I hope all of you are doing well? :)
Neguru Sucashi: Thanks! :)
Fake Bliss: Yes, well, I thought I'd put a spin on things. :)
HeavensPheonix561: Thank you!
Chirisaa Tomoko: Yes, it was very long. My apologies. ;D Hahah.
Ulqyfangirl27: Thanks!
neji's goddess: Yeah, he's interfering with everything. ;D
Disclaimer: Sasuke was stupid if he thought it was going to be that easy. Just sayin'.
Departure.
It began to snow a few days after the trio's departure.
By their return to the fort, the snow was blanketing the ground, and more was drifting down, making soft slopes and hillocks.
Upon their entrance into the fort, Neji gave his mare to Moegi to take to the stables and said goodbye to TenTen, returning to his quarters without seeking anyone else.
While Neji rested, he bounced words around to figure out how he would break the news to his fellow captains and soldiers. It wasn't like they could object, but their opinions would probably not be so enthusiastic either.
"What's wrong?" came a familiar female voice from his door.
Neji opened his eyes and glanced at TenTen.
She crossed the entryway, perching herself in his desk chair, propping her feet on the edge of bed.
"You left pretty abruptly after we arrived. You feeling okay?" she continued.
Neji grunted and forced himself to sit up.
"I'm fine. I'm just . . . thinking."
TenTen raised an eyebrow, her eyes betraying her mind's thoughts.
"About what the queen said?" she prompted.
Neji frowned.
TenTen measured his expression, then said, "You still haven't told me. Is it really that bad?"
Neji weighed his options. He didn't want to tell her, but he would have to sometime. And maybe if he told her first, he could judge her reaction by the ones he'd receive later on.
Neji swallowed and met her eyes blankly.
"Lady Tsunade is moving the First Squad to the front. They're lacking soldiers and leadership." Neji shrugged helplessly. "I have to go."
Neji watched TenTen's face slowly grow pinched and confused.
"She's sending just you? Not any of the other squads?"
Neji shook his head.
"No."
TenTen glared at the floor.
Neji analyzed her, misjudging her expression.
"You're angry with me?" he murmured, questioning.
TenTen sharply looked at him.
"No, I'm angry with damn Tsunade for sending only you! How does she expect you to go by yourself?"
Neji sighed.
"TenTen, there are other armies—," he began.
"None with experience!" she shouted. "She's sending you to your death!"
TenTen's face contorted; she was fighting with herself to gain control.
She took a deep breath, and deflated, sinking back into the chair. She rubbed her eyes.
"You're not going to let any of us go, are you?" she asked quietly.
"No," answered Neji.
TenTen made herself nod. Her feet fell from the edge of the bed, and she stood shakily.
"If you'll excuse me," she muttered before disappearing from his room.
-
Neji was right.
The majority of the reactions to the news were similar to TenTen's: anger, disappointment, confusion.
Neji batted away comments and questions with short, brief answers.
After the soldiers had gotten their fill of yelling at him, Neji showed the four captains and five lieutenants the paper Tsunade had issued him.
Each read the script carefully, studying the signature in detail, before passing it along.
Neji felt locked in a staring contest that he was not winning.
Finally, Naruto said, "When are you going to leave?"
"As soon as you hand over some of your finest soldiers," Neji murmured back.
It was a harsh thing to say, he knew, but brusqueness was the best approach for this situation.
Kiba glared at him.
"I can't believe you're overruling the nature of things that Asuma set up. Maybe you forget, Neji, but the Five Squads are dictated separately."
Neji shook his head.
"I haven't forgotten, but surely you realize the situation I've been placed in? Squad One numbers thirty soldiers. However skilled they are, they won't possibly make a dent with Itachi at the front. I need more. And besides, it's not like you're going unrewarded; the upcoming knights will be here in January after they're knighted. I have their promises."
"That's hardly enough," Shikamaru grunted. "You're stripping us of our best soldiers and leaving us undefended for weeks. What if Itachi decides to come again?"
Neji ground his knuckles into the table, frustrated.
"I swear to you if I receive your best soldiers, I'll keep them alive at the front."
Kiba snorted; Shikamaru shook his head.
"That's a fickle promise, Neji, and you know it," stated Naruto, blue eyes sad.
Neji bit his tongue to keep from snapping.
A hand gripped his shoulder.
Neji looked over to see Lee, his lieutenant, staring at the others.
Neji sat down, rubbing a hand over his face tiredly.
"Are you really that stupid, captains?" Lee started, looking them over with narrowed black eyes. "Since when have we ever asked anything like this from you? Neji is the Commander, and he has authority over all of you, however much he tends not to exercise it. At least acknowledge your leader, for the Queen's sake. Within the Five Squads, what he says is law, understand? If he asks for soldiers, you give them to him without inquiry."
Kiba looked disgusted.
"This is a democracy, Lee," he raspily reminded.
Lee slammed his fist on the table, eyes burning in anger.
"Not in wartime!" he shouted, his voice echoing to the far corners of the mess. The sounds faded slowly, allotting the people in the room time to absorb their shock at the lieutenant's loudness. Lee took a staggering breath. "Now, you're going to give us those soldiers. We need them most, and you'll receive new ones in January."
The defiant captains stared at him, their rebelliousness ebbing away until they all sat with slumping shoulders.
Kiba clenched his jaw and grudgingly mumbled, "I'll give you no more than forty."
"Ninety-two," Shino seconded.
Shikamaru and Naruto offered a combined number of one hundred and twenty.
"Two hundred and eighty two," Neji said, mostly to himself.
Lee smiled wryly at the captains and lieutenants in front of him.
"Thank you for your cooperation, gentlemen."
-
The next day was spent preparing the two hundred and eighty soldiers that would travel with Neji and Lee to the front the following day.
The soldiers were grumpy about leaving, but they obeyed their orders without much protest.
Neji spent almost all of the day in his quarters, packing and surveying plans of action. When he finally couldn't take the stuffiness of the room anymore, he tread up to the ramparts facing the south, the route they would take to the front.
He sat awhile without interruption, mulling thoughts over in his head.
"You'll freeze out here," called a voice after an hour of his solitude.
Neji turned at the sound of light footsteps.
TenTen sat down next to him and handed him a plate.
Neji glanced at it.
Venison steamed on the plate, a large piece of bread lying next to it.
"I didn't see you in the mess. I figured you hadn't eaten," TenTen explained.
"Thank you," Neji murmured, setting the plate aside.
"What are you doing outside anyway? Freezing to death?"
Neji smiled for a second, considering the frost covered world below.
"I was thinking."
"What about?"
Neji paused, his mouth pursing.
"War," he exhaled. "The front."
TenTen slowly shook her head.
"That's disappointing. It never leaves you, does it?"
"I have no choice but to think of it. It's been my life for the past six months."
TenTen thought this over for a moment before saying in a different, lighter tone, "Do you think of home much, Commander? It's a source of comfort for a lot of the soldiers, even with death and war at their doorstep."
Neji frowned.
"My home no longer holds comfort for me."
TenTen's forehead wrinkled and she gazed at his profile.
"Why is that?"
Neji looked out at the dark, hands clenching the rampart edge.
"Upon my return to Queen's City, my uncle will sign my betrothal papers. He's eager to use the dowry and my absence with the Five Squads has not helped." Neji's eyes flitted to the ground. "Returning home will be the end of my freedom."
Neji heard TenTen take a measured breath next to him.
"Such a shame," she whispered to the sky.
Neji glanced at her, mildly surprised.
TenTen met his eyes and gently grazed his cheek with cold fingers.
She leaned in, leaving no space between their two beings.
Her lips touched his mouth, lightly, like the trail of a feather.
Neji stared at her as she pulled away, cheeks flushed brilliantly in crimson.
"Forgive me, Commander," she muttered, standing.
Neji watched her leave, stunned into silence.
A throat cleared behind him.
Neji's head spun as he glanced around, locating the noisemaker.
The blonde plopped down next to him, shaking his head in blunt pity.
"Forgive me for saying so, Neji, but you're an idiot."
Neji blinked, confused.
"What—why did she do that?" he found himself asking.
Naruto shrugged, leaning over Neji to obtain his plate of food. He picked at the bread before popping it into his mouth.
"Maybe she likes you," offered Naruto.
Neji shook his head, doubtful.
"That's not possible," murmured Neji.
"Why not?" questioned Naruto, raising his blonde eyebrows.
Neji did not have an answer to defend his statement.
Naruto set the plate on his lap, wiping his hands on his breeches. He turned to Neji, stern.
"Listen, Neji, women are strange creatures. They do stuff sometimes that not even they understand. Now, if you ask me, you should have kissed her back. At least I would have more to go on."
"If she doesn't understand what she's doing herself, then why did she do it?" Neji prompted, impossibly confounded.
"Well, I know for a fact she's attracted to you," Naruto informed confidently.
Neji sighed.
"And how do you know that?"
"Would you kiss someone you didn't find attractive, Neji?" At Neji's bemused look, Naruto certainly stated, chewing some venison, "I didn't think so."
Neji felt more confused than before Naruto joined him.
What had possessed TenTen to kiss him? And it wasn't like he could return the favor; he was betrothed to Hanabi. How could all of this confusion take place the night before he left?
"A word of advice though, Neji? Don't die at the front. I'm sure she'd be mightily disappointed."
Neji rolled his eyes.
"Oh, and on the off chance she kisses you again, kiss her back, all right? You might figure something out." Naruto stood, handing Neji the plate that was now completely clear of even a morsel of food.
"Thanks for the food," the blonde called over his shoulder as he walked away, heading down the rampart steps.
"Good riddance," Neji muttered.
-
The day of Neji, Lee, and their loaned soldiers' departure came with bright, orange sunshine.
The sun glinted off the snow, reflecting back sparks of fire and ice.
Neji rose and washed his face, dressing warmly in a shirt, tunic, jerkin, and breeches.
As he was putting on his boots, Neji saw someone at the corner of his eye, leaning on the door.
Neji looked up and stood unsteadily.
TenTen bit her lip and entered the room.
Neji felt awkward, like he was a child who'd gotten caught doing something wrong. He pushed the feeling from his mind, focusing on calming the rapid thrumming of his heartbeat.
"I, um, I wanted to say that you should be careful, at the front," TenTen began, somewhat quietly.
Neji nodded.
"Yes. Be cautious here, as well. Itachi hates for guards to be let down."
TenTen inclined her head, glancing at his window where sunlight was streaming through. The light caught her brown eyes and turned them to amber; Neji couldn't stop staring.
"I—I'm leaving Moegi here," he stammered. "I promised her parents I'd keep her safe, and even though she's my squire, she's not meant for the front yet. It'll only get her killed. If you don't mind, could you look after her? I'm sure she'd be willing to continue her archery lessons with you. I'll pay for them, if it takes up too much time—!"
"Neji," interrupted TenTen, smiling slightly. "Don't talk so much. Of course I'll look after Moegi. And I don't need money. I'll teach her for free."
She blinked at the floor and then took a step closer to him, leaving little space between them.
TenTen soberly met his eyes. The amber color was gone, returning to their normal brown. Neji was fleetingly disappointed.
TenTen frowned slightly as she grasped the nape of his neck, nudging his head down. Neji felt mesmerized by her mouth, her eyes, her nose. His fingers brushed her waist.
This kiss was warmer than the other, though Neji blamed it on the temperature. Naruto's words filtered into Neji's brain through the haze he was experiencing. But there were so many other things Neji couldn't help but focus on. The slightly chapped texture of TenTen's mouth, the constricting band that seemed to be across his chest, the way her fingers felt against his skin.
Before Neji knew it, the sensations were over, though he was positive his face was flushed, considering the blood and excitement pumping through his veins.
TenTen sheepishly stared at the floor, biting her lip.
"What—what was that for?" Neji choked out.
TenTen smiled softly, brown irises finding his pale, translucent ones.
"For good luck," she uttered gently.
Neji did not get the chance to question her further; she left, her footsteps fading seconds after her departure.
He forced himself to gather his packs and leave his quarters, trying to ignore the buzz of his heart and the sting TenTen's lips had left on his.
-
Their journey took two and a half weeks.
Neji, Lee, and the nearly three hundred soldiers they had taken with them, spent their days camping and riding in snow and mush.
Christmas came and passed with little celebration other than a small feast the night of.
Their entry onto the war battlefields was ironically a source of relief.
They arrived under the cover of night and were ushered off their horses, given to the relinquishment of numerous squires.
Neji and Lee were shown to their quarters—two large tents, set up next to each other—by squires. The soldiers were led to a huge rectangular tent that served as a mess hall on the far side of camp.
Neji had only just set down his packs of clothes and other objects, when several figures swept into his tent.
Neji turned.
"Commander," said a brisk female who stepped forward, offering her hand to shake.
Neji shook it, noting the woman's odd hairstyle.
"I am Captain Anko Mitarashi."
"It's nice to meet your acquaintance, Captain," Neji replied, business-like.
Another person stepped forward, a taller, more well-built man with scars on his face and shaved head.
"Ibiki Morino," said the booming voice.
The name rang a bell; Ibiki Morino was notorious for his torture techniques on captives. Neji swallowed and nodded to him, grateful the man saved him from a handshake that was undoubtedly bone-crushing.
A shorter man stepped from behind Ibiki's enormous frame, smiling slightly.
"Neji," he greeted in his gravelly voice.
Neji knew this man well; he was Shikaku, Shikamaru's father.
"Sir," Neji responded respectfully.
Shikaku coughed raspily, then said, "You didn't drag my son here, by chance? He owes me money."
Neji allowed a small smile.
"Unfortunately not. He's still at Fort Minato."
Shikaku shrugged, as if he could hardly be bothered with this information.
"And my son, Hyuga?" barked a voice.
A woman strode from the back of the group; the resemblance between she and her son was unmistakable.
"Tsume," complained Shikaku. "You know it's rude to bump into your companions."
The woman turned to the man, eyes narrowed.
"Shut up, Shikaku, or I will personally leash you to a tree."
Anko snorted, but immediately quieted once she also received a look from Tsume.
She turned back to Neji, raising her eyebrows with a question.
"Kiba's fine," Neji assured, trying not to flinch under her harsh gaze.
Tsume nodded to herself, obviously pleased with the news.
"What's all this about?" came a drawling voice from the back.
The other four turned and shifted to allow room to the new visitor.
The man seemed casual in his surroundings, a toothpick hanging from the corner of his smirk. He met Neji's eyes.
"Nice to finally meet you, Commander," the man claimed, shaking Neji's hand coolly. "I'm Genma. Genma Shiranui."
Neji nodded to the slightly older man.
Lee appeared at the entrance of the tent, raising his eyebrows at the sudden guests.
"May I introduce my lieutenant? Rock Lee," Neji murmured, gesturing.
Lee accepted the multiple greetings with uncharacteristic grace, sidling next to Neji.
Ibiki spoke first.
"There are certain things we must discuss, Commander."
Anko elbowed Ibiki in the stomach with a scoff.
"Honestly, Ibiki, you have no regard for needs. They've been traveling for weeks! We can discuss the dirty details tomorrow."
Ibiki opened his mouth for retort, but Shikaku cut him off.
"No, Anko is right." Shikaku eyed Neji and Lee. "Rest for now. We'll talk tomorrow."
"Thank you," Lee said, gracious.
The five left Neji's tent with Ibiki lecturing Anko about protocol, and Anko shaking her head defiantly.
Lee turned to Neji.
"If you don't mind, I'm going to retire. It's been a long time since I got good rest."
Neji nodded and clapped his friend on the shoulder, giving him leave to go.
After Lee left, Neji found his way to his bedchamber; a smaller tent within the bigger one he was in.
He tied the flap closed and stripped off his boots, admiring the desk that had been placed near his bed.
Neji undressed and laid down on his bed, unsure of how he'd become so exhausted.
He closed his eyes and fell into dreams involving despair, war, and a certain brown eyed woman he'd left behind.
-
Sasuke was close.
Tracking was a skill that he usually only used in hunting, but now that he was hunting his brother, it was serving him just as well.
And Itachi was a bad sport. He was a careless leaver of trails and footsteps and signs of camp. Even though Sasuke was somewhat grateful for the speed he could now have in locating him, it still angered him that Itachi was so heedless. Sasuke never minded a small challenge.
From what Sasuke could gather, Itachi was heading to a battle. He was with numerous soldiers who didn't bother to clean up after themselves, and their path was very much a straight line.
Sasuke sighed.
This was almost too easy. Too simple.
He leaned back in the tree he had scaled.
Could Itachi be purposely leaving his trail? Could he know that his brother was following him?
Sasuke fumed for a few minutes.
Well, he thought as he leaped down to hit the ground, I suppose I'm going to find out, sooner or later. And I'll be ready for Itachi, whether he's expecting me or not.
Sasuke smirked and fled into the night.
In case you didn't notice, all of the captains at the front are Tokubetsu Jonin with the exception of Shikaku, who is the Jonin Commander.
Please review, and have a very Merry Christmas/Hannukah/Holiday. :D