TenTen unlatch her longbow from her horse and string it, handing it to Moegi.
Neji watched as TenTen instructed the young girl on shooting, appropriating her small hands around the string and arrow.
After TenTen talked for a while, she released Moegi, standing back.
The orange-haired girl took a moment before slightly tightening her grip and drawing her arm back.
She let go of the arrow, and it flew a mere two feet before lying pitifully on the ground.
Without a word, TenTen retrieved the arrow and gave it back to Moegi, making a small adjustment on her stance and her arm placement.
When Moegi discharged the arrow again it flew several more feet before landing in the dirt, sticking straight up.
Once on the road again, TenTen sidled next to Neji.
"She has skill with a bow," TenTen started, gesturing with one hand to Moegi, who rode ahead of them. "You should invest in teaching her."
Neji glanced at her.
"Fine. You do it."
TenTen's eyebrows drew together sharply, confusion littering her face.
"Me?"
"Yes. You said yourself you're comfortable boasting what a good shot you are."
"But I never said I wanted to teach someone!" TenTen protested.
Neji raised his eyebrows at her.
"Why wouldn't you if you're the best shot in the whole army? And besides, I'm not that good an archer myself. Either you do it or she doesn't learn at all."
TenTen sighed loudly and eventually muttered, "Fine. I'll teach her. But you'll have to buy her a bow and a quiver of arrows. I would give her mine, but my father made me my bow. I won't give it up for the world."
Neji cocked his head at her.
"Your father made your bow? What was his profession?"
"Technically, he was a tanner, but he dabbled in a lot of things. Carpentry, farriery, anything."
"A man of many trades," Neji commented, quoting from a book he had once read.
"Exactly. He taught me a lot of things. I know how to fletch my own arrows, forge a sword. Things like that."
Neji thought this over for a while until his thoughts shifted.
"I want to apologize for how I spoke to you when the royal family was still with us."
TenTen's face contorted into a sour expression.
"No, I understand why you reacted the way you did. I was rash as usual, even though the bastard deserved it."
Neji was silent for a moment, and TenTen continued.
"I'm not the kind of woman to let men take advantage of me, Neji. I should have handled it better, but I tend to act irrationally. It serves me well in battle, but in social matters it doesn't aid me at all."
Neji snorted.
"That sounds like me. Only, I'm antisocial."
TenTen laughed.
"I've never seen that in you," she claimed, though Neji knew she was humoring him.
-
They camped the majority of their trip in the woods.
As Neji cooked their supper, TenTen trained Moegi in archery.
TenTen had been correct; Moegi clearly had an aptitude for it.
On their fifth night of travel, Moegi hit a target twenty feet away. Through the dark, Neji saw TenTen grin widely at her pupil. Neji caught himself studying her, and quickly turned back to the food he was cooking.
When she and Moegi returned to their campsite, Neji dished out their food.
"When we get to Queen's City," Neji started as he handed a plate to Moegi, "I'll go with you and TenTen to pick out your bow and some arrows."
Moegi struggled to hide her joy.
"Thank you, sir."
"It's not a problem. TenTen said you were good, and if you have an ability for it, you should be rewarded."
Moegi hid her smile by eating her roll.
Later, after Moegi had gotten into her bedroll and fallen asleep, TenTen and Neji cleaned up.
"I guess I was wrong to call you an asshole before," TenTen whispered to him.
Neji's forehead wrinkled.
"Why is that?" he murmured back, banking the fire.
"The way you treat Moegi. You don't patronize her like most would a squire."
Neji shrugged.
"I suppose," he finally murmured.
When TenTen passed him to reach her bedroll, she nudged him lightly in the side.
"It's worthless to deny it, Commander. You're a good person."
Neji allowed her words to sink in until he finally fell asleep, settled deep in his bedroll.
-
Their last two days of travel were spent in light rain.
By the time the gate of Queen's City was in view, the three and their horses were weary.
"Finally!" TenTen exclaimed after they dismounted past the gate.
Konohagakure, or Queen's City as it was also known, was a sprawling metropolis with two main parts: the inner city, where the majority of the population lived, along with the queen, and the outer city, where fields and large expanses of harvest land was located.
Above the inner city loomed an impressive mountain that sported faces of the previous kings and the current queen.
Neji led his companions through the paved streets, recalling the place of his young life easily.
They traveled for a while until finally, the queen's small castle was in sight.
Neji, TenTen, and Moegi persuaded their horses into the stables, leaving them to be unsaddled and cared for by the hostlers that worked there.
"Moegi, do you want to go let your parents know you're here? I'll come and find you if I need you."
Moegi nodded dutifully, waved goodbye to TenTen, and set off for her home.
"I guess it's just you and me," TenTen amiably told Neji.
Neji shook his head at her and started up to the castle's entrance.
"Have you ever met the queen before?" inquired Neji as they wound through the castle's well-lit hallways.
"No," TenTen answered. "Though I've always wanted to. She's one of my role models, actually."
"Why?"
TenTen pursed her lips.
"Well, she's the first queen this country has ever had. And she's a healer. She's an empowering person to women in the entire country."
"I think you might be a little disappointed with her," Neji reluctantly stated.
TenTen looked at him, clearly wanting him to elaborate.
"She has a temper."
TenTen dismissed this with a wave of her hand.
"So do I."
"And she likes to drink."
TenTen's mouth quirked downward.
"Alcoholism is a bit disappointing."
"Just don't expect greatness to come pouring out of her. She's our queen and all, but she isn't the most . . . upstanding of people, if you'll forgive me."
TenTen smiled briefly at her counterpart.
"Don't worry, Commander. I won't let my fragile heart get broken."
Neji ignored her teasing, and navigated them to the queen's office.
When they knocked, Shizune opened the door.
She appeared flustered, though she smiled weakly when she realized who the man standing before her was.
"Commander," she breathed, sounding relieved, "thank you for coming so soon."
Neji nodded and gestured to TenTen.
"This is Lieutenant TenTen of Squad Two." Neji caught TenTen's eye. "This is Shizune, the queen's assistant and niece."
"It's nice to meet your acquaintance, Lieutenant." Shizune looked back to Neji. "Your journey was permissible?"
"Yes. Will the queen see us?"
Shizune frowned.
"Not today, I'm afraid. She's . . . indisposed, currently."
TenTen cleared her throat and turned away. Somehow, Neji knew she was hiding a grin.
"In the meantime, I assume you'll be needing rooms for your stay? Unless, Commander, you're planning on staying with your family. . ."
Neji clenched his jaw and shook his head.
"No, I'll be staying here, as will the lieutenant."
Shizune nodded quickly and swept out of the office, carefully closing the door behind her.
"This way, please."
Neji and TenTen followed Shizune through more halls and up stairs.
The inside of the castle was richly decorated; the floors and walls covered with carpets and tapestries.
TenTen and Neji's rooms were side by side and located on a hallway that was open to the underlying floors and what looked like a large hall.
When Shizune noted TenTen staring at it, she informed, "That's what they call the Concourse. That's where most of the nobility socialize in between breakfast, lunch, and dinner, if nothing else is requiring their attention.
"Commander, are you planning to attend dinner here?"
Neji sent a swift look to TenTen, who offered no indication of what she wanted to do.
"Yes."
"Well, if you're able to remember, dinner is at seven. I trust you remember where dinner is served and where the bathhouses are?"
Neji nodded.
"Good. I'll see you both at supper then."
Shizune walked quickly away, not sparing the two another glance as she went on her way.
TenTen turned to Neji and raised her eyebrows as if to ask, "What do we do now?"
"Do you want to go visit Guy? He should be at the training grounds with the pages."
TenTen nodded eagerly.
-
Maito Guy had been the training master for pages for eighteen years.
He was good at his job, too good for some people's standards. Truthfully, Guy was just a little enthusiastic about his work.
When TenTen and Neji found their old training master with his current class of pages, they were outside in a fenced in pasture that the castle horses used for grazing. From the looks of it, Guy was teaching the young boys and girls combat moves with a sword.
At his pages' sudden gasps and inattention, Guy glanced over his shoulder.
The two former pupils registered, and Guy grinned widely, flashing his brilliantly white smile.
"Neji! TenTen!" he exclaimed, disregarding his students entirely as he turned to the newcomers.
TenTen embraced her old teacher, while Neji settled for shaking the older man's hand.
"Neji, you always were too concerned with matters of propriety," reprimanded Guy, the laugh lines deepening around his dark eyes and wide mouth.
Some of the pages snickered, giddy with their luck to finally see the Commander of the Five Squads of the Empire in person.
"What are you doing in Queen's City?" Guy inquired, looking back and forth between the two. "The last I heard, you were with Kakashi at Fort Kikyo."
"We're defending Fort Minato, currently," TenTen replied, "but the Commander received an order to come here. I came along."
Guy's forehead wrinkled in confusion, glancing at the prodigy on his left.
"Orders for what?"
Neji shrugged.
"Shizune said she was indisposed. I haven't met with her yet."
Guy nodded, though his eyes clearly told he was musing over this news.
"Come, you can meet the next generation," Guy said, turning back to the pages.
Neji felt awkward, under all of the young stares. He glanced at TenTen; she looked entirely comfortable with the probing. Neji sighed.
"Students, this is, I'm sure you know, Neji Hyuga, Commander of the Five Squads of the Empire. The woman here is Lady Knig—!"
"Lieutenant, now, actually," TenTen interrupted swiftly, eyes flicking to the training master.
Guy smiled and shook his head slightly.
"Lieutenant TenTen of Squad Two," amended Guy. "These two were both my students, many years ago."
"You're revealing your age, Master Guy!" called one of the pages.
Guy winked at the speaker.
"Would you all like to explain what you've been learning to the Commander and the Lieutenant?"
A jumble of voices all started at once, only permitting certain words to be deciphered. Seeing that this was not working, Guy quieted them, looking over to his elder students.
"It was an awful time trying to teach them proper spear-handling, but after awhile they got the hang of it. We've moved onto swords. They're still on basics, but I'm throwing some combinations in, here and there." Guy eyed TenTen and Neji mischievously. "Would you like to help today?"
Neji really didn't want to, but one look from TenTen and Neji knew he had no choice. He nodded once at Guy.
"Wonderful! Pages, this is your lucky day! Commander Hyuga and Lieutenant TenTen have agreed to help us today!"
A chorus of happy outburst spilled from the pages.
Neji shot TenTen a murderous glare.
"You're going to pay for this," he murmured lowly in her ear.
Neji heard TenTen chuckle softly.
"Oh, come on, Neji. It'll be fun."
"Training with pages is not my idea of fun," Neji retorted, carefully avoiding the pages' intrigued stares.
TenTen bumped his arm with her elbow.
"Fine. Train with me, you big whiner. I'd be happy to make a fool out of you."
Though Neji found this option not much better, he felt strangely comforted by her offer.
TenTen walked forward, enticing two of the pages to lend her their swords.
Lithely, she stepped away from the pages a few feet's distance, beckoning Neji cajolingly.
Some of the pages laughed at Neji's unwillingness, and he forced himself to her.
"Don't injure me," Neji warned her quietly as she gave him the other sword.
TenTen smirked in reply, something Neji was starting to grow wary of.
"I'll contain myself, Commander; don't worry."
Neji wasn't quite sure he believed her.
Neji didn't like the feeling of so many eyes on him, watching so keenly. It made him feel naked and exposed.
Neji allowed himself to focus on just TenTen, studying the tension in her shoulders as she planned to attack.
Neji parried before he really knew what he was doing.
TenTen's mouth slighted downward.
Neji flicked his wrist, sending a swift movement across her waist. TenTen reacted sloppily, twisting her arm to soften the blow. Neji's sword grazed her tunic.
"That, my pages, is a move that will get you killed. TenTen, you know better," called Guy.
TenTen glared up at Neji, upset with him for making her look bad.
"Forgive me, Guy. I guess I shouldn't underestimate the Commander," she responded, just loud enough for Guy and the pages to hear.
"You would do well not to," Neji informed her, smirking a little.
With a grunt, TenTen swung her blade for his chest. Neji maneuvered back a few steps, parrying, and aiming a small, diverting kick at her gut.
His action worked; TenTen was distracted, and Neji held his sword to TenTen's neck. He had won again.
When they began their third spar, Neji could tell TenTen was agitated. Her attacks weren't well thought out, and they were quick and rash.
Neji knew he should probably stop her until she calmed down, but his pride kept him from it.
Finally, TenTen lost her head and nicked Neji's hand with her sword. Blood rose from his wound, spreading along the skin.
TenTen lost her victory smile, dropping the sword and catching his hand in her own.
She shamefully met his eyes.
"I'm sorry," she said in an undertone. "I lost my head."
Neji smirked a little and brushed her hand away.
"It's alright, TenTen. It's just a cut."
TenTen blinked and looked up once more, her brown eyes revealing confusion.
"TenTen, you still let your temper get the better of you!" proclaimed Guy.
TenTen reluctantly broke her gaze with Neji, smiling weakly at her old training master.
"I guess so. It's practically impossible for me to master."
Guy nodded and turned to his students, starting in on a lecture about having a good head in battle.
When the lecture was finally complete, Neji had tied a bandage around his hand, stopping the flow of blood.
He and TenTen were called forth by their training master to help the pages with their sword exercises.
The rest of the afternoon was spent with enduring accidental hits from the pages' swords as they grasped the maneuvering concepts. Guy ultimately shooed the pages to clean up for dinner once twilight settled in, leaving Neji and TenTen alone with the training master.
He looked them over, a faint smile on his mouth.
"It is nice to see two old students again. It has been too long since I've seen either of you."
TenTen and Neji followed their teacher as he started back up to the castle.
"Guy," Neji began quietly, drawing up to the man's side, "what news do you hear about the front? We hear so little because we're out of the way for most."
Guy mused a moment, bushy eyebrows furrowed.
"I think everyone is aware the situation is not the best. Kakashi sends me letters sometimes—it is all they can manage to fight, let alone win a few battles. If the treaty comes through with the Wind Country, then the situation might grow better." Guy let his eyes flicker to Neji. "How are things at Fort Minato?"
"Not much better, though we've had successes holding Itachi back. He hasn't penetrated the fort. But our numbers were drastically lost during the siege at Kikyo."
"Which is why I need suggestions on recruits, Guy," TenTen murmured.
Guy clapped TenTen on the shoulder and nodded.
"All right, TenTen, we'll take care of it tomorrow, while Neji is with the queen."
They reached the castle's large meeting place, what Shizune had called the Concourse. From below, Neji could see where he and TenTen's rooms were located.
Guy turned to them.
"I'll see you both at dinner?"
"Yes," TenTen said.
Guy nodded and left; TenTen and Neji were the only ones there.
TenTen cleared her throat, glancing at Neji.
"Do you want to clean up before supper?"
"Yes. I need to clean my cut as well."
TenTen inclined her head and the two started up the stairs that led to the other levels.
-
Supper was very much like the mess hall back at the fort.
Neji found himself surrounded by loud nobility who drank too much and pages that had an overabundance of excitement.
By the end of the raucous event, Neji found himself wishing for solitude.
He did not get his wish, because no sooner had he taken off his shoes, than TenTen opened his door with a quick knock.
"I wanted to make sure your hand was alright," she said upon her entrance.
Neji rolled his eyes but undid the bandage he had tied for himself.
TenTen grasped his hand, examining the shallow cut with her forefinger.
"I really am sorry about that, Neji. I didn't mean to."
"I know. Remember? You told me you act rashly sometimes. I could have stopped you, but I didn't. It's my own fault."
TenTen's brown eyes crinkled with a smile.
"I'm glad you're taking it so well. I'll be sure to lose my temper more often, then," she teased.
Neji couldn't help it; his mouth lifted at the corners.
"I'll see you in the morning, Commander. Sleep well."
With a lingering grin, TenTen receded from his room, shutting the door behind her.
-
In the morning, Shizune came to retrieve Neji.
He opted to skip breakfast and proceed to meet with the queen. Shizune did not try and sway his decision.
Tsunade was waiting for him in her office, looking tired and paler than usual. Neji blamed it on the alcohol.
Tsunade attempted a very wan smile at him, though its affect was lost with the strain at the corners of her mouth.
"Your Highness," Neji murmured, bowing before he sat in front of her.
Tsunade acknowledged it with a nod, raising a steaming cup to her lips.
Neji waited patiently for her to speak.
"Commander, I called you here because there's been a change at the front. Captain Iruka Umino has been relocated to the northeastern border. In his place, we have put Captain Anko Mitarashi. This was not the best choice we could have made, but she is the only captain we had in reserve. The problem is, her squad numbers around three hundred soldiers. That's less than we need at the front." Tsunade eyed Neji seriously. "I'm moving you to the front. We need someone with leadership down there, and you will be presiding over everyone, understand?"
Neji did not answer, his forehead wrinkling.
"Forgive me, Lady, but my squad has roughly thirty soldiers. How do you expect us to make a dent at the front with that?"
"I give you permission to recruit whomever you may need. If it helps, you can take some soldiers from the other five squads, with my written approval, of course." Tsunade blinked, her steely amber eyes severe. "I need you there, Neji. I don't know how long the treaty will take to finish, but while the process is incomplete, I need more troops at the front. Do you accept this responsibility?"
Neji sighed and rubbed his eyes irritably.
"Yes," he answered.
Tsunade nodded and turned to the papers on her desk.
"Now, let's talk numbers."
-
Neji spent hours discussing and planning and scheming.
When Tsunade finally let him leave, Neji checked the time. It was late afternoon, though the sky from one of the castle windows revealed it was still light outside.
Without really giving thought to it, Neji treaded down to the stables, saddled his horse, and steered his mare for the outer city.
Neji was always cautious to visit his family.
The Hyugas were one of the oldest families that existed in Konohagakure, and they knew it well. Neji's uncle, Hiashi Hyuga, was the head member of the family. Hiashi was a strict man who tolerated little that could be deemed "out of the ordinary". Hiashi's brother and Neji's father, Hizashi, was a prime example. After Hizashi had broken off an arranged marriage and eloped with Neji's mother, Hizashi had promptly been disowned from the family. But following a few years later, Neji was born and his mother died several days later because of a complicated pregnancy. Still, Hizashi stayed out of family matters, raising his son in the city. When Neji was three, Hizashi was sent along the Lightning Country border to carry a message as an errand for Tsunade. He never made it back. Neji had nowhere to go, except to his estranged family. It was hard for Neji, living with these cold, supposed blood relatives. Where his father had been loving, Hiashi was indifferent and sometimes never spoke to Neji at all. But with his new family's distaste of him, Neji also gained a friend in his cousin, Hinata Hyuga.
Hinata was the true heir of the Hyuga family, though she was disregarded and neglected as much as Neji, if not more for her quiet, timid demeanor. The Hyugas, along with her father, saw her as a disgrace and unfit to be heir to their beloved clan. Ultimately, Hinata was disowned, and her sister Hanabi replaced her as heiress.
When Neji reached the eligible age for page training, he was sent to the castle to live and learn the ways of knighthood. This had not been Neji's choice; his uncle had claimed he would be a better member of the family if Neji became a knight and helped the country with his service. Neji just thought Hiashi wanted to get rid of him.
Needless to say, Neji excelled at page training and graduated to squire service. He gained his shield and became a knight, where he was then granted the extraordinary position of Commander of the Five Squads of the Empire. His family couldn't have expected more of him.
-
Supper was at six sharp in the Hyuga household.
When Neji arrived, he was pleased to be informed that he had ten minutes before appearing before his family.
He washed his hands and face in one of the small privies that were placed upon the entrance to the main edifice. After making sure he looked presentable enough, Neji entered his old home.
It looked the same as the last time he'd seen it, so much so that it had Neji not paying attention as he swiftly searched for something new.
So inattentive, in fact, that he did not even realize he'd entered the Hyuga dining hall until Hiashi cleared his throat.
Neji stumbled into a quick bow.
"Uncle," he addressed softly, "I've returned briefly to Konohagakure at the Queen's request. I should have sent word sooner that I was coming, but—!"
"It doesn't matter, Neji. Come sit."
Reluctantly, Neji obeyed his uncle, trying to think back to the last time his uncle had claimed something hadn't mattered.
The place at his Uncle's left side was left open, a peculiar occurrence for Neji. Nevertheless, he sat there at his Uncle's controlled instruction. Across him sat the Hyuga heiress and Neji's other cousin, Hanabi. She avoided looking at him.
Dinner was presented, and Neji ate healthily; he had skipped lunch as well as breakfast.
When supper was finally cleared away did Hiashi turn to his nephew, intending to talk. Around them, quietly, the other Hyugas talked, sipping their evening tea.
"I hear you were sent to Fort Minato?"
Neji nodded once.
"That is correct, Uncle."
"Things are well there?" probed Hiashi, his emotionless eyes peering at his deceased brother's son.
Neji chanced a shrug.
"It's manageable," Neji carefully said, choosing his words for necessity, not for information.
Hiashi nodded approvingly, casting a quick look at the rest of the table.
"Actually, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you," began Hiashi, analyzing his nephew with sharp eyes.
Wary, Neji murmured, "Yes, Uncle?"
"You are twenty-two years old, correct?"
"Yes, sir," Neji replied, unsure of where the conversation was going.
"I would have brought this issue to you sooner, but being as you are at the Queen's disposal, it never seemed like a good time."
Neji's eyes narrowed.
"Issue?" prompted Neji.
Hiashi considered the man before him, whom he'd seen grow up at a distance.
"It's time we discussed marriage for you."
Neji didn't understand.
"Marriage?"
"Yes. You are old enough to be married and produce offspring. The betrothal presented is between you and Hanabi."
Startled, Neji looked at his cousin, who was still avoiding his gaze. Neji glanced back to his uncle, struggling for a response.
"I can't, Uncle. Hanabi . . . she's too young for marriage!"
Hiashi shook his head.
"There are girls much younger than Hanabi who are already married and having babies. She is the Hyuga heiress, and she must procreate. It would be much better to accomplish such a task with one of our own."
Neji was stunned into silence.
The idea was absolutely preposterous. Hanabi was barely sixteen years old, and Hiashi's prized daughter. How could he do this to her?
"I must refuse, Uncle," Neji muttered. "I'm afraid I would be an incapable husband, what with traveling and the war. I would not be suitable."
"I disagree," Hiashi responded. "You are more than suitable, and you will marry Hanabi."
-
A couple of hours later, Neji rode back to the castle.
He unsaddled his horse slowly, treating the mare to carrots as he thought.
When he finally left, Neji was drawn to the sounds of noise coming from the pages' archery range.
There were lanterns on the grass, casting an orange glow along the range. Neji could make out TenTen and Moegi by the helpful light of the flames.
Moegi was shooting arrows with TenTen's bow, TenTen supervising with a keen eye.
Neji watched them until Moegi ran out of arrows and went to retrieve them from the target she'd been shooting at.
TenTen looked over her shoulder at Neji, a small smile spreading on her mouth.
"And where have you been all day?" she called, coming over to him.
"I was with the queen for most of the day. And then I visited my family in the outer city."
TenTen shoved her hands into her breeches pockets, glancing quickly at Moegi before catching Neji's eye.
"What did the queen say?"
Neji sighed. He did not want to think of it right now.
"I'll tell you later," he promised.
TenTen's face contorted in disappointment, but she nodded.
Neji looked over her head at Moegi.
Realizing the line of his gaze, TenTen said, "We've been at it most of the day. She shows real progress. Impressive progress. Who knows, she could be the next me."
Neji smirked.
"Tomorrow we'll go searching for a bow," Neji informed.
TenTen grinned up at him.
"You're sweet," she commented, patting his cheek twice before turning on her heel to tell Moegi the good news.
-
TenTen was very meticulous when choosing weapons.
They spent hours in the store, TenTen going over every inch of bows, strings, and arrows.
Once she had picked out a few that had passed her inspection, she handed them to Moegi to try out.
Neji stood next to TenTen, watching, trying to not give in to boredom.
TenTen glanced at him as Moegi strung one of the bows. She smiled.
"I'm sorry. I should've just asked for some money instead of bringing you along."
Neji shook his head at her.
"No. I like to know what I'm paying for."
TenTen smirked and opened her mouth to say something else, but Moegi interrupted.
"TenTen, I like this one!"
TenTen turned away unwillingly, walking over to Moegi.
A few minutes later, Neji was paying for Moegi's new bow, strings, and a quiver of arrows.
It was a finely crafted set of maple wood. Moegi loved it.
As they exited the shop, she hugged Neji briefly, saying a quick thank you.
Stunned by the rare display of affection, Neji stiffened.
Moegi quickly let him go. Neji looked up, seeing TenTen staring at him.
She shook her head, chuckling.
As they walked back up to the castle, TenTen sidled next to him.
"I was planning on going to see the recruits today, if you want to come."
Neji knew he should, but he did not feel like getting gawked at today.
"No, thank you. I think I'll stay around the castle."
TenTen nodded easily.
"Alright then."
"Though, if you wouldn't mind doing me a favor?"
TenTen nodded.
"If you can manage, I need as many soldiers as possible. Anyone."
TenTen curiously stared at him.
"Whatever you say, Commander."
-
Neji saw TenTen again at dinner.
He had spent the majority of his afternoon alone, thinking hard over the situation at the front and the problems he was walking into.
TenTen caught his eye from across the table.
"I surveyed about one hundred and fifty soldiers today," she announced. "They're all suitable, even if they'll need some extra training."
Neji nodded.
If he took the one hundred and fifty with him, he would arrive at the front with a little less than two hundred.
"But remember that squires are knighted in January. We won't have to wait long for new knights, however fresh they are."
"Do you know how many squires will be knighted in January?" Neji inquired, setting down his fork.
TenTen bit her lip.
"I think Guy said somewhere along the lines of one hundred. That's pretty large for a squire class."
Neji agreed and he almost regretted the fact that essentially, he'd be sending many to their deaths.
Neji met TenTen's eyes.
"We're leaving tomorrow."
TenTen did not question his abruptness or his decision.
"I'll let Moegi know," she answered simply, finishing her meal.
Neji was grateful; there were too many who would willingly question his orders.
-
In the morning, Neji saddled his mare and Moegi's pony, giving her time to tell her parents goodbye.
"Good morning," TenTen murmured sleepily as she passed him, making her way to her gelding.
Neji studied her quietly for a moment before bridling Moegi's pony.
Moegi trotted into the stables, wiping her eyes.
Neji handed her the pony's reins, waiting till the girl was in her saddle until he mounted his own horse.
Neji checked his tunic pocket. The paper with permission from the queen to take the other squad's troops was still there.
Moegi and Neji waited at the stable mouth for TenTen, who meandered over a few minutes later astride her gelding.
She stretched and nudged her horse forward.
Before she kicked her gelding into a gallop, she said to Neji, "Race you."
Neji shook his head, but he gripped the reins, propelling his mare into a run.
This is my favorite chapter to write to date. :)
I hope you liked it as well.
Please review.